I don't have a strong opinion one way or the other on this subject, but here's a crazy and not well thought out idea on cable box rental/purchase and I wonder how others feel about it. I propose cable companies offer their boxes at current rental rates per month, but once you've spent X dollars in fees for each box, you now 'own' that box and no longer pay rental fees.

If you decide to upgrade to DVR, or HD, or a newer model box, or whatever, the process starts again. If you ever cancel the service or switch to someone else, you are still responsible for returning the box in working order.

This would placate customers to some degree, would more than cover the cost of the box and the mainenance/tech support on the box for the cable company, and may also help subscriber retention, as switching after you've 'paid off' your box would increase your bill.

I don't have a strong opinion one way or the other on this subject, but here's a crazy and not well thought out idea on cable box rental/purchase and I wonder how others feel about it. I propose cable companies offer their boxes at current rental rates per month, but once you've spent X dollars in fees for each box, you now 'own' that box and no longer pay rental fees.

If you decide to upgrade to DVR, or HD, or a newer model box, or whatever, the process starts again. If you ever cancel the service or switch to someone else, you are still responsible for returning the box in working order.

This would placate customers to some degree, would more than cover the cost of the box and the mainenance/tech support on the box for the cable company, and may also help subscriber retention, as switching after you've 'paid off' your box would increase your bill.

If this had any impact on improving the boxes available (i.e makes it financially undesirable to order new/improved equipment) or raised box rental fees, I would be against it. While it might be great for some people, in just a few years I have gone from a single tuner SD box, to a single tuner HD box, to a single tuner HD-DVR, to a dual tuner HD-DVR, to a dual tuner HD-DVR with a bigger HD, to a dual tuner HD-DVR with an even bigger HD and native output. AND that is on multiple TVs. When an even better box comes along, I will upgrade again. Other than the initial jump to HD and adding a DVR, this was all done at no additional cost.

If this had any impact on improving the boxes available (i.e makes it financially undesirable to order new/improved equipment) or raised box rental fees, I would be against it. While it might be great for some people, in just a few years I have gone from a single tuner SD box, to a single tuner HD box, to a single tuner HD-DVR, to a dual tuner HD-DVR, to a dual tuner HD-DVR with a bigger HD, to a dual tuner HD-DVR with an even bigger HD and native output. AND that is on multiple TVs. When an even better box comes along, I will upgrade again. Other than the initial jump to HD and adding a DVR, this was all done at no additional cost.

Agreed, as a user of premium content, you should be able to access to latest boxes. The point that many others in this forum are missing is that there are plenty of users who just want access to expanded basic in HD and don't want to pay monthly cable box fees. The bottleneck there is not technology, it is easy to make an HD equivalent of DTA for Comcast to make and provide at a cost. It just does not want to and is not required to do so by the government. We don't want TV guide or the ability to see hundreds of channels or VOD etc, we just need a box that tunes to and unencrypts HD content.

"No they don't. This has been discussed dozens of times. You're just wrong. The US Court of Appeals even spanked the FCC, last year, for making the same error you're making, i.e., ignoring DBS as competition for cable."

I said cable monopoly which is true. Satellite and cable are different hence why I say that there are cable monopolies in the towns. Satellite can be used nearly anywhere as they don't have to negotiate per town or even per state.The reason why I'm emphasizing it over satellite is that cable has local access channels. Satellite doesn't. Obviously there isn't significant money or ratings so I doubt any dbs company would bend over backwards to try to add those a la cart (although cable cannot hoard their own sports channels as per the FCC recently)

"What makes you think that the CE manufacturers would allow any service provider sell something that they provided for leasing service only?"

Because they allowed it with analog years ago so where's the beef?

"The CE manufacturers seem to have made a deliberate decision in this regard -- I doubt they'd make an exception even for a municipal cable company. And no, the city can't force them; and if the city insists on it as a condition of offering the contract, then the city may just find itself without any suppliers."

Towns have less money than they did before. With this being the case they are asking more during contracts. As I said earlier with the local access channels its a factor. So much so where I live it's not some tiny studio. A portion of the subscription costs gets poured into a private and local studio that's away from the cable company.

Here's probably the largest example of such in mass
http://www.pactv.org/index.htm

You can't get this with satellite. The only way to get it is from the cable company.

Gradually (hopefully) fios can come into more towns to act as competition. I know it's 2010 but to some people might still be intimidated by contracts and setting up a dish like satellite companies use.

A little side step here. Since digital cable boxes feed back information isn't this used in advertising? I mean if the companies know who is watching what wouldn't it be possible to directly target consumers at that point? I think this is the real reason why they don't want boxes sold. If a box cannot or won't send information back as to what people are watching then the accuracy of advertising isn't as worth it (targeted advertising is worth more than blanket broadcasts just ask infousa)

I get Digital Economy with a TiVo HD / CableCard connected to a Sony HDTV. Using a splitter, both the TiVo and television have a signal.

I'm a little confused about some channels. I can find WZMY and WGBX at 18 and 44, respectively. The television has a digital version of these channels at 50.1 and 44.1, respectively, but I can't find them with the TiVo.

On the other hand, the TiVo can find WBPXDT at 803, but I can't find this on the television. Is Ion HD encrypted?

Finally, I think I'm supposed to get E! HD on 834, but it's blank. Is that expected?

The reason why I'm emphasizing it over satellite is that cable has local access channels. Satellite doesn't.You make a good argument for imposing new regulations on satellite service providers.

Because they allowed it with analog years ago so where's the beef?The rumors I've read indicate that the sticking point is providing customer support.

You can't get this with satellite.Again, you make a good argument for imposing new regulations on satellite service providers.

I think this is the real reason why they don't want boxes sold. If a box cannot or won't send information back as to what people are watching then the accuracy of advertising isn't as worth it (targeted advertising is worth more than blanket broadcasts just ask infousa)Then explain the Moxi HD DVR.

"No they don't. This has been discussed dozens of times. You're just wrong. The US Court of Appeals even spanked the FCC, last year, for making the same error you're making, i.e., ignoring DBS as competition for cable."

I said cable monopoly which is true. Satellite and cable are different hence why I say that there are cable monopolies in the towns. Satellite can be used nearly anywhere as they don't have to negotiate per town or even per state.The reason why I'm emphasizing it over satellite is that cable has local access channels. Satellite doesn't. Obviously there isn't significant money or ratings so I doubt any dbs company would bend over backwards to try to add those a la cart (although cable cannot hoard their own sports channels as per the FCC recently)

"What makes you think that the CE manufacturers would allow any service provider sell something that they provided for leasing service only?"

Because they allowed it with analog years ago so where's the beef?

"The CE manufacturers seem to have made a deliberate decision in this regard -- I doubt they'd make an exception even for a municipal cable company. And no, the city can't force them; and if the city insists on it as a condition of offering the contract, then the city may just find itself without any suppliers."

Towns have less money than they did before. With this being the case they are asking more during contracts. As I said earlier with the local access channels its a factor. So much so where I live it's not some tiny studio. A portion of the subscription costs gets poured into a private and local studio that's away from the cable company.

Here's probably the largest example of such in mass
http://www.pactv.org/index.htm

You can't get this with satellite. The only way to get it is from the cable company.

Gradually (hopefully) fios can come into more towns to act as competition. I know it's 2010 but to some people might still be intimidated by contracts and setting up a dish like satellite companies use.

A little side step here. Since digital cable boxes feed back information isn't this used in advertising? I mean if the companies know who is watching what wouldn't it be possible to directly target consumers at that point? I think this is the real reason why they don't want boxes sold. If a box cannot or won't send information back as to what people are watching then the accuracy of advertising isn't as worth it (targeted advertising is worth more than blanket broadcasts just ask infousa)

Correct. The general public (and many in this forum) seems to think that reason they have to pay for monthly fees for cable box equipment because it is required for them to see HD programming and content. That is not true. The equipment is only needed for premium content. The reason is simply money. The monthly fees are huge profits for these companies.

Absolutely: Both the Moxi HD DVR and the TiVo HD DVR show that the path is clear for provision of cable host equipment, for any company inclined to offer that to the public.

Absolutely: Both the Moxi HD DVR and the TiVo HD DVR show that the path is clear for provision of cable host equipment, for any company inclined to offer that to the public.

You could also now include Panasonic and their Tru2way compatible TVs in the Boston market that require no box from Comcast.

-Ken

You could also now include Panasonic and their Tru2way compatible TVs in the Boston market that require no box from Comcast.

-Ken

Do you know anyone that has one of these?

Do you know anyone that has one of these?

Comcast is ready, but I dont think Panasonic is selling them here yet. You would have to go buy one in Chicago and bring it here...a year from now this whole set top box will be moot as I think Tru2way will be everywhere. Everything just takes more time than we have patience for.

-Ken

Comcast is ready, but I dont think Panasonic is selling them here yet. You would have to go buy one in Chicago and bring it here...a year from now this whole set top box will be moot as I think Tru2way will be everywhere. Everything just takes more time than we have patience for.

-Ken

-I kept an eye out for press releases discussing TVs with tru2way from this year's CES and I didn't see anything. Perhaps I missed some announcements, but it appears TV companies aren't jumping on this- other than Panny with their "set back boxes".

-I don't want to replace all my existing HDTVs- hence I want a retail tru2way cable box to hook into my existing HDTVs.

I didn't mean to somewhat stir things up.

In all due respects I'd say that it should be a interesting next five years mostly because of the following

1) the cable industry has to deal with the eventual retirement of the analog system. Granted there was some confusion to some about the OTA thing but if someone has a analog set there might be some bad pr problems if the companies have to give digital boxes which probably cost more money to the consumer

2) Satellite companies might be eyeballed to carry more (as I said with the local channels) and also states could charge more in terms of taxes on them

3) the internet and other technologies are going to play. How many channels can be streamed on the internet?
Netflix streaming is now built into more bluray players...broadband internet is what...$50-60 a month...

4) darkhorse stuff. there's the start of a fta network kinda starting in the dbs thing.

I'm personally tempted to make a pvr hdpc thing

I don't want to replace all my existing HDTVs- hence I want a retail tru2way cable box to hook into my existing HDTVs.

I believe they already have the boxes available
DCX3400 in the Moto network and the
Cisco explorer 8650/52 in the SA network

I think they just need to update thier systems to support?

I believe they already have the boxes available
DCX3400 in the Moto network and the
Cisco explorer 8650/52 in the SA network

I think they just need to update thier systems to support?

He wants to be able to buy a box from Sears or Best Buy and not pay a rental fee to comcast. He could do that by buying a Tivo or Moxy DVR but that is the only choice and those are cable card.

If a Tru2way cable box was available at retail I bet it would be AT LEAST $250 considering the Panny "set back" box is at least $200. Would you pay $250 for a tru2way box ?

He wants to be able to buy a box from Sears or Best Buy and not pay a rental fee to comcast. He could do that by buying a Tivo or Moxy DVR but that is the only choice and those are cable card.

If a Tru2way cable box was available at retail I bet it would be AT LEAST $250 considering the Panny "set back" box is at least $200. Would you pay $250 for a tru2way box ?


And tru2way boxes/TVs still require a cable card.

I didn't mean to somewhat stir things up.

In all due respects I'd say that it should be a interesting next five years mostly because of the following

1) the cable industry has to deal with the eventual retirement of the analog system. Granted there was some confusion to some about the OTA thing but if someone has a analog set there might be some bad pr problems if the companies have to give digital boxes which probably cost more money to the consumer

Since this section is the only one relevant to this thread I shall try to answer this.

In this area (Boston & Providence DMAs) Comcast have been very good about notifying their customers about going digital. And they have provided, "Free of charge", the DTA's to allow analog TV's to receive the new digital cable (channels 2-125).

I don't know which part of the USA you are from so I presume you did not know this about this area. Also I don't understand where you would assume the bolded phrase as Comcast are not charging for these boxes.

As I mentioned in the message above this one, the phone company does charge for more phone lines hooked up, i.e., if you want to have two telephone calls ongoing on the same time, which is the analog to watching two television channels at the same time.



This is a bogus argument. An extra phone line is something explicitly provisioned, and costs the phone company resources. If switched video is not in play, you're getting a multiplex of all channels at all your outlets. This is purely and simple a blatant money grab by the cable companies, with no rational justification (other than they do it because they can)

If this had any impact on improving the boxes available (i.e makes it financially undesirable to order new/improved equipment) or raised box rental fees, I would be against it. While it might be great for some people, in just a few years I have gone from a single tuner SD box, to a single tuner HD box, to a single tuner HD-DVR, to a dual tuner HD-DVR, to a dual tuner HD-DVR with a bigger HD, to a dual tuner HD-DVR with an even bigger HD and native output. AND that is on multiple TVs. When an even better box comes along, I will upgrade again. Other than the initial jump to HD and adding a DVR, this was all done at no additional cost.

In general I agree, but to play devils advocate:

- If the alternative to cable companies renting boxes was everyones free will to purchase whatever box they wanted from whatever store they wanted, upgrades would cost a lot

- All of our other AV gear, aside from firmware upgrades, comes with a significant cost when we want to upgrade to better/newer/cooler. why should cable boxes be any different?

- I look at upgrading in my proposal like this. Right now I have one HD box because I have decided that the added benefit of HD in the bedroom is not worth the added rental cost. But in my plan, once I have 'paid off' my first box, I could move it to the bedroom and get a new one for the primary viewing room at no additional cost on my bill.

- In your scenario, my plan wouldn't have cost you a cent more in my plan. You upgrade, the paying in starts over, and every month you have the same rental fee you always had. What mine adds is the option for those who don't upgrade often to at some point see a return on their investment if they choose to do so.

But yes, if a plan like this led Comcast to stop acquiring new boxes it would make no sense.

This is a bogus argument.No: Your counter-argument is bogus.

An extra phone line is something explicitly provisioned, A digital host device is something explicitly provisioned by Comcast.

and costs the phone company resources.In consumer business, what matters is value provided, not cost. For details, see "pet rock".

This is purely and simple a blatant money grab by the cable companies, with no rational justification (other than they do it because they can)Just because you don't like their explanation does not mean it is not rational. It is rational. It is legitimate. And you have ultimate power as a consumer who feels that what they're offering is not worth it by declining their offer and doing without their service.

I have one of the new dcx3400 series boxes. I have the same problem on the original box and one that was swapped out.

When changing channels and going from an HD to a non-HD channel, about 50% of the time the picture is lost completely and replaced by a gray screen. The box does tune in the new channel, as sound is heard properly, but no video is displayed. Video is not restored with more channel changes or by going back to the original channel. The only thing that restores it is powering off the TV and turning it on again. Then the handshake occurs and, after about 10 seconds, the audio and video appear.

I am connecting with HDMI and have swapped cables to make sure that is not the issue. Comcast has been in my home to look at it twice and cannot solve the problem.

I do like the box otherwise, as the picture quality is better and the DVR capacity is larger. But the channel changing problem is extremely frustrating.

Anyone with any ideas on the cause/solution?

I have one of the new dcx3400 series boxes. I have the same problem on the original box and one that was swapped out.

When changing channels and going from an HD to a non-HD channel, about 50% of the time the picture is lost completely and replaced by a gray screen. The box does tune in the new channel, as sound is heard properly, but no video is displayed. Video is not restored with more channel changes or by going back to the original channel. The only thing that restores it is powering off the TV and turning it on again. Then the handshake occurs and, after about 10 seconds, the audio and video appear.

I am connecting with HDMI and have swapped cables to make sure that is not the issue. Comcast has been in my home to look at it twice and cannot solve the problem.

I do like the box otherwise, as the picture quality is better and the DVR capacity is larger. But the channel changing problem is extremely frustrating.

Anyone with any ideas on the cause/solution?

Does this happen when connected with component cables?

He wants to be able to buy a box from Sears or Best Buy and not pay a rental fee to comcast.

If a Tru2way cable box was available at retail I bet it would be AT LEAST $250 considering the Panny "set back" box is at least $200. Would you pay $250 for a tru2way box ?

I would be suprised as h*ll if that ever happend for two reasons

I don't think you would ever see a T2W settop for $250 dollars from a retailer more like $600+ [If the SBB's are $200, that is probably from the TV manufacturer, who is already making profit and can afford to sell near cost to increase sales]
From a CableCo maybe, because they make it up by the monthly fee and commitment and to get new subs like the Satco's do

And your sitting there watchin with your retail purchased T2W and it starts pixlelating or audio drops out,
You check your connections to no avail, then call Cc, truck rolls to tell you a box issue and Cha-ching $$ sevice Fee>>
Then you watch for 2 days till you can run back to the store your purchased from and none in stock or god forbid your 91 or 357 days in

Who do you think is going to suffer the complaints and churn??
yep CableCo

No thanks, I'm happy with monthly fee and swappable bricks

Just because you don't like their explanation does not mean it is not rational. It is rational. It is legitimate. And you have ultimate power as a consumer who feels that what they're offering is not worth it by declining their offer and doing without their service.


And your sitting there watchin with your retail purchased T2W and it starts pixlelating or audio drops out,
You check your connections to no avail, then call Cc, truck rolls to tell you a box issue and Cha-ching $$ sevice Fee>>
...
Who do you think is going to suffer the complaints and churn??
yep CableCo

No thanks, I'm happy with monthly fee and swappable bricks

Can I nominate both of these for posts of day? Seriously, it seems like people want laws based on what they think sounds superficially convenient to them. If you don't think Comcast is offering fair value in services for the money, just walk away. Let them know why. If enough people do it they'll wise up and offer what people want.

As TV is something of a minimal necessity these days to be an informed citizen, one can make a solid argument that they should be required to offer broadcast channels for cheap. Which they do. Beyond that, any argument about abuse of monopoly or unfair treatment of consumers sounds a bit hollow to me, given that they are offering wholly nonessential services.

Can I nominate both of these for posts of day? Seriously, it seems like people want laws based on what they think sounds superficially convenient to them. If you don't think Comcast is offering fair value in services for the money, just walk away. Let them know why. If enough people do it they'll wise up and offer what people want.

As TV is something of a minimal necessity these days to be an informed citizen, one can make a solid argument that they should be required to offer broadcast channels for cheap. Which they do. Beyond that, any argument about abuse of monopoly or unfair treatment of consumers sounds a bit hollow to me, given that they are offering wholly nonessential services.

Wholly Nonessential Services! Speak for yourself! :D

Just popping in to say another HD channel added in Attleboro, 820. However, this is WNAC's subchannel, 64.2 it seems.

So now only 808 is up for grabs for WLVI/WFXT HD, unless Comcast is willing to use 801 for one of those channels.

Is WNAC-DT 64-2 720P HD as well as the main Fox 64-1 channel?

Does this happen when connected with component cables?

Yes. I have both HDMI and component cables connected to different TV inputs. Problem is the same regardless of which connection/input is used.

The Comcast technician played around with the pass-through (native), 480i and 480p override settings. While at first we thought that solved the issue, the problem reappeared as soon as the Comcast truck left our driveway.

Since both brand new DCX3400 series boxes behaved exactly the same way, it seems to me to be a box/firmware issue. Or I suppose it could be a compatibility issue with our Sony LCD TV. We did not have this issue with this TV and our prior generation Motorola DVR box.

I have one of the new dcx3400 series boxes. I have the same problem on the original box and one that was swapped out.

When changing channels and going from an HD to a non-HD channel, about 50% of the time the picture is lost completely and replaced by a gray screen. The box does tune in the new channel, as sound is heard properly, but no video is displayed. Video is not restored with more channel changes or by going back to the original channel. The only thing that restores it is powering off the TV and turning it on again. Then the handshake occurs and, after about 10 seconds, the audio and video appear.

I am connecting with HDMI and have swapped cables to make sure that is not the issue. Comcast has been in my home to look at it twice and cannot solve the problem.

I do like the box otherwise, as the picture quality is better and the DVR capacity is larger. But the channel changing problem is extremely frustrating.

Anyone with any ideas on the cause/solution?

More often that not, this is a problem with the TV, specifically with older HDTV's. What TV are you using and when did you purchase it??

Don't you have to rent CableCard from Comcast even if you were able to purchase Tru2Way? Doesn't rental of the CableCard almost the same as the box?

- Vikas

More often that not, this is a problem with the TV, specifically with older HDTV's. What TV are you using and when did you purchase it??

The TV is a 46" Sony 720p LCD HDTV. I don't have the model number available at the moment as I am not at home, but it was purchased about 2 and 1/2 years ago. I know it is not one of the XBR models.

What kind of "problem" could this be with the TV, which was working fine with a couple of older Motorola boxes/DVRs? It does appear to be some kind of issue with the synching of the TV and box, but I'm not sure the TV is at fault.

Is there a way to figure this out short of buying another TV? I haven't talked to Comcast about this in a couple of months, but when I did these DCX boxes were brand new in our area and the technicians had never seen them. Even with calls to headquarters, they couldn't fix things.

The TV is a 46" Sony 720p LCD HDTV. I don't have the model number available at the moment as I am not at home, but it was purchased about 2 and 1/2 years ago. I know it is not one of the XBR models.

What kind of "problem" could this be with the TV, which was working fine with a couple of older Motorola boxes/DVRs? It does appear to be some kind of issue with the synching of the TV and box, but I'm not sure the TV is at fault.

Is there a way to figure this out short of buying another TV? I haven't talked to Comcast about this in a couple of months, but when I did these DCX boxes were brand new in our area and the technicians had never seen them. Even with calls to headquarters, they couldn't fix things.

I have yet to see a 720P LCD HDTV, that in one way or another doesnt have this delay when going from SD to HD. But I'll be honest with you I've never seen that 10 second delay that you are describing,its usually a 2 or 3 second delay. I'd be interested to know if anyone outthere with a 720p display can confirm or deny this.

I have yet to see a 720P LCD HDTV, that in one way or another doesnt have this delay when going from SD to HD. But I'll be honest with you I've never seen that 10 second delay that you are describing,its usually a 2 or 3 second delay. I'd be interested to know if anyone outthere with a 720p display can confirm or deny this.

Just to be clear, the problem I am having is when going from HD to SD, not the reverse.

With the old Moto boxes, the delay going from SD to HD and HD to SD was probably about 2 or 3 seconds for both audio and video to appear. With this new DCX box the delay/synch going from HD to SD, when it works, is probably about 7 seconds for the picture to appear and another 2 or 3 seconds for the sound to be on.

Just to be clear, the problem I am having is when going from HD to SD, not the reverse.

With the old Moto boxes, the delay going from SD to HD and HD to SD was probably about 2 or 3 seconds for both audio and video to appear. With this new DCX box the delay/synch going from HD to SD, when it works, is probably about 7 seconds for the picture to appear and another 2 or 3 seconds for the sound to be on.

I actually did not realize that, but regardless I still think its an issue with your TV.

Don't you have to rent CableCard from Comcast even if you were able to purchase Tru2Way? tru2way is a layer that rides on top of the layer that handles decryption. So, generally, the way things are now, tru2way requires CableCARD rather than eliminating the need for CableCARD. Eventually, there is a feeling that tru2way could rely, instead, on DCAS (Downloadable Conditional Access Service), and that would eliminate the need for CableCARD. I'm not sure if today's tru2way devices can be updated later to support whatever DCAS protocol comes down the pike -- that innovation may, itself, require purchase of new, DCAS-compatible host equipment. I really don't know.

Doesn't rental of the CableCard almost the same as the box?Yes, and no. First, we're talking about Comcast, which is a lot less expensive, in this regard than my current service provider, FiOS. With FiOS, the rate for CableCARD does average-out to the rate for STBs. However, with Comcast, the first CableCARD is "included" in the rate you pay for your digital package. Then, depending on where you live, they may have a special rate for "second CableCARD inside the same host device"... that was less than $2. Then, from there on, I believe the rental rate for CableCARD is still the same or less than the rate for STBs: For both, you'll have to pay additional digital outlet fees. With Comcast, however, all of this varies by town.

Just to be clear, the problem I am having is when going from HD to SD, not the reverse.

With the old Moto boxes, the delay going from SD to HD and HD to SD was probably about 2 or 3 seconds for both audio and video to appear. With this new DCX box the delay/synch going from HD to SD, when it works, is probably about 7 seconds for the picture to appear and another 2 or 3 seconds for the sound to be on.

I also have this same problem (2 or 3 second delay SD to HD or HD to SD) with my Toshiba 1080p LCD (about 1 1/2 years old). As best I can figure it, it's a negotiation issue between Moto Box and TV. I've never read the spec, but I'm sure it's like any other technical spec/RFC etc, wide open to interpretation with many different implementations. Having been in the embedded software datacom/telecom industry for years I can tell you it happens all the time with the incompatible manufactures always pointing fingers at each other claiming the other side didn't follow the spec. Anyway, having said that, usually the side that has the most customers screaming (or at least the loudest) will change/patch/fix the issue or at least come up with a work around. One thing I've bitched about in the past is I'd like to see Comcast implement a "simple" workaround...move SD Weatherscan from 845 (right in the middle of 100+ HD channels) to somewhere outside the HD range. It would be very nice to not have to delay 4-6 seconds when surfing to and past 845.

I have one of the new dcx3400 series boxes. I have the same problem on the original box and one that was swapped out.

When changing channels and going from an HD to a non-HD channel, about 50% of the time the picture is lost completely and replaced by a gray screen. The box does tune in the new channel, as sound is heard properly, but no video is displayed. Video is not restored with more channel changes or by going back to the original channel. The only thing that restores it is powering off the TV and turning it on again. Then the handshake occurs and, after about 10 seconds, the audio and video appear.

I am connecting with HDMI and have swapped cables to make sure that is not the issue. Comcast has been in my home to look at it twice and cannot solve the problem.

I do like the box otherwise, as the picture quality is better and the DVR capacity is larger. But the channel changing problem is extremely frustrating.

Anyone with any ideas on the cause/solution?

1080i FIXED will cure it, but you are losing one of the good features of the box (native).

Anyone know when iGuide A28 will be released here? It looks the same as the TiVo interface, with the search functions and jump to tick, etc. but I would regain on screen caller ID and it wouldn't cost $2.95 a month.

Anyone know when iGuide A28 will be released here? It looks the same as the TiVo interface, with the search functions and jump to tick, etc. but I would regain on screen caller ID and it wouldn't cost $2.95 a month.


I am awaiting (impatiently) for A28 for the remote DVR scheduling. No one here knows when we will get it, Comcast does not release that information. L Supreme may know but he ain't talkin :-). The only hopeful sign is that Westfield, MA has it, but mostly it is in Florida and Philly. You will know when it is coming because first they have to do a guidee cleanup which causes you to lose favorites etc. They warn in advance and probably adds many support calls, this is why it is going slowly.

-Ken

Thanks Ken. You can get remote scheduling right now with the TiVo overlay..if you are willing to dish out the extra monthly cost for it.

Thanks Ken. You can get remote scheduling right now with the TiVo overlay..if you are willing to dish out the extra monthly cost for it.

Not willing to pay Comcast a penny more, I will wait for the upgraded guide.

Forgot to mention that I think WNAC's secondary channel, 64.2, is known as MyRI or something.....but what's puzzling is that both 811 AND 820 read as "WNACD" and are just 9 channels away...

1080i FIXED will cure it, but you are losing one of the good features of the box (native).

Elevatorguy (or anyone), could you describe how the viewing experience would differ if the box is switched to 1080i fixed.

Does that mean that all SD channels would be stretched and distorted to reach full screen width?

Elevatorguy (or anyone), could you describe how the viewing experience would differ if the box is switched to 1080i fixed.

Does that mean that all SD channels would be stretched and distorted to reach full screen width?

Actually just the opposite, SD channels would be in their native 4:3 aspect with the black bars on the side. The advantage of setting the box to 1080i OR 720p fixed is that the there would never be any flickering between the changing of resolutions. When the DCX is set to Native there is the flicker every time you change channels from SD to 720p to 1080i, setting a fixed format will avoid this.

Actually just the opposite, SD channels would be in their native 4:3 aspect with the black bars on the side. The advantage of setting the box to 1080i OR 720p fixed is that the there would never be any flickering between the changing of resolutions. When the DCX is set to Native there is the flicker every time you change channels from SD to 720p to 1080i, setting a fixed format will avoid this.

The advantage of "native" resolution (PQ-wise) greatly outweighs the inconvenience of 2sec flickering.

Given that it takes my box a good 25 seconds to switch resolutions, I'd choose a fixed resolution every time. The difference between 720p and 1080i is so negligible (especially below 40 inch) that it just shouldn't matter. And it's not going to make a lambs nuts worth of difference on standard definition anyway.

Here's The map again so no one has to dig deep into the forums :D

http://img39.imageshack.us/img39/6659/comcastmap1.png

I assume the white/blank is an SA area?

Are there other areas/colors that have been converted from SA to Moto?

Here's The map again so no one has to dig deep into the forums :D

http://img39.imageshack.us/img39/6659/comcastmap1.png

Am I missing something? When are the baby blue areas switching or is March 2010 supposed to be the same color?

Given that it takes my box a good 25 seconds to switch resolutions, I'd choose a fixed resolution every time. The difference between 720p and 1080i is so negligible (especially below 40 inch) that it just shouldn't matter. And it's not going to make a lambs nuts worth of difference on standard definition anyway.

Swap the box. My switches in two secs. I agree that below 40 inches it matters less. But on my 60-inch set the difference is not negligible, especially for SD (native 480i looks much better when processed by my TV than when upconverted to 1080i by the cable box).

Am I missing something? When are the baby blue areas switching or is March 2010 supposed to be the same color?

I assume the white/blank is an SA area?

Are there other areas/colors that have been converted from SA to Moto?

Hey elbig yep their supposed to be the same color sorry about that,

vista + xp's paint screwed up the colors i'll fix it to avoid anymore confusion

http://img209.imageshack.us/img209/6659/comcastmap1.png

And Home2stay most likely those blank are SA and will be announced to be converted sometime in the near future.

The advantage of "native" resolution (PQ-wise) greatly outweighs the inconvenience of 2sec flickering.

Not in my opinion, I'll stick with the 1080i. Thanks anyway.

This morning I've noticed NECN HD on channel 810 like others have. However, when I press the info button on the Comcast remote, the HD icon does not appear. With my cable box set at native output resolution the info on my TV shows 1080i. I'm just wondering if NECN is really doing an upconversion rather than true HD?

I have "Basic Service" and "Digital Preferred", but not "Expanded Basic". I receive NECN on Channel 6 in Boston (part of "Basic Service"). NECNHD has been added to the Boston system at Channel 810, but I don't receive it. I thought I would receive the HD counterpart of any SD channel in my package. I do receive the HD counterpart of all other channels, just not NECN. Very Strange.

It is possible that NECN HD is placed in a slot that is blocked by a filter. Do you get FX (SD or HD)? If not, then that could be the issue.

An alternative is that NECN HD is simply miscategorized.

GT1Racer: Thanks. I am in that March 2010 group not so patiently waiting. Great job BTW on the map.

I have "Basic Service" and "Digital Preferred", but not "Expanded Basic". I receive NECN on Channel 6 in Boston (part of "Basic Service"). NECNHD has been added to the Boston system at Channel 810, but I don't receive it. I thought I would receive the HD counterpart of any SD channel in my package. I do receive the HD counterpart of all other channels, just not NECN. Very Strange.

NECN HD requires Expanded Service to receive, unlike the SD counterpart.

As of this morning Monday Jan 25th, Comcast have turned off the HD feed on their broadcast channels or they have encrypted them. I have hooked up my TV as suggested on their FAQ #29 and I was getting local broadcast channel in HD using the splitter until yesterday night. Today NBC, CBS, ABC, FOX, etc are NOT coming in HD anymore. The Manchester Ch9 WMUR is the only one still available in HD.

Never mind; looks like Comcast moved the channels; I had to rescan on my TV.

- Vikas

P.S By the way, I am not getting CMT and CSPN2 which are part of Expanded Basic (or at least they were before the forced conversion). I am NOT getting 66 or 282 or 247

Hey elbig yep their supposed to be the same color sorry about that,

vista + xp's paint screwed up the colors i'll fix it to avoid anymore confusion

http://img209.imageshack.us/img209/6659/comcastmap1.png

And Home2stay most likely those blank are SA and will be announced to be converted sometime in the near future.

Thanks
Has any SA area actually been converted to Moto?
and did they have to swap out boxes

NECN HD requires Expanded Service to receive, unlike the SD counterpart.

Thanks, Scoops. How do you know that? I could find nothing about it online. If you're right (and I assume you are), then is NECN the only SD channel that is like that?

Thanks
Has any SA area actually been converted to Moto?
and did they have to swap out boxes

hopefully that is the case i'll chat with my buddy in one of those areas to see if his was converted recently.

http://img209.imageshack.us/img209/5726/comcastmap1m.png

Updated map including Boston Metro Area. ^^^^

Thanks
Has any SA area actually been converted to Moto?
and did they have to swap out boxes

SA and Moto are two difference platforms entirely. I'm sure someone out there has probably done a conversion either way... but small systems. A changeover like that would require every box being replaced. HUGE money for a big cable operator.

Thanks, Scoops. How do you know that? I could find nothing about it online. If you're right (and I assume you are), then is NECN the only SD channel that is like that?

I asked a friend who works for Comcast. As far as he knows, NECN is the only one like that or even in the position to do that. All the other B1 HDs are broadcasters and they are required to be carried in the clear.

SA and Moto are two difference platforms entirely. I'm sure someone out there has probably done a conversion either way... but small systems. A changeover like that would require every box being replaced. HUGE money for a big cable operator.

Thats what i thought, but my local office, CC engineer and sales rep all state that my town [Falmouth/SA] is sceduled to switch over to the [Mashpee/Moto] headend, in Feb and are pushing SA/Cisco boxes:eek:

Thats what i thought, but my local office, CC engineer and sales rep all state that my town [Falmouth/SA] is sceduled to switch over to the [Mashpee/Moto] headend, in Feb and are pushing SA/Cisco boxes:eek:

Could just be a site move for the backend equipment...

i just checked "My channel listings" on comcast.com's website and it says i have 899 Redzone HD (even though its not on my box) & MLB HD 818 (Also not on my box)

does it mean those channels are in their system and they are not showing up for some reason?

I'd love to see MLB HD if it's really there :o

I've had 818 MLBHD in Attleboro, since October or so. I also still have 899, but I'm not sure why seeing that the regular season doesn't start up again until September.

I am hoping someone in the Gardner, MA area can check to see if they are receiving:
825 Nickelodeon
836 Lifetime
855 Spike

My TiVo reported I now receive them and the Comcast.com site reports I should be getting them, but all three are blank. I'm wondering if it is a cable card issue or if they just haven't shown up yet. I don't have a stb to check and no one I know around here gets Comcast HD.
Thanks for any help.

Actually just the opposite, SD channels would be in their native 4:3 aspect with the black bars on the side. The advantage of setting the box to 1080i OR 720p fixed is that the there would never be any flickering between the changing of resolutions. When the DCX is set to Native there is the flicker every time you change channels from SD to 720p to 1080i, setting a fixed format will avoid this.

I have followed the suggestion posted above in this thread. I have set the box to a fixed 1080i resolution and turned the override setting OFF.

The result is perfect channel changes, both SD and HD, for the first time with the Motorola DCX3400 series box. This is a great relief, as we were experiencing 7 second delays, longer for audio, and very often a complete blackout of video (unrecoverable unless the TV is turned off/on).

I do believe the HD picture is not as crisp as before. So, we are forced to choose full functionality vs. best picture quality.

I am hoping someone in the Gardner, MA area can check to see if they are receiving:
825 Nickelodeon
836 Lifetime
855 Spike

My TiVo reported I now receive them and the Comcast.com site reports I should be getting them, but all three are blank. I'm wondering if it is a cable card issue or if they just haven't shown up yet. I don't have a stb to check and no one I know around here gets Comcast HD.
Thanks for any help.

They haven't shown up yet.

They haven't shown up yet.

Thanks!

I have followed the suggestion posted above in this thread. I have set the box to a fixed 1080i resolution and turned the override setting OFF.

The result is perfect channel changes, both SD and HD, for the first time with the Motorola DCX3400 series box. This is a great relief, as we were experiencing 7 second delays, longer for audio, and very often a complete blackout of video (unrecoverable unless the TV is turned off/on).

I do believe the HD picture is not as crisp as before. So, we are forced to choose full functionality vs. best picture quality.

Good to hear, it worked out
I suppose if your going to watch a movie or event you could flip back to enjoy its full potential

Good to hear, it worked out
I suppose if your going to watch a movie or event you could flip back to enjoy its full potential

The only changing that would ever need to be done is switching from 1080i to 720p & that can be done while the box is on if you program a button with the appropriate button. For the most part there should be no discernible difference having it on 1080i fixed though as all HD programming is either 1080i or 720p. I think about 3/4's of it is 1080i though.

The only changing that would ever need to be done is switching from 1080i to 720p & that can be done while the box is on if you program a button with the appropriate button. For the most part there should be no discernible difference having it on 1080i fixed though as all HD programming is either 1080i or 720p. I think about 3/4's of it is 1080i though.

Now that the channel changing nightmare seems resolved, I want to make sure I understand the effect of having the box on fixed 1080i rather than Native setting.

Do I understand correctly that "Native" passes the signal resolution untouched by the box to the TV, where the TV decoder converts it to a display, while "1080i" fixed means that the cable box does the decoding rather than the TV?

So, is this in effect a choice of which decoder, TV or cable box, converts the raw signal?

If so, which is preferable from a picture quality standpoint?

And, what does it mean to have the Override setting OFF?

"So, is this in effect a choice of which decoder, TV or cable box, converts the raw signal?

If so, which is preferable from a picture quality standpoint?"


Since your TV is 720p, if the source format is not 720p, the video must be converted from the format of the source (e.g. tv broadcast or DVD) to 720p. The conversion can be done in one of several places: in the TV, in the cable box, in an AVR if you are using one. Which place is best depends on several factors:

- the video conversion algorithms and software are not all equally good. Simple algorithms require less computing horsepower but often do not give good results. Sometimes there are bugs in the software. One or another of the devices will do a better job than the others.

- What type of connection is used for the video (composite video, S-video, HDMI, or component are the common ones in the US). No one should use composite or S-video unless they have to.

- When HDMI is used, the devices in the HDMI chain must negotiate what video format will be sent over the wire and the encryption keys to use must be computed. This has to be done whenever the video format changes at any point in the chain (e.g. you changed channels and went from SD to HD). This renegotiation often causes delays. Sometimes the devices agree on a format you don't want. With component video you don't have this negotiation and key exchange.

If you set your cable box to output the same video format all the time, then there is no renegotiation along the HDMI chain when the channel changes from SD to HD or vice versa. That's why you don't see the delays.

But your TV is 720p and if you set the cable box to output 1080i all the time, then the TV has to convert that to 720p. So you are doing two conversions when the tv channel is not 1080i (one in cable box, one in tv) and one (in the tv) when it is.

You should try outputting 720p from the cable box to the TV. That /might/ give better results because then there is only one conversion, in the cable box.

"So, is this in effect a choice of which decoder, TV or cable box, converts the raw signal?

If so, which is preferable from a picture quality standpoint?"


Since your TV is 720p, if the source format is not 720p, the video must be converted from the format of the source (e.g. tv broadcast or DVD) to 720p. The conversion can be done in one of several places: in the TV, in the cable box, in an AVR if you are using one. Which place is best depends on several factors:

- the video conversion algorithms and software are not all equally good. Simple algorithms require less computing horsepower but often do not give good results. Sometimes there are bugs in the software. One or another of the devices will do a better job than the others.

- What type of connection is used for the video (composite video, S-video, HDMI, or component are the common ones in the US). No one should use composite or S-video unless they have to.

- When HDMI is used, the devices in the HDMI chain must negotiate what video format will be sent over the wire and the encryption keys to use must be computed. This has to be done whenever the video format changes at any point in the chain (e.g. you changed channels and went from SD to HD). This renegotiation often causes delays. Sometimes the devices agree on a format you don't want. With component video you don't have this negotiation and key exchange.

If you set your cable box to output the same video format all the time, then there is no renegotiation along the HDMI chain when the channel changes from SD to HD or vice versa. That's why you don't see the delays.

But your TV is 720p and if you set the cable box to output 1080i all the time, then the TV has to convert that to 720p. So you are doing two conversions when the tv channel is not 1080i (one in cable box, one in tv) and one (in the tv) when it is.

You should try outputting 720p from the cable box to the TV. That /might/ give better results because then there is only one conversion, in the cable box.

Indeed. However, I would avoid using the cable box converter because it is of lower quality than the converters in practically all HD TV sets. That's why I prefer "native" mode.

Indeed. However, I would avoid using the cable box converter because it is of lower quality than the converters in practically all HD TV sets. That's why I prefer "native" mode.

Well, I would of course like to have the best quality picture displayed on the TV. However, as I posted above, when the HDMI signal is set to "Native" the channel changes are always delayed with a black screen for several seconds and sometimes fail entirely with an unrecoverable (without powering off/on) black screen.

So, with a 720p TV, I have set the HDMI on the box to 720p and the 4:3 override to OFF. The channel changes are speedy and flawless. The picture quality is quite good (can't really notice if it is worse than with Native setting). I have the sharpness up to 5.

It's a choice I need to make to avoid the unacceptable channel change/HDMI negotiation problem with this Motorola DCX3400 series box.

June 2009: Newburyport, Newbury, West Newbury, Rowley and Ipswich.

September: Ashland, Bellingham, Blackstone, Franklin, Holliston, Hopedale, Hopkinton, Marlboro, Medway, Mendon, Milford, Millis & Plainville

October: Arlington, Belmont, Burlington, Cambridge, Lynnfield, MIT, Nahant, Revere, Peabody, Reading, Saugus, Stoneham, Wilmington, Winchester & Woburn

November: Andover, Attleboro, Avon, Bridgewater, Brockton, Dighton, East Bridgewater, Easton, Georgetown, Groveland, Hanson, Haverhill, Holbrook, Lawrence, Mansfield, Methuen, North Andover, North Attleboro, North Reading, Norton, Raynham, Rehoboth, Seekonk, Somerset, Stoughton, Swansea, Taunton, West Bridgewater & Whitman

January 2010: Acton, Ashburnham, Ashby, Ayer, Baldwinville, Bedford, Bolton, Boxborough, Carlisle, Chelsea, Clinton, Concord, Devens (Ayer) East Templeton, Edgewater Hills, Edgewater Terrance, Everett, Fitchburg, Framingham, Gardner, Hanscomb Air force Base, Hudson, Lancaster, Leominster, Lexington, Lincoln, Littleton, Lunenburg, Lynn, Malden, Maynard, Medford, Melrose, Otter River, Phillipston, Salem, Shirley, Somerville, Southboro, Sterling, Stowe, Sudbury, Swampscott, Templeton, Townsend, Wakefield, Westford, Westminster, Winchendon & Winthrop

February:
Massachusetts:
Barnstable, Brewster, Chatham, Chelmsford, Dennis, Eastham, Harwich, Mashpee, Orleans, Provincetown, Truro, Wellfleet, Yarmouth

New Hampshire:
Allenstown, Antrim, Boscawen, Bow, Canterbury, Chichester, Concord, Deering, Epsom, Henniker, Hillsboro, Hopkinton, Loudon, Pembroke, Weare

March:
Massachusetts:
Berkley, Billerica,* Dartmouth, Dedham, Dracut, Fairhaven, Fall River, Freetown, Lakeville, Lowell*, Marion, Mattapoisett, Middleboro, Natick, Needham, New Bedford, Newton, Rochester, Sherborn, Tewksbury*, Tyngsborough, Waltham, Wareham, Watertown, Wayland, Wellesley, Weston

New Hampshire:
Derry, Hampstead, Nashua, Plaistow, Salem, Sandown

May:
Massachusetts:
Braintree, Cohasset, Hanover, Hingham, Hull, Milton, Norwell, Quincy, Randolph, Scituate, Weymouth

New Hampshire:
Auburn, Bedford, Candia, Goffstown, Hooksett, Manchester

June:
New Hampshire:
Brentwood, East Kingston, Epping, Exeter, Fremont, Greenland, Hampton Falls, Hampton, Kensington, Lee, Madbury, Newcastle, Newfields, Newington, Newmarket, North Hampton, Nottingham, Portsmouth, Raymond, Rollinsford, Rye, Seabrook, Somersworth, Stratham

Maine:
Berwick, Eliot, Kittery, South Berwick

*= Billerica, Lowell, and Tewksbury switching to febuary unless otherwise noted.

I get a kick out of "West Templeton" on that list. There is no such town.

June 2009: Newburyport, Newbury, West Newbury, Rowley and Ipswich.

September: Ashland, Bellingham, Blackstone, Franklin, Holliston, Hopedale, Hopkinton, Marlboro, Medway, Mendon, Milford, Millis & Plainville

October: Arlington, Belmont, Burlington, Cambridge, Lynnfield, MIT, Nahant, Revere, Peabody, Reading, Saugus, Stoneham, Wilmington, Winchester & Woburn

November: Andover, Attleboro, Avon, Bridgewater, Brockton, Dighton, East Bridgewater, Easton, Georgetown, Groveland, Hanson, Haverhill, Holbrook, Lawrence, Mansfield, Methuen, North Andover, North Attleboro, North Reading, Norton, Raynham, Rehoboth, Seekonk, Somerset, Stoughton, Swansea, Taunton, West Bridgewater & Whitman

January 2010: Acton, Ashburnham, Ashby, Ayer, Baldwinville, Bedford, Bolton, Boxborough, Carlisle, Chelsea, Clinton, Concord, Devens (Ayer) East Templeton, Edgewater Hills, Edgewater Terrance, Everett, Fitchburg, Framingham, Gardner, Hanscomb Air force Base, Hudson, Lancaster, Leominster, Lexington, Lincoln, Littleton, Lunenburg, Lynn, Malden, Maynard, Medford, Melrose, Otter River, Phillipston, Salem, Shirley, Somerville, Southboro, Sterling, Stowe, Sudbury, Swampscott, Templeton, Townsend, Wakefield, Westford, Westminster, Winchendon & Winthrop

February:
Massachusetts:
Barnstable, Brewster, Chatham, Chelmsford, Dennis, Eastham, Harwich, Mashpee, Orleans, Provincetown, Truro, Wellfleet, Yarmouth

New Hampshire:
Allenstown, Antrim, Boscawen, Bow, Canterbury, Chichester, Concord, Deering, Epsom, Henniker, Hillsboro, Hopkinton, Loudon, Pembroke, Weare

March:
Massachusetts:
Berkley, Billerica, Dartmouth, Dedham, Dracut, Fairhaven, Fall River, Freetown, Lakeville, Lowell, Marion, Mattapoisett, Middleboro, Natick, Needham, New Bedford, Newton, Rochester, Sherborn, Tewksbury, Tyngsborough, Waltham, Wareham, Watertown, Wayland, Wellesley, Weston

New Hampshire:
Derry, Hampstead, Nashua, Plaistow, Salem, Sandown

May:
Massachusetts:
Braintree, Cohasset, Hanover, Hingham, Hull, Milton, Norwell, Quincy, Randolph, Scituate, Weymouth

New Hampshire:
Auburn, Bedford, Candia, Goffstown, Hooksett, Manchester

June:
New Hampshire:
Brentwood, East Kingston, Epping, Exeter, Fremont, Greenland, Hampton Falls, Hampton, Kensington, Lee, Madbury, Newcastle, Newfields, Newington, Newmarket, North Hampton, Nottingham, Portsmouth, Raymond, Rollinsford, Rye, Seabrook, Somersworth, Stratham

Maine:
Berwick, Eliot, Kittery, South Berwick

I would imagine that Billerica, Lowell, and Tewksbury were also moved up to February from March as well since they are on the same head-end with Chelmsford. I don't know anyone in any of those towns that could verify for me either way.

-Ken

I get a kick out of "West Templeton" on that list. There is no such town.

Made The Fix in my post :)

I would imagine that Billerica, Lowell, and Tewksbury were also moved up to February from March as well since they are on the same head-end with Chelmsford. I don't know anyone in any of those towns that could verify for me either way.

-Ken

If that's the case Ken i will make the changes.

Made The Fix in my post :)

Yikes, I realized that may have sound like me ragging on you or something. Not the case. I figured you copied the list from something from Comcast.

Anywho, thanks for posting and maintaining! :)

Yikes, I realized that may have sound like me ragging on you or something. Not the case. I figured you copied the list from something from Comcast.

Anywho, thanks for posting and maintaining! :)

No prob robs67 and ken I will put stars next to those cities just in case

Have any of the January towns seen their new HD channels yet? I'm in Clinton and so far no new HD channels. I have had a bunch of the analog channels go away Jan 19th- and the other thing is that a bunch of the SD channels are currently unencrypted Clear QAM - like ESPN, NESN, HGTV, etc. I was expecting all those to remain encrypted...? Perhaps they're unencrypted only temporarily until the conversion is complete? Anyway, it would be great if they're left unencrypted since I'm unwilling to rent more than one HD cable box...

Just wondering if any other Jan towns have seen new HD channels. My calendar says it's Feb 1... :)

Have any of the January towns seen their new HD channels yet? I'm in Clinton and so far no new HD channels. I have had a bunch of the analog channels go away Jan 19th- and the other thing is that a bunch of the SD channels are currently unencrypted Clear QAM - like ESPN, NESN, HGTV, etc. I was expecting all those to remain encrypted...? Perhaps they're unencrypted only temporarily until the conversion is complete? Anyway, it would be great if they're left unencrypted since I'm unwilling to rent more than one HD cable box...

Just wondering if any other Jan towns have seen new HD channels. My calendar says it's Feb 1... :)

They should be there later on today, if not then you should notify comcast and let them know if the date changed or not.

For awhile when I used to view clearqam stuff there'd be "extra" things.

Some of this was interesting

I used to get five hidden channels but the last time I checked those were all gone.

clearcam for me is just the basic cable with locals in hd. Anyone get anything extra lately?

For awhile when I used to view clearqam stuff there'd be "extra" things.

Some of this was interesting

I used to get five hidden channels but the last time I checked those were all gone.

clearcam for me is just the basic cable with locals in hd. Anyone get anything extra lately?


that's all you should be getting Clear QAM, Basic cable & Local HD

> that's all you should be getting Clear QAM, Basic cable & Local HD

So does "basic cable" include channels like ESPN, NESN, CNN, HGTV etc? I thought basic cable was only a small handful of channels beyond the locals... (such as CNN and The Weather Channel, but NOT ESPN or NESN) I'm definitely getting NESN and ESPN SD over Clear QAM at the moment.

If this is permanent, I may rethink my decision to not replace my final two old CRT TVs. The complaint that the DTAs don't pass through the HD Locals in clear qam is not an issue anymore- since with a newer QAM DTV, I'll get all the SD channels...

> that's all you should be getting Clear QAM, Basic cable & Local HD

So does "basic cable" include channels like ESPN, NESN, CNN, HGTV etc? I thought basic cable was only a small handful of channels beyond the locals... (such as CNN and The Weather Channel, but NOT ESPN or NESN) I'm definitely getting NESN and ESPN SD over Clear QAM at the moment.

If this is permanent, I may rethink my decision to not replace my final two old CRT TVs. The complaint that the DTAs don't pass through the HD Locals in clear qam is not an issue anymore- since with a newer QAM DTV, I'll get all the SD channels...


No, those channels will be encrypted once your area has been converted. Enjoy it while it lasts.

that's all you should be getting Clear QAM, Basic cable & Local HD

So does "basic cable" include channels like ESPN, NESN, CNN, HGTV etc? I thought basic cable was only a small handful of channels beyond the locals... (such as CNN and The Weather Channel, but NOT ESPN or NESN)Basic cable is only the local over-the-air broadcast channels, public access channels, and maybe NECN and Style (not sure about those though).

What you're thinking of is expanded basic cable... that includes ESPN, CNN and HGTV.

Could just be a site move for the backend equipment...

Word on the street is it will be a "stacked Headend" combining SA and Moto at the same location, while they roll over neigborhoods one at a time to Moto

C'mmon TiVo:D

If I RAN Comcast this would be the in the clear extended basic lineup , using the extended basic filter to block out channels.

2.1 PBS HD 3.1 HSN 3.2 QVC HD 3.3 Jewlery 4.1 CBS HD 5.1 ABC Boston HD 6.1 NECN HD 7.1 NBC HD 7.2 This TV 8.08 Lawrence Public Access 8.1 Lawrence Educational Access 8.22 Lawrence Government Access 8.283 Leased Access 9.1 ABC Manchester HD 11.2 WENH 14.1 Catholic TV 14.2 EWTN 14.3 Trinity 19.1 E! HD 21.1 Discovrery HD 21.2 TLC HD 23.1 Cspan 23.2 Cspan 2 23.3 Cspan 3 24.1 Disney HD 25.1 Fox HD 26.1 ABC Family HD 27.1 WUNI 28.1 MTV HD 28.2 VH-1 HD 29.1 Nick HD 29.2 Nick West 29.3 TV land 30.1 Fx HD 31.1 TBS HD 32.1 HGTV HD 32.2 Food HD 33.1 TNT HD 34.1 WNEU 35.1 USA HD 35.2 SyFy HD 36.1 Lifetime HD 36.2 LMN HD 37.1 AnE HD 37.2 History HD 38.1 WSBK HD 41.1 Fox News Ch HD 41.2 Fox Business HD 42.1 CNN HD 42.2 HDLN HD 43.1 CNBC HD 43.2 MSNBC HD 44.1 WGBX 44.2 GBH World 44.3 GBH Create 44.4 GBH Kids 46.1 Shop NBC / WWDP 47.1 The Weather Channel 47.2 Weather HD 48.1 WYDN-48 49.1 ESPN HD 49.2 ESPN 2 HD 50.1 WZMY 51.1 NESN HD 52.1 CSN NE HD 54.1 Travel HD 55.1 Spike TV HD 56.1 CW HD 57.1 Bravo HD 59.1 AMC HD 60.1 Cartoon hD 61.1 Comedy Cen HD 62.1 WMFP 63.1 Animal Planet HD 65.1 Versus HD 65.2 Golf HD 66.1 WUTF 67.1 GSN 68.1 ION HD 80.1 Music choice
88.1 Tru HD 100.1 Movieplex

>> Just wondering if any other Jan towns have seen new HD channels. My calendar says it's Feb 1...

> They should be there later on today, if not then you should notify comcast and let them know if the date changed or not.

Well, it's about 5:40 pm and nothing yet! Is this a Cinderella thing? :)

>> Just wondering if any other Jan towns have seen new HD channels. My calendar says it's Feb 1...

> They should be there later on today, if not then you should notify comcast and let them know if the date changed or not.

Well, it's about 5:40 pm and nothing yet! Is this a Cinderella thing? :)

Something has to be going on wrong at your comcast location for you not to see the new HD channels.

Also here's the changes for Billerica, Lowell, Tewksbury, if they were to switch with Chelmsford.

Before

http://img209.imageshack.us/img209/5726/comcastmap1m.png

After

http://img509.imageshack.us/img509/6493/comcastmapma2.png

I know its a small change but it makes a huge difference for these communities.

>> Just wondering if any other Jan towns have seen new HD channels. My calendar says it's Feb 1...

> They should be there later on today, if not then you should notify comcast and let them know if the date changed or not.

Well, it's about 5:40 pm and nothing yet! Is this a Cinderella thing? :)


The notice I received with my bill last week states the new channels will be available Feb. 2, and the second batch on Mar. 3.

The notice I received with my bill last week states the new channels will be available Feb. 2, and the second batch on Mar. 3.

Ah- I'll keep an eye out for them later on today. I'm getting my bills via email- just logged in and looked at the .pdf version of my bill and it says I'll be getting the channels on 2/2 too. Thanks!

What to you guy's see for additional taxes/fees and other with Cc
fed exise?> state/local?>Fed universal?> Fed line?> 911? etc
based on about $130-150 pkg

I get hit with about addl $16 mo with Verizon Triple @$150 since they added the DBS state tax

If I RAN Comcast this would be the in the clear extended basic lineup , using the extended basic filter to block out channels.

2.1 PBS HD 3.1 HSN 3.2 QVC HD 3.3 Jewlery 4.1 CBS HD 5.1 ABC Boston HD 6.1 NECN HD 7.1 NBC HD 7.2 This TV 8.08 Lawrence Public Access 8.1 Lawrence Educational Access 8.22 Lawrence Government Access 8.283 Leased Access 9.1 ABC Manchester HD 11.2 WENH 14.1 Catholic TV 14.2 EWTN 14.3 Trinity 19.1 E! HD 21.1 Discovrery HD 21.2 TLC HD 23.1 Cspan 23.2 Cspan 2 23.3 Cspan 3 24.1 Disney HD 25.1 Fox HD 26.1 ABC Family HD 27.1 WUNI 28.1 MTV HD 28.2 VH-1 HD 29.1 Nick HD 29.2 Nick West 29.3 TV land 30.1 Fx HD 31.1 TBS HD 32.1 HGTV HD 32.2 Food HD 33.1 TNT HD 34.1 WNEU 35.1 USA HD 35.2 SyFy HD 36.1 Lifetime HD 36.2 LMN HD 37.1 AnE HD 37.2 History HD 38.1 WSBK HD 41.1 Fox News Ch HD 41.2 Fox Business HD 42.1 CNN HD 42.2 HDLN HD 43.1 CNBC HD 43.2 MSNBC HD 44.1 WGBX 44.2 GBH World 44.3 GBH Create 44.4 GBH Kids 46.1 Shop NBC / WWDP 47.1 The Weather Channel 47.2 Weather HD 48.1 WYDN-48 49.1 ESPN HD 49.2 ESPN 2 HD 50.1 WZMY 51.1 NESN HD 52.1 CSN NE HD 54.1 Travel HD 55.1 Spike TV HD 56.1 CW HD 57.1 Bravo HD 59.1 AMC HD 60.1 Cartoon hD 61.1 Comedy Cen HD 62.1 WMFP 63.1 Animal Planet HD 65.1 Versus HD 65.2 Golf HD 66.1 WUTF 67.1 GSN 68.1 ION HD 80.1 Music choice
88.1 Tru HD 100.1 Movieplex

That would be a sensible thing to do, but not profitable. Because that would mean that for people who subscribe to expanded basic Comcast can just unblock the filter. Where is the money in that?

Instead if I am Comcast I would encrypt expanded basic. I will provide Digital transport box that only decrypts SD programming, so the users will have to get a HD STB for a monthly fee of 9.95/month to view the programs that they have paid for. The alternate choice is to view HD using TV tuner and expanded basic in SD using digital transporter box. So if I want to switch from CBS to ESPN, I would need to shift my TV input.

I am comcast and I am smart enough to realize that it will be atleast 2-3 years before people realize that they are being ripped. At that time I will probably make a HD transport adapter available.

Ashburnham has it's first batch when I went home from lunch. Looked about 10-15 new stations on first glance. Will check this out more after work.

That would be a sensible thing to do, but not profitable. Because that would mean that for people who subscribe to expanded basic Comcast can just unblock the filter. Where is the money in that?

Instead if I am Comcast I would encrypt expanded basic. I will provide Digital transport box that only decrypts SD programming, so the users will have to get a HD STB for a monthly fee of 9.95/month to view the programs that they have paid for. The alternate choice is to view HD using TV tuner and expanded basic in SD using digital transporter box. So if I want to switch from CBS to ESPN, I would need to shift my TV input.

I am comcast and I am smart enough to realize that it will be atleast 2-3 years before people realize that they are being ripped. At that time I will probably make a HD transport adapter available.

This would be aimed at the customer who doesn't want a box yet desires programming over and above limited basic.

Cable networks available in HD would be offered unencrypted ONLY IN HD! :)

Broadcast stations including UHF would be on their actual virtual numbers.

Ashburnham has it's first batch when I went home from lunch. Looked about 10-15 new stations on first glance. Will check this out more after work.

Do you mind sharing those additions when you have the chance? Thanks!

Yup, I got my additional HD channels yesterday too- just as described in my bill (which I had to log in and view as a .pdf since I no longer get a paper bill.)

The rest are to be in my town March 3rd.

I have $25 Dish win back promo that expires this month on TV/HSI. I see today the news is full of the Comcast XFinity announcements, rolling out in Boston area next week. If I go to Comcast website, they already have the XF bundles. I'm willing to add phone to get another package deal. Anyone here know if the deals might get better next week, or will they be the same as now.
Appreciate any info. I can wait till next week, just don't want deals to get worse!

Do you mind sharing those additions when you have the chance? Thanks!

This is what we got in Templeton (Gardner Digital):
784 TRAVELHD
788 LIFEMOVHD
791 QVCHD
792 TOONDISHD
794 BRAVOHD
795 CNBCHD
796 ESPNNEWSHD
797 BIOHD
815 PLNTGRNHD
834 ETVHD
860 CARTOONHD
904 MGMHD

Oddly, though TiVo lists them as active, we still don't have:
825 NIKHD
836 LIFEHD
855 SPIKEHD

I have $25 Dish win back promo that expires this month on TV/HSI. I see today the news is full of the Comcast XFinity announcements, rolling out in Boston area next week. If I go to Comcast website, they already have the XF bundles. I'm willing to add phone to get another package deal. Anyone here know if the deals might get better next week, or will they be the same as now.
Appreciate any info. I can wait till next week, just don't want deals to get worse!


Find a local sales rep and see if they're offereing "triple Alchemy" pkg as a win back

Oddly, though TiVo lists them as active, we still don't have:
825 NIKHD
836 LIFEHD
855 SPIKEHD


These 3 are not on the list of new channels according to my notification from Comcast.

This is what we got in Templeton (Gardner Digital):
784 TRAVELHD
788 LIFEMOVHD
791 QVCHD
792 TOONDISHD
794 BRAVOHD
795 CNBCHD
796 ESPNNEWSHD
797 BIOHD
815 PLNTGRNHD
834 ETVHD
860 CARTOONHD
904 MGMHD

Oddly, though TiVo lists them as active, we still don't have:
825 NIKHD
836 LIFEHD
855 SPIKEHD

Thanks for Sharing Robs! the ones that stick out to me the most are CNBC,ESPNW,Cartoon, & Toon Disney HD in which my brothers are waiting for those channels anxiously while i want TWC HD badly so i can hear the music playlists without any narration.

These 3 are not on the list of new channels according to my notification from Comcast.

I meant it was odd the TiVo reported it. They are usually pretty good. My friend in Beverly received those three channels so I thought perhaps we would as well. No biggie to me though.

Thanks for Sharing Robs! the ones that stick out to me the most are CNBC,ESPNW,Cartoon, & Toon Disney HD in which my brothers are waiting for those channels anxiously while i want TWC HD badly so i can hear the music playlists without any narration.

Agreed about TWCHD. According to my bill, that is on the list for 3/3/10.

I attached a screen shot of the 3/3/2010 channels listed in my January bill.

I'm really looking forward to having all the HBO and STARZ HD channels until my promo ends in June.

I attached a screen shot of the 3/3/2010 channels listed in my January bill.

Thats an Awesome Lineup coming for you, hopefully i get my channel list additions soon in my next bill.

Just received my Feb bill, and there are a bundle of new channels listed as coming soon in Lowell, MA.

Channels available on 2/25/2010:

Travel Channel HD - 784
Lifetime Movie Net HD - 788
QVC HD - 791
Disney XD HD - 792
Bravo HD - 794
CNBC HD - 795
ESPNews HD - 796
Bio HD - 797
Planet Green HD - 815
MGM HD - 904
E! HD - 834
Cartoon Network HD - 860 (finally get to see Star Wars Clone Wars in HD!)



Channels available on 3/24/2010:
Reelz - 198
5StarMax - 338
OuterMax - 339
WMax - 340
HBO Latino HD - 773
HBO Comedy HD - 774
HBO Zone HD - 775
ActionMax HD - 777
5StarMax HD - 778
ThrillerMax HD - 779
WMax HD - 780
OuterMax HD - 782
Encore HD - 785
G4 HD - 786
Style HD - 787
Fox Buisiness Net HD - 789
Hallmark Movie Channel HD - 790
Fuse HD - 793
IFC HD - 798
WE HD - 799
TV One HD - 816
NBA TV HD - 817
NHL Net HD - 822
MTV HD - 827
VH-1 HD - 829
Tennis Channel HD - 838
CNN Headline News HD - 843
The Weather Channel HD - 847
CBS College Sports Net HD - 856
Comedy Central HD - 858
CMT HD - 864
HBO2 HD - 871
Starz Edge HD - 873
Starz Kids & Family HD - 874
Starz Comedy HD - 876
Showtime Showcase HD - 879
Showtime Extreme HD - 880
TMC Xtra HD - 884
Big Ten Net HD - 885
ESPNU HD - 900
TruTV HD - 902
Turner Classic Movies HD - 903

if anyone in the March areas get a transition letter please let me know! it will give me hope for Fall River's list.

WOW still missing BBC America HD and Fox Soccer Channel HD. :( :mad: :confused:

Just curious- Are any Boston DMA comcast towns getting BBC America HD?

So far, AFAIK, BBC America HD is limited to TWC, Cox and Brighthouse.

So far, AFAIK, BBC America HD is limited to TWC, Cox and Brighthouse.

But I don't understand why Comcast hasn't signed a contract for this channel ANYWHERE even though the channel has been available since July 2009 !?!?!? :confused:

But I don't understand why Comcast hasn't signed a contract for this channel ANYWHERE even though the channel has been available since July 2009 !?!?!? :confused:

Because there aren't enough of us that care ? I would love to have BBC HD but we are probably a small minority.

-Ken

But I don't understand why Comcast hasn't signed a contract for this channel ANYWHERE even though the channel has been available since July 2009 !?!?!? :confused:My best guess is that it is for the same reason that Cablevision, Charter, Suddenlink, FiOS, U-Verse, and others haven't either.

HGTV, TNT, E!, Lifetime, TLC, TWC, AMC, TOON. APL. VS, TRAV to switch to digital 3/11 & Portuguese, DISN, NICK, ABCFAM, MTV, VH1, FX, TBS, USA, A&E, DISC, FNC, CNN, CNNHN, CSPAN, CNBC, ESPN, ESPN2, NESN, CSNNE, SPIKE, BRAVO, HIST, COMEDY, SYFY, TVLAND, GOLF to switch to digital on 4/7 from the Important action required bill I got yesterday! hopefully full HD list sometime soon.

HGTV, TNT, E!, Lifetime, TLC, TWC, AMC, TOON. APL. VS, TRAV to switch to digital 3/11 & Portuguese, DISN, NICK, ABCFAM, MTV, VH1, FX, TBS, USA, A&E, DISC, FNC, CNN, CNNHN, CSPAN, CNBC, ESPN, ESPN2, NESN, CSNNE, SPIKE, BRAVO, HIST, COMEDY, SYFY, TVLAND, GOLF to switch to digital on 4/7 from the Important action required bill I got yesterday! hopefully full HD list sometime soon.

Thanks for the update! I'm assuming that New Bedford could expect the same changes at that time? :)

WOW still missing BBC America HD and Fox Soccer Channel HD. :( :mad: :confused:

Well, FSC as an HD provider just went live on 1/28/10 and only started providing HD broadcasts of English Premier League matches last weekend, so they're brand new. Not too surprising that Comcast hasn't picked them up yet, though it would be a nice addition.

Myself, I'm hoping for Speed HD to be added -- it's been around for almost a year, and Formula 1 auto racing is pretty astonishing in HD.

Well, FSC as an HD provider just went live on 1/28/10 and only started providing HD broadcasts of English Premier League matches last weekend, so they're brand new. Not too surprising that Comcast hasn't picked them up yet, though it would be a nice addition.

Myself, I'm hoping for Speed HD to be added -- it's been around for almost a year, and Formula 1 auto racing is pretty astonishing in HD.

Agreed. Comcast has been slow to add HD channels(in my area anyway). I would be very surprised if they added a channel that just went live with HD broadcasts(FSC). I love soccer(futbol) and have already sent comcast a request for FSCHD via foxsports website :)
Here is the link for those who would like to let CC know that we want FSCHD:
http://foxsoccer.channelfinder.net/start-v2.asp

Thanks for the update! I'm assuming that New Bedford could expect the same changes at that time? :)

New Bedford should be switching the same time because Fall River is also on the same system!

Hopefully this week i get the new Channel Lineup list with the new HD's slated for march/april and may.

In Mansfield (nothern Bristol County), I'm now getting all Boston local HD channels (as well as Providence DMA locals), and finally, all TiVo guide info (standalone TiVo HD w/multicard).

I now have over 100 HD channels. I can't remember what they will be, but I recall my bill in the past indicated there's a few more yet to be added in a third wave in Feb or Mar. Any idea what the thrid wave channels will be?

In Mansfield (nothern Bristol County), I'm now getting all Boston local HD channels (as well as Providence DMA locals), and finally, all TiVo guide info (standalone TiVo HD w/multicard).

I now have over 100 HD channels. I can't remember what they will be, but I recall my bill in the past indicated there's a few more yet to be added in a third wave in Feb or Mar. Any idea what the thrid wave channels will be?

Third wave?

In my Comcast Bill, the 2nd wave (December 21) added the most HD channels, and then we only got a few to start out January. February/March was never listed for me.

Also, as for Boston locals, you have every HD local except for WLVI HD and WFXT HD right? Comcast should be able to add WLVI HD unopposed if they wish, but they'll need to fight the tyrant named WNAC to get WFXT HD added....

I get Digital Economy with a TiVo HD / CableCard connected to a Sony HDTV. The signal is split between the TiVo and the cable modem. I recently tried using a three-way splitter to make the unencrypted channels available to the TV's built-in tuner. That is, I connected the cable modem to the -3.5 dB output, and the TiVo and TV to the -7 dB outputs.

Unfortunately, the TiVo was not getting a strong enough signal. The diagnostics showed a signal strength around 48 (%?), a signal-to-noise ratio of 28 dB, and many uncorrected errors. A troubleshooting article (http://support.tivo.com/app/answers/detail/a_id/150) states that the minimum for QAM 256 is 50 / 29 dB. Although the TV was able to tune the signal, the TiVo showed serious macroblocking and degraded audio.

Going back to the two-way splitter brings me back above the minimum (but still well below the recommended signal strength of 80), with no more macroblocking, but obviously leaves the TV with no signal. I have heard that cable modems need a strong signal, so I'm reluctant to put it on a -7 dB output.

Does this seem like it's within the expected parameters? I'm getting what I paid for, but just barely. Isn't it normal to split a cable signal multiple times? It would be kind of nice to use the TV tuner when the TiVo is busy, or for diagnostic purposes.

I get Digital Economy with a TiVo HD / CableCard connected to a Sony HDTV. The signal is split between the TiVo and the cable modem. I recently tried using a three-way splitter to make the unencrypted channels available to the TV's built-in tuner. That is, I connected the cable modem to the -3.5 dB output, and the TiVo and TV to the -7 dB outputs.

Unfortunately, the TiVo was not getting a strong enough signal. The diagnostics showed a signal strength around 48 (%?), a signal-to-noise ratio of 28 dB, and many uncorrected errors. A troubleshooting article (http://support.tivo.com/app/answers/detail/a_id/150) states that the minimum for QAM 256 is 50 / 29 dB. Although the TV was able to tune the signal, the TiVo showed serious macroblocking and degraded audio.

Going back to the two-way splitter brings me back above the minimum (but still well below the recommended signal strength of 80), with no more macroblocking, but obviously leaves the TV with no signal. I have heard that cable modems need a strong signal, so I'm reluctant to put it on a -7 dB output.

Does this seem like it's within the expected parameters? I'm getting what I paid for, but just barely. Isn't it normal to split a cable signal multiple times? It would be kind of nice to use the TV tuner when the TiVo is busy, or for diagnostic purposes.

There is more to signal level then just the splitter. The more splits in line you have, the more signal you lose. For every 100' of RG6 cable you lose 3db of signal. If you are in an apartment building, there could be long runs to get to your apartment. Cable companies will maintain a certain amount of signal level out of the tap point across a system... typically you only start to see problems when you get to the end of a main line.

There is more to signal level then just the splitter. The more splits in line you have, the more signal you lose. For every 100' of RG6 cable you lose 3db of signal.

If you're down where digital starts (a little over 200Mhz) it's only 3dB per 100'. Many channels are up a lot higher than that (600 MHz+) which will lose more like 5dB+. Which may not sound like much difference but it all adds up.

Does this seem like it's within the expected parameters? I'm getting what I paid for, but just barely. Isn't it normal to split a cable signal multiple times? It would be kind of nice to use the TV tuner when the TiVo is busy, or for diagnostic purposes.

I think it is to be expected, based on my experience.

Pre-STB, I had split the line 2 ways: one to the TV; the other to the VCR. All seemed fine.
When I first got the STB (non-DVR), I had attempted to split the line 3 ways: one to the STB; one directly to the VCR and one directly to the TV, so that I could still scan for the then-unencrypted VOD/PPV that others in my sector may have been watching. That was too much splitting. I borrowed a signal amplifierr to confirm that that was the problem. It solved the problem, but between Comcast encrypting the VOD, and eventually getting the DVR, it very quickly became a moot point.
So an amplifier in the line might help you.

I have a Tivo HD (not a comcast Tivo) with a cable card in it. If I cancel my cable service will I still be able to watch the things I have recorded on it before I sell it to someone else? (Switching to DirecTV)

Is there room for a 3rd wave of HD channels ? Would we have to wait for broadcast and goverment channels to go digital only for any more HD>

I have a Tivo HD (not a comcast Tivo) with a cable card in it. If I cancel my cable service will I still be able to watch the things I have recorded on it before I sell it to someone else? (Switching to DirecTV)

Yes.

I have an expiring promotion this month - was a 2 year deal for HD Platinum bundle with phone/internet or whatever they called it (basically all channels, plus S&E pack, HD DVR etc). Called in twice looking for a new deal - was told wait times longer than 10 minutes and never got to a live person. Saturday I tried a live chat - again waited for almost 10 minutes but chat started before someone answered the phone. After 20 minutes of back and forth, I was told to call back the week of 2/14 - 2/20 as they would have better deals then? Not sure if that's because it's closer to my package expiring, or if they are just going to be rolling out new, better Xfinity promotions - just thought I'd pass along.

Anyone else just re-up? If so, what kind of deals were you able to get?

New Sub, with "Win Back" promo
Similar to HD Tripleplay plus HBO/Stars
2 HD DVR's, 1 HD box, Blast HSI 20mb/s, Digi voice with Doc3 EMTA with Batt backup, No install fee, no contract> $125 mo first yr. $145 second with all equip/charges, no taxes:D

Anyone else just re-up? If so, what kind of deals were you able to get?

Just re-upped last week--was given probably the same deal that Home2stay mentions, although I didn't get HBO added, just Starz. I think the trick is to get someone local on the phone. My first call, the rep that answered wasn't familiar with the new packages listed on my bill, so she transferred me to someone with a southern accent that insisted I take their premium package for $25/month more than my expiring package. Since we don't watch enough tv to justify that, I told him I would call back later.

A few days later, I called back and once again the first person I spoke with wasn't familiar with the new packages listed on my bill, and she transferred me to someone in the Chelmsford office. He told me that Comcast had hired an outside vendor to help with the Xfinity changeover, and apologized to me for being pressured to get onto the premium package. He took a look at my current services and put me on a package that lowers my current bill by about $25/month for the first year, and then the next two years, the bill will be about $10 more per month than my expiring package. The Chelmsford rep didn't think too highly of the outside vendor that Comcast has hired, and he said that he's seen a lot of this since the new packages were rolled out on 1/7.

If you're down where digital starts (a little over 200Mhz) it's only 3dB per 100'. Many channels are up a lot higher than that (600 MHz+) which will lose more like 5dB+.

That's interesting. CBS-804 (806 MHz) has a weaker signal than USA-835 (776 MHz). I found that my modem has a configuration page available at 192.168.100.1 that shows an even stronger signal at 704 MHz.

I went ahead and put the modem on a -7 dB output of the three-way splitter, and everything seems to be working fine. The TiVo, which is now on a -3.5 dB output, still has a weaker signal than I'd like. I noticed a small video glitch yesterday, and sure enough: the DVR diagnostics showed some uncorrected errors on that channel.

Do I understand correctly that the frequency assigned to a given channel can change? If so, does Comcast ever change them?

Anyone else just re-up? If so, what kind of deals were you able to get?[/QUOTE]

My xpanded basic + Digital w/pone and net,HBO, Starz expired and bill was about $40 more, from about $160 to over $200. Called, rep on a SAturday and she could only do $125 for the 3 services and no extras, of course that did not include fees for box cable cards ectc. I told her to give me that and I would call for FIOS on Monday and go for their $90 for the 3 service.
She passed me to the manager who gave me everything I had plus Cinemax and Showtime for a couple buck cheaper then my initial $160.

Just got the "Immediate Action Required" card here in Watertown - anyone wanting boxes in Watertown needs to order by next Wednesday (2/17) and hook them up by the Wednesday after (2/24). How long after that until they actually remove the Extended Basic channels is what I don't know - how has that worked in towns that have already converted?

That's interesting. CBS-804 (806 MHz) has a weaker signal than USA-835 (776 MHz). I found that my modem has a configuration page available at 192.168.100.1 that shows an even stronger signal at 704 MHz.

Depending on where you are in the cable plant, as well as how many splitters you have, what frequency you're reading, how long the cable drop from the street & your outlets are amongst other things determines what your signal strength is.

Do I understand correctly that the frequency assigned to a given channel can change? If so, does Comcast ever change them?

Yes & (not very often but) yes. This is easy to see by people on here needing to rescan their TV's during the digital migration.

Just got the "Immediate Action Required" card here in Watertown - anyone wanting boxes in Watertown needs to order by next Wednesday (2/17) and hook them up by the Wednesday after (2/24). How long after that until they actually remove the Extended Basic channels is what I don't know - how has that worked in towns that have already converted?

I get my first group of new HD channels on 2/25, so I would imagine you will lose the analog channels pretty quickly. The first group of analogs were turned off today.

-Ken

Any experience with Cable cards in chelmsford area? Is the install smooth or should I expect issues? Will I get a "M" or "S" card?

Why ClosedCaptioning does not work on high numbered channels? Couple of channels between 100-200 do get closed captions but none from 802-899 or 701 channel. I have two STB boxes and two TVs, so it is NOT problem with the box or the TV

Is this known limitation? Are there any plans to fix it?

- Vikas

Why ClosedCaptioning does not work on high numbered channels? Couple of channels between 100-200 do get closed captions but none from 802-899 or 701 channel. I have two STB boxes and two TVs, so it is NOT problem with the box or the TV

Is this known limitation? Are there any plans to fix it?

- Vikas

You need to switch it on from system menu. Do this

Press the cable button.
Then Press Power button followed by Menu button (immediately 1-3 seconds)
You will see System menu
Enable CC there

Something has to be going on wrong at your comcast location for you not to see the new HD channels.

Also here's the changes for Billerica, Lowell, Tewksbury, if they were to switch with Chelmsford.

Before

http://img209.imageshack.us/img209/5726/comcastmap1m.png

After

http://img509.imageshack.us/img509/6493/comcastmapma2.png

I know its a small change but it makes a huge difference for these communities.

I have a question with reguards to these maps. I live in a town outlined in white in the south east of the state. We use (and some neighboring towns) Scientific Atlanta equipment. We used to have adelphia and some prior to that had harron (way back in the day)

I haven't seen or heard of any upgrade coming up. Every couple months it seems that we get some more hd stations but there hasn't been much at all in writing.

Do towns in white need the whole system to be updated? Is there a limit of bandwidth (i.e shorter) on the scientific atlanta boxes vs the motorola?

Anyone else just re-up? If so, what kind of deals were you able to get?

Just got off the phone with the CSR and just said my triple play promotion just ended and he said, "No problem, let me reinstate it for another 12 months". I'm sure others may be getting better deals, but I'm back on triple play with digital starter for $129.99 (HD DVR costs me extra 9.95).

I have a question with reguards to these maps. I live in a town outlined in white in the south east of the state. We use (and some neighboring towns) Scientific Atlanta equipment. We used to have adelphia and some prior to that had harron (way back in the day)

I haven't seen or heard of any upgrade coming up. Every couple months it seems that we get some more hd stations but there hasn't been much at all in writing.

Do towns in white need the whole system to be updated? Is there a limit of bandwidth (i.e shorter) on the scientific atlanta boxes vs the motorola?

The towns in white are those comcast headends that are TBA for updates and I Wouldn't think the SA Boxes would need an update.

Just got off the phone with the CSR and just said my triple play promotion just ended and he said, "No problem, let me reinstate it for another 12 months". I'm sure others may be getting better deals, but I'm back on triple play with digital starter for $129.99 (HD DVR costs me extra 9.95).

That is not a special price, Digital Starter triple play is 129.99 regular price. I currently have a 129.99 triple play that includes preferred, HBO, and Starz for $129.99....THAT is a special price !

-Ken

That is not a special price, Digital Starter triple play is 129.99 regular price. I currently have a 129.99 triple play that includes preferred, HBO, and Starz for $129.99....THAT is a special price !

-Ken

How does somebody get in on that Ken? I just ended my HD Premier Triple Play package and my price has spiked way up. Can anyone confirm or deny the posting here in this forum that new packages are going to be introduced tomorrow?

How does somebody get in on that Ken? I just ended my HD Premier Triple Play package and my price has spiked way up. Can anyone confirm or deny the posting here in this forum that new packages are going to be introduced tomorrow?

The package i have is no longer available, I have no idea what I'm going to get stuck with in June when this ends.

All I know is last week I was told to call back the week of 2/14 - 2/20 when I told them I needed a good deal to stay with them. Have been paying $159 for the triple play package including all movie channels, S&E pack, HD DVR etc. Based on what I saw on the Xfinity packages, that would now cost an existing customer like $174 - and that's before bedroom box, taxes etc. They are offering new customers the $159 online for the same package now.

Would most of these seem OK to do to lower a bill?

I was thinking of doing the following

1) the modem lease for me is $5 a month. I was thinking of getting my own cable modem...has anyone had any trouble with this? The way I see it even if this cost $80 it will pay for itself within a year and a half

2) changing from a hd pvr to simply just a hd box. This might be about $6 saved

3) dropping hbo would cut about $14

4) If I dropped from the 12 mb internet to 1 mb. In all due respects making the internet faster and faster is fine but eventually it gets pointless. That could take off another 15 or so

With these it's around $42 or so I could take off...I'm just wondering if they'll rant and rave if I try.

I post this today because we did get a EIGHT page summary of all the services provided with my bill.

I haven't heard of any new package deals as of yet.

Would most of these seem OK to do to lower a bill?

I was thinking of doing the following

1) the modem lease for me is $5 a month. I was thinking of getting my own cable modem...has anyone had any trouble with this? The way I see it even if this cost $80 it will pay for itself within a year and a half

2) changing from a hd pvr to simply just a hd box. This might be about $6 saved

3) dropping hbo would cut about $14

4) If I dropped from the 12 mb internet to 1 mb. In all due respects making the internet faster and faster is fine but eventually it gets pointless. That could take off another 15 or so

With these it's around $42 or so I could take off...I'm just wondering if they'll rant and rave if I try.

I post this today because we did get a EIGHT page summary of all the services provided with my bill.

I haven't heard of any new package deals as of yet.

I assume you're not on a "package" plan or it could be a problem.

#1: Do you know what modem you would get? Do you need DOCSIS 3.0?
#2: Your call, but I'd rather lose a nut then give up my DVRs.
#3: Most of HBOs original programming seems uninspiring these days (except True Blood). You could always watch what you like on DVD or BD eventually.
#4: Depends on your internet usage, but if you don't do a lot of downloading or streaming it probably won't bother you too much.

Just my thoughts.

You don't mention anything about phone service so I take it you don't have that through Comcast? But just in case you do, saving money on buying a modem is pointless as you can't currently buy the phone modems/emtas & you'd still need to lease that.

Will QAM HD work out from the wall to the TV in Boston anymore?

You don't mention anything about phone service so I take it you don't have that through Comcast? But just in case you do, saving money on buying a modem is pointless as you can't currently buy the phone modems/emtas & you'd still need to lease that.

I'm not 100% on this but isn't the EMTA built into the phone service fee and you can still save the modem rental by having your own? I'd ask Comcast about that.

No. Sorry for jumping in but I just got rid of my phone service so I switched back to my own cable modem to save the rental fee.

has anyone have any new updates in their area?

Will QAM HD work out from the wall to the TV in Boston anymore?

For local HD, sure. It's Comcast corporate policy.

If it doesn't work, call for service. You will need to find someone who knows what QAM is, and it may take a number of calls.

I noticed that Natick is not on the list of towns that are scheduled for an upgrade. Do you think it will happen anytime within the next few months?

has anyone have any new updates in their area?

Yes, Somerville got most (but not all) of the scheduled second update overnight last night -- a few days earlier than indicated in the announcement. We hope the remaining HD channels (including Turner Classic Movies) will come by the weekend.

I'm not 100% on this but isn't the EMTA built into the phone service fee and you can still save the modem rental by having your own? I'd ask Comcast about that.

Even if you own your own modem you unfortunately still have to pay $5 monthly lease for emta if you have phone service. However if you lease both a modem and an emta you just pay for one of them. So no the emta charge is not built into cdv service, just like modem is no longer built into hsi/internet service.

L Supreme,

Is there any word on if Comcast will carry Speed TV in HD ?

Yes, Somerville got most (but not all) of the scheduled second update overnight last night -- a few days earlier than indicated in the announcement. We hope the remaining HD channels (including Turner Classic Movies) will come by the weekend.

TCM should be on 903? Comcast has been putting some new HDs into the 900s (MSNBC HD on 901 and TCM HD on 903).

TCM should be on 903? Comcast has been putting some new HDs into the 900s (MSNBC HD on 901 and TCM HD on 903).

Yes it should be there. But it ain't. Nor is HBO Signature (771), HBO Family (772), or MoreMax (776). Everything else promised seems to be in place (for Somerville).

I assume you're not on a "package" plan or it could be a problem.

#1: Do you know what modem you would get? Do you need DOCSIS 3.0?
#2: Your call, but I'd rather lose a nut then give up my DVRs.
#3: Most of HBOs original programming seems uninspiring these days (except True Blood). You could always watch what you like on DVD or BD eventually.
#4: Depends on your internet usage, but if you don't do a lot of downloading or streaming it probably won't bother you too much.

Just my thoughts.

For #2 I have a analog pvr that works quite well. granted it has a analog tuner but I can record off of the box

It's odd though. Judging as to how hdmi works apparently the cable box understands as to when it is outputting to the tv. If it detects the box is on but yet is not sending it displays a hdmi error. But oddly just pressing exit somehow drops it?!?

It obviously isn't recording it in HD but it is better than nothing.

Eventually I'm thinking of making a pvr so I'd have more options but until then...

Hi. I'm wondering if anyone in the Boston area has hired a reliable company to fish the cable through the wall since comcast won't do it. My electrician gave me a very high quote and I would like a second opinion.

Thanks

Hi. I'm wondering if anyone in the Boston area has hired a reliable company to fish the cable through the wall since comcast won't do it. My electrician gave me a very high quote and I would like a second opinion.

Thanks

I've done it myself several times.
If you can, it is not that bad, especially with help from a friend, the fish wire does not cost that much. In some cases the wall may have to be opened.

LOL, this is great.

There is an ongoing child abduction in Swansea (Bristol County) and ALL FOUR Boston stations have broken into programming to alert us....NONE of the Providence TV stations are...Boston's beating Providence at their own game.

And I thought people who lived in Bristol County were a part of the Rhode Island community...

Yes it should be there. But it ain't. Nor is HBO Signature (771), HBO Family (772), or MoreMax (776). Everything else promised seems to be in place (for Somerville).

Funny, I logged on to just post a comment about this.

I live in Medford, and the 3 channels I'm not getting as of this posting that were mentioned on their mailer are HBO Sig HD (771), HBO Fam HD (772), and MoreMax HD (776).

I don't subscribe to the sports package, so I wouldn't even know about TCM HD (903).

Back to the pricing/new promotions. With my 2 year HD Premiere expiring next week with a price of $159 I was told to call back this week for their "best deals". Last night I was offered the same $159 price for Xfinity package that ups my internet speed slightly. Oddly, I was told "because customers have said it's really of no value, this package will no longer include The Movie Channel". If you want the movie channel, it will be an extra $10 per month. I'm guessing that's a way to try and keep customers, but make more margin by taking away some subscriber fees they pay. In reality, TMC is pretty bad - but it just feels wrong to lose an HD channel option; especially before my town has gone through the migration and have not received the 50+ new HD channels.

Anyone else here a similar message from Comcast?

I've heard that if someone mensions competing deals from dish providers that sometimes prices can go down.

With that being said what if someone went onto a cable access and advocated choices for a given down...how would that play out?:confused:

It wouldn't evoke much of any interest or response from anyone.

How can you be so sure though?

Much of the complaints I see with cable generally is because people don't know their options. I'd be there's also a fair amount that still think over the air tv is poor (analog sure but not hdtv)

When the public becomes more aware of choices they are more apt to switch.

In Watertown: just got "the letter" about the upcoming new channels. Twelve on 3/10, and 50-ish on 4/6 plus a new tier of 55 Spanish channels.

Back to the pricing/new promotions. With my 2 year HD Premiere expiring next week with a price of $159 I was told to call back this week for their "best deals". Last night I was offered the same $159 price for Xfinity package that ups my internet speed slightly. Oddly, I was told "because customers have said it's really of no value, this package will no longer include The Movie Channel". If you want the movie channel, it will be an extra $10 per month. I'm guessing that's a way to try and keep customers, but make more margin by taking away some subscriber fees they pay. In reality, TMC is pretty bad - but it just feels wrong to lose an HD channel option; especially before my town has gone through the migration and have not received the 50+ new HD channels.

Anyone else here a similar message from Comcast?

sfull...I had renegotiated my Comcast contract back in October. The Premier Triple Play package was still available back then for $159. The CSR also told me that The Movie Channel is not part of the package. Although I never watched TMC anyway, I still felt that I was getting cheated out of a HD channel. I can't quite figure out why that one channel is excluded.

How can you be so sure though?Because people typically ignore raving on public access.

I'm guessing here that the Moto and SA area's channels are different
My HBO's 201+ and HBOHD/Stars HD are in the 750's

In Watertown: just got "the letter" about the upcoming new channels. Twelve on 3/10, and 50-ish on 4/6 plus a new tier of 55 Spanish channels.

I'm in Watertown, too, but no letter so far (got a postcard today about Hallmark Channel and Local Access switching channel numbers). If you have a spare moment, could you list just the 3/10 adds? Thanks!

Because people typically ignore raving on public access.

it wouldn't be raving just demonstrating...

the more the consumer is educated on the market the more the players of that market have to play

it wouldn't be raving just demonstrating...

the more the consumer is educated on the market the more the players of that market have to play

A bad writeup on a popular blog would have a much better effect.

It would be raving. All advocacy that stoops to presenting itself on public access is raving.

I should say that the Watertown letter was in my bill, so I guess people will get them as their billing cycle comes around.

Adding 3/10:

Travel Channel 784 [did not say HD, but I presume...]
Lifetime Movie Network HD 788
QVC HD 791
Disney XD HD 792
Bravo HD 794
CNBC HD 795
ESPNews HD 796
Bio HD 797
Planet Green HD 815
MGM HD 904
E! Entertainment HD 834
Cartoon Network HD 860

I should say that the Watertown letter was in my bill, so I guess people will get them as their billing cycle comes around.

Adding 3/10:

Travel Channel 784 [did not say HD, but I presume...]
Lifetime Movie Network HD 788
QVC HD 791
Disney XD HD 792
Bravo HD 794
CNBC HD 795
ESPNews HD 796
Bio HD 797
Planet Green HD 815
MGM HD 904
E! Entertainment HD 834
Cartoon Network HD 860

This is the exact same group of channels I will be getting on 2/25 in Chelmsford. On my list it does confirm that Travel is HD.

-Ken

It would be raving. All advocacy that stoops to presenting itself on public access is raving.

I wouldn't exactly say that though. I've seen fire departments on tv talking about fire safety. Labor groups having a show for themselves etc.

Also in terms of anything local that's an emergency that's one of the only ways.

L Supreme,

Is there any word on if Comcast will carry Speed TV in HD ?

Sorry about the delayed response.

Not that I know of.

Had my 1st wave of "HD upgrades" a couple of weeks ago and the 2nd wave will be next week- which includes MSNBC. Sure wish MSNBC would have been in the 1st wave so I could have watched the US-Canada olympic hockey game in HD instead of SD. I would have happily swapped MSNBC for Lifetime Movie Network...!

:)

I now have the monthly bill, and the channel add announcement.

In addition to the 12 previously-listed new HDs coming to Watertown on 3/10, there will be 39 further additions (plus a few new SDs) on 4/6, for a total of 51 new HD channels.

For some perspective, consider this; on 2/18/03 Comcast began HD service in the Boston area with just 5 channels (PBS, Channel 5, Channel 7, HBO and Showtime). For those of us whose towns haven't converted yet, it's taken just over 7 years to go from 5 channels to 49 (845 doesn't count). Now that number will more than double within two months.

This will affect everyone's viewing differently, but here's how the 51 break down for me:
14 - Unavailable to me (premiums I don't subscribe to, plus Turner Classic Movies, which is on a tier I don't subscribe to)
21 - Low expectations regarding finding anything I really want to see (e.g. TruTV, QVC)
11 - Not watching currently, but worth checking out to see if HD makes their content more compelling (e.g. Fuse, Bravo, Weather)
5- Have been waiting to see these in HD, will definitely watch more often (e.g. IFC, Comedy Central)

So, for me it's 16 potential new HD viewing choices. Off hand, I can only think of a few other additions I'd like: BBC America, which Comcast doesn't carry yet, and HDNet, which is only on a few systems. Of those who haven't gone HD yet, I'd like to see Sundance, Current and additional PBS streams (like their digital themed channels). (The PBS ones are unlikely to anytime soon, as they are multichannel broadcast streams that would have to be reinvented as cable networks).

How will (or how *have*) these new channels changed *your* HD viewing?

Along with BBC America, I'd love to see Fox Soccer Channel added to the mix. I'd certainly be willing to sacrifice QVC for one of them :)

Along with BBC America, I'd love to see Fox Soccer Channel added to the mix. I'd certainly be willing to sacrifice QVC for one of them :)

As a reminder, Comcast gets PAID to carry the shopping channels so if anything they help defray the cost of carrying other channels.

-Ken

How will (or how *have*) these new channels changed *your* HD viewing?

It's kinda funny, because of the 4 major carriers >DTV/Dish/Fios/CC all stress HD's in the 100's in adds, but in all them i only regularly watch 26-30 HD's that are duplicated> this is why I dumped D* for CC

So, anything that gets added now is just a bonus

Really frustrated with comcast.

Bought a Tivo and setup an appointment to have cable card installed. Tech shows up without a card. Says the order was entered correctly by CSR.

I ask for a new appointment and get one a 10 days later. Tech shows up. Puts in the card and immediately takes it out "to read the numbers". Calls "dispatch". Does not know which number to give. Reads S/N first then host id and then cable card id. I check the channels and they are gray. I tell him to call dispatch and provide correct cablecardid, hostid and data. He refuses and says wait for 3-4 hours and everything will be ok.

After 1 day the channels are still not working. I setup an appointment for a week later (tomorrow)

What should I expect from Comcast? Does anyone have experience with Comcast setting up Tivo in Chelmsford area?
Why can't I call cable card department directly and provide the pairing information?

Were these true Comcast techs or contractors?

You should be able to call tech support and if you get the right person, can do it over the phone if he left you the card.

You only need the cable card serial number, host id and data id.

Additional help is on Tivo's web site
http://support.tivo.com/app/answers/detail/a_id/135/kw/cable%20card/r_id/100041

If you wait for another tech, try and request a real Comcast tech, not a contractor.
You also might want and post at the comcast direct forum at dslreports.com

I have done several, and they never go smoothly, but get corrected eventually.

What is the final outcome of the digital migration? I am in the metrowest area and we had the conversion here in October. If I hook up another TV directly to the wall outlet, will I get expanded basic (I am on a Triple Play Premier package) on that TV through a built in QAM tuner? Is there any need for a DTA if a TV with a QAM tuner is being used?

What is the final outcome of the digital migration? I am in the metrowest area and we had the conversion here in October. If I hook up another TV directly to the wall outlet, will I get expanded basic (I am on a Triple Play Premier package) on that TV through a built in QAM tuner? Is there any need for a DTA if a TV with a QAM tuner is being used?

When the whole Boston area is complete they will encrypt all the extended basic channels and you will only get the broadcast and a few others via QAM. Right now they are still unencrypted so enjoy while it lasts.

-Ken

Were these true Comcast techs or contractors?

You should be able to call tech support and if you get the right person, can do it over the phone if he left you the card.

You only need the cable card serial number, host id and data id.

Additional help is on Tivo's web site
http://support.tivo.com/app/answers/detail/a_id/135/kw/cable%20card/r_id/100041

If you wait for another tech, try and request a real Comcast tech, not a contractor.
You also might want and post at the comcast direct forum at dslreports.com

I have done several, and they never go smoothly, but get corrected eventually.

I read and printed the material from Tivo - 1st class IMO.
I called several times to see if they can do it over the phone. I am always told that they don't have access to that information, they can only see the S/N. There is a cable card department that does this and we are "not allowed" to talk to them.

It is really frustrating that the problem is so easy to fix - I am sure that comcast has an incorrect host id or data value.

As far as tech goes how do I tell he is a contractor or comcast direct? The guy comcast sent twice earlier is a moron he would not even read the instructions I printed from Tivo.

Here's the Conversion map for any new comers or if anyone missed it a couple pages ago.

http://img509.imageshack.us/img509/6493/comcastmapma2.png

Problem fixed. A new technician visited today and he knew what he was doing. Like I suspected the card was not paired correctly. He provided correct pairing information to someone on the phone and the problem was fixed in 2 minutes.

Glad you got your Tivo going finally.

Usually the contractors have trucks with a magnetic sign on the side saying comcast contractor, the real Comcast guys drive real Comcast trucks.

I would assume the morons were not real Comcast Techs.

Even when I was on the phone with support people in Mexico, they said a supervisor would be able to pair the cards, but eventually couldn't. After weeks of effort, they forwarded the ticket to a local support guy who called me back and had it paired in 30 seconds.

Glad you got your Tivo going finally.

Usually the contractors have trucks with a magnetic sign on the side saying comcast contractor, the real Comcast guys drive real Comcast trucks.

I would assume the morons were not real Comcast Techs.

Even when I was on the phone with support people in Mexico, they said a supervisor would be able to pair the cards, but eventually couldn't. After weeks of effort, they forwarded the ticket to a local support guy who called me back and had it paired in 30 seconds.

I had the exact same experience. This guy fixed it in 2 minutes. Very good tech - definitely an employee. He had a machine to measure signal strength and did that even though it was not required.

What is the final outcome of the digital migration? I am in the metrowest area and we had the conversion here in October. If I hook up another TV directly to the wall outlet, will I get expanded basic (I am on a Triple Play Premier package) on that TV through a built in QAM tuner? Is there any need for a DTA if a TV with a QAM tuner is being used?

As a newbie, I have a question. I am buying a new HDTV with a QAM tuner.
How does it work? Do you plug in the cable directly or does the tuner find channels without any cable connected?

As a newbie, I have a question. I am buying a new HDTV with a QAM tuner.
How does it work? Do you plug in the cable directly or does the tuner find channels without any cable connected?

You need to connect the cable first and then run a scan to find the channels.

As a newbie, I have a question. I am buying a new HDTV with a QAM tuner.
How does it work? Do you plug in the cable directly or does the tuner find channels without any cable connected?

Connect the cable directly to the tv, go into the tv menu and "scan" . After 10 minutes or so it will then have stored the available clear channels. Remember however that sometime probably in the fall you will only get the broadcast and a small few cable channels the rest will be encrypted.

Connect the cable directly to the tv, go into the tv menu and "scan" . After 10 minutes or so it will then have stored the available clear channels. Remember however that sometime probably in the fall you will only get the broadcast and a small few cable channels the rest will be encrypted.

Ken, I'm glad you answered it too because at first I thought it was a trick question. :D

I live in Holyoke and yesterday morning I lost all of my expanded digital channels on my HDTV tuner. I had all of the digital channels until yesterday morning. I rescanned and all I get is about 24 channels which are repeated. I no longer get channels like cnbc or foodnetwork.

I called comcast, the tech was useless. he told me to get a digital to analog converter. I let him hear it when he suggusted that.

I have rescanned all of the auto scan options including std, hrc, and irc...

Any suggustions?

I live in Holyoke and yesterday morning I lost all of my expanded digital channels on my HDTV tuner. I had all of the digital channels until yesterday morning. I rescanned and all I get is about 24 channels which are repeated. I no longer get channels like cnbc or foodnetwork.

I called comcast, the tech was useless. he told me to get a digital to analog converter. I let him hear it when he suggusted that.

I have rescanned all of the auto scan options including std, hrc, and irc...

Any suggustions?

Most likely you have lost them forever. Comcast is encrypting all expanded basic channels. Only basic locals (2-22) will be be clearQAM.

Ken, I'm glad you answered it too because at first I thought it was a trick question. :D

I gave him the benefit of a doubt.

As promised by Comcast there are 12 new HD channels here in Chelmsford this morning. What I do find interesting is that many of the analog channels are still running and have not been shut off. I guess there is no hurry since the next (and largest) batch of HD channels won't hit for another couple of weeks.

-Ken

Most likely you have lost them forever. Comcast is encrypting all expanded basic channels. Only basic locals (2-22) will be be clearQAM.

This pisses me off. I bought a HDtv last December so I would not have to rent a box. I wonder if I can them to lease the additional box for free.

This pisses me off. I bought a HDtv last December so I would not have to rent a box. I wonder if I can them to lease the additional box for free.

If you have any level of digital service you are entitled to 1 standard def box and two standard def DTAs without charge. HD box is extra.

Give a call and see what happens...

Hey Furgs, do you get the Downtown Springfield local forecast Headend on the Weather channel's Intellistar? and does it get Traffic info?

Has anyone upgraded to the Triple Play recently? We're probably about 2 years out from FiOS being available so I thought I would lock in something now and then reevaluate in 2 years.

I currently have internet/cable and I've been looking into the available packages if I add phone service, but it's hard to get complete info. Will they try and stick me with any upfront installation fees or change service fees and, if so, has anyone had success getting those waived?

For those of you with phone service, what are the requirements for the new modem? Can it be next to my computer/router like it is now or does it need to be where the cable/phone come into the house? Does it work well with security systems like ADT?

Any other gotchas I should know about?

I gave him the benefit of a doubt.

It was not a trick question. I thought it was with the cable plugged in, but wanted to make sure.

Gotta say, I was excited about all the new content and HD channels coming with this change. That is, until reality struck last night. I have 4 HD TVs, one with an HD DVR, one with cablecard, and two that I use just the QAM tuner. Well, last night, I went to watch the Celtics on TNT, and on the QAM setups, TNT was gone! Luckily I had already picked up 2 DTAs and setting them up was a breeze, but this SUCKS. Like many here, I have two beautiful state of the art 2010 model TVs, one mounted professionally with wires snaked thru the wall, and now I have to add these cheesy digital boxes. There goes the hidden wires and clean install. There go the free HD network viewing. Now everything is in glorious SD. I can't beleve this was Comcast's only possible solution. Just another way for them to perpetuate the Comcast rent-a-box ripoff.

We need to start a letter writing campaign to our congressmen to end this rip-off. It's no different than Ma Bell in the 70s who were made to allow customers to add an additional phone outlet at no charge, and have the ability to buy their own phone. Having to pay $6.95 as an additional outlet fee for cable cards is a joke. So is renting HD boxes and paying for them ten time over. Comcast really screwed the pooch on this one.

Gotta say, I was excited about all the new content and HD channels coming with this change. That is, until reality struck last night. I have 4 HD TVs, one with an HD DVR, one with cablecard, and two that I use just the QAM tuner. Well, last night, I went to watch the Celtics on TNT, and on the QAM setups, TNT was gone! Luckily I had already picked up 2 DTAs and setting them up was a breeze, but this SUCKS. Like many here, I have two beautiful state of the art 2010 model TVs, one mounted professionally with wires snaked thru the wall, and now I have to add these cheesy digital boxes. There goes the hidden wires and clean install. There go the free HD network viewing. Now everything is in glorious SD. I can't beleve this was Comcast's only possible solution. Just another way for them to perpetuate the Comcast rent-a-box ripoff.

We need to start a letter writing campaign to our congressmen to end this rip-off. It's no different than Ma Bell in the 70s who were made to allow customers to add an additional phone outlet at no charge, and have the ability to buy their own phone. Having to pay $6.95 as an additional outlet fee for cable cards is a joke. So is renting HD boxes and paying for them ten time over. Comcast really screwed the pooch on this one.

Welcome to the nightmare – at this point I’ll even pay the $6.95, just give me the HD content that I pay for in the clear, don’t make me use The Box. I understand some people like the functionality of the box for on demand and all but for those who do not need it find a way to pass the signal without it.

capecodguy, I agree 100%. If you or someone else ever writes that letter, I would be surely be signing it.

Gotta say, I was excited about all the new content and HD channels coming with this change. That is, until reality struck last night. I have 4 HD TVs, one with an HD DVR, one with cablecard, and two that I use just the QAM tuner. Well, last night, I went to watch the Celtics on TNT, and on the QAM setups, TNT was gone! Luckily I had already picked up 2 DTAs and setting them up was a breeze, but this SUCKS. Like many here, I have two beautiful state of the art 2010 model TVs, one mounted professionally with wires snaked thru the wall, and now I have to add these cheesy digital boxes. There goes the hidden wires and clean install. There go the free HD network viewing. Now everything is in glorious SD. I can't beleve this was Comcast's only possible solution. Just another way for them to perpetuate the Comcast rent-a-box ripoff.

We need to start a letter writing campaign to our congressmen to end this rip-off. It's no different than Ma Bell in the 70s who were made to allow customers to add an additional phone outlet at no charge, and have the ability to buy their own phone. Having to pay $6.95 as an additional outlet fee for cable cards is a joke. So is renting HD boxes and paying for them ten time over. Comcast really screwed the pooch on this one.

Ok several things.

Don't you want more HD ? Removing the analogs is making room for the 60+ new HD channels we are getting this month.

Yes the analog TNT is gone, but the digital replicated TNT should be there somewhere, I get TNT at 77.8 (these will be eventually encrypted after the conversion in the Boston area is complete. For now you should still be able to get TNT without a box). Try doing a rescan on your QAM TVs.

The programmers want the digital encryption and Comcast is happy to play along. I do agree that a digital replication fee is a rip off.

-Ken

Gotta say, I was excited about all the new content and HD channels coming with this change. That is, until reality struck last night. I have 4 HD TVs, one with an HD DVR, one with cablecard, and two that I use just the QAM tuner. Well, last night, I went to watch the Celtics on TNT, and on the QAM setups, TNT was gone! Luckily I had already picked up 2 DTAs and setting them up was a breeze, but this SUCKS. Like many here, I have two beautiful state of the art 2010 model TVs, one mounted professionally with wires snaked thru the wall, and now I have to add these cheesy digital boxes. There goes the hidden wires and clean install. There go the free HD network viewing. Now everything is in glorious SD. I can't beleve this was Comcast's only possible solution. Just another way for them to perpetuate the Comcast rent-a-box ripoff.

We need to start a letter writing campaign to our congressmen to end this rip-off. It's no different than Ma Bell in the 70s who were made to allow customers to add an additional phone outlet at no charge, and have the ability to buy their own phone. Having to pay $6.95 as an additional outlet fee for cable cards is a joke. So is renting HD boxes and paying for them ten time over. Comcast really screwed the pooch on this one.

i'm still good here in Harwich. did you get the new hd channels?

Hey Furgs, do you get the Downtown Springfield local forecast Headend on the Weather channel's Intellistar? and does it get Traffic info?


I get the local Springfield weather channel. This is a feed from Channel 3 Springfield.

I never noticed the traffic info.

If you have any level of digital service you are entitled to 1 standard def box and two standard def DTAs without charge. HD box is extra.

Give a call and see what happens...

So I trekked over to the local Comcast office. Bottom line, I complained about this transition.

Good news is they gave me a free year of the HD DVR box. Bad news, my overall rental rate went from $7 a month to $13 because I have to HD boxes (one with DVR).

Ok several things.

Don't you want more HD ? Removing the analogs is making room for the 60+ new HD channels we are getting this month.

Yes the analog TNT is gone, but the digital replicated TNT should be there somewhere, I get TNT at 77.8 (these will be eventually encrypted after the conversion in the Boston area is complete. For now you should still be able to get TNT without a box). Try doing a rescan on your QAM TVs.

The programmers want the digital encryption and Comcast is happy to play along. I do agree that a digital replication fee is a rip off.

-Ken

Actually, if the choice is to screw up my ability to get the major networks in HD at no cost, vs. adding such great channels as MSNBC HD and screwing up my clean installs and making my QAM tuners obsolete, I can do without the "upgrade". Even if TNT is still there, it's a temporary situation so that really isn't the answer.

This is a blatant rip-ff. I'm composing a letter to newly elected Scott Brown. I'm going to suggest he file a bill that mandates the cable companies make available retail converters so this gouging is a thing of the past.

It's no different than Ma Bell in the 70s who were made to allow customers to add an additional phone outlet at no charge, and have the ability to buy their own phone. Having to pay $6.95 as an additional outlet fee for cable cards is a joke. So is renting HD boxes and paying for them ten time over. Comcast really screwed the pooch on this one.

Agreed..... They claim the change is to stop theft of service and reduce costs by eliminating the need of truck rolls to change service. If it's going to reduce costs then why should we be charged more to start watching the news in the living room and finish watching in the bedroom?

Couldn't they have some type of block converter at the entry point to control service and eliminate the need of a box on every set?

Actually, if the choice is to screw up my ability to get the major networks in HD at no cost, vs. adding such great channels as MSNBC HD and screwing up my clean installs and making my QAM tuners obsolete, I can do without the "upgrade". Even if TNT is still there, it's a temporary situation so that really isn't the answer.

This is a blatant rip-ff. I'm composing a letter to newly elected Scott Brown. I'm going to suggest he file a bill that mandates the cable companies make available retail converters so this gouging is a thing of the past.

Good luck with that letter, every other provider requires boxes on each set for expanded channels like TNT.

There is one bright spot, another cable company (not Comcast) is testing HD DTAs so maybe someday..... You really should be blaming the TV set manufacturers for abandoning cable card.

Good luck with that letter, every other provider requires boxes on each set for expanded channels like TNT.

There is one bright spot, another cable company (not Comcast) is testing HD DTAs so maybe someday..... You really should be blaming the TV set manufacturers for abandoning cable card.

Ok, it's the "everybody else does it so it's okay" defense. Really?

Like I posted, it's a three-fold issue. One is, the "upgrade" is a farce the way it's being implemented. Two, we should be able to buy our own HD Converter boxes and DVRs (I know we can buy a Tivo, see #3). Three, additional outlet charges should be made illegal as there is NO justification for them.

Ok, it's the "everybody else does it so it's okay" defense. Really?

Like I posted, it's a three-fold issue. One is, the "upgrade" is a farce the way it's being implemented. Two, we should be able to buy our own HD Converter boxes and DVRs (I know we can buy a Tivo, see #3). Three, additional outlet charges should be made illegal as there is NO justification for them.

I'm just surprised you are complaining about this now, we've known about this conversion since the first area started back in the fall. You are only now complaining since it is happening to you ? Comcast has been methodically doing this for months now with minimal complaints, the process has not changed.

I'm just surprised you are complaining about this now, we've known about this conversion since the first area started back in the fall. You are only now complaining since it is happening to you ? Comcast has been methodically doing this for months now with minimal complaints, the process has not changed.

I've been following this thread loosely for awhile, but not since last fall. So what if it has been known? The majority of the info here related to the new channels, and not the downside of the conversion. Yes, I am now seeing first hand the effects of this crappy conversion, so I'm pissed. I fail to see the problem with that, but clearly you do.

How do you know there has been minimal complaints? And even if what you say is true, and I have serious doubts based on the small sampling of people grumbling and swearing in the line to pick up DTAs, this is a boondoggle and a money grab, plain and simple.

Writing one's congressman may not be the answer, but it's worth a shout out. If enough of us do it, it actually may have an effect. Comcast sucks for this. End of story.

I've been following this thread loosely for awhile, but not since last fall. So what if it has been known? The majority of the info here related to the new channels, and not the downside of the conversion. Yes, I am now seeing first hand the effects of this crappy conversion, so I'm pissed. I fail to see the problem with that, but clearly you do.

How do you know there has been minimal complaints? And even if what you say is true, and I have serious doubts based on the small sampling of people grumbling and swearing in the line to pick up DTAs, this is a boondoggle and a money grab, plain and simple.

Writing one's congressman may not be the answer, but it's worth a shout out. If enough of us do it, it actually may have an effect. Comcast sucks for this. End of story.


How is this a money grab ? It costs Comcast $35 for each DTA it gives away. And I am willing to sacrifice the analog channels for 60+ new HD channels. Oh and I just noticed that my internet speed is now 20 up 8 down and they didnt increase fees for that either.

I do agree that the digital rep fee is a rip however as I would like to get a second HD box but I won't under the current circumstances. I would however welcome a HD DTA.

-Ken

How is this a money grab ? It costs Comcast $35 for each DTA it gives away. And I am willing to sacrifice the analog channels for 60+ new HD channels. Oh and I just noticed that my internet speed is now 20 up 8 down and they didnt increase fees for that either.

I do agree that the digital rep fee is a rip however as I would like to get a second HD box but I won't under the current circumstances. I would however welcome a HD DTA.

-Ken

Are you serious? How is it a money grab? Really!?

If I want to view HD on my 2010 LED Tv with digital QAM tuner, I either need a DTA from Comcast, or rent an HD box. This is to see the programming that I ALREADY PAY FOR. If I have three TVs that require DTAs, then the third one is $2.00 per month. Nope, can't buy one of these either. So that $35 box that Comcast buys (funny, I can buy one retail on the net, that coincidentally won't work with Comcast, for only $30 but Comcast pays more, according to you).

It's a money grab plain and simple. You sound like a shill for Comcast. If that's the case, you have no business being here.

Are you serious? How is it a money grab? Really!?

If I want to view HD on my 2010 LED Tv with digital QAM tuner, I either need a DTA from Comcast, or rent an HD box. This is to see the programming that I ALREADY PAY FOR. If I have three TVs that require DTAs, then the third one is $2.00 per month. Nope, can't buy one of these either. So that $35 box that Comcast buys (funny, I can buy one retail on the net, that coincidentally won't work with Comcast, for only $30 but Comcast pays more, according to you).

It's a money grab plain and simple. You sound like a shill for Comcast. If that's the case, you have no business being here.

You are fighting a losing battle my friend, this entire thread is filled with several comcast shills who fail to see what is happening here and feel comcast is actually doing a service to them by providing DTA's. Only thing that interests people here is addition of new HD channels. "Boston, MA Comcast HD viewers forum" is a more appropriate title for this thread.

Anyone with a basic understanding of electronics can see clearly that the consumers are being ripped off by the cable box rental fees. If comcast wants to encrypt the programming I am ok as long as I don't have to pay for decrypting it. its stupid but we have no choice in Chelmsford.

Are you serious? How is it a money grab? Really!?

If I want to view HD on my 2010 LED Tv with digital QAM tuner, I either need a DTA from Comcast, or rent an HD box. This is to see the programming that I ALREADY PAY FOR. If I have three TVs that require DTAs, then the third one is $2.00 per month. Nope, can't buy one of these either. So that $35 box that Comcast buys (funny, I can buy one retail on the net, that coincidentally won't work with Comcast, for only $30 but Comcast pays more, according to you).

It's a money grab plain and simple. You sound like a shill for Comcast. If that's the case, you have no business being here.

No not a shill for Comcast. I do have issues with them as I have said. You keep avoiding the fact that comcast is addding over 60+ HD channels with this upgrade and not charging more for them.

If I remember correctly, TNT and other cable channels in HD have NEVER been available unencrypted. The only HD available unencrypted are the over the air channels and they will ALWAYS be available unencrypted. So to see TNT in HD on more than one set will require another HD box as it always had.

Are you serious? How is it a money grab? Really!?

If I want to view HD on my 2010 LED Tv with digital QAM tuner, I either need a DTA from Comcast, or rent an HD box. This is to see the programming that I ALREADY PAY FOR. If I have three TVs that require DTAs, then the third one is $2.00 per month. Nope, can't buy one of these either. So that $35 box that Comcast buys (funny, I can buy one retail on the net, that coincidentally won't work with Comcast, for only $30 but Comcast pays more, according to you).

It's a money grab plain and simple. You sound like a shill for Comcast. If that's the case, you have no business being here.

Your lucky bicker is on vacation or he would be all over you like a new suit. :D

Anyhow, you should still be able to get your locals in HD with your 2010 QAM TV's. So in reality, you can still receive HD on those sets, just not all the ones you would like.

You know the saying, " You get what you pay for" well that certainly would apply in this case. Myself, I would sacrifice paying for more boxes in return of receiving more HD channels at no charge like Ken said, but I don't have Comcast anymore and just FYI, FiOS does not charge the Replication fee if they are a alternative source for you.

its stupid but we have no choice in Chelmsford.
The Verizon trucks have been stringing fiber so you will have FioS competition in about 18 months.

You are fighting a losing battle my friend, this entire thread is filled with several comcast shills who fail to see what is happening here and feel comcast is actually doing a service to them by providing DTA's.

Well said. That is exactly how I feel about this thread. For the longest time, it was a shrine to Comcast. Reading some of these posts, you would feel Comcast was a charity! And not the universally hated organization that changes its name to appear less dirty.

Your lucky bicker is on vacation or he would be all over you like a new suit. :D

Anyhow, you should still be able to get your locals in HD with your 2010 QAM TV's. So in reality, you can still receive HD on those sets, just not all the ones you would like.

You know the saying, " You get what you pay for" well that certainly would apply in this case. Myself, I would sacrifice paying for more boxes in return of receiving more HD channels at no charge like Ken said, but I don't have Comcast anymore and just FYI, FiOS does not charge the Replication fee if they are a alternative source for you.

I welcome debate and Bicker is certainly entitled to his opinions and I respect them. I live in a condo complex and I would not have FIOS as a choice unless I move.

The reason we don't have the ability to buy HD boxes for 150 bucks is not due to any cost or technology limitation. If there were true competition the cost would be far less. The process of Cable labs certification is a joke, the goal is to reduce competition and keep costs high.

Do I blame Comcast for all this, of course not. I would do the same thing if I had the opportunity. If general consumer is not aware he is being ripped then it is silly to blame the cable company here.

One of the most silly arguments I heard is that somehow we consumers deserve all this and brought it upon ourselves by stealing cable when everything was unencrypted. Really!!!

I welcome debate and Bicker is certainly entitled to his opinions and I respect them. I live in a condo complex and I would not have FIOS as a choice unless I move.

The reason we don't have the ability to buy HD boxes for 150 bucks is not due to any cost or technology limitation. If there were true competition the cost would be far less. The process of Cable labs certification is a joke, the goal is to reduce competition and keep costs high.

Do I blame Comcast for all this, of course not. I would do the same thing if I had the opportunity. If general consumer is not aware he is being ripped then it is silly to blame the cable company here.

One of the most silly arguments I heard is that somehow we consumers deserve all this and brought it upon ourselves by stealing cable when everything was unencrypted. Really!!!

I was responding to capecodguy. But I do agree with your last paragraph.

Your lucky bicker is on vacation or he would be all over you like a new suit. :D

Anyhow, you should still be able to get your locals in HD with your 2010 QAM TV's. So in reality, you can still receive HD on those sets, just not all the ones you would like.

You know the saying, " You get what you pay for" well that certainly would apply in this case. Myself, I would sacrifice paying for more boxes in return of receiving more HD channels at no charge like Ken said, but I don't have Comcast anymore and just FYI, FiOS does not charge the Replication fee if they are a alternative source for you.

True. The Comcast rep at the office recommended I buy an A/B switch at Radio shack. That way, I'd still get the HD locals, and be able to watch the other channels I pay for through the DTA. Terrific. Can't wait to add a $3.00 switch to my POS $30 DTA to my wall mounted $2000 THX certified LED TV.

True. The Comcast rep at the office recommended I buy an A/B switch at Radio shack. That way, I'd still get the HD locals, and be able to watch the other channels I pay for through the DTA. Terrific. Can't wait to add a $3.00 switch to my POS $30 DTA to my wall mounted $2000 THX certified LED TV.

How many cable inputs are on your TV? Unfortunately, the only TV I was using the QAM tuner on only had one (I have others with two), so I bought an A/B switch and splitter (yes, it was from Radio Shack :) ). I have the free DTA getting me all the digital channels and the QAM tuner getting me the local HDs. I would obviously prefer to have it without the DTA and A/B switch, but I DEFINITELY like having the multiple new HD channels on my other TVs with an HD box. If I get the chance to have an HD DTA I will swap to that, but the only HD channels I was getting previously were the locals even before the transition.

True. The Comcast rep at the office recommended I buy an A/B switch at Radio shack. That way, I'd still get the HD locals, and be able to watch the other channels I pay for through the DTA. Terrific. Can't wait to add a $3.00 switch to my POS $30 DTA to my wall mounted $2000 THX certified LED TV.

Please don't take this the wrong way, but you keep talking about your $2000 THX certified LED TV and you want to watch standard definition ANALOG stuff on it ??:confused:

Please don't take this the wrong way, but you keep talking about your $2000 THX certified LED TV and you want to watch standard definition ANALOG stuff on it ??:confused:

Not at all. I want my HD NBC, CBS, ABC, Fox, CHs. 38 and 56 back AND I want to be able to watch the upper tier analogue (primarily TNT, ESPN, NESN, and Comcast Sports) without a box that screws up my clean install. BTW, I want the same on my cheapo $400 Vizio in the kitchen. My primary TV is an older Sony 70" XBR LCD projection TV that I do have a HD cable box connected to it. At this point, I've paid almost the same for the box rental as I have for the TV itself, but that's a whole other story.

Not at all. I want my HD NBC, CBS, ABC, Fox, CHs. 38 and 56 back AND I want to be able to watch the upper tier analogue (primarily TNT, ESPN, NESN, and Comcast Sports) without a box that screws up my clean install. BTW, I want the same on my cheapo $400 Vizio in the kitchen. My primary TV is an older Sony 70" XBR LCD projection TV that I do have a HD cable box connected to it. At this point, I've paid almost the same for the box rental as I have for the TV itself, but that's a whole other story.

The real villains here are the FCC and congress for not requiring all TVs at this point to have cable card slots. Boston Comcast is Tru2way ready now, but I don't think Panasonic is marketing the sets here yet. So there are some changes coming, but of course not for those who have already bought a new set. Thats why im hanging on to my old 50" Sony Wega.

I'm with you too capecodguy. Comcast is simply wanting to suck us dry with cable box rental fees.

What is a big joke is that the crappy DTAs don't even give us all the SD channels in the 200s that we're subscribed to. If the DTAs are addressable, they should be perfectly capable of programming them to unencrypt all the SD channels that we're paying for. And their lousy excuse that the DTA is unable to pass through the unencrypted QAM HD locals is crap. They really want us all to fill our houses with $8/month HD cable boxes (or even better, HD DVRs.)

Cablecard/Tru2way won't be much better- Comcast is charging too much for the stupid cards too...

Can't wait for TV over the Internet- but I'm sure the cable companies' agreements with ESPN and other high profile cable channels prevents them (the cable channels) from offering TV over the 'net (at least in a way that's not controlled by the cable companies.) I'm sure the cable companies would threaten ESPN and channels like it to knock them to a higher tier if they did it- and then every grandma who doesn't give a # about sports wouldn't be paying $3/month to ESPN- ending their (the cable channels) gravy train. All this is why both cable systems (for leverage over the cable channels)) and cable channels (gravy train of being on a low tier) fought ala carte- even though it's technically an easy thing to implement- especially now with digital...

Someday the logjam will be broken- probably 15 years after every other country in the world...

The real villains here are the FCC and congress for not requiring all TVs at this point to have cable card slots. Boston Comcast is Tru2way ready now, but I don't think Panasonic is marketing the sets here yet. So there are some changes coming, but of course not for those who have already bought a new set. Thats why im hanging on to my old 50" Sony Wega.

Nope. The FCC aren't the villains, Comcast is. Forcing TV manufacturers to include cablecards on every TV is not the answer. Why make millions of people pay for something they don't need or use? (Those with cable boxes, sat. dishes, or off-air antenna) The answer is simple, don't encrypt what we're already paying for, thus making all our digital TVs useless without a crappy DTA.

I'm with you too capecodguy. Comcast is simply wanting to suck us dry with cable box rental fees.

What is a big joke is that the crappy DTAs don't even give us all the SD channels in the 200s that we're subscribed to. If the DTAs are addressable, they should be perfectly capable of programming them to unencrypt all the SD channels that we're paying for. And their lousy excuse that the DTA is unable to pass through the unencrypted QAM HD locals is crap. They really want us all to fill our houses with $8/month HD cable boxes (or even better, HD DVRs.)

Cablecard/Tru2way won't be much better- Comcast is charging too much for the stupid cards too...

Can't wait for TV over the Internet- but I'm sure the cable companies' agreements with ESPN and other high profile cable channels prevents them (the cable channels) from offering TV over the 'net (at least in a way that's not controlled by the cable companies.) I'm sure the cable companies would threaten ESPN and channels like it to knock them to a higher tier if they did it- and then every grandma who doesn't give a # about sports wouldn't be paying $3/month to ESPN- ending their (the cable channels) gravy train. All this is why both cable systems (for leverage over the cable channels)) and cable channels (gravy train of being on a low tier) fought ala carte- even though it's technically an easy thing to implement- especially now with digital...

Someday the logjam will be broken- probably 15 years after every other country in the world...

Not sure where you get your numbers from, but your $8 per month HD cable box is actually $13.95 per month from my local Comcast office (non-DVR). A rip-off of epic proportion.

Nope. The FCC aren't the villains, Comcast is. Forcing TV manufacturers to include cablecards on every TV is not the answer. Why make millions of people pay for something they don't need or use? (Those with cable boxes, sat. dishes, or off-air antenna) The answer is simple, don't encrypt what we're already paying for, thus making all our digital TVs useless without a crappy DTA.

And how do you propose the industry goes about unencrypting everything that you pay for while making sure its only what you pay for... and that your name only gets what they paid for, and their neighbor... ad nauseum. Cable boxes and cable card are the only game in town for both content providers and cable companies (including Fios) to secure the content so that only those paying for service receive it. Alternatives to renting a cable box from the cable company include Tivo, Moxi, roll your HTPCs (soon with CC support via Ceton or Hauppauge).

Until you understand the technical complexities, the legal obligations, and everything else associated with running an industry like Cable, Fios, or Satellite... don't presume to say that the industry is ripping everyone off. For a more detailed wording of that... find one of Bicker's posts and read his Sig. That says it all.

That is not a special price, Digital Starter triple play is 129.99 regular price. I currently have a 129.99 triple play that includes preferred, HBO, and Starz for $129.99....THAT is a special price !

-Ken

I never said I had a special price if you read what I said. However, it turns out they put me on a $139.99 package. Let's see what you are able to get when your old bundle runs out.

Talked to the FioS guys at the New England Home Show today and they said that FioS will be available in Chelmsford starting in August. As we know from Bicker's situation, available in Chelmsford doesn't mean it will be available everywhere in Chelmsford in August. It will take another 18 months after that to complete the whole town as they are obligated to do as specified by the contract they signed with the town.

-Ken

And how do you propose the industry goes about unencrypting everything that you pay for while making sure its only what you pay for... and that your name only gets what they paid for, and their neighbor... ad nauseum. Cable boxes and cable card are the only game in town for both content providers and cable companies (including Fios) to secure the content so that only those paying for service receive it. Alternatives to renting a cable box from the cable company include Tivo, Moxi, roll your HTPCs (soon with CC support via Ceton or Hauppauge).

Until you understand the technical complexities, the legal obligations, and everything else associated with running an industry like Cable, Fios, or Satellite... don't presume to say that the industry is ripping everyone off. For a more detailed wording of that... find one of Bicker's posts and read his Sig. That says it all.

And I presume you think yourselves an expert on "technical complexities, the legal obligations, and everything else associated with running an industry like Cable, Fios, or Satellite"

Now that we have established that you are an expert do we have your assurance that all content is now secure - there is no freaking way to copy content - content pirates must now look for alternate business - we have magical cable boxes that have secured the content.

What you are saying is so silly ............... I cannot stop laughing.:D:D:D

If it were up to Comcast, you would be paying for each and every computer that is hooked up in your house. Consider yourself lucky that Comcast has not come up with a scheme to break the NAT technology of your router either technically or using different terms of services.

Realistically our beef with Comcast is that they charge too much for the rental of the boxes and do not allow outright purchases. Unfortunately; the designed in technology needs decoding at the point of viewing. That means Comcast has to manage the boxes.

Contrast this with how Cable mdem is handled. For it, Comcast only needs to manage a single entity per account and to be fair, Comcast makes it easy enough for you to purchase and swap your own cable modem. Only single MAC address is associated with your account.

However, with TV, they will need to associate lot more boxes per account and there is no way Comcast is going to do this for "free".

If there is a technology which can unscramble *all* of the channels that you have paid for and then mux it back and do it at the point of demarcation, we would be all set (assuming Comcast lets you own (or at least rent) the "bulk unscrambler")

- Vikas

just FYI, FiOS does not charge the Replication fee if they are a alternative source for you.

I would really like to believe you but from what I have personally observed with Verizon FIOS in Northern VA, this was NOT the case. Without renting an extra HD box, my sister can not get expanded HD channels on her second QAM capable TV.

- Vikas