BIslander's profile

Problem Solver

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383 Messages

Wednesday, July 3rd, 2024 5:50 PM

Olympics 4K, HDR, Dolby Vision, and Atmos

On Monday, NBC Sports announced there would be a 24/7 4K simulcast of USA Network coverage on Xfinity X1.  And, the Xfinity support note on 4K UHD just added an Olympics section saying channel 1351 would provide a 4K USA network simulcast starting July 24.  Of course, USA network will only have a small percentage of NBC's Olympics content.  Will NBC's primetime show and nine hours of live daytime coverage be available in 4K?  What about events on other channels like Golf?

Your support note mentions HDR, Dolby Vision, and Atmos on the Xi6 and XiOne boxes.  I have an XG1v4 DVR, which doesn't do Dolby Vision.  But it supports HDR and Dolby Atmos.  Will I get those on the 4K content?

I already contacted NBC support and they punted this to you as my provider.

Thanks!

Problem Solver

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383 Messages

4 months ago

Anyone from Xfinity with information about this? 

Official Employee

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1K Messages

Hello BIslander. That is a great question and I can not wait for the Olympics! Here is some information for you:

 

With X1, you’ll get live coverage of the Olympic Games in 4K UHD. Coverage is available in Dolby Vision HDR and Dolby Atmos immersive sound on select TV Boxes (Xi6 and XiOne).

  • This includes a 24/7 4K channel in the X1 Guide, beginning July 24 and running until August 11, 2024:
    • Channel 1351 (USA 4K):  24/7 access to the National stream if you have an Xfinity TV package that includes USA network. You can view your channel lineup at xfinity.com/support/local-channel-lineup to confirm. Enhanced 4K will be available on XG1v4 (low latency feed) and Hi-Fi on Xi6 (30 Mbps and low latency). You must have both SD and HD channels to auto-tune from SD.
  • Coverage includes:
    • Team USA focused events.
    • Men’s and women’s basketball, soccer, volleyball, track and field and more sports.

To find the Games in 4K UHD, you can:

  • Say “Olympics” into your Xfinity Voice Remote to go to the Olympics Destination on X1. From there, go to the Watch live now on network TV row and choose a tile.
  • Say “4K” into your Xfinity Voice Remote to go to the 4K Destination.
  • Press the xfinity button on your remote, then press the down arrow to see Olympics options to watch.

 

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Problem Solver

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383 Messages

@XfinityWilliam Thanks.  That's the Info from the 4K support page that I mentioned in my initial post.  I am trying to find out if (A) the NBC broadcast coverage in daytime and prime will be available in 4K, (B) if coverage on cable channels other than USA will be in 4K, and (C) will HDR and Atmos be supported on the XG1v4 DVR.

Again, I contacted NBC Sports and they said I need to get those questions answered by my provider - Xfinity.

(edited)

Official Employee

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1.3K Messages

 

BIslander At this time this is all the information we have as well. Channels are the ones that provide that content to us so updates on channels like the one above will be released as more information is received. Your best options will be to search through the voice remote for the Olympics 4K content directly. (Games will air on NBC, Peacock, Telemundo, Universo, USA Network, E!, CNBC and the Golf Channel.)
 
Another great option, and personal fave at this time is watching through Peacock! Sharing here some links that will best help address some of the questions about planning your viewing sessions: 
 
https://www.nbcolympics.com/faq
 
https://www.nbcolympics.com/full-schedule
 
https://www.peacocktv.com/sports/olympics

 

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Problem Solver

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383 Messages

@XfinityEva 

Thanks.  Guess you're saying we won't know what's available in 4K, HDR, and Atmos on Comcast until the games begin.  Surprising.  Disappointing, too.

Not sure what you mean here: "Channels are the ones that provide that content to us so updates on channels like the one above will be released as more information is received."  Is Channels a department at Xfinity?

(edited)

Official Employee

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1.3K Messages

Hi there, @BIslander I'm very sorry for the inconvenience. I believe what my colleague was referring to was that the Networks are the ones that provide the content to us, which we have no control of.-Richard

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Contributor

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127 Messages

4 months ago

it like they assume you haven't read the press release and just regurgitate it back at you as if it is some sort of answer.

I know you put in a lot of time crafting your post, and it must frustrate you to get this type of response, ZERO direct answers to your questions that I TOO, am interested in knowing.

Problem Solver

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383 Messages

4 months ago

The first event hit the guide this morning - Argentina men's soccer at 6a PT July 24 on USA.  No indication of 4K and no sign yet of the announced USA 4K channel on 1351.

Contributor

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127 Messages

did you expect anything proactive from here other than the already known press release? - no 'inside information' available here, that's for sure

I do appreciate your efforts to keep this thread updated.

Problem Solver

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383 Messages

I worked for NBC stations until I retired a few years ago.  So, I checked with the last one and TEGNA, their corporate owner, said no 4K for broadcast coverage this time around.  I suppose that might just be TEGNA stations.  But, given the complete lack of information about anything except USA, it seems likely that we'll only get 4K on that one channel.  Lots of soccer and basketball, some volleyball (both kinds), along with prelims/heats for swimming and track.  All good, just not the main events or the opening ceremony.      

Contributor

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127 Messages

@BIslander​ 

I am genuinely interested to see if Peacock has much in 4k

Problem Solver

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383 Messages

None, according to Phillip Swann, the @tvanswerman, who says he confirmed that with a source at NBC.

https://tvanswerman.com/2024/07/10/nbc-confirms-2024-paris-olympics-will-be-in-4k/

(edited)

Problem Solver

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383 Messages

4 months ago

NBC posted detailed listings for broadcast and cable channel coverage each day during the Olympics.

https://www.nbcsports.com/pressbox/press-releases/paris-olympics-listings

Contributor

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127 Messages

@BIslander​ 

thank you for the links;  

for me, even more important than the "4K" is whether there is HDR or not, have your heard or seen anything about that?

Problem Solver

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383 Messages

Yes on HDR.  They also say Atmos, but we'll see on that. 

(edited)

Problem Solver

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383 Messages

4 months ago

Xfinity - any info about these?

Three Olympics channels showed up today on X1 - 1350 is USA4K, 1351 Paris Extra 1, and 1352 Paris Extra 2. Both Paris Extras are HD with events starting July 27.  Different stuff than what's on USA network.  1350 listings match the USA network schedule starting July 24.

1351 was supposed to be the 4K USA network simulcast and I had an outside hope that it would show up today with the Open golf telecast in 4K. It showed up, but the only 4K golf is the par 3 8th hole feed. The main USA broadcast is just HD.

(edited)

Contributor

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127 Messages

@BIslander​ 

I'm sure they are scrambling to find a press release, - and it will look as such in the formatting of their response.

Would be great to actually get an "inside scoop" from this forum every once in a while.

I, for one, really appreciate your follow up and persistence on this matter. It is also something i am interested in.

(edited)

Problem Solver

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383 Messages

3 months ago

SVG article this morning touts "Enhanced 4K" on Xfinity and includes mention of those two new Paris Extra channels that showed up this morning. Unclear what they mean by Enhanced 4K. Is it their addition of Dolby Vision? Dunno.

https://www.sportsvideo.org/2024/07/18/comcast-debuts-first-ever-enhanced-4k-viewing-experience-experience-for-the-olympic-games-on-xfinity-x1/

UPDATE: And here's the Comcast release.  Enhanced means Dolby Vision, Atmos, and higher bitrates.  DV likely still limited to Xi6 and Xfinity Stream, not on the XG1v4 DVR.  Wording of the release may say Enhanced is only on Xfinity Stream.

https://corporate.comcast.com/press/releases/olympic-games-viewing-experience-xfinity-customers

(edited)

Contributor

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127 Messages

did not know the stream can be DV....hmmmmm

Problem Solver

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383 Messages

Not familiar with Stream as I rarely use it, and then only on my phone.   But, the release seems to say Enhanced 4K will be available on Stream and, maybe, only there.  Since we're unlikely to get anything more here, will probably have to wait until Wednesday when soccer starts on USA network.

(edited)

Problem Solver

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383 Messages

UPDATE:  Ch 1350 is live on Stream on my Roku Ultra in 4K Dolby Vision.  No audio, so no way to know about Atmos yet.  Guess I'll be able to compare picture quality between Stream DV and cablecast HDR.

(edited)

Contributor

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127 Messages

I'll have to see if I have the stream app on any of my 4k sets

Contributor

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127 Messages

3 months ago

they never define what "enhanced" is.... if it is any of HDR/Dolby Vision or atmos sound, then i can confirm that one or more is available on the wired and wireless 4k boxes. the 4k channel has not yet showed up on the stream app

Problem Solver

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383 Messages

Their news releases say Enhanced is a combination of three things - DV, Atmos, and a higher bitrate. 

Problem Solver

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383 Messages

3 months ago

UPDATE 2:  USA4K Ch 1350 now on Fire Cube 3 Stream app, too, in Dolby Vision.

Problem Solver

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383 Messages

3 months ago

XFINITY: Ch1350 USA4K is up with a Paris 2024 graphic and outputs HDR on the XG1v4 DVR box. Considerably brighter than the same graphic in HD SDR on 1351, the Paris Extra channel. When going to the 4K channel, it prompts to press OK in order to watch in Enhanced 4K.

1350 is also up on Xfinity Stream via Fire Cube 3 in Dolby Vision, but the brightness is no better than the HD SDR version. Same with Stream on a Roku Ultra. HDR from the X1 DVR seems better than DV from the Stream devices, at least on this graphic.

No sound yet on any of these channels, so can't tell if we'll get Atmos.

4K isn't supposed to be recordable, but I set a recording for the first Olympics event on Wednesday and it shows with a red dot.  We'll see.

Problem Solver

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383 Messages

DVR says it's recording the 4K program, but it doesn't play.   Error says there's a problem with playback. 

Opening USA4K program is HDR Atmos on XG1v4.  Looks great.  The first hour is a studio show, so can't tell much about audio.

Xfinity Stream via Fire Cube 3 says it's Dolby Vision, but colors don't pop like the DVR HDR video.  And the audio is only stereo.  Same with Stream on Roku Ultra. Flat video and stereo audio.

(edited)

Problem Solver

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383 Messages

Argentina-Morocco soccer in Atmos on X1 DVR.  Very front stage heavy, very little sound in surrounds or heights. 

13 Messages

3 months ago

Anyone seeing these channels on their set top box in the SF Bay Area? Or more specifically, Oakland?

I can see these channels in my lineup online, but I cannot tune them. Both tuners have been rebooted, refreshed, pinged, etc. multiple times. I have been on the phone with support half a dozen times for hours and they always give me a different reason and never come to a resolution, other than I need to upgrade my 6-day-old equipment (It just arrived on July 18th)...which seems like a lot of [Edited: Language]. When I ordered, I asked specifically about these channels and was promised they'd be available. Broadcasting has started and I still cannot see them.

(edited)

Problem Solver

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383 Messages

What X1 box do you have? 

Contributor

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127 Messages

@BIslander​   he uses cablecard.... he's screwed :(

Contributor

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127 Messages

@BIslander​ did you watch any of the 4K yesterday?.... i tuned into the soccer game and the Atmos effects were underwhelming

(edited)

Problem Solver

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383 Messages

Yes, underwhelming.  The first match with Argentina barely had anything in the surrounds, let alone the heights.  Later events were better, but only halfway decent surround at best.  I have yet to hear good Atmos from any sporting events like baseball and football.   Most of them seem to use software to produce heights content rather than mics in the venues.  OBS is doing mics and NBC is adding its own in some places.  Doing mics should be better, but not so far. 

(edited)

Contributor

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67 Messages

3 months ago

Thank you all for the contributions here. Please continue this thread. I will be checking my X1 Box today and trying to figure out if the App is available on any of my other devices or 4k TV. 

Contributor

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67 Messages

3 months ago

Bad news for me. Just went to the USA HD Channel after bring prompted for "Enhanced HD". Spain-Japan women's soccer. It may in fact be a higher bitrate but it is VERY DARK. It also messed up the program guide which does not reflect the current channel but goes back to a very dim guide at channel 2 when I am around 1350 or so. Again this is very dark and I have a bright TV a Hisense U8H which can look like a blowtorch at times. I can barely see the guide. I have 2 HDMI 2.1 inputs on the TV but the box is being output through my Yamaha RX-V683 Home Theater Receiver with HDMI 2.0A Ports. I think they pass sufficient bandwidth and I have seen HDR programs previously with this setup. Same game on Telemundo looks much brighter. 

This is very disappointing Xfinity. Why is my "enhanced HD" dark? I use 4K/8K HDMI Cables. 

UPDATE: So this is interesting. When I tune to my regular USA HD channel it is now also very dim. When I hit guide it indicates the X1 has defaulted back to CH 1350 the Olympic USA channel. So now both my regular USA and the Olympics USA are very dark. Xfinity has successfully dimmed ALL of my Olympics main coverage. Something is DEFINITY WRONG here. Anyone with any ideas on how to get this resolved would ve very appreciated. I am counting on the option to DVR some early am events but if they are all dark it's useless.

Channels 1350 and 1403 both USA show 4k UHD clicking "more info" and are showing live events now and are both very dark. 

Channels 1351 and 1352 also show 4K UHD but are not broadcasting live. The message screen "COVERAGE BEGINS" has normal brightness as does the guide. I am guessing when they go to live events they will dim out too even if I have not selected enhanced HD. This is not good.

Maybe someone can confirm this for me. If you go to settings/video display/current video settings I see:

"system compatibility 4K" "XG1 V4" "4K UHD Undetected"

I'm not sure why it would say undetected but we have moved from soccer to handball now. If you are seeing a 4K program what indication do you get?

ANOTHER EDIT: Well I started digging into my U8H settings and in the picture menu the TV had switched from filmmaker mode which looks dark in 4K HDR to Theater Night which is even DARKER. No idea why this happened so I bounced it over to HDR Standard and tweaked the color settings and backlight. It looks good now. Slightly better than the regular 1080. I just hope I havent lost my settings for this input on regular viewing. And I have no idea why the TV defaulted to THEATER NIGHT or why both Theater Night and Filmmaker are so dark. Really dark. 

(edited)

Contributor

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127 Messages

my 1st 4K tv was a 43" samsung t7000 - and i noticed the same thing as you, when anything was in 4k, it went so dark

then i upgraded my flagship screen to a LG G3 and it was amazingly eye popping, and i knew it would be.... but it also got me thinking, whats wrong with my samsung, and upon further research, it's simply a crappy 4K set, which i have since upgraded to a sony.

you should look up the rting site, the give all the measurements ..... ill look up your set and DM you 

Problem Solver

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383 Messages

That sounds like a settings issue on your TV.  You may need to make adjustments for the HDR output of your X1 box.  It's bright and colorful on my LG OLEDs.

As for the dim guide, that's what always happens when watching an HDR source since the guide is SDR.  And the 4K channel integration is less than ideal so pressing guide when watching a 4K channel dumps you back to the top of the SD list.  Xfinity rarely has actual 4K channels.  4K is usually an ip input that can only be accessed using the voice remote to find 4K programs.

(edited)

Contributor

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127 Messages

@BIslander​ 

what setting is in the X1 box what would affect HDR (or Dolby vision)?

you are correct though, getting a HDR (or DV) signal will often times trip the tv into a different picture mode and these needed to be set correctly

for me 

I have 6 different picture modes, each with different settings

SDR day/night

HDR day/night

Dolby vision day night

haven't gotten around to any game mode settings yet

(edited)

Contributor

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67 Messages

Checking my options the Peacock native TV App on my Hisense TV offers the best and brightest picture. I suppose I can watch replays there also. But when you purchase a TV like this and supposedly have the option to utilize the HDR option it would be nice if it worked.

Now that I've adjusted my TV Settings this might only be used for replays. I don't think I can DVR a 4K broadcast. And it would fill up the DVR/Cloud pretty fast. 

(edited)

13 Messages

Is anyone other than @Jimdish07 seeing channels 1351 and 1352 as 4k? It was my understanding that the only 4k channel is 1350 - USA4k. 1403 is not a 4k channel...at least not for Xfinity, Oakland. I am looking at it right now and it is just plain old 720p.

Also, if you have the means, have a look at the channel tuning settings for virtual channels 1351 and 1352 and let me know what the frequency and program id...any info beyond the virtual channel number would be helpful.

Contributor

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17 Messages

3 months ago

Olympics section saying channel 1351 would provide a 4K USA network simulcast starting July 24.  Of course, USA network will only have a small percentage of NBC's Olympics content.  Will NBC's primetime show and nine hours of live daytime coverage be available in 4K?  What about events on other channels like Golf?


Channel 1350 is USA in HD with 4k UHD. There are 2 additional channels 1351 and 1352 that are HD but that's it. They have limited programming and show "Sign Off" when not broadcasting.

Dave

13 Messages

Thanks @dave006 for checking it out and reporting back.

I finally received a useful answer about an hour ago from Xfinity after 6 days and a couple dozen communications. They have confirmed that the pop-up channels 1351 and 1352 are both IP-Only and therefore I am SOL. The rep who sold me my setup lied through his teeth...and every rep I've spoken with for the past six days has been clueless.

Problem Solver

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383 Messages

Yep.  Loving the events in 4K so far on USA4K ch 1350.  Soccer, rugby, and handball.  Coverage on the two Paris Extra channels starts Saturday. 

(edited)

Contributor

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127 Messages

@grumpyxone​  one day you will realize that is the norm and have a different mindset - skepticism is a good thing

Contributor

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52 Messages

3 months ago

I have internet only. If I wanted to watch USA 4K for the Olympics what’s the minimum package I have to get on Xfinty Stream? I have the option to add choice, popular, or ultimate TV packages.

(edited)

Contributor

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17 Messages

@omendoza7​ 

What device would you watch USA 4K for the Olympics and what Xfinity Modem do you currently have?

Dave

Contributor

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52 Messages

Apple TV 4K and have S33 modem

Official Employee

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2.4K Messages

Hey there, omendoza7, thanks for reaching out through Xfinity Forums regarding your account.  We would be happy to see what options we have available to help you with adding channels to watch the Olympics. You can also sign up for our Peacock service which is the official hub for all things Olympics and a great way to watch! 

 

To send a "Direct Message" to Xfinity Support:
Click "Sign In" if necessary
Click the "Direct Messaging" icon or  https://forums.xfinity.com/direct-messaging
Click the "New message" (pencil and paper) icon
The "To:" line prompts you to "Type the name of a person". Instead, type "Xfinity Support" there
- As you are typing a drop-down list appears. Select "Xfinity Support" from that list
- An "Xfinity Support" graphic replaces the "To:" line
Type your message in the text area near the bottom of the window
Press Enter to send it.

 

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1 Message

3 months ago

For people asking about Dolby VIsion and Atmos on Comcast you have to have the xi6 box and the correct home theater setup. Otherwise XG1v4 will do simple 5.1 surround and HDR10, not HDR10+ nor Dolby Vision of course with the correct setup as well. 

Problem Solver

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383 Messages

@user_vtra0x 

Correct on XG1v4 not doing Dolby Vision, just HDR10.  But, after seeing some of the DV on Xfinity Stream, I find HDR brighter and more colorful.  Remember, NBC is sending HDR and Xfinity is layering Dolby Vision itself.

On Atmos, the XG1v4 supports it just fine.  Haven't heard any good Atmos so far from the Olympics, though. 

Official Employee

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1.8K Messages

 

user_vtra0x, Thanks for sharing this information. Here is also a great article to refer to for using Dolby Atmos with X1. Once you have connected your Dolby ATMOS compatible stereo system to your X1 TV Box with an HDMI cable, visit Settings> Device Settings > Audio > HDMI Audio Output and select Expert Mode. Let me know if this helps.

 

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Official Employees are from multiple teams within Xfinity: CARE, Product, Leadership.
We ask that you post publicly so people with similar questions may benefit from the conversation.
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