Portland, ME - HDTV [Text View] - Page 12

Funktional

06-10-08, 11:02 AM

Hello everyone, new member here, new HDTV owner, and fairly new resident of Maine! I've searched the web and AVS forums but haven't received a definitive answer. Not even the friendly folks at TWC were able to answer my question. My wife and I are only interested in receiving local HD channels, however even after purchasing an HD antenna our reception was spotty at best. I'm interested in possibly paying $14 a month for basic cable from TWC but according to the sales rep I spoke with, in order to receive locals in HD I would need to pay an additional $7.xx a month for a box. I mentioned to him that my TV was equipped with a QAM tuner but he seemed to think I would still need the box in order to get those local HD stations from TWC's "Basic Cable" package. Could anyone here possibly shed some further light on the situation?

PS - If needed, we live in Cumberland County about 15 miles outside of Portland.

Thanks very much in advance!

DrJoe

06-10-08, 12:51 PM

You don't need a cable box. You can do a search on "clear QAM" in this thread for some detailed discussions of the channels you will be able to get in HD.

Mostly, you get the "broadcast locals" plus a few extra PBS channels.

Paying for local cable is the cheapest way to get FOX-HD -- it isn't available "over the air" with an antenna (and it won't be until analog broadcasting ceases in 2009).

Joe

DrJoe

06-10-08, 12:58 PM

By the way, there is no such thing as an "HD Antenna". Whoever sold you that sold you bunk.

Antennas are either VHF or UHF (or combo), they are passive and don't care if the signal is analog, digital, or Swahili. Neither do antenna amplifiers. Well, I'm exagerating about the Swahili. The manufacturers/sellers are trying to take advantage of the general ignorance of consumers to add $$$ to the price they charge for the same antenna they sold last week.

Most of the digital OTA broadcasts are UHF at this time, but after the conversion to digital broadcasting only, some will be VHF. See John's reply a few up from here.

Here is a chart I made up for Maine. You'll be able to receive the stations listed from "Waterville" on down.

NTSC = present NTSC channel location
TEMP = present ATSC channel location
FINAL = location of ATSC channel after analog broadcasts cease in 2009

call sign.......city............................NTSC.......TEMP.. .....FINAL

WAGM.......PRESQUE ISLE.....................8.........16............8
WMEM.......PRESQUE ISLE.....................10........20..........10
NEW..........PRESQUE ISLE.....................47........--..........47

WMEB.......ORONO...............................12........9.. ..........9
WMED.......CALAIS...............................13........10 ...........10

WLBZ.......BANGOR...............................2........25. ...........2
WVII........BANGOR...............................7........14 ............7
WABI.......BANGOR...............................5........19. ...........19

WPFO.......WATERVILLE........................23........--............23
WCBB.......AUGUSTA............................10........17.. ..........10
WMTW.......POLAND SPRING...................8........46............8
WPME.......LEWISTON..........................35........28... .........35

WGME.......PORTLAND..........................13........38... .........38
WPXT.......PORTLAND...........................51........43.. ..........43
WCSH.......PORTLAND...........................6........44... .........44

WMEA.......BIDDEFORD.........................26........45... .........45

Joe

KML-224

06-10-08, 01:54 PM

DrJoe

06-10-08, 06:39 PM

A note and a question:

WMED-TV (PBS) in Calais is channel 13. A typo maybe? :)

WMED-DT and WCBB-DT are both on digital channel 10, I see. I know the WCBB-TV/DT tower is in Litchfield, ME. Where is the WMED-TV/DT tower? indo.com places the two cities themselves 136 air miles from each other (Calais and Augusta).

Fixed the typo.

Presumably they won't/don't interfere with each other. WMED's tower is located just to the southwest of Calais:

http://tiger.census.gov/cgi-bin/mapgen/gif?lon=-67.323889&lat=45.029167&iwd=750&iht=750&mark=-67.323889,45.029167,bluestar,WMED-DR_CALAIS_ME&on=water,miscell,counties,places,CITIES,&off=streets,GRID,shorelin&ht=1.5&wid=1.5

The FCC puts it on the southeast bank of Meddybemps Lake.

Google Maps puts it as 187 miles as the crow drives to Gustin rd in Sabattus, near the WCBB tower.

Joe

Stan54

06-10-08, 10:38 PM

Just another voice to say you don't need a box to receive Maine broadcast stations on TWC. All you need is a Qam tuner in your tv set. I have two HD's without boxes and they receive these stations just fine.

numbah9

06-12-08, 10:13 AM

Long time listener, first time caller.. so here goes!

I live in Portland, and am upgrading to a Sony HD LCD. Which means I need to ditch my rabbit ears and get something so I can receive HDTV OTA. I've visited antennaweb.org, and here are the results:

http://www.corner-carvers.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=18817&d=1213102610

and

http://www.corner-carvers.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=18820&d=1213194690

As a couple of you have mentioned, I'm going to need a UHF+VHF antenna to receive the OTA stuff that I want to watch. What do you all think of the ChannelMaster 2016? I would post the URL but I don't have three posts yet! :)

Stan54

06-12-08, 01:09 PM

loudo38

06-12-08, 06:31 PM

drbonbi

06-12-08, 09:13 PM

I am getting 8, 10 and 13 digitals, with rabbit ears, in Lewiston. 6 digitals are not that good though, cuts in and out. Will play with it more, just got it set up and haven't fine tuned it yet.

Welcome back! :)

Dana

loudo38

06-12-08, 10:02 PM

Welcome back! :)

Dana

Thanks Dana, good to be back after 40 years. But for summers only.

numbah9

06-13-08, 08:09 PM

Why not continue to use the rabbit ears?I thought you were being facetious, but maybe not! I installed a wall outlet for behind my TV, and ran some coax up to the roof where I'd planned on putting my antenna. With the rabbit ears plugged in to the TV directly, I was getting around 4 channels (but very poorly).

With the rabbit ears plugged in to the coax resting on a window on my roof, I'm getting more than 20! To say I was surprised would be an understatement. It's almost as if they're magic ;) really, I have no idea why they are now working so well.

Stan54

06-13-08, 10:21 PM

I thought you were being facetious, but maybe not! I installed a wall outlet for behind my TV, and ran some coax up to the roof where I'd planned on putting my antenna. With the rabbit ears plugged in to the TV directly, I was getting around 4 channels (but very poorly).

With the rabbit ears plugged in to the coax resting on a window on my roof, I'm getting more than 20! To say I was surprised would be an understatement. It's almost as if they're magic ;) really, I have no idea why they are now working so well.

All I was getting at is that HD (digital) requires only a VHF / UHF antenna and a rabbit ears antenna IS a VHF / UHF antenna. Supposedly, if you are getting a good analog picture via such an antenna, you will get an even better digital picture. It was my understanding that you were getting a good analog picture with rabbit ears, so I was not being facetious.

numbah9

06-13-08, 11:23 PM

DrJoe

06-14-08, 09:11 AM

All I was getting at is that HD (digital) requires only a VHF / UHF antenna and a rabbit ears antenna IS a VHF / UHF antenna. Supposedly, if you are getting a good analog picture via such an antenna, you will get an even better digital picture. It was my understanding that you were getting a good analog picture with rabbit ears, so I was not being facetious.

Stan,

While this is true for "identical" signals, it isn't necessarily true in real life today: VHF signals carry farther than UHF for the same power output at the tower, and most stations are broadcasting at lower power on their (UHF) digital assignment than on their analog assignment. So it is quite likely that "rabbit ears" will pull in the VHF analog channel well, but not be able to get the UHF digital one at this time.

After analog broadcasting ceases, the stations will jack up the power of their digital broadcasts, and then what you say will be more likely to be true.

Joe

Stan54

06-14-08, 11:31 AM

Joe, as you say, some of the local digital signals are not yet at full power and, temporarily, more difficult to receive.

The point is that a rabbit ears antenna qualifies as a digital (including HD) antenna. Some people do not realize this until they are told. If you live in the golden valley of television signals, all you need is rabbit ears.

DrJoe

06-14-08, 03:31 PM

Yep. In fact I discussed the marketing of "digital antennas" only 13 posts up on this page. As I said, an antenna doesn't care if a signal is analog, digital, or Swahili. Just kidding about the Swahili.

Joe

numbah9

06-14-08, 05:47 PM

AccidenT

06-14-08, 07:32 PM

Are any of you guys baseball fans? I'm watching Fox now, and while my TV tells me it's a digital signal, it's not in HD. Do you know if Fox baseball is broadcast in HD, or do I have to get real cable?

Your TV must be lying to you. WPFO doesn't broadcast over the air digitally (and therefore not in HD) because the previous owners didn't bother to apply for a temporary frequency assignment to use during the transition from analog to digital. Therefore, they're going to have to cut over from analog to digital and their plan is to wait until the mandated transition date, since they'd lose analog viewers if they did it early.

drbonbi

06-15-08, 08:39 AM

Are any of you guys baseball fans? I'm watching Fox now, and while my TV tells me it's a digital signal, it's not in HD. Do you know if Fox baseball is broadcast in HD, or do I have to get real cable?

In addition to what AccidenT noted, WPFO Fox23 provides the network HD feed by closed circuit to TWC/Adelphia, Comcast Brunswick and D* as well.

Dana

numbah9

06-16-08, 01:10 PM

Thanks for all the replies! My parents are in town (like me, they're from Australia, but I live in Maine) so I've been crazy-busy.

I have basic cable from TWC (so, channels 2-21 or something) with no set-top box as my TV has QAM. I've read most of the posts in this thread regarding clear QAM, but I can't seem to find any HD channels via QAM when I tune my TV (a Sony KDL32-L4000).

Am I doing something wrong, or are TWC "hiding" their HD channels via the shenanigans some providers play with channel naming/numbering? I have a crappy pair of rabbit ears so I don't get any HDTV channels OTA, I was really hoping to get them via QAM. Any suggestions..? :o

Thanks! #9

Stan54

06-16-08, 03:14 PM

numbah9

06-16-08, 03:16 PM

Are you running your tv's "scan" function? (You used the word "tune".)Sorry -- yes, I am using "scan". This is what the owners' manual for the TV says regarding channel options:

Cable

On: Select if you are receiving cable channels via Cable TV provider.
Off: Select if you are using an antenna.

You should run Auto Program after changing the Cable setting.

Digital Channels

Select to add digital channels.

Auto Program

Automatically sets up the channel list on the TV for all receivable channels.
1. Select Auto Program.
2. Select OK to start Auto Program.

Running Auto Program will clear Favorites list.

Show/Hide Channels

Allows you to show or hide channels that appear when you use the CH +/– buttons.

1. Press Up/Down to scroll through the channels until you find the channel you want to show or hide. Then press + to select it.
2. Press Up/Down to determine if the channel will be shown or hidden. Then press + to select it.

Channels that you set to be hidden can be accessed only with the 0-9 buttons.
You can set channels to be hidden that are automatically set in Auto Program.

Label Channels

Allows you to assign labels (such as station call letters) to channel numbers.

1. Press Up/Down to scroll through the channel numbers. Then press + to select the channel number that you want to assign a label.
2. Press Up/Down to scroll through the label characters (A-Z, 0-9, etc.). Press Right to move to the next character. Repeat to add up to 7 characters to the label. Press Right to highlight OK and press + to set.

DrJoe

06-16-08, 04:57 PM

You might need to manually add the digital cable channels. Here is a link to Portland clear QAM: http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?p=13308216#post13308216

You should try manually adding channels 82, 93, 94, and 110.

82 -- NBC, PBS
93 -- MyPortland
94 -- CW, CBS
110 -- PBS, ABC, FOX

My "line-up" is different than yours because I am in the Lewiston service area. I get the following digital "clear" channels:

87 -- PPV Preview (no content)
89 -- CBS & CW
93 -- NBC & PBS
94 -- ABC, FOX, PBS
100 -- NBA League Pass Preview (no content)
107 -- Bangor ABC

Joe

numbah9

06-16-08, 06:33 PM

Thanks Joe! None of that worked for me, here's what I got instead:

110.1 Create
110.2 (not sure yet)
110.3 ABC
110.4 NBC
110.5 WMTW News 8 Now

PCVidGuy

06-16-08, 11:01 PM

I have found that a tuner may not always be able to find the channel by punching in the number(s). What always worked for me is doing a scan beforehand. The scan which produced the HD channels was the antenna scan, even when the cable is plugged into the antenna coax input. In addition to the 110.x stations, you should also get 82.x and 94.x ones (and now 6.1 for NBC-HD). A UHF antenna is great too. Antenna orientation may have a lot to do with the quality of reception. I find that rotating the antenna 90 degrees can make the difference between seeing it or not in some cases. Knowing that, I bought a small indoor antenna with a remote that turns it to presets. Analog channels can be snowy and blurred but the digital ones are usually perfect. I also have the basic cable at about 12 dollars and do get just about all the same ones there with the addition of some PBS ones that don't come in consistently on the antenna. To be honest, I use the antenna pretty much all the time and I'm very happy with the 1080 picture I get from the broadcasters who put it out. A couple of them only broadcast 720 and I can tell the difference. Either one is WAY better than the 480 picture cable gives you. Don't let them convince you that you need a box or special tier to get quality, high definition, wide screen, digital programming. It's out there, free, and it looks absolutely awesome!

Cravenfan

06-22-08, 10:13 AM

I'm brand new at the HDTV thing since yesterday and so far...wow! ESPN News in HD rocks! Couple Portland TWC questions for HD users:

1) I assume Comcast only broadcasts in HD when there is a Bruins or C's game? It just showed a blue screen with "HD Sports" floating around last night.

2) If you don't subscribe to HBO "regular" I assume you don't get HBOHD? It shows on the HDTV listings, but it shows I'm not subscribed. Same for Starz HD East?

3) GAME HD (538) doesn't work for me, just a black screen.

Thanks...

theo871

06-22-08, 02:13 PM

Cravenfan, I have answers to your questions about Time Warner HD:

1) Comcast SportsNet HD only shows Celtics home games at the moment. They have launched a 24/7 HD feed but TWC does not yet carry it.

2) Yes you must subscribe to HBO regular to get HBO-HD. Same goes for SHO-HD, MAX-HD, and Starz-HD

3) Game HD is the MLB Extra Innings/NHL Center Ice HD channel. You have to subscribe to either sports package to receive this one.

Enjoy your new HDTV, you'll never want to watch anything in SD again!

Cravenfan

06-22-08, 02:15 PM

Cool...thanks for the info...it was the same color blue on the TWC channel guide, so I was wondering what the scoop was...I have yet to put any favorites into the remote that were non-HD...I can watch those upstairs on our little 27". Thanks for the response. I sure hope TWC of Portland steps up with Speed Channel in HD soon!

Trip in VA

06-24-08, 05:44 PM

Hey all:

How was WMTW's analog signal prior to 2002 when they moved off of Mount Washington?

I ask because WLED-DT in Littleton NH has applied to move their transmitter up to the top of Mount Washington at 105 kW on channel 48. If approved, Portland is included in the protected coverage contour.

Current signal:
http://www.fcc.gov/fcc-bin/FMTV-service-area?x=DT654302.html

Proposed signal from Mount Washington:
http://www.fcc.gov/fcc-bin/FMTV-service-area?x=DT1249595.html

- Trip

Davinleeds

06-24-08, 05:59 PM

Been on the fringe of that proposed signal since '88 and WMTW has always been problematic with my hills.

h2osports

06-25-08, 01:37 PM

loudo38

06-25-08, 05:23 PM

Does anyone - other than station employees such as Craig Clark at 'GME, of course, whom I suppose have to keep mum for competitive reasons.:) - know when the Portland "Big Three" (WCSH, WGME & WMTW) will start broadcasting their local news and such in HD?

Be skiing you,

h2osports
I haven't heard anything about local news in HD, but one station the other day they said they were going to have their weather radar, in HD, soon (don't remember which one it was). Many locals already have their local news in HD, but Portland seems to be lagging behind, in that department.

h2osports

06-25-08, 05:33 PM

I haven't heard anything about local news in HD, but one station the other day they said they were going to have their weather radar, in HD, soon (don't remember which one it was). Many locals already have their local news in HD, but Portland seems to be lagging behind, in that department.

loudo,

You're thinking of 'GME and their promos for "Doppler HD." Seeing the mention of "HD" on Channel 13 the other day is exactly why I posted my question as to when we would actually see the local newscasts in glorious Hi-Def.

I am hoping WGME is the first to go HD with their locally originated programming, because they have (IMHO) the hottest "news babes" in this market.:D

Be skiing you,

h2osports

AccidenT

06-25-08, 05:33 PM

Speaking of local stations, it's time to send my 3rd annual email to WCSH asking when they're going to start sending Dolby Digtal. :D

drbonbi

06-25-08, 07:00 PM

Speaking of local stations, it's time to send my 3rd annual email to WCSH asking when they're going to start sending Dolby Digtal. :D

Good for you.

'Way back in June 2006 you noted:

Here's what Mike Marshall at WCSH told me in January:

"NBC does occasionally broadcast in 5.1 dolby. We do not have the equipment to pass it through at this time. We do not have any plan for the coming year to add it either....maybe 2007 or 2008, as more NBC product is offered in 5.1 and more consumers can receive it."

But, when I wrote him in early August 2006, he replied:

"We don't have the equipment to provide the 5.1 dolby digital audio. Best guess would be in 2 to 3 years....you're the first to ask. mike"

At the time we were dismayed that the 2006 NFL Hall of Fame (HOF) game from Canton, OH wasn't in DD 5.1 locally. As i recall it wasn't last year either. NBC once again will broadcast that game Sunday Aug. 3 at 8 PM. Redskins vs. Colts in HD. Time for WCSH to step up to the plate.

(Actually, I'm more interested in the HOF Enshrinement ceremonies on Saturday Aug. 2, 6-9 PM at Fawcett Stadium, Caton, OH., since Andre Tippett of the PATS will be inducted. The ceremonies will be carried by the NFL Network* which will generate yet another brouhaha in New England over who gets that channel on what cable/sat system, HD or not HD, etc. For the record, D* carries it in HD.)

If a Boston broadcast station is allowed to carry it, wanna bet it doesn't make it to Maine? :(

Dana

* PS. According to info posted here http://www.profootballhof.com/enshrinement/story.jsp?story_id=2673 both ESPN and the NFL Network will carry the Enshrinement ceremonies, presumably in HD but not so stated.

mainemojo

06-27-08, 08:22 PM

Davinleeds

06-27-08, 08:41 PM

Fairpoint is supposed to show up for a dsl problem I've had since the 17th. (At office) Home has worked well since a replacement switch at the hut.

drbonbi

06-27-08, 09:12 PM

I've been with TWC in Cape Elizabeth forever, paying for the full package of cable-phone-internet, HD, movie channels, PPV, MLB, DVR etc. Never had a major problem -- until now. But my experience the last two weeks with incompetent customer service and tech support on an issue that didn't surface until after they made a "repair" is driving me crazy -- enough to seriously consider a switch to DirecTV or even FairPoint's phone-DSL-DirecTV package.

What I'd like to know is what I'd be giving up if I switched, what I could gain and recommendations about the process -- I've heard horror stories about incompetent satellite TV installation jobs and really don't know whether to go through DirecTV's Web site, seek out a dealer, use FairPoint or what. Suggestions, advice, recommendations, referrals gladly appreciated. I'm going to give TWC one more chance on Monday (assuming they show up as promised), but if that doesn't work I'm ready to pull the trigger.

Thanks to AccidenT, we have the Portland installation Direct Tech HQ telephone 878-3322 for D*. Talk with Claire on ext. 1. Direct Tech get their work orders from the national D* but at least you have a local contact. That worked well for me after a false start without that info.

A poster here provides the latest info on the current best deal from D*. http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?p=14166378#post14166378

I switched to GWI for telephone and internet. They are based in Biddeford. 1-866-494-2020. You can check out availability and rates at http://www.gwi.net. Outstanding service and support. Great rates. I had Verizon DSL back along. Tech support from NJ. Now that Fairpoint is our local landline phone co, I can only guess at how that will go. :(

I am very happy with D* and GWI.

Dana

mainemojo

06-27-08, 09:12 PM

Fairpoint is supposed to show up for a dsl problem I've had since the 17th. (At office) Home has worked well since a replacement switch at the hut.
Any idea if their DSL service is noticeably slower than TWC's cable?

mainemojo

06-27-08, 09:16 PM

Thanks to AccidenT, we have the Portland installation Direct Tech HQ telephone 878-3322 for D*. Talk with Claire on ext. 1. Direct Tech get their work orders from the national D* but at least you have a local contact. That worked well for me after a false start without that info.

A poster here provides the latest info on the current best deal from D*. http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?p=14166378#post14166378

I switched to GWI for telephone and internet. They are based in Biddeford. 1-866-494-2020. You can check out availability and rates at http://www.gwi.net. Outstanding service and support. Great rates. I had Verizon DSL back along. Tech support from NJ. Now that Fairpoint is our local landline phone co, I can only guess at how that will go. :(

I am very happy with D* and GWI.

Dana
Thanks, both for the D* info and GWI -- I hadn't thought about going to them for phone and Internet. What about D* vs. TWC in terms of channels lineups, PPV, etc -- any pros, cons?

loudo38

06-27-08, 09:19 PM

What I'd like to know is what I'd be giving up if I switched, what I could gain and recommendations about the process -- I've heard horror stories about incompetent satellite TV installation jobs and really don't know whether to go through DirecTV's Web site, seek out a dealer, use FairPoint or what. Suggestions, advice, recommendations, referrals gladly appreciated. I'm going to give TWC one more chance on Monday (assuming they show up as promised), but if that doesn't work I'm ready to pull the trigger.
I just did a DirecTV movers installation done, in our Maine home. When the installer left he told me that one of the prewired lines, in our home was bad, and I had to call the builder to get it replaced. So I only had one line to one of my DVRs. After he left, I tested the line and I found that it was the connector that he put on the cable that was shorting the line out. After I replaced his connector the line worked fine. Other than that the installation was good and I have excellent signal strengths on all satellites.

As far as getting it directly or through Fair Point, you may get a better deal through Fair Point for the package (phone, satellite TV and Internet. Check with them.

As far a picture quality, DirecTV is very good and they have many more HD channels than the handful that TWC offers.

loudo38

06-27-08, 09:25 PM

Thanks, both for the D* info and GWI -- I hadn't thought about going to them for phone and Internet. What about D* vs. TWC in terms of channels lineups, PPV, etc -- any pros, cons?

Check with GWI first. I called them to order it and they checked my address and said that there was no looped system where I live, and I could only get dial up from them. The only high speed service I could get here was TWC, but so far it has been good.

mainemojo

06-27-08, 09:29 PM

I just did a DirecTV movers installation done, in our Maine home. When the installer left he told me that one of the prewired lines, in our home was bad, and I had to call the builder to get it replaced. So I only had one line to one of my DVRs. After he left, I tested the line and I found that it was the connector that he put on the cable that was shorting the line out. After I replaced his connector the line worked fine. Other than that the installation was good and I have excellent signal strengths on all satellites.

As far as getting it directly or through Fair Point, you may get a better deal through Fair Point for the package (phone, satellite TV and Internet. Check with them.

As far a picture quality, DirecTV is very good and they have many more HD channels than the handful that TWC offers.
loudo38 -- and anyone else: What about seeing the satellite? We've got lots of tall trees (not a lot of southern and western sun). Who determines whether the install will be successful and w/out LOS problems? Is the installer supposed to make a judgment before doing the work or does the customer roll the dice and hope it works after the job is done?

drbonbi

06-27-08, 09:30 PM

Any idea if their DSL service is noticeably slower than TWC's cable?

DSL service/speed availability depends on your location. I cut back from 5 MB cable to 3 MB DSL (all that's available here) and don't notice any speed difference for email, web pages, software downloads, etc. And my phone/internet bill was cut in half. ;)

Dana

Davinleeds

06-27-08, 09:32 PM

Any idea if their DSL service is noticeably slower than TWC's cable?

Rates depend on package-but no experience with cable at home as non- existent.

mainemojo

06-27-08, 09:35 PM

Check with GWI first. I called them to order it and they checked my address and said that there was no looped system where I live, and I could only get dial up from them. The only high speed service I could get here was TWC, but so far it has been good.
Our phone/Internet service from TWC had been great, too -- until they adjusted an amplifier in the neighborhood to supposedly improve the overall signal. Now we get pixelization and freezing on the digital cable channels and digitalization on the phone. Four tech guys have been through the house in the last week -- changing the modem, replacing connections, etc., without any improvement -- and the company still won't send out a maintenance tech to just redo the work that was done on the amplifier. They've got their script and refuse to listen to what we have to say. It's utterly exasperating.

drbonbi

06-27-08, 09:35 PM

loudo38 -- and anyone else: What about seeing the satellite? We've got lots of tall trees (not a lot of southern and western sun). Who determines whether the install will be successful and w/out LOS problems? Is the installer supposed to make a judgment before doing the work or does the customer roll the dice and hope it works after the job is done?

The installer has a little gizmo that gives him a reading on sat availability. The installer won't start unless he thinks he can deliver a signal to you. Sats in our neck of the woods are in the low southwestern sky so you may have a problem. How about on the roof? Does that clear the local trees for line of sight?

Dana

Davinleeds

06-27-08, 09:36 PM

Higher speeds better for video streaming - which will come around .

You need just one more drbonbi! Yeah, got it!

mainemojo

06-27-08, 09:38 PM

The installer has a little gizmo that gives him a reading on sat availability. The installer won't start unless he thinks he can deliver a signal to you. Sats in our neck of the woods are in the low southwestern sky so you may have a problem. How about on the roof? Does that clear the local trees for line of sight?

Dana
I'm not really sure. Southwest, probably not; I guess it will depend on where the target happens to be. Like I said, by Monday I'll hope to know if it's worth looking into.

loudo38

06-27-08, 10:13 PM

I'm not really sure. Southwest, probably not; I guess it will depend on where the target happens to be. Like I said, by Monday I'll hope to know if it's worth looking into.
As Dana said, the first thing the installer did when he arrived was a site survey, from the location, where he ended up installing my dish.

beekeeper

06-28-08, 07:47 AM

GWI is the actual email provider for Comcast/Suscom. If you shift to them from Comcast you can keep your email address, at least you could way back when I last checked.

I thought there was a way to check for LOS by the sun position on certain days of the year. True?

drbonbi

06-28-08, 08:28 AM

mainemojo

06-28-08, 08:39 AM

One final question, folks: is there any cable programming that D* doesn't match or have an alternative to -- On Demand, MLB package, NESN-HD, etc?

loudo38

06-28-08, 09:18 AM

One final question, folks: is there any cable programming that D* doesn't match or have an alternative to -- On Demand, MLB package, NESN-HD, etc?

There are some available with one that are not available with the other. A few that come to mind are:
WITH TWC but not on DirecTV:
A few French Canadian stations.
New England News Channel.
MOJO.
No local PBS, or WPXT, in HD (Only available in SD).
A few more Premium movie channels in SD.

With DirecTV but not available on TWC:
Much more national channels in HD.
More premium movie channels in HD.
Some MLB games in HD.
MLB extra channels (example: View multiple games on one channel, at the same time).
Many more national sports channels available, when you add national sports package to your subscription.
Many XM Radio channels available.
Channel 101, a DirecTV produced channel.
Many more International packages available.
Mix News and Sports Channels (view 8 channels at once).
Some channels available in East and West coast feeds.
More adult channels.

drbonbi

06-28-08, 09:59 AM

loudo38,

Bravo for putting that list together! I'd still be trying to organize my thoughts. :confused:

As regards MPBN, D* has an agreement with the national association of public TV stations which, if ratified by them, will permit D* to carry local public TV stations in HD. MPBN has signed off. My guess is that when the next D* sat goes live, D* will carry MPBN TV in HD in the Portland-Auburn DMA.

That should be soon. The rumors are that D* will roll out yet another round of promos offering 150 channels in HD in connection with lighting up the new sat.

Dana

drbonbi

06-28-08, 10:36 AM

There's another difference between my experience with SusCom/Comcast Brunswick and D*. The cable co. is using old equipment. Their HD STB is the SA3250HD with a DVI video out connection. D* is on its second gen HD receivers with HDMI. The D* firmware is modern; the SA3250HD firmware is not.

Comcast is playing catchup. I can't speak for the other cable cos. A news story here http://www.multichannel.com/article/CA6573422.html?industryid=44111 from an industry conference reports that Comcast is ordering 6 million analog to digital converters this year with twice that many to be ordered next year to recover bandwidth.

Steve Burke, Comcast COO said "... the fact that DirecTV can say, ‘We have 100 HD channels and no one else does’ -- that’s not a place we want to stay in.”

Neither did I.

Dana

mainemojo

06-28-08, 11:57 AM

MisterEEE

06-28-08, 12:10 PM

drbonbi

06-28-08, 12:17 PM

It pretty much sounds like the major programming differences are cable's On Demand feature, the MLB package, and locally, the availability of NECN (a Comcast product) on TWC. I happen to like NECN, but could live without it. And I only buy the MLB package to follow my favorite team (think Evil Empire) -- but D* carries YES, so that becomes a non-issue.

Thanks to all for the advice. I'll see how things go Monday with the next TWC service call.

Are you also a NY football fan? When the NFL season gets underway, the NFL Sunday Ticket on D* may be of interest. Some folks subscribe to D* for that service alone.

We would be remiss not to note that D* does have a two year commitment attached to its promos so it is good to investigate pros and cons. Also, some of the big box stores have tie ins with D*. Buy a new HD TV and get $300. off a D* subscription, etc.

Let us know how it goes.

Dana

drbonbi

06-28-08, 12:24 PM

NHPTV has applied to move their Littleton, NH DT signal to the summit of Mount Washington. When approved this will give much of southern Maine another strong local DT signal. In fact, it will rival Maine PBS in terms of DT signal strength and coverage particulary in the Portland area.

http://www.fcc.gov/fcc-bin/FMTV-service-area?x=DT1249595.html

This is cool! Does DT = HD? If so, does NHPTV simulcast its regular programming on its HD channel? My big complaint with MPBN is that it no longer provides the PBS HD feed on its HD channel so all its daytime programming in HD is for kiddos. Hmm. I hope D* will pick this up but I'm afraid some "out of market" fine print will prevent it.

Nonetheless, I am all for viewer choice, something that I notice providers are not so enthusiastic about.

Dana

loudo38

06-28-08, 01:06 PM

loudo38

06-28-08, 01:09 PM

slow ride

06-28-08, 01:11 PM

drbonbi

06-28-08, 01:57 PM

I live in southern maine and have had a lot of trouble with twc hd. I recently made the jump from standard def to HD. I have the scientific atlanta digital recorder box and have had nothing but trouble with it. I guess lots of people have had similar problems. The picture freezes up, skips, blacks out , doesnt record when you set it and on and on I can go. I return the box for another and it does the same thing.They keep telling that they have software updates that are going to fix it but they never work. So that brings me here. I have no experience with direct tv and would like some advice. I guess the biggest concern would be losing the signal during bad weather. How often does it happen around here. I do have a nice open shot to the southard from my roof. Will I be getting rid of the problems I have with time warner only to get other problems with a different service?
I just found this forum here and plan on doing some back tracking on this topic. In the mean time, If anyone has something to share please do. thanks

Chances are the SA HD DVR you mention is the SA8300HD or SA8300HDC. The latter has a cablecard slot. I never used one but the internet is filled with compliants about them, particularly the HDC model. Do a Google search and see. (I had experience with the SA 3250HD, a non-DVR HD STB, and corresponded with SA about problems with it.)

The problems with this box illustrate the bind the cable cos are in. The box is made by Scientific Atlanta (SA), now owned by Cisco, which also supplies the firmware. So, the cable co is totally dependent on SA to fix the problems. But, the box has already been sold to the cable co. They own it - and the problems. But, they can't fix it? Right.

That's not true with D*. Their receivers are manufactured to their specifications and are D* branded. D* develops its own firmware. They even involve volunteers as beta testers! They provide Release Notes on the firmware. An entire different and much better approach not unlike computer software.

The idea that satellite reception is more vulnerable to weather interruption than cable is self-serving propaganda promoted by the cable cos who, BTW, have big sat dishes of their own that they never mention. Check back on this thread for some posts I and others made in mid-winter when my sat dish looked like it has been frosted with coconut. Reception was unaffected until it became so thick that I took a car wash brush and wiped the dish clean. The snow fell off when I touched it. Signal issues fixed.

That's another point. Since the D* sats are low in our southwestern sky, the home viewer dishes are almost vertical. Not much chance to accumulate snow. So-called rain fade? I've yet to see it. Maybe in Florida in the torrential rains there. But not here where I am. In the midst of some pretty wild weather, I've never lost signal.

But, here's something that the cable cos never mention. Power outage. The cable cos have battery backup power units on their poles that will support cable transmission for a short while. But, when that fails, they are done.

Not so with satellite. We have a whole house backup generator. So, we have power when a storm or a motorist knocks out our utility lines. Our satellite reception including storm related news from local stations is unaffected by a local utility outage. ;)

Dana

slow ride

06-28-08, 08:05 PM

Chances are the SA HD DVR you mention is the SA8300HD or SA8300HDC. The latter has a cablecard slot. I never used one but the internet is filled with compliants about them, particularly the HDC model. Do a Google search and see. (I had experience with the SA 3250HD, a non-DVR HD STB, and corresponded with SA about problems with it.)

The problems with this box illustrate the bind the cable cos are in. The box is made by Scientific Atlanta (SA), now owned by Cisco, which also supplies the firmware. So, the cable co is totally dependent on SA to fix the problems. But, the box has already been sold to the cable co. They own it - and the problems. But, they can't fix it? Right.

That's not true with D*. Their receivers are manufactured to their specifications and are D* branded. D* develops its own firmware. They even involve volunteers as beta testers! They provide Release Notes on the firmware. An entire different and much better approach not unlike computer software.

The idea that satellite reception is more vulnerable to weather interruption than cable is self-serving propaganda promoted by the cable cos who, BTW, have big sat dishes of their own that they never mention. Check back on this thread for some posts I and others made in mid-winter when my sat dish looked like it has been frosted with coconut. Reception was unaffected until it became so thick that I took a car wash brush and wiped the dish clean. The snow fell off when I touched it. Signal issues fixed.

That's another point. Since the D* sats are low in our southwestern sky, the home viewer dishes are almost vertical. Not much chance to accumulate snow. So-called rain fade? I've yet to see it. Maybe in Florida in the torrential rains there. But not here where I am. In the midst of some pretty wild weather, I've never lost signal.

But, here's something that the cable cos never mention. Power outage. The cable cos have battery backup power units on their poles that will support cable transmission for a short while. But, when that fails, they are done.

Not so with satellite. We have a whole house backup generator. So, we have power when a storm or a motorist knocks out our utility lines. Our satellite reception including storm related news from local stations is unaffected by a local utility outage. ;)

Dana

I have learned a little in the past week or so on the SA 8300 hd & 8300 hdc cable box.. I have had the 8300 hdc since january when I first switched to high def. Time warner told me that they have had problems ever since the government made them discontinue the 8300 hd model. Thats why they came out with the hdc model.At least thats what they told me.

There is a local time warner office down the street and I was able to get them to hold a older model 8300 hd for me .I hooked it up today thinking this would cure my problems. Yeah right!! I could not even get a signal out of it.I called them and after about a hour of monkey friggen around they felt that the hdmi port was not working. Who knows. All I know is that I have had about enough and Iam considering my other options.

I also was wondering if direct tv offered the local channels like wcsh6 & wgme13? thanks chris

AccidenT

06-28-08, 08:45 PM

I have learned a little in the past week or so on the SA 8300 hd & 8300 hdc cable box.. I have had the 8300 hdc since january when I first switched to high def. Time warner told me that they have had problems ever since the government made them discontinue the 8300 hd model. Thats why they came out with the hdc model.At least thats what they told me.

There is a local time warner office down the street and I was able to get them to hold a older model 8300 hd for me .I hooked it up today thinking this would cure my problems. Yeah right!! I could not even get a signal out of it.I called them and after about a hour of monkey friggen around they felt that the hdmi port was not working. Who knows. All I know is that I have had about enough and Iam considering my other options.

I also was wondering if direct tv offered the local channels like wcsh6 & wgme13? thanks chris

Yes, DirecTV has the following Portland locals:

WCSH 6 (SD & HD)
WMTW 8 (SD & HD)
WPFO 10 (SD only)*
WGME 13 (SD & HD)
WPFO 23 (SD & HD)
WPME 35 (SD only)*
WPXT 51 (SD only)*

*Some DirecTV HD recievers/HD DVRs include an ATSC tuner, and you can get the HD version of these channels via antenna. Newer receivers and DVRS don't have the built-in tuner, but an add-on tuner unit is available for $50.

drbonbi

06-28-08, 08:47 PM

slow ride,

Yes, all the Portland stations are offered in HD except for MPBN HD which is expected later this year.

(AccidenT has a more complete answer above. The add-on D* OTA receiver he mentions, the AM-21, is only available as an accessory for the HR-21 HD DVR however. But, if OTA reception is important, the first gen H20 HD receiver with built-in OTA tuner is still in limited availability.)

Dana

Davinleeds

06-28-08, 08:59 PM

I read 4 out of 7 in HD?

drbonbi

06-29-08, 07:32 AM

I read 4 out of 7 in HD?

Actually, four out of five. AFAIK, WPME 35 and WPXT 51 don't have an HD signal. And of course WPFO/FOX23 doesn't broadcast HD but D* (along with cable TWC and Comcast Brunswick) carries it via closed circuit feed. The only local HD channel missing on D* is MPBN 10 which D* is likely to carry later this year.

Dana

Davinleeds

06-29-08, 07:35 AM

OTA 35-1 usually new prime time stuff is HD and OTA 51 does also. 35 is 720p

slow ride

06-29-08, 08:14 AM

Is it true that direct tv needs two cable lines for the cable box?

drbonbi

06-29-08, 08:26 AM

Is it true that direct tv needs two cable lines for the cable box?

For its non-DVR HD receivers, no. For the D* HD DVRs, yes since they have two tuners. D* uses dual RG6 coax so the two wires are paired not unlike AC zip cord. Very neat.

Dana

slow ride

06-29-08, 08:37 AM

For its non-DVR HD receivers, no. For the D* HD DVRs, yes since they have two tuners. D* uses dual RG6 coax so the two wires are paired not unlike AC zip cord. Very neat.

Dana

Ok, so as far as the wall plate goes all I have to do is get a custom plate. I have a single box now with just the one coax. I think I could stay with a single box and just buy a single wall plate with three male ends( if I want to keep the cable wire attached ) or just get a double male plate and tuck the old cable coax in back. Does that make any sense? Im just trying to avoid another hole in the wall. thanks again

drbonbi

06-29-08, 08:54 AM

Ok, so as far as the wall plate goes all I have to do is get a custom plate. I have a single box now with just the one coax. I think I could stay with a single box and just buy a single wall plate with three male ends( if I want to keep the cable wire attached ) or just get a double male plate and tuck the old cable coax in back. Does that make any sense? Im just trying to avoid another hole in the wall. thanks again

If your present cable coax is solid copper core RG6, the Direct Tech installer will be glad to use it and just pull one additional wire. Perhaps I didn't make it clear that they use both single and dual coax, whatever the job requires.

Dana

slow ride

06-29-08, 11:09 AM

If your present cable coax is solid copper core RG6, the Direct Tech installer will be glad to use it and just pull one additional wire. Perhaps I didn't make it clear that they use both single and dual coax, whatever the job requires.

Dana

I think I will need entirely new runs due to the fact that the satellite will be located on the opposite side of the house that the cable comes in..Besides, I want new runs with no splits.

drbonbi

06-29-08, 11:13 AM

A few months ago I had a long email exchange with MPBN over the loss of History Detectives reruns (and other fine programs) in HD when "the powers that be" decided to switch MPBN HD to a simulcast of its regular programming instead of carriage of the national PBS HD channel. I shared some of the content on these pages.

The issue arose in part because of a story in the Brunswick Times Record newspaper about a Bath, ME resident having contributed an artifact of hers that resulted in a story to be aired on History Detectives this summer. I erroneously thought we wouldn't see it in Maine because of the change in HD programming noted above. I was wrong.

History Detectives returns to MPBN on all channels June 30 at 9 PM. The particular episode involving the Bath resident is "Annie Oakley Coin."

History Detectives: WWII Diary; 1856 Mormon Table; Annie Oakley Coin
Monday, June 30, 9:00pm
The sixth season begins with a diary of a WWII pilot.

History Detectives: Red Hand Flag; Seth Eastman Painting; Isleton Tong
Monday, July 7, 9:00pm
A painting that may have been done by Seth Eastman.

More here http://www.pbs.org/opb/historydetectives/about/tunein.html?station=WCBB and here http://www.pbs.org/opb/historydetectives/investigations/601_annieoakleycoin.html

Dana

slow ride

06-29-08, 09:05 PM

A few months ago I had a long email exchange with MPBN over the loss of History Detectives reruns (and other fine programs) in HD when "the powers that be" decided to switch MPBN HD to a simulcast of its regular programming instead of carriage of the national PBS HD channel. I shared some of the content on these pages.

The issue arose in part because of a story in the Brunswick Times Record newspaper about a Bath, ME resident having contributed an artifact of hers that resulted in a story to be aired on History Detectives this summer. I erroneously thought we wouldn't see it in Maine because of the change in HD programming noted above. I was wrong.

History Detectives returns to MPBN on all channels June 30 at 9 PM. The particular episode involving the Bath resident is "Annie Oakley Coin."

More here http://www.pbs.org/opb/historydetectives/about/tunein.html?station=WCBB and here http://www.pbs.org/opb/historydetectives/investigations/601_annieoakleycoin.html

Dana

Thanks for that, It sounds like something I will watch.

beekeeper

06-30-08, 07:30 AM

I have two DVDR hard drive recorders that I use with my Comcast "analog" feed. Since one has an ATSC tuner, I do get the local HD channels and can record them (in 480i, but still a great picture) (as well as watch them on my ATSC TV).

If I shift to D* can I still use the recorders to record two channels at one time while watching a third? Or would I need to purchase the D* tivo clone that can record two shows at once? I realize that is a better way to watch since it can record 1080 (i/p?) and I seldom burn the programs to DVD.

Anyone use a non-D* DVDR with their D* feed? How is it set up?

loudo38

06-30-08, 07:49 AM

MisterEEE

06-30-08, 09:11 AM

This is cool! Does DT = HD? If so, does NHPTV simulcast its regular programming on its HD channel? My big complaint with MPBN is that it no longer provides the PBS HD feed on its HD channel so all its daytime programming in HD is for kiddos. Hmm. I hope D* will pick this up but I'm afraid some "out of market" fine print will prevent it.

Nonetheless, I am all for viewer choice, something that I notice providers are not so enthusiastic about.

Dana

Yes, this will be an HD signal. Their other DT signal out of Durham, NH will move from UHF to channel 11 after the analog shut down and will cover areas south of Portland quite well.

Stan54

06-30-08, 10:55 PM

Tonight, (Monday) I lost my TWC cablecard HD channels shortly after 10:00 pm. I pulled the card and found I still had the locals on QAM. I put the card back in and still did not have the channels. Perhaps, there is some work being done to go to SDV. The periodic newspaper notice said that HD Net and HD Net Movies would not be available on cablecard beginning in mid July. Changes may be coming on TWC Augusta.

beekeeper

07-01-08, 07:01 AM

This may answer a few of your questions: http://www.tivo.com/setupandsupport/howto/Do_TiVo_DVRs_Support_Satellite_Input_.html
or
https://www3.tivo.com/setupandsupport/messagesonmydvr/TiVo_HD_DVR_FAQs.html#What%20can%20do

They help but do not answer the basic questions I have- can you use SD recorders to record more than one show at a time with D*. Does anyone use a dvdr recorder with a hard drive with D* in a tivo like fashion? The way I read the tivo info is maybe yes and maybe no.

drbonbi

07-01-08, 07:48 AM

They help but do not answer the basic questions I have- can you use SD recorders to record more than one show at a time with D*. Does anyone use a dvdr recorder with a hard drive with D* in a tivo like fashion? The way I read the tivo info is maybe yes and maybe no.

A description with some specs of the D* R16 SD DVR is here http://www.solidsignal.com/prod_display.asp?main_cat=02&CAT=&PROD=R16

• Record two shows at once while watching a previously recorded show.

This page http://www.tivo.com/whatistivo/whichtivoforme/index.html?wt.z_links=whichtivo_showme seems to make it pretty clear that the TiVO SD Series 2 Dual Tuner "Works with a satellite box (Records only 1 satellite channel at a time. Does NOT record HD programs)."

Dana

drbonbi

07-01-08, 08:19 AM

...

Anyone use a non-D* DVDR with their D* feed? How is it set up?

Sorry. Looks like my response isn't on point.

Dana

Stan54

07-01-08, 02:28 PM

Well, my cablecard HD channels are back. There is a blank screen channel marker for 705 which says DIG. PH, whatever that means. Further, the channel markers for premium movie HD channels now show, even though I don't have them and had "skipped" them in the surfing sequence. There is a change coming with the loss of HD NET to extra pay later this month, but I can't tell, yet, what else is going on, if anything.

loudo38

07-01-08, 02:32 PM

Has any one noticed a drop in the strength of channel 8 OTA signal lately? I had it good with rabbit ears for the last few weeks, but the last few days I am getting a lot of pixelation.

Stan54

07-01-08, 04:00 PM

Has any one noticed a drop in the strength of channel 8 OTA signal lately? I had it good with rabbit ears for the last few weeks, but the last few days I am getting a lot of pixelation.

Just curious. Do you mean pixelation or blocking? I don't really mean to question your terminology, but I would expect blocking with weak signal.

loudo38

07-01-08, 04:03 PM

Just curious. Do you mean pixelation or blocking? I don't really mean to question your terminology, but I would expect blocking with weak signal.

Actually it is a little of both. Basicly from a weak signal. At times it is pixelation and other times it is blocked.

nheagle

07-01-08, 04:33 PM

Actually it is a little of both. Basicly from a weak signal. At times it is pixelation and other times it is blocked.

Just checked here in NH and the signal is normal for 6,8, and 13

theo871

07-03-08, 10:31 PM

anyone know of any upcoming additions to the TWC southern maine lineup? I noticed that they recently added Disney HD, but thats all for now apparently.

jscudder

07-04-08, 07:46 AM

Actually, four out of five. AFAIK, WPME 35 and WPXT 51 don't have an HD signal.
Dana

WPXT 51.1 and WPME 35.1 both broadcast OTA in HD. Recently WPME 35.2 switched from broadcasting an SD version of WPME to broadcasting the 'Maine Visitors Channel'.

John

jscudder

07-04-08, 07:56 AM

That is good news. I should be able to pick it up with rabbit ears. I now get channel 8 with them, just fine.

WMTW has not been broadcasting from a top Mt. Washington for a couple of years now. Their tower is over in western ME near Sebago Lake.

loudo38

07-04-08, 07:59 AM

WMTW has not been broadcasting from a top Mt. Washington for a couple of years now. Their tower is over in western ME near Sebago Lake.
Thanks for that info. Thought they were still on Mt. Washington.

KML-224

07-04-08, 09:58 AM

drbonbi

07-04-08, 10:26 AM

From Wikipedia http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/WMTW-TV#History

... The station had to leave Mount Washington in 2002 due to part of the FCC's digital television mandate. Two FM stations currently occupy separate broadcast facilities on the top of the mountain. The FCC requires analog stations to broadcast alongside their digital counterparts until 80% of the viewing audience can watch the digital signal.

Had WMTW-DT been built on the mountain, it would have had to operate at low power due to the lack of commercial electric power up there. A low-powered signal would have resulted in an inadequate signal for Portland and the more populated areas of the market, and so, WMTW built a new TV tower in Baldwin, Maine, and signed off from Mount Washington for the last time on February 5, 2002. Obviously, the new transmitter site does not serve as large an area as the Mount Washington tower did, but it provides a better TV signal to the highly populated areas of the market...

Dana

MisterEEE

07-06-08, 11:19 AM

The analog and digital transmitters are in Baldwin, ME, to be more specific. If I recall, they left Mount Washington in 2002, since a city grade digital signal would never have reached Portland from that distance.

Actually, there wasn't enough AC generator power available on MT Washington to support both a full power analog and digital signal. Recently, commercial power was brought to the summit via the Cog Railway and this became a moot point. If digital TV had been delayed several more years WMTW might have well stayed on the mountain. NH public TV plans to relocate their digital transmitter from Littleton, NH to the rock pile so they can deliver a city grade contour signal into Portland. http://www.fcc.gov/fcc-bin/FMTV-service-area?x=DT1249595.html

Cravenfan

07-12-08, 09:19 AM

I have a regular 27" tube TV upstairs, the cable box PIP works great for that TV...however, the TWC PIP used on my new 52" sucks. It ends up in almost the middle of the picture (where a "regular" TV's boundary would be). My PIP through the TV works well, but I can't get HD via that PIP, unless I pick up an over the air HD signal.

I attached a picture...the far right is my PIP through the 52", the PIP to the left of that, or closer to the center is the PIP through the cable box. We should be able to move that PIP through the cable box over, not just move it to the four corners, still in the way of the main picture. :mad:

PCVidGuy

07-14-08, 07:55 PM

You can't get HD through that PIP? Ten maybe you should try POP. That could put 3 screens side by side. The TW pip is going to put it at the locations available, which means at the four corners, like you show in the screenshot. Then your PIP for the TV will use what is left. If you're using Component, then why not add HDMI, but that may result in the same picture, unless you can POP those too. I use a PC input also, which means I can have the two TW channels PLUS a PC decoded video in a box beside the regular video if I use POP. But I don't think TW offers a POP. If all you have is PIP then you won't have the versatility of a truly customizable system. But then, I am a video engineer and I know my way around these things.

Cravenfan

07-14-08, 09:02 PM

The issue is the TWC PIP (which I can get in HD) I can't move into the corner. It shows up nearly in the middle of the screen!

drbonbi

07-15-08, 09:43 AM

We've discussed in the past on this thread various problems with cable HD STBs. My experience involves using a Scientific Atlanta SA3250HD, a cable HD STB (non-DVR) in use by SusCom and now Comcast-Brunswick and widely in use by other cable cos.

AFAIK, this box was introduced at least five years ago. It has a digital video DVI connection, new at the time. To its credit, SusCom Brunswick installed the STB with DVI activated. Many other cable cos did not - and still do not support it, requiring customers to use an analog component cable connection. The box has retained its original GUI. To my knowledge SA issued only one firmware update - a bug fix - which SusCom did implement. Many other cable cos apparently didn't.

The box worked well for me but the GUI was badly out of date both in terms of appearance and function. When I returned to D* last fall and saw how much better and more modern the GUI was on its HD STBs, I was surprised to say the least. D* dropped the use of third party STBs made by Samsung and others also about five years ago and began issuing its own brand of box (manufactured by various well-known electronics cos.) with its own firmware. Obviously, that approach has worked well.

All of the above is prompted by the receipt over night - actually about 3:50 AM this morning - of the second firmware revision to the H21-200 D* branded HD STB I am using. The Release Notes give you an idea of its contents.

The Contents of the Release: (Differences based on Last National Release)

Improved

* MPEG4 video output stability improvement
* UI polish for Signal Strength screens
* Stability improvement for custom favorite list usage
* Multi-switch compatibility improvements
* XM channel stability improvement
* Game Lounge stability improvement
* Program guide data update behavior improvement
* Favorite list and guide filtering behavior improvement
* Minor remote control key repeat improvement
* Slimline-3 ODU compatibility
* New help UI screens
* Native resolution behavior polish
* Minor PPV UI polish
* Added ATSC OSD for non-HD users
* UI Polishing
* Added Stability
* Added HDCP behavior robustness
* Guide filter not displaying channels from current favorites
* Fixed Highlight disappears in Quick Menu
* Fixed extra filter bar appearing in Channel banner info screen
* Fixed highlight errors in call log screen
* Improved Stability.

The D* box I am using is its second generation HD STB with HDMI. The GUI keeps getting better. Meanwhile, my impression is that Comcast is still searching for some sort of national STB firmware that will unify and update the GUI on the different STBs it owns, has deployed but doesn't control. Some sort of test is underway in the Boston area with a limited number of users involved.

Dana

drbonbi

07-19-08, 09:10 AM

We had lots of discussion on this thread last fall about installation problems with D* contractors in the mid-coast so I thought it would be of interest to note that D* has acquired a major installation contractor as reported here http://www.tvtechnology.com/pages/s.0016/t.14556.html

The deal gives DirecTV control over 3,200 installation and home service employees in 46 U.S. market locations, throughout California, Colorado, Oregon, Washington, Utah, Montana, Idaho, Wyoming, Arkansas, Virginia, Hawaii, western Pennsylvania and New Jersey. Until now, DirecTV had outsourced all its installation service operations through 12 home service provider companies.

“With the close of the 180 Connect agreement, we’ve taken an important step toward developing the best installation network in the industry and further enhancing customer satisfaction,” said Mike Palkovic, executive vice president for operations at DirecTV. “Improving the service experience for our customers is as important as anything we do on the technology and content side of our business and we believe we will now be in a stronger position to better understand and meet the challenges of providing a high-quality experience for our customers.”

Whether D* intends to acquire other installation contractors remains to be seen but it may send a message that service on site must improve.

Meanwhile, Comcast Brunswick seems to be going in the opposite direction. A seasonal neighbor of mine bought a computer, a first for her at age 78. Since she already has Comcast basic cable, I suggested it might be cheapest/best if she signed up for Comcast internet since they would come to the house and set her computer up in the process as I had experienced in the past with SusCom Brunswick.

I was wrong. A Comcast contractor showed up, made some adjustments outside the house, told her she was all set and left, never touching her computer, let alone confirming she had internet service and setting up her email! Fortunately, I had a cheat sheet from my days with SusCom/Comcast internet and I was able to set her email up even though she has a new Dell portable and I'm a Mac guy. She called Comcast to complain and the customer service tech offered to "walk her through the setup." A brave soul considering that she barely knew how to turn the laptop on and off.

Customer service NOT!

Dana

beekeeper

07-21-08, 06:00 AM

Add another to Comcast support- a friend could not send out email. Called CC and was told they only handle MS Outlook and not Thunderbird. The problem was in neither, but in the CC password and setting it up. Had they walked him through with MS Outlook they would have found the same problem. He also had the same problem as your friend when he added internet phone. Little help until he called a VP somewhere south. Got nowhere with tech support.

beekeeper

07-21-08, 06:05 AM

drbonbi

07-21-08, 06:47 AM

Who did you who have Direct work through to set up your systems? I saw one dealer at a phone store on the Brunswick mall, but the salespeople were fairly clueless, so a bit of discomfort in going with them.

When I ordered tv service last fall from D*, it was over the phone using one of their advertised 800 numbers. The installation was handled by DirecTECH, a division of a big conglomerate. http://www.bluegrassat.com/ Despite the name, in reality it is an installation contractor independent from D* itself. They have the DirecTV installation trucks you may have seen on the road.

The problem I experienced is that the national "installation support" folks you talk to at D* have no real time direct connection to the local installation company office. Fortunately, AccidenT gave us the DirecTECH Portland phone number 878-3322 x1 which helped a lot for scheduling. I also used that number to get a supervisor on the scene when a novice installer decided he couldn't put the sat dish where I wanted it.

The technical setup itself was well handled both with the initial install and then when I added more receivers a short time later. No complaints at all in that regard.

AFAIK, there are no local franchise installers any more regardless of whether you order from D* directly by phone or internet, go through BB, a phone store, newspaper insert, etc.

Dana

loudo38

07-21-08, 08:01 AM

When I ordered tv service last fall from D*, it was over the phone using one of their advertised 800 numbers. The installation was handled by DirecTECH, a division of a big conglomerate. http://www.bluegrassat.com/
DirecTECH did my installation last month, from DirecTV's Movers Connection. It was in our summer home, which was brand new, and I had prewired with two lines to each DirecTV connection. The installer told me the connectors that the builder put in were no good, so he had to replace them all, which he did. The installation went good, except for one of the lines, which he said had a short in it. He told me I would have to get the builder to replace that line, and left.

So the installation was good, except for that one line, which he said was shorted. Before calling my builder, and having a background in electronics, I decided to check it out. Upon researching the line, I found the connector he put on had a strand of the shield shorting against the center connector. I cut his connector off and installed a new one and that line then worked fine.

I would have thought that he would have checked for a short, as the first thing, when he saw the line was bad.

drbonbi

07-21-08, 08:19 AM

DirecTECH did my installation last month, from DirecTV's Movers Connection. It was in our summer home, which was brand new, and I had prewired with two lines to each DirecTV connection. The installer told me the connectors that the builder put in were no good, so he had to replace them all, which he did. The installation went good, except for one of the lines, which he said had a short in it. He told me I would have to get the builder to replace that line, and left.

So the installation was good, except for that one line, which he said was shorted. Before calling my builder, and having a background in electronics, I decided to check it out. Upon researching the line, I found the connector he put on had a strand of the shield shorting against the center connector. I cut his connector off and installed a new one and that line then worked fine.

I would have thought that he would have checked for a short, as the first thing, when he saw the line was bad.

I agree. Maybe an inexperienced tech and/or a lazy one. It sounds as if your setup was an installer's dream come true. Prewired, inwall, etc. Nice.

Did you have to get a special RG6 compression connector tool to replace the faulty one? And where did you get the proper connector itself? Just wondering if/when the need arises.

Dana

loudo38

07-21-08, 08:30 AM

I agree. Maybe an inexperienced tech and/or a lazy one. It sounds as if your setup was an installer's dream come true. Prewired, inwall, etc. Nice.

Did you have to get a special RG6 compression connector tool to replace the faulty one? And where did you get the proper connector itself? Just wondering if/when the need arises.

Dana
He did make the comment that prewire setup was an installer's dream.

No, I cheated for the time being. I installed a Radio Shack screw on connector, as a temporary fix. The installer left me compression connectors and new cable to run, but I didn't have a compression connector tool to put them on with. I need to find a compression tool and will replace the RS connector that I used as a temporary fix. I have been busy and haven't had time to look for one, but will probably have to order it one line.

loudo38

07-21-08, 10:02 AM

Did you have to get a special RG6 compression connector tool to replace the faulty one? And where did you get the proper connector itself? Just wondering if/when the need arises.

Dana
This one from CC looks like it might work, for the occassional user. http://www.circuitcity.com/ccd/Search.do?c=1&searchType=user&keyword=RG6+compression+tool&searchSection=All

drbonbi

07-21-08, 10:20 AM

He did make the comment that prewire setup was an installer's dream.

No, I cheated for the time being. I installed a Radio Shack screw on connector, as a temporary fix. The installer left me compression connectors and new cable to run, but I didn't have a compression connector tool to put them on with. I need to find a compression tool and will replace the RS connector that I used as a temporary fix. I have been busy and haven't had time to look for one, but will probably have to order it one line.

Or, you can call the local number, explain the situation and ask that they have an installer come and install the right connector no charge. You shouldn't have to spend a dime. ;)

Dana

loudo38

07-21-08, 10:38 AM

Or, you can call the local number, explain the situation and ask that they have an installer come and install the right connector no charge. You shouldn't have to spend a dime. ;)

Dana
I prefer to do any work myself, that I can. Just wanted them to do the initial install. I want to add more outlets and networking as time goes on. I have all of my DVRs networked and linked together so I can use the newer features like DOD.

drbonbi

07-21-08, 10:48 AM

I prefer to do any work myself, that I can. Just wanted them to do the initial install. I want to add more outlets and networking as time goes on. I have all of my DVRs networked and linked together so I can use the newer features like DOD.

Understood. Very :cool: Do you hire out? :)

Dana

Cravenfan

07-21-08, 04:56 PM

Why the heck has TWC of Southern Maine not yet picked up Speed in HD? The cars on the track in HD are glorious! C'mon TWC...time to step up your HD offering before everyone has to go to dish! :cool:

drbonbi

07-21-08, 05:10 PM

Why the heck has TWC of Southern Maine not yet picked up Speed in HD? The cars on the track in HD are glorious! C'mon TWC...time to step up your HD offering before everyone has to go to dish! :cool:

I assume you meant dish = satellite since D* has the Speed channel in HD. ;)

The Big News from D* today is in the heading. More here http://www.boeing.com/news/releases/2008/q3/080721b_nr.html.

What I hope it means for Maine is that MPBN HD gets picked up for both the Portland-Auburn and Bangor DMAs. "Authoritative sources" indicate that new HD channels will light up by the end of this month on D*.

WooHoo!

Dana

Cravenfan

07-22-08, 10:26 AM

TWC response to my Speed e-mail...weak "support" type answer...

Thank you for your email. I have passed your interest in Speed HD on to our marketing department. We are in the process of adding more HD content throughout 2008, though at this time, we do not have finalized information on what channels we will be able to add or when. We have a number of channels that we are in negotiations with right now, so things are in the hands of lawyers. As soon as we have information on HD content, we will let customers know through updates on our website.
Thank you for taking the time to let us know of your interest. Thank you for contacting Time Warner Cable of New England. Please let us know if we may be of assistance in the future.

Davinleeds

07-25-08, 08:32 PM

It was on the dvr, so some days ago, but PXT cutting analog this Sept?
And PME
And WCBB lower analog power this Sept?

drbonbi

07-28-08, 12:20 PM

In a press release posted here http://dtv.client.shareholder.com/releasedetail.cfm?ReleaseID=324647 D* includes the Bangor DMA in a list of 44 new local markets to get local stations in HD between August and the end of the year.

No word yet on when MPBN locals in HD will be included.

Dana

DrJoe

07-28-08, 01:10 PM

It was on the dvr, so some days ago, but PXT cutting analog this Sept?
And PME
And WCBB lower analog power this Sept?

WCBB is lowering analog power on Sept. 1. See http://fjallfoss.fcc.gov/cgi-bin/ws.exe/prod/cdbs/forms/prod/cdbsmenu.hts?context=25&appn=101255963&formid=387&fac_num=39659 for a DTV transition update.

http://fjallfoss.fcc.gov/prod/cdbs/forms/prod/getattachment_exh.cgi?exhibit_id=663171 foir a map of the new reception strength contour map.

They are presently broadcasting on ATSC (digital) on 17 and NTSC (analog) on 10. They will convert to ATSC (digital) on 10 when analog ceases. This means they are upgrading facilities on present analog 10 (which is probably responsible for the decrease in power they requested for Sept 1) with the final construction done immediately prior to the analog/digital transition. Their transition plan is at http://fjallfoss.fcc.gov/prod/cdbs/forms/prod/getattachment_exh.cgi?exhibit_id=663172

Joe

DrJoe

07-28-08, 01:13 PM

It was on the dvr, so some days ago, but PXT cutting analog this Sept?
And PME
And WCBB lower analog power this Sept?

WPXT is cutting analog on September 13. See their transitioin status filing at http://fjallfoss.fcc.gov/cgi-bin/ws.exe/prod/cdbs/forms/prod/cdbsmenu.hts?context=25&appn=101258329&formid=387&fac_num=53065

From the filing:

Exhibit 3
Description: ANALOG SHUT OFF

LICENSEE HAS EXPERIENCED SIGNIFICANT EQUIPMENT PROBLEMS ASSOCIATED WITH ITS ANALOG EQUIPMENT AND REQUESTED APPROVAL TO TERMINATE SUCH SERVICE AS OF SEPTEMBER 13, 2008 (BSTA-20080709AOT). THE FCC GRANTED ITS APPROVAL ON JULY 18, 2008.

DrJoe

07-28-08, 01:19 PM

It was on the dvr, so some days ago, but PXT cutting analog this Sept?
And PME
And WCBB lower analog power this Sept?

WPME is also cutting analog early. Their transition update filing with the FCC:
http://fjallfoss.fcc.gov/cgi-bin/ws.exe/prod/cdbs/forms/prod/cdbsmenu.hts?context=25&appn=101257686&formid=387&fac_num=48408

Exhibit 3
Description: ANALOG SHUT OFF

LICENSEE HAS BEEN AUTHORIZED TO TERMINATE ITS ANALOG SERVICE FOR AUGUST 25, 2008 (BLSTA-20080523AAS). LICENSEE EXPECTS TO TERMINATE SERVICE ON OR AROUND SEPTEMBER 15, 2008

It looks to me from the ap like they intend to replace the analog transmitter/antenna with ATSC/digital versions during this time -- they intend to convert from analog 35/digital 28 to digital 35.

Joe

\

DrJoe

07-28-08, 01:58 PM

Some additional info from the stations' FCC transition updates:

WCSH & WGME will stay with their transitional digital assignments after the analog switchoff. They anticipate no interruption in service.

WMTW will revert to ATSC on channel 8 when analog turns off. WMTW has been granted "maximization" of their post-analog ATSC transmitter. They are converting the backup transmitter from NTSC to ATSC, and expect that they will just have to flip between their primary analog transmitter and the backup ATSC transmitter when the switch happens. See http://fjallfoss.fcc.gov/prod/cdbs/forms/prod/getattachment_exh.cgi?exhibit_id=664374 and http://fjallfoss.fcc.gov/prod/cdbs/forms/prod/getattachment_exh.cgi?exhibit_id=664375

WPFO is building out their ATSC facilities. They anticipate switching hot from NTSC to ATSC on channel 23 when analog is shut down. They have requested maximization of signal. They have a construction schedule attached to their transition update at http://fjallfoss.fcc.gov/prod/cdbs/forms/prod/getattachment_exh.cgi?exhibit_id=663326

WENH in New Hampshire will be reverting from their digital assignment on channel 57 to their present analog assignment on 11. They have been granted maximization, but need to install a new transmitter to take advantage of it. Maximization won't take place until next spring after the winter thaw.

WLED in New Hampshire has applied to relocate to an antenna on Mt. Washington. This request has been "accepted for filing". If granted, they will reach well into Central maine (a contour was posted a few pages back on this thread). Their post transition channel will be present digital ch 48 (analog is on 49).

Joe

Davinleeds

07-28-08, 05:30 PM

DrJoe;
Much appreciated info and links.

loudo38

07-28-08, 05:40 PM

Today DirecTV announced that on August 14th they will be adding over 30 new national HD channels, to their HD lineup.

Among those are Showtime Extreme HD, Showtime Showcase HD, Planet Green HD, ABC Family HD, additional DIRECTV HD pay per view channels and an additional 23 Regional Sports Networks (RSNs) in HD 24 hours a day.

As a Sports Pack subscriber, I am looking forward to the RSNs, in HD.

drbonbi

07-30-08, 11:59 AM

My former contact when I was with Comcast Brunswick, area Veep Mary McLaughlin, has issued a press release as per title above. http://www.seacoastonline.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080729/BIZ/80729020/-1/rss02

No mention of Maine. :(

Dana

drbonbi

07-30-08, 06:51 PM

Unfortunately, it now appears that the D* launch of local into local HD stations for the Bangor DMA won't be until December of this year.

http://www.directv.com/DTVAPP/global/moreInfoText.jsp?assetId=1620002

Coincidentally - or maybe not - that's apparently when TWC will pick up more Bangor locals in HD.

Dana

Maineah

08-11-08, 12:03 PM

loudo38

08-11-08, 12:12 PM

Although I am in the Bangor area market, I review the Portland forum daily. I have seen that alot of you have Directv. I have just recently signed up for D and the install is scheduled for this Friday. I was talking with a guy at work who has D and he was complaining about trying to get service calls from them. He indicates that he will set a service call appointment and it will it get canceled sometime on several occasions. He also indicates that they don't have parts readily available to complete repairs and will have to make a return call. Does anyone have similar issues or is my co-worker just a complainer.
I have had DirecTV for many years and have only had to have a few service calls from them. They have always been able to correct any problem I have had with them. I recently had a Mover Install done here in Maine and it was done without a hitch, except for the installer telling me a pre wire cable, in the house was bad, when it was the connecter that he replaced that was causing the problem, and not the cable itself.

drbonbi

08-11-08, 12:54 PM

Although I am in the Bangor area market, I review the Portland forum daily. I have seen that alot of you have Directv. I have just recently signed up for D and the install is scheduled for this Friday. I was talking with a guy at work who has D and he was complaining about trying to get service calls from them. He indicates that he will set a service call appointment and it will it get canceled sometime on several occasions. He also indicates that they don't have parts readily available to complete repairs and will have to make a return call. Does anyone have similar issues or is my co-worker just a complainer.

I had an experience not unlike what your friend reports with my initial scheduled install. The guy showed up without the right equipment, etc. AccidenT then gave us the local (Portland) phone number for Direct Tech, the install contractor for D*. 878-3322 x1 = Claire. I called her to confirm my subsequent appointments and they went much better. Call her to confirm your Friday appointment and ask her to call you if something comes up. (Tech driver gets in an accident, sick, the appointment before yours took too long, etc.)

Good luck!

Dana

tomrichusa

08-11-08, 02:10 PM

i live in auburn and have had 2 installs...no problems to report here. i think its a much better alternative to cable.

Cravenfan

08-11-08, 04:09 PM

Holy Runaround Batman! So...my saga started with asking on Saturday as to why GameHD is not working on my set. The first guy on Saturday said that it was part of the Digital Sportspack and was an extra $2 a month. ($1.95, but what do I know.) Well...it's not listed that way. In fact, GameHD is listed in the "free HD" info on this page:

http://www.timewarnercable.com/newengland/products/hdtv.html

Great HD programs from local networks like ABC HD, CBS HD, NBC HD, FOX HD and cable favorites like NESN HD, ESPN HD, ESPN 2 HD, Comcast SportsNet HD, Discovery HD Theater, TBS HD, TNT HD, MHD, TLC HD, Travel HD, Game HD, and so many more! Tune in to HD On Demand for movies in Hi-Def!

So, I asked to have a supervisor call me today and at about 3pm, it was pretty clear they were not going to call...so I did...here's what I was told, after she had to call me back a 1/2 hour later:

"GameHD is part of the MLB package and only available to those subscribers." Uh...ok, the advertising info online is misleading...so I dug around some more and found that...

1) The current promo options for a "new" customer was:

RR for $29.95 a month
Digital Cable/HD for $39.95 a month
Digital Phone $39.95 a month

2) I asked, if I cancel the bill in my wife's name, then pick up in my name, I've been told TWC has to give me the promo prices. We've also been a package customer for 10 years. (I also remember something about this on the local news a few months ago.) After putting me on hold a few times...here's what I got

a) The promo RR rate for six months
b) The promo cable rate for three months
c) The promo digital phone rate for 3 months

I was also told that TWC was in "negotiations" with Speed in HD, although they had no timeframe for this to be completed. I reminded them that it would be nice to watch qualifying from NHMS in four weeks in HD!

FYI...I'm out...Still not 100% happy with the "weak" lineup of HD channels in the world of "free HD"...but I'll take the discount for a while...may still need to go to DirecTV, but can hold off for a little while with a better bill. The folks there were very good on the phone and I eventually got to the bottom line...which makes me feel at least that they listened to me a bit...

:D

loudo38

08-11-08, 05:35 PM

FYI...I'm out...Still not 100% happy with the "weak" lineup of HD channels in the world of "free HD"...but I'll take the discount for a while...may still need to go to DirecTV, but can hold off for a little while with a better bill. The folks there were very good on the phone and I eventually got to the bottom line...which makes me feel at least that they listened to me a bit...

:D

This Thursday DirecTV is adding another 30 new HD channels to the 90+ they already have. Some of the 30 will be full time RSNs, that you will only get if you subscribe to the RSN Sports pack. But, there will be some new premium movie channels among Thursday's 30 new ones.

Cravenfan

08-11-08, 05:54 PM

This Thursday DirecTV is adding another 30 new HD channels to the 90+ they already have. Some of the 30 will be full time RSNs, that you will only get if you subscribe to the RSN Sports pack. But, there will be some new premium movie channels among Thursday's 30 new ones.

Ugg...well, at least my weak lineup is costing me "less" for a few months...:(

Maineah

08-11-08, 08:04 PM

i live in auburn and have had 2 installs...no problems to report here. i think its a much better alternative to cable.

How often is rain snow fade an issue with Directv?

drbonbi

08-11-08, 08:39 PM

How often is rain snow fade an issue with Directv?

A rare occurrence here. Virtually never. Certainly no worse than cable (which uses big dishes at the head end for signal download). I reported some of my observations last winter on the thread when my dish looked like it was covered in coconut flakes a few inches thick and my signal was unaffected! Getting the dish aimed properly is important which relates to location. I have a clear view of the southwestern sky. Also, we in Maine have our dishes aligned almost vertically as the birds are low on the horizon so there's not much likelihood of snow accumulating on the dish itself.

The cable industry likes to promote FUD about rain fade. Not a problem here.

What is a problem with cable but not satellite is pole vulnerability. Power outages are quite common here, both weather-related (trees down) and auto accidents along Route 24 for the fifteen or so miles back to the power station in Brunswick. I have a backup generator so I get power and with it, sat TV. When I had cable, I had no TV even though I had backup power. In the midst of a storm, it's a comfort to be able to watch the local TV stations for the latest news.

Dana

loudo38

08-11-08, 09:09 PM

How often is rain snow fade an issue with Directv?
I am not in Maine during the winter, but one thing I have noticed is the newer satellites are slightly more subjective to rain fade than the older ones. Last night we were watching the multiple feeds for the Olympics and we got a heavy rain shower. The feeds that were coming from the newer satellites were dropping out and the older ones stayed on, during the rain. I think the difference in frequency between the satellites has something to do with it.

Rain fade is really not that big of an issue. When it occurs, it is only for a few minutes, as opposed to hours or days when you loose cable. In Florida back in 2004, when we got hit with 2 hurricanes in two weeks, I had my DirecTV back up and running as soon as the wind died down, and I could get my generator going. The rest of the neighborhood was 3 weeks without cable. Needless to say our house was the main focal point of the neighborhood, for a few weeks, at night. But that was OK, I told them all I would supply the entertainment, and they suppled the beer and pop corn.

drbonbi

08-11-08, 09:17 PM

I am not in Maine during the winter, but one thing I have noticed is the newer satellites are slightly more subjective to rain fade than the older ones. Last night we were watching the multiple feeds for the Olympics and we got a heavy rain shower. The feeds that were coming from the newer satellites were dropping out and the older ones stayed on, during the rain. I think the difference in frequency between the satellites has something to do with it.

Rain fade is really not that big of an issue. When it occurs, it is only for a few minutes, as opposed to hours or days when you loose cable. In Florida back in 2004, when we got hit with 2 hurricanes in two weeks, I had my DirecTV back up and running as soon as the wind died down, and I could get my generator going. The rest of the neighborhood was 3 weeks without cable. Needless to say our house was the main focal point of the neighborhood, for a few weeks, at night. But that was OK, I told them all I would supply the entertainment, and they suppled the beer and pop corn.

What a concept! :cool:

Dana

DrJoe

08-12-08, 07:35 AM

Uh...ok, the advertising info online is misleading...so I dug around some more and found that...

I've been wondering about their advertised "free hd" -- how much you have to pay to get it, that is...

So what is it total?

You have to pay for basic cable + digital cable = ?? (before and after special expires?) You then rent a box for $5 or $10 a month extra? Do you have to bundle internet and phone too? Their phone service is expensive compared to Vonage.

Right now, I'm getting basic cable + internet for about $65 a month. How does the total cost of their "free hd" compare?

Thanks,

Joe

h2osports

08-12-08, 02:25 PM

Dr. Joe,

To give you one data point, I pay just over $113/month to TWC here in Cumberland County. This includes their "RoadRunner" internet service, their "digital cable" service and one HD DVR. (TWC calls this their digital "Watch & Surf" package.)

Hope this helps,

Be skiing you,

h2osports

h2osports

08-12-08, 02:42 PM

I've "cut & pasted" the following from Gary Merson's "HD Guru" blog:

(http://hdguru.com/back-to-basics-200-days-until-the-dtv-transition-part-1-facts-myths-and-lies/259/)

"Addendum-I spoke with Ron Parver at the Media Bureau of the FCC. He confirmed cable providers can opt to discontinue all (including local broadcast station) analog channels as of Feb. 17, 2009.

If the providers maintain analog signals on their system, and do not have retransmission agreement with a given a local broadcaster, the cable provider must simulcast an unscrambled analog verion of the station’s signal for three years.

Parver added the cable providers that opt to go all digital and discontinue all analog signals are under no obligation to provide “free” digital cable boxes, they may continue to rent boxes at addtional cost to all customers that want to maintain their respective cable subscriptions."

I'm posting this (and the associated link), because it may pertain to a recent discussion on this thread (by Stan54 & Dr. Joe) which has since been deleted due to the AVSForum's software issues.

Be skiing you,

h2osports

drbonbi

08-12-08, 02:55 PM

h2osports,

Interesting. It seems to contradict what I vaguely recall was our conclusion last fall. At the time I opined that maybe bandwidth constrained Comcast Brunswick cable could recover some capacity by dropping all analog signals as of February 2009. But, then, I think someone pointed out that the FCC had ruled that cable systems had to continue carriage of local analog broadcast stations until 2012. I'll see if I can find that previous discussion on this thread.

Dana

drbonbi

08-12-08, 03:04 PM

WASHINGTON (AP) -- The Federal Communications Commission approved rules Tuesday night that it says will ensure that millions of cable subscribers will still be able to watch broadcast programming after the digital television transition in 2009.

The FCC says approximately 40 million households are analog-only cable subscribers. Tuesday's ruling will require cable operators to guarantee analog cable customers will receive broadcast channels until February 2012.

While the greatest impact of the digital television transition will be on viewers of non-digital televisions who receive their signals over the air, non-digital cable subscribers have also been a concern to the commission.

Beginning February 18, 2009, broadcasters will stop transmitting old-style analog signals to over-the-air customers and to cable companies. Over-the-air customers will have to buy a converter box.

As for the nation's analog cable subscribers, cable operators must either convert the digital signal to analog at the point where the cable signal originates or supply customers with a "down converter" device that will change digital signals to analog at the TV set.

The cable industry pledged to do this voluntarily and launched a $200 million advertising campaign last week to reassure subscribers. The new FCC rules make compliance mandatory.

The FCC will also allow for certain smaller cable systems to request a waiver.

The complete story at http://www.cnn.com/2007/TECH/09/12/digital.cable.ap/index.html

The news bulletin and commentary from the commisioners is on the homepage of the FCC at www.fcc.gov

It looks like it does not mandate that the electronic equipment necessary for digital to analog conversion be free. One commissioner (Adelstein) says "Nothing in this Order precludes a cable operator from making available equipment – preferably for free -- that would enable subscribers to take advantage of these innovations."

"Preferably for Free" implies that the cable companies are likely to charge for the boxes.

I'm not surprised that it was Dr. Joe who reported this to us on Sep. 12 last year here http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?p=11602432#post11602432

I'll post it without comment as I'm not sure I can comprehend if it is consistent with what H2osports just found out without more careful reading.

Dana

loudo38

08-12-08, 03:19 PM

I'm not surprised that it was Dr. Joe who reported this to us on Sep. 12 last year here http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?p=11602432#post11602432

I'll post it without comment as I'm not sure I can comprehend if it is consistent with what H2osports just found out without more careful reading.

Dana

I believe this FCC document explains it: http://fjallfoss.fcc.gov/edocs_public/attachmatch/FCC-07-170A2.txt

h2osports

08-12-08, 03:29 PM

drbonbi:

In this case, I'm just "the messenger" (and, as they say, "please don't shoot....":)).

My "cut & paste" job was of an addendum to Gary Merson's original post. I'll have to go back and read the whole entry to see how it meshes with Dr. Joe's post from last September.

Be skiing you,

h2osports

loudo38

08-12-08, 03:36 PM

drbonbi

08-12-08, 03:59 PM

Yup.
After yesterday's ruling, cable operators will have two choices come February 2009. They can either convert the digital SD signal to analog SD and pipe it across their lines (which means using more bandwidth and carrying three versions of a single channel) or they can offer digital SD only and roll out converter boxes to all their subscribers (which could be expensive).

http://arstechnica.com/news.ars/post/20070912-fcc-to-cable-you-must-support-analog-tvs-until-2012.html

At the time - Sep. 12, 2007 - Davinleeds offered his summation which I think still applies. Bandwidth constrained cable MSOs don't get much relief - which may be just another reason for the reported interest of Comcast in selling the Brunswick plant.

Dana

DrJoe

08-12-08, 05:28 PM

Loudo has the pertinent FCC doc. It was released on November 30, 2007, so I'm surprised there hasn't been a good summation of it by SOMEONE yet, but it is long and convoluted.

As I understand it, the high points:

Must carry stations MUST be viewable on ALL sets, and if there is extra equipment needed (i.e. a converter box), the cost must be borne by the cable operator. (see paragraph 22). I'd assume this would just be bundled into the cost of basic cable.

This is the paragraph on QAM:

40. The Consumer Electronics Association (CEA) asks that the Commission rely on technical solutions shaped by earlier rules and developed by the market to resolve concerns about viewability. CEA suggests that the agency can rely on the retail availability of sets with digital tuners to ensure continued viewability of high quality programming. It argues that this can be assured by requiring the carriage of must carry signals to conform to three requirements: (1) unencrypted, unscrambled, and in QAM (i.e., “in the clear”); (2) modulated using MPEG-2, a widely used and accepted codec; and (3) not in switched digital. CEA expresses concern that the requirement to carry must-carry stations “in the clear” is not sufficiently articulated outside the context of rate-regulated systems. Although we decline to reach the question of requiring MPEG-2 and prohibiting switched digital, as they are beyond the scope of this proceeding, we do address CEA’s essential concern, which is at the heart of our viewability proceeding. Like CEA’s proposals, our rules are designed to ensure that all subscribers to a cable
system have “in the clear” access to all must carry stations.

So clear QAM is not mandated. Neither is supporting cable cards.

Paragraphs 1-20 (pages 1-19) are what you need to read. Pargraphs 41-71 deal with 1st & 5th ammendment issues. From paragraph 72 through appendix C it deals with procedural issues. Appendix C contains ammendments. Pages 61-68 are statements from the commisioners.

I think what this says is that must-carry channels (not retransmission signals) must be viewable by everyone on a system this means that an analog signal must be provided for analog sets at the cable company's cost (i.e. can't charge extra for analog). If they are all-digital, and a box is required for service, for the lowest tier they can't charge for it -- but for any other tier they can. Clear QAM is not legislated. Boxes provided for the lowest tier service might be unusable for anything else -- so if you want to watch a retransmission broadcast channel, or a non-broadcast network, you may be required to use their box (and pay a rental). Lowest tier may be even more retarded than it is now -- to include ONLY must carry channels. Right now, basic cable includes ALL of the local channels. Perhaps they will have "must carry" basic (PBS only), for $5/ month free retarded box, and standard basic ("must carry" plus locals) for $15/month plus $5/month box rental. Who knows? All we can do is speculate.

Joe

slow ride

08-12-08, 09:33 PM

drbonbi

08-13-08, 06:52 AM

Can anyone tell me where the best place in southern maine is ( I live in wells ) to talk and demo direct tv equipment . Do I have a choice of Who will come to my house and give me the run down etc. If so, whom do you recommend.
at twc you rent the dvr boxes. Is this the same with direct tv? Im thinking about making the switch. any advice would be great. thanks

A few good questions. And in the following paragraphs and generally on these forums, DirecTV is abbreviated as D*.

As far as looking at the receivers, Best Buy and Circuit City have them along with literature. I'm not sure how knowledgeable the clerks are about them or D*. I fear the days of the independent retailer/installer are over but there's no harm in checking your local phone book.

D* adopted the cable industry lease model effective March 1, 2006. All their STBs now carry the D* brand (although still manufactured by some of the big names in electronics) and are leased. Confusion over this fact still exists because if you "buy" one or more from CC or BB, you pay an upfront downpayment on the lease which folks who don't read the details think means you own it. (The BB retail store receipts have been made more explicit in this regard.) Personally, I have no problem with the lease arrangement. And if you sign up directly with D* by phone or on the internet, you also pay an upfront downpayment depending on what their current promo provides.

Unfortunately, no one comes to your house to explain things. But, there is a wealth of info on the web and D* itself has a pretty modern, informative web site. And there's no harm in comparing various deals. Usually the big box stores offer discounts on TVs if you sign up for D* with them. If you're not in the market for a new TV, you may find a better deal from D* itself. Probably calling them is better since you can ask questions. And sometimes calling more than once helps determine if what you are offered is the "best deal."

As far as I know - with the possible exception that there might still be a local , independent retailer/installer in York County - all installations are now done by Direct Tech (a D* contractor) regardless of where/how you sign up for the service. You need a clear view of the southern sky. If you have cable service, the D* installers may be able to use the existing cables inside your house depending on how adequate they are and whether you want HD service.

There are other AVS forums that discuss D* equipment, installation and deals in more detail. Hope this helps.

Dana

Cravenfan

08-13-08, 07:38 AM

I'm in the same boat...I'd like to see where the options of putting the D dish on my house...prior to leasing/buying/etc.

drbonbi

08-13-08, 07:42 AM

Something else. There's a two year commitment with D* if you want HD service. I think it's one year if it involves only SD service. You may have only a 24/48 hour window after installation to say it's not what you want and take it all away. Apparently, the commitment period is what it takes for D* to recover its costs for equipment and installation.

Also, if you talk with a D* telephone rep, don't hesitate to ask for info on any promotions. I got some serious money taken off my bill because I am an AAA member.

Finally, this is a good time to join D*. They are rolling out new HD channels as Loudo38 mentioned and with the NFL season just getting started, there will be plenty of promos. If you aren't impressed with what is offered when you inquire, hold off for a little while as better deals may be coming. But, if D* says "This is our best deal of the year" that's probably true.

Dana

drbonbi

08-13-08, 11:33 AM

I found a little Shockwave FYI video about D* installation here http://www.directechne.com/installation_shell.swf

Dana

drbonbi

08-13-08, 01:02 PM

Hi Dana/Everyone,

Havn't posted in a while, really nothing to complain about with D* these days :) I am amazed that Comcast has yet to get their act together. ... An interesting note is that I was having trouble with my internet and I asked the Comcast guy about this and he said that there is rumor that the Brunswick area will be traded to Time Warner at some point in the future. Comcast corporate doesn't want to invest money into infrastucture prefering to let Time Warner do that. I guess this makes as much sense and anything else.

Let's give credit where it's due. Bobcalkin hasn't posted here in a long while - and apparently not on any AVS Forum thread since last April. I hope he's OK. But, he reported a rumor last January (!) that months later was confirmed at least in part when the Brunswick Times Record broke the story that the local Comcast system was up for sale. The obvious buyer would be TWC since its territory completely surrounds Comcast Brunswick.

So, Bob, wherever you are, many thanks! Great job.

Dana

PS. BTW. Slow Ride asked where the best place was to go "... talk and demo direct tv equipment." Bobcalkin was working for BB in Topsham and indicated that the store got its TV signal from D*. Maybe that's true for other BB stores, too.

miniz

08-13-08, 02:17 PM

slow ride

08-13-08, 08:38 PM

I found a little Shockwave FYI video about D* installation here http://www.directechne.com/installation_shell.swf

Dana

thanks for all the info you passed along. Btw.. I thought that D* would come out and check out each home before they came and installed. are you saying that they come to install on the first visit? I suppose one could send them along if you dont like what they have to offer.

drbonbi

08-13-08, 09:05 PM

thanks for all the info you passed along. Btw.. I thought that D* would come out and check out each home before they came and installed. are you saying that they come to install on the first visit? I suppose one could send them along if you dont like what they have to offer.

The installer comes only after you have decided on the service and equipment you want with a D* representative over the phone which in turn creates a work order for the installer. You get an installation appointment. When the installer arrives, he will want to know where you want the dish installed. He doesn't "offer" anything other than installation of the sat dish and connecting up the receivers you ordered. He will give you a basic lesson on how to use them.

If there is a big tree in the way or other installation problems on site or you change your mind after he discusses the installation plan with you, then he leaves and takes all the stuff with him and you are back where you started.

Dana

drbonbi

08-14-08, 09:20 AM

Just a reminder for those who want to watch the upcoming second 2008 season practice game Pats vs. the Tampa Bay Bucs at Tampa that the game will not be on WMTW-TV ch. 8. Instead, it will be carried on the NFL Network starting at 8 PM Sunday night in 1080i HD.

Practice games three and four will be carried on ch. 8.

Dana

loudo38

08-14-08, 12:33 PM

theo871

08-14-08, 04:20 PM

drbonbi

08-14-08, 04:51 PM

For those of us in York County, this Sunday night's game will be simulcast on WBZ-TV

Many thanks! Apparently, the flagship station in the home market of each team is allowed to simulcast the NFL Network games. I noticed that the game was being carried by WTTA-TV in Tampa according to http://www.hdsportsguide.com/nfl/ but no mention of WBZ-TV. So this is a welcome update. Fans who can get WBZ-TV will be pleased since the NFL Network is still embroiled in an ongoing dispute over carriage by several cable cos including TWC which doesn't carry it.

Dana

drbonbi

08-15-08, 08:30 AM

The lack of carriage of the NFL Network on TWC doesn't affect local PATS fans until - whoa! the J-E-T-S with their new/old QB Brett Favre come to The Blade on Thursday, Nov. 13 at 8:15 PM.

NFL fans can vote for the NFL Network on http://www.iwantmynfl.com/ but it's not likely to change anything soon. Switch to D*. :) Or, plan to visit a sports bar. :p

Comcast Brunswick cable does carry it but not in HD.

Dana

loudo38

08-15-08, 08:51 AM

Kind of glad to see the Pat's game, this Sunday, on NFL Network. It looks like Channel 8 is kind of behind the times with their local HD equipment. During last weeks game the HD 16x9 video would shrink down to to what looked like analog 480i 4x3, every time local graphics were added. During the game there were severe thunderstorms in several counties and the inserted graphics were really messing up the video, for a good portion of the game.

Has anyone heard of any plans for any of the local stations to get equipment to do their local programing (news) in HD? Many stations around the country already have HD equipment, but haven't seen any here yet.

drbonbi

08-15-08, 12:03 PM

loudo38,

I don't think the local stations have the capability of originating an HD signal. From what I recall from the past (not reliable), they can pass the HD signal feed but can't overlay their station ID in HD or do local commercials in HD.

I for one haven't heard any mention of the locals getting HD equipment for news. We have heard that it involves lots of $$$ since everything - cable, equipment, studios, etc. - has to be upgraded. It's not just a matter of getting new cameras. Heck, one of the local GMs admitted his station hadn't upgraded to DD 5.1 yet. I was the first to inquire, he claimed when I did so a year (?) ago. (I wasn't as AccidenT did so a year ahead of me, but it's an indication of the interest.)

I had a lengthy discussion via email earlier this year some of which I posted on this thread with the MPBN PR guy. He reported that MPBN was actively "planning" what/how it was going to originate HD programming on its HD channel. That was offered as the explanation for discontinuing the HD feed from PBS on the MPBN HD channel. Don't tell me; I know. That explanation makes no sense. The PR guy said don't blame the messenger just because I didn't like the message. :confused:

I did shame them into changing their policy regarding use of stretch-o-vision on their HD channel, I think. Anyway, they stopped the practice.

My guess is that penetration of HD TVs in this DMA will have something to do with stations spending the bucks on HD programming equipment.

Dana

Stan54

08-15-08, 01:35 PM

It must have been about a year ago or more that Bill Green informed me via e-mail that he was going to have one of his outdoor shows in HD. He said, about once a month or so, he had access to hd equipment to film his program. He was excited about it and asked me to watch. Sho' 'nuff, the show was in hd and I was really surprised because I didn't know that any of the stations had the capability of originating a program in hd.

Even though I indicated my surprise to Bill, he never really told me how it was done. I know that a couple of years ago, I saw something on WCSH that told me they were doing rewiring in the studio in order to move to digital. It's my guess they have a limited capacity at the moment, but the day will come when most local programming will be in hd.

loudo38

08-15-08, 01:55 PM

drbonbi

08-15-08, 04:26 PM

Thanks guys, for bringing me up to date on the HD situation. Coming from the Orlando market, which was the first in the nation (Channel 9) to switch over to local news in HD, two years ago, I was surprised to see the lack of local HD, on 6, 8 or 13.

Then I noticed that FOX isn't even in digital format yet. Hope that changes before football season.

WPFO/FOX23 in HD was a BIG issue around these parts last fall, at least for me. The previous station owners failed to apply for a digital broadcast license at the proper time, but the station provided its HD feed by closed circuit to TWC for its carriage. Comcast Brunswick couldn't seem to make a similar arrangement a priority even with the Red Sox in the World Series and the Pats possibly going to the Super Bowl! When I found out that D* had picked up the FOX23 HD feed too, it was the straw that broke my back after a lot of failed promises from Comcast. I got a nice offer in the mail from D* to return to them - and I did.

Comcast finally managed to make arrangements with WPFO for HD in time for the Super Bowl. But, I watched the Red Sox win the WS in glorious HD thanks to D*. I have to believe that Comcast lost a lot of subs in the midcoast and D* picked them up right about that time.

So, cable and sat customers can get FOX23 in HD while folks who get their signal OTA cannot at present. Presumably that changes next February.

Dana

miniz

08-15-08, 06:19 PM

drbonbi

08-15-08, 10:26 PM

I just got an email from a friend who lives in Maine and is served by TWC in Cumberland Country. He wants to know when TWC will add Weather HD. He loves HD and is sick of watching the SD weather channel.

The Weather Channel in HD is now offered by the two satcasters, D* and E*.

No clue about what Time Warner Cable in Maine plans to do. According to http://www.twcclassics.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=8673&st=0&p=142435&#entry142435 decisions on carriage of The Weather Channel in HD by cable systems has been on a local basis.

A press release from The Weather Channel back in April http://press.weather.com/press_detail.asp?id=183 indicates that it has signed affiliate agreements "with all major MSOs for the carriage of the network's HD programming." Since that press release was issued, The Weather Channel in HD's new HD studio is now live. It had a relaunch of HD this month with virtually all programming in HD. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Weather_Channel_%28United_States%29#TWC_HD

Your friend's best bet is to let TWC in Maine know of his interest unless he's ready to switch to satellite. ;)

Dana

drbonbi

08-16-08, 11:58 AM

bwell316

08-16-08, 02:31 PM

WPFO/FOX23 in HD was a BIG issue around these parts last fall, at least for me. The previous station owners failed to apply for a digital broadcast license at the proper time, but the station provided its HD feed by closed circuit to TWC for its carriage. Comcast Brunswick couldn't seem to make a similar arrangement a priority even with the Red Sox in the World Series and the Pats possibly going to the Super Bowl! When I found out that D* had picked up the FOX23 HD feed too, it was the straw that broke my back after a lot of failed promises from Comcast. I got a nice offer in the mail from D* to return to them - and I did.

Comcast finally managed to make arrangements with WPFO for HD in time for the Super Bowl. But, I watched the Red Sox win the WS in glorious HD thanks to D*. I have to believe that Comcast lost a lot of subs in the midcoast and D* picked them up right about that time.

So, cable and sat customers can get FOX23 in HD while folks who get their signal OTA cannot at present. Presumably that changes next February.

Dana

I am lucky enough to have D*TV and TW Cable, but my in-laws have D*sh, and due to birthdays and holidays I usually miss 2 Sundays of Sunday Ticket, which is fine, I just bring my laptop, but obviously with Fox 23 not being in HD on D*sh, I have to ask, when the heck is it going to be on there? They recently added 6, 8, and 13 to the HD locals, will Fox 23 make it there before the MLB Playoffs and NFL season get underway? I also read that it had been uplinked back when the other channels launched, but it still isn't there.

Also I was reading this thread and someone asked about rain or snow fade for D*TV, the only time I have issues is with thunderstorms, other than that no problems at all.

loudo38

08-16-08, 02:40 PM

I am lucky enough to have D*TV and TW Cable, but my in-laws have D*sh, and due to birthdays and holidays I usually miss 2 Sundays of Sunday Ticket, which is fine, I just bring my laptop, but obviously with Fox 23 not being in HD on D*sh, I have to ask, when the heck is it going to be on there? They recently added 6, 8, and 13 to the HD locals, will Fox 23 make it there before the MLB Playoffs and NFL season get underway? I also read that it had been uplinked back when the other channels launched, but it still isn't there.

Also I was reading this thread and someone asked about rain or snow fade for D*TV, the only time I have issues is with thunderstorms, other than that no problems at all.

I use my Sling Box for catching the NHL CI games, while I am traveling during hockey season. Love that Sling Box.

drbonbi

08-16-08, 02:48 PM

I am lucky enough to have D*TV and TW Cable, but my in-laws have D*sh, and due to birthdays and holidays I usually miss 2 Sundays of Sunday Ticket, which is fine, I just bring my laptop, but obviously with Fox 23 not being in HD on D*sh, I have to ask, when the heck is it going to be on there? They recently added 6, 8, and 13 to the HD locals, will Fox 23 make it there before the MLB Playoffs and NFL season get underway? I also read that it had been uplinked back when the other channels launched, but it still isn't there.

Also I was reading this thread and someone asked about rain or snow fade for D*TV, the only time I have issues is with thunderstorms, other than that no problems at all.

Hey! Welcome aboard the AVS Forum and this friendly Mainah's thread in particular for your first post!

I have no idea when FOX23 in HD might show up on Dish (which is usually abbreviated on these forums as E* for Echostar). If E* waits much longer, they'll get it OTA. :rolleyes:

The WPFO GM does answer email so maybe you might find out from him.

Dana

bwell316

08-16-08, 03:16 PM

I always forget about the secret * code for distinguishing the sat companies. It's like a secret handshake, or that password you once had to keep the unwanted out of your tree house.

I have sent an e-mail to WPFO asking what the hold up is and I appreciate the quick response.

slow ride

08-16-08, 08:32 PM

While looking for something else, I came across a place on the D* web site http://www.directv.com/DTVAPP/global/findRetailer.jsp?assetId=1400028 where you can look up local dealers. And I found this listing in York County in addition to the big box chain stores.

SOUTHERN MAINE SATELLITE
56 SAM ALLEN ROAD
SANFORD, ME 04073
(207) 490-6661

I have no further info but it might be worth a call.

Dana

thanks. thats not too far away. Ill do a drive by.

drbonbi

08-17-08, 08:25 AM

The Maine Sunday Telegram reports in today's edition that there is still no deal for carriage of the NFL Network on TWC. http://pressherald.mainetoday.com/story.php?id=205194&ac=PHspt&pg=2

The story makes it clear that the dispute between the NFL Network and TWC has nothing to do with viewer interests and everything to do with money. It's a national dispute about carriage.

The crux of the issue between the NFL Network and Time Warner Cable is this: the NFL Network wants its channel to be included in the cable company's primary cable package. Time Warner Cable considers football a niche sport and wants the channel available on a premium tier.

TWC may feel the heat as we get closer to the PATS game with the JETS Thursday night Nov. 13. The JETS fans haven't had anything to get excited about in years. Now with Favre as the QB, there may be a mass exodus of them from cable to satellite if this standoff continues.

Incidentally, the NFL Network carried the practice game last night live as the JETS hosted the Redskins, picking up the NYC CBS flagship station's broadcast. I watched it on D* in HD. ;)

Dana

boxcar156

08-17-08, 09:14 AM

Living in West Cumberland Maine and saving my hard-earned cash by NOT subscribing to TWC, (who's motto is: "we don't care; we don't have to"...), I just purchased an Insignia digital converter box at Best Buy and used the $40 rebate card. They had 2 boxes for sale that are on the converter box list, (you can only use the card to purchase converter boxes that are listed with the info they send when you receive the card). This box allows analog signals to pass through the box if the station is not currently broadcasting in digital yet.

The tv is in my workout room. I have a stand-alone rabbit ears antenna with a bow-tie uhf clipped to the antenna, which is then fed through an amplifier. When I turned on the Insignia, then did a search for stations, it pulled in a total of 10 digital stations whose broadcast signals I could get. I couldn't believe it when I saw I could get Boston's WCBV, an ABC affiliate... The other stations I got were 6.1, 6.2, 8.1, 8.2, 13.1, 13.2, 35.1, 35.2, 51.1.

I then mounted a Winegard HD9065P on a pole next to the tv, did a channel search and lost WCVB, but gained WMEA out of Biddeford, Maine. With the Winegard mounted on a pole, I can swing it in different directions to get the best reception. Analog stations I can get are 10 (pbs), 14 (Harpswell Community Programming), 15, 21 (ION), 23 (Fox), 32, 35. I should and will be getting digital channel 10 when they power up their feed sometime in September.

I would recommend the Insignia digital converter box for anyone presently in the market for one. It's very user-friendly and easy to install.

h2osports

08-18-08, 01:54 PM

I had a chance to speak - in a social situation - to the chief tech guy from one of the Portland stations over the weekend. Of course, I asked him about his employer's plans to originate local news, etc. in HD.:) He told me to expect an intermediate step sometime in '09 from all the local broadcasters....that being the same horizontal resolution (525i, I believe), but a higher vertical resolution (don't know the number) so an SD picture fills a 16x9 screen. He indicated this most definitely would not be "stretch-o-vision." Does this make sense to the people on this board? A true HD picture (720p for 8, 1080i for 6 & 13) will have to wait another year or so beyond '09. (He said it's a "question of $" issue....No surprise there.)

Be skiing you,

h2osports

loudo38

08-18-08, 02:13 PM

h2osports

08-18-08, 02:30 PM

I would recommend the Insignia digital converter box for anyone presently in the market for one. It's very user-friendly and easy to install.

IIRC, the Insignia is a re-badged Zenith 901 which Circuit City sells. Very pleased with mine. (FYI: There are still a few Zenith 900 boxes around that don't pass the analog signal.)

Be skiing you,

h2osports

drbonbi

08-18-08, 02:37 PM

I was also informed by a person from FOX 23, that they will not even be broadcasting in digital OTA, until the last minute that they have to, in Feb 2009.

Here is a link to their web site, explaining it: http://www.myfoxmaine.com/myfox/pages/InsideFox/Detail?contentId=4944299&version=3&locale=EN-US&layoutCode=TSTY&pageId=5.1.1

Interesting that the FOX23 statement fails to include Comcast Brunswick as a carrier of its HD feed.

Is FOX23 available in HD?
Early HD converts can view FOX23 on both Time Warner Cable and DirecTV.

Dana

DrJoe

08-18-08, 03:58 PM

I was also informed by a person from FOX 23, that they will not even be broadcasting in digital OTA, until the last minute that they have to, in Feb 2009.

You make it sound like a conspiracy. It isn't their choice: they have only one channel to broadcast on. Should they antagonise the majority of their viewers by dumping analog now? (Interestingly enough, WPXT and WPME are doing just that, nexty month. Apparently the cost savings for shutting down the analog transmitters is worth more to them than the number of over-the-air analog viewers they will lose) All of the other stations were given two channels to broadcast on, their primary analog channel and a second to broadcast digital. I'm very impressed that WPFO took the trouble to arrange for an HD signal to be delivered to Time Warner and DirecTV.

Joe

bwell316

08-18-08, 04:00 PM

Got an answer on Fox 23 on Dish Network...

Hello Matt,

FOX23 does not anticipate Dish carrying our HD signal before the digital conversion in February of 2009. The reason is that Dish Network does not have a way to pick us up from a fiber feed which is how DirecTV and TWC get our signal currently.

The other local stations you mentioned are already broadcasting over-the-air in HD on a separate channel. We only have one channel assignment and do not plan to switch our broadcast from analog to digital until this February.

FOX23 is disappointed that working with Dish Network we have not found a way to provide subscribers with our HD programming and understand that it is especially hard on sports' fans.

Please let me know if you have any other questions.

Sincerely,

Teresa Pinney
FOX23 WPFO

Obviously my next question is...

If Directv can get it, why can't Dish?

Trip in VA

08-18-08, 06:00 PM

(Interestingly enough, WPXT and WPME are doing just that, nexty month. Apparently the cost savings for shutting down the analog transmitters is worth more to them than the number of over-the-air analog viewers they will lose)

WPME has to flash-cut to channel 35, and it was probably cheaper to do the cut early than to have someone come in to do it right on 02/17/09. In fact, they may not have been able to schedule anyone to be there on that date.

WPXT, apparently, has had some equipment fail and the cost of fixing it is not worth paying.

- Trip

loudo38

08-18-08, 06:25 PM

You make it sound like a conspiracy.
Joe

Sorry, I was only trying to pass on what I was told, when I asked them about when they would be transmitting an OTA digital signal. I was wondering why they were the only one's who weren't broadcasting digital OTA, at this time.

Mr11s

08-19-08, 11:28 AM

drbonbi

08-19-08, 02:05 PM

Hi all. I'm a longtime lurker making my first post here. I want to thank all the regulars for lots of info and tips over the last couple of years.

The hard drive in my beloved TiVo finally gave out and I have a new HD unit on the way (I have the Comcast DVR, but hate its awful software and limited capacity, so it just won't do).

I need to get a couple of cable cards for the new unit and, having dealt with the Comcast nightmare many times before, I figured I'd inquire here before reaching out to them. Does anyone have cable cards in the Comcast Brunswick region? Any problems? Most importantly, can I go to the Bath Road office and get them or will they insist on doing the install (the last installer who came here for a repair said to always go to the local office in person when I need something, not to call the 800 line)? And what have people been told about the cost?

Thanks in advance ...

Welcome to the AVS Forum and this thread for your first post!

According to a FAQ info here http://www.comcast.com/customers/faq/FaqDetails.ashx?ID=2651&fss=cablecard

How much will I be charged to use a CableCARD?

There is no charge for the first CableCARD that you use as it is already included in the primary outlet fee. If you have a multi-card device on the same outlet (i.e. TiVo Series 3 or two Digital Cable Tuners connected to the same personal computer), you will be charged an additional regulated fee of up to $2.05 for the second CableCARD.

I have no experience using one from Comcast so can't tell you more.

Dana

Mr11s

08-19-08, 02:35 PM

Welcome to the AVS Forum and this thread for your first post!

According to a FAQ info here ...

Dana

Hi Dana. Thanks for answering. I'm a long-time fan up the road a bit (Orr's).

I saw that on the Comcast site, along with another answer which says the cards must be delivered by installers. But I've seen on other boards that Comcast has different charges, or none at all, for cards in different locations and will allow subscribers to pick up and install their own in some places. Since the Brunswick system still isn't fully integrated into Comcast, I was wondering what the local experience is actually like before either entering customer service hell or taking the time to drive up to the office.

Thanks.

drbonbi

08-19-08, 02:59 PM

Hi Dana. Thanks for answering. I'm a long-time fan up the road a bit (Orr's).

I saw that on the Comcast site, along with another answer which says the cards must be delivered by installers. But I've seen on other boards that Comcast has different charges, or none at all, for cards in different locations and will allow subscribers to pick up and install their own in some places. Since the Brunswick system still isn't fully integrated into Comcast, I was wondering what the local experience is actually like before either entering customer service hell or taking the time to drive up to the office.

Thanks.

Hi, neighbor.* It's getting harder to get from Bailey to Orr's Island these days! (For all mainlanders, the famed Cribstone Bridge http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cribstone_Bridge is to be repaired and a temporary bridge is being constructed.)

My preference is to go to the office where you can talk directly with other Mainers and sometimes cut through the technicalities. They no longer answer phones there and I fear don't have much influence on policies and procedures, but one to one they can make it happen.

* As a kid growing up in MA., that greeting has a special meaning to me. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Narragansett_Brewing_Company

Dana

drbonbi

08-20-08, 02:35 PM

The PATS play the Eagles Friday night Aug. 22 channel 8 at 7:30 PM. For the life of me, I can't confirm that it will be in HD but I assume so. http://www.patriots.com/news/index.cfm?ac=pressreleasesdetail&pid=33387&pcid=47

TELEVISION: This week's game will be broadcast by the Patriots Preseason Television Network and can be seen in every New England state as well as Eastern Canada, Alaska and Hawaii. The network's flagship station is WCVB-TV Channel 5 in Boston. Veteran CBS broadcaster Don Criqui provides play-by-play and is joined by three-time NFL Pro Bowler and CBS analyst Randy Cross. WCVB principal sports anchor Mike Lynch offers on-field reports from the sideline.

Still it would be nice to find confirmation somewhere and I can't.

The roster cutdown to 75 deadline is Aug. 26 so this game is important to some players.

Incidentally, if you didn't watch the Pats v. Bucs on the NFL Network last Sunday night, you missed the commentary of Stirling Sharpe and Marshall Faulk. I wish I had, too. :rolleyes:

Dana

PS. Loudo38 hangs his hat in Melbourne, FL., when he's not in Maine. I hope that Tropical Storm Fay passes by his property there without any damage.

loudo38

08-20-08, 04:27 PM

The PATS play the Eagles Friday night Aug. 22 channel 8 at 7:30 PM. For the life of me, I can't confirm that it will be in HD but I assume so. http://www.patriots.com/news/index.cfm?ac=pressreleasesdetail&pid=33387&pcid=47.
Dana
I just looked on the WMTW web site and it shows a lot of programs in HD, but not the game. Shucks!! Hope it is wrong. http://affiliate.zap2it.com/tvlistings/ZCSGrid.do?aid=wmtw

PS. Loudo38 hangs his hat in Melbourne, FL., when he's not in Maine. I hope that Tropical Storm Fay passes by his property there without any damage. Just checked down there and there was very little wind damage, but the rain continues to fall. Areas around Melbourne have received between 13 to 20 inches of rain and they are expecting another 6 to 12 before it is over. So far our neighborhood is doing good, but the lakes are getting high. Thanks for your concern.

Davinleeds

08-20-08, 05:37 PM

I guess 51 decided to cut off analog early? Their release mentioned September.

Crclark

08-21-08, 09:47 PM

All, I want to give you a heads up. On Tuesday 8/26 TW is planning to move WGME-DT to channel 84 (QAM) This will affect any TW customers that have a cable ready set and tune directly to QAM channels. TW says this will position them to eventually have the same channel placement in all areas that are fed from Portland at least ( Southern Maine and NH systems.) This will not affect ch 13 or 513 placement.

Craig

DrJoe

08-22-08, 07:28 AM

same channel placement in all areas that are fed from Portland at least ( Southern Maine and NH systems.)

Should we be looking for this in Lewiston/Auburn, too? Or only in Southern Maine? Generally speaking, we don't have the same local lineup/qam assignments as Portland.

Joe

Stan54

08-22-08, 01:09 PM

Should we be looking for this in Lewiston/Auburn, too? Or only in Southern Maine? Generally speaking, we don't have the same local lineup/qam assignments as Portland.

Joe

Same question for central Maine (Augusta), Craig.

drbonbi

08-23-08, 07:22 AM

I just looked on the WMTW web site and it shows a lot of programs in HD, but not the game. Shucks!! Hope it is wrong. http://affiliate.zap2it.com/tvlistings/ZCSGrid.do?aid=wmtw

Just checked down there and there was very little wind damage, but the rain continues to fall. Areas around Melbourne have received between 13 to 20 inches of rain and they are expecting another 6 to 12 before it is over. So far our neighborhood is doing good, but the lakes are getting high. Thanks for your concern.

Just for the record and future reference, the PATS practice game last night was in HD. I thought the PQ and production were excellent although the flagship station in Boston inserted several standard def 4:3 commercials throughout.

Certainly the final practice game next Thursday night Aug. 28 @ 7 PM, PATS v. NY Giants at the Meadowlands will be in HD, too. WNBC is broadcasting it locally in 1080i.

My sympathies for the folks in Melbourne, FL. and the Space Coast which got over 30" of rain thanks to TS Fay. Some neighborhoods have over four ft. of water. :(

Dana

steve6372

08-23-08, 03:26 PM

Hi, I'm basically a newbie here although you guys did help me with a question a couple of years ago. Am hoping you will do so again.

I have a Sony model KDFE HDTV and I suscribe to Metrocast in Sanford ME. I used to have only analog service, no box, but my TV would receive HD channels for the broadcast networks. I would get NBC out of Portland on 6.1, CBS out of Boston on 4.1, etc. And I would get Fox out of Boston on 25.1. The nutjobs at Metrocast would tell me this was impossible while I was actually watching it on my TV. You guys explained to me that my TV has a "QAM tuner" which was enabling my TV to receive those HD channels. Great.

Then recently I decided I wanted more HD channels (ESPN, NESN, etc) so I had Metrocast install a Cablecard and I signed up for digital cable. So I now get all the same analog channels plus some digital channels including some HD channels. Great, but now I don't get Fox HD anymore. I get all the other broadcast networks in HD on channels 7xx, but not Fox. Metrocast says there's no Fox HD in Maine. I said forget Maine, before the cablecard I was getting 25.1 Fox HD out of Boston. She said I have to wait till Feb 09 when Fox/Portland goes digital.

I understand about 10% of what's going on here but I always feel that the person I'm talking to at Metrocast knows even less than I do. My bottom line question is this: is it my cablecard that's keeping me from receiving 25.1 now, or is it something they did "up the line" at Metrocast? If it's the cablecard, I'm wondering if I could get FoxHD/Boston again by using a separate QAM tuner to feed into another input on the TV? Ideas? Sorry for such long post - thanks

theo871

08-23-08, 03:38 PM

New HD channels for TWC in York/Cumberland County:
526 - Outdoor HD
540 - MGM HD
569 - Planet Green HD

Stan54

08-24-08, 11:58 AM

drbonbi

08-25-08, 06:40 PM

I wrote Lou Morin, the Communications Director at MPBN about video/audio drop outs on the Saturday night Sherlock Holmes movie between 9 - 10:30 PM experienced by friends of ours in Readfield who get MPBN via cable, I believe, and similar problems I experienced Sunday night while watching Masterpiece Theater in the same time slot via D*.

I also asked if MPBN knew when D* might begin to pick up its HD signal for carriage in the Portland-Auburn DMA.

Here's his response.

Thanks for contacting me directly on this. We have received many, many messages by phone and email about this, as you can imagine. I was en route home from working this past weekend's American Folk Festival in Bangor when this blackout took place so I am just getting the details now. From what I can gather so far, whatever disturbance occured seemed to have been isolated to southern parts of the state and your and your friend's experience seems to correlate. It doesn't appear to have been a statewide issue (not that that's any consolation to you). I will personally follow up with a more detailed answer after our tech folks brief us on what transpired. Thanks for your patience and it goes without saying that we're sorry this unfortunate malfunction, whatever it was, occured.

Change of topic. Any idea when DirecTV will pick up MPBN's HD signal?

I do not know that answer to that question at the moment but I will check with our Chief Technology Officer (who's out until this afternoon) and get back to you with an answer to both of your queries.

Lou Morin

Davinleeds

08-25-08, 07:20 PM

steve6372,
I would try the separate qam tuner if available.
My "guess" is that you were receiving those channels in the clear unknown to Metrocast. I've seen that situation in many cable posts. Hopefully nothing has changed.

But you've already been told that. :)

DrJoe

08-25-08, 11:03 PM

Generally speaking, the cable company is only supposed to deliver local broadcast network channels. "Local" is loosely defined, basically by the ability to receive it OTA with a reasonably sized antenna. WPFO "owns" the Maine market. If there is a region of overlap of two broadcast stations of the same network, both "own:" the area -- so portions of York county are "owned" both by Portland broadcast channels and Boston channels. In parts of Central Maine, there is overlap between Portland and Bangor channels.

Cable networks provide programming that only roughly matches the OTA broadcast regions. So parts of the Lewiston/Auburn region also get Bangor's ABC channel. They are able to black out the Bangor ABC channel from their analog channel lineup, and they are able to remove it from the lineup using their digital cable box. But the HD version is broadcast in clear QAM -- so I get it even though I'm not supposed to.

The cable card effectively turns the tuner of the set into a digital cable box -- that lets the cable company restrict the viewable channels to those you are legally able to recieve.

So in clear QAM you get Fox HD out of Boston. It must be available legally to some viewers in your system. But with the cable card, your cable company realizes you can't legally receive it (because Maine is mostly "owned" by WPFO) and excludes it from your lineup.

If you go to another set with a clear QAM tuner, you should be able to get it. In Feb of 2009, you should get it from the cable company in any case.

Joe

Stan54

08-26-08, 01:23 PM

Actually, Joe, he can keep the same set and simply disengage the cablecard in order to receive the Bangor ABC station from the cable.

DrJoe

08-26-08, 02:07 PM

Stan54

08-27-08, 10:45 AM

I figured that -- but if you have to rescan the channels each time, it might be a pain in the neck. It takes my girlfriends set 5-10 minutes to scan the clear QAM channels. When a scan is completed the old info is lost (i.e. if you deleted garbage channels, they are back again). If it took a significant time to scan the clear QAM and also a long time to scan/initialize the cable card, and if you lose your programmed channel lists (and the deleted channels get added back in), it might be an extreme pain to go from cable card to not.

It's not really important, but he was lookging for Fox-HD out of Boston, not ABC-HD out of Bangor.

Joe

I have a 2005 Sony SXRD and it retains the previously scanned channels. Until a few weeks ago, TWC let some extra channels appear on QAM and once in a while I would disengage the card to see what they had on. The previously scanned channels were always there. When the cablecard is engaged, only the cablecard channels can be seen.

You're correct though, he was looking for FOX Boston. FOX Portland ain't bad, however.

DrJoe

08-27-08, 02:17 PM

You're correct though, he was looking for FOX Boston. FOX Portland ain't bad, however.

LOL -- Fox Portland is very bad if it isn't in HD -- his cable system doesn't carry WPFO-HD, only the analog version. So he's stuck between clear QAM to get the Boston Fox-HD and using the cable card to get everything else.

Joe

steve6372

08-27-08, 09:58 PM

Thanks much guys for all the replies, I do appreciate it. I learned a lot, which I expected. The cable company told me that if I removed the cablecard, I would lose my "address" (whatever that means) and that they would have to come back out to my house to re-initialize it, as they did when it was first installed (when the technician pulled up some numbers on my screen and read them to someone over the phone). Am not surprised the cable company told me something wrong, that seems to be their pattern, deliberate or otherwise. But if I can remove and replace it without a service call, that's great to know, even if I did have to repeat the channel scan. Wouldn't want to do that every day but maybe for something big like a World Series game I could remove it and then get FoxHD again from Boston. Thanks again guys.

beekeeper

08-28-08, 07:08 AM

One other way, if the cc does needs to be reset, is to split the signal before the cc and then use the set to determine which input to use. You would still need to rescan the channels but save any visit by the cable co.

I am so teetering on the edge of going D*.

beekeeper

08-29-08, 08:21 AM

I know that some have CC internet and in the last several days I have seen a drop in emails received. My son reported that email he sent me was bounced by CC because of his domain (Verizon!). Also, the pre-filter (called Postini) has had a precipitous drop in spam (from 20-100 per day to 4 or so).

I called CC and got nowhere with the first tech who said an "expert' would call and am still waiting.

They did send out a letter that they were 'improving" their email system and we would not notice a difference. I have.

The problem is that you can never tell what emails you did not get unless someone lets you know they have been bounced. Fortunately my son is computer literate and called.

So, if you have CC you may have an email problem. I do.

BTW This problem is not unusual if the ISP automates their system and it identifies a domain to be a spam generator and blocks it out. So it may only be Verizon.net or it may be more, but the problem is on CCs end.

drbonbi

08-29-08, 08:44 AM

beekeeper

08-29-08, 10:14 AM

Looks like they got it fixed. Still have not got a call, but it appears that my call may have done some good.

I will give them a call anyway since it looks like they have another filter in that allows more stuff to get through than before.

MisterEEE

08-29-08, 03:05 PM

I noticed today that the 110 clear QAM has been moved to 81.

110-1 Create (172 on a cable box).... is now 81-1
110-2 PBS World (173 on a cable box)... is now 81-2
110-3 WMTW-DT (508 on a cable box)... is now 81-3
110-4 WPFO-DT (507 on a cable box)... is now 81-4
110-5 News8now (165 on a cable box... is now 81-5

However, the QAM stream is messed up and my Panasonic TVs can't receive
the 81 series. They come in fine on my Samsung TV however.

ktasker

08-29-08, 04:53 PM

I purchased my first HD LCD set in November of '07, a 52" Sony XBR. From November up until about late spring of '08, I had zero complaints with the picture results from TWC's HD broadcasts. I was utterly amazed at the quality and lack of "glitches" in video and audio.

Then, out of the blue, HD channels began performing very inconsistently and it has gotten to the point that I don't even enjoy watching anymore. Being a musician, I like to use Music HD as my benchmark. The HD recorded concerts were mind blowing...but not anymore. The picture frequently takes short pauses, the details break up with any amount of motion, and bright stage lights break the picture up into hundreds of little boxes. What use to be a "next best thing to live" experience is now nothing but annoying. And here I sit with a $3000 set.

After dealing with a TWC rep in India who barely knew what I was saying, I finally got a tech to the house to check it out. He said the cable signal is very strong, but admitted that the picture was breaking up. Gave me the old "you can't expect HD tv to look like a Blue Ray disc." I DON'T EXPECT THAT!! But I do expect the quality to be as great as it was until a few months ago. What annoys me the most is that they have no explanation for the change in quality.

Just for kicks, I exchanged the HD cable box (Scientific Atlanta 4250-HDC) for a new one, just to see if the box was contributing to the problem, but no difference.

Based on the research I've been doing, I'm assuming that TWC is adding incremental compression to their signal, which may be the cause. But I have little knowledge on that matter, so am only speculating.

Does anyone here have a similar experience with TWC in Maine, or any advice or suggestions? I sure would appreciate hearing from you.

Thanks!

Keith

Ken H

08-29-08, 05:56 PM

Topics merged.

ktasker

08-30-08, 12:06 PM

I should clarify, regarding my prior post, that it is not just Music HD that I'm having problems with. It's all of the HD channels. I just mentioned Music HD because that's the channel I tend to use as a baseline.

Thanks again,

Keith

miniz

08-30-08, 12:27 PM

I just got another message from my friend in Portland, and he said that TWC gave him CNBC+ HD and USA HD, but then took them both away last weekend? He called TWC and they are claiming that they never had either channel? What is going on with those channels?

DogDin

08-30-08, 01:42 PM

We did have those two channels for the Olympics (along with the two dedicated Olympic Soccer & Basketball channels), but they disappeared at the beginning of the week. At the same time they took USA & CNBC away, they added ToonDisney HD & Family Channel HD - as if a channel like Family Channel, with nearly no HD content is a suitable replacement for USA HD - right when US Open tennis is beginning.

Trip in VA

08-30-08, 07:51 PM

From what I read, some time early next year, WPXT-DT will be adding RTN as a subchannel.

- Trip

AccidenT

08-30-08, 10:11 PM

From what I read, some time early next year, WPXT-DT will be adding RTN as a subchannel.

- Trip

Hmm, hopefully it's WPME that adds it as a subchannel. Since it's 720p, a subchannel will have less impact on the picture quality. Maybe we can start a write-in effort. :D

AccidenT

09-02-08, 07:13 PM

Just a heads up for those of you who are both:

1. Football fans
and
2. On the fence about switching to D*

The new customer deal right now is very attractive. You pay for NFL sunday ticket ($74/month for 4 months) and get 4 months of their "premiere" package (normall $109/month) for free. After the 4 months you can drop down to one of the more wallet-friendly packages. There's also a free upgrade to an HD-DVR, which is usually a $100-$200 lease fee.

P.S. If I've swayed anyone, PM me and I'll give you my account # that you can use for a referral. You and I will both get an additional $50 credit when you sign up as a referral.

bb33

09-07-08, 03:05 PM

Anybody else experiencing this. I'm on D* HD (regular D* is fine) every time they go to local commercials there's no audio. Not so bad missing commercials but its really distracting.

Webini

09-07-08, 03:11 PM

Not a D* issue. The same thing is happening OTA on 13-1.

I kind of like it.

PCVidGuy

09-07-08, 04:19 PM

Then, out of the blue, HD channels began performing very inconsistently and it has gotten to the point that I don't even enjoy watching anymore.

I finally got a tech to the house to check it out. He said the cable signal is very strong, but admitted that the picture was breaking up.

Based on the research I've been doing, I'm assuming that TWC is adding incremental compression to their signal, which may be the cause. But I have little knowledge on that matter, so am only speculating.

Keith

I have got to agree with Keith in this. The HD that TWC has been giving, particularly for NBC-HD has not been watchable for too much of the time. It breaks up, freezes and the picture gets blocky in patches a few lines at a time and the audio 'stutters'. I too feel that it is too much compression and/or degraded signal causing these issues. It's almost like their bandwidth is getting clogged. I've tried unplugging the cable from the box and running it directly into the TV to tune the QAM channel and that works great! There is no break-up or freezing of the picture and no 'stuttering' of the audio using that signal. So it looks like the box and/or TWC is somehow changing the feed which results in degradation and frustration. Speaking with reps about the issue only results in a 'diagnosis' that the signal may be weak in the area, which is somewhat less than satisfactory, and didn't help with Keith's situation. I may end up going back to my antenna.

drbonbi

09-07-08, 04:56 PM

Anybody else experiencing this. I'm on D* HD (regular D* is fine) every time they go to local commercials there's no audio. Not so bad missing commercials but its really distracting.

Yes, I noticed it on D*. Rather surprised that it happened on WGME/13 HD frankly.

Dana

MisterEEE

09-07-08, 08:15 PM

I have got to agree with Keith in this. The HD that TWC has been giving, particularly for NBC-HD has not been watchable for too much of the time. It breaks up, freezes and the picture gets blocky in patches a few lines at a time and the audio 'stutters'. I too feel that it is too much compression and/or degraded signal causing these issues. It's almost like their bandwidth is getting clogged. I've tried unplugging the cable from the box and running it directly into the TV to tune the QAM channel and that works great! There is no break-up or freezing of the picture and no 'stuttering' of the audio using that signal. So it looks like the box and/or TWC is somehow changing the feed which results in degradation and frustration. Speaking with reps about the issue only results in a 'diagnosis' that the signal may be weak in the area, which is somewhat less than satisfactory, and didn't help with Keith's situation. I may end up going back to my antenna.

I've been experiencing the same issue on TWC with WGME-HD in clear QAM in Westbrook. Pixelization in the center of the picture and audio drop outs. I've noticed a similar issue on WPXT-DT which shares the 94 QAM stream with WGME. Signal strength is not an issue based on my meter. In an earlier post I noted issues with the migration of local HD content from the 110 QAM stream to the 81 QAM stream. The problem is at their headend in Portland. Rate shaping (compression) and cherry picking that removes essential PSIP information from local HD signals is giving TWC a blackeye. There one advantage over satellite is free local HD in clear QAM on multiple TV sets. If they blow that and annoy the customers you can dump the cable and go to satellite. A small outdoor antenna for local HD content and a satellite dish may prove to be a superior way to go. The local over the air DT signals come in fine with a PR-4400 WINEGARD 4 BAY. While it's advertised as UHF, I find it works well for VHF high signals within 40 miles of the transmitting antenna. So I think it will work well after the analog shutdown when WMTW-DT migrates back to 8 and WCBB-DT migrates back to 10. I have side by side HD sets in the living room. I left one on TWC clear QAM for the Pats game with the other using the Winegard 4400 antenna. My neighbor was shocked at the difference in picture quality and the lack of drop outs for the over the air DT signal. All in all, not a ringing endorsement for TWC here in Portland. :rolleyes:

Crclark

09-08-08, 09:14 PM

Yes, I noticed it on D*. Rather surprised that it happened on WGME/13 HD frankly.

Dana
Regarding no audio... there was equipment failure. We chose to keep WGME DT in HD with no local audio during the local breaks. Otherwise we would have had to up-convert all HD programming. The Pats game game and Tennis would have been hard to watch in SD. Its all fixed now, interestingly it turned out we had to reprogram our HD switcher. Out of the blue it lost the audio control portion of the software. Not what you would expect, its been running fine for years.

drbonbi

09-08-08, 10:11 PM

Regarding no audio... there was equipment failure. We chose to keep WGME DT in HD with no local audio during the local breaks. Otherwise we would have had to up-convert all HD programming. The Pats game game and Tennis would have been hard to watch in SD. Its all fixed now, interestingly it turned out we had to reprogram our HD switcher. Out of the blue it lost the audio control portion of the software. Not what you would expect, its been running fine for years.

Many thanks for the update!

(The PATS game was hard to watch - at least when Brady went down - regardless of equipment problems! :( )

Dana

loudo38

09-08-08, 10:49 PM

Many thanks for the update!

(The PATS game was hard to watch - at least when Brady went down - regardless of equipment problems! :( )

Dana

That was bad no matter what you were watching it in, that hit even looked bad on the old grainy analog cable channel, but much worse in HD.

MisterEEE

09-09-08, 09:32 AM

WGME-DT and WPXT-DT migrated from 94 QAM to 84 QAM this morning.

WPXT-DT was previously on 94-1 and WGME-DT on 94-2.
WPXT-DT is 84-1 and WGME-DT on 84-2.
WPME-DT moves from 93-1 to 83-1.

The PSIP and virtual channel information in the QAM stream is now incomplete. The one Sony, and multiple Panasonic sets, can't view WPXT-DT and store the new QAM assignments in the channel memory. WPME-DT is viewable but won't store in the channel memory either.

The Samsung set is more robust with clear QAM and ignores the missing QAM information and stores the channels in there new locations.

beekeeper

09-10-08, 03:55 PM

Drbonbi- Dana, please check your avs mail.

beekeeper

09-19-08, 11:13 AM

drbonbi

09-19-08, 11:39 AM

I took the plunge and am now a D* subscriber- left CC.

Question- is it worth getting the service contract for $6 per month? It figures out to a break even if you need them once every 14 months.

Do you need help that often?

Not here. BUT, I figure if I sign up for it, I won't need it. And if I don't, then I will.

I think Yogi Berra says the same thing in one of his AFLAK commercials. :rolleyes:

So I did.

Dana

PS. Welcome to D*. I just took the plunge and returned to FairPoint/Verizon phone and DSL now that 7.1 meg service is available here. If you bundle with D*, it's another ten bucks a month off your combined bill.

Stan54

09-19-08, 04:50 PM

I took the plunge and am now a D* subscriber- left CC.

Question- is it worth getting the service contract for $6 per month? It figures out to a break even if you need them once every 14 months.

Do you need help that often?

This is the first I ever heard of a service contract with Direct TV. You have to be EXPECTING to have trouble in order to take on that extra $72 per year in cost.

drbonbi

09-19-08, 05:11 PM

This is the first I ever heard of a service contract with Direct TV. You have to be EXPECTING to have trouble in order to take on that extra $72 per year in cost.

Were you expecting to have trouble when you bought homeowners insurance? *

It's no different than the phone company offering coverage of "inside wiring" at something like $5./month. I think Comcast has a similar plan; otherwise, they charge for a service call if the trouble isn't outside the house even though they may have been the ones that wired inside the house.

With any satellite provider, I think the major risk is needing realignment of the dish if it moves because of weather. But, there's also potential problems with squirrels gnawing on coax, etc. I don't intend to go troubleshooting outside in the middle of winter if something isn't working right.

:)

Dana

* I apologise for what is a rather smart-ass comment by me that is not entirely applicable to the discussion at hand. We buy homeowners insurance from an insurance company because most of us can't afford to be self-insured when it comes to real estate/personal property losses. Obviously, folks can afford to be self-insured when it comes to telephone, cable TV or satellite cable/equipment protection. Sorry.

beekeeper

09-20-08, 06:23 AM

PS. Welcome to D*. I just took the plunge and returned to FairPoint/Verizon phone and DSL now that 7.1 meg service is available here. If you bundle with D*, it's another ten bucks a month off your combined bill.

I did just the opposite and shifted to GWI from CC.

My combined bill from them (internet and phone- state wide "free" and LD .05/min) is $64 which is less than that with CC and fairpoint. Would like to hear how yours goes.

drbonbi

09-20-08, 08:16 AM

I did just the opposite and shifted to GWI from CC.

My combined bill from them (internet and phone- state wide "free" and LD .05/min) is $64 which is less than that with CC and fairpoint. Would like to hear how yours goes.

I have nothing but good things to say about GWI. But, their service on Bailey Island is limited to a 3 meg dry loop*. I joined them in January with a six month commitment just before Verizon mailed me a flyer in February noting that 7.1 meg DSL was now available here from them. :( GWI couldn't offer it but I stayed with them in appreciation for their service/tech support and forgot about 7 meg DSL. I could have bailed out from under the GWI 6 month commitment under their 30 day guarantee policy but I chose not to do so.

Then, FairPoint mailed me another flyer last month, repeating the news about 7 meg service availability (with a one year commitment). GWI still is stuck with 3 meg service here. (They have many more options in Brunswick and I assume Bath, too.) My estimate of FairPoint charges for a better phone plan, better DSL and $10. off for having a joint bill with D* is that my costs will be less than GWI. We'll see.

Dealing with FairPoint, however, is like dealing with the Federal government. A big bureaucracy. I signed up for 7 meg DSL and got 3 meg service initially installed - with some difficulty. The 7 meg upograde is scheduled for Wednesday Sep. 24, almost three weeks after I'd ordered it. After the dust settles and I get a bill, I'll report back.

Dana

* I have learned that a "dry loop" means DSL without a landline phone. GWI offers DSL here with phone VOIP (Voice Over Internet Protocol) which I didn't think was up to landline quality here at least.

loudo38

09-20-08, 08:26 AM

I did just the opposite and shifted to GWI from CC.

My combined bill from them (internet and phone- state wide "free" and LD .05/min) is $64 which is less than that with CC and fairpoint. Would like to hear how yours goes.
Good deal, here all we can get for high speed Internet is TWC, and that alone is $45.00 a month. Called GWI but no Internet service here, they said the lines have only one feed and that is why. They told me the line needs to be fed from two different directions and ours are only fed from one end. Fairpoint told me the same thing.

I can't complain about the TWC Internet speed, we get 8mbs speed here. They advertise it as 8mbs and when I test it, that is what it shows up as.

Stan54

09-20-08, 12:33 PM

Were you expecting to have trouble when you bought homeowners insurance? *

It's no different than the phone company offering coverage of "inside wiring" at something like $5./month. I think Comcast has a similar plan; otherwise, they charge for a service call if the trouble isn't outside the house even though they may have been the ones that wired inside the house.

With any satellite provider, I think the major risk is needing realignment of the dish if it moves because of weather. But, there's also potential problems with squirrels gnawing on coax, etc. I don't intend to go troubleshooting outside in the middle of winter if something isn't working right.

:)

Dana

* I apologise for what is a rather smart-ass comment by me that is not entirely applicable to the discussion at hand. We buy homeowners insurance from an insurance company because most of us can't afford to be self-insured when it comes to real estate/personal property losses. Obviously, folks can afford to be self-insured when it comes to telephone, cable TV or satellite cable/equipment protection. Sorry.

No need to apologize, Dana, but I appreciate it, anyway. I have read enough of your posts over an extended period of time to know that you are a good man and mean no offense.

In fact, one of my pet peaves is how easily people get ticked off on the internet and quickly turn into raving lunatics. We won't have any of that here. (By the way, I agree with your rationale on buying insurance. Business has discovered an easy way to make extra money on sales by offering insurance. It is up to us to say no.)

Stan54

09-20-08, 12:53 PM

drbonbi

09-20-08, 01:38 PM

Hey, Dana, by coincidence, I just came across this posting that you might not have seen. It tells an interesting story of one person's experience.
http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?p=14701728#post14701728

Thank you, Stan. Yes, I was aware of that thread although fortunately, the recall of certain H20 receivers apparently doesn't apply to me. (D* hasn't called.)

I think it reflects well on the company that it is being pro-active in getting these problematic HD receivers replaced. My guess is that they are H20-600 receivers made by LG. (The numbers after the dash identify the box manufacturer although the boxes are all branded with the D* logo.) These were the first of the new D* branded MPEG4 HD receivers to become available early in 2006. They have a very good OTA tuner. But, they tend to run hot. That may account for their being recalled now; the internals may have cooked. Other similar receivers such as the H20-700 (made by Pace) of which we have one here perform well and don't run nearly as hot.

However, when I was with D* in 2006, I had a H20-600 that ran at normal temp. Go figure. The H20s (silver) have now been supplanted by the H21s (black) and a similar change has been made to the DVR series, HR20s being discontinued in favor of HR21s.

Dana

loudo38

09-20-08, 01:47 PM

However, when I was with D* in 2006, I had a H20-600 that ran at normal temp. Go figure. The H20s (silver) have now been supplanted by the H21s (black) and a similar change has been made to the DVR series, HR20s being discontinued in favor of HR21s.

Dana
But I am hoping that my HR20s last a long time. I don't really want to have to change them to HR21s. The 21's don't have the OTA tuner and you have to buy am AM-21 receiver to plug into the HR21 to get OTA channels. It would be nice if the new DirecTV/TIVO series (due out next year) has an option to add the OTA tuner to the unit.

drbonbi

09-20-08, 01:56 PM

But I am hoping that my HR20s last a long time. I don't really want to have to change them to HR21s. The 21's don't have the OTA tuner and you have to buy am AM-21 receiver to plug into the HR21 to get OTA channels. It would be nice if the new DirecTV/TIVO series (due out next year) has an option to add the OTA tuner to the unit.

But, don't you suppose that after Feb. 19, 2009, all local HD stations in most DMAs will be carried by D* on satellite? Wouldn't that eliminate the need for OTA reception capability?

Dana

loudo38

09-20-08, 10:26 PM

But, don't you suppose that after Feb. 19, 2009, all local HD stations in most DMAs will be carried by D* on satellite? Wouldn't that eliminate the need for OTA reception capability?

Dana
Dana, here in Maine that could be possible, but in Central Florida they currently give us 4 or 5 HD or digital channels and with an OTA antenna we get 32 HD or digital channels. I have heard the rumor (Only a rumor, nothing in concrete) that they are not going to put on any sub channels, which up here would mean we wouldn't get NBC Weather Plus (6-1) or News Now 8 (8-2). When we are in Central Florida we heavily rely on NBC Weather Plus, which is only available by OTA antenna. With no local weather on The Weather Channel, NBC Weather Plus is important to us.

bb33

09-21-08, 04:35 PM

Webini

09-21-08, 05:48 PM

On what channels are you getting pixilation? I have been seeing it on my HD locals over the past week or so.

drbonbi

09-21-08, 06:23 PM

The telecast today from Gillette Stadium for the Pats-Miami game on CBS Channel 13 was riddled with pixelation which I assume came from the source. Switching to the Red Sox game I found perfect PQ.

Dana

bb33

09-21-08, 07:01 PM

It's all the HD locals. FOX & 13 are the big ones that we've been watching. The Indy game on 13 was really bad today. On one side I guess it's good its not just me but now with the new shows back it would be nice if D* would fix it. I guess I'll give them a call to complain. I've never had any problems like this before.

Bobcalkin

09-21-08, 07:21 PM

D* people I'm looking for a little advice. In the last week or so my my D* has started showing pixelization that seems to be getting worse by the day.

I've experienced this before occasionally in bad weather and then get the signal not available message. But the weather's been fine lately and there's no messages about signal strength.

Could this mean my dish is not aligned right? I'm assuming its not the box I just got it about a year ago. Any other ideas?

Thanks in advance.

I've been seeing the same thing. Thought that I had a branch or something getting in front of the locals sat. Guess it is a D* problem after all. Channels are fine OTA, by the way the problem with the Colts game was CBS as it was pixilating badley on OTA as well. I noticed a poorer than usual picture quality with all the CBS games today even on OTA.