Last time I checked, this is what I was able to receive:

http://brianandrobbie.com/ComcastQAMMappingBurlingtonMA.JPG

It should be all the OTA channels. I get all the OTA channels, both SD and HD, as well as the shopping channels (big deal) and local access channels.

FWIW, Comcast will be replacing TWC in Houston, TX and as part of the switch over, Comcast is creating a HD Tier for $3.00 a month that will include HDNet and HDNet Movies. Mark Cuban has also confirmed this as well. Perhaps this could just be a test to see who would be interested in buying the package in that market and if successful, could be launched nationwide.

FWIW, Comcast will be replacing TWC in Houston, TX and as part of the switch over, Comcast is creating a HD Tier for $3.00 a month that will include HDNet and HDNet Movies. Mark Cuban has also confirmed this as well. Perhaps this could just be a test to see who would be interested in buying the package in that market and if successful, could be launched nationwide.It's about freakin' time!!! Those are the only two HD channels I really want, with the exception of A&E-HD and I really couldn't bring myself spring $30+ for Extended Cable just to get A&E-HD.:mad:

Any idea when they are bringing the HDNets online?

I think you missed the second half of the message:Perhaps this could just be a test...

In addition, this could simply be a stop-gap -- a temporary thing.

It's about freakin' time!!! Those are the only two HD channels I really want, with the exception of A&E-HD and I really couldn't bring myself spring $30+ for Extended Cable just to get A&E-HD.:mad:

Any idea when they are bringing the HDNets online?
How much HD does A&E broadcast? Everytime I flip through it's SD.

larry

Boston/New England will be FIRST!

August looks like the month.I'll believe that when it's sitting in my shelf. :) How many months/years have we been waiting?

larry

How much HD does A&E broadcast? Everytime I flip through it's SD.

larryWell, I guess that's good to know seeing as I don't have it. But they seem to run a lot of shows that originally ran in HD in primetime like CSI, so I just assumed they ran in HD on A&E-HD as well. Do they run their made for TV movies in HD? They have some really quality titles.

Well, I guess that's good to know seeing as I don't have it. But they seem to run a lot of shows that originally ran in HD in primetime like CSI, so I just assumed they ran in HD on A&E-HD as well. Do they run their made for TV movies in HD? They have some really quality titles.
I have seen several shows in HD on A&E-HD, most recently their Sopranos marathon. I've also seen many non-HD shows when surfing.

http://broadband.motorola.com/business/digitalvideo/productline_host_settops.asp

when will these be available and supported in Boston/Comast?

Finally PIP

The current STBs support PIP; it just isn't enabled. That may be the case with the new boxes as well.

Nice to see the 3 new HD channels this past month. Food -HD has very good PQ.My Opinion, is that new HD channels will come on board in Q3or Q4 of 2007. Weather Channel HD, History Channel HD and CNN-HD would be part of that group. I think 1 to 3 analog channels will be digital only by Q4 2007.For Bristol County only , we might get WPRI-HD and lose WBZ-DT when they carry CBS Network programming. Also, note that when Fox Network is on, They flip to WNAC-TV feed on Ch 13 and go back to WFXT-TV for local, and turn on 825 when local.

1 to 3 analog channelos being digital only?

I'm shooting for 44.

I still can't get any of the new HD channels. Additionally, many SD channels are breaking up, both sound and video. I called Comcast, and the tech reset my box. No luck. They're coming tomorrow morning. Interestingly enough, on my analog TV's the lower channels have such a weak signal, they are mostly snow. These all break up on the DVR as well. Perhaps I need better signal, but that doesn't explain why the three new HD channels don't show up does it? I will post the result of tomorrow's service call.

It could, if the three new channels are on a much higher frequency carrier than the ones you do get, given that the higher the frequency, the greater the signal loss for a given piece of coax.

The Comcast tech I spoke to today indicated that they "program the CableCards for your head-end only after the service order is put in". First I've heard of that.

It could, if the three new channels are on a much higher frequency carrier than the ones you do get, given that the higher the frequency, the greater the signal loss for a given piece of coax.
not necessarily.

In Lawrence anE HD and HGTV are on ch 73 Food HD on ch 72

I have seen several shows in HD on A&E-HD, most recently their Sopranos marathon. I've also seen many non-HD shows when surfing.

I think I saw that marathon, they once they cut all the cursing, they could put 8 shows on every hour. :D

I still can't get any of the new HD channels. Additionally, many SD channels are breaking up, both sound and video. I called Comcast, and the tech reset my box. No luck. They're coming tomorrow morning. Interestingly enough, on my analog TV's the lower channels have such a weak signal, they are mostly snow. These all break up on the DVR as well. Perhaps I need better signal, but that doesn't explain why the three new HD channels don't show up does it? I will post the result of tomorrow's service call.
If channel 4 and channel 5 analog look like crap then the settop data carrier located between those channels is probably not able to effectively get to the settop and therefore your channel map "hit" wouldn't be heard by the settop box. Sounds like you've got some poor connections or too many splitters which would weaken the signal strength.

The current STBs support PIP; it just isn't enabled. That may be the case with the new boxes as well.
This

The Comcast tech I spoke to today indicated that they "program the CableCards for your head-end only after the service order is put in". First I've heard of that.
...and this, remind me of Adam Sandlers comic recording of "The Buffoon & The Valedictorian"

And now the buffoons date at the drive-in with the schools valedictorian...

If you haven't heard it, it's a real funny listen, but not kid friendly at all.

BTW bicker, why are you posting this stuff?

is anyone in lowell having lock ups ? both my boxes are and i never had issues before.

Driving me nutz here in Bedford, NH.

The lockups aren't on your cable box, either. Whenever I get freezes/dropouts/lockups, I fall back to the analog feed. I was seeing exactly the same freezes/dropouts/lockups on a TiVo that's directly tuning the analog channels as I was getting from the digital box.

It made that crab catching show (DSC) pretty unwatchable. Also problems on other channels in the analog spectrum.

Driving me nuts here too, trying to watch the Sox on NESN-SD, no box... argh.

BTW bicker, why are you posting this stuff?Why do you post anything at all?

called CS lastnight. this has been going on , on & off for a week. they did confirm they have been having issues with those channels. analog too.

it makes you miss analog tv.

mod

several posts deleted

please stop the bickering if you wish to continue posting on AVS

If channel 4 and channel 5 analog look like crap then the settop data carrier located between those channels is probably not able to effectively get to the settop and therefore your channel map "hit" wouldn't be heard by the settop box. Sounds like you've got some poor connections or too many splitters which would weaken the signal strength.
The technician came today and swapped my 3412 for a 3416. The 3412 needed to be rebooted a few times in the past few days just to turn on. The new box didn't fix the problem with signal strength. He was able to check the main line feeding the house, and both the high and low channels are too weak, especially the low ones. They have to send another tech out to fix the levels outside. At least I got a bigger hard drive out of today's visit!
Still don't get the three new HD channels but hopefully fixing the signal will do the trick.

I was trying to watch Da Vinci code last night on Starz. I was getting brief stuttering lock-ups and the image was breaking up into digital noise on both the SD and HD channels. Other channels were fine. Has anyone experienced this problem? I'm on Comcast in Cambridge with a Motorola DVR.

I was trying to watch Da Vinci code last night on Starz. I was getting brief stuttering lock-ups and the image was breaking up into digital noise on both the SD and HD channels. Other channels were fine. Has anyone experienced this problem? I'm on Comcast in Cambridge with a Motorola DVR.
That is probably a StarZ feed problem or issue along the line. I get brief stuttering on all/most of the HD channels whenever the DVR loses power and and has to rebuild the listing database. This usually takes about 24 hours to clear up.

larry

Last night on the Red Sox the picture kept stuttering, or stopping completely, and the sound would drop off. This happened on a few other channels as well on both HD and SD. I heard on WEEI this morning at 10am that Mike Holley was having the same problem with his service, as well as his co-host, forgot who it was, it wasn't Dale. I am in the Attleboro area.

Last night on the Red Sox the picture kept stuttering, or stopping completely, and the sound would drop off. This happened on a few other channels as well on both HD and SD.

Same here, the sox pregame show was unwatchable, at one point, the picture just froze as if I put it on pause (DVR). Most of all my other HD channels were also bad, with stuttering, audio dropouts, pixelating and freezing. I have cablecards, 1 in the TV and 1 in a DVR. I thought I might have to call comcast, but it seems like a global problem with several people reporting the same types of issues around the same time of day yesterday.

It happened again tonight for the first part of the Phillies/Mets game. This is getting to be very annoying. They must be having some serious issues with a major piece of equipment if it is affecting such a wide area and such a large number of channels.

Something is going on because I was experiencing this myself and not just my cable, my HSI service was down to TSI ( Turtle Speed Internet). Ah what ever happened to the good old days of Dial-up and clear analog TV :D

The technician came today and swapped my 3412 for a 3416. The 3412 needed to be rebooted a few times in the past few days just to turn on. The new box didn't fix the problem with signal strength. He was able to check the main line feeding the house, and both the high and low channels are too weak, especially the low ones. They have to send another tech out to fix the levels outside. At least I got a bigger hard drive out of today's visit!
Still don't get the three new HD channels but hopefully fixing the signal will do the trick.

Well, my new box is having issues as well. This morning I went to use it and it was totally unresponsive, even to the buttons on the unit itself. The time was frozen at around 11pm. The same thing happened with my old box. Does something go on around 11 at night? Neither box was set to record anything around that time. Maybe fixing the signal strength to the house will magically solve the problem. Anyone else have the box freezing around 11 like me?

I would say it's likely your signal strength that is the problem. If you check the strength and it does not rate good then it will cause all kinds of issues, at least it did for me, mine was due to the number of splits in the house which i redid and though I didn;t have your exact problem I had a lot of different ones and the signal strength fixed them all.

IF you have splits that are making the signal weak to the box, I would run a wire without splitting directly to the box and see if you get a "good" on the signal strength and if you do that you cab see if it fixes the problem.

If it's actually the signal from the pole then obviously you're stuck until they fix it.

Here's a question for those who're a lot closer to Comcast than I:

When I had my last service call (signal strength issues), the guy took one look at my Channel Vision 8-way amplified splitter and said something to the effect that I could have gotten a dist amp/decent splitter from Comcast.

Well, now I have another room where I want to split the signal at least four ways, so I'm looking at another amp/splitter for that room (since the signal really is barely adequate after a 2-way split). I sauntered down to the local Comcast walk-in, and repeated the tech's advice, and they said that they could provide me with splitters, but they didn't know anything about distribution amps.

So, was the tech just blowing smoke, or is there something magic I have to ask for? I'm assuming that the tech was giving me the dirt, but that my request was uncommon enough that the counter help didn't know what I wanted.

Here's a question for those who're a lot closer to Comcast than I:

When I had my last service call (signal strength issues), the guy took one look at my Channel Vision 8-way amplified splitter and said something to the effect that I could have gotten a dist amp/decent splitter from Comcast.

Well, now I have another room where I want to split the signal at least four ways, so I'm looking at another amp/splitter for that room (since the signal really is barely adequate after a 2-way split). I sauntered down to the local Comcast walk-in, and repeated the tech's advice, and they said that they could provide me with splitters, but they didn't know anything about distribution amps.

So, was the tech just blowing smoke, or is there something magic I have to ask for? I'm assuming that the tech was giving me the dirt, but that my request was uncommon enough that the counter help didn't know what I wanted.

Wow...how many TVs/DVRs etc do you have ?

-Ken

Umm...

A lot.

And yeah, it's just me living there.

My goal is to put together a Myth box that'll record prime time on the six broadcast networks. Once that's complete, I presume that I can greatly reduce the number of splits in the living room, which currently services four TiVos, a ReplayTV, a TV set, and a Comcast VCR. Although the Replay TV is, for all intents and purposes, retired.

Here's a question for those who're a lot closer to Comcast than I:

When I had my last service call (signal strength issues), the guy took one look at my Channel Vision 8-way amplified splitter and said something to the effect that I could have gotten a dist amp/decent splitter from Comcast.

Well, now I have another room where I want to split the signal at least four ways, so I'm looking at another amp/splitter for that room (since the signal really is barely adequate after a 2-way split). I sauntered down to the local Comcast walk-in, and repeated the tech's advice, and they said that they could provide me with splitters, but they didn't know anything about distribution amps.

So, was the tech just blowing smoke, or is there something magic I have to ask for? I'm assuming that the tech was giving me the dirt, but that my request was uncommon enough that the counter help didn't know what I wanted.


I think it was a Comcast (maybe their predecessor) tech who installed an Electroline EDA 2402 for the 7-8 tv's running here due to signal loss at no charge. I have had no problems since.

Not a TV issue, but is anyone having speed issues on their internet? I've been really slow (around 1.5Kbps) for over 2wks now. I called up Comcast once and they said there was nothing wrong on their end.

I would say it's likely your signal strength that is the problem. One really annoying things I've noticed is that problems that are typically signal strength related seem to occur more often later in the evening, rather than in the morning, during the day, or earlier in the evening. I'm not saying that signal strength varies, but rather that I experience loss of signal (on my OnAir-GT) during that specific time of day.

Not a TV issue, but is anyone having speed issues on their internet? I've been really slow (around 1.5Kbps) for over 2wks now. I called up Comcast once and they said there was nothing wrong on their end.

Dave did you read my post just above? I was pretty much acknowledging the same thing.

Dave did you read my post just above? I was pretty much acknowledging the same thing.Sorry, I missed it.

I guess I'm going to get them to come out on a service call and let them do a speed test on their laptops to prove that the problem isn't my machine. 1.5Kbps for $50/mo is just plain unacceptable. I don't care if it's a wide problem or not, let them fix it or give me free service until they do.

One really annoying things I've noticed is that problems that are typically signal strength related seem to occur more often later in the evening, rather than in the morning, during the day, or earlier in the evening. I'm not saying that signal strength varies, but rather that I experience loss of signal (on my OnAir-GT) during that specific time of day.
One condition which contributes to lower signal at night and usually occurs during the transition from cold weather to hot and vice versa is the AGC circuits in line devices. If it's warm during the day, the line gear and coax feeder lines are warmer/hotter. The AGC circuit in a node, line extender, etc. will pad down the signal strength which is normal. Resistance decreases as temperature increases. If the circuit does not swing far enough to allow less padding when the temperature drops then your signal strength decreases. This is one basis for 24 hour FCC proof of performance testing for cable systems during the summer and winter, anticipating temperature changes which affect system performance. It is strange that such a large area is being affected so this may be less than likely the case but it is possible.

One additional factor is broadcast transmit power and any point of ingress which can allow a single or multiple broadcasters' transmit power to affect cable system performance. This would be more of an interference condition than a signal power decrease and would generally affect some of the basic tier channels. When broadcasters are to allowed increase their transmit power (at night) there is more off-air power in the air. If you have any point on the cable system which can allow this tx power to enter then it will. This generally affects only the transmit channel area of the cable system which the broadcast power was increased at and not necessarily the entire spectrum.

Another factor is program recoding. Recoding/rateshaping equipment which shaves video bits from a program can only shave so much at one time for a single program. If rate shaping equipment needs to shave bits from multiple programs simultaneously because many program providers have coincedentally increased their program bitrate then the rate shaping equipment may not be able to compensate enough for the increase in bitrate and therefore you'll get transport stream overflows which result in tiling and freezing.

Here's a question for those who're a lot closer to Comcast than I:

When I had my last service call (signal strength issues), the guy took one look at my Channel Vision 8-way amplified splitter and said something to the effect that I could have gotten a dist amp/decent splitter from Comcast.

Well, now I have another room where I want to split the signal at least four ways, so I'm looking at another amp/splitter for that room (since the signal really is barely adequate after a 2-way split). I sauntered down to the local Comcast walk-in, and repeated the tech's advice, and they said that they could provide me with splitters, but they didn't know anything about distribution amps.

So, was the tech just blowing smoke, or is there something magic I have to ask for? I'm assuming that the tech was giving me the dirt, but that my request was uncommon enough that the counter help didn't know what I wanted.
An Electrline drop amp from the cable company usually costs $45. Look at the cable rate sheet to see if the device is still listed with its associated cost. If it is still there then I'd call to ask where you could pick one up. You could also subscribe to the service protection plan ~$2/mth and have a tech visit and tell him you want the amp. You could get away with the install and cost of the device as covered by service protection plan. Nonetheless if you have service protection plan your tech visit will not cost $35-$45 because that is what the plan is intended to cover. Cancel the plan when you're satisfied. EDA's are generally truck inventory but I'd mention to the csr that the you'd like the tech to bring one during the service call, just in case. Have cookies and milk on the table or even canolli's and eclairs with coffee and you should be all set.

Not a TV issue, but is anyone having speed issues on their internet? I've been really slow (around 1.5Kbps) for over 2wks now. I called up Comcast once and they said there was nothing wrong on their end.
Post #795 would pertain to this issue as well, the temperature piece of it.

One condition which contributes to lower signal at night and usually occurs during the transition from cold weather to hot and vice versa is the AGC circuits in line devices. If it's warm during the day, the line gear and coax feeder lines are warmer/hotter. The AGC circuit in a node, line extender, etc. will pad down the signal strength which is normal. Resistance decreases as temperature increases. If the circuit does not swing far enough to allow less padding when the temperature drops then your signal strength decreases. This is one basis for 24 hour FCC proof of performance testing for cable systems during the summer and winter, anticipating temperature changes which affect system performance. It is strange that such a large area is being affected so this may be less than likely the case but it is possible.

One additional factor is broadcast transmit power and any point of ingress which can allow a single or multiple broadcasters' transmit power to affect cable system performance. This would be more of an interference condition than a signal power decrease and would generally affect some of the basic tier channels. When broadcasters are to allowed increase their transmit power (at night) there is more off-air power in the air. If you have any point on the cable system which can allow this tx power to enter then it will. This generally affects only the transmit channel area of the cable system which the broadcast power was increased at and not necessarily the entire spectrum.

Another factor is program recoding. Recoding/rateshaping equipment which shaves video bits from a program can only shave so much at one time for a single program. If rate shaping equipment needs to shave bits from multiple programs simultaneously because many program providers have coincedentally increased their program bitrate then the rate shaping equipment may not be able to compensate enough for the increase in bitrate and therefore you'll get transport stream overflows which result in tiling and freezing.
Thanks for the insight. Glad to know that there is some foundation for that time of day being the most fraught with peril. Of course, the best shows always seem to broadcast at that time of day! :(

I had an install yesterday(cable, phone, internet) . I had a few questions. From what Comcast told me the modem handles the functionality of the phone and internet service. While my digital(non-hd) converter looks like a radar detector, not like any STB I've seen. ??
Is this there most frequently used set up for cable service? And if I want to get and HD STB I need bring the radar detector type thing to exchange?

I had an install yesterday(cable, phone, internet) . I had a few questions. From what Comcast told me the modem handles the functionality of the phone and internet service. While my digital(non-hd) converter looks like a radar detector, not like any STB I've seen. ??
Is this there most frequently used set up for cable service? And if I want to get and HD STB I need bring the radar detector type thing to exchange?

Digital voice is an IP based service. If you have internet with them as well you have to use the same modem.

That little box is a DCT 700. I cam close to getting one myself but ended up with a second HD DVR.

Getting the HD box is as simple as exchanging at your local office. You will get component cables or an HDMI cable if you request it.

I had an install yesterday(cable, phone, internet) . I had a few questions. From what Comcast told me the modem handles the functionality of the phone and internet service. While my digital(non-hd) converter looks like a radar detector, not like any STB I've seen. ??
Is this there most frequently used set up for cable service? And if I want to get and HD STB I need bring the radar detector type thing to exchange?
The radar detector is a DCT700 model. It is geared toward being compact while holding the functionality of a normal settop box. If you still want a standard def box that looks like a cable box you should be able to exchange for a DCT2000 which costs the same, $3.99 per month. Exchange for HD settop would run you $8.99 per month. HD DVR would cost $13.99 per month. Additional HD DVR would cost $13.99 for the first and $17.45 for the second for a grand total of $31.44 per month, which is a little expensive. Verizon is a buck less per month for HD DVR at $12.99 each, but a buck more per month for the SD settop at $4.99 each.

The radar detector is a DCT700 model. It is geared toward being compact while holding the functionality of a normal settop box. If you still want a standard def box that looks like a cable box you should be able to exchange for a DCT2000 which costs the same, $3.99 per month. Exchange for HD settop would run you $8.99 per month. HD DVR would cost $13.99 per month. Additional HD DVR would cost $13.99 for the first and $17.45 for the second for a grand total of $31.44 per month, which is a little expensive. Verizon is a buck less per month for HD DVR at $12.99 each, but a buck more per month for the SD settop at $4.99 each.

When I ordered service I was quoted some prices for the HD STB and DVR. They told me $5 dollars for the HD box and another $5 for DVR. Not sure if the rates are different for new customers( which I am). Also I have the Digital Preffered package digital cable (thru channels 240 or so) including HBO and Starz with internet and phone for $130/ month. Seems like a pretty reasonable rate. :)

cable card: FREE
2nd or more cable card on same device 1.50
Regular box: 3.99
HD Box (NO DVR): 8.99
SD DVR: 9.94
HD DVR: 13.94

Some packages may include a box.
Prices include remote

Digital addiitional outlet service charge $3.51 per outlet

cable card: FREE
2nd or more cable card on same device 1.50
Regular box: 3.99
HD Box (NO DVR): 8.99
SD DVR: 9.94
HD DVR: 13.94

Some packages may include a box.
Prices include remote

Digital addiitional outlet service charge $3.51 per outlet
did a "live chat" to get the info I furnished. Was really funny when the csr told me that the digital add outlet was a cost associated with getting the "extra signal to the second box." Looks like he mis-quoted the HD DVR rental as well because that cost plus the dao totals the rental price for the second outlet settop ($17.45). It's all just nickel and dime'ing I guess.

If I switch from D* to Comcast.........

What does D* remove if anything??
I own all 3 boxes so those are mine to keep correct??
Do they remove the dish and keep??
Do the internal wires in the house stay??

Will comcast use the existing D* coax??


Thank You

Has anyone been able to pickup a cablecard at a local office recently or are they still requiring a truckroll ?

They required a truck-roll this week, here in Burlington.

If I switch from D* to Comcast.........

What does D* remove if anything??
I own all 3 boxes so those are mine to keep correct??
Do they remove the dish and keep??
Do the internal wires in the house stay??

Will comcast use the existing D* coax??


Thank You

Good afternoon...Was in a similar boat a few months ago. Directv doesn't come back and remove anything..the dish stays where it is and all of the wires are where they left them. Comcast may or may not use them since they are already run to your tvs. Comcast..or you will just remove the boxes so they can hook in theirs.

Tom

did a "live chat" to get the info I furnished. Was really funny when the csr told me that the digital add outlet was a cost associated with getting the "extra signal to the second box." Looks like he mis-quoted the HD DVR rental as well because that cost plus the dao totals the rental price for the second outlet settop ($17.45). It's all just nickel and dime'ing I guess.

13.94+3.51=17.45

I want to buy a 32" SONY HDTV for my cottage in South Yarmouth. The condo association only subscribes to extended basic. No digital. Anybody know if my digital set will get the ABC, CBS, NBC, etc. HD feeds through that cable? And if so how do I tune them in?

I want to buy a 32" SONY HDTV for my cottage in South Yarmouth. The condo association only subscribes to extended basic. No digital. Anybody know if my digital set will get the ABC, CBS, NBC, etc. HD feeds through that cable? And if so how do I tune them in?

QAM tuners can get the digital feeds of everything in limited basic,including the HD channels.

Up in Lawrence 802 is 2-2,804 is 4-1,805 is 5-1,807 is 7-1,297 is 7-2,825 is 25-1,838 is 38-1,209 is 44-2,237 is 44-3,217 is 44-4,856 is 56-1,and for some weirs reason 809 is 75-89.

Could someone please tell me how many HD channels you get on Comcast cable if you don't subscribe to any premium services?

Thanks.

Could someone please tell me how many HD channels you get on Comcast cable if you don't subscribe to any premium services?

Thanks.

http://www.comcast.com/customers/clu/ChannelLineup.ashx

The print at the bottom explains what level of subscription is needed for certain HD channels.

I want to buy a 32" SONY HDTV for my cottage in South Yarmouth. The condo association only subscribes to extended basic. No digital. Anybody know if my digital set will get the ABC, CBS, NBC, etc. HD feeds through that cable? And if so how do I tune them in?
This depends on whether your condo receives a unique lineup, which is less than likely. If it were a college then maybe, but a condo, probably not. If your condo can get channels 24-70 cable direct then you're getting the channels which would typically be trapped (removed) in a basic broadcast service level and therefore you're probably getting the entire lineup which would include the local hi defs which are generally located above channel 70. There used to be a test carrier on the highest channel transmitted, channel 116 or 117. Tuning a cable ready tv to this channel would result in just a black screen. If this is a channel that you can tune to and you get a clear black screen then there are no traps or filters removing channels in the high end of the cable system and you should get the local hi defs.

Is anyone else still having problems with their digital channels in the southern MA area (Attleboro)? Several of the non-HD digital channels, including the HBO's, are coming in pixalated with audio drops or no audio at all.

I called Comcast and they said they had issues last week due to a fire (?) but should be cleared up by now.... I wanted to see if anyone else was still having the same issue.

Vijay

This depends on whether your condo receives a unique lineup, which is less than likely. If it were a college then maybe, but a condo, probably not. If your condo can get channels 24-70 cable direct then you're getting the channels which would typically be trapped (removed) in a basic broadcast service level and therefore you're probably getting the entire lineup which would include the local hi defs which are generally located above channel 70. There used to be a test carrier on the highest channel transmitted, channel 116 or 117. Tuning a cable ready tv to this channel would result in just a black screen. If this is a channel that you can tune to and you get a clear black screen then there are no traps or filters removing channels in the high end of the cable system and you should get the local hi defs.

There dosen't seem to be a test carrier on that channel anymore. The filter that traps channels 24-69 only seems to block out analog channels. At one time i was getting Digital Platinum withOUT extended basic.

Comcast Boston HD Channel Lineup
=====================================================
Based on lineup in Lawrence Ma 06-12-07
=====================================================
Channel Network Tier required
/////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////
802 PBS HD channel Basic (2-2)
804 WBZ (CBS) Basic (4-1)
805 WCVB (ABC) Basic (5-1)
807 WHDH (NBC) Basic (7-1)
809 WMUR (ABC) Basic (75-89)
821 National Geo Starter (Despite National Geo SD on Classic)
825 WFXT (Fox) Basic (25-1)
828 MHD Starter AND Classic
832 HGTV HD Starter
833 TNT Classic
837 AnE Starter
838 WSBK Basic (38-1)
839 Discovery HD Theater Classic
846 Universal HD Classic
848 Verses / Golf HD Starter
849 ESPN Classic
850 ESPN 2 Starter
851 NESN Starter
854 Food HD Starter
856 WLVI (CW) Basic (56-1)
868 Cinemax Cinemax
870 HBO HBO
875 Starz Starz
877 Showtime Showtime
881 Mojo / FSN-HD Classic

I have a newer Samsung 42" TV and I can't seem to get the aspect on my television to stretch for non-HD channels. I talked to a guy who said there was a way to have the aspect automatically change on non-HD channels thru my cable box. Does anyone know how to do this?

My TV has a QAM turner, will I need an HD STB to recieve encrypted channels? :confused:

I have the Digital Preferred package so all HDTV channels should be available.

I have a newer Samsung 42" TV and I can't seem to get the aspect on my television to stretch for non-HD channels. I talked to a guy who said there was a way to have the aspect automatically change on non-HD channels thru my cable box. Does anyone know how to do this?

Hit Power and then Menu within 1 second. You will get a setup menu that lets you control screen format, HD output format and 4:3 override. The last one is what you want to tweak. Depending on which box you have you will see options like 480p, 480i, Stretch etc. Use the arrow keys to get to the 4:3 row and right arrow to toggle settings. Hit Power when done and wait for the display to come back up. Hit Power again to bring up the box and check your results. I use 480p since my TV will switch from 1080i HD to 480p upconverted SD automatically. I prefer wide heads to black bars.


chitchatjf - thanks for the list. :)

My TV has a QAM turner, will I need an HD STB to recieve encrypted channels? :confused:

I have the Digital Preferred package so all HDTV channels should be available.
Unless your tv has a cablecard installed and activated you will require a cable box to receive encrypted channels. The only channels which you should expect to see unencrypted are generally local broadcast channels.

NFL Network moving to the sports package for an extra $7.95/month on Comcast. This is getting real old, real fast the extra fees and increases.

I spend enough money already every month. I am going to look into Verizon or switching back to Directv.

The only thing worth having on NFL Network is Thursday night football. And any Patriots games would be simulcasted on channel 5 most likely. So they can keep it.

Sigh. So I finally had a tech come over and all he did was test the strength of the line with his little doo-dad/DOCIS modem thingy and concluded it's my modem because my modem was decertified (even though it's still (Toshiba PCX1100) on the recommended list) and I need to buy a new one. Needless to say I will kill someone if I buy a new modem and the problem still exists.

So, what's the best modem to pick up? I've been looking at the Surfboard SB5101 for ~$50 on eBay.

NFL Network moving to the sports package for an extra $7.95/month on Comcast. This is getting real old, real fast the extra fees and increases.

I spend enough money already every month. I am going to look into Verizon or switching back to Directv.

me too f&^$ this

got my notice July 13 it goes, I'll be gone by then or will be stealing it

my bill was $82 a year ago and will be $100 if I want to keep NFL network

20% increase

Sigh. So I finally had a tech come over and all he did was test the strength of the line with his little doo-dad/DOCIS modem thingy and concluded it's my modem because my modem was decertified (even though it's still (Toshiba PCX1100) on the recommended list) and I need to buy a new one. Needless to say I will kill someone if I buy a new modem and the problem still exists.

So, what's the best modem to pick up? I've been looking at the Surfboard SB5101 for ~$50 on eBay.


If you don't believe its your modem, why don't you get a modem from a Comcast service center. If there is a change then the tech was right & at that point you can be assured your not wasting your $. If it doesn't change a thing then they will come back & can't blame any of your equipment.

If you don't believe its your modem, why don't you get a modem from a Comcast service center. If there is a change then the tech was right & at that point you can be assured your not wasting your $. If it doesn't change a thing then they will come back & can't blame any of your equipment.Good idea, but I wish they would have brought something more substantial so I would have known for sure.

Considering my modem is like 8-9yrs old I suppose I got my money's worth and it's time for me to upgrade anyways. I found someone selling a new Surfboard SB5101 (Motorola's newest) on eBay for $45 shipped. Good enough. If I'm still having problems afterwards I'll call up and bitch.

me too f&^$ this

got my notice July 13 it goes, I'll be gone by then or will be stealing it

my bill was $82 a year ago and will be $100 if I want to keep NFL network

20% increase

I actually spoke to DirecTV yesterday...they are offering a father's day package that includes NFL Sunday Ticket all winter long with most the games in HD. I don't believe they are advertising it, so you may have to ask. I'd switch but I live in a condo complex that outlaws dishes :( Apparently they do have all the locals and NESNHD/FSNHD.

They are also still promising the 150 HD channels by the end of the year. Many of which I'm sure will be pure crap!

The one thing I don't know is how the quality compares to Comcast. I had heard they were compressing at one point, anyone know if this is still going on?

All I want is HDNet. $3 HDNet/Movies package where are you?

if I were NFL network I would play hardball. Move to digital starter during the season or lose consent to retransmit NFL games!
(or at least the HD games)

I actually spoke to DirecTV yesterday......I'd switch but I live in a condo complex that outlaws dishes......FYI, your condo complex cannot outright prohibit small TV reception dishes like DirecTV, per the FCC. I live in a complex that had to give up on this issue, nobody wanted to allow dishes but the lawyers basically told them they would not win.

Basically, as long as it is not a safety hazard, and you have an area exclusive to you that it can be mounted on (i.e. a porch or balcony), a dish cannot be prohibited. Follow this link for all the details: http://www.fcc.gov/mb/facts/otard.html

Good luck!
-Mike

Note the following in the provided link. (These are the restrictions that prevent DBS in our condo community.)The rule does not apply to common areas, such as the roof, the hallways, the walkways or the exterior walls of a condominium or apartment building. Restrictions on antennas installed in these common areas are not covered by the Commission's rule. For example, the rule would not apply to restrictions that prevent drilling through the exterior wall of a condominium or rental unit and thus restrictions may prohibit installation that requires such drilling.While half of us have limited-common space "facing in the correct direction", we still would need to run coax into the building somehow, and drilling is prohibited. The other half are worse off -- their limited-common space faces the exact wrong direction.

Note the following in the provided link. (These are the restrictions that prevent DBS in our condo community.)While half of us have limited-common space "facing in the correct direction", we still would need to run coax into the building somehow, and drilling is prohibited. The other half are worse off -- their limited-common space faces the exact wrong direction.
flat cables solve that problem. and they don't suffer from significant signal loss as has been commented.

I'm not sure how leaky your house is, but I don't see how flat cable will solve anything here. When someone closes the front door, my ears pop! :)

I actually spoke to DirecTV yesterday...they are offering a father's day package that includes NFL Sunday Ticket all winter long with most the games in HD. I don't believe they are advertising it, so you may have to ask. I'd switch but I live in a condo complex that outlaws dishes :( Apparently they do have all the locals and NESNHD/FSNHD.

They are also still promising the 150 HD channels by the end of the year. Many of which I'm sure will be pure crap!

The one thing I don't know is how the quality compares to Comcast. I had heard they were compressing at one point, anyone know if this is still going on?

if you're serious about moving to DTV, call up comcast retention (usually get them when you request a cancellation/ change in your package). tell them you're leaving because of NFL Network moving to the sports tier (and therefore costing you more), and see if they'll give it to you + maybe other stuff for free for a year. They'll usually give you something to keep you.

If they don't, well you were going to leave anyways....

if you're serious about moving to DTV, call up comcast retention (usually get them when you request a cancellation/ change in your package). tell them you're leaving because of NFL Network moving to the sports tier (and therefore costing you more), and see if they'll give it to you + maybe other stuff for free for a year. They'll usually give you something to keep you.

If they don't, well you were going to leave anyways....

NFL Network is not even close to having 75% of the NFL games in HD :)

I have Dig Prem with SnE so come July 13th I will still see some football on 265.

I am still not too keen about this move.

I still see the 2011 super bowl on NFL Network!

Wonder if Comcast will try to keep up with Direct TV and FIOS with the new HD channels that will go online in Q3 2007-Q12008. If they are, we should see a couple of more analogs going to digital only later this year.

I would have 44 channels go all digital with another 26 on deck for the end of next year.

Question: I've been using a 3416 box for quite a while, but just got a couple of the little DCT-700 boxes installed on some secondary TVs in the house last week.

Up here in NH, we get WCSH from Portland ME (NBC) on channel 6. Well, this is the case for the 3416 anyway. For some reason the DCT-700 boxes don't have WCSH on channel 6. Instead, in the channel guide it's something called "Educational channel".

Anyone know why there would be this discrepancy between the 3416 and the DCT-700's? I thought they were both digital only boxes?

Question: I've been using a 3416 box for quite a while, but just got a couple of the little DCT-700 boxes installed on some secondary TVs in the house last week.

Up here in NH, we get WCSH from Portland ME (NBC) on channel 6. Well, this is the case for the 3416 anyway. For some reason the DCT-700 boxes don't have WCSH on channel 6. Instead, in the channel guide it's something called "Educational channel".

Anyone know why there would be this discrepancy between the 3416 and the DCT-700's? I thought they were both digital only boxes?
Sounds like the DCT700 hasn't gotten the correct channel map yet. Were the DCT700 installs performed by a contractor or a Comcast tech? If contractor, he probably hasn't turned in his paperwork yet and therefore the box hasn't gotten a hit and been told what channel map to have. If this is the case you'll probably still have premium channels like 301, 302 etc.

When I installed my own 3416 I didn't get a few channels off the SnE pack. I DID get a few channels like TCM and Fxm but not CSTV the FCS channels or Tennis. I had the Spanish tier instead.

I went to sleep and the next morning IO had the ocrrect FULL SnE and the spanish tier channels were gone (except for Gol TV which is part of SnE as well)

FOOD HD (854) in Boston has not come in for a couple days here. I have CC, not set top box. Anyone else experiencing this? All other channels seem fine. Called Comcast and they didn't know of any problems but suggested in might be a Food Network issue.

FOOD HD (854) in Boston has not come in for a couple days here. I have CC, not set top box. Anyone else experiencing this? All other channels seem fine. Called Comcast and they didn't know of any problems but suggested in might be a Food Network issue.

I'm getting it just fine with my 3416, so it is not the network. Try calling Comcast back and have them send a hit to your card because the problem is definitely on their end.

FYI: I got my new modem today, a Motorola SB5101 and it was happily chugging along at 6.1Mbps after I registered it with Comcast, so I decided to go all out and bump it up to the 8Mbps Gamers Choice package ($10 more). To my pleasant suprise the CSR told me that in my town since FIOS was also available the speed is now 16Mbps!!!. Well, of course I'm in the package, not seeing those speeds, spoke to techs, yadda, yadda, and I'm still averaging around 8mbs but it's not consistent. I'm too tired to argue with them anymore.

They definitely need to work the bugs out. I'm all over the place.

Update: Late this evening I'm getting sustained downloads of 15.6-16Mbps. Not bad.;)

I'm getting it just fine with my 3416, so it is not the network. Try calling Comcast back and have them send a hit to your card because the problem is definitely on their end.

Thanks for the feedback - I'll try that today.

A belated Thank You for members posting answers to my question regarding reception of HD channels on my condo's old time extended basic feed. Posts 811 and following. I've been at the condo and away from easy internet access until now. Due to wall mounting issues of the wife controlled decorating type, I've deferred the new TV until May 2008.

Anyone else notice Polanski's horror classic, Repulsion, available free OnDemand in HD? I watched it tonight, the transfer seems decent, detail is a little bit lacking but judging from the grain I think it was probably pretty faithful to the master. Certainly far better than SD DVD. The only complaint I have are the obtrusive FEARNET bug and pop-ups, complete with sound and sometimes occupying about a fifth of the image. The pop-up starting with the chainsaw was especially jarring since it seemed to me a part of the film, and it actually would have fit in well enough. OAR is 1.66 according to IMDB and this transfer was fullscreen, so I'm not sure how much cropping or zooming was going on, once overscan on my display is taken into account.

Catherine Deneuve looked sublime but her character was just a little too psychotic for my tastes :) If anyone has played Silent Hill 4, I suspect that game drew a good deal of inspiration from this film.

A friend of mine is moving to Lowell and is getting one of those new PACE DVR boxes that integrates the cable modem as well. The dvr service with the pace box is on a 12 month promotion for only $1.

-Ken

Anyone else notice Polanski's horror classic, Repulsion, available free OnDemand in HD? I watched it tonight, the transfer seems decent, detail is a little bit lacking but judging from the grain I think it was probably pretty faithful to the master. Certainly far better than SD DVD. The only complaint I have are the obtrusive FEARNET bug and pop-ups, complete with sound and sometimes occupying about a fifth of the image. The pop-up starting with the chainsaw was especially jarring since it seemed to me a part of the film, and it actually would have fit in well enough. OAR is 1.66 according to IMDB and this transfer was fullscreen, so I'm not sure how much cropping or zooming was going on, once overscan on my display is taken into account.

Catherine Deneuve looked sublime but her character was just a little too psychotic for my tastes :) If anyone has played Silent Hill 4, I suspect that game drew a good deal of inspiration from this film.Yeah, I noticed it. I really don't understand their distribution. If you do a search on the OnDemand page you can find what's supposed to show up for free in HD and when, and Gandhi was, but didn't. Instead we got such gems as The Babe and Dick Tracy. Yuck.

WFXT-DT 825 no longer on Comcast in Bristol County.

WFXT-DT 825 no longer on Comcast in Bristol County.

Well they said, in May, they were getting rid of it on 21st so we have had it for an extra few days.

See post #639

Bristol County is in the Providence/New Bedford DMA, not the Boston DMA.

Since last night I have not been receiving audio (video is fine) on AZN-TV (channel 54) in Cambridge. Is anyone else having this issue?

-Argus

TBS will be in HD starting Sept.1. They will have MLBs Divisonal Round of the baseball playoffs and the NLCS. Fox will have ALCS and World Series. Sox should be in the first round of playoffs. COMCAST please note and add TBS -HD by OCt1.....

I recently signed up for Comcast Digital Preferred, awaiting install next week. When I asked for an HDTV cable box, the CSR said that it would cost $5 more than the SD-box. However, she said that the box includes DVR service as well. Is this correct? I thought that DVR service would be a different (more expensive) box and include a $9.95 fee? Does anyone know what box I am likely to get in Cambridge?

Thanks,

-Argus

I recently signed up for Comcast Digital Preferred, awaiting install next week. When I asked for an HDTV cable box, the CSR said that it would cost $5 more than the SD-box. However, she said that the box includes DVR service as well. Is this correct? I thought that DVR service would be a different (more expensive) box and include a $9.95 fee? Does anyone know what box I am likely to get in Cambridge?

Thanks,

-Argus

Box costs (rounded up to next dollar {includes remote})

SD: $4
HD: $9
SD with DVR :$10
HD with DVR: $14

Liooks like you'll probobly get the $14 box.

My bill says I am paying $10 for a HD DVR box.

Anyone else having trouble with sound on 802 PBS?

I noticed this first on Friday. When I turn the channel to 802, I get terrible static over the sound through my AVR connected via Optical output. All other channels are fine but 802 channel is completely unwatchable.

Yes, as is 2-2, the OTA broadcast (at least that was the case last night), so the problem is at WGBH, not Comcast.

WoW! Over 5 Days without a post, that has to be a record. Everyone must be on vacation this week because that sure is a long time so I thought I would break the string with this meaningless post. :D

WoW! Over 5 Days without a post, that has to be a record. Everyone must be on vacation this week because that sure is a long time so I thought I would break the string with this meaningless post. :D
Since most of the posts here are complaints, I guess this indicates that everyone is perfectly happy with Comcast and their HD offerings. IMHO, the HD channels are fine and my Moto box is freezing less than before. So my remaining complaint is the high cost. If I lost my job, I would quickly become an OTA-only guy.

Mickey

Well. I didn't post here because I just signed up Verizon FIOS triple play and am patiently counting down the days till install. :)

Since most of the posts here are complaints, I guess this indicates that everyone is perfectly happy with Comcast and their HD offerings. IMHO, the HD channels are fine and my Moto box is freezing less than before. So my remaining complaint is the high cost. If I lost my job, I would quickly become an OTA-only guy.

MickeyI think you'll see the real complaints start to roll in when Verizon bumps ups their FIOS speed to 60Mbps for $42.95 and Comcast stays at 16Mbps for $52.

Since most of the posts here are complaints, I guess this indicates that everyone is perfectly happy with Comcast and their HD offerings. IMHO, the HD channels are fine and my Moto box is freezing less than before. So my remaining complaint is the high cost. If I lost my job, I would quickly become an OTA-only guy.

Actually no, the Moto boxes still totally suck in terms of reliability. Hard drive size on the DVRs is laughable and the TiVo rollout is woefully absent.

Actually no, the Moto boxes still totally suck in terms of reliability. Hard drive size on the DVRs is laughable and the TiVo rollout is woefully absent.

I completely understand your point, and I am not minimizing the Comcast deficiencies....HOWEVER...The Boston market is the FIRST scheduled to get the TIVO rollout next month. The Motorola boxes do kinda suck at 160 GB, but it's been growing and we are one of the first scheduled for the 250 GB Panasonics, and at least for me, the Moto hiccups have been very few and far between lately. If Comcast follows through on some of ther HD promises, I am having much fewer things to bitch about (where is HDNET!).

I am getting HD next weekend and Comcast will not tell me which box I will be getting (they don't know until the tech gets here). Anyone know which one I will probably get in Tyngsboro?

I am getting HD next weekend and Comcast will not tell me which box I will be getting (they don't know until the tech gets here). Anyone know which one I will probably get in Tyngsboro?
First, it depends on whether you are in a SA or Moto area. If Moto, they are transitioning between the DTC series and the DCH series. If the new DCH boxes are in, you will probably get a DCH-3416. YMMV.

Mickey

First, it depends on whether you are in a SA or Moto area. If Moto, they are transitioning between the DTC series and the DCH series. If the new DCH boxes are in, you will probably get a DCH-3416. YMMV.

Mickey

Mickey,
Thanks, I'm in a Motorola area. I'll go check out Motorola's site so I can figure out which cable I need since my tv has only an HDMI connection and not DVI.

The 3416 has DVR but I have TIVO (non HD) so I'm getting just the standard HD box.

Steve

Please call Comcast and ask them to send a HDMI cable. By default the tech brings a component cable but if you call ahead he can bring an HDMI cable too.

Oh, so they provide the cable? Never expected that.

They don't always, FWIR, but they did provide me one.

Oh, so they provide the cable? Never expected that.

You can always stop by the local office and ask for a HDMI cable and if they have them in stock, they will give it to you free of charge as long as you have one of the compatable DVR's.

You can always stop by the local office and ask for a HDMI cable and if they have them in stock, they will give it to you free of charge as long as you have one of the compatable DVR's.

Thanks but it's not going to be a DVR box.

Thanks but it's not going to be a DVR box.

Sorry, I should have said any STB that uses HDMI.

Sorry, I should have said any STB that uses HDMI.
I don't belive the non-DVR boxes have HDMI, they only have DVI that is inoperable, so, you'll probably end up using component cables.

I don't belive the non-DVR boxes have HDMI, they only have DVI that is inoperable, so, you'll probably end up using component cables.

I guess I'll just have to wait until Saturday. Is there a noticable difference in IQ between HDM/DVI and component? Even so I'm not going to upgrade to a DVR because of it.

I guess I'll just have to wait until Saturday. Is there a noticable difference in IQ between HDM/DVI and component? Even so I'm not going to upgrade to a DVR because of it.
I was using DVI but there was a firmware upgrade that disabled it several months ago. There's not a noticeable difference, but it would be nice to be able to use the DVI input on my TV.

Any word on the Tivo software rollout. I thought it was supposed to be in Boston this July?

I am curious about the Tivo rollout too. Maybe I will give them a call tomorrow.

Re: HDMI vs Component, I couldn't notice any difference but I am sticking with HDMI just in case.

I don't belive the non-DVR boxes have HDMI, they only have DVI that is inoperable, so, you'll probably end up using component cables.

The only point I was trying to make was if you have one of their components and it uses HDMI, they will give you an HDMI cable for free if you stop by the local office and ask for it. I thought that was what he was asking.

anyone know when the set top (3rd party) boxes hit the shelves?

Tivo I believe is August.

My concern is what will Comcast do to stay competitive with D* when they start adding HD channels right and left and will we have TBS-HD for the first round of the playoffs?

All local and some HD channels showing 'Channel Should be available shortly"
Anyone know why?

Any word on the Tivo software rollout. I thought it was supposed to be in Boston this July?

Last I heard the Tivo boxes were being "beta-tested" by Comcast employees and the Tivo software had been accepted by Comcast.

The new FCC compliant HD_DVR's were supposed to have been released "early" July

Last I heard the Tivo boxes were being "beta-tested" by Comcast employees and the Tivo software had been accepted by Comcast.

The new FCC compliant HD_DVR's were supposed to have been released "early" July

are these real tivo boxes or just the motorola's with the TiVo software? I thought when this was initially announced Comcast just bought the rights to use the (crippled) software.

They are Motorola boxes, Comcast software and a special TIVO remote.

Tivo wrote new software based on the OCAP platform. More features should come in updates in the future to make it closer to the native Tivo software.

Yup, the latest word for the TiVo software roll-out was Boston and points south of Boston in either the last week of July (at the earliest) or sometime in August.

anyone heard of the new FCC compliant HD-DVR's hittng the street yet? I've been "wait-listed" since early June for one but was hosed by the timing of the FCC announcement.

anyone heard of the new FCC compliant HD-DVR's hittng the street yet? I've been "wait-listed" since early June for one but was hosed by the timing of the FCC announcement.


You should be all set. Give Comcast a call to get one.


On a side note. The TiVo software looks to be launched mid to late August. Where in New England, I'm not telling :D

You should be all set. Give Comcast a call to get one.


On a side note. The TiVo software looks to be launched mid to late August. Where in New England, I'm not telling :D

I know Lowell and Lawrence are first. :D

Tivo I believe is August.

My concern is what will Comcast do to stay competitive with D* when they start adding HD channels right and left and will we have TBS-HD for the first round of the playoffs?

You can be sure we will have TBS-HD in time for the playoffs. It will probably be another last minute announcement like ESPN2-HD was for the World Cup last year.

You can be sure we will have TBS-HD in time for the playoffs. It will probably be another last minute announcement like ESPN2-HD was for the World Cup last year.


Playoffs?

Will the software roll out require swapping boxes or will they update it over the cable line like a normal update?

I hope it doesn't affect the current 5C settings either...

will the software on the standard boxes change as well?

Yes, playoffs. TBS has the Division Series and the NLCS this year as part of their new deal (http://www.tbs.com/stories/story/0,,105320,00.html) with MLB.

oh, baseball...

as long as it gets us another HD channel!

I know Lowell and Lawrence are first. :D

Is Chelmsford part of Lowell for this? I go to Lowell to swap out boxes, etc.

Is Chelmsford part of Lowell for this? I go to Lowell to swap out boxes, etc.


Unfortunately, Lowell is not part of the initial launch. :(

Unfortunately, Lowell is not part of the initial launch. :(Is Natick? How are you guys finding this out?

Is Natick? How are you guys finding this out?

I've said too much, you'll find out eventually.

I have my sources

So, will I have to switch my 3416 box to get the TIVO software, or will it just be a firmware update?

Is Chelmsford part of Lowell for this? I go to Lowell to swap out boxes, etc.

Chelmsford should be the center of the universe for everything :eek: . Still waiting for FioS here.

-Ken

Chelmsford should be the center of the universe for everything :eek: . Still waiting for FioS here.

-Ken

I am waiting for Verizon DSL. Comcast internet prices are highway robbery in comparison!

Is Chelmsford part of Lowell for this? I go to Lowell to swap out boxes, etc.

I prefer the one in Westford.

Chelmsford should be the center of the universe for everything :eek: . Still waiting for FioS here.

-KenKen, they have FioS here, but I can't get it because of the apt complex I live in needs to be wired up for it. At least they bumped up the $52 net speed to 16Mb/2Mb. That said, FioS is rumored to be planning a jump to 60Mb soon for $42/mo and unless Comcast goes DOCSIS 3.0 there's no way they can compete with that.

The DOCSIS 3.0 specs are just being sorted out now, so it will be some time before the actual product roll out. Years...

Is anyone else having a problem with audio/video out of synch on TNT HD?

Is anyone else having a problem with audio/video out of synch on TNT HD?

Only for about the last year or so. :mad:

It's not like I watch anything on TNT HD anyways. Stretchy, pop-up, overlay, commercial, crap.

Good for sports I guess.

I prefer the one in Westford.

I haven't been over to that one yet. Every time I've wanted to swap for a newer/bigger box, Lowell had the one I wanted so I've kept going back.

Chelmsford should be the center of the universe for everything :eek: . Still waiting for FioS here.

-Ken

FioS would be nice. Do they have NESN HD yet?

We only watch The Closer on TNT (and we did catch the Librarian a week ago). No problems noted. Perfect picture quality, no audio-synch problems.

Discovery Home Theater -- that's another story. Consistent audio drop-outs there STILL.

Just a heads-up, for those who ignore the red light on their stb

Please call Comcast and ask them to send a HDMI cable. By default the tech brings a component cable but if you call ahead he can bring an HDMI cable too.

Ended up with a DTC6200. I didn't get around to calling before he showed up so I'll go pick up a DVI-HDMI cable next Saturday.

Steve

FioS would be nice. Do they have NESN HD yet?
Channel 829 on the FiOS lineup (http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?p=9995914&&#post9995914) (might be a little out of date). There's also a Verizon Boston thread (http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=602830)

We only watch The Closer on TNT (and we did catch the Librarian a week ago). No problems noted. Perfect picture quality, no audio-synch problems.

Discovery Home Theater -- that's another story. Consistent audio drop-outs there STILL.

"Discovery Home Thater", is that just the Discovery HD channel? I haven't noticed any audio problems. perhaps theres noise on your line near that frequency?

Discovery HD Theater (sorry, I got the name wrong earlier) is the current HD channel from the Discovery networks, launched in 2002. It is not the HD version of the Discovery Channel. Discovery HD will be one of the new HD channels (the others being TLC HD, Animal Planet HD and The Science Channel HD) that the Discovery networks starts offering this September.

I'm pretty-sure it isn't noise on my line, since it only affects this one channel, and is an issue that the engineer for Discovery HD Theater has acknowledge online in the past.

Discovery HD Theater (sorry, I got the name wrong earlier) is the current HD channel from the Discovery networks, launched in 2002. It is not the HD version of the Discovery Channel. Discovery HD will be one of the new HD channels (the others being TLC HD, Animal Planet HD and The Science Channel HD) that the Discovery networks starts offering this September.

I'm pretty-sure it isn't noise on my line, since it only affects this one channel, and is an issue that the engineer for Discovery HD Theater has acknowledge online in the past.


weird, I'll have to check mine again and see if I just didn't notice it before.

Nice to hear there will be a Science Channel HD! I just hope Comcast carries it.

Ended up with a DTC6200. I didn't get around to calling before he showed up so I'll go pick up a DVI-HDMI cable next Saturday.

Steve
By "pick-up" I assume you mean at the Comcast office for free. I'd check before paying for such a cable, I have a 6200 and as soon as I attach a dvi cable to it, it crashes, starts flashing 8's and "du1" (which I assume means there's a problem with the dvi output). The box will not operate until I remove the dvi cable.

By "pick-up" I assume you mean at the Comcast office for free. I'd check before paying for such a cable, I have a 6200 and as soon as I attach a dvi cable to it, it crashes, starts flashing 8's and "du1" (which I assume means there's a problem with the dvi output). The box will not operate until I remove the dvi cable.

Yes, that is what I mean. Why pay for something if I can get it legitimately for free? I hope I won't have those issues because I don't like the picture quality using the component cables.

Hey guys, new to the boards. I just got a Vizio 26 LCD and it has a QAM tuner. Does anyone know where I can get a listing of the channel numbers for South Shore, MA? I am using Comcast, just not using a box. Any help is greatly appreciated!

Do a scan. you will most likely get all the HD locals, SD digital simulcasts of unencrypted channels,and perhaps wild VOD feeds from neighbors.

VOD channels from neighbors? How does that happen? And will the only HD channels I get be the local HD channels or is there a way to get the other HD channels without the HD box?

I finally bought a HDTV and getting it delivered Friday. I think Norfolk is serviced by the Foxboro Comcast office. I want to get HD-DVR. Is there anything I should say/ask/whatever when I order? STB? Has anyone heard of asking for the Tivo and getting it?

TIA

I had to go to my local Comcast office to get the HD DVR.

All you have to say is that you just purchased a HDTV and would like to get a HD DVR.

Comcast's Tivo software is not available yet (it is supposed to be available starting sometime in August for those in the NH/Mass. area and then assuming that goes well rolled out nationally). Supposedly, it is just a software upgrade that can be pushed to your HD DVR anytime.

Anyone have any experience with Comcast Digital Phone? Got a marketing call to add Digital Phone to current Cable and Internet service to get a "Bundle " price. Had old Comcast phone at old residence ,but that using phone lines Not VoIP service.
Hope we will see History Channnel -HD and TBS-HD come Labor Day.

Anyone have any experience with Comcast Digital Phone? Got a marketing call to add Digital Phone to current Cable and Internet service to get a "Bundle " price. Had old Comcast phone at old residence ,but that using phone lines Not VoIP service.
Hope we will see History Channnel -HD and TBS-HD come Labor Day.

You mean Digital Voice. I switched from the old Digital Phone service to the new service this past spring and really haven't had an issue. It was well worth it since the bundle shaved $40 off my old bill and added HBO & Starz for a year. Plus there are no long distance charges on the phone service.

They give you a new cable modem that looks like the older one if it was on steroids and they'll patch that into your house phone jack wiring. On one occasion so far the modem locked up and I had to bounce the thing but otherwise I haven't noticed any difference from the old service.

Apologies for the off-topic reply...

Anyone have any experience with Comcast Digital Phone? Got a marketing call to add Digital Phone to current Cable and Internet service to get a "Bundle " price. Had old Comcast phone at old residence ,but that using phone lines Not VoIP service.
Hope we will see History Channnel -HD and TBS-HD come Labor Day.
Ask the tech to show you where the battery is located in the VOIP modem. I got a VOIP modem installed for CC VOIP and didn't think to ask. First power outage I had no phone because there was no battery installed.

VOD channels from neighbors? How does that happen? And will the only HD channels I get be the local HD channels or is there a way to get the other HD channels without the HD box?

Your TV can display content sent via unencrypted QAM. VOD content is sent this way on designated channels so your channel search may pick these up.

Without a box, the only HD channels you'll pickup are those sent unencrypted - in most areas these are limited to the broadcast channels you'd be able to receive over the air. The only way to view encrypted digital channels without a box is to use a CableCard but many TVs don't support them.

Has anyone been having macroblocking problems on HD channnels with Comcast. For the last month or so I have been having problems with HBO-HD, NESN-HD, TNT-HD, and a few others in the 83X range. I was using a Motorola DCT3416 HD-DVR. Sometimes I would get no picture or audio on HBO-HD. I am using a Panamax MX5300 surge protector/line conditioner and run the coax from the wall to the panamax then out to the DCT3416. I have been using this setup since February with no problems until a few weeks ago when the macroblocking showed up. I checked all my connections and they were fine. I finally broke down and went down to the local Comcast office and swapped my old box for a brand new Motorola DCH3416. This made no difference. Last night I decided to troubleshoot the connections. I also tried running the coax to my old Monster surge protector/line conditioner and had similar results. After awhile, I found that it was running the coax to the Panamax that was causing the problem. When I ran the coax straight to the cable box, everything worked fine. Why after 5 months do the line conditioners not work? Is Comcast doing something with the signal? I called Comcast this morning and they said that I shouldn't run the coax to the line conditioner. Anyone else having this problem?

Yeah, I've had some pretty serious breakups this week on TNT-HD. Been assuming it's just a crappy quality signal between me and Comcast.

If the quality/strength is borderline, I expect that routing the cable through one more box (like a conditioner) could insert enough marginal loss to push it over the edge.

anyone else having some problems with audio on cbs HD and sometimes channel 2? watching (I think crimminal law is the name?) I noticed that only the music part of the soundtrack is playing-but no dialog could be heard-this happened the other night while watching channel 2-same thing-people were clearly talking but no dialog could be heard only the background music. just curious if anyone else is experiencing this, thanks'
thetman

I also experienced the same problem with channel 802 with the voice missing. The background music was playing but there was no sound coming from the mouths of the people speaking. It was really weird so I played it through my receiver hoping that the voice would be picked through 5.1 channels but that didn't help either. How do they manage to get all the background sound but no voices? The analog channel 2 was fine.

Anyone have any experience with Comcast Digital Phone? Got a marketing call to add Digital Phone to current Cable and Internet service to get a "Bundle " price. Had old Comcast phone at old residence ,but that using phone lines Not VoIP service.

8 weeks or so ago I got a flyer in the mail from comcast advertising their digital voice for $27/month more than what I was already paying if I currently had TV and internet from them (I did). That price is good for a year then it goes up another $14 IIRC.

Sounded good, so I called. While I was on with the rep, he also offered me a bundle for $8 more per month. All premium movie channels for a year (all HBO, Cinemax, Showtime, Starz, sundance, etc). I currently had none of these channels. I took it. I'll cancel them when the year is up.

They came the next week, and installed a completely separate modem in my basement for the phone. I kept the internet modem I had before. You have a choice of replacing your current modem or getting a separate one.

The phone service has been excellent so far. No complaints.

Get this- there is no discount for having the 16Mbs/2Mbs speed internet tier and cable TV, so after adding this service my bill has now rose another $10 on top of that. So I add a more expensive level of service and they penalize me for it? WTF?:mad::mad::mad:

I would definitely recommend the Digital Voice service. I have had mine for almost a year now without any problems. You can actually hear the person on the other end of the phone unlike when I had Verizon. Try and tie it into some package deal and save even more money, it is well worth it.

There is no such thing as a dumb question,they say.Well,here goes.I just got a plasma and am about to call Comcast to set me up.The plasma has a cable card slot.Does this mean I won't use a box anymore?Is this a "good" thing? Do some people use both?I took a couple of hours to read thru this whole thread,but still don't get it!Help for the needy will really be appreciated. Thanks!

Juet remembered....plasma has 2 HDMI inputs. I assume 1 is for a DVD player...what is the other for? Again,thanks!

There is no such thing as a dumb question,they say.Well,here goes.I just got a plasma and am about to call Comcast to set me up.The plasma has a cable card slot.Does this mean I won't use a box anymore?Is this a "good" thing? Do some people use both?I took a couple of hours to read thru this whole thread,but still don't get it!Help for the needy will really be appreciated. Thanks!

You can order a cable card from Comcast (will require a tech visit) I believe for free. You may be charged the additional digital outlet fee however but it depends. Beyond that once the cable card is installed you will get all the channels you order "with" a few exceptions.

1. I've heard reports that you get no guide data but honestly I have no idea if that is true.

2. The cable card "will not" work with services that require two-way communication and as such these would include all PPV ordering ability and all video on demand usage.

3. Also in the future "if" Comcast starts offering new HDTV channels and/or putting other channels (baseball extra innings package etc) onto switched digitial video your cable card "will not" be able to tune those channels in. The reason is that switched digital video also requires two-way communication.

So if any of the above reasons worry you I'd suggest you get a box from Comcast instead. Your only hope is that your plasma was built with the two-way communication hardware but I'm not aware of any HDTV set "yet" available on the market that support two-way communication.

Juet remembered....plasma has 2 HDMI inputs. I assume 1 is for a DVD player...what is the other for? Again,thanks!

You can use the HDMI inputs for any component that has a HDMI output. It does not have to be limited to a DVD player, for example: you can use it with a DVR, HD DVD player, HD STB or any game console that might come equipped with one.

As for the CableCard slot, if your not interested with the features a DVR has, then I would definitely go with it instead of a box. The PQ is as good as your going to get and you save space by not needing a box. I myself had the card but I wanted to record some HD shows that I would have missed so I ended up swapping it out for a DVR which I am quite happy with.

If you are running your cable signal through the panamax, try bypassing it. I recall that was required for me in a similar situation. Something about the box interfering with the picture

LonghornXP and Lodef...thanks guys for your prompt help and explanations...now I have the info and just have to make some choices. So the PQ with the cable card is better than with a box?? Is the card more troublefree? Thanks,again!

jcoffey13...sorry,but what is a "panamax"?

dbgrate...I had the cable card 2 years ago and did not like it. You do not have the program guide nor the on demand service. I had problems with macroblocking and pixellation. I quickly switched to the dvr box. For a few bucks a month, you are really much better off. The PQ is equal as far as I can tell but again the picture stability is better with the box.

8 weeks or so ago I got a flyer in the mail from comcast advertising their digital voice for $27/month more than what I was already paying if I currently had TV and internet from them (I did). That price is good for a year then it goes up another $14 IIRC.


You can lock in for 2 years if you ask.

Hi all,
I have spent almost two hours looking for the answer to this question that has been asked hundreds of times, I'm sure.
I'm sorry, but I'd like to ask it again if anyone can give me a quick yes/no or point me in the right direction to find my answer.
Should I swap out my 6412-2005 box to eliminate the remote queing issue? Has this problem been fixed with more recent hardware?
Thanks. I'm in Waltham if it matters.

jcoffey13...sorry,but what is a "panamax"?
Panamax is a manufacturer of surge protection and power line conditoners on the same line as Monster or Tripp-Lite.

I also experienced the same problem with channel 802 with the voice missing. The background music was playing but there was no sound coming from the mouths of the people speaking. It was really weird so I played it through my receiver hoping that the voice would be picked through 5.1 channels but that didn't help either. How do they manage to get all the background sound but no voices? The analog channel 2 was fine.


802 (WGBH HD) should be running normally. Please post if find that problems persist. Thanks.

Configuration question. Were I to buy a new TiVo HD Lite with multiple tuners how does it record one channel and let me view another channel with my Comcast cable box wired to the house input cable? Doesn't everything 'downstream' of the Comcast box just 'see' the channel the Comcast box is tuned to?

Configuration question. Were I to buy a new TiVo HD Lite with multiple tuners how does it record one channel and let me view another channel with my Comcast cable box wired to the house input cable? Doesn't everything 'downstream' of the Comcast box just 'see' the channel the Comcast box is tuned to?

Tivo HD uses dual cable cards to do the tuning. No more need for a Comcast box..

The tuners in the Tivo HD (I have a Tivo S3) are superior to that of the comcast box and you'll get a better quality picture as well.

-------
I dont 'know what you mean by "my Comcast cable box wired to the house input cable". I assume you have the output of your cable box going through the rest of the house so you can watch that cablebox in other rooms?

-t

Hi all,
I have spent almost two hours looking for the answer to this question that has been asked hundreds of times, I'm sure.
I'm sorry, but I'd like to ask it again if anyone can give me a quick yes/no or point me in the right direction to find my answer.
Should I swap out my 6412-2005 box to eliminate the remote queing issue? Has this problem been fixed with more recent hardware?
Thanks. I'm in Waltham if it matters.

All the boxes have their own quirks. I had the 6412 and swapped it out for a 3416 and find it more trouble free plus you get added storage space with it. Based on my experience I would recommend that you exchange it for the 3416 and hopefully you will have less problems with it's use like I have had.

P.S. I would tell you to hold out for the new tivo boxes but we don't know where they will be launched because L Supreme won't tell us. ;)

P.S. I would tell you to hold out for the new tivo boxes but we don't know where they will be launched because L Supreme won't tell us. ;)

I hope it is relatively soon. It feels like enhancements to current Comcast experience have been non-existent over the last year or so. Would be nice for some new hardware to come out at a minimum......sigh

Anyone (comcast employees) know if the new Tivo Series 3 Lite made for cable systems will support OnDemand or switch video (when comcast starts using it) ? I guess there are two parts to this question. Is the Tivo box capable of sending upstream data ? Will the Tivo software work with the OnDemand servers and switch video messaging/channel maps ?

Hey everyone,

I'm getting ready to move to Allston from Atlanta. I was on Comcast's website checking the prices for up here, and they didn't list HDTV as an option for my ZIP (02134). Is HD not available in the Allston/Brighton/Brookline area? If not, it's going to be VERY painful watching Heroes this fall.

Any info would be appreciated...thank you!

Bo

If you are running your cable signal through the panamax, try bypassing it. I recall that was required for me in a similar situation. Something about the box interfering with the picture

My Panamax blocked my access to on demand. It was driving me crazy for quite some time until I bypassed it and got on demand back- along with that awful hum of cable that is not grounded.

FREAK!

Anyone (comcast employees) know if the new Tivo Series 3 Lite made for cable systems will support OnDemand or switch video (when comcast starts using it) ?Any employee, Comcast or TiVo, who knows (assuming there actually is something to know), would be prohibited from saying so. The best information available is that, the new box, the TiVo HD, has the same limitation with regard to On Demand and SDV, as the original TiVo Series 3 box.

I hope it is relatively soon. It feels like enhancements to current Comcast experience have been non-existent over the last year or so. Would be nice for some new hardware to come out at a minimum......sigh

The comcast Tivo is software. It is downloaded to your current box and will support ON Demand and Switched video

You can lock in for 2 years if you ask.

does this mean I can have MY package locked in as well? (Currently getting the $159 deal)

does this mean I can have MY package locked in as well? (Currently getting the $159 deal)

LOL!

WFXT-25 and WBZ-4 Boston have dissapeared from my QAM tuner's line up and only shows up through my Comcast's tuner box now. One thing I did notice that changed is that after the FOX25 logo it shows in small letters "WFXT-DT31 Boston". Might that have something to do with it?

They habve been doing that for some time,but the HD signal will return to ch 25 after the analog shuts down.

4 and 25 still show up on QAM in Lawrence.

does anyone have a chart that maps the comcast digital channels against channels a typical HDTV tuner picks up? For example, NESN HD is on channel 851, if I plugged my comcast cable directly into my HDTV tuner and had it auto-search for channels, what channel would it find NESN HD on (127.3 for example?)
Thanks

I believe that might even vary within the Boston area. You'll need to indicate what town you're interested in (and then hope someone in that town can provide that information).

does anyone have a chart that maps the comcast digital channels against channels a typical HDTV tuner picks up? For example, NESN HD is on channel 851, if I plugged my comcast cable directly into my HDTV tuner and had it auto-search for channels, what channel would it find NESN HD on (127.3 for example?)
Thanks

I believe that might even vary within the Boston area. You'll need to indicate what town you're interested in (and then hope someone in that town can provide that information).

I'm in North Chelmsford...anyone in this area know of such a list? If not, I'll get to work on developing it and see how long it lasts before it changes.
Thanks

Is there anyway to get the sports and entertainment pack at no cost. I really want the fox soccer channel which I was getting without an extra cost with my previous provider. I subscribe to the digital preferred package and paying another $8 a month is not something I am willing to do. I called and they said they could give it to me for $5/month for 3 months. I understand the NFL network, etc is included in this package as well, which I was also getting without extra cost from my previous provider!

Hey everyone,

I'm getting ready to move to Allston from Atlanta. I was on Comcast's website checking the prices for up here, and they didn't list HDTV as an option for my ZIP (02134). Is HD not available in the Allston/Brighton/Brookline area? If not, it's going to be VERY painful watching Heroes this fall.

Any info would be appreciated...thank you!

Bo

Comcast HD is in Allston. Some parts also have RCN, but I wouldn't recommend it. We don't have FiOS yet.

Is there anyway to get the sports and entertainment pack at no cost. I really want the fox soccer channel which I was getting without an extra cost with my previous provider. I subscribe to the digital preferred package and paying another $8 a month is not something I am willing to do. I called and they said they could give it to me for $5/month for 3 months. I understand the NFL network, etc is included in this package as well, which I was also getting without extra cost from my previous provider!

No. They just sent out notices on the reorganization of some of the packages and that was one of them. It said that without it you would no longer be able to see the NFL network games ( which BTW they recently won in a court decision) unless you subscribe to the package. So sounds like to me that their banking on this for a lot of added income and getting it for free would be nil to none.

Hey everyone,

I'm getting ready to move to Allston from Atlanta. I was on Comcast's website checking the prices for up here, and they didn't list HDTV as an option for my ZIP (02134). Is HD not available in the Allston/Brighton/Brookline area? If not, it's going to be VERY painful watching Heroes this fall.

Any info would be appreciated...thank you!

Bo


Comcast HD is in Allston. Some parts also have RCN, but I wouldn't recommend it. We don't have FiOS yet.

Yup he's right, it's "free" (non movie channels) with the digital package, but you pay for the digital package, HD digital box. You should be able to grab a cablecard for a few bucks instead of the receiver if your tv supports it. they also have HD box that has HDMI, but it's the DVR one, so more charges right there.

Where, oh where, is FiOS :(

Thanks JM and Tyrant. I was getting worried there for a minute. I've gotten very used to HD down here in ATL and can't imagine having to go back to SD all the time. For the time being, I'm sticking with my old Toshiba HD-Ready TV, but I am looking at getting a plasma or LCD soon. But that's a topic for another thread.

Thanks guys!

The QAM tuner in my Samsung used to pick up WBZ-4 at channel 4-1 and WFXT-25 at channel 25-1 and now they're at 87-2 and 87-1 respectively.

Howdy. Previous Comcast (Cablevision) customer but now long time D* subscriber. I've wittled my D* hardware down to a 2 1/2 yr old Tivo HR10-250 and just a SD RCA box in the bedroom. Had a Tivo Series 1 with lifetime but that bit the dust last week. Since FIOS will not be in my area any time soon, switching to Comcast for the triple-play is really my only option. I would need to relocate the new dish (MPEG4) and that is really not an option.

The last few months I've had issues with the HR10-250 and when that goes south, I'll more than likely switch back to Comcast. I refuse to add new D* hardware with a 2 yr commit at this point.

So am I correct on my options (HD DVR) for my main HDTV (HDMI) monitor when I make the switch?

1) Motorola 3416 HD DVR - 160 GB - Future s/w upgrade to Tivo.
2) Panasonic 250GB HD DVR - Will this get Tivo also?
3) Tivo HD Lite w/ccards- This would be another option if they offered a lifetime xfer option. I hear there are no plans for that.

At this point, I'm staying with D* while the MPEG2 HR10-250 still has life left in it. I would really prefer to stay with the Tivo interface (wife) but will compromise with the 3416. Will miss the live buffers and three things at one. Watch + record two things. My understanding is that with the 3416, you can only do two things at once. Watch+record or record+record.

The Panasonic with Tivo would be nice or a bigger HDD option for the 3416.

Am I missing any options at this point?

Thanks,
georgemoe

Yes The Comcast cable box with the Tivo interface.

Not out yet,but when it does come out THAT will be an option.

Howdy. Previous Comcast (Cablevision) customer but now long time D* subscriber. I've wittled my D* hardware down to a 2 1/2 yr old Tivo HR10-250 and just a SD RCA box in the bedroom. Had a Tivo Series 1 with lifetime but that bit the dust last week. Since FIOS will not be in my area any time soon, switching to Comcast for the triple-play is really my only option. I would need to relocate the new dish (MPEG4) and that is really not an option.

The last few months I've had issues with the HR10-250 and when that goes south, I'll more than likely switch back to Comcast. I refuse to add new D* hardware with a 2 yr commit at this point.

So am I correct on my options (HD DVR) for my main HDTV (HDMI) monitor when I make the switch?

1) Motorola 3416 HD DVR - 160 GB - Future s/w upgrade to Tivo.
2) Panasonic 250GB HD DVR - Will this get Tivo also?
3) Tivo HD Lite w/ccards- This would be another option if they offered a lifetime xfer option. I hear there are no plans for that.

At this point, I'm staying with D* while the MPEG2 HR10-250 still has life left in it. I would really prefer to stay with the Tivo interface (wife) but will compromise with the 3416. Will miss the live buffers and three things at one. Watch + record two things. My understanding is that with the 3416, you can only do two things at once. Watch+record or record+record.

The Panasonic with Tivo would be nice or a bigger HDD option for the 3416.

Am I missing any options at this point?

Thanks,
georgemoe


You might possibly be able to get TiVo to transfer your lifetime to a TiVoHD if you called 'em up, explained that you're a long-time customer, explained your current situation, and asked very, very nicely if they might transfer your lifetime to the new box. There have been scattered reports that TiVo's gone out of their way to keep long-timers happy, so it's worth a shot... Doesn't hurt to make the call...

You might possibly be able to get TiVo to transfer your lifetime to a TiVoHD if you called 'em up, explained that you're a long-time customer, explained your current situation, and asked very, very nicely if they might transfer your lifetime to the new box. There have been scattered reports that TiVo's gone out of their way to keep long-timers happy, so it's worth a shot... Doesn't hurt to make the call...

Thanks Paul but I have already read of the poor souls who have tried that. I had an option to transfer it to the Series3 HD but they will not transfer anyone to the new HD light. Yet. :cool:

Yes The Comcast cable box with the Tivo interface.

Not out yet,but when it does come out THAT will be an option.

yeah if you like spending $25 a month for a DVR

Comcast has ads promoting NFL and Patiots On-Demand ,but we need to order the Sports and Entertainment pack for $7.95 to get it and the NFL Net Thursday Nite games. Suppose HD channel Thursday games will require sports pack.
Also , no word yet on any new HD channels...

Comcast has ads promoting NFL and Patiots On-Demand ,but we need to order the Sports and Entertainment pack for $7.95 to get it and the NFL Net Thursday Nite games. Suppose HD channel Thursday games will require sports pack.
Also , no word yet on any new HD channels...

And they better not even think about adding VS to the sports pack because I need my hockey especially when the Bruins stink year after year. Missing one NFL game a week for 8 weeks I can deal with but I like the 1 or 2 NHL games a week that we got last year and I want it to continue. So I will not pay the extra money for it because I already give them enough and you have to draw your limit somewhere.

THE NFL Net HD games could end up on Mojo which means they are included with digital Classic. The Pats game will also be on a local station (Most likely 5 but i would put it on 38)

ARe they planning on charging $11 extra for the Tivo software? What if you have two DVRs?

Vs will remain part of Starter. and/ or Extended analog (while they even have such a thing)

Howdy. Previous Comcast (Cablevision) customer but now long time D* subscriber. I've wittled my D* hardware down to a 2 1/2 yr old Tivo HR10-250 and just a SD RCA box in the bedroom. Had a Tivo Series 1 with lifetime but that bit the dust last week. Since FIOS will not be in my area any time soon, switching to Comcast for the triple-play is really my only option. I would need to relocate the new dish (MPEG4) and that is really not an option.

The last few months I've had issues with the HR10-250 and when that goes south, I'll more than likely switch back to Comcast. I refuse to add new D* hardware with a 2 yr commit at this point.

So am I correct on my options (HD DVR) for my main HDTV (HDMI) monitor when I make the switch?

1) Motorola 3416 HD DVR - 160 GB - Future s/w upgrade to Tivo.
2) Panasonic 250GB HD DVR - Will this get Tivo also?

The Panasonic is not available yet, and probably won't be until next year some time (at the earliest). No word on whether Tivo will be available on it.

3) Tivo HD Lite w/ccards- This would be another option if they offered a lifetime xfer option. I hear there are no plans for that.

At this point, I'm staying with D* while the MPEG2 HR10-250 still has life left in it. I would really prefer to stay with the Tivo interface (wife) but will compromise with the 3416. Will miss the live buffers and three things at one. Watch + record two things. My understanding is that with the 3416, you can only do two things at once. Watch+record or record+record.

Not true. The 3416 also has live buffers and supports watching a recording while it records two programs. The real problems with the 3416 are the lame user interface (which hopefully will be improved once the Tivo S/W is available) and the many bugs it has had (including the major one that still hasn't been fixed, where the box becomes completely unresponsive for long periods of time).

The Panasonic with Tivo would be nice or a bigger HDD option for the 3416.

Am I missing any options at this point?

Thanks,
georgemoe

THE NFL Net HD games could end up on Mojo which means they are included with digital Classic. The Pats game will also be on a local station (Most likely 5 but i would put it on 38)

ARe they planning on charging $11 extra for the Tivo software? What if you have two DVRs?

Vs will remain part of Starter. and/ or Extended analog (while they even have such a thing)

Chitchchat that is all subject to change of course. I'm pretty sure we won't get the NFL NET games this year like last year on Mojo. Thats one of the reasons Comcast went to court ( and won ) so that they could move it to a sports package tier instead of just one of the digital packages. And I take your talking about Pats pre season games that will be on ch 5 like they are every year and I believe they are in HD now.

And if they are charging $11 extra for the tivo boxes, count me out!

I am looking at buying a TV with clear QAM tuner. Investingating if TV will be able to receive local HD channels via comcast (in Melrose ) without STB. I have one of the digital packages and a DCT 3412 DVR on different TV but that TV is non HD. Comcast broadcasts the HD channels as channels 801-870 (some premium like HBO). The channel list is often posted in this thread.

On this thread people say they use clear QAM tuner for HD with Comcast.
What is the channel list for the clear QAM broadcasts? Do your TVs tune cable channels 800+ ? I have seen references to channels 87.1, and also 5.1 etc. How do you tune such channels on your TV? The TV I am looking at (Envision 32 inch) and others online I can find manuals for say they tune channels 1-125 only. How do you get the HD channels with these TVs without a STB? Can you? I understand that 87.1 is just slightly shifted from 87. Can the TVs tune into these shifted frequencies?

In short, if you are using clear QAM and no STB to get HD channels on comcast in the boston area, can you please post here or email me (lschleng@alum.mit.edu):
a) the list of the channels you are using, 801-etc (does your TV tune these?), 87 etc
b) what brand TV you have
Thanks

does anyone have a chart that maps the comcast digital channels against channels a typical HDTV tuner picks up? For example, NESN HD is on channel 851, if I plugged my comcast cable directly into my HDTV tuner and had it auto-search for channels, what channel would it find NESN HD on (127.3 for example?)
Thanks

NESN-HD is encrypted you need a cable card or STB to view it.

I am looking at buying a TV with clear QAM tuner. Investingating if TV will be able to receive local HD channels via comcast (in Melrose ) without STB. I have one of the digital packages and a DCT 3412 DVR on different TV but that TV is non HD. Comcast broadcasts the HD channels as channels 801-870 (some premium like HBO). The channel list is often posted in this thread.

On this thread people say they use clear QAM tuner for HD with Comcast.
What is the channel list for the clear QAM broadcasts? Do your TVs tune cable channels 800+ ? I have seen references to channels 87.1, and also 5.1 etc. How do you tune such channels on your TV? The TV I am looking at (Envision 32 inch) and others online I can find manuals for say they tune channels 1-125 only. How do you get the HD channels with these TVs without a STB? Can you? I understand that 87.1 is just slightly shifted from 87. Can the TVs tune into these shifted frequencies?

In short, if you are using clear QAM and no STB to get HD channels on comcast in the boston area, can you please post here or email me (lschleng@alum.mit.edu):
a) the list of the channels you are using, 801-etc (does your TV tune these?), 87 etc
b) what brand TV you have
Thanks
I have Comcast in Braintree and can access "just" local HD stations by using the QAM tuner on my Samsung HD TV's you don't need a STB. After you auto program your channels on your TV you should be able to access HD locals and other digital channels. These are the channels for HD ( Channel 2 = 2-1 or 2-2, Channel 4 = 4-1, Channel 5 = 5-1, Channel 7 = 7-1, Channel 25 = 25-1, Channel 38 = 38-1, Channel 56 = 56-1). I've also found these stations recently in the channel 80-89 range. I think Channel 4 HD = 87, Channel 5 HD = 86, etc. Good luck.

I'm in Merrimac MA. We currently have the following clear QAM:

78.1 UPN?
78.2 LVI?
81 ~45 Music channels
83.? some kids channel
100.? Religious
112.1 CBS
112.2 NBC
112.3 ABC
113.1 FOX
113.2 WMUR - ABC
113.3 GBH

All towns/regions have similar channels, but channel locations seem to vary quite a bit. I pay like $4 more for Digital Starter and for some reason they don't charge anything for the DVR (SA8300) which gets several more SD & HD channels like TNT-HD, A&E-HD, NESN-HD, TUBE, SPEED, MOJO, and a few others.

Darrell

Thanks Paul but I have already read of the poor souls who have tried that. I had an option to transfer it to the Series3 HD but they will not transfer anyone to the new HD light. Yet. :cool:

Not necessarily true. If you read the fine print of the Lifetime Transfer agreement that TiVo's posted on their web site or HERE (http://www.tivocommunity.com/tivo-vb/showthread.php?p=3846632&&#post3846632) , you'll see that there are exceptions. The one that may apply to you is the "Grandfather" transfer :
Grandfather transfer: The one-time "Grandfather transfer" (for people who purchased Product Lifetime on or before January 21, 2000 [as in, more than six years ago], and who have not already used their one-time transfer) is still allowed and will also be honored for future hardware releases from TiVo, such as the Series3. If you have any trouble when you call, please mention KDB code 09-07-04 to the agent.

So, if you bought your S1's lifetime before 1/2000, and haven't transferred it since then, you're good to go.

yeah if you like spending $25 a month for a DVRPricing hasn't been announced yet. However, all indications are that you're grievously off-the-mark. The TiVo software surcharge is likely to be only a few dollars a month. Since I pay about $3 a month MORE for my TiVo Series 3 than I do for my Comcast HD DVR, I figure the Comcast HD DVR with TiVo software will, unremarkably, cost me about the same price as the TiVo Series 3 costs me per month.

I got a snailmail today saying DVR service will increase $3, and I still only have a 3412. Is there any way I can convince them to give me a 3416? Last time I tried when I brought my 3412 into the office all they said was that they didn't have any and gave me another 3412.:mad:

You need to catch them when they have 3416s on the shelf.

I got a snailmail today saying DVR service will increase $3, and I still only have a 3412. Is there any way I can convince them to give me a 3416? Last time I tried when I brought my 3412 into the office all they said was that they didn't have any and gave me another 3412.:mad:

I got that as well. I had thought it was an annoucement about Tivo.

Chitchchat that is all subject to change of course. I'm pretty sure we won't get the NFL NET games this year like last year on Mojo. Thats one of the reasons Comcast went to court ( and won ) so that they could move it to a sports package tier instead of just one of the digital packages. And I take your talking about Pats pre season games that will be on ch 5 like they are every year and I believe they are in HD now.

And if they are charging $11 extra for the tivo boxes, count me out!

Mojo (well as iNHD) carried NBA.TV games in HD. NO NBA.TV SD required. I do not know what will happen with the NFL Net games.

i was referring to the Pats/giants game in December which will be on NFL Network.

NFL Network on demand stuff still says just FRee,not Free with subscription. (SnE IS part of my package so I continue to get NFL)

I'm in Merrimac MA. We currently have the following clear QAM:

78.1 UPN?
78.2 LVI?
81 ~45 Music channels
83.? some kids channel
100.? Religious
112.1 CBS
112.2 NBC
112.3 ABC
113.1 FOX
113.2 WMUR - ABC
113.3 GBH

All towns/regions have similar channels, but channel locations seem to vary quite a bit. I pay like $4 more for Digital Starter and for some reason they don't charge anything for the DVR (SA8300) which gets several more SD & HD channels like TNT-HD, A&E-HD, NESN-HD, TUBE, SPEED, MOJO, and a few others.

Darrell

Lawrence MA QAM digital:

2-2 PBS HD (802)
4-1 WBZ-DT
5-1 WCVB-DT
7-1 WHDH-DT
7-2 NBC Weather plus
25-1 WFXT-DT
38-1 WSBK-DT
44-2 GBX World
44-3 GBX Create
44-4 GBX Kids
56-1 WLVI-DT
74-x PEG channels
75-89 WMUR-DT
77-6 NECN
79-9 HSN
79-10 QVC
83-x,84-x local channels (SD feeds),BCTV
80-x,81-x,90,x,91-x ON demand feeds
92-1 PPV previews (400)
111-1 NBA Barker (600)

music channels are encrypted.

You need to catch them when they have 3416s on the shelf.Easier said than done. What they say is that I can't just exchange it for no reason, and if I bring it down to exchange they say I must be something wrong and take another 3412. (I've already had 2 legitimate bad ones)

It's a real pain in the ass to travel down to the office with the box to search out a 3416 and they won't hook you up on the phone with the sales office directly to see if they have any available.:(

Got a fancy post card from Comcast that RPTi now on Channel 73 in my town was moving to Channel99 (midband freq.) on 8/30/07. Another attempt to free up spectrum for more HD, I hope.

Heard on a different thread.

NFL Network HD tomorrow on 853.

Edit: It is UP!

You must have SnE to get this channel. (I do) (:

I wonder what they are holding 852 for?

Another thing Comcast should add is the multiple HBO and Cinemax HD feeds. I subscribe to HBO and should get the 6 HBO channels in HD as well as SD , instead of just 1.

Also, TBS-HD on 9/1/07. The MLB Divisional Playoffs are on TBS, not ESPN or Fox. I think that the NLCS is on TBS,not Fox this year.

I got a letter from Comcast today saying effective Sept. 3 the price of the hd dvr is going to $12.95 from $9.95 !! They didn't even wait till the usual February price increase !!

-Ken

I got a letter from Comcast today saying effective Sept. 3 the price of the hd dvr is going to $12.95 from $9.95 !! They didn't even wait till the usual February price increase !!

-KenYep, so it will increase now because the FCC just passed a ruling allowing it, and then it will increase again in the upcoming new year like it usually does. Nice.

does anyone have a chart that maps the comcast digital channels against channels a typical HDTV tuner picks up? For example, NESN HD is on channel 851, if I plugged my comcast cable directly into my HDTV tuner and had it auto-search for channels, what channel would it find NESN HD on (127.3 for example?)
Thanks
Here's the list for North Chelmsford. Comcast basic cable sub plugged into HDTV and tuner autosearch:
117 test pattern
111.5 nba league pass preview
104.4 R&B Hits
92.4 indemand preview
90.1 ?movie channel (showinh the departed)
88.9 style
85.1 E moview previews (PIP)
84.3 the tube
83.9 daystar
83.8 shop nbc com
83.7 foreign sports channel
83.6 npri
82.5 ion
83.3 game show network
82.12 cn8
82.11 abc
82.10 7 (cw56)
82.9 nbc
82.8 pbs 44
82.7 pbs
82.6 fox 25
82.5 abc
82.4 spanish channel
82.3 wsbk 38
82.2 my tv
82.1 cbs
79.11 T (foreign)
79.8 qvc
79.7 hsn
77.1 necn
74.6 pbs nh
74.5 cmt
74.4 hallmark
74.3 ?lowell spinners
74.2 nasa
74.1 ?
56.1 wlvi hd
44.4 kids
44.3 wgbh create
44.2 wgbh world
38.1 wsbk 38
25.1 fox 25 wfxt fi
9.1 wmur
7.2 whdh weathe rplus
7.1 whdh hd
5.1 wcvb dt
4.1 wbz dt
2.2 wgbh hd

Wow. You get Nasa-TV? I sure wish I had that. I haven't had that for over 10yrs.

Comcast Chicago is going all digital. Is it contracts with towns which is slowing the conversion of anlog channles to digital to free up space for more HD?

I wonder what they are holding 852 for?


Comcast Sports Network New England HD :)

Comcast now has full control of FSN England, all their other RSNs = fulltime HD channels.