Re: 2/17/2009 - All DIGITAL TV Transition Discussions go here in Comcast Cable TV http://www.dslreports.com/forum/r19833467 en Tue, 15 Dec 2009 07:28:31 EDT Tue, 15 Dec 2009 07:28:31 EDT Re: 2/17 & 6/12 - All DIGITAL TV Transition Discussions go here http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,23455361 dervari : Atalnta 30345 went digital Monday, Dec 7. Only the "lifeline basic" tier is still on analog.]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,23455361 Tue, 08 Dec 2009 08:58:21 EDT Re: 2/17 & 6/12 - All DIGITAL TV Transition Discussions go here http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,23267010 SpHeRe31459 : Since this thread is over 90 days old I figured I'd post here. A while back a few people in the Sacramento, CA area said they got mailings about 100 HD Channels being available by the years end. We'll were nearing the year's end and I haven't seen anything more about it. This of course goes hand and in hand with analog reclimation to have the space for more HD channels.]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,23267010 Fri, 30 Oct 2009 15:19:48 EDT South Florida is Ready! http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,23245013 FifthE1ement : South Florida has started to go all-digital today October 26th in many parts of Broward! They have also previously sent out notices of the A28 I-Guide updates a few weeks back. Now that the transition is complete I'm sure they'll use that extra bandwidth to roll out more channels and features!
--
"The relationship between what we see and what we know is never settled..."]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,23245013 Mon, 26 Oct 2009 19:04:51 EDT Re: 2/17 & 6/12 - All DIGITAL TV Transition Discussions go here http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,23153455 Curlee :
said by Brett09 :

How come with my new Sony HDTV when it scans the stations, I don't get that channel at all when it is part of digital starter package?
I'll assume you've done a channel rescan on your Sony.

I've see something like this with my Sony Bravia. I believe it has to do with the instream PSIP mapping the channel above the ~130 maximum. Sony seems to handle this illogically.

I've emailed Sony support for an explanation of their algorithm for this, but they insist I phone in. (I don't want to know badly enough to waste the time).

I suggest you go to www.silicondust.com, enter your ZIP code, and see if one of their Comcast channel maps fits your lineup. (With luck there'll only be one to choose from).

Look up 146 in the virtualized column to get the corresponding QAM channel number. Enter that number into your Sony directly. (Substitute '.' for '-').

No guarantees. But you may know more than when you started. ]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,23153455 Thu, 08 Oct 2009 17:11:33 EDT Re: 2/17 & 6/12 - All DIGITAL TV Transition Discussions go here http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,23153120 neufuse : you hate comcast for something that will happen on every other cable provider?.. wow thats nice to know..]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,23153120 Thu, 08 Oct 2009 16:19:45 EDT Re: 2/17 & 6/12 - All DIGITAL TV Transition Discussions go here http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,23127902 joetaxpayer :
said by Brett09 :

How come with my new Sony HDTV when it scans the stations, I don't get that channel at all when it is part of digital starter package?
Because everything above 20 or so is encrypted. ]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,23127902 Sat, 03 Oct 2009 21:50:11 EDT Re: 2/17 & 6/12 - All DIGITAL TV Transition Discussions go here http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,23127648 anon : Comcast moved CMT from 70 to 146. On 2 of the tv's I have analog televisions with the standard comcast cable box. How come with my new Sony HDTV when it scans the stations, I don't get that channel at all when it is part of digital starter package? I was hoping I would't need another cable box and wanted to use the digital tv to get that channel. Thanks 4 answering!]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,23127648 Sat, 03 Oct 2009 20:56:14 EDT Re: 2/17 & 6/12 - All DIGITAL TV Transition Discussions go here http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,23114390 stemper :
said by dean4z See Profile :

Re: Does comcast also scramble digital channels now?
If your report about getting HD channels for a day is correct, it looks like the answer is yes, but just to be sure - you do have a splitter on the cable to bring it around the DTA to the TV direct - correct? If not, then the DTA will strip the HD digital signal.

If you want to be certain, just plug the cable directly from the wall into your SONY and run a channel scan. If there are any HD unencrypted channels, that should find them.

I'd be interested, as I'm in CT, too, although we haven't gone digital yet.]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,23114390 Thu, 01 Oct 2009 14:08:48 EDT Re: 2/17 & 6/12 - All DIGITAL TV Transition Discussions go here http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,23097235 bicker : Yup: Consumers dropped the ball in 2005-2006 when CE manufacturers offered CableCARD-compatible HDTVs -- failed to live up to their side of the deal. Until consumers are willing to make it worth CE manufacturers' while to put that circuitry back into their devices, our only choices are within DVRs (such as TiVo and Moxi) and tuners for computers.]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,23097235 Mon, 28 Sep 2009 18:59:54 EDT Re: 2/17 & 6/12 - All DIGITAL TV Transition Discussions go here http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,23096938 jasg :
said by bicker See Profile :

These changes are all outlined in great detail in the notifications that Comcast provides. The direction for the entire industry is to encrypt digital cable, so folks who want to make the most use of their QAM tuners should ensure that they are CableCARD-compatible.
All true, but no one seems to sell new CableCard TVs these days. Searches at OneCall, J&R, Crutchfield and BestBuy show no hits for 'Cablecard'. A few DVRs and PC tuners are the only current devices that support Cablecard.]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,23096938 Mon, 28 Sep 2009 17:57:05 EDT Re: 2/17 & 6/12 - All DIGITAL TV Transition Discussions go here http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,23095520 bicker : These changes are all outlined in great detail in the notifications that Comcast provides. The direction for the entire industry is to encrypt digital cable, so folks who want to make the most use of their QAM tuners should ensure that they are CableCARD-compatible. ]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,23095520 Mon, 28 Sep 2009 13:55:42 EDT Re: 2/17 & 6/12 - All DIGITAL TV Transition Discussions go here http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,23095394 joetaxpayer : Sounds like you need a full set top box.]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,23095394 Mon, 28 Sep 2009 13:34:37 EDT Re: 2/17 & 6/12 - All DIGITAL TV Transition Discussions go here http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,23095097 dean4z : Re: Does comcast also scramble digital channels now?

From CT, newington meriden area.

Just went throught the analog to dig conversion with the DTA's and cable box this Sept 2009.

It is crap!!!

I have a Sony XBR tv with QAM digital tuner-- i used to get NBC, CBS, Fox, PBS, etc in high def. Plus cnn, espn, fx in 480i digital, as well as analog NTSC.

Comcast came out to set/fix the cable lines because the signal was weak and DTA would not work.
We tested the channels, picture in picture, before the guy left and I did receive NBC, CBS, Fox, etc in high def for a day or so.

But the next day I can't pick up any HD signals at all--I'm not talking about CNN or ESPN or CNBC. But the over-the-air channels that you can pick up with an antenna for free like CBS, NBC, etc. So I lost all HD stations.

Listen to this: I'm supposed to have "digital starter".
My Sony TV has Picture in Picture--when i split the screen I can only get a digital "atsc" station on the left screen, and on the right screen the TV can receive only analog "ntsc" channels--fine.
Now after this bullshi# comcast conversion I get only "NTSC" stations on both the left screen Picture-in-Picture as well as the right screen.

Basically this means my Sony TV is only picking up an analog signal- from the remote when you select "Display info" it even says "NTSC" analog for every supposed digital starter channel. And last month i could get any station in "480i" digital and some like NBC in high definition "1080i". The NTSC stations i now get even look slightly less clear or fuzzier than before the conversion.

It is complete shi# service. And how do you set up channel-skip for all these crap stations like qvc and telemundo??? it's like finding a needle in a hay stack!

I hate Comcast]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,23095097 Mon, 28 Sep 2009 12:46:47 EDT Re: 2/17 & 6/12 - All DIGITAL TV Transition Discussions go here http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,23030629 hussle87 : Any news for carroll county md. I know maryland is starting to migrate this fall but I havent heard specifics for carroll.]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,23030629 Wed, 16 Sep 2009 00:23:04 EDT Re: 2/17 & 6/12 - All DIGITAL TV Transition Discussions go here http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,22968246 bicker : Again, the federally-mandated means of connecting your personal host devices to digital cable is via a means of separable security, i.e., CableCARD. If your host equipment doesn't comply, then indeed it may not work.]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,22968246 Thu, 03 Sep 2009 12:10:07 EDT Re: 2/17 & 6/12 - All DIGITAL TV Transition Discussions go here http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,22967866 joetaxpayer :
said by bicker See Profile :

Local OTA channels will remain unencrypted.
So, all manner of TV inputs to PCs are limited to local analog, the QAM tuner aspect becomes moot with encryption. ]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,22967866 Thu, 03 Sep 2009 10:51:24 EDT Re: 2/17 & 6/12 - All DIGITAL TV Transition Discussions go here http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,22966916 bicker : The TiVo HD already requires CableCARD to map digital services to its program guide. That's always been the case, with or without encryption. CableCARD has been, and remains, the federally-mandated way to ensure that your digital television equipment is compatible with cable television. It has been that way for years. This doesn't change that.

Local OTA channels will remain unencrypted.]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,22966916 Thu, 03 Sep 2009 06:02:57 EDT Re: 2/17 & 6/12 - All DIGITAL TV Transition Discussions go here http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,22965519 joetaxpayer :
said by bicker See Profile :

Yup.... late breaking news...
So all things that would receive QAM signals (e.g. TiVo, actual TV, little USB dongles that plug into computer, etc.) all rendered useless.
And if I want the extra TiVos to tune anything above analog, it's cards for me? Right? I assume that if they have this waiver, they'll jump on it and encrypt all QAM channels?]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,22965519 Wed, 02 Sep 2009 20:42:29 EDT Re: 2/17 & 6/12 - All DIGITAL TV Transition Discussions go here http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,22933173 bicker : Yup.... late breaking news...]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,22933173 Thu, 27 Aug 2009 13:56:57 EDT Re: 2/17 & 6/12 - All DIGITAL TV Transition Discussions go here http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,22932837 neufuse : but they just were granted one... ;)]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,22932837 Thu, 27 Aug 2009 13:00:57 EDT Re: 2/17 & 6/12 - All DIGITAL TV Transition Discussions go here http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,22885675 bicker : First, Comcast (the object of this specific thread) has not been granted any such waivers (yet).

Second, "not considered true encryption" would not be the reason that waivers are being granted. Waivers are being granted because it is determined to be in the public interest to make advanced (i.e., encrypted) services available to subscribers for less money (since DTAs cost less than STBs). Granting this waiver tends to be a win-win: The subscribers win because a couple of DTAs are already included in the price they pay, while having to upgrade to STBs could cost a few dollars each. The cable company wins because they can plan on a few extra subscribers being willing to upgrade to advanced (i.e., encrypted) services, since the box rentals cost less.]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,22885675 Tue, 18 Aug 2009 11:54:19 EDT Re: 2/17 & 6/12 - All DIGITAL TV Transition Discussions go here http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,22885498 andyross :
said by bicker See Profile :

Just to be clear, there definitely is a law against MSOs using privacy mode in DTAs, without a waiver. The law is known as the "separable security ban".
Thanks, I forgot about that. I guess the waivers are being allowed at times since it's not considered true encryption?]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,22885498 Tue, 18 Aug 2009 11:23:16 EDT Re: 2/17 & 6/12 - All DIGITAL TV Transition Discussions go here http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,22881259 joetaxpayer : Thank-you (and Andy) for setting me straight. ]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,22881259 Mon, 17 Aug 2009 14:34:05 EDT Re: 2/17 & 6/12 - All DIGITAL TV Transition Discussions go here http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,22880561 bicker : Just to be clear, there definitely is a law against MSOs using privacy mode in DTAs, without a waiver. The law is known as the "separable security ban".]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,22880561 Mon, 17 Aug 2009 12:38:59 EDT Re: 2/17 & 6/12 - All DIGITAL TV Transition Discussions go here http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,22880364 andyross : DTA's have a privacy mode, which is a simple form of encryption. I think it leaves a readable MPEG stream, but the data in it is scrambled. If it works similar to the way porn was shown OnDemand before it became encrypted, it just shows as a shimmering freeze-frame of the last picture the TV saw, or green/pink blocks shimmering and moving.

Full encryption makes even the MPEG stream unreadable. It uses patented techniques that require royalty payments ($$$). I don't know if there is an actual law saying you can't use encryption (maybe for broadcast/local access, but I don't know about other channels), or if it's just a cost issue.

DTA's are a bit more sophisticated than a simple QAM tuner. They do have activation, and read a channel map hidden in the data stream on most channels so the user can use regular channel numbers. A plain QAM tuner will typically end up using 86-1, 86-2, 86-3, etc... unless Comcast starts using PSIP to remap numbers.]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,22880364 Mon, 17 Aug 2009 12:03:04 EDT Re: 2/17 & 6/12 - All DIGITAL TV Transition Discussions go here http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,22880297 joetaxpayer :
said by bicker See Profile :

Until Comcast is granted a waiver, DTAs, by law, cannot not present cable networks that are encrypted, regardless of the service tier you are subscribed to.
Just when I thought I understood.
I thought a DTA was just a converter analogous to the OTA box, but shifting QAM to view on analog TV. With no decryption in the box, what law are you referencing? How will DTAs suddenly decrypt upon receipt of any waiver? (Do DTAs have more power than I understand?)]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,22880297 Mon, 17 Aug 2009 11:50:53 EDT Re: 2/17 & 6/12 - All DIGITAL TV Transition Discussions go here http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,22869788 Prairie Dog : ok, thanks for the explanation.]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,22869788 Fri, 14 Aug 2009 19:53:53 EDT Re: 2/17 & 6/12 - All DIGITAL TV Transition Discussions go here http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,22869702 bicker : Digital Preferred service comes with one (1) digital STB (or one CableCARD), plus (in areas where Comcast has gone "all-digital") two (2) DTAs. The STB (or CableCARD) will provide you access to all the linear channels you're paying for. Until Comcast is granted a waiver, DTAs, by law, cannot not present cable networks that are encrypted, regardless of the service tier you are subscribed to. If you want the higher-tier channels on more televisions, you need to rent more decryption devices (STBs or CableCARDs).]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,22869702 Fri, 14 Aug 2009 19:36:44 EDT Re: 2/17 & 6/12 - All DIGITAL TV Transition Discussions go here http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,22869624 frantic1049 : GSN comes in here in Upper Bucks on the TV with the DTA, but not on the analog TV that doesn't have a DTA.]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,22869624 Fri, 14 Aug 2009 19:21:46 EDT Re: 2/17 & 6/12 - All DIGITAL TV Transition Discussions go here http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,22869011 Prairie Dog : Question regarding the new digital service. I currently have Digital Preferred service. When I activated my new cable digital adapters, I was receiving channels such as the game show Network. However, that only lasted a day, and then that channel and others were gone. Previously I receive that and such channels only with the TVs that had the standard Comcast Motorola box, which I paid $9.99 a month for, I am still receiving the channels on those higher priced boxes. Should I be able to receive these channels now with these new digital boxes on all TVs, since I am paying a monthly fee for Digital Preferred. ]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,22869011 Fri, 14 Aug 2009 17:22:36 EDT Re: 2/17 & 6/12 - All DIGITAL TV Transition Discussions go here http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,22829601 bicker : The website need not necessarily show all the options available to you. Call them to discuss all the options available to you. ]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,22829601 Fri, 07 Aug 2009 07:32:11 EDT Re: 2/17 & 6/12 - All DIGITAL TV Transition Discussions go here http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,22829532 mahohmei : In Tallahassee, I just found that Comcast's web listing of offerings for our market has changed:

- The absolute lowest cable package available is "Digital Starter"; they don't even have must-carry analog.

- The only high-speed Internet package is Performance Plus "Downloads up to 16Mbps, uploads up to 2Mbps with PowerBoost", which sounds like it would be 8 mbps. I just rebooted my cable modem, and I'm still getting 6.6/1.1.

Coincidentally, Comcast just introduced domain-not-found hijacking in our area, which I very quickly opted out of.

This made me think: does this mean Project Cavalry has made touch down here?]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,22829532 Fri, 07 Aug 2009 06:54:06 EDT Re: 2/17 & 6/12 - All DIGITAL TV Transition Discussions go here http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,22813746 joetaxpayer : Funny, after all this, I got an email from TiVo telling me of my town's transition.
IM with Comcast confirmed it's next week.
I'm certain I didn't miss any mail and no email came from Comcast to warn me. Well, I guess I'll go get my DTAs.

I still have no idea what channels I'll get on the old cable ready TV, or the TV with the TiVo but with no cards. I guess I'll know soon.

(UPDATE - chatted again, my town NOT on list yet, yesterday's agent made a mistake. Or today's did, hmm, I'll figure it was yesterday that got it wrong, as Bicker here didn't have me on list)

(Update, later same day - I just got the letter. Sudbury, MA going digital Jan 19, 2010. So it appears that TiVo had better info than either rep, one had a bad date, the other, none at all.)]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,22813746 Tue, 04 Aug 2009 15:00:10 EDT Re: 2/17 & 6/12 - All DIGITAL TV Transition Discussions go here http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,22782316 bicker : Our area has a very full list of projects....

June: Newburyport, Newbury, West Newbury, Rowley and Ipswich.

September: Ashland, Bellingham, Blackstone, Franklin, Holliston, Hopedale, Hopkinton, Marlboro, Medway, Mendon, Milford, Millis & Plainville

October: Arlington, Belmont, Burlington, Cambridge, Lynnfield, MIT, Nahant, Revere, Peabody, Reading, Saugus, Stoneham Wilmington, Winchester & Woburn

November: Attleboro, Avon, Bridgewater, Brockton, Dighton, East Bridgewater, Easton, Hanson, Holbrook, Mansfield, North Attleboro, Norton, Raynham, Rehoboth, Seekonk, Somerset, Stoughton, Swansea, Taunton, West Bridgewater & Whitman, Andover, Lawrence, Georgetown, Groveland, Haverhill, Methuen, North Andover & North Reading]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,22782316 Wed, 29 Jul 2009 05:16:34 EDT Re: 2/17 & 6/12 - All DIGITAL TV Transition Discussions go here http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,22781196 hussle87 : any little bird tweeting about the next markets going digital?]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,22781196 Tue, 28 Jul 2009 21:46:22 EDT Re: 2/17 & 6/12 - All DIGITAL TV Transition Discussions go here http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,22646289 markofmayhem : Ack, not what I meant to say. Thank you for the catch. Too many words in too little time :(

Verizon applied for a waiver, so did the "cable companies", the goal was to yet again put off the seperate security STB's that have a higher cost to purchase from Motorola/SA. Verizon was granted the waiver, the cable companies were not. Verizon promised the FCC it would go all-digital before the DTV switch, helping it achieve this waiver. Verizon didn't miss it's promise. The waiver was the ability to use non-seperate security equipment, such as the QIP3416 and QIP6416.]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,22646289 Thu, 02 Jul 2009 17:12:47 EDT Re: 2/17 & 6/12 - All DIGITAL TV Transition Discussions go here http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,22646259 darcilicious :
said by markofmayhem See Profile :

Verizon was granted the waiver, the cable companies were not. Verizon promised the FCC it would go all-digital before the DTV switch, helping it achieve this waiver. Verizon missed it's promise. The waiver was the ability to use non-seperate security equipment, such as the QIP3416 and QIP6416.
I'm confused, which promise did Vz miss? Because they certainly went all digital well before the DTV switch...]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,22646259 Thu, 02 Jul 2009 17:08:24 EDT Re: 2/17 & 6/12 - All DIGITAL TV Transition Discussions go here http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,22645064 markofmayhem :
said by Agent 86 :

(Yes, they have to offer cable boxes with analog outputs - which of course they all do anyway. That is completely irrelevant).
No, it isn't, it's the very point you fail to understand. Verizon (which is NOT a cable company) is subject to the same statute as Comcast, Cox, etc, they must provide at least one digital to analog converter per home (which they do, every Verizon package includes one STB). GCI services Anchorage, Alaska; it's customer base is below the threshhold, it is not required to provide a DTA (but, again, they do, so they are in compliance with a regulation they do not need to comply with if they so choose).

"Small" operators have ALWAYS had relief from FCC regulations.

RCN was not forced, it chose to convert and did it to compete with Comcast in Chicago ONLY:

said by RCN's Website :
I have heard that RCN is converting its system to all-digital. What is that all about?
Separate from the nationwide over-the-air digital television transition, RCN is in the process of phasing out our own analog tier of service in order to free up capacity so we can bring you more High Definition and Video-On-Demand programming. The RCN system in the Chicago market has completed this conversion and is now providing its customers with fully digital cable service. The remaining RCN systems will be converting through out this year and next. This is a separate process from the digital broadcast television transition and may not be completed in all markets prior to February 17, 2009. All of RCN’s customers, including those using both analog and digital television sets, will continue to receive their cable and local broadcast channels without interruption, but it will require that you have a set-top box or cablecard at each TV.


BTW, RCN Chicago includes one set-top box with it's service, thus complying with the Analog compatibility Must-Carry option until 2012. In Lehigh Valley where analog signal is still used, they do not include it.

Comcast, Cox, Time Warner, etc. had a CHOICE which way they would comply with the FCC Broadcast mandate that accepted Must-Carry licenses with the option to force analog compatibility until 2012 in regard to carriage. They could either convert to analog at the head end or at the customer's location. Comcast decided to do it at the head-end, RCN/GCI/Verizon chose to do it at the customer's location.

I will state this again since you failed to either read it or understand it the first time.

said by markofmayhem :
bound by the FCC regs to provide analog support on FCC approved must-carry broadcast channels who elect the analog option until 2012; either by delivering an analog signal or providing a Digital to Analog converter at the consumer's location.


No "cable" company is forced to carry analog, they are FORCED to provide compatibility for an anaog television to receive FCC accepted Must-Carry broadcast channels carried on the system. They can do this through DTA's in the home or by converting to analog at the head-end and continue to send an analog signal downline.

Just to put the nail in this tired old coffin YET AGAIN.

At no time did the FCC force Verizon to go "all digital".

Verizon applied for a waiver, so did the "cable companies", the goal was to yet again put off the seperate security STB's that have a higher cost to purchase from Motorola/SA. Verizon was granted the waiver, the cable companies were not. Verizon promised the FCC it would go all-digital before the DTV switch, helping it achieve this waiver. Verizon missed it's promise. The waiver was the ability to use non-seperate security equipment, such as the QIP3416 and QIP6416.]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,22645064 Thu, 02 Jul 2009 13:10:21 EDT Re: 2/17 & 6/12 - All DIGITAL TV Transition Discussions go here http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,22636177 anon : Mark, all 3 cable companies I mentioned were forced to drop analog (i.e. in exchange for favors). Not "allowed" - forced. Dropping analog is what the FCC wants. So the statement that cable is required to carry analog is not just wrong, it is 180 degrees opposite from FCC policy. (Yes, they have to offer cable boxes with analog outputs - which of course they all do anyway. That is completely irrelevant).]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,22636177 Tue, 30 Jun 2009 18:15:57 EDT Re: 2/17 & 6/12 - All DIGITAL TV Transition Discussions go here http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,22626301 hussle87 : I talked to comcast via chat and carroll county is scheduled for aug 11th migration. so we'll see.]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,22626301 Sun, 28 Jun 2009 23:48:48 EDT Re: 2/17 & 6/12 - All DIGITAL TV Transition Discussions go here http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,22614963 bicker : Charter, Cox, Time Warner, Cablevision are all legacy cable service providers. ]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,22614963 Fri, 26 Jun 2009 12:08:50 EDT Re: 2/17 & 6/12 - All DIGITAL TV Transition Discussions go here http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,22614724 markofmayhem : Not sure what you are getting at Agent 86, GCI and RCN are exempt from the FCC analog compatibility regulations because they are considered small providers and under the threshhold. Verizon is not a cable company, it is a telecom along with U-Verse and the regulations are tailored to their delivery product just like satellite.

Here in the Comcast TV forum, the word "Cable" usually refers to Comcast and sometimes lumps a few equal ventured companies when comparing different delivery techs to include the "big six" as defined by the NCTA. These "Cable" companies are bound by the FCC regs to provide analog support on FCC approved must-carry broadcast channels who elect the analog option until 2012; either by delivering an analog signal or providing a Digital to Analog converter at the consumer's location. ]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,22614724 Fri, 26 Jun 2009 11:34:55 EDT Re: 2/17 & 6/12 - All DIGITAL TV Transition Discussions go here http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,22583498 anon : Want another example? Ok, here's one: GCI.

But if Verizon and RCN don't exist, then I'm sure GCI doesn't either.

In fact, does any cable company exist for you, bicker, except for Comcast? Perhaps you could give a list of cable companies whose existence you acknowledge.]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,22583498 Sat, 20 Jun 2009 15:30:09 EDT Re: 2/17 & 6/12 - All DIGITAL TV Transition Discussions go here http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,22582184 bicker : RCN is not a legacy service provider. :uhh:

You can choose to agree with whatever you want, but the point stands: The legacy service providers haven't dropped analog yet. ]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,22582184 Sat, 20 Jun 2009 08:16:01 EDT Re: 2/17 & 6/12 - All DIGITAL TV Transition Discussions go here http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,22558896 anon : "I'm sorry... I mistyped. I meant that I didn't know of a single, major LEGACY service provider that has dropped analog for local broadcast channels. My apologies."

How about RCN? Is that major enough and legacy enough to satisfy you?

Maybe you meant to say, "Except for all the cable providers that have gone all-digital, no cable provider has gone all-digital". We can agree on that.]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,22558896 Tue, 16 Jun 2009 09:50:49 EDT Re: 2/17 & 6/12 - All DIGITAL TV Transition Discussions go here http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,22555926 Chaldo : No, before digital cable came out they had in my area channel 5 (HBO) and channel 22 (cinamax) being sent as analog I guess with you having to order it. I know there was a couple ppv channels (75,76,77) that where encrypted but also being sent in analog.

To get channel 5 (hbo) and 22 (cinamax) you needed to order it. The way they blocked it was they put a filter outside the main box on your line to block them. EX. MAIN LINE>> FILTER>> YOUR LINE TO YOUR HOUSE. By removing the filter you could grab HBO and CINAMAX for basically free.

Now the PPV channels where encrypted/scrambled you had to order them, or they had the (black box) Which unencrypted/unscrambled the channels and displayed them to you. If they where not ordered/or no black box and you tried watching them, all you would see is a scrambled screen and you could barely get any picture, but you did hear the sound.

Now with digital tv, there must be a box activated via (MAC) in the system and it would have to talk back to comcast to view the channel. FAQ: Will there be such (blackbox) for this? A: I don't know, but I have a feeling something will happen. ]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,22555926 Mon, 15 Jun 2009 18:44:55 EDT Re: 2/17 & 6/12 - All DIGITAL TV Transition Discussions go here http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,22555302 bicker : I'm sorry... I mistyped. I meant that I didn't know of a single, major LEGACY service provider that has dropped analog for local broadcast channels. My apologies.]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,22555302 Mon, 15 Jun 2009 16:49:55 EDT Re: 2/17 & 6/12 - All DIGITAL TV Transition Discussions go here http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,22555183 acid343211 : You still have that Analog crap in my area i confirmed this,

I did get Digital but that's gone or some mess. :uhh:

Scanning

DTV AIR 0
DTV CABLE 0-299
AIR 19
CABLE 23
DTV 0-117.1
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Visit-
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Ever heard of Verizon? They were not just "allowed" to drop analog, the FCC required them to drop analog in exchange for regulatory relief re:cablecards. The FCC hates analog cable (don't ask me why, they just do).]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,22554727 Mon, 15 Jun 2009 15:16:09 EDT Re: 2/17 & 6/12 - All DIGITAL TV Transition Discussions go here http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,22554648 Chaldo :
said by disturbeddan See Profile :

Two channels only seem to be working still(espnnews and wgn). The rest I get that "This channel will soon be available" Message. So it is getting quite ridiculous now.
I heard Comcast leave a message that they are working on something that happened regarding to that. ]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,22554648 Mon, 15 Jun 2009 14:55:59 EDT Re: 2/17 & 6/12 - All DIGITAL TV Transition Discussions go here http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,22554517 disturbeddan : Two channels only seem to be working still(espnnews and wgn). The rest I get that "This channel will soon be available" Message. So it is getting quite ridiculous now.]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,22554517 Mon, 15 Jun 2009 14:27:27 EDT Re: 2/17 & 6/12 - All DIGITAL TV Transition Discussions go here http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,22554242 Chaldo : So will Comcast take my channels roughly 30+ to Digital soon? I am still confused. I live in the Metro Detroit area. They kept ratting june 12 june 12 to me and I didn't believe it. Look now my TV in my bedroom i am typing in with no box can still receive the expanded basic channels on analog.

Also its a old tv, its not the new ones with digital tuners etc. ]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,22554242 Mon, 15 Jun 2009 13:29:32 EDT Re: 2/17 & 6/12 - All DIGITAL TV Transition Discussions go here http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,22552681 bicker :
said by NSA_CIA :

It's called "Dual Must Carry". See here: »www.ncta.com/IssueBriefs/2716.aspx?view=3
What what you're saying is essentially true, that link is misleading, though. This is from the FCC directly:
DUAL MUST-CARRY: The FCC Rules
Under the FCC’s report and order, cable operators will be required from Feb. 18, 2009, to Feb. 17, 2012, to:
Carry a local broadcaster’s digital signal in analog and digital formats; or,
Carry the signal only in digital format, provided that all subscribers have the “necessary equipment” (digital set-top boxes) to view the broadcast content.
Carry the high-definition signal of broadcasters in high-definition format.
So as you can see, the cable companies can put the broadcast (even "must-carry") local channels out as digital if they wish.

I believe Agent 86's error was saying that some service providers have already gone 100% digital beyond expanded basic. While they are allowed to do so, I do not know of any major LEGACY service providers that actually have done so.]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,22552681 Mon, 15 Jun 2009 07:50:22 EDT Re: 2/17 & 6/12 - All DIGITAL TV Transition Discussions go here http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,22552673 bicker :
said by Agent 86 :

The "2012 myth" lives on. No law requires cable companies to carry any analog channels. Some have been 100% digital (really 100%, not just expanded basic) for some time.
Which ones?

(I believe that you're mistaken, by the way, if you think that Comcast in Detroit, Chicago or Boston is "all digital". My understanding is that they still provide the broadcast local channels via analog.)]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,22552673 Mon, 15 Jun 2009 07:45:50 EDT Re: 2/17 & 6/12 - All DIGITAL TV Transition Discussions go here http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,22552377 anon :
said by Agent 86 :

The "2012 myth" lives on. No law requires cable companies to carry any analog channels. Some have been 100% digital (really 100%, not just expanded basic) for some time.
What are cable's current must carry obligations?

Federal law requires cable operators to carry the primary signal of broadcasters who elect to have their signal carried by cable systems in their primary coverage area. Cable's current “must carry” obligation pertains to the primary analog signal, but it will switch to the broadcasters' primary digital signal after the transition. However, as part of an FCC agreement in September 2007, cable operators will carry both the digital and analog version of every "must-carry" broadcast television station until 2012.

It's called "Dual Must Carry". See here:
»www.ncta.com/IssueBriefs/2716.aspx?view=3]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,22552377 Mon, 15 Jun 2009 02:22:11 EDT Re: 2/17 & 6/12 - All DIGITAL TV Transition Discussions go here http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,22552096 acid343211 :
said by Chaldo See Profile :

what all the comcast employees where telling me is june 12 channels 30+ where gonna be gone to digital. It is now june 14 and they are still there. I kept thinking there getting confused with the government mandated DTV thing.
I get Analog also Digital vs analog is like night and day.

i get 2 channels its Digital
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Visit-
www.liveleak.com/view?i=e32_1231680425]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,22552096 Mon, 15 Jun 2009 00:20:18 EDT Re: 2/17 & 6/12 - All DIGITAL TV Transition Discussions go here http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,22551918 Chaldo : I am really confused guys, I have Comcast Digital cable preferred on my plan I have 4 tv's 2 of them are hooked to digital receivers i rented out. The other 2 are hooked straight to the back of the tv no boxes (analog signal). Now they have started to deploy DTA's in my area but what all the comcast employees where telling me is june 12 channels 30+ where gonna be gone to digital. It is now june 14 and they are still there. I kept thinking there getting confused with the government mandated DTV thing. Now I called up and the lady said that Comcast has agreed to keep channels under 100 to analog for like another 3 years. I still think she is confused. HELP I NEED THE TRUTH? Is it COMING SOON?

I live in West Bloomfield, MI ]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,22551918 Sun, 14 Jun 2009 23:33:12 EDT Re: 2/17 & 6/12 - All DIGITAL TV Transition Discussions go here http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,22551179 acid343211 :
said by disturbeddan See Profile :

. I assume most of these issues will be cleared by monday.
I hope this will be the issue with me also i used to get Digital since 6/12/09 nothing i did the rescan 6 times nothing, or i will do some bitching come monday.
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Visit-
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Pricing has always been local, since cable regulation is local. That's not going to change until every state in the country starts issuing state-wide franchises.

With regard to pricing, if the pricing is not advantageous for you, then your best bet is to cancel your subscription and do without cable. If enough people do that, it sends a very powerful message to service providers. Paying for the service effectively ratifies the value that the service provider reflects in the pricing for their offerings.]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,22548259 Sun, 14 Jun 2009 02:12:15 EDT Re: 2/17 & 6/12 - All DIGITAL TV Transition Discussions go here http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,22546772 ecvogel : The day has come and passed and analog cable is still up. Are they really going to turn it off? and how soon?

Parents are upset they cannot watch and record a show anymore with the dvd burner. The only option through comcast is another box for $2/mn or $16/mn for HD DVR (They only subscribe now to digital starter promotion without HD and will not pay for HD.) I am in S.E. Michigan. Friend in Atlanta still can get $10/mn standard def DVR. Seems comcast likes ripping people off. with the $2 option parents still need to set 2 devices or get a dvd recorder with a blaster. So the costs are not the same, it will cost you more. Once fall starts I will have to pay for a second box for my MCE so I can rec 2 shows at once. So we are getting reduced service for more money.
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---------------------------- Computer Talk Shop Owner »computertalkshop.com www.mvps.org/ecvogel]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,22546772 Sat, 13 Jun 2009 18:30:59 EDT Re: 2/17 & 6/12 - All DIGITAL TV Transition Discussions go here http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,22541759 acid343211 :
said by The Q See Profile :

So everyone, how is the 6/12 DTV transition going? Any issues?

I was getting CBS in my area, the picture was so clear on my LCD that i could tell if there was Dirt on the floor of Jeopardy!!

Now that channel disappeared and the picture sucks. :huh: :mad:
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said by The Q See Profile :

So everyone, how is the 6/12 DTV transition going? Any issues?

In Philadelphia, I saw on WPVI's website that DirecTV was having issues with WPVI's signal after the switch. Below is what is currently posted at the top of their website:
»abclocal.go.com/wpvi/index

"We are currently working with DirecTV to resolve any problems receiving 6abc."

June 12, 2009 (WPVI) -- Some Direct TV subscribers are reporting trouble watching 6abc now that the digital switch has happened. 6abc is aware of the problem. If you are having an issue, you are asked to contact Direct TV.

I will check my OTA DTV box out tonight when I get home and do a channel rescan.
I can't believe that DirecTV would be getting PVI off the air rather than from a direct connection from the station. I have FiOS (Verizon) and all of our locals are from said directness. In Dover, DE it's the only way we can get FOX-21 (WBOC) in HD as their OTA is SD. I'm sure Comcast is the same way.]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,22541098 Fri, 12 Jun 2009 14:30:50 EDT Re: 2/17 & 6/12 - All DIGITAL TV Transition Discussions go here http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,22540696 The Q : So everyone, how is the 6/12 DTV transition going? Any issues?

In Philadelphia, I saw on WPVI's website that DirecTV was having issues with WPVI's signal after the switch. Below is what is currently posted at the top of their website:
»abclocal.go.com/wpvi/index

"We are currently working with DirecTV to resolve any problems receiving 6abc."

June 12, 2009 (WPVI) -- Some Direct TV subscribers are reporting trouble watching 6abc now that the digital switch has happened. 6abc is aware of the problem. If you are having an issue, you are asked to contact Direct TV.

I will check my OTA DTV box out tonight when I get home and do a channel rescan.

UPDATE: Channel 6 Philadelphia updated their website:

"The problems seeing 6abc on DirecTV have been resolved". ]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,22540696 Fri, 12 Jun 2009 13:30:46 EDT Re: 2/17 & 6/12 - All DIGITAL TV Transition Discussions go here http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,22514264 neufuse : nope]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,22514264 Mon, 08 Jun 2009 08:36:39 EDT Re: 2/17 & 6/12 - All DIGITAL TV Transition Discussions go here http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,22511864 anon : I have a Westinghouse SK-26H730S, with the NTSC and ATSC tuner. I get some HD channels, listed as 2.1 and so on, CBS, NBC, FOX, ABC, MY9, and PIX/CW. I am hooked up directly into the wall with Comcast. Do I need a converter box or anything of that nature?

Thank you in advance.]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,22511864 Sun, 07 Jun 2009 17:46:16 EDT Re: 2/17 & 6/12 - All DIGITAL TV Transition Discussions go here http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,22508517 acid343211 : Some stations in my area switched in Feb.

The Picture is like Night and day. :D
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said by bicker See Profile :

5) I wouldn't rely on national websites for anything. Cable service is local so ask your questions of the folks who serve your local area (the folks who work in your local Comcast office), not folks who manage a national online website or a national telephone center.
1. When I visited the local office prior to switching to digital, I was given quite a bit of incorrect information.

2. As far as I know, there is NO way to directly call "someone local" except by accident. Even the tech that came to install the cable card had the same problem... all he can do is call his call center. After that, it is the luck of the draw who he gets. And he no longer has numbers for places like the head end or the local service supervisor. Or so he says.

I used to have the number for some of the local entities like the service depot and the head end engineering supervisor, but none of them work any more.

So I am stuck with looking at the national web site for things like my channel lineup. For anything more than that, I either take the average of what several CSRs tell me or come here....

Paul
--
Paul Goelz, Rochester Hills, MI

Model Helicopter, music and astronomy pages:

http://pgoelz.com]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,22488567 Wed, 03 Jun 2009 11:09:49 EDT Re: 2/17 & 6/12 - All DIGITAL TV Transition Discussions go here http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,22484673 The Q : June 12 is the federally mandated deadline for full-power broadcast TV stations to convert from an analog signal to a digital signal and has NOTHING to do with Comcast. This is public law 109-71 enacted by the 109th US Congress.

»frwebgate.access.gpo.gov/cgi-bin···.109.pdf

Comcast in Carroll County may or may not be doing something on June 16th but that has nothing to do with the June 12th date which has been communicated in lots of ways....

»www.dtvtransition.org/

]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,22484673 Tue, 02 Jun 2009 17:01:50 EDT Re: 2/17 & 6/12 - All DIGITAL TV Transition Discussions go here http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,22456134 heat84 : So its finally gonna happen? No more stays of execution?]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,22456134 Thu, 28 May 2009 02:04:39 EDT Re: 2/17 & 6/12 - All DIGITAL TV Transition Discussions go here http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,22452910 neufuse : Does anyone know anything about the Indiana, Blairsville, Latrobe, PA transition happening next month?]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,22452910 Wed, 27 May 2009 15:50:36 EDT Re: 2/17 & 6/12 - All DIGITAL TV Transition Discussions go here http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,22424408 hussle87 : can anyone confirm this. I chated with comcast and the rep said carroll county is scheduled for june 16th for the transition date. now the reason I ask is we haven't got any notification of this happening.]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,22424408 Thu, 21 May 2009 18:24:45 EDT Re: 2/17 & 6/12 - All DIGITAL TV Transition Discussions go here http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,22364537 anon : Perhaps for as little as a dollar more you can get digital starter with a cable box for your hd tv.Comcast is also advertising digital starter with hbo for 29.99 in some areas for twelve months but have to sign a contract and it has an early termination charge of 75 dollars if you opt out before the end of contract.The hd cable box also gives access to on demand and eliminates having to scan tv from time to time to find qam channels.]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,22364537 Sat, 09 May 2009 17:50:34 EDT Re: 2/17 & 6/12 - All DIGITAL TV Transition Discussions go here http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,22360042 bicker : 1) It is very likely that you won't need anything on your HDTV, at least not initially, but do be aware that cable companies are likely to encrypt expanded basic channels at some point, as the likelihood of cable theft increases.

2) The DTA would give you the ability to tune in the expanded basic channels, and feed video out of the DTA into an analog display.

3) I think DTAs can handle the entire range of cable channels, as long as they're broadcast in-the-clear.

4) DTAs don't support On Demand (at least not at this point).

5) I wouldn't rely on national websites for anything. Cable service is local so ask your questions of the folks who serve your local area (the folks who work in your local Comcast office), not folks who manage a national online website or a national telephone center. ]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,22360042 Fri, 08 May 2009 15:41:32 EDT Re: 2/17 & 6/12 - All DIGITAL TV Transition Discussions go here http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,22358528 anon : I must be dense :) I've read this thread along with a couple of others regarding DTA and am still confused.

I currently have Comcast analog cable (LTD Basic + Expanded) for 60.60 a month in Comcast of Union NJ. I got the letter about them moving to digital and that I would need a DTA or digital converter. I went online to get more info, but didn't have much luck at the Comcast site with my questions. I have 3 sets in the house, 2 older analog sets and 1 HDTV with a QAM tuner built in. I was hoping someone could help:

1) I'm thinking I don't need anything for the HDTV set, since it has a QAM tuner. But would the expanded channels get moved to some weird numbers on the set without a DTA or converter?

2) I assume I need something for the older analog sets. If I just get a DTA, would that put everything back as to how I'm used to, with the current channel mappings?

3) Does using a DTA give you anything extra? Right now, I can tune the channel range 2-99. Will the DTA allow me to bring in some of the channels that got moved out of that range like AMC or truTV?

4) Will you get any onDemand channels with the DTA?

4) Is there anywhere on the Comcast site where they detail the costs for digital converter boxes? I know extra DTA's are 1.99/mo. I don't need any Tivo or DVR.

Since I currently have internet, I think the smartest choice would be to get the Digital Double Play for 69.99 for 6 months and then after that it rises to 103.55 which is what I'm paying now anyway.

Any help would be appreciated. Thanks!]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,22358528 Fri, 08 May 2009 11:09:16 EDT Re: 2/17 & 6/12 - All DIGITAL TV Transition Discussions go here http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,22357705 bicker : The point is that with Comcast the way it is right now, they offer the best of both worlds. They're getting what they want, and we're getting something that we cannot get anywhere else. The problem, therefore, are the yahoos who want the Piddly Silliness channel in HD, and bash Comcast for having a decent number of HD channels instead of having every possible HD channel in existence regardless of how few subscribers actually watch that channel. ]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,22357705 Fri, 08 May 2009 06:58:14 EDT Re: 2/17 & 6/12 - All DIGITAL TV Transition Discussions go here http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,22354719 anon : How many HD channels do you have ?? How many Satelite and telco operators provide channels in the clear(none).You are asking Comcast to give away something for free that others are getting paid to provide and making a profit from. No company is going to give away product that over half their customers are paying for,also their competion has many more hd channels, they have to do something to keep up or lose customers,eventually they would give away themselves out of business.I don't understand all the complaining about set top boxes when it comes to Comcast when to have all the other companies you have to have a box to receive their products.The face of cable is changing and a box or dta is just a necessity unless you are happy with basic channels.]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,22354719 Thu, 07 May 2009 15:20:09 EDT Re: 2/17 & 6/12 - All DIGITAL TV Transition Discussions go here http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,22352463 bicker : They probably will not encrypt the local HDs, but if they do, rest assured that there will surely be local (down-converted) SDs provided in-the-clear, and even then, it will only be by the broadcasters choosing that, not Comcast.

Whether we "like" it or not doesn't matter as much as whether we can live with it or not, and if we cannot then we should cancel our subscriptions. I have expanded basic here, and get service via in-the-clear analog on two televisions. When that service ends, and expanded basic is all encrypted, then I'll have to make a decision whether to continue my subscription with Comcast. However, note the reality. All the upstart competitors already encrypt expanded basic here: Verizon FiOS, RCN, DirecTV and Dish Network.

In a way, I really resent all the Comcast customers pushing for more HD channels because the reality is that we have enough for my personal tastes, and the more we viewers push for more the more we viewers are pushing Comcast to become just like all the competitors. I think we'd be better off leaving ourselves with a choice between in-the-clear expanded basic (with Comcast) and lots of HD channels (with the rest).]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,22352463 Thu, 07 May 2009 07:30:17 EDT Re: 2/17 & 6/12 - All DIGITAL TV Transition Discussions go here http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,22352051 Nite Rider : Hi,

I heard that Seattle, WA is getting switched to digital somewhere in June.

I have two TVs with HD converter boxes, so I know they will be fine. However, I also have a Vista Media Center with a Clear-QAM tuner that is picking up local HD stations. I have heard rumors that they will encrypt their digital channels, though I wonder if this includes local HDs. I don't have a CableCard capable PC so this would really make my blood boil.

My relatives have the expanded basic package and a Clear-QAM HD capable TV. Comcast recently installed a DTA for them which effectively prevents them from receiving HD. One would think Comcast would leave expanded basic unencrypted and transmit it as Clear-QAM. So I do wonder whether Comcast's action of installing a DTA suggests incompatibility with Clear-QAM or ignorance on the part of the technician?

I am not liking this at all.

Nite Rider]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,22352051 Thu, 07 May 2009 01:24:22 EDT Re: 2/17 & 6/12 - All DIGITAL TV Transition Discussions go here http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,22326395 cracker 52 : I called local CSR here in Atlanta to ask when the digital conversion ("Calvary" project) will be done in my neighborhood, which is in the Chamblee-Dunwoody area. The first CSR said it's projected to occur on October 15, 2009. To reaffirm, I called a couple of more CSRs: one said it'll be a couple of weeks (she didn't bother to look up my account to see where I live) and the final one said it will be at least a couple of months, probably extending to later part of this year. The first CSR was the most credible since she actually took the time to look up my address and checked the projected date in the systems.

The fact that Comcast is taking its sweet time to complete the conversion in my area is really surprising as ATT U-Verse has been available in my neighborhood since last November. It has been well known from press releases/reports since 2007 that ATT was going to deploy U-Verse in parts of Atlanta beginning in 2008. So there was plenty of time for CC to act competitively to upgrade their systems and begin digital conversion accordingly. But amazingly enough, they haven't, at least not in my neighborhood.

So, I placed an order for TV service with U-Verse, as they have about 100 HD channels versus about 38 with CC.

This is case of management study on how deferring expenditures for capital costs to show better immediate results will not really be beneficial in the long run, as competitors with more advanced technology/systems will gain customers at the expense of those who have antiquated ones. When CC finally gets around to upgrade their systems, they would have to offer discount pricing for me to switch back to them. So in my case/neighborhood, what they saved in deferring expenditures for digital conversion was more than offset by lost of revenue stream and increased costs to regain lost customers from ATT or satellite companies. If CC was proactive to timely meet the U-verse deployment, I would have been impressed and stayed with CC. But instead, they have shown that they will always laggards to update their systems here in Atlanta, unlike many other Comcast markets who have been aggressive to compete. ]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,22326395 Fri, 01 May 2009 19:30:35 EDT Re: 2/17 & 6/12 - All DIGITAL TV Transition Discussions go here http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,22290347 HarleyDude : No more Quiet time... It's the Wild Wild West in the analog reclame world.

"Digital Migration “Quiet Period.” To minimize consumer confusion during the DTV transition, operators will delay the substitution of digital versions of existing analog channels from December 31, 2008, to March 1, 2009, except to the extent necessary to free up bandwidth to comply with the requirement to carry broadcast signals in both analog and digital formats or meet contractual carriage obligations."

copied from...

»spectrumtalk.blogspot.com/2009/0···dtv.html
--
"Recession is when a neighbor loses his job. Depression is when you lose yours." - Ronald Reagan]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,22290347 Fri, 24 Apr 2009 14:20:13 EDT Re: 2/17 & 6/12 - All DIGITAL TV Transition Discussions go here http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,22286272 sansri88 : No probably not. We in NNJ have a migration scheduled for 5/19.
--
Sriram Satish
Comcast of NJ II: 39 HD channels.]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,22286272 Thu, 23 Apr 2009 18:23:13 EDT Re: 2/17 & 6/12 - All DIGITAL TV Transition Discussions go here http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,22284654 bicker : There has been nothing official to that effect.

And I think the political will is so badly decimated that any MSO that wants to do cable digital transitions will do so, without regard to June 12.]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,22284654 Thu, 23 Apr 2009 12:58:50 EDT Re: 2/17 & 6/12 - All DIGITAL TV Transition Discussions go here http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,22283598 gt1racer : I have a question,

Due to the date change is the so called "quiet" period slated to happen again May 12th to July 12th? like previously happening January 17 to March 17th?]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,22283598 Thu, 23 Apr 2009 09:32:37 EDT Re: 2/17 & 6/12 - All DIGITAL TV Transition Discussions go here http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,22279442 neufuse : Anyone know if there is going to be more digital transitions (cable analog migration) happening in the Pennsylvania area? Our head end (Blairsville, PA) hasn't went all digital yet, but a lot of areas around us have (like Greensburg, PA) we just went D3 enabled, but nothing on digital transitions yet]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,22279442 Wed, 22 Apr 2009 14:47:22 EDT Re: 2/17 & 6/12 - All DIGITAL TV Transition Discussions go here http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,22114422 bicker : If you canceled cable completely, you need to consider how decent the over-the-air reception would be, in the area your parents live. I live 18 miles from the towers, with line-of-sight to the rear of my home, but indoor antennas in rooms at the front of my home get inconsistent signal, over-the-air.

However, if you don't have that problem, and I didn't watch CNN, USA, TNT, Weather Channel or any of the other cable channels, then I probably would cancel cable.]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,22114422 Mon, 23 Mar 2009 12:33:08 EDT Re: 2/17 & 6/12 - All DIGITAL TV Transition Discussions go here http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,22110974 anon : ah, okay, that makes sense. i think my parents just told me the wrong thing.

anyway, so now my parents only have channels 1-30, and they only watch the regular non-cable channels (ABC, NBC, CBS, etc). if we canceled Comcast cable completely, we would be forced to get a digital box to get the remaining channels, correct? it just seems like a waste of money to pay $10 a month for channels you would get for free.]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,22110974 Sun, 22 Mar 2009 16:50:21 EDT Re: 2/17 & 6/12 - All DIGITAL TV Transition Discussions go here http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,22104072 bicker : $27/month is even less than the family tier price. That amount is way off. The difference in price between analog cable with expanded basic service and digital starter is a few dollars, typically.]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,22104072 Fri, 20 Mar 2009 21:52:55 EDT Re: 2/17 & 6/12 - All DIGITAL TV Transition Discussions go here http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,22102924 sansri88 : Expanded service (which is what your parents seem to be getting) is no way in any shape or form only $27. Nationally, the price is around $54, which is the same as Digital Starter.]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,22102924 Fri, 20 Mar 2009 17:44:38 EDT Re: 2/17 & 6/12 - All DIGITAL TV Transition Discussions go here http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,22099044 anon : Alright, so my parents have had extended basic (channel 0-71) for about 4-5 years. I think they pay around $27/mo for the service. I would think nothing would change in the Comcast DTV transition but I guess not.

My parents went to the Comcast store and they told my parents they have to upgrade to Digital Cable to receive any more service. Digital Cable was priced at like $54/mo. This just doesn't sound right. They are forcing my parents to upgrade and pay more for watch any channels about 30. Was the Comcast rep. just trying to rip them off or was this the only way?]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,22099044 Thu, 19 Mar 2009 23:44:25 EDT Re: 2/17 & 6/12 - All DIGITAL TV Transition Discussions go here http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,22071851 EL_TB : NOOOOOOOOO!!!

Comcast just stopped all ClearQAM except local channels! No SciFI HD a week before BSG series finale! Comcast make me sooo sad. :(]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,22071851 Sun, 15 Mar 2009 11:36:22 EDT Re: 2/17 & 6/12 - All DIGITAL TV Transition Discussions go here http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,22065047 bicker : First, there A&E and TBS aren't basic channels, in most places. Rather, they're expanded basic channels. There are a few places where expanded basic service is being discontinued, to make room for services that other customers want; the channels themselves will remain available on digital tiers. Even in places where expanded basic remains, many cable services are no longer offering it to new customers, as it is eventually going to be discontinued in more and more places.]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,22065047 Fri, 13 Mar 2009 18:21:31 EDT Re: 2/17 & 6/12 - All DIGITAL TV Transition Discussions go here http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,22063100 jimmymy : I'll provide any other info required...just ask me!

I've edited my OP to be clearer. When I had basic cable, I was seeing all the basic channels, including comedy central and A&E and TBS. When I added HD, I still got all of that plus the basic stuff in HD. All of a sudden, my HD box stopped showing me just about all channels, saying I wasn't authorized. Comcast says those are still basic channels, but they're now basic DIGITAL channels, and so I must pay for a digital package. Which means paying $$ more each month.]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,22063100 Fri, 13 Mar 2009 12:12:05 EDT Re: 2/17 & 6/12 - All DIGITAL TV Transition Discussions go here http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,22061944 bicker : I'll try to clear it up, but be forewarned that you haven't provided enough information to be sure what is going on, so these are just guesses.

My best guess is that in your area, Comcast doesn't encrypt expanded basic (like A&E or Comedy Central) trusting that folks who are only paying the limited basic fee won't tune those channels in with their personal equipment. The Scientific Atlanta box, though, is smart enough to know that you haven't actually paid for those channels, so only provides you the channels you have paid for, in HD though.]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,22061944 Fri, 13 Mar 2009 05:40:19 EDT Re: 2/17 & 6/12 - All DIGITAL TV Transition Discussions go here http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,22061566 jimmymy : I've read through this thread from the beginning, and there's so much contradiction, jargon, and off-topic digression, that my head's spinning a little. I've gotten tantalizing close to understanding, but not quite.... :(

Hope someone can give me a reality check....

I had basic cable from Comcast (I'm in Fairfield County, CT). I added $10/month for HD basic, which included a box ("Scientific Atlanta Explorer"). With both, I was getting the full range of basic channels (including stuff like Comedy Central and A&E). All of a sudden, the vast majority of my channels has gone away. Comcast says I have to pay another $20 month to upgrade to digital to get anything but the broadcast stuff. I thought my HD box was digital, but apparently not...

I also have a fancy Samsung LN-T4661F TV, which, if I understand correctly, may be able to receive some of these vanished channels, though I'm not sure exactly how (can anyone point me to a resource?).

If not, and I'm stuck paying up to Comcast, would I at least save on the HD charge, or do I still need to pay a supplement on top of the digital package to get HD?

Thanks for any clarity.]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,22061566 Fri, 13 Mar 2009 01:43:35 EDT Re: 2/17 & 6/12 - All DIGITAL TV Transition Discussions go here http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,22022570 bicker : Time will tell. I doubt that a sixty day moratorium is going to scuttle true intentions. There are eight other months within which to implement that work.]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,22022570 Thu, 05 Mar 2009 21:00:23 EDT Re: 2/17 & 6/12 - All DIGITAL TV Transition Discussions go here http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,22020872 sansri88 : I tend to disagree with you. Cable cos are pissed that it got delayed in the first place, and that their original hiatus was for crap.

I think we'll see cable cos, mainly Comcast who plans on getting 50% of their markets digital by the end of the year, go ahead with plans of major repos.]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,22020872 Thu, 05 Mar 2009 16:13:45 EDT Re: 2/17 & 6/12 - All DIGITAL TV Transition Discussions go here http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,22020604 bicker : I'm going to guess that none of the big cable companies are going to do any big analog reclamation between May 12 and July 12.]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,22020604 Thu, 05 Mar 2009 15:35:55 EDT Re: 2/17 & 6/12 - All DIGITAL TV Transition Discussions go here http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,22018444 hussle87 : I think I heard that carroll county is set for a june 17th switch. I went up to a comcast office and asked but it seems that they don't always know whats going on. I think they might have it confused with the OTA transition on june 12th. ]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,22018444 Thu, 05 Mar 2009 09:40:39 EDT Re: 2/17 & 6/12 - All DIGITAL TV Transition Discussions go here http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,22017756 bicker : The decision is not made public until a short period before the switch. You'll find news of it printed on your bill. ]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,22017756 Thu, 05 Mar 2009 05:26:13 EDT Re: 2/17 & 6/12 - All DIGITAL TV Transition Discussions go here http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,22014120 hussle87 : hey how do you guys know when the switch is? did you call comcast and tak to a specific dept or get something in the mail. ]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,22014120 Wed, 04 Mar 2009 15:19:28 EDT Re: 2/17 & 6/12 - All DIGITAL TV Transition Discussions go here http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,22010731 anon : I just did the switch over too and I feel like I got jacked as well. No more HD. What a bunch of crap. I can go to the HD channels and get sound but no picture. Hopefully someone can find away around it.]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,22010731 Tue, 03 Mar 2009 23:13:25 EDT Re: 2/17 & 6/12 - All DIGITAL TV Transition Discussions go here http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,22001095 bicker : If your area goes "all-digital" then you will need a box (or CableCARD to access most (if not all) cable networks. ]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,22001095 Mon, 02 Mar 2009 12:45:14 EDT Re: 2/17 & 6/12 - All DIGITAL TV Transition Discussions go here http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,22001005 anon : I have all the regular channels 2 through 75. I also have additional channels that are in HD. For example, 81-02 is TNT, it comes through in HD. I don't have a cable box for this TV, but I would like a channel listing.

Will I need a cable box? Main question is about the HD channels, ex. 81-02

Thanks]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,22001005 Mon, 02 Mar 2009 12:27:57 EDT Re: 2/17 & 6/12 - All DIGITAL TV Transition Discussions go here http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,21948410 anon : I just switched over. They sent me a set top box and there is no additional fee (flat or per month).

But here is the major downside and its a big one. Unless I am wrong and there is away around this I just got jacked by comcast.

With my standard package I did not have a set top box. I plugged the coax cable directly into my tv. Had great reception of the subchannels ABC HD etc.

With this new box, all of my HD subchannels are gone because the box they gave me is a standard definition box. If I want my HD channels back I need an HD box which I would then have to pay them extra each month. It would give me additional HD channels as well. But if I had wanted those other HD channels I would have gotten it a long time ago. I just want my broadcast HD channels which apparently now I would have to pay extra. But like I said, unless the tech support drone from india was wrong I have just lost my HD channels. I'm almost better off with just my hd antenna.]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,21948410 Fri, 20 Feb 2009 13:38:26 EDT Re: 2/17 & 6/12 - All DIGITAL TV Transition Discussions go here http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,21919508 bicker : If you have a cable converter box on every television in your home, you don't need to worry about the February 17 or June 12 date. ]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,21919508 Sun, 15 Feb 2009 07:30:39 EDT Re: 2/17 & 6/12 - All DIGITAL TV Transition Discussions go here http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,21919366 blu87 : I'd go back and search for the answer in this thread but my dialup connection is rather slow today and I don't need a headache. Sorry.

I have digital cable but I don't get/have HD. I was under the impression that since I have a STB that I don't need anything for the DTV transition. Is this true or not? I'm getting contradicting information. My STB is SA Explorer 2200. Will I need a new STB? ]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,21919366 Sun, 15 Feb 2009 04:43:06 EDT Re: 2/17 & 6/12 - All DIGITAL TV Transition Discussions go here http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,21903159 cwm1276 : What happens to the clear HD local channels?

For example here my NBC Station is 13 OTA, 3 analog cable and shows up as 13-1 on my QAM set for the Digital Feed.

I do not have a cable box this TV is directly connected to the cable and do not subscribe to anything but basic cable.

The OTA stations are telling people to rescan to find their channels as their frequency for digital may shift, that seems to make sense OTA, but will the frequency shift on cable and have me rescan?

Yes all Stations in the market are still changing on 2/17.]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,21903159 Wed, 11 Feb 2009 21:55:18 EDT No direct relationship between DTV transition and Cable HD http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,21892392 bicker : There should be no direct relationship between the February 17/June 12 transition and cable or satellite service providers providing more HD channels. Legacy cable service providers, like Comcast, are specifically required by law to continue providing their customers analog service (in one of two ways, but still required to provide analog service) until 2012, so the effects of this transition will not truly hit cable until at least then, and even then, provision of unencrypted analog service by legacy cable service providers is a significant competitive advantage for those providers (FiOS, for example, does not provide it), so some may keep such services in place beyond the 2012 date.

Beyond that, service providers will be resuming analog reclamation of their own (suspended since the beginning of the year to preclude the kind of confusion you've expressed here -- lotta good that did :)). With those efforts, they'll be moving more and more currently clear analog cable networks to (generally encrypted) QAM. So even with those efforts, there won't be many more clear QAM coming down the pike, from any service provider. The best use of clear QAM is your local broadcast channels. You probably already have all of them. Everything else is likely to be channels that not everyone wants to pay for, so in many areas those channels will be encrypted. ]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,21892392 Tue, 10 Feb 2009 05:52:23 EDT Re: 2/17/2009 - All DIGITAL TV Transition Discussions go here http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,21891896 EL_TB : We have HDTV that has ClearQAM, we now enjoy some HD channels.

How likely will Comcast provide more HD channels with the transition?]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,21891896 Tue, 10 Feb 2009 00:41:39 EDT Re: 2/17/2009 - All DIGITAL TV Transition Discussions go here http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,21877758 anon : Well, UPS dropped off a Moto DCH70 and a couple Pace boxes today. It appears that Tivo has added compatibility for the Pace DTAs, so my plan looks like it will work. But I was curious about what actually occurs during the activation process? Is it a one-time task, or will I have to call them to re-activate every time I de-power and reconfigure my setups (which I anticipate I will do, depending on how things work)?]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,21877758 Sat, 07 Feb 2009 03:43:53 EDT Re: 2/17/2009 - All DIGITAL TV Transition Discussions go here http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,21872193 bicker : However, that, too, could change, if your local area changes from using traps to using addressable decryption for expanded basic.]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,21872193 Fri, 06 Feb 2009 07:10:59 EDT Re: 2/17/2009 - All DIGITAL TV Transition Discussions go here http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,21871924 anon : The cutoff won't take place until later, but I've already ordered the equipment. I guess I just have to wait until UPS delivers my boxes next week. According to the other topic, the DTAs will tune in everything except the on-demand, premium, and music channels.]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,21871924 Fri, 06 Feb 2009 03:54:29 EDT Re: 2/17/2009 - All DIGITAL TV Transition Discussions go here http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,21865893 bicker : I doubt you could know with 100% reliability, today, which STB you'd get a couple of months from now. I think you can rest assured that composite video will be an option, but s-video, perhaps not. Note that DTAs may not work with expanded basic (i.e., the upper 2/3 of your channel range) -- you may only be able to tune them in using your full STB. (Thank the FCC for that... if it is the case, it is due to a FCC regulation.) ]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,21865893 Thu, 05 Feb 2009 07:28:39 EDT Re: 2/17/2009 - All DIGITAL TV Transition Discussions go here http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,21865651 anon : My Comcast service area is scheduled to go "digital" within the next couple of months, so I've been trying to make sense of this, since I've never had to use boxes, and dislike them in general. I have Expanded Basic (ch 2-82) and I have ordered a STB and two DTAs from a nice lady in TN today, but I still have some questions.

Is there a reasonable chance of predicting what type of STB I will receive? I'm primarily interested in what kind of outputs it has (RF/composite/S-vid/etc).

Since it's a full STB, I presume I will get the added benefit of a program guide, and access to on-demand, music channels, and some other channels that were shifted to the digital tier a while back, right? How far out does the program guide reach?

I currently have a Tivo Basic PVR that I use as my primary tuner, since it has a program guide that my old TV lacks. It basically acts as a glorified VCR with the minor benefit of the 3-day program guide. When I want to record one program and watch another, I switch back to the tuner in my TV.

So here's my plan--assuming the STB has a program guide, I will switch to it as my primary tuner. Then I'll use one of the the DTAs to feed the Tivo, and switch to it only when I want to view recorded material. This will allow me to retain the important capability to watch one program and record another. My question here is whether the DTAs are compatible with the IR transmitter from my Tivo?

Does all this sound reasonable? The only reason I'm willing to keep this arrangement is because the equipment is free. However, I don't expect that to last, but at least it will buy some time to explore alternatives.

It seems the alternative is to buy a new TV with a QAM tuner that will pick up the digital channels, and free up the STB for use with the Tivo. However, I'm in rush to spend that kind of money in this economy, and with Tru2way on the horizon, provided it doesn't turn out to be a dud like CableCards.]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,21865651 Thu, 05 Feb 2009 04:14:39 EDT Local Digital Channels http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,21754365 bicker : In my area, the following channels would be available on these digital adapters: WGBH-2 (two versions, SD digital and HD), WBZ-4, WCVB-5, WHDH-7, WENH-11, WLVI-56, WFXT-25, WSBK-38, WBPX-68, WGBX-44 (plus three sub-channels), WUNI-27, WZMY-50, WNEU-60, WMFP-62, WUTF-66, WYDN-48, WWDP-46. Also: NECN, HSN, QVC and public access. So about 26 channels.

This is getting off the topic of this thread, a little, though those channels on that list (except for NECN, HSN, QVH, and public access) happen to be (NOT coincidentally) the channels you may be able to receive on CECBs (which ARE the topic of this thread).]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,21754365 Fri, 16 Jan 2009 17:00:39 EDT Re: 2/17/2009 - All DIGITAL TV Transition Discussions go here http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,21754268 joetaxpayer :
said by bicker See Profile :

By law, it is prohibited from tuning in any encrypted channels. It is specifically intended to do exactly what the "$40 box" we have been talking about does: receive local broadcast channels, but through cable instead of over-the-air.
So in our case, up to GBH44 or so? Ok. Makes sense. Anything else, CNBC, Weather, requires a real box.
Still searching for the RF repeaters, finding more IR repeaters, which are a different thing.
joe]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,21754268 Fri, 16 Jan 2009 16:38:47 EDT Re: 2/17/2009 - All DIGITAL TV Transition Discussions go here http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,21751163 bicker : By law, it is prohibited from tuning in any encrypted channels. It is specifically intended to do exactly what the "$40 box" we have been talking about does: receive local broadcast channels, but through cable instead of over-the-air.]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,21751163 Fri, 16 Jan 2009 05:41:14 EDT Re: 2/17/2009 - All DIGITAL TV Transition Discussions go here http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,21748538 joetaxpayer :
said by bicker See Profile :

Cable companies may offer a digital adapter, such as the Motorola DCT700. It is sort of like a "$40 box" for cable.
This box doesn't take a cablecard. I trust it will tune all the non-premium channels? ]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,21748538 Thu, 15 Jan 2009 18:48:55 EDT Re: 2/17/2009 - All DIGITAL TV Transition Discussions go here http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,21729500 bicker : Digital signals sent by cable companies are QAM signals. The "$40 boxes" tune in ATSC signals. They are not the same. The "$40 boxes" are not for use with cable.

Cable companies may offer a digital adapter, such as the Motorola DCT700. It is sort of like a "$40 box" for cable. Motorola has elected not to make such boxes available for sale to the general public.]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,21729500 Mon, 12 Jan 2009 18:46:47 EDT Re: 2/17/2009 - All DIGITAL TV Transition Discussions go here http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,21727385 joetaxpayer : Will the digital signals sent by Comcast be the same as broadcast? i.e. will the $40 boxes being sold be able to convert the lower Comcast package to something the old 'cable ready' TVs or older TiVos can tune?]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,21727385 Mon, 12 Jan 2009 12:53:29 EDT Re: 2/17/2009 - All DIGITAL TV Transition Discussions go here http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,21655564 bicker : There is nothing specific happening on February 17, 2009 that will have any impact on what channels will work any specific way via cable television. The impact of that date on cable is tangential at best and won't be reflected in the available or lack thereof of any services that were available the day prior.]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,21655564 Tue, 30 Dec 2008 12:07:21 EDT Re: 2/17/2009 - All DIGITAL TV Transition Discussions go here http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,21654998 patspub : Does anyone know if after Feb. 17, 2009 will cable TV still work in Philly having the cable hooked up directly to ANT jack in the back of the TV??? I have TIVO(Single Tuner) and comcast digital cable but when I sometimes record something I change the TV input to the ANT Jack to watch local channels here or any other analog channel that is not scrambled by comcast. After Feb. 17th will these analog channels still work???]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,21654998 Tue, 30 Dec 2008 09:52:14 EDT Re: 2/17/2009 - All DIGITAL TV Transition Discussions go here http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,21574916 rv65 : Actually a clearQAM tuner can pickup anything the DTA can get minus the encryption. The DTA has no encryption except privacy mode. Privacy mode requires an FCC waiver. Comcast is trying to get the waiver so they can deploy it. So for now the aren't deploying privacy mode. New TV's will have tru2way which if the area has it will make your TV like a cable box. Has all the digital cable features and it can access 2 way services like VOD and SDV. ]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,21574916 Sat, 13 Dec 2008 03:50:31 EDT Re: 2/17/2009 - All DIGITAL TV Transition Discussions go here http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,21554093 Chaldo : Nah I would totally get them, the guy told me the first one is free for 6 months, but they will all cost 3 each. I got 5 tvs in my house soo lets see 55 for cable+ 4*3 since I got one with the digital box so thats 55+12 bucks extra per month to stuff in there asses.. I just hate how now they control how many tv's we can watch in are house... I hope they make it so the newer tvs already have these built in, but probably wont since money game.]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,21554093 Tue, 09 Dec 2008 16:14:02 EDT Re: 2/17/2009 - All DIGITAL TV Transition Discussions go here http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,21553998 sansri88 : OTA=over the air, the purpose of this thread really.

The first 2 DTAs I believe are free, depending on the region. It costs like $3 for each one after that I think.]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,21553998 Tue, 09 Dec 2008 16:00:19 EDT Re: 2/17/2009 - All DIGITAL TV Transition Discussions go here http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,21553965 Chaldo : Ok, OTA? and how much are those boxes from comcast, and I have to have one for each tv? This is so stupid I don't know why they are doing this in my area and mostly not others. I mean I seriously thought when they had the commercial stating Comcast has you covered I thought oh cool. Now I want to go smack them.]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,21553965 Tue, 09 Dec 2008 15:55:05 EDT Re: 2/17/2009 - All DIGITAL TV Transition Discussions go here http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,21553875 sansri88 : You would need to get a DTA or a digital STB from Comcast (or purchase a TiVO unit).

The OTA digital converter boxes do not work with Comcast.]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,21553875 Tue, 09 Dec 2008 15:39:33 EDT Re: 2/17/2009 - All DIGITAL TV Transition Discussions go here http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,21553857 Chaldo : Hey I just got my bill, and under news from Comcast, it says Effective Jan 1, 2009 preferred basic will no longer be available for new subscriptions, anyone who has it now will be on it till further notice. Well I have like 4 tv's one of them is hooked with a digital box, and the others just wired on in the back.

So does this mean, I will have to get converter boxes for me just to watch channel 2-70 or what ever on every TV like that?

That really pisses me off, there freaking commercials said "if you have Comcast you are already covered." Keep lieing b****es ]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,21553857 Tue, 09 Dec 2008 15:36:46 EDT Re: 2/17/2009 - All DIGITAL TV Transition Discussions go here http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,21407174 BSD24 :
said by defrauded See Profile :

I have basic Comcast Service $15.00 in NJ.

I just bout the following 46 inches & 19 inches TV

»www.costco.com/Browse/Product.as···nav=&s=1

With basic cable the 19 inches get all cbs/abc/nbc/fox/pbs etc HD channels but the 46 inches does not.

Please help.

thank you.
Assuming you have the 2 tv's in different rooms - it is quite possible one tv has a good solid connection, the other doesn't. Could be poor wiring, incorrect wiring, or smaller gauge wiring that can't handle it. I'm guessing possible issues. If your line was filtered coming in the house, both tv's would have the same issue. Also make sure your 46" is on CABLE/DTV not air, and try doing a "CHANNEL SCAN" (AUTOPROGRAMMING), incase it has QAM and local cable operator changed frequencies on you. Some TV's also have 2 ports for cable, Analog and DTV/Digital - make sure to use the DTV. Keep in mind cable operators are upgrading networks to catch up to telcos - so you may need to re-run the CHANNEL SCAN/SEARCH if some channels go missing. Hope this helps. ]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,21407174 Mon, 10 Nov 2008 19:37:51 EDT Re: 2/17/2009 - All DIGITAL TV Transition Discussions go here http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,21322085 joos : nothing at all.that was my point]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,21322085 Fri, 24 Oct 2008 21:26:05 EDT Re: 2/17/2009 - All DIGITAL TV Transition Discussions go here http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,21321835 Drumtrip : What do CATV channel filters (traps) have to do with the broadcast transition to digital signals?

2nd time this thread has been derailed over traps.
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»www.fark.com]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,21321835 Fri, 24 Oct 2008 20:22:34 EDT Re: 2/17/2009 - All DIGITAL TV Transition Discussions go here http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,21320771 joos : not to argue with cypher because he is right. even digital signal rides on an analog carrier.you block 1 carrier thats 5-12 channels,but they only use traps that block above channel 22 if you have expanded then theres no trap]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,21320771 Fri, 24 Oct 2008 16:40:16 EDT Re: 2/17/2009 - All DIGITAL TV Transition Discussions go here http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,21320733 joos : theres no such thing as an expanded basic trap.the only ones in use block 55-85.]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,21320733 Fri, 24 Oct 2008 16:33:34 EDT Re: 2/17/2009 - All DIGITAL TV Transition Discussions go here http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,21253782 bicker : Hmmm.... should work. It must be how the televisions are connected, or how they're internally configured.]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,21253782 Sun, 12 Oct 2008 05:39:08 EDT Re: 2/17/2009 - All DIGITAL TV Transition Discussions go here http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,21251692 defrauded : Sharp Aquos 46" 1080p LCD Television Features:

The LC-46D64U slim-line design brings entertainment to life in full HD 1080p. Featuring a 25% reduction in depth, 10,000:1 Dynamic Contrast Ratio with Enhanced Picture Contrast Technology, 3 HDMI inputs and 4ms response time. The LC-46D64U is a must have for any home.

Sharp 19" 720p LCD Television Features:

Sharp’s LC-19SB14U is a widescreen HDTV LCD TV that provides a slim design, high-definition TV solution with a distinctive small foot print. It features a high-performance LCD panel for high brightness, a high contrast ratio, low-reflection glare protection and wide viewing angles. In addition, the LC-19SB14U is PC compatible and is an HDTV monitor for greater versatility.
]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,21251692 Sat, 11 Oct 2008 16:42:52 EDT Re: 2/17/2009 - All DIGITAL TV Transition Discussions go here http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,21251104 bicker : defrauded: Your link doesn't lead anywhere. Please post the make and model number for the two televisions you are inquiring about.]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,21251104 Sat, 11 Oct 2008 13:33:01 EDT Re: 2/17/2009 - All DIGITAL TV Transition Discussions go here http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,21250726 defrauded : I have basic Comcast Service $15.00 in NJ.

I just bout the following 46 inches & 19 inches TV

»www.costco.com/Browse/Product.as···nav=&s=1

With basic cable the 19 inches get all cbs/abc/nbc/fox/pbs etc HD channels but the 46 inches does not.

Please help.

thank you.]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,21250726 Sat, 11 Oct 2008 11:57:58 EDT Re: 2/17/2009 - All DIGITAL TV Transition Discussions go here http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,21158450 cypherstream : A trap is a trap. It's designed to block RF communication from a predetermined set of frequencies. Whether analog or digital information is behind that trap, it doesn't matter.

But yeah, were getting way off topic. Let's start a new thread if you want to discuss further.]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,21158450 Tue, 23 Sep 2008 22:48:57 EDT Re: 2/17/2009 - All DIGITAL TV Transition Discussions go here http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,21158083 rv65 : So you can't steal expanded basic or any cable service. There probably are digital traps. Having Comcast replacing the analog traps to digital would be a good idea. It would prevent people from stealing enhanced basic. Then people with ClearQAM tuner can get those channels without the need for a DTA. The only bad thing is that you would have to have techs changing out the old analog traps with digital ones. ]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,21158083 Tue, 23 Sep 2008 21:38:05 EDT Re: 2/17/2009 - All DIGITAL TV Transition Discussions go here http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,21155961 gpatrick900 : Sort of off topic (Moderator, please move if needed).

I am so confused of the type of antenna to get. I live about 50 miles away. I am on a hill.

According to antenna web I need a large directional antenna with a pre-amp. My problem is I tried that method a long time ago. It did not get a single analog channel in. My older smaller antenna did better and that was broken. I did get the converter. I can get one yellow, one red, one blue and the sub channels with rabbit ears. What I am thinking is getting Winegard MS-1000 use my own amp or Winegard MS-2000.

Is it possible to be to have an antenna too high? Even through I am on the hill, I am down in the valley but not by much. I would say a little dab. Trees should not matter, since I got them with my old antenna.]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,21155961 Tue, 23 Sep 2008 15:32:54 EDT Re: 2/17/2009 - All DIGITAL TV Transition Discussions go here http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,21154895 bicker :
said by Ryven See Profile :

I don't expect Comcast to go FULL digital. While it would be beneficial for them it creates too many problems for the customers that just want the most basic package.
And therein rests the problem: The FCC, in its minuscule wisdom, setting regulations for separable security, penalizes MSOs that do NOT go "FULL" digital. That, combined with the reality you alluded to, discourages MSOs from going "mostly" digital.

said by Ryven See Profile :

The idea is to make the box commercially available & allow customers to rent the card from the cable company, or simply have the included card be activated without an equipment rental fee.
If the idea was to "make the box commercially available [to] customers", then why didn't the FCC require that? Rather, the intent was evidently just to lower the barrier to entry of the STB sector to manufacturers (like TiVo) that wanted to enter that space. The regulation was totally focused on the needs of (such) businesses, not consumers. We can rest assured that that was deliberate, since it required a far more complex regulation than the consumer-focused regulation you suggested would have required.]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,21154895 Tue, 23 Sep 2008 11:57:35 EDT Re: 2/17/2009 - All DIGITAL TV Transition Discussions go here http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,21154732 Ryven : I don't expect Comcast to go FULL digital. While it would be beneficial for them it creates too many problems for the customers that just want the most basic package.

That package will likely stay analog & doing so would eliminate the need for service filters at the tap once your area makes the conversion.

Personally, I would like to see all digital. I know I'm not the norm, though. I am not wealthy, but I'm able to afford to keep up with current technologies. As such, I'm not terribly bothered by changes that require a modest expense on my part (bear in mind, I didn't spring for my first HDTV until about a year ago).

Separable security does exist, BTW. It was an FCC mandate, IIRC. All new cable boxes manufactured after a certain date have a cable card that plugs into the back of them. The idea is to make the box commercially available & allow customers to rent the card from the cable company, or simply have the included card be activated without an equipment rental fee. This would eliminate satellite's small advantage in allowing customers to not pay a rental fee. There are people that would rather pay $200-$300 for a box in lieu of a $5/mo fee (cable gateways for home networking, as an example)]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,21154732 Tue, 23 Sep 2008 11:28:33 EDT Re: 2/17/2009 - All DIGITAL TV Transition Discussions go here http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,21152940 Drumtrip : What do CATV channel filters (traps) have to do with the broadcast transition to digital signals?
--
»www.fark.com]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,21152940 Mon, 22 Sep 2008 23:54:01 EDT Re: 2/17/2009 - All DIGITAL TV Transition Discussions go here http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,21146185 rv65 : I too agree with you cypherstream. Thats if they can engineer a cheap separable security system. ]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,21146185 Sun, 21 Sep 2008 16:54:00 EDT Re: 2/17/2009 - All DIGITAL TV Transition Discussions go here http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,21145441 cypherstream : Yeah, addressable taps with band interdiction units. They are a pain to setup and maintain though.

Suppose they'll just continue to do what they are already doing. Roll a truck to add or remove the expanded basic trap. Just there will be clear QAM under that trap instead of clear analog. No real difference in operation, really.]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,21145441 Sun, 21 Sep 2008 13:49:01 EDT Re: 2/17/2009 - All DIGITAL TV Transition Discussions go here http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,21144350 bicker : Actually, I suppose there is a way to engineer traps such that they won't require a truck roll. Doing so might exacerbate some weak signal issues, but it isn't impossible.]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,21144350 Sun, 21 Sep 2008 05:35:19 EDT Re: 2/17/2009 - All DIGITAL TV Transition Discussions go here http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,21144321 rv65 : Maybe thats what comcast will do. Separable security is possible but it could make the cost higher than what comcast expected. ]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,21144321 Sun, 21 Sep 2008 04:47:39 EDT Re: 2/17/2009 - All DIGITAL TV Transition Discussions go here http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,21140761 bicker : There is no way to engineer the traps such that they won't require a truck roll to engage and disengage. There is no way traps can avoid that cost element.]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,21140761 Sat, 20 Sep 2008 07:19:01 EDT Re: 2/17/2009 - All DIGITAL TV Transition Discussions go here http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,21139910 rv65 : There must be a way to engineer the traps for expanded basic. That way they won't have to encrypt. Then people with clearqam enabled tv's get them in the clear while restricting limited basic customers. ]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,21139910 Fri, 19 Sep 2008 23:06:30 EDT Re: 2/17/2009 - All DIGITAL TV Transition Discussions go here http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,21117465 bicker : Caps are expensive to enable and disable.]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,21117465 Tue, 16 Sep 2008 05:16:34 EDT Re: 2/17/2009 - All DIGITAL TV Transition Discussions go here http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,21116872 rv65 : Re engineering the traps to work with Clear QAM isn't such a bad idea. When you think about combined with a securityless DTA then it makes sense. Not an expert in Cable traps but i'm sure there is a solution. If not then they can change out the traps to prevent Limited basic from getting expanded basic programming. Digital is encrypted so yeah. Comcast should order about 20 to 30 million of these things so there will be enough to go around. ]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,21116872 Tue, 16 Sep 2008 00:14:16 EDT Re: 2/17/2009 - All DIGITAL TV Transition Discussions go here http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,21111521 bicker :
said by reidcc See Profile :

I can't wait to compare this to Verizon FIOS strategy when they come to town in a couple of months!!!
FiOS already requires each television to have a box for cable channels, just like Comcast eventually will. Comcast is required to offer each home in your town service, while FiOS is allowed to cherry-pick which homes they'll offer service to. So in both those regards, Comcast is better for the consumer; holding off requiring a cable box on every television for cable channels longer, and providing service to every resident.

said by reidcc See Profile :

I refuse to pay additional fees for each TV.
Skip FiOS then.]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,21111521 Mon, 15 Sep 2008 05:02:43 EDT Re: 2/17/2009 - All DIGITAL TV Transition Discussions go here http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,21109957 rv65 : Check out tru2way. Tru2way will only be in larger sets but it's a start. All the digital cable features without a box. But you do need to rent a cable card which isn't too expensive. ]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,21109957 Sun, 14 Sep 2008 20:00:25 EDT Re: 2/17/2009 - All DIGITAL TV Transition Discussions go here http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,21109714 anon : OK-
I am just finally trying to get up on this changeover and what we lose by not changing TV's and service. I live in Central Mass.

Do let me get this straight- I have 6 analog TV's in my house- I pay $53 a month for cable service- no pay channels. If do not change service- I will lose channels as Comcrap decides to take away. If I upgrade to Digital service- I will now need to rent 6 convertor boxes(which I do not want).

So I buy 3 new Digital TV's and get the kids to buy their own Digital TV's- to avoid the Box rental- onyl to find out I STILL Need to RENT a flippin box for each TV. Where is the justice in that? Why do I want a rental BOX?

I can't wait to compare this to Verizon FIOS strategy when they come to town in a couple of months!!! I refuse to pay additional fees for each TV. I will cancel both ComCrap AND Internet and go back to Dialup.

Chris]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,21109714 Sun, 14 Sep 2008 19:06:21 EDT Re: 2/17/2009 - All DIGITAL TV Transition Discussions go here http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,21096487 gpatrick900 : rv65
I found out they will be getting some lower end tv with cable cards in a few years. They may be waiting on the change before selling them. Then the tv would not need analog. Just SDTV/QAM with cable cards slots.

I also found out Comcast has ordered a bunch of digital to analog adapters (Suppose to work with any cable or satellite system) It is a small device you can put on the back of your tvs/vcrs and snake it around so it can receive the remote signal. The problem with the device it is slow to change channels. They are working to fix it. This device will not normally support video on demand or on screen program guide. If my comcast area does not get this device before they switch or require a huge converter box. Then I will be saving a lot of money. ]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,21096487 Thu, 11 Sep 2008 21:21:04 EDT Re: 2/17/2009 - All DIGITAL TV Transition Discussions go here http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,21095779 rv65 : Even though this isn't comcast Time Warner San Diego was looking at going all digital for Expanded basic in February despite their advertising. That would allow a ton of bandwidth for HD, more Digital channels, DOCSIS 3.0, or even VOD. Any combination could be used for it. ]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,21095779 Thu, 11 Sep 2008 19:06:28 EDT Re: 2/17/2009 - All DIGITAL TV Transition Discussions go here http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,21095767 rv65 : Well There are no $200 USD QAM/cable card tuners. Unless you want a refurb tivo HD with a monthly tivo service. All the boxes have some size to it. None of them are affordable. Comcast also uses the DCT700 in some areas which is a really small box. It's for SDTV's and it has cable security built right in. Don't know if your deployment has it. ]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,21095767 Thu, 11 Sep 2008 19:03:48 EDT Re: 2/17/2009 - All DIGITAL TV Transition Discussions go here http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,21033925 gpatrick900 : Greg_Z just to let you know. Not everybody that has a computer is rich. I was also given this computer. I am on dial-up at $10.95 and still using windows 98se. Plus computers are around $200.00 not $11,000 I am also on Comcast Limited Basic.

For other posters.

Comcast has moved 1 channel to Digital, there are planing to move cspan2 to digital and WGN to digital. I will need STB for it. Which I hate. I do not have room for that huge device. Is there a digital box(es) that I could get for Comcast that has a qam turner with a cable card and is it affordable? What would be real nice if they had a SDTV with qam turner and cable card slot that cost around $200.00

Here is some information for people using an antenna.
Wait one month after a the transition date before getting a new antenna. This give time for the local station to increase power and get new equipment. The local stations in most areas are operating their digital stations at low power, after the transition it should go to full power except maybe near the Canada border. The Digital channels will change in some locations. ]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,21033925 Sat, 30 Aug 2008 22:42:47 EDT Re: 2/17/2009 - All DIGITAL TV Transition Discussions go here http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20725633 aaronwt :
said by canoer41 :

If cable service were really market-driven and capitalistic, I'd agree with you. But around here, there's no competition (discounting DirectTV, which can't deliver local stations anyway). And no one is tallying the "purchasing" behaviors of the consumers, so the channels that no one is watching are being subsidized by an inflated cable bill. A possible solution exists in the SetTopBox, which could track viewing behavior, Nielson-like, and could be individually programmed to deliver only those stations that the user wanted to pay for. I seem to remember someone in Congress mentioning that possibility, but the idea seems to have died....
DirecTV carries the local channels for most markets.]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20725633 Tue, 01 Jul 2008 11:31:33 EDT Re: 2/17/2009 - All DIGITAL TV Transition Discussions go here http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20690407 anon : If cable service were really market-driven and capitalistic, I'd agree with you. But around here, there's no competition (discounting DirectTV, which can't deliver local stations anyway). And no one is tallying the "purchasing" behaviors of the consumers, so the channels that no one is watching are being subsidized by an inflated cable bill. A possible solution exists in the SetTopBox, which could track viewing behavior, Nielson-like, and could be individually programmed to deliver only those stations that the user wanted to pay for. I seem to remember someone in Congress mentioning that possibility, but the idea seems to have died....]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20690407 Tue, 24 Jun 2008 09:47:49 EDT Re: 2/17/2009 - All DIGITAL TV Transition Discussions go here http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20689800 bicker : Well, it is disappointing and unfortunate, perhaps, but it is fair and justifiable. Not every service necessary needs to be custom-designed to your own personal specifications. Rather, in the mass-market, the market determines what will be offered, and at what price, based on the purchasing behaviors of the bulk of consumers. ]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20689800 Tue, 24 Jun 2008 05:21:04 EDT Re: 2/17/2009 - All DIGITAL TV Transition Discussions go here http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20687065 anon : I live in an area which is > 50 miles from NYC and Philly. Cable was a necessity due to intense snow; I knew that when I moved here. (OTA Digital is impossible - I've tried it.) But: Last year, the cable bill went up SOLELY because some sports nuts whined because they couldn't get their favorite baseball games. NOW, I wonder if cable channels in the LTD/EXP range (2-70+) will be converted to digital, and the price will go up because of it. That is NOT fair or justifiable. But can anyone tell me differently?]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20687065 Mon, 23 Jun 2008 16:55:36 EDT Re: 2/17/2009 - All DIGITAL TV Transition Discussions go here http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20669335 bicker :
said by Nick Nack Patty :

They say that the switch to digital was approved by law. there used to be a time when the people would vote on such things, rather than corporations who try to think of ways to fleece us of our money.
That's idiocy. Of course the switch to digital broadcast television was approved by law, voted on by the people the we citizens elected to make such decisions for us.

said by Nick Nack Patty :

I don't remember voting on getting rid of analog or making it illegal.
Welcome to the United States. The United States is a representative democracy. Representative Democracy is a form of government founded on the principles of the people's representatives. The representatives form an independent ruling body (for an election period) charged with the responsibility of acting in the people's interest, but not as their proxy representatives—i.e., not necessarily always according to their wishes, but with enough authority to exercise swift and resolute initiative in the face of changing circumstances. It is often contrasted with direct democracy, where representatives are absent or are limited in power as proxy representatives.

If you were born here, you should have learned this in high school (assuming you've graduated already).]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20669335 Thu, 19 Jun 2008 19:45:36 EDT Re: 2/17/2009 - All DIGITAL TV Transition Discussions go here http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20665277 MysticGogeta : I can't justify a 1100 dollar tv as much as a computer because I can do actual work on a computer.
--
Team Discovery-Join the fight]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20665277 Wed, 18 Jun 2008 23:37:48 EDT Re: 2/17/2009 - All DIGITAL TV Transition Discussions go here http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20664899 Greg_Z :
said by MysticGogeta See Profile :

HDTV is nice, but many of us can't afford it and its a luxury we shouldn't have to pay extra for because the few clamor for more HD channels.
Cannot afford? But, you can afford a computer. Sorry, but this is a cop out, due to HD sets cost no more then Tube sets did 10 years ago. The cost of upgrading technology is something that has to be taken into consideration. And with the fact, that on HDNet, you get to see Drunk Chicks on Art Mann Presents, and great concerts in HD. That with the Lakers vs. the Celtics this week.

With this said, we got our 42" Panasonic Plasma for $1100, which is a killing compared to 5 years ago, when they where going for over $4k.]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20664899 Wed, 18 Jun 2008 22:27:04 EDT Re: 2/17/2009 - All DIGITAL TV Transition Discussions go here http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20664631 MysticGogeta : HDTV is nice, but many of us can't afford it and its a luxury we shouldn't have to pay extra for because the few clamor for more HD channels.
--
Team Discovery-Join the fight]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20664631 Wed, 18 Jun 2008 21:41:57 EDT Re: 2/17/2009 - All DIGITAL TV Transition Discussions go here http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20664532 Greg_Z : Personally, you can keep the Archaic technology. I love my HD set, and enjoy the fact that you can see High Def, due to the Analog Conversion is already taking place.]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20664532 Wed, 18 Jun 2008 21:24:46 EDT Re: 2/17/2009 - All DIGITAL TV Transition Discussions go here http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20663818 anon : They say that the switch to digital was approved by law. there used to be a time when the people would vote on such things, rather than corporations who try to think of ways to fleece us of our money. I don't remember voting on getting rid of analog or making it illegal.This is what they call forced obsolescence.There was a time when people had a choice in what freedoms they would allow.Hello Nazi Germany: didn't they enforce overnight laws without the people's consent too?]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20663818 Wed, 18 Jun 2008 18:56:59 EDT Re: 2/17/2009 - All DIGITAL TV Transition Discussions go here http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20503615 sansri88 : I would suggest you check out this thread if you haven't already: »Comcast Analog Migration]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20503615 Sun, 18 May 2008 21:22:20 EDT Re: 2/17/2009 - All DIGITAL TV Transition Discussions go here http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20503407 Greg_Z : You do not have to upgrade, unless your area is going Digital, which means that they will contact you regarding needing the STB or not. The 2009 DTV Transistion for Terrestial Television (ie Antenna needed to receive), you will either need a set with a ATSC tuner, or a external ATSC tuner.

As long as you have CATV, or Satellite, the DTV change does not effect you.]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20503407 Sun, 18 May 2008 20:23:00 EDT Re: 2/17/2009 - All DIGITAL TV Transition Discussions go here http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20503396 damox : I guess I am assuming that I will either have to upgrade to some sort of digital package or stop watching TV altogether come February. I have the Limited Basic Package (for lack of a better term since Comcast doesn't even sell this package any more) for $15 a month, but I'm thinking that this package will be going away since there won't be any analogue stations left. I probably need to contact Comcast, but I'm afraid of misinformation or the possibility of downright lies (that's really sad isn't it?). If someone out there has some definate information on this, I'd appreciate hearing from you.
--
DAMOX Proud to be a member of Team Discovery]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20503396 Sun, 18 May 2008 20:19:51 EDT Re: 2/17/2009 - All DIGITAL TV Transition Discussions go here http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20499830 sansri88 : This thread was to clarify the difference between the OTA DTV transition and Comcast's own digital transition.]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20499830 Sat, 17 May 2008 22:26:55 EDT Re: 2/17/2009 - All DIGITAL TV Transition Discussions go here http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20493386 tmccartney : Well, Comcast's digital transition does. Or is this thread supposed to be just about the OTA transition?

Thanks for the info.]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20493386 Fri, 16 May 2008 13:56:27 EDT Re: 2/17/2009 - All DIGITAL TV Transition Discussions go here http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20493288 Greg_Z : You have to change the channel through the STB. And besides, you have CATV, so the Digital Transistion will not apply to you.]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20493288 Fri, 16 May 2008 13:37:11 EDT Re: 2/17/2009 - All DIGITAL TV Transition Discussions go here http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20492099 tmccartney : Okay, I have a bunch o' questions, because Comcast in Nashville is trying to herd people into digital by taking channels off the basic analog lineup and putting them into not their digital starter but their digital plus package (G4 and Oxygen so far, with more to follow, I'm sure).

1) I have a 30" Sony WEGA HDTV that we bought about 3 years ago, so it probably has a QAM tuner. But I would probably still need a digital STB from Comcast to get channels that are not in Comcast's most basic lineup, because those channels will probably be encrypted, right?

2) I have a Philips HDRW 720/17 video recorder - it has a hard drive and a CD burner. Right now the analog cable runs straight into this recorder and then out to the WEGA TV. Is there any way to find out whether this unit is capable of receiving digital transmissions without a converter box?

3) Do these STBs change the channel, or do you still control channel-changing through the TV?

Thanks!

Tracey]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20492099 Fri, 16 May 2008 09:57:59 EDT Re: 2/17/2009 - All DIGITAL TV Transition Discussions go here http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20438358 bicker : I'm pretty sure the gender of the technician is irrelevant. :uhh:

The cable company will either

1) Down-convert the digital signal and pass the resulting analog signal along as an analog channel;
or
2) Make available converter boxes (for a fee if they wish) that will take the digital signal once it arrives at your home and convert it to an analog video output.]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20438358 Tue, 06 May 2008 05:34:48 EDT Re: 2/17/2009 - All DIGITAL TV Transition Discussions go here http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20437909 anon : I called Comcast a couple of months ago for some tech support and a male tech support agent told me that comcast was going to be broadcasting analog for another 3 years, now if they do how will this work if the TV stations are going digital themselves? I don't know if this is true but that's what he told me...]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20437909 Tue, 06 May 2008 00:59:17 EDT Re: 2/17/2009 - All DIGITAL TV Transition Discussions go here http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20371035 AquaSport : eh remember when you'd get double images and crappy sound on your cable... and then you got digital?

technology is good in that way, it just takes 13 years to do things...]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20371035 Tue, 22 Apr 2008 20:54:48 EDT Re: 2/17/2009 - All DIGITAL TV Transition Discussions go here http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20354689 Greg_Z : You cannot use the ATSC box on a CATV system. It is only for OTA broadcasts. This means Antenna needed.]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20354689 Sat, 19 Apr 2008 13:47:08 EDT Re: 2/17/2009 - All DIGITAL TV Transition Discussions go here http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20354027 mjmsr : OK, all this tech jargon is another language to me, but I think I understand the answer to my question.

Let me say it back to you so that I know I understand.

I have a HDTV with Comcast's hdtv box for that TV. I have a splitter in the wall for an analog TV in another room with NO BOX.

Even if I split the signal coming FROM the HDTV cable box and connected it to the government box for the analog tv, I still will NOT be able to view digital broadcasts that "come FROM the HDTV cable box" on my analog tv that has the government box.

Is that correct? If so, are their ANY digital to analog converters that would work with this scenario? If I could "split" the cable from the HDTV box, what kind of splitter would I use?

I would like to view the extended "digital" channels that Comcast offers on my analog tv without renting another box.

Sorry for my confusion, I just want to be certain.]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20354027 Sat, 19 Apr 2008 10:38:42 EDT Re: 2/17/2009 - All DIGITAL TV Transition Discussions go here http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20346468 robert2513 : Unfortunately, for people like me, the basic package is enough. One could hope, though, those rental fees add up. :D

Thanks.]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20346468 Wed, 16 Apr 2008 22:06:09 EDT Re: 2/17/2009 - All DIGITAL TV Transition Discussions go here http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20346280 Greg_Z : Why would they offer a discount, when those people that want the extras will pay for them? Unless you have a set that has a QAM tuner, and the channels are Open-QAM, the CATV provided STB is a necessity.]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20346280 Wed, 16 Apr 2008 21:34:47 EDT Re: 2/17/2009 - All DIGITAL TV Transition Discussions go here http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20346238 robert2513 : Hi folks.

Unfortunately, I saw that the boxes you can buy with the government coupons are no good with cable, particularly Comcast. Bummer.

So here is my question. I have Basic package with two analog TVs right now that get their signal directly from the wall. I like the freedom of being able to connect TVs without having the need to have extra equipment or especially monthly fees ;).

As Comcast moves channels from analog to digital, I'll have to start renting boxes for each TV and paying rental fees.
So does/will Comcast offer a discount for multiple box rentals? I know Comcast is a company but that just seems like it will be a rip off.

Thanks.]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20346238 Wed, 16 Apr 2008 21:26:50 EDT Re: 2/17/2009 - All DIGITAL TV Transition Discussions go here http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20345072 Greg_Z : I think that the main problem, is that this thread was let to go to the point that everyone, including myself got into a tiff. The main problem is, that the info needs to be placed in a FAQ, or this thread be trimmed to include the Fact's, and give good references.

If anything, you where spot on, but just that I did feel that it was directed to the prev. post to try to cyper the correct, and incorrect that I know is in everyone's postings.]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20345072 Wed, 16 Apr 2008 17:52:30 EDT Re: 2/17/2009 - All DIGITAL TV Transition Discussions go here http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20344939 cypherstream : Well Greg your right, I know.

I guess I was just trying to reiterate to other visitors that the reason the $40 boxes won't work on Cable, is because they don't have QAM tuners. Why is that important, well because QAM happens to be the modulation cable chose, while 8VSB is the modulation broadcasters choose. I'm not trying to explain this to you, but just reinforce it for others.

Sorry if I was overstepping my boundaries, but I think that the point is made.]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20344939 Wed, 16 Apr 2008 17:25:38 EDT Legal dispute could increase cost of digital TV http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20344714 andyross :
quote:
Patent suits translate into costlier transition to digital TV for viewers, nonprofit says

»biz.yahoo.com/ap/080416/digital_···tml?.v=2]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20344714 Wed, 16 Apr 2008 16:45:06 EDT Re: 2/17/2009 - All DIGITAL TV Transition Discussions go here http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20343692 Greg_Z : And we all know that OTA broadcasters can send their signal in QAM modulation (if you cannot take that as a mock, read it again). QAM is a modulation scheme to take the input to turn it into an output that can be understood by STB's, and the newer TV sets. If the CATV provider wanted to, they could of stayed with Analog broadcasts, and screw the FCC and the public, and let them get Satellite.

You do know that this is an argument that is understood by myself, yourself and others, so what are you trying to prove, other then you can place links for the same that I have.]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20343692 Wed, 16 Apr 2008 13:41:47 EDT Re: 2/17/2009 - All DIGITAL TV Transition Discussions go here http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20342698 cypherstream : Right because OTA ATSC is modulated with the 8VSB modulation scheme, while Cable opted for the QAM modulation scheme.

Why?

We are mindful that digital television signals are transmitted in the 8-VSB digital broadcast modulation technique while operators will use either 64 or 256 QAM as the cable digital modulation technique. Both 64 and 256 QAM provide cable operators with a greater degree of operating efficiency than 8-VSB, and also permits the carriage of a higher data rate, with fewer bits devoted to error correction, when compared with the digital broadcast system. Therefore, the FCC allows cable operators to remodulate digital broadcast signals from 8-VSB to 64 or 256 QAM. The FCC does not and will not require cable operators to pass through 8 VSB.

Some interesting wikipedia articles regarding different modulation techniques:
»en.wikipedia.org/wiki/8VSB
»en.wikipedia.org/wiki/16VSB
»en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Quadrature···dulation
»en.wikipedia.org/wiki/QAM_tuner]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20342698 Wed, 16 Apr 2008 10:57:21 EDT Re: 2/17/2009 - All DIGITAL TV Transition Discussions go here http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20342013 Greg_Z : The digital channesl that are broadcast on the plants from the OTA is ATSC format, and yes, you do need a tuner that picks up QAM to get those channels.]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20342013 Wed, 16 Apr 2008 07:54:27 EDT Re: 2/17/2009 - All DIGITAL TV Transition Discussions go here http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20342010 Greg_Z : I was talking about the CATV provider boxes.

Here, lets clear some things up:

1) Will the ATSC boxes that the government coupons are being given out for, work with a CATV or DBS provider? No. They only work with an antenna to pick up OTA (Over The Air) broadcasts.

2) Will I need the CATV provider box in 2009? It is possible, dependant on the system. Verizon Fios is already going forward on converting to the ATSC provided OTA signals for the locals on the QAM channel, that you either need their box, or a Set (does not have to be HD ready), that you can pick up the QAM provided channels.

For more on the technologies, you can go to »en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Atsc
»en.wikipedia.org/wiki/QAM
»en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Digital_television]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20342010 Wed, 16 Apr 2008 07:53:28 EDT Re: 2/17/2009 - All DIGITAL TV Transition Discussions go here http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20341795 bicker : As far as I know, all major cable providers broadcast QAM.]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20341795 Wed, 16 Apr 2008 04:26:08 EDT Re: 2/17/2009 - All DIGITAL TV Transition Discussions go here http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20341277 cypherstream : Right. I was disappointed to hear that as well. If anything $40 coupons for VOD scanning boxes would be fun :D

Comcast does not broadcast ATSC signals on their plant. QAM is much more efficient for HD broadcast over cable's 6 MHz channel spacing plan.]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20341277 Wed, 16 Apr 2008 00:00:10 EDT Re: 2/17/2009 - All DIGITAL TV Transition Discussions go here http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20340473 sansri88 : Misinformation at its best.

The boxes that can be bought with the government coupons DO NOT have QAM tuners in it. Therefore, you won't be able to tune to any channel broadcast in the clear on Comcast systems.

In order to view any channel that Comcast sends digitally unencrypted you need a QAM tuner, or a box from Comcast/box that has a QAM tuner.
--
Sriram Satish
5th Place, Cyber Security NJFBLA SLC 2007
4th Place, Networking Concepts NJFBLA SLC 2008]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20340473 Tue, 15 Apr 2008 21:22:39 EDT Re: 2/17/2009 - All DIGITAL TV Transition Discussions go here http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20340077 mjmsr : GREAT!

I will pick up a government issued converter box and will be able to watch all the digital broadcasts on my analog tv!

Any recommendations on a good box?]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20340077 Tue, 15 Apr 2008 20:05:55 EDT Re: 2/17/2009 - All DIGITAL TV Transition Discussions go here http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20340012 Greg_Z : Ys, with the box it will pick up anything that Comcast pushes through their system. Without, only Clear broadcasts that are not in their digital tier. The Digital conversion has nothing to do with your CATV provider, other then they have to comply with the Open broadcast policy set by the FCC for ATSC channels. This means anyone without a set that has a ATSC or QAM tuner (QAM is needed for CATV provder networks), you will be stuck watching what little is still in NTSC format on the Cable network.]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20340012 Tue, 15 Apr 2008 19:52:59 EDT Re: 2/17/2009 - All DIGITAL TV Transition Discussions go here http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20339954 mjmsr : OK, confused - somewhat!

Only one question - but it's lengthy and in 2 parts.

I currently have HDTV via Comcast (unfortunately)connected to my HDTV (via HDTV Box). The TV in the other room receives analog TV without a box.

Question: If I hook up a converter to the analog TV, will I be able to pick up ALL (or most) of Comcast's digital broadcasts that I receive on my HDTV? Would I split the cable coming out of the HDTV box from Comcast or use the direct cable connection as I am with the analog TV and connect it to the government box?

Thanks,
Mike]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20339954 Tue, 15 Apr 2008 19:39:20 EDT Re: 2/17/2009 - All DIGITAL TV Transition Discussions go here http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20331368 matt91 : Can anyone summarize which cities have already gone (nearly) all digital for Comcast? (e.g., 12 - 20 or so analog channels left, the rest all digital).

I've seen a reference to Chicago. Are there others?

Matt]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20331368 Mon, 14 Apr 2008 11:27:24 EDT Re: 2/17/2009 - All DIGITAL TV Transition Discussions go here http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20327775 Greg_Z : In all due reality, High Definition is anything over the standard 480 lines of resolution, and just because everything is going Digital, does not automatically define it as High Definition.

Historically the term high-definition television was first used to refer to television standards developed in the 1930s to replace early experimental systems with as few as 12 lines. Not so long afterwards John Logie Baird, Philo T. Farnsworth and Vladimir Zworykin had each developed competing TV systems but resolution was not the issue that separated their substantially different technologies. It was patent interference lawsuits and deployment issues given the tumultuous financial climate of the late '20s and '30s.

The British 405-line system was the first to advertise itself as high definition and see widespread use. Most patents were expiring by the end of World War II leaving the market wide open and no worldwide standard for television agreed upon. The world used analog PAL, NTSC, SECAM and other standards for over half a century.
»en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Analog_hig···n_system
»digital-lifestyle.aol.com/video/···09990001

Analog vs. Digital

Until very recently, all television broadcasts were analog. With analog transmission, programming is transmitted in a continuous signal that varies in amplitude, depending on the information contained in the picture. This signal can easily deteriorate over distance or suffer interference from other sources, which produces a lower-quality picture than the original. The primary advantage of digital transmission is that it slices the traditional analog television signal into a series of digital bits, which are then recombined to reproduce an exact copy of the original broadcast. These digital signals don't weaken with distance, as analog signals do. As long as the signal can be received, the picture is perfect, with no degradation. Since digital signals are comprised of binary bits, a 1 is always a 1 and a 0 is always a 0. Because of this exact end-to-end reproduction, digital means better picture and sound quality, no matter what is broadcast.

Different Types of Digital TV

Digital programming comes in many shapes and sizes. Not all digital broadcasts have the same resolution or aspect ratio. Here's a quick guide to all current digital formats:
• SDTV - Standard definition digital television has the same resolution and 4:3 aspect ratio as traditional analog television but is transmitted in digital fashion. The SDTV picture is 480 x 640 pixels, with interlaced scanning.

• EDTV - Enhanced definition television has the same resolution as SDTV but with progressive scanning instead of interlaced scanning, which creates a smoother overall picture. EDTV can be in either the 4:3 or 16:9 aspect ratio, for a resolution of either 480 x 640 or 480 x 720 pixels.

• HDTV (720p) - The first of the three current high definition television formats features 720 x 1280 pixel resolution with progressive scanning. This format is ideal for programming with lots of movement, such as sporting events. The aspect ratio is 16:9.

• HDTV (1080i). The second current high definition format features greater resolution than 720p (1080 x 1920 pixels), but with interlaced scanning. Like 720p, the aspect ratio is 16:9

• HDTV (1080p) - This is the ultimate high definition format, with 1080 x 1920 pixel resolution (in the 16:9 ratio) and progressive scanning. Because of the high bandwidth requirements, this format is not yet used for television broadcasts, although the new HD DVD and Blu-ray high-definition DVD formats will be capable of a 1080p picture.

»en.wikipedia.org/wiki/High-defin···levision
Further information: Analog high-definition television system
The term high definition described the television systems of the 1930s and 1940s beginning with the British 405-line black-and-white system, introduced in 1936; however, it, and the American 525-line NTSC system established in 1941, were only high definition in comparison with previous mechanical and electronic television systems. Today, the American 525-line NTSC system and the European 625-line PAL and SECAM systems are only regarded as standard definition. The post–WWII French 819-line black-and-white system was high definition in the contemporary sense, but was discontinued in 1986, a year after the final British 405-line broadcast.

In 1958, the U.S.S.R. created Òransformator (Russian: Òðàíñôîðìàòîð, "Transformer"), the first high-resolution (definition) television system capable of producing an image composed of 1,125 lines of resolution for the purpose of television conferences among military commands; as it was a military product, it was not commercialised.[1]
--
I threw out the map a long time ago. Now I follow my own direction!]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20327775 Sun, 13 Apr 2008 15:41:19 EDT Re: 2/17/2009 - All DIGITAL TV Transition Discussions go here http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20327666 bicker : I suspect I know the difference between SD digital and HD as well if not BETTER than you do. I think, rather, that there is something else at play here, specifically your inability to accept that reality doesn't have a natural consumerist-bias.]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20327666 Sun, 13 Apr 2008 15:13:20 EDT Re: 2/17/2009 - All DIGITAL TV Transition Discussions go here http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20326928 Greg_Z : You really do not know the difference between Digital & High Definition, do you? Digital is the way that the signal is transmitted; High Definition is producing a film, or live broadcast in a resolution that is higher then 720 lines, and Standard Definition is anything lower then 520. If you need more clarification, check out the FTC websites, and btw, the article you posted states nothing about High Definition.]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20326928 Sun, 13 Apr 2008 12:01:25 EDT Re: 2/17/2009 - All DIGITAL TV Transition Discussions go here http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20326700 bicker : You're simply poorly-informed. I wish I could explain it to you so that you'd understand, but it seems to me that you're unwilling to listen. ]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20326700 Sun, 13 Apr 2008 11:12:44 EDT Re: 2/17/2009 - All DIGITAL TV Transition Discussions go here http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20322711 Greg_Z : Infallible? Those are the FTC websites. I am guessing that you trust idiocracy better, then the people mandating the change.

And, no the vast majority is not switching to High Definition.]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20322711 Sat, 12 Apr 2008 12:14:55 EDT Re: 2/17/2009 - All DIGITAL TV Transition Discussions go here http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20322076 bicker : Those aren't infallible sources either... there are times when they cause as much confusion as the media.

OTA can switch to either SD digital or HD (or both). As I indicated, the vast majority are switching to HD.]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20322076 Sat, 12 Apr 2008 09:34:31 EDT Re: 2/17/2009 - All DIGITAL TV Transition Discussions go here http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20322052 Greg_Z : The OTA HAVE to switch to SD, but will carry a sub-channel for HD. And, btw, the media cannot get anything correct. If you want to know what is actually happening, go to »ftc.gov and »www.dtv.gov/]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20322052 Sat, 12 Apr 2008 09:24:55 EDT Re: 2/17/2009 - All DIGITAL TV Transition Discussions go here http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20322010 bicker : In this area, none of the OTA channels are switching to SD digital. Therefore, trying to explain to people the difference isn't worth it. So just expect that people will talk about HD and analog, period. That's what the media is talking about, and that's what people will understand.

I think the issue, though, that the article was getting at was that people should expect to pay for set-top boxes, not get them for free.]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20322010 Sat, 12 Apr 2008 09:11:37 EDT Re: 2/17/2009 - All DIGITAL TV Transition Discussions go here http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20321982 Greg_Z : Why is everyone is thinking that the Digital convesion means everything is going to High Definition. The Digital Signal conversion means that the 480i that is in Analog is going Digital, not High-Def.

And conversion is only taking the Digital Signal that comes in from the OTA locals, and changing it into a Analog for those that do not have Set-Tops, and in the case where the Set-Tops stop working, there has to be a clear signal. Not all of the signals coming through the system have to go Analog. Look at what Verizon Fios is doing.]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20321982 Sat, 12 Apr 2008 09:01:31 EDT Re: 2/17/2009 - All DIGITAL TV Transition Discussions go here http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20321756 bicker : Interesting article this week on MSNBC. »www.msnbc.msn.com/id/24073432 I've posted about it in several other forums, but I thought I'd highlight the most important bit with regard to this thread, especially in light of the discussion of cable companies going all-digital: In cases where a cable company goes all-digital, the regulation requiring some type of analog service through 2012 does not say anything about the cable company having to provide free converter boxes. It says, "any costs incurred by a cable operator in down-converting or carrying alternative format versions of signals... shall be the responsibility of the cable operator." This is taken to mean that if the cable company decides to convert HD signals to analog at the head-end, after February 2009, then they must bare the cost of that themselves. However, that does not mean that they cannot charge for STBs necessary to convert digital signals on an all-digital system to analog. "Any costs related to [that] will be determined by the cable company." Unless and until someone sues a cable company and wins, this interpretation is effectively the law of the land, since it is the interpretation advocated by the NCTA, and therefore the one that will drive what cable companies do.]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20321756 Sat, 12 Apr 2008 06:29:29 EDT Re: 2/17/2009 - All DIGITAL TV Transition Discussions go here http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20260333 anon : Again, the digital cutoff date that the federal coupons are good for have NOTHING to do with cable television. That cutoff date only refers to over the air television (OTA). If you have cable or satelite, then this date and these coupons have nothing to do with you. The only people that need to pay attention are maybe your grandparents who still have a roof arial or rabbit ear antenna.

Cable tv signal is transmitted over their own cables. The signal is not sent over the 700MHz frequency band. Opening up this frequency for other uses is the entire purpose of why the government is cutting over the air analog tv next year.

While it is advantageous for a cable company to transmit all of their stations in a digital format over the cable since it uses less bandwidth that way (= more channels in same amount of space), it is up to the cable company whether or not to use analog or cable. The cable company is using its own closed network.]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20260333 Mon, 31 Mar 2008 20:35:35 EDT Re: 2/17/2009 - All DIGITAL TV Transition Discussions go here http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20259907 sansri88 : WABC-DT started showing messages today during Jeopardy about the digital transition during the show.

WCBS-DT started showing messages during the closing of it's morning news cast.]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20259907 Mon, 31 Mar 2008 19:08:59 EDT Re: 2/17/2009 - All DIGITAL TV Transition Discussions go here http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20238669 Greg_Z : They work the same way as your CATV STB. The pass through means, that you can send a signal such as CATV, Through the box, without it making any conversions to the signal.]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20238669 Thu, 27 Mar 2008 22:42:58 EDT Re: 2/17/2009 - All DIGITAL TV Transition Discussions go here http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20238007 lts48 : Greg Z

No, what I am saying is that with 2 converter boxes, I should be able to watch/record (2) different channels, correct?

Also, do you know what is meant by converters having a pass through capability? It seems like potential users want that capability.]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20238007 Thu, 27 Mar 2008 21:04:10 EDT Re: 2/17/2009 - All DIGITAL TV Transition Discussions go here http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20237868 Greg_Z : Yep, thats it. That will surely allow you to watch the same as you are recording, and same for the other TV sets.]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20237868 Thu, 27 Mar 2008 20:43:21 EDT Re: 2/17/2009 - All DIGITAL TV Transition Discussions go here http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20237835 NoPegs : The purpose of composite ports is for better picture quality and *STEREO* sound. You don't get either out of coaxial remod on 3/4 usually (there are exceptions, but they're less than 1% installed userbase!)...

Try it, even on a 19" tv you should see a better picture with red/white/yellow over channel 4. Put your tv on input 1 or line1 or video 1 instead of channel 3 or 4. take the coax cable out from between the box and tv and use a set of red/white/yellow. :)]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20237835 Thu, 27 Mar 2008 20:37:56 EDT Re: 2/17/2009 - All DIGITAL TV Transition Discussions go here http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20236889 lts48 : OK, so the converter box converts digital to analog and you have a tuner in the converter that then displays OTA digital broadcasts on your analog tv or through your VCR to the analog TV on Channel 3/4. Then, if I wanted to watch one channel while recording another, I need to split the antenna signal between the TV and the VCR and have a second converter box in front of the VCR to record a different channel. What then is the purpose of the composite outputs of these converter boxes? Probably just an optional connection for the designated channel on the converter box, I assume. When I read these references to a "pass through" capability, what would that mean?]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20236889 Thu, 27 Mar 2008 18:22:58 EDT Re: 2/17/2009 - All DIGITAL TV Transition Discussions go here http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20231292 Greg_Z : Go ahead and place it in front of all the Tvs & VCRs in the house. Everyone will be watching the same thing.]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20231292 Wed, 26 Mar 2008 21:04:34 EDT Re: 2/17/2009 - All DIGITAL TV Transition Discussions go here http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20229940 lts48 : I noted that a responder to this thread mentioned he had not received his TV Converter Box coupons. Just an fyi, I received my (2) about 2 weeks ago. They are like credit cards that expire 90 days from when they were mailed. They can only be used towards the purchase of a single coupon-eligible converter box. They can only be used once. A list of certified eligible converter boxes is provided and a web site for a more current list. They also point you towards Best Buy, Radio Shack and Wal-Mart as a participating retailer and again towards a web site that has a more current list of retailers.

On my part, I have one technical question: If a converter box just converts digital back to analog, can that box be placed in front of a splitter that then sends separate signals to two analog TVs or analog VCR? or Do I have to buy one converter box for each analog tv or analog VCR in the house?]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20229940 Wed, 26 Mar 2008 17:18:56 EDT Re: 2/17/2009 - All DIGITAL TV Transition Discussions go here http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20218104 Travelfan1 : EDIT: Article had been previously posted in the dslreports forum, but on the broader News forum:

»Comcast's $35 Digital Conversion Dongle

very interesting article on an approach Comcast is looking to implement a cheap digital to analog conversion product:

Comcast Pursuing $35 Digital Dongle

»www.lightreading.com/document.as···site=cdn

To give credit when credit's due, I found about this after reading markofmayhem See Profile post in the Central PA new HD channels about this "DAC Dongle".
--
Comcast of New Jersey II(Union)
Verizon DSL
And who would think Eli would outplay Brady...]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20218104 Mon, 24 Mar 2008 16:35:58 EDT Re: I hope http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20180470 shezams : In the DC area too most of the Digital cable signals are encrypted and I so do not want a Comcast truck roll to have someone with less skill than I have stick it in my Tivo which I just got, and set up for the analog just fine. There are over 400 digital channels and subchannels which for the most part are encrypted. My Tivo reported them, but without a cable card I cannot view them.
--
Simple rules - no offsides, no intent to maim, everything else is all good!]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20180470 Mon, 17 Mar 2008 17:23:35 EDT Re: I hope http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20164362 pgoelz :
said by anonomous :

PLEASE COMCAST SWITCH TO ALL DIGITAL!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Maybe good for you but I currently have five TVs and a TV video card connected to our analog cable system. If Comcast goes all digital, those TVs are dead unless I rent a box for each one of them. Most of them are used only occasionally, making it not economical. At best, I can put QAM converter boxes on them, but around here Comcast encrypts most of the basic and extended basic channels so that won't get me much.

Paul]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20164362 Fri, 14 Mar 2008 12:33:33 EDT Re: 2/17/2009 - All DIGITAL TV Transition Discussions go here http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20112938 YukonHawk : Bicker..thanks to you and everyone here. ]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20112938 Wed, 05 Mar 2008 12:50:02 EDT Re: 2/17/2009 - All DIGITAL TV Transition Discussions go here http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20110874 bicker : Do keep in mind that there is not necessarily any relationship between the 2/17/2009 date and your cable provider. Whatever your cable provider will do they can do before that date or after that date. That date specifically only pertains to the televisions you have that are receiving reception via an antenna.]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20110874 Wed, 05 Mar 2008 01:30:45 EDT Re: 2/17/2009 - All DIGITAL TV Transition Discussions go here http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20110167 YukonHawk : Thanks for the quick reply.]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20110167 Tue, 04 Mar 2008 22:54:11 EDT Re: 2/17/2009 - All DIGITAL TV Transition Discussions go here http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20110154 Greg_Z : You can either rent the boxes from the provider, or go out and get your own ATSC/QAM boxes, and take the crapshoot to hope that your provider does not encrypt the HD or SD channels.]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20110154 Tue, 04 Mar 2008 22:52:51 EDT Re: 2/17/2009 - All DIGITAL TV Transition Discussions go here http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20110133 YukonHawk : Maybe someone can help me with this question. Currently I do not have any set top boxes for my 3 TVs. I just have basic cable and decided not to rent any. With the digital transition coming in Feb 2009 will I need to start renting a STB from Comcast.

Thanks for any help.
Paul]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20110133 Tue, 04 Mar 2008 22:49:53 EDT I hope http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20047285 anon : Comcast goes all digital here. Our HD DVR is one of the new DCH 3416 set top boxes w/160 GB HDD and it only receives digital. I believe in my area, Comcast sends 3 streams for some of the standard cable channels, one is analog for a regular TV to pick up. Another is digital for STBs to pick up. The third is an HD version of certain channels. If they get rid of the analog channels, use SDV, and MPEG-4, it would free up LOTS of bandwidth which can be used for more HD channels, more on-demand, and for faster HSI when they switch over to DOCSIS 3.0. PLEASE COMCAST SWITCH TO ALL DIGITAL!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20047285 Sat, 23 Feb 2008 02:25:16 EDT Re: 2/17/2009 - All DIGITAL TV Transition Discussions go here http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20035010 pheon : It looks like the converter boxes are now available at many retail stores. Prices range from $49.97 to $59.99 for the basic models.

I haven't received my coupon yet, but when I checked the status on the dtv2009.gov website, it said my coupons would be mailed out soon.]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20035010 Thu, 21 Feb 2008 02:20:01 EDT Re: 2/17/2009 - All DIGITAL TV Transition Discussions go here http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20012186 bicker : To be clear: Cable companies won't be "forced" to go all-digital in 2012. They can go all-digital before that, simply by making converter boxes with analog outputs available. And they can probably continue to provide some analog service after that, if they wish.

Cable companies can probably charge for converter boxes, even after they go all-digital, but we expect most will provide at least one converter box included in the basic fees. Converter boxes you buy from electronics stores will work, but only for unencrypted channels, unless they support CableCards (which you'll have to rent from the cable company).

Indeed, DirecTV and Dish Network already require you to use one of their converter boxes. You cannot even buy one at an electronics store -- the satellite systems are closed to you. ]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20012186 Sun, 17 Feb 2008 13:36:44 EDT Re: 2/17/2009 - All DIGITAL TV Transition Discussions go here http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20008749 Greg_Z : NOTHING. If you need a Digital STB, they will contact you.]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20008749 Sat, 16 Feb 2008 19:37:02 EDT Re: 2/17/2009 - All DIGITAL TV Transition Discussions go here http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20008300 anon : Okay, so in plain English, what happens to us analog subscribers when cable companies are forced to go all digital in 2012? Does that mean that Comcast will now require me to pay for a digital box for each of my TV sets? Can I just use a converter box that you can buy in any electronics store to convert the cable company's digital signal back to analog so that I don't have to buy the cable company's overpriced digital boxes or throw away my three big, expensive analog TVs?
Suppose you have Direct TV or Dish Network...those are already digital, so would you still need a converter box if you are using those services?]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20008300 Sat, 16 Feb 2008 17:54:15 EDT Re: 2/17/2009 - All DIGITAL TV Transition Discussions go here http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,19980071 Snowcat : Give the government some credit. The converter boxes are already in the stores, and I am sure the coupons will start arriving in the next few weeks.

While I don't need one, it might not be bad to have one as a backup or for a portable tv.]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,19980071 Tue, 12 Feb 2008 09:18:52 EDT Re: 2/17/2009 - All DIGITAL TV Transition Discussions go here http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,19980053 Greg_Z : »https://www.dtv2009.gov/FAQ.aspx
Consumers who apply at the beginning or 2008 will receive their coupons when TV converter boxes are expected to be available in retail stores, probably in late February or early March.

The Probably in Government terms means when ever we get around to it, and most likely will be late in 2008 when they will be sent, and will not have enough for the number of requests received.]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,19980053 Tue, 12 Feb 2008 09:13:34 EDT Re: 2/17/2009 - All DIGITAL TV Transition Discussions go here http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,19979986 Snowcat :
said by Greg_Z See Profile :

It will be later this year as mentioned in the disclaimer, not at the beginning.
Later this month, not later this year.

»https://www.dtv2009.gov/RecentUpdates.aspx

TV Converter Box Coupons are plastic cards that look like gift cards. They will be:

-Mailed to households with approved applications, starting in late February.

-Sent based on the date of application, in the order in which the applications were received.

-Mailed on a staggered basis - not all at once.

-Delivered by the U.S. Postal Service.

Coupons cannot be printed or downloaded from the Program Website and are not available to pick up at retail locations.

Remember to call ahead to confirm availability of coupon-eligible converter boxes at the store on the day you plan to shop.]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,19979986 Tue, 12 Feb 2008 08:58:57 EDT Re: 2/17/2009 - All DIGITAL TV Transition Discussions go here http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,19977390 Greg_Z : It will be later this year as mentioned in the disclaimer, not at the beginning. Even then, unless you do not have a need for the ATSC tuner, due to have CATV or Satellite, it will serve no purpose. Matter of fact, the tuners only do 480i, and nothing else.]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,19977390 Mon, 11 Feb 2008 19:43:17 EDT Re: 2/17/2009 - All DIGITAL TV Transition Discussions go here http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,19977331 Snowcat : Has anyone received their government coupons yet? I sent away for one on Jan 1, and I thought they would be ready by early Feb.]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,19977331 Mon, 11 Feb 2008 19:36:03 EDT Re: 2/17/2009 - All DIGITAL TV Transition Discussions go here http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,19890519 Greg_Z :
said by hussle87 See Profile :

so that means that by 2012 we will all have to own a DTV right?
No. You will though need a Digital Convertor box, or have to upgrade your Television set to one that contains a NTSC/ATSC/QAM tuner. This does not mean to go out and purchase a HD set.]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,19890519 Mon, 28 Jan 2008 16:20:02 EDT Re: 2/17/2009 - All DIGITAL TV Transition Discussions go here http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,19889948 hussle87 : so that means that by 2012 we will all have to own a DTV right?]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,19889948 Mon, 28 Jan 2008 14:59:26 EDT Re: 2/17/2009 - All DIGITAL TV Transition Discussions go here http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,19889910 bicker : Cable providers are NOT required to go all-digital in February 2009. ONLY over-the-air broadcasters are required to go all-digital in February 2009. Cable providers are required to provide analog signals, either via the coax or via analog outputs from a digital cable box, through December 2012.]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,19889910 Mon, 28 Jan 2008 14:54:27 EDT Re: 2/17/2009 - All DIGITAL TV Transition Discussions go here http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,19889891 hussle87 : I don't really get what comcast is doing for 2009. I thought cable and satelite providers were required to go all digital. With that how is comcast going to transmit in analog. My guess is that they will only transmit the basic in analog. ]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,19889891 Mon, 28 Jan 2008 14:52:06 EDT Re: Comcast and the DTV Transition: What We Know So Far http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,19886585 luckykevin : also another benefit of the dcx is 1ghz tuners]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,19886585 Sun, 27 Jan 2008 23:14:52 EDT Re: Comcast and the DTV Transition: What We Know So Far http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,19886230 Greg_Z : HD is not mandatory. I wish people would get it straight. The digital conversion has nothing to do with High Definition. What it has to do, is changing the signal from an Analog waveform, to 1's & 0's being transmitted.]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,19886230 Sun, 27 Jan 2008 21:56:28 EDT Re: Comcast and the DTV Transition: What We Know So Far http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,19885878 bicker : That's not entirely true: Analog and digital are not both mandatory at the same time. It is one or the other, depending on the current operating status of the station.]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,19885878 Sun, 27 Jan 2008 20:46:50 EDT Re: Comcast and the DTV Transition: What We Know So Far http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,19885791 anon : After re-reading the regulation, it appears that so long as the OTA-format signal is provided without downconversion, along with either (a) digital STBs or (b) an analog signal, nothing prevents the system from transmitting an additional downconverted digital signal. Indeed, the rule specifically says that downconversion is NOT "material degradation" (which is prohibited by Federal law) if it's done to make the signal "viewable" to all customers (as required by Federal law).

Thus, if a cable system decides to carry a separate digital-SD version of an HD signal to serve digital-SD STBs that can't downconvert, that *appears* to be permissible. However, that amounts to two signals on digital-only systems and three on ADS systems; HD is mandatory for all systems, while analog is also mandatory for ADS systems. With current bandwidth demands, that is unlikely to happen; also, Comcast lawyers may read the regulation differently than I do. Either way, eliminating digital-SD feeds may be the more prudent move.

(Note: Non-ADS mixed analog/digital systems will follow the same rules as ADS systems; however, Comcast is now 100% ADS.)]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,19885791 Sun, 27 Jan 2008 20:31:11 EDT Re: Comcast and the DTV Transition: What We Know So Far http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,19885569 anon :
said by bicker See Profile :

Is there really a regulation that prohibits downconversion at the head-end? It makes sense to me from one standpoint, but from another, there is a regulation saying that MSOs have to continue to provide some kind of analog service through 2012, and one of the two choices MSOs have is via analog signals from the head-end. Are you saying that two regulations together FORCE MSOs to the converter box option?
The original poster used that statement in reference to markets that are shutting off analog completely. Under the FCC regulations, digital-only systems must retransmit the station's OTA format (HD or SD) with no downconversion; those systems must supply downconverting STBs to all customers at no extra charge. ADS systems must transmit two signals--(a) a digital signal in the OTA format with no downconversion, and (b) an analog signal downconverted to SD.

Also note that the regulations only apply to "must-carry" stations, i.e., noncommercial and smaller commercial stations. Except for the "no downconversion" rule for the digital signal, they don't apply to "retransmission consent" stations (usually major-network stations, but depends on the cable system); however, it's highly unlikely those stations will permit anything else. Those stations want HD for digital customers and SD for everyone else; anything else will lose viewers and backfire on them.]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,19885569 Sun, 27 Jan 2008 19:58:22 EDT Re: 2/17/2009 - All DIGITAL TV Transition Discussions go here http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,19869999 sansri88 : That would mean your area is ADS. It has a digital tuner only.]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,19869999 Thu, 24 Jan 2008 23:36:18 EDT Re: 2/17/2009 - All DIGITAL TV Transition Discussions go here http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,19869930 anon : They traded my DCT 2000 for one of these:

»broadband.motorola.com/business/···ttop.asp]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,19869930 Thu, 24 Jan 2008 23:26:26 EDT Re: Comcast and the DTV Transition: What We Know So Far http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,19851026 cypherstream : Thats cool that the DCX-100 can downconvert HD to SD for the older TV's. Currently you get a black screen (sometimes your lucky and get audio) if you tune to an HD channel on a DCT-2xxx or DCT-700.

Bravo Motorola!]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,19851026 Tue, 22 Jan 2008 08:52:02 EDT Re: Comcast and the DTV Transition: What We Know So Far http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,19850752 bicker : Is there really a regulation that prohibits downconversion at the head-end? It makes sense to me from one standpoint, but from another, there is a regulation saying that MSOs have to continue to provide some kind of analog service through 2012, and one of the two choices MSOs have is via analog signals from the head-end. Are you saying that two regulations together FORCE MSOs to the converter box option?]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,19850752 Tue, 22 Jan 2008 07:21:23 EDT Comcast and the DTV Transition: What We Know So Far http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,19848315 PGHammer : Comcast will, at least in some areas, replace existing Motorola DCT/DCH-series STBs with newer DCX series STBs (also from Motorola). The new DCX series lineup is as follows:

DCX100 - a smaller HD-in/SD-out PPV-ready STB designed specifically for the DTV transition (will directly replace the DCT-7xx/DCH-100). Unlike the DCT-7xx, it supports M-Card pairing, PPV, and even DTV-HDTV tuning (both 64QAM and 256QAM); the latter feature is also lacking from the DCH-100. Like the DCH-100/DCT-7xx, it includes both RF and component-out (component-out is fixed at 480p).

DCX-3200 - Single-tuner HD/SD STB (no DVR features). Directly replaces existing HD/SD STBs on Motorola or OCAP platforms (including DCH-3200/DCT-62xx/DCT-2xxx). Supports VOD (unlike DCX-100), DTV/HDTV in/out (component and HDMI-out).

DCX-34xx (possible DCX-3450 and DCX-3475?)- Dual-tuner HD/SD STB with DVR functionality. Would directly replace existing DCH-3416s (possibly with increased storage capacity; Seagate does manufacture both 500 and 750 GB drives in the same formfactor and with the same interface as the drive used in current DCH-3416) or similar models in Motorola and OCAP systems.

Common features across all models: MoCA support, FollowMeTV support, OCAP support, M-card pairing

All three are due in 3Q CY 2008 from Motorola.

(from CES 2008 press release and exhibit by Motorola)

Why This Matters (Especially In Comcast Areas)

One rather nasty problem (which first surfaced in Chicago, the first major area to go all-digital, as opposed to ADS) is that come 2009, there will be no analog OTA signal to pass along to the customer. That means digital OTA signals will be either HD or SD (depending on the source). That means, given an HD source, there needs to be a downconversion to SD at the STB (since FCC regulations prohibit a headend-based conversion). That problem will be solved by the DCX-100. This box will also enable cable companies in general (and Comcast in particular) to hold on to customers transitioning from older SD-only TVs to HDTVs from 3Q CY 2008 forward.

The DCX-3200 is aimed more at the same customer that has the existing DCT-62xx/DCH-62xx non-DVR STB today (as it has no new features). Ironically, the most likely box this will replace in warehouses is the DCT-2xxx (at least initially) as this STB supports HDMI-out (which the DCT-2xxx doesn't). This STB, more than even the DCX-100, is most likely to go to an existing customer, even if the customer *isn't* upgrading to a higher program tier.

DCX-34xx - The only change vs. the DCT/DCH-3416 is likely to be in capacity (up to 750 GB internal capacity is possible); however, would any cable comapny get that brave and have an STB with even 500 GB internal capacity, let alone 750 GB?]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,19848315 Mon, 21 Jan 2008 19:48:04 EDT Re: 2/17/2009 - All DIGITAL TV Transition Discussions go here http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,19833988 celeritypc :
said by patspub See Profile :

I have been seeing alot of commercials on DTV and they always with DTV you will see more channels. What does this mean?
They are referring to sub-channels. Your local ABC probably has ABC News Now, NBC has Weather Plus, etc.]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,19833988 Sat, 19 Jan 2008 12:40:47 EDT Re: 2/17/2009 - All DIGITAL TV Transition Discussions go here http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,19833922 Greg_Z : Has nothing to do with the FCC OTA Digital transisition.]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,19833922 Sat, 19 Jan 2008 12:28:07 EDT Re: 2/17/2009 - All DIGITAL TV Transition Discussions go here http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,19833467 patspub : I have been seeing alot of commercials on DTV and they always with DTV you will see more channels. What does this mean?]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,19833467 Sat, 19 Jan 2008 10:54:12 EDT Re: 2/17/2009 - All DIGITAL TV Transition Discussions go here http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,19813098 MysticGogeta : I think going to all digital is a good idea. However the planing for it of course sucks so I'm not in favor of it at the moment.
--
Team Discovery-Join the fight]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,19813098 Wed, 16 Jan 2008 12:57:17 EDT Re: 2/17/2009 - All DIGITAL TV Transition Discussions go here http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,19776542 cypherstream : In my area there was a recent article in our local paper about this.

Basically it said Cable companies can do whatever they want. A smaller MSO in our area is going to digital only. You will require a box on every non digital TV with that operator. However they specifically said Comcast will still have analog channels available. It did not mention how many or what analog channels Comcast will have, but it goes to show you that the Operator can do what they please.

I'm hoping that Expanded basic service goes all digital. We could really use the room as our puny 750 MHz system just doesn't cut it anymore in a world of HD, broadband and telephony. Our area seems pretty resistant when it comes to moving channels to digital only. It's early in the year however, and soon they will be pressured to get bandwidth from somewhere. ]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,19776542 Thu, 10 Jan 2008 17:33:35 EDT Re: 2/17/2009 - All DIGITAL TV Transition Discussions go here http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,19768437 Travelfan1 : I could refer back to my post, but I think, since now we have this sticky, is worth to repeat it here:

www.ncta.com/IssueBrief.aspx?contentId=2688

It shows how Cable Cos will handle the dtv transition:

"The good news for cable customers is that the digital transition should be easy. Thanks to a compromise adopted by the FCC in September 2007, cable companies will carry the main digital signal of “must carry” commercial broadcast TV stations and will duplicate that signal into analog format so that all channels can be viewed on any older analog TV sets connected to cable.

Cable’s carriage of the signals in both digital and analog formats will ensure that all customers will see commercial broadcast TV signals after the transition. This approach will make the digital transition effortless for all cable customers and provide valuable assistance to commercial TV stations trying to reach all of the homes in their region."

So hopefully by Feb 2009 the # of analogs in my area will drop from the current 70 or so to about 17, which will free up tons of spectrum for new HD channels, more Internet speed, etc.
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Comcast of New Jersey II(Union)
Verizon DSL
]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,19768437 Wed, 09 Jan 2008 14:00:52 EDT 2/17 & 6/12 - All DIGITAL TV Transition Discussions go here http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,19765061 sansri88 : It seems like many people talk about the DTV transition and there are numerous threads about it in the first place. People are also confusing the OTA analog shutoff with Comcast analog decreases. We should consolidate them into just one thread here.

For those looking for more information on the DTV transition, here is a good website: »www.dtvanswers.com/

Stations still going digital on 2-17-2009: »hraunfoss.fcc.gov/edocs_public/a···21A3.pdf

See also ---> »Digital Conversion 2009
»Comcast Analog Migration

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Sriram Satish
Teen Tech Enthusiast
"Al Gore is the only president to win an election but never serve in office."
Join »Team Helix and »Team Discovery]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,19765061 Tue, 08 Jan 2008 22:22:34 EDT