The 2009 NFL Playoffs - NFC Divisional Weekend in HDTV on FOX
Philadelphia Eagles at New York Giants
Live from Giants Stadium, East Rutherford, NJ
FOX HD 720p & DD5.1
1 PM ET

From foxsports.com
By John Czarnecki

WHAT TO WATCH FOR: With a weather forecast of freezing rain and 25-mph winds, the conditions would seem to favor the Giants' three-pronged running attack, which includes the return of a healthy Brandon Jacobs. In New York's first game against the Eagles, Jacobs ran for 126 yards and two TDs. In the game the Eagles won, during their late-season run to a playoff berth, Jacobs had 52 yards on 10 carries before injuring his left knee early in the third quarter.

There is no question that with the Giants minus WR Plaxico Burress, the offense's most feared player, Eagles defensive coordinator Jim Johnson has decided to play single coverage on the outside receivers and fill every gap by bringing up safeties Brian Dawkins and Quintin Mikell. This scheme worked when Burress was suspended for the last game, plus the Eagles ranked fourth in the league defending the run, allowing 92.3 yards a game.

Jacobs, Derrick Ward and Ahmad Bradshaw combined for 217 rushing yards in the Giants' Week 10 win, but they had just 100 yards in the rematch four weeks later. The Eagles limited Adrian Peterson to 83 yards last Sunday, with 40 yards coming on one run. "Those guys are ready to play," Jacobs said. "The Eagles have been playing very, very good football lately. So we're going to have to match their intensity."

Eagles coach Andy Reid has done a good job in recent weeks of continuing to get consistent touches for RB Brian Westbrook. Reid must continue to use Westbrook and also Correll Buckhalter, who has looked extra quick in recent weeks. The Eagles need to run in order to take New York's pass rush off QB Donovan McNabb, who lacks deep threats but is very good against man coverage. Westbrook needs to get around 25 touches to move the chains and keep the defense rested. He had a career-high 33 carries in the last meeting, which helped wear down the Giants.

McNabb was sacked just 23 times during the regular season, but the Eagles could be overmatched by the Giants' pass rush on obvious passing downs, considering both offensive tackles, Tra Thomas and Jon Runyan (knee), are hurting.

Interestingly, Giants QB Eli Manning has struggled in his last two games in windy conditions at the Meadowlands, but overall he is 15-5 in games played in 10-mph or higher winds at home.

http://msn.foxsports.com/nfl/story/9061568/Countdown:-Previewing-Sunday%27s-playoff-games

Have to say, I'm not digging this matchup at all given the way the Eagles have looked lately. Go Giants...but I may just dig the cars out of the ice instead. :)

Comcast HD (Chicago) Fox HD NFL PreGame Show is horrible to watch. If this is what HD is, then we are paying too much for hype. And I am talking about the studio shots of Bradshaw and crew...soft, blurry, pixelated. Yuck! I just hope the game looks better. I have guests arriving.

I wish this was on CBS.

Is anyone else getting occasional 'pauses' in the feed on HD?
On Charter cable in Mass.

Was that the Fringe dude?

I'm in Chicago watching the game OTA and on Dish and the picture is as good as anything I have ever seen. In fact, Dish is as good as OTA. I have had Comcast before and it was terrible. Get a decent source and see the difference

Comcast HD (Chicago) Fox HD NFL PreGame Show is horrible to watch. If this is what HD is, then we are paying too much for hype. And I am talking about the studio shots of Bradshaw and crew...soft, blurry, pixelated. Yuck! I just hope the game looks better. I have guests arriving.

I wish this was on CBS.

The pregame show is not HD. The LA studio outputs 480i Widescreen upconverted to 720p. This has been the case since FOX started doing HD and sounds like it will continue to be the case for some time.

Is anyone else getting occasional 'pauses' in the feed on HD?
On Charter cable in Mass.

Nope, it has been fine here in Detroit from WJBK via Comcast.

Much better quality today than last night. Still a good bit of the usual dancing grass on the main cams, but it's one of the better games on Fox this year. KDFW Dallas via FiOS. Not experiencing any video freezes or audio skips.

PQ looks very good here in Detroit from WJBK via Comcast. One of the FOX games I have seen.

Well this really sucks, Big GINATS fan here in Las Vegas, and the signal OTA and on DISH is unwatchable. Keeps cutting in and out, been down for the last 10 mins!! I;ve seen maybe 5 plays all game.

Win

Cincinnati watching Dayton station
WRGT-DT w/1 subchannel
51" CRT HD RPTV
LG LST-3510a ATSC tuner
DIY DB4 antenna with low noise pre-amp

Pre-game show PQ was crisp sharp and vibrant...
Game PQ is crystal clear...sharp...detailed...

CBS could only hope to have their games look this good...

Audio rivals that of NBC Sunday Night Football w/Wendel doing the mixing...Just outstanding!!!

A+ on D*398 WNYW. Audio excellent on Sirius 124.
No Fringe viewers here huh? :-)

Yeah, that's the Fringe dude. I'm not a fan of network cross promotions, but I like the way they just had the guy standing there on the sideline staring off into the distance...and no mention of him by the announcers.

Yeah, that's the Fringe dude. I'm not a fan of network cross promotions, but I like the way they just had the guy standing there on the sideline staring off into the distance...and no mention of him by the announcers.

Thats how they have done it on the show also. He is always there somewhere with no mention of him. Thanks for confirming.

WNYW-DT NY OTA

I agree, it does look a little better than last night. I think because its daytime helps hide the faults.

Cincinnati watching Dayton station
WRGT-DT w/1 subchannel
51" CRT HD RPTV
LG LST-3510a ATSC tuner
DIY DB4 antenna with low noise pre-amp

Pre-game show PQ was crisp sharp and vibrant...
Game PQ is crystal clear...sharp...detailed...

CBS could only hope to have their games look this good...

Audio rivals that of NBC Sunday Night Football w/Wendel doing the mixing...Just outstanding!!!
I'm a bit confused by your comments. The pre-game isn't even in HD. CBS games almost always look better as well.

Pre-game show PQ was crisp sharp and vibrant...As upconverted video always is.....


CBS could only hope to have their games look this good...Local issue.

As upconverted video always is......
...and as stated...no problems...


Local issue.

No...No it isn't...FOX has the best looking games of all 3 networks followed [closely] by NBC and CBS...Now don't overlook of course that this is all subjective and personal preference...;)

I'm a bit confused by your comments. The pre-game isn't even in HD. CBS games almost always look better as well.

Sorry for your confusion...The two descriptions of the two different shows are quite different [in my opinion] and I didn't say the pre-game was in HD...I thought my descriptions of each differentiated between HD and upscaled...:confused:

As for CBS almost always looks better that is subjectional and personal preference...:)

...and as stated...no problems...




No...No it isn't...FOX has the best looking games of all 3 networks followed [closely] by NBC and CBS...Now don't overlook of course that this is all subjective and personal preference...;)

You won't find many who will agree with you regarding that ranking.

Sorry for your confusion...The two descriptions of the two different shows are quite different [in my opinion] and I didn't say the pre-game was in HD...I thought my descriptions of each differentiated between HD and upscaled...:confused:

As for CBS almost always looks better that is subjectional and personal preference...:)

Their pre-game and halftime shows always look horrible.

No...No it isn't...FOX has the best looking games of all 3 networks followed [closely] by NBC and CBS...Now don't overlook of course that this is all subjective and personal preference...;)If you're in Cincinnati, WKRC-DT multicasts the CW and CincyW. WHIO multicasts accuweather in Dayton. That is a local issue and does affect PQ ..especially at 1080i. Those of us with full-bore (no subchannel) CBS stations can see quite a difference.

Comcast HD, San Francisco area. The PQ is OK although the long shots look a bit soft. Manning has looked awful. He's missed open receivers and the pick that he threw was terrible. Over last part of the season, Eli seemed to reverting back to his early 2007 form, not a good thing.

You won't find many who will agree with you regarding that ranking.

I can live with that...;)

If you're in Cincinnati, your CBS affiliate multicasts IIRC. So does WHIO in Dayton. That is a local issue and does affect PQ ..especially at 1080i. Those of us with full-bore (no subchannel) CBS stations can see quite a difference.

Ahhhh...But you are neglecting the fact that while CBS in Cinti & Dayton both multicast...so does FOX...Tit for tat...;)

Ahhhh...But you are neglecting the fact that while CBS in Cinti & Dayton both multicast...so does FOX...Tit for tat...;)
Not even close.

Multicasting 2 1080i channels is completely different than what FOX does. They have a network created partition for the HD channel, which for 720p allows enough bandwidth for consistent high quality HD image quality across the country.

This is compounded by 1080i needing more bandwidth than 720p for high quality HD images.

This is the whole point of my 'Local issue' comment. What your local stations are doing directly affects HD image quality.

Believe us, if you see CBS with no multicasting, like many here do, you'll know what we are talking about.

That halftime show looked horrible. Those 16x9 SD studio shots are hideous. Step up and give us a quality production FOX. If they continue this practice next year as well...shameful.

That halftime show looked horrible. Those 16x9 SD studio shots are hideous. Step up and give us a quality production FOX. If they continue this practice next year as well...shameful.Unless Jillian goes back to blond, there's nothing on that show I WANT to see in HD. :D Ok, highlights would be nice, but I'm generally in the bathroom or getting beer during halftime, so as long as I can HEAR Terry's corny jokes, I'm good <G>.

One of the best Fox games this year. Watching WRLH-DT Richmond,VA.

Ken it's my understanding that the splicer makes it so that the local can't touch the bandwith allocation to the main feed correct? They can only use what bandwith is left after the splicer.

Not even close.

Multicasting 2 1080i channels is completely different than what FOX does. They have a network created partition for the HD channel, which for 720p allows enough bandwidth for consistent high quality HD image quality across the country.

This is compounded by 1080i needing more bandwidth than 720p for high quality HD images.

This is the whole point of my 'Local issue' comment. What your local stations are doing directly affects HD image quality.

Believe us, if you see CBS with no multicasting, like many here do, you'll know what we are talking about.

So then you are agreeing with me that FOX has the better PQ then... :D

So then you are agreeing with me that FOX has the better PQ then... :D
How exactly did he agree with you?

Ken it's my understanding that the splicer makes it so that the local can't touch the bandwith allocation to the main feed correct? They can only use what bandwith is left after the splicer.That's the idea, but if a local FOX affiliate decides to get creative, there is a way for them to re-allocate bandwidth.

Having said that, I've only heard of one FOX station doing it.

So then you are agreeing with me that FOX has the better PQ then... :D

In your area, yes.

But again, it's a local issue.

How exactly did he agree with you?

Like this:
In your area, yes.;):D

Ok, the robot doing the Electric Slide, etc, actually got a chuckle out of me.

Ken...I will have to look into what the BW is for both FOX and CBS in this area...I do see what you are saying though...

Ken...I will have to look into what the BW is for both FOX and CBS in this area...I do see what you are saying though...PM nitewatchman. He's the local expert around there. Well, since I left, anyway. :p

Like this:
;):D
You're right about that...

...but since you consider a 16x9 SD studio shot to be crisp sharp and vibrant...you still lose any and all arguments. :D

...but since you consider a 16x9 SD studio shot to be crisp sharp and vibrant...you still lose any and all arguments. :D

:rolleyes::rolleyes::rolleyes:
;)


All I can say at this point is the Giants better get off their ass right now or lose the game...:mad:

PQ is much better than last nights game or the BCS National Championship game by FAR. Orlando, FL WOFL-DT 35.1 OTA

All I can say at this point is the Giants better get off their ass right now or lose the game...:mad:Another thing we can agree on.

Anyone else not have any sound??? PQ was all pixelated about an hour ago, now I have no sounds, for only this station. I have DirecTV - watching Fox HD...

Anyone else not have any sound??? PQ was all pixelated about an hour ago, now I have no sounds, for only this station. I have DirecTV - watching Fox HD...

You have either a local or DirecTV issue. What TV market are you in?

From WJBK-DT FOX Detroit via Comcast, no problems whatsoever.

Try the local topic for your area.

You're right about that...

...but since you consider a 16x9 SD studio shot to be crisp sharp and vibrant...you still lose any and all arguments. :D

I consider the PQ on my coupon box at home to be crisp, clear and vibrant. It's not HD, but it still looks darn good.

EAGLES!! WOO we r up!

No problem with audio in either Cincinnati or Dayton markets...

I consider the PQ on my coupon box at home to be crisp, clear and vibrant. It's not HD, but it still looks darn good.
This is an HDTV forum. Comparative to properly done HD, upconverted SD does not look crisp, clear and vibrant. It looks dull, vague, and lifeless.

This is an HDTV forum. Comparative to properly done HD, upconverted SD does not look crisp, clear and vibrant. It looks dull, vague, and lifeless.

Except in my local...;)

Cincinnati watching Dayton station
WRGT-DT w/1 subchannel
51" CRT HD RPTV
LG LST-3510a ATSC tuner
DIY DB4 antenna with low noise pre-amp

Pre-game show PQ was crisp sharp and vibrant...
Game PQ is crystal clear...sharp...detailed...

CBS could only hope to have their games look this good...

Audio rivals that of NBC Sunday Night Football w/Wendel doing the mixing...Just outstanding!!!

WOW...here is the San Jose its the same ole crappy FOX football boradcast...

IF they could only look half as good as CBS or NBC I would be happy.

And this is OTA btw...

GO Eagles!!!

And we wish a fond farewell to the defending NFL Super Bowl champions.....

This is probably a stupid question but does multi casting effect the D* broadcasts either locally or DNS?

Our Fox local is constantly dropping the HD to SD for a few seconds and with their gaudy pillarboxes is quite distracting and irritating. Usually happens after a transition back from commercials, but not right away. Haven't noticed this with the other locals. Anyone else experiencing this?

Three more minutes and we can switch over to a quality broadcast from end to end. Pre-game and halftime in HD included.

Some engineer's head just hit the switcher in Philly. :)

This is probably a stupid question but does multi casting effect the D* broadcasts either locally or DNS?

Yes. D* gets the signal after the local stations have partitioned bandwidth, if they multicast.

I've often advocated Cable & DBS providers could get a fiber feed before multicasting, and offer their customers a real advantage with a full bandwidth network feed (with the exception of FOX). Unfortunately, it's not being done at this time.

I just turned to the NFL today since the game's over...now THIS is a good looking pre-game show

I just turned to the NFL today since the game's over...now THIS is a good looking pre-game show
Yes, it's actually watchable.

Our Fox local is constantly dropping the HD to SD for a few seconds and with their gaudy pillarboxes is quite distracting and irritating. Usually happens after a transition back from commercials, but not right away. Haven't noticed this with the other locals. Anyone else experiencing this?Nope. You have a local issue.

Yes. D* gets the signal after the local stations have partitioned bandwidth, if they multicast.

I've often advocated Cable & DBS providers could get a fiber feed before multicasting, and offer their customers a real advantage with a full bandwidth network feed (with the exception of FOX). Unfortunately, it's not being done at this time.

I can understand all of the locals not being able to do this but you would think that the NY or LA stations could make it happen.

Oops, Smith forgot the ball.....

Eagles @ Cardinals for the NFC Championship, one week from today.

I'll echo the comments that the PQ today was by far Fox's best of the year, topping all the BCS games. And the pregame show looked less awful than normal.

Watching WTTG Fox D.C. via FiOS.

Oops, Smith forgot the ball.....

LOL, the Giants were pathetic today. Losing 4 of their last 5 is a way for a Champion to go out. Not!

Looks like the Eagles may not choke until they actually get to the Super Bowl.

Looks like the Eagles may not choke until they actually get to the Super Bowl.Actually if it were to go down that way it would be really sweet. I can't see the Eagles beating the Cardinals though if they play like they did last night.

Oh I had the video cuts to commercials DURING the game, rediculous.

PQ was solid, 'much' better than last nights mess.
WTXF-philly market--allentown, pa
D*

Go Birds!
I love beating the cowgirls and new jersey!!
Stomp out the Cardinals and on to the S.B.!!!

Actually if it were to go down that way it would be really sweet. I can't see the Eagles beating the Cardinals though if they play like they did last night.
You mean you can't see the Eagles beating Arizona if the Eagles play like the Panthers on Saturday night.

You mean you can't see the Eagles beating Arizona if the Eagles play like the Panthers on Saturday night.I watched the game and have a different opinion.

I didn't see the Panthers beat themselves, I saw the Cardinals hand the Panthers their butts. The Cardinals simply had a game-plan that the Panthers couldn't figure out. Like Tony S. said during the game, it looked like the Panthers were guessing on defense. That's not beating yourself, that's simply getting beat.

One could argue the Panthers beat themselves on offense with all the interceptions, but the Cardinals made the most of those turnovers by thoroughly owning the Panthers defense.

I'll be watching "The Tonight Show" on Monday for the final payoff of this Giants disaster: John Melendez getting his hair cut on-camera, in glorious high-definition. :)

what a disgusting game.:mad:. Manning threw his usual 2 INT's.. Giants never sacked McNabb.. Carney missing 2 FG's.. No offensive attack, wheres Plax?.. This team has never been the same without Plax..

what a disgusting game.:mad:. Manning threw his usual 2 INT's.. Giants never sacked McNabb.. Carney missing 2 FG's.. No offensive attack, wheres Plax?.. This team has never been the same without Plax..
Plax? He's right where he deserves to be.

Plax? He's right where he deserves to be.

And so are the Giants without him. ;)

Plax? He's right where he deserves to be.
Not yet.

I watched the game and have a different opinion.

I didn't see the Panthers beat themselves, I saw the Cardinals hand the Panthers their butts. The Cardinals simply had a game-plan that the Panthers couldn't figure out. Like Tony S. said during the game, it looked like the Panthers were guessing on defense. That's not beating yourself, that's simply getting beat.

One could argue the Panthers beat themselves on offense with all the interceptions, but the Cardinals made the most of those turnovers by thoroughly owning the Panthers defense.

Hey Woodrow, just curious to know what the Mods use for HD TVs?

Hey Woodrow, just curious to know what the Mods use for HD TVs?Not sure what you mean? I use a pio plasma. Not sure about others.

Maybe I'm misunderstanding what you're saying ...and you're calling me blind?:D

Not sure what you mean? I use a pio plasma. Not sure about others.

Maybe I'm misunderstanding what you're saying ...and you're calling me blind?:D

No, just want to know what you guys use. Kinda like asking Cleveland what he uses. Both of you are around this stuff, have connections and good knowledge of the products.

Kinda like asking Cleveland what he uses. Both of you are around this stuff, have connections and good knowledge of the products.I don't have connections or knowledge that any other regular user here doesn't have. Outside being a flat panels mod, I'm just like most users here. Still learning a lot.

Well it almost feels like 4th and 6th seeds win Superbowls. Play poorly enough just to give your chance to get in the playoffs and you will end up like the Eagles. Change in quarterback. McNabb out of Philly talk. All of those speculations that will most likely result in a Superbowl appearance for the Eagles. Unbelievable. My Chicago Bears can only wish they had McNabb!

Chris

PQ about as good as it gets for Fox. Not a bad production, aside from Joe Buck.

-R

might be an all Penn State Superbowl :eek:.. All of the NY papers 2nd guessing Conklin this morning, you make your QB go for an inch when you have a 260lb back on the side lines? Wasting a time out for a challenge..I think the coach and Manning share the blame for this stinkeroo..:mad: