[markjrenna]

Comcast NJ - Union/Verona


Here is the new iGuide web site and demo.

http://www.i-guide.tv/


I know Comcast is going to deploy this over the next 30 to 45 days.

 

[markjrenna]

Comcast NJ - Union/Verona


I decided to go to Comcast's site and found this PDF.

http://www.comcast.com/MediaLibraryR..._Dual_4468.pdf


Between the demo http://www.i-guide.tv/ and the PDF it looks like there are some new key features:


1. Series Recording. Looks like First Runs as well.

2. Series Priority

3. Time line indicator when Pausing.

4. TV window in the guide.

5. Mini and larger guide.


Looking forward to this and hopefully the 6412 is soon to follow.


Mark

 

[bfdtv]

Good catch.


iGuide demonstrated earlier this year had the same recording options as the current TV Guide software. The same options were shown on the earlier PDF. It looks like they've updated iGuide with some new features. Perhaps Comcast is listening to its customers after all?


Screenshots from the PDF :
http://home.comcast.net/~bklfowler/i...e_firstrun.jpg http://home.comcast.net/~bklfowler/i...e_priority.jpg


Now, if they'd only add the ability to remove channels from the guide that you don't want to see (like the Moxi and MS DVR software), a 60x FF speed, time compensation on20x and 60x fast forward and rewind (or 30-sec skip), and grouping for 2+ episodes of the same program on the DVR....

 

[markjrenna]

Quote:

Originally posted by markjrenna Comcast NJ - Union/Verona I decided to go to Comcast's site and found this PDF. http://www.comcast.com/MediaLibraryR..._Dual_4468.pdf

Comcast NJ - Union/Verona


Today Comcast pulled the link (although the link above still works)to the the PDF from their site. Maybe it wasn't supposed to have been there yet. Maybe they are having problems with the new iGuide.

 

[markjrenna]

Quote:

Originally posted by markjrenna Comcast NJ - Union/Verona Today Comcast pulled the link (although the link above still works)to the the PDF from their site. Maybe it wasn't supposed to have been there yet. Maybe they are having problems with the new iGuide.

Comcast NJ - Union/Verona


The link is back up.

http://www.comcast.com/tvgdvr/

 

[markjrenna]

Comcast NJ - Union/Verona


Here is another link from Comcast http://www.comcast.com/newguide/


This used to say the new iGuide would arrive between 9/29 and 10/14. The message now reads


"Comcast is improving your Digital On-Screen Program guide. To learn more about the new On-Screen Program Guide coming to you this fall, click..."


So I guess we should expect the iGuide anytime from now till what, December 20th.


I hope sooner than later.

 

[markjrenna]

Comcast NJ - Union/Verona


Update! Comcast has to install some new equipment (so that iGuide can work) in their head end. This is scheduled for mid to late October. Once that equipment is in and working (no bugs), then the iGuide will be deployed to all Digital STB's late October to early November.

 

[JimF_NJ]

Thanks for the updates on this, Mark... I haven't seen anything as of yet down here in the Meadowlands.


-jim

 

[markjrenna]

Comcast NJ - Union/Verona


Comcast released a new demo of their iGuide. It is similar to the one at http://www.i-guide.tv/ but it is Comcast specific. In the DVR section of the demo it now lets you choose between a Single Tuner and a Dual Tuner. There are some differences that may be significant (other than two tuners of course). Looks like the time bar on the dual tuner indicates the show and channel while the single tuner does not. Another important item mentioned in the dual tuner demo is the first run feature. They also say the DVR will "detect" line up changes. If this is true, this will be much more Tivo "like" utilizing Name based recording over time based.


Wow this looks great. I hope it is all that it appears to be.


Check it out here http://comcast.com/newguide/flashdemo.html


Looks like we will see the iGuide very late October to very early November.

 

[markjrenna]

Comcast NJ - Union/Verona


iGuide upgrade...


I'm hearing December. Here is why:


1. Comcast is trying to roll out the iGuide to all Motorola STB's everywhere. They would like to do this pretty much at the same time.


2. There is new equipment that has to be installed in each head end (each cable sub.) The equipment allows iGuide to function properly. For instance, the ability to notice a lineup change and correct the OSG. This is very much like Tivo.


3. Testing. Comcast does not want to fall into the same debacle that Cox/Pioneer is in. Comcast wants to deploy the iGuide and yes the 6412 when everything is working.


If I get a more concrete time frame I will let you all know here.


Comcast is waiting to receive 6412's. I'm hearing that they should be in soon (before December). When they are finally available, they will have the new iGuide on them regardless of the iGuide roll out.

 

[tall1]

Quote:

Originally posted by markjrenna Comcast NJ - Union/Verona Another important item mentioned in the dual tuner demo is the first run feature. They also say the DVR will "detect" line up changes. If this is true, this will be much more Tivo "like" utilizing Name based recording over time based.

I think I read a post awhile back that stated this feature (name based recording) is patented by Tivo. Can anyone confirm this is the case? I just always assumed that Tivo would have the edge in PVR technology because of this exclusive feature and thought that even if it could be reverse engineered (which is legal), that no manufacturer could place this feature on a non-Tivo box.

 

[markjrenna]

Comcast NJ - Union/Verona


10/25/04


i-GUIDE Press Release:
http://www.gemstartvguide.com/pressr...r.asp?prId=287

 

[markjrenna]

Comcast NJ - Union/Verona


This is Comcast NJ specific.


i-Guide deployment:


Union/Meadowland's is 12/8


Jersey City/East Windsor area is 12/15


Of course this is subject to change with or without notice. But as of today, it's the plan.

 

[markjrenna]

Comcast NJ - Union/Verona


A couple more links regarding the i-Guide:

http://broadband.motorola.com/dvr/do...lue_iGuide.pdf

http://broadband.motorola.com/dvr/downloads/URMD2.pdf


I know have the i-Guide with the 6412.

 

[rob316]

Just received my new Moto6412 yesterday 11/21/04. Looks good swap is pretty kool. I have heard from other forums that therer is not PIP funtionality in the 6412 what a bummer. The new I-Guide is also pretty good and the DVR functions such as series recording is a big improvemnet.



Is it true about PIP or does a future firmware upgrade enable the function?





Rob Dolan

 

[markjrenna]

Quote:

Originally posted by rob316 Just received my new Moto6412 yesterday 11/21/04. Looks good swap is pretty kool. I have heard from other forums that therer is not PIP funtionality in the 6412 what a bummer. The new I-Guide is also pretty good and the DVR functions such as series recording is a big improvemnet. Is it true about PIP or does a future firmware upgrade enable the function? Rob Dolan

Comcast NJ - Union/Verona


The 6412 is incapable of showing both tuners at the same time. We can only hope that Motorola is working on a successor dual tuner DVR/STB that has the ability to do PIP.


Mark

 

[ThePerfectViewe]

Comcast will install two units for me on Monday (11/29). Hope they are not the reboot duds.

 

[markjrenna]

Comcast NJ - Union/Verona


Here is the i-Guide FAQ from Comcast's site:

http://www.comcast.com/Support/Corp1...aq2_278_0.html

 

[fender4645]

Quote:

Originally posted by markjrenna Comcast NJ - Union/Verona Here is the i-Guide FAQ from Comcast's site: http://www.comcast.com/Support/Corp1...aq2_278_0.html

FAQ #9 is pretty funny: "I liked the old guide better. Can you switch my service back to it?"

 

[markjrenna]

Comcast NJ - Union/Verona


Per Comcast of NJ regarding the i-Guide deployment:


"No date has been set yet. We are looking at quarter 1 '05. As far as the software version, it will be a newer version. They are working out some bugs."