[mythtv-users] [Slightly OT] comcast moving to settop on Bay Area - goodbye analog

[Robert Kulagowski]

On Sun, Mar 8, 2009 at 12:56 PM,  <stefan_jones at comcast.net> wrote:
> Portland, OR Comcast customers are facing the digital conversion too. The
> cutover is April 15.
>
> Some information I've gathered:
>
> * The low-end "Basic Cable" channels will still be available in analog. So
> your analog tuners will still be able to record the big networks and various
> community access and shopping channels.
>
> * While not guaranteed, it is likely that the high-def digital broadcast
> channels in your area (generally the big networks) will still be available
> as clear QAM channels. They miight scramble them eventually, but for a time
> they'll be unencrypted.
>
> * The replacement digital "Standard Cable" channels will be, for a time at
> least, clear QAM. Which means your existing digital tuners will be able to
> capture from them.
>
> * In the Portland area, these replacement digital channels are already
> active! I am able to tune into them with my HDTV. My MythBox's digital tuner
> can also see them, but I had to use a technique in the Wiki to get the
> correct channel numbers. The mythtvsetup scanner wasn't up to the task.
>
>  * Myth doesn't like it when your have a digital and an analog channel with
> the same name and/or XMLid. While I added all of the new digital channels I
> was interested in, the analog versions overshadow them on the program grid
> (and in the channel editor!).
>
> * It is possible that the channel mappings may change in the future. I'm
> expecting to have to rescan after the 4/15 transition.

<SchedulesDirect Hat>

I received a number of tickets on this issue and sent them to Tribune.
 Here's the response:

"We spoke to Lisa at Comcast and reconfirmed that these channels are
available to customers with digital boxes only.  If customers are seeing
these channels with out a box,  they will not be by the end of the
week."

</SchedulesDirect Hat>