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Comcast to Demo 1 Gbps, 100 Mbps Symmetrical Tomorrow
New Pace-Built Xfinity Box, New Upstream Channel Bonding?

Comcast has announced that they'll be showing off their new set top box and "new broadband speeds" at The Cable Show this Thursday. It's not clear what speeds Comcast is referring to, but it's possible that Comcast will officially unveil the upstream channel bonding and potential faster upstream speeds we were the first to report Comcast is now quietly deploying to numerous markets (see update below). Meanwhile, Comcast's new set top, code-named "Xcalibur," has been talked about for months in leaks but was officially confirmed this week by Comcast. Built by Pace with chips from Intel, the box in many ways is Comcast's efforts to play catch up with some of the advancements made by telcoTV products like Verizon FiOS TV and AT&T's U-Verse TV. The device not only sports a GUI overhaul, but it integrates a number of social media platforms like Facebook and Twitter -- in addition to offering Internet video.

Update: Attendees tell Broadband Reports the "new speeds" Comcast will be demonstrating tomorrow will include a symmetrical 100 Mbps cable connection using bonded upstream channels -- as well as a 1 Gbps connection. While you probably won't see these speeds anytime soon -- the demo aims to help Comcast proclaim they're keeping pace with 1 Gbps deployments by companies like Google (in Kansas City) and Sonic (in portions of California). One attendee at the NCTA's Cable Show sends us this pic showing upstream connectivity at 100 Mbps:

Click for full size

Update 2: Confirmation from Comcast, who sent us this e-mail noting these speeds will be for business customers:

quote:
This week at The Cable Show, Comcast is demoing a 100 Mbps over 100 Mbps connection for business customers.

We bonded 4 channels to get the 100 Mbps upstream speed and with 100 Mbps symmetrical, you can upload or download a 2GB file in less than 3 minutes. Using a T1 line, this would take almost 3 hours.

This amount of bandwidth is ideal for sending and receiving large files between locations and clients such as legal documents, media rich presentations, video files, medical images, architectural drawings, hi-res photos and graphic designs.

At Comcast booth #1201, we’ll be demoing 100 Mbps symmetrical, so stop by and talk with Charlie Douglas to learn more about the demo.
Update 3: Paid Content also suggests that Comcast is showcasing a 1 Gbps connection at the show, which will be included in the demonstration tomorrow.
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Dumaine
join:2010-12-05
Detroit, MI

Dumaine

Member

Least some people are happy!!

As we still sit here in Detroit waiting on Docsis 3.0. I guess we may never be upgraded!!
Expand your moderator at work

Corehhi
join:2002-01-28
Bluffton, SC

Corehhi to Dumaine

Member

to Dumaine

Re: Least some people are happy!!

said by Dumaine:

As we still sit here in Detroit waiting on Docsis 3.0. I guess we may never be upgraded!!

Think you'll have a long wait, isn't the plan in Detroit to level 40 square miles of it??? I can't picture a company that gung ho to spend new money. No offense.
»www.wilx.com/news/headli ··· 002.html

heat84
DSLR Influencer
join:2004-03-11
Delray Beach, FL

heat84

Member

Re: Least some people are happy!!

said by Corehhi:

said by Dumaine:

As we still sit here in Detroit waiting on Docsis 3.0. I guess we may never be upgraded!!

Think you'll have a long wait, isn't the plan in Detroit to level 40 square miles of it??? I can't picture a company that gung ho to spend new money. No offense.
»www.wilx.com/news/headli ··· 002.html

Yeah. Why should Comcast upgrade infrastructure that might not be used much longer. Although upgrading a few pieces of equipment isn't that big of a deal. Its not like running new plant all through the neighborhood is part of the upgrade.

GlobalMind
Domino Dude, POWER Systems Guy
Premium Member
join:2001-10-29
Indianapolis, IN

GlobalMind

Premium Member

Should be interesting

The existing STB especially the DVR portion is woefully behind offerings from other vendors, and honestly doesn't even match up to what TiVo had years ago.

Looking forward to seeing these in the wild.

PGHammer
join:2003-06-09
Accokeek, MD

PGHammer

Member

Re: Should be interesting

Then why is it that Comcast's own JV with TiVo gone underground (if not underwater)? The linchpin of TiVo is the service itself (the backend, if you will) not the UI, and the backend costs how much additional monthly? Also, Pace doesn't make a *bad* STB (the RNG110, which Comcast deploys in the Beltway Region and quite a few others, is far better than the DCT-6xxx it effectively replaces as the low-end HD STB) and, despite the complaints about iGuide, it's not bad compared to non-TiVo UIs (especially those from D* or E*) or the UI on VZ's FIOS STBs (those fancy high-end UIs are on the high-end STBs, which most subs don't have many of - they are NOT on every STB that FIOS deploys).

GlobalMind
Domino Dude, POWER Systems Guy
Premium Member
join:2001-10-29
Indianapolis, IN

GlobalMind

Premium Member

Re: Should be interesting

Well I only have experience with the DCT box. The Tivo service...really not a lot more than the channel guide and a few other things they added later are gradually being added to DVRs by Comcast, AT&T and others.

And that...is the UI predominantly along with those other service features. The DCT boxes do not perform nor operate as nicely as the Tivo did. Not even close.

And don't get me started on the confusing set of navigation that's part of OnDemand.

It is all a matter of what you have used.
Bill_F
join:2010-02-09
Huntsville, AL

Bill_F

Member

Speed Teirs

Anyone have any idea of what the new speed tiers might be?
When I get around to it I'm going to call up again to change to business class. (since they stupidly canceled my order last time...)

Chris 313
Because It's Geekier
Premium Member
join:2004-07-18
Houma, LA
·AT&T FTTP
·Comcast XFINITY

Chris 313

Premium Member

Re: Speed Teirs

said by Bill_F:

Anyone have any idea of what the new speed tiers might be?
When I get around to it I'm going to call up again to change to business class. (since they stupidly canceled my order last time...)

There were rumors of a 250 speed getting ready to be announced. That would be a most likely senario.

sherman06810
join:2000-10-15
Danbury, CT

sherman06810

Member

Re: Speed Teirs

I hope this means they bump up the bottom tiers. I'm about to downgrade from 22/5 to the minimum (currently 12/2) to save some overhead as I'm moving my servers to colo. Maybe they'll even drop the price on static IPs
saratoga66
join:2002-08-22
Saratoga, CA

saratoga66 to Chris 313

Member

to Chris 313
said by Chris 313:

said by Bill_F:

Anyone have any idea of what the new speed tiers might be?
When I get around to it I'm going to call up again to change to business class. (since they stupidly canceled my order last time...)

There were rumors of a 250 speed getting ready to be announced. That would be a most likely scenario.

I doubt that we will see higher downloads for a while. 250M would require 8 downstream channels. I don't think there are 4 additional channels unused and available in most markets

Chris 313
Because It's Geekier
Premium Member
join:2004-07-18
Houma, LA
·AT&T FTTP
·Comcast XFINITY

Chris 313

Premium Member

Re: Speed Teirs

said by saratoga66:

said by Chris 313:

said by Bill_F:

Anyone have any idea of what the new speed tiers might be?
When I get around to it I'm going to call up again to change to business class. (since they stupidly canceled my order last time...)

There were rumors of a 250 speed getting ready to be announced. That would be a most likely scenario.

I doubt that we will see higher downloads for a while. 250M would require 8 downstream channels. I don't think there are 4 additional channels unused and available in most markets

We'll see, but I'm betting around late 2011 into 2012 we will start seeing things. Why would a 250 tier been "rumored" months ago if they had absolutely no intention of unveiling anything faster anytime soon?

Seeing the recent development of the fact they'll be testing out a 1 Gig connection tomorrow, I'd agree with you. We won't be seeing that for at least another 3-5 years. Nice to drool over though. And yeah, a 250 tier would need 8 channels, I agree with you there, too. I'd say it'd pop up in there Twin City test market first while Comcast got every one else ready.

Comcast has been known to pull stuff out their hat before, why not this too?

DataRiker
Premium Member
join:2002-05-19
00000

DataRiker

Premium Member

Cap increase?

Hopefully these increases in speed will be met with an increase in capacity.

Otherwise its really kind of pointless.
Andy S
join:2009-05-14
Stockbridge, GA

1 recommendation

Andy S

Member

Re: Cap increase?

Pointless? Doubtful If I can get the 20 GB file to my SAN in 2 hours instead of 5 I don't call that pointless with a 250GB limit. I didn't increased the AMOUNT of data that needs to be moved weekly but guess what I did just open up a 2+ hour window where my line isn't saturated with a file transfer. Which in my world provides a significant POINT. It's like saying the drive thru window is pointless because my car can't hold 2K lbs of burgers even though I get my food 2 times faster.
WernerSchutz
join:2009-08-04
Sugar Land, TX

WernerSchutz

Member

Re: Cap increase?

said by Andy S:

Pointless? Doubtful If I can get the 20 GB file to my SAN in 2 hours instead of 5 I don't call that pointless with a 250GB limit. I didn't increased the AMOUNT of data that needs to be moved weekly but guess what I did just open up a 2+ hour window where my line isn't saturated with a file transfer. Which in my world provides a significant POINT. It's like saying the drive thru window is pointless because my car can't hold 2K lbs of burgers even though I get my food 2 times faster.

Some of us mostly go shopping at stores and do not eat only junk food. The "drive through" model is not the basis here, but the fact that what is heavily advertised is quiet about severe limitations of what it can be used for.

"Come buy your food here !!!!!!" *

* 2 bags only

DataRiker
Premium Member
join:2002-05-19
00000

DataRiker to Andy S

Premium Member

to Andy S
Andy that is an absolutely horrible analogy.

Most http transfers top out at around 12 Mbit/s sustained. ( vast majority are really less, and a few a lot more )

Torrents can saturate your pipe, but your also uploading so your really chipping away at your CAP.

**IF** you occasionally download large files, and **IF** you find a server that will scale up to 20+ megs then you would benefit.
Andy S
join:2009-05-14
Stockbridge, GA

Andy S

Member

Re: Cap increase?

said by DataRiker:

Andy that is an absolutely horrible analogy.

Most http transfers top out at around 12 Mbit/s sustained. ( vast majority are really less, and a few a lot more )

Torrents can saturate your pipe, but your also uploading so your really chipping away at your CAP.

**IF** you occasionally download large files, and **IF** you find a server that will scale up to 20+ megs then you would benefit.

Sorry but the Analogy was spot on and I never said anything about http transfers. The speed at which something is done or completed is not a POINTLESS upgrade EVEN if the amount allowed DOES NOT change. If time is money and the speed increase saves me time then it also saves me money.

Here is another one for you then. Increasing the speed on a dump truck is pointless because you didn't increase the size of the dump bed in the back. Sorry but if I can travel 70mph instead of 45mph it might only cost me 1 hour of truck time instead of almost 2 to do the same job.

DataRiker
Premium Member
join:2002-05-19
00000

DataRiker

Premium Member

Re: Cap increase?

Another analogy when in real life your still going to get served at sub 20 mbit/s speeds.

Somebody is falling for the marketing.
Andy S
join:2009-05-14
Stockbridge, GA

Andy S

Member

Re: Cap increase?

but with the new tiers of FTTH and more and more 100MB symetrical plans showing up in places like Chattanooga, Tn if I house an offsite storage of 200GB of VM's that use dedupe and I only transfer about 50GB a month of deduped data but I need it done in a certain window of time. Then speed will help me and volume has no relevance. Also I don't torrent.

My point is that a speed increase is NOT pointless. Which was the OP's premise if you didn't get a cap increase. So your contention is that my speed increase is POTENTIAL and not quaranteed but without the speed increase I don't even have the potential.


DataRiker
Premium Member
join:2002-05-19
00000

4 edits

DataRiker

Premium Member

Re: Cap increase?

For the vast majority it is completely and utterly pointless.

They simply allow you to reach your cap faster.

For me the diminishing marginal gains of the higher speeds are not really of any usable value to me without the capacity or ability to put it to use.
WernerSchutz
join:2009-08-04
Sugar Land, TX

WernerSchutz to Andy S

Member

to Andy S
said by Andy S:

said by DataRiker:

Andy that is an absolutely horrible analogy.

Most http transfers top out at around 12 Mbit/s sustained. ( vast majority are really less, and a few a lot more )

Torrents can saturate your pipe, but your also uploading so your really chipping away at your CAP.

**IF** you occasionally download large files, and **IF** you find a server that will scale up to 20+ megs then you would benefit.

Sorry but the Analogy was spot on and I never said anything about http transfers. The speed at which something is done or completed is not a POINTLESS upgrade EVEN if the amount allowed DOES NOT change. If time is money and the speed increase saves me time then it also saves me money.

Here is another one for you then. Increasing the speed on a dump truck is pointless because you didn't increase the size of the dump bed in the back. Sorry but if I can travel 70mph instead of 45mph it might only cost me 1 hour of truck time instead of almost 2 to do the same job.

In my opinion, given the data cap size vs. speed, CC cannot be compared to a dump truck, but to a motorcycle, or as they like in their commercials, a rabbit.

Carrying meaningful loads on a motorcycle or rabbit is not working well, in general.
RyC
join:2007-08-18
San Luis Obispo, CA

RyC to DataRiker

Member

to DataRiker
It looks like this tier will be for business customers, and they don't have the 250 gig cap. The 100 Mbps residential service on the other hand...

DataRiker
Premium Member
join:2002-05-19
00000

DataRiker

Premium Member

Re: Cap increase?

said by RyC:

It looks like this tier will be for business customers, and they don't have the 250 gig cap. The 100 Mbps residential service on the other hand...

The article has been slightly modified since this morning.

I was referring to the faster residential speeds, which are being rolled out as of today.
Mr Matt
join:2008-01-29
Eustis, FL

Mr Matt

Member

Where is the camera?

Where is the camera? I am sure the weasels that developed the new set top arranged the camera so that if you block its opening you also disable the remote control sensor. Remember Comcast will be watching.

N3OGH
Yo Soy Col. "Bat" Guano
Premium Member
join:2003-11-11
Philly burbs

N3OGH

Premium Member

Re: Where is the camera?

Hopefully, Comcast isn't getting into the "ceiling cat" business...

Corehhi
join:2002-01-28
Bluffton, SC

Corehhi to Mr Matt

Member

to Mr Matt
said by Mr Matt:

Where is the camera? I am sure the weasels that developed the new set top arranged the camera so that if you block its opening you also disable the remote control sensor. Remember Comcast will be watching.

Gives the employees something to watch when people order a pay for view porn.

AnonNM
@citicorp.com

AnonNM

Anon

you suck commiecast

hey commiecast lets finish the docsis 3 roll out first.... jerks
mikemacman
join:2004-05-29
Saint Paul, MN

mikemacman

Member

Bandwidth caps

This is useless marketing crap. Comcast keeps increasing speeds but keeps their bandwidth cap the same. Pretty soon you'll be able to hit your monthly cap in 3 seconds. I wish someone would deploy fiber to my home :-(
apple4ever
join:2002-06-16
Coatesville, PA

apple4ever

Member

Re: Bandwidth caps

I doubt that. People rarely use more data as speeds increase. Its such a tired and illogical argument. And fiber isn't going to change that fact.

DataRiker
Premium Member
join:2002-05-19
00000

DataRiker

Premium Member

Re: Bandwidth caps

said by apple4ever:

I doubt that. People rarely use more data as speeds increase. Its such a tired and illogical argument. And fiber isn't going to change that fact.

I don't see how its illogical since streaming clips, movies, OS updates, and games keep getting bigger.

Can you elaborate on why this is illogical?

My usage with my 20 meg cable is certainly more than my 1.5 dsl 5 years ago.
Wilsdom
join:2009-08-06

Wilsdom to apple4ever

Member

to apple4ever
I agree, if by "rarely" you mean 99% of the time. Netflix will automatically increase bit-rate based on your line. And so will torrent applications.
iansltx
join:2007-02-19
Austin, TX

iansltx

Member

100M symmetric would be fun

I wonder what Comcast is going to charge for the 100M symmetric connection. Put into perspective, their $380ish 100/10 tier is reasonable enough, but I have a feeling that either 100M up won't be out for awhile or it will cost $1000 per month. Granted, $1k per month isn't bad for that much bandwidth, considering that's about what you'll pay for 10 Mbps via EoC from a telco, but still, rather spendy.

••••••
apple4ever
join:2002-06-16
Coatesville, PA

apple4ever

Member

STB

Damn I can't wait until I can get my hands on one. I'm glad I have a DVR, but the software sucks. From randomly not recording, to a slow interface, its sucks.
Cobra11M
join:2010-12-23
Mineral Wells, TX

Cobra11M

Member

....why would they be doin this

i mean why does comcast see fit to max out there connections??, i guess i aplaud them at least some cable companys are doing stuff unlike some others......(time....W)

Metatron2008
You're it
Premium Member
join:2008-09-02
united state

Metatron2008

Premium Member

New speeds! Hit your cap in 1/4 of a second!

Will need good marketing spin...
WernerSchutz
join:2009-08-04
Sugar Land, TX

WernerSchutz

Member

Re: New speeds! Hit your cap in 1/4 of a second!

said by Metatron2008:

Will need good marketing spin...

"with free courtesy call from our friendly "abuse" department ! Need new friends ?? Sign up now !"

tshirt
Premium Member
join:2004-07-11
Snohomish, WA

tshirt

Premium Member

Wrong focus?

Some people seem all excited about the new speeds (though I'm guessing that the pricing will probably prevent most from really ordering)
The video capabilities of the Pace box is what is really the news item, a cloud type DVR, that hints at a IPTV-like* experience, were true ala carte/pay by the minute, use of current cable content is really easily possible.

it's like iptv as CDV is like VoIP, a privite channel for CATV type content.
Bill_F
join:2010-02-09
Huntsville, AL

Bill_F

Member

Re: Wrong focus?

The real news is that if Comcast is capable of (and interested in) rolling out 100 mbps symmetrical right now, that also means they should have more affordable symmetrical tiers really soon too. (like 30/30, 50/50, etc)

tshirt
Premium Member
join:2004-07-11
Snohomish, WA

tshirt

Premium Member

Re: Wrong focus?

I think it's a side by side solution, once everyone in an D3 area has one of these (or similar) boxes ALL broadcast channels stop at the edge and each home recievces only the channels they are watching on the TV side, there will be plenty of channals left for HSI symetric packages.
I don't know if that means widespread "REALLY soon!", more likely "fairly soon" (a couple-3-4 years) but it does show the possiblity and technology is out of the lab. (a big step- leaving the R&D-future stage, and starting the cutting edge/pending/beta/actual user in the field stage)
45612019 (banned)
join:2004-02-05
New York, NY

45612019 (banned)

Member

Demo To Only Be 30 Minutes Long

...since that's how long it will take to reach the 250 GB monthly bandwidth cap on 1 Gbps.

Comcap is a joke and these high speed gimmicks are worthless as long as they continue to have ridiculous limits like this in place.

I hope everyone sees past this cloud of bullshit for what it really is.

THZNDUP
Deorum Offensa Diis Curae
Premium Member
join:2003-09-18
Lard

THZNDUP

Premium Member

Re: Demo To Only Be 30 Minutes Long

But as posted above-'time is money', look at all that you can now do with those freed up 29-30 days, 23 hours and 30 minutes left in the month.........

/sarcasm
tmc8080
join:2004-04-24
Brooklyn, NY

tmc8080

Member

stupid question, stupid answer

why demo SYMMETRICAL speed tiers if you never NEVER plan to offer them to customers [at an AFFORDABLE price]?

answer:
stupid is as stupid does!

••••

gate1975mlm
Premium Member
join:2001-09-30
Philadelphia, PA

gate1975mlm

Premium Member

demonstration stream available?

Does anyone know if there will be a live video stream of the demonstration from Comcast?

Here is an interview with Brian Roberts, chief executive officer of Comcast Corp.,
»www.bloomberg.com/video/ ··· 0973728/