Washington, DC / Baltimore, MD - HDTV [Text View] - Page 17

DocWB

12-20-07, 10:56 AM

I currently have FIOS and will probably switch to Comcast for a couple reasons. I don't feel that the Feb '08 price jump in FIOS is justified at this point. I just picked up a Tivo HD and need cablecards - FIOS wants $3.99 per, Comcast will charge $1.98 for two. I also just got a card from Comcast offering their Digital Preferred Plus Package with HBO and Starz for $29.95 a month for a year.

FIOS is ok, but it certainly isn't the panacea that people make it out to be.
Well as far as the HD Tivo goes, they have a HD DVR box that you can get for 15.99 a month (im paying $20 a month for my HD box alone right now). And im not really worried about the HBO, but im getting the movies and sports package for 15.99. But i'll look into comcast too. Im not sure they offer it over where i live. I know they didnt a couple of yrs ago, but it probably has changed since.

boomster

12-20-07, 11:10 AM

Well as far as the HD Tivo goes, they have a HD DVR box that you can get for 15.99 a month (im paying $20 a month for my HD box alone right now). And im not really worried about the HBO, but im getting the movies and sports package for 15.99. But i'll look into comcast too. Im not sure they offer it over where i live. I know they didnt a couple of yrs ago, but it probably has changed since.

A coworker of mine lives in Sterling and has Fios. She got it a few months back. So I bet they have it where you are now.

Marcus Carr

12-20-07, 11:10 AM

Potatoehead,

Is that Mr. Potatoehead?

I'm not sure where you are, but Richmond, VA got USA-HD and SciFi-HD yesterday... although the guide had SCIHD. That has been corrected and today the guide shows SCIFI.
I would say that someone made a mistake... I'd also think that SCI-HD will be added soon.
It makes me think that NoVA/DC/Baltimore and Richmond have the same technicians since we have the same channel lineup and had that same error.

In Baltimore it's been SCIFI from the beginning. But USAHD here is USADT, which is probably supposed to be for WUSA. Discovery Channel HD is DISHD. Probably should be DSCHD to match the SD channel. DIS is the Disney Channel.

afiggatt

12-20-07, 11:13 AM

Might be a little OT, but i was thinking about switching to Verizon FiOS. I currently have DishNetwork. You guys think its worth it? The bill will probably be around the same but thats with the sports and movie package on the FiOS. Also, when i get the HD Box, i should be able to get all the HD channels they offer, correct?
You should check the Verizon Fios programming thread in the programming forum and the Fios equipment sticky threads in the hardware reception and recorders forum if you want to do some reading. Not a simple question.

Verizon will have better picture quality for SD and HD than Dish. Verizon does not have the 15 Voom HD channels that Dish has, so you would lose those. Verizon has fewer HD channels in total for now, major increase in HD channels is not expected until the spring. There have been reports that they will add a few more national HD channels before then, but these really are rumors, not solid info.

Yes, you get all 16 national HD channels as part of the standard "premiere" package. You may have to ask for them to be activated when you get the HD STB/DVR. Verizon does offer a limited set of analog channels for the locals only, but those will be going away in a few months as Fios TV goes entirely digital.

Verizon was supposed to add HD VOD to the Washington Metro market this week, but they pulled an message announcing it in this area on Tuesday and no sign of HD in the VOD folders so far. Probably ran into a technical glitch. Fios uses IPTV for VOD and the guide data, so they are not using any QAM channels for VOD. Guide data reloads are much quicker than the cable systems, BTW.

If you have the Dish HD-DVR, you will be losing storage capacity. Verizon has the Motorola QIP 6416 HD-DVR with a 160 GB hard drive which has only around 20 hours of HD recording capacity. No expansion options at this time nor any word at all if they will ever enable the eSATA port. There may be some news at CES on future equipment options after the 1st of the year. The TivoHD is a viable option with Fios as Fios will not be using SDV and you can expand the TivoHD hard drive capacity. You will have to rent two cable cards for the TivoHD until the multistream cards are available. You lose the Fios VOD with Tivo.

Overall, I am fairly satisfied with Verizon Fios. The internet access does work at the advertised speed and may be the best part of the deal. I do wish that they would add Sci-Fi, USA, CNN HD or at least given us Sci-Fi HD rather than the stretch-o-vision A&E-HD.

DVDO+WESTY=1080p

12-20-07, 11:48 AM

bam Manassas Va has nine new HD channels

229 HGTV HD

231 FOOD HD

234 CNN HD

235 USA HD

236 SCIFI HD

237 HIST HD

239 DISC HD

240 TLC HD

241 Animal Planet HD

so thats 34 total HD channels!

nice job Comcast!

DVDO+WESTY=1080p

12-20-07, 12:03 PM

the complete lineup

Comcast Manassas VA HDTV
Effective 12/20/2007

210 WJLA-DT (ABC-HD)
211 WRC-DT (NBC-HD)
212 WUSA-DT (CBS-HD)
213 WTTG-DT (FOX-HD)
214 WDCW-DT (CW-HD)
215 WDCA-DT (MY Network HD)
220 WETA-DT (PBS-HD)
223 A&E HD
224 National Geographic HD
225 Discovery HD Theater
226 Mojo HD
227 MHD
228 HBO HD
229 HGTV HD
230 HD On Demand
231 Food Network HD
232 TBS HD
233 Cinemax HD
234 CNN HD
235 USA HD
236 SCI-FI HD
237 History Channel HD
238 Showtime HD
239 Discovery Channel HD
240 TLC HD
241 Animal Planet HD
246 NFL Network HD
248 Starz HD
249 TNT HD
250 Universal HD
251 Comcast SportsNet Mid-Atlantic HD
252 ESPN HD
253 ESPN 2 HD
254 Versus/Golf Channel HD

alexandriahokie

12-20-07, 12:24 PM

bam Manassas Va has nine new HD channels

BAM! And Arlington/Alexandria still doesn't have anything new despite all of the major Comcast markets around us getting new channels (I don't think DC has anything new, either). Way to go, Comcast! But thanks for jacking up my bill next month. Bitter.

azitnay

12-20-07, 12:34 PM

No, as of today DC doesn't have any new channels, either... But DC's lineup as listed on www.comcast.com does list the following new channels that we don't get yet:

229 - Home & Garden TV HD (apparently displacing MHD to 227)
235 - USA HD
236 - Sci-Fi Channel HD
239 - Discovery HD
240 - TLC HD

So, I'm hopeful we see these channels sooner than later. A similar search for Alexandria doesn't appear to show them, however :(.

Drew

dspadoni

12-20-07, 01:25 PM

Maybe when I get back on the 30th Comcast of Alexandria will have the new channels.

We must be the hole in Comcast's NoVa/DC/MD donut :cool:

biker19

12-20-07, 02:33 PM

Thanks for the quick reply! I'm assuming you mean a QAM tuner card will work? Then, do you have any idea what package I need from Comcast just to get the local networks in HD? Believe it or not, the Comcast person on the phone couldn't tell me and the only channel list I found shows all the channels, not the breakout by package.

It is very likely that the new HDTV you got already has a QAM tuner - just plug the coax from the wall into it and scan for cable channels - that will tell you what clear QAM chs are available.

The tuner card issue is not that simple. Media Center can't handle QAM chs on built in cards - just some external QAM tuner units. There certainly are some QAM tuner equipped cards out there but for them to work you have to use their own software.

CableCards - don't bother - you'll need a new $2K+ PC for that.

Potatoehead

12-20-07, 07:16 PM

Potatoehead,

Is that Mr. Potatoehead?

I'm not sure where you are, but Richmond, VA got USA-HD and SciFi-HD yesterday... although the guide had SCIHD. That has been corrected and today the guide shows SCIFI.
I would say that someone made a mistake... I'd also think that SCI-HD will be added soon.
It makes me think that NoVA/DC/Baltimore and Richmond have the same technicians since we have the same channel lineup and had that same error.

JayMan007,

That's Dr. Potatoehead to you ;)

We actually had SCIHD for a while as a channel and in the guide. That went away when they put on SCI-FIHD. Guess we know one of the new HD channels we will be getting soon....

CuseHokie

12-20-07, 07:30 PM

I change to those numbers (guide still shows numbers, just no names) and wait for them to come back from commercial and see their logos in the bottom right. :)

mark_1581

12-20-07, 07:35 PM

We must be the hole in Comcast's NoVa/DC/MD donut :cool:

We're also the hole in Verizon's fios donut. Has anyone heard any news on when fios is coming to Alexandria? Who do we have to blame for the holdup, Verizon or the City?

smithre4

12-20-07, 08:09 PM

Is it me or is SciFiHD not really high definition at all, but SD upconverted with 5.1 sound? Haven't seen a single show yet that is widescreen.

Berto1020

12-20-07, 08:26 PM

Ladd

12-20-07, 09:43 PM

Is it me or is SciFiHD not really high definition at all, but SD upconverted with 5.1 sound? Haven't seen a single show yet that is widescreen.I haven't seen anything that appeared to be HD yet either, even if specifically listed as HD.

What I get is a widescreen picture, but with black bars on all four sides. The zoom feature on my TV won't even zoom it properly, so I have to watch the small widescreen picture.

EDIT: I should have also noted that I've had SCIFI-HD for less than two weeks now, so my experience is limited.

drbuford

12-20-07, 10:05 PM

It is very likely that the new HDTV you got already has a QAM tuner - just plug the coax from the wall into it and scan for cable channels - that will tell you what clear QAM chs are available.

The tuner card issue is not that simple. Media Center can't handle QAM chs on built in cards - just some external QAM tuner units. There certainly are some QAM tuner equipped cards out there but for them to work you have to use their own software.

CableCards - don't bother - you'll need a new $2K+ PC for that.
Great! It actually worked using the TV's QAM tuner. With just my basic subscription, I can tune in to the local network HD broadcasts plus others such as HGTV, Food Network, Discovery and History channel. I'll see if I can track down a QAM tuner for Media Center now. I know I saw a new one at Best Buy a couple of weeks ago that had the "designed for Media Center" sticker.

tetu81

12-21-07, 12:11 AM

229 - Home & Garden TV HD (apparently displacing MHD to 227)
235 - USA HD
236 - Sci-Fi Channel HD
239 - Discovery HD
240 - TLC HD

So, I'm hopeful we see these channels sooner than later. A similar search for Alexandria doesn't appear to show them, however :(.

Drew

I got a call back from someone at Comcast after I "emailed Rick" and was told to expect these channels mid-January. But I'm hoping that their appearance on the lineup now means it is sooner than that ;)

FineWare

12-21-07, 08:17 AM

Is it me or is SciFiHD not really high definition at all, but SD upconverted with 5.1 sound? Haven't seen a single show yet that is widescreen.

To the best of my knowledge, Stargate Atlantis and Tinman were both shown in HD.

tonyd79

12-21-07, 09:10 AM

smithre4

12-21-07, 10:01 AM

SciFi has shown Stargate, Tinman, BSG: Razor in HD as well as several movies, especially during the primetime hours.

Good chance that Saw will be HD tonight (I have yet to see an HD indicator on DirecTV for SciFi yet).

OK, I have only had SciFiHD (probably should have specified via Comcast since this is a provider agnostic forum) for 2 days now and so far everything I've seen (including an episode of Stargate SG1) has been in 4:3 aspect. The stargate episode had the horizontal and vertical pillars around it though. I forgot to check to see if Saw was in HD, but the movie before it was in 4:3 aspect.

And I noticed that the DiscoveryHD channel has 4:3 content stretched so that the bottom portion of the material is cut off.

biker19

12-21-07, 10:32 AM

Great! It actually worked using the TV's QAM tuner. With just my basic subscription, I can tune in to the local network HD broadcasts plus others such as HGTV, Food Network, Discovery and History channel. I'll see if I can track down a QAM tuner for Media Center now. I know I saw a new one at Best Buy a couple of weeks ago that had the "designed for Media Center" sticker.
What they mean by that is that the ATSC tuner (for OTA) will work in Media Center - the QAM tuner won't. The NTSC analog tuner will also work in Media Center but fairly soon you won't have much use for that tuner. ;)

Consider yourself lucky that you get all those chs besides the networks in clear QAM - they could go away at any time - in many markets those are encrypted.

JayMan007

12-21-07, 10:56 AM

OK, I have only had SciFiHD (probably should have specified via Comcast since this is a provider agnostic forum) for 2 days now and so far everything I've seen (including an episode of Stargate SG1) has been in 4:3 aspect. The stargate episode had the horizontal and vertical pillars around it though. I forgot to check to see if Saw was in HD, but the movie before it was in 4:3 aspect.

And I noticed that the DiscoveryHD channel has 4:3 content stretched so that the bottom portion of the material is cut off.

I've only had SciFi-HD officially since sometime last night and I did see a full screen (16x9) movie. -something 51 ??? I was skipping through channels during commercials of the game... Sci-Fi was working Wed... then it wasn't during the day yesterday, so I would check it every so often...

smithre4

12-21-07, 02:13 PM

I've only had SciFi-HD officially since sometime last night and I did see a full screen (16x9) movie. -something 51 ??? I was skipping through channels during commercials of the game... Sci-Fi was working Wed... then it wasn't during the day yesterday, so I would check it every so often...

Yeah that's the one that I didn't check. The one movie before it (alone in the dark) was 4:3. Saw is on tonight so I will check to see if that is in the proper format.

dspadoni

12-21-07, 02:51 PM

We're also the hole in Verizon's fios donut. Has anyone heard any news on when fios is coming to Alexandria? Who do we have to blame for the holdup, Verizon or the City?

Shear WAG: all three - Verizon (too busy elsewhere to bother?), the City ($$), and Comcast lobbying (exclusive current contract, maybe?)

Sharon L

12-21-07, 05:03 PM

The quality of the HD with Comcast is better than DirecTV, but DirecTV obviously has HD more channels.

I had HD for both Comcast and DirecTV for several years. For a long while you were correct, Comcast HD did look and sound better. But that is no longer true with the release of the new HD stations on the new satellite. I recently decided to save some money and cancel one service. I said goodbye to Comcast because their service has always been a nightmare, and they had a lot less HD stations. And too show how good Comcast service is, when they bill me for my internet service now, they keep billing me for DVR use even though I no longer have cable.

P.S. DirecTV is not perfect either but they won my service.

smithre4

12-21-07, 09:03 PM

Yeah that's the one that I didn't check. The one movie before it (alone in the dark) was 4:3. Saw is on tonight so I will check to see if that is in the proper format.

Even Saw is not widescreen...

ahsan

12-24-07, 02:04 AM

According to engadgethd.com (http://www.engadgethd.com/2007/12/23/comcast-beefs-up-hd-lineup-in-dc-metro-area/), Comcast has added "Discovery Channel HD, CNN HD, TLC HD, USA HD, Animal Planet HD, and yes, Sci-Fi HD, too" to the DC markets.

mark_1581

12-24-07, 05:36 AM

mapper

12-24-07, 11:39 AM

afiggatt

12-24-07, 06:47 PM

I just made the jump to FiOS, it won't be installed until next month but I want to iron a couple things out:
To all of you who have FiOS and TVGOS, does FiOS transmit the TVGOS info or will I have to connect an antenna for the guide information?
How reliable are the CableCARDs that come with Verizon's service?
Anybody get the Triple Play Free TV deal, and actually get the TV yet?
And what QAM channels can be seen on a clear QAM tuner?
TVGOS: Fios probably transmits the TVGOS data via the analog channel for WETA PBS 26. However, Verizon will be shutting down all the analog channels in a few months and become an entirely digital service. I have not read any reports that they will retain an analog channel for TVGOS data. If you have a TVGOS device that uses the analog signal, you likely will have to put up an antenna in the spring, but the WETA analog broadcast signal goes black in February, 2009. I understand there is a digital TVGOS source embedded in the ATSC data, but don't know what devices can access it.

Clear QAM: Verizon sends the SD and HD locals and the PEGs in the clear. With a QAM tuner, in the Washington Metro market, you should get the HD locals for channels 4,5,7,9,20,26,50,67 (MPT station in Baltimore) if I can use the shorthand. You can also get the SD sub-channels for all these plus the two MHz stations and Ion network on 66. Verizon passes the PSIP data through so a newer QAM tuner should map the stations to the broadcast channel #. However, this is not working for Sharp and some other model TVs which are now not able to display the locals at all. There is a thread in the Fios TV forum at dslreports.com on this problem if you want to follow up on it. My Samsung DTB-H260F STB tuner has no problem showing all the SD and HD locals in the QAM channel 63 to 68 for the SD & PEGS, QAM 71 to 75 for the digital broadcast locals. Almost all of the national SD and HD channels are encrypted.

ahsan

12-25-07, 10:18 PM

It appears that there is finally a sign of HD VOD in the DC market for FIOS. If you search for the term "HD" via the VOD menu, you'll come across an HD folder which has an episode of some travel show in HD. Hopefully they'll start adding more content ASAP.

Count Blah

12-26-07, 10:07 AM

We're also the hole in Verizon's fios donut. Has anyone heard any news on when fios is coming to Alexandria? Who do we have to blame for the holdup, Verizon or the City?

I've used that one before, only on a smaller scale. I'm in Sterling, and every single neighborhood around us has FIOS now. The sad part is that , they could have saved themselves lots of cabling by installing in ours, since they had to go way around us to get to two other neighborhoods.

But hey, monopolies know best, right? :mad:

hokiefan

12-26-07, 06:19 PM

While watching the best couple of hours on TV on WNUV (The Simpsons, Family guy) in the evening, I'll notice bad audio levels on some of the shows. Mostly the high frequencies sound distorted, like a volume level is too high. I get crackling on my speakers. Flipping to other channels at the same time, and they sound fine, so its either something with the recordings, or the input.

markbulla

12-26-07, 08:18 PM

mapper

12-26-07, 10:34 PM

Clear QAM: Verizon sends the SD and HD locals and the PEGs in the clear. With a QAM tuner, in the Washington Metro market, you should get the HD locals for channels 4,5,7,9,20,26,50,67 (MPT station in Baltimore) if I can use the shorthand. You can also get the SD sub-channels for all these plus the two MHz stations and Ion network on 66. Verizon passes the PSIP data through so a newer QAM tuner should map the stations to the broadcast channel #. However, this is not working for Sharp and some other model TVs which are now not able to display the locals at all. There is a thread in the Fios TV forum at dslreports.com on this problem if you want to follow up on it. Almost all of the national SD and HD channels are encrypted.

Thanks for the TVGOS and Clear QAM info. So this means the free TV that comes with Verizon will have problems because it is a Sharp?

And by the way, anyone get the free TV offer, and recieve the TV yet?

hokiefan

12-27-07, 07:29 AM

Thanks for the info. I'll check it in the AM. I was watching between 6:30 and 7, and it sounded OK at my house though.

Cheers

Thanks for looking Mark. One additional point, I was initially watching via Dish Network ch 8734 I believe. Later on I went downstairs to my other tv and was watching via 54-1 and audio levels seemed normal. However a couple of times in the past I have been watching via 54-1 and noticed the crackling during the same time period (6-8pm). It might just be the particular episode, however the local commercials seemed to have the issue as well.

How do you receive the syndicated shows? I'm assuming its some outside company that transmits to the local station? Otherwise I'd suggest to you only replay Simpsons from the first 9 seasons :)

markbulla

12-27-07, 09:19 AM

Thanks for looking Mark. One additional point, I was initially watching via Dish Network ch 8734 I believe. Later on I went downstairs to my other tv and was watching via 54-1 and audio levels seemed normal. However a couple of times in the past I have been watching via 54-1 and noticed the crackling during the same time period (6-8pm). It might just be the particular episode, however the local commercials seemed to have the issue as well.

How do you receive the syndicated shows? I'm assuming its some outside company that transmits to the local station? Otherwise I'd suggest to you only replay Simpsons from the first 9 seasons :)

Thanks for the additional info - that really helps! We currently have a hard time monitoring Dish and DirecTV, so I normally don't know about problems with them until people start complaining. That's why I check this site regularly.

We get our syndicated shows from a variety of sources, but I think we own the Simpsons. I'm pretty sure that's on tape, but I'm not really sure. It's funny that I know where pretty much all of the signals come from and go to in the building and the two transmitter sites, but I don't really have a full understanding of how the rest of the station works. Like, I don't know who chooses what we put on, or how they do it...

Thanks again for the info, and please let me know if there are any other problems.

rvonder

12-27-07, 02:46 PM

And by the way, anyone get the free TV offer, and recieve the TV yet?I haven't got FiOS (yet), but can tell you all about the TV: It's a Sharp LC-19D44U, which appears to be identical in every respect to the LC-SK24U that I recently picked up on sale at CC.

To net it out, this TV isn't designed for the HD or video enthusiast. On the plus side, it's the thinnest LCD panel I've seen (probably about 2" thick max). Nice looking set in trendy "piano black"; appears well put-together; and has two remotes. One is a decent traditional unit; the other is an egg-shaped device with only basic controls (power, volume, channel up/down), as well as a backlit clock/timer. A magnet on the bottom attaches it to the TV's base or to your refrigerator - it's clearly designed for the kitchen.

Picture quality is 'ok but not great' viewing OTA HD material. The image isn't as sharp (pardon the pun) as other 19" sets, and I've compared them side-by-side in stores. For example, small text appears a bit blurry. Increasing sharpness isn't an option, as that produces a lot of artifacting like ghosted text.

Worst thing, however, is the user interface. On the good side, it features the same extensive menu system used in the bigger/better Aquos models (I have a 42" Sharp as well), including 5 levels of color temp and fine-grained CMS controls for hue, saturation, and value of six colors. It even has bass and treble controls - a real joke with its 2 watt output and probably 1" speakers!

But other displays, such as those for the ATSC tuner and the viewing mode, are completely separate from the primary menus and are just awful - they have a completely different appearance, and look like something from an old Commodore computer. Analog and digital tuners are totally separate: You first browse the analog channels (which have a nice display matching the other menus), and then the digital channels (with the big amateurish displays and ugly fonts). Very awkward and confusing, as the analog and digital versions of the same station are not even adjacent as you browse. And the set defaults to stretching all 4:3 material - if you change view mode to "sidebar", it goes right back to "stretch" as soon as you change channels or power off. Not nice. Finally, channel changing is pretty slow.

Even off-brand sets like the 19" Element at BestBuy offer infinitely better user interfaces. It's almost as if Sharp just cobbled together some totally unrelated pieces of software to create this set, and made zero effort to make the interface consistent and well-integrated.

The only two reasons I'm keeping this set are its thinness (I have it on an articulated bracket in the bathroom), and the price I paid - a whopping $249 vs. the insane $499 list price I saw at CC yesterday. I'd bet these sets in volume cost Verizon about $100-$150 tops. So unless you really want a basic secondary HD set for your bath or a small kitchen (this set is really tiny!), I wouldn't suggest making any additional commitment to Verizon just to qualify for this TV!

Apologies for the length and off-topic nature, but I've seen questions about this set before and there's not much out there in terms of credible reviews (I know, because I researched before buying it!). So figured I'd put it in writing for anyone looking at FiOS or small HDTVs in general.

Rob

bogdanmi

12-27-07, 03:13 PM

I've been noticing poor, blocky reception in AA county for the past week or two. I'm on comcast, analog feed. For example, BravoTV last night, Project Runway, was really hard to watch. Locals (lower channels) seem fine; it's on the upper analog cable channels mostly. Anyone else? I've had no issues for years until recently.

MrChad

12-28-07, 09:16 AM

Marcus Carr

12-28-07, 09:47 AM

DirecTV has added Tennis Channel HD and CSTV HD.

DBLClick

12-28-07, 12:39 PM

I'm in Manassas Va. and both TVGOS and my TIVO system guide shows "To be announced" Comcast has not told TVGuide that the channel is now shown.

SQUIDWARD360

12-28-07, 01:21 PM

Are any other Northern VA Comcast customers still missing guide info for the new HD channels? USA HD, SCIFI HD, FOOD HD and HGTV HD show up in the guide just fine, but TLC HD, CNN HD, DISC HD, ANIMAL PLANET HD and HISTORY HD still show up as "To Be Announced" in the guide. I have unplugged my cable box (forcing a re-download of the guide) and even performed a full firmware reset/re-download, but those channels refuse to show up.

Still the same problem for me also. I was set to redownload the guide too but you have saved me the trouble. The guide info is now showing up on Comcast's website and TitanTV so I'm not sure why we are having this problem. I suppose someone could call. I am receiving a lot of freezing and pixilation on these new channels also.

Dominus

12-29-07, 06:05 PM

bump

Dominus

12-29-07, 06:43 PM

Does anyone have any info regarding FIOS coming to Rockville, MD?

Marcus Carr

12-29-07, 08:39 PM

The Heat-Wizards game is supposed to be in HD on CSN but is SD for some reason. Of course MOJO is blacked out.

CycloneGT

12-29-07, 09:59 PM

Does anyone have any info regarding FIOS coming to Rockville, MD?I think that Verizon doesn't want to tangle with the Rockville Government, so they aren't even discussing it as far as I know. Same situation in Gaithersburg.

JoeInNVa

12-30-07, 08:39 AM

aaronwt

12-30-07, 09:18 AM

I was wondering where people would use this small set. It's a little big for the kitchen and way too small for anything else. Now I know, the Bathroom.:D

I haven't got FiOS (yet), but can tell you all about the TV: It's a Sharp LC-19D44U, which appears to be identical in every respect to the LC-SK24U that I recently picked up on sale at CC.

To net it out, this TV isn't designed for the HD or video enthusiast. On the plus side, it's the thinnest LCD panel I've seen (probably about 2" thick max). Nice looking set in trendy "piano black"; appears well put-together; and has two remotes. One is a decent traditional unit; the other is an egg-shaped device with only basic controls (power, volume, channel up/down), as well as a backlit clock/timer. A magnet on the bottom attaches it to the TV's base or to your refrigerator - it's clearly designed for the kitchen.

Picture quality is 'ok but not great' viewing OTA HD material. The image isn't as sharp (pardon the pun) as other 19" sets, and I've compared them side-by-side in stores. For example, small text appears a bit blurry. Increasing sharpness isn't an option, as that produces a lot of artifacting like ghosted text.

Worst thing, however, is the user interface. On the good side, it features the same extensive menu system used in the bigger/better Aquos models (I have a 42" Sharp as well), including 5 levels of color temp and fine-grained CMS controls for hue, saturation, and value of six colors. It even has bass and treble controls - a real joke with its 2 watt output and probably 1" speakers!

But other displays, such as those for the ATSC tuner and the viewing mode, are completely separate from the primary menus and are just awful - they have a completely different appearance, and look like something from an old Commodore computer. Analog and digital tuners are totally separate: You first browse the analog channels (which have a nice display matching the other menus), and then the digital channels (with the big amateurish displays and ugly fonts). Very awkward and confusing, as the analog and digital versions of the same station are not even adjacent as you browse. And the set defaults to stretching all 4:3 material - if you change view mode to "sidebar", it goes right back to "stretch" as soon as you change channels or power off. Not nice. Finally, channel changing is pretty slow.

Even off-brand sets like the 19" Element at BestBuy offer infinitely better user interfaces. It's almost as if Sharp just cobbled together some totally unrelated pieces of software to create this set, and made zero effort to make the interface consistent and well-integrated.

The only two reasons I'm keeping this set are its thinness (I have it on an articulated bracket in the bathroom), and the price I paid - a whopping $249 vs. the insane $499 list price I saw at CC yesterday. I'd bet these sets in volume cost Verizon about $100-$150 tops. So unless you really want a basic secondary HD set for your bath or a small kitchen (this set is really tiny!), I wouldn't suggest making any additional commitment to Verizon just to qualify for this TV!

Apologies for the length and off-topic nature, but I've seen questions about this set before and there's not much out there in terms of credible reviews (I know, because I researched before buying it!). So figured I'd put it in writing for anyone looking at FiOS or small HDTVs in general.

Rob

URFloorMatt

12-30-07, 03:59 PM

It could be a good size TV for a kid's bedroom or dorm room.

ahsan

12-30-07, 08:59 PM

Skins playing at Seattle next Saturday on NBC. PQ on NBC-HD is much better than Fox.

mapper

12-30-07, 09:05 PM

Well, thats not bad. I don't plan to make heavy use of the small TV, except for the occasional football. Now that I know all this, I may just use it as a computer monitor, since it has VGA in. Now I have to wait until the installation to get the claim number and then wait 6-10 weeks from then to get the TV. It seems Verizon is doing something shady....:D

rustycruiser

12-30-07, 11:28 PM

Skins playing at Seattle next Saturday on NBC. PQ on NBC-HD is much better than Fox.

When no one is moving

JoeInNVa

12-31-07, 06:49 AM

When no one is moving
Or if it's a test signal.

VARTV

12-31-07, 07:55 AM

When no one is movingHahaha... NBC is the worst.

You're right. When there's no motion, the picture looks sharp. IMO, CBS has the best PQ for NFL football. It helps that our CBS affiliate in Norfolk runs no subs... :D

voltore

12-31-07, 02:34 PM

Wondering if anyone knows about if/when FIOS is likely in Burke Center? It seems to be all around except the Burke Center area itself! Guessing the Burke Center board may not want Burke Center Parkway dug up!

rvonder

12-31-07, 02:41 PM

I was wondering where people would use this small set. It's a little big for the kitchen and way too small for anything else. Now I know, the Bathroom. :D Actually, unless you have a pretty tiny kitchen, I'd find it too small for even that use (or I would have bought a second one to replace the old Panasonic CRT in my own kitchen...) :D

Anyway, an update: Out of curiousity, I spoke directly with a Sharp rep who explained that the LC-19D44U is an Aquos model while the LC-SK24U is a "standard" LCD set. He told me that the only real difference is that the actual LCD panel is better in the Aquos and thus should deliver a better picture than the non-Aquos set. (He confirmed that appearance, features, specs, and electronics are indeed the same across both models.)

I have seen the D44U and didn't spot any obvious difference in image quality, but have never found the two sets side-by-side to really compare (probably by design; it's unlikely that a store carrying the Aquos model would also offer the less expensive one).

So I retract part of my comment - at least VZW is offering the better D44U model. But my other remarks about the clunky user interface, etc. are definitely still valid. (Either way, it still makes a great bathroom TV! :D )

Rob

dneily

12-31-07, 04:47 PM

The Heat-Wizards game is supposed to be in HD on CSN but is SD for some reason. Of course MOJO is blacked out.

This was very odd. The game telecast was 4:3 SD with Comcast Sportsnet pillar bars. The Sportsnight program immediately following had game highlights in glorious 1080i 16:9 HD, plus live commentary from Verizon Center in HD.

tripleM

01-01-08, 01:22 PM

I am in Chantilly with a new Samsung plasma trying to scan my Cox basic analog using the QAM.
Which signal option should I use to scan: IRC, HRC , STD ?

TIA

afiggatt

01-01-08, 02:44 PM

I am in Chantilly with a new Samsung plasma trying to scan my Cox basic analog using the QAM.
Which signal option should I use to scan: IRC, HRC , STD ?
Try STD (standard). IRC and HRC refer to different carrier frequencies. There is a paragraph on this webpage that explains it a bit:
http://www.chem.hawaii.edu/uham/catvfreq.html. Good luck in finding the local HD channels. Don't know if Cox passes the PSIP info through to allow for channel remapping or you will have to find the locals the hard way, 1 QAM sub-channel at a time.

tripleM

01-01-08, 03:10 PM

Try STD (standard). IRC and HRC refer to different carrier frequencies. There is a paragraph on this webpage that explains it a bit:
http://www.chem.hawaii.edu/uham/catvfreq.html. Good luck in finding the local HD channels. Don't know if Cox passes the PSIP info through to allow for channel remapping or you will have to find the locals the hard way, 1 QAM sub-channel at a time.

Thanks. yeah I had tried all 3 cause I was finding that Cox is either very stingy or very antiquated with their free local HD.

Was able to pick Channel 4 & 7 & 20 HD but don't know where Channel 9 & 5 HD is currently...

I have no box just a straight cable feed into the TV.
Could it be a coax vs. HDMI issue?

biker19

01-01-08, 03:47 PM

Thanks. yeah I had tried all 3 cause I was finding that Cox is either very stingy or very antiquated with their free local HD.

Was able to pick Channel 4 & 7 & 20 HD but don't know where Channel 9 & 5 HD is currently...

They're way up around ch 132 I think. You should also pick up WETA 26 with it's 3 subs and 50. Cox has fixed most chs so that they map properly.

imacdonald

01-01-08, 05:09 PM

I live in Reston and was wodnering if anything has changed with WNVCDT and WHUTDT for OTA broadcasts? I am not getting any picture on WHUT 32-1, but am getting a high signal percentage. For WNVC I am not getting any signal or picture. I was able to get a picture on all 57-* sub channels last time I checked with I think was a couple weeks ago. Tivo just updated their channel listings so I was hoping to record some of their international shows.

biker19

01-01-08, 06:13 PM

WHUTDT has been audio only for a while -maybe no one watches to complain to the station to flip the video switch. I don't know about NVC - I can't pick it up it well -the wrong direction.

tripleM

01-01-08, 06:34 PM

They're way up around ch 132 I think. You should also pick up WETA 26 with it's 3 subs and 50. Cox has fixed most chs so that they map properly.
Ok let me look on 132 then for 9 & 5 then. Thanks.
Yeah the WETA 26's was a given but I forgot to mention.

UPDATE:
Can't locate 5 & 9 HD still. Rescanned to no results.
Reading some past posts, it seems Cox local HD stuff are moveable objects.
I do show 5-1 but it's says "ONE MOMENT PLEASE" on screen.

Could this be a signal strength issue?

mdviewer25

01-01-08, 10:05 PM

mdviewer25

01-01-08, 10:06 PM

any update on WUTB going full power?

afiggatt

01-01-08, 11:52 PM

I have no audio or video for WHUT-DT despite a signal strength of 94%;
Same here. I get a signal for WHUT-DT 32, but no video or audio. Can't help with WNVC-DT 57 as I can't get a solid lock on the station from my attic. I figure I will get WNVC-DT in 2009 when they switch to UHF 24, raise the digital antenna by 40 meters and increase the power from 7.3 kW to 50 kW.

As for when WUTB-DT My 24 will finally go full power, the last word from Mark Bulla was maybe in January. We will just have to check channel 41 (or 41-1) periodically to see if the station shows up.

biker19

01-02-08, 08:15 AM

Ok let me look on 132 then for 9 & 5 then. Thanks.
Yeah the WETA 26's was a given but I forgot to mention.

UPDATE:
Can't locate 5 & 9 HD still. Rescanned to no results.
Reading some past posts, it seems Cox local HD stuff are moveable objects.
I do show 5-1 but it's says "ONE MOMENT PLEASE" on screen.

Could this be a signal strength issue?

Yes, they have moved a few times. Might want to try connecting the TV on a further upstream connection to eliminate the signal strength issue.

I just checked - 9.1 is at 122.1, 9.2 is at 122.13 and 5.1 is at 122.2.

yekim54

01-02-08, 09:21 AM

Ok let me look on 132 then for 9 & 5 then. Thanks.
Yeah the WETA 26's was a given but I forgot to mention.

UPDATE:
Can't locate 5 & 9 HD still. Rescanned to no results.
Reading some past posts, it seems Cox local HD stuff are moveable objects.
I do show 5-1 but it's says "ONE MOMENT PLEASE" on screen.

Could this be a signal strength issue?
I also have trouble with signal strength on Fox 5.1 via clear QAM on Cox Cable. The other locals seem fine. Last night I switched to the antenna to watch the Sugar Bowl on Fox 5.1 because the poor cable signal kept dropping the picture every few seconds.

billygreen23

01-02-08, 09:45 AM

Speqtre

01-02-08, 09:53 AM

Woohoo!! From Comcast support:

"Thank you for contacting Comcast regarding new High Definition
programming.

I have reviewed our system and see Arlington, Alexandria, and Reston
will receive new High Definition programming on January 20th of 2008.

Channels such as Discovery HD, TLC HD, Animal Planet HD, USA HD, Food
Network HD, HGTV HD, CNN HD, Sci-Fi HD, and History HD will be added to
your channel line up on January 20th of 2008. I would like to apologize
for any inconvenience we may have caused concerning this matter."

Well - that's the final straw - time to move to Comcast. Combine this news tidbit with the "$74.95 for everything for a year" mailer I received and the low cost (possibly no charge) cablecards and I'm dumping FIOS tv and internet and going back to cable! Verizon can take their '08 price increase and choke on it :p

knnirs

01-02-08, 11:01 AM

Well - that's the final straw - time to move to Comcast. Combine this news tidbit with the "$74.95 for everything for a year" mailer I received and the low cost (possibly no charge) cablecards and I'm dumping FIOS tv and internet and going back to cable! Verizon can take their '08 price increase and choke on it :p
What is included in the "$74.95 for everything for a year" offer? Is this TV only or does it include internet and phone plus TV?

compuwizz

01-02-08, 11:17 AM

Ok let me look on 132 then for 9 & 5 then. Thanks.
Yeah the WETA 26's was a given but I forgot to mention.

UPDATE:
Can't locate 5 & 9 HD still. Rescanned to no results.
Reading some past posts, it seems Cox local HD stuff are moveable objects.
I do show 5-1 but it's says "ONE MOMENT PLEASE" on screen.

Could this be a signal strength issue?

Put your zip code into http://www.silicondust.com/wiki/hdhomerun/channels

You may have to put a zip code for an area around you that you know is Cox serviced. It should show you which QAM channels carry which HD channel in the clear. Hopefully someone has an HDHomerun near you that has the lineup feature turned on.

tripleM

01-02-08, 11:17 AM

What is included in the "$74.95 for everything for a year" offer? Is this TV only or does it include internet and phone plus TV?

triple play.
Scan (http://forums.slickdeals.net/showpost.php?p=9397353&postcount=23)

knnirs

01-02-08, 11:26 AM

I have no audio or video for WHUT-DT despite a signal strength of 94%; The signals for 5, 2, and 9 seem more directional than before; and the program info for 9-1 only says "DTV program" 9-2 says "WUSA Super Doppler live radar"

I have a minimum strength signal, but good video and audio for WHUT-DT with rabbit ears at 11:20 AM in Beltsville.

tripleM

01-02-08, 11:45 AM

Yes, they have moved a few times. Might want to try connecting the TV on a further upstream connection to eliminate the signal strength issue.

I just checked - 9.1 is at 122.1, 9.2 is at 122.13 and 5.1 is at 122.2.

Thanks for the info. Appreciate it.

@ this rate I might just hook an antenna into a secondary TV input.

Not sure what Cox' m.o. is...but I always hated my parent's Comcast but that was more on the CSR & pricing. But @ least they were consistent with their signal.

tripleM

01-02-08, 11:48 AM

Well - that's the final straw - time to move to Comcast. Combine this news tidbit with the "$74.95 for everything for a year" mailer I received and the low cost (possibly no charge) cablecards and I'm dumping FIOS tv and internet and going back to cable! Verizon can take their '08 price increase and choke on it :p

Yeah. VZ really is going to screw the pooch if they don't start competing for us.

tripleM

01-02-08, 11:50 AM

Put your zip code into http://www.silicondust.com/wiki/hdhomerun/channels

You may have to put a zip code for an area around you that you know is Cox serviced. It should show you which QAM channels carry which HD channel in the clear. Hopefully someone has an HDHomerun near you that has the lineup feature turned on.

Thanks will try it out!

Speqtre

01-02-08, 11:55 AM

triple play.
Scan (http://forums.slickdeals.net/showpost.php?p=9397353&postcount=23)

What is included in the "$74.95 for everything for a year" offer? Is this TV only or does it include internet and phone plus TV?

As tripleM responded, it's like triple play, but with HBO, Starz, and Showtime included. Oh, and when I called and talked to my local office to confirm some info, the two cablecards (for my new Tivo HD) that VZ wants $7.98 for would be gratis through Comcast. This deal will be less than half what I pay now, plus the premiums free :D

tripleM

01-02-08, 12:02 PM

As tripleM responded, it's like triple play, but with HBO, Starz, and Showtime included. Oh, and when I called and talked to my local office to confirm some info, the two cablecards (for my new Tivo HD) that VZ wants $7.98 for would be gratis through Comcast. This deal will be less than half what I pay now, plus the premiums free :D

How was VZ's service besides pricing?

Speqtre

01-02-08, 12:16 PM

How was VZ's service besides pricing?

Nothing special:

- tech support is no better/worse than others I've experienced
- no local office for exchanging bad boxes really sucks
- DVR has had its share of random reboots, dropped DVR sub twice
- original install took 8 hours (without new outlet install!)
- guide info frequently wrong - may not be VZ's fault (not sure who provides their guide data)

I just really don't appreciate the upcoming price increases - they have no loyalty price protection, I have no loyalty to them either. Their arrogance/stupidity with cablecards really gets me too.

Honestly, I don't expect Comcast to be any better - just much cheaper!

mchief99

01-02-08, 12:20 PM

Woohoo!! From Comcast support:

"Thank you for contacting Comcast regarding new High Definition
programming.

I have reviewed our system and see Arlington, Alexandria, and Reston
will receive new High Definition programming on January 20th of 2008.

Channels such as Discovery HD, TLC HD, Animal Planet HD, USA HD, Food
Network HD, HGTV HD, CNN HD, Sci-Fi HD, and History HD will be added to
your channel line up on January 20th of 2008. I would like to apologize
for any inconvenience we may have caused concerning this matter."

How long did it take to get this response? I ask Comcast (Alexandria) 2 weeks ago why other areas around us had SciFi HD, etc. Never got a response, which is normal.

biker19

01-02-08, 12:23 PM

That Comcast deal sounds too good to be true. Everyone's triple play starts at $99, yet they do it for $75 with 2 CCs and the extras?

tripleM

01-02-08, 12:44 PM

That Comcast deal sounds too good to be true. Everyone's triple play starts at $99, yet they do it for $75 with 2 CCs and the extras?

Biker, if you follow my scan, there is a link in the top right that leads to the thread that shows it working for most Northern Virginia that call in.

Speqtre

01-02-08, 12:51 PM

That Comcast deal sounds too good to be true. Everyone's triple play starts at $99, yet they do it for $75 with 2 CCs and the extras?

Fine print: Ends 1/15/08, and of course, limited to new subs. I'd say it's a YMMV on the CCs - won't really know 'til the bill arrives, just repeating what the CSR at my local office told me. Even so, Comcast normally charges only $1.98 for the second CC - VZ charges $3.98 each CC. It all adds up over time!

voltore

01-02-08, 01:52 PM

and the program info for 9-1 only says "DTV program" 9-2 says "WUSA Super Doppler live radar"

That is now resolved. The PSIP+ managed to get a rogue entry that caused it to burp! Thanks.

tripleM

01-02-08, 03:38 PM

Nothing special:

- tech support is no better/worse than others I've experienced
- no local office for exchanging bad boxes really sucks
- DVR has had its share of random reboots, dropped DVR sub twice
- original install took 8 hours (without new outlet install!)
- guide info frequently wrong - may not be VZ's fault (not sure who provides their guide data)

I just really don't appreciate the upcoming price increases - they have no loyalty price protection, I have no loyalty to them either. Their arrogance/stupidity with cablecards really gets me too.

Honestly, I don't expect Comcast to be any better - just much cheaper!

Wow, for an outfit with there own 'Apple like' concept store & 'we are the best' attitude, they sure are inept CS wise.

Seems like they are following the cell phone division DNA. All hype - partial cust. satisfaction

tmeader

01-02-08, 03:48 PM

Has anyone had any luck in getting Cable Cards recently in Anne Arundel? I'm fed up with the i-Guide (especially after raising the price again), and looking to get a TivoHD in the near future. Unfortunately, when I called the local office, they said that no cable cards are currently available in the area (I asked about M-Card or regular cards), and had no idea when they'd have more.

Such BS.

markbulla

01-02-08, 06:08 PM

That is now resolved. The PSIP+ managed to get a rogue entry that caused it to burp! Thanks.

Friggin computers!

URFloorMatt

01-02-08, 08:23 PM

I just really don't appreciate the upcoming price increases - they have no loyalty price protection, I have no loyalty to them either. Their arrogance/stupidity with cablecards really gets me too.

They don't? I'm locked in with current pricing until 2009.

fmsjr

01-02-08, 08:59 PM

tmeader

01-02-08, 10:54 PM

From FiOS or Comcast? Or Millennium? :)

Sorry about that... from Comcast.

Marcus Carr

01-03-08, 05:11 AM

I noticed that The Weather Channel is running a message about the three HD channels Baltimore has right now as a "sneak preview" - USA, Sci-Fi, Discovery. No message had been sent through the Comcast box. No mention of/date for the three we're getting this month - CNN, History, TLC.

CuseHokie

01-03-08, 07:32 AM

Anybody in Comcast Loudoun territories not getting any channels above analog this morning?

Ugh, please don't do this to me the night of the Orange Bowl......

dougotte

01-03-08, 09:28 AM

They don't? I'm locked in with current pricing until 2009.

I just signed a 2-year contract w/ Verizon. The rep on the phone stated that all the fees are locked in unless they decide to increase the STB rental fees, which are apparently not covered by the contract. Time will tell whether that info is correct or not.

Doug

JayMan007

01-03-08, 09:33 AM

I just signed a 2-year contract w/ Verizon. The rep on the phone stated that all the fees are locked in unless they decide to increase the STB rental fees, which are apparently not covered by the contract. Time will tell whether that info is correct or not.

Doug

Did you get any specials or deals? I'm thinking of switching to Vz from Comcast and have been looking.

gary michaels

01-03-08, 09:40 AM

WJAL analog 68 digital 16 in Hagerstown-Chambersburg has apparently increased power from 6kw to about 50kw as they are now putting in a good signal at my location in Charles town, Wv. while on the lower power I could only get a brief lock on them once or twice in the past year.

jacindc

01-03-08, 10:03 AM

tetu81

01-03-08, 10:27 AM

A slew of messages on my DC Comcast box this morning.

Woohoo! I got those too! Mike Rowe in HD at last! :D

machpost

01-03-08, 10:52 AM

A slew of messages on my DC Comcast box this morning.

* HGTVHD, USAHD, SCIFIHD, DiscHD, and TLCHD getting added on Jan. 15

On RCN in D.C., we don't yet have USA, Sci-Fi, or Discovery in HD, but they've been attempting to keep pace with Comcast in HD offerings lately, so hopefully they'll add these soon, too.

RCN has also been moving handfuls of analog channels over to digital-only with each addition of HD channels, and has scrapped TV Guide Channel altogether. Now that they're already doing full analog-digital simulcast, I have a feeling that we'll be digital-only by this time next year.

DBLClick

01-03-08, 11:26 AM

I never understood the wisdom of Comcast placing the TVGuide channel in the digital classic when the listings are only for the analog channels.

yesongs

01-03-08, 11:59 AM

Anyone watch the Wizards last night in HD on D*?

I was getting pretty bad break-ups on both this, 629HD, and on 247 TBSHD

I'm hoping it was a satalite issue and not my alligment as it was pretty windy

Still happening this morning but less frequently

E

dg28

01-03-08, 12:27 PM

MrChad

01-03-08, 01:12 PM

Anybody in Comcast Loudoun territories not getting any channels above analog this morning?

Ugh, please don't do this to me the night of the Orange Bowl......

Yeah none of my HD channels were coming in this morning at around 7:00 am. I haven't checked since.

CycloneGT

01-03-08, 01:47 PM

essay

01-03-08, 01:57 PM

Anybody in Comcast Loudoun territories not getting any channels above analog this morning?

Ugh, please don't do this to me the night of the Orange Bowl......

Same here. No digital channels this morning - last checked at 7:30am.

gary michaels

01-03-08, 03:06 PM

Are they HD? I'll see if I can get it down here. I am able to get that old PAX ch in WVa, so there is a chance.
you got the calls wrong.. this station is wjal-68/16 not whag which is 25/55.
no I have not seen any hd on wjal. do not confuse with wjla 7/39.

CycloneGT

01-03-08, 05:27 PM

Oh. No HD there? I'll fix my mistake on the first post.

CuseHokie

01-03-08, 07:23 PM

MrChad

01-04-08, 08:19 AM

OMFG!!!!!!!

Comcast originally fixed the issue before I left this morning (see above during the 7am hour)...

NOW I'M GETTING NO CHANNELS, NOT EVEN ANALOG!@$!#$@#$

I talked to someone today at work and they were having the same issue.

Can you believe this?!?!

Yeah there was a system outage in the early evening last night that seemed to be corrected after a few hours.

It looks like the guide data for all the new December HD channels is in.

alexandriahokie

01-04-08, 01:12 PM

How long did it take to get this response? I ask Comcast (Alexandria) 2 weeks ago why other areas around us had SciFi HD, etc. Never got a response, which is normal.

Has anyone else in Arlington/Alexandria been able to get any info on this possible addition? I tried calling Comcast today, and the CSR I spoke with told me that no one in Virginia received these HD channels (Food, Discovery, TLC, Animal Planet, SciFi, USA and CNN), and that all of the Virginia lineups were modeled around Arlington/Alexandria. After trying to unsuccessfully explain the errors in her ways, I just hung up on her far more frustrated than when I called. Another Comcastic experience I would say.

JayMan007

01-04-08, 03:07 PM

Has anyone else in Arlington/Alexandria been able to get any info on this possible addition? I tried calling Comcast today, and the CSR I spoke with told me that no one in Virginia received these HD channels (Food, Discovery, TLC, Animal Planet, SciFi, USA and CNN), and that all of the Virginia lineups were modeled around Arlington/Alexandria. After trying to unsuccessfully explain the errors in her ways, I just hung up on her far more frustrated than when I called. Another Comcastic experience I would say.

I'm in Richmond, VA...
We got Food-HD, and a few others in September.
Then we got a postcard in late Octover that 4 analog channels were moving to Digital and that we would get CNN, USA, Discovery, History, Sci-Fi & TLC by end of year.
Got Discovery & TLC on 11/20.
Got USA & Sci-Fi on 12/19.
End of year came and went and still no CNN or History. -I'm thinking next Tuesday (1/8).
I think we have the same channel line-up as you. Recently added:
235 - USA HD
236 - Sci-Fi HD
239 - Discovery
240 - TLC HD

I think we will soon get:
234 - CNN
237 - History

After that:
241 - Animal Planet
242 - Science Channel

dspadoni

01-04-08, 03:30 PM

Has anyone else in Arlington/Alexandria been able to get any info on this possible addition? I tried calling Comcast today, and the CSR I spoke with told me that no one in Virginia received these HD channels (Food, Discovery, TLC, Animal Planet, SciFi, USA and CNN), and that all of the Virginia lineups were modeled around Arlington/Alexandria. After trying to unsuccessfully explain the errors in her ways, I just hung up on her far more frustrated than when I called. Another Comcastic experience I would say.

We (in Arlington/Alexandria) all feel your pain. Just out of curiosity, did you call the 800 number or the local office on Van Dorn Street? The CSRs working the 800 number live in a different universe and are even less clueless than the local CSRs (incredible as that may sound).

DVDO+WESTY=1080p

01-04-08, 05:15 PM

I'm in Richmond, VA...
We got Food-HD, and a few others in September.
Then we got a postcard in late Octover that 4 analog channels were moving to Digital and that we would get CNN, USA, Discovery, History, Sci-Fi & TLC by end of year.
Got Discovery & TLC on 11/20.
Got USA & Sci-Fi on 12/19.
End of year came and went and still no CNN or History. -I'm thinking next Tuesday (1/8).
I think we have the same channel line-up as you. Recently added:
235 - USA HD
236 - Sci-Fi HD
239 - Discovery
240 - TLC HD

I think we will soon get:
234 - CNN
237 - History

After that:
241 - Animal Planet
242 - Science Channel

Manassas Va got all those in December except for Science Channel 242 I am interested in getting that channel too. does someone else have that channel who can verify that its on 242?

alexandriahokie

01-04-08, 08:16 PM

We (in Arlington/Alexandria) all feel your pain. Just out of curiosity, did you call the 800 number or the local office on Van Dorn Street? The CSRs working the 800 number live in a different universe and are even less clueless than the local CSRs (incredible as that may sound).

I called the 703/823-3000 number. Sad I've memorized it.

Well, I do have good news. While the <censored> CSR member was totally useless, I sent an email on the website. This was their response to me:

"Thank you for contacting Comcast Communications. We appreciate your
interest in our products and services.

Please be informed that the channels listed in your e-mail will be
launched in Alexandria on 1/20/08. I hope this information is helpful. "

And these where the channels I noted in my message:

"Food HD, TLC HD, Animal Planet HD, Discovery HD, USA HD, Sci Fi HD, History HD, and CNN HD"

So, that is great news.

Now, on my soapbox, if Comcast could give me the proper information on the phone instead of the run-around, I would be far less unhappy with them. Customer service is a lost cause...

mjw703

01-05-08, 08:39 AM

We (in Arlington/Alexandria) all feel your pain. Just out of curiosity, did you call the 800 number or the local office on Van Dorn Street? The CSRs working the 800 number live in a different universe and are even less clueless than the local CSRs (incredible as that may sound).

I've always been frustrated with the local Comcast CSRs even before I got cable. I live on Fort Myer Dr in Arlington, which the CSRs insisted was part of their Alexandria system, so they wouldn't offer me service. I tried to explain that Fort Myer Drive starts at the Key Bridge and ends, pretty much at Arlington Cemetery, but the first CSR at Comcast I spoke to insisted that those landmarks where in Alexandria. It took me a month to get cable hooked up and only by contacting the Arlington County Cable Commission which had to convince them that I am indeed an Arlington resident. If the CSRs can't even figure out what landmarks are in their service area, which happens to be one of the smallest counties in the country, then I doubt they even know what channels are going to be added two weeks from now.

mchief99

01-05-08, 11:12 AM

Received an email from Comcast today with the follows

Additional HD channels for Alexandria/Arlington effective 1/20

EXPANDED HIGH-DEFINITION LINEUP

229 HGTV HD
231 FOOD HD
234 CNN HD
235 USA HD
236 SCIFI HD
237 HISTORY HD
239 DISCOVERY HD
240 TLC HD
241 ANIMAL PLANET HD

I asked them what the heck Expanded High-Definition Lineup was since I pay for Digital Perferred and there is no such thing on their billing cards. I love the way they throw terms around that are not on the billing cards.

Lenonn

01-05-08, 11:32 AM

On RCN in D.C., we don't yet have USA, Sci-Fi, or Discovery in HD, but they've been attempting to keep pace with Comcast in HD offerings lately, so hopefully they'll add these soon, too.

RCN has also been moving handfuls of analog channels over to digital-only with each addition of HD channels, and has scrapped TV Guide Channel altogether. Now that they're already doing full analog-digital simulcast, I have a feeling that we'll be digital-only by this time next year.

I'm really looking forward to Sci Fi HD on RCN - hopefully before March. :)

jgantert

01-05-08, 02:06 PM

Did 50-1 go off the air? None of my boxes can get it anymore, and the Tivo HD unit shows "Invalid Channel" message.

I'm in Columbia, MD btw, and can usually get it no problem.

-John

jgantert

01-05-08, 02:37 PM

Looks like 50-1 is back. :)

tykoto

01-05-08, 02:41 PM

What brand television do you have?

I lost 50 from my Sony TV last night too. It still shows a high signal strength on that channel but the TV says no signal. I even tried to reset it/reprogram it, but it's gone.

However, on my Magnavox TV, the channel is there like it never left. Sony support was no help. It just seem so odd that it would deprogram itself and I can't get it back even if I reset the TV. But the Magnavox still receives it just fine.

I was wondering if anyone else had a similar problem and if there could be an issue with the signal or is it just my TV.

A similar thing happened with 54 from Baltimore.

In both cases, my Sony finds a blank channel on the physical channel for each station. Instead of 50.1, I now have a blank channel on 51.4. And instead of 54.1, I now have a blank channel on 40.3.

dspadoni

01-05-08, 02:46 PM

I've always been frustrated with the local Comcast CSRs even before I got cable. I live on Fort Myer Dr in Arlington, which the CSRs insisted was part of their Alexandria system, so they wouldn't offer me service. I tried to explain that Fort Myer Drive starts at the Key Bridge and ends, pretty much at Arlington Cemetery, but the first CSR at Comcast I spoke to insisted that those landmarks where in Alexandria. It took me a month to get cable hooked up and only by contacting the Arlington County Cable Commission which had to convince them that I am indeed an Arlington resident. If the CSRs can't even figure out what landmarks are in their service area, which happens to be one of the smallest counties in the country, then I doubt they even know what channels are going to be added two weeks from now.

My own experience had to do with a recent billing hiccup. Long story short: both 800 and local CSRs were clueless (and sometimes rude); it took a 4-page dissertation addressed to the CS Manager in Manassas to get it fixed. Moral: it takes a very loud squeaky wheel to get action.

alexandriahokie

01-06-08, 03:09 PM

My own experience had to do with a recent billing hiccup. Long story short: both 800 and local CSRs were clueless (and sometimes rude); it took a 4-page dissertation addressed to the CS Manager in Manassas to get it fixed. Moral: it takes a very loud squeaky wheel to get action.

I've gotten to the point with billing issues that I write Comcast (which I'm sure goes into the circular file) and also send a copy to the person in City Hall that is on the back of the bill. It never fails that I get a call back within a few days with the lead in "I got your letter from the City..." Sure, since you clearly didn't get the other one I sent you directly.

tripleM

01-07-08, 02:41 AM

I've gotten to the point with billing issues that I write Comcast (which I'm sure goes into the circular file) and also send a copy to the person in City Hall that is on the back of the bill. It never fails that I get a call back within a few days with the lead in "I got your letter from the City..." Sure, since you clearly didn't get the other one I sent you directly.

LOL...so true.

Marcus Carr

01-07-08, 09:22 AM

Dish to offer locals in Baltimore:

http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?p=12718717#post12718717

CycloneGT

01-07-08, 10:35 AM

I guess its time for the CSE announements.

JJChandler

01-07-08, 07:39 PM

I have the same problem with 50-1 (Wdcw) being a black screen. I checked and there is a solid signal strength on the meter. Anyone know what happened?

afiggatt

01-07-08, 08:05 PM

I have the same problem with 50-1 (Wdcw) being a black screen. I checked and there is a solid signal strength on the meter. Anyone know what happened?
Yep, WDCW-DT CW 50 is there with full signal strength, but no picture. I can get WDCW-DT on Verizon Fios on channel 808 so the station is still sending out a signal, but Verizon uses a fiber line hookup for most of the locals. WDCW-DT is apparently having problems with their broadcast signal. Has anyone called the station to see if there is an on-duty engineer who is even aware of the broadcast problem?

JJChandler

01-07-08, 10:08 PM

I just did another check using my Pioneer TV and I am getting the WDCW signal and picture OTA on 50-1. So this leads me to a hardware or software issue with the HR10-250 as both the TV and the HR10-250 are getting OTA from the same multi switch. I first noticed this problem on Saturday 1/5/08.

afiggatt

01-07-08, 10:42 PM

More WDCW-DT CW 50 weird stuff. I can tune to the station and get video with the Sony DHG-HDD250 DVR. However, after a re-scan, the Samsung SIR-T451 ATSC STB shows a full 10 bars of signal strength on channel 51 (actual broadcast channel for WDCW-DT 50), but no picture nor does it remap the station to 50.1. The re-scan caused it to lose the channel mapping and now the Samsung T451 can't read the PSIP data. WDCW-DT is sending out a signal with something wrong in the configuration that is messing up some ATSC tuners brands.

JJChandler

01-08-08, 09:14 AM

afiggatt,

I agree with you! Some tuners are working with the OTA and others aren't. How do we address this issue and try to get it fixed? Contact the station?

E55 KEV

01-08-08, 11:19 AM

Did 50-1 go off the air? None of my boxes can get it anymore, and the Tivo HD unit shows "Invalid Channel" message.

I'm in Columbia, MD btw, and can usually get it no problem.

-John

I could not get 50.1 last night or this morning on 1 of 5 ATSC tuners.:confused::mad: Two of my sets are identical and 1 got 50.1 and one did not? :confused

afiggatt

01-08-08, 11:23 AM

afiggatt,

I agree with you! Some tuners are working with the OTA and others aren't. How do we address this issue and try to get it fixed? Contact the station?
I still can not tune to WDCW-DT 50 this morning with the Samsung SIR-T451 ATSC tuner. So they have screwed something up. Suggest people email or call the station. See http://thecwdc.trb.com/ under About the Station for the phone number. I can get WNUV-DT CW 54 in Baltimore just fine so that should be available for a lot of digital OTA viewers as an option.

JJChandler

01-08-08, 12:10 PM

BigDaddyRoy

01-08-08, 01:28 PM

Coming January 8th in Baltimore City, Harford, Baltimore, Carroll and Howard counties;

USA HD, Sci-Fi HD, CNN HD, Disc HD, TLC HD, History HD

GoIrish

I know USA HD, Sci-Fi HD, and Disc HD got added as a 'preview' in December. Has anyone at home in these areas seen if the other three have gone live today? I didn't get to check before leaving for work in the morning.

Marcus Carr

01-08-08, 01:52 PM

Next week.

On this subject I heard today that they pushed the launches of these six back to the week of Jan 15th but were going to preview USAHD, SciFiHD and DiscHD beginning next week. Don't have channel numbers but they will be on before next weekend and will air through the formal launch date.

GoIrish

markbulla

01-08-08, 03:35 PM

Hi all -

Just a heads up - we're going to be rewiring the power to both the WNUV-DT and WBFF-DT digital transmitters on Monday, January 14, 2008, starting at about 9:00 AM. That means that the transmitters will be off the air starting at that time until up to 2:00 PM (probably sooner).

Both of our analog transmitters will be on the air during that time, but you won't be able to receive 45.1, 45.2, or 54.1. In addition, some cable systems who use our digital signals to put our channels on their system won't have them during our off-air time (obviously).

Sorry for any inconvenience, but we're putting the transmitters on generator backup power, so we won't go off the air (for so long) when the power goes out to the transmitter site.

Cheers!

tripleM

01-08-08, 03:45 PM

I sent a note to WDCW this morning describing how I can get HD on one TV but not on my HR10-250. I think we all need to write in or call the station and complain. 50-1 or channel 51 has been off since 1/5/08 as far as I know. That was when I first noticed the problem.

Yes. I was wondering where 50-1 went on my Samsung 5054 plasma. Thought it was Cox screwing around again.

On a side note, I still can't get 5 HD & 9 HD via Cox thru the QAM.
Is any1 else having the same issue? should I call Cox on this?

JJChandler

01-09-08, 08:59 AM

Last night WDCW was back on. The channel was coming in fine on the HR10-250. I have no idea what happened. tripleM, I don't have Cox so I can't help you out there.

E55 KEV

01-09-08, 11:23 AM

I got 50.1 back yesterday after I reprogrammed the channels again.

tripleM

01-09-08, 02:17 PM

Last night WDCW was back on. The channel was coming in fine on the HR10-250. I have no idea what happened. tripleM, I don't have Cox so I can't help you out there.

np with Cox, I'll take care of them.
Did you have to rescan or did you do the manual input to see if 50.1 was there last nite?

I checked around 10 manually & it was still NOT there on my samsung 5054.

jgantert

01-09-08, 06:13 PM

No audio on on 54-1 (Simpsons 6pm). I get a valid Dolby Digital signal on my audio receiver, but there is no audio there.

-John

UPDATE: It's back! :)

markbulla

01-10-08, 08:47 AM

No audio on on 54-1 (Simpsons 6pm). I get a valid Dolby Digital signal on my audio receiver, but there is no audio there.

-John

UPDATE: It's back! :)

Took a while to find it... Once the audio is digitized, I'm limited in ways to test for it.

Basically, the piece of equipment that switches between our local signal and the CW network HD feed decided that it no longer wanted to pass the local audio... Apparently for no reason...

Rebooting it fixed the problem. It took over two hours to find the problem, though...

Marcus Carr

01-10-08, 09:48 AM

WNUV to air Raycom ACC basketball in HD beginning Januray 1st.

http://raycomsportsmarketing.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=49&Itemid=30

sboller

01-10-08, 10:26 AM

Hi, I get OTA digital channels using a Radio Shack DA-5200 antenna connected to a 32" Sharp LCD TV (I guess I'm too new to post links to either product).

Anyway, HD broadcasts look great, and even SD broadcasts look sharp. But the WETA sub-channels, particularly Create (26.2) and WETA World (26.4) often look little better than YouTube videos. They can be very...I don't know the word, but like everything is made of blocks.

It's not a problem inherent to sub-channels in general, because it doesn't happen with the MHz channels (30.1 - 30.5) or the Ion subchannels (66.1 - 66.4).

Anyone know why WETA Create and WETA World often look so bad? I love me some America's Test Kitchen, so this is annoying.

zebras23

01-10-08, 10:47 AM

Well at least one spring training game on ESPN - unless of course MASN decides to air that one and it blacked out. Now I'm depressed again.

From Fredfa over at the Press thread:

TV Sports
ESPN/MLB Announce 2008 Spring Training Schedule
All Nine Games To Be Shown in HD
(from MLB.com)

Major League Baseball today announced a slate of nine pre-season baseball games to bew shown on ESPN this year.

Each of the Spring Training games will be available in HD.

Here is the schedule:

Code:
DAY/DATE TIME (ET) GAME
Fri. Feb. 29 1:05 pm Dodgers at Braves
Wed. Mar. 5 1:15 pm Twins at Yankees
Thur. Mar. 6 1:05 pm Dodgers at Red Sox
Fri. Mar. 7 1:05 pm Mets at Indians
Tues. Mar. 18 1:05 pm Nationals at Tigers
Wed. Mar. 19 12:05 pm Blue Jays at Red Sox
Thur. Mar. 20 1:05 pm Yankees at Blue Jays
Fri. Mar. 21 4:05 pm Cubs at Rockies
Thur. Mar. 27 1:05 pm Mets at Braves

clifburns

01-10-08, 12:19 PM

Anyone know why WETA Create and WETA World often look so bad? I love me some America's Test Kitchen, so this is annoying.

Because WETA, like many other public broadcasters, are committed to use the extra bandwidth intended for HDTV not to provide HDTV but to broadcast as many subchannels as possible. So everything is bit-starved, which is why things look blocky. Just something to keep in mind during the next public tv begathon.

machpost

01-10-08, 12:19 PM

WNUV to air Raycom ACC basketball in HD beginning Januray 1st.

http://raycomsportsmarketing.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=49&Itemid=30

Unfortunately, it appears that they're only producing four regular season games in HD. Hopefully this is a sign that they will finally start producing ACC football games in HD next season. It's long overdue.

biker19

01-10-08, 02:19 PM

Because WETA, like many other public broadcasters, are committed to use the extra bandwidth intended for HDTV not to provide HDTV but to broadcast as many subchannels as possible. So everything is bit-starved, which is why things look blocky. Just something to keep in mind during the next public tv begathon.
What "extra" bandwidth and who ever said it was meant for HDTV only? Yeah the sub chs look bad - but hey, that's their choice. The FCC should come up with some sort of bit rate threshold to call something HD - and while they're at it they should have a limit on SD as well.

BTW, I think the word to use is - pixilation. :cool:

dspadoni

01-10-08, 04:01 PM

MrChad

01-10-08, 04:54 PM

I had a conversation with a very good and friendly tech at Comcast's head end in Manassas earlier today. He mentioned that they are completely out of cable card inventory (all generations) and had no idea if or when they'd get more. Since he's not a boss, I didn't push him for more explanation. :confused:

However, with my cynicism hat pulled on firmly, it sounds like Comcast wants to force subscribers to rent their STBs. :mad:

My TiVo HD unit should be arriving next week. I'll be very upset if I'm unable to get a cable card from Comcast.

CycloneGT

01-10-08, 05:06 PM

Comcast should have never had control of the cable cards in the first place. We should have been able to buy the cards off the shelf at Best Buy or some other retailer like we can do with Cable Modems. Then only Comcast would have needed from us was the information to activate the card. But they had to make it as difficult as possible. At least Verizon still supports cable card.

Deezul

01-10-08, 07:49 PM

WNUV to air Raycom ACC basketball in HD beginning Januray 1st.

http://raycomsportsmarketing.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=49&Itemid=30

Weeee. Guess if you don't like schools in NC, you're out of luck. What the heck? You'd think with only 4 games, they'd feature at least 8 different schools. No, lets make sure Duke, UNC, and NC State are featured twice each!

At least we'll finally get the tournament in HD.

Deezul

tonyd79

01-10-08, 09:15 PM

I had a conversation with a very good and friendly tech at Comcast's head end in Manassas earlier today. He mentioned that they are completely out of cable card inventory (all generations) and had no idea if or when they'd get more. Since he's not a boss, I didn't push him for more explanation. :confused:

However, with my cynicism hat pulled on firmly, it sounds like Comcast wants to force subscribers to rent their STBs. :mad:

Consistent with what happened to me. Supposedly, they had a problem and returned the entire inventory. But, oddly, the problem was supposed to be with the Motorola cards...I have an SA system.

I am waiting since the week before Christmas. I am giving them a few more weeks (since I don't *need* the system) then going to Fios.

ahsan

01-10-08, 09:40 PM

Weeee. Guess if you don't like schools in NC, you're out of luck. What the heck? You'd think with only 4 games, they'd feature at least 8 different schools. No, lets make sure Duke, UNC, and NC State are featured twice each!

At least we'll finally get the tournament in HD.

Deezul

All Carolina Conference. Glad my Hoos will be in HD for one of those games. With my luck, that game will go up against a Wizards game and get pre-empted.

rogue5

01-10-08, 10:20 PM

Hey I just got the notice on my doorknob telling me about the digging that verizon will start doing shortly. So I am wondering how much longer I will have to wait till I can get Fios in my house! Just wondering how long it took some of you guys that already have it from notice to watching?

josh

markbulla

01-10-08, 11:20 PM

WNUV to air Raycom ACC basketball in HD beginning Januray 1st.

http://raycomsportsmarketing.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=49&Itemid=30

See, that's why I read this forum... Now I know that I'm doing that! Isn't that nice! Now all I have to do is wire it all up.....

biker19

01-11-08, 02:21 AM

However, with my cynicism hat pulled on firmly, it sounds like Comcast wants to force subscribers to rent their STBs. :mad:

+1

biker19

01-11-08, 02:22 AM

tripleM

01-11-08, 07:15 AM

Yes, they have moved a few times. Might want to try connecting the TV on a further upstream connection to eliminate the signal strength issue.

I just checked - 9.1 is at 122.1, 9.2 is at 122.13 and 5.1 is at 122.2.

Ok, I finally got a glimpse of Fox & CBS local HD last night with Cox last night.
First, I did a rescan on my Samsung 5054 & they showed up as 5-1 & then 9-1.
However, it was heavily in & out (garbled - not sure if it's called pixilation) & then suddenly it jumps to 122.1 & 122.2.

Still dropping in & out. Finally the screen goes blank.

So this seems like a signal issue? I have the cable coming out of a splitter from the wall. Should I remove the splitter & go straight from the wall?

I know that Cox put in an amp for me where the cable comes into the house last year (basement cable panel)...so I find that it is odd if the signal is soft somehow.

Any ideas from the boards?

Knicks_Fan

01-11-08, 11:35 AM

At least we'll finally get the tournament in HD.

It was last year on WDCA and many other stations in Raycom's network. Still a long way to go to catch ESPN. Raycom is most annoying when they black out games on ESPN/ESPN 2 HD to show their mostly SD product. With the additional regular season games in HD this year, it will be less of an issue.

Knicks_Fan

01-11-08, 11:38 AM

What "extra" bandwidth and who ever said it was meant for HDTV only? Yeah the sub chs look bad - but hey, that's their choice. The FCC should come up with some sort of bit rate threshold to call something HD - and while they're at it they should have a limit on SD as well.

I get endless mailers from WETA begging for money. How does $0 as a pledge sound? Until they stub cramming subchannels down our throats, sacrificing picture quality, they will not get a dime from me, same goes for MPTV.

dspadoni

01-11-08, 02:30 PM

My TiVo HD unit should be arriving next week. I'll be very upset if I'm unable to get a cable card from Comcast.

Please keep us informed on what happens. Good luck.

Mike20878

01-11-08, 03:15 PM

Omg, I just spoke to a clueless CSR at Comcast who claims that cablecards do not support HD (he also checked with his supervisor). I am trying to get an idea of how my bill would change if I dumped their DVR and got a TiVo HD. I think it would go down from $11.95 a month for DVR to approximately $2 for the second cablecard. Is the HD tier included in my triple play bundle?

Thanks,
Mike

azitnay

01-11-08, 03:32 PM

The idea that CableCARDs don't support HD is ludicrous... I know several people in Montgomery County with Comcast-supplied CableCARDs in their TiVos.

Since the TiVo HD supports M-cards, if you can get Comcast to supply you with one, you might be looking at $0 per month for the CableCARDs... However, keep in mind that you'll have to pay the TiVo service fees (as low as $8.31 per month with a three-year commitment).

Assuming you don't change your service plan with Comcast, you should continue to get whatever HD channels you currently get.

Drew

Marcus Carr

01-11-08, 04:33 PM

I love it when Customer Service makes stuff up.

AbMagFab

01-11-08, 04:52 PM

I had a conversation with a very good and friendly tech at Comcast's head end in Manassas earlier today. He mentioned that they are completely out of cable card inventory (all generations) and had no idea if or when they'd get more. Since he's not a boss, I didn't push him for more explanation. :confused:

However, with my cynicism hat pulled on firmly, it sounds like Comcast wants to force subscribers to rent their STBs. :mad:

Same thing happening here in MD. I'd like to think this is simply due to the holiday rush of Tivo HD activations. However it's very suspicious.

Please post if you're getting Comcast CC's anywhere in the DC/MD/VA region?

mapper

01-11-08, 04:53 PM

Ok, I finally got a glimpse of Fox & CBS local HD last night with Cox last night.
First, I did a rescan on my Samsung 5054 & they showed up as 5-1 & then 9-1.
However, it was heavily in & out (garbled - not sure if it's called pixilation) & then suddenly it jumps to 122.1 & 122.2.

Still dropping in & out. Finally the screen goes blank.

So this seems like a signal issue? I have the cable coming out of a splitter from the wall. Should I remove the splitter & go straight from the wall?

I know that Cox put in an amp for me where the cable comes into the house last year (basement cable panel)...so I find that it is odd if the signal is soft somehow.

Any ideas from the boards?

The best thing to do is to try to remove any splitters, as the digital channels are way more susceptible to pixelation that way. Possibly even the amp could be a problem, try bypassing it and see what happens to the digital channels. Lastly, you may be able to find out signal strength through the Samsung 5054. I know for a fact that Cox QAM channels aren't the most reliable and they shuffle them every couple weeks and still send out bad PSIP data. My TV tuner seems to match the channels correctly about 75% of the time, but YMMV.

tripleM

01-11-08, 05:10 PM

Mike20878

01-11-08, 05:38 PM

azitnay

01-11-08, 07:07 PM

Yep, I'd go for it... Just transferred my second lifetime to a TiVo HD a few months ago myself (after transferring my first lifetime to a Series3 last year). SD TiVos were great in their time, but HD is obviously what it's all about nowadays.

Drew

mikepinkerton

01-11-08, 08:48 PM

Wills

01-11-08, 10:01 PM

Is anyone up near Leisure World, Aspen Hill, Olney seeing the new Comcast HD channels (Discovery) that they supposedly added on the 18th of December??? I see that they added SciFi, but took away some other stuff. I love how they raise the prices and strip away content.....bah can't wait till I buy a house and get FIOS.

tonyd79

01-11-08, 10:22 PM

Well, I got voice mail when I got home that my cablecards are available and Comcast wants to schedule a truck roll.

I have to call the guy who left the voice mail.

They bought themselves some time.

VARTV

01-12-08, 09:08 AM

I got the note 18+ months ago, still nothing beyond the digging they did around then.

-MikeDid your town grant Verizon a franchise yet? Down here in Hampton Roads they started digging up Chesapeake a while back but that city just recently granted VZ a franchise...

rogue5

01-12-08, 11:35 AM

I got the note 18+ months ago, still nothing beyond the digging they did around then.

-Mike

Thanks for the responses all, I have to decide if I am going to stick with DirecTv or go Fios. I like Directv but I don't know if I want the knew HD DVR that they have, I currently have the HR10-250 (HDtivo Directv Box) and I luv it but it is almost phased out as far as HD is concerned. Was hoping Fios would be here soon enough that I can consider it as one of my choices. I will not go back to comcast, I would rather stick to the bunny ears...

josh

tripleM

01-12-08, 12:10 PM

The best thing to do is to try to remove any splitters, as the digital channels are way more susceptible to pixelation that way. Possibly even the amp could be a problem, try bypassing it and see what happens to the digital channels. Lastly, you may be able to find out signal strength through the Samsung 5054. I know for a fact that Cox QAM channels aren't the most reliable and they shuffle them every couple weeks and still send out bad PSIP data. My TV tuner seems to match the channels correctly about 75% of the time, but YMMV.

Well thanks to your info...my TV blew up...into HD.
Thanks for the tip. The cable was originally going into a surge protector & then being distributed out to the various components. I unhooked eveything & fed the cable straight into the TV & walla - Local HD's.

Never knew the digital stuff was sooo sensitive. Now I have to see how annoying the roaming Cox scans will be.

JoeInNVa

01-12-08, 01:25 PM

Same thing happening here in MD. I'd like to think this is simply due to the holiday rush of Tivo HD activations. However it's very suspicious.

Please post if you're getting Comcast CC's anywhere in the DC/MD/VA region?

I was just informed that the Alexandria area does not have any CC's available and to call back in a Month...I am now awaiting a called from a supervisor that I do not expect to get.

mapper

01-12-08, 05:04 PM

Well thanks to your info...my TV blew up...into HD.
Thanks for the tip. The cable was originally going into a surge protector & then being distributed out to the various components. I unhooked eveything & fed the cable straight into the TV & walla - Local HD's.

Never knew the digital stuff was sooo sensitive. Now I have to see how annoying the roaming Cox scans will be.

Thats great! Those surge protectors really mess things up for digital. One other note is that Cox doesn't understand what QAM is so they couldn't have helped you.

tripleM

01-12-08, 06:02 PM

Thats great! Those surge protectors really mess things up for digital. One other note is that Cox doesn't understand what QAM is so they couldn't have helped you.

Do I want to say I wish I had Comcast then??
Cox was great for my analog but as we approach a new era, I am afraid of what they can potentially screw up.

tonyd79

01-13-08, 09:19 AM

Well, I got voice mail when I got home that my cablecards are available and Comcast wants to schedule a truck roll.

I have to call the guy who left the voice mail.

They bought themselves some time.

Followup. They are supposed to come out Thursday. We will see. They messed up the billing already. More phone calls to come.

aaronwt

01-13-08, 10:33 AM

Thats great! Those surge protectors really mess things up for digital. One other note is that Cox doesn't understand what QAM is so they couldn't have helped you.

As long as the specs allow all frequencies to pass that the providers use they are fine. I ran my cable through surge protectos when I had DirecTV and Comcast and had zero problems. But mine also allowed frequencies up to 2.2Ghz to pass through.
I'm not running the cable through the surge protectors since I have FIOS now since it's not supposed to be needed the way their system is set up with FTTH.

mapper

01-13-08, 11:15 AM

As long as the specs allow all frequencies to pass that the providers use they are fine. I ran my cable through surge protectos when I had DirecTV and Comcast and had zero problems. But mine also allowed frequencies up to 2.2Ghz to pass through.
I'm not running the cable through the surge protectors since I have FIOS now since it's not supposed to be needed the way their system is set up with FTTH.

I guess it depends on the surge protectors then. My mistake.

Grayswandir

01-13-08, 03:36 PM

Impossible to get cablecards for Fios in PG County either. Fios internet customer for 1 1/2 years, wanted to get Fios TV. I bought 3 HD-TIVOs, so I need 6 cablecards. (Fios has no multistream cards yet).

First install was on Dec 27th - they called the day before, confirmed install for next day and that I needed 6 cablecards, so I got the Tivos ready and updated to latest software. Tech called morning of, laughing that I needed 6 cablecards and that they hadn't had any in weeks. According to him no one wants cablecards anyway because they don't do VoD.

Worked my way up Verizon's escalation support (on hold over 2 days for about 8 hours total). According to escalation they were getting more cablecards week of Jan 6, so rescheduled for Jan 12.

Called Jan 11, confirmed install for next day, confirmed 6 cablecards. Tech (same tech as Dec 27 calls morning of install to say sorry, no cablecards. Yes they got some on the 7th but they are all gone. No he can't call the supervisor, no he can't call other techs to see if they have any on their trucks. No, people who make the schedules don't know the status of equipment in the field.

Got so annoyed that we called up Comcast. According to 2 Comcast reps they will only allow 2 cablecards per account :eek: We said FCC mandates cablecards - they said yes, but not how many, just that we offer them. They both said cablecards were too much trouble to install so it wasn't worth it for Comcast. One rep even said "why would we make it easier for you to use your TIVO, when we supply a DVR of our own".

Called Verizon back, escalation told us to just get Fios TV installed, with their DVRs and then they'd work on getting cablecards out to us. Tech came out, installed 3 of their DVRs, took 1 hour. Supposedly billing won't bill us for the Fios DVR. I'll believe that when I see it. Total time on hold Friday and Saturday between all the different departments, an additional 6 hours.

Beside the waiting on hold, everyone at all levels of Verizon technical support were extremely friendly and tried to help, especially the executive complaint dept. The problem is, there's a big disconnect between the techs on the ground, the schedulers, and all levels of support. Even the different support people have to wait on hold to talk to someone higher up, and we dealt with people in West Virgina, California, and Texas.

So, now I'm sitting here with 3 HD-Tivos I purchased, and 3 subscriptions to Tivo. We tried setting up season passes on the Fios DVR and after being DirecTivo users for 3 years hate hate hate the Fios DVR interface. We gotta get cablecards in our Tivos. If I hear again someone say "our DVR as is good as a TIVO" I'm going to kill them.

How's TIVO making money on their Series 3 if no one can get cablecards, and with Comcast only allowing 2? We called TIVO to let them know our troubles, and what Comcast said, and they were going to check into it.

Why does this all have to be so hard?

aaronwt

01-13-08, 03:49 PM

I had no problem getting cable cards from FIOS in Spetember(i got 4) and November (I got 4 more) ANd I had 6 cable cards with Comcast before I dropped them in November. MAybe the demand for the cable cards has increased quicker than they planned and that is the reason for the shortage? I know I'm glad I got mine before this problem because I have no desire to use the FIOS DVR. Not when I have three Series 3 TiVos each with a 1TB drive and two TiVo HD boxes(1 with 1TB and one with 750GB) The stroage available from the Comcast and FIOS DVRs is much too small.

URFloorMatt

01-13-08, 06:09 PM

It's a new year, so it's time for that age old question: any word on HD newcasts for WRC, WJLA, or WTTG?

CycloneGT

01-13-08, 08:20 PM

Well Robert had hinted that HD was in the works for WJLA, but it was a long way off when he posted that. So hopefully now that its 2008 something might happen this year.

Nothing on WTTG or WRC. NBC is supposed to upgrade their O&O stations, and there was a rumor of FOX5 going HD in the past. So who knows.

wmcbrine

01-13-08, 09:11 PM

If they don't go HD by the time of the shutoff, they're gonna look like chumps.

jumpr

01-14-08, 06:04 AM

Any word on Baltimore stations going HD for their newscasts? WBAL, perhaps?

Marcus Carr

01-14-08, 08:16 AM

Any word on Baltimore stations going HD for their newscasts? WBAL, perhaps?

http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?p=12395172&highlight=wjz#post12395172

markbulla

01-14-08, 08:25 AM

Just a reminder...

Hi all -

Just a heads up - we're going to be rewiring the power to both the WNUV-DT and WBFF-DT digital transmitters on Monday, January 14, 2008, starting at about 9:00 AM. That means that the transmitters will be off the air starting at that time until up to 2:00 PM (probably sooner).

Both of our analog transmitters will be on the air during that time, but you won't be able to receive 45.1, 45.2, or 54.1. In addition, some cable systems who use our digital signals to put our channels on their system won't have them during our off-air time (obviously).

Sorry for any inconvenience, but we're putting the transmitters on generator backup power, so we won't go off the air (for so long) when the power goes out to the transmitter site.

Cheers!

MrChad

01-14-08, 08:43 AM

Please keep us informed on what happens. Good luck.

I called Comcast yesterday and was told that they do not have any CableCards currently available at my location, but they anticipate receiving them sometime this week. The CSR took down my number and said that he would call me when they arrive back in stock, so we'll see what happens this week.

markbulla

01-14-08, 11:52 AM

Just a reminder...

We were back up around 10:45.

JoeInNVa

01-14-08, 11:55 AM

I called Comcast yesterday and was told that they do not have any CableCards currently available at my location, but they anticipate receiving them sometime this week. The CSR took down my number and said that he would call me when they arrive back in stock, so we'll see what happens this week.

I just called and got the same information. I doubt they will call me since they didn't on Saturday.

dspadoni

01-14-08, 02:08 PM

Why does this all have to be so hard?

...and for what they charge us for their "service". Rhetorical question: please tell me why this industry shouldn't be better regulated (I'm tired of hearing that "competition and market forces will bring better service at lower cost")?

tripleM

01-14-08, 02:18 PM

(I'm tired of hearing that "competition and market forces will bring better service at lower cost")?

There's competition? Each company has an exclusive deal with each local jurisdiction to offer their service only. No other cable can even come in.
Cox can't compete with Comcast in Alexandria for example.

Only now has FIOS & DISH been able to start pushing. But it seems a duopoly more than a competitive situation.

I for 1 would welcome less local intervention.

jeff125va

01-14-08, 02:27 PM

There's competition? Each company has an exclusive deal with each local jurisdiction to offer their service only. No other cable can even come in.
Cox can't compete with Comcast in Alexandria for example.

Only now has FIOS & DISH been able to start pushing. But it seems a duopoly more than a competitive situation.

I for 1 would welcome less local intervention.
Exactly, competition would bring those things if there were any, just like it does in any other industry where it exists. Better regulation = less regulation.

tripleM

01-14-08, 02:35 PM

Exactly, competition would bring those things if there were any, just like it does in any other industry where it exists. Better regulation = less regulation.

I think we both totally agree competition is better with less intervention!

When these local jurisdiction make these sweetheart deals to allow only 1 cable company, it becomes intervention.

I say open it up what are you afraid of?!

dspadoni

01-14-08, 02:39 PM

There's competition?

My point exactly. Where I happen to live OTA reception is almost non-existent, I can't install a dish for satellite, and it could be many years before Verizon can string FIOS. (And, no, I'm not going to move just because of this.) I have very little faith that complaints to the FCC, in its current makeup and with current laws, about such matters as we've discussed would bring any real action or change.

tonyd79

01-14-08, 02:59 PM

JoeInNVa

01-14-08, 07:08 PM

There is competition. I have a choice of Comcast, Fios, DirecTV and Dishnet.

Sounds like competition to me.

But it doesn't make a bit of difference except in introductory packages. The FACT is that most people don't change providers very often.
I get COmcast and that is it.
Cannot get Dish or D due to obstacles (overhanging Balcony and building) and FIOS is not in the City of Alexandria yet. So it's either OTA or Comcast, that is it...

tripleM

01-14-08, 11:41 PM

aaronwt

01-14-08, 11:52 PM

U are the exception not the rule for sure.

I have those same choices too. Although I've never used Dish, I have used DirecTV, Comcast and now FIOS this century.

MrChad

01-15-08, 08:38 AM

I just called and got the same information. I doubt they will call me since they didn't on Saturday.

I called back today to the 1-800-COMCAST number and was told, "We currently don't have CableCards that work with the front-loading TiVos. We have a ticket with Scientific Atlanta to get working cards." She said that did have cards in stock, but they did not work with TiVos. :confused::confused::confused:

azitnay

01-15-08, 08:48 AM

A slew of messages on my DC Comcast box this morning.

* HGTVHD, USAHD, SCIFIHD, DiscHD, and TLCHD getting added on Jan. 15
* A bunch of west code feeds for HBO, Encore, Showtime, TMC, and Cinemax are being dropped (maybe all the west coast feeds?)
* Fuse and Jewelry TV being added to Digital Classic
* CMT, TCM and TVGuide being moved to digital channels (we've already had them on those channels for a long time--guess they're dropping the analogs--the msg says a digital box will now be needed to view them)
* Some Encore channels, Wam!, WE, and IFC moving from Digital Plus to Digital Classic

Looks like most of this happened as expected today:

- MHD moved from 229 to 227, and HGTVHD (229), USAHD (235), SCIFIHD (236), DSCHD (239), and TLCHD (240) were added. Of course, TiVo doesn't have guide data for them yet.

- HBOP (306) wasn't dropped (maybe a mistake?), but ENCOREP (151), EACTP (153), ELOVEP (157), EWSTP (161), HB2P (307), HBOSIGP (308), HBOFP (309), HBOLATP (312), SHOWP (343), SHO2P (344), SHOCSEP (345), SHOWXP (348), SHOWBP (349), STARZP (376) and SCINP (380) were dropped (I can't comment on MAX or TMC since I don't subscribe to them)... Good riddance, maybe Comcast will use the freed-up bandwidth for something more useful (or maybe they already have with all the new HD channels).

- Fuse was added as 148, and Jewelry TV was added as 184.

- The analog versions of TCM (49), CMTV (71), and TVGUIDE (76) are all still working for now, even though the digital versions (169, 146, and 100, respectively) are all up.

- A channel called "LEASED ACCESS" (190) was added.

Drew

Edit: FLIPX (171) is also gone.

Edit #2: I checked one of my TV's still hooked up to analog cable, and channels 49, 71, and 76 were indeed gone... They're still there on my Series3 TiVo (Comcast simulcasts all analog channels digitally) though.

azitnay

01-15-08, 08:50 AM

I called back today to the 1-800-COMCAST number and was told, "We currently don't have CableCards that work with the front-loading TiVos. We have a ticket with Scientific Atlanta to get working cards." She said that did have cards in stock, but they did not work with TiVos. :confused::confused::confused:

"Front-loading TiVos" implies the newer TiVo HD units (as opposed to the older Series3 units, which have the CableCARD slots in back).

I don't know why certain CableCARDs would work with one and not the other... Sounds pretty suspicious to me.

Drew

MrChad

01-15-08, 08:52 AM

I called back today to the 1-800-COMCAST number and was told, "We currently don't have CableCards that work with the front-loading TiVos. We have a ticket with Scientific Atlanta to get working cards." She said that did have cards in stock, but they did not work with TiVos. :confused::confused::confused:

I called back again (this time the local 703 number). This time I did not mention TiVos at all. She said that cards were available in my area, and she scheduled an appointment for tomorrow morning. I'll keep my fingers crossed that everything will work as expected.

MrChad

01-15-08, 08:53 AM

"Front-loading TiVos" implies the newer TiVo HD units (as opposed to the older Series3 units, which have the CableCARD slots in back).

I don't know why certain CableCARDs would work with one and not the other... Sounds pretty suspicious to me.

Drew

I think it's bogus. We'll see how the appointment goes tomorrow (if it goes at all).

markbulla

01-15-08, 10:35 AM

Well, I found out yesterday that the transmitter manufacturer is going to be testing a new part in our WNUV-DT transmitter today.

Sorry for the late notice, but WNUV-DT is off the air for a few hours.

mchief99

01-15-08, 10:58 AM

JoeInNVa

01-15-08, 11:33 AM

I called back again (this time the local 703 number). This time I did not mention TiVos at all. She said that cards were available in my area, and she scheduled an appointment for tomorrow morning. I'll keep my fingers crossed that everything will work as expected.

She may mean no M Cards, but lots of S Cards.

JoeInNVa

01-15-08, 11:38 AM

Alexandria/Arlington Comcast shows the new HD channels on the Channel Lineup. Can anyone confirm they are actually added? I would but I am not at home...

azitnay

01-15-08, 11:39 AM

That's what Slingboxes are for :).

Drew

alexandriahokie

01-15-08, 12:29 PM

Alexandria/Arlington Comcast shows the new HD channels on the Channel Lineup. Can anyone confirm they are actually added? I would but I am not at home...

They have been showing up on that guide for a few weeks now. That is what sparked one argument between me and the Comcastic CSR last week.

I'm not at home either, but I'm not expecting to see these until the 20th as they said to me in an email. And honestly, I have a low confidence on that, too. I'm trying to prepare myself to be disappointed on Sunday. With Comcast, I should be getting used to this by now, right?

dg28

01-15-08, 12:40 PM

dg28

01-15-08, 12:40 PM

clifburns

01-15-08, 02:26 PM

JayMan007

01-15-08, 02:59 PM

afiggatt

01-15-08, 02:59 PM

I can confirm that HGTVHD, SCIFIHD, USAHD, TLCHD and DISCHD all showed up today on my cable box in DC. Program listings, however, at TVplanner.comcast.com has not been revised to show these new channels. It will be interesting to see how much is SD stretch-o-vision and how much is real HD.
These channels have been extensively discussed on the programming forum. None of the 5 you listed are on the stretch-o-vision list. HGTV-HD is all HD, but is not a simulcast of the SD HGTV. However, the four "new" Discovery channels - Disc, TLC, Science, Animal Planet - do crop most of the SD programs, not to a full 16:9, but to different ratios, often around 14:9. Don't expect great HD picture quality for Disc-HD, TLC-HD because they are sent at reduced bit rates of 12.5 Mb/s on average to all the service providers, presumably to save on satellite bandwidth costs. I have had Discovery-HD since November on Verizon FiOS and there is obvious macro blocking on fast motion. The more recent episodes of Mythbusters which were (mostly) shot in HD do look pretty good on Discovery-HD, but the macro-blocking is distracting.

Good to see Comcast stepping up and providing the more useful HD channels. Now only if Verizon FiOS would add Sci-Fi HD, USA-HD, CNN-HD, but I don't expect to see them on FiOS for some months.

carltonrice

01-15-08, 06:28 PM

CSN had last night's Wizards road game against Boston in HD. A rare event for a road game, but it seems they're doing this more often this year. The game looked FANTASTIC as the Celtics arena is known for having favorable lighting for HD. And the result of the game was not bad either. Way to go Wizards!

Does anyone know how these HD feeds from other markets are transmitted. At first I thought, well they're probably just using the HD feed on the regional sports network up in Boston, but then it dawned on me that that feed would probably have different announcers.

I wonder if tonight's game from Madison Square Garden will be in HD?

Berto1020

01-15-08, 06:39 PM

CSN had last night's Wizards road game against Boston in HD. A rare event for a road game, but it seems they're doing this more often this year. The game looked FANTASTIC as the Celtics arena is known for having favorable lighting for HD. And the result of the game was not bad either. Way to go Wizards!

I think CSN had last night's Wizards away game in HD because they used CSN New England's HD feed. I checked the rest of the Wizards schedule on the CSN website and none of the remaining away games will be produced in HD. It was a great game indeed.

Tonight's game will not be in HD since it will be broadcast on CSN+.

67Therapy

01-15-08, 07:16 PM

These threads on this site are so large and unwieldy...I'm sorry if my question has been asked. Been a lurker till now...

I'm having trouble getting ABC (channel 9.1) and PBS WETA well or at all. Requesting antenna advice and suggestions. My zip is 22306...South Kingstown area near intersection of Telegraph Rd and South Van Dorn.

My info:
Samsung LNT5265F
Radio Shack VU90XR (in attic) aimed approximately 014 degrees.
RG6 75 ohm wire run ~70 feet
No cable or satellite...I want OTA only! :)

Transmitter locations approximate from my location with the signal strength indicated by my television:
Major DC networks 011 deg @ 14 miles (tuner signal strength 3-4 of 10 bars)
PBS - WETA 004 deg @ 9 miles unfound by tuner (signal strength 0)
ION ch 66 290 degrees @ 13 miles (signal strength 10 of 10 bars)
My20 011? @ 14? (signal strength 7-8 of 10 bars)
WNVT 255 degrees at 21 miles (signal strength 7 of 10 bars)

Channel 9 analog and 9.1 are weak. I can get PBS WETA and WHUT analog weakly, with WETA being worst (black and white...strongly ghosted). Analog-wise, moving the antenna seems to trade between channel 9 or WETA (which I can't get digitally).

When I measure the interior of the attic, the trusses at the center give the largest space, making a triangle 8' on all sides...not sure if that makes sense. I'd rather keep an antenna in the attic, only because it seems to be a PITA to mount a pole, ground and whatnot outside.

Last bit of info...I'm on the backside of a hill (hill between me and DC) with tall trees all around. I think my roof line is near the crest of the hill.

Help? Suggestions? Different antenna?

scottinmd

01-15-08, 10:25 PM

For several years I could receive channel 4.1 very well. For the last couple of weeks I can not. All other DC area HD stations come in great. Anyone else see any changes?

Scott Silverman
Rockville, MD

afiggatt

01-15-08, 10:38 PM

I'm having trouble getting ABC (channel 9.1) and PBS WETA well or at all. Requesting antenna advice and suggestions. My zip is 22306...South Kingstown area near intersection of Telegraph Rd and South Van Dorn.

Samsung LNT5265F
Radio Shack VU90XR (in attic) aimed approximately 014 degrees.
RG6 75 ohm wire run ~70 feet
The hill could be a problem. Have you tried different locations for the VU-90XR in the attic? Moved it over several feet to see if that makes a difference? Attics can have dead zones; if you have set the antenna up at one, moving forward, backward or sideways several feet can make a difference. If you have the crest of a hill in the way, tilt the antenna up a bit at the crest of the hill.

The VU-90XR is not that of a highly regarded antenna. With all of the local digital stations currently on UHF, the UHF part is what matters and the VU-90XR is so big for low VHF reception. One possible alternate antenna is the Channel Master 4228 which should have more gain for UHF.

Winegard just introduced a new line of upper VHF and UHF antennas. These should useful in some locations around here to prepare for when WJLA-DT 7 and WUSA-DT 9 switch their digital channels from UHF to their current upper VHF channel. The HD769xP family is only 36" wide for VHF 7 so these be an easier fit in attics and on roofs. See post #6508 in the official antenna sticky thread in the reception hardware forum: http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?p=12788035#post12788035. Could try the HD7696P.

A pre-amp might help, but you should probably stay away from the high power pre-amps such as the CM 7777 because you are rather close to some broadcast stations. Maybe the Winegard HDP-269 pre-amp would work, but try changing the antenna location and aim first.

Black Max

01-15-08, 11:30 PM

Impossible to get cablecards for Fios in PG County either. Fios internet customer for 1 1/2 years, wanted to get Fios TV. I bought 3 HD-TIVOs, so I need 6 cablecards. (Fios has no multistream cards yet).

Why does this all have to be so hard?

I too live in Southern PG county MD (Clinton) and called Verizon on the 10th to request that they bring me 2 cable cards for my new Tivo HD and also pick up their HD DVR. The rep said no problem and gave me a choice of dates starting the morning of the 14th. I selected a morning appointment on the 14th and that morning the tech called at around 8:30 to say that she would arrive sometime between 9:30-10:00am.

She arrived right on time (9:50am) with the 2 cable cards. She had never done a Tivo install so I walked her through it (I already have 2 Series 3 units) and things went pretty smoothly except that I wasn't getting any digital programming except for the Local HD stations. She made a call to someone who did a "code init" and everything was fine.

So as of yesterday it seems that Verizon has cable cards in PG county Maryland.

biker19

01-16-08, 01:28 AM

^ 4.5 years for the first post? :)

Black Max

01-16-08, 02:02 AM

I guess that this was the first time that someone said something I felt qualified to answer. :)

JoeInNVa

01-16-08, 10:11 AM

Speqtre

01-16-08, 10:14 AM

I too live in Southern PG county MD (Clinton) and called Verizon on the 10th to request that they bring me 2 cable cards for my new Tivo HD and also pick up their HD DVR. The rep said no problem and gave me a choice of dates starting the morning of the 14th. I selected a morning appointment on the 14th and that morning the tech called at around 8:30 to say that she would arrive sometime between 9:30-10:00am.

She arrived right on time (9:50am) with the 2 cable cards. She had never done a Tivo install so I walked her through it (I already have 2 Series 3 units) and things went pretty smoothly except that I wasn't getting any digital programming except for the Local HD stations. She made a call to someone who did a "code init" and everything was fine.

So as of yesterday it seems that Verizon has cable cards in PG county Maryland.

Could you please tell us what VZ is charging you for the two CCs?

CycloneGT

01-16-08, 10:28 AM

I guess that this was the first time that someone said something I felt qualified to answer. :)Now that is funny.

CycloneGT

01-16-08, 10:32 AM

When I measure the interior of the attic, the trusses at the center give the largest space, making a triangle 8' on all sides...not sure if that makes sense. I'd rather keep an antenna in the attic, only because it seems to be a PITA to mount a pole, ground and whatnot outside.

Last bit of info...I'm on the backside of a hill (hill between me and DC) with tall trees all around. I think my roof line is near the crest of the hill.

Help? Suggestions? Different antenna?

You may want to try the 15-2160 UHF only antenna from Radio Shack. Its only about $25 (oh you have to buy the 300 - 75 ohm balun, another $8) and give that a shot. If it doesn't work you can return it, but make sure that you do them the favor of not ripping apart the packaging. I have had good luck with several friends using that antenna.

The CM4228 is also a good antenna, but it can be a bit large. I use one of those, but its on the roof and not in the attic. There is a smaller Channel Master UHF antenna, the CM4221 which also may work out for you.

riffjim4069

01-16-08, 11:09 AM

Could you please tell us what VZ is charging you for the two CCs?Effective 15 Feb, cablecards are $3.99 in my neck of the woods. I will assume this rate applies to all customers...at least the ones in Virginia.

http://www.spotsylvania.va.us/emplibrary/Cable_TV_Commission/Verizon/2007%20FiOS%20TV%20Annual%20Customer%20Notice.pdf

billygreen23

01-16-08, 11:11 AM

mchief99

01-16-08, 11:12 AM

Alexandria/Arlington Comcast shows the new HD channels on the Channel Lineup. Can anyone confirm they are actually added? I would but I am not at home...

As of a few minutes ago, no new channels yet. I would expect them this weekend if they are going to be on time (1/20). Would also not be suprised if they didn't show up at all.

MDNittanyLion

01-16-08, 11:36 AM

When I measure the interior of the attic, the trusses at the center give the largest space, making a triangle 8' on all sides...not sure if that makes sense. I'd rather keep an antenna in the attic, only because it seems to be a PITA to mount a pole, ground and whatnot outside.

Last bit of info...I'm on the backside of a hill (hill between me and DC) with tall trees all around. I think my roof line is near the crest of the hill.

Help? Suggestions? Different antenna?

I have a similar setup, attic antenna with ~ 70-80 cable run. What helped me was to drag the tuner and a small TV up to the attic to see what the antenna could really pull in, eliminating cable loss. A small 2 bowtie UHF antenna didnt give me all I wanted so I built a couple 4 bowtie antennas, Channel Master CM 4221A clones. Easy to make with a 2x4, some wire or coat hangers, screws and a 300>75 ohm balun. I use 1 antenna for MD/DC stations and 1 for PA stations and since it was easy to run wire, I ran one each for each antenna with a switch near the TV. Testing in the attic vs at the TV determined that I needed a preamp for DC stations. If you are at all handy it is simple to make these antennas and they work well. There is also plans for a Channel Master CM 4228 clone. See http://www.lumenlab.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=9613

Eben

01-16-08, 11:54 AM

raidbuck

01-16-08, 12:27 PM

I'm in Harford County (Comcast SA8300HD DVR). Can someone confirm that we cannot use the DVR "Store to VCR" option because it is against the law to download DVR-reocrded programs to an outside medium? A Comcast CSR told my neighbor this as we have both been trying without success. The CSR said Comcast was working to resolve the dispute so they can enable that DVR feature.

Thanks,

Rich N.

JoeInNVa

01-16-08, 01:00 PM

JoeInNVa

01-16-08, 01:01 PM

As of a few minutes ago, no new channels yet. I would expect them this weekend if they are going to be on time (1/20). Would also not be suprised if they didn't show up at all.

Yeah, I checked last night after getting back from the CAPS game. I expected them to not be there.

MrChad

01-16-08, 01:59 PM

I just called again, and they said no cards are available and to call back on Tuesday because they will be in then.

Well, the tech showed up this morning on time with two Motorola S-Cards. He was friendly and said he was familiar with TiVo installs. The first card showed an error as soon as it was inserted. The second card faired better. He called in his information, but the rep he spoke with only wanted the serial number and not the other card data (which the tech said was unusual).

We were left with a "Acquiring Channel Information" screen that went nowhere. The rep said that she would work on getting the card authorized, and the tech left to finish his other morning jobs. He promised to follow up. He also left his supervisor's direct line in case I ran into trouble and/or didn't hear from him.

The "Acquiring Channel Information" screen eventually errored out, and from the diagnostics I could see that card was receiving information but just wasn't authorized. I contacted Comcast customer service several times to try and get the card re-authorized, but with no luck.

I called the tech's supervisor, who was very friendly, and he promised to pick up an M-card from the Ashburn office today and have it installed tomorrow morning. Later, the tech called me back and said that he would personally be back tomorrow morning to install an M-card.

I guess we'll see how it goes tomorrow, but the bottom line is that there ARE CableCARDs available, at least in Loudoun County.

JoeInNVa

01-16-08, 09:40 PM

Well, the tech showed up this morning on time with two Motorola S-Cards. He was friendly and said he was familiar with TiVo installs. The first card showed an error as soon as it was inserted. The second card faired better. He called in his information, but the rep he spoke with only wanted the serial number and not the other card data (which the tech said was unusual).

We were left with a "Acquiring Channel Information" screen that went nowhere. The rep said that she would work on getting the card authorized, and the tech left to finish his other morning jobs. He promised to follow up. He also left his supervisor's direct line in case I ran into trouble and/or didn't hear from him.

The "Acquiring Channel Information" screen eventually errored out, and from the diagnostics I could see that card was receiving information but just wasn't authorized. I contacted Comcast customer service several times to try and get the card re-authorized, but with no luck.

I called the tech's supervisor, who was very friendly, and he promised to pick up an M-card from the Ashburn office today and have it installed tomorrow morning. Later, the tech called me back and said that he would personally be back tomorrow morning to install an M-card.

I guess we'll see how it goes tomorrow, but the bottom line is that there ARE CableCARDs available, at least in Loudoun County.

Called again. CSR stated that Alexandria does not have any cards available and that we cannot use cards from a different area because they are coded for a specific area :confused:
She then went on to say that my cable box here would not work in Loundon or PW County because of the way they are coded...:confused:

I just said, whatever, call me when you get them in. She said they hoped to be in today, but apparently they are late and they would call me when they arrive.
I don't plan on holding my breath for them to call.

Black Max

01-17-08, 01:18 AM

Could you please tell us what VZ is charging you for the two CCs?

$3.99 each. We have 6 cards so it really adds up. Currently M cards are not available in my area.

aaronwt

01-17-08, 08:26 AM

$3.99 each. We have 6 cards so it really adds up. Currently M cards are not available in my area.

Did the prices go up for everyone? They have been charging me $2.99 each fro my 8 cable cards, but I've had them since September. My last bill was still $2.99 each.
I thought $2.99 was crazy but $3.99 each is outrageous.

Speqtre

01-17-08, 09:35 AM

Did the prices go up for everyone? They have been charging me $2.99 each fro my 8 cable cards, but I've had them since September. My last bill was still $2.99 each.
I thought $2.99 was crazy but $3.99 each is outrageous.

It is outrageous, esp. since Comcast CSRs (when ordering) say they are 'free'.

clifburns

01-17-08, 10:18 AM

I just received a letter from Comcast in response to an email I sent to them about CNN-HD. They indicated that the launch date for CNN-HD in DC is sometime in the first quarter, but no date has been set yet.

MrChad

01-17-08, 12:37 PM

Called again. CSR stated that Alexandria does not have any cards available and that we cannot use cards from a different area because they are coded for a specific area :confused:
She then went on to say that my cable box here would not work in Loundon or PW County because of the way they are coded...:confused:

I just said, whatever, call me when you get them in. She said they hoped to be in today, but apparently they are late and they would call me when they arrive.
I don't plan on holding my breath for them to call.

My M-card is installed and working today. It took the tech all of 5 minutes to do. He apparently did some prep work ahead of time. My account had all sorts of incorrect information on it (cable card was entered as an HD box, VOD service was still active) and this was probably the reason why I couldn't get the S-card working yesterday. Anyway, the account errors were cleared up and the M-card's serial number was already in the system ahead of time; all he did was pop it in and all my channels started arriving.

Good luck with your install Joe. Hopefully Alexandria will get their act together soon.