But they do have a hole lot more than I get from my Comcast system. (Garden State system)

But they do have a hole lot more than I get from my Comcast system. (Garden State system)

In other words, what Comcast offers depends on the area, so broad statements about 'who has more' are inaccurate.

Which is better in HD programming? DirecTV or Comcast?

Define "better".

I thought that I would take a stab at this. Please PM any additions or changes to me so we don't completely clutter up this thread. Please send to me the SYSTEM NAME with your PMs. For example, I live in Blaine, MN, but my system is the Minneapolis-St. Paul system.

Project Cavalry/World of More/Analog shut-off status:

Seattle/Portland/Eugene - Complete
San Fransisco - Complete
Chattanooga - Complete
Austusta, GA - In progress
Boston* - Complete
Boston suburbs - In progress
Chicago Central - Complete
Baltimore County - Complete
Baltimore (City of) In progress - subscribers have received notice of DTA availability.
"Freedom Region" (NJ, SE PA, Philly Metro) - In progress (areas with SA equipment NOT started yet)
Miami-Ft. Lauderdale - In progress -- some areas have the 60+ additional HD channels
Chicago suburbs
Denver
Sacramento
Salt Lake City
Albequerque-Sante Fe
Houston
Minneapolis.St. Paul
Memphis
Birmingham
Indianapolis
Pittsburgh
Cleveland
Washington DC
Baltimore
Nashville
Atlanta
Jacksonville
Orlando
Tampa
West Palm Beach


* This system had very little analaog left when Comcast acquired it.

For starters, I am only listing the uncomplete/unstarted cities that are in the top 50 DMA rank where Comcast has a system or systems.
Source: http://www.comcastspotlight.com/SITES/Default.aspx?pageid=2466&siteid=62&subnav=1

Which is better in HD programming? DirecTV or Comcast?

Really it depends on the market you're in right now. . . DirecTV certainly has a significant edge in many markets today. By the end of 2010 (i.e. scheduled completion of Project Cavalry/World of More) they should be close enough in nearly every market Comcast serves (I almost wrote "every" there, but Comcast has a lot of markets and there could be a few tail-enders lagging due to old equipment) that most consumers wouldn't find the difference significant.

(few tail-enders lagging due to old equipment)
I thing Comcast drop the BIG Anchor With my system LOL. I do not see Comcast going anywhere any time soon with upgrading my system. We have way to many problems in my area!

Tennis Volleys Program Carriage Complaint Against Comcast

Network Says Comcast Favors Own Networks; Wants To Improve Its Sports Tier Positioning

Mike Reynolds -- Multichannel News, 1/6/2010 8:00:00 AM

Tennis Channel has served a program carriage rule complaint with the Federal Communications Commission against the nation's top distributor.

Filed on Jan. 5, Tennis Channel's complaint with the commission's Media Bureau avers that Comcast Cable Communications has violated the commission's program carriage rules prohibiting cable operators from discriminating against unaffiliated cable services in favor of networks they own by keeping the dedicated racquet sport channel on a premium sports tier.

In turn, Comcast-owned networks Golf and Versus, which compete with Tennis for ratings and advertising are positioned on basic tiers available to many more subscribers for no additional charge.

The complaint maintains that by being locked on the sports tier, which is currently taken by some 2.6 million Comcast subscribers at $5 per month, Tennis is disadvantaged relative to Golf and Versus, which are available to almost of Comcast's 23.8 million video subscribers.

Comcast returned this statement in response to the complaint: "Comcast currently makes the Tennis Channel available to nearly every home we serve. Our contract with Tennis Channel, which the network freely negotiated and signed in 2005, specifically permits us to carry Tennis Channel on many different tiers, including as part of our Sports Entertainment Package, where we currently offer it to our customers. We are fully honoring the terms of our agreement with Tennis Channel and plan to continue carrying the network for our customers and tennis fans. We look forward to outlining the facts of this groundless complaint, including our existing contract, to the FCC."

Comcast has been the subject of three program carriage complaints over the past year, with NFL Network, regional sports service MASN and Wealth TV.

Tennis last summer in the weeks leading up to, during and after the U.S. Open tennis championships, was involved in a contentious dispute with Cablevision over carriage, which ultimately resulted in the network being lauched on that operator's sports tier.

In Tennis' complaint against Comcast, it states that the appeal of the top operator's sports tier has been diminished because it no longer includes single-sport networks from the NBA, NHL and the NFL. These channels -- which Tennis indicates the cable company has a direct or indirect financial interest in -- were upgraded last year to more widely penetrated levels of service. Similarly, MLB Network, in which Comcast also owns a stake, enjoys a broader berth.

According to Tennis' complaint, the programmer was negotiating with Comcast, offering incentives it thought would increase its penetration. However, those conversations ended on June 9, 2009.

"We did not want to file this complaint, but Comcast has left us with no choice," said Tennis chairman and CEO Ken Solomon in a statement. "After steadily building the most comprehensive single-sport network in television over the past few years, in the first half of 2009 we had numerous discussions with Comcast. We made offers with added incentives for it to move us to a competitive, broadly penetrated service tier, as it has done recently with the MLB, NHL and NBA channels, in which it has financial interests. But Comcast declined to do so."

The complaint includes data showing that despite the fact it only has some 24 million subscribers, Tennis' ratings performance, in some instances, is comparable within its coverage areas with those of Golf and Versus, which have much larger sub bases. The documents also points out that it has acquired more top fare, relative to its sport, including all of four Grand Slam events, than the Comcast-owned services and presents 2,700 hours of event coverage annually, compared with 2,400 for Golf and 1,350 on Versus.
The complaint also includes testimony and comments from Comcast executives that indicate Comcast gives special carriage consideration to its owned-service, that ad-supported networks can't succeed on sports tiers and generally decry sports tier positioning.

"This case is truly the litmus test for unaffiliated programmers everywhere, and the future of the public's interest in having a wide variety of voices and choice in the media marketplace," said Solomon. "Ultimately, we simply want to be treated comparably to the way Comcast treats the sports program services it owns."

http://www.multichannel.com/article/442600-Tennis_Volleys_Program_Carriage_Complaint_Against_Comcast.ph p

Tennis Volleys Program Carriage Complaint Against Comcast

Network Says Comcast Favors Own Networks; Wants To Improve Its Sports Tier Positioning

http://www.multichannel.com/article/442600-Tennis_Volleys_Program_Carriage_Complaint_Against_Comcast.ph p

Sounds like someone is bitter that other sports channels renegotiated and got better placement, and that has and will continue to erode the # of subscribers to the sports tier. I guess they have nothing to lose, right? They are already on the lowest penetrated tier of Comcast, they can only move up or stay put if they cry to the FCC.

The CITY of Boston may be complete, but the suburbs of Boston are right in the middle of the transition now. "Eastern Mass" is underway, many towns won't be done until June. My town doesn't convert till March.

I thought that I would take a stab at this. Please PM any additions or changes to me so we don't completely clutter up this thread. Please send to me the SYSTEM NAME with your PMs. For example, I live in Blaine, MN, but my system is the Minneapolis-St. Paul system.

Project Cavalry/World of More/Analog shut-off status:

Seattle/Portland/Eugene - Complete
San Fransisco - Complete
Chattanooga - Complete
Austusta, GA - In progress
Boston* - Complete
Chicago Central - Complete
"Freedom Region" (NJ, SE PA, Philly Metro) - In progress (areas with SA equipment NOT started yet)
Miami-Ft. Lauderdale - In progress -- some areas have the 60+ additional HD channels
Chicago suburbs
Denver
Sacramento
Salt Lake City
Albequerque-Sante Fe
Houston
Minneapolis.St. Paul
Memphis
Birmingham
Indianapolis
Pittsburgh
Cleveland
Washington DC
Baltimore
Nashville
Atlanta
Jacksonville
Orlando
Tampa
West Palm Beach


* This system had very little analaog left when Comcast acquired it.

For starters, I am only listing the uncomplete/unstarted cities that are in the top 50 DMA rank where Comcast has a system or systems.
Source: http://www.comcastspotlight.com/SITES/Default.aspx?pageid=2466&siteid=62&subnav=1

I'm sure someone did the risk/reward analysis. Lose a little bit of money, now, to help secure even more money later.

Or perhaps Cablevision decided to let the market decide first what those channels are really worth rather than be the market-maker themselves.

That one would have caused a crisis in this house that would have got us thinking of moving --the wife watches HGTV HD as her default channel.

That one would have caused a crisis in this house that would have got us thinking of moving --the wife watches HGTV HD as her default channel.
Ditto. My wife even watches HouseHunters on demand! :eek:

Confirmed: Comcast in Talks to Carry ESPN in 3D

Gillian Reagan | Jan. 6, 2010, 12:01 PM

Yup, we hear Comcast is in "very preliminary talks" with ESPN to carry their 3D channel set to debut in June.

We also heard that their customers are getting more interested in 3D offerings: About 65 percent of all on demand orders for horror flick My Bloody Valentine were for the 3D version.

As we told you before, Comcast is working with CableLabs, to get their set-top boxes and programming up to snuff for 3D channels. They already have 3D video on demand movies available, as part of their "Project Infinity" initiative to drive innovation in VOD.

http://www.businessinsider.com/confirmed-comcast-in-talks-to-carry-espn-in-3d-2010-1

Confirmed: Comcast in Talks to Carry ESPN in 3D

Gillian Reagan | Jan. 6, 2010, 12:01 PM

Yup, we hear Comcast is in "very preliminary talks" with ESPN to carry their 3D channel set to debut in June.

We also heard that their customers are getting more interested in 3D offerings: About 65 percent of all on demand orders for horror flick My Bloody Valentine were for the 3D version.

As we told you before, Comcast is working with CableLabs, to get their set-top boxes and programming up to snuff for 3D channels. They already have 3D video on demand movies available, as part of their "Project Infinity" initiative to drive innovation in VOD.

http://www.businessinsider.com/confirmed-comcast-in-talks-to-carry-espn-in-3d-2010-1

Great. At this rate, here in Minnesota we'll get to see that channel sometime in early 2014. Thanks, Comcast! :rolleyes:

New Triple Play on Jan 7 (http://www.dslreports.com/forum/r23448861-Comcast-Triple-Play-40).

So is today really going to bring something new?

All of a sudden my Comcast DVR is acting funny. I can't "rewind" stuff in my buffer. I get a circle with a line through it. Also when I am recording a show on a channel, I can't access that channel during the recording.

I have the latest DVR box, the HDMI 160 with the blue led display (can't remember the model number off the top of my head).

This problem has never happened before, just came up and has persisted over the last few days. Anyone else experience this problem?

Confirmed: Comcast in Talks to Carry ESPN in 3D

Gillian Reagan | Jan. 6, 2010, 12:01 PM

Yup, we hear Comcast is in "very preliminary talks" with ESPN to carry their 3D channel set to debut in June.

From what I've read, 3D channels will take up an entire 6 MHz QAM channel slot (http://www.lightreading.com/document.asp?doc_id=186394&site=cdn&). That means to carry ESPN 3D, Comcast would have to forgo 3 (possibly 4 in the relatively near future (http://www.arrisi.com/press_events/press_releases/pressdetail.asp?id=487)) HD channels.

Considering relatively few people will even be able to see these channels in 3D since a new TV is required, I can't see Comcast doing this any time soon, even with the digital switchover.

All of a sudden my Comcast DVR is acting funny. I can't "rewind" stuff in my buffer. I get a circle with a line through it. Also when I am recording a show on a channel, I can't access that channel during the recording.

I have the latest DVR box, the HDMI 160 with the blue led display (can't remember the model number off the top of my head).

This problem has never happened before, just came up and has persisted over the last few days. Anyone else experience this problem?

There is an "HDTV Recorders" forum here in AVS, I would find the thread there for your DVR model and post your question there.

BTW, powering off the box and then unplugging it for 30+ seconds before plugging it back in again will probably resolve the issue. Remember though, powering off like this means all the guide information will be gone and it will be automatically re-downloaded to your box - but it take a while.

Considering relatively few people will even be able to see these channels in 3D since a new TV is required, I can't see Comcast doing this any time soon, even with the digital switchover.No, not until June.

From what I've read, 3D channels will take up an entire 6 MHz QAM channel slot (http://www.lightreading.com/document.asp?doc_id=186394&site=cdn&). That manes to carry ESPN 3D, Comcast would have to forgo 3 (possibly 4 in the relatively near future (http://www.arrisi.com/press_events/press_releases/pressdetail.asp?id=487)) HD channels.

Considering relatively few people will even be able to see these channels in 3D since a new TV is required, I can't see Comcast doing this any time soon, even with the digital switchover.

A perfect case to use switched video. It also would be nice if they could use mpeg-4 but only the newest boxes are capable of this. Since only the newest sets will have the 3D capability they could require the subscriber to exchange their box for a box capable of mpeg-4.

Upstairs, I have the coax cable coming into bedroom1. I split it - 1 goes to a hi-def DVR in bedroom 1 and one to an anolog TV in bedroom 2. I ordered and received a DTA, installed and activated it for bedroom 2. The new digital picture and sound cuts in and out....unwatchable on many channels. Some channels come in ok, others do not. Is that because the of the split? What will Comcast say if I mention the splitter? Their repairman helped with me it several months ago!! What do I do? Thanks.

This is the HDTV Programming Forum. Please use the HDTV Technical Forum for technical questions, and the HDTV Locals Forum for local questions.

A perfect case to use switched video. It also would be nice if they could use mpeg-4 but only the newest boxes are capable of this. Since only the newest sets will have the 3D capability they could require the subscriber to exchange their box for a box capable of mpeg-4.

I like your MPEG4 idea, or maybe do that from the start and see how the demand is, then consider moving it to MPEG2? Although since this is Comcast, how about a $3/month "3D service" fee? LOL.

Yep, get ready for the 3D Entertainment Package.;)

From what I've read, 3D channels will take up an entire 6 MHz QAM channel slot (http://www.lightreading.com/document.asp?doc_id=186394&site=cdn&). That means to carry ESPN 3D, Comcast would have to forgo 3 (possibly 4 in the relatively near future (http://www.arrisi.com/press_events/press_releases/pressdetail.asp?id=487)) HD channels.

Considering relatively few people will even be able to see these channels in 3D since a new TV is required, I can't see Comcast doing this any time soon, even with the digital switchover.

Keep in mind this is a part time channel. They mentioned doing 80 something events this year, but would not broadcast at other times. Seems like it could be handled similar to PPV type events.

Is anyone on a Comcast system that carries MSNBC in HD? We just completed "World of More" here in Philly and we didn't get it, even though we got other stuff from NBCU like CNBC, the Weather Channel, Bravo and Syfy (and we already had USA and UHD).

The reason I ask is that I'm pretty sure there's going to be lots of events from the Winter Olympics on MSNBC, and, unlike 2006 and the 2008 summer games, MSNBC-HD might be the only place to see them in HD. (In 2006 and 2008, events from MSNBC and CNBC were simulcast on UHD).

Considering the pending merger, it is a bit odd that Comcast is one of the holdouts on one of NBCU's channels, while Dish Network and Cablevision carry it in HD.

Is anyone on a Comcast system that carries MSNBC in HD? We just completed "World of More" here in Philly and we didn't get it, even though we got other stuff from NBCU like CNBC, the Weather Channel, Bravo and Syfy (and we already had USA and UHD).

The reason I ask is that I'm pretty sure there's going to be lots of events from the Winter Olympics on MSNBC, and, unlike 2006 and the 2008 summer games, MSNBC-HD might be the only place to see them in HD. (In 2006 and 2008, events from MSNBC and CNBC were simulcast on UHD).

Considering the pending merger, it is a bit odd that Comcast is one of the holdouts on one of NBCU's channels, while Dish Network and Cablevision carry it in HD.MSNBC-HD is available on Comcast throughout the states of Washington and Oregon.

Also available in the San Francisco bay area market.

MSNBC is also available here in Union, NJ which is a part of the same region as Philadelphia (we're under the Freedom Region).

Thanks to those that have PMed me changes. Updated post below...

I thought that I would take a stab at this. Please PM any additions or changes to me so we don't completely clutter up this thread. Please send to me the SYSTEM NAME with your PMs. For example, I live in Blaine, MN, but my system is the Minneapolis-St. Paul system.

Project Cavalry/World of More/Analog shut-off status:

Seattle/Portland/Eugene - Complete
San Fransisco - Complete
Chattanooga - Complete
Austusta, GA - In progress
Boston* - Complete
Boston suburbs - In progress
Chicago Central - Complete
Baltimore County - Complete
Baltimore (City of) In progress - subscribers have received notice of DTA availability.
"Freedom Region" (NJ, SE PA, Philly Metro) - In progress (areas with SA equipment NOT started yet)
Miami-Ft. Lauderdale - In progress -- some areas have the 60+ additional HD channels
Chicago suburbs
Denver - DTAs available - no ETA yet on analog reduction
Sacramento
Salt Lake City
Albequerque-Sante Fe
Houston
Minneapolis-St. Paul - In progress - DTAs available - "World of More" commercials airing - analog reduction notices will be mailed "within days".
Memphis
Birmingham
Indianapolis
Pittsburgh
Cleveland
Washington DC
Baltimore
Nashville
Atlanta
Jacksonville
Orlando
Tampa
West Palm Beach


* This system had very little analaog left when Comcast acquired it.

For starters, I am only listing the uncomplete/unstarted cities that are in the top 50 DMA rank where Comcast has a system or systems.
Source: http://www.comcastspotlight.com/SITES/Default.aspx?pageid=2466&siteid=62&subnav=1

?

DirecTV does not have 130 HD national channels. They have 69. The rest are subscription sports and PPV.

In Comcast areas that have been upgraded, they have over 100 national HD channels, and way, way more PPV with On Demand.


As for 1080p, only a very few select PPV movies are 1080p.

If you're into subscription sports, DirecTV does have a number of exclusive HD packages, including NFL Sunday Ticket, NCAA Mega March Madness, NASCAR HotPass, and MLS Direct Kick. They also have MLB Extra Innings, NBA League Pass, NHL Center Ice. All this is more HD sports than any other provider.

Umm, your doing some VERY fuzzy math. Comcast has 28 "widely" available channels and 73 "limited" channels. Limited meaning only some areas have them. I live in Comcast's home market, it's pathetic what they offer. 26 non local HD channels. Ahhh...booooo.

The On-Demand is a joke. Most anything worth watching is available on Hulu or via Netflix if you really wanted it.

Throwing the channel count out, the quality the HD feed is far better on DTV. Just try watching the "Planet Earth" series on Discovery sometime.

Dish, DTV and FIOS all easily have the leg up on Comcast.

Umm, your doing some VERY fuzzy math. Comcast has 28 "widely" available channels and 73 "limited" channels. Limited meaning only some areas have them. I live in Comcast's home market, it's pathetic what they offer. 26 non local HD channels. Ahhh...booooo.

The On-Demand is a joke. Most anything worth watching is available on Hulu or via Netflix if you really wanted it.

Throwing the channel count out, the quality the HD feed is far better on DTV. Just try watching the "Planet Earth" series on Discovery sometime.

Dish, DTV and FIOS all easily have the leg up on Comcast.

It's all a matter of opinion, which is typcially based on where you live.

You need to go back and read my comment again. My math isn't fuzzy at all. I didn't say all Comcast areas had 100 HD channels, I said in areas where they have upgraded.

Comcast On Demand is easily considered the best with the greatest number of titles available from any national HD provider by far, and you need to remember this is an HD forum. We're not interested in Internet quality video.

And as far as HD image quality, DirecTV is certanly no slouch, but again, in areas where Comcast has upgraded, national HD channels are comparable, and for some national HD channels (ESPN, USA, TNT, and a few others) and local HD, Comcast passes them without additional compression, something DirecTV does not do for any HD channel.

As for where the 100 channels are available, by the end of the year it should be everywhere.

Brian Roberts talks about 3D TV and upcoming cable content in this interview with CNBC. It starts after the talk about the FCC ruling (about 1:15 minute in).

http://www.cnbc.com/id/15840232?video=1380497496&play=1


Keep in mind this is a part time channel. They mentioned doing 80 something events this year, but would not broadcast at other times. Seems like it could be handled similar to PPV type events.

RedZone (SD and HD) are also part time channels, yet on my system they have their own channel. When not in use there's simply a message saying to tune in on Sunday.

I didn't say all Comcast areas had 100 HD channels, I said in areas where they have upgraded.

That's not quite true either. My area has been upgraded and I get about 80 HD channels and that's including PPV and premium channels. It's double the 40 channels I had before, but it's not 100.

I live in St. Paul, MN.
We dont get Cartoon Network HD, E! HD, FXHD, Fox News HD, G4 HD (g4 isn't really g4 nowadays), HDNET, or IFC HD.

It's terrible.

I call complaining all the time.

That's not quite true either. My area has been upgraded and I get about 80 HD channels and that's including PPV and premium channels. It's double the 40 channels I had before, but it's not 100.

If you don't have 100, the upgrade is not complete.

I live in St. Paul, MN.
We dont get Cartoon Network HD, E! HD, FXHD, Fox News HD, G4 HD (g4 isn't really g4 nowadays), HDNET, or IFC HD.

It's terrible.

I call complaining all the time.

I wish complaining actually did something useful. They're on their sloth like pace with updating our our systems. We're SOL.

I wish complaining actually did something useful. They're on their sloth like pace with updating our our systems. We're SOL.

I left Comcast a year ago, fed up with only 24 HD channels. I had been waiting SIX years for Comcast to "upgrade." And, while I'm sure they may have added a few channels since I left, they sure as hell are far from 100. As I said, they've had many years to gear up, but they weren't interested. They were more concerned about getting new Internet subscribers. After a year with FIOS, I can't imagine ever going back to ComCrap.

If you don't have 100, the upgrade is not complete.

Well they've dumped all but a handful of analog channels so it's basically completed from the "World of More" standpoint. Is there another upgrade in addition to W.O.M that going on?

And for the person that asked, I get MSNBC-HD in my area as well as Cartoon Network HD, E! HD, FX HD and Fox News HD.

I don't get G4 HD, HDNET or IFC HD.

Is anyone on a Comcast system that carries MSNBC in HD? We just completed "World of More" here in Philly and we didn't get it, even though we got other stuff from NBCU like CNBC, the Weather Channel, Bravo and Syfy (and we already had USA and UHD).

Philly is missing like 10-12 HD channels that the rest of the suburbs got when we got our new "wave" of HD. MSNBC HD is one of them. Look at Philadelphia's (http://www.comcastworldofmore.com/CenterCityandSouthPhiladelphia/CenterCityandSouthPhiladelphia-HDChannelLineup.pdf) new HD lineup card, and Bensalem's (http://www.comcastworldofmore.com/bensalem/Bensalem-HDChannelLineup.pdf). I have no clue why, and when/if the city gets the rest of these HD channels.

I left Comcast a year ago, fed up with only 24 HD channels. I had been waiting SIX years for Comcast to "upgrade." And, while I'm sure they may have added a few channels since I left, they sure as hell are far from 100. As I said, they've had many years to gear up, but they weren't interested. They were more concerned about getting new Internet subscribers. After a year with FIOS, I can't imagine ever going back to ComCrap.

Trust me - if I had access to FIOS or U-Verse I'd have left several years ago. Damn municipality agreements.

Trust me - if I had access to FIOS or U-Verse I'd have left several years ago.

Ditto.

Isn't cable wonderful? Don't you love all that programming you pay for and never, ever watch, poor service, etc.? Guess what? It seems we'll get to pay even more. Looks like a never ending spiral of price hikes. Check out this article on CNN website.

Why cable is going to cost you even more

http://money.cnn.com/2010/01/06/news/companies/cable_bill_cost_increase/index.htm

Enjoy.

If you don't have 100, the upgrade is not complete.


Ken, wouldn't it also depend on how large there system is?
What if there on a 750Mhz system or smaller?

Isn't cable wonderful? Don't you love all that programming you pay for and never, ever watch, poor service, etc.? Guess what? It seems we'll get to pay even more. Looks like a never ending spiral of price hikes. Check out this article on CNN website.

Why cable is going to cost you even more

http://money.cnn.com/2010/01/06/news/companies/cable_bill_cost_increase/index.htm

Enjoy.

Most of what this article talks about is how the PROGRAMMERS want more so those increases will affect Satellite too.

-Ken

Most of what this article talks about is how the PROGRAMMERS want more so those increases will affect Satellite too.

-Ken

Oh yes. Who said satellite providers are not going to increase their bills too. :D

I'm about ready to give up on TV all together. Its turning into a vast wasteland. No true HD because of compression, lousy programs, quality issues, high cost, poor service, etc. I wonder how the TV landscape will be in 2, 5, and 10 years. Radically different I'm sure.

Cheers

Well they've dumped all but a handful of analog channels so it's basically completed from the "World of More" standpoint. Is there another upgrade in addition to W.O.M that going on?Yes, as noted your system is probably 750Mhz. The upgrade would be to 850Mhz.

Yes, as noted your system is probably 750Mhz. The upgrade would be to 850Mhz.

A 750 Mhz will be able to handle 100+ HD channels after Project Calvary is complete. If one has less then 100 HD channels after the analog channels are removed it is most likely a 550Mhz system and thus is still bandwidth limited.

Yes, as noted your system is probably 750Mhz. The upgrade would be to 850Mhz.

If there's an actual physical upgrade it's likely to 1GHz with only 860MHz of the bandwidth currently being used for video. That's what they've been doing with the most recent(last year-current) physical plant upgrades anyway.

We recapture approximately 250 megahertz to 300 megahertz of spectrum by moving 40 to 50 channels from analog to digital - that's what we call the all-digital conversion. That's more bandwidth than we gain from upgrading our plan from 500 megahertz to 750 megahertz. More importantly, we estimate the total cost of about $1 billion is less than 10% of what a physical rebuild would cost us historically and we can complete it in a fraction of the time.
So on the all-digital, there are a variety of ways to get more bandwidth. You can rebuild and go to a gig, you can introduce switch digital, or you can do all-digital conversions. And when we looked at all the different ways to get more bandwidth, we felt if you say I want it quickly, I want to spend as little as possible, I want to have the minimal intrusion on the customer experience, when you analyze all those variables and you can get a digital adapter for around $30 - that was a really key thing that we did - for us it all points to going all-digital.
Source (http://seekingalpha.com/article/134349-comcast-corporation-q1-2009-earnings-call-transcript?page=-1)
While he doesn't flat out say we're not upgrading anymore it sounds that way to me.

Source (http://seekingalpha.com/article/134349-comcast-corporation-q1-2009-earnings-call-transcript?page=-1)
While he doesn't flat out say we're not upgrading anymore it sounds that way to me.

That's what I've read elsewhere as well, Comcast is not actively upgrading the physical plants anymore beyond what they gain from analog reclamation(Project Cavalry, etc). In other words, you have what you have, if you're on a 750 system you will be for the foreseeable future. No more 1GHz rebuilds, if you're on a system that has seen little to no upgrading(no sign of World of More, Project Cavalry) such as 550 systems, then it's a fair bet Comcast may be looking to sell the system. There's a central coast California system that falls into that category.

That's what I've read elsewhere as well, Comcast is not actively upgrading the physical plants anymore beyond what they gain from analog reclamation(Project Cavalry, etc). In other words, you have what you have, if you're on a 750 system you will be for the foreseeable future. No more 1GHz rebuilds, if you're on a system that has seen little to no upgrading(no sign of World of More, Project Cavalry) such as 550 systems, then it's a fair bet Comcast may be looking to sell the system. There's a central coast California system that falls into that category.

I am aware of some 550 systems being upgraded ending up with about 80 HD channels. I have a feeling we will see a mix of physical rebuilds and these systems go all digital (including limited basic).

I am aware of some 550 systems being upgraded ending up with about 80 HD channels. I have a feeling we will see a mix of physical rebuilds and these systems go all digital (including limited basic).

Yes, my particular system was a 550 and was upgraded to 1GHz, it was completed about mid 2009 I think, but from what I've read and heard from Comcast people locally is that the big push to upgrade the infrastructure is just about done. If a system hasn't been started by now it's likely not to be at all.

As noted in the above link, it's reclaiming the current analog spectrum that's the driving force now, not increasing physical bandwidth. The whole Project Cavalry and World Of More has been completed in the bay area and there is about 3 or 4 1GHz systems, the rest being 750-860 with no plans to increase their capacity. About the only thing left to do here is to encrypt the Expanded basic lineup like they are already doing in OR/WA.

Hello folks - I am a Comcast customer running out of the Buena Vista, Virginia office. In the last year or so I was transferred from Adelphia.

What can I expect in terms of Project Cavalry, World Of More, or any other improvements in the channel line up?

A 750 Mhz will be able to handle 100+ HD channels after Project Calvary is complete. If one has less then 100 HD channels after the analog channels are removed it is most likely a 550Mhz system and thus is still bandwidth limited.

My system is definitely not a 550 MHz system since there are channels in the 600 and 700 MHz range. The higher frequencies tend to have more problems though which is why I'm glad they put the new HD channels in the lower frequencies.

A couple people here in the Twin Cities have reported seeing "World of More is coming soon" TV ads this morning. We have not received any information yet on when it will be starting here -- i.e. when the DTAs will be available.

Are other people seeing this ad in non-"World of More" areas -- or is this ad just appearing here now because the beginning of the analog reclamation is imminent?

Thoughts, anyone?

Thanks!

A couple people here in the Twin Cities have reported seeing "World of More is coming soon" TV ads this morning. We have not received any information yet on when it will be starting here -- i.e. when the DTAs will be available.

Are other people seeing this ad in non-"World of More" areas -- or is this ad just appearing here now because the beginning of the analog reclamation is imminent?

Thoughts, anyone?

Thanks!

Typically the analog reclamation happens(Project Cavalry) and then the World of More which is the deployment of more channels in the newly "found" spectrum.

If DTAs have not been deployed yet then you're still a ways off from seeing any new channel/services.

They'll advertise it many months in advance, I think we saw the ads about 6 mos before we actually saw any new channels but it probably varies by area. I think their estimated completion date for all Comcast systems is the end of 2010.

No word on any digital conversion here in Colorado Springs. Seems odd since we have a Comcast call center here in town.

No word on any digital conversion here in Colorado Springs. Seems odd since we have a Comcast call center here in town.

Nothing in Denver either. Not surprising, since we tend to be among the last regions to receive an upgrade like this (even though Comcast's western division is based here IIRC).

But DTA's are being distributed in the Denver area. That doesn't mean analog reclamation is imminent, but it provides some hope. We haven't seen any new HD since June, and I wonder if we'll get more for the Olympics.

No word yet here in Houston. RNG 150 and 200's have been deployed beginning 3rd qtr of 2008.

I just spoke with a CSR here in Minneapolis and I ordered my DTAs. This is the first I've heard of them being available here in Minnesota.

I think Twin Cities Comcast customers should start a class action lawsuit.
Comcast runs their "WE HAVE MORE HD" advertisements in the Twin Cities, that is false advertising.

I think Twin Cities Comcast customers should start a class action lawsuit.
Comcast runs their "WE HAVE MORE HD" advertisements in the Twin Cities, that is false advertising.
Comcast runs this add in all their markets. They are are counting all the movies and programs on HD On Demand in their counts of more HD. They definitely don't have the most HD channels.

You definitely don't want to start a class-action lawsuit based on your misunderstanding of the advertisement you're complaining about. That would be pretty embarrassing for you. :)

Oh I understand it. But the intent of the advertisements are to trick people into thinking ch-oices are ch-hannels.
It prefer my corporations mistreating their employees, not the customers.

BTW the new triple play packages that were supposed to be up the 7th ish are now fully up on the Comcast website.

Oh I understand it. But the intent of the advertisements are to trick people into thinking ch-oices are ch-hannels. It prefer my corporations mistreating their employees, not the customers.The "choices" versus "channels" misdirection is no different from the "100 HD channels" misdirection that Comcast's competitors engaged in, given that most of those 100 HD channels are garbage that practically no one cares about. Advertising is all about misdirection -- presenting the best aspects of what you're selling. Attack advertising yourself, if you want, but be careful -- most of what you watch on television is still substantially subsidized by advertising. Attack it too successfully, and you'll help along the natural process already taking place to shift the burden of paying for your entertainment from advertisers to your own wallet.

The "choices" versus "channels" misdirection is no different from the "100 HD channels" misdirection that Comcast's competitors engaged in, given that most of those 100 HD channels are garbage that practically no one cares about. Advertising is all about misdirection -- presenting the best aspects of what you're selling. Attack advertising yourself, if you want, but be careful -- most of what you watch on television is still substantially subsidized by advertising. Attack it too successfully, and you'll help along the natural process already taking place to shift the burden of paying for your entertainment from advertisers to your own wallet.

That sounds like a Comcast Fanboy comment if i ever heard one. I would say Comcast's ads are far more deceptive then DirectTv or say, Verizon FIOS. The cable/satellite/phone companies for the most part don't produce any content being broadcast on there systems, so if Verizon actually has 100+ HD channels, is it Verizon's fault that they don't display HD content all the time? There is alot of stuff in HD that I couldn't watch in HD when i had Comcast, simply because they don't have very many HD channels in my area (Minneapolis, Mn), but yet the have more *choices* then anybody else? All the *choices* they offer aren't for anything i want.

I understand the whole point of why Comcast does it, can't say i agree - as i feel it will confuse most consumers. Don't even get me started on the *fiber optics* commericals... That includes Time Warner and Qwest too.

That sounds like a Comcast Fanboy comment if i ever heard one.How ridiculous. I am a former Comcast customer, having switched to FiOS. I wrote the truth. Just because someone disagrees with your anti-Comcast bias doesn't mean they're a "fan" of Comcast, and your puerile use of the derogatory "fanboy" is inane.

I would say Comcast's ads are far more deceptive then DirectTv or say, Verizon FIOS.Because you're biased against Comcast. Yes, I got that, already.

The cable/satellite/phone companies for the most part don't produce any content being broadcast on there systems, so if Verizon actually has 100+ HD channels, is it Verizon's fault that they don't display HD content all the time?"Fault" doesn't matter with regard to a reasonable customer's assessment of the value that they personally derive from what you're purchasing.

How ridiculous. I am a former Comcast customer, having switched to FiOS. I wrote the truth. Just because someone disagrees with your anti-Comcast bias doesn't mean they're a "fan" of Comcast, and your puerile use of the derogatory "fanboy" is inane.

Because you're biased against Comcast. Yes, I got that, already.

"Fault" doesn't matter with regard to a reasonable customer's assessment of the value that they personally derive from what you're purchasing.

Not doing this.

Good idea. When you come into a new online community, it probably is best not to start off with accusing people of being "Fanboys". :rolleyes:

Yes, my particular system was a 550 and was upgraded to 1GHz, it was completed about mid 2009 I think, but from what I've read and heard from Comcast people locally is that the big push to upgrade the infrastructure is just about done. If a system hasn't been started by now it's likely not to be at all.

As noted in the above link, it's reclaiming the current analog spectrum that's the driving force now, not increasing physical bandwidth. The whole Project Cavalry and World Of More has been completed in the bay area and there is about 3 or 4 1GHz systems, the rest being 750-860 with no plans to increase their capacity. About the only thing left to do here is to encrypt the Expanded basic lineup like they are already doing in OR/WA.

First post here, chiming in with my recent experience switching from Comcast DTA for an old 13" Mitsu to Viewsonic 24" as the second TV.

Autoscanned the channels, stopped at 125. Does that mean Marin Comcast is a 800Mhz system? Anyway, after the scan stopped, I was able to get the local OTAs in HD, directly thru the cable. I thought great, no box needed. Unfortunately, this lasted only a few minutes, as soon all the digital channels said "No signal." No OTA HD now. The only channels I can get are the analog (Limited Basic) ones, 2-34. Are channels 35 and up now encrypted in Marin?

First post here, chiming in with my recent experience switching from Comcast DTA for an old 13" Mitsu to Viewsonic 24" as the second TV.

Autoscanned the channels, stopped at 125. Does that mean Marin Comcast is a 800Mhz system? Anyway, after the scan stopped, I was able to get the local OTAs in HD, directly thru the cable. I thought great, no box needed. Unfortunately, this lasted only a few minutes, as soon all the digital channels said "No signal." No OTA HD now. The only channels I can get are the analog (Limited Basic) ones, 2-34. Are channels 35 and up now encrypted in Marin?

What's your zip code?

what's your zip code?

94930

First post here, chiming in with my recent experience switching from Comcast DTA for an old 13" Mitsu to Viewsonic 24" as the second TV.

Autoscanned the channels, stopped at 125. Does that mean Marin Comcast is a 800Mhz system? Anyway, after the scan stopped, I was able to get the local OTAs in HD, directly thru the cable. I thought great, no box needed. Unfortunately, this lasted only a few minutes, as soon all the digital channels said "No signal." No OTA HD now. The only channels I can get are the analog (Limited Basic) ones, 2-34. Are channels 35 and up now encrypted in Marin?
I don't know, I think Marin is a 750MHz system, but your best bet would be to post the question in the SF Comcast thread, you should get a response fairly quickly. Yes to the analog channel question, to the best of my knowledge all of the bay area has had the analog Expanded Basic channels, basically 35-80 or so, switched to digital(Project Cavalry). In most all locations they are still unencrypted though, meaning a clear-QAM tuner will be able to tune them in. This is only a temporary situation though as Comcast will eventually encrypt those channels.

San Francisco Comcast thread (http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=793017&page=412)

thanks..

The A28 version of the guide downloaded this morning. And my DTAs just happened to arrive today too.

Now I just need the analog channels reduced and the "World of More" HD channels to be added. (tic.....toc.....tic.....toc.....)

I'm looking for one of those jumbo remote controls that is compatible with Comcast's Scientific Atlanta Explorer 2100 STB and a older Philips analog TV.

My mother is 92 years old and I just set her up with cable so she can watch her religious shows, and the remote they supplied has so many buttons (its a multimedia control everything) and they are so small that she is really having a tough time with it. I would like to find her one of those jumbo sized remotes that has just the minimum amount of buttons to turn on her Philips TV, the STB, and select channels on the STB. The Comcast installer said that none of the jumbo remotes work with this Scientific Atlanta Explorer 2100 STB.

Anyone using a large minimal button remote with this unit?

tnx
George

How do you find out if your system is 550 Mhz, 750 Mhz or 1 Ghz?

I just got off the phone with Comcast. The date for digital migration in Baltimore City is February 12. Channels above 28 will go digital-only.

Hopefully that means more HD in the next couple of weeks after that.

I just got off the phone with Comcast. The date for digital migration in Baltimore City is February 12. Channels above 28 will go digital-only.

Hopefully that means more HD in the next couple of weeks after that.

I wonder why Harford County is so far behind...? They haven't even told us about DTA's yet...

This series looks cool from HBO. It's from the Band of Brothers producers. Comcast added some OD content. Here is the article (http://www.hd-report.com/2010/01/14/comcast-adds-exclusive-hd-content-from-the-pacific/) if you want to read more.h

Digital Upgrade coming to Colorado Springs CO

I've been having sporadic internet outages that turn out to be associated with system upgrades to Comcast cable (my internet provider). In talking with the service rep today, I found out that Project Cavalry/World of More digital reclamation is about to begin in Colorado Springs. The marketing campaign and public announcements will start in Feb or Mar. DTA boxes will become available soon. Stay tuned.
Cheers.

CSR in Denver says analog reclamation should be complete in "another month". A lot sooner than I thought. I'll need to go get a DTA for my remaining analog TV. I just wish they would let us get all of the stations we pay for via clear QAM, rather than have to get another box. It'll mess up my (relatively) clean setup in the bedroom.

CSR in Denver says analog reclamation should be complete in "another month". A lot sooner than I thought. I'll need to go get a DTA for my remaining analog TV. I just wish they would let us get all of the stations we pay for via clear QAM, rather than have to get another box. It'll mess up my (relatively) clean setup in the bedroom.

I hear you on the box - I only have a 13 in analog TV - though an LCD is in the cards for a purchase soon. I'll bet that at some point we'll see encryption or some other scheme that forces you to use their box even if you have a cable ready QAM tuner on the TV. Speculation of course, but ... We'll see.

Cheers

I hear you on the box - I only have a 13 in analog TV - though an LCD is in the cards for a purchase soon. I'll bet that at some point we'll see encryption or some other scheme that forces you to use their box even if you have a cable ready QAM tuner on the TV. Speculation of course, but ... We'll see.

Cheers

Not speculation, that will happen once cavalry is completely finished. you'll see the expanded basic channels get encrypted.

Again, if Comcast can give us a box (for free) that lets us convert digital channels to analog, why can't they give us a different box that allows all "paid for" digital signals on that line to pass through to the TV? It can't be that tough to just have circuitry to talk to the home office and decrypt the encryption. No tuner, no DVR. Obviously it would not allow them to make the money they get from cable boxes, but there are a lot of people who still don't want an extra (or any) box.

Again, if Comcast can give us a box (for free) that lets us convert digital channels to analog, why can't they give us a different box that allows all "paid for" digital signals on that line to pass through to the TV? It can't be that tough to just have circuitry to talk to the home office and decrypt the encryption. No tuner, no DVR. Obviously it would not allow them to make the money they get from cable boxes, but there are a lot of people who still don't want an extra (or any) box.It is tough. The signal must be 'tuned' before it can be decrypted - so no simple box.

Hello gakon - I understand that a "block converter DTA " like that would be very expensive - it would have to decode ~35 QAM streams channels at once, remodulating them all simultaneously onto analog channels 34-69, or whatever.

I don't know where to post this but with NBC OnDemand (via Comcast) I'm watching last night's episode of Community. The broadcast is in 5.1 but Comcast is passing it through with only 2 channels. So, the things like music and characters talking off screen are missing. It is actually kind of funny at first but grows annoying rather quickly.

Anyone else experiencing this?

sansri88 - Noticed you are in NYC....my son lives in the city and wants to get rid of Cablevision...how did you get Comcast?

NFL RedZone was removed from my lineup today. See you in September.

Again, if Comcast can give us a box (for free) that lets us convert digital channels to analog, why can't they give us a different box that allows all "paid for" digital signals on that line to pass through to the TV? It can't be that tough to just have circuitry to talk to the home office and decrypt the encryption. No tuner, no DVR. Obviously it would not allow them to make the money they get from cable boxes, but there are a lot of people who still don't want an extra (or any) box.

That would be a CableCard QAM cable tuner such as they offer for rent, either Mototola or Sci. Atl. -or- a Tivo or Moxi (or other) that one can buy.

Unless you mean a cable box that could be placed after the whole house splitter?
They couldn't even work that out for DTA, (I don't know if it was cost, technology, or both), so they certainly couldn't or wouldn't do it for a cable box.

Even if they wanted to let the customer just get Standard Digital (Digital Starter) on all TVs w/o a cable box or adapter, they would have sent them in the clear, and used filters outside the customer's home, like they had been doing (if a given area still is, they won't be soon).

However, theft by customers and incompetence/laziness by techs. had been causing too much unauthorized reception of channels, so they have been discontinuing use of filters. Once this project is complete in a given area, only Ltd. Basic Digital (HD/SD) will be in the clear.

Now, if the boxes would allow al a carte service I'd be all for them. I can't stand paying for channels I don't want and never watch. :mad:

sansri88 - Noticed you are in NYC....my son lives in the city and wants to get rid of Cablevision...how did you get Comcast?

I live in the city but my parents (where I am during winter break and the summer) live in NNJ and they have Comcast. I have NYU cable here which is uber lame.

Hello gakon - I understand that a "block converter DTA " like that would be very expensive - it would have to decode ~35 QAM streams channels at once, remodulating them all simultaneously onto analog channels 34-69, or whatever.

Sorry I wasn't clear in my explanation. I have two QAM TV's, at least one of which I would like to use without a cable box. No analog conversion required, just something to authorize the location to receive the channels and then decrypt the signals for those channels.

That would be a CableCard QAM cable tuner such as they offer for rent, either Mototola or Sci. Atl. -or- a Tivo or Moxi (or other) that one can buy.

Unless you mean a cable box that could be placed after the whole house splitter?
They couldn't even work that out for DTA, (I don't know if it was cost, technology, or both), so they certainly couldn't or wouldn't do it for a cable box.

Even if they wanted to let the customer just get Standard Digital (Digital Starter) on all TVs w/o a cable box or adapter, they would have sent them in the clear, and used filters outside the customer's home, like they had been doing (if a given area still is, they won't be soon).

However, theft by customers and incompetence/laziness by techs. had been causing too much unauthorized reception of channels, so they have been discontinuing use of filters. Once this project is complete in a given area, only Ltd. Basic Digital (HD/SD) will be in the clear.


My idea would be a filter inside the home. Essentially a cable box that authorizes the signals but has no tuner, just decryption software. Put it right at the cable outlet, and then connect the cable to it. I won't pretend to know the complexities of such a device, but I would think that it's mostly software.

Sorry I wasn't clear in my explanation. I have two QAM TV's, at least one of which I would like to use without a cable box. No analog conversion required, just something to authorize the location to receive the channels and then decrypt the signals for those channels.




My idea would be a filter inside the home. Essentially a cable box that authorizes the signals but has no tuner, just decryption software. Put it right at the cable outlet, and then connect the cable to it. I won't pretend to know the complexities of such a device, but I would think that it's mostly software.

While i think everybody would love that as it would remove all the ugly and extra converter boxes from the TV's and allow us to use ClearQAM devices for all services we pay for, it isn't likely to happen. In order to decrypt the signal, it needs to be tuned -> decrypted -> the re modulated. And it has to do this for several channels, all at the same time. If you only wanted this for the SD channels it would probably have to tune and rebuild 20 to 30 channels, simultaneously. If you wanted it to do everything, (i.e. HD) then you would essentially be building a small cable TV plant in your basement. I believe the encryption is DES and trying to decrypt that many channels in software wouldn't be feasible, it would defiantly need to be done in hardware.

I've seen estimates for how much that would cost... at first all the estimates were in five figures... now I've seen folks talking about estimates in the $9000 range (per home).

NFL RedZone was removed from my lineup today. See you in September.

See you in September, Redzone HD. Make room for MASN2HD.

Good luck with the digital migration, Marcus.

My idea would be a filter inside the home. Essentially a cable box that authorizes the signals but has no tuner, just decryption software. Put it right at the cable outlet, and then connect the cable to it. I won't pretend to know the complexities of such a device, but I would think that it's mostly software.
Right now, the best they can do, w/o a cable box, is to provide a CableCard to authorize the QAM signals (other than Ltd. Basic, which is already in the clear), this would allow use of a TV's QAM tuner, if it had a CC slot; the problem is very few CableCard compatible TVs are even manufactured anymore.

The latest gen. CC, tru2way, is even more scarce in current TVs (Panasonic has two of them); and it looks like tru2way is going to fail in the retail market, at least with TVs. With retail DVRs, it might succeed, since the standard is being adopted by MSO rented cable boxes.

QZ1's post triggered a few questions related to Comcast's impending Project Cavalry/World of More digital reclamation here in Colorado Springs. Hopefully someone can answer them or send me to the right thread.

1. Right now I have extended basic (analog service) with a DVR (ReplayTV - had it for a number of years, still works great). I watch everything through the DVR and select channels there (keeping the TV on Ch 3). Will the DTA box go between the premise cable jack and the DVR?

2. If 1 is true, I'm concerned about losing the capability to record more than one program that are on different channels unless I change the channel on the DTA box. Correct me if I'm wrong, but won't the DVR and TV have to be set to Ch 3 (or 4) and that channel selection will be done with a DTA box controller? If that's the case is the only way for the DVR to "see" another channel is to change the channel on the DTA box?

3. If I bought a new TV with digital (QAM) tuner, would I need a DTA to do the digital equivalent of extended basic channel selection? Or, could the TV do the channel selection (or DVR - Looks like I'd need a new one with digital tuner)? Also, in the future if they "encrypt" those channels, wouldn't we be back in the same boat of using their box for channel selection with the TV/DVR set to Ch 3? Are there any DVRs that can work around this situation?

Thanks in advance for any thoughts on the matter.

QZ1's post triggered a few questions related to Comcast's impending Project Cavalry/World of More digital reclamation here in Colorado Springs. Hopefully someone can answer them or send me to the right thread.

1. Right now I have extended basic (analog service) with a DVR (ReplayTV - had it for a number of years, still works great). I watch everything through the DVR and select channels there (keeping the TV on Ch 3). Will the DTA box go between the premise cable jack and the DVR?

2. If 1 is true, I'm concerned about losing the capability to record more than one program that are on different channels unless I change the channel on the DTA box. Correct me if I'm wrong, but won't the DVR and TV have to be set to Ch 3 (or 4) and that channel selection will be done with a DTA box controller? If that's the case is the only way for the DVR to "see" another channel is to change the channel on the DTA box?

3. If I bought a new TV with digital (QAM) tuner, would I need a DTA to do the digital equivalent of extended basic channel selection? Or, could the TV do the channel selection (or DVR - Looks like I'd need a new one with digital tuner)? Also, in the future if they "encrypt" those channels, wouldn't we be back in the same boat of using their box for channel selection with the TV/DVR set to Ch 3? Are there any DVRs that can work around this situation?

Thanks in advance for any thoughts on the matter.A1. Yes, DTAs are RF devices that go between the wall and the next RF device (which would be your DVR, tuned to 3/4).
A2. The DTA is used to change channels.
A3. DTA can be thought of as 'Digital To Analog' - they are not capable of HD, so when used with a QAM tuner, you lose HDTV - for tuning, see A2. The final stage of Cavalry is encryption on all but locals, shopping and PEG channels - i.e. 'Expanded Basic' requires a DTA or full STB. Other than Tivo HD and Moxi, there are NO retail DVRs that can deal with this situation - but those are not capable of all that Comcast DVRs can provide (VOD, PPV, etc.). When the promised tru2way DVRs, arrive - there will be a level playing field.

A3. DTA means 'Digital To Analog' - the are not capable of HD, so when used with a QAM tuner, you lose HDTV - for tuning, see A2. The final stage of Cavalry is encryption on all but locals, shopping and PEG channels - i.e. 'Expanded Basic' requires a DTA or full STB. There are NO retail DVRs that can deal with this situation.

DTA is officially "Digital Transport Adapter".

A1. Yes, DTAs are RF devices that go between the wall and the next RF device (which would be your DVR, tuned to 3/4).
A2. The DTA is used to change channels.
A3. DTA means 'Digital To Analog' - the are not capable of HD, so when used with a QAM tuner, you lose HDTV - for tuning, see A2. The final stage of Cavalry is encryption on all but locals, shopping and PEG channels - i.e. 'Expanded Basic' requires a DTA or full STB. There are NO retail DVRs that can deal with this situation.

So, if I read your note correctly and reading between the lines, once encryption takes place the only DVRs that would work would be those integrated into or with the cable company provided Set Top Box (STB). TiVO will not be an option unless they use some technology licensed from the cable company. So DVR technology would become something like that used by Dish (use their DVR and no one elses). And, if all you wanted was the basic digital service (what is now the equivalent of Extended Basic), your TV's QAM tuner would provide no channel tuning capability. All channel changing would be at the STB or DTA. And of course all this "feature laden, consumer friendly technology" comes with a price in terms of higher fees.

Since I don't watch that much TV off the networks and Netflix carries most of the things I'd like to see, sounds like OTA, BluRay, and Netflix are going to be the content delivery methods of choice. Good bye cable (not to be replaced with satellite), you have just about priced me out of your business - like you care anyway. Last I heard, I can still check books out from the library at no cost. :D Still, I wonder, how many others are going to find cable/satellite fees crossing a pain treshold that results in cancellation.

Cheers

Tivo will work because they use a cable card that allow decryption. The only thing that Tivo cannot do until they adopt Tru2way technology to video on demand.

So, if I read your note correctly and reading between the lines, once encryption takes place the only DVRs that would work would be those integrated into or with the cable company provided Set Top Box (STB). TiVO will not be an option unless they use some technology licensed from the cable company. Nope.

TiVo HD is primarily designed to work with digital cable systems. It has the ability to provide conditional access to all channels purchased with use of a CableCARD, which the cableco rents to the end user.

In addition to TiVo HD, Moxi is another cable compatible HD DVR that uses CableCARD.

Both TiVo HD & Moxi are available for purchase by end users. (Most) All cablecos must provide CableCARD for rent to end users.

http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=1204433

Hey guys, sorry about the brain fade above, was thinking in tru2way terms for DVRs - I have corrected my post.

Nope.

TiVo HD is primarily designed to work with digital cable systems. It has the ability to provide conditional access to all channels purchased with use of a CableCARD, which the cableco rents to the end user.

In addition to TiVo HD, Moxi is another cable compatible HD DVR that uses CableCARD.

Both TiVo HD & Moxi are available for purchase by end users. (Most) All cablecos must provide CableCARD for rent to end users.

http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=1204433

Whew! Thank goodness calmer heads prevail. Thanks to you Ken for the calrification. Looks like a new DVR is probably in the works - if I feel like coughing up the monthly rental fee for the cablecard. :D

Cheers

I wouldn't get too excited about the TiVo Premiere, which is "in the works". A lot of TiVo watchers believe that it is just a cost-reduced, Best Buy-optimized version of the current offering, the TiVo HD DVR. By the same token, the TiVo HD already does (and for about 5 years TiVos have been doing) everything that Satcom15 was saying couldn't be done earlier.

First cablecard is usually free but TiVO does have a monthy fee unless you buy a lifetime sub.

I got a message that tomorrow all of my favorites and recordings will be lost due to an update tonight, does anybody know what that means? Am I going to get any new channels from this "update"?

I got a message that tomorrow all of my favorites and recordings will be lost due to an update tonight, does anybody know what that means? Am I going to get any new channels from this "update"?

Has to deal with a new guide coming out. The new guide may or may not launch at the same time.

It's going to wipe out the recordings? That seems a bit drastic.

That seems a bit drastic.
Sure does. I'm not sure I believe it.

Where was this notice?

I got a message that tomorrow all of my favorites and recordings will be lost due to an update tonight, does anybody know what that means? Am I going to get any new channels from this "update"?

I got that message a while ago. The "update" was suppose to happen on the 12th of Jan. The update would allow me to skip through On Demand by 5 minutes. I have yet to be able to use that feature. lol. Don't expect much. The message asked me to redo all my set recordings for my DVR and my reminders.

Sure does. I'm not sure I believe it.

Where was this notice?

I'm guessing they mean you'll have to re-setup your scheduled recordings as the new software probably does things a bit differently. Can't imagine the need to delete existing recordings.

I'm guessing they mean you'll have to re-setup your scheduled recordings as the new software probably does things a bit differently. Can't imagine the need to delete existing recordings.
Ahh, I see... that makes more sense. I misunderstood.

Ahh, I see... that makes more sense. I misunderstood.

Well, I'm only guessing, but it does seem logical.

From a Comcast source:

The need to re setup Favorite Lists, Reminders, scheduled DVR recording, and Parental Controls is related to a Comcast program called Source ID Cleanup. Simply, Source IDs are what the box uses to link channels to guide data and features. Cleaning up Source IDs will allow guide feature such as "Watch in HD" to work. This is where when going to a SD channel if the program is in HD a box in the guide will give you the choice of going to the HD channel. This will only work if the Source IDs of the SD and HD channels are linked. This is not the only feature as others will be launched in the future. This also allows areas that were merged from different systems to use the same Source IDs across the whole footprint. Source ID cleanup has to happen before the new guide is launched, however, the new guide and the features in that guide do not have to launch at the same time. That is why some people have said they have seen these letter and the date has passed yet no new features have shown up in the guide.

First cablecard is usually free but TiVO does have a monthy fee unless you buy a lifetime sub.

If you want to use 2 tuners, you need either 2 CableCARDs or 1 multistream card. Either way, you're paying $2 a month.

Depending on who you get on the phone, you MAY be able to get Comcast to waive Additional Outlet fees if you have, say, a one Comcast box and TiVos with CableCARDs in them. If you can convince them that "additional outlet" means "box rental," (as it should) then a TiVo with a CableCARD in it doesn't count.

Does anyone ever have a problem with their DVR programs not recording as scheduled? It happens to me a lot, but not in a discernible pattern. It used to be pretty common on my 6412 - I'd come back towards the end of a recording and see a red circle with a slash through it. I swapped the 6412 out for a 34XX (can't recall the drive size right now) a couple of months ago and just had the same thing happen for "Heroes" tonight. My DVR is only 5% full. I pad most recordings by 1 minute on the front and back. I had no other recordings planned for tonight, so there was no recording conflict. I'm sure if I called Comcast they'd just tell me to unplug the DVR and let it rebuild the guide, but I don't see how that would correct the problem. It took me a couple months to get this 34XX, so I'm reluctant to try to exchange it (they probably won't have any available). I'm just curious if there's something I could be doing wrong.

If you want to use 2 tuners, you need either 2 CableCARDs or 1 multistream card. Either way, you're paying $2 a month.

I'm not sure where you got that from. The first card is free so if you only get 1 multistream card, you won't pay anything.

I'm paying $1.50 a month because my TiVo S3 requires 2 cards (first is free, 2nd is $1.50). I'm actually paying less though because Comcast subtracts the cable box and remote rental fees from the bill total when using cableCARDs in my area.

I'm not sure where you got that from. The first card is free so if you only get 1 multistream card, you won't pay anything.

I got it from my bill, and from the price list I get in the mail every year.

The first S-Card is free. The M-Cards are $2. I have 3 M-Cards in 3 TiVoHDs. I pay $6 a month for them.

The Cavalry has now officially ridden into Minnesota:

This is from Friday's 01-15-10 St. Paul Pioneer Press

"Comcast is ready to go all digital.

Comcast is notifying its 560,000 Twin Cities area cable customers this weekend that beginning this spring, it will gradually start turning off the analog signals to their sets and require them to upgrade with a small converter box to an all-digital signal. For most customers, there will be no increased cost, the company said.

The cable provider, the nation's and the Twin Cities' largest, said it is making the switch to provide more high-definition channels, on-demand programming, faster Internet connections and other features.

The company can fit as many as 10 standard digital channels or two HD channels in the space that a single analog signal occupies.

Basic 1 customers, who pay $10 to $12 a month, are not affected.

But Basic 2 customers, as well as customers who bought a digital package with a set-top box for one TV but have cable plugged directly into additional sets, will need to get new digital adapter boxes for those TVs.

These 4-by-5-inch boxes are needed to transmit the signal even if the TV is digital-ready, spokesman Dave Nyberg said. The adapter unscrambles the digital signal's encryption.

Comcast will provide the necessary boxes for up to three TVs free of charge. Additional boxes will cost $1.99 a month to rent.

Customers who make the switch will get 15 new channels, including PBS Kids Sprout, Biography and Bloomberg TV, and they will not have to pay more for the digital signal or new channels, spokeswoman Mary Beth Schubert said.
"We're doing what we can to make it easy for them and ensure it goes smoothly," she said.

The company is starting the transition in the east metro area in River Falls and Hudson, Wis., in mid-March and moving westward. It expects to do the switchover in St. Paul sometime in mid-July. The project is expected to be completed by the end of the year.

Philadelphia-based Comcast has been doing this "analog reclamation" in markets ranging from Seattle to Pittsburgh.

"For the most part, from what we've seen, it's been relatively pain-free," said Derek Turner, research director at Free Press, an advocacy group that has acted as a cable watchdog."

---------

Thanks to Ray' for initially posting this in the Minneapols Comcast thread.

Does anyone ever have a problem with their DVR programs not recording as scheduled? It happens to me a lot, but not in a discernible pattern. It used to be pretty common on my 6412 - I'd come back towards the end of a recording and see a red circle with a slash through it. I swapped the 6412 out for a 34XX (can't recall the drive size right now) a couple of months ago and just had the same thing happen for "Heroes" tonight. My DVR is only 5% full. I pad most recordings by 1 minute on the front and back. I had no other recordings planned for tonight, so there was no recording conflict. I'm sure if I called Comcast they'd just tell me to unplug the DVR and let it rebuild the guide, but I don't see how that would correct the problem. It took me a couple months to get this 34XX, so I'm reluctant to try to exchange it (they probably won't have any available). I'm just curious if there's something I could be doing wrong.


Go to the HDTV Recorders sub-forum and there is a thread on the DCX3400 series. I too have missed some recordings & Comcast has fixed some of the problems.

Does anyone know after cavalry is completed, do they still do the 3 HD's per QAM? Killing 40 analogs should give them the ability to add at a minimum 80 HD channels without any re-compression.

Most of what I've seen about Project Calvary has been focused on satisfying customer demands for new services, and new HD channels -- it is billed as the "World of More". While some customers are switching providers due to PQ, it seems to be a much much smaller number than are switching providers due to more HD channels.

DTA is officially "Digital Transport Adapter".I guess that is the technical name for the device, but on the Seattle rate card, it is called 'Digital To Analog Service'.

Does anyone know after cavalry is completed, do they still do the 3 HD's per QAM? Killing 40 analogs should give them the ability to add at a minimum 80 HD channels without any re-compression.

call me cynical, but I don't think comcast (or any provider really), is going to go back and apply less compression than before. they figure people will put up with it for the most part, and will stretch it as far as they can. they are always going to go with amount of content over quality.

Does anyone know after cavalry is completed, do they still do the 3 HD's per QAM? Killing 40 analogs should give them the ability to add at a minimum 80 HD channels without any re-compression.

No they are still 3 HD per QAM. From what I've read it's now possible to put 4 HD channels per QAM (http://www.arrisi.com/press_events/press_releases/pressdetail.asp?id=487) with no "observable" video quality degradation. My guess is that Comcast will probably do that at some point.

4:1? Good lord. I don't care what they say about no observable differences, there's no way you can pull that off well with mpeg2.

Not observable on a 26" screen from 10 feet maybe.

No they are still 3 HD per QAM. From what I've read it's now possible to put 4 HD channels per QAM (http://www.arrisi.com/press_events/press_releases/pressdetail.asp?id=487) with no "observable" video quality degradation. My guess is that Comcast will probably do that at some point.

One third of the HDTV's in the US don't even have a HD source connected to them. And how many people are stretching 4:3 content and happy to look at mis-shaped heads....there is NO HOPE of getting less compression, most people don't care.

Does anyone know after cavalry is completed, do they still do the 3 HD's per QAM? Killing 40 analogs should give them the ability to add at a minimum 80 HD channels without any re-compression.

Most are 3 per QAM. ESPNHD/ESPN2HD continue to be only 2:1 which I absolutely love, since I watch a lot of sports.

I think CBS College Sports HD and ESPNUHD are in a 2:1 as well on my system, I just recently did some checking.

All that, and we STILL have probably close to 15 free 6mhz slots on my system. Calvery/World of More has completed, but we don't have the premium HDs added yet, so we are still sitting at about 84 HD channels I think is the count.

Also keep in mind that a lot (if not all) of the 3:1 muxing comes from the HITS that way, and the HITS still supplies myriad head-ends, so even if they were inclined to decrease 3:1 muxing (which they're not), they wouldn't be able to start until everyone using the HITS, including a lot of non-Comcast cable systems, was ready for it.

Also keep in mind that a lot (if not all) of the 3:1 muxing comes from the HITS that way, and the HITS still supplies myriad head-ends, so even if they were inclined to decrease 3:1 muxing (which they're not), they wouldn't be able to start until everyone using the HITS, including a lot of non-Comcast cable systems, was ready for it.

Most Comcast systems are getting their 3:1 HD channels directly from the Comcast Media Center through Comcast's own fiber optic network and not through satellite delivered HITS. What is available though HITS and what is available via the fiber network are closely related they are not the same.

Comcast, Michigan Towns Bury PEG Hatchet

Operator Officially Settles Lawsuit Filed By Dearborn, Bloomfield, Meridian

Todd Spangler -- Multichannel News, 1/22/2010 2:14:08 PM

Comcast's Michigan division has officially settled a lawsuit with four communities in the state that had sued the MSO over its plans to deliver public, education and government channels in digital-only format.

Under the settlement with three of the communities -- Dearborn, Bloomfield Township and Meridian Township -- Comcast will continue to deliver existing PEG channels in an analog format on the limited basic cable tier in Michigan until the company digitizes its entire lineup or until a community voluntarily agrees to the digitization of the PEG channels.

In addition, Comcast agreed to pay Meridian Township a one-time grant of $250,000 to be distributed proportionately among the three communities.

Comcast has also reached a separate agreement with the city of Warren, Mich., which will be joining in the filing of the consent judgment and order of dismissal.

The four communities had filed a federal suit in January 2008 in response to Comcast's announcement that it would move PEG channels throughout the state to digital-only delivery in new statewide channel locations; Comcast had wanted to eliminate the analog versions of the channels to free up bandwidth for additional digital services, as it has been doing with Project Cavalry in multiple markets nationwide. However, that would have required some Comcast customers to obtain a digital cable box or digital terminal adapter (DTA) in order to continue to view PEG programming.

The tentative settlement was disclosed last month in a filing with the Federal Communications Commission. The settlement will be final once the court accepts the proposed consent judgment and order of dismissal.

http://www.multichannel.com/article/445473-Comcast_Michigan_Towns_Bury_PEG_Hatchet.php

Also keep in mind that a lot (if not all) of the 3:1 muxing comes from the HITS that way, and the HITS still supplies myriad head-ends, so even if they were inclined to decrease 3:1 muxing (which they're not), they wouldn't be able to start until everyone using the HITS, including a lot of non-Comcast cable systems, was ready for it.Most Comcast systems are getting their 3:1 HD channels directly from the Comcast Media Center through Comcast's own fiber optic network and not through satellite delivered HITS. What is available though HITS and what is available via the fiber network are closely related they are not the same.I think that's consistent with what I wrote. Thanks for clarifying that the signals could come from the HITS different ways.

I think that's consistent with what I wrote. Thanks for clarifying that the signals could come from the HITS different ways.

If headends are getting 3:1 Muxs via fiber it is not HITS, it is related but not the same as HITS. It would be possible to provide 2:1 feeds or even single channels via the fiber network.

For clarification, HITS(headend in the sky) is just one component of Comcast Media Center. CMC distributes it's content several different ways, HITS is just one of those ways.

I guess that is the technical name for the device, but on the Seattle rate card, it is called 'Digital To Analog Service'.
Here, they call the service, 'Digital Adapter Service'. Every place I have heard of, calls the adapter, a 'Digital Transport Adapter', which is, indeed, the technical term for it.

http://www.wickedlocal.com/medford/archive/x215404874/g258258bbc2fd5d7761d90ee124c8bc16f7e366b5d33c3c.jpg

But, how do change channels with it? Is there a controller (not in the picture)?

BTW if I wanted the lowest level of service (local channels and public access only), would I need a DTA? Or will that continue to be analog. Right now cable provides the best bang for the buck for internet access and dropping TV would result in a higher bill for cable internet access (as an exclusive, no TV service), so I plan to go with the cheapest TV option to keep the internet cost manageable.

3 to 1 HD compression hardly makes cable worth it and I don't watch all the worthless channels they shove my way even on extended basic anyway.

Just remember, digital = more $$$ out of your pocket. I for one am tired of the constant nickel and dime rate hikes, poor quality (PQ and service), and programming I never watch.

Like many Americans according to a recent poll, I find internet more viable and important than TV.

But, how do change channels with it? Is there a controller (not in the picture)?Yes.

BTW if I wanted the lowest level of service (local channels and public access only), would I need a DTA?No.

Didn't some town just make basic digital? It shouldn't be encrypted and if your on a >750MHZ plant you should be okay.
BTW, for those of use stuck in SA land Comcast is testing the Cisco DTA (http://www.cisco.com/en/US/prod/collateral/video/ps8611/ps8612/ps10771/7016863.pdf) and S25.2 guide (http://www.dslreports.com/forum/r23598249-S252-Guide-Update-on-SA-systems) is coming out March.

(never mind -- misread the previous message)

Didn't some town just make basic digital?

Yes, Augusta, GA went to an all digital lineup including limited basic.

DTA is officially "Digital Transport Adapter".

Here, they call the service, 'Digital Adapter Service'. Every place I have heard of, calls the adapter, a 'Digital Transport Adapter', which is, indeed, the technical term for it.Here (http://home.comcast.net/~waregle/Comcast%20Products%20and%20Services%20Price%20List%20%28Seat tle%29.jpg) is the rate card. Since the device, regardless of name, converts a digital signal to analog the Seattle rate card terminology makes sense to me.

Here (http://home.comcast.net/~waregle/Comcast%20Products%20and%20Services%20Price%20List%20%28Seat tle%29.jpg) is the rate card. Since the device, regardless of name, converts a digital signal to analog the Seattle rate card terminology makes sense to me.

I never doubted that rate cards, marketing, or phone support call it by the wrong name. My point is the official name is Digital Transport Adapter.

I never doubted that rate cards, marketing, or phone support call it by the wrong name. My point is the official name is Digital Transport Adapter.

I'd say that term is for the equipment (as shown on the picture of the box) and the marketing/billing term for the service is in fact Digital Adaptor Service. So you are both right. :D

http://digitalnow.comcast.com/Contents/DTA_online_ver_2.pdf

I'd say that term is for the equipment (as shown on the picture of the box) and the marketing/billing term for the service is in fact Digital Adaptor Service. So you are both right. :DI have no disagreement with what the equipment name is - except for my suspicion that an engineer named it ;)

I simply think that much of the market confusion could be avoided if the (as evidenced by the 'do I get HDTV with this?' questions in threads like this) if people understood that it is a 'Digital to Analog Service' device. Putting that term in the rate card in Seattle is a good step.

There is so much end user confusion between 'Digital' and 'HDTV' that I think a techie term like 'Digital Transport Adaptor' just adds to the confusion.

Putting a label on the rate card that is different from the one that was there last month, and/or different from the on that was on the bill last month, and/or different from what may be on the device itself, could cause confusion, therefore mitigating any benefit from making a change.

FAQ page for Augusta's transition to all digital:

http://www.comcast.com/dtaaugusta/faqs.html

FAQ page for Augusta's transition to all digital:

http://www.comcast.com/dtaaugusta/faqs.html

Comcast is finally being upfront and honest, and it is about time:

" At the completion of our digital transition, which is anticipated to occur shortly after the February 1, 2010 transition date, Expanded Basic channels will be encrypted for security purposes. At that time, all televisions, including those using QAM tuners, will not be able to view Expanded Basic channels without a digital device or CableCARD"

Comcast is finally being upfront and honest, and it is about time:

" At the completion of our digital transition, which is anticipated to occur shortly after the February 1, 2010 transition date, Expanded Basic channels will be encrypted for security purposes. At that time, all televisions, including those using QAM tuners, will not be able to view Expanded Basic channels without a digital device or CableCARD"

Ken,

Not sure what you're referring to. We've always known that the expanded basic channels would be encrypted and what other reason then security would there be to do it? I just wish that the comment about still getting limited basic via a QAM tuner would have addressed HD locals (even though it's not for our area, it would be nice to see more "official" discussion of the status of HD locals via QAM).

Ken,

Not sure what you're referring to. We've always known that the expanded basic channels would be encrypted and what other reason then security would there be to do it? I just wish that the comment about still getting limited basic via a QAM tuner would have addressed HD locals (even though it's not for our area, it would be nice to see more "official" discussion of the status of HD locals via QAM).

It does state that "A. Digital QAM tuner TVs will be able to continue to receive Limited Basic cable channels without requiring a digital device."

Limited basic includes the local channels and that includes HD local channels. I think the FCC prohibits encrypting local channels. Actually if you tthink about it the local channels are only in HD in most cases so Comcast is providing a SD signal only for their converter boxes that are not capable of decoding a HD signal. Comcast would not actually be transmitting the broadcast signal if they altered it.

Ken,

Not sure what you're referring to. We've always known that the expanded basic channels would be encrypted and what other reason then security would there be to do it? I just wish that the comment about still getting limited basic via a QAM tuner would have addressed HD locals (even though it's not for our area, it would be nice to see more "official" discussion of the status of HD locals via QAM).

Those of us "in the know" understand this. Comcast has not clearly articulated their stand on this until now.

Comcast is finally being upfront and honest, and it is about time:

" At the completion of our digital transition, which is anticipated to occur shortly after the February 1, 2010 transition date, Expanded Basic channels will be encrypted for security purposes. At that time, all televisions, including those using QAM tuners, will not be able to view Expanded Basic channels without a digital device or CableCARD"
Those of us "in the know" understand this. Comcast has not clearly articulated their stand on this until now.


Depends on the market, Comcast stated their plans for Expanded Basic encryption several months ago in the WA/OR markets.

It should be noted, though, that companies don't need to explain their decisions about how they're going to offer their services. Expecting such information is a bit like expecting a co-worker to defend their career decisions to you.

It does state that "A. Digital QAM tuner TVs will be able to continue to receive Limited Basic cable channels without requiring a digital device."

Limited basic includes the local channels and that includes HD local channels. I think the FCC prohibits encrypting local channels. Actually if you tthink about it the local channels are only in HD in most cases so Comcast is providing a SD signal only for their converter boxes that are not capable of decoding a HD signal. Comcast would not actually be transmitting the broadcast signal if they altered it.

I HOPE that you are correct, but there appears to be enough discussion around whether HD locals HAVE to be included that I still worry. My only point is that I would like to see specific mention of the HD locals being available in some of these "official" statements, FAQs, etc.

I HOPE that you are correct, but there appears to be enough discussion around whether HD locals HAVE to be included that I still worry. My only point is that I would like to see specific mention of the HD locals being available in some of these "official" statements, FAQs, etc.

You should be worried. Didn't some say in our local thread that they also lost the locals in HD and couldn't find them even after a rescan?

I have no disagreement with what the equipment name is - except for my suspicion that an engineer named it ;)

I simply think that much of the market confusion could be avoided if the (as evidenced by the 'do I get HDTV with this?' questions in threads like this) if people understood that it is a 'Digital to Analog Service' device. Putting that term in the rate card in Seattle is a good step.

There is so much end user confusion between 'Digital' and 'HDTV' that I think a techie term like 'Digital Transport Adaptor' just adds to the confusion.

It might help some, but some others would still ask that question, thinking that it might be possible to convert Digital HD to Analog.;):)

Comcast keeps sending out $4.99 coupons for a free OnDemand movie. There may be some $4.99 HD movies on their paid OnDemand but I think most are $5.99 or more. Who, with HD, watches movies in SD anymore? The fine print reads like the cost of the movie should not excede $4.99. Anyone ever use it for a movie costing more and have Comcast apply the $4.99 to that fee?

Comcast keeps sending out $4.99 coupons for a free OnDemand movie. There may be some $4.99 HD movies on their paid OnDemand but I think most are $5.99 or more. Who, with HD, watches movies in SD anymore? The fine print reads like the cost of the movie should not excede $4.99. Anyone ever use it for a movie costing more and have Comcast apply the $4.99 to that fee?

Yes they will apply it. You have to pay the difference.

Comcast has added WHUT HD (PBS Howard University) in Baltimore City.

I HOPE that you are correct, but there appears to be enough discussion around whether HD locals HAVE to be included that I still worry. My only point is that I would like to see specific mention of the HD locals being available in some of these "official" statements, FAQs, etc.
My 2010 channel guide specifically lists all the locals in HD as part of the limited basic lineup. We just got migrated to the new HD package this week and they're all still in the clear. I'm not worried that they will go away when they encrypt the SD expanded basic channels.

YMMV.

Just to confirm what we already knew:

Comcast lights up DTA encryption in Seattle and Portland (http://www.lightreading.com/document.asp?doc_id=187093&site=cdn&f_src=lightreading_gnews)

Interesting to see that some systems are working on HD DTAs, as these would provide a cheap alternative to the overpriced HD STBs we have now.

Just to confirm what we already knew:

Comcast lights up DTA encryption in Seattle and Portland (http://www.lightreading.com/document.asp?doc_id=187093&site=cdn&f_src=lightreading_gnews)

Interesting to see that some systems are working on HD DTAs, as these would provide a cheap alternative to the overpriced HD STBs we have now.

If comcast came out with a HD DTA and charged a reasonable monthly or purchase price I would be a happy customer.

My 2010 channel guide specifically lists all the locals in HD as part of the limited basic lineup. We just got migrated to the new HD package this week and they're all still in the clear. I'm not worried that they will go away when they encrypt the SD expanded basic channels.
Yep, our channels/services card has had it listed that way for several years.:)

Comcast lights up DTA encryption in Seattle and Portland (http://www.lightreading.com/document.asp?doc_id=187093&site=cdn&f_src=lightreading_gnews)


More from that links that I think is worthy to quote here fore everyone...

"'Cavalry' marches on
Comcast has remained aggressive with Project Cavalry in 2010, starting the "marination" process recently in two more markets: Minneapolis/St. Paul; and in Olathe, Independence, and other parts of Jackson County, Mo. In this preparatory phase, Comcast is installing digital boxes and DTAs during routine truck rolls before the markets go on the clock for the analog-to-digital channel migration. (See Comcast Seeds Digital Shift With Free Boxes.)

Comcast spokeswoman Alana Davis said Comcast has completed the all-digital Cavalry upgrade in four markets: Portland, Ore.; Seattle; the San Francisco Bay Area; and Augusta, Ga. The process is more than 75 percent complete in Comcast's Philadelphia region and in its Chattanooga, Tenn., system.

Other Comcast markets and regions where Project Cavalry is already underway include:


Atlanta
South Florida
Greater Boston region
Western New England
Greater Detroit region
Chicago
Portions of Maryland and Virginia
Michigan
Central Pennsylvania
Pittsburgh and Harrisburg, Pa.
Nashville, Tenn.
Indianapolis

Comcast chairman and CEO Brian Roberts told an investor conference last month that the MSO had deployed more than 4.5 million DTAs so far. It's expected that Comcast will require more than 25 million of the devices to complete the project.

To this point, all of the DTAs Comcast has deployed are capable of only displaying standard-definition video. However, Broadcom and Zoran Corp. (Nasdaq: ZRAN) have both developed chipsets for low-cost ($50 or less) DTA models that can render high-definition video.

The FCC has not granted a security waiver to any HD-DTA models yet. However, it has given CableOne the OK to use them in one small system in Tennessee. (See Evolution Guns for HD Box Waiver , Broadcom Breaks Out HD-DTA Chipset , Cable ONE Seeks $50 HD Box, and Cable ONE Snares HD Set-Top Waiver .) "

Just to confirm what we already knew:

Comcast lights up DTA encryption in Seattle and Portland (http://www.lightreading.com/document.asp?doc_id=187093&site=cdn&f_src=lightreading_gnews)

Interesting to see that some systems are working on HD DTAs, as these would provide a cheap alternative to the overpriced HD STBs we have now.

With encryption, can another price increase be far behind? :(

With encryption, can another price increase be far behind? :(

?

Price increases from Comcast usually come once a year, at the beginning, and are not related to when they encrypt channels.

You fail to remember that Comcast encrypting channels is no different than what DBS providers have always done. Except Comcast still provides local channels in SD & HD in the clear.

Perhaps if you read the article linked, you'd know Comcast had little choice in the matter as content providers were voicing the possibility of withholding programming.

Additionally, while the mechanics of viewing the Expanded Basic lineup is different now, it's really the same as when analog traps were being used, Expanded Basic has never been "free" with a Limited Basic subscription. Nothing has really changed, just the method of blocking the channels has.

?

Price increases from Comcast usually come once a year, at the beginning, and are not related to when they encrypt channels.

Sometimes TWICE a year. I remember one year there were actually three! One of the reasons I bailed when Verizon came to town.

?

Price increases from Comcast usually come once a year, at the beginning, and are not related to when they encrypt channels.

You fail to remember that Comcast encrypting channels is no different than what DBS providers have always done. Except Comcast still provides local channels in SD & HD in the clear.

Perhaps if you read the article linked, you'd know Comcast had little choice in the matter as content providers were voicing the possibility of withholding programming.

Not to worry Ken the comment was meant as tongue in cheek. :D Yup I read the articles and agree Comcast does have to do that in some markets. Still, I believe we had 2 or 3 rate increases here in one year as Joel mentioned (2006 or 2007 I think).
Cheers

We never had Comcast increase prices for the same line item more than once in a 10 month period. I think that is, though, why some people think that Comcast raised prices "twice a year" or more: Because they have raised different prices at different times in a year, and sometimes the price increase has happened a month or two earlier. "Twice in a year" doesn't equate to "twice a year".

Perhaps if you read the article linked, you'd know Comcast had little choice in the matter as content providers were voicing the possibility of withholding programming.
I would gladly give up overpaying for ESPN for unencrypted channels.

Additionally, while the mechanics of viewing the Expanded Basic lineup is different now, it's really the same as when analog traps were being used, Expanded Basic has never been "free" with a Limited Basic subscription. Nothing has really changed, just the method of blocking the channels has.

True, but expanded basic used to be included on every TV, with no extra charge since you could just plug "cable" into any modern TV. I guess content providers were unhappy with that for the last how many years? I don't see how all of a sudden it's a big deal to protect content now that it is digital(NOT talking HD here), when for years and years it was "unecrypted" on analog, so to speak. Is it just because digital QAM allows for digital encryption, they(the content providers) want it?

There is a difference between something being "included" and something for which they were not able to charge extra for. Now they can charge extra for it; it is worth more to have it; so they should charge extra for it; that way people who don't need/want the extra value don't have to pay for it but the people who do need/want the extra value do.

With encryption, can another price increase be far behind? :(

My bill is already encrypted<g>

I'm in Morgantown, WV and ever since Comcast bought Adelphia my HD channels have been in the 700's. There are currently 49 channels in HD. This morning I turned on the TV and noticed that all of my HD channels are now also listed in the 800's. The new 800 listings all have a more logical number scheme. The sports channels are all grouped together (ESPN, ESPN2, VS, FSN-PIT, BTN, MLBHD, NFLHD, etc). Movie channels are grouped together and there is a group of channels like FX, TNT, TBS, USA, etc all listed near one another. Now sure what Comcast is planning in my area but right now there seems to be two of every channel. The 700 series of channels are still viewable right now.

Anyone else have this happening to them?

I'm in Morgantown, WV and ever since Comcast bought Adelphia my HD channels have been in the 700's. There are currently 49 channels in HD. This morning I turned on the TV and noticed that all of my HD channels are now also listed in the 800's. The new 800 listings all have a more logical number scheme. The sports channels are all grouped together (ESPN, ESPN2, VS, FSN-PIT, BTN, MLBHD, NFLHD, etc). Movie channels are grouped together and there is a group of channels like FX, TNT, TBS, USA, etc all listed near one another. Now sure what Comcast is planning in my area but right now there seems to be two of every channel. The 700 series of channels are still viewable right now.

Anyone else have this happening to them?

I don't see anything in zap2it yet - http://tvlistings.zap2it.com/tvlistings/ZCGrid.do?method=decideFwdForLineup&zipcode=26501&setMyPreference=false&lineupId=WV47493:X

I am in Lexington VA, a former Adelphia customer as well, so I would be interested to hear what happens with you. I figure there is a good the chance the same will happen to me.

True, but expanded basic used to be included on every TV, with no extra charge since you could just plug "cable" into any modern TV. I guess content providers were unhappy with that for the last how many years? I don't see how all of a sudden it's a big deal to protect content now that it is digital(NOT talking HD here), when for years and years it was "unecrypted" on analog, so to speak. Is it just because digital QAM allows for digital encryption, they(the content providers) want it?

You mean included when it was payed for, such as a Standard Cable(Limited + Expanded) subscription? The Expanded Basic lineup has never been free, you just didn't need a decryption device to view the channels when they were analog. I agree that the DTA situation is a very cumbersome solution, effectively crippling all those displays which don't use a CableCARD or a cable company box. The tradeoff I suppose is that it allows for more channels, specifically HD channels which is what most of us here are interested in.

Using bandwidth line traps to trap the range of Expanded Basic digital lineup to those that pay for it is evidently not cost effective for the cable company to do, otherwise I'm sure they would have chosen that method over the DTA. At least two problems with trap method is that the filters would have to be changed when channels were added or removed from the lineup, and/or they might be more heavily compressed to fit into the existing filter's bandwidth range, neither solution being ideal.

I don't have any displays affected by the situation, but I can understand the problems it presents for those that do. I can also understand the feeling that the cable company has "taken away" something that you always got before, but technology moves on, if it weren't for the analog reclamation we wouldn't be getting the amount of HD channels we're now getting from Comcast. Not a perfect solution for all concerned, but probably the best solution for most.

We never had Comcast increase prices for the same line item more than once in a 10 month period. I think that is, though, why some people think that Comcast raised prices "twice a year" or more: Because they have raised different prices at different times in a year, and sometimes the price increase has happened a month or two earlier. "Twice in a year" doesn't equate to "twice a year".
Exactly.:)

Thanks to Quicken these are my monthly bills for expanded basic:

Nov 2001 $36.34
Nov 2009 $63.67

from Sept 2006 to Mar 2007 there were 4 rate hikes

Today expanded basic customers have three STB/DTA to power to get the same service

Kind of harsh on our senior citzens with a fixed income

Thanks to Quicken these are my monthly bills for expanded basic:

Nov 2001 $36.34
Nov 2009 $63.67

from Sept 2006 to Mar 2007 there were 4 rate hikes

Today expanded basic customers have three STB/DTA to power to get the same service

Kind of harsh on our senior citzens with a fixed income

Yes, I think it's been calculated that cable rates have gone up at a rate several times more than overall inflation for the same time period, even when adjusted for added services and products.

Amazing how they can go back in time and evaluate how much new services were worth before they existed. :rolleyes:

Another service that is outpacing inflation.

Perhaps now that congress has halted work on HCR they can start on DCR (Digital Cable Reform) ;)

You mean included when it was payed for, such as a Standard Cable(Limited + Expanded) subscription? The Expanded Basic lineup has never been free, you just didn't need a decryption device to view the channels when they were analog. I agree that the DTA situation is a very cumbersome solution, effectively crippling all those displays which don't use a CableCARD or a cable company box. The tradeoff I suppose is that it allows for more channels, specifically HD channels which is what most of us here are interested in.
I'm not excited about having to get a box for every TV but I do want them to be reasonably priced. Comcast charges $12/mo. for an HD STB (not DVR) according to the 2010 rate sheet here, and that (to me) is not reasonable. Hopefully the HD DTA will be the answer to that.

Another service that is outpacing inflation.

Perhaps now that congress has halted work on HCR they can start on DCR (Digital Cable Reform) ;)

From what I heard, half of all prices outpace the average inflation rate.

I'm not excited about having to get a box for every TV but I do want them to be reasonably priced. Comcast charges $12/mo. for an HD STB (not DVR) according to the 2010 rate sheet here, and that (to me) is not reasonable. Hopefully the HD DTA will be the answer to that.

Does that include the "digital replication fee" ? Funny how analog never required a fee to replicate.

-Ken

From what I heard, half of all prices outpace the average inflation rate.:)

Does that include the "digital replication fee" ? Funny how analog never required a fee to replicate.

-Ken
Yep, $7.95 HDTV service + $3.99 extra outlet. If you have a Tivo like I do, they don't charge the HDTV fee but they do if you rent their STB.

Does that include the "digital replication fee" ? Funny how analog never required a fee to replicate.

-Ken
Well, not for long anyway...

At one point, some cablecos tried charging per TV, but they ran into a snag: VCRs. There was no way to scan from the pole to determine whether the second tuner was a VCR or a TV. Eventually, the pushback was enough that the additional set charge went away.

I think the problem is, we stopped pushing back.

Yep, $7.95 HDTV service + $3.99 extra outlet. If you have a Tivo like I do, they don't charge the HDTV fee but they do if you rent their STB.

That HDTV service always throws me, that's a fee to rent their HD decoder box isn't it? We don't have any "HDTV service fee" in my Comcast system, just prices for the various equipment rental.

DirecTV charges an "HD" fee of $10 per month just for the privilege to view HD on their system, but I've never seen Comcast charge a specific fee for "HD".

That HDTV service always throws me, that's a fee to rent their HD decoder box isn't it? We don't have any "HDTV service fee" in my Comcast system, just prices for the various equipment rental.

DirecTV charges an "HD" fee of $10 per month just for the privilege to view HD on their system, but I've never seen Comcast charge a specific fee for "HD".
Yeah, at this point charging an "HD Fee" is a bit backwards considering most channels are both HD and almost universally offered that way in a lot of cases. They should be charging the "access fee" to HD customers that want the SD channels that aren't available in HD.

I could understand the extra fee for HD back when most channels were SD and the HD ones were often additional channels, such as HDTheather, UniversalHD and the HDNet channels. However, now you buy both the belt and the suspenders, with some useless spats on the side.

A new HD channel for Comcast:

- Hallmark HD will be available on 2/5.


And, MSNBC HD will be available in many more areas just in time for the Olympics.

Does that include the "digital replication fee" ? Funny how analog never required a fee to replicate.

Well, not for long anyway...

At one point, some cablecos tried charging per TV, but they ran into a snag: VCRs. There was no way to scan from the pole to determine whether the second tuner was a VCR or a TV. Eventually, the pushback was enough that the additional set charge went away.

I think the problem is, we stopped pushing back.
IIRC, not voluntarily; rather it was by FCC mandate, ~14 years ago. Though, it was, no doubt, due to customer complaints, or 'pushback', as you called it.

However, then, an 'Addtl. Outlet' was, indeed, fully a 'replication' (or 'mirroring') fee, with no cable box cost to the MSO, in many cable service areas. (In areas that needed a cable box for an A/O, I am sure the fees were higher.)

Now, it is mostly a cable box fee, combined with a mirroring fee. First, it includes the cost of a Digital SD box, and the difference, (if any), is effectively a mirroring fee.

For example, in our area, an SD box is $3.75. The 'Digital Starter A/O' (includes SD box) is $4.95; so, the 'mirroring' part of the fee is 'only' $1.20.

A new HD channel for Comcast:

- Hallmark HD will be available on 2/5.


And, MSNBC HD will be available in many more areas just in time for the Olympics.

I know I can say my system probably will not get them. The Good Old Crappy Garden State System:mad:

A new HD channel for Comcast:

- Hallmark HD will be available on 2/5.


And, MSNBC HD will be available in many more areas just in time for the Olympics.

Interesting, I didn't know these were missing elsewhere, we've had these channels out here for quite a few months already, maybe since last summer..?

Interesting, I didn't know these were missing elsewhere, we've had these channels out here for quite a few months already, maybe since last summer..?

MSNBC HD has been in limited Comcast areas, but Hallmark HD is just rolling out, not just on Comcast.

MSNBC HD has been in limited Comcast areas, but Hallmark HD is just rolling out, not just on Comcast.

Yes, pretty sure it was around Sept as that was when my particular system had it's WoM upgrade completed, others in the SF bay area may have had it earlier. The Hallmark I have is the movie channel so that explains that one, I wasn't aware they were launching another channel.

From what I heard, half of all prices outpace the average inflation rate.True, and ALL of my kids are above average.

I don't see anything in zap2it yet - http://tvlistings.zap2it.com/tvlistings/ZCGrid.do?method=decideFwdForLineup&zipcode=26501&setMyPreference=false&lineupId=WV47493:X

I am in Lexington VA, a former Adelphia customer as well, so I would be interested to hear what happens with you. I figure there is a good the chance the same will happen to me.

I noticed last night that my season pass shows that were setup in the 700's are also season passed in the 800's. So I didn't have to reprogram them.

Do you use a Comcast DVR or a TiVo?

I know that TiVo uses Zap2it to determine its programming. Zap2it does not have the programming in the 800's as you described so I guess you are not TiVo.

Do you notice any new channels?

Are the 700's still there?

I know I can say my system probably will not get them. The Good Old Crappy Garden State System:mad:

Someone I know in that system told me he was told the system should be upgraded by June.

I noticed last night that my season pass shows that were setup in the 700's are also season passed in the 800's. So I didn't have to reprogram them.

It sounds like Comcast is starting to standardize their channel lineups. My HD channels used to be in the 200's until WoM. Now they are in the 800's as well (though some are still duplicated in the 200's).

It sounds like Comcast is starting to standardize their channel lineups. My HD channels used to be in the 200's until WoM. Now they are in the 800's as well (though some are still duplicated in the 200's).

If true I'm glad they picked the 800s since the HD channels have always been there in MA. :D

It sounds like Comcast is starting to standardize their channel lineups. My HD channels used to be in the 200's until WoM. Now they are in the 800's as well (though some are still duplicated in the 200's).

Yes, they duplicated the HD's (always in the 200's) to the 800's here in Harford County MD too some weeks ago. No word on when we get WoM though...

Comcast Launches 36 New HD Channels in Pittsburgh

http://www.satellitetv-news.com/comcast-launches-36-new-hd-channels-in-pittsburgh/

It sounds like Comcast is starting to standardize their channel lineups. My HD channels used to be in the 200's until WoM. Now they are in the 800's as well (though some are still duplicated in the 200's).

In the SF bay area the regular HD channels are in the 700's and the premium HD channels are in the 800's. World of More is just about completed here.

Comcast Launches 36 New HD Channels in Pittsburgh

http://www.satellitetv-news.com/comcast-launches-36-new-hd-channels-in-pittsburgh/
Wow. I'm jealous.

Wow. I'm jealous.

Aside from TruTV, TCM and NHL Network I have all of those in Knoxville. The only one I'm jealous of is NHL Network. I really want that channel in HD since I just left Dish Network. No ESPNU HD and no full time Fox Sports Tennessee were my reasons for leaving Dish. I'm quite pleased with Comcast this time. When I had them before FSTN was usually off air, had the wrong listings and rarely got the right games. Now it is fixed and ESPNU HD is available too. Plus, I missed MLB Network HD. Not even the SD version of MLB network is on Dish and their SD version of ESPNU looks like youtube. I also keep Versus and the Travel Channel in HD, so DirecTV can bite me too.

I just rec'd voicemail from Comcast that said they will be changing my channel line-up on Feb 9th. This is to improve performance.

We'll see what happens.

Lexington VA.

Currently I have comcast basic cable in Coloraod Springs connected to three NTSC tuners in a mythtv backend. And a HDHomerun connected to a HD antenna in the attic. Comcast is about to mix all that up and switch off basic cable in favor of the Digital Starter package next April.

OK so I connected my HDHomerun to the cable outlet and started to scan for QAM256 unencrypted stations. I found the local NBC station on channel 130 sub channel 1. The Comcast channel guide state this is on digital channel 5. I found CPSAN-3 on 128 subchannel 5 the cable guide says CSPAN3 is on digital station 161.

How do they map the QAM256 station to their channel numbers is this dependent on thier DTA box?

I read in this forum channel ranges of 200 or 800 so I am bit confused on how they relate to qam256 channels.

Currently I have comcast basic cable in Coloraod Springs connected to three NTSC tuners in a mythtv backend. And a HDHomerun connected to a HD antenna in the attic. Comcast is about to mix all that up and switch off basic cable in favor of the Digital Starter package next April.

OK so I connected my HDHomerun to the cable outlet and started to scan for QAM256 unencrypted stations. I found the local NBC station on channel 130 sub channel 1. The Comcast channel guide state this is on digital channel 5. I found CPSAN-3 on 128 subchannel 5 the cable guide says CSPAN3 is on digital station 161.

How do they map the QAM256 station to their channel numbers is this dependent on thier DTA box?

I read in this forum channel ranges of 200 or 800 so I am bit confused on how they relate to qam256 channels.

You're best bet on getting answers would be to check in the Colorado Springs local thread, (http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?p=18067296#post18067296) and to check the Silicon Dust channel lineup page (http://www.silicondust.com/hdhomerun/channels_us) which may help you locate the clear-QAM channels in your area.

Currently I have comcast basic cable in Coloraod Springs connected to three NTSC tuners in a mythtv backend. And a HDHomerun connected to a HD antenna in the attic. Comcast is about to mix all that up and switch off basic cable in favor of the Digital Starter package next April.

OK so I connected my HDHomerun to the cable outlet and started to scan for QAM256 unencrypted stations. I found the local NBC station on channel 130 sub channel 1. The Comcast channel guide state this is on digital channel 5. I found CPSAN-3 on 128 subchannel 5 the cable guide says CSPAN3 is on digital station 161.

How do they map the QAM256 station to their channel numbers is this dependent on thier DTA box?

I read in this forum channel ranges of 200 or 800 so I am bit confused on how they relate to qam256 channels.

Channels 200 to 800 are virtual channels and you can't tune them. Pretty much when you get a digital cable box, all the channels are virtual because they can remap them at will. even channels 1 - 100 are remapped to the digital equivalents.

130-1, 128-5, etc.. those are the real physical channels. Most cable systems only have 120 to 135 real channels. When you tune 743 for example, it actually tunes to 84-5 (the physical channel). Hope that made sense, thats just an example i have no idea what the virtual/physical channels actually are in your area.

Ok thanks more or less what I thought. So I'll have to map what mythtv/HDHomerun scans to the channels listed in schedulesdirect. I noticed a lot of those QAM channels didnt have an ID that the HDHomerun could see. The local stations did but that was about it.

Of course this is only good until comcast encrypts it all. Then I'll save myself $60.00 a month and drop cable. Most of what I record is HD over the air now anyways.

Of course this is only good until comcast encrypts it all.Will not happen. Comcast will always pass local HD in clear QAM. At least as long as local HD exists.

Comcast in the Detroit area (Northville/Plymouth/Canton) just added:

376 - MSNBC HD

377 - HSN HD

378 - Hallmark HD

Edit:

Comcast Current HD Channel Count In Metro Detroit:

107 (or 108) Total HD channels
1 HD PPV
8 (or 9) Local HD
26 HD Premium
72 National HD channels

Comcast in the Detroit area (Northville/Plymouth/Canton) just added:

376 - MSNBC HD

377 - HSN HD

378 - Hallmark HD



Same three channels just added in Knoxville, TN. 384 is HSN HD, 385 is Hallmark HD and 399 is MSNBC HD.

Same three channels just added in Knoxville, TN. 384 is HSN HD, 385 is Hallmark HD and 399 is MSNBC HD.

Thanks! I live in Knoxville, but I missed this and have no memory of an announcement that these were being added.

I just rec'd voicemail from Comcast that said they will be changing my channel line-up on Feb 9th. This is to improve performance.

We'll see what happens.

Lexington VA.

And...nothing happened. Zap2it didn't change.

"Project Runway" was a "Hot Mess".
A BIG blocky hot mess. Worse HD I've seen (been watching since the 5th).
When NOTHING was moving, pretty as a picture (cause that's what it is!).
Could even see the bumps on Heidi's cheeks during the opening ("and one day...").
Worse PQ (macro-blocking) than the Super Bowl.
Is it like that for everyone & everything on "Lifetime"?
-----------
Watch "No Reservations" afterward; soft/soft/soft w/some breakup, butt watchable.
-----------
So far, my limited network HD digital experience has been: "send me back too analog".
I'll take noise over this: "anything moving blockfest", every time!!!
Ugh!

"Project Runway" was a "Hot Mess".
A BIG blocky hot mess. Worse HD I've seen (been watching since the 5th).
When NOTHING was moving, pretty as a picture (cause that's what it is!).
Could even see the bumps on Heidi's cheeks during the opening ("and one day...").
Worse PQ (macro-blocking) than the Super Bowl.
Is it like that for everyone & everything on "Lifetime"?
-----------
Watch "No Reservations" afterward; soft/soft/soft w/some breakup, butt watchable.
-----------
So far, my limited network HD digital experience has been: "send me back too analog".
I'll take noise over this: "anything moving blockfest", every time!!!
Ugh!

Great post.

Sooooo... "everything" on Comcast HD looks cruddy?

So far, my limited network HD digital experience has been: "send me back too analog".
I'll take noise over this: "anything moving blockfest", every time!!!
Ugh!

When you check your cable signal strength, is it at 100%? If so, maybe your cable is too powerful and the TV is having a hard time with it. Try putting a splitter in. If you are still at 100%, then you haven't lost anything, and maybe your macroblockfest will be reduced.

It worked for me.

Sooooo... "everything" on Comcast HD looks cruddy?

If you're in the SF bay area you might post your comments in the local Comcast SF bay area thread, (http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=793017&page=417) but I can already tell you that there hasn't been any complaints to the extent that you've noted here so far in that thread. My guess is that you have a local equipment and/or signal problem.

When you check your cable signal strength, is it at 100%? If so, maybe your cable is too powerful and the TV is having a hard time with it. Try putting a splitter in. If you are still at 100%, then you haven't lost anything, and maybe your macroblockfest will be reduced.

It worked for me.

I'm at 80%.
With or w/o splitter macro-blocking is out of control.
If your still on cable, what is your signal strength?
BIG thanks.

If you're in the SF bay area you might post your comments in the local Comcast SF bay area thread, (http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=793017&page=417) but I can already tell you that there hasn't been any complaints to the extent that you've noted here so far in that thread. My guess is that you have a local equipment and/or signal problem.
Or... nobody else notices/cares.

No problem w/BD. Stunning PQ!
No problem w/a static cable picture. Quite pleasing!

What could be wrong w/"my" equipment were BD's & static pics look GREAT;
yet all heck breaks lose w/PQ from moving cable image?

If the set-up can handle sports/fast motion from HDMI feed from one source, how could it do sooooo poorly w/another HDMI source?

TiVo is set too "Hybird"; I'll try "Native" setting.

(if everything was screwed up I'd be looking at the display scaler as the culprit)

I'm at 80%.
With or w/o splitter macro-blocking is out of control.
If your still on cable, what is your signal strength?
BIG thanks.

I'm at 98% with a splitter. If you're at 80%, then the splitter will only hurt things.

Your local stations should not be compressed (by Comcast).

Good luck, I know how macroblocking can kill the HD experience.

Or... nobody else notices/cares.

No problem w/BD. Stunning PQ!
No problem w/a static cable picture. Quite pleasing!

What could be wrong w/"my" equipment were BD's & static pics look GREAT;
yet all heck breaks lose w/PQ from moving cable image?

If the set-up can handle sports/fast motion from HDMI feed from one source, how could it do sooooo poorly w/another HDMI source?

TiVo is set too "Hybird"; I'll try "Native" setting.

(if everything was screwed up I'd be looking at the display scaler as the culprit)

1. I have a TiVo too, Hybrid vs Native would have no impact on macroblocking.

2. Although I doubt it is the TiVo that is causing the problem, try having the cable go directly into the TV and see if you still have the issues.

3. Can you reduce the number of splitters that are before your TiVo? 80% signal seems low to me, but I think that would causes video/audio drop outs, not macroblocking.

4. www.tivocommunity.com - There is an extensive thread there on macroblocking.

You guy's are GREAT!!!
Thanks for caring about "my" problem.
BIG thanks!

Does anyone know if you can get local HD channels on a tv's QAM tuner from Comcast and what channels are they I am from Arlington Heights IL area

Does anyone know if you can get local HD channels on a tv's QAM tuner from Comcast and what channels are they I am from Arlington Heights IL area

Comcast legally has to provide the local channels in the clear, they are mapped to the appropriate channel numbers for the area.

-Ken

Comcast legally has to provide the local channels in the clear, they are mapped to the appropriate channel numbers for the area.

I'm fairly certain the legal requirement is that Comcast has to provide the local channels, but not necessarily the HD versions so Comcast could simply provide SD versions.

That said Comcast usually provides both SD and HD and maps the HD channel numbers correctly. In my case the HD channels used to be mapped correctly, but last time I checked (about two months ago) a number of channels were no longer mapped correctly.

The requirement, specifically, is that the channels must be provided with no material degradation. The FCC has made it clear that reducing bitrate does not necessarily represent material degradation, but reducing resolution does.

I'm fairly certain the legal requirement is that Comcast has to provide the local channels, but not necessarily the HD versions so Comcast could simply provide SD versions.

That said Comcast usually provides both SD and HD and maps the HD channel numbers correctly. In my case the HD channels used to be mapped correctly, but last time I checked (about two months ago) a number of channels were no longer mapped correctly.
Comcast rarely maps the channels correctly on clear QAM here in the ATL. It has been a sore point recently because ABC and FOX HD used to be mapped and then inexplicably weren't and people thought the channels went away (they didn't move, just lost the maps). This is not uncommon because Comcast doesn't care about or even acknowledge clear QAM reception.

SD channels have never been mapped.

Do you mean recode PSIP? They're technically not allowed to do that. The law (which should, as a result of this, be changed) requires that MSO "pass through" PSIP, which is of no use in a QAM environment.

I don't know if they recode, strip, or add their own. All I know is that for a short period of time recently the HD locals had correct PSIP mapping (except for PBS), and then all of a sudden that went away for ABC and Fox. Prior to the recently correct mapping, it was a random crapshoot as to whether the locals would be mapped or not.

I personally don't care because I record clear QAM from the channels and my Myth box ignores PSIP, but folks that watch HD locals on TVs with QAM tuners are understandably perturbed when a channel that's correctly mapped to virtual 5.1 one day reverts back to its cable channel 98.804 because PSIP disappears.

The requirement, specifically, is that the channels must be provided with no material degradation. The FCC has made it clear that reducing bitrate does not necessarily represent material degradation, but reducing resolution does.

Didn't we have a big inconclusive quote fest on that about 20 pages ago? There are certainly HD locals in the Twin Cities that are still being provided by Comcast only in SD (tho apparently they've promised at least some of them they will get carriage of their HD signal when WoM hits, as the GM of one of those stations told me herself by email).

The quote-fest ended with someone correcting the assertion (an assertion which I have made in the past -- so I was one of those who were corrected) that there are no standards for material degradation. An unequivocal citation was provided to an FCC order clearly saying that reducing resolution was material degradation (but compression was not, necessarily). As long as the HD signal of the local OTA channel is specified by the broadcaster as "Must Carry", that obligates the MSO to provide that signal on the B1 tier, and because it is a local OTA channels, it must be provided without material degradation, i.e., not downconverted.

Anecdotal examples of variances from that often are later found to be cases where subscribers are using rented equipment from the MSO, instead of availing themselves of clear QAM. There is no requirement that rented equipment from the MSO provide all mandated services, given that the mandated services can be obtained through other means.

There are also anecdotal examples of variances from that often that are later found to be mistaken variances from the MSO's own policies -- isolated errors that simply need to be rectified. So far, we have never seen a single MSO (except for a few local systems in Hawaii, and that was back in 2007-2008) provide official policy statements saying that they are requiring a higher tier of service for HD locals.

If you still think that your MSO does indeed have such a policy, and their folks are saying that to you verbally, get it in writing on company letter head, and I'll personally pick that up for you and try to get them to fix it for you, even though I don't work for Comcast or am even a customer of theirs. I'll do it for you just because I'm a nice guy.

The quote-fest ended with someone correcting the assertion (an assertion which I have made in the past -- so I was one of those who were corrected) that there are no standards for material degradation. An unequivocal citation was provided to an FCC order clearly saying that reducing resolution was material degradation (but compression was not, necessarily). As long as the HD signal of the local OTA channel is specified by the broadcaster as "Must Carry", that obligates the MSO to provide that signal on the B1 tier, and because it is a local OTA channels, it must be provided without material degradation, i.e., not downconverted.

Anecdotal examples of variances from that often are later found to be cases where subscribers are using rented equipment from the MSO, instead of availing themselves of clear QAM. There is no requirement that rented equipment from the MSO provide all mandated services, given that the mandated services can be obtained through other means.

There are also anecdotal examples of variances from that often that are later found to be mistaken variances from the MSO's own policies -- isolated errors that simply need to be rectified. So far, we have never seen a single MSO (except for a few local systems in Hawaii, and that was back in 2007-2008) provide official policy statements saying that they are requiring a higher tier of service for HD locals.

If you still think that your MSO does indeed have such a policy, and their folks are saying that to you verbally, get it in writing on company letter head, and I'll personally pick that up for you and try to get them to fix it for you, even though I don't work for Comcast or am even a customer of theirs. I'll do it for you just because I'm a nice guy.

bick, your killing me! :D

I'm priming myself for vacation.

Do you mean recode PSIP? They're technically not allowed to do that. The law (which should, as a result of this, be changed) requires that MSO "pass through" PSIP, which is of no use in a QAM environment.Not sure I understand that last clause, but I asked about PSIP pass through in an earlier (http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?p=17406129#post17406129) thread and the response was NO mandate.

Do you have an FCC cite? I'd love it if it was mandated, FiOS seems to be particularly bad at PSIP.

My S/A 8300 HD DVR and 3250 HD box has over scan lines when I use HDMI cable but not on component cables. It will do it on all channels but HD.
Dose any one know if the new CISCO boxs have this problem?"

Do you have an FCC cite?FCC Report & Order, September 14, 2000. The terms are outlined in an earlier agreement, referenced in the FCC order, reached between NCTA and CEA in February 2000.

It is vitally important that folks recognize that the rule is that PSIP must be passed through -- not that it be useful. The rule, as it stands, necessarily would not "help" (for example) map WBZ's HD signal to 804 (the spot in Comcast's line up where they say that they put WBZ), as one might expect/hope. Rather, the rule, as it stands, would have PSIP map the signal to 4-1.

FCC Report & Order, September 14, 2000. The terms are outlined in an earlier agreement, referenced in the FCC order, reached between NCTA and CEA in February 2000.

It is vitally important that folks recognize that the rule is that PSIP must be passed through -- not that it be useful. The rule, as it stands, necessarily would not "help" (for example) map WBZ's HD signal to 804 (the spot in Comcast's line up where they say that they put WBZ), as one might expect/hope. Rather, the rule, as it stands, would have PSIP map the signal to 4-1.

Here in Denver, there was a time (a couple of years ago) when Comcast changed the PSIP mappings for local HD. For instance, instead of KDVR-DT mapping to 31-1, it was mapped to 0-655 (the channel is on 655 via cable box). This caused problems with some TV's that didn't like a major channel number of 0. Now, Comcast passes through the PSIP with the OTA mappings.

If you still think that your MSO does indeed have such a policy, and their folks are saying that to you verbally, get it in writing on company letter head, and I'll personally pick that up for you and try to get them to fix it for you, even though I don't work for Comcast or am even a customer of theirs. I'll do it for you just because I'm a nice guy.

You're Associate Deputy Under Commissioner for something-or-other at the FCC, aren't you? :cool:

I'm nothing anymore. :)