Pittsburgh, PA - Comcast - Page 8

The 6208 has been available in Pittsburgh since 4/15. It does not have an OTA antenna input.

Greetings -

Thanks for this informative thread. I'm new to the forum, having just purchased my hd-capable TV 2 days ago. It's a 32" sony - went with that rather than the widescreen because my family watches mostly 4:3 content and I couldn't stand any of the zoom or stretch modes...(The 34" sony would have been great, but it doesn't fit in the cabinet, and the 30" gave smaller 4:3 pictures than my old 27" Wega...so, I picked the 32 hoping as an improvement in both 4:3 and 16:9 for now...will go full widescreen with the next TV in a few years)...ANYWAY, I'm hoping all of you more knowledgable and more experienced folks can help me with a question.

I just picked up my Motorola 6208 HD receiver / DVR yesterday from Comcast (saved the hookup fee and 2-week wait ;-). I also have Comcast for phone and broadband ... hookup was easy EXCEPT...

The picture quality of the signal going through the box then to the TV is not as good as the signal going directly to the TV... Both are fairly grainy and not quite as good as I had hoped, but it's just plain better if i bypass the box altogether. Of course, if I do that, I don't get the channels above 100...and that's not exactly the point... The HD channels look great - really great - by the way. The rest of the channels look crummy, though.

I know that I didn't buy a digital TV to watch analog channels, but I was hoping it'd be a bit better, and I can't figure out why the signal is better if i bypass the box. I'm using component cables from the box to the TV, and, at least for now, I've split the signal before the box so I can have the slightly higher quality analog signals when tuning the lower channels without having to mess with the box.

Does anybody have any thoughts?

Also, I know that the users on the forum are cable customers, but do any of you have input about which system would give better quality in our area...cable vs. directv vs. zoom?

Thanks much! If there's already a thread on this, sorry about that...
Scott

Allison Park

Analog just plain looks like garbage. SD digital channels aren't much better. If you want better quality on the mainstream cable channels (<100) you have to go with satellite. Hopefully cable will go all-digital one of these days. Your TV probably does handle the analog channels better than the 6208, so if it's convenient for you to switch and use the TV's input for those, you should do it. We don't bother because it's a pain and of course we need the DVR feature on every channel. Enjoy the HD channels.

Just noticed this from the AVS - Programming moderator. Wonder if we will be getting this new channel soon.

Comcast & Discovery sign HD deal!
I have received word that the deal between Comcast & Discovery is complete.

In some areas, expect to see Discovery HD on Comcast in the next week.

In other areas, it could take up to 30 days, due to local agreements.

Worse case it could take longer, dependent on making bandwidth available.

Also included in the agreement is SD Discovery On Demand.

agtiny - thx much for the quick reply. i've found a bit more info on other forums, etc., stating that the 6208 ends up digitizing everything for the dvr, so that's why we take another quality hit. bummer.

you said that satellite would give us better pictures for the low number channels - i'm willing to make the switch (though I hear it'd be a while before i could get installed...ugh)...but i'm having trouble finding adequate info on the picture quality issues with satellite -- or which companies seem to perform better in our area...can you or others point me in the right direction?

also, i'm new at this...so... just gonna state it one more time to make sure i understood... satellite, like directv or voom, will give better quality picture for the regular (non-HD) channels... provided signal strength is good, etc... of course, then i need an OTA antenna for local channels, etc., and it's not as convenient as my cable box... (Also, it seems that D* doesn't have a DVR-model for the HD receiver, but I may have read that wrong..., and Voom doesn't seem to have a DVR/PVR at all at this point).

Still, but, i bought the HD-capable TV for picture quality, and I do love that clear picture... SO, if quality were my #1 most important criterion, does it seem that I should be looking seriously at a dish?

thanks much - sorry for the newbie Qs...

S

OK, satellite is completely digital, so all channels are MPEG-2 with nothing left as analog. The quality of all non-HD channels on satellite will be comparable to your digital cable channels (on my system it's channels >400). It will of course vary depending on how much bandwidth is assigned to each channel. Also, with satellite you'll have to buy your own DVR box (~$1000 for an HD-Tivo). There are probably deals but I wouldn't know. I am waiting to see what kind of DVR product Voom puts out and the cost, and then I might consider going back to satellite (I used to have DirecTV).

Excellent - thanks much! Just what I needed to know. Decided to start out by checking calibration on the TV (got a calibration disc and service manual, just for fun) and trying a service call on my cable to check strength before abandoning ship (was a relatively easy decision since satellite doesn't seem to be the best option for other reasons). Meanwhile, I do love that HD signal ;-) Thanks again,
Scott

Where is the Comcast office located? I'm in Shadyside.

mds

Probably the Corliss office would be closest for you. Get on 51 North to the Corliss Tunnel, it's on your right.

Thank you.

mds

Did anyone read Comcast's one page ad in the Post-Gazette this morning? I usually scan the ad hoping to see something new about HD and today I did.

"HDTV--More HD programming than Directv and Dish Network. Get up to 11 channels of High-Definition programming including the Steelers games on CBS!"

That exclamation mark is not mine, it is in the ad. Now I know that there is an occasional CBS HD game available from time to time. Does this mean that all games are going to be in HD????

I had to call Comcast for information and I was prepared to do some serious complaining that they could not explain their own ad. It took awhile, and the CSR even asked for the page number of the ad before they went into caucus. After 5 minutes she told me that (are you ready for this??) all 13 Steeler games on CBS are HD!!! but if they are on any other channel, they will be SD. That would be two on Fox and one Sunday ESPN. Figure that?

Well I will believe this when I see it on my Hitachi. I also asked her to get an explanation as to why the Olympics are not going to be on Comcast's HD lineup and an update on Fox signing on.

She indicated that WPXI is rushing to make the deadline and be in the lineup before the Olympics begin and there is no word on Fox. How about that sports fans.

That would be awesome, but the fact that she didn't know Fox, ABC, and ESPN would also be HD makes me wonder... I'm sure we'll be seeing a CBS announcement very soon though.

Wstanko, I cannot believe how clueless that CSR was. The only way ALL of the Steelers game will be HD on CBS is if they are the "A" game each week. Not gonna happen.

They wouldn't even be HD every week if they were a FOX team. Gotta love Customer Support.

I have Comcast and live in Greensburg. I was wondering if anyone else has problems with KDKA-HD (782). I get quite a bit of pixelation and audio dropouts with that channel, but not on the others. Since it is only that channel I didn't know if it is a problem with Comcast or CBS or maybe me. I have both INHD's, HBO HD, ABC HD, Discovery HD, PBS HD - Those all work fine with no dropouts at all. When I go to diagnostics on my 6200, the 5 second correctable errors for CBS averages around 400-500. The other channels are 000. (sometimes HBO shows some, but never a problem with the picture.) I had Comcast check the signal strength and they said it was good.

Just wondered if I was the only one with CBS dropouts.

I posted in the general Pittsburgh HDTV thread also about this.

Tonight's and tomorrow's Giants at Pirates games are in HDTV on FSN Bay Area via Comcast in the Bay Area. (InHD2 is pre-empted for these games.)

Are the games being shown in HD in Pittsburgh also? FSN?

I am also curious as to which truck is being used for the HD feed. I assume that FSN Bay Area is borrowing an HD video feed from the Pirates, but could it be that FSN Bay Area is providing its own HD truck?

Here's to hoping you guys can also see these games in HD via Comcast.

No, the game is not in HD on FSN Pittsburgh. Actually, we are doing both shows out of one single truck, Mountain Mobile's 9HDX. The Pittsburgh show does work with HD cameras, tape machines, etc, but we can't clear the games in HD on Comcast as of yet. Basically, FSN Bay Area shares video feeds from us and supplements with their own cameras. They have a small production switcher that is an M/E bank taken from the main switcher.

Thanks, Mark. Interesting stuff!

New Channel Lineup Question...

I received the "we're adding great new channels" flyer in the mail today. In the second paragraph, it says "We are also rearranging our channel lineup. In order to receive these newly added channels, and previously added channels, you will need to move to one of our new digital packages.

Does everyone's flyer say this? The reason that I ask is that I am a former AT&T customer (I guess we all are?) and I am still billed under one of AT&T's plans. I believe that the plan that I currently have is very favorable. I get all of the digital channels, the HD DVR, Starz, HBO, and Cable Internet for $116. I have the digital phone discount (digital phone is on a different bill). I'm not sure that I could even come close to this price if I call mess with my plan. The last couple of times I called, they tried to get me to switch plans but I refused.

So, my question is, does everyone's flyer say that you need to call and change plans, or is this something that was just sent to those of us that are on AT&T's old plan?

Either way, I'm crossing my fingers and hoping that this means that those of us in the North Hills will FINALLY get InHD1, InHD2, and DiscoveryHD. I'm tired of being jealous of people that live 5 miles away for having those channels.

Thanks,
Scott

Scott, I didn't receive the flyer yet, but I did get a message from Comcast on my digital box the other day saying that at the end of August (30th or 31st I think?) The channel line up would change, and to refer to the channel guide when this happens to find your favorite channels. That's all it said though, they didn't mention any new channels on the message.

I live in Glenshaw (Shaler area) not far from the North Hills, and I don't get inHD1, inHD2 or discovery HD either. I sure hope we get them! I'm keeping my fingers crossed. If I hear anything about having to change digital plans I'll post it.

Ed

No idea, Dan, sorry. I am not involved in any of that decision making. I do not know if discussions are happening, etc. I am just the occasional messenger.

To Joeyd27

You are NOT the only person experencing the KDKA HD problem. I also live in the Greensburg area (N.Huntingdon). I called Comcast on Fri. and told them about KDKA breaking up and the audio drop outs as well. I was also having Showtime HD breaking up as well. And on Thursday night, several of the HD channels were posting the famous "this channel should be available shortly". So I called Fri. morning. There response was " NO one alse has called, must be a personal problem!!! I have 2 HD boxes, and the exact same thing was happening on BOTH boxes (one in livingroom/one in bedroom). Besides, it didn't take much to realize that signals were NOT available or the transmissions were bad. Bottom line, Comcast never wants to admit it is there system, it must always be the box.

About 8 months ago, they were having a real problem with 4 of the HD channels and discovered after I called and threatened to notify the headquaters in the Philly area about there lack of fixing the problem, that I all of a sudden I actually received an early morning SUNDAY phone call from their lead tech in Greensburg( Brian), that they discovered a failed circuit in the system at Greensburg. He was really very greatful for me pushing it to finally being repaired.

You have to call and be pushy!!!

And guys, here is some other useful info:

1. WPXI is owned by Cox Communications, who has its own cable company. They are holding out for some big money, to allow Comcast to air what are already free OTA signals!!! I actually spoke to the engineer at WPXI about a month ago, hoping to see some of the Olympics in HD. He told me that his station is in NO hurry to allow Comcast to broadcast their signals and screw them up. How about that for a mind set!!!

2. If your analog or HD signals got alittle worst lately, it may be the firmware update to 7.15. If you check other forum sites, you will discover that members in Philly and Atlanta have been complaining about the newer firmware making many of the channels worst than what they were. Members in Atlanta are reporting that Comcast there have gone back to 7.07!!!

3. The lead tech, Brian, from Comcast in Greensburg has also told me that they are having problems with the 6208 box. Analog programming NOT as good, and people using the DVI out have had there boxes shut down!!! Also picture quality on the DVI out, NOT as good as using component out!!! He said he personally returned his 6208 for the 6200 he had upgraded from. I have NOT had the shutdown using the DVI out, but my component out actually is a more coroful and sharper picture. I have kept my 6208, because of the DVR.

4. In late fall or early winter the new 6412 HD box will be available. It will have a 2 tuner setup. Can actually watch a different channel than you are taping.

5. And according to my home theater speciality store, they also highly recommend, spliting the cable signal. One directly to the TV for analog viewing, and one to the cable box. That is what I have done. You get better analog that way, and through the component input we can use the DVR and watch all channels (digital, HD, etc.)

6. And finally, about 2 pages back someone was possibly going to switch to satellite when they finally have TIVO, etc. It just happened: both Direct TV and Dish Network have the boxes that have 2 tuners, OTA input and DVR. They must be purchased from both companies (NO rental on these) for $999.99. There are reviews in Sound and Vision, and you can go to Radio Shack and find out how it all works!!! Good Luck!!!

Tom,

I saw this posted in a another thread on this forum (I'm not sure if it was you or someone else) so I e-mailed the engineering department at WPXI and this is the response that I got:

"I don't know the status of the negotiations between WPXI and Comcast at this time, but I can assure you that the issue is not the quality of the signal on Comcast. We are convinced that Comcast can deliver a very good HD signal.

We are as anxious to see WPXI-DT on Comcast Cable as you are; however, there are a few fundamental business issues that still need to be resolved. "

The e-mail was signed from the Director of Engineering (although I'm not sure if that is actually as impressive as it sounds).

Scott

Scott,

I can only tell you what transspired during our phone conversation. I will tell you that I do NOT remember his name, but he announced to me that he was in charge of the engineering department. As he stated to you, he also stated to me that negoiations have been on going for some time. I can then assure you, that he tried very hard to convince me to pick up WPXI by using an OTA. He stated very emphatically that he was not that interested in WPXI going with Comcast!!! If he told you something else, then he is NOT truthful with one of us. He DID state that he has seen Comcast's broadcasts of the other local channels, and that he was not interested in Comcast messing up the signals!!! He expressed very little interest in Pittsburgh consumers getting his HD signal through Comcast.

He and I quickly discussed how WTAE has a weak digital audio signal, and at times KDKA breaks up into pixelation. He did NOT want this happening to WPXI, and having viewers call to complain, which I have done with WTAE's very low digital signal(in which the engineer there explained what the problem was, and they truly are trying to solve it. That was just last week). As you probably know by now, neither cable nor tv station wants to admit that the problems are from their end. WTAE did!!!

I will stand by my factual phone conversation. Have NO reason to distribute falsehoods. I am a teacher by profession for 35 years, and have been a home theater fanatic since its inception. Have one of the first laser discs players ever made by Pioneer. During the summer and other free time, I also install home theaters. Am very much up on latest technology. I can guarantee you that a gentlemen who works for these stations are not always up on how to work the technology. I have been using 2 HD boxes from Comcast since they were available from them. On the initial install, Comcast insisted that they had to install the box and verify you had a HD TV!!! You know what the best part was??? The trained "tech" was going to use standard A/V cables for component!!! I had already purchased Monster component cables, and used them. I ended up installing the entire system to my home theater setup, while he took notes!!!!!!!

Oh well, enough. One last thought: the engineer at WTAE said the real problem at their station, they are not sure how to broadcast the signal. He is worried that if they use their available 5.1 discrete, then all the other viewers who have just Dolby Pro-logic will not be able to the sound as well either. This is exactly how he explained it to me. I tried to make him aware that most new receievers in the last year have PIIc, and that will help those viewers if they know how to use it. This gentlemen, Dave was thankful for my call and info. and promised WTAE would get it solved quickly.

Sorry, Scott, but I forgot one more thing. That fundamental issue he claims they have not resolved yet??? Check out the stations owner. It is Cox Communications (also cable comp.). They really are holding out for big money for free OTA signals. They did the same thing to NBC station in San Francisco!!!

I'm pretty sure it's not the engineer's decision whether or not his channel gets carried by a certain cable company. On Armstrong we have very few problems, and I've never seen any problems on WTAE or KDKA like you describe. I've seen poor picture quality on WPXI during the Olympics but so have many others so it's probably a source issue. Is WPXI still multicasting? If they are, this engineer should be more worried about that screwing up their signal than Comcast.

Tom, I'm not disputing what you said and I am certainly not accusing you of "distributing falsehoods". I absolutely believe that's exactly what he told you.

I am doing nothing more than relaying what the engineer told me. My e-mail was from 8/18. Either their viewpoint has changed since your phone conversation or we are communicating with two different engineers.

Here is the entire e-mail thread that I had with the engineer. I removed his name and e-mail address because I'm not sure it should be posted on a public forum. Obviously my question is at the bottom, so start there and read backwards.

Scott


BTW, I rarely (if ever) see poor signal quality on KDKA or on WTAE over Comcast.