Comcast Digital Switchover

[Priceless]

Re: Comcast Digital Switchover

I've run into the pause as well, but I dealt with it as I didn't think it was adjustable.

I have the DirecTV HR23-700 HD/DVR. YMMV.

To change the time between channel changes:
Press Menu
Choose Parental, Fav's & Setup
Choose System Setup
Choose Display
Choose Preferences
Select Banner Time and choose 2 seconds.
(Banner Time will be off the default screen, you have to scroll to it)
The other options are 4 and 6 seconds.

The "pause" is 2 seconds (which is noticeable, but doesn't seem that bad to me).

 

[dxmnkd316]

Re: Comcast Digital Switchover

Well, this was pretty recently. Like a year and a half ago.

 

[dxmnkd316]

Re: Comcast Digital Switchover

Ok, so I found ONE good thing about the switchover. I now have access to biography, history channel international, and TPT weather (so much better than any crappy weather personality; except dave dahl, that guy rocks).

One other question:

Does anyone here use TiVo?
Does anyone here have the new TiVo premiere or XL?
How does it compare to comcast's DVR?
How much does comcast charge for a cablecard? (What about an Mcard?)
Is it worth it?

 

[Slap Shot]

Re: Comcast Digital Switchover

If I already had digital DVRs with HD should I notice any differences whatsoever? I don't watch any non-HD channels so I don't even know if there's a difference or not. I certainly haven't noticed any additional channels, unless I simply have checked ones I did not have before.

I believe I have the middle of their 3 HD packages - at least I think there's 3..

 

[thebrain]

Re: Comcast Digital Switchover

The only way you'll need the converter is if you have an analog TV without a digital box, unless you're on the super basic local channels and access channels.

 

[ScoobyDoo]

Re: Comcast Digital Switchover

If I already had digital DVRs with HD should I notice any differences whatsoever? I don't watch any non-HD channels so I don't even know if there's a difference or not. I certainly haven't noticed any additional channels, unless I simply have checked ones I did not have before.

I believe I have the middle of their 3 HD packages - at least I think there's 3..

I'm not sure if we have switched over yet but I noticed that channel 11 for example is in HD on my TV without an HD box when I turn it to 11-1. Even though it does not have an HD Box from Comcast and is plugged into cable. Pretty cool. Not sure if that's what is supposed to happen though.

 

[thebrain]

Re: Comcast Digital Switchover

I'm not sure if we have switched over yet but I noticed that channel 11 for example is in HD on my TV without an HD box when I turn it to 11-1. Even though it does not have an HD Box from Comcast and is plugged into cable. Pretty cool. Not sure if that's what is supposed to happen though.

Yes, you'll be getting the over the air channels in HD if you're not using a cable box.

 

[redheadzeb]

Re: Comcast Digital Switchover

If I already had digital DVRs with HD should I notice any differences whatsoever? I don't watch any non-HD channels so I don't even know if there's a difference or not. I certainly haven't noticed any additional channels, unless I simply have checked ones I did not have before.

I believe I have the middle of their 3 HD packages - at least I think there's 3..

This is what I was told by a Comcast technician the last time he was here (which is way too often): for every one analog station they have to carry on the wire, they could provide 8 HD channels. So, once the anaolg stations are dropped, we should see more HD channels on our HD digital DVRs, etc... However, I haven't received any communication on what to expect on that front.

The digital cable box must be in place to convert the HD. Additionally, the "little" converter boxes (which I think are the topic that started this thread) aren't just for analog only TVs I'm told. We have a digital TV in our bedroom--we will need to use the convert box because Comcast will also be encrypting the signal upon full digital cutover. The converter box is needed for decryption*. This really sucks, because I'd rather just plug the cable right into my digital TV. Or, I can get another digital cable box because that TV can fully utilize it for HD. (Not so much a problem of cost--even though I think the price is ridiculously high--we just don't have a good place to put a cable box in that room.)

Take that for what it is worth coming from the Comcast technician (a contractor with PreWire, actually). I can't find any documentation to link to on this, but to be fair, I haven't looked that hard. If anyone is in the business and can help clear up the statement about "8 HD channels to every 1 analog," it would be greatly appreciated. That is the statement that intrigues me the most.

*What really bugs me here, if true, is that if Comcast is going to use [additional] encryption method(s) on their signals, that will eat up space for potential HD channels.

 

[thebrain]

Re: Comcast Digital Switchover

This is what I was told by a Comcast technician the last time he was here (which is way too often): for every one analog station they have to carry on the wire, they could provide 8 HD channels. So, once the anaolg stations are dropped, we should see more HD channels on our HD digital DVRs, etc... However, I haven't received any communication on what to expect on that front.

The digital cable box must be in place to convert the HD. Additionally, the "little" converter boxes (which I think are the topic that started this thread) aren't just for analog only TVs I'm told. We have a digital TV in our bedroom--we will need to use the convert box because Comcast will also be encrypting the signal upon full digital cutover. The converter box is needed for decryption*. This really sucks, because I'd rather just plug the cable right into my digital TV. Or, I can get another digital cable box because that TV can fully utilize it for HD. (Not so much a problem of cost--even though I think the price is ridiculously high--we just don't have a good place to put a cable box in that room.)

Take that for what it is worth coming from the Comcast technician (a contractor with PreWire, actually). I can't find any documentation to link to on this, but to be fair, I haven't looked that hard. If anyone is in the business and can help clear up the statement about "8 HD channels to every 1 analog," it would be greatly appreciated. That is the statement that intrigues me the most.

*What really bugs me here, if true, is that if Comcast is going to use [additional] encryption method(s) on their signals, that will eat up space for potential HD channels.

You'll be fine plugging it directly into the TV. If you re-scan your channels, you should already be getting the local channels in HD.

 

[dxmnkd316]

Re: Comcast Digital Switchover

You will need a box for all channels under channel 25. You get local through government without a cablecard, DTA, or set top box. Everything else will be encrypted and you will not be able to view them once the full switchover is complete. This is how it was explained to me.

 

[dxmnkd316]

Re: Comcast Digital Switchover

Ok, so I found ONE good thing about the switchover. I now have access to biography, history channel international, and TPT weather (so much better than any crappy weather personality; except dave dahl, that guy rocks).

One other question:

Does anyone here use TiVo?
Does anyone here have the new TiVo premiere or XL?
How does it compare to comcast's DVR?
How much does comcast charge for a cablecard? (What about an Mcard?)
Is it worth it?

bueller?

 

[Priceless]

Re: Comcast Digital Switchover

One other question:

Does anyone here use TiVo?
Does anyone here have the new TiVo premiere or XL?
How does it compare to comcast's DVR?
How much does comcast charge for a cablecard? (What about an Mcard?)
Is it worth it?

That's six questions.

I don't use TiVo or have Comcast, so I have no answer. Scarlet is the Queen of TiVo around here...try asking in the TV thread.

 

[Kepler]

Re: Comcast Digital Switchover

I just got TiVo Premier, but I haven't gotten the card yet. Comcrap is forcing the issue though since stations keep dropping out -- when I can't watch The Soup, a new approach is needed.