I am new to Maine (2 months now) and was kind of disapointed that the Fox affiliate was not broadcasting digital. Now that the transition is not being extended I guess I don't have to worry about that much longer. I also wondering why WCSH only broadcasts with 2.0 audio. I really missed the 5.1.

I am new to Maine (2 months now) and was kind of disapointed that the Fox affiliate was not broadcasting digital. Now that the transition is not being extended I guess I don't have to worry about that much longer. I also wondering why WCSH only broadcasts with 2.0 audio. I really missed the 5.1.

Welcome to the Great State of Maine and this friendly Mainah's AVS Forum thread!

A vote in the US Congress tomorrow will determine whether the digital transition is postponed or not.

It's a long story about FOX23. Previous owners dropped the ball. There's more here http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/WPFO

Digital television

Because it was granted an original construction permit after the FCC finalized the DTV allotment plan on April 21, 1997, the station did not receive a companion channel for a digital television station. Instead, on or before February 17, 2009, which is the end of the digital television conversion period for full-service stations, WPFO will be required to turn off its analog signal and turn on its digital signal (an action called a "flash-cut").

As to why WCSH Channel 6 hasn't seen fit to upgrade to DD 5.1, I suspect it's $$$$. Previous contacts with the station manager indicate that the station may do so when the digital transition takes place.

Dana

I actually got a response to an email I sent them shortly after I posted this morning. Here is what they said,

"WCSH 6 does not have the 5.1 audio equipment necessary to pass this through from NBC to viewers with TV sets that can pick it up...BUT we are in the process of changing over our Master Control Room. when it is finished we will be able to air 5.1 audio from NBC. By mid-year we should be equipped for 5.1 audio. All the best, mike marshall, programming manager"

Sounds like it has been put off longer than the transition. I wonder why thy chose to buy a DD 2.0 encoder in the first place rather than a DD 5.1 encoder.

BUT we are in the process of changing over our Master Control Room. when it is finished we will be able to air 5.1 audio from NBC. By mid-year we should be equipped for 5.1 audio. All the best, mike marshall, programming manager"

Master Control Room!! Might be a sign that they are also working toward setting it up for HD for local news. Just a thought, or maybe wishful thinking.
:confused:

I actually got a response to an email I sent them shortly after I posted this morning. Here is what they said,

"WCSH 6 does not have the 5.1 audio equipment necessary to pass this through from NBC to viewers with TV sets that can pick it up...BUT we are in the process of changing over our Master Control Room. when it is finished we will be able to air 5.1 audio from NBC. By mid-year we should be equipped for 5.1 audio. All the best, mike marshall, programming manager"

Sounds like it has been put off longer than the transition. I wonder why thy chose to buy a DD 2.0 encoder in the first place rather than a DD 5.1 encoder.

Every time I read a response from Mike on this topic, I get the impression that he thinks DD 5.1 is some sort of weird audio effect. He's looking for 5.1 sound on TV sets? I wonder if he's aware that audio video receivers have been invented and some of us in Maine might actually have them. And speakers that are separate from those on the TV set. Golly gee.

Probably not.

Dana

Master Control Room!! Might be a sign that they are also working toward setting it up for HD for local news. Just a thought, or maybe wishful thinking.
:confused:

I would seriously doubt it if they do not even have their master control room together. In a TV station Master control takes care of all network programming, commercials and the broadcast of the local programming. There is a separate control room for production of news shows. Aptly called News Control. I would seriously doubt that they have spent the money on an HD switcher for News Control. Who even knows if they have HD capable cameras on their news set.

On another note, did anyone actually pick up WPFO's digital broadcast yesterday? Their website said they had turned of the analog in favor of the digital until 7:30 pm last night. I scanned for it on one of my ATSC tuners last night after work and couldn't pick it up. I wonder how low power they are broadcasting at, cause the transmitter is pretty far away.

I see Channel 13 has gotten FCC approval and is scheduled to shut off their analog signal on the 17th.

A local maine thread?!

Interesting.

Way too many pages too look through.

On another note, did anyone actually pick up WPFO's digital broadcast yesterday? Their website said they had turned of the analog in favor of the digital until 7:30 pm last night. I scanned for it on one of my ATSC tuners last night after work and couldn't pick it up. I wonder how low power they are broadcasting at, cause the transmitter is pretty far away.

WPFO ran their DT test on UHF 23 from 6 AM until 730 PM. I live near exit 47 on the Westbrook-Portland line and WPFO came in quite well with no drop outs. The WPFO tower is located next to the WCBB-DT tower in Litchfield
and put the relatively feeble WCBB signal to shame. I hope the FCC approves the application from WCBB-DT to boost their signal strength soon.

Wish I saw that. :(

How much of an area does the WCBB-DT signal reach on channel 10 now? What about WMEA-DT in your area?

If you go to the FCC website, www.fcc.gov, and click on "search" along the top banner, then choose "TV Station Query" you can get detailed info including service contour map. Type the call letters in the "call sign" window, then scroll down and higlight "TV Query (Detailed Output + CDBS Links)" and click on "submit data"

The service contours are there.

56 dBu for the analog signal (no longer live): http://www.fcc.gov/fcc-bin/FMTV-service-area?x=TV612560.html

41 dBu for the present digital signal: http://www.fcc.gov/fcc-bin/FMTV-service-area?x=DT428496.html

36 dBu for the proposed increased digital signal: http://www.fcc.gov/fcc-bin/FMTV-service-area?x=DT1290118.html

I believe that the higher number dBu is the weaker signal, on a log (factor of 10) scale. I alos understand that analog signals are still receivable (with static) at lower power levels, whereas the digital signal is "perfect" until it isn't receivable. So the 56 dBu analog signal will reach more sets than the digital signals do.

You can get the same maps for WMEA.

Joe

The WPFO tower is located next to the WCBB-DT tower in Litchfield and put the relatively feeble WCBB signal to shame. I hope the FCC approves the application from WCBB-DT to boost their signal strength soon.

You do have to remember that WPFO is trying to cover both Portland & Augusta -- southwest to Saco/Biddeford and northeast past Centerville -- with one transmitter, but that WCBB is part of MPBN which uses multiple smaller transmitters to cover the same area. It isn't fair to compaere the two signals power levels directly.

MPBN uses four transmitters to cover the entire Atlantic coast of Maine. In the region of WPFO's coverage, there are three MPBN towers -- WMEB Orono, WCBB Augusta, and WMEA Biddeford.

MPBN's coverage maps are here: http://www.mpbn.net/About/CoverageMaps/tabid/248/Default.aspx;
you can also see what is in the FCC database following the instructions above.

Joe

Question for lurking station engineers!

I'm curious about the service contour plots available at the FCC database. How are the signal strengths the maps are plotting chosen, and how do they relate to reception? What are the differences in this relationship for digital & analog signals?

The only info I have found on reception contours relates to "Grade A & B contours" which are used to determine availibility of distant locals for satellite television. These apparently are not hard signal levels, but depend on the channel/frequency the broadcast signal is on.

Grade A and Grade B contours can be visualized as circles around a TV station’s transmitter indicating the strength of a signal received within that area. The Grade A contour is close to the transmitter and reception there is better than in the Grade B contour, but reception within the Grade B contour is deemed acceptable. The FCC describes these contours as follows: “a quality acceptable to the median observer is expected to be available for at least 90 percent of the time at the best 70 percent of receiver locations at the outer limits of [Grade A] service. In the case of Grade B service the figures are 90 percent of the time and 50 percent of the locations.” (FCC Cable Services Bureau, report FCC 99-14, CS Docket 98-201, paragraph 33.)

Do the contour plots in the FCC data base relate to Grade A or B contours? Or something else? Are Grade A & B copntours "different" for digital broadcasting (where you get the signal or you don't, unlike analog which fades away to static)?

Thanks,

Joe

I don't know how many engineers lurk in this thread, so I'll chime in. I'm not an engineer, but I want to be one, I'm in school studying to be one (not too far along yet), and I understand FCC matters pretty well.

The FCC's coverage contour is basically a loose prediction of what kind of power level you can expect. While it's designed to measure coverage, it's based on some flawed data and thus is a poor estimate.

The contour plots on the FCC site should be Grade B contours on the analog side, and on the digital side are just what the FCC considers to be the minimum signal level for reliable reception (on UHF, this is the 41dBu contour). Both of these contours generally fall short of a station's actual coverage area, which is why the FCC's strict reliance on them concerns me.

The biggest shortcoming is that they don't take terrain into account, only the "height above average terrain" which means that if the HAAT is artificially low for some reason (I have first-hand experience with this) the coverage predictions will fall short.

That may not have answered any of your questions, but I tried. If you want me to attempt to clarify or restate something, let me know and I will do my best. :)

If you want good coverage maps, use the ones on TVFool.com instead of the FCC contours.

- Trip

Thanks for chipping in -- there are a few of the local station engineers who keep track of this thread -- particularly Craig Clark of WGME. But that's what I was after.

take care,

Joe

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/02/04/AR2009020402584.html?hpid=topnews

By Kim Hart
Washington Post Staff Writer
Wednesday, February 4, 2009; 4:56 PM

The House today has voted to delay the nation's transition to digital television by four months, less than two weeks before broadcasters were scheduled to turn off traditional analog signals and air only digital programming Feb. 17.

...

President Obama has said he will sign the bill delaying the switch once it lands on his desk.

Broadcasters now have until June 12 to turn off their analog signals, although they can do so anytime after Feb. 17 if they choose to.


Dana

You do have to remember that WPFO is trying to cover both Portland & Augusta -- southwest to Saco/Biddeford and northeast past Centerville -- with one transmitter, but that WCBB is part of MPBN which uses multiple smaller transmitters to cover the same area. It isn't fair to compaere the two signals power levels directly.

MPBN uses four transmitters to cover the entire Atlantic coast of Maine. In the region of WPFO's coverage, there are three MPBN towers -- WMEB Orono, WCBB Augusta, and WMEA Biddeford.

MPBN's coverage maps are here: http://www.mpbn.net/About/CoverageMaps/tabid/248/Default.aspx;
you can also see what is in the FCC database following the instructions above.

Joe

One important point, both WMEA-DT and WCBB-DT are relatively weak signals in the largest TV market in the state. Trying to receive a reliable ota signal on either is damn near impossible in much of Portland without an attic or outdoor antenna. When WLED-DT lights up from Mount Washington with NH PBS, they will deliver a much stronger signal to the Portland area. MPBN will find themselves at a competitive disadvantage. As a generous contributor to MPBN, I'm hoping the pending power increase on WCBB-DT will substantially improve the signal in Greater Portland. Time will tell.

WGME is officially confirming on their website that they will shut off analog on Feb. 17. According to WCSH's 11PM newscast Gannett hasn't made a firm decision on WCSH/WLBZ. WMTW is going to maintain analog through June 12. I didn't watch WPFO's 10PM newscast that carefully tonight so I don't know if anything has been decided for FOX 23.

Just to get an out-of-market perspective, I was watching KGO-TV's 6PM newscast tonight on the web (my best friend lives in the Bay Area) and it was matter-of-factly mentioned that everyone now has 128 days to get ready for digital. Sigh...

WGME is officially confirming on their website that they will shut off analog on Feb. 17. According to WCSH's 11PM newscast Gannett hasn't made a firm decision on WCSH/WLBZ. WMTW is going to maintain analog through June 12. I didn't watch WPFO's 10PM newscast that carefully tonight so I don't know if anything has been decided for FOX 23.

Just to get an out-of-market perspective, I was watching KGO-TV's 6PM newscast tonight on the web (my best friend lives in the Bay Area) and it was matter-of-factly mentioned that everyone now has 128 days to get ready for digital. Sigh...

From the FOX 23 website: "FOX23 has filed a notice to terminate analog broadcast with the FCC. Our plan is to switch to digital at 11:59 pm on February 17, 2009, whether or not Congress votes to delay the transition until June 12."

CBS and FOX analog are done as of 2/17 in the Portland market. WMTW has converted the backup analog transmitter to digital. If WMTW-8 does elect to remain on after 2/17 they'll likely flash cut early if their lone analog transmitter encounters problems. WCSH-6 is most likely to hang around til June. WCSH-6 has the added benefit of analog audio available on 87.7 FM which trumps the coverage area available on the new 870 AM and 1470 AM simulcast. With few if any analog alternatives in the Portland area after 2/17, they could pick up a few viewers by delaying their analog shutdown.

So, if anyone is to fly into a hissy fit when WGME and WPFO go strictly digital on 2/18, their rage cannot be directed at Congress. After all, those stations CHOSE to turn off their analog transmissions and cause television sets to go to snow. .............. Smooth move, Congress! One might almost believe this was all planned in advance.

I don't think it will be such a big deal. We've already had three stations go digital in the Portland area -- WPXT, WPME, and MPBN (counting all its transmitters as one station). As the others convert, it will become old hat. People are getting used to "losing" analog stations.

When WPFO converts, I'll seriously consider cancelling analog cable. I have to find a way to get my ReplayTV DVR's to work with a converter first though.

Joe

When WPFO converts, I'll seriously consider cancelling analog cable. I have to find a way to get my ReplayTV DVR's to work with a converter first though.

Joe

Thats great, you don't see many people around that are running those anymore....

I don't think it will be such a big deal. We've already had three stations go digital in the Portland area -- WPXT, WPME, and MPBN (counting all its transmitters as one station). As the others convert, it will become old hat. People are getting used to "losing" analog stations.

When WPFO converts, I'll seriously consider cancelling analog cable. I have to find a way to get my ReplayTV DVR's to work with a converter first though.

Joe

I agreed with you right up until yesterday. Then, the news showed folks at different locations still fumbling around with rabbit ears and no converters. You just know that there are many more. I find it hard to believe that the message hasn't gotten across, yet or that $40 couldn't have been accumulated since the analog turnoff mandate. I suspect that it's more of a case of some people just plain being "tuned out."

I agreed with you right up until yesterday. Then, the news showed folks at different locations still fumbling around with rabbit ears and no converters. You just know that there are many more. I find it hard to believe that the message hasn't gotten across, yet or that $40 couldn't have been accumulated since the analog turnoff mandate. I suspect that it's more of a case of some people just plain being "tuned out."
At this point in the game it is hard to believe that there is anyone who owns a TV and doesn't know about the digital change over. If they currently own a TV, it has been talked about, on news and other shows, for 4 years now. It has been constantly scrolled across the screen daily for the last year, talked about and TV stations doing tests for consumers to check if they are ready, for the past 6 months. Not to mention the numerous newspaper articles and billboards talking about it.

With all we have heard about it for the past 4 years, I think the only ones who are not ready are the procrastinators and people who resist change and act dumb about not knowing. They will make the move when the signal goes off. Like they do monthly, "Oh well time to pay the power bill, they shut my power off".

Thats great, you don't see many people around that are running those (ReplayTV's) anymore....

I bought my first ReplayTV, a Panasonic Showstopper, in August of 2000. If you look at my "join date" you might notice a corellation. I bought a second unit (a ReplayTV 30xx) a few years later as a high school graduation present for my sister to take to college. She's in the Peace Corps in Ukraine teaching Engligh, so I have hers too now.

ReplayTV really change my life. For awhile I used an HD cablebox DVR, but the ReplayTV isn't tied to any particular service provider and I have always gone back to it.

They were expensive investments, but worth every penny. Considering ReplayTV doesn't exist as a company any longer, their "lifetime service" has been very satisfactory.


Joe

I bought my first ReplayTV, a Panasonic Showstopper, in August of 2000. If you look at my "join date" you might notice a corellation. I bought a second unit (a ReplayTV 30xx) a few years later as a high school graduation present for my sister to take to college. She's in the Peace Corps in Ukraine teaching Engligh, so I have hers too now.

ReplayTV really change my life. For awhile I used an HD cablebox DVR, but the ReplayTV isn't tied to any particular service provider and I have always gone back to it.

They were expensive investments, but worth every penny. Considering ReplayTV doesn't exist as a company any longer, their "lifetime service" has been very satisfactory.


Joe

They were popular in my early days of college when I was broke and only wished I could buy one. I ran a ATI all in wonder as my first attempt at a DVR, it never was very good, My first stand alone DVR wasn't until TIVO released the series 2. I remember seeing a lot of people talking about their replayTV DVR's at that time but haven't seen many in the last several years. I no longer have my first anymore but I do still have a couple of Directv TIVOs and am still running a HR10-250.

I agreed with you right up until yesterday. Then, the news showed folks at different locations still fumbling around with rabbit ears and no converters. You just know that there are many more. I find it hard to believe that the message hasn't gotten across, yet or that $40 couldn't have been accumulated since the analog turnoff mandate. I suspect that it's more of a case of some people just plain being "tuned out."

Another aspect of the issue that I didn't know much about was highlighted in an AP story in today's Press Herald. http://pressherald.mainetoday.com/story.php?id=237268&ac=PHnws

... In Maine, there are 6,669 households on the waiting list for coupons used to obtain digital conversion boxes. That's one of the reasons that both of Maine's U.S. House representatives, Democrats Mike Michaud and Chellie Pingree, voted in favor of the delay.

Michaud's spokesman, Ed Gilman, said the new figure of households on the waiting list was released Wednesday by the U.S. Department of Commerce.

And later in the story

The National Telecommunications and Information Administration, the arm of the Commerce Department administering the program, is sending out new coupons only as older, unredeemed ones reach a 90-day expiration date and free up more money. The NTIA has more than 3.7 million coupon requests on a waiting list -- and those people would not receive their coupons before Feb. 17.

Dana

I agreed with you right up until yesterday. Then, the news showed folks at different locations still fumbling around with rabbit ears and no converters. You just know that there are many more. I find it hard to believe that the message hasn't gotten across, yet or that $40 couldn't have been accumulated since the analog turnoff mandate. I suspect that it's more of a case of some people just plain being "tuned out."

I saw a story on WGME the other day about a household in Raymond where the homeowner got only snow from their newly-purchased DTV converter box. What's wrong with this picture? NOBODY gets snow from their DTV box when it doesn't pick up a signal! Obviously the installation was botched. I would have expected Diana Ichton or her photog to have helped out this very confused homeowner. The story even mentioned that WGME's Chief Engineer has visited viewer's homes to help out with reception or installation issues; surely it would have behooved them to have him tag along for this story to provide assistance to the homeowner and inform the viewing public.

I have to ask: are some stories simply too good to check out? Yes, it's worthy to note that some distant analog viewers will lose their signals in the digital transition, but a viewer located in the same town as WGME's transmitter is highly unlikely to be one of them.

http://www.wgme.com/series/OnYourSide/oys_20090203.shtml

I saw a story on WGME the other day about a household in Raymond where the homeowner got only snow from their newly-purchased DTV converter box. What's wrong with this picture? NOBODY gets snow from their DTV box when it doesn't pick up a signal! Obviously the installation was botched. I would have expected Diana Ichton or her photog to have helped out this very confused homeowner. The story even mentioned that WGME's Chief Engineer has visited viewer's homes to help out with reception or installation issues; surely it would have behooved them to have him tag along for this story to provide assistance to the homeowner and inform the viewing public.

I have to ask: are some stories simply too good to check out? Yes, it's worthy to note that some distant analog viewers will lose their signals in the digital transition, but a viewer located in the same town as WGME's transmitter is highly unlikely to be one of them.

Maybe they forgot to read the directions, on how to hook it up, that came with the converter box.

Seriously though. Many people are just not as electronically incline as others. I know people who will watch a snowy picture when all they would have to do is get up and adjust the rabbit ears. I would have to play with them until the picture is perfect, but others could care less if the picture had snow in it.

Remember also, you are watching a news story. They set up an item to report on and they do what ever they have to in order to get the point of the story across. I am sure if some other station did the story, they could show just the opposite, and do a story on how good the converter boxes work.

but haven't seen many in the last several years.


Well, they no longer are making them. Bankruptcy will do that to you. I don't believe they are selling PC-based dvr software any more -- DirecTV owns them. Probably for patent and intellectual property reasons. No telling how much longer they will be supported. I'm surprised they have been supported so long as it is.

I would have loved to get one of the ethernet enabled units -- but couldn't justify it when I had the functional dial up model.


take care,

Joe

Well, they no longer are making them. Bankruptcy will do that to you. I don't believe they are selling PC-based dvr software any more -- DirecTV owns them.

Joe

Yeah, they haven't been making them for several years, basically since direcTV bought them out. I meant that I haven't seen many of the legacy boxes still being used.

I saw a story on WGME the other day about a household in Raymond where the homeowner got only snow from their newly-purchased DTV converter box. What's wrong with this picture? NOBODY gets snow from their DTV box when it doesn't pick up a signal! Obviously the installation was botched. I would have expected Diana Ichton or her photog to have helped out this very confused homeowner. The story even mentioned that WGME's Chief Engineer has visited viewer's homes to help out with reception or installation issues; surely it would have behooved them to have him tag along for this story to provide assistance to the homeowner and inform the viewing public.

I have to ask: are some stories simply too good to check out? Yes, it's worthy to note that some distant analog viewers will lose their signals in the digital transition, but a viewer located in the same town as WGME's transmitter is highly unlikely to be one of them.

http://www.wgme.com/series/OnYourSide/oys_20090203.shtml

Greetings all,
I did stop by to visit with the folks in Raymond. They are a very nice people, and typical of many viewers trying to figure out their convert boxes and antenna. I saw the tape that news shot, and could see there was a wiring issue....... all said and done with the right connection we were successful after working with the placement of the rabbit ears. There home is actually in the shadow of a 1000' hill, blocking ours and others DT signals. But they have a great site to receive WCBB and WPFO.

Their rabbit ears also have an amplifier, the gain was set to max. After turning off the amp WGME began to work. Consumers are miss directed on what to purchase and how to use it. I've taken many calls and emails where I have viewers either turn off their amplifiers or when possible reduce the gain and sometimes that's all it takes to receive the DT signal. Most consumers think the bigger the amp the better off they are. At the home in Raymond, the amplifier was blasting WBLM 102.9(FM) into their tv/ converter, could hardly get the analog picture of WPFO on channel 23 of all things. That being said, WBLM is on our tower in Raymond also, @100,000 watts the amp didn't stand a chance of working properly.

I have a couple more places to visit, its always interesting what you find when you get there.

Craig,

Outstanding service. Above and beyond!! I wish your news dep't would do a follow-up with the anecdote and info you just posted.

Dana

The PPH has a story today that reports on plans for digital transition of all TV stations in the Greater Portland area. http://pressherald.mainetoday.com/story.php?id=237383&ac=PHnws

I'll post a clip from the story for future reference.

...

The manager at WMTW (ABC) said Thursday that station officials worried that turning off the analog signal before the new date could leave some viewers unprepared and possibly unable to view the channel.

The station will continue to broadcast an analog signal until June 12.

WCSH (NBC) has not decided yet whether it will turn its analog signal off early, said station President Steve Thaxton.

But Portland stations WGME and WPFO – affiliates of CBS and Fox, respectively – have already applied for permission to shut off their analog transmitters on Feb. 17, and expect to receive that permission.

Three other Portland stations – WPXT (CW), WPME (MyNetworkTV) and Maine Public Broadcasting Network – have already shut off their analog signals after receiving federal permission. MPBN did it in January; the others made the change last fall...

Dana

Craig, thanks for having the kind of initiative it requires to get out into the field. I agree that you should ask the news people to cover your story. It will help many people, I am sure.

A popular program called "Patriots All Access" that airs in the Boston market has been moved to CBS-owned WBZ-TV there according to a Boston Globe article. http://www.boston.com/sports/football/patriots/articles/2009/02/06/all_access_stripped/ The story suggests that the handwriting may have been on the wall in part "... when CBS Scene restaurant opened at Patriot Place."

This may be another indication that WGME channel 13 (CBS) will be the local TV station to carry PATS pre-season non-network games this coming fall.

Dana

WMTW carried it at 5am Sat in a very spotty way, since it was sometimes aired and sometimes not. Also it was in letterbox sd so the quality was poor. Hope it shows up on WGME and in hd, since I enjoyed the Belichick interviews and would be nice to have better pq.

An aside. My experience to date with Directv has been wonderful. The difference between it and Comcast for less money, better picture, more features, and loads of hd programming has been stark. Should have made the decision to switch long ago.

Regarding WPFO Fox23, I recently moved to Richmond and did a channel scan for OTA signal. I got 23 analog and 23-1 digital-HD. Over the past week the digital channel has come and gone while the analog stays put. I was under the impression they were doing a flash-cut on 2/17 because they didn't have the ability (or permission) to run both channels simultaneously. Anyone know anything about this? Are they still going to digital on 2/17 or are they taking the delay?

Regarding WPFO Fox23, I recently moved to Richmond and did a channel scan for OTA signal. I got 23 analog and 23-1 digital-HD. Over the past week the digital channel has come and gone while the analog stays put. I was under the impression they were doing a flash-cut on 2/17 because they didn't have the ability (or permission) to run both channels simultaneously. Anyone know anything about this? Are they still going to digital on 2/17 or are they taking the delay?

They only have one sation to broadcast on -- channel 23 -- because they didn't exist back when the FCC was doling out secondary channels for digital broadcast. They've been analog OTA, but passed a digital HD signal to Time Warner. They've announced that they have filed with the FCC for permission to switch from analog to digital on 2/17. I haven't heard what actually made it in to the house bill, but I would assumed that this will be allowed.


Joe

I wonder if we're going to see WFVX (Fox22 Bangor) also cut form Analog to digital. Both WPFO and WFVX had the same problem of not having secondary slots. WFVX's parent (WVII) has already announced Feb 17th is when they're moving.

WFVX-LP is a low-powered station and thus is not required to operate digitally. There is currently no deadline for such stations.

They do have an application in with the FCC to convert the signal to digital, but it remains pending. Until the FCC grants them a construction permit, they cannot even construct a digital facility, let alone operate one.

- Trip

Ahhh WPFO isn't a LP, my bad. I thought it was.

TWC blows...they are now blaming Speed Channel for the reason they do not have it in HD. They have SpeedHD on demand, but they don't have it on the regular channel?

Dear (Cravenfan),

Thank you for contacting Time Warner Cable Email Support.

I understand that you want channel Speed HD.

I apologize for the inconvenience and will be happy to assist you.

Thank you for your email concerning Time Warner Cable's programming. We appreciate your input and will share it with our corporate office.

Contractual agreements for carriage or removal of specific programmers are negotiated at the corporate level and information about what our customers want on their cable service is taken into consideration during those negotiations. Each individual affiliate, such as Speed HD, makes the ultimate decision as to what programming they will provide to Time Warner for airing. If there is specific programming that you would like to see added, we encourage you to contact the affiliate directly.

Thank you for choosing Time Warner Cable as your entertainment provider. Your business is important to us, and we hope you will continue to provide us input on what we're doing right and what we can do to improve our service for you.

We value you as a customer.

Sincerely,
Stan Logan
Time Warner Cable Online Customer Service

Original Message Follows:
------------------------
Category of Your Question: Cable/Video Questions
Comment/Question: When are you going to get Speed in HD? How can you offer Speed HD in HD on Demand and not offer it for a regular channel? You have stated for nearly a year you are in "negotiations"
for this HD channel. Please, please, please get this done. I'd hate to have to switch to Dish, but this is unreal. HD Speed must get better ratings than some of the other HD lineups currently. I'd like a call from the person who negotiates these contracts to discuss this further please. It's Nascar season, time to step up TWC.

Anyone have the "real" story?

DirecTV has it also, and it looks great.....I had TWC for a bit while I was in the process of buying a new house and I wasn't very impressed with their HD lineup, it was rather feeble.

For the record - if anyone doubted it - the President signed the DTV delay bill on Wednesday Feb. 11 according to this report http://www.adweek.com/aw/content_display/news/agency/e3i7aabd374e1b54f164152aa21a9086f89

No new Maine-specific info included.

Dana

For the record - if anyone doubted it - the President signed the DTV delay bill on Wednesday Feb. 11 according to this report http://www.adweek.com/aw/content_display/news/agency/e3i7aabd374e1b54f164152aa21a9086f89

No new Maine-specific info included.

Dana

From this article, it looks like many stations are not waiting until June to change over, due to the cost of operating both transmitters at once. I know I have seen articles that mention by shutting down now it will save stations between $5000 to $15,000 a month, in operational costs.

http://www.tvweek.com/news/2009/02/491_stations_plan_to_go_digita.php

http://www.multichannel.com/article/174067-FCC_Okays_368_To_Make_Feb_17_DTV_Switch.php

Looks like over 100 stations may not be able to switch early even though they applied to do so.

I believe WPFO is one that will be switching early

I believe WPFO is one that will be switching early

Yes, there are several posts towards the top of the previous page that provide info on all Portland-Auburn DMA TV station plans.

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

Dana

I wonder how this affects cable companies ability to move analog cable channels to digital, thus freeing up bandwidth to add new HD channels. I seem to remember that cable companies were mandated to wait until after the DTV transition before digitizing any analog feeds. I'm pretty sure this is why we haven't seen any new HD channels on Time Warner lately. So does this mean no new HD until June for those us stuck with cable?

They could always compress the hell out of the digital channels that are there, or switch to SDV, the latter of which some cable companies are already working on. Time Warner is included in the list of companies working to deploy SDV.

Here's some information -
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Switched_digital_video

In SDV, the node serves only the channels people are watching. This is good because in the current method, all channels are on the cable line at once. It basically frees up space by not bothering to send channels on the line that people aren't watching in the neighborhood.

They also don't need to wait for the FCC in order to deploy SDV.

I wonder how this affects cable companies ability to move analog cable channels to digital, thus freeing up bandwidth to add new HD channels. I seem to remember that cable companies were mandated to wait until after the DTV transition before digitizing any analog feeds. I'm pretty sure this is why we haven't seen any new HD channels on Time Warner lately. So does this mean no new HD until June for those us stuck with cable?

It's worse than that if I recall past info posted here. DrJoe in particular a year or more ago noted that cable cos can't drop their analog channels until 2012 I think.

Dana

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.

Yes, I found his post back on 9-12-07. I'll paste it again here. I put the relevant sentence in Bold. But, in reading it again, it seems that cable cos can drop analog channels if they convert their digital ones to analog for those still using analog TVs. My head hurts. :confused:

Dana

It's worse than that if I recall past info posted here. DrJoe in particular a year or more ago noted that cable cos can't drop their analog channels until 2012 I think.

Dana
So how will that work with cable companies? The signals will be all digital as of the June date. Will the TV stations have to provide an analog signal to the cable company head ends? Or, will it be the responsibility of the cable company to down convert the digital signal to analog, for use in their analog systems?

Yes, there are several posts towards the top of the previous page that provide info on all Portland-Auburn DMA TV station plans.

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

Dana

Thanks, been lurking for a while. Hoping to build a Gray Hoverman in the next few weeks. How come there are so many Dr's in here?

It's worse than that if I recall past info posted here. DrJoe in particular a year or more ago noted that cable cos can't drop their analog channels until 2012 I think.

Dana

They can drop SOME analog channels, just not locals I believe. Time Warner, at least in the Portland area, has WAY too many analog channels. Channels like SoapNet and Discovery Health Channel do not need to be analog. Those channels are digital on most other cable systems. I wonder how many HD channels can fit in one analog channel slot?

BTW did anyone see the Time Warner ad where they falsely advertise that they carry USA HD? Toward the end of the ad they show various screens of cable HD channels, and on a garage door they show a shot of "Law and Order, CI" with a USA HD logo on it. I know they get away with this by putting "not all services available in all areas" in fine print. So the question is...if Time Warner has a deal to carry USA HD, why the hell isn't it carried locally? USA is one of the highest rated cable channels, yet some local dork at the Time Warner building by the Jetport thinks that HD viewers would rather see the TENNIS CHANNEL??? I mean, I just love watching rich yuppies hit a little green ball back in forth in HD for hours in end as much as the next guy, but when USA is showing excellent original shows in HD and has the most viewers of all cable channels...I mean...huh???

We need to find out who this guy is and start flooding his office voicemail and e-mail inbox with complaints!

Thanks, been lurking for a while. Hoping to build a Gray Hoverman in the next few weeks. How come there are so many Dr's in here?

In my case, I'm not. It's just the first two letters of the initials of my name.

Dana

...

We need to find out who this guy is and start flooding his office voicemail and e-mail inbox with complaints!

I agree. It is amazing how cable executives make these decisions without ever consulting their customers. We had a long go-round with Comcast V-Ps about channel carriage on the former SusCom Brunswick system a couple of years ago in which I made that point to one of them. The V-P told me the counter staff got a lot of requests for various channels and she also basically said they don't listen to the counter staff.

Don't bother flooding the TWC guy with emails. He won't listen either. It's not a customer driven business.

BTW. I left Comcast - for good.

Dana

One major point is that Time Warner in Maine at present has NO PLANS to get rid of any analog cable signals to make more room for additional digital subchannels. Time Warner is using this as a marketing advantage over satllite and OTA. No box needed.

A few carriers are going all-digital at the same time as the switch was supposed to be flipped off -- I think it was some cable networks in the New York area. But not up here. With so many NTSC sets in Maine, and so few HD sets, we may see analog cable around for YEARS.

Second point is, I believe that burried in the small print, the only stations which must be carried in analog are stations that have applied for "must carry" status. Stations which are under carriage agreements are not included except by negotiation. I'm not sure about this, but I think the only "must carry" statiions in our area are MPBN. But I don't think this will matter because of point #1, above.


Joe

They could always compress the hell out of the digital channels that are there, or switch to SDV, the latter of which some cable companies are already working on. Time Warner is included in the list of companies working to deploy SDV.

Here's some information -
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Switched_digital_video

In SDV, the node serves only the channels people are watching. This is good because in the current method, all channels are on the cable line at once. It basically frees up space by not bothering to send channels on the line that people aren't watching in the neighborhood.

They also don't need to wait for the FCC in order to deploy SDV.

TWC in Portland has already deployed SDV. SDV digital channels are not available to cablecard users since cablecards are not two way devices. A TWC set top box or DVR, which are two way devices, are required to tune the SDV channels. Most channels are already digital when they arrive at the cable head-end. In Portland, TWC converts the digital channels back to analog at the head-end and sends them out as NTSC on channels 2 through 78. One analog channel uses as much bandwidth as 6 standard digital channels, or two HD channels. Cable uses grooming and rate shaping at the head-end to squeeze even more channels into that space. Of course, the trade off for that squeezing (compression) is a softer digital picture and even pixelization. By law, cable only needs to pass the locals in analog until 2012. However, they can go all digital including the local broadcast channels if they supply one "free" set top box per household. Comcast is most aggressive at going the all digital route. TWC seems content with deploying SDV and dropping a limited number of analog channels in order to add new digital services. I notice with SDV that during primetime my node can become saturated with lost packets and pixelization and unavailable SDV channels.

Article from today's Portland Press Herald:

http://pressherald.mainetoday.com/story.php?id=238932&ac=PHnws

Same article -- at least the first half -- appeared under the Press Herald byline in the Lewiston Sun Journal. Media consolidation at its best.

How many "independent" news broadcasts are there on television in Maine? Several of the Portland stations "share" newrooms, right? What about other markets in Maine?


Joe

Same article -- at least the first half -- appeared under the Press Herald byline in the Lewiston Sun Journal. Media consolidation at its best.

How many "independent" news broadcasts are there on television in Maine? Several of the Portland stations "share" newrooms, right? What about other markets in Maine?


Joe
Not sure if this will help, but here is a map of where all of the Miane TV stations are located.
http://www.maine.info/maps/map.php?state=maine&city=all%20cities&cat=TV%20Stations&fix=1&zoom=6

Hi There - I mostly just lurk here, but I thought I would take advantage of having an audience of HD and TV educated people to ask a question.

I work at WPME & WPXT in the production department. One of the main parts of my job is to design the localized on-air graphics for station identification, promotion, and for our arsenal of locally produced shows (including the OurMaine Magazine series of shows, Dollar Saver, and our digital sub-channel on WPME - Maine Visitors Channel). We are starting the process of building towards automation in master control, and as part of that we're updating and adding some new equipment - the first major change that will effect our on-air appearance is to happen this coming week, when our new HD keyer and graphics inserter will begin use on WPME, enabling us to, well, start producing HD graphics.

I'm curious as to people's opinions on "pillar-filler". Without giving it a whole lot of thought when we started planning for the new capabilities, we figured that we would start filling the empty sides of the 16x9 screen with ... something. Many of us were (and still are) against "pulling an ESPN" and slapping our call letters up on both sides - I know I personally found that too distracting. What we have settled on is a background pattern that is based on our MyNetwork TV affiliation graphics package, a subtle dark-blue to black dots pattern. Because we only air HD programming from the network (for the time being), this would basically be up for the 22 non-prime hours a day - really serving no more of a purpose than to fill the screen and (hopefully ... possibly?) enhance the viewing experience.

I've never really given it too much thought as a viewer of SD content on an HD channel - but I think my own opinion is that I like to see all of my screen real estate used where possible, as long as it's not too distracting. We're somewhat limited in what we can do there - we're talking about just a still image - no fancy side-bar programming or anything like that for the time being. When we reach the point of being fully automated, we will have more flexibility to match the side bars to programming for example.

What are your thoughts, in general, about this type of static graphic? Given the choice between something to just fill the space and leaving it blank, what would you choose? At what point would you think that something on the sides of the screen was distracting and taking away from your enjoyment of the programming?

I'm curious to hear other people's thoughts - my reaction after having a discussion with our General Manager is that we're probably over-thinking this, but what the heck - it's what we do in broadcasting.

Thanks -

Dan Seaver
WPXT / WPME

I'm curious as to people's opinions on "pillar-filler". Without giving it a whole lot of thought when we started planning for the new capabilities, we figured that we would start filling the empty sides of the 16x9 screen with ... something. Many of us were (and still are) against "pulling an ESPN" and slapping our call letters up on both sides - I know I personally found that too distracting. What we have settled on is a background pattern that is based on our MyNetwork TV affiliation graphics package, a subtle dark-blue to black dots pattern. Because we only air HD programming from the network (for the time being), this would basically be up for the 22 non-prime hours a day - really serving no more of a purpose than to fill the screen and (hopefully ... possibly?) enhance the viewing experience.

What are your thoughts, in general, about this type of static graphic? Given the choice between something to just fill the space and leaving it blank, what would you choose? At what point would you think that something on the sides of the screen was distracting and taking away from your enjoyment of the programming?

I'm curious to hear other people's thoughts - my reaction after having a discussion with our General Manager is that we're probably over-thinking this, but what the heck - it's what we do in broadcasting.

Thanks -

Dan Seaver
WPXT / WPME
Dan, PLEASE leave it natural. When a program is 4x3, black pillar bars are the only way to go. All the other colors and graphics are very distracting, and takes away from the video. One channel I saw used to pillar box in Gray. Then when a program was letter boxed in black it had gray pillar bars with black letterboxing. That really looked horrible. After a lot of complaints they switched to black pillar bars.

But, please do not do what TNT, TBS, History Channel and a few others do, and stretch the 4x3 video to 16x9. That makes to many short fat people.

Just my 2 cents. Keep up the good work at WPXT / WPME. :cool:

Aren't the gray pillars generally suggested to even out the burn-in of displays, like namely those Plasma folks?

Aren't the gray pillars generally suggested to even out the burn-in of displays, like namely those Plasma folks?
Yes, it used to be a problem in earlier Plasma models, but it is not as much of an issue with the recent models. They use "pixel shifting" and a few other techniques to reduce the burn in issue.

Understood. It can still happen even with those pixel shifting features though. LCDs can actually burn in too.

As it goes I have a gray bar option in my Dish Network box built in.

I think really the best solution is to ban 4:3 content entirely *laughs*

Hi There - I mostly just lurk here, but I thought I would take advantage of having an audience of HD and TV educated people to ask a question.

I work at WPME & WPXT in the production department. One of the main parts of my job is to design the localized on-air graphics for station identification, promotion, and for our arsenal of locally produced shows (including the OurMaine Magazine series of shows, Dollar Saver, and our digital sub-channel on WPME - Maine Visitors Channel). We are starting the process of building towards automation in master control, and as part of that we're updating and adding some new equipment - the first major change that will effect our on-air appearance is to happen this coming week, when our new HD keyer and graphics inserter will begin use on WPME, enabling us to, well, start producing HD graphics.

I'm curious as to people's opinions on "pillar-filler". Without giving it a whole lot of thought when we started planning for the new capabilities, we figured that we would start filling the empty sides of the 16x9 screen with ... something. Many of us were (and still are) against "pulling an ESPN" and slapping our call letters up on both sides - I know I personally found that too distracting. What we have settled on is a background pattern that is based on our MyNetwork TV affiliation graphics package, a subtle dark-blue to black dots pattern. Because we only air HD programming from the network (for the time being), this would basically be up for the 22 non-prime hours a day - really serving no more of a purpose than to fill the screen and (hopefully ... possibly?) enhance the viewing experience.

I've never really given it too much thought as a viewer of SD content on an HD channel - but I think my own opinion is that I like to see all of my screen real estate used where possible, as long as it's not too distracting. We're somewhat limited in what we can do there - we're talking about just a still image - no fancy side-bar programming or anything like that for the time being. When we reach the point of being fully automated, we will have more flexibility to match the side bars to programming for example.

What are your thoughts, in general, about this type of static graphic? Given the choice between something to just fill the space and leaving it blank, what would you choose? At what point would you think that something on the sides of the screen was distracting and taking away from your enjoyment of the programming?

I'm curious to hear other people's thoughts - my reaction after having a discussion with our General Manager is that we're probably over-thinking this, but what the heck - it's what we do in broadcasting.

Thanks -

Dan Seaver
WPXT / WPME

Thanks for the opportunity for some feedback.

I know it's temping, but please leave the area black. Anything else is distracting and please no stretching.

Just broadcast HD 24 hrs and you'll solve this. Thanks

I have to agree with the majority; leave the pillar bars black.

I think really the best solution is to ban 4:3 content entirely *laughs*
Agree, I think eventually we will get there.

Agree, I think eventually we will get there.

There will always be 4:3 content as long as there are reruns of shows dating from before 2000, and there are a lot of things like that.

I know I have lots of older programs I like and even newer ones that aren't widescreen (Family Guy, Simpsons, etc).

- Trip

There will always be 4:3 content as long as there are reruns of shows dating from before 2000, and there are a lot of things like that.

I know I have lots of older programs I like and even newer ones that aren't widescreen (Family Guy, Simpsons, etc).

- Trip

FYI, the first HD Simpsons episode ever airs this Sunday. :D

I hadn't heard about the Simpsons -- I may have to watch it again. I've been disappointed with my favorite show in recent years -- mostly only watch repeats from the early seasons.

We've had the debate on stretching vs balck pillars vs collored pillars. I've got two HD sets, a CRT RPTV and an LCD. I'm not particularly worried about either of them. A properly calibrated rear projection set won't burn in even if you watch a fair amount of 4:3 programming. With so much HD available, it isn't in 4:3 mode with black bars often.

That said, neutral gray bars added on the left and right side doesn't bother me in the least -- on my RPTV, the set itself adds the bars for 4:3 480i programming. I think that there are lots of consumers out there who have older sets where burn-in can be a problem, especially because many of them operate in "torch" mode. For stations with much less than 50% hd programming, I think that neutral sidebars are a good way to go.


take care,

Joe

Thanks for the opportunity for some feedback.

I know it's temping, but please leave the area black. Anything else is distracting and please no stretching.

Just broadcast HD 24 hrs and you'll solve this. Thanks

Agree. Most of the 4:3 channels on directv, like Turner classics, are black barred which lends itself to the TV (or diirect) zoom feature for letter-boxed films.

Also will be nice when you get the station id inserts, as you noted, so they are in hd. The shift from hd to sd just for station id or weather announcements is very distracting. Also, the tech that does it sometimes forgets to shift back for an appreciable period and that is even more so.

Nice to see someone solicit inputs from the unwashed masses. My guess is there are quite a few engineers and school or self-taught techs on these forums and your questions are welcome.

Agree. Most of the 4:3 channels on directv, like Turner classics, are black barred which lends itself to the TV (or diirect) zoom feature for letter-boxed films.

Also will be nice when you get the station id inserts, as you noted, so they are in hd. The shift from hd to sd just for station id or weather announcements is very distracting. Also, the tech that does it sometimes forgets to shift back for an appreciable period and that is even more so.

Nice to see someone solicit inputs from the unwashed masses. My guess is there are quite a few engineers and school or self-taught techs on these forums and your questions are welcome.

I am going to have to agree whole hartedly with most of the above. Leave them black. Then if I get tired of them being there I can always stretch my screen or have my receiver change them to grey. Don't put anything up there. Oh, and PLEASE, if you are buying equipment make it so your bugs and alerts can be posted in HD. It really is annoying to see it drop to SD and the sound jump to stereo at 10dB or so higher. It just blasts us out...

It is the television set that is not 2 way as opposed to the cablecard. A cablebox compensates for the shortcoming of the tv set to communicate. The cable industry has been working with tv manufacturing companies on this issue and it is only lately that there has been any progress. Panasonic has sold on a very limited basis tv sets with "tru2way" capability. Presumably, if these sets are a success, sales distribution will be increased. At that point, cablecards will work two ways.

I look forward to the general availability of tv sets with "tru2way" capability. It can't happen soon enough to suit me.

I appreciate the responses - and I must admit that I would not have predicted that there would be so many people that opposed the sidebars so enthusiastically, but that's why you ask for feedback, right?

I'm not sure what we'll end up doing - honestly, we'll probably end up trying a few different things out in the next few weeks, so if you happen to watch WPME in the near future - by all means, let me know if you do find anything distracting or not.

I wish that part of this stage of the updating process would result in us being able to air our local and syndicated shows in HD, but that's probably not coming for a little while. It's a shame too, because the majority of the local programming we produce is shot and edited in an HDV format and then down-converted for broadcasting. One step at a time I suppose - we get past this stage and then we can start pestering the corporate folks to buy us more equipment.... With two stations to convert and upgrade at the same time, it almost always comes down to money issues.

Thankfully, this will fix the problem a few of you mentioned of dropping out of HD programming for station IDs, EAS warnings, and marketing and promotional "snipes". I think the only thing along those lines that will still be an issue will be lottery numbers, but I still need to discuss that with the engineers.

Yes, unless you're a winner, those ARE annoying.

Hi, this is my first time here and I've got some questions. I'm about to move to a house in Kennebunk, Maine. I currently am a technician for Comcast cable. Unfortunatly Kennebunk is a Time Warner town which means no more free HD cable. I've already got the house wired up with RG6 quadshield simease(RG6 with a Cat5 back). I am only going to purchase internet and basic cable from TW. I plan on putting an antenna in the attic. I want to pull in over the air HD, but I also want to pull in FM. Can I use the same antenna for both? Also, what is the best antenna for me? The attic has nothing in it, and the ceiling is about 8 feet high, so room isn't a problem. I also have all the tools and supplies(i.e RG 11quad, fish tape, ground wire, RF amp, splitters and everything else under the sun RF related). The TV stations I want are mostly in Portland, ME, about 25 miles away. The radio stations I would like are mostly in Boston, MA, about 90 miles away. I would also love it if I could pick up TV from Boston too. Right now I've got one Panasonic 46" plasma TV, and a 1967 McIntosh 1700 tube tuner.

Thank you everyone, in advance, for the help, it is very much appreciated.

My best antenna is CM4228 on a rotor. Outside is better, especially for Boston. Someone in the Kennebunk area is better suited to answer of course. Welcome to AVS.

WCBB-DT has received permission to raise the ERP from 13.3 KW to 30 KW. My contact at MPBN indicated they will be switching to the higher ERP on Wednesday morning the 18th from the tower site in Litchfield. That should increase the coverage area and fill in some of the dead zones.

I'm getting 12-1/2 Orono @24db. Been awhile.

Is anyone here from around the Kennebunk area?

WPFO looks good. I have a very strong signal in South Portland with my little indoor loop antenna. Now I guess the only question remains is how well I will get WMTW once they switch back to VHF. After that I'm thinking I can call up Time Warner and bid them farewell.

WPFO is still running the FCC scroll, which I thought was pretty amusing.

Is anyone here from around the Kennebunk area?

I'm in Biddeford, but I can't help you out with your questions.............I've signed over my life savings to TWC for their All-in-One package that gives me phone, internet, DVR, HD, and about 250 channels.

Steve

WPFO is coming in decently for me. Not too shabby considering my DB-8 antenna is pointed in the direction of the 6/8/13 tower.

I'm in the Northgate area of Portland surrounded by tall trees and the antenna is in my attic.

Should the WPFO signal reach Kennebunk at all? I just did a scan with my box and couldn't locate it. I can pull in WGME, WMTW, WSCH. I have a CM4228 in my attic - no amplifier. Signal strength on the other stations is over 80%. I would assume I could get the WPFO signal too but I've been wrong before. I'm also wondering what compass heading they are at....antennaweb.org doesn't list WPFO at all for me.

spita07 - I've never been able to pull in the Boston channels with any consistency. I did once but that had more to do with the atmosphere lending a hand than anything else. Keep in mind, my antenna is in my attic.

Who is the installer for DirecTV in the greater Portland area? Anyone with new D* set ups in the area? Did they install the newest SWM Slimline standard if you got an HD DVR/DVR/Multiple receivers??

Who is the installer for DirecTV in the greater Portland area?...

The area install company for D* is DirecTech. 878-3322 x1 = Claire. This is the outfit that operates the D* white vans with blue logos.

Dana

I am watching the high school tournament on an analog set using using TWC's channel 10. ............ I can't help but wonder if those kids, the referees and even the fans are really that tall and thin. Everybody has a fairly long face as well. ....... A mystery.

WPFO is broadcasting from Litchfield (between Lewiston and Augusta), while I think WGME, WCSH, and WMTW are transmitting from around the Sebago lake area.

Here's the WPFO coverage map showing Kennebunk (http://www.myfoxmaine.com/myfox/pages/InsideFox/Detail?contentId=4706411&version=3&locale=EN-US&layoutCode=TSTY&pageId=5.1.1) on the fringe. I don't know how appropriate that map is for their digital signal.

They are in the TV Fool (http://www.tvfool.com) database.

The area install company for D* is DirecTech. 878-3322 x1 = Claire. This is the outfit that operates the D* white vans with blue logos.

Dana

How bad/good is DirecTech? I have close family living in the Portland area.

Any idea on the SWM slimline being standard in Maine yet?

Also, when do you normally loose your signal on a peaked dish in Maine? Does a snow storm knock it out? Just before a heavy rain storm?

How bad/good is DirecTech? I have close family living in the Portland area.

Any idea on the SWM slimline being standard in Maine yet?

I had a install done by them last June. The tech I got was OK, but not great. We had the house prewired for DVRs, in 3 rooms. He didn't like the connectors the electrical company put on the coaxial cable and changed them. In doing so he shorted out one of them. He left telling me that I had a problem with that one line and to call the electrician back to fix it. I used my own equipment to check out the line and found the problem to be a short in one of the new connectors HE put on. I replaced the connector and all worked fine.

The overall installation was good and I had great signals for Maine, on all satellites. The only issue I had was the coaxial line he shorted out when he changed connectors.

How bad/good is DirecTech? I have close family living in the Portland area.

Any idea on the SWM slimline being standard in Maine yet?

Also, when do you normally loose your signal on a peaked dish in Maine? Does a snow storm knock it out? Just before a heavy rain storm?

Just like everything else in life, it all depends on who you get. I got great help from a supervisor when a newbie installer wouldn't do what I wanted regarding dish placement. And another installer, older and more experienced, was great from the get-go. Whoever is expecting an installation should call the Portland number for DirecTECH and establish a relationship with that office.

No clue on the SWM slimline dish availability.

I have posted several times on this thread about the fallacious FUD spread by the cable industry about home sat dishes. I have had no problems except during a heavy downpour which is rare. The upside is that since I have a standby generator, I have a TV to watch when cable is kaput, as happens to be the case at this very moment. (Someone must have hit a power pole up the line closer to Brunswick on this circuit.)

Cable companies use sat dishes themselves to acquire programs.

Dana

Cable companies use sat dishes themselves to acquire programs.

Used to be true, now they use a lot more fiber optics, Internet, and microwave. The times are a-changing..

Also they used REALLY BIG dishes.

However, I do agree their advertising is incorrect. Aside from a severe rain storm, my Dish Network never goes out. Even during the severe rain storm, we're talking 10-15 minutes during the storm period. All in all less than an hour and a half TOTAL per year. If the cable breaks or the node fuse blows, I'm certain it would take them at least 4 hours to fix, even if it only ever happens once a year or so.

How bad/good is DirecTech? I have close family living in the Portland area.

Any idea on the SWM slimline being standard in Maine yet?

Also, when do you normally loose your signal on a peaked dish in Maine? Does a snow storm knock it out? Just before a heavy rain storm?

My brother in law had D* installed this summer, and did not get SWM. A week later the same tech visited me (D* sent him because they were receiving error reports from my DVR even though I hadn't been experiencing any problems) and said they had just started using them that week. So I would expect them to be available here.

However, I do agree their advertising is incorrect. Aside from a severe rain storm, my Dish Network never goes out. Even during the severe rain storm, we're talking 10-15 minutes during the storm period. All in all less than an hour and a half TOTAL per year. If the cable breaks or the node fuse blows, I'm certain it would take them at least 4 hours to fix, even if it only ever happens once a year or so.
When their cables get knocked down during an ice storm or get cut by a construction crew the cable will be out for a lot longer time than 10-15 minutes, but I guess that wouldn't be a good selling point if they added that to their commercials. :D

While the following is a national report, it does reflect my own experience and that of several others here. Beekeeper et al.

As reported here http://www.tvpredictions.com/comcast021909.htm

Washington, D.C. (February 19, 2009) -- Guess which TV provider offers more High-Definition channels.

a. DIRECTV, which added 301,000 net new subscribers in last year's fourth quarter -- and increased its total subscriber count by 800,000 for the year.

b. Comcast, which reported yesterday that it lost 500,000 subscribers in 2008, almost half in the fourth quarter.

No, it's not a trick question. The answer is DIRECTV, which offers more than 100 HD channels in every market while Comcast averages around 40 HD channels per market...

Apparently, as Maine goes, so goes the Nation! :)

Dana

How bad/good is DirecTech? I have close family living in the Portland area.

Any idea on the SWM slimline being standard in Maine yet?

Also, when do you normally loose your signal on a peaked dish in Maine? Does a snow storm knock it out? Just before a heavy rain storm?

I just moved here in Nov, we had our D* installed early Dec, the installer did not instal the SWM slimline, there was already a slimline dish on the house though and he used a 6x8 multiswitch for the house. We have had lots of storms this winter and I have not had our TV knocked out once by them. Even the ice storm in DEC and the the big 15 inch storm. The angle of the dish seems to keep the snow off.

When their cables get knocked down during an ice storm or get cut by a construction crew the cable will be out for a lot longer time than 10-15 minutes, but I guess that wouldn't be a good selling point if they added that to their commercials. :D

I get what they're saying, namely that the satellite dish basically WILL go out at least once in any given year. I just think they take it a bit far when they suggest the dish needs to be re-aligned constantly or that service calls take forever. The big difference for me is if I ever needed to nudge my sat dish, I could just go out with a 7/16 wrench and do it myself.

I Just don't have those problems though.

As the saying goes, "I'm from Maine, I'll make it work". :)

The Times Record newspaper published in Brunswick that covers mid-coast Maine has a story in today's edition that indicates some viewers who have been getting their TV OTA via analog with rabbit ears have found that with the digital converter boxes, they can't get a signal. http://www.timesrecord.com/website/main.nsf/news.nsf/0/6E613668AD60BC8F8525756200633C17?Opendocument

BATH — Bath resident Carter Ruff broke down and signed up for cable television. Had he not, he likely would have been able to count himself among the Mid-coast residents who woke up Wednesday morning with no access to at least three of southern Maine's network television affiliates...
...

Ruff said he was told that much of the Bath-Brunswick area doesn't receive strong enough digital signals for a television like his to pick them up without additional equipment being installed on the roof. As a result, he said, he just signed up for a minimal cable package...

"It turned us into cable users, which we had been trying to avoid," he said...

Dana

FTA
and purchased his mother a flat screen digital television for $350 and a new digital antenna

That is really irritating. There is no such thing as a digital antenna. Is anyone finding that they are unable to receive stations that they could over analog? I was under the impression that is you could receive the analog signal, you should be able to get the digital signal. The people in the article would be better off contacting the tech support line for the hardware they purchased.

I just moved here in Nov, we had our D* installed early Dec, the installer did not instal the SWM slimline, there was already a slimline dish on the house though and he used a 6x8 multiswitch for the house. We have had lots of storms this winter and I have not had our TV knocked out once by them. Even the ice storm in DEC and the the big 15 inch storm. The angle of the dish seems to keep the snow off.

Thanks for your info!!! That is what I was looking for.

Did you get any HD receivers or DVR's?


Anyone else with a new, from the ground-up (no previous dish already installed), install that included HD or DVR receivers? I want to know if they are putting in SWM standard yet.

Thanks for your info!!! That is what I was looking for.

Did you get any HD receivers or DVR's?

Anyone else with a new, from the ground-up (no previous dish already installed), install that included HD or DVR receivers? I want to know if they are putting in SWM standard yet.

Give DirecTECH a call and ask them. :rolleyes:

Dana

Give DirecTECH a call and ask them. :rolleyes:

Dana


How can I trust what they tell me? I have learned not to put too much faith in independent contractors.

How can I trust what they tell me? I have learned not to put too much faith in independent contractors.

When they installed my antenna, I asked them if it were possible to have a SWM one installed, and they told me they didn't have any yet, but if they did, they would put on up for me. That was back last June. Request it, prior to the install from the main office, don't ask the installer once he gets to the house.

Wednesday night I "lost" all the programs that were scheduled to record after midnight that night and also the next am. The scheduled recordings showed up in the index/hd window but shifted right to delete/do not delete when play was pushed.

One show, recorded about 10pm shifted right to the end after about 15 min of playback, but I was able to see the rest by jumping over the spot that caused the shift. So there was an earlier problem.

I reset the box and the offending programs disappeared and all the old ones remained.

I have three guesses, but there may be another cause.

1. A midnight update from Direct caused the problem of totality lost shows.

2. Weather- snow and rain on the dish took it out of alignment and what was recorded was hash, so unplayable. Also explains the problems with the earlier show.

3. Temperamental dvr.

All seems fine now, so my guess is 3, since there have not been any issues with weather before and the signal is fine.

Hello beekeeper!

You can check whether you got an overnight update. Hold the Menu button down and after a few seconds, it will take you to a summary of all settings. You can scroll to find info on when the last update occurred. :cool:

Dana

Thanks for your info!!! That is what I was looking for.

Did you get any HD receivers or DVR's?


Anyone else with a new, from the ground-up (no previous dish already installed), install that included HD or DVR receivers? I want to know if they are putting in SWM standard yet.

I have been a D* sub for many years and just brought my equipment with me when I moved here. And yes, I have two HD DVRs and a HD box. SWM would be nice, but My install was an easy one to get two lines where there needed to be two.

I have posted several times on this thread about the fallacious FUD spread by the cable industry about home sat dishes.

I thought of this FUD the other night as I watched Damages that I had recorded on Time Warner analog cable at about 1am. That was during our rain/snow storm. The picture and sound started breaking up about thirty minutes in and a couple minutes after that it was completely unwatchable. Another ten minutes and the picture was black for the rest of the recording.

The conditions you speak of don't happen, you're merely hating on cable. :D Just kidding.

1. A midnight update from Direct caused the problem of totality lost shows.

2. Weather- snow and rain on the dish took it out of alignment and what was recorded was hash, so unplayable. Also explains the problems with the earlier show.

3. Temperamental dvr.

All seems fine now, so my guess is 3, since there have not been any issues with weather before and the signal is fine.
What model DVR do you have?

What model DVR do you have?

HR 22

Interesting that comcast had problems that night.

I have had recordings that had artifacts to the point of a mostly hash picture for a few seconds, but they are very infrequent- count on one hand sort of problem. Never lost a whole set of programs.

Does anybody here know how the reception for WPFO-DT (FOX) is so far, especially in York and Cumberland Counties? I once lived in Old Orchard Beach and I remember struggling to receive a snowy color picture of the old WCBB-TV channel 10 there (knowing they have a Litchfield, ME site, much like the old WCBB-TV).

Does anyone have any idea why MPBN is telecasting the high school tournament in 16:9 format?

Does anyone have any idea why MPBN is telecasting the high school tournament in 16:9 format?

Hi Stan,

I don't really "know" and I haven't been watching. But, my best guess is that it somehow has to do with simulcasting its regular programming on its HD channel. When its PR director, Lou Morin, and I exchanged views about programming over a year ago, he said that they dropped the PBS HD feed to facilitate "planning" how best to use its HD channel. (Another poster said it was PBS itself that dropped its dedicated HD feed to member stations. Perhaps to cut back on satellite usage fees?)

The need to plan how best to use its HD channel indicates that management didn't have one at that time. You recall that at one point it was stretching 4x3 content on its HD channel. That stopped and I believe they went to letterbox. (D* has yet to pick up the MPBN HD channel in this market so I literally can't see what the station is doing.) But, Morin also made it clear - speaking for management - that when it came tournament time, all channels would carry HS basketball. Presumably still in standard def.

That's the best I can offer.

---

I went back and found what Lou Morin told me in an email on 2/8/08. http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?p=13057072#post13057072 Here's a relevant clip.

As for CTO Gil Maxwell's decisions on why we send out our digital picture at a particular aspect ratio, I can only say that I am pleased to inform you that MPBN staff got this message from his office about 5 minutes ago:

"As of today 2/8 we are no longer stretching 4:3 HD content. There are two operational modes when our content is upconverted - standard and letterbox. In the standard mode (normal 4:3), content on the our HD channel will be displayed with pillars or black bars on the sides of an HD display. This is accomplished by either programming Florical automation to initiate the contact closure or manually selecting "standard" on the GPO switch box. When we are displaying non-HD letterbox programming, we will zoom the content. The zoom function maintains picture aspect but fills a 16:9 display. This is accomplished by selecting "letterbox" on the GPO switch box or through Florical programming."

Dana

Does anybody here know how the reception for WPFO-DT (FOX) is so far, especially in York and Cumberland Counties? I once lived in Old Orchard Beach and I remember struggling to receive a snowy color picture of the old WCBB-TV channel 10 there (knowing they have a Litchfield, ME site, much like the old WCBB-TV).

I came across a report from MPBN that indicates reception of its digital signal has been problematic. http://www.mpbn.net/DTV/DTVFAQ/tabid/252/Default.aspx

MPBN is receiving a steadily increasing number of contacts from television viewers who have purchased digital converter boxes and hooked them up to their TV sets only to find they can’t pick up MPBN. These experiences stand in contrast to the generally upbeat articles about the upcoming DTV conversion touting mainly the benefits of digital TV – of which there are indeed many, provided you can pick up the signal. Now that people are actually buying the converter boxes and hooking them up, however, they’re finding that it’s not always as easy as those public service announcements make it seem.
...

Here at MPBN we’ve tried out converter boxes on sets here at the station and asked some employees to try them out at their homes, with mixed success. ...

*Unlike analog transmissions where the TV picture gets fuzzier as distance from the broadcast tower increases, with digital television you either get the signal or you don’t. You don’t get a snowy picture as the signal fades, it just cuts out completely.

Dana

anyone here have an OTA digital tuner they want to sell? I got rid of time warner buy my plasma is older and doesn't have an intergrated tuner

PM me I'm going to McFalls Thursday.

anyone here have an OTA digital tuner they want to sell? I got rid of time warner buy my plasma is older and doesn't have an intergrated tuner
If you can find an old DirecTV HD tuner, from before they were leased, they will work just find. The ones that come to mind are HR10-250, HR10, H10, HTLHD or even an old Hughes E8. You may be able to pick one up cheap on ebay or something like that. I have an old H10 I use in the spare bedroom. The newer models, that do have OTA tuners, are leased and have to be activated to allow the OTA tuner(s) to work.

If you can find an old DirecTV HD tuner, from before they were leased, they will work just find. the ones that come to mind are HR10-250, HR10, H10, HTLHD or even an old Hughes E8. You may be able to pick one up cheap on ebay or something like that. I have an old H10 I use in the spare bedroom. The newer models, that do have OTA tuners, are leased and have to be activated to allow the OTA tuner(s) to work.

Quite so. After I upgraded to a D* H20-600 HD receiver when they first came out in January 2006, I sold my Samsung SIR-TS360 D* HD Receiver/HDTV Tuner to someone who wanted it just for its OTA tuner. (I also included my access card because I think the STB wouldn't work without it even though no subscription to D* was needed just for OTA reception.) He was very satisfied. That model is still available from amazon. http://www.amazon.com/Samsung-SIR-TS360-DirecTV-High-Definition-Receiver/dp/B0001OHHI8/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=electronics&qid=1235338875&sr=8-1 More expensive that the latest digital converters, however.

BTW. He didn't have to have D* activate the STB. But, the box wouldn't work without the card in its slot so be sure to get the access card included if you go this route. I notice that some of those on Amazon offer the card with it. They are "married" to the STB and won't work on another box anyway. Also, that box was owned by me. The newer D* branded STBs are leased.

Dana

Anyone having trouble viewing the Oscars? We're using TWC HD channel (WMTW).

Has anyone been successful in getting your D* HR2x receiver to recognize WPFO off-air? It seems that the AM-21 gets the channel data from D* and it hasn't been updated so we are unable to watch WPFO Off-air. Am I dead wrong? or is this the case for everyone?

Anyone having trouble viewing the Oscars? We're using TWC HD channel (WMTW).

I'm not getting anything on D* (any channel) or on Comcast cable. Signal started breaking up shortly after 8pm, then lost it completely until around 8:40pm. It was fine for about half an hour and then it went out completely. It's now 11:40pm and still no signal at all.

Anyone having trouble viewing the Oscars? We're using TWC HD channel (WMTW).

TWC HD 508 started breaking up and then went dark for us in the first hour of the Oscars. All other local HDs were fine; I didn't check the entire HD lineup. Analog Channel 8 was good, too. Most likely a weather-related problem, I guess. Had all I could take of the Oscars by 9:45 anyway, so I didn't get too excited about the lost transmission.

Perhaps we should note - for our distant friends such as Loudo38 - that we got lots of heavy, wet snow last night. CMP reports power outage in the Brunswick area alone involves 21,000 accounts. According to CMP the "Brunswick Service area ... includes coastal communities from Yarmouth to Waldoboro."

Actually, it's worse than I thought. http://www.cmpco.com/OurCompany/News/2009/news090223a.html

AUGUSTA, Maine, Feb. 23, 2009, 5 a.m. — Central Maine Power Co. (CMP) reports that at least 83,800 homes and businesses are without power this morning. Reports of outages began to rise sharply around 1:00 a.m. Assessment of the damage will continue through the day, but the company expects the number of reported outages to rise.

I didn't watch TV last night but D* reception is OK here at this hour. (We have a backup generator.)

Dana

I just talked with a neighbor who went to an Oscar party at the Eveningstar Cinema in the Tontine Mall, Brunswick last night. http://www.sunjournal.com/story/252638-3/Entertainment/Eveningstar_will_show_Academy_Awards_live/# This is an annual event with catered food, with the telecast shown on the big screen. Except the theater lost its connection, too. Apparently it was a widespread problem. (The theater showed its current film for the guests as a substitute. Then my neighbors had a harrowing ride home in whiteout conditions.)

Dana

Perhaps we should note - for our distant friends such as Loudo38 - that we got lots of heavy, wet snow last night. CMP reports power outage in the Brunswick area alone involves 21,000 accounts. According to CMP the "Brunswick Service area ... includes coastal communities from Yarmouth to Waldoboro."

Dana
Thanks Dana, I checked the CMP list and our area is good. In our community our utilities are all underground. Hope the winds blows all the snow off the roof. You guys stay safe and warm.

Has anyone been successful in getting your D* HR2x receiver to recognize WPFO off-air? It seems that the AM-21 gets the channel data from D* and it hasn't been updated so we are unable to watch WPFO Off-air. Am I dead wrong? or is this the case for everyone?

I don't use OTA on my HR20-100, but I do use it on my HR10-250. An OTA channel scan found WPFO-DT, but there is no guide data for the channel, making it impossible to set up non-manual recordings. I also noticed that I have two instances of 10-1 and 10-2. One instance has no signal but guide data. The other has a signal but no guide data.

Satellite TV users occasionally get asked on this thread about signal loss due to weather. While rare, it does happen. About once a year. Today there was an example here.

We noticed some D* HD channels weren't coming in this morning. We found that the LNB (low noise block aka receiver) assembly on the Slimline dish was iced over. Amazing that it affected only a few channels.

Fortunately, the dish is located on a side wall about one and a half stories high. So, we got out the telescoping car wash brush, used a couple of wire ties to strap the brush to a broom handle and gently tapped the LNB. Voila. The ice dropped off and we are good to go. The dish itself had only a little snow on it as it is almost vertical in this latitude.

Now if I had let the D* newbie installer put the dish where he wanted it to go, at the peak of our two story roof 30 ft. off the ground, this wouldn't be a short story.

Dana

Here's the apparent answer to the widespread loss of reception of the Oscars program last night. http://pressherald.mainetoday.com/newsupdate.php?updates/outages-blank-oscar-telecast-for-thousands

Thousands of Mainers were unable to watch much of the Oscars Sunday night because of a storm-related power outage at the transmitter of southern Maine’s only ABC affiliate.

The trouble began around 9:15 p.m. after power went out in Baldwin, the western Maine town where station WMTW (Channel 8) has its transmission tower.

The outage was likely caused by tree branches that fell under the weight of wet, heavy snow. The Oscar ceremony had begun at 8:30 p.m.

The transmitter has a backup generator, but the outage also blew circuits that would have allowed the generator to power the transmitter, said Bill Greep, chief of engineering for WMTW. Crews from WTMW were able to get the backup generator working by about midnight. That was right around the time “Slumdog Millionaire” won the best picture Oscar, and the show began to wrap up.

Viewers affected by WMTW’s transmitter trouble include Comcast cable’s subscribers in southern Maine, as well as people who get WMTW over the air. Comcast has 20,000 subscribers in 15 Maine towns, including the Freeport/Brunswick area and York County. But Comcast subscribers in four York County towns were able to watch the Oscars on Boston’s ABC affiliate.

About 25,000 Time Warner Cable customers, in an area from around Sebago to Kennebunk, were also affected and lost the picture for about an hour and ten minutes, said Peter DeWitt, a Time Warner spokesman. The transmitter troubles affected Time Warner's high-definition signal of WMTW in some towns, DeWitt said, and its standard-definition signal in others.

Time Warner Cable has about 300,000 subscribers in Maine and most saw the Oscar telecast uninterrupted because Time Warner gets WTMW’s signal for most towns via a fiber-optic cable, not over the air from the transmitter, said Greep.

Dana

Has anyone been successful in getting your D* HR2x receiver to recognize WPFO off-air? It seems that the AM-21 gets the channel data from D* and it hasn't been updated so we are unable to watch WPFO Off-air. Am I dead wrong? or is this the case for everyone?

I finally got it to show up on my H20-600 this morning after I cleaned my dish off. after a reset. Still have no WGME HD Digital though, on my TV's or on Directv receivers...

I finally got it to show up on my H20-600 this morning after I cleaned my dish off. after a reset. Still have no WGME HD Digital though, on my TV's or on Directv receivers...

I just checked. We're getting WGME 13 HD here on D* on my H21-200.

Dana

Dana, thanks for sending the quote from the Portland Press Herald. ............. It's quite a tangled web of connections, it appears, judging from the varied effects over many communities, delivery methods, etc.

CMP has posted an update. The power outage numbers are up. http://www.cmpco.com/OurCompany/News/2009/news090223b.html

Following is a list of outages by Service Center. Each Service Center includes the city or town listed, along with a dozen or more surrounding communities:

Alfred: 20,000
Augusta: 5,600
Bridgton: 18,800
Brunswick: 40,000
Dover: 0
Fairfield: 1,400
Farmington: 3,200
Lewiston: 16,500
Portland: 13,000
Rockland/Belfast: 6,400
Skowhegan: 3,100
Total: 128,000

Not good.

Dana

I don't use OTA on my HR20-100, but I do use it on my HR10-250. An OTA channel scan found WPFO-DT, but there is no guide data for the channel, making it impossible to set up non-manual recordings. I also noticed that I have two instances of 10-1 and 10-2. One instance has no signal but guide data. The other has a signal but no guide data.

The HR10 actually scans the air for channels, thus I haven't had a problem getting it on mine, the HR2x machines don't seem to scan for channels but rather pull them from the sat guide info. My HR10 has the channel, although I can't actually watch it because it is too weak from my rabbit ears. I have a much better antenna attached to my HR22, but it doesn't "find" the channel.

For the others that responded, this is not weather related, and I have never had a problem with WGME off air.

I finally got it to show up on my H20-600 this morning after I cleaned my dish off. after a reset. Still have no WGME HD Digital though, on my TV's or on Directv receivers...

I also get WPFO and WGME just fine over that sat stream. I was talking about Off-air, from an antenna.

Is anyone, that has Roadrunner through TWC, having trouble getting to your email this morning, via the Roadrunner web site? When I went to mine it came up as New York City, instead of NE/Maine. Then when ever I go to the email page I get a system error message, try again later.

Is anyone, that has Roadrunner through TWC, having trouble getting to your email this morning, via the Roadrunner web site? When I went to mine it came up as New York City, instead of NE/Maine. Then when ever I go to the email page I get a system error message, try again later.

Yes. I suspect it is tied to the Google G-Mail breakdown in various parts of the world this morning. Beats me as to what the connection is.

Yes. I suspect it is tied to the Google G-Mail breakdown in various parts of the world this morning. Beats me as to what the connection is.
Looks like they got it back on line again.

I also get WPFO and WGME just fine over that sat stream. I was talking about Off-air, from an antenna.

I get it that way too, on both TV's. Can only get WCBB on one of the TV's though.

I had read a while ago that TWC has some new HD channels coming at the end of February or early March............anyone have any new news on that?

Steve

The only thing new I just noticed is the CBS feed on the HD Showcase on demand channel. My DVR cut off CSI last week, and there it was on demand in HD for free, and NO commercials! (Just one promo midway through)

I'm sure WGME isn't too happy about it though.

I'm getting Direct TV HD on Wens. Did I make the right decision going with Direct TV over TWC?

I'm getting Direct TV HD on Wens. Did I make the right decision going with Direct TV over TWC?
If you like sports and lots of HD programing, I would say yes.

I'm getting Direct TV HD on Wens. Did I make the right decision going with Direct TV over TWC?

If it's any comfort, you're not alone. According to a report here "Time Warner Cable reports subscriber dip" http://news.cnet.com/8301-1023_3-10156468-93.html


The cable operator only gained about 49,000 new lines for a total of 34.2 million during the quarter. And basic video subscriptions decreased by 197,000, to 13.1 million.

Dish Network isn't faring well either. "Dish Network 4Q Net Up 24%; Subscribership Drops Again" http://money.cnn.com/news/newsfeeds/articles/djf500/200903020635DOWJONESDJONLINE000214_FORTUNE5.htm

The company lost 102,000 net subscribers during the quarter, ending the period with about 13.7 million subscribers. That marks the third straight quarterly decline for Dish Network, after its first-ever drop in the second quarter.

And it's a contrast to DirecTV, which added 301,000 net subscribers in the fourth quarter, bringing its total U.S. susbscribership to 17.6 million.

Dana

Thanks for the reply s.

Now I'm off to shovel a path for the installer:eek:

If you like sports and lots of HD programing, I would say yes.

You also made the right choice if you enjoy using a DVR that has useful features and isn't a total piece of crap. :D

You also made the right choice if you enjoy using a DVR that has useful features and isn't a total piece of crap. :D

A great resource on the DVR-

http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=931226

It has its problems but the link is great to find out what they are and how to fix them. Also, just how much you can do with it. Best DVR I have ever had. (HR 22)

A great resource on the DVR-

http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=931226

It has its problems but the link is great to find out what they are and how to fix them. Also, just how much you can do with it. Best DVR I have ever had. (HR 22)

I still have a place in my heart for the HR10-250 But I will admit the HR2x series DVR is a good machine.

I still have a place in my heart for the HR10-250 But I will admit the HR2x series DVR is a good machine.
Have no fear, if you are a fan of the MPG2 DirecTV TIVO HR10-250, you will be pleased to know that DirecTV and TIVO are working together to come out with a new TIVO MPG4 based unit, later this year.

Have no fear, if you are a fan of the MPG2 DirecTV TIVO HR10-250, you will be pleased to know that DirecTV and TIVO are working together to come out with a new TIVO MPG4 based unit, later this year.

That may be important for TiVo, based on this report:

"TiVo Loses 611,000 Subs Over Last Year" http://www.multichannel.com/article/189366-TiVo_Loses_611_000_Subs_Over_Last_Year.php

The article says TiVo is claiming progress in a partnership with Comcast supposedly in New England. Right. When last I knew - over a year ago - Comcast was testing a TiVo beta product somewhere in the Boston market area with volunteers. You had to know about it to apply and there was no publicity. I got the impression at the time that Comcast had its arm twisted to even do that much. Heard anything about it lately?

A year ago the latest and greatest news for cable was Tru2way. http://www.reuters.com/article/pressRelease/idUS135302+07-Jan-2008+BW20080107 It was going to be "the next BIG THING!"

The tru2way technology enables consumers to access two-way digital
cable programming without the need for a cable operator-supplied
set-top box and is capable of supporting all cable services now
delivered to devices currently leased to consumers as well as future
services written to the tru2way technology. Major cable operators have
committed to deploy support for the tru2way platform in service areas
covering more than 90 million U.S. homes by the end of 2008.

Heard anything about that lately? :rolleyes: (I recall reading at the time an industry analyst saying it was DOA, that cable operators were not going to give up STBs because they make a lot of money renting them. Bingo.)

I think cable industry moguls - particularly Comcast execs high atop Comcast Center, a new skyscraper they built in Philadelphia valued at over half a billion dollars! http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Comcast_Center_(office_building) - are out of touch. Literally at 975 ft. high!

The likelihood is that TiVo and D* will get something done a lot faster than TiVo and Comcast.

Dana

A great resource on the DVR-

http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=931226

It has its problems but the link is great to find out what they are and how to fix them. Also, just how much you can do with it. Best DVR I have ever had. (HR 22)


Thanks for the haeds up. Will check it out for sure.

So what kinda of audio can I expect? Do most/some HD channels provide 5.1 sound?

Thanks for the haeds up. Will check it out for sure.

So what kinda of audio can I expect? Do most/some HD channels provide 5.1 sound?

The general answer is yes. The most notable local exception is WCSH Channel 6 (NBC) which lacks the proper equipment to pass along any network audio in DD 5.1. Their program manager says "maybe by mid-year."

Dana

Speaking of the D* DVRs -I just wanted to make sure everyone here had heard about the Directv2pc app. It's a free client app that runs on your (windows) pc/laptop, connects to your DVR and allows you to watch any of your recorded content on the computer. Someone else can be watching live tv, the same recording or a different recording on the DVR itself without issues/interference.

You'll need a wired LAN, fast powerline networking or wireless N to get the throughput necessary to watch HD programming. But the exact recorded bits are sent to the client, which does the decoding so there's no loss in quality like with a slingbox. That also means you'll need a fairly hefty computer to handle the decoding. A video card that can do hardware MPEG-4 decoding is a big help.

http://www.directv.com/DTVAPP/global/contentPageNR.jsp?assetId=P4920044

Also, the ability to remotely schedule recordings at directv.com (or even on your cell phone at m.directv.com) is a feature I use quite often if I'm at work and read about an upcoming program that I might forget to record if I wait until I get home.

http://www.directv.com/DTVAPP/global/contentPage.jsp?assetId=P4400046

And no, I'm not a D* shill. :D I'm just amazed at the ever-widening gap in HD service and DVR functionality between D* and TWC, even though the cost is roughly the same (or even in D*'s favor).

I use this on occasion and it does work great. The only setback I had with it was when I first installed it, it would not work. After some research, I found it was because I have duel monitors on my computer. You can get around this by disabling the secondary monitor while using DirecTV2PC, and it works great.

Speaking of the D* DVRs -I just wanted to make sure everyone here had heard about the Directv2pc app. It's a free client app that runs on your (windows) pc/laptop, connects to your DVR and allows you to watch any of your recorded content on the computer. Someone else can be watching live tv, the same recording or a different recording on the DVR itself without issues/interference.

You'll need a wired LAN, fast powerline networking or wireless N to get the throughput necessary to watch HD programming. But the exact recorded bits are sent to the client, which does the decoding so there's no loss in quality like with a slingbox. That also means you'll need a fairly hefty computer to handle the decoding. A video card that can do hardware MPEG-4 decoding is a big help.

http://www.directv.com/DTVAPP/global/contentPageNR.jsp?assetId=P4920044

Also, the ability to remotely schedule recordings at directv.com (or even on your cell phone at m.directv.com) is a feature I use quite often if I'm at work and read about an upcoming program that I might forget to record if I wait until I get home.

http://www.directv.com/DTVAPP/global/contentPage.jsp?assetId=P4400046

And no, I'm not a D* shill. :D I'm just amazed at the ever-widening gap in HD service and DVR functionality between D* and TWC, even though the cost is roughly the same (or even in D*'s favor).

Thanks for the haeds up. Will check it out for sure.

So what kinda of audio can I expect? Do most/some HD channels provide 5.1 sound?

Here is another good resource for tips and tricks for the DVR

http://www.dbstalk.com/showthread.php?t=72648

The pdf link is noted at the bottom of the post.

Have no fear, if you are a fan of the MPG2 DirecTV TIVO HR10-250, you will be pleased to know that DirecTV and TIVO are working together to come out with a new TIVO MPG4 based unit, later this year.

I am very aware, and waiting patiently. Although I thought I had read somewhere that the release was being pushed back to Q1 2010. Wouldn't be uncommon for D* hardware though. They always push stuff back.

Speaking of the D* DVRs -I just wanted to make sure everyone here had heard about the Directv2pc app. It's a free client app that runs on your (windows) pc/laptop, connects to your DVR and allows you to watch any of your recorded content on the computer. Someone else can be watching live tv, the same recording or a different recording on the DVR itself without issues/interference.

You'll need a wired LAN, fast powerline networking or wireless N to get the throughput necessary to watch HD programming. But the exact recorded bits are sent to the client, which does the decoding so there's no loss in quality like with a slingbox. That also means you'll need a fairly hefty computer to handle the decoding. A video card that can do hardware MPEG-4 decoding is a big help.

http://www.directv.com/DTVAPP/global/contentPageNR.jsp?assetId=P4920044

Also, the ability to remotely schedule recordings at directv.com (or even on your cell phone at m.directv.com) is a feature I use quite often if I'm at work and read about an upcoming program that I might forget to record if I wait until I get home.

http://www.directv.com/DTVAPP/global/contentPage.jsp?assetId=P4400046

And no, I'm not a D* shill. :D I'm just amazed at the ever-widening gap in HD service and DVR functionality between D* and TWC, even though the cost is roughly the same (or even in D*'s favor).

I have had success with this on a 3 year old MacBook Pro with an ati x1600 in windows xp over a wireless-G card. So N is not necessary and your hardware does not have to be top of the line.

I spotted a note in today's Times Record newspaper published in Brunswick to the effect that those cable TV customers who lost service for six or more hours during the recent snow storm (or any other reason) are entitled to a pro rata credit or refund - providing you ask for it. The complete text of the statute is here. http://www.mainelegislature.org/legis/Statutes/30-A/title30-Asec3010.html

1. Credits and refunds for interruption of service. Credits and refunds for interruption of cable television service of a franchisee must be as follows.

A. In the event service to any subscriber is interrupted for 6 or more consecutive hours in a 30-day period, the franchisee will, upon request, grant that subscriber a pro rata credit or rebate. [2007, c. 548, §2 (AMD).]

Dana

I am very aware, and waiting patiently. Although I thought I had read somewhere that the release was being pushed back to Q1 2010. Wouldn't be uncommon for D* hardware though. They always push stuff back.

The prepared script for yesterday's TIVO Quarterly Report can be found here, in this press release. If you use page search "DirecTV", it will bring up the information relating to the DirecTV/TIVO deal.
http://investor.tivo.com/releasedetail.cfm?ReleaseID=368436

In the Q/A portion, when asked about it the following comment was made by TIVO, "and the DirecTV situation obviously is one that we're focused on for the later part of the year." For what that is worth or means.

The prepared script for yesterday's TIVO Quarterly Report can be found here, in this press release. If you use page search "DirecTV", it will bring up the information relating to the DirecTV/TIVO deal.
http://investor.tivo.com/releasedetail.cfm?ReleaseID=368436

In the Q/A portion, when asked about it the following comment was made by TIVO, "and the DirecTV situation obviously is one that we're focused on for the later part of the year." For what that is worth or means.

In a followup to yesterday's commentary, the columnist for Multi-Channel News notes http://www.multichannel.com/blog/BIT_RATE/11454-TiVo_Downward_Spiral.php

Does Comcast have a burning desire to plug TiVo service? Four years and millions of dollars later, the payoff is not materializing on TiVo’s bottom line.


The deal with D* looks promising. http://www.multichannel.com/article/81837-DirecTV_To_Offer_TiVo_HD_Service.php

Under the nonexclusive pact, DirecTV and TiVo will work together to develop a broadband-enabled HD DVR service, slated to launch in the second half of 2009. The product will support the latest TiVo and DirecTV features and services, including TiVo's Universal Swivel Search and TiVo KidZone.


Dana

I have had success with this on a 3 year old MacBook Pro with an ati x1600 in windows xp over a wireless-G card. So N is not necessary and your hardware does not have to be top of the line.

My work laptop is a core 2 duo 2.0ghz and can handle 720p but not 1080i (it shows 1080i but it isn't smooth). It's a business-oriented laptop with a bare-bones video card, though.

My new home laptop handles both with ease... except my wireless G signal doesn't provide quite enough throughput for 1080i. I'm usually one story down from the router, though, so YMMV.

Just in case anyone here is patiently waiting... http://apnews.excite.com/article/20090305/D96NVT4G2.html

Dana

During the ice storm in December, I lost TWC service for 3 days. I called up and they gave me a $32 credit towards my account.

Steve

I, like alot of others, have experienced numerous trouble with my SA 8300 from twc.Ive been thru atleast 10 different boxes over the past two years. They just keep bandaiding me & stringing me along with the same model box or software updates. It always ends up with the same old thing. Works for about a month and then we start experiencing the freeze ups, loss of volume, only records part of a show and on and on I could go.I use a hdmi connection thru my marantz 8002 reciever ( in and out ).

I have been pondering making a switch ( some of you know ) for about a year. I dont want to do it unless its worth it. I think my only other option is satelite here in wells. I know verizon ( fairview? ) is in some towns but I think they only offer phone here, not sure.

My only issue seems to be the 8300 dvr. I was wondering how much better are the dvr's that satelite or maybe verizon has. Do people experience the same problems with the other models out on the market?

If I do cancel, will TWC do everything possible to keep me? With these economic times, I would think that they would like to keep me since I do pay my bill on time. The only thing they have to do is give me a box that works.Do they offer any other model when push comes to shove?

Are there any other TWC - dvr models available or are they just braindead & locked in with the SA8300? In fairness to TWC, maybe all the providers have not ironed out the problems with all DVR'S.

If I end up going satelite, will I still have to get my phone & cable elseware? Its now all in one package at Twc. thanks, chris

I, like alot of others, have experienced numerous trouble with my SA 8300 from twc.Ive been thru atleast 10 different boxes over the past two years. They just keep bandaiding me & stringing me along with the same model box or software updates. It always ends up with the same old thing. Works for about a month and then we start experiencing the freeze ups, loss of volume, only records part of a show and on and on I could go.I use a hdmi connection thru my marantz 8002 reciever ( in and out ).

I have been pondering making a switch ( some of you know ) for about a year. I dont want to do it unless its worth it. I think my only other option is satelite here in wells. I know verizon ( fairview? ) is in some towns but I think they only offer phone here, not sure.

My only issue seems to be the 8300 dvr. I was wondering how much better are the dvr's that satelite or maybe verizon has. Do people experience the same problems with the other models out on the market?

If I do cancel, will TWC do everything possible to keep me? With these economic times, I would think that they would like to keep me since I do pay my bill on time. The only thing they have to do is give me a box that works.Do they offer any other model when push comes to shove?

Are there any other TWC - dvr models available or are they just braindead & locked in with the SA8300? In fairness to TWC, maybe all the providers have not ironed out the problems with all DVR'S.

If I end up going satelite, will I still have to get my phone & cable elseware? Its now all in one package at Twc. thanks, chris

Let's see if I can sort a few things out for you.

The Fairpoint FAST internet service (fiber optics) is available in parts of NH and Eliot, Kittery, and York ME. http://www.fairpoint.com/northern_ne/residential/internet/residential_fiber.html

Fairpoint does offer a "Triple Point Bundle" with a combination of a landline phone, DSL (speed up to 7.1 depending on your location) and DirecTV (usually abbreviated as D* on the AVS Forum). http://www.fairpoint.com/northern_ne/residential/bundles/index.html That's what I have at present and I'm very happy with it.

By all reports of users on this thread, the D* DVR (HR21 etc.) is an excellent box. Much more up-to-date than the SA8300 used by many cable cos. (I don't use a DVR myself.) The problem (among the many) you are experiencing is that the equipment the cable co. uses is dictated by whatever they use at the "head end." That's the point where they acquire signals and distribute them throughout their system. If they have Scientific Atlanta (SA) equipment at the head end, then they are locked into SA equipment throughout their wire plant. And the SA8300 is about the best they can offer, sad to say. There is a model that includes a CableCard that I have read is actually more troublesome/less reliable!

You could consider a TiVo but at added cost in order to avoid the SA8300.

From time to time the cable cos do offer deals for new customers. They don't seem to have anything to offer for customer retention, something that D* does do. D* has offers for new customers, too, which are available even if you get the Fairpoint bundle. I "backed into" the Fairpoint bundle by first getting D*, and then later getting the Fairpoint landline phone and DSL.

Cable cos. are used to having a monopoly franchise in providing TV and internet service to customers. They are a "top down" organization, not customer driven at all. So, they are not accustomed to being "competitive." The satellite TV providers are and my experience with Fairpoint has been positive. They are trying to be competitive instead of dictatorial.

Finally, don't overlook GWI for phone and internet service. Very customer oriented, great customer service and excellent tech support. They just don't have the faster DSL service available here that Fairpoint does. Maybe at your location, they do. Give them a call. They are a terrific outfit to do business with. It was quite a contrast to my experience with Comcast.

Whoops! Looks like I missed one point. You may be able to keep TWC internet and phone if you drop TV service. But, my guess is the TWC won't promote it. You may have to dig for the info, rates, etc. That is what happened when I left Comcast. I think the cable cos. still think they are primarily in the TV business.

Dana

Let's see if I can sort a few things out for you.

The Fairpoint FAST internet service (fiber optics) is available in parts of NH and Eliot, Kittery, and York ME. http://www.fairpoint.com/northern_ne/residential/internet/residential_fiber.html

Fairpoint does offer a "Triple Point Bundle" with a combination of a landline phone, DSL (speed up to 7.1 depending on your location) and DirecTV (usually abbreviated as D* on the AVS Forum). http://www.fairpoint.com/northern_ne/residential/bundles/index.html That's what I have at present and I'm very happy with it.

By all reports of users on this thread, the D* DVR (HR21 etc.) is an excellent box. Much more up-to-date than the SA8300 used by many cable cos. (I don't use a DVR myself.) The problem (among the many) you are experiencing is that the equipment the cable co. uses is dictated by whatever they use at the "head end." That's the point where they acquire signals and distribute them throughout their system. If they have Scientific Atlanta (SA) equipment at the head end, then they are locked into SA equipment throughout their wire plant. And the SA8300 is about the best they can offer, sad to say. There is a model that includes a CableCard that I have read is actually more troublesome/less reliable!

You could consider a TiVo but at added cost in order to avoid the SA8300.

From time to time the cable cos do offer deals for new customers. They don't seem to have anything to offer for customer retention, something that D* does do. D* has offers for new customers, too, which are available even if you get the Fairpoint bundle. I "backed into" the Fairpoint bundle by first getting D*, and then later getting the Fairpoint landline phone and DSL.

Cable cos. are used to having a monopoly franchise in providing TV and internet service to customers. They are a "top down" organization, not customer driven at all. So, they are not accustomed to being "competitive." The satellite TV providers are and my experience with Fairpoint has been positive. They are trying to be competitive instead of dictatorial.

Finally, don't overlook GWI for phone and internet service. Very customer oriented, great customer service and excellent tech support. They just don't have the faster DSL service available here that Fairpoint does. Maybe at your location, they do. Give them a call. They are a terrific outfit to do business with. It was quite a contrast to my experience with Comcast.

Whoops! Looks like I missed one point. You may be able to keep TWC internet and phone if you drop TV service. But, my guess is the TWC won't promote it. You may have to dig for the info, rates, etc. That is what happened when I left Comcast. I think the cable cos. still think they are primarily in the TV business.

Dana

I might as well respond While Im on hold with fairpoint to see if anything is available in my area. wow, long wait so far...One thing I will say about twc is that its usually a very shory hold if any.

I had a tivo for about a week and had to return it. nothing wrong on tivo's end, its just that I still had to have a twc box as well. The two boxes did not work well together. Not sure If thats still the case. I def dont want to have a two seperate boxes.

I just got off the phone with fairpoint. I guess it is available here in wells.Im not sure if my lines are fiber or copper. I need fiber to switch.( EDIT )I just found out that its twisted copper.looks like fairpoint's " fast plan " is 5mbps/2mbps. How does that compare to roadrunner?

Do you know if Twc allows customers to drop the tv and just keep my phone and computer with them. They probably do but I would get a separate bill instead of a combined one in the bundle plan that you suggested. This might be the way to go Since I now know my lines are not fiber. plus I dont have any issues with my phone & computer.

In the mean time I will try to find a little more info on the D* hr21 dvr because thats def the only reason for me to make a switch. Plus a little math to compare cost.

thanks again ,chris

...
In the mean time I will try to find a little more info on the D* hr21 dvr because thats def the only reason for me to make a switch. Plus a little math to compare cost.

thanks again ,chris

Look back a few pages on this thread. Both AccidenT and Beekeeper posted info on their experience with the D* HD DVR, as I recall, that may be helpful.

Dana

Look back a few pages on this thread. Both AccidenT and Beekeeper posted info on their experience with the D* HD DVR, as I recall, that may be helpful.

Dana

Ok , I will tonight when I have a little more time. Do you know how fairview's online "FAST PLAN " compares to TWC's roadrunner given the numbers I posted above?

Ok , I will tonight when I have a little more time. Do you know how fairview's online "FAST PLAN " compares to TWC's roadrunner given the numbers I posted above?

No, I don't. Cable usually has faster speeds available than DSL - providing you want to pay for the speed. I think what you reported is not the Fairpoint FAST service (fiber optics) but conventional DSL.

Dana

5mbps down and 2mbps up are pretty good speeds for DSL. They almost sound like they are the business class DLS unless fairpoint has upgraded their plans. The standard TWC internet is 10mbps down but they limit the upload to 768kbps. The upload is not usually a big deal for home based consumers because you don't spend much time uploading things. You may find that 5mbps is fast enough for you, it is faster than cable internet was a few years back, but I would also be surprised if you actually are getting the 5mps speeds consistently with fairpoint. They may be the maximum burst speeds rather than sustained speeds. The TWC 10mbps seems to be pretty constant. I actually have Fairpoint DSL at my office and TWC at my home and my home internet is much faster than the DSL at my office.

I actually have TWC cable at home and Directv for TV. You do have to deal with two bills and I is not as economical as a bundle package, but the two are by far the best of the options. I believe that the TWC internet is about $52 a month and the phone is another $35 on top of that (with no promotions) and you can get them with no TV subscription.

On to the last item. I have a D* HR22 and it is a very nice box. It doesn't have any of the problems the SA8300 has. I was originally a fan of the TIVO boxes, but do believe that other than TIVO D* is by far the best option for a DVR, plus they have 500gb hard drives in them now and can record around 300 hours of HD video.

*EDITED the Fairpoint 5/2 mbps is the base tier of their Fiber Optic Service. If it is not available in your area the standard DSL speed is actually 3mbps down and the upload speed is not stated.

5mbps down and 2mbps up are pretty good speeds for DSL. They almost sound like they are the business class DLS unless fairpoint has upgraded their plans. The standard TWC internet is 10mbps down but they limit the upload to 768kbps. The upload is not usually a big deal for home based consumers because you don't spend much time uploading things. You may find that 5mbps is fast enough for you, it is faster than cable internet was a few years back, but I would also be surprised if you actually are getting the 5mps speeds consistently with fairpoint. They may be the maximum burst speeds rather than sustained speeds. The TWC 10mbps seems to be pretty constant. I actually have Fairpoint DSL at my office and TWC at my home and my home internet is much faster than the DSL at my office.

I actually have TWC cable at home and Directv for TV. You do have to deal with two bills and I is not as economical as a bundle package, but the two are by far the best of the options. I believe that the TWC internet is about $52 a month and the phone is another $35 on top of that (with no promotions) and you can get them with no TV subscription.

On to the last item. I have a D* HR22 and it is a very nice box. It doesn't have any of the problems the SA8300 has. I was originally a fan of the TIVO boxes, but do believe that other than TIVO D* is by far the best option for a DVR, plus they have 500gb hard drives in them now and can record around 300 hours of HD video.

*EDITED the Fairpoint 5/2 mbps is the base tier of their Fiber Optic Service. If it is not available in your area the standard DSL speed is actually 3mbps down and the upload speed is not stated.

Thanks for the info. I was wondering, Is there a NOTICABLE difference in high def when comparing TWC to D*.

I wish D* had a store so that you could actually try out there set stuff so that one would know what they are getting into. chris

Thanks for the info. I was wondering, Is there a NOTICABLE difference in high def when comparing TWC to D*.

I wish D* had a store so that you could actually try out there set stuff so that one would know what they are getting into. chris
Some retail stores, that sell DirecTV, have setups where you can view the programing and quality of the video. I know when I bought my latest HR20, at Circuit City, they had a set up. But as we all know CC is now out of business, but I am sure there are a few other DirecTV dealers that have systems set up for viewing.

Thanks for the info. I was wondering, Is there a NOTICABLE difference in high def when comparing TWC to D*.

I wish D* had a store so that you could actually try out there set stuff so that one would know what they are getting into. chris

HD is at least as good on D* as cable. And, actually there is a store where you can see it. Any Best Buy. Their live TV feed is provided by D*! (That info is courtesy of Bob Calkin, who worked for Best Buy in Topsham at the time he posted this info, back in October 2007 I believe. We haven't heard from Bob in a long while on this thread but I assume the info is still correct. I believe it is a perk that Best Buy gets from D* in return for carrying their receivers/DVRs - and possibly just to reassure potential customers.)

Dana

thanks guys for the above info. I would think thay D* would have better quality audio & video since its a shorter direct feed from the dish.

Thanks for the info. I was wondering, Is there a NOTICABLE difference in high def when comparing TWC to D*.


When I shifted from Comcast to D* there was a transition period when I had both. I did compare the local HD channels and I saw little difference, but biased a bit toward D*. I ran them side by side (POP) and shifted them from primary to secondary back and forth to see what difference there might be.

I did notice that if there was a transmission problem from the station (in this case CBS/13 football game) artifacts were more pronounced on D* than they were on CC, but both were bad but watchable.

It was interesting, but the biggest difference between CC and D* was with the SD programming. D* was much sharper with no issues like ghosting, which CC had on several local stations, especially 10 and 12.

Add lower cost with more HD channels and I only wish I had shifted earlier.

Just wonder if anyone else had a problem with D* on Wed am? It droped the satellite signal during the early hours. Mine taped shows I had set up between 5am and 6am but when I turned it on about 7am, it had to find the satellite and it had trouble doing so. First time I have had that happen.

Just wonder if anyone else had a problem with D* on Wed am? It droped the satellite signal during the early hours. Mine taped shows I had set up between 5am and 6am but when I turned it on about 7am, it had to find the satellite and it had trouble doing so. First time I have had that happen.

Yesterday there was very heavy wet snow falling at that time of morning. Although it seems to happen rarely here, it was most likely snow on your dish.

Thanks for the info. I was wondering, Is there a NOTICABLE difference in high def when comparing TWC to D*.

I wish D* had a store so that you could actually try out there set stuff so that one would know what they are getting into. chris

I have never been able to compare the two side by side, I was in temporary housing after I moved to maine and we had TWC for the couple of months we were there so I have had both over the last 9 months. I think that D* has higher quality HD. They also have tons more HD channels than TWC does.

Hey beekeeper,

I also had a complete D* outage for several hours Wednesday morning during the snowstorm. My first time in about a year with all channels down.

Hey beekeeper,

I also had a complete D* outage for several hours Wednesday morning during the snowstorm. My first time in about a year with all channels down.

Thanks. I did not lose anything during the previous ice storm or the heavy snow, rain storms, but did with a light snow. My guess is something else was at work.

I recorded shows during the 5-6am period (local weather on 6 and 8) fine but the next show, 6:30-7 (NESN) recorded but was was broken up and when I turned the set on after 7am, no signal. At that time we had light snow.

I just noticed the story as headlined above here http://www.examiner.com/a-1913586~Maine_to_seek_stimulus_money_for_broadband_study.htm l?cid=rss-Maine_Headlines It's an AP story that may be in local newspapers, too.

I never knew there was such a state agency as the one referenced.

The ConnectMe Authority, a state agency charged with expanding high-speed services across Maine, is seeking bids from contractors who can provide a detailed map showing where broadband Internet is available.

Dana

"Problems never before seen on TV make some viewers wonder whether the conversion really was for the better." http://pressherald.mainetoday.com/story.php?id=245860&ac=PHnws

People across southern Maine have had a myriad of signal problems since all of Portland's TV stations began using digital equipment earlier this year. The most common problem is bad sound synchronization, meaning the picture and sound don't match.

This story in today's PPH is undoubtedly in the KJ and the Waterville Sentinel, too.

Dana

"Problems never before seen on TV make some viewers wonder whether the conversion really was for the better." http://pressherald.mainetoday.com/story.php?id=245860&ac=PHnws



This story in today's PPH is undoubtedly in the KJ and the Waterville Sentinel, too.

Dana

I have noticed sound out of synchronization a very few times in the last 3 years of watching digital tv, but it is rare. Perhaps the new decoder boxes for analog sets delay the video due to processing.

I notice that WCSH 6 is now broadcasting in DD 5.1 surround sound! It sounds great!

Be darned if I didn't see a problem with audio / video sychronization last night on TWC. It was during the movie "The Big Red One" on the HD Net Movie channel (I think). Over the more than 3 years I have been watching digital HD on TWC, I have observed synchronization problems, but certainly not all that often.

Has anyone tonight had any probs with SD Sci Atl box going all dashes where the time usually is and can't use their boxes at all. Anyone with the same exp please reply. Can't get through to Comcast for any updates


Chris

Finally this morning the SA boxes are working. They did something wrong when they added WPXT and WPME HD last night. Well at least now I have all of the locals in HD.


Chris

I see that TWC is planning on a bunch of channel changes, including removing the WMTW's "All News" channel on channel 9, and putting a few analog channels up to digital. Here's hoping this means more room for HD channels!

Here is what is being planned, according to the "Channel Changes" page on TWC's website:

The following programming changes are scheduled to take place:
Removal of Movie Plex from channel line up in Sebago area
Removal of WMTW All News on channel 9 on our Basic Tier for customers in York and Cumberland Counties
Removal of WBZ and WBZ HD on channel 4 on our Basic Tier for customers in portions of York County
Removal of ONTV on channel 99 on our Basic Tier for customers in portions of Cumberland and York Counties
Removal of WGBH on channel 21 on our Basic Tier in portions of York County
Removal of CHLT on channel 21 on our Basic Tier from the City of Biddeford
Removal of PIN Network from channel 21 on our Basic Tier for Cumberland County
Removal of CSPAN 2 from Channel 4 in Biddeford
Relocate Shop NBC from Basic Tier on channel 18 to Digital Tier channel on channel 157 in Cumberland and York Counties
Relocate Fox Movie Channel from Standard Tier on channel 63 to Digital Tier on channel 145 in York County
Relocate BBC America from Standard Tier on channel 74 to Digital Tier on channel 108 in Cumberland and York Counties
Relocate Oxygen from channel 78 to channel 33 (same service tier) in York and Cumberland Counties
Relocate National Geographic from channel 75 to channel 54 (same service tier) in York and Cumberland Counties
Relocate BET from channel 60 to channel 23 (same service tier) in York and Cumberland Counties
Relocate Discovery Health from Standard Tier channel 23 to Basic Tier channel 21
Relocate TWC TV from channel 22 to channel 9 (same service tier) in Cumberland and York Counties
Relocate SoapNet from channel 73 to channel 63 (same service tier) in York and Cumberland Counties
Relocate ION from Standard Tier channel 33 to Basic Tier channel 14 in York and Cumberland Counties
Relocate TV Guide Network from channel 15 to channel 22 (same service tier) in York and Cumberland Counties
Relocate QVC from channel 14 to channel 15 (same service tier) in York and Cumberland Counties
Relocate EWTN from Standard Tier channel 54 to Basic Tier channel 18 in York and Cumberland Counties
Relocate Spike TV from channel 76 to channel 60 (same service tier) in York and Cumberland Counties
Relocate WE from channel 77 to channel 32 (same service tier) in York and Cumberland Counties

More HD would be nice.............hasn't been any new additions in a long time.

Steve

Remember the story we referenced early in March about TiVo partnering with Comcast? It's just a page back. http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?p=15958111#post15958111 TiVo lost over 600,000 subs in the last year, but TiVo management was claiming that their partnership with Comcast was going well and beta software was being tested "in New England." I commented that when I was with Comcast Brunswick and had great hopes that Comcast would rejuvenate the former SusCom mid-coast Maine MSO, I looked into the beta test. It was going on somewhere in the Boston metro area but under wraps.

A first-hand report in the Portland Examiner (?) http://www.examiner.com/x-5622-Boston-Gadgets-Examiner~y2009m3d28-Comcasts-TiVo-boxes-experiencing-problems-here-in-Boston-lately indicates that the beta test is not going well. I'll paste some snippets:

I’ve been using Comcast’s TiVo service here in Boston since it was first offered a little over a year ago and to say that things were a bit rough in the first six months would be an understatement. I went through at least a dozen cable boxes, too many phone calls and live chats to count, and I might as well have offered our spare bedroom to the any one of the technicians who spent more time at my house than they did their own.
...

Well everything seemed to smooth out after about six months and, until about a month ago, things were working fine. I’d have an occasional cable box bite the dust here and there and a tech would come out and replace it in under thirty minutes and that’d be that. Lately, though, trouble seems to be brewing again.
...

And that’s one of the main problems with the TiVo + Comcast relationship. The cable boxes, which are Comcast’s, rely on TiVo to actually push out all the data. Nothing’s really controlled by Comcast, except for the On-Demand features. So when something goes wrong on TiVo’s end, the boxes go haywire and all Comcast can do is send technician after technician out to replace the boxes until the problem gets resolved. So if it’s a serious enough issue, like whatever’s been going on lately, that means Comcast boxes have been failing en masse and, as the technician put it, “All I can really do is give you a new box and hope this gets fixed before it happens again.” And that's actually, really all he can do, which must make being a Comcast technician that services TiVo boxes a pretty rough job if you assume that most service techs don't want to ever have to come to your house more than once to put a band-aid on the same problem over and over again.


While Comcast may own the boxes, they bought them from a third party. Moto, Pace or Scientific Atlanta. That's been a weakness of cable operators for a long time, in my opinion. Add to that the conversion of many TV broadcasters to digital and it's no wonder the problems are rampant. Too many variables. Personally, I doubt that Comcast is really committed.

For those still on the Comcast Brunswick system, there is little likelihood of seeing TiVo software anytime soon - if ever.

I do hope the TiVo alliance with D* is more productive.

Dana

The PATS have announced their 2009 pre-season practice games. http://www.boston.com/sports/football/patriots/reiss_pieces/2009/04/preseason_dates.html

• Thursday, Aug. 13 -- at Philadelphia (7 p.m., WBZ-TV)
• Thursday, Aug. 20 -- vs. Cincinnati (7:30 p.m., WBZ-TV)
• Friday, Aug. 28 -- at Washington (8 p.m., CBS, nationally televised)
• Thursday, Sept. 3 -- vs. N.Y. Giants (7:30 p.m., WBZ-TV)

Since WBZ-TV Boston is a CBS O&O station, let's hope WGME Channel 13 will carry the three local games, too. Interesting that the locals are all Thursday night games.

Can't wait to watch The Brady Bunch back in action. (If we see TB himself. You recall last year all we saw in pre-season was Cassel and thought he might not make the team. So much for arm chair expertise.)

Dana

http://pressherald.mainetoday.com/story.php?id=248810&ac=PHspt

A dispute between Time Warner and the network carrying the Celtics apparently is settled.

April 4, 2009

Boston Celtics fans in Maine can rest easier now that a contract dispute apparently has been settled between Time Warner Cable and Comcast SportsNet, the cable channel that broadcasts most of the team's games.

The dispute threatened to jeopardize broadcasts of Celtics games for about 300,000 Time Warner customers in Maine and western Massachusetts...

Dana

I notice that WCSH 6 is now broadcasting in DD 5.1 surround sound! It sounds great!

Yay. I is about time..

Is any Portland station doing local news in HD yet?

When is WMTW going to enter the 2000s and get the ability to insert HD graphics into their feed? It's pretty frigging sad they need to drop down to SD to show the very useful Megabucks numbers and station IDs.

BBC America moving to digital is a sad development. I guess Time Warner wants me to cancel my TV service and get all of my video online or OTA. I'd gladly give up QVC, EWTN, Spike, BET, Oxygen WE, SoapNet, and TV Guide Network. Maybe I can see if they'll subsidize my subscription to Top Gear on iTunes.

When is WMTW going to enter the 2000s and get the ability to insert HD graphics into their feed? It's pretty frigging sad they need to drop down to SD to show the very useful Megabucks numbers and station IDs.

BBC America moving to digital is a sad development. I guess Time Warner wants me to cancel my TV service and get all of my video online or OTA. I'd gladly give up QVC, EWTN, Spike, BET, Oxygen WE, SoapNet, and TV Guide Network. Maybe I can see if they'll subsidize my subscription to Top Gear on iTunes.

Yeah, that was pretty bad last night when WMTW dropped to SD right during the climax of LOST to cover up half the screen with their ID. They obviously don't understand the FCC rule that states that "The Legal ID is to be broadcast as close to the top of the hour as feasible, at a NATURAL BREAK IN PROGRAM OFFERINGS" What's worse is WMTW's SH feed is grainy and mis-colored, even by normal SD standards.

So what's wrong with TWC moving channels to digital? If you have HD service then you must have digital. By moving analog channels to digital they can make more room for HD channels and maybe we can finally get USA, SCI-FI, FX and other mainstream HD channels that every other cable service around the country already has. The picture and sound quality in digital (even if not HD) will be a lot better too.

Yep, the color on WMTW's SD picture has looked horrible for years. I always noticed it most during Lost's dark sequences when everything turned a bit green.

Their HD feed is not that great either, at least through Time Warner. Certain colors of gray, when in the background, turn into compression artifacts for no apparent reason. I've noticed the problem most during the "This Week" on Sundays. If you stare at the background that is visible behind some of the guests it is nothing but one big compression artifact. I don't quite get it because the background is completely still, but their MPEG2 encoder is obviously having a hard time figuring it out. It's rather distracting because it clears up at every key frame and then dissolves almost instantly back into another compressed mess until the next key frame a half second or so later.

I am watching the clear QAM stations from Time Warner without a box. I hate boxes but I almost open to getting one if I can get a decent price for 12 months. I'd like to have Turner Classic Movies again. The BBC America thing gives me an honest reason to call and see what sort of retention offers they've got.

Is any Portland station doing local news in HD yet?

I think that is a VERY long way off in this market...

Yeah, that was pretty bad last night when WMTW dropped to SD right during the climax of LOST to cover up half the screen with their ID. They obviously don't understand the FCC rule that states that "The Legal ID is to be broadcast as close to the top of the hour as feasible, at a NATURAL BREAK IN PROGRAM OFFERINGS" What's worse is WMTW's SH feed is grainy and mis-colored, even by normal SD standards.


They have a 10 minute window, between 5 till and 5 after the hour.

I just stumbled on the expanded master's coverage on Direct channels 702-705. The four are the network, amen corner, holes 15 and 16, and "in depth". Another nice feature is press the red button to get an interactive screen which has the top 5, leader board, trivia, and tuner (to the other channels).

Channel 701 shows all the channels as well as the leader board so you can watch everything and shift when you want.

On the leader board you can select a player and view their scorecard. Totally amazing stuff. There is probably more but I just found it. Starts a bit after noon tomorrow. Today it started at 4pm.

All free. I love Direct.

I just stumbled on the expanded master's coverage on Direct channels 702-705. The four are the network, amen corner, holes 15 and 16, and "in depth". Another nice feature is press the red button to get an interactive screen which has the top 5, leader board, trivia, and tuner (to the other channels).

Channel 701 shows all the channels as well as the leader board so you can watch everything and shift when you want.

On the leader board you can select a player and view their scorecard. Totally amazing stuff. There is probably more but I just found it. Starts a bit after noon tomorrow. Today it started at 4pm.

All free. I love Direct.

I just saw an ad for it last night while watching NESN HD on D*. It looked cool. :cool:

Dana

"Comcast to sack NFL Network" http://www.boston.com/sports/football/articles/2009/04/10/comcast_to_sack_nfl_network/

Apparently, Comcast has decided to drop the NFL Network channel as of the end of April claiming it is too expensive, blah, blah, blah. (I say "apparently" because this could be a negotiating tactic.) Obviously, both Comcast and the NFL Network have their own interests at stake. I don't watch the NFL Network channel on D* on a regular basis. Then again, I'm not glued to any channel on a regular basis.

But, I want choice. And Comcast Brunswick cable doesn't cut it. If Comcast drops it nationally, then only one of nine major cable cos. will carry the NFL Network according to the story. Of course Comcast carries the Golf channel, Versus and the MLB Network without the Sports Tier fee that they want to charge for access to the NFL Network. But, they have an ownership interest in those sports channels. That's different. ;)

The cable moguls continue to think they have no competition. They don't locally - on the ground. Hah! But, D* carries the NFL Network. I have read that cable cos are PO'd at the NFL because they once again have given exclusive rights for the popular NFL Sunday Ticket to D*. Maybe that figures into it.

I believe that the root of the problem is bandwidth. D* has it; copper cable systems don't. Certainly not in Brunswick.

Dana (a former Comcast Brunswick subscriber)

"Comcast to sack NFL Network" http://www.boston.com/sports/football/articles/2009/04/10/comcast_to_sack_nfl_network/

Apparently, Comcast has decided to drop the NFL Network channel as of the end of April claiming it is too expensive, blah, blah, blah. (I say "apparently" because this could be a negotiating tactic.) Obviously, both Comcast and the NFL Network have their own interests at stake. I don't watch the NFL Network channel on D* on a regular basis. Then again, I'm not glued to any channel on a regular basis.

But, I want choice. And Comcast Brunswick cable doesn't cut it. If Comcast drops it nationally, then only one of nine major cable cos. will carry the NFL Network according to the story. Of course Comcast carries the Golf channel, Versus and the MLB Network without the Sports Tier fee that they want to charge for access to the NFL Network. But, they have an ownership interest in those sports channels. That's different. ;)

The cable moguls continue to think they have no competition. They don't locally - on the ground. Hah! But, D* carries the NFL Network. I have read that cable cos are PO'd at the NFL because they once again have given exclusive rights for the popular NFL Sunday Ticket to D*. Maybe that figures into it.

I believe that the root of the problem is bandwidth. D* has it; copper cable systems don't. Certainly not in Brunswick.

Dana (a former Comcast Brunswick subscriber)
One of the big problems with the NFL Network, nationwide, is the fact that the owners of the NFL Network want the channel included on the basic programing package. The cable companies want it in packages that they can charge extra for. This has been a big problem since day one of the NFL Network.

Here in the Orlando market we had an even worse problem, the cable company for years refused to carry one of the two sports networks for the area. It cost them thousands of customers to DirecTV and DISH, but didn't care. Finally a month ago they added it to stop the people from dropping cable. Kind of closing the barn door after the horse got out.

For me DirecTV is no doubt the best bet, going back and forth between here and Maine. Last week DirecTV added 2 more sports networks to our home area, allowing us to get baseball games for the Marlins, Rays and Braves. Then during hockey season we will get games of the Panthers, Lightning, Thrashers and Hurricanes.

...

Here in the Orlando market we had an even worse problem, the cable company for years refused to carry one of the two sports networks for the area. It cost them thousands of customers to DirecTV and DISH, but didn't care. Finally a month ago they added it to stop the people from dropping cable. Kind of closing the barn door after the horse got out.
...



Exactly. We had the same thing here. I had been a 20+ year subscriber to local cable. Then, I got a HD TV back in 2004 as I recall. I wanted to watch the PATS games in HD on CBS. But, SusCom Brunswick "couldn't" get WGME 13 HD on its lineup. So, I bolted to D* which didn't have locals in HD on satellite then, but at least was willing to install an antenna with its dish so I could get it OTA in HD.

Comcast acquired SusCom Brunswick in 2006 and by then, WGME 13 CBS HD was on local cable. (Funny how that happened. ;)) I figured Comcast would upgrade the SusCom MSO and I'd get even more local stations in HD. So I jumped back. Wrong!

Instead Comcast treated its Brunswick outlet as an outcast. And, when the Red Sox got hot in the fall 2007 along with the PATS and both were headed to the playoffs and beyond, Comcast just "couldn't" get the local FOX station on its system in HD. Bandwidth constraints ya know. ;) So, I left again.

After they just about lost all their customers to D*, Comcast somehow managed to get FOX in HD on its system by the end of the year. (Funny how that bandwidth capacity problem got solved.) Too late for me and lots of others.

Now the Brunswick system is apparently up for sale along with 47 other "small" Comcast outlets they have mismanaged. Meanwhile, top executives have occupied the tallest office tower in Philadelphia which carries the company logo. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Comcast_Center_(office_building). About the size of their egos. One of Parkinson's Laws is that "The better the building, the more likely the organization is at the point of collapse."

We'll see. ;)

Dana

Here is our HD news!

http://img120.imageshack.us/img120/649/dopplerhd.jpg

:p

You pick that up with cable or an antenna? Seeing the letterboxing, was it recorded with a DVD recorder's digital tuner?

You pick that up with cable or an antenna? Seeing the letterboxing, was it recorded with a DVD recorder's digital tuner?

I think he's making a joke -- the only "HD News" we get is "Doppler HD" radar on WGME. No locals have HD capability in their newsrooms as far as I know.

People have joked about this before.

Joe

Yes it's nice.

Yes it's nice.

I guess if we're going to count images on the WGME website as HD, we can also count the promo created for Cinemagic Grand's digital theaters. :)

http://img150.imageshack.us/img150/2374/longwayfromhd.jpg

By changing your post #3460, you changed the idea/intent of mine. :)

The 2009 PATS schedule has been posted here http://www.patriots.com/schedule/

Nothing leaps off the page at me that indicates problems for us in this market unless you get your games OTA. If so, there are two regular season games on ESPN that will not be OTA broadcast here. One of them is the season opener on Mon Sep. 14.

Game 13 on Dec. 13 has no "Broadcast TV" station listed. That might mean it is a candidate for the NFL Network channel. There is a hearing underway before the FCC today that may settle the Comcast/NFL dispute over carriage of that channel. "Flexible scheduling" affects games 11 through 17.

Dana

From the Bangor thread:

Locals now available in HD on DirecTV. CW is still in SD, but WLBZ, WABI, WVII, Fox and PBS are all HD. Good news.

Good news for them. But, we're still waiting for MPBN in HD on D*. :(

Dana

Is anyone experiencing dropouts on FOX-HD with DirecTV in the portland area?

I'm getting intermittent signal dropouts and blockiness. The OTA feed off my antenna is fine though.

Is anyone experiencing dropouts on FOX-HD with DirecTV in the portland area?

I'm getting intermittent signal dropouts and blockiness. The OTA feed off my antenna is fine though.

Several shows that I recorded Sunday evening ("Family Guy", "The Simpsons" and "Sit Down, Shut Up") had many of these break-ups.

The sound drops, a few seconds later the picture pixelates, drops, and then both sound and picture come back.

My recording of 24 on Monday seemed fine, though.

Several shows that I recorded Sunday evening ("Family Guy", "The Simpsons" and "Sit Down, Shut Up") had many of these break-ups.

The sound drops, a few seconds later the picture pixelates, drops, and then both sound and picture come back.

My recording of 24 on Monday seemed fine, though.

We are getting the same thing from TWC on the Augusta system.

Is anyone experiencing dropouts on FOX-HD with DirecTV in the portland area?

I'm getting intermittent signal dropouts and blockiness. The OTA feed off my antenna is fine though.

I saw some on 24 Monday and have seen it also on 6 and 8 with breakups on 8 and loss of picture Thursday night on 6.

matt

Simpsons on Sunday had quite a few with D* in Bath.

The problem still exists with Fox23 on TWC in the Augusta area. It is unknown whether this is something coming down the line from the network or being introduced at the local affiliate. I have not seen this problem on any other TWC channel this week. That is not to say that there is not an occasional audio or video dropout on some channel, but it this particular problem exists only on the Fox channel. (Unfortunately, the Sox are on Fox this PM. In fact, Fox has a number of my favorites.)

The problem is also evident on the TWC system in the Portland area.

On the plus side FOX23 seems to have solved their previous problem where they would forget to return their signal to HD after a local break. That got annoying REALLY fast! Not that it would matter much to most of us, but there are sound problems on their SD feed on TWC in Portland. It sounds like someone unplugged one of the audio channels, as I am only getting sound in one speaker. It's a problem for me because I usually like to record non-HD shows off the SD feed to save space on the DVR.

FWIW. I did watch much of the Sox game today on FOX23 HD via D* and saw no problems.

Dana

FWIW. I did watch much of the Sox game today on FOX23 HD via D* and saw no problems.

Dana

Except at the end on D* in Bath. In the ninth inning the picture had some breakups and then became totally pink but with sound. Fortunately it came back just before the end of the game. I have never seen a complete picture go bad before. Usually just artifacts.

Except at the end on D* in Bath. In the ninth inning the picture had some breakups and then became totally pink but with sound. Fortunately it came back just before the end of the game. I have never seen a complete picture go bad before. Usually just artifacts.

I never saw it. :eek:

But, we have house guests and left for din-din with them at Cook's about 7 PM. I saw the ninth inning there while waiting for a table. On a crappy old tube TV with a bad picture. Probably Comcast cable. :p

Go SOX! :cool:

Dana

The Fox23 issue started again right around 8:00pm. last night shortly before the Red Sox game ended. It's nothing real bad for me, but it happens over and over. It could be in the feed that the station gives to TWC and D* or it might be something received by the station. Hopefully, the problem will be located and corrected because I like a lot of the programming Fox provides and this is becoming a little annoying.

The Fox23 issue started again right around 8:00pm. last night shortly before the Red Sox game ended. It's nothing real bad for me, but it happens over and over. It could be in the feed that the station gives to TWC and D* or it might be something received by the station. Hopefully, the problem will be located and corrected because I like a lot of the programming Fox provides and this is becoming a little annoying.

Yes, I believe both TWC and D* get their signal by closed circuit feed so you may have ID'd the common denominator. Someone who has seen the problem ought to contact FOX23 directly as I don't know that they monitor this thread.

Dana

For those who may not know- NESN has a second HD channel on D* 629-1 along with 628.

It seems to be the backup when two events coincide, like hockey and baseball.

For those who may not know- NESN has a second HD channel on D* 629-1 along with 628.

It seems to be the backup when two events coincide, like hockey and baseball.

Right! The alternate game/channel telecast this year is also in HD along with the primary one. The alternate seems to be only in stereo while the primary channel audio is in DD 5.1. Nonetheless, with a new HD studio, NESN really is committed to HD.

Dana

Last night, during Fringe, Fox23 ran a banner that said they were aware of a problem with their HD signal and were working to fix it. I imagine they got plenty of calls during American Idol, when the matter became quite significant.

Sometimes I wonder if the stations, cable companies, etc. pay much attention at all to the quality of the product that they put out. This particular problem has been going on for more than a week.

I'm glad WPFO has admitted they've got a problem. I was starting to think it was perhaps a Time Warner issue. Save those glitches their picture looks pretty nice.

We had pretty good luck getting together on the Fox channel problem.

Now, I wonder if anyone else saw the HD digital breakup problem Saturday night at least on TWC in the Augusta area? It was happening, frequently, on most, if not all, of the HD channels. Normally, I find the HD on TWC rock solid, but something was wrong last night on all of the channels that I checked. .............. I went back through the channels after 10:00 pm and found no trace of the issue. ............

Last night, while watching TWC on my livingroom ANALOG tv, there was terrible breakup on many channels that lasted from at least 6:00 pm until around 10:00 or so. Sometime after 10:00 it was more infrequent and not so severe.

All of the "local" broadcast channels were experiencing the problem except for one. That channel was WABI. TWC cannot use that station's digital signal so it came in loud, clear and steady. TWC's satellite channels were also ok.

When I checked the HD set in the playroom, I found not only the local channels breaking up, but also the the satellite HD channels.

I have a funny feeling that we are going to be seeing problems with digital signals. Naturally, these things could never happen during a Patriots super bowl game or a Red Sox World Series. Those things just don't happen, ...................... do they?

God, I hope not. As for the TV signals, who's got the strongest digital signal over the air in Bangor/Orono?

Same problem last night here in the Bangor area. All my TWC HD channels were breaking up...thought it was me since I put in a new 3 way splitter.

Okay, folks, the same thing is happening again tonight. How about you folks with Direct, Dish or over the air? What are you seeing?

Okay, folks, the same thing is happening again tonight. How about you folks with Direct, Dish or over the air? What are you seeing?

No problems on D*. I watched the Red Sox on NESN HD and jumped around to other HD channels during commercials. Everything was fine including local stations that I saw in HD.

Dana

No problems on D*. I watched the Red Sox on NESN HD and jumped around to other HD channels during commercials. Everything was fine including local stations that I saw in HD.

Dana

Thanks, Dana, especially for the info about jumping around to the other stations. Since it happened 2 days in a row, you would think it would rate an official explanation.

I know that solar activity causes these kinds of problems, but it still leaves me wondering. Most of the satellite channels that are delivered by TWC in analog were not affected as well as WABI which is both received and delivered by TWC in analog. One CSPAN channel was greatly affected while the other was not. I'm guessing they come from different satellites.

If this is going to be very frequent, it is a strong, if not overwhelming, reason to go D*. On the other hand, I don't remember anything quite like this before.

...
If this is going to be very frequent, it is a strong, if not overwhelming, reason to go D*. On the other hand, I don't remember anything quite like this before.

I'm watching the Red Sox on WPFO FOX23 HD today. Rock solid on D*.

D* is having strong subscriber growth. http://www.multichannel.com/article/231734-DirecTV_Sub_Growth_Soars.php

... DirecTV (had) its largest quarter of net new subscriber additions in four years, CEO Chase Carey told analysts Thursday. DirecTV added 460,000 net new subscribers in the first quarter, its best quarter since 2004. Customer churn for the period, at 1.3%, was at its lowest level in 10 years...

Dana

I'm watching the Red Sox on WPFO FOX23 HD today. Rock solid on D*.

D* is having strong subscriber growth. http://www.multichannel.com/article/231734-DirecTV_Sub_Growth_Soars.php



Dana

It's all rock solid here right now at 6:30, but this is about the time the problem has started the last 2 nights (ending about 10:30). I know of other places that have been experiencing the problem, so it is probably throughout our system. Perhaps conditions have changed and it won't happen tonight.

I caught a few minutes of Maine Watch on MPBN today, and it was in 16:9, and appeared to be in HD. They were discussing the passage of the bill leagalizing gay marriage.

Are any other news rooms in HD (besides "Doppler HD")?

Joe

Hey, if any of you know of any opportunities in Maine for a PhD Physicist, drop me a line. I got laid off from Fairchild Semiconductor last month. All of the potential opportunities I am finding are out of state.


Joe

Trying to help a neighbor with TWC QAM channels. Is there anyplace where I can find a current list of them?

The "current list" varies dependent on location. In Greene, I get the following:

89-1 The CW
89-2 CBS
93-1 NBC
93-2 MPBN-HD
93-3 MPBN 2
93-4 MPBN-SD (simulcast of 93-2)
94-1 ABC
94-2 Fox
94-3 News8 Now
94-4 PBS World
94-5 PBC Create
103-1 NBC Weather
107-1 CBS (same as 89-2, might be a Bangor feed?)
108-1 Some sort of local Maine channel

Note: No MyPortland/MyNetwork TV in clear QAM HD.

There are a few more that come and go or are deleted out of hand -- 87-1 is a PPV preview channel. Once in awhile (usually at the beginning of a sports season) you'll pick up the various league passes in clear. Sometimes they have pay channels in clear when they are pushing free preview weekends. If you are in a neghborhood with lots of people, you can find PPV & On Demand programming in the 70's & 80's (if your neighbors are watching it).

Joe

The "current list" varies dependent on location. In Greene, I get the following:

89-1 The CW
89-2 CBS
93-1 NBC
93-2 MPBN-HD
93-3 MPBN 2
93-4 MPBN-SD (simulcast of 93-2)
94-1 ABC
94-2 Fox
94-3 News8 Now
94-4 PBS World
94-5 PBC Create
103-1 NBC Weather
107-1 CBS (same as 89-2, might be a Bangor feed?)
108-1 Some sort of local Maine channel

Note: No MyPortland/MyNetwork TV in clear QAM HD.

There are a few more that come and go or are deleted out of hand -- 87-1 is a PPV preview channel. Once in awhile (usually at the beginning of a sports season) you'll pick up the various league passes in clear. Sometimes they have pay channels in clear when they are pushing free preview weekends. If you are in a neghborhood with lots of people, you can find PPV & On Demand programming in the 70's & 80's (if your neighbors are watching it).

Joe
Found out the problem I was having. I was scanning in the wrong mode, got it OK now. Thought channels would be the same as yours in Lewiston, but they are quite different. Stations are on different channels, and no Bangor CBS. I caught that channel 108-1 (108-9 here), it is called Maine TV 85, and it looks like it is out of Rockland area.

Found out the problem I was having. I was scanning in the wrong mode, got it OK now. Thought channels would be the same as yours in Lewiston, but they are quite different. Stations are on different channels, and no Bangor CBS. I caught that channel 108-1 (108-9 here), it is called Maine TV 85, and it looks like it is out of Rockland area.

I think we may be on an Augusta node here in Greene. In the past, I've gotten all of the then available Bangor locals. But they went away a few months ago. Its possible that when the analog broadcasts ceased, the coverage area of the Bangor stations decreased, and Time Warner pulled the Bangor channels from my lineup. 107-1 isn't the Bangor CBS (WABI) any more (it previously was)-- it is now a duplicate of WGME. Maybe inserted as a replacement for towns closer to Augusta that didn't get WGME in the first place.

Do you get WPME/MyPortland in clear QAM? We don't.

Joe

Do you get WPME/MyPortland in clear QAM? We don't.
Joe
Here is a list of what I found:
Channel Network Name
87-8 VOD Preview Channel
89-1 CW WPXT - Portland
89-2 CBS WGME 13 - Portland
93-11 NBC WCSH 6 - Portland
93-12 PBS WCBB 10 - Lewiston
93-13 PBS WCBB 10 - Lewiston
93-16 PBS WCBB 10 - Lewiston
94-1 PBS WMEA 26 - Lewiston
94-2 PBS WMEA 26 - Lewiston
94-3 ABC WMTW 8 - Portland/Auburn
94-4 FOX WPFO 23 - Portland
94-5 ABC WMTW - News Now
103-2 NBC NBC Weather Plus
108.9 Maine TV 85
125 TV Guide Channel

Loudo38,

Obviously, you're back in God's Country. Welcome!

Dana