I'm referring to VZ pricing as outrageous, and so is he. I'm saying VZ's pricing is especially outrageous as Comcast doesn't charge for Cablecards, or that's what they tell you when you call to ask anyways.

Sorry 'bout that, my misunderstanding.

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.

So, just play the movie and set your VCR/DVD recorder to record manually.

Okay, Comcast showed up today with my cablecards (SA) for my HD Tivo. Reasonably knowledgeable installer who had done Tivo before. Said the M cards were not working and were back to "the lab" to get them fixed. Said they start okay but die within minutes.

Anyway, after a firmware download on the first card (10 minutes), we just had to wait about 5 minutes for each card for activation. And all was well. Reran setup and the Tivo is kicking butt.

I have some charging issues (I asked Comcast to turn off HBO et al and they hadn't) but that is another issue.

I have decided to switch to the Tivo DVR and take advantage of their $199 lifetime transfer which runs out Feb 3. I would like to know the experience of others who may switched. I have Millenium here in AA county and have been pleased with the PQ from the Motorola 6412 DVR but I miss the Tivo features. I have the Tivo but I won't have the cards until Tuesday when the installer shows up. I believe I'm getting comparable OTA PQ whether the antenna is plugged into the Tivo or directly into my Sony Bravia's built in ATSC tuner. When I compare the analog cable PQ the direct connection to the Sony appears somewhat better. This may be a non-issue since I'll be looking at digital signals after the cards are installed.
BTW - Millennium cards are $3
TIA Bill in Severn

I transferred one of my TiVo lifetime subscriptions to a Series3 in 2006, and the other to a TiVo HD a few months ago. Definitely worth it, since SD is a thing of the past.

It's not surprising that you'd see better picture quality via analog cable without the TiVo, as the TiVo is compressing the analog signal into a digital format... If your cable company simulcasts all analog channels digitally (as does Comcast of DC), then this will indeed become a non-issue after CableCARDs are installed. However, I have no idea whether or not Millenium does this.

Drew

It is rumored that on February 1st, Dish Network will be rolling out a new $29.99 a month HD ONLY package. No need to subscribe to any of the America's Top xxx SD packages. HD locals will be $5.00 extra. I've heard this being talked about during CES.

I recently moved to Columbia MD and my landlord tells me that FiOS is available - yay. When I go to Verizon's site it tells me that I can get internet and phone, but not TV. Does that make any sense? I know they have TV service in Columbia, as members from Columbia have discussed it here in the past, and Verizon even made a bunch of noise (press releases and such) back when they arrived.

Before I have to deal with a CSR to try to get a straight answer, does anyone here have an idea what the situation really is? FWIW, I'm located across from the Krispy Kreme on Snowden just off 175 - the smell of doughnuts when I get home from work is nice, but I'd prefer FiOS service.

It is rumored that on February 1st, Dish Network will be rolling out a new $29.99 a month HD ONLY package. No need to subscribe to any of the America's Top xxx SD packages. HD locals will be $5.00 extra. I've heard this being talked about during CES.

How many channels are we looking at - 20/30/70?
Does this include local HD also?
If so this could spell the beginning of a nice little price war I am sure!
Thanks for 411.

How many channels are we looking at - 20/30/70?
Does this include local HD also?
If so this could spell the beginning of a nice little price war I am sure!
Thanks for 411.
43 national HD channels. Local HD's would be an additional $5.00. I find myself never watching the SD channels any more, so this may be an interesting option.

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.I checked the Wizards schedule on the CSN website after the game at San Antonio on November 28 was broadcast in HD in hopes that other road games would also be in HD. Alas, none were listed. All that to say that the game at Boston being in HD bodes well for at least a few future road games also being shown in HD. It would be nice to know in advance, however, since I only happened to surf by and tune in for the last 10 seconds, not wanting to watch what I had assumed would be an SD production.

43 national HD channels. Local HD's would be an additional $5.00. I find myself never watching the SD channels any more, so this may be an interesting option.
Yeah. Even with my little ole TV's QAM, I am definitely transistioning to the HD side. So this is good news.

I think this is the start of HD pricing competition. When FIOS & cable & DTV jump in & it gets down to $20...ah I can dream. :D

It's now the 20th and no new channels in Alexandria yet. They better be there in the morning!

It's now the 20th and no new channels in Alexandria yet. They better be there in the morning!

They usually do it in the morning, not at 12:01. But I can say, there were not there at 4AM either and are not there now at 6...

<----Insomniac.

They usually do it in the morning, not at 12:01. But I can say, there were not there at 4AM either and are not there now at 6...

<----Insomniac.

It's now the 20th and no new channels in Alexandria yet. They better be there in the morning!

Yeah, I just woke up to a whole lotta nothing myself. Disappointed, yes. Surprised, not in the least. Borrowing a word from that disgruntled shareholder in the news this week, this is just another good Comcastrophe they are throwing our way.

Okay, so today's 1/20, right? So Arlington, VA Comcast subscribers should have USA Network HD, right? I don't yet :mad:

I called a few minutes ago and the CSR seemed to know that channels were being added 1/20, but did not know why they weren't available. Was going to try hitting my cable cards and I was disconnected. He also stated that maybe the add was for tonight? Don't know if cable card auth would have anything to do with it. Will try again later. Now all CSRs are busy. Everyone must have called at the same time.

No new channels yet for me in Arlington using the standard Comcast issued SA 8300HD box.

Comcast in Alexandria-

My Tivo added the channels as "Available" today automatically, but I still have no picture.

I'm getting FiOS installed tomorrow, so I want to know how much their "on time" service will be, in this area. I've read some installers don't even show on the assigned date. I haven't subscribed to anything weird, just the normal triple play(which i'm hoping to watch highlights of the patriots losing tomorrow ;) ).

Still nothing for Comcast here in Arlington :mad:

I want to see WWE in HD tomorrow night on USA :mad:

I'm getting FiOS installed tomorrow, so I want to know how much their "on time" service will be, in this area. I've read some installers don't even show on the assigned date. I haven't subscribed to anything weird, just the normal triple play(which i'm hoping to watch highlights of the patriots losing tomorrow ;) ).

Just so you know, when I had FIOS installed, it took 8 hours, no exaggeration. And that was without voice, just TV and internet, with cabling already in place. The guy did show up on time, though :p

DAMMIT WHERE'S MY HD? :mad: :mad: :mad:

I also got the 8300

DAMMIT WHERE'S MY HD? :mad: :mad: :mad:
It is Sunday. I am surprised that Comcast would state they would add new HD channels on a weekend. Maybe there was a typo on the date and it should listed the 21st. But Monday (Jan 21) is a holiday for many, so will the Comcast engineers be in to add the HD channels? The good news is that Comcast announced they woud be adding the channels.

It is Sunday. I am surprised that Comcast would state they would add new HD channels on a weekend. Maybe there was a typo on the date and it should listed the 21st. But Monday (Jan 21) is a holiday for many, so will the Comcast engineers be in to add the HD channels? The good news is that Comcast announced they woud be adding the channels.

I was surprised they announced for a Sunday too. I do think it will be tomorrow, the 21st as Comcast probably does not follow all federal holidays.

I guess I will find out about 3am when I wake up for no reason...

It is Sunday. I am surprised that Comcast would state they would add new HD channels on a weekend. Maybe there was a typo on the date and it should listed the 21st. But Monday (Jan 21) is a holiday for many, so will the Comcast engineers be in to add the HD channels? The good news is that Comcast announced they woud be adding the channels.

Aside from email communications that a few of us received about the addition of these HD channels, has anyone received anything in print from Comcast? I have emailed them again asking them, but so far no word.

Yeah, I haven't recieved anything in the mail (or email for that matter) about the latest additions. But then again, my notice about NFL HD and A&E HD came about a month after I started receiving the channels, so go figure. Bottom line....they announced channels on a specific date and they haven't arrived. Whether it's a typo or not is irrelevant - Alex/Arl. users who were notified the channels would be available still do nor have them. What does that say about Comcast.

Go Pats!

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.


Huh? We use this option all the time!! I am recording to DVD all kinds of TCM movies for my wife. "Copy to VCR" works beautifully...

I am in Harford County with a SA8300HD box...

Yeah, I haven't recieved anything in the mail (or email for that matter) about the latest additions. But then again, my notice about NFL HD and A&E HD came about a month after I started receiving the channels, so go figure. Bottom line....they announced channels on a specific date and they haven't arrived. Whether it's a typo or not is irrelevant - Alex/Arl. users who were notified the channels would be available still do nor have them. What does that say about Comcast.

Fully agree on those counts. It simply says they are a Comcastrophe. And they still haven't responded to my "WTF??" email about the channels now showing up as they promised. Not surprised at all. And no, they still weren't there this morning.

.... Definitely worth it, since SD is a thing of the past.

It's not surprising that you'd see better picture quality via analog cable without the TiVo, as the TiVo is compressing the analog signal into a digital format... If your cable company simulcasts all analog channels digitally (as does Comcast of DC), then this will indeed become a non-issue after CableCARDs are installed. However, I have no idea whether or not Millenium does this.

Drew

Thanks I forgot about the continuous A/D conversion. I have a second home in Adams County PA and just have Basic Comcast. I was surprised to see they have local OTA channels on the cable so I have local channels in HD!

Well, Comcast responded to my questions regarding the HD status of the (supposed) new channels on 1/20 for Arlington and Alexandria. This clears everything right up and I feel so much better now.

"We are sorry to hear of the difficulties you have been experiencing
with
the HD channels.

Comcast prides itself on the quality of the service we provide to our
customers. Unfortunately, at this time we are unable to troubleshoot or

schedule service appointments via email. We have representatives
available to assist you with any technical problems 24 hours a day 7
days a week. Our Customer Service Department can be reached at
703-823-3000. We have the most capable and technical phone staff and
field technicians to help alleviate the impact of untimely service
problems.

We sincerely apologize your any inconvenience you may have incurred
regarding your service.

Thank you for choosing Comcast."

Still seeing nothing. Tivo did get the guide info/channel assignments yesterday. I have a cable card in the TV also, but no channel assignment or picture in that CC. I received two emails. First with the new channels and the second confirming the tier and provided assigned channel numbers. I though maybe this was a cable card problem, but if those with the 8300 are also seeing nothing, the problem is Comcast not turning on the channels.


Edit: Just got off LIVE CHAT and the final CRS comment: 'Shalimar(Mon Jan 21 11:52:10 EST 2008)>There is a noted outage in your area but it is not indicated to what service it is. It has started since yesterday and there still no update on it. I will be noting your account as it seems that newly installed channels are being affected. Please do call in to your local office for them to provide you the information for the inactivated channels in your area. Again, I do apologize for the inconvenience.' What crap.

Hmm, don't know if it means anything, but the Comcast tv planner now has the additional channels listed: http://*******.com/yuvql6

EDIT: That's odd. Replace the asterisks with t i n y u r l

Just got off the phone with a knowledgeable (finally after several tries) CSR and they told me they are still working on adding the channels and that they should be ready on the 26th.

I really hope it's not the case that we have to wait until next weekend.

:mad: http://www.comcast.com/Customers/Clu/ChannelLineup.ashx lists the new ones; I just spoke to a CSR who's listing DIDN'Thave them. I want my WWE HD! :mad::mad:

What I love - I is just got off the phone was a CSR that seemed to know what he was talking and he said the date for the channel add with the 30th. That the 20th date must have been a typo :confused:. I suspect they had problems adding and just slipped the date. Could come up anytime. Of course slipping the date and telling the customers is an impossibility.:mad:

Just so you know, when I had FIOS installed, it took 8 hours, no exaggeration. And that was without voice, just TV and internet, with cabling already in place. The guy did show up on time, though :p

Well, unfortunately, the Verizon didn't show up because my Voice order was scheduled to be on the 26th, so they pushed everything back with no notice to me. But today(the day I was supposed to get it installed), my neighbor got his installed so now I know what kinda hell I might go through. ;)

I still got nothing, despite it showing on Comcast's website :mad: :mad: :mad:

Just so you know, when I had FIOS installed, it took 8 hours, no exaggeration. And that was without voice, just TV and internet, with cabling already in place. The guy did show up on time, though :p

Mine was done on a Sunday morning and I was risking missing kickoff for a Skins game but I had the entire triple play installed in less than 3 hours. The installer really knew his stuff. I was given an 8 hour window and had my fingers crossed that I would get the morning slot and luckily I did so as not to miss the game.

Well, no channels today, so it looks like the 30th...Not sure why, but I always had the 23rd stuck in my head for some reason...

Also, I got a Cable Card INstall for tomorrow. Lets see if it happens.

Rots o' rok on the cable card install. When all else fails, send me a PM and I will give you a NAME.

I've got an install for a Multistream Card tomorrow - I hope I don't need rots o' ruck!

Well, no channels today, so it looks like the 30th...Not sure why, but I always had the 23rd stuck in my head for some reason...
.

Maybe they actually meant January 20th, 2009. They still have a special message channel (ch. 999) that says a new On-Demand menu is coming. The new menu was updated in December of '06, so I guess Comcast has no concept of time and their employees don't own any calendars.

I've got an install for a Multistream Card tomorrow - I hope I don't need rots o' ruck!

http://bestuff.com/images/images_of_stuff/210x600/astro-from-the-jetsons-6681.jpg

I've got an install for a Multistream Card tomorrow - I hope I don't need rots o' ruck!

Quit hogging the cable guy! He has 24 minutes before he misses the appt...

Quit hogging the cable guy! He has 24 minutes before he misses the appt...

If he's late for you, you're the one that needs to arriba! him out the door - my 'window' is 6-9pm. You'd better not kill all the cablecards before he shows up here :D

If he's late for you, you're the one that needs to arriba! him out the door - my 'window' is 6-9pm. You'd better not kill all the cablecards before he shows up here :D

He is late and they paged him and no call back yet...

Don't ya love Comcast?

Just got a call. No Cable Cards. Blowing up right now...

Just got a call. No Cable Cards. Blowing up right now...

No Tech, No Call.
I call and wait for a reply...
They called back 30 minutes later and state that they are out of Cards and the tech forgot to call me.
I go up one side and down the other of the Manager. What good does it do? None what so ever.
They say Feb1 they will have the new cards. I have an appt for Feb 1. I am still going to call the executive number tomorrow because this is ridiculous.

I've been with Comcast since they came to the region about 10 years ago and spend $200 a month for all of their "Services" and they can't get me a freaking Cable Card?
Now I am all PO'd and the cats and wife are staying away from me...ARGH!!! Not only that but I also gotta hook the 8300 back up...

Hey Speqtre, If you get one, PM me your Techs name and you name if you would. I need the info to Blow up some more.

Jeopardy! not in HD tonight on ABC-7. Anyone at the station (Robert?) know what's up? Wheel came thru ok.

No Tech, No Call.
I call and wait for a reply...
They called back 30 minutes later and state that they are out of Cards and the tech forgot to call me.
I go up one side and down the other of the Manager. What good does it do? None what so ever.
They say Feb1 they will have the new cards. I have an appt for Feb 1. I am still going to call the executive number tomorrow because this is ridiculous.

I've been with Comcast since they came to the region about 10 years ago and spend $200 a month for all of their "Services" and they can't get me a freaking Cable Card?
Now I am all PO'd and the cats and wife are staying away from me...ARGH!!! Not only that but I also gotta hook the 8300 back up...

Hey Speqtre, If you get one, PM me your Techs name and you name if you would. I need the info to Blow up some more.

Hmm, not sure I want to add fuel to this fire...

Yes, the tech arrived on time, with a M-stream card. Install went fine :o

I'll PM you Joe

Cable cards sound nice, but what do you do about getting DD5.1 audio to your receiver?

Cable cards sound nice, but what do you do about getting DD5.1 audio to your receiver?

I run an HDMI cable from my SA box or TIVO to my receiver.

Hmm, not sure I want to add fuel to this fire...

Yes, the tech arrived on time, with a M-stream card. Install went fine :o

I'll PM you Joe

Bah, Alexandria and Arlington keep getting screwed over...

Cable cards sound nice, but what do you do about getting DD5.1 audio to your receiver?

Or a optical digital audio cable for the TiVo/SA8300. And if it is a TV(w/CableCARD slot), then the TV would have a Optical Out to feed DD5.1 into receiver.

Will I need a cable card to get the new HD channels?

Will I need a cable card to get the new HD channels?

No.

No.Alright, cool. So I just have to sit back and wait :mad:

Thanks though.

You will need cable cards to receive encrypted hd channels. The only channels you can receive without a cable card are OTA unencrypted and local HD unenctypted.

You will need cable cards to receive encrypted hd channels. The only channels you can receive without a cable card are OTA unencrypted and local HD unenctypted.

Just to clarify for ACW112983 - you will need Cablecard(s) in your HD Tivo to receive encrypted HD channels. Cablecards are 'built-in' to the boxes the CableCo's give you.

Hey All,

I am an RCN customer in the DC region. Most of the talk here seems to be about Comcast HD channels; has anybody heard any word on HD channel additions to RCN? It's been a while. I'd love to see FX HD on either RCN or Comcast. If Comcast picks it up before RCN, I'd probably jump providers. I do like the Comcast has picked up CNN HD, another hole in RCN's HD lineup.

Thanks

Just to clarify for Billygreen - you will need Cablecard(s) in your HD Tivo to receive encrypted HD channels. Cablecards are 'built-in' to the boxes the CableCo's give you.So my Comcast 8300 or whatever HD DVR already has a CableCard? I don't need to do anything extra?

So my Comcast 8300 or whatever HD DVR already has a CableCard? I don't need to do anything extra?

Just forget you heard the word cable card as it pertains to your Comcast box...

Just forget you heard the word cable card as it pertains to your Comcast box...:cool: Thanks :)

Just forget you heard the word cable card as it pertains to your Comcast box...

Hehe, exactly. I think "no" was the best answer to his question.

If you know about cable cards, then you know what they're used for. Otherwise, you don't need to worry about it.

Hey All,

I am an RCN customer in the DC region. Most of the talk here seems to be about Comcast HD channels; has anybody heard any word on HD channel additions to RCN? It's been a while. I'd love to see FX HD on either RCN or Comcast. If Comcast picks it up before RCN, I'd probably jump providers. I do like the Comcast has picked up CNN HD, another hole in RCN's HD lineup.

Thanks

RCN will soon be going all-digital in most if not all of their markets, and if the additional HD channels that are being added in the Chicago market as they make their transition over the next few months (PDF (http://www.rcn.com/pdf/chicago_lineups_2008-01-14.pdf)) are any indication, we should be seeing lots of new HD content before long. RCN's HD offerings are pretty similar among different markets.

And then there was the SA8300HDC

"RCN will soon be going all-digital in most if not all of their markets, and if the additional HD channels that are being added in the Chicago market as they make their transition over the next few months (PDF) are any indication, we should be seeing lots of new HD content before long. RCN's HD offerings are pretty similar among different markets."

Wow thats a great list there RCN-Chicago has going. Here's hoping the wave comes through here soon!

Thanks for this information,
Josh

I checked the Wizards schedule on the CSN website after the game at San Antonio on November 28 was broadcast in HD in hopes that other road games would also be in HD. Alas, none were listed. All that to say that the game at Boston being in HD bodes well for at least a few future road games also being shown in HD. It would be nice to know in advance, however, since I only happened to surf by and tune in for the last 10 seconds, not wanting to watch what I had assumed would be an SD production.

CSN telecast last night's Wizards game from Cleveland in HD. Too bad it was a disaster for the Wiz kids.

Here is a great website that I found today.

TV Fool (http://www.tvfool.com/index.php?option=com_frontpage&Itemid=1)

It has a much better Antenna Aiming tool than antennaweb.org and it also host those google maps coverage maps for all of the stations.

Question for Arlington/Alexandria Comcast folks:

I moved a few months ago and got DirecTV, but since I get terrible OTA reception at my new place, I was thinking of supplementing my D* with just the very basic Comcast package (that just offers the locals) - I think this is the $14/mo package.

Questions:
1. Do the local HDs still come through at this level unencryted - so plug the line directly into my QAM-capable tuner and I get the local HDs?
2. If I got Comcast-internet (instead of ordering the basic cable) - does that automatically give you the very basic level TV service (including the local HDs in question 1) passing through the outlets as well?

Within the next 30 days, ESPN-HD plans to telecast four Wizards games and two Maryland Men's basketball games:

Wizards:
Feb. 1 8 p.m.
Feb. 8 10:30 p.m.
Feb. 10 9:30 p.m.
Feb. 22 8 p.m.

Terps:
Jan. 30 7 p.m.
Feb. 13 7 p.m.

Question for Arlington/Alexandria Comcast folks:

I moved a few months ago and got DirecTV, but since I get terrible OTA reception at my new place, I was thinking of supplementing my D* with just the very basic Comcast package (that just offers the locals) - I think this is the $14/mo package.

Questions:
1. Do the local HDs still come through at this level unencryted - so plug the line directly into my QAM-capable tuner and I get the local HDs?
2. If I got Comcast-internet (instead of ordering the basic cable) - does that automatically give you the very basic level TV service (including the local HDs in question 1) passing through the outlets as well?

What dish and STB do you have? 4, 5, 7, 9, and 20 I know are available in HD via the 5 LNB dish and the H2x and HR2X STBs. No need to swithc inputs then for your HD fix.

Deezul

One of my coworkers had two different comcast techs out yesterday (cable & internet) here in Alexandria. He asked both about the addition of HD channels and he said they both gave the same response. They said that when they tried to add the new channels, it kept causing parts of the system to crash in Alexandria. Apparently the system is so old that it is causing problems (I believe that since it's had multiple owners). Until they can figure out how to get it rolled out city-wide, they can't add the channels. They also said that before they go live, we would all be mailed a card with the future add date. When asked why they just can't upgrade the system, the issue is Old Town -- it would require a lot of digging and disruption that City Hall won't approve it. {my opinion: give us the new channels and screw Old Town}

Again, I didn't get this first hand so can't vouch for the complete accuracy. But, my hopes for the new HD channels on the 26th or 30th of January have now hit zero.

Thanks for the info. I believe that and that really sucks. Now I wish they'd just kept the whole thing under wraps. It's going to be even harder waiting for it now, let alone if it even happens at all.

What dish and STB do you have? 4, 5, 7, 9, and 20 I know are available in HD via the 5 LNB dish and the H2x and HR2X STBs. No need to swithc inputs then for your HD fix.

Deezul

I already get all the D* HD channels including locals and such. That's not the issue.

I have a multiple TV setup for sports, and would appreciately the simplicity of a plug & play option for one tuner - plus I would like to be able to get WDCW in HD.

Baltimore is supposed to get three more HD channels in January. Obviously it would have to be next week (if not today) unless there is some kind of delay.

Baltimore is supposed to get three more HD channels in January. Obviously it would have to be next week (if not today) unless there is some kind of delay.

CNNHD and HistoryHD (can't remember the third) were supposed to be here on Jan 15. Hope they do show up soon.

Rich N.

(can't remember the third)

TLC.

is anyone else's FX crapping out? I am in fairfax city on cox watching king og the hill and there is pixelation, audio drop outs, picture drop outs..... granted i've seen this king of the hill 100 times its still BS that it looks so bad..

Question for Arlington/Alexandria Comcast folks:

I moved a few months ago and got DirecTV, but since I get terrible OTA reception at my new place, I was thinking of supplementing my D* with just the very basic Comcast package (that just offers the locals) - I think this is the $14/mo package.

Questions:
1. Do the local HDs still come through at this level unencryted - so plug the line directly into my QAM-capable tuner and I get the local HDs?
2. If I got Comcast-internet (instead of ordering the basic cable) - does that automatically give you the very basic level TV service (including the local HDs in question 1) passing through the outlets as well?

1) In theory you should be able to get the unencrypted local HDs in the basic package. Your reception, however, could depend on the "quality" of your tuner. For example, before I upgraded to a digital package, the tuner in my Sony DVR got them all (I don't remember the numbers, but I think, e.g., NBCHD is on 1.10 in my area; could be different in yours), but the tuner in my Panny plasma could not; thus the upgrade. If you ask the Comcast CSRs about this, they won't know what you're talking about (that the local HDs are sent unencrypted in the basic package; they'll just say you need an STB and digital service to get any HD content), so you may have to rely on trial & error.

2) I believe the answer is No.

1) In theory you should be able to get the unencrypted local HDs in the basic package. Your reception, however, could depend on the "quality" of your tuner. For example, before I upgraded to a digital package, the tuner in my Sony DVR got them all (I don't remember the numbers, but I think, e.g., NBCHD is on 1.10 in my area; could be different in yours), but the tuner in my Panny plasma could not; thus the upgrade. If you ask the Comcast CSRs about this, they won't know what you're talking about (that the local HDs are sent unencrypted in the basic package; they'll just say you need an STB and digital service to get any HD content), so you may have to rely on trial & error.

2) I believe the answer is No.


Well I used to have Comcast connected to the (Sony) tuner (although it was expanded basic) at my old place and it had no problem picking up the local HDs over QAM - like at the location you said: 1.10 for NBC, 1.11 for ABC, 1.12 for CBS, etc. I just didn't know if the bare-bones basic cable made any difference in this.

Yeah, the CSRs don't know squat - that's why I asked here.

Well I used to have Comcast connected to the (Sony) tuner (although it was expanded basic) at my old place and it had no problem picking up the local HDs over QAM - like at the location you said: 1.10 for NBC, 1.11 for ABC, 1.12 for CBS, etc. I just didn't know if the bare-bones basic cable made any difference in this.

A friend in my building has bare-bones basic, and he gets the local HDs on his Sony Bravia.

I replied to the email telling me about the HD channels to be added on 1/20 and asked what happened to the adds. I also told them that Tivo had added the channels on 1/20 which would indicate that Comcast had informed Tribune Media of the additional channels. We'll see if I get a response.

I just setup a new Vista MCE box this last weekend and this WJZ problem is still occurring. I am not sure whether the PSIP data is to blame or the guide data from MSFT. I can manually add 13-1 to the channel list. However this doesn't get me guide data. I am not sure how to verify what the exact problem is to then persue it. Can anyone verify that the PSIP data for WJZ is correct to remap to 13-1? Also since the guide data is there for 38-1 I am guessing that it is more the guide data problem. THanks for any ideas.

Well I used to have Comcast connected to the (Sony) tuner (although it was expanded basic) at my old place and it had no problem picking up the local HDs over QAM - like at the location you said: 1.10 for NBC, 1.11 for ABC, 1.12 for CBS, etc. I just didn't know if the bare-bones basic cable made any difference in this.

Yeah, the CSRs don't know squat - that's why I asked here.

In most places Internet alone and Internet with the most basic cable sub is the about same price. Also, even if you did have Internet alone you'd get many of the clear QAM chs cause they are usually in the same RF region as the Internet signal.

For what it's worth, I just chatted with a CSR and they said the new HD channels will be available on February 28.

For what it's worth, I just chatted with a CSR and they said the new HD channels will be available on February 28.

Did they say that would be 2008 or 2009? :)

Okay, so that's Alexandria. What about Arlington?

Okay, so that's Alexandria. What about Arlington?

I may be wrong, but I think the systems are pretty interconnected. I've been told you can take boxes in Alexandria to Arlington and vice versa. So, we may be holding you all back as well. But as you know, misery loves company.

Okay, so that's Alexandria. What about Arlington?

Same System...

Same System...

So does that mean we won't see new HD channels in Arlington until Fios starts offering service in Alexandria?

Is anyone experiencing any sound and picture break-ups on Comcast Alexandria? Specifically for me it's 226 (MOJO), 227 (MHD), 232 (TBS-HD), 246 (NFL-HD), 249 (TNT-HD), and 250 (Universal).

It's been this way for about 3 days. This happens to em every once in a while. Basically the sound will stutter and the picture will pixelate, and it's always the channels between 226 and 250. It pretty much makes the channels unwatchable.

Does this ever happen to anyone else?

EDIT: Looks like it's fixed. Might have been a loose HDMI cable. I fiddled with the cables and haven't experienced the problem.

So does that mean we won't see new HD channels in Arlington until Fios starts offering service in Alexandria?

I don't know...I didn't realize we were talking FIOS. I would think that Comcast will have the new HD Channel problem figured out by the time, or even if, FIOS shows up in Alexandria.

I don't know...I didn't realize we were talking FIOS. I would think that Comcast will have the new HD Channel problem figured out by the time, or even if, FIOS shows up in Alexandria.

Sorry I was being sarcastic. It seems Comcast is quicker to add HD channels where they are competing with Fios in Montgomery and Howard Counties and RCN in DC. Since they have no competition in Alexandria, then they don't have as much incentive to add new channels for our combined system.

Sorry I was being sarcastic. It seems Comcast is quicker to add HD channels where they are competing with Fios in Montgomery and Howard Counties and RCN in DC. Since they have no competition in Alexandria, then they don't have as much incentive to add new channels for our combined system.

Agreed - you can see this in the $74.95 triple play offer in NoVA - they lost a lot of customers to FIOS when it became available, so they had to drop the price significantly to get some customers back. I took the offer, and honestly, having had FIOS a year before going back to Comcast, I don't miss FIOS at all. Verizon's customer service experience is absolutely miserable.

Anybody with news about Cable Cards in NoVA?

(crossposting from an older FIOS thread)

I tried searching through this reallllllly long thread for my answer to no avail.

Does FIOS offer the same sports subscriptions that DTV does - MLB, NHL, NBA? I know I'd have to give up the NFL package which given the cost I'm willing to do but there's no way I could make it through a summer without the Red Sox every night. Thanks.

No - FiOS does not have those packages and probably we won't for some time given my understanding of existing contracts between the providers and carriers.

No - FiOS does not have those packages and probably we won't for some time given my understanding of existing contracts between the providers and carriers.
Thanks much. Between this and the hours (literally) I've spent on hold with Verizon trying to get questions answered guess I'll stick with DTV for now.

Thanks much. Between this and the hours (literally) I've spent on hold with Verizon trying to get questions answered guess I'll stick with DTV for now.

I switched from Comcast and have been happy - only some minor issues here and there but the picture quality and the non-breakup of HD channels far exceeds the problems. I do most of my ordering through their on-line portal as you are corrrect the phone can be an issue.

Hey guys, I just got my pioneer 5080 and was watching national treasure hd on USA hd on my comcast motorola hd cable box using HDMI, and I was getting some stuttering and pixelation on the screen. I am assuming it is the cable signal and not the plasma. I also get some stuttering on the Discovery channel hd too. Am I right or wrong? Thanks

Hey guys, I just got my pioneer 5080 and was watching national treasure hd on USA hd on my comcast motorola hd cable box using HDMI, and I was getting some stuttering and pixelation on the screen. I am assuming it is the cable signal and not the plasma. I also get some stuttering on the Discovery channel hd too. Am I right or wrong? Thanks

You are right.

Can anyone tell me what the newest/latest HD DVR box that Comcast (arlington) is supplying? Right now I have a SA8300HD DVR and it seems like a lot of the channels are having issues, sound gets distorted and video breaks up as well.

Thanks

Anybody with news about Cable Cards in NoVA?

Hit-or-miss it seems. I got my M-card last Monday (Reston), while JoeinVA, I believe, is still waiting in Alexandria.

I can't get my TV or my HDHomeRun to tune WRC-DT at all. I'm in Columbia Heights, same antenna that's received it without problems for months. All my other local channels are coming in just fine. Have they changed something? Anybody else having trouble?

I can't get my TV or my HDHomeRun to tune WRC-DT at all. I'm in Columbia Heights, same antenna that's received it without problems for months. All my other local channels are coming in just fine. Have they changed something? Anybody else having trouble?
No problem getting WRC-DT 4 here in Sterling. Have you shifted the antenna aim to see if that helps at all?

No problem getting WRC-DT 4 here in Sterling. Have you shifted the antenna aim to see if that helps at all?

Getting up on the roof is ... complicated ... so, no. If I crawl up there again I might just replace the antenna anyway. An omni (it's a Winegard MS-1000) *seemed* like a good idea when I ordered it, but I'm wondering if I wouldn't be better served by something else. I'm sure I'm getting multipath interference, and a more directional antenna might fix that *and* get me reliable Baltimore locals, which are currently out of reach. At least now I'm better equipped to test aim with a laptop and a USB tuner. When I set up the one I have, I had a friend in my apartment checking numbers for me, and the whole thing got too complicated.

If you feel like looking at a map, I'm on 13th St NW between Fairmont and Girard. I can see the WB-50 tower from the roof, and I *think* the towers on broadcast hill should be above the tops of the buildings nearby, but I could be wrong. I've never been up there on a clear enough day to know for sure.

^ at that distance you could pick up the stations with a paper clip. Multipath is probably your problem.

Anyone know when Verizon will roll out HD VOD (video on demand) to our area?

Supposedly available now in some cities.

PDS

Anyone know when Verizon will roll out HD VOD (video on demand) to our area?
You should have some HD VOD programming. Bring up VOD, then search for HD, then step into the HDTV folder that shows up. Verizon added about a dozen wacky HD 2 to 4 minute shorts either late last week or over the weekend. All "How To" short clips for How to extend the battery life of your Ipod, how to not get mugged (no, I am not kidding), How to prepare sushi, and other stuff. I have not checked today to see if any real HD programs have been added yet. Looks like Verizon is still in the test stage for HD VOD for the Washington Metro market.

^ at that distance you could pick up the stations with a paper clip. Multipath is probably your problem.

You'd certainly think a paper clip would do the trick, but the 60' or so of cable it takes to get down from the roof to my apartment might disagree with you. If I were to buy another antenna, I'd still have the same problem I had when I picked the one I got:

1. There's a 17° spread between WRC and WTTG. I could get a directional antenna and aim it right between them, probably picking up most of the majors very well. But that's without even considering WDCW (which is still WB50 in my head), WETA, or WMPT, all of which I get right now on my omnidirectional antenna.

2. It's a multi-TV household so a rotator is out of the question.

3. I already have one antenna that fails to pick up Baltimore locals, and I'd like to have the option. That's going to be even worse in a year, though, when two DC locals and two Baltimore locals start broadcasting on VHF, 93° apart from each other. Bah.

Just Got a Multi-Stream Card installed in Arlington VA with Comcast. The Tech said they couldnt get any of their M-Stream cards to work with any TiVos but the TiVo HD; which I am glad a purchased. So basically Comcast is really taking their time to install them. The Tech said I got the only one in the warehouse since they have had so many problems and sent shipments back.

Buh Bye SA8300HD

Yes, it's known that the original Series3 TiVos (as opposed to the newer TiVo HD units) don't support m-cards (at least, not in m-card mode; they'll function as an s-card but you still need a second card to use the second tuner). No one knows for sure whether or not this will ever change, but since it's been so long with no change, it's looking less and less likely.

Sounds like someone needs to inform Comcast of this... Of all the things that aren't their fault, this one isn't :).

Drew

Just Got a Multi-Stream Card installed in Arlington VA with Comcast. The Tech said they couldnt get any of their M-Stream cards to work with any TiVos but the TiVo HD; which I am glad a purchased. So basically Comcast is really taking their time to install them. The Tech said I got the only one in the warehouse since they have had so many problems and sent shipments back.

Buh Bye SA8300HD

Can you PM me the tech name and your name? UI am getting an install on Friday, which they have cancelled 2x already due to no cards, and I want some ammo if they try to say they have no cards available.
Thanks

[QUOTE=fedward;12967315] <snip>
2. It's a multi-TV household so a rotator is out of the question.
<snip>
QUOTE]

Although I understand your point about using a rotor in a multi-TV household, it would allow you to move the antenna to a point where you get reliable reception without having to get up on the roof. I have to move my antenna twice a year depending on whether the leaves are on the trees or not. When the leaves are falling off, or growing on, I might have to move the antenna each night for a couple of weeks.

It would be a pain to have to get the ladder out each time, and then climb up, move the antenna, climb down, check the reception, then repeat until I get the best reception on the most stations...

Just my $0.02.

[QUOTE=fedward;12967315] <snip>
2. It's a multi-TV household so a rotator is out of the question.
<snip>
QUOTE]

Although I understand your point about using a rotor in a multi-TV household, it would allow you to move the antenna to a point where you get reliable reception without having to get up on the roof. I have to move my antenna twice a year depending on whether the leaves are on the trees or not. When the leaves are falling off, or growing on, I might have to move the antenna each night for a couple of weeks.

It would be a pain to have to get the ladder out each time, and then climb up, move the antenna, climb down, check the reception, then repeat until I get the best reception on the most stations...

Just my $0.02.


My antenna is on the outside of my condo. I used to have problems when the leaves were almost off the tree and when they started growing. This would only affect one channel. If I tried to adjust it for the one channel it would affect the other channels. Finally, during a storm, the large brach near my antenna came down. I re-adjusted the antenna and haven't had any problems with reception since. Of course now I don't even need to use my outside antenna since I got Comcast at the end of 2006 and FIOS in 2007

I think the problem with Comcast has been the backwards compatability of M cards. I dont know if its an actual card problem, or if the Techs dont know how to install them properly as S Cards. Since putting an M card in a TiVo HD is basically a plug an play situation, I dont know if there are additional steps that need to get it to function as an S Card.

Not to go too far OT, but since this is one of the only regional threads:

Has anyone found a good electronics parts/supply store in this area? I moved to Reston, VA about a year ago and have yet to come across anything decent. You can find some things between RS/HD/Lowes/BB/CC but not the selection and decent prices I used to be able to get.

I'm talking about something like an old-school Radio Shack with a much bigger selection and much more reasonable prices that sells all the little bits to build electronics projects - bread boards, wire, resistors, caps, connectors, etc.

If you don't want to reply here, please PM me or tell me the appropriate thread to post this question in.

Thanks! :o

From the tivocommunity thread on cable cards. The MCard installs and works exactly as the SCard install in the Tivo S3 and requires 2 Mcards or 2 Scards or 1 of each. In the TivoHD, which I have, the single MCard works both tuners.

Anyone see any of the new channels due today???

Not to go too far OT, but since this is one of the only regional threads:

Has anyone found a good electronics parts/supply store in this area? I moved to Reston, VA about a year ago and have yet to come across anything decent. You can find some things between RS/HD/Lowes/BB/CC but not the selection and decent prices I used to be able to get.

I'm talking about something like an old-school Radio Shack with a much bigger selection and much more reasonable prices that sells all the little bits to build electronics projects - bread boards, wire, resistors, caps, connectors, etc.

If you don't want to reply here, please PM me or tell me the appropriate thread to post this question in.

Thanks! :o

Hey, I'd like to know this also.:)

I think the problem with Comcast has been the backwards compatability of M cards. I dont know if its an actual card problem, or if the Techs dont know how to install them properly as S Cards. Since putting an M card in a TiVo HD is basically a plug an play situation, I dont know if there are additional steps that need to get it to function as an S Card.

I had an M card (I think) installed in my Sony DVR last September. As soon as it was activated at the head end, it worked flawlessly, and has been since. Also solved all the problems I was having with the previous card.

JoeInNVA: please keep us informed on what happens Friday.

Any update on Comcast HD for Arlington?

Received the following email today from Comcast regarding Arlington/Alexandria HD channel adds. This after two previous email went unanswered and I explained that I would next call the Comcast Executive Offices.

Dear ,

Thank you for contacting Comcast Communications. We truly apologize for
the inconvenience. Our Marketing Department has informed us that, due to
technical issues, the new HD channels will now be launched on 2/26/08.

If you should have any other questions or concerns, feel free to contact
us. Thank you for choosing Comcast.

Sincerely,
Ireather
Comcast Customer Care

I will hold my breath

Received the following email today from Comcast regarding Arlington/Alexandria HD channel adds. This after two previous email went unanswered and I explained that I would next call the Comcast Executive Offices.

Dear ,

Thank you for contacting Comcast Communications. We truly apologize for
the inconvenience. Our Marketing Department has informed us that, due to
technical issues, the new HD channels will now be launched on 2/26/08.

If you should have any other questions or concerns, feel free to contact
us. Thank you for choosing Comcast.

Sincerely,
Ireather
Comcast Customer Care

I will hold my breath:mad::mad::mad:

I wonder what the average income is in the City of Alexandria and Arlington? I guess it's not as much as Sterling and Reston, maybe that is why they get all the good stuff?

I can't get my TV or my HDHomeRun to tune WRC-DT at all. I'm in Columbia Heights, same antenna that's received it without problems for months. All my other local channels are coming in just fine. Have they changed something? Anybody else having trouble?

I'm getting WRC-DT no problem in Ashburn, VA using a DB-2 Antenna in attic through a splitter feeding two tvs (one through 50 ft of cable).

Not to go too far OT, but since this is one of the only regional threads:

Has anyone found a good electronics parts/supply store in this area? I moved to Reston, VA about a year ago and have yet to come across anything decent. You can find some things between RS/HD/Lowes/BB/CC but not the selection and decent prices I used to be able to get.

I'm talking about something like an old-school Radio Shack with a much bigger selection and much more reasonable prices that sells all the little bits to build electronics projects - bread boards, wire, resistors, caps, connectors, etc.

If you don't want to reply here, please PM me or tell me the appropriate thread to post this question in.

Thanks! :o

Probably too far for you but Baynesville Electronics just north of Baltimore (Joppa Road) is heaven for this kind of stuff.

http://www.baynesvilleelectronics.com/

Probably too far for you but Baynesville Electronics just north of Baltimore (Joppa Road) is heaven for this kind of stuff.

http://www.baynesvilleelectronics.com/

Yes, looking at their website, that's exactly what I'm looking for! Now can anyone around here identify a place like that that isn't 75 miles away?

Back on topic: I found out that what I thought had been a completely smooth install on my M-card into my Tivo HD was not quite perfect. I had to call up Comcast the next day and have them check the authorizations on the card, as I was missing a few channels. Even with that experience, so far, Comcast wins hands-down in customer service over Verizon.

Even with that experience, so far, Comcast wins hands-down in customer service over Verizon.

I think you're the only person on the east coast that would say that.

I am considering a 26" or 32" lcd for our bedroom. Right now I have a crappy 19" 4:3 SD LCD that needs to go. So, my question is this, with a QAM capable lcd, what HD channels will I get in the clear? Tell me if I'm thinking this out correctly. To get HD in the clear, I would run the coaxial cable directly to the lcd. To get SD to the ReplayTV box, I would need a splitter and then run component to the lcd from the Replay. Does that sound right?

I will probably keep my ReplayTV 5040 unit in the bedroom as it has a lifetime subscription. Recording in HD will not be a big deal to me as most HD viewing will be done on the 50" plasma in the living room.

I'm not up to speed on QAM tuners and their capability so I just need some input. I'd like to not have to fork over yet more coinage to Comcast as I have a monthly bill already approaching $150 per month (Internet included) but if that is necessary for getting HD to this set then so be it.

Also, what are the ballpark prices for getting a 2nd HD converter box and/or HD converter box with dvr. I know...I just need to call but I just wanted to get a rough estimate before doing so.

I'm in the Manassas market btw.

Thanks!
T

It would be a pain to have to get the ladder out each time, and then climb up, move the antenna, climb down, check the reception, then repeat until I get the best reception on the most stations...


In my case the restriction is less physical and more social (the next door neighbor has a roof deck -- luckily he's friendly with me, but not so much with my landlord, who lives upstairs from me). Once I'm up on the roof, however, at this point I can check digital reception with my laptop and a USB tuner. I didn't have that option when I installed the antenna, which hasn't required any adjustment until now.

I'm operating under the assumption that the change in my reception has to do with new condo construction. There are a couple projects I can think of that have recently gotten windows, so they're the likely culprits.

[QUOTE=Speqtre;12985215]Yes, looking at their website, that's exactly what I'm looking for! Now can anyone around here identify a place like that that isn't 75 miles away?

<edit>QUOTE]

Mark Electronics in Beltsville is closer, but it doesn't have the selection that Baynesville has...

I am considering a 26" or 32" lcd for our bedroom. Right now I have a crappy 19" 4:3 SD LCD that needs to go. So, my question is this, with a QAM capable lcd, what HD channels will I get in the clear? Much earlier in this thread there was a list, but you should be able to get all the regular network channels, plus TBS, TNT, Vs, A&E, and a few more.

Neil

New Channels for Arlington/Alexandria to add 2/26:

229 HGTV HD
231 FOOD HD
234 CNN HD
235 USA HD
236 SCI FI HD
237 HISTORY HD
239 DISC HD
240 TLC HD
241 ANIMAL PL HD

MAYBE

I think you're the only person on the east coast that would say that.

I had FIOS installed in Oct 06. Anytime I'd have to call customer service for anything, I'd be on hold for between 20-40 minutes. Typically, if they had to roll a truck, it was at least a week before they could schedule someone. When my DVR went bad, the only place I could swap it myself was in Richmond, which is over 100 miles from me.

My experience with Comcast has been: hold times under 2 minutes, two visits to my house both scheduled the next day, and a local office less than 5 miles from my house where I can pick up and drop off equipment.

Add that to Verizon's recent price increases vs. Comcast's $75 triple play with 3 free premium channels for a year - I stand by my original statement.

When I called Verizon to try to get them to price match, or at least come close, they basically said 'buh-bye'.

Maybe it's like JoeinVA said, people in Reston and Sterling get better service! :D

Much earlier in this thread there was a list, but you should be able to get all the regular network channels, plus TBS, TNT, Vs, A&E, and a few more.
I would not count on TBS, TNT, A&E for either the SD or HD channels staying in the clear on any cable system. Since the HD versions of these channels were recently added to some of the Comcast systems in the area, I'm guessing you mean the HD versions. It is common when adding a new channel to leave it unencrypted for a while until everyone's STB is updated. Then in a few days or weeks after the channel re-assignments have stabilized, the national channels in the clear are encrypted.

You should only count on getting the SD and HD locals and the PEGs (Public/Educational/Govt) channels in the clear. Some cable systems (none in our area AFAIK) will provide Discovery HD Theater or other educational oriented channels in the clear, but that is the exception, not the rule. Figure on all the national HD channels being encrypted or encrypted soon. Where the SD and HD locals are vary from Comcast head-end to head-end as far as I know.

I have seen reports that Comcast has added PSIP info to the HD locals so the local stations are mapped to their broadcast channel # such as 4-1, 5-1. Verizon FiOS is doing this for the SD and HD digital broadcast locals, so the Samsung DTB-H260F STB maps the 11 digital stations they now have to the broadcast channel #s. The older Samsung SIR-T451 tuner I have doesn't, but shows the stations at their QAM channel #s. Verizon is apparently messing up the PSIP data a bit which is affecting the QAM tuners in Sharp TVs & some other TV models, while other tuners ignore the error and work fine.

For the record, Verizon in the Washington Metro area is providing in the clear all the sub-channels for WRC-DT 4, WTTG-DT 5, WJLA-DT 7, WUSA-DT 9, WDCA-DT 20, WETA-DT 26, WNVT-DT MHz 30, WDCW-DT 50, WNVC-DT MHz 57, WPXW-DT Ion 66, and MPT as 67-1 on QAM channels 71-75 and 82. So a clear QAM tuner on Verizon will get you those 11 stations; SD locals & the PEGs & Music Choice are on QAM 63-68, Urge Music on QAM 84.

Looks like we might not get MASN in HD this season either...

http://www.tvpredictions.com/masn013108.htm

Shame, that with the new Stadium that they couldn't get HD set up in time.

I just think MASN was too cheap to make the investment. A new stadium could have been set up without much problems. The Baltimore team was the problem and since MASN is really owned by the Baltimore owner they did not want to put the Baltimore team at a disadvantage.

http://img161.imageshack.us/img161/5017/comcastpamphlet2ne2.jpg (http://imageshack.us)


It's January 31st. So where are CNN, History, and TLC for Baltimore?:mad:

I'm not seeing the new Comcast HD channels in Reston. Is anyone else getting them in Reston/Sterling? Do I have to give my W2 to the local cable rep?

Looks like we might not get MASN in HD this season either...
http://www.tvpredictions.com/masn013108.htm
Let not over react too much to "Swanni's" article. All he says is that MASN would not reply to his calls about HD and that they have made no announcements one way or the other about a HD channel. It is possible that MASN is in negotiations with the service providers and is not ready to make any announcements. But with spring training starting in less than a month, that may be wishful thinking.

The new Nats stadium is obviously HD capable. The failure to have an HD channel rests entirely with MASN. The O's home games or most home games were in HD for, what?, 3 years on CSN Mid-Atlantic HD before Angelos moved the O's TV to MASN. If MASN said last fall that they were starting a HD simulcast channel in 4 months by the start of 2008 spring training, Comcast (in most areas), Verizon, DirecTV, and maybe RCN would cleared the space to add a MASN-HD. The MASN approach to HD smacks of Angelos's management style or lack thereof through and through.

What gets depressing for our market is the number of teams that have announced that ALL of their games on the RSNs will be in HD for 2008 from reading (and posting to) the Local Baseball HD thread in the HD Programming forum that got restarted recently. The Cleveland Indians will have 153 regular season games in HD this year: 133 games on SportsTime Ohio RSN and 20 games broadcast OTA on WKYC-DT will all be HD. 8 spring training games will be in HD! in Cleveland! But the nation's capital and Baltimore may not have any Nats or O's games in HD in 2008?! Hard to believe, but then again, what do you expect with a RSN started and run by Peter Angelos. :rolleyes:

Let not over react too much to "Swanni's" article. All he says is that MASN would not reply to his calls about HD and that they have made no announcements one way or the other about a HD channel. It is possible that MASN is in negotiations with the service providers and is not ready to make any announcements. But with spring training starting in less than a month, that may be wishful thinking.

The new Nats stadium is obviously HD capable. The failure to have an HD channel rests entirely with MASN. The O's home games or most home games were in HD for, what?, 3 years on CSN Mid-Atlantic HD before Angelos moved the O's TV to MASN. If MASN said last fall that they were starting a HD simulcast channel in 4 months by the start of 2008 spring training, Comcast (in most areas), Verizon, DirecTV, and maybe RCN would cleared the space to add a MASN-HD. The MASN approach to HD smacks of Angelos's management style or lack thereof through and through.

What gets depressing for our market is the number of teams that have announced that ALL of their games on the RSNs will be in HD for 2008 from reading (and posting to) the Local Baseball HD thread in the HD Programming forum that got restarted recently. The Cleveland Indians will have 153 regular season games in HD this year: 133 games on SportsTime Ohio RSN and 20 games broadcast OTA on WKYC-DT will all be HD. 8 spring training games will be in HD! in Cleveland! But the nation's capital and Baltimore may not have any Nats or O's games in HD in 2008?! Hard to believe, but then again, what do you expect with a RSN started and run by Peter Angelos. :rolleyes:

Boston has had all of their games in HD for a few years now...Then again NESN is DA BOMB while MASN is a step above NVCC Public Access...

Boston has had all of their games in HD for a few years now...Then again NESN is DA BOMB while MASN is a step above NVCC Public Access...

I hate begrudging anything to Boston, but Joe is absolutely correct. Then again, NESN doesn't buy their equipment from Radio Shack or used on ebay.

How was the PQ on WJLA for others trying to watch the Lost season premeire (D*)? Lots of picture breakup taking place (I know I am not using the correct tech term here, someone please let me know). WJLA's PQ in general has been bad lately, while other locals are not having any problems. At least once each night during Wheel and Jeopardy! this happens as well.

Not sure WJLA was to blame... It was perfect on Comcast of DC last night (except for the occasional annoying SD for a few seconds when returning from commercial).

Drew

I was watching on WJLA here in Southern Maryland and Lost looked great. Yeah, besides the couple seconds of SD after commercials.

It's January 31st. So where are CNN, History, and TLC for Baltimore?:mad:

I called customer service. The CSR said the channels would be added in the first quarter and they were "not available on the system yet". She said it was "up to CNN", whatever the hell that means.:rolleyes:

Looks like we might not get MASN in HD this season either...

http://www.tvpredictions.com/masn013108.htm

That's a real shocker. Knowing MASN, it will be years before they have HD up and running. Their standard-def programming has a sort of throwback, circa-1980 picture quality to it.

9/20/2007: SJKurtzke: WDCW-DT says that they are to be included in DirectTV's HDTV lineup by Jan 2008.

Any update on this? Watching Smallville last night with various issues OTA for me, remind me about this rumor.

How was the PQ on WJLA for others trying to watch the Lost season premeire (D*)? Lots of picture breakup taking place (I know I am not using the correct tech term here, someone please let me know). WJLA's PQ in general has been bad lately, while other locals are not having any problems. At least once each night during Wheel and Jeopardy! this happens as well.

just thought i'd tell the ota feed from wmar out of baltimore was perfect best hidef i've seen in a long time. can't wait for more island scenery espically the female kind.

I called customer service. The CSR said the channels would be added in the first quarter and they were "not available on the system yet". She said it was "up to CNN", whatever the hell that means.:rolleyes:

I think it means, "I have no idea what the hell you are talking about, but this sounds good!"

For whatever reason, RCN does not carry WDCA-DT or MPT-HD. Do all of the other area cable providers carry all of the HD locals?

MASN: Still Working On HDTV In 2008

The network is the last holdout in offering high-def broadcasts of Major League Baseball.

By Swanni

Washington, D.C. (February 1, 2008) -- MASN, which has the broadcast rights to the Washington Nationals and Baltimore Orioles, says it's still working to air "some" games in High-Definition during the 2008 season.

MASN's lack of HD coverage to date has become both a local and national issue for baseball fans. As of now, the Orioles and Nats are the only two Major League Baseball teams that will not be broadcast locally in High-Definition during the 2008 season.

Many Nats and O's fans have expressed their displeasure on baseball message boards -- and in e-mails sent to TVPredictions.com.

But Todd Webster, a MASN spokesman, told TVPredictions.com today that the regional sports network is still talking to cable and satellite operators about providing high-def coverage this season.

"We're still planning for some (Nats and O's) games (in HD) this season," he said. "We're working with the affiliates (cable and satellite operators) to expand their capability for (MASN in HD.)

But Webster acknowledged that "not much has changed in the last six months" in those discussions. "But we are still trying to work it out."

The regional sports network told the Baltimore Sun last year that it might offer high-def coverage of the Nats and Orioles this year. But today, less than two months before the 2008 season begins, the network has still not announced its high-def plans.

Every other MLB team has already announced that its regional sports network will provide some games in high-def this year, including the Kansas City Royals, which were not broadcast locally in high-def last year.

Webster said it's still possible that MASN could make a HD announcement by Opening Day.

In the past, MASN has said it has not offered the two teams in high-def because it did not have a dedicated HD channel.

However, the sports network could broadcast some games in high-def and offer them to cable and satellite providers who in turn could show them on their HD channels. It could also launch a high-def simulcast channel and ask the cable and satellite operators to carry it.

In addition, MASN could offer some HD games to Washington area station WDCA (channel 20), which can transmit in high-def. The sports network has shown standard-definition Nationals games on WDCA during the past three seasons.

http://www.tvpredictions.com/masn020108.htm

Their standard-def programming has a sort of throwback, circa-1980 picture quality to it.
You're being too generous. 1975 at best. MASN=Mr Aneglos' SD Networks.
MLB needs to get involved.

MASN: Still Working On HDTV In 2008

The network is the last holdout in offering high-def broadcasts of Major League Baseball.

By Swanni

Washington, D.C. (February 1, 2008) -- MASN, which has the broadcast rights to the Washington Nationals and Baltimore Orioles, says it's still working to air "some" games in High-Definition during the 2008 season.

MASN's lack of HD coverage to date has become both a local and national issue for baseball fans. As of now, the Orioles and Nats are the only two Major League Baseball teams that will not be broadcast locally in High-Definition during the 2008 season.

Many Nats and O's fans have expressed their displeasure on baseball message boards -- and in e-mails sent to TVPredictions.com.

But Todd Webster, a MASN spokesman, told TVPredictions.com today that the regional sports network is still talking to cable and satellite operators about providing high-def coverage this season.

"We're still planning for some (Nats and O's) games (in HD) this season," he said. "We're working with the affiliates (cable and satellite operators) to expand their capability for (MASN in HD.)

But Webster acknowledged that "not much has changed in the last six months" in those discussions. "But we are still trying to work it out."

The regional sports network told the Baltimore Sun last year that it might offer high-def coverage of the Nats and Orioles this year. But today, less than two months before the 2008 season begins, the network has still not announced its high-def plans.

Every other MLB team has already announced that its regional sports network will provide some games in high-def this year, including the Kansas City Royals, which were not broadcast locally in high-def last year.

Webster said it's still possible that MASN could make a HD announcement by Opening Day.

In the past, MASN has said it has not offered the two teams in high-def because it did not have a dedicated HD channel.

However, the sports network could broadcast some games in high-def and offer them to cable and satellite providers who in turn could show them on their HD channels. It could also launch a high-def simulcast channel and ask the cable and satellite operators to carry it.

In addition, MASN could offer some HD games to Washington area station WDCA (channel 20), which can transmit in high-def. The sports network has shown standard-definition Nationals games on WDCA during the past three seasons.

http://www.tvpredictions.com/masn020108.htm

So Swanni scoops himself by finally getting a response from MASN? There is nothing to see here ladies and gentelmen. In other words, no news is no news. When we know definitively whether or not they will do HD games, that's when this will actually be newsworthy.

Yeah, MASN looks 'great' upconverted on my plasma... watching ESPNNEWS on MASN? A little help here Petey!

I was just browsing around Cox's web site and found the following information:

3 New HD Channels Coming February 29th - Travel Channel HD (Ch. 732), Cinemax HD (Ch. 733), The Weather Channel HD (Ch. 734)

Just thought some would be interested to hear -

WUTB is supposed to be receiving their full power DTV transmitter at the transmitter site on Monday. I'm not sure what the timeframe is for it to be installed, but they are working hard on the project, so it shouldn't be a real long time...

MASN: Still Working On HDTV In 2008Webster said it's still possible that MASN could make a HD announcement by Opening Day.

Yeah, just like it's also possible for HD DVD to beat out Blu-Ray. :rolleyes:

O's fans are going to get f'd again on HD. This will be the second year I vow not to go to a game. I was successful last year, even though my wife really wanted to go. No way I'm supporting that team. :mad:

-John

Can you PM me the tech name and your name? UI am getting an install on Friday, which they have cancelled 2x already due to no cards, and I want some ammo if they try to say they have no cards available.
Thanks

SUCCESS!
Finally got a card and it got installed with no problem, well, except that it took close to an hour for the tech to get ahold of someone to authorize the card.

I did hold onto the 8300 just in case something happens between now and the Superbowl.

It was an M card and the tech said they had more, so people in Alex/Arlington, start a calling!

I would not count on TBS, TNT, A&E for either the SD or HD channels staying in the clear on any cable system. Since the HD versions of these channels were recently added to some of the Comcast systems in the area, I'm guessing you mean the HD versions. It is common when adding a new channel to leave it unencrypted for a while until everyone's STB is updated. Then in a few days or weeks after the channel re-assignments have stabilized, the national channels in the clear are encrypted.

You should only count on getting the SD and HD locals and the PEGs (Public/Educational/Govt) channels in the clear. Some cable systems (none in our area AFAIK) will provide Discovery HD Theater or other educational oriented channels in the clear, but that is the exception, not the rule. Figure on all the national HD channels being encrypted or encrypted soon. Where the SD and HD locals are vary from Comcast head-end to head-end as far as I know.


Long time lurker here, finally coming out to ask a question.

I can understand why Comcast would encrypt (require higher service package) the HD verisons of channels (HGTV, A&E, TLC) we currently received with the Standard Service.

My question is what's going to happen as these channels no longer offer the non-digital verison? Will the only way be to get them is to upgrade cable to one of their new packages? Or will Comcast unencrypt them?

Long time lurker here, finally coming out to ask a question.

I can understand why Comcast would encrypt (require higher service package) the HD verisons of channels (HGTV, A&E, TLC) we currently received with the Standard Service.

My question is what's going to happen as these channels no longer offer the non-digital verison? Will the only way be to get them is to upgrade cable to one of their new packages? Or will Comcast unencrypt them?

Welcome to AVS Forum, wvpdles!

Unfortunately, Comcast WILL encrypt them. Even though you are paying for it, others may not be, so that is the reason for makinmg you get a set-tiop box or CableCARD(if slot is available). The reason is because the new digital technology will be able to find out who's paying for what channels at what time. The reason they aren't encrypted now is because those signal blockers have been taken out of your system. But evenually the digital encryption will do the job of the signal blockers. Like afiggatt said, expect to see only locals in your QAM lineup when the entire lineup goes digital or if all channels but PEGs and locals.

Welcome to AVS Forum, wvpdles!

Unfortunately, Comcast WILL encrypt them. Even though you are paying for it, others may not be, so that is the reason for makinmg you get a set-tiop box or CableCARD(if slot is available). The reason is because the new digital technology will be able to find out who's paying for what channels at what time. The reason they aren't encrypted now is because those signal blockers have been taken out of your system. But evenually the digital encryption will do the job of the signal blockers. Like afiggatt said, expect to see only locals in your QAM lineup when the entire lineup goes digital or if all channels but PEGs and locals.

Thank you for the welcome! :)

So next year when the switch is done, I won't be able to get HGTV, A&E, etc at all unless I upgrade to the next service package (pay another $20 a month) which requires a digital converter box?

The Switch to OTA digital has nothing to do with those National HD/SD channels.

Just got a post card from Comcast (Manassas head end) that nine new HD channels will be added Tuesday, March 4:


Discovery HD (239)
TLC HD (240)
Animal Planet HD (241)
USA HD (235)
Food Network HD (231)
HGTV HD (229)
CNN HD (234)
Sci-Fi HD (236)
History HD (237)


Also, some other non-HD additions and some channel shuffling. Latter includes moving TV Guide Network from 2 to 100, thus requiring digital service; curious move, that.

Thank you for the welcome! :)

So next year when the switch is done, I won't be able to get HGTV, A&E, etc at all unless I upgrade to the next service package (pay another $20 a month) which requires a digital converter box?

Not really, it probably won't be next year, but whenever Comcast decides to switch to an all-digital lineup, thats when you "line up" for the box. Some do suggest the all-digital changes will be done in 2012(note: Cable not OTA which is next year), but until then have fun with your analog goodness.

Just got a post card from Comcast (Manassas head end) that nine new HD channels will be added Tuesday, March 4:


Discovery HD (239)
TLC HD (240)
Animal Planet HD (241)
USA HD (235)
Food Network HD (231)
HGTV HD (229)
CNN HD (234)
Sci-Fi HD (236)
History HD (237)


Also, some other non-HD additions and some channel shuffling. Latter includes moving TV Guide Network from 2 to 100, thus requiring digital service; curious move, that.Got that too. March 4 now? :mad::mad::mad:

Got the card in Alexandria too. I'm not too worried that it's pushed back to March 4, I'm just glad it's finally official. I can't wait!

Thank you for the welcome! :)

So next year when the switch is done, I won't be able to get HGTV, A&E, etc at all unless I upgrade to the next service package (pay another $20 a month) which requires a digital converter box?

When you are ready to switch call and threaten to leave for FIOS or sat - you'll be connected to a "retention specialist" and you should get the service at no extra cost or at some cost comparable to what FIOS and other cable cos (and sat) in the area charge. There won't be a way around the STB or CC requirement. You may elect to just watch the clear QAM signals on some TVs and not bother with an STB on those TVs.

I don't think it will be an overnight switch for all chs at once - it will drawn out over the years a few chs at a time but at some point when you lose some important ch you'll need an STB.

Switched over to ABC-7 after the big GIANTS win in Supe XLII, and the movie was in SD. Someone asleep at the wheel again (or preoccupied with the game)?

So was it just me, or was the HD on WTTG-DT not that great last night?

- The commercials looked good
- The close-up shots of the players looked good
- All the field shots (which was most of the game) looked like 480p to me

Is this normal? I don't watch a lot of sports, but I was really surprised at how crappy the bulk of the show looked last night. I know it wasn't my TV, because the commercials and close-ups looked like 720p. But everything else looked like old-school wide-screen 480p. You couldn't even really make out the player names when they had the whole field visible.

Just me?

Switched over to ABC-7 after the big GIANTS win in Supe XLII, and the movie was in SD. Someone asleep at the wheel again (or preoccupied with the game)?It was in SD on WMAR also. I saw that it was SD on WJLA, so I switched over to WMAR and found it was SD over there too.

So was it just me, or was the HD on WTTG-DT not that great last night?
It was on the soft side. Check the long threads on the Super Bowl in the HDTV programming forum as there were a lot of comments on the Fox picture quality last night from across the US. Reportedly the bit rate was on the low side.

As for the ABC movie last night, it was in SD everywhere, so this was not a WJLA-DT 7 problem. Guess ABC figured the movie was a sacrifice going up against the Superbowl and decided not to bother getting an HD version.

BTW, WHUT-DT PBS 32 is messing up their PSIP data again. The station shows up as channel 33 on my STB.

Got that too. March 4 now? :mad::mad::mad:
Will it be the same date for Reston?

Wow, we've had those channels for a few weeks now in Gainesville/Bristow.


Just got a post card from Comcast (Manassas head end) that nine new HD channels will be added Tuesday, March 4:


Discovery HD (239)
TLC HD (240)
Animal Planet HD (241)
USA HD (235)
Food Network HD (231)
HGTV HD (229)
CNN HD (234)
Sci-Fi HD (236)
History HD (237)


Also, some other non-HD additions and some channel shuffling. Latter includes moving TV Guide Network from 2 to 100, thus requiring digital service; curious move, that.

Anyone having problems getting channels on their SA8300HD from Comcast in Baltimore area (Harford County)? Since the weekend I have lost 249 (TNTHD), 251 (CSNHD), 10 (ABCFamily), and the analog versions of ESPN (6) and CSN (7). Analog channels work from my tv's tuner if i bypass the box, but get nothing but black screen off the box. Lots of glitches on other channels too! Could my box be going?

Anyone having problems getting channels on their SA8300HD from Comcast in Baltimore area (Harford County)? Since the weekend I have lost 249 (TNTHD), 251 (CSNHD), 10 (ABCFamily), and the analog versions of ESPN (6) and CSN (7). Analog channels work from my tv's tuner if i bypass the box, but get nothing but black screen off the box. Lots of glitches on other channels too! Could my box be going?

I live in Howard county and had problem with ABC, NBC HD channels. The CSR asked me to power off the box and power back on. luckily, it worked..

http://img161.imageshack.us/img161/5017/comcastpamphlet2ne2.jpg (http://imageshack.us)


It's January 31st. So where are CNN, History, and TLC for Baltimore?:mad:

I sent an email to Rick Germano, Senior Vice President of Customer Operations.

http://www.comcast.com/Corporate/Customers/contactus/ContactUs.html (Right side of page)

I got a call from someone in the corporate office saying these channels will be added "in March." Looks like the above mailing was a bit off.:rolleyes:

Long time lurker, first time poster. :)

Did anyone in the Frederick City (MD) Comcast market notice issues with some of the HD channels like Comcast SportsNet and USA HD last night? They were working fine for me over the weekend. However, last night the non-broadcast channels showed up as "scrambled or weak signal" on my Samsung tuner. Channels like Fox and ABC in HD worked fine. The digital music channels worked as well.

I have the Expanded Basic service.

Thanks all.

Comcast had promised 7 new HD channels on Jan. 8 (CNN, TLC, etc) for Howard County digital service, but they have not materialized. Any explanation for that?

I got a call from someone in the corporate office saying these channels will be added "in March." Looks like the above mailing was a bit off.
The pretty girl is smiling because she has DirecTV back at the house not Comcast!

Just thought some would be interested to hear -

WUTB is supposed to be receiving their full power DTV transmitter at the transmitter site on Monday. I'm not sure what the timeframe is for it to be installed, but they are working hard on the project, so it shouldn't be a real long time...

Will be good if they actually broadcast anything in HD and stopped stretching SD.

After 2 months of enjoying multiple HD channels on Comcast basic cable in Frederick, MD, previous postings on the subject proved correct. I'm only getting what I am supposed to receive for the basic tier as of Monday.

I checked the MOJO channel last night when the Lakers game was on and it wasn't blacked out. I have had the sports teir with Comcast for a while and have Stretched out NBATV, but the games have been blacked out on MOJO. Anybody know why it wasn't last night? I will check the next time a game is on MOJO and let everyone know if it isn't a fluke.

So, the game is blacked out on ESPN but carried on WDCA 20. However, no audio from the announcers on the HD channel (cable and OTA); on the SD channel the announcers can be heard. Comcast Alexandria. Anyone else?

So, the game is blacked out on ESPN but carried on WDCA 20. However, no audio from the announcers on the HD channel (cable and OTA); on the SD channel the announcers can be heard. Comcast Alexandria. Anyone else?

Same issue on 20-1 OTA. It's like you're at the game! :confused:

Oops, missed that you had tried OTA. I checked on channel 54 SD out of Baltimore. It's fine.

They just fixed WDCA DT.

So, the game is blacked out on ESPN but carried on WDCA 20. However, no audio from the announcers on the HD channel (cable and OTA); on the SD channel the announcers can be heard. Comcast Alexandria. Anyone else?

Seems everywhere. Raycom intern sleeping. It is a godsend though. Billy Packer is as annoying as any out there. This is great, like I am
there except when the fans are quiet, they can't hear me yell F*** Duke!!

EDIT
They just switched on the trash (commentators)

Still in SD on WNUV. They switched back and forth when there were no announcers, and have stuck on the SD even though the HD feed now has the announcers. Good thing I have OTA and can pull in WDCA.

I got an STB under the DTV2009 program from BestBuy and found WHUT broadcasting 33-1 as the PSIP information. I sent an email to the FCC Broadcast Enforcement Division on Sunday 2/3/08 and today I noticed it was fixed and WHUT now shows 32-1. No response from the FCC or WHUT whom I copied on my query.

Still in SD on WNUV. They switched back and forth when there were no announcers, and have stuck on the SD even though the HD feed now has the announcers. Good thing I have OTA and can pull in WDCA.

Sorry - my Dolby decoder crapped out when it switched to the game, and I had to replace it. Since there was NO audio on the HD, I put the SD on until I got the new decoder in. I got everything together and put the HD back on at 9:36.

BTW, I did have the audio set right at the beginning of the game. Too bad no one heard it! I never received any e-mail with the info, but master control received a call earlier in the day from the Raycom Sports saying that they had changed the audio settings that we have to program into the satellite receiver. At 8 PM, when I was trying to tune in the game, I was having problems, so I called them back, and that's when they told me that they changed the audio settings AGAIN. If I hadn't called, I wouldn't have known that... Apparently not everyone called, and that's why some stations had the wrong audio.

Oh well...

Sorry - my Dolby decoder crapped out when it switched to the game, and I had to replace it. Since there was NO audio on the HD, I put the SD on until I got the new decoder in. I got everything together and put the HD back on at 9:36.

BTW, I did have the audio set right at the beginning of the game. Too bad no one heard it! I never received any e-mail with the info, but master control received a call earlier in the day from the Raycom Sports saying that they had changed the audio settings that we have to program into the satellite receiver. At 8 PM, when I was trying to tune in the game, I was having problems, so I called them back, and that's when they told me that they changed the audio settings AGAIN. If I hadn't called, I wouldn't have known that... Apparently not everyone called, and that's why some stations had the wrong audio.

Oh well...

No worries. From the game thread over in the HDTV forum, it sounded like multiple stations had issues with this broadcast. I was actually quicte enjoying the game with HD picture, crowd noise, and no announcers for the first half hour. Quite refreshing. Thanks for all your hard work.

I checked the MOJO channel last night when the Lakers game was on and it wasn't blacked out. I have had the sports teir with Comcast for a while and have Stretched out NBATV, but the games have been blacked out on MOJO. Anybody know why it wasn't last night? I will check the next time a game is on MOJO and let everyone know if it isn't a fluke.

Were any of the teams the Wizards? If not then it may be just a fluke that you got it...

After 2 months of enjoying multiple HD channels on Comcast basic cable in Frederick, MD, previous postings on the subject proved correct. I'm only getting what I am supposed to receive for the basic tier as of Monday.

Any way to get these back without paying an "HD" fee? I have TNT, USA, ESPN, ESPN2 all in sd, but have to pay for the HD version? Seems kinda of pooty

I got an STB under the DTV2009 program from BestBuy and found WHUT broadcasting 33-1 as the PSIP information. I sent an email to the FCC Broadcast Enforcement Division on Sunday 2/3/08 and today I noticed it was fixed and WHUT now shows 32-1. No response from the FCC or WHUT whom I copied on my query.

WHUT is frequently switching between 32-1 and 33-1. They've had a lot of problems transmitting the correct PSIP data among other things. WDCW has had similar issues.

Any way to get these back without paying an "HD" fee? I have TNT, USA, ESPN, ESPN2 all in sd, but have to pay for the HD version? Seems kinda of jewish...

It seems anti-semitism is still alive.

Rich N.

After 2 months of enjoying multiple HD channels on Comcast basic cable in Frederick, MD, previous postings on the subject proved correct. I'm only getting what I am supposed to receive for the basic tier as of Monday.

Did you get the lineup brochure for the Frederick-area customers regarding the December 11th change? I still have mine and it shows channels like TNT-HD and ESPN-HD as being included in their "Expanded Basic" lineup with asterisks indicating that an "HD converter box and HDTV" are required. They even go as far as to mark broadcast network's HD channels with the HD asterisks (included under the "Limited Basic" service). I assumed (insert Benny Hill joke here) that since I have the "Expanded Basic" service and I was receiving the HD versions of the "Expanded Basic" lineup for 2 months, that I was receiving what I was supposed to.

Ok, I'm having real problems with Comcast here in Harford County. Last week my internet service went out for a day. They tried to tell me it was my modem, so I went out and got a new one, then that evening found a technician working on the neighborhoods main box since EVERYONE in the neighborhood was out. Nice they didn't tell me that. Returned the modem. Service returned.

Now, I am missing channels over my SA8300HD DVR!! Went through them last night and the following channels come up with a blank screen and no sound:

6 - ESPN SD
7 - Comcast Sports Net SD
10 - ABC Family SD
11 - Local NBC affiliate SD
13 - Local CBS affiliate SD
14 - Local CW affiliate SD
32 - TNT SD
75 - Washington area Fox affiliate SD
249 - TNT HD
251 - Comcast Sports Net HD

If I plug my cable directly into the tv, the SD stations work fine! Its just not coming out of the DVR.

Anyone ever seen anything like this? Is it Comcast, or is my DVR failing? I hate calling them, but I suppose I'm going to have to.

Oh, and the stations that do work over the DVR have intermittent picture breakups and weird electronic sound glitches.

I got an STB under the DTV2009 program from BestBuy and found WHUT broadcasting 33-1 as the PSIP information. I sent an email to the FCC Broadcast Enforcement Division on Sunday 2/3/08 and today I noticed it was fixed and WHUT now shows 32-1. No response from the FCC or WHUT whom I copied on my query.

So did you attempt to contact WHUT about this problem and then without resolution contact the FCC or just blindingly email the FCC and WHUT at first!

Just an fyi, the FCC, whilst is willing to assist, does get pi##ed if the viewer has made no attempt to contact the station and resolve before contacting them and they tend to take the complaints less seriously.

So did you attempt to contact WHUT about this problem and then without resolution contact the FCC or just blindingly email the FCC and WHUT at first!

Just an fyi, the FCC, whilst is willing to assist, does get pi##ed if the viewer has made no attempt to contact the station and resolve before contacting them and they tend to take the complaints less seriously.I thought the same thing. Was there any attempt to resolve the issue at the station level first...

I'm in St. Marys County getting service through Metrocast. Noticed last night that WETA HD on channel 151 that I was getting the picture fine, but the sound had an echo to it and was distorted. Reset my Motorola 6416 by unplugging it, but still same problem. All other channels are fine. Also noticed that they advertise HD channels such as TLC, etc. but I don't seem to get them yet.

Any way to get these back without paying an "HD" fee? I have TNT, USA, ESPN, ESPN2 all in sd, but have to pay for the HD version? Seems kinda of jewish...

The last remark of your post was unnecessary and inappropriate.

That aside, the answer to your question is no, unless the cable company has a change in heart, there is no way to get those channels back without paying for the HD service. As much as it pains me to defend the cable company, the reality is that carrying HD programming does cost more money. It costs the networks more in production costs and the cable company more in bandwidth costs. Given that, it is well within their right to make up for their extra costs by charging us more for the added value service.

In regards to contacting WHUT, yes I did wait about a week without response from WHUT. Still no email response from either. By the way I did not complain about a violation, I did inquire if having the incorrect PSIP information was in fact a violation or an option since WHUT DTV does broadcast on UHF channel 33.

I have found that asking questions is a better way of getting issues resolved, it seems to me that nobody likes people that complain.

Cheers.

does anyone know if Cox is broadcasting video on demand, VOD, encrypted or unencrypted in northern Virginia? I was browsing through the QAM channels with my HD homerun while I had a VOD selection playing and could not find any unencrypted channels other than the normal ones. Thanks

does anyone know if Cox is broadcasting video on demand, VOD, encrypted or unencrypted in northern Virginia? I was browsing through the QAM channels with my HD homerun while I had a VOD selection playing and could not find any unencrypted channels other than the normal ones. Thanks

IT's not encrypted but you cant order anything, you can watch something someone else on your node has received. That includes PPV too, I believe...

From jefbal99: MASN announces HD (http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=849727&page=2)

From jefbal99: MASN announces HD (http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=849727&page=2)

Link to the specific post (http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?p=13053790#post13053790)

And a Link to the specific Article (http://blog.washingtonpost.com/fasterforward/2008/02/up_next_on_your_hdtv_could_be.html)

Link to the specific post (http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?p=13053790#post13053790)

And a Link to the specific Article (http://blog.washingtonpost.com/fasterforward/2008/02/up_next_on_your_hdtv_could_be.html)


He can't link to a specific post because MASN has not made any announcements. In today's Sun Frager (Sports on TV reporter) said that it is still unknown if MASN will do any HD.

This is just incredible, almost surreal, how this huge market could be without local HD for TWO teams.

But complaining doesn't seem to help (I've done so twice) so at least we have this board on which to vent.

Rich N.

I wonder how they are going to get the MSOs to carry a part time feed? I guess it would be easy for Dish Networks since Dish only Carry's CSN in HD during actual games, and that only covers a partial schedule. That kinda syncs up with MASN-HD where there will likely only be HD during some games.

I would bet that DirectTV would find room for a partial HD schedule as well. Not sure how Comcast would react. I would guess that they would make things difficult for MASN, since that has been their approach.

He can't link to a specific post because MASN has not made any announcements. In today's Sun Frager (Sports on TV reporter) said that it is still unknown if MASN will do any HD.

This is just incredible, almost surreal, how this huge market could be without local HD for TWO teams.

But complaining doesn't seem to help (I've done so twice) so at least we have this board on which to vent.

Rich N.
Indeed. I'll believe it when I see it, but even still I suppose it is encouraging. I've never once had a good experience on the phone with MASN, nor have I had one on my TV. I do sincerely hope that the latter will change. I was dreaming up plans for a targeted letter-writing campaign to all MASN advertisers last night, but maybe that won't be necessary... GREAT news if this winds up panning out, even if it is still less HD than we had years ago with Comcast Sportsnet HD.

So that 30 games in HD for the Nats. That still sucks! Also since most of the league is in HD the should transmit the HD signal for the away games also.

From jefbal99: MASN announces HD (http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=849727&page=2)

I'm betting they are not creating a "MASN HD" channel, but will offer the feed to affiliates like DC(MY)20 that have agreed to carry certain games (similar to DC(MY) 20's agreement with Raycom/Jefferson Pilot for ACC b'ball). So my bet is in the DC metro area we'll only see HD games that DC(MY)20 carries. Last year that was only weekend games. So in theory we may get no games in HD in the DC area.

I don't know how FiOS would create a MASN HD feed without creating a MASN HD Channel - but I guess that could be on just for the 60 or so games.

Any bets as to when in the season (or even what season) the first HD game will be for either team? July? August?

I'm betting they are not creating a "MASN HD" channel, but will offer the feed to affiliates like DC(MY)20 that have agreed to carry certain games (similar to DC(MY) 20's agreement with Raycom/Jefferson Pilot for ACC b'ball). So my bet is in the DC metro area we'll only see HD games that DC(MY)20 carries. Last year that was only weekend games. So in theory we may get no games in HD in the DC area.

I don't know how FiOS would create a MASN HD feed without creating a MASN HD Channel - but I guess that could be on just for the 60 or so games.
No, the article says that they are in negotiations with the 21 service providers who carry MASN. I don't recall how many games were on WDCA 20 last year, but it was not as many as 30. The article or leaked info is not clear as to whether MASN will simply start a full time MASN-HD channel or provide a part-time HD feed that the cable providers may put onto an existing HD channel such as Mojo. We will have to wait and see.

But since a major part of the reason for the start-up of so many HD channels in the past 6 months is a land rush to stake out the bandwidth for an HD slot for the next few years, one would think that MASN would go ahead and start a full-time MASN-HD channel. It would probably be all upconverts except for the live games, unless the studio is completely HD ready, but it would get MASN a solid HD foothold into HD line-ups in the market. I would not expect a MASN2-HD feed until 2009. However, this is MASN, normal business practices may not apply. :rolleyes:

The leaked news also said at least 60 games in HD, so there may be more, but they may unsure as when the HD channel will actually start up. Or it may be that only home games will be in HD (good odds on that), and it is a question of how many home games end up on MASN versus MASN2. They may not want MASN to be home games only for those who only have access to MASN SD. OTOH, maybe MASN-HD could carry whichever game between MASN and MASN2 that is available in HD. Having 2 local baseball teams on the same RSN complicates the scheduling - considerably.

Meanwhile, it looks as if at least 6, maybe 8, maybe even more, MLB teams will have all the games - home and away - be in HD on their RSN this year. The press releases are still trickling out prior to the start of spring training.

I wonder how they are going to get the MSOs to carry a part time feed?

They already are in SD. It is called MASN2. Usually shared with CSPAN or some other channel.

Comcast can dump it on Mojo, which is where they put NBA TV and other wild feed type stuff.

Not sure about Fios's infrastructure and what they can do.

I'm getting a buzzing sound and gargle-ey audio on WJZ-DT OTA this morning. It's on the program and the local commercials.

It makes watching CBS Sunday Morning impossible (unless I turn the antenna toward Washington and watch it on WUSA, which I did).

Hopefully, they'll fix it soon.

BTW, Sorry about the audio at the beginning of the UMD game last night. I know what the problem is, and I'll fix it on Monday.

We also have the WJZ problem here... And I like their local news so I hope they fix it soon...

Can anyone in Arlington or Alexandra confirm whether Comcast in Arlington/Alexandria is now using rate shaping?

Said a different way, are there more than two HD channels on any one QAM?

Any bets as to when in the season (or even what season) the first HD game will be for either team? July? August?

Wrong. It's the opening Sunday night game on ESPNHD for the Nationals.

I'm not getting any picture or sound on WJZ on Comcast but the box is receiving is a signal. No problem with OTA.

Same here.
I'm in Balt City
I do get Ch23...just not Ch 212.
Been out since I tuned to the Grammy's at 8pm

Came back on after the Grammys.:rolleyes:

Wrong. It's the opening Sunday night game on ESPNHD for the Nationals.
It might be the only one. You're right, I left off MASN in the original post
Edit: Any bets as to when in the season (or even what season) the first HD game will be for either team on MASN? July? August?

WNVC MHz 56 in Fairfax to go dark in September for up to 5 months for the digital transition

WNVC's Form 387 submission to the FCC on their digital transition plans for the February 17, 2009 analog broadcast shutdown was posted to the FCC web site last night. This came up in the final DTV table allotments/channel change sticky thread in this forum. WNVC 56 with it's digital signal on UHF 57 will be moving the digital signal to UHF 24. To do this, they must remove the analog 56 channel on top of their tower and the side-mounted antenna for UHF 57 and put up a new antenna on top for UHF 24. So they will shut down both the analog and digital transmissions in late September to start the work before winter. The work is expected to take 6 to 8 weeks. However, because WUTB My 24 in Baltimore is broadcasting on UHF 24, WNVC-DT will off the air until February 17, 2009, unless WUTB turns off it's analog channel early. WNVT-DT 30 in Goldvein will stay on the air as it has no analog channel and is already on it's final DTV assignment.

WNVC's filing to the FCC says that it feeds all the cable and satellite head ends in the DMA with landlines so the cable systems will continue to have all the sub-channels. However, if you are an OTA only viewer of WNVC-DT 56 in Fairfax, you will lose the MHz 6 to 8 sub-channels for what looks to be up to 5 months. When WNVC-DT 56 fires up their new digital channel, they will have much better coverage with the digital antenna 50 meters higher and a power increase from 7.3 kw to 50 kW.

For the details, see the FCC Form 387 filing at http://fjallfoss.fcc.gov/cgi-bin/ws.exe/prod/cdbs/forms/prod/cdbsmenu.hts?context=25&appn=101230771&formid=387&fac_num=9999.
The easier to follow transition plan attachment letter is at: http://fjallfoss.fcc.gov/prod/cdbs/forms/prod/getattachment_exh.cgi?exhibit_id=616063.

If Comcast wants to get rid of analog altogether, they should offer a digital package similar to extended basic that will NOT need a STB. If you don't want PPV or On-Demand capability, it makes perfect sense. But will they leave the HD versions unencrypted? Do HDTVs need to reach critical mass before the signals become the default? STBs are just so limiting.

Back to the subject...

I am receiving most of the unencrypted local channels with my new QAM-equipped Sony LCD except WRC 4. I was getting the HD along with the sub-channels just fine when I first scanned but now they are gone. What happened? Fox, CBS, and ABC are just fine though CBS was having occasional audio skipping during 60 Minutes last night. WETA-HD and its subs are gone too. I already have a basic plug-in amp inline that covers up to 900Mhz that makes the analog cable channels crystal clear. Perhaps I need to clean up my splits/connections or get a better amp.

G

G

Hmm, anyone know why Cox NoVA removed The Weather Channel HD from their additions for the end of this month?

Can anyone in Arlington or Alexandra confirm whether Comcast in Arlington/Alexandria is now using rate shaping?

Said a different way, are there more than two HD channels on any one QAM?I don't know if it is of any help, but here in Frederick, MD, there is definitely more than one HD channel per QAM, if by QAM you mean "unencrypted and on the same frequency".

For example, My ElGato EyeTV 500 tuner shows WJLA-HD and WETA-HD on the same frequency (591 MHz) and WRC-HD and WUSA-HD sharing 597 MHz.

If Comcast wants to get rid of analog altogether, they should offer a digital package similar to extended basic that will NOT need a STB. If you don't want PPV or On-Demand capability, it makes perfect sense. But will they leave the HD versions unencrypted? Do HDTVs need to reach critical mass before the signals become the default? STBs are just so limiting.No they will not. They've already said they will not.

They said during a conference call several months ago that content providers want their digital [SD and HD] channels encrypted. They also they were working to encrypt all digital cable channels in areas where they were not already.

I don't know if it is of any help, but here in Frederick, MD, there is definitely more than one HD channel per QAM, if by QAM you mean "unencrypted and on the same frequency".

For example, My ElGato EyeTV 500 tuner shows WJLA-HD and WETA-HD on the same frequency (591 MHz) and WRC-HD and WUSA-HD sharing 597 MHz.They've always done two. One QAM channel provides sufficient bandwidth to deliver any two HD channels at 100% original quality.

Quality only suffers when more than two HD channels are squeezed onto a single QAM. That's what Comcast has done in a number of markets where it added new HD channels.

I don't know if it is of any help, but here in Frederick, MD, there is definitely more than one HD channel per QAM, if by QAM you mean "unencrypted and on the same frequency".

For example, My ElGato EyeTV 500 tuner shows WJLA-HD and WETA-HD on the same frequency (591 MHz) and WRC-HD and WUSA-HD sharing 597 MHz.
But it is ok to have two HD channels on one QAM-256 channel. A QAM-256 channel provides a 38.8 Mb/sec data rate which is enough for two full 19 Mb/sec HD channels. So you can fit the equivalent of 2 ATSC broadcast stations and all their sub-channels on a QAM-256 channel without additional compression. But some HD channels - local and national - run well less than 19 Mb/sec, so they may squeeze 3 HD channels on 1 QAM channel in some cases without much additional rate shaping.

This is why removing analog channels helps with adding HD and SD channels. Each analog channel can be replaced with a digital QAM channel with 2 HD channels or 9-10 SD channels.

Wrong. It's the opening Sunday night game on ESPNHD for the Nationals.But aren't we going to be blacked-out anyways? I hope they don't force us to watch the MASN crap over ESPN's HD quality.

But aren't we going to be blacked-out anyways? I hope they don't force us to watch the MASN crap over ESPN's HD quality.

No, ESPN has national Rights on Sunday's.

Comcast made some um, interesting additions this morning.

216 HD On Demand
247 HD On Demand

They just take you to the usual HD On Demand menu. I guess this is their idea of adding two new channels.:rolleyes:

No, ESPN has national Rights on Sunday's.

True. SNB is exclusive, so MASN (or SNY) can't carry it and as such you will not be blacked out.

However, ESPN baseball the rest of the week is not exclusive, and may be subject to blackout restrictions as mandated by MLB.

Comcast made some um, interesting additions this morning.

216 HD On Demand
247 HD On Demand

They just take you to the usual HD On Demand menu. I guess this is their idea of adding two new channels.:rolleyes:

We got those two in Richmond,VA last night... looks to be the same as whats on 487 HD On Demand...

ACC in HD... a good thing

not all games in HD... a bad thing

well at least this game is in HD, I wish all the others were too

Just wondering why the Wizards/Warriors game in Oakland on CSN was in SD when the signal was in HD. It was on MOJO as part of NBA TV, but of course, blacked out in Baltimore so I had to watch it in SD.

Rich N.

No, ESPN has national Rights on Sunday's. I have to take your word for it, since I can't remeber if the last two games the Nats had on ESPN were on Sunday or not. I think the Bonds record-breaking game was not on Sunday, but I thought there was a game on Sunday that FiOS blacked out.

What is funny is that when I had E*, the blackout was lifted as soon as the scheduled black out was over. I was able to watch the end of some games that went to OT/extra innings or games that took longer than expected. Right now I have FiOS, and it is not like that all. You get the channel back right after the game ends.

Does anyone know why is that CSN HD has some away games in HD?

So far, I have been able to watch the Caps and Wizards in HD when they were playing in Miami, Phoenix, and Philly. I mean I know they have an affiliate in Philly, but Phoenix and Miami were a surprise to me.

ACC in HD... a good thing

not all games in HD... a bad thing

well at least this game is in HD, I wish all the others were too

Did anyone else experience a ton of pixelation/macroblocking in little spurts during the UNC-UVA game on WDCA-HD last night? When I noticed it through the TiVo, I switched over to my TV's QAM tuner and channel 20-1 to eliminate the TiVo and CableCARDs as potential sources of problems, but the pixelation/macroblocking remained.

Drew

Did anyone else experience a ton of pixelation/macroblocking in little spurts during the UNC-UVA game on WDCA-HD last night? When I noticed it through the TiVo, I switched over to my TV's QAM tuner and channel 20-1 to eliminate the TiVo and CableCARDs as potential sources of problems, but the pixelation/macroblocking remained.

Drew

I remember one point when there was a close up of one of the announcers that I noticed some bad macroblocking. I was watching on D*. Honestly I was surfing the net reading primary results while the Mrs. watched as she is the UNC grad...

Does anyone know why is that CSN HD has some away games in HD?

So far, I have been able to watch the Caps and Wizards in HD when they were playing in Miami, Phoenix, and Philly. I mean I know they have an affiliate in Philly, but Phoenix and Miami were a surprise to me.They have agreements with some other RSNs / teams to use their uplink equipment.

Longtime lurker first time poster. I got a new box from Comcast in Alexandria today and have noticed sound feedback on the HD channels, anyone else having this problem or is there a problem with my box?

Anyone having trouble with digital channels on Comcast in Howard County? Had some kind of power hit and not sure if it is my Tivo or the cable but I am not getting anything above 200 and getting some missing stuff in the 100 range.

Anyone having trouble with digital channels on Comcast in Howard County? Had some kind of power hit and not sure if it is my Tivo or the cable but I am not getting anything above 200 and getting some missing stuff in the 100 range.

Me too. None of the local HD channels are working for me, but the cable HD channels (USA, CSN, ESPN) are working. I don't get it

Same here. My OTA stuff is good to go though, so must be a Comcast/local station problem.

They seem to be coming back. Some dropouts but the channels seem to be coming back.

Tivo meter shows some stations at 41-45 signal strength, others 88 to 100.

Was watching WETA "HD" last night (ota signal). The right speaker was buzzing quite a bit, and nearly made the programme unwatchable. It's not associated with any other channels, so neither my TV nor my receiver seem to be at fault.