Chit,
you are way too emotional about TV. :D

But it's a good news no matter what.

Ever see those comcast ads with the glowing Fios guy at the gas station ? That's chichat !!

-Ken

Chit,

It really looks like Comcast waited for you to leave and then uncorked this on you. I feel for you.

Mickey

But way to "take one for the team"! :D

But way to "take one for the team"! :D

Yes, Thank You chitchat!

Yes, Thank You chitchat!

I'm enjoying the 2.5 times faster internet,oodles of extra HD channels (no having to wait til it runs on the primary channel to see anything on HBO or Cinemax,) among other things.

A friend of mine in Buffalo with Time WArner only has 20 HD channels.

[QUOTE=chitchatjf;14598430]I'm enjoying the 2.5 times faster internet,oodles of extra HD channels (no having to wait til it runs on the primary channel to see anything on HBO or Cinemax,) among other things.

A friend of mine in Buffalo with Time WArner only has 20 HD channels.[/
QUOTE]

Yeah, you have only told us 20 times. :eek: FWIW I just recieved a letter from Fios telling me that the service will be available soon , ( my neighborhood is already wired) but my bundle with Comcast runs till the beginning of 09. Will see what direction Comcast is heading by then when it comes to Expanded. If it's not gone and I'm still putting up with the QAM stuffing, then I will be joining your ranks but if it is addressed and goes all digital, I'll be staying put.

Where on the North shore? I'm in Newbury, nothing official yet, but I did see something in the paper about preliminary discussions between the town and FIOS

Where on the North shore? I'm in Newbury, nothing official yet, but I did see something in the paper about preliminary discussions between the town and FIOS

danvers, but we do have a verizon hub here.

Where on the North shore? I'm in Newbury, nothing official yet, but I did see something in the paper about preliminary discussions between the town and FIOS

Chelmsford just started negotiating with FioS, even after they start wiring they usually go with internet first and then add TV later. I think we are looking at least two years for full deployment in any given town.

-Ken

Ugh, looks like my DVR bit the dust. I get the "DVR service is disabled" error and when I go into the diagnostics, no hard drive shows up. :(

Note to those waiting for FX to show up in near-Boston areas

There is now an FX section in the HD On Demand menu. Right now it has an episode of Sons of Anarchy. I'm hoping this means Rescue Me and Damages get the same treatment once they return!

Note to those waiting for FX to show up in near-Boston areas

There is now an FX section in the HD On Demand menu. Right now it has an episode of Sons of Anarchy. I'm hoping this means Rescue Me and Damages get the same treatment once they return!

I want HDNET movies in the ON Demand menu !!!

-Ken

Note to those waiting for FX to show up in near-Boston areas

There is now an FX section in the HD On Demand menu. Right now it has an episode of Sons of Anarchy. I'm hoping this means Rescue Me and Damages get the same treatment once they return!

it lists the pilot episode twice. i tried watching the first listing, but it only contains the background music, no dialogue. the 2nd listing is fine. wierd.

I thought we would have seen more HD adds with the Olympics over now. Also, other posters who have analog direct connect still say that there is a message channel still on where CN8 and MSNBC used to be. The posts from subs on the Boston/Brookline Comcast system make it very frustrating to see

I thought we would have seen more HD adds with the Olympics over now. Also, other posters who have analog direct connect still say that there is a message channel still on where CN8 and MSNBC used to be. The posts from subs on the Boston/Brookline Comcast system make it very frustrating to see

I'm sure they aren't doing it on purpose, the reason is probably as ScoopsHD posted:

"Talking with my friend who works in Comcast engineering, there is some technical hurdles they need to overcome to use that Olympics bandwidth. They aren't leaving us customers in the lurch, but he did say they need to do this smartly or it won't be pretty."

This is strange, but my DVR won't let me delete an old episode of Big Brother. I hit Delete but nothing happens. Everything else is fine, any reason why it won't let me get rid of it?

Just power cycle the box (unplug it, wait 30 seconds, and then plug it back in) and then when you power on the box wait probably about 10-15 minutes before accessing your DVR service. When you go back in there you should be able to delete the show. Not sure what causes this happen, probably just a glitch. The same thing happened to me about a month ago and it worked.

This is strange, but my DVR won't let me delete an old episode of Big Brother. I hit Delete but nothing happens. Everything else is fine, any reason why it won't let me get rid of it?

It's a Big Big Brother fan? :D

It's a Big Big Brother fan? :D

It IS Big Brother.

It IS Big Brother.

True, it is watching us more than we are watching it! :eek:

I just got the email from Comcast stating as of Oct 1st they are essentially putting a 250Gb cap on online use (if they call you 2x within a year they will cancel you). So what's the point of having a fast connection if you can't use it? So much for streaming HD content...

Well, I'm glad I'm going to FIOS on Fri...

I just got the email from Comcast stating as of Oct 1st they are essentially putting a 250Gb cap on online use (if they call you 2x within a year they will cancel you). So what's the point of having a fast connection if you can't use it? So much for streaming HD content...

Well, I'm glad I'm going to FIOS on Fri...
Because people that use more than that (it's actually a lot of data for a month if you calculate it) actually put a strain on the network and degrade the service of others.

So much for streaming HD content...250GB/mth is over 8GB/day...

Because people that use more than that (it's actually a lot of data for a month if you calculate it) actually put a strain on the network and degrade the service of others.

Yes, I agree. This is not really a bad thing unless you are one of the people their targeting!

Yes, I agree. This is not really a bad thing unless you are one of the people their targeting!That doesn't mean I'm one of the ones, but considering I'm paying for their 16Mbps service and I have multiple devices hooked up to a home network, I can see there being a point sometime in the near future where it might easily hit that mark. Streaming high-resolution video (services available on the many videogames) like the PSN or XBLive would take a few GB per movie right there.

Comcast is pretty much a monopoly in the cable business, and they keep on adding more restrictions /taking away services from the consumer while rising the prices. What they should be doing (like Verizon) is lowering the prices and offering better/more services.

Going forward the cap is only going to rise. Either that or they turn the speed tier into a different service where they remove all caps. Cablevision does this with their Optimum Online Boost service.

That doesn't mean I'm one of the ones, but considering I'm paying for their 16Mbps service and I have multiple devices hooked up to a home network, I can see there being a point sometime in the near future where it might easily hit that mark. Streaming high-resolution video (services available on the many videogames) like the PSN or XBLive would take a few GB per movie right there.

Comcast is pretty much a monopoly in the cable business, and they keep on adding more restrictions /taking away services from the consumer while rising the prices. What they should be doing (like Verizon) is lowering the prices and offering better/more services.


When was the price for internet service last raised?

The caps have always been there no they are just making them known.

That doesn't mean I'm one of the ones, but considering I'm paying for their 16Mbps service and I have multiple devices hooked up to a home network, I can see there being a point sometime in the near future where it might easily hit that mark. Streaming high-resolution video (services available on the many videogames) like the PSN or XBLive would take a few GB per movie right there.

Comcast is pretty much a monopoly in the cable business, and they keep on adding more restrictions /taking away services from the consumer while rising the prices. What they should be doing (like Verizon) is lowering the prices and offering better/more services.

You have to keep in mind that Comcast having a cap was not a big deal until a few people pointed out throttling to manage the network which turned into the FCC moaning and threatening which ultimately leads to Comcast saying "OK, you want a cap? Here you go!" Plus Comcast has to pay lawyers to make arguments against the FCC. So Comcast cannot pump money into R&D when people who are illegally file sharing HD movies are complaing about not being able to download off of Bit Torrent and the FCC is helping them out so Comcast has to fight back with highly paid lawyers. Things cannot be simple because people are arrogant and selfish and ruin it for the rest of us.

Rant over.

You have to keep in mind that Comcast having a cap was not a big deal until a few people pointed out throttling to manage the network which turned into the FCC moaning and threatening which ultimately leads to Comcast saying "OK, you want a cap? Here you go!" Plus Comcast has to pay lawyers to make arguments against the FCC. So Comcast cannot pump money into R&D when people who are illegally file sharing HD movies are complaing about not being able to download off of Bit Torrent and the FCC is helping them out so Comcast has to fight back with highly paid lawyers. Things cannot be simple because people are arrogant and selfish and ruin it for the rest of us.

Rant over.

Disagree. This whole thing started long before the Sandvine deep packet inspection dust-up occurred. If you remember, there were complaints from many users who were suddenly disconnected from Comcast for violating their unpublished and undisclosed caps. Attempts to have Comcast clarify their caps were fruitless, as Comcast gave some lame excuses, such as "it varies from region to region" or some other such nonsense.

As for the rest of your incomprehensible paragraph, I am not even sure where to begin... You're arguing that since Comcast has spent so much money on lawyering-up to get out of their deep packet inspection oopsie, that they don't have any cash on hand to roll out infrastructure improvements ? I call shenanigans on that. They're planning a serious rollout of DOCSIS 3.0 next year to try and compete with FIOS.

Comcast got caught messing around with customer traffic, and now they're having to come clean and re-work their "solution". It's their own fault, and they're suffering the fate that they've brought upon themselves.

BTW, it wasn't just torrent traffic that was affected by the Sandvine gear. Various reports had FTP and Lotus Notes also affected by their "reasonable traffic management measures". Yeah, right!

Comcast applied caps depending on the capacity they had in each area. Now we have the same cap in all areas and everyone knows exactly what it is.

Regardless, FIOS just happened to become available in my condo development this week and for the same price as the 16/2Mbps Comcast tier, I get the 20/5Mbps FIOS tier. That's fine with me.

As far as the TV goes on FIOS, I get all the Extended HD service channel package (about 50 HD channels) and local phone service for pretty much the same price as just the local HD channels on Comcast and the HD DVR. Comcast better do something fast to be competitive. I don't know how they can compete with that.

Comcast should be doing what's best for Comcast's owners. To do otherwise would be irresponsible. Verizon needs to really undersell themselves with regard to FiOS to gain market share. Rest assured that once 20%-30% of people have FiOS, they'll adjust their service and pricing to match Comcast's.

Things cannot be simple because people are arrogant and selfish and ruin it for the rest of us. Absolutely. I think we can see evidence of such arrogance and selfishness on the part of consumers practically everywhere, with virtually no concern about the ramifications on everyone of holding such views.

Comcast should be doing what's best for Comcast's owners. To do otherwise would be irresponsible. Verizon needs to really undersell themselves with regard to FiOS to gain market share. Rest assured that once 20%-30% of people have FiOS, they'll adjust their service and pricing to match Comcast's.

Absolutely. I think we can see evidence of such arrogance and selfishness on the part of consumers practically everywhere, with virtually no concern about the ramifications on everyone of holding such views.

And in doing so would mean keeping their subs happy, they both go hand in hand. Example: Comcast was taking it on the chin for their QAM stuffing and everything that goes with it because of it's bandwidth limitations so they react by recently announcing that 20% of their market will be all digital by the end of the year( I'll believe it when I see it). It's a good PR move for them, but also will keep their subs content knowing improved/increase in service will be coming soon because of it. I don't think they would have been rushing to do this but they know this will keep them competitive and at the same time keep their subs from jumping ship like some already have in this thread.

And in doing so would mean keeping their subs happy, they both go hand in hand.Not always. There are many things that would keep customers happy that simply cost more to provide than they're worth -- and indeed that's actually increasing in frequency as customer expectations get further and further divorced from reason. For every instance of something a company does to save money that back-fires from a customer reaction standpoint (i.e., represents more lost revenue long-term than cost savings), there are probably ten things that customers want that aren't worth providing because customers aren't willing to pay a high enough premium for those things.

Comcast should be doing what's best for Comcast's owners. To do otherwise would be irresponsible.Just ask the top executives at Bear Stearns, Lehman Bros., Merrill Lynch, and AIG. And Washington Mutual is in the batting circle.

Honestly, bicker1, your obliviousness to the real world is breathtaking sometimes. The company *doesn't* always know best.

Just ask the top executives at Bear Stearns, Lehman Bros., Merrill Lynch, and AIG. And Washington Mutual is in the batting circle.

Honestly, bicker1, your obliviousness to the real world is breathtaking sometimes. The company *doesn't* always know best.

dashford,
I am curious. In your opinion, who knows the best? Also, are you suggesting that the top executives of the companies you mentioned should have known or predicted the recession and falling mortgage, real estate, and financial markets? That would be pretty awesome.

Besides, Bicker didn't say that Comcast "does" always know better. He said that they "should" be doing what's best for the Comcast's owners. This may, or may not include trying to satisfy all customers.

Not always. There are many things that would keep customers happy that simply cost more to provide than they're worth -- and indeed that's actually increasing in frequency as customer expectations get further and further divorced from reason. For every instance of something a company does to save money that back-fires from a customer reaction standpoint (i.e., represents more lost revenue long-term than cost savings), there are probably ten things that customers want that aren't worth providing because customers aren't willing to pay a high enough premium for those things.

Yes, you can't make everyone happy all of the time, however if there are no subs, there is no Comcast. I'm sure the people running such a business realize this and one of their most important goals is to maintain the satisfaction of it's customers whether you want to call it happy, content or whatever as long as the majority are not DIS-SATISFIED consumers because a business that has mostly the latter, won't be in business to much longer. Yes, in the past these monopolies could get away with whatever they want but in todays competitive marketplace ( in which Comcast is now part of) that is no longer true and you know that. ;)

The company *doesn't* always know best.No one ever said they did. It is pretty telling, though, that instead of arguing against what I actually did write, you chose to argue against something I didn't write, something easier to argue against.

dashford, I am curious. In your opinion, who knows the best? Also, are you suggesting that the top executives of the companies you mentioned should have known or predicted the recession and falling mortgage, real estate, and financial markets? That would be pretty awesome.Good point, but it goes even deeper than that: Even if the execs of a few companies are incompetent or corrupt that doesn't mean that Random Joe's selfish perspective trumps the professional expertise of the execs of the thousands of other companies, who are competent and honest. It seems that extreme consumerists have nothing to rest their arguments on except for invalid implications... they choose to appeal to emotion instead of relying on logic and reason.

Yes, you can't make everyone happy all of the time, however if there are no subs, there is no Comcast.That's not even the beginning of a concern, yet, because Comcast's market share is so incredibly high right now that regulators want to make them lose subscribers STILL. So the more that they can trade off cost-conscious and persnickety (i.e., costly to provide support for) subscribers for new Triple Play subscribers from within their current customer-base, the better for the company, at least until their market share gets far enough below the point where the regulators are coming after them. Then we can chat about this, if they haven't made changes by then to re-balance things.

dashford,
I am curious. In your opinion, who knows the best? Also, are you suggesting that the top executives of the companies you mentioned should have known or predicted the recession and falling mortgage, real estate, and financial markets? That would be pretty awesome.

Besides, Bicker didn't say that Comcast "does" always know better. He said that they "should" be doing what's best for the Comcast's owners. This may, or may not include trying to satisfy all customers.Andrzej, my point was that bicker1 *always* defers to the judgment of those that run the companies. Not just in this instance, but in every discussion. His reasoning for this is that their decisions are "based on experience, expertise, professionalism, and fiduciary responsibilities." This is a blanket statement he makes in his sig, without qualification or restriction.

Unlike bicker1, I don't claim to know who knows the best. But I know it's not wise to blindly trust the wisdom of any group of people at all times under all circumstances. I see that apparently that makes me an "extreme consumerist" (whatever that is) in bicker1's view.

There were lots of people warning for many months about the impending dangers in the housing, financial, and insurance industries. I don't think they were performing "awesome" deeds. The fact that there are investment banks and insurance companies that are doing just fine and are likely to continue to do so suggests that, yes, the heads of Lehman Bros, AIG, and the others should have seen this coming. To mindlessly trust executives simply *because* they are executives makes no sense.

It seems that extreme consumerists have nothing to rest their arguments on except for invalid implications... they choose to appeal to emotion instead of relying on logic and reason.Hey, you're the one with the stupid sig, not me. You're just hanging yourself by your own words -- "emotion" doesn't play any role.

That's not even the beginning of a concern, yet, because Comcast's market share is so incredibly high right now that regulators want to make them lose subscribers STILL. So the more that they can trade off cost-conscious and persnickety (i.e., costly to provide support for) subscribers for new Triple Play subscribers from within their current customer-base, the better for the company, at least until their market share gets far enough below the point where the regulators are coming after them. Then we can chat about this, if they haven't made changes by then to re-balance things.

I agree, but times are a changing. There was no Fios until recently and Sat Co. increase in size every year. Comcast can not afford to maintain the status-quo as they have in the past in a market where technology is always advancing. It is just the nature of the business they now find themselves in.

Hey, you're the one with the stupid sig, not me.My signature is actually quite intelligent, and quite real. I'm sorry that such reality concerns you.

I agree, but times are a changing. There was no Fios until recently and Sat Co. increase in size every year. Comcast can not afford to maintain the status-quo as they have in the past in a market where technology is always advancing. It is just the nature of the business they now find themselves in.Well, my point is that they are not there yet. Comcast is still too big. (Just ask Kevin Martin.) We know that they're increasing Triple Play subscriptions. We know that they're reducing (extended) basic cable subscriptions. We're not sure what the exact break-downs are, but as far as we know, it could very-well be a very advantageous situation for Comcast right now, the way things are going.

Also, note how Comcast is already changing some of their operational tactics (beginning to turn their attention towards more linear HD channels, improving 3:1 muxed HD PQ, moving towards all-digital in more locations, etc.), which will likely buffer the changes to their subscriber base (perhaps just at the right time to have them end up just under the threshold of "dominant supplier" scrutiny).

My signature is actually quite intelligent, and quite real. I'm sorry that such reality concerns you.

Well, my point is that they are not there yet. Comcast is still too big. (Just ask Kevin Martin.) We know that they're increasing Triple Play subscriptions. We know that they're reducing (extended) basic cable subscriptions. We're not sure what the exact break-downs are, but as far as we know, it could very-well be a very advantageous situation for Comcast right now, the way things are going.

Also, note how Comcast is already changing some of their operational tactics (beginning to turn their attention towards more linear HD channels, improving 3:1 muxed HD PQ, moving towards all-digital in more locations, etc.), which will likely buffer the changes to their subscriber base (perhaps just at the right time to have them end up just under the threshold of "dominant supplier" scrutiny).

bicker I understand what you are saying but you are missing my point. The market has the ability to more and more play itself out without the necessity of federal intervention, something that could not be said not to long ago. Because of this the braintrust at Comcast had no choice but to change their method of thinking or it would be doing a disservice to it's shareholders, something you like to point out quite often around here. They are implementing new strategies as you stated above because of this, whether it's helping or hurting their bottom line right now we don't know but as a Comcast subscriber I feel it benefits us where as in the past there was nothing to force it's hand to do otherwise.

My signature is actually quite intelligent, and quite real.Intelligence, like popularity, is best judged by others.

bicker I understand what you are saying but you are missing my point. The market has the ability to more and more play itself out without the necessity of federal intervention, something that could not be said not to long ago.ITA.

Because of this the braintrust at Comcast had no choice but to change their method of thinking or it would be doing a disservice to it's shareholders, something you like to point out quite often around here.Absolutely: It is their responsibility to make the decisions that match the current environment. As the environment changes, they should change their decisions.

They are implementing new strategies as you stated above because of this, whether it's helping or hurting their bottom line right now we don't know but as a Comcast subscriber I feel it benefits us where as in the past there was nothing to force it's hand to do otherwise.Sounds like we don't disagree.

Intelligence, like popularity, is best judged by others.Not by you, though. Your comments have just been an annoyance. Regardless, you missed the point about reality, again.

Your comments have just been an annoyance. Regardless, you missed the point about reality, again.Seeing as I'm spending most of my time at work this week on conference calls with financial institutions around the country, I'm pretty well grounded on the reality of how poorly top management has performed for several of the US's largest investment and financial firms. Regardless of your faith in their expertise, professionalism, fiduciary responsibility, etc.

I just want to know when I can get FoxNews HD and FX HD in Southern NH... My friend in Boston has had them for over a month now.

I wish the markets were the same, they sort of are, but not really.

I just want to know when I can get FoxNews HD and FX HD in Southern NH... My friend in Boston has had them for over a month now.

I wish the markets were the same, they sort of are, but not really.

If you read back a few pages you would get the answer to your question. Boston is a almost a fully digital system and has almost unlimited bandwidth for HD channels. Mosdt other comcast systems (except for Chicago) have limited bandwidth and can only have a fraction of the channels due to the remaining analog channels.

-Ken

Cox in RI is adding Viacom HD channels on 10/10/08. We need more anlogs dropped.

Ironically Comcast Natick isn't "fully digital" at all. It's still one of those old cable systems that runs on the little used analog IRC frequency (or is it HRC?) , which makes it a huge pain in the ass, especially on PC tuners.

Fairpoint TV coming soon.

The Fairpoint people were here today walking door to door in Derry, NH.

They were giving away 5$ Dunkin Donuts gift cards to those customers who already had FiOS Phone.

New Brochures say TV and the rep said TV is coming soon and added us to the list.

:D

Fairpoint TV coming soon.

The Fairpoint people were here today walking door to door in Derry, NH.

They were giving away 5$ Dunkin Donuts gift cards to those customers who already had FiOS Phone.

New Brochures say TV and the rep said TV is coming soon and added us to the list.

:D

Did they happen to mention if it was a fiber service, or DSL service ?

From what I've read, they've been hinting at TV over DSL. I hope this isn't the case, because there's simply NO WAY that DSL in this environment could support any kind of HDTV. The loop lengths are just too long to deliver any kind of meaningful throughput.

On the other hand, if they're talking about continuing the fiber roll-out, this becomes far more interesting. It remains to be seen if they can actually AFFORD to lay fiber, considering that they had to nearly put themselves in the poor house to buy up the Verizon infrastructure.

Did they happen to mention if it was a fiber service, or DSL service ?

From what I've read, they've been hinting at TV over DSL. I hope this isn't the case, because there's simply NO WAY that DSL in this environment could support any kind of HDTV. The loop lengths are just too long to deliver any kind of meaningful throughput.

On the other hand, if they're talking about continuing the fiber roll-out, this becomes far more interesting. It remains to be seen if they can actually AFFORD to lay fiber, considering that they had to nearly put themselves in the poor house to buy up the Verizon infrastructure.

This is a fiber TV service from what the rep told my wife. They were only talking about fiber telephone, internet, & TV. No way they are going to run copper lines back to my house. Copper has been stripped back to the pole and all I have is fiber to the ONT.

Pete

I just got the notice that Comcast/Boston would be changing the channels for several of the locals. My question is, since I am somewhat new to Comcast, how does the TiVO HD handle this? Supposedly, the changes take place sometime between Oct 1 and 15, but 1) how does the TiVO handle the season pass situation...does it automatically detect the new channel position, which brings up 2), does the guide immediately detect the new channel designations, or will I have to manually record anything on those channels til the guide catches up? Anyone with a TiVO HD who has gone thru this might have answers...

The last few HD channel additions we've had here in Burlington, I learned about them through my TiVo before I read about them here on AVS Forum.

I've had the opposite experience. With the last 2 big HD adds in Boston/Brookline, the channels were there a full week before TiVo updated the guide.

Even after getting the digital HD box, I ran a split (and amplified) coax line directly into the coax input on the back of the TV (the other half goes to the cable box), and occasionally run a channel scan to see what premium VOD/PPV I might run across (we dont subscribe to any of 'em). This past Friday -- usually a pretty busy night to pick stuff up -- there was nothing in the PPV range of frequencies (roughly 80-1 through 106-10). I've never hit on fewer than 15 to 20 of 'em. Has Comcast done something to their signal?

Even after getting the digital HD box, I ran a split (and amplified) coax line directly into the coax input on the back of the TV (the other half goes to the cable box), and occasionally run a channel scan to see what premium PPV I might run across (we dont subscribe to any of 'em). This past Friday -- usually a pretty busy night to pick stuff up -- there was nothing in the PPV range of frequencies (roughly 80-1 through 106-10). I've never hit on fewer than 15 to 20 of 'em. Has Comcast done something to their signal?


They are now being encrypted. Coming to all areas soon.

They are now being encrypted. Coming to all areas soon.

Thanks. Bastids. ;)

There goes the free movies, oh well!

Are these channels coming in OK for you guys in Boston? I'm in Brookline and have been getting a "Channel not Available" message the past three days. All other channels work fine, however.

793 FUSED
794 BRAVO HD
795 CNBC HD
796 ESPN News HD
797 BIO HD
798 IFC HD
799 WE HD
800 HD PPV
830 FX HD
841 Fox News HD

Coming in fine for me. i did However, have a similar experience with certain channels on my connection. To sum it up, i have a weak signal due to stringing and splitting boxes strong connection more than it should be. If you want the details read this post (http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?p=14396892&highlight=#post14396892) from a few pages back.

If your situation is like mine perhaps i can help you by explaining what i did. First off, check your connections main route to your place. Prolly out back somewhere. There should be a red tag with your apt. number (assuming you live in one). Try to identify the main source cable and then trace it down to your cable. Is it split many times to other connections? That could be the cause... if you suspect that, you basically have two options...

1) put your connection further up the line in terms of where it relates the the main source. This likely means you're also putting someone else further down the line... keep that in mind.
2). Buy a signal amplifier. When my signal first started degrading, i could still get most of my channels but it worsened over time. I then bought an amp and had all channels again. Then, over time i started dropping channels again. I've then learned that the splitting by Comcast contractors (see previous post linked above) have weakened my connection to the point where without my amp, i get almost no channels with a few pixelated exceptions. Over time i've been able to locate my apartments connection as well as the main source so that whenever a tech/contractor comes out and splits my signal out back i can then move my connection back up the line. Not pretty and a pain in the ass, but i haven't switched to Dish ... yet. I just can't figure out why/where all the new connections keep going to. I guess when new students move into town they call Comcast and they send out a contractor to hook up a new apt. even though Comcast isn't really supported on my block (see post).

Hope that helps if you were/are in the same boat as me =P

vgankin and iamdw- when did you get these new HD channels? I'm out in Clinton, MA and we don't have any of those yet. Curious how long ago did you guys get them? Thanks for any info... AL

When will we see them in the burbs?

There have been no indications about when we might see more HD channels outside of Boston.

When will we see them in the burbs?

When they tackle the Expanded Basic problem, my guess is it could be awhile.

I guess they put out a box update today. That awful green line on the right side and distortion on the left side of my screen have subsided since the last update. However, it caused my DVR to crash..

Edit: Completely wrong. It seems reseting the box takes care of the lines, but when I changed inputs on my AVR then went back it reappeared. No matter what I tried I could not get it to go away again.

vgankin and iamdw- when did you get these new HD channels? I'm out in Clinton, MA and we don't have any of those yet. Curious how long ago did you guys get them? Thanks for any info... AL

Some of these channels came on around the time the Olympics took place and many more a week or so after i believe. As others have said, there is no word as far as i know when other areas will add these additional channels and from what i've gathered, the Boston metro area is the only location in the state (perhaps the country?) with this large of an HD lineup.

Patsfan123,

Have you tried bypassing the AVR? It's been well documented that some receivers have "handshake" issues with the Motorola boxes. Maybe try switching cables as well. Just a thought. When you mentioned that after switching inputs on the AVR, the problem came back, it made me think of similar issues I had with my old receiver.

http://www.engadgethd.com/2008/09/25/comcast-unloads-a-bunch-of-hd-nets-in-boston-ma/

Does this mean they are coming to the 'burbs? I noticed in my Comcast Bill last night, that 825, 838, and 856 are all moving down grouped with the rest of the local channels on 10/1... then it said, should be completed by 10/31. Does this mean we'll see all this happen in October?

Thanks iamdw for the reply. Hope the 'burbs get the new channels relatively soon too!

I suspect it means nothing. Just some old news that someone posted as new.

My in-laws have standard cable at their Cape house (no boxes). I'm considering "giving" them an HDTV that I have replaced which has a CableCard slot for use in their family room (my ulterior motive being that I can watch sports/movies during our visits on something other than the old 26" POS they have now). I know that it will receive all their current channels plus the HD locals by using the internal QAM tuner. My question is whether there would be any benefit to having a CableCard installed. They are on a fixed income and will not allow the monthly bill to go up (I won't pay it just for the few days a month we are there), but I would be willing to pay for a reasonable initial install, if required. Would this get me/us any additional channels such as NESN HD, CSN HD or ESPN HD without any monthly increase? Thanks!

My 30 sec forward skip and 15 sec rewind no longer work. They go forward 5 min and back 5 min. Worked fine when I went to bed last night, today they are fubar. Anyone else have this too??

My in-laws have standard cable at their Cape house (no boxes). I'm considering "giving" them an HDTV that I have replaced which has a CableCard slot for use in their family room (my ulterior motive being that I can watch sports/movies during our visits on something other than the old 26" POS they have now). I know that it will receive all their current channels plus the HD locals by using the internal QAM tuner. My question is whether there would be any benefit to having a CableCard installed. They are on a fixed income and will not allow the monthly bill to go up (I won't pay it just for the few days a month we are there), but I would be willing to pay for a reasonable initial install, if required. Would this get me/us any additional channels such as NESN HD, CSN HD or ESPN HD without any monthly increase? Thanks!

You would still have to upgrade to one of the digital tiers ( at least Classic ) to get those channels even with the cablecard. But since they have no boxes there would be no additional charge for the card itself, only for the upgrade in service which I don't know what it is but maybe someone else here does.

My 30 sec forward skip and 15 sec rewind no longer work. They go forward 5 min and back 5 min. Worked fine when I went to bed last night, today they are fubar. Anyone else have this too??

30 second skip still works in Billerica.

My in-laws have standard cable at their Cape house (no boxes). I'm considering "giving" them an HDTV that I have replaced which has a CableCard slot for use in their family room (my ulterior motive being that I can watch sports/movies during our visits on something other than the old 26" POS they have now). I know that it will receive all their current channels plus the HD locals by using the internal QAM tuner. My question is whether there would be any benefit to having a CableCard installed. They are on a fixed income and will not allow the monthly bill to go up (I won't pay it just for the few days a month we are there), but I would be willing to pay for a reasonable initial install, if required. Would this get me/us any additional channels such as NESN HD, CSN HD or ESPN HD without any monthly increase? Thanks!

Lodef is incorrect. Digital Starter offers all the HD simulcasts of channels in extended basic (ESPN,ESPN2,NESN) plus Universal HD,Palladia,and Mojo.
It is generally extended basic with a box and the cable card turns the TV tuner into a virtual built in box.
As a cable card is considered a no charge box there shouldn't be a price increaswe.

Lodef is incorrect. Digital Starter offers all the HD simulcasts of channels in extended basic (ESPN,ESPN2,NESN) plus Universal HD,Palladia,and Mojo.
It is generally extended basic with a box and the cable card turns the TV tuner into a virtual built in box.
As a cable card is considered a no charge box there shouldn't be a price increaswe.

Huh? Did he say he already has digital starter? I thought he said standard cable ( Basic + Expanded ), at least thats what it was when I had it. I know you need a digital tier to at least get the HD versions besides the locals.

I think I am the wrong forum, but can anyone point me in the right direction? I am in Middleboro, MA, and have just hooked up a digital tv directly to cable. When I did the channel set up, it found many digital channels. Many are linked to one main channel. By this I mean, I have numerous channels under one number (example, channel 83 has channel 83-1, 83-2, etc.). I just want to find a listing of the line up, so I know what channel is what. I do understand that some are for HD, like channel 7-0 is standard def, and 7-1 is HD. I am just trying to find a line up.

Thanks!

This is the correct forum, and indeed is even the correct thread for your question (assuming you have Comcast).

There is no official guide to the QAM channel mappings, and they do change from time to time, so even if you do find a mapping that applies to your area, or create one yourself, don't get too comfortable with it because it will likely change, without notice, and seemingly without reason. Publishing of clear QAM mapping is not a service provided Comcast.

I don't live in Middleboro, so my own personally channel mapping, for here in Burlington, won't help you -- as a matter of fact, it has been over a year since I bothered doing a channel mapping, so it isn't really worth much to anyone here in Burlington either, by now.

30 second skip still works in Billerica.

What do you do to get the 30 sec skip on the HD DVR?

What do you do to get the 30 sec skip on the HD DVR?

http://en.wikibooks.org/wiki/How_to_use_a_Motorola_DVR/Programming_the_Remote

Huh? Did he say he already has digital starter? I thought he said standard cable ( Basic + Expanded ), at least thats what it was when I had it. I know you need a digital tier to at least get the HD versions besides the locals.

the cable card is considered a no charge box. standard cable + Box =Digital starter. They will also map HD channels to the box numbers.

i didn't have to do anything. The pg up and pg down keys did 30 advance and 15 sec rewind.

I think I am the wrong forum, but can anyone point me in the right direction? I am in Middleboro, MA, and have just hooked up a digital tv directly to cable. When I did the channel set up, it found many digital channels. Many are linked to one main channel. By this I mean, I have numerous channels under one number (example, channel 83 has channel 83-1, 83-2, etc.). I just want to find a listing of the line up, so I know what channel is what. I do understand that some are for HD, like channel 7-0 is standard def, and 7-1 is HD. I am just trying to find a line up.

Thanks!

Everything bicker1 says is correct. I'll just add my own spin: What Comcast really wants you to do is to rent one of their HD cable boxes so that you get usable channel numbering (and a guide of course)... Which is why they don't do anything to improve the channel mapping via Clear QAM.

[QUOTE=chitchatjf;14754002]the cable card is considered a no charge box. standard cable + Box =Digital starter. They will also map HD channels to the box numbers.[/QUOTE

So what you are saying then is anyone who has Standard is all set and will only incur a charge if they add a box! Interesting because I was forced to get classic to recieve most of those HD channels at the time and see no reason to have it any longer.

Also their HD Channel line-up on their website is not even updated but if what you said is true, then I am paying extra for only one channel now, NGHD.

[quote=chitchatjf;14754002]the cable card is considered a no charge box. standard cable + Box =Digital starter. They will also map HD channels to the box numbers.[/QUOTE

So what you are saying then is anyone who has Standard is all set and will only incur a charge if they add a box!

Yes

[quote=Lodef;14755245]

Yes

Chitchat and Lodef,

Thanks for the back and forth clarifications as it helps educate me quite a bit. It sounds like I could pay to have the CC installed and get access to the sports HD I'm looking for without a monthly increase. That was the answer I was hoping for!

[quote=chitchatjf;14756284]

Chitchat and Lodef,

Thanks for the back and forth clarifications as it helps educate me quite a bit. It sounds like I could pay to have the CC installed and get access to the sports HD I'm looking for without a monthly increase. That was the answer I was hoping for!

Where available Fios blows Comcast away but it is the better of two goods.

Fios may be better (IMO) but Comcast can still be pretty good.

Moved to a new house this weekend.

Well, my mom did, I'm away at school right now.

We were planning on switching to DirecTV but the Comcast retention department gave us some deal my mom described as "really really good" which included a price cut (had the Premier Plus bundle) as well as an upgrade in services.

So I guess I get to stick around in this thread unless I get fed up with Comcast or FiOS comes to Salem.

[quote=BSTNFAN;14762122]

Where available Fios blows Comcast away but it is the better of two goods.

Fios may be better (IMO) but Comcast can still be pretty good.

Understood...I've heard that Chelmsford is negotiating to bring in Fios and I will definitely evaluate it for our house once it becomes available (the in-law's Cape house can't even get DSL, so I'm not holding my breath for Fios). I'm hoping that Comcast gets SDV and DOCCIS 3.0 going so that it's a "closer" battle.

Anybody in Dover, NH (or anyone on this thread) experiencing problems with clear QAM on Comcast recently? I can still get the local HD stations, but the "free" PPV/OnDemand stuff has all dried up. Used to be I could find plenty to watch on 80.2-80.11, 81.2-81.12, 90.2-90.11 or 91.2-91.11. Now the tuner appears to be finding a signal (it says "tuning" for a couple of seconds), then just comes up with a "No Signal" message. I tried rescanning but got nothing new. Before, any pause at all meant that something was going to come up. I guess I can't complain to anybody since it's not like I expected the gravy train to last forever, but it still feels like Comcast took something away!

Thanks!

Anybody in Dover, NH (or anyone on this thread) experiencing problems with clear QAM on Comcast recently? I can still get the local HD stations, but the "free" PPV/OnDemand stuff has all dried up. Used to be I could find plenty to watch on 80.2-80.11, 81.2-81.12, 90.2-90.11 or 91.2-91.11. Now the tuner appears to be finding a signal (it says "tuning" for a couple of seconds), then just comes up with a "No Signal" message. I tried rescanning but got nothing new. Before, any pause at all meant that something was going to come up. I guess I can't complain to anybody since it's not like I expected the gravy train to last forever, but it still feels like Comcast took something away!

Thanks!

I believe that is all being scrambled now, so no more "freebies."

I believe that is all being scrambled now, so no more "freebies."

I used to enjoy putting a movie on from my box in the living room to my QAM tuner on my bedroom TV late at night and if it was one from the HD OnDemand feature, you would get it in HD on the QAM also. I used this option quite often but now this little known convenience is no longer available. :(

HD Ch.s 25, 38 and 56 have been relocated with the rest of the Boston locals as of this morning.

Hmmm... I'll need to check the TiVo to make sure it got the message...

[QUOTE=chitchatjf;14765282]

Understood...I've heard that Chelmsford is negotiating to bring in Fios and I will definitely evaluate it for our house once it becomes available (the in-law's Cape house can't even get DSL, so I'm not holding my breath for Fios). I'm hoping that Comcast gets SDV and DOCCIS 3.0 going so that it's a "closer" battle.

Don't hold your breath for FioS here in Chelmsford, I bet it is at least 2 years away.

-Ken

Looking to save a few dollars on my cable bill. Does anyone know if comcast has any type of À la carte type option ? I only need the disney channels (maybe cartoon network too) and the OTA in HD. Right now I have extended basic, some low level digital package, DVR, 2 cable cards and internet.

Has anyone looked in DISH ? Is there a big savings going with them if I want HD DVR ?

Looking to save a few dollars on my cable bill. Does anyone know if comcast has any type of À la carte type option ? I only need the disney channels (maybe cartoon network too) and the OTA in HD. Right now I have extended basic, some low level digital package, DVR, 2 cable cards and internet.

Has anyone looked in DISH ? Is there a big savings going with them if I want HD DVR ?

You might want to look into the family package, not sure if the disney channels are included. Comcast does not do a la carte.

-Ken

HD Ch.s 25, 38 and 56 have been relocated with the rest of the Boston locals as of this morning.

So are they now 812, 813 and 814 to match their location on 12, 13, 14?

Looking to save a few dollars on my cable bill. Does anyone know if comcast has any type of À la carte type option ? I only need the disney channels (maybe cartoon network too) and the OTA in HD. Right now I have extended basic, some low level digital package, DVR, 2 cable cards and internet.

Has anyone looked in DISH ? Is there a big savings going with them if I want HD DVR ?

With DISH you can get Turbo HD Bronze and get Disney HD, Toon HD, and ABC Family HD along with your Locals it would be $30/ month and a DVR for 5.95/month plus a second HD box for $7/month thats $43/month plus tax and can run up to 4 TV's (2) HD and (2) SD. For another $8/month you can get Turbo Silver to add Disney Toon HD.

I switched to DISH in August and have been very happy since and I am saving a lot of money over Comcast.

Check out their web site http://www.dishnetwork.com/content/our_products/dish_hd/programming/turboHD/index.shtml

[QUOTE=BSTNFAN;14769984]

Don't hold your breath for FioS here in Chelmsford, I bet it is at least 2 years away.

-Ken

Does Verizon give a timeline on when a particular town should have FioS?
I'm interested in Easton. I know they were invited to negotiate with the town after the town rejected Comcast's contract.

804, WBZ-HD gone from Bristol County.WSBK-DT still on 838. No other changes or ADDS.

So are they now 812, 813 and 814 to match their location on 12, 13, 14?
No. They are putting those in the lower 800's to keep all of the locals together. So, for instance, Fox25 is now 806 and the others are other random low numbers (I don't remember the exact numbers.) Right now they are mirroring the new channel locations so they still appear as the old channel numbers as well.

Mickey

804, WBZ-HD gone from Bristol County.WSBK-DT still on 838. No other changes or ADDS.

This is just wrong.

You might want to look into the family package, not sure if the disney channels are included. Comcast does not do a la carte.

-Ken
Family package is SD only. Disney SD yes. Disney HD no.

Family package is SD only. Disney SD yes. Disney HD no.
By the way, Chit. How are the "H" channels? Worth the wait?

Mickey

Family package is SD only. Disney SD yes. Disney HD no.


Is there a family package channel lineup somewhere on comcast.com ? The best I could find was a press release with some details.

Right now they are mirroring the new channel locations so they still appear as the old channel numbers as well.Anyone know how long they plan on doing this?

Right now they are mirroring the new channel locations so they still appear as the old channel numbers as well.

Hopefully they are doubled logically, and not taking up extra bandwidth, but I doubt they are. I just remapped all the channels in my SageTV and it's all fine.

WFXTDT is 825 > 806
WLVIDT is 856 > 808
WSBKT is 838 > 814

It says in my Comcast bill that the change was beginning on 10/1 and will be completed by 10/28.

Derry, NH has the new locations and the old locations active.

[QUOTE=BSTNFAN;14769984]

Don't hold your breath for FioS here in Chelmsford, I bet it is at least 2 years away.

-Ken

Can you expand on why? Is it the laying of fiber? The agreement is supposed to be done in the next month or two, so is it a technological hold up?

RE: DIGITAL CONVERSION

Just got off the phone with a Comcast CSR and need to clarify some info I rec'd.
In addition to a motorola 3416, I have 2 Dvd recorders/w hard drives connected directly to cable split from the wall. (I also have 2 vcr's likewise connected)
The CSR told me that in order to obtain channels other than ABC,CBS,NBC or Fox, after the conversion, I will need an additional Comcast supplied digital cable box connected to each device. Is this correct info?
I called Comcast 3 mos ago when a few channels were moved to ditgital tier and was told I would not need aditional boxes.

Please help!! What is the correct. Will I need more boxes?? Ouch $$$

Tom

Just got off the phone with a Comcast CSR and need to clarify some info I rec'd. In addition to a motorola 3416, I have 2 Dvd recorders/w hard drives connected directly to cable split from the wall. (I also have 2 vcr's likewise connected) The CSR told me that in order to obtain channels other than ABC,CBS,NBC or Fox, after the conversion, I will need an additional Comcast supplied digital cable box connected to each device. Is this correct info?The Motorola DCx-3416 is all set, of course -- your question, I'm sure, is limited to your DVDRs and VCRs.

The answer depends on decisions to be made by your local cable engineering group. The February 2009 DTV transition, itself, will have no direct impact on anything related to your cable service. However, separate from that, either before or after February 2009, your local Comcast head-end can be converted to (partial) all-digital. In that case, what the Comcast rep told you is correct to a certain extent, from "somewhat" to "totally", based on the capabilities of your DVDRs and VCRs... in most cases, what the Comcast rep said, again, in the case of conversion of your Comcast head-end to (partial) all-digital, would be "totally" correct. We need to know the model numbers for your DVDRs and VCRs to know for sure... the older the devices are, the more likely that what the Comcast rep said will be "totally" correct. Even with newer devices, you'll hit limitations with regard to which Comcast services will be available to your other devices.

As time goes on, your older equipment will become less and less suited to capitalizing on all the services you're able to get from Comcast.

1)The H channels are very much worth the wait. Prediction for Comcast. With Mojo being phased out look for HDNet on 881 as part of Digital starter and HDNet Movies on 882 as part of SnE.

2)Family tier conssts of Disney,Nick,HGTV,CNN Headline news,Cspan 1,Cspan 2 (though not Cspan 3),weather channel,food network,national geo,PBS sprout,nick toons,Discovery Kids,toon Disney,The N (though not noggin),Science ch,Trinity,and DIY

NO HD simulcasts.

3)We have caught up with NY on HD channels with Fios! Thanks Bicker1. :)

2)Family tier conssts of Disney,Nick,HGTV,CNN Headline news,Cspan 1,Cspan 2 (though not Cspan 3),weather channel,food network,national geo,PBS sprout,nick toons,Discovery Kids,toon Disney,The N (though not noggin),Science ch,Trinity,and DIY

NO HD simulcasts.


I just got off the phone with sales and the list they quote is me is similar, I dont think they mentioned the weather channel and did mention TBN (is that the trinity channel) ? Also channels 2-22 are included. The CSR also said HD channels were included because it didn't say otherwise. A truck roll would also be required to switch. She quote me a price of 50.50 with a DVR.

So at this point I am getting conflicting info about HD channels. I dont want to go through the trouble of switching and truck roll to find out the HD channels aren't included.

[QUOTE=kenvt;14776475]

Can you expand on why? Is it the laying of fiber? The agreement is supposed to be done in the next month or two, so is it a technological hold up?

Yes it's the permits from the town, probably negotiations with the power company (i think they own the poles), laying the fiber, etc. Talk to Bicker1, even with FioS in his town Verizon seems to be uninterested in connecting him up.

-Ken

Not just "in my town" but "on my block". I've been talking with the Verizon engineers every few weeks. They sympathize, especially since they provide service to some people on our block while for others (like us) they don't. It basically comes down to how much it would cost to string the fiber that last 100 feet. If it is cheap, they're happy to oblige. If they have to run the fiber underground, even with an existing Verizon conduit (with copper running through it), they'll make you wait (so far) an extra two and a half years after they run the fiber by your home, at least. It is all about money, as well it should be, for them.

Are digital starter channels such as Hallmark and MSNBC in clear QAM ?

-Ken

Neither were last February. If I remember correctly, only Style and local broadcast channels are.

Hopefully they are doubled logically, and not taking up extra bandwidth, but I doubt they are. I just remapped all the channels in my SageTV and it's all fine.

WFXTDT is 825 > 806
WLVIDT is 856 > 808
WSBKT is 838 > 814

It says in my Comcast bill that the change was beginning on 10/1 and will be completed by 10/28.

Well your answer would be in your PQ. I have noticed stuttering on my HD channels, especially lastnight during the Sox game and this condition seems to have coincided with the remapping of the 3 channels you stated above. This is a known side effect of the 3:1 muxing so I would say yes it is affecting bandwidth limitations but lets hope it's only for a short while.

Are digital starter channels such as Hallmark and MSNBC in clear QAM ?

-Ken

I just did a rescan of my QAM tuner and am not picking up either of those channels.

Yes it's the permits from the town, probably negotiations with the power company (i think they own the poles), laying the fiber, etc. Talk to Bicker1, even with FioS in his town Verizon seems to be uninterested in connecting him up.

-Ken

My understanding is that the agreement with the town will eliminate Bicker's specific problem in that "cherry picking" will be forbidden. Verizon will be required to offer service for any Chelmsford household that requests it. I thought Verizon owned the poles as they seem to be the ones that were getting bitched at by the Town Council when the center was redone and the poles didn't get moved, as required. As always, there is a fair probability that I'm completely wrong.

Well your answer would be in your PQ. I have noticed stuttering on my HD channels, especially lastnight during the Sox game and this condition seems to have coincided with the remapping of the 3 channels you stated above. This is a known side effect of the 3:1 muxing so I would say yes it is affecting bandwidth limitations but lets hope it's only for a short while.

Just because they changed the channel number you see on your cable box to be 3 in a row, doesn't mean they are doing 3:1 muxing. In fact, all of the regional sports networks and the off air broadcasters are all still running 2:1. Easy enough to verify with a box, the diagnostics, and too much free time.

My understanding is that the agreement with the town will eliminate Bicker's specific problem in that "cherry picking" will be forbidden. Verizon will be required to offer service for any Chelmsford household that requests it. I thought Verizon owned the poles as they seem to be the ones that were getting bitched at by the Town Council when the center was redone and the poles didn't get moved, as required. As always, there is a fair probability that I'm completely wrong.

I remember that when Comcast ran fiber in Chelmsford it was a good year before we saw the benefits of it.

-Ken

The Motorola DCx-3416 is all set, of course -- your question, I'm sure, is limited to your DVDRs and VCRs.

The answer depends on decisions to be made by your local cable engineering group. The February 2009 DTV transition, itself, will have no direct impact on anything related to your cable service. However, separate from that, either before or after February 2009, your local Comcast head-end can be converted to (partial) all-digital. In that case, what the Comcast rep told you is correct to a certain extent, from "somewhat" to "totally", based on the capabilities of your DVDRs and VCRs... in most cases, what the Comcast rep said, again, in the case of conversion of your Comcast head-end to (partial) all-digital, would be "totally" correct. We need to know the model numbers for your DVDRs and VCRs to know for sure... the older the devices are, the more likely that what the Comcast rep said will be "totally" correct. Even with newer devices, you'll hit limitations with regard to which Comcast services will be available to your other devices.

As time goes on, your older equipment will become less and less suited to capitalizing on all the services you're able to get from Comcast.

Thanks for the quick reply. All my devices are older (analog tuners). I use the DVDR's primarily as additional HD space--DVR's--to record documentaries,etc...where PQ is not critical; I use the DCx 3416 when PQ is critical.
Love to know which channels will be available from local Peabody, Ma. Comcast provider w/out an STB after transition.
I do have 2 coupons from Gov't program for converter boxes. Wonder which stations they will provide if I try this option? Should I even consider the converter boxes as a viable option? I did not think I'd need the converter boxes after my conversation 2mos ago with a different Comcast CSR. I now have 3 weeks to use the Gov't coupons.
tom

Thanks for the quick reply. All my devices are older (analog tuners). I use the DVDR's primarily as additional HD space--DVR's--to record documentaries,etc...where PQ is not critical; I use the DCx 3416 when PQ is critical.
Love to know which channels will be available from local Peabody, Ma. Comcast provider w/out an STB after transition.
I do have 2 coupons from Gov't program for converter boxes. Wonder which stations they will provide if I try this option? Should I even consider the converter boxes as a viable option? I did not think I'd need the converter boxes after my conversation 2mos ago with a different Comcast CSR. I now have 3 weeks to use the Gov't coupons.
tom

The government converter boxes only convert over the air digital signals to analog, so if you only need OTA then you would be able to use it with your vcr etc. The governemnt boxes will not convert cable analog channels.
After the conversion the only analog channels that will be left will be the OTA, government access and a few others probably less than 30.


-Ken

Just because they changed the channel number you see on your cable box to be 3 in a row, doesn't mean they are doing 3:1 muxing. In fact, all of the regional sports networks and the off air broadcasters are all still running 2:1. Easy enough to verify with a box, the diagnostics, and too much free time.

Well no matter how they are doing it, it is affecting PQ since the stuttering was not there before. And I'm not saying it is those three channels that are being muxed but could be a combination of different channels which would still cause the same effect. What this does show however is that we are still dealing with bandwidth limitations and it is still technically challenging whenever they need to add channels even though in this situation it is only for remapping purposes.

Well no matter how they are doing it, it is affecting PQ since the stuttering was not there before. And I'm not saying it is those three channels that are being muxed but could be a combination of different channels which would still cause the same effect. What this does show however is that we are still dealing with bandwidth limitations and it is still technically challenging whenever they need to add channels even though in this situation it is only for remapping purposes.

What HD channel are you seeing issues on? Is it one of the regional sports channels (NESN, CSN, ESPN, ESPN2)? All of the HD sports channels are 2:1 full bitrate. No 3:1 muxing there. So its not a matter of bandwidth impacting PQ but likely coming from the source or an issue with levels in your house or area.

What HD channel are you seeing issues on? Is it one of the regional sports channels (NESN, CSN, ESPN, ESPN2)? All of the HD sports channels are 2:1 full bitrate. No 3:1 muxing there. So its not a matter of bandwidth impacting PQ but likely coming from the source or an issue with levels in your house or area.

TBS is not one of the sports networks, I'm seeing it on other channels as well. Bandwidth is being affected regardless of how it is being implemented. I'm seeing things I was not seeing before so it is not a coincidence but rather a case of available bandwidth being pushed to the limit! Am I the only one experiencing this?

THe only QAMs I get are the locals and, oddly enough, E!.
Perhaps the local are being doubled so that it will give TiVO enough time to catch up with the changes...?

I remember that when Comcast ran fiber in Chelmsford it was a good year before we saw the benefits of it.

-Ken

I'm hoping my condo complex that is right on the border of N.Chelmsford and Lowell will still be considered for hooking up FIOS. Whenever they get around to N. Chelmsford....Sigh

Both E! and Style are owned by Comcast, so that might account for why they are sometimes provided in-the-clear.

TBS is not one of the sports networks, I'm seeing it on other channels as well. Bandwidth is being affected regardless of how it is being implemented. I'm seeing things I was not seeing before so it is not a coincidence but rather a case of available bandwidth being pushed to the limit! Am I the only one experiencing this?

Unless you understand the complexities of how QAM works, perhaps you shouldn't be so hasty to blame it on "available bandwidth being pushed to the limit". My friend is an engineer at Comcast. He helps design the systems. TBS HD as well as all of the regional sports networks are all given full bitrate as they come from the satellite. I myself watched a good chunk of the TB/CWS game tonight and didn't notice a single problem... other than I hate baseball, but no choice when smoking cigars with a bunch of guys who DO like baseball. Anyways, if you are having it on alot of the HD channels (and/or SD channels) perhaps you have a levels issue. Low levels at your cable box will impact your digital channels. I'd suggest calling Comcast and asking if there are problems in your area. If your issue is consistently happening, not a once in awhile occurence, and there are no reported issues in your area, a visit by a technician could resolve your problem.

Unless you understand the complexities of how QAM works, perhaps you shouldn't be so hasty to blame it on "available bandwidth being pushed to the limit". My friend is an engineer at Comcast. He helps design the systems. TBS HD as well as all of the regional sports networks are all given full bitrate as they come from the satellite. I myself watched a good chunk of the TB/CWS game tonight and didn't notice a single problem... other than I hate baseball, but no choice when smoking cigars with a bunch of guys who DO like baseball. Anyways, if you are having it on alot of the HD channels (and/or SD channels) perhaps you have a levels issue. Low levels at your cable box will impact your digital channels. I'd suggest calling Comcast and asking if there are problems in your area. If your issue is consistently happening, not a once in awhile occurence, and there are no reported issues in your area, a visit by a technician could resolve your problem.

I don't have a problem, it is minor hiccups ( stuttering, small break-ups) on some stations that were not there before the double mapping. Ask your engineer friend then why there has not been further HD channel additions and I think you know what the answer will be. And it will be the same answer that required them to go to the 3:1 muxing in the first place. Can you guess what that is? I'll give you a hint, I have already mentioned it many times in my above posts. ;)

I'm just ranting for a minute. Now that NHL Network is broadcasting Canada's HNIC every Saturday in HD, I want Comcast to pick up NHL HD. My buddy 10 minutes away in RI on Cox Cable has it. People in Boston have it. We lost 804 out of Boston, replaced by nothing. I know I may be in the minority here, but it is the channel I have been hoping for for awhile now.

I don't have a problem, it is minor hiccups ( stuttering, small break-ups) on some stations that were not there before the double mapping. Ask your engineer friend then why there has not been further HD channel additions and I think you know what the answer will be. And it will be the same answer that required them to go to the 3:1 muxing in the first place. Can you guess what that is? I'll give you a hint, I have already mentioned it many times in my above posts. ;)

Actually, my engineer friends says there are technical hurdles to overcome to launch some additional HDs in addition to bandwidth. But again, if you understood QAM and the way digital works more indepth, you would understand that dual mapping these HD broadcasters would have no impact at all on picture quality of anything. My engineer friend confirmed that. There has been no work done in the last few weeks that could in any way impact your HD channel picture quality.

Actually, my engineer friends says there are technical hurdles to overcome to launch some additional HDs in addition to bandwidth. But again, if you understood QAM and the way digital works more indepth, you would understand that dual mapping these HD broadcasters would have no impact at all on picture quality of anything. My engineer friend confirmed that. There has been no work done in the last few weeks that could in any way impact your HD channel picture quality.

I still believe it is mostly bandwidth limitations related whether your friend wants to admit it or not. Comcast is not in the position to come out and say what they are really doing as it puts them in a competitive disadvantage but the proof is in the pudding and they will be judged by what they deliver as their finished product. People are jumping to Fios for the very reasons we are discussing here and it only takes former Com-Subs like chitchat to verify the exact limitations that I have been referring to. If no one else experienced problems with the recent dual mapping then maybe it's just a local issue on my end ( I did notice today that it is happening less) but that it is happening at all still highlights the underlying problem in my book.

Anyone else having problems with TNTHD (833) and MOJO (881). I've had the "ONE MOMENT PLEASE This channel will be available shortly" message for about two days now. Haven't called Comcast about it yet.

Anyone else having problems with TNTHD (833) and MOJO (881). I've had the "ONE MOMENT PLEASE This channel will be available shortly" message for about two days now. Haven't called Comcast about it yet.

have you tried unplugging and replugging in the receiver? that seems to do it for me when it happens to me

I'm just ranting for a minute. Now that NHL Network is broadcasting Canada's HNIC every Saturday in HD, I want Comcast to pick up NHL HD. My buddy 10 minutes away in RI on Cox Cable has it. People in Boston have it. We lost 804 out of Boston, replaced by nothing. I know I may be in the minority here, but it is the channel I have been hoping for for awhile now.

I second this. We need NHL HD north of Boston.

The picture did come in eventually but it showed one frame with black squares with no sound. almost like it had a problem decoding the video stream...?

I have not turned the box off in a year or so after the dvr functions broke and I lost all my recordings. If I still have the problem when I come back next week from vacation, I will try that. Thank you for the suggestion.

Anyone is else around natick/metrowest see the issue?

I still believe it is mostly bandwidth limitations related whether your friend wants to admit it or not. ....

Lodef, I have had no issues with PQ that you are reporting and I cannot tell a difference in PQ between now and a few months ago on those HD channels that you mentioned. It might be an issue on your end...

No problems with PQ on my HD sets. Howver, I just lost WBZ-HD this week south of Boston. Comcast needs to moves more analog channels to digital to free up bandwidth for more HD channels and less squeezing of the bandwidth of what we have.
Does anyone know if we will ever see WBZ,WHDH,or WFXT-HD again in Bristol County if bandwidth opens up, or is this non-duplication for the Providence affliates?

The latter, if you're in Bristol County.

Actually it is kind of unfair, really, to Providence stations, to decimate their revenue stream from the county, given the way the DMAs are set up.

Did Comcast ever announce that this was leaving. I never understood why the DMA considers Bristol County for RI locals. WOuld have at least been nice for Comcast to explain it. Apparently it is ok to leave the SD versions of these channels in Bristol COunty but not the HD? I just don't get it. SOmebody please educate me a bit.

The picture did come in eventually but it showed one frame with black squares with no sound. almost like it had a problem decoding the video stream...?

I have not turned the box off in a year or so after the dvr functions broke and I lost all my recordings. If I still have the problem when I come back next week from vacation, I will try that. Thank you for the suggestion.

Anyone is else around natick/metrowest see the issue?

I had the exact same problem with MOJO last night ("Not Available" followed by a frozen picture). Both MOJO and TNTHD are fine now.

For the last 2 weeks, my Comcast Tivo has been receiving new HD channels (like MGM HD) in the high 700's and a couple in the low 800's, but there is no Guide information about them. That means that I can't record anything from those channels.

How long does it usually take for Comcast (or its Tivo service) to add Guide information?

Don't know about the Comcast TiVO, but the TiVO HD has taken up to a week to get the listings.

I've been reading discussions about the termination of provision of Boston channels to the Providence DMA, specifically Bristol County, for months. I've heard about it happening even though I live North of Boston. My experience, so far, is that the folks asking about it are typically just expressing that they don't like that the DMAs are structured so that Bristol County is part of the Providence DMA. It does suck for the folks in Bristol County who want to receive Boston channels. I sympathize. Based on all the discussions about it I've read over the past several months, Comcast has explained what they're doing. The explanation, however, doesn't negate people's feelings of disappointment.

BTW, the rumors floating around about MOJO have apparently been confirmed. As you can see from this Engadget HD posting:

http://www.engadgethd.com/2008/10/02/mojo-hd-gets-canceled-should-vanish-by-months-end/

Cox in Connecticut filed a notice that they were removing MOJO at the end of October. But the important part of the notice was the footnote, which stated:
InDemand, the owner of MOJO HD, has announced that it will be canceling its MOJO HD regularly scheduled programming by the end of the year, but will continue to provide OnDEMAND programs

So it sounds like MOJO will be transitioning to a VOD service in the next few months. Personally, I think there is one obvious (and superior) potential replacement, which now has a deal with Comcast, but that doesn't mean it will happen - even City of Boston/Brookline doesn't have HDNet yet!

So it sounds like MOJO will be transitioning to a VOD service in the next few months.

Actually, that makes a lot of sense, as they just repeat the same programming over and over anyway.

I've been reading many posts about Bristol County, MA and the Boston/Providence DMA issue. Here's where things stand. Many towns in northern Bristol County are organizing a petition to move to the Boston DMA. We are working off of the Federal government's 'Metropolitan Statistical Area" that shows at least six cities and towns in the northern part of the county as being part of the Boston Metro area. In the meantime, Verizon will be providing Boston HD on their FIOS line-up. It is our expectation that marketplace demands will force Comcast to do the same. If you'd like to learn more, email us at savebostonchannels@gmail.com.

Good luck. This is the way this sort of thing should go: Recognize the reality of the situation, accept it, and then advocate change to supports what you want. :thumbsup:

Here's the rub for Comcast. They have to provide the Providence channels. They don't have to provide the Boston channels. They are squeezed for bandwidth. The two channels have the same programming most of the time.

I've been reading many posts about Bristol County, MA and the Boston/Providence DMA issue. Here's where things stand. Many towns in northern Bristol County are organizing a petition to move to the Boston DMA. We are working off of the Federal government's 'Metropolitan Statistical Area" that shows at least six cities and towns in the northern part of the county as being part of the Boston Metro area. In the meantime, Verizon will be providing Boston HD on their FIOS line-up. It is our expectation that marketplace demands will force Comcast to do the same. If you'd like to learn more, email us at savebostonchannels@gmail.com.

The only thing Verizon can't do is provide FOX 25 network programming in our towns (my town is adjacent to savebostontv's) as that channel did not make the idiotic "significantly viewed" list that was established in 1972. I agree that the solution is to split towns inside of Route 495 off from the Providence DMA into the Boston one. But the Verizon solution is better for now.

No new HD since the Olympics completed in August. We know Comcast has room for at least 2 more. Also, do they still have the bullentin board up where MSNBC and CN8 * used to be? If so room for at least 4 more.

No new HD since the Olympics completed in August. We know Comcast has room for at least 2 more. Also, do they still have the bullentin board up where MSNBC and CN8 * used to be? If so room for at least 4 more.

In Chelmsford analog channel 3 (was CN8) is currently showing a color test pattern, and analog channel 66 (was Hallmark) is still showing the announcement of the channel move.

-Ken

I hate when people say the RI channels are the same as the Boston channels. They obviously have not watched SD on Providence Channels. They are horrendous! I don't understand how SE Mass got stuck in the Providence DMA. How are we in the Market Area when they have dozens of commercials for RI towns and COX Cable! Last time I checked, COX wasn't available in Massachusetts! Also, I never see Political commercials for Massachusetts, only RI. Don't they think I should be seeing advertising for the Governor of my own state? They also never report what is going on Politically with Massachusetts! I don't care about anything that is going on in RI. Just because RI is literally 15 or 20 minutes away doesn't mean I would go to RI car dealerships and go to RI banks and ex. I shop in MA and will continue to do so. Also, people say that Providence HD is the same as Boston HD. While the signal going to Boston and Providence is the same, the signal coming to my house is NOT. Boston has brighter more crisp HD. Providence sometimes drops out of HD for a whole night. or the picture is extremely dull. Also, I would like to watch My Network TV but cannot, because WNAC is the affiliate and shows only 3 hours of MYN at 11:30 to 2:30. There, I am done with my rant :).

I hope you feel better. :)

Easy solution for Bristol County viewers...buy yourself an inexpensive set-top VHF/UHF antenna and you should have no problem picking up most of the Boston digital channels OTA. I live at the southern end of Plymouth County and can pick up all Boston and Providence stations OTA.

Indeed... and one of the most effective ways to get a big company (Comcast) to help you get cable to carry Boston channels in HD instead of Providence channels, is to put up that OTA antenna and cancel cable, telling them very specifically why you're canceling. After a few hundred people do that, I bet that Comcast will either unilaterally change what they carry, or will push for what some folks here are advocating, moving Bristol County into the Boston DMA.

bicker1...The only problem with your suggestion is that I don't believe Comcast can make that decision. I believe the FCC determines the DMAs. That is why DIRECTV, DISH and (presumably) FIOS broadcasts locals by the same rules that Comcast does.

Comcast can choose to remove cable HD channels in favor of carrying additional copies of broadcast HD channels. I grant, though, that they're not likely to do so... it would be bad for (many, but not all) subscribers. However, they can switch more cable HD to 3:1 muxing (making more room for the broadcast HD channels from the Boston DMA), or speed up deployment of SDV or the push for all-digital. They won't do these things if subscribers don't give them a reason, i.e., cancel subscriptions specifically and clearly because of the lack of Boston broadcast HD channels.

Also, the rest of the sentence you replied to is unequivocally likely: If they lose thousands of subscribers in Bristol County, all at once, and they all mention that this is why, then they'll almost surely consider pushing for the moving of Bristol County into the Boston DMA.

Easy solution for Bristol County viewers...buy yourself an inexpensive set-top VHF/UHF antenna and you should have no problem picking up most of the Boston digital channels OTA. I live at the southern end of Plymouth County and can pick up all Boston and Providence stations OTA.

Oh I've already done that. I'm using a Terk HDTVa with an additional amplifier and I pick up all major Boston stations and the entire Providence Market (A whopping 7 channels!) Off-topic; I think WBZ's move to HD is growing nearer as they have begun showing their "Curiosity" commercials in HD.

Edit: I just looked at a map that indicates my city is part of the Greater Boston Area! Yet the FCC thinks I should be watching Providence channels?

Well I have decided to switch to Direct TV; got a nice deal. I called Comcast to see if they would give me a deal on phone and internet. They had no interest in keeping me as a customer so starting this coming Tuesday, I'll say goodbye to comcast for good.

Oh I've already done that. I'm using a Terk HDTVa with an additional amplifier and I pick up all major Boston stations and the entire Providence Market (A whopping 7 channels!) Off-topic; I think WBZ's move to HD is growing nearer as they have begun showing their "Curiosity" commercials in HD.

Edit: I just looked at a map that indicates my city is part of the Greater Boston Area! Yet the FCC thinks I should be watching Providence channels?
I believe WBZ will go HD with its news starting in November. They're just putting their finishing touches on the HD set. They've already converted to DD 5.1 24/7. That is significant in that the volume does not change anymore like when they used to switch from 2.0 to 5.1. Jack Williams better start looking for a better wrinkle cream.

Does anyone know if Comcast in Boston is ready for tru2way? TV's are set to release by the end of the month...

FIOS Extreme HD vs Comcast Digital starter:
SD versions of HD channels not included. (For example WBZ is not on ch 4 but 504/804.) Note This does not include Boston where Fios is not available and they have extra HD channels,but not 102!

Comcast

1 On Demand
6 NECN
11 WENH Durham (PBS)
15 WBPX Boston (i) (68)
16 WGBX Boston (PBS) (GBH-44)
17 WUNI Worcester (UNI) (27)
18 My TV = Ch 50
19 WNEU Merrimac/Boston (Telemundo) (60)
20 WMFP Lawrence (Shop)(62)
21 WFUB Malboro (telefutura) (66)
23 WYDN Worcester (Relig) (48)
25 Nickeloden
28 MTV
29 VH-1
30 Fx
34 E!
36 Lifetime
41 Fox News Channel
43 CNN Headline News
44 Cspan
46 CNBC
47 Weather CH
54 Travel channel
55 Spike TV
57 Bravo
60 Cartoon Network
61 Comedy Central
64 TV Land
65 VS
69 Golf channel
70 HSN
71 QVC
72 WWDP Norwell (Shop) (46)
183 JWLTV -Shopping
186 TruTV
188 CN8
200 Movieplex
209 GBH WORLD
217 GBH KIDS
237 GBH CREATE
247 CSPAN 2
251 MSNBC
267 GSN
297 Weatherplus
802 WGBH HD (PBS HD Channel)
804 WBZ-DT Boston (CBS-HD)
805 WCVB-DT Boston (ABC-HD)
807 WHDH-DT Boston (NBC-HD)
809 WMUR-DT Manchester (ABC-HD)
823 Discovery HD
824 Disney HD
825 WFXT-DT Boston (Fox-HD)
826 ABC Family HD
828 Palladia
831 TBS HD
832 HGTV HD
833 TNT HD
835 USA HD
837 AnE HD
838 WSBK-DT Boston
839 HD Theatre
842 CNN HD
846 Universal HD
848 Versus /Golf HD
849 ESPN SD
850 ESPN 2 HD
851 NESN HD
852 Comcast Sportsnet NE HD
854 Food HD
856 WLVI-DT Boston (CW-HD)
859 AMC HD
862 SciFi channel HD
863 Animal Planet HD
867 TLC HD
872 History HD
881 Mojo

Fios

6 My - WZMY-TV 50
9 ABC - WMUR-TV 9
10 Telemundo - WNEU-TV 60
11 ETV - WENH-TV 11
15 ION-TV 68
21 Telefutura - WUTF-TV 66
25 ETV - WYDN-TV 48
27 Univision - WUNI-TV 27
44 PBS - WGBX-TV 44
48 TV Guide Network
49 Weatherscan Local
54 SPIKE TV
71 ESPN Classic
84 Fox Soccer Channel
90 Versus
101 CNN Headline News
103 MSNBC
104 Bloomberg TV
105 CNN International
106 CNBC World
107 BBC world news
108 ABC News now
109 Cspan
110 Cspan 2
111 Cspan 3
115 New England Cable News
123 Investigation Discovery
124 Pentagon Channel
125 The Military Channel
126 Military History Channel
127 History Channel International
131 FiOS TV Information
142 Lifetime Real Women
143 Soapnet
144 Oxygen
149 WE: Women's Entertainment
151 HSN [Home Shopping Network]
155 Jewelry
157 Shop NBC
160 Style
161 Discovery Health
162 Veria TV
163 Fit TV
166 Fine Living
167 DIY [Do It Yourself]
182 Crime & Investigation Network
183 truTV
184 GSN [Game Show Network]
186 Sleuth
187 Logo
188 Ovation
189 BBC America
190 Comedy Central
191 G4
192 Current TV
196 E! Entertainment Television
197 FOX REALITY
198 Fuel TV
210 MTV
211 MTV2
212 mtvU
213 MTV Jams
214 MTV Hits
216 FUSE
217 VH1
218 VH1 Classic
219 VH1 Soul
220 BET J
221 CMT
222 CMT Pure Country
223 Great American Country
224 Gospel Music Channel
225 BET Gospel
229 Soundtrack Channel
230 Turner Classic Movies
231 AMC [American Movie Classics]
232 Fox Movie Channel
233 ReelzChannel
240 Hallmark Channel
242 Family Net
243 AmericanLife TV
244 TV Land
245 Retirement Living
247 RFD TV
252 Nickelodeon
253 Nick Too
254 Nick Toons
255 The N
256 Noggin
257 Cartoon Network
258 Boomerang
259 Discovery Kids
260 Varsity TV
262 FUNimation
263 PBS Kids Sprout
270 BET
271 TV One
273 MTV Tr3s
274 Galavision
275 Mun2
276 Sí TV
278 Bridges TV
279 HITn
285 EWTN
286 INSP
287 I-Life
288 Church Channel
289 JCTV
290 BYU Television
291 Three Angels Broadcasting
292 The Word
293 Daystar
294 Smile of a Child
295 TBN - TRINITY
296 Catholic TV
300 FCS -Atlantic
301 FSC - Central
302 FSC - Pacific
304 Golf Channel
308 The Sportsman Channel
311 Fox Sports En Espanol
313 Gol TV
315 TVG
316 Horse Racing TV
317 World Fishing Network
319 Blackbelt TV
460 NBC Weather plus
472 GBHKids
473 GBHWORLD
474 GBHCREAT
491 Qubo
492 ION Life
494 The Worship Network
502 PBS - WGBH HD
503 WSBK HD
504 CBS - WBZ HD
505 ABC - WCVB HD
507 NBC - WHDH HD
508 FOX - WFXT HD
512 CW - WLVI HD
550 USA HD
551 TNT HDTV
552 TBS HD
553 FX HD
567 Universal HDTV
568 WGN america HD
569 HD Net
570 ESPN HD
572 ESPNews HD
573 ESPNU
574 ESPN2 HD
576 New England Sports Network HD
577 Comcast SportsNet New England HD
583 Speed ch HD
585 Big Ten Network HD
588 NFL Network HDTV
590 Versus/ Golf HD
591 Outdoor channel 2
592 Tennis channel HD
597 World Fishing Network HD
598 MavTV HD
600 CNN HD
602 CNBCHD
617 Fox Business HD
618 Fox News HD
619 Weather channel HD
620 Discovery Ch HD
621 National Geographic Channel HD
622 Science channel
625 Smithsonian Channel
628 History channel HD
629 Bio HD
630 Animal Planet HD
631 HD Theater
639 TLC HD
640 Lifetime HD
641 Lifetime Movie Network HD
650 QVC HD
664 Food Network HD
665 HGTV HD
668 Planet Green HD
669 Wealth TV HDTV
670 Travel Ch HD
680 Sci Fi HD
681 AnE HD
685 Bravo HD
699 ABC Family HD
711 Palladia
740 Hallmark Movie ch HD
744 MGM HD
746 HD Net Movies
750 Disney HD
751 Toon Disney HD

FIOS Extreme HD vs Comcast Digital starter:
SD versions of HD channels not included. (For example WBZ is not on ch 4 but 504/804.) Note This does not include Boston where Fios is not available and they have extra HD channels,but not 102!


Thanks for the Fios ad in the middle of the Comcast thread. :rolleyes:

So from a quick glance the ExtremeHD package is more like Digital Starter package with Digital Preferred. The Comcast package comes with box included in price, Fios doesn't, does it?

Thanks for the Fios ad in the middle of the Comcast thread. :rolleyes:

So from a quick glance the ExtremeHD package is more like Digital Starter package with Digital Preferred. The Comcast package comes with box included in price, Fios doesn't, does it?

SD box only.

Its more like digital preffered with SnE and then some.

FIOS and Comcast in Boston/Brookline gives us much more HD than Comcast in the burbs. Dont think any more than Comcast should provide 60 channels of analog direct connect ,but only 23 channel OTA analog direct connect. If not mistaken FIOS and RCN no longer provides much if any analog direct connect

FIOS and Comcast in Boston/Brookline gives us much more HD than Comcast in the burbs. Dont think any more than Comcast should provide 60 channels of analog direct connect ,but only 23 channel OTA analog direct connect. If not mistaken FIOS and RCN no longer provides much if any analog direct connect

The FCC gave exemptions to FIOS and RCN (and others) saying that if they go 100% digital with no analog, they have to provide every single customer with a free of charge digital box. Not too big of a deal for the small customer base FIOS and RCN have. Imagine the number of boxes it would take for Comcast to do that? And not just digital box inventories, but the costs associated on the backend to support all that additional hardware. Exorbitant comes to mind.

Back to Comcast-
Boston Comcast is now showing 2 channels in the 800's for 25, 38 and 56, but TiVO HD does not have the guide info for the newer channels. When Comcast shuts off the older ones, that means that all the season pass info for those channels will have to be deleted, and programming will have to done manually. How long does it take TiVO to get those new listings? They should have them by now as the changes took place over a week ago.

It isn't clear what Comcast sent Tribune -- it could be dated for the date when the old channels go dark. Anyway, there is no harm in going to the TiVo web site and using the form they have there to report the change in channel assignment yourself. TiVo will forward that to Tribune, and so one way or another, the problem will be addressed.

This seems like a plausible reason why perhaps the three available HD channels in many of our systems have remained dormant since the Olympic Games:

http://www.multichannel.com/article/CA6604573.html?nid=4262

This seems like a plausible reason why perhaps the three available HD channels in many of our systems have remained dormant since the Olympic Games:

http://www.multichannel.com/article/CA6604573.html?nid=4262

That's nice, I suppose, but when are we going to get something more substantial, like MGM-HD, HD-Net and HD-Net Movies? I'd even take take Spike over the 3 channels in the article.

more reason to clear more analogs to digital

more reason to clear more analogs to digital

It might be a long wait, there are just too many Comcast subs that like their analog including some in this very forum. Once my bundle expires, ( March 09) if Comcast has not gone all digital by then, I will be jumping to Fios who have already started installations on my street.

Comcast has been doing disconnections back and forth in my building

Today they sent someone to try to get us back.

There is a no soliciation policy in my building and they trtied to do just that offering a free DVR and free HBO.

This might probably not be right question for this thread, but can someone (other than bicker) explain if encrypting digital channels (enhanced basic channels like TBS, TNT, USA, espn etc) and charging for cable box is legal or ethical?

Before DigitalTV all we had to do was plug the cable to the TV and tune to get these channels. Now even though my TV has a Digital Tuner, I still need to pay 5.95 to get same channels because Comcast encrypted those. I understand the need to encrypt Premium channels, but for expanded basic they can probably just add a filter at junction box like they do today for analog cable. Why must consumer pay cable box charges to get enhanced cable? Seems like Comcast is using Digital conversion to make more money.

This is assuming that analog channels will go away soon.

This might probably not be right question for this thread, but can someone (other than bicker) I'm sorry, but I'm a member of this community, and I'll respond to all messages that I know the correct answer to.

explain if encrypting digital channels (enhanced basic channels like TBS, TNT, USA, espn etc) and charging for cable box is legal or ethical?Charging for a cable box for receiving cable networks is both legal and ethical.

I would suggest, though, that folks who would like laws to be passed that would be more biased in the consumers' favor should probably consider who they're voting for early next month. One party is traditionally much more pro-business, and the other much more pro-consumer. If you feel most strongly about these issues, you have a role in voicing your support for the perspective that you want to see prevail more often.

I understand the need to encrypt Premium channels, but for expanded basic they can probably just add a filter at junction box like they do today for analog cable.They can, but it substantially increases the cost of implementing service changes. Comcast currently charges us here in MA just $2 to change service; removing or adding physical filters costs twenty or thirty times that, at least.

This might probably not be right question for this thread, but can someone (other than bicker) explain if encrypting digital channels (enhanced basic channels like TBS, TNT, USA, espn etc) and charging for cable box is legal or ethical?

Before DigitalTV all we had to do was plug the cable to the TV and tune to get these channels. Now even though my TV has a Digital Tuner, I still need to pay 5.95 to get same channels because Comcast encrypted those. I understand the need to encrypt Premium channels, but for expanded basic they can probably just add a filter at junction box like they do today for analog cable. Why must consumer pay cable box charges to get enhanced cable? Seems like Comcast is using Digital conversion to make more money.

This is assuming that analog channels will go away soon.

I have to agree with bicker on this one. But the jury is still out on how Comcast will handle the remaining Expanded channels once they go digital. I have heard they may be sent in the clear while others say you will need a box or some other device. Either way, they have the right to make a profit since they are a business but with all the upgrading of the infrastructure that is required to go this route, that capital has to be raised somewhere so yes they are probably taking advantage of this transition in some ways but it is really not padding their bottom line as much as you think because of these needed expenses to stay competitive.

Can anyone tell me the monthly cost of adding a second DVR box and/or a second HD box? We're considering adding either or both of those things to the bedroom, and trying to use the comcast site to get these answers was proving futile.

Thanks in advance...

I have to agree with bicker on this one. But the jury is still out on how Comcast will handle the remaining Expanded channels once they go digital. I have heard they may be sent in the clear while others say you will need a box or some other device. Either way, they have the right to make a profit since they are a business but with all the upgrading of the infrastructure that is required to go this route, that capital has to be raised somewhere so yes they are probably taking advantage of this transition in some ways but it is really not padding their bottom line as much as you think because of these needed expenses to stay competitive.

Mr Bicker. I agree you have a right to respond.

Mr Lodef: I understand Comcast is in business to make money. What I want is transparency. Just have the rates proportional to cost. Forcing users to pay monthly fees for box should not be a revenue source. would you feel same if comcast caps internet speeds and forces you to rent a router from comcast to get higher speeds?

Forcing users to pay monthly fees for box should not be a revenue source.

But Directv and Dish (D* and E*) do this so why can't Comcast?

What I want is transparency.However, that specific type of transparency isn't something that we consumers have a right to expect, from suppliers of commercial services to us. Figure that your franchising authority and the FCC are in the business to impose such transparency requirements, if they are appropriate, and, despite passing related regulations, they did not require such transparency.

Just have the rates proportional to cost.Cost-based pricing is a losers' proposition. Successful customer-facing service providers employ value-based pricing, not cost-based pricing. Practically no company will, or should, employ cost-based pricing unless required to do so by law. So it still comes back to the regulators, selected by the folks we've put into positions of power in our government, i.e., their discretion based on their understanding of the charge from their constituents and the law.

Forcing users to pay monthly fees for box should not be a revenue source.I disagree. My TiVo accepts CableCARDs which are less expensive than cable boxes. I don't want to subsidize folks who need a cable box. They should pay more than I do, so in order for that to be the case, there needs to be separate charges for what they need versus what I need.

would you feel same if comcast caps internet speeds and forces you to rent a router from comcast to get higher speeds?Absolutely.

Some new HD channels were just added to my Back Bay Comcast lineup...

815 Planet Green
834 E!
860 Cartoon Network

A bit meh to me but, the more the merrier =P

Some new HD channels were just added to my Back Bay Comcast lineup...

815 Planet Green
834 E!
860 Cartoon Network

A bit meh to me but, the more the merrier =P

Seems like Chicago also got some of those today. Comcast must negotiate the channels for those two systems simultaneously since they are the only ones with the available bandwidth while the rest of us can only sit and wonder when and if we can get an additional channel to our already limited line up. :(

Back to Comcast-
Boston Comcast is now showing 2 channels in the 800's for 25, 38 and 56, but TiVO HD does not have the guide info for the newer channels. My Series 3 finally got the program listings for the new channels, but didn't seem to move my Season Passes. I guess I'll just do in manually tonight...

Does anyone remember when Comcast dropped alot of the analog channels in Boston/Brookline. I never saw many mentions of it on this forum and I have been here since 2003.

WZMY (MyTV "Boston" affiliate) to shut off analog early (on Dec 1):

http://www.broadcastingcable.com/article/CA6605936.html

Not a test, the real thing!

Guess Comcast will have to add the digital signal at that point.

WZMY (MyTV "Boston" affiliate) to shut off analog early (on Dec 1):

http://www.broadcastingcable.com/article/CA6605936.html

Not a test, the real thing!

Guess Comcast will have to add the digital signal at that point.

WZMY-DT is NOT HD! I believe the analog channel wasn't even Stereo

WZMY-DT is NOT HD! I believe the analog channel wasn't even Stereo

Doesn't matter, it will be covered under "must carry" rules if there's no analog signal. None of the rules have anything to do with HD, it's all about digital broadcasting.

BTW, 838 has very little HD as well, didn't stop them from getting carried. And MyTV now has a popular show - Smackdown.

Doesn't matter, it will be covered under "must carry" rules if there's no analog signal. None of the rules have anything to do with HD, it's all about digital broadcasting.

BTW, 838 has very little HD as well, didn't stop them from getting carried. And MyTV now has a popular show - Smackdown.

Little is more then NONE

Just because a network is in HD dosen't mean all of its affiliates are.

My Series 3 finally got the program listings for the new channels, but didn't seem to move my Season Passes. I guess I'll just do in manually tonight...

That's because they made a mistake and marked the new channels as WFXT instead of WFXTDT, etc. I've already entered a lineup issue report with TiVo.

As have I.

Plus me - did not know that the call letters were how the guide determines the Season Pass location.

Some new HD channels were just added to my Back Bay Comcast lineup...

815 Planet Green
834 E!
860 Cartoon Network

A bit meh to me but, the more the merrier =P




How many HD channels those Boston have? I live in Chicago & we just got ESPNews, MGM, Biography, Planet Green, & Toon Disney. So Comcast has finally added Cartoon Network HD as well as E! Here in Chicago we still haven't got The Movie Channel, Showtime 2, Starz Kids & Family, Starz Comedy, & Starz Edge.

In Concord, NH we got added three channels in the 800s. However, they're just locals.
808 WLVI
814 WBSK
806 WFXT (Why would we get this, it's just Fox 25 which is already on 825 as an HD channel)
I can see adding the other two, they weren't digital but why have Fox 25 on analog 25, digital 806 and HD 825?

In Concord, NH we got added three channels in the 800s. However, they're just locals.
808 WLVI
814 WBSK
806 WFXT (Why would we get this, it's just Fox 25 which is already on 825 as an HD channel)
I can see adding the other two, they weren't digital but why have Fox 25 on analog 25, digital 806 and HD 825?

They are rearranging the channels so that the locals are down out of the way, leaving room for other channels to take the previous slots. I suspect it will be on both channels until the end of the month. It's really nothing more than a transition to move those channels to a new logical position.

In Concord, NH we got added three channels in the 800s. However, they're just locals.
808 WLVI
814 WBSK
806 WFXT (Why would we get this, it's just Fox 25 which is already on 825 as an HD channel)
I can see adding the other two, they weren't digital but why have Fox 25 on analog 25, digital 806 and HD 825?

They're in the process of relocating/remapping those channels to lower channel numbers. No new channels are being added. It's an effort to logically group the HD channels. In this case, the local HD channels are in the lowest of the 800 range.

That's because they made a mistake and marked the new channels as WFXT instead of WFXTDT, etc. I've already entered a lineup issue report with TiVo.

My TiVO HD has yet to get the listings for the new local channel positions (I see above that the Series 3 people DID get them). On my TiVO HD, they are correctly identified as the DT channels, but because there are no listings, my season passes remain with the older numbers.
Anyone know when they will shut off the upper numbers?

Anyone know when they will shut off the upper numbers?Rumor has it that they will shut off at the end of the month, but I don't believe that there's been any official word...

well let's hope TiVO has the listings by then....

How many HD channels those Boston have? I live in Chicago & we just got ESPNews, MGM, Biography, Planet Green, & Toon Disney. So Comcast has finally added Cartoon Network HD as well as E! Here in Chicago we still haven't got The Movie Channel, Showtime 2, Starz Kids & Family, Starz Comedy, & Starz Edge.

~54 not counting the duplicate local channels. Strangely though, it's been a few days now and the guide hasn't been updated to show the channel name and programming info for the 3 new channels. I've unplugged and started downloading the info again to see if that updates them...

It's been longer than a few days. More like a little over a week.

well let's hope TiVO has the listings by then....My TiVo certainly has the listings---it just didn't move over the season passes...

Does the guide have the correct channel designation..i.e., WFXTDT?
Mine has the correct designations, just no listings.

Does the guide have the correct channel designation..i.e., WFXTDT?
Mine has the correct designations, just no listings.

On my Series 3:
806: WFXT (full listings)
808: WLVI (full listings)
814: WSBK (full listings)

825: WFXTDT (full listings)
838: WSBKDT (full listings)
856: WLVIDT (full listings)

Perhaps they updated the Series 3 listings and not the TiVO HD...?

Perhaps they updated the Series 3 listings and not the TiVO HD...?That doesn't seem to make sense to me. I think it's more likely that the updates are by city(/cable system).

Absolutely. I have a Series 3.

Well this morning I got the message that new channels had been added...the only problem is, they have 806 listed as WSBKDT when it should be WFXTDT, and 814 as WFXTDT when it should be WSBKDT.
Duh.

Well this morning I got the message that new channels had been added...the only problem is, they have 806 listed as WSBKDT when it should be WFXTDT, and 814 as WFXTDT when it should be WSBKDT.
Duh.

They call that NEW channels? They have had those channels for years.

Yesterday, got a message they had MOVED WSBK and NECN on the analog channels.
Today, they "added" WSBKDT and WFXTDT, but they reversed their listings.

806 is WFXTDT here. 808 is WLVIDT. And 814 is WSBK HD. I believe those are all correct.

Strange. How could they be correct on one system, and not correct on another? Don't they come directly from TiVO?

Huh? TiVo? Surely not. The information goes directly from Comcast to Tribune. TiVo isn't really involved very much at all.

So...the listings that appear on my TiVO HD are downloaded from Comcast, and not from TiVO??

No, they're downloaded, effectively, from Tribune. Remember what you're concerned about: The accuracy of the information. Accuracy can be affected by the provision of incorrect information: So Comcast may have provided the wrong information. Also accuracy can be affected by storing the information incorrectly: So Tribune may have entered the information they received from Comcast incorrectly.

How to tell the difference, so you know who to contact? It doesn't matter. If it is wrong, it needs to be corrected by Tribune, so go report the (new) error.

If you do want to check to be sure that that's the problem, go to Zap2It.com and check out your line-up (for your zip code). If it is correct, then Tribune has it wrong.

The lineup on the Zap2It site is incorrect for my zip - it has channels 806 and 814 reversed. I have reported it to TiVO by email and by phone (tho the CSR hadn't a clue what I was trying to say...).

You can also report it directly on Zap2It I think.... I think that's a more direct channel to Tribune than going through TiVo, but I'm not sure.

There is an email link to the "listings discrepency" dept at Tribune, which I emailed. I also called TiVO, who at least had some idea what I was talking about. I called Comcast, where the CSR tried to tell me that 814 was NECN - when I told her that the analog channel 14 was NECN and that 814 was the one I was talking about, she was completely flustered and didn't have a clue. I said, thank you, called back, got a different CSR who had at least heard of digital channels.

[QUOTE=BobColby;14806038]BTW, the rumors floating around about MOJO have apparently been confirmed. As you can see from this Engadget HD posting:....

Just received latest bill from Comcast with a note that MOJO is no more after 11/30.

There is an email link to the "listings discrepency" dept at Tribune, which I emailed. I also called TiVO, who at least had some idea what I was talking about. I called Comcast, where the CSR tried to tell me that 814 was NECN - when I told her that the analog channel 14 was NECN and that 814 was the one I was talking about, she was completely flustered and didn't have a clue. I said, thank you, called back, got a different CSR who had at least heard of digital channels.

You can also file a line up correction with TiVo : Report a TiVo Lineup Issue (http://www.tivo.com/setupandsupport/contactsupport/lineup_tool.html).

Here in a former-Adelphia town, here's what I have on my Series 3:

706: WFXTDT (full listings)
708: WLVIDT (full listings)
714: WSBKDT (full listings)

725: FOXHD (no data)
738: WSBK (no data)
756: WLVI (no data)

.
By Tim Faulkner
GATEHOUSE NEWS SERVICE
Posted Oct 21, 2008 @ 03:26 AM
RAYNHAM —

As more subscribers sign up for high-definition cable, it seems they’ll be getting fewer Boston-based newscasts, said Jerry Gibbs, a member of the town’s cable advisory board at Tuesday’s meeting with selectmen.

He estimated that Comcast, the town’s designated cable provider, has been dropping Boston news reports at the rate of about one per month from their HD cable package.

Currently two Boston channels remain, while about five have been eliminated, he said.

“For local people, it’s a big issue and we need to address it,” he told the selectmen.

In order to reverse the trend, Gibbs is working with other cities and towns in Bristol County to pass a resolution calling for a switch from the federally-mandated Providence viewing area to the Boston market.

“We’re going to fight very, very hard to get that moved,” he said.

Efforts are under way to have selectmen in Easton, Mansfield and Norton endorse a plea to elected officials, television station managers in Boston and the Federal Communication Commission to officially join the Boston market.

Despite a promise from Verizon officials, who said they plan to keep Boston channels when they offer HD cable service in Raynham next year, Gibbs said he wants to change the law in case company officials go back on their word.

Comcast has assured customers with standard-definition cable service they will keep all Boston channels and their programming.

A spokesman for Comcast said HD subscribers only lose news reports and keep all other programming from the Boston stations.

Only news reports? Are news reports not important? And if we loose CH 5 we loose Chronicle, a very popular program, to name one.

Kinda hilarious that after leaving Sudbury MA Zipcode 1776 moving way up here in Seacoast NH I still get all the Boston news and channels while folks near Boston in Raynham can't.

Looks like this will be coming to us soon.

http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?p=14920085#post14920085

No mention of any additional HD though! :(

You don't like faster internet?

You don't like faster internet?

I just checked and I indeed have the upgrade to 16 mbps. Hardly noticeable however as the end speed is only one part of the equation. Bottlenecks in the internet plus limitations on the servers at the other end constrain the speed. 8 mbps was good enough, if this is taking bandwidth away from having more HD then I would rather they went back to 8 mbps.

-Ken

Getting back to Boston-Comcast, still no change in the 806-814 channel fix for my TiVO HD. Reported to TiVO, Comcast and to Tribune...no response from any of them.

OK I have read abouty the speedier Internet.

However I still like my 102 HD channels with more to come and a landline that is NOT VOIP.

OK I have read abouty the speedier Internet.

However I still like my 102 HD channels with more to come and a landline that is NOT VOIP.

Not entirely correct, it is semi voip and they are moving in that direction. Eventually ALL telephone will be some kind of ip based technology.

-Ken

OK I have read abouty the speedier Internet.

However I still like my 102 HD channels with more to come and a landline that is NOT VOIP.

I switched from landline to VOIP about 4-5 years ago and have never looked back. :)

Just my 2 cents, but having worked in the VoIP field for close to 10 years (and data communications for over 20 years) there is NO WAY I would ever fully give up my land line at my house, even if it was only for use as a 911 life line. I have yet to see any VoIP implentation that comes even close to 5 nines reliability, and that doesn't even take into consideration extended power outages. Don't get me wrong, VoIP is a great, cost effective alternative to the traditional PSTN, but I'm not willing to bet my life on it...at least not for another 20-30 years :)

Sorry for the interruption...now back to the discussion at hand...

Just my 2 cents, but having worked in the VoIP field for close to 10 years (and data communications for over 20 years) there is NO WAY I would ever fully give up my land line at my house, even if it was only for use as a 911 life line. I have yet to see any VoIP implentation that comes even close to 5 nines reliability, and that doesn't even take into consideration extended power outages. Don't get me wrong, VoIP is a great, cost effective alternative to the traditional PSTN, but I'm not willing to bet my life on it...at least not for another 20-30 years :)

Sorry for the interruption...now back to the discussion at hand...
Yes, but what about using your cell phone as your backup? I am able to have my VOIP line kick over to my cell phone when a call can't get through.

Mickey

Good point, except I have pretty spotty cell coverage at my house, sometimes I even have to go outside to get a signal.

Maybe I'm just being paranoid, but having once used 911 to get one of my children rushed to a hospital while having a seizure (and having pretty indepth knowledge of the underlying technologies), there's something about that mile long copper wire connected directly to a switch at the CO that makes me sleep better at night.

Good point, except I have pretty spotty cell coverage at my house, sometimes I even have to go outside to get a signal.

Maybe I'm just being paranoid, but having once used 911 to get one of my children rushed to a hospital while having a seizure (and having pretty indepth knowledge of the underlying technologies), there's something about that mile long copper wire connected directly to a switch at the CO that makes me sleep better at night.

If copper makes you sleep better that's great!

I made a few 911 calls in my life (although never from home) and always used my cell phone.

With Extreme 50, Comcast customers, for example, will be able to download a high-def movie (6 GB) in about 16 minutes, a standard-def movie (2 GB) in about 5 minutes and a standard-def TV show (300 MB) in a matter of seconds. Customers with Extreme 50 also will be able to download digital photos, songs and games faster than ever.

So you'll hit that 250G limit faster!

Part of me feels something similar to Cablevision's Optimum Online Boost coming. Whereas you can pay for the upgraded tier which would put you on a separate network and remove any caps from you permanently.

Agreed. If/when people start downloading HD movies, download speed and The Cap will become very important, and it looks like Comcast is preparing to cash in on that.

Mickey

You don't like faster internet?

I just checked and I indeed have the upgrade to 16 mbps. Hardly noticeable however as the end speed is only one part of the equation. Bottlenecks in the internet plus limitations on the servers at the other end constrain the speed. 8 mbps was good enough, if this is taking bandwidth away from having more HD then I would rather they went back to 8 mbps.

-Ken

I'm with Ken on this one!

There are actually plenty of servers on the internet that are capable of providing a 16mbps connection for downloads. Download something from Adobe, Microsoft or many big companies with a lot of servers. DOCSIS 3.0 takes three frequencies within 100mhz of each other. However, it is supposed to provide 160mbps+ internet going forward so they won't be taking more space on the system to up the internet speeds.

Can I assume that our current modems are good for DOCSIS 3.0?

There are actually plenty of servers on the internet that are capable of providing a 16mbps connection for downloads. Download something from Adobe, Microsoft or many big companies with a lot of servers. DOCSIS 3.0 takes three frequencies within 100mhz of each other. However, it is supposed to provide 160mbps+ internet going forward so they won't be taking more space on the system to up the internet speeds.

My priority is still HD, the faster internet speeds are nice but I would rather have them solve the expanded basic issue and have more HD channels added without compressing the h*ll out of them. That is and will remain my main concern!

Just looked at my bill and as someone already posted, MOJO will be gone starting 12/1. HOWEVER, it also said "Comcast is commited to HD so stay tuned for new and exciting HD channels coming soon!"

Price hikes on the way for Comcast tv services.

http://www.boston.com/business/ticker/2008/10/comcast_raises.html

Comcast Corp. is raising its rates in Massachusetts and southern New Hampshire. Customers in those areas will see a 3.6 percent increase in their monthly bills effective Dec. 1.

“Price adjustments are a necessity in view of the increased cost of doing business in this challenging economic environment, including gas prices, healthcare costs, increases in the cost we pay for programming, and technology and service improvements," said Jim Hughes, a Comcast spokesman.

Can I assume that our current modems are good for DOCSIS 3.0?

No (well you could assume, but unfortunately you'd be wrong :) )