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Minneapolis, MN - Comcast - Page 85

post #2521 of 2735
9/22/11 at 6:12am
Quote:
Originally Posted by JBaumgart View Post

Thanks, mnxmfan, for the explanation. Although I don't look forward to the new learning curve, I do think remapping of all of the channels is a good idea, so that "like-channels' are put together into "neighborhoods" as you describe it.

Best way I can think of to describe it. Another side effect, as I understand it, of remapping the channels is that every market will have the same channel numbers. So, locally, that means that (over 100) St Paul and Minneapolis will share the same channel numbers, but more importantly, if you were visiting someone else in, say, Chicago, outside of the "locals", you could go to the same channel number as you do locally and see the same channel.

As far as I've read about the plan, it sounds like the one exception to all of this is the channels under 100, those will remain under local control for number and position.
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post #2522 of 2735
9/26/11 at 12:14am
And now the full channel line up info emerges courtesy of jimc_usa on the Comcast fourms...

Channels added on 11/15/11

Starter Lineup
919 BBC America HD - moves from preferred to starter as well
927 Sprout HD
917 Bloomberg HD

Preferred Lineup
922 Oxygen HD
924 NatGeo Wild HD
925 GSN HD
928 The Hub HD
921 Galavision HD

Sports & Entertainment
915 Fox Soccer HD
916 Tennis Channel HD

And....

Channels Removed On 11/15/11

902 HBO Zone HD
911 Starz Edge HD
913 Starz Comedy HD
912 Starz Kids And Family HD
921 Showtime 2 HD
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post #2523 of 2735
9/26/11 at 10:50am
Quote:
Originally Posted by Demolition Man View Post

Channels Removed On 11/15/11

902 HBO Zone HD
911 Starz Edge HD
913 Starz Comedy HD
912 Starz Kids And Family HD
921 Showtime 2 HD

Wow, they must really want people to cancel the premium networks. I mean, charge $15 per month per multiplex, but only offer one channel in HD?

I suppose what they are counting on though, is that people will just use the on-demand offerings instead of watching linear programming, since the multi-channels are usually just rebroadcasting content that has already aired on the main channel.

So, does this mean that after the channel additions, they will be back at 100% capacity? That was quick!
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post #2524 of 2735
9/26/11 at 2:30pm
The vast majority of the content on those channels will be available on demand. No real loss losing those five channels if that means we get ten more HD channels... even if a few are a bit sketchy at best on HD content (ie: GSN HD).
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post #2525 of 2735
10/3/11 at 2:12pm
Any NHLCI subscribers hereabouts? Any evidence local Comcast picked up the expanded HD schedule capability of IN DEMAND this season?
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post #2526 of 2735
10/4/11 at 6:11pm
Haven't seen any of the new GameHD channels added here. If we were to get them I wouldn't expect them until at least 11/15. We'll see.
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post #2527 of 2735
10/12/11 at 9:03am
Anyone here know when they plan to kill the last of the analogs in this area?

Once they do that, they could add another 30+ HD channels, at least.

I understand the premium content being available on demand, but I don't have any Comcast boxes, as I find their DVR vastly inferior to my upgraded Tivo HD. The DVR they offer does something like 20-30 hours of HD recording, I'm up to over 160, as just one example. Also, the interface is much snappier.
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post #2528 of 2735
10/13/11 at 9:35am
Quote:
Originally Posted by mnxmfan View Post

Anyone here know when they plan to kill the last of the analogs in this area?

Once they do that, they could add another 30+ HD channels, at least.

I understand the premium content being available on demand, but I don't have any Comcast boxes, as I find their DVR vastly inferior to my upgraded Tivo HD. The DVR they offer does something like 20-30 hours of HD recording, I'm up to over 160, as just one example. Also, the interface is much snappier.

I believe the cable co's "voluntarily" made an agreement with the FCC to carry a basic set of analogs thru Feb 2012. There was a provision to review that agreement for possible extension, but I don't recall hearing that it was extended.

If it wasn't, then the cablecos will be free to start ditching the analogs entirely next spring, based on their assessment of the market. There's no doubt still a lot of analog TVs out there (particularly 3rd and 4th TVs in the household) with no STB or DTA that those owners don't want to be forced into renting a STB or DTA to keep them in service.

Actually. . . I wonder if that agreement got bumped to June 2012 when the original DTV OTA conversion got bumped from Feb to June 2009? The original intent was 3 years after the OTA conversion. Dunno, could be.
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post #2529 of 2735
10/14/11 at 1:12am
Somehow I wouldn't be shocked if Comcast dumped the local OTA analog feeds sooner rather then later.
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post #2530 of 2735
10/16/11 at 8:49am
Is food network HD (channel 197 and 827) not working for everyone or is it just me? When I go to that channel it says one moment please, this channel should be available shortly and gives a reference code of S0A00.

When on that channel, nothing happens if i press the guide key. I unplugged for a minute and plugged back in with no success. This is the only channel that this is happening to.
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post #2531 of 2735
10/16/11 at 9:08am
Food Network HD is coming in clearly for me - Comcast in Eagan via TiVo HD and CableCard.
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post #2532 of 2735
10/16/11 at 11:51am
Also comes in perfectly here - 197 and 827 here in Plymouth.
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post #2533 of 2735
10/17/11 at 4:46am
Someone once said that the best deals for upgrading service often came from the service tech's. Is this the case? We are thinking about going from the basic cable ($13) with internet to something like the triple play, or possibly just standard digital cable with internet. We must keep the bill, at least initially, below $100. We are currently paying $57.

Any Suggestions?
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post #2534 of 2735
10/23/11 at 1:37pm
Screw you Comcast. I got this letter yesterday. Now that I am hooked on Speed HD, it is going to be hard to give it up. I have been getting Speed HD since the Southwest area went to all digital. I have no idea about the other channels mentioned in the letter since I pay no attention the any of them. The last time I tried to find a comprehensive list of the different packages and the channels in each package on Comcrap's web site, I could not (either I suck or their web site does). What I don't understand is why would I be getting just a few channels, when the mentioned channels come in packages that include other channels not mentioned. Logically I would assume if I am getting Speed HD, I would be getting the other channels in Sports Entertainment package, and I have no idea if I do as all the stick-and-ball sports channels look the same to me (the exception is ESPN as they occasionally carry auto racing). Might be time to call and threaten to defect to Direct TV and see what I might be offered to stay. At first I thought this might be a ploy to increase the number of package subscribers by getting them hooked on package channels, but if the only channels involved are the ones mentioned, that makes no sense. And I don't need more channels that I have no interest in to surf through...screw you again Comcast for not making it possible to program out channels I have no interest in.
LL
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post #2535 of 2735
10/24/11 at 1:05pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by pillboy49 View Post

Screw you Comcast. I got this letter yesterday. Now that I am hooked on Speed HD, it is going to be hard to give it up. I have been getting Speed HD since the Southwest area went to all digital. I have no idea about the other channels mentioned in the letter since I pay no attention the any of them. The last time I tried to find a comprehensive list of the different packages and the channels in each package on Comcrap's web site, I could not (either I suck or their web site does). What I don't understand is why would I be getting just a few channels, when the mentioned channels come in packages that include other channels not mentioned. Logically I would assume if I am getting Speed HD, I would be getting the other channels in Sports Entertainment package, and I have no idea if I do as all the stick-and-ball sports channels look the same to me (the exception is ESPN as they occasionally carry auto racing). Might be time to call and threaten to defect to Direct TV and see what I might be offered to stay. At first I thought this might be a ploy to increase the number of package subscribers by getting them hooked on package channels, but if the only channels involved are the ones mentioned, that makes no sense. And I don't need more channels that I have no interest in to surf through...screw you again Comcast for not making it possible to program out channels I have no interest in.

Yeah -- screw you Comcsat for giving pillboy free Speed HD for the past year or so!!

EVERY provider (cable and sat) has packages -- no one lets you order only the channles you want a la carte.
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post #2536 of 2735
10/24/11 at 8:15pm
My point was...it almost seems to me to be a planned error, to get you used to certain channels so that you will subscribe once they "discover" their error and decide to rectify it. For all I knew it was a reshuffling of their tiers...I tried looking for the package contents on their web site, but failed to find the info. I also doubt I was the only recipient of their generous "oversight". I would rather pay the same I do now and choose individual channels a la carte than surf through so much drivel I have no interest in.

And I have more than once corrected a merchant's error that was in my favor, so I guess I am the jackhole for not calling Comcast to complain about maybe receiving a channel I'm not sure I should be receiving. It makes us even for all of the lost time I have had to spend rebooting their lousy modem.
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post #2537 of 2735
10/31/11 at 12:21pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by pillboy49 View Post

My point was...it almost seems to me to be a planned error, to get you used to certain channels so that you will subscribe once they "discover" their error and decide to rectify it. For all I knew it was a reshuffling of their tiers...I tried looking for the package contents on their web site, but failed to find the info. I also doubt I was the only recipient of their generous "oversight". I would rather pay the same I do now and choose individual channels a la carte than surf through so much drivel I have no interest in.

And I have more than once corrected a merchant's error that was in my favor, so I guess I am the jackhole for not calling Comcast to complain about maybe receiving a channel I'm not sure I should be receiving. It makes us even for all of the lost time I have had to spend rebooting their lousy modem.

I got one of these too, and I think it was because, Comcast DOES NOT include Speed as part of it's regular package, but Time Warner used to. So, they are just righting the wrong that the local headend had made by giving you something that Comcast didn't pay for for your viewing. Remember, Comcast must pay for each subscriber that is given a channel, and the current deal they have with Fox (owners of Speed) allows them to only put this channel on the Sports and Entertainment package.

However, it does look like they are still riding out a previous contract that was already in place with the SD channel of Speed, as well as the SD channel that is Fox Movie Channel. When those contracts are up, I fully expect we will lose those channels as well. Also of note, Boomerang, which is a channel Comcast does NOT carry. We get it because Time Warner had it, but once that deal is up, it will be gone as well.
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post #2538 of 2735
11/5/11 at 12:12pm
Has anybody tried lately to get a cablecard? Are they doing self installs in the twin cities? I would be going to the Little Canada/Roseville area location.

I know when I got mine first one a few years ago they only offered installs by them. I thought I heard that changed, but am looking for any verification.
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post #2539 of 2735
11/5/11 at 12:59pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by berg0449 View Post

Has anybody tried lately to get a cablecard? Are they doing self installs in the twin cities? I would be going to the Little Canada/Roseville area location.

I know when I got mine first one a few years ago they only offered installs by them. I thought I heard that changed, but am looking for any verification.

I got a card for my TiVo not too long ago and had to have a technician install it. I was disappointed at first, but it ended up being a good thing. The guy that came out was very thorough and went above and beyond the card install and really tried to do everything he could to maximize the signal including replacing some splitters. Inconvenient in that you have to make an appointment, but overall a good experience for me. YMMV.
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post #2540 of 2735
11/5/11 at 4:22pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by berg0449 View Post

Has anybody tried lately to get a cablecard? Are they doing self installs in the twin cities? I would be going to the Little Canada/Roseville area location.

I know when I got mine first one a few years ago they only offered installs by them. I thought I heard that changed, but am looking for any verification.

Self installs should be available as of August 1 at all Comcast service centers. There is a special activations line as not all people at the normal 1-800 number know how to do them.
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post #2541 of 2735
11/7/11 at 9:40pm
Just a nice friendly reminder that next Tuesday (11/15) is supposed to be when we are going to get those new channels. Any Tivo folks see anything pop up early post it here.... or anything else of interest in regards to these new channels. While Fox Soccer no longer will be carrying MLS beyond the occasional CONCACAF League games... I'm still excited to get the channel in HD finally.
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post #2542 of 2735
11/8/11 at 3:18pm
I am starting to think a truck roll might be best for the cable cards. I am trying to get my cablecard paired for a tivo. I tried with 1 card but they were unable to get it working. I replaced that card after a day. I am now trying the 2nd card. They are again at 2nd level support as that card is failing to pair. Anybody have luck lately with self installs of cable cards? Any help or suggestions would be greatly appreciated.
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post #2543 of 2735
11/8/11 at 8:12pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by berg0449 View Post

I am starting to think a truck roll might be best for the cable cards. I am trying to get my cablecard paired for a tivo. I tried with 1 card but they were unable to get it working. I replaced that card after a day. I am now trying the 2nd card. They are again at 2nd level support as that card is failing to pair. Anybody have luck lately with self installs of cable cards? Any help or suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

It took a long time but my card started working on its own. I could say it started working only 7 hours after I asked it to get paired or several days from first try. I did check a few paid and regular stations.
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post #2544 of 2735
11/14/11 at 11:16pm
From my bill this month:

Quote:


Effective 12/13/11, Comcast will be adding BBC World News (Ch. 187) to the Digital Preferred tier.

And on that note... here's a time log of watching Comcast add our new HD channels...

3 AM - no channels added yet. This is typically when Comcast adds then in.

3:20 AM - Starz Comedy HD goes from Toy Story 3 to a black screen.

3:30 AM - Channels are live! 21 months of waiting finally ends...



No new/added HD channels for the sports packages folks. So sadly it looks like unless plans change its another season of NHL Center Ice in standard def with the occasional HD game on Comcast.
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post #2545 of 2735
11/15/11 at 2:53pm
When one signs up for Comcast internet does the base price normally include the modem, what about a wireless router? A friend called Comcast to inquire about HS internet and was told the modem was $7 extra(and you couldn't order internet without it) and he would need to supply his own router. Lastly can one purchase a modem/router combo or they always separate? I seem to remember people in this thread purchasing something so they didn't need to rent it from Comcast, just can't remember if it was the modem or router TIA
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post #2546 of 2735
11/15/11 at 6:52pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by jjeff View Post

When one signs up for Comcast internet does the base price normally include the modem, what about a wireless router? A friend called Comcast to inquire about HS internet and was told the modem was $7 extra(and you couldn't order internet without it) and he would need to supply his own router. Lastly can one purchase a modem/router combo or they always separate? I seem to remember people in this thread purchasing something so they didn't need to rent it from Comcast, just can't remember if it was the modem or router TIA

You do need to purchase your own router, assuming of course you want to set up either a wired or wireless network so you have internet access at more than one fixed location. For the modem, you can either rent one from Comcast or you can buy your own, but you need to make sure the one you buy is compatible with their system (go to their website where they keep a list of compatible units).
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post #2547 of 2735
11/16/11 at 6:55am
Quote:
Originally Posted by jjeff View Post

When one signs up for Comcast internet does the base price normally include the modem, what about a wireless router? A friend called Comcast to inquire about HS internet and was told the modem was $7 extra(and you couldn't order internet without it) and he would need to supply his own router. Lastly can one purchase a modem/router combo or they always separate? I seem to remember people in this thread purchasing something so they didn't need to rent it from Comcast, just can't remember if it was the modem or router TIA

I live in Brooklyn Park and signed up with Comcast internet about 6 months ago. I was all set to get my own router, or have them ship one to my house for free. When they came out, they had a modem/wireless router all in one unit that they had just came out with. I have it in my downstairs laundry room, and it works all over my 2 story house.
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post #2548 of 2735
11/16/11 at 5:31pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by JBaumgart View Post

You do need to purchase your own router, assuming of course you want to set up either a wired or wireless network so you have internet access at more than one fixed location. For the modem, you can either rent one from Comcast or you can buy your own....

Quote:
Originally Posted by Rickenbacker View Post

...When they came out, they had a modem/wireless router all in one unit that they had just came out with.

Interesting, sounds like they'll have to just wait until the install guy comes out before purchasing anything, thanks guys
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post #2549 of 2735
11/16/11 at 6:41pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by jjeff View Post

Interesting, sounds like they'll have to just wait until the install guy comes out before purchasing anything, thanks guys

I wasn't aware that Comcast came out with a combo unit, seems like it would be the way to go depending on what they charge to rent it vs. what they charge for just the modem. I happen to have both wired and wireless networks in our house, with the wireless added later when we purchased our first laptop.
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post #2550 of 2735
11/18/11 at 8:32am
Anyone else have this happen to them?

I've subscribed to Comcast internet and TV for over a decade. Got a letter saying my original modem could not handle the speed I was paying for (12mb) and they would be happy to mail my a new one and upon receipt I should return the old one or dispose of it properly. I called them to order a new one, having to listen to them trying to "upgrade" me to digital phone, and they sent me an Arris WBM760. I called them again to get it working, again having to listen to their sales pitch.

Two weeks later I get another letter "due to the recent downgrade of your service, you have equipment connected that is no longer in use that you need to return". I had to call Comcast a third time to figure out what the heck they were talking about, and they claim the modem they sent is only for people that have 20mb service and they want it back, and I need to drive to a service center to turn it in, presumably subjecting myself to another pitch for digital phone. I have zero interest in digital phone since my present Centurylink service works well, unlike my cable which breaks into pixels or my internet which goes out everytime it's cold and wet.

Fortunately I still have the 12 year old Toshiba if they still want me to be using that one.
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