Edited by moderator 10/18/09

See this topic for Comcast national HD channels:

http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=1058081

I'll go way out there and say TNT-HD.

Fox SportsNetHD

The most wanted channel is HDNet.

Since they have EncoreSD I would think the least costly for Cocmast would be EncoreHD. TMCHD would not help me because I don't subscribe to TMC. Of course, I'd much rather have HDNET or BravoHD.

Actually, probably the most likely is VOD-HD, which interests me less than the others because it costs extra per show.

Locally there will be new HD channels all over the country as Comcast reaches agreement with various local stations, and some folks I assume will get their local Fox HD sports. We get Comcast Sportsnet instead, which does show a lot of HD.

Rich N.

I would say UPN. I believe it was part of the CBS carry agreement, and it is beginning to carry more HD programming.

I think maxman was asking if anyone had concrete information on what comcast was planning on adding next, not what "I" would like comcast to add next. Anyone have any valid information?

Maxman wrote: "What's the speculation about Comcast's next HD channel addition?" Speculation......hmmmmm

Originally posted by zurchguy
I think maxman was asking if anyone had concrete information on what comcast was planning on adding next, not what "I" would like comcast to add next. Anyone have any valid information?

Quite frequently, the channel you want is the one they add. Discovery HD was the latest example. It was the most wanted, besides HDNet. Before that it was ESPN HD, and CBS.

Absolutely, I do want HDNet the most now that DiscoveryHD has/will be added. However, comcast and HDNet are nowhere near close to an agreement, (as mcuban says "don't hold your breath"). So, realistically speaking, does anyone know what other channel is higher on Comcast's "to-add" list?

PlayBoy HD

HDNet is the big void for Comcast. HDNet apparently wants money and Comcast isn't giving it. So this may have to wait until Comcast goes to a pay-tier for certain HD channels.

Mickey

PlayBoy HD lol *wishes* - for those of you who have it, is it worth and HD channel? is it all in HD? or just a small % of their prog. ?

Originally posted by MickeyGee
HDNet is the big void for Comcast. HDNet apparently wants money and Comcast isn't giving it. So this may have to wait until Comcast goes to a pay-tier for certain HD channels.

Mickey

I don't think the issue is paying per se. I would imagine Comcast would expect to pay for HDNET. Certainly the amount could be an issue. I think there is a certain level of competition between HDNET and INHD since their basic programming is so similar.

I expect a lot of complaints by Comcast subscribers about HDNET, so that the pressure on them will grow, but only as the total number of Comcast HD subscribers grow.

I believe it will happen sometime. unless it becomes personal between Mr. Cuban and Comcast, as it is evidently between HDNET and VOOM.

There is no doubt that of all the remaining HD channels available, I would watch HDNET more than any other if on Comcast.

As far as a separate pay-tier for HD, I would support it if the channels we receive now are not moved. That would have to be part of the negotiations I'm sure. Maybe the tier would include Sinclair-owned channels that will require payment for OTA digital feeds, but I don't think any of that will happen. Comcast doesn't want to have to negotiate with those stations whose digital feeds it has now, in my opinion.

Rich N.

Originally posted by jones07
PlayBoy HD

Word. But isn't it called Spice HD. I believe some have said that spice shows more good stuff compared to playboy (too much crap and not enough directors cuts movies, and even some of them are edited too much).

There are claims over at http://www.broadbandreports.com/forum/remark,8161587~mode=flat~start=860#end
that HDNet and Bravo are coming to the Dallas system (which has never gotten channels first); however, these did not come from our usual, reliable source, but from someone else.
Has anyone else heard similar claims, rumors of these channels on any other Comcast system?

I wish this anonymous source would let it be known who they are. I would be very excited to see HDnet come to Comcast systems. We'll have to wait and see if this does happen August 2nd.

kcharg

let's just hope this deal's for all comcast systems and not just dallas

Doesn't it take more than 10 days to get the satellite connection and hardware at the headends up and running?

The information in question re HDNet comes from someone who purports to be a local VP for Comcast.

Can anyone confirm that Comcast will soon be making an announcement about adding (or adding without an announcement) new HD channels?

JWhip? Ken H? Magic 8 Ball?

I just checked and was told there is no deal, at least not yet. This info is out of corporate in Center City Philadelphia. Any deal with HD Net would have to be a national deal.

Originally posted by SonomaSearcher
The information in question re HDNet comes from someone who purports to be a local VP for Comcast.


Based on the attitude the "veep" has I think purported is the right term...

thanks, jwhip, for a bit of reality in our ever-growing appetite for commercial-free HD. I take hope from your "at least not yet" add-on. That indicates an interest or negotiations, so that we can at least hope that it could be added sometime within the next several months. It would be a nice Christmas present, as CBS was last December.

Another for jwhip: The New England area is supposed to have a large increase in HD by the end of the year. Will that happen? And if it does, will any new channels (except their locals and any regional sports channel) migrate to the rest of us?

Thanks,

Rich N.

I just spoke with someone from comcast on an unrelated matter, but i asked him any new channels in the works.....while he admitted he did not have too much specific information, he mentioned fox sports and upn hd as possible additions sooner rather than later, and said other things are in the works. he also said discovery hd was highly requested prior to them bringing it online.

I do not forsee a large increase in HD but other channels will be added by the end of the year, bandwidth permitting.

In response to PRMan, the Magic 8 Ball says 'Ask Again Later'.

Originally posted by JWhip
I do not forsee a large increase in HD but other channels will be added by the end of the year, bandwidth permitting.

JWhip, John Alchin (Comcast CFO and an executive VP) was quoted on May 4 in the Rocky Mountain News as follows (emphasis mine):

Within six months, Comcast plans to convert analog channels that are being used for some pay- per-view services in Boston to the digital format as the first step in going all digital, Alchin said. The move will allow the company to double the number of high-definition channels for TV viewers in that area to about 24, he said.

That's 11 channels more than we have now. If existing carriage agreements were all implemented, we'd get the local UPN (Viacom agreement) and WB (Tribune Broadcasting) affiliates, plus The Movie Channel (Showtime) and Encore (Starz). Also, CableWORLD quoted regional VP of marketing Randy Waddell as saying "We've just come to an agreement with Fox Sports to offer the Celtics games in HD." If that was a separate channel, and they gave NESN HD its own channel instead of pre-empting INHD2 for Sox and Bruins games, there would still be five more than we have now. Any idea what they might want to do with the remaining channels?

Two things: Those are local channels, which don't affect the overall Comcast lineup.

The quote said that Comcast would have the bandwidth to double the HD lineup. That doesn't mean that they will. HDNET/Movies and BravoHD+ are the two national HD channels missing from Comcast. There doesn't seem to be a lot of optimism about them being added any time soon. TNT-HD just doesn't show the amount of HD of the others to (in Comcast's opinion) warrant the bandwidth, at least not yet.

In my area two local HD feeds will probably never be on Comcast (Fox and WB) since they are owned by Sinclair. I'm not sure about UPN, but they are not showing the amount of HD of the 3 other majors.

It is frustrating that HDNET/Movies is not on Comcast, since it is years old, non-commercial, has all HD and would ensure Comcast would be at an HD advantage over satellites for years (at least until satellites have HD locals).

I'm hoping by next year Comcast's efforts to move to digital and competition will spur them to add at least HDNET and Bravo, plus whatever local deals they can throughout the country.

Rich N.

Have you checked BravoHD+'s lineup? I'd rather have TNT-HD even if its mostly upverts. The upverts do look better than SD, and they have been picking up their HD a bit.

Originally posted by raidbuck
Two things: Those are local channels, which don't affect the overall Comcast lineup

True. But JWhip gave an opinion on what was going to happen in Boston specifically, so I was addressing that specific situation.

I was not speaking of Boston in particular. I have been told by the people in charge of finding bandwidth in Boston that it is a real problem. They had to drop an IN HD channel just to add CBS in time for the Super Bowl. I was speaking of the Philadelphia market and nationally. I know that UPN 57 will be added in the Philly market in the fall. Comcast continues to add SD fair, such as the new SD sports tier which eats into bandwidth available for HD. I have been told repeeatedly by the individuals who are negotiating national carrriage deals for HD providers such as HD Net, Bravo, TNT and the like that there is nothing out there on the immediate horizon. There have been good and substantial talks with HD Net but nothing is imminent. Should I hear more, I will let you know. You should be aware that Comcast personnel monitor this forum, including some at the highest levels down on Market Street in Philadelphia. I am not one however.

JWhip, thanks again for your information. I am glad that Comcast management monitors this site. They can see our interest in expanding Comcast's offerings. but also see how grateful we are when we do get something, such as DiscoveryHD. Each time they do add significant HD content the chance of losing an HD subscriber to satellites diminishes. The fact that there have been "good and substantial" talks with HDNET is also encouraging, although we'll just have to be patient.

CycloneGT, yes I've checked BravoHD+'s lineup and I know that I would only like maybe 25-40% of their programming and that they do excessive repeats (I think an 8 hour block repeated 3 times each day). However, I know that, except for NBA, I would watch no TNT-HD shows at all. My wife and I like the non-commercial programming and BravoHD+ has plays, non-rock concerts, operas, ballets etc.

Rich N.

The one (ONLY) thing I'm missing on TNT is "The Grid".

Originally posted by JWhip
You should be aware that Comcast personnel monitor this forum, including some at the highest levels down on Market Street in Philadelphia. I am not one however.

Dear Comcast Execs,

Thank you for adding Discovery-HD and the great Sox games on INHD. Keep up the good work and I promise you, you will not lose my business to satellite companies, ever.

Gus in Massachusetts.

Originally posted by Gus
Dear Comcast Execs,

... you will not lose my business to satellite companies, ever.

Don't ever say never (or "not ... ever."). Competition makes the world go 'round (and makes your HD better).

Originally posted by raidbuck
In my area two local HD feeds will probably never be on Comcast (Fox and WB) since they are owned by Sinclair. Never is a long time.

Find out when the analog contract between Comcast and Sinclair for those stations expires. That will give you a rough estimate of when you will see the HD feeds for those stations.

Why? I don't think Comcast will agree to a new analog retransmission contract without also getting the digital/HD retransmission rights. Since analog is currently Sinclair's bread and butter-- can you say "advertising revenue"-- Sinclair won't last long at the bargaining table without giving up the digital/HD rights.

Originally posted by SonomaSearcher
Never is a long time.

Find out when the analog contract between Comcast and Sinclair for those stations expires. That will give you a rough estimate of when you will see the HD feeds for those stations.

Why? I don't think Comcast will agree to a new analog retransmission contract without also getting the digital/HD retransmission rights. Since analog is currently Sinclair's bread and butter-- can you say "advertising revenue"-- Sinclair won't last long at the bargaining table without giving up the digital/HD rights. So... SonomaSearcher, following that bit of logic, do you have any idea when the analog contracts between Cox and Comcast expire? I'd love to get CBS here in Seattle and I know you want to see Fox down in the Bay area.

Originally posted by jhachey
So... SonomaSearcher, following that bit of logic, do you have any idea when the analog contracts between Cox and Comcast expire? I'd love to get CBS here in Seattle and I know you want to see Fox down in the Bay area.

Cox & Comcast? *scratches head* did I miss something?

Originally posted by zurchguy
Cox & Comcast? *scratches head* did I miss something? Cox Enterprises owns many assets, including a majority interest in Cox Cable (a publicly traded corporation) and a sole interest in its Cox Television and Cox Radio divisions. Cox Television owns many local television stations around the country, including the CBS affiliate in Seattle and the Fox affiliate in San Francisco Bay Area.

Inexplicably, Cox Cable believes it should get digital/HD signals from local stations at no extra cost above whatever it is compensating the local station for the analog signal, whereas Cox Television takes the opposite position-- it wants extra compensation for its digital/HD signals. Can you make any sense out of that discrepancy?

So no Cox-owned stations have their digital HD signal on Comcast yet (also includes the ABC affiliate in Atlanta and the NBC affiliate in Pittsburgh, among others), and likely won't until the analog contracts expire.

What i would like to know, in detail is when will i have cbs hi-def in sacrmento, ca. as this too is sheetclair owned ...sorry i couldnt resist;-]???

Originally posted by jhachey
So... SonomaSearcher, following that bit of logic, do you have any idea when the analog contracts between Cox and Comcast expire? I'd love to get CBS here in Seattle and I know you want to see Fox down in the Bay area. Can't say for sure, but they typically expire at the end of a calendar year. An educated guess would be December 31, 2005, but it also could be December 31, 2004.

Read the following for some valuable perspective:

Reprint Article from January 20, 2003 Issue of Multichannel News (http://print.google.com/print/doc?articleid=9HgZ0xfyn55)

Article from April 19, 2004 Issue of Cableworld Magazine (http://www.cableworld.com/cgi/cw/show_mag.cgi?pub=cw&mon=041904&file=canhidef.htm)

SonomaSearcher:

I have spoken to representatives from both Comcast and Sinclair over this issue. I don't know about what else Sinclair and Comcast have to bargain with except Fox45 and WB in my area. I do know that negotiations are in process, but I have not received encouraging news from either side. Sinclair wishes to be paid for its digital signal and I think its analog signal for Fox and UPN are covered by "must carry" rules, so I don't know if Comcast can tie the HD and analog carriage together like that.

Anyway, it is very upsetting. You'd think Sinclair would want its HD Fox signal on Comcast, since in our market ABC, CBS and NBC are on and when I surf, Fox isn't in the equation. I guess that doesn't matter, since Nielsen doesn't count HD ratings.

I'm trying to be hopeful, but the last thing the Sinclair representative told me was he hoped I would become a "Fox OTA HD viewer". Not very reassuring. And Sinclair's home office is 5 miles from my home in Baltimore County and its flagship channels are not on its home cable system.

This is similar to the Cox Television vs. Comcast issue that another person mentioned earlier in the thread.

Oh well, I'll just have to find someone or some bar with OTA HDTV for the Super Bowl, and miss the Fox MLB and NFL playoff games in HD.

Rich N.

Originally posted by SonomaSearcher
Can you make any sense out of that discrepancy?

Thanks for your explanation on that, I used to work for Cox a couple of years ago but had no idea they owned local stations.

The concept of giving the public what it wants/needs seems to play no part in these negociations. God speed to those who live under these areas.

Originally posted by raidbuck
Fox and UPN are covered by "must carry" rules, so I don't know if Comcast can tie the HD and analog carriage together like that

They can sure try, but there's nothing, to my knowledge, that legally binds these two together.

Last year when ESPN went hd for comcast, i believe it was launched simultaneously across all markets just in time for football season. I am wondering if FOX will be the same for markets that has the splicer installed.

My curiosity is really bugging me on the way comcast rolls out new channels though, and I don't understand why they are stagging Discovery as slow (at least to my perception) as they are if there is such a large demand for it.

I have been wondering if we should compile a calendar of the discovery roll out that we could use to reference the roll-out of future channels.

The other question I have is if comcast has a call center in every market they service? I couldnt see that as being feasable, and that is why it kind of surprises me that jacksonville, FL is so low on the totem pole, even though we have a good sized call center here for comcast.

Also wonder if Comcast is holding out posting the new HD channels on their site for after adding more channels to the lineup. Just checked now and they have yet to post the included Discovery HD as a HD channel that they offer. Could they be in the works to add another channel real soon?

Originally posted by raidbuck
...

Sinclair wishes to be paid for its digital signal and I think its analog signal for Fox and UPN are covered by "must carry" rules, so I don't know if Comcast can tie the HD and analog carriage together like that.

...

Must carry rules currently allow a station to elect either the analog or the digital signal as must carry, but not both. Most network affiliates, however, do not use must carry at all. Instead, they decline to elect "must carry" status and negotiate retransmission contracts.

So I doubt that Sinclair uses "must carry" for its Fox and WB stations in your area. Instead, it probably has a contract with Comcast which contains some exchange of consideration between Sinclair and Comcast-- likely some type of advertising is involved. So Comcast doesn't pay money for the analog signal, but perhaps buys some advertising on the Sinclair analog channel. (Do you ever see any Comcast ads on your Fox or WB analog channels?)

In all probability, Sinclair will not elect "must carry" for these analog signals when the current contract expires. And if "must carry" is not part of the equation, then negotiation for the digital/HD signals as part of a retransmission contract is fair game.

So, if Comcast is going to compensate-- in one way or another-- Sinclair for the analog signals of your Fox and WB stations after the current analog contract expires, I am convinced that Comast will not agree to any further analog retransmission while not also getting digital retransmission rights.

That is why I suggest you try to find out when the analog contract(s) expire. It will give you a very good idea of when Sinclair and Comcast will be forced to come to terms over the digital signals-- otherwise, it will turn into one of those ugly public disputes where the analog signals disappear from Comcast's lineup and Sinclair's advertising revenue takes a dramatic drop. (What, if anything, will advertisers pay when Sinclair's stations suddenly have no cable viewers?)

And there are Avsforum members who have the contacts or connections to privately find out this information for you, as you well know.

Good luck.

What do I want to be added to our HD lineup?

Thanks for asking...

I would love a PPV-HD movies channel (they have one on D*, from what I understand)...

Also, I would like HD on On Demand, I use on demand A LOT. More than I ever ever thought I would, so this would be a major bonus for me.

Sports, eh, not really for me... I have all the HD movie stations, though TMC would be a nice include. I don't know much about other HD channels at this point, and UPN/WB, are basically unwatchable for me.

So, to recap:

1. PPV-HD - Would stop me from going to blockbuster, that's for sure.
2. HD-On Demand - I use OD a lot, and would like this enhancement.

BTW, you well-read Comcast execs, just tell me where to send my resume, and I'll enhance your team, I'm sure there's not a ton of women in your offices who can strategize what the small but growing populations of Techie-AVSie Girls would like to see.

Thank you!

Originally posted by powaking
Also wonder if Comcast is holding out posting the new HD channels on their site for after adding more channels to the lineup. Just checked now and they have yet to post the included Discovery HD as a HD channel that they offer. Could they be in the works to add another channel real soon?

I am afraid that is probably wishful thinking on your part. The website update reflecting the addition of Discovery HD and the local WB digital (sometimes HD) channels didn't happen until a couple of weeks after the channels showed up unannounced as usual. There has still been no system message via the STB announcing the availability of either channel, but they sure told us about the exciting new jewelry shopping channel that they added.

I really like this channel a lot. Comcast added it on the 15th, and I'm finding all sorts of programming that holds my interest. Gorgeous HD programming, varied and interesting shows --- wow! When there's nothing but garbage on the couple of hundred other channels, I can usually tune to Discovery-HD and pass the time viewing something incredible. Thanks Discovery channel, and thank you Comcast!

Originally posted by sikoniko
the way comcast rolls out new channels... and I don't understand why they are stagging Discovery as slow (at least to my perception) as they are...

One word, bandwidth

I have a new channel, 168 in jacksonville, that is PPVHD. Im wondering if this is only going to be on for the tyson fight, or if it will become a permanent addition. Any ideas?

Probably not permanent because they don't have it set up yet to deliver HD PPV 24/7 with different HD movies, shows, events, etc. (or anything close to 24/7).

So it would just waste bandwith or other technical resources for it to remain.

No HD PPV showing up on Comcast out here (as of 9:30 this morning).

Well, Discovery HD is finally up and running here in Los Angeles. yay!

another question...

with fox having the splicer installed in my local area now, according to that thread, is it possible we could get fox before football season, understanding that it would be SD until that time, or do you think comcast will roll it out slow like discovery and ill get it in time for the superbowl, which is here in town, but not before? i know thats kind of a pescimistic attitude, but thats where i am right now with comcast.

im starting to believe ignorance is bliss. before i started reading this forum, i didnt know about other markets quite as much so i wasnt bothered by not having it.

I'm sure if Comcast can get the local Fox they would. Our local Fox affiliate is owned by Sinclair (same with our WB) and they and Comcast will not agree on carriage for the Digital Signal. So while your local Fox station can do HD, you may never get it without an antenna. It depends on who owns it. If it is a Fox "owned-and-operated" station I would think you'd have the digital channel already. Cox also owns stations that won't agree to have the digital signal on Comcast.

Good Luck,

Rich N.

its owned by the evil empire known as clear channel. i think they are synonymous with cancer.

Clear Channel owns UPN, FOX and CBS here.

CBS has been HD for over a year...

If your CBS HD is on Comcast and it's Clear Channel's station, I don't see why they wouldn't also give Comcast the Fox HD (digital) signal.

just noticed channel 225 here in dallas, listed with no description, and 'to be announced' on the schedule.

later
chas

Originally posted by sprchas
just noticed channel 225 here in dallas, listed with no description, and 'to be announced' on the schedule.


We've had one of those for a couple of months or more on 998. It had test panels on it one day, but usually it is unauthorized. I don't think it has anything to do with new HD channels.

Comcast here in South Jersey has a placeholder at channel 750 - PPVHD. The description is "no programming" and "off air".

Originally posted by maxman
Comcast here in South Jersey has a placeholder at channel 750 - PPVHD. The description is "no programming" and "off air".

The Tyson fight was on there on Friday night. It's going to be interesting to see if it's still there after the Sports Tier Launches (I'm hoping it is).

ENJOY!

David

Originally posted by Al Shing
We've had one of those for a couple of months or more on 998. It had test panels on it one day, but usually it is unauthorized. I don't think it has anything to do with new HD channels.

except that it is right in the middle of comcast's hd channels. it was the same way when they added pbs hd.

chas

I just read the announcement that NBC will expand BravoHD+ to include programming from USA and SCI-FI channels in HD. Also they will carry around 65 hours of HD tennis in the next 6 weeks. NBC is also looking for a new name for the service.

OK, Comcast, is that enough commitment to get you to pick it up? Or does the 1 1/2 years (the time it took to get DiscoveryHD) start now?

For those of you who don't think BravoHD's current programming is compelling enough, I hope this makes a difference.

Rich N.

I would still prefer HDNet if I had to choose between the two, but this development definitely makes it a closer call.

I did not wish to imply that I would rather have the new Bravo instead of HDNET/Movies.

I just want to make Comcast aware that this will increase the rather lukewarm interest of many people about BravoHD's programming.

I hope all you who wanted SCI-FI in HD and denigrated BravoHD+ understand what I've been saying. Get the bloody channel and then when new programming comes on we've already got it. Now we still have to continue to bug Comcast about it. It could take years to add the channel. This is the same argument about TNT-HD.

From what I've read I would rather have HDNET/Movies as well, even with BravoHDs new programming (or really, because of it). I would rather had about 50-100% more new programming along the performance lines that was BravoHD's original purpose than more prime-time reruns remastered for HD. But that's just me and I could be wrong.

Rich N.

Deals with Sinclair and Cox are going to have to be reached soonish. Going into football season without all of the HD football they could possibly have would be a black eye for them, and I'm sure they know it.

That said, please, Comcast, Sinclair and Cox own too much stuff for you to totally ignore them. There needs to be carriage for the football season! Also, thanks for Discovery HD (it's very entertaining) and all the improvements you've done in Pittsburgh. We saw more new stuff in one summer than AT&T/TCI had given us in 20 years. You've done a great job here. Also, Fox sports would be nice to have in HD. I don't exactly know how it works, but I know there's a lot of PNC park action going SOMEWHERE in HD (the stadium is wired for it from the ground up), and FSN Pittsburgh carries all the Pirate games. I'd love to watch them in HD...

And Sinclair, because I know you're reading too, please STOP BEING SUCH BITCHES TO EVERYONE! There are a lot of people who want to watch your HD programming, and right now you're tapping that market share of people too old or poor to bother with cable or satellite. Ooh, more power to you. Lots of HD viewers there. Get a clue: every guy with an HDTV on earth will be watching any HD fooball that is offered. You have a lot of it. There are a lot of potential viewers you are losing because of your inane demands. If there's football on CBS and football on Fox, but I get CBS in HD and not Fox (because I'm a Comcast subscriber like most people in Pittsburgh), guess which station I'm going to watch.

Dan

Dan,

Are you groveling for HD?? :D

I hope it works, and yes WPGH, I seldom to never watch you, but a HD Comcast signal would give you immediate status you had never dreamed of attaining.

I just figure - give credit where it's due (Comcast), and call Sinclair "bitches" whenever the opportunity arises. Because they really, really are.

What are you guys in Pittsburgh going to do about watching the Olympics in HD since it appears that Comcast will not have an agreement with Cox, part owner of WPXI in time to get us the HD feed. I am so angry that we as the customer are going to suffer.

Channel 225 in Dallas is ABC News Now, ABC's new 24 news service. It is simply a re-broadcast of the sub-channel 8.2 that WFAA has been multi-casting on for months.

Also it could be your local town holding up HD rollouts. Here in Plano TX we cannot get INHD1 & 2 because the town will not give up some of it's 10 or so public access channels for the needed bandwidth. The rest of DFW has had these channels for months.

Laters,
Jeff

Originally posted by eq_shadimar
Channel 225 in Dallas is ABC News Now, ABC's new 24 news service. It is simply a re-broadcast of the sub-channel 8.2 that WFAA has been multi-casting on for months.

Also it could be your local town holding up HD rollouts. Here in Plano TX we cannot get INHD1 & 2 because the town will not give up some of it's 10 or so public access channels for the needed bandwidth. The rest of DFW has had these channels for months.

Laters,
Jeff

Wow, that sux. I live in irving and get them. hope it changes for you soon.

chas

I was getting frustrated with Comcast's rollout of the HD-capable PVR the past couple of days, but at the same time, I appreciate seeing Discovery HD in their lineup (guy at Tweeter's told me they didn't carry it). I'm new to having HDTV in my home, I'm kinda frustrated over the lack of programming....but then, it's summer repeat season, no football, no new CSI or Smallville or Enterprise :D

Can anyone outline the issues surrounding UPN in HD on Comcast in the Philly area? Is it a bandwidth issue or a contractural one? Or both? This is one of the channels I'd really like to see, and since it offers commercial revenue and is offered digitally in the Philly area, i can see it having at least a few advantages over other channels...any rumors?

Searching does wonders

Those in the know say UPN will be available in the Fall for the Philly area. I would suggest you search under the local area for Philly.

Right now, Comcast is carrying every Braves home game broadcast by Turner South and TBS (collectively they have every home game except the occaisional one by ESPN or Fox) in HD. This has been a real boon to Atlanta based Braves fans.

I am curious, is this a local to Atlanta offering only, or could this be a next HD channel for some other markets?

Cheers,

Bernd

Originally posted by Bernd
Right now, Comcast is carrying every Braves home game broadcast by Turner South and TBS (collectively they have every home game except the occaisional one by ESPN or Fox) in HD. This has been a real boon to Atlanta based Braves fans.

I am curious, is this a local to Atlanta offering only, or could this be a next HD channel for some other markets?

Cheers,

Bernd

This is already offered elsewhere, I believe in South Carolina and Tennessee or Alabama at least. While this is nice if you are a Braves fan, it is very much a part time offering and there is sometimes more than a week between games. I would much rather see TNT-HD, Bravo HD or especially HDNET instead of this but I guess you can look at this as gravy if you like baseball.

I check here every few months or so to see if there is any news on the addition of ABC HD to Comcast. Haven't seen anything of late.

Wondering if anyone has any news (factual, gossip or otherwise).

There has to be an explanation (financial negotiation, political spats, etc.) because I don't see any rational reason why we would have 13 channels on Comcast HD and one of them would not be ABC.

Appreciate any insights on this.

So, my hopeful answer to this thread for Atlanta is that we get ABC added next. Curious if any other cities are having trouble getting ABC added to their Comcast HD lineup.

Originally posted by friedman232
There has to be an explanation (financial negotiation, political spats, etc.) because I don't see any rational reason why we would have 13 channels on Comcast HD and one of them would not be ABC.

Appreciate any insights on this. The answer lies at Cox Enterprises (Cox Television) HQ in the Atlanta metro area. Give them a call or drop them an email and ask "Why?" and "When?"

Read posts #39 and #41 (and the linked news stories), above.

Maybe Comcast should just start buying up Cox Cable stock. If Cox ever wants to see that stock again, then make a deal. Otherwise, consider it a down payment on a hostile acquisition.

Originally posted by Al Shing
Maybe Comcast should just start buying up Cox Cable stock. If Cox ever wants to see that stock again, then make a deal. Otherwise, consider it a down payment on a hostile acquisition.

Al,

Check this out - Cox is trying to buy back their stock and go private.

http://www.iht.com/articles/533072.html

David

Originally posted by friedman232
Curious if any other cities are having trouble getting ABC added to their Comcast HD lineup.
It's going to vary greatly with each city. Here in Portland, OR, we have ABC, NBC, PBS and WB, but not CBS, Fox or UPN. Fox and UPN are both owned by Meredith, and apparantly Comcast already has a digital carriage agreement with them, so why we're not getting them is completely unknown. As for CBS, owned by Emmis, well… they're in a pissing match. Emmis claims that Comcast charges their customers extra for the channel (which isn't true), Comcast claims that Emmis wants more than acceptable rates for digital carriage (which probably is true, but who decides what's acceptable?). Suffice it to say, these are deal-breakers, regardless of who's to blame. With Digeo Moxi's coming to town by the end of the year, I so want to go with cable, but without those channels, it won't be possible. If they at least put an ATSC tuner in these boxes, I wouldn't have a problem…

Moorebid
I am in Portland and share your frustration. I assume Comcast realizes that once Fox starts Hd football and local Fox is not available in HD on Comcast, it could be a deal killer for many. Especiaqlly if they have a Digital carriage agreement already signed. It sounds as if KPDX may not br ready for HD by Sept 12, but will be by the end of Sept.
CBS, Koin and Emmis are just hopeless. It is a shame since CBS still has the best HD offerings
Michael

Originally posted by michael goldman
Moorebid
I am in Portland and share your frustration. I assume Comcast realizes that once Fox starts Hd football and local Fox is not available in HD on Comcast, it could be a deal killer for many. Especiaqlly if they have a Digital carriage agreement already signed.
Don't take my word as God's honest truth… that's just what I've read here in the forums, so grain of salt, as with everything. I find it very difficult to believe that is the case; there's no technical reason not to have them, Comcast has bandwidth to burn. And it's not like they would've taken much bandwidth anyway, they've been SD up to this point.

It sounds as if KPDX may not br ready for HD by Sept 12, but will be by the end of Sept.
That's just an estimate, and could go either way depending upon when they actually receive their equipment, how long it takes to get it installed, tested and operational. I would worry more about their determination to get it working (not Ed's, he's a good guy, but the people for whom he works… :rolleyes: ). Regardless of what you, me or the rest of this forum thinks, HD is still very much niche, and as such does not receive a lot of attention - either monetarily or in assigned man-hours - from the top brass. As big a draw as football may be, 95% of those fans still don't have HD. I'm just trying not to be disappointed, but I'm keeping my finger's crossed… :)

CBS, Koin and Emmis are just hopeless. It is a shame since CBS still has the best HD offerings
I wouldn't go so far as to say "hopeless," but the fact that there's been no word of successful negotiations (or any negotiations whatsoever) is disconcerting. There's got to be a breaking point somewhere, but where - and when - that's reached is still a mystery.

THere seems to be a lot of discussion on this thread for local Comcast issues (often with Sinclair or Cox). It seems most areas have a few of the big 4 with local problems between Comcast and digital providers. And satellite or antenna (many of us don't have tuners in our TVs) won't help with these local HD issues. And I don't think any regulations will help, only a concern for customers, which is rare in this environment. Only constant harping by folks like us can make a change.

Comcast has started offering a sports tier in some markets. Maybe they can offer an HD tier for those channels not in their lineup now. They could make some money off of me and other HD nuts who don't like commercial programs by adding Bravo and the HDNETs for an additional charge. Then they could add TNT-HD before the NBA season.

I'm just disappointed that nationally we won't be getting any new content any time soon. Sorry for repeating myself.

Rich N.

I read on dslreports that right now comcasts big push is to get everyone the same channels before bringing on new ones. The issue here is that a lot of local areas dont have the bandwidth and that will need to be addressed first.

here is the quote:


The new form is for all cities to have the same channel. Some cities are out of bandwidth. I think right now they are just trying to get the cities the same and then look in to what channels they want to change.

Originally posted by sikoniko
I read on dslreports that right now comcasts big push is to get everyone the same channels before bringing on new ones. The issue here is that a lot of local areas dont have the bandwidth and that will need to be addressed first.

here is the quote:

Comcast has said that getting all of their networks "in line" after their purchase of AT&T broadband is 99% or more complete.

It may be that they still need to move the PPV and premium movie channels off of analog and onto the digital tier in some markets to free up more bandwidth.

One small addition in the SF Bay Area is they are adding KRON-HD to the system ~8/18

KRON used to be the NBC affliate but they lost that a couple years ago and now are independent (and are still bitter)...They have no HD programming of their own but instead use their Digital channel to broadcast old HDNet stuff (last years stuff etc...)..some good Eye Candy but nothing current

KRON is owned by Young Broadcasting and has the following stations

http://www.youngbroadcasting.com/ireye/ir_site.zhtml?ticker=YBTVA&script=11905&item_id=%27stations.htm%27

I have no idea if all of these are carried by Comcast locally, but it may be good news if some other markets are missing the other Young Stations

-Steve

The only other independent (non-network affiliated) local station whose digital/HD signal is carried by Comcast anywhere, AFAIK, is KONG in Seattle. Every other local digital/HD signal carried by Comcast in the U.S. is affiliated with one of the 7 major networks.

This shows that the Bay Area has plenty of bandwidth for HD (except for the areas still stuck at 330 or 550Mhz), since we have yet to add the local FOX, WB or UPN-- and I am sure they must be reserving bandwidth for those three and at least two or three more HD channels (national HD channels) for additions in the next 4 to 6 months. And this is without eliminating any more analogs. (All PPV and premium analogs have already been eliminated in the Bay Area.) The local FOX is the only HD channel I would not expect to see begin using its reserved bandwidth in the next 6 months.

KONG is actually owned by KING, which is the NBC affliate in Seattle. It must have been a condition for getting KING on the system. When KING preempts NBC programming, they frequently put the programs on KONG.

SonomaSearcher, do you really think that Comcast will add 2-3 national HD channels in the next 4-6 months? Would that be in the HDNET/Movies, BravoHD+, TNT-HD group? While I hope that eventually these will show up, I thought it would be longer before we'd see them.

Thanks for your insights.

Rich N.

Rich,

To be honest, this is just me extrapolating based on all that I have read and heard. I do believe bandwidth is reserved on 750 Mhz or greater systems for several more national HD channels (at least in the Bay Area).

Here are some reasons we probably will see 2 to 3 more national HD channels on Comcast in the next 6 months (in no particular order):

1) HDNet/HDNet Movies: All the scuttlebutt is positive that Comcast and Mr. Cuban are making significant progress. Both play hardball in negotiations but both are rational and appreciate the respective advantages of HDNet on Comcast. HDNet is not just a satellite channel, with carriage on Time Warner and the other major cable companies (Comcast, Cox and Cablevision being the only exceptions).

2) Bravo HD+: NBC recently announced a "makeover" and more HD content for this channel. Also, the U.S. Open will be carried in HD there-- I know there are some big tennis fans among some of those Comcast execs in HQ. :) More importantly, DirecTV's announcement of BravoHD+ carriage, combined with its existing carriage of HDNet/HDNet Movies, means that Comcast has to respond to this competitive development by adding one or more of Bravo, HDNet and TNT HD. Also, I suspect Dish has a deal for Bravo HD+ also, not yet announced, because it just negotiated a deal with NBC Universal for the HD Olympics and it would be surprising if Bravo HD+ did not enter into the negotiations.

3) TNT HD: Dish added this already, and its true HD content is increasing. NBA Basketball in HD on TNT HD will be a major marketing advantage for whoever carries it, even if it is only one or two games a week. Turner was scheduled to have completed its second HD mobile truck recently, giving it twice the ability to do sports/live events in HD. Also, Comcast and Time Warner seem to have a fairly close working relationship with a lot of joint ventures, so there should be relatively little difficulty negotiating a deal-- enough HD content is the critical factor.

In general, with DirecTV and Dish making significant HD additions lately (including NBC and FOX on DirecTV) and possibly more to come, Comcast will be behind the curve if it doesn't add at least one or two national HD channels in the next four months or so.

And, the big news lately on Wall Street is satellite taking even more customers away from cable.

Two words: Satellite competition. It is good for cable HDTV.

One final word: To the extent bandwidth is an issue in some areas, I think the next 6 months will show more bandwidth freed up by elimination of some analogs (or converting them to digital only).

And, the HDTV programmers (HDNet, Bravo, TNT) realize that Comcast does not have unlimited bandwidth and probably will not add all of them in the next six to nine months due to bandwidth considerations, so they will take that into consideration when negotiating. After all, they are competing with each other for carriage given the finite bandwidth resources.

SonomaSearcher, thanks for the detailed response.

I imagine even if there were a settlement with HDNET on the horizon, it would not be finalized until at least DiscoveryHD is implemented throughout all Comcast areas.

I like your reasoning. I too expect at some time for TNTHD and BRAVOHD+ or whatever it will become to be available. I really like your time frame of about 6 months. I hope Comcast thinks the same. Certainly having the HD locals as an exclusive for most people is a big advantage that the satellites have started to erode. I know Comcast people do participate in this forum and I hope they get the sense that their base is shrinking because they can't compete with SD satellites. So the only way for them to hold or get back subscribers is to excel in the HD market.

One of Comcast's problem is the range of technologies they must always consider. Old systems that must be upgraded, multiple types of STBs, analog still being needed for the 40% of people who don't even have an STB with Comcast.

Again, thanks for the information.

Rich N.

Originally posted by raidbuck
SonomaSearcher, thanks for the detailed response.

I imagine even if there were a settlement with HDNET on the horizon, it would not be finalized until at least DiscoveryHD is implemented throughout all Comcast areas. .................Rich N.

I can't believe Comacast hasn't added DiscoveryHD to our HD package yet. Wouldn't you think the greater Ft. Lauderdale area is a big enough market?

Originally posted by sbddvm
I can't believe Comacast hasn't added DiscoveryHD to our HD package yet. Wouldn't you think the greater Ft. Lauderdale area is a big enough market?

It has nothing to do with your market size...probably something to do with the infrastructure locally to support an additional new HD channel

It could be as simple as waiting for a part to arrive (like an additional encoder) or as complicated as being out of bandwidth and needing to expend alot of $/time to expand everything to the individual houses.

You'd need to find out from your local comcast group as to what the problem is (unfortunately getting that info out of them can be painful)

KRON HD Launches today on channel 704 in the bay area. The programming will be different from the Kron SD channel. KRON HD will feature selected HDNet programming but will not be identical to HDNet's programming available on satellite.

Originally posted by raidbuck
SonomaSearcher, do you really think that Comcast will add 2-3 national HD channels in the next 4-6 months? Would that be in the HDNET/Movies, BravoHD+, TNT-HD group? While I hope that eventually these will show up, I thought it would be longer before we'd see them.

Thanks for your insights.

Rich N.

I cant speak for nationally, but there are 4 HD channels being planned for currently in the PA/NJ area by the end of this year..

I have been discussing in another thread about comcast beginning to, sometime in the very near future for some areas, deploy digital simulcast... getting rid of analog is a few years off easy, but the whole process is at least starting.

and what are those 4 channels?

Hopefully
HDNet
HD Movies
Bravo HD
UPN HD

Will UPN 57 show Phillies ,sixers and flyers in HD for games CSN does not carry next year, i find it really annoying that CSN does not carry all the home games because UPN57 doesn't show games in HD

Originally posted by gcubed
I cant speak for nationally, but there are 4 HD channels being planned for currently in the PA/NJ area by the end of this year..

I have been discussing in another thread about comcast beginning to, sometime in the very near future for some areas, deploy digital simulcast... getting rid of analog is a few years off easy, but the whole process is at least starting.

I find your answer interesting. Here it is August and by the end of the year there will be 4 more? Where are you hiding the bandwidth? The city and most of the surrounding systems are OUT of space. Digital simulcast uses MORE bandwidth, not less. Simulcast means analog AND digital. More bandwidth, not less. With Comcast NOT compressing H signals this will be a tough timeline to meet.

I hope you are right though!

A little pessimism here. Planning for and actually getting may not be the same thing. I'm sure Comcast in Baltimore is planning for Fox in HD, even though Sinclair has yet to sign an agreement. If they did agree and then Comcast couldn't add it, more riots. I hope HDNET/Movies, BravoHD+ and TNT-HD were 3 of the 4. But TMCHD and ENCOREHD are still out there and would be cheaper to get. They may get channels we don't even count, such as an HD-VOD or NFL-Network HD or something.

But a positive trend is there, and competition from the satellites will help.

Rich N.

Originally posted by raidbuck
A little pessimism here. Planning for and actually getting may not be the same thing. I'm sure Comcast in Baltimore is planning for Fox in HD, even though Sinclair has yet to sign an agreement. If they did agree and then Comcast couldn't add it, more riots. I hope HDNET/Movies, BravoHD+ and TNT-HD were 3 of the 4. But TMCHD and ENCOREHD are still out there and would be cheaper to get. They may get channels we don't even count, such as an HD-VOD or NFL-Network HD or something.

But a positive trend is there, and competition from the satellites will help.

Rich N.

Rich,

If it makes you feel any better - I heard that ENCORE-HD was a non-starter - so you can cross that off.

David

David:

Thanks for the information. Passing information is what's so great about these forums. Hopefully TMCHD will also not make the list. I have HBO,MAX,SHO,STZ and TMC would really be overkill.

Rich N.

Originally posted by raidbuck
David:

Thanks for the information. Passing information is what's so great about these forums. Hopefully TMCHD will also not make the list. I have HBO,MAX,SHO,STZ and TMC would really be overkill.

Rich N.

Actually, ENCORE-HD never happened. . .

David

CSN is discussing the possibility of showiung local home games in HD on UPN 57, those that are not on CSN. That will not happen until Comcast is carrying UPN 57's digital channel.

Originally posted by faceoff
Actually, ENCORE-HD never happened. . .

David

Do you mean never happened for COmcast? They have EncoreHD on Voom.

Originally posted by rollerfink
Do you mean never happened for COmcast? They have EncoreHD on Voom.

I was told by someone that Starz never launched EncoreHD due to the age of the films, and the costs of upconverting. HMMM, maybe I need better sources.

David

How much bandwidth on Comcast does an hd channel take ? I once heard it was equivalent to 5 digital channels ?

-Ken

Originally posted by kenvt
How much bandwidth on Comcast does an hd channel take ? I once heard it was equivalent to 5 digital channels ?

-Ken

4 or 5 Digital Channels can usually fit within 1 HD channel (it varies depending on the data rate of the specific channels)


Also

1 Analog Channel = 6 Mhz

2 HD Channels can fit in that space (or sometimes 3)

8-10 Digitial Channels fit in one Analog Channel

Originally posted by davisdog
4 or 5 Digital Channels can usually fit within 1 HD channel (it varies depending on the data rate of the specific channels)


Also

1 Analog Channel = 6 Mhz

2 HD Channels can fit in that space (or sometimes 3)

8-10 Digitial Channels fit in one Analog Channel Ok-
Now everybody make a list of analog/digital channels to drop to make room for more HD!;)

I can think of plenty I would drop :-)

Here is a canned response I received from comcast, glad they list hd-net:

Thank you for taking the time to write us.


Thank you for your channel request, we are working to provide as many
high definition channel broadcasters as possible. Here are some of the
factors involved with expanding our high definition lineup:

-the negotiation and contract process required to obtain the rights to
carry a specific high definition broadcast, such as TNT-HD and HD-Net.

-the increased bandwidth resources that are required

-the relatively low subscribership (currently only a small minority of
customers have high definition compatible television sets)

We appreciate your channel requests, we hope to expand our high
definition channel lineup as fast as we can. Unfortunately we are unable
to provide specific details regarding the launch of new channels at this
time, please keep an eye on your monthly billing statement as the
announcement of any channel additions will appear on those statements

Originally posted by Chuck Mullen
Ok-
Now everybody make a list of analog/digital channels to drop to make room for more HD!;)

How's about ALL! :D That's what we really need.

David

Here's an article on Comcast's plans for DVR, with a pretty obvious announcement that they've rolled it out!

http://biz.yahoo.com/prnews/040823/phm024_1.html

The interesting bit I will cut out and paste below...

---
This fall Comcast is also introducing a new Digital On-screen guide
that will allow consumers to more easily search for and access TV
listings. The new easy-to-use, interactive on-screen programming guide
will be rolled out on a system by system basis beginning in
late-September.

Features will include:

* Higher resolution interface for easier to view information
* New mini-guide, allowing viewers to browse through other listings
while watching a current program
* Increased speed for faster navigation
* Time-saving Quick Menu offering short cuts to features
* Enhanced display with a full 90 minutes of program listings.
---

(Sounds more like TIVO)

You're Welcome. ;)

Thanks Dawn - I'll be interested in seeing which program guide we get.

David

I think someone said, iGuide. I got this link off another AVS Forum...

Conversations about Comcast DVR, or something like that! (http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?s=&threadid=426107)

"please keep an eye on your monthly billing statement as the
announcement of any channel additions will appear on those statements"

What a joke! The announcement on the statement (such as DiscoveryHD) appears several weeks after the channel has been added and activated. This company should work on their consumer relations and marketing.

The official plans are supposedly to drop ALL the analog channels in the near future. The problem is they would have to provide a digital box for all subs who don't have one now.
Down here on the suncoast of FLA, that is probably going to be a large problem, as many of the old(er) folks down here would probably not want "another gizmo" to have to fiddle with to watch "Golden Girls" etc etc.

They can add HDNet and HDN Movies anytime they want. I would agree with some of the previous posters as far as I would be willing to spend a couple bucks more a month to get more of the HD channels . . .

Originally posted by drcos

They can add HDNet and HDN Movies anytime they want. I would agree with some of the previous posters as far as I would be willing to spend a couple bucks more a month to get more of the HD channels . . .

drcos: Are you saying that Comcast already has an agreement with Mr. Cuban about HDNET/Movies? I don't think that is true, or it would be trumpeted on these boards.

And I agree I would pay a few bucks more for more non-commercial (HDNET, BravoHD+) HD content, but not for something like TNT-HD, which is just the same as TNT with some HD and all its commercials (like ESPN-HD in this regard, I think).

Rich N.

Originally posted by maxman
"please keep an eye on your monthly billing statement as the
announcement of any channel additions will appear on those statements"

What a joke! The announcement on the statement (such as DiscoveryHD) appears several weeks after the channel has been added and activated. This company should work on their consumer relations and marketing.

The lead time a company has with it's billing vendor is 30 days prior to bill creation for a message of any type. That's why you see the lag in notice on bills. If Comcast or any cable company were to follow that criteria alone, they would be delaying launches to us to allow for this notice period.

Here in the Baltimore area Comcast launched Discovery HD literally within 24 hours of the contract being signed. They left a voicemail for customers to give them a heads-up that the channel was launching.

I would rather they keep operating this way than delaying lauch for a perceived more effective notice methodology. Especially for HD products.

Regards,
GoIrish

Originally posted by GoIrish

Here in the Baltimore area Comcast launched Discovery HD literally within 24 hours of the contract being signed. They left a voicemail for customers to give them a heads-up that the channel was launching.

Regards,
GoIrish

quit yer bragging! :)

How is that FOX-HD looking?

Not as good as yours...no wait, I don't think we have that yet...

Maybe they'll just eventually switch out Sinclair for WTTG everywhere.

Regards, (and enjoy the football)
GoIrish

Actually, GoIrish, I think maxman's complaint was that his response from Comcast told him to check the bill, which is (as you point out) always going to be late for this news about new HD. Basically the information on AVSforum is going to be more timely, and a lot more fun.

I do compliment Comcast in the Baltimore area for getting DiscoveryHD so fast after the contracts were signed. When I got home from work on that first day my wife said she was already addicted.

Are you serious about switching out Fox45 for WTTG in the Baltimore area, or just wishful thnking? I didn't think Comcast could do that. I know areas closer to DC did. Couldn't Sinclair sue or something?

Rich N.

No, not too serious.

At some point in time any company has to evaluate it's options.

I would expect there would be a number of hurdles to overcome though...only time will tell.

Regards,
GoIrish

My suspicion is the first hurdle to overcome would be expiration of the Sinclair analog contract.

Originally posted by drcos
The official plans are supposedly to drop ALL the analog channels in the near future. No it's not.

At some point in the future yes, but not anytime soon.

I would too, except you didn't read their quote. There's no use in making an announcement in the bill you receive the first week in August saying that "DiscoveryHD is coming July 15"!

Hope you catch Bob Dylan; he's coming to Aberdeen, MD on August 12!

Originally posted by Ken H
No it's not.

At some point in the future yes, but not anytime soon.

Hey Ken,

Any look into the Magic 8 Ball and gander a guess as to when? I do agree with drcos statement "The problem is they would have to provide a digital box for all subs who don't have one now.
Down here on the suncoast of FLA, that is probably going to be a large problem, as many of the old(er) folks down here would probably not want "another gizmo" to have to fiddle with to watch "Golden Girls" etc etc.
"

Ken, I THINK that Comcast is testing digital simulcasting in some areas, but that seems like that would be a REAL burn of existing bandwidth.

David

Originally posted by faceoff
Hey Ken,

Any look into the Magic 8 Ball and gander a guess as to when? Best I know, years.

So I guess it would depend on your idea of the "near future." That is the story I've heard from several Comcast types, with the complaint about having to provide a box also attributable to these same folks.

Our situation here is we have about 79 analog channels still on our system. So this would accomodate upwards of 160 HD channels (wow) or 5-600 digital channels (of which no doubt 1/4 to 1/3 would be shopping channels).
As far as simulcasting, Comcast is in fact sending out HBO, HBO2, HBO3, MAX, MoreMax, Encore, Showtime, and TMC on both analog and digital.
I would imagine right now they have the older non-digital boxes in a number of homes here in the Sarasota system (remember, were they called SSAVI I think) which they would have to replace with the digital SA boxes.
As much as we would like them to ditch the analog channels to free up bandwidth for all these HD channels we want, it would have to be a HUGE move to make the switch, with a pretty long transitional period. And I can't see them cutting off folks who for whatever reason, don't want a box.

I'm sorry I got lost where this post was going.

As far as HD Net/HDN Movies I was not implying that they already had the rights. I have heard they are in negotiations right now. It was one of those if it was up to me, they could go ahead and add them any time they wanted to...heck I'd even give up all my shopping channels to help free up bandwidth :D

One of the things COMCAST has done in their next area over from us is to eliminate the premiums from analog. If you want the premiums, you have to go Digital.

YMMV!

David

Still no sign of DiscoveryHD in Jacksonville. At this point, I am willing to bet we will get FOXHD well before we get DiscoveryHD. I did hear though that marketing in this area is working on the negotiations for discoveryhd at this time. Can anyone shed any light on what this means to me? If the deal is already signed, what negotiations would there be?

I wish if you subscribed to HD service, and the channel is available, they would make the regular version disappear. I am tired of seeing my fiance watch a program in SD, when she can easily watch it in HD.

Originally posted by sikoniko
Still no sign of DiscoveryHD in Jacksonville. At this point, I am willing to bet we will get FOXHD well before we get DiscoveryHD. I did hear though that marketing in this area is working on the negotiations for discoveryhd at this time. Can anyone shed any light on what this means to me? If the deal is already signed, what negotiations would there be?

I wish if you subscribed to HD service, and the channel is available, they would make the regular version disappear. I am tired of seeing my fiance watch a program in SD, when she can easily watch it in HD.

DiscoveryHD is not a simulcast of the SD Discovery channel -- they show different programming at different times. "Making the regular version disappear" is not a viable option.

Originally posted by BMAG
DiscoveryHD is not a simulcast of the SD Discovery channel -- they show different programming at different times. "Making the regular version disappear" is not a viable option.

That is fine, but generally CBS, NBC and ABC are (except during the olympics).

Originally posted by sikoniko
Still no sign of DiscoveryHD in Jacksonville. At this point, I am willing to bet we will get FOXHD well before we get DiscoveryHD. I did hear though that marketing in this area is working on the negotiations for discoveryhd at this time. Can anyone shed any light on what this means to me? If the deal is already signed, what negotiations would there be?


Your "marketing" source is wrong...Comcast already has an agreement with Discovery to show their HD channel anywhere they want. All the local area needs to do is have the bandwidth on the system for the channel and the parts in place to recieve and distribute it.

Originally posted by davisdog
Your "marketing" source is wrong...Comcast already has an agreement with Discovery to show their HD channel anywhere they want. All the local area needs to do is have the bandwidth on the system for the channel and the parts in place to recieve and distribute it.

He must be a member of the Comcast 2% Club and may not realize it.:D

sikoniko,

Do you know what bandwidth your cable system is? DiscoveryHD is not offered on any 550Mhz systems that I know of, among other things. :rolleyes:

Jim

Originally posted by keenan
He must be a member of the Comcast 2% Club and may not realize it.:D

sikoniko,

Do you know what bandwidth your cable system is? DiscoveryHD is not offered on any 550Mhz systems that I know of, among other things. :rolleyes:

Jim

He's in Jacksonville -- a former AT&T Broadband network -- and from what I've heard - one of the crappiest.

Originally posted by blitzen102
He's in Jacksonville -- a former AT&T Broadband network -- and from what I've heard - one of the crappiest.

Yeah, we use to be AT&T here also, what sucks for us is that Comcast does not have any immediate plans to upgrade our 550MHz to 750 or 860 anytime in the near future(meaning around 1-2 yrs). They're focused on deploying HSI and plan on using a combination of analog channel depletion and new compression technologies to provide any additional HD-channels in our area. I would guess they have reserved bandwidth for FOX-HD but since the local FOX affiliate is owned by CoxComm we wont see that one either in the near future. The upside maybe, is that we might be one of the areas to see deployment of next-gen or upgraded technology first, when and if it happens.

Jim
Comcast 2% Club

Originally posted by drcos

As far as simulcasting, Comcast is in fact sending out HBO, HBO2, HBO3, MAX, MoreMax, Encore, Showtime, and TMC on both analog and digital.


They have removed all of the premium channels from analog around here except for the main HBO channel. The sequence went like this:

Raise price of analog a la carte price of HBO, Showtime, etc so high that it's worth going digital to "encourage" people to switch to digital. Remove HBO2 and other secondary channels from analog.

Wait six months. Then remove Showtime, Starz, Encore, Cinemax from the analog lineup. Force everyone with premium analog service (except HBO) to go over to digital.

I'm sure the same process will be repeated with the rest of the channel lineup, but I bet they'll leave the OTA channels available on analog for quite some time, and the time required for the switchover of the nonpremiums will be much longer than six months.

Well I was told kinda the same thing (raise analog price)...the price to get the premium channels I listed which are simulcast on analog is double the price to get them via the digital box (just to not have to have a box in the bedroom).

All the premiums, including HBO, were kicked out of analog a couple of years ago on our system. Encore was the last holdout, which was a shame because it required a trap and had horrific PQ. In return for moving the channels, they added East feeds of most of the multiplexed channels and the mother channels.

Comcast later moved two channels that they owned back into those slots and added one other channel that normally is digital, but is analog here.

I think communities like Seattle have it engraved in their franchise agreements that there must be 80 analog channels on the upgraded systems, because we were deprived for so long. Until those agreements come up for renewal, and communities agree to move everything to a digital converter (fat chance), those 80 analog slots will be around and be sacred.

Realistically, would you expect your poor frail grandmother to be able to deal with a digital converter? OK, mine does, but the #1 complaint I hear about digital cable is that people don't want to have to deal with an STB. I don't see that changing, no matter what Comcast's master plan is.

I believe there was a press release posted on this board a couple of months ago with a brief outline of Comcast being all digital in 3 years time (and spending like 3-4 billion on the venture). They wouldn't have to give everyone a "box", but some form of a converter (there has been threads here about digital to analog converters). Just a matter of cost and time/scheduling (converters and workers to do the installs).

Originally posted by drhill
Just a matter of cost and time/scheduling (converters and workers to do the installs).

..and marketing...

One competitive advantage Cable has over Digital is that Analog only subscribers dont have to hassle with a box at all...and digital costumers can get channels 1-80 at any other TV in the house for no additional cost.

It levels that playing field with Satellite when they switch...I'm sure their are many people out there that dont switch to Sat only because they don't want to hassle with the box and lose the other rooms.

Originally posted by drhill
I believe there was a press release posted on this board a couple of months ago with a brief outline of Comcast being all digital in 3 years time (and spending like 3-4 billion on the venture). They wouldn't have to give everyone a "box", but some form of a converter (there has been threads here about digital to analog converters). Just a matter of cost and time/scheduling (converters and workers to do the installs).

What do you think the converter is other than a "box"?

Here are some references describing how this thing is going to work:

http://www.pace.co.uk/content.asp?id=10025&template=0

http://www.cedmagazine.com/ced/2004/0504/05a.htm

http://www.cedmagazine.com/ced/2004/0204/02b.htm

All digital-drivers
“Going all-digital is a competitive response,” said Don Loheide, vice president of network engineering for Cequel III, noting that DBS providers have become very good at explaining that they, not cable, are the ones that currently offer 100 percent digital programming.

And that’s not all. RBOCs such as Verizon and BellSouth will apply even more competitive pressure when they build and activate their next-gen fiber-to-the-premises networks.

Going all-digital also offers its share of operational efficiencies, because it enables the operators to eliminate headends and potentially reduces service theft and truck rolls, Loheide said. And, by adding a cable modem to the picture, operators will also gain an intelligent device that can provide plant condition information and help with targeted maintenance.

The benefits also extend to cost savings (see chart, above). Under one model Loheide presented, a cable operator with 60 percent digital penetration could save between $195 and $325 per customer.

But going all-digital isn’t without its challenges. Operators, he explained, can’t just migrate channels to the digital tier if they are contractually bound to analog. Additionally, some networks aren’t available in digital format yet and would have to be encoded locally.

Regardless of the challenges it faces, the cable industry must establish digital as the new standard for cable, said Greg Thompson, chief architect of Cisco Systems’ video networking business unit.

But, he warned, cable must avoid being locked into MPEG-2. Though it would be nice if all-digital boxes could support new codecs in software, it will come at a penalty of additional memory, Thompson pointed out.

Originally posted by sikoniko
Still no sign of DiscoveryHD in Jacksonville. At this point, I am willing to bet we will get FOXHD well before we get DiscoveryHD. I did hear though that marketing in this area is working on the negotiations for discoveryhd at this time. Can anyone shed any light on what this means to me? If the deal is already signed, what negotiations would there be?


OK, I can whine no more about DiscoveryHD. Last night I was scanning the channels, and low and behold, channel 167 had appeared. DHDTV.

Lot of repeats, but I like that american choppers is in DD.

I don't have any concrete information on what system Jax is running on, but I don't believe it to be as antiquated as it once was. They added the PPVHD pretty quick for the tyson fight and nfltv.

I just hope that when they are upgrading these systems, they are putting thought into the future, instead of just patching holes to make it work for now.

Im trying to talk my fiance's family into getting digital cable. It is 10$ more a month, plus 10$ for the 6208 box and recording, plus $5 for a second.

They really nickel and dime ya don't they?

Does anyone have any info on History Channel HD? Channels I watch the most other than HD are Discovery, History, TLC and HGTV. I think History channel would be a great addition.

I hope that ESPN2 is added when it is available. I hope it isn't the next channel added, though.

Can any Comcast folks comment about their contract with Disney and if ESPN2 is covered?

I'm sure there will be a big stink if ESPN2 isn't added when available.

This is IMPORTANT (I know, but I wanted to shout) because the upconverted EPSN picture is much better than the analog and I assume this will be true for ESPN2. So even the non-HD shows will look better. Via Comcast and a 50" DLP ESPN2 analog is barely watchable now.

Rich N.

ESPN2 is barely watchable due to lousy content. This would be at the bottom of my list for comcast to add. First and foremost I want HDNET !!

-Ken

Originally posted by raidbuck
I hope that ESPN2 is added when it is available. I hope it isn't the next channel added, though.

Can any Comcast folks comment about their contract with Disney and if ESPN2 is covered?

I'm sure there will be a big stink if ESPN2 isn't added when available.

This is IMPORTANT (I know, but I wanted to shout) because the upconverted EPSN picture is much better than the analog and I assume this will be true for ESPN2. So even the non-HD shows will look better. Via Comcast and a 50" DLP ESPN2 analog is barely watchable now.

Rich N.

Yes If you Have ESPNHD you will get ESPNHD2, of course your cable company can say they have no space left, oh no wait comcast can compress the digital channels more nevermind :mad:

Originally posted by shades
Yes If you Have ESPNHD you will get ESPNHD2, of course your cable company can say they have no space left, oh no wait comcast can compress the digital channels more nevermind :mad:

Thanks for the good news.

However, there is something I don't understand. I remember Comcast saying that they don't compress their HD signals. Are you saying they are lying? Am I just confused? (Well, of course I'm confused but...). Are you saying that the digital, not necessarily the HD signals are compressed?

Baltimore County has been very good in implementing new channels as soon as they are available, so I'll be looking for it on January 1st.

Rich N.

Comcast does not compress their HD channels. End of story.

Originally posted by raidbuck
Thanks for the good news.

However, there is something I don't understand. I remember Comcast saying that they don't compress their HD signals. Are you saying they are lying? Am I just confused? (Well, of course I'm confused but...). Are you saying that the digital, not necessarily the HD signals are compressed?

Baltimore County has been very good in implementing new channels as soon as they are available, so I'll be looking for it on January 1st.

Rich N.

Guys - his note does not say "HD", it says "Digital".

David

Originally posted by raidbuck
Thanks for the good news.

However, there is something I don't understand. I remember Comcast saying that they don't compress their HD signals. Are you saying they are lying? Am I just confused? (Well, of course I'm confused but...). Are you saying that the digital, not necessarily the HD signals are compressed?

Baltimore County has been very good in implementing new channels as soon as they are available, so I'll be looking for it on January 1st.

Rich N.

no i meant Digital channels not HD, but or a week or so PQ on HD channeld did not look right here, it is just my opinion but i believe maybe they are looking into ways to compres HD

Just stop shades. I have a friend in Williamstown who doesn't have any problems with his HD channels on either of his tvs.

Originally posted by shades
no i meant Digital channels not HD, but or a week or so PQ on HD channeld did not look right here, it is just my opinion but i believe maybe they are looking into ways to compres HD Nope.

ESPN2 should be a no-brainer, but UPN will be up as soon as the content is there; see the CBS / Sony / UPN topic at the top of the forum.

Of course, when channels show up will vary from system to system, depending on local technical issues.

Originally posted by drhill
Just stop shades. I have a friend in Williamstown who doesn't have any problems with his HD channels on either of his tvs.

good for him , i don't care, i HAD issues for a week if you read what i said, sorry i did not do a survey of peope in the williamstown area to see if anyone else did. i gave MY OPINION about comcast and fact that there Were PQ issues For a week on MY TV not your friend's, sorry if you don't like it, i choose not to stop giving MY OPINION, have a nice day

Originally posted by shades
....i HAD issues for a week... Then it was other types of technical problems.

Originally posted by Ken H
Then it was other types of technical problems.

Yeah but i just do not trust Comcast , I just assume they will find a way to screw around with things

Originally posted by Ken H
ESPN2 should be a no-brainer, but UPN will be up as soon as the content is there; see the CBS / Sony / UPN topic at the top of the forum.

Of course, when channels show up will vary from system to system, depending on local technical issues.

And local affiliate ownership/contract issues...

Jim

Originally posted by shades
Yeah but i just do not trust Comcast , I just assume they will find a way to screw around with things Wrong. It's a corporate policy not to reduce HD quality.

Originally posted by keenan
And local affiliate ownership/contract issues...
right, I should have been more specific, referring to the UPN O&O stations.

Originally posted by Ken H
right, I should have been more specific, referring to the UPN O&O stations.

Yeah, I'm just crying in my beer 'cause all the talk about FOX going HD keeps reminding me our local Cox owned Fox affiliate hasn't learned to place nice yet with Comcast, so no FOX HD in the greater SF bay area 'cept for OTA.

Jim :(

i think its fox or bravo

Originally posted by morpheus6d9
i think its fox or bravo

Fox availability is in a "per-market" basis -- many Comcast systems already have the Fox digital signal. As Keenan pointed out, markets whos affiliate is owned by Cox do not (and probably won't in the near future) carry the Fox digital signal.

Originally posted by fender4645
Fox availability is in a "per-market" basis -- many Comcast systems already have the Fox digital signal. As Keenan pointed out, markets whos affiliate is owned by Cox do not (and probably won't in the near future) carry the Fox digital signal.

fender, have we determined when that contract is up yet? Aren't these both public companies, shouldn't that info be accessible? You would think that Cox would begin to start to feel at least a little pressure when the FOX-HD comes on next week, no more WS and being in what might be an area(SF-Bay) with a large HDTV in-home base.

Jim

Originally posted by keenan
fender, have we determined when that contract is up yet? Aren't these both public companies, shouldn't that info be accessible? You would think that Cox would begin to start to feel at least a little pressure when the FOX-HD comes on next week, no more WS and being in what might be an area(SF-Bay) with a large HDTV in-home base.

Answered your question in the Bay Area local thread to keep this one "local free".

Fox-hd channel came online today on Comcast-Middletown,Ct. Picture looked good,also first local news(WTIC Fox61) broadcast in 16:9.Nice.Let the NFL games begin!!

'glad to hear Fox is coming to many diff. markets on Comcast. =)

Originally posted by Slinky11
'glad to hear Fox is coming to many diff. markets on Comcast. =)

Yes, except not in the No. 6 DMA, SF bay area, ridiculous...

Jim

No. 5 DMA, and we have the largest number of Comcast subscribers nationwide (contained within in a single DMA).

Originally posted by SonomaSearcher
No. 5 DMA, and we have the largest number of Comcast subscribers nationwide (contained within in a single DMA).

I thought it was 5 too, but I just read something(I'll see if I can find it) and we're now No.6.

Jim

P.S. Doesn't really matter, the whole situation is just crappy.

Originally posted by keenan
I thought it was 5 too, but I just read something(I'll see if I can find it) and we're now No.6.

The latest DMA info: http://www.nielsenmedia.com/DMAs.html

Originally posted by fender4645
The latest DMA info: http://www.nielsenmedia.com/DMAs.html

That was it!

Jim

I just saw where TWC got HDNET. If they can, why can't Comcast. It is not like Sinclair or Cox and cable where it becomes a vendetta or article of faith to keep an HD signal off cable.

Mark Cuban said he was in discussions with Comcast. Soooo?

Guys, almost 2 years since Comcast went HD and still no agreement?

Over 4 months since DiscoveryHD and I'm trying to be patient, but even rumors have stopped.

Maybe after the 6412's get national distribution maybe some effort in this area?

Or will the next HD channel be ESPN2HD? Everyone says Comcast will carrry it, but has Comcast actually announced it?

Rich N.

more than hdnet at this point i'd love them to carry tnt-hd with all the basketball games that will be in hd this year

TWC charges for an additional tier that Comcast does not have. HDNET is in this higher tier, that is why it is easier for TWC to have HDNET.

-Ken

I heard that they are not going to add anymore channels until they get standardization of channels across all of their markets... so don't hold your breath. HD doesnt seem to be much of a priority now for comcast.

Got a message from Turner Classic Movies that their HD channel launches in the next 9 weeks. I did the useless thing of asking a Comcast CSR about availability. Anyone know whether it's likely Comcast will carry it?

Originally posted by sikoniko
I heard that they are not going to add anymore channels until they get standardization of channels across all of their markets... so don't hold your breath. HD doesnt seem to be much of a priority now for comcast.

No it's not, other than getting major broadcast networks online(ABC,CBS,NBC,etc.) they appear to be focused more on VOD primarily and to a lesser extent HSI and the more VOD usage there is, the less bandwidth available for additional HD.

BTW, does anyone here have VOD and if so what are your thoughts on it?

Jim

I understand that, since Comcast doesn't have a separately-priced HD Tier, it is more difficult for them to add channels. But they still need to be competitive in HD, not against cable but against satellites. And DirectTV seems to be willing to expand its HD offerings with new satellite launches.

I would personally be in favor of a tier to add the channels they don't have now. I wonder if Sinclair would agree to having Fox45 on a tier, instead of in the basic HD local group? Then Comcast could add the new channels coming on board in the next year, such as Turner Classic Movies, and the existing ones they are hesitant to add (Bravo,HDNET,TNT-HD). HD is a little delayed, but I think it will begin growing a lot in 2005 and I hope Comcast is willing to be part of that growth. We just never know their plans or their HD strategy.

VOD is nice, we've had it (SD) for a while. We watched several National Geographic specials. It does work like a DVR or VCR for pause, FF, REW etc.

Rich N.

Originally posted by keenan
No it's not, other than getting major broadcast networks online(ABC,CBS,NBC,etc.) they appear to be focused more on VOD primarily and to a lesser extent HSI and the more VOD usage there is, the less bandwidth available for additional HD.

BTW, does anyone here have VOD and if so what are your thoughts on it?

Jim

I just this morning have VOD turned on. I'm in Shoreview - a St. Paul, MN suburb. Unfortunately, I have to head to work. It looks like there is a ton of content - I can't find any HD yet though in my brief hunt.

I've come to understand that the order is this for Comcast:

1. Standardize Channel Lineup (mine was completed two weeks ago)
2. Add VOD (done - as of this morning for me)
3. New iGuide software (required to support new 6412 dual-tuner DVRs)
4. 6412s roll out

5-??? New HD channels???

I'm still waiting on VOD hear in Detroit.

VOD is the best thing since slice bread. Saves your life if you have kids, spongebob on-demand WOOHOO! oh yeah, and NFL games (recaps) are great too. Waiting on VOD-HD

Originally posted by raidbuck
I understand that, since Comcast doesn't have a separately-priced HD Tier, it is more difficult for them to add channels. But they still need to be competitive in HD, not against cable but against satellites. And DirectTV seems to be willing to expand its HD offerings with new satellite launches.

I would personally be in favor of a tier to add the channels they don't have now. I wonder if Sinclair would agree to having Fox45 on a tier, instead of in the basic HD local group? Then Comcast could add the new channels coming on board in the next year, such as Turner Classic Movies, and the existing ones they are hesitant to add (Bravo,HDNET,TNT-HD). HD is a little delayed, but I think it will begin growing a lot in 2005 and I hope Comcast is willing to be part of that growth. We just never know their plans or their HD strategy.

VOD is nice, we've had it (SD) for a while. We watched several National Geographic specials. It does work like a DVR or VCR for pause, FF, REW etc.

Rich N.

Rich,
Federal Law precludes cable companies from having broadcast channels on a separate tier outside the very first level of service offered. This would apply to HD signals as well. Should Sinclair at some future time allow their signals to be carried by cable operators, they would have to be in the same level as the other broadcast HD's.

The recent posts in this thread seem to be presuming a static position by Comcast as it relates to HD additions. I wouldn't presume that at all. They are indeed focused on establishing a common Digital line-up but that will be accomplished nationwide w/in 60 days.

It's been barely three months since they added Discovery HD where I live and not even two months since they added Fox HD. Last month they started running the NFL Net HD game replays on a separate channel so I look at this as continued progress.

I'm up to 14 HD channels now. That's nine additions in less than two years with three of them over the last 4 months. That 14 doesn't include the separate channel they're running NFL Net HD on.

My glass is half full and I am glad Comcast has chosen to get this content to us without a separate surcharge. Who knows if it will last forever but, for the moment, I'm happy and I expect they'll continue to add compelling content in a consistent, (and ideally economically friendly), fashion.

Regards,
GoIrish

GoIrish,

The Baltimore area is one of the first to get new channels. Consider yourself lucky. I have Comcast and recently did gain FoxHD. They have commercials about the NFL network but I have yet to find the channel anywhere in the lineup. I am still dreaming about getting DiscoveryHD with it being a complete unknown ETA for it. I know that your area has had this channel for some time. I truly wish that your opinion that Comcast is trying to get a channel out to all of the US within 60 days is true but from what I have read and experienced this has not yet been the case.

So I'm still interested in the question this thread poses: "What's the next HD channel for Comcast?" But that question always has some form of regional limitations to it. Unfortunately it is just the way cable is. The same is true for STBs, but that's a different story/forum all together.

I do have to echo your statement that we are fortunate that we get these HD channels / content without any additional surcharge. Although I can not imagine how they would justify charging twice (normal SD channel paid for).

Beaker,

If you don't have Discovery HD yet, it would appear your system has bandwidth limitations. Is your system a 550 Mhz system? Or is it a 750 Mhz system with an overload of analog channels?

Beaker1024 are they currently upgradeing your area? Within a week or two of them finishing the upgrade to my area of Detroit they started adding and moving around channels including adding Discovery HD. Still no VOD yet!

I am unsure as to what they are doing in my area. I was paying attention more back 6 months or so ago and I know FoxHD was delayed till recently due to local bandwith considerations.

SonomaSearcher - I'm not sure which system it is but they do have alot of analog channels still. Just as many as ever.

Renagade - I wish I knew, it sounds promising that they would do an upgrade and add in DiscoveryHD and such but I just don't know.

BTW Funny thing is we have had VOD for a while now (Even HBO and Showtime/TWC VOD channels now). Not that it's really of any use to me.

2nd odd point is that they have commericials and hype about the NFL network channel but I have yet to find it in my area's lineup. *Shrug* I'd rather take more HD channels though. :)

Area = New London County, CT Comcast; STB = SA3250HD w/SARA software.

GoIrish, thanks for the clarification on local HD. I know that Comcast is not the villain here, but I was looking for some way to allow us to get Fox45 without jeopardizing Comcasts local channel negotiation strategies.

Have you heard anything about when the channels in Baltimore will be standardized or just in the next 60 days?

Actually I don't think that Comcast can or would remain static, nor that they aren't concerned or committed to HD as some said. Their efforts in getting out HD-DVRs this year shows that, as well as DiscoveryHD and NBAHD-TV this spring and the NFLHD recaps this fall.

I realize that Comcast doesn't have a tier, so they have to add HD channels with an eye towards economics and to meet competition. I just know the pleasure that my wife and I get from the INHDs, PBSHD and DiscoveryHD and know that it would be increased with HDNET. And the pleasure I would get from ESPN2HD. And the potential for BravoHD+ (although if, as NBC expands it, it becomes a regular commercial station with HD programming then forget it).

If I gave the impression that I was dissatisfied with Comcast, then I apologize. We are lucky in the Baltimore area to have a Comcast system that is able to assimilate and respond to new changes. Sometimes I just get impatient.

When I got Comcast HD in April 2003 there were 4 channels (ABCHD, NBCHD, HBO, SHO) and then the additions started that summer.

So I really am at the 1/2 full stage, really 3/4 full.

Rich N.

Raidbuck,
My comments actually weren't intended towards you other than the clarification on HD broadcast carriage. A few posts preceding yours stated that Comcast was more focused on other things and HD wasn't important.

I understand the Baltimore area is doing their master digital line-up reset in early December. They have said they will be mailing all customers the week preceding the change with new line-up information. Most channels actually stay the same. HD moves to the low 200's and from what I understand there is a lot of space, channel # wise, committed to future HD growth, so at least they're planning ahead.

Regards,
GoIrish

I stated that I dont believe HD is a priority to comcast, and I stand by that. Tier or no tier. Would I pay extra? I don't know. I have hbohd, but not the others. But I enjoy having the option of having the others and feel the same about other HD channels.

What irritates me is that they boast about HD channels and HD TVs not being complete w/o comcast and then they drag their feet on adding channels. My local WB is HD, but said due to comcasts terms, they refuse to sign an agreement for retransmission.

quote taken from local WB:


The decision to not sign a digital retransmission consent agreement with Comcast was a corporate one. Bottom line Comcast wants to control our signal, that is unacceptable. I for one like our companies position as Comcast will not agree to full-bandwidth retransmission.

I did get foxhd recently, and that is a great addition, but it seems that what directed comcast to add that was football. I suspect the execs dont care much for the nba or it would be a priority to add tnt.

btw, VOD isn't all it is cracked up to be IMO...

Originally posted by sikoniko
What irritates me is that they boast about HD channels and HD TVs not being complete w/o comcast and then they drag their feet on adding channels. My local WB is HD, but said due to comcasts terms, they refuse to sign an agreement for retransmission.

quote taken from local WB:
The decision to not sign a digital retransmission consent agreement with Comcast was a corporate one. Bottom line Comcast wants to control our signal, that is unacceptable. I for one like our companies position as Comcast will not agree to full-bandwidth retransmission.

Your local WB isn't telling you the truth. Comcast always transmits the full bandwidth of an HD signal (1080i or 720p) from a local station.

what are the odds that the next 3 HD channels added by comcast'll be TNT-HD and HDNET/HDNET MOVIES?

Originally posted by kevin j
what are the odds that the next 3 HD channels added by comcast'll be TNT-HD and HDNET/HDNET MOVIES?

zero, next one will be ESPN2 HD

hopefully after ESPN2 HD those other 3'll get added

This could be an interesting poll. I would vote for Turner Classic Movies HD, which Turner claims will premiere by the end of 2004.

TCM-HD be OAR?

I hope its more which cable company does comcast buy out

cablevision hopefully :)

Originally posted by DaveFi
TCM-HD be OAR?

They have a very strong OAR policy and even run "tutorials" on the channel (between movies) and on their web site. So one would think so. Certainly hope so!

I was told by a comcast rep (manager level who I attended a class with, not phone support) that they hoped to add 5 HD channels by the end of the year. This was before FOXHD and DSCHD was added.

With that being said, I still do not believe comcast has HD as a priority and I know I generally sound pessimistic, but they provide what they provide, and I enjoy the quality I get, so I can not complain about that. I just complain about them boasting that they offer more than the others when the fact is that the don't.

I believe next year will be a big year for HD, and of course the following year even bigger. There is no way that comcast will be able to stay too far behind.

Therefor, my prediction is that the next calendar year (2005) will double, if not possibly more. I currently have 13 HD channels available, and I think there will be almost 30 by the end of next year.

With six more available that, to my knowledge, are not on any comcast system, or having been announced:

HDNET
HDMovies
ESPN2
Bravo
TNT
TCM

This Would only leave 11 more new channels for all of next year. I feel that that is completely probable.

The only question is 'how are they going to implement this?'

With analog going away, it seems they could have 3 tiers -> 1. digital 2.HD 3. Premium (hbo, MAX, SHO, etc.)

Currently HD is only $5 more, but I think it is safe to say that digital will fill in the current analog spot and HD will fall into Digial.

This is just my guess. But it makes sense to me.

I enjoy hearing various people's perspectives on the level of Comcast HD support. I just don't see how they can offer too many new channels without raising prices somewhere. My priorities are ESPN2HD and non-commercial channels, like HDNET and BravoHD. Others want TNT-HD. Certainly a vexing problem for Comcast.

As for analog going away, I think that may be a few years in the future. I'm sure Comcast will add several national HD channels before then.

Rich N.

Originally posted by sikoniko
I stated that I dont believe HD is a priority to comcast, and I stand by that. Tier or no tier. Would I pay extra? I don't know. I have hbohd, but not the others. But I enjoy having the option of having the others and feel the same about other HD channels.

What irritates me is that they boast about HD channels and HD TVs not being complete w/o comcast and then they drag their feet on adding channels. My local WB is HD, but said due to comcasts terms, they refuse to sign an agreement for retransmission.

quote taken from local WB:



I did get foxhd recently, and that is a great addition, but it seems that what directed comcast to add that was football. I suspect the execs dont care much for the nba or it would be a priority to add tnt.

btw, VOD isn't all it is cracked up to be IMO...

The local WB here in Jacksonville plain out sucks. It has a weak signal that is directional, and that directional only covers about 20% of the market with a somewhat decent signal.

Try having a ChannelMaster 3018 mounted outside and not being able to get WB from 21 miles straight away. All other signals from the same tower site had 90-95% signal. Thats how piss-poor the WB here is. Their management has even said they don't see why they should care about the 8 people who can see it:
http://jacksonville.com/tu-online/stories/092004/bus_highdef1.shtml
"That's something we've been looking at; what are we going to do with the additional bandwidth?" said Mike Liff, general manager of WJWB TV-17. The station, a WB affiliate, may consider creating a movie channel if it creates a second digital channel.

But WJWB doesn't see a reason to push forward with multicasting now. Its digital station won't even reach full power until next year.

"For the eight people who have it, we didn't think the expense was worth it," Liff said.

Dont blame Comcast for that.

BTW, we have what? 12 available HD channels? (5 locals, CBS, PBS, NBC, ABC, FOX) . I would say that is pretty good service.
Could it be more? Yup, but Im not complaining.

You want to complain? Go yell at the local WB.

It has been said here by someone we all know and love who gets plenty of info from Comcast that they are looking to add 3 channels by years end (at least at the time he said it). I can't remember if it was 3 national channels or 2 national and 1 local.

I think one major holdup with Comcast adding new HD channels is bandwidth. I am going to make an educated guess and say that at least 50% of Comcast systems which currently offer HD channels are bandwidth impacted in some way. So, even though 50% of systems could easily absorb a new HD channel, Comcast's thought is why bother paying $$$ for a new, non-local HD channel when only 50% (or less) of systems have the bandwidth to add it immediately.

Which is not to say Comcast absolutely will not add another national HD channel until some systems free up bandwidth. I am sure that if TNT/TCM, HDNet, Bravo, Encore or TMC came to Comcat with a great deal for their HD channel(s), Comcast would find a way to launch it in the bandwidth rich systems now and the bandwidth challenged systems later.

Comcast is also certainly reserving bandwidth for ESPN2 HD, so that is another factor in whether/when certain HD channels get carriage.

I know most people assume Comcast will carry ESPN2-HD at launch. I'm hoping that Comcast will announce an agreement with ESPN to do so. Is there anything official?

Thanks,

Rich N.

Originally posted by raidbuck
I know most people assume Comcast will carry ESPN2-HD at launch. I'm hoping that Comcast will announce an agreement with ESPN to do so. Is there anything official?

Knowing Comcast, the official notice will probably be released 2 weeks after we start receiving the channel.

Originally posted by SonomaSearcher
I think one major holdup with Comcast adding new HD channels is bandwidth. I am going to make an educated guess and say that at least 50% of Comcast systems which currently offer HD channels are bandwidth impacted in some way. So, even though 50% of systems could easily absorb a new HD channel, Comcast's thought is why bother paying $$$ for a new, non-local HD channel when only 50% (or less) of systems have the bandwidth to add it immediately.

Which is not to say Comcast absolutely will not add another national HD channel until some systems free up bandwidth. I am sure that if TNT/TCM, HDNet, Bravo, Encore or TMC came to Comcat with a great deal for their HD channel(s), Comcast would find a way to launch it in the bandwidth rich systems now and the bandwidth challenged systems later.

Comcast is also certainly reserving bandwidth for ESPN2 HD, so that is another factor in whether/when certain HD channels get carriage.

You are probably right. I know a lot of PPV channels have been disappearing lately though. Which I'm fine with because I rarely use them and VOD is better.

Originally posted by SonomaSearcher
... Comcast is also certainly reserving bandwidth for ESPN2 HD, so that is another factor in whether/when certain HD channels get carriage.

Reserving bandwidth? Maybe in CA but certainly not here in the Hartford, CT area. We don't even have DiscoveryHD yet. Nor do we have INHD2 anymore (was removed when ABC HD was added). We did get FoxHD though. Hmmm, Fox or Discovery? Personally I would have added Discovery first.

To me it looks like they are scrambling to GET bandwidth in this area. Yet Comcast does have and is pushing VOD here. How much BW does VOD take away from HD? I'd rather see more HD than VOD. I hardly use the service. How do you find out what type of system they have? ...please don't say call :)

Andy

Originally posted by drhill
You are probably right. I know a lot of PPV channels have been disappearing lately though. Which I'm fine with because I rarely use them and VOD is better.

We just got a letter from Comcast stating that Cinemax and MoreMax will only be available over digital starting in December. Anyone else get something like that (sorry if this has been posted already)? Hopefully they're freeing bandwidth for more HD.

Nope. Haven't gotten that yet. I'll keep a closer eye out for it rather than just trash the Comcast junk mail.

Originally posted by Brodequin
Hopefully they're freeing bandwidth for more HD.

Amen to that!

Andy

Broedequin, always informative to put your location in your profile so we know what area just got the message that you received.

Rich N.

Originally posted by Andy238
Reserving bandwidth? Maybe in CA but certainly not here in the Hartford, CT area. We don't even have DiscoveryHD yet. Nor do we have INHD2 anymore (was removed when ABC HD was added). We did get FoxHD though. Hmmm, Fox or Discovery? Personally I would have added Discovery first.

To me it looks like they are scrambling to GET bandwidth in this area. Yet Comcast does have and is pushing VOD here. How much BW does VOD take away from HD? I'd rather see more HD than VOD. I hardly use the service. How do you find out what type of system they have? Sounds like you are in a 550 Mhz system. Otherwise jocularly known as the Comcast "2% Club"-- based on Comcast's statements to its investors that 98% of its systems are rebuilt. Such systems also exist in parts of the San Francisco Bay Area, the Pittsburgh, PA area, the Dallas, TX area and, I believe, the Los Angeles, CA area (and there may be other systems in other areas which are at 550 Mhz and thus bandwidth challenged in terms of adding additional HD channels).

Originally posted by SonomaSearcher
Sounds like you are in a 550 Mhz system. Otherwise jocularly known as the Comcast "2% Club"-- based on Comcast's statements to its investors that 98% of its systems are rebuilt. Such systems also exist in parts of the San Francisco Bay Area, the Pittsburgh, PA area, the Dallas, TX area and, I believe, the Los Angeles, CA area (and there may be other systems in other areas which are at 550 Mhz and thus bandwidth challenged in terms of adding additional HD channels).

SonomaSearcher - So it seems the CT (atleast the mid / southeast) Comcast area is a 550 Mhz system. You have stated on several occasions that they are rebuilding (updating) these systems. Do you know if Comcast has a rough ETA / Goal of completing the rebuilds (all 100% areas, as we unfortunate 2% are waiting) of the regional systems?

BTW I know that the New London County Comcast is a SA STB with SA software and what Andy238 described is 100% what we are going through. I wish they would dump the VOD (if it is hindering bandwith) for more HD channels. DiscoveryHD would be nice sometime this year (well early next year) along with ESPN2HD in January.

Is there any chance us 2% 550 Mhz areas will even get ESPN2HD in Jan?

Well that just sucks. I can barely stand 2% milk! Patience is a what again? :rolleyes:

Andy

Originally posted by Beaker1024
SonomaSearcher - So it seems the CT (atleast the mid / southeast) Comcast area is a 550 Mhz system. You have stated on several occasions that they are rebuilding (updating) these systems. Do you know if Comcast has a rough ETA / Goal of completing the rebuilds (all 100% areas, as we unfortunate 2% are waiting) of the regional systems? I have? You must be thinking of someone else. I wish I could say that Comcast is doing so for my good friends who live just to the north of me (in Santa Rosa, CA) but it appears they will be stuck on 550 Mhz for quite some time.

I cannot speak about other 550MHz areas, but SonomaSearcher is correct about Santa Rosa,CA. The prevailing position here is that Comcast is NOT going to upgrade from 550 to 860MHz, instead they are going to implement new compression technologies along with analog channel attrition, both of which are not things that are going to happen tomorrow, the next day or probably not even by sometime next year.



SonomaSearcher,
The mail delivery failed...you have PM

Originally posted by SonomaSearcher
Sounds like you are in a 550 Mhz system. Otherwise jocularly known as the Comcast "2% Club"-- based on Comcast's statements to its investors that 98% of its systems are rebuilt. Such systems also exist in parts of the San Francisco Bay Area, the Pittsburgh, PA area, the Dallas, TX area and, I believe, the Los Angeles, CA area (and there may be other systems in other areas which are at 550 Mhz and thus bandwidth challenged in terms of adding additional HD channels).

I live in central Florida and must be in that 2% club. Right now we get only 7 HD channels:
NBC
CBS
INHD
INHD2
ESPN
HBO
Showtime

In addition, we don't have VOD or PVR available. And the "digital" stations look like total crap. They compress them so much that there are large blocks of a solid color where there should be slight gradations. Faces look particularly bad on some channels, resembling blobs of solid color more that human faces.

As for the topic, I'd like to see any station added. I would hope to at least get ABC so that I can watch MNF, Desperate Housewives, and Lost. Would also like to see us get up to speed with other markets in getting DiscoveryHD.

Does anyone know or have an idea when Comcast will add the WB HD in the NJ/NY Metro area?

Would like to see WB HD here in Detroit also..

Originally posted by julkruk
Does anyone know or have an idea when Comcast will add the WB HD in the NJ/NY Metro area?

Please post in the appropriate local thread.

Originally posted by blitzen102
Please post in the appropriate local thread. Or here:

http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?s=&threadid=375606

While we are on the topic, note the following:

In the San Francisco and Detroit areas, the WB stations are owned by Granite Broadcasting, which is offering up its digital/HD signal to Comcast with no strings attached (unlike some other WB station owners). So only Comcast knows why it does not carry WB HD in the Detroit and San Francisco areas.

I sure would like to see WB HD up on Comcast before the LOTR (FOTR) showing coming up later this month. I can receive Sacramento's WB station OTA, so I can watch it that way, but my OTA STB does not have firewire out, so I will not be able to record it.

This channel appeared in my COMCAST HD channel lineup several weeks ago, but until now has only been a static display of the "HDSE" logo with music.

Tonight they aired a one-hour telecast of the NFL Game of the Week: highlights of the Steelers-Patriots game. Of course, it was free. I suspect it was just a warmup for their usual PPV fare; e.g., $55 boxing matches.

Originally posted by dneily
This channel appeared in my COMCAST HD channel lineup several weeks ago, but until now has only been a static diplay of the "HDSE" logo with music.

Tonight they aired a one-hour telecast of the NFL Game of the Week: highlights of the Steelers-Patriots game. Of course, it was free. I suspect it was just a warmup for their usual PPV fare; e.g., $55 boxing matches.

That channel popped up here in Sacramento a few weeks ago, and it's only been used for the NFL Game of the Week...so far... I believe it will also be used for the CSN HD Kings games which start in December. It would be great to have it actually function as a PPV channel when not showing specific events. Comcast might actually get a few bucks from me for PPV then.

Well they must have been busy in Dallas because in DFW we are getting the following HD Channels on Comcast with VOD right around the corner:

ABC-HD
NBC-HD
CBS-HD
FOX-HD
WB-HD
PBS-HD
DiscoveryHD
ESPNHD
INHD1
INHD2
All of the HD versions of HBO, SHO, etc..

I would like to see Bravo-HD before TNT-HD myself.

Laters,
Jeff

More distressing news. To all those people who didn't think BravoHD+ was any good and Comcast shouldn't waste bandwidth....here comes NBC-U which will have unedited and uncut movies, along with other shows and sports. If we'd had BravoHD+ we'd be getting that now.

Just another channel that more and more people will have that we won't.

I'm getting concerned that Comcast feels no pressure to add obviously high-interest channels for whatever reasons. ESPN2HD, HDNET and NBC-U are "no-brainer" channels for a competitive situation with D*. (others would point to TNT-HD as well). With INHD running out of ideas (Eating contests in HD?!) we need some new HD non-commercial channels. And if you aren't a sports fan Comcast is definitely behind most HD suppliers.

Comcast does have a decent lineup, and was a leader. But they will fall quickly compared to D* and others now. I guess we'll just have to wait a year or so before they feel any pressure. I've heard nothing to give encouragement even in this thread.

Rich N.

From my discussions with various Comcast people, it would appear that the next two HD channels to be added will be ESPN2HD and BravoHD. It would appear that talks with HD Net and TNT are getting nowhere, at least for now.

Originally posted by JWhip
From my discussions with various Comcast people, it would appear that the next two HD channels to be added will be ESPN2HD and BravoHD. It would appear that talks with HD Net and TNT are getting nowhere, at least for now.

SPICE HD? ;)

Originally posted by JWhip
From my discussions with various Comcast people, it would appear that the next two HD channels to be added will be ESPN2HD and BravoHD. It would appear that talks with HD Net and TNT are getting nowhere, at least for now.

Sure wish mcuban would chime in and tell us what the hold up is...

The next HD channel in NYC area will be MSG.

wait how is comcast gonna get msg when they're owned by arch rival cablevision?
is cablevision going to okay this? and when is this going to happen?

Originally posted by JWhip
From my discussions with various Comcast people, it would appear that the next two HD channels to be added will be ESPN2HD and BravoHD. It would appear that talks with HD Net and TNT are getting nowhere, at least for now.

Do you have any idea when? ESPN2 in January, BravoHD....??:)

Originally posted by RelDudeGOP
wait how is comcast gonna get msg when they're owned by arch rival cablevision?
is cablevision going to okay this? and when is this going to happen?

Same way most channel swaps occur. COmcast will get MSG and carry something else Cablevision wants or make available something Cablevision wants.

THe hold up with HD Net is likely money. ESPNHD@ will be on in January. Not sure about bravo.

Originally posted by Al Shing
KONG is actually owned by KING, which is the NBC affliate in Seattle. It must have been a condition for getting KING on the system. When KING preempts NBC programming, they frequently put the programs on KONG.


LOL........KING KONG!

Originally posted by JWhip
THe hold up with HD Net is likely money. ESPNHD@ will be on in January. Not sure about bravo.

Here's the NE Comcast response Re: UniversalHD (nee BraveHD).


"At the present time, we do not have an agreement with Universal HD to
carry their HD programming. While we do not currently offer this
channel, it is possible that we may be able to bring it to you in the
future.

Comcast is constantly working on ways to provide the maximum range of
services to our subscribers. Unfortunately, for various reasons,
some services that we hope to provide at some point may not be available
to our subscribers at this time. When they become available to us, we
will be glad to add them to our existing lineup. Although High
Definition Television is still in its early stages, we are moving as
quickly as we can to provide as much content as possible.

When we are faced with programming decisions, input from our customers
is extremely important. While at this time, I cannot say that the _
will be added to our lineup, I can assure you that your request will be
forwarded to and given every consideration by our Marketing Team.

We value your opinion tremendously. Thank you for making this
suggestion and for being a Comcast customer.

If you have any additional questions, please call our customer service
department or contact us online. Our customer service department can be
reached at 1-888-COMCAST or 973-736-7400. We are open 24 hours a day, 7
days a week for your convenience."

As BravoHD becomes rebranded as Universal HD, I would definitely want Comcast to carry Universal HD based on the NBC Universal press release describing how it will be reconstituted. It is going to be a must have channel.

For me #1 would be WB-HD, #2 HDNet, and #3 ESPN2-HD

Originally posted by SaabCaptain
For me #1 would be WB-HD, #2 HDNet, and #3 ESPN2-HD

Chicago Comcast has had WGN (WB-HD) since April.

Originally posted by Don H
The next HD channel in NYC area will be MSG.

Oh how I wish this was true. Oh how do I. But I don't see it happening. The funny thing is we know that all these cable companies are rivals but I've NEVER seen an area where you had a choice. I get Comcast, but from the best of my knowledge I can't get cablevision.

Originally posted by vj9999
Chicago Comcast has had WGN (WB-HD) since April.
The Canadian DBS system, BEV, has carried WGN HD for several months. Don't think I have ever watched it. WB doesn't have anything I would watch.

...mike

Originally posted by eq_shadimar
Well they must have been busy in Dallas because in DFW we are getting the following HD Channels on Comcast with VOD right around the corner:

ABC-HD
NBC-HD
CBS-HD
FOX-HD
WB-HD
PBS-HD
DiscoveryHD
ESPNHD
INHD1
INHD2
All of the HD versions of HBO, SHO, etc..

I would like to see Bravo-HD before TNT-HD myself.

Laters,
Jeff


Ahhh, it must be nice to have bandwidth. Sigh....

Seattle is still waiting for CBS :mad:

With $2 to $3 per month rate increases for digital packages (and full analog or "standard" cable), that's more money Comcast can put toward acquiring digital and HD programming rights.

8 million digital subscribers x $2 per month x 12 months = an additional $192 million in subscriber fees for the 2005 calendar year. Anyone think Comcast can throw some of that $192 million toward new national HD channels (Universal HD, HDNet & HDNet Movies, Outdoor Channel HD {coming July 2005}, TNT HD, TCM HD {are the rumors about this new HD channel for real}, Encore HD, TMC HD)??

Or will the whole $192+ million go toward paying off debt? (Note I am NOT including the additional $2 per month to be paid by "standard"/"expanded" cable subscribers.)

I still think Universal HD will be the first to arrive (after ESPN2 HD, which is already in contract). It will be a big combined HD/VOD deal sometime within the next 45 days. (This is a speculative prediction only-- not fact based, other than what I know about Universal HD and Universal's new VOD library, as well as Comcast's general approach to HD and VOD programming.)

According to the two customer service emails I received from Turner Classic Movies (not form letters, which I have received in the past, but a real letter) and according to the FAQ section of their web site, TCM in HD is supposed to launch "soon". (They were saying by the end of 2004...)

http://www.turnerclassicmovies.com/feedback?faqID=00000000000000000000000000000048&action=answer&qID=searchList&topicID=00000000000000000000000000000040

Comcast just added UPN in the HD tier (South Jersey)!

I just wish they would add TNT-HD and Universal HD in the Colorado Market.

I will be waiting for Direct TVs answer to more HD in the mean time.

Espn2HD already in contract?if it were we'd have it by now imho.

maybe this is a dumb question, but wouldn't HDNet be about the last channel comcast would add since it competes with InHD?

Probably but if we ask for it often enough they'll have to add HDNET or they'll never hear the end of it.

Probably but if we ask for it often enough they'll have to add HDNET or they'll never hear the end of it.
HDNet back doored it's way onto Comcast in the SF bay area. One of the local independents is running year old HDNet programming on a digital HD sub-channel that Comcast carries.. :)