Comcast Chicago Suburbs Going All Digitail 9/29/09

Comcast Chicago Suburbs Going All Digitail 9/29/09
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Spiderman865 @ 4th Jul 10:41AM:
Comcast Chicago Suburbs Going All Digitail 9/29/09

Just got this in the mail yesterday. Looks like more HD this fall. :)
--
Who?...Me?

runnoft @ 4th Jul 11:28AM:
Re: Comcast Chicago Suburbs Going All Digitail 9/29/09

I don't know about you, but I'm looking forward to my community being transformed into the World of More! :)

Especially if it does eventually mean more HD, or better quality HD on the current HD channels, after they free up the bandwidth by dumping analog channels. Who knows what they'll really do with it though?

It doesn't say for sure here, though, that this is being applied to the entire Chicago suburban region by September 29th. It may not be.

For anybody who's already been through this, what's a "digital converter", and how is it different from a digital set-top box? I do know what the digital set-top boxes are; that's what all digital cable customers had to use with analog TVs.
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Spiderman865 @ 4th Jul 12:24PM:
Re: Comcast Chicago Suburbs Going All Digitail 9/29/09

The DTA thread in this forum explains how they work. As fas as more HD, the Seattleregion went through analog reclimation and after it was complete, they added a bunch of HD channels. Hopefully, the same holds true for us.
--
Who?...Me?
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djdanska @ 4th Jul 01:39PM:
Re: Comcast Chicago Suburbs Going All Digitail 9/29/09

Sweet! Can't wait...
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runnoft @ 4th Jul 01:58PM:
Re: Comcast Chicago Suburbs Going All Digitail 9/29/09

OK, it looks like the digital adapters (if those are the "DTAs") are for analog TVs and are like the digital settop boxes, except that the digital adapters can't get OnDemand, the HD channels, or premium channels like HBO.

We still have one analog TV in the house that's on the direct coaxial feed from Comcast and tunes the analog cable channels itself, so it would be useful to have one or the other of those boxes when they do this here... if (or as long as) it truly is free. When they start charging a monthly fee for them (and they probably will eventually), they can have it back and we'll figure out another way to get TV in that room.
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anon @ 4th Jul 02:59PM:
Re: Comcast Chicago Suburbs Going All Digitail 9/29/09

Sorry to burst your bubble, Spiderman865 but Seattle is not done yet!!

here a copy form me responding from the Seattle thread

Unfortunately that comcast person who you talked to was correct, in fact Seattle will be completely Last!! in fact here is a link to an article that was posted if you do not believe it!

»blog.seattletimes.nwsource.com/b···ate.html

looks like you may not get it to the End of the year, but it not surprising since the Washington State area started about 2 months later than the Oregon area and has about 2 more zones than Oregon does, in fact i think Oregon only has 1 zone left, from the information that i read from their(Oregon) thread, and then comcast will focus more on California, so that the West coast be done by 2009, with comcast focusing on east coast in 2010!!

Ironically the last Zone left in Oregon is Portland, which (was announced today)will get their HD on September 1, 2009 fishing off Oregon State, but Washington Sate won't be completed done until the End of This year!!

Then ALL near-by Chicago areas should be done, then All of Michigan, and the Starting of the New Jersey Area (Which all have their individual threads too)!! Eventually where going to have a master thread so that all the information is shared to everyone equally!!

p.s if you noticed the Portland HD channels ,yes MSNBC HD was listed, and so was ESPN U HD which is being added only in select markets!!
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anon @ 4th Jul 05:50PM:
Re: Comcast Chicago Suburbs Going All Digitail 9/29/09

its about time. rcn has been all digital in chicago for a year!
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bshelly @ 4th Jul 08:01PM:
Re: Comcast Chicago Suburbs Going All Digitail 9/29/09

Wonderful, now my Analog Tivo's are no longer going to do me any good. Crap! At $199 for a refurbished Tivo, that's going to cost me $400+ tax plus the additional cable card fees to continue my grandfathered Tivo pricing. Grrr!
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mikedz4 @ 4th Jul 11:56PM:
Re: Comcast Chicago Suburbs Going All Digitail 9/29/09

heh, my uncle finally bought cable three weeks ago after not having it for 25 years. Now they are going to tell him he needs to get a box to watch cable. I wonder if his $60 rate for internet and cable will go up now as well. I did warn him before I left that most of chicago will be all digital soon.
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djdanska @ 5th Jul 07:33AM:
Re: Comcast Chicago Suburbs Going All Digitail 9/29/09

said by theloop :

its about time. rcn has been all digital in chicago for a year!

Comcast is fully digital in areas where rcn serves. The entire city of chicago is digital. Just the suburbs and outlying areas are not.
--
The day the child realizes that all adults are imperfect, he becomes an adolescent; the day he forgives them, he becomes an adult. The day he forgives himself, he becomes wise.
Alden Nowlan
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andyross @ 5th Jul 10:19AM:
Re: Comcast Chicago Suburbs Going All Digitail 9/29/09

I haven't received that letter yet, but they did stop offering 'standard cable' to new subscribers a month or two ago.

The way it's worded, it does sound like they may support DTA's. I hope that means they will move many of the channels to clear-QAM (unless they authorization to use 'privacy mode'.)

Here in Schaumburg, they have starting using PSIP to 'correct' the channel numbers of several clear-QAM broadcast channels. Channels that have clear-QAM HD (2, 5, 7, 9, 11, 20, 26, 32, 38, 50) show up as 202-1, 205-1, etc.. so they do not conflict with the HD, which is 2-1, 5-1, etc... SD only's show up as 44-1, 60-1, 62-1, and 66-1. (62-1 has an issue as there is a REAL 62-1, so my TV tries to tune to the encrypted on the REAL 62-1 if I type it in. I can only view it if I add it to my channel list and channel up or down to it.) The analogs are still there and are just 2, 5, etc... (although many TV's let you use 2-0, 5-0 to force analog.)

They also moved the frequency of several channels around a bit.
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Spiderman865 @ 5th Jul 04:59PM:
Re: Comcast Chicago Suburbs Going All Digitail 9/29/09

Maybe I should have worded it different about Seattle. Either way it's a sign of progress.
--
Who?...Me?
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Joe12345678 @ 5th Jul 06:07PM:
Re: Comcast Chicago Suburbs Going All Digitail 9/29/09

why can't they move scfi to starer like it is in other comcast areas.
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andyross @ 6th Jul 10:07AM:
Re: Comcast Chicago Suburbs Going All Digitail 9/29/09

said by Joe12345678 :

why can't they move scfi to starer like it is in other comcast areas.

Probably because it was one of the first analogs moved several years ago, and there was no such thing as Digital Starter. Digital Classic (which wasn't much more than today's Starter) was the entry-level package at the time.
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ak3883 @ 6th Jul 02:46PM:
Re: Comcast Chicago Suburbs Going All Digitail 9/29/09

When did they start deploying DTA boxes in your area?

I really hope to get this letter someday soon in the Philly suburbs, I would think they would tackle the burbs before they tackle the mess that is the city's cable system... which is quite a mess of different equipment from what I understand. We were able to get DTAs starting in Jan/Feb.. and have only lost a small handful of channels to digital only.

Also of note is which channels are being downgraded to digital starter. We already have a couple of these that have been moved down to digital starter, that list shows which ones are likely coming soon. At least digital starter channels can be viewed on any TV with a ClearQAM tuner, so those channels can now be viewed on digital TV's without a box or DTA.
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earletp @ 6th Jul 03:02PM:
Re: Comcast Chicago Suburbs Going All Digitail 9/29/09

said by johnjefferson3 :

Sorry to burst your bubble, Spiderman865 but Seattle is not done yet!!

here a copy form me responding from the Seattle thread

Unfortunately that comcast person who you talked to was correct, in fact Seattle will be completely Last!! in fact here is a link to an article that was posted if you do not believe it!

»blog.seattletimes.nwsource.com/b···ate.html

looks like you may not get it to the End of the year, but it not surprising since the Washington State area started about 2 months later than the Oregon area and has about 2 more zones than Oregon does, in fact i think Oregon only has 1 zone left, from the information that i read from their(Oregon) thread, and then comcast will focus more on California, so that the West coast be done by 2009, with comcast focusing on east coast in 2010!!

Ironically the last Zone left in Oregon is Portland, which (was announced today)will get their HD on September 1, 2009 fishing off Oregon State, but Washington Sate won't be completed done until the End of This year!!

Then ALL near-by Chicago areas should be done, then All of Michigan, and the Starting of the New Jersey Area (Which all have their individual threads too)!! Eventually where going to have a master thread so that all the information is shared to everyone equally!!

p.s if you noticed the Portland HD channels ,yes MSNBC HD was listed, and so was ESPN U HD which is being added only in select markets!!

Portland was finished last month. That post about more HD channels was in addition to the 32 that were added with the transition. Comcast started in the Albany and Eugene area the first of the year and moved north with the west side of Portland being transitioned in May and the east side in June. The only analog channels left is the Limited Basic package (local broadcast, several public access channels, WGN, and Discovery)
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schja01 @ 6th Jul 03:25PM:
Re: Comcast Chicago Suburbs Going All Digitail 9/29/09

I have the "el cheapo" basic (analog) cable for $9.95/mo. Will Comcast give me 2 DTA's ? Or will they force me into some "digital" offering?
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earletp @ 6th Jul 03:27PM:
Re: Comcast Chicago Suburbs Going All Digitail 9/29/09

said by ak3883 :

When did they start deploying DTA boxes in your area?

I really hope to get this letter someday soon in the Philly suburbs, I would think they would tackle the burbs before they tackle the mess that is the city's cable system... which is quite a mess of different equipment from what I understand. We were able to get DTAs starting in Jan/Feb.. and have only lost a small handful of channels to digital only.

Also of note is which channels are being downgraded to digital starter. We already have a couple of these that have been moved down to digital starter, that list shows which ones are likely coming soon. At least digital starter channels can be viewed on any TV with a ClearQAM tuner, so those channels can now be viewed on digital TV's without a box or DTA.

Here in Portland they started sending out notices about needing DTA's the begining of December last year, the DTA's actually became available January 5th this year.

During the transition the channels in the Digital Starter package did become available using a QAM tuner, they often changed channels assignments requiring frequent rescans. After the transition, all the channels except for those in the Limited Basic package were moved to bands that can be filtered out so that those with only a Limited Basic package could no longer view them.

If Comcast gets a waiver to use the encryption features in the DTA's then most likely they will start encrypting them, and then a QAM tuner will only be able to receive the Limited Basic channels in an area. Which is the way it was before the transition began.
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earletp @ 6th Jul 03:32PM:
Re: Comcast Chicago Suburbs Going All Digitail 9/29/09

said by schja01 :

I have the "el cheapo" basic (analog) cable for $9.95/mo. Will Comcast give me 2 DTA's ? Or will they force me into some "digital" offering?

If they do things the same way, you wouldn't need DTA's as nothing would change for you.

For Enhanced/Expanded analog and higher they give out two DTA's free and charge $1.99 each for any others
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schja01 @ 6th Jul 03:41PM:
Re: Comcast Chicago Suburbs Going All Digitail 9/29/09

said by earletp :

said by schja01 :

I have the "el cheapo" basic (analog) cable for $9.95/mo. Will Comcast give me 2 DTA's ? Or will they force me into some "digital" offering?

If they do things the same way, you wouldn't need DTA's as nothing would change for you.

For Enhanced/Expanded analog and higher they give out two DTA's free and charge $1.99 each for any others

So Comcast is maintaining some minimal analog service through the digital conversion?
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earletp @ 6th Jul 03:46PM:
Re: Comcast Chicago Suburbs Going All Digitail 9/29/09

said by schja01 :

So Comcast is maintaining some minimal analog service through the digital conversion?

Yes, it's my understanding that until at least 2012, the local broadcast channels like you have will be sent in analog.
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Ruggiero @ 6th Jul 05:44PM:
Re: Comcast Chicago Suburbs Going All Digitail 9/29/09

I work for Comcast in Illinois and wanted to address some of the questions raised in this thread:

1. Yes, "digital converter" and "digital set-top box" are the same . . . program guide, digital channels, On Demand, etc. DTAs simply convert digital signals to analog for the channels on the expanded basic tier.

2. There will DEFINITELY be more HD coming this fall. Details coming in the next several weeks.

3. To schja01's question, we wouldn't deploy DTAs to Basic Cable customers because we continue to offer Basic service in an analog format throughout Illinois.
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kb1 @ 6th Jul 07:05PM:
Re: Comcast Chicago Suburbs Going All Digitail 9/29/09

said by Ruggiero :

I work for Comcast in Illinois and wanted to address some of the questions raised in this thread:

1. Yes, "digital converter" and "digital set-top box" are the same . . . program guide, digital channels, On Demand, etc. DTAs simply convert digital signals to analog for the channels on the expanded basic tier.

2. There will DEFINITELY be more HD coming this fall. Details coming in the next several weeks.

3. To schja01's question, we wouldn't deploy DTAs to Basic Cable customers because we continue to offer Basic service in an analog format throughout Illinois.

I'm confused. I thought DTAs convert analog signals to digital on the expanded basic tier.
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Joe12345678 @ 6th Jul 09:24PM:
Re: Comcast Chicago Suburbs Going All Digitail 9/29/09

$10 seems to be analog only and may have digital trapped out.
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Joe12345678 @ 6th Jul 09:26PM:
Re: Comcast Chicago Suburbs Going All Digitail 9/29/09

some said in a other post that some starter channels will not be in clear qam. Each area is not the same for what you get and at least one area has speed in it comcast Chicago land makes you get sports pack for it.
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Joe12345678 @ 6th Jul 09:28PM:
Re: Comcast Chicago Suburbs Going All Digitail 9/29/09

said by Ruggiero :

2. There will DEFINITELY be more HD coming this fall. Details coming in the next several weeks.

More HD as in what the city of Chicago has now?

Will there be more high speed internet data channels as well?

More VOD HD and SD slots?
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schja01 @ 7th Jul 08:38AM:
Re: Comcast Chicago Suburbs Going All Digitail 9/29/09

said by Ruggiero :

3. To schja01's question, we wouldn't deploy DTAs to Basic Cable customers because we continue to offer Basic service in an analog format throughout Illinois.

Thanks (again), this was the answer I was hoping for.
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dishrich @ 7th Jul 10:03AM:
Re: Comcast Chicago Suburbs Going All Digitail 9/29/09

said by Ruggiero :

3. To schja01's question, we wouldn't deploy DTAs to Basic Cable customers because we continue to offer Basic service in an analog format throughout Illinois.

Joe, that's NOT entirely true - down here in Spfld alone, you guys converted several basic (NOT expanded basic) channels to digital only. So, I would think that basic only subs should be entitled to 2 DTA's as well.

Some of the channels you guys moved include EWTN, ION, C-SPAN 2 & our local PBS on ch 8 - you also have several PBS subchannels in digital only, that are part of basic service.
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scanpa @ 7th Jul 11:17AM:
Re: Comcast Chicago Suburbs Going All Digitail 9/29/09

said by kb1I'm confused. I thought DTAs convert analog signals to digital on the expanded basic tier.
[/QUOTE :
DTA -- Takes a clear Digital signal and converts it to a Analog signal for NON HDTV / Digital TV's.
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anon @ 7th Jul 12:17PM:
Re: Comcast Chicago Suburbs Going All Digitail 9/29/09

will CLTV stay on analog?

Will CLTV go 24/7 with CSN+ SD getting it's own channel?

Will the CSN Alternate (the csn web site does have a alt and + in the channel finder) show up on the system?
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djdanska @ 7th Jul 12:20PM:
Re: Comcast Chicago Suburbs Going All Digitail 9/29/09

While i don't know, i would imagine that cltv would go to digital. It isn't a broadcast basic channel. I would be shocked if it stayed analog.
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dyhrdmet @ 7th Jul 12:42PM:
Re: Comcast Chicago Suburbs Going All Digitail 9/29/09

said by dragoner :

will CLTV stay on analog?

Will CLTV go 24/7 with CSN+ SD getting it's own channel?

Will the CSN Alternate (the csn web site does have a alt and + in the channel finder) show up on the system?

With this being a Comcast system, I would be shocked if you were missing anything related to CSN (Comcast SportsNet), i.e. CSN+, CSN Alt, CSN+ HD, etc.
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anon @ 7th Jul 03:15PM:
Re: Comcast Chicago Suburbs Going All Digitail 9/29/09

Just wanted to ask if that is just Chicago suburbs or includes downstate Il. as well.(Peoria/Quincy/Galesburg) Looking forward to more HD :D :D :D
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Joe12345678 @ 7th Jul 10:54PM:
Re: Comcast Chicago Suburbs Going All Digitail 9/29/09

I think that alt is the 2th overflow that will only be used if they need 3 feeds. If hawks, bulls, and cubs / sox where on at the same time then they may of used it.

Direct tv has CSN SD / HD, CSN + SD / HD, and CSN ALT SD.
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anon @ 8th Jul 11:52AM:
Re: Comcast Chicago Suburbs Going All Digitail 9/29/09

CLTV should go FTA on a wgn 9 sub channel.

CLTV is on digital and analog but will it stay on analog after this big turn off?
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andyross @ 8th Jul 02:41PM:
Re: Comcast Chicago Suburbs Going All Digitail 9/29/09

said by caster777 :

CLTV should go FTA on a wgn 9 sub channel.

CLTV is on digital and analog but will it stay on analog after this big turn off?
CLTV is considered expanded basic (the digital copy is currently encrypted), so the analog will probably disappear. Also, it's a joint venture with Comcast, so I doubt it'll ever be on broadcast.

Before WGN adds any more subs, they need to get better compression equipment. Even with only the one sub, they tend to have pixelation problems. WCIU spent big money on high-end equipment, and they have surprisingly good quality despite the 5 subchannels (MeTV, MeToo, This, That, FBT).
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Joe12345678 @ 8th Jul 08:31PM:
Re: Comcast Chicago Suburbs Going All Digitail 9/29/09

how much will get unencrypted? and why are they encrypted when they are giveing out the free mini cable boxes in the area that can only do clear qam?

other comcast area have stuff in analog / stater that are higher levels in other areas.
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kb1 @ 9th Jul 07:40AM:
Re: Comcast Chicago Suburbs Going All Digitail 9/29/09

said by Spiderman865 :

Just got this in the mail yesterday. Looks like more HD this fall. :)

Anyone else in the Chicago area receive this letter?
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andyross @ 9th Jul 09:02AM:
Re: Comcast Chicago Suburbs Going All Digitail 9/29/09

said by Joe12345678 :

how much will get unencrypted? and why are they encrypted when they are giveing out the free mini cable boxes in the area that can only do clear qam?

other comcast area have stuff in analog / stater that are higher levels in other areas.

IF they actually start using DTA's, then typically it will be the expanded basic channels that will be unencrypted. That said, the DTA's do support a 'privacy mode' that is a simple digital scrambling that prevents a regular TV from viewing the picture. It may turn out that only limited basic channels, like now, will be truly unencrypted/unscrambled.

That said, by me, most of those channels are on a few frequencies. They can put physical blocks in to prevent basic users from accessing them.
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insomniac @ 9th Jul 12:14PM:
Re: Comcast Chicago Suburbs Going All Digitail 9/29/09

said by kb1 :

Anyone else in the Chicago area receive this letter?

Yes, I received it a few days ago.

I'm going to need two DTAs for two older TiVos. Anyone know if I can go pick them up now? I'd like to get this done ASAP, before the rush, and get any potential bugs worked out now.
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If everything seems to be going well, you've obviously overlooked something.
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Comcaster912 @ 14th Jul 01:11AM:
Re: Comcast Chicago Suburbs Going All Digitail 9/29/09

said by schja01 :

So Comcast is maintaining some minimal analog service through the digital conversion?

Yep, until 2012, so far. Basic Service (local channels) will stay analog.
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Comcaster912 @ 14th Jul 01:14AM:
Re: Comcast Chicago Suburbs Going All Digitail 9/29/09

said by Joe12345678 :

said by Ruggiero :

2. There will DEFINITELY be more HD coming this fall. Details coming in the next several weeks.

More HD as in what the city of Chicago has now?

Will there be more high speed internet data channels as well?

More VOD HD and SD slots?

Eventually, once the Subrurbs, Illinois, Indiana, and parts of Michigan are changed, the whole area will have more HD than Chicago has now.
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Comcaster912 @ 14th Jul 01:16AM:
Re: Comcast Chicago Suburbs Going All Digitail 9/29/09

said by Big Bears Fan :

Just wanted to ask if that is just Chicago suburbs or includes downstate Il. as well.(Peoria/Quincy/Galesburg) Looking forward to more HD :D :D :D

Comcast's entire footprint! Some East Coast and West Coast areas are already done.
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djdanska @ 14th Jul 07:09AM:
Re: Comcast Chicago Suburbs Going All Digitail 9/29/09

said by Big Bears Fan :

Just wanted to ask if that is just Chicago suburbs or includes downstate Il. as well.(Peoria/Quincy/Galesburg) Looking forward to more HD :D :D :D

Galesburg is pretty lucky to have comcast. I have friends in Abingdon i visit a lot and they have mediacom. Now, if you think comcast is bad. Imagine horrible analog quality (always gets full of static), Sat signal not found, resetting mta's, and the horrible hd lineup. I can only hope that comcast gets mediacom! For once, i am actually proud to have comcast!
(But if comcast ever tries to give me a pace hd-dvr, i will flat out REFUSE IT! This thing sucks! We are on our 3rd dvr with mediacom! Every day or so, you have to unplug it for it to work right.)
--
The day the child realizes that all adults are imperfect, he becomes an adolescent; the day he forgives them, he becomes an adult. The day he forgives himself, he becomes wise.
Alden Nowlan
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kb1 @ 14th Jul 07:15AM:
Re: Comcast Chicago Suburbs Going All Digitail 9/29/09

said by Comcaster912 :

said by Joe12345678 :

said by Ruggiero :

2. There will DEFINITELY be more HD coming this fall. Details coming in the next several weeks.

More HD as in what the city of Chicago has now?

Will there be more high speed internet data channels as well?

More VOD HD and SD slots?

Eventually, once the Subrurbs, Illinois, Indiana, and parts of Michigan are changed, the whole area will have more HD than Chicago has now.

Comcaster912, I live in South bend, IN part of The Greater Chicago Region do you have any idea when I will get the letter? Thanks.
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anon @ 14th Jul 01:27PM:
Re: Comcast Chicago Suburbs Going All Digitail 9/29/09

It took a little while to come to appreciate Comcast after Insight but they have added a few hd channels.They seem to be reliable good picture quality.It is hard to wait for the world of more and project cavalry and the addition of the mass of hd programming.Comcast is our only hope because of line of sight no satelite options.Just hoping the statement more info in a few weeks doesn't drag out to 6 to 8 weeks. I hate all that secretiveness even though it goes along with that corporate planning and all.I have seen what lookslike the Comcast bucket truck going street by street in some areas of town.Hard to believe Abingdon doesn't have Comcast .East Galesburg and Knoxville are Comcast.
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djdanska @ 14th Jul 01:55PM:
Re: Comcast Chicago Suburbs Going All Digitail 9/29/09

I have friends in knoxville, and have dealt with insight there a few times. Did not like insight with the wacky lineup numbers but I hope that has been changed. Abingdon and south to avon and st. Augustine are all mediacrap. I pray for the day they get bought out by comcast. Internet is fast when it works though. We have 10/1 (possibly faster now.) Even have a business line. That is usually rock solid though.
--
The day the child realizes that all adults are imperfect, he becomes an adolescent; the day he forgives them, he becomes an adult. The day he forgives himself, he becomes wise.
Alden Nowlan
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Comcaster912 @ 14th Jul 03:50PM:
Re: Comcast Chicago Suburbs Going All Digitail 9/29/09

said by kb1 :

Comcaster912, I live in South bend, IN part of The Greater Chicago Region do you have any idea when I will get the letter? Thanks.

So far, the first areas Comcast sent letters to were West Chicago and Romeoville. No communication yet on other areas recieving the letters, though more might have been sent out.
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anon @ 14th Jul 04:04PM:
Re: Comcast Chicago Suburbs Going All Digitail 9/29/09

Comcast aligned our HD channels in the 900's and color coded cartoons and sports and news,Wish we had such things as if there is a digital and HD channel the higher quality would automatically display . My thing with the change from Insight to Comcast was that after the switch that Insight started loading up on HD where it took quite a while for any changes. I still check the Insight website and they have more HD than we do here.They often ask their customers which channels they would like to see added.I haven't had any trouble with customer service or repairs .internet was running 12/2 but has dropped down to slightly less than 10/2 (9/3) for some odd reason. Just trying now to hold out for the 51 hd channel additions like out wet or large change like in Michigan.If we would get the postcard notifying the switch and forth coming hd.Last April new customers could not signup for basic analog any longer.Too bad Comcast is not training more crews to perform the change over 'even hiring temporary personel so it could be performed in more areas simultaneousely.
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Ruggiero @ 14th Jul 05:05PM:
Re: Comcast Chicago Suburbs Going All Digitail 9/29/09

Starting in the western Chicago 'burbs . . . but ultimately throughout the state.
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Ruggiero @ 14th Jul 05:06PM:
Re: Comcast Chicago Suburbs Going All Digitail 9/29/09

DTAs will be available July 29.
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Joe12345678 @ 16th Jul 08:28PM:
Re: Comcast Chicago Suburbs Going All Digitail 9/29/09

I head that some one in wonder lake il (upper part of NW Chicago metro area) got the letter as well.

will the old direct tv ad about this from the time when the city of Chicago did this show up aging as well as the radio ones?

I have clip of the old add.

old ad
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cypherstream @ 16th Jul 08:46PM:
Re: Comcast Chicago Suburbs Going All Digitail 9/29/09

But DirecTV also requires a box, and not only that, a satellite dish with a clear view of the southern sky. So you still have to 'act', and in fact installing a dish is more work than just getting a DTA.

I don't think their ad is very fair to be honest. Granted it's all advertising, but notice how every company always leaves out that one little detail.
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Joe12345678 @ 16th Jul 08:59PM:
Re: Comcast Chicago Suburbs Going All Digitail 9/29/09

but a DTA will not get all that you pay for and back then they did not have free boxes on comcast.

also ads had pay more or get less.
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kb1 @ 19th Jul 07:06PM:
Re: Comcast Chicago Suburbs Going All Digitail 9/29/09

said by Comcaster912 :

said by kb1 :

Comcaster912, I live in South bend, IN part of The Greater Chicago Region do you have any idea when I will get the letter? Thanks.

So far, the first areas Comcast sent letters to were West Chicago and Romeoville. No communication yet on other areas recieving the letters, though more might have been sent out.

Thanks Comcaster912. I just figured that since I am part of the Greater Chicago region I would get the
letter but it looks like its not going to happen in my area later this month or for awhile
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Joe12345678 @ 19th Jul 09:48PM:
Re: Comcast Chicago Suburbs Going All Digitail 9/29/09

I head that some one in mount prospect il may of got one.
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Comcaster912 @ 22nd Jul 02:53PM:
Re: Comcast Chicago Suburbs Going All Digitail 9/29/09

NEW UPDATE:

For the chicago area (IL, IN, western edge of MI), there will be a total of 51 cities/communities to change to the World of more, with all digital programming.

The service upgrades, which are yet to be dated, will soon include close to 100 HD channels, a ton of International/ethnic programming (which is now scarce per area), including a spanish tier of cable, that is only available in chicago (all digital) right now.

For the internet, the goal is 100MB speeds, another increase in speed.

*please note, again, the service changes are yet to be announced, but the systems are to be digital in 51 locations by Dec 2009 starting with Romeoville on Sept 29th.

will post as more details arrive.
reply
anon @ 22nd Jul 04:17PM:
Re: Comcast Chicago Suburbs Going All Digitail 9/29/09

Hey Comcaster912 do you know how the headends or areas are structured ? Or where I can find that info for our area ?If things are headed west from Romeoville then Aurora,Springfield,Bloomington,Peoria,Anything like that ??
reply
Comcaster912 @ 22nd Jul 05:02PM:
Re: Comcast Chicago Suburbs Going All Digitail 9/29/09

There is a short term list for the starting cities...ill get those posted today.

So far the lists haven't been made public yet, though romeoville, west chicago, and peoria are included in the first cities, but I have to see further details. give me a few hours.
reply
Joe12345678 @ 22nd Jul 05:19PM:
Re: Comcast Chicago Suburbs Going All Digitail 9/29/09

any plans to move sci-fi / Syfy and speed to starter like the other comcast areas?
reply
anon @ 22nd Jul 06:03PM:
Re: Comcast Chicago Suburbs Going All Digitail 9/29/09

Thanks Comcaster912 appreciate your help ,don't takke any unnecessary chances and get yourself in trouble.Things are sounding good. :p :D
reply
Comcaster912 @ 22nd Jul 07:12PM:
Re: Comcast Chicago Suburbs Going All Digitail 9/29/09

Hey, its no trouble. Its all going to be published soon.

Lol employees are waiting too! Especially for Wimax!
(Even though the chicago market is already built out for it).

Channel changes are coming. Ill get some details together to post at once, so I don't have a lot of posts/time.
reply
slk2k @ 22nd Jul 10:48PM:
Re: Comcast Chicago Suburbs Going All Digitail 9/29/09

I live in Aurora and got the letter awhile ago, so I assume I will be impacted at that time (my letter looks like the one posted).
reply
Comcaster912 @ 22nd Jul 11:38PM:
Re: Comcast Chicago Suburbs Going All Digitail 9/29/09

World of More Communities, Chicago Area, up to Dec 2009.

Aurora, Batavia, Bolingbrook, Boulder Hill, Braidwood, Bristol Township, Carbon Hill, Channahon, Coal City, Lockport, Countryside Estates, Crest Hill, Custer Park, Diamond, Elgin Township, Four Lakes Village, Frankfort, Frankfort Township, Geneva, Glen Ellyn, Goose Lake Township, Grundy, Homer Township, Joliet, Kane County, Kendall County (portions of), Lake Holiday, Lemont, Lily Lake, Lisle, Lockport Township, Minooka, Mokena, Montgomery, Morris, Naperville, New Lenox, New Lenox Township, North Aurora, Oswego, Plainfield, Plainfield Township, Plano, Rockdale, Romeoville, Sandwich, Shorewood, St. Charles, Troy Township, Warrenville, West Chicago, Wheatland (portions of), Wheaton, Wildwood Communities, Will County (portions of), Wilmington, Winfield, Yorkville
reply
mikedz4 @ 22nd Jul 11:56PM:
Re: Comcast Chicago Suburbs Going All Digitail 9/29/09

when will crete, illinois go all digital and receive more hd/digital stations?
Just curious because my uncle just had standard cable installed in june.
reply
Joe12345678 @ 23rd Jul 12:59AM:
Re: Comcast Chicago Suburbs Going All Digitail 9/29/09

no cook county city's? when 2010?

That will be odd a gap of way less HD but they will pay the same. I think you will see a even more people moving to u-verse, Dish, and direct tv there.
reply
mhornet @ 23rd Jul 09:30AM:
Re: Comcast Chicago Suburbs Going All Digitail 9/29/09

What about the burbs in southern Cook like Tinley Park, Orland Park, Oak Forest, etc.?
reply
koala1946 @ 23rd Jul 10:39PM:
Re: Comcast Chicago Suburbs Going All Digitail 9/29/09

Comcaster912 Just wondering about Valparaiso and LaPorte Indiana,Will it be coming here and when????
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Comcaster912 @ 24th Jul 01:48AM:
Re: Comcast Chicago Suburbs Going All Digitail 9/29/09

With the rest of the cities, Ill check on and get back to you.

The list posted is the ones we know of so far.

There is also a secondary list, which lists counties, so Ill check on that one too.
reply
anon @ 24th Jul 02:30AM:
Re: Comcast Chicago Suburbs Going All Digitail 9/29/09

For those of us that know nothing about the actual workings of the world of more,are these changes line or equipment changes or computer server back office type changes or a combination of both ? We have seen in other areas they roll out the HD neighborhood by neighborhood after the analog reclamation,
reply
kb1 @ 24th Jul 07:41AM:
Re: Comcast Chicago Suburbs Going All Digitail 9/29/09

said by Comcaster912 :

World of More Communities, Chicago Area, up to Dec 2009.

Aurora, Batavia, Bolingbrook, Boulder Hill, Braidwood, Bristol Township, Carbon Hill, Channahon, Coal City, Lockport, Countryside Estates, Crest Hill, Custer Park, Diamond, Elgin Township, Four Lakes Village, Frankfort, Frankfort Township, Geneva, Glen Ellyn, Goose Lake Township, Grundy, Homer Township, Joliet, Kane County, Kendall County (portions of), Lake Holiday, Lemont, Lily Lake, Lisle, Lockport Township, Minooka, Mokena, Montgomery, Morris, Naperville, New Lenox, New Lenox Township, North Aurora, Oswego, Plainfield, Plainfield Township, Plano, Rockdale, Romeoville, Sandwich, Shorewood, St. Charles, Troy Township, Warrenville, West Chicago, Wheatland (portions of), Wheaton, Wildwood Communities, Will County (portions of), Wilmington, Winfield, Yorkville

Pretty much looks like this is just going to happen around the Chicago area. Nothing around NW Indiana
or South Bend. Guess we'll have to wait till 2010.
:-(
reply
andyross @ 24th Jul 09:04AM:
Re: Comcast Chicago Suburbs Going All Digitail 9/29/09

said by Big Bears Fan :

For those of us that know nothing about the actual workings of the world of more,are these changes line or equipment changes or computer server back office type changes or a combination of both ? We have seen in other areas they roll out the HD neighborhood by neighborhood after the analog reclamation,
I think basically: They stop feeding analog signals to the channel modulators. Over time, they start feeding digital feeds to them. Cable boxes are sent updated channel maps to point to them. I wouldn't be surprised if they also rearrange the frequencies used by some of the existing digital channels.
reply
anon @ 24th Jul 11:04AM:
Re: Comcast Chicago Suburbs Going All Digitail 9/29/09

How long is the side show pages that say to view to need to go digital up for?
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kb1 @ 24th Jul 07:26PM:
Re: Comcast Chicago Suburbs Going All Digitail 9/29/09

Here is something I just came across. The Comcast Greater Chicago region has 2.2 million subscribers (here is a link).
During this transition, were going to need a lot of DTA's!!!

»www.multichannel.com/article/128···_100.php
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dishrich @ 24th Jul 09:46PM:
Re: Comcast Chicago Suburbs Going All Digitail 9/29/09

It's probably larger than THAT - that list you linked is from 2007
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andyross @ 25th Jul 02:52PM:
Re: Comcast Chicago Suburbs Going All Digitail 9/29/09

Does that include the city itself? They went digital last year, but without using DTA's. They forced people to use regular boxes for anything beyond basic. They may hold off on using DTA's in the city until they roll it out in the suburbs first.
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insomniac @ 29th Jul 07:23PM:
Re: Comcast Chicago Suburbs Going All Digitail 9/29/09

said by Ruggiero :

DTAs will be available July 29.

Tried to order today, no luck.
--
If everything seems to be going well, you've obviously overlooked something.
reply
Comcaster912 @ 29th Jul 11:44PM:
Re: Comcast Chicago Suburbs Going All Digitail 9/29/09

yea, No DTA's will be available, until Sept 29th, or if moved forward, communications will be mailed out to each area for when they can start getting the DTA's.
reply
djdanska @ 30th Jul 02:15AM:
Re: Comcast Chicago Suburbs Going All Digitail 9/29/09

Rescanned my cable line in Glen Ellyn and all the expanded basic channels are in the clear. 65 analog and 107 digital clear qam channels now.
reply
donnie6332 @ 30th Jul 05:32PM:
Re: Comcast Chicago Suburbs Going All Digitail 9/29/09

Any word on the Barrington, Carpentersville, Lake Zurich area?
reply
hdfollower12 @ 30th Jul 11:48PM:
Re: Comcast Chicago Suburbs Going All Digitail 9/29/09

After talking with a Comcast "analyst" online, I was informed that the Chicago suburbs are actually converting analog to digital on September 19th, 2009....I'm guessing that the 9/29/09 date will be when new hd channels will be added.
reply
Spiderman865 @ 31st Jul 09:49AM:
Re: Comcast Chicago Suburbs Going All Digitail 9/29/09

That does not make sense. Sept. 29th is the the day when the analog expanded basic channels are shut off. Wouldn't the DTA's be available prior to the cut off date?
--
Who?...Me?
reply
djdanska @ 31st Jul 10:25AM:
Re: Comcast Chicago Suburbs Going All Digitail 9/29/09

said by Spiderman865 :

That dies not make sense. Sept. 29th is the the day when the analog expanded basic channels are shut off. Wouldn't the DTA's be available prior to the cut off date?

I'm surprised they are not available now or soon. They already have the channels in the clear here. The DTA's would work fine now.
--
The day the child realizes that all adults are imperfect, he becomes an adolescent; the day he forgives them, he becomes an adult. The day he forgives himself, he becomes wise.
Alden Nowlan
reply
anon @ 31st Jul 12:04PM:
Re: Comcast Chicago Suburbs Going All Digitail 9/29/09

on the weather channel what city's are listed? in the 36 hour forecast page?
reply
hdfollower12 @ 31st Jul 02:23PM:
Re: Comcast Chicago Suburbs Going All Digitail 9/29/09

said by Comcaster912 :

Channel changes are coming. Ill get some details together to post at once, so I don't have a lot of posts/time.

Hey Comcaster912, Have you received a list of the new hd channels or the amount of hd channels that will be added to the Chicago suburbs yet?
reply
insomniac @ 31st Jul 03:38PM:
Re: Comcast Chicago Suburbs Going All Digitail 9/29/09

said by djdanska :

said by Spiderman865 :

That dies not make sense. Sept. 29th is the the day when the analog expanded basic channels are shut off. Wouldn't the DTA's be available prior to the cut off date?

I'm surprised they are not available now or soon. They already have the channels in the clear here. The DTA's would work fine now.

Yeah, I really don't understand. I guess I'll just keep plugging my account number into »www.comcast.com/DIGITALNOW/ every day until it works.
--
If everything seems to be going well, you've obviously overlooked something.
reply
Spiderman865 @ 31st Jul 05:26PM:
Re: Comcast Chicago Suburbs Going All Digitail 9/29/09

I've been checking that web site also and so far no luck either.
--
Who?...Me?
reply
Ruggiero @ 31st Jul 05:46PM:
Re: Comcast Chicago Suburbs Going All Digitail 9/29/09

I work for Comcast in Illinois...a couple updates/answers:

1. Customers who got the first letter at the top of this thread can expect follow-up communication soon, probably within two weeks, with specifics on getting digital equipment --- well before the first analog channel cuts occur.

2. We're still finalizing the HD channel adds, but it will be several dozen in every affected community before fall ends.
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Ruggiero @ 31st Jul 05:50PM:
Re: Comcast Chicago Suburbs Going All Digitail 9/29/09

I was a little ahead of the game with the July 29 reference; my apologies. Look for follow-up communication about the availability of DTAs within the next couple of weeks.
reply
geodon005 @ 31st Jul 05:53PM:
Re: Comcast Chicago Suburbs Going All Digitail 9/29/09

said by Ruggiero :

I work for Comcast in Illinois...a couple updates/answers:

1. Customers who got the first letter at the top of this thread can expect follow-up communication soon, probably within two weeks, with specifics on getting digital equipment --- well before the first analog channel cuts occur.

2. We're still finalizing the HD channel adds, but it will be several dozen in every affected community before fall ends.

Thanks for the info. . . any HD channels that are already locked up that can be reported? And for those of us who have not received the letter yet, any idea as to when all this will take place (I live in Mt. Prospect)?

Thanks. . .
reply
hdfollower12 @ 31st Jul 10:20PM:
Re: Comcast Chicago Suburbs Going All Digitail 9/29/09

Ruggiero, can you please tell us exactly what analog channels will be migrated to digital or how many? I know usually they are channels 30 and above but could you provide a definitive list?
reply
Spiderman865 @ 31st Jul 10:45PM:
Re: Comcast Chicago Suburbs Going All Digitail 9/29/09

All channels except broadcast basic. IE: Channel 2-24. Check your channel lineup on the Comcast web site to see what channels are included in the broadcast basic package.
--
Who?...Me?
reply
hdfollower12 @ 7th Aug 02:16PM:
Re: Comcast Chicago Suburbs Going All Digitail 9/29/09

Does anyone have any more new details about the digital migration for the 'burbs? It's been a while since Ruggiero and Comcaster have posted updates... I'm really looking forward to the new hd :)
reply
Ruggiero @ 7th Aug 04:29PM:
Re: Comcast Chicago Suburbs Going All Digital 9/29/09

We haven't finalized a schedule for the rest of the suburbs, as we're just getting started in the first group of communities (Aurora, Naperville, Joliet, and about 50 others). But we will be moving very quickly into other suburban areas in the next few months.
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Ruggiero @ 7th Aug 04:54PM:
Re: Comcast Chicago Suburbs Going All Digitail 9/29/09

Channel numbers can vary a bit by community, but in New Lenox, for example, expanded basic is channels 23 through 77. And hang in there, we'll be communicating the first part of the new HD channels for affected communities in our next letter.
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Mgsports @ 7th Aug 04:57PM:
Re: Comcast Chicago Suburbs Going All Digitail 9/29/09

Are you just for Chicago area and not like Olathe/Mo,Orlando and so on to because we would like to know about those area's?
reply
andyross @ 7th Aug 05:01PM:
Re: Comcast Chicago Suburbs Going All Digitail 9/29/09

Here in Schaumburg, there is some overlap between basic and standard.

TCM (16), Discovery (21), Food (25), VH1 (28), TLC (31), AP (32), TBS (34).
WXFT (23), Library (24), Harper College (26), WJYS (33), Public Access (35).
reply
Joe12345678 @ 7th Aug 05:26PM:
Re: Comcast Chicago Suburbs Going All Digitail 9/29/09

some of that is likely to be cut when analog turns off.
reply
BigBearsFan @ 7th Aug 05:42PM:
Re: Comcast Chicago Suburbs Going All Digital 9/29/09

How close is the Peoria/Galesburg area to getting on that list ? Or is that 50 just surrounding Chicago communities ? Will they be sending out cards or letters with details and will the 30 day rule for removal apply.
reply
Ruggiero @ 7th Aug 05:50PM:
Re: Comcast Chicago Suburbs Going All Digitail 9/29/09

Yes, I can only speak to Illinois and NW Indiana --- this process is at different stages in different markets.
reply
Ruggiero @ 7th Aug 05:53PM:
Re: Comcast Chicago Suburbs Going All Digital 9/29/09

We're still working on the schedule, but for other Illinois systems, we're talking months, not years.
reply
Ruggiero @ 7th Aug 05:54PM:
Re: Comcast Chicago Suburbs Going All Digital 9/29/09

...and you'll get plenty of communication about the changes -- what HD channels we're adding, what channels are going from analog to digital, how you can get your digital equipment -- at least 30 days in advance, but usually more.
reply
Spiderman865 @ 8th Aug 10:29AM:
Re: Comcast Chicago Suburbs Going All Digital 9/29/09

Anyone pick up a DTA yet or get a firm date as to when they will be available?
--
Who?...Me?
reply
kb1 @ 9th Aug 02:37PM:
Re: Comcast Chicago Suburbs Going All Digitail 9/29/09

Ruggiero, Do you think Chicago will eventually get an HD lineup like Detroit?

»www.comcast.com/MediaLibrary/1/2···neup.pdf
reply
Joe12345678 @ 9th Aug 03:07PM:
Re: Comcast Chicago Suburbs Going All Digitail 9/29/09

how about moving Syfy to starter?
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Comcaster912 @ 9th Aug 05:02PM:
Re: Comcast Chicago Suburbs Going All Digitail 9/29/09

Well the world of more hs just started here in Illinois, so there hasn't been any communication for the HD line-up for Chicago and surrounding...

However, im sure there will be one. Watching the other completed markets, there have been a SLEW of new HD programming, so I don't doubt it, but nothing yet has been communicated.
reply
insomniac @ 9th Aug 10:23PM:
Re: Comcast Chicago Suburbs Going All Digital 9/29/09

said by Spiderman865 :

Anyone pick up a DTA yet or get a firm date as to when they will be available?

Nope. »www.comcast.com/DIGITALNOW/ still says they're not available in my area.
--
If everything seems to be going well, you've obviously overlooked something.
reply
kb1 @ 10th Aug 07:11PM:
Re: Comcast Chicago Suburbs Going All Digital 9/29/09

said by Spiderman865 :

Anyone pick up a DTA yet or get a firm date as to when they will be available?

Looks like someone in Bristol, IL will be getting some.
Here is a link.

»www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthre···page=279
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insomniac @ 11th Aug 03:19PM:
Re: Comcast Chicago Suburbs Going All Digital 9/29/09

I successfully used the 877-634-4434 number to order 2 DTAs yesterday.
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Comcaster912 @ 11th Aug 08:09PM:
Re: Comcast Chicago Suburbs Going All Digital 9/29/09

LOL

You're on top of it aren't you?

***OFFICIAL UPDATE***
This applies to Romeoville and West Chicago Comcast Customers.
1. DTA's are to be available starting August 14th, though we have received calls about it already.

If you have received the mailer about the WORLD OF MORE transition, please call the number provided. *If u have not received the mailer, please do not call. (I really would hate for u to frustrate yourself if its not available for you yet).

Also, calling to order the DTA's is the best and easiest/smoothest way to get them.

Comcast is very excited as to the offerings that will be available once these transitions occur, so all areas will be transitioning, but on a schedule, so please wait until you receive a mailer.

If more areas start, Ill be sure to post.
reply
hdfollower12 @ 12th Aug 06:47PM:
Re: Comcast Chicago Suburbs Going All Digital 9/29/09

After talking with a Comcast online analyst I was told that letters regarding digital adapters and boxes have been sent out to Chicago West customers starting this past Monday(8/10) and will continue to be sent out until Friday(8/21). I have not received the letter yet but it should be on the way shortly...
reply
Spiderman865 @ 13th Aug 10:20PM:
Re: Comcast Chicago Suburbs Going All Digital 9/29/09

Got my letter today and stopped by Comcast office in Joliet and picked up my 2 free DTA's. Haven't hooked them up yet, but will do so tomorrow. They are the Pace brand DTA's.

The letter gives you the option of ordering DTA's on line, calling the toll free number or picking them up at a service center. It also lists the 1st round of 17 analogs that are slated to go on 9/29. And it also lists the 1st 17 HD channels to be added on 9/30.

HD Adds to Digital Starter:
227) Hallmark Movies
229) Lifetime Movies
264) Fox Biz
266) CNBC
269) Biography
282) QVC
HD Adds to Digital Classic:
231) ESPN News
234) NHL
235) NBA
261) Planet Green
263) Encore
278) Bravo
279) Fuse
280) IFC
281) WE
283) Disney XD
284) MGM

Analog's to go on 9/29
MTV, Weather Channel, AMC, E!, Lifetime, Cartoon, TNT, TLC, HGTV, FX, Food, Animal Planet, MSNBC, Travel, TV Land, Versus, and truTV.
--
Who?...Me?
reply
djdanska @ 13th Aug 10:22PM:
Re: Comcast Chicago Suburbs Going All Digital 9/29/09

said by Spiderman865 :

Got my letter today and stopped by Comcast office in Joliet and picked up my 2 free DTA's. Haven't hooked them up yet, but will do so tomorrow. They are the Pace brand DTA's.

The letter gives you the option of ordering DTA's on line, calling the toll free number or picking them up at a service center. It also lists the 1st round of 17 analogs that are slated to go on 9/29. And it also lists the 1st 17 HD channels to be added on 9/30.

HD Adds to Digital Starter:
227) Hallmark Movies
229) Lifetime Movies
264) Fox Biz
266) CNBC
269) Biography
282) QVC
HD Adds to Digital Classic:
231) ESPN News
234) NHL
235) NBA
261) Planet Green
263) Encore
278) Bravo
279) Fuse
280) IFC
281) WE
283) Disney XD
284) MGM

Analog's to go on 9/29
MTV, Weather Channel, AMC, E!, Lifetime, Cartoon, TNT, TLC, HGTV, FX, Food, Animal Planet, MSNBC, Travel, TV Land, Versus, and truTV.

I wonder what they will give me. I already have all those hd channels.
--
The day the child realizes that all adults are imperfect, he becomes an adolescent; the day he forgives them, he becomes an adult. The day he forgives himself, he becomes wise.
Alden Nowlan
reply
hdfollower12 @ 14th Aug 02:00AM:
Re: Comcast Chicago Suburbs Going All Digital 9/29/09

Thanks Spiderman for the update...I haven't received the letter yet, but since the town I live in is right next to Joliet I will hopefully receive the first round hd additions as well...Finally positive news regarding more hd channels!
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Joe12345678 @ 14th Aug 09:05AM:
Re: Comcast Chicago Suburbs Going All Digital 9/29/09

The Weather Channel that should be one of the last ones to go.
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Spiderman865 @ 14th Aug 10:59AM:
Re: Comcast Chicago Suburbs Going All Digital 9/29/09

IMHO, by having TWC migrate to digital in the 1st round, it will get more people to get the DTA's sooner rather than later.
--
Who?...Me?
reply
anon @ 14th Aug 12:18PM:
Re: Comcast Chicago Suburbs Going All Digital 9/29/09

but TWC should be the EAS fall back.
reply
Spiderman865 @ 14th Aug 03:33PM:
Re: Comcast Chicago Suburbs Going All Digital 9/29/09

Good point. As an update, installed my two DTA's today. No problems other than had to speak to someone because the DTA's weren't added to the data base that allows for the automated activation. Picture looks great on two 4:3 analog sets in a spare bedroom and basement. Picked up a few xtra channels like NBC, ABC, PBS sub channels as well as WCIU's sub channels. Also picked up EWTN, Hallmark and Fox Biz(which seems odd). All and all I'm happy everything went smooth.
--
Who?...Me?
reply
insomniac @ 14th Aug 06:37PM:
Re: Comcast Chicago Suburbs Going All Digital 9/29/09

said by djdanska :

I wonder what they will give me. I already have all those hd channels.

Me too.

I'd like them to add TWC HD to my lineup already. I'll take that over QVC HD anyday.
--
If everything seems to be going well, you've obviously overlooked something.
reply
mikedz4 @ 15th Aug 06:54AM:
Re: Comcast Chicago Suburbs Going All Digitail 9/29/09

i noticed now here in the pittsburgh,pa area the eas fallback channel is now the weather channel which is still on basic cable in the pittsburgh area.
reply
Joe12345678 @ 15th Aug 11:59AM:
Re: Comcast Chicago Suburbs Going All Digital 9/29/09

said by insomniac :

said by djdanska :

I wonder what they will give me. I already have all those hd channels.

Me too.

I'd like them to add TWC HD to my lineup already. I'll take

Is the weather star / IntelliStar HD out of beta testing yet?
reply
hdfollower12 @ 16th Aug 01:43AM:
Re: Comcast Chicago Suburbs Going All Digital 9/29/09

Hey Spiderman, I'm pretty sure I haven't received the most recent letter about the DTAs and new hd channels...Did the letter say that these changes were only for the city of Joliet or for the rest of the west suburbs also? I am hoping that they are not doing the upgrades on a city by city basis :(
reply
Spiderman865 @ 16th Aug 07:59PM:
Re: Comcast Chicago Suburbs Going All Digital 9/29/09

The letter is not specific to any city. You should be on the Romeoville head end like I am and should receive your letter any day. Once you do, you can call to order DTA's, order them on line or pick them up at a Comcast service center in Joliet or Romeoville. I'm impatient, so I picked my two up at the Joliet office. BTW, they had the DCX series DVRS there last Thursday. :)
--
Who?...Me?
reply
gt1racer @ 16th Aug 08:52PM:
Re: Comcast Chicago Suburbs Going All Digital 9/29/09

I Was told the Beta Roll out will be done by November by TWC
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slk2k @ 18th Aug 11:36AM:
0 for 1 on DTA installs ....

Received Pace DTA in mail yesterday. Idiot-proof on the hookup. Place it in line with the 16 year old 13" TV in the kitchen. Slow blinking light. NP. Figured it needs activated so I call the number listed. Agent adds it to their database using the S/N of the DTA. Sends a hit. Nothing. Asks if I have a splitter (which I do). Says that's causing my troubles. (Huh?) Says it's too old and won't work with the new "digital" signal they are sending. (Huh? Part Duex). Says to wait 30 minutes and if it doesn't come up, call back. I humored the agent and placed the box right at the head-end of my connection (nothing else in-line from the interface box on the side of the house). Nothing. 60 minutes later I call back. Agent said the 1st guy was confused. Says the splitter has nothing to do with it (all my signals on my other STBs and my Cable modem are great) and she verifies it's in the DB correctly. Sends a "special" hit. Nada. Just slow blinking light. Says she sees the box is downloading and to give it an hour. Surprise, 1 hour later nothing. I call back again and this agent sends the hit twice, has me power-cycle the box, sends another hit, places me on hold then declares the box as "bad" and I should swap it out.

My other boxes (DCH-6416 DVR and an older 2500 box) never had this kind of trouble.

I sure hope this doesn't become common-place for everyone ....

(Edit - Update STB model numbers)
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dead_screem @ 18th Aug 07:28PM:
Re: Comcast Chicago Suburbs Going All Digitail 9/29/09

Any news for Carol Stream (Addison headend)?
reply
anon @ 19th Aug 10:02AM:
Re: Comcast Chicago Suburbs Going All Digitail 9/29/09

I got my 2 DTA yesterday. I used the unique ID from the sticker on the packaging at the website »www.comcast.com/DIGITALNOW and I had signal in less than a minute. I ordered the boxes about a week ago at the above website. I live in Yorkville/Bristol and I think I am on the Plano headend. If you got the letter from Comcast, chances are that you can order the DTA's now.
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hdfollower12 @ 20th Aug 11:11PM:
Re: Comcast Chicago Suburbs Going All Digitail 9/29/09

Comcaster and Ruggiero, could one or both of you provide some details about the migration and how many HD channels will be added in total? I received a letter stating the first 17 HD additions...but I was hoping for even more down the road...? Any details would be great.
reply
mhornet @ 21st Aug 06:41PM:
Re: Comcast Chicago Suburbs Going All Digitail 9/29/09

I would just like to know what the next round of cities are and when.
reply
slk2k @ 22nd Aug 04:52PM:
Re: 0 for 1 on DTA installs ....

Finally had time to install the replacement unit - that one activated quickly like it should and works fine! :)
reply
johnh123 @ 23rd Aug 07:07PM:
Re: Comcast Chicago Suburbs Going All Digitail 9/29/09

said by hdfollower12 :

Comcaster and Ruggiero, could one or both of you provide some details about the migration and how many HD channels will be added in total? I received a letter stating the first 17 HD additions...but I was hoping for even more down the road...? Any details would be great.

What are the first 17 HD additions?
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Joe12345678 @ 23rd Aug 08:29PM:
Re: Comcast Chicago Suburbs Going All Digitail 9/29/09

said by johnh123 :

said by hdfollower12 :

Comcaster and Ruggiero, could one or both of you provide some details about the migration and how many HD channels will be added in total? I received a letter stating the first 17 HD additions...but I was hoping for even more down the road...? Any details would be great.

What are the first 17 HD additions?

I would think they should be some of the city of Chicago only ones.
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Spiderman865 @ 23rd Aug 09:08PM:
Re: Comcast Chicago Suburbs Going All Digitail 9/29/09

said by johnh123 :

said by hdfollower12 :

Comcaster and Ruggiero, could one or both of you provide some details about the migration and how many HD channels will be added in total? I received a letter stating the first 17 HD additions...but I was hoping for even more down the road...? Any details would be great.

What are the first 17 HD additions?

Look back on page 6 of this thread.
--
Who?...Me?
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Comcaster912 @ 25th Aug 12:31AM:
Re: Comcast Chicago Suburbs Going All Digitail 9/29/09

Hi, sorry, was on vacation last week.

As far as HD channel lineups, we just have to wait for those to be released. And for the Guy who posted about New Lenox, its on the list for the months ahead, but you just have to wait until it arrives in your area, but its coming.
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anon @ 25th Aug 02:45PM:
Re: Comcast Chicago Suburbs Going All Digitail 9/29/09

check this out: »www.lightreading.com/document.as···site=cdn

Seems Comcast got their waiver for the built in security in the DTA boxes they are issuing - so it looks like they (Comcast) will be able to start locking their paying customers out of using devices like the HDHomeRun again... Sucks.
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Joe12345678 @ 25th Aug 04:06PM:
Re: Comcast Chicago Suburbs Going All Digitail 9/29/09

what a joke and $2 /m for a $50 box and $6-$8 /m for a $50-$100 full box? WTF
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djdanska @ 25th Aug 07:13PM:
Re: Comcast Chicago Suburbs Going All Digitail 9/29/09

The hd dvr's up in canada last i checked where more than $100. i remember seeing them upwards of 400 to 600 dollars retail at places like best buy. I will have to check when i get home what they charge for them. Either way, i am fairly sure my new dcx box costs more than a few hundred.
--
The day the child realizes that all adults are imperfect, he becomes an adolescent; the day he forgives them, he becomes an adult. The day he forgives himself, he becomes wise.
Alden Nowlan
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Joe12345678 @ 25th Aug 09:31PM:
Re: Comcast Chicago Suburbs Going All Digitail 9/29/09

talking about a full SD box are $50-$100 in Canada.
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kb1 @ 25th Aug 09:38PM:
Re: Comcast Chicago Suburbs Going All Digitail 9/29/09

said by Comcaster912 :

Hi, sorry, was on vacation last week.

As far as HD channel lineups, we just have to wait for those to be released. And for the Guy who posted about New Lenox, its on the list for the months ahead, but you just have to wait until it arrives in your area, but its coming.

Good to have you back Comcaster912!!
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Spiderman865 @ 26th Aug 08:34AM:
Re: Comcast Chicago Suburbs Going All Digitail 9/29/09

said by Comcaster912 :

Hi, sorry, was on vacation last week.
Hope you had a good vacation. Didn't mean to sond like a jerk. :)
--
Who?...Me?
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djdanska @ 26th Aug 12:57PM:
Re: Comcast Chicago Suburbs Going All Digitail 9/29/09

with this new waiver they got, does this mean i will lose my channels via clear qam? I was really looking forward to watching them on my windows 7 media center. They look so much better.
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ak3883 @ 26th Aug 01:26PM:
Re: Comcast Chicago Suburbs Going All Digitail 9/29/09

YES.

See other numerous threads about topic, although most have turned into pissing matches.
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SSSR @ 26th Aug 04:39PM:
Re: Comcast Chicago Suburbs Going All Digitail 9/29/09

I live in Homer Glen and we just received the DTAs and hooked them up. Also received a Motorola box. The motorola activated fine using the website, but the Pace DTAs would not. I had to call Comcast tech support and they were then able to active them in about 5-10 mins while I was on the phone.

I have one HDTV with a QAM tuner, and I just did a rescan and do NOT get any expanded basic channels in digital. I do rescans from time to time, and I have never been able to get anything other than limited basic channels in digital. I thought (until yesterday) that Comcast was not allowed to encrypt the channels if the DTA is able to get them??
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Joe12345678 @ 26th Aug 06:33PM:
Re: Comcast Chicago Suburbs Going All Digitail 9/29/09

what a joke I think it's time for Direct tv rerun there old ad's about this when the city of Chicago did this 1-2 years ago.
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djdanska @ 26th Aug 08:59PM:
Re: Comcast Chicago Suburbs Going All Digitail 9/29/09

Switching to directv wont solve anything. you need a box for them too.
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Joe12345678 @ 26th Aug 10:49PM:
Re: Comcast Chicago Suburbs Going All Digitail 9/29/09

said by djdanska :

Switching to directv wont solve anything. you need a box for them too.

but they don't rape you at $6-$20 per box. $5/m of any box box 1 free is much better and a better deal then comcast Chicago land as you need sports pack (that has some non sports channels) and comcast digital classic / preferred to get the same stuff as direct tv HD DVR and digital classic / preferred costs just about the same as direct tv HD DVR with no HD or DVR in it's price.

The big black eyes for comcast are sci-fi / Syfy and speed.
need full box + classic / preferred. and speed needs sports pack + full box.

Other comcast areas STILL HAVE THEM IN ANALOG and digital stater but not hear.

WOW cable has them in analog and IN HD.

RCN has syfy in lower level digital and speed in the higher one or lower one + sports pack.

at&t u-verse has them in the U100 level.
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mikedz4 @ 27th Aug 12:13AM:
Re: Comcast Chicago Suburbs Going All Digitail 9/29/09

any idea when crete/steger will go all digital and what their new lineup will be?
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johnh123 @ 3rd Sep 08:33PM:
Re: Comcast Chicago Suburbs Going All Digitail 9/29/09

How about those of us on the Elmhurst head end- when can we expect some more HD goodness?
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Ruggiero @ 3rd Sep 09:51PM:
Re: Comcast Chicago Suburbs Going All Digitail 9/29/09

I'm with Comcast in Illinois. We are still finalizing the schedule for the rest of the 'burbs, but it will be a matter of months, not years. And dozens of additional HD channels. Same for the Elmhurst area.
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mhornet @ 4th Sep 08:45AM:
Re: Comcast Chicago Suburbs Going All Digitail 9/29/09

said by Ruggiero :

I'm with Comcast in Illinois. We are still finalizing the schedule for the rest of the 'burbs, but it will be a matter of months, not years. And dozens of additional HD channels. Same for the Elmhurst area.

Are we talking months like in 1~2 or months like in 11~12?
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anon @ 4th Sep 12:38PM:
Re: Comcast Chicago Suburbs Going All Digitail 9/29/09

So if I switch from expanded basic (no set-top box) to digital classic or whatever's on sale right now (which means a box, right?), do I have to get a different box when the changeover takes place? I guess what I'm asking -- should I wait for the changeover to switch to digital HD? (Cook County near west suburb here.)
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Joe12345678 @ 4th Sep 05:30PM:
Re: Comcast Chicago Suburbs Going All Digitail 9/29/09

you can go HD now and get digital classic come with 1 free SD box or get a hd box as well.
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anon @ 5th Sep 12:05AM:
Re: Comcast Chicago Suburbs Going All Digitail 9/29/09

O.K..I don't want to get flamed but I have a question that I keep seeing conflicting answers to. I am NOT a techie (I know there are a lot of you here and I am in awe of your knowledge but need an answer in plain English)

If I am currently watching expanded basic cable tv DIRECTLY from the wall (no set top boxes) and have two televisions that include "Integrated Digital Clear QAM ATSC + Analog NTSC Tuner" (description taken directly from the TV's specs) do I need these new boxes from Comcast (DTA or STB)?

I think I have my question answered and then I stumble on another post that makes me believe I must have been smoking crack (kidding) when I came to that conclusion.

Anyone?
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kb1 @ 6th Sep 04:57PM:
Re: Comcast Chicago Suburbs Going All Digitail 9/29/09

On my latest bill it states NBA TV HD (chl 235) will be added to Digital Classic on 10/1. I would rather have ESPNU HD.
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GKI @ 7th Sep 02:19AM:
Re: Comcast Chicago Suburbs Going All Digitail 9/29/09

When they notify you that you need additional equipment to receive ch (30-70) or so, on any TV, the answer is "yes". Sorry.
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anon @ 7th Sep 10:42AM:
Re: Comcast Chicago Suburbs Going All Digitail 9/29/09

No need to be sorry - that's the answer I was expecting actually (nothing can be THAT easy can it?) Thanks for the reply!
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jasg @ 7th Sep 01:56PM:
Re: Comcast Chicago Suburbs Going All Digitail 9/29/09

said by speds :

No need to be sorry - that's the answer I was expecting actually (nothing can be THAT easy can it?) Thanks for the reply!

Well, actually not that easy.... GKI's 'yes' means that you will need extra equipment, but the devil is in the details.

You will need a 'DTA' (think Digital To Analog) for any analog TV's and an HD STB for digital TV's (you seem to have two of them).
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hdfollower12 @ 8th Sep 11:34PM:
Re: Comcast Chicago Suburbs Going All Digitail 9/29/09

Ruggiero or Comcaster- I'm starting to get impatient about the new HD channel additions...How much longer until they are finalized? The digital migration is starting in a few weeks for my area; Comcast has to have a finalized list by now!
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gary0922 @ 9th Sep 03:32PM:
Re: Comcast Chicago Suburbs Going All Digitail 9/29/09

I ordered 2 DTAs and the Motorola box on line They arrived in 3 business days and I installed them on 9/7/09.

The installation was fairly easy. The 3 boxes are connected to the cable from the wall and then to the TV or the DVD/VCR (if you have one already connected). Extra cables are provided for the connection from the boxes to the TV or the DVD/VCR. The biggest challenge at this point is getting the old cables off and reconnected to the boxes. The extra cables which Comcast provides are easy screw on types. Another challenge may be finding a place to plug in the boxes if your surge protector has no available spots. The DTAs have green lights which flash when they are powered up. The Moto box numbers light up.

Comcast also provided 3 new remotes for the 3 boxes. They all have to be programmed to turn on the TVs. They are programmed automatically by hitting certain buttons on the remote and pointing it at the TV until the TV turns off. The remote for the Moto box would not automatically program so I called Comcast which gave me a number to input for my Sony TV. The first number they gave me worked.

Then, with all 3 TVs turned on and tuned to channel 3, I called the Comcast number in the instructions. The automated procedure did not work so I was connected to a live person. The TVs all responded to the signal sent by the live person.

There is an additional procedure to follow for the Moto box where you are forced to watch (or fast forward) through a 7 minute video about On Demand. Then you are finished and can watch all the old and new channels.

The sub channels for channels 5 and 7 are interesting if you like non stop radar weather. WTTW has 3 extra sub channels for 3 different topics.

The picture does appear clearer but there seems to be much volume variation between channels and between programming and commercials.
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mlody @ 9th Sep 09:28PM:
Re: Comcast Chicago Suburbs Going All Digitail 9/29/09

said by Comcaster912 :

Hi, sorry, was on vacation last week.

As far as HD channel lineups, we just have to wait for those to be released. And for the Guy who posted about New Lenox, its on the list for the months ahead, but you just have to wait until it arrives in your area, but its coming.

I hope you had a good vacation time.

I am all excited about the new HD channels, but I am already scary that the quality of them will suffer even more, including the new channels

With the current lineup, most of the the HD channels that have high motion/action going on are simply unwatchable as the screen becomes a puzzle with tons of big pixels.

Do you have any idea if the move to all digital will lower the compression or is there a different solution in the works to improve the quality of the HD channels?

Thank you
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anon @ 17th Sep 11:59PM:
Re: Comcast Chicago Suburbs Going All Digitail 9/29/09

Will the Comcast subscribers in the city of Chicago ever be able to get DTAs? They digital migration in Chicago was 2 1/2 years ago.
Frank
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Joe12345678 @ 18th Sep 09:11AM:
Re: Comcast Chicago Suburbs Going All Digitail 9/29/09

how about moving sci-fi and speed to stater in Chicago land?
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andyross @ 18th Sep 09:53AM:
Re: Comcast Chicago Suburbs Going All Digitail 9/29/09

said by lawful12 :

Will the Comcast subscribers in the city of Chicago ever be able to get DTAs? They digital migration in Chicago was 2 1/2 years ago.
Now that they have gotten the waiver to allow encryption with the DTA's, maybe they may finally start using them.
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hdfollower12 @ 18th Sep 04:30PM:
Re: Comcast Chicago Suburbs Going All Digitail 9/29/09

I received a message on my cable box out in the west suburbs that said CLTV will be simulcast in digital starting 10/1 and will be available only in digital format starting 10/27...I'm guessing that the 10/27 date will be when the second wave of expanded analogs will also be going digital. This seems to be the time frame for the analog migrations going on in different Comcast systems.
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andyross @ 18th Sep 04:55PM:
Re: Comcast Chicago Suburbs Going All Digitail 9/29/09

Here in Schaumburg, my bill said that CLTV will only be on Digital Starter as of 10/1. The number will not change. That means even DTA users will probably not be able to watch it. Also, I've noticed they are showing a CLTV HD logo, but nobody gets it in HD.

Also on 10/1:
MoviePlex moves from Starter to Classic
NBA TV HD added to Classic and S&E as 235
Jewelry TV being duplicated on 129 and original 159 (????)

Several South Asian subscription channels to be added on 9/24.
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Joe12345678 @ 18th Sep 11:09PM:
Re: Comcast Chicago Suburbs Going All Digitail 9/29/09

said by andyross :

Here in Schaumburg, my bill said that CLTV will only be on Digital Starter as of 10/1. The number will not change. That means even DTA users will probably not be able to watch it. Also, I've noticed they are showing a CLTV HD logo, but nobody gets it in HD.

Also on 10/1:
MoviePlex moves from Starter to Classic
NBA TV HD added to Classic and S&E as 235
Jewelry TV being duplicated on 129 and original 159 (????)

Several South Asian subscription channels to be added on 9/24.

CLTV HD is that just CSN + HD even cltv with HD side bars is better then a looping help video in the csn + HD slot.

cltv really needs to be on it's own with csn + getting it's own slot. analog is dead and we don't need to shear a analog slot any more? but moving a old EB channle to a higher level?? how about putting sci-fi and speed back in starter?
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Joe12345678 @ 22nd Sep 12:57AM:
Re: Comcast Chicago Suburbs Going All Digitail 9/29/09

said by andyross :

Here in Schaumburg, my bill said that CLTV will only be on Digital Starter as of 10/1. The number will not change. That means even DTA users will probably not be able to watch it.

the all digital city of Chicago systems have cltv in clear qam.

»www.silicondust.com/hdhomerun/li···p_767021
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Macks @ 22nd Sep 12:39PM:
Re: Comcast Chicago Suburbs Going All Digitail 9/29/09

Got the letter yesterday here in the West burbs, in case anyone is interested. No mention of additional HD channels, but it does say that everything will be broadcast in digital beginning on March 23, 2010.

I get my service from Comcast Elmhurst.
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anon @ 22nd Sep 02:21PM:
Re: Comcast Chicago Suburbs Going All Digitail 9/29/09

said by Macks :

Got the letter yesterday here in the West burbs, in case anyone is interested. No mention of additional HD channels, but it does say that everything will be broadcast in digital beginning on March 23, 2010.

MARCH 23 what a joke so parts of Chicago land will still have less HD then other parts and they will still pay the same.

by march 23 direct likely will have 200 HD channels
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jimness000 @ 22nd Sep 05:02PM:
Re: Comcast Chicago Suburbs Going All Digitail 9/29/09

Also note that the info shows 2 free DTAs and no regular set top boxes. I recall that other areas got the digital box as well.

In my case, it means I have to figure out what to do about the 5 HDTVs that don't currently have a box.

I may have to wire them all to the rooftop antenna with an amplifier. I haven't used the antenna in over 10 years.
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kb1 @ 22nd Sep 07:13PM:
Re: Comcast Chicago Suburbs Going All Digitail 9/29/09

said by jimness000 :

Also note that the info shows 2 free DTAs and no regular set top boxes. I recall that other areas got the digital box as well.

In my case, it means I have to figure out what to do about the 5 HDTVs that don't currently have a box.

I may have to wire them all to the rooftop antenna with an amplifier. I haven't used the antenna in over 10 years.

Hopefully its just a misprint. When I talked to the CSR
from Comcast she said 1 STB and 2 DTAs.
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Joe12345678 @ 22nd Sep 08:38PM:
Re: Comcast Chicago Suburbs Going All Digitail 9/29/09

the dta and stb are sd only but you should get HD OTA channels in clear qam on cable.
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dead_screem @ 22nd Sep 08:42PM:
Re: Comcast Chicago Suburbs Going All Digitail 9/29/09

Don't think it's a misprint. But just not mentioned because he already has a Digital STB (I'm assuming, I got the exact same letter and I already have a STB thats included in my Digital package).

Most likely an Expanded basic/Standard cable only customer will get a letter that says 1 Digital Set top and 2 DTA's.
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anon @ 22nd Sep 11:09PM:
Re: Comcast Chicago Suburbs Going All Digitail 9/29/09

said by dead_screem :

Most likely an Expanded basic/Standard cable only customer will get a letter that says 1 Digital Set top and 2 DTA's.
Yes, exactly. I have Expanded Basic, and my letter says "Comcast will provide you with one digital set-top box and up to two digital adapters at no additional cost."
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hdfollower12 @ 24th Sep 11:33PM:
Re: Comcast Chicago Suburbs Going All Digitail 9/29/09

More good news regarding the digital conversion for the west suburbs... I saw a Comcast commercial on Monday night that said the World of More was coming soon. It advertised internet speeds twice as fast of what is now available and flashed a caption that said there would be more than 100 HD channels!
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Joe12345678 @ 25th Sep 12:21AM:
Re: Comcast Chicago Suburbs Going All Digitail 9/29/09

said by hdfollower12 :

More good news regarding the digital conversion for the west suburbs... I saw a Comcast commercial on Monday night that said the World of More was coming soon. It advertised internet speeds twice as fast of what is now available and flashed a caption that said there would be more than 100 HD channels!

some of that 100 hd likely is just VOD menus channels
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Comcaster912 @ 25th Sep 09:13PM:
Re: Comcast Chicago Suburbs Going All Digitail 9/29/09

said by mhornet :

said by Ruggiero :

I'm with Comcast in Illinois. We are still finalizing the schedule for the rest of the 'burbs, but it will be a matter of months, not years. And dozens of additional HD channels. Same for the Elmhurst area.

Are we talking months like in 1~2 or months like in 11~12?

We are talking 1-3 months initially. And more added when they are communicated. For example, in some areas, 18 HD channels are added 1 day after the standard cable is stopped. Just have to wait for the communications.
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Comcaster912 @ 25th Sep 09:15PM:
Re: Comcast Chicago Suburbs Going All Digitail 9/29/09

said by mlody :

said by Comcaster912 :

Hi, sorry, was on vacation last week.

As far as HD channel lineups, we just have to wait for those to be released. And for the Guy who posted about New Lenox, its on the list for the months ahead, but you just have to wait until it arrives in your area, but its coming.

I hope you had a good vacation time.

I am all excited about the new HD channels, but I am already scary that the quality of them will suffer even more, including the new channels

With the current lineup, most of the the HD channels that have high motion/action going on are simply unwatchable as the screen becomes a puzzle with tons of big pixels.

Do you have any idea if the move to all digital will lower the compression or is there a different solution in the works to improve the quality of the HD channels?

Thank you

I would actually recommend you call in to Comcast, because it shouldnt be pixelating at all. Do you have HighDef service from Comcast? Standard Boxes?

(Thank you! The vacation was awesome!)
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Comcaster912 @ 25th Sep 09:18PM:
Re: Comcast Chicago Suburbs Going All Digitail 9/29/09

said by lawful12 :

Will the Comcast subscribers in the city of Chicago ever be able to get DTAs? They digital migration in Chicago was 2 1/2 years ago.
Frank

Thats a question that has come up...yet to be communicated.
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Comcaster912 @ 25th Sep 09:24PM:
Re: Comcast Chicago Suburbs Going All Digitail 9/29/09

said by Joe12345678 :

said by hdfollower12 :

More good news regarding the digital conversion for the west suburbs... I saw a Comcast commercial on Monday night that said the World of More was coming soon. It advertised internet speeds twice as fast of what is now available and flashed a caption that said there would be more than 100 HD channels!

some of that 100 hd likely is just VOD menus channels

These will be actual channels. HD OnDemand now is 1,000 choices, that will increase by 10Xs, not on the same day though. As with everything, it will all be communicated.
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kb1 @ 25th Sep 09:30PM:
Re: Comcast Chicago Suburbs Going All Digitail 9/29/09

Comcaster912, Any idea when my area of South Bend, IN will start the World of more? Thanks.
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Comcaster912 @ 25th Sep 10:01PM:
Re: Comcast Chicago Suburbs Going All Digitail 9/29/09

said by kb1 :

Comcaster912, Any idea when my area of South Bend, IN will start the World of more? Thanks.

Not yet, but once it is, you'll receive a letter. My family just recieved our letter. Ive been running around for everyone else's houses except my own, LOL! Ill probably just get a regular digital box though.
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hdfollower12 @ 29th Sep 04:36PM:
Re: Comcast Chicago Suburbs Going All Digitail 9/29/09

Can anyone from the West Suburbs confirm that the announced 17 analog channels were shut off today?
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anon @ 29th Sep 08:53PM:
Re: Comcast Chicago Suburbs Going All Digitail 9/29/09

yes were loosing alot of channels today when we go to a channel that is out a all we see is a note
" If you can see thes message the tv your watching isnt prepared for comcast digital network enhancement call 1.877.634.4434 to order your digital equipment today"

first of all its a digital tv

second of all wife called them

wife: i would like to find out what is going on with our cable
operator: someone will call you
wife: what does this message mean
operator: someone will call you
wife:do we need to upgrade
operator: someone will call you
name and number was taken by the operator

not sure what there doing FTA looks better and better
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djdanska @ 29th Sep 09:16PM:
Re: Comcast Chicago Suburbs Going All Digitail 9/29/09

I checked the analog tuner port of my computer and as of around 11am, i did not notice any channels gone. Have not checked later. I hope i get the new channels tomorrow!
edit: Still there now.
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joetaxpayer @ 29th Sep 09:51PM:
Re: Comcast Chicago Suburbs Going All Digitail 9/29/09

said by bshelly :

Wonderful, now my Analog Tivo's are no longer going to do me any good. Crap! At $199 for a refurbished Tivo, that's going to cost me $400+ tax plus the additional cable card fees to continue my grandfathered Tivo pricing. Grrr!

You can get the TiVo carded instead of one cable box. And 2 DTAs free.
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hdfollower12 @ 29th Sep 10:18PM:
Re: Comcast Chicago Suburbs Going All Digitail 9/29/09

I just received great news about new HD channels for the west suburbs via online chat... The new channels are definitely scheduled to be added tomorrow 9/30
Also, 40 new HD channels (yes, four zero) will be added to the Romeoville and Naperville headends after the final analog cut on 10/27....but only 25 new HD channels will be added to Oswego, Warrenville , Plano on 10/27...And NFL Redzone HD will be added tomorrow with the rest of the hd channels!! :)
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Joe12345678 @ 29th Sep 10:31PM:
Re: Comcast Chicago Suburbs Going All Digitail 9/29/09

cltv in list? or will that just be put in the csn+ HD slot?
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BigBearsFan @ 29th Sep 10:55PM:
Re: Comcast Chicago Suburbs Going All Digitail 9/29/09

Hate to sound like a broken record but happy for those in the mix of getting new channels,has anything more been figured out or scheduled for the Springfield/Bloomington and Peoria/Galesburg areas ?
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hdfollower12 @ 29th Sep 10:56PM:
Re: Comcast Chicago Suburbs Going All Digital 9/29/09

No, CLTV HD is not on the list for the additions tomorrow...it might be added after the final cut...Also to continue my previous post, Wheaton and the rest of the west chicago suburbs who started the analog migration today will receive 25 new hd channels after the final cut
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kb1 @ 29th Sep 11:24PM:
Re: Comcast Chicago Suburbs Going All Digitail 9/29/09

said by hdfollower12 :

I just received great news about new HD channels for the west suburbs via online chat... The new channels are definitely scheduled to be added tomorrow 9/30
Also, 40 new HD channels (yes, four zero) will be added to the Romeoville and Naperville headends after the final analog cut on 10/27....but only 25 new HD channels will be added to Oswego, Warrenville , Plano on 10/27...And NFL Redzone HD will be added tomorrow with the rest of the hd channels!! :)

When they add 40 HD channels to Naperville will you guys be close to 100 HD channels?
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hdfollower12 @ 29th Sep 11:49PM:
Re: Comcast Chicago Suburbs Going All Digitail 9/29/09

Yes, here in New Lenox we currently receive 46 HD channels including the local and premium channels...so with 18 new HD channels tomorrow and 40 at the end of October, there will be a grand total of around 104 HD channels. I thought the day would never come :)
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djdanska @ 30th Sep 11:09AM:
Re: Comcast Chicago Suburbs Going All Digitail 9/29/09

Checked my tv's today. All the channels that are supposed to be off today have a black screen that says about the change. No new channels yet though.
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anon @ 30th Sep 11:53AM:
Re: Comcast Chicago Suburbs Going All Digitail 9/29/09

wow that looks poor they can't put up a better looking screen there.
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Spiderman865 @ 30th Sep 12:22PM:
Re: Comcast Chicago Suburbs Going All Digitail 9/29/09

As of this morning, the meesage is gone from some channels, and there is just snow. Also the HD's listed in an earlier post are live in addition to NFL Red Zone-HD which is channel 254.
--
Who?...Me?
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anon @ 30th Sep 05:16PM:
Re: Comcast Chicago Suburbs Going All Digitail 9/29/09

Sorry....I didn't see the HD channels that are actually added are going to be added to Plano. I have Digital Premier...and except for NFL redzone, haven't seen any new ones.
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anon @ 30th Sep 06:29PM:
Re: Comcast Chicago Suburbs Going All Digitail 9/29/09

When will the new HD channels be added to Geneva, IL area? I got a letter stating Sept 30th but nothing has shown up.
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Spiderman865 @ 30th Sep 10:44PM:
Re: Comcast Chicago Suburbs Going All Digitail 9/29/09

I would call customer service and see what's up. Take a look on the Comcast web site and see if your channel line up has been updated with the channels. When I checked the channel line up for my area, all the new channels where listed.
--
Who?...Me?
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hdfollower12 @ 1st Oct 12:35AM:
Re: Comcast Chicago Suburbs Going All Digitail 9/29/09

Using the Comcast online chat service, I have received the list of the 40 HD channels being added to a majority of West Chicago Comcast systems on October 28th, following the final analog cut. They are:

1) 5StarMAX E HD
2) Headline News HD
3) ActionMAX E HD
4) iN DEMAND PPV HD
5) BET HD
6) MoreMAX HD
7) CBS College Sports Network HD
8) Showtime Extreme HD
9) CMT HD
10) Showtime Showcase HD
11) Game PPV HD
12) Showtime Too HD
13) HBO 2 HD
14) Turner Classic Movies HD
15) HBO Comedy HD
16) Team PPV HD
17) HBO Family HD
18) The Tennis Channel HD
19) HBO Latino HD
20) The Movie Channel HD
21) HBO Signature HD
22) The Movie Channel Xtra HD
23) HBO Zone HD
24) truTV HD
25) The Weather Channel HD
26) Cartoon Network HD
27) Comedy Central HD
28) E! HD
29) G4 HD
30) Lifetime HD
31) MTV HD
32) Nickelodeon HD
33) Spike HD
34) Starz Comedy HD
35) Starz Edge HD
36) Starz Kids & Family HD
37) Style HD
38) Travel Channel HD
39) TV One HD
40) VH1 HD
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ps56k @ 1st Oct 01:53AM:
Re: Comcast Chicago Suburbs Going All Digitail 9/29/09

OH CRAP -

just noticed tonight - 9/30 - that our TV world is crashing...

We have the analog system and a Tivo dual tuner that has served us well for many years. Noticed that many of the analog channels are gone, and I guess the rest will be gone in late October ?

Not sure what to do with our analog Tivo world.
This really sucks !!!! AND I JUST RENEWED FOR A YEAR.

What happened to all that hype about not changing anything with the DTV conversion - YEAH RIGHT - just do it within their own system.

ARRRRRRRRRRRRGGGGGGGGGGGGGHHHHHHHHH
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Warzau @ 1st Oct 02:09AM:
Re: Comcast Chicago Suburbs Going All Digitail 9/29/09

Same here my faithful Panny DVD/HD recorder. Is now a plain ol recorder.
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djdanska @ 1st Oct 02:31AM:
Re: Comcast Chicago Suburbs Going All Digitail 9/29/09

Just got the new channels in Glen Ellyn. Some don't have guide info yet, and the ones that do only go for the next 6 or so hours. Loving all these channels! SWEET!! Can't wait for the hbo's hd in a month.
--
The day the child realizes that all adults are imperfect, he becomes an adolescent; the day he forgives them, he becomes an adult. The day he forgives himself, he becomes wise.
Alden Nowlan
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Bink63 @ 1st Oct 04:22AM:
Re: Comcast Chicago Suburbs Going All Digitail 9/29/09

I'm looking at this changeover with trepidation.

No notification of this happening anytime soon for those of us served off of the McHenry Headend, but when it happens, i'll be unhappy since the only HD-capable device I own that IS on a Comcast HD-STB is an old Panasonic 32" HD CRT (with the most flawless HD picture I've EVER seen!!!), that CRT has neither ATSC or Clear QAM tuners.

My other HD TVs are using their built-in Clear QAM tuners to give me my locals in HD.

I guess that if I want ANY HD reception on those other HDTVs after the McHenry all-digital switchover, I'll be shelling out even MORE $$$ in HD-STB rentals.

:mad:
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Joe12345678 @ 1st Oct 08:57AM:
Re: Comcast Chicago Suburbs Going All Digitail 9/29/09

iN DEMAND PPV HD, Team PPV HD, and Game PPV HD are all very part time.
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insomniac @ 1st Oct 10:29AM:
Re: Comcast Chicago Suburbs Going All Digitail 9/29/09

said by ps56k :

We have the analog system and a Tivo dual tuner that has served us well for many years. Noticed that many of the analog channels are gone, and I guess the rest will be gone in late October ?
Not all analog is going away, just expanded basic. Analog basic (network affiliates, C-SPAN and shopping channels) will probably be around for a few more years.

I have two older analog TiVos: an S2 and an S2DT. With a set-top box and IR blasters, you can keep dual-tuner functionality on the S2DT, but only one tuner will be able to tune the digital channels. I have a DTA for my single-tuner S2 and that works fine.
--
If everything seems to be going well, you've obviously overlooked something.
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Comcastblows @ 1st Oct 11:57AM:
Re: Comcast Chicago Suburbs Going All Digitail 9/29/09

Does anyone know what the hell is going on with the collar towns in Cook County?? I live in Elmwood Park and I have yet to receive any new channels? I'm glad I found this forum though, I called comcast about a year ago and they said I'd have the full HD lineup at the beginning of 09....I'm just shocked that markets as far as Mchenry and Joliet are getting their channels before any of us in Cook County.
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mhornet @ 1st Oct 01:32PM:
Re: Comcast Chicago Suburbs Going All Digitail 9/29/09

said by Comcastblows :

Does anyone know what the hell is going on with the collar towns in Cook County?? I live in Elmwood Park and I have yet to receive any new channels? I'm glad I found this forum though, I called comcast about a year ago and they said I'd have the full HD lineup at the beginning of 09....I'm just shocked that markets as far as Mchenry and Joliet are getting their channels before any of us in Cook County.

I fell your pain dude. Im in Oak Forest and it blows to be seeing the towns to the southwest getting all of these new channels. I see the next round of conversions is supposed to happen in late march 2010. So, when does that leave us, Fall 2010? A full year after the 1st conversions! WTF!

I know that Comcast wont give us an exact date, but im tired of hearing "wait for your letter" or "soon". Juts give me a window when you expect it to be done. Something like 1st qtr 2010. Give me something to look forward too with this instead of flying blind and getting more aggravated each time I read a new town getting upgraded and its not mine.
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djdanska @ 1st Oct 02:24PM:
Re: Comcast Chicago Suburbs Going All Digitail 9/29/09

I counted at comcast.com and i have something like 80 hd channels now. Can't wait for october 28th now! On october 28th, I am getting these channels:

295 BET HD
460 Game PPV HD
318 Headline News HD
292 In Demand HD PPV
319 Tuner Classic Movies HD
450 Team PPV HD
320 TruTV HD
270 The Weather Channel HD (SWEET!!)
298 CMT HD

316 5StarMax E HD
307 ActionMax E HD
300 HBO 2 GD
301 HBO COMEDY HD
302 HBO FAMILY HD
305 HBO LATINO HD
303 HBO SIGNATURE HD
304 HBO ZONE HD
306 MoreMAX HD
310 SHOWTIME EXTREME HD
309 SHOWTIME SHOWCASE HD
308 SHOWTIME TOO HD
314 THE MOVIE CHANNEL HD
315 THE MOVIE CHANNEL XTRA HD

232 CBS College Sports Network
236 The Tennis Channel HD

And 45 ethnic channels which are new.
(such as 5StarMax, Star India, Star Set, Sony SET Asia, tons of hispanic)
--
The day the child realizes that all adults are imperfect, he becomes an adolescent; the day he forgives them, he becomes an adult. The day he forgives himself, he becomes wise.
Alden Nowlan
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Spiderman865 @ 1st Oct 02:36PM:
Re: Comcast Chicago Suburbs Going All Digitail 9/29/09

Looking forward to the additions. We should be receiving a 2nd letter in the mail as follow up to the 1st that was sent out at the beginning of September listing the next round of HD adds and analog deletions.
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Who?...Me?
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andyross @ 1st Oct 02:41PM:
Re: Comcast Chicago Suburbs Going All Digitail 9/29/09

I wonder how many people who complain about not enough HD's will also complain about being forced to use DTA's, more cable boxes, or buy a new TV with a QAM tuner?
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Spiderman865 @ 1st Oct 02:48PM:
Re: Comcast Chicago Suburbs Going All Digitail 9/29/09

Or how many people will say when are we going to "XYZ" channel in HD??
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Who?...Me?
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djdanska @ 1st Oct 02:52PM:
Re: Comcast Chicago Suburbs Going All Digitail 9/29/09

said by andyross :

I wonder how many people who complain about not enough HD's will also complain about being forced to use DTA's, more cable boxes, or buy a new TV with a QAM tuner?

I was at a family lunch outing and they where all complaining about the dta's. Total bitching. A few where considering switching to wide open west to keep analog. Most where in Aurora where there is no alternative, and one already switched to att uverse. Most had valid complaints. They can't use their vcr's to record something and watch something different. I gave them one alternative, get another box and use a splitter, then hook one up via video inputs and other via channel 3. block the remote sensor on the one you are recording on. They thought about it, but i seriously said just get a dvr. They where mad that they had to pay comcast extra to get to record something they got to do free before. I explained that the dvr can record 2 different things and watch one recorded show. One said, it's like having 3 vcr's! I was like, yeah. sorta. Sure.

The one guy who was going to switch to wide open west, i told him i almost got them. I looked at the channel lineup, and they had 36 or so hd channels and comcast had over 60 (before the conversion). I rather lose analog and have tons more hd channels. That is the future. He said, good point. I don't think he has a hdtv yet.
--
The day the child realizes that all adults are imperfect, he becomes an adolescent; the day he forgives them, he becomes an adult. The day he forgives himself, he becomes wise.
Alden Nowlan
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mhornet @ 1st Oct 03:01PM:
Re: Comcast Chicago Suburbs Going All Digitail 9/29/09

Someone over in the "World of More" thread posted a list of towns for the Boston area and when they expect to begin the transition. Can one of our Comcast insiders here do something similar for our area?
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Spiderman865 @ 1st Oct 05:18PM:
Re: Comcast Chicago Suburbs Going All Digitail 9/29/09

Just received the 2nd letter in the mail today that lists the HD adds and analog deletions.
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Who?...Me?
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kb1 @ 1st Oct 07:15PM:
Re: Comcast Chicago Suburbs Going All Digitail 9/29/09

Any sign of ESPNU HD?
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dishrich @ 1st Oct 09:27PM:
Re: Comcast Chicago Suburbs Going All Digitail 9/29/09

said by Spiderman865 :

Just received the 2nd letter in the mail today that lists the HD adds and analog deletions.
Just curious, but it seems like they are not deleting that many analog channels - did they already have a 1st round of deletions on your system?
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anon @ 1st Oct 10:50PM:
Re: Comcast Chicago Suburbs Going All Digitail 9/29/09

sorry dishrich, your a little late arriving at the analog Removal party!!, this area all ready did Phase 1 back on 9/29/09, just 2 days ago!! Plus i do not want to make you look bad but what do you think the title of this tread is!!!, this area will have Phase 2 on 10/27/2009, then New HD on 10/28/2009, but then, they will not do a New Whole Region until 03/23/2010!! Now that part is sad news!!
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Joe12345678 @ 1st Oct 10:03PM:
Re: Comcast Chicago Suburbs Going All Digitail 9/29/09

said by djdanska :

said by andyross :

I wonder how many people who complain about not enough HD's will also complain about being forced to use DTA's, more cable boxes, or buy a new TV with a QAM tuner?

I was at a family lunch outing and they where all complaining about the dta's. Total bitching. A few where considering switching to wide open west to keep analog. Most where in Aurora where there is no alternative, and one already switched to att uverse. Most had valid complaints. They can't use their vcr's to record something and watch something different. I gave them one alternative, get another box and use a splitter, then hook one up via video inputs and other via channel 3. block the remote sensor on the one you are recording on. They thought about it, but i seriously said just get a dvr. They where mad that they had to pay comcast extra to get to record something they got to do free before. I explained that the dvr can record 2 different things and watch one recorded show. One said, it's like having 3 vcr's! I was like, yeah. sorta. Sure.

The one guy who was going to switch to wide open west, i told him i almost got them. I looked at the channel lineup, and they had 36 or so hd channels and comcast had over 60 (before the conversion). I rather lose analog and have tons more hd channels. That is the future. He said, good point. I don't think he has a hdtv yet.

Direct tv is better and I left WOW and got direct tv pay less then comcast get more HD and better HD box and better and bigger HD DVR box.
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Joe12345678 @ 1st Oct 10:06PM:
Re: Comcast Chicago Suburbs Going All Digitail 9/29/09

said by Spiderman865 :

Just received the 2nd letter in the mail today that lists the HD adds and analog deletions.

so will cltv work with a dta or not? or a dta with starter?

also it is odd that csn chi will be expanded basic but csn + / cltv will be in stater.

Is csn+ HD / hd info channel / maybe cltv HD? moving to stater as well?
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Joe12345678 @ 1st Oct 11:15PM:
Re: Comcast Chicago Suburbs Going All Digitail 9/29/09

said by j jefferson3 :

sorry dishrich, your a little late arriving at the analog Removal party!!, this area all ready did Phase 1 back on 9/29/09, just 2 days ago!! Plus i do not want to make you look bad but what do you think the title of this tread is!!!, this area will have Phase 2 on 10/27/2009, then New HD on 10/28/2009, but then, they will not do a New Whole Region until 03/23/2010!! Now that part is sad news!!

the even sader thing is direct tv like will have 200 HD by then.
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FSugino @ 1st Oct 11:54PM:
Comcast Chicago HD Stations - Updated 10/01/09

Here's a copy of my posting over at »www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthre···17283847

Comcast is finally starting to roll out the system upgrades, and with that comes a bunch of new HD channels for the various area headends. I've updated the list of Comcast HD channels with the usual warning that certain areas may not have all the channels listed (some channels go live at the end of October).

I've incorporated new channel info from Chicago, Plano and Joliet into the list (they seem to be most complete), but I'm sure there are errors in here, too. Please send me any corrections and I'll put them in for the next release (probably in a week). I'd also appreciate if people with the new channels can send me the channel designators info so I can complete the table.

Thanks.

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insomniac @ 2nd Oct 02:54AM:
Re: Comcast Chicago Suburbs Going All Digitail 9/29/09

said by Joe12345678 :

so will cltv work with a dta or not? or a dta with starter?
I assume that CLTV will not work with a DTA, as the DTAs only provide expanded basic and not digital starter.
--
If everything seems to be going well, you've obviously overlooked something.
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Warzau @ 2nd Oct 08:09AM:
Re: Comcast Chicago Suburbs Going All Digitail 9/29/09

I'm getting CLTV on the "same" channel with the DTA. 53
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Joe12345678 @ 2nd Oct 08:55AM:
Re: Comcast Chicago Suburbs Going All Digitail 9/29/09

said by insomniac :

said by Joe12345678 :

so will cltv work with a dta or not? or a dta with starter?
I assume that CLTV will not work with a DTA, as the DTAs only provide expanded basic and not digital starter.

but the card says it will work with one and it also says you need starter? does that really mean only when it is showing CSN + it will work with a dta others times you need a full box.
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Spiderman865 @ 2nd Oct 11:00AM:
Re: Comcast Chicago Suburbs Going All Digitail 9/29/09

FOX Biz is part of starter an I get it with my DTA. I would think that you would get CLTV with a DTA and starter.
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Who?...Me?
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Spiderman865 @ 2nd Oct 11:06AM:
Re: Comcast Chicago Suburbs Going All Digitail 9/29/09

said by dishrich :

said by Spiderman865 :

Just received the 2nd letter in the mail today that lists the HD adds and analog deletions.
Just curious, but it seems like they are not deleting that many analog channels - did they already have a 1st round of deletions on your system?

We had 17 anolgs cut in the 1st round on 9/29.
--
Who?...Me?
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insomniac @ 2nd Oct 01:56PM:
Re: Comcast Chicago Suburbs Going All Digitail 9/29/09

said by Warzau :

I'm getting CLTV on the "same" channel with the DTA. 53
Well, it won't be removed from expanded basic until later this month. My last bill says "On 10/1, CLTV will be added to Digital Starter Service on its current channel number (CLTV also continues to be available on Expanded Basic through 10/26)".

The above notice is all the information that Comcast has provided about CLTV's availability, which is not very much, so all I can really do is speculate. My understanding is that DTAs only provide expanded basic, by Comcast's choice. This assumption comes from my inability to get On Demand or any digital starter channels with my DTAs. (No, I do not get Fox Business.) It also comes from my understanding that new customers can no longer get expanded basic, only digital starter, and that digital starter comes with a full box instead of a DTA (and costs more). The DTAs are supposed to be a stopgap solution for existing customers who have expanded basic but no equipment. Anybody else gets a full box.

Maybe I'm wrong. In fact, I'd love to be wrong. Until I hear otherwise, I'm going to assume that CLTV will disappear from DTAs later this month.
--
If everything seems to be going well, you've obviously overlooked something.
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Spiderman865 @ 2nd Oct 05:02PM:
Re: Comcast Chicago Suburbs Going All Digitail 9/29/09

said by Spiderman865 :

FOX Biz is part of starter an I get it with my DTA. I would think that you would get CLTV with a DTA and starter.

I went back and looked at the original world of more letter I received (see 1st post in this thread). Fox Business is included in the new "Digital Standard" package not Digital Starter. Thus the reason for getting it with a DTA. I agree with insomniac that CLTV will not be received with DTA.
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Who?...Me?
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Joe12345678 @ 2nd Oct 08:29PM:
Re: Comcast Chicago Suburbs Going All Digitail 9/29/09

said by insomniac :

said by Warzau :

I'm getting CLTV on the "same" channel with the DTA. 53
Well, it won't be removed from expanded basic until later this month. My last bill says "On 10/1, CLTV will be added to Digital Starter Service on its current channel number (CLTV also continues to be available on Expanded Basic through 10/26)".

The above notice is all the information that Comcast has provided about CLTV's availability, which is not very much, so all I can really do is speculate. My understanding is that DTAs only provide expanded basic, by Comcast's choice. This assumption comes from my inability to get On Demand or any digital starter channels with my DTAs. (No, I do not get Fox Business.) It also comes from my understanding that new customers can no longer get expanded basic, only digital starter, and that digital starter comes with a full box instead of a DTA (and costs more). The DTAs are supposed to be a stopgap solution for existing customers who have expanded basic but no equipment. Anybody else gets a full box.

Maybe I'm wrong. In fact, I'd love to be wrong. Until I hear otherwise, I'm going to assume that CLTV will disappear from DTAs later this month.

will they give csn+ SD it own channel in standard?
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ps56k @ 4th Oct 11:42AM:
Re: Comcast Chicago Suburbs Going All Digitail 9/29/09

Glen Ellyn - rescanning ? - was this on a TV with a direct connect to the coax, or do you have a box - either STB or DTA ?

In reading all these threads, I'm confused what exactly I can see with a digital-capable TV ? with no box of any kind ?

We currently have all analog TV's and Tivos in the house, which worked fine until the recent 9/29/09 migration.

Since I don't have ANY digital capable TV, I was going to run out, buy one, and see what happens with the current basic analog service..... will I be able to see any of the digital channels ?

Lastly - what about Comcast pricing & offers ?
What are you paying for the basic expanded service ?
I'm guessing it is no longer being offered ?
SO - what's a new subscriber to do ?
step WAY up to the Digital Starter @ $56 !!!
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djdanska @ 4th Oct 11:49AM:
Re: Comcast Chicago Suburbs Going All Digitail 9/29/09

On my tv w/o box and also with my computer pcie tuner card. They changed a few days ago but still in the clear. I was told to expect them to dissapear eventually. Thankfully, i have one of the new dcx boxes.
--
The day the child realizes that all adults are imperfect, he becomes an adolescent; the day he forgives them, he becomes an adult. The day he forgives himself, he becomes wise.
Alden Nowlan
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ps56k @ 4th Oct 11:50AM:
Re: Comcast Chicago Suburbs Going All Digitail 9/29/09

DTA - for older analog tV's - explanation -

I'm guessing these receive the digital signal and then xmit it out on chan 3/4 like most other OTA converter boxes ?

SO - basically - the DTA becomes the TV control & tuner and it probably comes with a remote ? Again, just like the OTA converters ?
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djdanska @ 4th Oct 11:51AM:
Re: Comcast Chicago Suburbs Going All Digitail 9/29/09

said by ps56k :

DTA - for older analog tV's - explanation -

I'm guessing these receive the digital signal and then xmit it out on chan 3/4 like most other OTA converter boxes ?

SO - basically - the DTA becomes the TV control & tuner and it probably comes with a remote ? Again, just like the OTA converters ?

Yes. Basic box. Doesn't get all digital channels. Just gets the expanded basic plus a few extra.
--
The day the child realizes that all adults are imperfect, he becomes an adolescent; the day he forgives them, he becomes an adult. The day he forgives himself, he becomes wise.
Alden Nowlan
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ps56k @ 4th Oct 12:07PM:
Re: Comcast Chicago Suburbs Going All Digitail 9/29/09

Expanded Basic Service -

How much are you currently paying for Expanded Basic ?
Will Comcast continue it....
What is a NEW customer able to get as a bare bones service, that would get all the Expanded Basic channels, that have now migrated up to digital - and how much would that cost ?

Just looked - and a choice of local vs $$$

Basic local - $18
Digital Starter - $57

nothing in the middle..... ARRRRGGGGHHHHH
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jasg @ 4th Oct 12:11PM:
Re: Comcast Chicago Suburbs Going All Digitail 9/29/09

said by djdanska :

said by ps56k :

DTA - for older analog tV's - explanation -

I'm guessing these receive the digital signal and then xmit it out on chan 3/4 like most other OTA converter boxes ?

SO - basically - the DTA becomes the TV control & tuner and it probably comes with a remote ? Again, just like the OTA converters ?

Yes. Basic box. Doesn't get all digital channels. Just gets the expanded basic plus a few extra.

Also, the DTA does not pass the HD channels thru to a digital set - 'DTA' means 'Digital To Analog'. The best you can do is use an A/B switch on the coax feed (or splitter if your set has dual inputs)

Depending on your area, new digital sets (QAM tuner) are or will be limited to local and PEG channels unless you rent a digital box.

There are no current 'Digital Cable Ready' televisions.
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ps56k @ 4th Oct 01:05PM:
Re: Comcast Chicago Suburbs Going All Digitail 9/29/09

said by jasg :

DTA - for older analog tV's - explanation -
Depending on your area,
new digital sets (QAM tuner)
are or will be limited to local and PEG channels
unless you rent a digital box.
There are no current 'Digital Cable Ready' televisions.

what does a PEG channel mean ?
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jasg @ 4th Oct 02:22PM:
Re: Comcast Chicago Suburbs Going All Digitail 9/29/09

Sorry, Public Service - Educational - Government
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hdfollower12 @ 8th Oct 11:33PM:
Re: Comcast Chicago Suburbs Going All Digitail 9/29/09

I don't want to sound greedy, but after the recent hd additions, I was wondering how much room for more new hd channels will be available in the future? Hopefully these recent additions will not be the end of new hd channels for another 5 years...
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djdanska @ 8th Oct 11:59PM:
Re: Comcast Chicago Suburbs Going All Digitail 9/29/09

said by hdfollower12 :

I don't want to sound greedy, but after the recent hd additions, I was wondering how much room for more new hd channels will be available in the future? Hopefully these recent additions will not be the end of new hd channels for another 5 years...

I don't think it's that bad yet. When they turned on the new hd channels here, a bunch of the old analog channels where still on air. Only a couple where gone.
--
The day the child realizes that all adults are imperfect, he becomes an adolescent; the day he forgives them, he becomes an adult. The day he forgives himself, he becomes wise.
Alden Nowlan
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ak3883 @ 9th Oct 12:37PM:
Re: Comcast Chicago Suburbs Going All Digitail 9/29/09

Well, a typical Calvery/analog reclaimation removes about 40 analog channels. That's room for about 160 MORE HD channels. So when you top out at around 100, you might need about 60 more out of this pool of new space, so that leaves room for almost 100 more channels AFTER your big HD expansion to 100.

Bottom line, PLENTY more room for HD. Comcast would NOT have spent this much money on all this if it wouldn't last them until conversion to MPEG4 channels, which is probably the next big thing at least a few years away.
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dishrich @ 9th Oct 12:47PM:
Re: Comcast Chicago Suburbs Going All Digitail 9/29/09

said by ak3883 :

Bottom line, PLENTY more room for HD. Comcast would NOT have spent this much money on all this if it wouldn't last them until conversion to MPEG4 channels, which is probably the next big thing at least a few years away.
Don't forget that cc STILL has all of those limited basic analogs still taking up space. Once they get done getting all the expanded basic folks converted over, it really would NOT be that much more work to go back & hit those few limited basic subs up with DTA's as well. In our market alone, that would be at least a dozen & a 1/2 more analog spaces freed up - in markets like Chicago, probably close to 2 dozen+.

This might make more sense instead of having to go to all MPEG4, consider the amount of MPEG2 HD boxes they have out in the field now.
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andyross @ 9th Oct 02:45PM:
Re: Comcast Chicago Suburbs Going All Digitail 9/29/09

said by ak3883 :

Well, a typical Calvery/analog reclaimation removes about 40 analog channels. That's room for about 160 MORE HD channels.
Actually, up to about 120. So far, Comcast doesn't stuff more than 3 HD's per frequency. Most sports channels are only 2:1.
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Joe12345678 @ 9th Oct 11:18PM:
Re: Comcast Chicago Suburbs Going All Digitail 9/29/09

said by andyross :

said by ak3883 :

Well, a typical Calvery/analog reclaimation removes about 40 analog channels. That's room for about 160 MORE HD channels.
Actually, up to about 120. So far, Comcast doesn't stuff more than 3 HD's per frequency. Most sports channels are only 2:1.

and how many slots are used for VOD / VOD HD and faster HSI.
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andyross @ 10th Oct 08:25AM:
Re: Comcast Chicago Suburbs Going All Digitail 9/29/09

VOD is just standard channels. By me, there are at least 4 channels set aside. Hard to tell now that they encrypted them. It looked like they typically carried at most 10-12 SD or 2 HD. It's variable depending on demand.

HSI will take up to 4 channels in D3 areas. That could be expanded to 8 channels when the D3 spec is fully implemented.
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joetaxpayer @ 10th Oct 08:51AM:
Re: Comcast Chicago Suburbs Going All Digitail 9/29/09

said by andyross :

VOD is just standard channels.

You sure about that? Comcast had a promo a couple Chrismases ago, all 6 Star Wars movies on demand. I swear the draw was that it was HD.
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djdanska @ 10th Oct 08:53AM:
Re: Comcast Chicago Suburbs Going All Digitail 9/29/09

said by joetaxpayer :

said by andyross :

VOD is just standard channels.

You sure about that? Comcast had a promo a couple Chrismases ago, all 6 Star Wars movies on demand. I swear the draw was that it was HD.

I think he meant it was standard video channels. And for each channel, you can get 10-12 SD or 2 HD. That's how i read it at least.
--
The day the child realizes that all adults are imperfect, he becomes an adolescent; the day he forgives them, he becomes an adult. The day he forgives himself, he becomes wise.
Alden Nowlan
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joetaxpayer @ 10th Oct 09:16AM:
Re: Comcast Chicago Suburbs Going All Digitail 9/29/09

said by djdanska :

said by joetaxpayer :

said by andyross :

VOD is just standard channels.

You sure about that? Comcast had a promo a couple Chrismases ago, all 6 Star Wars movies on demand. I swear the draw was that it was HD.

I think he meant it was standard video channels. And for each channel, you can get 10-12 SD or 2 HD. That's how i read it at least.

Got it. I've been following thread, but tough reading some days.
reply
andyross @ 10th Oct 02:45PM:
Re: Comcast Chicago Suburbs Going All Digitail 9/29/09

Basically, VOD is assigned dynamically to one of the channels set aside. A subchannel is created, and the box is told to tune to it. If you stop a movie, then start it again, you will usually end up on a different channel/subchannel.

In the iGuide diagnostics (not the Motorola diagnostics), you can see the last frequency used for VOD.

One of the A28 updates is supposed to add the 5 minute skip/review to OnDemand, too. That will be nice.
reply
insomniac @ 21st Oct 12:13PM:
Re: Comcast Chicago Suburbs Going All Digitail 9/29/09

I anxiously await the addition of more HD (including the rest of the HBO multiplex) next week.

Also, for as much as I find DTAs to be a pain, I applaud Comcast for not utilizing SDV in this area and opting for analog reclamation instead. I really don't want to have to use an SDV terminal adapter on my TiVo HD, ever.
--
If everything seems to be going well, you've obviously overlooked something.
reply
anon @ 21st Oct 12:33PM:
Re: Comcast Chicago Suburbs Going All Digitail 9/29/09

cltv is off analog in a few days (all areas) is CSN next?
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mikedz4 @ 21st Oct 03:27PM:
Re: Comcast Chicago Suburbs Going All Digitail 9/29/09

anyone hear anything about eastern will county like crete, steger, sauk village,chicago heights?
reply
anon @ 21st Oct 08:52PM:
Re: Comcast Chicago Suburbs Going All Digitail 9/29/09

time line for

des plaines,mount prospect,park ridge,prospect heights. super head end analog turn off?
reply
andyross @ 22nd Oct 09:30AM:
Re: Comcast Chicago Suburbs Going All Digitail 9/29/09

said by caster666 :

time line for

des plaines,mount prospect,park ridge,prospect heights. super head end analog turn off?

Here in Schaumburg, and my parent's in Wheeling (I think both are fed from Mt Prospect) we received notes about service changes. Just that some digital channels were being added to 'expanded basic', and some Classic moving to Starter. There was also mention of digital adapters. No mention of analogs being dropped yet, other than the bill saying CLTV will require digital in November.
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ooshnoo @ 22nd Oct 11:12AM:
Re: Comcast Chicago Suburbs Going All Digitail 9/29/09

Where's the new channels for the folks on the Elmhurst head end?
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anon @ 22nd Oct 12:41PM:
Re: Comcast Chicago Suburbs Going All Digitail 9/29/09

the names of the citys in the weather star / IntelliStar.

Wheeling likely on the mt prospect super head end.

Schaumburg has 1 or more small head ends.
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ihaddsl @ 22nd Oct 12:23PM:
Re: Comcast Chicago Suburbs Going All Digitail 9/29/09

I'm on the elmhurst Headend AFAIK, and we just got a letter in the mail about the end of analog on Nov 10th. I'm expecting that the new channels will be following that shortly
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mhornet @ 22nd Oct 12:37PM:
Re: Comcast Chicago Suburbs Going All Digitail 9/29/09

said by mikedz4 :

anyone hear anything about eastern will county like crete, steger, sauk village,chicago heights?

IM pretty sure you're on the same Homewood headend as I am in Oak Forest. Still no word here either.
reply
andyross @ 22nd Oct 12:46PM:
Re: Comcast Chicago Suburbs Going All Digitail 9/29/09

I tended to think Schaumburg was related to Mt. Prospect because the channel mapping is virtually identical, including the frequencies. I remember that Wheeling's Comcast office was the Mt. Prospect office in that office park near Randhurst. For Schaumburg, they just have that one small office on Schaumburg Rd.
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FSugino @ 22nd Oct 01:14PM:
Re: Comcast Chicago Suburbs Going All Digitail 9/29/09

said by andyross :

For Schaumburg, they just have that one small office on Schaumburg Rd.
Do you mean Wise Road? Or do they have yet another office hiding around here (other than the big building by IKEA)?
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andyross @ 22nd Oct 05:03PM:
Re: Comcast Chicago Suburbs Going All Digitail 9/29/09

Oops. You are right. I keep mixing up names.
reply
kb1 @ 22nd Oct 07:11PM:
Re: Comcast Chicago Suburbs Going All Digitail 9/29/09

I just got an e-mail from Comcast stating the new 50Mbps
download speeds will soon be available in my area. Does that mean I will finally be getting my " World of More" letter soon?
reply
Joe12345678 @ 22nd Oct 09:31PM:
Re: Comcast Chicago Suburbs Going All Digitail 9/29/09

said by andyross :

I tended to think Schaumburg was related to Mt. Prospect because the channel mapping is virtually identical, including the frequencies. I remember that Wheeling's Comcast office was the Mt. Prospect office in that office park near Randhurst. For Schaumburg, they just have that one small office on Schaumburg Rd.

the super head is near that office mid size building.

the one by Wise Road is a lot smaller.

(other than the big building by IKEA) that may be the call center?
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mikedz4 @ 22nd Oct 11:49PM:
Re: Comcast Chicago Suburbs Going All Digitail 9/29/09

well i dont live in chicago but my uncle lives in crete. He just had cable installed in june but only had one box installed in the main bedroom. The guest bedroom, kids rooms (one is 22 the other is 18 and neither has a tv in their room), the theatre room in the basement and the living room are all just plugged into the cable. That's why i have been asking about the changeover cause i don't think they would be too happy with having to get a box for every tv(i haven't been there since june so they might have already anyways).
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steinbch @ 23rd Oct 02:21PM:
Re: Comcast Chicago Suburbs Going All Digitail 9/29/09

Any information on Evanston? We received a letter last week about the channel changes to packages, along with the mention of hearing more about digital boxes in the coming weeks. Is Northwestern part of the Comcast group or do they have their own system? I'm worried that having to do a changeover to such a densely populated area (specifically the dorms), would cause a long delay.
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andyross @ 23rd Oct 03:12PM:
Re: Comcast Chicago Suburbs Going All Digitail 9/29/09

said by Joe12345678 :

the super head is near that office mid size building.

the one by Wise Road is a lot smaller.

(other than the big building by IKEA) that may be the call center?

I thought the IKEA one was just corporate/marketing/call-center. Wise Rd looks like it's for tech/installer support and customer service.
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FSugino @ 23rd Oct 07:14PM:
Re: Comcast Chicago Suburbs Going All Digitail 9/29/09

said by andyross :

I thought the IKEA one was just corporate/marketing/call-center. Wise Rd looks like it's for tech/installer support and customer service.
I think the building by IKEA used to handle customer service, too, but it's been many years since I've set foot in that place. I'll swing by and take a look to see exactly what they offer in there.
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anon @ 24th Oct 11:32AM:
Re: Comcast Chicago Suburbs Going All Digitail 9/29/09

Wise Rd one looks small

»maps.google.com/maps?oe=utf-8&cl···t=h&z=19

Wise Rd head end

»maps.google.com/maps?oe=utf-8&cl···t=h&z=19

Mt. Prospect one bigger and looks to be a warehouse as well.
goole listed it as TCI of Illinois and there is a old TCI pack on the wall

»maps.google.com/maps?oe=utf-8&cl···t=h&z=20

Mt. Prospect super head end look at all dish's there.

»maps.google.com/maps?oe=utf-8&cl···7.908896
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anon @ 24th Oct 11:50AM:
Re: Comcast Chicago Suburbs Going All Digitail 9/29/09

said by Joe pub pc :

Wise Rd one looks small

»maps.google.com/maps?oe=utf-8&cl···t=h&z=19

Wise Rd head end

»maps.google.com/maps?oe=utf-8&cl···t=h&z=19

Mt. Prospect one bigger and looks to be a warehouse as well.
goole listed it as TCI of Illinois and there is a old TCI pack on the wall

»maps.google.com/maps?oe=utf-8&cl···t=h&z=20

Mt. Prospect super head end look at all dish's there.

»maps.google.com/maps?oe=utf-8&cl···7.908896

fixed link
»maps.google.com/maps?oe=utf-8&cl···338&z=19
reply
andyross @ 24th Oct 12:55PM:
Re: Comcast Chicago Suburbs Going All Digitail 9/29/09

What is that 'Wse Rd head end' supposed to be looking at? Isn't that an apartment complex?
reply
Joe12345678 @ 25th Oct 11:13AM:
Re: Comcast Chicago Suburbs Going All Digitail 9/29/09

said by andyross :

What is that 'Wse Rd head end' supposed to be looking at? Isn't that an apartment complex?

the very small shack by the tower and the dishes.
reply
hdfollower12 @ 27th Oct 11:54PM:
Re: Comcast Chicago Suburbs Going All Digitail 9/29/09

Has anyone with analog cable in the west Chicago suburbs seen the rest of the scheduled remaining analogs disappear?
reply
djdanska @ 28th Oct 08:12AM:
Re: Comcast Chicago Suburbs Going All Digitail 9/29/09

said by hdfollower12 :

Has anyone with analog cable in the west Chicago suburbs seen the rest of the scheduled remaining analogs disappear?

Yeah. I just woke up and checked and the rest of them are gone here in Glen Ellyn. (west chicago system). I don't have the new channels yet though.
--
The day the child realizes that all adults are imperfect, he becomes an adolescent; the day he forgives them, he becomes an adult. The day he forgives himself, he becomes wise.
Alden Nowlan
reply
hdfollower12 @ 28th Oct 04:47PM:
Re: Comcast Chicago Suburbs Going All Digitail 9/29/09

All scheduled HD additions are up and running as of this afternoon except there is no label or guide info for these channels:

298- CMT HD
319- TCM HD
320- TRU-TV HD

Also, the HD PPV channel on 292 was up this afternoon, but now it has disappeared...
reply
anon @ 29th Oct 06:01PM:
Re: Comcast Chicago Suburbs Going All Digitail 9/29/09

Please help me here. I have a digital converter box that I got from Radioshack
(»www.radioshack.com/product/index···=3150939)

Can I use this to get back the enhanced basic channels ( like CNN, CNBC etc. )? I do not really want another box sitting there.

I really do not want to get any boxes from Comcast due to some past bad experience, that is another reason to use my own box. I am willing to spend around $50-$60 if my current RadioShack box would not work.

Thanks for your help.
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djdanska @ 29th Oct 07:25PM:
Re: Comcast Chicago Suburbs Going All Digitail 9/29/09

Only a box from comcast will give you expanded basic channels. Some tv's get them now, but its only a matter of time before comcast locks them down. Soon i hear.
reply
runnoft @ 29th Oct 07:25PM:
Re: Comcast Chicago Suburbs Going All Digitail 9/29/09

said by stillanalog :

Please help me here. I have a digital converter box that I got from Radioshack
(»www.radioshack.com/product/index···=3150939)

Can I use this to get back the enhanced basic channels ( like CNN, CNBC etc. )? I do not really want another box sitting there.

I really do not want to get any boxes from Comcast due to some past bad experience, that is another reason to use my own box. I am willing to spend around $50-$60 if my current RadioShack box would not work.

Thanks for your help.

That's not a cable box, stillanalog. It's designed to convert digital over-the-air local channels you'd get with an antenna on your roof so your analog TV could tune them. The box you're looking for is legal by FCC mandate, but I know of no aftermarket digital cable converter box that's sold on the market to do what you want. AFAIK, you must use a Comcast box to receive digital cable channels. If somebody else knows of one, they'll be along and post it.
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Warzau @ 31st Oct 12:24PM:
Re: Comcast Chicago Suburbs Going All Digitail 9/29/09

Yup just rescanned and all are gone above channel 20 like they promised. Digital are there on my digital QAM tv in the 86 and 123 and some other. But it's gonna be a bitch trying to remember the channels now.
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hdfollower12 @ 2nd Nov 11:59PM:
Re: Comcast Chicago Suburbs Going All Digitail 9/29/09

To follow up on my previous post, all new HD channels are labeled and have guide info.
-Also, HD PPV channel 292 is now available as of today.
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gary0922 @ 3rd Nov 02:38PM:
Re: Comcast Chicago Suburbs Going All Digitail 9/29/09

As of 6am this morning (11/03/09), I still had CLTV on expanded basic using a DTA. Will that last?
reply
Warzau @ 3rd Nov 02:44PM:
Re: Comcast Chicago Suburbs Going All Digitail 9/29/09

Don't have it here. The DTA box blinked a couple of time and voila gone.
reply
gary0922 @ 3rd Nov 06:28PM:
Re: Comcast Chicago Suburbs Going All Digitail 9/29/09

I'll be sour grapes. Who needed it anyway? It's parent company is going out of business anyway.
reply
Warzau @ 3rd Nov 06:36PM:
Re: Comcast Chicago Suburbs Going All Digitail 9/29/09

I completely agree. It was a okay local news at best.
reply
Joe12345678 @ 3rd Nov 09:15PM:
Re: Comcast Chicago Suburbs Going All Digitail 9/29/09

said by gary0922 :

I'll be sour grapes. Who needed it anyway? It's parent company is going out of business anyway.

WGN is not going of business and THEY HAVE the CITY'S TOP weather man on it.

WGN TV is makeing money wgn 720 is makeing money.

and comcast what is the point of the DTA if you are going to take stuff off of them and force people to get full cable boxes at what $5-$7 per tv to get CSN+??????? when CSN works with a dta? split cltv and csn + SD if you want to make people get a full box to get cltv.

Do you know soon that dish, direct tv, u-verse, wow may get cltv as well and THEY ALL HAVE CSN + in the same level or lower that CSN is in.

CLTV and CSN+ do not need to shear a channel any more analog cable is dead. If you can put a looping help video for CSN+ HD why not for CSN+ SD?
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Comcastblows @ 4th Nov 02:43PM:
Re: Comcast Chicago Suburbs Going All Digitail 9/29/09

I was wondering, how long did it take everyone to get their HD channels after receiving the letter from Comcast about the increase in channels?? I just got my letter last week and it says I'll have over 100 HD channels in the coming months but it notes that all of the starter channels will be moved in March......I hope to god I won't be waiting till then to get my full HD lineup.
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hdfollower12 @ 4th Nov 04:38PM:
Re: Comcast Chicago Suburbs Going All Digitail 9/29/09

Hey Comcastblows, unfortunately I think you will have to wait a couple of months after the digital starter channels are moved around before you receive the full HD lineup. Here in my town, I received the letter on page 1 of this thread around July 1st and the first round of new HD channels came September 30th. The final and largest round of HD additions came on October 28th. So, it basically took 4 months after I received the first letter for me to get the full HD lineup. It is worth the wait though...
reply
kb1 @ 4th Nov 06:44PM:
Re: Comcast Chicago Suburbs Going All Digitail 9/29/09

said by hdfollower12 :

Hey Comcastblows, unfortunately I think you will have to wait a couple of months after the digital starter channels are moved around before you receive the full HD lineup. Here in my town, I received the letter on page 1 of this thread around July 1st and the first round of new HD channels came September 30th. The final and largest round of HD additions came on October 28th. So, it basically took 4 months after I received the first letter for me to get the full HD lineup. It is worth the wait though...

How many HD channels do you have now?
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hdfollower12 @ 4th Nov 10:50PM:
Re: Comcast Chicago Suburbs Going All Digitail 9/29/09

Including all of the premium channels, I get 105 HD channels. (This does NOT include HD OnDemand slots either)
reply
Joe12345678 @ 5th Nov 12:26AM:
Re: Comcast Chicago Suburbs Going All Digitail 9/29/09

said by hdfollower12 :

Including all of the premium channels, I get 105 HD channels. (This does NOT include HD OnDemand slots either)

real count should be 101 when you don't count the part time CSN+ HD, PPV HD, GAME HD, and TEAM HD.
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hdfollower12 @ 5th Nov 12:56AM:
Re: Comcast Chicago Suburbs Going All Digitail 9/29/09

That's true Joe, same goes for NFL RedZone HD.....so actually 100 "real" HD channels; also, does anyone know why PPV HD, GAME HD, and TEAM HD are available without paying extra??? Are there hidden costs?
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Joe12345678 @ 5th Nov 08:33AM:
Re: Comcast Chicago Suburbs Going All Digitail 9/29/09

GAME HD, and TEAM HD are used for sports packs.

PPV HD is for event PPV

Do they just show slids when they are not live?

Nice way to waste bandwidth. Put CLTV HD in the csn+ HD slot to make it the same as CLTV SD that is sheard with the part time CSN+ SD.

and trun off RedZone HD, PPV HD, GAME HD, and TEAM HD. and use there slots to add 4 VOD HD slots when they are not needed.
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motorola870 @ 5th Nov 08:38AM:
Re: Comcast Chicago Suburbs Going All Digitail 9/29/09

said by Joe12345678 :

GAME HD, and TEAM HD are used for sports packs.

PPV HD is for event PPV

Do they just show slids when they are not live?

Nice way to waste bandwidth. Put CLTV HD in the csn+ HD slot to make it the same as CLTV SD that is sheard with the part time CSN+ SD.

and trun off RedZone HD, PPV HD, GAME HD, and TEAM HD. and use there slots to add 4 VOD HD slots when they are not needed.

considering PPV is now used every day 17 hours a day it is not feasable to keep changing the channel map every day also TEAM and GAME HD might show the replays in HD.
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Joe12345678 @ 5th Nov 08:53AM:
Re: Comcast Chicago Suburbs Going All Digitail 9/29/09

said by motorola870 :

said by Joe12345678 :

GAME HD, and TEAM HD are used for sports packs.

PPV HD is for event PPV

Do they just show slids when they are not live?

Nice way to waste bandwidth. Put CLTV HD in the csn+ HD slot to make it the same as CLTV SD that is sheard with the part time CSN+ SD.

and trun off RedZone HD, PPV HD, GAME HD, and TEAM HD. and use there slots to add 4 VOD HD slots when they are not needed.

considering PPV is now used every day 17 hours a day it is not feasable to keep changing the channel map every day also TEAM and GAME HD might show the replays in HD.

how about redzone free up that slot.
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Spiderman865 @ 5th Nov 10:52AM:
Re: Comcast Chicago Suburbs Going All Digitail 9/29/09

It's kind of interesting that ESPNU-HD was not added. Most of the other areas where analog reclamation has taken place, ESPNU-HD was added.
--
Who?...Me?
reply
mrcamp @ 7th Nov 09:57PM:
Re: Comcast Chicago Suburbs Going All Digitail 9/29/09

Got the letter about a month ago, requested and received I box and 2 DTA's about a eek ago. Got them yesterday. The two DTA's activated okay. However, the cable box did not. I got tech support on the line, and their conclusion is that I have a faulty box. So, I have to take it to their nearest offfice for an exchange. I am in Lake In the Hills, IL.

EDIT: BTW, not more CLTV for me. It stopped working about a week ago.
--
So Much trouble in the world...Bob Marley
reply
andyross @ 8th Nov 08:59AM:
Re: Comcast Chicago Suburbs Going All Digitail 9/29/09

CLTV now requires a full cable box (or CableCard), and Digital Starter or higher. Even if you have Starter or higher, the DTA's will probably not let you tune it in.
reply
Joe12345678 @ 8th Nov 08:59PM:
Re: Comcast Chicago Suburbs Going All Digitail 9/29/09

said by andyross :

CLTV now requires a full cable box (or CableCard), and Digital Starter or higher. Even if you have Starter or higher, the DTA's will probably not let you tune it in.

WHAT A JOKE.

Will they move CSN+ to is own slot to let in work with a DTA like CSN does?
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motorola870 @ 8th Nov 11:19PM:
Re: Comcast Chicago Suburbs Going All Digitail 9/29/09

nope they cant change channel maps constantly.
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Joe12345678 @ 9th Nov 08:44AM:
Re: Comcast Chicago Suburbs Going All Digitail 9/29/09

said by motorola870 :

nope they cant change channel maps constantly.

CSN+ HD just has a looping help video when off air.
Do the same with CSN+ SD.
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andyross @ 9th Nov 09:12AM:
Re: Comcast Chicago Suburbs Going All Digitail 9/29/09

Here in Schaumburg, the expanded basic digital channels are now clearQAM. No PSIP, so you have to use direct numbers (CNBC=82-2 instead of 63, etc...)
reply
anon @ 12th Nov 11:39AM:
Re: Comcast Chicago Suburbs Going All Digitail 9/29/09

I live in Highland Park. We received a letter saying that we would receive a letter soon regarding switching to all digital. Right now I get the main broadcast channels only in both standard and HD through QAM (CBS, NBC, ABC, FOX, WGN). I am curious as to whether we will be getting the extended basic via QAM such as TBS, TNT, USA.
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andyross @ 12th Nov 12:01PM:
Re: Comcast Chicago Suburbs Going All Digitail 9/29/09

So far, Comcast is still removing encryption on the expanded basic level digital channels. There is no PSIP, though, so you have to get used to weird channel numbers like 125-203, 85-2, etc...

The HD versions of channels available in expanded basic are still encrypted and require a full HD cable box or CableCard device.
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kitekrazy @ 15th Nov 12:20AM:
Re: Comcast Chicago Suburbs Going All Digitail 9/29/09

So what is the deal with CLTV? Did they move it to a different package?

I've got a Comcast digital tuner but CLTV is missing.
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andyross @ 15th Nov 08:40AM:
Re: Comcast Chicago Suburbs Going All Digitail 9/29/09

Yes. CLTV now requires Digital Starter or higher and a full cable box or CableCard device. It's not available through expanded basic/ClearQAM or with a DTA.
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mhornet @ 16th Nov 01:21PM:
Re: Comcast Chicago Suburbs Going All Digitail 9/29/09

Over in the Comcast Chicago thread on AVS, its being reported that the DeKalb head end will go all digital May 25, 2010.

So now we know that there will still be doing transitions on 5/25/10, but there is still no date for the true southern cities in Cook and Will counties. Thats just great.

Can anyone from Comcast give us some good news?
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mikedz4 @ 16th Nov 06:32PM:
Re: Comcast Chicago Suburbs Going All Digitail 9/29/09

yeah I know. What happened to steger, crete, monee,etc? Did comcast forget about these areas?
reply
Joe12345678 @ 16th Nov 07:18PM:
Re: Comcast Chicago Suburbs Going All Digitail 9/29/09

said by mhornet :

Over in the Comcast Chicago thread on AVS, its being reported that the DeKalb head end will go all digital May 25, 2010.

So now we know that there will still be doing transitions on 5/25/10, but there is still no date for the true southern cities in Cook and Will counties. Thats just great.

that long? by then Direct tv will likely have 200 HD channels.

What is with it with comcast do they want to lose NW Chicago land to dish, direct, and AT&T?

I can see the tower of the Mt. Prospect super head that covers a big area and still has a big analog line up and lacking hd.

I got direct tv because of that and the better price and bigger and better HD DVR.
reply
mhornet @ 16th Nov 09:40PM:
Re: Comcast Chicago Suburbs Going All Digitail 9/29/09

said by mikedz4 :

yeah I know. What happened to steger, crete, monee,etc? Did comcast forget about these areas?

The Homewood headend appears to be nothing more than a neglected stepchild to Comcast. It seems our area is /always/ the last to receive upgrades of any sort.
reply
mikedz4 @ 16th Nov 10:08PM:
Re: Comcast Chicago Suburbs Going All Digitail 9/29/09

maybe I should have convinced my aunt/uncle to go with dish or directv since they were told att didn't have underground lines for uverse in their area.
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ChipMonster @ 17th Nov 05:48PM:
Re: Comcast Chicago Suburbs Going All Digitail 9/29/09

T'aint nothin. Got my letter today - on the Rolling Meadows/Palatine head-end. Warning me they're going all digital on August 24, 2010. That's what it really says... along with some package changes this month.

Nice 9-month notice - and nice wait for all those HD channels that neighbor Schaumburg is already getting.

UVerse available here - and of course DirecTV. I'll be looking to switch.
reply
Joe12345678 @ 17th Nov 09:18PM:
Re: Comcast Chicago Suburbs Going All Digitail 9/29/09

said by ChipMonster :

T'aint nothin. Got my letter today - on the Rolling Meadows/Palatine head-end. Warning me they're going all digital on August 24, 2010. That's what it really says... along with some package changes this month.

Nice 9-month notice - and nice wait for all those HD channels that neighbor Schaumburg is already getting.

UVerse available here - and of course DirecTV. I'll be looking to switch.

I was right they do want to lose NW Chicago land to dish, direct, and AT&T.

And the $15 to $20 /m per HD dvr does not help.

Direct tv is so much better and now I would at lest think that comcast will be at least have a lot more by now but no in over a year where I am they have added just about no HD.

UVerse has that 2HD / 2sd limit.
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blips @ 18th Nov 08:52AM:
Re: Comcast Chicago Suburbs Going All Digitail 9/29/09

If Comcast does not offer DTA's in my area, does that mean we are not all digital?

If we are not all digital, does anyone know when Bartlett will go all digital? Also, will we get more HD channels when we go all digital? I'm hoping for the Cartoon network in HD.
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vj9999 @ 18th Nov 01:28PM:
Re: Comcast Chicago Suburbs Going All Digitail 9/29/09

I got the letter today for Bartlett. July 27, 2010 seems to be the date.
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andyross @ 18th Nov 01:43PM:
Re: Comcast Chicago Suburbs Going All Digitail 9/29/09

Here in Schaumburg, they moved some of the ClearQAM channels. The stuff on 124 and 125 (795MHz and 801MHz) are now on 79 and 80 (555MHz and 561MHz). Maybe too many DTA's were having problems with crappy wiring giving weak signals at the higher frequencies. There may be more changes. I had to force my Samsung into a full scan as I was using 80 with a channel modulator. Once the Samsung sees a channel as analog, it will refuse to 'convert' to digital.
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ihaddsl @ 19th Nov 09:17AM:
Re: Comcast Chicago Suburbs Going All Digitail 9/29/09

I'm on the elmhurst headend and got a letter yesterday about all digital on June 22, 2010. talk about long notice. This seems a bit ridiculous that they started on Nov 10 by moving a few channels, and the rest wont be complete for 8 more months.

what the *&*^ is comcast doing that it takes them that long?
reply
djdanska @ 19th Nov 11:38AM:
Re: Comcast Chicago Suburbs Going All Digitail 9/29/09

said by ihaddsl :

I'm on the elmhurst headend and got a letter yesterday about all digital on June 22, 2010. talk about long notice. This seems a bit ridiculous that they started on Nov 10 by moving a few channels, and the rest wont be complete for 8 more months.

what the *&*^ is comcast doing that it takes them that long?

June?!?! Oh man. I might be moving next year. Not sure. I will have to make sure i move in an area already done! Is there a list of cities that have already done this? I think the following areas have done it:
Wheaton
West Chicago
Glen Ellyn
Warrenville
Parts of Naperville

What other areas have done it? I don't want to move to Westmont or Downers Grove or something without those channels if i don't need to!
--
The day the child realizes that all adults are imperfect, he becomes an adolescent; the day he forgives them, he becomes an adult. The day he forgives himself, he becomes wise.
Alden Nowlan
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Spiderman865 @ 19th Nov 12:53PM:
Re: Comcast Chicago Suburbs Going All Digitail 9/29/09

Westmont and Downers Grove are on the Elmhurst head end. Romeoville head is parts of Naperville, Romeoville, Joliet, New Lenox, Homer Glen and others.
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Who?...Me?
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FSugino @ 19th Nov 12:54PM:
Re: Comcast Chicago Suburbs Going All Digitail 9/29/09

said by vj9999 :

I got the letter today for Bartlett. July 27, 2010 seems to be the date.

Same date for Schaumburg.
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Ruggiero @ 19th Nov 05:41PM:
Re: Comcast Chicago Suburbs Going All Digitail 9/29/09

There's a big difference between the Nov. 10 changes (changing which tier several existing channels are part of, which requires little to no capacity) and the changes that will occur next year (adding dozens of HDs, which requires some of the capacity that is created when the expanded basic channels are converted from analog to digital).

The time involved is needed to deploy set-top boxes and digital adapters to the hundreds of thousands of affected Chicago-area customers so they can continue seeing the expanded basic lineup.
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Joe12345678 @ 19th Nov 05:59PM:
Re: Comcast Chicago Suburbs Going All Digitail 9/29/09

said by FSugino :

said by vj9999 :

I got the letter today for Bartlett. July 27, 2010 seems to be the date.

Same date for Schaumburg.

It's comcastic! How meny people will still have comcast then after direct tv goes 200 HD?
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