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Bluerauder
05-27-2011, 05:45 PM
I don't need digital. I didn't ask for digital. Got a notice on my TVs earlier this week that unless I picked up the "new" digital adapters, some of the channels might not work. Crap.

I called the service center and ordered the digital adapters and my wife went over to pick them up on Wednesday morning. After waiting in line for 20 minutes, everyone was told to come back at Noon when they would have a fresh supply of adapters. She went back a little after noon and again stood in a line for 20 minutes until a "different" employee came out to say that the expected delivery would not be in until after 3:00 PM. She did not go back again that day after wasting 2 trips and a couple hours.

She went back today to pick up the adapters and was told that they didn't have any. She went BALLISTIC (not an easy thing to imagine if you know my wife). Then the guy "recognized" her from the Wednesday episode and said he would take care of her. Apparently, they DID have some of the adapters in the back.

Tonight I installed two of the adapters per the instructions and called the set up line. This all took about 30 or so minutes. Then the downstairs unit started to have problems ..... I get an error message on the ONLY channel that I ever watch. The other 100+ channels are fine ...... the ONE that I watch 95% of the time is screwed up. Channel 44 Turner Classic Movies .... and I don't even need to see movies from 1939 in digital format. It was FINE the way it was BEFORE. Now I have been upgraded .... and can't see it at all.

After spending nearly 45 minutes on the phone with the computer helpline and then a REAL HUMAN BEING, they were unable to fix the problem. In addition, the digital adapter was displaying a black bar message across all the channels that did work .... so those were pretty much screwed too.

The service guy said that I could go back to the Comcast center and pick up a replacement box ..... No frickin' way am I gonna make a 4th trip for this crap. So, I told him to mail it to me. :rolleyes: When it arrives, I'll have to go through the set up process all over again. Apparently my time is not a consideration. Wait til they get my bill.

What ******** :bs: for a service that I didn't want and didn't ask for. Why can't I opt out of the chickenshit upgrades that are ONLY geared to make more money and offer me crap that I don't want. :mad:

I am NOT HAPPY with Xfinity or Comcast. Customer service appears to be low on their list of priorities. ..... I could be looking at Direct TV soon.

MM03MOK
05-27-2011, 05:57 PM
You have a PM.

Bluerauder
05-27-2011, 06:01 PM
You have a PM.

Not yet..............

MM03MOK
05-27-2011, 06:03 PM
Not yet..............
I posted that before I typed and sent it. ;) You should have it now.

Bluerauder
05-27-2011, 06:24 PM
I posted that before I typed and sent it. ;) You should have it now.

Got it. Thanks.

PonyUP
05-28-2011, 09:11 AM
FWIW Blue, I got Direct TV about 9 years ago and love it and have found both in California and Chicago that it was actually cheaper than cable, especially if you are just getting the regular channels, which will include TCM. And it's free equipment and free install in most areas.

Cable companies have been sticking it to us for years charging premiums for NFL channel and in California they even wanted to make ESPN a pay channel.

None of that happens with Direct TV. And it doesn't go out everytime it gets cloudy like some people will say. Mine has gone out a total of 7 times in 9 years, and never for more than 15 minutes. All of those were during violent storms.

Just my two cents. My Dad went through this digital upgrade crap and had a similar experience. I wish you luck :beer:

Bigdogjim
05-28-2011, 09:24 AM
Yeah Charlie sometimes the "upgrades" are a pain in the azz. I been with Direct TV for 15 years and will never switch:)

Only once during a really bad snowo storm I have picture problems for a few minutes on and off, no big deal.

Bluerauder
05-28-2011, 09:37 AM
Yeah Charlie sometimes the "upgrades" are a pain in the azz.

I know that digital is supposed to be a higher quality and provide better resolution so you have enough detail to pick up the blemishes in your favorite actor's/actresses skin. But digital comes with transmission issues that are quite annoying .... like when the "picture" locks up and the sound continues. Then the picture resets about 1-2 seconds later. This seems to happen all too frequently to me ... about every 10-15 minutes. How utterly annoying. I'd rather NOT see the blemishes and just have a continuous picture. This sure seems like a 1-step forward and 2-steps back improvement. Of course, I'll pay $1.99 per box per month for the inconvenience.

rayjay
05-28-2011, 09:51 AM
Hmmm, never have these issues with Time Warner. Guess I'm lucky because other than them or satellite. I have no choice. Satellite doesn't work real well here due to our proclivity for winter weather 6 months of the year. My inlaws do nothing but biatch about it. They have no choice but the dish.

MM03MOK
05-28-2011, 10:18 AM
I know that digital is supposed to be a higher quality and provide better resolution so you have enough detail to pick up the blemishes in your favorite actor's/actresses skin. But digital comes with transmission issues that are quite annoying .... like when the "picture" locks up and the sound continues. Then the picture resets about 1-2 seconds later. This seems to happen all too frequently to me ... about every 10-15 minutes. How utterly annoying. I'd rather NOT see the blemishes and just have a continuous picture. This sure seems like a 1-step forward and 2-steps back improvement. Of course, I'll pay $1.99 per box per month for the inconvenience.

Charlie, if this is a constant issue (freeze frame), that tells me there are signal strength issues. Please call 800-COMCAST and request a truck roll. Maybe your drop or fittings need to be replaced. It is not normal to experience issues that frequently. Give Comcast a chance to identify and resolve the issue. TNX

Bunny
Senior Manager of Government and Regulatory Affairs
Comcast

ctrlraven
05-28-2011, 01:05 PM
I've had Comcast for about 9 years now. Only problems I've had was when something was wrong on their side.

boatmangc
05-28-2011, 05:19 PM
I switched to Comcast in December from 6 years with Dish Network just to save a few bucks.
New drop, instant trouble, so far 6 different service techs, nonstop issues. Can't send email without several tries, Major pixellation and skips. Now the phone crashes when it rains.
One tech says its on the pole, the next one sez its in the house.

If I had it to do over again I would have stayed with Dish and AT&T's slowazz internet. at least they were dependable.
$100 bucks a months less for sketchy service and sketchier techs. FAIL!

rayjay
05-28-2011, 06:12 PM
I switched to Comcast in December from 6 years with Dish Network just to save a few bucks.
New drop, instant trouble, so far 6 different service techs, nonstop issues. Can't send email without several tries, Major pixellation and skips. Now the phone crashes when it rains.
One tech says its on the pole, the next one sez its in the house.

If I had it to do over again I would have stayed with Dish and AT&T's slowazz internet. at least they were dependable.
$100 bucks a months less for sketchy service and sketchier techs. FAIL!

Not to slam Comcast, but when I had these issues with TW they replaced everything in the house, outside and across the street to the next block where they finally found the problem. OLD EQUIPTMENT, could not.handle the load. Everything has been good since 2008.

Bigdogjim
05-28-2011, 06:24 PM
Tell you the truth Direct TV customer service is really top notch! Always been able to clear up any issues with one short phone call:)

Wehn they went digital a few years back the call and said were are upgrading your roof antenna at no cost:up: Even though We did get the full package.

IF 50 years some "adult" told one day you would "pay" almost $100. to watch TV I would wondered which funny farm they were just released from:)

boatmangc
05-28-2011, 06:41 PM
Tell you the truth Direct TV customer service is really top notch! Always been able to clear up any issues with one short phone call:)

Wehn they went digital a few years back the call and said were are upgrading your roof antenna at no cost:up: Even though We did get the full package.

IF 50 years some "adult" told one day you would "pay" almost $100. to watch TV I would wondered which funny farm they were just released from:)

Almost $100
You must have basic service, I switched from Dish when the bill reached $200
With that and a $100 phone bill the Xfinity @ $170 a month it is a decent savings.
But not so much, I am trying to watch some stuff I TIVO'd this weekend and so far everything I have watched has blank spots and pixellation.

All this on a 2 year contract, not lovin it.

TAKEDOWN
05-29-2011, 11:58 AM
I left comcast for DirecTV, they were expensive and to top it off their customer service... SUCKS! I'm happy with DirecTV and have been with them for approximately 8 years.

Bigdogjim
05-29-2011, 03:49 PM
Yes I have base service, I not home to watch TV all night:)

Plus nothing really good on anymore.

boatmangc
05-29-2011, 04:10 PM
Yes I have base service, I not home to watch TV all night:)

Plus nothing really good on anymore.
Believe you me, I am not home all night for TV either but, I do like to watch shows when I have the time.
You have to have the premium channels to get any quality programming anymore.

PonyUP
05-29-2011, 04:15 PM
Believe you me, I am not home all night for TV either but, I do like to watch shows when I have the time.
You have to have the premium channels to get any quality programming anymore.

On Direct TV you get everything pretty much except the pay channels. I Tivo a bunch of stuff and watch it late at night as I am headed to bed, or in the morning before work.

I haven't seen a commerical on a TV show in more than a decade :D

boatmangc
05-29-2011, 06:09 PM
GRRR,
Just spent the last 30 minutes trying to get help, seems everything i have recorded on my TIVO has skips and pixellation.
6 service trips so far.
Can't wait for contract to run out!!

Mr. Man
05-30-2011, 06:39 PM
We scrapped all TV suppliers a few years ago and got Netflix. Great service and if you get a damaged disc they send one out the next day. Now a lot of movies are streaming and as far as current shows we are a season behind which is no biggie. We get the news from Sirius radio.

If all your watching Charlie is old Betty Grable movies give Netflix a try.:)

guspech750
05-30-2011, 06:48 PM
Comcast, most of it's employees and executives should be burned at the stake!!

We are very happy with our Dish network. Only has gone out for a few minutes during very severe weather.
Love our Netfilx too. Just signed up with Netfix a few months ago and it has made me think of getting rid of our dish since we use Netfilx so much.

Sent from my iPhone
Go White Sox!!!

MM03MOK
05-30-2011, 06:52 PM
Comcast, most of it's employees and executives should be burned at the stake!!


I don't think I'd taste very good after the flames went out. :rolleyes:

:eek:
;)

rayjay
05-31-2011, 08:42 AM
I don't think I'd taste very good after the flames went out. :rolleyes:

:eek:
;)

I was wondering how well that would go over. :P

Seems all cable/dish networks have their problems. I would like to see some competition between them. Say both ComCast & TW in our town and let them fight it out for customers. Once a company is in here, they are are here for life it seems. Once they are the only game in town, they stop caring. TW has all but run the phone co out of business here for land lines. I don't see something like FIOS ever coming to our area, to exspensive to install out in the booneys, so TW has a monopoly. Its just a matter of time before their service starts to degrade because they don't care. The dish co's do give em a run for their money though, but thats only on TV. Here, I'll make ya sick, I pay $123.03 per month for HD TV/Unlimited Internet/Unlimited phone. From what I've read here thats not bad. AND weather related interruptions are almost non extistent, not true for my inlaws who have a dish and do nothing but complain about it and get wazzued for phone and internet. Still, its a major improvement from when I 1st moved here in the early 80's and people still had party lines for phone and the phone rang off the wall everytime it rained... TV, ya channels 3,5, and 9 out of da Cuse, if you can get them.

tbone
05-31-2011, 09:02 AM
I have AT&T U-verse. LOVE it!

PonyUP
05-31-2011, 10:13 AM
I don't think I'd taste very good after the flames went out. :rolleyes:

:eek:
;)

Nonsense Mary, you'd go great with some Farva Beans and a nice Chianti :lol:

MM03MOK
05-31-2011, 10:41 AM
Honestly, if I can help anyone with Comcast, I will. I have in the past and will gladly do so again. But best to contact me directly to solve your issue.

TAKEDOWN
05-31-2011, 03:16 PM
I don't think I'd taste very good after the flames went out. :rolleyes:

:eek:
;)

Who said anything about well done? I like my Bunnies medium-rare... Thank you!
:lol:

Baaad GN
06-01-2011, 08:05 PM
I had Comcast and never liked them, customer service is a word they never heard about but I had an option, WOW TV. What a major difference, they seem to actually care!!!!! Imagine that! I also have Direct TV at my summer home, it's on an Island so no cable offered and it's excellent also! *(*&^$$&&%^$#^&& Comcast!

MM03MOK
06-01-2011, 08:33 PM
If this can be a constructive, informative or enlightening conversation, I'll leave the thread open. If this is a bash-fest without substance, I'm closing it. If you have a specific issue with Comcast, give me the opportunity to fix it off-line.

Bluerauder
06-02-2011, 04:32 AM
If this can be a constructive, informative or enlightening conversation, I'll leave the thread open. If this is a bash-fest without substance, I'm closing it. If you have a specific issue with Comcast, give me the opportunity to fix it off-line.

Mary .... you can lock it if you wish. I just needed to vent my frustration at the time and the thread has served its purpose from my standpoint.

Mr. Man
06-02-2011, 07:34 AM
Mary .... you can lock it if you wish. I just needed to vent my frustration at the time and the thread has served its purpose from my standpoint.
I guess Lillian Gish is back on:lovies2::D

rayjay
06-02-2011, 09:21 AM
I guess Lillian Gish is back on:lovies2::D
Who? :confused:

TAKEDOWN
06-02-2011, 11:17 AM
I complained to DirecTV about having older boxes that don't work properly and told them I believe there are better deals out. The retention department told me they were gonna take care of me and as I'm typing now they're installing a new home package that includes 3 hd/dvr boxes, 3 regular updated boxes, and updated satellite dish free of charge. Also included are several discounts on monthly bill as long as I agreed to continue to be their customer for 2 more years, which is fine by me, excellent customer service... :D. Been with them for 8 years and looking forward to making it 10!

VetteVega
06-28-2011, 04:18 PM
They're also lowly ranked on besttvforme.com. I’m still with DISH Network after my research there and I just started working in one of their call centers. I’ve had no reason to complain and no reason to want to switch to another provider.

FordNut
06-28-2011, 05:06 PM
Personally, I despise digital TV, no matter who is providing it. It is always pixellated and the sound is out of sync with lip movement. Give me some good old analog with a snowy picture any day!

Bluerauder
06-28-2011, 05:14 PM
Personally, I despise digital TV, no matter who is providing it. It is always pixellated and the sound is out of sync with lip movement. Give me some good old analog with a snowy picture any day!

After a month of dealing with this issue .... I still can't get Channel 8, 27 or 44 on one TV. The others are fine. So I am missing News8, The Weather Channel (TWC), and Turner Classic Movies (TCM) on the kitchen TV and the wife ain't happy. Can't get a service technician out until next Wednesday. I suspect that I am not the only one having these "upgrade" issues.

What I can't figure out is why I haven't received my Customer Satisfaction Survey asking how the digital conversion went. They probably already know my answer. :mad:

HammerDown
06-28-2011, 05:21 PM
After a month of dealing with this issue .... I still can't get Channel 8, 27 or 44 on one TV. The others are fine. So I am missing News8, The Weather Channel (TWC), and Turner Classic Movies (TCM) on the kitchen TV and the wife ain't happy. Can't get a service technician out until next Wednesday. I suspect that I am not the only one having these "upgrade" issues.

What I can't figure out is why I haven't received my Customer Satisfaction Survey asking how the digital conversion went. They probably already know my answer. :mad:


And this is Comcast? Bummer--so far we have had good service.........

DEFYANT
06-28-2011, 07:04 PM
My only gripe with Comcast is the price. Service seems to be fine. Though this discussion has us chatting about a dish now. Once we subscribe, we'd also have it with us on road trips in the RV...

RF Overlord
06-28-2011, 07:32 PM
I still can't get Channel 8, 27 or 44 on one TV. The others are fine. So I am missing News8, The Weather Channel (TWC), and Turner Classic Movies (TCM) on the kitchen TV. Charlie, do those three channels work correctly on any TV in your house? If so, the problem is with the internal wiring in your home. Digital signals are much less forgiving of any kind of damage, kinks, poorly made fittings, Radio Shack splitters, etc.

The reason I'm asking is because Comcast only owns the wiring up to what is called the "demarc"...that is the point at which the drop from the street to the house gets grounded and becomes "in-home" wiring. If the signals are making to any set, then the part of the wiring owned by Comcast (or any cable provider) is working.

Time was that the cable companies owned ALL the wiring and were responsible for its maintenance. A number of years ago our wonderful FCC decreed that the homeowner now owns, and is responsible for, all the wiring from the demarc in. Please understand that I'm not saying Comcast should not make every effort to provide proper service, but it's no longer as simple as saying "fix it or else". I guarantee that if you had Direct TV or Dish, they would not service the wiring in your home for free, either. If you called them and the problem was anything other than the box, they would quote you a price to have them fix it.


If you can't get those channels on ANY TV in your home, then it's Comcast's responsibility all the way and disregard the above.

Bigdogjim
06-28-2011, 08:14 PM
My only gripe with Comcast is the price. Service seems to be fine. Though this discussion has us chatting about a dish now. Once we subscribe, we'd also have it with us on road trips in the RV...

I would look into DriectTV:) Been with over 15 years and customer service is best I have found:up:

I just blasted Verzion today as I have intermitted phone service, they keep telling me the problem is in my house I tell tell them I don't give a crap just fix it! I asked the Rep. on the phone "what do think is going on? I there a little mouse in my walls that every on and then moves a wire to knock out the phone sevice?" No response on his end, after a few seconds he said pick a time you wat a Teck out to your house tomorrow:help:

FordNut
06-28-2011, 08:19 PM
The real aggravating part is the wires, splitters, tv picture, no need for a stupid box, all that stuff was fine and customers were happy. Now we're forced into an "upgrade" that we didn't ask for or want and none of this stuff that we were perfectly happy with is adequate any more.

Bluerauder
07-06-2011, 05:54 PM
After 6 weeks and numerous phonecalls all over the Comcast landscape, I finally got my digital TV problem sorted out.

Seems I wasn't getting enough dBs to the kitchen TV. Signal strength was so low into the kitchen that barely any dBs ran out when the cable was disconnected. Seems my cable wiring was "antique". By antique I assume that means older than the technician. ;)

Apparently, over the years my signal had been split so many times that by the time it made it to the kitchen it was very weak. It wasn't noticeable with the analog signal .... but digital is less forgiving to weak signals.

The unnecessary splits were eliminated and I got some new high tech non-antique wire .... so I oughta be good until the next upgrade.

Now I gotta deal with my daughter's problem ... she lost Xfinity to her apartment last Friday. Tuesdays appointment never showed. Never called. Still no internet. She ain't happy now.

I really think Comcast has a customer relations issue. Maybe it is localized in this area. Don't know. That's JMHO.

Black Terror
07-06-2011, 06:08 PM
I really think Comcast has a customer relations issue. Maybe it is localized in this area. Don't know. That's JMHO.

It is not localized. Atlanta Metro area has same problems. Customer Relations sucks. I have had to use Comcast Executive Committee over 6 times with a changeover from ATT to Comcast Business Class. It was not a pleasant experience.

MM03MOK
07-06-2011, 07:22 PM
Charlie, if I can help with your daughter's service, please let me know.