AFAIK, in all of the areas with DTAs, Digital Starter now includes three boxes. For the first box, a given area either includes a Digital Box or gives the choice of Digital Box or DTA. Second and third boxes are DTAs. Addtl. DTAs are $2/mo. This is the regular deal.

Yeah, I called today. I have 3 HD-DVRs in my house (each costing me $15 a month) and when I asked if I could get 2 free DTAs, they told me it would be an extra $3 a month for each of them.

Not fun.

It's important to remember that the cable companies wouldn't exist if the government didn't give them the ability to build on and use land that they don't own (and would otherwise have no right to build on).
Thats what franchise agreements did. In return for right of way they would usually have to provide public access and service all areas. AT&T and Verizon pushing state wide franchise agreements which include none of that so we're getting there.

It's important to remember that the cable companies wouldn't exist if the government didn't give them the ability to build on and use land that they don't ownAnd in return, the government regulates the price of lifeline service.

The same holds for phone lines, of course.Yet, you have no problem with the telephone company deciding how much to charge for its advanced services, such as Caller ID, voice mail, etc.?

If you want progress (read: HD, DOCSIS 3.0, etc.) then you had better support giving businesses a sufficient incentive to pursue offering those services. Every investment dollar always competes with every other way that investment dollar could be invested. Profit drives progress, not regulation.

Regulation isn't about helping businesses make money, bicker1, it's about making sure that people are not unduly burdened or harmed by others (including businesses). Cable companies don't need government incentives to deploy DOCSIS; they stand to benefit financially already.

Given the amount that cable companies benefit from and are dependent on using other people's land to offer service, regulating the price of lifeline service can hardly be said to be a fair tradeoff from the public's perspective (the government represents the public, after all). That's not to say that it has to be a equal trade, but that it's really nothing that the cable companies can complain all that much about; they still come out way ahead.

Regulation isn't about helping businesses make moneyOf course. Who said it was? You've raised a Straw Man.

it's about making sure that people are not unduly burdened or harmed by others (including businesses).Which is why lifeline cable is so heavily regulated, while advanced services are not so heavily regulated.

Cable companies don't need government incentives to deploy DOCSIS; they stand to benefit financially already.Unless onerous regulation squeezes so much potential profit from the venture that it is no longer worthwhile pursuing.

Given the amount that cable companies benefit from and are dependent on using other people's land to offer service, regulating the price of lifeline service can hardly be said to be a fair tradeoff from the public's perspectiveIncorrect. It can be said to be a fair trade-off, because it is. That's why that it is the effective trade-off in reality.

Television -- specifically anything beyond local broadcast channels -- is not a necessity like POTS phones before VOIP and cell phones came around. That's why the government must not step in. They would be interfering in the market where their interference would actually be counter-productive to market balance. If customers don't like the offerings available to them, they can readily do without, since we're not talking about the local broadcast channels.

phones are necessities for emergencies. HBO is not.

Again no difference. TV's broadcast emergencies. It's not like 911 where you call but it gives you important information like when hurricanes come. And with OTA my mom's TV couldn't get a clear signal because her unit is by a big tree and the main antenna for the building had been broken for years since the last hurricane. She had to upgrade to cable and pays less than what she pays for her POTS line. I wouldn't call 15 channels premium, I'd call it essential. If one day Comcast decides to screw her over, she can't go to D* because of where her unit is and the tree, she's stuck with Comcast. Thus government regulation needed.

I think you missed the point. You don't need HBO or any premium channels for "important information like when hurricanes come". That's provided by the "local broadcast channels" that I alluded to. Service for "local broadcast channels" is regulated, and no one (here) has objected to that. The regulation that we oppose is regulation of advanced services, such as expanded basic, and premium channels. These are services that anyone can very readily do without if they don't care for the value proposition offered to them. Therefore there is no need for government to be interfering in the market where their interference would actually be counter-productive to market balance.

Yeah, I called today. I have 3 HD-DVRs in my house (each costing me $15 a month) and when I asked if I could get 2 free DTAs, they told me it would be an extra $3 a month for each of them.

Not fun.

get TivoHD's. $12 a month for the first one, $9 a month for additional ones up to 5 i think. Yeah you have to buy them outright, but they're so much better and you can sell them when you're done with them. plus, if you get lifetime or pay yearly instead of monthly it's a lot cheaper than that even. Right now you're paying $45 a month for DVR's. You would cut that to about $30 a month. saving $15 a month X 12 months = $180 a year if you're paying monthly. which is the price of one TivoHD. Figure you pay $540 a year already for 3 DVR's in service. 3 TivoHD's would cost $540 for the boxes (refurb from Tivo). You'll pay $300 a year for 3 TiVoHD's in service if you buy a year pass for each one ($99 a year). So, that's $300 extra the first year for Tivo. After two years you would break about even, maybe a little less with Tivo since you're only buying the boxes once and your yearly cost would be $300 instead of $540. After that you're saving $240 a year every year and you can sell the boxes when you're done with them.

There's another thread for all this non-programming related crap:

here (http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=943543)

I think you missed the point. You don't need HBO or any premium channels for "important information like when hurricanes come". That's provided by the "local broadcast channels" that I alluded to. Service for "local broadcast channels" is regulated, and no one (here) has objected to that. The regulation that we oppose is regulation of advanced services, such as expanded basic, and premium channels. These are services that anyone can very readily do without if they don't care for the value proposition offered to them. Therefore there is no need for government to be interfering in the market where their interference would actually be counter-productive to market balance.

It's just that Comcast is lumped in to both local and premium channels since she can't see local unless she has Comcast.

It's just that Comcast is lumped in to both local and premium channels since she can't see local unless she has Comcast.

she can see local if she has an antenna. they're about $15 for an HD one.

she can see local if she has an antenna. they're about $15 for an HD one.

See

And with OTA my mom's TV couldn't get a clear signal because her unit is by a big tree and the main antenna for the building had been broken for years since the last hurricane.

See

missed that.

have the building fix the antenna or cut down the tree? i mean, there are options.

It's just that Comcast is lumped in to both local and premium channels since she can't see local unless she has Comcast.No. Comcast charges different amounts for limited basic service (local broadcast channels), for expanded basic service, and for premium channels.

Sooo...anyone know what DTA Comcast provides? Thomson, Cisco, Motorola?

Sooo...anyone know what DTA Comcast provides? Thomson, Cisco, Motorola?

I think they're indigenous to what ever the plant is running, Moto, Cisco/SA, etc.

I think they're indigenous to what ever the plant is running, Moto, Cisco/SA, etc.

Hmm I thought I heard Oregon got Thomson but they're a Moto area. Not sure though.

In Seattle (Motorola area) the DTA is Pace DC50X.

Okay, so I guess the DTAs are generic, which is good, unlike CableCARDS which need to be paired with the same mfg.

Yeah, I called today. I have 3 HD-DVRs in my house (each costing me $15 a month) and when I asked if I could get 2 free DTAs, they told me it would be an extra $3 a month for each of them.

Not fun.
I have not heard of any variations on DTA prices, so far it has always been $2/mo.

There's another thread for all this non-programming related crap:

here (http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=943543)

Yes, and it should be used.

A question for those with DTAs. Is Comcast charging an outlet fee for each extra DTA as well as the DTA fee (if it applies)?

No outlet or DTA fee in Seattle (at least not for the first few).

A question for those with DTAs. Is Comcast charging an outlet fee for each extra DTA as well as the DTA fee (if it applies)?
Digital Starter now includes a Digital Box (or in other areas, a choice of Digital Box or DTA) plus two addtl. DTAs. Beyond 3 outlets, the DTAs are $2 each. Here, beyond 3, they specifically term it as getting service and a DTA on each addtl. outlet.

Knowing the appoximate cost of a DTA vs. a Digital Box, they are effectively only charging for the DTA (no service mirroring fee added in.) Whereas Digital Addtl. Outlets (we have two service levels for this, some areas have only one) cost more than a Digital Box rental (used for some a la carte services); so, in effect, they are adding in a service mirroring fee to Digital A/Os, not so on the DTAs.

HDPPV in Baltimore is now HDMEV (HD Movies and Events). It has UFC, Rent: Filmed Live on Broadway, TNA wrestling, and something called Test Game (which is only $.01).

What's the deal with the newer black hdmi cable box? Should I exchange my grey one?

What's the deal with the newer black hdmi cable box? Should I exchange my grey one?

The DCX series? It's available on Comcast systems? That's new news.

The DCX series? It's available on Comcast systems? That's new news.

Huh? What? Where??

It drives me crazy when people don't have their locations in their profile....

Nj

Nj

Ok, thanks.

Have you seen one of these boxes somewhere? Can you find out the model number somehow? The DCXs support MPEG-4.

http://www.engadgethd.com/2008/01/03/motorolas-new-lineup-of-mpeg4-hd-stbs/

http://www.blogcdn.com/www.engadgethd.com/media/2008/01/dcx3400.jpg

Nj

Where in NJ? At what office?

As you know I'm in NNJ. My closest office is Avenel, with Union and Plainfield not that far away.

I will go out and trade for the DCX box if it's available.

A friend of a friend has a black one that's a little smaller and seems faster. Don't know the model number yet.

A friend of a friend has a black one that's a little smaller and seems faster. Don't know the model number yet.

Is it a DVR? Or a regular HD box?

DVR = DCX34xx (comes in different flavors for HDD size)
HD-only = DCX3200

Know the location your friend of a friend went to?

without a cable box, with a tv that has a QAM tuner and a direct cable tv line, i can view comcast's brand new aggregator channels (kids, sports, etc)... however, they are broken and non-interactive. there is also a preview channel with a large box and a small one which both play the same movie at the same time. there's also the channel which features a black and white histogram that has been here for years... i've come to believe that this is comcast's new foray into dadaism

without a cable box, with a tv that has a QAM tuner and a direct cable tv line, i can view comcast's brand new aggregator channels (kids, sports, etc)... however, they are broken and non-interactive. there is also a preview channel with a large box and a small one which both play the same movie at the same time. there's also the channel which features a black and white histogram that has been here for years... i've come to believe that this is comcast's new foray into dadaism

the new aggregator channels ("Comcast Central") can only be interactive with the box. the preview channel with the large and small boxes is actually what plays in the background when you go to an (interactive) onDemand menu. both are meant for customers with STBs, and need to be fed from somewhere.

without a cable box, with a tv that has a QAM tuner and a direct cable tv line, i can view comcast's brand new aggregator channels (kids, sports, etc)... however, they are broken and non-interactive. there is also a preview channel with a large box and a small one which both play the same movie at the same time. there's also the channel which features a black and white histogram that has been here for years... i've come to believe that this is comcast's new foray into dadaism

You can probably also find VOD channels for your area. You have no control over what you watch, but it provides opportunities to watch recent releases, if you get the timing down (and older movies, too, although not as many chances for those). Some are even in HD (although surprisingly few in my area).

You can probably also find VOD channels for your area.

Maybe.

On many Comcast systems VOD is encrypted.

Maybe.

On many Comcast systems VOD is encrypted.

That is correct. It used to be that you could pick it up in the clear but now that is no longer the case on most systems and sooner or later they will all be that way. So those that still can get it, your days are numbered!

Ok, thanks.

Have you seen one of these boxes somewhere? Can you find out the model number somehow? The DCXs support MPEG-4.

http://www.engadgethd.com/2008/01/03/motorolas-new-lineup-of-mpeg4-hd-stbs/

http://www.blogcdn.com/www.engadgethd.com/media/2008/01/dcx3400.jpg


What ports are on that box? Firewire at all?

Firewire's there from what I know.

BTW I picked up a DTA from Comcast in Avenel, NJ. They have TONS of them. Not many people have gone yet to get one.

So when does NJ cut off the analog? When more HD channels?

So when does NJ cut off the analog? When more HD channels?

I saw some far flung rumors of March 1st, but that seems too early. I saw another rumor of May 1st, and that makes more sense.

Probably a ton of HD by the summer, but FiOS will be available here by then so it might be adios to Comcast.

So when does NJ cut off the analog? When more HD channels?

You need to be more specific. Comcast has many fiefdoms in NJ. Some already have more HD channels, other have none. Some will probably dump analog, others won't.

Comcast of Union NJ

Probably a ton of HD by the summer, but FiOS will be available here by then so it might be adios to Comcast.

No "might" about it! Comcast of Union has had the capability to add some HD channels for some time (as demonstrated by their opening up 2 additional channels for the Olympics). They simply choose not to, but continue with unjustified rate increases while adding nothing. No company has ever done more to deserve a mass exodus.

No "might" about it! Comcast of Union has had the capability to add some HD channels for some time (as demonstrated by their opening up 2 additional channels for the Olympics). They simply choose not to, but continue with unjustified rate increases while adding nothing. No company has ever done more to deserve a mass exodus.

Ah the Olympics...that was a special case.

What most systems do is keep a QAM open just in case for special events or emergencies, like the Olympics were. We were technically maxed out, but they moved some channels to 3:1 HD mux to make the room.

We now have 4 QAM channels open, so they have some room to add HD. Maybe look at tomorrow's Star Ledger or Jersey Journal for an announcement? Not sure...

Maybe look at tomorrow's Star Ledger or Jersey Journal for an announcement? Not sure...

There's also the search function on NJ.com for those of us without newspaper access.
http://shopping.nj.com/Shared/Search.aspx?advid=0&loc=0&s=comcast is the full URL with the search keyed in. Ads don't usually stay up for too long (the 4 day old announcement for the Disney OnDemand thing for 1/27 is still there).

So when does NJ cut off the analog? When more HD channels?

I have been told that as of August NJ will bee all Digital and analog will be no more.So if you do not have a cable box by then you will need it to get one from Comcast.
I have a HD DVR box and a HD Box so I need to get three more boxes for my house:eek: My wife will be pist. My cable box fees will be most of my bill:eek:
I wonder if Comcast will give discount on many cable boxes for a single home. NOT:D

You can get a DTA for the other TVs Daniel. You should get two of them for free, and then one more at a cost of $1.99 a month.

Oh btw no advert in today's paper :(

You can get a DTA for the other TVs Daniel. You should get two of them for free, and then one more at a cost of $1.99 a month.

Oh btw no advert in today's paper :(

Did you mean Digital to analog (DTA) converter from Comcast? Or over the air?

Digital Transport Adapter, from Comcast.

Got it

Welcome to AVS forum, Ive been following you on Twitter for awhile now.
To those of you who doubt Frank works for comcast I can assure you does indeed, and is has been very helpful to many ppl on many different occasions


Daniel,
I wanted to write back regarding the obvious misinformation you were provided. As an avid HD fan in the Philadelphia region I can assure you that we are working hard to expand the HD offerings in all the areas we are in. As we transition more channels from analog to digital, we will be able to increase the amount of HD channel offerings. This is a process that will continue and you will see more HD channels! Until the channels are publicly announced, I would not be able to provide details but I did want you to know that will be working to do this, and it will not be 3 to 5 years

I would like to review your interactions, so if it would not be too much trouble, please email me your account information with a link to this forum.

Thank you!
Frank Eliason
Comcast
frank_eliason@cable.comcast.com

I have a HD DVR box and a HD Box so I need to get three more boxes for my house:eek: My wife will be pist. My cable box fees will be most of my bill:eek:
I wonder if Comcast will give discount on many cable boxes for a single home. NOT:D

You can get a DTA for the other TVs Daniel. You should get two of them for free, and then one more at a cost of $1.99 a month.
It doesn't work like that. Digital Starter (Standard with a Box) now includes a Digital Box (or in some areas a choice to get a DTA instead) plus two more DTAs. In the above case, he has effectively upgraded the first two included boxes, so he is only entitled to one DTA, as part of Digital Starter. He would need to rent two more DTAs at $2/ea.

OK Rent at $2 each and I bet when the rates go up again like they will we all know. I can see $2 going to $4 and so on. As I said before My box fees will be most of my bill!

OK Rent at $2 each and I bet when the rates go up again like they will we all know. I can see $2 going to $4 and so on. As I said before My box fees will be most of my bill!

No, these boxes only cost $30 or so to make. The prices won't be going up in the near future.

OK Rent at $2 each and I bet when the rates go up again like they will we all know. I can see $2 going to $4 and so on. As I said before My box fees will be most of my bill!

No, the DVR and HD boxes will go up much faster.

No, the DVR and HD boxes will go up much faster.

Tell me about it:eek:

Probably a ton of HD by the summer, but FiOS will be available here by then so it might be adios to Comcast.

I just checked their wensite and, for the first time, it's telling me that FiOS is available in my area!! (NE NJ). I don't trust web-sites, so I'll be calling them this week to verify. But anyone else in the area may want to check the Verizonr website. You might have a pleasant surprise.

I just checked their wensite and, for the first time, it's telling me that FiOS is available in my area!! (NE NJ). I don't trust web-sites, so I'll be calling them this week to verify. But anyone else in the area may want to check the Verizonr website. You might have a pleasant surprise.

Nah not even worth me checking. I know it's not here yet, otherwise I'd have seen the caravan of Verizon trucks working.

OK Rent at $2 each and I bet when the rates go up again like they will we all know. I can see $2 going to $4 and so on. As I said before My box fees will be most of my bill!

No, these boxes only cost $30 or so to make. The prices won't be going up in the near future.

No, the DVR and HD boxes will go up much faster.
I have saved the Comcast price lists from April '02 to Nov. '08, but I don't have them here. However, I can tell you that the price of SD Digital Boxes has decreased during that time. Here, I recall it being at least $4.95 (probably more), and now it is $3.70. I think the DTAs cost $35, regardless, they are quite inexpensive. I don't see DTAs increasing more than a few cents at a time, if any.

I have noticed that Standard service has increased more than usual the last two increases, at least. They had to get ready to be able to include a Digital Box plus two DTAs in everyone's subscription. Some will use two or one, but many will use all three, I suppose; the $ has to come from somewhere.;)

HD Boxes have increased slightly over the years, not every year. HD DVRs have skyrocketed; after seeing the rates stay constant for 2.5 years, they have been increasing them $2/year for the last three years. I think they have calculated that DVR use is addictive...and they are probably right.:)

Nah not even worth me checking. I know it's not here yet, otherwise I'd have seen the caravan of Verizon trucks working.

I've never seen a caravan of Verizon trucks. Most I've ever seen is one! Maybe they did it in the dead-of-night. Still, I'll wait till I speak with them this week. I guess the site could be wrong (I'd signed up for notification as to when it would be available and never heard a peep!) but I hope not. Just looking at all the HD channels (supposedly in my area) made my HD-starved monitor salivate. Maybe I'll get to see the final GALACTICA episides in HD after all.

Only have one question for anyone here (probably suited more for the FiOS thread but I'll ask anyway)...are their OnDemand movies also in HD? Their website doesn't specify.

My friend's dad just had a a Comcast guy over and he said that Comcast of Union, NJ is supposedly adding more HD channels on February 15th. Take it for what its worth.

Hmm, same day Simpsons goes HD...

simpsons went HD?

simpsons went HD?Their 15 Feb episode will supposedly be HD.

My friend's dad just had a a Comcast guy over and he said that Comcast of Union, NJ is supposedly adding more HD channels on February 15th. Take it for what its worth.

Feb 15th? I doubt they would add channels on a Sunday...

he said that Comcast of Union, NJ is supposedly adding more HD channels on February 15th. Take it for what its worth.

It's funny that you heard that. I called Comcast this morning when my internet and phone went out. It turned out that it was an outage due to work in the area, but I also asked the guy about when more HD channels would arrive. He said that there were around 30 HD channels that would be added very soon. I'll believe it when I see it, but that's what Comcast added in Chicago and Boston when they expanded HD there.

...I'll believe it when I see it, but that's what Comcast added in Chicago and Boston when they expanded HD there.

And in the Seattle areas with sufficient available bandwidth.

FWIW, Comcast in Nashville has made new HD channels available on Sunday and then announced them by Tuesday.

Here in East Central Illinois there is very few additions. In March our local Comcast system will be dropping HD Net Movie Channel, a hold over from when we were Insight, and replacing it with MLB Channel. We will be retaining HD Net Channel. That, sadly, is the only news for HD in our area.

My friend's dad just had a a Comcast guy over and he said that Comcast of Union, NJ is supposedly adding more HD channels on February 15th. Take it for what its worth.

I take back what I said about probably no new HD on the 15th...

I take back what I said about probably no new HD on the 15th...

so, does that mean we in NJ get some love from the cable company on the 15th?

so, does that mean we in NJ get some love from the cable company on the 15th?

Never know...

Previous management never had additions on Sundays here.

New management, new policies ;)

Never know...

Previous management never had additions on Sundays here.

New management, new policies ;)

do you think the new management (you think they're reading this?) might communicate new channels using the cable box and emails to subscribers? the cable box itself has a function called "messages" that could be used to get in touch with us.

I still don't understand WHY we don't have more now considering the recent removals from analog.

do you think the new management (you think they're reading this?) might communicate new channels using the cable box and emails to subscribers? the cable box itself has a function called "messages" that could be used to get in touch with us.

I still don't understand WHY we don't have more now considering the recent removals from analog.

If they had communicated this to subscribers, I might have held off switching to Verizon just to see what Comcast adds. (My switch is happening just 3 days before the 15th.) But if they do add channels,you can certainly expect FOOD and HGTV to be 2 of them. But, now that the national digital conversion has been pushed back from Feb 17th to June 12th, maybe Comcast will hold off adding anything!

But, now that the national digital conversion has been pushed back from Feb 17th to June 12th, maybe Comcast will hold off adding anything!

I don't see how this is related to anything. The OTA digital switchover has no effect no Comcast other than they can continue to keep pulling in the current OTA analog channels for rebroadcast instead of converting the digital ones to analog themselves.

I don't see how this is related to anything. I thought a few months ago, the FCC asked cable companies to delay moving analog channels to digital until the transition.

If it's not related to anything, why the request?

I don't see how this is related to anything.
...

The cable companies had agreed to voluntarily hold off their own analog/digital transitions until March, to lessen confusion with the OTA switch. The March date now makes little sense in view of the change of the OTA date to June. The question then becomes whether Comcast will perhaps accelerate its changes, or delay them even further until after June. I would bet against delay.

I thought a few months ago, the FCC asked cable companies to delay moving analog channels to digital until the transition.

If it's not related to anything, why the request?

You are correct, Amnesia. The quiet period was optional (not required). I'm sure it will be lifted and maybe the request made again closer to delayed shut-off date.

Until then, I would think Comcast will want to get as many changes in as they can -- not delaying everything until AFTER the shut-off.

The full-time MASN HD channel will launch on 4/1 and will be carried on Comcast locally.

http://dcrtv.com/

That's one channel we have room for at least.

You are correct, Amnesia. The quiet period was optional (not rwquired). I'm sure it will be lifted and maybe the request made again closer to delayed shut-off date.

Until then, I would think Comcast will want to get as many changes in as they can -- not delaying everything until AFTER the shut-off.

Comcast SF bay area has already laid out a schedule for it's post "wait" plans, they're moving ahead in March regardless of when the DTV switch is now, or when it may be.

I think the writing is on the wall, if the govt moved the date once, they can certainly figure out a way to move it again and I can't see the cable companies being receptive at all to any more voluntary "wait" periods.

I would bet against delay.

I'd take that bet. This is comcast afterall.

do you think the new management (you think they're reading this?) might communicate new channels using the cable box and emails to subscribers? the cable box itself has a function called "messages" that could be used to get in touch with us.

I still don't understand WHY we don't have more now considering the recent removals from analog.

Doubt it. Although I've noticed the amount of spam coming through messages on my box has decreased.

Why taking so long? Not sure, probably just taking their own time ordering and setting up the QAMs.

I'd take that bet. This is comcast afterall.

They've already started distributing DTAs in the Seattle area (I got one last month). They added 30 HD channels in this area where they had the bandwidth in December (lucky me), and I'm sure they'd like to complete the job ASAP to quieten the complaints of the many customers who weren't included.

The full-time MASN HD channel will launch on 4/1 and will be carried on Comcast locally.

http://dcrtv.com/

That's one channel we have room for at least.

Do you remember what they used for MASN HD last year when they had HD games on? Whatever the case, since MASN HD has a full slate of Nats/O's games in HD in 2009, you're going to get it as a full-time HD channel. Comcast in NJ did the same thing with YES in 2007, SNY in 2008, and MSG/MSG+ later in 2008 (even though full-time HD channels were available before those dates)

I think the local/regional channels have the highest HD priority with Comcast as far as being available to customers (as well they should).

Last year, MASN HD games were carried on MOJO. There were only something like 60 HD games since there was no full time HD channel. This year, every game on the main MASN channel will be in HD, and only the MASN2 games are SD. Is that the same way MSG does with MSG Plus 2?

Yes, they do this with MSG 2 and MSG+ 2. SD only.

Edit: YES Network also does this once in a while.

B-N Comcast continues juggling cable offerings

By Michelle Koetters

BLOOMINGTON — A year after its introduction in the Twin Cities, Comcast continues to adjust its services.

Some cable customers soon will have a few more new channels, while the company also will discontinue an analog broadcast package for new customers.

Comcast’s standard cable package will not be available for new subscribers as of April 1. Current customers will continue to receive the $51.75-a-month service for the foreseeable future, said Rich Ruggiero, vice president of communications and public affairs for Comcast Illinois.

“This is part of an evolution toward digital technology, not just in television, but in entertainment generally,” Ruggiero said.

Comcast will continue to offer more service in a digital format to respond to the majority of customers’ demands, Ruggiero said.

At some point in the future, Comcast will eliminate the standard cable package completely, Ruggerio said. The company still plans to keep its analog basic service for local broadcast channels for the foreseeable future, he added.

Comcast also recently introduced a new digital service. The digital economy package offers the lowest digital price of $29.95 a month for customers who also subscribe to either Internet or phone service, Ruggerio said.

Another service, its digital starter package, is $1.99 more a month than standard cable and includes a few additional channels as well as on-demand programs, he said.

Before the standard cable option disappears, some current customers also will be able to tune into a few more shows.

Comcast will add the Hallmark Movie Channel to the sports entertainment package and digital classic on channel 508, starting March 18.

On April 1, MLB Network HD will air on channel 949 for customers with digital classic and an HD-capable receiver.

Comcast also will discontinue the HD Pak on March 3.

The HD Pak was an old Insight Communications Midwest package that included four channels for an additional $6.99 a month for HD customers. Comcast grouped two of its channels with the company’s other high-definition offerings when those were introduced last spring, Ruggiero said. Just HDNet and HDNet Movies remained.

HDNet will be available to customers with digital classic and an HD-capable receiver, but Comcast does not have an agreement to still offer HDNet Movies, Ruggiero said. The company only was allowed to carry it in the past year during the Insight to Comcast transition, he said.

http://www.pantagraph.com/articles/2009/02/05/money/doc498b7b09a01d1758823100.txt

B-N Comcast continues juggling cable offerings

By Michelle Koetters

BLOOMINGTON — A year after its introduction in the Twin Cities, Comcast continues to adjust its services.

Some cable customers soon will have a few more new channels, while the company also will discontinue an analog broadcast package for new customers.

Comcast’s standard cable package will not be available for new subscribers as of April 1. Current customers will continue to receive the $51.75-a-month service for the foreseeable future, said Rich Ruggiero, vice president of communications and public affairs for Comcast Illinois.

“This is part of an evolution toward digital technology, not just in television, but in entertainment generally,” Ruggiero said.

Comcast will continue to offer more service in a digital format to respond to the majority of customers’ demands, Ruggiero said.

At some point in the future, Comcast will eliminate the standard cable package completely, Ruggerio said. The company still plans to keep its analog basic service for local broadcast channels for the foreseeable future, he added.

Comcast also recently introduced a new digital service. The digital economy package offers the lowest digital price of $29.95 a month for customers who also subscribe to either Internet or phone service, Ruggerio said.

Another service, its digital starter package, is $1.99 more a month than standard cable and includes a few additional channels as well as on-demand programs, he said.

Before the standard cable option disappears, some current customers also will be able to tune into a few more shows.

Comcast will add the Hallmark Movie Channel to the sports entertainment package and digital classic on channel 508, starting March 18.

On April 1, MLB Network HD will air on channel 949 for customers with digital classic and an HD-capable receiver.

Comcast also will discontinue the HD Pak on March 3.

The HD Pak was an old Insight Communications Midwest package that included four channels for an additional $6.99 a month for HD customers. Comcast grouped two of its channels with the company’s other high-definition offerings when those were introduced last spring, Ruggiero said. Just HDNet and HDNet Movies remained.

HDNet will be available to customers with digital classic and an HD-capable receiver, but Comcast does not have an agreement to still offer HDNet Movies, Ruggiero said. The company only was allowed to carry it in the past year during the Insight to Comcast transition, he said.

http://www.pantagraph.com/articles/2009/02/05/money/doc498b7b09a01d1758823100.txt



I just seen this on my latest statement. " Effective 4/1/09, the Standard Cable Package will no longer be available for new subscriptions. If you currently subscribe to the Standard Cable Package, unless you choose to make a change to your cable service or your service is disconnected, you will continue to receive the Standard Cable Package until further notice. "

Is this the start to analog migration in my area?

I just seen this on my latest statement. " Effective 4/1/09, the Standard Cable Package will no longer be available for new subscriptions. If you currently subscribe to the Standard Cable Package, unless you choose to make a change to your cable service or your service is disconnected, you will continue to receive the Standard Cable Package until further notice. "

Is this the start to analog migration in my area?

When my sister signed up for Comcast here in the Denver area several months ago, she was required to sign up for digital cable - no new subscribers were allowed (at that time anyway) to sign up for just analog. (I think things changed since then, because I believe Comcast now offers a real cheap price for basic cable for a year as part of their "effort" to aid in the digital transition. Ironically, one of our local channels, KRMT, is digital-only on Comcast.)

Comcast will add the Hallmark Movie Channel to the sports entertainment package and digital classic on channel 508, starting March 18.

Hallmark Movie Channel to the sports/entertainment package? really? I know it's the name of the package and it does fit, but i've never seen a non-sports channel on the sports/entertainment package.

Fox Movie Channel and something called BETJ are in the Sports Entertainment package in Seattle.

Comcast aims for digital push

By Thomas V. Bona

RRSTAR.COM

Posted Feb 06, 2009 @ 09:29 PM

ROCKFORD — Comcast continues to nudge customers to its digital offerings.

The company will no longer offer its “standard cable” package — the highest level for nondigital service — to new customers starting April 1. Existing customers won’t be affected as long as they don’t change their package or get disconnected.

New customers can get the same level of service — plus basic digital service — with the “digital starter” package that is $2 a month more. Customers also can choose a cheaper, smaller “digital economy” package or the bare-bones basic package without digital service.

The change was announced in a mailing to customers this week. Comcast also announced some rate and fee changes on equipment and technical support — with some increasing and others decreasing.

Right now, about 70 percent of Comcast cable customers have digital service. That number is growing, spokesman Rich Ruggiero said, as the number of digital On Demand and scheduled offerings grow.

Comcast has been encouraging customers to switch to digital partly by removing traditional analog channels to digital packages.

An analog channel takes up as much space as 10 to 12 digital channels or up to three high-definition channels, he said. Reducing analog channels also means more bandwidth for high-speed Internet.

Comcast’s push to increase digital offerings is geared to differentiate itself from satellite TV providers and compete with on-demand services such as Netflix and Web video services.

“Digital customers are much happier and are much more likely to retain their cable service than analog customers are,” Ruggiero said.

The switch from analog to digital is different from the switch that local broadcast TV stations are preparing for. For Comcast, it describes the way programming comes to customers over its wires — either through an analog radio frequency or a digital stream.

Staff writer Thomas V. Bona may be contacted at 815-987-1343 or tbona@rrstar.com.

Channel changes

The “HD Pak” package will be eliminated March 1. HDnet will still be available in the digital starter package, while HDnet Movies will be eliminated.

The Hallmark Movie Channel will be added to the digital classic and sports entertainment packages on Channel 58 on March 18.

MLB Network HD will be added to the digital classic package on Channel 949 on April 1.

http://www.rrstar.com/news/x1851007448/Comcast-aims-for-digital-push

April 1st for MLB HD? So none of the WBC games will be in HD on Comcast? What a joke.

Any rumors about the Houston area getting more HD channels? Right now, we have very few channels. I miss my Directv!!

The WBC games aren't in HD. I saw it at a local sports bar, and MLB HD just has the brick walls on the sides of the screen.

The WBC games aren't in HD. I saw it at a local sports bar, and MLB HD just has the brick walls on the sides of the screen.

you sure it was the WBC? that doesn't start for another month. I think you were watching the Caribbean World Series.

I sent an email to that Voorhees support center thing. They said early to mid-March for new HD in Union.......

Rumors flying all over the place...this sucks! I want a definitive answer :(

Tell me about it I would love to know if we are getting any new HD channels. But it seems like no one knows or they are not telling US. I find it hard that Comcast can not let Us no if any thing is comming.
I get emails and in the mail from Verizon on what they are updating and what new HD channels they are adding all the time. Since the first of they year I have gotten in the mail three time about new Channels Verizon was adding in HD. Plus I get emails about it.

Now Why can't Comcast do this. It just BLOWS my Mind that they leave us in the Dark. I bet they lose alot of customer because of this. I think it is very poor part on Comcast!

The WBC games aren't in HD. I saw it at a local sports bar, and MLB HD just has the brick walls on the sides of the screen.

You are thinking of Caribbean World Series.

The WBC will be played at The Rogers Center, Petco Park, Dolphin Stadium and Dodger Stadium (all with MLB Network dedicated HD cameras). The other stadiums Hiram Bithorn and Tokyo Dome have both had HD broadcasts on American networks (ESPN). The only one in doubt is Foro Sol Stadium.

I can't see why the WBC wouldn't be in HD.

Yes, I stand corrected.

Now Why can't Comcast do this. It just BLOWS my Mind that they leave us in the Dark. I bet they lose alot of customer because of this. I think it is very poor part on Comcast!

It may be since it's a maket-by-market thing, they don't want too many announcements getting into other markets where the channels won't be added, thus creating confusion. Also, with channels like MLB HD, they tell us when it's going to be added and we still aren't happy because it's not soon enough.

I'm no big fan of Comcast, but Verizon has huge advantages here. They don't have to service entire cities, and they are building their network with all new technology so they don't have to upgrade any systems. They can just add clusters of channels all at once on every system they have. Verizon also isn't burdened with having to carry an analog tier and the FCC telling them that they can't move channels from it.

Since the first of they year I have gotten in the mail three time about new Channels Verizon was adding in HD. Plus I get emails about it.

Now Why can't Comcast do this. It just BLOWS my Mind that they leave us in the Dark. I bet they lose alot of customer because of this.

Well, they've lost one here! Can you share what channels Verizon will be adding? (They'll be setting me up next week.)

Any rumors about the Houston area getting more HD channels? Right now, we have very few channels. I miss my Directv!!

The following is a response I got from Tony Speller, Comcast's Houston VP/GM:

"Thanks for your feedback. We appreciate you as customer. We are planning to add a lot more HD’s this year. Our goal is to give our customers as much value as possible. We will certainly keep this feedback in mind as we look at similar channels."

Now you know as much as they are willing to share at this time. Wonderful?

Comcast sucks.

Where are my CNN HD, CNBC HD, and other HD?

I cannot wait to switch to Fios once it's available.

Comcast sucks.

Where are my CNN HD, CNBC HD, and other HD?

I cannot wait to switch to Fios once it's available.


Depends upon the area you are in. We have CNN-HD (Houston); however, there's not much HD content, so you're not missing much.

As far as Comcast generally: They're trying hard to make all those late night TV jokes about cable service the absolute truth. "Customer Service" is just a term they once heard about at some management conference. They use it, but don't have a clue what it really means, although there are (of course) some of their folks who do understand and try to buck the system. They are, unfortunately, few and far between.

Comcast sucks.

Where are my CNN HD, CNBC HD, and other HD?

I cannot wait to switch to Fios once it's available.

what channel is "Other HD"?


actually, we have almost every single channel in HD, except for MTV networks (VH1, MTV, MTV2, Comedy Central) and MSNBC, Oxygen. CC is coming soon though.

Just depends where you live.

Well, they've lost one here! Can you share what channels Verizon will be adding? (They'll be setting me up next week.)

You should get the channle lineup from them.
All I did was called Verizon about Fios and I get all kinds of info Fios. I think they are up to 115 HD channels here in NJ.

As a former Insight system in east central Illinois, as Comcast we have been getting HD Net and HD Net Movie channels. It was just announced that HD Net Movie Channel is being dropped and will be replaced with MLB HD. Which means no additional HD channels here, just a replacement for one.

As a former Insight system in east central Illinois, as Comcast we have been getting HD Net and HD Net Movie channels. It was just announced that HD Net Movie Channel is being dropped and will be replaced with MLB HD. Which means no additional HD channels here, just a replacement for one.

They have added several on demand channels for HD content. HD Movies on Demand is about the same as HD Net Movies.

I've enjoyed the quality of movies on HD Net Movies but there is limited selection, with lots of repeats. Looks like the on demand feature is about an even swap, if they keep it loaded with flicks.

Comcast 'Cavalry' Rides Into NoCal

FEBRUARY 09, 2009

Comcast Corp. (Nasdaq: CMCSA, CMCSK) confirmed it's in the middle of an "upgrade" in the Bay Area that will move more than 40 analog channels to the digital domain, freeing up capacity for more high-definition fare and Docsis 3.0-fueled services.

Comcast, according to The Mercury News, expects to start making the digital shift in early March in Pleasanton and Santa Clara, Calif., and quickly follow in San Mateo, San Carlos, San Rafael, and other nearby cities. The paper said the MSO expects to complete the Bay Area upgrade by year's end; a Comcast spokeswoman contacted by Cable Digital News would confirm only that a handful of communities are already "on the clock" to get the upgrade.

The Bay Area becomes the third market to get the "all-digital" treatment (OK, mostly digital) using digital terminal adapters (DTAs) as a primary vehicle. The others are Portland and Salem, Ore., launched in November; and Seattle and other parts of Washington, launched in December.

Comcast has already completed "Project Cavalry" (its internal name for analog reclamation) in Salem, and last week added another 29 HD channels to the lineup in that system.

Comcast has previously gone all-digital in Chicagoland and the Detroit region, but got those projects off the ground without the help of DTAs. (See Comcast Doctoring Digital in Detroit and Going 'Mostly' Digital .)

Assuming Comcast operates as it did in the other markets, Bay Area customers with expanded basic cable subscriptions will get one low-end set-top box and two DTAs for no added cost as long as they remain Comcast customers. Each additional DTA would cost $1.99 per month. (See Comcast Seeds Digital Shift With Free Boxes.)

Comcast is moving several channels to digital broadcast but will retain about 30 channels, including local broadcast-network feeds, in analog.

Comcast has said it expects it will need as many as 25 million DTAs to complete its analog reclamation project.

Once the MSO reclaims about 40 analog channels in the Bay Area, it's expected to use the freed space for HD channels and video-on-demand expansion. (See Comcast Launches 'Project Infinity'.)

The space could also be used for Docsis 3.0, the CableLabs platform that uses channel-bonding techniques to produce shared speeds above 100 Mbit/s. Comcast, which has been limiting downstream speeds of its wideband tiers to 50 Mbit/s, has about 35 percent of its network ready for for Docsis 3.0. As reported last week, San Francisco and Denver are among the markets next in line to get the service. (See Comcast Widens Wideband Footprint and Comcast Wraps Up '08 Wideband Rollout .)

— Jeff Baumgartner, Site Editor, Cable Digital News

http://www.lightreading.com/document.asp?doc_id=171808&site=cdn&f_src=lightreading_gnews

You should get the channle lineup from them.
All I did was called Verizon about Fios and I get all kinds of info Fios. I think they are up to 115 HD channels here in NJ.

Acording to their website, there are 103 HD channels in my area (NE NJ). That's still 80 more than Comcast offers. Aside from AMC-HD and Comedy Central-HD, I can't imagine what else could be added!

Docsis 3.0 was launched in Manassas Va last month 50mb's costs 140 bucks a month, 30 mb's cost 62.95. we still have 60+ analog channels here, so hoping for DTA and more hd soon

Docsis 3.0 was launched in Manassas Va last month 50mb's costs 140 bucks a month, 30 mb's cost 62.95. we still have 60+ analog channels here, so hoping for DTA and more hd soon

hardly seems worth it when 20MBps is $25/mo

When are you going to use more than 2MB/sec of bandwidth?

I am in Manassas, VA and Comcast does not carry Speed HD. Cox in Fairfax does carry it and it is driving me crazy I had to watch the Gatorade Duels in the regular crappy square yesterday.

hardly seems worth it when 20MBps is $25/mo

When are you going to use more than 2MB/sec of bandwidth?

Where do you get that?

I am in Manassas, VA and Comcast does not carry Speed HD. Cox in Fairfax does carry it and it is driving me crazy I had to watch the Gatorade Duels in the regular crappy square yesterday.

You'll get it whenever your local system is updated (I have heard that system is behind in HD channels). We have that channel on Comcast in Richmond. We don't have the huge slate of HD, but we have what most Comcast systems have.

For those in the mid-atlantic region, Verizon might not be the best thing out there if you want to see baseball in HD. This baffles me, as fast as they have added HD channels-

http://masnsports.com/2009/01/os-in-hd.html

What most of you have been asking about though is if the MASN HD channel will be available to subscribers of Verizon FiOS, and the answer is not yet.

So if you have Verizon FiOS, you might not be able to reap the full benefits of a full-time MASN HD channel where you can watch your O's in high-definition just yet, as the decision is ultimately made by each distributor; Verizon FiOS might not carry MASN's HD signal this season, but with your patience, MASN will continue to work toward expanding the reach of its full-time HD channel as rapidly as possible, and the result will be well worth the wait.

Hey guys! I have a quick question, I have been a long time comcast user for 15+ yrs, I had a 49.99 plan which included cable, with the uper 100's, music channels, and on demand. I recently upgraded to an HDTV so I wanted to get an HD box for 1 of my rooms, they gave me a special and added it plus all the channels I already had for $49.99. It seemed too good to be true, but I went with it. I hook it all up today, and I have all the HD channels, plus all premium channels now (HBO, Starz, Showtime, Cinamax) and what not. I called comcast right away and they assured me I was not being charged for it, and to "consider myself lucky". Any thought why I am getting these channels free, and should I worry? Thanks a bunch!

In one or two days the Channels will be gone. They all ways do this in hopes that you will want to keep them and sign up for them. Then it will cost you your arm and leg to have them.

This channel popped up today #197 for me in the south bend, IN market. Nothing else added. Kids are happy.....

Hey guys! I have a quick question, I have been a long time comcast user for 15+ yrs, I had a 49.99 plan which included cable, with the uper 100's, music channels, and on demand. I recently upgraded to an HDTV so I wanted to get an HD box for 1 of my rooms, they gave me a special and added it plus all the channels I already had for $49.99. It seemed too good to be true, but I went with it. I hook it all up today, and I have all the HD channels, plus all premium channels now (HBO, Starz, Showtime, Cinamax) and what not. I called comcast right away and they assured me I was not being charged for it, and to "consider myself lucky". Any thought why I am getting these channels free, and should I worry? Thanks a bunch!


Keep your eyes on your upcoming bills. It's entirely possible that it will catch up to you one of these days. It's possible that they're running a short term promotion in your area wherein subscribers get all the premium channels at N/C for something like 90 days to 6 months when they opt for HD service.

I recently called the local office and asked what promotions were running and found that we could get Showtime for $6.95/mo for 6 months. With the Tudors coming up later this spring, it was a good deal. BTW: It took the CSR about 2 minutes to run thru all the promotion screens...but you never know what's available if you don't ask.

Yea I subscribed to the HD service on thurs, but hooked it up yesterday, and I still have all the channels, the weird thing is my other 2 boxes (non HD) doesnt have the premium channels, who knows, as long as im not getting charged its fine with me.

FWIW, in Comcast of Union, most of the HD channels are currently available in the clear via QAM. Might be a temporary thing though. Been 24 hours since they were unencrypted.

FWIW, in Comcast of Union, most of the HD channels are currently available in the clear via QAM. Might be a temporary thing though. Been 24 hours since they were unencrypted.

Same in South Jersey, since tuesday. Most of the SD expanded basics too. Went from 12 ClearQams to almost 100.

Same in South Jersey, since tuesday. Most of the SD expanded basics too. Went from 12 ClearQams to almost 100.

Looks like they are getting ready to eliminate expanded basic analog and roll out the DTAs.

-Ken

How can I tell Qams?

In one or two days the Channels will be gone. They all ways do this in hopes that you will want to keep them and sign up for them. Then it will cost you your arm and leg to have them.
No, they don't that in all systems. Here, only Ltd. Basic is active until the box is activated, and after that, only the subscribed services are active.

Hey guys! I have a quick question, I have been a long time comcast user for 15+ yrs, I had a 49.99 plan which included cable, with the uper 100's, music channels, and on demand. I recently upgraded to an HDTV so I wanted to get an HD box for 1 of my rooms, they gave me a special and added it plus all the channels I already had for $49.99. It seemed too good to be true, but I went with it. I hook it all up today, and I have all the HD channels, plus all premium channels now (HBO, Starz, Showtime, Cinamax) and what not. I called comcast right away and they assured me I was not being charged for it, and to "consider myself lucky". Any thought why I am getting these channels free, and should I worry? Thanks a bunch!
They obviously gave you a promo on renting the HD Box. There is no HD service per se, so you maybe your services include many of those HD channels already, (depends if you have Digital Starter or Digital Classic), except for the HD Premium movie channels, as others have said, they are likely temporary or possibly a mistake.

how much better is comcast hd with the hdmi instead of component?

Component is a Compressed Analog Signal.

HDMI is a Non Compressed - Full Bandwidth Digital Signal.

I use both cables, and HDMI 1.3c blows away Component, not to say component doesn't have a great PQ also.

Nice, I knew what component and hdmi was, but I did not know the difference in picture with the comcast hd, I ordered a 1.3b, should be getting here end of the week, cant wait!

I don't see new channels in nj yet. :(

how much better is comcast hd with the hdmi instead of component?

With the "quality" of Comcast HD I really don't see much of a difference between component and HDMI. Of course you need to problery calibrate the component and HDMI inputs. This is with viewing on three HDMI sets, and two of these sets are new HDMI 1.3 compliant TVs.

im not too sure how to calibrate it for the ghosing to stop, i see it around objects and text and what not, worse on certain channels i guess it depends what im watching

is Nick at Nite HD now stretch-o-vision for everyone? it wasn't stretched before. watching Home Improvement now and it won't OAR

is Nick at Nite HD now stretch-o-vision for everyone? it wasn't stretched before. watching Home Improvement now and it won't OAR
Yup, its stretched now. Noticed it on Friday.

I don't feel that there is a noticeable difference between component and HDMI in terms of normal human perception.

I don't feel that there is a noticeable difference between component and HDMI in terms of normal human perception.
I agree with bicker in terms of picture quality. Sound quality, on the other hand, is far better via HDMI than via Component, at least with my settting - Comcast HD-DVR Moto 3416 & Sony 50' projection LCD.

Sound? From a television? Pfah. :)

I agree with bicker in terms of picture quality. Sound quality, on the other hand, is far better via HDMI than via Component, at least with my settting - Comcast HD-DVR Moto 3416 & Sony 50' projection LCD.

There's really no component audio, so it could be digital audio 5.1/7.1 or analog stereo (red & white), but I know what you mean.

Indeed, there is a big difference between 5.1 surround sound and 2.0 stereo. However, there is no need to go to HDMI to get 5.1: You can connect your tuner or player to your sound system via SPDIF cable.
http://img.tomshardware.com/us/2005/11/23/pc_interfaces_101/spdif-toslink.jpg or http://img186.imageshack.us/img186/4808/spdifrcadt7.jpg

Component is a Compressed Analog Signal.

HDMI is a Non Compressed - Full Bandwidth Digital Signal.

I use both cables, and HDMI 1.3c blows away Component, not to say component doesn't have a great PQ also.

Complete FUD.

I bet 99.9999% of the population cannot tell the difference.

Ohh and your Compressed VS non Compressed is quite funny actually.

I don't feel that there is a noticeable difference between component and HDMI in terms of normal human perception.

Even in terms of abnormal humans.;)

well if the hdmi wont help the ghosting, what will?

well if the hdmi wont help the ghosting, what will?
A better provider.

What you were describing in your earlier post with the text is due to compression. Short of switching to, say, FIOS, there's not much you can do if Comcast in your area is compressing things that much.

Yup, its stretched now. Noticed it on Friday.

WTF? Where do we complain? I won't stand for not being given a choice on stupid stretching. I can't watch that crap.

Even in terms of abnormal humans.;)I dunno... some of these folks are really abnormal. :)

WTF? Where do we complain? I won't stand for not being given a choice on stupid stretching. I can't watch that crap.The most effective means of making it clear that you care about that is to cancel your subscription to cable, and let them know exactly why. If enough people do that, it could have some significant impact.

I use both cables, and HDMI 1.3c blows away Component, not to say component doesn't have a great PQ also.

No it doesn't.

The most effective means of making it clear that you care about that is to cancel your subscription to cable, and let them know exactly why. If enough people do that, it could have some significant impact.

that isn't an option, that's the problem. I just don't know why they would go through the trouble of making it look WORSE.

that isn't an option, that's the problem. I just don't know why they would go through the trouble of making it look WORSE.

Somehow several of the geniuses that head networks have determined that filling the 16:9 screen is more important than PQ. TNT even used it on a few live, sporting events until avalanches of letters, calls and e-mails got the point across to them.

TBS does that crap with shows like Friends. Don't they think if people WANTED it like that they can stretch it themselves? Otherwise, there is no choice.

Component is a Compressed Analog Signal.

HDMI is a Non Compressed - Full Bandwidth Digital Signal.

This is 100% incorrect.

In many cases, component video looks as good as HDMI. In some cases, component video looks better than HDMI. In other cases, HDMI doesn't work due to handshake issues. It's all hardware dependent.

WTF? Where do we complain? I won't stand for not being given a choice on stupid stretching. I can't watch that crap.
Contact the network directly. In this case Nickelodeon or the corporate owner Viacom.

Once the corporate deal is done, providers like Comcast have little influence over what networks do.

that isn't an option, that's the problem. It is always an option.

I just don't know why they would go through the trouble of making it look WORSE.I think you'd be better off asking Nickelodeon that. I could tell you that "WORSE" is a subjective judgment that isn't necessarily shared by all of Nickelodeon's viewers, but coming from me it won't have the same impact as if it comes from Nickelodeon.

It is always an option.

no, trust me it's not an option for me.

Comcast.com has MASN HD and WETA HD (PBS Washington) listed in the Baltimore lineup. They're not in the guide yet. MASN HD doesn't launch until 4/1 (at least officially).

MavTV Signs Affiliation Agreement with Comcast

February 17th, 2009

Denver – MavTV today announced they have completed an affiliation agreement with Comcast Corporation.

“We are extremely pleased to have signed an affiliation agreement with the largest distributor in the world,” said Steve Smith, COO of MavTV. “This agreement supports our goal of becoming one of the premiere male oriented cable television networks.”

MavTV, owned by the Mav’rick Entertainment Network, carries a variety of programming themes targeting men 18-54, including sports, sports analysis, gaming, comedy, women and relationships, health and fitness, finance, gadgets, and movies. MavTV is a 24/7 destination channel dedicated to reaching men in an irreverent, humorous, opinionated fashion. MavTV also boasts one of the largest original HD libraries in the industry.

About MavTV

Launched on October 1, 2004, the independently owned and operated MavTV is available in over 70 markets across the U.S, in Canada, the UK, and Australia. With a variety of original programming that includes series like: “AMA Motorcycle Racing”, “American Tailgater”, “Rad Girls”, “Ultimate Combat Experience”, and “Lucas Oil Motorsports Events”. MavTV launched its HD feed in August 2008 and is one of the fastest growing new HD channels in the US.

http://mavtv.com/wordpress/

Comcast To Expand Wideband, 'All-Digital' Rollouts

Expects to Bring DOCSIS 3.0 to More Than 65% of Footprint in 2009

Todd Spangler -- Multichannel News, 2/18/2009 9:52:37 AM MT

While Comcast expects total capital expenditures to be lower in 2009 than last year, the MSO plans to spend $400 million to $500 million deploying DOCSIS 3.0 to more than 65% of its footprint and freeing up spectrum with analog-reclamation projects in more markets.

The operator currently offers high-speed Internet services with up to 50-Mbps downloads to some 10 million premises, in about 30% of its footprint.

Comcast chief operating officer Steve Burke on the operator's fourth-quarter earnings call Wednesday hinted that the MSO may be offering 100-Mbps services at some point.

"Speed really matters in this business, particularly when you see more video on the Internet and applications that get better with speeds," Burke said, noting that Comcast's goal is to get all broadband subscribers to a minimum level of 12-Mbps service, and "offer 50 or 100 meg in as many places as possible."

The upgrades to DOCSIS 3.0 represent a "replacement of spending we would normally incur for DOCSIS 2.0," Burke said.

Comcast's basic video subscribers fell by a net 233,000, but Burke claimed the availability of video content on the Internet was not driving large numbers of customers to cut the cable TV cord.

On the analog-reclamation front, Comcast has seen positive results in its initial Portland, Ore., market, according to Burke. With these projects, the operator distributes low-cost digital-to-analog adapters to basic subs that are not interested in upgrading to digital cable; Comcast is then able to eliminate the transmission of 50-60 analog channels, freeing up space for DOCSIS 3.0, high-definition channels or other purposes.

Comcast is currently in the process of introducing DTAs in three additional markets, according to Burke: Seattle, San Francisco and Philadelphia.

In Portland, the MSO has seen a higher percentage of people doing self-installs, though Burke added with the DTA projects "there's a real cost" and that "in the year you do it it's not necessarily accretive." Benefits start to accrue later with operational efficiencies, reduction of cable theft and the introduction of news services.

"By 2009 and into 2010, we will recapture much of our analog bandwidth," Comcast CEO Brian Roberts told investors on the earnings call.

http://www.multichannel.com/article/174418-Comcast_To_Expand_Wideband_All_Digital_Rollouts.php

Comcast is currently in the process of introducing DTAs in three additional markets, according to Burke: Seattle, San Francisco and Philadelphia.

In my area, pretty much all the channels are now clear QAM and my last bill mentioned that I can get up to 3 DTAs with my service. That and my cable modem is now reporting it's changed from DOCSIS 1.x to 2.0. So it looks like they are gearing up near me.


Does anyone know if Comcast is switching to all digital in Cisco areas as well? I'm in a Motorola area, so I'm just curious.

Also since most channels are no longer encrypted, does anyone know if Comcast at some point with start using PSIP with cable channels like they do with OTA channels? It would be nice to be able to get channels on the their actual channel numbers instead of random things like 87.9.

[QUOTE=Morac;15854074]
Does anyone know if Comcast is switching to all digital in Cisco areas as well? I'm in a Motorola area, so I'm just curious.[QUOTE]


Yes...Houston is Cisco/SA...and it will eventually be all digital. They need to reclaim the analog bandwith...which requires more bandwidth per channel than those which are digitally encoded. In fact, they recently recalled all the Motorola boxes and cable cards. Houston was in the process of changing from Motorola to SA/Cisco when Comcast acquired operating control from TWC, and they're trying to simplify their lives with only one brand of hardware. Other areas where Motorola is already dominant will probably stick with Moto.

Yes...Houston is Cisco/SA...and it will eventually be all digital. They need to reclaim the analog bandwith...which requires more bandwidth per channel than those which are digitally encoded. In fact, they recently recalled all the Motorola boxes and cable cards. Houston was in the process of changing from Motorola to SA/Cisco when Comcast acquired operating control from TWC, and they're trying to simplify their lives with only one brand of hardware. Other areas where Motorola is already dominant will probably stick with Moto.

Here in Minnesota, the St. Paul side of the Twin Cities metro area is Moto, the Minneapolis side is Cisco (SA). I'm not sure which one is dominant. We've heard nothing here yet of them settling on one or the other.

Here in Minnesota, the St. Paul side of the Twin Cities metro area is Moto, the Minneapolis side is Cisco (SA). I'm not sure which one is dominant. We've heard nothing here yet of them settling on one or the other.

I'm in Maple Grove (old AT&T, MediaOne, King, etc.) and I'm on Moto as well.

I love how every Comcast announcement totally ignores New Jersey.

I don't even think DTAs are available in Philly city limits yet. Only in SE PA (not city limits). NJ has them available in most systems I believe.

FWIW Expanded basic has been removed from comcast.com. The only analog package available in my system is Limited Basic. Next highest tier is Digital Economy, then Digital starter.

http://www.tvpredictions.com/comcast021909.htm

The only thing that I'd change, in case of my Comcast system, is the fact that Comcast in this area only carries 27 HD channels!

Commentary
Comcast's HD Not In Demand
The cable operator reports huge sub losses -- and there's a good reason.
By Swanni

Washington, D.C. (February 19, 2009) -- Guess which TV provider offers more High-Definition channels.

a. DIRECTV, which added 301,000 net new subscribers in last year's fourth quarter -- and increased its total subscriber count by 800,000 for the year.

b. Comcast, which reported yesterday that it lost 500,000 subscribers in 2008, almost half in the fourth quarter.

No, it's not a trick question. The answer is DIRECTV, which offers more than 100 HD channels in every market while Comcast averages around 40 HD channels per market.

Now you can offer a number of reasons why DIRECTV had a better year than Comcast. (Comcast blames the economy, although that didn't stop DIRECTV from adding 800,000 subscribers.) But the satcaster's decision to heavily invest in new satellites so it could expand its high-def offering has clearly paid off. Consumers looking for a diverse and comprehensive HD lineup are coming to DIRECTV.

In contrast, Comcast's decision to focus on non-HD features, such as voice and high-speed Internet access, may have helped it compete with new telco services such as Verizon's FiOS and AT&T's u-Verse. But the cable operator has alienated its core audience -- TV viewers, particularly the high-def audience which craves more HD channels and will accept nothing less.

Comcast has tried to paper over its 'HD gap' by promoting its HD On Demand service, which offers PPV movies and repeats of TV programs in high-def, many of them free. The company has even bragged in TV commercials that it has more 'HD choices' than any other TV provider.

But the numbers don't lie. Consumers are obviously not buying Comcast's propaganda. They want more channels, not more choices, and they are going to services such as DIRECTV and Verizon which offer them. (Verizon now offers more than 100 high-def channels in the 16 markets it serves.)

Comcast says it's now taking steps to expand its high-def lineup, such as shifting analog channels to digital which creates more bandwidth for HD.

But if the company wants to avoid another year like 2008, it better move fast.

I'm in Maple Grove (old AT&T, MediaOne, King, etc.) and I'm on Moto as well.

Yeah, I know, it is not exactly split on a north-south line --- I'm in Blaine and on the St. Paul system with Motorola boxes. My guess would be that there are more Moto boxes deployed here than Ciscos.

http://www.tvpredictions.com/comcast021909.htm
Commentary
Comcast's HD Not In Demand
The cable operator reports huge sub losses -- and there's a good reason.
By Swanni

Washington, D.C. (February 19, 2009) -- Guess which TV provider offers more High-Definition channels.

a. DIRECTV, which added 301,000 net new subscribers in last year's fourth quarter -- and increased its total subscriber count by 800,000 for the year.

b. Comcast, which reported yesterday that it lost 500,000 subscribers in 2008, almost half in the fourth quarter.

No, it's not a trick question. The answer is DIRECTV, which offers more than 100 HD channels in every market while Comcast averages around 40 HD channels per market.
.
.
.
Comcast says it's now taking steps to expand its high-def lineup, such as shifting analog channels to digital which creates more bandwidth for HD.

But if the company wants to avoid another year like 2008, it better move fast.

Excellent news. Unfortunately, from other posts on this thread, I see that the move of analog to digital is only in a few markets (and not mine), so right now I see more lip service than anything else.

Yes Comcast better move fast because They still have not fixed what is wrong with my house. What they have tried to fix with my house has not help at all and I have not heard back from them in more than two weeks. Yes I have called them.
The company that maid my house siding and roof said if I want DIRECTV that they will put the dish stand on my house so it will not VOID my Warranty.
I am very close in going this way.
I just feel like Comcast will never get my system fixed and it is said that DSL on my work laptop is faster than comcast. By the way my home computer is very fast with DSL but Supper slow with Comcast. This is one of the problems that Comcast said they will try to work on. But I have not heard back. I allso love watching my HD TV with all kinds lines coming and going with Comcast NOT. Thank god I have a TV Antenna and I use it alot.
I am moving more to the other side for my service. So sad after 15 years with them.

Excellent news. so right now I see more lip service than anything else.

I am with you

Yes Comcast better move fast because They still have not fixed what is wrong with my house. What they have tried to fix with my house has not help at all and I have not heard back from them in more than two weeks. Yes I have called them.
The company that maid my house siding and roof said if I want DIRECTV that they will put the dish stand on my house so it will not VOID my Warranty.
I am very close in going this way.
I just feel like Comcast will never get my system fixed and it is said that DSL on my work laptop is faster than comcast. By the way my home computer is very fast with DSL but Supper slow with Comcast. This is one of the problems that Comcast said they will try to work on. But I have not heard back. I allso love watching my HD TV with all kinds lines coming and going with Comcast NOT. Thank god I have a TV Antenna and I use it alot.
I am moving more to the other side for my service. So sad after 15 years with them.


If you have not e-mailed Frank w/Comcast, try him out. He seems to get things done: Frank_Eliason@cable.comcast.com

If you have not e-mailed Frank w/Comcast, try him out. He seems to get things done: Frank_Eliason@cable.comcast.com

You obviously missed some of Daniel's earlier posts about his communications with Frank. Unfortunately, Frank doesn't do all the work.

You obviously missed some of Daniel's earlier posts about his communications with Frank. Unfortunately, Frank doesn't do all the work.

Good point. I simply didn't have the time to go back and double check.

I've found some contacts at our local Comcast system that seem to be able to get some action.

Daniel: Do you have any local contact names, such as the VP/GM of your area's system? Or the senior CSR, etc? If so, and you don't have their e-mail, try e-mailing them using the format of Frank's address, just changing the names.

OTOH: Sometimes it's not worth the fight...and changing, although somewhat traumatic and time consuming, may be right for you at this time.

Good luck!

I have talked to my local office and it was not very nice. So I put on this forum on how I was talked to. That is how Frank Eliason got intouch with me. He is a very Nice man but he can only do so much.
Sometimes it's not worth the fight. But it is a pain in the A$$ and time consuming for me to do all the change over with emails. That is why I have been putting up with it. But the time is comming closer and closer for me to leave.
By the way the Company that did my roof and siding told me today when I called them said that they would like to see warmer temps before theyt would do a dish mount. Just to cold and the cold might hurt the roof or siding.
Daniel

I just feel like Comcast will never get my system fixed and it is said that DSL on my work laptop is faster than comcast. By the way my home computer is very fast with DSL but Supper slow with Comcast. This is one of the problems that Comcast said they will try to work on. But I have not heard back. I allso love watching my HD TV with all kinds lines coming and going with Comcast NOT. Thank god I have a TV Antenna and I use it alot.
I am moving more to the other side for my service. So sad after 15 years with them.
I just want to give you some hope (I have underground wiring) and I just have the standard Comcast internet service, also I have no problems with my reception both on analog and digital.

http://www.speedtest.net/result/414242249.png

In the end, this all comes down to when it become politically possible to do some substantial analog reclamation. As long as the mainstream press is ready to slam cable hard for taking granny's analog cable away, Comcast is boxed in. If the press can be redirected to more useful pursuits, then that opens the door for Comcast, and other MSOs, to add some new services by discontinuing cable network analog service.

In the end, this all comes down to when it become politically possible to do some substantial analog reclamation. As long as the mainstream press is ready to slam cable hard for taking granny's analog cable away, Comcast is boxed in. If the press can be redirected to more useful pursuits, then that opens the door for Comcast, and other MSOs, to add some new services by discontinuing cable network analog service.

It's a lot more than the press. Many customers do not like cable boxes of any type, getting people to realize they need on is like taking a blanket away from a baby -it needs to be done slowly. Also Comcast need an adequate supply of digital adapters and the proper support staff to implement the changes. They are doing it currently city by city in a planned fashion. They should really advertise that people who have a new digital set with a QAM tuner do not to acquire a digital adapter since the digital adapters currently work with clear QAM (unless Comcast can get a waiver from the FCC). As I have stated previously my biggest complaint with Comcast is that they are degrading the HD signal quality on some channels by squeezing three HD channels into one slot, where for the best quality HD picture only two HD channels should be used.

I believe most Comcast customers want two things - more HD channels and a good viewing experience. On smaller sets most viewers will not see the picture quality reduction, but as more people buy larger high quality sets this could become a problem especially if Verizon keeps advertising its superior HD picture quality. Also as more people purchase Blu-ray players they will become aware of the lower HD quality.

I believe most Comcast customers want two things - more HD channels and a good viewing experience.Not if you read the local HD Chicago Comcast thread.

They only care about having more channels. They don't give a damn about the picture quality.

And there are a bunch of folks out there who care almost exclusively about price.

Not if you read the local HD Chicago Comcast thread.

They only care about having more channels. They don't give a damn about the picture quality.

It's getting to the point where a lot of the HD additions are junk and most of the "HD" programming is actually SD material with stretchovision.

Anybody know of any upcoming additions to the HD lineup for Bloomington/Indianapolis Indiana?

They should really advertise that people who have a new digital set with a QAM tuner do not to acquire a digital adapter since the digital adapters currently work with clear QAM (unless Comcast can get a waiver from the FCC).

The current problem with this is that while a set with a QAM tuner can tune the channels, they aren't where users would expect them to be. For example, I can tune the clear QAM channels just fine, but I have no idea where any of the channels are since there's no channel mapping being done. If Comcast fixed this, then I'd agree with you.

There's also the problem though that many TV's can't tune high number channels. For example, my Sony XBR4 can't tune any digital channel number higher than 135, so even if the channels were mapped correctly I'd still need a box for any channel over 135 (or I'd have to guess the actual QAM channel).

The current problem with this is that while a set with a QAM tuner can tune the channels, they aren't where users would expect them to be. For example, I can tune the clear QAM channels just fine, but I have no idea where any of the channels are since there's no channel mapping being done. If Comcast fixed this, then I'd agree with you.

There's also the problem though that many TV's can't tune high number channels. For example, my Sony XBR4 can't tune any digital channel number higher than 135, so even if the channels were mapped correctly I'd still need a box for any channel over 135 (or I'd have to guess the actual QAM channel).
Honestly, for those with QAM tuners, it would be nice if they offered a "tunerless box". All it would be is essentially a filter with the access card reader built in and memory to store guid info. It would merely allow the digital programming and information to pass to the TV in the proper digital cable layout. The TV would do the actual tuning.

I'm not sure what the best solution for analog TVs and standalone analog DVRs is, though. With a TV, tuning through an external device is tolerable. With a DVR or a VCR, it's a real pain.

Comcast Announces “World of More” For Chattanooga Customers

posted February 20, 2009

Comcast on Thursday announced the “World of More” beginning April, 2009.

Officials said the “World of More” "brings new wideband digital technology to Chattanooga" and will mean faster Internet access speeds (up to 50 Mbps), additional digital television channels – including High Definition (HD) channels, more Video On Demand (VOD) choices, and digital quality video and sound to every television in the home.

“The way people watch TV, listen to music, use the phone or surf the Internet is evolving to an all- digital world,” said Valerie Gillespie, vice president and general manager for Comcast in Chattanooga.

“In an effort to keep our customers ahead of that digital curve and to provide them with the products and services they want, Comcast’s new 'World of More' allows all of our customers to enjoy the benefits of all-digital technology at no additional cost. By converting our present fiber optic network to wideband, our internet customers will experience some of the fastest Internet access speeds available today. Comcast is continually listening to our customers and making the investments needed to meet their expectations and give them more products and services.

“Our increased Internet access speeds and enhanced video digital services are an added way for us to deliver reliable and quality services and bring the ‘World of More’ to Chattanooga.”

As part of the “World of More” Comcast will provide each retail Full Basic tier household with one complimentary digital cable converter featuring access to On Demand programming, 45 commercial-free music channels, interactive program guide, and parental controls. In addition, each Full Basic tier household will receive two complimentary digital adapters for use in viewing digital channels on additional TVs. If customers need more than two digital adapters, they will be available for a nominal fee, it was stated.

The “World of More” is part of Comcast’s network enhancements and is not related to the federally mandated Digital Broadcast Transition, which is currently underway and will be completed by June 12.

http://www.chattanoogan.com/articles/article_145156.asp

They can use PSIP like they do for locals. I only watch a couple channels so I can just label and add them into favorites. 80 channels fit in 7 QAMs so hopefully the first number will be the same for all its just one more number to remember. Maybe tuners will feature DIY channel maps in the future.

The current problem with this is that while a set with a QAM tuner can tune the channels, they aren't where users would expect them to be. For example, I can tune the clear QAM channels just fine, but I have no idea where any of the channels are since there's no channel mapping being done. If Comcast fixed this, then I'd agree with you.

There's also the problem though that many TV's can't tune high number channels. For example, my Sony XBR4 can't tune any digital channel number higher than 135, so even if the channels were mapped correctly I'd still need a box for any channel over 135 (or I'd have to guess the actual QAM channel).

The problem about channels numbers above 135 could easily be solved by putting the unscrambled channels on the lower frequencies below 135. On my TVs with QAM tuners it reads the channel assignments from the digital signal so the network channels HD channels are in the most part where they should be. My area has not dropped the analog channels yet so it will be interesting to see how Comcast places the unscrambled channels after the analog reduction.

The current problem with this is that while a set with a QAM tuner can tune the channels, they aren't where users would expect them to be. For example, I can tune the clear QAM channels just fine, but I have no idea where any of the channels are since there's no channel mapping being done. If Comcast fixed this, then I'd agree with you.

There's also the problem though that many TV's can't tune high number channels. For example, my Sony XBR4 can't tune any digital channel number higher than 135, so even if the channels were mapped correctly I'd still need a box for any channel over 135 (or I'd have to guess the actual QAM channel).
If they were mapped correctly, then they would be no higher than ch. 99 in almost any system. A few systems go a bit above, but I have never heard of going above ch.135.

The problem about channels numbers above 135 could easily be solved by putting the unscrambled channels on the lower frequencies below 135. On my TVs with QAM tuners it reads the channel assignments from the digital signal so the network channels HD channels are in the most part where they should be. My area has not dropped the analog channels yet so it will be interesting to see how Comcast places the unscrambled channels after the analog reduction.
Word is they will be placed at the same frequencies as the Analogs they will be replacing, typically 2-99. This makes the most sense, as it would allow them to use the Expd. Basic filters they already have in place.

Can anyone from a market that already dropped Analog Expd. Basic report if Digital Expd. Basic is mapped correctly 2-99 for QAM tuners?

I switched from component to hdmi on my comcast hd box today, WOW! I must have been doin somethin wrong, but instead of cable4 i turn it to HDMI2, and man the HD channels are full aspect ratio instead of letterbox, way more crisp and clear, amazing.

With the HDMI and the full aspect screen, my menu for comcast is now not from left to right, just in the middle, is this normal? I took a pic to show you what i mean.
http://i44.tinypic.com/334kobt.jpg (click the pic to enlarge it)

Normal. You must have been stretching a 4:3 image to fit the screen before. Not good.

Anybody know of any upcoming additions to the HD lineup for Bloomington/Indianapolis Indiana?I've been waiting to see if you'd get any replies. I'm sorry that you haven't. This isn't really the correct thread for your question; such questions belong in your area's local thread. The local thread index is here:
http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=453241
And it shows a local thread for Comcast for your area:
Indianapolis, IN - Comcast (http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=245439&goto=newpost) 100 posts, 4675 views, last post on 7/19/2005 6:48:00 PM
However, the link is dead; as you can see, the last posting to that thread was in 2005, and the thread itself has been archived. I don't know how to read into that, and the lack of reply you've gotten here, except perhaps that there isn't much interest in discussing Comcast service for your area. Sorry. :(

Normal. You must have been stretching a 4:3 image to fit the screen before. Not good.


The weird thing is I wasnt, I went through my TV and made sure it was on 16:9, and there was no options like that on my cablebox or through the comcast setup, I saw regular 4:3 on non HD channels and it didnt stretch, just the HD ones, I dont know what was goin on, but now that the HDMI is plugged in, its a full screen, and the non HD channels has bars on the right and left side, thats normal correct?

You can turn on 4:3 override to 480p, and have a different zoom setting for those channels.

Anyone having problems with breakdown in the picture / audio recently?

I know they've cut their bitrates to allow new HD channels, and recently I've been noticing the audio cut out, shuddering, and full up freezing (1-2 sec) and was wondering if anyone else has this problem and if anyone thinks it's due to them cutting down bitrates.

Almost like on the net when a buffering video catches up to the streaming transfer. pauses, audio cut outs, and artifacts.

Seriously, I'm just about to get rid of comcast. First they nuke their HD channels by starving HD bitrates to offer crap extras, and now they're having delivery issues. Might have to catch all my TV on HULU and use the $100 a month of HD Cable service for netflicks...

I'm in the Boston area, and the only other choice would be sat, which isn't a choice.

I've seen a balance of trade-offs. TNT and USA have gotten grainier and are exhibiting a few bits of pixelation per hour, sometimes, while Sci Fi and A&E have improved -- Sci Fi remarkably so (as if it is not even 3-mux'ed any longer).

I have FiOS and RCN available to me, but give the extra cost for three additional televisions in the house, Comcast is still the least expensive option. And with a TiVo S3, I recognize that switching to FiOS is perhaps going to incur a few weeks of inconsistent service, as we work to get the attenuation just right. I'll also have to deal with working to get the inbound RDP, port-mapped to two workstations, working with their router, so I'm not really looking forward to the prospect of switching (especially since THEIR router doesn't support Wireless-N protocol, while mine does -- and I have to use their router if I want my SD DVRs to still work with a program guide).

I recognize that switching to FiOS is perhaps going to incur a few weeks of inconsistent service, as we work to get the attenuation just right. I'll also have to deal with working to get the inbound RDP, port-mapped to two workstations, working with their router, so I'm not really looking forward to the prospect of switching (especially since THEIR router doesn't support Wireless-N protocol, while mine does -- and I have to use their router if I want my SD DVRs to still work with a program guide).

Much the same down here in Texas. Sometimes "the devil you know" is better than the alternative. However, that doesn't always relieve the frustration. No U-verse or FIOS available in our area...yet.

Here in NJ, Comcast has had no interest in adding any HD channels for years. If one includes subscription channels, there are only about 25 HD channels! So I doubt they're cutting bit-rates since they aren't adding anything. Yet they still have the freeze-ups and pixelization. So perhaps it is due to some other issue (the box perhaps?). Anyway, FiOS finally made it to my area so I've happily dropped Comcast and am now drowning in HD! None of the aforementioned problems so far.

Much the same down here in Texas. Sometimes "the devil you know" is better than the alternative. However, that doesn't always relieve the frustration. I've found yoga does wonders. :)

Seriously, I do think sometimes too much emotional stock is placed in what is and is not available.

The pixelation is a problem. It rarely happens on the 'old' HD stations we've had (ESPN/TNT), sometimes happens on the newer ones (USA/History) but on the brand spankin' new ones (FX) it happens 7 times an hour. It has done it since the channel went online for us here and I've often wanted to post asking if other people had the same problem with FX.

I get freeze-ups and pixelization all the time and last Monday night I tried to watch two and a half men and my Pitcher just pixelization and froze up. So I change input and put my ANT. on to watch the show. After I watch the show it was cutting in and out the rest of the night.

Now the best part is Comcast has Charged me for all the service calls coming to my House and nothing was fixed!! I have never been charge before.
SO I am calling Crapcast now. If they do not take this off my bill I will say good by for Good

OK I was told that the one charge was for a splitter that cost $36.00 Now that is Bull S###. I called and left Frank a message at Comcast. I will give Frank at Comcast till tomorrow to call me and get it fixed or I am out!
Daniel

Is it Frank's fault?

Is it Frank's fault?

That is what I will like to know? He told me before that he will make good for me and I will be very happy. But I have not been Happy and now I am even more unhappy:mad:

OK I never heard back from Frank but the Tech ( Justin ) who has been at my house many times called me last night and he saw my post in this thread. Justin said that they just did a 48hrs watch on my system. They did notice lots spikes and dropd in signal going and coming from my house. He did all kinds of reading and said it is not the Cable boxs.
Justin all so got me a refund on the charges and the B/S spliter charge of $36.00. He was very Sorry that it happen. So I will see what there next move is.
Daniel

I wish Comcast is listening, i made a petition for The Weather Channel HD

http://www.thepetitionsite.com/1/bring-the-weather-channel-hd-to-comcast-customers-across-america

and if you want to request TWC HD to your local comcast go here

http://twchd.viewerlink.tv/?from=tv_welc_mainsidebottom

i hope everyone has a wonderful week, and i hope comcast TWC HD as soon as possible to the Massachusetts area because i already missed all their shows in HD :mad:

I already tried other local forums and contacting comcast and still no luck.

I wish Comcast is listening, i made a petition for The Weather Channel HD

http://www.thepetitionsite.com/1/bring-the-weather-channel-hd-to-comcast-customers-across-america

and if you want to request TWC HD to your local comcast go here

http://twchd.viewerlink.tv/?from=tv_welc_mainsidebottom

i hope everyone has a wonderful week, and i hope comcast TWC HD as soon as possible to the Massachusetts area because i already missed all their shows in HD :mad:

I already tried other local forums and contacting comcast and still no luck.


I'll make you a deal: I'll trade you TWC-HD we got last month here in Houston, if you can get them to give us back HD-Net Movies. lol

I'll make you a deal: I'll trade you TWC-HD we got last month here in Houston, if you can get them to give us back HD-Net Movies. lol

I wish i had the authority to do that, i would love to give u back HD-Net movies if i worked with Comcast. i would simply do anything for comcast to get TWC HD in my area!

I wish Comcast is listening, i made a petition for The Weather Channel HD

http://www.thepetitionsite.com/1/bring-the-weather-channel-hd-to-comcast-customers-across-america


Nobody should waste their time. Firstly, Comcast already has a signed contract with the Weather Channel. Comcast will add it to its systems as bandwidth frees up.

Secondly, online petitions are not an effective way to get to something like this to change:
http://www.snopes.com/inboxer/petition/internet.asp

You already have two people (of the 13 that have signed so far) that have "signed" your petition that don't even live in the United States. How seriously would Comcast take those if it even took the time to look at the petition?

If there is any way to get one channel place about others in terms of priority for adding to channel line-ups, that power can be found in those who cancel their Comcast subscriptions. If they cancel, and explain that the reason why is the lack of that specific channel provided in HD, then that may hold some weight.

If there is any way to get one channel place about others in terms of priority for adding to channel line-ups, that power can be found in those who cancel their Comcast subscriptions. If they cancel, and explain that the reason why is the lack of that specific channel provided in HD, then that may hold some weight.

I'm sure many people have done exactly that, however it will not make a difference if the system is technically challenged to add anything which I'm quite sure is the case here. ;)

If there is any way to get one channel place about others in terms of priority for adding to channel line-ups, that power can be found in those who cancel their Comcast subscriptions. If they cancel, and explain that the reason why is the lack of that specific channel provided in HD, then that may hold some weight.

From what I've been told by phone reps, the more a channel is requested by customers the more likely Comcast will be to add it first. Makes sense if you think about it since it makes more sense for Comcast to cater to people who have their service than to people who've already dropped it and probably aren't coming back.

I'm sure there are exceptions to this. Also because of the triple QAM bundling and packing deals with content providers, a highly requested channel may "drag" in low demand channels with it.

I'm sure many people have done exactly that, however it will not make a difference if the system is technically challenged to add anything which I'm quite sure is the case here. ;)The difference that it will make is with regard to the deployment of analog reclamation and perhaps even deployment of DTAs.

From what I've been told by phone reps, the more a channel is requested by customers the more likely Comcast will be to add it first.That's one way to get you off the telephone.

Makes sense if you think about it since it makes more sense for Comcast to cater to people who have their service than to people who've already dropped it and probably aren't coming back.Rather, people who cancel their subscription are indicative of people who cancel their subscription. If your objective is to continue your revenue stream, you want to address the concerns of people who cancel their subscription, much more so than the concerns of people who don't.
http://www.wdwinfo.com/images/smilies/teacher.gif

I'm sure many people have done exactly that, however it will not make a difference if the system is technically challenged....

From what I know of Comcast, it does make a difference. They upgrade systems.

From what I know of Comcast, it does make a difference. They upgrade systems.

Indeed they do but for some they get tired of waiting. This could be a case where being too big works to their disadvantage!

Indeed they do but for some they get tired of waiting.Sure. Change providers, if possible.

Rather, people who cancel their subscription are indicative of people who cancel their subscription. If your objective is to continue your revenue stream, you want to address the concerns of people who cancel their subscription, much more so than the concerns of people who don't.




The main #1 reason I switched to Fios from comcast was the loss of my $159 bundle. Now they are offering a $179 bundle (includes DVR but NOT TMC) and admiiting they bill would go up $40-50 after one year. I don't think so.

Reason #2 insufficent ilinear HD channels.

Reason #3 too many analog channels

Reason #4 HDNet and HDNet Movies

Rather, people who cancel their subscription are indicative of people who cancel their subscription. If your objective is to continue your revenue stream, you want to address the concerns of people who cancel their subscription, much more so than the concerns of people who don't.

Someone who has canceled their subscriptions is no longer contributing to the revenue stream, so at that point they don't have any more sway then some sway than someone who has never had service to begin with. I would think most people who cancel do to lack of a specific HD channel would jump to a provider who offered said channel so there's very little chance of recovering that person as a customer at that point.

An analogy would be like a NJ politician pandering for votes from people who have moved from NJ to NY.


Even if it made sense to do this, as different people prefer different channels, there wouldn't be a consensus on what channels to add. Using an overly simplistic example, if half the people canceling complain about lack of Food HD and the other half complain about lack of SciFi HD and Comcast only has room for one channel, which one should it be?

The main #1 reason I switched to Fios from comcast was ...And you get one vote. If you made your reasons clear.

Someone who has canceled their subscriptions is no longer contributing to the revenue stream, so at that point they don't have any more sway then some sway than someone who has never had service to begin with.Which is quite a lot, actually -- companies work very hard to gain new customers.

However, I believe you're simply wrong about what you're saying. Someone who canceled their subscription is a rich source of information about why the supplier loses customers, while someone who bitches and moans but stays with a supplier is just indicative of a complainer.

I would think most people who cancel do to lack of a specific HD channel would jump to a provider who offered said channel so there's very little chance of recovering that person as a customer at that point.That's wrong on two levels.

First, the objective isn't to get that one customer back; one customer doesn't matter much. The objective is to determine what, if anything, the supplier needs to do to keep other customers from leaving (not "from complaining" -- "from leaving").

Second, if the only reason someone left was a missing HD channel, when their contract comes up with the new provider a year later, they may consider switching back, given that they'll be eligible for new customer pricing at their old supplier and no longer eligible at their new supplier. Remember, switching suppliers is evidence that you're willing to switch suppliers. (Indeed, complaining but not leaving or downgrading is evidence that your complaints don't carry much weight, even with yourself!)

An analogy would be like a NJ politician pandering for votes from people who have moved from NJ to NY.It depends on why. As it is, many New Yorkers moved out of the city during the Koch and Beame administrations, and moved back after Rudy Giuliani cleaned up the mess. And so that's a great example: If you eliminate the reason why a lot of people leave, then both (1) more people won't; and (2) some people who did leave will come back.

Even if it made sense to do this, as different people prefer different channels, there wouldn't be a consensus on what channels to add.If there is no consensus, then no channel is important enough. That's important information. It think you're highlighting the frustration folks have about their own personal preferences. They value them highly, but the reality is that the personal preferences shared by many typically trump those of the few, and for good reason.

Using an overly simplistic example, if half the people canceling complain about lack of Food HD and the other half complain about lack of SciFi HD and Comcast only has room for one channel, which one should it be?There are many times in business where the choices available do not distinguish themselves. In your overly simplistic example, with the restriction you outlined (they can only add one -- they cannot add capacity) intact, the overly simplistic best choice is one or the other -- it doesn't matter -- each one will accomplish the same amount of good.

Losing over 500,000 subs in one year is a message sent no matter which way you try and look at it.

In spite of this, it still does not seem to have affected their overall plan or lack there of from changing.

So I would say Comcast has decided to take the hit now and in the near future to better themselves in the long term and try to lure them back after all their systems have been upgraded, whenever that may be.

So you can look at this in two ways:

1. This was their Master Plan all along and are running on schedule or

2. They got caught with their pants down and are making decisions on the fly!

Only the top honcho's at Comcast know the real answer but if I was a betting man, I would pick the latter.

Losing over 500,000 subs in one year is a message sent no matter which way you try and look at it.

In spite of this, it still does not seem to have affected their overall plan or lack there of from changing.

So I would say Comcast has decided to take the hit now and in the near future to better themselves in the long term and try to lure them back after all their systems have been upgraded, whenever that may be.

So you can look at this in two ways:

1. This was their Master Plan all along and are running on schedule or

2. They got caught with their pants down and are making decisions on the fly!

Only the top honcho's at Comcast know the real answer but if I was a betting man, I would pick the latter.

Maybe if they had dropped all the extended basic analogs all at once they might have lost 1 mil or more customers instead of the 500,000. Even though I am not happy with the price and amount of HD channels I think they are probably making the best business decisions they can.

-Ken

Losing over 500,000 subs in one year is a message sent no matter which way you try and look at it.

In spite of this, it still does not seem to have affected their overall plan or lack there of from changing.

So I would say Comcast has decided to take the hit now and in the near future to better themselves in the long term and try to lure them back after all their systems have been upgraded, whenever that may be.

So you can look at this in two ways:

1. This was their Master Plan all along and are running on schedule or

2. They got caught with their pants down and are making decisions on the fly!

Only the top honcho's at Comcast know the real answer but if I was a betting man, I would pick the latter.Although at first pass it doesn't look thrilling, losing 500k subs may or may not be a problem.

If they are getting higher individual sub fees, from a bundle as opposed to analog cable subs, maybe they are better off with less subs and higher per sub revenue? I don't know.

I don't think you give them enough credit for what they know about their business.

My inference from that article was that those might be higher-paying subs - not the analog 4:3 watchers. That's what I would expect, too. I believe Comcast may have bought its own hype about "HD choices". Given how poorly companies in many different industries seem to be run, I would not currently give Comcast the benefit of the doubt with respect to knowledge about their customers.

FYI, Comcast of Savannah has added 3 new HD channels this week. Spike (452) Lifetime (459) and Nickelodean (443).

Maybe if they had dropped all the extended basic analogs all at once they might have lost 1 mil or more customers instead of the 500,000. Even though I am not happy with the price and amount of HD channels I think they are probably making the best business decisions they can.

-Ken

Where would they go??

Comcast's doing something weird here. They've mapped the digital OTA subchannels to the 900s as well now. It's in 2 places (200s and 900s).

I generally agree how businesses should be run, even (in the case of Comcast) when it conflicts with my desires. But it's hard to look at the loss of 500K subs as validation of Comcast's business plan. Millions rely on analog in-the-clear, who truly have no alternatives". Comcast isn't screwing them over any more than they are screwing those of us who want more HD channels (not "choices"). If those millions are paying for standard cable, but the lost subs were bundling and paying 2 - 4x as much, I would expect to see Comcast do what it could to retain its higher paying customers, and worry less about "screwing" the others.

Where would they go??

My neighbor got sick of comcast and went to DirecTV. People are leaving for one reason or another. Comcast has to be very concerned about EVERYONE. Having direct analog without a box puts them a leg up over everyone else with certain subs.

-Ken

What he said.

bicker1 - I generally agree with you when it comes to how businesses should be run, even (in the case of Comcast) when it conflicts with my desires. But it's hard to look at the loss of 500K subs as validation of Comcast's business plan. Given your previous posts, I'm surprised to see you use the term "screw over the millions how rely on analog in-the-clear, who truly have no alternatives". Comcast isn't screwing them over any more than they are screwing those of us who want more HD channels (not "choices"). If those millions are paying for standard cable, but the lost subs were bundling and paying 2 - 4x as much, I would expect to see Comcast do what it could to retain its higher paying customers, and worry less about "screwing" the others.

Do you read any of the newspaper articles on the internet ? Just do a google news search on "comcast". People are constantly saying "where did X channel go ?" "comcast took away our channels" "boycot comcast" etc. it is endless.


-Ken

Multichannel News Video

Bandwidth and Capacity – Part 1

MCN's Leslie Ellis kicks off the latest Translation Please series with an exclusive interview with Comcast CTO Tony Werner. Part 1 covers Comcast's work to harvest analog spectrum, advance the rollout of the "digital terminal adaptor," avoid "feature creep," and make more room for linear HD and other advanced services.

http://www.multichannel.com/video/OUR_VIDEO/1088-Bandwidth_and_Capacity_Part_1.php



Bandwidth and Capacity – Part 2

Fun fact: Relaxing the digital transition date apparently will not ease customer confusion. Tony Werner discusses Comcast's communications campaign in this effort and offers tips for engineers considering similar bandwidth upgrades in Part 2 of this topic.

http://www.multichannel.com/video/TRANSLATION_PLEASE/1087-Bandwidth_and_Capacity_Part_2.php?rssid=20097&q=bandwidth+and+capacity

But it's hard to look at the loss of 500K subs as validation of Comcast's business plan.

The 500K loss is misleading. What the article (http://www.tvpredictions.com/comcast021909.htm) that numbers comes from doesn't mention is that while Comcast lost 500K basic subscribers, it gained nearly 1.5 million digital subscribers (http://www.cmcsk.com/phoenix.zhtml?c=118591&p=irol-newsArticle&ID=1257468&highlight=) (mainly through their triple play packages). So Comcast had a net growth in 2008.

Having direct analog without a box puts them a leg up over everyone else with certain subs.


But it also puts them in a position where they can't effectively compete. Not just with TV, but with Internet speeds as well. That's why they've started to switch over to digital in some places and are preparing to in others.

The 500K loss is misleading. What the article (http://www.tvpredictions.com/comcast021909.htm) that numbers comes from doesn't mention is that while Comcast lost 500K basic subscribers, it gained nearly 1.5 million digital subscribers (http://www.cmcsk.com/phoenix.zhtml?c=118591&p=irol-newsArticle&ID=1257468&highlight=) (mainly through their triple play packages). So Comcast had a net growth in 2008.

Interesting numbers - certainly more complete. Thanks for the link.

My neighbor got sick of comcast and went to DirecTV. People are leaving for one reason or another. Comcast has to be very concerned about EVERYONE. Having direct analog without a box puts them a leg up over everyone else with certain subs.

-Ken

So let me get this straight. If Comcast makes a system all digital, those analog subs would leave and go to another provider that is also all digital even though Comcast would offer them 2 or 3 free DTA's while the other provider would require a box on every tv increasing the cost.

Hmm, that logic does not make sense!

Looks like comcast in North Jersey (Meadowlands) is up to something.....
The local digital sub-channels are now duplicated in the upper 900's
Might they actually be remapping the channels to make locations for new HD's??:)

Looks like comcast in North Jersey (Meadowlands) is up to something.....
The local digital sub-channels are now duplicated in the upper 900's
Might they actually be remapping the channels to make locations for new HD's??:)

See above to my post :)

They did that in Union as well. Someone said look for April, because it's the beginning of the new quarter. Some of my own sources told me possibly early March for some new HD.

If Comcast got rid of analog in-the-clear, I'd still have to incur the problems with switching my S2 to a box as input, and I'd have to get a box on that other outlet... so basically I'd incur 2/3 of the problems I'd have if I just switched to FiOS, so switching to FiOS might be worth it, under that circumstance.

Have you talked with the folks at Fios about it? I assume you have triple play with Comcast.
Are you in a package right now?
Can Verizon match it or do a little better given the situations?
The only channel you would lose with Fios now is AMC-HD.
Premium multiplex channels?
Fios BLOWS comcast away and costs less as well.

See above to my post :)

They did that in Union as well. Someone said look for April, because it's the beginning of the new quarter. Some of my own sources told me possibly early March for some new HD.

Early March is right around the corner (in theory, just hours away). if your sources are right, this could be good :)

Early March is right around the corner (in theory, just hours away). if your sources are right, this could be good :)

yeah. nothing's for sure though. all internal rumors as of now.

remember though channel additions only need 24 hrs notice. could see something in the paper monday for new channels tuesday. never know.

The actual ascendancy of HD as a priority in the minds of cable consumers was created, practically single-handedly, by DirecTV.

I would disagree with that. I think the channels themselves have a large hand in pushing HD.

Most customers with HD TVs who have SD and HD versions of the same channel prefer to watch the HD version. This is especially true for customers with big screen TVs. So when their favorite programs start putting up text at the start of the program that says "now available in HD, call your cable provider", well that will generate interest in that HD channel.

The want for HD was already there, DirectTV was just providing what the customers wanted and wasn't afraid to spend the cash to do so. The same thing with Verizon and FIOS.

I would disagree with that. I think the channels themselves have a large hand in pushing HD. I think they had some impact, but there is no question in my mind that the #1 impetus for HD deployments last year was DirecTV's advertising, with FiOS' coming in a distant second. The networks themselves, far far below. Indeed, I bet many HDTV manufacturers have DirecTV to thank for much of their custom this past year.

Comcast gives out 3 DTAs and are $2/month for more IIRC so unless you have a lot of TVs nothing is really changing for the analog people other than you lose stereo sound and your VCR no longer "just works".

All I would like to see is more HD Channels.But I do not see it comming to New Jersey the (Garden State System) system any time soon.:mad:

Comcast gives out 3 DTAs and are $2/month for more IIRC so unless you have a lot of TVs nothing is really changing for the analog people other than you lose stereo sound and your VCR no longer "just works".

Is this true ? You lose stereo sound with the DTA ? This is a huge loss if true.

-Ken

They have a DD-compatible audio processor, and do have stereo outputs, so I suspect that they support (regular) stereo sound. Despite having a DD-compatible audio processor, they do not have digital audio outputs, though, so no MTS stereo sound. However, that's only if you use the stereo outputs. FWIR, the RF output does not support stereo.

Is this true ? You lose stereo sound with the DTA ? This is a huge loss if true.

-Ken

Not true. You have stereo sound through the DTA.

If this is the wrong thread, please point me in the right direction. I currently have a Comcast Motorola box that had Component going directly to the plasma, and an HDMI to my Denon 4306 receiver. When watching the news or kids shows, we don't turn the stereo on which is why I have the component.

Comcast has told me they do not have a Moto box with 2 HDMI's out, is there such a thing and can I use a HDMI splitter from the Moto box and send to the Denon and Plasma without effecting the signal?

Comcast has told me they do not have a Moto box with 2 HDMI's out, is there such a thing and can I use a HDMI splitter from the Moto box and send to the Denon and Plasma without effecting the signal?I've never heard of a Comcast box with two HDMI outputs. If you do hear more about this outside of this thread, I would love to know more.

This, as a thread about HDTV programming, might not be the best place to check for info, though. Here's a link to a more technical forum here at avsforum:

http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/forumdisplay.php?f=25

The Pace DTA's are RF only. I haven't seen the others but I assume they are the same. I don't think they do MTS encoding.

I've never heard of a Comcast box with two HDMI outputs. If you do hear more about this outside of this thread, I would love to know more.

This, as a thread about HDTV programming, might not be the best place to check for info, though. Here's a link to a more technical forum here at avsforum:

http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/forumdisplay.php?f=25

Thanks