Portland, OR - Comcast - Page 141

I don't know what OSN is, but yes, the game was in HD for us.

edited to add .....

I heard Mike Rice make a comment that he is going to need a make-up person since all the games will be in HD this year.

I just re-ordered Comcast after a 4-year stint with DishNetwork & 2 with VOOM. I simply got tired of waiting for the addition of CSN-NW to watch Blazers games. I'm getting 2 HD DVR's and doing self-installation. Got the Digital Pref. offer for $44.95 + 1 free HDDVR (for a year). Any tips about installation and/or about the HD-DVR??

Installation is pretty easy. I think they give you a number to call to authorize the unit. Guide loading takes some time, though. Don't expect to be setting up shows to record for at least a few hours after you connect the unit.

We finally decided to break down and upgrade our Digital Starter service to HD for an extra $6.50 a month. I hate giving more than the absolute minimum to Comcast, but we decided we could swing another $80 a year.

I called Comcast to confirm that I'd have to swap my existing SD Motorola STB for a high-def model and mentioned that I live near an office (I'm close to the Sandy office). The customer rep said they no longer allow you to pick up or drop off equipment at the local offices and that they'd either have to mail it, overnight it, or have a service guy bring one over.

The rep said this started a month ago because customers we're complaining about lines stretching out the door and hour-long waits. The only times I've seen long lines is when they forced us to get DTAs when they switched off their analog signal, and even then it only took me 20-30 minutes to get my stuff.

I scanned this forum over the past month and haven't seen this mentioned. Sorry if I missed it.

Shawn Marshall
NE Portland

A little over two weeks ago I exchanged my old HD-DVR for a new one at the Sandy Blvd office and there was no issue, and no notice that it would be changing.
If it were me, I'd drop by and double check.

Earl
I checked and the actual date was 9/17.

On my clear QAM channel 10.1 the first episode of National Parks froze at 1:09:21 into the showing (9:09 p.m.), the screen soon went black and remained black until 11:00 p.m when the Magnavox 2160 hard drive timer recording ended.

I was able to record the missing portion of the first episode from the 10/3/09 showing and reconstruct the episode before high-speed dubbing to DVD.

The third episode had picture breakups beginning at 26:15 (8:26:15 p.m.), total picture loss shortly afterward with picture returning at around 34:00 (8:34:00 p.m.) but picture and audio still breaking up until around 40:00 (8:40:00 p.m.).

There were several other glitches in the video and stuttering in the audio during the National Parks series and related programming.

10/7/2009 Addendum: Today I called KOPB concerning the National Park series. I mentioned the technical problems with the first and third episodes. I asked if the series might be repeated. The contact person said "so many with COMCAST had problems, that we may repeat National Parks but it hasn't (yet) been scheduled."

I was there recently too. No long lines. No notices.

There was a message on my box last night that said "Final Notice" As of Nov 10, 2009 you will need a digital device to view channels above 31, call Comcast to order a digital device.

Whether this is just a system wide housekeeping message to pick up the final stragglers in locations that haven't had the full analog cut-off, or if it is related to the re-encrypting of the Digital Starter QAM channels as I have seen reported elsewhere, we shall soon see.

its the re-encrypting of the Digital Starter QAM channels
here are two pics of two different things regarding this

here is a email that was sent to comcast Employees

RE: Content Protection Rollout

As part of Project Cavalry, Comcast began deploying digital transport adapters, or DTAs, to provide Comcast's Expanded Basic analog customers with digital service. Since the start of Project Cavalry, Comcast had to turn off encryption (also known as digital content protection) on Expanded Basic channels for a limited period of time. Due to a recent FCC ruling, Comcast is now able to deploy digital content protection technology to DTAs. Comcast has begun notifying customers about its plans to turn on digital content protection on DTAs that have been deployed to date.

When It's Happening

For our Region, the encryption process begins on November 10th. Customers are starting to receive notification this week via notices in local newspapers. In addition, customers that we have identified as being impacted by the encryption will receive additional notices starting next week through the encryption period. We are planning to encrypt channels in two groups on November 10th and 17th.

Receiving In-the-Clear Channels

In-the-clear channels are channels that a customer receives via their QAM TV tuner and not via their digital device. In order to receive the in the clear digital channels, a customer with a QAM TV would have had to scan for channels using the on-screen menus included with their TV during the brief window of time the channels were unencrypted. If a customer with a QAM TV never re-scanned for channels following the start of Project Cavalry in a market, they likely had not been receiving any digital channels, and would be receiving only the Limited Basic analog channels on their TV.

Non-Impacted Customers

The following groups of customers are not impacted by the content protection process.

ü Any customer TV connected to a digital device
Customers with TVs connected to a cable box, DTA or CableCard will experience no loss of channels or service with the implementation of digital content protection.

ü Limited Basic Customers (who do not have QAM TVs)
Customers with only Limited Basic service will not experience a disruption in service during Comcast's latest network enhancement.

Potentially Impacted Customers

At-Risk Customers are any customers who have a QAM tuner TV not connected to digital device. This includes these three situations:

û QAM TVs with Expanded Basic or Digital Starter level of service NOT connected to a digital device
After the encryption process, these customers will need a digital device to view all channels in their package.

û QAM TVs receiving over-the-air HD channels
These customers will no longer be able to view over-the-air high-definition broadcast channels without adding an A/B switch. [more info]

û QAM TVs with Limited Basic service that have been receiving Expanded Basic channels in the clear

These customers will not be able to receive the Expanded Basic channel lineup without upgrading their level of service and obtaining a digital device.

FAQs and Employee Talking Points

What is a QAM Tuner?

· A QAM tuner is a device present in some televisions that allows the TV to receive in-the-clear digital channels without a digital cable box.

· In some cases, QAM tuners on HDTVs allow customers to receive over-the-air HD channels. Typically these channels include local affiliates for CBS, NBC, ABC and FOX. Once a DTA or a Standard Definition digital cable box is connected to a television, the customer with a QAM tuner will have to use an A/B switch to continue viewing over-air HD programming on their television. Or, a customer can receive even more HD programming by upgrading to an HD capable cable box from Comcast.

What does a customer watching Expanded Basic cable channels via a QAM TV not attached to a digital device have to do?

In order to receive Expanded Basic or higher service, customers must have Comcast digital equipment, either a DTA, digital cable box, or CableCard from Comcast connected to their TV.

· Expanded Basic customers are eligible for 1 digital cable box and up to 2 DTAs at no additional charge.

· Digital Starter or above customers are eligible for up to 2 DTAs, at no additional charge/included with the service.

· If the customer wants to upgrade to HD service, an HD capable digital cable box or CableCard on a CableCard compatible device is required. There will be an additional monthly charge for this.

Why is Comcast implementing digital content protection now? And why are QAM tuners impacted now?

We have always protected the content on our service. Many of our programming contracts require that we protect our channels from unauthorized viewing.

For a brief period of time, certain customers with QAM TVs may have temporarily been able to access channels that they had not subscribed to, or channels that require a box to view them. For these customers, we are providing three digital devices at no additional cost to receive Expanded Basic channels. It is important to note that all other non-cable operators require a box to receive these same services.

Will customers need equipment if they have a digital TV with a QAM tuner?

Yes. At the completion of Comcast's latest network enhancement, customers will need equipment on all TVs to receive any channels above the Limited Basic level of service. Comcast currently plans to make the Limited Basic level of service available in analog format, with no equipment required. Furthermore, Limited Basic customers with QAM TVs will be able to view Limited Basic digital channels without additional equipment. We are providing Expanded Basic customers with three digital devices at no additional cost.

How many Comcast customers have QAM tuner televisions and/or will be impacted?

There is no way of knowing how many of our customers own QAM tuner televisions; however, the universe of impacted customers is likely very small. In order to receive the in the clear digital channels, a customer with a QAM TV would have had to scan for channels using the on-screen menus included with their TV during a small window of time during Project Cavalry.

Do other video providers, such as DirecTV or DISH use digital content protection to encrypt channels?

Yes. All video providers are contractually required to protect the content they distribute from unauthorized reception. There are a variety of technologies used, which is why the equipment used is typically specific to a service provider.

What will a customer watching Expanded Basic cable channels via a QAM tuner TV not attached to a digital device see after digital content protection is turned on?

If service is interrupted on a QAM tuner television, channels may be displayed in several different ways, depending on the manufacturer/make of the TV. Some TVs may display a blue screen, some will display snow and some may broadcast the TV manufacturer's message.

If customers currently have Comcast Expanded Basic service and receive broadcast high-definition (HD) channels with their QAM tuner TV, how will this be affected by using a DTA?

These customers will no longer be able to view over-the-air high-definition broadcast channels without adding an A/B switch. Comcast will provide everything necessary to continue viewing these channels to these customers at no additional charge (an A/B switch, splitter and the appropriate cables). Customers can pick these up at their local Comcast office or order a self-install kit from our national support center.

Additionally, Comcast offers HD cable boxes for a monthly equipment fee, which provides access to cable networks in HD, and over 1,000 HD choices.

Limited Basic customers with a QAM TV would continue to be able to view broadcast HD channels without Comcast equipment. There is no charge for HD content only equipment.

The first pic is the same message I referred to in my post, the other I hadn't seen, but really, neither of those actually address the QAM issue. It's basically the same thing they've been saying all along during this conversion.

The e-mail you posted leaves no doubts though, and that information along with the other two things allows one to "read between the lines" and realize they are indeed connected.

Did you notice the bolded part of the newspaper ad.... "After November 10, 2009, any TV without a digital device will only be able to receive channels 31-71." Is that a misprint or is your limited basic line-up really channels 31-71? Here in Portland, it's 2-31.

Something that did stand out to me from that e-mail are the phrases "For a brief period of time", "brief window of time", "limited period of time", "small window of time".... Time really is relative, encryption was turned off back in December/January, nearly a full year ago.

it is 2-30 here

Damn, this bites. It's bad enough that my four-month-old Eye TV 250/Mac Mini will no longer be able to record any of the Clear QAM cable channels (I could live with the Digital Starter channels in SD).

But I'm fuzzy on getting the local stations in HD. Will I still be able to split the cable, sending one to the Eye TV (to record local HD) and the other to an HD Box (component or HDMI to the TV or receiver)?

Shawn M.
NE Portland

Yes, and according to this, they'll even supply you with the splitters, cable and an A/B switch.

Just want to confirm that after 11/10-17, even with a DTA inline between the wall and my Media Center PC's QAM tuners, I won't be able to get anything but the HD locals and PBS? I thought the DTA might decrypt and send to the tuners clear, or is that incredibly wishful thinking?

I'm not sure I know everything about this, but a DTA is used to connect to an analog TV, and it allows that TV to view stations 2-77, plus a few more. I don't believe the DTA would allow any access to HD channels.

Yeah originally i thought the DTA was digital to analog but it's digital transport adapter and has RF in and out, and additional, and pretty ridiculous, instructs for continuing at least HD locals:

Comcast FAQ has the answer - get an A/B switch....convenient....not...

29. How do I connect a digital adapter (DTA) to my high-definition television (HDTV) so I can continue receiving broadcast HD channels?
To continue receiving broadcast HD channels with a feed directly to your HDTV, you will need:
DTA
Splitter
Coaxial cable (x5)
A/B switch
To install:
Connect one end of a coaxial cable at the wall
Connect the other end of that coaxial cable to the IN of a splitter
Connect a coaxial wire to the OUT of the splitter and to the IN of an A/B switch
Connect a coaxial wire to the OUT of the splitter and to the IN of the DTA
Connect a coaxial wire to the OUT of the DTA and to the IN of an A/B switch
Connect a coaxial wire to the OUT of the A/B switch and to the IN of the television
To watch Limited Basic or broadcast HD channels, set the switch for the A/B Switch to the correct setting (for example B'). To watch any Expanded Basic/Starter channels in digital format, set the switch for the A/B Switch to the correct setting (for example A').

*Please note: Some HDTVs may have two (2) RF inputs. If your HDTV has two RF inputs, you have the option of taking the output connections from the splitter and connecting them directly to the RF inputs of your TV, without using an A/B switch. You will need to select alternate inputs (RF 1 or RF 2) on your TV to switch between Limited Basic/Broadcast HD or Starter/Expanded Basic channels.


Found here: http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showt...3#post17128383

Not quite, the DTA's will still display all of the same channels they do now, but since they only output an analog signal they don't pass any HD. Nothing changes there, it's how it's always been.

However since DTA's do only output analog, your QAM tuners are not compatible with them, you'll need an analog/NTSC capture device if you want to use a DTA.

If you connect the cable directly to your QAM tuner then you'll be limited to channels 2-31 and the local broadcast HD.

The other alternative is to replace your current QAM tuners with a cable card ready tuner when they become available.

edited to say, I was slow on the draw, nothing new to see here.

yeah, i suspected as much. i just wish i didn't have to wait until Q1 for the CETON CableCard tuner now.

here is the corrected ad that was just in the newspaper
2-30 and 2-31 is area specific

Thanks for your input. The above quoted comment I did have some questions about. So the local broadcast HD will still be clear-QAM?

Do you know anything about a mention of needing an a/b switch to still get these broadcast HD channels?

Right now I'm just guessing that the a/b switch will be used to control the input into a TV's analog/QAM tuner. i.e. A: DTA analog signal versus B: straight from the wall QAM 2-31+local broadcast

Does that sound right?

Yeah, it looked like somehow they changed the message midstream and somebody forgot to proofread the final copy.

Here's a copy of a postcard I received from Comcast a few days ago that says basically the same thing.

Earl

Yes

Your guess below is correct, unless your TV has seperate RF/coaxial connections for the analog/NTSC tuner and the QAM tuner, then you wouldn't need the A/B switch.

Yes, if your TV has only one coaxial input and the TV itself separates the analog/digital signal. If that's the case then you would connect the output from the A/B switch to that and connect the DTA to one input and make a direct connection from the cable to the other.

That is why they also supply you with a splitter, so you can split the cable from the wall to both the DTA and the A/B switch.

(edited to add a diagram I made, hopefully it will help too)

I know I'm not supposed to shoot the messenger, but I'm very tempted here.

i am only passing on what was sent to me by a anon comcast person and what i have seen in my local paper
I DONT WORK FOR COMCAST i am only passing info i feel the same as most people that use qam that qam tuning is better than using a dta but that is what comcast is making us use after the 10th

I definitely appreciate the information you post and you should not feel in the least bit guilty if someone doesn't like that information.

Thank you!!

Earl

Ditto to this. I appreciate your posting immensely skihoodoo, it's just not information I'm happy to receive.

I called comcast today to upgrade to a HD-DVR (The Blazer season starts Oct 27). They told me to pick up the HD-DVR at the Sandy Blvd office.

I think the guy who told you you can't pick up stuff at the local office didn't know what he was talking about.

Does anyone know why FOX is not broadcasting the NFL Arizona at Seattle game (1:00 PM PT) here in the Portland Comcast Service Area this afternoon? The game is listed on our on-screen menu and in our Portland Oregonian's newspaper TV section as a Live broadcast.

I called Comcast and they must have already received a ton of calls because they have placed a recording on the their line right up front that says: "Due to the decision of the network, the Seattle / Arizona game will not be shown."

This kind of sucks because I thought NFL black rules only extend out to a 75 mile radius and we here in Portland are at least 16O miles from Seattle.

I wonder what the real story is here ..... Fox's equipment or satellite trouble?