Comcast will probably never carry HDNet.

Sorry, my bad! I fell for it and comments on my (mislead) excitement.
FREAK!

Comcast will probably never carry HDNet.

They DO in Houston. however that doesn't seem to be leading twords a national contract.

I need help (in more ways than one) but for now lets focus on a question I have regarding my Comcast subscription. I recently signed up for the $99 triple play bundle. When I was ordering I was asked if I had an HD TV, which I do. So I was told I needed an HD box upgrade and also a Digital Classic. So when all is said and done I'm now paying somewhere in the low 120's. Let's just say my wife wasn't too pleased to hear that. Anyways, I just want HD for mainly the standard networks, NESN HD 851, and Comcast Sports Network 852. So I get my bill this month and I see that there is a little number 4 next to NESN and a bunch of other HD channels (I don't see an 852 as I assume that this is new). This 4 translates into "A minimum level of Standard Cable service is required to receive this channel". There is also a 2 item which encompasses all of the HD Programming which says HD capable equipment is required to receive HD channels.

So I'm thinking great! I don't really care for any of the Digital Classic channels (although that jewelry TV channel is really sweet) so I figured I can ditch the Digital Classic package and save 10 bucks a month. I called Comcast today and was told that I absolutely need Digital Classic to receive anything in the 800+ range. I admit that I see some HD channels that require Digital Classic, such as ESPN HD (which is probably the one I'd miss the most) but I can live without it. But I can't see anything anywhere that says that Digital Classic is *required* to receive NESN HD. Oh and as an added bonus I was basically told that I should be thankful that I'm getting such a good deal to begin with. So after arguing for 30+ minutes I gave up and started doing research. I've seen posts on other forums that go both ways - some say you need it and some say you don't. It also appears that it depends on which region you live in. I am in Haverhill, MA.

I saw a post earlier that mentions someone having a similar situation. Can anyone clarify this for me with some hard facts? Also, if I am able to dump Digital Classic will I still be able to access On Demand and also the Digital Music stations?

Thank you all for your taking the time to read this and I look foward to your feedback.

p.s. I was only kidding about the Jewelry channel.

That is bullcrap.

1) HD locals are considered part of LIMITED Basic They ARE required to offer you an HD box if needed to get HD locals.

2) The tier you are referring to is called Digital starter. Hd channels other then UHD,TNt,ESPN,HD theatre,and Mojo only require Digital starter. (NFL still requires Sne and the Premiums are part of their respective premium packs)

I saw a post earlier that mentions someone having a similar situation. Can anyone clarify this for me with some hard facts? Also, if I am able to dump Digital Classic will I still be able to access On Demand and also the Digital Music stations?


Just look on the channel lineups on Comcast's site. Now that can be a little confusing, but when you look at the HD channels, they have + marks next to them which indicate the required level of service.

Here is the URL. http://www.comcast.com/Customers/Clu/ChannelLineup.ashx

When you select the lineup for digital starter, it doesn't show you the 800's but if you select HD, it shows the 800's that you get with Digital Starter.

Also, when I got the triple play, one HD box was part of the package.

I was a little bummed that they charge extra for ESPNHD. And I'm the sucker that pays for that :(

CW56 looks terrible today here in Natick. I would hazzard a guess they are now compressing channels. FIOS here I come.

I have been noticing this as well. This is the one thing that I was afraid of. In a rush to add more channels to keep up with the sat co they are compromising the video signal. This is not a good sign and is quite concerning!

I need help (in more ways than one) but for now lets focus on a question I have regarding my Comcast subscription. I recently signed up for the $99 triple play bundle. When I was ordering I was asked if I had an HD TV, which I do. So I was told I needed an HD box upgrade and also a Digital Classic. So when all is said and done I'm now paying somewhere in the low 120's. Let's just say my wife wasn't too pleased to hear that. Anyways, I just want HD for mainly the standard networks, NESN HD 851, and Comcast Sports Network 852. So I get my bill this month and I see that there is a little number 4 next to NESN and a bunch of other HD channels (I don't see an 852 as I assume that this is new). This 4 translates into "A minimum level of Standard Cable service is required to receive this channel". There is also a 2 item which encompasses all of the HD Programming which says HD capable equipment is required to receive HD channels.

So I'm thinking great! I don't really care for any of the Digital Classic channels (although that jewelry TV channel is really sweet) so I figured I can ditch the Digital Classic package and save 10 bucks a month. I called Comcast today and was told that I absolutely need Digital Classic to receive anything in the 800+ range. I admit that I see some HD channels that require Digital Classic, such as ESPN HD (which is probably the one I'd miss the most) but I can live without it. But I can't see anything anywhere that says that Digital Classic is *required* to receive NESN HD. Oh and as an added bonus I was basically told that I should be thankful that I'm getting such a good deal to begin with. So after arguing for 30+ minutes I gave up and started doing research. I've seen posts on other forums that go both ways - some say you need it and some say you don't. It also appears that it depends on which region you live in. I am in Haverhill, MA.

I saw a post earlier that mentions someone having a similar situation. Can anyone clarify this for me with some hard facts? Also, if I am able to dump Digital Classic will I still be able to access On Demand and also the Digital Music stations?

Thank you all for your taking the time to read this and I look foward to your feedback.

p.s. I was only kidding about the Jewelry channel.

And if your TV is cable card ready you can get all the HD channels that you pay for without a cablebox.

So far I have seen nothing on Sci-Fi that is in HD. Everything is 4:3 SD material. Also on Animal planet the aspect ratio seems to be some type "zoom", NOT true HD material either.
true-very unimpressed with what I have seen already on these two stations-let hope it improves:(
thetman

Just look on the channel lineups on Comcast's site. Now that can be a little confusing, but when you look at the HD channels, they have + marks next to them which indicate the required level of service.

Here is the URL. http://www.comcast.com/Customers/Clu/ChannelLineup.ashx

When you select the lineup for digital starter, it doesn't show you the 800's but if you select HD, it shows the 800's that you get with Digital Starter.

Also, when I got the triple play, one HD box was part of the package.

I was a little bummed that they charge extra for ESPNHD. And I'm the sucker that pays for that :(

I remember getting ESPNHD withOUT having to get extended basic. :) I believe this is still possible.

I know in some areas you would need the equivalent of Digital Starter AND Digital Classic to get HD locals.

are we getting HD Lite now?

COMCASTIC!

are we getting HD Lite now?

COMCASTIC!

How else can we get more channels with the same bandwidth? Please don't respond that Comcast can drop the channels that you don't watch because that set of channels is different for different people.

I currently have comcast in manchester nh, I just cant get over how few HD channels they have compared to Directv. Does anyone know if its worth switching to D* for all the extra HD channels. Would there be a loss in picture quality from one to another?

I currently have comcast in manchester nh, I just cant get over how few HD channels they have compared to Directv. Does anyone know if its worth switching to D* for all the extra HD channels. Would there be a loss in picture quality from one to another?The PQ advantage that Comcast has had is shrinking, as more and more of the new DirecTV channels are added to their MPEG4 service, with its excellent PQ, and as Comcast is forced to fit more HD channels into the same bandwidth. Once SDV is deployed, Comcast will probably have the upper-hand again, overall, so I wouldn't make this decision based on PQ -- it'll probably be a wash, on average, in the long-term.

Instead, choose between the two based on other criteria. For me, the first determining factor has been that DirecTV wants a good bit of money up-front, while Comcast charged a nominal installation fee. Beyond that, DirecTV doesn't offer PBS HD nor CW HD, which together I watch more than FX HD, which is practically the only HD channel I would watch on DirecTV that Comcast doesn't offer in HD. In addition, Comcast would charge me more for high-speed Internet service if I switched to DirecTV for television, so that has to be factored into the pricing. Also, Comcast lets me use my own DVR, with its 500GB external storage unit, while DirecTV would insist I use theirs. Finally, Comcast's service isn't ever affected by thunderstorms or such.

Bicker welcome back! You were sorely missed around here. :D

That is bullcrap.

1) HD locals are considered part of LIMITED Basic They ARE required to offer you an HD box if needed to get HD locals.

2) The tier you are referring to is called Digital starter. Hd channels other then UHD,TNt,ESPN,HD theatre,and Mojo only require Digital starter. (NFL still requires Sne and the Premiums are part of their respective premium packs)


Well, I tried it again today and first got the same answer in that everything I had on paper and what was posted on the web site was wrong. So I figured Here we go again. However, after going back and forth I finally convinced her to check with others and she came back and confirmed that Digital Starter is required to get NESN HD. So I cancelled Digital Classic and still get NESN HD and am saving $10.95 a month. I will admit that although the CSR was insistent that I was wrong she didn't sport a 'tude that the other one did. She also admitted her mistake and said they're still trying to figure things out on their end.

Thank you to all who took the time to reply. I truly appreciate it.

Bicker welcome back! You were sorely missed around here. :D

I think bicker is still MIA, someone hijacked his account.

Gosh. Maybe they could create a "Let's talk about bicker" forum, for these discussions. :rolleyes:

I currently subscribe to Basic Cable and Digital Classic and Digital Preferred along with HD. My package is limited I know but I have always been receiving HD Theater up until last Thursday along with ESPN HD, Universal HD, MOJO, etc. I called customer service and they said the feed was down. On Friday night, called again and they couldn't explain why I wasn't receiving. Tech came out Sat. and was clueless. He insisted I should never have been receiving this channel to begin with and confirmed it with dispatcher. I insisted I should be getting it and showed him my latest channel line-up which confirmed. He finally let me talk to dispatch and she insisted I should not receive it. Hour and a half later I was finally able to convince dispatch that I was supposed to receive it and turns out I was inadvertently shut off which was probably a result of a recent incorrect audit based on the fact that the cable package I have is so non-standard that it slipped through the cracks somewhere. Now my case is escalated and I am waiting a call form an area manager to straighten this out for me as apparently nobody else can. In addition , I was told that in May I will no longer be receiving this channel as another line-up change is coming at that time which I got the impression may do away with more of the HD channels that currently come with digital classic/preferred. She told me that a few others were also effected like I was and it needs to be resolved but we are in the monority at this point. Another day in the life of a Comcast subscriber. Just thought I would share.

Perhaps it may mean a requirement for Digital Starter for anything above limited basic with the exceptions of the Family Tier and Premium channels a-la-carte

I made the switchover when NESN-HD kicked in on 851.

Current triplecasts (HD channels that are three to a QAM.)

Ch 45-------------
Discovery
History Channel
Sci Fi
Ch 48 -----------
A&E
CNN
Animal Planet
Ch 89 -----------
HD Theatre HD+
Universal HD HD+
Cinemax
Ch 93 ------------
HBO
Starz
Showtime

Channels by themselves

CSN-HD : 68
WMURHD : 75
WSBKHD : 85
Verses / Golf HD : 104

[QUOTE=bicker1;13143883]The PQ advantage that Comcast has had is shrinking, as more and more of the new DirecTV channels are added to their MPEG4 service, with its excellent PQ, and as Comcast is forced to fit more HD channels into the same bandwidth. Once SDV is deployed, Comcast will probably have the upper-hand again, overall, so I wouldn't make this decision based on PQ -- it'll probably be a wash, on average, in the long-term...[QUOTE]

My bill just went up, and my picture quality just went down. Maybe Comcast's new advertising campaign should be: “You can find better quality elsewhere, but you won’t pay more!”

Mickey

Well, to be fair, you only outlined two of the three aspects, and the third is in Comcast's favor: They added new HD channels. And their prices went up, here, less than the rate of increase in discretionary income, so that's not a negative.

[QUOTE=bicker1;13143883]The PQ advantage that Comcast has had is shrinking, as more and more of the new DirecTV channels are added to their MPEG4 service, with its excellent PQ, and as Comcast is forced to fit more HD channels into the same bandwidth. Once SDV is deployed, Comcast will probably have the upper-hand again, overall, so I wouldn't make this decision based on PQ -- it'll probably be a wash, on average, in the long-term...[QUOTE]

My bill just went up, and my picture quality just went down. Maybe Comcast's new advertising campaign should be: “You can find better quality elsewhere, but you won’t pay more!”

Mickey

I have been having problems with Ch 835 for a last 2 weeks.

Well, to be fair, you only outlined two of the three aspects, and the third is in Comcast's favor: They added new HD channels. And their prices went up, here, less than the rate of increase in discretionary income, so that's not a negative.
True. And I'm still a Comcast customer even though I have access to Fios and D*. But sometimes I feel as though they are pushing me toward their competitors.

Mickey

I just made the switch from comcast to D*. I was just getting tired of the few HD channels comcast had, and the ones i had kept on breaking up and coming in horribly at times. But now i have them both hooked up to my. And i am just comparing to see if i want to stick with D* or go back to comcast.

I just made the switch from comcast to D*. I was just getting tired of the few HD channels comcast had, and the ones i had kept on breaking up and coming in horribly at times. But now i have them both hooked up to my. And i am just comparing to see if i want to stick with D* or go back to comcast.

Can you post your experience with D* when you get a chance? I am on the fence. Its not about the money, both D* and Comcast will cost about the same, the quality has gone down a lot in last 3 months after they added more channels.

Lets not forget that an important factor for a lot of people on this board not switching to either satellite company is that they do not have NESN-HD or CSN-HD. I used to have dishnetwork and liked it, but ultimately ended up switching to Comcast because of NESN-HD. If dish started to carry it I would be tempted to go back.

Lets not forget that an important factor for a lot of people on this board not switching to either satellite company is that they do not have NESN-HD or CSN-HD. I used to have dishnetwork and liked it, but ultimately ended up switching to Comcast because of NESN-HD. If dish started to carry it I would be tempted to go back.

That is good information. Satellite is a no go to me till they have both.

Lets not forget that an important factor for a lot of people on this board not switching to either satellite company is that they do not have NESN-HD or CSN-HD. I used to have dishnetwork and liked it, but ultimately ended up switching to Comcast because of NESN-HD. If dish started to carry it I would be tempted to go back.

D* has NESN HD as a 24x7 full time HD channel. CSN NE is HD on a gametime only basis, currently only showing Celtics Home games. They are said to be working with CSN NE to get the away games also.

D* has NESN HD as a 24x7 full time HD channel. CSN NE is HD on a gametime only basis, currently only showing Celtics Home games. They are said to be working with CSN NE to get the away games also.

Thats what I thought. But I don't want to go back to D* so I hope Comcast can get their act together. PQ is most important to me, not the number of channels, thats why I left them ( D*) in the first place.

D* has NESN HD as a 24x7 full time HD channel. CSN NE is HD on a gametime only basis, currently only showing Celtics Home games. They are said to be working with CSN NE to get the away games also.
Sorry for the misinformation. I guess I mis-remembered that!

That is interesting news.

Can you post your experience with D* when you get a chance? I am on the fence. Its not about the money, both D* and Comcast will cost about the same, the quality has gone down a lot in last 3 months after they added more channels.

The PQ on D* seems to be a tad bit sharper with less grain. I keep switching back and fourth to comcast and the HD channels definetly look good on comcast as well, but have a little more grain. So i am not sure whats up with comcast, i have another couple days to decide what i want to stick with. All tho all these extra HD channels on D* are nice, and most of them are MPEG-4. One thing tho the sound is better on comcast vs D* with the HD channels. That wont matter to me soon because i will be getting a surround system. But right now i use the tv speakers so i just have to turn the volume up louder with D*. I'm still in limbo but leaning towards D*.

The PQ on D* seems to be a tad bit sharper with less grain. I keep switching back and fourth to comcast and the HD channels definetly look good on comcast as well, but have a little more grain. So i am not sure whats up with comcast, i have another couple days to decide what i want to stick with. All tho all these extra HD channels on D* are nice, and most of them are MPEG-4. One thing tho the sound is better on comcast vs D* with the HD channels. That wont matter to me soon because i will be getting a surround system. But right now i use the tv speakers so i just have to turn the volume up louder with D*. I'm still in limbo but leaning towards D*.

Hi there, just curious, how's the comparison between non-HD channels? My guess is that D* is much sharper and clearer, but I'd like to hear your experience.

Thanks.

"To achieve the “three-in-one” delivery, video must be re-encoded or otherwise modified to a lower bit rate. Then, the three HD channels are statistically multiplexed together, to gain efficiencies from the probability that not all three will peak in bandwidth (that is, have a sequence of video frames that are substantially changing) at the same time

http://www.multichannel.com/article/CA6530787.html?q=high+definition

How else can we get more channels with the same bandwidth? Please don't respond that Comcast can drop the channels that you don't watch because that set of channels is different for different people.

Yeah, it is simple -

It is called don't add channels that offer 10% HD programming and jam up the pipeline.

Chitchat, has Comcast put any HD on cable channel 68 yet?The leased channel has gone from analog 68 to digital 283.

Hi there, just curious, how's the comparison between non-HD channels? My guess is that D* is much sharper and clearer, but I'd like to hear your experience.

Thanks.

Honestly to my surprise the SD channels on D* are actually better than my Comcast SD. I have decided to keep D* and have just recently cancelled comcast. Only thing i have from them now is internet and basic cable. I had to keep basic cable to keep my 6mb connection, other wise i would pay the same exact price but for a 4mb connection. Anyways i am very happy with D* so far. Except for the installers. Had to have them come out a few times. The first guys that came did nothing right, didnt tune it in for a good signal, didnt wire it right, didnt put support brackets on the dish:mad:. But the last tech that came out was very good. Got all my signals in the high 90's and 100's. I am still a little sad to get rid of comcast because i love the conveniance of one bill and the on demand feature. Havent messed around with the D* on demand yet but i doubt its anywhere as good as comcast. But over all i am very happy so far with my choice to switch to D*. It definetly seems a bit better PQ wise, here in manchester NH anyways:D.

I got my bill this week and one of the notices said that "On 3/28/08, WLVI (CW) HD will no longer be carried in Bristol County towns". :eek:

We will have to make do with WLWC HD on 813. :(

Oh, and my Digital Starter package will be going up $3.01 not $3.04. :confused: Whoopee :rolleyes:

Chitchat, has Comcast put any HD on cable channel 68 yet?The leased channel has gone from analog 68 to digital 283.

I had mentioned earlier that that is where CSN-NE is.,and among HD channels it is all by itself.

I guess Comcast has to drop another analog to make room for more HD in Boston. Some systems in the country already have TLC-HD and NHL-HD.

I guess Comcast has to drop another analog to make room for more HD in Boston. Some systems in the country already have TLC-HD and NHL-HD.

Why stop with just one? I forsee what has happened in Chicago happening here.

I had mentioned earlier that that is where CSN-NE is.,and among HD channels it is all by itself.I guess Comcast has to drop another analog to make room for more HD in Boston.What makes you say that? If they're now fitting 3 HD per channel, and there is a channel with only 1 HD, that seems to indicate room for 2 HD.

chitchat, do you where the digital SD and ADS channels are with a QAM tuner?Can you tell what the highest channel in use for anything by Comcast.(digital TV, Internet,Digital phone)

New slogan : It's not only Comcastic, it's deLITEful!

chitchat, do you where the digital SD and ADS channels are with a QAM tuner?Can you tell what the highest channel in use for anything by Comcast.(digital TV, Internet,Digital phone)

I only know the QAM frequencies for HD channels (a page back). I do know ch 600 is on 114-1.

Tonights Celtics road gmae in Portland is on CSN 852 but not showing in HD, it has bars on the sides....what gives?

Tonights Celtics road gmae in Portland is on CSN 852 but not showing in HD, it has bars on the sides....what gives?

I was disappointed when I saw this as well. Also the Celtics game against the Suns the other night started out in 4:3 SD and then it looked like it was SD upconverted material very fuzzy. Espn looked a lot better and CSN usually looks better than Espn.

Did anyone else lose Dolby Digital audio from their Comcast box tonight at 8:20pm??

Tonights Celtics road gmae in Portland is on CSN 852 but not showing in HD, it has bars on the sides....what gives?

That deserves another price hike doesn't it?

What makes you say that? If they're now fitting 3 HD per channel, and there is a channel with only 1 HD, that seems to indicate room for 2 HD.

Sorry, I rather have them drop another Analog channel instead of them going the 3-1 route. If Quality means anything, which I'm sure it does to most people here, then that is the best option. If you noticed FIOS has already picked up on this and is claiming in their commercials they have the best HD quality because they pass thru the full bitrate on their HD channels, something they couldn't do before until Comcast started this multiplexing thing so I hope they are only doing this temporarily or Subs will be changing over to the competition and that affects their bottom line, something you like to point out around here often.

I wonder when Comcast changes to switched video if they can up the quality of the HD channels.

I wonder when Comcast changes to switched video if they can up the quality of the HD channels.
If no one complains they won't have to change.

Mickey

Sorry, I rather have them drop another Analog channel instead of them going the 3-1 route. If Quality means anything, which I'm sure it does to most people here, then that is the best option. If you noticed FIOS has already picked up on this and is claiming in their commercials they have the best HD quality because they pass thru the full bitrate on their HD channels, something they couldn't do before until Comcast started this multiplexing thing so I hope they are only doing this temporarily or Subs will be changing over to the competition and that affects their bottom line, something you like to point out around here often.


I don't want the 3 for 1 compression either, but I don't want to start to pay for two additional digital boxes either. There are FAR too many analog subscribers around to just drop analog as you (and chitchatjf) suggest.

-ken

I wonder when Comcast changes to switched video if they can up the quality of the HD channels.

:confused: Can someone give some detail on switched video, how tv's support it, when Comcast will switch, how are cable cards affected, required hardware etc.

Dan

:confused: Can someone give some detail on switched video, how tv's support it, when Comcast will switch, how are cable cards affected, required hardware etc.

Dan

check out: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Switched_video

I wonder when Comcast changes to switched video if they can up the quality of the HD channels.

As someone with a TiVo Series 3, I'm hoping this doesn't happen for a long time. I'd much rather they drop analog channels.

I don't want the 3 for 1 compression either, but I don't want to start to pay for two additional digital boxes either. There are FAR too many analog subscribers around to just drop analog as you (and chitchatjf) suggest.

-ken

Ken the future is Digital, not analog and people are going to have to face reality sooner or later. I don't know what Comcast's plans are but I would not be surprised if basic cable ( 2-23 ) is all they leave for analog and they could start that in a year from now when analog OTA goes Bye-bye.

Ken the future is Digital, not analog and people are going to have to face reality sooner or later. I don't know what Comcast's plans are but I would not be surprised if basic cable ( 2-23 ) is all they leave for analog and they could start that in a year from now when analog OTA goes Bye-bye.

Comcast's analog plans are right here : LINK (http://www.lightreading.com/document.asp?doc_id=146733&site=cdn)

They keep only the truly essential analogs in the analog domain. Everything is moved to digital. For folks who only want the "analog experience", they give 'em one of the dongles discussed in the link above. They're dirt cheap widgets ($25-35 a piece) that only do one thing : convert digital to analog. No menus, no upstream (and thus no VOD or PPV), no HDTV, no CableCARD support. User puts the dongle in-line between the feed from the pole and their TV, and the dongle spits out 70+ channels and analog over a coax line.

As someone with a TiVo Series 3, I'm hoping this doesn't happen for a long time. I'd much rather they drop analog channels.

As someone with a TiVo Series3, you should learn about the Tuning Resolver. It is the solution to the SDV problem for CableCARD-equipped TiVo users. It is currently scheduled to be released 2nd quarter of this year. Here is some detail about it : LINK (http://www.tivolovers.com/2007/11/27/a-solution-for-switched-digital-video-on-tivo-is-coming-in-2q2008/).

Sincerely,
Someone with a TiVo Series 3 :)

As someone with a TiVo Series3, you should learn about the Tuning Resolver. It is the solution to the SDV problem for CableCARD-equipped TiVo users. It is currently scheduled to be released 2nd quarter of this year. Here is some detail about it : LINK (http://www.tivolovers.com/2007/11/27/a-solution-for-switched-digital-video-on-tivo-is-coming-in-2q2008/).

Sincerely,
Someone with a TiVo Series 3 :)

I'm well aware of it (I read the TiVo Community forums regularly.) Let's just say:

1. That's one reason why I said "a long time". I am more than a little skeptical about that release schedule.

2. Even then, I'd prefer to not have to use one. Comcast is already now charging $5/card (for spousal reasons, we also have an HD Comcast box), and somehow I doubt they will be giving away the tuning resolvers.

All I'm saying is that my personal preference is to keep chipping away at the analog channels before going to SDV. We don't use any of the analog channels in our house. (Yes, I'm aware that this is not the norm...)

I'm well aware of it (I read the TiVo Community forums regularly.) Let's just say:

1. That's one reason why I said "a long time". I am more than a little skeptical about that release schedule.

2. Even then, I'd prefer to not have to use one. Comcast is already now charging $5/card (for spousal reasons, we also have an HD Comcast box), and somehow I doubt they will be giving away the tuning resolvers.

All I'm saying is that my personal preference is to keep chipping away at the analog channels before going to SDV. We don't use any of the analog channels in our house. (Yes, I'm aware that this is not the norm...)


I hear ya. Any time the cableco's try to "engineer" something, it usually takes 10x longer than necessary, and comes out fairly crappy. However, this design is not rocket science, and they're leveraging stuff that they've already got on hand. I agree that we probably won't see it Q2Y08, but I'd be very surprised to not see it this year.

Until we see a TiVo Series4 with real honest-to-goodness upstream functionality, we're stuck with the Tuning Resolver. Comcast is under too much pressure from DirecTV and Verizon to not get aggressive in rolling out new and improved services, such as more HD and faster net speeds. Unfortunately, those new services require additional bandwidth, and the easy mark for recovering said bandwidth are the analogs.

Ken the future is Digital, not analog and people are going to have to face reality sooner or later. I don't know what Comcast's plans are but I would not be surprised if basic cable ( 2-23 ) is all they leave for analog and they could start that in a year from now when analog OTA goes Bye-bye.

I agree, but that is a year from now. Hopefully by then I will swap out my tv tuner card and my bedroom tv for digital sets...hmmm but then again the channels above basic won't be in the clear and i dont know of any cablecard computer tv cards....

-Ken

For those of you curious about why Comcast SportsNet didn't broadcast Friday and yesterday's Celtics games in HD, here is the answer:

http://www.bostonsportsmedia.com/2008/02/comcast-sportsnet-hd-growing-pains

If you watched the Celtics broadcasts from Phoenix on Friday night and last night from Portland on Comcast SportsNet HD, you likely noticed that the game wasn’t actually in HD. In talking with a CSN representative today, the explanation was given that apparently while the network is able to broadcast each game in High Definition, they were not able to find a production truck in those cities that had the necessary equipment to get the HD signals out. As the person noted, it’s part of the price to pay for switching to full HD coverage in the middle of a season. This type of equipment, especially on the road, usually needs to be arranged for well in advance.

Tonight’s game in Los Angeles against the Clippers will be in full HD.

Audio drops on Bristol county's Ch22 (Fox25 Boston)? Last few days, I've noticed audio drops every 1-5 minutes. Happening on multiple televisions and picture doesnt change at ell. Anyone else experience this?

I'm having an odd issue with stutters recently. It's almost as if I'm watching a streaming video with ever-so-slight hiccups in the video feed. I think that it's only happening on HD broadcasts, but I'm not sure. I also just moved (Salem -> Georgetown) and still have the problem. Could there be something wrong with my box? Thanks.

Which specific channels? That's very important, given the recent switch to HD Lite for certain channels.

Which specific channels? That's very important, given the recent switch to HD Lite for certain channels.

Good point, I'll take note of that. I know I at least saw it on ABC and HGTV.

I would have liked to have caught their Tin Man movie they ran a few weeks back- I'm sure they'll run it again.Tin Man is replaying on SciFi-HD on Sunday 9 March from 3-9 PM Eastern.

I know I at least saw it on ABC and HGTV.Have you had Comcast in to check your signal quality?

I'm having an odd issue with stutters recently. It's almost as if I'm watching a streaming video with ever-so-slight hiccups in the video feed. I think that it's only happening on HD broadcasts, but I'm not sure. I also just moved (Salem -> Georgetown) and still have the problem. Could there be something wrong with my box? Thanks.

Ive' had stuttering issues as well .I really noticed it this morning watching the news on 805.The scroll at the bottom would stutter as well as the video of the newscast.If it gets really bad I've found that changing the resolution of the cable box from 1080i to 720p and then back to 1080i seems to clear it up.It's very strange. I might try switching out the box as it is an older model.

I have had one issue with an HD channel of WMUR 809 that has been occurring for about as long as I have had HD comcast.
The issue is two blinking lines about 3/8" long that appear near the top 3" of the screen about 25% in from the sides on a 55" screen. Now this does not happen on the SD feed of the same channel '9' and it does not occur on any other channels. And importantly it does not happen on an actual HD program on 809.

So who is to blame Comcast,WMUR? Any ideas on what this might be?

Craig

Stuttering seems to be going on in a lot of places the last few days so I think it is widespread and not the boxes, was especially severe on all the HD channels this afternoon. I usually toggle between SD and HD channels to get rid of it but this time it did not completely eliminate it but it did improve so my guess is Comcast is tinkering around and causing boxes that are sensitive to display this issue. But it is good people are posting this here because Comcast does read this forum and lets them get some sort of feedback on whats going on and what effect it is having. Could be a result of the triple loading of the QAM channel as I just read in another thread that this is one of the results if it is not implemented correctly with the right 3 channels that it may end up exceeding bitrate capacity which in turn degrades the PQ with this required effect (stuttering).

And importantly it does not happen on an actual HD program on 809.This is the most significant indicator I think. I suspect that WMUR is to blame, based on that. I have a sneaking suspicion what it might be, but I want to see a screen-shot before I'm willing to voice my guess.

I have had one issue with an HD channel of WMUR 809 that has been occurring for about as long as I have had HD comcast.
The issue is two blinking lines about 3/8" long that appear near the top 3" of the screen about 25% in from the sides on a 55" screen. Now this does not happen on the SD feed of the same channel '9' and it does not occur on any other channels. And importantly it does not happen on an actual HD program on 809.

So who is to blame Comcast,WMUR? Any ideas on what this might be?

Craig
I have seen the issue you describe. It happens on some HD channels when they are broadcasting SD content. Also it does not always happen and not on all channels.

I have a 46 inch Sony TV 46V3000 and I had to change "screen size" setting from "full pixel" to +1.

That fixed the issue, but now I am missing some edge content. As far as I know there is no other option.

It seems that 802 has switched from the national PBS HD Channel (DT2A) feed to a simulcast of regular channel 2. I'm wondering if this is permanent or if it has something to do with this being a pledge period (the guide has not been updated to reflect actual programming).

Based on what I've seen so far, it's a big step down in amount of HD/WS. One notable positive, 'tho - I got to see the NewsHour in HD for the first time. As I wrote here, (http://dtvswitch.blogspot.com/2007/12/newshour-goes-hd-on-dec-17th-but-will_16.html) the NewsHour is not currently carried on the PBS HD Channel feed, though I'm hearing that will change on May 5th. (https://www.blogger.com/comment.g?blogID=24400615&postID=1140294407606884669)

However, the PBS HD Channel will go away altogether sometime in the fall, according to this article (http://www.current.org/dtv/dtv0802hd.shtml) from Current (which also predicts a speedup in HD production).

The same thing applies to OTA. 2-2 is now a simulcast of 2-1.

My old, old Tivo Series 2 (Lifetime!!!) just died - stuck on main menu unresponsive to remote, tried battery and 1 vs 2 DVR switch after many reboots, so I'm wondering when and for how much Comcast will offer the DVR with a Tivo menu?

A few comments

GBH (802) - What stinks here is that many ws shows seems to be windowboxed. 16:9 please!

Philw1776's question about Tivo - Try now Cost is $2.95 mo on top of any DVR costs.

It seems that 802 has switched from the national PBS HD Channel (DT2A) feed to a simulcast of regular channel 2. I'm wondering if this is permanent or if it has something to do with this being a pledge period (the guide has not been updated to reflect actual programming).

Based on what I've seen so far, it's a big step down in amount of HD/WS. One notable positive, 'tho - I got to see the NewsHour in HD for the first time. As I wrote here, (http://dtvswitch.blogspot.com/2007/12/newshour-goes-hd-on-dec-17th-but-will_16.html) the NewsHour is not currently carried on the PBS HD Channel feed, though I'm hearing that will change on May 5th. (https://www.blogger.com/comment.g?blogID=24400615&postID=1140294407606884669)

However, the PBS HD Channel will go away altogether sometime in the fall, according to this article (http://www.current.org/dtv/dtv0802hd.shtml) from Current (which also predicts a speedup in HD production).

I agree that this is a step backwards for the amount of HD programming we will see. I always watched this channel on my QAM tuners late at night when there is nothing else in HD on during that time period and now it seems this has been taken away from us until they can catch up with more HD programming on the local PBS channel. Too bad !

Good evening,
I have been using the tivo software on my moto box since its rollout. Have noticed that when I want to order a ppv event..for example the ufc fight tonight I cannot order it from the dvr like I could before the tivo download. Last month when this happened the comcast rep said it was a one time thing to "activate the ppv on the tivo" Yes, sounded fishy to me as well. When I tried to order tonight's event I got the same message. Two things have changed..the tivo software and the price of the events have increased since I last was successful. When I spoke to the rep tonight they told me it was a local issue because of the amount of the event..everyone had to call in. Any of this sound legit or is this a tivo bug?

Just curious.

Tom

Both sound plausible. If you're very concerned about it, I'd ask to speak to a manager to confirm.

Currently Available Comcast HDTV and coming soon we do not have as of yet,along with predicted channel:

The Learning Channel HD - This is a toughie. 838 is occupied by WSBK I would say 820
NHL Network HD - 822 (That is where Boston has it)

VSGLF Golf Channel HD / Versus HD - I forsee the day when each of these become sepeate channels Verses will stay on 848 Golf will move maybe to 869

My Network TV HD - WZMY isn't in HD as of yet. If they do I could see it on 818 or maybe the Hd stuff may be on 881
ION HD -This is interesting as since WBPX is a must carry and ION WILL be going HD and as part of the must carry rules on must carry Comcast will be REQUIRED to carry it IN HD Since 868 has Cinemax I forsee 815 for WBPX-HD
AMC HD - 859

Coming soon:
Fox Business Channel HD -884
ESPNews HD -Your guess is as good as mine I would say 847 but I am hoping that for the Weather Channel HD. Maybe they may put Weather channel HD on 845 so we can have ESPNNews on 847.
MGM HD (Not yet announced) - 882
Disney HD -824
ABC Family HD -826
Nick HD - 825 is not an option as that has WFXT I would lean twords 814
Spike HD - 855

HD Lineup as of March 2,2008

Note: Based on lineup in Lawrence MA:

802 WGBH (PBS) (2.2) HD+ Basic 583.75 84
804 WBZ (CBS) (4.1) Basic 601.75 87
805 WCVB (ABC) (5.1) Basic 595.75 86
807 WHDH (NBC) (7.1) Basic 595.75 86
809 WUMR (ABC) (75.89) Basic 529.75 75.86
821 National Geographic Starter (probably and Classic too) 739.75 115
823 Discovery Starter 349.75 45
825 WFXT (Fox) (25.1) Basic 601.75 87
828 MHD HD+ Starter AND Classic 739.75 115
831 TBS Starter 643.75 94
832 HGTV-HD HD+ Starter 517.75 73
833 TNT Classic 517.75 73
835 USA Starter 709.75 110
837 A&E Starter 367.75 48
838 WSBK (38.1) Basic 589.75 85
839 HD Theatre HD+ Classic 613.75 89
842 CNN Starter 367.75 48
846 Universal HD HD+ Classic 613.75 89
848 Verses / Golf HD Starter 673.75 104
849 ESPN Classic 649.75 100
850 ESPN 2 Starter 649.75 100
851 NESN Starter 643.75 94
852 csn-hd Starter 487.75 68
853 NFL Network Sports & Ent 511.75 72
854 Food Network HD HD+ Starter 511.75 72
856 WLVI (CW) (56.1) Basic 583.75 84
862 Sci Fi Starter 349.75 45
863 Animal Planet Starter 367.75 48
868 Cinemax Cinemax 613.75 89
870 HBO HBO 637.75 93
872 History Channel Starter 349.75 45
875 Starz Starz 637.75 93
877 Showtime Showtime 637.75 93
881 Mojo HD+ Classic 709.75 110

Currently Available Comcast HDTV and coming soon we do not have as of yet,along with predicted channelI'm a little unclear on what your list is.

Are these channels that you've heard we will be getting in Boston? If so, great! What's your source? Have you heard estimated dates?

Or are they just a list of HD channels that some Comcast system has that we don't? (Or that some non-Comcast system has that we don't?) If this is the case, I don't see the point.

I'm a little unclear on what your list is.

Are these channels that you've heard we will be getting in Boston? If so, great! What's your source? Have you heard estimated dates?

Or are they just a list of HD channels that some Comcast system has that we don't? (Or that some non-Comcast system has that we don't?) If this is the case, I don't see the point.

If you look at the first post on "What is the next HD channel for Comcast" thread,you will see a list of HD channels.

That is where I got the list.

Fine, but what does have to do with Boston?

Fine, but what does have to do with Boston?

It is alist of channels Comcast has or will have the right to carry along with my predictions as where they could be.

I'm a little unclear on what your list is.

Are these channels that you've heard we will be getting in Boston? If so, great! What's your source? Have you heard estimated dates?

Or are they just a list of HD channels that some Comcast system has that we don't? (Or that some non-Comcast system has that we don't?) If this is the case, I don't see the point.

Just chitchat playing his role of Carnac the Magnificent, Next envelope please! :D

Good evening,
I have been using the tivo software on my moto box since its rollout. Have noticed that when I want to order a ppv event..for example the ufc fight tonight I cannot order it from the dvr like I could before the tivo download. Last month when this happened the comcast rep said it was a one time thing to "activate the ppv on the tivo" Yes, sounded fishy to me as well. When I tried to order tonight's event I got the same message. Two things have changed..the tivo software and the price of the events have increased since I last was successful. When I spoke to the rep tonight they told me it was a local issue because of the amount of the event..everyone had to call in. Any of this sound legit or is this a tivo bug?

Just curious.

Tom

One BIG question on Tivo.

Do you hear the traditional Tivo sounds?

I heard conflicting stories.

One BIG question on Tivo.

Do you hear the traditional Tivo sounds?

I heard conflicting stories.

Yes you do, but on some boxes there is a bug on some of the newer boxes & the TiVo sounds.

Yes you do, but on some boxes there is a bug on some of the newer boxes & the TiVo sounds.

I also hear the Tivo sounds, but the software on my box (the latest Moto) is not passing DD 5.1. The techs in my area have acknowleged this and tell me that a fix is due this month. I had the Tivo software removed and will wait for the fix later this month.
Anyone able to get DD 5.1 on their box with Tivo?

I also hear the Tivo sounds, but the software on my box (the latest Moto) is not passing DD 5.1. The techs in my area have acknowleged this and tell me that a fix is due this month. I had the Tivo software removed and will wait for the fix later this month.
Anyone able to get DD 5.1 on their box with Tivo?

DCT boxes have DD5.1, DCH boxes don't. It's a known bug.

so when does it get fixed? I have a DCH and will not go back..

I also hear the Tivo sounds, but the software on my box (the latest Moto) is not passing DD 5.1. The techs in my area have acknowleged this and tell me that a fix is due this month. I had the Tivo software removed and will wait for the fix later this month.
Anyone able to get DD 5.1 on their box with Tivo?
Carter D: You had the software removed? They can do this? I was told they could not.

I upgraded to digital cable from basic in the fall when I got an HDTV and what I am now paying seems high (even for Comcast) for what I am getting, I just wanted to see if my rates are on par with what others in the area are paying. Here is a summary of my bill:

Digital Starter: $58.18
DVR: $12.95
Digital Classic: $10.95
With the other junk my bill is around $87

Also, when I switched to digital, the rep said I must have at least the Digital Classic to get all of the HD channels (ESPN, NESN, etc...). Is this true, what would I get with just the Digital Starter?

THANKS FOR YOUR HELP!

so when does it get fixed? I have a DCH and will not go back..

The Comcast Rep said March 2008. We'll see.

Prices seem right. I get NESN and ESPN HD with just digital starter in Merrimac MA.

Darrell

What is the channel difference between starter and classic?

...Also, when I switched to digital, the rep said I must have at least the Digital Classic to get all of the HD channels (ESPN, NESN, etc...). Is this true, what would I get with just the Digital Starter?

THANKS FOR YOUR HELP!
See Chitchatjf's Post # 2584 on this page where he lists available HD channels and the minimum package required to get each of those channels.

Mickey

It seems odd that ESPN is classic, but ESPN2 is starter, is this correct?

It seems odd that ESPN is classic, but ESPN2 is starter, is this correct?

At the moment yes. This may change.

I agree that this is a step backwards for the amount of HD programming we will see. I always watched this channel on my QAM tuners late at night when there is nothing else in HD on during that time period and now it seems this has been taken away from us until they can catch up with more HD programming on the local PBS channel. Too bad !

Yep, sad - It started on March 1- if you contact WGBH they will reply with a "form" saying blah blah blah. Other threads have suggested that national PBS raised the rates on HD feeds and the richest public television station in the country didn't want to pony up. grr...

I has watched more PBS shows in HD in the last 6 months on my QAM tuner than I did the last 10 years. Don't they realize their content (nature and music shows) BEG to be watched in HD?

Yep, sad - It started on March 1- if you contact WGBH they will reply with a "form" saying blah blah blah. Other threads have suggested that national PBS raised the rates on HD feeds and the richest public television station in the country didn't want to pony up. grr...

I has watched more PBS shows in HD in the last 6 months on my QAM tuner than I did the last 10 years. Don't they realize their content (nature and music shows) BEG to be watched in HD?


I think the point here is that the LOCAL PBS affiliate doesn't want you to watch the national feed because it makes them irrelevant. If you aren't watching the local feed with the local sponsorships they will lose this money in the future.

-Ken

Hi,
I posted this on the Toshiba CRT tube forum, but I have not heard anything yet. Does anybody know what this is or experience this?

I have a 36" Toshiba HD CRT, and while watching HD cable (Comcast), when text pops up on the screen the picture flickers like crazy. It is most noticeable while watching Jericho, when the girl signs they put the text on the bottom of the screen. It flickers like crazy until the text it gone.
Any ideas?
I have just replaced all my interior cable with Belden 1694A, but that did not fix anything. I have it hooked up via component.

Thanks,
Jamie

Think we need another analog channel dropped before we see more HD channels. Hope that happens soon.

Hi,
I posted this on the Toshiba CRT tube forum, but I have not heard anything yet. Does anybody know what this is or experience this?

I have a 36" Toshiba HD CRT, and while watching HD cable (Comcast), when text pops up on the screen the picture flickers like crazy. It is most noticeable while watching Jericho, when the girl signs they put the text on the bottom of the screen. It flickers like crazy until the text it gone.
Any ideas?
I have just replaced all my interior cable with Belden 1694A, but that did not fix anything. I have it hooked up via component.

Thanks,
Jamie

If you have the show recorded it will make testing easier. It sounds to me like some sort of issue with deinterlacing. I would try setting the output of the cable box to different resolutions and see if that helps. CBS is 1080i, does it ever happen on FOX, ABC, or ESPN which broadcast in 720p. Is it only Jericho or any show with subtitles. What about DVD or BluRay if you have that with subtitles?

If you have the show recorded it will make testing easier. It sounds to me like some sort of issue with deinterlacing. I would try setting the output of the cable box to different resolutions and see if that helps. CBS is 1080i, does it ever happen on FOX, ABC, or ESPN which broadcast in 720p. Is it only Jericho or any show with subtitles. What about DVD or BluRay if you have that with subtitles?

Could also be a signal strength issue. If you have a weak enough signal to begin with and introduce something else such as close caption into it, the level might drop below what the TV can sustain as constant causing interference with the main feed and result in a jumpy picture.

Hi,
Well I tested Jericho, it happens in 1080i and not 720P when I cycle the cable box (this was through on-demand HD, I did not have any of the shows recorded). It happens when the credits pop up at the shows beginning.

It does not happen on Lost or the Sarah Connor Chronicles.

I have never noticed it on any DVD's.

Can someone tell me if a truck roll is still required for TiVo service or if that has changed. Also, does Comcast carry or plan to carry GAMEHD/TEAMHD for the sports packages? I live in Salem.

Thanks

when all channels go digital, they will eventually go 1080 or 720 over time. as this happens, how does Comcast make up for us suckers who pay for high definition now?

I have a TV on just the qam tuner (and another on an hdmi-DVR) and even the 480i digital stations look good on qam. Of course the 1080/720 stations are fab-and free.

when all channels go digital, they will eventually go 1080 or 720 over time.There is nothing that says all channels must go HD, just that they go digital. I would imagine many of them, such as the weather channels/subchannels and local channels that broadcast commercial networks like QVC 24/7 would remain 480i or 480p.

Can someone tell me if a truck roll is still required for TiVo service or if that has changed. Also, does Comcast carry or plan to carry GAMEHD/TEAMHD for the sports packages? I live in Salem.

Thanks

I was wondering the same thing.

I just called Comcast to get the Tivo service, which is $2.95 more per month. However, it requires a truck visit which is $13.95 to basically deliver a new remote with a Tivo button and letters on it.

Does this sound right to anyone else?

Most folks are reporting that. The install generally requires a lot more than you think. The download of the TiVo software requires that signal quality be far closer to perfect than is required for the iGuide software. In many cases, lots of upgrades have been needed.

Don't really want to sit around and wait for Comcast to come just to I can lose 5.1 sound. I think I'll wait a little while. The iGuide is not horrible.

Most folks are reporting that. The install generally requires a lot more than you think. The download of the TiVo software requires that signal quality be far closer to perfect than is required for the iGuide software. In many cases, lots of upgrades have been needed.

The "cable modem" within the box has to be activates as this is how it gets the Tivo information. I got an offer for a free install but chose to pass as this time.

Most folks are reporting that. The install generally requires a lot more than you think. The download of the TiVo software requires that signal quality be far closer to perfect than is required for the iGuide software. In many cases, lots of upgrades have been needed.

Well, I had a lot of the wiring to my cable box in my apartment and in the building hallway replaced about a year ago because of VERY weak signals going to the cable box I had at the time. Once all the cabling was replaced, the techs said the signal was very strong, so hopefully I don't need any new wiring.

I also upgraded my cable box to the DHC3416 a few weeks ago. Does anyone know if the bug reported a few posts back about DCH boxes not passing DD5.1 is still present? If it is, when in March might it be fixed. (It seems like a pretty serious bug, as I'm assuming most people upgrading to Tivo have home theater systems or something capable of decoding DD5.1.)

In many cases, the signal being too strong is a problem (with the TiVo download). Unlike with the iGuide software, apparently the signal needs to be practically perfect for the TiVo software.

I was wondering the same thing.

I just called Comcast to get the Tivo service, which is $2.95 more per month. However, it requires a truck visit which is $13.95 to basically deliver a new remote with a Tivo button and letters on it.

Does this sound right to anyone else?
Yes, I think I paid around 17.99 for the Comcast Tivo install and the peanut Tivo remote. It adds 2.95 to your bill each month for all DVRs in the house that can get Tivo. I dumped the Comcast Tivo after a month and am using the TivoHD with Cable Card. I found the Comcast Tivo too buggy to use, maybe it is better in the last month and I'm sure it will get better but for now I preferred the HD Tivo.

Yes, I think I paid around 17.99 for the Comcast Tivo install and the peanut Tivo remote. It adds 2.95 to your bill each month for all DVRs in the house that can get Tivo. I dumped the Comcast Tivo after a month and am using the TivoHD with Cable Card. I found the Comcast Tivo too buggy to use, maybe it is better in the last month and I'm sure it will get better but for now I preferred the HD Tivo.
Speaking of TiVoHD, I am being charged a $5.00 additional outlet fee for *each* of the two CableCards in my TiVoHD. (One device, two CableCards, two $5/mo AO fees.) I called Comcast and was told that this was the correct billing for my system configuration.

Is this consistent with what others are paying? I would have expected one AO fee, then perhaps a small fee for the 2nd CableCard -- but not an another AO fee.

BTW, I do have another Comcast HD PVR in my home, so the TiVoHD is an additional system.

Speaking of TiVoHD, I am being charged a $5.00 additional outlet fee for *each* of the two CableCards in my TiVoHD. (One device, two CableCards, two $5/mo AO fees.) I called Comcast and was told that this was the correct billing for my system configuration.

Is this consistent with what others are paying? I would have expected one AO fee, then perhaps a small fee for the 2nd CableCard -- but not an another AO fee.

BTW, I do have another Comcast HD PVR in my home, so the TiVoHD is an additional system.
I am very confused on this matter as well. I believe you should be charge $5.00 for each device, not each card. The first card is free and the second card is charged around $2.75. But there is much confusion on this matter. I have only a TivoHD now with one M-Card and believe I should be charged no additional outlet fee. However, do I pay for a second card fee for the M-Card since it is capable of recording two channels? I am thoroughly confused and Comcast's pricing seems arbitrary and dependent on the rep you talk to.

Hi,
I've searched through this thread and can't find much from people in the Dover/Portsmouth NH area. My QAM tuner can get the following Comcast HD stations (all that I have found so far) :
84.1 = channel 2/PBS
CW (38 or 56 or whatever, never watch it)
86.1 = 5/ABC
86.2 = 7/NBC
87.1 = 25/Fox
87.2 = 4/CBS

Does anybody know the QAM tuning for either WMUR/Channel 9 or WENH/Channel 11? Are those being carried on clear QAM??

Thanks,
Peter

We're stuck with the Scientific Atlantic 3200 box per Comcast, and I can't figure out if this box can do closed captioning. My TV's are all digital and we do have digital service. The captioning through the TV's is horrendous and I'd like to use the captioning through the set top box.

Does anyone know if this box does captioning? I can't find anything online or within the box settings. If this box doesn't work, does anyone know if I can buy my own that will work in this area.

Thanks,
Sandy C.

Speaking of TiVoHD, I am being charged a $5.00 additional outlet fee for *each* of the two CableCards in my TiVoHD. (One device, two CableCards, two $5/mo AO fees.) I called Comcast and was told that this was the correct billing for my system configuration. Is this consistent with what others are paying?As of this month, yes.

BTW, I do have another Comcast HD PVR in my home, so the TiVoHD is an additional system.Yup, me too...

FWIW, the pricing schedule that arrived with the February Comcast bill in Nashua shows "N/C" for a CableCARD, and $1.50 for "additional cards, same device". There is a $5.00 Additional Digital Outlet fee.

Tony

So, I just had a Comcast tech over to set up Tivo on my DVR (I have a DCH3416 model).

He first had to make a call in and then the download process started. It took maybe 5-7 minutes to download and no adjustments were made to my signal strength, so I guess it was good to begin with.

Initial impressions:

1. It's pretty, though the Tivo sounds may get annoying after a while.

2. The install somehow reset the video formatting, so HD channels were coming in letterboxed. I had to go into the Tivio video settings to set it to 1080i Fixed, which appears to have resolved the problem.

3. So far, it seems as though the bug is still present, as I can't get DD5.1 on HD channels, even though I set it to pass through DD5.1 in one of the Tivo menu settings.

I'm going to play around with it a bit more and see what else I can break :-)

Few more thoughts:

1. Paging/going from channel to channel through the guide is S L O W.

2. The DVR recognizes commands from the peanut remote V E R Y S L O W L Y.

3. Did I say going through the guide is slow?

Has anyone else experienced VERY frequent sound freezes (of 1 to 10 or more seconds each) and repeated video pixelation on CNBC - channel 53 - this evening in the West-suburban Boston area?

Thank you for reminding me why I have been putting opff getting Tivo

Thank you for reminding me why I have been putting opff getting Tivo

+1 :)

Few more thoughts:

1. Paging/going from channel to channel through the guide is S L O W.

2. The DVR recognizes commands from the peanut remote V E R Y S L O W L Y.

3. Did I say going through the guide is slow?

Is there anything in the positive besides it being pretty? If not, I'm with the others and feel no regret not getting it!

Thank you for reminding me why I have been putting opff getting Tivo

+1

Fine with the old software on my current DVR. will my recorded shows have better quality with Tivo??? (sarc)

I am waiting for Blu Ray burners. enough of these high priced revenue makers for cable. The industry is maxed out. Who needs to spend thousands of dollars a year to watch TV? Give ma a cablecard and a blu ray burner and I'd be happy.

Is there anything in the positive besides it being pretty? If not, I'm with the others and feel no regret not getting it!

Yes, there are positives. Some of these things will mean nothing to some people, but may be big to others:

-You can search OnDemand as well as the regular guide. As well as other enhanced search features not currently available with the iGuide.

-You can change resolution without turning box off & going into old resolution menu.

-You can turn CC on & off without turning the box off.

-It doesn't record the same new show multiple times during the week (mainly a problem with the 'cable channels' and premium channels. Example: 'The Sopranos' (if it was still on) was on 3 or 4 times during the week. If you recorded the first show, watched it, then deleted it, it would record the same episode again the next time it was on because it's still marked as new in the guide. Tivo doesn't do this, it remembers it already recorded it & won't record it again unless you go in & tell it to. This is probably the biggest plus for me because of the amount of show I record on these channels. There are workarounds for dealing with this in the iGuide, but Tivo does it how it should be done.

-It has the Tivo sounds (:rolleyes:, this is a joke, I'm sure this is not a real selling point for anyone & a lot of people actually turn them off).

Good evening,
Was wondering if anyone is having a problem watching the Celtics on demand through their comcast tivo boxes? When I go to ondemand on both of my tvs and go to sports and fitness I see two listings for nba tv. When I select the Celtics I can watch everything other than the game replays. It worked yesterday afternoon but from last night on thru today when I select it I get the error bong and it won't let me proceed. I thought maybe last night there might have been a blackout because there were games on TNT..but at 5:30 in the afternoon I am getting same problem. Anyone else?

Thanks

Tom

Anyone catch the channel 5 Eli Stone Flub the other night ? It happened about 29 minutes into the show and is chronicled here:

http://www.savewrko.com/archives/2008/03/wcvb-tvs_pre-te.php

Anyone catch the channel 5 Eli Stone Flub the other night ? It happened about 29 minutes into the show and is chronicled here:

http://www.savewrko.com/archives/2008/03/wcvb-tvs_pre-te.php

Someone must have fell asleep at the switch! :D

I'm not sure it would warrant being posted to YouTube, as the article suggested. (As it is, I wouldn't have the time to bother.)

I'm not sure it would warrant being posted to YouTube, as the article suggested. (As it is, I wouldn't have the time to bother.)

Yeah I had it on my comcast dvr and I could have ported it to my panny dvr but there was nothing salacious about it. Just a blank screen for 3 minutes while the guys talked baseball. It was very weird however...

-Ken

My apologies if there is a separate thread for this, but I couldn't find one.

Is anyone else having the problem with the Comcast Tivo where season pass manager and most of the search functionality becomes "temporarily unavailable" permanently? For over a week these features have been "temporarily unavailable." I saw a blog post that mentioned this problem, but no details about the cause or a fix. Shut the box down and left it unplugged for a 5 minutes, but had same problem after restart.

FWIW, my friend who works for Comcast tells me his bosses rolled out their strategy for the upcoming 18-24 months last week. The highlights:

- They hope to have the entire New England market go "All Digital" near the end of 2008. Everything but the basic channels.

- The removal of Expanded Basic channels opens up enough bandwidth for 100-150 HD channels ASAP.

- DOCSIS 3.0 should be a go by the end of the year, and they're going to seriously turn up the juice. They may dedicate 10 "channels" worth of bandwidth to Data, which they feel will also ease the vast majority of congestion issues they have now.

- OnDemand is about to get enormous. 6,000 movies per month by the middle of 2009, and their goal is five years from now, they want to have the ability to put every show and movie ever made onto their OnDemand servers.

- The ability to program a Motorola DVR from the web is "maybe two months away".


My friend said the decision makers at Comcast say they realize the company has fallen behind some competitors in certain areas, and they're motivated to regain the competitive edge.

So, I currently run the Tivo software on my DCH3416 and posted my thoughts on it above (I've had it for about 4 days now).

What's weird is that when I went into the onscreen guide tonight, every show/channel is listed as "To be announced". *However*, paging through the guide, switching channels normally, etc. are significantly faster. Any idea if a software update was pushed out?

P.S. - It's still not blazing fast, but a huge boost from what it was at 4 days ago.

FWIW, my friend who works for Comcast tells me his bosses rolled out their strategy for the upcoming 18-24 months last week. The highlights:

- They hope to have the entire New England market go "All Digital" near the end of 2008. Everything but the basic channels.

- The removal of Expanded Basic channels opens up enough bandwidth for 100-150 HD channels ASAP.

- DOCSIS 3.0 should be a go by the end of the year, and they're going to seriously turn up the juice. They may dedicate 10 "channels" worth of bandwidth to Data, which they feel will also ease the vast majority of congestion issues they have now.

- OnDemand is about to get enormous. 6,000 movies per month by the middle of 2009, and their goal is five years from now, they want to have the ability to put every show and movie ever made onto their OnDemand servers.

- The ability to program a Motorola DVR from the web is "maybe two months away".


My friend said the decision makers at Comcast say they realize the company has fallen behind some competitors in certain areas, and they're motivated to regain the competitive edge.


Translation: 2 years before we see anything.:rolleyes:

FWIW, my friend who works for Comcast tells me his bosses rolled out their strategy for the upcoming 18-24 months last week...

Strategy is nice, but it is essentially the vision. Tactical execution and realization is what we need to see.

FWIW, my friend who works for Comcast tells me his bosses rolled out their strategy for the upcoming 18-24 months last week. The highlights:...

If true, these will all be great improvements. And the sooner the better.

Mickey

So, I currently run the Tivo software on my DCH3416 and posted my thoughts on it above (I've had it for about 4 days now).

What's weird is that when I went into the onscreen guide tonight, every show/channel is listed as "To be announced". *However*, paging through the guide, switching channels normally, etc. are significantly faster. Any idea if a software update was pushed out?

P.S. - It's still not blazing fast, but a huge boost from what it was at 4 days ago.I had the same thing happen last night and strangely the problem that I posted about the other day has cleared up. After a couple weeks of not working, my season pass manager and search functions are back. I wonder if they did push out an update to fix some of the bugs. Unless somebody can check the version numbers and see a change, I guess we'll just have to wait and see if there are less problems now.

- OnDemand is about to get enormous. 6,000 movies per month by the middle of 2009, and their goal is five years from now, they want to have the ability to put every show and movie ever made onto their OnDemand servers.

Undoubtedly all cropped to 16:9 and 2.0 sound. :rolleyes:

Seriously, thanks for the info but I'm a bit skeptical any of that gets done anywhere close to those timeframes.

I had the same thing happen last night and strangely the problem that I posted about the other day has cleared up. After a couple weeks of not working, my season pass manager and search functions are back. I wonder if they did push out an update to fix some of the bugs. Unless somebody can check the version numbers and see a change, I guess we'll just have to wait and see if there are less problems now.

Two things I've still noticed:

1. Switching to another channel using the number keys (e.g. from 276 to 805) is still quite slow.

2. If this was a patch (and not something else), the box still is unable to pass DD 5.1 through to a receiver or surround sound processor.

Does anyone have any info on this years Extra Innings package? Will we get the GAMEHD channel (I know, total longshot) and all 14 channels right from the start?

And it looks like early order price is $159. Can anyone confirm?

GAMEHD looks like a pipe dream but GAME14 is still there.

My concern is how will they be handling the local channels.

a)Do they have ATSC tuners in place to get the "other" channels? 11,27,44-1,50,60,62,66,and 68

b)WBPX-68 will be going HD later this year. As this is a MUST CARRY,Comcast will HAVE to carry it IN HD! Same for WZMY-50 (though I do not believe they even went Stereo untill they get the MY Network affilation.)

c)How will they handle 2,4,5,7,9,25,38,and 56 for those who do not get HD? will they letterbox 16:9 stuff and fullframe 4:3?

FWIW, my friend who works for Comcast tells me his bosses rolled out their strategy for the upcoming 18-24 months last week. The highlights:

- They hope to have the entire New England market go "All Digital" near the end of 2008. Everything but the basic channels.

- The removal of Expanded Basic channels opens up enough bandwidth for 100-150 HD channels ASAP.

- DOCSIS 3.0 should be a go by the end of the year, and they're going to seriously turn up the juice. They may dedicate 10 "channels" worth of bandwidth to Data, which they feel will also ease the vast majority of congestion issues they have now.

- OnDemand is about to get enormous. 6,000 movies per month by the middle of 2009, and their goal is five years from now, they want to have the ability to put every show and movie ever made onto their OnDemand servers.

- The ability to program a Motorola DVR from the web is "maybe two months away".


My friend said the decision makers at Comcast say they realize the company has fallen behind some competitors in certain areas, and they're motivated to regain the competitive edge.

I may be behind on this topic and if there is another thread on this I apologize; but any mention of SDV in that strategy roadmap?

CBS Boston affiliate (WBZ) has posted the following primary games they will televise on Thursday:

12:10 - Georgia v. Xavier

2:30 - Kentucky v. Marquette

7:00 - Kansas St. v. So. Calif.

9:40 - George Mason v. Notre Dame

(Friday is not up yet.)

Mickey

Two things I've still noticed:

1. Switching to another channel using the number keys (e.g. from 276 to 805) is still quite slow.

2. If this was a patch (and not something else), the box still is unable to pass DD 5.1 through to a receiver or surround sound processor.

1. Yeah unfortunately I think the whole DVR is slow just because the hardware is so low end. Although having switched from the Comcast Tivo remote to a Harmony recently, I can also say that the Comcast remote is slow too. Guess they want us to have a consistent experience. :)

2. I've not noticed this. It's seemed like I have been getting 5.1 fine. I'll have to double check that to be 100% sure. I'm using the rca digital connection.

Sorry for OT, but what are the sox doing? They act like it is such a big deal, yet the crybaby multi-millionaires aren't willing to spend ONLY 10K of their own millions to pay the coaches themselves.
Your team is making it progressively harder to root for them.
Once again, sorry for the OT but there aren';t any good boards for baseball to discuss this on.

It was so nice to hear fans booing when they trotted their butts onto the field.


I now hear that the pool of money given was broken down improperly and after the players took their 40K(which was not how much they were actually to get out of the pool) there was not enough for the coaches.
What a suprise, it's about the money for the players and they are saying it is about their coaches....sad, sad, sad.

Sorry for OT, but what are the sox doing? They act like it is such a big deal, yet the crybaby multi-millionaires aren't willing to spend ONLY 10K of their own millions to pay the coaches themselves.
Your team is making it progressively harder to root for them.
Once again, sorry for the OT but there aren';t any good boards for baseball to discuss this on.

It was so nice to hear fans booing when they trotted their butts onto the field.


I now hear that the pool of money given was broken down improperly and after the players took their 40K(which was not how much they were actually to get out of the pool) there was not enough for the coaches.
What a suprise, it's about the money for the players and they are saying it is about their coaches....sad, sad, sad.
Who left the barn door open?

I’m not sure you have all the facts on this one. The coaches and staff had a deal with Major League Baseball to get paid for this, the same as when other MLB teams have gone to Japan to play before. Somehow, MLB has reneged on that deal. So the villain here is really the protected cartel of millionaire owners who form MLB, and their puppet Uncle Bud.

Sorry that you will miss this opportunity to bash the Red Sox, but I’m sure you’ll find others.

Mickey

I am not bashing., so put away your shield.
I openly stated that I root for you guys as the anti-yankees for years upon years now.
Sure is funny to hear you complain about me thinking I'm bashing your team when that's all the sox fans did to the yankees forever.
From what I have read it very well could have been that the total allocated money was dispersed wrongly and after the players claim their 40K there wan't enough for the coaches.
I could be wrong, just bringing it up for conversation, so relax and keep you rude comments that are personal to yourself please.

And I apologize if I'm wrong.
Also, if I'm wrong and this was a good deed by the players then hats off to them!! Though they could have paid the money themselves and not even missed it, no?

I am not bashing., so put away your shield.

So, it’s not “bashing” when you come to the Boston thread and call the Red Sox players “crybaby millionaires”. The point of my response to you was to introduce you to the facts, which apparently you have no interest in doing.

There are many occasions when today’s professional athletes act like “crybaby millionaires”, but this time they were on the right side of the issue and acted appropriately. Thankfully, it was just settled a little while ago.

Mickey

Hi Folks, I haven't posted much at all here, but I've followed a long a little bit and figured I'd share some news.

I got my HD TV back right before the Super Bowl and had DTV at the time. Went to switch the dish to the new HD dish, but couldn't get a signal. Apparently the HD Satellite sits lower in the sky than the regular one which I had no problems with before. Issue was determined to be trees which just reached high enough to block the view.

So I switched to Comcast. Just a month and a half since, and I've already had the two trees cut down. I couldn't take it anymore. I really can't stand Comcast. Just an awful experience all around. Now I know why I've had DTV since 2000. Will likely move to Fios whenever it comes to Pembroke.

Hi Folks, I haven't posted much at all here, but I've followed a long a little bit and figured I'd share some news.

I got my HD TV back right before the Super Bowl and had DTV at the time. Went to switch the dish to the new HD dish, but couldn't get a signal. Apparently the HD Satellite sits lower in the sky than the regular one which I had no problems with before. Issue was determined to be trees which just reached high enough to block the view.

So I switched to Comcast. Just a month and a half since, and I've already had the two trees cut down. I couldn't take it anymore. I really can't stand Comcast. Just an awful experience all around. Now I know why I've had DTV since 2000. Will likely move to Fios whenever it comes to Pembroke.

Just out of curiosity, what where your issues?

Does anyone have any info on this years Extra Innings package? Will we get the GAMEHD channel (I know, total longshot) and all 14 channels right from the start?

And it looks like early order price is $159. Can anyone confirm?

Not sure if this answers your question but saw this posted elsewhere:

http://www.tvpredictions.com/comcastmlb031908.htm

Hey mikey,
Try reading my second post in its' entirity before you get all ruffled.

Not sure if this answers your question but saw this posted elsewhere:

http://www.tvpredictions.com/comcastmlb031908.htm

Thanks Watrat. I saw that posted by fredfa over in the HOtP thread today. Not a surprise, just a disappointment. I've gotten EI each of the past 4 years, and yet every year at this time I question if it's worth the money. The HD channel would confirm it for me. The PQ of the SD games is just horrible on my Sammy. It's fine on the SD tv in the bedroom, but that just doesn't cut it anymore.

On a completely different topic, we have a free preview of HBO and Cinemax the next 4 days, right? Why it would be during the tourney makes no sense to me, but I'm sure they had their reasons.

12:25 Davidson v. Gonzaga

3:00 San Diego v. UConn

7:10 Mt. St. Mary's v. North Carolina

9:50 Villanova v. Clemson

Why is Channel 802 no longer broadcasting in HD? Since the conversion from PBS-HD to WGBH, everything I've seen on 802 is pillarboxed. Does WGBH not carry an HD signal?

Why is Channel 802 no longer broadcasting in HD? Since the conversion from PBS-HD to WGBH, everything I've seen on 802 is pillarboxed. Does WGBH not carry an HD signal?

Seems right now everything is being upconverted, not sure they have any HD material to broadcast. Don't know how long it will be before they start but this as I expected was a big loss for HD programming in our area. :o

Hey mikey,
Try reading my second post in its' entirity before you get all ruffled.

Eagles if you want to be a Sox fan, at least say something positive first before slamming them, that might help.

Whats the matter with the Phillies this year, are they going to stink again! :D

Your anti everything-NY bias is quite obvious, for that we have no problem with here! :D

:)(I don't want to be a fan, but I root for them against those damn yankees)
I love Fenway :)
Phils will beat those stinkin long-islanders again this year. They are a weak minded team.

Seems right now everything is being upconverted, not sure they have any HD material to broadcast. Don't know how long it will be before they start but this as I expected was a big loss for HD programming in our area. :o

The nightly NewsHour is the only HD I've seen since the conversion. Keep in mind this is pledge month, and there's very little HD out there in the first place. But I have seen things pillarboxed that were clearly marked as HD. For what it's worth, the NewsHour has much more actual HD footage than the NBC Nightly News.

Why is Channel 802 no longer broadcasting in HD? Channel 802 carries the WGBH 2.2 sub-channel. Nothing has changed in that regard, at least from the Comcast standpoint. We are discussing, in the Boston OTA thread, how WGBH has changed their service offerings. You may want to check there for complete explanations.

Any ideas when more HD channels will be added to Comcast. Have 2 HD sets and the older set does not upscale SD channels. The new set i have does. The SD channels look like crap to me now on the old HD set.

I think the answer is, essentially, "no" -- we don't know precisely when new channels will be added. However, the answer is always going to be location specific, to some extent, so your zip code will at least help folks give you a more relevant inaccurate answer. :)

Could any of you guys help me out on this? I'm at a loss.

I have Comcast hd cable. I have a Phillips HD set. We've had hd cable for awhile now...it seems though about once a month or once every few months a screen pops up and says

"Your HDTV is NOT HDCP compatible. Please hook up xyz (composite I'm assuing)"

Usually I have to unplug the set....wait awhile and then plug it back in...that worked...for awhile. Now it seems I have to wait longer and longer.

I'm at my wits end with this HDMI crap. I know it's crap because when that incompatibility screen comes on I still get audio fine and if I turn on the picture in picture I can view the hd channels in the smaller box!

Adding to the confusion I know this is on the companies side of a problem because the tv has a hd tuner. I've ran a splitter and can view unencrypted content (including local hd's).

I just don't see how the company can claim on random events that somehow it's incompatible.

I'm thinking maybe the easiest thing to do is just not to turn the cable itself off. I was also thinking maybe there's some sort of updates that are coming that knock this out of sync but I haven't seen any new channels now for a few months.

I was also thinking of getting a ps3 down the line but if hdmi is this much of a pain forget it....

Could any of you guys help me out on this? I'm at a loss...
Probably need more information from you. Which Comcast box/model do you have? How do you have it hooked up? If HDMI, did you use the configuration screen from the cable box? Etc.

Mickey

Could any of you guys help me out on this? I'm at a loss.

I have Comcast hd cable. I have a Phillips HD set. We've had hd cable for awhile now...it seems though about once a month or once every few months a screen pops up and says

"Your HDTV is NOT HDCP compatible. Please hook up xyz (composite I'm assuing)"

Usually I have to unplug the set....wait awhile and then plug it back in...that worked...for awhile. Now it seems I have to wait longer and longer.

I'm at my wits end with this HDMI crap. I know it's crap because when that incompatibility screen comes on I still get audio fine and if I turn on the picture in picture I can view the hd channels in the smaller box!

Adding to the confusion I know this is on the companies side of a problem because the tv has a hd tuner. I've ran a splitter and can view unencrypted content (including local hd's).

I just don't see how the company can claim on random events that somehow it's incompatible.

I'm thinking maybe the easiest thing to do is just not to turn the cable itself off. I was also thinking maybe there's some sort of updates that are coming that knock this out of sync but I haven't seen any new channels now for a few months.

I was also thinking of getting a ps3 down the line but if hdmi is this much of a pain forget it....

Thats a known handshake issue when using HDMI on Phillips sets. I had the same problem but I was using HDMI Out on the box to a DVI input on the TV and was getting the same thing so finally I just went back to component and everything was fine. BTW if you call Phillips they are clueless on correcting it. I would just use component out on the box and save yourself the time and frustration like I did.

Some Comcast systems are adding AMC-HD , Disney-HD and ABC Family -HD in the next 2 months. Others have TLC-HD now. When will Boston have these. Also,hope weather Channel-HD will come to Comcast this summer. Most everyone will flip to it once during the day.

Also,hope weather Channel-HD will come to Comcast this summer. Why would you hope that? That's a pretty big waste of HD bandwidth...

Why would you hope that? That's a pretty big waste of HD bandwidth...

I'm with mgpt6.... As a fellow weather junkie, I LOVE the idea of HDWeather. In fact, I've switched to WCVB's news since they went HD - just because they have the weather in HD.

It's like HD hockey. If you like hockey, you LOVE it in HD. If you don't like hockey, then HD hockey is "a pretty big waste of HD bandwidth". :)

It's like HD hockey. If you like hockey, you LOVE it in HD. If you don't like hockey, then HD hockey is "a pretty big waste of HD bandwidth". :)The difference is that if you like hockey, you'll watch...what...an hour a day of it in HD maybe? More? I don't know.

I certainly hope that you wouldn't watch the Weather Channel for an hour a day....how long does it take to figure out if you need to bring an umbrella to work the next day?

I'm with mgpt6.... As a fellow weather junkie, I LOVE the idea of HDWeather. In fact, I've switched to WCVB's news since they went HD - just because they have the weather in HD.

It's like HD hockey. If you like hockey, you LOVE it in HD. If you don't like hockey, then HD hockey is "a pretty big waste of HD bandwidth". :)

I'm pretty much on the same page as you, so I hope they add TWC as well. And I agree with WCVB, to me their News and Chronicle are the best HD broadcasts out there. When I show off my system to friends and family, I always have a couple of Chronicle episodes on the DVR and when they see it, their jaws hit the floor. I think WCVB deserves an award for what they have done with their HD PQ, they have set the bar high for others to try and follow IMO.

Add me to the Kudos list for WCVB. Even their local news is spectacular.

Agreed also on WCVB & getting The Weather Channel (TWC) in HD. Last I checked TWC had some original programming, which if they could get some of that in HD would be great.

Agreed also on WCVB & getting The Weather Channel (TWC) in HD.
Are you really saying the The Weather Channel would be your number one choice for new HD channels?

I'd like TWC in HD too. To each their own.

Again:

So you're saying that off all the possible HD channels that we don't have yet, you'd really like The Weather Channel to be the next one we get?

And I don't just mean for you---I mean that you really think that the entire Boston area would be best served by using our precious HD bandwidth on getting The Weather Channel in HD?

Obviously, Amnesia, there are those who just don't "get it."
Let's see...The Weather Channel...anything else...which would I choose? Duh.
To each their own, I guess.

Again:

So you're saying that off all the possible HD channels that we don't have yet, you'd really like The Weather Channel to be the next one we get?

And I don't just mean for you---I mean that you really think that the entire Boston area would be best served by using our precious HD bandwidth on getting The Weather Channel in HD?

Why do you keep harping on this? Everyone has their own opinion on what channels they would like added. I have no problem if TWC was the next one we got and by the looks of some of the post here, others would not mind it as well. In a perfect situation we would have all of them in HD but we are not there yet. So no sense in getting all worked up about it because in the end it is Comcast who determines what we shall see and our wishes here have zero effect on the outcome.

Why do you keep harping on this? (...) So no sense in getting all worked up about it (...)I think you're the one worked up. I just asked because I was incredulous that given the breadth of possible HD channels that anyone would think that getting the weather in HD would be the best use of limited bandwidth.

Nothing against TWC---I'd react the same if someone told me that they think that the next channel Comcast should add was QVC-HD. Even if you were a big weather or shopping fan, it's hard to imagine that anyone would think that most people wouldn't prefer to get a different channel.

I think you're the one worked up. I just asked because I was incredulous that given the breadth of possible HD channels that anyone would think that getting the weather in HD would be the best use of limited bandwidth.

Nothing against TWC---I'd react the same if someone told me that they think that the next channel Comcast should add was QVC-HD. Even if you were a big weather or shopping fan, it's hard to imagine that anyone would think that most people wouldn't prefer to get a different channel.

You're probably right that most people would prefer a different one. If you could tell me what that ONE is, that would be news. I happen to think having TWC-HD would be a much better use of the bandwidth then a lot of the stretch-o-vision we have right now.

I think you're the one worked up. I just asked because I was incredulous that given the breadth of possible HD channels that anyone would think that getting the weather in HD would be the best use of limited bandwidth.

Nothing against TWC---I'd react the same if someone told me that they think that the next channel Comcast should add was QVC-HD. Even if you were a big weather or shopping fan, it's hard to imagine that anyone would think that most people wouldn't prefer to get a different channel.

I think the responses here speak for themselves. The weather is a priority in many peoples lives whether it is business, pleasure, or hobby. Having it in HD on a channel that is 24/7 I believe would benefit many who fit in those above catagories. I think you are underestimating how many people that entails and the channel is a lot more popular than you think. But if you feel it isn't, than thats your opinion and we can agree to disagree.

What's gonna happen in Feb of 2009 when everything goes digital? If stations are OTA digital, will cable scale down to 480i? I have noticed that the digital equivalent to abc-Boston channel 5 is in 1080i while the HD counter part is 720p. Makes no difference either way to me. So, what happens as channels start adopting HD resolutions as the standard broadcast? A-la carte pricing? I would think that those serious about the broadcasting business and wanting to attract viewers will not merely switch 480i analog to digital but would take the opportunity to upgrade.

Thoughts?

Are you really saying the The Weather Channel would be your number one choice for new HD channels?

I'm not saying it would be my #1, but I personally don't really watch any sports so it would be before anymore sports channels. Once again that's just my opinion, everyone has different likes & dislikes, that's why there are so many channels.

But if I had to choose which channel I would like in HD next, kinda obvious, Playboy channel. :D

well, no ESPNEWS HD as of launch...

we need 3 more analogs to go digital only to free up more space for HD.
TLC-HD
AMC-HD
Hallmark -HD
are a couple of HD channels that are on some Comcast systems ,but not in Boston.

we need 3 more analogs to go digital only to free up more space for HD.
TLC-HD
AMC-HD
Hallmark -HD
are a couple of HD channels that are on some Comcast systems ,but not in Boston.


Any news on Comedy Central going HD?

we need 3 more analogs to go digital only to free up more space for HD.
TLC-HD
AMC-HD
Hallmark -HD
are a couple of HD channels that are on some Comcast systems ,but not in Boston.

3? I know of 42 channels that should go digital only :)

3? I know of 42 channels that should go digital only :)

chitchat you should have learned by now, get ready for the we must save analog crowd responses. :D

According to some posts in this thread

http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=1013944

Comcast has reversed course and will be carrying GAMEHD in some markets for the Extra Innings package. Anyone know if Boston will be one of those markets?

Looks like Comcast is really struggling to squeeze more HD in existing bandwidth.
http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=1008271
I hope it temporary.

chitchat you should have learned by now, get ready for the we must save analog crowd responses. :D

You know its not so much the transition to digital, its the transition to encrypted digital. If these channels were in clear QAM then fine. but forcing me to have 3 boxes where i only have one now is what totally sucks.

-Ken

I am considering getting a Tivo HD, not the one from Comcast.... Does anyone know if I will have a problem with Switched Digital Video. I live in Bristol county (Rehoboth) if that matters.

Supposedly Tivo is coming out sometime in 2008 with an adapter to handle Switched Digital Video. Until then, you are out of luck.

Supposedly Tivo is coming out sometime in 2008 with an adapter to handle Switched Digital Video. Until then, you are out of luck.

Any detailed info on this? I use cable cards, prices have gone up but i still prefer CC over the Box.

Thanks

Any detailed info on this? I use cable cards, prices have gone up but i still prefer CC over the Box.

Thanks

The TiVo HD can't do SDV, so you would not be able to tune any channels that are provided via SDV. As mentioned, CableLabs (not TiVo, although they are involved in the design, I believe) has "promised" to provide a USB "dongle" that can do the necessary communication to provide SDV cabibility for a TiVo or simlar device. I believe the orignal ETA on this device was Q2 2008, but I think that's probably a pipe-dream.

But, and this is a big but, is Comcast using SDV in your area? I haven't heard of any Comcast SDV being used in New England yet. I know it's not used in Stoughton. Thankfully, Comcast has not been as aggressive with SDV rollout as, say, Time-Warner. Hopefully (speaking as a TiVo Series 3 owner), they will continue to hold off until the dongle is available.

http://gizmodo.com/gadgets/tivo/tivo-getting-switched-video-privileges-for-more-channels-via-cablecard-326693.php

The TiVo HD can't do SDV, so you would not be able to tune any channels that are provided via SDV. As mentioned, CableLabs (not TiVo, although they are involved in the design, I believe) has "promised" to provide a USB "dongle" that can do the necessary communication to provide SDV cabibility for a TiVo or simlar device. I believe the orignal ETA on this device was Q2 2008, but I think that's probably a pipe-dream.

But, and this is a big but, is Comcast using SDV in your area? I haven't heard of any Comcast SDV being used in New England yet. I know it's not used in Stoughton. Thankfully, Comcast has not been as aggressive with SDV rollout as, say, Time-Warner. Hopefully (speaking as a TiVo Series 3 owner), they will continue to hold off until the dongle is available.

They are not using it (SV) here, I'm just thinking ahead. I actually use the CC in my TV's and I would hate to have to go to the box. USB dongle? What if you don't have a USB connector on your TV? I don't expect you to know, just thinking ahead, my newest TV a 1 year old 50" Plasma.

Ok, we all know that Comcast has some inconsistencies(not as many as Roger Clemens, :eek:) in their programming tiers. I called to downgrade my service from preffered(hbo and stars bundle) to basic+digital classic. Now I am keeping the HD box and the charge for HD box goes up $3 to $8.95, because I am "downgrading". I am still subscribed to DIGITAL classic, why should I pay more for the HD box. Also I am LOSING access to some HD channels, and price goes up??:confused:
I am saving roughly $30 a month with basic+digital classic together. For me it works, stuff for the kids, and enough for my needs(even HD).
Also they told me this "downgrade" would require a technician visit??

Ok, we all know that Comcast has some inconsistencies(not as many as Roger Clemens, :eek:) in their programming tiers. I called to downgrade my service from preffered(hbo and stars bundle) to basic+digital classic. Now I am keeping the HD box and the charge for HD box goes up $3 to $8.95, because I am "downgrading". I am still subscribed to DIGITAL classic, why should I pay more for the HD box. Also I am LOSING access to some HD channels, and price goes up??:confused:
I am saving roughly $30 a month with basic+digital classic together. For me it works, stuff for the kids, and enough for my needs(even HD).
Also they told me this "downgrade" would require a technician visit??

It requires a tech visit to install a trap at the pole to block out the expanded channels that you're no longer paying for in case you have any cable direct TV's. You shouldn't have to be home for the visit.

anyone know if comcast is doing the 3 channels per QAM here too?

Yes, they are.

Saw it on NESN-HD last night during the Sox game. Extremely irritating...

You know its not so much the transition to digital, its the transition to encrypted digital. If these channels were in clear QAM then fine. but forcing me to have 3 boxes where i only have one now is what totally sucks.

-Ken

I agree with you there. and in the case of channels like NESN ONLY the HD version would be unencrypted. :)
(I would maintain an SD encrypted version for those with SD boxes)

Anybody know when Fios TV will be available in Nashua? This HD-light blows.

Is anyone in the Boston and North Shore (Revere) area experiencing any image/sound quality issues. Since I bought my HDTV (Sharp Aquos 42D43U) in December '07 I have been dealing with tiling, image going out (black screen), and audio dropping out. At first the issue was intermittent occurring maybe once an hour or once every few hours. The signal quality has gotten so bad recently that I can no longer ignore it. I am curious if anyone in the Boston area has had the same issue and how it was resolved. My gut tells me that because i live in a neighborhood with tons of apartments that the signal strength is too weak. My building alone had 8 apartments in it and I know most of the houses on my street are apartment buildings.

Any thoughts/comments are greatly appreciated.

Thanks,
John

Is anyone in the Boston and North Shore (Revere) area experiencing any image/sound quality issues. Since I bought my HDTV (Sharp Aquos 42D43U) in December '07 I have been dealing with tiling, image going out (black screen), and audio dropping out. At first the issue was intermittent occurring maybe once an hour or once every few hours. The signal quality has gotten so bad recently that I can no longer ignore it. I am curious if anyone in the Boston area has had the same issue and how it was resolved. My gut tells me that because i live in a neighborhood with tons of apartments that the signal strength is too weak. My building alone had 8 apartments in it and I know most of the houses on my street are apartment buildings.

Any thoughts/comments are greatly appreciated.

Thanks,
John

I agree thats sounds like a signal strength issue to me. I would have a tech come out especially since you describe living in a apartment building with 7 other units, you may be at the lower end of the feed. Don't think these issues are related to the HD-lite subject we have been discussing though.

Anybody know when Fios TV will be available in Nashua? This HD-light blows.

Never. Verizon sold their wire line assets in NH, ME, and VT to Fairpoint Communications (closing date was this past Monday). The sale included the fiber network that Verizion installed in parts of southern NH.

You can thank the NH Public Utilities Commission for allowing the sale to a "broadband" provider whose idea of broadband is DSL. Fairpoint's propaganda (excuse me, FAQ) says "Future expansion of the fiber access network is being evaluated." Fairpoint has one *small* IPTV installation out west, and has claimed they want to bring IPTV to the tri-state area, but that's likely not going to happen for years - if ever. For now Comcast or satellite are your only choices.

I'm just glad I was able to get FiOS when it was first rolled out. 15 Mbps symmetrical connection for $65/month is not a bad deal at all.

Tony

Thanks Tony.

I had Fios internet, but I recently jumped back to comcast when they had a deal in december. It was free modem, $20/month for 6 months (then $45), and $150 rebate which I already got. Surprisingly it's like 4x faster than Fios according to speakeasy (4500mps vs. 20000mps). When the 6 months are up, I may see what Fios has to offer for deals.

-----

On to direct TV: Do you have to have a home phone line to get it?

It is unclear whether you would be able to get FTTH services from Fairpoint in the future if you are not presently a subscriber. If you still have an ONT on your house they might be willing to re-activate it, but I doubt they will be investing the money (rumored to be about $1k per house) for new installations.

FYI, the speed difference you see is likely Comcast's "power boost"; a short period of uncapped speed followed by a slow-down to your subscribed speed.

Tony

I see.

Yeah, when verizon was offering the free install I jumped on it because I got the free box in my house for good, knowing that when TV came around ( :( ) it would be a quick switch.

Saw it on NESN-HD last night during the Sox game. Extremely irritating...

hmm, funny thing is I'm pretty sure they're not currently compressing the HD sports channels (NESN, ESPN, ESPN2, etc), they're still 2:1 as they have been.

Anybody know when Fios TV will be available in Nashua? This HD-light blows.FiOS TV has been available in Burlington MA for over 18 months, but they won't offer it to everyone in town, only selected neighborhoods, so even if you get an answer to your question, don't put too much stock on the answer applying to your specific circumstance.

Never. Verizon sold their wire line assets in NH, ME, and VT to Fairpoint Communications (closing date was this past Monday). The sale included the fiber network that Verizion installed in parts of southern NH.Oh yeah, that's correct. NE, ME and VT weren't that profitable, so it was relatively unlikely that Verizon would have pointed FiOS in that direction, themselves, anyway.

According to some posts in this thread

http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=1013944

Comcast has reversed course and will be carrying GAMEHD in some markets for the Extra Innings package. Anyone know if Boston will be one of those markets?

I didn't see any references in that link, but here is the story describing Comcast's change of heart on GAMEHD:
http://www.tvpredictions.com/comcastbaseball033008.htm

I have been trying to get answers from Comcast tonight regarding availability in our area, but all I can get is chat and e-mail answers apologizing for the inconvenience and giving me an unhelpful link to my channel lineup. If anyone hears any word on GAMEHD, I'd appreciate it! Trying to consider purchasing MLBXI before the price goes up $40 on 4/6, but not having HD could be a deal breaker.

I finally got someone on the phone who was at least willing to look into it... and she basically said they have NO plans to offer GAMEHD this year in the Northeast. She claimed it was a bandwidth issue, and said in a very perky voice "after the digital transition next February we plan on adding lots of new channels!" Ugh.

FIOS ran their wire in my apt last month and they're now wiring up my development's grounds, so I should be good to go any day now. I wish Comcast could compete by then, but it doesn't look like it.

hmm, funny thing is I'm pretty sure they're not currently compressing the HD sports channels (NESN, ESPN, ESPN2, etc), they're still 2:1 as they have been.

That's what I thought too. But it was very clear when transitioning on replays. The graphics would fly by and frame-by-frame there was big-time macroblocking. I haven't seen it on ESPN, ESPN2 or CSN-HD, so that's why it's surprising to me...

FIOS ran their wire in my apt last month and they're now wiring up my development's grounds, so I should be good to go any day now. I wish Comcast could compete by then, but it doesn't look like it.

Hey Dave, any chance you will have both of them at the same time to give us side by side comparisons? :D

FIOS ran their wire in my apt last month and they're now wiring up my development's grounds, so I should be good to go any day now. I wish Comcast could compete by then, but it doesn't look like it.

They were supposed to wire my apt TWO months ago.
No dice.

Hey Dave, any chance you will have both of them at the same time to give us side by side comparisons? :DNo, because I will be returning my Comcast box the day I get FIOS- no point paying for both. The only Comcast stuff I get for free is the QAM Clear channels, and those are locals- AFAIK they aren't compressed. Eventually Comcast will probably put a filter on my line and block those too.

I finally got someone on the phone who was at least willing to look into it... and she basically said they have NO plans to offer GAMEHD this year in the Northeast. She claimed it was a bandwidth issue, and said in a very perky voice "after the digital transition next February we plan on adding lots of new channels!" Ugh.

One last update... I just received a call from a very nice woman at "Comcast Executive Offices" who said she saw my e-mail and had been researching it all morning. At this point, no decisions have been made regarding MLBXI-HD, but the company is still evaluating their options.

She flat-out said they are receiving a lot of requests for the GAMEHD channel from customers, but because it would only benefit those who subscribe to a premium sports package, the number of subscribers the channel would reach is likely not worth the bandwidth and would not be profitable. She said it was unlikely that the channel would be added this season, but not completely out of the question.

I had assumed it would be a longshot for the same reasons, but I was holding on to a little hope. It was nice to get an honest answer for a change, even if it's not what I want to hear.

One last update... I just received a call from a very nice woman at "Comcast Executive Offices" who said she saw my e-mail and had been researching it all morning. At this point, no decisions have been made regarding MLBXI-HD, but the company is still evaluating their options.

She flat-out said they are receiving a lot of requests for the GAMEHD channel from customers, but because it would only benefit those who subscribe to a premium sports package, the number of subscribers the channel would reach is likely not worth the bandwidth and would not be profitable. She said it was unlikely that the channel would be added this season, but not completely out of the question.

I had assumed it would be a longshot for the same reasons, but I was holding on to a little hope. It was nice to get an honest answer for a change, even if it's not what I want to hear.


Thanks for the updates Glavine. I just fired off an email to their exec. cust. care office, voicing my displeasure. My argument was that with the new 3:1 compression system they could easily add another channel, especially one we pay $160 for. I also stated that if other parts of the country get the HD channel for the same price, those of us who don't should get a discount. We'll see what happens. I'll post any results.

Thanks for the updates Glavine. I just fired off an email to their exec. cust. care office, voicing my displeasure. My argument was that with the new 3:1 compression system they could easily add another channel, especially one we pay $160 for. I also stated that if other parts of the country get the HD channel for the same price, those of us who don't should get a discount. We'll see what happens. I'll post any results.

Lets not try and encourage them any further. I would rather get rid of some of the HD channels ( stretch-o-vision) we have now so they don't have to resort to the 3:1 muxing and give us back the superb PQ we were used to. But thats just me and I'll probably have as much luck with that as you will trying to get that discount.

Lets not try and encourage them any further. I would rather get rid of some of the HD channels ( stretch-o-vision) we have now so they don't have to resort to the 3:1 muxing and give us back the superb PQ we were used to. But thats just me and I'll probably have as much luck with that as you will trying to get that discount.

I don't like the 3:1 either, but I see no way they pull channels to go back to 2:1. Our only hope is that come Feb. '09 it will open space to go back to 2:1. I used that just to point out that their 'no bandwidth' excuse carried no water with people who know what they are up to.

I don't expect a discount, but if I've learned anything from Comcast over the years is that they really don't like it when you threaten to switch to satellite. And now with FiOS slowly but surely creeping into more neighborhoods, it isn't the time for Comcast to make enemies.

Just out of curiosity, what where your issues?

1) Some of the non-HD channels had a very poor picture quality, including static or signal noise/degradation, which confounded me since there should be no static in digital cable. Some channels were great, some not so much. MTV was a huge offender in this category. The overall picture quality just seemed subpar to my previous experience with DirecTV.
2) The GUI and functionality of the cable box was not intuitive at all. Searching for shows by title took years since it had to be done by the day, the DVR was terrible.
3) Not by much, but Comcast was more expensive and this ended up being the ultimate slap in the face. I would be fine with paying more to get more, but paying more for substandard service just didn't sit right with me.
4) I got an ice cream headache trying to figure out the bill. All the piddly little charges that added up just stunk.
5) The channel assignments. I didn't like having to jump from the 700s back to the lower numbers in the guide, especially when there was no easy way to get back (i.e. w/ DirecTV just punching in the numbers while in the guide and going to that channel while not leaving the guide).
6) Not being able to customize the guide/no Favorites filters. I didn't have a way to weed out the channels that I didn't get and/or those that I didn't want to see when going through the guide.

Just an unenjoyable experience all around. Maybe a small part of it too was that I resented being forced to get Comcast, in addition to familiarity with DTV, but now that I have it back, even with the brand new HD STB, it just feels like a more natural experience. The DVR technology and usability seem light years ahead of Comcast's, the HD channels are integrated into the natural flow of the channel assignments, including being able to filter out the non-HD channels that have corresponding HD channels.

In the end, it's the sum of the all the little parts that make it a huge headache for me. It just seems to me that Comcast's functionality wasn't designed very well, or at least there was very little usability testing involved. DirecTV is just more polished, and when you factor in cheaper, it was an easy decision.

Anyone looking to catch the Bruins tonight in HD will be out of luck. They have been pushed to CN8 because of the Red Sox game in Toronto. This is going to be painful because after watching them all year in glorious HD and being one of the biggest games were stuck watching it in SD. Bummer!

Anyone looking to catch the Bruins tonight in HD will be out of luck. They have been pushed to CN8 because of the Red Sox game in Toronto. This is going to be painful because after watching them all year in glorious HD and being one of the biggest games were stuck watching it in SD. Bummer!
I was wondering if anyone actually watched Bruins games. You're the one!

I was wondering if anyone actually watched Bruins games. You're the one!

Yeah, I might be in the minority but I like to watch hockey in general especially if it's in HD. In fact my favorite time of the year is almost here, the NHL playoffs are the most exciting in any sport IMO even without the Bruins in them, maybe they will make it this year but I wouldn't bet on it!

Anyone looking to catch the Bruins tonight in HD will be out of luck. They have been pushed to CN8 because of the Red Sox game in Toronto. This is going to be painful because after watching them all year in glorious HD and being one of the biggest games were stuck watching it in SD. Bummer!

I would love to how the Bruins allow this to happen. I know the Red Sox own 80% of NESN and the B's only 20%, but the fact is tonight's game will make or break the Bruins season as far as getting into the postseason goes. The Red Sox are playing only game number 5 of 162. The Bruins game is far more important at this point and should air on regular NESN. I remember in the recent past (prior to Red Sox being World Champions 2004 & 2007) the end of the Bruins season took precidence and the Red Sox were bumped to alternate channels in April. I'll bet the excuse somewhere is that a rather meaningless Sox game will do 2-3 times the ratings of a high importance hockey game.
Anyhow, shame on the Bruins for allowing themselves to be shoved off the very station they own. I hope they win tonight, get into the playoffs, and have a successful run. I wonder what will happen during Sox-B's conflicts then?

PS - The poor Bruins fans subscribing to FIOS won't even get the opportunity to watch the game due to "technical constraints". (http://www.boston.com/sports/nesn/programming/nesn_plus/)

I would love to how the Bruins allow this to happen. I know the Red Sox own 80% of NESN and the B's only 20%, but the fact is tonight's game will make or break the Bruins season as far as getting into the postseason goes. The Red Sox are playing only game number 5 of 162. The Bruins game is far more important at this point and should air on regular NESN. I remember in the recent past (prior to Red Sox being World Champions 2004 & 2007) the end of the Bruins season took precidence and the Red Sox were bumped to alternate channels in April. I'll bet the excuse somewhere is that a rather meaningless Sox game will do 2-3 times the ratings of a high importance hockey game.
Anyhow, shame on the Bruins for allowing themselves to be shoved off the very station they own. I hope they win tonight, get into the playoffs, and have a successful run. I wonder what will happen during Sox-B's conflicts then?

PS - The poor Bruins fans subscribing to FIOS won't even get the opportunity to watch the game due to "technical constraints". (http://www.boston.com/sports/nesn/programming/nesn_plus/)

I agree! But anyway Congrats to the Bruins, it was an exciting game and I must say this team deserves to go to the playoffs this year. They played hard every game, something that can't be said about the last three years. I know they don't have the talent level to match other teams but the young guys are only going to get better and this team should be exciting to watch for many years to come. And I'll take an upset or two THIS year as well , stranger things have happen in the NHL so who knows. GO BRUINS!!!!!!

I know a reasonable "NESN plus" channel that everyone would get.

Comcast sportsnet unless they had a Celtics game.

They have a MUCH friendlier relationship now then back in the 80s. and folks would have gotten to see it in HD.

I know a reasonable "NESN plus" channel that everyone would get.

Comcast sportsnet unless they had a Celtics game.

They have a MUCH friendlier relationship now then back in the 80s. and folks would have gotten to see it in HD.
I don't believe the game was available in HD. The NESNHD replays were in SD.

I don't believe the game was available in HD. The NESNHD replays were in SD.

Only because thats how they chose to broadcast it (SD), must have been planned in advance . All the other games from Ottawa this year were in HD so I'm sure if they wanted to, they could have easily done it but since there was no HD channel available they didn't bother.

I know a reasonable "NESN plus" channel that everyone would get.

Comcast sportsnet unless they had a Celtics game.

They have a MUCH friendlier relationship now then back in the 80s. and folks would have gotten to see it in HD.

Well their bound to have more conflicts now with the Bruins in the playoffs but I believe that during playoffs , the Bruins will take precedence on NESN and it will be the Sox that will be pushed to CN8.

So your solution would be great but I doubt it will happen, I though only care to see the Bruins in HD right now but I know Sox fans might feel differently.

I wonder if NESN only has the staff to handle 1 HD game at a time. Keep that in mind before you bash them over the Bruins.

And I imagine it came down to simple ratings. Red Sox in HD is going to get a lot more ratings then a Bruins game in HD, regardless of when it is in the season.

I wonder if NESN only has the staff to handle 1 HD game at a time. Keep that in mind before you bash them over the Bruins.

And I imagine it came down to simple ratings. Red Sox in HD is going to get a lot more ratings then a Bruins game in HD, regardless of when it is in the season.

I think the Bruins will peak more interest now that they are in the playoffs especially for the first time in four years but probably still will be no where near to what the Sox draw. I would put the Bruins on NESN HD and CN8 and put the Sox on NESN SD if doing separate feeds is possible. That way it would satisfy the majority of folks and at least anyone who would want to watch either game would still be able to.

Has anyone noticed that there is no longer an option for "HBO HD" on demand? The other premium channels with HD on demand are still the same, but the "HBO HD" option is no longer there. I usually choose "premium channels", then "HBO On Demand", and then "HBO HD". A couple of days ago I noticed the "HBO HD" option was no longer there. I just called Comcast and was told to choose "HBO Movies", and there would be an "HD" icon next to the movies which are in HD. There are none (I guess I should have expected that when speaking with a CSR on a Saturday). Anyways, the other premium channels still have the HD sub-catagory option such as Starz, Showtime, Max, etc., but not HBO. Could someone else verify this?

Has anyone noticed stuttering on the HD channels lately? I just got HBO last week and have only watched a few movies. During my replay of The Fountain, every few minutes the video stuttered a bit but there was no audio drop out. Last night on SciFi-HD the stuttering on BSG was worse than my recording of The Fountain.

Watching Cold Case from TNT recorded Wednesday. Crystal clear, excellent PQ, no stuttering, etc. I'll keep an eye out and let you know if I see anything.

Has anyone noticed that there is no longer an option for "HBO HD" on demand? The other premium channels with HD on demand are still the same, but the "HBO HD" option is no longer there. I usually choose "premium channels", then "HBO On Demand", and then "HBO HD". A couple of days ago I noticed the "HBO HD" option was no longer there. I just called Comcast and was told to choose "HBO Movies", and there would be an "HD" icon next to the movies which are in HD. There are none (I guess I should have expected that when speaking with a CSR on a Saturday). Anyways, the other premium channels still have the HD sub-catagory option such as Starz, Showtime, Max, etc., but not HBO. Could someone else verify this?

you sure it's been a couple of days? i think this option hasn't been available for months. if i recall correctly, it disappeared before the sopranos ended.

Has anyone noticed stuttering on the HD channels lately? I just got HBO last week and have only watched a few movies. During my replay of The Fountain, every few minutes the video stuttered a bit but there was no audio drop out. Last night on SciFi-HD the stuttering on BSG was worse than my recording of The Fountain.

I had to reset my box a few days ago since it crashed. I reset it again last night to see if the stuttering went away, which it didn't. I then did the old trick of switching to an SD channel and back to an HD one and that did the trick! Sometimes you just have to do it a few times. These Motorola boxes are junk...and this is the third model I've had (DCT-3416).

Comcast has been adding these channels in other areas:

Science Channel
Disney Channel
ABC Family
AMC
TLC

Anyone hear anything about new adds here?

I don't have high hopes for AMC. It's supposedly all stretch-o-vision. Even the shows they've had in the HD OnDemand section (like "Mad Men", which looked great) are stretched SD on their "HD" channel. Makes absolutely no sense (you have the material in HD, but you don't use it?), but there ya go.

If you don't have AMC-HD, how do you know that Mad Men wasn't really in HD?

If you don't have AMC-HD, how do you know that Mad Men wasn't really in HD?

I went back to the thread I was reading and they were actually talking about Breaking Bad:

http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?p=13493512#post13493512

My bad, but if they're not going to use the HD version they produced for that show, then I'm not too optimistic about how they treat Mad Men. Hopefully I'm wrong!