Channel 12 didn't want digital channel 12 because there is a more powerful station in Tampa on that frequency so they stayed with 13. WPTV took digital channel 12 because they said, it was the only thing left.

However, when WPEC went to the FCC and asked to double their power, it was granted. When WPTV ask to double their power, it was denied.

WPEC was the winner in this ball game. Even though their tower is 300 feet shorter than WPTV's, their signal and coverage area is almost the same as WPTV's.

Same thing with Channel 29. They broadcast on digital 28 because there is a stronger station from Tampa on 29. Great choice. I've picked up that station in Fort Pierce, but I've never had an issue with WFLX, 61 miles away.OK, that explains why WPEC is on 13, but there was literally nothing left on either VHF or UHF for WPTV? Sort of hard to believe.

But all this just points to the fact that the FCC totally dropped the ball for the digital conversion.

OK, that explains why WPEC is on 13, but there was literally nothing left on either VHF or UHF for WPTV? Sort of hard to believe.

But all this just points to the fact that the FCC totally dropped the ball for the digital conversion.

The FCC removed channels 52-69 from the broadcast spectrium. I was travelling all over Europe this summer and noticed that everyone had a small UHF antenna. In Europe, Channels 2-13 are gone, and everyone uses 14-69.
All it takes is one small antenna above the house.

Furthermore, channel 14 doesn't work well for broadcasting and channel 37 is reserved and can not be used. Digital 27 in Orlando knocks out WXEL 20% of the time in the Ft. Pierce area and even more in the Vero Beach area.

There's a digital channel 31 in Miami, Ft. Myers and Ft. Pierce. The digital 31 in Miami knocks out the digital 31 in Ft. Pierce about 20% of the time.

Last night WPLG from Miami came in at 88% strength. This morning, I couldn't pick them up.

People in Miami/Dade, Broward, and Palm Beach fair a lot better than those of us living between the Orlando and West Palm Beach markets.

WWCI-CA (ch-10) in Vero Beach has gone digital, showing up as ch-10.1. I’m not sure when it happened, but it couldn’t have been more than a week or so ago, maybe just days ago. They still don’t have any programming data, or even a station ID, just video and audio data.

WWCI-CA (ch-10) in Vero Beach has gone digital, showing up as ch-10.1. I’m not sure when it happened, but it couldn’t have been more than a week or so ago, maybe just days ago. They still don’t have any programming data, or even a station ID, just video and audio data.

I can't pick them up in Fort Pierce--I tried today. However, WPLG in Miami came in at 88% over the weekend. According to www.tvfool.com, their (Vero Beach channel) power is .300 KW. Even Channel 5 has more power than that!

I sat down to watch 60 Minutes last night and at 7:00 p.m., the thunderstorms were still going strong. The dropouts on WPEC were incredible! I finally had to change the channel, and I watched the old people sing on WXEL.

By the way, what is going to happen to WXEL if the school board of Palm Beach buys the channel. Will it be more like WLRN in Miami (Channel 17-1)? This will mean that Miami/Dade, Broward and Palm Beach counties have their own school board channel on the air.

Channel 21-1 is suppose to be an Educational Channel for the Treasure Coast but the religious station has that station and plays three hours of educational programming each week to keep the license alive.

Channel 5 tells me that no one in Port St. Lucie is having trouble picking up their station in the morning hours. They can even get it with rabbit ears. Is that so, Port St. Lucie?

I can't pick them up in Fort Pierce--I tried today. However, WPLG in Miami came in at 88% over the weekend. According to www.tvfool.com, their (Vero Beach channel) power is .300 KW. Even Channel 5 has more power than that!

I sat down to watch 60 Minutes last night and at 7:00 p.m., the thunderstorms were still going strong. The dropouts on WPEC were incredible! I finally had to change the channel, and I watched the old people sing on WXEL.

By the way, what is going to happen to WXEL if the school board of Palm Beach buys the channel. Will it be more like WLRN in Miami (Channel 17-1)? This will mean that Miami/Dade, Broward and Palm Beach counties have their own school board channel on the air.


I see that they have two 300 watt digital entries. One has a shaped antenna coverage pattern, and excludes Ft. Pierce, but the other one is an omni and goes all the way down to PSL. I don’t know which one they're using right now (I’m close, I’d get it no matter what), so maybe you’ll eventually be able to receive it. No big deal though, it’s basically nothing but commercials and girl talk. Still kind of a lame station.

My WPEC reception has become totally unreliable, I use WKMG almost exclusively these days. WPTV is borderline, but on the bad side of the border unfortunately. Nights are sometimes acceptable, but it’s mostly 50/50 and I don’t have a ‘backup’ NBC. They both seem to have deteriorated a lot since 6/12. I just assumed it was due to summertime atmospherics, but could by either my setup, or theirs, just simply not doing as well as a couple months ago.

WXEL is the worst PBS station I’ve ever seen (but they all seem to be going down hill these days). The only reason I watch it is that it has a very strong signal on W31DC-D (when it’s up). WMFE is better, and WDSC is good too. I like WBCC ok but they don’t have any HD, so it’s the bottom of the lineup for me. I rarely get WLRN, but at night is seems to have the regular PBS lineup (am I wrong?). If WXEL changes owerns, seems the worst it could do is go sideways, there isn’t much worse to get.

I see that they have two 300 watt digital entries. One has a shaped antenna coverage pattern, and excludes Ft. Pierce, but the other one is an omni and goes all the way down to PSL. I don’t know which one they're using right now (I’m close, I’d get it no matter what), so maybe you’ll eventually be able to receive it. No big deal though, it’s basically nothing but commercials and girl talk. Still kind of a lame station.

My WPEC reception has become totally unreliable, I use WKMG almost exclusively these days. WPTV is borderline, but on the bad side of the border unfortunately. Nights are sometimes acceptable, but it’s mostly 50/50 and I don’t have a ‘backup’ NBC. They both seem to have deteriorated a lot since 6/12. I just assumed it was due to summertime atmospherics, but could by either my setup, or theirs, just simply not doing as well as a couple months ago.

WXEL is the worst PBS station I’ve ever seen (but they all seem to be going down hill these days). The only reason I watch it is that it has a very strong signal on W31DC-D (when it’s up). WMFE is better, and WDSC is good too. I like WBCC ok but they don’t have any HD, so it’s the bottom of the lineup for me. I rarely get WLRN, but at night is seems to have the regular PBS lineup (am I wrong?). If WXEL changes owerns, seems the worst it could do is go sideways, there isn’t much worse to get.

I'll be glad when these thunderstorms are over. They are killing the VHF reception. Why would a television station in Florida want VHF. They sound like AM radio during a thunderstorm.

Check out this link: www.hdtvantennalabs.com/reviews/Winegard-YA-1713-reviews.html

This is the highest rated VHF antenna on the market. Very directional. Good luck. Vero Beach is past the line of sight point for West Palm and Orlando, so if you are picking up these stations, it's on a bounce.

Comcast is now issuing the new Cisco RNG-200HD/DVR set top box in lieu of the 8300HD/DVR in this area. Its appearance is better but I would hate to swap out my 8300 which gives me no problem, for a new box that could have issues. I am interested in knowing if anyone is using one and if they are satisfied.

EDIT: After visiting a Comcast office to pick up this box, I decided against it. The appearance of the box is not better. It is still the same color as the 8300 which appears to me as a yellowish silver. The inputs and outputs are exactly the same except there are no composite outputs on the front. Of course the rep had no idea if it contained a newer software version or any other improvements. I have also read a lot of negative feedback about the RNG-200, i.e. different guide, problems with freezing picture, etc. I'll stick with the 8300 until I hear more from posters, on this area's system, that may be forced to use it.

I was wondering if anyone in the Martin County area has one of the Comcast bundles that includes HDTV (cable), Internet, and Comcast Voice (VOIP) telephone who also has- or has had- recent experience with DISH HDTV channels. My questions:

HDTV
Is Comcast HDTV quality worse-same-better than DISH HDTV channel quality?
Is there any HD channel features (VOD?) that is meaningfully better than what you can get with DISH?

Internet
Is Comcast internet pretty reliable vs. AT&T DSL? I used to have it but it went down fairly regularly. And during bad storms, I could lose internet for several days. I know it is much faster than DSL, but DSL almost never seems to go down. So how about Comcast (these days)?

Voice
Is Comcast Voice a pretty good quality experience vs. AT&T?
Local & long distance good? Inbound and outbound calling work well?
Can you fax with it? send & receive?
Alarm systems work?
Has anyone ported their AT&T number and then had trouble getting it ported elsewhere/back?

Due to our HOA embedding a core cable package in the agreement, the (upgrade?) offer for all 3 of the above is coming in at $55/month which is including 6Mbs Internet & 2 phone lines (plus porting).

I already have DISH and am pretty happy with it, but I would like faster Internet and I'd love to get rid of AT&T for phone service. If I could swap out the internet and phone service- even with ambiguous taxes, etc on phone- I would expect total monthly costs to drop by about 50%. Online reviews of the phone service has incredible praise and absolute disdain, but Comcast markets & technology covers a very broad area. We're on the old Adelphia setup, so I am particularly interested in hearing from people with experience with these 3 things in Martin County. I'd much prefer to hear about real experiences as opposed to "I've heard..." experiences.

Thanks for any answers

Internet
Is Comcast internet pretty reliable vs. AT&T DSL? I used to have it but it went down fairly regularly. And during bad storms, I could lose internet for several days. I know it is much faster than DSL, but DSL almost never seems to go down. So how about Comcast (these days)?

Voice
Is Comcast Voice a pretty good quality experience vs. AT&T?
Local & long distance good? Inbound and outbound calling work well?
Can you fax with it? send & receive?
Alarm systems work?
Has anyone ported their AT&T number and then had trouble getting it ported elsewhere/back?

Due to our HOA embedding a core cable package in the agreement, the (upgrade?) offer for all 3 of the above is coming in at $55/month which is including 6Mbs Internet & 2 phone lines (plus porting).

I already have DISH and am pretty happy with it, but I would like faster Internet and I'd love to get rid of AT&T for phone service. If I could swap out the internet and phone service- even with ambiguous taxes, etc on phone- I would expect total monthly costs to drop by about 50%. Online reviews of the phone service has incredible praise and absolute disdain, but Comcast markets & technology covers a very broad area. We're on the old Adelphia setup, so I am particularly interested in hearing from people with experience with these 3 things in Martin County. I'd much prefer to hear about real experiences as opposed to "I've heard..." experiences.

Thanks for any answers

I question the premise that Comcast is faster than DSL. Do you have 6MB DSL service?

When DSL became available (3 MB ), I tried it along side Comcast. To my surprise, DSL browsing was noticeably faster. A tracer route showed comcast router delays in the Miami area that Bell South did not have. Since this was 6-7 years ago this may be no longer germane. I now have 6 MB DSL and can watch full speed Netflix streaming while my wife uses SKYPE for international calls without a hiccup. It doesn't seem like DSL speed is an issue.

Before you make a decision for digital voice, take a look at OOMA.

IRT to porting, about six months ago I called AT&T to cancel my landline. They offered to reduce my DSL bill by $20 per month for 6 months if I kept the land line, which I agreed to since this made the line essentially free. Since my 6 months is almost up, if AT&T does not extend the offer I will port to OOMA.

When my HOA signed a contract with Adelphia, I dropped DirecTV and switched to cable. Although I think satellite is generally better than the current Comcast product, it's just not worth the price if you have an HOA deal.

The parent Company of Freedom Broadcasting—with Eight TV Stations—Expected to File Chapter 11 Bankruptcy Protection This Week

Freedom Communications, the parent company of Freedom Broadcasting, is expected to file a Chapter 11 bankrupcy reorganization this week, according to a number of published reports.
One of those reports is in the Orange County Register in Southern California, which is owned by Freedom Communications.

Freedom Broadcasting, led by president Doreen Wade, has eight TV stations.
In DMA size order (largest to smallest), the stations are:

WPEC, a CBS affiliate in West Palm Beach, Florida

WWMT, a CBS affiliate in Grand Rapids, Michigan

WRGB, a CBS affiliate in Albany, New York

WCWN, a CW affiliate, also in Albany, New York

WTVC, an ABC affiliate in Chattanooga, Tennessee

WLAJ, an ABC affiliate in Lansing , Michigan

KTVL, a CBS affiliate in Medford, Orgeon

KFDM, a CBS affliliate in Beaumont, Texas

The reports say the financial difficulty for Freedom started in 2004, when it had to borrow a significant of money to buy-out a number of family members who wanted to cash out of the closely held company.

Joel (as always- and I'm sure many people in this thread feel the same), thank you for the great reply. A few comments or answers...

No, AT&T can't get 6mb DSL to work where I am (max out at 3mb). I have definitely experienced the difference between the 2 (Comcast vs. AT&T) in the past, primarily when downloading bigger files (like downloading video via Apple TV or big software upgrades for the computers).

My experience is such that Comcast broadband is generally much faster. The one (big) fault is that a good storm could knock it out for up to several days in the past. If that pipe becomes our phone pipe, we would then lose phone for several days too (assuming Martin County Comcast internet still suffers such outages).

I have looked at OOMA (and many other solutions) for some time. If you have it, could you give me a quick review (especially what's wrong/weak with it). One of our needs is "free" calls to Canada, which apparently is not a a part of the OOMA package. We also must be able to send & receive faxes, and we need the alarm to still function. A big concern is related to porting the existing numbers, then being able to get them ported again if OOMA goes under (maybe parking the numbers with Google Voice is the ultimate answer?).

Lastly, could you elaborate on the last sentence (satt not worth it if you have a HOA deal)? Our HOA deal covers "basic", so this Comcast offer upgrades us to digital with a variety of HD channels. But I just can't absolutely get them to pin down exactly what channels are included (in writing), nor do I have any feel for the quality of HD channels on Comcast vs. the quality of HD channels on DISH (which I use now). Currently, I have the old DISH "Absolute" package, which includes most of the HD channels with a good DVR for $29.99/month (about $45 total with fees/taxes). So, I'm interested in how equivalent the Comcast package might be.

Right now, the package offer at $55/mo (probably around $70 with taxes/fees) would look considerably more interesting considering our AT&T bill (2 line phone & 3Mb DSL) is consistently totaling about $130/mo with DISH adding another $45. If that Comcast package has a pretty rich mix of HD channels, it would be like going from $175 to about $70 and maintaining good(???) or maybe some better(?) solutions for all 3 kinds of services.

I generally despise AT&T and Comcast and would really love a 3rd & 4th+ option, and feel like I am potentially making a deal with only a different devil after reading some online reviews, but the AT&T "robbery" is getting old, so maybe trying a different "bandit" is the way to go.

Thanks for any additional feedback. And, if anyone else- especially those in Martin County using these services from Comcast- could offer some insight on worse-same-better experiences, I'd love to hear from you.

I have looked at OOMA (and many other solutions) for some time. If you have it, could you give me a quick review (especially what's wrong/weak with it). One of our needs is "free" calls to Canada, which apparently is not a a part of the OOMA package. We also must be able to send & receive faxes, and we need the alarm to still function. A big concern is related to porting the existing numbers, then being able to get them ported again if OOMA goes under (maybe parking the numbers with Google Voice is the ultimate answer?).

Lastly, could you elaborate on the last sentence (satt not worth it if you have a HOA deal)? Our HOA deal covers "basic", so this Comcast offer upgrades us to digital with a variety of HD channels. But I just can't absolutely get them to pin down exactly what channels are included (in writing), nor do I have any feel for the quality of HD channels on Comcast vs. the quality of HD channels on DISH (which I use now). Currently, I have the old DISH "Absolute" package, which includes most of the HD channels with a good DVR for $29.99/month (about $45 total with fees/taxes). So, I'm interested in how equivalent the Comcast package might be.



You identified what could be he biggest OOMA problem. It is a small company and its longevity is uncertain However it is so much cheaper than Vonage the risk is small. BTW, the voice quality is super. Another negative is if you retain a land line you don't get caller ID unless it is provided by the land line company. Caller ID is required for OOMA selective call processing. I don't use OOMA for international calls. I also like the ability to control phone services such as call forwarding and voicemail via the internet.

I added the HD DVR and all the digital channels to comcast - no premium movies. All the locals are available via QAM and the STB. My comcast bill is $39. This also gives me VOD with lots of movies, but the interface is so clunky if I am looking for a movie I use Netflix streaming. Comcast HDTV quality is excellent, at least as good as D* was when I last subscribed 3-4 years ago.

Too bad you can't get 6MB DSL. It has been very reliable. Even worked when I lost my voice service last year.

I got DTV and for the last few days have noticed really loud bass with FS-HD when watching the Marlins HD games. Normally I would adjust the bass on my receiver, but the bass sounds fine on every other HD channel. It's pretty annoying and I was just wondering if you guys were experiencing it too.

The parent Company of Freedom Broadcasting—with Eight TV Stations—Expected to File Chapter 11 Bankruptcy Protection This Week

Freedom Communications, the parent company of Freedom Broadcasting, is expected to file a Chapter 11 bankrupcy reorganization this week, according to a number of published reports.
One of those reports is in the Orange County Register in Southern California, which is owned by Freedom Communications.

Freedom Broadcasting, led by president Doreen Wade, has eight TV stations.
In DMA size order (largest to smallest), the stations are:

WPEC, a CBS affiliate in West Palm Beach, Florida

WWMT, a CBS affiliate in Grand Rapids, Michigan

WRGB, a CBS affiliate in Albany, New York

WCWN, a CW affiliate, also in Albany, New York

WTVC, an ABC affiliate in Chattanooga, Tennessee

WLAJ, an ABC affiliate in Lansing , Michigan

KTVL, a CBS affiliate in Medford, Orgeon

KFDM, a CBS affliliate in Beaumont, Texas

The reports say the financial difficulty for Freedom started in 2004, when it had to borrow a significant of money to buy-out a number of family members who wanted to cash out of the closely held company.


They announced it last night on the news on Channel 12. Maybe the network will buy the station. It would be nice to have a network owned station in West Palm Beach.

Given that CBS sold off stations in markets of roughly the same size as West Palm Beach not too long ago, I'm going to suggest that it's unlikely that CBS buys WPEC.

- Trip

I would guess that they will just restructure their debt and keep on doing what they have always done.

Anyone notice Comcast added Channel 400 - CSSHD? Great another HD channel that shows virtually nothing to go along with that stupid channel that "shows" German radio broadcasts. :mad:

Anyone notice Comcast added Channel 400 - CSSHD? Great another HD channel that shows virtually nothing to go along with that stupid channel that "shows" German radio broadcasts. :mad:
Yes, it was added to my system. "University of Florida - PPV Games". The screen is blank right now.

Today, DirecTV added channel 34, WTVX to their HD lineup.

WXEL 42 HD was added to DirecTV as well.


I see WHDT 44 is there too.

I see WHDT 44 is there too.

WHDT is a waste of bandwidth, Comcast added this as well at it is pretty bad.

Anyone notice Comcast added Channel 400 - CSSHD? Great another HD channel that shows virtually nothing to go along with that stupid channel that "shows" German radio broadcasts. :mad:


We had the channel back in 2007, except it was on channel 402, not 400. It showed 2 Gator games that were out-of-market (I think) then disappeared forever.

See link from Stewpidity. As a funny aside, I randomly clicked a page on this thread and I actually went right to this page. Amazing luck! ;)

http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?p=11460111#post11460111

WXEL 42 HD was added to DirecTV as well.


I see WHDT 44 is there too.

About time!

I haven’t been getting WXEL (or W31DC-D or W44AY either), am I the only one? In its place, WRDQ comes in fairly reasonably now in Vero.

Also, WWCI disappeared, and of all things, WPLG showed up on 10.1 and 10.2. I can’t imagine any way WPLG could knock out the LP WWCI from where I live, even with the best of skip. The WWCI tower is only a little more than a mile from my house.

I rescanned hoping to replace WPLG with WWCI, but no luck, it’s gone. WXEL did scan in, but with a black screen (the old WRDQ conflict). W31DC-D did not scan in, and W44AY (analog) is also still missing.

Actually, I noticed 3 new HD channels. Channel 400 by the way was working for me today airing a game. The other two HD channels are 511 and 512 - iNHD1 and iNHD2. Nothing is showing on them now so I am assuming that they haven't activated them yet. I am also assuming these are pay per view channels due to their placements in the 500 range. Pay per view HD is actually good news because - unlike on demmand - you can record pay per view and keep it for as long as you don't erase it from your DVR hard drive!

Comcast is now issuing the new Cisco RNG-200HD/DVR set top box in lieu of the 8300HD/DVR in this area. Its appearance is better but I would hate to swap out my 8300 which gives me no problem, for a new box that could have issues. I am interested in knowing if anyone is using one and if they are satisfied.

EDIT: After visiting a Comcast office to pick up this box, I decided against it. The appearance of the box is not better. It is still the same color as the 8300 which appears to me as a yellowish silver. The inputs and outputs are exactly the same except there are no composite outputs on the front. Of course the rep had no idea if it contained a newer software version or any other improvements. I have also read a lot of negative feedback about the RNG-200, i.e. different guide, problems with freezing picture, etc. I'll stick with the 8300 until I hear more from posters, on this area's system, that may be forced to use it.

Here are the new box' specs: http://www.cisco.com/web/consumer/products/settop-rng200.html#~specifications

The hard drive is a downgrade, but here's some improvements I've noticed:

- Dual HD MPEG decoder (SA8000 series only decodes 1 HD stream at a time, or 1 HD + 1 SD, or 2 SD streams)

- 1080p HD decoding! SA8000 series does 720p or 1080i HD. This is a MAJOR
improvement. 1080p is Blu-ray quality. Albeit, no channels are broadcasting yet at 1080p and nothing is available in On Demmand in 1080p yet, but I assume up-converting would be available on the box and this allows the capability to view programs in 1080p whenever they become available!

- Graphics processor does 16 million colors. Graphics processor on the SA8000 series does only 64,000 colors. If you tune to the music channels in the 800 range, you can see the pixilation of the images using the 64K color graphics processor. At 16 million colors, the graphics will no longer look pixilated and will look photo-realistic!

...The hard drive is a downgrade, but here's some improvements I've noticed:

- Dual HD MPEG decoder (SA8000 series only decodes 1 HD stream at a time, or 1 HD + 1 SD, or 2 SD streams)...

What is the downgrade of the hard drive? Also, I don't understand the decoding capability you make reference to. I have the 8300HD and I can record two HD streams at the same time. Maybe I misunderstood you. Do you have this box and do you think it is worth exchanging the 8300 for it? After much research, I have found more negative than positive comments about the RNG-200. Please see this link concerning some negative feedback.
http://forums.cnet.com/5208-12542_102-0.html?threadID=312615

I rescanned hoping to replace WPLG with WWCI, but no luck, it’s gone. WXEL did scan in, but with a black screen (the old WRDQ conflict). W31DC-D did not scan in, and W44AY (analog) is also still missing.

I'm not getting WXEL on Digital 31 or Analog 44 either. I'm having trouble getting it on Digital 27 from West Palm Beach, too. WRDQ is the problem in Orlando. I called Jerry Carr at WXEL and left a phone message. I think WXEL should ask the FCC for a different channel to broadcast on. I also told him that both repeater signals are down.

What is the downgrade of the hard drive? Also, I don't understand the decoding capability you make reference to. I have the 8300HD and I can record two HD streams at the same time. Maybe I misunderstood you. Do you have this box and do you think it is worth exchanging the 8300 for it? After much research, I have found more negative than positive comments about the RNG-200. Please see this link concerning some negative feedback.
http://forums.cnet.com/5208-12542_102-0.html?threadID=312615

That's right. I was thinking actual HD outputs but the 8300 does record two HD streams at once.

The hard drive is a downgrade

Hard drive space is the same. It is nice to see they kept the ability to connect an external drive for extra recording capacity.

WD's MyDVR Expander to the rescue!;)

http://reviews.cnet.com/external-hard-drives/my-dvr-expander-wdg1s5000/4505-3190_7-32609584.html


- 1080p HD decoding! SA8000 series does 720p or 1080i HD. This is a MAJOR improvement. 1080p is Blu-ray quality. Albeit, no channels are broadcasting yet at 1080p and nothing is available in On Demmand in 1080p yet, but I assume up-converting would be available on the box and this allows the capability to view programs in 1080p whenever they become available!

The new stb can output a 1080P signal but only because it is doing the deinterlacing of the 1080i signal. Something which most medium to high end displays will likely be better at. I have my 8300's set to pass through the 480i, 720P and 1080i signals natively and let my displays do the heavy lifting.

Unfortunately, there won't be any 1080P material due to bandwidth constraints. Maybe when some enterprising company comes up with a better compression algorithm that is cost effective it will be possible. Just pray that the picture quality isn't degraded even further to bring you that pseudo 1080P singnal.

Actually, I noticed 3 new HD channels. Channel 400 by the way was working for me today airing a game. The other two HD channels are 511 and 512 - iNHD1 and iNHD2. Nothing is showing on them now so I am assuming that they haven't activated them yet. I am also assuming these are pay per view channels due to their placements in the 500 range. Pay per view HD is actually good news because - unlike on demmand - you can record pay per view and keep it for as long as you don't erase it from your DVR hard drive!


So what are they, regular PPV channels that show PPV events like fights, etc? I wonder if you can use them with a cable card.

I'm not getting WXEL on Digital 31 or Analog 44 either. I'm having trouble getting it on Digital 27 from West Palm Beach, too. WRDQ is the problem in Orlando. I called Jerry Carr at WXEL and left a phone message. I think WXEL should ask the FCC for a different channel to broadcast on. I also told him that both repeater signals are down.

I’m beginning to get a sickening feeling about those repeaters. The fact that both are off the air at the same time for so long makes me think it’s no accident. Personally, I think it would be easier (and wiser) for WRDQ to go back to 14 (I never saw the kind of interference they seem to be worried about) than WXEL trying to move, but whatever works would be a great improvement. For me, I now have no WXEL at all. Too bad, with the ole W31DC-D, it was a nice signal. Maybe someone can talk WPTV into moving over on W31DC-D if nobody’s going to use it. It’s already digital and ready to go.

I’m beginning to get a sickening feeling about those repeaters. The fact that both are off the air at the same time for so long makes me think it’s no accident. Personally, I think it would be easier (and wiser) for WRDQ to go back to 14 (I never saw the kind of interference they seem to be worried about) than WXEL trying to move, but whatever works would be a great improvement. For me, I now have no WXEL at all. Too bad, with the ole W31DC-D, it was a nice signal. Maybe someone can talk WPTV into moving over on W31DC-D if nobody’s going to use it. It’s already digital and ready to go.

There has been talk that Berry University might get rid of WXEL and the Palm Beach School Board will run the station. Not good news for the Treasure Coast. Channel 21 (WTCE) is suppose to be an educational station but the religious station broadcast a few hours of educational programming with their religious programs to keep the license.

Channel 5 has told me that they do not have the money to run a repeater signal on the Northern Treasure Coast. I guess a stronger signal in Broward County means more $$ from advertising.

My signals on both channel 5 and 12 run between 40% up to 98%--quite a fluxuation. Evenings are stronger with signals around 83%, but mornings are weak, with signals between 40% and 78%. The problem must be those Tampa stations.

My signals on both channel 5 and 12 run between 40% up to 98%--quite a fluxuation. Evenings are stronger with signals around 83%, but mornings are weak, with signals between 40% and 78%. The problem must be those Tampa stations.

My WPTV is about 50/50 (signal to no signal) in the daytime lately. With sunset coming earlier and earlier now, it is improving though. I really don’t watch the major networks in daytime much except for the morning and evening news. Things have to be going my way to get WPTV dependabley at 6:30 PM, maybe about 1 out of three days I’ll ‘sidetone’ WPTV while watching WPBF, then at 7:00 I’ll watch WKMG and WMFE or WDSC at the same time to get my news fix. By 8:00, everything’s pretty much opened up, even WPEC makes an appearance (but I don’t need it with Orlando’s much stronger WKMG). I’m hoping by the time daylight savings time goes away, everything should be fairly dependable by 6:30. I used to love daylight savings time, but now that I’m an OTA’er, I hate it!

My WPTV is about 50/50 (signal to no signal) in the daytime lately. With sunset coming earlier and earlier now, it is improving though. I really don’t watch the major networks in daytime much except for the morning and evening news. Things have to be going my way to get WPTV dependabley at 6:30 PM, maybe about 1 out of three days I’ll ‘sidetone’ WPTV while watching WPBF, then at 7:00 I’ll watch WKMG and WMFE or WDSC at the same time to get my news fix. By 8:00, everything’s pretty much opened up, even WPEC makes an appearance (but I don’t need it with Orlando’s much stronger WKMG). I’m hoping by the time daylight savings time goes away, everything should be fairly dependable by 6:30. I used to love daylight savings time, but now that I’m an OTA’er, I hate it!luminance, what's your antenna setup and approximate distance from both WBP and Orlando towers? Please don't hesitate to go into detail. TIA.

luminance, what's your antenna setup and approximate distance from both WBP and Orlando towers? Please don't hesitate to go into detail. TIA.

The attached file gives probably more detail than you want, but it is complete. These two images show the antenna and mast.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v281/rclayramsey/array0509.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v281/rclayramsey/supports.jpg

After looking over that file, I’d put WPTV in the next lower category. These days it does not give dependable daytime reception.

WXEL did call me back and told me that they had a breakdown on their repeater transmitter. It is back up, however, it does show, in my opnion, that since the FCC removed channels 52-69 from the broadcast spectrium, stations will be broadcasting closer and closer to each other in the future. The FCC only wants stations to travel 55 miles--not 80 miles--and WXEL and WPTV, WPEC and WFLX will need to eventually move their transmitter to the Jupiter area so they can serve all of their market--not the Miami Ft. Lauderdale market.

I wouldn't be surprised if in a few years the FCC allowed Melbourne stations to broadcast on the same frequencies that the West Palm Beach stations are on.

Remember how Channel 2 in Orlando had to broadcast from Deltona because Orlando was too close to Miami's Channel 2? And now we have WXEL and WRDQ both broadcasting on Channel 27, just 150 miles apart.

The attached file gives probably more detail than you want, but it is complete. These two images show the antenna and mast.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v281/rclayramsey/array0509.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v281/rclayramsey/supports.jpg

After looking over that file, I’d put WPTV in the next lower category. These days it does not give dependable daytime reception.

My Channel 12 is just as strong as Channel 5, but channel 12 is often stronger at night. I guess you could say, NBC is the "Weakest Link."

Have you tried Channel 18 in Orlando? They carry the local channel 2's news (NBC) from Orlando. They broadcast on Digital 17.

Sometimes I can get WXEL at 90% signal strength, but on some mornings, I get nothing.

If your blood pressure goes up, just remember this quote:

"If a category 5 hurricane hit Vero Beach, and a bomb when off in downtown Vero killing 200 people, the breaking news on Channels 5 and 12 would be, 'West Palm Beach has fired their dog catcher.'"

Remember when they had the school bus accident in Indian River County. Channel 5 was live on the "Telephone" with film from an Orlando station. That's what I call "coverning a market."

Is WHDQ on the air? I checked twice on a friend's DirecTV and it wasn't.

The attached file gives probably more detail than you want, but it is complete. These two images show the antenna and mast.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v281/rclayramsey/array0509.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v281/rclayramsey/supports.jpg

After looking over that file, I’d put WPTV in the next lower category. These days it does not give dependable daytime reception.
That's a pretty impressive antenna array. What frequency is the lowest Yagi cut for, and what direction is it pointed?

Have you tried Channel 18 in Orlando? They carry the local channel 2's news (NBC) from Orlando. They broadcast on Digital 17.

Yes, my WKCF reception if reasonable, but WESH only puts the local news on WKCF. As far as I can tell, no NBC network stuff ever shows up there. Unfortunately, I don’t watch much local news other than weather.

"If a category 5 hurricane hit Vero Beach, and a bomb when off in downtown Vero killing 200 people, the breaking news on Channels 5 and 12 would be, 'West Palm Beach has fired their dog catcher.'"


Been there, done that. Francis and Jeanne. We’re getting clobbered and all West Palm is talking about is how it missed us, and everything’s fine. Since only West Palm stations survived (Orlando isn’t ‘getable’ from inside the house), there was very little detail on wind speed, movement or direction.

That's a pretty impressive antenna array. What frequency is the lowest Yagi cut for, and what direction is it pointed?

That’s channel 12 (WPTV), but it does ok on 13 (WPEC) fairly well, and sometimes even WPLG on 10 comes in. It’s pointed directly at WPTV.

That’s channel 12 (WPTV), but it does ok on 13 (WPEC) fairly well, and sometimes even WPLG on 10 comes in. It’s pointed directly at WPTV.

I have a similar setup, am using a 5 element ch 13 Yagi for VHF 12 & 13 which works fine for me.

Since you are having low signal problems, have you considered beefing up this antenna to a 10 element Yagi?

I have a similar setup, am using a 5 element ch 13 Yagi for VHF 12 & 13 which works fine for me.

Since you are having low signal problems, have you considered beefing up this antenna to a 10 element Yagi?

Yes, but the weight on the mast is already maxed out (actually too much), and the wind resistance is a little much for that lightweight mast too. With 10 elements, it’d really be sticking out there. Right now, I don’t have the material I would need to build a 10 element beam, maybe one day I’ll run across another old VHF antenna for parts.

Anybody have any experience with AT&T u-verse. I know people rave about FIOS over cable, and I guess u-verse is supposedly similar, but anyone have any real life experience?

Mine has yet to return at all. Please keep us posted!
Robin

I added cable 9 (WPEC analog) to my TVGOS channel list. Bingo! The next day all my guide information was displayed.

Anybody have any experience with AT&T u-verse. I know people rave about FIOS over cable, and I guess u-verse is supposedly similar, but anyone have any real life experience?

In most cases UV is different than FIOS as most installation are Fiber to Node and copper from the Node to the house. Right now to get 2HD/2SD streams you need to be <3500' from the node otherwise you get 1HD/3SD.

I have been using it since Dec and my view is:

Stream Limit - For my house 2/2 is working Ok but 3/2 would be perfect. Rumors are they will be doing a 3/2 or 3/1 config in the near future.

HD Picture Quality 4/5 - Good HD but not as good as high bandwidth cable or D*

SD Picture Quality 5/5 - better than I have seen on any other syste

Sound Quality 4/5 - They still have a few issues with sound drops in 5.1

DVR 5/5 - I love the whole house DVR it does not have as many functions as Tivo but works great for me

HD Channels 5/5 - pretty much everything you want they just added NFL Redzone

Internet - no problems running at same speed as my old DSL, see no problems moving to VDSL. Higher speeds can be bought bu 6/1 is good enough for me.

So did everyone check out WPBF's new news studio in... standard definition.

So did everyone check out WPBF's new news studio in... standard definition.
They will always be #3.:confused:

So did everyone check out WPBF's new news studio in... standard definition.

Agree its pretty sad. Until they added the dumb "HDTV" sidebars, their 480p video during the news was excellent. Now its worse than good analog.

I was very disappointed last night when I saw WPBF last night. Their news has become a junk yard with so many commercials. And still no Wide HDTV news. Maybe they could get Channel 5 to do their news, kinda what Channel 29 does.

Even though I don't get WPBF (they're too far north), I'm sure they can't be any worse than WFOR (4.1 in MIA/FTL). Local content is still fuzzy SD with horrible color. That said, the preseason Dolphin games were in HD, but I guess they couldn't bring the HD cameras back to the studio for their local news... ;)

Even though I don't get WPBF (they're too far north), I'm sure they can't be any worse than WFOR (4.1 in MIA/FTL).

I get both WPBF and WFOR here.. and yes... WPBF is worse in content and picture quality in my opinion.

The way that new channel 25 black anchor went on and on about how excited he was about the new set during teasers you would think that it was coming in super-duper HD and was built of solid gold.

The only time I miss living in Los Angeles is when I turn on the local news here. Amateurs.

Hard drive space is the same. It is nice to see they kept the ability to connect an external drive for extra recording capacity.

WD's MyDVR Expander to the rescue!;)

http://reviews.cnet.com/external-hard-drives/my-dvr-expander-wdg1s5000/4505-3190_7-32609584.html




The new stb can output a 1080P signal but only because it is doing the deinterlacing of the 1080i signal. Something which most medium to high end displays will likely be better at. I have my 8300's set to pass through the 480i, 720P and 1080i signals natively and let my displays do the heavy lifting.

Unfortunately, there won't be any 1080P material due to bandwidth constraints. Maybe when some enterprising company comes up with a better compression algorithm that is cost effective it will be possible. Just pray that the picture quality isn't degraded even further to bring you that pseudo 1080P singnal.

Um, my SA8300HDC's hard drive is 500GB, so this new box is a downgrade as far as HDD capacity goes.

Also, the satellite companies already have 1080p on demand (via DSL). I don't know if U-verse has as well. Point is... if the competition has it, it's only a matter of time before Comcast gets it.

Speaking of bandwidth, new technologies are pushing the urgency for bringing more of it. Besides 1080p broadcasts that will require a doubling of bandwidth, 3DTV is 'round the corner. 3D will require doubling the bandwidth as well. 3D at 1080p will require quadruple capacity. Add to that the "hundreds" of new HD channels that were promised....

What happened to Comcast's promise of Switched Digital Video (SDV)? I think they introduced it to a few areas a long time ago, but then stopped and nothing more has been heard since!

...Um, my SA8300HDC's hard drive is 500GB, so this new box is a downgrade as far as HDD capacity goes...

Is this correct? The HDD is 500GB?

Originally Posted by PeterAlt
...Um, my SA8300HDC's hard drive is 500GB, so this new box is a downgrade as far as HDD capacity goes...
Is this correct? The HDD is 500GB?

No.


http://www.cisco.com/en/US/prod/collateral/video/ps8611/ps8612/ps8613/product_data_sheet0900aecd806c6920.pdf

Is this new Cisco STB available for all of Palm Beach County? Reason I ask is there is a major stuttering problem going on with FOX and their broadcasting of sporting events. It is happening nationwide with various cable providers and seems to occur mainly with Scientific Atlanta STBs.

I added cable 9 (WPEC analog) to my TVGOS channel list. Bingo! The next day all my guide information was displayed.

Joel and others:
Last Wednesday I got a single download of TVGOS data via Comcast (analog-no box) which actually gave me listings for three days in the future. I scheduled two successful recordings but have had no data downloads since then.
I guess they ALMOST had it??
Ever hopeful!
Robin

Joel and others:
Last Wednesday I got a single download of TVGOS data via Comcast (analog-no box) which actually gave me listings for three days in the future. I scheduled two successful recordings but have had no data downloads since then.
I guess they ALMOST had it??
Ever hopeful!
Robin
I am still getting my data. It seems like cable 9 is the place to look.

Joel and others:
Last Wednesday I got a single download of TVGOS data via Comcast (analog-no box) which actually gave me listings for three days in the future. I scheduled two successful recordings but have had no data downloads since then.
I guess they ALMOST had it??
Ever hopeful!
Robin
As like Joel, I have been receiving TVGOS updates with no problem for my DVDR. A few weeks ago when entering the guide, I was presented with the page to re-select a channel lineup which included a choice for AT&T U-Verse. My host channel is still cable channel 9.

Is there anyone out there use Comcast Boca ClearQAM who has lost WPTV-DT and WFLX-DT in the last two days?

WPTV and WFLX are on the channel 81 QAM carrier.

COMCAST'S NEW HD CHANNEL ADDITIONS FOR FT. PIERCE, VERO BEACH, SEBASTIAN AND BREVARD COUNTY AS OF NOVEMBER 10, 2009

NEW! 395 TCM HD
NEW! 396 ESPNU HD
NEW! 397 CNN Headline News HD
NEW! 398 truTV HD
NEW! 423 CNN HD
NEW! 428 Fox News Channel HD
NEW! 429 AMC HD
NEW! 441 TWC HD
NEW! 442 Cartoon Network HD
NEW! 443 Nickelodeon HD
NEW! 450 Speed HD
NEW! 451 FX HD
NEW! 452 Spike HD
NEW! 453 Comedy Central HD
NEW! 457 E! HD
NEW! 458 Travel Channel HD
NEW! 459 Lifetime HD
NEW! 473 MTV HD
NEW! 474 VH-1 HD
NEW! 475 BET HD
NEW! 476 CMT HD
NEW! 478 NBA TV HD
NEW! 479 MLB Network HD

Maybe our announcement is forthcoming :mad:

Maybe our announcement is forthcoming :mad:
I called and asked about any time frame for this area was told that we should see additional HD channels by the end of the year. I'll believe it when I see it!

I called and asked about any time frame for this area was told that we should see additional HD channels by the end of the year. I'll believe it when I see it!

Where is Port Saint Lucie???:mad: I'll give it to comcast as they blow away the competition in HD PQ as I have had U-Verse and Directv in the last 3 months and no matter how many channels they offer their HD PQ is dredful in comparison to comcast (over compressed, soft, black crush). I just can't take only having 33 HD channels...I really would love to have fox news HD as that is the only SD channel I watch.

I thought we were all part of the same system as the ones mentioned above getting the new channels.

Those areas are legacy Comcast systems. They were not part of Adelphia.

Those areas are legacy Comcast systems. They were not part of Adelphia.
Maybe we should be called "Comphia:rolleyes:

Where is Port Saint Lucie???:mad: I'll give it to comcast as they blow away the competition in HD PQ as I have had U-Verse and Directv in the last 3 months and no matter how many channels they offer their HD PQ is dredful in comparison to comcast (over compressed, soft, black crush). I just can't take only having 33 HD channels...I really would love to have fox news HD as that is the only SD channel I watch.

Thanks for keeping me from the "dark" side.:D

I have been contemplating the Uverse dimension for a while, but if indeed we will get more HD, I will be able to resist!!!

J

DirecTV has gone over to MPEG4 with most of their HD channels now in the last 12 months or so. The days of over-compression and resolution reduction are largely over.

Where is Port Saint Lucie???:mad: I'll give it to comcast as they blow away the competition in HD PQ as I have had U-Verse and Directv in the last 3 months and no matter how many channels they offer their HD PQ is dredful in comparison to comcast (over compressed, soft, black crush). I just can't take only having 33 HD channels...I really would love to have fox news HD as that is the only SD channel I watch.

Comcast seems to have just added Channel 402 Sun Sports HD. I love sports so I'll take it but it does seem like an odd choice considered we still don't have CinemaxHD, TLCHD, etc...

Comcast seems to have just added Channel 402 Sun Sports HD. I love sports so I'll take it but it does seem like an odd choice considered we still don't have CinemaxHD, TLCHD, etc...

I noticed that too. It'd have been better had they added it during baseball season. I guess we'll see how much programming they air in HD for Hockey and Basketball!

Comcast seems to have just added Channel 402 Sun Sports HD. I love sports so I'll take it but it does seem like an odd choice considered we still don't have CinemaxHD, TLCHD, etc...

I woulda taken Fuel HD or Speed HD over Sun any day !!! :mad:

I woulda taken Fuel HD or Speed HD over Sun any day !!! :mad:

My vote is for MLB TV.

Strange, Comcast is part owner of this network and they give it short shrift.

It appears that the WXEL repeater signal broadcasting on digital channel 31 has had their power cut from 35,000 to 15,000 watts. Can anyone second this information?

As a translator, W31DC-D has always had its digital power level capped at 15 kW.

- Trip

As a translator, W31DC-D has always had its digital power level capped at 15 kW.

- Trip

That was a pretty quick answer for a 20-year old. OK, let me ask you another question.

I moved my antenna up to 32 feet above the ground. There wasn't much of a difference in reception. All UHF channels are around 90-93%, and Channels 5 & 12 (the VHF channels) are averaging around 81% during the daytime. Is that about the best I can do being 61 miles from the towers?

In the early morning hours, the signal can still go from 4% to 98%. Did you see this VHF map?

www.mountainlake.k12.mn.us/ham/aprs/path.cgi?map=na

I thought they fixed their 5.1 sound for their HD broadcasts? I noticed for last nights Sunday Night Football that the 5.1 sound is no longer working. Can't they get their equipment to work here on the local level?

That was a pretty quick answer for a 20-year old.

I'll be 21 in three weeks. :D

OK, let me ask you another question.

I moved my antenna up to 32 feet above the ground. There wasn't much of a difference in reception. All UHF channels are around 90-93%, and Channels 5 & 12 (the VHF channels) are averaging around 81% during the daytime. Is that about the best I can do being 61 miles from the towers?

In the early morning hours, the signal can still go from 4% to 98%.

I'm sure you've posted what kind of antenna you have, but I've forgotten.

It depends on why your signal is that low. If it's co-channel interference from WTVT-12/WEDU-13 Tampa raising the noise floor under the desired signals, there may not be much you can do about it. If it's just insufficient gain, then a bigger upper-VHF antenna might help you. You might also try to aim the antenna not for best signal from WPEC/WPTV, but instead aim to best null out Tampa. Not sure if that will help or not, but it might.

Did you see this VHF map?

www.mountainlake.k12.mn.us/ham/aprs/path.cgi?map=na

Yep, it's quite interesting. I've yet to have a chance to play with it and try it for DXing.

- Trip

For everyone's information, AT&T has been installing fiber to the curb for U-verse in Wellington. A friend of mine (in Wellington) already has the service. I checked to see if it's available in my Wellington neighborhood but to no avail. Apparently, they are building U-verse fiber to the curb service block by block, selectively discriminating, prioritizing higher density neighborhoods and higher average per household income than others with favor over others.

I think that this practice (on the behalf of AT&T) is unfair and needs government intervention. By the time they finally decide to dig fiber in my neighborhood, Comcast may have their act together and I'll probably stick with them as my way over protesting AT&T discrimination policy.

UPDATE: I was told by my friend with Wellington U-verse service that HALF the homes in their neighborhood made the switch to U-verse when that build-out completed!

I think that this practice (on the behalf of AT&T) is unfair and needs government intervention. By the time they finally decide to dig fiber in my neighborhood, Comcast may have their act together and I'll probably stick with them as my way over protesting AT&T discrimination policy.

The people of Florida voted to allow this this type of cherry picking by the telcos. It was on the ballot back in '04 or 06'. I distinctly remember AT&T's radio/tv ads, "The Future, Faster!" and those paid for by the cablecos opposing it and stating this would happen.

Since my neighborhood was built with "fiber to the curb", I voted for it. It's still not available to my address and even if it was, I doubt that I'd switch. From what I've read here at AVS, it's not as good as Comcast's upgraded service and is a far cry from the quality of FIOS.

The people of Florida voted to allow this this type of cherry picking by the telcos. It was on the ballot back in '04 or 06'. I distinctly remember AT&T's radio/tv ads, "The Future, Faster!" and those paid for by the cablecos opposing it and stating this would happen.

Since my neighborhood was built with "fiber to the curb", I voted for it. It's still not available to my address and even if it was, I doubt that I'd switch. From what I've read here at AVS, it's not as good as Comcast's upgraded service and is a far cry from the quality of FIOS.

Uggh... We need some way to minimize corporate lobbyists from buying people's votes! They just take advantage of people who do not have the time to study the issue. Or worse, those who do know the issue but are made Pie In The Sky promises for voting with the lobbyists. This shows that people are willing to set aside their morale values (if the price is right)!

Uggh... We need some way to minimize corporate lobbyists from buying people's votes! They just take advantage of people who do not have the time to study the issue. Or worse, those who do know the issue but are made Pie In The Sky promises for voting with the lobbyists. This shows that people are willing to set aside their morale values (if the price is right)!Lobbyists should have a special place in hell reserved for them - right along side health care company CEOs. IMO, of course.

Uggh... We need some way to minimize corporate lobbyists from bribing our elected officials ! Fixed!


They just take advantage of people who do not have the time to study the issue.

That's a lazy ass excuse.

Everyone has a duty to educate themselves on the issues we are facing and vote accordingly. Unfortunately, the majority of the citizens of this country are ingnorant and apathetic.

The freedom to choose the individuals who represent our interests is one of our most cherished rights. A few choose to exercise this right. Others just complain, never taking the opportunity to change the status quo.


Or worse, those who do know the issue but are made Pie In The Sky promises for voting with the lobbyists. This shows that people are willing to set aside their morale values (if the price is right)!

A little hyperbolic, don't you think?

This is all very interesting gents, but let's get back to HDTV info and reception topics.

Has anyone heard anything about WHDT? Please post it if you have. The stations is suppose to be as strong as WFLX when they start broadcasting on Channel 42.

Interesting article I read states that over 20 television stations across the United States have requested to the FCC a UHF assignment because there have been so many complaints about the VHF reception. (and more would like to do it) WLS, channel 7 in Chicago is the biggest station.

Read the entire article:

www.msnbc.msn.com/id/32917495/

"TV consultant Peter Putman said a lot of reception problems for digital VHF channels can be attributed to the fact that VHF antennas need to be large. The long rods on an outdoor antenna are for VHF reception, and it's difficult to make a compact indoor antenna with good VHF performance."

Is there any reason I should be experiencing issues with WFLX OTA the past week at my Hotel IN west palm?

I don't know how many have any experience w/the D-TV AM-21 OTA tuner, but especially for those who are contemplating one, I thought I'd share my experiences.

What it does well - the integration w/the HD DVR works seamlessly. No recording issues with OTA signals to date - going on almost a year.

What it does not do well (or it's something with my setup) - the dual tuners appear to capture only signals that are very strong (e.g. register at >70%-75% on the TV tuner). Weaker signals (most of the Miami stations, WTVX and WPBF) do not come in at all/no signal strength on the built in signal meter. Yet, when plugging the coax into the TV directly, the signals for these stations are typically in the 60-70% range. I even purchased another tuner, thinking there might be something wrong with the first one. Same story with the second tuner. And D-TV offers nary a days' worth of warranty on this tuner.

I have a ChannelMaster 3016 in the attic oriented towards the south, and have two coax runs, ~ 20 ft to one TV and ~ 30 ft to the TV with the DVR. I added a Winegard 8700 Preamp to the D-TV OTA Tuner and at least WPBF now comes in. I think there's nothing wrong with the signal or antenna connections since everything comes in when the cable is plugged directly into the TV. Interestingly, I first placed the PreAmp next to the antenna per the directions, to give a boost to the weaker signals going to both coax runs. Nothing beyond 5, 12 and 29 came in. Yet, plugging the PreAmp next to the TV itself at least helps a bit. I'm guessing that there's interference/overload from WIRK-FM, or another FM station, since I'm <10 mi from the towers, and the FM trap can't attenuate all of the interference - at least for what's needed for the D-TV OTA tuner? Or there's interference from somthing else - just enough to affect the AM-21, but not enough to bother the TV (Sony) internal tuner. If anyone has any suggestions of something else to try that I'm not thinking of, short of moving the antenna outside, I'd appreciate it.

Two other observations. Per the UHF/VHF discussion, while I don't get Ch 7 and 10 (30%- 50% signal) typically as strong as the UHF signals for 4, 6, 33and 39 (usu 40%-100%), I've noticed that the Miami VHF signals don't fluctuate nearly as much as the UHF signals do. Second, Ch 25 was initially only coming in ~ 30% on my TV w/the stronger signals, and moving the antenna 2 ft to the east, but not changing the antenna height improved the signal to a consistent 80+%. That's with no tree/building obstructions, so that was a bit surprising. And manuvering that anntenna through the trusses in August heat was a real treat!

Has anyone actually seen any programming on channel 400 CSS HD on Comcast?

Has anyone actually seen any programming on channel 400 CSS HD on Comcast?There have been some college football games on Saturday afternoons.

Yeah that is pretty much it, college football so far. 401 now seems to have regular programming albeit not all in HD.

For everyone's information, AT&T has been installing fiber to the curb for U-verse in Wellington. A friend of mine (in Wellington) already has the service. I checked to see if it's available in my Wellington neighborhood but to no avail. Apparently, they are building U-verse fiber to the curb service block by block, selectively discriminating, prioritizing higher density neighborhoods and higher average per household income than others with favor over others.

I think that this practice (on the behalf of AT&T) is unfair and needs government intervention. By the time they finally decide to dig fiber in my neighborhood, Comcast may have their act together and I'll probably stick with them as my way over protesting AT&T discrimination policy.

UPDATE: I was told by my friend with Wellington U-verse service that HALF the homes in their neighborhood made the switch to U-verse when that build-out completed!

Uverse is not really fiber to the curb.
Uverse is traditionally built out with fiber to the neighborhood then 3-pair copper (6 wires) to each home. What happens then is depending upon the copper length from the fiber/copper "box" transition point, some people get Uverse, others do not. In my neighborhood, the front half of the community has Uverse, the back half does not. I'm five houses away from the last point of Uverse service. Per the Uverse folks, the copper runs are too long to provide Uverse TV.

The only real fiber to curb (actually house) is FIOS by Verizon. Not available in PB County.

Yea, that's the draw back with Uverse. They put the vrad at the existing cross box serving the community so the back half gets nothing due to loop length. AT&T is going to have to install new boxes in the middle or hope that some kind of pair bonding works.

Bellsouth did deploy fiber to the curb in some communities a long time ago but that has been stuck in limbo for a while now. Copper DSL and Uverse actually deliever a lot more.

How can one not noticed all of the ads for the Palm Beach Solid Waste Authority. The green bin, the blue bin--what is their yearly advertising budget?

At a time when ad revenues are at a low, the palm Beach Solid Waste Authority are keeping the locals in business.

Uverse is not really fiber to the curb.
Uverse is traditionally built out with fiber to the neighborhood then 3-pair copper (6 wires) to each home. What happens then is depending upon the copper length from the fiber/copper "box" transition point, some people get Uverse, others do not. In my neighborhood, the front half of the community has Uverse, the back half does not. I'm five houses away from the last point of Uverse service. Per the Uverse folks, the copper runs are too long to provide Uverse TV.

The only real fiber to curb (actually house) is FIOS by Verizon. Not available in PB County.

Actually UVerse is either installed Fiber to a neighborhood VRAD FTTN or Fiber to the house FTTP. But FTTP is only done in very new subdivisions i.e. they are installing UVerse at the same time they are building the subdivision. The majority of users are FTTN so copper the last 3000'. But they do do Fiber to the house for some people.

How can one not noticed all of the ads for the Palm Beach Solid Waste Authority. The green bin, the blue bin--what is their yearly advertising budget?

At a time when ad revenues are at a low, the palm Beach Solid Waste Authority are keeping the locals in business.All the info is on their website. http://www.swa.org/site/information_and_documents/financial_and_budget.htm

The Customer Relations 09 operating expenses budget is $2,969,555. I'm sure that isn't a total just for advertising but it is part of it.

Yea.. I was bored so I read it. :o

Channel 5 and 12 were not able to be picked up this morning OTA. Amazing what a little fog will do. Channel 28-1 from Tampa came in at 75% and Orlando stations were coming in at 85%. And still, my antenna was pointed south.

Can someone explain to me what channels I'm really supposed to get? Using the built in QAM turner I used to get all the locals in HD, but Comcast seems to have blocked that now. I thought the HD versions came under the "must carry" rules?

Tomorrow is the big HD day for Comcast costumers in FT Pierce and surrounding areas. My parents got a flyer about a week ago, detailing all the HD channel additions and channel relocations. I’m having some serious channel envy issues.

When oh when will Comcrap West Palm give us more HD?

When oh when will Comcrap West Palm give us more HD?
I'm getting tired of waiting.

Good name for them, by the way.

Can someone explain to me what channels I'm really supposed to get? Using the built in QAM turner I used to get all the locals in HD, but Comcast seems to have blocked that now. I thought the HD versions came under the "must carry" rules?
No problem here. I'm receiving all the broadcast sub-channels as usual. I believe we are on the same head-end.

The latest rumer is that we will get more HD channels on February 30th. :p

The latest rumer is that we will get more HD channels on February 30th. :p
Is that just for the legacy Comcast systems or will it include the old Adelphia systems?

Is that just for the legacy Comcast systems or will it include the old Adelphia systems?
Doesn't matter. February 30th will never come. :)

Ha!!!!!!!!!!!

Just noticed NFL Redzone HD is on channel 390. I don't subscribe to the sports pack so I can't watch it.

Just noticed NFL Redzone HD is on channel 390. I don't subscribe to the sports pack so I can't watch it.

Yey, another HD channel that only has programming 1 day a week!!

I noticed that and that they moved all the In Pay Per View channels from 501-?? to like 555-561.

Anyone counted to see if we have more HD channels or channels telling us where to find PPV and On Demand. :p

Anyone counted to see if we have more HD channels or channels telling us where to find PPV and On Demand. :p
I don't think the new HD channels will hit until 11/10.

I don't think the new HD channels will hit until 11/10.

Did Comcast announce something for our area for the 10th?

Did Comcast announce something for our area for the 10th?
For the Vero/Ft Pierce area check out this notice:

http://web.tcpalm.com/adv/comcast/index.html

I was over at my parents (Ft Pierce Beach) on the 31st and no new channels. I gave up trying to call comcast after waiting too long on the phone. Did they push back the date or just having normal comcrap issues?

Two potential buyers reveal interest in WXEL license. The school board of Palm Beach county has given up on their interest of the channel.

The Community Broadcast Foundation and WPBT Ch. 2 in Miami have submitted proposals showing interest in taking over the station.

The Community Broadcast Foundation is saying that they are more experienced than WPBT's, however, WPBT says they are a 50-plus-year-old public broadcasting station.

The Community Broadcast Foundation is saying that they are more experienced than WPBT's, however, WPBT says they are a 50-plus-year-old public broadcasting station.

True, but they’re not WTVJ! I remember them back when I was in school. Hour after of hour of some teacher in front of a camera droning on and on about this or that. It was very crude stuff. I’m not really knocking them as far as should they buy WXEL or not (I sure hope someone does), just saying their argument is probably a little more lame than they make it out to be.

There are several shows that WPBT does get but WXEL does not get. If WPBT purchased WXEL, and they carried all of the shows that WPBT carried, I would be happy!:o

If WPBT (or anybody) takes over WXEL, I hope for two things: 1) and most important, that they keep operating the W31DC-D repeater, and hopefully the W44AY also (but that’s not as critical), and 2) that they improve the content on their sub channels.

If WPBT (or anybody) takes over WXEL, I hope for two things: 1) and most important, that they keep operating the W31DC-D repeater, and hopefully the W44AY also (but that’s not as critical), and 2) that they improve the content on their sub channels.
I have the opposite view. subchannels should be curtailed during prime time to enable HDTV on the main channel.

I have a 2 yr old HDTV that is HD ready. How do I input the channels to get the HD without a cable box. I try to enter 25.1 but I don't know how to enter the .
Anyone?

What is the Brand and Model # of the set you're using. You may not have the correct type of tuner to get HD from the cable company with out a box. Can you get HD from over the air signals (regular antenna)?

I have a 2 yr old HDTV that is HD ready. How do I input the channels to get the HD without a cable box. I try to enter 25.1 but I don't know how to enter the .
Anyone?

The remote should have a button on it that has either a dash (-) or a dot (.).

However if the TV is HD "ready" as you say, I believe that means that it is able to accept and display HD content but doesn't have an HD tuner built into it. If that is the case you won't be able to receive HD channels without a cable box or something else with an HD tuner that can receive the signal and pass it to the TV.

If I'm wrong here I'm sure someone can correct me.

I have the opposite view. subchannels should be curtailed during prime time to enable HDTV on the main channel.


Do you really notice a difference with the subchannels going? I haven't, but I have 720p--not 1080i.

The remote should have a button on it that has either a dash (-) or a dot (.).

However if the TV is HD "ready" as you say, I believe that means that it is able to accept and display HD content but doesn't have an HD tuner built into it. If that is the case you won't be able to receive HD channels without a cable box or something else with an HD tuner that can receive the signal and pass it to the TV.

If I'm wrong here I'm sure someone can correct me.

Consider going to Setup and autoprogram.

Do you really notice a difference with the subchannels going? I haven't, but I have 720p--not 1080i.

I noticed a big difference several months ago when the Spanish channel was added.

I have no way of measuring this, but their HDTV resolution appears to be poorer than 480p with my setup ( 61" 1080p ). I am surprised it isn't noticeable on a 720p TV.

One good thing this station has done is to improve the signal coverage in this area. For about a year, I rarely received a consistent picture. Recently it has been good every time I watch.

I noticed a big difference several months ago when the Spanish channel was added.

I have no way of measuring this, but their HDTV resolution appears to be poorer than 480p with my setup ( 61" 1080p ). I am surprised it isn't noticeable on a 720p TV.

One good thing this station has done is to improve the signal coverage in this area. For about a year, I rarely received a consistent picture. Recently it has been good every time I watch.If it's not noticeable on a 720p display, it's most likely not noticeable.

Arguably, 720p is a better experience simply because it's not an interlaced display.

http://forums.soundandvisionmag.com/showthread.php?p=632576
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z-JXfyvlPh0

I noticed a big difference several months ago when the Spanish channel was added.

I have no way of measuring this, but their HDTV resolution appears to be poorer than 480p with my setup ( 61" 1080p ). I am surprised it isn't noticeable on a 720p TV.

Not so long ago, WXEL had 1080i for their 42.1. About 6 months ago (going on memory), they went to 720p, not too long after that, they added the Spanish sub channel. As far as I’m concerned, getting rid of the Spanish sub channel itself would be an ‘improvement’ in sub channel content.

Not so long ago, WXEL had 1080i for their 42.1. About 6 months ago (going on memory), they went to 720p, not too long after that, they added the Spanish sub channel. As far as I’m concerned, getting rid of the Spanish sub channel itself would be an ‘improvement’ in sub channel content.I fully agree. I might also suggest that this is true for any of the primary English channels that carry Spanish sub-channels.

No new HD channels today on comcast in PSL. Thought we had a chance but no dice!!!

I have had no tlc hd amc hd cnn hd fx hd and the list continues,,,,,move some of those useless analog channels to dgitial. I am look to go to direct tv,

^^^ I switched to both u-verse and directv but came right back to comcast because of PQ...all I want is fox news HD!!!

^^^ I switched to both u-verse and directv but came right back to comcast because of PQ...all I want is fox news HD!!!

I have heard that u-verse's picture wasn't as good as cable but I am suprised to hear that directv was also worse. I have always read that directv's hd quality was better than comcast. Glad I never switched, now I just wish comcast would get on the ball and add some more channels.

I have heard that u-verse's picture wasn't as good as cable but I am suprised to hear that directv was also worse. I have always read that directv's hd quality was better than comcast. Glad I never switched, now I just wish comcast would get on the ball and add some more channels.

I was a long time user of D* and switched to Comcast about 3 years ago. At that time, local channels on D* were so bad that they were nearly unwatchable.
HDTV was OK, but Comcast had noticeably better video quality. Of course, this might not be true today. Satellite vs cable comparisons are always a moving target.

My HOA had a presentation from Comcast last night. Details were fuzzy (inept Comcast rep.), but I understood two significant changes for Martin County. A new channel lineup starting Jan 1, and significant analog to digital changes in the 2nd quarter of next year. These changes will coincide with introduction of the new el cheapo digital to analog converter.

I have heard that u-verse's picture wasn't as good as cable...
Interesting... I wasn't aware of that. Too bad, since I'd love to switch away from Comcast.

Anyone notice more dropouts on Channels 5 and 12 over the weekend. I'm going to guess that it was because of the wind.

Why would anyone want to be a VHF?!

I just went over to hdhomerun.com, in the "resoures" section, and entered a Pompano Beach zip code to see how their clearQAM lineup is doing. To my surprise, I noticed that they have cleared (unscrambled) many basic cable channels. All cable systems are required by an FCC mandate to keep all channels that can also be picked up over the air clear. Palm Beach Comcast conforms to that ruling by keeping just the required channels clear - and not one channel more! Well, it looks like Comcast down south is going above and beyond the call of duty and keeping clear - not just the mandated ones - but also the standard definition digitized versions of basic cable channels and a significiant amunt of other channels. It would be nice if they cleared the HD versions of those same channels, but this is still an improvement over before. I assume Palm Beach will one day be on par with Broward, so I report this as something we can expect here down the road in the future.

For a system that needs more bandwidth, I can not understand why Comcast carries both HD and SD versions of each channel. It would make so much sense to just carry the HD versions to free up the bandwidth of the SD variations of the same channels. Set-top boxes can easily convert HD to SD, so there is no logical reason for them to keep the SD copies and choke up valuable bandwith. Heck, that's what the satellite companies do!

Strat if you're around did your sammy switch wpbt from channel 2 to 18 Thurs. Mine has a nasty habit of doing this on different channels while my set top boxes do not. If I input 2 I get analog 2 with snow and if I input 18, I get 18.3 but doesn't redirect to 2. Should I try a rescan? Im hesitant because after I do re scans for some reason a random channel will always disappears and sometimes inputting by hand the missing channel after a re scan is not an option. Possible someone else with a sammy might know? Thanks

Strat if you're around did your sammy switch wpbt from channel 2 to 18 Thurs. Mine has a nasty habit of doing this on different channels while my set top boxes do not. If I input 2 I get analog 2 with snow and if I input 18, I get 18.3 but doesn't redirect to 2. Should I try a rescan? Im hesitant because after I do re scans for some reason a random channel will always disappears and sometimes inputting by hand the missing channel after a re scan is not an option. Possible someone else with a sammy might know? Thanks

I have posted in the past that same "problem"...with Channel 12-1 that occasionally becomes 13-1 and then returns to 12 just as 'randomly' (that is, without my input...)

I have posted in the past that same "problem"...with Channel 12-1 that occasionally becomes 13-1 and then returns to 12 just as 'randomly' (that is, without my input...)

I have this same problem about once a month. Never with any other channels. I wonder if this is unique to Samsung TVs.

Indeed, WPBT-2 (RF 18) stopped displaying 2 and became 18 last night. I suspect they lost their PSIP, which, among other things, "translates" the RF channel into the virtual channel. This happens every so often with some stations (others seem to have staff that actually monitor their equipment and correct issues as they arise). WSVN used to have that problem a lot, and WPEC has had it off and on.

It's not the TV, as it happens to both of my 2 HD sets - it's the station. When they fix their PSIP issues, things will return to normal. Rescan is not necessary (at least with the Sammy). That said, channels without PSIP that were in your 'favorites' will most likely have to be restored.

Thanks for the responses, strat I've been meaning to ask you for a while on your sammy if you're on ota have you noticed that the time it takes for a picture to come on channel 6 and 51 is greater than other channels. What I mean is if youre on a channel and press another channel number on the remote it usually goes there pretty quick but if your in another channel and press 6 or 51 on your remote you will get a black screen for what seems 3x as long before the pic comes on. I was just curious thanks.

Is there some major reason why Comcast in West Palm has minimal HD channels?
I see my folks in Vero Beach this week just got a number of new HD channels.
I was in Michigan from 2005-2008 (lansing) and comcast there had more HD channels than either system in vero or here.

was the adelphia system that bad? I thought in 2004 they totally rebuilt it with fiber and so on (when they started offering high speed internet)?

I also cant stand these scientific atlanta boxes any chances those will go away an we get motorola ones?

Thanks for the responses, strat I've been meaning to ask you for a while on your sammy if you're on ota have you noticed that the time it takes for a picture to come on channel 6 and 51 is greater than other channels. What I mean is if youre on a channel and press another channel number on the remote it usually goes there pretty quick but if your in another channel and press 6 or 51 on your remote you will get a black screen for what seems 3x as long before the pic comes on. I was just curious thanks.Yes, I'm strictly OTA, and I have noticed that once in a while there is a delay in the picture coming on when switching channels. Certainly it's the exception rather than the norm, but it does happen on occasion. Now that I'm thinking about it, I have to see if it happens on any other channels. I don't speak Spanish, so I never watch 51.

If you are an NFL fan, be sure and check out NFL Red Zone on game days. They do an excellent job of telecasting key plays of all games in progress.

In Martin County it's carried on Comcast 390.

Unfortunately, antenna television was a disaster. I gave it a good try. I purchased a very large VHF/UHF antenna ($139.00), mounted it 32 feet in the air and actively became involved in several Internet blogs. Here are some of my problems.

My Zip code is 34949. Most of my stations are 61 miles away and many of these stations have been allowed to broadcast 20 miles from their southern border and 90 miles from their northern border so that much of their signal goes into the wrong market--the Miami/Fort Lauderdale market. By doing this, these stations increase their listeners and can generate more advertising.

Problem 1: WXEL (PBS) from West Palm Beach broadcasts on digital channel 27. So does WRDQ in Orlando. I'm 61 miles from WXEL and 93 miles from WRDQ. In the early morning hours and evening hours, WRDQ's signals bounce into the atmosphere causing reception problems. Note: The FCC gave WRDQ three times the power of WXEL.

Problem 2: WXEL has a repeater signal 8 miles from my house. WTVJ in Miami is also broadcasting on Digital Channel 31 with 1,000,000 watts. While Miami signals are 103 miles away, the atmospheric bounce makes reception impossible on some evenings and mornings.

Problem 3: WPTV was only given 50,000 watts by the FCC and when they asked for more power, the FCC said no. Their signal is 61 miles away. When the wind blows, lightning occurs, there are constant dropouts. On many evenings and mornings, the station is not available because stations in Tampa are broadcasting on the same frequency. Tampa is 130 miles away. While this has never been a problem during the daytime, I only watch television in the early morning and evening.

Problem 4: WPEC only has a 1,000 foot tower and I'm 61 miles from the transmitter. The dropouts and pixilization problems during wind and thunderstorms are a big problem. There is also a station in Tampa on the same frequency which has caused problems many times with the early morning and evening reception.

Problem 5: WHDT is licensed to Stuart, Florida, just 22 miles away, but it appears that they have been given permission to put their transmitter in another television market. I have never picked up the station with an antenna, but DirecTV carries it.

Please note that my zip code was recently listed as the worst housing market in the United States. How many people have lost their homes because they can not afford the house payments? I'm back to spending $95.00 a month on satellite television. I've only seen two outside antennas in my neighborhood.

Antenna television doesn't work in the 34949 zip code.

James E. Wallace
222 Granada Street
Fort Pierce, FL 34949

We had many, many email exchanges in the past about your reception problems. I am sorry, that so far, we were not able to resolve it. We had no reception complaints from other viewers from the same or near-by locations. My latest correspondence to you was on 10/29/09. I didn’t receive a response, instead you choose to write to others. Your latest email was forwarded to me again as always, for reply. As I mentioned it before, we are broadcasting with 100% authorized power from our 1350’ tower at the intersection of State Road 7 and Lantana Road. Our field strength measurements at the various locations, including in Saint Lucie County consistently indicated sufficient reception signals and always at a considerably higher level than that of WPEC-TV. It seems, that with all those stations available at your location and with some of the signal levels extremely high, because of the transmitters being near-by and high powered, such as WPBF among others, the front-end of your system might be overloaded. The overload can affect various channels differently depending on the relationships of their frequencies. There might be problems with your antenna also, if it can pick up CH28 in Tampa and stations in Orlando (as you previously noted) way off from the main lobe of the antenna, when I assume, it is aimed at WPTV. Fog, humidity, rain, temperature, etc. can cause considerably different receptions on the different channels also.

For your information again, during one of our field tests, reception of our signal in Palm City at the Saint Lucie County line was excellent and much better than that of WPEC’s. We used inexpensive rabbit ears, only four feet off the ground and there were obstacles such as trees and houses in the signal path. I am sorry, that I am unable to offer solutions to your problem at this time. It has to be unique to your particular location, equipment, system. You may contact me at your convenience if you wish.

John Falvi, B.S.E.E.

For your information again, during one of our field tests, reception of our signal in Palm City at the Saint Lucie County line was excellent and much better than that of WPEC’s. We used inexpensive rabbit ears, only four feet off the ground and there were obstacles such as trees and houses in the signal path. I am sorry, that I am unable to offer solutions to your problem at this time. It has to be unique to your particular location, equipment, system. You may contact me at your convenience if you wish.

John Falvi, B.S.E.E.


Am I the only one having problems in St. Lucie and Indian River Counties?

Nope. I'm in Saint Lucie West and have never been able to get consistant signals from any stations other than 25 and 34. However, I've only got a set of rabbit ears mounted in the attic. The signals from the other WPB stations have been better since the digital switchover, but I still can't lock into a signal long enough for a full program. I just use D*'s channels.

Am I the only one having problems in St. Lucie and Indian River Counties?

Wow, I’d rather eat dirt than give the cable company (or satellite) 95 bucks a month (of course, if I had the cash to throw around, OTA wouldn’t be my primary TV). I don’t know what the problem there is either, but it’s not WPTV. Their signal carries to 32960 (certainly not solid, but I’d say perfectly usable about 90% of the time if it’s early or late). I have the same weird problem with WFLX, I only get it off a reflection from something I can’t even see, my FOX is shakey a lot, even with the weak WOFL backup out of Orlando. My VHF-12 antenna is at the same height as yours, and it’s a small one (half wave, but it’s a tuned 5 element beam). I doubt moveing your mast would help much on ch-12, but I’m really wondering if the antenna may be the problem. Too bad you don’t have access to some other high band VHF antenna you could compare with. I’m assuming you do have a drop amp. All the money I put into my setup (which wasn’t much) has already paid for itself, and I only had the super basic cable.