mike I doubt you are missing very much by having the box convert 1080i to 1080p instead of letting your 1080p TV do it.

Besides that you want it to output 1080/60p, otherwise you are missing half the frames - or half the motion information anyway.

I don't even think modern TVs accept 1080/30p, and only a rare handful do 1080/24p - and that's only on Blu-ray/HD-DVD. All the HD signals on the satellite are going to be 720p or 1080i right?
It depends how your TV is converting compared to how your PVR is converting.

Some TVs line double to convert 1080i to 1080p. They even do this for situations when they can apply inverse telecine to recover the original 24p frames. So instead of 1920x1080/24p(or 60p) you are left with line-doubled 1920x1080/60p which is more like 1920x540/60p.

Not saying the broadcom chip properly deinterlaces (in this case applies inverse telecine) to 1080i, but that is the comparison when pitting the PVR against the TV, who does it better. In an ideal world it wouldn't matter.

Lots of primetime stuff is actually telecined film-based material.

TiVo has talked about a "dongle" that should solve the SDV problem, they "seem" very confident it will be available in the first half of next year...
I might have missed it, but I don't think TiVo has ever directly talked about a dongle or SDV solution. The information we have is gleaned IIRC from FCC filings made by cable execs.

I might have missed it, but I don't think TiVo has ever directly talked about a dongle or SDV solution. The information we have is gleaned IIRC from FCC filings made by cable execs.
Looks like TiVo has commented on SDV now, referring to the NCTA FCC filing for more info:
http://customersupport.tivo.com/LaunchContent.aspx?CID=cbecf1b9-88de-4b74-82c1-754c3260112a

Information about CableCARDs and Switched Digital Technology

Certain cable operators are using switched digital technology to add new niche channels or eliminate duplicate feeds of premium channels.

Currently, switched digital channels are unavailable to TiVo DVRs that use CableCARDs. However, the cable industry is working with TiVo and others to develop a technical fix so that TiVo devices will be able to access these switched digital channels.

Great progress has been made and the National Cable & Telecommunications Association (NCTA) revealed the solution in a filing with the FCC. The agreed-upon solution is a small external adapter, called a tuning resolver, which will attach to the back of the CableCARD device and enable two-way communication with the cable headend so that switched digital channels can be received by TiVo products.

We expect the adapter to be available to consumers before switched digital becomes widely deployed.

For the full text of the FCC filing on August 24, 2007, please click this link (http://fjallfoss.fcc.gov/prod/ecfs/retrieve.cgi?native_or_pdf=pdf&id_document=6519612942). (The information about the proposed tuning resolver solution, including TiVo’s involvement in this solution, is on page 33 of the filing.)

Actually, that Dec 2008 date is what was posted originally when Comcast first made the announcement that they were going to upgrade ALL the 550 MHz areas by that time frame. I would almost bet Hayward would be done long before that date, unless there is some major problem that occurs.

Laters,
Mikef5

Does the "ALL the 550 MHz areas" mean only the ones listed in the original post or does it really mean ALL 550 MHz areas that Comcast has. I am still trying to figure out if Santa Cruz will be upgraded by 12/08 or not? This being a key factor in whether I (and several others) stay or go with Direct.

Thanks

While trying to make some room on my DVR (DCT 3416) this week I started offloading some content on to my Mac. I tried to offload this weeks Season Premiere of HOUSE and saw that the DTCP (5c) flag was set to copy once. For those of you who know that means I can't do anything with the stream since a computer is not a 5c compliant device. My question is, Aren't all broadcast channels supposed to be transmitted with the 5C flag set to Copy Freely. Or was this just a misapplication of the flag by comcast?

Thanks

Christian

I don't think TVs line double to create 1080p. I suspect instead in a buffer the first field is displayed and then the second field overlaid creating a full frame in the buffer. Then that buffered full frame is displayed.

While trying to make some room on my DVR (DCT 3416) this week I started offloading some content on to my Mac. I tried to offload this weeks Season Premiere of HOUSE and saw that the DTCP (5c) flag was set to copy once. For those of you who know that means I can't do anything with the stream since a computer is not a 5c compliant device. My question is, Aren't all broadcast channels supposed to be transmitted with the 5C flag set to Copy Freely. Or was this just a misapplication of the flag by comcast?

Thanks

Christian

I think you may be confusing encryption with the broadcast flag (in terms of your ability to copy programs). Broadcast channels must be sent in the clear -- i.e. they cannot be encrypted by the MSO. However, networks can use the broadcast flag however way they want and the MSO is obligated to honor that. So if Fox wants to set the flag to 1, they can do so and Comcast must honor it and send it down with the transmission.

At least this is how I remember it...

While trying to make some room on my DVR (DCT 3416) this week I started offloading some content on to my Mac. I tried to offload this weeks Season Premiere of HOUSE and saw that the DTCP (5c) flag was set to copy once. For those of you who know that means I can't do anything with the stream since a computer is not a 5c compliant device. My question is, Aren't all broadcast channels supposed to be transmitted with the 5C flag set to Copy Freely. Or was this just a misapplication of the flag by comcast?

Thanks

Christian
Christian

Why do you assume that it is a misapplication of the flag by Comcast ?? Could it not also be that the broadcast channel, Fox, put that flag in there and not Comcast ?? The use of the broadcast flag is normally used at the discretion of the content provider, in this case Fox channel 2.

Laters,
Mikef5

Mike, I think Christian is confusing the broadcast flag with encryption (as I stated above). There were issues where Comcast was inappropriately encrypting the broadcast stations, however I haven't seen reports on this in a while. You're right though...the broadcast flag is initially set by the broadcast station and it's up to Comcast (and any other MSO) to direct the flag along with their transmission. There was a time where Comcast wasn't doing this but I believe about a year ago they started to comply. It's been a few years since I've tried to pull programming off the Moto STB so I haven't experienced this but what Christian is seeing definitely seems like it's becoming the norm.

Well, I haven't really seen any trucks in my neck of Sunnyvale, but I don't usually get home from work til at least 4:30. I presume Sunnyvale is ahead of Hayward as far as progress of the upgrades, so I'm guessing I won't be seeing any new HD channels for quite some time, but by/before Dec. '08.
I wonder what location are those 2000 homes in Sunnyvale that was just activated? From what I can tell, no one got upgraded in Sunnyvale yet. If anyone in Sunnyvale got upgraded, can you please let us know where you part of the city you are located?

Thanks,
Steve

Mike, I think Christian is confusing the broadcast flag with encryption (as I stated above). There were issues where Comcast was inappropriately encrypting the broadcast stations, however I haven't seen reports on this in a while. You're right though...the broadcast flag is initially set by the broadcast station and it's up to Comcast (and any other MSO) to direct the flag along with their transmission. There was a time where Comcast wasn't doing this but I believe about a year ago they started to comply. It's been a few years since I've tried to pull programming off the Moto STB so I haven't experienced this but what Christian is seeing definitely seems like it's becoming the norm.
Fender, you are absolutely right, You posted while I was writing up my response and I should have deleted mine because you explained it much better than I did... :p

Laters,
Mikef5

Thanks for your responses, I was getting both concepts confused. Thanks for the clarification...

I wonder what location are those 2000 homes in Sunnyvale that was just activated? From what I can tell, no one got upgraded in Sunnyvale yet. If anyone in Sunnyvale got upgraded, can you please let us know where you part of the city you are located?

Thanks,
Steve
Steve,

While this forum is quite popular, it is possible that no one that got upgraded actually are members of this forum and 2000 people in a city the size of Sunnyvale is quite small. I know of one person in the Milpitas area that got upgraded ( not my area ) and I'm sure there's more than just one that got upgraded. Hopefully, more people will get upgraded soon that are members of the forum so we can see where they are starting at and if there is a trend on how they are applying the upgrades and activations. As Mr. J. always tells me, "Be patient, it's coming". ;)

Laters,
Mikef5

I usually just monitor this forum, but since someone asked about Sunnyvale, I'll tell you we've been upgraded in the lakewood area. ie: Lawence Expressway and 101 would be the closest major intersection.

Jeff

:eek: Wow, I'd hate to be in the last neighborhood in Hayward.I hate to be in any neighborhood in Hayward! :D

While trying to make some room on my DVR (DCT 3416) this week I started offloading some content on to my Mac. I tried to offload this weeks Season Premiere of HOUSE and saw that the DTCP (5c) flag was set to copy once. For those of you who know that means I can't do anything with the stream since a computer is not a 5c compliant device. My question is, Aren't all broadcast channels supposed to be transmitted with the 5C flag set to Copy Freely. Or was this just a misapplication of the flag by comcast?

Thanks

ChristianWhat output were you using? Would copy-once prevent recording to DVD using a set top DVD recorder and s-video output from the cable box?

I'm in SF - Masonic/Turk Street area and able to pick up all the OTA stations with an antenna on my roof. I need a splitter to hook up 3 tvs. Are the 3 way splitters from Radio Shack good enough or are there better ones out there? Also, do I need one that is amplified? TIA.

Sorry, posted in wrong thread.

I usually just monitor this forum, but since someone asked about Sunnyvale, I'll tell you we've been upgraded in the lakewood area. ie: Lawence Expressway and 101 would be the closest major intersection.

Jeff

I have a collegue who was upgraded at the corner of Lawrence and Arques so they are definitely lighting them up.

What output were you using? Would copy-once prevent recording to DVD using a set top DVD recorder and s-video output from the cable box?

Nope, because at that point you're moving from digital to analog so the broadcast flag (and any other supplemental information) is lost. Of course you're not getting HD and theoretically degrading the quality.

Yes, 5c is only applicable to the 1394/Firewire output.

I don't think TVs line double to create 1080p. I suspect instead in a buffer the first field is displayed and then the second field overlaid creating a full frame in the buffer. Then that buffered full frame is displayed.
What you describe is the "weave" deinterlacing technique. If they did what you suggest in all cases, you would see tearing when there is horizontal motion. For best picture the deinterlacing should be adapting to the type of motion at the most granular level.

If you don't believe some sets (50% of the 2006 models tested) are doing line doubling "bob" instead of proper inverse telecine on 24p film-based material that was telecined onto 1080i read this article.

Are You Getting All of the HDTV Resolution You Expected? Round 2
http://www.hometheatermag.com/hookmeup/1106hook/index.html

I think you may be confusing encryption with the broadcast flag (in terms of your ability to copy programs). Broadcast channels must be sent in the clear -- i.e. they cannot be encrypted by the MSO. However, networks can use the broadcast flag however way they want and the MSO is obligated to honor that. So if Fox wants to set the flag to 1, they can do so and Comcast must honor it and send it down with the transmission.

At least this is how I remember it...
Before the courts ruled that the FCC did not have the authority to impose BF, BF was supposed to map to EPN on 5C systems. EPN is Encryption Plus Non-Assertion, meaning the content was encrypted but there was no assertion of copying rules. You could make as many copies as you wanted on approved 5C equipment.

There is a bug in Motorola equipment where they decide to convert BF into CCI=0x02 instead of EPN. This is more restrictive than EPN, but if you are using a PC, the minute encryption enters the picture, you are screwed. You are welcome to use your PC recording equipment which is blissfully unaware of BF (or if it is, chooses to ignore it)

BTW the MSO is not encrypting in this case. It is going in the clear to the STB equipment. The STB equipment is then encrypting based on the mapping of BF to EPN (in this case CCI=0x02, which is too aggressive, it should be CCI=0x00 + 5C EPN)

Looks like Directv is claiming to come out with some really cool HD channels by the end of the year. I didn't even know these HD channels existed!
http://www.directv.com/DTVAPP/global/contentPageNR.jsp?assetId=P4360044

I know it's quality, not quantity, when it comes to Comcast... but I'm giving Comcast till Dec '08 to come out with some really cool HD channels. Otherwise I might be switching over to the other darkside, Directv.

So here's my Comcast HD Wishlist (for those Comcast employees who comb the forums)

-Vh1 HD
-Bravo HD
-FX HD
-CNN HD
-Cartoon Network HD
-Comcast Sports Network West HD. I know this channel doesn't exist, but they have some really cool local college football games that the larger networks don't pick up.

i fail so much as an AV enthusiast... i bought myself a 1TB HDD today to stick in my tivoHD... i bought a torx wrench and everything. d/led the program. open up my computer... and realized my motherboard doesn't take sata...

the first computer warehouse that is open 24/7 for my blunders will get my money. anyway just have to be patient and get a sata --> usb 2 adapter tomorrow. damnit this is the most frustrating feeling.

Looks like Directv is claiming to come out with some really cool HD channels by the end of the year. I didn't even know these HD channels existed!
http://www.directv.com/DTVAPP/global/contentPageNR.jsp?assetId=P4360044

I know it's quality, not quantity, when it comes to Comcast... but I'm giving Comcast till Dec '08 to come out with some really cool HD channels. Otherwise I might be switching over to the other darkside, Directv.

So here's my Comcast HD Wishlist (for those Comcast employees who comb the forums)

-Vh1 HD
-Bravo HD
-FX HD
-CNN HD
-Cartoon Network HD
-Comcast Sports Network West HD. I know this channel doesn't exist, but they have some really cool local college football games that the larger networks don't pick up.

No, those aren't popular! :-) I want HIST-HD, USA-HD, SCIFI-HD, MGM-HD, SCIENCE-HD, and the new all HD encore and HBO channels.

Obviously we don't share a view of what the quality HD channels are. :-) Maybe Comcast should just tell us how few channels they can add and we can take a poll. The ones who win stay on comcast and everyone else can go to DirecTV...

thanks,
mike

Is this a poll?
I want:
Univision HD
Telefutura HD
Telemundo HD
Fox Sports Soccer HD
and a videogames HD channel, something like G4 but really about videogames.
are there any plans for The Travel Channel HD?

I hate to be in any neighborhood in Hayward! :D

You have no idea...

Sorry, posted in wrong thread.That's the sort of error that the "delete this post" button in the editor is for! Go do it (twice) and I'll follow suit.

...I see that you haven't done it yet....

If you don't believe some sets (50% of the 2006 models tested) are doing line doubling "bob" instead of proper inverse telecine on 24p film-based material that was telecined onto 1080i read this article.

Are You Getting All of the HDTV Resolution You Expected? Round 2
http://www.hometheatermag.com/hookmeup/1106hook/index.htmlThanks, Hub!

There's an updated article in this month's HT (synopsis here (http://hdguru.com/?p=187)) also, and it seems that the 2007 HDTV's don't fare much better--only 65% pass the deinterlacing test. The author also added a motion-resolution test in which LCDTVs (such as ours :() seem to fare especially poorly. <sigh> I foresee a video processor in my future.

KQED HD: finally got around to doing the test to see if they were different via Comcast and OTA and just how different they were

the same program was capped at the same time, Crater Lake 05Oct2007@11.30pm, and the caps were edited on the nearest I-frame from start to end. both caps had no reception errors. sources were Comcast in the SF city to a PC QAM card, and OTA in the pennisula to a PC ATSC card

the difference is fairly significant, OTA viewers r getting it in the rear ;)
Comcast vs OTA
12.49 Mbps Avg vs 08.17 Mbps Avg
??.?? MbpsPeak vs ??.?? Mbps Peak
50.88 KB/Frame vs 33.27 KB/Frame
0.20 Bits/Pixel vs 0.13 Bits/Pixel


Comcast------------------
TS Video packets: 13744766
TS Audio packets: 500350
TS PSI packets: 31938

File Size Processed: 2.49 GB, Play Time: 00h:26m:41s
1920 x 1080, 29.97 fps, 38.81 Mbps (12.49 Mbps Average).
Average Video Quality: 50.88 KB/Frame, 0.20 Bits/Pixel.
AC3 Audio: 2/0 Channels (L, R), 48.0 kHz, 384 kbps.
Dialog Normalization: -24.0 dB
0 of 47986 video frames found with errors.
0 of 50034 audio frames found with errors.
0 corrupted video bytes in file.
0.000000 seconds of video timestamp gaps.
0.000000 seconds of audio timestamp gaps.


OTA--------------------------
TS Video packets: 8935216
TS Audio packets: 500330
TS PSI packets: 31918
TS Null packets: 0

File Size Processed: 1.65 GB, Play Time: 00h:26m:41s
1920 x 1080, 29.97 fps, 17.43 Mbps (8.17 Mbps Average).
Average Video Quality: 33.27 KB/Frame, 0.13 Bits/Pixel.
AC3 Audio: 2/0 Channels (L, R), 48.0 kHz, 384 kbps.
Dialog Normalization: -24.0 dB
0 of 47972 video frames found with errors.
0 of 50032 audio frames found with errors.
0 corrupted video bytes in file.
0.000000 seconds of video timestamp gaps.
0.000000 seconds of audio timestamp gaps.

Can anyone tune DSCHD 754? I am getting a black screen along with some of the other HD channels recently added.

KQED HD: finally got around to doing the test to see if they were different via Comcast and OTA and just how different they were

the difference is fairly significant, OTA viewers r getting it in the rear ;)
Comcast vs OTA
12.49 Mbps Avg vs 08.17 Mbps Avg
??.?? MbpsPeak vs ??.?? Mbps Peak
50.88 KB/Frame vs 33.27 KB/Frame
0.20 Bits/Pixel vs 0.13 Bits/Pixel
Comcast does have the dedicated HD feed from KQED so you would expect them to have as high or higher bitrate, but what is the deal with OTA. It seems so low. I know they are multicasting the single SD channel with the HD channel (in evenings), but the SD channel should be something like 5Mbps. What happened to the other 6Mbps (19-5 = 14-8 = 6)?

All of a sudden my signal strenght is poor on both tuners. All connections in the house are still solid, and I've always had good signal strength.

Before I call Comcast and have them reset my box and set up an inconvenient appointment, is it possible that this is a temporary condition? And/or that it is system wide?

whoohoo!! my HD recording capacity just went from 20 hours to 144 :D and i haven't even used my esata port. awesome. that's exactly what i thought i'd get when i dropped 1k total on this tivo lol.

No, those aren't popular! :-) I want HIST-HD, USA-HD, SCIFI-HD, MGM-HD, SCIENCE-HD, and the new all HD encore and HBO channels.

Obviously we don't share a view of what the quality HD channels are. :-) Maybe Comcast should just tell us how few channels they can add and we can take a poll. The ones who win stay on comcast and everyone else can go to DirecTV...

thanks,
mike
Stargate:Atlantis looked rather spectacular in HD on SciFi-HD Friday night. I'd be surprised if Comcast added USA-HD and not SciFi-HD as they're both NBC/Uni nets, but it does take up space, space that Comcast is woefully lacking in, especially in my area.

For hockey fans, I believe DirecTV added 15 NHL-HD channels for their Center Ice package also yesterday/today.

With a Comcast upgrade completion possibly as late as the end of next year, DirecTV will definitely be getting a lot of use in my house for awhile.

In watching the LSU-Florida game tonight on CBS-HD, every 10 mintues or so I get an audio drop for a sec or two. Are others of you experiencing this? Is this due to the source?

PS This is whether I have the audio coming in over HDMI or optical.

whoohoo!! my HD recording capacity just went from 20 hours to 144 :D and i haven't even used my esata port. awesome. that's exactly what i thought i'd get when i dropped 1k total on this tivo lol.

Hahaha...I know. I had all 7 episodes of the The War in HD plus my regular weekly shows on my Tivo S3...life is good. :)

Hahaha...I know. I had all 7 episodes of the The War in HD plus my regular weekly shows on my Tivo S3...life is good. :)

i seem to have a nice barely used 160GB HDD i don't know what to do with... :p

with all the new HD channels added to DirecTV, there is still one important question, at least for me, can I watch the Sharks in HD in DirecTV when they play in the HP Pavillion?

On the Subject of Hockey, What happen to the NHL Network on Channel 419?? It just show up on sept 29 showing a test pattern. and then ever since Oct 1. the only thing I would get on this channel was that all to famous dreaded, "This Channel should be available shortly" message.

Does anyone know if you need a different package to get access to the recent HD channels added to comcast? I can tune TBSHD, but I can't tune USAHD, DSCHD or any of the other new channels.

Does anyone know if you need a different package to get access to the recent HD channels added to comcast? I can tune TBSHD, but I can't tune USAHD, DSCHD or any of the other new channels.I don't think those channels are available anywhere in the BA yet. Why do you think they are?

Does anyone know if you need a different package to get access to the recent HD channels added to comcast? I can tune TBSHD, but I can't tune USAHD, DSCHD or any of the other new channels.

USAHD hasn't been added to the bay area lineups. DSCHD i'm gonna assume is the new simulcast of discovery channel, also hasn't been added in our systems. comcast rolls out new channels at the local level, not national level.

Hey, anyone else having issues with the morning NFL games today? Fox (702) is heavily pixelated, while CBS (705) is not only having pixelation issues but audio dropouts as well.

I just tried calling Comcast, but apparently I'm not the only one... after waiting a couple of minutes I got a message saying they can't "complete my call" and was disconnected!

Nice customer service, eh? It's Comcastic!

In my area, 702 is unwatchable. 705 is fine.

Hey, anyone else having issues with the morning NFL games today? Fox (702) is heavily pixelated, while CBS (705) is not only having pixelation issues but audio dropouts as well.

I just tried calling Comcast, but apparently I'm not the only one... after waiting a couple of minutes I got a message saying they can't "complete my call" and was disconnected!

Nice customer service, eh? It's Comcastic!

maybe it has something to do with sun outages?

http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?p=11837832#post11837832

comcast can't do anything about the sun's radiation unfortunately.

I will say that it's a bit odd that the sun outages for KTVU are now pushing an hour - maybe all their sats are affected, or maybe they haven't thrown the switch to use the other signal - but for once Comcast doesn't have anything to do with it.

Heh, as I write this, they just bounced back three times between the STL-ARZ HD and SEA-PIT SD feeds; I have a feeling the engineers are scratching their heads too.

The reason why I am asking because on my HTPC those channels are showing up and I was assuming they were showing up other peoples comcast boxes as I do not have one.

I see the following:
730 HBOHDP
732 MAXHDP
734 STRZHDP
735 TBSHD
738 USAHD
746 HGTVD
754 DSCHD
758 HSTRYHD
780 HBOHD
783 MAXHD
785 SHOWHD
788 STARZHD

Maybe these channels will be added to the lineup soon? I can only tune to TBSHD and I don't have premium package so I cannot tune those channels anyways.

The reason why I am asking because on my HTPC those channels are showing up and I was assuming they were showing up other peoples comcast boxes as I do not have one.

I see the following:
730 HBOHDP
732 MAXHDP
734 STRZHDP
735 TBSHD
738 USAHD
746 HGTVD
754 DSCHD
758 HSTRYHD
780 HBOHD
783 MAXHD
785 SHOWHD
788 STARZHD

Maybe these channels will be added to the lineup soon? I can only tune to TBSHD and I don't have premium package so I cannot tune those channels anyways.

i think you've stumbled upon the next HD channels promised by mr. J!! er... where is CNNHD? i was hoping for that.

TNTHD is showing up on 726 and 737 for some reason but of course I can only tune to 726.

Could it be Ch 737 place holder for CNN HD?? I was hoping for CNN HD to show up on same day of TBS HD debut on CH 735. Will the next round of bunch of HDTV channels for the bay area be on OCT 15??

Hey guys, I just noticed that the lowest line on the 'menu'--the one with Comcast adds--has disappeared! Hallellujah! Now one gets the max # of channels listed in each 'bite' of the menu page.

Is your box brand new or maybe you had to get your original box replaced? If so, it could be loaded with a guide for another area, if you haven't had Comcast 'hit' it yet via their network, which resets the box and begins a download of your local guide.
Just a thought.
Mike

The reason why I am asking because on my HTPC those channels are showing up and I was assuming they were showing up other peoples comcast boxes as I do not have one.

I see the following:
730 HBOHDP
732 MAXHDP
734 STRZHDP
735 TBSHD
738 USAHD
746 HGTVD
754 DSCHD
758 HSTRYHD
780 HBOHD
783 MAXHD
785 SHOWHD
788 STARZHD

Maybe these channels will be added to the lineup soon? I can only tune to TBSHD and I don't have premium package so I cannot tune those channels anyways.

Is your box brand new or maybe you had to get your original box replaced? If so, it could be loaded with a guide for another area, if you haven't had Comcast 'hit' it yet via their network, which resets the box and begins a download of your local guide.
Just a thought.
Mike

He said this is from his HTPC, not the STB, so the question is where the guide info is coming from.

It doesn't show up on zap2it yet for me.

Dailowai, what market are you in and what HTPC software and config are you using where this info is showing up?

Thanks,
Mike

I hope Comcast is not going to waste bandwidth on both an east and west version of those premium channels, that would set a new highwater mark for idiocy given the current bandwidth situation.

Of course, I don't have to worry about as it could be late 2008 before we'll see anything else up here.

I think the new HD Premiums are based on the new channel configuration leaving more room for more national HD channels as they come on board. Not a east west thing but a mirror for the beginning.

I am located in the San Jose market. I am just using Vista Media Center and just the other day the new channels just started to show up. Find it weird that it would show up in my media center since like you know the guide data comes from zap2it.

He said this is from his HTPC, not the STB, so the question is where the guide info is coming from.

It doesn't show up on zap2it yet for me.

Dailowai, what market are you in and what HTPC software and config are you using where this info is showing up?

Thanks,
Mike

I think the new HD Premiums are based on the new channel configuration leaving more room for more national HD channels as they come on board. Not a east west thing but a mirror for the beginning.

If it's a mirror it would have to be the same feed, east or west, but not both.

WTF is up with comcast. My Damn area is only a 550 mhz area, and they take off a KQED channel in order to put on V-me what is this channel? It's in spanish and all though I speak spanish, i don't think this channel is very popular. ANd why is there two KBWB4 stations? one on 620 and 196? WTF!!!!
I assume this is gonna change pretty soon...I hope!

I hope Comcast is not going to waste bandwidth on both an east and west version of those premium channels, that would set a new highwater mark for idiocy given the current bandwidth situation.

Of course, I don't have to worry about as it could be late 2008 before we'll see anything else up here.

Completely agree, but i think that's exactly what they are going to do. There are 5 SD HBO channels now, and the 1 HD channel. if the didn't do the east coast feed, they'd have to pick from one of the 4 others that don't have duplicated programming. I would like the action channel, but others would want the Latin channel or romance channel, etc...

So instead actually picking and disappointing some folks, they will disappoint everyone by picking the east version! I doubt they'll do one of the 4 others until they can do them all.

This is really silly since the east and pacific feeds are just skewed by time. Anyone with a DVR wouldn't benefit, and since most of these are available via ondemand in HD anyway, it is a complete waste. Better to pick some other programming channel that isn't available in HD at all, much less skewed by 3 hrs.

thanks,
mike

I am located in the San Jose market. I am just using Vista Media Center and just the other day the new channels just started to show up. Find it weird that it would show up in my media center since like you know the guide data comes from zap2it.

Interesting. What lineup under VMC are you using? San Jose Camcast digital?

Thanks,
mike

WTF is up with comcast. My Damn area is only a 550 mhz area, and they take off a KQED channel in order to put on V-me what is this channel? It's in spanish and all though I speak spanish, i don't think this channel is very popular. ANd why is there two KBWB4 stations? one on 620 and 196? WTF!!!!
I assume this is gonna change pretty soon...I hope!
620 and 196 map to the same physical channel. Basically the same channel is listed twice in the guide.

620 and 196 map to the same physical channel. Basically the same channel is listed twice in the guide.

Thanks for clearing that up, so that doesn't take up any extra bandwith? I'm assuming that it's just like channel 09 and 96 which are both kqed.

Mike. I selected San Jose Comcast (Digital) because I am using an OCUR tuner. Hopefully Comcast will be implementing them soon.
I don't keep up with the thread as often as I used to so here I thought I was getting shafted because I could not tune all those new channels while everyone else was.

Interesting. What lineup under VMC are you using? San Jose Camcast digital?

Thanks,
mike

Thanks for clearing that up, so that doesn't take up any extra bandwith? I'm assuming that it's just like channel 09 and 96 which are both kqed.
Similar concept. 96 is mapped to analog channel 9 (on my system). 620/196 KBWB4 is the same digital channel (on my system)

Channel 9 however will be mapped either to the analog channel 9 or the ADS digital simulcast channel 9 depending on your area and how your account profile is set up.

So in the case of KBWB4 the bandwidth used is only that of 1 channel.

For the KQED example you mentioned the bandwidth used depends on how you look at it. Analog 9 and ch96 mapped to analog 9 use just the bandwidth for analog 9. However KQED is also sent as ADS digital channel 9 and there is also the OTA digital multicast version, which may have the same content but are physically different channels.

Thanks for clearing that up, so that doesn't take up any extra bandwith? I'm assuming that it's just like channel 09 and 96 which are both kqed.

You can actually verify this by checking the frequency that each channel is running off of (on the Moto box, you tune to both channels and check the diagnostics/service menu). You'll most likely see they're running off the same frequency which means it's just Comcast mapping it to multiple channes (as sfhub pointed out)

WTF is up with comcast. My Damn area is only a 550 mhz area, and they take off a KQED channel in order to put on V-me what is this channel? It's in spanish and all though I speak spanish, i don't think this channel is very popular.

Comcast didn't take a KQED channel off, KQED did. They have realigned their programming a bit and the new V channel is part of it.

Comcast didn't take a KQED channel off, KQED did. They have realigned their programming a bit and the new V channel is part of it.

^ Yeah i just did a little research last night.

Thanks,
K

Here is a screen shot of what my guide looks like. I really hope that this is what comcast plans to deliver :)

Hey guys, I just noticed that the lowest line on the 'menu'--the one with Comcast adds--has disappeared! Hallellujah! Now one gets the max # of channels listed in each 'bite' of the menu page.Oh man. You got my hopes up. I just checked and the stupid banner ad is still there. Only 5 lines of guide info, and an ugly useless ad taking up THREE lines of possible guide info.

Hey Mike, can you talk some sense into Mr. J, and have them get rid of that useless bullsh**? EVERYBODY hates it. It can't be making any revenue, as it only advertises Comcast stuff. What is its purpose, other than to p*** customers off?

What's weird is that some of the stations are replicated on multiple channels (i.e. TNTHD is on both channels 726 and 737, UHD on 727 and 739). My guess is that wherever you're getting your PG info from is not really doing it on a local basis and just adding the stations if 1 or more areas have it.

Yesterday, after I saw millerwill's post about the guide ads being removed, I checked and they were indeed gone. Today they are back. :mad:

Someone needs to find out the name and address of the person who came up with the idea for those banner ads. I'd like to smack him across the face with a large, dead fish.

If you don't mind my inquisitiveness, please divulge how you were able to obtain an OCUR system - I thought they have not yet been released to the public? That guide you've attached looks miles beyond the 9 HD channels I currently enjoy. :D

They have been available for a while now actually... I have an HP one, but Dell, Velocity Micro and S1 Digital all have them available.

If you don't mind my inquisitiveness, please divulge how you were able to obtain an OCUR system - I thought they have not yet been released to the public? That guide you've attached looks miles beyond the 9 HD channels I currently enjoy. :D

Someone needs to find out the name and address of the person who came up with the idea for those banner ads. I'd like to smack him across the face with a large, dead fish.

If you don't like it, get a Tivo... or an HTPC. My Sage PVR system even removes all the ads using Showanalyzer.

If you buy the vanilla system from comcast, don't expect a great experience.

thanks,
mike

Yesterday, after I saw millerwill's post about the guide ads being removed, I checked and they were indeed gone. Today they are back. :mad:

Yep, mine are back too! *&$#@&^%**!

Someone needs to find out the name and address of the person who came up with the idea for those banner ads. I'd like to smack him across the face with a large, dead fish.
Quote of the Day. It's even worse for me, they advertise On Demand, and channels I don't even have. WTF!!!
Let me know if you find out who it is, and I got your back FISH IN HAND!!!:mad:

I don't know if I could read that guide on my tv sitting on my couch...

It looks nice though, and if you can put it onto like a 9" touch-pad remote control and change the channels that way.... I'm sold! :)

If you don't like it, get a Tivo... or an HTPC. My Sage PVR system even removes all the ads using Showanalyzer.

If you buy the vanilla system from comcast, don't expect a great experience.

thanks,
mike

With all due respect, that's a weak response. How is it that adding junk is less work and more 'vanilla' than a screen full of guide info?

The question remains: What in the he** is Comcast thinking by providing such a lousy guide? (And, while I'm at it, such a lousy STB?)

Sometimes it seems they WANT us to consider other options. :confused:

-Dave

Amazon has the TiVo HD for $249 right now, that's a pretty compelling price. Too bad I don't have any channels to record with it...

SF Chron is reporting three new HD channels for Comcast in the next 30 days, as Comcast is moving more analog channels to digital:

http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2007/10/09/BUP8SM773.DTL

what's interesting is that the headline on the main sfgate page says "Comcast Analog Customers Lose" rather than "Comcast HD/Digital Customers Win"

If you don't like it, get a Tivo... or an HTPC. My Sage PVR system even removes all the ads using Showanalyzer.

If you buy the vanilla system from comcast, don't expect a great experience.

thanks,
mikeOr....I can be rightfully annoyed, voice my annoyance, and perhaps Comcast will remove the useless nonsense.

I don't feel like dealing with the expense or complexity of any of the options. I also do not want to lose OnDemand.

So, I will do the most logical thing which is to voice my displeasure with Comcast's product. If enough people complain about an aspect of a comnpany's product or service, the company will often make an effort to correct it.

But, you go ahead and keep buying **** if that floats yer cookies.

SF Chron is reporting three new HD channels for Comcast in the next 30 days, as Comcast is moving more analog channels to digital:

http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2007/10/09/BUP8SM773.DTL

what's interesting is that the headline on the main sfgate page says "Comcast Analog Customers Lose" rather than "Comcast HD/Digital Customers Win"

Is it just me, or does 3 HD channels in the next 30 days sound like a lot less than the 8 new channels we'd been told were coming in October?

As I've heard multiple times on a *local* (South Bay) radio station, local Comcast commercials have
been advertising three new HD channels as part of boasting a more robust HD package than DTV:
CNN-HD, HGTV-HD, and History-HD. Of course, we don't have any of those now.....

Is it just me, or does 3 HD channels in the next 30 days sound like a lot less than the 8 new channels we'd been told were coming in October?
It's the same as the 2006 availabilty of the Comcast/Tivo.

Comcast didn't publicize adding a channel here or there before have they?

This smells like triage against all the Direct TV HD channels.

I have been having tiling issues on 702,705 and 709 for about 4 days now. I figured that it was the solar interference, but it has been lasting for more than 1/2 an hour. I was annoyed enought to call comcast today. They quickly offered a $24 credit and stated that it was an issue out of the Napa area and would be fixed by midnight tonight.

Or....I can be rightfully annoyed, voice my annoyance, and perhaps Comcast will remove the useless nonsense.

I don't feel like dealing with the expense or complexity of any of the options. I also do not want to lose OnDemand.

So, I will do the most logical thing which is to voice my displeasure with Comcast's product. If enough people complain about an aspect of a comnpany's product or service, the company will often make an effort to correct it.

But, you go ahead and keep buying **** if that floats yer cookies.

wow this debate is too hot for me to touch. let me just say simply that comcast + motobox had its ups and down and i used it well for about 2 years. then it just came time to move on. the guide ads are annoying, but TiVo has ads too. and i had to pay 300 bucks for programming.

this trend is only going to continue because dvrs continue to resist commercials and so we can't have our cake and eat it too.

According to a *local* (South Bay) radio station, local Comcast commercials have
been advertising three new HD channels as part of boasting a more robust HD package than DTV:
CNN-HD, HGTV-HD, and History-HD. Of course, we don't have any of those now.....

CNN-HD is coming, yay!!! (sorry had to spin it positively)

Comcast didn't publicize adding a channel here or there before have they?

This smells like triage against all the Direct TV HD channels.

Now Comcast can not say they have best picture quality any more. The new DirecTV HD channels are not downsizing anymore. Most are 1920x1080. With AVC encoding DTV saves at least 50% bandwith.

It is shame Comcast can not deploy new technology and scratch their heads now to move channels around or SDV them.

I have been having tiling issues on 702,705 and 709 for about 4 days now. I figured that it was the solar interference, but it has been lasting for more than 1/2 an hour. I was annoyed enought to call comcast today. They quickly offered a $24 credit and stated that it was an issue out of the Napa area and would be fixed by midnight tonight.

Would solar interference affect cable reception?

Anyways, I'm noticing that KQED-FM and other FM stations are having reception problems the last few days.

Would solar interference affect cable reception?

Anyways, I'm noticing that KQED-FM and other FM stations are having reception problems the last few days.

Yes, certainly for cable channels like HBO, TNT, USA, etc, and even local stations depending on where the programming originated, if it's from a network sat feed, then yes.

this trend is only going to continue because dvrs continue to resist commercials and so we can't have our cake and eat it too.Mmmmm. Cake.

You know, DirecTV's current HD DVR doesn't even have a 30sec skip? It has what they call a 30sec "slip" where it fast forwards in 30 second intervals. Can you believe that?

I won't even consider switching to D* until they fix that.

Mmmmm. Cake.

You know, DirecTV's current HD DVR doesn't even have a 30sec skip? It has what they call a 30sec "slip" where it fast forwards in 30 second intervals. Can you believe that?

I won't even consider switching to D* until they fix that.

i'm with ya. i love comcast's pass-through rez and very very reliable service. i would be more miffed they are slow to add HD channels if the HD channels coming out now had more HD programming itself. but being a big big sports fanatic, every sports channel i would care about in HD is already there. along with my new TiVo toy, i'm enjoying HD all over again.

+1 comcast fan. just to even out all the complaints :)

Mmmmm. Cake.

You know, DirecTV's current HD DVR doesn't even have a 30sec skip? It has what they call a 30sec "slip" where it fast forwards in 30 second intervals. Can you believe that?

I won't even consider switching to D* until they fix that.

Pressing the FF button 3 times and then the Play button once when the show starts up again works pretty well IMO. The Play button will auto-correct back.

I agree the "slip" function sucks, I stopped using it and have been using a pre-programmed 3xFF, works fine, not as good as a real "skip" but darn close given the average commercial break time.

As I've heard multiple times on a *local* (South Bay) radio station, local Comcast commercials have
been advertising three new HD channels as part of boasting a more robust HD package than DTV:
CNN-HD, HGTV-HD, and History-HD. Of course, we don't have any of those now.....

While I like all three of these channels, it's completely ridiculous to say they have a better HD package than DirecTV. I mean, look at how many national DirecTV has has today. Oh, well maybe they aren't carrying KRON, but that should change soon as well. Not that KRON has much interesting programming, but that seems like a slim argument for why the Comcast offer is more "robust".

Did they really say that in the commercial? They'll get sued if they do that.

thanks,
mike

i'm with ya. i love comcast's pass-through rez and very very reliable service. i would be more miffed they are slow to add HD channels if the HD channels coming out now had more HD programming itself. but being a big big sports fanatic, every sports channel i would care about in HD is already there. along with my new TiVo toy, i'm enjoying HD all over again.

+1 comcast fan. just to even out all the complaints :)



Can you please explain how your are getitng pass through rez on your comcast? The only options I have are 720 or 10801

While I like all three of these channels, it's completely ridiculous to say they have a better HD package than DirecTV. I mean, look at how many national DirecTV has has today. Oh, well maybe they aren't carrying KRON, but that should change soon as well. Not that KRON has much interesting programming, but that seems like a slim argument for why the Comcast offer is more "robust".

Did they really say that in the commercial? They'll get sued if they do that.

thanks,
mikeYou are right that having KRON-HD is not even a small advantage. But having KQED-HD, IMO, is a big advantage over DirecTV, especially for those of us that cannot receive it OTA.

Can you please explain how your are getitng pass through rez on your comcast? The only options I have are 720 or 10801
He was talking about Comcast the service, you are asking about Comcast/Motorola the equipment.

He was talking about Comcast the service, you are asking about Comcast/Motorola the equipment.

thanks, I thought I was missign a new box or something. Anyone know if Comcast/Motorolla will ever have a native passthrough option?

You are right that having KRON-HD is not even a small advantage. But having KQED-HD, IMO, is a big advantage over DirecTV, especially for those of us that cannot receive it OTA.

I can't understand how DirectTV boasts of 100s of HD channels and can't find space for KQED-HD. This is an absolute must for me. OTA is not an option.

I can't understand how DirectTV boasts of 100s of HD channels and can't find space for KQED-HD. This is an absolute must for me. OTA is not an option.I believe it has something to do with KQED insisting on all of their subchannels being carried also which DirecTV won't agree.

I believe it has something to do with KQED insisting on all of their subchannels being carried also which DirecTV won't agree.If that's the case, you can't blame D* for their decision.

If that's the case, you can't blame D* for their decision.Sure I can blame them. If Comcast can do it so can DirecTV.

Ummm. No they can't. Comcast Bay Area serves, take a guess, the Bay Area. And, they are even broken up further buy municipality.

D* serves the entire nation, and can't put every channel from every locality on their satellites. It's simple.

So, if KQED insists that D* carry all of those almost-useless extra digital channels in order to carry KQED-HD, D* is absolutely correct in refusing to carry KQED. I, and any sane person, would do the same.

Why not carry the sub channels? I think even regular channel 9 is not in D* SD local channels. I can't understand how D* customers put up with that. All the subchannels together might be half a hd channel. Why not carry it? As long customers don't care neither will D*.

Same sane D* agrees to carry 'Shop NBC' channel as an obligation... what can be more useless than that?

DirecTV does carry the analog version of channel 9 KQED. It's only the digital versions that are a problem.

Ummm. No they can't. Comcast Bay Area serves, take a guess, the Bay Area. And, they are even broken up further buy municipality.

D* serves the entire nation, and can't put every channel from every locality on their satellites. It's simple.

Gary, you're not serious are you ?? Comcast only serves the Bay Area ?? Last I heard Comcast was in every State in the Union. :confused:

As far as KQED-HD it's available, on Comcast, to the entire Northern Californian area and not just certain municipalities and I'm sure in Southern California they get the major PBS station that serves their area. Does anyone here in Northern California not get KQED-HD on their Comcast channel lineup ???

Could Directv do that here ?? Yes, just take the feed from Sutro like they do for their other local HD channels. They have plenty of bandwidth, so this should be a simple task for them and if not just offer the biggest PBS station for each coast and broadcast that, West coast could get KQED-HD and whatever the station is on the East coast they could get that.

Comcast on the other hand has to offer the PBS stations in each State they serve and sometimes more than one PBS station in a State and their sub channels also.

So if PBS is important to you and you can't get it OTA then yes Directv is not an option at this time and Comcast is, if it's not important to you then it's a moot point.

Laters,
Mikef5

Perhaps old news, but neither TiVo, the tivo guide, or even Comcast's web site have the correct channel lineup since the change on about 10/3. As of today, 10/10, this is my HD lineup from Comcast in Sunnyvale:

702 KTVUDT
703 KNTVDT
704 KROND
705 KPIXDT
*706 KICU HD - not KBWBDT4
707 KGODT
709 KQEDHD
*712 KBCW HD - new
720 FSBAHDS
*721 ESPNHD - not GOLFVS
*722 ESPN2HD - not HDT
*723 GOLFVS not ESPNHD
*724 nothing - not ESPN2HD
*725 A&E HD - new
*726 TNT HD - new
*727 Universal HD - new
*728 MOJO - new
*729 DHDTV - new
*730 NGC HD - not HBOHDP
*731 MHD - new
*735 TBS HD - new
*780 HBOHD - moved
*781 MXHDW - new
*782 SHOHD - new
*783 S-hdw - new

* - incorrect or missing guide info from TiVo

I personally confirmed all these channels today, with the exception of 724 (was blank for me), and 781/782 for which I do not subscribe.

I submitted a ticket to tivo to get the channel lineup updated for sunnyvale, hopefully it will not take the full 5 days.

Perhaps old news, but neither TiVo, the tivo guide, or even Comcast's web site have the correct channel lineup since the change on about 10/3. As of today, 10/10, this is my HD lineup from Comcast in Sunnyvale:

702 KTVUDT
703 KNTVDT
704 KROND
705 KPIXDT
*706 KICU HD - not KBWBDT4
707 KGODT
709 KQEDHD
*712 KBCW HD - new
720 FSBAHDS
*721 ESPNHD - not GOLFVS
*722 ESPN2HD - not HDT
*723 ??? not ESPNHD
*724 nothing - not ESPN2HD
*725 A&E HD - new
*726 TNT HD - new
*727 Universal HD - new
*728 MOJO - new
*729 DHDTV - new
*730 NGC HD - not HBOHDP
*731 MHD - new
*735 TBS HD - new
*780 HBOHD - moved
*781 MXHDW - new
*782 SHOHD - new
*783 S-hdw - new

* - incorrect or missing guide info from TiVo

I personally confirmed all these channels today, with the exception of 723 which might be the golf channel (had a golf infomercial), 724 (was blank for me), and 781/782 for which I do not subscribe.

I submitted a ticket to tivo to get the channel lineup updated for sunnyvale, hopefully it will not take the full 5 days.
What part of Sunnyvale are you located? I am trying to get an idea of what parts of Sunnyvale are already upgraded. It seems you are one of the lucky few Sunnyvale residents who get to enjoy the additional HD channels for a while!

-Steve

Of course they carry the standard KQED channel 9. (As well as all other local PBS channels: KTEH 54, KRCB 22, KMTP 32, and KCSM 43)

Gary, you're not serious are you ?? Comcast only serves the Bay Area ?? Last I heard Comcast was in every State in the Union. :confused:

As far as KQED-HD it's available, on Comcast, to the entire Northern Californian area and not just certain municipalities and I'm sure in Southern California they get the major PBS station that serves their area. Does anyone here in Northern California not get KQED-HD on their Comcast channel lineup ???

Could Directv do that here ?? Yes, just take the feed from Sutro like they do for their other local HD channels. They have plenty of bandwidth, so this should be a simple task for them and if not just offer the biggest PBS station for each coast and broadcast that, West coast could get KQED-HD and whatever the station is on the East coast they could get that.
Of course Comcast serves the entire country. But,their facilities are locally based and controlled. Thus, giving them the ability to provide locally-based programming far easier than D* or E*.

D* and E*'s infrastructure must support the entire nation at the same time. And thus, they must carefully choose what they add to their limited bandwidth. (much the same way Comcast must struggle with local bandwidth issues when deciding which HD channels to add.

You must have known exactly what I mean, as it was quite clear. You're not an idiot.

What part of Sunnyvale are you located? I am trying to get an idea of what parts of Sunnyvale are already upgraded. It seems you are one of the lucky few Sunnyvale residents who get to enjoy the additional HD channels for a while!

-Steve

94085 (is that specific enough?)

You are in sunnyvale and your lineup did not change on about 10/3? You still get HBO on 730 not the national geographic channel?

What do you have on 706 and 712? Where are your ESPN channels?

I am using a multi-stream card on my Tivo-HD.

It is nice to get the new channels. Its not nice that all the HD movies I recorded off HBO in the last week are random programs from the NG channel instead. I have been recording the CW over the air, I wont change to the one on comcast until I get guide info.

Just to see if it would help, I did a guided setup again, but it changed nothing.

-Brent

94085 (is that specific enough?)

You are in sunnyvale and your lineup did not change on about 10/3? You still get HBO on 730 not the national geographic channel?

What do you have on 706 and 712? Where are your ESPN channels?

I am using a multi-stream card on my Tivo-HD.

It is nice to get the new channels. Its not nice that all the HD movies I recorded off HBO in the last week are random programs from the NG channel instead. I have been recording the CW over the air, I wont change to the one on comcast until I get guide info.

Just to see if it would help, I did a guided setup again, but it changed nothing.

-Brent
It seems that only your area (Arques/Fair Oaks/Lwarence) and the 101/237/Lawrence area are upgraded in Sunnyvale. I am located near Wolfe/El Camino. I have recently seen CableCom trucks in the area, so maybe our area is not that far off from being upgraded.

-Steve

While I like all three of these channels, it's completely ridiculous to say they have a better HD package than DirecTV. I mean, look at how many national DirecTV has has today. Oh, well maybe they aren't carrying KRON, but that should change soon as well. Not that KRON has much interesting programming, but that seems like a slim argument for why the Comcast offer is more "robust".

Did they really say that in the commercial? They'll get sued if they do that.

thanks,
mike

The word "robust" was my own, but I do recall that they claimed to have more HD channels than DTV's *17* HD channels. How can they say that???

Of course Comcast serves the entire country. But,their facilities are locally based and controlled. Thus, giving them the ability to provide locally-based programming far easier than D* or E*.

D* and E*'s infrastructure must support the entire nation at the same time. And thus, they must carefully choose what they add to their limited bandwidth. (much the same way Comcast must struggle with local bandwidth issues when deciding which HD channels to add.

You must have known exactly what I mean, as it was quite clear. You're not an idiot.
Gary,
How do you know I'm not an idiot ?? :)

I'm only pointing out that someone that comes to this forum for the first time and sees some of these posts, that while clear to most of us, won't be to new members and reading the first part of your post implied Comcast wasn't a National provider but local. Yes, I know they are National and you know they are but other people looking for information might not. I'm not slamming you or trying to insult you, I'm just asking people to be clear in their posts and yes I know sometimes I'm not clear in my posts either.

As far as the PBS stations, yes that is a problem for Directv due to bandwidth limits but it would be doable if they choose a major PBS station for each coast and broadcast that. That for most people would be acceptable. They choose not to do that and that needs to be addressed to Directv if that is important to you.

Comcast provides PBS ( both analog and digital, plus the HD ) because it is required for them to, either by contract or by franchise agreement and might be required by the FCC ( since part of KQED's funding comes from the government ) but I'd have to research that to be sure of that. Does that not reduce their bandwidth, yes it does, could they use it for other programing, yes they could but it's something people said they want and since Comcast has the ability to provide it they do.

People slam Comcast for lack of bandwidth for just about everything and to give Directv a pass card because of bandwidth issues is not fair IMHO.

Laters,
Mikef5

Gary,
How do you know I'm not an idiot ?? :)

I'm only pointing out that someone that comes to this forum for the first time and sees some of these posts, that while clear to most of us, won't be to new members and reading the first part of your post implied Comcast wasn't a National provider but local. Yes, I know they are National and you know they are but other people looking for information might not. I'm not slamming you or trying to insult you, I'm just asking people to be clear in their posts and yes I know sometimes I'm not clear in my posts either.

As far as the PBS stations, yes that is a problem for Directv due to bandwidth limits but it would be doable if they choose a major PBS station for each coast and broadcast that. That for most people would be acceptable. They choose not to do that and that needs to be addressed to Directv if that is important to you.

Comcast provides PBS ( both analog and digital, plus the HD ) because it is required for them to, either by contract or by franchise agreement and might be required by the FCC but I'd have to research that to be sure of that. Does that not reduce their bandwidth, yes it does, could they use it for other programing, yes they could but it's something people said they want and since Comcast has the ability to provide it they do.

People slam Comcast for lack of bandwidth for just about everything and to give Directv a pass card because of bandwidth issues is not fair IMHO.

Laters,
Mikef5

thanks for being clear on this Mikef5. i have been considering the switch to DirecTV since i hear the monthly fees don't bounce around like Comcast's, but not if there are channels they are unwilling to provide that is a problem for me. I would have thought they could provide them/pull them down on an OTA feed (or something like that), but wait, i'm not in an OTA area any more.
thanks,
wendy

thanks for being clear on this Mikef5. i have been considering the switch to DirecTV since i hear the monthly fees don't bounce around like Comcast's, but not if there are channels they are unwilling to provide that is a problem for me. I would have thought they could provide them/pull them down on an OTA feed (or something like that), but wait, i'm not in an OTA area any more.
thanks,
wendy

Glad I was of some help to you.

I'm not saying people shouldn't consider Directv or Dish and I'm sure down the line the Sat company's will figure out how to provide PBS-HD to everyone but if PBS-HD is important to you and you can't get it OTA then you're only choice is cable, Comcast ( for this area ).

Laters,
Mikef5

94085 (is that specific enough?)

You are in sunnyvale and your lineup did not change on about 10/3? You still get HBO on 730 not the national geographic channel?

What do you have on 706 and 712? Where are your ESPN channels?

I am using a multi-stream card on my Tivo-HD.

It is nice to get the new channels. Its not nice that all the HD movies I recorded off HBO in the last week are random programs from the NG channel instead. I have been recording the CW over the air, I wont change to the one on comcast until I get guide info.

Just to see if it would help, I did a guided setup again, but it changed nothing.

-Brent

I'm in Sunnyvale 94087, and my HD lineup has not changed, according to my CableCard. I still have HBO on 730 (which I do not subscribe to). ESPNHD is on 723. I have no 706 or 712, or anything new. Right now my lineup consists of 702, 703, 705, 707, 709, 720, 723 and 730. I do not have 704 which I miss. Yes, I pay the same amount as everyone else in the Bay Area. I'm not happy about that :(.

I believe DirecTV will eventually carry KQED digital channels, just like they will eventually carry all the local stations. At this point I think it's more a matter of priority, they're still adding the major nets in more and more markets currently and when that is done they'll probably come back through and add the secondary stations. I would guess that KBCW will show up on D* the same time KQED does. It's most likely a case of transponder juggling(large markets vs small markets) and contracts with the stations.

The question I'd be asking in this thread, is why did Comcast take so long to start upgrading this area? In my area, DirecTV already has more than 4 times the HD stations Comcast does and by the end of the year that number will probably be close to 10 times the amount.

I'm not championing one service over the other, but I'm extremely disappointed that Comcast has dragged it's feet so badly, knowing for years that DirecTV would be flooding the market with HD very soon. Now they have and the Comcast offering is utterly pathetic in comparison, and doesn't look to be improved upon possibly until as late as winter 2008.

Perhaps old news, but neither TiVo, the tivo guide, or even Comcast's web site have the correct channel lineup since the change on about 10/3. As of today, 10/10, this is my HD lineup from Comcast in Sunnyvale:

702 KTVUDT
703 KNTVDT
704 KROND
705 KPIXDT
*706 KICU HD - not KBWBDT4
707 KGODT
709 KQEDHD
*712 KBCW HD - new
720 FSBAHDS
*721 ESPNHD - not GOLFVS
*722 ESPN2HD - not HDT
*723 GOLFVS not ESPNHD
*724 nothing - not ESPN2HD
*725 A&E HD - new
*726 TNT HD - new
*727 Universal HD - new
*728 MOJO - new
*729 DHDTV - new
*730 NGC HD - not HBOHDP
*731 MHD - new
*735 TBS HD - new
*780 HBOHD - moved
*781 MXHDW - new
*782 SHOHD - new
*783 S-hdw - new

* - incorrect or missing guide info from TiVo

I personally confirmed all these channels today, with the exception of 724 (was blank for me), and 781/782 for which I do not subscribe.

I submitted a ticket to tivo to get the channel lineup updated for sunnyvale, hopefully it will not take the full 5 days.
So there is only one Discvorey channel in HD. Is this Dicovery HD Theater or is this the HD version of channel 29? Hopefully 94087 isn't too far behind.

I'm in Sunnyvale 94087, and my HD lineup has not changed, according to my CableCard. I still have HBO on 730 (which I do not subscribe to). ESPNHD is on 723. I have no 706 or 712, or anything new. Right now my lineup consists of 702, 703, 705, 707, 709, 720, 723 and 730. I do not have 704 which I miss. Yes, I pay the same amount as everyone else in the Bay Area. I'm not happy about that :(.

Clau,

Sunnyvale and Milpitas areas are now being upgraded. Most of the loops in these two areas are ready to be activated and they are being activated a few loops at a time to check for problems as they are activated. This takes time but helps in the long run by avoiding problems later down the road. The last snail mail that I got from Comcast gave the time frame of 15 Oct to 15 Nov, but I know that some areas are being done sooner than that. Since you are in the Sunnyvale area I would imagine it's just a matter of time before your loop is activated. I know it's hard to be patient but it is coming and I agree it's not fast enough but I'd rather they get all the problems corrected before going to the next areas.

Laters,
Mikef5

94085 (is that specific enough?)
You are in sunnyvale and your lineup did not change on about 10/3? You still get HBO on 730 not the national geographic channel?


Just as another data point, I am in 94085 as well, Fair Oaks & Maude and have not been upgraded yet.

Given how long it took to even get cable internet here, I'd bet my area gets turned on closer to the Nov 15th date. More likely afterwards...

WOW! where do you live? us poor folks here n Los Gatos dont get aywhere near that number of HD channels!

MB



Perhaps old news, but neither TiVo, the tivo guide, or even Comcast's web site have the correct channel lineup since the change on about 10/3. As of today, 10/10, this is my HD lineup from Comcast in Sunnyvale:

702 KTVUDT
703 KNTVDT
704 KROND
705 KPIXDT
*706 KICU HD - not KBWBDT4
707 KGODT
709 KQEDHD
*712 KBCW HD - new
720 FSBAHDS
*721 ESPNHD - not GOLFVS
*722 ESPN2HD - not HDT
*723 GOLFVS not ESPNHD
*724 nothing - not ESPN2HD
*725 A&E HD - new
*726 TNT HD - new
*727 Universal HD - new
*728 MOJO - new
*729 DHDTV - new
*730 NGC HD - not HBOHDP
*731 MHD - new
*735 TBS HD - new
*780 HBOHD - moved
*781 MXHDW - new
*782 SHOHD - new
*783 S-hdw - new

* - incorrect or missing guide info from TiVo

I personally confirmed all these channels today, with the exception of 724 (was blank for me), and 781/782 for which I do not subscribe.

I submitted a ticket to tivo to get the channel lineup updated for sunnyvale, hopefully it will not take the full 5 days.

Of course Comcast serves the entire country. But,their facilities are locally based and controlled. Thus, giving them the ability to provide locally-based programming far easier than D* or E*.

D* and E*'s infrastructure must support the entire nation at the same time. And thus, they must carefully choose what they add to their limited bandwidth. (much the same way Comcast must struggle with local bandwidth issues when deciding which HD channels to add.



Actually this is not true at all for the DirectTV birds, even the old MPEG2 spacecraft. All of their birds employ the use of spot beams. That means that a spot that covers northern california will not have locals from texas and vice versa.

The new massive DirecTV 10-11-12 series spacecraft from boeing has 32 active transponders for national service (where the spacecraft sends the same signal to all areas), and 55 spot beams, where signals are sent only to local areas. In this way, they reuse the same spectrum, and they have TONS of capacity for HD locals. The big issue in most markets is building a ground or satcom link to get the local HD feed transmitted to one of the DirecTV ka-band uplink terminals to be sent to the spacecraft.

here is a link to a summary of the satellites specs: http://www.boeing.com/defense-space/space/bss/factsheets/702/dtv10-11-12_factsheet.pdf

Thanks,
mike

PS DirecTV just added 4 more national HD channels today. BTW, this is all being done with the 1 DirecTV 10 bird that is onstation now. DirecTV 11 is set for launch first week of december, which will double the HD capacity that's in place now.

http://www.tvpredictions.com/dadd101007.htm

But they still don't have KRON in HD!

thanks,
mike

PS DirecTV just added 4 more national HD channels today. BTW, this is all being done with the 1 DirecTV 10 bird that is onstation now. DirecTV 11 is set for launch first week of december, which will double the HD capacity that's in place now.

http://www.tvpredictions.com/dadd101007.htm

But they still don't have KRON in HD!

thanks,
mike

How do the channels look? I've heard some gripes on the Yahoo Bay Area HD list but haven't paid too much attention to them (don't know if it's just a few people)

How do the channels look? I've heard some gripes on the Yahoo Bay Area HD list but haven't paid too much attention to them (don't know if it's just a few people)

Most of those gripes seem to be about equipment/reception issues, the 5LNB dish is far more picky on how it is set up. The Ka-band freqs are much narrower than the Ku so it has to be dialed in very closely.

I still haven't had a chance to do any serious A/B'ing, still trying to weed through all the new shows to decide which ones I'm going to continue to watch, but, the PQ so far is very, very good. I'm not claiming it's as good as Comcast yet as I haven't been doing direct comparisons but for everything I've watched so far, nothing has popped up that indicates they are any less as good as Comcast. They are definitely better than the older MPEG2 channels, I've been seeing some super fine detail, and more importantly, I haven't seen any pixel artifacting which would indicate they are being given sufficient bandwidth to prevent such artifacts.

If DirecTV continues with this quality, Comcast will lose the one advantage they had over sat as sat already have far more HD channels overall.

The HR20 isn't a TiVo, but it's more than acceptable.

How would you compare the HR20 to the Comcast HD DVR?

Most of those gripes seem to be about equipment/reception issues, the 5LNB dish is far more picky on how it is set up. The Ka-band freqs are much narrower than the Ku so it has to be dialed in very closely.

I still haven't had a chance to do any serious A/B'ing, still trying to weed through all the new shows to decide which ones I'm going to continue to watch, but, the PQ so far is very, very good. I'm not claiming it's as good as Comcast yet as I haven't been doing direct comparisons but for everything I've watched so far, nothing has popped up that indicates they are any less as good as Comcast. They are definitely better than the older MPEG2 channels, I've been seeing some super fine detail, and more importantly, I haven't seen any pixel artifacting which would indicate they are being given sufficient bandwidth to prevent such artifacts.

If DirecTV continues with this quality, Comcast will lose the one advantage they had over sat as sat already have far more HD channels overall.

The HR20 isn't a TiVo, but it's more than acceptable.

Because for new HD AVC channels DTV does not scale down the source anymore except reencoding the stream from MPEG2 to AVC. The quality lose in the re-encoding is invisible.

Technology vise, DTV is leading Comcast by at least two years. DTV started the AVC projects 3 years ago. In the contrast, Comcast/Moto just started AVC projects last year. And Moto screwed it up by choosing CNXT chipset, now it has to back to Broadcom chipset. That costs them another 6-9 months. Most likely the motorolla AVC boxes will be ready in 2H08, but I bet Comcast will take years to switch to AVC.

If Comcast chose AVC several years ago, they should have 100% more bandwith to compete with DTV.

OK - so the TV Guide Channel has gone digital. But, why? I know why they killed the analog version, but why not get rid of it completely? It only itemizes the analog channels. So, if you've got a STB there are a whole mess of channels it doesn't tell you anything about, and since you can navigate around the guide in the STB manually, the channel is superfluous. If you have a QAM capable TV then you've got the new fangled numbering convention to deal with, so the TV Guide channel is once again useless! I realize they probably haven't allocated a lot of digital bandwidth to it, but when bandwidth is at a premium, why waste any at all on it?

Because for new HD AVC channels DTV does not scale down the source anymore except reencoding the stream from MPEG2 to AVC. The quality lose in the re-encoding is invisible.

Technology vise, DTV is leading Comcast by at least two years. DTV started the AVC projects 3 years ago. In the contrast, Comcast/Moto just started AVC projects last year. And Moto screwed it up by choosing CNXT chipset, now it has to back to Broadcom chipset. That costs them another 6-9 months. Most likely the motorolla AVC boxes will be ready in 2H08, but I bet Comcast will take years to switch to AVC.

If Comcast chose AVC several years ago, they should have 100% more bandwith to compete with DTV.

The fact that DTV is now using MPEG-4 encoding doesn't necessarily make them "2 years ahead of Comcast" technology wise. You're looking at it strictly from the bandwidth point of view. Yes, AVC is a better "bandwidth-saving" codec and it's obviously allowed DTV to surpass Comcast in regards to HD content. But there is more than one way for cable MSO's to make better use of their current bandwidth. DTV was forced to move to MPEG-4 because it was essentially the only way they could offer more channels, short of adding dozens of new birds and having customers install C-band sized dishes in their back yard. This also forced customers to purchase new STBs and in some cases new dishes.

To me, it's all just a cat and mouse game. Right now DTV has the upper-hand. But what happens when Comcast goes to SDV? Then they'll be leader. And it's not happening now because they're not technologically advanced enough to do it...they just have many, many more subscribers and hence requires more time to implement.

How would you compare the HR20 to the Comcast HD DVR?

The HR20 is a much better machine than the Moto 64/34xx. It has more storage, including the ability to plug in an external drive, favorite channel lists, native output(which is big for some folks, including me).

Some of the drawbacks are the 50 SP limit, which I can't imagine they won't fix in the future, and the funky skip function, which can be alleviated somewhat by by using the 3xFF-autocorrect trick, which in some ways is better than a skip as you only have to press it once and then hit the autocorrect(play).

Also, so far, I've never had it stall when responding to remote inputs.

No ads anywhere that I've seen either.

Because for new HD AVC channels DTV does not scale down the source anymore except reencoding the stream from MPEG2 to AVC. The quality lose in the re-encoding is invisible.


Do you know this for a fact? It doesn't appear as if they are(on the new channels), but I've never seen where it has been proven that they are not down-rezzing. Do you have something that documents this?

Do you know this for a fact? It doesn't appear as if they are(on the new channels), but I've never seen where it has been proven that they are not down-rezzing. Do you have something that documents this?

I can not tell more detail. What I can say is for AVC DTV is following original picture size. Not like MPEG2 down from 1920 to 1280.

Did a quick test
on DTV ch. 267 SMTHD. 10 minutes recording is around 600MBytes/10min = 8 Mbits/sec. That roughly equals to 16 Mbits/sec for MPEG2. BTW, picture size is 1920x1080i.

Ch. 269 HISTHD is coming in as 1280x720p. I think the HISTHD source is 720P. The bitrate is 230M/4min = 7.67 Mbits/sec

So my conclusion is DTV AVC quality should be equal to original MPEG2 source. The only loss is the re-encoding staff.

I can not tell more detail. What I can say is for AVC DTV is following original picture size. Not like MPEG2 down from 1920 to 1280.

I sent you a PM.

OK - so the TV Guide Channel has gone digital. But, why? I know why they killed the analog version, but why not get rid of it completely? It only itemizes the analog channels. So, if you've got a STB there are a whole mess of channels it doesn't tell you anything about, and since you can navigate around the guide in the STB manually, the channel is superfluous. If you have a QAM capable TV then you've got the new fangled numbering convention to deal with, so the TV Guide channel is once again useless! I realize they probably haven't allocated a lot of digital bandwidth to it, but when bandwidth is at a premium, why waste any at all on it?
Probably because there are things on TV Guide Channel besides TV listings - for example, it has a "red carpet" pre-show at some of the major awards shows.

-- Don

Probably because there are things on TV Guide Channel besides TV listings - for example, it has a "red carpet" pre-show at some of the major awards shows.

-- Don

I think TVG channel has some original programming now, as you've noted. I think they also have some other stuff coming. Initially, putting TVG ch on digital didn't make much sense to me either.

I have an S3 w/ CableCards and live in San Mateo -- I'm interested in the HD lineup I'm entitled to receive w/ the limited ($13) subscription (I'm lucky enough to have straightened things out not to pay the BS $7 HD 'receiver' fee).

Apart from the locals (KTVU, KPIX, etc. etc.) I currently also receive Mojo, 2 ESPNHD , and Discovery Theater.
Should I be receiving other HD channels?

thanks

Hello:

I'm currently a standard basic subscriber, and I get the HD channels that are in the clear, including ESPN and Discovery if I use the CableCard. With the satellite services offering so many HD channels, I'm tempted to switch. If I were to downgrade to limited basic, would I still get those HD channels in the clear? I have QAM tuners in my TV's and don't use Comcast boxes. Thanks.

If they can confirm that Sunnyvale (94087) will get upgraded in the next couple of months so that we will soon get all the HD channels that other areas are getting, I will hang on to Comcast. As it is now, I am paying quite a bit of money for the few HD channels. The only cable channels that I watch a lot are ESPN and CNN, and the kids like Comedy Central when they're home on college breaks; the other local channels I can get with my roof-top antenna, although that means running new RG6 cables to different rooms.

They're making room for TV Guide HD ;) Could be a nice way to get rid of their stretch-o-vision.

Mikef5, do you know the timeframe of when ADS gets implemented after a city has been upgraded?

for reference in santa clara (lawrence and homestead) we get

702 KTVUDT
703 KNTVDT
704 KROND
705 KPIXDT
706 KICU HD
707 KGODT
709 KQEDHD
712 KBCW HD
715 NGCHD
718 A&EHD
719 MOJOHD
720 FSBAHDS
721 GOLFVS
722 HDT
723 ESPNHD
724 ESPN2HD
725 NFLHD
726 TNT HD
727 Universal HD
728 MHD
730 HBOHDP
732 MXH
734 StarzHD
735 TBS HD
736 SHOHD
740 MusicHD
+ 2 on demand HD

The HR20 is a much better machine than the Moto 64/34xx. It has more storage, including the ability to plug in an external drive, favorite channel lists, native output(which is big for some folks, including me).

Some of the drawbacks are the 50 SP limit, which I can't imagine they won't fix in the future, and the funky skip function, which can be alleviated somewhat by by using the 3xFF-autocorrect trick, which in some ways is better than a skip as you only have to press it once and then hit the autocorrect(play).

Also, so far, I've never had it stall when responding to remote inputs.

No ads anywhere that I've seen either.Sounds interesting. I really don't care for that "slip" function. And, I would miss OnDemand. But, I think I will seriously consider D* once they add TVJapan.

It's hard to overlook that much HD for $20-$30 less than I'm paying now, plus a better DVR.

As long as it has an OTA tuner (it has TWO), I should be able to pick up all of the KQED channels, so that part doesn't even concern me.

You know, if D* was smart, they'd include a QAM tuner!

BTW, how is the PQ on the locals, in general. I know that they used to be terrible. They certainly are on E*. And, what about SD nationals? Comcast has very good SD PQ in my area.

BTW, how is the PQ on the locals, in general. I know that they used to be terrible. They certainly are on E*. And, what about SD nationals? Comcast has very good SD PQ in my area.

To be quite honest, without having done a frame by frame comparison yet, they look identical to me. I keep expecting something to pop up that indicates something bad going on with the signal, but so far, so good.

The slip function can be overcome by the aforementioned 3xFF trick, and Directv has it's own version of OnDemand coming, currently being tested by a large group of testers, you can read about it at DBSTalk.

The box itself is more advanced than the Moto as well as it can be connected to a home network for pic/music file sharing/transfer.

At this point, for those in Comcast areas where upgrades have yet to be done, and even in areas that have been upgraded and are getting a snail's pace of HD added. DirecTV makes good sense as a provider. In 2 years, which I think is the contract period for DirecTV, Comcast should have everything in place and one could look at switching back.

I remember doing the waiting game with Comcast to add TNT-HD after missing the NBA playoffs one year, when the playoffs came around again I got Dish, and guess what, I still don't have TNT-HD from Comcast up here and it's been, I believe, 3 years now.

I'm keeping Comcast for now as it serves as another 2 tuners for recording conflicts on the local stations and it's only costing me about $28 a month, TiVo sub included. But for HD channel availability, DirecTV is really the best choice IMO. I'll probably be dumping Dish very soon, getting rid of these extra providers is something I've been wanting to do for some time and DirecTV's PQ along with the HD channels is making it much easier now.

Keenan, I don't think is is going to take Dish long to catch up to D*. Comcast says they will have 400 HD channels by the end of the year and 800 by the end of 2008. I don't think it is a good time to tie ones self up to a provider for 2 years.

Anyone notice the NHL Devil/Florida game on FSBA 720 on right now.

Also after searching on these forums for the answer, i wonder why doesnt fox sports just stream there sd on 720 instead of having the channel blank most of the time.

I'm keeping Comcast for now as it serves as another 2 tuners for recording conflicts on the local stations and it's only costing me about $28 a month, TiVo sub included. But for HD channel availability, DirecTV is really the best choice IMO. I'll probably be dumping Dish very soon, getting rid of these extra providers is something I've been wanting to do for some time and DirecTV's PQ along with the HD channels is making it much easier now.

How do you get Comcast for $28/mo including TiVo? Do you still get the HD channels with basic limited? Thanks.

Keenan, I don't think is is going to take Dish long to catch up to D*. Comcast says they will have 400 HD channels by the end of the year and 800 by the end of 2008. I don't think it is a good time to tie ones self up to a provider for 2 years.

I don't like the idea of being tied to any provider, for any length of time, but, as I noted in the instance above, had I waited for Comcast to bring me TNT-HD, I'd still be watching those playoffs in SD.

Each individual has to weigh the pros/cons as to which provider works for them, in my case, I got tired of waiting a few years ago and that's why I ended up with so many. Now I can finally pare that down, and with DirecTV PQ basically the same as Comcast and having a boatload more HD channels, some HD channels BTW, that I don't see Comcast getting to me for at least another 12+ mos, it makes for a good choice for me.

Dish is basically fine, and I agree, they will probably go one to one with DirecTV on the amount of HD channels, but I just don't need both services now, and DirecTV has Sunday Ticket.

Another switch or wait point, does anyone think Comcast will get SciFi-HD before Battlestar Galactica starts up in Jan, especially on the 550 systems? I can just about take it to the bank that I won't get SciFi-HD from Comcast anytime soon, meanwhile, DirecTV has had it for 2 weeks.

Below link has a story on one analyst's take on the stock prices for cable vs DBS, saying basically that cable, by waiting so long to upgrade, has let the fox back in the hen-house, something many of us have been saying in this thread. Comcast simply waited too long and is still moving too slow.

http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?p=11874017#post11874017

Look, I like the Comcast service, I wish they could give me what I want, I'd like nothing more than to have them as my sole provider, but I've been waiting literally years for that to happen, and it's still not going to happen for probably at least another year. As I've said before, give me what I want and you'll get my money, as it is, the overwhelming bulk of my TV money each month is going elsewhere. Comcast could easily more than quintuple the amount of money they get from me each month, but they have to get me the product first.

How do you get Comcast for $28/mo including TiVo? Do you still get the HD channels with basic limited? Thanks.

I get all the local HD channels with a Limited Basic sub, $18+taxes for the sub and I'm figuring about $8 for the TiVo sub. The $8 for the TiVo sub was all paid upfront BTW, so it's not part of my monthly expense, I pay $20.76 for Comcast local HD channels per month.

i've got E* but I'm tired of waiting for FSN-HD. It is supposed to be available by the middle of next month at the latest on the rebuild from Comcast. Plus with Comcast there is no commitment. I think Comcast is withholding FSN-HD from E*. They'll probably take it away from D* as soon as they get the chance.

i've got E* but I'm tired of waiting for FSN-HD. It is supposed to be available by the middle of next month at the latest on the rebuild from Comcast. Plus with Comcast there is no commitment. I think Comcast is withholding FSN-HD from E*. They'll probably take it away from D* as soon as they get the chance.
Bill,

I think all the areas have FSN-HD, I'm in a 550 MHz area and have it. Where do you live ?? Comcast can't take FSN-HD from Directv they are bound by an existing contract to provide it to them. Before FSN was bought by Comcast FSN had a contract with Directv and Comcast has to honor that contract. After it expires is another story ;)
I have no idea what the deal is with Dish, might be Dish doesn't want to pay what Comcast wants them to or it could be something else but money is normally the reason.

Laters,
Mikef5

Bill,

I think all the areas have FSN-HD, I'm in a 550 MHz area and have it. Where do you live ?? Comcast can't take FSN-HD from Directv they are bound by an existing contract to provide it to them. Before FSN was bought by Comcast FSN had a contract with Directv and Comcast has to honor that contract. After it expires is another story ;)
I have no idea what the deal is with Dish, might be Dish doesn't want to pay what Comcast wants them to or it could be something else but money is normally the reason.

Laters,
Mikef5

I think Bill meant that Dish Network doesn't have FSN-HD.

On a different note, there have been some outages and very poor performance with Comcast in my area of Hayward for the past day or two. Digital is completely out and HD is too pixilated to watch.

I don't know whether to be excited (because they're upgrading:D) or bummed (because I might miss my favorite games in HD this weekend:mad:).

FSN-HD isn't on my Comcast cable- Sunnyvale. It's why I'm waiting for the rebuild. Why they didn't make room for it long ago is beyond me. I probably wouldn't have gone to E*. E* said they were going to get it last year. False promises are common to all the providers. When D*'s contract runs out, I bet FSN-HD will be gone.

I get all the local HD channels with a Limited Basic sub, $18+taxes for the sub and I'm figuring about $8 for the TiVo sub. The $8 for the TiVo sub was all paid upfront BTW, so it's not part of my monthly expense, I pay $20.76 for Comcast local HD channels per month.

That sounds like a good plan for us. We're paying a little over $50 now, so we can save about $30 and only lose CNN and ESPN as far as we're concerned.

BTW, does the CableCard still work if we are on Basic Limited?

Hi,

Anybody else notice that 703 KNTV HD feed is completely unwatchable tonight? My recording of tonights "My Name is Earl" is hosed. I'm on the San Mateo/Foster City head end.

Sounds interesting. I really don't care for that "slip" function. And, I would miss OnDemand. But, I think I will seriously consider D* once they add TVJapan.

It's hard to overlook that much HD for $20-$30 less than I'm paying now, plus a better DVR.

As long as it has an OTA tuner (it has TWO), I should be able to pick up all of the KQED channels, so that part doesn't even concern me.

You know, if D* was smart, they'd include a QAM tuner!

BTW, how is the PQ on the locals, in general. I know that they used to be terrible. They certainly are on E*. And, what about SD nationals? Comcast has very good SD PQ in my area.


A blow to your ATSC hope, the latest DirecTV DVR will not include ATSC tuner any more.:D

That sounds like a good plan for us. We're paying a little over $50 now, so we can save about $30 and only lose CNN and ESPN as far as we're concerned.

Add 11.95 for Digital Classic over Basic and you will have those channels as well. (ESPN HD, and CNN HD when added I guess) CNN is currently unencrypted, so you get SD for now.

FSN-HD isn't on my Comcast cable- Sunnyvale. It's why I'm waiting for the rebuild. Why they didn't make room for it long ago is beyond me. I probably wouldn't have gone to E*. E* said they were going to get it last year. False promises are common to all the providers. When D*'s contract runs out, I bet FSN-HD will be gone.

Bill,

Didn't know there were areas with less than what I have in Milpitas but Sunnyvale and Milpitas are being upgraded and activated right now and it looks like they are doing more in the Sunnyvale area than they are in Milpitas, so you might be upgraded sooner than you think ( if they don't run into problems along the way ).

As far as FSN-HD being taken away, money speaks louder than the competition between Sat Co's and cable so I'd be surprised if it taken off Directv, they have lots of money that Comcast would love to have. ;)

Laters,
Mikef5

How will they let me know when it is available and will it be the day of? I think exclusive FSN-HD is the most valuable.

How will they let me know when it is available and will it be the day of? I think exclusive FSN-HD is the most valuable.
Bill,

To be honest I don't know how they will let you know, sometimes it just shows up or you will get a message on the Moto box. You should've received a snail mail from Comcast letting you know that your area is being upgraded. After that you should receive another snail mail that will have the activation dates ( mine said 15 Oct to 15 Nov ) and a sample lineup card with all the channels on it. Did you get those snail mails ??

Laters,
Mikef5

A blow to your ATSC hope, the latest DirecTV DVR will not include ATSC tuner any more.:DThe HR21 won't. But, the HR20 does, and is still available. And, who knows what the HR22 will have?

Haven't gotten the second letter yet, not a good sign.

Add 11.95 for Digital Classic over Basic and you will have those channels as well. (ESPN HD, and CNN HD when added I guess) CNN is currently unencrypted, so you get SD for now.

Can you add Digital Classic over Limited Basic? I thought you have to have Basic Expanded first.

Bill,

Didn't know there were areas with less than what I have in Milpitas but Sunnyvale and Milpitas are being upgraded and activated right now and it looks like they are doing more in the Sunnyvale area than they are in Milpitas, so you might be upgraded sooner than you think ( if they don't run into problems along the way ).

As far as FSN-HD being taken away, money speaks louder than the competition between Sat Co's and cable so I'd be surprised if it taken off Directv, they have lots of money that Comcast would love to have. ;)

Laters,
Mikef5

I'm in Sunnyvale, and I never received any upgrade notice.

BTW, when you say they are upgrading Sunnyvale, does that mean that we'll have a 850 MHz system? Thanks.

Haven't gotten the second letter yet, not a good sign.
Bill,

Not necessarily, I didn't get mine until long after someone in the forum from Milpitas said they had gotten theirs and they just got activated last week. But I'd be checking the mail box if I were you or you might want to take a trip to your local Comcast center and see what they have to say.

Laters,
Mikef5

1 ghz I hope.

I'm in Sunnyvale, and I never received any upgrade notice.

BTW, when you say they are upgrading Sunnyvale, does that mean that we'll have a 850 MHz system? Thanks.

Clau,

Last I heard the new upgraded areas will be 1 GHz. If someone that was recently upgraded in the Sunnyvale/Milpitas area could check if that is true I'd appreciate it.

Laters,
Mikef5

Dish's DVR has two Sat and 1 OTA tuner. 3 programs can be recorded at the same time. I'm going to have to get two DVRs from Comcast!

hi, i know i have read bits and pieces on this before, but in my rehashing through the threads, i couldn't seem to find the exact answer to this question, so please forgive me if this is old stuff:

my current package:
- limited basic ~15
- HDTV [have Moto 6200 box] ~7
- digital classic ~12
total with taxes : 35.75

what if i picked up a Tivo HD recorder (have the chance of maybe getting an old one and using the new $199 transfer of lifetime license)...

what would my new bill be?

is any savings on the ~7 above?

or am i looking at 35.75 + the cost of 2 cable cards?

what is the cost of those 2 cards?

thanks for any thoughts/experiences.

The HR21 won't. But, the HR20 does, and is still available. And, who knows what the HR22 will have?

HR20 has stopped production in 9/30. So you'd be better hurry up. HR22 will be same as HR21 with 2 Sat tuners only.

From now on, DTV will not support ATSC anymo:eek:re.

hi, i know i have read bits and pieces on this before, but in my rehashing through the threads, i couldn't seem to find the exact answer to this question, so please forgive me if this is old stuff:

my current package:
- limited basic ~15
- HDTV [have Moto 6200 box] ~7
- digital classic ~12
total with taxes : 35.75

what if i picked up a Tivo HD recorder (have the chance of maybe getting an old one and using the new $199 transfer of lifetime license)...

what would my new bill be?

is any savings on the ~7 above?

or am i looking at 35.75 + the cost of 2 cable cards?

what is the cost of those 2 cards?

thanks for any thoughts/experiences.

My current bill is:
limit 13 + digital classic 12 = $25.
I have Mcard which is free.

That sounds like a good plan for us. We're paying a little over $50 now, so we can save about $30 and only lose CNN and ESPN as far as we're concerned.

BTW, does the CableCard still work if we are on Basic Limited?

Yes, CableCARD works with just Limited Basic.

Bill,

Didn't know there were areas with less than what I have in Milpitas but Sunnyvale and Milpitas are being upgraded and activated right now and it looks like they are doing more in the Sunnyvale area than they are in Milpitas, so you might be upgraded sooner than you think ( if they don't run into problems along the way ).

As far as FSN-HD being taken away, money speaks louder than the competition between Sat Co's and cable so I'd be surprised if it taken off Directv, they have lots of money that Comcast would love to have. ;)

Laters,
Mikef5
There's really no chance of FSNBA not being carried by DirecTV. If FSNBA had never been on DirecTV then Comcast might have been able to claim that terrestrial loophole thing like they do in Philadelphia, but since it's already been on sat it just becomes a matter of money, something that DirecTV doesn't seem to have any problem spending. The idea that DirecTV will not carry the RSN in the 6th largest TV market is next to nil.

HR20 has stopped production in 9/30. So you'd be better hurry up. HR22 will be same as HR21 with 2 Sat tuners only.

From now on, DTV will not support ATSC anymo:eek:re.

They won't need to, for basically the same reason cable doesn't either, they'll be carrying all the locals channels eventually.

BTW, and I realize it was a week ago, but has anyone ever noticed this time/temp thing pop up on KGO/ABC? This was from Ugly Betty last Thursday. I've seen it happen about 2 times before. I'm guessing it's some sort of bleed-over from their weather channel? It lasts for about a minute.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v637/keenanj/SP32-20071012-002831.jpg

Anyone know why this happens? Many times when I record the show Damages on FX, the recording ends up going for over 1000 minutes chewing up my space even with ADS. It only happens with this show. Any ideas?

Thanks

David
Mountain View

BTW, and I realize it was a week ago, but has anyone ever noticed this time/temp thing pop up on KGO/ABC? This was from Ugly Betty last Thursday. I've seen it happen about 2 times before. I'm guessing it's some sort of bleed-over from their weather channel? It lasts for about a minute.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v637/keenanj/SP32-20071012-002831.jpg

That's from their time and temperature reminder (a little 5 second graphical screen) that they air before the show comes back on. but sometimes it doesn't turn off and still appears over the show.

Anyone know why this happens? Many times when I record the show Damages on FX, the recording ends up going for over 1000 minutes chewing up my space even with ADS. It only happens with this show. Any ideas?

Thanks

David
Mountain View
The same thing happens to me when I record Ghost Hunters on SciFi but only if I record the 11 PM episode on Wednesday night. When I wake up Thursday morning it will still be recording.

You should've received a snail mail from Comcast letting you know that your area is being upgraded. After that you should receive another snail mail that will have the activation dates ( mine said 15 Oct to 15 Nov ) and a sample lineup card with all the channels on it. Did you get those snail mails ??

Laters,
Mikef5

About how long after the first letter did you receive the second letter?


On a different note, there have been some outages and very poor performance with Comcast in my area of Hayward for the past day or two. Digital is completely out and HD is too pixilated to watch.

I don't know whether to be excited (because they're upgrading:D) or bummed (because I might miss my favorite games in HD this weekend:mad:).

^ Me too my analog is unwatchable, HD goes in and out and so does digital. I would get excited but it is comcast.:rolleyes:

My current bill is:
limit 13 + digital classic 12 = $25.
I have Mcard which is free.

hey lmsyl, thanks for the info. is that one Mcard enough for you to use two tuners on the Tivo?

Clau,

Last I heard the new upgraded areas will be 1 GHz. If someone that was recently upgraded in the Sunnyvale/Milpitas area could check if that is true I'd appreciate it.

Laters,
Mikef5

Pretty darn sure it's gonna be 1GHz out here in Sunnyvale -- there's some 1GHz equipment that's been installed recently at my apt complex.

That's from their time and temperature reminder (a little 5 second graphical screen) that they air before the show comes back on. but sometimes it doesn't turn off and still appears over the show.
Thanks, figured it was something like that.

hey lmsyl, thanks for the info. is that one Mcard enough for you to use two tuners on the Tivo?

Yes, Mcard can support multi-tuners.

Hello, if I just get limited basic(analog) service from Comcast, am I able to get a QAM tuner and decode the NBC/CBS/FOX/WB, etc HDTV? Or those signals are actually blocked if you don't subscribe to "Digital" tier?

Anyone knows what are the analog channels that HDTV channels are using?

Thanks!

Update on the new HD channels

Just got an email about the new HD channels that are being added to the Bay
Area. I will post it as I received it so there is no question on what was said or how it was said.

____________________________________________________________ ____

As promised, I'm letting the Forum members officially know, prior to the "public" release of this information, what three additional HD networks we will be launching in the Bay Area on November 15th.

The following HD networks will be added on Thursday, November 15, 2007.

History HD
HGTV HD
USA HD

As I mentioned in earlier emails, the time and effort the Forum members took to participate in the "what HD channels should we add next" survey during the summer was very instrumental in our ultimate selections for this round.

That's correct, I said this round. We will continue to add more HD content in the Bay Area, using our unrivaled On Demand service to add more hours of HD content each month, (with a goal of having 400 hours of HD On Demand content a month available by the end of next year) as well as launching more HD networks. Without disclosing too much competitive information, I anticipate the addition of another two networks in the not too distant future.

Bay Area Comcast customers will continue to see us migrate more channels from the "analogue" tiers, while simultaneously implementing new technology, that will allow us to add more and more HD content.

I'd also like to take this opportunity to remind the Forum members that we will eventually renumber our HD channel lineup in the Bay Area and that the neighborhoods in Sunnyvale and Milpitas who have been recently upgraded, will launch with the "new" lineup we will put in place throughout the Bay.

____________________________________________________________ __

I know this is not as many as was hoped for but there will be more added down the road. I just am happy they are finally getting rid of or migrating more of the analog channels to the digital tier to free up the bandwidth.

Also, the new Tivo/Comcast software has been released back East to " a few test customers only " so it looks like some customers will get to beta test it soon.

Laters,
Mikef5

Sweet! Thanks Mikef5! Nice to know that some of those extra channels on my guide will actually start working. Hopefully they will populate the rest as well by the end of the year... or at least fix my guide!

I'll take what I can get. :) Thanks, Mike.

Bill,

To be honest I don't know how they will let you know, sometimes it just shows up or you will get a message on the Moto box. You should've received a snail mail from Comcast letting you know that your area is being upgraded. After that you should receive another snail mail that will have the activation dates ( mine said 15 Oct to 15 Nov ) and a sample lineup card with all the channels on it. Did you get those snail mails ??

Laters,
Mikef5

Odd how many people mention some kind of notification from Comcast when a channel is added or about to be.

I get NOTHING, zip, nada, zilch. TBS-HD added for the playoffs? Great! But I only found out about it here. Since the channel number is located after the pay channels, I never would have known otherwise.

I get plenty of set top box messages telling me (over and over!) about some upcoming PPV event, but never about an added channel. And nothing shows up in the mail other than the bill.

-Dave

Update on the new HD channels....

Laters,
Mikef5

Thanks for the info - I doubt I would find out any other way. And not a bad set of channels as a group. I just hope none of them are stretch-O channels like TBS, TNT, and A&E (but that's not the fault of Comcast).

-Dave

Odd how many people mention some kind of notification from Comcast when a channel is added or about to be.

I get NOTHING, zip, nada, zilch. TBS-HD added for the playoffs? Great! But I only found out about it here. Since the channel number is located after the pay channels, I never would have known otherwise.

I get plenty of set top box messages telling me (over and over!) about some upcoming PPV event, but never about an added channel. And nothing shows up in the mail other than the bill.

-Dave

Don't feel bad I don't either, but the last one that I got that wasn't about PPV boxing or such was a job offer with Comcast in New Jersey :eek:

Laters,
Mikef5

Late Breaking Update

I just got off the phone with Mr. J. and he'd like to apologize for giving inaccurate info on the new channels. Comcast just signed the deal with Discovery Channel to also carry the Discovery Channel HD so there will be 4 new channels instead of just 3. He also said more are in the works that will be released soon....

The Discovery Channel HD is the HD version of the SD channel, so now we'll have both the Discovery Theater HD and the Discovery Channel HD.

A lot of other things were discussed but like always I can't say anything about it but next year is going to be huge. Not just programing but some other stuff I'm really excited about.

Laters,
Mikef5

Finally!! I've been waiting for Discovery Channel HD for just about forever.

Mikef5, thanks as always for keeping us updated. My first reaction to the channels listed was somewhat underwhelmed... USA-HD will be good for shows like Burn Notice, not so interested in either History Channel or HGTV. The addition of Discovery's main channel in HD definitely uplifts the group.

What I'm really hoping for is the launch of FX in HD, hopefully in time for the upcoming season of The Shield!

Good but where's SCI-FI-HD?!

There's really no chance of FSNBA not being carried by DirecTV. If FSNBA had never been on DirecTV then Comcast might have been able to claim that terrestrial loophole thing like they do in Philadelphia, but since it's already been on sat it just becomes a matter of money, something that DirecTV doesn't seem to have any problem spending. The idea that DirecTV will not carry the RSN in the 6th largest TV market is next to nil.

Yes the RSN but not the HD-RSN. I wonder when the contract is up?

I guess that "400 HD channels" anouncement was actually "400 hours of OnDemand" HD.

I guess that "400 HD channels" anouncement was actually "400 hours of OnDemand" HD.

Yeah, I thought the same.

Well, now I'm kinda interested on staying with Comcast. Oh and my wife hasn't allowed me to change to DirecTV. :(

Yes the RSN but not the HD-RSN. I wonder when the contract is up?

I have no idea, but with D* touting itself as the sports leader, I simply can't imagine they won't continue to carry FSNBA-HD.

USA has what in HD?

Hopefully they will add Sci-Fi before the final season of Battlestar Galactica starts.

While I am happy about new HD channels, I was really hoping for Food HD. Oh well, maybe next go down.....

USA has what in HD?

Hopefully they will add Sci-Fi before the final season of Battlestar Galactica starts.

L&O:Criminal Intent(first run), Monk, Psych, The 4400, the US Open(tennis), not as much as major networks, but a respectable amount, especially compared to other 2nd tier HD channels. Plus they run re-runs of certain programs, L&O SVU is on in HD right now and it looks damn good. They also re-air shows like Life and other NBC primetime in HD and without the hideous popups NBC has been using lately.

Keenan, I completely forgot about Criminal Intent now being on USA, not to mention the re-runs of Life and other NBC shows that NBC doesn't re-run themselves (Chuck, for example, on Saturdays). Along with Burn Notice, when it returns, all good reasons to add USA-HD. Still, I'm looking forward to when FX-HD becomes a reality... the first service to offer it moves to the front as far as getting my business for a long time.

Thanks Mike,
Discovery HD is a very good addition.

Hopefully TBS, TNT etc finally wake up and give PST programming and non-stretch versions. There no excuse for not transmitting repeats in DVD quality.

Keenan, I completely forgot about Criminal Intent now being on USA, not to mention the re-runs of Life and other NBC shows that NBC doesn't re-run themselves (Chuck, for example, on Saturdays). Along with Burn Notice, when it returns, all good reasons to add USA-HD. Still, I'm looking forward to when FX-HD becomes a reality... the first service to offer it moves to the front as far as getting my business for a long time.

Forgot about Burn Notice, great show. :)

I'm hoping D* has FX-HD lit up by the time Nip/Tuck starts up later this month.

Is there anyone other news when Comcast will add CNN HD, Food HD HGTV HD, Sci Fi HD, Discovery HD , Science Channel , Animal Planet HD??

I'm hoping D* has FX-HD lit up by the time Nip/Tuck starts up later this month.


:eek:

Is there anyone other news when Comcast will add CNN HD, Food HD HGTV HD, Sci Fi HD, Discovery HD , Science Channel , Animal Planet HD??

go back about 10-15 posts???

go back about 10-15 posts???

That hasn't been confirmed by Comcast yet...

Thanks,
mike

That hasn't been confirmed by Comcast yet...

Thanks,
mike

i stand by mikef5!!

i stand by mikef5!!

Whoops! I missed that post! :o Yes, very good news indeed. Not as much as I hoped for, but the top 3 of my list anyway.

thanks,
mike

I bet these new channels will show up according to what my guide says now which I attached a few pages back. Maybe comcast will suprise us and add all the channels on my guide :)

So are there any plans to add Los Gatos to the world of the upgraded?

That hasn't been confirmed by Comcast yet...

Thanks,
mike

Mike,

So what post do you think needs Comcast confirmation ?? Maybe I can confirm with Comcast the post that you refer to.

Laters,
Mikef5

So are there any plans to add Los Gatos to the world of the upgraded?Yes. It will begin as soon as they stop being such yuppie ***holes. So, be prepared for a long wait.

So are there any plans to add Los Gatos to the world of the upgraded?

Sure are. ;) you can count on it.

Why can't Comcast get accurate info for 720 FSNBA-HD? Right now there is a football game on, Texas VS Iowa State, and guide shows "Off-Air". This happens frequently making it impossible to record. Both DCT-6200 and TiVo S3 are the same. Anyone getting proper guide info?

Why can't Comcast get accurate info for 720 FSNBA-HD? Right now there is a football game on, Texas VS Iowa State, and guide shows "Off-Air". This happens frequently making it impossible to record. Both DCT-6200 and TiVo S3 are the same. Anyone getting proper guide info?
Hiker,

Probably the same reason that the Tivo Guide doesn't show the game being on. It's not Comcast or Tivo it's the company's that provide the guide info. It's been this way on that channel for along time, my guess is since it's not a full time channel it doesn't get updated like it should by those company's that provide the guide info. Another reason this should be a full time channel.

Laters,
Mikef5

But the guide info is there for 40 FSN. In fact the description in the guide for 40 FSN for the game on right now has it listed as "HD". Why can't they just copy it from 40 to 720?

But the guide info is there for 40 FSN. In fact the description in the guide for 40 FSN for the game on right now has it listed as "HD". Why can't they just copy it from 40 to 720?

Works for me, but that is a suggestion that should go to TvGuide or Zap2it or whoever provides the guide data, but that would be the simplest way to do it. I'm trying to get Comcast to make it a 24/7 channel which could help getting proper guide data.

Laters,
Mikef5

Mike,

So what post do you think needs Comcast confirmation ?? Maybe I can confirm with Comcast the post that you refer to.

Laters,
Mikef5

Sorry, I was on a trip for a couple of days and didn't see your post! Mea culpa! I thought he was referring to dailowai's post about the guide updates in his VMC system.

While you are talking to Mr J though, could you ask him why 860 ang 1 Ghz areas don't get any more HD channels than 750? I mean, my install higher frequency plant if you aren't going to use it? And 550 areas already have a different lineup than the rest...

thx
mike

Sorry, I was on a trip for a couple of days and didn't see your post! Mea culpa! I thought he was referring to dailowai's post about the guide updates in his VMC system.

While you are talking to Mr J though, could you ask him why 860 ang 1 Ghz areas don't get any more HD channels than 750? I mean, my install higher frequency plant if you aren't going to use it? And 550 areas already have a different lineup than the rest...

thx
mike
I can ask but you have to remember Mr. J. is VP of Communications for Comcast on the West Coast so he's not a tech per sey but can find things out but it might take awhile for them to get back to him on those kinds of questions. Maybe Dave could shed some light on that subject ;)

Laters,
Mikef5

I doesn't look like it is just b/w issue. Comcast still seems to be negotiating contracts (see last minute update on Discovery HD by Mikef5). I would think negotiations is what is holding CNN, Animal Planet, FOOD Network etc back. Mikef5 already mentioned more are expected in Dec/Jan.

Mike F5 always comes with the good info. Thanks. Since my area is being updated, we should have the most available channels.

thanks for the update Mike -- I really hope one of the "other stuff" is not SDV as it would make the Tivo users among us quite unhappy.
For those who don't know, SDV (switched digital video) is a technology used by other cable cos to get more bandwidth. for example in Hawaii most of the HD content is offered in SDV.
The problem with SDV is that Tivo is, for now, not compatible with it, and a fix (a usb dongle) is still just paper-ware.

Late Breaking Update

I just got off the phone with Mr. J. and he'd like to apologize for giving inaccurate info on the new channels. Comcast just signed the deal with Discovery Channel to also carry the Discovery Channel HD so there will be 4 new channels instead of just 3. He also said more are in the works that will be released soon....

The Discovery Channel HD is the HD version of the SD channel, so now we'll have both the Discovery Theater HD and the Discovery Channel HD.

A lot of other things were discussed but like always I can't say anything about it but next year is going to be huge. Not just programing but some other stuff I'm really excited about.

Laters,
Mikef5

thanks for the update Mike -- I really hope one of the "other stuff" is not SDV as it would make the Tivo users among us quite unhappy.
For those who don't know, SDV (switched digital video) is a technology used by other cable cos to get more bandwidth. for example in Hawaii most of the HD content is offered in SDV.
The problem with SDV is that Tivo is, for now, not compatible with it, and a fix (a usb dongle) is still just paper-ware.
Fab,

Most of what was discussed I can't talk about just yet but that being said I can say what was not said. ;)

During the entire conversation never was the term SDV ever used or even hinted at and trust me as an owner of a TivoHD myself I was listening for those words. From what I can find about how Comcast is treating SDV I believe they are studying it as a possible option much further down the line. They are only testing SDV in a couple of systems back East and I don't see a big push coming from Comcast to use this anytime soon in other areas. I see a much bigger push in VOD and Linear Programing.

Time Warner Cable on the other hand is using it in a big way. My feeling on why they are doing this is to reclaim bandwidth quickly and on the cheap. They don't have to do major upgrades to their systems and can start adding more content now and they really don't care if their customers are adversely affected by it. I think Comcast is thinking further down the line and are building up their system infrastructures ( ie. getting systems up to 1 GHz ) and using other technology to help reclaim bandwidth ( ie. variation of mpeg2 compression or using mpeg4 compression schemes, shifting analog to digital etc.. ) without adversely affecting their customers. This an other things make me believe I should not worry about SDV becoming a reality in this area anytime soon.

My biggest complaint with Comcast is that they are slow doing some of the stuff that is needed ( bean counters always get in the way of progress :) ) but I'd rather they do it slowly and methodically and get it right than have to worry about them doing stuff like TWC is doing to their customers.

Laters,
Mikef5

Yes. It will begin as soon as they stop being such yuppie ***holes. So, be prepared for a long wait.

Thanks for your deep insight

Thanks for your deep insight

Yeah, that was a little uncalled for. Garypen, if you're just joking around it helps to put a smilie after your statement to let people know you're not serious. If you are serious then that's probably a comment you should keep to yourself. There's enough threads on these boards that are drama-ridden.

Yeah, that was a little uncalled for. Garypen, if you're just joking around it helps to put a smilie after your statement to let people know you're not serious. If you are serious then that's probably a comment you should keep to yourself. There's enough threads on these boards that are drama-ridden.:D

I can ask but you have to remember Mr. J. is VP of Communications for Comcast on the West Coast so he's not a tech per sey but can find things out but it might take awhile for them to get back to him on those kinds of questions. Maybe Dave could shed some light on that subject ;)

Laters,
Mikef5
I know this isn't the Sacramento thread; however, is there any way you could ask him about your neglected inland neighbor? We haven't seen a new HD channel in months.

I live at the west end of Sunnyvale near Mountain View (94086) and finally received the upgrade letter today from Comcast that states we should be upgraded in the next two to three months. It's about frickin' time! If only we could get SciFi HD for the last season of BSG...

Has anyone checked what channels are sent out the firewire port on the
dct-3416 unit lately? my mythtv box is getting better support now for firewire
devices and was wondering if it was worth the effort of hooking up my cable box
to my mythtv box.

I'm thinking it may be something wrong with my QAM tuner, but maybe not. And just FYI, I have a Sharp LC37D5U, which is a little older. So here's my story:

Lately, all of a sudden, my QAM tuner is not picking up the local unencrypted broadcast channels anymore. I tried changing the Frequency type to HRC and IRC, from STD, and none of them worked. I try manually tuning to the channels, nothing comes up, I do a channel search, no local broadcast unencrypted channels are found. I also noticed lately, my cable signal has been worse than usual, most analog channels are fuzzier. (I'm in Fremont by the way). Also, a month ago, my cable modem service freaked out, again probably due to the signal quality issue. I had to change out a cable splitter to a better quality one to get it working again. And another piece of info, my other TV, a newer Sharp LC32D43U, can still pick up all the unencrypted broadcast channels fine.

So my 2 questions are:

1) Has anyone else noticed a degrade in signal quality around the Fremont area?
2) Do you think it's my QAM tuner that went bad or because the cable signal seems significantly worse that my older LC37D5U's QAM tuner can't pull in the channels anymore while my newer LC32D43U still can pull them in?

Thanks!

As a general diagnostic rid of all your splitters and use as direct path as possible from the entry point. See if the situation improves.

However if it used to work and doesn't anymore you should look at what might have changed and reverse it.

It could be the tuner on the older Sharp just went bad, but I would look at all other possibilities before coming to that conclusion because it is rare (but not impossible) for that to happen.

I'm thinking it may be something wrong with my QAM tuner, but maybe not. And just FYI, I have a Sharp LC37D5U, which is a little older. So here's my story:

Lately, all of a sudden, my QAM tuner is not picking up the local unencrypted broadcast channels anymore. I tried changing the Frequency type to HRC and IRC, from STD, and none of them worked. I try manually tuning to the channels, nothing comes up, I do a channel search, no local broadcast unencrypted channels are found. I also noticed lately, my cable signal has been worse than usual, most analog channels are fuzzier. (I'm in Fremont by the way). Also, a month ago, my cable modem service freaked out, again probably due to the signal quality issue. I had to change out a cable splitter to a better quality one to get it working again. And another piece of info, my other TV, a newer Sharp LC32D43U, can still pick up all the unencrypted broadcast channels fine.

So my 2 questions are:

1) Has anyone else noticed a degrade in signal quality around the Fremont area?
2) Do you think it's my QAM tuner that went bad or because the cable signal seems significantly worse that my older LC37D5U's QAM tuner can't pull in the channels anymore while my newer LC32D43U still can pull them in?

Thanks!

Try to use the SAME coaxial connection to the TV's when you compare the tuners. The problem may lie with the run of cables and the splitters.

A while back I had a problem with signals on my HDHomerun box and I had a hunch that it was the splitters because direct feed of the line worked fine. Now they sell splitters for "digital TV" as the older ones aren't good at higher frequencies and that's where the problem was with the higher channels like 110 and above.

Not getting any sound on 705 (Raiders game).

Not getting any sound on 705 (Raiders game).

Same in San Ramon. Sound on the non-HD channel 5 though.

Not getting any sound on 705 (Raiders game).

Comcast problem. Audio fine via DirecTV(OTA pickup).

These are the times having ST is worth it, instead of watching the Raiders get pounded, again, I can watch Patriots/Cowboys, great game.

Has anyone checked what channels are sent out the firewire port on the
dct-3416 unit lately? my mythtv box is getting better support now for firewire
devices and was wondering if it was worth the effort of hooking up my cable box
to my mythtv box.

All channels are sent out all the time I think, but some are copy-protected and not recordable by non-secure devices. Some channels are protected 24/7 it seems, but others are only protected during certain shows (like FOX or ABC network shows).

Comcast problem. Audio fine via DirecTV(OTA pickup).

These are the times having ST is worth it, instead of watching the Raiders get pounded, again, I can watch Patriots/Cowboys, great game.

Sound is back now. It's been going in and out all game.

Same thing in Livermore.

Sorry, I was on a trip for a couple of days and didn't see your post! Mea culpa! I thought he was referring to dailowai's post about the guide updates in his VMC system.

While you are talking to Mr J though, could you ask him why 860 ang 1 Ghz areas don't get any more HD channels than 750? I mean, my install higher frequency plant if you aren't going to use it? And 550 areas already have a different lineup than the rest...

thx
mike
MikeSM,

Your answer to your question on bandwidth usage....

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.


Laters,
Mikef5

MikeSM,

Your answer to your question on bandwidth usage....

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.


Laters,
Mikef5

Thanks. But in my system, there are no QAM carriers (and nothing else as far as I can tell) on the upper 60 Mhz of plant. That's room for 20 HD channels.

Why not use that room for HD channels? All the other markets have data demands, ondemand, etc... Will the guys who have 1 Ghz plant only get the same lineup that everyone does, despite 250 Mhz of extra capacity?

Thanks,
mike

A question for DCH3416 users......
Do you get any red light indicators when recording? Some of us over in the DCH thread
are reporting that we get no lights, so it's not just my unit. Any ideas?

Yesterday afternoon there my 6200 box reset right in the middle of finishing a movie I was watching OnDemand. I suspect there was an outage somewhere along the line. But apparently the timecode for where I am in an OnDemand movie is kept on the box and not at the headend as it got reset to zero whereas when I started it was halfway through the movie. It took 6 minutes to fast forward to where I was in the movie. I think they need to add "chapters" even if they are just 10 minute intervals. If it had been a pay OnDemand and I lost it I would have definitely been on the phone to Comcast. Anyone ever have an outage on a paid OnDemand and not get the movie back?

Just as another data point, I am in 94085 as well, Fair Oaks & Maude and have not been upgraded yet.

Given how long it took to even get cable internet here, I'd bet my area gets turned on closer to the Nov 15th date. More likely afterwards...

Well, I suppose I have to eat my words now. I was all set to be disappointed but decided to check my box on the first stated day of availability and voila! I'm upgraded!

Now I get to go back in this thread and read all the messages about channels that didn't concern me before.. NFL Net, etc. woo-hoo! :D

A question for DCH3416 users......
Do you get any red light indicators when recording? Some of us over in the DCH thread
are reporting that we get no lights, so it's not just my unit. Any ideas?

JUst got a DCH3416 and NO Recording light here!!
Last week I took my old DCT6412 into the Livermore office because I was having problems with no sound on some of my playback recordings and I was also having issues with the 100% full must delete snafu, (when my actual consumption was only around 40%) So they gave me this new digital DCH3416model. After getting home ans setting this unit up, I really liked the new look of this model and having a little bigger hard drive (160GB) was a plus. One of the first things I noticed was it DID NOT have any recording indicator other than the "REC" on the face when using both tuners. I called comcast and they told me this unit did not have any record indicator. No reason, just doesn't have it???? To make matters worse, last Friday I set up to record two programs, and come to find the 100% full message on this new unit too. The FW 18.34 on this box is supposedly current. I don't get why Comcast or Motorola can't fix or attempt to address this bug.

IS anyone else around here having problems with the 100% full BS. I have read some of the DCH threads and it is mentioned often.