12.30.2009
So, I was reading Consumerist.com today and noticed a post about an unfortunate experience between a customer and his modem/us. The insanity that happened here is going to probably end up popping up more and more often as we transition away from legacy devices and focus on the cool new stuff (D3!). Here is the link to the page with the information about the WHY
A few things that are helpful to know about the upgrade process:
- DOCSIS 1.0 and 1.1 modems are the only devices needing to be upgraded
- If you have a DOCSIS 2.0 modem, you're fine (unless you want super speeds)
- If you have a DOCSIS 3.0 modem, you're fine
- This does NOT apply to every region. If you have an EOL modem, you should receive notice via snail mail and/or email. We are doing this area by area, and I do not have a schedule of who's going to do this when. Don't freak out, just be prepared for the future! Plenty of notice for the bulk of you reading this.
A VERY HANDY PDF from CableLabs
This lists all cable modems (and EMTA's, but we're not talking about them) that CableLabs has certified. On the left side, it will state D1.0 D1.1 D2.0 D3.0. If it does NOT say D2.0 or D3.0 on the left, then your modem is not up to spec! Please note, this list does NOT mean these are OK on our network, but rather certified by the CableLabs folks. You can check to see if a modem is cool with us here.
If you're a customer leasing your modem from us, you can request a new modem using live chat, calling up, or visiting your friendly local comcast office (make sure they do equipment, though!).
If you OWN your modem and it is on the EOL list, you will need to lease a new device from us or purchase a new one. Suggestions I've been giving people are SB6120 (Motorola), DPC3000 (Scientific Atlanta), and U10C035 (Ubee/Ambit). These are ALL Docsis 3.0 modems. I figure, if you're going to drop the cash on a new modem, might as well make it one you won't have to upgrade for a long time. Remember to check the compatible equipment list before buying a modem! (I have not been paid to recommend anything. These are what we use.)
After all of this is said and done, you will need to call us to activate your equipment. If you bought a new modem, you will also need to give us the cable mac/HFC mac address and/or customer serial number from the device.
12.09.2009
Another day, another blog post, another cool thing to share with you guys!
We've soft launched (haven't made a big deal, basically) our new Comcast Secure Backup & Share service for our customers.
This is cool for those of you who need to put something 2gb and under "somewhere". Portable apps, maybe some pictures you wanted to share, documents, whatever! Here's some of the specifics from what I've been told so far:
Comcast Secure Backup and Share is an easy, secure, and reliable way to back up and share all of your important files. Now, you can access your files from anywhere with an Internet connection for easy sharing. You can download the Comcast Secure Backup and Share application and have convenient access to the Comcast Vault. Components of solution include:
- Comcast Secure Backup & Share PC application – downloaded to the PC during product registration. Used to backup files and restore files. Application can be downloaded on multiple PCs so that files from each computer can be backed up.
- Comcast Vault – Secure Online storage of backed up files. You can access their Comcast Vault through any Internet Connection for downloading or sharing.
Comcast Secure Backup & Share features include:
- Automatic backup can be scheduled
- Bandwidth throttling and block level incremental backups
- A secure online backup and storage utility
- An easy upload and retrieval mechanism
- Remote access to your files from any internet connection
- Ability to share content from the vault to family and friends
- Comcast High-Speed Internet subscription – Primary account must complete registration
- 133 MHz processor
- 64 MB RAM
- Windows 2000, XP, Vista SP1 or SP2, or Windows 7
- Either Internet Explorer 7 or later, Firefox 3.0 or later
- (No word on when there will be Mac support, sad to say!!!)
Accessibility
- You must be a Primary High-Speed internet subscriber to purchase the service.
- After purchase is made, any secondary can download the product. A secondary UID’s backed up content will contribute to overall storage purchased by primary, though the files will be stored in your own private vault.
- Each UID can download CSB&S desktop application to multiple PCs
- Due to copyright concerns, music files can be backed up, but not shared.
9.08.2009
In the past few weeks, we've been pushing out new code to our motorola set-top boxes (A28 i-guide). Features include:
- A new on-screen keyboard designed to make it easier/faster to type;
- "Folders" that will group your shows together (instead of 50 CSI's showing in the menu, you'd see CSI, CSI: Miami, Etc folders with a bazillion in each);
- Search and set recordings by actor, director or keyword from your cable box. Great if you love catching every show/performance from your favorite person!
- Have the option to switch to the HD version of a show (if available) right on the guide
- Order by Remote. Capability to watch HSN and order right from the screen (probably bad news for shopaholics!).
- And the big kicker....
I had the opportunity to check some of the new features out, and it's looking pretty cool! I hear that this is not what the final design will look like, but hey... it's still in testing! Got a few screenshots below for you.
I think we should all get together and have a party now. :)
7.23.2009
Like many of you, I received and email from Comcast earlier today with a big announcement for you sports fans. ESPN360 will be available starting August 4th (very soon!!) at http://www.comcast.net/360 . This is only available to Comcast Hi-Speed Internet subscribers. So make sure you're up to speed with your internet connections (hahaha, get it? up to SPEED? oh i'm horrible...). If you're having problems, let us know!
Remember, nobody likes a stinky internet connection. 75% of the issues I see with internet connections are NOT outage related. If your connection goes down frequently due to "outages" or you find yourself having to reset your modem more than once a month, we need to check it out for you. As always, we're here to help solve life's little cable problems :)
Now, if only we can solve life's little housing problems I'd be set! :P
7.09.2009
Here's a bit of news to start the day:
Starting today, Comcast will begin trialing a service in several markets called “Domain Helper,” which will impact approximately 3 million Comcast net subscribers. This service will be automatically turned on for customers who live in the following markets
* Portland
* Denver
* Houston
* Seattle
* North Arizona
* Utah
* New Mexico
Domain Helper causes a Comcast-customized error page to display, instead of a standard 404 error page, when a user misspells a website URL or types in any non-existent URL, for example http://www.comtcas.com. Most other major ISPs are providing this same service including Verizon, TWC, Cox, Charter and Earthlink.
Got a question about it? Thoughts? Let me know in the comments!
UPDATE: To Opt-Out of this service, go to https://dns-opt-out.comcast.net