ngp

I'm in the Boston area and have had HDTV with Comcast since August, using the Motorola HD box. I've noticed that on ABC's HD channel (805), the sound level goes up and down through HD broadcasts. When watching FOX (825) and NBC (807), I notice the picture will occasionally display artifacts in a small portion of the screen for a split second. I'm convinced that this is a broadcasting problem and not a problem with my HDTV since the problems are unique to the channels and are consistent. Also, I've swapped out the Motorola box and the problem is still there. Customer service told me that they've been having issues with the HDTV broadcasts and that they'll soon clear up. Anyone else have these symptoms?

taa455

Yes. I see the pixelization and audio dropouts sometimes, on some channels. On a ABC and NBC I get the black screen that says "Please wait. This channel will be available shortly." Sometimes for a few seconds and other times for a minute or more. I'm sure it is not your TV. My guess is it is either a low signal strength or some sort of interference with the signal.

ngp

I've had Comcast out here and they've verified that the signal is good and that they have had others reporting similar issues. I'm just wondering how long it takes them to get this stuff fixes since its been going on for so long!?

taa455

In my experience, Comcast is slooooooow at getting anything done. Unfortunately, if the issue is not affecting a LARGE number of customers, they won't give it much attention. Since HD is relatively new and only used by a minority of their customer base, my guess is we won't see much improvement any time soon.

ngp

That's exactly what I thought! Oh well...wait it out I guess!

taa455

Yeah, I hope Comcast will add FoxHD this fall (or whenever Fox starts broadcasting in Hi-Def.) I won't be holding my breath. There are several other HD stations Comcast doesn't carry like Discovery, PBS, HDNet, Fox (ED). I'm not sure if they have the ability to carry those or not.

Icculus

I thought HDNet was offered by one satellite company because it's their channel? Either way, my comcast HD service has PBS and Fox (ed)... I actually have a pretty good selection for $5 a month - ABC, NBC, CBS, PBS, FOX, HBO, SHO, ESPN and two "InHD" channels.

shelland

Comcast HD offerings are not national. We do get the Fox "widescreen" channel in my area. But we do not get ABC or PBS, which are available elsewhere...

ChrisHicks

the HD channels I get from Comcast are: HBO, MAX, SHO, INHD, INHD2, PBS1, PBS2, ESPN, ABC, NBC, CBS, and FOX.

Brian Shannon

HD Net is on Direct TV

Gil Jawetz

When you lose the signal on an HD channel are you able to switch over to a non-HD version of the channel? I'm imagining watching Alias in HD and something insane is about to happen when the screen goes black. Can you flip to regular TV?

Icculus

Yeah, you still get the standard definition channels. I watch them if what I want isn't braodcast in HD - the HD channels pillar box 4:3 material, I'd rather use one of the stretch modes.

Dah-Dee

I've had problems with the Comcast HD channels. Blank screen for the freaking Sugar Bowl. GRRRRRRR. Same thing has happened with the ABC HD channel numerous times. I'm not sure if it's the box, the cable, ABC, or something else. I *do* know that it's extremely aggravating.