[CATV] Boston: I get 50% fewer HD channels but pay for all! in RCN http://www.dslreports.com/forum/r20193576 en Thu, 10 Dec 2009 07:19:03 EDT Thu, 10 Dec 2009 07:19:03 EDT Re: [CATV] Boston: I get 50% fewer HD channels but pay for all! http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20424621 moulder3 : formerly rcn:

THANK YOU!! Two pages of comments, but no one answered my question before you!!!!

So now that I know I'm on a 750mhz network, what does this mean? Is it possible, and/or is RCN in the process of, upgrading the network to 860mhz? What does that entail?

I'm hoping that the comments by rcnman in other threads mentioning HD-VOD by July means they are currently upgrading our network? I don't care how I get it (QAM or switched video)...I just want the HD channels! :D

From a marketing standpoint, I think if RCN upgraded us, the ability to advertise "the most HD in Boston" (over Comcast, Fios, DirecTV & Dish) would be a HUGE selling point. Most of my friends have gone to satellite, believing this to be the option with most HD.]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20424621 Sat, 03 May 2008 02:25:29 EDT Re: [CATV] Boston: I get 50% fewer HD channels but pay for all! http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20423374 anon : MDU's in boston area were built first and at the time 750mhz was the standard. then shortly after came 860mhz which was used for newer builds.

just as a reference most modern urban cable systems are 860mhz and most modern suburban systems are 750-860mhz. urban systems typically have more local channels requiring more space.

110 mhz difference = about shelf space for 40 hd channels.

i hope that answers your question.

said by moulder3 See Profile :

Ok, I remember hearing that I was missing out on Science Channel HD and some other channel a few weeks ago, but I just checked the website, and found this (taken directly from rcn.com):

The following HD channels are not available in Arlington, Somerville or Boston multiple dwelling units (MDUs):
A&E HD
Animal Planet HD
Biography HD
CNN HD
Discovery Channel HD
FX HD
History Channel HD
Lifetime Movie Network HD
Science Channel HD
The Learning Channel (TLC) HD
Travel Channel HD

So let me get this straight, I pay the EXACT SAME AMOUNT as everyone else in the Boston area, but am supposed to be ok with getting 50% LESS HD than everyone else? How is that fair?

Can someone from RCN PLEASE COMMENT on when those of us who (are apparently unfortunate enough to) live in MDUs in Boston will receive these HD channels....that we are already paying for, but not receiving?!?
]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20423374 Fri, 02 May 2008 20:32:22 EDT Re: [CATV] Boston: I get 50% fewer HD channels but pay for all! http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20422507 arlington : In Arlington the cable setup for the last 20 years or so was first something called Arlington something or other, taken over by cablevision, taken over by ATT&T, taken over by Comcast.

Never had cable when I lived in Somerville but I believe back in the eighties is was the same as Medford, Warner cable.

Now Arlington has RCN, Comcast, and FIOS, including me come Mon AM]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20422507 Fri, 02 May 2008 17:14:42 EDT Re: [CATV] Boston: I get 50% fewer HD channels but pay for all! http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20422236 anon : Thanks. I guess that's about as close to official as we are going to get.

-Mike "waiting for July"

said by rcnman See Profile :

said by ajburgh See Profile :

Most current cable companies are still sending out analog channels 1-99, plus a digital copy of it that your cable box is showing instead (the cable box just pretends they are on channels 1-99). These analog channels are what's shown when you hook up your TV directly to the cable.

They take up a lot of space, about 6 SD digital channels or 1-2 HD channels per analog channel. If they stop airing the digital copy like they did in Chicago recently there will be a lot more capacity to add additional channels. However, it also means you can no longer just hook up a regular TV directly to the cable and watch TV like that.

Big cable systems, like the one in Boston, are mostly made up of smaller cable systems that have been taken over in the past. Some of these parts may have a slightly smaller capacity than others. My guess is that Arlington/Somerville has a cable network with a slightly smaller capacity that does not allow them to add the additional HD channels right now. When they clear out all the analog channels there should be plenty of room to add those.

Of course, the only official answer would have to be given by Jason. This is just my understanding of it.
I would agree with everything you said..
]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20422236 Fri, 02 May 2008 16:26:07 EDT Re: [CATV] Boston: I get 50% fewer HD channels but pay for all! http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20414361 rcnman :
said by ajburgh See Profile :

Most current cable companies are still sending out analog channels 1-99, plus a digital copy of it that your cable box is showing instead (the cable box just pretends they are on channels 1-99). These analog channels are what's shown when you hook up your TV directly to the cable.

They take up a lot of space, about 6 SD digital channels or 1-2 HD channels per analog channel. If they stop airing the digital copy like they did in Chicago recently there will be a lot more capacity to add additional channels. However, it also means you can no longer just hook up a regular TV directly to the cable and watch TV like that.

Big cable systems, like the one in Boston, are mostly made up of smaller cable systems that have been taken over in the past. Some of these parts may have a slightly smaller capacity than others. My guess is that Arlington/Somerville has a cable network with a slightly smaller capacity that does not allow them to add the additional HD channels right now. When they clear out all the analog channels there should be plenty of room to add those.

Of course, the only official answer would have to be given by Jason. This is just my understanding of it.
I would agree with everything you said..
--
Jason Nealis,
Sr. Director, Video Product and Network Operations]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20414361 Thu, 01 May 2008 00:33:55 EDT Re: [CATV] Boston: I get 50% fewer HD channels but pay for all! http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20414354 rcnman :
said by boble88 See Profile :

Rcnman, when you say "reclaim analog space" how is this done? The reason I ask is this, if you eliminate the channels from 900 to 970 (does anyone know why these channels are needed) how many HD channels could take that space?
I am not going to sit here and say I want more HD channels or I'm going to another cable company. In a previous life I had Time Warner when they 1st came to Somerville (Comcast now has the rights) so if someone can proove to me that Comcast or Verizon are any better then RCN I might switch. But and I mean but, the price had better be lower. I have read the "Comcast" and "Verizon" forums here on DSL reports and not everything is perfect over there.
Back to the topic. I think the point some of us are trying to make is why are we paying 16 dollars a month for 15 channels (if the numbers are wrong sorry) and someone else is getting 30 channels for the same money. Is Market Basket in Somerville going to sell me a loaf of bread for 2 dollars and then sell two loaves to someone from Boston for the same price? Sorry Lil Hurricane if my analogy is not appreciated but I kept it clean.
When we recover the spectrum taken up by 1 analog channel, it allows us to deploy 2-3 HD channels, or upwards of 10 Digital channels.
--
Jason Nealis,
Sr. Director, Video Product and Network Operations]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20414354 Thu, 01 May 2008 00:32:29 EDT Re: [CATV] Boston: I get 50% fewer HD channels but pay for all! http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20412343 ajburgh :
said by boble88 See Profile :

If 1 HD channel is the equivalent of 6 analog then why do we need channels 2 to 70 (or slightly higher) repeated again from 900 to 970+? Would that open up more space?
I also don't think those are actually repeated. They are just remapped there by the cable boxes that can receive both analog and digital. The version you see from channels 2 to 70 on a cable box is actually the digital copy of the analog channel.

And 1 analog channel is the equivalent of 6 SD channels. Or 1 analog is the equivalent of 1-2 HD channels.]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20412343 Wed, 30 Apr 2008 17:56:32 EDT Re: [CATV] Boston: I get 50% fewer HD channels but pay for all! http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20411114 kshakir :
said by boble88 See Profile :

why do we need channels 2 to 70 (or slightly higher) repeated again from 900 to 970+?
I'm pretty sure those are aliased or mapped channels, which only exist in the box software / program guide. When I plug the coax directly into my QAM tuner, the only duplicate channels are the when there's an analog, an SD, and possibly an HD signal.

I'm itching for more HD--even more than the 12 channels Somerville is missing! Here's to getting the new boxes out to Boston/Somerville soon so we can reuse the analog signals!]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20411114 Wed, 30 Apr 2008 14:09:53 EDT Re: [CATV] Boston: I get 50% fewer HD channels but pay for all! http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20410620 boble88 : Thanks for that info. Warner cable came into Somerville in the 70's Comcast now owns those lines. When Rcn arrived they ran all new lines in the city and I am assuming had to come in with new equipment to receive and distribute these channels. If 1 HD channel is the equivalent of 6 analog then why do we need channels 2 to 70 (or slightly higher) repeated again from 900 to 970+? Would that open up more space? ]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20410620 Wed, 30 Apr 2008 12:32:24 EDT Re: [CATV] Boston: I get 50% fewer HD channels but pay for all! http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20410382 anon : Yes. I suppose the same thing. The only reason I am pushing this is that earlier we were told that they WERE going to update equipment in Arlington/Somerville to add these interim channels and now the implication is that this will be part of the analog phaseout at some even later date.

Again, I agree, it would be much easier if RCN would just post what is going to happen and when rather than some vague "in the future" message.

said by ajburgh See Profile :

Most current cable companies are still sending out analog channels 1-99, plus a digital copy of it that your cable box is showing instead (the cable box just pretends they are on channels 1-99). These analog channels are what's shown when you hook up your TV directly to the cable.

They take up a lot of space, about 6 SD digital channels or 1-2 HD channels per analog channel. If they stop airing the digital copy like they did in Chicago recently there will be a lot more capacity to add additional channels. However, it also means you can no longer just hook up a regular TV directly to the cable and watch TV like that.

Big cable systems, like the one in Boston, are mostly made up of smaller cable systems that have been taken over in the past. Some of these parts may have a slightly smaller capacity than others. My guess is that Arlington/Somerville has a cable network with a slightly smaller capacity that does not allow them to add the additional HD channels right now. When they clear out all the analog channels there should be plenty of room to add those.

Of course, the only official answer would have to be given by Jason. This is just my understanding of it.
]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20410382 Wed, 30 Apr 2008 11:39:36 EDT Re: [CATV] Boston: I get 50% fewer HD channels but pay for all! http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20409792 ajburgh : Most current cable companies are still sending out analog channels 1-99, plus a digital copy of it that your cable box is showing instead (the cable box just pretends they are on channels 1-99). These analog channels are what's shown when you hook up your TV directly to the cable.

They take up a lot of space, about 6 SD digital channels or 1-2 HD channels per analog channel. If they stop airing the digital copy like they did in Chicago recently there will be a lot more capacity to add additional channels. However, it also means you can no longer just hook up a regular TV directly to the cable and watch TV like that.

Big cable systems, like the one in Boston, are mostly made up of smaller cable systems that have been taken over in the past. Some of these parts may have a slightly smaller capacity than others. My guess is that Arlington/Somerville has a cable network with a slightly smaller capacity that does not allow them to add the additional HD channels right now. When they clear out all the analog channels there should be plenty of room to add those.

Of course, the only official answer would have to be given by Jason. This is just my understanding of it.]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20409792 Wed, 30 Apr 2008 09:20:00 EDT Re: [CATV] Boston: I get 50% fewer HD channels but pay for all! http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20406529 anon : Again, I think you and I are talking about 2 different things. All I want to know is WHAT is different about the Arlington/Somerville area that allowed RCN to add 15 (or so) HD channels in March to Boston and all of the other towns around Arlington/Somerville that is stopping them from adding them in Arlington/Somerville (which ARE in the Boston area).

It seems that something SEPARATE from reclaiming space has to occur. That is what I am asking about. Otherwise I fear that come July, when RCN starts to add even more HD to the Boston area those of us ion Arlington/Somerville will still be "behind".

How about a SIMPLE answer as to what is different or at least a name of someone who knows!

Thanks.
-Mike

said by rcnman See Profile :

We must launch this initiative in order to deliver those HD channels to those areas that currently don't get them.
]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20406529 Tue, 29 Apr 2008 16:19:03 EDT Re: [CATV] Boston: I get 50% fewer HD channels but pay for all! http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20404969 boble88 : Rcnman, when you say "reclaim analog space" how is this done? The reason I ask is this, if you eliminate the channels from 900 to 970 (does anyone know why these channels are needed) how many HD channels could take that space?
I am not going to sit here and say I want more HD channels or I'm going to another cable company. In a previous life I had Time Warner when they 1st came to Somerville (Comcast now has the rights) so if someone can proove to me that Comcast or Verizon are any better then RCN I might switch. But and I mean but, the price had better be lower. I have read the "Comcast" and "Verizon" forums here on DSL reports and not everything is perfect over there.
Back to the topic. I think the point some of us are trying to make is why are we paying 16 dollars a month for 15 channels (if the numbers are wrong sorry) and someone else is getting 30 channels for the same money. Is Market Basket in Somerville going to sell me a loaf of bread for 2 dollars and then sell two loaves to someone from Boston for the same price? Sorry Lil Hurricane if my analogy is not appreciated but I kept it clean.]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20404969 Tue, 29 Apr 2008 11:52:06 EDT Re: [CATV] Boston: I get 50% fewer HD channels but pay for all! http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20404741 rcnman : We must launch this initiative in order to deliver those HD channels to those areas that currently don't get them.
--
Jason Nealis,
Sr. Director, Video Product and Network Operations]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20404741 Tue, 29 Apr 2008 11:10:38 EDT Re: [CATV] Boston: I get 50% fewer HD channels but pay for all! http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20404396 wbertram :
said by rcnman See Profile :

Boston is the next market to launch the same initiative with regards to analog as Chicago did. As you can expect just like Chicago with the reclamation of the analog space we will be able to launch a lot of channels. I don't have an official schedule but I'm told this would start early July.
Hmmm, so at the apparent rate of 2 (or maybe 3) markets a year, it could be 2 to 3 years before all 6 markets receive a decent HD selection. Not very encouraging! I guess those markets where FIOS is not active will be the last to be upgraded. Sure makes DirecTV a much more attractive alternative to RCN.]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20404396 Tue, 29 Apr 2008 10:03:54 EDT Re: [CATV] Boston: I get 50% fewer HD channels but pay for all! http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20404351 anon : I don't think you read the posts. The problem is NOT that we want more channels. The problem is that the entire rest of the Boston area has recently (over a month ago now)gotten about 15 new HD channels, EXCEPT for the Arlington/Somerville area. The rumor is that this is due to some older equipment in this area that needs to be replaced. However, NO ONE from RCN seems to be able to give us a clear statement of what the problem is or when it will be fixed. Earlier in the month the rumor was that it would be in April. No sign of that happening now.

The concern is that when the REST of the Boston area starts getting even more channels we in these "deprived" areas will still be waiting with no explanation as to what is going on.

said by rcnman See Profile :

Boston is the next market to launch the same initiative with regards to analog as Chicago did. As you can expect just like Chicago with the reclamation of the analog space we will be able to launch a lot of channels. I don't have an official schedule but I'm told this would start early July.


]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20404351 Tue, 29 Apr 2008 09:49:17 EDT Re: [CATV] Boston: I get 50% fewer HD channels but pay for all! http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20402339 rcnman : Boston is the next market to launch the same initiative with regards to analog as Chicago did. As you can expect just like Chicago with the reclamation of the analog space we will be able to launch a lot of channels. I don't have an official schedule but I'm told this would start early July.

]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20402339 Mon, 28 Apr 2008 21:04:14 EDT Re: [CATV] Boston: I get 50% fewer HD channels but pay for all! http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20400963 arlington : My apt complex here in Arlington is being wired for FIOS starting this coming monday, have to check their hd lineup. ]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20400963 Mon, 28 Apr 2008 16:39:36 EDT Re: [CATV] Boston: I get 50% fewer HD channels but pay for all! http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20400898 anon : The RCN channel lineup ( »www.rcn.com/cabletv/lineups/deta···-DIGITAL ) still reads:
....
The following HD channels will be coming to Arlington, Somerville and Boston multiple dwelling units (MDUs) in the near future:....

It been like this for weeks now.
ANYONE have any idea when the "near future" is?

-Annoyed in Arlington at not being able to get an answer

said by boble88 See Profile :

Does anyone know when Somerville will get the latest HD channels?
]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20400898 Mon, 28 Apr 2008 16:26:29 EDT Re: [CATV] Boston: I get 50% fewer HD channels but pay for all! http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20381552 boble88 : Does anyone know when Somerville will get the latest HD channels?]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20381552 Thu, 24 Apr 2008 18:14:34 EDT Re: [CATV] Boston: I get 50% fewer HD channels but pay for all! http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20266549 anon : Yes, but the fine (very fine) print below says: "Not available in all areas"

I bet you that includes Arlington, Somerville, and MDU's.

Again, it would be nice if someone at RCN would give us a schedule.

-Mike

said by moulder3 See Profile :

I just got the monthly RCN Newsletter (I forget what it's called) and skimmed through it. On the second to last page it said "Coming in April" and listed all the HD channels we currently don't get (included in the first post).

I truly hope this timetable is correct. I love RCN, but can't go on paying this much when I can get a LOT more HD either through Comcrap (probably won't switch to them) or satellite.
]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20266549 Tue, 01 Apr 2008 20:14:25 EDT Re: [CATV] Boston: I get 50% fewer HD channels but pay for all! http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20257090 moulder3 : I just got the monthly RCN Newsletter (I forget what it's called) and skimmed through it. On the second to last page it said "Coming in April" and listed all the HD channels we currently don't get (included in the first post).

I truly hope this timetable is correct. I love RCN, but can't go on paying this much when I can get a LOT more HD either through Comcrap (probably won't switch to them) or satellite.]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20257090 Mon, 31 Mar 2008 11:01:39 EDT Re: [CATV] Boston: I get 50% fewer HD channels but pay for all! http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20256960 rcbrcb : My guess would be that RCN is going to have to do what they are currently doing in Chicago to be able to deliver all those HD channels...A conversion to a FULL Digital system, bye bye Analog....I have seen a note on here from one of the RCN guys stating that their plans are that they are going to replicate the Chicago Model in their other markets, but no time table had yet been set. They are running behind in the conversion in Chicago and I guess a lot of it depends on whether they have the money or not...I't can't be a cheap project to change every node over to a full digital platform.]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20256960 Mon, 31 Mar 2008 10:40:55 EDT Re: [CATV] Boston: I get 50% fewer HD channels but pay for all! http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20256773 anon : So, no one from RCN seems to be able to give us a heads up on WHEN this will be remedied?

Customer Service knows nothing. There appears to be no way to reach anyone at RCN who knows anything.

Someone must know, as they managed to post the following on the page: »www.rcn.com/cabletv/lineups/deta···-DIGITAL :

(2) HDTV converter box required to receive HDTV service. The following HD channels are not available in Arlington, Somerville or Boston multiple dwelling units (MDUs):
etc...]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20256773 Mon, 31 Mar 2008 10:05:26 EDT Re: [CATV] Boston: I get 50% fewer HD channels but pay for all! http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20230910 boble88 : For those of us who live in Somerville and Arlington perhaps our HD-DVR & HD boxes should be billed at half price. This is very reasonable. 30 second skip works for me. I thought it would work for all program viewing then realized it only works for recorded and not live TV.]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20230910 Wed, 26 Mar 2008 19:57:56 EDT Re: [CATV] Boston I get 50% fewer HD channels but pay for all! http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20216438 moulder3 : rcnman: Do you have an ETA on when this will be fixed? I want to stay with RCN (I've been loyal since moving to this part of Boston years ago) but I need to know they are working to fix this, so I'll get all the channels that i pay for!]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20216438 Mon, 24 Mar 2008 11:13:44 EDT Re: [CATV] Boston I get 50% fewer HD channels but pay for all! http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20197881 anon : Ditto for me in Arlington, I'm also tired of waiting for aptiva 3.0 for the 30 second skip. However we have a choice, I believe all the channels are available with Comcast, eagerly awaiting Fios to be intalled in my apt complex.]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20197881 Thu, 20 Mar 2008 18:10:46 EDT Re: [CATV] Boston I get 50% fewer HD channels but pay for all! http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20194925 anon :
said by nono :

I live in Boston too, but these channels are not being paid for, where do you see on your cable bill that they are being paid for? These channels come included in the basic package. And then the other ones come included in the digital tier. If you have the digital tier there is no additional charge for these channels. Where is the charge for the H.D. on your bill?
Read his message again. He's not complaining about paying extra. He's complaining that these channels were ADDED to the Boston area last week, everywhere except the Arlington/Somerville area. RCN has yet to put out a note as to exactly why (the rumor is that some equipment needs to be upgraded in those areas) or when they will become available in Arlington/Somerville.

That means he (and I) are paying the same amount for the Digital Tier and for my HD convertor as people elsewhere in the Boston area but we are getting less service, AND can't even find out what the story is. RCN's customer service seems to have no real information on this.

-Mike]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20194925 Thu, 20 Mar 2008 09:50:45 EDT Re: [CATV] Boston I get 50% fewer HD channels but pay for all! http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20194425 anon : I live in Boston too, but these channels are not being paid for, where do you see on your cable bill that they are being paid for? These channels come included in the basic package. And then the other ones come included in the digital tier. If you have the digital tier there is no additional charge for these channels. Where is the charge for the H.D. on your bill?]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20194425 Thu, 20 Mar 2008 06:38:03 EDT [CATV] Boston: I get 50% fewer HD channels but pay for all! http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20193576 moulder3 : Ok, I remember hearing that I was missing out on Science Channel HD and some other channel a few weeks ago, but I just checked the website, and found this (taken directly from rcn.com):

The following HD channels are not available in Arlington, Somerville or Boston multiple dwelling units (MDUs):
A&E HD
Animal Planet HD
Biography HD
CNN HD
Discovery Channel HD
FX HD
History Channel HD
Lifetime Movie Network HD
Science Channel HD
The Learning Channel (TLC) HD
Travel Channel HD

So let me get this straight, I pay the EXACT SAME AMOUNT as everyone else in the Boston area, but am supposed to be ok with getting 50% LESS HD than everyone else? How is that fair?

Can someone from RCN PLEASE COMMENT on when those of us who (are apparently unfortunate enough to) live in MDUs in Boston will receive these HD channels....that we are already paying for, but not receiving?!?]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20193576 Wed, 19 Mar 2008 23:44:36 EDT