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Seattle, WA - Comcast - Page 125

post #3721 of 15821
11/8/04 at 1:33pm
I've noticed that quite often when I switch from an HD channel to an SD channel (such as 105 to 007 just as an example) the center channel is gone. If i switch my receiver to another input and then back to VCR2 (which is where my 6200 is connected) it comes back.

Also, just in the last couple of days, the audio on Disney (ch. 41) is coming only from the front left channel.

Anyone else notice similar problems?

Thanks!!
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post #3722 of 15821
11/8/04 at 1:44pm
Microsoft has a press release on their web site. The URL is: http://www.microsoft.com/presspass/f...omcastMSTV.asp

Of interest to many of us is that the Comcast Executive said that "Microsoft TV Foundation Edition will be made available to all Comcast Digital Cable customers. The software will be automatically downloaded to the set-top boxes over Comcast's digital network in phases over the next few months. " Basically, it sounds like all of the old digital cable boxes will get the Microsoft Guide, not just the new DVR boxes.
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post #3723 of 15821
11/8/04 at 2:11pm
So who else has trepidation that we are getting brand new MS software on our 6412 boxes, unlike everyone else in the world, who are getting a tried and true operating system? I really don't want to receive a BSOD when recording Lost in HD.
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post #3724 of 15821
11/8/04 at 2:11pm
Quote:
Originally posted by danstone
I'd be a bit surprised if it lets you record anything. I'm sure it's up to the programmers as to which shows they will allow to be recorded. For instance, I doubt the music only channels or the OnDemand content are recordable. Likewise, I wouldn't be shocked if some really big events are not able to be recorded.

I'd expect it to allow recording of any show flagged 5C=0 (copy freely) or 5C=1 (copy one-generation). That would cover all current digital & HD channels, including INHD, DISC-HD, HBO-HD, etc. I don't use OnDemand or PPV, so I don't know how those programs are flagged.
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post #3725 of 15821
11/8/04 at 2:17pm
Quote:
Originally posted by Al Shing
So who else has trepidation that we are getting brand new MS software on our 6412 boxes, unlike everyone else in the world, who are getting a tried and true operating system? I really don't want to receive a BSOD when recording Lost in HD.

It is pretty well recognized by all on avsforum that MSTV FE is superior to the TV Guide product. Given the choice, based on what we know at this point, 99 percent (my rough estimate) would choose MSTV FE.
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post #3726 of 15821
11/8/04 at 2:21pm
Anyone else see that THE PASSION OF THE CHRIST is available on the PPV HD page? Interesting.
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post #3727 of 15821
11/8/04 at 2:28pm
You're all welcome to join the thread I started over in the HDTV recorders section -

http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showt...hreadid=467203

Hopefully this won't just be a seattle thing.
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post #3728 of 15821
11/8/04 at 3:31pm
Quote:
Originally posted by Malcolm_B
Anyone else see that THE PASSION OF THE CHRIST is available on the PPV HD page? Interesting.

I noticed it as well. I'm just hoping that it's the first of many mainstream movies (rather than reformatted IMAX documentaries from INHD 1 & 2) to become available this way!
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post #3729 of 15821
11/8/04 at 3:38pm
Quote:
Originally posted by jimre
I don't use OnDemand or PPV, so I don't know how those programs are flagged.

Looks like someone already tried recording one of the HD PPV movies and didn't have any luck.

http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showt...hreadid=465917
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post #3730 of 15821
11/8/04 at 3:57pm
Will we still be hoping for KIRO-HD for the duration of this contract?

CBS signs new pact with NFL

http://www.marketwatch.com/news/yhoo...C934D536EB0%7D
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post #3731 of 15821
11/8/04 at 4:03pm
Quote:
Originally posted by danstone
I noticed it as well. I'm just hoping that it's the first of many mainstream movies (rather than reformatted IMAX documentaries from INHD 1 & 2) to become available this way!

Is this under "HDTV On Demand"? All I see there are six overpriced IMAX shows. Not that it matters.
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post #3732 of 15821
11/8/04 at 5:11pm
Quote:
I'd be a bit surprised if it lets you record anything. I'm sure it's up to the programmers as to which shows they will allow to be recorded. For instance, I doubt the music only channels or the OnDemand content are recordable. Likewise, I wouldn't be shocked if some really big events are not able to be recorded.

OK, I was pretty loose with my statement that pretty much "anything" can be recorded. I was speaking of your standard channels. Music-only channels, PPV, and OnDemand cannot be recorded. I should have clarified.
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post #3733 of 15821
11/8/04 at 5:21pm
Quote:
Originally posted by wareagle
Will we still be hoping for KIRO-HD for the duration of this contract?

CBS signs new pact with NFL

http://www.marketwatch.com/news/yhoo...C934D536EB0%7D

Here's more on the renewal of the NFL deals, including CBS, Fox, and the DirecTV Sunday Ticket. Everything except ABC/ESPN:

http://online.wsj.com/article/0,,SB1...l?mod=yahoo_hs
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post #3734 of 15821
11/8/04 at 7:17pm
answer to my own question... (although I see someone already answered it here...)

Quote:
Yesterday (11/7) was a "singleheader" Sunday for all Fox affiliate stations, and since our home team played and was part of the NFL Fox selection, naturally the network assigned us that game (1p Seattle @ San Francisco). Not all Sundays are doubleheaders for Fox. When CBS has a doubleheader, we don't, and visa-versa. These agreements are done between the networks and the NFL before each regular season starts. CBS had early and late games yesterday.


There are plans for Q13 Fox News to be produced in HD, but not in the immediate future.


Thank you for taking the time to write us, and for watching Q13 Fox!

Also, I've been told that everything will be recordable on the DVR except On Demand. PPV will not be an issue as they're planning on moving all of it to On Demand including live events. I was told the music choice channels would be recordable as well but I'm not sure how that would work... still no word back on the discrete power deal...
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post #3735 of 15821
11/8/04 at 8:52pm
Probably, but look at the bright side. They will have to at least update the form letters blaming the other side.

Quote:
Originally posted by wareagle
Will we still be hoping for KIRO-HD for the duration of this contract?

CBS signs new pact with NFL

http://www.marketwatch.com/news/yhoo...C934D536EB0%7D
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post #3736 of 15821
11/9/04 at 2:05pm
I just spoke with a CSR and they told me that I won't be able to exchange my current 5100 for a 6412 DVR box by going down to the Redmond office next week. They must send someone to my house to "install". My appointment is scheduled for Thursday, 11/18.

Anyone else get a similar answer?
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post #3737 of 15821
11/9/04 at 3:18pm
I've never been able to drop off or pick something up at the office. I'm paying $15.95 to have them bring the box over on Wednesday, the 17th. BTW, they are making appointments now for service visits! Order your box now so we can help each other get this going.

I am a little worried about the fan and drive noise. My room is very quiet. Let's start thinking about plexiglass covers with air vents in the back or something. My box will sit on top of my 34XBR.

Do we need a separate thread?

6412 Comcast users in Seattle?

Art
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post #3738 of 15821
11/9/04 at 3:18pm
I just called (1-877-824-2288) and scheduled installation of the 6412 for Tuesday afternoon, 11/16. The CSR said they weren't stocking the boxes at the outlets, but I could choose any day next week for them to bring it out.
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post #3739 of 15821
11/9/04 at 4:05pm
Confirming that you have to schedule to get the 6412 and that Monday is the earliest you can get it (will get it on Monday).

-eric
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post #3740 of 15821
11/9/04 at 4:11pm
I really don't want to, but I just may give it a try, just to see what it's like. I really do wonder whether it will just be $4.95 over the $12.95 + 4.95 - $10.00 that I pay now for limited basic with HD.
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post #3741 of 15821
11/9/04 at 4:24pm
Karyk,

My friend just tried to do that. He was put on hold while she went and talked to her supervisor. She finally came back with this answer:

"You have to upgrade to at the least digital classic to be eligible to get the PVR. We don't have enough boxes to supply to limited-basic-only customers."

This sounds like pure bs...

Looks like it's going to be an uphill battle for limited-basic users.

-eric
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post #3742 of 15821
11/9/04 at 4:26pm
Quote:


Originally posted by wareagle
Is this under "HDTV On Demand"? All I see there are six overpriced IMAX shows. Not that it matters.

Wow. The Passion is already gone from there! Talk about a short window, or else someone at Comcast got a little nervous.
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post #3743 of 15821
11/9/04 at 4:27pm
In most, if not all, of its systems, Comcast is restricting DVR to those with Digital Cable subscriptions (the least expensive of which is an additional $10 per month above limited basic).

However, if you bring your 6200 into an office to swap it out for a 6412, you might get lucky. Hopefully, the front desk person won't look up your subscription level when processing your request (like a telephone CSR almost certainly would).
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post #3744 of 15821
11/9/04 at 5:07pm
I just got off the phone with Comcast. I too was told you could not go to the locale cable store and pick up a box. I made an appointment for 12-2pm on Tuesday. When I told them I wanted two boxes they told me it would cost $5 for the first box (I am an HD customer) but if I wanted two boxes the second one was 9.95 more per month. That would mean $15 more per month for the two boxes. I asked if one box was an extra 5 why would another be $9.95 extra? He told me that was just the way it was. Long story short I will start with just the one.
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post #3745 of 15821
11/9/04 at 7:28pm
Makes perfect sense to me. You've been paying $5 for the old one, which you replace with a $10 6412. Although you only pay $5 MORE for the first 6412, you ARE paying $10 for it -- which is what you pay for the second one.
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post #3746 of 15821
11/9/04 at 8:16pm
Actually, the story is getting worse guys.

My friend just got a phone call from the Comcast service rep telling him that he also needed to upgrade to full analog package to get the DVR unit.

So, if that rep is right, the minimum configuration is now:
Full Analog ($40) + Classic Digital ($12) + DVR Box ($10) = $62

I think they're trying to milk as much as they can...

I happen to have those packages already, but my friend was simply getting the locals + HD, an that's a whopping 200% increase on his monthly bill! That's kinda silly...

-eric
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post #3747 of 15821
11/9/04 at 8:27pm
What would the new box enable one to do, that the "old" Motorola HD box (mine was installed about 4 months ago) running the soon-to-be downloaded MS software would not enable one to do?

Thanks,
r-gordon-7
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post #3748 of 15821
11/9/04 at 8:34pm
I think I'll just show up Monday and try to exchange the box. It's silly to have to pay extra for a service request, and those phone guys are morons. If I can't exchange it I'll setup a service request after I make a huge stink about it in their office.
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post #3749 of 15821
11/9/04 at 8:42pm
OK, how did y'all manage to get appointments to get the 6412? I just called and the CSR told me they are not taking any orders until Monday. Did I get someone who is not in the know? Should I call back and hope to get a CSR who is in the know?
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post #3750 of 15821
11/9/04 at 8:52pm
Quote:


Originally posted by jameskollar
OK, how did y'all manage to get appointments to get the 6412? I just called and the CSR told me they are not taking any orders until Monday. Did I get someone who is not in the know? Should I call back and hope to get a CSR who is in the know?

Perhaps it's a matter of getting the random knowledgeable CSR. Or it could be that they're just humoring us, and no one will show up with the boxes next week.
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