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Seattle, WA - Comcast - Page 412

post #12331 of 15821
10/9/08 at 1:01pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by marcmartin2 View Post

I see from my cable bill that Comcast has raised rates again. All I want is the HD DVR plus the HD local channels plus a very few HD cable channels (e.g, TNT, Sci-Fi). It doesn't seem like it should cost $105 per month for that... any comments if it's worthwhile to switch to DirecTV, Dish, or perhaps swap out my Comcast DVR for an HD Tivo? Just trying to save some money, but still want HD DVR capability...

I'm dumping comcast finally....Getting FIOS installed on Tuesday. There deal is going be cheaper then comcast for internet and tv.

You can call up comcast and get free dvr for a year. That should save ya 13.95 per month.
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post #12332 of 15821
10/9/08 at 1:39pm
I switched to direcTV for my primary TVs but still have cable for the rest of the house and my HTPCs (Their currently giving me digital cable and an HD receiver for less than basic cable right now because I called to cancel). So for I much prefer direcTV -- many more HD stations. The DVR is a little slow, but works. It downloads onDemand content from the Internet so you have to wait a bit before you watch "OnDemand" content, and the selection isn't quite as good as Comcast onDemand. But they have a music/photo/video share client that can stream your home media from a PC to the DVR.

Overall, I'm happy I "switched." They plan on rolling out Tivo Powered units again next year...

I've got a couple of discounts going so after the initial cost it's cheaper than the comparable cable package for me. But you are locked in for 2 years and if you can't find the right discounts you have to pay up front for the DVR...
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post #12333 of 15821
10/9/08 at 1:43pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by marcmartin2 View Post

I see from my cable bill that Comcast has raised rates again. All I want is the HD DVR plus the HD local channels plus a very few HD cable channels (e.g, TNT, Sci-Fi). It doesn't seem like it should cost $105 per month for that... any comments if it's worthwhile to switch to DirecTV, Dish, or perhaps swap out my Comcast DVR for an HD Tivo? Just trying to save some money, but still want HD DVR capability...

You're paying too much, if you don't want expanded basic. I have limited basic ($14.45), digital preferred ($16,99), HBO ($17.99), 2nd Cablecard ($1.79), and internet ($42,95). With tax and fees (for 2 cablecards etc), this totals $96.65.
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post #12334 of 15821
10/9/08 at 1:52pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by drew00001 View Post

You're paying too much, if you don't want expanded basic. I have limited basic ($14.45), digital preferred ($16,99), HBO ($17.99), 2nd Cablecard ($1.79), and internet ($42,95). With tax and fees (for 2 cablecards etc), this totals $96.65.

As I understand it, you have to have Digital Classic to have an HD DVR, and you have to have Expanded Basic to have Digital Classic. I can do without Expanded Basic, but there are some HD channels (660-675) that I like to watch which are part of Digital Classic... it seems like switching to satellite is the only way to save money if you want an HD DVR...
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post #12335 of 15821
10/9/08 at 2:40pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by gdeep View Post

...
You can call up comcast and get free dvr for a year. That should save ya 13.95 per month.

Actually, it's now $15.95/month. Getting better and better.
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post #12336 of 15821
10/9/08 at 3:20pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by marcmartin2 View Post

. . . and you have to have Expanded Basic to have Digital Classic....there are some HD channels (660-675) that I like to watch which are part of Digital Classic

huh? I have Digital Classic without Expanded Basic and watch the HD channels you referenced.
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post #12337 of 15821
10/9/08 at 3:56pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by drew00001 View Post

huh? I have Digital Classic without Expanded Basic and watch the HD channels you referenced.

Hmmm, well I live in Seattle, and I just got off the phone with the Comcast rep, and they indicated that the only way to have Digital Classic was to also have Expanded Basic. So maybe it depends on who you talk to!

They did offer me the Digital Starter package (no Digital Classic) with the HD DVR, which reduces my monthly bill, but loses the handful of cable HD channels I was interested in keeping (although maybe not -- I'll have to check and see what I've got left when that change goes through)
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post #12338 of 15821
10/9/08 at 7:50pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by marcmartin2 View Post

They did offer me the Digital Starter package (no Digital Classic) with the HD DVR, which reduces my monthly bill, but loses the handful of cable HD channels I was interested in keeping (although maybe not -- I'll have to check and see what I've got left when that change goes through)

Okay, now that I've checked... most of the channels in the 660 - 680 range survived the cut from Digital Preferred to Digital Starter. Only National Graphic HD got cut, and I'm happy to live without that for $17 less per month.

I guess satellite is needed to go cheaper than this...
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post #12339 of 15821
10/10/08 at 9:38am
Quote:
Originally Posted by marcmartin2 View Post

Hmmm, well I live in Seattle, and I just got off the phone with the Comcast rep, and they indicated that the only way to have Digital Classic was to also have Expanded Basic. So maybe it depends on who you talk to!

They did offer me the Digital Starter package (no Digital Classic) with the HD DVR, which reduces my monthly bill, but loses the handful of cable HD channels I was interested in keeping (although maybe not -- I'll have to check and see what I've got left when that change goes through)

Actually, Comcast wouldn't let me have Digital Classic without Expanded Basic, until I added HBO. For me, this is still cheaper than Expanded Basic - N.B, I have 2 Cablecards in a Tivo and no Cablebox, so there may different requirements for you.
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post #12340 of 15821
10/10/08 at 11:41am
Quote:
Originally Posted by drew00001 View Post

Actually, Comcast wouldn't let me have Digital Classic without Expanded Basic, until I added HBO. For me, this is still cheaper than Expanded Basic - N.B, I have 2 Cablecards in a Tivo and no Cablebox, so there may different requirements for you.

Yes, it appears that the TIVO has given you some added flexibility that is not possible with the Comcast DVR. Definitely worth considering for saving money, although we certainly might miss "On Demand"
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post #12341 of 15821
10/10/08 at 11:58am
I was just setting up a new Harmony Remote, and decided to add the 30 second skip feature. I tested it, and the box accepts the command, but doesn't do anything. Has Comcast disabled this in the box software?
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post #12342 of 15821
10/10/08 at 12:34pm
Message on box indicates a s/w upgrade on all HD boxes coming at 3AM Tuesday, 10/14.
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post #12343 of 15821
10/10/08 at 12:36pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by arbeck77 View Post

I was just setting up a new Harmony Remote, and decided to add the 30 second skip feature. I tested it, and the box accepts the command, but doesn't do anything. Has Comcast disabled this in the box software?

Not yet.
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post #12344 of 15821
10/10/08 at 12:55pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by marcmartin2 View Post

Yes, it appears that the TIVO has given you some added flexibility that is not possible with the Comcast DVR. Definitely worth considering for saving money, although we certainly might miss "On Demand"


On the brighter side, the FCC is considering prohibiting cable companies from requiring certain packages once everything goes digital. Hopefully, this will go through in Feb 09 when OTA goes digital and not in 2011, the year cable providers are required to offer local cables in analog.
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post #12345 of 15821
10/10/08 at 1:38pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by arbeck77 View Post

I was just setting up a new Harmony Remote, and decided to add the 30 second skip feature. I tested it, and the box accepts the command, but doesn't do anything. Has Comcast disabled this in the box software?

The 30-second skip works just fine on my Harmony 880 remote. Your "Skip Forward" button should be programmed with the "Advance" command. I think that's the default anyway, but it's been so long since I programmed my Harmony 880, that I can't recall for sure.
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post #12346 of 15821
10/10/08 at 2:48pm
The advance and replay seem work just fine on the remote, but they don't seem to be a full 30 seconds.
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post #12347 of 15821
10/10/08 at 5:12pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by ABHD View Post

I've had FiosTV service for about a month now, and so far I cannot even tell you how happy I am with this service after coming from Comcast, especially in terms of HD. Currently the OnDemand choices seem to have much more network shows and other On Demand content than Comcast from what I remember. However, currently Fios has less HD movies on demand, but that will eventually change I'm sure. But, I'm getting like 25 HD movie channels free for a month and another 16 or so in the Movie package, so I have more than enough HD movies I can watch or record than I can possibly deal with.

Having so many HD choices now is a completely different TV experience for me... no longer am I frustrated from waiting for years for Comcast to add just a channel or 2. Also the pq is noticably better, no more laggy guide, no asking me if I'm sure I want to change the channel while recording another one, etc, etc..

We are supposed to get FSNNW-HD added soon, here is a list of HD's we currently get if you haven't checked out what they offer in terms of HD, I made a local thread. http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=1061867 For those of you who cannot get Fios, I only hope this will push Comcast to eventually bring you all better HD service in Seattle sooner.

Would love it if Verizon would ever bring it to Sammamish, but so far, no go.
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post #12348 of 15821
10/10/08 at 5:17pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by arbeck77 View Post

The advance and replay seem work just fine on the remote, but they don't seem to be a full 30 seconds.

"Advance" seems to be about 30 seconds on my DVR (two clicks on Advance uses up a minute on my DVR), but "Replay" seems to be about 15 seconds. If I overshoot using the "Advance" it takes two clicks on Replay to go back to where I was.
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post #12349 of 15821
10/10/08 at 5:29pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by wareagle View Post

Message on box indicates a s/w upgrade on all HD boxes coming at 3AM Tuesday, 10/14.

Yes, but their liberal use of the word "upgrade" has me cringing. Some of their supposed upgrades were downgrades. Anyone know what exactly they are going to change/add/delete/fix/ruin this time?
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post #12350 of 15821
10/10/08 at 6:48pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by jhachey View Post

"Advance" seems to be about 30 seconds on my DVR (two clicks on Advance uses up a minute on my DVR), but "Replay" seems to be about 15 seconds. If I overshoot using the "Advance" it takes two clicks on Replay to go back to where I was.

That's how they have always worked. When a commercial comes up I advance until it's gone, then replay once (rarely twice) to catch the beginning of the resumption of the show.
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post #12351 of 15821
10/10/08 at 6:54pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by quarque View Post

Yes, but their liberal use of the word "upgrade" has me cringing. Some of their supposed upgrades were downgrades. Anyone know what exactly they are going to change/add/delete/fix/ruin this time?

Only two things you can be sure of:

We won't know what it is until it shows up.

Once we have it, we'll probably be stuck with it for a long time. (The only exception I can recall was the "upgrade" to the MSFT guide that kept rebooting the boxes, and which you could have them back out.)
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post #12352 of 15821
10/10/08 at 9:32pm
If only it were the TiVo software...anyone try calling in and asking what they're doing? I might brave the depths of their IVR out of curiosity...plus I think I owe them money.
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post #12353 of 15821
10/11/08 at 12:43pm
So as long as you set the remote's "Skip Forward" button to Advance in the Logitech software it should work or is there an extra step. Mine is not working for some reason.
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post #12354 of 15821
10/11/08 at 4:32pm
I've got question that I'm hoping someone can help me with. I've tried looking around for a quite a bit; but just can't find anything.

I have a LCD TV with a TV Tuner + Comcast normal cable.

I get King on Ch 5. and King-HD on Ch. 5-1, this is similar for Kiro (Ch. 7 and 7-1) and Fox (Ch. 11 and 11-1). My question is for ABC / Komo...I get channel 4 (but no 4-1)...where should be I be looking for my HD ABC content?

Thanks!
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post #12355 of 15821
10/11/08 at 5:56pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by UclaBob View Post

I've got question that I'm hoping someone can help me with. I've tried looking around for a quite a bit; but just can't find anything.

I have a LCD TV with a TV Tuner + Comcast normal cable.

I get King on Ch 5. and King-HD on Ch. 5-1, this is similar for Kiro (Ch. 7 and 7-1) and Fox (Ch. 11 and 11-1). My question is for ABC / Komo...I get channel 4 (but no 4-1)...where should be I be looking for my HD ABC content?

Thanks!

See this post:
http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showt...=#post14396998
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post #12356 of 15821
10/12/08 at 9:16am
Quote:
Originally Posted by Junior34 View Post

So as long as you set the remote's "Skip Forward" button to Advance in the Logitech software it should work or is there an extra step. Mine is not working for some reason.

Using the original Comcast remote do the following:
1) Press the Cable button at the top of the remote to put it into Cable Box control mode.
2) Press and hold the Setup button until the Cable button blinks twice.
3) Type in the code 994. The Cable button will blink twice
4) Press (do not hold) the Setup button
5) Type in the code 00173 (for 30 second Skip)
6) Press whatever button you want to map the skip to, usually "Advance"

Now pressing the "Advance" key you assigned on your Harmony remote will work.
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post #12357 of 15821
10/13/08 at 8:46pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by wareagle View Post

Message on box indicates a s/w upgrade on all HD boxes coming at 3AM Tuesday, 10/14.

Of course, that will only happen if my power comes back on before then.
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post #12358 of 15821
10/14/08 at 6:18am
No new s/w here, yet. Still 74.58-3061 with firmware 16.35. Comcastic.
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post #12359 of 15821
10/14/08 at 2:21pm
I haven't checked the firmware version, but it seems the handshake through HDMI is greatly improved. I have a cable box connected via HDMI to a JVC receiver and then on to the TV. It used to take minutes for the picture to come up on the TV, or never - I would sometimes have to turn the set top box on and off one or two times to get picture. Today the picture comes up after a few seconds. Might be due to a software upgrade, or maybe the temperature or sunspot activity or wishful thinking...but it seems like now it works like it was always supposed to.
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post #12360 of 15821
10/14/08 at 4:57pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by VinceInSeattle View Post

I haven't checked the firmware version, but it seems the handshake through HDMI is greatly improved.
...

Check the versions. If they haven't changed, then it's probably wishful thinking or a coincidence. (I was looking forward to digging into new bugs today.)
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