Music choice channel changes took effect.

I like how they tell people (No notice of ANY kind)

Music choice channel changes took effect.

I like how they tell people (No notice of ANY kind)

What were the changes, and does anyone actually use this audio channels ?

-Ken

Anyone know what the typical cost to have an additional coax outlet installed in another room. Need one in the bedroom! Also how hard is it to do yourself?

Anyone know what the typical cost to have an additional coax outlet installed in another room. Need one in the bedroom! Also how hard is it to do yourself?

$23.95

What were the changes, and does anyone actually use this audio channels ?

-Ken

Mostly channel changes and yes

http://www.musicchoice.com/affiliate/home/pdf/DigitalChannelLineup.pdf

We get all 48 channels.

Music choice channel changes took effect.

I like how they tell people (No notice of ANY kind)

My niece was none to pleased with the loss of Radio Disney.

Mostly channel changes and yes

http://www.musicchoice.com/affiliate/home/pdf/DigitalChannelLineup.pdf

We get all 48 channels.

Thanks for the .PDF. Is the Springfield/Holyoke DMA the only market that has Adult Top 40 on 548 and 520 vacant?

My niece was none to pleased with the loss of Radio Disney.

a) Streamed at Radiodisney.com

b) Itunes

c)WMKI 1260AM

Yeah, most of the crap they send over the audio channels you can get in spades in much better audio quality streamed over the net anyways. It's no big loss.

More interesting is the introduction of MGM-HD, which DirecTV is picking up right away. Comcast owns 20% of the channel, which is good news, because without a channel like HDNet Movies we could desperately use a channel like this.

Yeah, most of the crap they send over the audio channels you can get in spades in much better audio quality streamed over the net anyways. It's no big loss.

More interesting is the introduction of MGM-HD, which DirecTV is picking up right away. Comcast owns 20% of the channel, which is good news, because without a channel like HDNet Movies we could desperately use a channel like this.

I wouldn't get to excited because MGM-HD will be advertiser supported. But it is better than nothing.

-Ken

New shows Chuck, Bionic Woman, and Life are all available on demand in HD. I thought Chuck was the best of the three....

-Ken

I wouldn't get to excited because MGM-HD will be advertiser supported. But it is better than nothing.

-KenIsn't TCM? I've never watched it. At any rate, we need a classic movie channel in HD. We don't have it, so I'll take anything at this point. We can only hope it's OAR with limited commercial interruption/overlays, etc.

I notice that in Zap2it.com there is an option for a rebuild lineup.

I think a channel lineup reshuffling may be in our near future.

New shows Chuck, Bionic Woman, and Life are all available on demand in HD. I thought Chuck was the best of the three....

-KenNo 5.1DD OnDemand (don't ask me why). I decided to pass and just record them so I could get watch them in full 5.1.

Did WLVI-DT (CW-HD) stop broadcasting in HD? The HD channel used to be mapped to 84-2 (56-1) but now that's only sending an SD signal. I wanted to catch one of their new shows tomorrow, which is apparently in HD...

WLVI is HD

There had better be something on 831 next week.

What's wrong with WLVI-DT? Am I missing something? Reaper (Kevin Smith's) new show is on tommorow night and I'm looking forward to that as well as Smallville on Thurs.

As far as pricing, I previously received the triple play bundle package with HBO and Starz included, and HD channels, but no sports tier. I received in the mail an offer to upgrade to all the channles including sports tier and all movie channels, as well as internet and phone. All three for $159 for one year, which is 10 dollars cheaper than what I was previously paying. Overall it seems like a decent deal, when you factor in all the extra pay movie and sports tier. Hopefully they add the NHL network now.

Were you able to get the deal ? I also have the same triple play bundle you listed running until Feb 08. Yesterday I also received the $159 offer.

FIOS is coming down my street this week. Has anyone successfully beat up Comcast for a discount or had the price drop due to competition?

Comcast probably knows well that FIOS is cherry-picking the most profitable neighborhoods, so until FIOS actually offers service to your address, specifically, I doubt they'd offer anything. Beyond that, FIOS isn't all that much less expensive, so expect no more than a pittance even if they do offer something.

FIOS does offer HDNet and HDNet movies and 16Mbps internet service for $10 less than Comcast. That alone makes it worthwhile in my book. Unfortunately I live in a condo development which will never get FIOS.:(

Comcast , simple question, Will the Sox games on TBS-HD be seen on Comcast cable? Will Comcast just have TBS-HD for those games only, if band width is a problem for adding TBS-HD full time.
PS lets move some analogs to digital to get band width.

FIOS is coming down my street this week. Has anyone successfully beat up Comcast for a discount or had the price drop due to competition?
FIOS is in my town, so I called Comcast a while back and told them I was going to switch due to the high fees I was paying them. They did give me a one year discount off my monthly bill. When that year is up, I will strongly consider jumping to Verizon.

Mickey

FIOS is in my town, so I called Comcast a while back and told them I was going to switch due to the high fees I was paying them. They did give me a one year discount off my monthly bill. When that year is up, I will strongly consider jumping to Verizon.

Mickey

You should call back and ask them to give you the upgrade to the Tivo software for free as well, and see how they react.

You should call back and ask them to give you the upgrade to the Tivo software for free as well, and see how they react.
I just might try that (if and when Comcast rolls out Tivo and after the inevitable bugs are fixed).

Mickey

Good evening...I apologize if this is not in the appropriate group but am not really sure where else to post it. Currently have one HDTV and one SD and using one moto 6412 on the HD and 3416 on my sd. Been waiting and waiting, like most of us, for the Tivo roll out. Yesterday I saw a deal for a series 2 80 hour tivo:
http://www.tivo.com/promo/specialmarkets.html

With this model..or any of them..what would I need from comcast for them to operate and also use vod and ppv. Do cable cards only go with the HD Tivo units? Would I still have to rent a stb for the vod and ppv? Just curious.

Tom

TBS-HD, CNN-HD arrive next Tuesday. Also, USA-HD and History Channel HD soon, according to today's Boston Globe. Still no HD-Net!

http://www.boston.com/business/globe/articles/2007/09/26/high_definition_tbs_feed_should_please_red_sox_fans/

TBS-HD, CNN-HD arrive next Tuesday. Also, USA-HD and History Channel HD soon, according to today's Boston Globe. Still no HD-Net!

http://www.boston.com/business/globe/articles/2007/09/26/high_definition_tbs_feed_should_please_red_sox_fans/

Nice to see the channel additions, but yes that sucks about still no HD-Net.

Good evening...I apologize if this is not in the appropriate group but am not really sure where else to post it. Currently have one HDTV and one SD and using one moto 6412 on the HD and 3416 on my sd. Been waiting and waiting, like most of us, for the Tivo roll out. Yesterday I saw a deal for a series 2 80 hour tivo:
http://www.tivo.com/promo/specialmarkets.html

With this model..or any of them..what would I need from comcast for them to operate and also use vod and ppv. Do cable cards only go with the HD Tivo units? Would I still have to rent a stb for the vod and ppv? Just curious.

Tom

You would need some sort of digital cable box for the VOD & PPV. Cablecards are only used in the S3. You also would not be able to record HD content on the S2 even if you had a HD stb.

Nice to see the channel additions, but yes that sucks about still no HD-Net.

Here in S. NH we are SOL.... No announcement on these channels and Comcast took away HDNet and HDNet Movies back in July...

We dont' have MHD, UHD, HGTVHD or FoodHD
And there are no plans that we have heard of to add TBS HD, CNN HD, USA HD or History HD to our lineup anytime soon. To comcast S. NH is not part of the boston region, we get the feeling they treat us like Verizon does... "rural"..

You would need some sort of digital cable box for the VOD & PPV. Cablecards are only used in the S3. You also would not be able to record HD content on the S2 even if you had a HD stb.

Tivo HD (less than the S3) uses cable cards and can record OTA HD as well.
Any tivo connected to a STB can record HD, however it is downconverted to SD.

When did discovery HD theatre become just "HD Theatre" ? I noticed this change in both the guide and on the channel.

-Ken

Just curious. What is so great about about HD-Net? I have never seen it so I don't know.

We dont' have MHD, UHD, HGTVHD or FoodHD
And there are no plans that we have heard of to add TBS HD, CNN HD, USA HD or History HD to our lineup anytime soon. To comcast S. NH is not part of the boston region, we get the feeling they treat us like Verizon does... "rural"..

What part of southern NH are you located in? Here in the seacoast area we have all the above channels and (I believe) we mirror the Comcast Boston lineup exactly. I expect we'll get the new adds as well, if history is an indicator.

Just curious. What is so great about about HD-Net? I have never seen it so I don't know.

check out their website and see what all of us comcast subscribers are missing :


http://www.hd.net/

Mark Cuban's channels are pretty damn good IMHO.

-Ken

What part of southern NH are you located in? Here in the seacoast area we have all the above channels and (I believe) we mirror the Comcast Boston lineup exactly. I expect we'll get the new adds as well, if history is an indicator.

We are in Milford, keyed off of the Comcast Londonderry system.. I just called Comcast and there are service bulletins that elude to the fact (although they can't confirm) that we will mirror the Boston lineup in mid November. Supposedly I'm going to receive a letter around 10/6 outlining the changes...

We are in Milford, keyed off of the Comcast Londonderry system.. I just called Comcast and there are service bulletins that elude to the fact (although they can't confirm) that we will mirror the Boston lineup in mid November. Supposedly I'm going to receive a letter around 10/6 outlining the changes...

Just to set the record straight, all Comcast New England areas (former Adelphia or otherwise) will be getting the new channels over the next two months. There is no official announcement as of yet but I assure you, it is coming.

Just no HD-Net but seeing how Comcast has now added 8 new HD channels to the line-up without increasing standard cable rates, I cannot see how you can complain.

Just to set the record straight, all Comcast New England areas (former Adelphia or otherwise) will be getting the new channels over the next two months. There is no official announcement as of yet but I assure you, it is coming.

Just no HD-Net but seeing how Comcast has now added 8 new HD channels to the line-up without increasing standard cable rates, I cannot see how you can complain.

Other than my call to Comcast this AM (which I received similar information) this is the first we've heard of it. We see press releases for Boston but our old Adelphia systems are never mentioned. Other than the loss of the HDNets we had an excellent HD lineup for many months; however over the past few months we've seen very little action. What most of us in SNH are upset with is the lack of communication to us. The comcast line-up page has't been correct for months, CSRs rarely know anything in detail for new channels. Why can't this info be sent out to us as "coming soon"? I know they have work to do, but if things are coming down the pipe we'd like to know!

Now the real dissapointment is that we won't have TBS HD for the MLB playoffs, at least as I know of...

Tivo HD (less than the S3) uses cable cards and can record OTA HD as well.
Any tivo connected to a STB can record HD, however it is downconverted to SD.

Sorry my bad, I forgot about the original Tivo HD, but the S2 does not use cable cards (correct?).
So might as well not record HD on S2 because you won't really see it anyway. I can connect a standard VCR to a HD stb & it basically does the same thing as the S2 (obviously Tivo's digital recording would look better then video tape but same output resolution constraints). The S2's best output is s-video which I believe is only 480i.

Sorry my bad, I forgot about the original Tivo HD, but the S2 does not use cable cards (correct?).
So might as well not record HD on S2 because you won't really see it anyway. I can connect a standard VCR to a HD stb & it basically does the same thing as the S2 (obviously Tivo's digital recording would look better then video tape but same output resolution constraints). The S2's best output is s-video which I believe is only 480i.

Actually the TivoHD came out after the S3 - in an effort to get out to the masses with a lower price; S3 has larger space, a fancier learning remote, front display, front buttons, and THX certification. They both run the same version of software.

Here are the types of setups you can do with each version of Tivo's out there..

Series 1 - Analog tuner built in; or can tune via set top box from comcast
Series 2 - Analog tuner built in; or can tune via set top box from comcast
Series 2DT - Dual analog tuners built in; or can tune via set top box from comcast
Series 3 - Dual Cablecard tuners; Analog tuner; OTA digital tuner - Can use any combination of these
TIvoHD - Dual Cablecard tuners; Analog tuner; OTA digital tuner - Can use any combination of these

I've been using Tivo for 7 years now (yes seven...) I have an original S1 that I have had hooked up to a Moto Box and a SA box over the years (currently however now it just tunes the analogs as we use our S3 for digital tuning/recording). The quality of the HD downsampled recording on the Tivo is outstanding; a crystal clear picture. While it is scaled down to SD it is great even on lower resolution screens. I hacked the bit-rate on the Tivo and had no visible compression or artifacting. Out of the box a Tivo S1 has a better picture than an S2, but with hacking and increasing the bit-rate you can get them to be equal.

Now here is the kicker, with some HD TVs you'll get a better picture using composite rather than s-video from the S1/S2 tivos. I know it sounds crazy, but you'll have to try what is best for your situation.

The setup that I've used in the past with great success and which gave me the best picture on all channels is as follows:
Tivo S1 - Hacked to tune analogs on its internal tuner (ch 1-70); tuned digital channels (99-1000) via IR control to the STB (SA3250); the STB input was fed into the S-video and audio L/R "in" on the Tivo. The Tivo out was fed to the TV via a composite cable. Then I used the DVI out to feed another input on the TV for true HD content.

I did this for 4 reasons
1. the SA3250 destroyed the analog channels - the artifacting was aweful, Tivo's own internal tuner was better.
2. Was able to record all digital channels
3. If tivo was recording an analog channel I could watch a digital channel via the other TV input.
4. Direct DVI connection to my TV

Now this has since been torn apart - Now we have the S1 recording analog only on its internal tuner and an S3 with dual cable cards that can record anything. (An S2 is on the way to replace the S1). The above could be done with any S1 or S2.

Oh and the S1 and S3 both "broadcast" themselves through the rest of the house, Tivo in any room! but thats another topic.. :)

Hope this helps!

My bad I was thinking the Tivo HD was out first. Correct me if I'm wrong on this one, but the Tivo HD is also known as the S3 Lite (which I knew that was the latest one)?

My bad I was thinking the Tivo HD was out first. Correct me if I'm wrong on this one, but the Tivo HD is also known as the S3 Lite (which I knew that was the latest one)?

Not in the industry that I know of, Tivo officially released it as Tivo HD.

The "lite" buzzword was given in the tivo user community when no one new the name of the lower or "lighter" unit that Tivo was working on.

From Todays Business Section of the Boston Globe:

"TBS HD will appear on channel 831 for Comcast subscribers. It is among several high-definition channels Comcast is adding this month. CNN HD will appear on Comcast channel 842 on Tuesday. Comcast also will add high-definition feeds for the USA Network and the History Channel before the end of the month, said the company's regional vice president, Paul D'Arcangelo"

Read the whole article here:

http://www.boston.com/business/technology/articles/2007/09/26/high_definition_tbs_feed_should_please_red_sox_fans/

Amen.

More comcast news today. I received a card in the mail from comcast with the following info"

"Effective November 1, 2007 Cspan-2 will move from channel 45 to channel 247 in the digital starter package Cspan-3 will launch on 249 within our digital classic package. Cspan-2 will remain part of the Family tier"

-Ken

check out their website and see what all of us comcast subscribers are missing :


http://www.hd.net/

Mark Cuban's channels are pretty damn good IMHO.

-Ken

I've been hoping for HDNET and HDNET-Movies along with everyone else, because it's been mentioned so often. But I just looked at the program schedules at the link you supplied, and frankly I didn't see much that interested me.

Of course it's all a matter of personal taste, but at this point I'm ambivalent toward HDNET. Unless I missed something major. There is only the two channels, right?

L Supreme, Will Comcast put the new HD channels in the Starter package?:D

Man Comcast has been a bit disappointing to me, I just got my HDTV and there are only a handful of channels. One thing I do not get though. If something is on non HD discovery but the channel guide says its in HD is there anyway to get it in HD?

Series 2DT - Dual analog tuners built in; or can tune via set top box from comcast


Good afternoon..thanks guys for the responses. I was a long time Tivo follower and got my first one from Tweeter back in the 90s and it had to be specially ordered. I loved it and turned many friends and family on to it. When I went to Directv the fact it had Tivo boxes was a big reason to switch..but, coming back to Comcast in the Spring I lost the ability to use them. All that being said..would I be able to use a serial cable to connect by cable box to the tivo like in the old days or would I have to use the ir blasters? Will that allow me to record two things at once or is that not possible with the ir? Any idea the cost to turn in my 3416 for just a regular cable box..is it even a savings? Will I be able to record ppv events with this new setup?

Thanks again guys

Tom

From Todays Business Section of the Boston Globe:

"TBS HD will appear on channel 831 for Comcast subscribers. It is among several high-definition channels Comcast is adding this month. CNN HD will appear on Comcast channel 842 on Tuesday. Comcast also will add high-definition feeds for the USA Network and the History Channel before the end of the month, said the company's regional vice president, Paul D'Arcangelo"

Read the whole article here:

http://www.boston.com/business/technology/articles/2007/09/26/high_definition_tbs_feed_should_please_red_sox_fans/


Any idea when the new Discovery HD simulcasts will be available to us? Also, I am really hoping SCI-FI HD is available when Galactica returns, though it may not be in time for Razor.

I have noticed that the sound levels on comcasts various digital/analog stations have been getting even worse lately. Is this a comcast only issue or are all cable companies ignoring the huge difference between the stations. It is so bad I have to turn many digital stations to reference level -10 just to hear it then the commercial comes and blasts you out of your seat.
Can comcast even do anything about this.

Meh. The new channels are somewhat interesting, but since I don't have Extended, only Basic and the other package with Discovery HD Theater, etc, I doubt they'll give it to me for free. Comcast isn't exactly giving anything away these days.

In the meantime I went to watch Reaper and saw it wasn't HD!!! CW-56 should definately been HD!!! Crap!!! I hope they have it fixed by tommorow for the Smallville premiere.:mad:

Meh. The new channels are somewhat interesting, but since I don't have Extended, only Basic and the other package with Discovery HD Theater, etc, I doubt they'll give it to me for free. Comcast isn't exactly giving anything away these days.

In the meantime I went to watch Reaper and saw it wasn't HD!!! CW-56 should definately been HD!!! Crap!!! I hope they have it fixed by tommorow for the Smallville premiere.:mad:

I just finished watching Reaper on the DVR and it was HD and 5.1 . I don't know why you didn't get it that way.

I just finished watching Reaper on the DVR and it was HD and 5.1 . I don't know why you didn't get it that way.It's quite possible I made a mistake and recorded it on the SD channel because it shows up in the guide. Luckily they'll be rerunning the pilot again tommorow so hopefully it will be OK then.

IMO we'll never get the HDNets, Comcast just doesn't want to pay Marc Cuban the extra money for the channels. Sucks too. Oh well, hopefully we'll get the MGM one at a relatively low price.

Good afternoon..thanks guys for the responses. I was a long time Tivo follower and got my first one from Tweeter back in the 90s and it had to be specially ordered. I loved it and turned many friends and family on to it. When I went to Directv the fact it had Tivo boxes was a big reason to switch..but, coming back to Comcast in the Spring I lost the ability to use them. All that being said..would I be able to use a serial cable to connect by cable box to the tivo like in the old days or would I have to use the ir blasters? Will that allow me to record two things at once or is that not possible with the ir? Any idea the cost to turn in my 3416 for just a regular cable box..is it even a savings? Will I be able to record ppv events with this new setup?

Thanks again guys

Tom

Not sure on the serial cable, i know people have done it before but not sure which boxes it works with. I used an IR blaster for about 4+ years and didn't loose a single program in that time frame. With a Tivo Series2 DT you could record two things at once, the trick is that they allow you to record 1 program from the internal analog tuner and 1 program from the cable box. Hence one tuner can only record analog and the other all channels.

I have recorded PPV events, you can setup a manual recording, it works fine..

If you dont' want PPV or Ondemand, look at the TivoHD or Tivo S3 - more expensive but 100% digital, just uses Cablecards..

PM me if you have more questions.. :)

-t

Just no HD-Net but seeing how Comcast has now added 8 new HD channels to the line-up without increasing standard cable rates, I cannot see how you can complain.Don't underestimate the American consumer's capacity to complain.

HDNet is overrated, IMHO. When Mark Cuban agrees to let Comcast offer it just to those customers who want it, then we'll probably see it offered to us. What I find strange is how so many people who are otherwise a la carte enthusiasts seem to come down on Cuban's side on this... it's mystifying. :rolleyes:

Don't underestimate the American consumer's capacity to complain.

HDNet is overrated, IMHO. When Mark Cuban agrees to let Comcast offer it just to those customers who want it, then we'll probably see it offered to us. What I find strange is how so many people who are otherwise a la carte enthusiasts seem to come down on Cuban's side on this... it's mystifying. :rolleyes:


It is one of those things were people want what they cannot have and will continue to complain about it because they can.

I looked at the channel's offerings and its similiar to Mojo. I would much rather be requesting Sci-Fi HD or the NBA league pass which does broadcast games in HD.

My previous cable provider did carry HDnet and HDnet Movies. Like most HD specific channels(Discovery HD theatre, MOJO, INHD/2, etc) that transmit programming that does not cater to mass population(a la ESPN, Networks, etc) there is not A LOT to watch on these channels for most people. For me I would love to have HD net again. The movies channels did have some nice OAR movies from the past. I loved HDnet because they carry MLS soccer on Sat nights, I am a big soccer fan. Comcast Please add this channel.
I did just receive a programming change notice from Comcast stating that c-span 2 is moving to digital tier and they are adding C-span3 :confused::confused::confused: WTF who the hell cares about this????:eek:

I'd expect those who view Congressional Hearings as a contact spectator sport would be interested.

Yes, it is of more interest to me than still another sports channel.

I have noticed that the sound levels on comcasts various digital/analog stations have been getting even worse lately. Is this a comcast only issue or are all cable companies ignoring the huge difference between the stations. It is so bad I have to turn many digital stations to reference level -10 just to hear it then the commercial comes and blasts you out of your seat.
Can comcast even do anything about this.

I believe that comes from the station. They make the commercials louder to get people's attention. I also think that since our listening is tuned into hearing people talk during the show that everything else sounds noisy in comparison. Kinda like being in a library then walking outside...

And there are just differences in volume levels between stations. I can turn from one station that's got an HD program in DD 5.1 to another one with another HD/DD 5.1 program, and have radically different volume levels.

My assumption is that this is just how it's coming from the stations, because it pretty much matches the experiences I had back when I was still trying to receive them OTA.

I believe that comes from the station. They make the commercials louder to get people's attention. I also think that since our listening is tuned into hearing people talk during the show that everything else sounds noisy in comparison. Kinda like being in a library then walking outside...

The question of who is responsible depends on who is "inserting" the commercial into the program. If it is a broadcast network commercial, then the level is set by the network.
If it is a cable network commercial, then the level is set by the network.
However, if the commercial is inserted locally over a broadcast network feed (so Channel 5 inserts a Boston-area commercial in a network program), then the level is set by the local affiliate.
Similarly, if the commercial is inserted locally over a cable network by a local cable operator (so Comcast inserts a local commercial in a cable network program), then the level is set by the cable operator.


The situation rare-air described could be the last scenario, - if the offending commercials are "local" (not a national spot or network promo). It is something that can be monitored - and corrected - by the engineers who work for the local advertising department, if they are notified by customers.

My previous cable provider did carry HDnet and HDnet Movies. Like most HD specific channels(Discovery HD theatre, MOJO, INHD/2, etc) that transmit programming that does not cater to mass population(a la ESPN, Networks, etc) there is not A LOT to watch on these channels for most people. For me I would love to have HD net again. The movies channels did have some nice OAR movies from the past. I loved HDnet because they carry MLS soccer on Sat nights, I am a big soccer fan. Comcast Please add this channel.
I did just receive a programming change notice from Comcast stating that c-span 2 is moving to digital tier and they are adding C-span3 :confused::confused::confused: WTF who the hell cares about this????:eek:

While I too couldn't care less about C-Span 3, if that was the agreement it took to get C-Span 2 off of the analog tier, it was well worth it. This should free up some more bandwidth.

Anyone know how to get in touch with Paul D'Arcangelo from Comcast? I want to see if the former Adelphia subs will get TBS HD for the MLB playoffs as well.

I did just receive a programming change notice from Comcast stating that c-span 2 is moving to digital tier and they are adding C-span3 :confused::confused::confused: WTF who the hell cares about this????:eek:

This is HUGE news! Not because of the channel(s) being offered, but that they made a proactive announcement. I, for one, was floored!

:D

Anyone know how to get in touch with Paul D'Arcangelo from Comcast? I want to see if the former Adelphia subs will get TBS HD for the MLB playoffs as well.

The best I can offer is their Executive Customer Care telephone number for the New England Area: 888-309-2583

These people have proven useful in the past, do return calls, and are in a position to make decisions.

Here's another proactive announcement: SHO preview this weekend. But you'll have to put up with the damn pop-ups every so often saying so.

Here's another proactive announcement: SHO preview this weekend. But you'll have to put up with the damn pop-ups every so often saying so.

Is the smart money still on Comcast pushing a message about TBS-HD (831) across our STB's after the Division Series have been completed?

Anyone know how to get in touch with Paul D'Arcangelo from Comcast? I want to see if the former Adelphia subs will get TBS HD for the MLB playoffs as well.
Probably too late for the MLB Playoffs, but the rumor is EIGHT new HD channels coming to the former Adelphia properties by early November.

Is the smart money still on Comcast pushing a message about TBS-HD (831) across our STB's after the Division Series have been completed?

I actually just noticed that 831 (TBS) is now a selectable channel, though it only shows a disclaimer saying "TBS HD is coming soon."

I get 831 but it says I don't qualify for it (just as I expected). Standard Cable and Digital Cable isn't going to be enough. I really wish I lived a block away so I could get Verizon.

My neighbors are eligible for FIOS TV, and we're not... talk about cherry-picking!!!

I get 831 but it says I don't qualify for it (just as I expected). Standard Cable and Digital Cable isn't going to be enough. I really wish I lived a block away so I could get Verizon.

probobly do not get MHD either. That channel requires Starter AND digital Classic.

probobly do not get MHD either. That channel requires Starter AND digital Classic.Yes, I get Basic Cable and Digital Classic, and no I do not get MHD, just the various stuff like TNT-HD, etc. No way in hell am I paying $35 just to get a few more HD channels I'll hardly ever watch. I suspect MGM-HD will be in this tier as well.:(

I get 831 but it says I don't qualify for it (just as I expected). Standard Cable and Digital Cable isn't going to be enough. I really wish I lived a block away so I could get Verizon.

As of 2 minutes ago there is just a placeholder/ad on the channel, it just says 'TBS HD coming soon'. Funny because they have show listings but the channel isn't active...yet.

Confirmed in Manchester,NH: TBS-HD is showing up in the guide, but with a "Coming Soon" graphic when you view the channel.

No sign yet of CNN-HD or History HD.

I actually just noticed that 831 (TBS) is now a selectable channel, though it only shows a disclaimer saying "TBS HD is coming soon."

Excellent, same here in the Springfield/Holyoke DMA.

One wonders what the launch date was for this HD station. October 1st would make sense...

yeah, i got Coming Soon here too and the article mentions the channel being added on Oct 2nd along with CNN HD so i assume thats when we officially get it

yeah, i got Coming Soon here too and the article mentions the channel being added on Oct 2nd along with CNN HD so i assume thats when we officially get it

That will definitely appease Red Sox Nation!

That will definitely appease Red Sox Nation!

There would be rioting in the streets of Boston if it wasn't, oh wait, they could still watch the SD channel. I guess it would only be the HD freaks of Red Sox nation that would have been out there protesting, Whew! now I don't have to get off my couch and can save all that energy for the games. :D

There would be rioting in the streets of Boston if it wasn't, oh wait, they could still watch the SD channel. I guess it would only be the HD freaks of Red Sox nation that would have been out there protesting, Whew! now I don't have to get off my couch and can save all that energy for the games. :D

Oh, the irony of someone with the handle of Lodef complaining about Highdef is somewhat amusing...

;)

Oh, the irony of someone with the handle of Lodef complaining about Highdef is somewhat amusing...

;)

Yeah, I'm a big fan of Reverse Psychology so to me it made perfect sense when I joined a HIgh Def Forum but I can see where others might get a chuckle from it. :D

I hope TBS HD gets activated in time for the one-game playoff tonight.

I hope TBS HD gets activated in time for the one-game playoff tonight.

TBS is not showing this game, it is not part of the NLDS. From what I can see it is only on MLBTV.

-Ken

TBS is not showing this game, it is not part of the NLDS. From what I can see it is only on MLBTV.

-Ken

That would be incorrect, TBS has the Division series and the rights to any tie breaking games.

That would be incorrect, TBS has the Division series and the rights to any tie breaking games.

Ok I stand corrected, but there is no mention of this game being broadcast anywhere !! Not on tbs.com ,espn etc. It's a big secret if they are showing it.

-Ken

Ok I stand corrected, but there is no mention of this game being broadcast anywhere !! Not on tbs.com ,espn etc. It's a big secret if they are showing it.

-Ken

ESPN now has the TBS listing on its main page

Argh! I really hope we get the TiVo software soon. I'm getting tired of recording each day individually to avoid filling up the drive with repeats.

I hope TBS HD gets activated in time for the one-game playoff tonight.

Are you a fan of one of the teams? I can't imagine this game would get many viewers in the Boston area with the Pats game on at the same time.

Are you a fan of one of the teams? I can't imagine this game would get many viewers in the Boston area with the Pats game on at the same time.

No, just a baseball fan. One-game playoffs are rare. And this one starts an hour before the Pats game, so I plan on watching a good chunk of it, and obviously I'd rather it be in HD. Not that I'm not used to SD broadcasts, having watched Extra Innings all year long.

Of possible additional interest to Sox fans, this will be Don Orsillo's first national broadcast. For me that's an additional reason to watch.

Of possible additional interest to Sox fans, this will be Don Orsillo's first national broadcast. For me that's an additional reason to watch.

Yes, it'll be interesting to see if D.O. has any chemistry with anyone other than Remy. I love it when they both get laughing in a boring game. It may be unprofessional, but it sure is entertaining. :)

I just got home from work and TBS-HD is up and running here in western MA, so I am sure it will be up in Boston too. The guide is wrong though, it says Fresh Prince of Bel Air, but Family Guy is on. It is definately TBS though.

TBS-HD is here in S. NH (stretched screen)

TBS-HD is also live here in Boston. Right now it's showing an SD show stretched to 16:9.

Cool, that should mean that Manchester will have TBS. I can flip back and forth from the Pats and the Rockies/Padres game.

Any word if that Rockies/Padres game is going to be in HD?

Cool, that should mean that Manchester will have TBS. I can flip back and forth from the Pats and the Rockies/Padres game.

Any word if that Rockies/Padres game is going to be in HD?
This article (http://www.multichannel.com/article/CA6485618.html) says that it will. (Well, it says that any potential tiebreak games would be in HD, though since it was written before Sunday it doesn't specifically mention this game.)

I just had a message on my cable box saying that Comcast has added CNNhd as well as TBS hd. They state CNNhd is on 842 yet I do not have that channel listed on the guide. Anyone else have this message or the channel available to them????

Wow, I went to look at the price for the "Digital Starter" package, and it's $33 for the first 3/mos then (get this) $45.23 per mos afterwards. (OUCH!!!)

You just know they're going to lump all the new HD Channels into the Digital Starter package or eliminate the $7 Digital Classic package altogether. Someone in the main Comcast thread in the other forum has already stated that in a few regions they have started doing so. Sigh.:(

former Adelphia sub here...I have CNNHD and TBSHD listed but not lit up. It's saying "No Data Available". I also noticed that Fox Sports HD has changed from FSNHD to CSNHD due to Comcast's purchase of them.

I just had a message on my cable box saying that Comcast has added CNNhd as well as TBS hd. They state CNNhd is on 842 yet I do not have that channel listed on the guide. Anyone else have this message or the channel available to them????

I got this message also (concord, nh) and i do not have 842 active yet, but i do have TBS active.

Wow, I went to look at the price for the "Digital Starter" package, and it's $33 for the first 3/mos then (get this) $45.23 per mos afterwards. (OUCH!!!)

You just know they're going to lump all the new HD Channels into the Digital Starter package or eliminate the $7 Digital Classic package altogether. Someone in the main Comcast thread in the other forum has already stated that in a few regions they have started doing so. Sigh.:(

Ouch ?? That is cheaper than analog full extended basic at $51 something... 45+ 1 cable box = same as analog.

-Ken

I just had a message on my cable box saying that Comcast has added CNNhd as well as TBS hd. They state CNNhd is on 842 yet I do not have that channel listed on the guide. Anyone else have this message or the channel available to them????

Same thing here in Manchester, NH. TBS-HD is up and running, but no CNN-HD on the guide despite Comcast sending a message to me saying it has been added.

Maybe CNN-HD will go live tomorrow.

Maybe CNN-HD will go live tomorrow.


I dunno... I'm not sure I really need to see Larry King in HD, even if channel surfing

I dunno... I'm not sure I really need to see Larry King in HD, even if channel surfing

Yes, that is the one downside.

Got to love Comcast CSR's. I just had one hang up on me when I told him he had no idea what he was talking about. He tried to tell me that TBS-HD wasn't broadcast ready so it won't be showing up for, at least, a few days. I can't believe that I'm looking back fondly on the Adelphia days.

FYI, confirmed, TBS-HD actually can transmit HD programming once in awhile (instead of stretch 16:9). The Rockies/Padres game is in HD.

Ouch ?? That is cheaper than analog full extended basic at $51 something... 45+ 1 cable box = same as analog.

-Kenken, I don't watch any of the channels on analog. The only things I watch are maybe BBC-A which I get on Digital Classic package for $7/per mos. So I get Basic Cable and Digital Classic plus the cost of the DVR. Quite a few other people on the forum have that package because they don't want to watch any analog, and paying $45 more for a few channels which is mostly 4:3 digital isn't going to make Comcast any friends (especially if they eliminate the Digital Classic package altogether like they are doing in other regions).

with CSPAN 2 going digital only on 11/01 and CSPAN3 being added to digital on 11/01 will that make room for 1 or 2 new HD channels. Have the feeling we will be getting post cards annoucing that a channels is now just on digital starter or classic , and no longer esteneded analog.Suspect that TLC, Discovery and Animal Planet may go that way to make more room for their new HD channels

Did anyone notice that the SD feed for WCVB's coverage of the game tonight (I checked ot off air as well as Ch 5) is the HD feed center cut?

As for channels i could see going from Extended to Digital starter,although personally I think it should be ALL of them I could see Bravo,History Ch,Cartoon Network,Comedy Central,Sci Fi,and Hallmark channel making the jump.

My idea would have ALL channel above limited basic going digital only but channels in Dgital starter be UNENCRYPTED so QAM tuners can get those channels without a box,using the traditional 24-69 filter so those with limited basic would not get them.

Updates:

842 is ON

296 is gone as The Tube is no longer broadcasting.

CNN-HD is live in Manchester, NH now on 842. Looks good.

I had all sorts of break-ups and pixellation on TBS-HD (831) last night. Did anybody else have that? I'm wondering if it's going to be a permanent problem. All of my other channels are fine.

CNN-HD is live in Burlington, MA too. Looks very good.

TBS-HD was perfect for the 2-3 minutes I watched it last night.

Now just waiting for USA-HD.

Updates:

842 is ON

296 is gone as The Tube is no longer broadcasting.

That stinks. I loved that station!

CNN-HD is live here in Fall River area. I was not impressed with TBS HD production. I have my set calibrated for improved contrast ratio and the feed looked way too bright for me. I though the picture looked better when they went in studio with Ernie Johnson and Cal Ripken than the actual game feed.

Lasst night when I turned to TBS-HD, all I had a was a notice saying "coming shortly". This message was posted up until 11pm last night and I forgot to check back this morning. I live in Easton,MA. Will I be getting this channel or does this have something to do with the fact that I just have Digital Preferred package with Basic service? Thanks for the help!

I had all sorts of break-ups and pixellation on TBS-HD (831) last night. Did anybody else have that? I'm wondering if it's going to be a permanent problem. All of my other channels are fine.

Looked great here in Beverly for the last 5 innings.

Lasst night when I turned to TBS-HD, all I had a was a notice saying "coming shortly". This message was posted up until 11pm last night and I forgot to check back this morning. I live in Easton,MA. Will I be getting this channel or does this have something to do with the fact that I just have Digital Preferred package with Basic service? Thanks for the help!

Do you get TBS-SD on channel 31?

Do you get TBS-SD on channel 31?

nope, sounds like I am hosed. I had hope just becasue I get TNT-HD but no TNT on standard cable. My basic channels stop at around channel 23. I guess I can always call Comcast and pick it up for the first round of playoffs and then drop it, correct?

Thanks!

Forgive me if this question has been asked a million times before, but the cable choices are so damn confusing...

I'm looking into dropping extended cable, but I want to keep all of my HD channels (except NFL and movie channels). I would also like to have the music channels, but they aren't a must. Also, I'd like to have access to OnDemand MTV (or other extended basic cable channels). I will be renting 2 HDDVRs.

What's the cheapest package will include all of my wants and about how much will it cost?

How much would I save by dropping extended basic?

Can I watch extended basic OnDemand channels if I don't subsribe to extended basic?

Lastly, what is the internet speed/price offerings for the Nashua, NH area?

Thanks in advance,
Travis

Updates:

842 is ON

296 is gone as The Tube is no longer broadcasting.

The following message appears on the Tube's web site:

“Dear friend of THE TUBE Music Network,

We regret to inform you of the fate that has befallen The Tube Music Network. October 1, 2007 The Tube ceased its national broadcast.

Viewers, Artists, Music Companies, Investors, Business Partners, TV stations, Cable companies, Advertisers , Friends and our creative partners @Radical Media - your support of The Tube has always been highly valued and appreciated. The collective efforts of this team, fueled by the letters we received from viewers, sustained THE TUBE as it struggled through the financial limitations that ultimately contributed to its incapacitated state.

Thank you for inviting The Tube Music Network into your life.

Sincerely,

The Tube Music Network staff”

Wow, I went to look at the price for the "Digital Starter" package, and it's $33 for the first 3/mos then (get this) $45.23 per mos afterwards. (OUCH!!!)

You just know they're going to lump all the new HD Channels into the Digital Starter package or eliminate the $7 Digital Classic package altogether. Someone in the main Comcast thread in the other forum has already stated that in a few regions they have started doing so. Sigh.:(

Got to read the italic but no so fine print

Post promotional price starts at $45.23 and varies depending on your location.

Price after promo is actually higher then $45.23 in New England.

No CNN HD, or TBS HD, just getting the "One Moment Please" banner, for Needham.

No CNN HD, or TBS HD, just getting the "One Moment Please" banner, for Needham.

Might need to Hit your box, can be done automatically from the 800 number or a CSR should be able to help you

To the poster in Easton I AM getting TBS HD, I'm pretty sure I'm on extended basic and digital classic package, but who knows Comcast's packages are ridiculously confusing.

When are we getting History HD and USA HD?

Might need to Hit your box, can be done automatically from the 800 number or a CSR should be able to help you

Jefball99, just curious, are you really in Lansing because you seem to hang out in the Boston thread a fair bit?

I was watching 'Out In The Open" on CNN-HD and the in studio shots were not in HD but then I switched back to the channel a few minutes later and the in studio shots were in HD. Weird, but the HD looks fantastic.

Might need to Hit your box, can be done automatically from the 800 number or a CSR should be able to help you

Weird, I had that done, and neither HD box in my house will show the channels.

TBS-HD is showing The Office in stretched letterbox. ow!

well, then never mind about tbs hd... right?

well, then never mind about tbs hd... right?

The baseball playoffs are in HD though, so it's well worth it for me.

Every time I tuned into CNN HD today, it was in SD. Does anyone know what time frames they actually show a HD newscast?

Every time I tuned into CNN HD today, it was in SD. Does anyone know what time frames they actually show a HD newscast?

Last night from 8 PM - 9 PM and then 10 PM - midnight was in HD. This morning, "American Morning" from 6-9 AM is in HD. From what I've seen so far it seems like most of their studios for the primetime programs are equipped for HD.

Last night from 8 PM - 9 PM and then 10 PM - midnight was in HD. This morning, "American Morning" from 6-9 AM is in HD. From what I've seen so far it seems like most of their studios for the primetime programs are equipped for HD.
Yes. Larry King (9-10pm) was not in HD (probably just as well), but the HD studio shows look very good.

Mickey

Everybody Loves Raymond was not in HD (stretched) either, although I'm not sure of its original format. Oddly enough, TBS did show some HD commercials...

anyone know if an ATSC tuner can pick up TBS straight from the cable or is it encrypted and needs to go through a box?

Just guessing, but only network TV goes through unencrypted (ABC, CBS, NBC), so I'd say it would have to go through a box.

It would be nice if I could pick up TBS-HD at all... still stuck at the "One Moment Please." They had a tech at the local Comcast pay center, and they're having the same problems. So, they're aware of it .

Well I'm picking it up, but it keeps freezing and macroblocking. It was doing this the other night too and its the only HD channel that does it.

Well I'm picking it up, but it keeps freezing and macroblocking. It was doing this the other night too and its the only HD channel that does it.

I'm getting freezing/macroblocking on the 2 new HD channels. One tv has the HD box , the other has CableCard.

Freezing isn't too often, about 1/4 of a second about once or twice a minute.

I'm in Lowell, BTW

I'm getting freezing/macroblocking on the 2 new HD channels. One tv has the HD box , the other has CableCard.

Freezing isn't too often, about 1/4 of a second about once or twice a minute.

I'm in Lowell, BTW

I am nearby - North Chelmsford, no issues for me.

I am in Billerica - I have been having some problems on 831. Not bad - see it every few minutes, although it seems to be getting less frequent. I did report it to Comcast.

The macroblocking on 831 seems to be a common problem around the Boston area. Somewhere at Comcast they must have a piece of equipment that is broken or not set up correctly. It is very similar to the problems we had on ESPN-HD a few months back.

The macroblocking on 831 seems to be a common problem around the Boston area. Somewhere at Comcast they must have a piece of equipment that is broken or not set up correctly. It is very similar to the problems we had on ESPN-HD a few months back.
I didn't have any PQ problems with 831 yesterday, out here in the western suburbs.

Mickey

I didn't have any PQ problems with 831 yesterday, out here in the western suburbs.

Mickey

It seems some people in the Boston area are getting pixellation on TBS-HD, and some people aren't. I wonder what the problem is?

It seems some people in the Boston area are getting pixellation on TBS-HD, and some people aren't. I wonder what the problem is?

I might be in a minority, but I have a perfect TBS picture. No skipping or pixelation to speak of. But then again, I've had excessive problems with Fox and TNT (although this one might just be a broadcast/compression issue, not a Comcast issue). CNN HD has yet to appear on my guide, what gives?

Anyone notice that NBC has recently had some underscan problems? Just recently with the new season there's a nice big yellow bar on the left side of the screen. My roommate's TV does the same thing. Fox used to have this problem on the top, but now that has been fixed.

I'm in Brookline, btw.

Has anyone had the following problem: Sound dropping out on HD channels or when changing channels, the TV Guide stays frozen for 5 seconds on the screen. Lately the box seems to be lagging when I give it commands (change channel, go into My DVR, etc.).

Has anyone had the following problem: Sound dropping out on HD channels or when changing channels, the TV Guide stays frozen for 5 seconds on the screen. Lately the box seems to be lagging when I give it commands (change channel, go into My DVR, etc.).
The command response lag is a known bug with these DVRs, thought to be caused by the large amount of guide data that needs to be stored and updated.

Mickey

No TBS HD in Cambridgeport last night for my Game 1 ALDS party. Boy was I pissed. Only a "This channel should be available shortly" message. I tried hard booting my DVR a couple of times and then called support. They told me TBS HD was not going to be available at all for my zip code. Today I had a chat session with a support rep who claims it is now on for 02139 - I'll have to check when I get home.

I'm so excited someone else is getting the "shortly" message. Although I'm in 02494. This is getting ridiculous.

Having a rep "hit" it did nothing, unplugging and plugging it in did nothing. Very annoying.

Cool thing though, Don Orsillo's announcing the Philadelphia-Colorado game.

I have cable cards..3 of them. And not one of my devices get the TBS HD. Now I have to wait for them to come over and replace all 3 cards as all other tries have fixed nothing.
02190

I have cable cards..3 of them. And not one of my devices get the TBS HD. Now I have to wait for them to come over and replace all 3 cards as all other tries have fixed nothing.
02190

Let us know how that turns out because I'm pretty sure all 3 cards aren't bad. Sometimes the tv needs to have something updated in the menu for the cable cards, sometimes just the right hit from the office but not all 3 cards going bad at the same time. There are a couple good techs in Weymouth (I think that's where you are) so cross your fingers.

Let us know how that turns out because I'm pretty sure all 3 cards aren't bad. Sometimes the tv needs to have something updated in the menu for the cable cards, sometimes just the right hit from the office but not all 3 cards going bad at the same time. There are a couple good techs in Weymouth (I think that's where you are) so cross your fingers.

I have CableCard on a Samsung DLP and it has a feature called Channel List Re-organization within the Cablecard setup menu. This always does the trick for me.

THanks I tried both on the Sony and the TivoHD. No luck. I have had other new channels come in since the cards went in a while ago. This is the first time new channels did not show up. The techs were here for 2 hours yesterday so tomorrow all that is left is to let them replace the cards.

Still no TBS HD in Cambridgeport. Same lame message. It's painful not to be able to watch the Yankees choke in HD, and no HD for tomorrow's game either. I'm so pissed at Comcast.

I'm still getting it here for 5 seconds at a time. i've called Comcast 3 times and everytime is the same old sh*t. Unplug the box, reset the box remotely etc. not sure what to do at this point

Looks like there we will no TBS HD in candia, nh. I watch the game at a bar last night and just turned on the 831 to see the yankees and got the available shortly message. I just called comcast and they said I won't have it until 11/17! I believe my headend is out of manchester or maybe derry, both large cities and you would think these headends would have TBS HD. I have never had a channel not turned on when it was available to the rest of new england.

I am in Billerica - I have been having some problems on 831. Not bad - see it every few minutes, although it seems to be getting less frequent. I did report it to Comcast.

831 was fine tonight in Billerica. I would like to think that Comcast has corrected this problem. Great to watch the Yankees loss in HD!

TBS HD is mysteriously working this morning in Needham, at the cost of TNT-HD... that's gone to the "One Moment Please"; CNN-HD is also not working yet.

Anyone here using Windows Vista Media Center edition and the ATI TV Wonder digital cable tuner? I'm wondering how much hair the Comcast tech will lose when they come out next week to install a CableCARD in the ATI box ...

Tony

Apropos nothing, I have been enjoying watching the WSOP in HD because I can finally get a good enough view of the poker chips to see that they are indeed Paul-Sons chips this year.

Update on Cambridgeport in case anyone is keeping score. TBS HD was off last night, but appeared this morning. If it's still working for tonight's game I'm putting Comcast back on my Christmas card list.

831 was fine tonight in Billerica. I would like to think that Comcast has corrected this problem. Great to watch the Yankees loss in HD!


Same here - pixellation problem on TBS-HD (831) was gone as of last night. The picture looked great!

Any way to insure I get the HD version on a scheduled series recording without selecting by time? I normally search by title.

Thanks in advance

The command response lag is a known bug with these DVRs, thought to be caused by the large amount of guide data that needs to be stored and updated.

Mickey

Can anything be done about it? I don't have one of the newer Motorola DVR boxes. Do I need to switch it out?

Can anything be done about it? I don't have one of the newer Motorola DVR boxes. Do I need to switch it out?

No, they all exhibit this issue. But if it does it all the time than thats not normal and I would indeed swap it out for another one.

Can anything be done about it? I don't have one of the newer Motorola DVR boxes. Do I need to switch it out?
As Lodef said, you should try a box swap. It is possible that the Comcast-Tivo boxes will perform better, if and when they become available.

Mickey

Any way to insure I get the HD version on a scheduled series recording without selecting by time? I normally search by title.

Thanks in advance

have it choose this channel only and make sure it is the HD channel.

On the NH Adelphia thread, they got mailing from Comcast that on Nov 13 th they will be getting 7 new HD channels including USA-HD and History-HD.

Where's the game? TBS is still showing Cleveland/NYY, everywhere else I look people appear to be watching the game, but I can't figure out what channel.

Tnt.

Tnthd 833

Thank you!!!

Well at least I don't have to pay extra for it tonight.:rolleyes::D

On the NH Adelphia thread, they got mailing from Comcast that on Nov 13 th they will be getting 7 new HD channels including USA-HD and History-HD.

Sounds like they are just catching up with the rest of Comcast. The only channels on that list that we don't have is USA-HD and History-HD.

I guess the good news is that by November we should have 2 more channels.

does anyone know why comcast doesn't broadcast channel 7 in hd?

Where are you located? I live in the Fall River area and they took away 807 a few months ago, but have 810 for NBC coverage.

Anyone here using Windows Vista Media Center edition and the ATI TV Wonder digital cable tuner? I'm wondering how much hair the Comcast tech will lose when they come out next week to install a CableCARD in the ATI box ...

Tony

I'd be very interested in hearing how it goes.

Last I knew the ATI digital tuner would work only with Vista boxes that had some special BIOS setting (or something like that... basically, OEM boxes were being shut out from CableCARD tuner land).

I'd be very interested in hearing how it goes.

Last I knew the ATI digital tuner would work only with Vista boxes that had some special BIOS setting (or something like that... basically, OEM boxes were being shut out from CableCARD tuner land).

Yes, that's my understanding too; there's a pile of digital rights management stuff layered throughout the O/S and I believe the BIOS, and you can't purchase the ATI digital tuner without it being part of a pre-configured system.

During the order process when I configured the system (HP m8100y) it was necessary to select a special variant of Vista for digital cable tuners. The system shipped with an additional license key for the digital tuner setup process.

I'll post my experiences next week.

Tony

Hi guys, been lurking for awhile, finally decided to register :) I was wondering if anyone know if I can get QAM channels with Comcast in Lowell? Thanks in advance!

Hi guys, been lurking for awhile, finally decided to register :) I was wondering if anyone know if I can get QAM channels with Comcast in Lowell? Thanks in advance!

unencrypted QAM channels is generally restricted to

a)HD feeds of local broadcast channels with HD feeds (PBS HD channel,plus HD feeds of 4,5,7,9,25,38,and 56)

b)SD feeds of local broadcast channels

c)digital versions of other channels considered part of limited basic

d)wild on demand feeds from folks in the neighborhood

Few channels are on the same number

You just have to do a scan every now and then and go with the flow

unencrypted QAM channels is generally restricted to

a)HD feeds of local broadcast channels with HD feeds (PBS HD channel,plus HD feeds of 4,5,7,9,25,38,and 56)

b)SD feeds of local broadcast channels

c)digital versions of other channels considered part of limited basic

d)wild on demand feeds from folks in the neighborhood

Few channels are on the same number

You just have to do a scan every now and then and go with the flow

I'm mainly interested in NBC (7) HD and CBS (4) HD. Good to hear they available as Clear QAM channels here :) Thanks!

I had been using ATSC in Atlanta before I moved here. Now due to the location of my room I can no longer get a strong enough signal. So Clear QAM seems to be the only way to go. I do love Heroes in HD :D

I'm mainly interested in NBC (7) HD and CBS (4) HD. Good to hear they available as Clear QAM channels here :) Thanks!

I had been using ATSC in Atlanta before I moved here. Now due to the location of my room I can no longer get a strong enough signal. So Clear QAM seems to be the only way to go. I do love Heroes in HD :D

4.1 and 7.1 are where they are found in Lawrence. I assume it may be the same in Lowell.

Woke up this morning and turned to ch22 (new home of Fox Boston) and saw the message "Per FCC regulation and at the request of WNAC, this show has been blocked" and then points me to Fox providence which is showing Rosanne

They pulled this same stunt a few months back on the HD side. But at that time I didnt care as much because I still had the SD for news, and for primetime shows, I didnt care which Fox affiliate I got it from.

Other than emailing both stations, can one do anything? I get both markets of the "big 3" networks. How soon before they get around to doing the same thing?

I think you really need to address your concerns to the folks who decide which DMA your town is placed into (either that, or move). The black-outs and such are done for specific reasons, which won't go away, so the only way to ensure you get Boston DMA stations is for your town to be in the Boston DMA.

I lost TNTHD over the weekend in Easton,MA. Anyone else have this issue? Did not check back again. I have always had TNTHD with my basic and digital starter package. Has Comcast now taken this away as well?

I lost TNTHD over the weekend in Easton,MA. Anyone else have this issue? Did not check back again. I have always had TNTHD with my basic and digital starter package. Has Comcast now taken this away as well?


Do you mean Digital Classic instead of Digital Starter?

If you have Basic & Digital Classic, you should get TNT HD.

Why is FOX 25 Local news blacked out in Providence DMA towns. It is NOT a Fox network program. Comcast, please check your black out times.

Do you mean Digital Classic instead of Digital Starter?

If you have Basic & Digital Classic, you should get TNT HD.

I just checked my statement again and it is actually called "Digital Preferred". Any idea what is going on? I;ve had this station for a year and half now with this same package.

Comcast can be reached at 1-800-COMCAST. I hope this helps.

Has anyone noticed more macroblocking on SD channels using the digital box lately. Perhaps more compression on SD channels to make room for more.Comcast needs to move channels from analog to digital only.There must be 5 or 6 analogs that could go digital only, and upset just a few people who connect without a box on a regular NTSC -TV

Nope, I haven't noticed any significant change. Perhaps it is just your local neighborhood?

Has anyone noticed more macroblocking on SD channels using the digital box lately. Perhaps more compression on SD channels to make room for more.Comcast needs to move channels from analog to digital only.There must be 5 or 6 analogs that could go digital only, and upset just a few people who connect without a box on a regular NTSC -TV

I know around 43 channels that IMHO should. For a start I would have Hallmark,Bravo,History,Cartoon Network,comedy Central,Sci Fi,TV Land ,and GSN go digital only with Travel channel,animal Planet,Tru TV (new name for Court TV as of 01-08),and Food network in the next batch.

With the bandwidth used by 7 analogs they could easily have 12 channels (BOTH SD AND HD feeds)

Comcast can be reached at 1-800-COMCAST. I hope this helps.

Unfortunatley it did not. Comcast rep. said I was probably the victim of an audit in my town. THey seem to be really buckling down on the rule that if you don;t have a channel in your standard package then you will not get the hi-def channel. No more TNTHD for me. For anyone else with a similar package....beware. My HD channels are quickly shrinking form a year and half ago when I first got HD service. Unfortunaltey, I think it is time to at least look at satellite and see what gives the best bang for the buck without spending in excess of $80+ a month to get a decent amount of HD channels.

Now, this makes perfect sense...

Please Note: On 11/1/07 CSPAN2 will move from channel 45 in Standard Cable to channel 247 in Digital Starter, and CSPAN3 will be added on channel 249 in Digital Starter.

On 12/4/07, Game Show Network will become a full-time channel as it moves from Standard Cable to Digital Starter. The new channel number will be 247. Subscription to Digital Starter package and a digital box are necessary to view this channel.

In NJ where my wife's grandmother lives Comcast is moving AMC, TCM, and GSN from analog to digital. They are also offering analog customers a digital set top box for only $1 per month and it's not a limited time deal, it is a regular price !

-Ken

Ah, so they're doing system audits to find cases where folks have channels that aren't part of the packages they're paying for. That makes a lot of sense, and explains why folks "suddenly" lose channels they've had for a while.

4.1 and 7.1 are where they are found in Lawrence. I assume it may be the same in Lowell.

In NJ where my wife's grandmother lives Comcast is moving AMC, TCM, and GSN from analog to digital. They are also offering analog customers a digital set top box for only $1 per month and it's not a limited time deal, it is a regular price !

-Ken
Hey Ken, I live right on the border of Chelmsford. Can you confirm what chitchatjf said?

Why is FOX 25 Local news blacked out in Providence DMA towns. It is NOT a Fox network program. Comcast, please check your black out times.

It appears that it was a one time occurance yesterday. HOPEFULLY. So that I may understand this better; are the following points correct?


SE Mass is technically considered a Providence market regardless of state boundary
For Network broadcasts (same programming, different commercials) the broadcaster in the primary market can request that the secondary market's programming be blacked out
We get the 4 major networks for both markets, only Fox is doing this?


My concern is that at some point we're going to lose the Boston affiliate in our lineup. Just as a few months ago we lost the Fox Boston HD channel. That didnt phase me much because morning and nightly news is usually watched on the SD TV in the bedroom.

Thanks

Unfortunatley it did not. Comcast rep. said I was probably the victim of an audit in my town. THey seem to be really buckling down on the rule that if you don;t have a channel in your standard package then you will not get the hi-def channel. No more TNTHD for me. For anyone else with a similar package....beware. My HD channels are quickly shrinking form a year and half ago when I first got HD service. Unfortunaltey, I think it is time to at least look at satellite and see what gives the best bang for the buck without spending in excess of $80+ a month to get a decent amount of HD channels.

ESPN, TNT, Discovery Theatre, Universal HD and Mojo are HD channels that you only need basic and digital classic to recieve. These were the original HD channels that Comcast launched. Once NESN and ESPN2 was added to standard cable, all HD channels have been carefully placed into the package along with their SD counterpart.

I'd call back and speak to somoene else.

My concern is that at some point we're going to lose the Boston affiliate in our lineup.This is a real possibility. That county is in the Providence DMA, and so the only affiliates that the cable systems must-carry are those from Providence. If Boston affiliates become too expensive or too much of a hassle or take up too much bandwidth, they have no choice between the Boston affiliate and the Providence affiliate -- they have to go with the Providence affiliate.

I hope my PM didn't get your hopes up... that was not my intention. Practically-speaking, there is almost no chance of that situation changing. Your county is in the Providence DMA, and will almost surely remain there. It would be very remarkable for that situation to change. This is one of the down-sides of when cities grow towards each other: If folks align themselves towards the "foreign" city, they're bound to encounter problems.

This is a real possibility. That county is in the Providence DMA, and so the only affiliates that the cable systems must-carry are those from Providence. If Boston affiliates become too expensive or too much of a hassle or take up too much bandwidth, they have no choice between the Boston affiliate and the Providence affiliate -- they have to go with the Providence affiliate.

I hope my PM didn't get your hopes up... that was not my intention. Practically-speaking, there is almost no chance of that situation changing. Your county is in the Providence DMA, and will almost surely remain there. It would be very remarkable for that situation to change. This is one of the down-sides of when cities grow towards each other: If folks align themselves towards the "foreign" city, they're bound to encounter problems.

Whats with the foreign city anology, has it been taken over by another country. Is there an enemy within that we should be concerned about and all those who align themselves with it are doomed. Sheesh, I thought he was only talking about a tv channel but leave it to you to bring it to a whole new level. :rolleyes:

The word "foreign" was in quotes, eh? Foreign meaning part of another DMA.

The word "foreign" was in quotes, eh? Foreign meaning part of another DMA.

You forgot the rest of the Quote:

"If folks align themselves towards the "foreign" city, they're bound to encounter problems".

meaning somehow people have a choice if they live in a particular geographical location and by then telling them to move if they do not want these problems is just being rude, sorry.

In regards to those who lost TNTHD...I am also one of those people. My wife and I spoke to Comcast in two seperate conversations. Each of us got different answers. She was told it was the level of service (we don't subscribe to extended cable, only basic plus digital). However, when I called the lady told me that my level of service was where it needed to be and everything looked OK on her end.

There was no resolution. It seems like someone needs to get their stories straight over there at Comcast.

In regards to those who lost TNTHD...I am also one of those people. My wife and I spoke to Comcast in two seperate conversations. Each of us got different answers. She was told it was the level of service (we don't subscribe to extended cable, only basic plus digital). However, when I called the lady told me that my level of service was where it needed to be and everything looked OK on her end.

There was no resolution. It seems like someone needs to get their stories straight over there at Comcast.

Seeing I;m not the only one with th is issue it is obvious that this a conscience decision on the part of Comcast to eliminate this channel. I feel a little better to know I wasn't the only one however it would have been nice to have been notified.

meaning somehow people have a choice if they live in a particular geographical location and by then telling them to move if they do not want these problems is just being rude, sorry.Are you really trying to tell me what I meant? If you didn't understand it, it is okay to say so, and I'd gladly explain it more fully. Apparently that was the case here. I'll explain with an example. I used to live in central NJ, midway between New York and Philadelphia. Some of the folks in town were Knicks fans (aligned themselves towards New York); some of the folks in town were 76ers fans (aligned themselves toward Philadelphia). In the end, when push came to shove, the Knicks fans had an easier time of following their favorite team, because our town was in the New York DMA, not the Philadelphia DMA.

Beyond that, I didn't tell anyone to move. It is true, though, that moving may be the only way people have to avoid these problems. That's not rudeness. That's reality. We do a disservice to folks when we refuse to trust them with the cold, honest truth for a situation.

In Bristol County we lost WHDH-HD nbc to WJAR-HD in Providence. We have both WCVB-HD and WLNE-HD for abc. We still have WBZ-HD for cbs and not have WPRI-HD. We have WNAC_HD for Fox and lost WFXT-HD. We Have WLVI-HD for cw and do not have CW28-HD for cw . (forgot calls) We never got WSBK-HD. Also, the SD for Fox and CW stations changed dial postions on Oct1, with Providence stations getting better dial spots.
I am sure we will lose WBZ-HD for cbs when WPRI HD is carried on Comcast in Bristol County.

Are you really trying to tell me what I meant? If you didn't understand it, it is okay to say so, and I'd gladly explain it more fully. Apparently that was the case here. I'll explain with an example. I used to live in central NJ, midway between New York and Philadelphia. Some of the folks in town were Knicks fans (aligned themselves towards New York); some of the folks in town were 76ers fans (aligned themselves toward Philadelphia). In the end, when push came to shove, the Knicks fans had an easier time of following their favorite team, because our town was in the New York DMA, not the Philadelphia DMA.

Beyond that, I didn't tell anyone to move. It is true, though, that moving may be the only way people have to avoid these problems. That's not rudeness. That's reality. We do a disservice to folks when we refuse to trust them with the cold, honest truth for a situation.

Well this is Massachusetts and Boston is the only place where there are professional sports teams unless you count Foxboro where the patriots play. So according to your logic people in Bristol County should support another team because their not in the Boston DMA! What a ridiculous statement. Who are they going to support, there are no pro teams in Providence, maybe they might have to become New York fans then since that would be the other closest city to them. Go see how well that will go over. Fact is most people in Bristol are Boston fans so according to your alignment basis they should be in the Boston DMA right, but their not. I guess your theory does not hold up here and the DMA Guide lines are not always correct like you believe they are and people shouldn't have to alter their lives around them as you suggest.

Since no one disputed my assumptions - I am unhappy with what may be, but feel better knowing how it 'works' Thanks y'all

Comcast rep. said I was probably the victim of an audit in my town. THey seem to be really buckling down on the rule that if you don;t have a channel in your standard package then you will not get the hi-def channel.
Call back. This is absolutely not true.

TiVo is making its technology and services available to Comcast Corp cable customers. The service, built into Scientific Atlanta cable set top boxes, is currently being tested by Comcast employees and was expected to be available to some customers by September.
http://today.reuters.com/news/articlenews.aspx?type=technologyNews&storyid=2007-10-09T192158Z_01_WEN1562_RTRUKOC_0_US-TIVO-COMCAST.xml

I am confused. From what I was reading in this thread, I thought it's just a TiVo software to existing Moto STBs, not new Scientific Atlanta ones. Can somebody clear it up? Good news - after all delays the service is coming, one way or another.

So according to your logic people in Bristol County should support another team because their not in the Boston DMA!The reality is that Bristol County is aligned with Providence. That isn't a matter of opinion or anything debateable. That's my point. For people living in that county who want to be aligned with Boston, that sucks. For people living in that county who want to be aligned with Providence, that's great. Keep in mind that many people who live in Bristol Country work in Providence, and therefore want their morning news traffic reports to focus on the ride into Rhode Island, not the ride into Boston. They get their way.

And this isn't "logic" -- it's REALITY. I'm not saying how things should be. I'm saying how things are, and based on that, what people should be prepared to deal with.

Call back. This is absolutely not true.

What should I tell them? WHat can support my argument?

Hello All,

I just got my Sammy LNT4061F with Comcast Moto DCH3416. I am in SE Mass and have been the victim of the pi**ing contest between FOX 25 Boston and Fox 64 Providence. I just want the Red Sox in HD on Friday. Anyone know who will carry it and what channel? Thanks

dantis

chitchatjf and kenvt,

Do you guys get FOX HD? I can't find it in my QAM channel lineup for the life of me. Not that I really care as I don't watch anything on FOX and I still have my SD FOX channel... Just curious I suppose. Is this related to what everyone else has been discussing?

P.S. I have the Hauppauge HVR-1800 tuner and running SageTV 6.2.

The Sox game should be on Chanell 811 if you are in Bristol County, that is Fox Providence. 825, I guess, if you are not in Bristol County.

The reality is that Bristol County is aligned with Providence. That isn't a matter of opinion or anything debateable. That's my point. For people living in that county who want to be aligned with Boston, that sucks. For people living in that county who want to be aligned with Providence, that's great. Keep in mind that many people who live in Bristol Country work in Providence, and therefore want their morning news traffic reports to focus on the ride into Rhode Island, not the ride into Boston. They get their way.

And this isn't "logic" -- it's REALITY. I'm not saying how things should be. I'm saying how things are, and based on that, what people should be prepared to deal with.

That is only an assumption on your part! Have you ever seen the traffic on Rt 3 or 24 in the morning, guess where their heading? Boston thats where. So again you can hold the DMA as gospel if you want but the guidelines that create a certain DMA can be wrong just as the points within it that you are trying to justify by including it's boundries are. I belive SE Mass is not assigned correctly even according to their own requirements. It makes no sense for places in S. New Hampshire ( Another State BTW ) to be in the Boston DMA and places like Bristol county which is in the same state and closer to Boston not to be. And I don't even live there ( Bristol County, ) so maybe a few people that do can chime in and explain a little history of the area to you so maybe you can get a better understanding for my rebuttal to your reasoning.

I drive daily from Bristol County NORTH toward Boston on Rt. 24. We should have Boston stations period. Why does everyone always forget us down here? :(

I drive daily from Bristol County NORTH toward Boston on Rt. 24. We should have Boston stations period. Why does everyone always forget us down here? :(

I think the whole problem stems from pre-cable days when Bristol county folks fared better pulling in Providence OTA stations than the Boston stations. I remember having the Archer antenna on my parents house and having to use one of those rotary antenna tuners. I'm in SE Mass but in Plymouth county which is fortunately Boston DMA. Back then we could pick up both Providence and Boston stations clearly. Bristol county was probably in the same situation but some governing board back then assumed that they had better luck with Providence than Boston and here we are 20 years later.

What fun!

chitchatjf and kenvt,

Do you guys get FOX HD? I can't find it in my QAM channel lineup for the life of me. Not that I really care as I don't watch anything on FOX and I still have my SD FOX channel... Just curious I suppose. Is this related to what everyone else has been discussing?

P.S. I have the Hauppauge HVR-1800 tuner and running SageTV 6.2.

In Chelmsford, I'm getting FOXHD on 87.1 and CBSHD on 87.2...I'm not sure why they aren't mapping like the others do.

Keep in mind that many people who live in Bristol Country work in ProvidenceThat is only an assumption on your part!Are you really saying that there aren't many people in Bristol County that work in Providence? I think you misread what I wrote... Perhaps you thought I said that everyone in Bristol County work in Providence or that most people who lived in Bristol County work in Providence. I didn't say EITHER of those things. I hope that clears up your confusion.

So again you can hold the DMA as gospel if you want but the guidelines that create a certain DMA can be wrong just as the points within it that you are trying to justify by including it's boundries are.The DMA are reality. Again, I think you misread what I wrote... I haven't said whether the boundaries are "right" or "wrong" -- I've only stated that they exist and that they will have their consequent effects, whether people like it or not.

so maybe a few people that do can chime in and explain a little history of the area to you so maybe you can get a better understanding for my rebuttal to your reasoning.There is nothing to rebut since I'm not presenting "reasoning" but rather reporting the reality of the situation.

I think the whole problem stems from pre-cable days when Bristol county folks fared better pulling in Providence OTA stations than the Boston stations.Good point. As I mentioned earlier, it will probably remain as it is, because changing it could have significant negative consequences for business in Providence. It also would be a turf thing, between the "underdog" city and the 1000 pound "gorilla" city.

Incidentally, DMA-related confusion is not limited to Providence vs. Boston: http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?p=11864363#post11864363

An update on my attempt to get a CableCARD activated in an ATI TV Wonder digital cable tuner attached to a Media Center PC ...

The ATI tuner saw the CableCARD, but Windows Vista was unable to download some required security components, so the tuner couldn't be used. I told the Comcast tech it probably made sense for him to come back another day.

The PC vendor's tech support folks eventually found a note that there was some sort of issue with Norton Internet Security that prevents the security component download. Sure enough, uninstalling NIS allowed Vista to download and update the security bits it needed.

Tuesday we'll see if we can get the CableCARD provisioned ...

Tony

In Chelmsford, I'm getting FOXHD on 87.1 and CBSHD on 87.2...I'm not sure why they aren't mapping like the others do.

jwciv reported a FOX channel on 82.6 in his post:

http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?p=11190968#post11190968

Do you know why the discrepancy?

Are you really saying that there aren't many people in Bristol County that work in Providence? I think you misread what I wrote... Perhaps you thought I said that everyone in Bristol County work in Providence or that most people who lived in Bristol County work in Providence. I didn't say EITHER of those things. I hope that clears up your confusion.

The DMA are reality. Again, I think you misread what I wrote... I haven't said whether the boundaries are "right" or "wrong" -- I've only stated that they exist and that they will have their consequent effects, whether people like it or not.

There is nothing to rebut since I'm not presenting "reasoning" but rather reporting the reality of the situation.

Bicker, Your the one who accused the people of Bristol county of aligning themselves to a foreign city ( Providence ) and then using the DMA as your evidence for their problems. The fact again is most people in that county align themselves to Boston, not the other way around but yet are forced to be in another market because of some outdated DMA with erroneous guidelines not because they choose to. And then you more or less told them it's their own fault for being in that position, what a bunch of BS. So stop trying to say I misread or are confused because of your contradictions. All you have to do is go back and read your earlier posts and it is very clear what I'm debating you about. Too bad you can't understand that. Now why don't you go thread fart somewhere else because thats about the only thing you seem to be good at!

jwciv reported a FOX channel on 82.6 in his post:

http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?p=11190968#post11190968

Do you know why the discrepancy?

I was told, and have also found myself to confirm, that these channel locations change over time; I have no idea why. I have not recently let the tuner re-find all the channels, it takes a good 5-10 minutes to scan.
If you need me to check, let me know and I'll check later tonight

chitchatjf and kenvt,

Do you guys get FOX HD? I can't find it in my QAM channel lineup for the life of me. Not that I really care as I don't watch anything on FOX and I still have my SD FOX channel... Just curious I suppose. Is this related to what everyone else has been discussing?

P.S. I have the Hauppauge HVR-1800 tuner and running SageTV 6.2.

I do not know about Lowell but Lawrence maps it to 25-1.

Bicker, Your the one who accused the people of Bristol county of aligning themselves to a foreign cityNo I didn't. You didn't read what I wrote, did you?

Read it again. And if you don't understand it, then ask for a clarification. Thanks.

The fact again is most people in that county align themselves to BostonBut not all. That's what I said.

because of some outdated DMAThe DMA isn't outdated. The foundation on which the DMA was originally bounded may be, but we've discussed that as well. Did you miss those messages?

So stop trying to say I misread or are confused because of your contradictions.Stop misrepresenting what I'm writing.

No I didn't. You didn't read what I wrote, did you?

Read it again. And if you don't understand it, then ask for a clarification. Thanks.

But not all. That's what I said.

The DMA isn't outdated. The foundation on which the DMA was originally bounded may be, but we've discussed that as well. Did you miss those messages?

Stop misrepresenting what I'm writing.

My comprehension skills are fine , I'll stand by my statements, Thanks!

jwciv reported a FOX channel on 82.6 in his post:

http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?p=11190968#post11190968

Do you know why the discrepancy?

I also get FOX on 82.6, but it's not HD. I get the HD on 87.1 .

My comprehension skills are fineI suppose we'll just have to agree to disagree about this whole issue.

I'll stand by my statements, Thanks!As I will mine.

I also get FOX on 82.6, but it's not HD. I get the HD on 87.1 .

Hmmm strange. 87.1 didn't show up during the initial channel scan, but adding the channel manually worked fine. CBS HD (87.2) did show up without issue though. Anyways, thanks for the tip :)

Hmmm strange. 87.1 didn't show up during the initial channel scan, but adding the channel manually worked fine. CBS HD (87.2) did show up without issue though. Anyways, thanks for the tip :)

No problem. HD fans have to stick together as Comcast doesn't always make it easy for us.

Maybe I can give some clarity to this DMA issue. Back in the beginning a long time ago, there was no government oversight of CATV systems. They carried what ever they could pick up using whatever means available to them. This included heroic antennas and microwave links, if needed, to provide TV stations for their customer's viewing. Remeber, this was before satellite services and there was just over the air TV programming available.

Sometime in the early 1970s, the FCC came out with must carry rules, at that time the requirements were any station putting a Grade B signal over the community the CATV system served qualified for must carry. This lasted until the early 1990s when a major rewrite of the CATV rules came out as a result of Cogressional action.

At this time, the must carry rules changed so that a commercial TV station could demand carriage if the CATV system served a commuity in it's area of dominate influence (ADI) as defined by Arbitron, a TV/Radio marketing resaerch firm. ADIs were the counties that the TV station serviced with it's signal. Arbitron got out of the TV rating bussines in the mid 1990's and limited themselves to radio ratings. At this point the FCC changed it's rules to using Nielsen Media Research's designated market area (DMA) counties which, for the most part, were the same as the ADI ratings.

You can read the FCC must carry rules here: http://www.access.gpo.gov/nara/cfr/waisidx_06/47cfr76_06.html

Read parts 76.55 and 76.56

The FCC must carry rules are promulgated solely for the protection of the TV broadcaster, not the viewing public. You, the viewer, have nothing to say about this. As the Providence TV station's transmitters are located in and around Rehoboth Massachusetts, it would be hard to argue that they are not the ones that serve Bristol county.

Now, you may argue what about the dual carriage of the analog stations? Well as I mentioned in the begining they could be carried because of either the lack of must carry or specified Grade B requirements. This carriage was grandfathered. However, times have changed and we are in a new brave world with digital TV. Today both TV stations and CATV companies are national corporations and TV station carraige comittments are made at the corporate level. "So Mr CATV operator, if you want to carry my HDTV station in Chicago, you have to carry my digital station in Providence exclusively in Bristol county."

What would your decision be???

Mallego

After watching the Celtics last night in blur-o-vision, I need to ask: Has anyone heard if Comcast will add the new version of Fox Sports New England as a full-time HD channel anytime soon?

Mickey

Maybe I can give some clarity to this DMA issue. Back in the beginning a long time ago, there was no government oversight of CATV systems. They carried what ever they could pick up using whatever means available to them. This included heroic antennas and microwave links, if needed, to provide TV stations for their customer's viewing. Remeber, this was before satellite services and there was just over the air TV programming available.

Sometime in the early 1970s, the FCC came out with must carry rules, at that time the requirements were any station putting a Grade B signal over the community the CATV system served qualified for must carry. This lasted until the early 1990s when a major rewrite of the CATV rules came out as a result of Cogressional action.

At this time, the must carry rules changed so that a commercial TV station could demand carriage if the CATV system served a commuity in it's area of dominate influence (ADI) as defined by Arbitron, a TV/Radio marketing resaerch firm. ADIs were the counties that the TV station serviced with it's signal. Arbitron got out of the TV rating bussines in the mid 1990's and limited themselves to radio ratings. At this point the FCC changed it's rules to using Nielsen Media Research's designated market area (DMA) counties which, for the most part, were the same as the ADI ratings.

You can read the FCC must carry rules here: http://www.access.gpo.gov/nara/cfr/waisidx_06/47cfr76_06.html

Read parts 76.55 and 76.56

The FCC must carry rules are promulgated solely for the protection of the TV broadcaster, not the viewing public. You, the viewer, have nothing to say about this. As the Providence TV station's transmitters are located in and around Rehoboth Massachusetts, it would be hard to argue that they are not the ones that serve Bristol county.

Now, you may argue what about the dual carriage of the analog stations? Well as I mentioned in the begining they could be carried because of either the lack of must carry or specified Grade B requirements. This carriage was grandfathered. However, times have changed and we are in a new brave world with digital TV. Today both TV stations and CATV companies are national corporations and TV station carraige comittments are made at the corporate level. "So Mr CATV operator, if you want to carry my HDTV station in Chicago, you have to carry my digital station in Providence exclusively in Bristol county."

What would your decision be???

Mallego

Thank you for bringing that to light. So it has nothing to do with the way people align themselves to anything to which DMA they would be classified in which was the whole point I was trying to make to Bicker.

After watching the Celtics last night in blur-o-vision, I need to ask: Has anyone heard if Comcast will add the new version of Fox Sports New England as a full-time HD channel anytime soon?

Mickey

blur-o-vision was not as bad as the constant in and out picture on ESPN2HD. Besides, I'd rather listen to Mike and Donny talk about the development of the Celtics and then random banter of ESPN2 announcers.

CSN may not become a full time channel because not all the programming are HD like it is on NESN. However, the Comcast Sports Channel i.e. VS/Golf channel might have all of the extended pregrame and post game shows.

So anyone know any details on the Tivo upgrade ? Will that require a new cable box or the DCT 3412 I will work ?

Erik

So anyone know any details on the Tivo upgrade ? Will that require a new cable box or the DCT 3412 I will work ?

Erik

Supposedly it is just a software download to your current box.

After watching the Celtics last night in blur-o-vision, I need to ask: Has anyone heard if Comcast will add the new version of Fox Sports New England as a full-time HD channel anytime soon?

Mickey

Nope! another season of 881 for HOME games only. :(

...CSN may not become a full time channel because not all the programming are HD like it is on NESN...
I guess it was naïve of me to think that when Comcast took over this sad RSN they would aspire to something more than a beat-down SD backwater. Maybe I’ve been spoiled by NESN-HD and their ability to invest in HD (early and often) while still making boat loads of money.

Mickey

I guess it was naïve of me to think that when Comcast took over this sad RSN they would aspire to something more than a beat-down SD backwater. Maybe I’ve been spoiled by NESN-HD and their ability to invest in HD (early and often) while still making boat loads of money.

Mickey

Nesn has certainly spoiled us with their HD offerings going beyond the games themselves to their original shows like Charlie Moore, Boston/NY poker challenge, etc. that are filmed in HD.

Fox Sports Net relied on SD programming feeds from Fox Sports. But from what I read, Comcast is expanding the pre-game and post-game stuff from a new studio so all of that should be in HD. Any shows originating from the Boston studio should also be in HD. I think NESN just has more HD programming (Sox Appeal anyone?)

In Reply to:
Do you guys get FOX HD? I can't find it in my QAM channel lineup for the life of me. Not that I really care as I don't watch anything on FOX and I still have my SD FOX channel... Just curious I suppose. Is this related to what everyone else has been discussing?

I have a TV with QAM tuner and was getting Fox HD on 25-1 and WBZTV Ch4 HD on 4-1. Non HD 4 was on Ch4 and non HD 25 was Ch13.

Last week 4-1 and 25-1 both dissappeared and I thought Comcast had stopped transmitting those HD stations.
However they just moved to new areas. 4-1 HD WBZTV4 moved to 87-2 and Fox HD 25-1 has moved to 87-1. 5-1 and 7-1 for whatever reason, has not moved. But who knows, they could also be moving to 87-something in the future? My Comcast area is Wilmington, MA.

Thanks
Bonus

Hello all. I need some advice. My boyfriend purchased a Samsung HDTV (LN-T4042H) last weekend and I helped him hook it up to his digital cable box as well as hook up an antenna for OTA HD channels. He lives in Easton in an area with lots of woods and trees and his antenna is giving him trouble - it cuts out OTA HD. I am going to try another antenna on the set to see if it improves this coming weekend. Since the TV has a QAM tuner we tried to scan for the local HD unencrypted channels but had some difficulty (this was before even plugging in his cable box which is a DCT2500). My question is this: How can he get the local HD channels in addition to having his digital cable box plugged - I thought I read that the cable box has a qam tuner built in but no clear qam channels seemed to come through. He may break down and pay the extra money for an HD cable box but I want to try to see if there's a way to combine the cable box and the QAM HD channels somehow. The manual mentions a splitter - but he does not subscribe to any premium channels, he just gets the basic digital package. I'm able to do this fine on my Sony HDTV, but I don't have a digital cable box so it works seamless for me with combing QAM channels and regular analog channels by simply flipping the analog/digital button on my remote. Please advise. Thank you - this is a great forum!

Apparently Tivo and Comcast just released a joint announcement that Tivo is now available.

http://www.bloomberg.com/apps/news?pid=newsarchive&sid=akACGX6yFYR4

TiVo Inc., the pioneer of digital video recorders, introduced its service for Comcast customers this week following a delay.

The first Comcast customers are using the service, TiVo and Comcast said in an e-mailed statement today. The introduction will continue in New England in the coming months.

Anyone try calling Comcast yet to see if it is really available?

I suspect that it will be rolled-out to one set of head-ends at a time, rather than nationwide-all-at-once.

I just checked and there is no notice on my box related to this. So we're probably not in the first group.

Key word in there is continue in New England.

That certainly suggests that somewhere in New England you can call Comcast and get Tivo this very moment. Leave it up to Comcast to not say where or for how much.

So anyone know any details on the Tivo upgrade ? Will that require a new cable box or the DCT 3412 I will work ?

Erik

Funny you mention having that box because as of a couple days ago that's the only one that works, they're having some minor technical issues with the 3416's (both of them). But yes, when it's rolled out it will be for at least all of the 34xx boxes, not sure about the 64xx's.

In Reply to:
Do you guys get FOX HD? I can't find it in my QAM channel lineup for the life of me. Not that I really care as I don't watch anything on FOX and I still have my SD FOX channel... Just curious I suppose. Is this related to what everyone else has been discussing?

I have a TV with QAM tuner and was getting Fox HD on 25-1 and WBZTV Ch4 HD on 4-1. Non HD 4 was on Ch4 and non HD 25 was Ch13.

Last week 4-1 and 25-1 both dissappeared and I thought Comcast had stopped transmitting those HD stations.
However they just moved to new areas. 4-1 HD WBZTV4 moved to 87-2 and Fox HD 25-1 has moved to 87-1. 5-1 and 7-1 for whatever reason, has not moved. But who knows, they could also be moving to 87-something in the future? My Comcast area is Wilmington, MA.

Thanks
Bonus

4-1 and 25-1 are STILL on those channels in Lawrence.

I suspect that it will be rolled-out to one set of head-ends at a time, rather than nationwide-all-at-once.

I just checked and there is no notice on my box related to this. So we're probably not in the first group.

A lot of eastern MA towns were slated for Oct 22, but will almost definitely be pushed out a little further due to some technical issues with some boxes. How they got this far & are now just realizing this I have no idea.