Chicago, IL - Comcast

I just received basically the same information, intro next week, $5.00 for the HD receiver, but that was all. No $8.00 subscription fee. I wonder if that has anything to do with my service area. I already have digital cable, and that could be part of the difference.

No information about additional channels in the HD line up.

I already have the installation as part of the beta test. Excellent service. You all will love it.

The TV Guide channel is now indicating what programming is HD.

It looks like the future has finally arrived.

Mike K.

Hey Mike

Is your CBS out in Chicago Owned and Operated by CBS?

I'm not Mike, but yes WBBM-CBS is owned and operated by CBS.

What he said.

Mike

Those who have called: somebody post either a phone number or the link you used to obtain the number!! Now?!! Thanks.

You can call the regular Customer Service Number, 1 (866) 594-1234, but I'm not sure they will take the order, yet.

The rollout begins May 13th in certain areas (not clear which ones) and will be offered in all areas by June 16th. You may have to wait until it is available in your area to sign up, but give them a call and see what they say.

Mike

Thamks for the info REX and Mike.

The reason I asked this question is tha Comcast in Central New Jersey get it's CBS feed fron New York which is also Owned and operated by CBS. As a result we do not get the CDS HD feed from them because Comcast is saying they do not have an agreement with them.

If anyone can shed some light on this subject but if Comcast has a agreement with Chicago's CBS (O & O) does it carry forward for all CBS O & O for all the other cities Comcast gets it feed from?

Mike,

I called Comcast re: HD service in Naperville. The guy said Naperville & Aurora are not on the list. All surrounding smaller communities seem to be on the list.
He also said that they are not taking orders yet and that rollout is end of May or beginning of June.

Mark

So you're saying they will offer a package with only the digital channels of the big 4 networks? You pay monthly fee for the box and the channel package. No further basic package, etc subscription required? If that's the case based on reception issues, dropouts, etc I'd gladly do that if the price was indeed $10-15/month.

Spoke with a CSR yesterday, they said it is rolling out on the 22nd. I do live in the city..west loop.. and there will be a $5.oo charge for the hd box.

I spoke with two CSR in the last few days nad got two responses:

1. Yes in Plainfield will offer the Didgital locals for 8.36 mth and 5.00 mth for the box May 14th

2. Didn't know if my city will be a roll out they do not have the cities listed yet. But the roll out would be the 22nd....

Well Two different answers, why can't a Large Corporation get there CSR to say the same thing. I don't mind the wait but just be consistent in your responses Comcast.

If this is true this will be a small fee for Local Digital without dropouts for individuals with problems....

I got my Moto DCT5100 installed yesterday as a tester. The only HD channel I received last night was ABC (187) and it was a non HD feed (Bachelor). Does anyopne have a tech support number for HD?


This was only the second box the installers installed, and they admitted knew nothing. They said call the 866 594 1234 number but they also are not up to speed. A number for tech support would help!

Nice PQ on the non HD ABC tho...

thanks

Are you not receiving 188, 189, and 190, or are you saying there was no HD programming available on those channels. Wednesday night seems to be devoid of HD programming, except for Law and Order at 9 PM, and Leno at 10:30.

If you weren't receiving those stations at all, you have a problem. Most likely the box was not initialized correctly. Didn't the installer check those stations before he left? I would think customer service would be able to do something over the system before they send an installer to your home.

Also, and I hate to be remedial, make sure you are viewing the programming on the HD input of your television, the input where they connected the component cables (that's if the installer actually installed component cables). I apologize if it seems I am talking down to you. There are many different levels of expertise, and I am just trying to help you cover all the bases.

Check 189 at 8PM for CSI. Looks good here in Highland Park, you should also enjoy it out there in Vernon Hills.

Mike

Thanks for the input! the installers admitted they were
not informed. They didnt even know the HD channels #'s.
I couldnt get upset as I was so happy to get the box!!!
I gave them a copy of the 5100 FAQ posting!

Interesting you asked if there was any HD content, I thought
the non HD signal was upconverted and that was why I saw Bachelor
on ABC. The guide said it was not HD.

So no HD = no signal? (Sorry , obviously I'm new....)

Alos VERY good news that you get CBS (CSI!) , I also thought CBS hadnt signed on yet with Comcast.

Last night I only got Bachelor. The other channels had the show title on the menu, but the screen just said the channel would be available shortly.

I planned on looking for Law and Order tonight but I will also look for CSI!!

Thanks!!

PS I am using the component input, as I am used to using it with my
JVC 30K.

Are you also a beta tester or have they rolled out in HP?

Have you seen to Motorola announcement on the 6200 series boxes!
Very nice also!

Sorry if I confused you.

Yes, I am also a tester. Have been one for a little over a month.

If you are not getting any picture at all you have a problem. You are correct that you would be receiving an upconverted signal on those stations.

Sounds like the box was not initialized correctly. I am sure if you contact Comcast they will get it straightened out. They may need to re-initialize the box. Most likely a problem on their end. They try very hard to help the testers.

Mike

Thanks Ill give them another call.

Do you have to have a Comcast HD box? What if you have a STB that can decode HDTV over cable (I think it's called 8VSB)? I have a Zenith DTV-1080.

You need something with 256QAM capability, such as the built-in tuners on some Hitachi & Mits HDTVs, or the Mits PM external add-on. Also, the upcoming Zenith HD-PVR330 will have 256QAM tuning.

Any new info on Comcast's rollout? What channels besides the locals are gonna be in HD? Personally I don't see the point in paying for locals in HD when u can get them for free over the air (I get great reception even in Skokie). But any new source of HD is always exciting.

There is no such thing as "for free" when it comes to HD.

Either you have purchased an OTA STB for probably $600.00 or more, depending on the box you have and its capabilites, or you purchased a television with a built in ATSC tuner, for which you also paid a premium.

So, lets see....using the $600.00 figure (and that's probably the low end) 120 months from now (that's 10 years for the calendar challenged) you and I will be even in our expenditures given the $5.00 per month it will cost me for the HD box. And that is, of course, assuming your HD receiver makes it for 10 years. If my cable box craps out, I'll just call Comcast and have them trot over with a new one.

So enjoy your "free" HD.

Mike.

I was wondering if anyone who is currently in the beta test program, if they would be able to snap a few shots of the Mot 5100 (actual box, types of connectors on back), and the quality of images people are getting on their monitors. I know that analog performance has been an issue for these boxes and I am sure that a screen shot would help me figure the "severity" of the problem. I completely understand if people are hesitant to do this, because the program is still in a beta phase.

Thanks

Well Folks, I called Comcast today to order The Locals with HDTV and was told by one CSR that it would not be in my area till July now. I called right back got another CSR, created a stink over the lack of communication between the reps and the second CSR told me that needed to add me in the system and would call me back today.

It's amazing of the lack of Customer Service we receive from Comcast. I will post on the results when they call me back

Thanks for starting this post. I'm a DirecTV subscriber that unfortunately has sunk a lot of $ in DirecTV specific hardware (Mits SR-HD400 HDTV/DirecTV Receiver) and Hughes DirecTV w/TIVO). Does anyone know if I will need to get another box from Comcast to receive their HD content or will I be able to plug the cable into an input on my Mits box?

Also, it would be great if those of you that have not specified your location on your profile would do so. As OTA reception and Comcast services are very specific to your city/location, your postings would be of increased benefit if we knew where you lived. Thanks.

Anyone from St. Charles (east side) talked to Comcast lately to get an idea of availability in our area?

Spoke with a CSR today and they are rolling out HD for chicago tommrow. So I am going to call tommrow and put an order in for it.

I just spoke with a CSR as well and it will be available in my area on the 23rd of May. I really hope this is it, finally. I will be calling on the 23rd and will let everyone know what happens.

Called Comcast at the 1-888-4BESTTV number and punched the numbers to "Change You Service". Talked to a rep. who attempted to put the order in, but said the codes were not yet in the system.

She then went off to talk to her Supervisor. When she came back she gave me 5/16/2003 as the roll-out date for my area (Villa Park). She went on to explain that they were just trained for the HD roll-out last week and that they were told to stop accepting/adding names to the "interested in HD list" today. Her understanding was that they were going to contact those on the list and schedule installs for the list people FIRST, prior to general roll-out. I believe they are going to be starting to call people on the list beginning today, continuing through the end of the week - then they'll start accepting regular orders.

I'll believe it, when I get a call...since I'm on a list of some sort for HD....probably the wrong list

Update: I just received a call from Comcast and they were able to force the code into the system for Locals ($8.35/mth) and the HD Box for $5.00 mth they willbe out to install on the 24th (Yes, I have a work order). Live in Plainfield. Will see if they show.....

Is Comcast requiring an upgrade to the digital package? I currently have basic analog plus internet service, and find it hard to justify the $30-$40 monthly cost to upgrade and then add another $15 for the HD service.

ChimChim: Great question I asked this particular question, I signed up for basic with the locals for only 8.35/mth and 5.00 for the box. This is the only monthly cost. I do not have Cable at all today, I explained to them that I have Directv today and wanted to test this out first before upgrading any other service....