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post #31 of 4156
8/21/04 at 7:39am
Giants in HD is pretty awesome, and we're getting a decent amount of games this season. Has anyone heard anything about VOD, just curious, i'm not evn going to bother asking about DVR.
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post #32 of 4156
8/21/04 at 4:33pm
If it's any consolation we have the 7.15 firmware now.
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post #33 of 4156
8/21/04 at 4:52pm
Quote:


Originally posted by igreg
Why would the Kings game on TNT be blacked out? Unless channel 10 is showing the game, no blackout should occur.

During the last season the only Kings game in HD was on NBATV, it was blacked out because Channel 10 was showing the same game in SD. I must admit that I don't know TNT that much, just made an easy deduction from NBATV.

If both NBATV and TNTHD produce a great number of games in HD, we may get to see Kings in HD more often than not, when Channel 10 is not doing the games. NBATV-HD will be on InHD channels if not blacked out.

In fact the last two FSN Bay Area HD Giants games were on InHD, one of them blacked out. Who knows Comcast may get the permission to transmit a TNTHD Kings HD game on InHD too.

So my point still is, TNTHD is not as important as CBSHD for us at this point, even if you want to see HD Kings games.
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post #34 of 4156
8/21/04 at 7:37pm
Are you sure about the Giants blackout? Why would the Giants game be blacked out if the game was shown on Fox Sports network? When Fox Sports Network carries the games, Channel 31 does not show the games, so no reason for a blackout exists. Could you provide further details?

(Is InHD baseball coverge of the Giants a telecast distinct from Fox Sports Network? If so, who covers the game? Do you recall you the announcers were? Thanks!)
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post #35 of 4156
8/21/04 at 8:06pm
The blacked out Giants game was shown on Channel 31 so you were right it might not be an FSN Bay Area broadcast. Comcast got a deal to carry many HD MLB games on InHD, that is in addition to the FSN Bay Area HD games, but of course local blackout rules apply.
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post #36 of 4156
8/22/04 at 12:27am
Quote:


Originally posted by Slinky11
Giants in HD is pretty awesome, and we're getting a decent amount of games this season. Has anyone heard anything about VOD, just curious, i'm not evn going to bother asking about DVR.

Last I heard, VOD was coming "this summer". I haven't heard anything further about it. I'm a little anxious to see what all the excitement from VOD is about. Reading some of the deals that comcast has made with content providers has made me at least a little interested in how it all works.

As for DVRs, the 64XX's should start showing up by the end of the year or so.

Jeff
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post #37 of 4156
8/22/04 at 1:53am
Thread Starter 
Quote:


Originally posted by igreg
Are you sure about the Giants blackout? Why would the Giants game be blacked out if the game was shown on Fox Sports network? When Fox Sports Network carries the games, Channel 31 does not show the games, so no reason for a blackout exists. Could you provide further details?

(Is InHD baseball coverge of the Giants a telecast distinct from Fox Sports Network? If so, who covers the game? Do you recall you the announcers were? Thanks!)

The Gaint's game was blacked out due to KMAX showing it. It wasn't one of those FSN Bay Area HD game, but it was shown in HD on the INHD channel. They also broadcast 3 MLB games per week. This doesn't include the FSN games either. So, you will get a lot of baseball per week. 3 MLB, plus the A's and Gaint's game in HD if they are shown in that week. Which I'm sure they are most of the time.

As for you question on the presentation. It's the exact same as FSN Bay Area. You will hear everything that you do on the SD channel. The announcers even say this is in HD, or the game is shown in HD. Same logo and scoreboard. Its perfect. Other then, its not FULL 100% HD yet, just 1 or 2 SD cams still, don't know why.

I came form DirecTV too, I must say that Comcast PQ is a lot better when it comes to HD contents at least. It's like re living your first HD experience all over again. It's that good. If your a Gaint's or A's fan, cable is the way to go. DirecTV have no plans right now on carrying FSN Bay Area HD, plus there no contract with Comcast, you will have nothing to lose.

HD is only $5, and that pays for the converter rental, and thats it. You will be able to view all of their HD channels. HD permium will go along with your reg permium channels, just as long as you order them.

Well good luck!
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post #38 of 4156
8/22/04 at 8:58am
wunautica is right, the minimum is $12.01 plus $5.00 for the HD box to get the following HD channels:

ABCDT
NBCDT
FOXDT soon
ESPNHD
InHD1
InHD2

If you add a basic digital tier then

DiscoveryHD

If you are willing to pay for the premium movie channels you can get

HBOHD
SHOWTIMEHD
STARTZHD
CINIMAXHD
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post #39 of 4156
8/22/04 at 10:40am
there seems to be some confusion over inhd blackouts... here is what I have seen:

Games involving A's or Giant's (whether they are home or away) are blacked out on INHD1.

Some (presumably all available hd games) are broadcast in HD on FSN,
which can preempt INHD2. Those are FSN broadcasts, not INHD.

Troy
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post #40 of 4156
8/22/04 at 1:35pm
Thread Starter 
Quote:


Originally posted by Troy J B
there seems to be some confusion over inhd blackouts... here is what I have seen:

Games involving A's or Giant's (whether they are home or away) are blacked out on INHD1.

Some (presumably all available hd games) are broadcast in HD on FSN,
which can preempt INHD2. Those are FSN broadcasts, not INHD.

Troy

Games on INHD1, are mostly blacked out because yeah, they are not FSN production, so if FSN or KMAX are showing, which most likely they are, then it will be blacked out. I don't think I never seen a Giants or A's game on INHD for as long as I gotten cable so far, which has been like close to 2 months.
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post #41 of 4156
8/22/04 at 1:41pm
Does anyone have an "inside" number to comcast engineering or programming? The Giants game is listed on the InHD2 schedule, however they are showing regular InHD programming, no Giants/Mets game. Looks like even the cable company has a hard time "flipping the switch" as well as local OTA stations....
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post #42 of 4156
8/22/04 at 2:41pm
Thread Starter 
Quote:


Originally posted by nightowl
Does anyone have an "inside" number to comcast engineering or programming? The Giants game is listed on the InHD2 schedule, however they are showing regular InHD programming, no Giants/Mets game. Looks like even the cable company has a hard time "flipping the switch" as well as local OTA stations....

Yeah, I noticed this as well. I don't know if its a Comcast issue or what. If Comcast thought that the game was going to be shown in HD or not. Well, if FSN Bay Area says its in HD, then Comcast should also show it at the same time. Well, you might want to call Comcast itself to see if they could do anything locally. I don't know if there is a local Sacramento Comcast #, I'm sure there is one, just don't know what it is.
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post #43 of 4156
8/22/04 at 9:02pm
Quote:


Originally posted by wunautica
The Gaint's game was blacked out due to KMAX showing it. It wasn't one of those FSN Bay Area HD game, but it was shown in HD on the INHD channel. They also broadcast 3 MLB games per week. This doesn't include the FSN games either. So, you will get a lot of baseball per week. 3 MLB, plus the A's and Gaint's game in HD if they are shown in that week. Which I'm sure they are most of the time.

As for you question on the presentation. It's the exact same as FSN Bay Area. You will hear everything that you do on the SD channel. The announcers even say this is in HD, or the game is shown in HD. Same logo and scoreboard. Its perfect. Other then, its not FULL 100% HD yet, just 1 or 2 SD cams still, don't know why.

I came form DirecTV too, I must say that Comcast PQ is a lot better when it comes to HD contents at least. It's like re living your first HD experience all over again. It's that good. If your a Gaint's or A's fan, cable is the way to go. DirecTV have no plans right now on carrying FSN Bay Area HD, plus there no contract with Comcast, you will have nothing to lose.

HD is only $5, and that pays for the converter rental, and thats it. You will be able to view all of their HD channels. HD premium will go along with your reg premium channels, just as long as you order them.

Well good luck!


Thanks for great reply. I plan on keeping DirecTV (NFL Sunday ticket being one reason); so can I can get HD programming on Comcast for just $5 a month without subscribing to any other channels but HD? I take it there must be a separate charge for the HD programming? Do they have a package that includes FSN, INHD, etcetera? I sent Comcast an e-mail with this question, but they sent me a computer generated reply that didn't answer the question. Thanks!

P.S. Are Krukow and Kapier doing the Giants game on INHD? Tha would be great if this is the case.
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post #44 of 4156
8/22/04 at 11:15pm
Quote:


Originally posted by nightowl
Does anyone have an "inside" number to comcast engineering or programming? The Giants game is listed on the InHD2 schedule, however they are showing regular InHD programming, no Giants/Mets game. Looks like even the cable company has a hard time "flipping the switch" as well as local OTA stations....

I called the main Comcast number (800) 824-2000 and talked to some guy who said it was an INHD problem. I knew he was full of it, so I tried the local Comcast number but couldn't raise a live human. Got the same results when I called FSNBA. I called the Comcast 800 number again and talked to a woman who made a few calls and told me there was a problem at the headend. The game came on about 5 minutes later.
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post #45 of 4156
8/22/04 at 11:43pm
Thread Starter 
Quote:


Originally posted by igreg
Thanks for great reply. I plan on keeping DirecTV (NFL Sunday ticket being one reason); so can I can get HD programming on Comcast for just $5 a month without subscribing to any other channels but HD? I take it there must be a separate charge for the HD programming? Do they have a package that includes FSN, INHD, etcetera? I sent Comcast an e-mail with this question, but they sent me a computer generated reply that didn't answer the question. Thanks!

P.S. Are Krukow and Kapier doing the Giants game on INHD? Tha would be great if this is the case.

Yeap, just $5 for the rental fee. There is no HD programming fee. You will have to sub to any level of Comcast though. The cheapest being $12.01 for the basic.
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post #46 of 4156
8/23/04 at 7:36am
Quote:


Originally posted by spwace
I called the main Comcast number (800) 824-2000 and talked to some guy who said it was an INHD problem. I knew he was full of it, so I tried the local Comcast number but couldn't raise a live human. Got the same results when I called FSNBA. I called the Comcast 800 number again and talked to a woman who made a few calls and told me there was a problem at the headend. The game came on about 5 minutes later.

Just by coincidence, I had an appointment with a Comcast tech during the same time. By the time he was at the house, however, I noticed that they switched it over. I didn't see any mention of the game not being on in the SF Bay Area thread, so I figured it was likely a local issue in Sacto.
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post #47 of 4156
8/23/04 at 9:37pm
Thread Starter 
Quote:


Originally posted by nightowl
Just by coincidence, I had an appointment with a Comcast tech during the same time. By the time he was at the house, however, I noticed that they switched it over. I didn't see any mention of the game not being on in the SF Bay Area thread, so I figured it was likely a local issue in Sacto.

The A's game in Sac wasn't shown on Comcast for some reason. What's up with that? I don't get it. FOX Bay Area was showing it, why didn't Comcast "flip the switch" for say? I'm calling Comcast the next time this happens. They are not keeping their promise to show FSN's FULL schedule.
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post #48 of 4156
8/23/04 at 10:52pm
I called the 800 number again and got the royal brush off. I am going to call the local number tomorrow and raise a little hell. This is unacceptable.
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post #49 of 4156
8/27/04 at 12:34pm
I recently emailed both KOVR and KTXL to find out when they might get added to Comcast's line-up - here are the responses:

===KTXL
Last I heard it will be the first week of September. We should have
Fox
network in HDTV starting September 12th.

Thanks for watching our station, we appreciate it.

Jack Davis
Chief Engineer
===

====KOVR
I have no new news on when, if at all, that will occur. Sorry.
Joanne Jackson
Program Director/Website Coordinator
===

Good news on Fox, bad news from CBS (not surprising however)
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post #50 of 4156
8/28/04 at 5:47pm
Just got the postcard listing the new 9xx hd channel numbers.

local stations are 900+analog channel number, eg:
903 for kcra nbc
906 for kvie pbs
908 for ktxl fox
910 for kxtv abc

the rest of the list
919 inhd1
920 inhd2/fsn hd
922 discovery hd theater
923 espn hd
930 hbo hd
932 cinemax hd
934 starz! hd
936 showtime hd

No dates are listed on the postcard, eg no guarantee when kvie&ktxl will actually show up.

Troy
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post #51 of 4156
8/28/04 at 10:15pm
Great news Troy, i like how they lined up the channels so its the same channel as the SD but just add a 9xx in front of it.
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post #52 of 4156
8/29/04 at 12:42am
Thread Starter 
Quote:


Originally posted by Troy J B
Just got the postcard listing the new 9xx hd channel numbers.

local stations are 900+analog channel number, eg:
903 for kcra nbc
906 for kvie pbs
908 for ktxl fox
910 for kxtv abc

the rest of the list
919 inhd1
920 inhd2/fsn hd
922 discovery hd theater
923 espn hd
930 hbo hd
932 cinemax hd
934 starz! hd
936 showtime hd

No dates are listed on the postcard, eg no guarantee when kvie&ktxl will actually show up.

Troy

Where is my postcard at?

Thanks for the information Troy. Once that change over on Sept 1st, I guess I could just edit the 1st post Yeah as PorscheT said, I like how the channels are lined up too. Noticed the SD local comparison to the HD ones. Also, notice how they separated all the premiums by every other number. Giving a clue that they might add the East Coast feed in the future. We will see Also, I'm glad to hear that FOX and PBS will be added at a future time. I rather get CBS before PBS, but oh wellz.
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post #53 of 4156
8/29/04 at 1:12am
Quote:


Originally posted by wunautica
Yeap, just $5 for the rental fee. There is no HD programming fee. You will have to sub to any level of Comcast though. The cheapest being $12.01 for the basic.

Do you or others know if you get the $5 fee waived if your TV has Cable-Card capability, or do they still charge you $5 a month for the card in lieu of the box. Thanks.
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post #54 of 4156
8/29/04 at 1:16am
Just a general question. I see the posts inquiring about and/or requesting HD stations being added to Comcast. Since these stations are available over-the-air with a ATSC tuner, what is the advantage for Comcast carrying the HD feed? Does Comcast have a better image? Some other reason? Thanks.
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post #55 of 4156
8/29/04 at 9:16am
Quote:


Originally posted by igreg
Do you or others know if you get the $5 fee waived if your TV has Cable-Card capability, or do they still charge you $5 a month for the card in lieu of the box. Thanks.

Here is the response I got to an E-mail I sent them asking the same question.

Quote:


Thank you for contacting Comcast in regards to your digital-cable-ready
TV and the CableCARD provided by Comcast.

Comcast is committed to supporting the new technology of
digital-cable-ready TV sets that consumer electronics manufacturers are
developing. By offering CableCARD service, we're able to provide
choices: customers who prefer not having a digital set-top box can use
a CableCARD, while customers who want to use the full range of Digital
Cable features, e.g. ON DEMAND, pay-per-view and the Comcast interactive program guide, will continue to use a set-top box provided by Comcast to receive those features.

There is no additional charge for CableCARD service above what you
currently pay for Digital Cable service.

At this time, CableCARDs are only available through your local cable
provider, and must be installed by a Comcast technician.

If you are interested in having a CableCARD installed please contact us
at 1-888-824-2000 to set up an appointment at your convenience.

Thank you for choosing Comcast Cable. Please feel free to contact us if you have any more questions or concerns.

Sincerely,
Olivia
Comcast Customer Care Specialist
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post #56 of 4156
8/29/04 at 11:57am
Quote:


Originally posted by igreg
Just a general question. I see the posts inquiring about and/or requesting HD stations being added to Comcast. Since these stations are available over-the-air with a ATSC tuner, what is the advantage for Comcast carrying the HD feed? Does Comcast have a better image? Some other reason? Thanks.

The image should be the same, except you do not have to worry about atmospheric conditions affecting the reception.

For me, I do not own an ATSC tuner, and do not want to hassle with an antennae (with an silver sensor I could barely get vhf channels 10 and 13, and no UHF channels).

Troy
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post #57 of 4156
8/30/04 at 2:42pm
For those with QAM256 tuners, KVIE and KTXL are now up in the clear on Comcast cable. I hope that means they will go live on the boxes with the September 1 channel realignment?

KVIE is channel 83.01 and KTXL is 83.02.
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post #58 of 4156
8/30/04 at 7:18pm
Thanks for the news everybody! =)

also, Joanne Jackson always has the same response
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post #59 of 4156
8/30/04 at 8:09pm
Quote:


Originally posted by nightowl
For those with QAM256 tuners, KVIE and KTXL are now up in the clear on Comcast cable. I hope that means they will go live on the boxes with the September 1 channel realignment?

KVIE is channel 83.01 and KTXL is 83.02.

Are you able to compare the quality of KVIE on Comcast and KVIE OTA on 6.1? The OTA version has bad artifacts in fast motion because of multicasting, I suppose Comcast is getting the same feed as the OTA version so it will not be any better but I am still hoping...
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post #60 of 4156
8/30/04 at 9:43pm
Quote:


Originally posted by jacmyoung
Are you able to compare the quality of KVIE on Comcast and KVIE OTA on 6.1? The OTA version has bad artifacts in fast motion because of multicasting, I suppose Comcast is getting the same feed as the OTA version so it will not be any better but I am still hoping...

Since moving, I haven't gotten very good OTA reception at all, so I can't tell. I switched over there this evening, and it was standard def material from the convention...not sure what KVIE-DT was showing. Fox appeared to be the DT feed, but no HD material was on Fox tonight...
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