Philadelphia, PA - Comcast

LMolineux · 10-02-06, 09:16 PM

ESPNHD has issues i am noticing. Like their focus becomes out of focus I am watching the EAGLES game on WPVI HD through Comcast who is using ESPNHD and i am noticing the sharpness becomes out of focus and some wierd fade is like showing.

LMolineux · 10-02-06, 09:19 PM

And i noticed this i am very interested in watching another News Broadcast in Philly in HDTV.
But i am surprised it is going to take that long for KYW to go over to HD on their news even since they are going to a new building but NBC10 WCAU is surely lagging and i dunno why they fell off the band-wagon. But thye surely are going to have some sort of loss in a sense.

rcodey · 10-02-06, 11:56 PM

The Eagle Monday night game on WPVI was awful compared to ESPN-HD.Pic on WPVI was softer,out of focus with dull colors.

LMolineux · 10-03-06, 12:03 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rcodey

The Eagle Monday night game on WPVI was awful compared to ESPN-HD.Pic on WPVI was softer,out of focus with dull colors.

AH SO it wasnt me that was noticing how screwed up the picture quality became at times. It was hurting my eyes hard-core and i dont have Digital Cable or a Digital box just an HDTV.

Midd · 10-03-06, 05:21 AM

That's not entirely true. The 6412 is a dual tuner DVR. While you can't directly change the channel, you can hit the swap button (1 of the black buttons) at the bottom of your remote. That acts like an A/B switch. After you hit that, your show will still be recording and you can watch something else by changing the channel.

Quote:

Originally Posted by WizarDru

If you have the craptastic motorola 6412, then you're correct, afaik. If you manually start a recording, you can't change the channel without canceling the recording, even if the other tuner isn't doing anything. You can change the channel if an automated recording starts AND you're not tuned to that channel when it starts.

JWhip · 10-03-06, 09:43 AM

Midd beat me to it and is 100% right. Bash Comcast all you want but know how the equipment actually works before you begin posting and bashing.

ak3883 · 10-03-06, 12:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by LMolineux

And i noticed this i am very interested in watching another News Broadcast in Philly in HDTV.
But i am surprised it is going to take that long for KYW to go over to HD on their news even since they are going to a new building but NBC10 WCAU is surely lagging and i dunno why they fell off the band-wagon. But thye surely are going to have some sort of loss in a sense.

It makes perfect sense that KYW isn't going HD till they move into their new digs. It takes a lot of time and work to refit a studio for HD, it's not just simply replacing the cameras with HD cameras. Gotta rewire everything and change ALL the equipment to be able to handle HD. If you are building a new studio in a new building that is the perfect time to wire it up from the start with HD equipment.
This leaves NBC10 out in the dust even more, all they have is a meterologist with a well known nickname.

zippychimp · 10-03-06, 12:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by LMolineux

ESPNHD has issues i am noticing. Like their focus becomes out of focus I am watching the EAGLES game on WPVI HD through Comcast who is using ESPNHD and i am noticing the sharpness becomes out of focus and some wierd fade is like showing.

Why are you watching WPVI's ESPN HD feed when you can be watching ESPN's HD feed undiluted on Channel 202?

JWhip · 10-03-06, 02:10 PM

The differences between the ESPnHD feed and the feed shown on WPVI clears up any debate, IMHO, on the effects of multicasting even on a 720p signal.

Carl Jones · 10-03-06, 03:23 PM

Maybe we should invite WPVI sportscasters to look for themselves next time. Alas, I think this cat is too far out of the bag to expect change!

JWhip · 10-03-06, 04:13 PM

WPVI has advised me that they were using an adpative filter last night vs fixed and that this explains the softness in the picture. As the softness was not intermittent, I do not feel that this is the problem. The problem rests with multicasting, especially two subchannels. I was also told that Comcast bit starves WPVI and not ESPN which is total BS since they are owned by the same company. There is no problem with PQ on KYW-DT on Comcast. The game last night looked soft on Comcast as well as OTA. The line of BS out of WPVI is amazing. So much so in fact that they should work for the government.

LMolineux · 10-03-06, 10:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JWhip

WPVI has advised me that they were using an adpative filter last night vs fixed and that this explains the softness in the picture. As the softness was not intermittent, I do not feel that this is the problem. The problem rests with multicasting, especially two subchannels. I was also told that Comcast bit starves WPVI and not ESPN which is total BS since they are owned by the same company. There is no problem with PQ on KYW-DT on Comcast. The game last night looked soft on Comcast as well as OTA. The line of BS out of WPVI is amazing. So much so in fact that they should work for the government.

LOL yeah Government WPVI at our service. LOL

That would blow chunks all over the place.

WizarDru · 10-04-06, 07:36 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JWhip

Midd beat me to it and is 100% right. Bash Comcast all you want but know how the equipment actually works before you begin posting and bashing.

Hence the AFAIK, for one thing. Since Comcast decided I didn't need any instructions on how to use the DVR, I'm not sure how you think I'd know that it worked that way. The interface and software being so counter-intuitive certainly doesn't help matters, nor does Comcast's total lack of support in it's use. I've had the box for a year-and-a-half and I was unaware that it would allow me to do that.

My litany of dislikes for the 6412 doesn't come from mindless bashing...it comes from a long period of exposure to it's many flaws.

JWhip · 10-04-06, 08:01 AM

That is why these boards are so useful, you can get information on how to use the 6412. Things like programming a 30 second skip on the remote for example and your issue which you could have had answered easily right here in this thread. There are also whole threads on the 6412 in the HD Recorders section. You could also have called Comcast tech support. While all the Comcast DVR's have flaws, they do exactly what I want them to so and that is record the HD programming I want to time shift and output them so I can keep them on D-VHS tape. It does that perfectly.

newsposter · 10-04-06, 08:01 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BrentHD

The 10pm WTXF-DT news broadcast is now in high definition. Field reports still 4:3 SD but the studio picture looks good. This makes two news broadcasts in HD in Philly. Who will be next?

ditto the AM stuff

whotony · 10-04-06, 10:29 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by WizarDru

Hence the AFAIK, for one thing. Since Comcast decided I didn't need any instructions on how to use the DVR, I'm not sure how you think I'd know that it worked that way. The interface and software being so counter-intuitive certainly doesn't help matters, nor does Comcast's total lack of support in it's use. I've had the box for a year-and-a-half and I was unaware that it would allow me to do that.

My litany of dislikes for the 6412 doesn't come from mindless bashing...it comes from a long period of exposure to it's many flaws.

you have a 2 tuner dvr for over a year and didnt ask how to access the other tuner?

LMolineux · 10-04-06, 06:20 PM

I have noticed tonight that 6abc signal is delayed on the analog side now just 1 or 2 seconds behind their HD signal which last week it was the other way around.

WizarDru · 10-05-06, 08:42 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by whotony

you have a 2 tuner dvr for over a year and didnt ask how to access the other tuner?

I access the second tuner all the time and routinely tape two shows at once. The issue that I was unaware of was that I had to FORCE the DVR to manually switch if I happened to be on the channel when it started recording. Using the PIP Swap button, when I found it after this discussion, never occured to me. And I certainly wasn't going to call Comcast for what I assumed to be yet another counter-intuitive and poor design choice.

Quote:

Originally Posted by JWhip

That is why these boards are so useful, you can get information on how to use the 6412. Things like programming a 30 second skip on the remote for example and your issue which you could have had answered easily right here in this thread. There are also whole threads on the 6412 in the HD Recorders section. You could also have called Comcast tech support. While all the Comcast DVR's have flaws, they do exactly what I want them to so and that is record the HD programming I want to time shift and output them so I can keep them on D-VHS tape. It does that perfectly.

Apparently you've had a lot more success at getting technical help both here and from Comcast than I ever had. My questions about Cablecards prior to my TV purchase and then DVR setup certainly didn't provide me with any useful answers at the time. Comcast gave me five different answers to the same question, and attempted to sell me three different packages. When I HAVE called Comcast technical support, their solution is effectively to hit the box, tell me to power it off and on and then give up. I did implement the 30-second skip, but it works so poorly compared to my TiVos that I never use it....just as I tolerate the 6412 periodically getting confused and then queuing up the last four or five commands and executing them all at once.

The 6412 works...it just doesn't work well, IMHO.

newsman · 10-05-06, 10:34 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ak3883

It makes perfect sense that KYW isn't going HD till they move into their new digs. It takes a lot of time and work to refit a studio for HD, it's not just simply replacing the cameras with HD cameras. Gotta rewire everything and change ALL the equipment to be able to handle HD. If you are building a new studio in a new building that is the perfect time to wire it up from the start with HD equipment.
This leaves NBC10 out in the dust even more, all they have is a meterologist with a well known nickname.

From what I hear, WNBC is now HD. Eventually in a year or so, all the NBC owned & operated stations (WCAU is one of them) will go with whatever WNBC is using, in a package deal to keep costs down. For future reference, check out http://www.broadcastingcable.com. It has a lot of stories all related to this kind of information - though, I didn't pick up my info from them.

wasting · 10-06-06, 01:25 PM

Free Shotime weekend?

JWhip · 10-06-06, 10:21 PM

Sorry guys but I forgot to mention, the borad of supervidors in a unanimous vote approved the Verison FiOS tv deal in TRedyffrin Township. Depending on the availability of STB's and installers, they service should be available in most of the township in November. The price of the package of 180 channels which I believe includes HD is to be $39.95. I am sure that cable box will add to that. It is my understanding that CSN will not be offered.

whsbuss · 10-07-06, 07:45 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JWhip

Sorry guys but I forgot to mention, the borad of supervidors in a unanimous vote approved the Verison FiOS tv deal in TRedyffrin Township. Depending on the availability of STB's and installers, they service should be available in most of the township in November. The price of the package of 180 channels which I believe includes HD is to be $39.95. I am sure that cable box will add to that. It is my understanding that CSN will not be offered.

The latest on CSN is it will be available as a premium channel on Verizon FiOS.

JWhip · 10-07-06, 07:50 AM

I am checking into that. If it is, it will make the cost of the FiOS amd Comcast packages about the same and FiOS does not have INHD.

QZ1 · 10-07-06, 12:50 PM

The key for me would be CSN-HD, if we ever have FIOS available here. And, in Baltimore, where they have CSN-Mid-Atlantic on FIOS, it is only SD; so I would expect the same here, which is lame. Of course, they might be negotiating on HD, who knows.

QZ1 · 10-07-06, 12:52 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by whsbuss

The latest on CSN is it will be available as a premium channel on Verizon FiOS.

I think that is a smart idea, one could drop/add it, based on how the teams are doing. I mean, it is good for people not interested in sports

JWhip · 10-07-06, 01:30 PM

Well, I have been able to confirm with Comcast that both the SD and HD versions of CSN Philly will be carried on FiOS here in Tredyfrin Township. They will be carried as premium channels although I have not been advised what the cost will be for them. I will have to get that info from Verizon.

paule123 · 10-08-06, 10:48 AM

I'm visiting Philly this week and it looks like Comcast (Center City area) doesn't carry any of the local HD stations QAM in the clear? I hooked up my OnAir USB GT to a Comcast connection and I can see a bunch of barker channels and what looks like a PBS subchannel and a weather channel. The other QAM channels the tuner picks up are encrypted. I was hoping to get the football games on Fox and CBS in HD today.

JWhip · 10-08-06, 11:47 AM

as far as I am aware, all the broadcast HD channels are in the clear.

whsbuss · 10-08-06, 01:07 PM

I cant believe Fox29 is not broadcasting HD today!!! Fortunately I have Fox NY.

LMolineux · 10-08-06, 02:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by whsbuss

I cant believe Fox29 is not broadcasting HD today!!! Fortunately I have Fox NY.

They are broadcasting in HD. Its just they are having issues. Fox29 needs to do some more work.

Also i dont have a digital cable box.

10-02-06, 09:16 PM	#7411 \| Link	<a href='http://rev.avsforum.com/phpAdsNew/adclick.php?n=a4ac4393' target='_blank'><img src='http://rev.avsforum.com/phpAdsNew/adview.php?what=zone:30&n=a4ac4393' border='0' alt=''></a>
LMolineux Member Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: WNW Subs of Philly Delco Rosemont/Villanova,PA Posts: 154	ESPNHD has issues i am noticing. Like their focus becomes out of focus I am watching the EAGLES game on WPVI HD through Comcast who is using ESPNHD and i am noticing the sharpness becomes out of focus and some wierd fade is like showing.

10-03-06, 03:23 PM	#7420 \| Link	<a href='http://rev.avsforum.com/phpAdsNew/adclick.php?n=a591f81a' target='_blank'><img src='http://rev.avsforum.com/phpAdsNew/adview.php?what=zone:36&n=a591f81a' border='0' alt=''></a>
Carl Jones Advanced Member Join Date: Nov 2003 Location: Wilmington, Delaware Posts: 827	Maybe we should invite WPVI sportscasters to look for themselves next time. Alas, I think this cat is too far out of the bag to expect change! __________________ Carl Jones

10-08-06, 01:07 PM	#7439 \| Link
whsbuss Advanced Member Join Date: Dec 2002 Location: Phila, PA Posts: 1,070	Fox29 OTA I cant believe Fox29 is not broadcasting HD today!!! Fortunately I have Fox NY.

10-02-06, 09:19 PM	#7412 \| Link
LMolineux Member Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: WNW Subs of Philly Delco Rosemont/Villanova,PA Posts: 154	And i noticed this i am very interested in watching another News Broadcast in Philly in HDTV. But i am surprised it is going to take that long for KYW to go over to HD on their news even since they are going to a new building but NBC10 WCAU is surely lagging and i dunno why they fell off the band-wagon. But thye surely are going to have some sort of loss in a sense.

10-02-06, 11:56 PM	#7413 \| Link
rcodey Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2001 Location: West Orange,NJ Posts: 296	The Eagle Monday night game on WPVI was awful compared to ESPN-HD.Pic on WPVI was softer,out of focus with dull colors.

10-03-06, 09:43 AM	#7416 \| Link
JWhip AVS Special Member Join Date: Jun 2001 Location: Wayne, PA Posts: 3,457	Midd beat me to it and is 100% right. Bash Comcast all you want but know how the equipment actually works before you begin posting and bashing.

10-03-06, 02:10 PM	#7419 \| Link
JWhip AVS Special Member Join Date: Jun 2001 Location: Wayne, PA Posts: 3,457	The differences between the ESPnHD feed and the feed shown on WPVI clears up any debate, IMHO, on the effects of multicasting even on a 720p signal.

10-03-06, 04:13 PM	#7421 \| Link
JWhip AVS Special Member Join Date: Jun 2001 Location: Wayne, PA Posts: 3,457	WPVI has advised me that they were using an adpative filter last night vs fixed and that this explains the softness in the picture. As the softness was not intermittent, I do not feel that this is the problem. The problem rests with multicasting, especially two subchannels. I was also told that Comcast bit starves WPVI and not ESPN which is total BS since they are owned by the same company. There is no problem with PQ on KYW-DT on Comcast. The game last night looked soft on Comcast as well as OTA. The line of BS out of WPVI is amazing. So much so in fact that they should work for the government.

10-04-06, 08:01 AM	#7424 \| Link
JWhip AVS Special Member Join Date: Jun 2001 Location: Wayne, PA Posts: 3,457	That is why these boards are so useful, you can get information on how to use the 6412. Things like programming a 30 second skip on the remote for example and your issue which you could have had answered easily right here in this thread. There are also whole threads on the 6412 in the HD Recorders section. You could also have called Comcast tech support. While all the Comcast DVR's have flaws, they do exactly what I want them to so and that is record the HD programming I want to time shift and output them so I can keep them on D-VHS tape. It does that perfectly.

10-04-06, 06:20 PM	#7427 \| Link
LMolineux Member Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: WNW Subs of Philly Delco Rosemont/Villanova,PA Posts: 154	I have noticed tonight that 6abc signal is delayed on the analog side now just 1 or 2 seconds behind their HD signal which last week it was the other way around.

10-06-06, 01:25 PM	#7430 \| Link
wasting wasting Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: south jersey Posts: 464	Free Shotime weekend?

10-06-06, 10:21 PM	#7431 \| Link
JWhip AVS Special Member Join Date: Jun 2001 Location: Wayne, PA Posts: 3,457	Sorry guys but I forgot to mention, the borad of supervidors in a unanimous vote approved the Verison FiOS tv deal in TRedyffrin Township. Depending on the availability of STB's and installers, they service should be available in most of the township in November. The price of the package of 180 channels which I believe includes HD is to be $39.95. I am sure that cable box will add to that. It is my understanding that CSN will not be offered.

10-07-06, 07:50 AM	#7433 \| Link
JWhip AVS Special Member Join Date: Jun 2001 Location: Wayne, PA Posts: 3,457	I am checking into that. If it is, it will make the cost of the FiOS amd Comcast packages about the same and FiOS does not have INHD.

10-07-06, 12:50 PM	#7434 \| Link
QZ1 AVS Special Member Join Date: Sep 2002 Location: S.E. PA Posts: 4,160	The key for me would be CSN-HD, if we ever have FIOS available here. And, in Baltimore, where they have CSN-Mid-Atlantic on FIOS, it is only SD; so I would expect the same here, which is lame. Of course, they might be negotiating on HD, who knows.

10-07-06, 01:30 PM	#7436 \| Link
JWhip AVS Special Member Join Date: Jun 2001 Location: Wayne, PA Posts: 3,457	Well, I have been able to confirm with Comcast that both the SD and HD versions of CSN Philly will be carried on FiOS here in Tredyfrin Township. They will be carried as premium channels although I have not been advised what the cost will be for them. I will have to get that info from Verizon.

10-08-06, 10:48 AM	#7437 \| Link
paule123 720p sucks. Join Date: Dec 2002 Location: Shaker Heights, OH Posts: 2,294	I'm visiting Philly this week and it looks like Comcast (Center City area) doesn't carry any of the local HD stations QAM in the clear? I hooked up my OnAir USB GT to a Comcast connection and I can see a bunch of barker channels and what looks like a PBS subchannel and a weather channel. The other QAM channels the tuner picks up are encrypted. I was hoping to get the football games on Fox and CBS in HD today.

10-08-06, 11:47 AM	#7438 \| Link
JWhip AVS Special Member Join Date: Jun 2001 Location: Wayne, PA Posts: 3,457	as far as I am aware, all the broadcast HD channels are in the clear.