Lansing, MI - HDTV - Page 2

Appears that WILX's HD channel is not coming through on Comcast 232. I switched to my OTA antenna and it appears to be fine.

I don't feel like dealing with Comcast today, so I'll just let it go.

As for the issues in the previous few posts regarding ESPN and Discovery HD...

College Gameday is always in SD, so you didn't miss anything.

I've always been told by Comcast that Digital cable subscription of some sort is required to get ESPN HD, DSC, InHD, TNTHD, etc...

Looks like the recent billing upgrades has brought the EL network in alignment with the normal Comcast systems.

I've had no issue with my cable or HD over the last few days.

I always assumed Comcast would have an HD tier as well, but when I called to make sure i could get my HD service going, I was told that I already had the HD box (i got it for the dual tuner DVR) and digital cable so I was fine and just needed an HD set to hook it up to.

The only HD that I've seen people get with a QAM tuner and basic or enhanced included the locals and occasionaly a random HD or two. Everything else is encrypted and needs the STB or a cablecard.

If this is being caused by upgrades to the EL network, this is a good thing, hopefully you'll get some more bandwidth and get the channels that have been deployed to the rest of the Lansing network.

Any chance you can scan that brochure and post an image of it?

On scan1.jpg, I see nothing about HD channels in the lineups, nor any information about subscribing to a package to receive them. WHat does the * next to Digital Plus mean?

Scan2, as you said has the note about a qualifying package. As I posted earlier, I've always been told that Digital Classic is a minimum to get the encrypted HD channels.

The lansing market has been in line with the national setup for quite some time. This network that he is on is the old TCI East Lansing network that Comcast never merged into the "Lansing Network." They have a slightly different channel lineup and services than the Lansing Network.

I agree with homcom, that its just the natural progression of Comcast assimilating the system. As I posted earlier, I believe that this is a very good thing for EL. The fact that Comcast is starting to upgrade the network means more bandwidth and more services that have been deployed to Lansing (WSYM, VSGLF, FSN HD, MHD, etc). Possibly even a network merger?

It appears that EL was like a lot of the old Adelphia systems that got transitioned to Comcast, they went through many changes because their provider changed and the network setup changed. Same thing here, just delayed. Comcast bought TCI ages ago, but they never did any work to the network, so it stayed a piece of crap, but you got a few HDs for free. Now that upgrades are coming in and the system is being brought in line with a "typical" Comcast network, some changes will occur. I would make a guess that Comcast just never installed any encryption on the head end so the HDs weren't encrypted.


did a CSR or a tech explain this to you? if it was a CSR, well, they never have a clue about what they are saying, so thats no good. If a tech told you that, then it may have been somebody that knew how the network was setup and that you didn't need the higher level subscriptions.

When I first saw the scans you posted, my first thought was that if HD showed up working on my system and I hadn't changed anything, then I would assume that I got it for having the SD subscription. Your best chance to prove anything would be if you had, in writing from a Comcast employee, that you got HD service for having the SC Service.

As previously stated, Even time I've spoke with a CSR, Account Exec, Tech, Senior tech, CSM (Customer service manager), Email support, etc; it has always been communicated that a digital cable subscription of some sort was needed to get the encrypted HD channels.


You had a very bad experience here and that is unfortunate. I had a few issues with the CSRs I spoke with during the Billing system upgrade and when VSGLF and FSN HD were to be deployed. I started using the email support and wouldn't take no for an answer. It took about 10 days of back and forth emails, but finally a manager called me and we talked for a good hour regarding not only the upgrades, but the poor level of service I had received. I ended up with 5-6 weeks worth of free cable for my troubles.

I've never assumed that Comcast owed me anything, I've made many requests to them, but I have a few choices in my video services and if Comcast ever pissed me off enough, I'd just change. There is nothing that can be done to change what has been done. It sounds like you've made your choice and that is your prerogative.

Having dealt with Comcast for so long, I know that to really get anything done, it takes atleast 4-5 calls/emails and I am prepared for that.

Do you know where the main office your service comes from?

Could be an issue where the systems in that office need upgrades or that the bandwidth available just can't handle the OnDemand needs.

Your best bet is to talk to people in the local office rather than calling the 800 number.

Dish Network has moved some HD channel assignments, has this shown up to any of the E* subs in the area with the 211 hardware?

When/if it does, please PM me the new channel numbers and I'll update the 1st post.