How about changing names on the account? If the account is in the name of "Mr. Jones", cancel, and put new acct. in Mrs. Jones name (better yet, her maiden name) - worst that can happen if you "make up" a name is yoou'llneed yo pay a deposit.

...mike

Most companies like this- if you threaten to cancel, will transfer you to "retentions" where you will ofter be offered "new" customer deals to stay. Comcast did offer to do this when I wanted to cancel their internet after the promotion period. It was too late as we already had switched to DSL. Cell companies do this as well.

Thanks. I actually just had pretty good luck being nice with comcast customer service. I was trying to get one of the internet deals for new customers only. I said that I was online doing it now and that the site seems to know I am an existing customer and still shows the lower special price (therefore, I felt I should get the special). He said that my order would be bounced later when it sees that service is all ready on for that address. I said that if I had to pay the normal price for the Digital package I wanted that I would likely switch to Directv. He said that he could look for specials for existing customer. He found one that was not quite as good as the new-customer one but still pretty good.... so I took it. I said that I would only accept the newer DCX3400 HDDVR.

BTW, so far I have been pretty happy with the HD quality. Looks much better than it did at my friend's house that made me think I would not go with comcast (he did not have the DCX box). I split the signal out of my wall to go to the box (then HDMI to the TV) and the other to go coax directly to the TV. This is so that I could do a comparison of the 7 clear-QAM HD channnels that I have been living on for the past 18 months with the same 7 channels going through the DCX3400 box. I cannot see any real difference and I am pretty picky about PQ. BTW, I am running the DCX3400 in "native" mode so that it always puts out the resolution that the channel was broadcasted in... thus letting my Pioneer Kuro do the resolution conversion.

If you really want a true comparison and you can get OTA, hook up an antenna directly to the Pioneer and do an A/B between the same channel OTA vs. the box (or wall). I'd wager that you'll see a difference.

If you really want a true comparison and you can get OTA, hook up an antenna directly to the Pioneer and do an A/B between the same channel OTA vs. the box (or wall). I'd wager that you'll see a difference.


Thanks. I guess I incorrectly thought that clear-QAM HD from the wall was the same quality as OTA HD. Maybe I will get an HD antenna and throw that in the mix.

Thanks. I guess I incorrectly thought that clear-QAM HD from the wall was the same quality as OTA HD. Maybe I will get an HD antenna and throw that in the mix.I'd think that the clear-QAM and the box would be virtually identical, as the source for each is the same. I'd also think that digital OTA is as good as it gets, as there's absolutely nothing between you and the original signal except literally thin air. Using that logic, OTA would be the benchmark for which other broadcast sources can be compared.

Also, if you're in Davie, you're not all that far from the antenna farm, so you should get most if not all stations fine OTA unless you've got structures in the way. You're aware that there's really no such thing as an "HD" antenna, right? Just make sure you use something that can receive both VHF and UHF, as 7 & 10 are VHF on RF 7 & 10 respectively.

I'd think that the clear-QAM and the box would be virtually identical, as the source for each is the same. I'd also think that digital OTA is as good as it gets, as there's absolutely nothing between you and the original signal except literally thin air. Using that logic, OTA would be the benchmark for which other broadcast sources can be compared. ....Unless, of course, the station in question has one or more sub-channels. This is something that can definitely impact the OTA quality. I have no idea if that may or may not be the case here.

Unless, of course, the station in question has one or more sub-channels. This is something that can definitely impact the OTA quality. I have no idea if that may or may not be the case here.Except for stations like Ion that have 3 or 4 subs, I'd still think that the primary OTA HD broadcast will be clearer to the eye than any sat/cable transmission. I'm thinking that sat/cable compression looks "dirtier" than an HD OTA broadcast, even with that station carrying a sub-channel OTA.

That said, this begs the question: How do sat/cable providers receive signals that they broadcast over their systems that are also broadcast OTA? Do the have direct feeds for each channel/sub-channel from each station, or do they just have massive OTA antenna complexes? Or is it a combination of both? Inquiring minds want to know...

You Comcast subscribers may care to check this post over at Broadband DSL Reports (if you haven’t already seen it): http://www.dslreports.com/forum/r23165682-South-Florida-Guide-Upgrades-iGuide-A28 (http://www.dslreports.com/forum/r23165682-South-Florida-Guide-Upgrades-iGuide-A28)

“We have all received notices that in our area our network will be going all digital on 10/20/09 and that those without boxes will need DTA adapters for viewing their channels above 25.”

I do not recall seeing this particular message, notice, or however it was delivered. Has anyone else received this notification?

I did receive the message regarding the iGuide update on the 14th.

Anyone have any further information?

Except for stations like Ion that have 3 or 4 subs, I'd still think that the primary OTA HD broadcast will be clearer to the eye than any sat/cable transmission. I'm thinking that sat/cable compression looks "dirtier" than an HD OTA broadcast, even with that station carrying a sub-channel OTA.

That said, this begs the question: How do sat/cable providers receive signals that they broadcast over their systems that are also broadcast OTA? Do the have direct feeds for each channel/sub-channel from each station, or do they just have massive OTA antenna complexes? Or is it a combination of both? Inquiring minds want to know...

I definitely agree that OTA is superior to satellite. I use OTA and satellite and can see the difference. I'd like to know why cable/satellite sends out separate transmissions for SD and HD. I would think that a lot of space would be saved by just resending the HD and let the equipment on the receiving end do the downgrading. Then again, I'm not an expert on this.

I definitely agree that OTA is superior to satellite. I use OTA and satellite and can see the difference. I'd like to know why cable/satellite sends out separate transmissions for SD and HD. I would think that a lot of space would be saved by just resending the HD and let the equipment on the receiving end do the downgrading. Then again, I'm not an expert on this.

The answer is simple: Backwards compatibility.

There are older digital cable boxes out there, for example the GI DCT 2000, which can't decode HD channels at all, much less downscale them. In order to stop broadcasting the digital SD channel, they would have to upgrade every last cable box out there at a significant expense.

This means we're going to be stuck with SD versions of HD channels for a long time, until the cable company sees fit to replace all those older digital cable boxes that can't handle the higher resolutions of HD channels.

Has anyone else received this notification

Yup, I got it in Davie. This is what finally motivated me to get the DTA's for my SD TVs and the DCX3400 for my main HDTV. I was running straight from the wall until now with Comcast. I've read that we'll loose channels 25-75 even on Digital TVs since they plan to encrypt those. Although, I would still get my Clear QAM comcast HD channels without the box...

Anyway, for now I am happy with the DCX3400. Hoping the switch to digital for the expanded basic does what you wrote about in your July post from this thread (http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?p=16789353#post16789353).... i.e. adds more HD channels... I hope they also return to 2 HD channels per QAM channel instead of 3 that I believe they went to.

Has anyone been to the Sunrise Comcast office to exchange their old box for the newer
DCX3400 HDDVR box? You can not find out from the 1-800 comcast number if it is available.

You Comcast subscribers may care to check this post over at Broadband DSL Reports (if you haven’t already seen it): http://www.dslreports.com/forum/r23165682-South-Florida-Guide-Upgrades-iGuide-A28 (http://www.dslreports.com/forum/r23165682-South-Florida-Guide-Upgrades-iGuide-A28)

“We have all received notices that in our area our network will be going all digital on 10/20/09 and that those without boxes will need DTA adapters for viewing their channels above 25.”

I do not recall seeing this particular message, notice, or however it was delivered. Has anyone else received this notification?

I did receive the message regarding the iGuide update on the 14th.

Anyone have any further information?

I got this notification as well but the date has come and gone and I don't see any of the features described. Has anyone seen anything different on your box?

BTW, when did the HSN interactive purchase button show up? That's pretty wild, and might I say, dangerous?

I got this notification as well but the date has come and gone and I don't see any of the features described. Has anyone seen anything different on your box?

BTW, when did the HSN interactive purchase button show up? That's pretty wild, and might I say, dangerous?Yes, the date has come and gone and according to an update posted in the thread I linked to, the new date is the 27th!!!!

I'll believe it when I see it! :D

I know nothing about the interactive button on HSN! :confused:

Comcast just turned off analog channels here in broward county.

Has anyone been to the Sunrise Comcast office to exchange their old box for the newer
DCX3400 HDDVR box? You can not find out from the 1-800 comcast number if it is available.

I'd like to know this as well. Have you tried calling 954-comcast?

Has anyone been to the Sunrise Comcast office to exchange their old box for the newer
DCX3400 HDDVR box? You can not find out from the 1-800 comcast number if it is available.

I picked up a DCX3400 at the Plantation office on Sunrise Blvd. Friend also picked one up there later. Not sure on Sunrise office.

BTW, I saw that Comcast added 402 in the last couple of days... which is SunSports HD. It used to be combined on 401 with FSN Florida. Now it seems 401 is FSN Florida HD and 402 is SunSports HD.

Did anyone else notice that ESPN (403) HD for the Gator-MissSt game Saturday night was complete crap picture quality? The ESPN2 HD (404) broadcast at the same time was quite good. Wondering if it was on the camera/Tx end by ESPN.

Comcast just turned off analog channels here in broward county.Maybe in some areas but not here in Plantation! (Actually, I think that Comcast considers me more of a part of Lauderhill or Pompano rather than Plantation).

Please identify exactly what area you are speaking of! :confused:

I picked up a DCX3400 at the Plantation office on Sunrise Blvd. Friend also picked one up there later. Not sure on Sunrise office. ...My understanding is that you cannot order a specific model of set-top box or DVR but you can certainly ask if a specific model is available and if it is they will give it to you.

This applies to store pickup or a service call! At least this has been my experience.

Maybe in some areas but not here in Plantation! (Actually, I think that Comcast considers me more of a part of Lauderhill or Pompano rather than Plantation).

Please identify exactly what area you are speaking of! :confused:
Im in Lauderhill, but this mourning the channels were back. Maybe someone messup started too early, but it wasn't some accident because only channels 2-25 worked..

Im in Lauderhill, but this mourning the channels were back. Maybe someone messup started too early, but it wasn't some accident because only channels 2-25 worked..Ah ... thank you! I checked just before I made that post so you would have had them back as well!

The new date is supposedly the 27th (tomorrow) so we'll see. I received the message about the new guide but never received any messages about needing DTAs!

My understanding is that you cannot order a specific model of set-top box or DVR but you can certainly ask if a specific model is available and if it is they will give it to you.

This applies to store pickup or a service call! At least this has been my experience.

Yup, that is how I handled it. Fully prepared to leave if they did not have the box I wanted. I wanted the Native mode of the DCX3400. 320Gig hard drive was a bonus though.

I picked up the new box at the Plantation office last Sat. It does run cooler and seems to change channels faster. Very hard to determine if HD channels are any better than old box. This weekend I will spend a lot more time with the box on my 100 inch screen. So far, on the 40 inch LCD TV , the picture is very clear. I find that picture quality seems to depend more on the network and the quality they put it to their programs.

Fodd Network and HGTV are fantastic while some of the network college games were below average.

Monday night football was very good. In fact, did anyone notice how in the beginning a fly or gnat hovered in front of the camera and then landed on the announcer's forehead? It was so real on my 40 inch LCD that I though that there really was a gnat on my screen for a few seconds. I was hypnotized by the gnat which sat on the forehead for a few minutes before it flew away. I kept on waiting for him to shew it away , but he talked without missing a beat.

Has anyone been to the Sunrise Comcast office to exchange their old box for the newer
DCX3400 HDDVR box? You can not find out from the 1-800 comcast number if it is available.

I got my new comcast 3400 box from the Sunrise comcast store. They had a few of them. They got there boxes in after 2:00 pm everyday. If your going to get one there I would get there after 2:00

I picked up the new box at the Plantation office last Sat. It does run cooler and seems to change channels faster. Very hard to determine if HD channels are any better than old box. This weekend I will spend a lot more time with the box on my 100 inch screen. So far, on the 40 inch LCD TV , the picture is very clear. I find that picture quality seems to depend more on the network and the quality they put it to their programs.

Fodd Network and HGTV are fantastic while some of the network college games were below average.

Monday night football was very good. In fact, did anyone notice how in the beginning a fly or gnat hovered in front of the camera and then landed on the announcer's forehead? It was so real on my 40 inch LCD that I though that there really was a gnat on my screen for a few seconds. I was hypnotized by the gnat which sat on the forehead for a few minutes before it flew away. I kept on waiting for him to shew it away , but he talked without missing a beat.

I have been using the box for a week now. I have it set on native and the channels have delay between them but not to bad. Most of my HD channels look fuzzy though. Things like local HD channels like 7 look good. Don't know why.

My understanding is that you cannot order a specific model of set-top box or DVR but you can certainly ask if a specific model is available and if it is they will give it to you.

This applies to store pickup or a service call! At least this has been my experience.

Is there a way to call these people ahead of time? I tried calling the number but it just goes to the customer service department somewhere else and they say there is no way to directly call that location.

Is there a way to call these people ahead of time? I tried calling the number but it just goes to the customer service department somewhere else and they say there is no way to directly call that location.I assume you mean the service/payment center? To be honest I have no idea! :(

There appears to be three in this area (Plantation, Davie and Ft. Lauderdale) and they all specify the same phone number: 954-252-1937. If you haven't tried this number, maybe it would be worth giving it a go. If you have already tried the number then I guess the answer is "no" unless you have inside information!

I assume you mean the service/payment center? To be honest I have no idea! :(

There appears to be three in this area (Plantation, Davie and Ft. Lauderdale) and they all specify the same phone number: 954-252-1937. If you haven't tried this number, maybe it would be worth giving it a go. If you have already tried the number then I guess the answer is "no" unless you have inside information!

Yeah with that number they won't let you talk to anyone in the service/payment centers.

Im in Lauderhill, but this mourning the channels were back. Maybe someone messup started too early, but it wasn't some accident because only channels 2-25 worked..

My Comcast Extended Basic channels (26-75) now seem to have gone digital (as of this morning in Davie). I really hope they divert some of this bandwidth to improving quality on the HD channels. I have noticed a degredation on ESPN HD lately.

I cannot get channel 10 HD on my digital without the HD box. It was 86-431 - anyone know where it went?

Better reception next summer, maybe...

http://fjallfoss.fcc.gov/cgi-bin/ws.exe/prod/cdbs/pubacc/prod/app_list.pl

WSVN(TV) MIAMI, FLORIDA, TIMELY TRANSITIONED FROM ITS DIGITAL PRE-TRANSITION OPERATION ON CHANNEL 8 TO ITS AUTHORIZED POST-TRANSITION OPERATION ON CHANNEL 7. HOWEVER, WSVN SUBSEQUENTLY RECEIVED MANY HUNDREDS OF CALLS FROM VIEWERS UNABLE TO RECEIVE ITS CHANNEL 7 SIGNAL. IN ADDITION, A MEMBER OF THE FCC'S STAFF INFORMED WSVN BY E-MAIL THAT THE FCC CONSUMER CENTER RECEIVED APPROXIMATELY 3,720 CALLS DURING THE PERIOD OF JUNE 12 THROUGH JUNE 14, 2009 FROM VIEWERS EXPERIENCING DIFFICULTY RECEIVING WSVN ON CHANNEL 7. WSVN BELIEVES THIS SITUATION IS SIMILAR TO REPORTS HEARD FROM OTHER CHANNEL 7 OPERATIONS IN OTHER MARKETS.

AS A CONSEQUENCE, ON JUNE 16, 2009, IN ORDER TO IMMEDIATELY SERVE THE INTERESTS OF WSVN VIEWERS, WSVN REQUESTED SPECIAL TEMPORARY AUTHORIZATION ('STA') TO INCREASE ITS EFFECTIVE RADIATED POWER ('ERP') FROM 31 KW TO 63 KW (SEE FILE NO. BDSTA-20090616ABJ). THE COMMISSION GRANTED THIS STA ON JUNE 17, 2009. THESE INCREASED POWER STA OPERATIONS ALLOW WSVN TO BETTER SERVE VIEWERS IN AND AROUND ITS COMMUNITY OF LICENSE WHILE THE STATION PURSUES A PERMANENT SOLUTION FOR ITS DTV SERVICE ISSUES. AS DEMONSTRATED IN THE ENGINEERING STATEMENT ATTACHED TO WSVN'S INITIAL STA REQUEST, THE PROPOSED POWER INCREASE DOES NOT CAUSE ANY NEW PROHIBITED INTERFERENCE.

SINCE FILING THE INITIAL STA REQUEST, WSVN HAS MADE SIGNIFICANT PROGRESS TOWARD A PERMANENT SOLUTION FOR ITS DTV SERVICES ISSUES. SPECIFICALLY, ON JUNE 19, 2009, WSVN FILED A MINOR MODIFICATION APPLICATION PROPOSING A NEW TOWER SUPPORT STRUCTURE LOCATED NEARBY, A NEW DIRECTIONAL ANTENNA, AND AN INCREASE IN ERP TO 158 KW (SEE FILE NO. BPCDT-20090619ACI). THE COMMISSION GRANTED THIS CONSTRUCTION PERMIT ON JUNE 22, 2009 WITH AN EXPIRATION DATE OF JUNE 22, 2012.

SINCE THAT TIME, TOWER CONSTRUCTION HAS BEEN COMPLETED AND WSVN HAS BEEN PREPARING FOR THE CONSTRUCTION OF THESE NEW FACILITIES. HOWEVER, THIS CONSTRUCTION LIKELY WILL NOT COMPLETED UNTIL APPROXIMATELY MAY 2010. WSVN'S CURRENT STA EXPIRES ON DECEMBER 12, 2009. WSVN THEREFORE RESPECTFULLY REQUESTS THAT THE COMMISSION EXTEND ITS STA. THE INCREASED POWER PERMITTED BY CONTINUED STA OPERATIONS WILL ALLOW WSVN TO BETTER SERVE THE VIEWERS IN AND AROUND ITS COMMUNITY OF LICENSE WHILE IT COMPLETES CONSTRUCTION OF ITS MODIFIED DTV FACILITIES. ACCORDINGLY, AN EXTENSION OF WSVN'S STA WOULD SERVE THE PUBLIC INTEREST.

I cannot get channel 10 HD on my digital without the HD box. It was 86-431 - anyone know where it went?
10 HD for me used to be on 86.431 too. Here is lmy list of update hd channel locations:

2 73.220
4 73.212
6 74.211
7 129.213
10 74.210

10 HD for me used to be on 86.431 too. Here is lmy list of update hd channel locations:

2 73.220
4 73.212
6 74.211
7 129.213
10 74.210

Thanks!!

Why is CBS 4 still in the dark ages with HD? Their news programs look very shabby. Unless you have an old TV, why would anybody want to watch it?

Why is CBS 4 still in the dark ages with HD? Their news programs look very shabby. Unless you have an old TV, why would anybody want to watch it?Great question. At this point, they are simply out of the equation. Is CBS really that cheap that they're not upgrading this market to HD? I have to wonder how the anchors feel about looking so fuzzy (not to mention the godawful color) compared to the competition.

I am new here, but potentially helpful. I need a question answered.

Why does everyone use a . instead of a -. Most of the posts about Comcast cable channels use a . However, on all of my Televisions with QAM, I use a -. It's just a bit weird to me.

I don't know what time occupies all of you, but it takes an hour or two to track Comcast's shifts of QAM channels. They, of course, refuse to publish what they are doing to anyone and have changed twice in the past three weeks. I have the current listing. I created a spreadsheet. It's about 80% finished with all channels listed and most identifiers provided.

Why are none of you doing this? Someone should sue this fricking company for not publishing the channels I am entitled to and paying for. And no, I am not going to pay the $16 a month to translate those channels for me to their published information.

So, how do I post my spreadsheet. What's with all the dots (am I missing something) and is anyone interested? Why has no one spent the short time to do this? Why is a list not kept current?

I will be back once or twice to check for a response.

John

johnboy, welcome.

First, there's no difference between the period and the dash. It's personal preference. Now if you want to start bashing personal preference, you're on your own.

Next, Comcast wants everyone to have a box and not use the QAM tuner on their set, so they'll do the best they can to piss you off if you're using QAM. In your case, it seems to be working.

As for posting attachments, I think you might have to have posted a certain number of posts first - not sure of that though. I'm sure someone here will pipe up with that information.

Finally, as a Comcast customer, you'll get no sympathy from me - I'm strictly OTA for free with the best quality picture available. :)

John - Welcome.
There is a requirement that a new user make a certain number of posts before being able to post attachments. It is to prevent spammers from creating an account and immediately spamming. I don't know what the number is.
If you can, pm me the spreadsheet and i'll try to post it.

...mike

Ok, this is not perfect, but seems to be a whole lot more info than anyone else provided. A few comments. I recommend you all use . (dots) to refer to OTA and - (dash) to refer to QAM channels. Using them interchangably with both is confusing to me and maybe others.

Next, Comcast has shifted its QAM channels twice in three weeks. Some of these may be the same channel. I haven't taken the time to finish this so anyone who wants to contribute and post corrections / additions, I will try to check back and incorporate them.

Next, this applies to West Broward. I was in East Broward. One comcast customer still had 86-432 as NBC6HD So if you are on that system, the notes below will not apply.


QAM CH COMCAST CH DESCRIPTION CHANNEL NAME

LOCAL HD abstracted from below

46-433 CBS4 WFOR
46-440 PBS
47-209 LATV
47-216 WEATHER
47-217
47-431 LOCAL 10 WPLG
47-432 NBC6 WTVJ
48-435 CW WSFL
48-436 MY 33
48-593 SPANISH
129-213 Channel 7 WSVN


26-4 WFOR
26-7 WSVN
26-8 spanish
26-10 WPLG
26-15
26-19
26-21
26-22 spanish
26-23 spanish
26-689 spanish
27-2 PBS
27-3
27-6 NBC6
27-9 spanish
27-11 CW
27-13
27-16
27-17 WLRN
27-20 WXEL PBS
28-30
28-31
28-32 FOX NEWS
28-40
28-41 FX
28-53
28-66
29-25
29-60
29-61
29-62
29-64 A&E
29-65 HISTORY
29-119
29-243 RELIG
30-5 QVC
30-14 CSPAN
30-26 HSN
30-28 CNN
30-29
30-36
30-54
30-57
30-70 GAC
30-104 CSPAN2
31-45 USA
31-47 AMC
31-50
31-51
31-52
31-55
31-56
31-67
31-68
31-69 MTV
31-71
31-72
32-18 GUIDE
32-33
32-34 SPORTS
32-35
32-38
32-39
32-41
32-42 TNT
32-43 TBS
32-48 TVLAND
33-58 E!
33-59
33-63
33-70 CMT
33-137 HALLMARK



41-58 E!
41-59 Style
41-63 Spike
41-70 CMT
41-137 Hallmark

46-201 PBS SPANISH
46-202 PBS CREATE
46-433 WFOR
46-440 PBS

47-209 LATV
47-216 WEATHER
47-217
47-431 WPLG
47-432 NBC6
48-435 CW WSFL
48-436 MY 33
48-593 SPANISH
67-12
67-27 TWC
77-636


93-785 spanish


94-4
94-7
94-8

94-9 WGEN
94-10 WPLG
94-15 spanish
94-19
94-21
94-22 spanish
94-23 spanish
94-689 spanish
119- mostly music
120- mostly music
124-45 USA
124-47 AMC
124-50 NICK
124-51 Disney
124-52 Cartoon Network
124-55 Discovery
124-56 TLC
124-67 Comedy Central
124-68 SYFY
124-69 MTV
124-71 VH1
124-72
125-18 GUIDE
125-33 Tru TV
125-34 SPORTS
125-35 Sports
125-38 Sports
125-39 Sports
125-41 Sports
125-42 TNT
125-43 TBS
125-48 TV LAND
129-2
129-213 WSVN FOX HD

I'm pretty sure you have to have five posts under your belt before you can include links or make an attachment.

TTBOMK Comcast does not officially support QAM. It is just something that is, essentially, a by-product of their cable service. As such they move the channel mapping around at will and without letting anyone know!

Ok.... I am too new here... What is ttbomk?

Really? Pleading with Comcast? They won't publish QAM information and we are going to nicely ask them to add a channel? I want to know what you are smoking? I think someone needs to sue them. I need to know if they are required by the FCC to carry local channels, local HD channels??? I know this went both ways but don't know the current law. Because if they are and if they refuse to publish the channels on which they carry mandated broadcasts, I think a judge would take a dim view of that? Anyone know any of these answers??

And while we are talking lawsuits. How about Harmony Remotes.... will not accept xxx-xxx for favorite channels on their software - - only 6 characters allowed...

ttbomk = to the best of my knowledge

TTBOMK = To The Best Of My Knowledge.

Comcast and other cable companies do not support QAM; it just happens to be there! Local channels are always available OTA (Over The Air).

Good luck with your law suit!! :eek:

I have been having a problem the last couple of days and I trying to figure out if it's the DVR or my TV to blame!

A dark translucent gray rectangle is appearing on the screen. It is centered vertically and over to right horizontally. It is possible to view the underlying picture but it looks like a shadow over the area.

It is there on all SD pictures (channel or guide), all the time. On the HD channels it comes and goes (luckily it “gos” more than it “comes”).

It only happens on the DVR input (I am using component). It does not happen on the two DVD player inputs. These are the only inputs I am using.

If it is set to an SD channel (rectangle is always there) and I change the TV’s viewing modes (I have four of them) the rectangle goes away for about three seconds and then it returns!

Has anybody seen this before or have any ideas as to who the culprit might be?

^^^ Problem appears to be solved. Looks like it was the result of my playing around with the captioning option on the TV (for some guests) and leaving it set to "Text 4".

Once turned back to "off" the gray box appears to have gone away!

Bryan:

You / we should all reconsider your position. First, I am not sure that they cannot be compelled to provide QAM information for local channels including HD. Yes, they are huge, but I can tell you that this would be the second lawsuit I have filed. I won / settled the first against a company I cannot mention nor why on a QAM issue. I am a litigation attorney but do not know or work in FCC law. I had to learn some of it for the last suit.

OF COURSE THEY "support" QAM, unless you mean by 'support' that they will help you with it. They PROVIDE QAM signals. Lack of their "help" with them is not the equal of they are not required to disclose their channel listings.

Again, I am relatively certain that the FCC law requires them to carry local channels and they are taking the ludicrious position that they may have to carry them on their QAM or Analog band, but they don't have to tell you what the numbers are. This position, if I am correct on the law, is untenable, but can only be proven so by someone willing to fight. I am too busy now and don't have enough knowledge of the Federal code. That's why I posted this looking for help.

Another of their defenses is that they provide them on the analog band (one of the reasons they still have 2-26 or so on analog??)

This is a potential class action issue and I will pursue it when I have time. And there's lots more. They may be committing fraud on a daily basis in my opinion in a second way. Before I accuse them publicly of certain acts, I would like someone to verify my view. At this point, it's only my opinion and I would not detail it here without proof. No one likes the big guy, but making false allegations is wrong and I won't do it.

Most of the people I talk to for help get lost in seconds. Just say QAM to someone who has no interest.

I have posted my listing for those who it can help. I am done here, but will check back to see if anyone can help me with the FCC law.

Stop begging. If you are entitled to something then demand it or take action. Within the next year, I hope to do so.

johnboy, you might want to ease up on the coffee just a bit.

johnboy, you might want to ease up on the coffee just a bit.+1

I had that issue to years ago, BDCat. Luckily you found the culprit.