Yes, ESPN2HD is either under contract or damn close to it. There will be an annoucement on this near the end of summer. I fully anticipate that ESPN2HD and UniversalHD will be added by Comcast in the fall, bandwidth permitting. In September or October, these two plus TNT-HD will be added in the Philly market.

Too bad it can't be sooner with the college world series being on Espn2HD as we speak.

Too bad it can't be sooner with the college world series being on Espn2HD as we speak.

I'm hoping ESPN2HD by Sep so that when ESPN shows SNF I'll be able to see SNB in HD.

As for HDNET, I don't think Comcast believes that a significant number of people want it. I can't understand (well, I'm weird) how people are so anxious for a channel like UniversalHD which is basically weekly series reruns and not clammering for the unquestioned leader in original HD programming. I'm afraid HDNET just isn't in our future.

But with ESPN2HD and Universal HD added I hope to have enough HD to always have something to watch. And that's about all we can expect I guess.

Now when Comcast offers free VODHD like they have free SD VOD (we watch it a lot) that will really be great. How many years away do you think that is?

Rich N.

Now when Comcast offers free VODHD like they have free SD VOD (we watch it a lot) that will really be great. How many years away do you think that is?

Rich N.
I can't see them offering it free, the whole point of VOD is for Comcast to make money on it, to take advantage of the money they invested in the MGM library among other things.

They'll probably continue to offer some free stuff to whet the customers appetite, but the meat of the material will have a charge. What that charge will be will determine my personal interest in VOD. For example, the upper limit of what I would pay for a VOD-HD movie would be $2, for a previously aired network show, maybe, just maybe, 50 cents.

I've seem reports that HD-VOD has had a charge of either $5.95 or $6.95 for it and to me that is way too much. VOD make take off like gangbusters but I think it will have to find it's pricing level first.

I believe that HDNet is one of the most highly requested channels out there and for whatever reason Comcast likes to make up, they would rather not add it. Its a shame because they do have some decent programming. I believe Mark Cuban posted that isn't true HDNet programming or something similar to that statement, refering to what is being shown in SF. Keep writing to Comcast and request HDNet. The customer reps will keep giving you the same response but keep hounding them. The more people keep requesting HDNet, you would have to think eventually they'll add it.

I believe Mark Cuban posted that isn't true HDNet programming or something similar to that statement, refering to what is being shown in SF.
It's definitely HDNet programming, it's just older stuff from a year or longer ago. It's on KRON's HD sub-channel. KRON has an agreement with Comcast to carry their HD channel, and on that channel, KRON has an agreement to carry older HDNet programming.

It also gives HDNet an OTA presence, in fact it's one of the few channels I can get OTA, being 60 plus miles from the tower, and it looks great both OTA and through Comcast.

So while Comcast is not carrying HDNet per se, HDNet programming is actually on the Comcast system here in SF through it's partner KRON. That's why I said it was sort of a backdoor type of thing regarding HDNet on Comcast.

Yes, ESPN2HD is either under contract or damn close to it. There will be an annoucement on this near the end of summer. I fully anticipate that ESPN2HD and UniversalHD will be added by Comcast in the fall, bandwidth permitting. In September or October, these two plus TNT-HD will be added in the Philly market.

does this include south jersey

Yes, ESPN2HD is either under contract or damn close to it. There will be an annoucement on this near the end of summer. I fully anticipate that ESPN2HD and UniversalHD will be added by Comcast in the fall, bandwidth permitting. In September or October, these two plus TNT-HD will be added in the Philly market.

Since TNTHD is still not available in many markets, do I assume that bandwidth is not permitting it? If so how are they going to add anything at all?

A tech was out to my house 3 days ago and he told me there are no bandwidth issues, at least here in south jersey

Keep writing to Comcast and request HDNet. The customer reps will keep giving you the same response but keep hounding them. The more people keep requesting HDNet, you would have to think eventually they'll add it.

So who is the best person/people to write to at Comcast?

-B

maybe this is a dumb question, but wouldn't HDNet be about the last channel comcast would add since it competes with InHD?No.

A tech was out to my house 3 days ago and he told me there are no bandwidth issues, at least here in south jerseyProbably got the info from a CSR.....

So who is the best person/people to write to at Comcast?

-B
Try the web site or the corporate offices.

President and CEO of Comcast Brian L. Roberts

Executive Assistant to the President of Comcast
Miss Lucille Fatil
1500 Market Street
Philadelphia, PA 19102

Probably got the info from a CSR.....

I have had many dealing with both TECHS and CSRs and the techs seem to know what they are talking about, and are helpfull, the CSR on the other hand are just flat out ignorant and rude. anyway the tech told me comcast in south jersey has the ability to add any channel they want right now including HD, especially since going to 256 QAM

I've never had a rude CSR, less than knowledgeable yes, as far as techs, you want to try and find out who the service manager is for your system. Those guys seem to be ones that have the answers concerning an area before anyone else. I had a pretty good relationship with one here until he went to a new area, now I have to train a new one.. :)

I have had many dealing with both TECHS and CSRs and the techs seem to know what they are talking about, and are helpfull, the CSR on the other hand are just flat out ignorant and rude.....You're missing the point.

Yes Shades, including South Jersey. BTW, the tech who came to your house fed you a line of BS. Most of the techs really have no clue on this subject. Regarding HD Net, it is nowhere near being a highly requested channel in surveys conducted by Comcast. lat time I checked, it was way down the list. People here know about it but a tiny percentage of Comcast subscribers know the HD Net channels even exist. Keep requesting it.

Yes, ESPN2HD is either under contract or damn close to it. There will be an annoucement on this near the end of summer. I fully anticipate that ESPN2HD and UniversalHD will be added by Comcast in the fall, bandwidth permitting. In September or October, these two plus TNT-HD will be added in the Philly market.

Any idea if they had to pick up ESPNU with ESPN2 HD? I hope so.

I'd bet if they did ESPNU'll end up on the sports tier

I'd bet if they did ESPNU'll end up on the sports tier

That's the reason ESPN2HD isn't on yet. ESPN said to get ESPN2HD Comcast would have to launch ESPNU on the main tier of digital service that all digital customers get, not the Sports Tier where Comcast wants to put it.

ESPN scenario is price increase for all digital customers (more $ to ESPN) v. the scenario Comcast wants of putting the cost only on the sports junkies (like me...) through the sports tier.

Hopefully they'll work out a compromise.

GoIrish

According to Comcast insider in the Boston forum ESPN2-HD, Disney HD, a 3rd unknown HD channel in July/August timeframe.

What is Disney HD?

Any new updates as far as Espn2HD/UHD?.....or HDNET/HDNET movies?

What is Disney HD?+

All - Disney HD was mentioned in another thread. Anyone know what, when, or if?

THANKS!

faceoff

According to Comcast insider in the Boston forum ESPN2-HD, Disney HD, a 3rd unknown HD channel in July/August timeframe.
JWhip said, earlier in this thread, that it would include Universal-HD in the 'Fall', along with ESPN2-HD. He didn't mention Disney-HD, though, so I guess it is a very recent development.

I just wonder when Comcast will go 'All Digital', even if the Analog channels are converted ?

Time Warner just started:

http://blog.cabledigitalnews.com/index.php?id=225

This could save some money on STB's (HD or otherwise) ...

We've had channel 259 appear on our local guide in the last few days here in the Richmond, VA market.

At this point, there is no programming or description, only the channel number 259, with "To Be Announced" in the guide. Tuning to the station gives a "Not Authorized" message.

I think this may be significant for a couple of reasons:
1. This is how the last two HD channels first appeared on our sysytem
2. Channel 259 is one channel up from TNT-HD (ch 249 on my system), so it's bordering the HD grouping

Anyone else have this? Any other indications it might be a new HD channel?

Well, I live in Sacramento,Ca. , and i hope the TnT-hd is true......I pay for around 120 channels and only watch the hd channels.......So, 50$ divided by 8= I am an idiot???lol

Well, I live in Sacramento,Ca. , and i hope the TnT-hd is true......I pay for around 120 channels and only watch the hd channels.......So, 50$ divided by 8= I am an idiot???lol

Well, I pay a lot more than that and have uncounted channels and two HD TVs and two HD-DVRs and I watch only HD channels and VOD SD. So if you are an idiot...

Rich N.

We've had channel 259 appear on our local guide in the last few days here in the Richmond, VA market.

At this point, there is no programming or description, only the channel number 259, with "To Be Announced" in the guide. Tuning to the station gives a "Not Authorized" message.

I think this may be significant for a couple of reasons:
1. This is how the last two HD channels first appeared on our sysytem
2. Channel 259 is one channel up from TNT-HD (ch 249 on my system), so it's bordering the HD grouping

Anyone else have this? Any other indications it might be a new HD channel?

In the Baltimore area 259 is a racing channel along with 260. Do you have 2 of them?

Rich N.

I only see a racing channel on 260. So, maybe that's what it will be. Oh well.
Thanks.

Comcast in Sunnyvale just plain sucks. INHD channels are not present although nearyby San Jose they are. Yet I still pay the same $5 extra. Also, FoxSportsHD is a no show.

It's funny the customer service lady was all confused since everywhere on their website says I should get those channels but they're not on the Channel Lineup Card.

Someone else came on later, Sunnyvale is Digital ready, but not "super" digital ready. :rolleyes:

His claim by sometime next year, the whole SF Bay Area is basically to be on the same channel lineup

Comcast in Sunnyvale just plain sucks. INHD channels are not present although nearyby San Jose they are. Yet I still pay the same $5 extra. Also, FoxSportsHD is a no show.

It's funny the customer service lady was all confused since everywhere on their website says I should get those channels but they're not on the Channel Lineup Card.

Someone else came on later, Sunnyvale is Digital ready, but not "super" digital ready. :rolleyes:

His claim by sometime next year, the whole SF Bay Area is basically to be on the same channel lineup

You can probably get more accurate info for your area in the San Francisco, CA - Comcast (www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?p=5869014#post5869014) thread. Sunnyvale is a 550MHz system IIRC. About 16% of the SF bay area is 550 and we all suffer from a lack of channels that neighboring cities do have.

The longer Comcast refuses to get HDNET/HDNET movies the more it seems we'll never have it imho....what can we Comcast customers do to change this?[i'm feeling that nothing we do'll change it] :(

The longer Comcast refuses to get HDNET/HDNET movies the more it seems we'll never have it imho....what can we Comcast customers do to change this?[i'm feeling that nothing we do'll change it] :(

Keep telling people within Comcast that you want it. Of course it is terribly irresponsible of Comcast not to have these channels when other cable companies have both HDNET and INHD. But they do have to make a profit so maybe they don't want to eat the cost of the channels since we don't have an HD Tier.

When D* and E* get INHD and Local HD then Comast will probably have to get the HDNETs but until they are truly forced to they just don't want to.

Also, I believe JWHIP said that in customer focus groups HDNETs were very low on the list of requested HD channels. I really don't believe that was a good sample, since it probably wasn't about national HD channels exclusively, but in the Philadelphia area (someone correct me here) and included locals. Plus, the average new or prospective HD person doesn't even know what HDNET is, so why would they vote for it?

This continues to be frustrating for many of us, and INHD seems to be getting worse (competitive eating?!), not better, and DiscoveryHD is slowly becoming the HotWheelsHD channel. We who love documentary-style non-commercial TV are really missing something here. Rats.

Overall, though, I am satisfied with Comcast and we probably will have all the national HDs (adding ESPN2Hd and UniversalHD) except HDNET this year, so that is pretty good. And of course, love those $5 HD-DVRs.

Rich N.

Send a pm to "mcuban"

The longer Comcast refuses to get HDNET/HDNET movies the more it seems we'll never have it imho....what can we Comcast customers do to change this?[i'm feeling that nothing we do'll change it] :(I'd bet the opposite: The longer negotiations go on, the better chance the deal gets done.

And keep those cards and letters coming, to both parties.

I sent the following email to comcast regarding TNT-HD and ESPN2-HD in the central NJ comcast market (NY DMA):

As a Comcast HDTV customer I would like to know when TNT-HD and ESPN2-HD will be added to the system. If they are not yet scheduled to be added I would like this email to serve as my support for those channels to be added as soon as possible.
Thank you.


I received something back other than the old canned response:

Dear Michael,

Thank you for contacting Comcast regarding our HD line up.

We are always looking to upgrade our channel line ups. In order to have those channels added we must work out a contract to have those channels available in High Definition. I am sure they will be available soon however I do not have a detailed time frame as to when this may take place. I will forward your concerns to our marketing department. I apologize for any trouble this has caused you.

If you have any additional questions, email us or give us a call at 1-800-Comcast or 856-354-1660.


Thank you for choosing Comcast.

Sincerely,

Ed
Comcast Customer Care Specialist


Thats kinda nice to not get the old response. And I like the "I am sure they will be available soon" part from an actual person.

"Ed" is an acronym for "Electronic" "device"... :D Just kidding...

I sent the following email to comcast regarding TNT-HD and ESPN2-HD in the central NJ comcast market (NY DMA):

As a Comcast HDTV customer I would like to know when TNT-HD and ESPN2-HD will be added to the system. If they are not yet scheduled to be added I would like this email to serve as my support for those channels to be added as soon as possible.
Thank you.


I received something back other than the old canned response:

Dear Michael,

Thank you for contacting Comcast regarding our HD line up.

We are always looking to upgrade our channel line ups. In order to have those channels added we must work out a contract to have those channels available in High Definition. I am sure they will be available soon however I do not have a detailed time frame as to when this may take place. I will forward your concerns to our marketing department. I apologize for any trouble this has caused you.

If you have any additional questions, email us or give us a call at 1-800-Comcast or 856-354-1660.


Thank you for choosing Comcast.

Sincerely,

Ed
Comcast Customer Care Specialist


Thats kinda nice to not get the old response. And I like the "I am sure they will be available soon" part from an actual person.


Well, gosh, Comcast already has a contract with TNT-HD, but I just don't see it on my HDTV, because it's not there.....

I sent the following email to comcast regarding TNT-HD and ESPN2-HD in the central NJ comcast market (NY DMA):

As a Comcast HDTV customer I would like to know when TNT-HD and ESPN2-HD will be added to the system. If they are not yet scheduled to be added I would like this email to serve as my support for those channels to be added as soon as possible.
Thank you.


I received something back other than the old canned response:

Dear Michael,

Thank you for contacting Comcast regarding our HD line up.

We are always looking to upgrade our channel line ups. In order to have those channels added we must work out a contract to have those channels available in High Definition. I am sure they will be available soon however I do not have a detailed time frame as to when this may take place. I will forward your concerns to our marketing department. I apologize for any trouble this has caused you.

If you have any additional questions, email us or give us a call at 1-800-Comcast or 856-354-1660.


Thank you for choosing Comcast.

Sincerely,

Ed
Comcast Customer Care Specialist


Thats kinda nice to not get the old response. And I like the "I am sure they will be available soon" part from an actual person.
Better response then mine. I asked the same thing for my market (Sacramento) and was told the markets receiving TNT-HD were "Beta Testing" the channel.

CSR responses are worthless.

CSR responses are worthless.

They are given 0 information on prospective launches by Comcast. Only on what has launched. If a CSR has been told of a launch of a new channel we here would know about it most likely as well.

That's puposeful so don't blame the CSR.

GoIrish

That's puposeful so don't blame the CSR.
GoIrish

I don't blame the CSR (in this case). I'm just saying don't expect any information about new HD channels from them. The above response contains nothing useful.
"I'm sure they will be available soon" is an empty statement.

And of course, love those $5 HD-DVRs.
They are not $5. Here, they are $5 more than an HD STB, which is $5 more than a Digital STB ($5, but not itemized).

So, nominally, a DVR is $10 with a Digital package, but add the included $5 fee, and in reality, it is $15. (And some areas let Expd. Basic subs get them, and for them it is $15.)

I haven't heard of variance in pricing on DVRs in Comcast areas, but it's possible; just not $5, but you probably didn't mean that, anyway. :)

They are not $5. Here, they are $5 more than an HD STB, which is $5 more than a Digital STB ($5, but not itemized).

So, nominally, a DVR is $10 with a Digital package, but add the included $5 fee, and in reality, it is $15. (And some areas let Expd. Basic subs get them, and for them it is $15.)

I haven't heard of variance in pricing on DVRs in Comcast areas, but it's possible; just not $5, but you probably didn't mean that, anyway. :)

He did mean that.

Here a standard HD box is $4.95, moving to an HDDVR is $9.95. That's the $5 he's referring to. Not sure of the imbedded $5 fee you're referring to, there is no fee for a standard set top box in the base digital package, it's included in the rate for digital service (first one anyway).

GoIrish

That's exactly how it works in the SF bay area...

Same here. $5 gets you HD service, another $5 gets you the DVR. That's a total of $10, not $15. No "included" fee.

He did mean that.

Here a standard HD box is $4.95, moving to an HDDVR is $9.95. That's the $5 he's referring to. Not sure of the imbedded $5 fee you're referring to, there is no fee for a standard set top box in the base digital package, it's included in the rate for digital service (first one anyway).
Exactly, since the first Digital STB is not itemized, here, I called it an included $5 fee.

It was simple to arrive at this:
I noticed they started listing Digital STBs, available for a la carte Digital Premiums, for $5, so that is the actual STB fee.

Therefore, if one has Digital Classic (with the included STB) for $10, then, in reality, it is $5 for programming and $5 for STB, just not itemized.

It is then $10 to upgrade that included $5 STB to a DVR, so the total cost , in reality is $15.

IOW, it shows on the bill as Digital Classic $10 and DVR $10, but in reality, Classic programming is $5 and DVR is $15.

As a side note, what do think the Digital Addtl Outlet fee is?
Here it is $7. (I have heard it varies from $5-$8)
What they are giving you is a $5 STB and $2 for mirroring.

http://img318.imageshack.us/img318/949/cable4be.jpg

That is not all that is available in your area. The website is a promotional tool, it doesn't have all of the choices available. To see what is available in your area, pick up a Prices/Services Pamphlet, mandated to be printed by the FCC.

For one, I can see that it doesn't show Digital premiums (and Digital STBs) available a la carte (with Basic), which is required by the FCC. Also, it doesn't show Digital packages w/o Standard, which we know is available in at least some areas; in other areas, people say it isn't so, but I haven't seen a pamphlet that bundles it (like the website), or has a prerequisite of Std. listed.

Actually it did show them, but they were got cut off from the screen capture I took, I was mainly showing the DVR/HD thing because it seemed like people were arguing about it. I just signed up on a nice deal that wasn't listed there specifically for current satellite customers :)

http://img318.imageshack.us/img318/949/cable4be.jpg

Da Truth....
I like The White Sox but the announcers are an ABOMINATION!!!!!

I have a new HD channel on the guide. 165 - HDPPV. any ideas? Nothing is on right now. it says to select info for more information.

Might be there because of last nights fight.

I have a new HD channel on the guide. 165 - HDPPV. any ideas? Nothing is on right now. it says to select info for more information.

It is not a new channel. Its is HD Pay Per View (HDPPV).

I wish Comcast would come to their senses and sign a deal w/HDNET and consider getting rid of INHD/INHD2[their programming's weak compared to HDNET/HDNET movies imho].

Comcast will never get rid of INHD, they partially own it with the other big cable providers.

Then how about merging it with HDNET?1 great channel instead of 2 mediocre ones.....then Comcast'd carry HDNET.

I don't want a merge, nor a switch. I want Comcast to get HDNET/Movies in addition to INHD1/2. From what I can tell, HDNET does have better programming. But INHD has inifinitely better sports, which is, to me, the best feature of HD viewing. They are complementary, not competitive services and those cable systems that have them both are very lucky, IMHO.

Rich N.

I'd willingly sacrifice INHD's for some channels that show decent HD movies. As far as Im concerned Comcast has way too much sports as is.

Don't know if HD-Net has many concerts, but it's one of the things I like best about INHD. No reason to "merge" anything; just add HD-Net and lets have both!

Yeah, it would be nice to get HDNet, but we still haven't gotten ESPN2 or Universal, as well as TNT in many areas. btw i think you are psycho to think there are to much sports in HD on Comcast. I actually get pissed if there isn't sports in HD on.

Comcast might as well get all of em and be done with it....the sooner the better.....btw i remember seeing in here that Comcast has a deal to carry Espn2HD....what's the holdup?

My first time in this part of the Forum. - What is Comcast going to do once those 3-4 Satellites go up for Direct TV and they use MPEG4?How will Comcast stay with a paltry dozen or so choices for HD when DirecTV will have a minimum of 150 HD Channels shortly thereafter? The Math is pretty easy - Comcast doesn't pony up to the table then subscribers won't stay with that type of selection. How can Comcast compete with that many Satellites that have been retrofitted for new technology and then MPEG 4 STB's?

Who cares if they convert to PPV HD? I'm already paying a hell of a premium for Digital and HD - wouldn't they love charging us for everything we watch - hopefully competition will prevent that from occuring. Would subscribers stay with comcast if they only could receive 24 HD Channels (or less) while DTV expands to hundreds and then over a 1000? I see debates on picking a station here and there while DTV is talking everything being in HD and MPEG4 should resolve compression issues.

Been viewing HD for 2 months and it is fantastic but the choices are limited and the reruns are unlimited. Live Sports in HD make it a new experience - but HDTV sales are growing quite rapidly now - I've never had Satellite but content choices numbering in the hundreds or more would definitely be a carrot for many to give it a go as HD is addictive. IMHO. Thanks! :D

#1 For the near term, Comcast need not be so concerned about what DIRECTV is doing. Most of the HD channels that DIRECTV will be putting up are locals, which Comcast already carries in a lot more markets than DIRECTV will.

#2 There isn't a lot of good HDTV channels that Comcast isn't already carrying, and there aren't too many must-have channels coming online soon. True, in some markets Comcast is bandwidth contrained. But the channels that they aren't carrying are forgettable, for the most part.

#3 Comcast will gain a huge chunk of bandwidth when they get rid of their analog channels. They will have zero problem competing with DIRECTV on bandwidth.

Some good points Balazer - I've never had Sat and this debate between the two reminds me of the incessant debate tween Pio and Panny Plasma PDP's - eternal argument.

Could anyone answer me this? I thought HGTV was going HD and I don't receive it on my Comcast and the nature of what they do on HGTV would be perfect for HD - I don't receive WB in HD either. Also would like Comedy Central. Sorry but it's hard to go back to SD PQ now.

I have to make one comment regarding old movies - I was watching INHD (I think and they had an old movie a few weeks back "The King and I" and the PQ and the colors for an old movie was simply amazing in HD. This means viewing all the old movies would be a totally new experience. Doesn't the HDNet system have an Old Classic Movie section? I'd pay for the VOOM package but it's no longer available. Sorry get excited about HD - I grew up watching those old movies on early TV with about a thousand commercials so it would be great seeing them on a 1080P big screen with no interruptions. We can hope! :D

balazer:

Good points. Please remember that although many of us might not find HD LIL of interest, far more than 90% of all new subs to DirecTV (and to Dish, for that matter) signed up for SD LIL when it became available in recent years. And both satellite service saw their sub rate soar market by market as LIL was added.

But where Comcast is going to have the biggest problems with DirecTV is the scale with which DirecTV will be able to advertise and promote its service.

Once HD LIL is widely available, (the first 24 markets will cover just under 50% of the nation's TV households) DirecTV can begin massive national advertising campaigns.

It could be difficult for Comcast to respond nationally since its systems have varying lineups and costs.

But we will see.

Comcast can advertise on a market-by-market basis, if they want. They already do a lot of advertising in local media.

AFAIK, Comcast doesn't advertise new channel additions anyway, it's usually HSI, VOD and cable service in general. Never seen them advertise for a particular channel.

Comcast advertises by region, for example, SF is in their western region yet they have about 5 different channel lineups, HSI speeds VOD and DVR availability. The mailers they send out usually have a third of the page devoted to all the disclaimers about not all services being in all areas. They are the quintessential bulk junk mail since there is never anything specific about a particular area. DirecTV has the advantage that what one gets, everyone can get.

I recently got a letter from Comcast about the addition of Weathernet Digital and WB HD (coming to Comcast this fall in Baltimore), but that's the first mailing I've gotten from them in well over a year. Other than that they've never advertised HD channels ahead of time, except when the sent a mailing about HD in general being added. HD channels show up without warning. It also mentions TNT HD which had already been added. They have, however, sent several messages this year through my cable box about new SD digital channels.

Could anyone answer me this? I thought HGTV was going HD and I don't receive it on my Comcast and the nature of what they do on HGTV would be perfect for HD - I don't receive WB in HD either. Also would like Comedy Central.

HGTV isn't HD yet. Probably next year. WB is added on a local basis. Comedy Central has no HD plans that I've heard of so far.

But even in specific markets, balazer, Comcast offers different lineups in different communities. as keenan points out.

It will be far simpler for DirecTV to effectively and quickly market its service once it gets its HD LIL ducks in a row.

But I guess we will see.

westa6969:
Scripps has announced plans for a new HD channel which would include content from four of its networks: HGTV, Food Network, Fine Living and DIY.

At last word, some months ago, it was scheduled for late 2005 or early 2006, but somehow I would bet (along with Marcus Carr) that the arrival will be later rather than sooner.

westa6969:
Scripps has announced plans for a new HD channel which would include content from four of its networks: HGTV, Food Network, Fine Living and DIY.

At last word, some months ago, it was scheduled for late 2005 or early 2006, but somehow I would bet (along with Marcus Carr) that the arrival will be later rather than sooner.

Actually, as you have posted elsewhere (http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?s=&threadid=527994&highlight=scripps), it will be two channels. ;)

:)
I had totally forgotten that update!
Thanks Marcus!

Will people who can get HD locals via antenna be able to get HD locals from DirectTV when they implement HD LIL? If so, that will definitely impact Comcast's ability to compete and maybe spur them on to hasten the movement of SD channels to the digital realm, thus freeing up bandwidth while retaining the analog for the basic tier of local channels.

Rich N.

Will people who can get HD locals via antenna be able to get HD locals from DirectTV when they implement HD LIL? If so, that will definitely impact Comcast's ability to compete and maybe spur them on to hasten the movement of SD channels to the digital realm, thus freeing up bandwidth while retaining the analog for the basic tier of local channels.

Rich N.
Absolutely, getting their customers HD LiL is DirecTV's response to compete directly with Comcast and the other cablecos.

While cable says their infrastructure buildout is essentially done, they will need to continue to work on ways to get the most out of that infrastructure to stay competitive.

Competition is great.. :)

Comcast has planned soon or already started moving the expanded analog channels to digital tier in a few markets. Expanded tier consists of 70 or so analog channels, free them up means room for 700 new SD channels or 150 new HD channels, more than enough for the next few years, at very low cost for conversion.

The question is whether they can do the conversion successfully. Judging by the results of their HDDVR and VOD rollout, they might have a chance to make this work. It however might take a D* national HD LIL campaign to get Comcast moving.

Comcast has planned soon or already started moving the expanded analog channels to digital tier in a few markets.

The question is whether they can do the conversion successfully.

Many people are not going to take to kindly to Expd. service requiring a Digital STB.

First, is the price. Are they going to make people pay $5 per STB?
IIRC, one area was giving up to three for free, and then a discounted rate for more. But how long can they lose $ on STBs. Maybe, that is why they just recently raised Expd's price a higher % than ever, here, in anticipation of this.

Second, is ease of use. Heck, even for me, I didn't find their remote good, having to change modes, and the layout, so I had to buy a universal remote to make use of everything seemless.

Third, is space. Some rooms can't accomodate an STB, especially a kitchen, worse yet, if one has an LCD there, because it can't be stacked.

Even within a service area, there would have to be a staggered rollout to accomodate everyone. In fact, unless they can convert part of a system, they will simply make some people get Digital STBs artificially early.

Look, I am all for it, but I just wish there had been Digital Cable Ready TVs at retail for a few years, already.

As a side note, where are the HD CableCard STBs for sale? They have been delayed for a year, already.
Maybe we will see SD CC STBs? I tend to doubt it, though, but who knows.

Many people are not going to take to kindly to Expd. service requiring a Digital STB.

First, is the price. Are they going to make people pay $5 per STB?

Regarding the above question...from The Philadelphia Inquirer,

Posted on Mon, Jul. 25, 2005

Consumer Watch | Why Comcast still requires converters

By Jeff Gelles

Inquirer Columnist

Weary of watching her Comcast bill rise each year, Joyce Edge thought she'd finally found a way to make it fall. She also thought she'd caught the nation's largest cable company being deceptive.

She was at least partly wrong on both counts, but she wasn't without evidence, either. And the questions her story raises reveal much about today's feckless cable-TV regulation.

The key question: Why are Comcast's Philadelphia customers, unlike any other Comcast customers in the region, required to rent a set-top converter box and remote control?

The converter is the main reason Comcast's Philadelphia customers pay about $5 a month more than most of their suburban counterparts for "expanded basic" service, the popular tier that includes CNN, SportsNet, MTV and dozens of other channels.

Moreover, Comcast raised the price tag for the converter and remote about 20 percent this year to $4.55 a month - a hefty jump even in an industry notorious for raising its prices at twice the rate of inflation.

So why do we need them?

I always assumed the answer was crime, but now I think it's more about punishment. Philadelphians embrace Comcast. We wink at its behavior as a virtually unregulated local monopoly because it's our star company. It draws attention. It builds skyscrapers.

But while it hugs us back, it's also squeezing people like Joyce Edge.

The converter technology was developed, of course, to guard against theft. It works by decoding channels that are "scrambled," or encrypted. Without it, Comcast says, you can't get its service in Philadelphia.

But a recent experience made Edge a skeptic. She hooked up a new "cable-ready" television directly to her cable, and got every single channel.

Convinced the converter was a waste of money, Edge took it back to Comcast - where she was warned that if she turned it in, her service would be terminated.

Edge says a Comcast staffer blamed the requirement on the Federal Communications Commission. She called the FCC, and says an agency employee blamed it on "a deal between Philadelphia and Comcast."

Edge's angry conclusions: "They're ripping off people in Philadelphia, and they're lying."

Well, I doubt anybody actually lied. More likely, they were confused, as I was when I began seeking answers.

It turns out Edge may indeed have gotten all the channels, but not because Comcast doesn't scramble, says spokesman Jeff Alexander. He says the process is sometimes shut off while engineers adjust the system.

Nor does Comcast, which is investing heavily in new and pricier digital technologies, currently have the ability to scramble all analog channels.

But why do honest Philadelphians have to pay an extra five bucks each month for security when there must be cable thieves in the suburbs, too? Why not share those costs more widely?

Comcast's answers to those questions are a little less persuasive.

Asked about theft trends, Alexander referred me to an industry group that says analog-signal theft dropped more than 50 percent from 2000 to 2004.

Are there more theft attempts in Philadelphia than in every suburb Comcast serves? Alexander won't say.

What he does say is this: Philadelphians have the privilege of paying for converters because the city system was built after scrambling technology, the best deterrent available, was developed.

Ironically, there's a grain of truth in the finger-pointing Edge ran into. Equipment fees are among the last items still covered under cable-price regulation, which Congress gutted in 1996 in the mistaken belief that competition would swiftly follow.

That 20 percent hike in converter fees? It was indeed OK'd by the city, but under FCC rules that city officials say leave them no real discretion.

What will alter this landscape? True competition from innovative technologies, coupled with smarter regulation that genuinely levels the playing field.

Until then, we're stuck.

http://www.philly.com/mld/inquirer/business/12214295.htm
Philadelphia Inquirer | 07/25/2005 | Consumer Watch | Why Comcast still requires converters

As a side note, where are the HD CableCard STBs for sale? They have been delayed for a year, already.
Maybe we will see SD CC STBs? I tend to doubt it, though, but who knows.
If I had to bet, my bet would be that we will never see these, the cablecos have pushed back the date the FCC had mandated, ostensibly for more time for research and development, but actually, as people in the industry have noted, it's actually to give the cablecos time to develop their own multi-functional equipment(DVRS, home media centers, etc..) in an effort to make CC equipped devices a less compelling choice for consumers.

[QUOTE=QZ1]Third, is space. Some rooms can't accomodate an STB, especially a kitchen, worse yet, if one has an LCD there, because it can't be stacked.
QUOTE]


On Motorola's website they have a DCT700 STB that is very small and would work in those applications.

Many people are not going to take to kindly to Expd. service requiring a Digital STB.

First, is the price. Are they going to make people pay $5 per STB?
IIRC, one area was giving up to three for free, and then a discounted rate for more. But how long can they lose $ on STBs. Maybe, that is why they just recently raised Expd's price a higher % than ever, here, in anticipation of this.

Second, is ease of use. Heck, even for me, I didn't find their remote good, having to change modes, and the layout, so I had to buy a universal remote to make use of everything seemless.

Third, is space. Some rooms can't accomodate an STB, especially a kitchen, worse yet, if one has an LCD there, because it can't be stacked.

Even within a service area, there would have to be a staggered rollout to accomodate everyone. In fact, unless they can convert part of a system, they will simply make some people get Digital STBs artificially early.

Look, I am all for it, but I just wish there had been Digital Cable Ready TVs at retail for a few years, already.

As a side note, where are the HD CableCard STBs for sale? They have been delayed for a year, already.
Maybe we will see SD CC STBs? I tend to doubt it, though, but who knows.

As long as they leave the basic analogs alone, there will be little resistence. What option do people have? Move to satellite and never have to use a STB? IN the test market, digital STBs are $1.99/mo. if I remember correctly.

Sony has two cablecard HDDVRs for sale now, one with a 250GB, the other 500GB drive. People have had many issues with cablecards so far, you'd better save the $599 or $799 for the Sony's and rent a Comcast HDDVR for now.

In my area, one day Comcast turned off the analog HBO and SHO channels, anyone who wanted HBO had to get a digital STB. That move had caused some defection to DBS, but Comcast seemed to accept that.

Some people want to make it sound like only cable subs pay for STBs.

If I had to bet, my bet would be that we will never see these, the cablecos have pushed back the date the FCC had mandated, ostensibly for more time for research and development, but actually, as people in the industry have noted, it's actually to give the cablecos time to develop their own multi-functional equipment(DVRS, home media centers, etc..) in an effort to make CC equipped devices a less compelling choice for consumers.
No, the FCC mandate for cablecos to use CC STBs was delayed. I am talking about CC STBs at retail, they were delayed a year so far. They were mandated to be supported as of July '04, as I am sure you know. I think we might see some inexpensive SD CC STBs, but nothing HD until CC v.2, but who knows.

As long as they leave the basic analogs alone, there will be little resistence. What option do people have? Move to satellite and never have to use a STB? IN the test market, digital STBs are $1.99/mo. if I remember correctly.

I didn't say they will necessarily switch, I said they won't take to kindly to it. :) There will be a lot of complaints, especially for non-tech inclined (including the elderly) and newspaper articles. Like I said, I am all for it, but it won't be as easy as making premiums Digital-only.

I was just reading about this, again, on another forum. It is the first three STBs for free for a year, then $1/mo. for each addtl STB, then it goes up to $5.

But this isn't clear to me. After the one year discount, do only boxes over a qty. of three become $5 or do all boxes become $5?

What if one already has a digital box(es); do they still provide three for free or just enough to reach three in the house?

I guess, only somebody from that area would know the answers to these questions, but this will be interesting to know as this almost-all-Digital rollout will be everywhere eventually.

On Motorola's website they have a DCT700 STB that is very small and would work in those applications.
Not my parent's kitchen, they have a TV in the corner of the counter, so an STB on the CRT TV would work. But what happens if they get an LCD? (Some people have LCDs there already.) Maybe the STB would would fit behind the TV, but what about IR signals? I can't see how an IR/RF tensmitter would help with no line of sight.

See, it isn't as easy as it looks, that is why they want a CableCard LCD, but nothing exists less than 26". They need one of those new 19" 16:9 LCDs, but no CC exists yet. Heck, I have room in my kitchen for an STB, but I am waitng for CC there also.

They should have integrated CC into the most popular TV sizes first, not the largest. By now, the smaller TVs would have been mandated for CC already.

No, the FCC mandate for cablecos to use CC STBs was delayed. I am talking about CC STBs at retail, they were delayed a year so far. They were mandated to be supported as of July '04, as I am sure you know. I think we might see some inexpensive SD CC STBs, but nothing HD until CC v.2, but who knows.
Maybe, but I think the cost would be too high for what you get. With a dual-tuner CC DVR the cableco could charge for 2 CCs, and in my area, that would be $14 a month. CCv.2 would be the one that might present opportunities for some third party equipment.

I have read that the Sony single CC DVR is not that great of a unit, the obvious being the one tuner with a $700-1000 price tag being the other.

I would like nothing more than have CC become more mainstream, It bugs me that I have to depend on a mass-produced, low-cost piece of equipment to decode my HD signals.

I think conditional access might have a better chance than further iterations of CableCARD.

I think conditional access might have a better chance than further iterations of CableCARD.
How do they differ?

I don't have much info, but what was explained to me was that CA would work with customer or third party equipment for the decoding of the encrypted signal by just plugging the cable feed into the equipment. This would include two-way communication for things like VOD, PG, and PPV, etc.

Even though I have a CableCARD display, and the picture is better than from the STB...and obviously, the use of CA would require new equipment at the customer, I would like to see the effort put into CA rather than any more CableCARD versions.

CableLabs, the ones that came up with CableCARD are also the one's working on Conditional Access.

Not my parent's kitchen, they have a TV in the corner of the counter, so an STB on the CRT TV would work. But what happens if they get an LCD? (Some people have LCDs there already.) Maybe the STB would would fit behind the TV, but what about IR signals? I can't see how an IR/RF tensmitter would help with no line of sight.

See, it isn't as easy as it looks, that is why they want a CableCard LCD, but nothing exists less than 26". They need one of those new 19" 16:9 LCDs, but no CC exists yet. Heck, I have room in my kitchen for an STB, but I am waitng for CC there also.

They should have integrated CC into the most popular TV sizes first, not the largest. By now, the smaller TVs would have been mandated for CC already.

I didn't say it was simple, I just said it would work in those applications with a LCD in a Kitchen. The perfect addition to that STB would be a infared receiver port, but we have infared repeater systems now that would do the same thing.

I did't say it was cheap either. :D

b

Does anyone have any clue if Comcast, will ever add MSG HD to it's lineup for Northern NJ or any new HD channels at all?

Does anyone have any clue if Comcast, will ever add MSG HD to it's lineup for Northern NJ or any new HD channels at all?

Comcast has been showing Mets home games on MSG HD on INHD2.

Any new info on when Comcast's going to get Espn2HD?....last we heard it was August/September and it's August 1st btw.

Hope they add it soon, I wanna catch all as much MLB in HD as I can before the season ends. Although I've noticed that INHD's broadcasts have way better PQ than ESPNHD's.

Hope they add it soon, I wanna catch all as much MLB in HD as I can before the season ends. Although I've noticed that INHD's broadcasts have way better PQ than ESPNHD's.

I am also anxious for ESPN2HD for baseball, especially Sunday night baseball when ESPNHD has the NFL. Also, 2HD has college football friday nights which would be nice.

Yes, INHD does have good quality HD baseball. I believe their contract runs through 2006. My guess (just pessimism, no evidence) is that they will lose the contract after that, much as HDNET lost it a few years ago.

Can someone can tell us if it is likely INHD will continue showing baseball after 2006?

Thanks,

Rich N.

I thought Universal-HD was going to be the next HD channel added to Comcast, then ESPN-2?

I thought Universal-HD was going to be the next HD channel added to Comcast, then ESPN-2?


I don't know that anyone can predict an order, it depends on which negotiation concludes first. Both are being negotiated and have been for a number of months. In both situations, HD is not the only piece of the negotiating puzzle with the content provider. In fact, it may not even be the most important aspect of the overall scope of the respective negotiations.

I do know though that including it in the final scenario that is agreed upon is important to Comcast.

Regards,
GoIrish

OK - looks like D* has their date for ESPN2-HD, any Comcast "informants" out there with an update?

I thought Universal-HD was going to be the next HD channel added to Comcast, then ESPN-2?

The SF Bay Area still does not even have TNT-HD
which was announced as a channel addition in April! :confused:
It seems that channels are added selectively and will definitely
vary throughout the country. Who knows what you'll see?!!!

The SF Bay Area still does not even have TNT-HD
which was announced as a channel addition in April! :confused:
It seems that channels are added selectively and will definitely
vary throughout the country. Who knows what you'll see?!!!
When the 64>256 QAM conversion is completed here hopefully they will add it.

The Phila. metro area (QAM 256) (860 MHz, IIRC) doesn't have TNT-HD either. Word is, that we have more On Demand content than others areas. Whoopee! :rolleyes:

The Phila. metro area (QAM 256) (860 MHz, IIRC) doesn't have TNT-HD either. Word is, that we have more On Demand content than others areas. Whoopee! :rolleyes:
Last I read we were to get ESPN2 HD & TNT HD this fall (Philly market). I haven't read any updates for some time now. Hopefully we will very soon. Digital simulcast started last week.

13 days til September and still no word as to when Espn2HD's coming.

Too bad OLN is not in HD, too... anyone hear that Comcast just made a deal to show hockey on OLN, since ESPN decided not to renew (?) the contract they had.

It's really too bad. Hockey, IMO, is one of the best sports in HD. 2/3s of the ice shown... great pictures.. :)

They are going to broadcast the games in HD according to what is being said on Comcast sportsnet right now

INHD at first and then they are launching OLN-HD later this year. Too bad I can't get Comcast, they will find some way to keep the channels off D* and Adelphia has a crappy selection. No HD hockey for me.

For once I'm happy I have Comcast. Too bad we still have no TNT in Philly, and no ESPN2, HDNet, or UHD.

For once I'm happy I have Comcast. Too bad we still have no TNT in Philly, and no ESPN2, HDNet, or UHD.

And soon to be many more we won't have, like the FOX HD channels and the others coming soon. hey but i am sure we will have OLN-HD soon :rolleyes: i bet the bandwidth is found for that mysteriously

INHD at first and then they are launching OLN-HD later this year. Too bad I can't get Comcast, they will find some way to keep the channels off D* and Adelphia has a crappy selection. No HD hockey for me.


OLN is availabe on Satelite, they can only keep CSN philly off because of a loophole

And soon to be many more we won't have, like the FOX HD channels and the others coming soon. hey but i am sure we will have OLN-HD soon :rolleyes: i bet the bandwidth is found for that mysteriously
Probably a very solid bet...

13 days til September and still no word as to when Espn2HD's coming.

Any word about ESPN2HD and Comcast, o Magic 8 Ball?

Probably a very solid bet...

Makes me wonder exactly how much bandwidth is available on Comcast. I have all their current HD channels (local UPN isn't doing HD yet). And they've added several SD digital channels this year. TNT HD is 763 MHz.

Any word about ESPN2HD and Comcast, o Magic 8 Ball?

Or JWhip? Haven't seen him post in a while

Sorry but I have been out of the country and have no current information, yet.

JWhip just went on Vaca.. give him a break. :):)

I thought Universal-HD was going to be the next HD channel added to Comcast, then ESPN-2?

Universal-HD is broadcasting US Open Tennis (USA Network broadcast in HD) every night...and still nothing on it from Comcast. I am also confident that the HD broadcasts of Winter Olympic events that NBC shows on its cable outlets (CNBC, MSNBC, Bravo, etc.) next February will be shown on this network as well. Are they even planning to add this station?

The same question applies to ESPN2-HD. The big "event" on this station will be a solid share of the 2006 World Cup, all broadcast in HD. (Although, I would think that the college football and basketball lineup in HD would be the immediate impetus for its inclusion.

My frustration has to do with lack of any word at all....what is their policy in regard to adding anything at all?

D* has UHD and periodically shows last SummersOlympics HD

My frustration has to do with lack of any word at all....what is their policy in regard to adding anything at all?

This is a concern of all of us Comcast HD viewers. I haven't heard a decent rumor even about ESPN2HD.

Almost as bad, they rollout more HD to regions only 60 miles away without sign of giving the same extra HD channels to neighboring regions (I'm not talking about a big city or beta testing areas).

Comcast's plans for each particular region seems very fuzzy with out much coherent or transparent plans known to it's customers.

Comcast "plans" that CSRs have spoke to me about (over the last year) without truly materializing or getting a defined timeline / game plan:

a) STB / headend type (unification from SA to Moto)
b) Channel lineup alignment (part of SA to Moto convert)
c) HD channels (gaining back some, getting new)
d) Convert analog channels over to digital (free up bandwith for more HD, improve PQ)

The rumors are that negotiations are proceeding between Disney and Comcast for all their products including ESPNU and ESPN2HD and hopefully we'll hear something soon.

It seems very likely, only the timeframe is to be determined.

At least this will be happening. No positive rumors on HDNET/Movies that I've heard.

Rich N.

It's too bad Comcast can't at least put the US Open on the HDSE channel since it's rarely used.

I called a couple weeks back to inquire about the SA8300HD box that I know they are beta-testing, and have been for some time now. I was told they have put it on the back burner as they are now concentrating on "cable phone" trying to get it on the market. I inquired about HGTV-HD and if they would be carrying it from its inception or would we have to wait and wait for it - the response was:

"At the present time, we do not have an agreement with HGTV to carry their HD programming. While we do not currently offer this channel, it is possible that we may be able to bring it to you in the future...Although High Definition Television is still in its early stages, we are moving as quickly as we can to provide as much content as possible. Comcast is constantly working on ways to provide the maximum range of services to our subscribers. Unfortunately, for various reasons, some services that we hope to provide at some point may not be available to our subscribers at this time. When they become available to us, we will be glad to add them to our existing lineup...Please be assured your request has been forwarded to our Marketing Team for consideration."

I imagine a lot of the HD stuff is being put in the background due to their new baby --- "cable phone".

My frustration has to do with lack of any word at all....what is their policy in regard to adding anything at all?Public info on adding HD stations is almost nonexistent. We always know in advance. Check out my & JWhip's previous posts.

I got a message this week pop up on my 6412 that the DFW area is getting Universal HD early in September. No word on ESPN2.

I got a message this week pop up on my 6412 that the DFW area is getting Universal HD early in September. No word on ESPN2.
That's encouraging, is UHD on any Comcast system yet?

Why does it seem like Comcast has this uncanny timing for adding channels right after something really cool was shown on them?


We're gonna get Universal HD right after the U.S Open coverage ends. :rolleyes:


What do you wanna bet we get ESPN2-HD right after the MLB season ends?

How much HD programming is actually on ESPN2-HD ? If it's anything like ESPN-HD, then it isn't worth even having.

-Ken

How much HD programming is actually on ESPN2-HD ? If it's anything like ESPN-HD, then it isn't worth even having.

-Ken

Agreed. I'd much rather get UHD first as Battle Star Galactica in HD would be fun to see.

How much HD programming is actually on ESPN2-HD ? If it's anything like ESPN-HD, then it isn't worth even having.

-Ken

That's a decent point, Ken, but upon reading it I asked myself---how much HD do I really watch, on any one channel? I pick and choose and I'm all over the place...InHD, DiscoverHD, PBS HD, HBOHD --- if they have some good HD content that I really want to see, even if it's infrequent, it's worth it. To me, anyway.

Jon,

I would agree except that if bandwidth is limited on the cable system I would rather have a full time HD channel such as Universal-HD or HDNET before anymore limited HD channels.

-Ken

I'm hoping that Food HD in 2006 will have a lot of content. I think my favorite show there is filmed in HD already. (Good Eats)

I hope they don't take their sweet time with that one, too. :)

Jon,

I would agree except that if bandwidth is limited on the cable system I would rather have a full time HD channel such as Universal-HD or HDNET before anymore limited HD channels.

-Ken

Well, everyone is different. I never watched most UHD shows when they were on, so I don't know how much I would watch just because they are in HD. However, if they don't have commercial interruptions I guess there may have something to interest me. I'm not a soccer nor a NASCAR fan.

While ESPN2HD may only have a few events a week, it will grow. And with season-ending baseball, football and then college basketball....

Given the choice I would take ESPN2HD first in a heartbeat.

That's what's good about this forum. A chance to express individual feelings.

Rich N.

My order of preference for Comcast to add, for existing HD channels:

1. HDNet/HDNet Movies
2. ESPN2-HD
3. Universal HD

If it existed, #1 would be TCM-HD.

Outside of offering Playboy TV (and Playboy-HD) on a monthly subscription basis, the channel I want most is ESPN2-HD, particularly with college football coming and college hoops shortly thereafter.

Are you sure the message was about UHD. I have a message saying they are adding UPN-HD around Oct. 1st.

Saw this on another forum:


"We may shortly have a new deal with ESPN that will allow us to add ESPN2 HD. Once done we’ll get it on ASAP and we’ll let all our HD customers know.

Thanks for keeping in touch!

Bruce D. Abbott
Vice President / General Manager [Comcast Chesapeake Bay Group]"



(Yay! My 700th post! What do I win?! :D )

(Yay! My 700th post! What do I win?! :D )
Nothing, until you get to 1000, then you become an 'AVS Special Member'. :D

In SF, we do not have TNT_HD yet. But since I am soccer fan, I am looking forward to ESPN-2 HD for world cup.

Agreed. I'd much rather get UHD first as Battle Star Galactica in HD would be fun to see.

Though it seems Universal HD doesn't simulcast Battlestar Galactica when it airs on Friday nights on Sci-Fi.

The only listings I saw for BG on UHD were right before season 2 stared and UHD was showing a marathon of season 1 BG episodes in HD. That would've been something.

It's a shame I have to deal with letterboxed 4:3 analog BG episodes here on Comcast in Boston. *sigh*

Though it seems Universal HD doesn't simulcast Battlestar Galactica when it airs on Friday nights on Sci-Fi.


No they don't, they re-air them after they've run the entire season on SciFi, and this season, with a 4 month break before season 2 is completed it may be Feb/06 before it shows up in HD on UHD.

In SF, we do not have TNT_HD yet. But since I am soccer fan, I am looking forward to ESPN-2 HD for world cup.
In 16% of the bay area, we don't get the INHDs or Showtime-HD either...

No they don't, they re-air them after they've run the entire season on SciFi, and this season, with a 4 month break before season 2 is completed it may be Feb/06 before it shows up in HD on UHD.

Ah I didn't realize that. OK Comcast, take your time with UHD. ESPN2HD is first on my list for now.

Are you sure the message was about UHD. I have a message saying they are adding UPN-HD around Oct. 1st.

Yes, I am officially an idiot :confused: . I had already deleted the msg, but it was still on the wifie's 6412. UPN-HD, not UHD. Sorry about that. No big loss for me, I hardly ever watched UHD when I had D*, although they had an interesting concert every once in a while.

I'm hoping that Food HD in 2006 will have a lot of content. I think my favorite show there is filmed in HD already. (Good Eats)

I hope they don't take their sweet time with that one, too. :)

Oh dear lord, I didn't think Rachael Ray could get more annoying until I thought about her in 5.1 surround... :eek:

Giada De Laurentiis in HD however is another story. :D

....or it could expose some flaws hidden in the muck that is SD broadcast....

Got a msg today on my menu that they are moving PBSHD to 193 and adding a couple more PBS's. Must not be doing too bad for money even though they had a fund raising thing on tv last weekend. Is that to make room for espn2 possibly?

I received Comcast's On Demand email today...when you click on the HDTV part of it, it takes you to a web page that mentions both "The Closer" and "Wanted" as being available in HDTV on TNTHD. Hmmm...appears it can't be far away.

TNTHD has been available in most Comcast markets for a while.

TNTHD has been available in most Comcast markets for a while.

fyi..alot of Comcast Markets do NOT have TNT-HD yet...Northern California (San Jose, San Francisco etc...) do not have it among others...they have never said why though :confused:

I received Comcast's On Demand email today...when you click on the HDTV part of it, it takes you to a web page that mentions both "The Closer" and "Wanted" as being available in HDTV on TNTHD. Hmmm...appears it can't be far away.

You are not the first one to be confused by these headlines. Look closer, the headline on the left says On Demand, and that headline has a lot of subjects under it. HDTV is not one of them.

HDTV is a headline by itself with several subjects under it. One of the subjects are Cable Favorites which contains TNT-HD shows in HD, like Closer and Wanted. This doesn't mean that they will be on On Demand, it simply means that TNT-HD is a HDTV channel in some Comcast areas and that channel shows Closer and Wanted in HD.

Very misleading since the main link said "What's On Demand this month"

fyi..alot of Comcast Markets do NOT have TNT-HD yet...Northern California (San Jose, San Francisco etc...) do not have it among others...they have never said why though :confused:
In fact, I don't recall seeing anyone west of Texas saying they have it, maybe in a few spots, but as far as I can tell, it just isn't out west at all. I wonder if it might be because there is an east and west feed of TNT-SD...

In fact, I don't recall seeing anyone west of Texas saying they have it, maybe in a few spots, but as far as I can tell, it just isn't out west at all. I wonder if it might be because there is an east and west feed of TNT-SD...

At the time it was announced, TNT-HD was specifically described as the east coast feed (as you can see if you search "tnt hd" "east coast" on Google). So it looks like they still don't have a west coast version available.

At the time it was announced, TNT-HD was specifically described as the east coast feed (as you can see if you search "tnt hd" "east coast" on Google). So it looks like they still don't have a west coast version available.
Well that sort of makes sense since there is a E/W of HBO and SHO. It's interesting that the satcos carry east coast feeds for the west coast on a lot of channels. I guess TNT and Comcast want to be more time specific regarding the west coast.

In SF, we do not have TNT_HD yet. But since I am soccer fan, I am looking forward to ESPN-2 HD for world cup.

I thought they would air ALL THE GAMES on ABC with ESPN and ESPN2 used only in times when there are 2 or more matches being played at the same time.
That is how I would do it.

Not everyone in the east coast has it yet either (TNT-HD) Philia and NY DMA's still do not!

Speaking of on-demand -- does comcast plan to ever add HD programs to their free or premium on-demand collection. I'd especially like it if they added HBO movies and series (when available) in HD.

It has been reported and confirmed by JWhip in the Philadelphia OTA thread that Comcast will be eliminating some premium West Coast channels on October 18th to add other additional services. JWhip confirms that some additional HD channels will be added. No date was given for these new channels. Not sure if this will happen throughout the county or just in the Philly area.

It has been reported and confirmed by JWhip in the Philadelphia OTA thread that Comcast will be eliminating some premium West Coast channels on October 18th to add other additional services. JWhip confirms that some additional HD channels will be added. No date was given for these new channels. Not sure if this will happen throughout the county or just in the Philly area.

Damn, That is too bad. I like waking up at 5, before work and catching some of the Skinimax movies that I missed in the overnight...

It has been reported and confirmed by JWhip in the Philadelphia OTA thread that Comcast will be eliminating some premium West Coast channels on October 18th to add other additional services. JWhip confirms that some additional HD channels will be added. No date was given for these new channels. Not sure if this will happen throughout the county or just in the Philly area.
Based on what JWhip said previously, I think it means we will finally get TNT-HD in this area, just in time for the NBA starting ~1 Nov. If they have enough bandwith, then I expect ESPN-2, as well.

Would love to see Universal HD and WB added in Jacksonville, FL Also would love HD.net and HD.net movies but wont hold my breath.

JWhip - anyone - any news?

faceoff!

Nothing new soon with the exception of TNT in Philly. There are several channels being talked about but freeing up of bandwidth is taking longer than expected.

It has been reported and confirmed by JWhip in the Philadelphia OTA thread that Comcast will be eliminating some premium West Coast channels on October 18th to add other additional services. JWhip confirms that some additional HD channels will be added. No date was given for these new channels. Not sure if this will happen throughout the county or just in the Philly area.

Boston has NEVER had premium west coast channels. The ONLY current west coast channel is Nickeloden

We do have ABC CBS NBC FoxWB AND UPN ALL IN HD NOW!

I hope we in Ocean County, NJ finally get UPN HD. I know Philly has had it for awhile now. TNT would be nice, and I'm sure OLN will be on shortly due to Hockey.

It's a shame that UPN9 in the #1 DMA (NY) in the US is not provided by Comcast.

JWhip - Can you enlighten us on what exactly are they doing to free up bandwith?

and I'm sure OLN will be on shortly due to Hockey.

...or not. OLN-HD is not coming anytime soom (see Blitzen102's mulitple posts). Hockey will be shown on INHD.

Nothing new soon with the exception of TNT in Philly. There are several channels being talked about but freeing up of bandwidth is taking longer than expected.

But what about nationally? Some areas do have bandwidth available.
Obviously the concern is for ESPN2HD and UHD, for which negotiations are hot and heavy, I hope. 2HD is showing several events a week now.

Rich N.

Bandwidth is being freed up by dropping channels, moving more analog channels to the digital tier only and newer compression schemes for SD content. In fact, the newer compression schemes have not moved along as fast as Comcast was anticipating. Unti they do, there will be little new Hd channels added. That is a cause for delay as is the fact that the ADS, i.e. all digital simulcast, is taking up a lot of bandwidth. In systems with 860 mhz, bandwidth is available. All Philly area systems are 750 mhz. NO compression is used for any HD channels. I suggested that they upgrade their systems to 1 gig but I doubt that that will happen for a few years. Until all analog is either compressed or dropped, bandwidth will continue to be an issue. Sorry to say!

In fact, the newer compression schemes have not moved along as fast as Comcast was anticipating.
If you are referring to 64>256 QAM, this has been very nearly completed in the SF bay area with all digital channels now being 256 QAM as opposed to 64 QAM. About 84% of the systems here are 750 or higher with the remainder being 550. On one 550 system, the INHDs were added after the QAM conversion was done, but that's the only thing that has happened here in many months.

They still haven't completed Phases 4 & 5 in the North Bay. I expect them to start again next month when everyone is back from their vacations.

Seems like we are always the last on the list, with my area not even making the list in many cases... :D

Bandwidth is being freed up by dropping channels, moving more analog channels to the digital tier only and newer compression schemes for SD content. In fact, the newer compression schemes have not moved along as fast as Comcast was anticipating. Unti they do, there will be little new Hd channels added. That is a cause for delay as is the fact that the ADS, i.e. all digital simulcast, is taking up a lot of bandwidth. In systems with 860 mhz, bandwidth is available. All Philly area systems are 750 mhz. NO compression is used for any HD channels. I suggested that they upgrade their systems to 1 gig but I doubt that that will happen for a few years. Until all analog is either compressed or dropped, bandwidth will continue to be an issue. Sorry to say!

What gets me is that my area in Detroit recently upgrade their system last fall. Unfortunately they only went to 750mhz. :confused:

It is nice to see this perennial thread (with some posts by old favorite Sonoma Searcher) reappear.

It is kind of the thread equivalent to TV Land or Nick at Nite. :)

It is nice to see this perennial thread (with some posts by old favorite Sonoma Searcher) reappear.

It is kind of the thread equivalent to TV Land or Nick at Nite. :)

What ever happened to our friend Sonoma? Just one day a while back, POOF! and he was gone.

His last post was 2/21/05

Yikes. Comcast doesn't offer a lot for HD. I currently have Comcast, and I think I might drop so I can actually have a wide selection of HD stations. I have a guy coming in this Thursday to swap out my box (and bringing a cablecard too to see how that works)

I can get pretty ansy about these types of things. I just might have to try out dish network, especially for VOOM. (plus MonstersHD just looks fantastic)

You'd think after all these years of HDTV out there, and a market that is starting to grow with dropping prices on HDTV's there would already be a plan in place to provide as much HD content as possible. They must surely see why CBS is kicking so much butt. (or maybe that's just my imagination that after they went HD on tons of their programming even crappy show's ratings increased)

We currently have 16 HD channels on Comcast here in South Jersey. Hopefully more are on the way, but the programming is only coming in dribs and drabs.

Zappa - Most cable customers are analog. They don't even have digital and you expect the cable cos. to provide tons of HD ?

-Ken

Yes, I do.

Are you sure the message was about UHD. I have a message saying they are adding UPN-HD around Oct. 1st.

yes, they just added this. Haven't tried watching anything in HD yet, as I watch other shows on other networks during primetime. It would be nice to see some Mavericks games in HD though!

When I get a dual tuner DVR I'll let you know how it looks, I keep meaning to catch Everybody Hates Chris but it's up against Survivor. :-(

Yikes. Comcast doesn't offer a lot for HD. I currently have Comcast, and I think I might drop so I can actually have a wide selection of HD stations.

Comcast HD offerings are market dependent. For example in my area I get
10 HD channels (13 in total but I don't sub to the other movie channels). I watch most of the programming from the networks though with here and there bits of their HD channels (non network). I also have Dish network and the Voom channels are a plus but you don't get the networks (you can get them via OTA but that is not an option for everyone).

17 Total here, I find it sufficient (if not too much), but it gets annoying when a good game is on ESPN2 or some big event is obtained by HDNet

17 Total here, I find it sufficient (if not too much), but it gets annoying when a good game is on ESPN2 or some big event is obtained by HDNet

Wow, in my area it's only 3 locals (NBC, Fox, PBS), TNTHD, INHD1/2, DiscoveryHD, ESPN HD, and the movie channels (HBO, Sho, Cin)... so what is that, 8+3 premiums?

What are the other 6 you have? ABC, CBS are two, I assume, and maybe WB, but what are the other 3?

I have:

ABC
NBC
CBS
FOX
WB
PBS
Discovery
INHD
INHD2
TNT
CSN
ESPN

HBO, Showtime, Cinemax, and Starz are also available. That's 16. Plus HD-SE for PPV boxing.

I have:

ABC
NBC
CBS
FOX
WB
PBS
Discovery
INHD
INHD2
TNT
CSN
ESPN

HBO, Showtime, Cinemax, and Starz are also available. That's 16. Plus HD-SE for PPV boxing.

Ah yes, forgot about Starz... what is CSN?

Ah yes, forgot about Starz... what is CSN?

Comcast Sports Net. "Get your game on."

It's the regional sports network. In Baltimore and DC, it carries games from the Orioles, Captials, Wizards, etc.

Comcast Sports Net. "Get your game on."

It's the regional sports network. In Baltimore and DC, it carries games from the Orioles, Captials, Wizards, etc.

Ah, I see. We have Fox Sports Net - Detroit out here, which is not broadcast nor produced in HD yet. :(

Sucks they haven't added UPNHD in Jersey City.:(

Any rumors as to when Seattle area Comcast will carry TNT-HD? Been waiting for that one for NBA basketball for a long time now.

Tim

South Jersey Comcast:

Comcast SportsNet
ESPN
Discovery Home Theater
INHD
INHD2
ABC
NBC
CBS
FOX
WB
UPN
PBS
HBO East
Showtime East
Cinemax East
Starz! East

Will comcast get espn2 in HD? I'm sure someone mentioned this but I couldn't find it. Looking fwd to Foodnetwork next year and hopefully Denver will get TNT...

Do we know if there is a real big positive push that Comcast will get Food Network HD?

It's seriously my favorite channel. I bake cookies for a hobby, so food is my hobby. :)

Tell me it's coming Jan 1, 2006. :) We just got our 2nd HD TV, so it would be SO worth it.

Comcast is negotiating for ESPN2HD and UniversalHD. So I'm hopeful about those.

Food Network HD? Is that actually in existence? HGTV-HD, NatGeoHD etc are all projected to start in 2006. Will Comcast carry them? Probably, but not at startup. Figure about a year after they start so new contracts can be negotiated (these contracts cover non-HD channels with HD as a part). It is the (non-) price Comcast subscribers pay for not having a separate HD Tier that is separately-priced.

That is why HDNET is so unlikely on Comcast. The cost would require a price increase. They don't raise prices to pay for new HD channels (at least they haven't yet).


Rich N.

Rich - Other places around AVS forums (I can't tell you exactly where, I read a lot of threads)... they were talking about how originally they were planning HGTV (I believe) in COMBO with Food Network TV. However, apparently, they found enough content to separate the two. I understand that my favorite show, Good Eats, has been filming in HD for a while now. The host, Alton Brown, was some sort of cinematographer, so I guess, like all of us here, he's a bit of a gadget freak, and an early adopter.

Zappa - Most cable customers are analog. They don't even have digital and you expect the cable cos. to provide tons of HD ?

-Ken
No I hope we all go back to analog and then eventually back to black and white televisions. No way do I want any progression made.

For those on the West Coast - TNT Sports is great - They did the morning sessions at the British Open this summer in 16:9 format 1080i and it was spectacular and then when they switched over to ABC for the PM it turned to garbage in 4:3 HD - Huge difference and to think TNT could blow away ABC I found shocking. Watched the Pistons Championship for the first time in HD 16:9 and it totally makes sports an entirely new experience. Also found the same issue with College football games with one channel doing 4:3 HD and then changing channels and getting it in 16:9 1080i and the difference is tremendous between the two.

Those folks viewing CRT Tube DV's without 16:9 at 1080i simply don't know what they're missing it gives the best seat in the house. I also would love to see HGTV and Food Network go HD. Anyone that has seen Wild California in HD at 16:9 knows how amazing. Let's blow up the SD system for good - I find myslef watching things I'd never watch before - US Open Tennis was amazing and I'm not a tennis fan and even some old movies are an entire new experience like the King and I - the colors popped off the screen and you'd think they just filmed this old classic - it will take the preserved classic movies to a new level. :D

Yikes. Comcast doesn't offer a lot for HD. I currently have Comcast, and I think I might drop so I can actually have a wide selection of HD stations. I have a guy coming in this Thursday to swap out my box (and bringing a cablecard too to see how that works)

I can get pretty ansy about these types of things. I just might have to try out dish network, especially for VOOM. (plus MonstersHD just looks fantastic)

You'd think after all these years of HDTV out there, and a market that is starting to grow with dropping prices on HDTV's there would already be a plan in place to provide as much HD content as possible. They must surely see why CBS is kicking so much butt. (or maybe that's just my imagination that after they went HD on tons of their programming even crappy show's ratings increased) It is your imagination. Nielsen does not measure HD viewership yet. Plus the numbers of HD viewers are so tiny it wouldn't have much impact on ratings. Where are you located? In my comcast area we get all the nets in HD, the WB, PBS, but can't get UPN in HD because the local affiliate doesn't broadcast in HD. ESPN-HD, INHD, INHD2, DiscoveryHD, TNT-HD, FSN-HD, OLN-HD (on INHD2), HBO-HD, SHO-HD, MAX-HD, and StarzHD. Only channels missing are HD-Net, ESPN2, TMC-HD and UniversalHD. I also get channels 2-99 in digital. The picture quality across the board is much better than D*. But because I use my HD Tivo as an OTA recorder it doesn't bother me at all.

Rich - Other places around AVS forums (I can't tell you exactly where, I read a lot of threads)... they were talking about how originally they were planning HGTV (I believe) in COMBO with Food Network TV. However, apparently, they found enough content to separate the two. I understand that my favorite show, Good Eats, has been filming in HD for a while now. The host, Alton Brown, was some sort of cinematographer, so I guess, like all of us here, he's a bit of a gadget freak, and an early adopter.

Dawn:

Thanks for the information. Ditto with NG-HD, they are building a library. It will still take quite a while for these soon-to-be new HD channels to get to Comcast.

Rich N.

I thought I read somewhere on here that they are negotiating for Outdoor Channel 2 HD, but I can't find it. I think it was one of our reliable sources.

I wish they'd upgrade the Weather Channel to HD.

I wish they'd upgrade the Weather Channel to HD.

Bully for you. But why did you post this here??

Well for us in the West Coast we can only dream about the next HD channel. We still have no TNT-HD.

Well for us in the West Coast we can only dream about the next HD channel. We still have no TNT-HD.
And on Bay Area 550MHz "poverty" systems, we still don't even have the 2 INHDs, HDSE, or Showtime-HD. "The Leader In HDTV Programming" my ass...

I wish they'd upgrade the Weather Channel to HD.

Weather channel is available in HD here, just look out the window.

Just kidding, couldn't resist...

Well for us in the West Coast we can only dream about the next HD channel. We still have no TNT-HD.

I'm not sure which west coast you're on, but here in Los Angeles, we've had TNTHD for quite some time.

I'm not sure which west coast you're on, but here in Los Angeles, we've had TNTHD for quite some time.

Really??? If so, you are the first person west of Texas on the Comcast system that says that they get TNT-HD. It seems to me that West LA is serviced by Adelphia.....

We've had TNT-HD in Utah since early MAY (just before the NBA playoffs)

Michael.

Really??? If so, you are the first person west of Texas on the Comcast system that says that they get TNT-HD. It seems to me that West LA is serviced by Adelphia.....

With an attitude like that you "Really" look stupid when you do not know what you are talking about.

And on Bay Area 550MHz "poverty" systems, we still don't even have the 2 INHDs, HDSE, or Showtime-HD. "The Leader In HDTV Programming" my ass...

Yikes, so what is your HD tier without counting locals or premium movie channels, just ESPNHD, and Discovery. Do you have to pay for it??

I'm not sure which west coast you're on, but here in Los Angeles, we've had TNTHD for quite some time.

Same West Coast as you :D . From reading in here, a lot of west comcast cable systems have not had TNTHD. So maybe it should read that most west comcast systems still do not have TNTHD.

With an attitude like that you "Really" look stupid when you do not know what you are talking about.

Really :) , it was not my intent to look stupid, even if it might be right. I live in Northern CA, and belong to the Bay Area Comcast AVS group. We've been having some discussion over time about the lack of TNT-HD. I also belong to several other boards, and the discussion has always come around to the lack of the channel and perhaps it had to do with the lack of a TNT-HD West feed. This very thread over time has expressed just that. The post that I jumped on is, in fact, the first I have ever heard of a west coast city that carried TNT-HD.

Mea culpa.....

Really :) , it was not my intent to look stupid, even if it might be right. I live in Northern CA, and belong to the Bay Area Comcast AVS group. We've been having some discussion over time about the lack of TNT-HD. I also belong to several other boards, and the discussion has always come around to the lack of the channel and perhaps it had to do with the lack of a TNT-HD West feed. This very thread over time has expressed just that. The post that I jumped on is, in fact, the first I have ever heard of a west coast city that carried TNT-HD.

Mea culpa.....

It wasn't your credentials I was questioning. It was more the tone...!

I mentioned the west coast TNT-HD in #400, allthought it was in a different context.

So let me rub it in a little more...!

I cannot remember when exactly we got it, but I remember seeing some of the last NBA games of the season. "Closer" was one of the first series in HD on TNT, and it was in excellent HD quality.

Unfortunately HD for TNT means HD all the time. Everything is stretched to 16:9 even if it wasn't produced in HD format. Even the ads are stretched...! Shows produced within the last year in HD are fine, but it's NOT fine to stretch fine old episodes of the X-files.

As mentioned earlier the British Open and other HD sports transmissions are amazing in TNT-HD.

Yikes, so what is your HD tier without counting locals or premium movie channels, just ESPNHD, and Discovery. Do you have to pay for it??

This is what I have on my 550mhz in Pittsburgh:
HD "tier":
ESPN
Discovery
INHD1

All locals (Fox, ABC, CBS, NBC, PBS)
EDIT: I think our UPN and WB's are broadcasting in HD at least OTA but I barely count those.

Premiums:
HBO
SHO
MAX
STARZ

Oh and there's usually one or two HD movies available thru On Demand.
No HD PPV.

No $$ charge for HD.

It sucks but is better than OTA only...

Yikes, so what is your HD tier without counting locals or premium movie channels, just ESPNHD, and Discovery. Do you have to pay for it??
That's it, and, we don't have Showtime-HD either. You need Digital Classic to get the 2 channels although up until yesterday they were un-encrypted and could be seen with just a Basic Cable subscription and a QAM-capable tuner.

Pretty pathetic offering, in fact, IIRC, the last time I counted the channel lineup here we have more analog channels than digital channels. I am not aware of any Comcast system that has less than we do here.

Oh yeah, we pay the same price as the folks who get everything, I believe this is done to make sure we don't forget how screwed our cable system is..can't let the customer get the idea that Comcast would be fair about services vs cost or anything.. :rolleyes: :D

Really :) , it was not my intent to look stupid, even if it might be right. I live in Northern CA, and belong to the Bay Area Comcast AVS group. We've been having some discussion over time about the lack of TNT-HD. I also belong to several other boards, and the discussion has always come around to the lack of the channel and perhaps it had to do with the lack of a TNT-HD West feed. This very thread over time has expressed just that. The post that I jumped on is, in fact, the first I have ever heard of a west coast city that carried TNT-HD.

Mea culpa.....
You know, months ago in the SF thread I think I mentioned that TNT-HD was in LA and I got shot down on it. I think someone has said they have it in Seattle as well.

I knew I didn't just pull that out of my butt... :p :D

You know, months ago in the SF thread I think I mentioned that TNT-HD was in LA and I got shot down on it. I think someone has said they have it in Seattle as well.

I knew I didn't just pull that out of my butt... :p :D

Sorry, no TNT-HD here in Seattle. Actually, no new HD since Discovery HD about a year ago.

This is what I have on my 550mhz in Pittsburgh:
HD "tier":
ESPN
Discovery
INHD1

All locals (Fox, ABC, CBS, NBC, PBS)
EDIT: I think our UPN and WB's are broadcasting in HD at least OTA but I barely count those.

Premiums:
HBO
SHO
MAX
STARZ

Oh and there's usually one or two HD movies available thru On Demand.
No HD PPV.

No $$ charge for HD.

It sucks but is better than OTA only...
I'm fortunate enough to be on a "non-poverty" Comcast system (I don't remember the exact MHz) in the Pittsburgh area - Greensburg PA to be exact. The additions to the above in our system are:

INHD2
TNT-HD
Local WB (but that may be on the 550 MHz systems too)

Now, if we could only get ESPN2HD, the HDNet's, FSN-HD, and Universal HD.

There may be something new for North NJ subs. There is a new menu option labeled "MoviePass-HD." Right now, there are no listings but one assumes that there will be soon. In addition, they are also offering RING 2 (both theatrical and unrated editions) in HD via Pay-Per View. A drop in the bucket, but better than nothing (which is all they previously offered).

MoviePass-HD? Maybe it's based on Blockbuster's monthly rental fee system. If so they're going to need a lot more HD movies.

There may be something new for North NJ subs. There is a new menu option labeled "MoviePass-HD." Right now, there are no listings but one assumes that there will be soon. In addition, they are also offering RING 2 (both theatrical and unrated editions) in HD via Pay-Per View. A drop in the bucket, but better than nothing (which is all they previously offered).

This is what I love about AVS. Great info, and thanks for posting that. Sounds interesting.

I'll bet 90% of Comcast employess don't even know about this.

Sorry, no TNT-HD here in Seattle. Actually, no new HD since Discovery HD about a year ago.
Thanks. Discovery is the only thing we've had in about a year also.

Comcast is negotiating for ESPN2HD and UniversalHD. So I'm hopeful about those.

Food Network HD? Is that actually in existence? HGTV-HD, NatGeoHD etc are all projected to start in 2006. Will Comcast carry them? Probably, but not at startup. Figure about a year after they start so new contracts can be negotiated (these contracts cover non-HD channels with HD as a part). It is the (non-) price Comcast subscribers pay for not having a separate HD Tier that is separately-priced.

That is why HDNET is so unlikely on Comcast. The cost would require a price increase. They don't raise prices to pay for new HD channels (at least they haven't yet).


Rich N.

i'm all for pricing it separately. to get HD for "free", in most areas, you need to subscribe at least to a digital tier, which is usually $10 more than Basic + Expanded, with a lot of crappy channels added in. if i had a choice, i'd probably stick to just Basic + HD.

i'm all for pricing it separately. to get HD for "free", in most areas, you need to subscribe at least to a digital tier, which is usually $10 more than Basic + Expanded, with a lot of crappy channels added in. if i had a choice, i'd probably stick to just Basic + HD.

I was for an HD Tier originally as well. Comcast chose to offer HD national channels without a Tier. But it would soon become impractical to change their philosophy. If Comcast initiated an HD separately-priced tier now so we could get HD channels (especially HDNETs) more quickly by paying for them, two things would happen:

1. When new agreements were needed, those channels we get free now ($5 for the HD STB and $5 more if we want DVRs plus a digital package) will want to be on the Tier and get more money;

2. People who were getting INHDs, ESPN (maybe ESPN2?)HD, DiscoveryHD, TNT-HD, UniversalHD (soon?) will be upset if those channels moved to the Tier.

So we have to accept the long waits for them as Comcast negotiates agreements for them that allows them to be included in just our digital and HD STB prices (except for the local HDs).

Rich N.

I don't know how these things work, but I would presume that there was a really good reason why Comcast opted to not charge customers extra for HD. They don't get anything out of people switching to HD, so it's not like it's in their best interest to have people watching HD. When I first got my HD set, Comcast not charging for HD was just a bonus -- I was going to get it through them no matter what, even if there was an additional fee.

It is very un-Comcast-like to not jump at the opportunity to charge subs extra fees.

If it would allow for greater variety in HD programming (TNT, ESPN2, HDNet, YES HD, etc.), I'd be all for paying an additional monthly fee for an HD tier.

-jim

I agree with memnoch, I think (assuming I am reading what you said right). To get HD you have to pay for the box ($5+$5 for the DVR) which I assume they are making SOMETHING on. Plus, you have to go the digital packages. In my area, that costs me $12 extra. I would NOT get it if it wasn't for the HD channels. My only theory is that they make enough from the digital tier upsell to cover the HD expenses.

Personally, I'd like an HD tier, if I could get it without additional SD digital content. Give me all the HD I have now (ESPN, INHD1/2, TNT, local affiliates, and Discovery). Add in a regional HD sports channel (FoxSports, for me), and an HD movie channel of my choice (so, for example, if you picked HBO you would get the regular analog HBO signal and HBO HD but not HBO2, etc). Charge say $15 for it and I'd buy, assuming they were 'committed to adding more HD content whenever available'.

If they keep charging $6 per HD movie nobody is going to buy them.

OK, now, will someone please give in and get HDNET on NOW!?!?!:(

I agree with memnoch, I think (assuming I am reading what you said right). To get HD you have to pay for the box ($5+$5 for the DVR) which I assume they are making SOMETHING on. Plus, you have to go the digital packages. In my area, that costs me $12 extra. I would NOT get it if it wasn't for the HD channels. My only theory is that they make enough from the digital tier upsell to cover the HD expenses.
Exactly, I wouldn't have a Digital package, either, if it weren't for HD 'Cable' channels.

I look at Digital Classic as effectively the HD Tier.
(I actually opted for Digital Plus, for a couple of channels, but it adds no HD.)

Note: you don't need a Digital package for HD Locals or Premium HD channels.

I get all the HD channels without a digital package in Baltimore, - INHD, etc. But you do need the box for $5 a month. DVR capability is an additional $10.

Note: you don't need a Digital package for HD Locals or Premium HD channels.

This depends on where you live. Where I live you do need a digital package.

This depends on where you live. Where I live you do need a digital package.
With Comcast, you don't need a digital package for HD Locals, but one or more MSOs have a Digital Gateway fee of $3 for the Guide.

As for Premiums, it is an FCC mandate that says you can get Premium multi-plexed channels a la carte, with just STB rental, if needed.

Another West Coaster...I'm on Comca$t in the Portland Oregon area...our HD's are as follows:

KATU (local ABC affiliate)
KWBP (WB)
Discovery HD
KGW (local NBC)
KOPB HD (PBS)
KPTV (FOX)
Starz HD
ESPN HD
HBO HD West
TNT HD
Showtime HD
INHD 1
INHD 2

The reason we don't get KOIN HD (CBS affiliate) is because KOIN invested millions in a state of the art HD studio/broadcasting system and wants Comcast to pay them a fee to carry their HD feed. Comcast refuses. Koin refuses to back down.
So no CSI in HD (grrrr)

Another West Coast case of TNT-HD though :)

Premium multi-plexed channels What is multi-plexed? I assume HBO/SHO etc.

boo i want tnt hd

What is multi-plexed? I assume HBO/SHO etc.
Correct. And, actually it is any a la carte single or multi-plexed channel.

On another thread I read that TWC has signed an agreement to carry Universal HD Geesh I wonder if Comcast will learn something from them. (would love to see Universal HD and the HD.nets)

Lets all Call your local comcast and or write to them

TNT-HD isn't all that great...it's nice to see some movies in HD (people have mentioned About Schmidt and others) some of them they stretchovision. The one big thing I'm looking forward to is NBA on TNT in HD.

Although the first game they had one, while in 16x9 seemed a little fuzzy to me.

SV

While reading this thread I decided to ask Comcast about ESPN2 HD and HDnet, this is their answer:

Thank you for taking the time to write us.

We appreciate that you have taken the time to send us your channel request. At this time we do not carry ESPN-2-HD. I have forwarded your comments to the marketing group responsible for planning future channel changes; channel requests such as this one are an important factor in our channel lineup decision-making process. Adding additional High Definition channels is a priority for us and we hope to have several new HD options available to you soon.

Comcast is dedicated to providing you with the cutting edge technology you demand, adding new HD channels to our lineup is a priority. There are several factors involved with expanding our high definition lineup:

We must negotiate a new contract to obtain the rights to carry a specific high definition broadcast, such as ESPN 2-HD or HD-Net -even if we already carry that network in standard format. We must factor in customer demand while still providing the best possible value to our customers (we have been able to launch all of our HD channels without increasing our rates). New HD launches require us to reallocate resources on our network and that often necessitates complicated hardware upgrades. Another factor is that currently we are still required to provide analog service over our network, that service makes less efficient use of available bandwidth.

We appreciate your channel requests, and we will continue to expand our High Definition offerings. We are unable to provide specific details regarding the launch of new HD channels, as the unpredictable nature of the negotiation process and the necessity to make network changes often makes a timeline difficult to determine. Please check your statement inserts, our website and your Interactive Program guide for updates.

Sounds like the same answer Comcast always gives.

"The squeaky wheel gets the grease....squeak loudly enough and people will have to listen."

That's why I plan to emal and call them several times a week asking the same question over and over. Hopefully others will too.

Comcast better start moving or Verizon is going to start taking away their customers.

Keep bugging them to add more HD channels and be specific. They do listen. My quess is that Universal HD will be added before the Olympics. ESPN2 is the subject of current negoiations with Disney and I would expect it sometime in the 1st quarter of 2006. Just a quess though. As for HD Net, no deal in sight.

Comcast better start moving or Verizon is going to start taking away their customers.
As long as they have CSN-HD only on comcast the philly market will always have to atleast have comcast.

As long as they have CSN-HD only on comcast the philly market will always have to atleast have comcast.
For those who care about sports, which is many, we will want to have CSN, but not necessarily CSN-HD. Supposedly, CSN might be available to Directv, as part of a deal, eventually; I haven't heard anything for a while.

No, I need my CSN-HD even if it isn't as good as it used to be.

I guess I am a lone voice here in the Boston area, but I don't care much about sports, so I suppose HD DVD would be a better bet. We get to see every game of the region's teams in HD, but it was an awful disgrace that we didn't get to see the last Red Sox game in HD- we got to see all the others.

Obviously this was a move by ESPN to get people angry at Comcast and get their customers to push them to pick up ESPN2. I think it has backfired a little bit.

I guess I am a lone voice here in the Boston area, but I don't care much about sports, so I suppose HD DVD would be a better bet. We get to see every game of the region's teams in HD, but it was an awful disgrace that we didn't get to see the last Red Sox game in HD- we got to see all the others.

Obviously this was a move by ESPN to get people angry at Comcast and get their customers to push them to pick up ESPN2. I think it has backfired a little bit.

I don't know if it backfired. It is just that these negotiations involve all of Disney/ABC channels and not just ESPN2HD. So they are very complex. I don't know if any issues have changed, so I don't know why it takes so long. But at least when we do get it the cost won't increase (at least it hasn't for INHDs, ESPNHD, DISCOVERYHD, TNT-HD). JWHIP said in early 2006. I sure hope we get ESPN2HD before that. So we wait.....

And as for HDNET, well, it is too bad, I would have liked it.

Rich N.

No, I need my CSN-HD even if it isn't as good as it used to be.
That should have read: For those who care about sports, which is many, they will want to have CSN, but not necessarily CSN-HD. (Because many haven't seen CSN-HD.)

Of course, I agree, that for those of us who have seen CSN-HD, there is no going back to CSN.

came home from work today to find a message on the box saying that TNT-HD has finally been added here in Lancaster, PA. Channel 204.

Congrats chad473! Hope we're next.

Yeah but when?