The problem you describe is normally caused by multi-path interference, not by too much signal. If you are using an amplifier try disconnecting it.

You should be able to receive this station by using the proper antenna. Your antenna may be pointed wrong, located in a bad spot, or inadequate for the job.

So if i turn the antenna 90 off the axis it is now, can i check if that is the problem?
I did not have a problem until a month ago, but who knows what building have went up since then that can affect the reception.

I'm trying to resolve what the problem could be: Antenna, direction, location, or receiver (Since some have had trouble since Dish upgraded the software in the unit)

Thanks,

Tom

WFLX-DT 29-1 was back up tonight in time for Prime Time. It seems they have it fixed.

So if i turn the antenna 90 off the axis it is now, can i check if that is the problem?
I did not have a problem until a month ago, but who knows what building have went up since then that can affect the reception.

I'm trying to resolve what the problem could be: Antenna, direction, location, or receiver (Since some have had trouble since Dish upgraded the software in the unit)

Thanks,

Tom
If you have a multi-path problem a few degrees of antenna movement can make a large difference. This includes the pitch and roll axis.

If your antenna is something supplied by DISH, it may not be adequate for the job. Perhaps you can complain to them.

Argh, pitch and roll. Joel, I can only think in so many dimensions at once :D

Argh, pitch and roll. Joel, I can only think in so many dimensions at once :D
;) Are we flying a plane or aiming an antenna?

;) Are we flying a plane or aiming an antenna?Some of these antennas do look like airplanes. :)

According to www.antennaweb.org, downtown West Palm Beach is 52.3 miles from channel 7. Channel 12 is 60 miles from Fort Pierce. Now you know why we are having problems picking up Channel 12.

Channel 12's signal goes from Ft. Lauderdale to Stuart.

I can pick up 7 just fine. In fact, I prefer it to the WPB alternative.
The more I read up here, the more I appreciate my geographic location relative to the tower locations for the two markets.

Satellite is a necessity up here. I dropped cable back in 1997 because the cable company had so much trouble picking up Channel 5. Electrical static in the signal, CB interference, etc. With DirecTV, both Channel 5 and 12 gave me a waiver for CBS and NBC in NYC and LA.

Very few businesses from the Treasure Coast advertise on the Palm Beach stations. I've always wondered why they didn't put their transmitter in Jupiter--the middle of the market. Perhaps they feel they can get more advertising from Broward encouraging Palm Beach shoppers to travel south to buy merchandise.

One engineer at either Channel 5 or 12 made the comment, it doesn't matter where our transmitter is, everyone has cable/satellite. However, there are some very poor people up here who can only pick up channel 25 and 34. Channel 21 too, if you count that religious station.

Now I saw on www.tvfool.com that Channel 42 wants to put a digital repeater on frequency 31-1, which is what channel 6 (WTVJ) is using. I am constantly getting a signal there so that makes more unusable signals.

At least Directv picks up the signal close to the transmitter. The cable company has an antenna on a stick 60 miles away--75 miles away in Vero Beach.

It is amazing that Port St. Lucie, a city of 160,000 and people can't pick up the CBS network with an antenna.

Most transmitters in the Orlando area are around 1,600 feet tall. Channel 12's is 1,000 feet. It does make a difference.

Sorry if this is a repeat question - I just noticed today that I've got Universal HD now on Comcast. Is this new, or was I just missing it before?

Before making the move to Satellite does anyone have any idea when Comcast is going to have a PPV channel in HD in the West Palm area ?

Thanks...

Sorry if this is a repeat question - I just noticed today that I've got Universal HD now on Comcast. Is this new, or was I just missing it before?


In West Palm they added that, Nat. Geog HD, MTVHD and A&E HD a month or two ago..

Thanks, Stewpidity ... I noticed National Geographic, but guess I just didn't pay any attention to UHD until I was looking for Battlestar Gallactica.

so I go to ComCast website, and under the channel packages, clicking any of the See-Channel-Lineup links brings up a "coming-soon" page... :-(

i get a channel lineup for my address, but it needs updated

so I go to ComCast website, and under the channel packages, clicking any of the See-Channel-Lineup links brings up a "coming-soon" page... :-(Just go to a tv listing site such as zap2it.com and put in your zip code. There is your lineup.

Just go to a tv listing site such as zap2it.com and put in your zip code. There is your lineup.

no, I was wanting to see the channels available for each "package" which isnt available online with the comcast website for palm beach - at least for zip-code 33433...

no, I was wanting to see the channels available for each "package" which isnt available online with the comcast website for palm beach - at least for zip-code 33433...Here is a PDF of the channel lineup from January. It doesn't contain the HD channels that were added last month.

Kudos to Butch at WFLX - I called him regarding the Saturday afternoon Fox Yankees@Redsox game not being in HD, and he had it fixed shortly afterwards. Thanks Butch!

Had no sound on channel five today until the nightly news came on just now. anyone else have the same problem?

Had no sound on channel five today until the nightly news came on just now. anyone else have the same problem?

I had the same problem last night. Sound came on for nightly news, then went out again for Extra. The wife fixed the problem by pressing channel up to goto 6.1. I really don't know why I keep going back to WPTV!?!?!?!?!!!

Sound is back to normal again as of this morning.

Yep, 5 with their sound problems, and 12 with their audio sync problems, it's just ridiculous.

I don't think channel 42 has got their audio sync right yet either. Every time TiVo records from it the sync seems to be about 10 seconds off. It's a good thing that I never want to watch PBS.

Yep, 5 with their sound problems, and 12 with their audio sync problems, it's just ridiculous.

Channel 5-1 has audio sync problems every morning on their local news. Very aggravating!

For the past few days I noticed that 25-1 was off the air. Has anyone else seen this? And today WTVX 34-1 was dark. Aren't they on the same tower in Port Salarno?

For the past few days I noticed that 25-1 was off the air. Has anyone else seen this? And today WTVX 34-1 was dark. Aren't they on the same tower in Port Salarno?

25-1 is up for me here in Boynton Beach. I am getting it OTA on my HD-TiVo. 34-1 is up as well but the signal is weaker than usual.

I don't think channel 42 has got their audio sync right yet either. Every time TiVo records from it the sync seems to be about 10 seconds off. It's a good thing that I never want to watch PBS.

On a different note I can't tell you the last time I switched to 42-1 and they were showing HD. I also noticed the PSIP information is never correct. Is this just me?

We get WXEL-HD on channel 440 with Comcast Cable.

Even when not doing promotional drives the program guide is
rarely correct. I record advertised programs to the HD-DVR but it I usually get some poor quality shows with crappy 70's music or something like that.

I called to complain once but only got somebody who wanted to
take my contribution to the station. I said that perhaps if they get
their act together more people might be interested in contributing.

This has been going on for about a couple of years now.

For the past few days I noticed that 25-1 was off the air. Has anyone else seen this? And today WTVX 34-1 was dark. Aren't they on the same tower in Port Salarno?
25-1 is OK on Palm City, perhaps they are on reduced power. Their tower is adjacent to WTVX, West of Palm City. 34-1 is on the air also.

Because I'm going to Europe for four weeks and to Alaska for three weeks, I called DirecTV and had them inactivate my dish. Unfortunately, the DVR doesn't work and I had so many good movies to watch between vacations. I only get the channel guide, which is good for local channels.

I don't know what is going on with the atmosphere, but every channel from Miami came in strong (except channel 10) on Saturday, Sunday and Monday evening and I live way up in Fort Pierce.

I actually picked up Channel 12 in digital for a while, which is a first. Picked up Channel 7, too, but not Channel 10.

It seems strange watching news from Miami without Ann Bishop. :rolleyes:

I've about given up on Channel 42. The reception is just terrible. They broadcast from the Channel 5 tower and I don't have problems with Channel 5, or 67.

no, I was wanting to see the channels available for each "package" which isnt available online with the comcast website for palm beach - at least for zip-code 33433...

I'm in 33433 as well, and can't figure out why we haven't seen more Comcast activity. I hate watching all the Comcastic ads on local stations and know that we're the stepchildren of the Comcast world. None of the things that they're offering in most other markets are being offered here.

I just wish I could do something as simple as record first run programs on my SA 8300 HD DVR or search a program guide, and yes, get those other HD On Demand channels.

I can't push 1 for on Demand, our program guide is pretty useless and has no search features, and channels bounce all over the place.

Regardless, I'm in the same boat as you, in the same zip code, and just wanted to vent as well.

I watched fox 29-1 new last night (God knows why) for the first time ever. This was digital OTA, yet the signal had what appeared to be analog noise in it, that varied with the audio. It looked like someone trained a TV camera at an analog monitor and rebroadcast digitally. What the hey ?

I recently purchased a "HDTV" for my parents after their 20-year old Mitsubishi TV finally called it quits. I say "HDTV" because it's still a 4:3 Tube TV by Samsung that has an HDTV tuner.

Anyway, I plugged the cable directly into the TV instead of using comcast's digital cable box and it appears that they can still get all the digital cable channels, but with a different channel numbering than through the box. So, do I even need the cable box anymore, what are the pros vs cons with the no cable box setup?

Also, while setting up the TV, it asked if the cable was STD, HRC, or IRC. I picked STD because it was the first one on the list...is this correct. They are in West Palm Beach...Riverwalk to be exact.

Thanks in advance.

Anyway, I plugged the cable directly into the TV instead of using comcast's digital cable box and it appears that they can still get all the digital cable channels, but with a different channel numbering than through the box. So, do I even need the cable box anymore, what are the pros vs cons with the no cable box setup?

I think that what is happening is that you are picking up the "over the air" signal thru your cable line. You can confirm that if WPTV is on 5, WPEC is on 12, and WFLX is on 29. Pros & Cons - you might be able to pick up the analog cable channels (i.e. channel 2 thru 70something) but you will not be able to get the digital cable channels (channel 100 and above) if you don't have the box connected.

Also, I doubt it, but is there any chance that you have a CableCard installed? If so, that changes everything I just said!

I must be the only person that reads this forum with DirecTV. As long as they have the exclusive rights to the NFL Ticket, it will stay that way! I get good reception OTA with a indoor Terk 1080i ant and have the new 5 LNB dish. No problems to date.

Your not the only one with DirecTV here in this thread.

Is anyone having trouble picking up 25-1 or 25-2 (ABC)? I haven't been able to pick it up since Pirates ended last night. I've tried different hardware and nothing.

WPBF is coming in fine for me over the air tonight.

I think that what is happening is that you are picking up the "over the air" signal thru your cable line. You can confirm that if WPTV is on 5, WPEC is on 12, and WFLX is on 29. Pros & Cons - you might be able to pick up the analog cable channels (i.e. channel 2 thru 70something) but you will not be able to get the digital cable channels (channel 100 and above) if you don't have the box connected.

Also, I doubt it, but is there any chance that you have a CableCard installed? If so, that changes everything I just said!

Thanks for the reply. I'm fairly certain that it's not over the air because those channels are not on their regular channels. Also, the TV is able to receive channels over 100, for example they can receive comcast's music channels. I also noticed that it appears to be getting the HDTV signals, for example, with some channels (and I forgot which ones so I don't want to guess), the TV says that it's 1080i.

I ended up calling comcast and they said that yes, I will pick up their channels, but I won't be able to do pay-per-view or movie channels (HBO...).

I've looked, but is there a source for viewing the list of non-cable box comcast channels?

Lotta DirecTV up here, we've just recently been drowned out by all the hype pertaining to the Adelphia and Comcast gyrations.

I must be the only person that reads this forum with DirecTV. As long as they have the exclusive rights to the NFL Ticket, it will stay that way! I get good reception OTA with a indoor Terk 1080i ant and have the new 5 LNB dish. No problems to date.

I think that what is happening is that you are picking up the "over the air" signal thru your cable line. You can confirm that if WPTV is on 5, WPEC is on 12, and WFLX is on 29. Pros & Cons - you might be able to pick up the analog cable channels (i.e. channel 2 thru 70something) but you will not be able to get the digital cable channels (channel 100 and above) if you don't have the box connected.

Also, I doubt it, but is there any chance that you have a CableCard installed? If so, that changes everything I just said!
I get quite a few digital cable channels via the TV QAM capable tuner, ESPN, ESPN2, TNT, DISC and a few more. I beleive they are all Hi-Def.

My TV also shows the correct digital channel number via cable. For example: I get digital WPTV on 5.1 via antenna, 5.1 on QAM, and 4?? via the cable STB.

Hey all, I recently bought a 2 story town house (in Boynton Beach) but need some cable outlets and internet ports (for a computer network) installed in various rooms. Does anybody have any recommendations of any installers that can do both through the walls?

What setups would you guys recommend? I'm thinking dual TV lines to each room for future upgrades (D* HD-DVRs, etc.). Internet ports to most rooms as well setup by a network downstairs.

What setups would you guys recommend? I'm thinking dual TV lines to each room for future upgrades (D* HD-DVRs, etc.). Internet ports to most rooms as well setup by a network downstairs.Use your favorite search engine and search for "Structured Wiring". I would recommend a minimum of 3 [RG-6] coax for cable/satellite/security cameras. Include at least one fiber optic and two CAT-5[e] for hard-wired networking and audio-video functions. According to Bob Villa the cost is approximately $1 per square foot of living space for new construction. Double that for existing construction.

OK so I finally moved in and scanned the ComCast cable with my QAM receiver, and get quite a few HD channels (espn,nfl,VS,TNT,DISC,NatGeog, plus PBS and local)... what I didnt find was the "on-demand" channels. I found it kinda cool that previously (in broward) I was able to get "on-demand" channels and watch what my neighbors were watching (complete with their pauses/ REW/ FF)... does anyone know what channels these would be available in south boca (hillsboro/military tr)??

OK so I finally moved in and scanned the ComCast cable with my QAM receiver, and get quite a few HD channels (espn,nfl,VS,TNT,DISC,NatGeog, plus PBS and local)... what I didnt find was the "on-demand" channels. I found it kinda cool that previously (in broward) I was able to get "on-demand" channels and watch what my neighbors were watching (complete with their pauses/ REW/ FF)... does anyone know what channels these would be available in south boca (hillsboro/military tr)??

Please clarify,

I found it kinda cool that previously (in broward) I was able to get "on-demand" channels and watch what my neighbors were watching (complete with their pauses/ REW/ FF)

Is anyone else having problems with Comcast in Palm Beach Gardens? I haven't had half of my high definition channels in the 400s for a couple of days including NBC and Fox. Others are coming in slow with distorted picture and sound. I'm having the distortion problems on other digital channels in the 100s and up. And also a lot of snow on the channels under 100. Reception seems fair to okay on my non-HD cable box, but the SI 8300 DVR is bad. I called Comcast today and they said they were having problems in Palm Beach Gardens and were working on it.

Regards,
rjd

Is anyone else having problems with Comcast in Palm Beach Gardens? I haven't had half of my high definition channels in the 400s for a couple of days including NBC and Fox. Others are coming in slow with distorted picture and sound. I'm having the distortion problems on other digital channels in the 100s and up. And also a lot of snow on the channels under 100. Reception seems fair to okay on my non-HD cable box, but the SI 8300 DVR is bad. I called Comcast today and they said they were having problems in Palm Beach Gardens and were working on it.

Regards,
rjd

I live in PBG and have no problems. I did have a problem the other day (about 2 ays ago) watching any digital channel. A simple unplug of the TV and back on (I have a cable card) to reset it, cleared the issue up.

Is anyone else having problems with Comcast in Palm Beach Gardens? I haven't had half of my high definition channels in the 400s for a couple of days including NBC and Fox. Others are coming in slow with distorted picture and sound. I'm having the distortion problems on other digital channels in the 100s and up. And also a lot of snow on the channels under 100. Reception seems fair to okay on my non-HD cable box, but the SI 8300 DVR is bad. I called Comcast today and they said they were having problems in Palm Beach Gardens and were working on it.

Regards,
rjd
I have had similar problems in the past. Perhaps this will help you..

Tune to one of the bad channels. Then, press and hold down the pause key on your remote for about 10 seconds until the mail icon starts flashing. Then, press the page up key about 5 times until you see the section "CURRENT QAM". Check that the S/N level is about 30 or higher. The EXIT key will take you out of the diagnostics screens and back to regular TV.

Do your poor reception digital channels read lower than your good reception digital channels ?

I understand that several things can cause the S/N value to fall below 30. Some of them are external Comcast problems and some are internal cable wiring problems with splitters and, perhaps, drop amplifier placement.

I am moving to Boynton Beach next month and have been researching comcast cable because thats what I thought the cable company would be in the area but. My apartment just e-mail me the utility companies and said the cable provider in my apartment (sandpiper cove) would be Direct Path. The little information I found was that the community gets a direct tv signal and just distros it through the apartments. If anyone has heard of such thing i'm wondering if i will be able to get HD channels and everything like a normal cable provider or would it be better just to go with sat?

I have had similar problems in the past. Perhaps this will help you..

Tune to one of the bad channels. Then, press and hold down the pause key on your remote for about 10 seconds until the mail icon starts flashing. Then, press the page up key about 5 times until you see the section "CURRENT QAM". Check that the S/N level is about 30 or higher. The EXIT key will take you out of the diagnostics screens and back to regular TV.

Do your poor reception digital channels read lower than your good reception digital channels ?

I understand that several things can cause the S/N value to fall below 30. Some of them are external Comcast problems and some are internal cable wiring problems with splitters and, perhaps, drop amplifier placement.

I tried this tonight and things are not good. On channels where I have no reception like 432 the S/N is 0 which I guess is not a surprise. On channels with video/audio distortion like 120 the S/N is 26. On other HD channels like 431 and 433 where I still have reception but some hiccups with video/audio it is 28 and 29.

I called Comcast today and this time they put on someone to troubleshoot and didn't get anywhere. I also looked at the non-HD cable box in the other room and that one is showing signs of problems on some channels now too. They are sending someone out on Monday. Odd that they were down the block earlier in the week and then this started. Kind of frustrating but what can you do?

Thanks for the help.

Regards,
rjd

Please clarify,

I found it kinda cool that previously (in broward) I was able to get "on-demand" channels and watch what my neighbors were watching (complete with their pauses/ REW/ FF)

not sure what needs clarification... with my QAM receiver I was able (in west broward) to actually receive "on demand" programs that other people on comcast had ordered and were watching... complete with their FF, REW, PAUSE, and STOP...

I had about 10 channels/subchannels that I had found that were dedicated to "on demand" and at any time there may or may not be something on them... I am curious if anyone else in south palm beach comcast area (military trail/18th st) with a QAM receiver is able to receive and watch "on demand" channels

I am moving to Boynton Beach next month and have been researching comcast cable because thats what I thought the cable company would be in the area but. My apartment just e-mail me the utility companies and said the cable provider in my apartment (sandpiper cove) would be Direct Path. The little information I found was that the community gets a direct tv signal and just distros it through the apartments. If anyone has heard of such thing i'm wondering if i will be able to get HD channels and everything like a normal cable provider or would it be better just to go with sat?
I've heard about that (not sure if it's the same company though). One of the guys I used to work with had that in his condo building in WPB. I know he said he couldn't get HD yet, but it was something they were adding in the near future (this was about 3-4 years ago). I don't work with him anymore so I can't ask if he has HD now. Sorry.

I'm moving to Boynton from Deerfield Beach tomorrow and really surprised at the differences between the 2 counties for Comcast in promos & prices. Has anyone else experienced this?

Broward has much better promos in offering 6 months deals with packaged HD-DVR & internet. Palm Beach only has 3 month digital cable deals and no packaged deals with HD-DVR's (from what I've been told by multiple CSR's ) & internet. I've also been told that HD-DVR's normally cost $19.95 (or around there can't remember which) per month and HD receivers cost $11.95. In broward they normally cost $10.95 (I think) for HD-DVR's and HD receivers cost like $5.95 I thought. Am I being told wrong (which I think I am by stupid CSR's) or are they really those prices?

Looks like the ride is over on the unencrypted HD QAM channels. Everything showing up scrambled.

Missing some HD channels on my HD boxes now too. Says not authorized...

I've also been told that HD-DVR's normally cost $19.95 (or around there can't remember which) per month and HD receivers cost $11.95. In broward they normally cost $10.95 (I think) for HD-DVR's and HD receivers cost like $5.95 I thought. Am I being told wrong (which I think I am by stupid CSR's) or are they really those prices?

I'm paying about $11.95 for my HD-DVR (can't locate my current bill to get the exact number) - but know it's not 19.95. ComCast is currently running a special where you can get a second HD-DVR for free for 12 months - of course, they didn't have any in stock, so I took a regular HD box for now...

I'm in Palm Beach Gardens as well, and things have been screwy lately. We've got someone coming out Thursday to troubleshoot...

Looks like the ride is over on the unencrypted HD QAM channels. Everything showing up scrambled.

Missing some HD channels on my HD boxes now too. Says not authorized...

I'm having the same problem in Palm Beach Gardens. I just called Comcast and asked about the not authorized HD channels and they said that there is a problem in Florida with some of the HD channels and that is why they are showing up as not authorized. Sounds odd that they would show up that way but she said they are working on it.

Regards,
rjd

I just called Comcast and asked about the not authorized HD channels and they said that there is a problem in Florida with some of the HD channels and that is why they are showing up as not authorized.I called and was told that as well.

Looks like they are finally adding a dedicated FSN HD channel on 7/17/07. Good because it was pointless to have a channel like Mojo which is constantly being interupted for FSN programs. I am so anxious for Hockey season now...

Florida Marlins

http://www.sunsportstv.com/hdtv_programs.jhtml?method=listSeparate&hdtv_programs.team=Florida%20Marlins
Advanced Cable Communications, Coral Springs/Weston (Ch. 656)
Comcast South Florida in Dade (Ch. 401 or Ch. 200), Broward, Keys (Ch. 401)
Comcast, West Palm Beach (inHD Ch. 408 - changes to 401 on 7/17)
Comcast Southwest Florida, Naples (inHD Ch. 206)
Comcast Treasure Coast, Vero Beach/Ft. Pierce (Ch. 199)
Comcast, Jacksonville (Ch. 181; changes to 443 on 4/10)
Comcast, Lake City/Live Oak (Ch. 443)
Comcast - Sarasota, scheduled to begin 4/20 on Ch. 212
Comcast, Tallahassee (Ch. 401)
Home Town Cable, Port St. Lucie (Ch. TBA), scheduled to begin 4/15
Knology, Pinellas County (Ch. 909)
Verizon FiOS TV, Florida Gulf Coast region (Ch. 830)

Looks like the ride is over on the unencrypted HD QAM channels. Everything showing up scrambled.

Missing some HD channels on my HD boxes now too. Says not authorized...

Comcast is having issues with new "codes"(I have 2 HD/DVR Boxes) I am not getting half my HD channels(not authorized) and they could not fix it over the phone, so they are sending someone to my house this week...like the problem is on my end..Also not getting any ENCore movie channels anymore...

oh and DVR charges haved changed..UGH

When I called Comcast about the HD changes not being authorized, they said they were having problems that had to be fixed at their end. I wonder what the right answer is?

got home and found I had recorded 4hours of blackness where NASCAR on TNT-HD should be :-(

not all of the QAM is gone, I still am receiving the following (tho w/exception of last two, these should not be encoded anyways)..
- WPTV-HD 5.1
- WPTV-wx 5.2
- WPEC-HD 12.1
- WPEC-wx 12.2
- WPBF-HD 25.1
- WPBF-wx 25.2
- WFLX-HD 29.1
- WFLX - THE TUNE 29.2
- WXEL-HD 42.1
- NBA-TV 85.2
- ESPN-spanish

since the channels that shouldnt be encoded are still coming thru, I would bet the problem is one of two things - both of which are on the COMCAST end and not SUBSCRIBER end
1) COMCAST finally assigned "encryption codes" where needed and they were assigned incorrectly
or
2) COMCAST assigned "ecryption codes" properly but did not auto-update the digital boxes as needed

When I called Comcast about the HD changes not being authorized, they said they were having problems that had to be fixed at their end. I wonder what the right answer is?

Thats probably the correct answer but the Cust. Rep i had, probably figured the best way to end the call w/o solving the issue or saying it was Comcast's problem, was to schedule a house call...

And you think that they are working on it? It's Sunday. And there will be a holiday on Wednesday , the middle of the week. Is it time for a change?

And you think that they are working on it? It's Sunday. And there will be a holiday on Wednesday , the middle of the week. Is it time for a change?

For me in Boynton Beach (33426), Comcast "broke it" about 3:00 am in the morning on Sunday, it seems like they should be able to "fix it" on Sunday as well... ;) I really hope it is just an oops and not a policy change, I would hate to have multiple boxes just to be able to watch HD in the bedroom.

Figures....bought a new Vizio 47" LCD w/ QAM and two weeks later Comcast encrypts the HD channels. I'm in West Boynton and I still have the local HD channels like pglenn mentioned. So I'd bet it is probably a policy change...it occurred on the 1st day of the month....coincidence?

Figures....bought a new Vizio 47" LCD w/ QAM and two weeks later Comcast encrypts the HD channels. I'm in West Boynton and I still have the local HD channels like pglenn mentioned. So I'd bet it is probably a policy change...it occurred on the 1st day of the month....coincidence?

well if it follows like Broward did, then it is policy for sure, especially the timing of 1st of month... Broward started with near all HD unencrypted, then over the course of about 12months, went through a process of every couple months re-assigning the QAM channels (channel/sub-channel) and at the same time "assigning" encryption codes to a few at a time. (encryption codes to match whatever tier/plan they belonged to), forcing us poor QAM-ers to continually re-scan. Broward is also in the process of "VERY SLOWLY" simulcasting all the analog channels over digital channels so each time we lost HD channels we gained a digital simulcast of a channel to two... havent done it yet myself and cant guarantee but a re-scan may find a lost channel or two or a new channel or two

I returned a Panasonic 50" plasma last week because it couldn't receive the unscrambled channels. Now that deal is gone and so are the unscrambled channels?

This sux.

I

I'm paying about $11.95 for my HD-DVR (can't locate my current bill to get the exact number) - but know it's not 19.95. ComCast is currently running a special where you can get a second HD-DVR for free for 12 months - of course, they didn't have any in stock, so I took a regular HD box for now...

I'm in Palm Beach Gardens as well, and things have been screwy lately. We've got someone coming out Thursday to troubleshoot...
Thanks for the clarification. I had a feeling I was being told wrong by stupid CSR's, but I was surprised it was multiple ones.

The one thing I find a little odd is the channel selection in Broward vs. Palm Beach. Broward you got Cinemax (HD) and Palm Beach you have the NFL network (HD) in it's place. Everything else the same. I think it's cool PB has the NFL nework but I'd like Cinemax vs one of the other HD channels like Golf or VS. Maybe that's just me. :D

It's not just you. I would love Cinemax HD too instead of one of the numerous sports channels.

It's not just you. I would love Cinemax HD too instead of one of the numerous sports channels.

I would like to have Cinemax-HD as well as what i have now....

I did seem to notice this past weekend I don't have any of the Encore Movie channels anymore(maybe i just never noticed they were gone until now) ? I think it was like 7 channels or so, in the high 300's they were not the best channels, but its seems since Comcast took over channels are disappearing and rates are increasing...

Just spoke to Comcast Rep...

1. They hope to have the "you’re not authorized to receive this channel" issue resolved by late this afternoon, I am having this issue with half of my HD channels using there 8300 HD/DVR box.

2. I was the told the Encore movie channels have been moved to 150 -160, i have not confirmed this yet...

Encore channels are part of the digital package and not a subscription any more. It's been like that with other Comcast systems for a while.

As of now, still receiving the not authorized message...

Call Comcast and they will send a signal to your box. It fixed the problem for me.

Encore channels are part of the digital package and not a subscription any more. It's been like that with other Comcast systems for a while.

As of now, still receiving the not authorized message...

yep here too..I have a service call for this tomorrow and he said they would only cancel the service call for tomorrow if the codes are fixed or i could. I might cancel it, but waiting until i see what happens tonight/tomorrow...

Call Comcast and they will send a signal to your box. It fixed the problem for me.

Mid-day today he said it would fix itself, no need for the signal(i asked)

when did you call ?

I am experiencing the same thing here in Palm Beach Gardens. More than half of my HD channels don't work. I have a cable card.

I called around 6:30 to 7:00 PM, once the CSR sent a signal to my box all the channels came back. I am in West Boca maybe they fixed something here that they couldn't fix more north. But like I said try calling again.

I am experiencing the same thing here in Palm Beach Gardens. More than half of my HD channels don't work. I have a cable card.

I'm in Palm Beach Gardens too and I just called. Once the representative came on it took her all of two minutes to send the signal and fix the not authorized issue.

Regards,
rjd

I'm in Palm Beach Gardens too and I just called. Once the representative came on it took her all of two minutes to send the signal and fix the not authorized issue.

Regards,
rjd

Thanks guys..all fixed up again...

Does this change in HD channels mean that PC's with HD tuners(Fusion HDTV) can no longer receive the scrambled or deauthorized channels?

Does this change in HD channels mean that PC's with HD tuners(Fusion HDTV) can no longer receive the scrambled or deauthorized channels?

I am waiting for that answer, i was just about to get one for my computers, then this happened...

The only HD channels I receive with the Fusion card now are:
-WPTV-HD
- WPTV-wx
- WPEC-HD
- WPEC-wx
- WPBF-HD
- WPBF-wx
- WFLX-HD
- WFLX
- THE TUNE
- WXEL-HD
- NBA-TV
- ESPN-spanish

I know I have seen comments about using HDMI with the Comcast cable box on this thread in past, but don't remember if they can be used. I picked up a new box for a new HDTV and they said that HDMI wouldn't work. Is that true or bad info? I have an HDMI cable in transit, so I can't try it out myself right now.

I know I have seen comments about using HDMI with the Comcast cable box on this thread in past, but don't remember if they can be used. I picked up a new box for a new HDTV and they said that HDMI wouldn't work. Is that true or bad info? I have an HDMI cable in transit, so I can't try it out myself right now.

I just picked up a new HD box ... they were out of the HDMI ones, but they said they would work, and would let me exchange when they came in. So ... who knows.

Comcast tech has been at my house for the last 2 hours trying to get my cablecards working in my TiVo Series 3 ... and trying to get all my HD and premium channels working on all 3 boxes in the house.

It seems there is something screwy because Comcast no longer offers the "Ultimate Advantage Pak ... and they are now having trouble getting all my channels authorized at the same time on all boxes.

Before the tech got here, I had all premium HD channels on one cablecard only - but no Discovery HD or TNT HD. Same with my other HD cable boxes. Now, I've got nothing on the cablecards ... and no premiums on the 2 other boxes. This is fun!

I'm sure glad Comcast increased their rates so they can provide better service. :eek:

Comcast Adds History Channel, TNT to HD On Demand
The cable operator continues to expand the lineup.
By Phillip Swann

Washington, D.C. (July 3, 2007) -- Comcast has added The History Channel HD to its lineup of HD On Demand programming.

The cable operator now includes four programs from History Channel HD under its "News and Info" section of the HD On Demand menu.

The quartet of items includes three six-minute previews of episodes of Dogfights and a full-length episode of the same program entitled Jet vs. Jet.

Comcast has also added past episodes of Closer from TNT HD, the police drama starring Kyra Sedgwick.

The cable operator has vowed to increase its HD On Demand lineup to 200 hours of programming by year's end. It says it offered 100 hours at the end of 2006.

Comcast and other cable operators are hoping that the expansion of high-def on demand will satisfy HD viewers who might be tempted to switch when DIRECTV adds dozens of HD channels this fall.

Is anybody in Comcast West Palm Beach listening .....?

OMG ... I have just had the afternoon from Hell.

After having a tech here for 2 hours, on the phone with a cust service rep for 1 hr, and then another one for another hr ... and a supervisor for 30 minutes ... I am WORSE off after having someone come to the house and all these calls. I do have a tech coming on MONDAY --- after throwing a hissy fit when they said the next available day was the 17th!!!!!

I'd go to Satellite in a minute, if they handled the HD Tivo...

Thanks guys..all fixed up again...

They were able to fix mine over the phone. I guess its a pretty decent outage as the IVR even played a message "Due to the HD outage, we are experiencing high call volumes."

I picked up a DVR for my new Vizio HDTV today. They gave me a remote for the box that doesn't have a Vizio 4 digit code. One of the other SA models has a 5 digit code, but it won't work on this remote. Do I need to return it to get a different remote, or does anyone know a 4 digit code for a Vizio HDTV. Thanks for any help you can provide.

I know I have seen comments about using HDMI with the Comcast cable box on this thread in past, but don't remember if they can be used. I picked up a new box for a new HDTV and they said that HDMI wouldn't work. Is that true or bad info? I have an HDMI cable in transit, so I can't try it out myself right now.

What Box did they give you ?

I have two(2) Sci. Atl. Expl. 8300 HD boxes and use HDMI with both and have not had any problems, so unless Comcast has done something to the boxes since they took over for Adelphia, you should have no problem.

I have the 8300HD, so I should be good to go when the Monoprice cable arrives on Monday. Thanks a bunch.

Can you receive the major networks in HD from Comcast without a box? My uncle is looking into a plasma, but he only carries the most basic package. None of the tvs in the house have a cable box. He's in Palm Beach Gardens.

Yes, the local HD channels are still unencrypted and can be picked up with the tv's QAM tuner..

Please stand by for one of my more verbose posts. Thanks in advance for reading the entire thing.

OK, so here's the deal...

Like many others here, I too was getting the "not authorized" message on half my HD channels. Specifically these channels:

404 ESPN2 HD
405 VERSUS/Golf Channel HD
407 TNT HD
410 A & E HD
411 MHD
412 Discovery HD Theater

I think that was all of them.

I first noticed it on Sunday (the 1st) and called Comcast right away. I asked why they took ESPN 2 away and are now charging us extra for it. (at the time is was the only channel I realized was missing) He told me they didn't take it away and weren't charging extra for it, that they were having some problems and it should be fixed by later that night.

It was not.

I called back 24 hours later as the problem persisted. The next person told me that the HD problem was fixed and that my box needed to be reset. After her sending a signal (or so she says she did) and me unplugging and rebooting the box on her instructions, I still had the "not authorized" message on the above mentioned HD channels. So, she set up a service call. Later that night, I checked this board and saw that a lot of you were experiencing the same thing. I now knew the problem was not my box and that a service call would be pointless. So, I called Comcast back later that same night to see if I could get someone who knew what was going on. The next guy was confused as to why she set up a service call considering it was an "area problem" (that indeed had NOT been fixed) and not a problem with my box. He said he'd send a signal again but that even if it did work, they may disappear again as they are still working on it. Finally I thought I had someone who knew what was wrong. He sent the signal (or so he says he did) and it did nothing.

I called Comcast over the next few days and was greeted by the "we're getting and abundance of calls because of the HD problems" message and was told wait time could be more than 10 minutes. So, I hung up. I figured, if they still have a message, they still have a problem so what's the point in waiting?

Last night (7/6) I decided to call again because the channels had been gone nearly a week. Plus, guys on here are saying that they had a signal sent and everything for them was fixed over the phone. I was kinda tired of waiting. I got a guy on the phone who knew exactly what was going on. He told me that it was not a hardware problem with my box nor was it an "area problem". He told me that back in the Adelphia days there was an HD upgrade pack called HD Plus. I of course new about it because as a former Adelphia customer I subscribed to it as I know many others here did. When Comcast took over, they did away with HD Plus and rolled all the HD channels into HD Basic. Thus doing away with the extra $5 you had to pay to get the "plus" channels. Well, as of 7/1/07, HD Plus is back, and now it's $6! He said that there was something about it in the Palm Beach Post (I don't get any newspapers) and in the last bill we were all sent. I told him I didn't know abou it but for $6, I wanted my channels back. Within a couple of minutes, he had everything restored to the way it was. Well, not everything. My bill is now $6 higher than it was before. So as it turns out, I wasn't affected by any problem and my channels were never going to "just come back". They instituted a new package that as far as they knew, I was aware of and chose not to subscribe to. If I hadn't called, and asked for them I would have remained "not authorized" forever.

So, to anyone who had the "not authorized" message and had it fixed over the phone, did the CSR mention the HD Plus? I'm guessing no since no one has mentioned it here but check your next bill and see if it's on there. Perhaps they forgot to tell you.

I'm not going to complain about the $6. $6 isn't a really enough money to get steamed about. I will however complain about the tactic. Back when the new channels were introduced (in January I think) they dropped the $5 HD Plus and rolled a bunch of new HD channels into HD Basic. OK, cool. But, they also increased the price of what was then call the Silver Pak by... you guessed it, $5. So in reality, no real change at all in price. The $5 was now going towards HBO instead of HD but it was still the same $5. Yes, there were more HD channels so Comcast saw it as getting more for less. Not all of the new HD channels were great but how could I complain, I wasn't paying any extra for them, right? So now, they've removed half of the "HD basic" channels I've been getting for months and are selling them back to me as HD Plus. Again, $6 isn't enough to get steamed about but if you're going to call it "plus" at least give me something new.

Never heard of an extra HD Comcast package and why it was done away with after the Adelphia acquisition.

It looks like when they fixed the problem, the boxes were never corrected so you had to call in. Took me and others all of a minute on the phone with a rep to fix it.

I would call back and get clarification and double check if you are on the correct packages. Sometimes it take multiple times for them to get it right.

I noticed that UHD and A&EHD, Channels 409 and 410 are not showing up on Comcast in Boynton Beach. Anyone else hae this problem?

Never mind. It is only a problem on my new HD box. Calling Comcast again.

Can someone with Direct Tv HD, and an mpeg4 receiver, tell me what WPB locals they are broadcasting?

thanks,

john

5,12,25,29

Never heard of an extra HD Comcast package and why it was done away with after the Adelphia acquisition.

It looks like when they fixed the problem, the boxes were never corrected so you had to call in. Took me and others all of a minute on the phone with a rep to fix it.

I would call back and get clarification and double check if you are on the correct packages. Sometimes it take multiple times for them to get it right.

Just got off the phone with Comcast. I called to confirm what they told me and it's all correct. There is a new pack or plan or what ever you want to call it. They are calling it HD Service, not HD Plus (according to the CSR I spoke to) and it's actually $6.95 a month. (I actually knew about the 95 cents when I wrote my last post as the CSR I spoke to Friday did quote that price but rounded to 6 because I couldn't remember how much the change was. Seems I should have rounded to 7) Anyway, if you are now receiving the channels mentioned in my last post then you are indeed subscribing to it. When you called and got your channels back over the phone, there is a chance they just didn't tell you that you were being charged any extra. I asked her if this could happen and she said that although all the CSRs should mention it, there is a chance that some may not. There were other HD problems in addition to this which occurred when they changed computer systems and added all those Encore channels but the new HD Service charge is a reality. She said the $6.95 would appear on our next bill. I was also told that this is because they are working on adding more HD channels. There was nothing concrete she could tell me channel-wise but that they are looking to have more by the fall. If at that time you are already paying the $6.95, when the new channels are added, they will automatically show up in your list. We will not be charged on top of the $6.95 for the new ones.

So that's two CSRs I've heard it from. You should call too and ask about the $6.95. See what they say. Find out of you're being charged. And of course, report back.

Well if they are going to start charging additional for the HD channels, then they have no excuse to not add HDNet. One of their reasons for not carrying it was because Comcast didnt charge extra for HD channels and didn't want to pay HDNet for them.

Well if they are going to start charging additional for the HD channels, then they have no excuse to not add HDNet. One of their reasons for not carrying it was because Comcast didnt charge extra for HD channels and didn't want to pay HDNet for them.

I agree. I would very much like to see HDNet & HDNet Movies added back to the roster.

Just got off the phone with Comcast. I called to confirm what they told me and it's all correct. There is a new pack or plan or what ever you want to call it. They are calling it HD Service, not HD Plus (according to the CSR I spoke to) and it's actually $6.95 a month. (I actually knew about the 95 cents when I wrote my last post as the CSR I spoke to Friday did quote that price but rounded to 6 because I couldn't remember how much the change was. Seems I should have rounded to 7) Anyway, if you are now receiving the channels mentioned in my last post then you are indeed subscribing to it. When you called and got your channels back over the phone, there is a chance they just didn't tell you that you were being charged any extra. I asked her if this could happen and she said that although all the CSRs should mention it, there is a chance that some may not. There were other HD problems in addition to this which occurred when they changed computer systems and added all those Encore channels but the new HD Service charge is a reality. She said the $6.95 would appear on our next bill. I was also told that this is because they are working on adding more HD channels. There was nothing concrete she could tell me channel-wise but that they are looking to have more by the fall. If at that time you are already paying the $6.95, when the new channels are added, they will automatically show up in your list. We will not be charged on top of the $6.95 for the new ones.

So that's two CSRs I've heard it from. You should call too and ask about the $6.95. See what they say. Find out of you're being charged. And of course, report back.


respecting that you likely talked to at least 2 CSR reps and the above may be true, I would be very suspect about their answers. From the ComCast website for products in our area, there is **HDTV Receiver $6.95** which is NOT an HD package - and no mention of any HD Plus package (then again you cant trust their website either)... Up to now ComCast does not have a HD "package" per-se, they provide a different level of HD programming with each of their existing digital packages (GoldPak, SilverPak, Bronzepak, etc). The $6.95 HDTV Receiver only allows you to view the HD channels you are already authorized to view based on your current digital package

It is my experience that you will get almost as many different answers for questions, as the number of CSR reps you speak with on the phone...

My guess is GigaShadow is correct ... this would explain a lot of my current issues.

I'm going through Round 3 with Comcast ... they are supposed to show tomorrow to fix the cablecard issue (which is not hardware, but is an authorization issue). Fortunately, the other two HD TVs in the house are still working!

It is my experience that you will get almost as many different answers for questions, as the number of CSR reps you speak with on the phone...

Yes, this has been my experience as well. Don't like the answer you got? Call again, get a different one. The same story from two people is rare, but that's what I got. Unless some announcement is made beforehand, I guess the next bill will tell for sure what's going on.

I got my bill yesterday and I think they just raised the price. It didn't show a separate $6.95 charge but the overall price went up by that amount, so it is built in I guess.

I got my bill yesterday and I think they just raised the price. It didn't show a separate $6.95 charge but the overall price went up by that amount, so it is built in I guess.

Yep got mine also, DVR costs went up 6.95 per DVR

Yep got mine also, DVR costs went up 6.95 per DVR

So, are we going to get hit more than once? HD costs up $6.95 and DVR costs up$6.95? Are we talking about a $13.90 (if you have both) increase?

I got my bill a few days ago and noticed this..

From what I can tell, I am confused by their price increases (which they say started July 1) and I have the insert describing all the price changes.

I have the Ultimate Advantage Pack (which includes Cable Internet). I don't even see that package offered any more. I do see that new prices are higher but include the first digital receiver or cable card and outlet. A savings of $5.50 (but I got billed for that). I also do see a charge for "HDTV Service.......6.95" on my bill, I do not see a charge on the rate sheet insert for "HDTV service." I do see HDTV 6.95 (from 8.95) as being listed under equipment.

I was paying:
$76.45 for Ultimate Adv
$56.24 for Cable TV
132.69

I am now paying:
$81.95 for Ultimate Adv
$63.44 for Cable TV
$145.39

For the same service. :(

I got my bill a few days ago and noticed this..

From what I can tell, I am confused by their price increases (which they say started July 1) and I have the insert describing all the price changes.

I have the Ultimate Advantage Pack (which includes Cable Internet). I don't even see that package offered any more.

There's a reason you don't see it anymore. The CSR that initally told me about the increase told me that this would be going away. Those of us who already get a discounted rate on our internet because we bundled it with the cable TV will not be affected. If however you are a new customer who's just signing up and you want cable TV and cable internet there will be no bundle. You'll have to pay full price for both. Soon they are going to be introducing their digital phone service. (this is already mentioned on their website) After that is available the only way you'll be able to get any bundled discounts is you get all three services. Cable TV, internet, and phone. Again, this is according to the CSR I spoke to but so far he's been right about everything else.


I was paying:
$76.45 for Ultimate Adv
$56.24 for Cable TV
132.69

I am now paying:
$81.95 for Ultimate Adv
$63.44 for Cable TV
$145.39

For the same service. :(

I think we're all going to be in a situation like this. Your final line sums it all up perfectly. I was just saying the same thing to my brother the other night. I wouldn't mind price increases so much if I at least saw something for it but there are no new services. I still have my same HD channels, and my same DVR but for some reason, I'm going to pay more.

I picked up a DVR for my new Vizio HDTV today. They gave me a remote for the box that doesn't have a Vizio 4 digit code. One of the other SA models has a 5 digit code, but it won't work on this remote. Do I need to return it to get a different remote, or does anyone know a 4 digit code for a Vizio HDTV. Thanks for any help you can provide.

I have the VM60 and the D* HR20. I followed the directions for "finding the codes if your TV is not listed". The very first code that it tried was the correct code.

dbuchler,
I did try that, but it didn't work for me. I went over to the Visio website and they provide 3, 4 and 5 digit codes that would work. I posted them on the Vizio thread fro my set. Thanks for the help.

Reporting back on what I've learned with my Comcast adventure over the past week:

1) Confirming that the Ultimate Advantage Pak is no longer offered

2) The above is apparently what caused at least part of my problem when they tried to re-configure my package

3) After a follow-up visit today, my cable cards are both working in the Series 3 Tivo with all HD channels ---- EXCEPT 406 (NFLHD). I do get 406 on my other two TVs with HD-converter boxes. Supposedly, this is an "extra", but they haven't yet completely wiped (encrypted) it out of converter box systems.

4) I have NO idea what my bill will be. It was previously $137, including premium internet service.

*sigh*

BUT - the positive is, the tech who visited Thursday and today was a very nice guy, even tho he was not experienced with the HD Tivo and cable cards, he asked lots of questions and seemed to enjoy learning how everything worked. He was also persistent. Thanks "Michael."

I think we're all going to be in a situation like this. Your final line sums it all up perfectly. I was just saying the same thing to my brother the other night. I wouldn't mind price increases so much if I at least saw something for it but there are no new services. I still have my same HD channels, and my same DVR but for some reason, I'm going to pay more.

If it is true that Ultimate Advantage is going away, it appears that this would be the new pricing structure and may be our prices soon:

Digital Premier: 100.94
Internet: 42.95
HDTV Service: 6.95

Throw in my Additional Outlet (6.50 and cable card 2.00) and now I'd be paying $159.34 for the same service as I listed above. I guess, all things considered, even though I am getting screwed, I am getting a bargain!

I guess, all things considered, even though I am getting screwed, I am getting a bargain!

Bargain? May I please have some of what you're having? ;) Personally, I was just starting to like Comcast again, that is, until July 1st and the HD policy change.

If it is true that Ultimate Advantage is going away, it appears that this would be the new pricing structure and may be our prices soon:

Digital Premier: 100.94
Internet: 42.95
HDTV Service: 6.95

Throw in my Additional Outlet (6.50 and cable card 2.00) and now I'd be paying $159.34 for the same service as I listed above. I guess, all things considered, even though I am getting screwed, I am getting a bargain!

As I mentioned eariler the CSR told me that if we already have the discounted internet bunndle we won't be affected. They are not going to take it away. Of course it is Comcast so that could just mean they are not going to take it away... yet. Eventually they will find a way to do it. Probabaly when they introduce the phone thing. Your math seems pretty on target, just don't forget about all the taxes and govt. fees that will be added on top of it.

In case anyone missed it, it appears like there might be little more competition in the near future for South Florida.

http://www.sun-sentinel.com/news/local/southflorida/sfl-flpcable0710nbjul10,0,453330.story

It's not Verizon FIOS TV, but it's a start...

I've been away for a few weeks and upon return I can no longer receive any HD channels via QAM. Comcast says that's the way its supposed to work. No box or cable card, no digital channels above 100. The only digital channels I can now receive via QAM are the music channels and NBA TV.

Has anyone in the Stuart area had better results?

We've had no VOD service since Saturday, July 7. I'm being told that it's an "extensive system" problem. I would just like to know how extensive it is. Since Comcast can't supply me with this information, is anyone else without it?

I tried Free VOD, it didn't work, Cinemax seems OK. If you can't get any of them to work, I would try a new STB.

I'm in Danforth.

I tried Free VOD, it didn't work, Cinemax seems OK. If you can't get any of them to work, I would try a new STB.

I'm in Danforth.
I get an Error 1102 on the Free VOD; On HBO, Cinemax and Starz, I am able to select the movie and get a confirmation screen. Then it just sits there and nothing happens. I've let it go for as long as 15 minutes. On Showtime it shows that I am not subscribed even though I am. I spoke to a supervisor again yesterday and he told me it was not a problem at my end. Last night, I made a follow up call and the regular CSR said there was no problem in my area. Thanks for you help.

I appreciate all this information as I will eventually be deciding if I should upgrade the D* HD equipment to MPEG4 (and sign a 2 year contract) or go to cable. I have to say so far Comcast isn't impressing me.

Does anyone have the Comcast Triple play ? and if so..

1. What speed do you get on the internet ? (Currently paying 42.95 due to the plan i am in)
2. How is there phone service (Currently paying 30 for Vonage)
3. Is it there Basic Cable Channel service you get(Currently paying like 48 or so)

Thanks...

I'm sorry for not searching the whole thread, it is pretty long.

I am moving to Boynton Beach and would like to ask the experienced posters about OTA reception there. In Baltimore I have a Channel Master 4228 with a Winegard AP-4700 pre-amplifier that lets me receive all of the Baltimore and Washington DT stations. I'm thinking that the 4228 (8-bay) is not a good choice due to possible hurricanes and that I should step down to the 4221 (4-bay). Antennaweb has the WPB stations at 8 miles from me at ~ 305 degrees. The Miami stations are about 40 miles away at ~ 195 degrees. If I point the 4221 at Miami, will the WPB stations still come in? I know about 7 and 9 being VHF and would think that I have no shot at those 2 with my setup.

I know I will have to experiment with pointing the antenna and if I should include the pre-amplifier in the setup. I was hoping that someone near me could share their experience and let me know if there is anything to watch out for. I'm also hoping that a small VHF antenna might pick up 7 and 9 although 40 miles is pretty distant for VHF.

Thanks.

To pick up Miami reliably from Boynton, you'll need a large high gain antenna, with pre-amp. You'll find the MIA and WPB antenna farms to be nearly 180 degrees of each other, so a directional antenna will need to be equipped with a rotor. However, now you have to worry about wind events, as you mentioned. Some people have had luck with large directional antennas in the attic. YMMV on that, it never worked for me. I live in Boca, 20 miles south, roughly, and I get Miami and WPB fine with minor exceptions, with a small bi-directional wing antenna fastened to my peak tiles. This antenna has survived 4 hurricanes. Inside I have a distrib amp, and a pre-amp is built into the external antenna structure. If you give up on Miami, just about any antenna will get you the WPB stations, but you'll find the WPB stations to inexplicably still be fighting audio sync and other stupid problems more so than Miami.

Does anyone have the Comcast Triple play ? and if so..

1. What speed do you get on the internet ? (Currently paying 42.95 due to the plan i am in)
2. How is there phone service (Currently paying 30 for Vonage)
3. Is it there Basic Cable Channel service you get(Currently paying like 48 or so)

Thanks...Comcast doesn't offer phone service yet, it is still being tested.

Also, Comcast just changed all the packages for new customers as well as the prices for July.

Comcast doesn't offer phone service yet, it is still being tested.

Also, Comcast just changed all the packages for new customers as well as the prices for July.

Good point, I probably should have posted my question in a thread for a city that has it....duh

Well Comcast finally added FSNHD as a separate channel. Came on tonight Channel 401, were up to 20 HD channels now, which isn't too bad. Lets get Cinemax HD, Food Network & HGTV HD and HDNet and things will be real good.

Comcast doesn't offer phone service yet, it is still being tested.

Also, Comcast just changed all the packages for new customers as well as the prices for July.
Yeah, it sucks big time. $18.95 a month for a HD-DVR and no promotions for that box. AT&T (assuming they offer great HD service & internet speeds) can't get here soon enough. If their service is good, I'd dump Comcast in a heart beat.

What model of HD-DVR are AT&T offering ?

Well Comcast finally added FSNHD as a separate channel. Came on tonight Channel 401, were up to 20 HD channels now, which isn't too bad. Lets get Cinemax HD, Food Network & HGTV HD and HDNet and things will be real good.

I watched it on the MOJO channel(408 i think)....Will check to see if I have 401...Yanks/D-Rays in HD was pretty good last night ;)

Well Comcast finally added FSNHD as a separate channel. Came on tonight Channel 401, were up to 20 HD channels now, which isn't too bad. Lets get Cinemax HD, Food Network & HGTV HD and HDNet and things will be real good.

I have 401 but its says "No Data Available" and i have no picture, just a black screen :(

Last night it was working, maybe they are having trouble working the kinks out. With Comcast you never know, if it is not resolved in a day or so I will call to see what is going on.

What model of HD-DVR are AT&T offering ?They currently use the Motorola VIP 1216. http://www.motorola.com/content.jsp?globalObjectId=7460-10536-10543

I still don't have high expectations for the service since right now the service only offers a max of 4 video streams at once, only one can be HD, and only one DVR per customer (as of now). Plus it runs over VDSL from the VRAD and has a distance limitation of about 3000ft.

We will have to wait and see how the service evolves till it gets here.

I tried twice in 2006 to pay Adelphia to hook me up with HD Plus on top of BASIC (not expanded basic) with a cable card, and each time the CSR told me SURE HAPPY TO DO THAT, but when the installer came out he said "Can't be done".

So they called me on the phone around March, saying We're raising your HSI rates $15 in April unless you take Basic (not expanded) for $5 (saving $10 /mo) and we'll install it free for you, So I says what the hey and I let them.

As I understand it now, I got in after Comcast dropped Adelphia's HD Plus and thought geee isn't this wonderful, HD included with my BASIC (not even expanded) cable. I was told by Adelcast / Comphia that YES HD is included in Basic and wasn't blocked and it was OK I wasn't stealing.

And WOW!! not just broadcast HD coming through on my built in TV cable coax, but Discovery HD, ESPN HD & ESPN HD2, and Mojo, and lately A&E and a couple others I'm forgetting. It sure surprised me.

After payin D* for 10 years, I was pleased to say the least.

After reading some of these posts, I realize I was Tweety in a Guilded cage, thinking things were only getting better.

Come July 1 Tweety bird was wondering, where oh where did my HDTV go? And how much do I really have to pay to get it back?

Unlike many of you, I never had an STB or CC.
Unlike many of you, I wasn't paying monster monthly bills. (couldn't afford it anymore - have to pay for gas).
Comcast HSI, HD OTA recording on my good old ReplayTV DVRs, and Skype are my triple threat on the cheap. Voice, Internet, and TV Package bundles starting at $99 shooot, I'm doing that now for closer to $50 without suffering too much. Got great free Internet DTV (Joost & Democracy Player) to boot! HBO, SHOWTIME, STARZ, all show up first at Blockbuster Online for $9/mo. all the first rate movies you can eat delivered to your door.

Now they tell me $6.95 is only the start of what I must pay to get my Discovery HD fix (love that sunrise show - guess I'll be going to the beach before work now instead), what else I miss is Marlins and ESPN HD.

They say I must also rent a STB for $5.50 OR (they don't like to mention it but) CABLE CARD for $2 in addition to the $6.95 fee.

Now the nice Comcast lady today tells me the CABLE CARD WENT UP TO $14 since I called last week, and it's not $2 anymore! Seems like they bump the price up any time you ask!

I'm worried next they are going to spring "you gotta have at least a Bronze level or Digital Basic package to get HD" on me. I've heard that before, just like I've heard SURE WE CAN HOOK YOU UP, BASIC+HD PLUS IS NO PROB, HAPPY TO DO THAT FOR YOU. Which one is true?

I don't want to be pushed around by what I don't know, so I thought I'd better ask some of you who really do.

I'm not a free-loader, I believe in paying for what I use. I also try to pay what I can afford and avoid services I can't pay for.

I need no Expanded, Classic, Bronze, Silver, Gold, Platinum, or Ulitmate package and don't need the bill for it either. But I do love HDTV on my big screen. My OTA Radio Shack Antenna pulls the Network OTA stuff in PERFECTLY, and anything less than 480i looks fuzzy to me and 480i is good enough for cartoons and news.

Is anyone else being told you MUST rent a STB (or use cable card) to get Discovery HD, ESPN etc back? Should I consider myself lucky and grab at what they offer me IF they offer me HD with BASIC?

To the best anybody knows, can I have a BASIC (not expanded basic) and HD for $6.95 anymore without a Set Top Box or Cable Card?

Can I get HD Plus (whatever it's called now) with a STB or CC and if I do what's the best STB with SVID out to feed my old 5k series ReplayTVs? (Yeah, I know it's not recording HDTV in 1080i but you should SEE OTA HDTV recorded on HIGH through SVID 520 inputs and back out component video ports. Stunning what old ReplayTV really could do and it still handles time shifting for me very, very well).

Today Nice lady also tells me I can get HD-DVR for whopping monthly fee. Just buy Comcast a half dozen double meat and cheese whoppers per month and I get the clumsy Atlanta 8300HD (oh boy!). She actually said YES I can get HD Plus (or whatever it's called now) with Basic and then she lost me with details and prices that spun me around - best she said if I visit the local shop and see for myself.

Greedy policies aside, is there some technical reason (decrypting?) I'm forced to have a CC or STB if I want to purchase the new HD Plus (whatever it's called now)? Or is Comcast just trying to pry open my wallet some more?

Comments welcome.

I have 401 but its says "No Data Available" and i have no picture, just a black screen :(

Unlike other HD channels that simulcast non-HD programs, I think FSNHD signs off when there is no HD program. So either a black screen or the FSNHD logo appears when there is no HD programming. I'd imagine they're doing that to save some bandwidth for what is, in comparison, a low priority station.

I have ComCast basic cable through the home owners assassination. I also subscribe to digital and HD channels and use their SA 8300HD PVR.

I have had this setup since Adelphia days. I have NEVER gotten more than about half of the stations I pay for in HD, same for digital SD. I am sick of paying for something that doesn't work and yet they bill me full price. I called Adelphia about it and they said "yeah, we know the problem is on our end and won't even send anyone out to check it". Comcast said the same thing for a while. The last time I called they gave me the runaround and said it must be a problem with my house wiring. They could not offer any explanations why I get some, but not all channels if it is a wiring issue. As an example this is the list of HD stations I should get but the bolded/italicized ones are dead or so blocky, they are unwatchable (7 out of 18 channels). Of the ones watchable, they often still ocassionally block, and sound skips. Golf is sometimes borderline unwatchable.

Do others have this same problem?

401 dead
403 ESPN HD
404 ESPN2 HD
405 VERSUS/Golf Channel HD
406 NFL Network HD
407 TNT HD
408 MOJO
409 Universal HD
410 A & E HD
411 MHD
412 Discovery HD Theater
413 National Geographic HD
416 HBO HD
431 WPBF HD (ABC-25 WPB) B*
432 WPTV HD (NBC-5 WPB) B*
433 WPEC HD (CBS-12 WPB) B*
434 WFLX HD (FOX-29 WPB) B*
440 WXEL HD (PBS-42 WPB) B*

I gave them the ultimatium, make it work or cancel me. They are coming tomorrow, but I get the feeling they could care less.

AT&T U-Verse is not here yet although I have fiber to the DSLAM (? verbage) very close to my house. I have AT&T's overpriced DSL and forced landline (another story), but have a very good, reliable connection. Other choices are obviously DirectTV or Dish. I have had DirectTV in Jacksonville and it worked ok, much better than cable here.

Please offer suggestions!!!

I'd hate to buy into satellite and have problems like this. I would really like to start updating the house wiring and do something nice, but need some basic working service first.

IOf the ones watchable, they often still ocassionally block, and sound skips. Golf is sometimes borderline unwatchable.

Do others have this same problem?




Try my suggestion from post #6547 in this thread.

You may have an internal or external cable low signal strength problem.

thechiz, thanks for the info. I did go back a few pages and start reading but must have missed that one post.

I checked 410 A & E HD, the S/N was either 26 or 0, nothing in between, uh oh. I also checked 413 National Geographic HD and the S/N there was a constant 26 or 27, at least I got sumpin. Others that work are exactly 30.

They are making me a liar. Tonight most of the 100's were working ok. It just seemed to be HD that had problems.

I hope they send someone who knows what they are doing. I rather have my eyes gouged out with teaspoons than deal with most of the Comcast people I have dealt with in the past.

ComCast (ScumCast as I refer to them) sent their "technician" out, the contractor is here now. He couldn't find our house, doh. Here is the play by play.

He looked at the HD channels first. He tried to say that National Geographic and A&E are "new channels", so they might not work. WTF? Then I said try ABC, it doesn't come in either and it is NOT a new channel. ABC was playing "paid programming" and he actually said, "You don't get that channel either, it is pay per view". Uh oh, I'm in trouble!!!

He wanted to switch the 8300HD with another one, but we have recordings on the origial I'd like to get off through S-Video out into the PC. I said try another box but leave the old for for a few days and I'll return it myself. He tried a second box, but it didn't make any difference.

He also scrolled through many of the SD channels and they were tiling and sound was cutting out as usual with the replacement STB.

He did go out to the junction box behind the house and jacked around with the cable and amazingly National Geographic came in perfectly temporarily. I ran out and told the dude that National Geographic started working. Hmm, looks like this could be the problem.

I have no idea what is going on now, he's calling in HQ, reading in numbers off the new STB box. It didn't make any difference before.

He told me he fixed it, the STB was bad. He replaced it and was preparing to leave. I asked him to turn it on and run through the HD channels. It was no different, none of the dead HD channels worked just like before, tiling everywhere on SD too. Grrrrrrr.

Now he has cut out 4 pieces of the cable from the wall to my TV for some reason, me scratching head. Hmmm, now he is up in the attic? He replaced the splitter because he said it was "too old".

Well ComCast actually works now, maybe a bad splitter? For the very first time in 2 years I actually have fully working watchable cable TV!!! Simply amazing. I wonder if they will give me a refund for the last 2 years of frustration? NOT.

Wow, I wonder if I should sacrifice my working DSL for Cable internet?

Wow, I wonder if I should sacrifice my working DSL for Cable internet?
Don't even think of it! :eek:

ComCast (ScumCast as I refer to them) sent their "technician" out, the contractor is here now...Most likely it was was an older splitter that doesn't pass the higher frequencies and why your signal and noise ratio was too low on those channels.

Here are the frequencies of the channel you were not getting.
401 - 735Mhz
409 - 723Mhz
410 - 724Mhz
412 - 687Mhz
413 - 729Mhz
431 - 729Mhz
431 - 693Mhz
433 - 693Mhz

As you see, the channels were above 687 Mhz and most likely caused by a 600Mhz splitter somewhere in your house configuration but also splitters can go bad over time or due to electric surges.

Any new channels are going to be added up the frequency spectrum untill Comcast either goes all digital or starts using switched video.

Sometimes you just have to do your own homework when it comes to cable companies. :)

Thanks Panth1, now something makes sense, although a lot of the SD digital channels were slightly messed up too. I never thought of looking up the frequencies to see what was being passed, I just assumed they went in order of the channels. I was counting on them to know what they were doing, silly me.

More on the repair saga....After the guy left we ate lunch and I started replacing toilets, funnnn. Midway through toilet #1, my wife came and got me with a really puzzled look on her face. She said "is the orange cable running across the back yard supposed to be there"? I said "uhhh, what cable"?

The guy ran a temporary above ground cable wire to our house from the junction box in the back yard. He just drove off with the temporary cable connected to the house, threw a bunch of old parts and cut cables under the mango tree, and left off the cover on the junction box. My first thought was "Is the thing going to work when I reattach the original connections"? Lucky for me it did.

I just got a little upset when he initially tried to stick in a new STB box, say it worked when he knew it didn't, and tried to leave. For the record, my shiny new Toto Drake toilet looks nice, no leaks, and seems to work great. I'll give it a real test tonight!! Toilet #2 had to wait until later after fixing the cable stuff in the back yard.

:mad: :mad: :mad: :mad: :mad: Just got back from a four week trip in Europe and everything was fine. I used my car in the carport for the first time in 4 1/2 weeks and when I came home, my television and laptop were stolen. Has anyone wired their television to the wall?

I've got a 23-inch Sony HD television but it doesn't have a digital Tuner and with DirecTV, I can't get the subchannels that I was getting before. I loved the plasma television but I have heard from many people, they only last about three years.

Wally-

Join the club. I had a 43" Pioneer Plasma stolen a couple years ago. Replaced it with a 50" Pioneer Plasma mounted with a lockable mounting bracket bolted to the wall studs. The frame has a locking mechanism so that you can padlock it, and I used a lock where the locking mechanism is covered, and can't be reached with bolt cutters. The only way anyone's getting my plasma now is by removing a load bearing wall from the center of my house and cutting away the mounting bracking with a blowtorch. Good luck.

As for plasmas lasting only 3 years, that info is completely erroneous. The first plasmas introduced had short half lives, but that hasn't been true for years now. Current plasmas will last decades for the average viewer without significant reduction in brightness, so if you liked your plasma feel free to get another without fear. If you prefer LCD get that. I've got one of each and they both have their advantages and disadvantages, but "lasting only three years" isn't one of them.

As for plasmas lasting only 3 years, that info is completely erroneous. The first plasmas introduced had short half lives, but that hasn't been true for years now.

I have a Panasonic 42" 4UK series plasma since July 2003 and it's still running strong. I've had absolutely no problems with it. Watch - Now I will jinx it!

Man, this forum has turned into cable-TV land. I haven't seen much OTA or DirecTV conversation up here lately. Whatever happened to our complainers about audio sync and pixelation ? The WPB channels still are way behind Miami in signal quality.

Whatever happened to our complainers about audio sync and pixelation ?I'm still here Jeff ;) But it does no good to complain to WPTV, WPEC, WPBF, WFLX, or WXEL (the worst) because they don't care. I guess everyone is happy paying $50+ dollars per month to watch hundreds of low quality channels. :rolleyes:

Glad to hear from you again ! Recently I've had to use one of my gen4 tuners in my bedroom, and it doesn't pick up Miami cleanly like the gen5 tuners do for me. So, I've had to resort to the WPB stations when watching in the bedroom. Man, I had forgotten how bad audio sync was, among other things. It drives me nuts, so I try to switch back to Miami, and the multi-path issues drive my wife nuts. I need to get a better tuner going again, but that still doesn't solve the audio sync issues.

Man, this forum has turned into cable-TV land. I haven't seen much OTA or DirecTV conversation up here lately. Whatever happened to our complainers about audio sync and pixelation ? The WPB channels still are way behind Miami in signal quality.

WPTV-DT 5.1 still bits! ;>

The latest issue I have with them is that during prime time, their commercial volume is way louder than their program's volume. This happens more so when they are broadcasting in DD 5.1. Once again, my fix is to press channel up (5.2), channel up (6.1).

I'm going thru a D* HR20 so I'm not sure if it's an HR20 issue (because there are a lot of issues with them) or it's WPTV. My guess it's WPTV since WTVJ seems to be ok.

No, it's not an HR20 issue, it's a channel 5 issue. I have same problem, on 5 different makes of tuners\audio systems. Not to mention - Jim and Laurel are getting up in years......

Please........ No WPTV NewsChannel 5 news in HD.... EVER!

well they've had hd cameras ever since they moved into the new building

Man, this forum has turned into cable-TV land. I haven't seen much OTA or DirecTV conversation up here lately. Whatever happened to our complainers about audio sync and pixelation ? The WPB channels still are way behind Miami in signal quality.
My biggest gripe is that WXEL audio level is very low on 42.1 (OTA & cable). I thought this station might improve when they were sold. Apparently the sale is off as I haven't heard anything for a long time.

One wonders if station management ever tries to watch this channel.

One wonders if station management ever tries to watch this channel.

If they were to try and watch it on Comcast HD they would see that their advertised schedule is wrong much of the time.

The schedule often has HD programs advertised for evening primetime that are different from the WXEL analog channel. However, they will often just show what is on the analog channel or some money-raising telethon with ancient 'elevator' music.

It shows that the people "working" or "volunteering" there just don't care to
even give out the correct schedules.

I always use the HD DVR to record programs anyway.

OK, that music is neither ancient nor elevator - expand your horizons young man. :rolleyes:

I do agree that they don't seem to care, though, expect about raising money to cover their existence so they can keep their salaries going.

some money-raising telethon with ancient 'elevator' music.

It shows that the people "working" or "volunteering" there just don't care to
even give out the correct schedules.

yeah I was hoping to watch the july 4 rerun on on pbs-hd that day. but at first it wasnt working then later they dumped to sd

I wonder if they did renew their hd contract without even asking for donations to keep it going http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=871779

That channel is a complete waste of an HD channel. I wish Comcast would replace it with Cinemax HD because the PBS station is useless.

So that would make those of us who enjoy the channel on occasion useless, or imbeciles, or idiots, perhaps ? :rolleyes:

That channel is a complete waste of an HD channel. I wish Comcast would replace it with Cinemax HD because the PBS station is useless.

If the channel actually showed the HD programs it shows in the guide the channel would be better but to watch opera in SD, no thanks.

Regarding the rest I don't know you but if you want to classify yourself as an idiot for liking the channel you do have that right. :p

SD, HD, or No D at all, PBS still shows content you can't find anywhere else. Of course, if ones cultural interest does not extend past the sports bar on Friday night, and the latest foul garbage spewing from what passes for popular music, then of course PBS will be a waste. Point is, if you don't like it, fine, but don't call it a waste based on your own limited outlook.

Whose outlook is limited. I think PBS is fine and I support it but the HD channel is a waste of bandwidth plain and simple. The always always indicates shows in HD I go to the channel to watch and not only isn't it what it is supposed to be but it isn't even in HD. If they could get their act together fine otherwise stick to the SD channel only and bring on something better like HGTV, FoodNetworkHD or any fo the coming Discovery Network HD channels.

Last time I checked this was still a free country and while you don't have to agree with my opinion it is what it is.

Everyone has a valid viewpoint....

Remember that it is WXEL-HD that is letting us down !

Programs in HD like the art biographies by Simon Schama, and some of the
travel shows are excellent and what PBS is all about. Perhaps not
mainstream entertainment, but definitely worthwhile broadcasting or
taking up cable bandwidth.

I agree that when they fail to deliver the programs as scheduled and
revert to duplication of the SD programming that is a "waste" of bandwidth.

i would like wxel as well if they showed pbs-hd 24/7 on like 42-2 and then wxel on 42-1

I agree completely they can show good HD material but I really get tired of seeing something in the guide, going to the channel and it is not the program nor is it in HD. I tried watching the 4th of July fireworks on this channel and it was an absolute joke they couldn't keep the picture going it would lock up and was just really sad.

If they show what they advertise the channel is worthwhile but too often they just don't deliver which is why I said initially it was a waste. Then someone gets all bent out of shape and says I am calling everyone who watches the channel an idiot. Bit of a stretch don't you think?

I had the exact same experience on july 4th. thought it was my antenna, turns out it was their satellite

I was watching it last night and a program that was supposed to be SD was actually HD, then I scrolled through the Comcast guide and noticed they had a number of HD programs running from 3:00 am to 5:30 am then the rest of Saturday was listed as SD. If you are an HD channel why put the progamming on when everyone is asleep?

PBS is a great thing but this channel is just poorly run, which is sad.

With respect to PBS, maybe it is a waste to duplicate SD programming on the digital channel. Come Feb. 2009, we don't have to worry about that anymore. Analog is gone. It may not be in HD, but it won't be a duplicate.

BTW what surprises me is that the commercial stations don't even know what they are transmitting. This morning at 8am, noted ABC 25 was showing the Bristish Open in SD yet TV10 had it in HD. At 840am, I called TV25 master control, and 10 seconds later it was in HD.

I wonder what the TV master control people watch?

There is probably more than one switch that needs to be reset...?

It's all about money.

Some switching, automated or manual seems to take place for
the commercials (mostly SD) in a HD program.

The local channels quite often come back from a commercial and the
program is not in HD any more.
You would think that after the next commercial things
would always get set right again, but often they don't.

They always make sure you get to see the commercials properly !

And to make sure you hear them properly the audio signal is usually
boosted 10-15 dB.....Not enough to break any laws, but very annoying.

Is anyone having problems with channel 5 lately?

I just re peaked my antenna, tried pointing it directly at the xmitter, and all i get is garbage. I get every other channel without a problem from Miami north, but channel 5 has always been a problem.


Live in the congress/golf road area. and use a dish 622 receiver as the decoder. I want to contact dish, because of the problem, but there are only two things I can think of:

multipath? how to correct? i now don't get a signal in any direction (360) that works which doesn't make sense. Or is it signal overload? if so, is there a selective filter that i could install to help notch that channel? I don't want to loose all of the others because of this one channel....

thanks,

tom

5 has been bad since they started transmitting. At your location, it could be made worse if you are amping their signal, which should be pretty strong up there. You may want to just try a pair of rabbit ears as a test to see if that is it. It should be better than you mention, but they are never as good as 6 to the south.

Once again (actually for the last week or two), I see that 5-1 has dropped from a pretty strong signal in the 80s on my Dish622 down to the 30's, and once again nothing has changed on my end (same box, same antenna pointing the same direction, no wiring changes, etc). This seems like it is about the 5th or 6th time this has occurred over the last few years, usually followed by only a portion of the people in this thread having problems.

Several times- the last several- the problem has usually been defined as "electrical arcing" or similar and that parts/people will be coming to fix it "soon." After several weeks go by, it does finally get "fixed," though, inevitably it will "break" again.

I wonder how many more times they have to have this same problem before they finally decide to fix it right?

I know many of you have the luxury of pointing south to get 6-1 out of Miami. I wish 5-1 would decide to go with a long-term reliability solution.

Once again (actually for the last week or two), I see that 5-1 has dropped from a pretty strong signal in the 80s on my Dish622 down to the 30's, and once again nothing has changed on my end (same box, same antenna pointing the same direction, no wiring changes, etc). This seems like it is about the 5th or 6th time this has occurred over the last few years, usually followed by only a portion of the people in this thread having problems.

Several times- the last several- the problem has usually been defined as "electrical arcing" or similar and that parts/people will be coming to fix it "soon." After several weeks go by, it does finally get "fixed," though, inevitably it will "break" again.

I wonder how many more times they have to have this same problem before they finally decide to fix it right?

I know many of you have the luxury of pointing south to get 6-1 out of Miami. I wish 5-1 would decide to go with a long-term reliability solution.

Don't know if you follow the details over at sattelite guys, but apparently dish has just done a huge regression on the software of alot of the 622s back to the early software that apparently didn't do well with locals.

You are describing the same problem that I'm having down in the low thirties, and just crap. comes in great for about 10 seconds, and then it craps out.

of course, their long term solution may be way till they switch to the VHF channel if I have understood everyone here correctly.

Maybe, but I would think that all of the other West Palm channels would show similar effects (they don't). All of the others are pegged about where they normally fall, while 5-1 suddenly has dropped a long way in signal strength. I've been HD for a long time and seen this same thing over and over on a number of receivers.

I am under the impression that 5-1 bought a lemon that, for some reason, they've never been able to get the maker to swap out. Instead, it's almost ritualistic now, they are able to get it working for a while, then it does this again. It usually takes a relatively long time for it to get fixed (temporarily). Look up "arcing" and similar in this thread. Over and over it's about 5-1 (only) and I believe it has come up maybe 5 times over the last few years.

Now I don't know that it is that this time, but the symptoms are the same.

amazing so many off us here have dish 622s with ch. 5 in the 30s

just glad not to be alone :)

TNTHD is in the clear again....

Dunno about you folks but I didn't change a thing and WPTV is coming in the 90s now ... lol

anybody in pbc using the hvr-1600? and if so how is the qam working?

Yep channel 5-1 has come back to life without me changing anything on this end too. Remember when they used to blame the viewer's equipment/location in spite of the fact that it would work, then not work, then work again without the viewers changing anything?

For those D-TV users out there who've been long time HD users, I was wondering if anyone had recently moved from the HR10-250 TIVO-based HD-DVR to D-TV's newer MPEG4 supported dish and non-TIVO MPEG4 HD-DVR.

For those that have, I'd be interested in hearing:
1) How are D-TV's broadcasts of WPB locals in HD compared to over-the-air ?
2) In brief, what are your opinions of the new DVR vs the HR10-250 ? As buggy as HR10-250 was at first or stable now ? What's your biggest gripe ?
3) Were you able to strike a near-no-cost deal with D-TV, like I've heard many have (via talking to retention folks), to have the dish installed and equipment changed out ?

Just trying to take a pulse on progress in this area ... thanks.

1. - I find DirecTV's MPEG4 LiL to be nearly identical to the OTA - it is very good.
2. - I don't have a DVR yet, but I can compare MPEG2 vs MPEG4 vs OTA, and MPEG2 is noticeably worse.
3. - A year ago I got a no cost deal to upgrade to the 5lnb dish and one receiver, and paid $99 for a second receiver. Last week I took an upgrade deal to get an HR20 DVR for $199 (they include a dish and install, but I don't need the dish nor install).

I switched to the new HDDVR in March. I like it, but there are some things I miss from my Tivo.

1. I was never able to get OTA from any other station than 25-1. I can't tell any difference between OTA and D* in this case. WPTV-5 continues to be an HD disappointment. No 5.1 audio, and HD sports look awful. Really awful.

2. Dual Live Buffers and Suggestions. These are the 2 items I miss the most. While it has been rumored that DLBs will be added at some point, we will never see Suggestions unless D* gets another contract with Tivo. Now with football season coming up, I'm really going to miss the DLBs. Other than that, my unit has been pretty good. D* seems to be somewhat proactive in updating the unit. It seems like I get a software update once or twice a month. Recently they added autocorrection during FF or RW.
Most other complaints are minor and subjective. I preferred the Tivo Live Guide to the D* Grid. I wish the guide info showed an original air date of an episode like the Tivo did. Slow motion and skip to (end, beginning, tick) work but are clunky. You have to hold the appropriate button for 3 sec and press again to activate the feature. I preferred the Tivo's 30 sec. skip to the D* 30 sec "slip".

3. I got mine for $200 including dish and install, kept my old hardware and got a few other discounts as well. My parents just ordered theirs to replace an HDTivo for $100 but have to turn in the old hardware.

Thanks for the report Cayson. I too am in a similar situation, I own (not lease) an HR10-250 HD-TiVo. I have had it since they first came out although this is my second unit after the first ones hard drive failed. I have another factor involved in the decision in that we will be moving in the next two years to an area that DirecTV does not carry all of the local channels (Dish Network does). I know that I will eventually change to the HR20 but I want to put it off as long as I can.

Don't trade in that HD-DirecTiVo yet. DirecTV has software update plans. Here is the link to the story:
DIRECTV to Introduce Additional TiVo Features (http://biz.yahoo.com/bw/070731/20070731006439.html?.v=1&printer=1)

^^^^^^
It looks like that may only apply to the Series 2 Tivos, not the HD Tivos.

^^^^^^
It looks like that may only apply to the Series 2 Tivos, not the HD Tivos.
The HD-TiVo's are "based on the Series 2 platform". There still needs to be some clarification though. Since the HR10-250 is not capable of MPEG-4, and software changes alone will not fix that, it would not be capable of receiving local HD stations via DirecTV. Other than local HD channels, I believe that it's still capable of receiving all of the new HD channels when they become available.

The HD-TiVo's are "based on the Series 2 platform". There still needs to be some clarification though. Since the HR10-250 is not capable of MPEG-4, and software changes alone will not fix that, it would not be capable of receiving local HD stations via DirecTV. Other than local HD channels, I believe that it's still capable of receiving all of the new HD channels when they become available.

The new HD channels on D* will be MPEG-4, therefore the HR10-250 will not receive them, regardless of the software changes.

The new HD channels on D* will be MPEG-4, therefore the HR10-250 will not receive them, regardless of the software changes.
You are correct. I was just getting my hopes up to try and keep the HR10-250.

OH HOW I HATE to even consider this so I'm looking for some opinions here.

Problem:
I have a Dish 921 HD DVR - it has 2 tuners. 1 HD/SD and one SD only so I can do any combination of watching and recording as long as only 1 is HD. I love the DVR feature.

But the 921 is really acting up lately - have to reboot it every few days. It is over 3 years old and I'm sure they will stop supporting it at some time. My remote is going bad to. (minor issue) I had one of the first 921's and paid aboout $1000 for it back when it was state of the art.

The 921 cannot get the mpeg4 stuff so my HD watching is limited to OTA local stations so I do not subscribe to any HD packages.

I have been with Dish for over 10 years and would hate to leave them and I hate cable, BUT we have free basic cable (Comcast??) here in W Lake Worth.

Soooooo, I'm trying to decide if I should just get a new Dish HD receiver with DVR and subscribe to HD packages or scrap it all and upgrade my free basic cable to HD. But does cable have DVR receivers, multi tuners, lots of HD programming, how is the picture quality compared to satellite, etc.

What are your opinions. I'm also considering the initial and recurring costs.

Thanks a bunch.

Stay with dish. You can lease an mpeg4 hddvr for free right now since you currently have a 921, and you wont even have to get rid of the 921 (and fyi it seems you're confused as to what your 921 can do. the 2 tuners and exactly the same and can record what ever satellite channel you have access to, it doesnt care if it's hd or sd.

Since you have basic cable you already have access to basically all the hd channels right now if you have a tv with a qam tuner (i'm guess you don't though because you've had hd for such a long time)

If you have any follow up questions let me know I can help.

TNTHD is in the clear again....

what channel/sub-channel are you receiving TNTHD on? and what other channels are you getting if any (besides locals and NBA)

BTW - I am getting ON-DEMAND channels on 108-1 thru 112-2... kinda both interestung and frustrating to watch what others have ordered - and watch them FF/ REW/ PAUSE/ STOP... hah

what channel/sub-channel are you receiving TNTHD on? and what other channels are you getting if any (besides locals and NBA)

BTW - I am getting ON-DEMAND channels on 108-1 thru 112-2... kinda both interestung and frustrating to watch what others have ordered - and watch them FF/ REW/ PAUSE/ STOP... hah

Where I am in the Boynton area, the clear QAM channels as of August 1st are...

Channel 0 / NBA TV
Channel 0 / Comcast Weather Channel
Channel 0 / TNT HD
Channel 0 / ESPN (Spanish)
Channel 0 / ESPNEWS
Channel 0 / Disney Toons
Channel 0 / Soap Net (a network of soaps? yikes...)
Channel 0 / ESPN Classic
Channel 0 / Bunch of Music Channels
Channel 105.11 / Jewelry Television

The channel 0 is just how my TV is dealing with the incorrect PSIP data.

BGALL - thanks for the info but I DO have a couple questions.

I am pretty sure that the 921 only has one HD tuner and one SD. I have never been able to record 2 HD or watch 1 and record 1 at the same time. One had to be SD. Anyway.

Are you saying that if you have basic cable, you can get all the HD channels IF you have some kind of box? I have a 65 Mitsu HD. What is a qam tuner? Can I buy one and get the HD channels off cable? That would be cool.

I'll check what offers Dish have. Last I looked, they wanted my $1000 unit back and $200 for a new receiver.

Anything you can add please do.

Thanks - Terry

OH HOW I HATE to even consider this so I'm looking for some opinions here.

Problem:
I have a Dish 921 HD DVR - it has 2 tuners. 1 HD/SD and one SD only so I can do any combination of watching and recording as long as only 1 is HD. I love the DVR feature.

But the 921 is really acting up lately - have to reboot it every few days. It is over 3 years old and I'm sure they will stop supporting it at some time. My remote is going bad to. (minor issue) I had one of the first 921's and paid aboout $1000 for it back when it was state of the art.

The 921 cannot get the mpeg4 stuff so my HD watching is limited to OTA local stations so I do not subscribe to any HD packages.

I have been with Dish for over 10 years and would hate to leave them and I hate cable, BUT we have free basic cable (Comcast??) here in W Lake Worth.

Soooooo, I'm trying to decide if I should just get a new Dish HD receiver with DVR and subscribe to HD packages or scrap it all and upgrade my free basic cable to HD. But does cable have DVR receivers, multi tuners, lots of HD programming, how is the picture quality compared to satellite, etc.

What are your opinions. I'm also considering the initial and recurring costs.

Thanks a bunch.

If you can wait a few more days (Till Aug 15) I would wait. Dish has a HUGE roll out on 7 new HD channels. The word on the street is that there will be several new deals for existing users and new users. I hate to plug a web site, but if you head over to satteliteguys.us there is speculation about the deals coming, and several threads about upgrade paths for the 921's that aren't too bad.

I'd look at the 722 also. Have the 622 which allows you to record up to two sat HD/SD and one OTA HD at once. The 722 is the next step up from the 622, but it has the HD VOD and a larger HDD for Recording

Can anyone who is using Comcast digital cable with HD and using a recording receiver (like TIVO) please tell me about the service, quality, choice of channels, cost etc. I'm looking into switching from Dish HD as their monthly cost is close to $100.

Thanks - Terry

Anyone watching Channel 5?

They just started local news in HD.

looks sharp so far.

Just caught the end of the broadcast when I was flipping by. The credits and side bars looked good in HD. ;)

Just caught the end of the broadcast when I was flipping by. The credits and side bars looked good in HD. ;)

I watched the entire newscast, and the in-studio sequences looked great. Now the anchors just need to go out and get some HD-ready clothes. ;)

Anyone watching Channel 5?

They just started local news in HD.

looks sharp so far.


they did???

wow gonna have to check it out

Anyone watching Channel 5?

They just started local news in HD.

looks sharp so far.

I saw the 11PM and it looks great. The weather center is awesome. Now we just need more Katie Brace.

:D Finally Channel 5 News is HD. Beat out all of south fla. I agree more Brace and Kahn. Saw the studio this am on a segment they did. Even Capt julie will have HD Traffic cam on the bird.

Back to my question:

What are you guys paying for Comcast Digital Cable with HD and a DVR receiver per month without any limited time credits?

Thanks -- Terry

Dang, I saw the 11pm channel 5 newscast, what a terrific image, and especially the weather. Good job - also on audio sync and signal stability. Let's hope it continues.

Terry - sorry, I quite cable 10 years ago, fooey on them.

Jeff,
I have felt the same way for many years. I've had Sat since back in the BIG DISH free channels everywhere era. Then Dish after that for almost 20 years. I just can't see paying almost $100 / month just for HD TV so I started looking at alternatives.

Is this Channel 5 you are talking about the local here in WPB?

Terry

Yes, WPTV, "NewsChannel 5". I was really impressed, especially since I had given up on them and biased my antenna to favor 6 out of Miami.

Cable did nothing to change my mind after the last 4 hurricanes. Their system was down for weeks, 4 week after Wilma alone. I had satellite back as soon as the winds died down enough to put the reflector back up.

Back to my question:

What are you guys paying for Comcast Digital Cable with HD and a DVR receiver per month without any limited time credits?

Thanks -- Terry

We had two recievers, no cable modem, and were paying about 135/mo for the setup with two movie channels. Dish = 100/mo.

Not wanting to sound like a fan boy, but Stick with Dish. Took cable 5 weeks to get service back into our area after the storms.

I e-mailed Dave at WPTV. Asled why does the picture look a bit over contrast compared to the today show. Like a slight white haze.

Back to my question:

What are you guys paying for Comcast Digital Cable with HD and a DVR receiver per month without any limited time credits?

Thanks -- Terry
We have the Ultimate Advantage Pack with broadband internet service for 104.04, however we do get a homeowners association credit. We rent the Comcast cable modem and just one SA8300HD DVR box. We get all crrent locally available Comcast HD channels including HBO HD, Starz HD and Showtime HD. We might even get Cinemax HD and on-demand HD soon, like the Comcast folks in Broward County do right now.

Perhaps someone else with my Ult Adv Pack configuration can give you the "Full price". I've always wanted to know what my HOA credit was. It is not obvious from the statements.....

WARNING! WARNING! Jim and Laurel in HD at 5 and 11pm tonight! :)

Seriously.. I am real surprised that WPTV beat WTVJ to HD news. It really looks good, especially the new weather stuff!! Now, lets see if their OTA broadcast sees any stability improvements.

I've stuck with 5 all evening, it's good for me so far. Impressive, if it lasts; they've had good streaks before.

WARNING! WARNING! Jim and Laurel in HD at 5 and 11pm tonight! :)

Seriously.. I am real surprised that WPTV beat WTVJ to HD news. It really looks good, especially the new weather stuff!! Now, lets see if their OTA broadcast sees any stability improvements.

Back to my question:

What are you guys paying for Comcast Digital Cable with HD and a DVR receiver per month without any limited time credits?

Thanks -- Terry

I had hoped to give you an answer, but i have yet to get an accurate bill from them, since they took over from Adelphia, they keep changing Plans & Prices...

I have 2 HD/DVR boxes, HD package,DVR Service, the Ultimate pak, and High speed internet(6mbps)

My last bill was about 185.00...

Then today i get a Bill and its 160.00, but i have some credits and i have no idea why...

Hope that helps....

We have the Ultimate Advantage Pack with broadband internet service for 104.04, however we do get a homeowners association credit. We rent the Comcast cable modem and just one SA8300HD DVR box. We get all crrent locally available Comcast HD channels including HBO HD, Starz HD and Showtime HD. We might even get Cinemax HD and on-demand HD soon, like the Comcast folks in Broward County do right now.

Perhaps someone else with my Ult Adv Pack configuration can give you the "Full price". I've always wanted to know what my HOA credit was. It is not obvious from the statements.....


About $160 with all the taxes and everything. But you can't get ultimate advantage any more since Comcast took over.

Gotta admit the Ch. 5 HD is nice. Esp. the weather graphics. Nice work. Can't wait until the field cameras go HD too.

Anyone besides me find the super light colored pillars (when showing SD video) distracting? Wish they would have made them a darker blue like Ch 6. Not meant as a "be more like Ch 6", just pointing that out for visualization if you get that channel. Thinking a blue more like the dark blue framing in this forum. (but the 5HD logo is cool).

After a couple days of watching I'm finding myself wishing for deeper color and\or contrast in general, but nonetheless, kudos to channel 5. Maybe the whitewash is to keep us from seeing the reporters flaws, eh ?

OK, here is what I did.

My development pays for the basic extended cable package - about 49.99.
I get a monthly credit for that amount so I upgraded to Digital Basic which gives me almost all the channels (no premium) and all the HD programming plus a DVR receiver with 2 tuners (I understand BOTH can record HD). It also has a neat Video on Demand feature where you can go out and watch older stuff for free, movies, cable channel favorites, etc. For instance, I can go watch the last 3 episodes of Heartland that I might have missed. Pretty cool.

So far I'm happy with it and the quality but still learning all the new channel numbers.

BEST thing is after the Homeowners credit, I'm only paying $31.90 a month as opposed to almost $90. None of the DVR fee, extra receiver fee, local fee and other DISH crap.

If I want to upgrade to get HBO and Stars (these had VOD also) it will be another $20. But granted, if I had to pay for all of it, it would be close to Dish.

NO COMMITTMENT either. If I decide I don't like it after a month, I just cancel and take it back.

Terry

Quoting myself somehow seems wrong..... Anyway, I'm gonna have to back off the below statement and chalk the differences up to the difference between my rear projection TV and my LCD's. It looked good last night, on my bedroom LCD.

After a couple days of watching I'm finding myself wishing for deeper color and\or contrast in general, but nonetheless, kudos to channel 5. Maybe the whitewash is to keep us from seeing the reporters flaws, eh ?

...My development pays for the basic extended cable package - about 49.99.
I get a monthly credit for that amount...
Terry

Whether you're in a Homeowners' Association or Condo Association, there is probably a line item in your budget where you are paying a discounted amount for your basic/expanded cable. Do you know what it actually is?

so in regards to WXEL - I get listings from ZAP2ITLABS into my HTPC.. and anything I record - or try to record - during the early morning hours (like "the desert speaks") are NEVER correct. I have read other posts regarding this.. so at what hours do their listings and their actual programming matchm and when do they differ? very frustrating to want to watch somnethiung that was recorded only to find I recorded instead something something completely different... :-(

Congratulations to WPTV for being the first HD news station in South Florida. I just finished watching the 6 PM newscast and it looked fantastic, especially the weather map.

The only minor complaint I have is that they need to show sports highlights in HD, especially Marlins games and NFL games.

Quiet around these here parts.....

It is quiet ... a little too quiet ...

Is anyone out there an early bird like me and noticed WPTV's over-the-air digital signal, between say 5:00 to 7:00 a.m. over this past weekend, and at least Mon thru Wed was not functioning ? One morning I had no signal, others very low and fluctuating wildly. I come home later in the day and I was seeing a steady 85+ on my HR10-250's signal strength and all looked fine.

I have had to remove my dish and OTA antenna while some construction takes place so I don't know how it was this morning.

I sent a note to Dave at WPTV but haven't heard from him.

I noticed that to on Wednesday morning early. I reprogrammed my television four times and it never found Channel 5 digital but it did find Channel 6 so I watched the morning news on NBC6 in Miami. And I live in Fort Pierce, go figure.

I, too send a message to Channel 5 but did not get a response.

This morning I picked up Channel 9 from Orlando in HD. The signal was around 67% and the antenna is pointed south. Don't you guys wish you lived up here so you could watch the Orlando stations knock out the Miami and West Palm stations?

FYI, regarding my earlier post of early morning OTA WPTV signal being down ... I just heard from Dave ... he described a technical issue they have been working that he believes is resolved, as of 1:00 pm yesterday.

That 5 still has technical issues after 2 years is amazing. Worse, this morning 25's audio sync was awful, and its signal level low. I don't know about you up in Orlando's range, but I am glad I am able to pick up Miami, when the WPB stations are still fighting technology. It's funny how NBC 6 in Miami is a better, more stable signal than 5 in WPB. I get 98% on 6, and only 78% on 5.

I get 99% from Channel 25 and usually between 76 and 82 with Channel 5. Channel 29 is a little stronger at about 83 or 84. I am using an amplifier. My signal on Channel 12 is between 4 and 8. I need 50 for a signal.

I got a note from Dave also about the transmitter being down.

Jeff, what signal strength are you getting on the VHF stations?

BTW, on the Channel 5 website, it mentions that the Scripps Tampa station also went HD with news. Perhaps the Tampa engineers showed the West Palm Beach how to do the tuff stuff.

Anyway, did you notice the first few days after Channel 5 went HD that Laural, and Roxanne and a few of the (older) employees were gone? I think they might of had a long date with their plastic surgeon.

BTW, the Orlando stations all broadcast from the same area now (Highway 50 in a town called Christmas) and their transmitter towers are around 1700 feet, which is 700 feet taller than Miami's.

I'd tell you, but you'll have to tell me which are VHF (I don't pay a lot of attention ti that detail...)

Yeah, I did notice they seemed to hide the older ones for a few days - interesting.....


Jeff, what signal strength are you getting on the VHF stations?

BTW, on the Channel 5 website, it mentions that the Scripps Tampa station also went HD with news. Perhaps the Tampa engineers showed the West Palm Beach how to do the tuff stuff.

Anyway, did you notice the first few days after Channel 5 went HD that Laural, and Roxanne and a few of the (older) employees were gone? I think they might of had a long date with their plastic surgeon.

South Florida stations broadcasting on VHF are Miami's 7 and 10 (on 8.1 and 9.1) and West Palms Channel 12 (on 13.1) Channel 5 will move to 12.1 in 2009.

VHF stations can not use as much power as UHF stations since their signal travels further. Unfortunately, a higher antenna is often needed to pick up these signals.

Questions 1. Channel 5, 12 and 34 are broadcasting at 1080i while channels 25 and 29 are broadcasting at 720p. Which is better. My guess would be the 720p.

Question 2. How does a television equiped with 720p pick up a 1080i station? At 720i or 720p?

Question 3. When I watch local stations in HD on DirecTV, the resolution says 480p. Is this what everyone else is getting? I guess the antenna is better.

Thanks to any good responses.

1. - Answer depends on your TV and the programming - one is not inherently better than the other, although 1080i has more pixels.

2. The television, or your tuner box upconverts or downconverts as necessary to display the picture at the TV's native resolution

3. I have local HD with DirecTV, and I do not have that issue when the station is actually broadcasting an HD program - check your settings on your DirecTV box. Of course, when the station is only broadcasting SD content, it will, of course, be 480.

Questions 1. Channel 5, 12 and 34 are broadcasting at 1080i while channels 25 and 29 are broadcasting at 720p. Which is better. My guess would be the 720p.

Question 2. How does a television equiped with 720p pick up a 1080i station? At 720i or 720p?

Question 3. When I watch local stations in HD on DirecTV, the resolution says 480p. Is this what everyone else is getting? I guess the antenna is better.

Thanks to any good responses.

I get 82% on 7, 96% on 10, and usually 80-85% on 12

South Florida stations broadcasting on VHF are Miami's 7 and 10 (on 8.1 and 9.1) and West Palms Channel 12 (on 13.1) Channel 5 will move to 12.1 in 2009.

VHF stations can not use as much power as UHF stations since their signal travels further. Unfortunately, a higher antenna is often needed to pick up these signals.

Anybody else other than me see OTA issues with 5.1 around 7:50am - 8:00am this morning?

Sorry, I rarely have my TV on before 6pm

dbuchler -

My dish and OTA antenna are down right now while construction work is done on the back of my house so I can not talk to this morning's signal. Sorry.

What I can tell you (not sure if you saw my earlier post, 10-11 posts back) is that I had this happening thru last weekend and early this week in the early a.m. hours each day and I contacted WPTV about it. They stated that it was a recognized issue that they thought they had resolved as of 1pm Wed. Sounds like it's still plaguing them. If it is still going on I'm sure they're aware of it and continuing to try and resolve it.

I talked D* into giving me the new 5LNB dish and HD DVR for $20 and will be having it installed soon. I got a call to schedule the appointment from a company with a 772 area code (I'm in Boynton). Anyone had this install done recently and how painful was it? Do I need to call and verify they have the right equipment every 6 hours like some of the other problem installs I have read about?

I talked D* into giving me the new 5LNB dish and HD DVR for $20 and will be having it installed soon. I got a call to schedule the appointment from a company with a 772 area code (I'm in Boynton). Anyone had this install done recently and how painful was it? Do I need to call and verify they have the right equipment every 6 hours like some of the other problem installs I have read about?

I had it done twice with the company in area code 772 (I'm near Wellington). I had no problems and they showed up within the time window promised. They called usually 1 to 2 days before to confirm.

The first installer I had was great, he did a nice clean job and was real knowledgeable, the second one do a alright job (all he did was swap HR10-250).

BTW, be careful about the $20 deal....When the installer came, the work order was for SD DVR. I had to get them to install the HD DVR, then D* tried to charge me $299 for the DVR. I had to fight with customer service to honor the $20, which they did.

Thanks. I called CS first and spoke to a supervisor who insisted $299 was the best deal they could do. I looked up the Dish-N offer and called back retention and told her we were going to consider going to Dish-N this weekend because we weren't paying $299 to get the new channels after sticking with D* for so long. She gave me the Dish, HD DVR + 6mo free HD Package + 3 mo free HBO, Show, and Starz. They gave me an extra $120 in program credits by the supervisor not just giving me the $20 deal in the first call. :)

They just called today to schedule my appointment. Sept 27 is the first date :(

I'm on the cancelation list so hopefully some of you can help me out and cancel your appointments if you have them :)

I had my HR10-250 upgraded a couple of weeks ago. Everything went smoothly. I offered to replace the multiswitch in the attic while he worked on the dish. Verify that they will install a Zinwell 6x8 Multi-Switch WB68 (http://www.solidsignal.com/prod_display.asp?prod=WB68&xfermeth=directg&gclid=CLb87eqJgo4CFUtyOAodnRSlOw)at no extra cost. That saved him some time and allowed him to finish before the thunderstorms moved in. Make sure that you have 4 RG6 cables going in from the dish. If you have less, then you may want to go ahead and run the cable yourself. Make sure that you use good F-connectors rated to at least 2150 MHz. The compression type are preferred for outside use as they seal against moisture better than the crimp-ons do. But the installer will install 4 new RG-6 wires of up to 125’ for free if you don't want to do it. Label your cables for easy reconnection. Leave your HR10-250 connected until the installer hooks up the HR20. (I put it on top of the HR10). I told him to not use the antenna connection to make the setup quicker. I connected it later and programmed the OTA channels. Make sure that the B Band Converters (little grey boxes) are connected at the back of your HR20. Press GUIDE & select a local HD channel via satellite. Verify that HD locals are on. Press ® RECORD.
Press GUIDE & select a national HD channel such as 74. Verify that HD nationals are on. Press ® RECORD.
Press LIST to verify that you are recording two programs at once.
Make sure everything is done right and works before the installer leaves. Do not sign until all work is completed. And finally, RTFM (Read The F-ing Manual).

Here are some helpful links for those of us transitioning from HDTiVo to the HR20 DVR:
TiVo to HR-20 Survival Guide (http://www.dbstalk.com/showthread.php?t=69404)
Here are links to 40 great resources for the HD DVR Plus (HR20) (http://www.dbstalk.com/showthread.php?t=76617)
That should keep you busy until your install date. :D

I have 7 lines running just from the current Dish and Antenna mounting area to the living (TV) room and I need to run at least 1 more to accomidate the new DVR. I currently have a SD + HD Tivo + 1 line through the wall to bedroom (5 sat lines) + 1 antenna + 1 unused. I'm going to run atleast two more lines before he is scheduled to arrive. I also have 1 sat line running to the other side of the house so I will be completely full on my multi-switch. I'm also going to split my antenna line that currently feeds my HR10 at the entertainment center to feed both HD DVRs.

My only other concern is the weight of the dish and mounting it on the fascia. My current dish is only attacked with 3 lags at the top and nothing at the bottom. I was considering cutting a piece of 1x10 and attaching it to the fascia and then the dish could be mounted to that at both the top and bottom. I'm sure the installer will have his own ideas on how it should be done.

I would not put a 5lnb dish on the facia like that - the wind load is quite high. I had mine put on a pole in the backyard, my neighbor had his put on the wall of his house.

Mastec is the local installer in S. Florida - they are good, when you get a good technician. I had a new HR-20 installed two weeks ago, the first installer refused to install the necessary second line, and promised to send someone how would. He never did, I had to call and force the issue with DirecTV.

I have 7 lines running just from the current Dish and Antenna mounting area to the living (TV) room and I need to run at least 1 more to accomidate the new DVR. I currently have a SD + HD Tivo + 1 line through the wall to bedroom (5 sat lines) + 1 antenna + 1 unused. I'm going to run atleast two more lines before he is scheduled to arrive. I also have 1 sat line running to the other side of the house so I will be completely full on my multi-switch. I'm also going to split my antenna line that currently feeds my HR10 at the entertainment center to feed both HD DVRs.

My only other concern is the weight of the dish and mounting it on the fascia. My current dish is only attacked with 3 lags at the top and nothing at the bottom. I was considering cutting a piece of 1x10 and attaching it to the fascia and then the dish could be mounted to that at both the top and bottom. I'm sure the installer will have his own ideas on how it should be done.

My only other concern is the weight of the dish and mounting it on the fascia.

They will not mount it on the fascia. You should scout out a new area near where it is now, either on the wall or on a pole in the ground.

ok, good to know. I'll have to give this some thought. I was thinking of moving it to the back flat roof since it was just redone and the main tile roof will need to be redone soon and I don't want to have to take the dish down during that project. Although I guess I'm going to have to take it down eventually since we live in the land of hurricanes.

I've had 100% success just removing the reflector for wind events.

ok, good to know. I'll have to give this some thought. I was thinking of moving it to the back flat roof since it was just redone and the main tile roof will need to be redone soon and I don't want to have to take the dish down during that project. Although I guess I'm going to have to take it down eventually since we live in the land of hurricanes.

The last two mornings Channel 42-1 has been broadcasting at 1080i and there has been a thick black bar near the bottom of the entire screen. Anyone else notice this?

Is anyone else tired of WXEL HD? I mean this channel never broadcasts what is listed in the guide. Everynight I go to it to watch what looks to be an interesting HD program only to find a SD interview with Senator McCain.

Comcast needs to lose this channel and replace it with Cinemax HD, at least when an HD program is advertised it will actually be on. Keep the SD PBS station but if they refuse to show HD programming why have it as an HD channel?

Doesn't matter as far as bandwidth goes, if it is designated as an HD channel or not - if they broadcast in SD, it uses SD bandwidth. But I agree, the guide rarely matches what they have on, this is true with OTA and DirecTV as well.

WXEL has so many issues that it's not worth it. Don't ever set your DVR to record due to the guide problem. I don't think I have ever seen them get the audio sync right.

I had my slimline mounted to the fasia with one of these mounts from DishMountProducts.com (http://www.dishmountproducts.com/slimline.html).. I used the wall SLW-250. I needed to point the dish over the roof because I had no place on the S/SW side of the house that was unobstructed with palm trees. The installer was first sceptical of installing on the mount. After I told him it was an approved D* mount, he did it.

Doesn't having 2 channels showing the same SD stuff take up more bandwidth than just 1 channel? Comcast always replies to me things about bandwidth as to why CinemaxHD is not live (maybe that is BS), but it seems to me with all of the SD premium west coast channels that were removed they should have enough bandwidth to add more HD content.