Comcast HDTV [Text View] - Page 29

davisdog

08-31-08, 12:44 AM

Does anyone knows when Comcast will add new HD channels? I like to see every Comcast subscriber, including myself, get the following channels by the end of the year: Planet Green, Nickelodeon, Toon Disney, Tennis, Smithsonian, Spike, MTV, VH1, CMT, Starz Edge, Starz Comedy, Starz Kids & Family, Cartoon Network, Crime & Investigation, Lifetime, Chiller, Travel, CSTV, ESPNU, Fuel, BBC America, BET, etc. I think everyone should write or send a e-mail to Comcast CEO Brian Roberts about adding these channels. Besides, it will keep subscibers from switching to the satellites or telcos.

brian_roberts@comcast.com

I'd be careful about sending an email with that long of wish list..It's so long you might exceed your Cap on your internet connection ;)

If that's the list you want you might as well switch to Sat...Comcast's not going to be adding that many channels by years end.

donn35

08-31-08, 02:29 AM

I'd be careful about sending an email with that long of wish list..It's so long you might exceed your Cap on your internet connection ;)

If that's the list you want you might as well switch to Sat...Comcast's not going to be adding that many channels by years end.

You never know what Comcast might have in store for their subscribers by the end of the year.

URFloorMatt

08-31-08, 03:24 AM

My guess is they're saving whatever bandwidth they have to roll out Golf Channel, G4, E!, and Style on December 8.

maxman

08-31-08, 08:06 AM

You never know what Comcast might have in store for their subscribers by the end of the year.

That's easy; a price increase.

slowbiscuit

08-31-08, 10:58 AM

LOL, as reliable as the sun coming up every day, that is. Just as guaranteed that it will exceed the inflation rate every year.

jrusnak

08-31-08, 11:44 AM

That's easy; a price increase.

Home run!

sansri88

08-31-08, 12:00 PM

That's easy; a price increase.

We have a winner!

(Although my price shouldn't go up since I'm on a triple play package).

Daniel Murray

08-31-08, 01:04 PM

That's easy; a price increase.

My God how TRUE:eek: That is SO True to Funny!!!:D

tamahome02000

08-31-08, 01:05 PM

I called once and asked if there would be more channels this year, and they said no. But later NFLHD came out, so I don't know what's going on.

Ken H

08-31-08, 01:15 PM

I called once and asked if there would be more channels this year, and they said no. But later NFLHD came out, so I don't know what's going on.

Calling a CSR is a waste of time. They are the last to know anything about new channels, HD or otherwise. Typcially Comcast does not announce them in advance, unless a local agreement calls for it.

starhusker

08-31-08, 10:14 PM

Hi, I'm in Jersey City, NJ with Comcast digital double play. Has anyone tried to hook the cable directly into TV and let QAM tuner find those clear channels? Unfortunately my TV couldn't pick up any HD channels, while my friend in Boston does get quite a few. Is it because Comcast scrambles all HD channels in my area? Thanks.

Daniel Murray

08-31-08, 10:34 PM

starhusker some HDTV have there digital and antalog channels search but some like LG you would two search input one for Digital and one for antalog.

starhusker

08-31-08, 10:38 PM

starhusker some HDTV have there digital and antalog channels search but some like LG you would two search input one for Digital and one for antalog.

I was using LG30. It searched DTV, TV (which are for antenna input) and CADTV, CATV. I'm guessing that if there were any HD channels, they should pop up in CADTV? Unfortunately there are only a few SD channels..:(

tamahome02000

08-31-08, 11:03 PM

starhusker

08-31-08, 11:05 PM

You'll only be able to get the hd channels that are also free over the air: 2, 4, 5, 7, 9, 11, etc.

That's fine with me since I don't have an antenna yet. However I currently get 0 HD channels. Is that normal?

tamahome02000

08-31-08, 11:28 PM

That's fine with me since I don't have an antenna yet. However I currently get 0 HD channels. Is that normal?

Oops. It used to work. Maybe they're scrambling them all now. Even with a 10$ antenna, you can get them over the air. Although I can't get cbs these days.

tamahome02000

09-01-08, 03:54 AM

I don't get that new Comcast commercial where it says they have the most HD. Does DirectTV not have On Demand?

Amnesia

09-01-08, 11:36 AM

I don't get that new Comcast commercial where it says they have the most HD. Does DirectTV not have On Demand?If it does, it doesn't have the breadth of shows that Comcast does (because of the way that DirectTV's so-called "on-demand" works).

Of course, I still think it's a stupid series of commercials. I'll take more HD channels over more "available HD programs at any given time" any day...

Marty Milton

09-02-08, 11:50 AM

I don't get that new Comcast commercial where it says they have the most HD. Does DirectTV not have On Demand?
That commercial annoys me because here in East Central Illinois we don't get any Comcast On Demand in HD. Our system was converted from Insight this past year, so I am not sure if there are plans to give us HD On Demand soon or at all.

b_scott

09-02-08, 11:53 AM

thanks. yeah, i don't watch any of those and i should've focused on just the movies in my assessment. i rarely see a movie on there in OAR HD 16X9, or on FX.

for example this weekend, at night i flipped to "XXX" on FX-HD. it was in 4X3. why? it's definitely available in at least 16X9 dvd quality. makes no sense.

Ken H

09-02-08, 12:27 PM

Oops. It used to work. Maybe they're scrambling them all now. Even with a 10$ antenna, you can get them over the air. Although I can't get cbs these days.Comcast corporate policy is to pass all local HD, they carry, in the clear. If you lost a channel(s), do a re-scan for digital channels. Many cableco's move QAM channels on somewhat of a regular basis.

If you can't get any local HD, and you are sure you have a QAM tuner, you'll need to call for service. Be sure you get someone that knows what QAM is, as many CSR's have no idea. Ask for a supervisor if necessary. If you did get at least some local HD at one time, be sure to tell them.

raidbuck

09-02-08, 12:34 PM

Hardcore Legend

09-02-08, 05:02 PM

It appears MHD has been renamed Palladia, whatever that's supposed to be. Seems to be the same content, just a rebranding of the channel.

blitzen102

09-02-08, 05:05 PM

It appears MHD has been renamed Palladia, whatever that's supposed to be. Seems to be the same content, just a rebranding of the channel.

http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=1055520&highlight=palladia

scorpion74

09-03-08, 08:12 AM

Update to Current HD Lineup in Boston (backbay) Comcast more than 60 HD Channels

785 Encore HD
789 Fox Business News HD
790 Hallmark HD
791 QVC HD
792 Toon Disney HD
793 FUSED
794 BRAVO HD
795 CNBC HD
796 ESPN News HD
797 BIO HD
798 IFC HD
799 WE HD
800 HD PPV
802 WGBH HD
804 WBZ (CBS) HD
805 WCVB (ABC) HD
807 WHDH (NBC) HD
819 MGM HD
821 National Geo HD
822 NHL HD
823 Discovery HD
824 Disney HD
825 WFXT (Fox) HD
826 Abc Family HD
828 MHD
830 FX HD
831 TBS HD
832 HG TV HD
833 TNT HD
835 USA HD
837 A&E HD
838 WSBK ( UPN) HD
839 HDT
841 Fox News HD
842 CNN HD
845 WeatherScan HD
846 Universal HD
847 Weather Channel HD
848 Golf HD
849 ESPN HD
850 ESPN2 HD
851 NESN HD
852 Comcast Sport Network HD
853 NFL HD
854 Food HD
856 WLVI (WB) HD
857 Science HD
859 AMC HD
862 Sci Fi HD
863 Animal Planet HD
866 Science HD
867 TLC HD
868 Max HD
870 HBO HD
872 History HD
875 Starz HD
876 Starz 2 HD
877 SHOWTIME HD
878 SHOWTIME 2 HD
881 MOJO HD
883 TMC HD
885 Big 10 HD

---

Blue are the one added yesterday

scorpion74

09-03-08, 08:13 AM

tamahome02000

09-03-08, 09:43 AM

Shut up.

Doom878

09-03-08, 10:09 AM

Everyone else has half. Did they rewire Boston completely to get so much bandwith?

blitzen102

09-03-08, 11:23 AM

Everyone else has half. Did they rewire Boston completely to get so much bandwith?

They have a LOT less analog channels than most of their other systems.

donn35

09-03-08, 11:39 AM

Marty Milton

09-03-08, 11:43 AM

ESPNU-HD? Wow, another channel for sports fans. Except Comcast doesn't even have ESPNU-SD because they want it on the sports tier and ESPN says no (at least that was the reason last year.) Comcast doesn't even have ESPN360 internet. I'll miss some games that I would watch, especially in HD, but life goes on.
Rich N.

I was wondering what happened to that channel. We used to have it here when Insight was our provider and was on the sports tier. Of course the sticking point between Comcast and the Big Ten Network was over putting the channel on a sports tier. It is my understanding that is probably what Comcast will do with BTN next year.

Marcus Carr

09-03-08, 11:46 AM

Starz 2 is Starz Edge.

I hope Cartoon Network (http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=1062660) follows soon after Toon Disney.

jrusnak

09-03-08, 11:47 AM

Everyone else has half. Did they rewire Boston completely to get so much bandwith?

Half? Half would be opening the floodgates in NJ! Excluding premiums, Comcast only offers 20...with no new channel offered in over a year! (Even though they have the capacity.)

bigpatky

09-03-08, 11:53 AM

does everyone else in the country pay comcast the same amount as they pay in boston for 60 hd channels? that really stinks if i'm paying the same amount with 1/3 the hd channels.

Audixium

09-03-08, 12:05 PM

Shut up.

+1 :mad:

wareagle

09-03-08, 12:18 PM

...Of course the sticking point between Comcast and the Big Ten Network was over putting the channel on a sports tier. It is my understanding that is probably what Comcast will do with BTN next year.

It's already on the sport tier in Seattle (plus no HD and no overflow channels), but I don't believe the contract allows them to put it there within the Big Ten area.

scorpion74

09-03-08, 12:22 PM

Update to Current HD Lineup in Boston (backbay) Comcast more than 60 HD Channels

873 Starz 2 HD
874 Starz 4 HD
876 Starz 6 HD

added more starz hd ...

Daniel Murray

09-03-08, 01:05 PM

Half? Half would be opening the floodgates in NJ! Excluding premiums, Comcast only offers 20...with no new channel offered in over a year! (Even though they have the capacity.)

Tell me about it!!! I pay more and more for my cable and get less for it :mad:

Marcus Carr

09-03-08, 01:19 PM

Update to Current HD Lineup in Boston (backbay) Comcast more than 60 HD Channels

873 Starz 2 HD
874 Starz 4 HD
876 Starz 6 HD

added more starz hd ...

AKA Starz Edge, Kids & Family, and Comedy, respectively.

Ken H

09-03-08, 02:00 PM

New sightings, added to first post:

Toon Disney HD
Starz Edge HD
Starz Kids & Family HD
Starz Comedy HD

Lodef

09-03-08, 02:43 PM

Everyone else has half. Did they rewire Boston completely to get so much bandwith?

The Boston/Brookline system is all digital except the basic channels. The previous provider required STB's to be used for anything above basic so when Comcast took over they just continued that policy which gave them a lot more bandwidth to add plenty of HD. However, they are the only ones in Mass set up that way so the rest of us here are in the same boat with everyone else.

Marcus Carr

09-03-08, 02:56 PM

New sightings, added to first post:

Toon Disney HD
Starz Edge HD
Starz Kids HD
Starz Family HD
Starz Comedy HD

Minor detail: Starz Kids & Family is a single channel.

SeattleAl

09-03-08, 02:58 PM

All those channels and still no HDNET.

Is there any hope on the horizon?

smithfarmer

09-03-08, 03:44 PM

All those channels and still no HDNET.

Is there any hope on the horizon?

Agreed!

The only thing I can hope for on the horizon is that Comcast possibly comes to some kind of an agreement with HDNet before the analog shutdown in Feb and that we will get that HD channel along with many others.

keenan

09-03-08, 03:46 PM

All those channels and still no HDNET.

Is there any hope on the horizon?

In my humble opinion, HDNet needs to get with the program and fall in line with the rest of similar channels as far as price goes before they become a historical HD footnote, in fact, they probably will have to go cheaper as they have no leverage without having any other channels besides the two.

Marcus Carr

09-03-08, 04:30 PM

By October 1st: SpikeHD, CMTHD, MTVHD are to be added as well for HBG Suburban and Hershey.

http://www.dslreports.com/forum/r21046150-HarrisburgHershey-HD-Adds-93~start=20#end

Ken H

09-03-08, 04:47 PM

Minor detail: Starz Kids & Family is a single channel.

Thanks, posts edited.

bob2274

09-03-08, 07:15 PM

Of course the sticking point between Comcast and the Big Ten Network was over putting the channel on a sports tier. It is my understanding that is probably what Comcast will do with BTN next year.

The Big Ten Network is on the sports tier outside of the Big Ten footprint. Where you live, it may be moved to digital basic next year, but no futher than that. It's actually a great deal with all the games they show. Even here, Comcast makes all of the overflow games available. They aren't carrying it in HD for the most part outside of the footprint, but they are contractually obligated to carry HD within the territiory.

tamahome02000

09-03-08, 11:30 PM

Battlestar Galactica is on UHD now, in case you don't have SCIFI HD and want to see the HD version. Now if they would just put Mythbusters on HDT.

dabadestalbo69

09-03-08, 11:50 PM

screw boston and chicago

bicker1

09-04-08, 05:00 AM

does everyone else in the country pay comcast the same amount as they pay in boston for 60 hd channels? that really stinks if i'm paying the same amount with 1/3 the hd channels.The number of HD channels has no significant impact on the prices for services. Services are generally priced based on how many channels, i.e., how much programming, is provided -- not the format of that programming. Also, as with most things, pricing is based on supply and demand.

Daniel Murray

09-04-08, 08:07 AM

screw boston and chicago

Now that is FUNNY:D

sansri88

09-04-08, 09:07 PM

Comcast now has an agreement to carry HDNet, HDNet Movies, and HDNet On Demand content.

http://www.engadgethd.com/2008/09/04/hdnet-hdnet-movies-coming-to-comcast/

Daniel Murray

09-04-08, 09:11 PM

I bet we in New Jersey will not get them!!

sansri88

09-04-08, 09:12 PM

Yeah, probably not...

Maybe we'll get the On Demand content though.

Daniel Murray

09-04-08, 09:18 PM

Yeah, probably not...

Maybe we'll get the On Demand content though.
I do not mean to sound mean. But who cares about on demand!! I would love to get some new HD channels that I can tune in on when I want to and watch what I want.

sansri88

09-04-08, 09:21 PM

I do not mean to sound mean. But who cares about on demand!! I would love to get some new HD channels that I can tune in on when I want to and watch what I want.

That's what I want as well.

However, with the refusal of the Eastern Region to give our system money for upgrades and stuff all we have to rely on is On Demand content until they recognize that we exist.

Ken H

09-04-08, 11:01 PM

I do not mean to sound mean. But who cares about on demand!! I would love to get some new HD channels that I can tune in on when I want to and watch what I want.

You probably need to get another provider. Comcast has a different idea regarding HD choices, not channels.

sansri88

09-04-08, 11:18 PM

You probably need to get another provider. Comcast has a different idea regarding HD choices, not channels.

Comcast has a different idea...their customers have the opposite.

At least from what I've seen in my system, we want more linear HD channels. Not more On Demand content.

jrusnak

09-04-08, 11:35 PM

Comcast has a different idea...their customers have the opposite.

At least from what I've seen in my system, we want more linear HD channels. Not more On Demand content.

I agree...but with a caveat. Some channels are not worth the bandwidth. For example AMC-HD only has MAD MEN. A channel with one hour of HD a week does not interest me. BUT...having the show OnDemand allows us to at least see it. And there's not much on A&E or BRAVO either. On the other hand, SCIFI-HD has regular HD content...but not even the final season of BATTLESTAR GALACTICA is available OnDemand. (Yes, I know UHD reruns them months later...but it would be nice to see the series end when originally broadcast.)

BobColby

09-04-08, 11:39 PM

You probably need to get another provider. Comcast has a different idea regarding HD choices, not channels.

This article (http://www.multichannel.com/article/CA6573422.html) on Comcast's DTA plans ends with a very revealing comment from Steve Burke:

The reason Comcast is eager to eliminate analog channels is to “clear more capacity for high-def and channels for DOCSIS channel bonding,” Burke said.

“Right now even though we say we have 1,000 high-def options on-demand, the fact that DirecTV can say, ‘We have 100 HD channels and no one else does’ -- that’s not a place we want to stay in,” Burke said.

Sounds to me like they're rethinking their whole strategy and realigning it with the realities of the current marketplace, the one where today's customers are more interested in channels.

Tomorrow's customers (the kids of today) will probably see things differently - they're growing up with on demand, DVRs, net video, etc. But it's their parents who are paying the bills for now.

Eventually, on demand will be the dominant mode, with today's channels reduced to brand names attached to content that can be seen anywhere and anytime (although they'll probably keep some actual channels around awhile, just for the old folks). That's a ways off, 'tho.

sansri88

09-04-08, 11:52 PM

Nope.

I'm a part of tomorrow's customers (only a senior in HS)...and I still want linear HD channels. I hate On Demand.

Ken H

09-04-08, 11:56 PM

Sounds to me like they're rethinking their whole strategy and realigning it with the realities of the current marketplace, the one where today's customers are more interested in channels.Sure, after they saw how successful DirecTV's HD plan was working. The problem is, it will take lots of time and money.

Hardcore Legend

09-05-08, 01:21 AM

The problem for Comcast is that they are already compressing the heck out of our HD content as it is. I tried watching the US Open last night and it was like watching a dvd movie compressed down to a single layer DVD. Artifacting all over the place.

They will have to dump a lot of analog channels to find the bandwidth.

tamahome02000

09-05-08, 01:22 AM

TBS-HD now has Seinfeld in a non-stretched hd version, although it's cropped to get rid of the black bars.

Marcus Carr

09-05-08, 01:45 AM

For example AMC-HD only has MAD MEN.

AMC has HD movies (whether you are interested in them or not).

jrusnak

09-05-08, 12:31 PM

AMC has HD movies (whether you are interested in them or not).

Guess I stand corrected then. All the guides I've seen do not indicate the movies are in HD. (Although even if they were, I generally don't watch films that are censored/edited-for-content.)

Daniel Murray

09-05-08, 03:03 PM

bicker1

09-05-08, 03:18 PM

As long as folks are willing to pay $15-$20 for DVR (adjusted up for inflation, over time), they'll probably make that service available.

tamahome02000

09-05-08, 03:22 PM

When I go to on demand to watch say a show on CBS comcast wants me to pay to watch that show. They can kiss My @$$ before I pay them to watch a show that was free at prime time aday or two ago. I do have a DVR but for how long till Comcast says they will not do DVR any more?

That sounds like an error. I have Starz, but couldn't watch Starz on demand. I had to call them up and have them straighten it out.

Ken H

09-05-08, 03:30 PM

When I go to on demand to watch say a show on CBS comcast wants me to pay to watch that show. They can kiss My @$$ before I pay them to watch a show that was free at prime time aday or two ago.Something is wrong. All the CBS On Demand that Comcast offers is free.

Hardcore Legend

09-05-08, 07:09 PM

Something is wrong. All the CBS On Demand that Comcast offers is free.

He meant NBC. NBC was offering SD versions of the Office and Heroes for $1.99 an episode, and HD Versions for $3.99 an episode for 2 months this summer.

Daniel Murray

09-05-08, 07:32 PM

He meant NBC. NBC was offering SD versions of the Office and Heroes for $1.99 an episode, and HD Versions for $3.99 an episode for 2 months this summer.

Yes you are right NBC I sorry for the wrong company.

Amnesia

09-06-08, 10:24 AM

When I go to on demand to watch say a show on [NBC] comcast wants me to pay to watch that show. They can kiss My @$$ before I pay them to watch a show that was free at prime time aday or two ago.See, I can imagine doing this quite easily.

Let's say that I forgot to record a TV show that I really wanted to watch. So, I have the choice of watching it on my 21" computer screen in my office for free, or paying $4 to watch it in HD on my 65" HDTV. I can imagine paying for it---I mean, I wouldn't do it every week, but once or twice a season? Sure.

Now if it's not in HD, I don't see the point...

Daniel Murray

09-06-08, 01:52 PM

I just don't see the point to do it at all.

Amnesia

09-06-08, 03:06 PM

I just don't see the point to do it at all.If you've already decided that you want to watch the show that you missed, it's just a question of whether or not you're willing to pay in order to watch it on your TV (vs. your computer).

Some people are willing to pay and some aren't---just like with everything else in life.

kenvt

09-06-08, 05:10 PM

If you've already decided that you want to watch the show that you missed, it's just a question of whether or not you're willing to pay in order to watch it on your TV (vs. your computer).

Some people are willing to pay and some aren't---just like with everything else in life.

A friend of mine paid 1.99 for each episode of Battlestar Gallactica on itunes, where I waited till they showed them on UHD.

-Ken

bkushner

09-07-08, 01:14 AM

I bet we in New Jersey will not get them!!

Hey Dan, I'm in Audubon, you got that right about Comcast. What a SPARSE channel selection we have. I was told several months ago 10 new channels by Sept 1...yeah right.

Daniel Murray

09-07-08, 07:51 AM

If you Call the Haddonfield Office (Garden State system) they will tell you not for aleast two more years.

hdtvjunkie247

09-07-08, 12:00 PM

My area will probably have to remove more analogs in order to add HD stations and we all know how that ends up. Case in point, Comcast was supposed to remove Discovery Health from the lineup on one of their systems in the state on 8/28. But a few weeks later they backed out of doing it. I feel the same thing is going on down here in Ocean County, since we haven't had any analogs removed since late March.

bkushner

09-07-08, 06:39 PM

If you Call the Haddonfield Office (Garden State system) they will tell you not for aleast two more years.

Here is an email I got today. You can read my mail and their response.

Dear Brian,

Thank you for contacting Comcast Cable.

I apologize for the inconvenience.

These are the current channels being offered in HD

200 Comcast Sportsnet HD High-Definition TV
202 ESPN HD High-Definition TV
203 ESPN 2 HD High-Definition TV
204 TNT HD High-Definition TV
205 HD Theater High-Definition TV
206 MOJO High-Definition TV
207 Versus/Golf HD
208 Universal HD High-Definition TV
209 MHD Music
210 National Geographic HD
211 A&E HD
215 & 300 HBO HD High-Definition TV
218 NFL Network HD High-Definition TV
219 & 319 Cinemax HD High-Definition TV
220 TBS HD High-Definition TV
223 & 339 Showtime HD High-Definition TV
227 & 369 STARZ HD High-Definition TV
231 WPVI-DT (ABC-HD)* High-Definition TV
232 WCAU-DT (NBC-HD)* High-Definition TV
233 KYW-DT (CBS-HD)* High-Definition TV
234 WTXF-DT (FOX-HD)* High-Definition TV
235 WPHL-DT (WB-HD)* High-Definition TV
236 WPSG-DT (UPN-HD)* High-Definition TV
240 WHYY-DT (PBS-HD)* High-Definition TV

At this time we do not have any updates to specific dates of when
channels will be added. We have plans on adding many stations to the
lineup and will continuing to add them as they become available in your
area.

Thank you for choosing Comcast.

Sincerely,

Don
Comcast Customer Care Specialist
**************************************************
The response contained in this message is intended for the addressee only
and may vary from other responses depending on geography, promotional
campaigns or other factors. If you are not the intended recipient of this
response, please delete this message. Any unauthorized use or
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Original Message Follows:
------------------------
You know I've been more then patient with Comcast. But come on, Direct,
Dish, Fios are adding tons of channels and Comcast in South Jersey has a
handful.

Not a single channel added in a year. Last I wrote about this I was
promised that 10 new channels by Sept 1.

Give me an honest answer because I'm going to leave Comcast unless more
channels are added in the next week or so...what is going on?

B Kushner

Daniel Murray

09-07-08, 07:43 PM

B Kushner, What is said it they do not give a $#!+ about you or me or any one on the Garden State system. I could go down to Wildwood and get a hole lot more HD Channles.

bicker1

09-07-08, 08:21 PM

That's not really what they said. Folks can choose to think of it that way if the only response from the company they are capable of accepting is a kowtow. However, reality doesn't work that way. There are real limitations that apply: Technical and financial. They're politely expressing the impact of those limitations.

keenan

09-07-08, 08:39 PM

If you Call the Haddonfield Office (Garden State system) they will tell you not for aleast two more years.

This really seems odd, did they really say that? I can't imagine that's the actual response you got as it's tantamount to telling you to go somewhere else to get your HD, at least for the next two years, and that just doesn't sound right to me.

Daniel Murray

09-07-08, 09:14 PM

This really seems odd, did they really say that? I can't imagine that's the actual response you got as it's tantamount to telling you to go somewhere else to get your HD, at least for the next two years, and that just doesn't sound right to me.

They said it and said it many times when I call just to ask when!!:eek:

Daniel Murray

09-07-08, 09:22 PM

The Haddonfield Office is not that fare from my Work. I went there one day in the Spring during lunch and ask to speek to some one about HD Channles. I was told they are not going to add HD channles for tow to three years because there is no call for them on this system or in the state. I looked at about four Comcast people I said you need to get your head out of your @$$ and look at how many people went to Sat and Fios. They told me No big deal just a small drop in the amount of people in the state.
It is said that Comcast thinks like this!!

Daniel Murray

09-07-08, 09:35 PM

I have been with Comcast for about 20 years and in the past 12 years I will say they I am not happy with them. In 12 years they have ran 14 new cables from the post out side my house to my house. In the last three years they replace the cable in my house 3 times. Now I get told that the fiber cable they ran twice in the street is bad and they will not fix it. That is why I see so many Dishs going up in my town.
How would you fell about them.
I must be a sucker because I am still with them for how much longer I do not know. But I can say it is not looking good.
My bill is allways going up and I keep getting channles taken away. Plus the service is going down hill fast.
This might not be like this for all. But the ones who it is knows how I fell.
I know there is many People who is going through this just like me.

bicker1

09-08-08, 05:05 AM

It is said that ...A lot of things are said in the heat of the moment, without the foundation of reality, and especially as a reaction to frustration with not getting what one wants.

I must be a sucker because I am still with them...Good point. However, I wouldn't be too hard on yourself. We all have to make the best decisions we can, for our own situations, based on the options we have available to us, and in light of the circumstances we have put ourselves in. I'm sure that, accounting for all that, you're doing the best you can.

Daniel Murray

09-08-08, 07:07 AM

bicher1 Do you work for Comcast?

davisdog

09-08-08, 12:03 PM

Daniel,

They dont care if you are happy or not as long as you keep paying the bill. Speak with your wallet and move if you arent happy, that's what competition is good for (and 12 years of unhappyness...but you keep paying whatever $ figure they put on your bill?..they probably do have you listed in the sucker category...Time for you and Comcast to get a divorce)

nakedeye

09-08-08, 03:29 PM

bicher1 Do you work for Comcast?

No but he should given his staunch defending of mediocrity from them.

Daniel Murray

09-08-08, 04:18 PM

Daniel,
They probably do have you listed in the sucker category...Time for you and Comcast to get a divorce)

That is so funny That is what my family said.
As of right now the only thing keeping me from doing this Broadband is much faster than DSL. If DSL was as fast I would have left a long time ago.

keenan

09-08-08, 04:26 PM

That is so funny That is what my family said.
As of right now the only thing keeping me from doing this Broadband is much faster than DSL. If DSL was as fast I would have left a long time ago.

If it fits your budget, keep the HSI and a Limited Basic subscription, which should get you the local HD, plus it gets you a better price on the HSI, and then get DirecTV for the bulk of your HD channels. It's what I've done, the cost of Limited Basic is close to the difference in stand-alone HSI vs discounted with a cableTV subscription, so it's sort of like getting the local HD for "free".

Marcus Carr

09-08-08, 06:13 PM

Comcast has added two more new High-Definition channels to its local systems in Harrisburg and Hershey, Pennsylvania.

The new HD channels are: Bravo HD and ESPNews HD.

http://www.tvpredictions.com/cpa090808.htm

blitzen102

09-08-08, 09:35 PM

bicher1 Do you work for Comcast?

It should come as no big surprise to you that many companies have paid employees on staff whose job is to spend all day trying to refute bogus claims against the company on internet forums such as this one.

Whether they actually admit to being employees, or not.

Daniel Murray

09-08-08, 10:01 PM

It should come as no big surprise to you that many companies have paid employees on staff whose job is to spend all day trying to refute bogus claims against the company on internet forums such as this one.

Whether they actually admit to being employees, or not.

I see:eek:

nakedeye

09-08-08, 11:08 PM

http://www.tvpredictions.com/cpa090808.htm

That link is wildly in accurate. Philly has not seen 5 of the fore mentioned channels.

Lodef

09-08-08, 11:30 PM

bicker is just playing his usual role as devils advocate, but he is very pro-business though!

bicker1

09-09-08, 06:38 AM

bicher1 Do you work for Comcast?I don't work in the industry at all. I used to work for AT&T, but that was way back when "video over telephone lines" was just a cute concept.

What do you do for a living? Who is your employer? Do you enjoy your job?

;)

No but he should given his staunch defending of mediocrity from them.Y'see this kind of emotional response is the problem, I feel. We disagree about what is appropriate. I don't understand why that is so difficult to understand and accept. Assuming that any perspective that differs from yours is invalid is nothing more than antagonistic.

That is so funny That is what my family said.
As of right now the only thing keeping me from doing this Broadband is much faster than DSL. If DSL was as fast I would have left a long time ago.You're making a logical value judgment, deciding that Comcast's offering is worth what they're charging. Don't beat yourself up for that.

It should come as no big surprise to you that many companies have paid employees on staff whose job is to spend all day trying to refute bogus claims against the company on internet forums such as this one. Whether they actually admit to being employees, or not.Perhaps they do, perhaps they don't. Regardless, I'm not one of them. Your (repeated) insinuations that I am is abusive. I disagree with you. I think your perspective is unreasonably biased towards the consumer. Accept it. Defend your own perspective, if you can, but expect that I'll call you out on your scurrilous back-door insinuations when you make them.

bicker is just playing his usual role as devils advocate, but he is very pro-business though!It really isn't devil's advocate, at least not in this case. Rather, I'm a true conservative, at heart -- i.e., I believe in personal accountability for our own decisions, and in a free-market economy where government doesn't interfere any more than absolutely necessary, in private life or business. My perspective is heart-and-soul a reflection of that true conservative perspective.

bicker1

09-09-08, 06:53 AM

Just expanding on this a bit: I've said before that folks who have access to FiOS should switch, and capitalize on its advantages while they exist. I fully expect that once Verizon gets enough market share they'll operate just like Comcast does -- because it is the right way for a business to operate in this environment. While they're trying to enter the market they'll offer a substantially better value than the legacy provider. I'll go one step further and make it clear that if FiOS was willing to offer me service, like they offer my neighbor service, then I'd switch in a heartbeat. AND, more importantly, while I am disappointed that they're cherry-picking which homes to provide service to, based on the cost of connecting that home to the fiber that runs down the street, I state clearly that they surely should cherry-pick, since they're allowed to and it is better for their bottom-line to do so, even though it is to my own personal detriment. I know the idea of someone being objective enough to acknowledge something as valid and right despite it being to their own personal detriment is an alien concept to some folks, but there it is.

Daniel Murray

09-09-08, 07:09 AM

blitzen102

09-09-08, 07:31 AM

Your (repeated) insinuations that I am is abusive. I disagree with you. I think your perspective is unreasonably biased towards the consumer. Accept it. Defend your own perspective, if you can, but expect that I'll call you out on your scurrilous back-door insinuations when you make them.

When have I ever been abusive to you?

You seem to be lumping mew in with other people here. Interesting viewpoint.

but expect that I'll call you out on your scurrilous back-door insinuations when you make them.

I couldn't care less.

bicker1

09-09-08, 07:39 AM

But it is sad that a company that is big as comcast has such a bad customer service dept.I think we can go further than that. I think that it is sad that customer service, in general, is no longer a fixture of our society's offerings. I would gladly pay 20% more for everything to be treated by service providers the way they treated me twenty-five years ago. Unfortunately, most folks would rather pay the 20% less, and then just whine about the degradation in service quality, overlooking their own role in bringing it about.

There are sectors where customer service survives, and unremarkably, generally they are sectors where enough people are willing to pay enough extra, on a continual basis. Hotels, for example. I'm not sure why hotels have been able to maintain this model while most everything else has not.

kenvt

09-09-08, 08:50 AM

I see.
But it is sad that a company that is big as comcast has such a bad customer service dept. It seems that no one knows what is going on in the company. When you go and talk to them they look at you with the DUM look on there face and say I do not no antything.

Comcast is trying to change their customer service perspective here on the internet. These forums are monitored by a guy named ComcastGeorge who may be able to help with your problems if you send him a private message. He is part of the Comcast internet team that monitors Twitter etc, and often cuts through the red tape.

-Ken

QZ1

09-09-08, 03:11 PM

If it fits your budget, keep the HSI and a Limited Basic subscription, which should get you the local HD, plus it gets you a better price on the HSI, and then get DirecTV for the bulk of your HD channels. It's what I've done, the cost of Limited Basic is close to the difference in stand-alone HSI vs discounted with a cableTV subscription, so it's sort of like getting the local HD for "free".
In some areas, there is no difference, so it is effectively free. In this area, it is actually $6.75 less to get Ltd. Basic with HSI.

keenan

09-09-08, 04:07 PM

In some areas, there is no difference, so it is effectively free. In this area, it is actually $6.75 less to get Ltd. Basic with HSI.
Probably the same, or close to it here as well, I didn't actually look at the numbers. I pay $70 for both Limited Basic(16.50) and 16/2 HSI($52.50), and I think 16/2 HSI by itself is somewhere in the $70-80 range?? I don't know as the Comcast site in my area doesn't list prices for anything, but I remember it being rather expensive. Plus, because my CC's have been authorized incorrectly, I also get ESPN, ESPN2, MOJO, Disc-HD Theater and CSNBA(formerly FSNBA) all in HD, so I'm not complaining at all. :)

Marcus Carr

09-12-08, 10:03 AM

NJ - MSG HD/MSG Plus HD coming 10/15 ...

From today's Asbury Park Press:

Effective October 15, 2008, the following channels will be added to the Comcast channel lineup:

•MSG HD - Expanded Service HD Channel 196
•MSG Plus HD - Expanded Service HD Channel 197

Also effective October 15th, the following channels will no longer be available:

•HD Special Events/CN8 HD - Channel 201
•MOJO - Channel 206

Applies to Comcast Of Monmouth County, Ocean County, Central New Jersey, Toms River and LBI

http://www.dslreports.com/forum/r21098076-NJ-MSG-HDMSG-Plus-HD-coming-1015-

Odd that they are dropping MOJO. Is the end near for this channel?

nakedeye

09-12-08, 10:30 AM

Odd that they are dropping MOJO. Is the end near for this channel?

I would be very unhappy.

Three sheets is a staple of mine.

nakedeye

09-12-08, 10:31 AM

Odd that they are dropping MOJO. Is the end near for this channel?

I would be very unhappy.

Three sheets is a staple of mine, and may be the one thing that holds me back from fios

jrcorwin

09-12-08, 10:42 AM

I would happily drop MOJO here if I could get Discovery instead. We're stilling waiting on HD On Demand too.

bob2274

09-12-08, 11:47 AM

They are probably just eliminating it temporarily to place the sports channels there.

ak3883

09-12-08, 12:19 PM

I think most people would swap MOJO for HDNET anyday.

Although it kinda functions as the HD overflow/special event channel, on systems that don't have an HD events channel.

bob2274

09-12-08, 12:46 PM

That's what's nice about MOJO- it seems that the channel is really flexible about pre-emptions for regional sports. HDNet would not allow this.

kenvt

09-12-08, 12:53 PM

It's just really a sad state of affairs that any channel needs to be dropped at this point.

jrcorwin

09-12-08, 12:57 PM

I really don't watch MOJO, Food Network, or HGTV...I wouldn't mind if they dropped them, but I understand that other would.

Also, here in my area we have FSN Midwest and they appear to show a lot of baseball games according to the guide. I would know however because we ONLY get the color bars at all times. There is never anything actually on it. I could do without that one as well.

Marcus Carr

09-12-08, 02:18 PM

Comcast Doctoring Digital in Detroit

SEPTEMBER 09, 2008

Detroit will be the second Comcast Corp. (Nasdaq: CMCSA, CMCSK) market to get the digital treatment.

Comcast Cable president Steve Burke revealed the Motor City as such today during his talk today at the Merrill Lynch & Co. Inc. Media and Entertainment Conference in Marina Del Ray, Calif.

A Comcast spokeswoman confirmed that the MSO has an all-digital trial underway in Battle Creek and Adrian, Mich., which are both in the Detroit region. The move to digital could pave the way for Detroit to get its hands on Docsis 3.0 later. (See Comcast Enters the Wideband Era .)

Burke didn’t provide much technical detail, but it's likely that Comcast will repeat what it did in Chicago last year -- by going mostly digital and reclaiming gobs of analog spectrum but leaving its "B1" programming tier (roughly 20 to 25 channels) in analog. (See Going 'Mostly' Digital .)

Comcast has plans in place to enlist a similar strategy in 20 percent of its markets, with the majority set to occur in the back half of the year. Comcast will fuel that plan using different forms of all-digital set-tops as well as simple, one-way digital terminal adapters (DTAs). (See Comcast Confirms Digital Dongle Project, Comcast's DTAs: Security Optional , Broadcom Adapts Chipset for DTAs, Comcast Gives Thomson Nod for DTAs , and Pace Pix .)

Industry sources have indicated that Comcast could begin to roll out DTAs as early as this month, but the spokeswoman said the MSO has yet to pull the trigger on any deployments.

Burke did address some of the longer-term plans Comcast has in store for the DTA. Of Comcast's 24 million video subs, about 15 million are already taking digital services. Another 4.5 million are taking Comcast's analog-only/expanded basic tier; Comcast expects to give them two or three set-top boxes each, with the majority of those devices being DTAs.

Comcast will also provide DTAs to digital subscribers, to ensure that their extra analog sets can display any channels from the expanded basic tier that might be migrated to digital.

Burke said it will take roughly 25 million DTAs for Comcast to complete its digital migration over the next 12 to 18 months, confirming that unit prices will be $30 to $35.

With spectrum freed up, "you can get as much HD as you want," Burke said, noting that Comcast will also use the room to beef up ethnic programming tiers that will compete with offerings from Dish Network Corp. and DirecTV Group Inc. (NYSE: DTV - message board).

Separately, Burke didn't speculate on Comcast's chances of reeling in new subscribers as the nation's full-power broadcasters cut over to digital on Feb. 17. (See DTV Transition Could Catalyze Cable.) What Comcast does know is that of the 50 million homes its network passes, 6 million to 8 million still rely on over-the-air broadcast signals.

Comcast is mulling some marketing options for this group: Send out the message that their TV viewing lives won't change if they sign up for cable; offer a super-cheap broadcast-only tier; or offer a baseline video service for free if those customers agree to sign up for high-speed Internet and digital phone service.

— Jeff Baumgartner, Site Editor, Cable Digital News

http://www.lightreading.com/document.asp?doc_id=163341&site=cdn

rafiks

09-12-08, 02:34 PM

Got a mail today from comcast. They are adding a lot of channels this October! Really good news since I only have like 5 HD channels.

HD channels:
ESPN HD
ESPN2 HD
Versus/golf channel Hd
TNT HD
MOJO
HD theater
FOOD network
HGTV
History
WTTA my HD
NAtional GEographic
HBO
Showtime

digital:
CurrentTV
Fox reality
BIO
History intl
LMN
Fine living network
hallmark
nicktoons
oxygen
fuse
g4
logo
IFC
indieplex
retroplex
GMC
tv one
shopnbc
bloomberg

:):):)

Doom878

09-12-08, 03:40 PM

We're stilling waiting on HD On Demand too.

We just got this here this week. Don't worry, there's only like 1 or 2 programs for each selection

Ken H

09-12-08, 03:44 PM

Comcast Doctoring Digital in Detroit

Detroit will be the second Comcast Corp. (Nasdaq: CMCSA, CMCSK) market to get the digital treatment.
I only have one thing to say; YES!

sansri88

09-12-08, 04:14 PM

It definitely is not temporary for MSG/MSG+ HD.

First of all, EIA ch 32 is empty. They could have placed it there if they wanted to without touching Mojo.

I can only assume that Mojo and HD Sports overflow channel 201 are on the same channel, but I'll have to check and confirm. That would mean one empty channel available.

If the end of Mojo is near, that *could* mean HDNet/HDNet Movies could be put in it's place. This is speculation here, as said by another poster over on BBR.

bob2274

09-12-08, 04:24 PM

I did not mean to say that MSG and MSG+ were temporary. They will not go anywhere. I only think that MOJO was probably the best channel to eliminate until the system has more bandwidth.
I do think that they will keep / bring back MOJO because it is a flexible place to put games when needed (like MSG Plus 2 games).

Marcus Carr

09-12-08, 04:46 PM

Another possible sign of impending doom for Mojo is that Chicago recently added NBA TV HD.

dabadestalbo69

09-12-08, 04:49 PM

When they say Detroit im just gonna guess it doesnt mean the northern subburbs. Anyway if they drop MOJO ill be mad, they have yet to add NBA TV HD so without that i wont get any HD games other than the ones on TNT and ESPN.

sansri88

09-12-08, 04:50 PM

We have room though. They didn't have to remove Mojo and ch 201 to add MSG/MSG+ HD.

I don't think MSG 2 games are in HD, so I doubt they'll re-add Mojo.

Daniel Murray

09-12-08, 07:51 PM

Looks like Garden State Cable system of Comcast gets passed by once again:eek::mad:

Daniel Murray

09-12-08, 08:47 PM

I just turn on my TV and not one HD channle looks like HD.

nakedeye

09-12-08, 09:31 PM

I just turn on my TV and not one HD channle looks like HD.

sucks to be you. try glasses.

Daniel Murray

09-12-08, 09:47 PM

sucks to be you. try glasses.

How about 20/20. :eek:

bicker1

09-13-08, 08:02 AM

I'd still try glasses. :)

We've had enjoyed some really substantial improvements in HD PQ over the last few weeks. Even Sci-Fi and USA have been crystal clear.

bob2274

09-13-08, 11:43 AM

I guess the end is near for MOJO beacause one Comcast system dropped it. I had no idea.

slowbiscuit

09-13-08, 11:48 AM

Comcast will also provide DTAs to digital subscribers, to ensure that their extra analog sets can display any channels from the expanded basic tier that might be migrated to digital.

Burke said it will take roughly 25 million DTAs for Comcast to complete its digital migration over the next 12 to 18 months, confirming that unit prices will be $30 to $35.
But at what cost to the customer? I'm not renting the damn things if they're that cheap to buy. And I'll be damned if I'm going to pay their stupid $6.95/mo. digital outlet fee per month for my extra analog TV's.

Marty Milton

09-13-08, 12:24 PM

Here in east central Illinois Comcast has really screwed things up. The U of Illinois is supposed to be the main Big Ten Network game. Instead they are broadcasting the Northwestern game. That really sucks!

QZ1

09-13-08, 12:48 PM

But at what cost to the customer? I'm not renting the damn things if they're that cheap to buy. And I'll be damned if I'm going to pay their stupid $6.95/mo. digital outlet fee per month for my extra analog TV's.
A Digital A/O is a combo of a box rental (~$4) and a mirroring fee (~$3). In areas where they went Digital-only for Expd. Basic, they required Digital Boxes, since DTAs weren't availaible, and they cost ~2x more than DTAs. IIRC, one box is now included in subscription, and a second (maybe a third, as well) is free for a year, then $4, effectively just the box rental fee. Figure the DTAs will be half the fee, at ~$2.

keithbart

09-13-08, 01:19 PM

Marty Milton

09-13-08, 04:43 PM

Marty, do you have the BTN overflow channels there?
Yes, we do, but unfortuneately they are not in HD.

Amnesia

09-13-08, 05:01 PM

I guess the end is near for MOJO beacause one Comcast system dropped it.Comcast is a part owner of the channel. It's strange for them to drop it...

LongRufus

09-13-08, 06:32 PM

Comcast is a part owner of the channel. It's strange for them to drop it...

I really have a hard time believing this. They are dropping Mojo and CN8 HD, both of which they own partially or outright, in order to add 2 channels owned by Cablevision? That just does not make any sense at all. But we are talking about New Jersey here, so I guess anything is possible.

bob2274

09-13-08, 06:34 PM

I still really, really think that it's a temporary move to satisfy contractual obligations with limited bandwidth in one area.

slowbiscuit

09-13-08, 07:57 PM

A Digital A/O is a combo of a box rental (~$4) and a mirroring fee (~$2). In areas where they went Digital-only for Expd. Basic, they required Digital Boxes, since DTAs weren't availaible, and they cost ~2x more than DTAs. IIRC, one box is now included in subscription, and a second (maybe a third, as well) is free for a year, then $4. Figure the DTAs will be half the fee, at ~$2.Yep, and I pay $0 now for each extra analog TV.

Welcome to another Comcast price increase as part of the digital migration. Just another excuse to gouge the customer as they 'upgrade' to digital. I'm going to be pissed if they aren't going to provide the DTA's at cost (or cheaply enough that it won't matter).

Even at $2/mo. for each, it's an unwarranted price increase because the analog-only customer gets nothing for the change, and Comcast will quickly recoup the cost (and then profit from each DTA).

kenvt

09-13-08, 09:58 PM

The DTA devices only convert clear qam to analog so Comcast would have to stop encrypting extended basic in order for you to receive these channels via the DTA. If comcast was to include encryption then they would be required to have a cable card slot in the DTA which would drive up the cost.

-Ken

jmallory

09-14-08, 06:49 AM

Yep, and I pay $0 now for each extra analog TV.

Welcome to another Comcast price increase as part of the digital migration. Just another excuse to gouge the customer as they 'upgrade' to digital. I'm going to be pissed if they aren't going to provide the DTA's at cost (or cheaply enough that it won't matter).

Even at $2/mo. for each, it's an unwarranted price increase because the analog-only customer gets nothing for the change, and Comcast will quickly recoup the cost (and then profit from each DTA).

I thought the idea of a DTA was that they could just be given out no charge...but even if Comcast does charge for them.

1. Comcast is still going to offer 20-25 channels in analog after they are an "all-digital" system. Your analog only TVs aren't going to go completely dark.

2. Don't want to pay monthly for the DTA after one year, go buy an set with a QAM tuner. As mentioned above the entire basic tier will have to be unencrypted as the DTAs will not have a decryption engine.

3. If the federal government had a little foresight, they should have made the coupon eligible DTV receivers ClearQAM as well. In fact, I would bet they already are as I don't think anyone makes a ATSC only chipset anymore, just disabled in firmware. Who knows, once Comcast completes the cutover...there may be a market for third party ClearQAM receivers. Maybe you will be able to buy them retail.

4. Face facts, watching television on pre-digital TVs is going to require a box. Do you expect analog to be around forever?

5. Even if Comcast is charging $2 per month for a DTA. At $35 it is still going to take 18 months of rentals (once they start charging you) to pay for the DTA. Beyond that, part of that $2 per month is going to have to cover replacing failed DTAs. At $35 per box, these things will probably be very cheaply made and may not last too much longer than 5 years. Comcast isn't going to making a ton of easy money on these things. Besides, if you don't like it, why not switch services to....Direc...err....Di....er....FI...err...Uver...err...oh yeah, all those services ALREADY require you have a full STB, or Cablecard, or ClearQAM tuner on each TV.

What I am getting at here is that as an analog TV user, Comcast still is providing you more options than their competition. You may not like the options, but you have options.

Frankly, I am glad to see Comcast commit to digital TV. Getting rid of analog (for the most part) is the easiest way to go to provide more HD to all of their customers regardless of the state of the cable plant. Even a 550 Mhz system, could easily provide 100 SD channels and 100 HD channels (with a mix of 2:1. 3:1 compression), plus CDV, plus HSI if there were no analog channels.

Chezbrgr2

09-14-08, 07:39 AM

jmallory

09-14-08, 07:53 AM

I Love this thinking! So its okay when cable was put into the home and the installer said "How many sets are you hooking up?" and we all said "ONE!"

Then when he left we all ran to RS and bought splitters and coax and began hooking up the other 4 sets in our house! Thus avoiding the simple additional outlet fee we were supposed to pay for 20 years!

Lets see,... What does that come to that we didn't pay, but now we will complain that theres a fee for a box that gets us all the programming we subscribe to on all of our TV's in the house.

Interesting?:rolleyes:

Well to be fair, Comcast (and most other cable providers) haven't charged monthly additional outlet fees for basic analog service for awhile now (at least since they started offering digital cable, probably before then) and it made sense. Comcast didn't need to provide anything, so why charge? And if you think about it, it really is the same as it was back then. If you have a digital cable ready TV, you will not need a DTA. No digital cable ready TV, either accept less channels (like you did with a standard TV back in the analog days when you only received 2-13 unless you had a Cable Ready TV) or use a STB.

slowbiscuit

09-14-08, 11:04 AM

OK, this is actually worse than what I posted. I mistakenly thought the DTA was a poor-man's STB in that it could decrypt what you're authorized for at a lower cost. Now I see that it's just a clear QAM converter.

So now, in exchange for Comcast upgrading to digital, I get to pay another $12 a month for power-sucking, heat-generating STBs on my remaining two analog TV's just to get the same expanded basic channels they already receive.

I already have a Moto DCT-700 on one analog set and a Cablecard for the Tivo HD on my plasma. Now I'll need to get two more DCT-700s or give up all the expanded basic channels on the other two analog TVs, which in my four-person family is a total non-starter. And I'll get nothing in return for it other than OnDemand (which is worthless to us for the most part). This is a back-door price increase, pure and simple.

Thanks Comcast for not supplying clear QAM expanded basic, you just lost your main advantage over sat.

bob2274

09-14-08, 12:56 PM

From the posts on this thread, everyone wants more HD channels. If this is what needs to be done to make room for more channels, I'm fine with it.

tamahome02000

09-14-08, 01:59 PM

Uhd is calling saturday night 'sci-hd' night, with Battlestar Galactica, Jerico, & a movie. Guess they're taking advantage of the areas without sci fi hd. :)

Marcus Carr

09-15-08, 08:47 AM

LONGMONT — Comcast Corp. says it is about 80 percent complete with a $6 million upgrade for Longmont it started earlier this year.

• 14 additional high-definition channels: HBO HD; Showtime HD; Starz HD; Cinemax HD; NFL HD; TBS HD; TLC HD; Disney HD; ABC Family HD; HGTV HD; Science Channel HD; KWGN (CW) HD; KTVD HD; and KRMA (PBS) HD.

http://www.timescall.com/news_story.asp?ID=11382

Marcus Carr

09-15-08, 11:26 AM

Cox Omaha...Mojo will be removed...

http://highdefforum.com/showthread.php?t=79144

So it's not just Comcast. And Cox is also part owner of Mojo.

ak3883

09-15-08, 12:30 PM

So now, in exchange for Comcast upgrading to digital, I get to pay another $12 a month for power-sucking, heat-generating STBs on my remaining two analog TV's just to get the same expanded basic channels they already receive.

DTAs are not as big as STBs, one made by Pace claims to be "palm-sized (http://www.multichannel.com/article/CA6564006.html)" I'd be surprised if they were as big as DCT700s

Marcus Carr

09-15-08, 12:55 PM

Motorola has started shipping production volumes of DOCSIS 3.0 modems to a large North American MSO that is planning to turn on service before the end of the month...

http://www.multichannel.com/article/CA6596000.html

keithbart

09-15-08, 10:40 PM

http://highdefforum.com/showthread.php?t=79144

So it's not just Comcast. And Cox is also part owner of Mojo.

I hope Comcast keeps Mojo. It has probably the best HD picture quality
of any HD channel. The only problem is they don't show alot of new
content.

slowbiscuit

09-16-08, 07:23 AM

DTAs are not as big as STBs, one made by Pace claims to be "palm-sized (http://www.multichannel.com/article/CA6564006.html)" I'd be surprised if they were as big as DCT700s
Yeah but unless they put expanded basic onto clear QAM after the cutover, it won't matter how big it is because you'll still need something. And the DCT700s are pretty small.

I actually wouldn't mind upgrading my extra sets to digital just to avoid having more boxes, but I would only do this if I can get expanded basic in the clear.

QZ1

09-16-08, 11:57 AM

Yeah but unless they put expanded basic onto clear QAM after the cutover, it won't matter how big it is because you'll still need something. And the DCT700s are pretty small.

I actually wouldn't mind upgrading my extra sets to digital just to avoid having more boxes, but I would only do this if I can get expanded basic in the clear.
DTAs don't use CableCard, so they can't have encryption. Expd. Basic would be unencrypted, unless the box regs. change.

slowbiscuit

09-16-08, 12:26 PM

I'm not sure that's so clear-cut because expanded basic is encrypted on the digital tier now. Did they open it up in Chicago?

Marcus Carr

09-16-08, 12:59 PM

MASN HD to be added locally as a full-time channel in March 2009. (Games are currently carried on Mojo.)

http://www.baltimoresun.com/sports/bal-masn916,0,4523885.story

ji0005

09-16-08, 02:54 PM

All that I get on QAM in Chicago is the locals and some ondemand stuff that my neighbors are watching.

QZ1

09-16-08, 07:08 PM

I'm not sure that's so clear-cut because expanded basic is encrypted on the digital tier now.

I know, same here, but w/o encryption they would have to open Expd. Basic Digital and continue to use filters, just for different frequencies.

Did they open it up in Chicago?

AFAIK, there, they deployed CableCard boxes with encryption, so no need to open it.

Marcus Carr

09-17-08, 08:44 AM

Comcast ready for shift to digital cable

Robert Warner • The Enquirer • September 17, 2008

Battle Creek-area residents might be feeling a little future shock these days, as dominant cable television service provider Comcast shifts all but its most basic service to digital-only transmission.

Battle Creek and Adrian customers are the first among Comcast's 1.2 million Michigan subscribers affected by the company's move to offer its "Preferred Basic" tier of channels only in digital.

That forces many subscribers, including those with older, "cable-ready" television sets, to use a Comcast digital receiver to get their service.

Rather than a ploy by Comcast to get into your wallet, company spokesman Patrick Paterno portrayed the switch as an early move toward the inevitable era of digital-only cable.

"The world is going digital and we're trying to help consumers to go digital faster," Paterno said.

The company has been working on the transition since July, and for part of the Battle Creek area, deadlines have begun to pass for signing up for digital boxes.

Comcast expects to pull the plug on the non-digital Preferred Basic signal sometime in October, Paterno said.

At that point, those who do not have digital receivers or compatible digital tuners on their television sets only will be able to receive the system's 20 "Basic Cable" channels — including all local over-the-air television stations required to be carried by the Federal Communications Commission.

Those customers will pay $15.93 monthly for the basic service. Preferred Basic service is $70.44, according to the company's Web site.

The company is providing one digital receiver free for now; a box for a second set can be rented for $4.20 per month, Paterno said.

Paterno declined to say what proportion of the company's local customers are affected by the switch. A majority of the company's customers already subscribe to digital service, he said.

"We've tried reaching out to people to explain this," Paterno said, citing mailings, phone calls and announcements in monthly bills.

"And we're adding about 20 channels to our existing lineup — about 500 channels total, including hundreds of HD-on-demand channels," he said.

The Comcast change isn't related to the February termination of analog broadcast signals for most over-the-air television stations in the United States, Paterno said.

He said customers have been clamoring for more high-definition television service and faster Internet service, and that this move frees up room on Comcast's fiber-optic network to provide both.

Some Comcast customers have contacted the Enquirer to say they're confused and concerned about the changes. One, Carol Vernia of Battle Creek, said in a letter published in Tuesday's newspaper that she'd done away with the digital receivers she'd had installed because they were incompatible with her videocassette recorder. She said she didn't want to pay an extra $10 per month for the company's digital video recorder option and is checking out competing TV service providers.

Other concerns expressed by Enquirer readers included the cost of digital boxes for every TV in their home and initial reception problems.

Some said Comcast's move to require digital boxes for Preferred Basic service was hard to gibe with broadly reported assurances that cable and satellite customers would not be affected by February's move to digital-only broadcast TV.

With its digital transformation, Comcast will be able to complete 2007's abortive attempt to move all public access and governmental channels to digital channels. The company said the move, blocked in 2007 by a Michigan court, will take place by Jan. 15.

The changes will move AccessVision channels 16 and 17 to digital channels 916 and 917; local weather radar, now on channel 15, to channel 918; and Michigan Government Television, now on channel 97, to channel 187.

http://www.battlecreekenquirer.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080917/NEWS01/809170309

slowbiscuit

09-17-08, 11:22 AM

OK Marcus, I get the point. But just because a minority of cable customers in Battle Creek are going to get a backdoor price increase if they want the same channels on extra sets, it's all good since they'll get more HD channels? What if most of that same minority can't afford HD sets?

So sorry, charlie, progress means you get stiffed.

Marcus Carr

09-17-08, 11:40 AM

Comcast CFO Michael Angelakis:

-- HD channels: how many is too many?: “Once you have 50 channels, there’s a diminishing return the more you have. It becomes more of a marketing ploy at that point. I don;t think people care about watching CSPAN in HD. We will continue to add more linear channels, but we’re bullish on HD.”

http://www.paidcontent.org/entry/419-communacopia-comcasts-angelakis-the-marketplace-looks-somber-but-were-r/

ak3883

09-17-08, 12:26 PM

Comcast CFO Michael Angelakis:

http://www.paidcontent.org/entry/419-communacopia-comcasts-angelakis-the-marketplace-looks-somber-but-were-r/

Someone needs to remind him the same be said about regular cable channels and digital cable channels. Who wants to watch regular CSPAN anyway? And who wants to watch a channel with one genre of music videos? If you added the regular crappy SD overcompressed version, why wouldn't you want a higher definition picture version of it?

More proof that some people at Comcast still think this HD thing is a passing fad. If Comcast thinks they can just stop adding HD channels after you get 50 of them, they are going to continue to see their subscibers jump ship to FIOS, D* and E*

BMAG

09-17-08, 12:57 PM

Comcast CFO Michael Angelakis:

"...we’re bullish on HD."

http://www.paidcontent.org/entry/419-communacopia-comcasts-angelakis-the-marketplace-looks-somber-but-were-r/

Mr. Angelakis left out the "t" and transposed the "sh" and the "i".

Ken H

09-17-08, 12:59 PM

On HD channels: how many is too many?: “Once you have 50 channels, there’s a diminishing return the more you have. It becomes more of a marketing ploy at that point. I don;t think people care about watching CSPAN in HD. We will continue to add more linear channels, but we’re bullish on HD.”

I bet he gets his nose tweaked good for that one....

MickeyGee

09-17-08, 01:14 PM

Angelakis: "...It becomes more of a marketing ploy at that point..."

But isn't "we have over 1,000 HD choices [via Comcast On Demand]" also just a marketing ploy?

Maybe Mr. Angelakis should stick to counting beans.

Mickey

b_scott

09-17-08, 01:21 PM

HD is what TV will become. it's not a fad, it's the new configuration. i don't watch anything that is not in HD. why would I?

jmallory

09-17-08, 01:57 PM

HD is what TV will become. it's not a fad, it's the new configuration. i don't watch anything that is not in HD. why would I?

I don't believe he said it was a fad. What he said was that once you had the locals, your RSN(s), and the popular national networks in HD (and that is about 50 or so channels) then you have covered the majority of what you customers want. Anything beyond that is getting into niche programming. I really don't care if Comcast ever picks up stuff like Wealth TV HD or Smithsonian. I really don't care if we have the complete HBO multiplex in HD if all the HBO programming is available in HD On-demand. In fact, if a network doesn't offer any live programming at all, why not just have it be On-Demand? Is there any reason that Mojo couldn't be done as a On-demand channel?

b_scott

09-17-08, 02:06 PM

HD takes up less bandwidth and looks many times better, as well as having the ability to be downconverted by the boxes we're all going to have to have anyway (or cablecards). i don't see the issue what having every channel in HD. downcoverted HD will look better than SD in any case.

McDonoughDawg

09-17-08, 02:36 PM

I agree about the usefulness of on-demand, and I don't understand the folks that constantly poo poo it. It works, you can watch things from the beginning WHEN you want to. What's the issue?

ji0005

09-17-08, 02:47 PM

I agree about the usefulness of on-demand, and I don't understand the folks that constantly poo poo it. It works, you can watch things from the beginning WHEN you want to. What's the issue?

I personally like to channel surf and watch whats on, or whats left of a movie I like.. I dont always want to watch something beginning to end if im just flipping through. Its just the way I use the device, and my habits make ondemand less attractive to me (not to mention I have a tivo HD so I have to flip to the other box for on demand)

sansri88

09-17-08, 04:48 PM

My 2 cents on some of this stuff:

Ok, I would be content with the top 50 HD Channels (like USA, Discovery, etc). Just add them already! We're still at 26 and losing 1 1/2 to add 2! Complete bs!

On Demand: They need to work on getting the lag times down when navigating, forwarding, rewinding, etc. They also need to work on getting On Demand working (it's gone down on one box in my house *again* and I haven't checked the other one).

Get a more intuitive interface that's both user friendly and pleasing to the eye (AKA FiOS IMG 1.6 or J-Guide 16:9).

Move all channels except limited basic to digital in areas that desperately DO need HD channels (like mine). How many do these Michigan customers have? Probably more than us.

wareagle

09-17-08, 05:22 PM

My OnDemand HD complaint -- the choices of whoever decides what to put there. For example, Speed HD O/D only has episodes of two series (Pinks All Out and Wrecked) that I have absolutely no interest in. On the other hand, if they had replays of all the Formula One events it would go a long way toward easing the pain of not having the linear channel.

maxman

09-17-08, 07:17 PM

If Comcast thinks they can just stop adding HD channels after you get 50 of them...

50? 50? I get 25 with no more in sight.

Daniel Murray

09-17-08, 07:42 PM

50? 50? I get 25 with no more in sight.

I am there with you.

sansri88

09-17-08, 07:53 PM

I am there with you.

And I'm with you as well.

McDonoughDawg

09-17-08, 09:58 PM

I personally like to channel surf and watch whats on, or whats left of a movie I like.. I dont always want to watch something beginning to end if im just flipping through. Its just the way I use the device, and my habits make ondemand less attractive to me (not to mention I have a tivo HD so I have to flip to the other box for on demand)

Well, you can scan the OnDemand offerings, and then fast forward to the middle/end of them if that's what suits your style. :)

Then you have the best of both worlds.

slowbiscuit

09-18-08, 07:35 AM

maxman

09-18-08, 07:56 AM

Well, you can scan the OnDemand offerings, and then fast forward to the middle/end of them if that's what suits your style. :)

Fast forward OnDemand? I don't have that much time. VCR's are faster.

NetworkTV

09-18-08, 10:04 AM

Don't see the need for OnDemand with a good DVR (like the Tivo HD) because you watch what you want to watch, not what they think you'll like.

OnDemand viewing experience is bad because you cannot skip around, only FF/RW. Very painful to navigate.
OK, I'll bite:

1 - The other night, my DVR opted to record black for an hour instead of Burn Notice. Granted, I was able to record the re-air, but only because it re-aired. If that had been a broadcast network show, it might not have. On Demand is a good backup for shows when you need a second chance to catch them.

2 - Sometimes you forget about a show you hoped to catch by the time it premieres. If you don't program it into the DVR, it's not going to record it. On Demand can let you catch it later.

3 - Most DVRs still only have 2 tuners. During premiere weeks, it's hard to sample everything new when it all airs pretty much in the same three hours on the same 5 nights (Friday and Saturday are pretty much dead zones for TV).

4 - Maybe you blew off a series because you didn't think it sounded good. Then you start hearing good things on a board like this one. You can either wait for the DVD set or catch it On Demand (if available).

raidbuck

09-18-08, 12:37 PM

Has anyone heard when HDNET/Movies will start showing up on Comcast systems?

NetworkTV

09-18-08, 12:55 PM

Has anyone heard when HDNET/Movies will start showing up on Comcast systems?
I doubt it's nearly cold enough for that to happen yet...

bobby94928

09-18-08, 02:05 PM

Has anyone heard when HDNET/Movies will start showing up on Comcast systems?

I doubt it's nearly cold enough for that to happen yet...

Comcast has signed a contract with HDNet, it's coming, just like winter... :)

http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=1063418&highlight=comcast+hdnet

NetworkTV

09-18-08, 02:15 PM

Comcast has signed a contract with HDNet, it's coming, just like winter... :)

http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=1063418&highlight=comcast+hdnet

Like I said, it's not nearly cold enough yet... ;) :D

bicker1

09-18-08, 03:30 PM

The thing is that Angelakis is correct: Each additional HD channel is only worth an amount proportional to the number of subscribers who care about that specific HD channel. With minor exception, MSOs generally add HD channels in order of popularity, so as time goes on, there is less and less value in adding each additional HD channel.

bicker1

09-18-08, 03:32 PM

HD takes up less bandwidth and looks many times betterThe problem with replacing analog with HD is that analog-dependent subscribers get shafted. So doing so is not good for them. I do agree that once we decide to screw analog-dependent subscribers over, replacing analog with HD is a win-win.

b_scott

09-18-08, 04:06 PM

The problem with replacing analog with HD is that analog-dependent subscribers get shafted. So doing so is not good for them. I do agree that once we decide to screw analog-dependent subscribers over, replacing analog with HD is a win-win.

agreed.

however, i do also think that there is no need for analog with boxes or cablecards being basically necessitated these days. if someone only has basic no-frills cable, or has a room that needs it, i say just have comcast give them a box to use for that. you'd have to limit it obviously, but even if each additional after 3 or 4 is $2 a month that's nothing to cry about.

bicker1

09-18-08, 04:10 PM

You going to pay for those millions of converter boxes that they have to "give away" out of your allowance? :)

Besides, haven't you met the folks here online who absolutely HATE boxes? They want to be able to plug their analog televisions right into the cable.

b_scott

09-18-08, 04:20 PM

well, that's just their too bad :) they're just going to have to grow up and use one. :)

i find it highly doubtful that millions and millions of people need boxes that don't have them already, with Comcast. we've got 300 million people in the US, total. and even if they do, the cost of one box wholesale can't be more than one month of cable. Comcast will just have to bite the bullet for a month or two. plus, you're not owning it, they get it back.

bicker1

09-18-08, 04:24 PM

Whoa... bite the bullet? Why should they? Management is a matter of weighing the costs and benefits, not blindly incurring costs because it would be neat-o for some folks to do so. Seriously, if you don't want to pay for it yourself, figure they don't either, and since they're a corporation, they're not allowed to decide to do so because it would be "nice" -- they can only decide to do so because it would be profitable.

b_scott

09-18-08, 04:27 PM

there needs to be some sort of sacrifice to move forward technology. we can't have all these half-assed techs floating around, we need a unified format to use - that is now HD and digital. having analog is slowing down progress and taking up way too much space. it's screwing up a lot of things like faster internet, which we need desperately with all the high size files everyone are downloading and buying now. people seem to be too afraid to do something hard for the greater good.

i realize we're talking about TV. :)

kenvt

09-18-08, 04:44 PM

bicker1

09-18-08, 04:58 PM

there needs to be some sort of sacrifice to move forward technology."Sacrifice" is something that a government imposes. While people are willing to sacrifice for ideals, or beliefs, or for the welfare of their children, no one would make a unilateral financial "sacrifice" (i.e., paying more than they feel it is worth, to them, or how much return on the investment they anticipate) over something as comparatively trivial as HDTV.

people seem to be too afraid to do something hard for the greater good.Afraid? I don't know about that -- I think they're just looking out for their own bottom-line. Most folks don't spend money on things unless they feel they're worth it.

i realize we're talking about TV. :)I dunno -- earlier in the message it didn't seem that way.

b_scott

09-18-08, 04:59 PM

i have one HD Tivo w/M-Card, and two analog TV's with boxes. I think I pay $4 more a month for the extra one? Comcast doesn't charge for the first box and they must provide CC's for around $1.50 a month.

if you can afford $40 in cable a month you can afford $44 in cable a month, even with basic service. they could discount the boxes if not making them free - there are options other than "no progress"

b_scott

09-18-08, 05:02 PM

"Sacrifice" is something that a government imposes. While people are willing to sacrifice for ideals, or beliefs, or for the welfare of their children, no one would make a unilateral financial "sacrifice" (i.e., paying more than they feel it is worth, to them, or how much return on the investment they anticipate) over something as comparatively trivial as HDTV.

you are correct. it is trivial. that's why it is a luxury. there is no "right to television" built into the constitution. if it costs more than you think it's worth, you won't pay it. It's completely up to you, and it's a free market. If people don't like the cost they'll go to some other service like satellite. I sold my car because $4.50/gallon was more than I thought it was worth. that's a sacrifice the other direction, i guess. But I had the right to the choice.

dean-l

09-19-08, 12:15 AM

"Sacrifice" is something that a government imposes. While people are willing to sacrifice for ideals, or beliefs, or for the welfare of their children, no one would make a unilateral financial "sacrifice" (i.e., paying more than they feel it is worth, to them, or how much return on the investment they anticipate) over something as comparatively trivial as HDTV.

Afraid? I don't know about that -- I think they're just looking out for their own bottom-line. Most folks don't spend money on things unless they feel they're worth it.

I dunno -- earlier in the message it didn't seem that way.

HDTV is trivial now that Comcast is behind. Important when they "were" ahead.

bicker1

09-19-08, 05:08 AM

Actually, from what they've been saying, it is clearly becoming more important. The point they're making, now, I suspect, is that they recognize that it won't become that much more important.

jmallory

09-19-08, 06:04 AM

A couple quick points to remember.

No one is getting screwed. People have been told for years that NTSC was one it's way out. Analog cable was always meant to be a temporary stop gap measure. That being said, no one made any promises of what services would be on analog cable other than the local must-carry channels. In fact, going all digital has always been an option (per the FCC). I believe the way Comcast is doing it, a "mostly" digital system is the best way forward that provides the most options. Comcast can provide more HD channels to the more profitable HD customers, people with analog TVs (and who don't want boxes) won't go completely dark. We, as consumers, have to be realistic. You can't offer 100+ channels of High Definition programming and dozens of analog channels with existing, mature, technology. Not even the mighty Verizon FIOS network could accommodate that.

bicker1

09-19-08, 06:21 AM

No one is getting screwed. ... Analog cable was always meant to be a temporary stop gap measure.I don't know where you're getting that. Analog cable was originally as permanent as QAM is going to be.

I agree with you that no one is "getting screwed" -- I wrote that more or less to speak in the parlance of the folks who advocate the ending of analog cable service, who I perceived as seeing the current situation as one within which they are "deprived" of additional HD channels and "subject to" 3:1 muxing. In reality, no one is getting screwed. Things are the way they are as a reflection of how they should be given the fact that there are conflicting needs in this space.

That being said, no one made any promises of what services would be on analog cable other than the local must-carry channels.Consumers are, as a rule, not a rational entity, so explicit promises, while the only defensible foundation for asserting what should be provided, often serve only as a bedrock foundation of what is expected as a minimum. Again: It isn't right, but that's the way many consumers are. How that plays into this is that if there is too big of a gulf between the admittedly indefensible expectations on the part of consumers and what they're actually provided, then providers run the risk of a mob-like reaction, leading to new, onerous regulation, imposing satisfaction of these expectations, often in a manner that results in far less efficiency and flexibility for the future than if the supplier satisfies them voluntarily.

So that's why analog cable service remains, and shall remain for a while longer, effectively delaying advancement of digital services.

I believe the way Comcast is doing it, a "mostly" digital system is the best way forward that provides the most options.Be careful: Saying anything positive about what Comcast does is likely to get you crucified as a Comcast insider. :rolleyes:

Seriously, based on their professional expertise, what they're doing is indeed probably the right thing to do: slowly evolving to a mostly digital system. However, that means digitalphiles living with the delay, and living with the sub-optimal end-result, since even 30 analog channels is a cost against potential alternative digital service.

We, as consumers, have to be realistic.Sacrilege! :)

slowbiscuit

09-19-08, 07:46 AM

I agree with you that no one is "getting screwed" -- I wrote that more or less to speak in the parlance of the folks who advocate the ending of analog cable service, who I perceived as seeing the current situation as one within which they are "deprived" of additional HD channels and "subject to" 3:1 muxing. In reality, no one is getting screwed. Things are the way they are as a reflection of how they should be given the fact that there are conflicting needs in this space.

Anyone using analog-only sets that will now have to pay for STBs/DTAs for the same level of service they had before is getting screwed. Period, full stop. They are paying more for power-sucking, heat-generating boxes they did not need before, for the same channels they had before.

And we're talking about tens of millions of people here.

Again, I don't have a prob buying digital sets if I can get exp. basic in clear QAM without a box (plus all the nice HD channels we get in the clear now), but I'm sure plenty of other folks would not be so happy about such an outlay. And so they are just going to have to suck it up and pay more to benefit the others, or give up the level of service that they had on some of their TVs.

bicker1

09-19-08, 07:56 AM

Anyone using analog-only sets that will now have to pay for STBs/DTAs for the same level of service they had before is getting screwed.jmallory: See what I mean?

jmallory

09-19-08, 09:16 AM

I don't know where you're getting that. Analog cable was originally as permanent as QAM is going to be.

I meant as it relates to the digital transition. Not historically, and yes one day we will have these same discussions when we go full IPTV and everyone's QAM equipped sets will need STBs.

jmallory

09-19-08, 09:21 AM

jmallory: See what I mean?

Probably complained when their Cellular carrier cut off AMPS.

Really, a lot of the blame goes to the federal government. They really should have just said, no analog at all after February 19th, 2009. Cable and OTA goes digital at the same time, everyone gets a box or a new TV. Take your pick.

For Comcast's part...they have always said that they would reduce themselves to about 20 - 40 analog channels when they offered public statements on this. If you didn't see this coming, you weren't paying attention. Although, I am surprised at the speed of deployment but I am sure the competition from Verizon, AT&T, Dish, and DirecTV, and RSN is forcing them to go faster than maybe they originally thought.

bicker1

09-19-08, 09:26 AM

Probably complained when their Cellular carrier cut off AMPS. Indeed. And so you can see why industry needs to balance the needs of progressives (such as yourself) and reactionaries.

Really, a lot of the blame goes to the federal government. They really should have just said, no analog at all after February 19th, 2009. And taking that other guy's perspective, the blame that the federal government deserves is that they didn't require cable to maintain analog service, for all extended cable services, without any chance of any additional charge, in perpetuity. See how what they're actually doing makes the most sense, given these two diametrically-oppositional perspectives that are both very common?

For Comcast's part...they have always said that they would reduce themselves to about 20 - 40 analog channels when they offered public statements on this. If you didn't see this coming, you weren't paying attention.I agree that people who continue to deny the inevitable are, in the end, only spiting themselves, but we all will pay a penalty as we're going to have to listen to their whining about it. :D

slowbiscuit

09-19-08, 12:43 PM

Probably complained when their Cellular carrier cut off AMPS.
No, because the cellphone company did not charge more for the same level of digital service, and I had multiple provider choices for the same level of service in any event.

Look, I hear you - it's all good in the name of progress. And I'm ok with that, but please don't raise the rate on millions to benefit other millions. If we get down to a few diehards, then maybe, but we are nowhere near that level with analog.

b_scott

09-19-08, 12:56 PM

Probably complained when their Cellular carrier cut off AMPS.

Really, a lot of the blame goes to the federal government. They really should have just said, no analog at all after February 19th, 2009. Cable and OTA goes digital at the same time, everyone gets a box or a new TV. Take your pick.

For Comcast's part...they have always said that they would reduce themselves to about 20 - 40 analog channels when they offered public statements on this. If you didn't see this coming, you weren't paying attention. Although, I am surprised at the speed of deployment but I am sure the competition from Verizon, AT&T, Dish, and DirecTV, and RSN is forcing them to go faster than maybe they originally thought.

this.

bicker1

09-19-08, 02:40 PM

No, because the cellphone company did not charge more for the same level of digital serviceYes they did. Before they cut off AMPS, they started charging more for it than for the latest generation service.

slowbiscuit

09-19-08, 03:07 PM

oldcband

09-19-08, 03:38 PM

jmallory

09-19-08, 04:21 PM

And taking that other guy's perspective, the blame that the federal government deserves is that they didn't require cable to maintain analog service, for all extended cable services, without any chance of any additional charge, in perpetuity. See how what they're actually doing makes the most sense, given these two diametrically-oppositional perspectives that are both very common?

Realizing you are playing devil's advocate here, but why should the government be giving Telco and DBS providers an competitive advantage by forcing Cable to provide full analog service? If this is a "free market" (current events on Wall Street notwithstanding) economy; if Comcast wants to take the risk of losing low-margin analog customers to gain more high-margin Digital / HD customers isn't that their right as a business?

jmallory

09-19-08, 04:24 PM

Digital service, not analog. Didn't cost more to switch than to stay on AMPS. In fact one could say it was less, because there was a wider variety of phones to choose from as well. Maybe the same will be true for cable when (if) we can actually BUY two-way boxes or sets.

But we digress.

Well if you are paying anywhere from $35-$500 for a DTA, STB, or DVR you can still say your costs increased for the same level of service. I don't see how renting vs buying changes the argument.

jmallory

09-19-08, 04:31 PM

No, because the cellphone company did not charge more for the same level of digital service, and I had multiple provider choices for the same level of service in any event.

Look, I hear you - it's all good in the name of progress. And I'm ok with that, but please don't raise the rate on millions to benefit other millions. If we get down to a few diehards, then maybe, but we are nowhere near that level with analog.

Well what is the magic number? Because right now over half of Comcast's customers are digital (meaning they have at least one digital STB).

And I would bet that a large portion of those complaining already have digital service on a main TV plus probably another in a bedroom or two but absolutely have to have 60 or 70 channels on their kitchen TVs, bathroom TVs, garage TVs. I mean do we really have to wait until all those TVs are replaced before we can start talking about getting rid of analog TV?

b_scott

09-19-08, 04:35 PM

this is what i'm saying. if that were the case it'll never happen, because some people still have TV's from the 70's.

maxman

09-19-08, 07:46 PM

I know this has been asked a zillion times but here it goes again.

I'm not happy with Comcast. But before I jump to Direct TV, will it be the right move.

My Comcast HD changes all the time with signal quality.

Anybody changed to Direct and happy they did?

My friend just did (left Comcast) a few weeks ago and he doesn't miss a chance to rave about it and rub it in that I'm still with Comcast. In my area I'm expecting FIOS any day so I'm holding out. I could be disappointed, of course, if it doesn't happen.

bicker1

09-19-08, 07:50 PM

Didn't cost more to switch than to stay on AMPS.Service on the old technology cost more that service on the new technology. The actual monthly service fee. I believe it was a $5 difference. People were (foolishly) indignant about it.

bicker1

09-19-08, 07:52 PM

Realizing you are playing devil's advocate hereWell, just highlighting both sides of the issue, to support my contention that the company has to strike a balance. but why should the government be giving Telco and DBS providers an competitive advantage by forcing Cable to provide full analog service?No friggen good reason whatsoever, AFAIC. Unfortunately, that's not the reality that Comcast has to deal with.

Well what is the magic number? Because right now over half of Comcast's customers are digital (meaning they have at least one digital STB). That's a problematic way of looking at it. I have one digital outlet and one analog outlet. Don't count me as digital, because if they go all-digital, my second television will be a paperweight. I think it is important to consider digital customers as those who have only digital outlets, and that number is really small.

Not that should matter.

And I would bet that a large portion of those complaining already have digital service on a main TV plus probably another in a bedroom or two but absolutely have to have 60 or 70 channels on their kitchen TVs, bathroom TVs, garage TVs. I mean do we really have to wait until all those TVs are replaced before we can start talking about getting rid of analog TV?Not all, but isn't it reasonable to say at least a majority?

slowbiscuit

09-19-08, 08:44 PM

Well if you are paying anywhere from $35-$500 for a DTA, STB, or DVR you can still say your costs increased for the same level of service. I don't see how renting vs buying changes the argument.You're right, but a competitive marketplace for tru2way devices can change a lot of minds. We'll see, but I'm not holding my breath given the current Cablecard device 'market'.

b_scott

09-20-08, 12:15 AM

will those Chicago channels be part of the digital starter? probably not. :\

keithbart

09-20-08, 01:17 PM

Good news! I have spoke with Maria, a customer service representative and she told me that Comcast will add the following HD channels by the end of September, including some surprises: Lifetime Channel, Lifetime Movie Network, ESPNews, Travel Channel, Toon Disney, MGM, & Fearnet. She didn't give an exact date when these channels will be launched but they will be added by the end of this month.

You must have found someone who knows what she's talking about.
Everytime I call to ask about new HD channels they always give me the
old ones that were added a month or two ago.

donn35

09-21-08, 04:09 AM

will those Chicago channels be part of the digital starter? probably not. :\

You will found out next month whenever you receive your cable bill or just contact Comcast & speak with a CSR. According to Maria, there will be changes beginning in October regarding certain packages such as digital starter or digital premier.

skimoney22

09-21-08, 09:06 AM

Anyone else notice when comcast adds a new series to on demand it seems that the audio is messed up?
Three weeks ago they added 2 Sons Of Anarchy premieres, one only had background noise.
Always sunny in Philly. episode two is missing the audio also?
The weird thing about the Fx hd show is the begining where they show parental warnings MVA yellow screen is HD (no black bars on sides). The opening scene is in HD, then the rest of the show has the black bars on the sides. Its like they filmed the first 30 seconds in hd and not the rest.
The second episode without the audio has black bars, although I only watched a mintue or two.
Its like VH1's HD on demand shows, they are in the category of HD but they are obviously not HD.

bicker1

09-21-08, 09:20 AM

Often, problems with On Demand stem from problems with the source, in this case F/X. I remember when Mad Men first made it onto On Demand in HD, we complained that there was no Closed Captioning for the Hearing Impaired. Tracking the problem back led all the way to AMC, who admitted that they're not prepared to provide Closed Captioning for programming that they provide for VOD distribution.

SpeedEuphoria

09-24-08, 12:57 AM

Again, I don't have a prob buying digital sets if I can get exp. basic in clear QAM without a box (plus all the nice HD channels we get in the clear now)

everyone gets a box or a new TV. Take your pick.

Hey on this Comcast deal, they are supposedly switching over the extended basic in my area starting today.

We have all the "free" boxes installed, except on my newer TV that is digital/QAM.

I was under the assumption that when they switch the extended basic channels to digital(what they are doing now) that I would NOT need a box for this TV since its newer/digital(part of the reason I bought this TV)

They told me flat out that I need a box for it. They had no explanation. I said I have a TV that is HD/digital and they said it doesnt matter the signal is going to be digital and I need a box.

So the only thing I could think of is that the signal is going to be encrypted or something or the service people are very uninformed.

Please shed some light

Thanks in advance

wareagle

09-24-08, 01:52 AM

...
So the only thing I could think of is that the signal is going to be encrypted or something or the service people are very uninformed.
...

Encrypted.

LongRufus

09-24-08, 03:40 AM

Hey on this Comcast deal, they are supposedly switching over the extended basic in my area starting today.

We have all the "free" boxes installed, except on my newer TV that is digital/QAM.

I was under the assumption that when they switch the extended basic channels to digital(what they are doing now) that I would NOT need a box for this TV since its newer/digital(part of the reason I bought this TV)

They told me flat out that I need a box for it. They had no explanation. I said I have a TV that is HD/digital and they said it doesnt matter the signal is going to be digital and I need a box.

So the only thing I could think of is that the signal is going to be encrypted or something or the service people are very uninformed.

Please shed some light

Thanks in advance

As wareagle said, the expanded channels will be encrypted. It's the easiest way for them to control their tier system. If they sent out all of the expanded channels unencrypted in the clear, everyone would downgrade their packages to limited basic and get the expanded channels for free. To get anything over the limited basic package, you must have either a Comcast STB or CableCard.

slowbiscuit

09-24-08, 07:32 AM

sebadooo

09-24-08, 08:45 AM

When using Comcast On Demand (HD or otherwise), I periodically get a horizontal white line that 'flashes' on the screen for a split second and then doesn't appear for several more minutes. This never happens while using "live" cable, or on any other sources. Has anyone else noticed this? I'm in CT, not that that should matter. I'm guessing something happened when movies were loaded on to their system.

Ken H

09-24-08, 11:09 AM

That's not true - they can move the digital expanded basic channels to the analog freqs and then use the same traps that they already have installed for limited to keep those customers from seeing them in the clear. Whether they want to keep using traps or not is a different question.
Traps can cause other network issues. Unless they come up with something new, which they may do, the older traps will probably be removed.

keenan

09-24-08, 11:21 AM

One of those being the traps are not brick wall but rather "curves" meaning channels on either end of the trapped frequencies will slip through.

wareagle

09-24-08, 11:49 AM

Also, traps make it more expensive to change plans. Digital simplifies that considerably.

QZ1

09-24-08, 12:28 PM

The DTAs aren't using the latent encryption, due to lack of an FCC waiver. So, right now ,all I can see them doing is using traps for the time being, at least, no?

slowbiscuit

09-24-08, 12:29 PM

All I'm saying (and cypherstream actually said it first here) is that they have a way to provide digital exp. basic in the clear without any truck rolls for existing customers. If they don't want to keep using traps then fine, but don't say that they can't provide exp. basic without STBs, because they can using what they already have.

bicker1

09-24-08, 01:37 PM

I think the point is that there is a cost to doing so, and the only reason to incur a cost is if incurring that cost raises significantly more revenue than the cost.

Lodef

09-24-08, 03:44 PM

I think the point is that there is a cost to doing so, and the only reason to incur a cost is if incurring that cost raises significantly more revenue than the cost.

bicker do you know if that is the case or are you just throwing that out there?

bicker1

09-25-08, 04:49 AM

surf_fun85

09-25-08, 07:07 AM

Found this on the other site

http://twitter.com/comcastcares

Been hearing some good stuff
people are getting almost instant support from Comcastcares on twittter

might want to check it out

Comcast Cares is a Direct Support Group at Comcast Corporate Office

Lodef

09-25-08, 10:08 AM

That's a bit like asking whether someone "knows" if inflation causes a reduction in aggregate savings. :rolleyes: No one questions whether truck rolls cost money. No one questions whether there will be some subscriber loss from going "all-digital". And no one questions that the only reason to incur a cost is if incurring that cost raises significantly more revenue than the cost. There is no controversy in what I wrote; all that is in question is whether folks choose to acknowledge the reality or try to ignore it.

Well considering the industry they are in, it could just as well be technical aspects that decide what they can or can not do. Yes there is a cost relationship in there somewhere but that does not mean it is the overriding factor! To stay competitive sometimes means eating away at the bottom line, putting profit aside but instead enabling them to maintain what they already have.