OK so What WILL be the next HD channel for Comcast?

OK so What WILL be the next HD channel for Comcast?

For most systems I think FOOD-HD will be next (after A&E HD and HGTV HD).

For totally new channels, I hope that TBS-HD is also added for baseball fans for the playoffs (sniff - my team, the A's, won't make it this year).

Rich N.

OK so What WILL be the next HD channel for Comcast?

With the History channel HD showing up in OnDemand, there is some sort of carriage agreement in place. Depends on when it goes live full time and Comcast already carries A&E HD who own the History Channel.

TBS-HD has a confirmed Sept 1st date and have not announced an excluzive window for D* so I see that going.

Those have to be the two front runners.

Hopefully the Big Ten Network HD will show up for those of us in the 8 state region, if carriage agreement can be reached. That's a biggie for me.

There's also the Discovery networks that are going HD and all the HBO/Cinemax channels.

Just depends on bandwidth and carriage.

How about all of the Starz channels?
I recall hearing they will all go HD soon, and that Comcast would carry them.

DISH Network Expands Nation's Largest HD Package:

On July 11, DISH Network will launch eight Regional Sports Networks (RSNs) in high definition (HD) that feature game-only baseball content, including Fox Sports Network Arizona (Ch. 365), Fox Sports Network Northwest (Ch. 376), Fox Sports Network Cincinnati (Ch. 377), Fox Sports Network Pittsburgh (Ch. 378), Fox Sports Network Detroit (Ch. 380), SportsTime Ohio (Ch. 381), Fox Sports Network North (Ch. 386), and SportsNet New York (DISH Network Ch. 388). With the launch of nine HD RSNs earlier this year, these new additions bring DISH Network's total lineup of HD RSNs to 17, with more channel launches planned for Aug. 15.

Also on Aug. 15, DISH Network will add seven national HD channels to its DishHD programming package, including MHD, featuring music programming from MTV, VH1 and CMT; Golf/Versus HD; Animal Planet HD; The Science Channel HD; TLC HD; Discovery HD, and History HD, which will debut on Sept. 1. With these additions -- plus more planned for mid-September -- DishHD subscribers will continue to have access to the largest national HD lineup in the United States.

http://www.hdtvmagazine.com/news/2007/07/dish_network_ex_1.php

I've read that Comcast is working on getting the Starz channels, the Disney channels, the NBC Universal channels, and the Discovery channels.

I've read that Comcast is working on getting the Starz channels, the Disney channels, the NBC Universal channels, and the Discovery channels.

Way to go Dish. Whew, they already have the ZOOM channels if they still exist.

I just hope there is content to follow all the channels being added.

Does anyone know if Animal Planet, TLC, History, etc. have been forcing their program suppliers to create HD, as NatGeo did in preparation for its HD channel?

Thanks,

Rich N.

I've read that Comcast is working on getting the Starz channels, the Disney channels, the NBC Universal channels, and the Discovery channels.

And the Turner channels.

And the Turner channels.

Except for Turner Classic Movies...the one channel that should go HD but apparently isn't. Damn...I'd love to see 2001, SPARTACUS, CLOSE ENCOUNTERS, etc. etc. etc in HD!

Well, there goes the lame "there's no interest on HDNet":

http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=873268

Comcast, move ur behinds and offer HDNet everywhere, other than Houston!

HDTV: Showdown in September

"You can expect the major cable TV operators to double their current high-def lineups by year's end, perhaps offering as many as 50 channels"

http://www.tvpredictions.com/septshowdown071007.htm

Well, there goes the lame "there's no interest on HDNet":

http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=873268

Comcast, move ur behinds and offer HDNet everywhere, other than Houston!

When I got my first HDTV (Samsung DLP) in April 2003 I immediately started asking Comcast for DiscoveryHD and HDNET and really appreciated DHDT when we got it. While Comcast has made many good additions snce then, their claims that customers don't want HDNet as much as other channels or programming is very strange. Asking new or future HD customers what they want is not a good way of ascertaining the desires of its established HD base (they wouldn't really know about HDNet.) Has anyone on this forum who is a Comcast customer ever been asked what they wanted?

I would hazard a guess that if Comcast polled this forum about which channel they would want most or be willing to pay to get, HDNet/Movies would win.

I think most of us have just given up on the HDNets on Comcast and welcome the additions as they come.

YMMV.

Rich N.

HDTV: Showdown in September

"You can expect the major cable TV operators to double their current high-def lineups by year's end, perhaps offering as many as 50 channels"

http://www.tvpredictions.com/septshowdown071007.htm

Not holding my breath, Southeast/Eastern PA hasn't seen a new HD channel since MHD or VS/GLF, and my system has the room for at least 4 more channels for almost a month now with the eliminating of 2 analogs last month!!! :mad:

When I got my first HDTV (Samsung DLP) in April 2003 I immediately started asking Comcast for DiscoveryHD and HDNET and really appreciated DHDT when we got it. While Comcast has made many good additions snce then, their claims that customers don't want HDNet as much as other channels or programming is very strange. Asking new or future HD customers what they want is not a good way of ascertaining the desires of its established HD base (they wouldn't really know about HDNet.) Has anyone on this forum who is a Comcast customer ever been asked what they wanted?

I would hazard a guess that if Comcast polled this forum about which channel they would want most or be willing to pay to get, HDNet/Movies would win.

I think most of us have just given up on the HDNets on Comcast and welcome the additions as they come.

YMMV.

Rich N.

There was supposition on here that Comcast choosing to formally offer continued carriage of HDNet's in Houston for $3 was a trial to see what the real consumer interest may be for a broader ala carte launch. If they eventually cut a deal, it won't be free to us as the rest of their HD content is (predicated on digital tier subscription) for the reasons discussed here many times; that they are a standalone programmer with nothing else to deal and they want straight cash for carriage.

It's been maybe six or eight weeks or so since that trial (?) has begun so it's probably far too soon to say whether there is any real intel on how successful they are in selling the channels.

We just picked up two more channels here yesterday and I wouldn't be surprised to see several more additions by year end since Comcast has made committments for a bunch of new HD launches in specific windows of time as part of larger programming deals. I expect most of these additions will look similar to their recent additions like A&E and HGTV; launches of HD extensions of existing, carried programming relationships.

Since there are so many launch committments coming up for them under existing deals in the short term, I think any serious look at HDNet's (pending Houston results), is at earliest an '08 addition. I think Houston is a positive sign that gives me more hope that eventually a deal will get done, it most likely will not be as soon as most of us want though.

Good to see you on the board, hadn't seen you in a while, hope all is well.

GoIrish

There's a lot of convenient forgetting going on here. HDNet isn't on Comcast, nationwide, because HDNet wants too much. Comcast is often too polite to point fingers like that, but there it is. If HDNet accepts an offer similar to what other channels that are as popular as it would accept, then this issue would go away. But HDNet thinks it is special, and deserves more consideration than other channels.

Thanks, GoIrish.

Just watched HGTV HD for the first time last night and was pleasantly surprised that even the commercials were in HD. All the promos I saw were in HD. I've set some recordings for A&E HD but haven't seen it yet.

What I do like about the new expanded HD lineups is that there is lots to watch while just scanning a limited part of the full channel lineup (210-249 is all I have to check when setting up the DVR.) And we will get more choices.

I'm glad to see that Comcast is looking at Houston for some sense of HDNet's appeal.

What is really great, regardless of how HDNet turns out, is that now there seems to be an urgency for Comcast to be competitive, or a leader, in having a vital HD lineup (depending on your location.)

Can FOODHD (which we probably won't watch, but I know others will) and TBS-HD (what they will have in HD other than the MLB playoffs I don't know) be far behind?

I wonder what the landscape will be in 2010. Will HD be the standard with just a few SD niche channels? I guess the barometer would be: What will be the first shopping network to go HD?

Dare I say....Way to go and keep it up, Comcast.

Rich N.

Dare I say....Way to go and keep it up, Comcast.

Keep WHAT up? Adding 2 HD channels a year? That's been the average over the last 3 years. And they've announced absolutely NO new HD channel additions.

One advantage to not adding every HD channel on a "first come, first served" basis and holding some bandwidth aside is it allows them to cherry-pick the best mix of channels when this surge of new networks comes online in September.

Can you imagine how annoyed you'd be to have to pass on SciFi HD because you had a BravoHD (pre-UNI) type of channel taking up space?

It's very difficult to remove a channel once it is added - unless it folds. If Comcast has some systems with HD bandwidth available - I wouldn't fault them for holding it aside unused for the past 12 months if it means they can strategically add channels from a much larger selection in 9/07. In fact, I'd appreciate it.

That doesn't excuse making no announcements, but that isn't a Comcast-exclusive problem in this marketplace. Plus, an announcement of adding 6 channels at some future date stacked up against D*'s announcement of 100 channels is a marketing liability.

...an announcement of adding 6 channels at some future date stacked up against D*'s announcement of 100 channels is a marketing liability.

DISH doesn't appear to think so.

Dish has always been more accessible when it comes to dealing with their existing customers.

D*and Comcast are much more deliberate in their marketing, always seeming to focus more on winning the hearts and minds of everyone else's customers.

HDTV: Showdown in September

"You can expect the major cable TV operators to double their current high-def lineups by year's end, perhaps offering as many as 50 channels"

http://www.tvpredictions.com/septshowdown071007.htm

Whatever, I can go back to the posts from last year that had Comcast having 32-35 channels within a year, a we got like 2 since then. I said it then and I will say it again, they could give 2 craps about increasing HD channels. If you go to Dish, they take that chance. They have calculations based on this, like underwriting, basically they take a look at the cost to get more HD vs. how much business they lose if they do very little, and see where they are more profitable. They throw out comments like we are working on getting more HD to keep you around longer which increases their bottom line.

...Comcast...much more deliberate in their marketing, always seeming to focus more on winning the hearts and minds of everyone else's customers.

They're not doing a very good job of it then IMO.

Sure they are....they're COMCASTIC! ;)

...Comcast...could give 2 craps about increasing HD channels...

Agreed, agreed & agreed. Exactly what I've been saying/seeing, based on what I've experienced with them so far. They're all about INDemand, which they think/hope is what their customers want more than quantity of HD channels. They're thowing the dice...we'll see if they're right or wrong.

Thanks, GoIrish.

Just watched HGTV HD for the first time last night and was pleasantly surprised that even the commercials were in HD.

The commercials are mostly stretched SD. But their shows look fantastic, although I'm seeing some macroblocking on fast motion. Food HD will probably look just as good.

Since the "32-35 hd channels" statement was made last September, I've gotten 5 more HD channels, for a total of 22. (And remember that INHD2 was discontinued.) Food Network HD and History Channel HD are probably on the way. Comcast now has more motivation to add channels more quickly, and hopefully they will.

Keep WHAT up? Adding 2 HD channels a year? That's been the average over the last 3 years. And they've announced absolutely NO new HD channel additions.

That's when the YMMV scenario is relevant, your experience is not our experience....sorry....

GoIrish

That's when the YMMV scenario is relevant, your experience is not our experience....sorry....

GoIrish

So how many channels HAS Comcast added to your system in the last 3 years? And what new channels HAVE they announced to you?

So how many channels HAS Comcast added to your system in the last 3 years? And what new channels HAVE they announced to you?

In the last two years, Baltimore market has gained:

1) ESPN2
2) Versus/Golf
3) A&E
4) Nat Geo
5) HGTV
6) MTV
7) Universal HD


We also got two Sinclair owned locals, and lost INHD2 (like everyone else)

So how many channels HAS Comcast added to your system in the last 3 years? And what new channels HAVE they announced to you?

Since i've only had ComcastHD for the past year, i can't speak to what's been added in the past 3 year; but we've had 5 added in the past year w/ 4 more being announced as being added next week:

MHD
ESPN2HD
MyNetworkTVHD
Vs/GolfHD
UHD

Announced for next week:

A&EHD
FOODHD
HGTVHD
NGHD

Now, i'm not all that pleased with the progress, but i am seeing a move in the right direction. I've got very little doubt that we'll see more progress in Sept-Dec this year. I hope i'm right....

-dave

Dish has always been more accessible when it comes to dealing with their existing customers.

D*and Comcast are much more deliberate in their marketing, always seeming to focus more on winning the hearts and minds of everyone else's customers.
Depends on the market. While it's true they are always focused on gaining more customers, in the SF market the VP Marketing is readily accessible and often gives us a headsup on what's coming down the pipe, and on occasion has asked for a list of preferred channel additions from a prescribed list already being carried by Comcast elsewhere. We're somewhat lucky here in that Comcast in the SF bay area is reasonably sensitive to it's customer's desires.

OTOH, Comcast never tries anything new here due to the scorchingly hot technology media scrutiny here, Comcast was burned badly during the lack of DVR availability fiasco a while back.

In the last two years, Baltimore market has gained:

1) ESPN2
2) Versus/Golf
3) A&E
4) Nat Geo
5) HGTV
6) MTV
7) Universal HD


We also got two Sinclair owned locals, and lost INHD2 (like everyone else)



I can't remember what happened last week, but somewhere around the two year window cited by Rusty we got the above plus TNT-HD, Discovery HD, HD Special Events and have had NFL HD for all their HD content each of the past two seasons. Also, HD On Demand launched in the past year and they are up to 150 hours of content and that segment seems to be growing pretty fast.

I still want HD Net, but in our area I see consistent progress.

GoIrish

GoIrish - Baltimore is one of Comcast's main "premier" cities with updates and features added first and the backbone / infrastructure is good. Compared to other backwater areas with poor bandwith / infrastructure which do not receive all the HD channels or other features.

PS Yes I am jealous and pissed at being in a 500Mhz (or is it 550Mhz) system.

HD Channel additions and dates for Baltimore City:

7/10/07 HGTV, A&E
1/11/07 Nat Geo, Versus/Golf
12/4/06 MHD
6/9/06 ESPN2
2/8/06 UHD
8/31/05 WB
4/22/05 TNT
3/16/05 FOX
6/16/04 Discovery

http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=793124

GoIrish - Baltimore is one of Comcast's main "premier" cities with updates and features added first and the backbone / infrastructure is good. Compared to other backwater areas with poor bandwith / infrastructure which do not receive all the HD channels or other features.

PS Yes I am jealous and pissed at being in a 500Mhz (or is it 550Mhz) system.



I understand. You must have been an old ATT system or Adelphia. I think the number is something like 95% of the Comcast systems were at 750 MHz or better 3 years after Comcast bought ATT. I expect this number may be different now since Adelphia came into their fold last Fall. So Baltimore is really no different than probably 85% + of the rest of the company.

The point is Baltimore is for the most part 750 MHz as is the majority of the Comcast. The real exception is those (unfortunately you fall into this) that aren't are truly the minority.

I was responding to another post that generalized their comments saying Comcast isn't adding content anywhere to any great degree and I think the areas where this is true are more the exception and not the rule.

Is it going as fast as anyone wants it to, no, but the glass is not always half empty as is conveyed by some.

CT isn't too far away so until they rebuild or offer the switched video stuff, you're always welcome to hang out at my house in Baltimore. Bring beer.

GoIrish

HD Channel additions and dates for Baltimore City:

7/10/07 HGTV, A&E
1/11/07 Nat Geo, Versus/Golf
12/4/06 MHD
6/9/06 ESPN2
2/8/06 UHD
8/31/05 WB
4/22/05 TNT
3/16/05 FOX
6/16/04 Discovery

http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=793124

Dec 2002 HD service starts
In April 2003 when I got HD NBC,ABC,HBO,SHOW
In 2003 (I think 9/14/03) INHD1,2 (Hey these were pretty good while InHD cared)
In 2003 (I think around that time) ESPNHD
12/15/03 (about) PBSHD
In Dec 2005 (I think, CBS had the Super Bowl) CBS
Also I can't remember when the Sinclair issue was resolved and we got local Fox 45, but I think your Fox entry is for DC 5

Maybe someone does remember some of these dates. It shows how well Comcast has done this year, with 5 channels in 8 months (Actually I think in Harford County we were behind about 3 months for NGCHD).

Central Maryland rocks!

Rich N.

Hmm...I currently live in Anne Arundel county (Baltimore suburb) and saw the Comcast full page ad in The Sun for HGTV HD on 7/10. Hasn't shown up on my schedule yet. We've had A&E for a while though. I'm preparing to move to Bel Air in the near future, so maybe my schedule will improve. Unless I lose some things I get now. Plus, there's those beers at GoIrish's house to look forward to.

Also I can't remember when the Sinclair issue was resolved and we got local Fox 45, but I think your Fox entry is for DC 5

FOX45 was added on 2/4/05 for the Super Bowl and Daytona 500. It was removed for three weeks and returned permanently in March.

After seeing that everyone is getting all these new channels, I'm even more happy I downgraded to limited basic, I was getting sick of the same HD channels and no new ones since last year when MHD came online.

The one poster had an interesting guess that Comcast was holding out till a bunch of new channels launch this fall, then adding a few. Makes too much sense. We've got room for at least 4, and are down to under 70 analog channels on a plain 750mhz(I believe) system.

Nowhere in SE PA has sniffed a new channel since MHD last year I think. Yet they still keep dropping analogs.

Nowhere in SE PA has sniffed a new channel since MHD last year I think. Yet they still keep dropping analogs.

And raising prices.

There was supposition on here that Comcast choosing to formally offer continued carriage of HDNet's in Houston for $3 was a trial to see what the real consumer interest may be for a broader ala carte launch. If they eventually cut a deal, it won't be free to us as the rest of their HD content is (predicated on digital tier subscription) for the reasons discussed here many times; that they are a standalone programmer with nothing else to deal and they want straight cash for carriage.
It is not a supposition. When Comcast took over Houston, someone mentioned that the HDNets were continuing to be offered, and speculated it might be a trial market, and then MCuban immediately confirmed as much.

As for Digital Classic HD channels being free, assuming one would have that service anyway, well, I wouldn't, Digital Classic/Preferred are effectively the HD services to me. ;)

HD locals (Hd simulcasts of local channels and other HD programming offered off air) are considered part of Lifeline service. They should NOT be encrypted so QAM tuners can tune them in,mapped to the broadcast channel number. If a Lifeline scable subscriber whises to lease out an HD box he/she may do so.

HD simulcasts of SD cable channels should be offered at NO EXTRA charge as part of the same tier as the SD channel! If I get ESPNSD, I want ESPN-HD at NO EXTRA CHARGE! (If ESPN wants to charge $2.00 for ESPN and $1.00 extra for ESPN-HD then as far as I'm concerned they are charging $3.00 for ESPN)

HD only channels like HDNet may be featured on a seperate tier.

It is not a supposition. When Comcast took over Houston, someone mentioned that the HDNets were continuing to be offered, and speculated it might be a trial market, and then MCuban immediately confirmed as much.

As for Digital Classic HD channels being free, assuming one would have that service anyway, well, I wouldn't, Digital Classic/Preferred are effectively the HD services to me. ;)

You are correct. I was the speculator that you mentioned and Mark came back and suggested that Houston folks sign up....

http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?p=10582460&&#post10582460

HD locals (Hd simulcasts of local channels and other HD programming offered off air) are considered part of Lifeline service. They should NOT be encrypted so QAM tuners can tune them in,mapped to the broadcast channel number. If a Lifeline scable subscriber whises to lease out an HD box he/she may do so.

HD simulcasts of SD cable channels should be offered at NO EXTRA charge as part of the same tier as the SD channel! If I get ESPNSD, I want ESPN-HD at NO EXTRA CHARGE! (If ESPN wants to charge $2.00 for ESPN and $1.00 extra for ESPN-HD then as far as I'm concerned they are charging $3.00 for ESPN)

HD only channels like HDNet may be featured on a seperate tier.

Guess I'm not following. What you want is what I have here. Maybe where you are it's different ?

GoIrish

You are correct. I was the speculator that you mentioned and Mark came back and suggested that Houston folks sign up....

http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?p=10582460&&#post10582460


Thanks for the confirmation from you and QZ1.

GoIrish

Guess I'm not following. What you want is what I have here. Maybe where you are it's different ?

GoIrish

What I am commenting is what I think it should be everywhere. (HD locals as part of limited basic,HD Simulcasts at NO extra charge as part of the same tier as the corresponding SD channel.)

What I am commenting is what I think it should be everywhere. (HD locals as part of limited basic,HD Simulcasts at NO extra charge as part of the same tier as the corresponding SD channel.)
Right, by contrast, in this area, the HD Simulcasts of 'Expanded' SD channels (and HD exclusives) are in 'Digital Classic'.

As for HD exclusives, like Mojo, DHDT, and MHD, I recall, in your area, they are in Digital Classic.

I read of an area that was like yours, except one of the simulcasts or exclusives didn't correspond to its tier; go figure.

Comcast Boston HD Channel Lineup
=====================================================
Based on lineup in Lawrence Ma 05-20-07 (No change as of 7-14-07)
=====================================================
Channel Network Tier required
/////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////
802 PBS HD channel Basic
804 WBZ (CBS) Basic
805 WCVB (ABC) Basic
807 WHDH (NBC) Basic
809 WMUR (ABC) Basic
821 National Geo Starter (Despite National Geo SD on Classic)
825 WFXT (Fox) Basic
828 MHD Starter AND Classic
832 HGTVHD Starter
833 TNT Classic
837 AnEHD Starter
838 WSBK Basic
839 Discovery HD Theater Classic
846 Universal HD Classic
848 Verses / Golf HD Starter
849 ESPN Classic
850 ESPN 2 Starter
851 NESN Starter
854 FoodHD Starter
856 WLVI (CW) Basic
868 Cinemax Cinemax
870 HBO HBO
875 Starz Starz
877 Showtime Showtime
881 Mojo / FSN-HD Classic

For a year I was getting TNT and ESPN HD withOUT extended basic.

For a year I was getting TNT and ESPN HD withOUT extended basic.

I still do.

I still don't get the deal with Comcast. Where I live (southern NJ) I already get NGHD and A&E HD. On the other hand there is no HGTV nor Food HD. My brother lives in NorthEast, MD and Comcast there has NO HD channels.

One would think that Comcast would offer the same HD everywhere.

I still don't get the deal with Comcast. Where I live (southern NJ) I already get NGHD and A&E HD. On the other hand there is no HGTV nor Food HD. My brother lives in NorthEast, MD and Comcast there has NO HD channels.

One would think that Comcast would offer the same HD everywhere.

Northeast MD is a former ATT system that has no bandwidth to offer HD at present.

GoIrish

One would think that Comcast would offer the same HD everywhere.Given how the various networks came from different companies, built at different times, often with different equipment foundations, that's not a good assumption IMHO.

Are there many other HD channels available? In Denver this week, on July 17th, we supposedly get National Geographic and A&E HD. No mention of Food Net or HGTV. Hopefully they kick in, too. I'd love to get HDNet, for their satellite casts of the shuttle launches!!!

Would love to see FX, USA, BBCAmerica, and SciFi in full HD. My dad would love the History channels in HD, though some programs are available via OnDemand.

Would like to see MSNBC returned to non-digital SD, so you don't need a digital box to see it. (They moved it, CSPAN2, and TVGuide Channel to SCRAMBLED digital. God knows why they scrambled FREE programming!)

What I'd really like to see is Comcrash at long last give us a cable box that WORKS properly. Remember the Panasonic PVR they announced at the CES show in Las Vegas in January 2006? Suddenly NOBODY knows about it. I guess it crashed and burned. I'm considering the TIVO Series 3, but it's over $600! Egad! And I wish they would pass through the Closed Captioning from the network signals so my TV can decode it. I hate having to turn off the cable box, hit the menu button, and adjust it that way. You can't do it while a program is recording, and that's a problem.

Remember... it's Comcrastic!

Would love to see FX, USA, BBCAmerica, and SciFi in full HD. My dad would love the History channels in HD, though some programs are available via OnDemand. All of those HD channels are "coming soon" except BBC America.

I'm considering the TIVO Series 3, but it's over $600! Egad! Plus at least $8.95 per month to TiVo, plus at least $2.75 to the cable company for an extra CableCard. That sure makes you appreciate the no-upfront-cost DVRs that cable companies offer for a moderate monthly fee.

And I wish they would pass through the Closed Captioning from the network signals so my TV can decode it.That's not the way digital closed captioning is designed. Digital closed captioning decoding is to take place at the tuner/playback device, not at the display. This has nothing to do with what cable company you have.

I'll wait till I see it as far as SciFi channel is concerned. Given the statements they've made, it wouldn't shock me at all if they offered upconverted 480 or even stretch-o-vision in place of true HD.

PS- the statements I'm referring to basically had them saying that their audience wasn't really interested in HD content at this time.

Then they shouldn't have wasted time and money showing BSG in HD.

MY 9 HD will apparently begin on 7/18 in the NJ area on channel 236.

MY 9 HD will apparently begin on 7/18 in the NJ area on channel 236.

North Jersey? What area? I think this is the same as "MY 17" here in South Jersey.

MY 17 is a Phila station and MY 9 is the New York station!

MY 17 is a Phila station and MY 9 is the New York station!

Bubba didn't make a distinction, only "New Jersey area".

MY 9 HD will apparently begin on 7/18 in the NJ area on channel 236.
I said NJ area, I guess I should have said NY-NJ area.

Was that the only HD addition announced for Central and Northern NJ?

Here's the systems that WWOR HD (MY 9 HD) will be added to on 7/18/07.

Union
Plainfield
Jersey City
Meadowlands
NW
Monmouth
Ocean
Central(excluding East Windsor, West Windsor and Highstown)
Toms River
LBI

All of those HD channels are "coming soon" except BBC America.

Plus at least $8.95 per month to TiVo, plus at least $2.75 to the cable company for an extra CableCard. That sure makes you appreciate the no-upfront-cost DVRs that cable companies offer for a moderate monthly fee.

That's not the way digital closed captioning is designed. Digital closed captioning decoding is to take place at the tuner/playback device, not at the display. This has nothing to do with what cable company you have.

Come next month, with the increase in cable box fees, I will pay $12.95/mo for my "free" Comcast box. Local Comcast does not charge for the cablecards, and I believe the FCC prohibited cable companies from doing so as of a few weeks ago (July 1). The cable companies appealed the FCC ruling to the federal courts, but the courts turned them down and said they had to meet the July 1 deadline (which none did) for making cablecards available to all customers.

Digital closed captioning was likely designed that way for an analog world. But all new televisions sold at the moment, including digital SD, have digital decoders. Every television can decode CC. Mine could from the get-go.

So, when I connect my cable box to the HDTV with a 1394 firewire cable, my television descrambles the cc. When I connect the cable directly into Input-1, my television descrambles the cc. The only connectors that don't appear programmed to pass through the cc are the PyPrPb and HDMI. Perhaps because Comcast doesn't support firewire, they don't write software for the connector. That's too bad, because it sends the sharpest, clearest picture to the TV and passes through the cc.

To turn on CC with the current software is difficult. You must first turn off the cable box, press the menu button, press the command, press menu, and then turn on the box. It would be much better to make CC available when the box was turned on.

They should also utilize several font families and styles (sans-serif fonts like Arial or Verdana would be ideal, in both upper- and lowercase) for cc for easiest readability. Studies show that it takes 10% to 25% longer to read all uppercase letters. It also takes up 35% more space (Markle, M. (2007). Technical communication. 8th edition. p. 272. Boston: Bedford, St. Martins.).

Pax.

Regarding Comcast and HD, if D* or E* didn't have HD-lite, I'd be there tomorrow.

I called D* a few weeks ago and asked about it. The salesperson tried to convince me that, with their compression technologies, their HD PQ is better than Comcast. (Unfortunately for her, Comcast is suing them over that claim.)

I then suggested to her that they stop spending millions to advertise their PQ, with Pamela Anderson and Jessica Simpson prancing about, and invest those dollars in making full-HD a reality. Cable HD customers would likely break their legs RUNNING to them for service.

I hope the D* people look in on these forums. I'd be their customer instantly if they went to full-HD. I may anyway. After all, I can get true HD OTA for the local channels, if need be.

[QUOTE=Snagglepuss]Come next month, with the increase in cable box fees, I will pay $12.95/mo for my "free" Comcast box. Local Comcast does not charge for the cablecards, and I believe the FCC prohibited cable companies from doing so as of a few weeks ago (July 1). The cable companies appealed the FCC ruling to the federal courts, but the courts turned them down and said they had to meet the July 1 deadline (which none did) for making cablecards available to all customers.

Sounds like you have a DVR which I wish was free, have three of them myself. Sounds like you're confusing the first standard box free for digital customers which seems to be popular packaging for cable with your DVR fee. Or perhaps you were just being facetious.

For cable cards, Comcast does charge here and the FCC ruling on separable security effective 7/1 has no bearing on whether cable co's can charge for cards; they have been able to and still can.

Also, I know that Comcast, Time Warner and all the big companies I am aware of were in compliance with the regs effective 7/1, so I don't know the source of your info. Some of the smaller operators were granted extensions.

GoIrish

Local Comcast does not charge for the cablecards, and I believe the FCC prohibited cable companies from doing so as of a few weeks ago (July 1).No. The regulation that became effective July 1 had nothing to do with being able to charge for CableCards. Cable companies can charge a reasonable fee (determined by the FCC via an after-the-fact review) for CableCards.

The cable companies appealed the FCC ruling to the federal courts, but the courts turned them down and said they had to meet the July 1 deadline (which none did) for making cablecards available to all customers. No. Rather the FCC required many cable companies to stop putting never-before-used cable boxes into the field unless they have CableCards. A number of cable companies were granted waivers, including powerhouse Verizon FIOS. It is confusing, I know, but it had nothing to do with customers being able to get CableCards (that was assured by a 2004 regulation) and/or charging a monthly rental fee for CableCards (which again, is not prohibited).

Digital closed captioning was likely designed that way for an analog world. But all new televisions sold at the moment, including digital SD, have digital decoders. Every television can decode CC. Mine could from the get-go. I don't understand what you're trying to say.

The only connectors that don't appear programmed to pass through the cc are the PyPrPb and HDMI. Perhaps because Comcast doesn't support firewire, they don't write software for the connector.First, Comcast doesn't write software for DVRs. Second, the specifications for digital closed captioning doesn't discuss handling closed captioning in video stream such as component video or HDMI. It's an international standards issue; not an issue of software implementation.

How is it not a good assumption?? How do some areas get HGTVHD while others get NGHD? Why wouldn't all areas get one or the other if its a bandwidth issue where they cant receive both?

Given how the various networks came from different companies, built at different times, often with different equipment foundations, that's not a good assumption IMHO.

Could be something simple like in one area there are more people who tune into HGTV then NGHD (or vice versa) that have HD TV's already.

Could be something simple like in one area there are more people who tune into HGTV then NGHD (or vice versa) that have HD TV's already.

I assume you mean that are tuning into the HG & NG "standard def" channels prior to Comcast implementing the HD channels. That makes sense but you'll never hear it from them.

How is it not a good assumption?? How do some areas get HGTVHD while others get NGHD? Why wouldn't all areas get one or the other if its a bandwidth issue where they cant receive both?
It could be the cable plant needs some particular piece of equipment to receive the signal from the sat, it could also be due to how different Comcast systems have their channel lineups tiered, and/or it could be what the local viewers preferred.

Here in SF Comcast asked a number of their subs in the local thread which channels they wanted first and the one's they asked for(from a list provided by Comcast) were the one's added. In fact, I think the 2 channels you've mentioned were among those available and we ended up wanting/getting Nat Geo.

I assume you mean that are tuning into the HG & NG "standard def" channels prior to Comcast implementing the HD channels. That makes sense but you'll never hear it from them.

Oops, simple typo, I did mean the standard def channels.

Richmond Virginia just got a new HD channel on Comcast channel 214 today. Too bad it is just the CW channel. Odd that Comcast did not announce the coming of the channel or even it's arrival once we got it today. I guess that is because it is not a HD channel of any significance.

I just googled CW. What a waste of a HD channel and bandwidth.

http://www.cwtv.com/shows/

Odd that Comcast did not announce the coming of the channel or even it's arrival once we got it today.

They will announce it in your next bill. Please ignore the channel until then. :rolleyes:

I just googled CW. What a waste of a HD channel and bandwidth.

http://www.cwtv.com/shows/Except for Supernatural and Veronica Mars. Oops, they cancelled VM. :( Never mind.

They will announce it in your next bill. Please ignore the channel until then. :rolleyes:

http://img300.imageshack.us/img300/6340/rofl2iu2.gif (http://imageshack.us)

How is it not a good assumption??Because of the differences I mentioned.

Some off topic comments deleted.

Please stick to the topic.

I realize that this isn't Comcast's fault per se, but why is everyone counting A&E HD as an HD channel? I mean, c'mon! There hasn't been one single high def program on this channel that I've been able to find. Even the Crossing Jordan reruns that were originally broadcast on NBC in high def are rerun in SD.

It would have been better if Comcast used that bandwidth for a real HD channel - and save A&E HD for the future when there is at least a little HD content.

-Dave

We got A&E in the Bay Area because, when we were polled about which channels we really wanted to see, we had A&E near the top of the list.

We got A&E in the Bay Area because, when we were polled about which channels we really wanted to see, we had A&E near the top of the list.

You're lucky. They don't ask their customers diddly here in S. Jersey.

I am really liking Comcast in Chicago now! I just looked today, and I also got A&E HD. Yay CSI :).

Edit: Hey, I also get national Geographic HD too! This is awesome :)
Here is a m2r log from a 5 minute chunk of recording.

File Size Processed: 623.99 MB, Play Time: 00h:04m:59s
1280 x 720, 59.94 fps, 25.00 Mbps (16.50 Mbps Average).
Average Video Quality: 33.57 KB/Frame, 0.30 Bits/Pixel.

Very nice!

Edit2: Wow, Food network Hd and HGTV! I am really liking this.

So here is what Chicago area has added so far:
A&E 720p
NGCHD 720p
Food-D 1080i
HGTV-D ?

I do not remember any polls by me.

No polls here.

Wonder what they would say if HDNet were to be at the top?

No polls here.

Wonder what they would say if HDNet were to be at the top?

"Your request for additional HD channels was forwarded to Marketing for
review and consideration. Customers will be notified as channels are
added." :)

I realize that this isn't Comcast's fault per se, but why is everyone counting A&E HD as an HD channel? I mean, c'mon! There hasn't been one single high def program on this channel that I've been able to find. Even the Crossing Jordan reruns that were originally broadcast on NBC in high def are rerun in SD.

It would have been better if Comcast used that bandwidth for a real HD channel - and save A&E HD for the future when there is at least a little HD content.

-Dave

Don't watch it a lot, but since you mentioned it I've noticed both CSI Miami & The Sopranos this evening are both HD.

If there was to be a poll, I think it would be necessary to include each option along with a specific price for each, proportional to how much the cost of that channel is, ostensibly, to the cable system. I'd sooner pay (just making up numbers here) 25c for Food Network HD than $1.50 for HDNet.

If there was to be a poll, I think it would be necessary to include each option along with a specific price for each, proportional to how much the cost of that channel is, ostensibly, to the cable system. I'd sooner pay (just making up numbers here) 25c for Food Network HD than $1.50 for HDNet.

I know a poll has come up several times, but if you are Comcast (or any other cable operator) and you don't have a contract to offer HD Net and you know the two sides are pretty far apart from even having one, it would seem to send a message of false hope to your customers to poll them about an interest in HD Net.

But, at least on that subject, hopefully the Houston trial will bring these to us sooner than later.

Question for those interested...how much is HDNet and HD Net movies worth to you as an ala carte choice, would you pay the $3 price point established in Houston ?

GoIrish

Question for those interested...how much is HDNet and HD Net movies worth to you as an ala carte choice, would you pay the $3 price point established in Houston ?

I'd pay zero. It's not a 'premium' channel and not a good precedent to set IMO...

If it's a matter of economics, I'd rather have a system that gives me potentially hundreds of HD channels, like D* or E*, for the same price as Comcast's 20 or so. Of course Endgadget published a story on June 13 that Comcast was promising 400 HD channels by year end. As of Tuesday, they have 378 to go in Denver. ;o)

http://www.engadgethd.com/tag/SDV/

Endgadget also expressed concern yesterday about the fate of CableCard 2.0, and how DSV may make the TIVO Series 3 HD, which some Comcast customers use as an answer to the pitiful Motorola digital boxes, obsolete.

http://www.engadgethd.com/2007/07/19/cablecard-2-0-caught-in-the-wild/

Based on conversations with Comcast techs over the last few weeks, it looks like the savior Panasonic PVR disappeared as a solution to the pitiful Motorola box. One of the techs never heard of it.

Today I get to take back my fourth Motorola in two weeks. Sweet! Get to stand in line for another hour of my fleeting life. And here's the kicker. When I turn in the malfunctioning HD boxes, I am never asked what's wrong. And I get the idea they simply take them in, and send them back out with the next sap who walks through the door.

When do you suppose we will see the class action lawsuit that finally deals with this?



If there was to be a poll, I think it would be necessary to include each option along with a specific price for each, proportional to how much the cost of that channel is, ostensibly, to the cable system. I'd sooner pay (just making up numbers here) 25c for Food Network HD than $1.50 for HDNet.

Of course Endgadget published a story on June 13 that Comcast was promising 400 HD channels by year end.

http://www.engadgethd.com/tag/SDV/



Somebody's wet dream apparently.

If it's a matter of economics, I'd rather have a system that gives me potentially hundreds of HD channels, like D* or E*, for the same price as Comcast's 20 or so. Of course Endgadget published a story on June 13 that Comcast was promising 400 HD channels by year end. As of Tuesday, they have 378 to go in Denver. ;o)

http://www.engadgethd.com/tag/SDV/

Endgadget also expressed concern yesterday about the fate of CableCard 2.0, and how DSV may make the TIVO Series 3 HD, which some Comcast customers use as an answer to the pitiful Motorola digital boxes, obsolete.

http://www.engadgethd.com/2007/07/19/cablecard-2-0-caught-in-the-wild/

Based on conversations with Comcast techs over the last few weeks, it looks like the savior Panasonic PVR disappeared as a solution to the pitiful Motorola box. One of the techs never heard of it.

Today I get to take back my fourth Motorola in two weeks. Sweet! Get to stand in line for another hour of my fleeting life. And here's the kicker. When I turn in the malfunctioning HD boxes, I am never asked what's wrong. And I get the idea they simply take them in, and send them back out with the next sap who walks through the door.

When do you suppose we will see the class action lawsuit that finally deals with this?


I'll kick in a buck to the fund to help you switch providers as your whiny crap about your current one is really getting old...

GoIrish

If it's a matter of economics, I'd rather have a system that gives me potentially hundreds of HD channels, like D* or E*, for the same price as Comcast's 20 or so.If I'm only going to watch those 20 channels (or, more likely, a subset of those 20 channels), it doesn't matter to me whether they're the only 20 channels or they are 20 of "hundreds" of channels. Also, even if the "hundreds" of channels include a few that I might watch, I would still consciously evaluate the value of those few extra channels versus what it would cost to switch (up-front fees, negotiating installation arrangements with HOA, potential for satellite interference by weather/sunspots/trees/etc., refusal by D* or E* to support TiVo Series 3, etc.)

Of course Endgadget published a story on June 13 that Comcast was promising 400 HD channels by year end. As of Tuesday, they have 378 to go in Denver. ;o)Don't be snookered by either D*'s, E*'s or any cable company's claims: All the "number of HD channels" promises being made are network wide counts, including, in all three cases, regional channels which, in reality, will ONLY be available to some customers. No customer will be able to receive every one of the "hundreds" of channels that D* will be offering.

Endgadget also expressed concern yesterday about the fate of CableCard 2.0, and how DSV may make the TIVO Series 3 HD, which some Comcast customers use as an answer to the pitiful Motorola digital boxes, obsolete. A lot of people who buy the TiVo Series 3 do so because they believe strongly in having a choice of STB/DVR, instead of being forced to use one designated by the service provider. Currently, neither D* nor E* allow anyone else's boxes access their service, and so neither D* nor E* meets the requirements of those customers.

Based on conversations with Comcast techs over the last few weeks, it looks like the savior Panasonic PVR disappeared as a solution to the pitiful Motorola box. One of the techs never heard of it. Techs on the street may or may not hear about things coming down the pike until it actually arrives. Their job is to know how to support what is currently available.

When do you suppose we will see the class action lawsuit that finally deals with this?Never, is my guess.

We got A&E in the Bay Area because, when we were polled about which channels we really wanted to see, we had A&E near the top of the list.


True enough - but surely Comcast would have, should have know that A&E HD is a farse. I'll bet those that voted for A&E HD would change their vote now.

Right now, it's a waste of wonderful, limited, bandwidth.

-Dave

I have one question for you. If the HD DVR doesn't work right and I'm paying nearly $20 for the box and HD programming, is it or is it not a significant problem?

I've had about thirty cable boxes since 2001. That's right. Thirty. And the problems with each were not small.

We actually got lucky for nearly a year with a 6412, which they dug out of the warehouse and adjusted by hand before giving it to me. It finally died when showing the hard drive was 100% full with only two SD programs in the queue. I was half tempted to open the box and install my own new HD to remedy the problem.

Each of the four boxes (3416s and 3412s), we either picked up or had installed over the last two weeks, had significant picture and sound dropouts, pixeling, sound and image not in sync, and a faint image on SD channels in the 480i setting. I'm four for four. All things being equal, in baseball they either walked me or I struck out 1 1/3 times. I vote on the latter.

Maybe I'm picky. Why should I actually expect the Motorola to work, after all! But for the $150/month I pay, including Internet, I think the prudent man would be a tad miffed. No?

$150/mo for good enough? Why?

I'll kick in a buck to the fund to help you switch providers as your whiny crap about your current one is really getting old...

GoIrish

I'm sorry I'm confused.

What's the next HD chan for Comcast.

I'm sorry I'm confused.

What's the next HD chan for Comcast.

Bingo !

GoIrish

“Cable has pissed away three years of actual advantage.”

DirecTV's HD Push Stimulates Competition[U]

http://www.tvweek.com/news/2007/07/directvs_hd_push_stimulates_co.php

In a move that could also impact Comcast, E* has filed a 19 page petition with the FCC to have the Big Ten Network declared an RSN. Should the FCC agree, any distributor could invoke arbitration rights under the News Corp.-Hughes order, which is included as one of a number of conditions that News Corp. had to adhere in order to gain approval to acquire a stake in DirecTV back in 2004.

http://ibc.broadcastnewsroom.com/articles/viewarticle.jsp?id=164715

Hallelujah! Comcast finally added HGTV and FOOD Network HD to the Detroit area this past week with no announcement - I just happened to be surfing and found them at the bottom of the HD lineup space.

Damn these two are perfect for HD, especially watching Giadda Delaurentis on her excursion to NYC she has your mouth watering for the eats and her! Yummy :D

Best advertisement I've seen for NYC in a long time with her weekend trip - perfect blend are these two channels for HD. Bloomberg ought to subsidize that show's trip as NY never looked better IMO.

Hallelujah! Comcast finally added HGTV and FOOD Network HD to the Detroit area this past week with no announcement - I just happened to be surfing and found them at the bottom of the HD lineup space. They were added in some parts of the Detroit area on 7/10.

http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?p=10993618&highlight=hgtv#post10993618

Now that so many areas are getting A&E HD , NGCHD, HGTVHD and FOODHD (the only one the Baltimore area is missing), what is the next HD channel for Comcast for which there is no existing agreement? I've heard about several, like HistoryHD, but what is coming? Does anyone have an idea?

And if anyone knows, why does A&E show The First 48 in letterbox? Is it 16:9 SD upconvert?

Rich N.

Now that so many areas are getting A&E HD , NGCHD, HGTVHD and FOODHD (the only one the Baltimore area is missing), what is the next HD channel for Comcast for which there is no existing agreement? I've heard about several, like HistoryHD, but what is coming? Does anyone have an idea?



Hope those roll to Central VA (Richmond) soon. We only have NGCHD of those...

I'd like to see TMC-HD & HDNets...

And if anyone knows, why does A&E show The First 48 in letterbox? Is it 16:9 SD upconvert?

They are showing it in HD on A&E HD OnDemand.

...and the Philadelphia area still has nothing! :(

I thought they said the Philly system currently had 199 HD channels? ;)

HGTV HD and Food HD have been added in Tucson, AZ. We now have every HD channel offered by comcast.

Would be nice to finally get FOOD in HD here in Pittsburgh

I thought they said the Philly system currently had 199 HD channels? ;)
No that's PPV. They have $1.99 channels.... ;)

Comcast: HD & DVR Subs Up 50 Percent

The cable operator releases its second quarter report.

By Swanni

Washington, D.C. (July 26, 2007) -- Comcast, the nation's largest cable operator, said today that its High-Definition and DVR subs rose roughly 50 percent in the second quarter.

The numbers reflect a strong increase in demand for advanced digital services nationwide, particularly high-def tuners and recorders.

Comcast does not specify how many subscribers get HD and Digital Video Recording service. But the cable operator said 441,000 customers added either a HDTV or DVR package (or both) in the second quarter, compared to 294,000 in last year's second quarter.

Comcast also reported a 28 percent increase in second quarter earnings, adding 823,000 net digital customers. However, the number of basic subscribers fell 95,000.

John Alchin, Comcast's CFO, said today in an investors call that the increase in HD/DVR service helped spark a seven percent jump in total video revenue. He added that 80 percent of Comcast's digital cable subscribers pay at least $65 a month.

In related issues, Comcast President Steve Burke commented in the investors call that the cable service plans to "have hundreds of high-def On Demand channels" in the future.

Comcast is promoting its HD On Demand feature to help counter DIRECTV's plan to offer 100 high-def channels by year's end.

Comcast CEO Brian Roberts revealed that the cable operator is working on a "whole home" DVR product that would connect each room of the house with a single recorder.

"We at the moment have some trials underway," he said.

Burke added that he expected the "whole home" DVR to be ready in the next year.

http://www.tvpredictions.com/comcast072607.htm

Why is Roberts so fascinated with getting more HD OnDemand? I really don't care. I guess they count HD OnDemand offerings in their HD channel counts or something. I want more HD channels, not ondemand!

I'm not sure I'd care, as a typical customer. With On Demand, there are no commercials, so that's a plus. And of course, with On Demand, the storage capacity of the DVR doesn't matter -- heck you don't even need a DVR with sufficient On Demand choices.

We're going to switch to start watching Mad Men on AMC HD On Demand, and I think we'll be pretty happy, though personally we'll be a bit frustrated that we had to keep our Motorola 3416 to do so, leaving our TiVo Series 3 out of the fun.

...We're going to switch to start watching Mad Men on AMC HD On Demand...

Thanks for that! I'm going to have to look in there to see what other non-HD channels (at least in my area) have HD content in OnDemand.

Why is Comcast so focused on HD on Demand when they can add the channels that everybody want to watch? I live in Chicago & they have the capacity to add up to 100 HD channels since switching the 38 analog channels to digital in order to make room for future HD channels like History Channel, USA Network, Cartoon Network, TBS, Animal Planet, Science Channel, Nickelodeon, Sci-Fi Channel, NFL Network, CNN, The Movie Channel, & many more. I told a Comcast representative that I will give them by September 30, 2007 if more channels don't be added or I am switching to Direct TV. Don't Comcast realize that HD is the biggest thing out there & they will lose a lot of their customers if they don't add the channels that Direct TV is adding in September; not only will they lose customers & money to Direct TV, but the HD battle as well.

"In related issues, Comcast President Steve Burke commented in the investors call that the cable service plans to "have hundreds of high-def On Demand channels" in the future."

"Comcast is promoting its HD On Demand feature to help counter DIRECTV's plan to offer 100 high-def channels by year's end."

Says it all.

Why is Comcast so focused on HD on Demand when they can add the channels that everybody want to watch? I live in Chicago & they have the capacity to add up to 100 HD channels since switching the 38 analog channels to digital in order to make room for future HD channels like History Channel, USA Network, Cartoon Network, TBS, Animal Planet, Science Channel, Nickelodeon, Sci-Fi Channel, NFL Network, CNN, The Movie Channel, & many more. I told a Comcast representative that I will give them by September 30, 2007 if more channels don't be added or I am switching to Direct TV. Don't Comcast realize that HD is the biggest thing out there & they will lose a lot of their customers if they don't add the channels that Direct TV is adding in September; not only will they lose customers & money to Direct TV, but the HD battle as well.

I really like your idea of having as much as HD right now but you have to remember
that most consumers doesn't have HDTV or the fact that they don't even know if they
are getting HD channels. Just keep in mind that Comcast offers better quality than
DirecTV or Dish. So I'd rather have quality than quantity. Some of the channels like
Cartoon Network, Nickelodeon, Disney Channel, etc. don't even have shows in HD.
They are all shot at 4:3 480i signal. So there is no point of adding channels when
they don't offer HD. Comcast also gives you the choice of HD On Demand without
filling up your DVR, so be grateful you got that. There will be more HD soon just
be patient. Competition is there to force them.

Baltimore will get My Network (WUTB) on 8/29.

Thanks for that! I'm going to have to look in there to see what other non-HD channels (at least in my area) have HD content in OnDemand.So far, here, AMC is in the only HD On Demand with original dramas, which doesn't have a linear HD channel on our system.

I have to admit that HD On Demand doesn't seem to have the same PQ reliability as we get from linear HD channels. It's a marginal difference, but a difference all the same. Still it's good enough, and better than SD by leaps and bounds.

I have to admit that HD On Demand doesn't seem to have the same PQ reliability as we get from linear HD channels. It's a marginal difference, but a difference all the same. Still it's good enough, and better than SD by leaps and bounds.

No doubt about it. Funny you said "leaps and bounds", because I decided to test that PQ difference when 'Superman Returns' came out. No contest. The HD On Demand had a great deal more pixelation around fast moving objects than the DVR recording, obscuring much of the action.

It seems there's always some kind of hiccup with On Demand, so we never trust it to be "ready when we are".

...On Demand...never trust it to be "ready when we are".

It's never ready when I am. Takes about a minute of waiting to get into the system. The only thing I watch 'OnDemand' is the guitar 'lessons' and they're not HD anyway. The controls are super "clunky" (pause, rewind, etc.). Drives me up the wall. They haven't done anything to improve it either. Tried to show a segment of the HD version of "Narnia" to my neice and her husband and it took forever to 'fast forward' to the scene I wanted. VHS had more advanced controls than 'OnDemand'.

Thanks for that! I'm going to have to look in there to see what other non-HD channels (at least in my area) have HD content in OnDemand.

I have On Demand HD content from non-HD channels History, AMC, Encore, Movieplex.

It's never ready when I am. Takes about a minute of waiting to get into the system. The only thing I watch 'OnDemand' is the guitar 'lessons' and they're not HD anyway. The controls are super "clunky" (pause, rewind, etc.). Drives me up the wall. They haven't done anything to improve it either. Tried to show a segment of the HD version of "Narnia" to my neice and her husband and it took forever to 'fast forward' to the scene I wanted. VHS had more advanced controls than 'OnDemand'.

ONDemand has only one FF and Rewind speed. DVR has FIVE!

ONDemand has only one FF and Rewind speed. DVR has FIVE!

And when you "stop" FF/Rewind it takes the show about 30 seconds past the part you wanted to "stop".

I have On Demand HD content from non-HD channels History, AMC, Encore, Movieplex.

Took me awhile to find The History Channel in there, but finally did under "News & World". Huh? That incoherent menu is perhaps the most aggravating thing about OnDemand.

That incoherent menu is perhaps the most aggravating thing about OnDemand.

Forgot about that. Incredible, isn't it?

Let's face it, the guide is absolutely worthless, top to bottom. It needs a complete overhaul!

I really like your idea of having as much as HD right now but you have to remember
that most consumers doesn't have HDTV or the fact that they don't even know if they
are getting HD channels. Just keep in mind that Comcast offers better quality than
DirecTV or Dish. So I'd rather have quality than quantity. Some of the channels like
Cartoon Network, Nickelodeon, Disney Channel, etc. don't even have shows in HD.
They are all shot at 4:3 480i signal. So there is no point of adding channels when
they don't offer HD. Comcast also gives you the choice of HD On Demand without
filling up your DVR, so be grateful you got that. There will be more HD soon just
be patient. Competition is there to force them.

I am grateful, but the fact of the matter is that I am paying close to $100 a month on my cable bill because I have all the channels, including the 24 HD channels. I could pay Direct TV or Dish Network less money & plus I can still get more HD channels then cable if Comcast doesn't step up to the plate. I am going to wait & see what happens in September.

Let's face it, the guide is absolutely worthless, top to bottom. It needs a complete overhaul!

Agreed!

All HD On Demand should be under "HD On Demand", not all over the menu...

Let's face it, the guide is absolutely worthless, top to bottom. It needs a complete overhaul!

You say that, and yet if I took it away and gave you, as your only alternative, the TV Guide Channel, you'd be begging to go back. ;)

OK so WHAT IS the next HD channel for Comcast?

I think it will be TBS-HD ,plus some others.

You say that, and yet if I took it away and gave you, as your only alternative, the TV Guide Channel, you'd be begging to go back. ;)

Talking about the OnDemand menu, not the regular on-screen guide.

When comcast starts to offer the Tivo guide for the DVRsa the ON demand menus will be Tivo like.

Perhaps another reason to get it. :)

When comcast starts to offer the Tivo guide for the DVRsa the ON demand menus will be Tivo like.

The Tivo website says:

"TiVo HD connects to virtually any cable service via CableCARDs1, so it replaces your existing cable box."

Sounds like I need a cable card. What's up with that? Don't have one, don't want one...

Maxman,

The new Tivo HD set top box is different from Tivo software for existing Comcast set top boxes from Motorola (and eventually Scientific Atlanta).

The Tivo UI and software for Motorola DVRs will include the ability to search through and record on demand programming. The new Tivo user interface is set to roll out in New England in August. From a few test screens, it looks like this Tivo software will do a pretty good job of making on demand programming more user friendly.

On the other hand, Tivo's stand alone HD set top boxes (Series 3 and Tivo HD) both require CableCards to access encrypted cable company HD programming. As of yet, the Series 3 and Tivo HD are unable to access video on demand or other services that require a two way connection. However, they can download TivoCasts and (SD) Amazon Unbox programming.

Jim

Food HD and HGTV HD went live in Lansing, MI this morning.

I'm hoping for Big Ten HD and TBS HD by early September.

Unfortunately, The Big Ten Network might turn into another HDNet and be shunned by Comcast.

Anyone know when we will be getting any new channels in Northern Virginia?

Food HD and HGTV HD went live in Lansing, MI this morning.

I'm hoping for Big Ten HD and TBS HD by early September.

Unfortunately, The Big Ten Network might turn into another HDNet and be shunned by Comcast.

I don't believe Big 10 is offering HD, but perhaps someone here has better intel. Comcast has already offered Big 10 carriage on the sports tier with CSTV and the like (which is where it belongs) and Big 10 has declined, saying basic carriage or nothing.

Outside of DirecTV (who I think has a piece of the ownership of Big 10) no major cable company, or Echostar, has agreed to carriage on Big 10 terms.

I hope they stick to their guns so this lands on the sports tier where this belongs. I say this as a Big 10 alum and with a kid currently at Purdue.

GoIrish

I don't believe Big 10 is offering HD, but perhaps someone here has better intel.

http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=851257

http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=851257


Thanks for the clarification...I think you may have enjoyed that a wee bit ... :)

Anyone know when Comcast may get around to adding any new HD channels to central new jersey? I mean we just got WWOR-DT, but that thing is basically for Yankees games only. No NGCHD, AEHD, HGTVHD, FOODHD, nothing....

I looked at Marcus's reference and was very surprised. The HD explosion is really coming.

I certainly can't see Comcast having the bandwidth to even approach all those HD channels. And that doesn't even count the VOOM channels.

So by the end of 2007, how many of those channels will Comcast have reached agreement to show? Local conditions (as sansri88 points out) may reduce what is really available in each area, but it would be nice to see what may be coming for those Comcast areas with progressive HD plans.

Of course, for those of us in the Balt-DC area, Comcast must reserve a space for MASN-HD right?

Rich N.

...it would be nice to see what may be coming for those Comcast areas with progressive HD plans.

I'm beginning to think they have no plans other than OnDemand. They've said as much; that this is what they're going to be offering in the absence of additional HD channels to counter other systems HD channel explosion. They don't announce and haven't announced ANY new HD channels. Anybody wonder why? Why does it take them well over 6 months to implement just 2 new HD channels at a time over their entire system (NG/A&E previously and now Food/HGTV)? Could it be the emperor has no clothes?

I looked at Marcus's reference and was very surprised. The HD explosion is really coming.

I certainly can't see Comcast having the bandwidth to even approach all those HD channels. And that doesn't even count the VOOM channels.

So by the end of 2007, how many of those channels will Comcast have reached agreement to show? Local conditions (as sansri88 points out) may reduce what is really available in each area, but it would be nice to see what may be coming for those Comcast areas with progressive HD plans.

Of course, for those of us in the Balt-DC area, Comcast must reserve a space for MASN-HD right?

Rich N.

This is where Comcast is now choosing to spend its money -- the now tallest building in Philly -- Comcast Center -- the new headquarters of the beast (I can see it from my town in the burbs and it irks me everytime I see it -- when I think of my Comcast bill):

http://phillyskyline.com/bldgs/comcast/comcast_uc1739.jpg

http://phillyskyline.com/bldgs/comcast/comcast_uc1752.jpg

I looked at Marcus's reference and was very surprised. The HD explosion is really coming.

I certainly can't see Comcast having the bandwidth to even approach all those HD channels. And that doesn't even count the VOOM channels.

Rich N.

Doesn't Comcast's Chicago system have lots of available bandwidth now with most of the analogs gone?

I dunno, it may not be such a stretch for Comcast to add most of the HD channels that DirecTV has announced. Here's a quick stab at the math:

Comcast usually offers the regional sports network from just one region rather than adding the 21 channels that DirecTV plans to offer nationwide. In most cases, the HD version of that regional sports network is already on Comcast.

Likewise, Comcast offers just the local network affiliates and they're already on cable along with Discovery HD Theater, both ESPNs, Versus/Golf, TNT, Universal, MHD, HBO and Showtime.

I realize that Comcast has added A&E, National Geographic, HGTV and Food in some markets. For the sake of argument, let's consider a cable system where Comcast still needs to add these four channels.

There is no need to carry both East Coast and West Coast feeds of the movie channels; viewers can just use a DVR for these channels. This yields the following channels:

A&E
Food Network
HDNet
HDNet Movies
HGTV
National Geographic
The Movie Channel

September 2007
Animal Planet
Big Ten Network
CNN
Discovery
History Channel
NFL Network
The Science Channel
TBS
TLC
Weather Channel
MoreMax
HBO2-E
HBO Family-E
HBO Signature
STARZ-Edge
STARZ-Comedy
STARZ-Kids

Fall 2007
Bravo
Cartoon Network
Chiller
CNBC
FX
SciFi Channel
Sleuth
Speed
USA Network

December 2007
The Tennis Channel

Spring 2008
ABC Family
Disney Channel
ESPN News
MGM
Toon Disney

According to my math, that only adds up to 39 HD channels that Comcast would have to add to (mostly) keep up with DirecTV. This works out to killing off just 20 analog channels. I easily could rattle off 20+ channels of analog programming that Comcast could delete entirely to make room for 39 additional channels of HD programming. At the very least, Comcast can shift 20 channels of analog programming to the digital tier to keep up with most everything that DirecTV launches this September.

This may not satisfy hard core sports fans. However, Comcast does not have the rights to Sunday Ticket anyway. The simple steps listed above would allow Comcast to keep close enough to DirecTV to keep a flood of its highest-paying customers from leaving for DirecTV.

Remind me again of this much bally-hooed bandwidth crunch?

Comcast said they have room for 120 HD channels in Chicago, plus faster internet.

http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=830402

After that, they can use switched video for even more room.

Comcast Adds NFL Network HD

The cable operator had long-standing dispute with the league.

By Swanni

Washington, D.C. (August 1, 2007) -- Comcast has added the HD version of the NFL Network to its high-def lineup in select cities.

The channel, which is owned by the National Football League, airs eight regular season games during the second half of the season. It also shows several exhibition games in high-def.

Comcast and other cable operators such as Time Warner Cable have battled with the NFL in the past year over programming fees and packaging tiers.

However, Comcast has notified subscribers that the NFL Network will now be placed in its Sports and Entertainment package. The league approved of the decision.

The NFL Network HD offers several news and information shows in addition to live action. However, several shows are not broadcast in high-def.

The channel's regular season coverage will kick off on Thanksgiving night (Nov. 22) with a match up between the Super Bowl champion Indianapolis Colts and the Michael Vick-less Atlanta Falcons.

http://www.tvpredictions.com/comcastnfl080107.htm

Comcast Adds NFL Network HD

The cable operator had long-standing dispute with the league.

By Swanni

Washington, D.C. (August 1, 2007) -- Comcast has added the HD version of the NFL Network to its high-def lineup in select cities.

The channel, which is owned by the National Football League, airs eight regular season games during the second half of the season. It also shows several exhibition games in high-def.

Comcast and other cable operators such as Time Warner Cable have battled with the NFL in the past year over programming fees and packaging tiers.

However, Comcast has notified subscribers that the NFL Network will now be placed in its Sports and Entertainment package. The league approved of the decision.

The NFL Network HD offers several news and information shows in addition to live action. However, several shows are not broadcast in high-def.

The channel's regular season coverage will kick off on Thanksgiving night (Nov. 22) with a match up between the Super Bowl champion Indianapolis Colts and the Michael Vick-less Atlanta Falcons.

http://www.tvpredictions.com/comcastnfl080107.htm

Any idea what markets are going to be getting this channel?

So...will NFL HD be part of the regular Comcast HD lineup (which costs extra to have) or will it be blocked unless the Sports Tier is subscribed to?

So...will NFL HD be part of the regular Comcast HD lineup (which costs extra to have) or will it be blocked unless the Sports Tier is subscribed to?

B

"However, Comcast has notified subscribers that the NFL Network will now be placed in its Sports and Entertainment package. The league approved of the decision."

They haven't notified me. And what exactly is their "Sports and Entertainment package"?

"However, Comcast has notified subscribers that the NFL Network will now be placed in its Sports and Entertainment package. The league approved of the decision."

They haven't notified me. And what exactly is their "Sports and Entertainment package"?

For me it includes:

172 Fox Movie Channel
180 NFL Network HD
262 Fox College Sports Atlantic
263 Fox College Sports Central
264 Fox College Sports Pacific
267 Fox Soccer Channel Sports
271 Speed Channel Sports
273 NBA TV Sports HD
274 College Sports TV HD
277 Tennis Channel
749 NBA TV

[I]...They haven't notified me. And what exactly is their "Sports and Entertainment package"?
The Sports and Entertainment Tier is what Comcast charges $7.95/month extra for that you might have otherwise assumed you would get for free after forking over $100+ per month. Instead, I will be content with my 200 channels filled with old movies, old TV shows and infomercials. And I forgot to mention the “no habla” channels, so I have that going for me.

Mickey

"However, Comcast has notified subscribers that the NFL Network will now be placed in its Sports and Entertainment package. The league approved of the decision."

They haven't notified me. And what exactly is their "Sports and Entertainment package"?

I got a STB message back in June that NFL Network was moving from the digital tier to the Sports and Entertainment Tier. Many others here posted that they recieved a similar message.

I got a STB message back in June that NFL Network was moving from the digital tier to the Sports and Entertainment Tier. Many others here posted that they recieved a similar message.

I got the message on my STB, on my bill for two months in a row, and a notice was published in the local newspapers.

Just checked with a Comcast online CSR (via Live Chat option) regarding NFL HD.

Keep in mind the source, obviously....but according to "Lisa", they do not have an official list of which cities/markets are "select" yet. Also, much like the HD feed of HBO, Showtime, etc, you must subscribe to the SD version (in this case, the Sports tier) to get the HD version.

Lame! Oh well, at least where I am I can see my sad Raiders get trounced again this season on CBS.

Just checked with a Comcast online CSR (via Live Chat option) regarding NFL HD.

Keep in mind the source, obviously....but according to "Lisa", they do not have an official list of which cities/markets are "select" yet. Also, much like the HD feed of HBO, Showtime, etc, you must subscribe to the SD version (in this case, the Sports tier) to get the HD version.

Lame! Oh well, at least where I am I can see my sad Raiders get trounced again this season on CBS.

I believe the games are simulcast on a local station for the teams that are playing.

Just checked with a Comcast online CSR (via Live Chat option) regarding NFL HD.

Keep in mind the source, obviously....but according to "Lisa", they do not have an official list of which cities/markets are "select" yet. Also, much like the HD feed of HBO, Showtime, etc, you must subscribe to the SD version (in this case, the Sports tier) to get the HD version.

Just got off the phone w/them also. They have no knowledge of NFL-HD here in the South Jersey area.

"However, Comcast has notified subscribers that the NFL Network will now be placed in its Sports and Entertainment package. The league approved of the decision."

They haven't notified me. And what exactly is their "Sports and Entertainment package"?

I have it. It's @ 10 channels; CSTV, Fox regional college sports nets (several), couple soccer channels, NBA, NFL, Tennis, Horse Racing channel...and hopefully Big 10 soon.

We got notice here that NFL net was moving, maybe last month ???

GoIrish

For me it includes:

172 Fox Movie Channel
180 NFL Network HD
262 Fox College Sports Atlantic
263 Fox College Sports Central
264 Fox College Sports Pacific
267 Fox Soccer Channel Sports
271 Speed Channel Sports
273 NBA TV Sports HD
274 College Sports TV HD
277 Tennis Channel
749 NBA TV

Do you need to lease a box from them apart from paying $7.95? So $5 more? Is it possible to just scan these channels via QAM? Sorry, i'm a newb.

You should be able to access them with CableCards -- no box leasing necessary.

They just told me it's $4.95 here (S. Jersey).

They just told me it's $4.95 here (S. Jersey).

maxman,
If you like football, college football particularly, it's a good buy. Dump it after football and reup again next Fall (unless you're into NBA, Tennis, etc.)

GoIrish

Take two:

Comcast Adds NFL Network HD

The channel airs eight regular season games.

By Swanni

Washington, D.C. (August 1, 2007) -- Comcast has added the HD version of the NFL Network to its high-def lineup in select cities.

The channel, which is owned by the National Football League, airs eight regular season games in high-def (and standard def) during the second half of the season.

This season, it will air 34 of 52 pre-season games in high-def, starting with this Sunday night's Hall of Fame game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the New Orleans Saints at 8 p.m. ET.

Comcast has aired some of the NFL Network's regular season games in high-def on a special channel in the past, but the channel was added today 24/7 on channel 246 in the Washington, D.C. area.

The channel's regular season coverage will kick off on Thanksgiving night (Nov. 22) with a match up between the Super Bowl champion Indianapolis Colts and the Michael Vick-less Atlanta Falcons.

Contacted today by TVPredictions.com, a Comcast spokesman said he did not which markets are getting NFL Network HD, saying it's the decision of the local systems. He added that he would attempt to learn more and report back later today.

http://www.tvpredictions.com/comcastnfl080107.htm

Another newb question. Assuming that i get the box and not cable card, can my TV with QAM scan the HD channels like NFL-HD? Or do i need the HD box?

Basically, i'm on basic cable and i don't want standard cable. I just wanna add the sports package with HD channels.

I believe the games are simulcast on a local station for the teams that are playing.

Yeah..Oakland preseason games are shown locally in my area by the Fresno CBS station.

Another newb question. Assuming that i get the box and not cable card, can my TV with QAM scan the HD channels like NFL-HD? Or do i need the HD box?

Basically, i'm on basic cable and i don't want standard cable. I just wanna add the sports package with HD channels.

You'll only be able to get you local channels in HD with your QAM tuner. The others (NFL HD) are encrypted.

We're getting a bit off topic.

New Hampshire, Maine, Massachusetts & Connecticut systems should be getting NFL Network tomorrow (8/2). Check ch.853 or ch.214.

Charles Co , Md Comcast has announced the addition of Food HD & HGTV HD effective 8/10/07. They also announced that to receive NFL Network in HD you must subscribe to the sports tier.

Comcast said they have room for 120 HD channels in Chicago, plus faster internet.

http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=830402

After that, they can use switched video for even more room.
2 weeks ago we got A&E, HGTV, Food, and NG. I don't think we will get any more even though there's room. Why would Comcast go out of their way to provide more channels that will only be available here?

I've also noticed my internet speed is a lot faster.

2 weeks ago we got A&E, HGTV, Food, and NG. I don't think we will get any more even though there's room. Why would Comcast go out of their way to provide more channels that will only be available here?

Eventually they will drop analog channels in other areas, although not necessarily as fast as they did in Chicago. They have a high percentage of customers with digital boxes there. In Baltimore they dropped two analog channels in July and added two HD channels (which still leaves room for two more).

I would have.

Had they committed to going ALL DIGITAL by the end of 08 they could have had a waiver that would allow them to get enough DCT 700s to cover EVERY set cheaply

So NFL WAS the answer (Now online in MA Yes I DO GET SnE)

I say TBS-HD and/or Comcast north is next in the Boston market.

maxman,
If you like football, college football particularly, it's a good buy. Dump it after football and reup again next Fall (unless you're into NBA, Tennis, etc.)

GoIrish


Go Irish,

What a fantastic idea! I'm going to go with this for the fall, September-November and I think I'm going to really like it.

Are all the Fox channels broadcast in High Definition? I know that CSTV is HD, but I'd know about Chicago, but they don't show major tier games.

Go Irish!

Comcast in Nashville is finally adding Foodnetwork and HGTV in HD come august 31st. took them quite a while but better late than never, i guess.

2 weeks ago we got A&E, HGTV, Food, and NG. I don't think we will get any more even though there's room. Why would Comcast go out of their way to provide more channels that will only be available here?

I've also noticed my internet speed is a lot faster.

What are you saying, Jose?! They should go out of their way because Chicago is a very big market. Comcast knows it has a large percentage of subscribers in Chicago and they should be doing everything they possibly can to make us happy! A more appropriate question is why wouldn't they be going out of their way?

Furthermore we are in Big 10 country, the metropolis of the midwest. They know a lot of Chicagoans would want that Big 10 Network in HD, (like me ;) ).

Further if they could swing the following channels, I know we all would be busting with joy ;)

TBSHD
USA HD
History Channel HD
HDNet
HDNet Movies, (Comcast actually does offer this in Houston. Doesn't this make you mad that you don't have it in Chi town?)
CNNHD
Discovery
FX HD
Disney Channel HD
ESPN Classic HD

Are all the Fox channels broadcast in High Definition? I know that CSTV is HD, but I'd know about Chicago, but they don't show major tier games.

There may be HD versions of some of these channels, but the only RSN you'll get in HD is your local market. And CSTV may have an HD channel, but I don't think any Comcast systems carry it. So, unless I'm missing something, the only additional HD that anyone will get with the sport tier is NBA HD and NFL HD (when added).

There may be HD versions of some of these channels, but the only RSN you'll get in HD is your local market. And CSTV may have an HD channel, but I don't think any Comcast systems carry it. So, unless I'm missing something, the only additional HD that anyone will get with the sport tier is NBA HD and NFL HD (when added).

Oh, this changes everything. I'm already plenty busy, (but entertained). Watching the free broad cast games on Saturday fall afternoons. (ABC, NBC Notre Dame, CBS, and the ESPN and ESPN 2 games, sometimes even the fox games, or comcast sportsnet games). This was the whole reason why I came up with the 3 HDTV option in my bed room.

This sounded like a good idea, but there is no way I'd be able to simultaneously, (which is what I like to do), watch the additional channels. (7 HDTV option would be monsterous and my wife would probably leave me.) A garuntee of HD would have made me feel a little differently.

I've been reading various reports from people over on Broadband Reports and many are reporting that Comcast systems in and around PA & DE are at their max and that there will need to be upgrades before they're able to add new HD channels.

Apparently it could be until next summer before those two regions see new HD channels.

I've been reading various reports from people over on Broadband Reports and many are reporting that Comcast systems in and around PA & DE are at their max and that there will need to be upgrades before they're able to add new HD channels.

Apparently it could be until next summer before those two regions see new HD channels.

Aren't you reading the posts in this thread? All they have to do is move analogs to digital.

NBA TV games have been broadcast on INHD, no sports pack needed. Unknown if MOJO will have them. NFL HD isn't enough for me to sign up for the sports tier. I don't care about the SD channels.

NBA TV games have been broadcast on INHD, no sports pack needed.

NBA HD games on INHD were before NBA TV was moved to the sports tier. Wasn't it already confirmed that the sports pack will be needed to see NBA HD games in the future?

I've been reading various reports from people over on Broadband Reports and many are reporting that Comcast systems in and around PA & DE are at their max and that there will need to be upgrades before they're able to add new HD channels.

Apparently it could be until next summer before those two regions see new HD channels.

They are currently testing SDV in NJ and plan on rolling SDV out in 2008. This will help alleviate their capacity issues.

Aren't you reading the posts in this thread? All they have to do is move analogs to digital.

Of course I've been reading the posts in this thread. I'm just passing on what various Comcast subscribers have heard from Comcast employees in the PA/DE area. Really moving analog channels to digital is only a temporary solution to reclaim bandwidth.

SDV on the other hand sounds promising and something that Comcast desperately needs to compete with Directv, Dish Network & Verizon's FIOS TV, just to name a few.

NBA HD games on INHD were before NBA TV was moved to the sports tier. Wasn't it already confirmed that the sports pack will be needed to see NBA HD games in the future?

It really didn't matter what package NBA TV was included with when the NBA TV games were on INHD because it wasn't Comcast pre-empting the INHD content it was INHD that had the agreement with NBA TV to carry select HD games. The games were always listed on INHD's website which is something that can't be said for content that pre-empted INHD's programming.

For those of you in the Northwest...there's some more news about the RSN Comcast is launching soon:

http://blog.oregonlive.com/blazers/2007/08/everything_you_wanted_to_now_a.html#more

I'm not sure where the original came from. The good news is that this means a lot more Blazers games in HD, but what wasn't clear is whether they're going to have a dedicated HD channel or show them on another station as they have in the past...anybody have more details?

For those of you in the Northwest...there's some more news about the RSN Comcast is launching soon:

http://blog.oregonlive.com/blazers/2007/08/everything_you_wanted_to_now_a.html#more

I'm not sure where the original came from. The good news is that this means a lot more Blazers games in HD, but what wasn't clear is whether they're going to have a dedicated HD channel or show them on another station as they have in the past...anybody have more details?

Comcast SportsNet does a full time channel, not time shares.

FSN New England will also be relaunched as a Comcast RSN this fall as well.

... unless I'm missing something, the only additional HD that anyone will get with the sport tier is NBA HD and NFL HD (when added).

When was NBA-HD mentioned as an addition?

Go Irish,

What a fantastic idea! I'm going to go with this for the fall, September-November and I think I'm going to really like it.

Are all the Fox channels broadcast in High Definition? I know that CSTV is HD, but I'd know about Chicago, but they don't show major tier games.

Go Irish!

Unfortunately, none here are HiDef, ymmv there locally though.

For me the games take precedence over the presentation. Anything we do get in HD is a plus.

GoIrish

http://www.nfl.com/nflnetwork/faq_comcast

Comcast Customers NFL Network Update

Frequently Asked Questions:

1. I'm a Comcast customer and have access to NFL Network. I heard that Comcast is moving NFL Network to their Sports Entertainment Package, is this true?

Yes, it's true. Despite NFL Network's objections, Comcast has begun to notify customers they plan on moving NFL Network to their Sports Entertainment Package within the next 60 days.

2. What does this mean to Comcast customers? Will I have to pay extra to receive NFL Network when I previously had it as part of my digital cable package?

Comcast's decision to move NFL Network to their Sports Entertainment Package means you will have to pay approximately $5 more per month to continue to get NFL Network.

3. Will I still have free access to NFL Network On Demand?

No. Comcast's decision to move NFL Network also means that you will no longer have free access to NFL Network On Demand highlights. NFL Network On Demand content will only be available to Comcast consumers who typically pay $5 more per month for Comcast's Sports Entertainment Package.

4. Why is this happening?

Last year, Comcast asserted that it had a right under its contract with NFL Network to distribute the service only as part of its approximately $5 specialty sports tier, and to take it away from the digital basic subscribers who have received it as part of their regular service package. NFL Network believed Comcast's contract interpretation was wrong and brought a lawsuit to try to prevent Comcast from moving NFL Network to a sports tier. The court recently decided that Comcast's contract gave it the right to move NFL Network to a sports tier. Comcast has decided to do so, even though that decision means that you, the Comcast customer, will have to pay more to get NFL Network – and that if you decide to stick with your digital basic service, you will be receiving less content (no NFL Network) for the same price.

5. I heard Comcast owns sport networks like Versus and The Golf Channel, and requires that they be included in broad packages sold to most if not all customers on Comcast and other cable systems, regardless of whether those customers are interested in the Tour de France, or hunting, or hockey. Isn't it disingenuous of Comcast to charge customers typically $5 per month to get sports networks that they don't own, like NFL Network, while forcing customers to pay for Comcast's networks whether they want them or not?

Yes, it is.

6. What can I do if I disagree with Comcast's decision to put NFL Network on their Sports Entertainment package?

Call Comcast at 1-800-COMCAST (1-800-266-2278) and tell them you want NFL Network kept in your current cable package or you expect them to rebate you for NFL Network. Tell them you don't want to pay approximately $5 more per month to get NFL Network and their Sports Entertainment package. NFL Network is available as part of the basic package of networks on Dish Network (1-888-825-2557) and DIRECTV (1-888-777-2454). Call and switch today.

Comcast sucks!

That was written with the most NFL slant possible. I'm not a Comcast lover, but the contract between the NFL and Comcast was that IF Sunday Ticket became available to Comcast/In Demand, then the NFL Network would be left on Digital Basic. If not, then Comcast would be able to move the channel to the S&E Tier.

As for Versus and the Golf Channel, Comcast owns them and can setup carriage agreements in any way they want. I think that all TV channels should be ala carte.

That was written with the most NFL slant possible. I'm not a Comcast lover, but the contract between the NFL and Comcast was that IF Sunday Ticket became available to Comcast/In Demand, then the NFL Network would be left on Digital Basic. If not, then Comcast would be able to move the channel to the S&E Tier.

As for Versus and the Golf Channel, Comcast owns them and can setup carriage agreements in any way they want. I think that all TV channels should be ala carte.

It also fails to mention that NFL Net passed though to Comcast a rate increase of 6-7 times their original cost because NFL Net decided to put the games they intended to auction off on their own network. This increase was NFL's new rate once they added the eight games last Fall.

I would expect this played a part in moving this service to the tier.

GoIrish

But other service providers also increase their rates and Comcast just passes it on as marginal increases to the overall package. Here, Comcast is playing hardball because of the sunday ticket. In the end it will bite them as the NFL is the most popular sport in the U.S. by a mile. Also, in certain markets, Comcast actually has competition (can you believe it!) and may lose customers due to this decision.

So have any other markets besides Washinton DC and Boston MA gotten a dedicated NFL-HD channel?

NBA HD games on INHD were before NBA TV was moved to the sports tier. Wasn't it already confirmed that the sports pack will be needed to see NBA HD games in the future?

The HD NBA games on INHD were never available in my market until they added NBA TV. Only after I had signed up for the sports tier did INHD start showing anything when an NBA games was scheduled.

To me, the sports tier is worth it to get the Soccer channels. Considering the massive popularity of youth soccer here, it is really hard to see decent soccer in the US.

NBA HD games on INHD were before NBA TV was moved to the sports tier. Wasn't it already confirmed that the sports pack will be needed to see NBA HD games in the future?

NBA TV was always on the sports tier,and they still had games on INHD.

How many shows on NFLHD are really in HD?

How many shows on NFLHD are really in HD?

Live NFL games, game replays, Super Bowl specials, college bowls, prolly more

I wish I knew what's the next Comcast channel is, but, for the time being, swanni posted the following:

http://www.tvpredictions.com/highdefhigh080307.htm

http://www.hidefhigh.com/

Whatever the heck this is....

How many shows on NFLHD are really in HD?


That's a good question as it was just the games and, some of the replays (not all) and I think one studio show.

If someone has the detail on their true HD plans schedule wise, would be good to see it. I'm not sure it makes sense to burn up an HD slot for limited HD content during only one third of the year.

GoIrish

So have any other markets besides Washinton DC and Boston MA gotten a dedicated NFL-HD channel?

I can confirm that CT also got NFL HD added to 214 on 8/2/07 as announced by HDTVJunkie247 on 8/1/07 in this thread.

5. I heard Comcast owns sport networks like Versus and The Golf Channel, and requires that they be included in broad packages sold to most if not all customers on Comcast and other cable systems, regardless of whether those customers are interested in the Tour de France, or hunting, or hockey. Isn't it disingenuous of Comcast to charge customers typically $5 per month to get sports networks that they don't own, like NFL Network, while forcing customers to pay for Comcast's networks whether they want them or not?

Yes, it is.


lol... yeah, i bet they get that question all the time.

That's a good question as it was just the games and, some of the replays (not all) and I think one studio show.

If someone has the detail on their true HD plans schedule wise, would be good to see it. I'm not sure it makes sense to burn up an HD slot for limited HD content during only one third of the year.

GoIrishI've been hearing about NFL Films transferring archives to HD for a number of years now. It would not surprise in the least me to see them start to show up on NFL Network.

Does anyone actualy know what the hold up is in the philly area? I can only assume that some of the networks (Willow Grove, Norristown, etc) are not 750 or higher, but does anyone have actual data?

I can't belive we get shafted in the home base. Sinfull.

Does anyone actualy know what the hold up is in the philly area? I can only assume that some of the networks (Willow Grove, Norristown, etc) are not 750 or higher, but does anyone have actual data?

I can't belive we get shafted in the home base. Sinfull.

Yes -- as I pointed out previously, they are more concerned with their fabulous new Comcast Center construction in Philadelphia. Feast your eyes on where your monthly payments go:

http://phillyskyline.com/bldgs/comcast/comcast_uc1739.jpg

And if it was shifted over just one building to the left in this picture, they would definitely be sending a message:

http://www.phillyskyline.com/bldgs/comcast/comcast_uc1807.jpg

Yes -- as I pointed out previously, they are more concerned with their fabulous new Comcast Center construction in Philadelphia. The one has nothing to do with the other.

It's really chic to hate cable companies, these days, isn't it? You must feel really cool. ;)

The one has nothing to do with the other.

It's really chic to hate cable companies, these days, isn't it? You must feel really cool. ;)


What I read is they aren't the builder, they are though leasing the majority of the space and committing to a long term lease and thus it gets their name on the door. This then allows them to consolidate from several buildings around Philadelphia and get under one roof which they hope will create some efficiencies.

GoIrish

The one has nothing to do with the other.

It's really chic to hate cable companies, these days, isn't it? You must feel really cool. ;)

I am really cool -- I'm inside in A/C.

But yes -- it is related. Don't you think they are paying a ton for office space?

They need to be in AAA+ space in down town Philadelphia, in the tallest building in Philadelphia? There is less costly space available.

This is where a lot of your money goes, I'm sure, when you pay the Comcast bill. Consumers will be paying for this lease -- mark my words.

What I read is they aren't the builder, they are though leasing the majority of the space and committing to a long term lease and thus it gets their name on the door. This then allows them to consolidate from several buildings around Philadelphia and get under one roof which they hope will create some efficiencies.

GoIrish

Don't think it won't cost the consumer more money for them to lease this space in Philadelphia.

Comcast Corporation agreed to a significant presence in the tower — taking 873,000 square feet on 39 floors in a 15 1/2-year lease — the entire project was named after Comcast.

Don't think it won't cost the consumer more money for them to lease this space in Philadelphia.

Comcast Corporation agreed to a significant presence in the tower — taking 873,000 square feet on 39 floors in a 15 1/2-year lease — the entire project was named after Comcast.

Yes, yes, and just remember its all because people like me and you subscribe to their service, and either, happily or begrudgingly pay for the non essential, yet highly entertaining, services they provide! :D

I'd hate to see Comcast in a little shack some where in the dinjiest part of town, rather I think that it is very appropoe for a world class cable and telecommunications provider to call such a beautiful and expanding office building their world head quarters. Further more, the nice building really adds to the good people of Philadelphia's, (and the bad people's ), sky line!

The company must be doing well, and one of the 1st things you do when you're doing good is reinvest back into the business to give your work force, constituents, steak holders, and customers an even better product.

Because of the great year Comcast is having I'd even expect better service in the future.

Yes, yes, and just remember its all because people like me and you subscribe to their service, and either, happily or begrudgingly pay for the non essential, yet highly entertaining, services they provide! :D

I'd hate to see Comcast in a little shack some where in the dinjiest part of town, rather I think that it is very appropoe for a world class cable and telecommunications provider to call such a beautiful and expanding office building their world head quarters. Further more, the nice building really adds to the good people of Philadelphia's, (and the bad people's ), sky line!

The company must be doing well, and one of the 1st things you do when you're doing good is reinvest back into the business to give your customers an even better product.

Because of the great year Comcast is having I'd even expect better service in the future.

Fine. Then lower the prices. In every other business, the more you buy (or lease) something, the costs usually go down. However, they give no discount for multiple DVRs. In fact, you pay more for the 2nd DVR then the first.

And on that subject (costs of the box aside)-- it costs them nothing extra; zero, zilch, nada -- if you have their signal at multiple locations in your house. The signal comes down the wire -- there is nothing they have to do to the signal to have it appear on additional outlets. Yet they charge a fortune for each "additional outlet". Why? The phone company doesn't care how many phones are in the house. There should be no charge for additional outlets, over and above the cost of the DVR rental.

They play games with HD content, pretending that on-demand HD offerings are a full-fledged HD channel. Thus hyping the marketing as to how many HD channels they offer.

Need I go on -- how they rip us off. And I have no other alternative -- yet. Waiting for FIOS.

Yooo travelfan you're here too! I'm still mystified by that site, what Comcast wants to do with it...

Don't think it won't cost the consumer more money for them to lease this space in Philadelphia.

Comcast Corporation agreed to a significant presence in the tower — taking 873,000 square feet on 39 floors in a 15 1/2-year lease — the entire project was named after Comcast.

I doubt it's that much more $ since they are moving from practically across the street where they occupy a similar amount of sq ft in two different towers. This was a deal Philly wanted them to do as well as opposed to moving out of the City since they are one of the larger employers there.

Not really sure your rhetoric gets a lot of traction on this issue.

There are certainly other areas where it's easier to pick on Comcast than this.

GoIrish

So, what's the next HD channel for Comcast?

So, what's the next HD channel for Comcast?

TBS-HD? CNN-HD?

Or in my area: NGC HD? FOOD HD? AE HD? HGTV HD? We still haven't gotten them yet :mad:

Maybe there aren't any.

I doubt it's that much more $ since they are moving from practically across the street where they occupy a similar amount of sq ft in two different towers. This was a deal Philly wanted them to do as well as opposed to moving out of the City since they are one of the larger employers there.

Not really sure your rhetoric gets a lot of traction on this issue.

There are certainly other areas where it's easier to pick on Comcast than this.

GoIrish

Well you dont' have to drive to work every day and see the gleaming tower of Comcast rising above all in Philadelphia, mocking the Comcast users with its symbol of extravagence and wealth.

You look at a water front and some blue crabs.

Well you dont' have to drive to work every day and see the gleaming tower of Comcast rising above all in Philadelphia, mocking the Comcast users with its symbol of extravagence and wealth.

You look at a water front and some blue crabs.

can you take some pics of that?

Well you dont' have to drive to work every day and see the gleaming tower of Comcast rising above all in Philadelphia, mocking the Comcast users with its symbol of extravagence and wealth.

You look at a water front and some blue crabs.


That is true, although I'm afraid of crabs. so it's not all it's cracked up to be... :)

News on NFL HD here. Was told last night they are airing all the NFL HD content on the special events channel as they have done here the last couple of years. It will though only be available to NFL Net customers. This would be for Baltimore , Harford, Howard and Carroll counties and Balt City. They won't have this up until later this month along with some kind of notice to customers.

GoIrish

Yooo travelfan you're here too! I'm still mystified by that site, what Comcast wants to do with it...

Probably what they do with their other sites - put it up and then ignore it.

Fine. Then lower the prices.That is strictly a self-centered desire. Just because they're making profit you expect them to lower prices??? That is outrageous! They are in business to make profit. They have a fiduciary responsibility to their owners to make as much profit as possible. That's their job. It is what they're supposed to do.

In every other business, the more you buy (or lease) something, the costs usually go down.I work 5 miles from home. I fill my car's tank with gasoline once a month. My wife works 45 miles from home. She fills her car's tank with gasoline once or twice a week. She pays the same amount per gallon as I do.. Let me do another one. I go to the doctor once a year, and pay my $5 co-pay. My mother goes to her doctor once a week, and still pays a $5 co-pay. (Actually, if you look at it that way, she pays MORE for using more of something, because her insurance costs more than mine, but I'll not go that far because she's older than I am.)

You want other rules to apply -- rules that would result in an advantageous scenario for your desires. However, wanting doesn't make something true.

Waiting for FIOS.Who operates the same exact way. Why? Because it is the correct way.

can you take some pics of that?Yes, please present a photo of mocking. :rolleyes:

I don't understand why people choose to take things businesses do to fulfill their primary purpose so personally.

can you take some pics of that?

Pics of what?

I work 5 miles from home. I fill my car's tank with gasoline once a month. My wife works 45 miles from home. She fills her car's tank with gasoline once or twice a week. She pays the same amount per gallon as I do.. Let me do another one. I go to the doctor once a year, and pay my $5 co-pay. My mother goes to her doctor once a week, and still pays a $5 co-pay. (Actually, if you look at it that way, she pays MORE for using more of something, because her insurance costs more than mine, but I'll not go that far because she's older than I am.)

You want other rules to apply -- rules that would result in an advantageous scenario for your desires. However, wanting doesn't make something true.



Your analogy of gas makes no sense to leasing DVRs. Clearly they can and should charge less for increasing amounts of DVRs.

Just because they can charge whatever they want being a virtual monopoly, doesn't mean they should.

And you didnt' even address the additional outlet thing -- which is totally bogus.

No utility charges for additional outlets EXCEPT for the cable company.

It should be illegal.

can you take some pics of that?

Okay, here is one:

http://www.phillyskyline.com/bldgs/comcast/comcast_uc1818.jpg

News on NFL HD here. Was told last night they are airing all the NFL HD content on the special events channel as they have done here the last couple of years. It will though only be available to NFL Net customers. This would be for Baltimore , Harford, Howard and Carroll counties and Balt City. They won't have this up until later this month along with some kind of notice to customers.

GoIrish

Thanks. Maybe this time they will show all of the HD programs. (Not that I'm going to get the sports pack anyway.)

TBS-HD? CNN-HD?

Or in my area: NGC HD? FOOD HD? AE HD? HGTV HD? We still haven't gotten them yet :mad:

Don't forget NFL-HD... that has now gone to several markets.

Of those, we do have NGC-HD.

Your analogy of gas makes no sense to leasing DVRs. Clearly they can and should charge less for increasing amounts of DVRs.

Just because they can charge whatever they want being a virtual monopoly, doesn't mean they should.

And you didnt' even address the additional outlet thing -- which is totally bogus.

No utility charges for additional outlets EXCEPT for the cable company.

It should be illegal.

FWIW,
DVR's and all converter and remote equipment are regulated by the FCC. They are allowed to charge the customer a rate that gets spit out after you fill in 5 pages of calculations on an FCC rate form; initial cost, cost to maintian and service, depreciation, etc.

And here, additional outlets are free until you choose to throw a regulated piece of equipment onto it.

GoIrish

Thanks. Maybe this time they will show all of the HD programs. (Not that I'm going to get the sports pack anyway.)

Marcus,
I asked this earlier in the year but have you come off the sidelines on an HD DVD player as yet ? HD or BR ?

Just curious.

Goirish

Wow this thread likes to go off topic...

Again I am simply wondering if anyone knows what's up with philly. Are some of the suburbs systems not up to 750 or higher?

FoodHD just turned on in SE Michigan, channel 197.

Mark

Marcus,
I asked this earlier in the year but have you come off the sidelines on an HD DVD player as yet ? HD or BR ?

Just curious.

Goirish

Probably not until Universal supports Blu-ray.

Any word on Food Network HD in Baltimore? (Back on topic. Everyone can relax now. :rolleyes: )

FoodHD just turned on in SE Michigan, channel 197.

Mark

Detroit got Food HD and NGCHD almost three weeks ago, they went live in Lansing/GR this past week. I think yer Tivo software is a bit screwy...

Clearly they can and should charge less for increasing amounts of DVRs."Clearly"?!? It's not clear at all.

Logically, they should charge the same amount for each DVR. The hardware costs the same for each unit. The service expense per DVR is pretty much the same. Why should they charge less for the second unit?

Originally Posted by Marcus Carr
If bandwidth is the issue as he has stated, and not price, maybe it will be one of the 32-35 HD channels we will have by this time next year.

32-35 HD channels in 1 year? keep dreaming!


I'm not dreaming. That is what Comcast's Steve Burke has said. That's total HD channels, not new HD channels.

I have 20 HD channels now (counting Special Events). They could move about 6-8 analog channels to digital and that would give them enough room.


So where are the 32-35 TOTAL HD Channels by 2007?

Detroit got Food HD and NGCHD almost three weeks ago, they went live in Lansing/GR this past week. I think yer Tivo software is a bit screwy...


Damn! I even did a quick search first as to not embarrass myself in the event I missed the info.

Now I'll go downstairs at yell at my tivo :mad:

Sorry people!

Mark

Your analogy of gas makes no sense to leasing DVRs.A predictable response.

Yes, it does make sense. For anything beyond lifetime cable, they should charge whatever the market will bear. That's the reality.

Probably not until Universal supports Blu-ray.

Any word on Food Network HD in Baltimore? (Back on topic. Everyone can relax now. :rolleyes: )


I was told soon and no later than this Fall. Supposedly not the only addition at that time. No more info than that.

GoIrish

A predictable response.

Yes, it does make sense. For anything beyond lifetime cable, they should charge whatever the market will bear. That's the reality.

As a regulated monopoly, they are not legally allowed to charge whatever the market will bear.

"Clearly"?!? It's not clear at all.

Logically, they should charge the same amount for each DVR. The hardware costs the same for each unit. The service expense per DVR is pretty much the same. Why should they charge less for the second unit?

Okay -- I'll take the same then. Not more.

There is zero extra service expense on their end for multiple DVRs in a home.

They shoot the signal to a home. Whether that signal is divided among 1 or 5 DVRs costs them nothing extra.

There is zero extra service expense on their end for multiple DVRs in a home.When I mentioned "service expense", I was referring to the cost for telephone support. If the hardware fails or has problems and the customer has to call for help, that is an incremental cost---that is, it should be expected that a home with two DVRs will have twice the problems (and cost twice as much to support) as a home with only one DVR.

It's not like the things that businesses do can kill us, or anything. :rolleyes:

Anybody else remember when in order for businesses to fulfill their primary purposes, they used to pump all sorts of toxic waste into Lake Erie? Remember how because of it that great lake would periodically CATCH FIRE?



Yes, please present a photo of mocking. :rolleyes:

I don't understand why people choose to take things businesses do to fulfill their primary purpose so personally.

As a follow-up to the present discussion on DVRs and cable boxes, may I offer the following observation.

When they mandated the change from analog to digital TV, Congress gave electronics firms and media delivery services the greatest gift imaginable. What gift was that?

Everybody in America who wants to watch TV come February 2009, regardless of wealth, race, color, or creed, will have to spend money to do so. Everybody. Whether it is to affiliate with a media delivery service, like Comcast, or to buy a new television or OTA converter, everybody will have to spend money. If they don't, all of their old TVs, VCRs, and DVD recorders will simply cease to work. They will become very expensive, very heavy paperweights.

What a tremendous gift to China, first and foremost. And what a gift to the cable TV companies. No wonder there has been such a move towards monopoly in the cable (and satellite, with the ongoing negotiations between D* and E* for a merger) business over the last two years.

Can you imagine the sense of power Brian Roberts must feel at being one of THE PRIMARY SOURCES for television in the richest nation in the world?

Can you imagine the high Mr. Roberts gets at contemplating how much money he can charge in rental fees for all the cable boxes needed to run each of those TVs, VCRs, and DVD recorders?

Can you imagine how much money he and his corporation will make in the long-run from those rentals, with virtually no regulations on what services he must provide and fees he can charge?

I can all but guarantee you it feels better than sex, drugs, and rock-and-roll all put together.

The word bonanza doesn't do it justice. The adjective "heavenly" doesn't come close.

For Mr. Roberts and Comcast, it must verge on the transcendent. And well it should.

What a gift!

And that is why we must work through our city, county, and state governments to regulate the hell out of the fees being charged by this monopoly for our gateway to vital pubilc information. Imagine another 9/11/01, with NO WAY to get information by television!

All I know is if I were Al Qaeda, I'd be doing cartwheels at the thought of February 2009.

Can we keep this thread on topic, please?

You know, I think there is a political element to the shift of mass communication from analog to digital. And I think it bears discussion, and by that I don't mean flame wars. I'm curious how we set up such a forum. I feel so passionate about this that I'd consider moderating it.

Does anybody know how to do this?

Can we keep this thread on topic, please?

You know, I think there is a political element to the shift of mass communication from analog to digital. And I think it bears discussion, and by that I don't mean flame wars. I'm curious how we set up such a forum. I feel so passionate about this that I'd consider moderating it.
The owners have long ago decided that AVS will not be involved with political discussion.

What a tremendous gift to China, first and foremost. And what a gift to the cable TV companies. No wonder there has been such a move towards monopoly in the cable (and satellite, with the ongoing negotiations between D* and E* for a merger) business over the last two years.Your so-called gift is equally available to all multichannel providers, including all cableco's & DBS, not just Comcast.

o

As a follow-up to the present discussion on DVRs and cable boxes, may I offer the following observation.

When they mandated the change from analog to digital TV, Congress gave electronics firms and media delivery services the greatest gift imaginable. What gift was that?

Everybody in America who wants to watch TV come February 2009, regardless of wealth, race, color, or creed, will have to spend money to do so. Everybody. Whether it is to affiliate with a media delivery service, like Comcast, or to buy a new television or OTA converter, everybody will have to spend money. If they don't, all of their old TVs, VCRs, and DVD recorders will simply cease to work. They will become very expensive, very heavy paperweights.

What a tremendous gift to China, first and foremost. And what a gift to the cable TV companies. No wonder there has been such a move towards monopoly in the cable (and satellite, with the ongoing negotiations between D* and E* for a merger) business over the last two years.

Can you imagine the sense of power Brian Roberts must feel at being one of THE PRIMARY SOURCES for television in the richest nation in the world?

Can you imagine the high Mr. Roberts gets at contemplating how much money he can charge in rental fees for all the cable boxes needed to run each of those TVs, VCRs, and DVD recorders?

Can you imagine how much money he and his corporation will make in the long-run from those rentals, with virtually no regulations on what services he must provide and fees he can charge?

I can all but guarantee you it feels better than sex, drugs, and rock-and-roll all put together.

The word bonanza doesn't do it justice. The adjective "heavenly" doesn't come close.

For Mr. Roberts and Comcast, it must verge on the transcendent. And well it should.

What a gift!

And that is why we must work through our city, county, and state governments to regulate the hell out of the fees being charged by this monopoly for our gateway to vital pubilc information. Imagine another 9/11/01, with NO WAY to get information by television!

All I know is if I were Al Qaeda, I'd be doing cartwheels at the thought of February 2009.


Do you read the site or just post. This was posted one page back;

FWIW,
DVR's and all converter and remote equipment are regulated by the FCC. They are allowed to charge the customer a rate that gets spit out after you fill in 5 pages of calculations on an FCC rate form; initial cost, cost to maintain and service, depreciation, etc.


Read more and post less.

GoIrish

So, has there been any word if TBS HD will be coming in time for the baseball playoffs? Sorry for bringing this thread back on topic.

I was told soon and no later than this Fall. Supposedly not the only addition at that time. No more info than that.

GoIrish

Well, I sure hope that TBS-HD is one of those additions for the baseball playoffs.

Rich N.

As a regulated monopoly, they are not legally allowed to charge whatever the market will bear.Luckily, they're not a monopoly.

They are regulated, and the regulation allows them to charge whatever the authority will allow them to charge, which is a pittance for lifeline cable, and generally whatever the market will bear for discretionary tiers of service about lifeline cable.