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Seattle SuperSonics legend Gary Payton inducted into Basketball Hall of FameThe Basketball Hall of Fame ceremony in Springfield, Massachusetts Sunday had a certain Seattle.
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Inductee Gary Payton, left, speaks during the enshrinement ceremony for the 2013 class of the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame as Hall-of-Famer John Stockton, right, looks on at Symphony Hall in Springfield, Mass., Sunday, Sept. 8, 2013. (AP Photo/Steven Senne)
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The Antica Travel Collection is available in our exhilarating Grapefruit scent. Packaged in a gorgeous linen bag, this set includes 3oz bottles of Shampoo, Conditioner, Moisturizer and Body Wash, a 1.5oz bar soap and a 25ml Prosecco Room Spray. The perfect set for any travel opportunities.
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Editor's note: This story originally published in advance of the August primary. It has been updated to include information about the candidates who will appear on the Nov. 6 ballot. This article is part of the Missourian's 2012 general election voters guide.
VOTERS GUIDE 2012: Candidates for Missouri Treasurer
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Fluid Components International's (FCI) GF90 flare gas flowmeter
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Fluid Components International (FCI); 800/854-1993; www.fluidcomponents.com


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KENTUCKY (3/20/13) – This is your daily update of what has happened on this day in history.
The Great fire of Boston destroyed 349 buildings 253 years ago today.
Famed outlaw Jesse James and his gang robbed a bank in Russelville, KY 145 years ago today.
The first known intercollegiate basketball game (Yale VS Penn) took place 116 years ago today.
The first international figure-skating tournament held in the US took place in New Haven 99 years ago today.
Famed music group, The Supremes, released their hit song, "The Happening" 45 years ago today.
Joan Jett and the Blackhearts popular song, "I love Rock and Roll" went number 1 on the charts 31 years ago today.
Michael Jackson signed a 65 Million Dollar deal with Sony Records 22 years ago today.
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Taking Care of Your Small Lawn Is Easier Than Ever
You go to the garden center and see the enormous tractor-mowers. The gigantic bags of lawn food and seed. The big, cumbersome spreaders that defy storage solutions. And maybe you wonder, are you the only person in the world with a small lawn? The fact is, lawns have been getting smaller as new homes are built on smaller lots. Consequently, there are more tools and equipment designed for the smaller lawn.


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Barbara Walters, Harold Ford, Jr. and Bravo's Chris March
We could barely keep up with the steady stream of A-listers who poured into Michael's today. When we arrived a little before noon, there was a handful of power brokers quietly hunkering down to business over their Cobb salads in the back of the room. By the time Bravo's latest star, designer Chris March arrived with Jennifer Geisser, the network's senior vice president of communications, and publicist Alana McElroy, there was a palpable party vibe in the dining room. Late arrival Harold Ford, Jr. worked the room like nobody's business while social swans Muffie Potter Aston and Suzanne Johnson doled out air kisses like they were candy.
While it was a little hard to hear over the chattering crowd, I thoroughly enjoyed dishing with Chris, whose new show, Mad Fashion, premiered Tuesday night on Bravo. Chris, you might recall was a finalist on Project Runway. (Christian Siriano was the winner that season). His quirky couture and good natured personality ( gotta love that laugh!) made him a fan favorite. Chris tells me when Bravo's resident boy wonder, Andy Cohen, got wind he was shopping a show around, he got in touch with Chris and insisted Bravo see it first. The deal was done in a matter of days.
Unlike most of those ubiquitous Bravolebrities, Chris isn't into the fame game. "I didn't do either show to get famous," he tells me. "I did it to get to do the type of work I wanted to do." Things have worked out pretty well on that score. On the Wednesday before the I Heart Radio concert in Las Vegas, Chris got a call from Lady Gaga's office requesting he make something fabulous for her appearance at the show. In less than a week, he delivered the studded motorcycle cape she wore on stage. "That wouldn't have happened without being on television." Maybe, but the guy has definitely got it. This is the same man who made Meryl Streep's last Oscar dress at his kitchen table. His secret weapon: a drama-free attitude when dealing with people who live and die for style.


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This email contains graphics, so if you don't see them, view it in your browser. Please feel free to forward to a friend.
Play a game with your child & decide the different order that your clothing can be put on. Act out a story or part of a story after reading a book. Don't worry about getting the details accurate. Have fun together. Go on a nature walk. Talk about the different plants & trees you see. Talk about fall and look for different types and colors of leaves. Let your child feel the difference between a green leaf & other colors. Fill a small tub (shoebox size) with cornmeal, rice, or sand & bury small toys or items. Let your child look for them. When playing with baby or when changing diapers etc. make the extended vowel sounds of A, E, I, O & U. Give them time to respond. Listen when they begin to make sounds back to you. Repeat as long as they are willing to play.
Have you read Big Rig Bugs by Cyrus Kurt, T Is for Terrible by Peter McCarty or My Father Knows the Names of Things by Jane Yolen? What do these books have in common? They introduce new words or vocabulary to children. Big Rig Bugs is full of rhyming language while introducing different types of bugs and vehicles. T Is for Terrible introduces uncommon words we associate with food. My Father Knows the Names of Things shares the joy of a child who learns the names of the things around him/her as they travel through the day together.
Why is learning vocabulary an important pre-reading skill? According to the National Reading Council, vocabulary acquisition is one of the six pre-reading skills important for success in developing a lifelong reader. Children learn vocabulary when parents and caregivers talk to them, as well as, when they read aloud to them. Some children enter kindergarten exposed to lots of books and language experiences, while others begin school with a very limited knowledge of vocabulary. Research shows that children who fall behind in vocabulary acquisition are of significant risk for experiencing reading difficulties. While not as important in early development of reading skills, the number of words students have in their vocabulary by kindergarten predicts their reading comprehension in middle school.
Vocabulary acquisition happens in tiers or stages. Tier one consists of common vocabulary words that children hear every day such as blue, mom, dad, cat, or dog. Second tier words are more uncommon. They usually are more sophisticated terms associated with books and reading. These are content-rich words needed to form and understand concepts such as frigid for cold, trilling for singing and slithering for crawling. Tier three words are words limited to specific subject areas such as medicine and law. How do children learn these uncommon words? Reading to your child is the key to hearing these content-rich words. Children's picture books provide 30% of these rich words that children hear compared to the 17% they hear every day.
Jim Trelease says: "Children have to hear a word before they can speak it; they have to speak a word before they can read it; they have to read a word before they can write it."
Check out some of Jim Trelease's books.
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There are many excellent services available for families in the Pioneer Library System area. Three County Health Departments' Child Guidance Programs are available to all families in or within driving distance of the Norman, Moore, and Shawnee libraries. The Child Guidance Clinic Programs include child development, speech/language and behavioral health services.
One of the favorite services offered to families with children ages birth to 6 years is the Child Development service which is facilitated by the Child Development Specialist. Parents are encouraged to call and schedule an appointment to talk about child development and to have a developmental screening completed with their child. The developmental screens include activities that check how a child is doing in a variety of early skills, including fine motor, gross motor, speech and language, and personal social skills. The developmental screens are completed with the parents present and helping.
Following the screening, the results are given to the parents in a short form to keep, and can be shared by the parent to the child's doctor, child care giver, or preschool teacher to report the child's developmental progress. The Child Development Specialist will assist parents with fun and stimulating ideas for preparing children for the next phase in development. Information will be provided to help prepare a child for preschool, and public, private or home school programs. Their child's behavior is discussed to assist parents with any questions or concerns they may have.
A sliding scale fee may apply for the cost of a screening. Medicaid insurance payment is accepted. No one is refused this service due to inability to pay a fee. Call the number below for an appointment with the Child Development Specialist located closest to your home:
Recent research shows that most brain development takes place in the first three years of life. Think about that, the first three years! Children need many types of stimulation for their brains to develop fully.What You Can Do for Mental Development:
What You Can Do for Emotional Development:
What You Can Do for Physical Health:
Infant and toddler massage is easy to do, and great for soothing and strengthening the sensory system.
Click here for books on infant and toddler massage.
Pioneer Library System in Cleveland, McClain and Pottawatomie Counties. If you are no longer interested please at any time.
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Comcast-Beware of sneaky, added on charges.
Posted by
COLORADO -- When people write complaints against Comcast, I can sympathize with the original author, but at the same time, I've posted how well things go whenever we have had Comcast issues. Well today is my turn, to write a complaint.
On April 6, 2010, we had a technician come out to our home, again. We have had the ON-DEMAND service, since 2007. We have had Comcast, since 2000, when it was first called Adelphia, and service has been fine, until we ordered the ON-DEMAND service, which included the box. We have had nothing but touble with the box, in our family room, since 2007. They have always come out to our home, replaced the box, and things would work awhile, before the trouble, and many error messages begin. I started to think, maybe it was our TV, so we went and bought a new TV for the family room, in August of 2009. The technician came out, said the box was bad, and replaced it, again. We are very used to that. He was late, and they gave us a $20.00 credit, along with another 3 months of free HBO, due to all the issues this one box causes us. They have also tested the outside wiring, and it's all good. All the other digital boxes in the house work fine, so far anyway. I probably just jinxed us, by saying that.
Here is my complaint. I just went to pay my bill, and it was much higher than normal. I use the automated service, to pay by phone. I then take the option for a customer representative. She goes over my bill, and says, Oh, I see the extra charge, which is $29.99. I ask, what was that for? She says, oh for the service call on April 6, 2010. I ask why, after 3 years, and many many service calls are we being charged. She says they only charge for the service call, if the problem in on your end, and not with their equipment. I say, it was your equipment, again. The digital box was bad. How is that our fault?? She says, well for an added amount of $1.45 a month, you can get their service protection plan. I said, no thank you, I do not want that. The problems we have with Comcast are not on our end, it is due to their equipment. She was very nice and said she would credit us the $29.99, it would take up to 72 hours. I said thank you, and when I get the credit, I will pay my bill.
I think it was a sneaky charge that was added. I always check over my bills, because of things like this. I understand it was an error, on their part to charge me, I just wonder how many other people do not actually read their bills, just pay what the amount for the month is due.
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tnchuck100 on 05/08/2010:
Skye, this is also a good example of why people should not allow auto-pay. Something like this would stand a great chance of passing under the radar. Getting your money back is far more difficult than not allowing them to take whatever they want, whenever they want.
Skye on 05/08/2010:
Excellent advice as always chuck. I would never allow that auto-pay, and like you said, this is one good example for it. I still like to receive my bills in the mail, and then I check them over. I know I'm not talking about an big amount of money, but you add up taking $29.99, from thousands of customers, and it adds up to quite a bonanza!
raven2010 on 05/08/2010:
Good grief! Sounds like someone clearly entered wrong codes, causing you to be billed in error. What a way to add insult to injury!
clutzycook on 05/08/2010:
I just noticed that Comcast no longer has TLC or Lifetime. Glad to see all the Spanish language channels are intact, though. :/
Skye on 05/08/2010:
CC, we still have TLC channel 49, and Lifetime is channel 30. They did however, take away the Oxygen channel from me, which was channel 110.
Nohandle on 05/08/2010:
I, like you Skye, have had Comcast for ages and never a moment's trouble except that one time some screwball cut my internet service at the street by mistake. The mandate in my area for Digital TV has created problems for me beyond word. I have 4 TV's which might be a bit amusing since I seldom watch TV but was perfectly content with channels 2-99. The month of April around here was not very pleasant. Service call after service call. Technician after technician.
I've not received my new billing but certainly know what I was told it would be. When it arrives we'll just see.
Anonymous on 05/08/2010:
I was in a Comcast service area and had decent TV service but the internet service was a different story. HORRIBLE. Anyway, was excited when TWC took over the Comcast area because I had TW before and they were awesome. The honeymoon was short lived. Good review Skye, and Chuck you are absolutely right about NOT allowing auto pay!
clutzycook on 05/08/2010:
Skye, 49 is Spike and 30 is TV land. Oh well, neither were channels I watched with any real regularity.
Skye on 05/08/2010:
CC, have you tried calling them, and asking why the channels were dropped. I know when I called and asked about the oxygen channel, they told me I would have to upgrade again. WTH. Anyway, if you have ON-DEMAND, they have TLC and Lifetime in there, so if you watched any shows on those channels, they can sometimes be found there. Also, many Lifetime movies are there.
ok4now on 06/12/2010:
Living in Philly I had the Comcast triple play by default because it was the only game in town. Numerous problems, tech support sucks and the internet was horrible. Moved to the suburbs and now have Verizon FIOS. What a difference. It's pricey but I have no problems. Example: Both Comcast & Verizon advertise Fiber Optic service. Comcast lies. They have fiber optic to the pole then run a junk copper wire to your home for your HD TV that you just spent big bucks on. Verizon has a huge panel box in my garage for a true Fiber Optic connection. The HD TV is incredible. Dump Comcast.
sharpasice on 06/27/2010:
OOOOWWWW Comcast!!!! I have been having nothing but trouble with comcast BILLING for the last year....phone, internet & TV actually are great but their prices have been steadily increasing since Novemember of 2009 my bill has been steadily risen..from a low of about $120/mo to the present $245/mo!!! I have called and called to to avail..there's been NO change in either my equipment or programing to warrant the increases..when I call they don't care at all...last month the person I talked to ..literally laughed at me (!) and when I asked him for the retention dept or the dept to discontinue service..he laughed again and said haha you're stuck with me and guess what your bill is going up again next month..wait till you see it...WTH was that?!?!?!? WHAT KIND OF SERVICE IS THAT??? I HAVE been calling every month but I am not rude..I do not deserve this kind to treatment..AND I opted to do the survey AFTER the call ..where comcast calls you back...well they called me back alright..DURING the same call!!! During the call on Friday I was placed on hold for 20 mins then again for 40! then I was told ..well, we're busy! Gee I wonder why? Can't change CABLE companies in Chicago, cuz there are no other..only Satellite...which I have been researching for days and will be changing to as soon as possible..BTW I've been a customer of Comcast for about 15 years..they really don't give a damn.
acadian on 06/28/2010:
I had the same problem with Comcast. Every time I found charges that I should not have been billed for, I called them up and they took to the charges off my bill. I finally got so tired of their repeated problems that I went with Verizon FIOS!!
Carrie on 12/28/2013:
I have always had problems logging into Comcast to pay my bills. I found a useful tutorial and guide here: http://www.theguidemonster.com/www-comcast-com-how-to-pay-your-comcast-bill-online/ I do like the service that Comcast provides me and I have no complaints except for the issues I used to have with logging in.
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Request to upgrade to HDMI box? Good luck!
Posted by
CHATTANOOGA, TENNESSEE -- The following exchange is cut and pasted directly from an online chat session I had with Comcast customer service.
All I wanted to do was have Comcast come to my home to switch out our old non HDTV box for a new HDMI box.
Prior to this chat I had contacted Comcast online the day before with no resolution. I had also called Comcast to speak with a customer service rep, also to no avail.
The time I spent engaging Comcast on this issue is approximately 2 hours.
My personal chat information has been deleted for privacy reasons. Please forgive the typos. "Enjoy"....
user ROb_ has entered room
Rob(Wed Feb 27 10:51:02 EST 2008)>Place order
analyst Paul.25710 has entered room
Paul.25710(Wed Feb 27 10:51:05 EST 2008)>Hello ROb_, Thank you for contacting Comcast Live Chat Support. My name is Paul.25710. Please give me one moment to review your information.
Paul.25710(Wed Feb 27 10:51:12 EST 2008)>I will be happy to assist you with your questions today.
Paul.25710(Wed Feb 27 10:51:39 EST 2008)>May I have your Comcast account number please?
ROb_(Wed Feb 27 10:52:41 EST 2008)>Thanks. I'd like to place an online order for a DVMI box to be delivered to my home when available for swap out with our old cable box. we just bought a LCD HD TV and upgraded our service for that so we need the newer box. can you help me w that? I don't have my home bill but my home phone is xxx-xxx-xxxx
Paul.25710(Wed Feb 27 10:53:19 EST 2008)>Thank you for that information.
Paul.25710(Wed Feb 27 10:53:24 EST 2008)>For identification, could you please verify the last 4 digits of the social security number listed on the account?
ROb_(Wed Feb 27 10:53:31 EST 2008)>xxxx
Paul.25710(Wed Feb 27 10:53:44 EST 2008)>Thank you for that, Rob.
ROb_(Wed Feb 27 10:54:55 EST 2008)>OK
Paul.25710(Wed Feb 27 10:55:39 EST 2008)>Let me pull-up your records for me to be able to give out the right information for you. Okay.
ROb_(Wed Feb 27 10:55:58 EST 2008)>OK
Paul.25710(Wed Feb 27 10:57:14 EST 2008)>Rob, regarding your request what I want you to do is to personally visit your local office in your area so that they can see the box that you would like to replace.
ROb_(Wed Feb 27 10:57:31 EST 2008)>why?
Paul.25710(Wed Feb 27 10:57:42 EST 2008)>Do you know the address of your local office.
ROb_(Wed Feb 27 11:00:00 EST 2008)>yes. they have the box information on file. I am not going to unplug the box, drive to Comcast just so they can look at the box. we need an hdmi box what does it matter which box we have? doesn't Comcast have a record of the tuype box we have in its records.
Paul.25710(Wed Feb 27 11:01:50 EST 2008)>What I can do for you is to schedule a taechnician for you to insatall the box but I cannot assure you that the box you are requesting for is available in your local office.
ROb_(Wed Feb 27 11:03:19 EST 2008)>I know they don't have the boxes now that much we have figured out.
Paul.25710(Wed Feb 27 11:03:37 EST 2008)> So you really need to personally visit your local office to verify that the box that you are requesting for is available.
Paul.25710(Wed Feb 27 11:04:53 EST 2008)> Yes, we have a record of your boxes but we do not have a records of what model of boxes are available in your loval office.
ROb_(Wed Feb 27 11:07:27 EST 2008)>Do you know how ridiculous this exchange we are having is? This is a multibillion dollar company, and what you are telling me I cannot place an order to have an HDMI box delivered to my house when it becomes available from my local office. INstead, you are advising me to "take the box out to my local Comcast service provider -- a 45 minute round trip for me -- which doesn't include my time waiting in line etc. When I get there I will be told "we don't have those boxes in stock now." And then what? Come back another day?
Paul.25710(Wed Feb 27 11:10:23 EST 2008)>It would be best for you to call your local office for this issue like what I said I canschedule a technician for you but I cannot assure you that the box that you are requesting for is available.
ROb_(Wed Feb 27 11:11:33 EST 2008)>See, that is a great idea. ONly problem is there IS no local phone number for my Comcast service provider. Instead, when I call I get routed to a call center that tell me THEY do not have a way to contact my local service provider directly.
Paul.25710(Wed Feb 27 11:11:38 EST 2008)>As much as I would want to helpn you, Rob, I really am unable to grant your request as my resources through chat is limited.
Paul.25710(Wed Feb 27 11:11:55 EST 2008)>We are in a national call center.
ROb_(Wed Feb 27 11:13:31 EST 2008)>Right. You have other more important customers to help. Right. So here's what I'm going to do. I'm going to cut and paste this excahnge with you to the INternet everywhere I can find anything to do with Comcast complaints. This is what happens when you have a telecommunications monopoly and you don't have to answer to your customer base, or provide a minimum level of service. By minimum level I mean at least "D" level service.
Paul.25710(Wed Feb 27 11:13:45 EST 2008)>Hold on I can give you a phone number in your local office.
ROb_(Wed Feb 27 11:14:06 EST 2008)>423-855-4300
ROb_(Wed Feb 27 11:14:26 EST 2008)>that goes to the call center.
Paul.25710(Wed Feb 27 11:15:13 EST 2008)>Battlefield
Address: Hours:
2205 LaFayette Rd.
Ft. Oglethorpe, GA 30742
Phone: 423-855-3900 M - F 9am - 5:30pm, Sat 9am - 1pm
Paul.25710(Wed Feb 27 11:15:24 EST 2008)>I apologize for the frustration and understand how you feel.
ROb_(Wed Feb 27 11:16:29 EST 2008)>LOL I'm sure you do. However, your "feeling my pain" is no substitute for Comcast helping me do something as insanely simple as scheduling an appointment to switch out a cable box. Right?
ROb_(Wed Feb 27 11:17:08 EST 2008)>BTW that location is NOT my local Comcast office. That is located on Polymer Drive.
Paul.25710(Wed Feb 27 11:17:20 EST 2008)>Rob, I actually want to assist you in this matter but this process can be resolve by codordinating with your local office.
Paul.25710(Wed Feb 27 11:18:05 EST 2008)>Chattanooga
Address: Hours:
2030 East Polymer Dr
Chattanooga, TN 37421
Phone: 423-855-4300 M-F, 8am-6pm. Sat, 9am-1pm
ROb_(Wed Feb 27 11:19:01 EST 2008)>There is NO WAY to contact my local office without getting in my car and driving out there. THAT is why I am contacting Comcast online. To place a simple service call. The number you have provided goes to A CALL CENTER in Memphis. THEY cannot contact my local Comcast office. The don't have a telephone number for them.
Paul.25710(Wed Feb 27 11:21:22 EST 2008)>Okay, I will schedule a technician for you to replace your box, However I will be unable to guarantee that the box you are requesting for is available.
ROb_(Wed Feb 27 11:23:38 EST 2008)>It is NOT available. So the way a service ticket SHOULD work, I would think, is it goes into backorder status such that when one DOES become available Comcast can notify me and say "we have a box for you". Is this multibillion dollar company not capabable of processing simple customer service tasks like that?
ROb_(Wed Feb 27 11:25:55 EST 2008)>Do you know who Rick Germano is?
Paul.25710(Wed Feb 27 11:26:05 EST 2008)>Your local office will be the one who will request the box that you are requesting for to our main office.
ROb_(Wed Feb 27 11:28:01 EST 2008)>So you can schedule a box to be switched out and Comcast will contact me if it is not available and let me know when one is available and coordinate a time to reschedule? Correct?
Paul.25710(Wed Feb 27 11:29:44 EST 2008)>Yes, that is correct.
Paul.25710(Wed Feb 27 11:31:22 EST 2008)>Did you receive my last message?
Paul.25710(Wed Feb 27 11:32:07 EST 2008)>Are you still there?
ROb_(Wed Feb 27 11:32:43 EST 2008)>That was in essence my original reason for contacting Comcast online. Why it has taken us 20 minutes to get to this juncutre escapes me. Irrespective of that, I would then like to place an order to have an HDMI box delivered to my home to replace the non HD compatible Comcast cable box we currently have. Please advise what information you need from to facilitate that, along with a tracking or reference number for the order (I am presuming you will give me that.)
Paul.25710(Wed Feb 27 11:35:06 EST 2008)>One moment please, While I process this one for you.
ROb_(Wed Feb 27 11:37:26 EST 2008)>You understand my ire is not directed at you personally. You are simply implementing the standard of service that is determined from the top down at Comcast. You are doing what you can do with the tools and resources afforded you. This is not your fault ... it is Comcast management that sets the tone and standards.
Paul.25710(Wed Feb 27 11:38:16 EST 2008)>The available slot for you is on Monday that is March 3,2008 between 8am to 11am is that okay with you?
ROb_(Wed Feb 27 11:39:03 EST 2008)>Because I am posting this transcript to the INternet, and further sending it to Rick Germano, Senoir Vice President of Comcast Customer Operations, I am for the record going to post the following into this transcript from Comcast's page "Custmer Care Improvements:
ROb_(Wed Feb 27 11:39:23 EST 2008)>That page is located at: http://www.comcast.com/Corporate/Customers/customercare.html?CMP=KNC-1TO1092007GOOGLE4&s_kwcid=comcast%20complaint|849143647
ROb_(Wed Feb 27 11:39:49 EST 2008)>That page begins:
We are constantly working to serve you better.
Dear Comcast Customer:
We want to let you know that customer service is our highest priority. Your feedback is very important to us, and we use it to improve the way we deliver service. We are writing this letter to update you on the steps we have taken to provide better service to you. We are putting a tremendous amount of resources into making it easier and more convenient for you to do business with us.
ROb_(Wed Feb 27 11:40:04 EST 2008)>Yes, the date you have indicated will work.
Paul.25710(Wed Feb 27 11:40:16 EST 2008)>Okay, I understand if you feel the need to do that.
ROb_(Wed Feb 27 11:41:39 EST 2008)>If the box requested is not available I presume Comcast will contact me to reschedule? Correct? Also, can you provide me a tracking number to reference this order should I need to contact Comcast about it?
Paul.25710(Wed Feb 27 11:42:07 EST 2008)>Your appointment has been scheduled for March 3,2008 between 8AM and 11AM. Please ensure that someone who speaks English and over the age of 18 years old is present. The technician will call you 30 minutes before coming to your home.
Paul.25710(Wed Feb 27 11:43:21 EST 2008)>Yes, that is correct, your tracking number for this transaction will be your account number that is xxxxx-xxxxxx-xx
Paul.25710(Wed Feb 27 11:43:49 EST 2008)>Is there anything else I can assist you with at this time?
ROb_(Wed Feb 27 11:44:22 EST 2008)>It's been an amazing journey. I'm glad to have finally arrived. Thank you for your assistance Paul.
Paul.25710(Wed Feb 27 11:44:43 EST 2008)>If you need assistance in the future,please do not hesitate to contact us through Live Chat or E-Mail us at www.comcast.net to help you reach a resolution independently.
Paul.25710(Wed Feb 27 11:44:46 EST 2008)>Thank you for contacting Comcast! Where you are a Valued Customer.
Paul.25710(Wed Feb 27 11:44:49 EST 2008)>Have a great day! Bye!
Will Comcast actually deliver the box as scheduled? I certainly hope so since I will have to take the morning off from work to be there when they show up.
How can Comcast get away with such horrific customer service. It's simple. They are a monopoly and have no accountability. To wit: There is no alternative in the marketplace if you want cable and want to switch. By the way Comcast is a Bill Gates company.
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madconsumer on 02/27/2008:
a hdmi is a type of port to connect your hdtv to. the box you are wanting is the digital box with dvr. now then, there are alsi older hd boxes that do not have the hdmi connection. the only way to really get what you want, is to take it to your local office for a swap out.
Realist112 on 02/14/2010:
You need to relax man. No one wants to have to wait in line for this kind of stuff but that is the situation if you want an HD box. Do you realize how much work it would add on to comcast if they had to conform to every request they get. I am not discrediting you, they need a a better system for product inventory, but I think you should cut them some slack. You seemed to be jumping down the guys throat at the get go (and he is just a rep, and has no real power over anything)
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I Want What I Pay For
Posted by
WASHINGTON, PENNSYLVANIA -- Before Comcast came into Washington Pa, we had another cable provider, which we never had any problems. Well when Comcast rolled into town they promised all these great services and great cable. Well that lasted for a very short time. The cable on a few channels started to go out or tile (small blocks across the picture and also effects the sound), which we called and the service representative would have me go through a series of trouble shooting procedures to try to handle the problem myself from home. Sometimes it would work, but for only a short time, and the problem would return. And if we did get a visit from a service tech. we would ask them if they knew why they were here and they said they had no idea and we would have to go through the explanation all over again, I do understand that I would have to explain the issue to the service personnel however to show up and have no idea of what the problem is, if they had to bring certain items to do the repair well they would not have them, not a good business practice.
Well any how this has gone on for over a year now, and the issue has not been addressed correctly. They have replaced all the cable in the house, the connection at the pole, the box at the pole, they have also replaced the cable to the house with cable triple the size of the previous 2 cable lines, oh I'm sorry they had replaced the line to the house last year, but this year they determined that the cable was not large enough because of the distance to my house from the pole, oh the cable from the pole to the house in underground. I explained to the individual who sets up the service calls to please try and remedy the problems because I am tired of paying for a service that I have not received.
This evening I was on the phone with Comcast to set up yet another service call for Saturday morning, I told the Comcast representative that the service tech should not be here very long because everything in the house and cable from the pole to the house has been verified by the other service tech to be in perfect working condition, therefore it should be a quick fix. What I did tell the Comcast representative was that the only thing I believe could be wrong is the cable coming down the road to our pole, because that is the only thing that has not been replaced, the answer the representative gave to my wife was, "Well we have had no complaints from any other customers on your street". Really! I am seriously thinking about dumping Comcast and going with another provider, I've never experienced such poor service from any other items that myself or my family has purchased or used.
But my complaint is not all negative when the service personnel show up to fix or try to fix the problem they are there when they say and they do seem knowledgeable and courteous, however good manners does not fix the problem. Once again, I want what I pay for...........
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CU on 06/05/2013:
I think they missed one thing. The cabling inside your house,
When I went to HiDef, I immediately had problems like you describe. I got a really good Comcast tech, who was able to eliminate everything else. It made sense because the cable inside the house was original to when cable came to town.
I am lucky enough to have an electrician in the family. All he had to do was attach a new length of co-ax to the old cable, then just pull it through. It took ten minutes. The new piece of co-ax corrected all my problems, and it has been smooth sailing since then.
Dee on 06/09/2013:
I feel as though I may have written this exact review myself.....I live on the Jersey Shore...our driveway is 150' long so I can relate to the pole to house thing and we have been battling the very same issues with this company for years. I just had them turn off our service yesterday....going w/ a competitor seriously could any other company be worse than Comcast!
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Comcast Employees Are Not Truthful
Posted by
Over a month ago I paid my bill for Comcast and had a similar experience to the one described below (8/27/2010 - Unautorized charge/no refund). My payment didn't go through their automated system. It advised me "not able to accept your payment" which was a check by phone. I was paying a two month payment. I talked to a customer service representative who advised me that there would be no problem and ASSURED me that I wouldn't get charged a fee for talking to him instead of using the automated system, and that he would track payment and take it off the system. Five days later I had back to back charges taken out of my checking account. I had two checks that were charged for leaving my bank account in a debit balance which caused a domino affect in charges and problems. When I called to advise them I talked to someone who told me they would have to review and that it would be 3 to 6 weeks, not acceptable, I want to talk to supervisor, no supervisor but turned the ticket in. Went to local office the next day, extremely rude and no help. Turned in claim to bank which they denied because Comcast responsibility. Called Comcast, my issue was turned over to Supervisor who was supposed to call me and tell me to fax bank statement. Spent 3 hours going to bank, and fax the bank statement to Comcast. They never called, called back and representative advised me they didn't know where my money was but I had a credit on my account for that amount. Called back next day, I was told my check would be reversed and be in my account that Friday. Never was, called Monday, and they said it took a week, I advised them no I did not. I do bank transactions reversals and deposits for a living, and takes 2 days at the most. Asked to talk to a supervisor, and that supervisor told me "Oh it MAY be a manual check sent to you." I told supervisor I wanted a call within 24 hours because the credit was off my account and I wanted to know where my money had disappeared.. She called me next day and told me yes it was a manual check and it was in collections and I should have my money in 3 to 6 weeks. Not acceptable I said. I better have it this week, because now am not able to pay my rent because of the charges on my account. She gave me number of Executive Office which I called the next morning. That Supervisor called me and advised me that the check had been processed and I would receive my money in "the next few days." I have not seen my money, and am afraid to cancel my service for fear that I never will. This is my followup after last summer when my internet went out, called and talked with 3 reps who advised me that they would send a tech out the next day. No one ever showed up, so I cancelled the internet service. I have not been told one true statement since I called them to make my payment. If anyone has had a similar experience and would be interested in a class action suit, I would welcome any takers. I am reporting this incident regarding Comcast to the FCC, BBB, Cable Regulartory Board, and their entire board of directors. They may not care and consider me no one to be dealt with, but they will remember me and my name after I am done with them.
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Anonymous on 02/10/2011:
I have had nothing but stellar service with Comcast. That being said, I applaud your patience in the above situation. And I would continue to pursue the matter if I were you. FYI--Never pay by phone. It may be a slight hassle to drive down to the nearest branch or office, but look at the hassle caused over the phone. When visiting in person, it is much easier to get an IMMEDIATE resolution:)
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Poor customer service, uninformed uneducated service people
Posted by
VERO BEACH, FLORIDA -- I first have to say that prior to the switch to digital cable I had great service and never had to call for any issues. Then came the digital migration......I now have to have a cable box to get the stations I got before, which at first didn't seem to be much of a problem. The first box I was issued didn't work properly and they swapped it out. The second box worked fine for about six weeks, then a couple of days before Thanksgiving the problems started, no service or poor quality signal resulting in a pixelated picture with no sound----each time I turned on the set it was a different set of stations affected. I call customer service and some nimrod reading from a script tells me to "power cycle the box" which I have already done before calling as this has become a ritual. They then say "I will send a refresh signal" even though I tell them I have already gone through the automated menu and had a refresh signal sent within the past hour to no effect. Then the next thing they say is "will must send out a tech" for which they will bill me as soon as he enters my house. I tell them I had crystal clear service for almost two months and the problem can't be inside my house because nothing is different inside my home, the problem has to lie outside, maybe in that crummy old connector that's fastened to the outside of my house and the old exterior cable which hasn't been upgraded in all the years I've lived here (40+ years). They insist they have to come inside and MAYBE if they decided the problem isn't inside they won't bill me....now if I call back the immediate response, before I even explain what the problem is, is "we will schedule a tech visit". I DON'T WANT A TECH VISIT, I WANT SOMEONE TO FIX THE CRAPPY LINES COMING OFF THE POLE TO MY HOUSE AND IMPROVE THE SIGNAL!!! Co-workers I've talked to tell me whatever you do, don't let one of their techs inside because they will make a mess & even if they don't find a problem inside you will be billed!! One person told me the tech supposedly rewired her cable and afterwards the reception was worse than before (hard to imagine since it stunk before) and she finally went to dish, but had a hard time getting rid of Comcast, they continued to bill her for service she no longer had but that's a whole other story.... I think I'm about ready to follow her lead and switch to satellite too. I suspect Comcast knows most problems are on their end, especially since the service suddenly went downhill after the switch to digital and they weren't prepared for it but they are maximizing their profits from service calls by sending techs out for every little thing and billing the customers for the lack of service. After all, if they tell a non-tech savvy person that the problem is their inside wiring how would they know it's a lie?
Sorry for the long rant. Comcast is going to lose another customer and I don't think they really care.
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Skye on 01/09/2011:
That refresh is a joke. We had issues with a box forever and no matter how many digital boxes were given, the problem still existed. Every time a tech came out, the box worked fine. So I started taking pictures of the error messages. The last tech that came out, I showed him all my photos on my computer. He was the only tech, and this is pun intended, that thought outside the box. It turned out to the the little silver connector, on the end of the cable, that screws into the outlet was bad. He fixed everything right up, and we've never had another problem. I think you might ask them about the insurance they have, which we took out. It costs $1.10 per month. If we ever have any issues again, all tech calls will be covered. Tech calls are $40.00 every time they come out. I should note, every time they came out and exchanged the box, we were not charged for those calls, because they said the boxes were bad, even though their testing equipment said the boxes were fine. Nobody wants all this aggravation, and then to have to pay $40.00 for help, just makes you crazy. Take the insurance out, if you intend to keep them.
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With Comcast You'll Be Out of Business fast...
Posted by
Active Angel
LIVERMORE, CALIFORNIA -- This is a WARNING rather than a review.
If you are financially dependent on your computer working in order to carry out business transactions that require your immediate attention like I am DO NOT USE Comcast.
If you are dependent on your phone service for Medical Emergency Response, a security system or simply having a working phone DO NOT USE Comcast.
If you like your TV BEWARE it can stop at anytime either by system failure or by vindictive employee tampering (Proven and confirmed by management) which was just one of the reasons our TV went off!
These experiences occurred weekly in a home already equipped with and using all of Comcast's premium services.
In order to incorpoate an office into the extra room Comcast was called. This required getting a phone line added that would be separate and attached to a Medical Emergency Alert System required by the user. For the purpose of conducting serious business negotiations and trades a separate computer internet service was installed. For TV a new connection. This was beneficial to Comcast financially and they were more than happy to accommodate with the assurance these products would work reliably.
The first week all the computers stopped fuctioning and all the phones went dead. Having no phone service was a serious matter in this household as is the case in many homes and was expressed to management. I explained that someone needed to come out immediately or I would have to make preparations to have someone here in case of an emergency. Comcast Management said and PROMISED they would send someone out that evening. Guess what...No one came. Comcast Lied. Comcast employee confirmed this the next and "apologized".
When I complained to a Comcast employee retaliation in form of losing my TV service immediately after I hung up. Now we had no phone, no Internet and no TV. I don't like cell phones so I had to go to the neighbors to use their phone. It soon discovered and it was confirmed the representative had utilized his power to disconnect our service. I had his identity which I recommend you always get when spending valuable time with these people.
Although the Manager was very apologetic, promised to disipline this man and do everything to get all our services working this has not occurred. I found out today no discipliary action was ever taken to correct or end this behavior.
I have no complaints with the technicians who have been very friendly and tried to help. One free lancer confided that Comcast "treats their workers badly" I could see for myself how pressured and inadequately trained these techs are.
When the owner of the home asked for reimbursement they refused. Today I spoke again with a Manager who agrees they really "lost it on this one" adding that in "some" areas the system doesn't work well. I countered by telling him this property is in the big city of Santa Rosa. Further North in Healdsburg where this might be possible and where my home is located Earthlink works just great. Their excuses don't make sense.
It has been over a month and service has not gotten better. Although they do send Techs out the problems remain. The phones have gone dead a minimum of once a week, the Internet service fails on a daily basis and the TV reception comes and goes.
Today was the last straw. I lost a very important business transaction this morning for the third time. They have had so many opportunities to get it right and I even joked we were going to charge rent because the techs practically live here.
I am told by a Comcast employee that this is not the way my computer should be working it is their system and they need to fix it. He assured me they would get it right.
Well there efforts are lost on my loss of Money, Time and Peace of Mind. Remember the medical emergency alert system was dependent on the phone line working and Comcast was well aware of this priority assuring us the phone would work before they were commissioned to come out. To add insult to injury this company literally lied when they promised to fix the phone and we were lucky there wasn't a tragedy. Then one of their vindictive employees tampered with our equipment in an effort to create even more discomfort and frustration.
My friend is stuck with this mess. I get to go back the my Heavenly home in the wine country where my Dish TV service is working and always has. My phone has never gone out and I use Earthlink a company that has never failed me and continues to earn my respect.
For a mere $17.00 a month I get high speed internet service that far exceeds anything in speed I ever had using Comcast's most "elite" service.
Until now I never felt good about using a company that employs foreign workers however Comcast has changed my opinion completely. I believe the "Best man deserves the job" and my experience with Earthlink has by far exceeded my expectation. These employess handicapped with a language barrier and constantly abused due to prejudice perform remarkabley and have earned my respect and admiration. They work harder, are so polite, take abuse as par for the course and overcompensate with an astounding desire to please. Their manners are impecable and show remarkable tolerance even in the most challenging circumstance. With Comcast I am hung up on, transferred in circles, rudely assaulted and my equipment is disconnected as punnishment for complaining.
If this is the service I get for supporting an American corporation I can do without. Without guilt or shame I gladly take my money and my praise to the people who earn it..
I truly appreciate the efforts of the technicians for their efforts and honsty. As to the company itself who believes appropriate compensation is a robotic apology and despite the evidence to the contrary assure me they are the best available I say "actions speak louder than words.
Today after demanding to be connected to Dennis a manager who promised to "do everything he could for us" He had the nerve to say "It looks like you got a lot of service for very little money" I responded asking him "What service"? reminding him the service I received is a lot more expensive even if it worked than Earthlink and I have not lost any business deals with Earthlink. Little money? To be clear we have not received any credit from Comcast and pay the premium rate no discount. The funniest part of all this was while the owner of the home was on the phone with management the phone went out twice! Hard to argue with that and still no credit!
What is undeniably apparent with Comcast is that neither the employees or the company care one bit for the customer, their business, their service or their comfort and satisfaction. To Comcast the customer is like a herd of cattle and slaughter is par for the course. Today we were told we would be credited for "today" Wow! "Thanks for choosing Comcast" Well I didn't and I DON't!
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Anonymous on 09/02/2009:
Probably where they picked up the nic name Comcrap. I understand that some areas do have excellent service though.
madconsumer on 09/02/2009:
I have had 100% perfect service with comcast.
for emergemncies, use the cell phone.
many alarms have a cell attachment that allows it to use the cell rather than a cutable hard line.
do you pay for comcast business services? if so, your maintenance agreement will be detailed clearly in the busniess contract.
PepperElf on 09/02/2009:
well I have heard the horror stories ... like the woman who had the bill addressed to "bi**h dog"
perhaps you should contact the local media instead then
Ytropious on 09/02/2009:
I had Comcast when I lived in Florida. We were renting from a woman who had Comcast cable and they NEVER billed her for the service after hooking her up! She never reported it and got free cable for years. Anyway, the service itself was always good for us.
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Cannot Make This Up
Posted by
My first round with Comcast was in 2007. One of their contractors was installing new fiber through my front yard. Ended up piercing my water line & cracking my driveway. Cost to fix? More than $6,000. You would not believe what I had to do to get reimbursed. Despite the photos of the actual 'dig line marks in my grass lining up with crack in driveway, waterline, and cable box (in addition to my water bill going from $20/mo to more than $200 immediately after the dig), you'd think that it wouldn't take almost 4 months to get it replaced. Additionally, a tech disabled my virus while trying to 'work' on my connectivity, allowing malware/virus on my desktop to the point it took in excess of FOUR hours from powering on to simply load Windows. Of course, Comcast would not reimburse me for that.
Round 2. My company required non-wifi, non-DSL internet for telecommuting. At the time, Comcast was running a special in March 2009. Internet was $24.99 with basic cable for $10 more a month for a year with free installation. Pretty good deal that (stupidly) made me try again.
Four different installation techs. 3 were complete idiots. The first one tracked mud through my home - staining my carpet. Another insisted my cabling was feeding in 'through my attic'. Now I'm not a cable installation tech, but I know the cable is fed through the side of my home. The third one was just stupid. The forth one finally got it done - said there were no problems and the previous 3 people did not know what they were doing. Additionally, he 'swapped out' my own personal modem (meaning he took mine) for a new one.
That was a hurdle. But it was installed and smooth riding now, right? (Laughing, not a chance.)
First, I was charged for FOUR separate installation fees. Secondly, I was not given the promotional offer advertised. Seems simple enough to call and get it corrected, right? (Not a chance)
EVERY month, I mean EVERY month, I had to deal with incorrect bills from late charges, to incorrect fees. I got tired of dealing with the regular service, started just beginning by asking for a supervisor. (Four weeks later, that return call hadn't happened). Service shut of several times when I paid the amount I was told to over the phone but credits were not applied.
Then I learned that Comcast has a team for "reputation management" for Twitter. I tweeted "Comcast sucks" and got someone give me an email address to 'fix' my problem.
The problem was not fixed (on a monthly basis), but at least I did not have to sit online for god knows how long, and I had everything in writing. (Thank heaven for that)
I emailed the one person I had interacted with ongoing that I had advised them I was canceling Internet service, I had gotten another provider and was fed up with the crappy internet access. But I was charged for the following 3 months, despite regular repeated email insistence to cancel service.
In early March, I'm having my future In-Laws over for brunch. First time I'm meeting them. Big deal. KNock at my door. A Comcast tech is there to collect $149 immediately or they are shutting off service. I tell him he's incorrect and show him the last email exchange advising me that credits had been applied (but weren't). I was absolutely MORTIFIED by this experience and it utterly ruined my brunch.
Promises made yet again, but all talk. TWELVE bills. Not one correct. Not one. I'm still being charged an 'inactive modem fee' in addition to a 'modem fee' - I have told them they are happy to have this one back but they need to require the one they took. I was assured more than a month ago that the situation would be 'resolved' once and for all, but 4 weeks later, still not a peep. I've also advised them to cancel my TV - as it was constantly 'shifting channels' requiring me to reprogram the TV channels (a 3+ hour process with my particular TV). I checked yesterday - more than 3 weeks ago, I notified them to cancel service, but they have yet to cut my service.
I have been interacting with supposedly one of the senior customer service people at corporate. It is completely unconceivable how a company can be so consistently inept?
I would rather go without TV at all before dealing with Comcast again. I've fortunately got everything documented for more than 8 months of the cluster_uck of service I've received. I will be working with a local Consumer Reporter later this month to do a story on how atrocious Comcast is. I look forward to sharing my experience with as many people as possible.
I am going to digital antenna at this point.
After canceling my
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idontthinkso on 05/01/2010:
Very detailed and informative. Thanks for sharing!
madconsumer on 05/02/2010:
did you have the water line marked prior to the digging being done?
oldisgood on 05/02/2010:
not OP's duty to have the waterline marked. Company digging is responsible for that.
i_am_canadian on 05/02/2010:
And people really tried blaming Mona Shaw for what she did, unbelievable.
ScubaDiva on 05/05/2010:
I had nothing to do with them installing new fiber - it was done throughout my neighborhood.
I advised them (via email so I have a record) that my service was not working - cable line-up channels were changing weekly and it would take HOURS to rescan & edit out blank channels for more than a month. I had opted to get a digital antenna as a result.
I received another incorrect bill (shocking), emailed Melissa Mendoza yet again - took her more than a week to respond. I was advised when I paid my bill, they'd cancel my service.
She said they mailed me a letter a month ago - they used the wrong address yet again. (They can use the correct address to cut off service and send bills but cannot do it for customer service!)
I told her that I would not pay some random amount that she was unable to provide a bill for.
I am still planning on sharing my experience (detailed & documented with emails) with a local Consumer Reporter for a segment. And when I have time, I will be forwarding this experience to the various people I can track down at higher levels at Comcast.
srraton on 06/22/2010:
Hey - if you need more comments about how much comcast sucks when you do that interview - contact me. I have more than enough comments about their crappy service and nonexistent customer support.
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Just another Comcast story
Posted by
I have had Comcast phone, internet and cable service problems since they took over from Time Warner. I finally cancelled my phone and internet because at any given time some or all of the services did not work. I have complained to customer service constantly and they have yet to resolve any of those issues. They lie just about all the time when confronted with the complaints and often try to put the blame on other department personnel. Customer service blames the techs and the techs blame customer service and the problem or issue is never resolved. They are well adept at keeping the customer in limbo and all the while you are paying for services you never receive without any adjustment to your monthly bill.
In the few years with with Comcast I have been double billed for $244.00 and had to fight with them for three months to resolve it. Charged me for an NSF EFT because they entered my bank account info incorrectly, then did not want to refund it even when I provided a letter from my bank stating that the charge was never applied to my bank account. I have been lied to at least a few times or more within all levels of the company including management. Lost wages taking off work to meet them for appointments, in which on two occasions they never showed up and have yet to offer a credit as per their commercial claims. They have sent technicians to my house at least 7-9 times for a cable card problem. On one occasion the tech sat on my couch and watched basketball on ESPN till I finally told him I had to leave. They have come poorly equipped with multiple cards that aren't programed properly, or, are for their cable boxes and not TVs. They've stayed for hours at a time, bickered with personnel who are operating the console and some techs have had little or no experience with cable cards at all.
They intended to bill me for a service call when in fact they caused the problem by removing a code from the system and didn't know how to correct it. I had no premium channels since Dec.2009 and only able to receive about 20 or so of the lower tier channels. Three techs came to my house, one in Jan. and two within one week in Feb for the same problem. I finally asked the last tech to remove the card from my account and requested to have my services downgraded to expanded basic. He said he would pass the information to someone and hopefully get them to prorate my account due to the lack of service. Shortly after he left, I received a call from a lady representative assuring me that she could get my problem resolved if I would give her a chance by re-scheduling a tech to come with more cable cards. She said she felt sure they could get one to work. I declined to which she then offered me an HD box and asked when she could schedule someone to install it. I reluctantly said yes and asked for an evening appointment reminding her that I had already missed enough work because of this situation.
She apologized and assured me that my bill would be credited for the inconvenience and loss of service. The appointment time came and went without anyone showing up. I called the next day to find out what happened and was informed that I never had an appointment after all. I then called to get my bill prorated and after about 30-45 min. of back and forth discussion finally thought we had come to an acceptable amount and I paid the agreed amount immediately after our call ended. Today, 10 days later, I checked my account only to find that they added all the charges back on my bill and listed them as previous balance due. Looks like they have lied again...I don't know why I believed them in the first place. Now I will cancel my services completely and refuse to pay them another penny. Bottom line...If you are not being treated fairly drop them, they will realize the importance of their customers when the company loses them all.
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Set Top cable box burnt out TV's PCB
Posted by
VANCOUVER, WASHINGTON -- When I bought my new HD TV, I upgraded to the Premium HD Cable TV service from Comcast last year after having regular TV service with them for the previous 2 years. I soon discovered that there were still some "manufacturing defects" in their new HD Cable TV set top box. At times my TV would change channels inadvertently, or would "freeze frame" the picture, or loose the sound entirely. Thinking this was a problem with my cable box, I went to Comcast and exchanged my defective box for another one. But, to my surprise, the same problems started within a month of getting the new HDTV Cable box. A call to Comcast tech service cleared this up. But, the problem would come back in a few days to a week. This got to be very frustrating. After a few complaints to the customer service department I was finally told they were aware of defects in the HD Cable box and that Comcast and the manufacturer were working on them. In the meantime the tech support recommended that I leave the Comcast set top box ON at all times (even when the TV is off)... this will keep the box from getting "de-tuned". I resolved that I would just have to put up with this until the fixes were made. But, after 3-weeks of keeping my cable box on 24/7, the TV suddenly showed a scrambled signal on all channels. I called Comcast who sent a tech out to find the problem. The tech determined that the problem was in the TV, not in the cable box. Comcast charged me $25 for the service call, since it wasn't cable related. So, I called a TV repair service and they discovered that the cause was a burnt out circuit board on my TV... the power circuit board (PCB.) Fortunately for me, this was a warranted repair. Over the next 5 months, I watched my TV keeping the Comcast cable box on 24/7. Then, suddenly, again my TV showed a scrambled signal just as before. This time I called the TV repair first. They determined that I had the same PCB problem as before... only this time I was over the warranty date. I had to pay for the new PCB, but the labor was still covered under my warranty. The repairman asked me if I had any input power to my TV other than the power cord. I told him that Comcast has me keep the Cable set top box on all the time regardless of TV on or off. He said that a lot of customers have experienced problems including circuit board problems from keeping their cable box on. So, I discovered it was the Comcast cable box, with its "manufacturing defects", that was the cause of my TV problems. I called Comcast with this information to get redress for my out of pocket expenses, including a refund of the $25 service charge they hit me with. Comcast denied any knowledge that their equipment caused any problems with customer TV sets. I wrote a letter of complaint to Comcast, but did not receive an answer. I have now canceled my Cable TV service and switched to a satellite service. If you have had any similar problems please leave a comment here and do as I did and quit Comcast and write a letter to the FTC.
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Anonymous on 01/17/2007:
The HD box cannot change the channels on the TV by itself. Usually they give out component cables which input video and audio only to the TV. One way the PCB could burn out would be an electrical surge or spike. If your power cords were not connected to a good surge/spike protector it's entirely possible your main electric line got 'hit'.
Some of the boxes Comcast uses do have defects but I have never read of any causing damage to a TV. The problems tend to be just like what you describe including changing channels. If you were using the component cables there are no TV channels to change other than what channel you set the box to receive. The tech who told you to keep the box on 24/7 was full of it. Even if you turn it off it actually remains on in order to download new Guide data and messages.
I think you need an electrician to check your wiring.
Slimjim on 01/18/2007:
Did the TV repair tech diagnose this over the phone prior to even looking at it? It kind of sounds that way since if he was there, he wouldn't be asking about what's hooked up to what because he could see the entire rig. It's a strange diagnosis, which very well may be right, but I'm thinking Comcast doesn't buy it and believes your TV has a defective part as well.
Derek on 02/10/2007:
We had this exact same thing happen with Comcast cable boxes to 2 of our televisions. In November, we were smelling a burnt plastic smell coming from the Comcast cable box. The next day, our TV was fried - it would turn on, but there was no picture whatsoever. Comcast came out, claimed the box was defective, apologized and gave us a new box. The TV was older (about 7 years), so we thought that it just broke. We replaced it with a smaller television we had in storage.
Just last night, the cable box on our main TV was making a funny sound - nothing too concerning, just something we noticed. We turned the box off thinking it just needed a rest. Today, while my wife was watching television, the picture went out and the burnt smell came out of the cable box once again.
We tried removing the cable from the back of the TV and hooking it directly into a DVD player to see if the problem was the cable box. No dice - the picture is shot on a TV we just bought two years ago.
We called Comcast, who had "never heard of this problem before." They are sending a tech out tomorrow right during the middle of the day to determine whether the issue was the cable box or the electrical.
We cannot afford to just go out and replace two TVs, nor do we want to buy a new TV and hook it up to these boxes and hope the same thing doesn't happen. It seems too much of a coincidence that the same EXACT problem occurred on two different electrical jacks (the first TV burnt out in the bedroom, the second in the living room). At this point, we are at a loss as to how to approach the situation. I'm convinced that it is the cable box ruining our televisions, but I highly doubt that Comcast will ever own up to it...
Trudijane on 02/11/2007:
As I read what happened with you I became so frustrated. There have been countless times that when COMCAST cannot solve the problem, they blame YOUR problems on something to do with your TV. Now, I recently bought a new plasma TV, and there has been so many times when I called COMCAST to ask for technical help, and couldn't solve the problem - they told me it was MY TV (their standard copout). The person that sold me the TV told me to call him if that ever happens as every time they commented that my TV should be on Channel 3, that's not the way this particular TV is wired and when COMCAST is ignorant about that, they insist that it's a result of my TV not being on Channel TV. The salesman at the store that knows these TVs well technically has always managed to solve small problems and major problems WHICH WERE COMCAST related (not TV related) and he explained to me why. One time he actually called COMCAST so he could explain why it is as a result of their problem. I find that their technical service sucks, for the most part, and if they cannot fix it, they find somebody else to blame. It absolutely infuriates me and I imagine you must have felt the same.
Just recently, I lost my dial tone for the 2nd time for 72 hours. It was because of a box that I receive my classical phone service from (NOT digital) that the tech told me that within 6 months, these boxes will be obsolete; that everyone will have to have digital phone service. I really fear that whatever COMCAST does, will affect my TV reception and my High Speed Internet, which I get elsewhere for a minimal amount. And here because my dial tone went out, I was being coerced to get the new digital phone service as I will eventually have to anyway, and get the package of digital phone, high speed internet and cable ($33 each). It sounds good, but I really don't trust them at all. And it bothers me that they are phasing out my phone service which averages $30/month anyway. I fear they will do damage to my TV, etc.
Well, I finally got my dial tone back and refurbished box that the tech didn't think would work - but it did.
Good luck!
traceylynnprincess on 03/08/2008:
Comcast does not train its employees on other companies equ., only their own.They can not tell you how to run your tv/vcr/dvr etc. there also is not a electrical charge that runs through the cable lines inside the house.
scot1759 on 03/08/2008:
O'brother please!!!! Some of what you state is true. Motorola firmware and the TV Guide Software do clash. This causes the uncontrollable channel surfing. The pixelating in your picture is signal deprevation. The correct signal needed for HD is no less than a -12DBMV. Less than that and you will see picture break up. As for the DVR burning your power supply out in your TV hardly truthfull. We been accused many times of the same thing so we offer every time. To allow a third party to fully check the DVR that was in the customer home to the service idiot that told them that. The offer goes whoever is right pays for the entire cost of repair to the customer TV. Guess what not been taken up on the offer yet. The truth is the power supply unit in your TV beside the tuner board is always the weakest and first to go out. Our DVR on or off does nothing to your TV but modulate an RF signal to a channel freq. I don't know where some these TV repair retards come from but a 6 week course at IVY Tech and their at your door telling you anything that pops in their heads.
Marcus on 02/20/2012:
Well, I just had 2 TV's go out within 2 weeks and they both were connected to a DVR Comcast box. Possible power issue, but I've had the same setup for almost 2 years. Why now? Why 2 different TV's.. Strange for sure
Janice on 07/02/2012:
We must all have the same retart of a repair man coming to our home. Because in one weeks time I have had 2 of my TV's also go out as well. I have had the same symptoms and experiences as the other customers. Will check into with the BBB and FTC. This has to be a Comcast issue.
jerseyboy1944 on 09/27/2012:
One possible way the cable box could damage the power supply board in your TV would be a failure in the cable box that put a very high voltage on the shield of the component or RF cable. Invest in a GFCI (Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter) equipped outlet for the TV & cable box. If you get any unusual voltages on the shields it will kill power instantly. If it happens then unplug the TV, leave the cable box plugged in and turned on and see if it happens again.
COMCAST KNOWS EXACTLY WHY THIS HAPPENS!!! on 03/09/2013:
I HAVE ALSO HAD 2 TV'S GO OUT IN THE PAST 30 DAYS. MOST DEFINITELY NOT A COINCIDENCE!! 1 TV WAS 2 YEARS OLD THE OTHER BRAND SPANKING NEW! IT ALL HAS TO DO WITH THE HDM1 CABLE THAT OUR SWEET FRIENDS AT COMCAST GIVE US TO USE WITH THEIR CABLE BOX. THEY KNOW THEY ARE NOT COMPATIBLE AND INSTEAD OF UPGRADING THEIR CABLES TO A GROUNDED 3 PRONG THEY SEND US OUT THE DOOR WITH A 2 PRONG CABLE THAT THEY ABSOLUTELY KNOW HAS THE POTENTIAL OF FRYING OUT YOUR TV. TAKE A LOOK AT YOUR PLUG. IS IT 2 PRONGS? IS YOUR TV 3 PRONGS? THEY ARE NOT COMPATIBLE. WHEN YOU PLUG THE HDM1 CABLE INTO YOUR TV AND THEN INTO THE BACK OF THE CABLE BOX WHICH IN TURN PLUGS INTO A WALL OUTLET OR SURGE PROTECTING POWER STRIP, THE ELECTRIC CURRENT SHOOTS BACK A NEGATIVE CURRENT WHICH FRIES YOUR TV. IT CAN HAPPEN OVER TIME OR ALL OF A SUDDEN. OUR 2 YEAR OLD TV WAS FINE WITH THE OLD BOX, GOT THIS NEW CISCO UPGRADED BOX (WHICH IS NOT AN UPGRADE BY ANY MEANS) AND WITHIN 45 DAYS TV FRIED. SECOND TV WORKED ONLY 1 DAY AND THEN FRIED. COMCAST IS RESPONSIBLE AND SHOULD BE HELD ACCOUNTABLE FOR THE FAULTY EQUIPMENT THEY PROVIDE THEIR CUSTOMERS. IF THE CABLE IS NOT COMPATIBLE WITH THE NEW HD TV'S THEN THEY NEED TO UPGRADE THEM, NOT US!!! YOUR EQUIPMENT YOUR RESPONSIBILITY. THEY ARE HOPING THE CUSTOMER'S THAT EXPERIENCE A FRIED TV WILL BLAME IT ON IT BEING AN OLD TV, BUT WHEN IT HAPPENS TO THE SECOND TV, I DON'T THINK SO... ITS NOT THE TV ITS THE CABLE THAT COMCAST SUPPLIES!!! I HOPE EVERYONE OUT THERE READING THIS POINTS THEIR FINGER AT COMCAST AND STARTS TAKING ACTION AGAINST THIS ISSUE THAT COMCAST NEEDS TO ADDRESS IMMEDIATELY!!!! I HOPE THE DEAL THEY GOT WITH CISCO AND THESE UPGRADED CABLE BOXES WAS WORTH IT FOR THEM!!! THE AMOUNT OF MONEY THEY SAVED NEEDS TO GO TO THE CONSUMERS THAT HAVE HAD TO FOOT THE BILL FOR THEIR NEW TV's THAT COMCAST CABLE BOX AND HDM1 CABLE HAVE FRIED!!!
Juana on 06/07/2013:
My sister and I live on opposites sides of Houston. Soon after I got the cable box, I thought I needed a new t.v. My television would turn off and on by itself periodically. I went to my sister's last weekend and saw her t.v. do the same thing. We have totally different t.v's. Does anyone have this problem?
RonH on 06/13/2013:
Sorry dreamers, your TV is not damaged by Comcast. I was in the TV repair business for 34yrs and the chance of a Comcast box damaging any board is zero. You buy Chinese TVs, you get Chinese TVs is the bottom line. Comcast is an evil company to put it mildly, but even with this they do not damage your Chinese TV.
madeashell on 07/17/2013:
My Sharp tv hdmi that was only going from my Tv to my xbox is not working any more the cords that plug into the cable box to the tv do not work. talked to comcast they say they will give me a new box but my Tv is still messed up. What can I do is there a number for claims on TVs that get F-up by the cable box. I have had everything set up with cable box for 3 years. One day I tried to play my xbox and Tv will not show that it is hooked up.
cosmicharlies on 09/03/2013:
Same thing just happened to my TV over the weekend, power surged, both the DVR box and my TV are fried.... Everything else plugged into that surge protector is fine except those two.
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I Hate Comcast. They Take Your Money and Deliver Horrible Service
Posted by
PORTLAND, OREGON -- Every few months I have had problems with my cable TV service. From set top boxes that don't work to channels that just disappear.
Every time I call for service, I get to talk to someone in a foreign country. Not only I can't understand what they say, they don't know anything about my problems. Instead of sending a technician to fix my problem, to save money, they ask you to talk to a computer voice and then if you are persistence, to someone on the phone. It takes hours to reach a person and then they ask you to do things on your TV and cable box that only a technical person would know and their solutions don't work.
It has taken me 10 days and 4 different people to talk to and none have been able to help. They just resist to send a person to fix the problem. Finally they agreed to send a technician 4 days from now. That is two weeks that I will not be able to use the service that I am paying for.
They are very good in getting your money. They have all kinds of real people on the phone to get your money. But when it comes to delivering service, they are the worst. I have missed most of my favorit shows and sport events. I am trying to take them to court to get my money back. I will go back to Dish Network now in a heart beat. DO NOT USE COMCAST.
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Old Timer on 05/25/2013:
Sounds about right for Comcrap. That's how they earned that nic name.
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