The digital cable box does not tune over the air (OTA) ATSC broadcasts. It won't tune NTSC broadcast either, for that matter.

Cable companies want you to purchase programing through them -- so they do not support OTA antennas. Satellite broadcasters support antennas because they often are unable to provide local analog or digital television channels.

You need a high definition set-top ATSC receiver, or a high definition Dishnetwork, VOOM, or DirecTV receiver (which have ATSC receivers built in), to tune OTA ATSC digital television signals. If you try to use a satellite receiver, make sure that it does not require a subscription to activate the ATSC tuner (my understanding is that some of the VOOM boxes, at least, required a subscription).

Joe

All of the Directv Tivos require a subscription.

hydrant29,

Radio Shack has been closing out on an Accurian HDTV OTA receiver that apparently is well regarded. $69.97. Problem may be finding one. More here.
http://www.radioshack.com/product/index.jsp?productId=2104191&cp=2032057.2032180&cp=2032057&f=Taxonomy%2FRSK%2F2032180&categoryId=2032180&kwCatId=2032057&kw=tv+receiver&parentPage=search

All of the Directv Tivos require a subscription.

The non-TiVo internal RCA DCT100 HD DirecTV tuner in my F38310 (now defunct) did not require a sub -- and if I remember correctly, the stand alone DCT100's did not. But I may not be remembering correctly LOL


Joe

All of the Directv Tivos require a subscription.

The HD-Tivo doesn't require a DirecTV subscription, but has pretty limited functionality without it. It basically turns into a 2-tuner OTA receiver with the ability to buffer 30 minutes of live TV. You can pause, rewind and fast forward within the buffer. You'd probably be better off getting any non-dvr directv HD receiver except the new H20 (it apparently disables OTA capabilities if it doesn't have an active subscription).

hydrant29,

Radio Shack has been closing out on an Accurian HDTV OTA receiver that apparently is well regarded. $69.97. Problem may be finding one. More here.
http://www.radioshack.com/product/index.jsp?productId=2104191&cp=2032057.2032180&cp=2032057&f=Taxonomy%2FRSK%2F2032180&categoryId=2032180&kwCatId=2032057&kw=tv+receiver&parentPage=search


80 Bucks for an OTA Receiver?!?!? Geez, when I bought mine (Zenith xxx) 3-4 years ago it cost me about $300. Now I just label it "CBS-DT". Of course my Panny 34" Widescreen direct view cost me...we'll lets just not dwell on it. I've certainly gone from bleeding edge to "Hey guys, wait up!"

LOL -- trouble is there don't seem to be many left at that price -- I'm not sure how far their search engine searches, but it looks like we would have to drive to southern NH to find one in stock.

later

Joe

I'd be willing to sell my Sammy for the same price - $69.97. Ship USPS COD. All OEM cables plus DVI, manual, working remote in orig box, etc. I think its only future is with OTA antenna. It did get Channel 13 here. Let me know by Private Msg or call 833-6285.

Dana

Update: Sorry guys. I had listed it on Amazon at $99.95 and just sold it.

The HD-Tivo doesn't require a DirecTV subscription, but has pretty limited functionality without it. It basically turns into a 2-tuner OTA receiver with the ability to buffer 30 minutes of live TV. You can pause, rewind and fast forward within the buffer. You'd probably be better off getting any non-dvr directv HD receiver except the new H20 (it apparently disables OTA capabilities if it doesn't have an active subscription).

That was not the case with my HD-Tivo. And you get no guide data - makes the Tivo pretty useless.

Craig (or any of the other area TV station personnel monitoring this thread),

Without commenting on the actual situation between the cable companies and Sinclair, or disclosing anything that might be confidental, is the description I made above correct on how Nielsen ratings work regarding DTV? That DTV viewers are not counted as part of the primary analog TV station's audience? I think it was an Austin, TX area television station chief engineer who told me this 3-4 years ago (prior to my relocation to Maine). If this is still true, do you have any idea when/if Nielsen will roll DTV viewers into the analog audience numbers?

Thanks,

JoeJoe, your comments, tips, and suggestions throughout the AVS forum I have found to be accurate and helpful. As for Nielsen, the ratings book reflects analog, no mention of DTV. This from the Nielsen web site ;
“New advances like digital television have posed challenges for Nielsen Media Research and our ability to continually determine who is watching. But our new metering platform, the Active/Passive (A/P) Meter, can track viewers and their tuning habits, whether the television viewing environment is digital, analog, or combined”
Portland, is not a “metered” market, Nielsen uses paper diaries only, mailed to viewers each ratings period. No mention of when Maine will become a metered market.

Craig

Joe, your comments, tips, and suggestions throughout the AVS forum I have found to be accurate and helpful.

Wow,

That's very kind of you to say.

I must say, though, that just about everything I have learned abut HDTV/DTV has come from local television station engineers like you. I think at heart most chief engineers are tech junkies like us -- and go above and beyond the call of duty educating and informing us.

take care,

Joe

... Portland, is not a “metered” market, Nielsen uses paper diaries only, mailed to viewers each ratings period. No mention of when Maine will become a metered market.

Craig

Seems to me that the dependence on paper diaries in Portland undermines the argument that allowing the cable co. to carry the HD signal would be inherently detrimental to the station's ratings. Even if your average Nielson family can't tell the difference between tuning to Channel 13 and tuning to Channel 513, the rating result would be the same.

Hydrant29,

If you try ZIP 06033 in the Radio Shack store locator for the Accurian, you'll find that three stores in central CT have stock. Perhaps they will ship one to you. Trying various other ZIP codes hasn't been successful yet. Also, 02909 = Providence, RI. Hope this helps.

Dana

Seems to me that the dependence on paper diaries in Portland undermines the argument that allowing the cable co. to carry the HD signal would be inherently detrimental to the station's ratings. Even if your average Nielson family can't tell the difference between tuning to Channel 13 and tuning to Channel 513, the rating result would be the same.

When they write down the number of the DTV broadcast, it gets "credited" to Channel 38 (the OTA DTV channel). When someone watches channel 13 (whether by OTA, satellite, or cable), the "credit" goes to Channel 13. Apparently Nielsen doesn't add the viewership of Channel 38 to Channel 13.

At this point, the viewership on the DTV channel is likely so small that it doesn't make a difference in the ratings. What I wanted to get across was that the idea that it is BENEFICIAL to the local affiliate to have viewers on their DTV channel was falacious. It seems to come up time and time again that it is somehow to the advantage of the local affiliate to have cable carry their DTV channel, when as far as I can tell it is not.

Craig, do you have any idea how many households have HD television sets and either an OTA receiver or satllite/cable HD service? And what percentage of households in the market this might be?

later,

Joe

Apparently Nielsen doesn't add the viewership of Channel 38 to Channel 13.

Maybe I'm being too naive, but whether Nielsen adds it or not, seems that the ad agencies, buyers, station sales reps, etc., would be able to do the math.

At this point, the viewership on the DTV channel is likely so small that it doesn't make a difference in the ratings. What I wanted to get across was that the idea that it is BENEFICIAL to the local affiliate to have viewers on their DTV channel was falacious. It seems to come up time and time again that it is somehow to the advantage of the local affiliate to have cable carry their DTV channel, when as far as I can tell it is not.

You're undoubtedly correct about the size of the audience not meaning a hill of beans either way. But stations like WCSH and WMTW apparently see some benefit, if only in terms of the audience-friendly image they project compared with Sinclair's stance, which generates a lot of negative buzz.

The Nielsen ratings guide the advertising rates to be charged, but Maine advertisers know what stations they want to spend their money on. If they see a station missing from the cable, they can figure pretty quickly that a portion of the spenders are not being reached with that station. ......... The stations should count themselves fortunate that the cable expands their reach and potential for advertising dollars.

The Nielsen ratings guide the advertising rates to be charged, but Maine advertisers know what stations they want to spend their money on. If they see a station missing from the cable, they can figure pretty quickly that a portion of the spenders are not being reached with that station. ......... The stations should count themselves fortunate that the cable expands their reach and potential for advertising dollars.


Maybe they're smart enough to realize that someone tech-savvy enough to have an HDTV will use the TWC DVR to access the HD versions of the channels, and their commercials won't be seen anyway ;)

The fellow to whom I sold my Sammy 360 DirecTV HD box via Amazon lives in UT. He has reported back that it works well as a standalone HDTV OTA receiver without a DirecTV subscription. He set the dish type to None, which may be good to know.

This box did have a DirecTV Access Card in it, which may be important. I'm not sure that the box will work at all without it. Something to watch out for if you are buying one.

As more D* subscribers convert to the new H20 box, more Sammy 360s may become available on eBay, Amazon, etc., for those who may want one just for OTA HD reception.

Dana

Craig, do digital channels 6, 8 and 13 put out 720p or 1080i signals all day and night or only when broadcasting HD material? It would seem that if they were broadcasting standard definition material with 720 or 1080 lines of resolution, it would look better than it does.

Does the display button on a tv connected to cable or an antenna show the actual lines of resolution being received at that moment or only the the HD resolution that the station uses when carrying HD?

Craig, do digital channels 6, 8 and 13 put out 720p or 1080i signals all day and night or only when broadcasting HD material? It would seem that if they were broadcasting standard definition material with 720 or 1080 lines of resolution, it would look better than it does.

Does the display button on a tv connected to cable or an antenna show the actual lines of resolution being received at that moment or only the the HD resolution that the station uses when carrying HD?

I believe CH 8 is 720p, 6 and 13 are 1080i. Non-HD material/programming is up-converted. Most day parts are not in HD so up conversion will take place. Up converting is basically a form of what is termed as line doubling. When up converting we are still in 1080i (on 13-1) but the quality will not match that of true HD.

I hope this helps and answers your question.
Craig

I believe CH 8 is 720p, 6 and 13 are 1080i. Non-HD material/programming is up-converted. Most day parts are not in HD so up conversion will take place. Up converting is basically a form of what is termed as line doubling. When up converting we are still in 1080i (on 13-1) but the quality will not match that of true HD.

I hope this helps and answers your question.
Craig

Channel 13 digital is not, yet, on Adelphia cable, but I assume it is somewhat similar to what channels 6 and 8 look like. Their evening newscast looks about the same on the digital channel as it does on the analog channel. It might be just a little bit better, but the difference is minimal. Since they are broadcasting that program in 1080p and 720p, respectively, I would expect that it would look better than it does. Obviously, the cameras and the processing are not HD, but I would think that the up converting and transmission at HD lines of resolution would make the picture closer to HD quality than it is. Apparently, the source makes a tremendous difference.

I don't know exactly what I would expect you to say at this point except to clarify somehow the degree of difference that it makes.

The important thing to me is that I, now, know that the stations are putting out a continuous level of resolution regardless of source material or time of day. Thanks. There are other questions, but I will post them later. Thanks again.

A very belated thank you to all of you who kindly responded to my 1/26 query. Before purchasing a tuner (Thank you, Dana, for your offer!) I tried unsuccesfully to receive various signals with an indoor antenna. I'm in a very low part of Scarborough surrounded for the most part by trees and all of the receptions were less than fair. I guess I will wait until the sats transmit the locals in HD or in the event TW and Sinclair resolve their differences.
Again, thank you all.
hydrant

A couple of weeks ago I saw that HD on Demand became active on Time Warner (Portland). I ordered War of the Worlds (no comments please) and found the PQ to be good, but I did have several break ups during the movie. The ole' freeze up or it'd go "blocky" with dead audio. It happend 6-7 times, mostly in the second half.
Anyone else tried the HD OD service yet? How was your experience? I wrote into a rep at TWC, but it would probably be helpful to know if it was just me or not.

With those extra cost channels, I would expect perfect and continuous reception or I would be back to renting DVD's fast.

The local Fox station puts the network HD on cable even though they do not broadcast HD. Last night, we settled down for American Idol on Adelphia - Augusta and saw nothing except the network identification logo. Something went wrong somewhere and Fox did not appear on the cable all night.

I'm wondering if this happened on Time Warner - Portland as well. Augusta will be Time Warner in about another month. People complain about Adelphia, but they have provided good service to me.

I just wanted to say how nice it was to see that WCSH actually upgraded their graphics equipment so they can do station identification without having to drop to SD like WGME and WMTW do. Those two stations seem to always choose the most exciting part of the show/game to do it, and the audio breaks up during the switch both ways. Of course they can't sacrifice a few seconds of commercial time or "coming up on tonight's news" time to show it without interrupting the show. Hopefully they'll upgrade their equipment soon as well.

Just some general observations:

FSN HD is now available in Adelphia's HD lineup. I haven't seen any HD programming on it yet.

As far as video formats go:

It used to be a big deal to switch signals from one format (1080i) to another (480i). I got into some discussions with the NBC station engineer in Austin back when ER was available letterboxed but not HD -- my set (along with many other lower end HD sets) was unable to scale 1080i, so I couldn't blow up letterboxed ER to fill the screen. It wasn't possible for them to switch on-the-fly from 1080i to 480i to 1080i, so I was stuck watching then analog OTA broadcast, which my set COULD zoom to fill the screen.

Some stations broadcast multiple digital channels, one the standard analog signal converted to digital, the other the 1080i native/upconverted feed. Cable systems generally only provide the primary HD digital signal (although for Maine PBS, I believe they also give the digital-subchannels in 480i).

I have noticed that FOX on Adelphia _does_ seem to switch on the fly -- I have my STB set to pass through 480i without upconverting it, and at times it has the gray bars/zoomability of 480i material. This may change when they go OTA. I'll try to verify this over the next few days. FOX has seemed to be asleep at the wheel lately as far as switching between local and network HD feeds lately -- I've been seeing a lot of the test screens lately. If this bothers you, call the Fox newsroom (number in the paper) and ask to be connected to engineering. I believe this is a station problem and not a cable company problem.

Finally, as for video quality, signal quality is the key. For 480i material, a very good, uncompressed analog signal will very likely be better than an upconverted digital signal due to compression artifacts. If you have a poor quality 480i source, upconverting it won't make it any better. Viewing the signal on a large screen TV is going to make the picture appear poor no matter what video processing is done.


Joe

Hydrant29,

You shouldn't give up on getting those signals. I'm down in Kennebunk, surrounded by trees but can still get an average signal strength of 80% to all local channels out of the Portland area. My antenna is in my attic, pointed north. I have a Channel Master 8-bay without an amplifier too.

The right antenna can make a world of difference. I tested several (bought some at Walmart and just returned them) before I settled on the CM. Keep trying....it's worth it.

D* subs - A little help with some research please.

In my local market, Sinclair Broadcasting group operates our local FOX affiliate, WVAH. I am a D* sub and although I get guide data from analog WVAH-TV, I do not get guide data from WVAH-DT. SBGI also operates the ABC affiliate WCHS as well.

I have talked to managers at the station who tell me there is nothing they can do as the guide data has to be manually typed in. Yet they are able to provide guide data for WCHD-DT.

According to the SBGI website, WGME is a CBS affiliate operated by SBGI. So I would like to ask the following question of DirecTV subs, specifically those with HR10-250’s. Non-D* subs need not respond. ;)

1.) Do you get guide data from WGME-DT via your D* High Definition set top box?


Thank you for your response.

Herdfan,

As a D* subscriber with an H20 HD receiver, the short answer is Yes, I get guide data for WGME SD and HD channels.

The great thing is that the WGME's chief engineer reads and writes to this thread, so maybe you will get a more technical response from him! :)

Dana

BTW. We do not yet have MPEG4 HD LIL here. My reception of WGME HD is OTA.

I have an HR10-250 and I also get guide data for WGME SD and HD channels. Apparently the guide data comes from D* via zap2it.com, because for a while another local HD station was showing "sign off" starting at 12:00am-6:00am every day, which matched what was at zap2it.com. Once I alerted them to the issue, they contacted zap2it and it was eventually fixed on zap2it's site and in the guide data on my receiver.

I'm watching the the 4:00 game and according to all postings, and the game itself, it should be in HD, but its not. Problem at the station?

Called the station and talked to engineering. More Better. :) Thanks guys!

Which game is it? The guide shows they had the Alabama Marquette game on starting at 2:30, which should have been in HD, but I imagine it's probably over by now. Maybe they switched to a non-HD game?

Doh, never mind. I'm not near a TV so I was blindly guessing :)

Alabama Marquette started late because of a bomb scare/suspicious package. WGME just switch over to the Tennessee game and that was in HD, but now they're back to Bama and its 4:3. , but with 3:2.1 sound.
Oh! as I'm typing it just flipped to 16:9...now we're cookin' with gas.....

Home sick..got nothing better to do then call and hassle station engineers. :)

Hi all -- here's a plea for help!

My 1 year subscription deal with Adelphi just ran out... They raised the monthly fee $50 on me, and even lowering my service to the bones wouldn't keep me below $100 (I have high speed internet). So I dumped it and ordered an antenna.

I'm going through separation (my wife moved back to Texas last May), and have minimum "disposable" income. I haven't decided whether I'll migrate back to DirecTV, but their new "lease" system isn't very attractive. Sounds like they are trying to become the cable company in the sky.

Anyways, I'm looking for an OTA ATSC tuner, in the $50 range. I keep getting out bid on eBay. :( The shipping costs always push it well above the $50 range anway. I guess it is time to spring for a copy of Uncle Henry's. LOL. I was hoping there might be someone local who has an extra tuner that would be willing to sell it to me for $50, or lend it to me until I have enough saved to buy one. I commute between Sabattus and South Portland for work, could head up to the Augusta area too.

Thanks!

Joe

If Sinclair and TWC ever kiss and make up, there will be a bumper crop of OTA Receivers popping up on the market. That's the only reason I still have mine. You might just have a better chance of getting those two back to the bargaining table than finding HD Gear in Uncle Henry's. :)
I'll keep my eyes open though.

:confused: I used to live in Old Orchard Beach. Who in Portland/Poland Spring is on the air with their digital signals, regardless of whether HD is offered or not? All I know for certain is that WCBB-DT (PBS) channel 17 was the first station in the market to come on.

CBS, NBC, ABC, and PBS are on the air in HD. WPXT (WB) is on-air low power non-HD DTV and WPME (UPN) is not on-air yet. WPXT and WPME are both supposed to go on-air high power this spring. Fox is not broadcasting a DTV signal, and won't until the analog switch is pulled. They came into existence too late to get a digital assignment. They are carrying FOX DT on Adelphia and Time Warner. The DTV feeds for CBS (Sinclair), WB and UPN are not on digital cable (Adelphia or Time Warner). WB and UPN will probably be carried on cable at about the same time they go live OTA. Of course, that assumes both stations are still in existence (WB and UPN are merging) and these two stations are owned by the same company.

Joe

From what I understand, WPXT-TV/DT is supposed to be the CW affiliate there (WB 20 here in Hartford/New Haven will go CW in September).

... Fox is not broadcasting a DTV signal, and won't until the analog switch is pulled. They came into existence too late to get a digital assignment. They are carrying FOX DT on Adelphia and Time Warner, and supposedly giving out waivers for the Fox HD network feed on DirecTV. ...

Joe

Unfortunately, I have never gotten an HD waiver from Fox after three tries through D*, supported by emails to the station. Not even the courtesy of a response.

Dana

OK; I must have remembered incorectly -- I thought one of the engineer types posted earlier in the thread, but I guess not. Have you tried calling the station during business hours? Maybe talking to a live person would help.

For what it is worht, I took a quick peek at the FCC filings for WPFO (Fox) -- they recently petitioned and were approved to switch DTV operations to Channel 23 (their analog channel) when the analog is shut down. So they will NOT be OTA earlier than this.


Joe

Joe,

You still could be correct; my experience might be an exception. No, I didn't call. I thought the absurdity of a station that doesn't broadcast in digital denying an HD waiver that I said would only be for the period until they had a signal OTA spoke for itself.

If there's a Pats game on Fox this fall I really want to see in HD, maybe I'll try again. :)

Dana

LOL -- unfortunately it isn't an absurdity. It's typical. As I understand it, the way the rules work, a waiver gives you a permanent "pass" to receive the standard and DTV feeds (unless they changed the rules, there aren't separate waivers for each) for the "national" Fox feed (which is really the local DC or New York or whatever Fox affiliate). If you watch it, the local affiliate loses you in the Neilsens. One person here and there won't matter to their bottom line, but they add up. So stations are generally loath to give waivers.

Joe

Joe,

I agree with you; facts don't matter. For example, I did mention in my email to Fox that because I can't get their analog signal OTA either, I pay D* to get their signal via LIL SD Portland-Auburn stations.

No matter. Still No. I think it is safer for local stations to say no. Under SHVERA, there is nothing the customer can do.

Dana

Dr. Joe. I have an old Motorola VOOM receiver that I believe can still be used for OTA but I've never tried it. When VOOM went belly-up I re-connected to my old Zenith HD receiver. You're welcome to try this receiver first and if it works you could then pay me $50 if you feel this is fair. I live in Lewiston so we're real close to one another. Let me know if you want to give it a try. Rob :)

Hi all,
I just wanted to post an update on the situation here at WPXT/WPME currently MainesWB and MainesUPN. Our digital transmitters are in at the transmitter site. They are being setup and proofed as we speak. We haven't got the transition line and antenna yet. They should arrive and be installed in a couple of weeks or so. Don't quote me on that. So we should soon be broadcasting both WB and UPN network shows in HD.

As far as the whole CW thing, at this point we have signed nothing... yet. I can't comment on anything till it's a done deal. If you are interested on what's going to be happening, stay tuned here. I will post info as it becomes available.

Chet Cook
Engineer
WPXT/WPME

Dr. Joe. I have an old Motorola VOOM receiver that I believe can still be used for OTA but I've never tried it. When VOOM went belly-up I re-connected to my old Zenith HD receiver. You're welcome to try this receiver first and if it works you could then pay me $50 if you feel this is fair. I live in Lewiston so we're real close to one another. Let me know if you want to give it a try. Rob :)

That would be great. I should be getting the antenna later this week. Maybe we could hook up this weekend? Drop me an email (you can get my address off my home page, link below) and I will send you my contact info.


Thanks,

Joe

Hi all,
I just wanted to post an update on the situation here at WPXT/WPME currently MainesWB and MainesUPN. Our digital transmitters are in at the transmitter site. They are being setup and proofed as we speak. We haven't got the transition line and antenna yet. They should arrive and be installed in a couple of weeks or so. Don't quote me on that. So we should soon be broadcasting both WB and UPN network shows in HD.

As far as the whole CW thing, at this point we have signed nothing... yet. I can't comment on anything till it's a done deal. If you are interested on what's going to be happening, stay tuned here. I will post info as it becomes available.

Chet Cook
Engineer
WPXT/WPME

Thank you Chet for the important update. Will broadcasts be at full power, i.e. 750kw?

Our digital coverage should be about the same as our analog.

Chet Cook
Engineer
WPXT/WPME

I used to live in Old Orchard Beach in the mid-1980s and remember when the area Shaw's supermarkets had the UHF loops on sale for $1 and the money went to some sort of charity. However, the signal always waved in and out during high winds. Was it because of the transmitter getting moved around a lot? Also, has the effective analog power (visual ERP) changed at all since your 1986 sign on? Lastly, will your digital transmitter be on the same tower in Gray?

Here is some general info I gleaned from FCC filings for the local stations:

Stations with two assignments (analog and digital) will have to give one back when analog broadcasting ceases. The RED listing is the one that the station has petitioned be used after the analog switch is pulled. I was a bit surprised to see that WCSH and WGME are dropping their analog assignment and going forward on the new one. Must be because the DTV assignment has a higher ERP rating. WCBB is "orange" because they applied to keep their analog assignment after the switch, but were denied.

Where there are special temporary authorities to broadcast below the full rated power on their DTV assignment, I've noted it.

(Call letters/Network/Channel/ERP)

WPME-DT UPN 28 215 kW ERP (SOON)
WPME-TV (UPN) 35 1100 kW ERP

WPXT-DT WB 43 750 kW ERP (SOON)
WPXT-TV (WB) 51 3020 kW ERP

WGME-DT CBS 38 500 kW ERP STA (1000 kW ERP) OTA
WGME-TV (CBS) 13 295 kW ERP

WMTW-DT ABC 46 501 kW ERP STA (1000 kW ERP) OTA
WMTW-TV (ABC) 8 316 kW ERP

WCSH-DT NBC 44 500 kW ERP STA (1000 kW ERP) OTA
WCSH-TV (NBC) 6 100 kW ERP

WCBB-DT PBS 17 27.9 kW ERP OTA
WCBB-TV (PBS) 10 316 kW ERP

WMEA-DT (PBS) 45 50 kW ERP OTA
WMEA-DT (PBS) 26 133 kW ERP

WPFO-TV (Fox) 23 5000 kW ERP

Can't wait for 2009......
Until then, my reception of WCSH-DT (44) and WGME-DT (38) are all but "squashed" here in central NH by Boston analog signals (WGBX44 and WSBK38). When analog "dies", these Boston signal will only appear on 45 and 39....thus (hopefully....) clearing the way to (FINALLY.....!!) re-gain 2 of my more popular Maine channels - in digital....
Let's see now.....umm....only 987 days...and counting..... ;)
BTW....FWIW....I DO get WMTW-DT (46) very well on my H20 OTA; signal in the low 80s!!

Hi all,
I just wanted to post an update on the situation here at WPXT/WPME currently MainesWB and MainesUPN. Our digital transmitters are in at the transmitter site. They are being setup and proofed as we speak. We haven't got the transition line and antenna yet. They should arrive and be installed in a couple of weeks or so. Don't quote me on that. So we should soon be broadcasting both WB and UPN network shows in HD.

As far as the whole CW thing, at this point we have signed nothing... yet. I can't comment on anything till it's a done deal. If you are interested on what's going to be happening, stay tuned here. I will post info as it becomes available.

Chet Cook
Engineer
WPXT/WPME

Thanks a lot, Mr. Cook. It's great that some of the station engineers are willing to make the effort to make this information available.

Glad to see 35/28 and 51/43 will come on line. Multipath is so bad here , Ch 8/44 won't lock. But 5WABI is strong and steady. Analog has been so bad for so long I've ignored them (local programing) totally. Now I enjoy CBS and NBC programming. It won't wean me away from Satelite. Just Yet.

Quick Update:
The digital transmitters for WPXT and WPME are setup and working. The antennas and transition line are ready. The only problem now is Mother Nature. The transition lines are on two reels, 13000 lbs each. It's Spring in Maine, that means the roads are posted. We have to wait till the ground firms up a bit for the reels to be delivered to the site on Eagle Nest road in Gray.

I'll let you guys know...

Chet Cook
Engineer
WPXT/WPME

Terrific. Many thanks for the update!

Dana :)

Quick Update:
The digital transmitters for WPXT and WPME are setup and working. The antennas and transition line are ready. The only problem now is Mother Nature. The transition lines are on two reels, 13000 lbs each. It's Spring in Maine, that means the roads are posted. We have to wait till the ground firms up a bit for the reels to be delivered to the site on Eagle Nest road in Gray.

I'll let you guys know...

Chet Cook
Engineer
WPXT/WPME

Probably dreaming but do you think there's any chance viewers on the Vt / NH border (Bradford, Vt 05033) will get these signals ? I'm at 800 feet with a good antenna , rotor & amp but can't get any digital OTA except WNNE-DT & VT & NH PBS.

Quick Update:
... It's Spring in Maine, that means the roads are posted. We have to wait till the ground firms up a bit for the reels to be delivered to the site on Eagle Nest road in Gray.

I'll let you guys know...

Chet Cook
Engineer
WPXT/WPME

Chet,

If time is important on your end, you might consider asking for a waiver from whatever jurisdictions posted the roads. The usual wet, spring soft road conditions don't exist this year - the dryest on record according to today's PPH - and the roads in question are as hard as they ever will be.

Dana

Hi,

I've finally joined the HDTV fraternity (Sony KD-34XBR960N) and my question concerns OTA reception (actually, lack thereof :) ) of WGME-DT. I have an inexpensive Radio Shack UHF-only antenna (#U-75R) mounted in my attic (with a rotor) and my Sony continually says "No Signal" on channels 13.1 & 13.2 while both WCSH-DT & WMTW-DT are crystal clear. The odd thing is, at least to me, I'm about 3 miles from WGME's tower and 12 to 15 miles from the other two.

An FYI....The house is in a slight hollow (maybe 20' - 25') surrounded by many very tall pine trees (Maine is the "Pine Tree State," after all. :) )

Any tips/suggestions as to how I might correct this situation would be much appreciated.

Thanks, and

Be skiing ya,

DSG

Welcome to the HDTV world! My guess is that at the very least you'll need to get the antenna out of the attic and onto the roof. Lots more info here http://www.hdtvprimer.com/ISSUES/erecting_antenna.html

And another good starting point http://www.antennaweb.org/aw/Address.aspx

Good luck!

Dana

I'm about 3 miles from WGME's tower and 12 to 15 miles from the other two.

An FYI....The house is in a slight hollow (maybe 20' - 25') surrounded by many very tall pine trees (Maine is the "Pine Tree State," after all.


It is sllightly possible you are TOO close to the transmitter. The transmitter broadcast in a cone.if it is significantly higher than your house, the signal may be missing you. I had thought this was a problem only within a few 100 yards of the tower, but you may want to drop WGME's chief engineer an email and ask what he thinks. His name is Craig Clark (Crclark on the AVS Forum) -- his email and phone number are posted earlier in the thread, but you'll have to search/read through it to find them.

It also could be a multipath problem due to reflections from the tree. Try moving the antenna around. If the signal is TOO strong, you could be swamping the tuner, so try rotating the antenna.

Joe

Hi,

I've finally joined the HDTV fraternity (Sony KD-34XBR960N) and my question concerns OTA reception (actually, lack thereof :) ) of WGME-DT. I have an inexpensive Radio Shack UHF-only antenna (#U-75R) mounted in my attic (with a rotor) and my Sony continually says "No Signal" on channels 13.1 & 13.2 while both WCSH-DT & WMTW-DT are crystal clear. The odd thing is, at least to me, I'm about 3 miles from WGME's tower and 12 to 15 miles from the other two.

An FYI....The house is in a slight hollow (maybe 20' - 25') surrounded by many very tall pine trees (Maine is the "Pine Tree State," after all. :) )

Any tips/suggestions as to how I might correct this situation would be much appreciated.

Thanks, and

Be skiing ya,

DSG
Being only 3 miles away could cause problems with multipath or there is too much signal. Are you using a preamp? if so you try removing it. I had one viewer with a similar problem and I had him add a 6db pad (from Radio Shack)at the input of his receiver. The signal was so strong it was over loading his tuner. The pad worked great and he can pick up the other stations also. Any RF splitters being used? Try a direct connection from the antenna to your receiver if there is.
Last thought, how does WGME CH 13 come in?
You can use your UHF antenna to pickup 13. Move the antenna to make CH13 come in as good as possible then try our DT again. Also try this, our OTA DT channel is 38, (13-1 13-2 are virtual channels) try entering 38 in and see what what your receiver does this has been successful for other viewers.
Good luck,
Let me know either way,
please feel free to call me at work 207-228-7780
Craig

Hi,

Thanks for all the replys!

Dana: Mounting an antenna on the roof is not an option (aesthetics & all :) ). I'd already checked antennaweb.org which told me I'm only 3.4 miles from WGME's tower (something I basically knew from biking up to the site many times when I was younger :) ).

Joe: I'd considered the fact that maybe the signal is passing right over my house on its way to Portland - after all, when the tower was erected in the late 1950's or early 1960's, it was the tallest manmade structure in the world - but I guess I didn't think it could actually happen. Also, the house is surrounded by these tall pines (except to the west where WCSH's & WMTW's towers are located), so I suppose multipath could be a problem. (Cutting the trees down is not an option either, aesthetics and all. :) ) I have tried moving the antenna every which way, but to no avail. I've also tried an indoor antenna (Zenith's "Silver Sensor") thinking that maybe the signal was too strong from the attic antenna. Channels 6 & 8 still come in crystal clear and the TV actually locked onto 13.1 for (literally) a fraction of a second, before going blank again.

Craig: I'm not using a preamp nor any splitters. The RG-6 (not QS, though) cable is run directly from the antenna to the TV set. Analog 13 comes in via the UHF antenna, but it is definitely not watchable (too much "ghosting," which is a sign of multipath, right?). I had tried tuning in channel 38 directly when I first got the TV a week or so ago, but that didn't produce any picture either. Finally, I have just searched Radio Shack's online catalog and found the 6db attenuator you mentioned. I'll pick one up tomorrow and give it a try. If not, you'll be hearing from me! :) And many thanks for monitoring this thread.

My apologies for being so long winded.

Thanks again, and

Be skiing ya,

DSG

Probably dreaming but do you think there's any chance viewers on the Vt / NH border (Bradford, Vt 05033) will get these signals ? I'm at 800 feet with a good antenna , rotor & amp but can't get any digital OTA except WNNE-DT & VT & NH PBS.

If you receive our analog signal, it's a good bet you will get our Digital. We are aiming to duplicate our current pattern.

As fars as the roads in Gray, we told the town we would bond the shipment. They said no.

Chet Cook
Engineer
WPXT/WPME

Few questions:

Does anyone have any pricing they can share on what Adelphia offers for their HD pack? Do you have to sign up for digital cable in order to get their HD channels? Their site lists out all sorts of data, but no prices (of course). I'd be looking into getting just their HD package if possible with the bare minimum channel package. I'm also wondering how their HD quality is. Right now, I'm using an antenna to pull in all the locals but I'm subscribed to Dish. I'm thinking of terminating my contract with them in a few months and was wondering if Adelphia could take their place. I like the fact that they (Adelphia) carry NESN in HD. I'm also wondering if their tuners have the ability to use an antenna to get channels over the air.

More on OTA stuff:

Also, has anyone tried pulling in Boston stations from Kennebunk using an antenna? I was able to get their channels just once during last summer. It was at night and I'm sure there was some atmospheric help but other than that one night - forget it. Anyone else have any luck trying it?

Thanks all, enjoy the rain! We need it!

This is Adelphia's price list as of 1/13 when they raised some prices:

Broadcast Basic - $15.95 (channels 1-22)
Expanded Basic -- $35.35 (channels 23-74)
Digital Basic (Bronzepak) -- $11.95
Digital Plus -- $10
HD+ Tier -- $10

HD+ Tier with valuepak -- free

HDTV Converter -- $8.70
Remote control -- $0.25

If you just want the broadcast basic channels, you can pay $15.95 + $8.70 + $0.25 = $25 + taxes a month for the broadcast HD. You may then be able to add HD+ for $10 per month -- I'm not sure if they require you to carry digital basic or digital + service to get it. If you want a DVR, add $10 (or $5 if with a valuepack).

HD+ includes all of their HD except the subscription channels.

If you need digital cable to get HD+ service, then the cost is $63 for programming plus $9 in equipment fees.

They have many "flavors" of value packs with and without high speed internet. They also have sign up deals which can lower your fees for as long as a year.

Joe

Did anyone else notice a strange frame rate issue with Desparate Housewives and Grey's Anatomy on Sunday? I didn't see any complaints in the main HDTV programming section, so I'm assuming it's either a local issue or an issue with my equipment. The audio was fine, but the video appeared to be at a very low frame rate. The motion of the characters was very jerky. It was on an off during DH, and only seemed to be the first half of GA. I'm using an HD-TiVo, and my first thought was that the hard drive was having issues. However, no other HD stuff Iv'e watched since then has had this issue, so it seems like it might be more than coincidence that these were both on the same channel.

I noticed the samething during GA. I remember a practicular scene when Grey was talking to her ex-lover Doc (my wife makes me watch it so I can't remember names) near the elevator and the PQ definitely seemed off. I didn't even know how to describe it but slow frame rate sounds right. I watched Soprano's from 9-10 before that and had no issues.
I was watching via TWC, on a HD DVR Receiver. I'm guessing local, temp issue.

DrJoe,

Thanks....!

Did anyone else notice a strange frame rate issue with Desparate Housewives and Grey's Anatomy on Sunday? I didn't see any complaints in the main HDTV programming section, so I'm assuming it's either a local issue or an issue with my equipment. The audio was fine, but the video appeared to be at a very low frame rate. The motion of the characters was very jerky. It was on an off during DH, and only seemed to be the first half of GA. I'm using an HD-TiVo, and my first thought was that the hard drive was having issues. However, no other HD stuff Iv'e watched since then has had this issue, so it seems like it might be more than coincidence that these were both on the same channel.

I noticed it too, watching "Housewives" a day later via TWC HD DVR. Glad it hear it wasn't something at our end -- or in my head. ;)

I have a question for Craig. Is channel 13 going to be showing HD Masters coverage from 4-7 today or tomorrow? I know that CBS affiliates have been given the option to carry this on their digital channel. I just turned it on and Oprah was on :(. I am hoping that it could be shown as in the 4 years I have had HD the Masters is the single most spectacular looking HD broadcast I have seen.

In case Craig does not see your question immediately, CBS has HD coverage Saturday and Sunday. USA Network has coverage today and tomorrow. Universal HD has coverage today and tomorrow.

It is better to call the station and ask. Off hours, use the news room number and ask to be connected to engineering.


Joe

[QUOTE=AccidenT]Did anyone else notice a strange frame rate issue with Desperate Housewives....?QUOTE]

I caught DH last Sunday. First time I had ever bothered to watch it. :) But with my new HDTV, I thought Teri, Eva and the rest might provide some excellent eye candy. And they did. :D

With WMTW-DT OTA the picture, IMO, was superb. Sounds like an issue w/TWC.

Be skiing ya,

DSG

Hello again!

Just an update to my posts of a few days ago....

I'm still having problems receiving WGME-DT OTA, but at least I've been able to watch a couple of programs all the way through without too much blank screen. :)

I'm unsure exactly what has changed, though, to allow me to tune in 13.1 at all. I tried Craig's suggestion of using an attenuator between the antenna & the TV, but that didn't seem to help one way or the other on the digital channel. It did, however, improve reception markedly on 13 analog (still using the UHF antenna).

Secondly, I've been checking the Sony's signal strength meter. With 6.1 & 8.1 the meter reads in the mid to high 90's, but with 13.1 the best I can do is a reading in the 50's to around 60 (anything below about 50 and the receiver won't "lock in" properly). Also, I have noticed that to achieve a reading near 60 on 13.1, the antenna has to be aimed perfectly. A half-inch either way and the signal strength meter drops to the low 40's and the screen, of course, goes blank.

Suggestions/comments are welcomed.

Thanks again, and

Be skiing ya,

DSG

[QUOTE=AccidenT]Did anyone else notice a strange frame rate issue with Desperate Housewives....?QUOTE]

I caught DH last Sunday. First time I had ever bothered to watch it. :) But with my new HDTV, I thought Teri, Eva and the rest might provide some excellent eye candy. And they did. :D

With WMTW-DT OTA the picture, IMO, was superb. Sounds like an issue w/TWC.

Be skiing ya,

DSG

I actually noticed the issue on my recording of the OTA broadcast, so the issue wasn't just limited to TWC. The best way to describe it is that it was like a really low FF speed (like 1.2x). Just enough that frames seemed to be skippped and the motion looked jerky. The audio didn't sound sped up, though, so I'm not sure what the issue really is.

AccidenT,

Having had an HDTV set for less than a week at that point, perhaps I was so in awe of the (generally) excellent picture (not to mention the women of DH :) ; as I said, I'd never bothered to watch the show before) that I simply didn't notice what you've described....Don't know.

Be skiing ya,

DSG

I have a question for Craig. Is channel 13 going to be showing HD Masters coverage from 4-7 today or tomorrow? I know that CBS affiliates have been given the option to carry this on their digital channel. I just turned it on and Oprah was on :(. I am hoping that it could be shown as in the 4 years I have had HD the Masters is the single most spectacular looking HD broadcast I have seen.

Just looked in on the thread and found your question. Masters are on NOW in HD Started ar 4pm and it will be in HD this weekend.

Enjoy!

Just looked in on the thread and found your question. Masters are on NOW in HD Started ar 4pm and it will be in HD this weekend.

Enjoy!

Thanks Craig! The broadcast was spectacular as always :D

Hi folks,

I got an old VOOM receiver from Capsfan, and have been adjusting it for the past few weeks. I have the antenna the correct height now (I need to get a drill and fix the mast extension in place with a set screw), but am having a problem getting all of the signals in. To get WMTW and WCSH, I need to use a preamp on the antenna signal. WGME comes in good too. But I am only a few miles from the Augusta PBS tower, and it is swamping my tuner. If I turn the preamp off, it comes in fine.

Are there affordable adjustable attenuators out there? Or attenutors for a single channel (17)?

Thanks,

Joe

Dr. Joe,

Radio Shack offers this adjustable (at least as regards to amount, as opposed to which channel(s)) attenuator....

http://www.radioshack.com/product/index.jsp?productId=2062022&cp=&origkw=attenuator&kw=attenuator&parentPage=search

....and it's fairly inexpensive.

Be skiing ya,

DSG

Joe,

Check out Craig Clark's suggestion in post 814 above. Good luck!

Dana

Dr. Joe,

Another thought....

You might try e-mailing/calling either Stark Electronics:

(http://www.starkelectronic.com/)

or Ness Electronics:

(http://www.nesselectronics.com/index.php?loc=main).

I've dealt with both and have generally been pleased with the service they've provided. Their online catalogs (especially Ness') can be a little hard to decipher unless you have specific part numbers.

Hope these suggestions help.

Be skiing ya,

DSG

Dana,

I think the attenuator Craig was referencing works on all channels. I think it would knock out WMTW. I tried using an adjustable signal amp instead of the preamp, and found that WMTW wasn't comming in at full gain, and PBS was already swamped out.

DSG,

Thanks for the links. I'll send them an email. I no that Winegard sells an adjustable attenuator, but there aren't any local distributors. Looks like Stark reps Winegard. It's expensive though (lists for $50). I'm hoping someone sells "tuned" passive in-line filters that are cheaper.

take care,

Joe

Dr Joe: Check out Solid Signal, the Channel Plus CPNF-469 Notch Filter rejects off air UHF 14 to 19. Might hamper WABI if you get it now. It's $29 plus shipping. May be cheaper at other off air suppliers.

Well, I've almost got it working properly.

Turns out Dana was right. I knocked the signal down 20 dB across the board and PBS is coming in much better while everything else is still coming in. It overloads evry now and then at random -- the meter reads 93-96, and then sags down to 70 for a few seconds, then comes back. I'll try to find anouther 5-6 dB filter.

Now if only WB and UPN would get their signals up!

thanks for your suggestions all,

Joe

Hello all,

Good news for DirecTV subs who cannot get all the Portland-Auburn market HD local broadcasts OTA. We are now scheduled to get MPEG 4 HD LIL sometime in 2006 with rollout starting in the third quarter 2006. Here's the official link http://phx.corporate-ir.net/phoenix.zhtml?c=127160&p=irol-newsArticle&ID=850780&highlight=

Portland-Auburn has been moved up in priority. (Good luck getting Fox.)

Dana

Hello all,

Good news for DirecTV subs who cannot get all the Portland-Auburn market HD local broadcasts OTA. We are now scheduled to get MPEG 4 HD LIL sometime in 2006 with rollout starting in the third quarter 2006. Here's the official link http://phx.corporate-ir.net/phoenix.zhtml?c=127160&p=irol-newsArticle&ID=850780&highlight=

Portland-Auburn has been moved up in priority. (Good luck getting Fox.)

Dana

Good news for some, not so good for others. This means any of use with the NY FOX HD feed will lose it. Unless D* releases an MPEG-4 HD DVR and includes the WPFO HD feed, we'll lose the ability to record or even watch Fox HD.

AccidenT,

As far as I know, WPFO Fox 23 isn't broadcasting HD and won't be for some time to come. So, I don't think you'll loose your NY Fox feed if you presently have a waiver for it.

Fox denied me a waiver. :mad:

Dana

Does the fact that WPFO provides a digital/HD Signal to TWC make difference?

I think the deciding factor on keeping the NY FOX HD feed is whether or not D* carries WPFO's HD feed.

From what I've read, in some markets D* gets the feed via fiber and in others it gets it OTA, so it depends on what method they're planning to use in Portland, since WPFO isn't available OTA.

jkurlanski,

No, I don't think so because that's a closed circuit, i.e., not a broadcast channel. As I understand it, the MPEG4 HD LIL service necessitates that D* receive a local HD broadcast channel on its satellite which then distributes it in a so-called spot beam back down to the local market area.

Dana

I think the deciding factor on keeping the NY FOX HD feed is whether or not D* carries WPFO's HD feed.

From what I've read, in some markets D* gets the feed via fiber and in others it gets it OTA, so it depends on what method they're planning to use in Portland, since WPFO isn't available OTA.

Yes, of course I agree. I wasn't aware that D* might get its feed via fiber.

Dana

I receive HD from Augusta Adelphia. Channel 704 is Fox and, since January, I have been seeing a direct feed from Fox. Nothing of a local nature. Everything is network and the screen goes to black or test pattern without national programming.

In the last couple of weeks, however, the programming has been coming from WPFO with both national and local programming. Something has obviously changed and I cannot help but believe that WPFO is broadcasting now in digital format.

I receive HD from Augusta Adelphia. Channel 704 is Fox and, since January, I have been seeing a direct feed from Fox. Nothing of a local nature. Everything is network and the screen goes to black or test pattern without national programming.

In the last couple of weeks, however, the programming has been coming from WPFO with both national and local programming. Something has obviously changed and I cannot help but believe that WPFO is broadcasting now in digital format.

Nope. Here's what WPFO says on its web site here http://www.foxmaine.com/advertise-with-fox23.php

"WPFO is currently available in High-Definition only on Time Warner Cable, Channel 507, and Adelphia Cable, Channel 704. These channels provide a simulcast of our regular programming. WPFO plans to begin broadcasting in HD over-the-air by January 1, 2009."

Dana

PS. Since Comcast has now acquired Suscom in the midcoast area, I suppose there's a possibility that it will eventually pick up WPFO's FOX HD.

The actual fact is, WPFO came into existance after the first round of digital assignments were handed out. While the other broadcasters in Maine have two channels to broadcast on (one digital and one analog), they only have an analog channel. When analog broadcasting ends, they will broadcast digital on their present analog channel. Hence the January 1, 2009 date.

Whether they are broadcasting or not, getting their HD signal on DirecTV will depend on whether they can get the signal to DirecTV, and whether DirecTV is willing to carry it. "Must Carry" does not apply for DTV unless the station does not have an analog signal (and I think there is only one station in the US that fits that bill).

Joe

Joe,

Right. Of course D* is promoting all four major local HD LIL channels.

" Local news, sports and popular primetime programming from ABC, CBS, FOX and NBC will be available in HD to customers who subscribe to any TOTAL CHOICE(R) programming package that offers local channels. There is no additional charge for local HD programming."

But it will be interesting to see whether D* delivers FOX HD into the Portland-Auburn market area under the circumstances.

BTW. Much gnashing of teeth on other forums to see our market area #74 in population served get D* HD LILs ahead of some other larger market areas. :)

Now if D* would only carry NESN HD...

Dana

GO PATS!

Now if D* would only carry NESN HD...

Dana

GO PATS!

Exactly - the lack of NESN HD is one of the big reasons that many people I talk to haven't switched to D* from TWC.

Nope. Here's what WPFO says on its web site here http://www.foxmaine.com/general-info.php

"WPFO is currently available in High-Definition only on Time Warner Cable, Channel 507, and Adelphia Cable, Channel 704. These channels provide a simulcast of our regular programming. WPFO plans to begin broadcasting in HD over-the-air by January 1, 2009."

Dana

PS. Since Comcast has now acquired Suscom in the midcoast area, I suppose there's a possibility that it will eventually pick up WPFO's FOX HD.

Up until a couple of weeks ago, Augusta Adelphia channel 704 did not carry WPFO's local programming. It only carried the network digital high definition feed. In the last couple of weeks a change of some sort has been effected and the programming on channel 704 is clearly a simulcast of WPFO's regular programming, including both standard and high definition formats. Since WPFO is not broadcasting over the air in digital high definition, the station must have found a way to directly feed the cable companies their full programming both standard and high definition. This is new in the last couple of weeks and obviously does not involve their over the air broadcasting as such.

No longer do we sit waiting for American Idol, etc. and stare at network instructions to the local Fox broadcasters regarding the upcoming national program. Everything local and national is now integrated.

Exactly - the lack of NESN HD is one of the big reasons that many people I talk to haven't switched to D* from TWC.

Right on. I went to D* from Suscom because poor little Suscom couldn't get the Channel 13 HD feed from Sinclair w/o paying for it - and didn't want to do so. I'm hoping that Comcast - obviously a much bigger company than Suscom - will find a way to carry CBS HD. I understand that Comcast and Sinclair found a way to cooperate in Baltimore.

Comcast already carries NESN HD (and CBS HD) elsewhere in New England. Their reputation is to have a standardized menu wherever they operate.

If so, Comcast here I come.

Dana

Up until a couple of weeks ago, Augusta Adelphia channel 704 did not carry WPFO's local programming. It only carried the network digital high definition feed. In the last couple of weeks a change of some sort has been effected and the programming on channel 704 is clearly a simulcast of WPFO's regular programming, including both standard and high definition formats. Since WPFO is not broadcasting over the air in digital high definition, the station must have found a way to directly feed the cable companies their full programming both standard and high definition. This is new in the last couple of weeks and obviously does not involve their over the air broadcasting as such.

No longer do we sit waiting for American Idol, etc. and stare at network instructions to the local Fox broadcasters regarding the upcoming national program. Everything local and national is now integrated.

I have frequently run across color bars on WPFO on TWC. Then later, its switched over. Thats both for local programming and national. The real fun is when local commercials are supposed to be playing, and all you get is a spinning FOX logo (which is usually better than the Ad). They may have installed new gear to automate the transition, or someone more, um, on top of things, is at the switch.

I have frequently run across color bars on WPFO on TWC. Then later, its switched over. Thats both for local programming and national. The real fun is when local commercials are supposed to be playing, and all you get is a spinning FOX logo (which is usually better than the Ad). They may have installed new gear to automate the transition, or someone more, um, on top of things, is at the switch.

Prior to 2 weeks ago, I never detected any sign of local origin programming or advertising. I doubt if anyone was asleep at the switch unless he slept right through for 3 1/2 months. (prior is unknown)

Hi all,
I just wanted to post an update on the situation here at WPXT/WPME currently MainesWB and MainesUPN. Our digital transmitters are in at the transmitter site. They are being setup and proofed as we speak. We haven't got the transition line and antenna yet. They should arrive and be installed in a couple of weeks or so. Don't quote me on that. So we should soon be broadcasting both WB and UPN network shows in HD.

As far as the whole CW thing, at this point we have signed nothing... yet. I can't comment on anything till it's a done deal. If you are interested on what's going to be happening, stay tuned here. I will post info as it becomes available.

Chet Cook
Engineer
WPXT/WPME



Any idea when we might see the ota broadcast for these two networks. I noted a post where it was mentioned about road postings in Gray. I believe they have all been lifted so I was curious as to how things were progressing. What will the digital channels be?

Thanks,
wayne

http://www.w9wi.com/tvdb/tvdb_qth.htm

WPME 28 DT
WPXT 43 DT

see link above for additional channels

Thanks for the reply. I know for instance that I get cbs and nbc out of Portland on 13.1 and 6.1 respectively so I'm not sure how these upper channels actually equate to what I need to tune to.

wayne

The DTV stations are mostly UHF. Your tuner actually "tunes" to the UHF number (38 for WGME 13, 44 for WCSH 6, 46 for WMTW 8), but it "maps" the channels to the analog number. So as far as your HDTV ATSC tuner tells you, Channel 38 becomes 13.1 (HDTV) and 13.2 (analog simulcast). Channel 44 become 6.1 (HDTV), 6.2 (weather) and 6.3 (analog simulcast). Channel 46 becomes 8.1 (HDTV). Depending on where you are, the PBS DTV station will map to XX.1 (analog simulcast) and XX.2 (PBS national HD feed), where XX is your nearby PBS station number. When you use your remote control to view a channel, you "tune" to 13.1, 8.1, etc. The tuner is really tuning to the "real" channel that the broadcast it on.

There are a few older ATSC tuners out there that don't map the channels, or which may let you choose whether to map them or not. Most ATSC tuners don't give you a choice.


Joe

[QUOTE=drbonbi]Right on. I went to D* from Suscom because poor little Suscom couldn't get the Channel 13 HD feed from Sinclair w/o paying for it - and didn't want to do so. I'm hoping that Comcast - obviously a much bigger company than Suscom - will find a way to carry CBS HD. I understand that Comcast and Sinclair found a way to cooperate in Baltimore.

Comcast already carries NESN HD (and CBS HD) elsewhere in New England. Their reputation is to have a standardized menu wherever they operate.

If so, Comcast here I come.

Dana[/QUOTE

You are correct, WGME DT will be on Comcast. I was told that it will take about a month before you see it.

Craig

Craig,

Thanks so much for the info! Good news!

Dana

GO PATS!

Speaking of the Comcast takeover of Suscom has anyone heard when this may occur? I had Comcast in Philadelphia and while their customer service leaves something to desire (what cable company doesn't) there channel selection and quality is pretty good. Looking forward to getting NESN HD and possibely Fox plus I hate Dish's DVR.

The Comcast acquisition of Suscom has happened. A news story here http://www.multichannel.com/article/CA6330344.html?display=Breaking+News says it took place Monday. It was Tuesday when employees at the Brunswick, ME. office heard the news.

Let's hope NESN HD happens soon.

Dana

GO PATS!

Dana[/QUOTE

You are correct, WGME DT will be on Comcast. I was told that it will take about a month before you see it.

Craig[/QUOTE]

Craig,

On that basis, Craig, I have decided to become a Suscom HD subscriber again! Let's hope it all works out. The local Suscom cust svc reps have no clue but their head end techs will have to know about it soon, I would think. Looking forward to seeing WGME HD on Suscom/Comcast in a month.

Dana

Hey, Craig, still no word of WGME DT going on Adelphia? (Sometime in the next few months we should be Time Warner.)

I'm confused: I thought Suscom property, particularly around Brunswick/Topsham, was going to be "traded" to TWC in exchange for TWC property that was near/around Comcast Country elsewhere. Did I miss something?

I'm confused: I thought Suscom property, particularly around Brunswick/Topsham, was going to be "traded" to TWC in exchange for TWC property that was near/around Comcast Country elsewhere. Did I miss something?

There have been various rumors about such trades, having to do with Adelphia territories primarily, since it is being acquired by both TWC and Comcast nationally. I haven't heard about Suscom-Maine being involved. Comcast already owned something like 30% of Suscom so its buyout involved acquiring the other 70%. It seems serious in staking out Suscom-Maine as a Comcast outpost. Perhaps it will then seek to acquire some adjoining Adelphia territory?

The only other Comcast system in Maine is Kittery-So. Berwick-Elliot I believe.

Dana

GO PATS!

At least according to the Adelphia staff at the Lewiston office a few months ago, all the Adelphia holdings in Maine are supposed to become part of Time Warner.

Joe

Hey, Craig, still no word of WGME DT going on Adelphia? (Sometime in the next few months we should be Time Warner.)
Stan, I am afraid there is no deal with Time Warner to carry our DT yet. I will keep you posted with any changes that come up.

Hi all!
You just have to love the politics and red tape of the TV business. The key word is business. Here is an update on the digital transmitters for WPXT and WPME.

We have our transmission line and antennas at the site in Gray. We are now waiting for American Tower, the company that owns the site, to give approval on the work and the workers. They were informed back in January and have been sitting on it. So, I'll let you know when things start to move again.

Also, more red tape and politics, we are all set to be carried on Time Warner Cable. We have retransmission agreements signed. We have the equipment ready. We are just waiting for TWC to hook up there equipment. (We have a fiber feed directly to their building. We are only a couple miles down the road from them). We called yesterday to get the status. The responded with some obvious double talk saying it could take up to six months to get us on. So, I'll let you know when that happens too.

Chet Cook
Engineer
WPXT/WPME

Hello all,

Here's the fundamental reason that Suscom/Comcast will be carrying WGME DT in the near future.

"Sinclair Announces Analog and Digital Carriage Agreement with Comcast

"BALTIMORE (March 16, 2005) - Sinclair Broadcast Group, Inc. (Nasdaq:
SBGI) is pleased to announce that it has reached a binding retransmission
consent agreement providing for the cable carriage by Comcast cable systems
of all Sinclair stations located in markets served by Comcast. The multi-
year agreement relates to the analog and digital signals of the Sinclair
stations.... "

The complete press release is here http://www.sbgi.net/press/release_2005316_104.shtml

Dana
GO PAT!

Hi all!
You just have to love the politics and red tape of the TV business. The key word is business. Here is an update on the digital transmitters for WPXT and WPME.

We have our transmission line and antennas at the site in Gray. We are now waiting for American Tower, the company that owns the site, to give approval on the work and the workers. They were informed back in January and have been sitting on it. So, I'll let you know when things start to move again.

Also, more red tape and politics, we are all set to be carried on Time Warner Cable. We have retransmission agreements signed. We have the equipment ready. We are just waiting for TWC to hook up there equipment. (We have a fiber feed directly to their building. We are only a couple miles down the road from them). We called yesterday to get the status. The responded with some obvious double talk saying it could take up to six months to get us on. So, I'll let you know when that happens too.


Chet Cook
Engineer
WPXT/WPME

Now, here are a couple of stations that are ANXIOUS to get their digital signal on cable. Wouldn't you think that they ALL would be anxious? As soon as they appear on Adelphia (TWC?) they will be in front of this viewer's eyeballs and subject to a reaction from the advertising that generates the profits. I guess I won't be seeing WGME or WABI for awhile, so they can just forget about the huge profits that they might have realized from me.

Hello all,

Good news for DirecTV subs who cannot get all the Portland-Auburn market HD local broadcasts OTA. We are now scheduled to get MPEG 4 HD LIL sometime in 2006 with rollout starting in the third quarter 2006. Here's the official link http://phx.corporate-ir.net/phoenix.zhtml?c=127160&p=irol-newsArticle&ID=850780&highlight=

Portland-Auburn has been moved up in priority. (Good luck getting Fox.)

Dana

I was contacted by Directv today (5.9.06) to go over our HD signal. I was told late summer for the Portland - Auburn rollout. Sinclair/WGME has an agreement with Directv to carry our HD. Still working on the Time Warner retrans.

I was contacted by Directv today (5.9.06) to go over our HD signal. I was told late summer for the Portland - Auburn rollout. Sinclair/WGME has an agreement with Directv to carry our HD. Still working on the Time Warner retrans.

Thanks for the info, Craig. I hope to see you on Adelphia (TWC?) by the Fall season.

Stan,

Check out this site: http://www.iptv.org/dtv/2005/media_pres.cfm?id=37

There is a description of how Nielsen is counting DTV viewers by a Nielsen spokesman Very interesting. It looks like they now combine viewers of the primary DTV channel + the analog channel. The conference was in October last year.

I'm still not sure how "huge" their advertising revenue loss is due to the handful of DTV-only viewers like US (I suspect it is tiny and not huge), but at least we are now counted.

Joe

Has anyone else been experiencing a lot of freezing/pixelation/audio dropouts with 13-1 OTA? Tuesday's episodes of The Unit were pretty much unwatchable, and last night my DVR gave up recording CSI:NY and Letterman beacause of the issues. The other OTA stations have been fine, and I remember a while back there was a problem on WGME's end of things causing these sorts of breakups.

Has anyone else been experiencing a lot of freezing/pixelation/audio dropouts with 13-1 OTA? Tuesday's episodes of The Unit were pretty much unwatchable, and last night my DVR gave up recording CSI:NY and Letterman beacause of the issues. The other OTA stations have been fine, and I remember a while back there was a problem on WGME's end of things causing these sorts of breakups.

Can't help you, AccidenT, because I don't see WGME over the air or otherwise, but I'm sure that Craig will have the problem fixed by nightfall. ........ It's great having station engineers tuned in to the viewers.

I have a question for folks as well. WMTW has fine HD, but when I am watching shadowy or dark programs like Lost or Invasion, I get a pulsing from smooth to grainy or ghosty without the double image if you know what I mean. This only happens when the scene is shadowy or dark. The other channels don't display this condition.

Probably, this is something that occurs at the cable headend for WMTW only. I doubt if WMTW is putting out a signal that would cause it, however, I thought it would be wise to find out if anyone here has seen it.

Has anyone else been experiencing a lot of freezing/pixelation/audio dropouts with 13-1 OTA? Tuesday's episodes of The Unit were pretty much unwatchable, and last night my DVR gave up recording CSI:NY and Letterman beacause of the issues. The other OTA stations have been fine, and I remember a while back there was a problem on WGME's end of things causing these sorts of breakups.


No equipment issues at WGME, Also "The Unit" was solid at my house. I did not watch CSI. No calls from viewers but I will keep an eye on the thread.
Craig

Hi, can anyone comment on the HD offering that Adelphia has? How's the picture quality when compared to OTA? Do they actually carry all the HD that they show in their channel listing online? Any new channels (like TNT-HD) in the pipeline?

Thanks all....

Hi, can anyone comment on the HD offering that Adelphia has? How's the picture quality when compared to OTA? Do they actually carry all the HD that they show in their channel listing online? Any new channels (like TNT-HD) in the pipeline?

Thanks all....

For the $1.75 price of cablecard:
704 - FOX
706 - NBC
708 - ABC
712 - PBS
770 - HDNET
771 - HDNETMOVIES
772 - ESPN
773 - NESN
774 - INHD
775 - INHD2
776 - DISCOVERY THEATER
777 - NFL
778 - ESPN2
779 - FSNE (only Celtics home games so far)

No knowledge of future offerings, although I would like to see CBS added.

Very good picture. No knowledge of over the air reception for broadcast tv.

You missed HBO-HD, Showtime-HD, Cinemax-HD, and Starz-HD
Of course you need to subscribe to the "parent" movie channel.

And an HD digital cable box/remote control costs a bit more than a cable card ($8.95 + tax per month). HD digital video recorder (DVR) is is $5 or $10/month depending on subscription level. They also list a $50 DVR activation fee, but they may waive that fee if there is a signup deal going on.

The various HD tiers may require minimum subscription levels as well. I think "broadcast basic" lets you get the broadcast HD channels. The "HDTV Plus Tier" is $8/month or free with a "value pack" subscription -- but you may have to subscribe to digital service to get it at all.

Basically, they try to nickel and dime you to death LOL

Joe

Thanks fellas. I can't go the cablecard route and wouldn't opt for the DVR. What I'm really concerned with is the pq. If it's HD-Lite, forget it. Not having CBS is a real downer but perhaps that will change in the future.

My current setup is through Dish but my contract is over at the end of the month. My set doesn't have a built in tuner so I'm using their receiver to grab channels OTA. It would really suck to lose CBS at this point so I might wait it out to swap over. Isn't Adelphia going to change hands at the end of this month too?

pjo

Hello all,

Several have asked when Adelphia will be taken over by TW. Here's a recent column that indicates there are pros and cons even at this late date. If it doesn't happen by July 31, all bets are off and some creditors apparently are trying delaying tactics. Here's the lead paragraph.

"The sale of Adelphia Communications to Time Warner Cable has dragged on for months. The deal breezed through antitrust review long ago, but bickering among Adelphia's many creditors and gridlock at the Federal Communications Commission threaten to push the deal perilously close to its July 31 drop-dead date. The cancellation deadline gives Time Warner Cable a chance to do something that makes a lot of sense and would make many people on Wall Street happy: Walk away.... "

This is just the opinion of a columnist. The entire piece is here http://www.broadcastingcable.com/article/CA6334530.html?display=John+Higgins&referral=SUPP

It does kind of summarize the issues.

Dana

You missed HBO-HD, Showtime-HD, Cinemax-HD, and Starz-HD
Of course you need to subscribe to the "parent" movie channel.

And an HD digital cable box/remote control costs a bit more than a cable card ($8.95 + tax per month). HD digital video recorder (DVR) is is $5 or $10/month depending on subscription level. They also list a $50 DVR activation fee, but they may waive that fee if there is a signup deal going on.

The various HD tiers may require minimum subscription levels as well. I think "broadcast basic" lets you get the broadcast HD channels. The "HDTV Plus Tier" is $8/month or free with a "value pack" subscription -- but you may have to subscribe to digital service to get it at all.

Basically, they try to nickel and dime you to death LOL

Joe

Joe, I have analog channels 2 through 74, no SD digital channels (except 2 free Flix ??), no premium channels and the channels that I list above for only the price of the cablecard ($1.75) and the regular price of channels 2 through 74. Seems like a good deal. I can't seem to work up enough interest in the digital channels or HBO HD, etc. to acquire them. .................... It sure will be nice, however, when CBS comes along.

To answer the man's specific question, the picture quality is very good on the Augusta system. After reading AVS forum for well over a year, I can say that, consistently, the word is that over the air is best, cable is second and DBS is last in quality.

Hello all,

Comcast has now posted an FAQ about its acquisition of Suscom. It doesn't say too much about timing but makes it clear that eventually Suscom customers will have "... all of the same products and services that Comcast offers to its current customers..." The link is here http://www.comcast.com/Support/Corp1/FAQ/Faq2_366_0.html

Dana

Just discovered this forum from a link somebody gave me at dbsforums.
I'm in the Standish/Steep Falls, Baldwin area, and am looking to pick up OTA HD channels. What make/model antenna is recommended?
Also, I know Adelphia has been sold to Time Warner in my area, but I've been seeing a lot of Comcast vans around lately. Any chance Comcast is getting this area instead of Time Warner (I REALLY want to keep using an integrated Tivo unit, be it an HD DirecTivo, or an HD ComcasTivo)?

Hello kturcotte and welcome to this forum!

Regarding OTA HD antenna, you may get some recommendations by using the antenna selector here http://ww2.titantv.com/ttv/antennaselector/start.aspx

As for the buyout of Adelphia, it hasn't taken place as of the moment as far as I know. July 31 is the drop dead date. Everything I have read plus the contact Dr. Joe has had with Adelphia in Lewiston - see his comments in Post 867 above - indicate that TWC gets all of Adelphia's Maine territories when/if the takeover happens.

Still, your spotting Comcast trucks in your area is interesting...

Dana

PS. The first indication that Comcast is in control of Suscom. My monthly automatic credit card bill payment went to Comcast. :)

Hi all, I've been living in NY for the past year and have gotten quite spoiled on my SA 8300 with Passport software. My parents up in Maine, on the other hand, are still stuck with SARA on their 8300. Anyone know of any plans for TW Maine to make the switch?

Hello all,

The latest on the TWC-Adelphia deal. The link is here http://www.broadcastingcable.com/article/CA6338757.html?display=Breaking+News

"Adelphia Tries To Speed Time Warner Deal

"By John M. Higgins -- Broadcasting & Cable, 5/26/2006 4:10:00 PM

"Mindful of a drop-dead date in its deal to sell out to Time Warner and Comcast, Adelphia Communications is asking a bankruptcy court judge to permit the sale without putting it to a vote of the creditors. Ordinarily, the sale of virtually all of a company's assets of a company in Chapter 11 requires creditors to approve a reorganization plan.

"But the bickering among Adelphia's creditors is so contentious that some who get less of the sale proceeds may try and block the deal to get leverage over creditors that get more money. So Adelphia wants complete the sale of the bulk of its systems to Time Warner Cable for $17.6 billion in cash and stock, holding onto the proceeds while creditors continue to fight it out. The deal was set to expire July 31, but Time Warner and Comcast agreed to extend it one month to Aug. 31."

Dana

Hello all,

My son-in-law took down the D* 3 LNB dish and the Winegard GS-1100 non-amplified OTA antenna tonight, along with the DS-1111 offset mounting pole. This antenna did a very credible job in pulling in WGME Channel 13 HD on Bailey Island. We left the base mounting plate on the roof rather than leave holes and have to patch, reshingle, etc.

Anyway, the three LNB dish is probably no good to anyone since its replacement with the 5 LNB model is perhaps already underway. (I've seen one installed.) But, if anyone would like any or all of the above for free, let me know. There's a pix of the assembly - dish, pole and antenna - here http://www.solidsignal.com/prod_display.asp?PROD=SDS-1111&main_cat=203&CAT= You can have the two D* diplexers (Terk brand) also.

I just hate to see them get thrown away if someone needs them.

Dana

Hello all,

My son-in-law took down the D* 3 LNB dish and the Winegard GS-1100 non-amplified OTA antenna tonight, along with the DS-1111 offset mounting pole. This antenna did a very credible job in pulling in WGME Channel 13 HD on Bailey Island. We left the base mounting plate on the roof rather than leave holes and have to patch, reshingle, etc.

Anyway, the three LNB dish is probably no good to anyone since its replacement with the 5 LNB model is perhaps already underway. (I've seen one installed.) But, if anyone would like any or all of the above for free, let me know. There's a pix of the assembly - dish, pole and antenna - here http://www.solidsignal.com/prod_display.asp?PROD=SDS-1111&main_cat=203&CAT= You can have the two D* diplexers (Terk brand) also.

I just hate to see them get thrown away if someone needs them.

Dana

Hi Dana,

I'll call dibs. Right now I'm using a small antenna that's in my bedroom, and while it does the job most of the time, it looks kind of silly and can suffer from multipath when anyone is walking around upstairs. :eek:

Let me know what kind of pickup arrangement works for you.

Eric

Eric,

I'm retired and home most of the time. Call 833-6285. Dana Baggett. If we're lucky I might be able to meet you in Brunswick.

Dana

Greetings,
DT update, we will be adding “The Tube Music Network” http://www.thetubetv.com within two weeks. It will be on 13-2. It is music television without any reality shows. We’ve been running in house for a couple of weeks now, it looks to have a good appeal to many viewers.


As a side note, I have a maintenance technician that is retiring soon. If anyone knows of a person with a broadcast background -(Television –Radio), with I.T experience and would be interested in working in Portland please have them use this link http://jobs.sbgnet.com/sbghire/JobManagement.jsp?pageMode=view&jobID=2473
and apply for the position.

Craig

That's pretty cool Craig, I just hope it doesn't impact the 13-1 HD picture quality. Would this channel be carried by the local cable companies too or is it only available OTA?

Yes, digital sub-channels are the enemy of high definition. The station uses less of its bandwidth for HD and the cable companies use up more of their available bandwidth for the extra channel which the station wants the cable to carry. You can't blame the station, since it's a business issue, but it's up to the consumer to freeze it out if they want quality HD from cable or even to a lesser degree over the air.

Of course, I suspect Sinclair will try to force the cable systems to carry the new sub-channel and will continue to hold-out from granting permission to carry the digital signal. I wouldn't be surprised if they would hold-out until 2/09 at which time they would be willing to beg Time Warner, etc. to carry their signal. .......... You can't take it personally, it's just business.

Doesn't WGME currently have a digital simulcast of the SD channel on 13-2? Hopefully "The Tube" will be a replacement for that rather than an additional subchannel.

And as far as the cable company goes, there is no requirement for "must carry" of digital subchannels. So Adelphia and Time Warner will carry The Tube or not based on their personal corporate preference.

Why would Sinclair "beg" Time Warner etc to carry their signal? It's the other way around. Under must carry rules, when analog goes away, the cable company MUST carry WGME's primary DTV signal -- unless Sinclair want to be compensated for it. Then the cable company will beg Sinclair for the CBS feed.

Joe

[/QUOTE Dana,

You are correct, WGME DT will be on Comcast. I was told that it will take about a month before you see it.

Craig[/QUOTE]

Craig,

You wrote the above on May 4. What is the current status of seeing WGME DT on Suscom/Comcast here in the mid-coast? Inquiries to Suscom are fruitless as Comcast is calling the shots - behind the scene so far. Thanks.

Dana

Accident,

Yup, 13-2 is the SD simulcast. Hopefully you're right and they just take the Tube program and run it instead of the SD simulcast. If so, the pq might be the same.

Stan, I read your other post in the general HDTV area. WGME and their HD programming is amazing at times. I would have to say you are really missing out on that. Does your set have a tuner in it where you could get locals? If so, get to it and you'll thank me later :)

pjo

Good questions and concerns.
There will be NO Change to the HD quality on WGME 1. We run the full 1080i with no trimming. As for WGME -2, No change in bandwdth either we are swapping progamming -WGME 13 SD for Tube TV.

Cable
Comcast and Adelphia will carry Tube TV. No changes regarding our HD on cable, sorry to say.

Directv should have our HD on this summer.

Craig

And as far as the cable company goes, there is no requirement for "must carry" of digital subchannels. So Adelphia and Time Warner will carry The Tube or not based on their personal corporate preference.

Why would Sinclair "beg" Time Warner etc to carry their signal? It's the other way around. Under must carry rules, when analog goes away, the cable company MUST carry WGME's primary DTV signal -- unless Sinclair want to be compensated for it. Then the cable company will beg Sinclair for the CBS feed.

Joe

Yeah, I know you are correct that Time Warner will never have to beg Sinclair to carry their primary signal. It's only wishful thinking.

On the other hand, the digital subchannels are not entirely based on cable corporate preference. Sinclair can say that if the cable won't carry their subchannels, then they cannot carry their primary channel. Reaching the point where Sinclair finally caves in and "begs" cable companies to carry their primary signal can be long and painful. Cable customers need to hold out along with the cable companies, so they don't have to pay higher rates AND have the cable bandwidth clogged up with stuff that is not in HD or something that you really want to see.

Good questions and concerns.
There will be NO Change to the HD quality on WGME 1. We run the full 1080i with no trimming. As for WGME -2, No change in bandwdth either we are swapping progamming -WGME 13 SD for Tube TV.

Cable
Comcast and Adelphia will carry Tube TV. No changes regarding our HD on cable, sorry to say.

Directv should have our HD on this summer.

Craig

It's great to have you on here, Craig, because you can really clear things up.

Let me ask you a little bit about this and, please, forgive me if I don't know what I'm talking about. I have read a lot about this stuff, but that only makes me dangerous. It doesn't make me knowledgeable.

Aren't you using up available bandwidth when you broadcast a subchannel? Wouldn't your HD signal be EVEN BETTER if you had no subchannel? Granted, their will be no change to the quality of your HD signal when you change what you carry on your existing subchannel, but wouldn't it be better without any subchannel?

Further, you said that Comcast and Adelphia will carry Tube Tv. Does that mean Adelphia will pick it up and still not have access to the HD signal?

Again, it's great to have you posting here.

Accident,

Yup, 13-2 is the SD simulcast. Hopefully you're right and they just take the Tube program and run it instead of the SD simulcast. If so, the pq might be the same.

Stan, I read your other post in the general HDTV area. WGME and their HD programming is amazing at times. I would have to say you are really missing out on that. Does your set have a tuner in it where you could get locals? If so, get to it and you'll thank me later :)

pjo

Yes, my Sony SXRD has EVERYTHING in it but the kitchen sink, but I am 55 miles away from the transmitter and would need an antenna. I really want CBS, but I hate to go to an antenna now after all these years. In addition, my location makes me uncertain that I would get a real strong signal. Someday, I expect Adelphia will pick up WABI or WGME and, then, we'll be all set. Of course, I know over the air is better than cable, but I'll accept the difference.

I knew that Sinclair would hold out for compensation, but I am really surprised that WABI would hold out. That station seems like an old friend since I remember the day it signed on the air in January 1953 and we watched through the snow. The folks up in Bangor have let me down.

Cable customers need to hold out along with the cable companies, so they don't have to pay higher rates AND have the cable bandwidth clogged up with stuff that is not in HD or something that you really want to see.

LOL --
That's why I'm not a cable customer any more.

About 90% of the channels Adelphia carries fit the description of "have to pay higher rates AND have the cable bandwidth clogged up with stuff that is not in HD or something that you really want to see"

I watched maybe 16 channels and they wanted to charge > $100 for them because of all the garbage they require you to pay for to get what you want.

What we really need is an al la carte 30 chanells for $30 and pick what you want subscription service.

Later

Joe

Stan,

Tough call from 55 miles away. I believe 60 miles is the cutoff as to where the shape of the earth comes into play. That stinks for you but you could still try. FWIW, I have an antenna in a small crawlspace above my 'media' room. I'm about 33 miles away from the transmitter and have trees all around but I can still attain a signal strength of 75-80% for CBS. That's without a pre-amp too.

I recall one night last year I was pulling in all of the Boston channels which are over 80 miles away from me. That was a fluke as I had some atmospheric help. It was cool to see the WB/Fox/etc OTA though while I had it :)

I think my brother might have that same set too....nice one!

pjo

I'm 58 miles away from WABI according to Antenna Web and can get it with a table top antenna that came with my HDTV PC card at 80%. But I couldn't get WMTW at all and WCSH at 27% and WGME at 50%. I moved my roof top antenna to the other end of the house and WGME came in 80% and received PBS 9 Orono at 80%. I added a UHF antenna to the top of the pole with my DBS Dishes (hill and tall pines to the south) and now WMTW is 85%, WGME 85%, WCSH 65+%. Analog has been rotten at this location. Antenna positioning and height is the key. The fruits are worth the effort when a good show is broadcast in HD, and I feel the sub channels and the EPG do take away from the potential HD feed. Like Dr Joe, sat signals should be available ala carte. You won't know till you try.

It's great to have you on here, Craig, because you can really clear things up.

Let me ask you a little bit about this and, please, forgive me if I don't know what I'm talking about. I have read a lot about this stuff, but that only makes me dangerous. It doesn't make me knowledgeable.

Aren't you using up available bandwidth when you broadcast a subchannel? Wouldn't your HD signal be EVEN BETTER if you had no subchannel? Granted, their will be no change to the quality of your HD signal when you change what you carry on your existing subchannel, but wouldn't it be better without any subchannel?

Further, you said that Comcast and Adelphia will carry Tube Tv. Does that mean Adelphia will pick it up and still not have access to the HD signal?

Again, it's great to have you posting here.

Hi Stan,
We pass CBS’s HD at 1080I if it were 1080p It would be close in bandwidth and we would have to get creative, but I would skim from the SD first as there is still room there to skim, but not enough to pass 1080p fully- with current technology. Encoders are improving so its possible down the road where this would not be an issue. Bottom line, there would be no difference with our current HD quality with or without the sub channel with our current encoders,

Yes to your second question. Adelphia will carry The Tube but not our
HD at this time.

I’ve stayed out of the Sinclair vs. cable fees but I will tell you Sinclair is not asking much for carriage of HD.
It’s a very small amount per digital HD subscriber. In most cases less than what cable customers pay for the access fees you see on your cable bill. It’s a matter that cable companies have not paid for some local channels even though they use them as a selling tool for future cable customers. I see both sides of this issue but Comcast, Verizon, and Directv have a deal with Sinclair and other Group owners. Unfortunately for viewers this is a distressing and frustrating time and I fully understand how the viewer can get angry with the current situation. I hope, as with you this is resolved soon.
This is my one and only Soap Box.

Craig

Hi Stan,
We pass CBS’s HD at 1080I if it were 1080p It would be close in bandwidth and we would have to get creative, but I would skim from the SD first as there is still room there to skim, but not enough to pass 1080p fully- with current technology. Encoders are improving so its possible down the road where this would not be an issue. Bottom line, there would be no difference with our current HD quality with or without the sub channel with our current encoders,

Yes to your second question. Adelphia will carry The Tube but not our
HD at this time.

I’ve stayed out of the Sinclair vs. cable fees but I will tell you Sinclair is not asking much for carriage of HD.
It’s a very small amount per digital HD subscriber. In most cases less than what cable customers pay for the access fees you see on your cable bill. It’s a matter that cable companies have not paid for some local channels even though they use them as a selling tool for future cable customers. I see both sides of this issue but Comcast, Verizon, and Directv have a deal with Sinclair and other Group owners. Unfortunately for viewers this is a distressing and frustrating time and I fully understand how the viewer can get angry with the current situation. I hope, as with you this is resolved soon.
This is my one and only Soap Box.

Craig

Thanks for the info, Craig.

Don't you have 19 point something mega something or other in bandwidth to work with and you can use it all for HD or subtract a little for use as subchannels? (Obviously, I don't know what I'm talking about.) From what I had read, ANY use for something else takes away from the quality of the HD. .......... Please, understand that I'm only looking for clarification.

Here's a question that I have wondered about. Does the analog signal come out of the 19 point something allocation of bandwidth or is that separate? My guess is that it is separate.

I won't comment about the charge for carrying the signal because I'm sure it is a sensitive and awkward subject for you. Thanks for your information anyway. It makes things a little more understandable.

Please, let us know, however, when you hear something that you can share with us about your signal being picked up by TWC / Adelphia. I hope it happens by Fall.

Thanks for the info, Craig.

Don't you have 19 point something mega something or other in bandwidth to work with and you can use it all for HD or subtract a little for use as subchannels? (Obviously, I don't know what I'm talking about.) From what I had read, ANY use for something else takes away from the quality of the HD. .......... Please, understand that I'm only looking for clarification.

Here's a question that I have wondered about. Does the analog signal come out of the 19 point something allocation of bandwidth or is that separate? My guess is that it is separate.

I won't comment about the charge for carrying the signal because I'm sure it is a sensitive and awkward subject for you. Thanks for your information anyway. It makes things a little more understandable.

Please, let us know, however, when you hear something that you can share with us about your signal being picked up by TWC / Adelphia. I hope it happens by Fall.


Your guess is correct, the analog is completely separate. As for your HD question, let me start over as I was not in the right frame of mind last night when I responded to your question I was thinking about compression, all OTA DT stations must compress HD programming.

Take two to your question: We run our HD at 14.2 mbps our SD 3.8 mbps if you were to run HD only you can devote only 18 mbps to it. Heres an interesting thing broadcasting an uncompressed MPEG2 video would require 995 mbps for 1080i content. Its hard to imagine but broadcasters have to use a compression ratio of 55:1 for 1080i. So yes there is a give and take regarding bandwidth being that 18mbps would be considered the best for OTA. Its how good the encoder is at the station to alow for more compression. Some encoders do a better job than others and that makes the difference if you are running more than one HD.
From what I've read a station sending out two standard-definition channels along with an HD channel must compress the HD signal to roughly 13.5 mbps. I think at that point you would see a difference especially as HDTV's improve in their picture quality.

Craig

Hello everyone,
Finally an update on the status of WPXT's and WPME's digital transmitters.

In our last episode, we were waiting for clearance from American Tower (the company that owns the transmitter site in Gray) to mount the new antennas and transmission line. After the miles and miles of red tape, and mounds and mounds of political bullpucky, we are ready to go.

June 19th is the date for work to start. It will probably take the better part of a week to do all the stuff that needs doing.

Secondly, WPXT is now officially a CW affiliate and WPME is a MyNetworkTV affiliate.

That's all I have for now. I will keep everyone updated as things progress.

Chet Cook
Engineer
WPXT-TV/WPME-TV

Thanks for the update Chet. At what power level will your signal be when you be begin broadcasting from the new tower? 750 kW?

http://www.redorbit.com/news/technology/534002/an_eye_to_the_future_wabi_adds_exciting_new_cw/index.html?source=r_technology

Sounds good except for one thing and that is what we have just been talking about. WABI is going to be using up bandwidth for a network and that network will be presenting HD. How will they be able to make TWO high quality HD broadcasts at the same time? Bandwidth is going to be a problem for over the air and the cable carrier. Adelphia in the Augusta area may have to carry WABI's CW while they might prefer to carry Chet's CW for a full bandwidth advantage. ........... I knew a long time ago when I first heard of subchannels that they were not going to be a good thing. You can't blame the broadcasters. Like the oil and pharmaceutical companies, they are just out to make the most money they can and, believe it or not, that doesn't make them villains. The market will sort it all out, but it will take time.

Stan,

Well, as you noted above, apparently WABI doesn't much care about cable carriers and their subscribers. They make it clear on their web site that no cable company carries the WABI HD channel. None.

Dana

Stan,

Well, as you noted above, apparently WABI doesn't much care about cable carriers and their subscribers. They make it clear on their web site that no cable company carries the WABI HD channel. None.

Dana

Oh, they care about cable carriers alright! They care about extracting money from the cable companies (subscribers) and / or forcing the cable companies to carry the subchannels that will sell additional advertising. As I said before, you can't blame them for that. It's only business. I'm trying real hard to remember that fact.

The problem as I see it, however, is that it is a one sided struggle between the broadcasters and the cable companies. A broadcaster can withhold his signal until the most strategic moment to get what he wants, but the cable carrier cannot stand against the broadcaster's decision that his signal WILL be carried when he is ready. There is no way for the cable carrier to tell the broadcaster to go jump in the lake with his signal.

The most frustrating thing is that there is no way that the broadcaster will not ultimately demand that his signal be carried because he knows that in this day and age, his station will have a greatly reduced viewership without cable and he will also have a greatly reduced income stream as a direct result. Sure, some people will put up an antenna, but even those people will be watching less often when you have to press a different button than the scan up and down button.

Oh, the broadcaster wants the cable carrier, but he has time and anxious viewers on his side and he will use those forces to cut the best deal. As much as I want CBS digital on the cable dial, I do not want the cable company to start down the road of paying a token fee per subscriber for each local channel. It's bad enough that the national channels charge fees in addition to benefiting from advertising. The non-advertising channels of course must charge a fee.

In any event, I see a hopeful sign in the above story.

Quote: "Young seems fairly confident that retransmission agreements will be worked out with most cable systems by fall, so that few cable viewers will notice a change, excepting maybe channel numbers."

Thanks for the update Chet. At what power level will your signal be when you be begin broadcasting from the new tower? 750 kW?

Are you worried about coverage, there in New Hampshire? If you receive our analog signal, you should receive our digital. We are going to cover about 98% of our current.

Chet Cook
Engineer
WPXT-TV/WPME-TV

Hello all,
For anyone who may enjoy a wide range of music videos "The Tube" music television is now on 13-2. http://www.thetubetv.com

No change to 13-1 WGME HD.

Craig Clark

Hello everyone,
Finally an update on the status of WPXT's and WPME's digital transmitters.

In our last episode, we were waiting for clearance from American Tower (the company that owns the transmitter site in Gray) to mount the new antennas and transmission line. After the miles and miles of red tape, and mounds and mounds of political bullpucky, we are ready to go.

June 19th is the date for work to start. It will probably take the better part of a week to do all the stuff that needs doing.

Secondly, WPXT is now officially a CW affiliate and WPME is a MyNetworkTV affiliate.

That's all I have for now. I will keep everyone updated as things progress.

Chet Cook
Engineer
WPXT-TV/WPME-TV

We're anxious to learn how work is progressing, Chet. Do you know if Adelphia is going to be picking you up? I am sure they will if the stations are made available to them. It will be great to have two new digital / HD stations to choose from on the cable dial. Is there much in the way of HD programming scheduled for these networks based on what you know?

Stan,

Chet posted this back in May. Perhaps he can update it.

Joe


Hi all!
Also, more red tape and politics, we are all set to be carried on Time Warner Cable. We have retransmission agreements signed. We have the equipment ready. We are just waiting for TWC to hook up there equipment. (We have a fiber feed directly to their building. We are only a couple miles down the road from them). We called yesterday to get the status. The responded with some obvious double talk saying it could take up to six months to get us on. So, I'll let you know when that happens too.

Stan,

Chet posted this back in May. Perhaps he can update it.

Joe

Where have you been for the last couple of weeks, Joe? Been busy with work? I've missed your posts which do a good job of letting me know what's going on.

Thanks Stan...

Been busy plus not too much going on. We've beaten the "Sinclair bad guy"/"Cable Company bad guy" discussion into dust, and not much else to talk about. The Tube is interesting on WGEM 13-2. It has a wide seclection of videos, most of what I've seen is older. No commercials or other interruptions.

I'm in a holding pattern until I see WPME/WPXT up and on the air.

Take care,

Joe

well i see both wpxt and wpme came on the air today. getting 67% on both here in poland spring area. not as strong a signal as the other digitals but good lock and no drop-outs. many thanks chet. alan

What channels are the two stations using? Also, are they still "sister" stations?

One is WB and the other is UPN (until September when one becomes CW and the other MyNetwork). They are owned by the same company, if that is what you mean by "sister" stations.

WPXT is channel 43 (maps to 51-1). They have an STA to broadcast at 400W ERP (that is, 0.4 kW). It looks like they were originally going to be rated for 750kW ERP, but applies for a modification to lower their power to 137.4 kW ERP. I'm getting them in the mid 80's in Greene with a pre-amp on my antenna (other stations are in the upper 90's).

Did I follow your FCC applications correctly Chet? Why did your station lower the broadcast power so significantly?

WPME is braodcasting on 28 (maps to 35-1). They are broadcasting 50kW ERP (no STA). I'm pulling them in upper 80's.

Will either or both of the stations be broadcasting their network's HD offerings, Chet?


take care,

Joe

WPXT is channel 43 (maps to 51-1). They have an STA to broadcast at 400W ERP (that is, 0.4 kW). It looks like they were originally going to be rated for 750kW ERP, but applies for a modification to lower their power to 137.4 kW ERP. I'm getting them in the mid 80's in Greene with a pre-amp on my antenna (other stations are in the upper 90's).

This afternoon, the WB is in high definition, but I'm getting significant drop outs. Signal strength is bouncing between 78 and 81 -- my tuner needs a signal strength of 80 to get a lock.

Edit -- It looks like I only have drop outs when they are broadcasting in HD. Later in the evening, with the same signal strength and standard definition video, I was no longer getting dropouts.

Joe

Hello all,
I have another update for you. The transmission line and antennas installation is now completed. Over the weekend, we did a system test of both WPXT and WPME. Some of you might have seen it. We were running at 25% power on both. Everything went smoothly.

Currently we are running WPME, Maine’sUPN at 50% power. We should be at 100% power by the end of the week. Let me know how everything looks.

WPXT is down until the modification to our original CP has been filed, and cleared by the FCC.

There has been no discussion with Adelphia regarding the carrying of our digital signal. I’ve been told it’s because of the Time Warner buy-out. We are still waiting on Time Warner. Evidently, they take the Digital signals off air. Our analog is on a fiber link to them.

Joe, the reason for the change in power is long and involved. It has to do with when the original channels were allotted and corporate game playing. Anyway, the lower power is really not an issue. We should still hit most of our current analog coverage. We are using a solid state transmitter which runs on a lot less power.

I hope I answered everyone’s questions. If I didn’t, please let me know.

Thanks guys!

Chet Cook
Engineer
WPXT-TV/WPME-TV

Hello all,
I have another update for you. The transmission line and antennas installation is now completed. Over the weekend, we did a system test of both WPXT and WPME. Some of you might have seen it. We were running at 25% power on both. Everything went smoothly.

Currently we are running WPME, Maine’sUPN at 50% power. We should be at 100% power by the end of the week. Let me know how everything looks.

WPXT is down until the modification to our original CP has been filed, and cleared by the FCC.

There has been no discussion with Adelphia regarding the carrying of our digital signal. I’ve been told it’s because of the Time Warner buy-out. We are still waiting on Time Warner. Evidently, they take the Digital signals off air. Our analog is on a fiber link to them.

Joe, the reason for the change in power is long and involved. It has to do with when the original channels were allotted and corporate game playing. Anyway, the lower power is really not an issue. We should still hit most of our current analog coverage. We are using a solid state transmitter which runs on a lot less power.

I hope I answered everyone’s questions. If I didn’t, please let me know.

Thanks guys!

Chet Cook
Engineer
WPXT-TV/WPME-TV

Thank YOU, Chet! It is really nice to have this info and it is too bad that the station doesn't get some of this play by play out into the media to sharpen the interest of people in digital television. If they could see some of this, they would, perhaps, become more aware of the big changes that are taking place and, as a result, move a little quicker to make the transition.

Anyway, please post future developments.

Hello all,

The bankruptcy court approved on Tuesday June 27, the sale of Adelphia to TWC (and Comcast in other states). The story is here http://today.reuters.com/stocks/QuoteCompanyNewsArticle.aspx?view=CN&storyID=2006-06-27T194620Z_01_N27451291_RTRIDST_0_MEDIA-ADELPHIA.XML&rpc=66
The story also reports that the FCC expects to complete its review by mid-July.

Dana

Hey fellow Mainers,

I notice that on Adelphia cable while watching the Robert Plant Soundstage that MPBN-HD looks to be highly compressed. Is it this bad OTA as well?

Hey fellow Mainers,

I notice that on Adelphia cable while watching the Robert Plant Soundstage that MPBN-HD looks to be highly compressed. Is it this bad OTA as well?

MPBN usually looks pretty good on Adelphia HD. I don't know about over the air. Some things don't look as others, however. That is probable true on most if not all of the stations.

I'm not sure, but I think MPBN has a number of sub-channels which limits the bandwidth devoted to HD.

Chet,

First off, thanks for the update and congrats on getting things running.

I'm trying to get WPME OTA from Kennebunk. I've been receiving all the other locals OTA in the high 80's when it comes to signal strength. I'm not getting anything at all for WPME?? This doesn't seem right to me at all....the only time I've seen this with other stations is when their transmitters were knocked out during a thunderstorm or something. Perhaps there's some 'tweaking' going on still?

WPME is coming in fine for me tonight... As Chet said, WPXT is gone.

Chet, filing and processing digital CP changes can take years -- especially in a border zone like this one. Do you have any expectation as to when you will have WPXT on the air permanently?

Joe

MPBN usually looks pretty good on Adelphia HD. I don't know about over the air. Some things don't look as others, however. That is probable true on most if not all of the stations.

I'm not sure, but I think MPBN has a number of sub-channels which limits the bandwidth devoted to HD.

MPBN only broadcasts with two digital subchannels. 10-1 is the local analog feed, and 10-2 is the PBS national HD feed.

On Adelphia, they also carry two or three additional PBS national sub-channels -- PBS Kids was one. MPBN is NOT broadcasting these OTA.

OTA, the HD quality is very good. Depending on their system, Adelphia may be compressing the signal more than MPBN's OTA broadcast does.

Well, I did some poking around on the FCC website regarding WPXT's contstruction permit modifications.

A description of their request is at http://svartifoss2.fcc.gov/prod/cdbs/forms/prod/getattachment_exh.cgi?exhibit_id=409916

It looks like they are doing three things:

1) Changing the transmitter location
2) Lowering the ERP (effective radiated power) from 750 kW to 137.4 kW
3) Lower the height of the transmitter from 265 to 254 meters (11 meters).

If I'm reading the application right, it is being moved between adjacent towers on the same site. Significant to us is that the height and effective radiated power of the transmitter are both being lowered. Generally speaking the higher the antenna, and the more power it is broadcast, the further it is receivable.

They claim (and provide contour maps of their estimated reception regions) to be able to cover the entier Portland market even with the lowered height and broadcast power. Because they are lowering power/height, they say that the Canadian government does not have to grant approval to these changes.

It was accepted by the FCC on June 12. As of July 6th, the application is listed as "granted". Maybe we will see WPXT up again this week.

It's too bad they are lowering height/power instead of raising it. Presumably, they are doing this to save money either in location or ongoing operating costs.

take care,

Joe

I'll tell you one thing DrJoe, I'm not getting any signal response when pointed towards the WPME towers. I'm guessing it's due to the power level too. I'm only about 40 miles away from Gray I think. It doesn't make sense to me that I can get ABC/CBS/NBC from almost the same location but get 0% signal strength from the WPME tower...

Perhaps I'll get up in the crawlspace and try moving the antenna some more....

MPBN only broadcasts with two digital subchannels. 10-1 is the local analog feed, and 10-2 is the PBS national HD feed.

On Adelphia, they also carry two or three additional PBS national sub-channels -- PBS Kids was one. MPBN is NOT broadcasting these OTA.

OTA, the HD quality is very good. Depending on their system, Adelphia may be compressing the signal more than MPBN's OTA broadcast does.

Who knows? Here in New Britain, CT (southwest of Hartford), we don't have WEDH-DT channel 42 of Hartford, a.k.a. "24-1", etc. on the air yet. Connecticut Public Television (CPTV) has a station in Norwich on channel 45, a.k.a. "53-1", etc. My TV showed as many as 6 channels available through them. "-2" to "-6" were all blank and my TV said "No Audio" for 45-5, a.k.a. "53-5". With Comcast cable, their cable-only feed only fills about 90% of the screen. It's cut off on the sides, yet has more stuff showing than the pilarboxing you get with a digital simulcast. I think it's referred to as 14:9 in this case. :confused:

Hello all,

I have come across an Excel spreadsheet download on the web here http://files.cwa-union.org/ComcastWatch/ComcastTWAcquisitions.xls detailing the communities involved in the Adelphia buyout and which cable cos are acquiring what. It confirms what DrJoe and others have said. It lists 220 Maine communities - from Acton to Wyman - all of which will be acquired by TWC. Nothing new here. Just more detail.

Dana

Hello all...

Does anyone know if Suscom in Brunswick encrypts all HD signals? I've called and talked to them, and from what they tell me I'd need to rent the box for $6.95/month to receive even broadcast HD. However, I'm not sure I believe them, because I've talked to a few reps over there and none seem to sure about the pricing structure. According to their website, it would cost $22.95 to add a whopping 5 extra HD channels.

I guess I'd like to know is, if I get a TV with ATSC/QAM tuner, will I get any HD from Suscom?

Thanks everyone.

Shek,

I've asked SusCom Brunswick before about QAM signal availability. I never received an answer. But, the current digital/HD TV deal is $9.95/mo for six months plus free installation with HD DVR box if you want one. Otherwise, regular HD stb. More here http://www.suscom.com/home/sites/promo_mar_b.php?city=brunswick

Dana

Hello all,

The latest report on Comcast implementation of its program offerings on SusCom Maine is late Sep if not before.

"I live in York where the heart of Suscom is and just talked to an exec from suscom that said it will all begin by the end of Sept if not earlier. We will see all the changes by the end of January, meaning On demand and their Voip." http://www.satelliteguys.us/showthread.php?t=69504

That's at least consistent with Comcast FAQs that say "early fall." Sigh. I wish it was sooner.

Dana

WPXT and WPME are both up now -- I'm getting solid signals on both.

Joe

Dana...

Thanks for the information. I guess I should probably just bit the bullet and pay for the DVR to get those 5 (or maybe its 7) whole HD channels. I'm dying for NESN in HD; hopefully after the transition (September?)

Dana...

Thanks for the information. I guess I should probably just bit the bullet and pay for the DVR to get those 5 (or maybe its 7) whole HD channels. I'm dying for NESN in HD; hopefully after the transition (September?)

Ask about cablecard. I have all of the HD channels (except premium HBO, etc.) for $1.75 from Adelphia. .......... Of course, cable companies aren't happy to be selling cablecard (one way), so be prepared.

SusCom never answered my inquiry about cablecard either - but that was over a year and a half ago. No mention of such on their rate card. I think we'll just have to be patient until the end of September when the Comcast era dawns to see what's in store for us in the future. But, if the channel lineup is similar to what is currently offered in Kittery, then we'll get 20 stations in HD, including premium movie channels.

"Comcast now offers 20 HD channels and services with the addition of NESN HD and ESPN2 HD, including CBS, ABC, NBC, FOX, PBS, UPN, WB, ESPN HD, TNT HD, Universal HD, Discovery Theatre HD, HBO HD, Cinemax HD, Showtime HD, Starz HD, INHD, INHD2 and Fox Sports New England Celtics Games." http://biz.yahoo.com/prnews/060615/neth018.html?.v=52

Dana

Stan and Dana,

I did ask about cablecard, and I believe it was $2.95 or $1.95 monthly. Can't recall for sure, since most of the displays I'm looking at don't have cablecard.

20 channels... wouldn't that be nice?

WPXT and WPME are both up now -- I'm getting solid signals on both.

Joe

I'm getting a steady 88% for WPME and 95% for WPXT from So. Po.


Chet, I'm not getting any guide data for either channel on my DirecTV HD-TiVo. I believe the DirecTV units get their info from www.zap2it.com. Do you have plans to provide them with your guide data?

I am happy to report that the FCC has indeed granted our modification to the CP of the digital transmitter for WPXT. So WPXT DT is on the air.

As I posted earlier on this thread, the reason for the modification to the original build out plans was due to the original designs were done years ago buy our corporate office. The designs were not efficient or logical for our location.

The changes that DrJoe listed were correct. At our location in Gray, the analog transmitters for WPXT and WPME are in different buildings and the antennae are on different towers. The digital transmitters for both WPXT and WPME are located in the analog WPME building. This is a newer larger facility with adequate room for both. Both the WPXT and WPME antennas are located on the side of the WPME tower, just below the top. We cannot put the antennas on the top because the analog WPME antenna is there. Lastly, as I stated in a previous post, the change in power consumption is due to the fact that we are using solid state transmitters that require substantially less power. Our 'Grade B' (analog) coverage is just about duplicated (98%) with the new transmitters. If you receive our analog you should get the digital.

I would like to say that the reason we don't add more power to increase coverage is pretty straight forward. Due to the hight of the antennas, and we have mountains to the west and ocean to the east, there comes a point where the cost of the power just doesn't justify the additional coverage. We can't get over the mountains and there is only so many fisherman watching TV. ;)

In September, The CW and MyNetworkTV will be broadcasting in HD.

Once again, let me now how everything looks. I'll look into the guide data status.

Thanks,

Chet Cook
Engineer
WPXT-TV/WPME-TV

Hey Chet! I used to live in Old Orchard Beach back when channel 51 signed on in 1986. This will sound strange, but the channel 51 signal there would wave in and out, especially if there was strong wind blowing. It also happened to a lesser extent with WMEA-TV (PBS) channel 26 in Biddeford. It didn't happen with channels 6, 8, 10, 11 (Durham, NH) and 13 (if and when channels 10 and 11 would come in, that is!).

I currently live in New Britain (southwest of Hartford). It also happens to a lesser extent here too. Could the analog signal be screwing up since the wind at higher levels is moving the transmitter around, messing with my line of sight?

Hello all,

The FCC is scheduled to vote Thursday July 13 on the Adelphia buy out. http://www.marketwatch.com/News/Story/Story.aspx?dist=newsfinder&siteid=google&guid=%7BE04DE037-1D35-48C8-B4AD-A6CD6668EA6E%7D&keyword=

Dana

Hello all,

The Waterville Morning Sentinel carried a story on the Adelphia-TWC merger today (Monday July 10, 2006) which included this bit of info.

"According to Melinda Poore, vice president of Time Warner's government and public affairs office in Portland, the company has already decided to move a service call center from Florida to Maine. The move, which will lease the former MBNA facility in Portland this fall, would also add about 115 jobs to the local economy.

"'We're very excited about that -- bringing jobs to Maine," she said. "I think that's a great indicator on Time Warner's philosophy of customer service.'"

The link is here http://morningsentinel.mainetoday.com/news/local/2915874.shtml

Dana

Great news, Chet. You must be excited to have reached this point. If you should learn anything about Adelphia - Augusta (Time Warner?) picking up your signal, please holler.

Congratulations.

NESN HD on D* starting July 18 according to a pr release here http://biz.yahoo.com/bw/060710/20060710006020.html?.v=1

Dana

While I understand the reasoning behind putting NESN HD on the MPEG4 LIL spot beam, it's frustrating that there's still no MPEG-4 capable DVR (and double frustrating that when there finally is one it won't be a TiVo).

I actually saw Comcast acknowledged instead of SusCom on the local cable Weather Channel last night. Progress. :o

Dana

Hello all...

...

I guess I'd like to know is, if I get a TV with ATSC/QAM tuner, will I get any HD from Suscom?

Thanks everyone.

Shek,

A SusCom customer in York, PA. has the same question. He managed to get some info that suggests QAM signals are available there but now wonders if that is correct. See the last post here http://www.satelliteguys.us/showthread.php?t=69504

Comcast NE is more definite on its web site. (I selected Kittery as the location.) http://www.comcast-ne.com/catv_faqs.html#box

"Customers with an HD set with a 256 QAM tuner would be able to receive all HD broadcast channels (ie WGBH HD, WBZ HD etc.) without the need of an HD box. The HD box is necessary to receive the non-broadcast HD services (ESPN HD, Discovery HD etc.)."

Dana

Thanks Dana...

I think the hd terminal he has been told about is the "HD Terminal" listed for $6.95/month on the Suscom website. That seemed to be the consensus of most of the CS reps I talked to; the only way to get HD, even broadcast HD, was with that terminal, because all HD signals are encrypted. Correct? Who knows. I wish somebody out there had a TV with QAM to test it out.

Good trivia on the Comcast reference on TWC. I commonly see the "Comcastic" commercials on NESN, but shortly after they usually show a Suscom ad, so who knows.

Shek,

I think you're right about SusCom encripting QAM. Here's a report that confirms it.

"Jim Shaffer
"05-29-06, 07:10 PM
I want to say that Cable providers have to pass the Local HD channels they carry in the clear on cable due to FCC regs.

"Apparently the alleged regulations are either imaginary or ambiguous, because SusCom encrypts the local HD channels, and they thought it was absurd than anyone else wouldn't when I asked them about it. They've since been bought by Comcast, but nothing has changed yet. They changed their fee schedule to say that local HD channels are included for free with the rental of a HD receiver (whereas before they wouldn't rent HD receivers without a subscription to their full HD tier), but they must be fixed-key rather than truly clear because anyone else's QAM tuner still reports them as encrypted."

The link is http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/archive/index.php/t-481307.html

Of course this isn't specific to SusCom Brunswick but I have to think that SusCom has a corporate policy on these things - which Comcast may change.

Dana

I am on Adelphia Augusta and receive very, very little via the QAM tuner. With the cablecard, however, I receive FOX, NBC and ABC local, PBS, HD NET, HD NET Movies, ESPN 1 & 2, NESN, INHD, INHD2, Discovery Theater, NFL, and Fox Sports New England HD channels all for the $1.75 monthly rental of a cablecard.

It is my guess that this will change when Time Warner takes over. Probably there will be charges for some of these channels. I just hope that I won't have to begin renting one of their cableboxes.

According to something I read just yesterday, cablecards have flopped. In my case, they are a big hit. I don't need or want video on demand and the channel that tells you what is on has never been important to me. In addition, some users report that there is a difference in picture quality between cablecard and the box. The box can, reportedly, slightly degrade quality. Plus, it costs $7 or $8 a month to rent.

I suspect that the reason that cablecards have flopped is because the cable companies have no interest in them and many customers barely understand the subject of digital television. When it is not explained in a positive tone, they become discouraged from messing with it, if they are aware of it at all.

In any event, I wonder what will happen with my local system's transition to Time Warner.

Stan,

My guess is that slowly over time, you will become totally TWC and anything unique to Adelphia will fade away. That being said, both are big cable cos and may be pretty similar. For example I find that one can rent a cable card from TWC on its Cumberland County rate sheet for $1.75/mo. A description of what services you get with it is here http://www.timewarnercable.com/newengland/products/cablecard.html

The rate sheet link is http://www.timewarnercable.com/newengland/products/rates/cumberland.html

Dana

This afternoon Suscom added CBS HD on on ch 502 and the thetube service on ch 163. Also, they added PBS HD on ch 503.

Chris

This afternoon Suscom added CBS HD on on ch 502 and the thetube service on ch 163. Also, they added PBS HD on ch 503.

Chris

Hot Dawg! :cool:

GO Pats!

Dana

The PBS HD channel is apparently MPBN HD Channel 10.2.

"Maine Public Broadcasting Network HD is the channel for all nationally produced PBS programming such as Mystery!, NOVA, Frontline and Masterpiece Theatre—all in amazing high definition clarity."

Nice.

Dana

This afternoon Suscom added CBS HD on on ch 502 and the thetube service on ch 163. Also, they added PBS HD on ch 503.

Chris

I'm just waiting to see CBS added to my system. It will also be nice to start receiving Chet's channels in the Fall. CBS is the key for me, however. TNT HD and Universal don't seem to be popular with those that have them. National Geographic HD should be very good. I really like Discovery's nature and travel programming. It can really draw my attention.

Excellent. Is NESN next?

Chris, do you have a link for that info?

Excellent. Is NESN next?

Chris, do you have a link for that info?

Shek,

Based on the official Comcast press release here http://biz.yahoo.com/prnews/060615/neth018.html?.v=52 NESN HD can't be too far away. :cool:

Dana

No info on NESN.

SusCom Brunswick now shows PBNSD on Channel 173. This may be MPBN DT 10.1, a digital simulcast of analog channel 10 which SusCom delivers on cable channel 11.

Dana

Chet:

I am using the Directv HD Tivo and pulling all of my local HD OTA. 35-1 and 51-1 are both coming in nicely in Topsham using an antenna indoors behind my TV. SusCom will not interest me until they have a DVR that has an interface as good as Tivo.

My question is this. Directv gives me guide information even for OTA channels (13-1, 8-1, etc). There is no guide information for 35-1 and 51-1 so this renders my Tivo useless for the new HD content. According to Directv it is up to the station to give someone (I don't know who) the info needed. Can you shed some light on this? Thanks!

My question is this. Directv gives me guide information even for OTA channels (13-1, 8-1, etc). There is no guide information for 35-1 and 51-1 so this renders my Tivo useless for the new HD content. According to Directv it is up to the station to give someone (I don't know who) the info needed. Can you shed some light on this? Thanks!

I am currently looking into this. I will get back to everyone as soon as I have some information.

Chet Cook
Engineer
WPXT-TV/WPME-TV

Chet:

I've got more information. Apparently the source for the Directv guide info is www.zap2it.com. Sure enough 35-1 and 51-1 are not listed in the OTA listing. All other digital channels for the Portland area are.

http://tvlistings5.zap2it.com/tvlistings/GridAction.do?lineupId=PC%3a04086

I believe the station has to send a request to feedback@zap2it.com.

"If you wish to report a cable or satellite lineup discrepancy: please fill-in the "Subject:" line as "Lineup Discrepancy," and include the following information or your request will not be processed:

Cable System Name (please copy exactly from our list of providers)
Specific Description of Problem (channels missing or incorrect, program data incorrect, date/time of specific occurrence, etc.)
Provider Phone Number
Provider Service (cable, satellite)
Apartment or Hotel Complex Name (if applicable)
City
State or Province (and country if outside of the United States)
Zip or Postal Code"

I'm sending a request to them.

I've just used the same form to report that the changes made yesterday to the SusCom Brunswick lineup do not appear on zap2it.com.

Dana

"As expected, the FCC Thursday approved--by a 4-1 vote--Comcast and Time Warner's $17.6 billion purchase of bankrupt Adelphia Communications, with the two dividing up the systems."

http://www.broadcastingcable.com/article/CA6352882.html

Dana

(RTTNews) - Time Warner Inc. (TWX | charts | news | PowerRating) issued the following statement in regard to the Federal Communications Commission's approval of its transaction with Adelphia Communications Corporation and Comcast Corp.: "We're very pleased with the FCC's approval of our Adelphia/Comcast transaction. Now, with virtually all regulatory approvals in hand, we are in good shape to close the transaction by the previously announced target date of July 31. We look forward to providing our new customers with Time Warner Cable's advanced, digital products and services as well as high-quality customer care."

http://www.tradingmarkets.com/tm.site/news/BREAKING%20NEWS/305130/

Dana

WGME HD was dark last night and this morning (7:25 AM) on SusCom Channel 502. Is it transmitting OTA? The same blackout for The Tube on SusCom channel 163. Hmm.

Dana

hi guys!!

I had no idea we had a Maine HDTV thread. Way cool! I have just added this to my favorite's folder.

Any word when Fox will start to broadcast HD OTA? Being in Farmington, my cable provider does not offer ANY HD programming, thank gawd for DTV, Dish, and ExpressVu.

regards

Gregg

hi guys!!

I had no idea we had a Maine HDTV thread. Way cool! I have just added this to my favorite's folder.

Any word when Fox will start to broadcast HD OTA? Being in Farmington, my cable provider does not offer ANY HD programming, thank gawd for DTV, Dish, and ExpressVu.

regards

Gregg

Hi, Gregg, and welcome to the thread!

DrJoe gave us some good info on Fox back on post 847.

"The actual fact is, WPFO came into existance after the first round of digital assignments were handed out. While the other broadcasters in Maine have two channels to broadcast on (one digital and one analog), they only have an analog channel. When analog broadcasting ends, they will broadcast digital on their present analog channel. Hence the January 1, 2009 date.

"Whether they are broadcasting or not, getting their HD signal on DirecTV will depend on whether they can get the signal to DirecTV, and whether DirecTV is willing to carry it. "Must Carry" does not apply for DTV unless the station does not have an analog signal (and I think there is only one station in the US that fits that bill).

"Joe"

Here's what WPFO says on its web site here http://www.foxmaine.com/advertise-with-fox23.php

"WPFO is currently available in High-Definition only on Time Warner Cable, Channel 507, and Adelphia Cable, Channel 704. These channels provide a simulcast of our regular programming. WPFO plans to begin broadcasting in HD over-the-air by January 1, 2009."

Apparently, Fox provides TWC with its HD feed via closed circuit. I'm hoping Fox will provide the same feed to Comcast, now that it has taken over SusCom Brunswick. I came back to SusCom from D* when I found out that Comcast would likely carry CBS HD in time for the Pats this fall. I wondered then whether D* would carry FOX when it activates its HD local into local spotbeam service. Guess we'll have to wait and see.

Dana

Hi everyone! I'm new to the forums and am happy to find the southern maine thread because i have a ton of questions.

I will be moving to Brunswick, ME in the next couple months.

First, I'm trying to decide if I should go with SUSCOm digital cable or Direct TV? I like the idea of cable but i don't see were suscom carries NESN HD, CBS HD, or FOX HD. Can any of you provide any insight on whether I would be better off with Suscom or Direct TV?

I will have a 50" Panny Plasma if that makes a difference!

Thanks

Hi stuben and welcome!

I started with SusCom HD Brunswick when I got my Sony HD set about two years ago just when SusCom first started its HD service. I left after about 6 mo. and went with D* (DirecTV) to get CBS HD to watch the Pats because SusCom didn't offer it. Comcast purchased SusCom about 2 1/2 mo. ago and says it will bring its full lineup of 20 HD stations and other services to SusCom by "early fall" including CBS HD, NESN HD, etc. So, I brought my HD business back to SusCom in early May. (I had kept the analog service all along for other family members.)

I suggest that you start by subscribing to SusCom. They have some attractive prices for six month startup services. There's no penalty if you leave. With D* you may run into commitments if you leave. I think Comcast will offer more HD than D* when its full lineup is made available.

Dana

Dana, 13-1 and 13-2 were up OTA but I watched Unbreakable on ABC instead.

Dana, 13-1 and 13-2 were up OTA but I watched Unbreakable on ABC instead.

Daveinleeds,

Hey! Thanks for the info. Then, it's a SusCom issue. The two stations show up on the cable guide but no signal. I reported it to SusCom this morning via the web. No response as of this hour.

Dana

The thing that keeps me on Directv is the HD TIVO. Suscom as yet has no HD DVR and when they do get one (someday) it won't be TIVO unfortunately.

The thing that keeps me on Directv is the HD TIVO. Suscom as yet has no HD DVR and when they do get one (someday) it won't be TIVO unfortunately.

Webini,

SusCom Brunswick does have HDTV with DVR. More here http://www.suscom.com/home/sites/cc_faq_dvr.php?city=brunswick

"Will I be able to record and watch HDTV programs on my DVR?

"Yes. HD programs can be recorded and saved on your DVR."

I believe that they are using the SA 8300 HD. I have seen it at SusCom Brunswick's local office.

Dana

Hello all,

TWC has posted a web page here http://www.twcusoon.com/Sites/newengland/Default.aspx for New England customers whose cable co is changing to TWC.

Dana

Webini,

SusCom Brunswick does have HDTV with DVR. More here http://www.suscom.com/home/sites/cc_faq_dvr.php?city=brunswick

"Will I be able to record and watch HDTV programs on my DVR?

"Yes. HD programs can be recorded and saved on your DVR."

I believe that they are using the SA 8300 HD. I have seen it at SusCom Brunswick's local office.

Dana

Interesting, thanks for the info. I called Suscom Brunswick as recently as 2 weeks ago and was told that they offered no HD DVR. In any event, if it is the SA 8300 HD I don't want any part of it! :)

SusCom Channels 163 (Tube) and 502 (CBS HD) are now working. No explanation as to why they were dark for over 24 hrs.

Dana

Hi stuben and welcome!

I started with SusCom HD Brunswick when I got my Sony HD set about two years ago just when SusCom first started its HD service. I left after about 6 mo. and went with D* (DirecTV) to get CBS HD to watch the Pats because SusCom didn't offer it. Comcast purchased SusCom about 2 1/2 mo. ago and says it will bring its full lineup of 20 HD stations and other services to SusCom by "early fall" including CBS HD, NESN HD, etc. So, I brought my HD business back to SusCom in early May. (I had kept the analog service all along for other family members.)

I suggest that you start by subscribing to SusCom. They have some attractive prices for six month startup services. There's no penalty if you leave. With D* you may run into commitments if you leave. I think Comcast will offer more HD than D* when its full lineup is made available.

Dana

Thanks for the info Dana! Sounds like Suscom has already added CBS HD from reading another post on this thread! Is this true?

That would be ideal if they added NESN and some other HD channels as well! I'll give them a call!

THanks

Stuben,

Yes, SusCom Channel 502 is now carrying CBS HD from WGME in Portland. SusCom channel 503 is now carrying PBS HD. These are just the first of many additions as we expect the entire Comcast NE HD lineup by the end of September if not before including NESN HD.

Dana

Hello all,

Here's the scoop from WMTW-TV on its carriage of the last two Patriots pre-season football games that aren't on national TV. These games are Saturday, Aug. 26 home vs. Redskins (8 p.m.) and Thursday, Aug. 31 at N.Y. Giants (7:30 p.m.).

"WMTW-TV will air both of these games live.

"Also, effective Saturday, September 2nd WMTW will begin carrying live college football every Saturday night at 8:00 p.m."

I've asked if these games will be on WMTW in HD and I'll report back when I have the info.

GO PATS!

Dana

The Pats open their preseason Friday, Aug. 11 -- at Falcons (8 p.m., CBS). No definite word but this is a nationally broadcast game so HD is likely. :)

The Pats second game is Saturday, Aug. 19 -- vs. Cardinals (8 p.m., NFL Network). This is a nationally televised live game on cable. The NFL Network site indicates that the game is NOT in HD. :(

The third preseason game is Saturday, Aug. 26 -- vs. Redskins (8 p.m. WMTW) The Redskins web site says that all its preseason games are in HD.

The Pats final preseason game is Thursday, Aug. 31 -- at N.Y. Giants (7:30 p.m., WMTW). The Giants web site indicates that the game will originate with WNBC. My guess is that it will be available in HD. The NFL Network will rebroadcast the game on Sunday, Sep 3 at 7 PM in HD. They only do so when the original game is in HD.

More when my contact at WMTW provides the info. It may be too early to be sure.

Dana

Interesting, thanks for the info. I called Suscom Brunswick as recently as 2 weeks ago and was told that they offered no HD DVR. In any event, if it is the SA 8300 HD I don't want any part of it! :)

Webini,

I may have good news for you. Here's some intersting info from a very reliable source - LonghornXP - (but of course it is still speculation) about future DVR and other developments at Comcast.

"...

"Just hang in on this and yes you did read that I now have my first big contact with Comcast but of course he doesn't want to give much information about programming though but he did confirm that NGC HD will be the next HD channel coming and it will be before football season starts (regular season that is) unless something drastic changes. Also the Tivo rollout is a little delayed but it will be early 4th quarter if not earlier and it will also from what I'm told will support all Tivo features except the broadband content at first.

"This means it will support multiroom viewing with all Tivo software features along with TivoToGo. He couldn't tell me if stand alone Tivos would work for multiroom viewing along with Comcast Tivo boxes as Tivo must add the ability for a customer to add a Comcast box onto their account.

"Also he told me they do plan to offer the broadband content at some point but they want to allow that content to be streamed using the cable modem in the box even if the customer doesn't order internet service at all from any company.

"So for the most part he told me Comcast has no intention of taking anything away from the Tivo software like DirecTV has done so that is good news.

"Also NFL Network HD will soon be added as a full time channel before the NFL season starts (in time for preseason NFL games) so that will be a good thing too.

"Also he told me they are testing the speedboost internet technology for uploads and will soon consider rolling this out."

He also indicated that Comcast will be standardizing on a Panasonic box.

"... (W)hat I'm told is that both the Moto boxes and the Panasonic boxes will get ported Tivo software. They will be rolling the Panasonic boxes out into markets that use SA boxes and hardware... They pla(n) to phase out all their Moto DVR boxes and replace them over time with the Panasonic boxes as they will be faster, more powerfull and have a bigger hard drive."

The full comment is here. http://www.satelliteguys.us/showthread.php?t=68720 The thread is about problems with the current Comcast Motorola 3412 HD DVR box studdering on analog channels so we can infer that LonghornXP's comments are with regard to future HD DVR.

Dana

That's the best news I've heard in a while! Nothing would make me happier than to get rid of Directv after 10+ years. The upcoming 5 LNB dish needed for MPEG4 has a very low WAF (Wife Acceptance Factor).

Can anyone that has DirecTV, in the Portland/Auburn market, tell me if the Portland locals are in HD, via satellite, using a H20 receiver and the new AT9 5 LNB dish?

That's the best news I've heard in a while! Nothing would make me happier than to get rid of Directv after 10+ years. The upcoming 5 LNB dish needed for MPEG4 has a very low WAF (Wife Acceptance Factor).

I have also read that TWC plans to introduce a new HD DVR. And, "TiVo Series 3: coming soon, really" http://arstechnica.com/news.ars/post/20060719-7304.html

Dana

Can anyone that has DirecTV, in the Portland/Auburn market, tell me if the Portland locals are in HD, via satellite, using a H20 receiver and the new AT9 5 LNB dish?

Loudo38,

I left D* coincidentally just after the Portland-Auburn DMA was added to the list of markets to get HD LIL service. The announcement was dated May 2, 2006 here http://phx.corporate-ir.net/phoenix.zhtml?c=127160&p=irol-newsArticle&ID=850780&highlight=
and it says in one place that it will happen "... later this year." In the same paragraph "The rollout is scheduled to begin in the third quarter." The chief engineer of WGME says "later this summer."

In short, I don't think the Portland-Auburn DMA HD LIL D* spot beam has been turned on yet.

Dana

Hello guys,

I live in Newfield, Maine. About half an hour from Sanford. Anyways I have Dish Network and can't pick up any HD Local Channels at all. I went to antenna web and they said I need a medium to large antenna to pick up stuff like WCSH-DT. Does the DT just mean it is Digital and not HD? Sorry I am new to this stuff. Also can somebody recommend a multidirectional medium to large antenna. Thanks.

mconstant,

Titan TV antenna selection guide here http://ww2.titantv.com/ttv/antennaselector/start.aspx should give you recommended antenna models. Perhaps Dish dealers in your area can help. There's a listing here http://locators.interactive.xo.com/Echostar/Echostar.do?zip=04056 I got good results with a Winegard GS-1100 non-amplified OTA antenna from Bailey Island. A bat-wing shape. YMMV.

Antennas Direct has a good rep. They have a page here http://www.antennasdirect.com/hdtv_antenna_selector.html that will help in selection. Unlike some vendors, they will accept a return if it doesn't work well.

You are correct in that DT indicates digital signal which may or may not be HDTV. If the Dish receiver is anything like the one that D* uses, the OTA channels will be integrated into the onscreen guide and you will know which channels are what. Also, if you can get one station's signal OTA, you will likely get all their channels. Good luck.

Dana

Dana,

I believe you have Suscom (if I recall correctly from your previous posts) so can you tell me what cablebox Suscom provides you? I've read in various places that the quality of SD/HD can vary depending on the quality of the cablebox and/or cablecard. Any thoughts?

Shek,

I didn't want a DVR HD (I think they use the SA 8300HD DVR) so I got a SA 3250HD from SusCom Brunswick. I think it's a very good HD box. There's an AV Forum on it here http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=346428&highlight=3250 I believe the box is running SARA software. (SA = Scientific Atlanta.)

I think the PQ is excellent, better than the HD boxes I used while with D* (Samsung 360 and the D20-600.) although it is impossible to do a side-by-side comparo. The box converts analog channels to digital and I do think NESN for example looks better on SusCom than D*. The box physically is smaller than the boxes I used while with D*. It also will upconvert and output whatever resolution is compatible with your display.

The version of the box SusCom uses has an active DVI connection and both optical and coax digital audio outputs. Very nice. I've had no problems with it.

Dana

Dana,

Thanks. What's the color of the box? I'm hoping for black to match everything else in my stack.

Dana,

Thanks. What's the color of the box? I'm hoping for black to match everything else in my stack.

You got it! Black it is. :)

Dana

A notice in the Friday July 21 edition of The Times Record reads that "On 7/25/2006, between the hours of 12:00AM and 6:00 AM, SusCom will be performing system maintenance required to upgrade equipment used to deliver video services."

Dana