| Author |
Thread: Digital Cable vs. Satellite |
    
New member Username: Souper
Post Number: 1
Registered: 03-2004
|
| Posted on Tuesday, March 02, 2004 - 04:59 pm: |
|
What gives you a better picture digital cable or the dish? Is the HDTV the same through both. |
|
Relevant Product Info
|
|
New member Username: Avman
Post Number: 1
Registered: 03-2004
|
| Posted on Wednesday, March 03, 2004 - 02:50 am: |
|
Hey Chris Ive Had Both Cable and Sat, HD looks about the same anyway you go. Just keep in mind Cable In some areas is cheaper to Recieve HD through and they brodcast local channels in HD some areas. |
New member Username: Sherrilll
Post Number: 5
Registered: Apr-04
|
| Posted on Tuesday, April 20, 2004 - 04:40 pm: |
|
I have not been too happy with HDTV through Insight Communications cable. I think I was one of the first people in my area to order HDTV through them. When I first got it nothing worked. I have to give them credit their technicians worked really hard and rewired almost everything in my house and a lot of the cable to the curb and then lots of fine tuning to get it working. But even now I have few HDTV channels and I pay a lot $$$$. BUT I do have my local channels in HDTV something satellite cannot offer. After finally getting the HDTV working pretty good the cable company made a change to their system and SHUT OFF THE DVI interface on the cable box so now I have to view through component outputs. That's the last straw. I am going to look into satellite now. |
New member Username: Imnintj
Post Number: 1
Registered: Dec-04
|
| Posted on Sunday, December 19, 2004 - 12:49 am: |
|
Any idea when and if local channels will be available in HD through satellite? |
|
| Posted on Saturday, January 15, 2005 - 06:46 pm: |
|
What is better roger HD or starchoice HD, is there more lines of resoluton on satilite |
|
| Posted on Monday, January 17, 2005 - 02:25 am: |
|
COMCAST a bargain
if you are lucky enough to have it. Great hi def 10 to 15 good channels in hi def and that great Motorola DVR box |
New member Username: Tadave
Post Number: 2
Registered: Jan-05
|
| Posted on Thursday, February 03, 2005 - 09:46 pm: |
|
I have Direct TV and a OTA and I'm very happy! I'm 30 miles from town, and with a Winegard Square shooter antenna I pick up all the channels very well OTA. (93 to 100%)
Now if DTV would just add more HD programming. |
Bronze Member Username: Lampright
Syracuse,
Utah
USA
Post Number: 19
Registered: Jan-05
|
| Posted on Tuesday, February 08, 2005 - 06:43 pm: |
|
COMCAST is by far the best choice for HD at this point in time! Absolutly no contest! Let me explain why.
I just cancelled DirecTV and had Comcast installed with their Motorola HD DVR. There was no way I was going to spend $1000 on the HD Tivo for DirecTV. DirecTV offered to give me $200 to stay with them....anyone wanting to stay with DirecTV could easily cash in on that by calling up to cancel your service and then accepting their offer.
Comcast made me a better deal. $14.95/month for their HD DVR + HD channels (including local). That's right, no expensive hardware to purchase....DirecTV...you better wise up to this! It would take me 5 years at this rate to pay for a $1000 HD Tivo, and we all know in 2-3 years something better will be available. Plus Comcast gave me a $20/month discount ($240 beats $200 from DirecTV) for an entire year by turning in my DirecTV receiver. Plus I get a $10/month discount on my comcast broadband internet. So, all-in-all, I'm paying less every month with Comcast, I have an HD DVR that's almost as good as Tivo, and I get all my local channels, ESPN, HBO, INHD, INHD2, and DiscoveryHD all in high def. I didn't have HBO with DirecTV. Plus, I get all of the awesome ON DEMAND stuff that comcast offers which is a very impressive service with tons of content. There is even HD ON DEMAND shows. One of my favorite features of ON DEMAND is the movie trailers...they have trailers for all of the new movies available at the press of a button...very cool. There is so much more too...
The satellite companies do have a better quality SD picture over cable, but I didn't buy a $3000 TV to watch SD. I bought it for HD and DVD's. The DirecTV Tivo is still the best DVR on the market, but the Comcast DVR is very similar to Tivo. I'm slightly biased towards Tivo since I had my DirecTV Tivo hacked with 100+ hours of storage, a 512MB cache, and a network connection which I could use to burn shows to DVD. I'm going to miss that.
AND, DirecTV is switching to MPEG4 compression and I'm sure Dish will do the same. How does that affect you? It means your $1000 HD Tivo is worthless when they make the transition to MPEG4. Hopefully they'll offer a free upgrade, but you never know. I'm sure they'll atleast lock you into a 1-2 year contract for a "free" upgrade. I don't have a contract with comcast.
For the next year I'll be a loyal comcast customer, maybe in 1 year DirecTV or Dish will be competitive again and I'll consider switching. Until then, I'll be enjoying HD through Comcast at a great price! |
Bronze Member Username: Lampright
Syracuse,
Utah
USA
Post Number: 20
Registered: Jan-05
|
| Posted on Tuesday, February 08, 2005 - 06:48 pm: |
|
Oh, I forgot to mention a HUGE negative with the HD DirecTV Tivo. It cannot record your local HD shows that are received OTA. My wife would kill me if she missed 24, Lost, or Desperate Housewives....and I'd be pissed as well. All those shows are in HD and I record every week with Comcast DVR....not so with DirecTV HD Tivo. The list of shows in HD is actually getting fairly long. I'd say atleast 80% of the TV I now watch is in HD.
And if you didn't get this by now, a DVR/Tivo is a must have for me. Once you have it you cannot watch TV without it. It completely transforms the way you watch TV. If you don't have one, GET ONE!! |
|
|
|
| Posted on Wednesday, February 09, 2005 - 01:11 am: |
|
COMCAST HI DEF with the Motorola DCT6400 produces a great hi def picture and is a major bargain. I've had it for several months, and all I had to do was call the local Comcast office and pick up the box to hookup.
Not sure how many even know how good Comcast is now with these tuner/DVR boxes
I simply had to ask for the special 2 tuner box, and they gave it to me, no extra charge
|
New member Username: Robjamell
Post Number: 3
Registered: Nov-04
|
| Posted on Sunday, February 27, 2005 - 12:25 am: |
|
Does the Motorola allow you to record two shows at once? |
Bronze Member Username: Lampright
Syracuse,
Utah
USA
Post Number: 73
Registered: Jan-05
|
| Posted on Sunday, February 27, 2005 - 12:55 am: |
|
"Does the Motorola allow you to record two shows at once?"
Yes! It has two tuners. So you can record two shows at once, while watching a 3rd show that was previously recorded. |
Unregistered guest |
| Posted on Sunday, March 06, 2005 - 09:03 am: |
|
I've had Dish Network for 6 years. I have a HD big screen TV (Pioneer Elite) but never got HD, b/c I couldn't afford to buy a new receiver! I have their 501 PVR (single tuner) receiver on the main TV.
Comcast has a great deal if you trade in your dish. 69.99 a month for their Premium Package (ALL movie channels, HD programming, and the DVR service!!!) Sounded good to me. Plus the DVR can can record 2 shows at once, etc... (and you don't have to buy the receiver!)
However, Dish now offered me their 811 hi def reciever (no DVR) for free to stay & said I could hook that up along with my standard DVR on the same TV (thereby making it like a dual tuner, and able to watch (not record) HD programming...)
DISH TOLD ME THAT THE CABLE HDTV PICTURE ISN'T EVEN AS GOOD AS DISH'S STANDARD PICTURE B/C IT GOES THROUGH A CABLE AND I SHOULD THINK ABOUT THAT... IS THIS TRUE??? IS THE HI DEF PICTURE BETTER USING DISH THAN WITH COMCAST? PLEASE HELP! MAYBE I SHOULD TAKE THEIR DEAL OF THE FREE HD RECEIVER...
After the 1st year with Comcast, the prices are similar with both... a little cheaper with cable I think... |
New member Username: Gadgetgirl
Jacksonville,
FL
Post Number: 2
Registered: Mar-05
|
| Posted on Sunday, March 06, 2005 - 02:53 pm: |
|
I live in Jacksonville Fl. and I'm shopping the pricing and content for Direct vs Comcast. The pricing packages look about the same. But this is what I've found out so far.
* Comcast's dvr records and plays back in High Definition and in Jacksonville it is only $10 more a month added on top of the digital package. If I sign up in Best Buy or Circuit City, I can get $100 in cable cash which I think I put in with my bill. I can cancel anytime. For the same price, will I get more HD channels with Direct tv and are they worth it? |
Bronze Member Username: Lampright
Syracuse,
Utah
USA
Post Number: 79
Registered: Jan-05
|
| Posted on Sunday, March 06, 2005 - 03:12 pm: |
|
ValVal1029
Your Dish rep was blowing smoke up your you know what. What a lie!
I switched from Directv to Comcast for the HD DVR. My best friend has Dish and the 811 receiver (no dvr for hd). I've watched HD and of course SD on all three setups. Comcast HDTV is night and day better than anything in SD by any provider. If the HD is better on Dish, I cannot tell. Maybe if I had two TV's side by side both playing the same thing in HD one comcast, one dish or directv...maybe then you might see a difference IF there is one. Wish Dish you won't be getting your local channels in HD unless you put up an antenna....and hope that you're in an area capable of receiving them OTA. Dish SD looks a little better than cable SD, but I don't watch much SD, so who cares. With all my local channels in HD, about 90% of my viewing is HD...and recorded on the HD DVR. Plus, not only are the shows in HD, but they're almost always Dolby Digital 5.1 surround sound. Try watching 24 or Lost in HD....it's awesome!
One crappy thing about the HD DVR is that it compresses the analog channels into digital format which degrades them even further and really makes them look like crap. I split the cable and ran it directly to the TV so I could watch the analog channels through the TV tuner....they look pretty good that way.
I've had Comcast with the HD DVR for 2 months now and I LOVE IT! I'm very happy with my switch. They gave me a similar discount for giving up Directv....$20/month discount for a year on the silver package. The comcast HD DVR is better than the Dish DVR, but not as good as Tivo. Because the HD Tivo is $999, it wasn't even a consideration for me. It cannot compete against $10/month to lease the comcast HD DVR.
Want my opinion on what to do. Switch to Comcast for a year. In one year when Dish and DirecTV have upgraded their hardware and caught up to Comcast, consider switching back. That's what I'm doing. If one year from now I can get an HD Tivo for a reasonable price and DirecTV has transitioned to MPEG4 compression, I may swtich back. But, for now, I LOVE COMCAST HD AND HD DVR!! |
New member Username: Gadgetgirl
Jacksonville,
FL
Post Number: 3
Registered: Mar-05
|
| Posted on Sunday, March 06, 2005 - 04:01 pm: |
|
Thanks Brian sooo much. $999 for the HD Tivo box! OUCH! I have basic cable now and I just want to get the most for my new HD tv set. I didn't know with dish dvr I had to put up a Antenna for local HD programming abc,cbs,nbc fox. That is what I'm going to want to watch and record! And if I can't play it back in HD, then a regular dvr is useless. The store employee at Best Buy said that Direct TV had all tons of HD programing channels coming. Like what? My understanding is that only what is recorded WITH HD Cameras can be viewed in HD. Well I just looked on their website and saw something HDNet Movies. I don't see the value in old movies shown in their original format. I think I can get all that from Comcast's ondemand. I can spend $999 in so many other ways.
Comcast says they will be all digital in Jacksonville this year! For now in my bedroom.....I'd like a better picture on analog channels. so...I'm confused... You said " I split the cable and ran it directly to the TV so I could watch the analog channels through the TV tuner....they look pretty good that way." Can I assume this: Cable from wall to splitter, then one line to box and one to tv set. Then do you only turn the box on when you want digital or HD Channels?
|
ValVal1029 Unregistered guest |
| Posted on Sunday, March 06, 2005 - 07:53 pm: |
|
Thanks Lampright! That was a lot of help! One questions, I know Comcast has the locals in HDTV (something I just happily realized today...)--- is ALL the programming on those networks in HDTV or just selected shows?
In regard to, "One crappy thing about the HD DVR is that it compresses the analog channels into digital format which degrades them even further and really makes them look like crap. I split the cable and ran it directly to the TV so I could watch the analog channels through the TV tuner....they look pretty good that way."
Do you mean that the HDTV RECEIVER makes the analog channels look crappy... all the time?... or just when you record them and watch with the DVR???
Sounds like I WILL try out comcast for the year.. : ) |
Bronze Member Username: Lampright
Syracuse,
Utah
USA
Post Number: 80
Registered: Jan-05
|
| Posted on Monday, March 07, 2005 - 12:46 am: |
|
The analog channels (under 100) always look crappy through the HD DVR weather it's recorded or not. Either way it's compressing them into a digital format and degrading them.
You understood me correctly about how to split it. One into the TV and the other into the HD DVR. I never turn off my DVR, it's always on. There is a stupid "bug" with it if you shut it off. If it needs to record, it turns itself on and for some odd reason it mutes itself. Normall that isn't a problem, but the cable installer programs your remote to control your TV and the mute button on the remote is for the TV, not the DVR. So, the only way to un-mute it is to reprogram the remote, or turn the DVR off which cancels your recording, and then turn it back on. It's very annoying! So, I never turn it off.
"is ALL the programming on those networks in HDTV or just selected shows?"
Nope, only some shows are in HD...most of the primetime shows. BUT, even the SD shows that are on the HD channel for the local channels looks much better than watching them on the analog channel. That tells me the source they're getting from the broadcasters is much higher quality than what the cable company broadcasts on the SD channels, so on the HD channel it's not compressed as much and looks a lot better. It would be nice if all of the SD channels looked so good.
This is a great place to see which TV shows are in HD.
http://www.cnet.com/4520-7874_1-5119938-1.html?tag=picks
DirecTV is working on transitioning it's HD channels to MPEG4 compression to save bandwidth. This will allow them to add more HD channels easier. The only bad thing is your current HD receiver/Tivo is worthless after the transition...big time bummer if you paid $1000 for the HD Tivo. I imagine they'll have an upgrade program, but I think they'll force you into a 1 or 2 year contract for the upgrade. This is another reason I would not choose DirecTV at the moment. After the transition to MPEG4, it'll be a great time to switch back to them...assuming they have a reasonable price on their next gen HD Tivo. Comcast is also planning on adding more HD channels....how many more...I have no idea. I can't wait for SciFi and ESPN2 to be in HD. If you're a Stargate fan, I just found out today that it's broadcast on one of the local channels in HD....wish they would do that with BattleStar Galactica.
Another thing worth mentioning is not all HD looks the same. ESPN HD for example doesn't look much better than SD and it seems like it's never widescreen...it has bars on the sides. Plus, they never have anything worth watching IMO. I was watching Supercross racing today on ESPN2 (SD) and really dreading it because of the poor picture quality. I switched over to ESPN HD to see if it might be on in HD....to my disapointment...it was bowling. Bowling in HD...what is ESPN thinking? On the other hand, INHD and Discovery HD ALWAYS looks so lifelike it makes me want to jump right into the TV. Most of the primetime local HD shows (Desperate Housewives, 24, Lost, CSI, American Idol, etc...) usually look really really good as well. Plus, it's soo nice to watch them with 5.1 surround sound.
If you're nervous about switching to Comcast I recommend that you order it, but keep your Dish/DirecTV. Use them side-by-side until you've made your decision. Although, I would be very very surprised if someone were to NOT choose Comcast. One really great thing about Comcast is there is ZERO COMMITMENT. If you try it and aren't satisfied, just cancel it. |
New member Username: Gadgetgirl
Jacksonville,
FL
Post Number: 4
Registered: Mar-05
|
| Posted on Monday, March 07, 2005 - 08:11 am: |
|
ValVal1029
Here in Jacksonville there is a $100 rebate from Best buy or circuit city when you sign up for Comcast in the store. You don't have to buy a tv set. It's a white folder with a coupon in it for something called Comcast cash. The guy said I had to sign up in the store BEFORE I called comcast to order the digital service. I'm not sure about Sound Advice. Hey - unless your rich, $100 is a nice chunk. They also will try and sell you Comcast Broadband for 1/2 price for 6 mths and give you $50 to do it. I already have it, but if you don't it's the best deal out there. No contract is nice. I can't live without my comcast internet, but my new HD service (and new sony) may distract me.
This all started with the Superbowl coming to Jacksonville. Now everybody has to have HD! Thanks again Brian for your explanation of Comcast and about direct tvs going to mpeg4. It's kind of a no-brainer going with Comcast, and now I know why. |
ValVal1029 Unregistered guest |
| Posted on Monday, March 07, 2005 - 09:16 am: |
|
OK! Well, Comcast wants my actual dish and card for the promotion so I can't really keep both (Dish & Cable)... My only concern now is the analog channels being degraded... I'm wondering how much of that I actually watch... Am I hearing you right that you said that even the analogs that look crappy with HD look better than the SD??? Can't be that bad then, right???
Obviously with DISH (no HD) I think the SD looks great on my 53" and I'm worried I'll think, "What the heck did I switch to?" I mainly watch prime time and during the day (when I am home--- I'm a teacher) I watch ABC which is in HD, right? I doubt the Soaps I watch are in HD, so would I be better to watch them using channel 7 or the HD channel for ABC???
Now, the other 3 TVs in my house they said would NOT have a digital box and just be basic cable--- still more than 70 channels with HBO (channel 14 only) and no monthly charge... I wonder how this picture is... Probably more than fine on a smaller size TV... My question is that if that "basic" signal went to the main (BIG) TV without a box--- How would that compare to channel 7 or ABC High Definition with the box? That's 3 different ways, no???
1- with the Digital Box using channel 7
2- with the Digital Box using 231 (ABC HD)
3- NO digital box; basic cable
Is that what you're doing when you split your cable??? How do they differ? Will the tech do that for me if I ask? (If that IS what you mean...)
With regard to ESPN (not that I watch it) doesn't ALL HDTV have to be in widescreen??? I thought that was the whole point of it. Is HDTV always in Dolby Digital 5.1?
OK, I feel like I've taken so much of your time, but I can't tell you how helpful it is! I find that forums like these are the only way to get the "real story" most of the time! Thanks!!! |
New member Username: Gadgetgirl
Jacksonville,
FL
Post Number: 5
Registered: Mar-05
|
| Posted on Monday, March 07, 2005 - 12:23 pm: |
|
I agree with Brian and that you made the right decision. You had to turn in your dish so you could get a discounted price. Not a bad choice.
The HD set I bought is NOT widescreen so some of my viewing will have a black area across the top and bottom. It fits in my wall opening and the price was right. It's the resolution that counts.
The majority of the shows you will want to watch come in HD so you will use the higher HD channel to view them. Get the DVR, it shouldn't be much more. My sister has it, and it is awesome. She also told me about all the free stuff in ondemand.
The comcast office here told me to talk to the tech when he gets here. They can't be repsonsible for hooking up my dvd player and speakers, etc. I can understand that. They also told me that some DVR boxes may need a firmware upgrade. Re-read Brian's reply further up this thread. He covered all your questions.
|
xvxvxvx Unregistered guest |
| Posted on Monday, March 07, 2005 - 12:38 pm: |
|
Gadget Girl,
I hope you know that if the TV you purchased does not have a widescreen display it is not capable of displaying a High Defintion signal. All HD displays are widescreen. What model # TV did you buy?
xvxvxvx |
New member Username: Tadave
Post Number: 7
Registered: Jan-05
|
| Posted on Monday, March 07, 2005 - 12:57 pm: |
|
That is not quite true, there are 4.3 TV's that are HD ready. You will however have black bars at the top and bottom. |
ValVal1029 Unregistered guest |
| Posted on Monday, March 07, 2005 - 01:12 pm: |
|
Yes, I do have a widescreen TV. Pioneer Elite 53" It's the 530-HD. It's a gorgeous TV that I've had for about 2 years but I never had a HD receiver... They probably don't make it anymore b/c it's not a plasma. It's rear projection, but great picture... |
New member Username: Gadgetgirl
Jacksonville,
FL
Post Number: 6
Registered: Mar-05
|
| Posted on Monday, March 07, 2005 - 03:50 pm: |
|
There are a few of these 4.3 HTDV monitors out there. Its the biggest I could get to fit in space in opening. It's not a widescreen but the price was right (for now). Here is one similar at Circuit City. I got a better price then this online but I'm going to sign up for the comcast cable cash with Best Buy. Circuit City was so biased against Comcast, that I decided to research the difference and go with comcast anyway.
I have .50" left in the opening. This one is a gem.
Sony 36" HDTV Monitor (KV-36HS420)
SON KV36HS420 • 36" flat-screen
• HDTV monitor • TruSurround® audio
• 3D digital comb filter
http://www.circuitcity.com/ssm/Sony-36-HDTV-Monitor-KV-36HS420-/sem/rpsm/oid/949 32/rpem/ccd/productDetail.do |
Bronze Member Username: Lampright
Syracuse,
Utah
USA
Post Number: 81
Registered: Jan-05
|
| Posted on Monday, March 07, 2005 - 09:54 pm: |
|
ValVal,
I kept DirecTV for an entire month after getting comcast. They told me the technition would take my dish and receiver...never said anything about the card. He ended up taking only one of my cheapo receivers and never asked for the card. When I asked if he wanted the dish, he said no. I actually had an extra dish, my "good" dish is still attached to my house. I also kept my DirecTV Tivo so I could sell it on ebay. If you have multiple directv receivers, just give him the cheapest one you have. You could probably get an old cheapo off ebay to give to him when he comes if you don't have one you want to part with....same with the dish. There are plenty of old dish's out there people aren't using. I'm sure you can figure out a way to do it and keep your DirecTV connected for a while if that's what you want.
You will also get a $10/month discount on your comcast broadband when you subscribe to comcast TV....another great bonus!
The analog channels are the channels below 100...atleast I think it's still that way. I rarily watch any of those channels. All of the local channels that are available in HD, I ALWAYS watch on the HD channel even if the particular show is not in HD. It looks much better on that channel. If you want to watch an analog channel realtime, not recorded, then watch it through the TV, not the DVR. All of the SD digital channels (above 100) look the same weather you watch them on the DVR or the TV. It's only below 100 that look bad through the DVR.
SD on my 27" Sony Wega looks really good, I think just as good as DirecTV looked. I have that TV in the bedroom without a cable box...like you're talking about doing. Oh, and the tech will be more than happy to split the cable for you to run to the TV and DVR.
btw...their are 4:3 tv's out there that are HD. My dad has a top of the line Sony Wega that is 4:3 and HD. He has Dish with the 811 HD receiver. I think he might regret buying that once he sees my setup!
If you do the $100 Best Buy deal, you probably won't get the Dish trade-in deal, which is worth $240.
|
Dvdmike Unregistered guest |
| Posted on Wednesday, March 09, 2005 - 08:42 am: |
|
I just got Comcast installed yesterday because of their Sat Dish "Winback" program (see below). The installer said "do you want me to take your DirecTV receivers?". I said, "do you have to?", and he said "Nah" and left them.
I was really disappointed with the SD picture quality right out of the chute compared to DirecTV. But after turning the Sharpness on my TV waaaaay down, it looks almost as good as DirecTV. I'm going to try Digital Video Essentials on it today to check my video settings (my one year old likes to push the buttons).
Got the High Speed Internet as part of the deal, too, and it's smoking!!! It replaced Sprint Broadband. Comcast's Digital Cable + HD + DVR + Digital Silver + HBO + HBO/On Demand + High Speed Internet for $59.99/mo for 1 year and free installation is an incredible deal for current dish subscribers!!! |
New member Username: Gadgetgirl
Jacksonville,
FL
Post Number: 7
Registered: Mar-05
|
| Posted on Wednesday, March 09, 2005 - 09:06 am: |
|
What city do you live in? In jacksonville, the dish trade is $39.00 mth for a year with what you got. Did you sign up for the internet seperate at Best Buy or circuit c? I'm just upgrading but I have a friend who wants to ditch their dish. |
Dvdmike Unregistered guest |
| Posted on Wednesday, March 09, 2005 - 06:12 pm: |
|
I live in Denver. I got the deal by calling Comcast directly at 1-888-COMCAST, offer "DSH". Sounds like the same deal, and you can upgrade to include high speed internet for $59.00/mo for a year. Whether or not they take your sat equipment probably depends on the management of your local Comcast payment/service center. |
Silver Member Username: Paul_ohstbucks
Post Number: 289
Registered: Jan-05
|
| Posted on Wednesday, March 09, 2005 - 07:44 pm: |
|
There are definitely some good benefits to using comcast cable over satellite. I wont deny that. I've been a comcast customer for years, but canceled and went to Direct TV and never looked back. I totally agree with what Brian says 100%. Before the days of HD programming, standard direct TV easily beat standard digital cable service hands down. Service, reliability, picture, I could go on and on.
At this very point in time, I agree that Comcast has the upper hand because of the HDTivo rental, plus all local channel HD programming is available........thats the biggie!! You wouldnt believe how many local programming shows are now broadcast in HD. Not to mention the many sporting events, concerts...etc. etc...
Anyway, I've been a comcast customer for years(or one of it's many predecessors). I still use comcast for my computer, but will never let them near my TV. I've had too many problems through the years with cable customer service and reliability and they pretty much lost me forever.
Luckily, Im able to access all of my local channels HD programming through a combination of DirectTV programming, or over the air, so for me, it's a wash programming wise. Im missing out on the cheap HDtivo rental, but I guess I'll have to do without
By the end of this year, it will once again be a tie because most local channel markets will be covered with the launch of the new satellite........still no Tivo though. |
Bronze Member Username: Lampright
Syracuse,
Utah
USA
Post Number: 82
Registered: Jan-05
|
| Posted on Wednesday, March 09, 2005 - 10:36 pm: |
|
Paul, hopefully your wait won't be too long. Directv should have 2 of the 4 new satellites on line at the end of Q2 05...a couple months away. These are for HD content and will use MPEG4 which uses much less bandwidth than the current MPEG2 compression. That means Directv should be able to add HD channels as fast as they become available. DirecTV should be looking pretty good in a year. I would expect to see a brand new (non-Tivo) HD DVR released by Directv sometime this year after the new satellites come online. They cannot release new HD DVR's until the MPEG4 streams are available. I sure feel sorry for the people who paid $1000 for the HD Tivo which cannot decode MPEG4. |
Silver Member Username: Paul_ohstbucks
Post Number: 291
Registered: Jan-05
|
| Posted on Wednesday, March 09, 2005 - 11:28 pm: |
|
Brian,
I dont really care much about the satellites for myself personally because I get local channels over the air. I was just thinking on behalf of the poor people living out in the country who live too far away to get the air signal.
As for the Tivo, I wont be getting one anytime soon. I agree that having one would be pretty fun, but not for their current price.
By the time they drop to a reasonable cost, then I'll get one and Im sure they'll have their decoding issues worked out long before that time comes.
Can the DVRs decode the air signal if the antennae is running through your satbox?? I was assuming you could but dont really know. My dad has one and seems to like it and hasnt said anything, so I figured it was working with his channels over the air since they watch some regular TV shows. |
New member Username: Gadgetgirl
Jacksonville,
FL
Post Number: 9
Registered: Mar-05
|
| Posted on Thursday, March 10, 2005 - 07:56 am: |
|
I should be hooking up my new HD set and Comcast box HD DVR tonight. I was playing around with the HD dvr at Circuit City and I can't wait to have it. I can't help but get into decussions with others at work. I've heard all the comments about the new satellites going up, but no-one was able to tell me how much they will charge, and what programming I'll be able to see. It has to be pretty expensive to launch them so the cost has to be passed down. The retailers push direct TV. Anyway what I care more about what is happening now. Brian can you point me to a link stating that the direct's tv current HD dvr will not be able to work after the satellites go up? How can the retailer's still be selling those $999 units? Couldn't they have a firmware upgrade? After all Comcast isn't everywhere and I'm sure someone is using dial-up to read this.  |
Bronze Member Username: Lampright
Syracuse,
Utah
USA
Post Number: 86
Registered: Jan-05
|
| Posted on Thursday, March 10, 2005 - 09:55 am: |
|
I haven't read an article that specifically states the current HD Tivo will not work with MPEG4. However, I know for a fact it will not because of the way these units are produced. The decoding is always done with a dedicated hardware chip. This chip only knows mpeg2 and cannot be upgraded via firmware for mpeg4. I have read articles that ask the question: what will directv do for an upgrade path for people with the old mpeg2 receivers. My guess is they'll give you a new HD DVR in exchange for you old HD Tivo and a 1 or 2 year contract.
When I cancelled DirecTV and they were trying like mad to keep me, I asked them about the price of the HD Tivo. They said they had zero control of it's price and they in fact did not even sell them, you must buy them through a 3rd party. I told them if they can sell me one for less than $400 I'll remain a customer. It was impossible for them to do that.
If you google: "directv mpeg4" you can find a ton of information on the topic. |
ValVal1029 Unregistered guest |
| Posted on Saturday, March 12, 2005 - 08:43 pm: |
|
Comcast came today, but ended up giving me the wrong receiver...no DVR- so they're coming back tomorrow!
However, I can't get 5.1 to come in. I'm not sure why. The channel says 5.1 but it isn't coming through. It's connected with an optical cable...
Also, confused about bars on TV. HDTV doesn't have any but SD does. My TV offers various stretch modes to fill the screen (which is what I always used on my Dish Satellite w/out HD)
MY question is,--- Do you all switch the TV mode everytime you change to a different program or should somehting be automatic??? Aren't the bars on the side bad for the TV. Also, my TV doesn't have black bars, but gray. Supposed to be less damaging or soemhting. However, with Comcast I'm seeing they are sometimes black...
The Comcast guy set it up so I can use Picture in Picture, but I have no idea how. I guess I should check if I can get programming with the receiver OFF!- That should work, right???
It's hard b/c the cable/satellite guys love to run out the door so fast (I KNOW they can't hang around to optimize everyone's system!) but it takes forever to make sure everything is working okay. I personally hate switching companies like this just b/c I feel so "lost" right now! lol Thanks! |
ValVal1029 Unregistered guest |
| Posted on Saturday, March 12, 2005 - 08:47 pm: |
|
BY THE WAY, THEY DIDN'T TAKE MY DISH OR CARD LIKE THEY WERE SUPPOSED TO!
I'M PAYING 59.99 A MONTH FOR THE YEAR FOR PLATINUM SERVICE, HDTV, DVR... |
Bronze Member Username: Lampright
Syracuse,
Utah
USA
Post Number: 87
Registered: Jan-05
|
| Posted on Saturday, March 12, 2005 - 11:13 pm: |
|
When you get the DVR, there is a setup menu to configure what screen format it outputs to the TV for each type of signal. The cableguy will probably configure this, but it's good to know how to do it incase you want to change it. To get to the setup menu, turn the DVR off, and then hit the "menu" button on the remote. From there you can set it to either 720p or 1080i for HD. If you have an LCD or DLP proj set it to 720p. If you have CRT proj set it to 1080i. Now, there is a 2nd setting for how to output non-hd called "4:3 Override". Choices are (Off,480i,480p,and stretch). Download the manual here for an explanation:
http://broadband.motorola.com/dvr/dct6412.asp
I use 480p and my TV is setup to display 480i and 480p with black bars on the sides(automatically)...the way I prefer it. I can't stand to watch a stretched picture, I think it looks horrible. But, if you have CRT or Plasma, you might want to stretch to prevent screen burn in. DLP is immune to burn in, and I think LCD is as well.
There might be somewhere in your setup menu to output dolby digital...maybe it's turned off. Or, maybe you don't have the optical cable selected on your receiver and it's getting the audio from RCA cables??
Good luck, enjoy the HD! |
ValVal1029 Unregistered guest |
| Posted on Sunday, March 13, 2005 - 10:18 am: |
|
Thanks! I'll check with the technician today about the 5.1 and screen formatting. My TV has one stretched mode (of many) that isn't too bad and I'm used to. I do have a rear projection (CRT?) so am worried about burn-in... I'll mention it today.
With receiver off, I'm not getting any picture/sound, however the cable is split. One into TV and one into Receiver... I tried changing through all the inputs- 1 through 6, but nothing... I'll check today... Thanks again!
V. |
ValVal1029 Unregistered guest |
| Posted on Sunday, March 13, 2005 - 10:51 am: |
|
OK, I figured out how to watch TV with the receiver off. I had to switch the TV remote to Antenna B...
|
ValVal1029 Unregistered guest |
| Posted on Sunday, March 13, 2005 - 04:01 pm: |
|
Got the DVR! Everything is all set... Only thing is how to set the screen formatting. I have a CRT.
I set the output to 1080 and the 4:3 override to stretch...
Looks bad. (The stretch mode on my TV is better, but can't be used b/c it is stuck on full when using the component video inputs...)
with 1080/off I get the black bars and am worried about burn in.
with 1080/480 p there aren't black bars but pic is still stretched... Not sure if it's the same as the stretch mode.
Do U know anything about this? I may check on my TV site's forum for people with my TV and Comcast... for what they use... |
Dr. Awesome PhD Unregistered guest |
| Posted on Sunday, March 13, 2005 - 08:41 pm: |
|
Hey folks, was just reading some of the posts here and was shocked by the enthusiasm. I actually work for Comcast, and it's somewhat rewarding to see subscribers as amped about the service as I am. Naturally, I use the HD/DVR converters, though, I'm a bigger fan of Video On Demand than the DVR... sweetest feature ever, that is, for the areas have it now (Saint Paul, MN). Anyway, just thought say, "Hello". |
|
| Posted on Monday, March 14, 2005 - 05:01 am: |
|
Satellite tv is worth it compared to cable. http://www.direct-tv-dish-network-4u.com/ |
ValVal1029 Unregistered guest |
| Posted on Tuesday, March 15, 2005 - 07:47 am: |
|
Hey Brian (& ALL!),
My only complaint are the analog channels looking "crappy" which you did warn about... They look great on the HD channels (even when the program isn't in HD) however I try not to watch those b/c of the black bars. I have a CRT and DO have to worry about burn in. It's killing me to watch ABC programming during the day on a bad channel when the HD one looks so much better!!!! Also, why is my soap so clear and in 5.1 on the HD channel if it's not really in HD? I would think that if a show like that is in 5.1 it WOULD be in HD... However I get the dreaded black bars...
Without the box (though splitter) looks much better, but it's not ideal having to switch the video & audio inputs.. Also- as you know, no DVR or program guide, etc...
One thing I did that helped is hooked the Motorola to the TV using S-Video (in addition to component) through video one. For whatever reason, this is better than through component on the lower channels... However, through S-Video the guide, info, and names of programming doesn't work. Comcast said the S-video it isn't "active" or something like that for the menus,..
Also, they said to try the other component input on TV (why would that matter?) but my DVD player is using that... What do you know about the DVI output/input? How does it compare to component? Should I use it?
The DVR is great although I still have to practice with the two tuner thing... I tried to set up 2 shows to record and they happened to be at the same time so one of them said it wouldn't record! How can that be if there are 2 tuners? Also the program guide and program search isn't nearly as good as with DISH which worked for at least a whole week of programming. I've searched for shows that are on 2 days from now with the Motorola and they don't come up... or say TBA on the guide...
All in all, so far, I feel I've lost in some places and gained in others with the switch... I miss the SD quality of the lower & local channels with dish! and the DISH guide, program search...
However, how great is it to watch primetime in HD???? Unbelievable!!! I find I'll watch ANYTHING that's in HD!!! Can't wait to watch American Idol in HD and 5.1!!! Also, On Demand is awesome from what I can see so far!!!
If I were in your position and didn't have to worry about burn in I would be much happier in not worrying about the black bars. (I am stretching the picture for the SD channels but using my Pioneer TV's modes- which are better than the Motorola's Stretch mode... With my next TV this won't be an issue, but i paid $3000. for this one 2 years ago so it won't be for awhile!
(53" Pioneer Elite PRO530-HD)
Sorry for the lengthiness of my "review"! If anyone has suggestions or comments let me know! : ) |
| |
