dbuchler, I think you should follow Jeff's lead with your use of the facia. Take down the reflector when the Cat 1 or higher storm is coming. Its one thing to lose the dish but another for it to pull off the fasica board and have to spend $$$ on roof work.

Also with respect to WXEL issue with others, sometimes 42-1 is in 1080i and other times its in 480i. They can overlay SD over 1080i if they choose.

This morning they are running all three 42-1, 42-2 and 42-3 at 480i. If you use your ATSC tuner input with an antenna vs. cable, your tv will usually tell you what resolution the signal is coming in at.

Is Channel 34-1 down? Has anyone heard when Channel 43 will go digital? They are low power but are owned by CBS.

I haven't been able to grab 34 OTA in sometime. Not sure exactly when, it's not a station I watch much, but the other night I was watching it via the DirecTV feed, which was horrible, and tried to switch to OTA, and it wasn't there.

I seem to have a new Channel on my Comcast HD lineup-402 it says CSS..no data available...

Notice it only says CSS not CSS-HD. Every other channel in the 400s has HD next to it. CSS is like channel 32 I think it stands for Comcast Sports Southeast, but I don't think they have a high-def channel, at least their website doesn't mention one.

Maybe we should call Comcast to see what gives.

Notice it only says CSS not CSS-HD. Every other channel in the 400s has HD next to it. CSS is like channel 32 I think it stands for Comcast Sports Southeast, but I don't think they have a high-def channel, at least their website doesn't mention one.

Maybe we should call Comcast to see what gives.

From http://www.csssports.com/

Saturday, September 1
2:30 p.m. ET - Best of SportsNite! From the Libery Bowl in Memphis
3:30 p.m. ET - NCAA College Football - Ole Miss at Memphis - Live!
***Simulcast in HD
Atlanta, GA (Comcast) Ch 801
Atlanta, GA (Charter) TBD
Birmingham, AL (Charter) Ch 860
Charleston, SC (Comcast) Ch 401
Chattanooga, TN (Comcast) Ch 719
Elizabethtown/Paducah (Comcast) Ch 401
Jacksonville, FL (Comcast) Ch 401
Jackson, MS (Comcast) Ch 400
Mobile, AL (Comcast) Ch 212
Memphis, TN (Comcast) Ch 866
Nashville, TN (Comcast) Ch 201
Savannah, GA (Comcast) Ch 401
West Palm, FL (Comcast) Ch 402

NCAA College Football on LIVE 9/1 Memphis vs. Ole Miss 3:30 p.m. ET
Available in High Definition!

34-1 was down over the weekend but was live yesterday evening.

I had just Adelphia/Comcast HSI for the longest time and my MyHD-130 worked great over QAM. I agreed to add the basic cable for 12 months because it would lower my bill by $10 a month (Don't ask me why they would give me basic cable and lower my bill but they did). I insisted that I didn't need an install since I already had cable to the house for HSI and that I wasn't going to use the basic cable since I already had D* in each room. They said it was required to have an install so I stayed here 8-12 only to find out that they scheduled my appointment for 1-5. So at 5pm I called to say nobody had showed up and they said he had been there but didn't need me to sign anything :(

So last Sunday I fire up the MyHD and the picture is garbage, drop outs, colored pixelation. The signal strength jumps from 0 to 26 to 64 (previously the constant) and then back to 0. I checked my lines, splitters, etc and then called Comcast. I don't think the Rep had a clue about QAM tuning, traps or filters. I asked to speak to a supervisor or another tech but she said all she could do was schedule a service call, my guess is it is a skeleton crew with the holiday.

My question for the knowledgable here is did I make a huge mistake taking the $120 and letting them come out and now my clear QAM (4 networks) is gone forever?

Thanks.

There was an article in the Fort Pierce paper about how DirecTV states that Jepardy at 7:00 p.m. is in HD but Channel 25 does't play it in HD because they don't have the ability to record it for later playing in HD until next January.

Looks like everyone is looking for an after Christmas sale at Best Buy.

So last Sunday I fire up the MyHD and the picture is garbage, drop outs, colored pixelation. The signal strength jumps from 0 to 26 to 64 (previously the constant) and then back to 0. I checked my lines, splitters, etc and then called Comcast. I don't think the Rep had a clue about QAM tuning, traps or filters. I asked to speak to a supervisor or another tech but she said all she could do was schedule a service call, my guess is it is a skeleton crew with the holiday.

Sometimes my MyHD 130 shits the bricks and wont pick up any QAM channels and I have to reboot.

I could be that the new trap they put on your line is not exact on the frequencies that it is to filter out.

What channels do you receive when you flip through them with an analog tuner now? 2-22?

Here is a list of the frequencies and channel number that tech can check with their signal meter.
ABC and CBS are on 693Mhz - Channel 107
NBC and FOX are on 567Mhz - Channel 81
PBS is on 585Mhz - Channel 84

Yes it is the first 22 or so. The scan detects the 4 HD channels at 107 & 81 and has the labels but the picture is garbage. I ended up calling back and the CS rep agreed that they were probably blocking them and I got the impression that they weren't going to unblock them for me. She kept trying to tell me that I need a HD Box to get the HD cable channels :(

I canceled my appointment and will just hook the MyHD back up to the antenna that feeds my HD-Tivos. I actually have been using the MyHD on QAM for so long I forgot it was originally an OTA tuner :)

anyone know anyone at WPEC(cbs), if so ask them to flip the HD switch...Dolphins game should be in HD and its not :(

Yep - somebody needs to get them on the ball! I know it will not be long before it is taken off the air on the NFL Sunday Ticket since its being broadcast locally - I just hope they don't get the must carry rules right!

They left the ST games alone last year. It was only the HD games though, all the SD games were blacked out locally. I'm having the same issue right now.

someone woke up and it's in HD now, i hope they remember next Sunday that football has started :)

Hey guys I'm new to OTA.. I skimmed through the last 20 or so pages but it seems you guys all got started earlier on.. At risk of "being that guy" I'm looking to get started with OTA. I currently have a HL-S5087W Samsung 50" DLP which has an internal ATSC tuner. I also plan on turning one of our PCs into an HD HTPC. Anyhow I checked antennaweb and we have a great selection of dtv channels. I plan on looking into a medium antenna with a possibly a pre-amp to place in my single attic (single story). What should I expect in West Boca 3349*..? tia

Great reception in Boca. Channel 6 is broadcasting from the Miami Dade Broward County line--not down in Homestead.

You should easily be able to pick up both Miami and West Palm from Boca.

Great reception in Boca. Channel 6 is broadcasting from the Miami Dade Broward County line--not down in Homestead.

You should easily be able to pick up both Miami and West Palm from Boca.

Great! Now Jeff by easily what kind of antenna are we talking? Antenna web had the majority of dtv channels in red calling for a medium antenna.

http://img484.imageshack.us/img484/4310/antennawebsc7.jpg

From looking at this I have to decide if I'd like to face North or South..? I have a clear shot at the North which you can see below and a pretty clear shot South as well. I wanted to throw the antenna in the attic first and see what I could do.. But I 'm thinking about mounting it outside of the house more and more. Here's what I'm looking at:

http://img205.imageshack.us/img205/9426/otaantennaju8.jpg

I was directed to the bidirectional Winegard GS 2200 Sensar III for my situation by an online retailer. The GS2200 is UHF/VHF, amplified, and has a 10-55 mile reach. Other sites list it as a yellow to green antenna but at amplified and 46" long I don't know how it couldn't.. Thoughts?

http://pimages.solidsignal.com/ANWGS2200_zoom.gif
Winegard GS 2200 Sensar III Digital Ready Antenna System (GS2200) (http://www.solidsignal.com/prod_display.asp?prod=ANWGS2200)

I'd like my local stations, but there are stations South of me that Comcast doesn't even carry that I'd like to attempt to get. What do you guys think? thanks again

So are all the HD channels encrypted now? Nothing is accessible, even ones that were open QAM for years say "unauthorized" that is a bummer. I am thinking of going DTV now....

So are all the HD channels encrypted now? Nothing is accessible, even ones that were open QAM for years say "unauthorized" that is a bummer. I am thinking of going DTV now....The local stations are still in the clear. All the other HD stations are encrypted now.

I was watching the evening news OTA last night at 6:30 p.m. and the reception got pretty bad. I switched to DirecTV and it wasn't so good either. I reprogrammed my television and most of the Orlando stations came in.

BTW, Channel 24 in Orlando (Public Broadcasting) is broadcasting 24-1 at 1080i, 24-2 at 480i, 24-3 at 480i, 24-4 at 480i.

I have yet to see Channel 42 broadcast anything on 42-2 when 42-1 is 1080i.

The local stations are still in the clear. All the other HD stations are encrypted now.TNT-HD is available via QAM in Martin County.

That Winegard is exactly the antenna I used. It got all stations, with a little trouble with 25-1, since it is so far north. I now have a Channel Master StealthTENNA Bundle with Pre-Amp, it enabled me to grab 25 reliably. The Stealthtenna is of roughly the same basic design as the GS2200, but seems to pick up distant stations a bit better.

I never had much luck in my attic with them (tile, metal AC ducts, metal electrical conduit, and a bunch of hurricane strapping all interfered)

Great! Now Jeff by easily what kind of antenna are we talking? Antenna web had the majority of dtv channels in red calling for a medium antenna.


http://pimages.solidsignal.com/ANWGS2200_zoom.gif
Winegard GS 2200 Sensar III Digital Ready Antenna System (GS2200) (http://www.solidsignal.com/prod_display.asp?prod=ANWGS2200)

I'd like my local stations, but there are stations South of me that Comcast doesn't even carry that I'd like to attempt to get. What do you guys think? thanks again

I am surprised than no one has commented on the poor audio quality of WXEL-DT for the last week or so. Either no one watches this channel or most have given up commenting about the continuing abysmal performance of this station. I for one will no longer continue my annual membership contribution.

I notice, and switch to Miami. I'm afraid, being a public station, with limited resources, there's not much effect we can have.

I am surprised than no one has commented on the poor audio quality of WXEL-DT for the last week or so. Either no one watches this channel or most have given up commenting about the continuing abysmal performance of this station. I for one will no longer continue my annual membership contribution.

Both. I stopped watching PBS because I can no longer receive WPBT-DT out of Miami and WXEL-DT is terrible.

Both. I stopped watching PBS because I can no longer receive WPBT-DT out of Miami and WXEL-DT is terrible.
Same here. It's the same old story - they are not concerned about the quality of OTA because it is such a small percentage of the overall viewership. The majority use cable or DBS.

Same here. It's the same old story - they are not concerned about the quality of OTA because it is such a small percentage of the overall viewership. The majority use cable or DBS.

You what is sad, the HD viewership has the greatest financial means to contribute. You would think they would cater to us and not shun us.

Has anyone gotten a straight answer from Comcast as to when they are going to offer HI-DEF on demand in West Palm Beach. I know Broward has had it for quite a while now.

Hello, I'm having Comcast issues. My Explorer 8300HD DVR stopped working so I swapped it out for a new one. They gave me the "new and improved" 8300HDC, which has a cable card in it.
I get no expanded digital channels and I only get local HD, not ESPN, HBO, etc. I've called tech support twice and neither can figure it out. I'm sick of having late technicians come over to my house. Clearly, they don't know what they are doing when it comes to this new model.
Has anyone had success? When I go to ESPNHD, for example, I can see the channel in the background but the following message pops up,
"In order to start service for this device please call
Ph: Your cableCARD is now aut

CableCard ID: xxxxxxxxxxxxxx
Host ID: xxxxxxxxxxxxx
Type: Two-Way
CM MAC:
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

Has anyone gotten a straight answer from Comcast as to when they are going to offer HI-DEF on demand in West Palm Beach. I know Broward has had it for quite a while now.

I haven't been able to get a straight answer from Comcast on ANYTHING relating to the differences between Palm Beach and Broward County since the Adelphia takeover.

But, they sure didn't waste any time raising the prices :(

Anyone having problems tuning ABC25 on 25-1? I tried to watch the USC game last night on my D* HR10 and I just got a gray screen on 25-1 and the SD channel (25) had the game. I checked my signal strength and it was good for frequency 16 but instead of showing 25-1 it showed 16-1. I rescanned and sure enough 16-1 appeared and when I tuned it there was the game in HD.

Unfortunately there is no guide data so I can't set season passes for this channel so I need to figure out how to get it back to 25-1. I'm guessing maybe the local station isn't sending the PSIP (?) data to enable my box to remap the channel ??? Any ideas before I go round and round with D*?

I can't wait for my HR20 install on the 27th, I'm going to call a week ahead and make sure they have the right hardware listed on the invoice and make it clear they better not call in the morning to reschedule because they don't have the equipment (nicely of course).

Thanks for the info. Now watching NASCAR in HD. 16-1? Never would have thought to try there.

I haven't been able to get a straight answer from Comcast on ANYTHING relating to the differences between Palm Beach and Broward County since the Adelphia takeover.

But, they sure didn't waste any time raising the prices :(

the only answer i ever get is "we are working as fast as we can"

Thanks for the info. Now watching NASCAR in HD. 16-1? Never would have thought to try there.

I had the problem yesterday. Keep in mind 25-1 is a virtual channel, the true frequency on which the WPBF-HD is broadcast is associated with 16 (or 16-1). This was the first thing I checked. This lets me know the PSIP is not being sent out properly. That is the information which is used by your receiver to remap 16-1 to 25-1.

I sent WPBF an email at there general contact addy: sboyer@hearst.com

Yes it is the first 22 or so. The scan detects the 4 HD channels at 107 & 81 and has the labels but the picture is garbage. I ended up calling back and the CS rep agreed that they were probably blocking them and I got the impression that they weren't going to unblock them for me. She kept trying to tell me that I need a HD Box to get the HD cable channels :(

I canceled my appointment and will just hook the MyHD back up to the antenna that feeds my HD-Tivos. I actually have been using the MyHD on QAM for so long I forgot it was originally an OTA tuner :)

I use my MD130 card with comcast w/o any problems tho of course the analog channels arent as clear as I'd like, but thats a matter of the MD130 not designed for proper analog reception. I have the "full" analog basic package which means I get 2-79 (or so)... I still only get the locals, pbs, plus TNT-HD and NBA-TV

I had the "basic" package in broward which consisted of 2-27 and even with that I was able to receive all the uncoded QAM digital channels w/o any problems. if you are unable to receive the local HD channels via the comcast it is not because they are blocked - per FCC they are not allowed to block/encrypt channels that can be receieved OTA - it is likely because the filter installed on your line is faulty

FYI - if Palm Beach follows the (slow) lead from Broward, then Broward is (very slowly) simulcasting each of the analog channels over digital. as of 3 months ago about 20 channels from the 2-79 package were available as digital

Anyone having problems tuning ABC25 on 25-1? I tried to watch the USC game last night on my D* HR10 and I just got a gray screen on 25-1 and the SD channel (25) had the game. I checked my signal strength and it was good for frequency 16 but instead of showing 25-1 it showed 16-1. I rescanned and sure enough 16-1 appeared and when I tuned it there was the game in HD.

Unfortunately there is no guide data so I can't set season passes for this channel so I need to figure out how to get it back to 25-1. I'm guessing maybe the local station isn't sending the PSIP (?) data to enable my box to remap the channel ??? Any ideas before I go round and round with D*?

I can't wait for my HR20 install on the 27th, I'm going to call a week ahead and make sure they have the right hardware listed on the invoice and make it clear they better not call in the morning to reschedule because they don't have the equipment (nicely of course).


Apparently the PSIP generator isn't functioning properly.
Some TV's will tune ABC 25-1 properly, others will not.
Some TV's will show it on it's native channel of 16-1 as does one of mine.
And on my HR20 by Directv, it shows the picture fine on 25-1 but has the "searching for sat 771 message" at the bottom because it isn't seeing the PSIP data properly.
And the Directv MPEG4 SAT HD channel is OK.

When the engs come back to work Monday morning, they should get it corrected.

I got an email this morning from the assistant senior engineer saying they had fixed the problem and it is fixed on my end now.

Nice to get a quick response and solution.

the only answer i ever get is "we are working as fast as we can"

THat's a better answer than I got. I got that they're not replacing boxes with motorola and that they doubt that we'll get anything near what they're seeing in Broward County (and most other Comcast markets) in the foreseeable future.

I'm really close to having Bell South/AT&T come in and wire my home completely for DirecTV (I only have it in 2 rooms right now) and dropping Comcast completely.

THat's a better answer than I got. I got that they're not replacing boxes with motorola and that they doubt that we'll get anything near what they're seeing in Broward County (and most other Comcast markets) in the foreseeable future.

I'm really close to having Bell South/AT&T come in and wire my home completely for DirecTV (I only have it in 2 rooms right now) and dropping Comcast completely.

I have always been told by Comcast CSR, that they are trying to bring all areas it up to speed so all have the same services available

To be honest I would go DTV if i did not have 5-6 TV's(2HD - 3 Reg). I like to be able to just plug the cable to the TV in certain rooms and not have to pay for additional Sat. boxes that will only get used rarely....

You need to complain and complain loudly - and escalate as much as possible - and try to get as much free stuff as you can - or else make the switch to DTV. Personally I made the switch to DTV and have never regretted it. Looking forward to the launch of the additional HD channels from DTV this fall.

By the way - I cannot believe that Channel 5 has actually purchased an HD camera for local news before upgrading to 5.1 sound - what the heck is that all about! What kind of idiot is managing their budget!

I find complaining loudly to get "free stuff" to be terribly distasteful. We all end up paying for that "free stuff".

As for 5-1, I can certainly understand why the HD cameras prior to 5.1. Most of what they broadcast is barely stereo sourced, let alone Dolby 5.1 encoded.

channel 5 got hd cameras when they moved into the building

they have the 5.1 equipment for network, they just cant get it to work lol

For the Comcast users out there, I just realized it looks like we don't get the CW in HD? Why don't they? :confused: That means no Smallville in HD for me unless I get a OTA antenna. Real nice. :mad: This in addition to no Big 10 network (by the parent company) and I'm getting closer and closer to dropping them.

Not sure if I have the terminology right, but ...

For those that have converted to the new D-TV mpeg-4 standard with the HD DVR's (HR20's), does D-TV broadcast locals such that you get both main HD local channels (5-1, 12-1, etc) as well as subchannels (5-2, 12-2, etc) ?

If only the main channels are broadcast by D-TV, will the HR20 accept an over-the-air antenna input so I can continue getting the subchannels ?

thanks

Not sure if I have the terminology right, but ...

For those that have converted to the new D-TV mpeg-4 standard with the HD DVR's (HR20's), does D-TV broadcast locals such that you get both main HD local channels (5-1, 12-1, etc) as well as subchannels (5-2, 12-2, etc) ?

If only the main channels are broadcast by D-TV, will the HR20 accept an over-the-air antenna input so I can continue getting the subchannels ?

thanks

D-TV only offers the main channels (5.1, 12.1, 25.1, 29.1). The HR20 does accept OTA antenna, and you can receive all of the sub channels that are in the guide. Most of the sub channels are in the guide.

Also, if you live close enough to pick up the Miami stations, you can receive them also via the OTA with the HR20. You just need to set-up Miami as your secondary market.

What he said :D

I'll add, the DirecTV MPEG4 locals are nearly identical in quality to the OTA signal, and I am saying that from looking at a 65" HDTV.

D-TV only offers the main channels (5.1, 12.1, 25.1, 29.1). The HR20 does accept OTA antenna, and you can receive all of the sub channels that are in the guide. Most of the sub channels are in the guide.

Also, if you live close enough to pick up the Miami stations, you can receive them also via the OTA with the HR20. You just need to set-up Miami as your secondary market.

What he said :D

I'll add, the DirecTV MPEG4 locals are nearly identical in quality to the OTA signal, and I am saying that from looking at a 65" HDTV.
Other than the occasional MPEG4 "burps" that occur since the last HR20 update - but they are working on it and will solve it with the next update. They are good about fixing things and adding features.

The bottom line is if they knew how to do their job correctly and how to get the equipment to operate the way it should this would never have to happen in the first place. Do you think you should have to pay for inferior service? I certainly don't. In what other venue would people be happy to have numerous service calls to fix a problem - and yet still not have the item corrected at the end of the day? Would you let an A/C or Hot Water heater repairman get away with that? I doubt it.

s

I find complaining loudly to get "free stuff" to be terribly distasteful. We all end up paying for that "free stuff".

As for 5-1, I can certainly understand why the HD cameras prior to 5.1. Most of what they broadcast is barely stereo sourced, let alone Dolby 5.1 encoded.

I don't know about most people but I think things should work the way they are supposed to. If they don't then they should be corrected. A big part of the problem is that if people don't complain then nothing will ever be done to correct problems that should not be problems. There is no reason to pay for inferior service. If it takes them giving you new equipment that does work properly then so be it. Don't blame the complainers - blame the people who don't do their job correctly!

I had am email exchange with Dave M from WPTV enginering who posts here from time to time. They are working on the DD5.1, they are hoping to get it going in early October. Probably no go for the new seasons next week.

Its coming guys.

What he said :D

I'll add, the DirecTV MPEG4 locals are nearly identical in quality to the OTA signal, and I am saying that from looking at a 65" HDTV.

I have to slightly disagree.. The OTA broadcasts are pouring out a ton more signal bandwidth... i.e. I don't get the pixelation effect when a camera pans across crowd on the HD OTA's but do when I am the HD locals via satellite. For the slow moving stuff like the channel 5 11pm news with Jim and Laurel, it's ok :) (I had to do it!)

I get that as well, but when watching the MPEG2 delivery. The MPEG4 delivery is pretty dang good, and I have not noticed pixelation that much. Mind you, I am viewing on a 65" rear projection (CRT). Possibly problems are much more noticeable on fixed pixel displays not showing native resolution.

I have to slightly disagree.. The OTA broadcasts are pouring out a ton more signal bandwidth... i.e. I don't get the pixelation effect when a camera pans across crowd on the HD OTA's but do when I am the HD locals via satellite. For the slow moving stuff like the channel 5 11pm news with Jim and Laurel, it's ok :) (I had to do it!)

I get that as well, but when watching the MPEG2 delivery. The MPEG4 delivery is pretty dang good, and I have not noticed pixelation that much. Mind you, I am viewing on a 65" rear projection (CRT). Possibly problems are much more noticeable on fixed pixel displays not showing native resolution.

I have a few different TV's with 720p and 1080p native resolution and can state that if you consider the OTA signal a "10" on a 1-10 scale, then the DTV MPEG4 version runs about an 8-9. It's pretty darn close and you only see the slight difference if you have PIP going side by side with the two different sources.

Also for the pixelation on fast camera scanning, its going to always happen on any 1080i signal such as the background pixelation in a fast action football scene (i.e CBS NBC). OTA or MPEG4.

For 720p (Fox, ESPN, ABC) whether it's MPEG4 or OTA, pixelation should be practically non-existent. That's why these networks chose 720p for their sports concentration.

Um, why is Fox 29 WFLX showing 49ers at Steelers now, and not Lions at Eagles? All of the various guides I've checked (including the program guide on WFLX's own website) say that the Lions at Eagles game should be on in HD..

Check out this link and look at the map. Apparently there are too many Steelers fans in South Florida.
http://www.the506.com/nflmaps/

Check out this link and look at the map. Apparently there are too many Steelers fans in South Florida.
http://www.the506.com/nflmaps/

Thanks alot for the info. Very helpful link..

Anyone have any idea what channel 402 is for on Comcast? It says "EVENT" on my screen. The only thing I have ever seen is the test pattern, no content at all. This channel doesn't show up on any channel guides.

I contacted Comcast about this and they said it was for futute programming but they didn't say what exactly. Typical answer, I have heard other Comcast systems are getting TBS HD, FoodNetwork and HGTV in October, maybe we will as well but I am not holding my breath.

I contacted Comcast about this and they said it was for futute programming but they didn't say what exactly. Typical answer, I have heard other Comcast systems are getting TBS HD, FoodNetwork and HGTV in October, maybe we will as well but I am not holding my breath.

The first weekend of College Football it was CSS(comcast Sports South) HD they showed the Ole Miss Football game since then I have not seen anything on the channel

I guess we should thank them for a non-working HD channel, just what we all wanted. :mad:

I was actually able to watch one hour of Channel 42-1 in HD this morning from 4:00 a.m. to 5:00 a.m. No reception problems. Amazing. I'm in Fort Pierce and the antenna and amplifier are in the attic. I believe that is a first.

Directv has added about 30 channels in HD. I now get the Weather Channel, CNN, Animal Planet, and a whole bunch more. Directv says they will have 100 channels in HD, which will be the most of any cable or satellite system by December.

21 HD channels this week, with more to come next month and the month after. Picture quality is stunning.

Hoping Comcast will be adding TBS HD before MLB post season...anyone heard anything lately ?

Comcast is supposed to be rolling TBS-HD is certain markets; however my guess is we are not one of those markets :confused: but we'll have to wait and see.

Anyone know what happened to HDTV on this statiion? Sunday's football was SDTV.

I noticed that too, Joel.

Has anyone tried this? I have a 42 inch television mounted to the wall in the living room and another television in the bedroom on the other side of the wall. The television in the living room is connected to the HDMI cable from the bedroom where the satellite receiver is located and the television in the bedroom is connected to the same box using the RGB wires. Both televisions will play HD (on the same channel) at the same time.

I often start a show in the living room and retire to the bedroom to finish the show. The wires go through the wall.

I noticed that too, Joel.

Has anyone tried this? I have a 42 inch television mounted to the wall in the living room and another television in the bedroom on the other side of the wall. The television in the living room is connected to the HDMI cable from the bedroom where the satellite receiver is located and the television in the bedroom is connected to the same box using the RGB wires. Both televisions will play HUD (on the same channel) at the same time.

I often start a show in the living room and retire to the bedroom to finish the show. The wires go through the wall.Ingenious, I expect not many have the correct room geometry. One wonders how long you can string RGB cables. I have a 15' computer monitor cable, but I have read that some longer monitor cables have problems.

Looks like Comcast in Davie has TBS HD on Channel 421 just in time for the Playoffs.

Has anyone in Palm Beach County seen this added... especially a former Adelphia market, like Boca/Delray?

Looks like Comcast in Davie has TBS HD on Channel 421 just in time for the Playoffs.

Has anyone in Palm Beach County seen this added... especially a former Adelphia market, like Boca/Delray?


I went throught the channels last night and did not see it :(

Will check again tonight...


Update: nothing new for me in West Palm..former Adelphia area

Again it looks like we Comcast customers in Palm Beach County get screwed.

No TBS -HD, while Broward and Miami-Dade get it added. They also have HGTV-HD, CW-HD, Cinemax-HD and HD OnDemand.

I sent a email to them and I know nothing with become of it but I let them know that DirecTV is starting to become a more viable option. I will give them probably to the end of the year and if nothing is added I will go satellite and take my chances with the picture quality.

It is clear that Comcast cares little for the former Adelphia customers they picked up.

Again it looks like we Comcast customers in Palm Beach County get screwed.

No TBS -HD, while Broward and Miami-Dade get it added. They also have HGTV-HD, CW-HD, Cinemax-HD and HD OnDemand.

I sent a email to them and I know nothing with become of it but I let them know that DirecTV is starting to become a more viable option. I will give them probably to the end of the year and if nothing is added I will go satellite and take my chances with the picture quality.

It is clear that Comcast cares little for the former Adelphia customers they picked up.

Yah seems that way, Comcast always says that they are working to upgrade our area, very frustrating...Not going to make a bunch changes because of the 1st round the MLB playoffs(Fox has the AL Pennant)...but hey tomorrow is another day and with Comcast you never know....

Man this totally blows ass. I might actually have to put on an SD Channel! Anyone think a OTA Ant will pick up TBS HD out of Atlanta!! ;)

Comcast sucks. I can't even use a Tivo HD because they want like $15.00 per cable card plus lose my grandfathered in Adelphia plan.

Just say NO to cable ! Don't be afraid of so-called "rain-fade". My DirecTV did not go out ONCE in all this rain over the last two weeks.

Man this totally blows ass. I might actually have to put on an SD Channel! Anyone think a OTA Ant will pick up TBS HD out of Atlanta!! ;)

Comcast sucks. I can't even use a Tivo HD because they want like $15.00 per cable card plus lose my grandfathered in Adelphia plan.

I would sure consider going to D if the signal was as good as Comcast when it is good. My biggest issue is that it would be very expensive to switch since I have two SA 8300HD DVRs. There are programs from D with one DVR, but not 2.:(

Yeah, the cost would be a consideration. I switched way back in the days before DVR's even existed, not even set-top converter boxes (no premiums).

I would sure consider going to D if the signal was as good as Comcast when it is good. My biggest issue is that it would be very expensive to switch since I have two SA 8300HD DVRs. There are programs from D with one DVR, but not 2.:(

Just say NO to cable ! Don't be afraid of so-called "rain-fade". My DirecTV did not go out ONCE in all this rain over the last two weeks.

What are your DVR options for Sat?

They have what they call the HR20 - quad-tuner (two sat, two antenna), 300gb internal HD. I like it fine. One nice thing is, there is only a single DVR fee, regardless if you have one or 100 DVR's.

Are there various storage capacity models for the Comcast DVR's? With all the new shows, I'm running out of storage room to record one while watching the other. Sure would be nice if they had a flashdrive in them to record or download to.

Comcast could easily put TBS-HD on 402, it has had one football game since it came online, 402 is a total waste right now

DirecTV....I like there premiere deal offer all the channels & NFL Package for four months, but it would cost me 300 bucks just for the equip i need...One HD & One HD DVR....that kills it for me

DirecTV....I like there premiere deal offer all the channels & NFL Package for four months, but it would cost me 300 bucks just for the equip i need...One HD & One HD DVR....that kills it for meOffer to let them bill automatically to your credit card each month and they might cut you some $$$ off the hardware. Also you could offer to pay 6 months or a year at a time and I know they will have more discounts for you. Be nice. Unlike your monopoly cable company, DirecTV really does value your business and will try to work with you.

Offer to let them bill automatically to your credit card each month and they might cut you some $$$ off the hardware. Also you could offer to pay 6 months or a year at a time and I know they will have more discounts for you. Be nice. Unlike your monopoly cable company, DirecTV really does value your business and will try to work with you.

Thanks..any thoughts as to who has more leeway in regards to the best deal a Local D* guy or the company

I have not dealt with local dealers too much. The installation might be better with a dealer but I don't think they would discount too much on the price.

TLTURBO: The DirecTV HR-20 HD-DVR has an E-SATA port. You buy an External SATA hard drive, plug it in and you have extra storage.

With DirecTV adding new HD channels I was expecting to have to reprogram my HR-20 and my remote for them. I was amazed that the HD channels are the same as the SD channels - the HR-20 knows (assumes?) that you want the HD channel so that's what you get. My scheduled recordings for say American Chopper on The Discovery Channel 278 are now recorded in HD without me having to change a thing. Pretty cool!

They just added 12 new HD channels between yesterday and today. This morning they popped up MHD unannounced. That brings them up to, I believe, 43 HD channels, not counting locals, with more to come.

TLTURBO: The DirecTV HR-20 HD-DVR has an E-SATA port. You buy an External SATA hard drive, plug it in and you have extra storage.

You don't get extra storage... it replaces the internal drive. So anything you have on the internal drive will be lost when you connect the eSATA drive, and you'll need to re-download all the DirecTV software during the re-boot process.

Just wanted to be sure that people know it's not additional/extra storage, but a replacement drive.

Hopefully someday they'll use eSATA as additional storage.

Thanks..any thoughts as to who has more leeway in regards to the best deal a Local D* guy or the company

I'd go to the company, and tell them that you're considering switching from Comcast, but the one holdup is the equipment costs you'd incur. Be sure to tell them the type of package you're going to get as well. The more channels you're going to commit to, the better the overall deal might be.

I'd go to the company, and tell them that you're considering switching from Comcast, but the one holdup is the equipment costs you'd incur. Be sure to tell them the type of package you're going to get as well. The more channels you're going to commit to, the better the overall deal might be.

They would not move on the cost of the equipment (tried everything you mentioned above & more), they offered me the premiere pkg. for $50.00 per month for the 4 months, but due to what I bundle with Comcast it would cost more to switch....oh well

They would not move on the cost of the equipment (tried everything you mentioned above & more), they offered me the premiere pkg. for $50.00 per month for the 4 months, but due to what I bundle with Comcast it would cost more to switch....oh well

I sure hate to hear that. I guess I will be with Comcast till D gets more competitive. With 2 DVRs, it might be a while.

They would not move on the cost of the equipment (tried everything you mentioned above & more), they offered me the premiere pkg. for $50.00 per month for the 4 months, but due to what I bundle with Comcast it would cost more to switch....oh well

I've found in the past that if you call again, you might get a different answer from a different CSR.... Not unlike Comcast.

I just switched from Dish which I had had since back in the days when small dishes came out. I wanted to upgrade my 921 HD DVR to the new one but by the time I added the equip cost, DVR charge (isn't that like buying a car and paying a monthly fee to use the brakes?), local channel charge (just so I could see the TV listings), HD pkg charge, extra rcv chg, etc, it was WAY too much - almost $100.

I got the Comcast Digital pkg with the HD DVR receiver and so far all I miss is the caller ID on the screen and lack of storage space on the DVR. AND it is a LOT less / month especially since the HOA pays for the basic cable.

I've found in the past that if you call again, you might get a different answer from a different CSR.... Not unlike Comcast.This is true and call at different times, especially between 11AM and 1PM (when the West coast starts their day). ;)

DirecTV New HD Channel Lineup

Just Launched (September/October 2007)
70/501/509: HBO HD East
71/537/543: Showtime HD
72/209: ESPN2 HD
73/206: ESPN HD
74: Universal HD
75/245: TNT HD
76: HD Theater (was Discovery HD Theater)
78: HDNet Movies
79: HDNet
202: CNN HD
212: NFL Network HD
220: Big Ten HD
242: USA Network
244: SciFi Channel
247: TBS HD
265: A & E HD
267: Smithsonian HD
269: History Channel HD
273: Bravo
278: Discovery HD
280: Learning Channel HD (TLC HD)
282: Animal Planet HD
284: Science Channel HD
332: MHD
362: Weather Channel HD
504: HBO West
512: Cinemax East
514: Cinemax West
518: Starz Kids and Family
519: Starz Comedy HD
520: Starz HD East
521: Starz HD West
522: Starz Edge HD
538: SHO Too HD
540: Showtime HD West
544: Movie Channel HD
604: Versus HD / Golf Channel HD
622: YES HD
623: New England Sports Network HD
625: SportsNet New York HD
629: Comcast SportsNet Mid-Atlantic HD
640: Comcast SportsNet Chicago HD

Coming in October:
296?: Cartoon Network HD
355?: CNBC HD+
231-1: Food Network HD
????: Fox Business HD
612?: Fuel HD
248?: FX HD
229?: HGTV HD
????: MGM HD
601?: NBA TV HD
276: National Geographic Channel HD
607?: Speed Channel HD

Coming By the End of the year
266?: BIO HD
327?: CMT HD
331?: MTV HD
????: Nick HD
325?: Spike HD
335?: VH1 HD
610?: CSTV HD
217?: Tennis Channel HD
101: The 101 HD

I've tried calling Directv (D*) a few times to see if I could get any deals (I would be a returning but new customer) and couldn't get squat. It seems like all the deals for the HR20 is for current customers. I've almost come to justifying paying for the equipment though with how much Comcast is charging us since their new prices in July.

My only hesitation is I've read some of the horror story installs over on DBStalk and was wondering how your guys local installs went. I also want to have my lines fished through the walls and read most installers will charge you $50-150 per line. Have any of you had that or just done the basic installs? This is where I'm left wondering if I should just go ahead and order through D* or get a local dealer to do it. Any thoughts?

My only hesitation is I've read some of the horror story installs over on DBStalk and was wondering how your guys local installs went. I also want to have my lines fished through the walls and read most installers will charge you $50-150 per line. Have any of you had that or just done the basic installs? This is where I'm left wondering if I should just go ahead and order through D* or get a local dealer to do it. Any thoughts?
For that kind of install I would recommend a local dealer. My installer from D* was OK but I did all of the prep work myself. The guy did work with thunder and lightning all around him - gotta give him credit for finishing under pressure.

Yeah, D*'s installers are hit or miss. I've had them out 5 times in 10 years, 3 times good, twice they did such a poor job I wanted to kick them. It's free, so you get what you pay for.

Anyone watch the LSU Florida game last night on 12 in HD and have the sound cutting in and out constantly ? (DirecTv, new MPEG-4 dish and HR20 receivers watching DirecTv locals , ie not OTA, litening to Dolby 5.1 sound)

Thanks

why isn't PEC in HD for the fins game???

They probably forgot to flip the switch because the game is supposed to be in HD.

what a bunch of yahoos...

Yeah that's what I'm worried about. You never know what you're going to get. Anybody have a recommendation of a local dealer to call? I've called a couple but one company don't really like and the other the price was pretty high (this was to do hardwired internet lines as well though). Thanks guys.

ahhh...PEC newsroom stated on a call made just now that there are "issues" with the equipment and they are working on it now...the only way I could get a real person was to hit the option of reporting breaking news. So I said, "yeah, I got breaking news...you're not broadcasting in HD"...at least she laughed at that.

yeah!! they fixed it!!

ahhh...PEC newsroom stated on a call made just now that there are "issues" with the equipment and they are working on it now...the only way I could get a real person was to hit the option of reporting breaking news. So I said, "yeah, I got breaking news...you're not broadcasting in HD"...at least she laughed at that.

thats funny i did the same thing but I just used the newsroom option and was told "it was not an issue with wpec, it was an external problem"

thats funny i did the same thing but I just used the newsroom option and was told "it was not an issue with wpec, it was an external problem"


It had to be a WPEC issue. TV4 from Miami had it in HD from first kickoff.

Anyone watch the LSU Florida game last night on 12 in HD and have the sound cutting in and out constantly ? (DirecTv, new MPEG-4 dish and HR20 receivers watching DirecTv locals , ie not OTA, litening to Dolby 5.1 sound)

Thanks

I watched it OTA on 12-1 but didn't try DD 5.1.
Not a problem with sound or video. Only problem was the ending.

Anyone hear the reason why Channel 29-2 dropped TheTube? Did the Miami station drop it too?

because the tube is no more

The Tube was run by crooks, and the Feds caught up to them, they be no more.

I noticed 12 didn't broadcast in HD. Unreal. 4 out of Miami was perfect. Pretty sad commentary on WPEC.

I'm not trying to spam here or pimp for D*, but if you are planning on signing up with D* before October 31st then why not get a $50 Home Depot gift card?

http://www.homedepotmoving.com/images/partners_logo/DTV_Satellite_logo.gif

Get a $50 The Home Depot® Gift Card when you activate DIRECTV® service.
Call 1-877-593-2306 and mention Key Code 53600-MVO to subscribe.

Packages start as low as $29.99 per month. The Family Package, for example, gives you over 40 channels, including locals*, for just $29.99 monthly. Many other programming packages from America’s #1 satellite television service are available. And with access to up to 250 channels, we’re sure you’ll be watching some remodeling shows.

Act now - this special offer expires October 31, 2007. Terms and conditions (http://www.homedepotmoving.com/jsps/terms_conditions_directv.jsp?utm_source=NM_DirectTVpromo).

The Tube was run by crooks, and the Feds caught up to them, they be no more.

I noticed 12 didn't broadcast in HD. Unreal. 4 out of Miami was perfect. Pretty sad commentary on WPEC.


The Tube was definitely run by crooks. I used to work for them.... their spam division off SW 10th in Deerfield Beach. The Feds had been looking for them for a longggggg time. They would sent out 50-100 million emails a day all SPAMMMMMMM! All sorts of shady stuff to hide from The Man.

So I call Comcast today to try and get an update on any new HD channels coming soon and I get some CSR, who never asked where I live, my phone number or anything and she tries to tell me as long as I have an HDTV, I should get any show that is broadcast HD, I say I can only get HD on the channels that you provide via the Box you provide, she then says no as long as you have an HDTV, for instance USA-HD if they are broadcasting something in HD as long as your TV can show 1080i it should automatically show it in HD, I reply with well I have been watching MLB Playoffs on TBS for the last week in SD because you do not offer TBS HD and there was no converting and suddenly the phone goes dead(I guess she realized she was wrong)....I call back and tell another CSR what I was just told and she apologizes for the total mis-Info I was given and that they have hired a bunch of new people who are not fully trained(yet they let them answer the phone)then I gave her the story about D* and switching due to the HD channels they offer...she looked at my account and realized that I get everything so there is not anything she can give me for free, she then says she can give me a loyalty credit since I have been with them for 5 years, so I got a 20.00 credit for the next 6 months(better than the usual nothing). She then told me that the Ft. Pierce area recently(10/5) got TBS HD so we should be getting it soon, she also mentioned USA-HD, CNN-HD, Food-HD and a few others I do not recall, that are coming soon, she could not give a date, by she thought TBS HD & USA HD sooner than later and the rest by years end. I mentioned, that I am in an old Adelphia area which is usually another excuse I hear from Comcast as to why we don't have more channels, she said that does not matter anymore, yet I still cannot get the Triple Play package....

Take it for what its worth.....but it might have been a story to keep me along with the 20.00 credit...

When I told Comcast that since they weren't offering the HD that DirecTV was offering, and had no plans in place, or timetable to offer more HD channels, I indicated that I guess I would be switching to DirecTV.

Basically the CSR told me that was my decision... I've been on the old Adelphia "ultimate" pack for years and years, and they just don't care that my $160.00 per month might go away.

I already have DirecTV, and it wouldn't be that hard for me to switch. I can go out and buy an HD Tivo Box, connect it to my OTA for those times that I need to record more than 2 shows, save a ton of money every month.

I'll probably do it in the next month... start by going down to basic cable through the house, upgrade my D* package and save about $100 per month.

When I told Comcast that since they weren't offering the HD that DirecTV was offering, and had no plans in place, or timetable to offer more HD channels, I indicated that I guess I would be switching to DirecTV.

Basically the CSR told me that was my decision... I've been on the old Adelphia "ultimate" pack for years and years, and they just don't care that my $160.00 per month might go away.

I already have DirecTV, and it wouldn't be that hard for me to switch. I can go out and buy an HD Tivo Box, connect it to my OTA for those times that I need to record more than 2 shows, save a ton of money every month.

I'll probably do it in the next month... start by going down to basic cable through the house, upgrade my D* package and save about $100 per month.

If you want the new HD channels - you will need to upgrade to the new 5LNB dish - no big deal but installs were out about 30 days for an "upgrade" - you will probably get a free HD receiver and a cheap HD DVR - look on some of the D* forums for details. But just be aware it may take a while for the new install.

If you want the new HD channels - you will need to upgrade to the new 5LNB dish - no big deal but installs were out about 30 days for an "upgrade" - you will probably get a free HD receiver and a cheap HD DVR - look on some of the D* forums for details. But just be aware it may take a while for the new install.

Joe... I already have D* HD with an HR20 and the 5lnb dish... had it since the day before Thanksgiving, but thanks for letting me know.

I'm a technology junkie, and I have both cable and dish... now I'm leaning towards giving a lot less money a month to Comcast.

"Cheap" HD DVR ? They only offer one capable of HD, and I wouldn't call it cheap either by cost or by features.

muahman - very interesting you used to work for these people. What a small world. Thanks for your insight.


If you want the new HD channels - you will need to upgrade to the new 5LNB dish - no big deal but installs were out about 30 days for an "upgrade" - you will probably get a free HD receiver and a cheap HD DVR - look on some of the D* forums for details. But just be aware it may take a while for the new install.

I'm assuming tonight's baseball game is nowhere to be found on Comcast on HD?

I'd switch to Direc in a heartbeat if the price differential wasn't so great. In fact, I have Direc at my second home in the Blue Ridge mountains. My bundled service including internet, HD package, DVR and one premium channel only runs $85 per month. To get the same package with Direc, but substituting the premium channel for the sports package would run me around $140 per month (including the higher cost for the stand alone internet). And that's not counting the equipment purchase cost. No matter what better deal I could talk them into...it's not going to come close to Comcast's price.

I'm assuming tonight's baseball game is nowhere to be found on Comcast on HD?

I'd switch to Direc in a heartbeat if the price differential wasn't so great. In fact, I have Direc at my second home in the Blue Ridge mountains. My bundled service including internet, HD package, DVR and one premium channel only runs $85 per month. To get the same package with Direc, but substituting the premium channel for the sports package would run me around $140 per month (including the higher cost for the stand alone internet). And that's not counting the equipment purchase cost. No matter what better deal I could talk them into...it's not going to come close to Comcast's price.

Why don't you considering installing just the dish down here and bring your receivers with you? I know it could be a pain - but if you are driving what the heck? It will save you a few pennies to boot... just a thought ... I know a lot of the seasonal folks on budgets do that quite a bit...

question on COMCAST HD...

I currently have the Comcast Classic package ($47.99) plus Comcast High Speed Internet ($42.95)... I have called Comcast, email Comcast, and even "CHAT'ed" online with Comcast, and each time I get different answers on what I need and what it would cost to upgrade to HD. Can someone that has HD tell me what the minimum upgrade in equiptment and packages and COST$$, I would need to have in order to receive HD channels (ie NG-hd, ESPN-hd, DISC-hd, NFL, hd, etc)

I have been told in various combinations, that I need to upgrade to digital, add a HD box, add $6 HD package, and add another $12.95 package for the "extended" HD channels (those beyond local and PBS)... I really dont wanna pay another $60+ per month to get 10 or so HD channels... but then again I really do wanna get them

it is REALLY frustrating when you get different answers from different sources, and different answers from the same sources. and I dont wanna drive to the Comcast office w/o knowing exactly what I need so the CS rep doesnt sell me more or less than what I actually need...

also I currrently get HBO/HBO2/HBOsig (I dont pay an extra for them) and would not want to lose them and have to then pay extra for them, after I got the HD package

I'm assuming tonight's baseball game is nowhere to be found on Comcast on HD?

I'd switch to Direc in a heartbeat if the price differential wasn't so great. In fact, I have Direc at my second home in the Blue Ridge mountains. My bundled service including internet, HD package, DVR and one premium channel only runs $85 per month. To get the same package with Direc, but substituting the premium channel for the sports package would run me around $140 per month (including the higher cost for the stand alone internet). And that's not counting the equipment purchase cost. No matter what better deal I could talk them into...it's not going to come close to Comcast's price.

http://img237.imageshack.us/img237/2950/yesac7.gif same deal for me...

Well I finally signed up with D*. I was just sick of Comphia here in PBC, the prices are outrageous for the HD-DVRs and what I learned on this board the cablecards.

Anyone have any recommendations of a good OTA antenna for me to buy to hopefully pick up the CW (broward locals would be nice too)? I can stick it in my attic most likely.

South Palm Beach County Residents

Channel 21, a station licensed to Ft. Pierce as an educational station, is finally at full power, broadcasting religious programming on digital station 38. I'm curious how strong their signal is in the South County area. They were playing a You 2 video (Gloria) on 21-3. No HD on this channel as they have five different channels. At my house, their signal was at 96%.

How strong are they at your house?

Receiving about a 28% signal through my attic antenna. Just barley able to lock on. Probably could get a better signal if it was aligned better and outside.

That's quite odd - I have the same DirecTV package you mention, but it only runs me $100 a month (1 premium, no sports). Of course, I am not including internet - I use the BellSouth DSL.

I'm assuming tonight's baseball game is nowhere to be found on Comcast on HD?

I'd switch to Direc in a heartbeat if the price differential wasn't so great. In fact, I have Direc at my second home in the Blue Ridge mountains. My bundled service including internet, HD package, DVR and one premium channel only runs $85 per month. To get the same package with Direc, but substituting the premium channel for the sports package would run me around $140 per month (including the higher cost for the stand alone internet). And that's not counting the equipment purchase cost. No matter what better deal I could talk them into...it's not going to come close to Comcast's price.

That's quite odd - I have the same DirecTV package you mention, but it only runs me $100 a month (1 premium, no sports). Of course, I am not including internet - I use the BellSouth DSL.

That's right....then add the cost of the stand alone internet and you're over $140 as compared to the $85 I pay now.

Well I finally signed up with D*. I was just sick of Comphia here in PBC, the prices are outrageous for the HD-DVRs and what I learned on this board the cablecards.

Anyone have any recommendations of a good OTA antenna for me to buy to hopefully pick up the CW (broward locals would be nice too)? I can stick it in my attic most likely.

Try this one (http://www.solidsignal.com/prod_display.asp?PROD=ANWGS2200)... I just ordered it and it should be here soon. It's Bi-Directional and should pick up both Palm Beach and Broward stations. You should also check Antennaweb.org (http://www.antennaweb.org) and put in your address. It will tell you what you need to pick up all the stations in your area.

I dumped Comcast HD, and put in a TiVo HD Box, connected to my OTA and Basic cable and it works like a charm. My current antenna, picks up all the Miami stations (since it's pointed in that direction) and most of the Palm Beach stations.

I also have D* so I have the best of both worlds, and saved about 80 bucks a month.

Why don't you considering installing just the dish down here and bring your receivers with you? I know it could be a pain - but if you are driving what the heck? It will save you a few pennies to boot... just a thought ... I know a lot of the seasonal folks on budgets do that quite a bit...

If I ever do go with Direc down here, I do plan on just carting the receiver back and forth. No reason to buy two DVR's when I would never be using two at the same time. I suspend my service in the mountains when I'm not there. (There's a hint to you folks with two homes....Direc's automated system says you can only suspend service on seasonal property one time every twelve months. B.S. I'm up there about every six weeks at least for a few days. I just turn it on and off for when I'm there. I have the full HD package but no sports package or premium channels in the mountains and my average monthly cost is about $6.)

Since I suspend the account....I don't see how just bringing the receiver with me will do any good. I want more service at my primary home....so, I'm right back to the much higher cost than Comcast.

Last night I noticed that Comcast is showing:

HBO HD on 301 & 416
Sho HD on 339 & 418
Starz HD on 369(i think) & 419

Hopefully some new HD channels coming soon...

yanksno 1

I also live in Boynton Beach in a CBS house with concrete tile roof. I installed a Channel Master 4228 antenna with a CM 7777 amplifier in my attic. With the antenna aimed at the Fort Lauderdale antenna farm, I get most of the Miami channels, including The CW HD on 39-1. Although the 4228 is a UHF antenna, it is unique in that it does well on high band VHF because of the rectangular support structure. Thus I get CBS 12-1 off the back of the antenna, although CBS 4-1 from Miami is a superior HD picture because of less compression.

Yeah I can't understand why they would have 2 HBO-HD, Showtime-HD and Starz-HD channels. By having 2 of each are they wasting bandwidth? Maybe they are going to renumber the channels again. I wonder if this is going on in Broward and Miami-Dade Counties?

Yeah I can't understand why they would have 2 HBO-HD, Showtime-HD and Starz-HD channels. By having 2 of each are they wasting bandwidth? Maybe they are going to renumber the channels again. I wonder if this is going on in Broward and Miami-Dade Counties?

I would suspect that with the number of differences between Broward/Dade and Palm Beach systems that they're going to attempt to make them as similar as they can, given the different technologies between the markets. That may be why they are playing with the HBO etc. It may also relate to HBO/ShowTime/Starz HD on demand as well.

That said, I dumped Comcast digital yesterday. I found that I was only using it to record things on the DVR that I didn't have enough room for on my DirecTV, like when there are three things on I like to record.

So, I went to Best Buy, bought an HD TiVo box, connected my OTA and Basic cable to it. TiVo let me transfer my lifetime service to the new box, so I saved a ton of money every month and, from my perspective, based on how crappy the SA 8300 HD was at finding and recording shows, I'm a lot happier.

Net net... Comcast lost almost $100 per month from me in the last 6 months, and not one person asked why I was doing all this. They seem to not care.

MartyS. It seems to me that you have the best of both HD worlds. A DirecTV DVR for the premium HD channels and a TiVo Series 3 DVR for OTA HD channels. You are lucky to have the lifetime TiVo subscription as that keeps your costs down quite a bit. Good job!

I just can't figure out why it took me so long and so much money (to Comcast) to figure it out.

However, my basic cable bill is now under $50, my DirecTV has stayed the same, and no monthly TiVo Charges. However, even with the TiVo charges, I'd be ahead, since you can get three years of TiVo service for $299. Since I was paying Comcast $134 per month, you can see where the savings are.

Broadcast schedule was sporadic over the past couple of weeks. Now they're completely off the air. Comcast has a test card up on analog cable channel 17 that says "WHDT-UHF-59 IS NOT TRANSMITTING AT THIS TIME".

I just can't go on without those high def infomercials... ;-)

When I first scanned OTA channels...WFOR-DT 4.1(CBS MIAMI FL)
came in with excellent clarity.Now,it has taken to rebooting every time I
go to it.This action is the same as reported with some PBS stations.Has anyone run into a broadcast channel doing this?I have another CBS
station,but WFOR's signal is stronger.(The other is 10 miles closer,but can just fade away to no reception at all):(

I am using a Voom Motorola DSR550 satellite Receiver
(HD Tuner for local broadcast signal)

Yeah I can't understand why they would have 2 HBO-HD, Showtime-HD and Starz-HD channels. By having 2 of each are they wasting bandwidth? Maybe they are going to renumber the channels again. I wonder if this is going on in Broward and Miami-Dade Counties?They aren't wasting any bandwidth because the channels are just mapped to two different channel numbers. It's all done through the channel config file the cable box loads.

Thanks for the info, saves me a call to them saying why not just add more channels rather than doubling others.

I still wonder though what exactly are they doing?

After the last 4:00pm NFL game ended today, I flipped on WFLX to watch the simpsons, and noticed what looked like the rest of a 16x9 broadcast creeping over the black sidebars WFLX has for all non high def. I had the overscan enabled on the projector so it may have been why I could see some of what was showing behind the black side bars....is it possible WFLX is getting a SD widescreen signal, upconverting it to 720P, and then applying black side bars to a widescreen upconvert? Has anyone ever contacted WFLX on this? Does not seem to make sense unless the equipment used to upconvert the signal does not have an option to disable the side bars....I guess they could just not know the signal is widescreen, but that would be hard to believe. Can't seem to find technical details on how fox is broadcasting their programming on the net.

john

Channel 4 used to be one of my most stable stations. Lately it has started pixelating and dropping out on me as well. I wonder if something changed over there lately.

When I first scanned OTA channels...WFOR-DT 4.1(CBS MIAMI FL)
came in with excellent clarity.Now,it has taken to rebooting every time I
go to it.This action is the same as reported with some PBS stations.Has anyone run into a broadcast channel doing this?I have another CBS
station,but WFOR's signal is stronger.(The other is 10 miles closer,but can just fade away to no reception at all):(

I am using a Voom Motorola DSR550 satellite Receiver
(HD Tuner for local broadcast signal)

DIRECTV launched some more HD today:

Cartoon Network HD (Channel 296)
Fox Business Network HD (Channel 359)
Fuel TV (Channel 612)
FX HD (Channel 248)
HGTV (Channel 229-1)
Speed (Channel 607)
CNBC HD+ (Channel 355)
Food Network HD (Channel 231-1)

Regional Sports Networks:
FSN Detroit (Channel 636)
FSN Southwest (Channel 643)
FSN West (Channel 652)
FSN Prime Ticket (Channel 653)

Plus six PPV Channels: 135, 136, 137, 145, 146, 147

I wasn't picking up Channel 42-1 so I went to the signal meter and the signal was between 67% - 72%. I reprogrammed all channels and now it is coming in again.

Channel 59-1 is licensed to Stuart, but I can't pick it up in Ft. Pierce. I've noticed that there isn't much to watch on that channel, but is everyone else able to pick it up? I believe they are full power but probably their transmitter isn't tall enough. They are broadcasting from downtown West Palm Beach.

Are the local statios (ABC, NBC, CBS, etc) available in HD from Dish as a satellite channel or do you have to get them OTA in order to receive them in HD?
They don't show as HD on the Dish local station page for my zip (33467).

our hd locals are not on the dish satellites, OTA only :(

Don't know about Dish, but DirecTV carries the locals in HD for our DMA.


Are the local statios (ABC, NBC, CBS, etc) available in HD from Dish as a satellite channel or do you have to get them OTA in order to receive them in HD?
They don't show as HD on the Dish local station page for my zip (33467).

Its really funny calling Comcast CSR's and listening to there explanations, theories, and total lack of any idea what happening with-in the company they work for :) Today I asked about the doubling up of HBO, SHO & Starz HD, she gave some sort of story about digital channels and being able to get them w/o a box, I said “movie channels like HBO, etc” she said no the locals. I said this answer has nothing to do with what I asked, so I then asked if they have any HD coming, she said they just added, UHD, NGCHD….I stopped her and said that was months ago…then she said oh hopefully by the end of the year...blah blah blah…then goes on to tell me that the “Dish’s” lose signal in the rain and that I would not believe the number of people that call and switch back to Comcast…I said your right I would not believe :)

ok D* customers...We live in Florida where is rains a lot(well usually)the question I have is: How is D* performing in the rain ? Not just total loss of picture but I am wondering if there is any type of distortion or pixilation due to any type of weather & if so..how much and for how long... Thanks in advance

I have had DirecTV since 1999, give or take. I have had rain fade issues only rarely, far less than the outtages I had with cable, in fact. Of the few outtages I had, all but the hurricane outtages lasted only a few seconds to a few minutes. The hurricanes were because I took the dish down for safety.

There is no distortion or pixelation - you either get your signal, or you don't rain fade isn't fade so much as it is a blackout.



ok D* customers...We live in Florida where is rains a lot(well usually)the question I have is: How is D* performing in the rain ? Not just total loss of picture but I am wondering if there is any type of distortion or pixilation due to any type of weather & if so..how much and for how long... Thanks in advance

I have been with D* since 2000. My dish has to see partially through some trees but I still get a good signal. It takes a very hard rain to take out the satellite and it rarely lasts for more than a few minutes. You do need to make sure that your dish is aimed properly and have it adjusted occasionally. Besides getting locals in HD via the satellite I also have an outdoor antenna as well. You don't get rain fade from OTA so I program all of my "Season Passes" from the Networks to use the OTA channels (5-1, 12-1, 25-1, 29-1, 34-1, etc.). If you have a clear view of the SW sky and you have your dish aimed correctly then you should be happy.

I had to call D* today to activate my old HR10-250 and It was, as always, a pleasant experience compared to dealing with a cable company.

so I get the following via email from ComCast today
------------------------------------------------------
The High Definition service is $6.95 per month and the cable box is
$5.50 per month. The HD channels you receive depends on the package you

have. To receive most of the HD channels not including the premium
channels you will have to subscribed to the digital Preferred package
which is $63.95 a month. The installation fee is $29.95 to have the HD
equipment installed.

here is the channel line up that you will
be
receiving if you subscribe to Digital Preferred package $63.95 plus
HDTV
services $6.95:

401 Fox Sports Net Florida HD
402 Sun Sports HD
403 ESPN HD
404 ESPN2 HD
405 VERSUS/Golf Channel HD
407 TNT HD
408 MOJO
409 Universal HD
410 A & E HD
411 MHD
412 Discovery HD Theater
413 National Geographic 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*
------------------------------------------------------

SO, essentially, for $26 more than I pay now, I will *only* get 11 more HD channels than I already do via basic cable and QAM... 7 of which I would actually watch... hmmm, how bad I do I really want NG-HD and Disc-HD and ESPN-HD??? and for same basic price Dish has what 70HD channels now or something???

SO, essentially, for $26 more than I pay now, I will *only* get 11 more HD channels than I already do via basic cable and QAM... 7 of which I would actually watch... hmmm, how bad I do I really want NG-HD and Disc-HD and ESPN-HD??? and for same basic price Dish has what 70HD channels now or something???

Actually, It's DirecTV that has all the HD channels, not Dish, that I know of.

Personally, I dropped Comcast to basic service last week, bought an HD TiVo and connected it to my OTA and have D* with all my HD. NOt a bad setup overall, and saved a ton of money on Comcast.

It hasn't happened for a few months, but Channel 5-1 could not be picked up over the air this morning due to weather conditions. Orlando stations were coming in too strong. Did anyone have trouble picking up Channel 5-1 this morning with cable in the Vero Beach/Ft. Pierce area?

Sometimes I feel like moving to Boca.:D

If so, how is it and do you have any problems or complaints?

thanks - Terry

Have the 622 (The 722 simply has a larger hard drive) and it is great. I have to say that if you have an HDTV, you won't believe how great the channel guide is compared to the crappy comcast one. pleasant graphics, and the menus are lain out logically.


Also, spring for the 40 bucks so you can use an external hard drive to increase storage on the unit. HD loves hard drive space.

Thanks Shorrock.

I deleted the questions I had posted below about the 722. I found out that the 722 actually has 3 tuners, 2 sat and 1 OTA so you can actually record 3 HD/SD sat and 1 OTA at the same time (or so I was told by knowledgable people).

I have a 921 HD DVR and I got tired of all the $5 for this, $5 for that, etc, etc. So about 3 months ago I cancelled Dish and went to Comcast. So I KNOW what you mean about the menu. And the comcast storage on their DVR is small. Already ran out of room. It's a lot of little stuff like that that makes Dish better than Comcast, BUT the price saving was too much to resist. NOW Dish keeps calling me with offers to come back. I'm almost at that point but wanted to know about the 722 - thanks. I also hate NOT being able to get some HD on Dish that I have on Comcast - especially the locals. OTA is the only way at the present. So I'm mulling it over about going back. Not sure yet.

If you do go back, don't sign up for the 18 month contract. I'd spend the 50 for the install to keep you options open. (The HDTV war is heating up, and if Dish can't get their satellites up, it could be a long 18 months.)

We did the same thing, dropped because of the fees, and just couldn't stand the dvr or the pq from comcast.

OK, I went back. I got so many concessions to come back I couldn't pass it up. And YES, I got her to waive the 18 month committment. 722 will be installed today. Only issue I really have is that the West Palm channels are not on the sat in HD, only through OTA. So if I want to watch a network show and record another, I'm stuck deciding which one to do in HD and which in SD since I can only get 1 OTA channel at the same time. BUMMER. Any idea when WPB channels will get on Dish in HD?

Guy is here installing the new 722. Ever have the feeling the guy on your roof doesn't know what he is talking about?

I live in West Lake Worth and have a Dish 500 dish pointed about SW with 2 cables from it connected to the old 921 receiver on Sat1 and Sat 2. He is putting up another whole dish pointing E-SE and adding a switch to tie all three together. I questioned him and he said the new dish would pick up REAL HD signals. So what is the difference between REAL and make believe HD signals? If I had HD before, why do I need the new dish? ARGHHHHHHH

It sounds like your installation guy used to work for Comcast. :D

OK, got the 722 installed yesterday and I'm not thrilled but then I wasn't thrilled with the installer.
Can I ask a few questions?
I live in W Lake Worth (Lake Charleston). I had a single dish before with an old 921 and OTA. My OTA HD picture was great. The single dish was pointed SW with 2 LMB's. He took off that dual LNB and installed a single then mounted a new dish 500 with dual LNB pointing SE and connectem them to a switch box and ran 2 cables into the receiver (I had 2 before but one from each LNB. He obviously has combined 2 of the three. He said I now would get 3 satellites with most of the HD coming off of the new SE pointing dish.
What signal strength should I see on the sats and what kind of OTA signal strength should I see. I know it will vary but please give me a rough idea. It was 7:00 pm and he said anything over 75 on the sats would work fine. I think I used to have mine over 100. Probably in a hurry to leave.

I'm asking because I feel my OTA HD picture sucks compared to my old setup.

Any strength readings to compare to would be appreciated.

For those DirecTv users with the new mpeg-4 DVR's ... have you noticed our local WPTV HD via satellite (not OTA) to have momentary audio drop-outs every 10 or so seconds? My receiver's display indicates these are momentary reception of Dolby Digital during which it goes silent for that moment. Very annoying.

I have to believe it's a local WPTV issue, not a DirecTv issue but wondered if I was alone or if others with similar setup were seeing the same thing.

What signal strength should I see on the sats and what kind of OTA signal strength should I see. I know it will vary but please give me a rough idea. It was 7:00 pm and he said anything over 75 on the sats would work fine. I think I used to have mine over 100. Probably in a hurry to leave.

I'm asking because I feel my OTA HD picture sucks compared to my old setup.

Any strength readings to compare to would be appreciated.

The MPEG4 Receivers measure Signal Strength from 0-100, while the older MPEG2 Units measured 0-125.
No explanation for the difference in picture quality, except to make sure you have a good connections from your OTA antenna to the receiver.

Walt

My tech did a super crappy job of setup too. Some of the steps that I've seen to help.

Goto to the menu - setup hdtv setup and make sure it is set to 1080i and 16x9 if this is not set, then you are watching the 480i.

Also, are your locals in Yellow? If not, he did not hookup you OTA antenna.

If you don't know, the guys over at Satteliteguys.us is the place to hit for help. The discussion board will keep you up to date about everything, and there are several really good installers there who can help you tweak the system.

Cheers.

Sorry, missed one thing. Yes the sat setup is correct.

61.5 (the one pointing se) is where all HD programming will come from shortly. You will be missing about 80% of the programming without it.

The other one is 119 and 129, which are the rest of the programming and spot beams.

Unfortunately, Locals on the stats won't happen at least until 3rd quarter next year (There are two new sats being launched.)

Thaks again.
Yes, I use the Satguys site but you guys on here are "family" HA since you are local.

I had already done the various checks you suggested and all were proper. The one thing I did was check the signal strength and 110 is NOT green. By the way, I'm not getting 129. The SE sat is indeed 61.5 but the other 2 sats I'm getting are 110 and 119.

The tech at dish last night said he thought it would be a good idea to send ANOTHER different tech out today to see what is going on. Suppose to be here before noon.

My OTD HD is not jump up and down great like it used to be so maybe he'll find something.

Keep ya posted.

For those DirecTv users with the new mpeg-4 DVR's ... have you noticed our local WPTV HD via satellite (not OTA) to have momentary audio drop-outs every 10 or so seconds? My receiver's display indicates these are momentary reception of Dolby Digital during which it goes silent for that moment. Very annoying.

I have to believe it's a local WPTV issue, not a DirecTv issue but wondered if I was alone or if others with similar setup were seeing the same thing.

I think its a local WPTV issue. In an e-mail to them a few weeks ago I asked when they would have Dolby 5.1. They said that they were working on it and it should be around the end of November or so.

SO, they might be testing the Dolby waters and that's what we're seeing. BTW I get the same thing via OTA so it's not satellite.

Over the weekend, I recorded 135 minutes of music from one of the music channels with DirecTV to my computer and then copied the music on to my iPod. It turned out pretty good, too. I'm so cheap.:D

Well I am a new one to this forum.
I want to purchase a yagi for channel 12 DTV
My current ATSC receivers still show channel 12 DTV as channel 12-1
Do I need to purchase a channel 13 yagi ? Or a channel 12 yagi ?
What ever happened to WHDT HD only station.
It was located in Stuart Fl. I was never able to pick them up.
The engineer wanted to come to my home and check it out.
He never did that. I hear they moved to Miami ? Low power no go.
So no reception in Port Saint Lucie Florida ?
I have been on my roof more than I have been in my home. Buying different antennas etc. Wife is getting a little upset with me.
I have over 8 different TV antennas and just purchased the TREK amplified small antenna. Cannot believe this little antenna. I need more gain for channel 12 DTV. But it works. I have antennas over 15 ft long and a rotor. The best antenna I ever had was purchased from Radio Shack. A perodic V log UHF VHF antenna. Super big. No longer sold. It picked up Orlando, Ft. Myers and Miami from Port Saint Lucie. Hurricane crushed it. That was a sad day. All the antennas I purchased since have, NOT produced any signals as good.
Any how, back to my question. For WPEC DTV channel 12 or 13 yagi?
Thanks

Well I am a new one to this forum.SNIP
Any how, back to my question. For WPEC DTV channel 12 or 13 yagi?
Thanks

Welcome aboard!

I use a 5 element channel 13 Yagi in my attic for WPEC-DT. This is currently the correct antenna and it works great. However, sometime prior to the digital transition date in Feb 09 this station will change frequencies. I believe they are going to channel 12. Not sure where this is, but I have seen the planned new channelization in another section of this forum.

In any any case, in PSL if the antenna is on your roof you probably will be OK with either antenna as this station has a strong signal.

BTW, I couple the ch 13 Yagi with a radio shack UHF Yagi. I get reliable reception on all the WPB and Martin county transmitters.

Re WHDT. Don't believe they ever put out more than a few watts. I don't thinks they are on the air anymore. I saw something on cable a while ago indicating that they were not available.

I'm on the beach in Fort Pierce and I am using a Radio Shack VU-150 which is in the attic. My signal on Channel 12-1 (which broadcasts on Channel 13) is between 4% and 8%, which is unusable. Sometimes I can get Channel 4-1 from Miami for CBS--go figure.

Channel 12 is broadcasting their high definition signal below their 1,000 foot analog signal.

By the way, in February 2009, Channel 12 stays on channel 13 and Channel 5 moves from 55 to 12. I'm worried about that move because the Tampa station (channel 12) will be stronger and broadcasting from a high point and there is a Channel 12 in Jacksonville.

Channel 59 (the first high definition only station) is licensed to Stuart. Why the FCC let them broadcast from downtown West Palm Beach is a mystery to me.

There is a low power Channel 8 licensed to Ft. Pierce which no one has done anything with for years. I suggested that one to the school board of St. Lucie County.

There is also a low power channel 31 listed on www.tvfool.com for St. Lucie/Indian River County. I wrote Channel 6 in Miami about that one. (their HD is 31)

Channel 5-1 is coming in pretty good (around 82%) most of the time. There have been a few days where there have been problems. 42-1 is coming in around 65%.

Thanks, Looks like a channel 13 yagi. Going down one channel is not a problem with a channel 13 yagi. Going up is.
Great forum. Thanks again.

did we lose TNT-HD on ComCast QAM again??? or what channel is it on now?

I know that you can't record with the DVR on ON DEMAND channels but can you record with the DVR on pay per view channels that you can access in the DVR guide?

Thanks in advance.

Thanks, Looks like a channel 13 yagi. Going down one channel is not a problem with a channel 13 yagi. Going up is.
Great forum. Thanks again.
Did some checking on WHDT. The channel assigned by Comcast for this station indicates that it is off the air. I checked 59.1 via antenna and was surprised to find out I am getting the station. However, the signal is weak as I get a lot of drop-outs. As far as I can tell, all they broadcast is infomercials. They are in HD tho.

I know that you can't record with the DVR on ON DEMAND channels but can you record with the DVR on pay per view channels that you can access in the DVR guide?

Thanks in advance.

I have been able to record the UFC PPV's with the DVR(Comcast)...But i have found that you cannot start the recording until the event starts..

did we lose TNT-HD on ComCast QAM again??

Yes, for nearly 2 weeks now. The only channels available are the locals and PBS. At least here in Delray it is.

I was watching Weather Plus this morning on Channel 5-2 (antenna) and this is what it said for Saturday night lows:

Boca, 65 Degrees
West Palm Beach, 64
Okeechobee, 62
Vero Beach, 61
Miami, 57
Ft. Lauderdale, 56
Ft. Pierce, 48
Orlando, 47

If you want accurate weather, go to www.weather.com
Okeechobee is warmer than Miami?
Vero Beach is 13 degrees warmer than Ft. Pierce?

I paused on 5-1 during the noon news today, and the weather map said Riviera Beach was 460 Degrees!.
And I always thought Death Valley was the hottest place in the USA...

Walt

I paused on 5-1 during the noon news today, and the weather map said Riviera Beach was 460 Degrees!.
And I always thought Death Valley was the hottest place in the USA...

WaltBishop Masters would say that Global Warming has hit Riviera Beach and that we must repent by giving them money to fix it.;)

Can anyone tell me if they have seen any Heat games this season on Sun Sports HD on D* in central or North Palm Beach County ?

Thanks

Can anyone tell me what channel is broadcast the time & date that TV's & VCR can pick up? All my VCR & TV's times keep getting messed up with the automatic update. Of course they are picking it up via basic Comcast in Western Lake Worth.

Strack - PBS stations broadcast the time sync signal. Channel 42 Over-The-Air should work for you in Lake Worth.

Can anyone tell me if they have seen any Heat games this season on Sun Sports HD on D* in central or North Palm Beach County ?

Thanks
fsn florida and sun sports are now being beamed nationally, so if it used to be only on the miami beam, that's no longer an issue

Can anyone tell me if they have seen any Heat games this season on Sun Sports HD on D* in central or North Palm Beach County ?

Thanks

I have Comcast (formerly Adelphia) and live in Boynton Beach

I have yet to find the a Heat game being broadcast on sun sports HD. i believe channels 401(Fox SportsHD) and 402 is supposed to be Sun Sports HD, but there has not been one heat game on that channel yet.

I wish they were because the regular Sun Sports (channel 35 for me) is still analog, and looks absolutely horrible on a 61 inch DLP..

EDIT: according to the SunSports site.. it doesn't look like palm beach is getting any Heat games in HD
http://www.sunsportstv.com/hdtv_programs.jhtml?method=list

fsn florida and sun sports are now being beamed nationally, so if it used to be only on the miami beam, that's no longer an issue

sorry to be a pain, but have you seen any games, according to the Sun/FSN website its a select area...at this point, i only trust info if someone has seen it with there own eyes(no offense)

I have Comcast (formerly Adelphia) and live in Boynton Beach

I have yet to find the a Heat game being broadcast on sun sports HD. i believe channels 401(Fox SportsHD) and 402 is supposed to be Sun Sports HD, but there has not been one heat game on that channel yet.

I wish they were because the regular Sun Sports (channel 35 for me) is still analog, and looks absolutely horrible on a 61 inch DLP..

EDIT: according to the SunSports site.. it doesn't look like palm beach is getting any Heat games in HD
http://www.sunsportstv.com/hdtv_programs.jhtml?method=list

Yah i am sick of Comcast...401 shows very little and 402 shows nothing, but they cannot seem to add, TBS-HD or USA-HD, etc.....and I really miss HDNet, especially now that Cuban is getting into MMA...

Why anyone sticks with Comcast in S. Florida is a mystery to me. Unless, of course, it is forced upon you by a bulk agreement contract.

Why anyone sticks with Comcast in S. Florida is a mystery to me. Unless, of course, it is forced upon you by a bulk agreement contract.

basic cable is free with my HOA, so that saves me like $50
If not for that, i would of switched to Dish Network or DirecTV a looong time ago

Why anyone sticks with Comcast in S. Florida is a mystery to me. Unless, of course, it is forced upon you by a bulk agreement contract.


No Bulk Agreement, but here is my deal.
Right now I pay Comcast 176(inclusive) a month for every channel they offer, HD, DVR, & the internet, take out the bundles savings and go to D*, my internet goes to 60.00(DSL is not an option). So I have approx 116 to use for D*. For the equivalent package(premier, HD, DVR, lease fee’s) with D* it's 135 plus taxes I would probably get the protection plan also since on top of that 300.00(HDDVR & HD box) for equipment(actually more if I do not agree to a 2 year deal). I have called twice and they will not budge on the equipment costs.

Also I have 2-3 other TVs that I just plug the cable into(no additional cost) and watch channels 1-78, those would now need D* Boxes, for me that’s just a killer they are used rarely, but I need to have it available for guests

There they are now offering 240.00 in rebates plus a gift card, but those are dependant about 18 & 24 month commitments(fine print)

so that's my reasoning...

I'm with Stewpid (ity). ;)

I agree with his reasoning.

I have an HOA bulk agreement but was still going to drop Comcast back when they discontinued carrying HD NET/Movies (I really miss those channels) and all the West Coast feeds for the premium channels. I am paying $115 a month for all the channels that are available, 2 HD DVR's and High Speed Internet. I can get DSL but it's at twice the price for only 25% of the bandwith. I've called the sats many times and they can't come close to what I'm currently paying. Now when AT&t's Uverse gets here (hopefully next year), I evaluate my options at that time.

As it stands now, Comcast simply offers the better value for my money.

Unfortunately I am in the same boat with Smithfarmer, except we can't get DSL. Bummer.

I am the same as Smithfarmer paying $114 per month for all channels, HD, 2 DVRs and High Speed Internet. DirecTV can't come close to that so I guess we have to wait it out until they add more HD channels.

Someone mentioned there might not be anything new to 2008, which really stinks.

I see your pricing arguments. There is one thing I don't like about DirecTV is their insistence that I pay $5 for every box in my house. However, they only charge ONE DVR fee, no matter how many you have. My company pays for my DSL, so that doesn't factor in to me. Comes down to the fact that the picture quality (highly subjective, I admit) seems better to me, and DirecTV blows Comcast away on the number of HD channels, despite what their current commercial claims. So, to me, this trumps any price differences. Besides, Comcast performed very poorly after the last 04 and 05 hurricane seasons, my neighbors were out for weeks, I was only out long enough to fire up the generator.

My package is all DirecTV channels, but only one of the movie channel premiums (HBO). I have 5 boxes, two of them DVRs, and my bill is $107 a month.

I was actually pretty happy with Comcast when I lived in Broward. The Moto box was a decent HD-DVR and the price was a ton better. They added channels when they became available, and Rudy over in the FTL thread provided some good info to keep us informed.

But when I bought my own place in Boynton in July, Comphia (Comcast but really Adelphia) changed their pricing. So when I initially signed up, I wanted a HD-DVR and was paying $18.95 for that. My new roommate wanted a regular DVR (didn't need HD), but they didn't even have an option to get one that's cheaper so I was paying another $19.95 (I think it was more for the 2nd one) for his. That was just ridiculous for 2 HD-DVRs (and one that didn't need to be). Paying $11.95 per month is fine, but a jump up to $18.95 starts to get bad. I would have been paying about $160 plus (internet included) for HD and 2 premiums after the promo ended. So the D* pricing started to become a lot more appealing to me.

After my 3 month Comphia TV promo ran out, I decided to switch. I was a returning customer to Directv (D*) and had them for 1 year customer before, so I don't know how much that played a part in me getting some credits to rejoining. I wanted a HD-DVR, HD receiver, regular DVR and a regular receiver. I was able to get the HD receiver and regular DVR for free (2 $100 credits). I did have to pay $199.99 for D*'s HR20, but after I factored in the cost of what Comphia was charging I didn't mind it so much. I tried every which way to get it for free or less, but they wouldn't budge on the price. But at least I scored the HD receiver and regular DVR for free. And I must say, compared to the SA8300HD the HR20 is like Tivo. It's that good. Definitely worth paying for IMO.

I still don't like some things about D*. Like the leasing of the equipment (after paying for it). That's ridiculous to me. I also don't like the 2 year commitment. The pricing is still a bit too high for my taste.

But at least now I can get all the programming I want and not be frustrated with Comphia not adding channels and missing TBS HD in the MLB playoffs. I also really wanted the Big 10 Network and that was the main reason I switched. It was obvious Comcast was going to reach an agreement anytime soon and I needed it to watch Penn State (football and basketball) play. Plus, who knew when Comphia would ever add their HD channels. So I jumped on D*'s NFL promo before the half of the season and I must admit, it's a great promo for the price. I don't really need the Sunday ticket (I became a Dolphin fan since I moved to FL from PA) but the 4 months of their total access for the Sunday ticket is a great deal. After that I'll prob switch to the 150 plan and decide if I still want any premiums. So even though D*'s prices are left to be desired, at least I won't be frustrated with Comphia not adding any HD channels.

P.S. Sorry for the long rant, but I wanted to get that off my chest. :rolleyes: :p :)

Comcast subscribers....Check today's newspaper(Local section in the Palm Beach Post for me) for "Important Rate Information" effective 1/1/2008....


Happy Thanksgiving...

Comcast subscribers....Check today's newspaper(Local section in the Palm Beach Post for me) for "Important Rate Information" effective 1/1/2008....


Happy Thanksgiving...
If anyone can find a link to this on the Palm Beach Post web site, please post it.

If anyone can find a link to this on the Palm Beach Post web site, please post it.

I just searched the web site....www.palmbeachpost.com and I could not find it, i cannot even scan it, it's so big...it's an ad, not an article

Can you give us a summary? My guess prices going up but no mention of any new HD channels anytime soon.

Can you give us a summary? My guess prices going up but no mention of any new HD channels anytime soon.

Yah pretty much...here it is....its not my best work...

Wow looking at Stew's document, as a Directv subscriber I'd have to pay at least $35 more per month if I switched to Comcast. DVR fees per unit? HD fees are crazy

The Directv mirroring/leased receiver fees are a bargain compared to this.

An FCC fee of 6 cents sort of says it all. Wikipedia ought to list that as a defnition of nickel and diming someone.

Unless you are hostage to a bulk rate agreement in your community it may make sense.
Left Adelphia over 8 years ago and this reaffirms my decision.

Yah pretty much...here it is....its not my best work...
Thank you. Your work looks great!

I had been getting away with 2 HD/DVR's for the price of one, but they figured it out....looks like D* will be called, but they will have to do better than 300 bucks upfront for the equipment...

and yes it really bothers me that they raise the rates with no mention of new HD channels...if they had at least given a time frame for new HD, i might hang on, but they didn't and you can call 4 different CSR's and get 4 different answers as to new HD channels....

hmmm... looking at the Comcast Ad/ Price Increase sheet, I didnt see a listing for the HD package... I am always confused by this (especially as nobody I ever speak with at ComCast has the right or rather same answers) - I have the Standard Basic Service currently, so to get the HD channels (I dont really care about the other digital channels in the Digital Entertainment Tier) I have to have the Digital Starter Package minimal plus the HD package? which would be $59.95 plus DVR/HD box (cost???) plus HD package ($15 i believe???)... any other "hidden" fees JUST to get the HD channels (channels 401 to 440)???

hmmm... looking at the Comcast Ad/ Price Increase sheet, I didnt see a listing for the HD package... I am always confused by this (especially as nobody I ever speak with at ComCast has the right or rather same answers) - I have the Standard Basic Service currently, so to get the HD channels (I dont really care about the other digital channels in the Digital Entertainment Tier) I have to have the Digital Starter Package minimal plus the HD package? which would be $59.95 plus DVR/HD box (cost???) plus HD package ($15 i believe???)... any other "hidden" fees JUST to get the HD channels (channels 401 to 440)???

I don't have my Bill in front of me, it's at the office. i will look at it tomorrow and see if I can help with your questions

Edit: From what i can tell the HD package fee and/or DVR Fee, is included in the monthly cost of having the box(HD or HD/DVR), although in the new pricing I do not see a fee if you ONLY get an HD box. I will say that at least at D* website they give you the exact costs(excluding taxes)

What's up with Channel 42-1 now? Usually, after 8:00 p.m., they have High Definition programming until 6:00 a.m. I've checked every evening and early morning, and it is 480i on all three channels. Is it no more HD until you give money?????

Wally. WXEL has never worked right for me since day one. Have they ever gotten their audio-sync correct? I never watch them so I don't know.

42-1 has been so miserable, I switched to 2.1 out of Miami. I even tweaked my antenna to favor Miami stations in general. If it wasn't for channel 5 news in HD, I'd quit on the WPB market altogether, as far as delivering a stable, reliable, OTA digital signal.

New channel HD West Palm Beach CW and also in Standard Definition Miami Americateve 41.

New HD channel eh ? Called "Miami Americateve" ? That's not a misspelling ?

New channel HD West Palm Beach CW and also in Standard Definition Miami Americateve 41.
Is it in English? :rolleyes:

Yeah Comcast finally adds a new HD channel, it's only the CW but at least it's something. They removed Channel 402 which just colored lines on the screen for 3 months (can't figure why it ever showed up to begin with).

http://www.americateve.com/

Yeah Comcast finally adds a new HD channel, it's only the CW but at least it's something. They removed Channel 402 which just colored lines on the screen for 3 months (can't figure why it ever showed up to begin with).

I think 402 carried one football game, it was the opening weekend of College football and it showed the Ole Miss game in HD...thought it was going to be CSS-HD, then maybe Sun Sports HD, since FSN is 401, but they seem to mixing 401, It's been showing Heat(Sun) & Panthers(FSN) games in HD recently

Not sure if it's a good sign that they had to remove an HD channel to add one, though

402 isn't showing up yet on our Comcast Guide.

402 was removed it was basically only colored lines for a few months. Maybe they will bring us the rest of the channels that Broward and Miami-Dade have such as Cinemax HD and Food Network HD.

Thanks clfnote. I should have looked at the rest of the guide before assuming that the CW took the place of 402. I hadn't seen it at 435.

Who knows if it really replaced it or not. They might have just been adding CW anyway and realized 402 was an utter waste and removed it because many (including myself) sent complaints as to why there was a channel showing up in the HD tier that shows nothing.

Did anyone else notice that Fox 29 last night announced they are building new HD studios to upgrade their newscast?

I was wondering if News 12 and Fox 29 both share the same studio, so they might both go to HD in the next few weeks....

That would make WPB DMA (#38) with at least 3 HD stations, compared to the Miami
DMA (#16) with none, zip, zero....

I don't count WSVN or WPLG's hideous stretch-o-vision that might fool some people.

Walt

With Channel 12 doing Channel 29's news, I really don't think you can say it is three channels. However, I'm really surprised that Channel 25 didn't get on the HD bandwagon, seeing that they have the younger anchors.

WPEC said on their newscast tonight that they are redoing their set for when they go HD.

Maybe that is what's wrong with the WPB market - spending all their money on window dressing and none on broadcast technology.

I have a Dish HD 722 DVR and of course I record shows to the hard drive to watch later. BUT how do I copy a recorded show from the 722 to a DVD recorder? Can it be done after the fact or must it be copied to the DVD recorder as the show is playing much like the way we used to copy stuff to VHS tapes before DVR's came on the scene? Is all I have to buy a DVD player that will also record? I have heard that there are now a LOT of things that you can't record?
Thanks - Terry

yes it would be the same as a VCR

if you're running out of internal hard drive space but an external usb hard drive and move stuff to that

much better solution

Thanks bgall.

I was asking because I would like to copy things to DVD's to save special shows and not worry about losing them if the hard drive crashes or to take the DVD to my sons house to watch.

Also, HOW do I copy something that has been recorded to the DVR disk onto a DVD?

That's also a VCR like operation

Hi, all. I'm a West Palm Beach Comcast subscriber and I want my HDTV (channels)! I'm really at wits end because DirectTV's mega HD line-up vs. Comcast current count of 20 HD channels... and I don't want to go satellite! Okay, I can understand that Comcast will eventually catch up, adding new HD channels as they make more bandwidth available... But their announced additions for what is planned next (HGTV and TBS) is giving me a bleeding ulser! And OOCH.... I mean it looks like bandwidth for at least two new HD additions has now become available, but to waste it on HGTV and TBS is the most torturous thing this company can possibly do to its customers! I mean are they for real? Tell me I'm just having a bad dream and will be awoken soon to learn of good news of useful HD additions such as THE HISTORY CHANNEL HD so that I would be able to watch my favorite shows such as Monster Quest and The Universe in all its HD glory! The Science Channel HD and Animal Planet HD would be nice too, as would teh Sci-fi Channel HD, AMC HD, and so on... But prioritizing HGTV HD before History Channel HD!?!? Comcast's reasoning better be about contractual obligations to Scripts Howard (HGTV's owner) related to rights for carrying Script's WPB NBC affiliate, channel 5.... (deep breath) Okay, maybe this is the reason... and, if so, History Channel HD should be in an up-coming batch of new HD channels after that, but if I see the Weather Channel HD in that next batch and no History HD, Comcast will be history. Comments?

When did they announce HGTV and TBS? Personally me and the wife love HGTV and I would like the Food Network on top of that. These channels actually make more sense as they were contracted with Comcast long before the new Discovery channels, History, Sci-Fi, etc... It seems our area takes a long time to get channels Comcast contracted with.

I'd be happy if they would just add Cinemax HD. It's kinda rediculous that can't seem to offer it in HD when they are currently broadcasting 2 identical channels of Showtime HD, Starzs HD and HBO HD.

Seriously, WTF!

I'd be happy if they would just add Cinemax HD. It's kinda rediculous that can't seem to offer it in HD when they are currently broadcasting 2 identical channels of Showtime HD, Starzs HD and HBO HD.

Seriously, WTF!

FSNHD
ESPNHD
ESPN2HD
VSGLFHD
TNTHD
MOJO
UHD
A&EHD
MHD
HDTHEATER
NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC HD
HGTVHD
TBSHD
WPLGHD
WTVJHD
WFORHD
WSVNHD
WSFLHD
WPBTHD
CINEMAXHD
HBOHD
SHOWTIMEHD
STARZHD
NHLHD
HDPPV
FREE HD MOVIES ONDEMAND
HD ONDEMAND
HD PREMIUM CHANNELS ONDEMAND
HD MUSIC ONDEMAND
NBAHD

Scheduled to be added next, FOOD NETWORK HD. I expect that once the necessary national contracts are finalized, the "new" Discovery Channels (Animal Planet HD, Science HD, Discovery HD, etc.) will eventually be added in 2008.

I'm well aware of what they get in Broward. I just try and not think about it.

I'm well aware of what they get in Broward. I just try and not think about it.

If you're a former Adelphia customer, you can rest assured that once the necessary equipment upgrades are completed your lineup will be similar to that available in Fort Lauderdale. We had to wait a very long time to get to where we are now, but I'm confident your patience will be rewarded. Personally, I want MANY MORE HD channels....I haven't watched SD for the last five years, and I'm totally frustrated at the lack of content. ;)

FSNHD
ESPNHD
ESPN2HD
VSGLFHD
TNTHD
MOJO
UHD
A&EHD
MHD
HDTHEATER
NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC HD
HGTVHD
TBSHD
WPLGHD
WTVJHD
WFORHD
WSVNHD
WSFLHD
WPBTHD
CINEMAXHD
HBOHD
SHOWTIMEHD
STARZHD
NHLHD
HDPPV
FREE HD MOVIES ONDEMAND
HD ONDEMAND
HD PREMIUM CHANNELS ONDEMAND
HD MUSIC ONDEMAND
NBAHD

Scheduled to be added next, FOOD NETWORK HD. I expect that once the necessary national contracts are finalized, the "new" Discovery Channels (Animal Planet HD, Science HD, Discovery HD, etc.) will eventually be added in 2008.

I've got most of the channels you listed above, except of course, the OnDemand:( After months of back and forth e-mails with Comcast, I actually got a call from them :eek: and they said OnDemand would be here in January 2008.:rolleyes:

I'm wondering though how you know which HD channel is coming next. Is it just the Food Network that is going to be added or will there be other channels to go along with it? In the HD channel range (400s) there seem to be channel gaps. Would one new HD channel fit in the space between 401 and 403 or is more space required?

Funny thing is, when I first moved here from Ft. Lauderdale in '97, Comcast was my cable provider. They made a customer swap with Adelphia in '99 and now here I am back with Comcast. What I really miss since Comcast recently took over are HDNet and HDNet Movies.

As cb2367 has said, we pretty much have what you have in Broward. What is lacking and matters the most compared to Broward are the HD OnDemand/HD Premium OnDemand channels and Cinemax HD. I watch very little commercial programming. Especially when it comes to movies. I hate the editing and interruptions and try to stay with just the premium channels.

Hopefully we won't have to wait too much longer.

I dropped cable 8 years ago and have never looked back. Aside from all the usual arguments, how can you guys put up with their abysmal post-hurricanes performances ? My neighbors were out for weeks after all of them, and had limited service for months after Wilma.

Strack - PBS stations broadcast the time sync signal. Channel 42 Over-The-Air should work for you in Lake Worth.

Just a warning: some channels also broadcast what appears to be a time sync signal...but its off by hours and days. I think Bravo might be an offender..or TBS or TNT...

Okay, here's the situation here in PBC. After the Rigas scandal at Adelphia (in which the founding family put hundreds of millions of dollars on the books as going to upgrades but instead spent the money illegally to build private leasure for themselves - like private golf courses) and after Rigas and his sons were all arrested, Adelphia's new court-appointed management team decided to do what the Rigas' promised to do in the first place -- upgrade the systems and they built a true interactive high-tech fiber-to-the-curb system. And despite Adelphia's poor credit (being bancrupt and all) some how the new management team convinced Scientific Atlanta to finance them SA's most advanced set-top box (which costs hundreds per customer). With the upgraded systems and a state-of-the-art settop box, new management reasoned that they would be able to sell off these systems at a premium price. The takers: Comcast and Time Warner, both agreeing to pay a high premium for these upgraded systems.

Now, here's the problem. Comcast recently upgraded their systems too, but chose different vendors with different equipment and different standards. For instance, the Comcast systems use Motorola boxes, which are not compatible with code written to work with the SA boxes. With the SA boxes financed by the former Adelphia systems, Comcast now is obligated to pay that debt. So, it would be a money-losing effort for Comcast to also buy new Motorola boxes for the former Adelphia customers, but that would be necessary if Comcast were to give former Adelphia customers a carbon copy of all the services of their other systems. It's an unfortunate situation, I think.

If I am getting non HD versions of my ComCrap channels (part of my basic package where I live) and SOME HD (ABC CBS NBC FOX CW) without a decoder, will the FCC requirement to go all digital by 2009(?) mean that Comcrap (the turtleneck network...I hate those ads!) will have to provide HD channels for free after the legislated date? Or will those dorks just upconvert(?) mediocre (by modern standards) analog satellite feeds from providers to digital NTSC?

Oh, by the way -- A&E HD gets a black screen now here. Am I the only one having this problem? Anyone else experiencing this?

HD and digital are two separate things. OTA needs to be digital by Feb of 09. That does not mean in any way, shape, or form, that this necessarily will be HD.

If I am getting non HD versions of my ComCrap channels (part of my basic package where I live) and SOME HD (ABC CBS NBC FOX CW) without a decoder, will the FCC requirement to go all digital by 2009(?) mean that Comcrap (the turtleneck network...I hate those ads!) will have to provide HD channels for free after the legislated date? Or will those dorks just upconvert(?) mediocre (by modern standards) analog satellite feeds from providers to digital NTSC?

Parrot, cable companies are required to retransmit all local bradcast digital (including HD) without scrambling them, according to the new regulations. However, they can scramble the rest of the channels, including basic cable. Before this requirement, Comcast carried about half of the local digital broadcasts and had a few good basic cable HD channels unscrambled. When the new requirements went into effect, Comcast added the rest of the local digital broadcast (unscrambled) and SCRAMBLED any basic cable HD channels that previously weren't scrambled (I'm not happy about this)! Also, the new regulations do not specify any standards in which retransmitted local broadcast channels are to be carried (other than that they can not be scrambled)... So, Comcast chose to carry them using QAM, which is not compatible with ATSC (the standard compatible with all digital TV's with built-in tuners)!

Let's not lose sight of the fact that this area is rich in easily obtained digital OTA signals right now. A simple antenna, ranging from set-top to attic, to rooftop, will get you quite a choice, including all the majors. I am able to get, from my location, with a low profile wing-type antenna on my roof, 53 digital OTA channels, from both the WPB and Miami markets. You don't need the local cable monopoly for locals, period.

Good news! Fox 29 went HD last night here on Comcast. Up until now, Fox 29's HD channel on Comcast had SD upconverted to 720p. As of last night, programs were broadcasted in its native format of 720p.

Does anyone think that some day we will see 1080p over cable?

HD and digital are two separate things. OTA needs to be digital by Feb of 09. That does not mean in any way, shape, or form, that this necessarily will be HD.

I knew I was underinformed. Thanks for the clarification.

Parrot, cable companies are required to retransmit all local bradcast digital (including HD) without scrambling them, according to the new regulations. However, they can scramble the rest of the channels, including basic cable. Before this requirement, Comcast carried about half of the local digital broadcasts and had a few good basic cable HD channels unscrambled. When the new requirements went into effect, Comcast added the rest of the local digital broadcast (unscrambled) and SCRAMBLED any basic cable HD channels that previously weren't scrambled (I'm not happy about this)! Also, the new regulations do not specify any standards in which retransmitted local broadcast channels are to be carried (other than that they can not be scrambled)... So, Comcast chose to carry them using QAM, which is not compatible with ATSC (the standard compatible with all digital TV's with built-in tuners)!

OK. So my fancy HDTV can't see them without a settop box or a CableCard? My TV has both QAM/ATSC tuners built in.

BTW, the last time I asked about a cableCard, I got a "deer in the headlights" dumb look at the Comcast office.

Anything is possible, but 1080p requires a stupendous amount of bandwidth, and is not currently among the standards defined for HD broadcast.

Good news! Fox 29 went HD last night here on Comcast. Up until now, Fox 29's HD channel on Comcast had SD upconverted to 720p. As of last night, programs were broadcasted in its native format of 720p.

Does anyone think that some day we will see 1080p over cable?

OK. So my fancy HDTV can't see them without a settop box or a CableCard?

BTW, the last time I asked about a cableCard, I got a "deer in the headlights" dumb look at the Comcast office.

OR... if your new fancy HDTV's built-in tuner is capable of receiving what they call "clear QAM" (unscrambled QAM). Many of the newer model HDTV's have tuners that can receive both ATSC and Clear QAM.

Gonna sound like a broken record here - ATSC OTA - get it straight, as unprocessed and un bit-starved as the average person is ever going to get it. You coulda had Fox HD for a long time before ComCrap ever deigned to supply it to you.

Anything is possible, but 1080p requires a stupendous amount of bandwidth, and is not currently among the standards defined for HD broadcast.

I mean that would be a great counter strategy to fight satellite.... Or at least offer 1080p as on-demand programming!

Comcast will soon have "unlimitted bandwidth". In some areas, they have begun testing a new technology called "switched video". Switched video switches any two pairs of live video streams from an unlimitted number of possible broadcasters to any receiver on the network and allows for a video stream to be up-transmitted, if desired. This technology works like an old fashioned phone network switch, but instead of an analog 2-way voice switch, it uses 2-way digital video switching technology.

Comcast's CEO recently said that he's put development and nation-wide roll-out of this new technology into the fast lane and is a high priority.

I will never go back to Comcast, period. Years of lousy service with poor analogs, limited digital choices, and abysmal performance post hurricanes are among my peeves. That being said, make sure you understand the limitations inherent to their proposed switched video before you assume they will end up with unlimited bandwidth.