Why do you have HD boxes with limited basic? HDTVs without QAM tuners?

sfhub is correct. I'm grandfathered, so I get DiscoveryHD, ESPNHD, MOJOHD, and a few other ones. Also, I have 1 TV my trusty Sony XBR CRT, heavy as a tank, but an awesome picture that I can't part with yet...

If this make you feel better:

6/30 - 7/29 Digital Premier Package 59.95
Includes: Digital Classic, Digital Plus,
HBO, HBO Plex, Cinemax, Cinemax
Plex, Showtime, Showtime Plex, TMC,
TMC Plex, Starz, Starz Plex, Encore,
Encore Plex, Music Choice, Digital
Converter and Remote, if applicable.
6/30 - 7/29 Standard Cable 52.50
Includes: Limited Basic and Expanded
Basic Service.
6/30 - 7/29 Save - $10.00 X 12 MO -5.66
6/30 - 7/29 DVR Service With HDTV 11.95
6/30 - 7/29 DVR Addt'l Outlet 11.95
6/30 - 7/29 Digital Addl Outlet 6.99
Includes: Digital Converter and Remote,
if applicable.
6/30 - 7/29 Digital Addl Outlet 6.99
Includes: Digital Converter and Remote,
if applicable.
6/30 - 7/29 DCT A/O Free -3.95

Total: $140.72

That's 2 DVRs and 1 SD digital box. I have 4 TVs, and I'm not using the SD DVR in my PC and my wife wants a TV in the kitchen, because she miss watching her shows the few times she's there.

All I can say is Thank god for the HDHomeRun and unencrypted QAM, that's my only saving grace. I'm able to record all the broadcast shows I watch in HD, so I'm pretty much happy about that. I'm not so sure I'm fond of paying $43 for the cable service, but OTA is just too inconsistant, and I live in San Francisco and get a strong signal.


If this make you feel better:

6/30 - 7/29 Digital Premier Package 59.95
Includes: Digital Classic, Digital Plus,
HBO, HBO Plex, Cinemax, Cinemax
Plex, Showtime, Showtime Plex, TMC,
TMC Plex, Starz, Starz Plex, Encore,
Encore Plex, Music Choice, Digital
Converter and Remote, if applicable.
6/30 - 7/29 Standard Cable 52.50
Includes: Limited Basic and Expanded
Basic Service.
6/30 - 7/29 Save - $10.00 X 12 MO -5.66
6/30 - 7/29 DVR Service With HDTV 11.95
6/30 - 7/29 DVR Addt'l Outlet 11.95
6/30 - 7/29 Digital Addl Outlet 6.99
Includes: Digital Converter and Remote,
if applicable.
6/30 - 7/29 Digital Addl Outlet 6.99
Includes: Digital Converter and Remote,
if applicable.
6/30 - 7/29 DCT A/O Free -3.95

Total: $140.72

That's 2 DVRs and 1 SD digital box. I have 4 TVs, and I'm not using the SD DVR in my PC and my wife wants a TV in the kitchen, because she miss watching her shows the few times she's there.

I've got one of those Motorola amps that I'm not using. I believe I got it at Amazon.

Whoever is interested can have it for half of the current Amazon price. Just PM me.

I've got one too, if anyone is interested (same offer as above applies). Turns out once I switched to CableCARD, the signal was too strong with the amp :rolleyes:

I pay about $130/mo for Digital Classic, with 1 DVR box (HD, 3412), 1 HD box (6200) and Comcast HSI (6Mb).

Quick question -

I have an older HD comcast cable box (grey and motorola) not sure of model #.

I keep getting a pause when changing channels, and then it catches up rapidly going through all the buttons I pressed while it was frozen.

Am I the only one experiencing this?

I have seen several cable box model #'s referenced, which one is the newest? I would like one with HDMI (my Dvi-HDMI seems to lock up my cable box)

Thanks,

-Mike

Heh - welcome to the fine, grand, world of crappy Motorola cable boxes. You will find that your issue is not unique! It helps to occasionally unplug the box for a few minutes so it can do a full reboot. Do it late at night so the guide can re-populate overnight.

-Dave

on edit: And as far as anyone knows, there is no solution - not even the newer models have been shown to be any better. Jury is out though on if the TIVO firmware will help.

Thanks for the info. I have noticed that if I use the remote from my receiver to change the channel, it does not lock up. I think it's the "info" button that's causing my problems.

What's the latest hardware model for the box? there is a comcast depot right around the corner so I might try and snag the latest, but I am not sure what is the latest.

-Mike

My guide is showing CH725 but with no listings. Is that a new channel yet to be activated or is the guide just out of whack? I honestly don't remember if we got CH725 before...

No 725 is the events channel and has been used for NFL-HD in the past.

If this make you feel better:

6/30 - 7/29 Digital Premier Package 59.95
Includes: Digital Classic, Digital Plus,
HBO, HBO Plex, Cinemax, Cinemax
Plex, Showtime, Showtime Plex, TMC,
TMC Plex, Starz, Starz Plex, Encore,
Encore Plex, Music Choice, Digital
Converter and Remote, if applicable.
6/30 - 7/29 Standard Cable 52.50
Includes: Limited Basic and Expanded
Basic Service.
6/30 - 7/29 Save - $10.00 X 12 MO -5.66
6/30 - 7/29 DVR Service With HDTV 11.95
6/30 - 7/29 DVR Addt'l Outlet 11.95
6/30 - 7/29 Digital Addl Outlet 6.99
Includes: Digital Converter and Remote,
if applicable.
6/30 - 7/29 Digital Addl Outlet 6.99
Includes: Digital Converter and Remote,
if applicable.
6/30 - 7/29 DCT A/O Free -3.95

Total: $140.72

That's 2 DVRs and 1 SD digital box. I have 4 TVs, and I'm not using the SD DVR in my PC and my wife wants a TV in the kitchen, because she miss watching her shows the few times she's there.

Get slingbox and leave a laptop in the kitchen. You can pay for the cost of slingbox pretty quickly and then you can move the laptop/tv to any room you want.

The 6200 HDTV box (non-DVR) is quite responsive. No real remote lag. The only time it lags a little is with the new "favorites list". Otherwise it's great, compared to the 34/64xx DVR boxes (like, night and day).

I live in a multi-storey building in San Francisco near Lafayette Park and I recently signed up for digital cable. As part of the package, Comcast gave me a DCT 3416 for use and while it's nice to have access to HD broadcasts (I have the HBO Silver Package), I've noticed that there is macroblocking whenever dynamic images are displayed. Also, I get lots of dropouts and while it's sporadic, when it happens, it happens to all the channels including OnDemand. Since this never seemed to problem when I had standard cable, I'm guessing that it has to do with the way digital cable is delivered to my home. Is there anything I can do to improve performance on my end before suffering through the tech "support" of Comcast?

No 725 is the events channel and has been used for NFL-HD in the past.
But I'm pretty sure I never had this channel "in the past". I live in a 550MHz Comcast ghetto. Suddenly I'm seeing what appears to be a new channel.

But I'm pretty sure I never had this channel "in the past". I live in a 550MHz Comcast ghetto. Suddenly I'm seeing what appears to be a new channel.
John,

If I remember right your are in the Milpitas area, this area is in the precess of being upgraded. I've seen the new channel 725 also, right now it does nothing for us, I would've preferred ESPN2-HD or some other HD channel that has some content on it.
At least it's a sign that we are finally getting upgraded.... ;)

Laters,
Mikef5

Just a reminder. I do have one of those Motorola Signal Amps that I'm not using, if anyone is interested.

John,

If I remember right your are in the Milpitas area, this area is in the precess of being upgraded. I've seen the new channel 725 also, right now it does nothing for us, I would've preferred ESPN2-HD or some other HD channel that has some content on it.
At least it's a sign that we are finally getting upgraded.... ;)

Laters,
Mikef5
Actually, I'm in the LG-Saratoga area. I do get ESPN2-HD already, so maybe we're ahead of you on that one!

I live in a multi-storey building in San Francisco near Lafayette Park and I recently signed up for digital cable. As part of the package, Comcast gave me a DCT 3416 for use and while it's nice to have access to HD broadcasts (I have the HBO Silver Package), I've noticed that there is macroblocking whenever dynamic images are displayed. Also, I get lots of dropouts and while it's sporadic, when it happens, it happens to all the channels including OnDemand. Since this never seemed to problem when I had standard cable, I'm guessing that it has to do with the way digital cable is delivered to my home. Is there anything I can do to improve performance on my end before suffering through the tech "support" of Comcast?

Try to put in one of those motorola boosters and see if that helps. That solved the problem for me.

Russ

I have 4 TVs, and I'm not using the SD DVR in my PC and my wife wants a TV in the kitchen, because she miss watching her shows the few times she's there.
I got a good chuckle out of that. Thanks :D

i'm in los gatos and signed up w/ e* until next year when the upgrades will (hopefully) be completed. i was expecting to switch back to comcast once the upgrades were finished and they could start offering a decent hd package.

well i'm really starting to wonder whether i'll ever switch back. e* is just making everything so sweet right now.

e* just announced that they'll send out 7 new national hd channels next month as well as 8 hd regional fsns (no bay area hd yet, but who wants to watch the giants this year).

by the end of next month i will have nearly 40 hd channels including hbo hd. the 622dvr kicks butt over any dvr comcast offers, the new mpeg 4 signals are producing far better hd pq than anyone expected, I have a dvr for each of my 4 televisions (2 hd dvrs), and i'm paying only $90.00 per month.

while i acknowledge comcasts has a better hd signal than e*, i'm more than happy to trade off slightly lesser pq for 25 more hd channels that cost $50 -60 a month less than comcast would charge.

comcast better get its s... together or many others will come to the same conclusion i have.

comcast has its work cut out for it if it hopes to get hd viewers like myself to switch from e* to them

$90 for 4 dvrs (2 hd) it's a really good price. what kind of package do you have?

I'm not sure if I'm going to watch 40 HD channels, the latest additions from Comcast, I don't watch anything from there. From my Platinum (It seems it's call Premier now) package I mostly watch the network channels in HD and the movie channels (HBO, Showtime, Cinemax, Starz). I watch ESPN-HD from time to time, Universal-HD and even TNT and MTV from time to time. The rest, I barely watch them.

Today my box is only showing "PPV Events" under "Menu->Main Menu".

All the rest of the main menu is gone (settings, messages, etc).

Anyone else have this little problem today?

edit: The box upstairs is working normally, I was able to delete a message about PPV boxing.

For the record, I hate the "message" light, especially in the (dark) bedroom... :mad:

No problem in Rohnert Park. Everything is normal.

Guess I will do the Motorola salute. (pull the plug)
....
Yep, that did the trick.

I am moving to Redwood Shores at the end of this month, and have an appointment setup with Comcast for them to install cable. I went for the $100 a month triple play, we will see how that works out. I have a Series 3 TiVo, but I just went with whatever they are giving me, as I want it to be a clean and straightfoward install. I figure once we are settled I can figure out what exactly the package includes, what I can remove, etc.

For the heck of it, I gave Comcast a call today and asked them about getting 2 CableCARDS for my TiVo. I mainly wanted to know if it would goof up the package and if I added them how much it would cost. The person I spoke with indicated 1) It wouldn't goof up my package, first one is free, second one is $1.50 2) That I can just go down to the local office and pick them up.

Has anyone been able to do this? I was told this once from Charter (cable company where I live now), I went down to the office and they told me I needed to schedule an installation. Of course the install took about 10 minutes and most of the time consisted of the guy waiting for the person to give the numbers to. Not a huge deal, just curious, as that would be great if I could just pick up some cards and not have anyone touch my Series 3 :)

I am moving to Redwood Shores at the end of this month, and have an appointment setup with Comcast for them to install cable. I went for the $100 a month triple play, we will see how that works out. I have a Series 3 TiVo, but I just went with whatever they are giving me, as I want it to be a clean and straightfoward install. I figure once we are settled I can figure out what exactly the package includes, what I can remove, etc.

For the heck of it, I gave Comcast a call today and asked them about getting 2 CableCARDS for my TiVo. I mainly wanted to know if it would goof up the package and if I added them how much it would cost. The person I spoke with indicated 1) It wouldn't goof up my package, first one is free, second one is $1.50 2) That I can just go down to the local office and pick them up.

Has anyone been able to do this? I was told this once from Charter (cable company where I live now), I went down to the office and they told me I needed to schedule an installation. Of course the install took about 10 minutes and most of the time consisted of the guy waiting for the person to give the numbers to. Not a huge deal, just curious, as that would be great if I could just pick up some cards and not have anyone touch my Series 3 :)
Let me save you some time. You'll go down to the office in Foster City, they'll tell you the phone CSR was mistaken and they do not have any cards for customer pickup. You'll call back Comcast and tell them they wasted your time. They will apologize and will credit you the $15.99 truck roll/install fee to compensate you for your troubles.

BTW I think the 2nd CableCARD is $1.79 in most if not all Bay Area markets now. Maybe Foster City/Redwood Shores is still holding out at $1.50.

Let me save you some time. You'll go down to the office in Foster City, they'll tell you the phone CSR was mistaken and they do not have any cards for customer pickup. You'll call back Comcast and tell them they wasted your time. They will apologize and will credit you the $15.99 truck roll/install fee to compensate you for your troubles.

BTW I think the 2nd CableCARD is $1.79 in most if not all Bay Area markets now. Maybe Foster City/Redwood Shores is still holding out at $1.50.

Thanks for the info...I was 99% sure she was mistaken, especially since she never asked for what area I was calling in regards to. When I do get around to ordering up the CableCARDS, I will be sure to tell them that to avoid getting dinged.

I have heard of one person being able to pick up CableCards in the Oakland area. That was a few months ago.

What are my alternatives to the Motorola 6412 DVR? Here's what I want:
All HD channels including HBO and Cinemax
DVR

I would go straight HTPC but i'm afraid some 5c encryption will get in the way. Are there other brand DVRs I can buy? Tivo maybe - how do they get around the encryption problem? If this isn't possible with Comcast, is it possible with any other providers? On Demand is nice too, but I don't think this is possible without the Comcast boxes, right?

Yeah, the motorola does what i want, it just doesn't do it very well.

What's up with the Guide now? A few months ago they added logos and ads to the bottom - Can that be disabled?

What are my alternatives to the Motorola 6412 DVR? Here's what I want:
All HD channels including HBO and Cinemax
DVR

I would go straight HTPC but i'm afraid some 5c encryption will get in the way. Are there other brand DVRs I can buy? Tivo maybe - how do they get around the encryption problem? If this isn't possible with Comcast, is it possible with any other providers? On Demand is nice too, but I don't think this is possible without the Comcast boxes, right?

Yeah, the motorola does what i want, it just doesn't do it very well.
TiVo is coming out with a relatively inexpensive dual-tuner HD DVR.

http://gizmodo.com/gadgets/giz-undercover/first-spy-pics-of-upcoming-tivo-series-3-lite-277118.php
Giz Undercover: First Spy Pics of Upcoming TiVo Series 3 Lite? - Gizmodo

http://www.tivocommunity.com/tivo-vb/showthread.php?t=358577&page=1&pp=30
Tivo Series3 Lite (Spy Photos) - TiVo Community & Store

by the end of next month i will have nearly 40 hd channels including hbo hd. the 622dvr kicks butt over any dvr comcast offers, the new mpeg 4 signals are producing far better hd pq than anyone expected, I have a dvr for each of my 4 televisions (2 hd dvrs), and i'm paying only $90.00 per month.Hmm. I was under the impression that the 622 has its own set of problems. I'm very familiar with previous Dish receivers and DVR's, and my Comcast box is no worse than any of them, better than some.

Also, I've seen mention of some low power issue with the 129 satellite (home of much of those 40 HD channels) wherein lots of people lose signal in any kind of inclement weather, even windy conditions.

And, as far as pricing goes: for Digital Preferred w/HBO, and HD/DVR service, Comcast is roughly the same ($97) as Dish 250 with Locals, HBO, HD, and DVR. ($99) So, I'm not sure how you are getting so much for $90, unless you are posting the special promo pricing. But, in the long run, Comcast is actually $2 cheaper than Dish for roughly the same program, with much better picture quality. (before taxes)

Plus, there's no commitment with Comcast. You don't like it, cancel it. It'll cost you $240 to cancel Dish.

Finally, Dish's OnDemand is small to non-existent. That is a HUGE feature of Comcast, and one that is used frequently in my household. I'm not sure I could give that up, quite frankly.

I hope you enjoy Dish. But, for me, I have never looked back after switching FROM Dish to Comcast. But, I live in a pretty decent Comcast area.

BTW, I thought they only allow ONE 622 per account. How did you get two? Did you have to pay an add'l upgrade fee? Do they still charge an upgrade fee for the first 622? (It used to be $200.)

Most of the HD channels are encrypted, especially HBO and the like. If you got a HTPC you'd need one with a CableCard tuner built-in, but right now you can only get CableCard 1.0, which is dead as dead can be, so you're better off waiting for 2.0 (unless the cablecos manage to kill it off too).

Most of the HD channels are encrypted, especially HBO and the like. If you got a HTPC you'd need one with a CableCard tuner built-in, but right now you can only get CableCard 1.0, which is dead as dead can be, so you're better off waiting for 2.0 (unless the cablecos manage to kill it off too).would the 5c encryption be a problem for the CableCard?

What about for something like the "Hauppauge WinTV-HVR 1600 TV Tuner". Would I be able to record/pause/rewind HD shows (including HBO series shows)?

I guess I'm not clear whether the roadblock is from the cable provider or the hardware since I'm guessing things like CableCards work?

My apologies for the very basic questions. I know nothing of CableCards, but I'm reading the wikipedia entry now. Thanks

I finally upgraded my Comcast cable service to digtial HD. I got an old Motorola DCT 5100 box from a local Comcast office and was told that it's the only one model available in Bay area, unless I upgrade it to DVR.

Is it really the case?

I finally upgraded my Comcast cable service to digtial HD. I got an old Motorola DCT 5100 box from a local Comcast office and was told that it's the only one model available in Bay area, unless I upgrade it to DVR.

Is it really the case?

DCT6200s are in the mix too.

Just where are all those consumer electronics companies with their OCAP boxes?

Dave, do you know if the DCH units being deployed now or in the near future are using OCAP to implement their UI and 2-way services? Have the head-ends been upgraded to support OCAP-based STBs?

I have heard that the current DCH models have options to be OCAP-based in the future, but in the near-term are actually not using OCAP nor are they implemented using a CC/OpenCable2.0 portable platform. There was mention of a new category called NPH - non-portable host, created for the July deadline, for an environment where separable security was mandatory, but OCAP was not yet available for deployment.

If that is the case, I think it is a little early to be asking about OCAP-based CEA devices, especially since the CEA companies seem to still be at odds with NCTA over portions of the CC/OC2.0 spec.

Why am I only getting Dolby 2.0 with the VOD titles "The Fifth Element HD" and "Starship TroopersHD"? I realize they are free but... does that mean they don't come with 5.1 soundtracks?

SFHub -
Is there a definitive way to find out at the tech level? What I know is that C* says it's in compliance with the FCC rule. Really, the remark was just a stab at the whole thing, given the frustrations of the internal deadlines and zig zagging within the workplace over it. So happy it's over and our team handled it very good.

The DCH boxes provision just like a cable card device - enter host info, enter ccard info, bond and it's up and running. Only difference is that the ccards are specified as 2-way for the first time.

I was privvy to that newly announced Tivo S3 lite a while ago. They gave us some walkthroughs and education about it and how it provisions. I hope that it helps when they start showing up in customer homes.

SFHub -
Is there a definitive way to find out at the tech level? What I know is that C* says it's in compliance with the FCC rule. Really, the remark was just a stab at the whole thing, given the frustrations of the internal deadlines and zig zagging within the workplace over it. So happy it's over and our team handled it very good.

The DCH boxes provision just like a cable card device - enter host info, enter ccard info, bond and it's up and running. Only difference is that the ccards are specified as 2-way for the first time.

I was privvy to that newly announced Tivo S3 lite a while ago. They gave us some walkthroughs and education about it and how it provisions. I hope that it helps when they start showing up in customer homes.
Dave,
Did they say if the new Tivo Lite's host hardware was bi-directional or is it like the S3 uni-directional ??

Laters,
Mikef5

SFHub -
Is there a definitive way to find out at the tech level? What I know is that C* says it's in compliance with the FCC rule.
I would think on the Dxx status screens one of them would say something about OCAP if it was built on that platform.

http://www.tivocommunity.com/tivo-vb/showthread.php?p=5343810&&#post5343810

"Since OCAP is not a prerequisite and most MSOs will not have a complete
OCAP head-end and system architecture implemented by July 2007, Motorola
provided an alternative reduced-risk solution known as the Non-Portable Host
(NPH) or leased set-top.

The Motorola Non-Portable Host provides MSOs with a separable security
solution having equivalent functionality to current embedded (DCT) set-tops. The
NPH solution provides MSOs with a transition path to separable security set-tops
to address the FCC ban with a migration path to future OCAP deployment.
Manufactured under CableLabs' Non-Portable Host license, these special
set-tops cannot be sold at retail and are not CableLabs Host
2.0-compliant." - Motorola

Dave,
Did they say if the new Tivo Lite's host hardware was bi-directional or is it like the S3 uni-directional ??

Laters,
Mikef5

Not at the time. Did do multistream though.

Has anyone recently had problems with playback of HD programs on their DVR or Tivo S3? I'm in one of the 550 MHz slums in Sunnyvale, and recently, my Tivo S3 is having problems playing back HD recordings. While viewing HD programs live or at 1x is fine, I am unable to fast forward, rewind, or resume and HD recordings from where I left off once they are completed. I was just wondering if anyone else in the area is having similar issues or if something changed with the way Comcast is sending out its QAM signals. I have had problems with FOX, NBC, and CBS for the last few days... I first noticed the problem on Wednesday. The Tivo CSR I spoke with earlier today claims to have never heard of this problem. It seems to me like a conspiracy to force DVR users to watch commercials. :( Note that old HD recordings from before last week still play back just fine, so I don't think it's anything wrong with the Tivo box, and I've had no problems for the last few months. Up until now, the Tivo S3 has knocked the socks off the Comcast DVR.

Has anybody had any issues with the audio on channel 7? I haven't had any audio on that channel for a coupla days. Cannels 6 and 8 are OK. Channel 707 is OK. But, no audio on 7.

I even re-booted by unplugging power. No dice. Are there any other ways to reset the box? Or, could it be a headend issue? I have a 3412, so maybe there could be something wrong with their digital broadcast of 7 only in my area? (San Jose Northeast)

Has anyone recently had problems with playback of HD programs on their DVR or Tivo S3? I'm in one of the 550 MHz slums in Sunnyvale, and recently, my Tivo S3 is having problems playing back HD recordings. While viewing HD programs live or at 1x is fine, I am unable to fast forward, rewind, or resume and HD recordings from where I left off once they are completed. I was just wondering if anyone else in the area is having similar issues or if something changed with the way Comcast is sending out its QAM signals. I have had problems with FOX, NBC, and CBS for the last few days... I first noticed the problem on Wednesday. The Tivo CSR I spoke with earlier today claims to have never heard of this problem. It seems to me like a conspiracy to force DVR users to watch commercials. :( Note that old HD recordings from before last week still play back just fine, so I don't think it's anything wrong with the Tivo box, and I've had no problems for the last few months. Up until now, the Tivo S3 has knocked the socks off the Comcast DVR.
I am also in the Sunnyvale slums, but have not had any problems with playback on any hd programs on the comcast dvr.

On another note, has anyone heard about the timeframe when Sunnyvale will be upgraded or at least have some of the newer channels that Saramilgatos have now? When I stopped at the local comcast office, the lady said sometime next year... maybe... :(

Steve

Hello has ANYBODY recievied or know where I can exchange my 6412 for a 6416 in the Bay Area?? Will drive..

Has anybody had any issues with the audio on channel 7? I haven't had any audio on that channel for a coupla days. Cannels 6 and 8 are OK. Channel 707 is OK. But, no audio on 7.

I even re-booted by unplugging power. No dice. Are there any other ways to reset the box? Or, could it be a headend issue? I have a 3412, so maybe there could be something wrong with their digital broadcast of 7 only in my area? (San Jose Northeast)

Audio is just fine in Rohnert Park this AM. I never go to channel 7, just 707, so I had to go there just to answer this question. It might be time to call a CSR.

On another note, has anyone heard about the timeframe when Sunnyvale will be upgraded or at least have some of the newer channels that Saramilgatos have now? When I stopped at the local comcast office, the lady said sometime next year... maybe... :(

Steve

I did get a letter in late May (I think it was around then...) saying that our area would be upgraded in the next 2 to 3 months. For what it's worth, I have seen a few more trucks/vans around the area doing actual pole work (including one truck with a large "Contractor for Comcast" magnet on the side of it).

Audio is just fine in Rohnert Park this AM. I never go to channel 7, just 707, so I had to go there just to answer this question. It might be time to call a CSR.
Crap. My wife has a lot of garbage (I mean recorded events) on the DVR that she hasn't watched yet. OTOH, I guess swapping the box is a good reason for her to get off her ass or start deleting!

What's up with the Guide now? A few months ago they added logos and ads to the bottom - Can that be disabled?

i know...it irks me that this came back. (i recall protesting/complaining before and they removed it) i have been gone from home (out of the country) for a few months and i came back to this.

what makes it more annoying that that the ad "is selectable" so it really slows down "scrolling" through the guide.

I am also in the Sunnyvale slums, but have not had any problems with playback on any hd programs on the comcast dvr.

On another note, has anyone heard about the timeframe when Sunnyvale will be upgraded or at least have some of the newer channels that Saramilgatos have now? When I stopped at the local comcast office, the lady said sometime next year... maybe... :(

Steve

Thanks for following up on that. I'd be curious if there are any S3 users out there in Sunnyvale with problems with HD playback. Hopefully this problem is gone now... I had no problems with my HD recordings on HBO last night.

I have not received any letter about upgrades yet. Perhaps not all areas of Sunnyvale are being upgraded at the same time? :( I thought we are all supposed to be upgraded by next June at the latest.

TiVo HD. should i get one? i've blasted the S3 for being so expensive. but at 300 bucks + programming i might make the jump. anyone wanna run the numbers for me? i would probably save 11.99 by returning my DVR, but have to add 1.79 for dual cable cards... sorry i'm kinda lazy on my end due to long hours in the office (which makes the bigger hard drive on the TiVo + SATA that much more important to me).

TiVo HD. should i get one? i've blasted the S3 for being so expensive. but at 300 bucks + programming i might make the jump. anyone wanna run the numbers for me? i would probably save 11.99 by returning my DVR, but have to add 1.79 for dual cable cards... sorry i'm kinda lazy on my end due to long hours in the office (which makes the bigger hard drive on the TiVo + SATA that much more important to me).

It depends if you have other STB's besides your DVR. I ended up saving $18/month since I was paying the DVR + additional outlet fee. I now pay $14.90/month for the Tivo (1 year pre-paid) + $1.79 for the cards. So I'm only saving $1.30/month. But I figure the upfront hardware cost is worth it for the larger/expandable storage, Tivo features, and the lack of remote delay.

On a side note, they're also reporting TivoToGo will be coming soon for both S3 models (albeit only SD recordings can be transfered).

no remote delay you say?? SOLD.

Just ordered mine. Anything to be rid of the Comcast Moto box. Well, not ANYthing...$799 was too much. Hopefully this one will be JUST right!

They quote shipping in 14-21 days. We'll see.

I'm considering jumping on the Tivo HD bandwagon as well. In general, have the the cable card installations in San Francisco improved? Also, what fees are associated with the cable cards? We currently subscribe to digital classic and HDTV. We'll definitely want two CC's and the same subscription package.

Thanks.

We'll definitely want two CC's

If they have the M-Cards, you need only one.

If they have the M-Cards, you need only one.

I was considering getting a TiVO HD to record the cable HD QAM on the clear channels (i.e. ABC, NBC, CW, PBS, CBS.) Will TiVO HD be able to do so without the cable card(s)?

Thanks,
Durny1

I was considering getting a TiVO HD to record the cable HD QAM on the clear channels (i.e. ABC, NBC, CW, PBS, CBS.) Will TiVO HD be able to do so without the cable card(s)?

Thanks,
Durny1

Without CableCards, you have to find the clear QAM channels yourself and record by manual programming, which is not practical. As of now, TiVo does not support manual QAM channel mapping. I have limited basic only, so QAM channel mapping is the only reason I have CableCards for the S3.

If I wasn't afraid of owning a boat anchor when/if they go to SDV or MPEG4, I'd snap one of those up.

It's gotten so bad, I have about a 50% sucess rate of typing in channel number, if it's a 2-digit channel.

If it's 3-digit that falls to about 20%....

I'm considering jumping on the Tivo HD bandwagon as well. In general, have the the cable card installations in San Francisco improved? Also, what fees are associated with the cable cards? We currently subscribe to digital classic and HDTV. We'll definitely want two CC's and the same subscription package.

Thanks.

Yes, installations have been remarkably better. Mine took about 20 minutes. As for fees, it's $1.79 for the cable cards. If this is your only outlet (i.e. you don't have another STB throughout your house) then that's all you'll be paying. If you do have another STB then you'll have to pay the Additional Outlet fee which, I believe, runs around $8 now.

Without CableCards, you have to find the clear QAM channels yourself and record by manual programming, which is not practical. As of now, TiVo does not support manual QAM channel mapping. I have limited basic only, so QAM channel mapping is the only reason I have CableCards for the S3.
I wish TiVo would just allow OTA style channel #s to map to QAM channels. If they did that, people with limited basic wouldn't need CableCARDs just for channel mapping, which seems like a waste. I think most Bay Area systems have the PSIP channel mapping information passing through correct now, but TiVo doesn't have any way to specify 7.1 channel guide data should record from the cable/QAM tuner.

Yes, installations have been remarkably better. Mine took about 20 minutes. As for fees, it's $1.79 for the cable cards. If this is your only outlet (i.e. you don't have another STB throughout your house) then that's all you'll be paying. If you do have another STB then you'll have to pay the Additional Outlet fee which, I believe, runs around $8 now.

It's comforting to know that the installs have gotten better. Are the CSR's more familiar with HD Tivos or is it still necessary to explain that the two CC's I'm requesting are for one outlet (with respect to billing)? Also, we're currently paying $11.95 for "DVR Service with HDTV". Am I correct in assuming that while this fee will no longer apply, the $7.00 HDTV fee will? Am I missing anything else aside from the Standard Cable and Digital Package fees?

If they have the M-Cards, you need only one.

You will still need two. The unit is designed for S-cards, not M-cards. Hopefully, Tivo will come out with a unit that has one card slot for an M-card and one for an S-card. If that occurs, the cable company would be able to install one M-card or install two S-cards, depending on availability.

You will still need two. The unit is designed for S-cards, not M-cards. Hopefully, Tivo will come out with a unit that has one card slot for an M-card and one for an S-card. If that occurs, the cable company would be able to install one M-card or install two S-cards, depending on availability.
Both the TiVo HD and S3 have 1 M-Card capable slot with both slots being S-Card capable, from a hardware perspective.

The TiVo HD is shipping with M-Stream/M-Mode software/driver support enabled. The TiVo S3 does not have M-Stream/M-Mode support so the M-Cards work in S-Mode (ie they work, but behave like S-Cards) There are various posts that say TiVo S3 will get M-Stream/M-Mode support later in the year. The reason the feature does not immediately get inherited by the S3 is the CableCARD control hardware is different between TiVo HD and S3.

Of course we have to wait until someone installs a single M-Card to be sure the stated feature works, but they have said M-Stream is enabled on the TiVo HD so we just need to verify, as opposed to S3 where they are saying it only works in S-Mode and will need an update before it can work in M-Mode.

Question re: TIVO"

Does TIVO HD (or s3 for that matter) have to be continuously hooked up to a broadband connection? What about settling for most of the time, but when my friends come over to play some online games and I unhook that ethernet cable and plug it into 360 or PS3 for a few hours, will everything still work?

TiVo HD. should i get one? i've blasted the S3 for being so expensive. but at 300 bucks + programming i might make the jump. anyone wanna run the numbers for me? i would probably save 11.99 by returning my DVR, but have to add 1.79 for dual cable cards... sorry i'm kinda lazy on my end due to long hours in the office (which makes the bigger hard drive on the TiVo + SATA that much more important to me).

Are you cool with giving up On Demand? Keep in mind that is still an issue even with TiVo HD. Probably going to be a dealbreaker for me since the wife loves on demand and they do keep increasing the amount of HD content on demand (Especially if you have premium channels).

Question re: TIVO"

Does TIVO HD (or s3 for that matter) have to be continuously hooked up to a broadband connection? What about settling for most of the time, but when my friends come over to play some online games and I unhook that ethernet cable and plug it into 360 or PS3 for a few hours, will everything still work?

1. no
2. yes

I would just get an ethernet switch ($10 or less) so you don't have to keep plugging/unplugging the cables.

Question re: TIVO"

Does TIVO HD (or s3 for that matter) have to be continuously hooked up to a broadband connection? What about settling for most of the time, but when my friends come over to play some online games and I unhook that ethernet cable and plug it into 360 or PS3 for a few hours, will everything still work?
Yes, it will still work fine. But eventually it will need to be hooked back up or you will not have any guide data. I've had mine disconnected for days at a time with no ill effects.

1. no
2. yes

I would just get an ethernet switch ($10 or less) so you don't have to keep plugging/unplugging the cables.
That is the best solution, I kept switching the cable every time I needed to update the PS3 or the HD-A1, I finally just got a switch and 3 short patch cables and haven't touched it since. Plus I have a spare port for a future AVR or laptop for doing FW updates on my VP50.

Without CableCards, you have to find the clear QAM channels yourself and record by manual programming, which is not practical. As of now, TiVo does not support manual QAM channel mapping. I have limited basic only, so QAM channel mapping is the only reason I have CableCards for the S3.

Thanks, C3.
You got your CableCards from Comcast?

Durny1

You got your CableCards from Comcast?

yes

Since I will probably have to swap out my 3412 for a new box due to the audio problem on channel 7, I was wondering if anybody knew if they had 3416's at the Santa Clara or Milpitas offices. I'd like to get a little more hdd space if I'm gonna get a new box. (Actually, is the Milpitas office even open?)

Yeah I gave up on that and ended up just building my own HD DVR with the HDHomeRun. Very short sighted of Tivo, but then again, I had been waiting for an HD Tivo for 4+ years and a dual tuner Tivo for 5+ years before they finally decided to release one. Kinda sad, considering when I got my Series 1, I thought it was the greatest thing ever and was singing it's praises like crazy. Now my Tivo is just my backup to my backup.


I wish TiVo would just allow OTA style channel #s to map to QAM channels. If they did that, people with limited basic wouldn't need CableCARDs just for channel mapping, which seems like a waste. I think most Bay Area systems have the PSIP channel mapping information passing through correct now, but TiVo doesn't have any way to specify 7.1 channel guide data should record from the cable/QAM tuner.

Since I will probably have to swap out my 3412 for a new box due to the audio problem on channel 7, I was wondering if anybody knew if they had 3416's at the Santa Clara or Milpitas offices. I'd like to get a little more hdd space if I'm gonna get a new box. (Actually, is the Milpitas office even open?)
Milpitas has still not been upgraded so we are still using the 64xx boxes, not even doing digital simulcasting which means no 34xx boxes in our area :rolleyes:
The office is open just not much reason to go there.

Laters,
Mikef5

Milpitas has still not been upgraded so we are still using the 64xx boxes, not even doing digital simulcasting which means no 34xx boxes in our area :rolleyes:
The office is open just not much reason to go there.

Laters,
Mikef5I thought that the Milpitas office served customers from the North SJ area, due to proximity, and that they might stock boxes that work on our system. I guess not.

I thought that the Milpitas office served customers from the North SJ area, due to proximity, and that they might stock boxes that work on our system. I guess not.

All service centers should have a stock of 3416s, some have less than others due to space/demand.

Milpitas office is open after that lengthly remodel.

Thanks. That's just what I was hoping!

Do I specifically ask for a 3416, or is that currently what they give to customers in ADS areas?

Thanks. That's just what I was hoping!

Do I specifically ask for a 3416, or is that currently what they give to customers in ADS areas?

ask for a DVR with HDMI, that's the best bet.

All service centers should have a stock of 3416s, some have less than others due to space/demand.

Milpitas office is open after that lengthly remodel.
Dave,
The last time I was at the Milpitas office they specifically said they had no 34xx boxes and that there was a waiting list for the 64xx DVR's, but then again they never got off their butts to do a physical check, they only looked in the computer and said they had none. They did say the computer showed that the San Jose office had some and I could go there and to have a good day..... :rolleyes:

Laters,
Mikef5

ask for a DVR with HDMI, that's the best bet.I would imagine that since I will be turning in a 3412, they would at least replace it in kind, at minimum, which would be a DVR with HDMI (3412).

But, I'm looking for that extra 40G of storage, as long as I'm replacing it.

they only looked in the computer and said they had none. They did say the computer showed that the San Jose office had some and I could go there and to have a good day..... :rolleyes:

Just like going to Fry's for that $29 1gb memory SIMM. . . they can tell by the computer screen, it's in there.

The 10th st office is very busy - but they have the luxury of being in the same building as the rest of the operations and get restocked more often according to demand.

Now - here's the $64,000 question. What will happen first - an infusion of 64xx boxes or ADS everywhere?

Now - here's the $64,000 question. What will happen first - an infusion of 64xx boxes or ADS everywhere?
Or will all the 550 MHz systems get upgraded first so we can even use half the stuff that's available on Comcast ??? :rolleyes:
Getting antsy here Dave... :p

Laters,
Mikef5

Or will all the 550 MHz systems get upgraded first so we can even use half the stuff that's available on Comcast ??? :rolleyes:
Getting antsy here Dave... :p

550s can't get ADS without an upgrade. It goes hand in hand. I want it as bad as you do . .

Or will all the 550 MHz systems get upgraded first so we can even use half the stuff that's available on Comcast ??? :rolleyes:
Getting antsy here Dave... :p

Laters,
Mikef5
Good news for the Sunnyvale slum customers, my area(101 and Matilda) has been having service outages during the daytime the past two days. It seems as though they are actually working on the service upgrades, I hope.

my area (mtn view, near rt85) has been up and down (mostly down) the last 2 days.

I'm a 'free' subscriber (apt. complex gets free 'basic' cable even if you aren't a subscriber) and I've been getting HDHOMERUN-based signal for a few months, now (hdhr is a hardware networked box that tunes qam256).

I wasn't sure if this was comcast screwing around (trapping out our building) or what.

sounds like others in the local area are also seeing service outages?

Tonight I seem to have lost 723 - ESPN-HD (no signal at all)

724 ESPN 2-HD is fine.

??

ESPN is carrying the Giants game, so there could be a local conflict.

That would do it, but the guide shows something else.

The guide is wrong I guess.

The game does look good on 720 - FSN, with the Giants busting out all those runs and BB homering that is :)

ESPN in the guide shows Sports Center in Seattle. I just stumbled onto the game (after the first inning).

Hi Everyone,

I'm in Walnut Creek, which I believe was upgraded within the last 6 months. How do I know if they have enabled ADS in my area? I have called Comcast numerous times, and each time they have no clue what ADS is. I can tell my lower channels are still analog because the TiVo gives me the option to change the recording quality on only those channel. However, when I try to explain it to the CSRs, they insist that I'm already getting everything digitally. Is there a special department that I should ask for to get ADS enabled or is there a specific phrase that I should use to get them to turn it on?

Thanks,
Jason

Hi Everyone,

I'm in Walnut Creek, which I believe was upgraded within the last 6 months. How do I know if they have enabled ADS in my area? I have called Comcast numerous times, and each time they have no clue what ADS is. I can tell my lower channels are still analog because the TiVo gives me the option to change the recording quality on only those channel. However, when I try to explain it to the CSRs, they insist that I'm already getting everything digitally. Is there a special department that I should ask for to get ADS enabled or is there a specific phrase that I should use to get them to turn it on?
Thanks,
Jason

Set your first tuner to channel 2. Next swap tuners, and set that one to channel 5. Now, turn the DVR off and within 2 seconds press Select/OK. Go down to D04 and press Select/OK. If both channels say 256QAM you are ADS. If they say analog, then there you are. If you don't have a DVR, just set the channel to 2 and follow the same instructions. Turn the DVR back on and you have been enlightened. And, no, they can't selectively turn your ADS on, it is a head-end wide deal. Everyone has it or no one does. If you have no Comcast box at all perhaps one of your neighbors does and you can check it there.

Jason, call your local office and ask if they have DCT-700, DCT-3412, or DCT-3416. If they do, then your area can get ADS. Either that or try asking Barovelli.

Speaking of ADS, how IS the picture quality of the simulcast channels, vs very good analog and also vs other digital channels? Is it low-res or closer to full 720x480? Bitrate OK or lots of compression artifacts?

My Tivo S3 has very good picture quality on digital SD channels so far, and while my analog is very good, I'm pondering asking Comcast to activate ADS mapping for my cable cards, partly for quality and partly to save space...
but a bit worried if the quality isn't as good, then comcast will muck up the ADS status changeover back to analog on my cards, seeing as how they couldn't get my copy-protection pairing ever correct...

Everyone has it or no one does. If you have no Comcast box at all perhaps one of your neighbors does and you can check it there.

This is not true. First Comcast should be doing ADS at the headend of course. And the cable box should also be instructed to Digital channel instead of the analog version. Comcast does it them for some receivers all by them selves or you need to some how get it.

Most successful way to get ADS enabled in the past has been to get a DCT-700 or 31xx box (and return it after it works).

To check if ADS is on, you can scan for 'clear QAM' channels on your tv and check if you find some channels like CNN some channel between 30 and 80 is in digital clear QAM. If it true then mostly you ADS on.

Depends on the channel, some are only using 500-something x 480 resolution. The ones that use the full 704x480 look decent, especially satellite-sourced or direct feed channels. Versus very good analog, they are probably no better or even a little bit worse looking, but vs. average or below averag analog, the digital versions are usually better.

Is this serious? I turn on ESPN to watch some random sport events and watch the ticker to check out some scores and what do I find? F*****G ESPN-Deportes being run over ESPN for BULLRIDING!!!!

I am not paying for this. If I wanted ESPN-Deportes I would subscribe to the comcast mexican (or whatever it is call) package.

I am so sick of Comcast pulling this type of thing. I am so sick of being nickeled and dimed for channels especially HD. I wish i could change but I can't. I am so glad that the government is doing its job to promote competition.

Last time I checked, Comcast does not control ESPN programming.

Thanks. That's just what I was hoping!

Do I specifically ask for a 3416, or is that currently what they give to customers in ADS areas?

I went to the 10th Street office in San Jose to exchange my 6412 PII which was crashing once every second day and they gave me a brand new 3416 without really asking for it. For what it's worth the guy said they just started giving those yesterday. I did however see other people leaving the Comcast office with 6412s, I'm not sure what their criteria is to give those.

Depends on the channel, some are only using 500-something x 480 resolution. The ones that use the full 704x480 look decent, especially satellite-sourced or direct feed channels.
Last time I checked my system, all the ADS channels were 704x480. That wasn't true of all the digital cable channels though.

I did however see other people leaving the Comcast office with 6412s, I'm not sure what their criteria is to give those.

To be blessed with a 6412 requires the one to reside in an exclusive, reserved part of town, a 550 system :p

But 6200 HD non-dvrs look the same as a 6412 - 'cept for the hdd.

And the Walnut Creek ADS question. Ummm, not sure. I don't wander north of 237. The channel scan option may be the best answer. Since the OP said he lived in a bulk complex, I'd have to ask if there is any CCTV tied in with that 'free' cable? Security and/or on-site injected video may filter out some channels.

Thanks Everyone for all the responses!


Set your first tuner to channel 2. Next swap tuners, and set that one to channel 5. Now, turn the DVR off and within 2 seconds press Select/OK. Go down to D04 and press Select/OK. If both channels say 256QAM you are ADS. If they say analog, then there you are. If you don't have a DVR, just set the channel to 2 and follow the same instructions. Turn the DVR back on and you have been enlightened. And, no, they can't selectively turn your ADS on, it is a head-end wide deal. Everyone has it or no one does. If you have no Comcast box at all perhaps one of your neighbors does and you can check it there.
bobby94928, I just did that on my 6412 DVR, and both tuners say "ANALOG".



Jason, call your local office and ask if they have DCT-700, DCT-3412, or DCT-3416. If they do, then your area can get ADS. Either that or try asking Barovelli.
sfhub, I'm pretty sure that our local office had the DCT-700 available last month when they were giving them away with no additional digital outlet fees for a year. I'll check again on Monday.



Most successful way to get ADS enabled in the past has been to get a DCT-700 or 31xx box (and return it after it works).

To check if ADS is on, you can scan for 'clear QAM' channels on your tv and check if you find some channels like CNN some channel between 30 and 80 is in digital clear QAM. If it true then mostly you ADS on.
raghu1111, I didn't have any viewable digital channels between 30 and 80 other than 44-1 (KBCW). So I guess I'll temporarily get a DCT700 and see if that does the trick.


Also, one more question... once ADS is activated, will that mean I have to have a digital box on each TV, or will I still be able to have one of them still just hooked up directly to cable for the analog stations.

Thanks again everyone, I appreciate all your help!

Jason

Last time I checked my system, all the ADS channels were 704x480. That wasn't true of all the digital cable channels though.


Thanks both of you, I may try it for the heck of it, if so I will report back on status & comparison (and if Comcast even does it right.)
Have to try recording a show in analog , switching, then the simulcast repeat... :)

I just did an experiment. I recorded an HBO movie to my 6412, and during playback it had video and audio stuttering. This seems to happen often when I record something in HD. Anyway, this time, I simply reversed the playback a couple of times using replay, and the stuttering went away. This was well into the movie.
In the past, I had assumed that the recording itself was faulty because the incoming signal had the artifacts. But, in fact, it seems that the original program was recorded properly and it was the DVR playback that introduced the stuttering.
Anyway, is this a known problem? Is there a simple workaround, like doing a rewind right at the beginning of the playback or something else?
Thanks
Mike

I just did an experiment. I recorded an HBO movie to my 6412, and during playback it had video and audio stuttering. This seems to happen often when I record something in HD. Anyway, this time, I simply reversed the playback a couple of times using replay, and the stuttering went away. This was well into the movie.
In the past, I had assumed that the recording itself was faulty because the incoming signal had the artifacts. But, in fact, it seems that the original program was recorded properly and it was the DVR playback that introduced the stuttering.
Anyway, is this a known problem? Is there a simple workaround, like doing a rewind right at the beginning of the playback or something else?
Thanks
Mike

Had a similar experience recently, and simply pausing the dvr, and then continuing it, did the job of eliminating the stuttering.

That's not normal at all. I can watch HD programs all day long with no stuttering. I would have the box exchanged.

Also, one more question... once ADS is activated, will that mean I have to have a digital box on each TV, or will I still be able to have one of them still just hooked up directly to cable for the analog stations."ADS" means analog-digital-simulcast - meaning both are broadcast at the same time, so no - you don't need digital tuners, the analog (NTSC) channels are still there with "ADS".

Now, once they remove the analog channels, which is the whole point of putting out the digital versions, then yes you'll need a digital (QAM) tuner on each TV. That's why they are giving out all those free DCT-700s.

"ADS" means analog-digital-simulcast - meaning both are broadcast at the same time, so no - you don't need digital tuners, the analog (NTSC) channels are still there with "ADS".

Now, once they remove the analog channels, which is the whole point of putting out the digital versions, then yes you'll need a digital (QAM) tuner on each TV. That's why they are giving out all those free DCT-700s.

OK that makes sense. Thanks for the explanation!

Jason

I just did an experiment. I recorded an HBO movie to my 6412, and during playback it had video and audio stuttering. This seems to happen often when I record something in HD. Anyway, this time, I simply reversed the playback a couple of times using replay, and the stuttering went away. This was well into the movie.
In the past, I had assumed that the recording itself was faulty because the incoming signal had the artifacts. But, in fact, it seems that the original program was recorded properly and it was the DVR playback that introduced the stuttering.
Anyway, is this a known problem? Is there a simple workaround, like doing a rewind right at the beginning of the playback or something else?
Thanks
Mike

One secret to general stuttering (but mostly re harddisk noise) is to tune both tuners to a digital music station (which is basically static), so that the workload on the harddisk (and other HW like cpu/encoders) is removed. No more disk chatters/seeks, and rest of the UI/system should be more responsive eg for playback.
Obviously won't help if you're recording something else (especially HD) while you play back something else, but...

I went to the 10th Street office in San Jose to exchange my 6412 PII which was crashing once every second day and they gave me a brand new 3416 without really asking for it. For what it's worth the guy said they just started giving those yesterday. I did however see other people leaving the Comcast office with 6412s, I'm not sure what their criteria is to give those.
I stopped into the 10st office today to exchange my dct3412 because of the audio issue. I got a shiny new DCH3416. But, I did ask specifically for one of the "new boxes".

I haven't hooked it up yet. Still at work. But, the front panel is WAYYYYY better looking than the DCT34xx/64xx. Plus, the CSR said the remote responds much quicker. Combine those two with the bigger hard drive, and it should be great.

Anybody using a DCH3416 here? How would you compare it with the DCT34xx/64xx?

Hm, gonna have to call my local office asap!

In case anybody is wondering what they look like...

http://broadband.motorola.com/business/digitalvideo/product_dch3416_settop.asp

I stopped into the 10st office today to exchange my dct3412 because of the audio issue. I got a shiny new DCH3416. But, I did ask specifically for one of the "new boxes".

I haven't hooked it up yet. Still at work. But, the front panel is WAYYYYY better looking than the DCT34xx/64xx. Plus, the CSR said the remote responds much quicker. Combine those two with the bigger hard drive, and it should be great.

Anybody using a DCH3416 here? How would you compare it with the DCT34xx/64xx?

Anyone? This is big news. I am hoping PQ is better, because I've heard people with TiVo S3's have noted a better PQ (Since it's not a typical motorola box doing the processing), but this new thing. I have hope (for a change)!


Note: Just saw the manual, still have to select a resolution. :mad: Is Motorola incapable of just passing through a signal??? I'd rather have my TV upconvert native signals to 1080p than to have any box take, say, 720p material, convert to 1080i, which my TV converts to 1080p.

I'll be able to tell you in about an hour or so. But, quite frankly, I never had a problem with PQ from the DCT3412 and my Panasonic LCD HDTV. Most of the SD channels looked pretty darn good, especially the digital channels above 100. (I realize they are all digital with the 3412. But, the ADS channels didn't look as good as the purely digital channels). HD looked phenomenal, even blown up on a 92" diagonal screen through a 720p Hitachi projector.

The only room for improvement I could see is with the ADS channels. But, I would think that's probably on the head-end.

Anyone? This is big news. I am hoping PQ is better, because I've heard people with TiVo S3's have noted a better PQ (Since it's not a typical motorola box doing the processing), but this new thing. I have hope (for a change)!.

the madness begins.

I've had one since early June. Nothing real different from the DCT, but PQ was never an issue with that. PG&E did manage to fry it though. Now the XBR400 is powering off randomly. Must be close to replacement time ;)

Look out for the pairing error overlay. And do not take the Mcard out to put in something else.

Look out for the pairing error overlay. And do not take the Mcard out to put in something else.Do you mean the translucent error message that appears when trying to play an OnDemand program? How can this be fixed? We use OnDemand quite often. And, if this happens every time, it will be unacceptable.

Also, a warning to those who will be self-installing one of these units: The original CSR at the office said I shouldn't have to call in to activate, unless it doesn't work after an hour. WRONG. You need to call in to activate it. Then, the first two CSR's I spoke to on the phone tried to activate it the same way the older boxes are activated, by simply sending a hit to the box only. WRONG. Finally, I got a CSR on the phone who knew what he was doing, and activated both the box and card via a two-step process.

It seems like the ADS channels do look a little better than they did on my previous DCT boxes. It could be psychological. However, I don't notice any improvementin the SD digital or the HD channels.

It does seem to respond quicker to the remote. And, I haven't had any of those remote logjams so common in the DCT units.

The front panel is much more attractive than the DCT's.

The TV Guide software appears to look and work the same. (Including those stupid ads in the EPG.

I can't get the Closed Captioning to look as good. I'm still playing with it. It took me a while with the DCT3412. The 6412 looked fine out of the gate. Unfortunately, the closed caption options are still configured through the "power off" menu. The fact that it is done this way, and not through the onscreen menu, is the absolute stupidest design flaw I have ever seen in a consumer electronic device.

Do you mean the translucent error message that appears when trying to play an OnDemand program? How can this be fixed? We use OnDemand quite often. And, if this happens every time, it will be unacceptable.

Call repair service they should be able to fix it. Self installs have been available for only a couple days there, it's a common mistake.

Anyone else having problems with the cable programing today ?? I'm missing about 28 channels and the analog channels are just about unviewable. I wanted to check other areas to make sure this is not a local problem before I call Comcast and bitch. Thanks.

Laters,
Mikef5

All seems to be OK in Rohnert Park this morning Mike. Must be a local issue.

All seems to be OK in Rohnert Park this morning Mike. Must be a local issue.
Thanks Bobby, I was afraid of that. I called Comcast and got the recorded message about them knowing about the problem with the cable and that they are working on getting it fixed but they said the same thing yesterday so I'm a little perplexed on their ability to get this fixed any time soon :rolleyes: If they screw up the Giants game tonight then I'll really be pissed.

Laters,
Mikef5

Call repair service they should be able to fix it. Self installs have been available for only a couple days there, it's a common mistake.Can you clarify? Do you mean they can fix it remotely? Or, does it involve a truck roll? Is this common where there's a translucent error message regarding the cable card, only triggered when trying to view an OnDemand program?

Can anyone recommend a slightly stronger 2-way digital cable amp than the motorola with 15db boost... with same quality? I need to order something quick...

http://www.amazon.com/Motorola-484095-001-00-Signal-Booster/dp/B000066E6Y

Thanks in advance!

DCH authorization UPDATE:

OK. Apparently, it's a three step process. It took a two step process just to get my box to receive regular programming. But, when I tried to play OnDemand programs, I would get a CableCard pairing error ("one-way RF"). I called up, and the CSR's supervisor had him do a third step, which apparently activated the two-way communications of the card.

Also, it seems that the improved PQ of the DCH is not in my imagination. My wife noticed it too. It was quite obvious, actually. So far, this new box is pretty good, other than the activation woes.

Can anyone recommend a slightly stronger 2-way digital cable amp than the motorola with 15db boost... with same quality? I need to order something quick...

http://www.amazon.com/Motorola-484095-001-00-Signal-Booster/dp/B000066E6Y

Thanks in advance!
If you need something stronger than that then what you really need is Comcast to come out and fix the problem.

What is happening that makes you think something stronger would work better?

Also, it seems that the improved PQ of the DCH is not in my imagination. My wife noticed it too. It was quite obvious, actually. So far, this new box is pretty good, other than the activation woes.
Hmm... could you explain the nature of difference? Is it SD channels?

Does anyone have a current/updated list of clear QAM channels for Comcast in Mountain View?

We have basic basic cable (the first 38 or so channels). No ESPN, FSN BA, etc. Would the clear QAM channels be blocked because of that?

I was looking to see if it was possible to pick up basic channels (and possibly FSN-BA) in HD over clear QAM, potentially with HDHomeRun?

My current setup is MCE 2005 with a external Fusion USB tuner (for OTA HD) and an internal Hauppauge for basic coax cable.

Any ideas?

Thanks in advance.

Does anyone have a current/updated list of clear QAM channels for Comcast in Mountain View?

Basically all of the OTA-equivalent channels.

Basically all of the OTA-equivalent channels.

So FSN Bay Area is encrypted?

I'm not finding any easy way to get FSN BA into MCE 2005 (since I'm not really interested in using a cable box).

So FSN Bay Area is encrypted?

yes

I just did an experiment. I recorded an HBO movie to my 6412, and during playback it had video and audio stuttering. This seems to happen often when I record something in HD. Anyway, this time, I simply reversed the playback a couple of times using replay, and the stuttering went away. This was well into the movie.
In the past, I had assumed that the recording itself was faulty because the incoming signal had the artifacts. But, in fact, it seems that the original program was recorded properly and it was the DVR playback that introduced the stuttering.
Anyway, is this a known problem? Is there a simple workaround, like doing a rewind right at the beginning of the playback or something else?
Thanks
Mike
Gee, Mike, haven't you learned by now to always check this kind of thing? ;)

It's like MSFT software-- more often than not if you close the window and then re-open it, everything is fine. I usually just change the channel back and forth, or stop and restart the recording. 90% of the time, the problem goes away.

John
Doh, you are so right. I even have to turn off my car sometimes and restart it
to get a balky control, like the A/C, to work properly!!!!
Hope I am never depending on something mission critical that needs pampering
like this....
Mike

Gee, Mike, haven't you learned by now to always check this kind of thing? ;)

It's like MSFT software-- more often than not if you close the window and then re-open it, everything is fine. I usually just change the channel back and forth, or stop and restart the recording. 90% of the time, the problem goes away.

Also, it seems that the improved PQ of the DCH is not in my imagination. My wife noticed it too. It was quite obvious, actually. So far, this new box is pretty good, other than the activation woes.

This is what I like to hear! Now I can only hope the ghetto Newark, CA office has these new boxes...can I actually call my local office or do I have to deal with CSR's in a call center? I just want to find out if my office has the new boxes so I can do a swap.

I still have a 6412 (or whatever you call it), and a 3412. I am thinking about moving the 3412 into the other room and get the 3416 for my main setup (Who needs the 6412 anyways?)

This is what I like to hear! Now I can only hope the ghetto Newark, CA office has these new boxes...can I actually call my local office or do I have to deal with CSR's in a call center? I just want to find out if my office has the new boxes so I can do a swap.

I still have a 6412 (or whatever you call it), and a 3412. I am thinking about moving the 3412 into the other room and get the 3416 for my main setup (Who needs the 6412 anyways?)
Pappy,

If you have a 3412 you are not in the ghetto, you are doing ADS and have been upgraded beyond 550 MHz. Now if you're in a real ghetto like the 550 MHz areas you wouldn't be able to get a 3412 or the new boxes, I know I'm still in the 550 MHz ghetto in SaraMilgatos. Best bet is to call or if you're out and about stop by and shoot the breeze with them, sometimes they're quite humorous ;)

Laters,
Mikef5

Blow me down, I actually came across a CableCom bucket truck preparing a pole down the street for a fiber upgrade within the next few months. I'm going to take that as tangible evidence that something is actually happening here in Santa Rosa. (I thought I would be in an assisted living facility before anything was upgraded here). :D :)

Blow me down, I actually came across a CableCom bucket truck preparing a pole down the street for a fiber upgrade within the next few months. I'm going to take that as tangible evidence that something is actually happening here in Santa Rosa. (I thought I would be in an assisted living facility before anything was upgraded here). :D :)
You lucky dog :p I'm sitting here with no cable at all ( it's been out since 8:30 am ) and no one seems to know why. I just want it up by 7 pm for tonights game in LA, I will be one unhappy camper if not :(

Wow, talk about Déjà Vu, as I'm typing this I got an email from Ms Nichol, head end supervisor for my area, they are doing head end upgrades and promised I won't miss tonights game. I hope she's right, I just got this feeling Bonds is going to do it tonight, if he plays that is. I think it would be poetic justice to do it in L. A. against the Dodgers and do his infamous spin like he did 10 years ago, it'll drive them crazy ;)

Laters,
Mikef5

You lucky dog :p I'm sitting here with no cable at all ( it's been out since 8:30 am ) and no one seems to know why. I just want it up by 7 pm for tonights game in LA, I will be one unhappy camper if not :(

Wow, talk about Déjà Vu, as I'm typing this I got an email from Ms Nichol, head end supervisor for my area, they are doing head end upgrades and promised I won't miss tonights game. I hope she's right, I just got this feeling Bonds is going to do it tonight, if he plays that is. I think it would be poetic justice to do it in L. A. against the Dodgers and do his infamous spin like he did 10 years ago, it'll drive them crazy ;)

Laters,
Mikef5
Wow again, no sooner than I post this and the cable's back on. Is she good or what ?? :p :D
Now Bonds has to play tonight and spin on the Dodgers. I wonder if she can arrange that or not ;)

Laters,
Mikef5

Does anyone have any recommendations for a good installer in the South Bay? There are a billion cable jacks in my house, but not one on the wall I want! Trying to figure out a way to get a jack to that wall. Thanks.

Yeah let's hope Bonds does a pirouette after he hits #755 in LA tonite! :)

Speaking of the Giants, was it just me or was that some pretty crappy PQ last night from LA?

No I didn't notice anything awful. It was on KTVU, which is 720p, not quite as sharp as FSN's 1080i maybe.

It looks maybe a little better, still doesn't look all that great to me, that center field camera shot is especially bad. Maybe it's the feed from LA, or, it's time for a display calibration.. :D

I've heard that NFL-HD is popping up on various Comcast systems as a permanent channel. Yesterday, and this morning, I noticed that QVC is on channel 725. Last year we got NFL-HD on this channel part time. I'm guessing that, maybe, we're gonna get NFL-HD permanently.

Hmm... could you explain the nature of difference? Is it SD channels?Yes. Only on SD channels.

The difference is that the image is sharper, clearer, more accurate color, and less "grainy", for lack of a better, more technical explanation.

I first noticed it with the ADS channels. (Analog to Digital Simulcast) under 99. CNN, which always looked kinda mediocre on my DCT3412, looking better with the DCH. Less saturated, and more natural color, with improved contrast. But, while watching TVJapan on 245, we noticed that text was crystal clear, with sharp edges. There used to always be a slight graininess or jagginess.

HD seems to look the same, maybe a little darker. (Not as dark as the infamous Dish 811, of course.) But, the same clarity and accuracy of the DCT3412, otherwise.

Perhaps they tweaked the black levels (which could account for contrast and color improvements), and also use a better video processing sub-system (which could account for the sharpness and clarity).

Whatever it is, I'm pretty happy with the DCH. I don't even mind the iGuide software, now that the remote works every time I press it. The only other improvements necessary are to get rid of those horrible, annoying, unwanted, ugly, EPG adverts that everybody and their uncle hate with a passion, and put the CC settings into the onscreen setup menu, instead of the power-off setup menu.

I'm curious to see how the Tivo SW will work with this unit. A couple of the CSR's mentioned it will be coming out in the near future for the DCH. They gave the impression it would be the DCH ONLY, no DCT.

Jason, call your local office and ask if they have DCT-700, DCT-3412, or DCT-3416. If they do, then your area can get ADS. Either that or try asking Barovelli.

OK I went to my local Comcast office yesterday and replaced my DCT-6412 with the DCH-3416. It was very easy, I just asked if they had an upgraded DVR with HDMI output and the guy said "no problem, we have these brand new boxes that we just got in a few days ago".

How long does it usually take after the new box goes on the account for the S3 cablecards to switch to ADS mode? Is there anything else I need to do?

Thanks,
Jason

How long does it usually take after the new box goes on the account for the S3 cablecards to switch to ADS mode?

Adding an all-digital box did NOT enable ADS for my CableCards.

Yes. Only on SD channels.

The difference is that the image is sharper, clearer, more accurate color, and less "grainy", for lack of a better, more technical explanation.

I first noticed it with the ADS channels. (Analog to Digital Simulcast) under 99. CNN, which always looked kinda mediocre on my DCT3412, looking better with the DCH. Less saturated, and more natural color, with improved contrast. But, while watching TVJapan on 245, we noticed that text was crystal clear, with sharp edges. There used to always be a slight graininess or jagginess.

HD seems to look the same, maybe a little darker. (Not as dark as the infamous Dish 811, of course.) But, the same clarity and accuracy of the DCT3412, otherwise.

Perhaps they tweaked the black levels (which could account for contrast and color improvements), and also use a better video processing sub-system (which could account for the sharpness and clarity).

Whatever it is, I'm pretty happy with the DCH. I don't even mind the iGuide software, now that the remote works every time I press it. The only other improvements necessary are to get rid of those horrible, annoying, unwanted, ugly, EPG adverts that everybody and their uncle hate with a passion, and put the CC settings into the onscreen setup menu, instead of the power-off setup menu.

I'm curious to see how the Tivo SW will work with this unit. A couple of the CSR's mentioned it will be coming out in the near future for the DCH. They gave the impression it would be the DCH ONLY, no DCT.

Gary, So the DCH3416 works exactly like the DCT3416, just gives better SD? Sounds like it worth a swap. Is the 'M card' a 'cable card', for which CC will add an extra charge?

I just got a vista media center pc hooked up with a digital tuner and I am trying to see if I can get all my clear QAM channels. I got all of my local network channels working, but can't seem to get the other ones that I think I get.

If I do not have any digital package, but I still get ESPN HD, Discovery, etc on my 6412 does that mean those channels are not encrypted? Is there anyway to figure out the QAM mapping through the cable box? Thanks.

Adding an all-digital box did NOT enable ADS for my CableCards.

Did you ever get them to enable ADS for your CableCards? If so, what did you have to do to get ADS enabled?

Thanks,
Jason

Thanks Gary, for the description. Assuming the quality of channels broadcast hasn't changed, pretty surprising that difference is so noticeable between DCT and DCH. I have DCT6200 hopefully Comcast will let me exchange it for DCH3200 sometime.

Did you ever get them to enable ADS for your CableCards? If so, what did you have to do to get ADS enabled?

I could not get ADS when I tried to get it. A few months later, ADS was enabled without me doing anything.

I've heard that NFL-HD is popping up on various Comcast systems as a permanent channel. Yesterday, and this morning, I noticed that QVC is on channel 725. Last year we got NFL-HD on this channel part time. I'm guessing that, maybe, we're gonna get NFL-HD permanently.

Does anyone "in the know" have any further info on this?
I know we've been missing current NFL-HD programming because it's only being shown on the non-HD channels. For those of us that have the sports package, I think that a NFL-HD permanent channel is obligatory.

More new channels to be added to Comcast Bay Area, You decide which ones

Yes it's time for another survey. If you remember the last time that Comcast added new channels there was some debate on what the Bay Area wanted to have added to our lineup so they asked that a survey be done to see what the Bay Area really wanted to have added and they listened to your input and added most of what you asked for. They were very surprised at the amount of people that participated in the survey and decided to ask you once again to cast your votes on which channels you would like added next to the Bay Area lineup. I wish I could tell you when these channels will be added but if you remember that last survey and when the channels actually got added it might give you somewhat of an idea. It really depends on when and if some contracts can be finalized soon enough.

Anyway, this time they would like your Top 8 HD channels that you would like to see added to our lineup. This includes any premium channels, like all the new HBO HD channels that are coming up or the new Disney HD channels that are going to be available soon or any other HD channels that you would like to see added. One caveat though, HDnet is not an option at this time or any time soon, you can vote for it but I doubt that it will go anywhere but it is your vote so do with it as you will. I can guarantee you that Comcast will take your inputs seriously, just like they did last time. This is your chance to tell Comcast what you want added so if you don't vote for your channels then you can only blame yourself, they want to hear from you.

For me I would like to see

History Channel HD
Sci-Fi HD
TBS HD
More HBO HD
Starz HD
Home & Garden HD
Food Channel HD
Disney Channel HD

I also heard a rumor that KICU will be doing HD for the upcoming football season, Raider's games mostly, but I would only want that if they actually do 16x9 HD and not the crap 4x3 that they're doing right now.

Those are some of the channels I would like to see added. Now it's your turn, so vote or forever hold your peace ;)

Laters,
Mikef5

More new channels to be added to Comcast Bay Area, You decide which ones

Yes it's time for another survey. If you remember the last time that Comcast added new channels there was some debate on what the Bay Area wanted to have added to our lineup so they asked that a survey be done to see what the Bay Area really wanted to have added and they listened to your input and added most of what you asked for. They were very surprised at the amount of people that participated in the survey and decided to ask you once again to cast your votes on which channels you would like added next to the Bay Area lineup. I wish I could tell you when these channels will be added but if you remember that last survey and when the channels actually got added it might give you somewhat of an idea. It really depends on when and if some contracts can be finalized soon enough.

Anyway, this time they would like your Top 8 HD channels that you would like to see added to our lineup. This includes any premium channels, like all the new HBO HD channels that are coming up or the new Disney HD channels that are going to be available soon or any other HD channels that you would like to see added. One caveat though, HDnet is not an option at this time or any time soon, you can vote for it but I doubt that it will go anywhere but it is your vote so do with it as you will. I can guarantee you that Comcast will take your inputs seriously, just like they did last time. This is your chance to tell Comcast what you want added so if you don't vote for your channels then you can only blame yourself, they want to hear from you.

For me I would like to see

History Channel HD
Sci-Fi HD
TBS HD
More HBO HD
Starz HD
Home & Garden HD
Food Channel HD
Disney Channel HD

I also heard a rumor that KICU will be doing HD for the upcoming football season, Raider's games mostly, but I would only want that if they actually do 16x9 HD and not the crap 4x3 that they're doing right now.

Those are some of the channels I would like to see added. Now it's your turn, so vote or forever hold your peace ;)

Laters,
Mikef5

What are the other possibilities? AMC? I strongly support all the ones you listed except Home&Garden and the Food Channnel.

What are the other possibilities? AMC? I strongly support all the ones you listed except Home&Garden and the Food Channnel.
I was forced to put those on the list or I'd never hear the end of it :D
The way it was relayed to me was "Any HD Channels" were fair game if it's available to be had.

Laters,
Mikef5

I strongly support all of those including HGTV and FoodHD, except StarzHD which I already have. :)

The way it was relayed to me was "Any HD Channels" were fair game if it's available to be had.

Laters,
Mikef5

I guess I don't know what HD channels are 'available to be had' except the ones we have! How do we know what else is possible in HD?

Sci-Fi HD
History Channel HD
TBS HD
Home & Garden HD
don't care much about the rest.

Are these even feasible/available channels for HD, or just wishlists once available?
eg do the stations have/plan HD broadcasts? If so, how much vs just upconverted crap?

Obviously Battlestar Galactica on SciFi and maybe Stargate have some HD broadcasts, because other rerun airings on other channels (UniversalHD, KTVU etc) show them in HD, but others?

Mike, Can you--or somebody--provide the list of 'all possible' HD channels that exist?

Sci-Fi HD
History Channel HD
TBS HD
Home & Garden HD
don't care much about the rest.

Are these even feasible/available channels for HD, or just wishlists once available?
eg do the stations have/plan HD broadcasts? If so, how much vs just upconverted crap?

Obviously Battlestar Galactica on SciFi and maybe Stargate have some HD broadcasts, because other rerun airings on other channels (UniversalHD, KTVU etc) show them in HD, but others?
All the channels I listed are feasible and can be added. The new HBO ones I believe are about 4 of them, basically all of HBO will be HD. Whether or not a station up converts it's programs is their choice and not up to Comcast, they only provide the channels to you. Blast the stations for giving us crappy up converted channels.
Most content providers are realizing that people want true HD and not " stretch-o-vision " . Let the stations know that you don't want up converted programing from them.

Laters,
Mikef5

Mike, Can you--or somebody--provide the list of 'all possible' HD channels that exist?
Not really, but here's what you can do. Go to the Dish web site and see what they have for HD, then go to the Directv web site and see what they have for HD. If you see something that you want and Comcast doesn't have it put it on your list. Best I can do for you, sorry.

Laters,
Mikef5

All of the HBO HD channels (At least the West feeds)
CNN HD (Coming soon)
Sci-Fi HD (Coming someday, whenever)
History HD (Coming soon)
Speed HD (Coming someday, whenever)
Food HD
HGTV HD

In that order of importance

Sci-Fi HD
Animania HD
History Channel HD
Kung Fu HD

Some of these are Voom channels, not sure if they are any more available to Comcast than HD-Net.

Yeah, anything that they have or have been announced in the HDTV Programming forum, except for the HDNET channels. What about the Voom Channels? are they exclusive for Dish Network?

So my list would be:
- All the new HBO channels
- Food Channel HD
- Disney HD
- HGTV HD
- NFL HD
- Voom channels if available

All the HBO HD channels that exist
BBC America HD (if it exists)
History Channel HD
TBS HD
SciFi HD
Disney Channel HD

Not really, but here's what you can do. Go to the Dish web site and see what they have for HD, then go to the Directv web site and see what they have for HD. If you see something that you want and Comcast doesn't have it put it on your list. Best I can do for you, sorry.

Laters,
Mikef5


This thread provides a good summary of what is on or planned for both D* and E* so it may be good place to start picking from.

http://www.satelliteguys.us/dish-hd-discussions/102160-hd-current-coming-per-d-e.html

This is from DirecTV, from this thread (http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=851257) :

Current HD Channels

1. Discovery HD Theater
2. ESPN
3. ESPN 2
4. HDNet
5. HDNet Movies
6. TNT
7. Universal HD
8. HBO-E
9. SHO-E

Announced HD Additions
* = not a simulcast of the SD channel (if available), programming will vary.

September 2007
10. A&E
11. Animal Planet
12. Big Ten Network
13. CNN
14. Discovery
15. Food Network*
16. HGTV*
17. History Channel
18. MHD (MTV brand channel)
19. National Geographic
20. NFL Network
21. The Science Channel
22. TBS
23. TLC
24. Versus
25. Weather Channel
26. Cinemax-E
27. Cinemax-W
28. MoreMax
29. HBO-W
30. HBO2-E
31. HBO2-W
32. HBO Family-E
33. HBO Family-W
34. HBO Signature
35. The Movie Channel
36. SHO-W
37. STARZ-E
38. STARZ-W
39. STARZ-Edge
40. STARZ-Comedy
41. STARZ-Kids
Fall 2007
42. Bravo
43. Cartoon Network
44. Chiller
45. CNBC
46. FX
47. SciFi Channel
48. Sleuth
49. Speed
50. USA Network
December 2007
51. The Tennis Channel
Spring 2008
52. ABC Family
53. Disney Channel
54. ESPN News
55. MGM
56. Toon Disney


Regional Sports Networks
Available nationally, but local blackout rules still apply.
Fall 2007

1. Altitude
2. Comcast SportsNet Chicago
3. Comcast SportsNet Mid-Atlantic
4. FSN Arizona
5. FSN Bay Area
6. FSN Detroit
7. FSN Florida
8. FSN New England
9. FSN North
10. FSN Northwest
11. FSN Ohio
12. FSN Prime Ticket
13. FSN Rocky Mountain
14. FSN South
15. FSN Southwest
16. FSN West
17. New England Sports Network
18. SportsNet New York
19. SportsSouth
20. Sun Sports
21. YES


Foreign Language Channels

1. HBO Latino - 9/07

Thanks again for this opportunity! Here are my 8 HD choices (in order of preference):
1) NFL-HD (permanent dedicated channel)
2) History Channel-HD
3) TLC-HD
4) Science Channel-HD
5) FX-HD
6) TBS-HD
7) SciFi-HD
8) Speed-HD

I strongly support all of those including HGTV and FoodHD, except StarzHD which I already have. :)
StarzHD is already on Comcast isn't it? Just not on all systems, like no Showtime-HD up here in Santa Rosa.

Mikef5, StarzHD would seem to be a wasted pick. If Comcast is aiming for parity on all systems anyway as StarzHD is already on most of them. If that's not the case then I need to add Showtime-HD to the top of my list below.


SciFi-HD
FX-HD
USA Network-HD
Discovery-HD
History Channel-HD
HBO-Signature
TBS-HD
Speed-HD

..and in a perfect world,

World Cinema
FilmFest
Equator

Forgot one,

YES Network :D


I wonder about all those HBO HD channels, might guess is that if they do one of them they have to do them all, I'm not sure they can be cherry-picked by the carrier(Comcast).

great news Mike.

My list :

Food HD
History Channel HD
TBS HD
CNN HD
Animal Planet HD
Discovery (Simulcast)

Any premium ...

Sci-fi
Cartoon Network (do they have any HD programming?)
Bravo
FX
don't care about the rest
maybe TBS and USA

These are the same ones I would pick. Of course, I am doing this because I am such a nice guy. We'll never get them in Los Gatos!!!! Hope the rest of the folks like the new channels.
Mike

More new channels to be added to Comcast Bay Area, You decide which ones

Yes it's time for another survey. If you remember the last time that Comcast added new channels there was some debate on what the Bay Area wanted to have added to our lineup so they asked that a survey be done to see what the Bay Area really wanted to have added and they listened to your input and added most of what you asked for. They were very surprised at the amount of people that participated in the survey and decided to ask you once again to cast your votes on which channels you would like added next to the Bay Area lineup. I wish I could tell you when these channels will be added but if you remember that last survey and when the channels actually got added it might give you somewhat of an idea. It really depends on when and if some contracts can be finalized soon enough.

Anyway, this time they would like your Top 8 HD channels that you would like to see added to our lineup. This includes any premium channels, like all the new HBO HD channels that are coming up or the new Disney HD channels that are going to be available soon or any other HD channels that you would like to see added. One caveat though, HDnet is not an option at this time or any time soon, you can vote for it but I doubt that it will go anywhere but it is your vote so do with it as you will. I can guarantee you that Comcast will take your inputs seriously, just like they did last time. This is your chance to tell Comcast what you want added so if you don't vote for your channels then you can only blame yourself, they want to hear from you.

For me I would like to see

History Channel HD
Sci-Fi HD
TBS HD
More HBO HD
Starz HD
Home & Garden HD
Food Channel HD
Disney Channel HD

I also heard a rumor that KICU will be doing HD for the upcoming football season, Raider's games mostly, but I would only want that if they actually do 16x9 HD and not the crap 4x3 that they're doing right now.

Those are some of the channels I would like to see added. Now it's your turn, so vote or forever hold your peace ;)

Laters,
Mikef5

This better be one of those "select" cities! Anyone know? Mr J?

http://www.tvpredictions.com/comcastnfl080107.htm

Thanks for the work Mikef5.

Here's my list:

SciFi Channel HD
TBS HD
The History Channel HD
HGTV
USA Network HD
FX HD
Disney Channel HD
Food Network HD

John

Forgot one,

YES Network :D
In that case, add Sports New York in HD. The more colorful Mets uniforms will look better in HD than those boring Yankees pinstripes, anyway. (Not to mention those grey away pajamas.)

In that case, add Sports New York in HD. The more colorful Mets uniforms will look better in HD than those boring Yankees pinstripes, anyway. (Not to mention those grey away pajamas.)
:D

I'll give you that, the Mets are "prettier" :p

I'm only interested in watching A-Rod as he's the guy that's really going to set the homerun record once Bonds gets done futzing around... :p

Here's my list (in order)

NFL HD (permanent)
HBO HD (as many channels as we can get)
History Channel HD
CNN HD
BBC America HD
TBS HD

And if I can dream - NESN HD and all of the FSN HD feeds

StarzHD is already on Comcast isn't it? Just not on all systems, like no Showtime-HD up here in Santa Rosa.

Mikef5, StarzHD would seem to be a wasted pick. If Comcast is aiming for parity on all systems anyway as StarzHD is already on most of them. If that's not the case then I need to add Showtime-HD to the top of my list below.

Jim,
The StarzHD will have multiple HD channels just like HBO is doing, so yes it's already on Comcast just like HBO and will have multiple HD channels just like HBO will. As soon as your area gets upgraded you should get the Showtime HD just like the rest of the upgraded areas. I don't get it down here either so don't feel like the lone ranger ;)

Laters,
Mikef5

I'm only interested in watching A-Rod as he's the guy that's really going to set the homerun record once Bonds gets done futzing around... :pAh. I see. I'm more interested in watching baseball as a team sport. I'm such a nut.

With all this talk about NFL Network HD, I was wondering. Won't it be part of the extra-cost "Sports Pack", the way the SD version on ch 417 is now?

Ah. I see. I'm more interested in watching baseball as a team sport. I'm such a nut.
Oh, I do too, in fact, but because of DirecTV I'm much more familiar with the Yankees than I am with the Giants and a plus with YES is that they have some of the best looking HD PQ around.

The Giants should just pick up A-Rod at the end of the season when his contract is up with the Yankees. :) :)

Ah. I see. I'm more interested in watching baseball as a team sport. I'm such a nut.
Baseball a team sport ???? What a novel idea, maybe we should tell Bonds and A-Rod about it. :p ;)

Laters,
Mikef5

Does anyone other than Garypen have the new DCH3416 stb/dvr? Interested if other people also see improved PQ on sd channels with it.

Does anyone other than Garypen have the new DCH3416 stb/dvr? Interested if other people also see improved PQ on sd channels with it.

I just got one this afternoon. I think the ADS channels do look a bit crisper. Unit is a bit quieter and cooler than the 6412 it replaced.

Does anyone other than Garypen have the new DCH3416 stb/dvr? Interested if other people also see improved PQ on sd channels with it.Damn. You caught me. I made it all up. :rolleyes:

Damn. You caught me. I made it all up. :rolleyes:

No offence! Just trying to get other folks experiences in addition to yours.

DCH could be using better algorithm or settings for decoding ADS channels since it knows that channel is digitized (Mpeg2) from an analog source by Comcast.

This way it could theorically reverse some information lost and ignore some common Analog-to-digital artifacts. If this is the case, then DCH could render ADS channels better than TivoHD.

With all this talk about NFL Network HD, I was wondering. Won't it be part of the extra-cost "Sports Pack", the way the SD version on ch 417 is now?

Yes, it's about $5 more/month. The package also includes the Speed channel.

Here's my list, as long as they are *not* on SDV. Not like I'll ever see any of these channels in the Sunnyvale slums any time soon... still haven't got "the letter" yet. :(

1. SciFi HD
2. USA HD
3. FX HD
4. Cartoon Network HD
5. Bravo HD
6. History Channel HD
7. CNN HD
8. TBS HD

BTW, I posted earlier about having problems fast forwarding recorded shows with my Tivo S3. That problem has gone away for the last week and a half, so I guess it must have been a signal issue.

I love new HD.

Could only narrow it down to this list.

1 HBO2-W
2 The Movie Channel
3 Food Network
4 HGTV
5 History Channel
6 TBS
7 TLC
8 Bravo
9 Animal Planet
10 Speed

I'd probably vote for whatever actually showed the most HD content however. It doesn't make any sense to vote for an HD channel if they hardly show any HD. A&E HD for example is a fairly worthless HD channel. If most of these are like A&E HD, then I vote for adding the premiums. But not the East coast versions of the primary channels. That's just a waste because that's what the DVR is for. Only new HD premium channels.

1. HBO (all of them)
2. Food Network
3. History Channel
4. FX
5. HGTV
6. TBS
7. CNN
6. Bravo (thinking of the wife here)

Thanks for the opportunity again! Here's my list:

SciFi HD
FX HD
USA Network HD
Cartoon Network HD
Disney Channel HD
Animal Planet HD
Bravo HD
HBO Signature HD

mikey mikey what would we ever do without you??

SciFiHD (which means UHD will be almost useless to me for BSG)
CNNHD
TBSHD
ESPNNEWSHD
FOODHD
CARTOONHD
FX HD
ANIMALPLANET HD

Here's my list

SciFi
Food
AnimalPlanet
FX
USA
TBS
Bravo

Anyone know if Comcast will offer a DCH equivelant replacement for the DCT6200?

Here's my list of 8 most desired channels, in no particular order:

A&E
AMC
History Channel
TBS
TNT
Bravo
FX
SciFi Channel

Here's my list of 8 most desired channels, in no particular order:

A&E
AMC
History Channel
TBS
TNT
Bravo
FX
SciFi Channel
Rshaw,
Long time no see, nice to see there are still other Milpitas people here :) .

Laters,
Mikef5

Sci-Fi definitely has some HD content (the new Battlestar Galactica for a big one). TBS is supposed to go HD on Sept. 1st and will include baseball playoff games. I know USA also has several HD shows.

My choices-

SciFi HD
FX HD
HBO all HD
AMC HD
USA Network HD
A&E HD
History Channel HD
Bravo HD

seems like SciFi HD is an almost universal choice. FX HD has a lot of support also. My ideal would be Turner Classic Movies HD but I guess that is not an option. Every now and then they show Lawrence of Arabia in Widescreen. Would love to see that in HD.

- Phil

Anyone know if Comcast will offer a DCH equivelant replacement for the DCT6200?

One of the staff at the San Francisco Potrero office was talking about getting new non-DVR boxes soon. I'm guessing he meant the DCH3200, but he couldn't give any clear or definative info. Hope these show up soon though...

In order of preference

1. sci fi
2. bravo
3. tbs
4. travel channel
5. history channel
6. more hbo
7. bbc world
8. bloomberg

Thanks for kick-starting a new HD Survey Mike.

I’m reppin’ for our bandwidth starved cable system in San Lorenzo so if we ever get upgraded, here’s what I would love to see in HD:

Food Network HD
NFL Network HD
ESPN 2 HD
Univision HD
KICU HD (for A’s games)
More HBO HD
TNT HD
HGTV HD
History Channel HD
National Geographic HD
CNN HD

The Tennis Channel
FX
SciFi Channel
USA Network
A&E
History Channel
MHD (MTV brand channel)
National Geographic

...dreamin' in Sunnyvale...

Durny1

1. HGTV
2. HBO
3. TBS
4. TLC
5. FOOD Network
6. SciFi
7. A&E
8. FX

Has NatGeo HD shown up in the Bay Area already? It's not listed in the first post.

By the way, the first NFL-HD game is Sunday (yes, it's football season already... pre-season anyway) are we going to get NFL-HD games on 725 like usual?

Has NatGeo HD shown up in the Bay Area already? It's not listed in the first post.
Try channel 715, we have it even in the 550 MHz area of Milpitas ;)

Laters,
Mikef5

1. HGTV
2. HBO
3. TBS
4. TLC
5. FOOD Network
6. SciFi
7. A&E
8. FX

Has NatGeo HD shown up in the Bay Area already? It's not listed in the first post.

A&E and NatGeo HDs are both alive in the Bay Area, just not some of the Bay Area.

Sunnyvale slum:
1. More HBO
2. Univision
3. Nat. Geo
4. History Channel
5. NFL Network
6. ESPN 2
7. Any high def music channel
8. USA HD

By the way, the first NFL-HD game is Sunday (yes, it's football season already... pre-season anyway) are we going to get NFL-HD games on 725 like usual?

I can't get a straight answer from anyone on this........

Any idea if the Santa Cruz area is going to be included in the new HD channel additions? We were last time.

I am looking forward to following channels:
NFL
History
Cartoon
HGTV
FOOD

By the way, the first NFL-HD game is Sunday (yes, it's football season already... pre-season anyway) are we going to get NFL-HD games on 725 like usual?

i thought you need the sports pack now to get NFL network??

You do, but the last 2-3 years they have put on live NFL games on NFL-HD (725). Only live games though, not any of the other programming.

In sunnyvale hell:

1) tnt
2) espn2
3) fx
4) sci-fi
5) hbo2,3,etc
6) food network
7) cartoon network
8) USA

Actually, this begs another question. I got a letter several months ago from Comcast saying they would be upgrading the area and to expect service disruptions.

Certainly there have been more disruptions lately than normal, so should I expect good changes sooner rather than later?

History Channel
HBO-2
anything with HD soccer (Univision,FSC or Setanta in the future? -- Setanta non- HD would be great too, btw)
Sci-Fi
CNN
TBS
The Science Channel
FX

thanks again for asking about our HD preferences.

I have a question... Im in San Jose and I have a tivo S3... My question is, can I add 2 cablecards and an HD package to the basic extended cable package or do I need to step up to a digital package? Right now I get the HD locals over QAM, can I just add a cablecard to the S3 and get the channel mapping?

My HOA negotiated a deal with comcast and they say extended basic is included but if you want anything extra it will cost more... What's the cheapest add on to get 2 cable cards and the HD package?

1. FX
2. History HD
3. NFL Network
4. Animal Planet
5. CNN
6. Speed
7. TBS
8. HBO*

Do you have to get expanded basic or a digital tier to get these additional new HD cable channels?

Not counting the premiums obviously.

How much is expanded basic or the minimal digital tier needed to get these new HD channels running these days?

I'd like MTV in addition to most of these mentioned. G4TechTV would be another good one too.

In sunnyvale hell:

1) tnt
2) espn2
3) fx
4) sci-fi
5) hbo2,3,etc
6) food network
7) cartoon network
8) USA

Actually, this begs another question. I got a letter several months ago from Comcast saying they would be upgrading the area and to expect service disruptions.

Certainly there have been more disruptions lately than normal, so should I expect good changes sooner rather than later?

What part of Sunnyvale are you in? I'm in central Sunnyvale and still haven't received "the letter".

Here's my HD wishlist:

Food
Sci-Fi
Bravo
Animal Planet
TBS
History Channel
USA
Travel Channel

-Karla

What part of Sunnyvale are you in? I'm in central Sunnyvale and still haven't received "the letter".
I got the letter also and live next to 101/237. The last week of July and most of this week I had crap reception and service outages. This is pretty rare, the crap service Sunnyvale gets is pretty reliable. I would expect some sort of an announcement in the next couple of months. I have no sources, just a guess and lots of hope.

is there any local HD coverage for the game 2nite?? i would hate to see bonds' 755 w/o HD. i know espn2 is blacked out. grrr.

is there any local HD coverage for the game 2nite?? i would hate to see bonds' 755 w/o HD. i know espn2 is blacked out. grrr.
ESPN will probably break away from what ever they have on when Bonds is at bat, but other than that I think we're screwed as far as HD coverage for tonight.

SIGHHHH i KNEW he would hit it 2nite. i can tell my kids one day i saw it in SD.

SIGHHHH i KNEW he would hit it 2nite. i can tell my kids one day i saw it in SD.
Hopefully he'll sit out tomorrow's day game and we might get to see the big one in HD starting Monday night.

i dunno, he still has 2-3 more at bats tonight, the way that swing looks (after an early early extra bp session)... this might have to do...

Probably one of the greatest moments in baseball history and FSNBA doesn't think it's worth the effort to show it in HD. I've lost all faith in them, what good is it to have an HD channel and you don't use it for something like this and please don't tell me they had no HD cameras down there, I'm sure one of the stations was covering it in HD and all they had to do is use their feed for the game, they've done it before. Well, back to the Standard Definition game.... :(

Laters,
Mikef5

mike, didn't they have HD cameras in LA?? i dunno much about anything south of gilroy but isn't LA to SD just down 405?? yeeesh....

1) Food Network
2) HBO2
3) TBS
4) TLC
5) CNN
6) USA
7) CNBC
8) HGTV

Probably one of the greatest moments in baseball history and FSNBA doesn't think it's worth the effort to show it in HD. I've lost all faith in them, what good is it to have an HD channel and you don't use it for something like this and please don't tell me they had no HD cameras down there, I'm sure one of the stations was covering it in HD and all they had to do is use their feed for the game, they've done it before. Well, back to the Standard Definition game.... :(

Laters,
Mikef5
I think it has more to do with the Padres and Cox, I don't think any Padres games are seen anywhere in HD except for a few on ESPN and maybe a FOX Saturday game. I'm pretty sure they never share the HD feed with any other RSNs.

1) NFL Network
2) TBS
3) FX HD
4) USA
5) Comedy Central (do they even have an HD?)
6) CNN
7) BBC America
8) CSPAN - I want to watch my tax dollars being wasted in HD.

Hi,

I just moved to San Mateo near the San Fran Airport. Comcast is the local monopoly providing service to this part of San Mateo. I'll probably keep Comcast for the Internet since I can write it off for work (even if the cost goes up from Internet only service). However, should I go with comcast HD, Dish, or Direct TV? Which has the highest quality HD feeds? I don't watch much TV, but I do like the Steelers and I do like HDTV because of my 10 foot wide screen and RUBY projector....

Thoughts? (besides the S.F. Steeler game :) )

. . Comcast is the local monopoly . . . .

. . . should I go with comcast HD, Dish, or Direct TV? Which has the highest quality HD feeds?

If C* was such a monopoly you would not have this conundrum. :confused:

Hello All,
Can you help out an HD newcomer please?
First let me list my current specs:
Home built VistaMCE box
AverMedia external USB SD analog tuner
DVI --> HDMI --> 70" Sony R70XBR2 TV
DISHnetwork SD satellite service.
Location: Dublin, CA 94568-7500 (junction of 680 & 580)

I am a major computer geek who has been running an SD analog MCE box for many years with no problems. I am looking to get into HD and so looking into Comcast.

I bought an external USB On-Air FusionGT HD tuner and played around with it. I think the antenna that comes with it is lame so I only got KTEH (San Jose) along with a few Spanish channels, but could not find NBC-HD.

Here is my question: does Comcast deliver it's HD channels such that my QAM tuner can pick them up? I am not just talking about the locals, but if I was to sign up for Comcast, and an HD package, could I use my USB QAM tuner to view them in my MCE? (eg Discovery HD?). If I CAN, then do I even need Comcast's HD box, or can I just take their HD cable feed and stick it right in the back of the OnAir Fusion? (I dont mind paying for the cable box if I have to, but just not using it).

Any help in getting me up and running with HD thru my QAM tuner into my MCE box? Is it just the local channels that are QAM? or the others too (I know I will have to order them)?

Cheers,

Asif

If C* was such a monopoly you would not have this conundrum.

The others cannot provide Internet (at least competitively)and hence Comcast can charge $60.00+ for Internet only... I'm not going to discuss the lack of land line choices. Sattelittes are not full competition for MANY reasons, including the fact that many cannot use sattelite. Verizon FiOs in San Mateo would be a start in the right direction. Yes, Comcast and Cable companies still have too much monopoly, nobody should own a territory or have to fight with local burroughs...

should I go with comcast HD, Dish, or Direct TV? Which has the highest quality HD feeds?

This is the question I am looking to be answered if anybody has opinions on which to get, that would be great!

1) Sci-Fi HD
2) BBC HD
3) TBS HD
4) FX HD
5) USA HD
6) The other HBO HD channels
7) AMC HD
8) IFC HD

I hope any new channels avoid "stretch-o-vision." I won't watch any shows done that way. Leave the OAR 4:3 stuff OAR and OAR on everything else including 2:35:1. Do we still have to have retards who hate "them black bars?"

Does comcast have any new boxes that allow HDMI pass through so my tv can do all the scaling on any source instead of my 4312. Im running a 1080p sammy with hdmi through a comcast box amd do not see this option currently.
Thanks

Dish vs Comcast vs Direct TV ???

Dish vs Comcast vs Direct TV ???
If you're a Steelers fan, the way to go is DirecTV with the NFL SundayTicket package (exclusively DirecTV). That should give you all Steelers games and all NFL games, many in HD with the add-on SuperFan package. With the newer DirecTV MPEG4 HD equipment you will also get FSNBA-HD.

I have both DirecTV and Comcast Limited Basic and Digital Classic tier. You should be able to get that Comcast combo to get all the non-premium HD for about $35-$40/mo. I also had Dish for a while but did not like their service (no FSNBA-HD) or equipment so I dumped it.

IMO, Comcast has the best HD PQ.

Health Nut:
Yeah, basically
If you'd like to watch all the Steelers games you need DirecTV.
If you want the best HD you need Comcast.

asifanwar:
With QAM you'll only get locals in HD. If you want to get all the HD channels you'll subscribe to, you need a Comcast box. Anything besides the locals is encrypted. There are some exceptions from time to time, and it varies by region, but you can count on that. If you want to watch all the HD channels with no problem you need a box.

smthrsd:
No, there's no such an option in all the Comcast boxes. And it seems that includes the new DCH box.

Hmmmm..... Well, I don't watch too much T.V., but when I do, it should be HD... I really like the Steelers, but I like to do hiking and stuff, I may miss a few games to say the least... Well, maybe I should get the Direct TV NFL package then cancel Direct TV all together sometime around December, since playoffs are all in HD on the local channels????

Wish I could get Verizon Fios which would spank everything, except for the exclusive Direct TV deal.... I hate exclusive deals.

Thank you for your help. I have no real interest in the local channels, so it seems that HD thru MCE is a no go due to lack of QAM. Oh well.
I appreciate you taking the time to answer.
Kind regards,
Asif

Did anyone here who has paid for the Sports package in order to receive NFL-HD
actually see the Hall of Fame game in HD? Or did Comcast just rip us off again?

Did anyone here who has paid for the Sports package in order to receive NFL-HD
actually see the Hall of Fame game in HD? Or did Comcast just rip us off again?

I pay for the package, have had it for quite a while anyway. The game was not in HD but it was available on the SD NFL channel. The fact that you need the sports tier for the NFL channel has nothing to do with the HD feed. We just don't have it yet, but we will. There is no ripoff here......

What games are going to be on NFL Network anyway? They did a couple of Thursday games last year, that was about it...

If you only need the sports package to get the 2-3 games that are going to be on NFL Network, that is kind of a rip off....

edit: http://www.nfl.com/schedules/tv/primetime

Looks like they added a bunch more games, incl. Saturday games. I count 8.
But they don't start until November, and end in Dec. So I guess one could sign up just for those 2 months, and get 8 games....

Hahah

http://www.nfl.com/nflnetwork/faq_comcast

I pay for the package, have had it for quite a while anyway. The game was not in HD but it was available on the SD NFL channel. The fact that you need the sports tier for the NFL channel has nothing to do with the HD feed. We just don't have it yet, but we will. There is no ripoff here......

Well, nationally (as stated in another AVS thread) several folks were watching it in HD on Comcast NFLNet. The game was broadcast in HD. After paying the extra fee for the Sports tier, why should I settle for SD? Doesn't seem right to me.....

I pay for the package, have had it for quite a while anyway. The game was not in HD but it was available on the SD NFL channel. The fact that you need the sports tier for the NFL channel has nothing to do with the HD feed. We just don't have it yet, but we will. There is no ripoff here......

The fact that Comcast moved the NFL channel to the sports package and they want an extra $5 bucks for it is the real ripoff...I had it free all last year...they get you any way they can...because they know they can

F'that.... I just ordered DirectTV and the NFL package. They said I didn't need the Superfan package if I had the HD-Box, that they would automatically be in HD??? Is that true?

I have 4 months to look at various options, and possibly cancel Comcast, except for Internet, or keep some sort of combination of Minimal Comcast basic with HD + Minimal DirectTV after the 4 months free deluxe deal wears off.... I don;t like SD TV, it just sucks and I have no SDTV anymore, all HDTV's....

P.S. Only one more year, or sometime in 2008, we will no longer pay a premium for HDTV boxes... HDTV boxes will be standard, period. No premium charge.

The NFL-Network channel has been part of the "Sports Tier" here for at least 2 years.

But, in the past they have given us (us = HDTV subscribers without the Sports Tier) the NFL-HD channel for free, during live broadcasts (but not other times).

Actually TWO years ago they also showed the Game of the Week replay, but last year that was blacked out also.

I checked 725 during the game, there was nothing on there. I don't have the Sports Tier so don't get the SD channel (actually, there's 2 SD channels..)

I was getting NFLNET for free until this summer, when I had to upgrade to the sports tier in order to keep it. I currently receive it on two SD channels, just as before. Last year, the channels were free and I received the 8 regular season games in HD on the HDSE channel, which was switched to NFLNET just for those games. It has since reverted to channel 725 with no info or programming. I pay for the sports tier to receive NFLNET, and I'm setup with HD, so why was channel 725 dead during the HOF game, which was broadcast on Comcast in other cities in HD??? Bottom line.....if we upped for the sports tier, then we should receive NFLNET-HD on a permanent, dedicated HD channel. The NFL Network is 24/7 all year.