On Dec bill Comcast said they are dropping 2 SD Digital channels on 1/31/2008. They are Fine Living and DIY channels.This only opens up for 2 other SD Channels not enough more HD.

Really? I like Fine Living for the drinks program thats on it with Kevin Brauch or however you spell his name.

It seems like TiVo is a definite possibility by sometime next month. Amazing how it just keeps getting pushed back, further and further and further and further...

Tivo installed. Working pretty good. Still playing around with it.

I wonder if Fine Living (and DIY) are ceasing operations nationwide or not. If so, then we can expect to see their GOOD programming find its way to Food Network and HGTV.

Amazing how it just keeps getting pushed back, further and further and further and further...

As someone who works in the software industry, I don't find it the least bit amazing. :p

Tivo installed. Working pretty good. Still playing around with it.When you make statements like that It's all well and good, but when nobody knows where you are it makes it hard to believe you. How about putting where you are in your profile instead of cryptic statements like "somewhere out there"? This is like the 3rd or 4th time I've seen someone ask you to do this. If not I'm really tempted to block your messages because they frustrate the hell out of me.

When you make statements like that It's all well and good, but when nobody knows where you are it makes it hard to believe you. How about putting where you are in your profile instead of cryptic statements like "somewhere out there"? This is like the 3rd or 4th time I've seen someone ask you to do this. If not I'm really tempted to block your messages because they frustrate the hell out of me.


I think he already stated that he lives in Derry, NH. But I agree that it would be nice to have his location in the profile section. :)

Good afternoon,
Was just curious for those that have had the Tivo installed. From the time you found out that it was available, how long was it before they came out and did the install? Had you been one of us who called in over the months and they promised to call the night before it was available or did you sign up on the comcast site where you entered your zip code?

Thanks

Tom

I think only one person here says he has the software installed, and he lives in NH.

Good afternoon,
Was just curious for those that have had the Tivo installed. From the time you found out that it was available, how long was it before they came out and did the install? Had you been one of us who called in over the months and they promised to call the night before it was available or did you sign up on the comcast site where you entered your zip code?

Thanks

Tom

Those that have the TiVo software were called from a list of people asking for it in specific towns. At the moment you can only get the TiVo software if you are called. A regular CSR can't put it on. A full launch will follow; an exact date is unknown.

Those that have the TiVo software were called from a list of people asking for it in specific towns. At the moment you can only get the TiVo software if you are called. A regular CSR can't put it on. A full launch will follow; an exact date is unknown.

Thanks for the reply..just was curious. I had called over the Summer and was put on a list..was supposedly added to my account.

Thanks again

I called for the TiVo software yesterday and (as usual) they were clueless.

As someone who works in the software industry, I don't find it the least bit amazing. :p

Ditto. TiVo, and it impending Comcastic release, comes in two of three flavors: good, fast, or cheap.

On Dec bill Comcast said they are dropping 2 SD Digital channels on 1/31/2008. They are Fine Living and DIY channels.This only opens up for 2 other SD Channels not enough more HD.
Here on the western part of the state, we were only notified that QVC and HSN are moving from the lower 70's to the lower 20's.

Enthralling, if you ask me...

I called for the TiVo software yesterday and (as usual) they were clueless.


Yes, because they are unable to sell TiVo. Right now its need to know, until they need to know they will be in the dark on it.

Good evening,
Is there any word on when more people might be getting notified..or, should I say, when more towns in eastern Mass are added. I realize a lot depends on how the very initial release goes..but was just curious what the thoughts are as far as that goes.

Tom

The Tivo help videos have been removed here in Chelmsford from on demand.

-Ken

When is analog 68 going away ?

Good afternoon,
Was just curious for those that have had the Tivo installed. From the time you found out that it was available, how long was it before they came out and did the install? Had you been one of us who called in over the months and they promised to call the night before it was available or did you sign up on the comcast site where you entered your zip code?

Thanks

Tom

As soon as it was posted that the web site www.comcast.com/gettivo was up and accepting e-mail addresses, I added mine to the list. I also called to be sure I was on the list and the CSR said she would add me to the list. I got a call on Thursday saying that the tech would come out to set up the service this past Monday. All kind of went well (lost some recordings) and I like the search and suggested recording features.

jonwww said it was right around the corner and here it is. :D

Skip to tick is a feature whereby while in FF, pressing a single button will bring you to the next 15 minute mark in the program.
Thanks. That sounds useful at times. Does Tivo have 30 sec skip?

As I heard on WEEI's morning show today, Steve Pagliuca (co-owners of the Boston Celtics) said the Celtics away games should be available in HD by January.

If anyone is wondering Celtics away games in HD they should be starting up in Janurary according to Comcast, and Celtic ownership this morning.

Thanks. That sounds useful at times. Does Tivo have 30 sec skip?The TiVos I have surely do.

The Tivo help videos have been removed here in Chelmsford from on demand

The're gone here in Clinton too. This is frustrating since I wanted to show my wife what it will be like. I think it's a little rediculous to remove them when it actually starts to roll out.:mad:
One possibility is that they were slammed with phone calls when the videos first appeared. Either way, I looked like a jackass when I went to show her.:rolleyes:

As I heard on WEEI's morning show today, Steve Pagliuca (co-owners of the Boston Celtics) said the Celtics away games should be available in HD by January.

Yay!

The're gone here in Clinton too. This is frustrating since I wanted to show my wife what it will be like. I think it's a little rediculous to remove them when it actually starts to roll out.:mad:
One possibility is that they were slammed with phone calls when the videos first appeared. Either way, I looked like a jackass when I went to show her.:rolleyes:

Considering the video said that you do not need a service appointment to get Tivo and clearly at this time Comcast is only doing service appointments, that is a bit of false advertising. So it is a good move to remove the program before more people see it.

Looks like therob006 beat me to the punch this morning :) on the C's

Looks like therob006 beat me to the punch this morning :) on the C's

Looks like we were listening to the same program this morning.

The question is will it be 881 or 852?

The TiVos I have surely do.

The Motorola DVR I have surely has the 30-second skip, as well.

http://en.wikibooks.org/wiki/How_to_use_a_Motorola_DVR/Programming_the_Remote#Add_30-Second_Skip

Any idea when we may see TLC-HD, Aniamal Planet-HD, Sci-Fi -HD on Comcast? MGM-HD is another that Comcast has a deal in place? Most major cable networks have or soon will have HD versions. Even if some material is not true HD; 480P digital is better than NTSC 480i

The question is will it be 881 or 852?

I'm guessing 852. For a marketing standpoint, it is a great time to introduce the entire region to all Celtics games in HD. Might as well have a dedicated channel for it.

Plus it sounds like they really want to promote Comcast SportsNet and use the Celtics to promote other programming (the Celtics Now show is a good example). Not having a dedicated HD channel to do that is a missed opportunity.

Sci-Fi HD - that would rock - I second the request - any info?
FREAK!

A few Comcast systems are already getting Sci Fi HD, so we should not be that far behind, as long as we have some bandwidth available.

A few Comcast systems are already getting Sci Fi HD, so we should not be that far behind, as long as we have some bandwidth available.

Which dosen't seem likely at the moment as :

a)Boston/Brookline already has NHL HD on 822 and noone else does.
b)no more analog switchover announcements yet

MGM-HD is another that Comcast has a deal in place?

Do they have a deal with MGMHD? I saw an announcement about a deal for HallmarkHD, hadn't seen anything on MGMHD.

Which dosen't seem likely at the moment as :
... b)no more analog switchover announcements yetYou're forgetting Channel 68.

You're forgetting Channel 68.

What has happened is that they now carry leased access IE informericals 24/7.

That could change.

All extended basic channels should go digital ONLY!

This will ensure bandwidth for faster internet speeds and more HD programming!

All extended basic channels should go digital ONLY!

This will ensure bandwidth for faster internet speeds and more HD programming!


Chitchatjf : You are such a broken record. I am in NO hurry to need boxes on my two analog TVs unless they are free.

-Ken

You're forgetting Channel 68.

Saw a commercial during the basketball game on TNT for Court TV becoming Tru TV. Based on what the programming appears to be, I say boot that analog station to digital classic or ever preferred to make more room. That channel seemed less interesting to me then the NFL network.

Comcast will need to bring 10-12 analog channels to digital only to make room for more HD in the first half of 2008. There are probably 10-15 cable channels which need to stay analog because they are so popular that people will want them on the 2nd and 3rd TV in the house which are direct connect. One thing that Comcast should do is do an inventory of any homes that still have old SA analog boxes and have marketing people replace them with newer Motorola SD digital boxes.

thanks for the info about Celtics road games in HD...Hopefully it comes true. Its great to have them back in the fold, in fact its going to help me get through the cold nasty winter nights.

Chitchatjf : You are such a broken record. I am in NO hurry to need boxes on my two analog TVs unless they are free.

-Ken

That could be the idea! :)

FWIW, my friend who works for Comcast tells me there will soon be an update to the guide software with two notable enhancements:

1. "95% of the issues with the DVR and key queuing delays will be fixed."

2. Support for Switched Digital Video.

FWIW, my friend who works for Comcast tells me there will soon be an update to the guide software with two notable enhancements:

1. "95% of the issues with the DVR and key queuing delays will be fixed."

2. Support for Switched Digital Video.
If true, these would be two great improvements. Although, I don't think SDV has much to do with the guide. But it should lead to more efficient bandwidth allocation.

Mickey

1. Fixing the delays would be fantastic!!
2. I didn't know what Switched Digital Video was so I looked it up in Wikipedia. Wow, it seems like a great technology to solve the bandwidth bottleneck. I hope it happens.

I didn't know what Switched Digital Video was so I looked it up in Wikipedia. Wow, it seems like a great technology to solve the bandwidth bottleneck. I hope it happens.
Bear in mind that support for switched digital video in the set top box does not mean that you will actually get switched video services. Such services require lots of updating on the Comcast head end system, which might not happen until much later.

I just got an e-mail from Comcast saying Tivo is available in Derry, NH. I just scheduled an appointment for Saturday to have it installed. $2.95 for the Tivo service and 14.95 for the install. They do not have digital download for the update yet.

I Just got the e-mail notification and setup the install for Saturday. $14.95 Install fee and 2.95 a month charge for the Tivo service.

Comcast now has TiVo® service!

• Comcast combines TiVo ease of use with Channel 1 On Demand—and gives you complete access to Comcast HD with tons of HD shows and movies.

• Find and record your favorite shows with exclusive TiVo features like WishList® and Season PassTM.

• Instantly search across television or through a library of thousands of shows and movies On Demand.

• All in one box!

Learn more at comcast.com/tivo (http://www.p.comcast.net/r?2.1.Gy.CK.1Vn4Zk.CCW5QW..H.Cmfy.2BN8.DQbaEXb0).

Threads merged.

Would having just the OTA Local channels, PEG channels, 10 most popular cable channels only in analog,not upset a large group of people if they want to contuine to direct connect to NTSC TV set?

We did a count a few weeks ago, and JUST considering OTA and PEG, that is a pretty awesome set of channels here in this area. I think it was 17 OTA channels and then the 3 PEG channels.

Beyond that, how can you choose just ten cable channels? I bet there are a group of about 25 that are in the same range of popularity. I don't think they save much aggravation by arbitrarily choosing ten.

This iswhat I would do. This does not mean comcast will be doing this:

category A Category B
============================================================
Catholic TV A&E
CNN ABC Family
CSN NE Animal Planet
Disney CNBC
ESPN SD Cspan
Fox News Channel Discovery Channel
Fx E!
Golf channel ESPN 2
Lifetime Headline News
Nickeloden MSNBC
TBS MTV
TNT NESN
USA Spike TV
VS TV Land
Weather Channel VH-1

Channel not listed up above and not in limited basic should go digital as soon as possible.
Channels in catagory B would stay analog for 45 extra days.
Channels in catagory a would stay analog for 90 extra days.

DCT 700s (or SCH 700s if they make one) would be FREE for a year to those who currently have no box.
The current "additional outlet" fee would be waived for everyone for a year to allow folks to adjust to the all digital service.

I MYSELF would have even limited basic go all digital in 2009. :) but i would still have all digital starter channels be UNENCRYPTED

What's the status of this information, chit? Published? Confirmed? Rumored? And what was the "as soon as possible" timeframe supposed to be?

chitchatjf, is this a wish list or something confirmed to happen?

Just for me, if all but OTA went digital only that would be fine,but just me as I have 1 HD box and 2 SD boxes. Prices have come down on LCD HDTVs, that a 32" can be had for under $600. More customers are gonna want more HD channels from Comcast. I honestly believe that there are 5-6 channels that could go digital only with little upset to open up more HD bandwidth. For more Comcast made need to do some heavy duty marketing for more non-HD customers to go to digital cable.

chitchatjf, is this a wish list or something confirmed to happen?

former unfortunately

Called a CSR tonight. Change out a new HD Box for SD box for new set is $17.95. While on the phone the CSR said," there will be more HD channels added before the end of Jan."

I'm not sure how much we can rely on random CSRs, though. It seems to me, the point made earlier is a big issue: Assuming we're already maxed-out, more HD channels means moving more channels from analog to digital, and no such announcements have been made since Channel 68 was freed-up last month. So either they're going to use Channel 68 for something other than leased access (but then why this two or three month interregnum?) or there just isn't any place to put more HD channels until they announce another analog to digital move. Eh?

I see that one of the "new" channels will be CSN-HD full time most likely on 852.

Called a CSR tonight. Change out a new HD Box for SD box for new set is $17.95. While on the phone the CSR said," there will be more HD channels added before the end of Jan."

I can tell you that no new HD channels are scheduled to be added before January. Here is hoping to February.

Well we DO have 31. Some folks are just getting channels we already have OTOH they also seem to be getting Sci Fi HD.

I am getting closer and closer to a provider switch! I have DirecTV without HD, and my local town owned cable for HD (BELD, Braintree (MA) Electric Light Dept.). BELD up until two weeks ago had added only 1 HD channel in over a year, National Geographic. Two weeks ago they added Universal HD, which while programming is in HD, is basically old sitcoms and older movies.

Then this week they add WGN-HD! Are they kidding me? What a waste of bandwidth. In the two days its been on, I have flipped to it 10 times, nothing is in HD! Secondly, its basically the same as Universal HD...old sitcoms, movies, talk shows.

Where the heck is ESPN2 HD that Comcast, DirecTV and Verizon all have, and have had for almost two years? Where is FX HD, USA HD, or even Food Network HD? WGN? Did I mention I live in Massachusetts not Chicago?!

So now I am looking to either go all DirecTV and add HD...but would need three HD DVR's so price may be an issue; or to switch completely to FIOS.

Well we DO have 31. Some folks are just getting channels we already have OTOH they also seem to be getting Sci Fi HD.

For a little perspective, see chitchatjf's post (http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?p=9233128#post9233128) from one year ago today, when we had 21 HD channels. Personally, I'm quite happy with the selection.... though we can always wish for more, of course. :D

Very cool. So we're adding almost one new HD channel per month. Excellent!

In case you're wondering, here are the ten new HD channels that were added in the last 12 months:

823 DiscoveryHD
831 TBSHD
832 HGTV-HD
835 USAHD
837 A&EHD
842 CNNHD
848 Verses / Golf HD
853 NFL Network HD
854 Food Network HD
872 History Channel HD

And IMO, debating the amount of HD programming on each one is a NETWORK issue, not a COMCAST issue. But that never stopped us before.... :)

Anyone been having issues receiving MOJO? I feel like somewhere around when the celtics started up their season I stopped getting reception, at all. I read from you guys that they blackout during celtics games but I don't get the station 24/7.

Anyone been having issues receiving MOJO? I feel like somewhere around when the celtics started up their season I stopped getting reception, at all. I read from you guys that they blackout during celtics games but I don't get the station 24/7.

If I am correct, Windham has its own CSN HD channel that only broadcasts during Celtics home games. I have not heard of chn 774 being dropped from the line-up :confused:

In case you're wondering, here are the ten new HD channels that were added in the last 12 months:

823 DiscoveryHD
831 TBSHD
832 HGTV-HD
835 USAHD
837 A&EHD
842 CNNHD
848 Verses / Golf HD
853 NFL Network HD
854 Food Network HD
872 History Channel HD

And IMO, debating the amount of HD programming on each one is a NETWORK issue, not a COMCAST issue. But that never stopped us before.... :)By the same token, of the HD channels we could have gotten, that's a pretty good list. TNT and USA both have their own original dramas, in HD. TBS had the baseball playoffs, which was a must have for so many people. Food Network and HGTV are HD 24/7. I'd prefer to have had FX and Sci Fi before A&E and History, but I can't expect the world to conform itself to me.

The only channel I'm really interested in out of all these is Sci-Fi HD, but once again I'm unwilling to pay $38 extra to get it so I'm screwed.:(

FWIW, at least for right now, there just aren't a lot of HD channels out there that we don't get in Boston/New England that I'm dying to get.

FWIW, at least for right now, there just aren't a lot of HD channels out there that we don't get in Boston/New England that I'm dying to get.

like?

I've seen what D* added and I'm not thrilled with it. Maybe HDNet and HDNet Movies but after that, its the regional sports channels which may never happen.

anyone else getting video/audio drops on the Pats game on cbs hd?

yes and I have FIOS

Ya, lots of drops right now 4:40 PM, WBZ 4.1. I'm showing 94% signal strength and no wind today. So I'm guessing CBS is botching the broadcast - it's not my reception.

Same here as well. D* on ch 4.1 with my OTA antenna. Great signal and tons of drop outs. C'mon CBS get your act together. :)

funny... seemed like a good signal during the dolphins posession, but the seconds the pats took over the signal went to sh*t

It was so bad I shut it off after the 1st quarter. I have never seen it this bad on Comcast QAM Comcast box AND off air.

Watched the whole game from start to finish. Just getting home now from my friend's house and we saw the same thing. I was thinking someone was brushing snow off the HD antenna here in Boston.

Can anyone give me information on using a cablecard with Comcast in Bristol County? I think I may switch to one. Are there any disadvantages besides losing the guide and the on demmand stuff? I am about at the end of a DVR/HBO promotion and will most likely drop those features as well. My Sony LCD rear projection has a cablecard slot in it.
I may even consider going down to the $12 basic service, I just don't see the value in cable anymore.
Thanks in advance.

Can anyone give me information on using a cablecard with Comcast in Bristol County? I think I may switch to one. Are there any disadvantages besides losing the guide and the on demmand stuff? I am about at the end of a DVR/HBO promotion and will most likely drop those features as well. My Sony LCD rear projection has a cablecard slot in it.
I may even consider going down to the $12 basic service, I just don't see the value in cable anymore.
Thanks in advance.


Does your TV have TVGoS? If it does not, I would recommend against CableCard. If it does, just expect it to be very buggy. I only run it due to a lack of space to put a cable box.

On the plus side, CableCard users don't have the typical issues with the buggy Motorola boxes. In the end, I think the annoyances are a wash if you can live without OnDemand and the Guide.

I have 2 TV's with CC, both have been bug free for quite some time, one TV has TV guide built-in that works nice, in fact the newer has always been bug free. I like the use of TV remote and TV tuner.
Anybody have info on 2 way CC or whatever it is called these days?

"2 way CC" is a misnomer and as such doesn't really represent anything real. CableCards will support one-way or two-way operation, depending on the capabilities of the host device (in your case, your televisions). So the question you are really asking is whether anyone has information on two-way host devices that support CableCard. Your televisions won't magically become two-way host devices, and as far as I've heard, the only host devices that currently support two-way operation are the various cable company-provided DVRs. I don't believe any televisions do.

Can anyone give me information on using a cablecard with Comcast in Bristol County? I think I may switch to one. Are there any disadvantages besides losing the guide and the on demmand stuff? I am about at the end of a DVR/HBO promotion and will most likely drop those features as well. My Sony LCD rear projection has a cablecard slot in it.
I may even consider going down to the $12 basic service, I just don't see the value in cable anymore.
Thanks in advance.

Some systems don't and would require the equivalent of Digital starter AND Digital Classic but HD LOCALS are EXPLICITLY included with the $12 limited basic.

I can't seem to get an answer off the Comcast website and I'll be darned if I'm going to call, so here is my question.

Does anyone know how much extra to add a second HD box to my service. Got a second HDtv and want to add a box so I can get all the HD channels, not just the local network channels that the tv tuner picks up. Thanks!

It depends. Calling is the only way to get a half-way reliable answer.

Figure, this, for round numbers:
$6-$10 - for the rental on the additional STB (non-DVR)
$6-$8 - for the additional outlet

I can't seem to get an answer off the Comcast website and I'll be darned if I'm going to call, so here is my question.

Does anyone know how much extra to add a second HD box to my service. Got a second HDtv and want to add a box so I can get all the HD channels, not just the local network channels that the tv tuner picks up. Thanks!

If it's a DVR, then it's 17.95! Yup, thats right it cost more than the first one. Go Figure!

so Comcast's Sacramento system will be airing tonights Celtics game but it doesn't look like we'll be getting it here?

boooo.

Here's a question about legalities and the QAM tuner...

I bought a relative an HD tuner to enable their HD-ready TV to receive HDTV channels. While I realize they are only able to receive unencrypted channels, and that this converter was bought in a retail environment, can they face any legal repercussions for using this box?

They get a grand total of 6 channels: ABC, CBS, FOX, NESN, PBS, PBS WORLD

I presume the FCC has weighed in at some point, but was wondering what those that are more fanatical than I think about this situation.

Thanks...

Edit: I should probably add that they are subscribers of digital cable, and are using an additional coaxial wire to feed the device.

Here's a question about legalities and the QAM tuner...

I bought a relative an HD tuner to enable their HD-ready TV to receive HDTV channels. While I realize they are only able to receive unencrypted channels, and that this converter was bought in a retail environment, can they face any legal repercussions for using this box?

They get a grand total of 6 channels: ABC, CBS, FOX, NESN, PBS, PBS WORLD

I presume the FCC has weighed in at some point, but was wondering what those that are more fanatical than I think about this situation.

Thanks...

Edit: I should probably add that they are subscribers of digital cable, and are using an additional coaxial wire to feed the device.

Sounds legit to me. They pay for cable, the QAM tuner is doing it's job, if the cable company didn't want them to have the channels they would encrypt them so the QAM tuner couldn't tune them in without the help of a cable card. Just like having a cable ready analog set in the past.

so Comcast's Sacramento system will be airing tonights Celtics game but it doesn't look like we'll be getting it here?

boooo.

Celtics game in on Comcast Sportsnet at 10pm in the Boston area. Common knowledge is that away games are not broadcast in HD. So my question to you is what are you looking at?

I just called Comcast to come add an HD receiver to my living room tv, i already have an HD DVR in the bedroom and i only want the non-dvr receiver in the living room, unfortunately they cant come out here until jan 4th so i wont be able to watch the pats game this saturday in HD in the living room

the price was 12.95 per month for the additional receiver

I just called Comcast to come add an HD receiver to my living room tv, i already have an HD DVR in the bedroom and i only want the non-dvr receiver in the living room, unfortunately they cant come out here until jan 4th so i wont be able to watch the pats game this saturday in HD in the living room

the price was 12.95 per month for the additional receiver

I might be wrong but I think my extra HD box is 10.25 or something around there.

does comcast have a digital box with digital coax output, for 5.1 surround?

does comcast have a digital box with digital coax output, for 5.1 surround?

Depends on what flavor box you want. I'm pretty sure all Moto. HD & DVR's have them, only one SD digital box though, the 2500 series. The 2524 is the actual model that I know of, it's about 2 inches narrower then the rest of the 2xxx series & has silver buttons on the front. It has the orange coaxial audio connection on the back. That's the only additional connection on the box compared to the rest of the series, no optical audio or anything like that. It's kind of a crapshoot finding one though, they're fairly rare.

You may have heard last night that the NFL caved to congressional pressure, and the Pats/Giants game on NFL Network will be simulcast nationwide on CBS and NBC Saturday night - in addition to the local broadcast affiliates that were already carrying the game (like WCVB Channel 5). Which means that Boston DMA viewers will be able to choose from channels 4, 5, 7, 10, 12, and the NFL Network. And if I'm not mistaken, channel 5 had that ESPN game in HD a few weeks back, so I would hope that all of the feeds Saturday will be available in HD.

Discussed here (http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=961339).

I just called Comcast to come add an HD receiver to my living room tv, i already have an HD DVR in the bedroom and i only want the non-dvr receiver in the living room, unfortunately they cant come out here until jan 4th so i wont be able to watch the pats game this saturday in HD in the living room

Are you saying that you don't have a cable outlet in the livingroom?:confused:
Because if you do, you could just move the box from the bedroom out to the livingroom for the game and then back to the bedroom when you're done.

Or you could take a ride to your local branch and see if they have any HD boxes in stock. I don't see the need for a truck roll out just to hook up a box. The most you might have to do is call Comcast when you get the livingroom box hooked up (provided they have one in stock) and have them activate it. I've swapped out about 5 boxes at my local branch, and I don't see anything different with just picking up an extra one.

Are you saying that you don't have a cable outlet in the livingroom?:confused:
Because if you do, you could just move the box from the bedroom out to the livingroom for the game and then back to the bedroom when you're done.

Or you could take a ride to your local branch and see if they have any HD boxes in stock. I don't see the need for a truck roll out just to hook up a box. The most you might have to do is call Comcast when you get the livingroom box hooked up (provided they have one in stock) and have them activate it. I've swapped out about 5 boxes at my local branch, and I don't see anything different with just picking up an extra one.

I agree, I've made about 10 trips to the local office in Milford to exchange boxes, get new ones, and take them back when I'm done. No need to call comcast either because they can activate and deactivate boxes right at the desk. Just go on in and get one yourself, all they need are a few connections.

I agree, I've made about 10 trips to the local office in Milford to exchange boxes, get new ones, and take them back when I'm done. No need to call comcast either because they can activate and deactivate boxes right at the desk. Just go on in and get one yourself, all they need are a few connections.
Same here. I happen to use the Milford office too, and they always have what I'm looking for. Best bet is to try the local office.

Mickey

Could someone provide a current list of unencrypted QAM stations for Comcast. I live in Somerville and have an HDHomerun. I'm trying to figure out why my friend can watch Comedy Central, Sci Fi, etc and I can't. Are these stations encrypted? Thanks!

Could someone provide a current list of unencrypted QAM stations for Comcast. I live in Somerville and have an HDHomerun. I'm trying to figure out why my friend can watch Comedy Central, Sci Fi, etc and I can't. Are these stations encrypted? Thanks!

Chances are if he's seeing them with just the tv & no cable box he's seeing them in their analog form, if he's seeing the digital version he's got a cable card.

Could someone provide a current list of unencrypted QAM stations for Comcast. I live in Somerville and have an HDHomerun. I'm trying to figure out why my friend can watch Comedy Central, Sci Fi, etc and I can't. Are these stations encrypted? Thanks!

The only unencrypted channels in the Boston area are the local broadcast stations. I'm not sure the tuning number for the channels but you would have to run an auto search to pick them up.

That's not always true, therob006, at least not here in Burlington. We also get Style unencrypted. (We also get some shopping channels and the local public access channels, of course.)

Last time I checked (April) this is what we got:

http://brianandrobbie.com/ComcastQAMMappingBurlingtonMA.JPG

It looks like i won't be getting Tivo any time soon or it is just select super upscale communities?

I got a look at my copy of the annual "Our rates are going up blah blah blah" notice. A few comments

a)SD PPV is going UP $1? HD PPV should be going DOWN

b)History and Discovery HD in PReview mode and becoming part of the lineup on Feb 15th?

I wonder if i can extend my contract rate for another 12 months

it is just select super upscale communities?Sorry? :confused:

It looks like i won't be getting Tivo any time soon or it is just select super upscale communities?

I'm not really all that familiar with all the towns on the current list but I wouldn't call Taunton, Weymouth or Attleboro super upscale communities. Sure there are nice areas in each of these towns but not overall like some towns.

It looks like i won't be getting Tivo any time soon or it is just select super upscale communities?


You'll start seeing the ads soon, have a little more patience.

Any predictions as to which "free" channel carrying the Pats game will have the most bandwidth/best PQ? I get the HD locals via a QAM tuner.

Any predictions as to which "free" channel carrying the Pats game will have the most bandwidth/best PQ? I get the HD locals via a QAM tuner.

WCVB Chn 5 is supposed to have exclusive pre and post game coverage and I believe it will be in HD. Plus, the channel is also giving out free tickets to next season's games. I know that does not answer your question but it is a great enticement.

http://news.yahoo.com/s/wcvb/20071229/lo_wcvb/14926972

853 is where I intend to catch the game.

Just got a notification from Comcast saying that I am losing WLVI and picking up the Providence version (WLWC) of this station. I'll never understand why some of MA is lumped in with RI. Looks like the trend is to eventually eliminate all Boston locals in southern MA. Blah......

anyone else getting video/audio drops on the Pats game on cbs hd?

Here's hoping WHDH doesn't **** up the HD broadcast this week... Go pats

edit... looks like 4 5 and 7 are all in HD... cool

Here's a question for you guys. About once or even twice a month when watching the tv it will turn black with a graphic and text saying something to the effect that the tv is not HDMI compliant and to use component cables...the audio comes in fine. Usually I turn it off for a few minutes and turn it back on but I just think it's odd that it does this when obviously it DOES work fine.

I get the feeling there's some sort of DRM that comes though that doesn't understand something and therefore has a fit.

Also on a side note if I get a upscaling dvd player that's near hd (1080...not a hd dvd or a blu ray) would it be worth it if I used component? If component downgraded it then I wouldn't want to bother but if it's nearly the same as hdmi then I'll end up getting it.

Also on a side note if I get a upscaling dvd player that's near hd (1080...not a hd dvd or a blu ray) would it be worth it if I used component? If component downgraded it then I wouldn't want to bother but if it's nearly the same as hdmi then I'll end up getting it.

Maybe I'm in the minority, but with 20/20 vision and a new HDTV, I can't ascertain any differences between component and HDMI cabling.

Here's a link to one assessment that supports this position: http://www.engadgethd.com/2007/09/13/hdmi-vs-component

Of course, YMMV...

Most upscaling DVD players won't up a protected dvd thru the component input.

Did anyone else notice that the ad banner is missing from the bottom of the guide? I think the first time I noticed was around 8:00pm. Nice:D.

I hope this is permanent.

I cannot imagine that it would be permanent.

I got the mailing that 1/31/08 that WLWC-DT will replace WLVI-DT in Bristol County. Not suprised.Just wondering when WPRI-DT will replace WBZ-DT in Bristol County.
Also, got a 2nd HD set for Xmas. The HDMI connection didnt work. Had to use the analog component input from box to set. When tech connected HDMI cable and went to HDMI source, set said "no signal"Set is a 32" Olevia.
Reading on Comcast HD programming thread that TLC-HD, Animal Planet HD, and Sci-Fi -HD are now on some Comcast systems around the country

Did anyone else notice that the ad banner is missing from the bottom of the guide? I think the first time I noticed was around 8:00pm. Nice:D.

I hope this is permanent.

And, they're back...

I love being right. :)

I love being right. :)

We would've never guessed. :rolleyes:

We would've never guessed. :rolleyes:

:D

Now that we have moved into 2008, here is my personal wish list for the next HD channels for Comcast to add in our area:

Sci-Fi HD
CSN-New England (full time HD channel)
Weather Channel HD
MGM-HD
Smithsonian HD

Mickey

I want FX HD. Sci Fi HD would be great too.

I want NHL HD. Great hockey game yesterday

I want FX HD. Sci Fi HD would be great too.
FX-HD would be a very good addition.

NHL-HD: I'm thinking you will probably need to subscribe to the Sports & Ent. Package to receive NHL-HD when they decide to add it. (Like NFL-HD.)

Mickey

Good afternoon,
Had been reading in another forum about a new program guide and was wondering if, and when, we might get it here in the Boston market? Might this make the dvr functionality better short of upgrading to tivo when its available? I like the on screen keyboard feature and will hold out hope that programs aren't constantly re-recorded.

Thanks for any info.

Tom

Good afternoon,
Had been reading in another forum about a new program guide and was wondering if, and when, we might get it here in the Boston market? Might this make the dvr functionality better short of upgrading to tivo when its available? I like the on screen keyboard feature and will hold out hope that programs aren't constantly re-recorded.

Thanks for any info.

Tom

Should be in next couple weeks depending on area in NE.

MGM-HD and FX-HD would be nice...

I vote for CSN-NE and Fx. Its too bad there is no FXM-HD.

Should be in next couple weeks depending on area in NE.

Thanks for the fast reply. Any idea if this will help some of the dvr recording issues or is this just a prettying up of the interface?

Thanks

Thanks for the fast reply. Any idea if this will help some of the dvr recording issues or is this just a prettying up of the interface?

Thanks

My understanding is this upgrade should also fix some of the long time bugs. But then again, the previous upgrade should have done the same. We will wait and see but I feel like this is going to fix some of the worst bugs and well as a pretty interface.

I appreciate that info. So you figure a couple of weeks? Looking forward to trying it out. Again, thanks.

Tom

Not HDTV related, but I did see in the December bill that Comcast will no longer carry DIY as of 1/31/08. What a bummer.

Like most software, it will probably fix some bugs and add some new ones. :D

Not HDTV related, but I did see in the December bill that Comcast will no longer carry DIY as of 1/31/08. What a bummer.

Yeah I'm still surprised they're dropping that.

Not HDTV related, but I did see in the December bill that Comcast will no longer carry DIY as of 1/31/08. What a bummer.

I'm actually a fan of some of the shows on Fine Living. I was told I could do a channel request which I did. I guess anything could help.

I was at a pal's house when a Comcast tech came to set up HD receiver, and after the tech left he noticed that he got the HD DVR, but thats not what he asked for, of course he didn't complain and i told him that the tech probably made a mistake or something and it would be figured out...its been 6 months and still nothing and he's paying for a normal HD box, but he has an HD DVR. What are the odds of this happening? lol

anyone else's guide not correct for discovery HD? mine seems to be about an hour off

I was at a pal's house when a Comcast tech came to set up HD receiver, and after the tech left he noticed that he got the HD DVR, but thats not what he asked for, of course he didn't complain and i told him that the tech probably made a mistake or something and it would be figured out...its been 6 months and still nothing and he's paying for a normal HD box, but he has an HD DVR. What are the odds of this happening? lol

Since both boxes look the same, I'd say pretty good. The DVR boxes have an HDMI output which most of the HD boxes do not have. Instead, they have DVI which was all the rage when Motorola first thought up the idea of building HD boxes. However, a friend of mine had the same experience and after time the DVR service stopped working. The system is notorious for letting things slide for long periods of time.

Since both boxes look the same, I'd say pretty good. The DVR boxes have an HDMI output which most of the HD boxes do not have. Instead, they have DVI which was all the rage when Motorola first thought up the idea of building HD boxes.

There are more distinct differences on the DCT series, the DCH series however look almost identical both front & back (outputs & all). When the DCH's started coming out in July/August there were a lot of mix-ups on which box got installed.

Any new word on Celtics road games in HD? I've seen rumors of January floating around, I think I actually posted a link to boston media watch back in December, but haven't heard anything other than CSN saying they are "working on it"......

Any new word on Celtics road games in HD? I've seen rumors of January floating around, I think I actually posted a link to boston media watch back in December, but haven't heard anything other than CSN saying they are "working on it"......

The last thing I heard was one of the Celtics' owners on WEEI talking about it. That was back in early December. I really would have loved to have seen that Detriot game in HD.

The last thing I heard was one of the Celtics' owners on WEEI talking about it. That was back in early December. I really would have loved to have seen that Detriot game in HD.

Yeah, The Big Baby Show would have looked great!

The last thing I heard was one of the Celtics' owners on WEEI talking about it. That was back in early December. I really would have loved to have seen that Detriot game in HD.

Would have been the perfect road debut!

Just received an email from Comcast that the Tivo upgrade is now available in Medford.

Available in Milford as well. Still waiting to hear from others if they think it's worth the extra monthly fee. Anyone have any experience with it yet?

It's only $2.95. I am sure it is worth it.
I've also got this email from Comcast.

Just got confirmation it's available in Stoughton too. So is the only fee $2.95 (plus the whatever I'm paying now for the HD-DVR)?

It's only $2.95. I am sure it is worth it.
I've also got this email from Comcast.Don't be so sure. People in the HDTV Recorders forum are reporting it's so buggy they are considering dumping it and going back to the old software. Considering what I've been reading there I'm not even going to bother upgrading at this point until they get some more of the bugs ironed out.

Why should I be paying Comcast (and a higher fee!) for the privilege for bug testing their system? They should be paying me!

IS it a SW download or do they have to come out to install it? Also, does it solve the annoying "lag" problems??

Just got confirmation it's available in Stoughton too. So is the only fee $2.95 (plus the whatever I'm paying now for the HD-DVR)?

Yes. Well, there's also a one-time installation fee of $17.95 and the technician has to come to your house (not sure why because it's just software update if you already have the HD-DVR).

IS it a SW download or do they have to come out to install it? Also, does it solve the annoying "lag" problems??

I'll let you know tomorrow. The technician is coming over tomorrow at 1pm...

Got the email as well. Available in Natick...

It's bad news when most of the boxes running the software can't even send out a 5.1DD signal.

Now available...........not sure I want to install before I hear some user feedback.

Does anyone have any idea what the cost/process is to reverse?

$18 for an install!? lol no thanks!

Got the e-mail today as well. Looking forward to hearing some feedback. Hopefully we are all not beta testers :p

I'm having it installed Wednesday in Hanson. I'll keep you posted on bugs, hopefully not too many. But just about anything is better than what I had !!!!

After following for so long I can't remember, I'm sadly gonna have to pass for now. I've been following the progress in the HDTV Recorders forum like others and the early reports are not good.

After following for so long I can't remember, I'm sadly gonna have to pass for now. I've been following the progress in the HDTV Recorders forum like others and the early reports are not good.

Yup I'm going to pass as well, I guess we can see why it got delayed so often by what I have been reading. Plus an $18 install and $3 a month on top of that, No Thanks, I'll just put up with the few bugs the Moto boxes have now.

I'd give it a try, but not if they want to charge me for a service call.

No email here :(

$18 for an install? fios is nbeginning to look goos and theyre starting to wire my building.

27 minutes later: Your wait is over - Comcast with TiVo is now available.

Looks like they read the board: OK lets' try this again.

Give us HDNet and HDNet movies!

Darn it - That didn't work :(

Just received an email from Comcast that the Tivo upgrade is now available in Medford.

For those of you who have not journeyed to the tivo/comcast thread, let me recap:

$2.95 household charge on top of everything else.

$17.95 install fee. This is so the techs can make sure it downloads properly to the boxes and works fine. If there is any problems, he can troubleshoot it on the spot.

There are some bugs but this is not the full blown Tivo service but there are differences between it and the current dvr software.

It is widely available in Mass and NH.

North Chelmsford got the Tivo notice too

Don't be so sure. People in the HDTV Recorders forum are reporting it's so buggy they are considering dumping it and going back to the old software. Considering what I've been reading there I'm not even going to bother upgrading at this point until they get some more of the bugs ironed out.

Why should I be paying Comcast (and a higher fee!) for the privilege for bug testing their system? They should be paying me!
Agreed. It doesn't appear to be ready for prime time. I also believe some users lost recordings during the software download.

Mickey

Agreed. It doesn't appear to be ready for prime time. I also believe some users lost recordings during the software download.

Mickey

Have to keep in mind this was pushed out by Tivo. When the CEO held a press conference or investors' meeting back in November or December, he said it would be out soon because he was trying to stablize the stock price. There is quite a few bugs and I do not believe it is for die hard tivo users. But it is for those who have some kind of dvr service with satillite companies.

Comcast is telling me I need to pay $20.45 a month for a second DVR box - $7.50 for the box and $12.95 for the DVR service. This is in addition to what I am paying now. Does that sound correct? I thought I would pay an additional amount for the box, but did not realize I would need to also pay $12.95 again for the DVR Service. I am currently paying $12.95 for the DVR Service and $3.79 for the first DVR box (reduced rate as part of the starter package).

The $7.50 is probably for digital service to a second digital device in your home. That sounds right.

Comcast is telling me I need to pay $20.45 a month for a second DVR box - $7.50 for the box and $12.95 for the DVR service. This is in addition to what I am paying now. Does that sound correct? I thought I would pay an additional amount for the box, but did not realize I would need to also pay $12.95 again for the DVR Service. I am currently paying $12.95 for the DVR Service and $3.79 for the first DVR box (reduced rate as part of the starter package).

Yea, we have two DVR's and that's what we pay additionally.

Comcast is telling me I need to pay $20.45 a month for a second DVR box - $7.50 for the box and $12.95 for the DVR service. This is in addition to what I am paying now. Does that sound correct? I thought I would pay an additional amount for the box, but did not realize I would need to also pay $12.95 again for the DVR Service. I am currently paying $12.95 for the DVR Service and $3.79 for the first DVR box (reduced rate as part of the starter package).

Reason why you are paying another $12.50 for a second, third, etc dvr box is because you doubling, tripling, etc your recording space and tuners. If the boxes were sharing the same amount of hard drive space, then I can understand.

Got the email in Hopkinton.. We don't even have a DVR yet.. lol

According to FCC Chairman Kevin Martin cable operation in general and Comcast in particular is going to change:

• "We've seen a signficant decrease in prices" in everything the FCC regulates except cable—that's gonna change
• It is "critical" that consumer-electronic devices are able to attach to cable networks and do two-way communication without a set-top box (i.e., two-way CableCARD is mandatory)
• Proposed pay-per-channel cable is a "real market solution" to cable sucking balls and "I'm doing everything I can" to make it happen
• Independent content providers such as NFL Network need to be able to get their shows on cable

Comcast's Alleged Blockage of **********
• He's going to investigate it (FCC investigates "all complaints") and make sure no one is being blocked from access in a "discriminatory way"
• If a company engaged in "reasonable network practice" for traffic management they should be honest about it

It was reported by Gizmodo from CES 2008.

We probably will see a lot of changes in a year or two.

• "We've seen a signficant decrease in prices" in everything the FCC regulates except cable—that's gonna change
• It is "critical" that consumer-electronic devices are able to attach to cable networks and do two-way communication without a set-top box (i.e., two-way CableCARD is mandatory)
• Proposed pay-per-channel cable is a "real market solution" to cable sucking balls and "I'm doing everything I can" to make it happen
• Independent content providers such as NFL Network need to be able to get their shows on cable


Pricing is based on the whole sale cost of channels. As long as the costs keep going up, so will the cost of cable. This year, Comcast is going up 5% and Verizon is going up 12%. Pay-per-channel cable is going to increase the cost of cable because channels like Fx, ESPN, Disney and TNT needs to recoup the cost of their original programing. ESPN pays a ton of money for their rights to sports broadcast. The cost for those rights keep climbing as well. Forcing cable companies to carry channels like NFL Network on basic cable will also increase prices because they are looking for the same high carriage rights as ESPN. Kevin Martin is saying and spinning it in a way that makes you want to think this is a good thing but in HIS world, we would all be paying $100 for 15 channels. He is a politician and wants you to believe 15 channels would cost you $15.

Pricing is based on the whole sale cost of channels. As long as the costs keep going up, so will the cost of cable. This year, Comcast is going up 5% and Verizon is going up 12%. Pay-per-channel cable is going to increase the cost of cable because channels like Fx, ESPN, Disney and TNT needs to recoup the cost of their original programing. ESPN pays a ton of money for their rights to sports broadcast. The cost for those rights keep climbing as well. Forcing cable companies to carry channels like NFL Network on basic cable will also increase prices because they are looking for the same high carriage rights as ESPN. Kevin Martin is saying and spinning it in a way that makes you want to think this is a good thing but in HIS world, we would all be paying $100 for 15 channels. He is a politician and wants you to believe 15 channels would cost you $15.

Sounds pretty depressing. I believe you. But for better or worse the change is in the air. Lets hope for better.

Sounds pretty depressing. I believe you. But for better or worse the change is in the air. Lets hope for better.

Congress has already called out Martin on trying to make these changes. He was going to try to force content providers to unbundle their channels that they sell. So for example, Disney Corp owns ABC, ESPN, ESPN 2, ESPN Classic, Disney Channel, Toon Disney, ESPN HD and so on. Cable companies have to negotiate deals for all of these channels. Since we do not have ESPNU or ESPNU-HD, let us say Disney wants Comcast to carry these channels. So the deal needs to get done to include all the channels Disney owns. This would also increase the costs passed along to customers. In order to decrease the cost of cable services, you have to go to the source which is the content providers like Disney and Viacom.

I can tihnk of two reasons why Fine Livin and DIY are going bye bye

Fox business and Comcast Central

Hi all-

Buying a new house and getting a HD LCD TV for it and am doing some research. The house is in Townsend, so I assume that's still Boston market, though it's also really close to Nashua, NH. Will that change anything? My basic question is this: is there a current list here on AVS of what HD channels there are on Comcast and what package is needed to get them? I found this:

http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?p=9599391#post9599391

but I don't know if it's the latest and digging through 73 pages of posts seems a bit testing :) Is there a sticky for this stuff somewhere??

Thanks!!!

vb

Solved my own question by chatting with Comcast. Here's the current lineup with what packages are required:

Jeff(Thu Jan 10 2008 07:40:09 GMT-0500 (EST))>

The following HDTV channels are currently available. Please note that availability may vary by area, you can visit comcast dot com for a channel lineup specific to your location.

PBS
CBS
ABC
NBC
FOX
CW
National Geographic***
Discovery HD***
Music HD (MTV)***
TBS***
Home & Garden TV HD***
TNT**
USA***
A&E HD***
HD Theater**
CNN***
Universal HD**
Comcast Sports HD (includes programming from Versus & Golf Channel)***
ESPN**
ESPN2***
NESN***
NFL Network HD****
Food Network HD***
Cinemax*
HBO*
History HD***
Starz*
Showtime*
MOJO (Celtics broadcasts preempt programming)**


* Requires Digital Premium subscription
** Requires Digital Classic or above subscription
*** Requires Digital Starter Cable Subscription
**** Requires Digital Sports & Entertainment subscription

Comcast Boston HD Channel Lineup
=====================================================
Based on lineup in Lawrence Ma 1-10-08
=====================================================
Channel Network Tier required
/////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////
802 PBS HD channel Basic
804 WBZ (CBS) Basic
805 WCVB (ABC) Basic
807 WHDH (NBC) Basic
809 WMUR (ABC) Basic
821 National Geo Starter (Despite National Geo SD on Classic)
823 Discovery HD Starter
825 WFXT (Fox) Basic
828 MHD Starter AND Classic
831 TBS-HD Starter
832 HGTVHD Starter
833 TNT-HD Classic (Starter not required)
835 USA Starter
837 AnEHD Starter
838 WSBK Basic
839 HD Theater Classic
842 CNN-HD Starter
846 Universal HD Classic
848 Verses / Golf HD Starter
849 ESPN-HD Classic (Starter not required)
850 ESPN 2-HD Starter
851 NESN Starter
854 FoodHD Starter
856 WLVI (CW) Basic
868 Cinemax Cinemax
870 HBO HBO
872 History (Starter most likely required)
875 Starz Starz
877 Showtime Showtime
881 Mojo / CSN-HD Classic

Digital starter is extended basic with a box or cable card.
You CAN get just limited basic and digital tiers

QAM HD (Based on lineup in Lawrence using a Polaroid TLA-01511C 15" LCD)

2.2 WGBH HD
4.1 WBZ
5.1 WCVB
7.1 WHDH
7.2 NBC weather plus
25.1 WFXT
38.1 WSBK
44.2-4 WGBX Multiplex channels
56.1 WLVI
75.89 WMUR

I can tihnk of two reasons why Fine Livin and DIY are going bye bye

Fox business and Comcast Central

Fox business is appearing this morning on chn 284

Okay, well that does make sense then.

I'm actually a fan of some of the shows on Fine Living. I was told I could do a channel request which I did. I guess anything could help.

The HGTV HD channel has some of the DIY and FineLiving programs on it. I watch The Whole Picture on 832 which is a DIY program.

I figure since I'm done beta testing the TiVo DVR software and back to iGuide I can post over here now. :D

Pete

--
http://www.petelanglois.net (http://www.petelanglois.net)

Comcast Boston HD Channel Lineup
=====================================================
Based on lineup in Lawrence Ma 1-10-08
=====================================================
QAM HD (Based on lineup in Lawrence using a Polaroid TLA-01511C 15" LCD)

2.2 WGBH HD
4.1 WBZ
5.1 WCVB
7.1 WHDH
7.2 NBC weather plus
25.1 WFXT
38.1 WSBK
44.2-4 WGBX Multiplex channels
56.1 WLVI
75.89 WMUR


In Derry we have pretty much the same lineup our WMUR is 75.1 on my Olevia 227.

Pete

The HGTV HD channel has some of the DIY and FineLiving programs on it. I watch The Whole Picture on 832 which is a DIY program.

I figure since I'm done beta testing the TiVo DVR software and back to iGuide I can post over here now. :D

Pete

--
http://www.petelanglois.net (http://www.petelanglois.net)

I noticed the same thing with Food HD.

Too bad about the tivo trial. Very hyped by the fan base and tivo. Comcast was smart not to roll it out quickly. Too bad tivo and fans pretty much demanded it.

Anyone see a Comcast pickup truck with an antenna in the bed of the truck? What is Comcast doing?

Anyone see a Comcast pickup truck with an antenna in the bed of the truck? What is Comcast doing?Sounds like they're testing local signal stregnth or quite possibly interference?.

Anyone see a Comcast pickup truck with an antenna in the bed of the truck? What is Comcast doing?

Preparing for the change to an all digital network?

Anyone see a Comcast pickup truck with an antenna in the bed of the truck? What is Comcast doing?
My guess is the same as Dave's, they might be testing signal strength in certain neighborhoods. But I bet Jonwww can tell us for sure.

Mickey

Well, finally the day has arrived- notice posted in my lobby: My condo development is finally being wired up for FIOS over the next 6mos!!! Weeee!!! This is no small job mind you as my condo complex has the largest individual units in MA.

So....goodbye COMCAST, Hello FIOS!!! 30Gbps downloads and HDNet/HDNet movies.;)

Well, finally the day has arrived- notice posted in my lobby: My condo development is finally being wired up for FIOS over the next 6mos!!! Weeee!!! This is no small job mind you as my condo complex has the largest individual units in MA.

So....goodbye COMCAST, Hello FIOS!!! 30Gbps downloads and HDNet/HDNet movies.;)

I hope you will remain so upbeat if the actual download speed is way below 30Gbps. :)

I hope you will remain so upbeat if the actual download speed is way below 30Gbps. :)That's not a huge issue as I have Comcast's 16Gbps plan now and it's rarely ever consistent.

My guess is the same as Dave's, they might be testing signal strength in certain neighborhoods. But I bet Jonwww can tell us for sure.

Mickey

As a matter of fact.... Yes I can. :D Those trucks check for 'leakage' or 'egress' of the cable signal from the cable plant, it's an FCC requirement but actually serves a couple purposes. If there is too much leakage of signal it can cause disturbances in other devices that use the same frequencies as cable; CB radios, air traffic, emergency services, etc. While the cable customer won't see the effect of 'egress' of the signal they will see the other effect, 'ingress', foreign signals entering the cable system. In the years of analog tv ingress was the main culprit for seeing wavy lines through some channels, mainly the local channels (2, 4, 5, 7 and some others in the Boston area). In the digital age you might see some tiling (breaking up) of some channels if the leak is bad enough and other issues for the internet & phone products. Leakage is caused by bad/loose fittings, bad splitters, cuts in or bad cable, poorly shielded tv's, etc. The leakage truck drives around taking measurements of how strong the signal leaks are in the town (now usually with GPS coordinates), then other techs come out to remedy the problem areas. Many times the work is able to be done outside but sometimes it is in the house, main culprit is loose/bad fittings. This is a basic description trying not to get to technical.

Well, finally the day has arrived- notice posted in my lobby: My condo development is finally being wired up for FIOS over the next 6mos!!! Weeee!!! This is no small job mind you as my condo complex has the largest individual units in MA.

So....goodbye COMCAST, Hello FIOS!!! 30Gbps downloads and HDNet/HDNet movies.;)

Similar stuff going on in my building. Note: 30 gbps downloads will not be inexpensive, though the H channels are a good incentive. I'm evaluating goods and bads.

Good evening,
I was wondering if there is a reason why HDNET or HDNET Movies is not available on Comcast. I would assume when adding HD channels that the first all HD channel would be one of the originals. Is there a backstory or no compete clause or something at work here?

Just wondering.

Tom

Good evening,
I was wondering if there is a reason why HDNET or HDNET Movies is not available on Comcast. I would assume when adding HD channels that the first all HD channel would be one of the originals. Is there a backstory or no compete clause or something at work here?

Just wondering.

Tom

If I remember right, Mark Cuban (owner of HDNET) had a dispute with Comcast about how much the channels should cost and what tier they should be on.

Until that is resolved, no HDNET on Comcast. In fact, many former Adelphia systems lost HDNET when Comcast bought them.

Similar stuff going on in my building. Note: 30 gbps downloads will not be inexpensive, though the H channels are a good incentive. I'm evaluating goods and bads.Actually, FIOS' 30Mbps d/l tier is cheaper than what I'm paying for Comcast's 16Mbps now, by $10- Last time I checked I think I'm paying $52.95/per mos to Comcast- to be honest I'm paying so much now I don't even know what I'm paying for anymore.

As far as the HDNet channels goes, apparently Comcast doesn't want to pay the extra $ to Mark Cuban for his channels, and they've been been in "negotiations" for so long at this point it doesn't look like they'll ever pick them up.

I'll be glad to go FIOS- have a few more channels/options and save a few $$ besides...

Actually, FIOS' 30Mbps d/l tier is cheaper than what I'm paying for Comcast's 16Mbps now, by $10- Last time I checked I think I'm paying $52.95/per mos to Comcast- to be honest I'm paying so much now I don't even know what I'm paying for anymore.

As far as the HDNet channels goes, apparently Comcast doesn't want to pay the extra $ to Mark Cuban for his channels, and they've been been in "negotiations" for so long at this point it doesn't look like they'll ever pick them up.

I'll be glad to go FIOS- have a few more channels/options and save a few $$ besides...

Try 139 for 30mbps 159 if you pay month to month

As a matter of fact.... Yes I can. :D Those trucks check for 'leakage' or 'egress' of the cable signal from the cable plant, it's an FCC requirement but actually serves a couple purposes. If there is too much leakage of signal it can cause disturbances in other devices that use the same frequencies as cable; CB radios, air traffic, emergency services, etc. While the cable customer won't see the effect of 'egress' of the signal they will see the other effect, 'ingress', foreign signals entering the cable system. In the years of analog tv ingress was the main culprit for seeing wavy lines through some channels, mainly the local channels (2, 4, 5, 7 and some others in the Boston area). In the digital age you might see some tiling (breaking up) of some channels if the leak is bad enough and other issues for the internet & phone products. Leakage is caused by bad/loose fittings, bad splitters, cuts in or bad cable, poorly shielded tv's, etc. The leakage truck drives around taking measurements of how strong the signal leaks are in the town (now usually with GPS coordinates), then other techs come out to remedy the problem areas. Many times the work is able to be done outside but sometimes it is in the house, main culprit is loose/bad fittings. This is a basic description trying not to get to technical.
Great info. Thank you. This is why I come here.

Mickey

Dave, I'm jealous. They've wired FIOS across the street from me, but no sign that they're going to do this side. :(

Verizon ran the fiber past our home two years ago, and there is still no sign that they're willing to do the last 100 feet to our home. We're evidently not affluent enough.

Verizon ran the fiber past our home two years ago, and there is still no sign that they're willing to do the last 100 feet to our home. We're evidently not affluent enough.

My friend just switched to Verizon mainly because of cost, his street is wired for fios but he cannot get the the TV side because of contractual agreement between Comcast and the Town so for now he has to go with Direct TV.

Well all of Northern New England (NH,VT,ME) will never get FiOS TV as VZ is selling to Fairpoint which will totally suck. I've been on FiOS 5/2 since the first week it was offered well over a year ago. I am paying the intro rate of 19.95 and I get all 5MB down and about 1.7MB up even during peak times.

Thanks to jonwww for the info about the Comcast pickup truck. I thought they might be looking for unsecure wifi spots. There are 3-4 I can pick up just from my house.

Pete
--
http://www.petelanglois.net (http://www.petelanglois.net)

Well all of Northern New England (NH,VT,ME) will never get FiOS TV as VZ is selling to Fairpoint which will totally suck. I've been on FiOS 5/2 since the first week it was offered well over a year ago. I am paying the intro rate of 19.95 and I get all 5MB down and about 1.7MB up even during peak times.

Thanks to jonwww for the info about the Comcast pickup truck. I thought they might be looking for unsecure wifi spots. There are 3-4 I can pick up just from my house.

Pete
--
http://www.petelanglois.net (http://www.petelanglois.net)

At least you have a chance at choosing FiOS for Internet/Phone if you wanted to. They wired Bedford but for some reason not Manchester, despite the greater population density (which you would think would = more chances to recoup their investment).

I have lost all hope of FiOS or a similar technology making it out to other parts of NH that were part of the brief Verizon deployment.

Real sad.

Well, I like the Comcast 16/2Mbps d/l tier. I'm sure FIOS will offer something like it in the area to compete with Comcast at the same price level- or at least try to entice me over in the beginning. I'd be happy with that level of performance with the addition of just the HDNet channels plus the newer HD channels FIOS offers.

Obviously, we crave for something that we don't have. HDNet and HDNet Movies are good examples for Comcast customers. I had HDNet channels for several years when I was with Directv. After a few weeks I watched them less than some other HD channels. Maybe 1 hour/week or even less. For those switching to FIOS and getting excited about two Mark Cuban's channels good luck. You will see in a few weeks that HDNET is nothing extraordinary. HDNET was one of the first HD channels and some years ago when we had five or so HD channels having the HDNET was important. Not anymore.
Just my opinion.

Actually, what with UHD adding commercial breaks during feature movies, I find HDNet and HDNet Movies to be even more important than ever.

Actually, what with UHD adding commercial breaks during feature movies, I find HDNet and HDNet Movies to be even more important than ever.

That's what time-shifting (aka Tivo-Comcast) is for... :D

Well all of Northern New England (NH,VT,ME) will never get FiOS TV as VZ is selling to Fairpoint which will totally suck.

Maybe not. While the Maine and Vermont PUCs have approved the sale, NH has not yet ruled on it. And Maine's approval was based on "no changes to revised terms", but Vermont subsequently negotiated their own terms, so the Office of Consumer Affairs in Maine is telling the PUC to revisit their approval.

One member of the NH PUC has stated in his preliminary examination that Fairpoint's plan for broadband - DSL and no fiber network expansion - will leave NH at a competitive disadvantage to Mass. It's quite possible the NH PUC will deny the sale as not in the public good, which nixes the whole deal. Given the shaky financial position of Fairpoint it's quite possible there might not *be* a Fairpoint if the deal falls through.

Tony

Verizon ran the fiber past our home two years ago, and there is still no sign that they're willing to do the last 100 feet to our home. We're evidently not affluent enough.

Nah, they know you're a commited Comcast customer, so they're not wasting any resources. :D

But seriously, you keep harping on your red-lining theme. What's wrong with Verizon focusing their deployment to areas where they're going to have the best chance of success? Do you think the cable companies concentrated on the areas least likely to buy their product when they did their initial roll-outs? Aren't you the guy whose tag line reads "It is easy to cast reckless aspersions at folks making decisions you don't like, though those decisions are based on experience, expertise, professionalism, and fiduciary responsibilities"?

Tony

Anyone see the Comcast CEO at 2008 CES, he says Comcast will have 1000 HD channels by the end of 2008.

Anyone see the Comcast CEO at 2008 CES, he says Comcast will have 1000 HD channels by the end of 2008.

No, he said that Comcast will have 1,000 HD Choices by the end of the year, meaning HD Programming On Demand

But seriously, you keep harping on your red-lining theme. What's wrong with Verizon focusing their deployment to areas where they're going to have the best chance of success?Nothing. I post this warning mostly to counter some overtly anti-Comcast rhetoric I see posted, as if FIOS is going to be the great savior, when in reality they're working hard to become what Comcast already is. The point isn't that FIOS is doing something wrong, but rather than Comcast isn't. I am drawing a comparison between the two services. What they're doing is their prerogative, of course, but it is useful for folks to know that FIOS is actually being more predatory than Comcast, which services practically every home in every town it services.

Maybe not. While the Maine and Vermont PUCs have approved the sale, NH has not yet ruled on it. And Maine's approval was based on "no changes to revised terms", but Vermont subsequently negotiated their own terms, so the Office of Consumer Affairs in Maine is telling the PUC to revisit their approval.

One member of the NH PUC has stated in his preliminary examination that Fairpoint's plan for broadband - DSL and no fiber network expansion - will leave NH at a competitive disadvantage to Mass. It's quite possible the NH PUC will deny the sale as not in the public good, which nixes the whole deal. Given the shaky financial position of Fairpoint it's quite possible there might not *be* a Fairpoint if the deal falls through.

Tony

Vermont in terms of regulations is much harder to deal with then NH. It is only a matter of time before the Fairpoint deal is complete. Once done, do not expect them to deliver on Verizon's promises. Best case is you will see the same services maintained. Nashua does have some fiber running through it so FP might try to launch services. Who knows? They do not have the financial backing.

Nothing. I post this warning mostly to counter some overtly anti-Comcast rhetoric I see posted, as if FIOS is going to be the great savior, when in reality they're working hard to become what Comcast already is. The point isn't that FIOS is doing something wrong, but rather than Comcast isn't. I am drawing a comparison between the two services. What they're doing is their prerogative, of course, but it is useful for folks to know that FIOS is actually being more predatory than Comcast, which services practically every home in every town it services.

FIOS has already announced a 12% increase in rates for this coming year. Eventually, Verizon will be on the same pricing as Comcast for the same services. Only a few things currently seperate the two companies. But you can do a search and find more dedicated web sites to Verizon's mishandling of issues then you can for Comcast.

Obviously, we crave for something that we don't have. HDNet and HDNet Movies are good examples for Comcast customers. I had HDNet channels for several years when I was with Directv. After a few weeks I watched them less than some other HD channels. Maybe 1 hour/week or even less. For those switching to FIOS and getting excited about two Mark Cuban's channels good luck. You will see in a few weeks that HDNET is nothing extraordinary. HDNET was one of the first HD channels and some years ago when we had five or so HD channels having the HDNET was important. Not anymore.
Just my opinion.

I've never seen HDNet or HDNet Movies, but have heard the yearning for them in this forum for a few years now. I figured with all of the yapping about it, it must be really great.

Recently I looked their website which shows their schedule for both channels. Yawn. Nothing but mid-quality older movies and less-than-interesting programs. I couldn't figure out what all the fuss was about.

Maybe the slice of time I was looking at happened to be a particularly bad one but if it really was representative of their programming, I don't care if Comcast ever picks them up. I'd rather have SciFi HD or more Discovery type HD channels.

I'd rather have Sci-Fi too, but I don't have Expanded Cable and I'm not going to pay $40 more just to get one HD channel. Hopefully FIOS will put the channel it in their "National" package.

Interesting that we haven't heard any more about Celtics HD away games since there are really only 2 more games in January that are away and not nationally televised.

They have a choice of 1/21 or 1/29 to meet that rumored deadline.

How about them Pats on HD yesterday? 17-0 woo woo I only heard a few audio glitches and the wide camera operator needs to learn how to focus his camera.

I have been doing a list as fios will be coming to my building within the next few months be coming
Plus for Fios
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
HDNet and HDNet movies
Committed to 150 linear HD channels by years end
Double the audio music channels
Familiar Motorola digital box.
Channels all by type
Many new channels
Including NFL Network as part of Fios TV Premier (prices liked digital starter with lineup of digital preferred)

Minuses for Fios
---------------------------------------
Installation and installation fees
Did not have TBS-HD last fall.
Need new email address (perhaps an aol one)
New channel lineup
Not sure of phone service
No local place to switch cable boxes or pay bill

 
Pluses for Comcast
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Familiarity with channel lineup
Current package deal (may expire in May)
Do not need to do much to stay
Tivo now available
 
Minuses for Comcast
-----------------------------------------
No HDNet or HDNet movies
Not covering full premium lineup
DVR software currently buggy
Commitment to extra linear HD channels in question, intending on doing on demand
Too many analog channels
Not having NFL Network as part of digital starter

Not having NFL Network as part of digital starter


After the season is over & before next preseason starts are you really going to watch the NFL Network? I guess I'm not that big of a football fan to justify having it in Digital Starter.

I love the NBA more than any other sport, but I wouldn't want NBA TV on Digital Starter. I haven't even watched NBA TV more than twice all season.

I realize I might get some hate based off my screen name... I come in peace. ;)

My brother just picked up a Dynex DX-LCD32 that has a QAM tuner built in. He lives in Cambridge, MA and my family has basic Comcast (50 channels or whatever). Are the local channels available via QAM? What are the locals, was it the ones chitchatjf posted? Lawerence, MA seems a bit far from Cambridge.

He did a channel scan and isn't picking up any HD channels, so I'm not sure if he just didn't set it up right (which is a possibility).

I realize I might get some hate based off my screen name... I come in peace. ;)

My brother just picked up a Dynex DX-LCD32 that has a QAM tuner built in. He lives in Cambridge, MA and my family has basic Comcast (50 channels or whatever). Are the local channels available via QAM? What are the locals, was it the ones chitchatjf posted? Lawerence, MA seems a bit far from Cambridge.

He did a channel scan and isn't picking up any HD channels, so I'm not sure if he just didn't set it up right (which is a possibility).

Yes the locals are available in QAM. Depending on the TV, some require 2 scans. One is the analog channels and the other is the digital. He might have only done the analog scan so if he does the digital one thats how he'll recieve the HD channels.

Yes the locals are available in QAM. Depending on the TV, some require 2 scans. One is the analog channels and the other is the digital. He might have only done the analog scan so if he does the digital one thats how he'll recieve the HD channels.

This wasn't true for me here in Brookline. I had a QAM tuner that didn't pick up any digital channels over my Comcast digital cable. I know the QAM tuner works because it had worked for months watching unencrypted QAM on RCN cable. Now that I have Comcast, I must use the Motorola 3416 they gave me to watch TV. So it's possible your friend didn't screw anything up, and he just isn't getting clear QAM with Comcast.

Maybe not. While the Maine and Vermont PUCs have approved the sale, NH has not yet ruled on it. And Maine's approval was based on "no changes to revised terms", but Vermont subsequently negotiated their own terms, so the Office of Consumer Affairs in Maine is telling the PUC to revisit their approval.

One member of the NH PUC has stated in his preliminary examination that Fairpoint's plan for broadband - DSL and no fiber network expansion - will leave NH at a competitive disadvantage to Mass. It's quite possible the NH PUC will deny the sale as not in the public good, which nixes the whole deal. Given the shaky financial position of Fairpoint it's quite possible there might not *be* a Fairpoint if the deal falls through.

Tony

FWIW -- folks opposed to the Fair Point transaction (or wondering why it might not be in their best interest) may want to visit http://www.nofairpoint.org/

Thanks Eric89GXL. You're pretty close to them in Brookline, so I'm wondering if that's the case for them. It's strange that in some area's they appear to be blocked while others are not, but that's Comcast for ya. I'm sorta handicapped right now since I'm down here in south FL and they're up in MA. Hopefully I can find out more tonight.

This wasn't true for me here in Brookline. I had a QAM tuner that didn't pick up any digital channels over my Comcast digital cable. I know the QAM tuner works because it had worked for months watching unencrypted QAM on RCN cable. Now that I have Comcast, I must use the Motorola 3416 they gave me to watch TV. So it's possible your friend didn't screw anything up, and he just isn't getting clear QAM with Comcast.

Last I heard the Comcast System in MA was all converted to 256 QAM and are required to pass thru the locals in the clear. You should not need a box if thats all you want , If you were not recieving them I would have asked Comcast why as I'm interested in what that answer might be. Most everyone else on this thread and their scattered thru out this state get their QAM reception with little or no problems. Your case seems to be an exception but I'm interested on how your problem is resolved. Maybe some of the Comcast insiders can chime in on this subject.

Last I heard the Comcast System in MA was all converted to 256 QAM and are required to pass thru the locals in the clear. You should not need a box if thats all you want , If you were not recieving them I would have asked Comcast why as I'm interested in what that answer might be. Most everyone else on this thread and their scattered thru out this state get their QAM reception with little or no problems. Your case seems to be an exception but I'm interested on how your problem is resolved. Maybe some of the Comcast insiders can chime in on this subject.

I'm not sure if this has anything to do with it but it is a theory. Brookline system is set up differently then everywhere else in MA. Originally, it was a dual system and then after the Comcast digital conversation, it was changed to single line system. At that point, Comcast began scrambling everything above basic because of the rapid turn over of customers (mostly being college students). The only thing you can get in Brookline without a cable box or cable card is analog basic broadcast channels. I understand the digital channels for basic broadcast should be showing up as well but because the digital system is locked down it might block the channels. If anyone else in Brookline or Boston can toss in their two cents, that would be great.

Interesting....just opened my Comcast bill and it says:

"You have been receiving a FREE preview of Discovery HD on channel 823 and History HD on channel 872. In our effort to continue to bring you the best in HD programming, these channels will become part of our permanent lineup as of Feb 15th, 2007."

First of all, good to see I am not the only one having trouble remembering it's 2008 now! Second, I assume this means they will only be available to those who get expanded basic? Not sure if that's the case since I do have expanded already.

Interesting....just opened my Comcast bill and it says:

"You have been receiving a FREE preview of Discovery HD on channel 823 and History HD on channel 872. In our effort to continue to bring you the best in HD programming, these channels will become part of our permanent lineup as of Feb 15th, 2007."

First of all, good to see I am not the only one having trouble remembering it's 2008 now! Second, I assume this means they will only be available to those who get expanded basic? Not sure if that's the case since I do have expanded already.

Free preview? That's news to me. So now are we going to be paying for these channels as part of the price increase to expanded basic. But yes, it means that you need to have expanded basic in order to get these channels. There is no seperate tier for HD serivces like D*.

Interesting....just opened my Comcast bill and it says:

"You have been receiving a FREE preview of Discovery HD on channel 823 and History HD on channel 872. In our effort to continue to bring you the best in HD programming, these channels will become part of our permanent lineup as of Feb 15th, 2007."

First of all, good to see I am not the only one having trouble remembering it's 2008 now! Second, I assume this means they will only be available to those who get expanded basic? Not sure if that's the case since I do have expanded already.

I guess I should actually read those instead of just tossing them into the paper shredder. How about a MESSAGE on the cable box. Hello Comcast, use the tools you have.

Pete
--
http://www.petelanglois.net

I'm not sure if this has anything to do with it but it is a theory. Brookline system is set up differently then everywhere else in MA. Originally, it was a dual system and then after the Comcast digital conversation, it was changed to single line system. At that point, Comcast began scrambling everything above basic because of the rapid turn over of customers (mostly being college students). The only thing you can get in Brookline without a cable box or cable card is analog basic broadcast channels. I understand the digital channels for basic broadcast should be showing up as well but because the digital system is locked down it might block the channels. If anyone else in Brookline or Boston can toss in their two cents, that would be great.

That does make sense to me but can Comcast get away with that or do they only have to give them the analog channels to comply with the FCC ruling. I had thought that in the Cable Bill that went into effect last year ( 2007) that the locals on the digital tier must also be passed thru in the clear or am I mistaken. If they do have to comply then all those on that system have a beef which means they should not have to pay for a box if they have their own QAM tuner and Comcast should accomadate them, no?

Just wanted to give you guys an update on my family's situation. They were able to finally get the QAM channels through Comcast in Cambridge, MA. My brother said he was able to get 16 (not sure if they're all HD or some are just digital). It seems he had to run the setup a few times and each time it kept adding more channels. Strange, quirky TV I guess. :)

I had thought that in the Cable Bill that went into effect last year ( 2007) that the locals on the digital tier must also be passed thru in the clear or am I mistaken.Only if the channel is all-digital. However, Comcast does voluntarily make local broadcast HD channels available in-the-clear in most areas.

Went into my local Comcast office and exchanged my 6412 for a 3416 and asked if they had one with the TIVO software already loaded, they did not and I had to pay $14.95 for a service person to come out and set it up. Doen't make sense if they need to be there just to make sure it downloads correctly you would think they have it already done to some boxes in the office, just another way for Comcast to make a buck.:mad:

Went into my local Comcast office and exchanged my 6412 for a 3416 and asked if they had one with the TIVO software already loaded, they did not and I had to pay $14.95 for a service person to come out and set it up. Doen't make sense if they need to be there just to make sure it downloads correctly you would think they have it already done to some boxes in the office, just another way for Comcast to make a buck.:mad:

In the Comcast Tivo forum, we have been talking about this for the past two months. Comcast wants to have a tech come out because your signal levels need to be near perfect. If not, then the Tivo guide will not work. Also, the tech brings out a manuel and Tivo remote to use with the box.

In the Comcast Tivo forum, we have been talking about this for the past two months. Comcast wants to have a tech come out because your signal levels need to be near perfect. If not, then the Tivo guide will not work. Also, the tech brings out a manuel and Tivo remote to use with the box.

Indeed, the signal level needs to be near perfect. I had no problems at all with signal level when using DCH and DCT boxes, but for DCH with Tivo software the same signal was too strong.

After a week or so of using Comcast-Tivo I am a happy camper except for DD5.1. I hope it will be fixed in the next release.

The TiVo software has no 30sec skip, so I'm not even going to bother.

The TiVo software has no 30sec skip, so I'm not even going to bother.What do you mean? I've heard that the 30sec skip still works using the TiVo software...

The TiVo software has no 30sec skip, so I'm not even going to bother.

I've never used it and wouldn't care less. I am pretty sure it's not the most critical feature for most users.

No, apparently the 30sec forward skip doesn't work anymore, and if you think it's not critical then you must really enjoy watching commercials...

No, apparently the 30sec forward skip doesn't work anymore, and if you think it's not critical then you must really enjoy watching commercials...

Only if they are Mac vs PC commercials. I fast forward through everything else.

No, apparently the 30sec forward skip doesn't work anymore, and if you think it's not critical then you must really enjoy watching commercials...

Is the 30sec skip the only way to fast forward?

I've never used it and wouldn't care less. I am pretty sure it's not the most critical feature for most users.
Oh how I disagree, I couldn't live without 30 second skip. Nothing better than hitting it 4 or 5 times and blowing right thru the ads in 3 seconds. If you shoot past, no problem, 1 hit on the 10 second back! I'd be lost without it.

Is the 30sec skip the only way to fast forward?No you can just use the FF button, but in my opinion the 30 second skip is way easier.

No you can just use the FF button, but in my opinion the 30 second skip is way easier.

Hit fast foward when the commercials start. Hit play when the show starts. The box will jump back a few seconds. done.

30 second skip and FF are both good approaches. Having neither would be a problem. Not having one or the other is a minor annoyance AFIAC.

Can someone explain, in layman's terms what this QAM I always see mentioned is? Thanks

"Can someone explain, in layman's terms what this QAM I always see mentioned is? Thanks "

Much like the analog world has various RF (Radio Frequency) modulation schemes like AM (Amplitude Modulation) and FM (Frequency Modulation), the didital world had various forms of modulating data onto the RF carrier.

QAM stands for Quardrature Amplitude Modulation and can have a number of data rates like 64 and 256. The cable TV industry adopted this as their standard modulation format.

The TV broadcast folks chose 8VSB (8 levels of Vestigual Side Band).

8VSB is a more robust scheme for dealing with the hostile environment of over the air transmissions.

Mallego

"Can someone explain, in layman's terms what this QAM I always see mentioned is? "

So if you have a QAM tuner and a Cable subscription you will be able to recieve the unscambled QAM channels, which for the most part is your local HD channels like ABC, NBC, CBS, FOX, ... and maybe a few others on occasion. No guide, no On-Demand.

Darrell

I watch the commercials and fast forward through my shows