Schedule for Comcast Digital Conversion?

[villages07]

Does anyone know when local Comcast plans to make the switch to all digital??? I had heard September'ish at one time but haven't seen anything in writing from them.

You will need to have a Comcast set top box or DTA (Digital TV Adaptor) on each TV. I recently logged in to my Comcast account and ordered 2 DTAs for my 2 TVs that don't have boxes. These were free and are being shipped to me.

Supposedly, when the conversion to all digital is complete, Comcast will be able to expand and enhance programming. Anybody out there in nonVillages-land already been through this conversion? Any noticeable improvements?

Yes, I could visit the local office or try to call them, but, thought perhaps someone on the forum might already have the answer. TIA.

[pooh]

When we were at the Comcast office just recently we were told that they had no idea when the switch would take place, but most likely sometime this summer. Guess September is still summer technically... ;) We had all digital with Cox and honestly, with high def tv's, I couldn't tell the difference.

Ordering the boxes needed online is wise. One can call and order them or pick them up at the office, but I'd recommend only going to the office if you have other things to take care of with Comcast....office is VERY busy!

[Sandy222]

Our notice said it was being changed over in August.

We got our 2 adapters which did not work. After a trip to the Comcast office and picking up 2 new adapters and several telephone conversations we were able to complete this simple process.

The only difference that I notice is that we have lots more channels on those 2 tv's.

I would suggest to do it as soon as possible , before the rush. ( There were 4 other people in the Comcast office exchanging their units also)

[zcaveman]

A friend of mine in Scranton, Pa went through this process, so I knew it was coming. I saw an ad about it on the television here in TV the other day. Now I am waiting for the letter.

In case you are wondering what it is all about:

http://customer.comcast.com/Pages/FAQViewer.aspx?seoid=digital-migration

Our world will never be the same. VCR/DVD recording will become a thing of the past or so difficult, you will have to really preplan your recording habits if you like to record on DVDs/VHS tapes.

I guess we can thank the government for putting their nose where it does not belong by pushing the digital revolution onto us.

[Bogie Shooter]

Are they going to do this without an increase in cost?

[njbchbum]

where is the local office?

thanx for any reply.

[Carla B]

We've had "expanded basic" for three years without a box. Picture hasn't been good but since we don't watch much TV we hadn't done anything about it. Then Comcast sent a notice that we could get the box at no charge so we picked it up, along with two adapters. Voila! The picture is much clearer. I can't vouch for "no charge" until we get next month's statement.

By the way, there was no wait at the Comcast office (in Leesburg) to pick up the equipment.

[Ooper]

There is supposedly no cost unless you get more than 3 boxes. Then you pay rent for the extra boxes. The Comcast office I go to is right across the road from Walmart on Rt. 441.

[zcaveman]

There is supposedly no cost unless you get more than 3 boxes. Then you pay rent for the extra boxes. The Comcast office I go to is right across the road from Walmart on Rt. 441.

I just ordered DTA boxes online. Two were free and the third is $1.99 a month plus associated taxes. I think I might need another one but I wil wait and see how these do.

[TomH]

Assuming the boxes work properly, the conversion is simple. Up north here we upgraded almost two years ago with no problems. Yes, the 1st two boxes are free, and $1.99 per month beyond the 1st two.

[Mikeod]

The frustrating part for me is that I have two TVs that have the clear QAM tuner so I can get some local hi-def channels from the cable alone. Once the conversion is done and I attach the DTA boxes, those channels won't be available unless I spring for a regular hi-def box. :(

[old moe]

Ours started April of 10. Not to happy , things were fine the way they were. Gov,t should have stayed out of it. You will now need a box for each set, and possibly two remotes for any set that doesn't accept the Comcast codes ,the one they give you and your present one. This applies to newer sets also. You will not get HD ever tho stores only sell HD sets, unless you pay extra for it in your comcast package. You can get over 400 channels but 10 good ones would be fine with me. We sometimes lose sound when we change channels, or the pics freeze for no reason. Comcast has been in to check our sets and afew neighbors also, with no corrections. They do not seem to care much..just keep rising rates. Hope you have better luck! We live near metro Atlanta,populated area :22yikes::22yikes:

[elevatorman]

I have Basic on one TV no box. If I have to get a box or the cost goes up I will cancel. Direct TV on 2 other TVs.

[Skip]

The frustrating part for me is that I have two TVs that have the clear QAM tuner so I can get some local hi-def channels from the cable alone. Once the conversion is done and I attach the DTA boxes, those channels won't be available unless I spring for a regular hi-def box. :(

Me too. Been getting HD for years without paying. I thought there was a federal law that stated if the local station (Orlando's networks) were BROADCASTING (over the air) in HD, that the cable companies were not allowed to charge extra for those HD stations. Anyone hear of this?

With 3 sets on digital boxes now, yes the picture is clearer but Channel 1 On-Demand doesn't work and some channels (especially 36 - CNBC) cuts out a lot. Also channel 7 is letterboxed with an annoying data stream along the upper edge of the picture. What's your experience with these stations?

Now you get 3 TVs on digital no extra charge - then they will cut that down to 2 and you pay extra for the third. Then they'll cut that down to 1 and you'll have to pay for the second and third eventually.

Comcast creeps up the bill a couple a times a year and each time I call and threaten to go to Direct TV - that's when they transfer me to the "Retention Dept.".


Oh and more letters will go out to those that didn't reply before they make the switch. It'll be months. Perhaps 2012.

No fun dealing with Comcast.

Skip

[villages07]

Skip ... I have two HD cable boxes; for awhile, I was getting On Demand on one but not the other (error code 07 I think).

The one with no "On Demand" had the cable out of the wall hooked to a DVD/VCR combo then hooked to the TV. The DVD/VCR just died so I reconnected the cable direct from comcast box to TV and now On Demand works. Maybe the DVD/VCR was degrading the signal or maybe I had an inferior/too long cable. You might try to rewire. You will need to power cycle your cable box to reinitialize it (unplug it, wait 30 seconds, plug it back in).

Channel 36/CNBC does pixelate a lot;

I will end up with 2 HD set top boxes and 2 DTAs; pay for the HD boxes and the DTAs are "free"; we just had a comcast increase but I suspect we will see another within a year.

[villages07]

VCR/DVD recording will become a thing of the past or so difficult, you will have to really preplan your recording habits if you like to record on DVDs/VHS tapes.



Z ... I'm afraid you are right. My DVD/VCR combo just died so I was looking to replace it with a DVR, with a hard disk, that can record in HD and doesn't require a monthly fee. From my limited research so far, it looks like you have to rent Comcast's DVR box to be able to record in HD (and it doesn't appear to play DVDs). I don't record enough shows to justify a monthly expense.

Anybody else have any suggestions?

[Skip]

Got my second notice today, saying it's time to get a digital box. Still the change over is months away.

Skip

[zcaveman]

Got my second notice today, saying it's time to get a digital box. Still the change over is months away.

Skip

Did they give you a date? Except for the Infinity commercial on TV I have seen nothing.

Z

[Skip]

Did they give you a date? Except for the Infinity commercial on TV I have seen nothing.

Z

No, they won't give you a date. Depends on the region. Probably when 90+% have converted, then they'll switch over. On that day 10% of their customer base will call and complain "my TV service is out". They want to minimize that call volume, so when 90-95% of the customers are ready, they'll switch because most of the ones that ignore the warning will get upset and drop Comcast mainly because they can't get through to Customer Service. In fact I'll bet Comcast calls those lax customers on the phone and talk to them personally before it actually happens. The switch will be done slowly over the entire US, region by region probably starting in the north and working south to where the "slower people live". Direct TV and Dish Network will be ready to pounce on Comcast customers on that day and Comcast knows it. I'm glad we have choices and that should keep fees low but ALL the TV providers keep raising their fees every year and a lot more than the CPI.

You know that FREE digital set top box and FREE digital adapters for two other sets plus all those FREE movies they offer now? - They won't be free forever!

Once the analog signal is removed entirely, there'll be a lot more bandwidth for lots more stations (for an added fee of course).

Skip

[getdul981]

We went to Leesburg Comcast office yesterday to exchange a non-working DVR for (as it turns out) another non-working DVR. While we were there, I picked up 2 of the digital converter boxes. I asked about another one for when I need it in the garage. The lady told me that it would be $1.99, but if I didn't get it, I could still get channels 2 through 22 just with the cable. I may just do that when the time comes.

I mentioned that we were having troubles with the HD signal dropping periodically. She said we may have a weak signal and set us up for a tech to come by on Saturday. Last night, after I realized that the "new" DVR wasn't working, I did an on-line chat with the rep. and asked her to have the tech bring a working DVR on Saturday to swap out the "new" non working DVR.

[Skip]

We went to Leesburg Comcast office yesterday to exchange a non-working DVR for (as it turns out) another non-working DVR. While we were there, I picked up 2 of the digital converter boxes. I asked about another one for when I need it in the garage. The lady told me that it would be $1.99, but if I didn't get it, I could still get channels 2 through 22 just with the cable. I may just do that when the time comes.

I mentioned that we were having troubles with the HD signal dropping periodically. She said we may have a weak signal and set us up for a tech to come by on Saturday. Last night, after I realized that the "new" DVR wasn't working, I did an on-line chat with the rep. and asked her to have the tech bring a working DVR on Saturday to swap out the "new" non working DVR.


Let us know how you made out.

Skip

[dwbevan]

Where online do you order the digital boxes? I can't find it.

[villages07]

Where online do you order the digital boxes? I can't find it.

https://digitalnow.comcast.com/

Put in your account number to the right of the "let's get started" dice/cube.

[Bubbalarry]

I just ordered DTA boxes online. Two were free and the third is $1.99 a month plus associated taxes. I think I might need another one but I wil wait and see how these do.

The 1st 3 are free

[Bubbalarry]

Where online do you order the digital boxes? I can't find it.


https://digitalnow.comcast.com/

[zcaveman]

The 1st 3 are free

According to the invoice when I ordered the three, the third one is $1.99 a month plus taxes.

The letter I read from a friend in Scranton when he converted was two free ones and the rest were $1.99 each.

[zcaveman]

I am really getting confused with some of the things I am reading about this conversion. One poster said we would still get 2-99 without the adapter. One other said channels 2-22. I asked a friend in Scranton who has gone through this conversion to remove the adapter and see what happened and all he got was snow.

They are advertising the XFINITY commercial on TV but it does not say much. I cannot seem to get a real date out of anyone at Comcast. They cannot even tell me when the letter will be sent.

I really hate to dumb down my TVs too far ahead of time. Sure the picture is better and I get more channels but now I sometimes need two remotes to do the work of one.

I guess time will tell.

[getdul981]

Let us know how you made out.

Skip

The tech came on Sat. and actually arrived about 4:05 PM. He checked the signal strength and said that everything seemd to be normal. He then came in and did a reprogram of the "new" DVR and told me that should fix the problem. Guess what!! Didn't do it. He brought in another unit from the van and it works just fine. He was so shocked when his reprogramming didn't fix the first one.

Now I just have to call Comcast and have them sync this new DVR so I can program this DVR with my computer and my Droid.

[getdul981]

I am really getting confused with some of the things I am reading about this conversion. One poster said we would still get 2-99 without the adapter. One other said channels 2-22. I asked a friend in Scranton who has gone through this conversion to remove the adapter and see what happened and all he got was snow.

They are advertising the XFINITY commercial on TV but it does not say much. I cannot seem to get a real date out of anyone at Comcast. They cannot even tell me when the letter will be sent.

I really hate to dumb down my TVs too far ahead of time. Sure the picture is better and I get more channels but now I sometimes need two remotes to do the work of one.

I guess time will tell.

Zman - the new remotes that you get with the little digital box operates your TV also. (after programming it) Of course if you have a VCR or something like that hooked up, you'll need a remote for that.

[CTgolfer]

If you installed wall-mounted TV's, and you hid the wires behind the wall, be prepared to pay an audio video person to install the DTA's. Our wall-mounted TV's had an outlet with one plug behind the TV. You will need a two plug outlet for the DTA. In addition, the plug for the DTA requires the TV to be extended further from the wall.

We installed the two free DTA's and we have a third TV without the DTA. Currently, the TV without the DTA is getting all the channels it did before. However, it is our understanding when they "officially" go all digital we will lose many of the channels if we don't have the DTA.

[getdul981]

Currently, the TV without the DTA is getting all the channels it did before. However, it is our understanding when they "officially" go all digital we will lose many of the channels if we don't have the DTA.

Correct, but if you don't get the extra DTA, you will still be able to get channels 2 through 22, if that's any consolation.

[zcaveman]

Zman - the new remotes that you get with the little digital box operates your TV also. (after programming it) Of course if you have a VCR or something like that hooked up, you'll need a remote for that.

Unless you need to use real TV remote for any of the Menu functions (Sleep is one) or the Input button to switch to different inputs for the TV. For only one of the three TVs using the DTA boxes have I not needed the real remote.

I have not even attempted to put a DTA box on the TV in the living room that has multiple inputs and extra bells and whistles. I am waiting to order that box for whenever they actually give us a date.

[getdul981]

Yeah ZMan, I forgot about those features. We always need to keep the original remotes handy just in case we need to make some adjustments.

[dwbevan]

So if I am understanding correctly - you need these DTA boxes even if you have HD TV and service? I am soooooo . . . confused. I thought the new TV's were supposed to take care of everything! Thank you for the information - I think. I am really lost and usually I am able to stay on top of these things. Hubby is still trying to figure out the original clickers so you all are my only hope.

[Mikeod]

So if I am understanding correctly - you need these DTA boxes even if you have HD TV and service? I am soooooo . . . confused. I thought the new TV's were supposed to take care of everything! Thank you for the information - I think. I am really lost and usually I am able to stay on top of these things. Hubby is still trying to figure out the original clickers so you all are my only hope.


I believe you only need a DTA on those TVs that are connected directly into the wall. If you have a cable box (standard, HD, or HD/DVR) you don't need a DTA for that TV.

[RayB]

I have a relatively new TV which is listed as HD and Digital. It is connected by cable from the TV to the cable connection in the wall. Since it is digital am I correct that I won't need the cable box offered at no charge by Comcast when Comcast converts to Digital?

[jimmemac]

We went through the hd crap about a year ago here in Md. When the switch occurred most stations were hd but some took up to 6 months to switch. We were allowed 1 big box and 2 small ones for free so you are lucky if you get 2 bigs ones for free. Yes all TV's will need a box no matter how new or old they are to get true Hd-if you like football just wait till it is Hd-it will be the best picture and sound ever.

[Skip]

Yes all TV's will need a box no matter how new or old they are to get true Hd-

Sorry - Not true. I've been getting HD network stations for years and no box. It's on the cable now and if your tuner is QAM, you don't have to pay for HD - just let the TV find the channels by itself in self setup.

Skip

[villages07]

Skip...yep, that works now,but from what I've read and heard, when Comcast goes to an all digital signal, QAM HD will no longer work. You will have to have either a set top box or the DTA adapter to get any kind of picture and 2-1, 6-1 will no longer work.

Time will tell......

[under55]

I requested my 2 free DTA adapters online. They were at my front door 2 days later. They are hooked up now and work fantastic. Getting lots of channels I didn't get. Only drawback you cannot lock out channels you know you dont want to watch while channel surfing.

[Skip]

Skip...yep, that works now,but from what I've read and heard, when Comcast goes to an all digital signal, QAM HD will no longer work. You will have to have either a set top box or the DTA adapter to get any kind of picture and 2-1, 6-1 will no longer work.

Time will tell......

I'm not sure about that. I'm thinking the worst would be you might need to stick a CableCard in.

I believe federal law is: you can't scramble an HD local content station on cable if HD is being broadcast (over the air) in your area. And Orlando is our area. Stations like Discovery-HD are another matter.

Channels 6.1, 9.1 and 2.1 ARE digital channels. Been there for years. Comcast makes you believe you have to pay for ALL HD - and that's not true.

We'll see in a few months.

Skip

[l2ridehd]

Skip I believe your correct about the law, but that is why comcast is giving you the boxes and not charging you for them. So you will need them. I so really dislike doing business with them. I wish there was a good alternative. Direct TV and Dish network forces you to run an extra cable for there HD service and I have way to many wires now. Someone needs to find a better way then comcast for TV and internet.

[senior citizen]

Does anyone know when local Comcast plans to make the switch to all digital??? I had heard September'ish at one time but haven't seen anything in writing from them.

You will need to have a Comcast set top box or DTA (Digital TV Adaptor) on each TV. I recently logged in to my Comcast account and ordered 2 DTAs for my 2 TVs that don't have boxes. These were free and are being shipped to me.

Supposedly, when the conversion to all digital is complete, Comcast will be able to expand and enhance programming. Anybody out there in nonVillages-land already been through this conversion? Any noticeable improvements?

Yes, I could visit the local office or try to call them, but, thought perhaps someone on the forum might already have the answer. TIA.


Obviously do NOT know about The Villages Comcast timetable, but in Vermont Comcast began notifying all of us a year before they finally did it; then they took forever to send the convertor or whatever......in the interim, we decided to "lower our bills" ha ha......and go with DIRECT TV satellite dish on the house. After we did that, we got the Comcast converter and speaking on the phone with the rep, she told us that "Had we known your reception was so poor, etc. we would have sent out a man to service it".

We do LOVE Direct TV, however, our bills obviously went up as you have to "rent" the four DVR's??? Not sure what they are called. It depends on how many rooms you have t.v. in............also, after seeing the High Definition television on our not so old sets..........he decided to go out and buy four flat screen very large t.v.'s..........and the "package" monthly for Direct TV is much higher than Comcast who we thought was overcharging us..................not sure if you get Direct TV or DishTV in TheVillages, but one last note............although we love it, everytime we have a thunder storm which has been every other day this summer..........we lose our signal to the satellite...............something we never had a problem with while having Comcast..............I know this is "off topic" but just thought I'd ask in a roundabout way...............can you get satellite TV in The Villages.....??

[Skip]

Obviously do NOT know about The Villages Comcast timetable, but in Vermont Comcast began notifying all of us a year before they finally did it; then they took forever to send the convertor or whatever......in the interim, we decided to "lower our bills" ha ha......and go with DIRECT TV satellite dish on the house. After we did that, we got the Comcast converter and speaking on the phone with the rep, she told us that "Had we known your reception was so poor, etc. we would have sent out a man to service it".

We do LOVE Direct TV, however, our bills obviously went up as you have to "rent" the four DVR's??? Not sure what they are called. It depends on how many rooms you have t.v. in............also, after seeing the High Definition television on our not so old sets..........he decided to go out and buy four flat screen very large t.v.'s..........and the "package" monthly for Direct TV is much higher than Comcast who we thought was overcharging us..................not sure if you get Direct TV or DishTV in TheVillages, but one last note............although we love it, everytime we have a thunder storm which has been every other day this summer..........we lose our signal to the satellite...............something we never had a problem with while having Comcast..............I know this is "off topic" but just thought I'd ask in a roundabout way...............can you get satellite TV in The Villages.....??

You can get satellite TV anywhere in the world you have power, pretty much. Even ships at sea can pull in satellite TV, although not many stations. Maybe at the two poles you only get "snow" - but it's pretty to watch! :p

To answer your question both Direct TV and Dish Network will mail you an "unbeatable offer" about every other day if you live in The Villages - financial services people do it daily and even buy you lunch.

Just threaten to switch to a TV competitor and watch your rates drop for a year. :thumbup:

Skip

[Skip]

Has anyone switched to satellite and insist on NO CONTRACT? How far did you get?

Skip