San Francisco, CA - Comcast [Text View] - Page 12

Mikef5

09-08-07, 11:26 PM

I know, actually I think "Rainbow Media" owns FSNBA, but is a subsidiary of Comcast :cool: I'm just saying, for the other channels like ESPN (or KTVU or KBHK) the station itself originates the HD signal 24/7. With FSNBA (or NFL-Net) they do not do HD 24/7. If Comcast (Bay Area) wanted to put FSNBA on 720 in Hi-Def full-time they would need to invest in HD upconverting hardware and dedicate it to that channel (for the times when FSNBA isn't doing HD - and then switch it off when they are).

The best solution is for FSNBA to originate a HD signal 24/7 though, but that's a whole 'nother ball of wax.
Walk,
Just for your edification here is the press release on the sale of FSNBA....

COMCAST TO ACQUIRE CABLEVISION’S RAINBOW MEDIA INTEREST IN FSN BAY AREA AND FSN NEW ENGLAND

Bethpage, NY and Philadelphia, PA * April 30, 2007 * Cablevision Systems Corporation (NYSE: CVC) and Comcast Corporation (NASDAQ: CMCSA, CMCSK) today announced that Comcast will purchase from Cablevision’s programming subsidiary, Rainbow Media Holdings LLC, its 60 percent interest in FSN Bay Area and its 50 percent interest in FSN New England for $570 million in cash.

Upon completion of the FSN transactions, Comcast will own 100 percent of FSN New England and 60 percent of FSN Bay Area, with the remaining 40 percent still owned by an affiliate of News Corporation. Comcast will operate both networks and completion of these two transactions is subject to certain closing conditions.

For Comcast, the transactions add to its growing regional sports programming operations. The sale of FSN Bay Area and FSN New England allows a divestiture by Cablevision of its only remaining regional sports programming assets located outside of the New York market.

The key point there is Comcast will operate both RSN's which a 60% majority holding of FSNBA.

As for your other points it is not necessary to do anything different than what they did tonight.. nothing, they have the equipment to do what I suggested. They don't have to up convert anything, digital signals are digital signals the only differences is the aspect ratio and the resolution. Broadcast stations do not up convert a SD signals they just put it through the same encoder that they use for the HD programing, they use one encoder for both. That's what KGO, KPIX etc. do .

Let's make it real simple, they showed they have the ability do what I suggested by the programing they showed today.... all they have to do is keep doing it... don't turn the channel off... it's that simple.
The reason they don't do it is because of the way the contract was written with FSNBA, at least that was what was told to me the last time I asked. I'm sure they have to honor that contract until it expires but after that they can do what they want with that channel.

Laters,
Mikef5

wco81

09-09-07, 12:21 AM

So does this mean Comcast is going to yank FSNBA off Direct TV?

Mikef5

09-09-07, 12:41 AM

So does this mean Comcast is going to yank FSNBA off Direct TV?
No, they have to honor all pre-existing contracts and after that I'm sure they will renegotiate another contract with them.... at the same price ??? ;)

Laters,
Mikef5

Mikef5

09-10-07, 02:15 PM

For those of you that are wondering on what's up with the NFL Net and why it's not being shown, here's the reason why....

_____________________________

We had hoped to launch last week but NFL refused to authorize our signal at the last minute because we cannot commit to keep them on past NFL season.

Right now our Corporate attorneys are battling this one and we have hopes to launch in the next few weeks

______________________________

So it seems that the NFL wants the channel to be kept on past the football season, sort of a permanent channel. To be honest, I don't see the reason to give a hoot about football after the season is over, it's time to go to the next sports season, so why would I want a channel dedicated to football all year long ??? If they get their way then why don't we have a separate Baseball channel, a Basketball channel, a Hockey channel etc... oh, and do them all in HD, could lead to a whole new bag of worms ;)

Laters,
Mikef5

bobby94928

09-10-07, 02:21 PM

I have to wonder why it is OK in some other Comcast areas to have a full time NFL-HD channel today. At least one other poster has said that they just turned it on full time, but I can't find the post.

hiker

09-10-07, 02:26 PM

They are good shows on all year long, like NFL draft, Hall of Fame ceremonies, pre-season games, NFL Europe games, etc. Some of us are not part-time NFL fans.

mds54

09-10-07, 02:37 PM

mds54

09-10-07, 02:39 PM

They are good shows on all year long, like NFL draft, Hall of Fame ceremonies, pre-season games, NFL Europe games, etc. Some of us are not part-time NFL fans.

Exactly!!! Plus, I'm paying extra for the sports tier solely for NFLNET-HD;
not for a part-time channel!

mds54

09-10-07, 02:40 PM

For those of you that are wondering on what's up with the NFL Net and why it's not being shown, here's the reason why....

Thanks Mikef5!
Even though it certainly isn't the answer some of us wanted :(

mds54

09-10-07, 03:36 PM

I saw that too, so this might just be a Bay Area thing.....

Well, something ain't right when other parts of the
country aren't having any problem.....
------------------------------------------------------
Originally Posted by sansri88
North New Jersey people, big announcement:
NGCHD and NFLHD coming on Oct 9th.

Originally Posted by JayMan007
NFL-HD added to Comcast -Richmond (VA) yesterday (9/6).

Mikef5

09-10-07, 03:54 PM

Well, something ain't right when other parts of the
country aren't having any problem.....
------------------------------------------------------
Originally Posted by sansri88
North New Jersey people, big announcement:
NGCHD and NFLHD coming on Oct 9th.

Originally Posted by JayMan007
NFL-HD added to Comcast -Richmond (VA) yesterday (9/6).

MDS,
Could you give the entire link to those posts so I can read them. I'm having trouble finding them myself , must be the old age :) , thanks.

Laters,
Mikef5

Mikef5

09-10-07, 04:07 PM

I found one of the posts by JayMan007 in Virginia and in reading it all he says is it's added to the line up not that they are showing anything on it. I read other articles in the Va. section and some people say they were getting it but not now, some say they have it but nothing on it.... it's really confusing on what's going on but I can say that the post I did was directly from Mr. J. and if he says there's a problem showing it and the lawyers are working on it then I have no reason to believe other wise. It may be that certain areas turned it on early and then had to turn it off because of the dispute but I will ask Mr. J. for a clarification of this matter.

Laters,
Mikef5

mds54

09-10-07, 04:17 PM

MDS,
Could you give the entire link to those posts so I can read them. I'm having trouble finding them myself , must be the old age :) , thanks.

Sure, and thanks again!

http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=424081&page=125

http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=424081&page=126

Mikef5

09-10-07, 04:31 PM

Sure, and thanks again!

http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=424081&page=125

http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=424081&page=126

I just reread those posts and all he says is it's being added to the line up, nowhere does he say they are actually getting anything on it, but I did email Mr. J. for clarification on this and I'll let you know what the outcome is.

Laters,
Mikef5

mds54

09-10-07, 04:35 PM

I think that part of our frustration here is that several of us have just had channel 725 removed,
which was the NFLNET-HD (HDSE) channel last season......

Mikef5

09-10-07, 05:07 PM

I think that part of our frustration here is that several of us have just had channel 725 removed,
which was the NFLNET-HD (HDSE) channel last season......

I understand frustration, I've been frustrated being locked in a 550 MHz area and watching the other areas get all those nice HD channels but ..sigh !!... maybe soon I'll get upgraded too ;)

Laters,
Mikef5

mds54

09-10-07, 05:48 PM

Mikef5

09-10-07, 06:04 PM

Yeah, I know you 550Mhzers are dealing with the ultimate frustration!
It sounds like things are finally starting to move for you though.

Us full-bandwidth guys are simply trying to get an optimum HD channel offering
in-place now so it will be all ready for you guys when the upgrade is complete! ;)
Just as long as the beer is cold I'll be happy :p

Just got an email from Mr. J.
Basically it says and I'm paraphrasing here, there is no contract approved by the NFL and Comcast for the HD version of the NFL NET, there is for the SD version of the NFL NET which they are showing.

So it looks like with no contract people are either seeing HD when there is no HD ( like I did on one of the 24 tv episodes last season :) ) or they're confusing SD for HD or they're just confused ;)

Laters,
Mikef5

wco81

09-10-07, 06:08 PM

mds54

09-10-07, 06:23 PM

Just got an email from Mr. J.
Basically it says and I'm paraphrasing here, there is no contract approved by the NFL and Comcast for the HD version of the NFL NET, there is for the SD version of the NFL NET which they are showing.

Thanks again for the update, but all is not well in Comcast land....
We HAD NFLNET-HD last year for the eight regular season games!
And that's what I was promised again when I had to upgrade to the sports tier this year to keep it. Then the HD channel disappears without notice. (The SD channel still remains) If comcast is NOT going to give us NFLNET-HD at least for the same eight regular season games this year, then we need to hear that now......
The competition seems to know the benefit of NFL HD packages!

Here all this time, we thought that NFLNET-HD was going to be one of the eight(?) new
HD channels to be added soon (especially based on the poll taken here), and now we learn
that it's not even on the board???

Mikef5

09-10-07, 06:33 PM

It's a pissing match. NFL essentially wants to establish NFL Network as a prime basic cable channel, like ESPN, which is on the basic tier but commands the largets fees.

Comcast doesn't want to cede that kind of control to another network so they want to put it on the sports tier.

Same thing with Big Ten Network. Direct TV is able to add all those channels and don't have to push them to a special tier (although why would they put Fox Sports World featuring soccer on a special tier but not the NFL Network or BTN?).

Comcast is arming for the war by buying up FSNs and probaly will try to muscle the DBS companies out of those.

ESPN doesn't deal with only one sport either like the NFL NET does and they've earned their position in the lineup and I'm sorry I don't care how popular a sport is, to have a dedicated channel devoted to that one sport all year long is a waste of bandwidth and opens the doors for other sports to pressure the cable companies for their dedicated channels also and believe it or not and I know it's going to be hard to believe, there are actually people that don't give a rat's behind about football :eek: and I'm not one of them.

As far as Directv, I have no idea what they do or don't do it's not a company that I prefer to do business with ( Dish on the other hand at one time was a choice I considered ), so if they do what you like then you should do business with them.

This is a battle between two giants and it's best to stand back and watch. Eventually this will be resolved but unfortunately it's the customer that gets the bad end of the stick most of the time.

Laters,
Mikef5

Mikef5

09-10-07, 06:37 PM

Thanks again for the update, but all is not well in Comcast land....
We HAD NFLNET-HD last year for the eight regular season games!
And that's what I was promised again when I had to upgrade to the sports tier this year to keep it. Then the HD channel disappears without notice. (The SD channel still remains) If comcast is NOT going to give us NFLNET-HD at least for the same eight regular season games this year, then we need to hear that now......
The competition seems to know the benefit of NFL HD packages!

Here all this time, we thought that NFLNET-HD was going to be one of the eight(?) new
HD channels to be added soon (especially based on the poll taken here), and now we learn
that it's not even on the board???

If you're not getting what you were promised then it seems to me that you should be refunded the money that you paid for the service. I don't know how or what Comcast and the NFL are going to do about this problem for this season but if it isn't resolved soon then I think refunding customers money is a viable option but they may come to an agreement and all this will be a mute point.

As far as being one of the channels to be added, it was suppose to be added last week that's when the NFL pulled the plug and this whole dispute started. Hopefully, this will be resolved soon and it can be added again.

Laters,
Mikef5

mds54

09-10-07, 07:05 PM

Since I am receiving the SD NFLNET channel, I don't know that I could expect any money back. But that's not what I'm after.....I want the HD channel! I suppose I could live with it not being a full-time, dedicated channel, but we at least need to get those 8 HD regular season games that only NFLNET covers each season. One would not expect to lose a channel that was provided the year before. But I know what you mean about "battling giants" and riding it out. Unfortunately, we're already missing the HD games of the week, and by November we'll start to miss the actual games!

mds54

09-10-07, 07:14 PM

As far as being one of the channels to be added, it was suppose to be added last week that's when the NFL pulled the plug and this whole dispute started....

Hmmm......maybe that would explain the sudden disappearance last week of
channel 725 for many of us......?

Thanks for all the info, Mikef5!
I know you'll update us on any new developments, or the latest from Mr. J. :)

Mikef5

09-10-07, 07:33 PM

Hmmm......maybe that would explain the sudden disappearance last week of
channel 725 for many of us......?

Thanks for all the info, Mikef5!
I know you'll update us on any new developments, or the latest from Mr. J. :)
Absolutely, and I understand all the frustration this is causing everyone but believe me there are people at Comcast that want this problem over with as soon as possible just like you do and as soon as anything changes I'll let you guys know.

Laters,
Mikef5

keenan

09-10-07, 08:47 PM

Regarding all this talk about NFLNet and Ch 725, my TiVo sent me a message that 725 was added to my lineup just the other day. Obviously it wasn't, but I thought it was curious.

BTW, NFLNet is one of the better looking channels on Dish, I've seen HD games that have looked outstanding on that channel.

enivel

09-10-07, 11:14 PM

Hi all,

I live in Santa Cruz and currently do not receive FSN in HD. I have been trying to find out when or if it will be available here, but have not been able to get any information from Comcast. The price of service and the lack of channels that we receive here is very frustrating especially since we cant get ktvu-hd here (we get the salinas fox station that doesnt carry the Giants in HD except for the rare Sat game of the week). Any information would be greatly appreciated.

Thank you,
J

mds54

09-12-07, 02:45 PM

Mikef5

09-12-07, 04:32 PM

Again, why is it apparently only the Bay Area that has a "contract dispute"
keeping us from getting NFLNET-HD???

From "HDTV Programming": "What's the next HD channel for Comcast":
--------------------------------------------------------------
Next new HD channels for Philly are coming around September 25
210- National Geographic HD
211- A&E HD
213- HGTV HD
216- Food HD
218- NFL Network HD
Plus two new SD channels in WE (Ch. 117) and Fuse (Ch.148).
------------------------------------------------------------

MDS,

Did you read what the post said ??? Next new HD channels for Philly are coming around September 25

Coming to Philly, they don't have it, as a matter of fact until they fix the damage caused by the fire in the building that houses NFL-NET no one has it.

Laters,
Mikef5

mds54

09-12-07, 05:13 PM

Mikef5

09-12-07, 05:36 PM

Yes, I know, Mikef5. The point is (to me), that they *have* a positive announcement,
whereas we have no explanation for losing channel 725, and have been told that NFLNET-HD is being held up in contract negotiations. That's quite a difference, IMO.
Well, what do you want ?? There is no signed contract so no one on the Comcast system has NFL-NET HD until that contract is signed, there is no way to sugar coat it. There are new channels coming to Comcast, I just can't tell you when or which ones, that's because of nondisclosure but they are coming, that's a positive post. When the contract is finally signed it'll be the first thing I post here.

If this channel is that important to you maybe you should look to a provider that can give that to you. Don't know what else to tell you to help you with your displeasure in not getting this channel. Consider yourself lucky that you at least get the SD version of the NFL-NET I don't even get that in my area.

Laters,
Mikef5

mds54

09-12-07, 07:45 PM

Mikef5

09-12-07, 09:14 PM

I'm not looking for anything else from you, Mikef5.....
you've been very helpful to me and this forum with your feedback and "inside info", and I certainly am appreciative of that. Thanks!

I know that I am not alone here with my desire for NFLNET-HD, but I feel the subject is getting old and there doesn't seem to be any definitive answer at this time, so I'll leave it alone for now.

But come November, when the live games are aired....... :eek:
MDS,

I didn't mean to imply any negative feelings towards you in my last post, I was just letting you know that at least you're getting the straight facts as they come directly from Comcast in this forum ( at least those that I'm given permission to post ), not rumors or wishful thinking.

I'm sure they would like to get this contract done and done soon, it's bad public relations to piss off customers with these legal battles and you have every right to be pissed and by all means continue to voice your concerns good or bad ( heavens knows I've been doing it for years :p ). I know of at least 3 Comcast people that view this forum daily to see what problems there are and what people are saying, so please express yourself.

When the official word comes down that the contract is signed it'll be posted here and I would imagine the channel will be activated soon after that, since it was suppose to go active last week. This is just something that we have no ability to do anything about so we wait while they work it out.

Laters,
Mikef5

raghu1111

09-12-07, 10:32 PM

Mike, it is obvious but I will mention anyway. I appreciate your posts and inside info very much. One of main reasons I keep visiting this post everyday. Hope to hear from you about the new HD channels coming soon :)

konoyaro

09-13-07, 01:23 AM

A new low for Comcast.
Soon after I bought a 50" plasma, I decided to upgrade to HD to get some additional enjoyment out of my AV setup. So a guy came out, plugged in the STB, saw that a picture was being displayed, he gave me the thumbs up and was off.
Coming from an old TV and regular cable, things generally looked fairly good, but sometimes image quality and consistency of cable broadcasts seemed less than ideal. I tried some tweaks, had my monitor professionally calibrated, but was still having problems. The problems I was seeing was pixelation during fast motion scenes and occasional video and audio dropouts.
Calls to Comcast had me trying numerous troubleshooting steps, recommendations to have the box changed (which I did 3x, one of which was DOA) and offers to have a tech come out to check with the warning that if it was an inside wiring problem, I'd be charged for the visit.
So I dug around a bit more for something that might help, bought a signal booster (no dice) and finally caved by calling Comcast and having the tech come out to check things out.
When he came out, he used some equipment to check the signal in my unit (I live in a condo) and lo and behold, the signal was way off. So I made a note to myself, Comcast will sell you digital cable services without verifying that new customers are actually getting what they pay for.
We went to the roof to check the cable box to see how the signal was coming into the building. The lock was busted. Since we can't pry it open, it's agreed that the following will happen:
1. The signal will be adjusted so that it is correct
2. The box will be replaced
3. New cable will be run from the box to my unit
I'm thinking: "Cool. Finally I can get this solved"

Couple days later there is no change to how programs look - still pixelation and such. I ask around in my building and find out other folks are having the same problem. They are also being told that the signal needs to be adjusted and that Comcast will do it right away.

A couple weeks later I call and ask when the cable box will be changed. They don't know what I'm talking about. I explain. They tell me that belongs to the construction group. They have 21 days to complete the job. Wait 'till 21 days are up. I do, and 21 days later it's still not done. More calls telling the same story over and over again, until finally I'm given a work order # and a schedule is set. The day before the scheduled appointment, I call to confirm when they'll be showing up. The answer: "Oh looks like they're not coming tomorrow. Says here they did it today.". Riiiiight.
So without telling anyone in the building, the Comcast construction crew beamed themselves onto the top of a 7 story building and completed the job without leaving a trace and without improving video quality. Since I know they'd never mislead me or lie to me, that MUST be the answer.
I don't know what to say except, it's Comcastic!

mds54

09-13-07, 01:24 AM

MDS,
I didn't mean to imply any negative feelings towards you in my last post.......

That's cool.....I didn't take it that way.
Thanks again!

tyre

09-13-07, 11:41 AM

Here's a link to an article in The Milpitas Post about the Comcast upgrades in our city:

Comcast wiring Milpitas for digital cable, on demand
http://www.themilpitaspost.com/local/ci_6873631

Here's an interesting quote:
"Comcast, which describes itself as the nation's
leading cable television provider with 24.2 million customers across the country, says the work will increase Milpitas' cable bandwidth to 1 GHZ, which will essentially allow more cable services to be provided to customers."

dkwong

09-13-07, 01:06 PM

Can someone tell me how much bandwidth Union City has?

garypen

09-13-07, 01:09 PM

MikeSM

09-13-07, 01:19 PM

I noticed that CNN ran a promo for an HD special to air in October. That tells me that CNN HD will be live by then.

Any idea when Comcast Bay Area will be adding the next batch of HD channels? (I know they requested our help in choosing.) I would imagine they would want to coincide with CNN's launch, as I am sure that CNN-HD will be added as soon as it's available. (It better be!!!)

I doubt that. CNN-HD is supposed to debut on DirecTV in the next week or so.

This is the current list of all national HD channels DirecTV will be carrying by the end of this year:

A&E
Altitude
Animal Planet
Big Ten Network
Bravo
Cartoon Network
Chiller
Cinemax East
Cinemax West
CNBC
CNN
Comcast SportsNet Chicago HD
Comcast SportsNet Mid-Atlantic HD
Discovery Channel
Discovery HD Theater
ESPN HD
ESPN2 HD
Food Network
FSN Arizona
FSN Bay Area
FSN Detroit
FSN Florida
FSN New England
FSN North
FSN Northwest
FSN Ohio
FSN Prime Ticket
FSN Rocky Mountain
FSN South
FSN Southwest
FSN West
FX
HBO East
HBO West
HBO2 East
HBO2 West
HBO Family East
HBO Family West
HBO Latino East
HBO Signature East
HDNet
HDNet Movies
HGTV
MHD
MoreMax East
NASCAR HotPass driver 1
NASCAR HotPass driver 2
NASCAR HotPass driver 3
NASCAR HotPass driver 4
NASCAR HotPass driver 5
NGC HD
New England Sports Network HD
NFL Network
NFL Sunday Ticket – game 1
NFL Sunday Ticket – game 2
NFL Sunday Ticket – game 3
NFL Sunday Ticket – game 4
NFL Sunday Ticket – game 5
NFL Sunday Ticket – game 6
NFL Sunday Ticket – game 7
NFL Sunday Ticket – game 8
NFL Sunday Ticket – game 9
NFL Sunday Ticket – game 10
NFL Sunday Ticket – game 11
NFL Sunday Ticket – game 12
NFL Sunday Ticket – game 13
Pay-Per-View HD
SCI FI Channel
Showtime HD
Showtime West
Speed
SportsNet New York HD
SportsSouth
Starz East
Starz West
Starz Comedy
Starz Edge
Starz Kids & Family
Sun Sports
TBS
The 101
The History Channel
The Movie Channel
The Science Channel
The Tennis Channel
The Weather Channel
TLC
TNT HD
Universal HD
USA Network
Versus/Golf HD
YES HD
+ 2 TBA Discovery-owned networks

Comcast doesn't have enough network capacity to carry all this, even on 860 Mhz systems.

thx
Mike

garypen

09-13-07, 01:31 PM

Mikef5

09-13-07, 02:17 PM

MikeSM

09-13-07, 02:23 PM

Since most of the channels on that list that aren't already live on Comcast are unnecessary crap and filler, I'm not worried about the Comcast capacity. There are only a handful on that list that needs to be added to Comcast Bay Area. (Also, C* only has to carry one or two of those regional sports nets per system, not all. And, no Sunday Ticket.)

I'm also not putting any money down on whether D* actually has all of those channels up when they say they will, as they probably won't. Also, I'd rather enjoy full HD resolution of the fewer, but higher quality picture and content, HD channels on Comcast vs the HD-Lite of D* and E*.

If CNN-HD is going live next week, I will bet a dollar that Comcast will have it here within 30 days after that, probably sooner.

DirecTV 10's transponders just completed testing and they should be carrying production programming really soon, which means a lot of new national capacity. They are very capable of carrying all that programming, and my friends there assure me that they will hit their objective.

I'm not sure why you say only a handful of those channels matter - having a dozen more encore and HBO movies channels in HD is a big deal, in addition to all the other channels like HIST, CNN, TBS, TLC, HGTV, USA, etc... Adding even 20 more channels means needing something like 60 Mhz of spectrum or so, which is non-trivial even in a 750 Mhz plant.

BTW, I am not switching to DirecTV, not because of the compression issue or because I doubt they'll add the channels, but because I have an R5000-HD that enables my Sage DVR system to record everything I am authorized for in the clear. I can get that for Cable and for Dish, but not for DirecTV, and I am tired of dealing with all of these guys' crappy STB DVR's that don't do automatic commercial skip and don't let me share recordings across all the TV's in my house, don't let me burn kids programs to DVD so my daughter can watch them in the car, etc... I am simply not going back. So as long as comcast stays halfway decent I'll stick with them.

My point however, is that if you want the max amount of HD programming, Comcast places 3rd behind DirecTV and Dish, and that it is highly unlikely to change for a long time, and that is made worse compounded by rate hikes and the amount they charge you for HD programming. We don't even get Blast as an option here for broadband, which my friends who are comcast subs on the east coast are enjoying for the same price we pay for half the bandwidth.

Thanks,
Mike

MikeSM

09-13-07, 02:31 PM

MikeSm,

You know we go through this " Mine's bigger than yours " all the time, that being said, I tend to agree with Gary here ( big surprise ;) )

All company's deal in "spin" , that includes Comcast and this is just another example of spin. I think we need to concentrate more on what is delivered and not what is promised. I can say with some certainty that just about every channel ( that has substance to it ) will be carried by Comcast sooner or later.

I prefer that the channels that are added to the lineup are added because they are what customers want and not put there just so the company can say " Mine's bigger than yours " and that they don't adversely effect the quality of the signal ( HD-Lite comes to mind ).

Laters,
Mikef5

Fair enough. But don't assume all the promises that companies make are just spin. Sometimes they actually deliver!

As someone who pays for encore and HBO, I'd like those dozen or so channels all in HD, plus at least HIST and HGTV.

And if someone from Comcast is listening and cares what the customers want to see, can you please put back American Life TV? It used to be carried by comcast, but after it was "shut off", it was still transmitted in the clear on QAM for several months. Then a few months ago, it disappeared for good. It carries some oldie programming which I love and isn't carried on DBS. It's pretty much free for MSO's to carry, and takes up a trivial amount of capacity as it's SD. Please? You'll make me a happy boy if you do. :-)

Thanks,
Mike

Mikef5

09-13-07, 03:57 PM

Fair enough. But don't assume all the promises that companies make are just spin. Sometimes they actually deliver!

As someone who pays for encore and HBO, I'd like those dozen or so channels all in HD, plus at least HIST and HGTV.

And if someone from Comcast is listening and cares what the customers want to see, can you please put back American Life TV? It used to be carried by comcast, but after it was "shut off", it was still transmitted in the clear on QAM for several months. Then a few months ago, it disappeared for good. It carries some oldie programming which I love and isn't carried on DBS. It's pretty much free for MSO's to carry, and takes up a trivial amount of capacity as it's SD. Please? You'll make me a happy boy if you do. :-)

Thanks,
Mike
Mike,

I can almost guarantee that Comcast will carry all the new HBO, SHO, Starz etc movies channels when they become available and the contracts are signed and delivered, that's a no brainer.

I did not mean to imply that all companies that use spin don't always deliver but it's better to do a wait and see what really is delivered than to base discussions or decisions on what a company is promising but rather what they are delivering right now.

As far as the American Life Tv, I've never heard of it :confused: but that wouldn't be the first time I haven't heard of a channel :) Does any other provider have it ?? I love the old tv shows and movies, they were done with a style that isn't seen much on today's programs and that's a sad thing. I'm sure if there was a demand for such a channel ( and it would take more than just me and you ) it could be added in the future but again the demand for it would have to be huge.

The main thrust of what I posted was for people not to believe the hype but what they actually do provide. Sort of like " You can talk the talk but can you walk the walk " and that would apply to all these content providers not just Directv or Comcast.

Laters,
Mikef5

MikeSM

09-13-07, 04:22 PM

Mike,

I can almost guarantee that Comcast will carry all the new HBO, SHO, Starz etc movies channels when they become available and the contracts are signed and delivered, that's a no brainer.

I did not mean to imply that all companies that use spin don't always deliver but it's better to do a wait and see what really is delivered than to base discussions or decisions on what a company is promising but rather what they are delivering right now.

As far as the American Life Tv, I've never heard of it :confused: but that wouldn't be the first time I haven't heard of a channel :) Does any other provider have it ?? I love the old tv shows and movies, they were done with a style that isn't seen much on today's programs and that's a sad thing. I'm sure if there was a demand for such a channel ( and it would take more than just me and you ) it could be added in the future but again the demand for it would have to be huge.

The main thrust of what I posted was for people not to believe the hype but what they actually do provide. Sort of like " You can talk the talk but can you walk the walk " and that would apply to all these content providers not just Directv or Comcast.

Laters,
Mikef5

Well, I think it's safe to say that if Comcast signs a contract with the provider and has the capacity, they'd deliver it - why bother signing a contract and not deliver it? The problem though is sometimes they don't agree to terms that others do agree to. For example, HDNet comes to mind. The DBS guys all did that deal, without exclusivity, and Comcast won't. So none of us get HDnet.

Go to americanlifetv.com and check it out. It used to be called good tv. Lots of old programs that are great. I'm not sure though that there has to be huge demand for a channel to have comcast add it. Look at fuse tv and a bunch of other channels. There can't be that much demand for these. I mean, TVLand is carried on the analog tier, and if there is enough demand for it to be carried analog, then american life tv should be a no brainer on digital. They have all the antennas and hardware to receive it, as it was on 122.8 (I think) in my area until a couple months ago. If you like it maybe you can use your considerable influence with comcast to get it added. :-)

Thx
mike

Mikef5

09-13-07, 04:24 PM

As far as the American Life Tv, I've never heard of it :confused: but that wouldn't be the first time I haven't heard of a channel :)
MikeSm,

I did a Google search on this channel and it seems to be a lot like TV Land, channel 66 on my area's guide, but does have a couple interesting programs that are not on TV Land. I don't know how much interest can be generated for American Life Tv if most of their shows are carried on Tv Land but you never know until you try. Now if they also did the old movies like Bogart, Tracy, Cagney etc.. that might be a drawing card for them but I didn't see that on the web site.

Laters,
Mikef5

Brown Radagast

09-13-07, 05:15 PM

American Life? MikeSM, can you post some of the shows that were on that channel? I wonder if it's similar to TV One...

On behalf of my daughter (and also all of you parents out there), I'd like to put in a request for Disney Channel HD, which (I think) is offered by TWC...

On another note, I spoke with a Comcast rep last week. I was complaining about the signal strength in my area, and he mentioned something about how the hub was in Oakland, and that this was a known issue. But in just the last couple of days I noticed that the signal strength for a sampling of channels I viewed was 30+ db, so I guess my area is getting some upgrades or something...

MikeSM

09-13-07, 05:33 PM

MikeSm,

I did a Google search on this channel and it seems to be a lot like TV Land, channel 66 on my area's guide, but does have a couple interesting programs that are not on TV Land. I don't know how much interest can be generated for American Life Tv if most of their shows are carried on Tv Land but you never know until you try. Now if they also did the old movies like Bogart, Tracy, Cagney etc.. that might be a drawing card for them but I didn't see that on the web site.

Laters,
Mikef5

Well, they have lost in space, the fbi, man from uncle, my favorite martian, etc... that tvland doesn't have.

If TVLAND rates analog, there is enough of a market for them to carry american life.

Thx
mike

garypen

09-13-07, 05:52 PM

Just to add a little perspective - Of the promised DirecTV channels listed above, only the following remain that Comcast Bay Area does not already carry, has no need to carry due to region, or cannot carry due to exclusivity:

Animal Planet
Big Ten Network
Bravo
Cartoon Network
Chiller
Cinemax East
CNBC
CNN
Discovery Channel (Is this different than Disc HD Theater??)
Food Network
FX
HBO East
HBO2 East
HBO2 West
HBO Family East
HBO Family West
HBO Latino East
HBO Signature East
HDNet
HDNet Movies
HGTV
MoreMax East
NFL Network (Space already allocated. Waiting for contract.)
SCI FI Channel
Speed
Starz East
Starz West
Starz Comedy
Starz Edge
Starz Kids & Family
The History Channel
The Movie Channel
The Science Channel
The Tennis Channel
The Weather Channel
TBS
TLC
USA Network
+ 2 TBA Discovery-owned networks

This is a much more realistic list. And, if you were to remove redundancies Discovery, East/West premiums) and channels that have no need for HD (CNBC, Weather Channel), it would be even smaller.

I can easily see an upgraded Comcast area being able to add many of the remaining channels.

Don't get me wrong. I'm not married to Comcast. I have no emotional attachment like some of those nuts on the dbs forums do to their satellite providers. (Dish seems to have the most of those nutbags.) I am perfectly willing to switch to another provider that better suits my needs and desires. But, right now, that's Comcast. And, it appears to be that way for the near future, as well.

dkwong

09-13-07, 05:54 PM

DiscoveryHD is different from DiscoveryHDTheater. The former is the Discovery channel simulcast in HD. The latter is a special channel with a mishmash of HD stuff.

dkwong

09-13-07, 05:58 PM

millerwill

09-13-07, 07:22 PM

Is it still true that cable still has a higher PQ for hd than satellite? (Not wanting to re-ignite any old wars, just wondering it the situation has changed recently.)

garypen

09-13-07, 07:24 PM

Out of that list, here are the only ones I care about:

Animal Planet
Discovery Channel
Food Network
HDNet
HDNet Movies
HGTV
SCI FI Channel
Speed
The History Channel
The Science Channel
TBS
USA Network

Not that anyone here should care. :)For the most part, I agree.

Is it still true that cable still has a higher PQ for hd than satellite? Yes.

rsra13

09-13-07, 07:27 PM

Well, it's that time of the year when I call Comcast saying that I want to cancel/reduce my service. I'm paying $210 right now for cable+internet.

Wish me luck! or I'll see you in the Dish thread soon :D

walk

09-13-07, 08:06 PM

How do you even pay that much....

Do you have a DVR in every room or something?

I thought $130 was bad (HSI, 1 DVR + 1 HD, Digital Classic...)

oldskoolboarder

09-14-07, 01:42 AM

I have Comcast in Menlo Park. My father in law has Comcast in Atherton. Tonite, both our Cablecards won't tune above Ch 100.

Anyone else seeing this?

rsra13

09-14-07, 01:45 AM

How do you even pay that much....

Do you have a DVR in every room or something?

I thought $130 was bad (HSI, 1 DVR + 1 HD, Digital Classic...)

I have the Platinum package, all the premium channels. 2 DVRs. 1 SD box. HSI. And I think that's it. In the past I used to have the Latino package, just for Fox Sports en Espanol. But no, the $200 is withouth the spanish channels.

MikeSM

09-14-07, 07:12 PM

Interesting trade story on the nflnet issue: http://www.multichannel.com/article/CA6478207.html

Mike

Mikef5

09-14-07, 07:23 PM

Interesting trade story on the nflnet issue: http://www.multichannel.com/article/CA6478207.html

Mike

Boy, what I couldn't do with a spare $3.7 billion just laying around :p ;)
I have no sympathy for either one of them, it's the customer who foots the bill in the end.

Laters,
Mikef5

millerwill

09-14-07, 08:27 PM

kevini

09-14-07, 08:46 PM

Can someone tell me how much bandwidth Union City has?

Union city is 850Mhz. It was one of the last areas upgraded before the upgrade "freeze". Luckily for all that freeze is over.

dkwong

09-15-07, 12:28 AM

Union city is 850Mhz. It was one of the last areas upgraded before the upgrade "freeze". Luckily for all that freeze is over.

Thanks for the info. Guess I lucked out.

ptysell

09-15-07, 11:26 PM

where the hell can i get a QAM map?

09-15-07, 11:29 PM

where the hell can i get a QAM map?

in hell

keenan

09-16-07, 12:00 AM

where the hell can i get a QAM map?

They're different depending on the area you are located.

Put a location in your profile, or mention it in a post, and you might get some input. Keep in mind that they can change on a moment's notice.

shane55

09-16-07, 01:37 AM

There used to be a set of test patterns--called 'Tune Up'--that INHD ran early on Sunday mornings; very useful for setting 'Brightness' and 'Contrast' for HDTV. The usual dvds are only useful for this source, and it may be different than what is best for cable tv.

Is there any such set of test patterns that is broadcast nowadays on Comcast?

I just got a TiVo S3 and the Tune-Up was great when I had the Comcast Moto box, but now, with the new unit, I need to find it or something like it.

Anyone know??

thanks.

shane

garypen

09-16-07, 01:47 AM

where the hell can i get a QAM map?AAA?

Dospac

09-16-07, 06:28 AM

I still don't get why the Spanish Playboy channel is free for the Spanish package folks for the 6 bucks a month or whatever it costs.. That just doesn't seem fair! ;(

confusedinSF

09-16-07, 02:10 PM

a few questions....

i currently have 80 gig 3416 motorola and i get pixelation from time to time especially on shows that were recorded...

1st...is there an upgrade(I heard there is now 120 gig'r)
2nd...will getting a new box fix the problem.

It is set up to panasonic plasma and I do have the HD cable. I should also add I live in SF....not sure if this matters but figured its better to give more info.

2nd question...

any news on new channels being added to Comcast Bay Area?? especially Boomerang?? They have Boomerang in the on demand area....but no channel.

thanks in advance for any help given.

mhysl

09-16-07, 02:16 PM

fender4645

09-16-07, 02:20 PM

fender4645

09-16-07, 02:26 PM

Hope this is the right place to post this:

My trusty CRT just crapped out after MANY years of faithful service, so, we're finally looking at getting a new HD TV. The DLPs look good (in our price range), so would like to know pros/ cons of those.

Next, we presently have Comcast everything, but am not sure if this is where we should go for our HD programming. We saw what SDTV looks like through the HD sets and the result was pretty crappy. Is Comcast a good route to take here, or is sattelite a better option? (I watch mainly sports, discovery channel, movies)

Any input/ advice would be appreciated, as my blown TV is forcing me into the 21st century!

Thanx.

Welcome to the forums! While you may get some opinions on display devices, your best bet is to go to the 'Display Devices' section of the forums. In fact, do a search on the model number you're looking at...most likely someone has already created a thread for that exact device.

As for SD content on an HD TV, there are more factors than just the provider (i.e. TV type and size). I personally haven't seen any major issues on watching SD content on my 42" LCD HDTV w/ Comcast but everyone has their opinion. When people are deciding between Comcast and satellite, I'll always tell people to try Comcast first since there's not contract. If you don't like it then just switch to satellite.

mhysl

09-16-07, 02:48 PM

Thanx!!!

There are a LOT of forums here (good info!), so the direction to proper threads is appreciated!

confusedinSF

09-16-07, 03:00 PM

thanks for the quick reply Fender(i got a 62 fender strat btw so thumbs up on the name)...

just curious...I was told when i got Comcast(in january 07) that the highest gb hard drive they had available was 80gigs. Is there a way I can conform the amount of storage space on the harddrive?

I checked back and saw the post on new channels listed...good to see they are expanding the HD but one thing I didn't see(unless I was looking at the wrong post) was a list of non HD channels added(specifically Boomerang).

fender4645

09-16-07, 03:15 PM

Hahaha...I think you're the first one to comment on my name :). I gave up my Moto box a few months ago (and I can't remember how you check). The Moto 6xxx/3xxx wiki might have your answer (http://en.wikibooks.org/wiki/How_to_use_a_Motorola_DVR).

bobby94928

09-16-07, 04:54 PM

If you have a 3416, it has a 160g hard drive. It's that simple. You may never see Boomerang as a real time channel. There just isn't enough market to warrant it.

ZinMe

09-16-07, 05:53 PM

I just had Comcast run a cable to our detached garage where I have installed some exercise equipment. I want to put a small (26") LCD in the garage with a DVR and Comcast is telling me it will cost $10 a month for the extra box AND I have to upgrade to the next level of digital service to have a 2nd box which costs an additional $20 per month. I already have one box in our entertainment room with HD and DVR.... I have read on other forums that in some areas you can receive and display unecrypted QAM channels from Comcast. I'd prefer to go without the DVR and not pay anything, but I do want to be able to display HD channels. I understand the Olevia 27" 227V at Circuit City has a QAM tuner.... would be a good option perhaps.

Will this work?

bobby94928

09-16-07, 06:08 PM

You will receive any unencrypted HD channels with a QAM tuner. No charge at all. If that 227V does, indeed, have a QAM tuner go for it.

ZinMe

09-17-07, 12:33 AM

I looked at the Olevia at Circuit City today and didn't like the picture or the overall appearance of the unit. I bought a Samsung LN-T2342H-- the salesman checked the specs for me and said it has a QAM tuner. Still need to tune the unit... we'll see if there are any unencrypted HD channels in the Palo Alto area.

bobby94928

09-17-07, 10:25 AM

You will find channels 2, 4, 5, 7 and 9 unencrypted. They might not be where you think they are.

Brown Radagast

09-17-07, 11:02 AM

ZinMe, you can also look into some of the STBs out there. Samsung has one that does QAM, and there's a PrimeDTV PHD-205 that just came out and has been getting some pretty good feedback here.

keenan

09-17-07, 11:02 AM

You will find channels 2, 4, 5, 7 and 9 unencrypted. They might not be where you think they are.

Isn't KBCW in the clear as well?

bobby94928

09-17-07, 12:01 PM

Isn't KBCW in the clear as well?

Yes, I forgot that one. It is on channel 12. I also forgot KICU on channel 6

walk

09-17-07, 04:10 PM

I just got a new TV with clear-QAM tuner (no cablecard).

I have to say that the picture quality is a lot better on i.e. 720p channels tuned directly with the set rather than converted to 1080i by the STB - though if you switch the output it looks the same, as does 1080i channels. Count me in the group of people that want a STB capable of doing native-rez output.

In Petaluma (downtown/west side) I'm getting
2.1 KTVU-DT (720p)
4.1 KRON-DT (1080i)
5.1 KPIX-DT (1080i)
7.1 KGO-DT (720p)
9.1 KQED-DT (1080i)

then KNTV/11/cable-3 NBC is on like... 119.1 with no PDID or whatever, no name, had to name it manually

the same for KICU and KBHK/KCWB whatever they are calling it now..

I can post the exact freqs if anyone is interested, the TV has a diagnostic mode that shows all that good info...

Brian Conrad

09-17-07, 05:09 PM

where the hell can i get a QAM map?
Try here. Just enter your zip code:
http://www.silicondust.com/wiki/hdhomerun/channels

yunlin12

09-17-07, 05:27 PM

I just got a TiVo S3 and the Tune-Up was great when I had the Comcast Moto box, but now, with the new unit, I need to find it or something like it.

Anyone know??

thanks.

shane

There's a thread here. http://www.tivocommunity.com/tivo-vb/showthread.php?t=356223

Apparently since INHD became MOJO, Tune Up is gone. Other people have downloaded pictures of test patterns, and used TivoDesktop Picture 2.0 to get them on to their Tivo S3 and HD though.

TPeterson

09-18-07, 08:59 AM

{Where to find QAM map?} Try here. Just enter your zip code:
http://www.silicondust.com/wiki/hdhomerun/channelsHey, that's neat. It does have some erroneous entries, though, so keep that grain of salt handy. I wonder how often it's updated?

davisdog

09-18-07, 10:39 AM

Does anybody know who the upgrade contractor for Comcast is in the south bay?

There were 3 pickups with "Volt Telecommuications" logos stuck on roaming my street yesterday...I didnt get a chance to stop and ask, but it looked like each of them was throwing up a ladder alongside the Comcast amps (hopefully to upgrade them?)

This was in the area of Saratoga bordered by 85/Cox/Saratoga/Quito.

Brian Conrad

09-18-07, 02:54 PM

Hey, that's neat. It does have some erroneous entries, though, so keep that grain of salt handy. I wonder how often it's updated?

They request that users upload or email the scan files from HDHomeRun. Then they may get edited as someone has added the call letters for the analog stations that have been converted to digital.

Dbower

09-18-07, 04:08 PM

pappy97

09-18-07, 05:39 PM

Anyone else notice that OnDemand is junk? I've not found any HD movies with 5.1 audio (even if it comes that way on a DVD). And the SD programming looks horrible - motion artifacts, grainy, etc.

If this is what Comcast is using to hit that magical HD channel number (is it 100?), they are fooling themselves and everyone else.

Such a choice. At least the real HD channels look pretty good, though on occasion the voice/sound are out of sync.

-Dave

A few weeks ago, I watched Open Season on OnDemand and it was in 5.1. Ditto that for 10 Things I Hate About You.

Of course OnDemand HD doesn't look as good as HD from the regular channel, and even on Comcrap, the regular HD channel doesn't look as good as it could, but I haven't had problems with OnDemand HD besides their selection (and I'm including not just Movies and Free Movies, but Premium Network HD on demand as well).

walk

09-18-07, 07:17 PM

I don't know about "junk". The bitrate on movies isn't as high as say, Blu-ray, and yes the audio is 2.0 only for some reason (bandwidth again, I assume) but it's not unwatchable. At least, the free movies.

ptysell

09-18-07, 11:18 PM

thienvu

09-19-07, 12:24 AM

Mikef5

09-19-07, 12:35 AM

Comcast and KTVU in the bay area is a joke.

I can understand why they might want to broadcast the Giants game on KTVU but what do they do? They bump House to KICU. Should this be a problem? No but instead of rebroadcasting the HD feed they broadcast the SD feed on the HD channel.

This is unacceptable.

I would gladly move to SATif I was not concentrically obligated to Tivo.

Guess SAT is putting in more HD, well sweet when will Comcast go those HD channels?

Comcast is probably trying to figure out how they can screw the customer out of more money when they do add new channels.

I thought the government was suppose to regulate this industry? Guess Not.
Ptysell,

You need to direct your disappointment in the right direction. Comcast only shows what KTVU and KICU transmit to them, nothing else. If those stations change the scheduling around and/or change one program from HD to SD there is nothing that Comcast can do about it. Bitch to the stations and explain to them what your grievances are.

If you really think that things will be better on the Sat's you should look at the forums that are dedicated to them. I belong to 3 different forums which handle both cable, Directv and Dish and if you think things are bad here then those forums will open your eyes. Every provider has problems, there are no exceptions and the grass is not always greener on the other side but you will have to discover that for yourself.

Do you really want a bunch of HD channels that for the most part are there just to fill up space and degrade picture quality just so some company can say "we have more HD than you do" ?? How many channels do you want and how many do you really watch ?? I think having a realistic number of premium channels of good quality is better than trying to cram a bunch of channels in a limited bandwidth system.

If you are really that disappointed with cable go to one of the Sat's and test them out. I believe Dish still has the 30 day trial period and see if it's really better than cable or not. There's no contract for cable so you can always come back if it's not to your liking. If they are better for you, you can always sell your Tivo on E-Bay and if I'm not mistaken you can transfer your subscription with it.

Laters,
Mikef5

Mikef5

09-19-07, 12:41 AM

I'm in Sunnyvale, CA. I have basic analog cable, but I also have an HDTV tuner and so I can get the unencrypted digital channels from my cable feed. Up until about a week ago, I was able to get Comcast SportsNet West, but I can't seem to get that anymore. Anyone know where it went? All the other channels seem to work fine.

Thanks.

Thienvu,

You're in an area that is in the process of being upgraded so some things get moved around during that period, you may want to rescan your tuner to see if it was moved. I know in my area it's still in the same place ( on my LG tuner it maps to 73-10 and I just checked it and it's still there :) )

Lates,
Mikef5

garypen

09-19-07, 12:51 AM

garypen

09-19-07, 12:55 AM

If you are really that disappointed with cable go to one of the Sat's and test them out. I believe Dish still has the 30 day trial period and see if it's really better than cable or not. There's no contract for cable so you can always come back if it's not to your liking. If they are better for you, you can always sell your Tivo on E-Bay and if I'm not mistaken you can transfer your subscription with it.

Laters,
Mikef5But, he's concentrically obligated to Tivo. I'm not sure he can transfer that.

keenan

09-19-07, 12:58 AM

CableCom pulled fiber past my street today. Last week they pulled the yellow pull rope through and today pulled the fiber through, so things are happening up here...the crew said it was the first of 4 sections to be done in the city, and for what's it's worth, they said it would be a year, year and a half before the whole town was done. So, who knows...

siouxmoux

09-19-07, 01:13 AM

I am confused about the available Bandwidth in the San Jose system. When San Jose was Upgraded from the Old A/B to the new one. At that time an It system was own by TCI then bought out by ATT Broadband. An tech told me at that time, they were going to upgraded the cable plant to 870 MHz.

But when I do a scan with sharp aquos 32" built in QAM digital turner the highest channel I can received is 123.15 I has also I remember reading posting from Dslreports.com ch 124 is use for the Downstream for their Net access.

I have googled "cable channel table ch 124" and came across this site http://www.csgnetwork.com/tvfreqtable.html and found the CATV CHANNELS at ch 124 Video Frequency 793.2500 and Sound Frequency 797.7500. So would this make the san jose system an 800 MHz?? or is Comcast planning to use this other 70 MHz unuse space for future HDTV Channels??

Mikef5

09-19-07, 02:23 AM

they said it would be a year, year and a half before the whole town was done. So, who knows...
Jim,

Think back when your boss asked you "How long is it going to take you to do this job" Did you say, " It'll take me at least 4 hours to do this job " knowing you could do it in one hour ??? All workers pad their work estimates just to be on the safe side or to account for unexpected trouble. So I would take what they are saying with a grain of salt ;)

Laters,
Mikef5

Mikef5

09-19-07, 02:35 AM

But, he's concentrically obligated to Tivo. I'm not sure he can transfer that.

That confused me for a while " in a circular manner, coming from the center " but I think he meant concurrently obligated to Tivo.... I hope ;)

Laters,
Mikef5

brimorga

09-19-07, 01:14 PM

I thought we would have some new HD channels by now, or at least an announcement, but so far nothing. Anyway, MLB playoffs are beginning shortly and almost the entire first round is on TBS and half of the second round is on TBS. I think it's bush league that they are putting this on TBS and not TNT, cause I don't really give a crap about TBS HD EXCEPT for the playoffs. Just like I don't give a crap about TNT HD, execpt for the NBA.

That being said, when are we getting TBS HD!

I'm guessing the powers that be are putting this on TBS to force TBS HD on all of the cable/sat providers, otherwise why wouldn't this just go on TNT. Going back to SD playoff games for a major sport is a huge step in the wrong direction. I have confidence that Comcast will step up like they did with ESPN2 for the World Cup, but this last minute stuff is making me nervous. I must see my Angels crushing the Yanks in HD! I want to be able to see the tears on Jeter's face and every bag under Torre's eyes as they are resigned to another season of complete and utter failure. :D

brimorga

09-19-07, 01:34 PM

Looks like TBS HD is coming to Baltimore on Oct 1st, but in true Comcast fashion, no announcements about any other markets. Talk about a terrible way to run a business. This is supposed to be the information age.... did Comcast not get the memo?

While Directv talks about upgrades YEARS in advance, we can't get anything from Comcast until hours in advance, if that.

raghu1111

09-19-07, 02:03 PM

I got message few days back that CSPAN2 will be moved to digital channel from Oct 2nd. Matches with any HD updates Comcast might be planning.

garypen

09-19-07, 02:20 PM

I've got a feeling we might be seeing CNN-HD and TBS-Hd on that day, if not before.

dkwong

09-19-07, 02:21 PM

My Tivo HD just sent me a message yesterday that a new music channel (919) was added. Is this part of the rollout and is Comcast doing it slowly over a period of two weeks?

GBruno

09-19-07, 02:40 PM

Confused in Santa Cruz:

In April of this year when the 2 new HD channels were announced for Santa Cruz I assumed that this meant we would be upgraded. We were to get Universal and Vs/Golf. We ended up getting TNT HD, Vs/Golf, ESPN2 and NGHD.

I was just down at my Headend office and was told we have “never been” upgraded and there is no upgrade planned for this area.

1) Is Santa Cruz included in the areas to be upgraded in the 18 month window? Or ever?

2) Why would they add four new HD channels but not ABC HD here?

3) Are we still at 550?

Thanks for any info.

mds54

09-19-07, 02:41 PM

mds54

09-19-07, 02:49 PM

I am confused about the available Bandwidth in the San Jose system......

I'm in South San Jose, and I have no definitive answer, other than having been told by the installation/troubleshooting techs that I was on the 860MHz system. All I know for sure is that I get every channel that's available from Comcast:)

That Don Guy

09-19-07, 02:58 PM

My Tivo HD just sent me a message yesterday that a new music channel (919) was added. Is this part of the rollout and is Comcast doing it slowly over a period of two weeks?
I don't think it was as much "added" as "replacing another channel". The message I got noted that two channels (one of which was the classical vocals channel) were being removed as part of the music channel rearrangement.

-- Don

kevini

09-19-07, 04:08 PM

Something is going on......my music channels were switched yesterday for the first time in years (what was on channel 917 is now on 914, etc) without *any* notice. I thought we would have seen new HD channels and NFLNET-HD by now too, but we already know that the Bay Area is among the last regions to see new channel rollouts.
I haven't seen Mikef5 chime in yet..... ;)

I did get a message that Music Choice was "mixing up" there channels. Also the "video" sildes on the music channels have been displaying info about the change.

They basically just moved the locations around and re-focussed some of the channels. The moves were driven from the Music choice side, not Comcast.

Kevin

mds54

09-19-07, 04:58 PM

Thanks for the info....I must have missed the messages.
But this kinda stuff bugs the hell out of me. Music channels that I have memorized and been listening to for three years now are changed....and of course, there's no revised channel guide that I can find to reflect those changes.....

dkwong

09-19-07, 04:59 PM

I don't think it was as much "added" as "replacing another channel". The message I got noted that two channels (one of which was the classical vocals channel) were being removed as part of the music channel rearrangement.

-- Don

My message was definitely about a new channel, not a change in channels.

mds54

09-19-07, 05:08 PM

But at least in my lineup, the new channel shifted all the other channels,
apparently by about three places.....

hiker

09-19-07, 05:19 PM

At least I'm now once again getting the MC channels with Limited Basic and Digital Classic. Back in May, I reported that they started encrypting MC here (http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showpost.php?p=10452998#post10452998).

ZinMe

09-20-07, 12:31 AM

ZinMe, you can also look into some of the STBs out there. Samsung has one that does QAM, and there's a PrimeDTV PHD-205 that just came out and has been getting some pretty good feedback here.

Really- that is good to know. These boxes will decode encrypted Comcast programming? What happens if Comcast changes the encryption?

Mikef5

09-20-07, 11:49 AM

Status of NFL HD !!!

The contracts are now being signed, sealed and delivered.....
Comcast plans to activate the channel sometime next week.
None of the games that are scheduled to be shown will be missed.

So are you ready for some football ?????? :D

Laters,
Mikef5

mds54

09-20-07, 11:53 AM

Thanks Mikef5!
You (and Comcast) just made my day!!! :D

Mikef5

09-20-07, 12:35 PM

NeilPeart

09-20-07, 12:39 PM

NFL HD launches on 9/26

Hope to see you there ;)

Laters,
Mikef5

Does it launch for us 550MHzers in Sunnyvale too! :eek: Do we now actually have a 10th HD channel?! :D

bobby94928

09-20-07, 01:10 PM

You can trust me on that!!! :)

Thanks for the good news Mike..........

walk

09-20-07, 01:14 PM

Are HD subscribers going to get it, like in years past, or do we also have to subcribe to the SD channel (sports package)?

dkwong

09-20-07, 01:24 PM

Something's definitely going on. I got another message on my TivoHD last night about the addition of yet another music channel (922 - Kids Only).

Barovelli

09-20-07, 02:43 PM

Chicken Lips, Flying Pigs and Ice Water in He**

A few nodes in Sunnyvale switched to upgraded system today..sure hoping someone in AVS Forum land sees it or knows someone who does.

It's finally here, and many more on the way

Brown Radagast

09-20-07, 02:51 PM

Really- that is good to know. These boxes will decode encrypted Comcast programming? What happens if Comcast changes the encryption?

Those STBs won't tune in the encrypted stations, just the clear QAM. You'd have to go with either cable cards or the STBs that Comcast has...

Anyone know the time table for upgrades in the Fremont area?

keenan

09-20-07, 03:13 PM

Does it launch for us 550MHzers in Sunnyvale too! :eek: Do we now actually have a 10th HD channel?! :D

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v637/keenanj/thPigsFly.jpg

:D

Mikef5

09-20-07, 03:25 PM

Speaking of more updates.

I just received another email from Mr. J. and he answers some of the questions that have been brought up by the group. I will post it as I received it so there's no question on what was said or how it was said.......

____________________________________________

I thought it would be a good idea to try and address some of the issues the Forum members have been posting comments about recently. Feel free to share this information with them.

(1) NFL HD

As you have accurately noted to the Forum users, we have been able to finally secure authorization from the NFL to launch their HD signal in the Bay Area. We will launch the HD feed from the NFL Network on September 26th,

(2) Network Enhancements

We will fire up the first three nodes in Sunnyvale today, (9/20/07). Eight additional Milpitas nodes on deck.

Customers in these nodes will have access to Comcast Digital Voice, our enhanced Digital Lineup, International Premiums (i.e. TFC, GMA Pinoy, Zee TV, Dragon, Jade and more) Hispanic Packages (Selecto and Cablelatino), additional HD programming, Digital Sports Package and additional Premium channels.

As you know, video-on-demand will follow thirty days after launch, once all of the new equipment in the headend has had time to burn-in and go through the quality control checks.

Just to put why we need this thirty day period into some context, over the last 90 days we have had 141,548,105 On Demand programs downloaded in Northern California. That's roughly 1.5 million video stream a day, 65,000 an hour, 1,100 a minute, 18 every second. Given those stats, and the built-up demand for the VOD product in areas like Sunnyvale and Milpitas, we want to take the necessary steps, and time, to ensure the On Demand technology has been tested and our quality control work completed before activation of On Demand.

(3) Music Choice Changes

Music Choice channels have been realigned, a few names were changed and new channels were added to the line up on September 18th at 1:00AM.

As Music Choice continues to grow and develop along with the ever-changing trends in music, we work towards a compelling and dynamic experience across all of our product platforms. We are constantly working to deliver the most compelling experience for everyone from casual listeners to serious music enthusiasts. As a result, the Music Choice line up has been realigned to support this effort. As regular Forum visitors know, not all of the additions will take place in the 550 systems. For example we added Adult Top 40 in Santa Rosa, but not Mexicana. (Howdy Keenan!)

Name Changes (The content on these channels will remain the same):
R&B & Hip Hop will be Hip Hop and R&B
Smooth R&B will be R&B Soul
Soft Rock will be Lite Hits
Channel Additions:
Adult Top 40 - A great mix of today's hits, plus all of your favorites from the 80's and 90's. Feature artist include Bon Jovi, Gwen Stefani, Kelly Clarkson, Maroon 5, Rob Thomas and The Fray.
Mexicana: Capture the essence of Mexican music with a rich variety of traditional styles featuring a perfect blend of Ranchera, Banda and Mariachi. Featured artist include Pepe Aguilar, Joan Sebastian, Paquita La Del Barrio, Huracanes del Norte and Ana Barbara.
Channel Changes:
Kidz Only! (replacing Radio Disney): A channel just for youngsters featuring the coolest pop hits and sing along songs. NO parents allowed! Featured artists include Hilary Duff, Kelly Clarkson, Kidz Bop Kids, Jojo, Jonas Brothers, Corbin Bleu and Laurie Berkner.

(4) Bandwidth

When the Forum members try to measure "their bandwidth" they should take into account that in addition to the video signals we push through our network, we also use the bandwidth for our cable modem service, our digital voice service, our back-office applications, video-on-demand access, etc. We also make sure to reserve some of our capacity for future growth. (Like the explosive increase in On Demand usage we have seen in the past year). Advancements in technology, (for example DOCSIS 3,0) and the federally mandated transition to Digital Television, are just two of many events that insure our network will remain robust enough in the future.

And a heads-up….

(5) Sun Outages/Tiling

Twice each year, solar disturbance periods, or "sun outages", will occur throughout North America, affecting all cable television and satellite viewers. We are coming up on the next set, October 4th through October 12th.

Sun outages will occur between approximately 9:00am. and 2:30pm each day, affecting individual satellites and satellite-delivered networks for 5 to 20 minutes each day. Fortunately, they do not affect local broadcast stations, which are delivered to Comcast through direct fiber feeds from their studios.

Solar interference occurs when the positions of the sun and satellites line up as they revolve around the earth. Satellite dishes on earth (like those at our headends that receive network programming) receive signals from both. But the sun is far more powerful and subdues the satellite signal when both are aligned. The result is a degradation of picture quality or a complete loss of picture and sound. This interference is an inherent part of satellite technology and occurs about this time every year, as well as for about two weeks in March. We cannot prevent solar outages, but we can predict them.

Potential Impact to Customers:

Customers could notice severe “snow or dots ” on analog delivered satellite channels and severe tiling or a complete loss of channels (One Moment Please) on digitally delivered satellite channels lasting up to ten minutes.
They may be affected more than once if they change channels between 9:00a.m. and 2:00p.m
Cable TV viewers may not be affected at all, depending on which channels they are watching. This is because Comcast receives signals from several different satellites, and because only one satellite is affected at a time.

Thanks, as always, for your help in keeping the lines of communications open. As you know, I value your input and appreciate our "debates" (and the passionate advocacy position you take on behalf of the Forum members)
__________________________________________________

A lot to digest here but it does answer a lot of the questions that you guys have been asking about. Looks like 3 nodes in Sunnyvale go online today and 8 more in Milpitas are lined up to go ( Milpitas ??? Gasp !!! :eek:).

Laters,
Mikef5

rsra13

09-20-07, 03:54 PM

I guess the main question is still, do you need the Sports package to get NFL Net HD?
My guess would be Yes.

But if Comcast allows everyone with digital plus and HD to have it that will be a really good move from Comcast.

walk

09-20-07, 03:59 PM

I have Digital Classic (and HDTV service) and got 725-NFLHD last year, but only for the live games.

The year before I also got the "Game of the Week" replays.

rsra13

09-20-07, 04:03 PM

Yeah, but last year NFL SD was included with the Digital Classic package. Now you have to get the Sports package to get NFL SD.

I got NFLHD last year too.

mds54

09-20-07, 05:24 PM

Update

NFL HD launches on 9/26

Hope to see you there ;)

You will! That's also my birthday......
What a treat!!! :D

walk

09-20-07, 05:28 PM

Yeah, but last year NFL SD was included with the Digital Classic package.

Not for me it wasn't. I've never had access to the NFL-Net SD channel (180 and 475 or whatever, there's 2 for some reason...).

Yet I did get the HD channel 725 during live games.

MikeSM

09-20-07, 05:31 PM

mds54

09-20-07, 05:31 PM

Yeah, but last year NFL SD was included with the Digital Classic package. Now you have to get the Sports package to get NFL SD. I got NFLHD last year too.

Same with me. It is my understanding that you will now need the sports tier package
(~$4.95/mo) in order to receive NFLNET-HD. At least, that's what I was told by Comcast.....

Mikef5: Next time you're in touch with Mr. J., could you find out if this is true,
and also if NFLNET-HD is now a dedicated, full-time channel, or just seasonal?
Thanks!

Mikef5

09-20-07, 06:08 PM

Doesn't sound like any more HD channels will get turned up on the 26th besides NFL HD...

Did Mr. J say anything about additional HD programming? And how come those of us in 860 plant get no more channels than those in 750?

Thanks,
Mike
Yes he did mention new channels and no I am not at liberty to relay that to the group just yet but there is still more to come. Wish I could elaborate more but I just do not have the go ahead just yet. I try never to post stuff here that is not officially approved by Comcast or Mr. J., except for my own personal views or rants which I give myself carte blanche approval to do so ... ;)

Laters,
Mikef5

Mikef5

09-20-07, 06:12 PM

Mikef5: Next time you're in touch with Mr. J., could you find out if this is true,
and also if NFLNET-HD is now a dedicated, full-time channel, or just seasonal?
Thanks!

Already did but he's got a real job ( I'm retired Navy ) so sometimes it takes a while to get back to us :)

Laters,
Mikef5

mds54

09-20-07, 06:30 PM

Already did but he's got a real job ( I'm retired Navy ) so sometimes it takes a while to get back to us :)

Understood. Thanks!

Hope you're enjoying your Navy retirement! :cool:
(I did four years during 'Nam)

keenan

09-20-07, 06:38 PM

(2) Network Enhancements

We will fire up the first three nodes in Sunnyvale today, (9/20/07). Eight additional Milpitas nodes on deck.

I like this, the firing up of nodes as they become ready as opposed to finishing a whole town and then firing up.

Since my area(1 of 4) is being fiber'ed right now I'm hoping the same will hold true up here in Santa Rosa.

Mikef5, can you check with Mr. J to see if that policy will be the same up here?

BTW, that's an insane amount of VOD, roughly 50mil per month, I had no idea it got that much traffic, almost seems beyond belief.

rsra13

09-20-07, 06:51 PM

Yeah, although most of the people in the HD forums don't like OnDemand is something really important for Comcast and, it seems, their customers.

And although I don't like the quality of the HD content in OnDemand, sometimes I spend more time there than watching regular TV (I have all the premium channels), DVDs (200+), HDDVDs (20+), etc. And yeah, most of the time I watch SD content OnDemand! :O

clau

09-20-07, 07:29 PM

I'm in Sunnyvale, 94087. What additional HD channels are available after the nodes are "fired up"? Not sure if I am on one of those nodes. Is there a way to tell whether my node has been upgraded? Thanks.

Mikef5

09-20-07, 07:50 PM

I like this, the firing up of nodes as they become ready as opposed to finishing a whole town and then firing up.

Since my area(1 of 4) is being fiber'ed right now I'm hoping the same will hold true up here in Santa Rosa.

Mikef5, can you check with Mr. J to see if that policy will be the same up here?

BTW, that's an insane amount of VOD, roughly 50mil per month, I had no idea it got that much traffic, almost seems beyond belief.

Jim,

While I don't want to talk for Comcast on how they light off areas, I can say that it makes sense to do it that way and it's how they've been doing it all along. It helps to isolate problems in specific areas as they light off. If you waited until all the areas were lit off and then discovered a problem it would be a nightmare to trouble shoot the problem to a specific area. So the best way is to light off a few areas, check for problems, then do another group of areas, check for problems etc...... Works for me ;)

Laters,
Mikef5

Mikef5

09-20-07, 08:02 PM

Just got this email from Mr. J. about the NFL-HD

_________________________________________

In May we repositioned the NFL Network to the Digital Sports Tier as the best way to offer the network and not incur additional costs to customers who do not wish to watch the Network.

The Digital Sports Tier is a fantastic package for the hard-core sports fan and by offering it at a great promotional rate it really is the best way for our customers who are sports enthusiasts to try the package.

Customers can get the Digital Sports Tier for $2.99 per month until February 29, 2008. Regular price is $4.99 per month.

This is available in all systems except Mendocino, Ft. Bragg, Willits, Santa Cruz, Santa Rosa, Hayward, Half Moon Bay, Sunnyvale, Los Gatos, Milpitas & Saratoga.

_______________________________________________

So it looks like you have to get the Digital Sports package to get this channel which means I can't get it just yet.....crud :(
but if you have the package you automatically get this channel.

Laters,
Mikef5

SVcabron

09-20-07, 08:47 PM

I'm next to 101/237 in Sunnyvale, I have no new HD channels. So close I can taste it.

jeff lam

09-20-07, 10:20 PM

Im in San Jose and I have a series 3 tivo... If get the digital classic package will I still need to pay the extra $7 to get the HD channels or will I be able to get them unecrypted and the cable card will give me the guide data? I get the local HD channels now without the CC but there is no guide data. If I could save the $7.00/month and still get the HD channels I would like to do that if possible...

lmsyl

09-21-07, 04:41 AM

MANNAXMAN

09-21-07, 10:54 AM

Speaking of more updates.

(2) Network Enhancements

We will fire up the first three nodes in Sunnyvale today, (9/20/07). Eight additional Milpitas nodes on deck.

Laters,
Mikef5

Does anyone know how many nodes Sunnyvale has? As of 10PM last night, I didn't have any new channels (El Camino/Mathilda area).

kevini

09-21-07, 12:35 PM

Does anyone know how many nodes Sunnyvale has? As of 10PM last night, I didn't have any new channels (El Camino/Mathilda area).

Each node covers 200-500 houses so there are a lot of nodes... Statistically the chance of being in one of the upgraded ones is low.

Kevin

rsra13

09-21-07, 01:15 PM

Just got this email from Mr. J. about the NFL-HD
...

Customers can get the Digital Sports Tier for $2.99 per month until February 29, 2008. Regular price is $4.99 per month.

...

Wow! $2.99 it's a really good price if you really care about the NFL. $4.99 was not that bad either.

garypen

09-21-07, 01:49 PM

hd-salee

09-21-07, 02:06 PM

Does anyone know how many nodes Sunnyvale has? As of 10PM last night, I didn't have any new channels (El Camino/Mathilda area).
I am in the El Camino/Lawrence/Wolfe/Reed part of Sunnyvale and still no change as of this morning...

I wonder if the 3 nodes did get activated in Sunnyvale? Can anyone confirm?

-Steve

yunlin12

09-21-07, 03:37 PM

There should be no extra $7 charge. The $7 is for HD STB rental fee.

You shouldn't be charged the $7, but Comcast charged me that for 3 months for my S3 after my 1 year package was over, I couldn't get them to take off the charge over the phone, with 3 calls. I pointed to the Jan 07 rate sheet saying that the $7 is a HDTV equipment charge, and cable cards are not HD equipment, but they said that it also covers HD service. One CSR went as far as telling me that the wording "HDTV equipment" is changed in the latest June rate sheet, and promised to send me one, but never did. It wasn't until I visited their San Jose office (10th St), when a lady there was able to remove this charge. I also picked up the latest rate sheet, and it still says that the $7 is for HDTV equipment. So it turned out the CSR just flat out lied to me the first time over the phone. I should've gotten her name.

davisdog

09-21-07, 04:43 PM

I am in the El Camino/Lawrence/Wolfe/Reed part of Sunnyvale and still no change as of this morning...

I wonder if the 3 nodes did get activated in Sunnyvale? Can anyone confirm?

-Steve

Barovelli confirmed several SV nodes where cutover as planned, so there are 1000-2000 happy household out their somewhere ;)

kevini

09-21-07, 06:46 PM

You shouldn't be charged the $7, but Comcast charged me that for 3 months for my S3 after my 1 year package was over, I couldn't get them to take off the charge over the phone, with 3 calls. I pointed to the Jan 07 rate sheet saying that the $7 is a HDTV equipment charge, and cable cards are not HD equipment, but they said that it also covers HD service. One CSR went as far as telling me that the wording "HDTV equipment" is changed in the latest June rate sheet, and promised to send me one, but never did. It wasn't until I visited their San Jose office (10th St), when a lady there was able to remove this charge. I also picked up the latest rate sheet, and it still says that the $7 is for HDTV equipment. So it turned out the CSR just flat out lied to me the first time over the phone. I should've gotten her name.

Actually they have now changed the wording on the second HD box to "Additional HDTV Service". So now they are even more sure they should be charging it to us. I also went round and round with the CSR's when 2 of them appeared on my bill with the TiVo-HD........

Kevin

JasonQG

09-21-07, 11:35 PM

Jim,

Think back when your boss asked you "How long is it going to take you to do this job" Did you say, " It'll take me at least 4 hours to do this job " knowing you could do it in one hour ??? All workers pad their work estimates just to be on the safe side or to account for unexpected trouble. So I would take what they are saying with a grain of salt ;)

Laters,
Mikef5
I was going to say the opposite. Companies are usually overly optimistic about their time estimates.

I like this, the firing up of nodes as they become ready as opposed to finishing a whole town and then firing up.

Since my area(1 of 4) is being fiber'ed right now I'm hoping the same will hold true up here in Santa Rosa.
Where are you at roughly? Hopefully, you're nearby, but we'll probably be last here (Bennett Valley).

Mikef5

09-22-07, 01:00 AM

I was going to say the opposite. Companies are usually overly optimistic about their time estimates.

Actually, if you do that you're setting yourself up for a lot of flack. If you promise to have something done at a specific time and you don't deliver in that time frame you will never hear the end of it from your customers. If on the other hand you pad your time frame and deliver ahead of that time frame you will be loved by all :) plus it gives you leeway if something unexpected happens . This way everyone is happy and none the wiser.

Laters,
Mikef5

keenan

09-22-07, 02:17 AM

Where are you at roughly? Hopefully, you're nearby, but we'll probably be last here (Bennett Valley).

By 4th and Talbot. They've been stringing fiber down Talbot, 4th towards downtown, east on Montgomery, and Bobby saw them working around Sonoma and Brookwood.

Bennett Valley is all underground right? All the work I've seen is above ground utility pole work, although they were feeding underground right about Talbot and Montgomery.

The crew said my area was the first of 4 sections to be done. Once you see them out your way then you'll know. Since your area is already new, relatively speaking anyway, they may not need to do as much, hopefully.

KStack

09-23-07, 01:15 AM

Hello all, I found this site after searching for upgrades in Hayward. I'm excited about more channels in the area. I was getting pissed that other people have On Demand and I didn't, but then I received a letter about 2 weeks ago notifying Hayward residents that we would be upgraded. Does anyone know the Bandwith hayward will have now?

Thanks

garypen

09-23-07, 01:34 AM

Actually, if you do that you're setting yourself up for a lot of flack. If you promise to have something done at a specific time and you don't deliver in that time frame you will never hear the end of it from your customers. If on the other hand you pad your time frame and deliver ahead of that time frame you will be loved by all :) plus it gives you leeway if something unexpected happens . This way everyone is happy and none the wiser.

Laters,
Mikef5It makes you wonder wehy more companies don't do it that way, doesn't it? Most of them release overly optimistic announcements and timetables. I think DirecTV is still promising 22,000 HD channels by Summer '07.

KStack

09-23-07, 02:05 AM

BTW today on FSNBA HD none of the games came in, it was just a black screen, not even the dumb a$$ logo. Did this happen to anyone else?

rsra13

09-23-07, 02:59 AM

I checked around 11:30 am and there was one game there.

JasonQG

09-23-07, 05:38 AM

By 4th and Talbot. They've been stringing fiber down Talbot, 4th towards downtown, east on Montgomery, and Bobby saw them working around Sonoma and Brookwood.

Bennett Valley is all underground right? All the work I've seen is above ground utility pole work, although they were feeding underground right about Talbot and Montgomery.

The crew said my area was the first of 4 sections to be done. Once you see them out your way then you'll know. Since your area is already new, relatively speaking anyway, they may not need to do as much, hopefully.
Yeah, we're underground. What do you mean that my area's relatively new?

keenan

09-23-07, 01:32 PM

Yeah, we're underground. What do you mean that my area's relatively new?

Only that it's underground versus older areas like mine where everything is on utility poles. In terms relative to Comcast cable it's probably meaningless, but it might be easier to pull cable underground than doing it overhead.

Overhead they have to pull a yellow pull rope through every hanger, after installing the hanger on the existing cable, then they pull fiber through. These hangers look to be spaced about 20' apart so that's a lot of labor for a 10,000' pull.

I'm guessing underground probably uses a completely different system. Bobby might be able to provide some input on underground systems.

kerz

09-23-07, 07:22 PM

mds54

09-23-07, 07:48 PM

Anyone else lose channel 703 (DKNTV) Sunday around 4:30pm???
Comcast knows nothing about it.....

keenan

09-23-07, 08:10 PM

It's becoming increasingly annoying to see every single Discovery channel show start with [This program also available in HD]. It would be fantastic if they could swap out HD Theater with just normal Discovery, HD Theater is such dreck now. I can go outside to watch fence posts in the morning, which is what it's showing right now.

I've had Discovery and Science in HD from Dish for awhile now, and I really like those channels, lots of programming I've never seen before. I'd never watched Mythbusters before and I love that program, I figure I have about 80 or so more episodes to go before I'm current.

I don't remember what channels we were asked to vote on awhile back, but I don't think these were part of the list. Too bad, as if there were I would voted for them without a doubt.

garypen

09-23-07, 08:15 PM

Why doesn't Discovery just replace the HD Theater channel altogether with Discovery HD? I don't understand their logic.

keenan

09-23-07, 08:34 PM

Why doesn't Discovery just replace the HD Theater channel altogether with Discovery HD? I don't understand their logic.

The more channels they have on the air, the better the chance you'll see them, and see the ads that are on them. This is why everyone wants to be on the basic tier, if you have cable, you have at least basic, meaning more eyeballs.

I agree though, most of these channels could easily be consolidated, but that's not how the business works.

Think about when you go to Safeway and you're looking for a particular type of soda pop, you can't find it, and the reason is probably because Safeway has the shelf clogged with their generic brand soda, no room left for the more esoteric stuff. Sort of like Comcast does with the channels they own or have interest in, those channels will almost always have preferential tier placement.

MikeSM

09-23-07, 10:28 PM

garypen

09-23-07, 11:36 PM

The analogy doesn't work in this case. Discovery HD Theater was started as the HD version of Discovery. But, now that Discovery apparently has enough HD content to warrant an HD simulcast of it's regular channel, DHDT becomes unnecessary and obsolete.

Your analogy is on the money as regard to Disc-Times, Disc-Health, etc.

The more channels they have on the air, the better the chance you'll see them, and see the ads that are on them. This is why everyone wants to be on the basic tier, if you have cable, you have at least basic, meaning more eyeballs.

I agree though, most of these channels could easily be consolidated, but that's not how the business works.

Think about when you go to Safeway and you're looking for a particular type of soda pop, you can't find it, and the reason is probably because Safeway has the shelf clogged with their generic brand soda, no room left for the more esoteric stuff. Sort of like Comcast does with the channels they own or have interest in, those channels will almost always have preferential tier placement.

garypen

09-24-07, 02:31 AM

I decided to check out Comcast's current offers for the Bay Area, thinking I maight change service, or just call them to bitch about the price and cut a deal. But, while I'm there I can't help but notice their myriad of package names and crazy pricing.

Digital Starter
Digital Preferred
Digital Preferred Plus
Digital Premier
Digital Classic
Basic
Latino
Some of the above bundled with various Premiums
plus, they still have about a dozen packages listed on the drop-down for checking the channel list.

The pricing is all over the place, with the regular prices on the standard packages not matching the regular pricing lised at the bottom of the promo packages. (It says the regular price, after the promo period, for Digital Preferred with HBO is $64.45. Sign me up! My regular price for Digital Silver w/HBO is 84.45. Plus, further down on the page, it says the regular price for Preferred w/o HBO is $64.45.)

The way the pricing is listed on the monthly bill is stupid, as well, with Standard cable and the Digital package being listed separately.

It's ridiculous. Why can't they just use the model that D*, E*, FIOS, U-Verse, and even some other cable companies use?

Offer 3 or 4 main packages for specific prices. (Basic, Digital, Plus, and Premier) Then, the premiums and other add-ons. Period. For people on previously named packages, you transfer them to the new ones.

keenan

09-24-07, 02:34 AM

Mikef5

09-24-07, 03:12 AM

Once again,

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v637/keenanj/thPigsFly.jpg

:D
Jim,

Don't speak to soon, you just never know when you'll have to dodge flying pig sh*t ..... :p;)

Laters,
Mikef5

raghu1111

09-24-07, 12:58 PM

Mikef5

09-24-07, 01:17 PM

HD is infectious and never leaves once it affects. Comcast can't afford be far behind. There is one week gap between channel adjustments and new HD channels in Houston classified. Bay area should the channels around Oct 10th.

Raghu,

While I applaud your optimism you have to realize that every Comcast market is different and there is no correlation between what is happening in Huston and what will happen in the Bay Area. I would see a better correlation if the article was about Southern California, then I could see a better chance of something like this happening here. The article said it was unclear when these channels would be added to other Comcast areas so we need to wait and see if this affects us in the Bay Area. I'm sure once there is official word on these additions that it will be posted here...... Count on it ;)

Laters,
Mikef5

garypen

09-24-07, 01:36 PM

MikeSM

09-24-07, 02:28 PM

This regionality of Comcast's is ridiculous. I don't know if it's due to the myriad of municipalities with different franchise contracts. But, for the customers' sake, Comcast and/or the state/federal gov't needs to put cable companies on parity with Telco's and DBS providers, so that we may enjoy the same types of global pricing and services.

The programming contracts are done on a national basis. The systems decide how quickly they can add the programming, and the priority for what gets added first.

But since it was stated here that the contracts were the issue, I think the Houston Chron ad makes it clear that at least for the channels mentioned, the contracts aren't the issue.

So that means the SFBA regional management needs to decide to get aggressive on HD deployment. If they can contractually add the channels but don't, then it's a plant capacity issue or just a lack of desire. Given the amount of 860 plant around, we at least should be able to get all these new channels, but they may not want to add yet another tier (550 vs 750 vs 860), but that just means those of us in 860 plant get nothing for the extra capability.

Thanks,
mike

pappy97

09-24-07, 02:38 PM

Look at all the new hd stations being added in Houston by Comcast...

http://www.tvpredictions.com/comcasthouston092307.htm

If they are supposed to turn on channels as soon as the contracts are in place, does that mean we are getting all these soon? :-)

thx
mike

Maybe I'm in the minority (and even if I complained to Comcast, it would probably go ignored) but I'm quite pleased with the current lineup and would like to see the PQ improved on the current channels rather than more added.

bobby94928

09-24-07, 04:37 PM

NFL-HD is up and running on channel 725 in Rohnert Park this afternoon. This may be a test for now, but it looks like we might get the 24/7 treatment.

hiker

09-24-07, 04:56 PM

NFL-HD is up and running on channel 725 in Rohnert Park this afternoon. This may be a test for now, but it looks like we might get the 24/7 treatment.Do you have the Sports Tier?
No video here on 725 but the guide data is there on TiVo S3 and not on DCT-6200.

fender4645

09-24-07, 05:28 PM

Maybe I'm in the minority (and even if I complained to Comcast, it would probably go ignored) but I'm quite pleased with the current lineup and would like to see the PQ improved on the current channels rather than more added.

I'm going to jump in line with pappy and agree that I'm actually quite pleased with what we have so far. Obviously if I were in Jim or Mike's boat I'd tell a different tale. Would I want more channels? Sure, why not. But I think we've gotten over the "hump" and pretty much get most of the watchable channels. Remember way, way back when we didn't get FOX HD? Or when we would try convince our friends how good Touched by an Angel was because that and the Tonight Show were the only things being shown in HD?? :D Seriously, Comcast (and other service providers) have come a long way in the past 3 or 4 years. Like everything in life, there's always going to be something more out there.

bobby94928

09-24-07, 06:09 PM

Yes, I have the sports tier. It is still up here.

keenan

09-24-07, 06:36 PM

Jim,

Don't speak to soon, you just never know when you'll have to dodge flying pig sh*t ..... :p;)

Laters,
Mikef5

Hey, I wouldn't mind getting covered in the stuff as long as it meant I'd be getting more, a lot more, HD channels than I have now, which is the spectacular total of "11", including premiums.

BTW, I noticed Showtime is offering a really cheap rate for their service, something like $8-9 per month...is Comcast offering that?

keenan

09-24-07, 06:42 PM

TBS-HD, CNN-HD and USA-HD in Houston and "other markets".

http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?p=11715356#post11715356

Is SF considered "other markets? (right...now where did I put that pig...)

mds54

09-24-07, 07:09 PM

NFL-HD is up and running on channel 725 in Rohnert Park this afternoon. This may be a test for now, but it looks like we might get the 24/7 treatment.

Interesting.....two days early! I'll have to check it when I get home tonight.
I know about 24/7....what we're waiting to know is 24/7/12??? (permanent)

bobby94928

09-24-07, 07:09 PM

What was NFL-HD on channel 725 is now SETAsia. They are obviously in a test mode. The guide still shows NFL-HD though.

mds54

09-24-07, 07:14 PM

What was NFL-HD on channel 725 is now SETAsia. They are obviously in a test mode. The guide still shows NFL-HD though.

I guess Wednesday is still the day then.
Thanks for the update!

MikeSM

09-24-07, 07:34 PM

Maybe I'm in the minority (and even if I complained to Comcast, it would probably go ignored) but I'm quite pleased with the current lineup and would like to see the PQ improved on the current channels rather than more added.

What do you mean by improved PQ? Unlike DBS, cable does no downrezzing of programming - we get it in the original format it came from the programmer. If you are seeing quality problems it's either do to the programming, in which case Comcast can't do anything about it, or something broken in the network to your house, which comcast can fix.

thanks,
mike

keenan

09-24-07, 07:52 PM

I guess Wednesday is still the day then.
Thanks for the update!

Interesting, that's also supposed to be the day DirecTV unloads with about 30 channels.

rxp19

09-24-07, 08:12 PM

BTW today on FSNBA HD none of the games came in, it was just a black screen, not even the dumb a$$ logo. Did this happen to anyone else?

I'm in Hayward also... this happened to me too. Still nothing.

Mikef5

09-24-07, 08:22 PM

Once again,

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v637/keenanj/thPigsFly.jpg

:D

Keenan, time to duck.....( Yes Jim I'm yanking your chain ) :D

I had to wait until 5 pm before I could post this so here is some official word about the new channels from Comcast and Mr. J.

Again, I am posting it as I received it so there is no question on what was said or how it was said.
___________________________________________

Feel free to let the Forum members know that on October 3rd we will launch TBS HD in the San Francisco Bay Area. The launch is timed to coincide with the start of Major League Baseball's Playoffs which TBS will broadcast.

This comes right on the heels of the NFL HD Network launch scheduled for this Thursday.

It is important to note to the Forum members that their input and participation in the recent survey you conducted directly contributed to the addition of TBS HD to our Bay Area channel lineup.

And, the Bay Area Forum members will be pleased to know that additional HD networks will be added in October. As you know, for competitive reasons, we are not publicly disclosing the exact date of the additions and which HD networks will be added at this time.

As I am sure you are tired of hearing, stay tuned.

___________________________________________

So it looks like ( for the upgraded areas ) TBS-HD is coming on the 3rd of Oct so we can watch the baseball playoffs ( to bad the Giants won't be there :( ) and the new HD channels are indeed coming in October, I just can't say which ones or when in October because of the reasons Mr. J. gave in his email but I'm sure you will enjoy the ones that are going to be added.

Now I'm back to playing with my new TivoHD ( love this thing ) I get my cable card installed tomorrow. Now if they would just upgrade my area I'd be as happy as a pig in....... :p;)

Laters,
Mikef5

fender4645

09-24-07, 11:56 PM

Very cool!!!

bob511

09-25-07, 12:05 AM

Anyone else lose channel 703 (DKNTV) Sunday around 4:30pm???
Comcast knows nothing about it.....
I'm only on the basic analog tier, so I can't comment on the 7xx channel, but KNTV-HD on a clear-QAM 11.1 has been black since Sunday as well. 95126 around Willow Glen.

Just in time for the NBC premieres this week, too.

Mikef5

09-25-07, 12:40 AM

I'm only on the basic analog tier, so I can't comment on the 7xx channel, but KNTV-HD on a clear-QAM 11.1 has been black since Sunday as well. 95126 around Willow Glen.

Just in time for the NBC premieres this week, too.

Try and do a rescan on your tuner, they may have moved it to another location. KNTV-HD on my loop is 33.1 and that's on my LG tuner and the TivoHD but you may have to hunt around to find it again.

Laters,
Mikef5

bob511

09-25-07, 12:46 AM

That was the first thing I tried, without luck. Did manage to stumble across a high-channel CW HD of which I was previously unaware, but no sign of any other NBC HD.

I'll probably keep rescanning every day or two for the next week, I guess.

EDIT: And of course half-way through the third and last show I wanted to watch last night, it comes back. Lovely.

walk

09-25-07, 01:21 AM

siouxmoux

09-25-07, 02:31 AM

rxp19

09-25-07, 03:23 AM

Are There any news regarding, if comcast have made any new national deals to carry History Channel HD, Smithsonian HD, Animal Planet HD, Science Channel HD or (When Weather Channel start Broadcasting from the new HD Studios in 2008) Weather Channel HD?? Plus when these other Sports networks go HD Fox Soccer Channel HD and Goltv HD!!

As for TBS HD I have Email KTVU if they were going to show HD Version of Seinfeld. if Comcast was not planning to launch TBS HD in time for the MLB playoffs. The answer from KTVU email " I have checked again with Sony, and they are not distributing SEINFELD in HD. It was not shot in HD, but they are in the process of up-converting the series to HD quality, but not true HD. They tell me that they are not distributing these higher quality shows to TBS or anywhere else at this time."

According to http://www.tvpredictions.com/comcasthouston092307.htm, Comcast has contracts with the following channels and will roll them out in Houston on October 23rd:

National Geographic HD, USA HD, A&E HD, History HD, HGTV HD, Food HD, CNN HD, and Fox Business Channel HD

Hopefully we'll see the upgraded Bay Area markets get these channels on October 23rd as well.

Mikef5

09-25-07, 11:29 AM

According to http://www.tvpredictions.com/comcasthouston092307.htm, Comcast has contracts with the following channels and will roll them out in Houston on October 23rd:

National Geographic HD, USA HD, A&E HD, History HD, HGTV HD, Food HD, CNN HD, and Fox Business Channel HD

Hopefully we'll see the upgraded Bay Area markets get these channels on October 23rd as well.
Rxp19

Read posts #2935 and #2951.
What happens in Huston doesn't necessarily affect the Bay Area, they are two separate areas and because they are saying the 23 Oct for Huston doesn't mean it will be launched here on that date. You neglected to mention TBS-HD which was suppose to be in that line up also, it's being launched here on the 3rd of Oct well ahead of the date mentioned in the article. Also, the National Geograhic Channel HD is already available in this area and not in the Huston area. When it's official here it will be posted here, and it won't be speculation or rumor but fact.

Laters,
Mikef5

nikeykid

09-25-07, 11:51 AM

rsra13

09-25-07, 12:26 PM

Sorry if this is late, I was gone for the weekend.

I'm now seeing 725 listed as NFL-HD with program guide data, but "not authorized". I have Classic, with HDTV but without the sports package.

I ask again (if anyone knows the answer...) are HDTV subscribers going to get this channel for the live games like we have in the past?

Walk, you have to get the Sports package to get NFL-HD, I don't think they'll open the channel when the games come in November.

They have a deal right now, $2.99 a month until Feb 08. The normal price is $4.99.

walk

09-25-07, 01:14 PM

Well I would only need it for Nov/Dec since that's the only months they have live games.. and I assume the Saturday Dec. 15th Bengals at 49ers will be broadcast on the local channel(s) anyway....

So $6 to watch 7 games... I guess that's not a bad deal but geez they love to squeeze us every way they can don't they.

keenan

09-25-07, 02:24 PM

i am very excited for these october launches, no matter what they are. how do you like your tivoHD mike? i want to get one too. do i have to be at home and waiting for them to install two cable cards i can very well stick in myself?? ahhhhhhhhh.... what's the best sub plan anyway? 3 years for 299? does the sata expansion work? i'd get a big big HD if i could :)

You'll have to be at home for the install of the CCs.

The best sub plan is the 3 yr pre-pay.

The eSATA port is not officially active on either the S3 or the HD. On the S3 it's a very simple process to add an external though, I currently have a 1TB attached to my S3. I think the HD is a bit more involved to setup, but can still be done, check Tivo Community.

MikeSM

09-25-07, 02:45 PM

TBS-HD? is that all? USA will debut the *NEW* season of Law and Order: Criminal Intent (they picked it up from NBC) on Oct 4th in HD. But not for us apparently.

I didn't care much about USA in HD until that announcement. It just goes to show that developments in HD content are moving quickly, and that we should be pushing for all the HD networks out there to be added. Well, maybe not Golf channel HD, but I guess we have it because Comcast owns part of it.

I like the fact they monitor the forums for input on adding channels, but who asked for Golf/VS? I don't think that's the highest in demand programming.

Also absent in the Houston announcement was any mention of the new Encore and HBO HD channels. About a dozen in total. I'll know Comcast is serious about competing with DirecTV in HD when I see those added to the system.

Thanks,
Mike

walk

09-25-07, 03:07 PM

I like the fact they monitor the forums for input on adding channels, but who asked for Golf/VS?

Cal Bears fans? :cool:

: They also have Stanford at USC on Oct. 6, a "Pac-10 game TBA" on Oct. 13th, and the 25th anniversary of "The Game", Cal at Stanford on Dec. 1st. :cool:

http://www.versus.com/cfb

Durny1

09-25-07, 03:14 PM

Did manage to stumble across a high-channel CW HD of which I was previously unaware, but no sign of any other NBC HD.

What channel did you find CW HD at?
I'm in Sunnyvale...just hoping that a miracle happened and CW HD has been quietly added...:o

Thanks,
Durny1

Mikef5

09-25-07, 04:38 PM

For those of you thinking about getting the new TivoHD or the Series 3 here's my take so far on the setup.

The cable card install went without a hitch, the tech that came here had 2 M-cards with him but only needed one since the first one worked right off the bat. The tech was here for a total of 30 minutes and 10 minutes was waiting for the CSR to send the hit to the card ( the CSR didn't know she was suppose to send the hit, the tech here told her to send the hit again and made her tell him when she did it ). After that he tested all the channels especially the premium channels.. all good to go.
The tech was totally professional and knew what he was doing and if it wasn't for the CSR screwing up the hit signal the whole process would have been 20 minutes.
So if you're thinking of getting one of these Tivo's I'd do it now IMHO you won't regret it.

Laters,
Mikef5

keenan

09-25-07, 04:48 PM

Mikef5

09-25-07, 05:30 PM

I love my S3, I just wish Comcast would give me more channels so I could do more with it, plus, they'll probably be able to quintuple the $20 a month I currently spend with them.
Jim,

The tech that was out here was very knowledgeable and I milked him for all the info I could :p
He seemed to know a lot about the upgrades and what's going on with it and while he didn't know specifically about Santa Rosa the little he did know was that Santa Rosa shouldn't be as hard as some of the other areas ( he mentioned Sunnyvale as an example ) since a lot of the stuff was already in place.

As far as the Tivo, I kick myself for waiting so long to get it, it's just so easy to set up and do your recordings and do searches on just about any key word, actor, show type etc..... Comcast needs to buy out Tivo and use these boxes as their own... ;)
The only thing it doesn't do is set reminders of upcoming shows, which I do miss from the old Motorola box and it doesn't do VOD but I don't get it now so I don't know what I'm missing. I'm hoping the November update will enable Tivotogo but we'll have to see what happens then. So far it's been great but I'll see if I feel the same way in a couple of weeks ;)

Laters,
Mikef5

Wendek

09-25-07, 05:38 PM

Mike, is this your first TiVo? you will not be able to live without it very shortly. i still have two Series 2 TiVo's. they are the best thing since sliced bread. i haven't been following the TiVoHD thread, tho... you mentioned that they are going to enable TiVoToGo on them soon?
wendek

keenan

09-25-07, 05:41 PM

Jim,

The tech that was out here was very knowledgeable and I milked him for all the info I could :p
He seemed to know a lot about the upgrades and what's going on with it and while he didn't know specifically about Santa Rosa the little he did know was that Santa Rosa shouldn't be as hard as some of the other areas ( he mentioned Sunnyvale as an example ) since a lot of the stuff was already in place.

As far as the Tivo, I kick myself for waiting so long to get it, it's just so easy to set up and do your recordings and do searches on just about any key word, actor, show type etc..... Comcast needs to buy out Tivo and use these boxes as their own... ;)
The only thing it doesn't do is set reminders of upcoming shows, which I do miss from the old Motorola box and it doesn't do VOD but I don't get it now so I don't know what I'm missing. I'm hoping the November update will enable Tivotogo but we'll have to see what happens then. So far it's been great but I'll see if I feel the same way in a couple of weeks ;)

Laters,
Mikef5

When I had my CCs installed over a year ago I did it myself, the tech just handled the phonework with the office, went smooth as silk.

For reminders, just set the program to record. With a TiVo you'll find you do less actual watching live, I think of it as a huge server/database that I go in and select what I want to see, it grabs them(within their actual air schedule) and then I watch them when I want.