[mythtv-users] Nasty shock with Comcast Chicago

[Dewey Smolka]

Non-digital not really non-digital

I don't know if anyone else has seen this, but it came as a nasty
surprise to me.

I signed up for Basic Extended service from Comcast Chicago (Zone NW
2&3). I told them on the phone several times while ordering that I was
only interested in analog service, not digital, and that I had my own
tuning devices and wouldn't need a converter.

The tech came out to activate the line and the Comcast default channel
(4) came up just fine going straight into my television. I didn't
imagine there would be any problem since the analog channels would be
open and I'd be able to tune them with my PVR-250 and/or television
with integrated tuner.

Only that didn't happen. Turns out it's a new thing with Comcast
Chicago that only the Really Basic Channels are actually analog. The
'extended' channels (including all the ad-supported networks you
watch) are actually digital, and you can't get them with your PVR
cards without a converter box.

The first call to Comcast after the installation got me a call-back
from the tech, who explained that the extended channels were, in fact,
digital even though I had asked for analog service. I wouldn't be able
to get the channels without their converter. The one he left behind is
the size of a briefcase and hums in B flat.

The sticky part is that the 'extended' channels are not under the
digital plans, and the work order the tech left behind called for a
'non-digital install'. I had asked for and been sold an analog package
that was in fact digital. All the channels in question were 2 through
around 90 or so. Analog bands.

After maybe four calls to Comcast support, during three of which I
made vague threats of calling the FCC and the Chicago Cable
Commission, I finally got to speak to some actual managers. They
couldn't give me a good answer why non-digital channels were actually
digital other than that "the whole world's going digital".

I complained that the whole reason why I had bought analog cable was
so I could use my equipment to change the channels. Their converter
box gave me no way other than the remote to set channels, etc. I

They did, however, agree to give me one of their Motorola HD boxes
with a serial port, firewire port and component outs for six months
free (after it's $5/mo. I've got an HD set but no HD card; I do have a
firewire card that I've never tried). They also agreed to refund the
$50 they had charged for lighting the cable line, only there would be
another install charge of $15 for the HD box.

Not the best deal I know, but the Olympic Hockey starts on Wednesday
and my wife will be extremely disapointed if I don't record all of
Slovakia's games.

Does anyone know if Comcast is actually allowed to do this? Can they
sell a 'non-digital' service that is in fact digital, or to move the
lower bands to digital at all? I know those broadcast bands are being
squeezed out but broadcast isn't cable.

The new box should get here Tuesday morning. How does one go about
controlling through serial or firewire? I imagine I'll need the box
model number but where would I find a driver or script that could set
the channel?

If I'm using firewire to send commands, can I also use it capture HD
signals (assuming some are coming through) at the same time? How (in
general terms)?

I'm very curious if anyone else has seen this with his or her cable
company. Is the usefulness of the analog tuner at an end?

Just thought I'd share.