Thanks ElectricPickle. It is a very good thread. I searched most of the thread and it didn't mention the problem I am having. I am surprised since it seems to be pretty common on this thread. I will do some more searching.

For those of you who are considering subscribing to the DirecTV HD Local-Into-Local service tier, the West Palm Beach, FL market includes all of Palm Beach, Okeechobee, Martin, St. Lucie and Indian River Counties. If you live in any of these five counties you should be elligible to subscribe to the service.

Dave, where you been man?

You're talking 5-LNB, yes?

Dave -

Not long ago, several of us reported a perceived loss in 12-1 signal, over-the-air.

Last weekend, seeing no improvement or news on issues at your end, I reluctantly trucked up to the rooftop and adjusted my antenna and was so proud to have increased my 12-1 signal strength, as seen through my HR10-250 receiver to above 80 (out of 100). I have never had a problem with any station that achieved over 70 on that scale. Unfortunately, this came at the loss of channel 34-1, which I accepted as I watch CBS so much more.

12-1 used to be rock solid (ie no pixelization or audio dropouts) when my antenna was set to give me about 70-73 on that same scale, which also allowed me to get 34-1, an acceptable and working compromise. Then recently, the 12-1 signal dropped into the low 60's and I started experiencing the pixelization and audio drop-outs.

So, now armed with a signal at or above 80 and steady, I was really frustrated when the other night during "The Unit", I believe, the same effect, pixelization and audio drop outs were again occuring like clock work every 15-30 seconds (I can't recall exactly what the period was as I didn't measure it).

So now I'm stumped again. Is there anything on your side you know of that might explain what we're seeing ?

thanks

Good luck with getting a response... :cool:

Good luck with getting a response... :cool:
....and their Web site is just loaded with interactive information about "digital" broadcasting.... :rolleyes:

They now have until 2009 to get it right - unless they change it again next year. :mad:

I'm with you there crsanders - 12-1 is a no go for me lately as well.

For those of you who are considering subscribing to the DirecTV HD Local-Into-Local service tier, the West Palm Beach, FL market includes all of Palm Beach, Okeechobee, Martin, St. Lucie and Indian River Counties. If you live in any of these five counties you should be elligible to subscribe to the service.


Odd that you of all people would mention it since WPEC isn't part of the LiL offering yet.

Any ideas when that will happen?

Guys,

Those of you with the SA8300HD DVR, have you tried to archive your HD recordings to external hard disks or D-VHS? I am in Boynton, and have Adelphia too. Just got the service, in fact. I've had D* [still do, but not installed at my new place yet], but man, I miss my D* HD-Tivo already !! Other than the speed of response, the SA8300HD is garbage compared to the HD-Tivo. :(

Guys,

Those of you with the SA8300HD DVR, have you tried to archive your HD recordings to external hard disks or D-VHS? I am in Boynton, and have Adelphia too. Just got the service, in fact. I've had D* [still do, but not installed at my new place yet], but man, I miss my D* HD-Tivo already !! Other than the speed of response, the SA8300HD is garbage compared to the HD-Tivo. :(

You can get the Stand Alone HD TiVo. They are in stock at Best Buy. If I had cable that would be my box of choice. I have three D* TiVos, 2 HR10's and 1 T60.

You can get the Stand Alone HD TiVo. They are in stock at Best Buy. If I had cable that would be my box of choice. I have three D* TiVos, 2 HR10's and 1 T60.

Well, thanks for the suggestion, but I already have the SA8300HD, so I won't be buying another TiVo, if I could help it. I am just wondering if SA8300HD allowed saving HD content to external storage.

I hope its ok but i didn't want to read through 192 pages of stuff, I have a question. I live in Fort Pierce, I have Comcast Cable, with the HD package, and I only get about 10 HD channels, is there any other service in my area that offers a good amount more, or is it all about the same?

I hope its ok but i didn't want to read through 192 pages of stuff, I have a question. I live in Fort Pierce, I have Comcast Cable, with the HD package, and I only get about 10 HD channels, is there any other service in my area that offers a good amount more, or is it all about the same?
I think at this point in time satellite service offers more HD content than cable. Since Dish Network aquired Voom they claim to offer 30 HD channels.
http://www.dishnetwork.com/
DirecTV offers more sports via HD than anyone else although its expensive being part of their NFL Sunday Ticket add-on package. You get only 7 channels & a PPV channel with the basic HD package. Premium services add HBO & Showtime HD. DirecTV has (most of) our local channels in HD too, something Dish doesn't offer.
www.directv.com

The satellite vs cable war is heating up again so I'm sure there will be some new offerings from both in the near future.

raaj - I use the SA8300HD DVR with Adelphia in the West Palm Beach area.

It uses the SARA software, not PASSPORT.

I believe that this means it can use external SATA drives like the
Maxtor Quickview Expander to add on HD storage capacity.

I have not actually done this but perhaps someone else in this area has.

I have had a SA8300HD DVR from Adelphia for nearly 2 years now.

Touch wood, problems with dropouts have never been because of the box itself.

A few times the incoming cable signal into the house became too low and
all digital channels, especially HD, had dropouts and pixellation. Adelphia
fixed this in pretty short order.

From time to time there are problems with specific HD channels,
your channel may vary !

It could be the network feed to the local station, the local station itself,
the adelphia reception and handoff or transmission over the cable itself.

When the OTA or D* users also gripe it is usually not the fault of Adelphia
but of the network or local station.

Last week I simultaneously recorded Bones on FOX(WFLX 29.1 -703) and Biggest Loser on NBC(WPTV 5.1 -704) on my Adelphia SA8300 HD DVR.
When I watched them last night there was no problem with Biggest Loser but
Bones had 4-5 second video and audio dropouts every few minutes. So I
don't think there was an Adelphia problem.

Did any of you OTA or D* folks have problems with Bones reception
in the last few weeks ?

raaj - I use the SA8300HD DVR with Adelphia in the West Palm Beach area.

It uses the SARA software, not PASSPORT.

I believe that this means it can use external SATA drives like the
Maxtor Quickview Expander to add on HD storage capacity.

I have not actually done this but perhaps someone else in this area has.

Thanks, buddy. I read about the Maxtor solution, but was wondering if the SATA port was disabled somehow. I hope someone could answer the question before I have to put the money down for the HDD.

i really dont watch sports, i was hoping to get more local channels in hd and other channels..such as CW, tbs, comedy central, food network, usa, vh1, i dont know, i just hate not getting alot of channels :)

I have the Maxtor drive and it works fine witgh the 8300

PTV is unbelievable...totally messed up the Heroes broadcast tonight. Here's a copy of the email I just sent to them:

To: dmmckinley@wptv.com
CC: brogrady@wptv.com,dmlane@wptv.com,contact5@wptv.com,pnroghaa r@wptv.com
Subject: Heroes broadcast Monday 09-25-2006

Body: To whom it may concern,

I am copying this to multiple email addresses at your station in the hopes that my complaints and concerns do not get buried by the department or individual directly responsible for the following errors.

I wanted to thank you for ruining what was possibly the most anticipated new show of the season tonight by doing what you guys apparently do best: completely screw up the audio on your HD broadcasts. I've been following your progress, or lack thereof, with Dolby Digital 5.1 for the last four years. You still can't get it right. Please just give it up. Every time you try to broadcast in DD 5.1, it NEVER works right. Most of the time I just experience serious echo effects, but during the broadcast of Heroes there was absolutely no center channel, only the background effects. So as a result, I had no dialog track whatsoever. Oh no, wait a minute, I did have some dialog about four minutes into the broadcast when your system switched back to DD 2 channel for about 45 seconds, then it switched to DD5.1 and lo and behold no dialog for the rest of the broadcast. I know this as I recorded it via over the air and cable and spot checked both recordings through to the end.

I receive your HD broadcast via over the air and cable. Three different and independent over the air receivers and two cable boxes and this problem was evident on all of them. This is not an issue on my end, let me make that quite clear.

This is also not the first time. The first Sunday night football broadcast you had issues with DD5.1 not working and causing the echo effects I described above.

Please, please, just stay with DD 2 channel. At least with that I don't have to deal with echo and missing center channel dialog tracks. Perhaps you could purchase new equipment that might work, or train your engineers in the equipment you do have.

I find this a sorry yet laughable state of affairs. Four plus years into broadcasting HD and you still can't get it right.


Ugh...these people are just unbelievable...

The audio was messed up tonight during Heroes on WPTV

The audio was messed up tonight during Heroes on WPTV

Do me a favor and use the email addresses I used above and send them a quick note...the more that complain perhaps something will get done.

WPEC-DT had lag/pixellation tonight too and it's not being caused by low signal. Anyone else notice it?

Nice letter Debsman. Let us know if you get a response. But I think you are just "peeing into the wind" until about 2009. They just don't care because we are still only a small percentage of their audience.

i agree electricpickle...i've never written them up to this point for that very reason. but i guess i had had enough last night...prolly wont do any good. oh, and i did note the issues with pec as well last night.

thanks, debsman, for taking the initiative and doing what we all wanted to do last night. we ended up watching the program in SD over satellite and it was terrible. i just got my first HDTV saturday and it's been nothing but trouble with the local broadcasts.

Unfortunately, I put too much faith in PTV and recorded the HD version both OTA and Cable, so by the time the wife and I started watching it, it was too late to switch to SD...all my future PTV recordings will be in SD. I've learned my lesson.

Update on my email: as of 10:30 this morning absolutely no replies. Surprised? I'm not...

davidlem: was the SD version of the show horrible? or was the show itself horibble?

So lets summarize the local situation from the past week.

NBC have terrible audio when they try DD 5.1.

CBS have pixellation issues.

FOX have multi-second audio and video dropouts (at least in Bones)

Does ABC seem to working OK now ?

We have the dual tuner SA8300HD DVR and single tuner analog TiVo Series 2.

Now that all the local stations are carried in HD by Adelphia I figured that we would only be using the TiVo for my wifes HGTV and Bravo design and fashion
show recordings.

However, the TiVo still pulls its weight.

We use it to do SD "backups" of the HD recordings.

Unfortunately it only has one tuner so sometimes we have to pick one SD show if
the HD box is recording two programs simultaneously.

Like last Wednesday I chose to record Biggest Loser in SD on WPTV.

Of course I should have known better and recorded Bones in SD on WFLX FOX !

I hadn't noticed the Fox issue you describe above. Fox has always been rock solid for me. I'll watch closely tonight during House and Standoff. CBS had pixellation issues last night for sure. ABC had audio dropouts during the close of an episode of Greys Anatomy last week (the one leading in to Boston Legal), but Boston Legal was solid.

Do me a favor and use the email addresses I used above and send them a quick note...the more that complain perhaps something will get done.


Heroes is being re-broadcast again tonight at 7 on SCIFI and 8 on NBC so you have another chance to catch it.

thanks runner...appreciate it

We were watching Desperate Housewives on the HD-TiVo recorded from WPBF 25-1 OTA and experienced a four second audio dropout about half the way through. So they have not fixed anything either.

Does anyone ever watch 34-1? Since the first day they were on the air and they show SD in letterbox there is a silver line on the left of the picture. It's like a photo in a frame where the photo has slid to the right about a quarter inch and left a gap. Maybe, like in the Road Runner cartoon, they need another box delivered to the studio from the "ACME DIGITAL BROADCASTING EQUIPMENT COMPANY". :p

hehe..pickle

yeah, 34.1 has had the prob 4ever.

i re-watched heroes tonight...better due to them leaving it in DD2...but still had audio dropouts aprox .100 to .250 milliseconds in length...bearable at least

PBF during Boston Legal had a couple of long audio dropouts and many times there were sequences of choppy audio througout the whole broadcast. I'm emailing Joe at PBF now to let him know.

davidlem: was the SD version of the show horrible? or was the show itself horibble?

The show was great, watching it on my new 56" HDTV in 4:3 with what seemed like an unusually high amount of compression distortion was not. I watched the encore HD broadcast last night at 8pm and the only issue was audio 'pops' in quiet scenes.

i did enjoy the show last night in HD...experienced the audio pops as well...what brand and model is your 56" set?

...experienced the audio pops as well...

If it's NBC WPTV-DT 5-1 that you are talking about, the "pops" have been happening for quite a while now (years). People that can get it watch WSVN OTA instead.

what brand and model is your 56" set?

JVC HD-ILA 56GC87 LCoS, very happy with its capabilities so far, no defects to speak of

the DiLA are nice sets...I'm running a Samsung HLP5063 (going on 18 months now) and am very happy with it too.

pickle...yeah PTV has definitely had it's issue over the years...

I just watched NCIS and had to come here and vent. I started watching the cap from my MyHD-130 from QAM Adelphia cable and it had some artifacting. I figured maybe I had a bad connection since I just put the MyHD back in that system so I went out to the living room and started it off the HD-Tivo connected to OTA antenna. After 2 minutes I gave up because it was sooo much worse and went back to the MyHD cap to finish it. I still have "The Unit" and "Smith" to watch and I'm sure they will be the same.

I'm going to go verify this wasn't nationwide but I doubt it was.

Only a few droputs at the start of Bones on FOX last night.

Probably due to them messing about with the lotto numbers "squeeze" ?

Since its still not perfect I guess I will continue recording in SD as backup.

My wife says that these glitches reminds her of the fifties in South Florida when the TV networks were just starting up.

The New Digital Broadcast System for South Florida by ACME, Inc.
Just "Set-It-N-Forget-It"
Meets Most of the Standards Required by the FCC

Visit the Acme Inc. Web Page for More Information (http://looneytunes.warnerbros.com/web/toons/toons_classics.jsp?check=1&id=toons_classics_outandoutrout&adsite=site%3Dlooneytunes.com)



http://www.maydaymystery.org/mayday/offsite/letters100102/letter2/eniac.jpg

Ha ! That's hillarious

I've just recently tried to get the local channels OTA and am a bit frustrated. Partly/probabaly due to the cheapo antenna I have. I currently have service from D* and luckily was able to get the HD Tivo unit instead of the HD DVR that they are offering now. If I can get my OTA reception better everything will be perfect.

I'm in Boynton Beach near Congress and Hypoloxo. Does anyone have an antenna recommendation? I'm renting a Townhouse in the area so I have to be careful what I do as well as placement of anything outside.

Anyone have luck with specific Antenna's in our area? Also, where did you purchase it?

Thanks

I'm in the same location. After trying a number of antennas, I settled on a Square Shooter
mounted outside with a rotor. Doesn't do much for Miami but does well in WPB. Rotor is needed to get max signal from 25-1. No amplification needed. Doesn't look much like an antenna so got WAF without much hassle. Check with Solid
Signal on the web.

I have had great luck with a Winegard GS2000 - I pick up both Miami and WPB, with the exception of 25-1 (and 12-1 when they are dicking with transmit power), without a rotor. The SquareShooter mentioned above is a very good one as well, if you are only aiming for the WPB market.

PTV is unbelievable...totally messed up the Heroes broadcast tonight. Here's a copy of the email I just sent to them:

Body: To whom it may concern,

I am copying this to multiple email addresses at your station in the hopes that my complaints and concerns do not get buried by the department or individual directly responsible for the following errors.

I wanted to thank you for ruining what was possibly the most anticipated new show of the season tonight by doing what you guys apparently do best: completely screw up the audio on your HD broadcasts. I've been following your progress, or lack thereof, with Dolby Digital 5.1 for the last four years. You still can't get it right. Please just give it up. Every time you try to broadcast in DD 5.1, it NEVER works right. Most of the time I just experience serious echo effects, but during the broadcast of Heroes there was absolutely no center channel, only the background effects. So as a result, I had no dialog track whatsoever. Oh no, wait a minute, I did have some dialog about four minutes into the broadcast when your system switched back to DD 2 channel for about 45 seconds, then it switched to DD5.1 and lo and behold no dialog for the rest of the broadcast. I know this as I recorded it via over the air and cable and spot checked both recordings through to the end.

I receive your HD broadcast via over the air and cable. Three different and independent over the air receivers and two cable boxes and this problem was evident on all of them. This is not an issue on my end, let me make that quite clear.

This is also not the first time. The first Sunday night football broadcast you had issues with DD5.1 not working and causing the echo effects I described above.

Please, please, just stay with DD 2 channel. At least with that I don't have to deal with echo and missing center channel dialog tracks. Perhaps you could purchase new equipment that might work, or train your engineers in the equipment you do have.

I find this a sorry yet laughable state of affairs. Four plus years into broadcasting HD and you still can't get it right.


Ugh...these people are just unbelievable...

It looks like someone was listeneing to you as all the shows ive seen for the last week on WPTV have been DD2.0 :( better than the issue with heroes 1x01 i guess but i miss the 5.1.

That, or they had a good laugh over someone getting that worked up over television. If we could only have the same level of interest and participation in our politics, we'd have some decent people in office for a change.

I was helping some folks clean up their HD setup today that have Adelphia and at first touch the 8300 HD w/ the software adelphia uses is a piece of crap.

Was wondering if people who use it have learned some things that we're not apparent to me at first glance.

#1 it appears this box only outputs at 1080i

I tried upconvert 1, 2, pass-through, and fixed. and the box and rez on the TV always stayed at 1080i

#2 the stretch modes on this thing are global. Meaning if one wants to stretch sd channels to remove black bars, the hd channels are always stretched and the sides are lost.

These folks I was helping only really know how to turn the TV on and off and I feel bad knowing that they are probably watch the HD channels stretched :(

UGH...Just a rant but will Adelphia ever get Fox Sports Net in HD? I'd love to see the Panthers in HD glory.

#2 the stretch modes on this thing are global. Meaning if one wants to stretch sd channels to remove black bars, the hd channels are always stretched and the sides are lost.

These folks I was helping only really know how to turn the TV on and off and I feel bad knowing that they are probably watch the HD channels stretched :(

Do they have a plasma TV or something that would burn in ?

I have had a DLP TV with the SA8300HD DVR for a couple of years now.

I hate watching SD stretched. It is grainy enough on a 61" widescreen TV without
losing any more sharpness. Just ignore the black bars unless they
would cause burn in.

I don't mess with the cable box output controls.
The picture size controls of the TV work fine on their own.

#1 it appears this box only outputs at 1080i

I tried upconvert 1, 2, pass-through, and fixed. and the box and rez on the TV always stayed at 1080i

:(

In General Settings on the cable box i have set:picture format
on "pass-through".

My 720p DLP TV just looks at whatever the cable box gives it
and adjusts accordingly.

I can live with the occasional audio dropout for a few seconds as I can probably figure out what was said, BUT what is driving me NUTS is the show times on 12-1. Please let me know if anyome else is having the same problem described below.

I have Dish with a HD DVR which allows me to watch 1 show and record another or record 2 (limited to 2 tuners, one HD and one SD). For a good while on 12-1 the end times of shows go PAST x:00 or x:30. I lost the last 5 minutes of the last Eureka among other things. I looked at my Atomic clock AND the timer on my sat receiver the other night and the 8:00 show was STILL PLAYING at 9:02.

I know I have the option to record starting one minute early and going 3 minutes past (or manually setting the start & stop time, BUT you can't overlap timers and this kills me. If I go 3 minutes long on a 12-1 show in HD, I can't start watching another HD channel until that recording ends. Then I miss the first 3 minutes of the new channel.

I can't understand why this channel isn't on the same time line as the rest of the world.

Terry

thechiz, yes they bought a plasma

and like I said I tried pass-through and the others and when I went to sd channels and espn the TV continued to receive a 1080i source...

I use the HDMI interface, my 8300 also incorrectly converts 720p to 1080i with auto-dvi selected. The manual indicates auto-dvi should function as a pass-through.

Has anyone been able to get an output from the firewire ports?

I can't understand why this channel isn't on the same time line as the rest of the world.

Terry


It's not the channel, it's the networks. A recent practice is to go past the normal end time, skip a commercial and go right into the next show. This is their way to stop the consumer from channel surfing at the top of the hour during commercial breaks.

The shows we usually watch have been coming on in the 9:00 timeframe. In-between the funky start times, and the fact that my youngest gets put in bed at the same time, I am forever missing the beginnings of the shows. Oh well. Since the "season" now only lasts a few episodes, I figure there will be plenty of time to catch the reruns later. And another pet-peeve - networks "competing" by putting their best shows head to head, forcing me to make a choice, instead of doing the smart thing and spreading these things out a bit.

And another pet-peeve - networks "competing" by putting their best shows head to head, forcing me to make a choice, instead of doing the smart thing and spreading these things out a bit.

Thats what makes a 2-tuner HD DVR so useful.

Especially in a large family with only one big screen HDTV !

Get a SA8300HD DVR, TiVo Series 3 HD DMR or the new D* HD DVR.

We have 6 TV's, (three big screen HD), 3HD tuners, and 5 SD tuners, a DirecTV 5lnb dish, and a rooftop antenna. Which is odd, considering I don't watch that much TV. I just really don't care enough to dick with DVR, not to mention HD DVR just recently became avail. I suppose, one can say, that I care just enough to complain, ha !

Is everyone else having problems with 12-1 on OTA?

My signal is really low but my hardware hasn't changed and 5-1 and 29-1 come in strong. NCIS stopped recording on a HD Tivo about 10 minutes in because the signal was so bad. Other shows have recorded but are unwatchable. This has been going to for about a week and I assumed it would fix it self but it is getting annoying (luckily I have the capacity to record everything in HD and SD as a backup).

I watched 12-1 tonight without problems but I'm closer to the towers than you are. Sometimes there are local RF transmitters that can interfere with a TV channels frequency. I have heard that things like pirate radio broadcasters or high powered communications radios can cause it. If you know someone that has a frequency spectrum analyzer you could check for that.

I have the same symptoms, and I had to quit on 12-1 earlier this year. It seems like they reduced their power or something.

I have the same symptoms, and I had to quit on 12-1 earlier this year. It seems like they reduced their power or something.

Yes, that could be the problem too. The trick is to find someone at WPEC that gives a ratz azz. It will probably be 2009 before that happens.

Yes, that could be the problem too. The trick is to find someone at WPEC that gives a ratz azz. It will probably be 2009 before that happens.

Nothing has changed on our end.

I'm looking at WPEC-DT's power level right now and it's at 100.8 percent.

I was able to pick up 12-2 this weekend, some pixelation.

I was helping some folks clean up their HD setup today that have Adelphia and at first touch the 8300 HD w/ the software adelphia uses is a piece of crap.

Was wondering if people who use it have learned some things that we're not apparent to me at first glance.

#1 it appears this box only outputs at 1080i

I tried upconvert 1, 2, pass-through, and fixed. and the box and rez on the TV always stayed at 1080i

#2 the stretch modes on this thing are global. Meaning if one wants to stretch sd channels to remove black bars, the hd channels are always stretched and the sides are lost.

These folks I was helping only really know how to turn the TV on and off and I feel bad knowing that they are probably watch the HD channels stretched :(

The issue you are questioning in #1 can be resolved by using the SA8300HD Advanced Setup. This is described in detail at the following link:

http://www.scientificatlanta.com/ExplorerClubGuides/getting_started/4004007.pdf

Go to page 5 and follow the instructions slowly and carefully as it may not be entirely intuitive. These instructions will allow you to passthrough 480i, 480p(not a good idea), 720p and 1080i. My set always displays the correct, transmitted resolution and I don't have any problems with black bars (unless the station puts them there.)

To date, I have not found an Adelphia service tech that totally knows how to do this procedure.

If the link above does not work, go to www.scientificatlanta.com and follow the links to the Explorer Club. You may have to register and then follow the links to the Product Pages then go to the SA8300HD. Good Luck.

The issue you are questioning in #1 can be resolved by using the SA8300HD Advanced Setup. This is described in detail at the following link:
SNIP

I used the setup that you reference, however 720p is passed as 1080i for me. How is your tuner connected to the monitor?

I used the setup that you reference, however 720p is passed as 1080i for me. How is your tuner connected to the monitor?

On my setup, the SA8300HD is connected to my receiver via component video cables and then the receiver is connected to my TV via component video. The TV is a Sony 16:9 plasma. I am using Video 4 as my input.

The TV is capable of the following resolutions: 480i, 480p, 720p, and 1080i. The SA8300HD is set to Passthrough the resolution of what is transmitted. Therefor all the SD stations are in 480i. ESPN, FOX and ABC are in 720p and the rest of the HD Adelphia provides is 1080i. Interestingly, WXEL puts out their SD programs on channel 706 at 480i and switches the resolution to 1080i for their HD programs.

This setup works for my equipment and may not be appropriate if your TV does not auto-switch or support all resolutions. Also, I watch all SD programs using the TV's Widezoom feature. This is a progressive stretching which is less painful, IMO, to watch then letting the cablebox do the stretching, but to each his own.

Back to the SA8300HD setup. If you are only getting 1080i and your TV can display other resolutions, then go back to the advanced setup and make sure that you have specified how you want each resolution handled or converted. I think that the default is to convert to 1080i if you are using the component video outputs. (I have not tried using the HDMI output so I can't advise you if this will work using HDMI.) Anyway for each resolution, you will have the option of specifying how you want the resolution resolved. For example you should be able to select for example for 480i, to convert to 480i, 480p, 720p, or 1080i through the interactive menu on the Advanced Setup. After you finish 480i, you should be able to advance to the 720p and then 1080i.

Make sure you also have selected Passthrough through the Easy Setup. You may have to go through this setup procedure several times to get the hang of it.

Good luck and let me know how it went.
Brian

Thanks Brian.

The 8300HD issued locally passes all resolutions as 1080i when using an HDMI connecton. However, the conversion is very good.

Well my 12-1 has been better the last few days with no changes on my end. Maybe there was an alternate transmission on a similar frequency between my house and the tower and it stopped.

And we should be more civil to the employees of the local stations so they will continue to come to this board.

What resolution is WFLX broadcasting at? Watching tonight's baseball game, I'm not real impressed. The picture is clean and looks good, but the on screen graphics especially look a bit fuzzy. It doesn't compare well to what I've seen on the Sunday Ticket broadcasts. Am I seeing the infamous "Fox Widescreen"

it's 720p

looks good here

Last night, my wife and I were watching or should I say trying to watch Smallville. The picture and sound were fine. The problem was that every so often the picture would go black and there would be no sound. This kept repeating for the 15 minutes we tried to watch. It was even happening during the commercials. This is not the first time either.

David,

I attempted to watch the Broncos game on Adelphia using a MyHD-130 with QAM tuning. This configuration has been used to record NBC5 and ABC25 in High Def with no problems.

As soon as I tuned I got video breakup and audio breakup. I assumed previously that my problem might somehow be OTA related but this is exactly what I get on my HDTivo although the OTA seems to be worse.

I'll record the game to transport stream and if it would help I can mail you a dvd at the station so you can see what I am talking about.


I'm on 4-1 now using a different HD Tuner but would love to get 12-1 working on the HD Tivo.

Edit:

So here are a couple logs from QAM recording (recording single sub channel only)...
12-1:

File Size Processed: 1.00 GB, Play Time: 00h:08m:33s
1920 x 1080, 29.97 fps, 80.00 Mbps (15.75 Mbps Average).
Average Video Quality: 64.04 KB/Frame, 0.25 Bits/Pixel.
AC3 Audio: 3/2 Channels (L, C, R, SL, SR) + LFE, 48.0 kHz, 384 kbps.
Dialog Normalization: -31.0 dB, Center Mix Level: -3.0 dB, Surround Mix Level: -3.0 dB
137 of 15418 video frames found with errors.
26 of 16051 audio frames found with errors.
497915 corrupted video bytes in file.
0.600600 seconds of video timestamp gaps.
1.280022 seconds of audio timestamp gaps.

25-1:

File Size Processed: 1.08 GB, Play Time: 00h:07m:23s
1280 x 720, 59.94 fps, 80.00 Mbps (16.16 Mbps Average).
Average Video Quality: 32.87 KB/Frame, 0.29 Bits/Pixel.
AC3 Audio: 3/2 Channels (L, C, R, SL, SR) + LFE, 48.0 kHz, 384 kbps.
Dialog Normalization: -30.0 dB, Center Mix Level: -3.0 dB, Surround Mix Level: -3.0 dB
130 of 26617 video frames found with errors.
18 of 13863 audio frames found with errors.
295122 corrupted video bytes in file.
0.583978 seconds of video timestamp gaps.
0.992000 seconds of audio timestamp gaps.

5-1:

File Size Processed: 504.43 MB, Play Time: 00h:03m:58s
1920 x 1088 (Display Extension: 1920 x 1080), 29.97 fps, 80.00 Mbps (14.83 Mbps Average).
Average Video Quality: 60.38 KB/Frame, 0.24 Bits/Pixel.
AC3 Audio: 2/0 Channels (L, R), 48.0 kHz, 384 kbps.
Dialog Normalization: -27.0 dB
1 of 7149 video frames found with errors.
0 of 7450 audio frames found with errors.
27 corrupted video bytes in file.
0.000000 seconds of video timestamp gaps.
0.000000 seconds of audio timestamp gaps.

25-1 and 12-1 are sent on the same ?channel?. 5-1 and 29-1 are the same way. 5-1 recorded fine, indicating to me that it is not a problem with my signal or card.

btw.. I just checked the OTA 12-1 on the HDTivo and it is completely blocky. The signal peaks at 65 but drops in and out. 29-1 and 5-1 are both in the 90's.

Thanks for the info - something going on with 12 for sure, I think. Even though their engineer says their signal is full power, I haven't been able to reliably receive 12 most of this year.

Has anyone heard when/if we'll get WPEC on DirecTV as one of the Mpeg4 locals?

Anyone heard a reason why WPEC is holding out?

when a channel is not on it's usually the wpec wants a price that's higher than d* wants to pay

I am looking to receive the locally available channels OTA. I have a 36" Sony Wega HDTV with no tuner built in. I have purchased a Samsung SIR-TS360 to recieve the HD broadcasts.

I previously had DishTV at this location and plan to use the roof mount that the dish was on to install an antenna since I already have it up and there is already new RG6 cabling run to the location (2 actually.)

Antennaweb gives me this info


yellow - uhf WPBF 25 ABC TEQUESTA FL 191° 8.8 25
* yellow - uhf WPBF-DT 25.1 ABC WEST PALM BEACH FL 191° 8.8 16
yellow - uhf WTVX 34 CW FORT PIERCE FL 188° 8.7 34
* yellow - uhf WTVX-DT 34.1 CW FORT PIERCE FL 188° 8.8 50
blue - vhf WPTV 5 NBC WEST PALM BEACH FL 172° 46.7 5
blue - uhf WFLX 29 FOX WEST PALM BEACH FL 175° 47.2 29
violet - vhf WPEC 12 CBS WEST PALM BEACH FL 172° 46.8 12


I've removed the station from the list that do not interest me. Does anyone have a suggestion as to what antenna to use? The existing mount in on top of the roof at the SE lower edge of the roofline.

BTW I'm in Port Saint Lucie zip 34953

I am looking to receive the locally available channels OTA. I have a 36" Sony Wega HDTV with no tuner built in. I have purchased a Samsung SIR-TS360 to recieve the HD broadcasts.

I previously had DishTV at this location and plan to use the roof mount that the dish was on to install an antenna since I already have it up and there is already new RG6 cabling run to the location (2 actually.)


I've removed the station from the list that do not interest me. Does anyone have a suggestion as to what antenna to use? The existing mount in on top of the roof at the SE lower edge of the roofline.

BTW I'm in Port Saint Lucie zip 34953

I use a Radio Shack UHF Yagi in my attic (coupled with a 5 element channel 13 Yagi for VHF channel 12.1) and receive the stations you identify perfectly. Since your antenna will be on the roof you may not need a separate VHF antenna. There are higher gain antennas than the R/S UHF Yagi, but you can return it if it doesn't do the job.

If you go to Radio Shack, there is a fair chance they will try to sell you an all channel Yagi. This is a huge antenna which you do not need.

BTW, transmitting antennas for WPBF and WTVX are not in the cities you identify. Both are located along I-95 West of Palm City.

btw.. I just checked the OTA 12-1 on the HDTivo and it is completely blocky. The signal peaks at 65 but drops in and out. 29-1 and 5-1 are both in the 90's.I usually watch 12.1 OTA and the signal has been extremely reliable.

I recorded Bourne Identity last weekend on WPEC via Cable and 8300HD. I couldn't watch as the picture froze every couple minutes. I have no way of knowinig if the problem was WPEC or Adelphia/Comcast.

Joel -

Do you still use OTA for 12-1 primetime watching??

I would be curious to know if the programming tonight plays fine for you.

Joel -

Do you still use OTA for 12-1 primetime watching??

I would be curious to know if the programming tonight plays fine for you.

Yes, I use OTA for 12.1, although I don't believe I ever watch any CBS prime time programs. I did watch the news between 5 and 6:00 pm last night and the reception was fine. I also checked for a few minutes several times in prime time and couldn't find any problems.

ok thanks.

I live out West near the Turnpike and Hypoluxo and I watch all the networks OTA with my old Dish 921 HD DVR. Reception is fine and the only problem I encounter is the loss of sound now and then for about 3-4 seconds.

The broadcast from NBC (5) to DirecTV was bouncing from stereo to surround and letterbox 4:3 to full 16:9 from 9-9:30 last night (Heroes). I get locals in HD through D* on my HR20 box and had both the MPEG4 HD broadcast and the SD broadcast recording just to be safe. Still missed the first 5 minutes of dialog because I didn't start the second recording until I recognized the problem. Anyone have trouble with the OTA audio/video last night? Hopefully they'll enable the OTA tuner on the HR20 box soon.

It was the same way on my HDTivo OTA recording from channel 6-1. Luckily I record everything from NBC and CBS in SD as a backup.

darn, wish they'd get their equipment figured out already

WPTV

It's been a while since I have seen posts on reception problems with WPTV; I think that most of them went away when folks got rid of their Hughes boxes and replaced them with something newer. But, is anyone still having reception problems with them today?

I am currently using the DirecTV H20 box. I have a clear line of sign to their antenna, and I am about 10 miles south in West Boca. I get signal drop off's 1 - 2 times daily. I don't have any issues with 4.1, 6.1, 7.1, 12.1, 25.1, 29.1

Also, now that the TODAY show is being broadcast in HD, have you noticed how crappy WPTV's HD broadcast of it is?? Here is what I see:

1. They are missing the time / temp on the bottom right of the screen (it's on their standard def broadcast)
2. Some days they are broadcasting in standard def
3. On Saturdays, they broadcast the TODAY show 1 hour delayed, and they show it in standard def. I guess they don't have a high def recorder!

WTVJ on 6-1 has got it right.

I still have problems with 5-1 blacking out, with large fluctuations in signal strength. I have to watch the DirecTV version of it, or go to 6-1.

I was flipping through channels last night and something on WPTV 5-1 had only the sound effects and background noises as the only audio that you could hear. The commercials were fine.

I was flipping through channels last night and something on WPTV 5-1 had only the sound effects and background noises as the only audio that you could hear. The commercials were fine.


Yeah, during Law & Order Criminal Intent they were trying to go to 5.1 DD. When in 5.1 only the rear surround channels had audio.

I just wish NBC/WPTV whomever it is would get it working right in 5.1! Seems like every time they try to mess with 5.1 it's during a show I want to watch. They did it for the first 5 mins of Heroes on Monday, but then it worked in 5.1 the rest of the show. Apparently someone decided to "fix it" again on Tuesday and therefore 75% of L&O: CI was screwed up.

ozonedan, I'm having the same problem with Smallville on 34-1. Unfortunately, it's a weekly problem. I was traveling for a couple of weeks and was hoping to "catch up" on all of the episodes when I got back.

All 4 episodes did this "blacking out for a few seconds" thing often throughout the show. I assumed maybe the antenna was not quite aimed right so I took special care (using the signal gauge in the E* 622 to aim the antenna for optimal 34-1 signal) for THUs episode.

Unfortunately, same thing again- flashing black so often, we had to simply abandon the effort to watch it. Here's a few other observations for the sleuths that sometimes hang out here...

I notice that the commercial breaks are always flawless. No commercial does this black out thing. And it doesn't seem to happen with programming on 34-1 right before Smallville. For this last episode, I tuned in early to be sure the picture would be stable. The syndicated programming running in the 7 O'Clock hour was flawless. So this seems to be a Smallville program-specific problem that has occurred for at least 5 weeks now.

I'm using the E* 622 and I don't get this with any other recordings on any other local or distant channels. There is no macroblocking just before or just after; instead, it is as if someone has simply sliced a few seconds out of the show every minute or so (sometimes more often, sometimes less). The screen looks great, then suddenly black, then great again.

Anyone have any ideas?

I also thought the problem was missing from the commercials. However, I have also seen it on them. And like you said it doesn't appear on any other shows. It's awfully strange. You'd think they'd have it fixed by now.

You know - that is an interesting observation. I have read of technology broadcasters use to slice time out of programming here and there (supposed to be unnoticed) so they can have more commercial time to sell. I wonder if the OTA digital broadcast, being relatively new and perhaps not accounted for in this technology, exposes this ? Far-fetched, but a thought.

Interesting idea. But I'm somewhat doubting it. The slices are long enough that you actually miss information. In particular, dialogue is cut pretty severely such that you'll come into a scene, try to guess what was being said in the blacked-out parts, then know you missed something that might be important to the show.

I sent WTVX an email describing the problem. If they respond, I'll let you know what was said.

Yeah, during Law & Order Criminal Intent they were trying to go to 5.1 DD. When in 5.1 only the rear surround channels had audio.

I just wish NBC/WPTV whomever it is would get it working right in 5.1! Seems like every time they try to mess with 5.1 it's during a show I want to watch. They did it for the first 5 mins of Heroes on Monday, but then it worked in 5.1 the rest of the show. Apparently someone decided to "fix it" again on Tuesday and therefore 75% of L&O: CI was screwed up.

Happened again on Heroes last night (11/6). First 5 minutes were rear channels only (no dialog), exactly as it has done in previous weeks. I switched over to SD and watched (terrible PQ from them) until the first commercials which of course worked flawlessly. By this time I had quit using the stereo so I don't know if they flipped back to Stereo Audio or actually made the 5.1 surround work.

It's time like that, that I am glad I have 3 options - OTA from both Miami and WPB markets, and DirecTV HD locals via sat. Between the 3 of them, I can usually find a stable signal. It's also sad, though, that it requires these 3 options.

I would also like to know if anyone can answer:

Why don't we have CBS HD on DirecTV? Freedom Communications? (http://www.freedom.com/broadcast/wpec.html)

Why aren't Dolphins home games in HD OTA?

Why are SD Dolphins games on CBS via DirecTV so ugly? Ghosting, motion trails, etc. The commercials look normal, but the game itself looks terrible. The leftmost side of the picture is overlapped and ghosted. It's like a really bad rabbit ears reception - and this is over satellite and OTA (which is pointless when it isnt HD).

Some of their home games have been in HD. It depends on if the network has assigned HD equipment and resources to that game or not. Apparently they still don't have enough equipment for every game to be in HD yet. As for the poor SD picture via DirectTV, I'm not certain, I haven't watched football via DirecTV SD in 2 and a half seasons, but I have never noticed any problems with digital OTA similar to what you describe at all this year. It's not pointless to watch OTA when it isn't in HD, though, you get the best possible bandwidth that way. I suspect SD DirecTV to be bad due to them scrimping on bandwidth.

Thanks Jeff, I'll see if I can snap some pics this Sunday. It's difficult to compare a week later.

Regarding assigning HD equipment and resources to the game - exactly what is the 1pm Sunday NFL home team game broadcast competing with?

I have not yet seen a Dolphins home game in HD, maybe the ones I've been to were and I missed it. But I checked this coming Sunday and no HD yet again.

It is competing with other venues - CBS, ABC, or whoever is handling the broadcast only has so many HD teams to distribute to all the games. When your team is in the basement, you probably fall to the bottom of their priority list. So no HD this weekend, eh ? That's a bummer. Once you start watching the games in HD, it is tough to go back to SD.

Got some feedback straight from the source...

My apologies for the problems you have been experiencing with WTVX-DT. The problem is definitely on our end and not with your equipment. The problem is happening on the HD satellite feed and we have set up additional monitoring equipment to determine whether it's equipment related or caused by interference. We'll do our best to get this resolved ASAP.




Hopefully ASAP is not measured in weeks or months!

Jeff, plausible explanation, thank you again.

Darryl, sounds like you've made some progress, but remember in business ASAP means As Soon As Profitable!

I wonder when Adelphia is going to get espn2 and tnt. Hopefully before xmas with the comcast take over

adelphia has a contract for espn2 hd the west palm region has just never added it...

I hear the cable providers still have fuzzy channels - is this true ? If so, that's amazing. I left cable in 1999 for that reason - fuzzy locals.

Happened again on Heroes last night (11/6). First 5 minutes were rear channels only (no dialog), exactly as it has done in previous weeks. I switched over to SD and watched (terrible PQ from them) until the first commercials which of course worked flawlessly. By this time I had quit using the stereo so I don't know if they flipped back to Stereo Audio or actually made the 5.1 surround work.


They made the 5.1 work finally. It was still in 5.1, and sounding good, for Studio 60.

Why don't we have CBS HD on DirecTV? Freedom Communications? (http://www.freedom.com/broadcast/wpec.html)



As of 11/7/06 we FINALLY do... It's about time WPEC!

As of 11/7/06 we FINALLY do... It's about time WPEC!
Good to know Runner, thanks. I'm thinking of moving over to the HR20 because they broke my HR10-250 with the 6.3a update. If FIOS was available in PB County I would dump them completely. :eek:

Good to know Runner, thanks. I'm thinking of moving over to the HR20 because they broke my HR10-250 with the 6.3a update. If FIOS was available in PB County I would dump them completely. :eek:


Broke how? I have 6.3a on both of my HR10's and I have no problems. If you're referring to the occasional audio dropouts on FOX I had those with 3.1.5f as well.

If you're referring to the occasional audio dropouts on FOX I had those with 3.1.5f as well.I didn't have any problems with 3.1.5f other than the slowness. Now I have the audio dropouts on FOX-DT 29-1 and on CW 34-1 the picture blanks out. It happens much more than occasionaly - it's unwatchable. For now I have moved my season passes to the SD channels until there is a "B" version update (they are working on it) but they had better hurry. I'm not going to watch 24 in SD or without Dolby Digital SS.

I hear the cable providers still have fuzzy channels - is this true ? If so, that's amazing. I left cable in 1999 for that reason - fuzzy locals.

The main problem is that they are still sending analog and when you pull the signal through the Motorola dvr it can vary from just ok to really bad. I think as Comcast starts moving everything to digital the SD channels will sharpen up. I have no idea if Advanced is planning to do the same, they don't answer questions. For me it is not a big deal since 90% of what I watch is digital/HD programming (locals except CBS which I get OTA) and my wife doesn't seem to notice. I always find her watching the analog channel instead of the HD channel, when I say something she says its fine :)

I would also like to know if anyone can answer:

Why don't we have CBS HD on DirecTV? Freedom Communications? (http://www.freedom.com/broadcast/wpec.html)

Why aren't Dolphins home games in HD OTA?

Why are SD Dolphins games on CBS via DirecTV so ugly? Ghosting, motion trails, etc. The commercials look normal, but the game itself looks terrible. The leftmost side of the picture is overlapped and ghosted. It's like a really bad rabbit ears reception - and this is over satellite and OTA (which is pointless when it isnt HD).


Freedom is still in negotiations with DirecTV over WPEC-DT carriage.

Freedom is still in negotiations with DirecTV over WPEC-DT carriage.


No they aren't... If you'd read a few posts up I replied to this same poster letting him know the channel IS being carried.

Whoa there "RunnerFL" - don't knock Dave for posting, we don't want to drive him off.

Whoa there "RunnerFL" - don't knock Dave for posting, we don't want to drive him off.

Yeah, gosh where would be without him and his frequent and helpful answers to our insignificant posts? :p

What a pack of winners we are. A station engineer posts up here and all we can think to do is give him a hard time because he doesn't post as often as we would like ?

Whoa there "JeffBowser" - don't knock me for expressing an opinion, I might get hurt feelings. :rolleyes:

Whoa there "RunnerFL" - don't knock Dave for posting, we don't want to drive him off.

I wasn't in any way knocking him or trying to drive him off but you'd think of all people he'd know that they were broadcasting. :)


btw, all of D*'s MP4 locals are down right now. D* is aware of the problem but do not know what the problem is and have no ETA.

What a pack of winners we are. A station engineer posts up here and all we can think to do is give him a hard time because he doesn't post as often as we would like ?

I don't see anyone giving him a hard time.

btw, all of D*'s MP4 locals are down right now. D* is aware of the problem but do not know what the problem is and have no ETA.

Locals are back up now.

I don't see anyone giving him a hard time.

Well I'll stick up for Jeff on this one a bit. Remember even with smileys and all people can interpet what you write differently. After reading Runner's post my thoughts were 'What are you stupid you don't even know what is going on at your own station? and the followup by Bruce came across as 'He never does anything for us on this board anyway so who cares if he posts' Now that may or may not have been the intent of either message.

I, like Jeff, appreciate that any broadcast engineer takes the time to follow what bone heads like us say on the forums since it may once or twice result in a positive change. If they feel they are just going to be attacked because of their station policies or factors they cannot control why would they listen.

Signal comparison btw Adelphia and Directv..

I wonder if anyone has switched from DTV to Adelphia in the Lake Worth area? With the purchase of a Sony 70XBR2 all the SD channels on DTV exhibit "mosquitio" noise. The HD is of course stunning. All the homes here are wired with adelphia basic so I checked the signal quality just for fun. Although the signal seems a bit grainy there is little other noise. Since this set can use a cablecard I have adelphia comming out on Monday so that I may evaluate their digital quality. Does anyone know if adelphia's signal is compressed? Has anyone compared the PQ of a DTV HR10-250 Tivo to any adelphia signal/ picture. Has anyone switched for adelphia from DTV because of PQ?

Thanks
jeff

Signal comparison btw Adelphia and Directv..

I wonder if anyone has switched from DTV to Adelphia in the Lake Worth area? With the purchase of a Sony 70XBR2 all the SD channels on DTV exhibit "mosquitio" noise. The HD is of course stunning. All the homes here are wired with adelphia basic so I checked the signal quality just for fun. Although the signal seems a bit grainy there is little other noise. Since this set can use a cablecard I have adelphia comming out on Monday so that I may evaluate their digital quality. Does anyone know if adelphia's signal is compressed? Has anyone compared the PQ of a DTV HR10-250 Tivo to any adelphia signal/ picture. Has anyone switched for adelphia from DTV because of PQ?

Thanks
jeffI recently switched from D* to Adelphia/Comcast, primarily because of the limited number of D* HDTV channels and impending larger dish which I was not anxious to get. Cable basic channels in the area are still analog and will never display well on a large screen. BTW, for my eyes both OTA and cable picture quality is better than D* in most cases.

The best picture quality provider is a moving target. Its just a matter of time before everything goes digital and there will be a change in all services. You may even see someone else getting into the act such as ATT.

Joel is right about PQ being a moving target, with various providers leap-frogging each other periodically. Chasing providers for PQ is a losing battle. That being said, I will never give a cable company a nickel of my money ever again. The reasons have little to do with PQ(fuzzy locals aside) or lineup. It has everything to do with lousy performance after the hurricanes, numbnuts technicians, and poor customer service. DirecTV is no better with their technicians, but at least I am closer to the source with a direct feed from the satellite and am better able to take care of myself, rather than depend on cable amps, headends, wireplants, and everything else between you and a basic signal. And, of course, having a good antenna up is the best of all, at least you can be guaranteed a shot at the best possible signal quality direct from the locals, bypassing everything.

Got some feedback straight from the source...

My apologies for the problems you have been experiencing with WTVX-DT. The problem is definitely on our end and not with your equipment. The problem is happening on the HD satellite feed and we have set up additional monitoring equipment to determine whether it's equipment related or caused by interference. We'll do our best to get this resolved ASAP.




Hopefully ASAP is not measured in weeks or months!

I watched Smallville last night and it look good. The must have listened to you.

I recently switched from D* to Adelphia/Comcast, primarily because of the limited number of D* HDTV channels and impending larger dish which I was not anxious to get. Cable basic channels in the area are still analog and will never display well on a large screen. BTW, for my eyes both OTA and cable picture quality is better than D* in most cases.

The best picture quality provider is a moving target. Its just a matter of time before everything goes digital and there will be a change in all services. You may even see someone else getting into the act such as ATT.


Thanks for the reply.... Since I posted I learned Adelphia uses a 12:1 compression on its signals... Not sure of DTV yet. Also learned Adelphia/Comcast will eventually offer the "basic channels" digitally in the 800's. Since the current version of the cablecard is not interactive, purchasing a tivo model 3 at this time would be premature. Don't think I'll switch to adelphia at this time but rather wait for future developments at comcast and DTV with mpeg4.

I think my best bet for now will involve adding the Flea video enhancer http://www.algolith.com/index.php?id=63&L=0 to clean up the DTV noise.

jeff

Well I'll stick up for Jeff on this one a bit. Remember even with smileys and all people can interpet what you write differently. After reading Runner's post my thoughts were 'What are you stupid you don't even know what is going on at your own station? and the followup by Bruce came across as 'He never does anything for us on this board anyway so who cares if he posts' Now that may or may not have been the intent of either message.

I, like Jeff, appreciate that any broadcast engineer takes the time to follow what bone heads like us say on the forums since it may once or twice result in a positive change. If they feel they are just going to be attacked because of their station policies or factors they cannot control why would they listen.


I wasn't saying "what are you stupid". Had I wanted to say that I would, I don't mince words.

I was however questioning how it is he wouldn't know that they were being broadcast, you'd think he'd be one of the fist to know. :)

That isn't giving him a hard time at all.

I looked at that Flea video enhancer - it appears to be the same or very similar algorithm as the noise reduction software I use in photography, It is excellent at removing noise and smoothing blockiness. However, it is not a free lunch. You will lose detail. The amount lost varies with how much noise reduction is needed.

My heart just skipped a beat - WPEC HD on DirecTV!!! <brings up TV listings for Sunday 11/19>
Oh look, the football game is in HD on 12 it says!
But wait, it's not the Dolphins game...let's see where is that...oh right, Fox! I've yet to see a game on Fox not in HD! Hooray! Whoa, what's this? Dolphins @ Vikings on Fox is NOT in HD?!

I...I..don't even know where to start.

Not all football games are broadcast in HD because the networks don't have enough HD cameras & equipment to go around. So the Miami Dolphins who won 3 games and lost 6 are at the bottom of the AFC East. The networks will broadcast them in SD.

The Thanksgiving game will be in HD, though, I bet.

Don't forget either, CBS has the Super Bowl this year.

My heart just skipped a beat - WPEC HD on DirecTV!!! <brings up TV listings for Sunday 11/19>
Oh look, the football game is in HD on 12 it says!
But wait, it's not the Dolphins game...let's see where is that...oh right, Fox! I've yet to see a game on Fox not in HD! Hooray! Whoa, what's this? Dolphins @ Vikings on Fox is NOT in HD?!

I...I..don't even know where to start.

Why don't you think the game will be HD? All FOX games are in HD that I am aware of unless it is being broadcast from the local affiliate like during pre-season. Now CBS is a different story since as mentioned they have limited hardware and the Dolphins don't have the record to get the HD truck.

Actually I was hoping I could get the Bears/Jets game from WFLX but it looks like both WSVN and WFLX are carrying the Dolphins this weekend

Why don't you think the game will be HD? All FOX games are in HD that I am aware of unless it is being broadcast from the local affiliate like during pre-season. Now CBS is a different story since as mentioned they have limited hardware and the Dolphins don't have the record to get the HD truck.

Actually I was hoping I could get the Bears/Jets game from WFLX but it looks like both WSVN and WFLX are carrying the Dolphins this weekendAll of the guides I have checked show Vikings@Dolphins on FOX as SD.

All FOX games are in HD that I am aware of unless it is being broadcast from the local affiliate like during pre-season.

This is not a true statement. Up to six FOX games each week are in HD (720p) the remainder are in FOX Widescreen (480p). An accurate statement would be all FOX games are widescreen.

This is not a true statement. Up to six FOX games each week are in HD (720p) the remainder are in FOX Widescreen (480p). An accurate statement would be all FOX games are widescreen.There you go. What he said..... :o

I guess I just have not seen a game on Fox that was not in HD, I stand corrected.

I guess I just have not seen a game on Fox that was not in HD, I stand corrected.


I checked the historical FOX coverage maps at http://www.gribblenation.net/nflmaps/ and if you have only watched the FOX games broadcast on WFLX or WSVN then "Yes" you have not seen a game on FOX that is not HD.

Comcast Digital 800's

Anyone got a date when Comcast will allow us to view their sd offerings digitally in the 800's. ?

I checked the historical FOX coverage maps at http://www.gribblenation.net/nflmaps/ and if you have only watched the FOX games broadcast on WFLX or WSVN then "Yes" you have not seen a game on FOX that is not HD.

So I guess Sunday will be my first. Thanks for the info.

When HD is not an option, I still prefer FOX OTA 480p wide-screen to ANY cable company's rendition of it in fuzzy standard SD. Or DirecTV's standard SD re-broadcast for that matter. I remember getting sooo mad back in the 80's all the way to the mid 90's. Every Sunday, the local cable provider would show us the game, and it was fuzzy as all get out. The dang analog antenna gave a better picture half the time.

Wow, I'm really shocked that no one has posted here that WPTV has had absolutely no audio on 5-1 at all today... None, nada, zilch...

Anyone hear what happened?

And still no audio this morning...

And still no audio this morning... I have sound just fine right now. I didn't watch 5-1 yesterday though.

I have sound just fine right now. I didn't watch 5-1 yesterday though.

When I left my house to come to work about 45 mins ago I didn't. At least on the DirecTV Mpeg4 broadcast, I didn't check OTA.

WPTV claims they are "Tweaking the DD 5.1 signal".

I have to admit, I am so gunshy of 5-1 now (for over a year now), I default to 6-1 without even thinking twice.

When I left my house to come to work about 45 mins ago I didn't. At least on the DirecTV Mpeg4 broadcast, I didn't check OTA.

WPTV claims they are "Tweaking the DD 5.1 signal".Sounds like a D* problem. I haven't had any audio problems via OTA.

Sounds like a D* problem. I haven't had any audio problems via OTA.My guess would be that WPTV has messed up the uplink to DirecTV. I would say give WPTV a phone call but hey, it's the weekend. There's no one there.

WPEC does it again - 12-1 went to HD 12 minutes into the first game yesterday. Great job, guys! :mad:

Sounds like a D* problem. I haven't had any audio problems via OTA.


Then why when I called WPTV did they say it was them messing with the audio?

didn't you read my whole post before quoting it and replying to it? lol

I guess 5-1 has given up on DD for now, Heroes and Studio 60 (only used it as a test) weren't in DD last night (11/20) over D*. I haven't tried OTA because I'm spoiled by the simplicity of MPEG4 HD locals now...

Just curious, I am visiting my in-laws in Lake Worth, and live in NY. Is there a reason why a nationally televised NHL game on Versus would be blacked out? I'm a little biased cause the rangers are playing..

Thanks

I guess 5-1 has given up on DD for now, Heroes and Studio 60 (only used it as a test) weren't in DD last night (11/20) over D*. I haven't tried OTA because I'm spoiled by the simplicity of MPEG4 HD locals now...

5-1 is broadcasting in DD but not 5.1. They are broadcasting in 2.1

Just curious, I am visiting my in-laws in Lake Worth, and live in NY. Is there a reason why a nationally televised NHL game on Versus would be blacked out? I'm a little biased cause the rangers are playing..

Thanks


Was the game vs. the Panthers and if so was it a home game for the Panthers? That would be why it would be blacked out most likely.

nope, it was versus the hurricaines... but it was available on INHD1 as a high-def broadcast... very weird

I currently view all the local on my HR10-250 and the picture quality is very good except for the issues that usually mentioned here. The question I have is regarding the picture quality through D*.

I am looking to add another HD TV in another room and was wondering if I upgrade my D* to recieve the locals in HD how the picture quality is. I have heard that it is not too good with WPTV or WPEC. Is this true?

Thanks.

I personally can see very little difference between the local's OTA HD and DirecTV's MPEG4 HD locals on my 65" rear projection. On my 32" LCD's, I can see no difference at all. Of course, I have just opened myself up to be shouted down by the "hd-lite" crowd, so my opinion is only my opinion, and only involves my two bare eyes.

Ok.. Really dum question... How are you guys getting the HD locals on DirecTV?

I've got the local package and the HD package... What am I missing?

You need their new 5lnb (bigger) dish and a new receiver.

Thanks. Did anybody get the 5LNB from D* for free (ala contract extension), or do we have to pay for this?

Also, I see chatter on the rest of the board that if I am getting OTA ok, is it worth it to even do this?

I got my dish for free, but installation cost me extra, since I did not want that heavy dish hanging precariously from my thin and tiny facia. Not sure about the worth. I like the option of having one or the other as problems come up, and I also get a couple OTA stations more reliably through sat than I can through my antenna.

I got my dish for free, but installation cost me extra, since I did not want that heavy dish hanging precariously from my thin and tiny facia. Not sure about the worth. I like the option of having one or the other as problems come up, and I also get a couple OTA stations more reliably through sat than I can through my antenna.

Where and how did they mount it? It looks pretty heavy...

I had them sink a post in my backyard, in an out-of-sight corner. I actually like it better, as it is only 5 feet off the ground, making it much steadier in the wind, and easier to remove when a hurricane is coming.

I had them sink a post in my backyard, in an out-of-sight corner. I actually like it better, as it is only 5 feet off the ground, making it much steadier in the wind, and easier to remove when a hurricane is coming.


A couple of questions if you don't mind.

Did you get the new dish through contract extension as Dave suggested?

How much was the install fee?

Thanks!

Yes, it was through a 2 year extension. The install was $90, included in that was an extra long cable run, and burying it underground until it reached the corner of my house. They wanted to setup the H20's as well, which I politely declined (they didn't seem all that swift on HD setup).

Yes, it was through a 2 year extension. The install was $90, included in that was an extra long cable run, and burying it underground until it reached the corner of my house. They wanted to setup the H20's as well, which I politely declined (they didn't seem all that swift on HD setup).

Thanks!

Since I switched to cable im selling my Radio Shack indoor antenna that worked great in my attic, $35. I'm at Jog and Hypoluxo in Lake Worth. I'll probably put my Panasonic TU-DST52 receiver on ebay unless someone here is interested. vinny33467@yahoo.com

http://rsk.imageg.net/graphics/product_images/pRS1C-2326366w345.jpg

Since I switched to cable im selling my Radio Shack indoor antenna that worked great in my attic, $35. I'm at Jog and Hypoluxo in Lake Worth. I'll probably put my Panasonic TU-DST52 receiver on ebay unless someone here is interested. vinny33467@yahoo.com

http://rsk.imageg.net/graphics/product_images/pRS1C-2326366w345.jpg

I have been considering the switch back to cable myself (mostly because of D* incessant advertising and their commitment requirements). I assume you have Adelphia where you are. Would you care to compare what you're getting now with the D* stuff you had?

I have been considering the switch back to cable myself (mostly because of D* incessant advertising and their commitment requirements). I assume you have Adelphia where you are. Would you care to compare what you're getting now with the D* stuff you had?

Basic cable is included in my HOA, so for around $35 im getting one STB that has everything I was getting with DirecTv (Total Choice Plus). Included is HD with DVR (160gig plus I added an external 300gig) and HD programming. Even tho 2 - 99 is analog (which really sucks, lol) we don't watch them, network channels are digital :) Plus the DVR works with HD. Overall im happy...so far :p

Roger Clark!! How in the world did you know my first name???!!!??? ;>

T.B. (your former co-worker) has finally caught up the the 21st century, and bought into D* this past weekend. He is getting a 2 room package (1 DVR, and 1 H20), and the 5LNB dish, and install all free, just for a 15 month contract. I have a feeling that D* is willing to cut deals since I think that a lot of D* old schoolers are jumping ship.

I too am thinking about switching back to cable.. Need more HD!! For 1, I am with Vinny, who has an HOA basic cable that I am not using.. I am paying around $90 per month for D* TT Plus; going to $35 would be nice. However, the analog channels on cable are the reason that I went D* in the first place.

I am also thinking about going Dish too. More HD, but for about the same price as D*. Seriously scitzo on this! I have till Feb to decide; that's when my D* contract is up. Keep me posted on what you decide to do. But, you never know; I may go to Brandsmart one day, and everything might change there. Remember what happened last time the wife sent me there to pick up a microwave??? :>

Roger Clark!! How in the world did you know my first name???!!!??? ;>

LOL, how many dbuchler's could there be in Boca Raton???


T.B. (your former co-worker) has finally caught up the the 21st century, and bought into D* this past weekend. He is getting a 2 room package (1 DVR, and 1 H20), and the 5LNB dish, and install all free, just for a 15 month contract. I have a feeling that D* is willing to cut deals since I think that a lot of D* old schoolers are jumping ship.

About time...


I too am thinking about switching back to cable.. Need more HD!! For 1, I am with Vinny, who has an HOA basic cable that I am not using.. I am paying around $90 per month for D* TT Plus; going to $35 would be nice. However, the analog channels on cable are the reason that I went D* in the first place.

Hmmm, with the gradual degredation of the SD picture from D*, I wonder if the analog channels would really look any worse than D* SD channels?


I am also thinking about going Dish too. More HD, but for about the same price as D*. Seriously scitzo on this! I have till Feb to decide; that's when my D* contract is up. Keep me posted on what you decide to do. But, you never know; I may go to Brandsmart one day, and everything might change there. Remember what happened last time the wife sent me there to pick up a microwave??? :>

I looked at my neighbor's Dish stuff last weekend, didn't look any better on the SD stuff. He does receive more HD channels, but quite a few of them are the ZOOM channels that play the same content every month.

D*is a problem for me mostly in terms of PQ getting worse over time, most of their HD stuff is HD Lite, and they advertise themselves at least twice for every 30 minutes you watch. I watched a football game on Adelphia cable at a friends house over the holiday and there was not one Adelphia commercial. The same broadcast on D* would have had dozens of D* commercials for PPV, moving advice, or just general how great we are stuff. If I stay with them, will make the move to the 5 LNB setup, but right now I need to examine the other services a little closer before committing to anything.

Say high to the gang...

SNIP I have a feeling that D* is willing to cut deals since I think that a lot of D* old schoolers are jumping ship.

I too am thinking about switching back to cable.. Need more HD!! For 1, I am with Vinny, who has an HOA basic cable that I am not using.. I am paying around $90 per month for D* TT Plus; going to $35 would be nice. However, the analog channels on cable are the reason that I went D* in the first place. SNIP

I fit into the category of people you mention. A long time D* user that has HOA basic cable. I switched a couple of months ago and am very happy with better service at less money.

The big advantage that D* had years ago ( a better picture ) , is disappearing as newer TV's with QAM tuners get perfect reception on basic cable digital channels. As cable systems transition to an all digital product, satellite providers will really have to scramble to keep up.

I hope one of you great engineer type guys can help me figure out theis wierd audio problem. Have been sufferring for a month now and cant seem to get anywhere with Adelphia/Comcast yet.

Here is my setup: I am in Delray Beach, west near turnpike.

8300HD with HDMI to Denon AVR2807....then HDMI to Panasonic TH-50PHD8Uk 1080i monitor.....6.1 Bose surround.

I have carefully checked and rechecked all audio and vidio in/out settings with neighbor and they all appear to be correct.

Here are the issues:

When watching sd channels.....audio can be heared for all except A&E and sometimes drops out on others (but rare).... from what i can tell,
the sd channels are sent in pcm 2 channel stereo......so this missing audio for channel 54 A&E here in Delray is very odd.

Bigger issue is with HD service specifically audio.

Most often issues is with ABC 701 and also CBS 702....As an example...as I write this, at 11:10 am Tuesday....the VIEW on 701 has no audio on my system..Video is great!...often it is that the program audio works, but then the commercial audio doesnt.

Sometimes INHD1 has audio and INHD2 does not.......or vica versa.
(editing this at 12:14.....INHD1-763 has no audio)

Last night, attempting to record CSI:Miami, video and audio were tiled and never recorded properly.

Has anyone experienced these audio issues?

This is really driving me crazy.

Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks
Richard

All you guys switching or thinking of switching to cable - don't forget their dismal performance post hurricane. For this reason alone, so long as satellite stays even within shouting distance in quality and price, I will stick with satellite. It was fun last year being one of the few in the neighborhood with TV after the storm, while the people in cable had nothing for two weeks, then snowy pictures for 6 weeks after that. In fact, I still have a broken Comcast cable hanging from the power poles going across my backyard from 2004. I've called it in, they don't care. I am sure the open end is generating some signal noice downstream for some clueless families.

It was fun last year being one of the few in the neighborhood with TV after the storm, while the people in cable had nothing for two weeks, then snowy pictures for 6 weeks after that.

Thanks for reminding me. My neighbors were out for 3 weeks with their cable. Then again, cable doesn't go out when it rains really hard! :D

Yea. there is a lot to weigh in on with this subject!

True, but I have experienced rain fade maybe 3 times in the last 5 years - that's a better track record than the local cable company and their amplifier (stolen or blown) related outtages.

All you guys switching or thinking of switching to cable - don't forget their dismal performance post hurricane. For this reason alone, so long as satellite stays even within shouting distance in quality and price, I will stick with satellite. It was fun last year being one of the few in the neighborhood with TV after the storm, while the people in cable had nothing for two weeks, then snowy pictures for 6 weeks after that. In fact, I still have a broken Comcast cable hanging from the power poles going across my backyard from 2004. I've called it in, they don't care. I am sure the open end is generating some signal noice downstream for some clueless families.
Good advice. That's why you should have an OTA backup if possible. Abysmal cable customer service certainly helped to speed the growth of D*.

I can't quantify it, but OTA HDTV locals also seem a bit better than cable on a large screen.

Ok, if I do decide to stay with D* and upgrade to the 5LNB dish, what are my receiver options? Are my two HD receivers and one SD receiver just so much junk now?

I notice they (D*) really push the DVR stuff and not just the obvious. Both of my current HD receivers and my SD receiver have IR dongles to operate a VCR. While I am not surprised that the DVR unit is lacking this feature, it is sure dissappointing to find that the non-dvr unit is also lacking it. I only record one program a week during the racing season and have no wish to pay yet another fee for DVR. This leaves me having to use the VCR's dongle to operate the sat box when I want to record something, so long one button VCR recording...

Anyway, I can live with that for now, but am I going to be forced into three new receivers? The current ones only have settings for single and 3LNB....

Your old receivers will still work (I still use mine in some locations), but you will not be able to pick up anything coming from the new birds, or in mpeg4

Your old receivers will still work (I still use mine in some locations), but you will not be able to pick up anything coming from the new birds, or in mpeg4

Thanks. That will be ok for a while. Do they still "see" the same three satellites they saw before (IE: can I still get all the same programming as before, just not the new birds)?

Yes, that has been my experience.

Roj, you need to get the D* H20 receiver to get the locals off of the 5LNB Ku band. Your other receivers will still work with the new dish.

You can still get the non-hi-def locals with the older receivers.

WPTV 5.2 OTA is now up with NBC Wx Plus with local Wx coverage from Vero to Miami. Rescan your tuners.

Of passing interest: http://www.breitbart.com/news/2006/12/11/D8LUR4200.html

Can anyone tell me what channels are available on a QAM tuner in the West Boca area. Adelphia/ Comcast is the provider.

tia

I have been reading this for a long time, but this is my first post. I would like to research longer for the answer, but I spent so much time on this forum already that my wife is ready to kill me. I need answers fast...

Basically, I bought a HDTV. I need to subscribe to a HD service. I am a current D TV subscriber. I called D TV and they don't really seem to offer much incentive to upgrade with them. I didn't push too hard with them yet.

I tried the OTA, but it does not seem best for me. I am in Lake Worth.

Dish seem to have the best packages so far. I have not check out Comcast yet.

Basically, here is what I am looking for. One HDTV, one SDTV and maybe one other SDTV.(The 3 is on the porch and not in use now, but probably will be in the future). I like the idea of a HD DVR, but in my limited research I have seen there are problems with them.

Anyone have any advice?

DannyBoy. Stay with DirecTV would be my suggestion. Call them again, be nice, tell them that you are new to HD and are thinking of switching to Comcast because they offered a better HD-DVR (Digital Video Recorder) deal. Again, be nice - it's the holidays. If the CSR (Customer Service Representative) isn't willing to deal with you then ask for the "Customer Retention" department. Go through the same scenario and see what happens. Good luck.

I have been reading this for a long time, but this is my first post. I would like to research longer for the answer, but I spent so much time on this forum already that my wife is ready to kill me. I need answers fast...

Basically, I bought a HDTV. I need to subscribe to a HD service. I am a current D TV subscriber. I called D TV and they don't really seem to offer much incentive to upgrade with them. I didn't push too hard with them yet.

I tried the OTA, but it does not seem best for me. I am in Lake Worth.

Dish seem to have the best packages so far. I have not check out Comcast yet.

Basically, here is what I am looking for. One HDTV, one SDTV and maybe one other SDTV.(The 3 is on the porch and not in use now, but probably will be in the future). I like the idea of a HD DVR, but in my limited research I have seen there are problems with them.

Anyone have any advice?

I'm in Lake Worth as well and the absolute best HD signal is OTA. I Subscribe to Directv and use the HR10-250 TIVO DVR. The HD is almost as good as OTA as is comcast's HD. Directv has a few more HD channels (now) but locals are SD unless you go for the new mpeg4 (non tivo) DVR and 5 LNB dish. Comcast already has the Locals on HD. I am waiting for Comcast to switch its lower 99 channels to digital before I totally drop Directv. This may happen in the next few months. At that time I will go with a new HD TIVO series 3. I'm finding SD on Directv unacceptable...Way to much compression which shows up as artifacts and noise. Please realize I'm using a 70" sony which magnifies the defects. You might not even notice below 50". If SD PQ is not an issue and you want the maximum HD channels *NOW*... go with Directv.
N.B. I have little knowledge of Dish (PQ or programming)

Pickle is right, be nice to DirecTV, and they can do wonders. Regardless of what you end up with, being in Lake Worth, you are in perfect position to receive all of the WPB OTA HD channels with a very reasonable antenna setup - you may want to reinvestigate this. I scanned last night from Boca, and picked up 73 digital channels (I also get Miami). Now, granted, there were a lot of subchannels, and some I'd never watch, but still...

WingFat - can I watch the Superbowl at your house :D

I'm in Lake Worth as well and the absolute best HD signal is OTA. I Subscribe to Directv and use the HR10-250 TIVO DVR. The HD is almost as good as OTA as is comcast's HD. Directv has a few more HD channels (now) but locals are SD unless you go for the new mpeg4 (non tivo) DVR and 5 LNB dish. Comcast already has the Locals on HD. I am waiting for Comcast to switch its lower 99 channels to digital before I totally drop Directv. This may happen in the next few months. At that time I will go with a new HD TIVO series 3. I'm finding SD on Directv unacceptable...Way to much compression which shows up as artifacts and noise. Please realize I'm using a 70" sony which magnifies the defects. You might not even notice below 50". If SD PQ is not an issue and you want the maximum HD channels *NOW*... go with Directv.
N.B. I have little knowledge of Dish (PQ or programming)

Does Comcast have any of Lake Worth yet, or are you still redirected to Adelphia? I keep getting flyers from Comcast, but when I type in my zipcode (33467) online, I am asked to go to adelphia.com for local service. I thought Comcast was buying Adelphia, but I can't find anything online to show that a transaction between the two has been completed. Can anyone shed some light on this for me? I might consider going back to cable if Comcast is to be the local company...

I must have done something wring with the OTA because the reception just looked like any other time I have every used an antenna. Some channels came in kind of clear, but defiantly not HD. I have a sony 40v2500 that has all the tuners built in so it should have worked. I wonder if I left something out though since you all seem to fine tune your searching more than I did. Basically here is what I did,

I disconnected the Direct TV cable coming in and attached the Radio Shack antennae. I went into my tv settings and switched CABLE to off. Next, I auto scanned my stations. Finally I moved the antenna around for awhile to pick up the best reception possible. I looked at Antenna Web to get the general directions i should be pointing. Did I miss something? Should my tv been able to tell the signal strength or do I just monitor the screen?

I know these issues are all handled in these forums, but honestly I read these forums for months just to pick out the TV and wifey has had enough. I love looking through these forums, but it does take up a lot of time.

BTW, I made an attempt to call Comcast and after about 5 minutes without even speaking to someone, all I ever heard was an apology for service issues in certain areas. Not exactly a great sales tool.

It sounds by your description that you were just picking up analog OTA. Does your TV have a digital tuner built in ? Did the stations come mapped like 5-1, 5-2, 12-1, 12-2, etc ?

Sorry, I need to check the Spell Check on this. It "definitely" not "defiantly HD" although that sounds pretty commanding.

Pretty sure it has what I need unless my months worth of research was all wrong.

Here is the TV:
40" BRAVIA™ LCD TelevisionKDL-40V2500



One option was to switch to digital, but the tv said "No digitle source detected".

BTW, thank you all for your help.

Your TV has both an analog and digital tuner according to Sony's site, so would expext you can tune them. I'm in Lake Worth and get 5.1, 5.2, 12.1, 12.2, 25.1, 29.1, 29.2 (and some others but these are the main locals).

If you still have the antenna connected, just try punching in some of these (use the decimal key on your remote for the period).

Kinda strange the TV didn't integrate them on the scan though, so maybe something else is going on, don't know.

I brought the antenna back. I have standard dircet tv though. Can I use the satellite dish connection as an antenna to mess around and see if I can pick it up? I thought I did something wrong because I expected more to do. DO I just go into settings on the tv and switch to cable off and then do an auto program of the channels?

I brought the antenna back. I have standard dircet tv though. Can I use the satellite dish connection as an antenna to mess around and see if I can pick it up? I thought I did something wrong because I expected more to do. DO I just go into settings on the tv and switch to cable off and then do an auto program of the channels?

No, the sat input would be seperate from the OTA. There should be a regular antenna input on the TV that you can connect a regular antenna to. If you don't have one, you could just pick up something cheap to try it out (from Radio Shack for example).

OK now I am getting somewhere. When I used the antennae last time I did not switch to digital . When I tried switching before, it said it did not detect any digital signal. This time I ignored it and tried running auto program in digital. Lo and behold it found two stations 5.1 and 5.2. They were a little off and on, but when they came in it was pretty clear. This is with no antennea at all. My direct TV dish is still connected, but that is it. So i guess with an antenna, i should get more.

OK now I am getting somewhere. When I used the antennae last time I did not switch to digital . When I tried switching before, it said it did not detect any digital signal. This time I ignored it and tried running auto program in digital. Lo and behold it found two stations 5.1 and 5.2. They were a little off and on, but when they came in it was pretty clear. This is with no antennea at all. My direct TV dish is still connected, but that is it. So i guess with an antenna, i should get more.

BINGO!

Does Comcast have any of Lake Worth yet, or are you still redirected to Adelphia? I keep getting flyers from Comcast, but when I type in my zipcode (33467) online, I am asked to go to adelphia.com for local service. I thought Comcast was buying Adelphia, but I can't find anything online to show that a transaction between the two has been completed. Can anyone shed some light on this for me? I might consider going back to cable if Comcast is to be the local company...

Adelphia is gone... I know the Comcast web site will direct you to the Adelphia site. I called Adelphia (Comcast ) on the phone to place a cablecard into the new sony... just for fun and to compare signal quality. The tech said they are simulcasting the lower 99 basic channels in DIGITAL in the 800's. Employees are watching the channels now for problems. I am also in 33467.

Adelphia is gone... I know the Comcast web site will direct you to the Adelphia site. I called Adelphia (Comcast ) on the phone to place a cablecard into the new sony... just for fun and to compare signal quality. The tech said they are simulcasting the lower 99 basic channels in DIGITAL in the 800's. Employees are watching the channels now for problems. I am also in 33467.

Thanks for the update. Two questions:

1) How does the SD look compared to D*?

2) Which HD channels does D* have that Comcast doesn't (or a list of each might be nice)?

I suppose I could get cable before dropping D* to do a direct comparison. I have a 65" Toshiba, so the SD is looking pretty bad for me too :(

Your TV has both an analog and digital tuner according to Sony's site, so would expext you can tune them. I'm in Lake Worth and get 5.1, 5.2, 12.1, 12.2, 25.1, 29.1, 29.2 (and some others but these are the main locals).


How long as 5.2 been on the air? Haven't noticed this one before.

New cable lineup is in today's Stuart News. Looks like HDNET Movies is a goner. Too bad.

So now I only want to watch channel 5.1 and 5.2!! My wife and I kept switching last night form OTA Conan O'Brien and D TV Conan OBrien. The difference is amazing. We can't believe how bad the analog DTV station is. We both agree that it is so bad, that there is now way we have been watching it like that. Does the fact that the channel is coming in on OTA in Digital mess up the satellite version of the channel.?Is it just that we finally have something better to compare it to?

Even on the OTA channel, I notice a difference in some programs. Does the show have to have HD in the corner to be HD or is everything I pick up on the channel in HD? Conan came in better than the news, although the news was pretty clear. I guess I am asking does the program have to be broadcast in HD or is everything on the channel in HD?

Like everything with the TV, once I solve one issue, more and more pop up. Now I have all kinds of options. Is the OTA HD better than what D TV or Dish would consider HD?

The program has to orginate in HD. Non HD programs will simnply be broadcast in digital, but not HD. You are correct in that the OTA digital signal is far superior to the DirecTV SD signal. OTA HD is at this time the absolute best HD signal you can get (full bandwidth and resolution, no excessive compression). Grab yourself a Radio Shack indoor antenna, at the very least, so you can see more channels. I have one in my daughters room (she is not on the main house distribution system), and she even gets some out of Miami on the thing.

I think I am going to have to try the antenna again. I read in the past the Silver Sensor is good. It is only available online. Is it worth it to try that or should I try the radio shack version again? I don't want to go throughout the hassle of returning something online so if the radio shack version is good, i'd rather that.

Also, my Dtv box goes into the tv just like cabal always has. The antenna goes in the same way, thought the coaxial cable(sp?). Do I have to get a splitter to use both? If not, what set up would you all recommend. My direct tv box is an old give away. Its a Samsung Model SIR -s300W in case that means anything. It has the red, yellow and white inputs. Would I be better off using those inputs for the direct tv box and then use the cable form the antennae into the tv?


Here is the radio shack antenna i used and would probably get again. Amplified VHF/UHF/FM Indoor Antenna. If some knows of another, I'll be all over the place XMAS shopping so I could pick it up today.

New cable lineup is in today's Stuart News. Looks like HDNET Movies is a goner. Too bad.Adding to this. Here is an online version of the lineup:
http://display.tcpalm.com/ROP/ads.aspx?adid=3890330&advid=371451&type=

So Comcast is replacing HDNet, HDNet Movies, and INHD2 with TNT, an HD Music channel and a couple of sports channels? :(

I wish that they would have at least included UHD =/

FYI , My neighbor had Comcast come out today to supply internet and cable. We are in Florida Gardens.

I just have a cheapo radio shack bow-tie in my daughters room. It's good enough until you decide you really like OTA HD, and go to a good outdoor antenna, or at least a big one in the attic. I had a Sammy box once. I believe it tunes digital OTA, so you may have an OTA cable input on the back of it. You can run into that and use the D* box as your tuner and guide. If not, you'll need one cable from your antenna into your TV, and your usual sat connection.

I have the radio shack antenna. I have the Sam stb plugged into the tv with the coaxial cable into the tv. I plugged the antenna into the STB in the "antennae in" slot. Is that the best set up? Does sending the antennae through the STB reduce the OTA quality? I fell like I am not getting as good a picture as when I used no antenna, but still picked up one digital station? With the antenna, I am picking up about 7-10 stations, although some are pretty lame. I am getting CBS, FOX, and NBC so thats all that matters. I am anxious to see how football looks today!

Is this set up best or should I get a splitter that goes into the tv to connect the STB and antennae separately?

Dannyboy, your STB should not be connected to a coaxial input. That decreases signal clarity by downconverting to analog RF modulation.

STB should be connected to a separate video source such as Video1 or Video2 with RCA (typically yellow plug) or SVHS connectors. So when you watch satellite, your picture will be a bit better. Dont forget to hook up separate audio lines for this too.

(With a HD STB you would use an HDMI or other input labeled component which uses a set of 3 RCA wires typically color code red/green/blue)

Your over the air antenna will godirectly into the coaxial input, scan for channels.
For example if you select channel 12 on your tv, its analog.
If you select 12-1, its digital.

Digital doesn't necessarily mean HD. For example, todays Dolphin game (disaster) was in Standard Def on 12-1. Very little on HD daytime this weekend. Prime time after 8pm has some HD to choose from.

And when you are watching SD, do not stretch the picture. That adds distortion. Leave the sidebars and it's usually pretty good. But if you want to get rid of the sidebars, then stretch it and be aware that you are stretching the pixels so it will distory.

I am a little confused. My direct tv signal comes from coaxial out of the wall and then into the the STB. The STB is connected to the tv with another coaxial cable. I plugged the Antenna into the STb though the "Antennae in" outlet. How do I avoid the STB? Do I attached the coaxial from the wall(from the Dish) directly into the Tv and then attach the STb to the TV as you suggested? Also, the way I am switching to OTA now is by toggling between digtial/analog with the remote. Is there abetter way? If this is sonething that belongs on a different thread, let me know.

OK, if you are plugging the STB into the TV with coax, then, yes, you are suffering a degradation of the OTA signal through the STB. To get OTA in HD through the STB, you need to connect with component, DVI, or HDMI interfaces. In your situation, as I understand it, I would continue to feed OTA to the TV directly, bypassing the STB. If I were you, I'd gte away from coax between the STB and the TV. Pick any available interface, other than coax.

Doesn't the dish come into the house on a coaxial cable? Does the signal get deteriorated right there?

The radio shack antenna has only one connection to the tv. Isn't that coaxial cable? How else can I connect it to the tv? Does it connect in another spot besides the "Antenna IN" spot?

No, any deterioration occurs between the box and the TV (how the raw signal is processed and passed along to the TV). Your coax connection between the antenna and TV is fine, the TV does the processing.

This is what is avalible on the back of my STB:

Sattelite In: coax cable
S Video Out
Audio/Video Out :(red, yellow, white)
TV Out: coax cable
Antenna In: coax cable
telephone line


I am plugging the coax from the sat dish throughg the wall into "Satellite IN'
I connect to TV with Coax from "TV Out" to the tv at "antenna IN"
I connect my antenna to the STB at "Antenna IN"

Is this the best i can do with this dated STB?
Is there a better set up using this box or is it time to go buy something newer?

Woudl it be better to connect the tv and stb with S video? I know the S video is better qualit, but what does it matter if the antenna and dish use coax?

Isn't HD fun??

1) Plug the coax from Sat dish into "Satellite IN" on STB
2) Connect STB to TV using S-Video or composite (Red, White, Yellow)
3) Connect the external HDTV antenna to your tv using coax.
4) Scan for stations like you did when you tuned 5-1 and 5-2.

To add confusion, your tv also picks up unencrypted QAM according to Sony's website so if you have Comcast/Adelphia wired into your house (either for tv or internet) you should be able to hook that up to the coax input on your TV and use the scan to pickup unencrypted HDTV channels (FOX, NBC, CBS, ABC). This would be easier and cleaner than an antenna IF you have cable already.

[QUOTE=pohnl]Isn't HD fun??

1) Plug the coax from Sat dish into "Satellite IN" on STB
2) Connect STB to TV using S-Video or composite (Red, White, Yellow)
3) Connect the external HDTV antenna to your tv using coax.
4) Scan for stations like you did when you tuned 5-1 and 5-2.

To add confusion, your tv also picks up unencrypted QAM according to Sony's website so if you have Comcast/Adelphia wired into your house (either for tv or internet) you should be able to hook that up to the coax input on your TV and use the scan to pickup unencrypted HDTV channels (FOX, NBC, CBS, ABC). This would be easier and cleaner than an antenna IF you have cable already.[/QUOTE

Thats just what I did!! Maybe I am not as clueless as I feel with this....

Couple problems...

* HDTV antenna only has small cable. I put it up on top of the entertainment center and had to do a little cutting in back to get the chords to reach. It set down a bit into the top, but the signal are 80's and 90's so I guess it is ok. (Solved)

* I changed my connection on my DVD player to TV from red,white, yellow cables to composite red, green blue. My other tv didnt accept those cables before and since I have a new tv, I thought it would be good to upgrade. Quick test of the DVD and it is playing, but no sound at all. I checked the connections and everything is secure. I figured a search on the forum should find me an answer, but I checked here first.

I am going nowhere near your last suggestion.(For now at least) I do not have cable at all since the hurricane snapped my connections. I have D tv so no one ever came out to fix it.

BTW, wife has given up on me. She is so sick of hearing HD. I brought in my 6 year neice today to show the difference while football was on.

I take it they are just video cables... What good are they then?

I really don't mean to change the subject here, but all this is giving me a headache. :D
I live in Lake Worth. I have a CM 4228 antenna up about 15-20ft. When I first installed it it was facing slightly North of due West. And I was picking up all the local West Palm Beach stations including 34-1 and 25-1. At times I could pick up 7-1 also. I turned the antenna to the Southwest and now pick up all the West Palm Beach locals including 34-1 and 25-1 and all the Miami stations. What puzzles me is now I can't pick up 7-1 or 33-1. When I first turned the antenna to the Southwest I was picking up 33-1. That's why I was wondering if their digital signal was down. I can also pickup channel 7 analog.

[QUOTE=pohnl]Isn't HD fun??

1) Plug the coax from Sat dish into "Satellite IN" on STB
2) Connect STB to TV using S-Video or composite (Red, White, Yellow)
3) Connect the external HDTV antenna to your tv using coax.
4) Scan for stations like you did when you tuned 5-1 and 5-2.

To add confusion, your tv also picks up unencrypted QAM according to Sony's website so if you have Comcast/Adelphia wired into your house (either for tv or internet) you should be able to hook that up to the coax input on your TV and use the scan to pickup unencrypted HDTV channels (FOX, NBC, CBS, ABC). This would be easier and cleaner than an antenna IF you have cable already.[/QUOTE

Thats just what I did!! Maybe I am not as clueless as I feel with this....

Couple problems...

* HDTV antenna only has small cable. I put it up on top of the entertainment center and had to do a little cutting in back to get the chords to reach. It set down a bit into the top, but the signal are 80's and 90's so I guess it is ok. (Solved)

* I changed my connection on my DVD player to TV from red,white, yellow cables to composite red, green blue. My other tv didnt accept those cables before and since I have a new tv, I thought it would be good to upgrade. Quick test of the DVD and it is playing, but no sound at all. I checked the connections and everything is secure. I figured a search on the forum should find me an answer, but I checked here first.

I am going nowhere near your last suggestion.(For now at least) I do not have cable at all since the hurricane snapped my connections. I have D tv so no one ever came out to fix it.

BTW, wife has given up on me. She is so sick of hearing HD. I brought in my 6 year neice today to show the difference while football was on.

Danny,

It is a quagmire the first time you start messing with this stuff and a little difficult to understand I know. The DVD player has seperate video and audio outputs. You connected the COMPONENT (red, green, blue) to your TV which is the best output in term of quality along with DVI or HDMI if you have those. However, to get sound you will also have to connect ether the digital audio out (usually an optical cable but can be a coaxial RCA jack type cable) or left right stereo (white/red) to your TV or Receiver.

Where do you live in Lake Worth? If it's not too far from me, I'd be happy to drop by and help you out (you can PM me if you don't want to put your location up for the masses).

I really don't mean to change the subject here, but all this is giving me a headache. :D
I live in Lake Worth. I have a CM 4228 antenna up about 15-20ft. When I first installed it it was facing slightly North of due West. And I was picking up all the local West Palm Beach stations including 34-1 and 25-1. At times I could pick up 7-1 also. I turned the antenna to the Southwest and now pick up all the West Palm Beach locals including 34-1 and 25-1 and all the Miami stations. What puzzles me is now I can't pick up 7-1 or 33-1. When I first turned the antenna to the Southwest I was picking up 33-1. That's why I was wondering if their digital signal was down. I can also pickup channel 7 analog.


Well 7.1 is VHF and I think that antenna is UHF only. Google returned this site:

http://home.indy.rr.com/challengerul/antenna.html

I stopped reading when I got to: "The CM4228 is known to receive high-band (channels 7-13), very well, even though it's a UHF antenna."

Give it a read and see if it helps. I bought a UHF/VHF antenna and while I can pickup 6-1 and 4-1 with no problem had no luck with 10-1 and 7-1. 25-1 and 29-1 are strong signals for me (with a cheap second antenna) so I use two Miami and two WPB stations. I don't know why you can't get 33-1. I don't watch 33-1 or 34-1 so I haven't paid much attention to their signal.

I did find that having the nose of my antenna pitched up instead of level with the ground makes a significant difference on signal strength. Since your antenna is a flat grid I don't know if that would make a difference but if you have it straight up and down try changing the angle if you can so that it is facing more upwards.

So Comcast is replacing HDNet, HDNet Movies, and INHD2 with TNT, an HD Music channel and a couple of sports channels? :(

I wish that they would have at least included UHD =/


That is a horrible HD line up. While I am happy that they are bringing ESPN2 on board, I am pissed that they didn't bring FSN HD like they have in the southern markets.

I wonder why they made the decision to carry Versus in HD. I thought the 2 hockey games simulcasted on INHD/2 was enough. It may just be me but bull riding or duck hunting in HD seems like a waste of bandwidth.

Why not at least bring one more movie channel like Cinemax in HD? Ugh..... stupid cable company.

Edit: On second look it looks as though Comcast is deleting 32 channels and adding 16 channels (a net loss of 16 channels). I wonder if they're going to cut prices... :rolleyes:

ozonedan a couple of things.

Channel 7-1 is really channel 8. A VHF channel. Getting it reliably in Lake Worth is hit or miss. Same with 10-1 which is really channel 9. Again VHF. (4-1 and 6-1 map to UHF channels so that's why you should get those)

You need a large VHF antenna more than 20 feet off the ground for reliable signals.

33-1 is UHF but they run lower power than most of the other stations such as 39-1.

Over the past week there have been some major solar flares. Any marginal signals across most frequency bands will have some problems for a few more days. While this won't help much with 7-1 which is usually barely watchable in Lake Worth, when the flares clear, you may find 33-1 a bit better.

I just got my D* local HD's turned on today. 5 LNB dish, 2 HR20's and 1 H20. I was wondering if NBC forgot to 'throw the switch' on their HD programming? Everything listed as HD wasn't in HD tonight. Studio 60 and Jay Leno both were not broadcasting HD as they should have been. Is this a common occurrence? BTW CBS and FOX looked GREAT tonight in HD. (Even if they were all repeats)

I just got my D* local HD's turned on today. 5 LNB dish, 2 HR20's and 1 H20. I was wondering if NBC forgot to 'throw the switch' on their HD programming? Everything listed as HD wasn't in HD tonight. Studio 60 and Jay Leno both were not broadcasting HD as they should have been. Is this a common occurrence? BTW CBS and FOX looked GREAT tonight in HD. (Even if they were all repeats)
I didn't watch NBC last night but I can tell you that this is a common occurence with our local broadcasters. They are sometimes "asleep at the wheel" it seems.

ozonedan a couple of things.

Channel 7-1 is really channel 8. A VHF channel. Getting it reliably in Lake Worth is hit or miss. Same with 10-1 which is really channel 9. Again VHF. (4-1 and 6-1 map to UHF channels so that's why you should get those)

You need a large VHF antenna more than 20 feet off the ground for reliable signals.

33-1 is UHF but they run lower power than most of the other stations such as 39-1.

Over the past week there have been some major solar flares. Any marginal signals across most frequency bands will have some problems for a few more days. While this won't help much with 7-1 which is usually barely watchable in Lake Worth, when the flares clear, you may find 33-1 a bit better.

Yea, I know 7-1 and 10-1 are VHF. I can actually receive 7 analog pretty good at times. And I have had no problems at all with 10-1. This morning I was able to get 33-1. I really don't watch it. It was just strange that I was getting it and then wasn't.

Adelphia/Comcast killed inHD2 tonight...

In its place... nothing.

Yea... a bunch of BS. I mean what's the point of taking it off early unless they are going to put something up tomorrow. The channel is still broadcasting till the end of the year.

I am so disappointed that INHD2 is gone. We watched it much more than INHD1. It was one of the main reasons we had not been considering going with satellite service. Now there is no reason not to look at D.

Anyone else having trouble getting 29-1 OTA. I can get 29 but absolutely NO signal the past few nights.

This is so funny. WFLX-DT 29-1 will be off the air until Saturday.
Call 845-2929 and press option #3. And be sure to "Have a Good Day".

Amazing......

So how does Adelphia picks up FOX 29 hdtv signal, because is available thru cable.

Apparently they are having problems with their transmitter.

Either Adelphia gets the analog feed, or the transmitter problem does not impact the cable feed (alternate path)

It's amazing to me that WFLX (a COMMUNICATIONS company) keeps it a secret that their digital transmitter is off the air.

It's also mazing to me that WFLX (a COMMUNICATIONS company) doesn't seem to have an email address. I couldn't find it on their web site.

It's amazing to me that WFLX (a COMMUNICATIONS company) keeps it a secret that their digital transmitter is off the air.

It's also mazing to me that WFLX (a COMMUNICATIONS company) doesn't seem to have an email address. I couldn't find it on their web site.

Maybe you should try their Contact Us (http://www.wflx.com/Global/story.asp?S=293990) page...

Not that I care one way or another, but WFLX is under no obligation to tell viewers anything, especially if only their still optional digital OTA is down, and nothing else.

Not that I care one way or another, but WFLX is under no obligation to tell viewers anything, especially if only their still optional digital OTA is down, and nothing else.
Digital OTA transmission is not "optional" - it's mandated by the FCC. Since the local broadcaster’s source of income is local advertising they forced legislation that cable and satellite companies (re-broadcasters) "Must Carry" their channels. So the FCC says that local broadcasters must provide digital Over-The-Air broadcasts as well, so that even people who don't have cable or DBS can receive digital television. Even though people that receive OTA broadcasts are the minority, the FCC still wants it to be available. Don't you know that DirecTV and Dish Network would love to give us a set of east coast network channels and a set of west coast network channels and not have to re-broadcast every community TV station in the country. Think of how much bandwidth they could devote to true high definition broadcasting if that were the case. The FCC gave the local broadcasters until 2007 to convert from analog to all digital. Apparently they needed more time, as well as the American public, to adopt HDTV so they extended the deadline to 2009.

I understand the local broadcaster’s plight in all of this. It's very expensive for them to purchase, install and maintain this equipment (mandated by the FCC) for the viewing pleasure of a very small percentage of their total audience. There are two ways that they can go - embrace it and try to use the technology in new ways that will benefit them and their viewers, or begrudgingly meeting the standards so that they can keep their license and continue to do business as usual. I actually like the weather sub-channels and I think it’s useful and beneficial. I wish they would turn off the sub-channels during prime time and HD events so that they can provide the best HD picture quality available. I think some of them could do a better job with their Web pages, like WFLX is in need of a makeover.

Maybe you should try their Contact Us (http://www.wflx.com/Global/story.asp?S=293990) page...

Thanks I did, perhaps it is my browser, but I still couldn't get an email address. Do you have one?

Thanks I did, perhaps it is my browser, but I still couldn't get an email address. Do you have one?
bfigurella@raycommedia.com

Coincidentally, I've got the same TV (Sony KDL=40V2500) as DannyBoy...and found his questions and the responses quite helpful.

I've got an inexpensive OTA antenna (UHF/VHF) that I picked up today...just to play around while I wait to sort out my cable connection. I was quite surprised at the number of stations I picked up...only one I'm missing that I'd really like is CBS...I'll play around with things tomorrow, but thought I'd post here in case some of the helpful experts have any hints for me. (I'm in Palm Beach Gardens).

Thanks all for the good info you provide...I've learned a lot already!

Electric Pickle:
I agree about the problems but I DO like your suggestion.
Back in the good old days of free BIG dish Sat TV, we had a set of East Networks, one in Atlanta, Chicago, NY, etc and then we had a set of West Coast channels. It was cool because if you missed something, you could watch it 2 or 3 hours later.

Most things were free except for the movie channels and watching Dan Rather pick his teeth in the space where the local channels would insert commercials was interesting. Ah, the good old days.

Thanks for the info on 29.

OK, Pickle, we have had similar discussions in the past. Let's just agree that I am not as into my TV as you are. By optional, I meant they have until the FCC mandated date to switch. To me, this means digital OTA is still an optional offering.

I was wondering if NBC forgot to 'throw the switch' on their HD programming? Everything listed as HD wasn't in HD tonight. Studio 60 and Jay Leno both were not broadcasting HD as they should have been. Is this a common occurrence? BTW CBS and FOX looked GREAT tonight in HD. (Even if they were all repeats)

Unfortunatley it's a very common occurance. I don't know why the guys at the local NBC can't get it right but it seems that they have no idea what's going on. Shows (that are supposed to be in HD) are frequently broadcast in standard def. Sometimes they start HD, go to a commercial, and then come back SD (and stay that way). Other times it's the other way around. Picture is not their only problem though. They can't get the 5.1 sound right at all. They broadcast the premiere of "Heroes" with all of the dialogue missing. After that they started broadcasting 2.0 only. Some weeks went by and they tried the 5.1 again. This time the dialogue was coming out of all the speakers, not just the center where it should have been. (annoying!) Since then it's been 2.0 all the time. 5.1 on CBS, FOX, and ABC is almost always perfect. I emailed the local NBC on two occasions and was ignored both times.