Don't HD Locals require the 5 LNB dish and an MPEG4 receiver?
I believe that be so. I have the 5LNB dish and the new DTV HD is getting FOX in HD. However the ole DTC-100 isn't. I still wonder how they transmit both.

I am sorry if this has been addressed on this thread, but I want to try and get the most up to date info on my 2 questions. Thanks for any help you can provide!!!

I am a current Dish customer, and Dish has had the SA locals since May 2006. Dish only has Fox, ABC, and CBS. Dish claims the hold up is b/c NBC hasn't signed the re-broadcast agreement. This make no sense to me b/c TWC has had it for a long time.

1. Does DTV have NBC/WOAI in HDTV?


More importantly, if you have DISH or DTV, please provide feedback on the quality of your FOX HD broadcast. My FOX HD looks worse than the SD version. It is extremely obvious when watching footlball on Sundays. Dish claims it is not their problem b/c they are just rebroadcasting the poor signal that the local affiliate sends them. Therefore, the only solution is an OTA antenna. I just moved from Houson, and the the picture there on FOX was awesone.

2. Is anyone on Dish or DTV having this problem??

If so, please call DISH or DTV to let them know. They claimed that I was the only one with this issue, but I read a few posts on satellitegus.us that had similar issues. Maybe if enough people complain, KABB might do something. Otherwise, they will think their PQ is just fine.

I have contacted DISH and just contacted KABB by email. I agree the KABB HD signal is real bad and unacceptable. I will keep bugging DISH and KABB until it is resolved. I switched from TWC to DISH for the extra HD and because they had KABB so I will not rest until it is fixed and the OTA antenna idea sucks. I don't want to do that. That is a pain and I should not have to do that. Keep calling DISH and KABB if you have this problem.

Which do you guys think is better... Dish or Direct TV? I'm looking to possibly switch from TWC. I wonder which is better.

I have a question. A little off topic but here it is.

Does TWC San Antonio serve any HD channels that can be picked up with a QAM tuner? I am in the market for a new TV however it does not have a QAM tuner. I figure as I have for the last three years just use my antenna outside to pick up HD channels but if TWC does offer digitally unencrypted channels, then maybe I should reconsider.

I have contacted DISH and just contacted KABB by email. I agree the KABB HD signal is real bad and unacceptable. I will keep bugging DISH and KABB until it is resolved. I switched from TWC to DISH for the extra HD and because they had KABB so I will not rest until it is fixed and the OTA antenna idea sucks. I don't want to do that. That is a pain and I should not have to do that. Keep calling DISH and KABB if you have this problem.

Who did you email at KABB? I have contacted DISH 3 times this week, and everytime I call they act like it is a new complaint.

I just went to the KABB website and emailed their Enginerring Dept. and then I just emailed the regular KABB site. THey have not emailed me back yet but I will keep it up and call if I have too.

What kind of signal strength are you guys picking up for KABB compared to FOX? I always thought they were on the same tower but I have never picked up a signal for KABB while FOX is at 60% or so (just guessing, it isn't the strongest though).

I just called KABB's engineering Dept. They told me they were unaware of this problem. He took my number and told me he would call DISH and investigate it. Everyone with this problem should call KABB's engineering Dept. and tell them the same thing I did and also call DISH too. Eventually, one of them will figure it out if we keep at them about it.

Which do you guys think is better... Dish or Direct TV? I'm looking to possibly switch from TWC. I wonder which is better.I recommend going to http://www.dbstalk.com and posting your question there. You should find the answers you need.

I just called KABB's engineering Dept. They told me they were unaware of this problem. He took my number and told me he would call DISH and investigate it. Everyone with this problem should call KABB's engineering Dept. and tell them the same thing I did and also call DISH too. Eventually, one of them will figure it out if we keep at them about it.

I emailed KABB this morning, and I just received a response. Basically, Dish says it is KABB poor signal they are sending to DISH. KABB says their signal is fine, and it is DISH's rebroadcast! The only good news so far is that KABB has formally complained to DISH about the poor signal.

I also just called DISH for the forth time this week. They have no updates, and I do not even know if they are taking my complaint seriously.

After getting some clarification from KABB, here is some more accurate information I found out today....

KABB is not reactively pointing fingers at DISH. DISH does not have a direct fiber optic line to obtain the signal directly from the KABB Master Control. They are rebroadcasting KABB's OTA HD signal. Anyone with an OTA tuner can verify that the OTA signal is not poor quality. It is very obvious who has the problem. Secondly, KABB seems very willing and responsive to help DISH and the viewers with this issue.

I have called DISH 5 times, and get the same b.s. from the customer service rep, and can not get anyone form the DISH engineering department to talk to me. I have no idea how seriously they are taking this issue. On the other hand, after one email to KABB, I have received 3 responses in less than 4 hours with very explanatory information.

The part that upsets me the most is that DISH gets my $120+ every month, and I can not get a decent response from the company I personally fund.

I would recommend that everyone continue to complain about the quality of service DISH is providing. Tell other DISH subscribers to likewise call and complain.

Have you tried sending an e-mail to ceo@echostar.com?

Where did you see that on the website? I've only found this page:

http://www.directv.com/DTVAPP/packProg/channelChart2.jsp?assetId=1100086

It's on the main page under "Packages & Programming" and then "Locals". Put in a San Antonio zipcode and it will show you the locals currently available.

Cowboys game on Sunday Night (NBC):

I've got macro blocking on TWC and OTA. Anybody else seeing this? :mad:

Cowboys game on Sunday Night (NBC):

I've got macro blocking on TWC and OTA. Anybody else seeing this? :mad:

WOAI had bad macroblocking last week on the Sunday Night game, and on the season opener too. Same with tonight. They've also got some weird echo sound on some of the commercials, like the Peyton Manning Sprint commercial.

I've emailed WOAI before about the quality of their broadcast, but they go ignored.

Cowboys game on Sunday Night (NBC):
I've got macro blocking on TWC and OTA. Anybody else seeing this? :mad:
There's a bit of an overcast left from the storm and that means from 75 miles away my old 93" Winegard is providing a beautiful HD picture. :) Unfortunately the Redskins just ran a kickoff back for a touchdown.

This Wed they are pouring the pad and putting in the first section of a 40' tower. Hopefully I won't have to rely on bad weather to get HD.

There's a bit of an overcast left from the storm and that means from 75 miles away my old 93" Winegard is providing a beautiful HD picture. :) Unfortunately the Redskins just ran a kickoff back for a touchdown.

This Wed they are pouring the pad and putting in the first section of a 40' tower. Hopefully I won't have to rely on bad weather to get HD.

I'm glad you're getting a great picture - odd since my OTA signal was no better than cable. A lot of people are complaining in the national thread, too; so, it seems like it's not just WOAI.

I'm glad you're getting a great picture - odd since my OTA signal was no better than cable. A lot of people are complaining in the national thread, too; so, it seems like it's not just WOAI.
Being new here, what is macroblocking? And since there is bad macroblocking is there good macroblocking?

Being new here, what is macroblocking? And since there is bad macroblocking is there good macroblocking?

Portions of the screen are broken up into blocks causing a distortion to the picture.

I don't think there is any "good" macroblocking but I'm no expert. I think the only "good" is when it's not visible.

Nice of WOAI to lose our signal.

I live near the airport (broadway & 410), before two weeks ago, I able to pick up KABB just fine. now, I barely get 20% signal. I wondering if anyone else having issue picking up their signal.

@ Allen,

Those are the remapped channel numbers that show up in your guide so that you are (hopefully) less confused. The real broadcast numbers are in the UHF range (except for KLRN). They then transmit a remapped channel ID in the PSIP information so they show up in the regular analog channel ID location. If you want to see the real channel transmit numbers just go to some place like antennaweb.org

Does that make sense?

Now I know I'm confused. If SA HD signals are now transmitted on 5, 12 & 29 then those that do not have an HD receiver will not see the picture. But obviously I don't understand the whole picture. There is more to this than 5,12 & 29.

Apologies if this is covered ground. I was just wondering if anyone has heard what HD channels the new AT&T internet based television service might be planning to offer. I know their initial product has none, but with so many HD channels available, including lots of HD versions of current analog programming, it would be nice if the competition forced more HD availability once AT&T is available market-wide.

I'm no techie, so would the AT&T system with fiberoptic connection to the internet have more bandwidth (or whatever) capacity than TWC's cable? Is the limitation the expense that the provider (TWC/AT&T) must pay to obtain an HD channel or a capacity limitation in their system?

Also, seems like months ago I read here that KENS was preparing to do the local news in HD. Already had the cameras in the studio, etc. Any update? When I was in New York last December, even the news helicopters were beginning to cover "breaking news" in HD.

... seems like months ago I read here that KENS was preparing to do the local news in HD. Already had the cameras in the studio, etc. Any update?...
Last things first: KENS-DT has plans to roll out HD news in stages, but the timetable remains a little vague, even for us. There's much more equipment to acquire and install, so it won't be in time for Christmas 2006, that's for sure.

... just wondering if anyone has heard what HD channels the new AT&T internet based television service might be planning to offer...
We can't speak for AT&T, but KENS-DT will be one of the HD stations they will carry, as well as KCWX - although that station will not be available in HD for some time.

...would the AT&T system with fiberoptic connection to the internet have more bandwidth (or whatever) capacity than TWC's cable...
As above, we can't speak for AT&T, but generally fiber offers a "bigger pipe." We believe you'll be able to choose from several "scaled services" offering connection speeds tailored to your requirements. As to HD channels, we believe AT&T plans to offer as much HD content as is available in the market. As they roll out their new enterprise we'll all learn more about it as it becomes available.

Thanks, Jerry, for the info and thanks for your active participation here.

Apologies if this is covered ground. I was just wondering if anyone has heard what HD channels the new AT&T internet based television service might be planning to offer. I know their initial product has none, but with so many HD channels available, including lots of HD versions of current analog programming, it would be nice if the competition forced more HD availability once AT&T is available market-wide.

I'm no techie, so would the AT&T system with fiberoptic connection to the internet have more bandwidth (or whatever) capacity than TWC's cable? Is the limitation the expense that the provider (TWC/AT&T) must pay to obtain an HD channel or a capacity limitation in their system?


I work for AT&T in an indirect capacity to Lightspeed (not associated with the actual television portion) so I can give you some basic information. The initial HD offering that you can expect is your local OTA affiliates (as available), Discovery, NFL Network, MHD, Wealth TV, Starz, Showtime, The Movie Channel and likely HBO and a few others.

The published maximum bandwidth that you can get over the current technology is 30Mbps but that could be doubled with pair bonding if that decision is made one day down the line. For now, it is believed that 30Mbps gives you plenty of bandwidth for the Elite DSL tier (6M), 2 HD streams and VoIP, especially since we are using MP4 on the video. Many of the beta testers are reporting much better than 30M synch rates.

There is also a thread within these forums (http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=638947&page=1&pp=30) that you can watch for information on the product.

I work for AT&T in an indirect capacity to Lightspeed (not associated with the actual television portion) so I can give you some basic information. The initial HD offering that you can expect is your local OTA affiliates (as available), Discovery, NFL Network, MHD, Wealth TV, Starz, Showtime, The Movie Channel and likely HBO and a few others.
....

How long before they roll out HD offerings?

How long before they roll out HD offerings?

Late October is the last date that I heard.

I'm a Grande Communications customer and they have FOX in HD. They also have what I believe is a great HD channel lineup
The HD lineup includes
NBC HD
CBS HD
PBS HD
FOX HD
ABC HD
Discovery HD
ESPN HD
ESPN2 HD added just last night!
TNT HD
HDNET
HDNET Movies
InHD
InHD2
Universal HD
Wealth TV HD
HBO HD
Showtime HD
Starz HD
Cinemax HD

I'm a Grande Communications customer and they have FOX in HD. They also have what I believe is a great HD channel lineup
The HD lineup includes
NBC HD
CBS HD
PBS HD
FOX HD
ABC HD
Discovery HD
ESPN HD
ESPN2 HD added just last night!
TNT HD
HDNET
HDNET Movies
InHD
InHD2
Universal HD
Wealth TV HD
HBO HD
Showtime HD
Starz HD
Cinemax HD


I wish Grande was available in my area. I'd sure give them a serious look if they were. Does Grande offer a HDDVR like TWC does?

I'm a Grande Communications customer and they have FOX in HD. They also have what I believe is a great HD channel lineup
The HD lineup includes
NBC HD
CBS HD
PBS HD
FOX HD
ABC HD
Discovery HD
ESPN HD
ESPN2 HD added just last night!
TNT HD
HDNET
HDNET Movies
InHD
InHD2
Universal HD
Wealth TV HD
HBO HD
Showtime HD
Starz HD
Cinemax HD

I'm really only seeing two HD channels of interest that TWC doesn't have, Fox & ESPN2. Of course, those are HUGE for sports junkies like me and I'm hopeful that TWC can get those two channels plus NFL Network in place before Thanksgiving.

You can get FOXHD OTA..... I would like to have ESPN2HD

BY the way... has anyone had a problem with 155 KENSHD pixelating...>?????

THis would be on TWC. Only channel that does it and not always. It is doing it now during NUMBERS.

Thanks

Yes I have the 83000 Scientific Atlanta HD-DVR from Grande Communications. It's great for recording HD especially on Football Saturdays/Sundays. Grande also has NFL Network but not the HD version. It has a great picture quality even without being HD.

Good news, all (for me, anyways). I live on campus at UTSA, and have never been able to pull in KENS OTA....well, tonight, I rescanned my channels....

Now it's workin! I'm not sure what happened, but thanks to the folks at KENS. I can now watch Letterman in HD (I hope...it's not on 'til later)!

Good news, all (for me, anyways). I live on campus at UTSA, and have never been able to pull in KENS OTA....well, tonight, I rescanned my channels....

Now it's workin! I'm not sure what happened, but thanks to the folks at KENS. I can now watch Letterman in HD (I hope...it's not on 'til later)!KENS-DT went to full power (http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?p=7971456&&#post7971456) over the summer. It was at low power before that.

D* Update: They are now offering the mpeg4 services and boxes in the San Antonio market. After seeing a D* installer at my neighbor's house, I called them and worked out a deal for them to replace my dish and give me a new HD DVR on Tuesday. I will keep my old HD Tivo and use it to record stuff as long as they xmit mpeg2 (and OTA stuff until it breaks).

Jerry, thrilled that Kens got their license and is full power. Now I get all of the locals well.

Finally got the 40' tower up with a DB-8 and 91XG at the top. After the tower was up the installer, at my suggestion, tried the DB-8 first. The results were very disappointing. Could hardly get a picture at all much less a steady one. Then we went to the 91XG. It did a little better and we left it at that. All the pointing was at 55, NBC, which should have came in crystal clear.

It is a bit upsetting to pay a small bundle and not get at least ABC, NBC & FOX :mad: Later I hooked up the coax to two of the three cards I have in my computers. I was treated to a mild surprise. The cards pulled in 55 and 48, ABC, with no breakups or pixelation meaning I can record NBC and ABC. I just went back and saw that CBS is at full power too but still can't be seen. Whats the deal with that?
And why can't I get FOX?

I'm thinking that the installer, while knowing towers, might not be fully on top of receiving UHF and HD. He did not have a meter for UHF signals. So I'm trying to find somebody that is a bit more knowledgeable to come out and see if everything is set up correctly.

Its that or a DirecTV HR20 :eek: But I already have all the software for setting up recordings with many many options and building the playlists in any order imaginable and don't want to lose that flexibility.

AllenDB

I'm a little puzzled. 55 digital is KENS (CBS). Are you sure you aren't having trouble with the infamous analog repeater on 55? I assume you have a rotator on such an installation. Those antennas are highly directional.

AllenDB
I'm a little puzzled. 55 digital is KENS (CBS). Are you sure you aren't having trouble with the infamous analog repeater on 55? I assume you have a rotator on such an installation. Those antennas are highly directional.
If I was getting the analog repeater then wouldn't there at least A signal? Actually I wasn't expecting anything for CBS until I went back in the forum and saw they went full power 2 months ago. And where is 29-1?

D* Update: They are now offering the mpeg4 services and boxes in the San Antonio market. After seeing a D* installer at my neighbor's house, I called them and worked out a deal for them to replace my dish and give me a new HD DVR on Tuesday. I will keep my old HD Tivo and use it to record stuff as long as they xmit mpeg2 (and OTA stuff until it breaks).

Jerry, thrilled that Kens got their license and is full power. Now I get all of the locals well.

LoveMovies: Could you tell me a little more about the deal you made with D*.....
I would also like to keep my HD Tivo for awhile but would like to take advantage of any HD DVR deals there might be out there. Thanks in advance. Scotty 44.

I may only be able to receive NBC and ABC on my new tower but I definitely got reminded tonight why I need to strive to use the OTA for all network channels. The football game on NBC over D* is atrocious. On the other hand the OTA picture is spot beautiful.

New to the board, just got D*. Planning on getting an antenna soon. I live close to downtown. How is the signal? Any suggestions?

OK here it goes... I've resisted this several times over the past few weeks, but I can't hold it in any longer. If KSAT didn't show a couple of my favorite shows and occasional important sports items, I would take them off the list for my dish receiver.

Does nobody at this station even own an HDTV? Is their engineer so ignorant that he can't understand what he's doing to cause the stretch-o-vision? He must be that ignorant, because when he flips the switch to show local commercials or to put a warning banner under the picture, he often forgets to 'unflip' the switch, leaving the poor HD viewer to try and watch the remainder of the program in stretch-o-vision and a blurry low-def picture.

What is 'Stretch-0-Vision? Divide the screen into three horizontal sections. With the problem in effect, the center portion of the screen remains fairly normal, but the two outer portions have a graduated stretch, until at the right and left margins, the picture is so distorted you have to laugh at first.... Then you begin to be annoyed, then angry... especially in a football game where the receiver is running out and his head and hand are twice as large as they should be. When the ticker is put at the bottom showing local weather warnings or other local information, you can see the graduations of the screen exactly, because as the words move across right to left, they bunch up at the middle then spread apart again as they reach the left margin.

But no part of the stretch-o-vision phenomenon is as ridiculous as watching the poor news and weather people as the camera scans back and forth, their heads and butts pop way out of reality... entertaining for a while, but then just such a stupid thing as the weeks and months go on, you have to wonder what fools are running the local station... not just the engineer, but everyone else involved that allows the fool to keep transmitting like that.

There... my attack over, I will return to my normal meek and timmerous life.

Ed

error - timerous - please forgive - 'afraid and fearful'... a Robert Burns word.

New to the board, just got D*. Planning on getting an antenna soon. I live close to downtown. How is the signal? Any suggestions?


I live near Woodlawn lake (basically downtown) and the signal for all major locals is great. I don't get KLRN because I only have a UHF antenna. Don't get WB since they are the other direction.

-------- > Ed Scott ( 'Stretch-0-Vision' )

Call / Email / forums -

They, KSAT, just DON'T GET THE MESSAGE -

Their 'Stretch-0-Vision' format makes the programming look like CRAP.

If it is NOT an HD program / KSAT is NOT A VIEWING CHOICE !!!

But no part of the stretch-o-vision phenomenon is as ridiculous as watching the poor news and weather people as the camera scans back and forth, their heads and butts pop way out of reality... entertaining for a while, but then just such a stupid thing as the weeks and months go on, you have to wonder what fools are running the local station... not just the engineer, but everyone else involved that allows the fool to keep transmitting like that.

There... my attack over, I will return to my normal meek and timmerous life.

Ed
I second the above observation. The stretchiiiiiitttttttttttt picture is ridiculous. And then, like Ed said, they sometimes leave it on when the commercial is over. If Desperate Housewives wasn't on I might consider same.

Strecthingggggggg Teri Hatcher and Eva Longoria (sp?) is obscene.

I actually complained during a particularly poor SD stretched version of a college football game. I spoke wtih what I was told was the engineering department and they agreed that it was ridiculous. They said they have complained to their management as well and have had no success. The management of the station truly has no clue.

I wonder if the corporate risk managers at Post-Newsweek are making KSAT to do this out of fear of lawsuits over burn-in? Might be interesting to check in the other markets with Post-Newsweek stations to see if the same thing is happening. Here's a list of the other 5 P-N stations.

WDIV - Detroit. The NBC affiliate in Detroit.
KPRC - Houston. The NBC affiliate in Houston, Texas.
WPLG - Miami-Ft. Lauderdale. The ABC affiliate in Miami, Florida.
WKMG - Orlando. The CBS affiliate in Orlando, Florida.
WJXT - Jacksonville. An independent in Jacksonville, Florida.

While we're on the subject of our beloved local stations not doing things right, did anyone watch that new show "Heroes" on WOAI Monday night? I had to turn it off b/c the sound was constantly echoing. This happened on both my HD setups. The same thing happens on certain commercials - echo. It's quite annoying.

I'll never understand how signals are affected by the weather. After putting up the tower I currently only get NBC and ABC. And those are around 70% according to the signal meter in the receiver. Tonight all 4 network stations are at 100%. And there is a clear sky here in Kerrville 75 miles away from the transmitters. Was SA overcast tonight thereby pressing the signal down or causing reflection?

Allen,

skies were mostly clear in San Antonio and environs last night, with a slow temperature inversion settling in by early morning. That's partly the cause of the fog we enjoyed today.

Temperature inversions in still air act like excellent mirrors to RF, causing a reflection. It was beneficial in your case, permitting you to enjoy great reception - albeit temporary.

Usually temperature inversions are the broadcaster's enemy, causing a partial or complete loss of the microwave path between our studio and transmitter site (Studio-to-Transmitter-Link, or STL.) At the right (or wrong!) height above ground an inversion can reflect our STL signal down, causing it to miss the receiver antenna. Many stations use an automatic "diversity" system that constantly monitors two or more STL receive antennas, automatically selecting the best signal for good performance.

I found a calculator that helps estimate antenna height versus distance at

http://homepages.nildram.co.uk/~vwlowen/java/horizon.htm

If you enter a San Antonio transmit antenna height of 1530 feet ( about the same for all of us at the Elmendorf site ) and experiment with the receive antenna height for your location, it may take an antenna height of 200 feet to achieve 75 miles line of sight! Like you, I don't understand how you can receive NBC (WOAI, RF 58) and ABC (KSAT, RF 48) but not CBS (KENS, RF 55) without an inversion.

Obviously a tower that high is not ordinarily used for home receivers. I know a cable operator in Blanco who is receiving our DT signal on a 75 foot tower, but that's not quite as far away as you are. But that channel 55 analog translator outside Kerrville may be causing your reception problems on the digital side most of the time. When you were under the influence of the strong reflected signals from San Antonio, the digital signal was strong enough (stronger than the 55 analog translator signal) for your receiver to capture it and make good pictures.

That's my best guess.

While we're on the subject of our beloved local stations not doing things right, did anyone watch that new show "Heroes" on WOAI Monday night? I had to turn it off b/c the sound was constantly echoing. This happened on both my HD setups. The same thing happens on certain commercials - echo. It's quite annoying.

I like Heroes and recorded the phenomenon Joe describes... they actually caught the problem halfway through and corrected it, but until then I actually had to turn on closed captions to understand all that was being said (did I say I like that program?). But the commercials were not echoing so I guess the trouble was to do with the network itself, but wouldn't some of the commercials originate there?

Sometimes I'm glad I'm retired.

No that's not right... I'm always glad.

LoveMovies: Could you tell me a little more about the deal you made with D*.....
I would also like to keep my HD Tivo for awhile but would like to take advantage of any HD DVR deals there might be out there. Thanks in advance. Scotty 44.

Don't get too excited. I have the HR20 and using the MPEG 4 locals over the satellite. They don't look nearly as good as their OTA counterparts. KENS and KSAT DT don't look too bad over satellite but WOAI DT looks terrible!

My recommendation is to stick with your HD Tivo for a bit longer until OTA reception is enabled on the HR20 and they work out a few more of the bugs.

You can read my "review" of the HR20 here:

http://www.dbstalk.com/showthread.php?t=66812

I found that if I turned off the center and surround channels, the sound was fine over the main left and right. I was watching the recording.

The echo problem has been happening for a few years on the NBC HD feed. It happened when I had Dish Network, and it still happens from time to time now that I have TWC. I've only ever noticed this on NBC. Another problem that used to happen, and still does occasionally, is that the sound feed is incomplete. There will be no dialog audible, but there will be background sound effects/laugh track and stuff like that. This happened with the Studio 60 broadcast on 10/9, but they corrected it after a few minutes, thankfully.

Don't you wish NBC/WOAI/DT would finally fix this problem - echo - echo -echo! After all, after investing in state of the art equipment, it's just frustrating when NBC is the only network it's tough to watch in HD. Have you tried SNL? Man!!

Don't you wish NBC/WOAI/DT would finally fix this problem - echo - echo -echo! After all, after investing in state of the art equipment, it's just frustrating when NBC is the only network it's tough to watch in HD. Have you tried SNL? Man!!


I agree. Between the echoes, forgetting to flip the HD switch, the pixelization (more than the other local stations), and going in and out of focus when showing live sports (flexicoder?), they are perhaps the worst run HD outfit locally. If it weren't for KSAT's stretchovision, WOAI would easily be the worst.

Does anyone know who we can e-mail about the echo problem? Someone who might understand what we are talking about. I noticed it with every episode of Friday Night Lights so far. 30 Rock and Studio 60, as well.

Does anyone know who we can e-mail about the echo problem? Someone who might understand what we are talking about. I noticed it with every episode of Friday Night Lights so far. 30 Rock and Studio 60, as well.

http://www.woai.com/contactus/ has a link for emailing "comments and complaints" about WOAI-TV. I'd recommend starting there.

Thanks, BA. I'll keep the link and send them a message every time I watch one of their shows and notice the echo problem. I hope others do the same.

Hello. Greg here at News 4 WOAI. We are VERY aware of the echo-o-o-o issue and are working with NBC to get it fixed. We believe that the problem resides on NBC's end of the stream. It's frustrating for all of us. Please, hang in there. We hope to get this resolved quickly.

Regards-

Thanks for the post, Greg. The echo problem was present during last nights Friday Night Lights broadcast. If you think the problem is upstream with NBC, does it do any good for us to send a comment/complaint on the WOAI site each time we notice it? Does it give you more ammunition to use with those above you if you can point to a greater number of complaints you are getting?

Hello. Greg here at News 4 WOAI. We are VERY aware of the echo-o-o-o issue and are working with NBC to get it fixed. We believe that the problem resides on NBC's end of the stream. It's frustrating for all of us. Please, hang in there. We hope to get this resolved quickly.

Regards-
I have another question about WOAI... I'm guessing they don't have the capability to record and playback in HD. Conan has been in HD for about a year or so, but has never been in HD here in San Antonio. I also noticed that on the last hour of the Today show since it's on tape delay. I do agree about the echo. It is a big problem. I recently purchased a surround sound system, which helped... but it is still an issue.

Since I mostly gripe about one thing or another about local station issues, let me say that I watch a LOT of football games in HD, and want to compliment Fox and CBS and their local affiliates KABB and KENS. NBC's coverage last night was also excellent and the echo only reared it's ugly head a few times. I seem to have more problems with signal dropouts with WOAI than the other channels, oddly jumping right back up to the 80% mark or more after losing the signal for a few seconds... does this at all times of day and night. Often have to change to SD if I'm watching something like Heroes that doesn't have replays. The network program of the games is excellent, and NBC has some great prime time shows this year as well, so I hope they either get the guy's hand of the power switch or work things out with Dish to get on their list. Sadly I have to download many of my NBC regular programs.

But as for the KENS and KABB, TOP MARKS, guys... you guys deserve a dozen roses from each of us.

For the life of me I can't understand why the DirecTV H20 sat receiver will show a near flawless picture from FOX on 29-1 but none of my computer's HDTV cards get any signal. The H20 shows the FOX signal in the 70s and ABC & NBC in the 80s and 90s.

I'm using an Antenna Direct DB8.

I now reliably get ABC and NBC and can record from them. Nothing from CBS yet. Looking into a CM 4251 Parascope. The tower guy says he knows where one is and its not being used. Its a 7 foot monster but CM stop building them in 2000. If one looks hard enough they can still be found new for a grand. :eek: This is puzzling.

Here are a few developments to share with you all:

1) I've been told that NBC has resolved the "Today Show" HD echo on their end and that they are actively working on a few outstanding issues.

2) Our engineers have installed a new IRD on our end that should pass 5.1 better and help eliminate the slap-back echo.

3) If NBC's vigilance and our new equipment don't do the trick, we may attempt a voodoo ritual or hang snake skins off of the tower. Whatever it takes. ;)

Thanks for the feedback many of you have sent us. Keep it coming. Your input has been a real help, and I can't thank you enough.

Regards-

Thanks for the feedback many of you have sent us. Keep it coming. Your input has been a real help, and I can't thank you enough.
Regards-
Been watching HD since early '01 and NBC was at the forefront. That said I watched (instead of recording) Vegas tonight because CBS had a basketball game on. The logo in the lower left may have said HD but it wasn't.

I could see lines where skin tone changed. I could see green matting or pixelization on dark scenes (dark suits) and other stuff you don't see with true HD. At first I thought it was just the cameras used in the Hawaii scenes but looking closer it was everywhere.

I was quite surprised because I started viewing OTA. I said to myself this is what you get from the satellite, not OTA. I switched to satellite and the same problems were there too I guess meaning that it came from the network this way.

I hope they were testing equipment. And just before I sent this post I popped over to ABC to see if it was my equipment but no, the picture there was fine.

Here are a few developments to share with you all:

1) I've been told that NBC has resolved the "Today Show" HD echo on their end and that they are actively working on a few outstanding issues.

2) Our engineers have installed a new IRD on our end that should pass 5.1 better and help eliminate the slap-back echo.



Excellent! Thanks for letting us know, Greg. Unfortunately, Kidnapped was pulled from the broadcast schedule (I know the eps will be online), so I guess I won't be watching anything on NBC until Studio 60 Monday night. Can't wait to hear it echo-free!

Excellent! Thanks for letting us know, Greg. Unfortunately, Kidnapped was pulled from the broadcast schedule (I know the eps will be online), so I guess I won't be watching anything on NBC until Studio 60 Monday night. Can't wait to hear it echo-free!

Enjoy it while you can because Studio 60 may be a goner soon. Great show with bad ratings.

Hey Greg, any word on when you guys will start showing Conan in HD?

Well, I don't think the problem has been solved. Today I sat down to watch the 11/4 broadcast of Saturday Night Live. The echo problem was still there. It wasn't a music show, but the crowd laughter coming from the rear channels had the familiar echo sound. This was peanuts compared to what happened when I tried to watch Monday nights Studio 60 on 11/6.

There was a low rumbling coming from my subwoofer the whole time. This is not a show that should be giving my subwoofer a workout, or much of anything to do. The dialog was very low in the mix, and everything sounded wrong. Then there were parts with just background noise and music, but no dialog could be heard at all. Then the picture switched from being in Hi-Def to what looked like an SD matted widescreen (like a non-anamorphic widescreen dvd looks on a ws display), and then there were some sharp crackling noises. All of this is in the first five minutes, and I just stopped and erased the show in disgust.

Greg - the problem is clearly not solved, I'm sorry to report.

Same problem on "Heroes" last night. What gives?

Yep, same problem with heroes here too; the show was ruined.

And on the Sunday Night Football game, Colts v. Pats, did anyone else notice the horrible pixelization on red objects like Belichick's sweatshirt? I asked about it in the Sunday Night Football thread, but the only other person that responded that they saw it too was from San Antonio, so it must be a local issue.

Come on WOAI, it's about time you got your act together.

Yep, same problem with heroes here too; the show was ruined.

And on the Sunday Night Football game, Colts v. Pats, did anyone else notice the horrible pixelization on red objects like Belichick's sweatshirt? I asked about it in the Sunday Night Football thread, but the only other person that responded that they saw it too was from San Antonio, so it must be a local issue.

Come on WOAI, it's about time you got your act together.

I didn't notice this during the game, but I barely watched any of that. I did notice this horrible pixelation issue during Studio 60 on Monday night and during Friday Night Lights tonight. I saw it most on anything with a solid green tone, like a wall. It looks like a video stream you watch on a computer that has been enlarged beyond its native resolution. And the sound echo problem was still there...

Well, I don't think the problem has been solved. Today I sat down to watch the 11/4 broadcast of Saturday Night Live. The echo problem was still there. It wasn't a music show, but the crowd laughter coming from the rear channels had the familiar echo sound. This was peanuts compared to what happened when I tried to watch Monday nights Studio 60 on 11/6.

There was a low rumbling coming from my subwoofer the whole time. This is not a show that should be giving my subwoofer a workout, or much of anything to do. The dialog was very low in the mix, and everything sounded wrong. Then there were parts with just background noise and music, but no dialog could be heard at all. Then the picture switched from being in Hi-Def to what looked like an SD matted widescreen (like a non-anamorphic widescreen dvd looks on a ws display), and then there were some sharp crackling noises. All of this is in the first five minutes, and I just stopped and erased the show in disgust.

Greg - the problem is clearly not solved, I'm sorry to report.

And I have also had audio dropout problems with KABB (29-1 OTA) recently. The problem doesn't last long sometimes, but has showed up several nights in a row (Prison Break, Justice, Standoff); and its not the first time.

WOAI-TV/DT Problems - - -

Poor resolution on all HD shows / high signal strength BUT PROBLEMS with the SIGNAL

WOAI-TV/DT Problems - - -

Poor resolution on all HD shows / high signal strength BUT PROBLEMS with the SIGNAL

Please fill out the complaint form at http://www.woai.com/contactus/ or send a message to Greg Derkowski there. I'm sending an e-mail and filling out the form every time I watch a show on WOAI that has problems, which is several times a week. But they need to hear from as many people as possible if we want to help make sure this gets fixed sooner instead of later.

Is there a phone number for engineering at Fox? Or are they online here? Before I start replacing the HDTV tuner cards in my computers I want to verify that Fox out of SA is following all the standards. PSIP or PID or whatver they're called. It doesn't make sense that 2 different sat receivers show OTA 29.1 fine but none of the 3 HDTV cards even see the signal.

Continuing and responding... Heroes caused pandemonium here because several of us gather to watch together and all of the TV characters are mute. Music, commercials and background sounds all working fine, but no dialog whatsoever... as though it was intended to have been dubbed but someone forgot. It was ridiculous when two of the characters were standing close and she was rubbing his lapel lightly with her fingertips and talking, you could hear the scratch of her fingers but not her voice...

So I decided to wait and download Heroes from another channel to see if it was a LOCAL problem or with NBC. Guess what! The download had perfect sound and picture. Blame the network if you want, WOAI, but we know you're the culprits!

Then I turned again to WOAI to see if Studio 60 worked. Apparently they were trying to fix the problem because they'd killed the HD broadcast and were sending out the SD shrunken picture ... the voices were there, but in the distance. Once again I turned it off, opting to download it later.

As far as Sunday Football was concerned, I enjoyed it immensely... excellent game... did notice bursts of odd pixelization, also a little echo briefly on a couple of commercials... couldn't tell if they were local or not.

But the main difference between WOAI's problems and KSAT's is that WOAI at least admits them and is working on them... Kudos for that, troops. KSAT buries their heads in the sand and solves the problem by removing all HD monitors from the station and from the employee homes so their employees can't see how contorted they look in stretch0vision. Da-UH!

Final WOAI issue: Signal dropout. Still happening during the game, but that's the only thing I've watched on NBC all the way through... signal would pixelate slightly, then drop out entirely for three seconds or so, then the strength bar would come up showing zero, then jump to 91 and revive.

Keep trying, WOAI... you have the best programming input on TV now... please get it through to your viewers... we have faith!

Oh... and an added note for Allen in Kerrville... your problem is NOT with KABB. They have one of the strongest, most reliable signals in the area. Sorry to hear it's costing you so much to get settled.

Ed... Utopia

I also noticed the horrible audio on the most recent broadcast of Studio 60. It is extremely disappointing to have a dialog driven show with no dialog.

I am also experiencing the same 90 to 0 signal drops that Ed has described. I was thinking it was a multi-path problem, but what are the odds of two people experiencing the same thing in different parts of the city?

For you Spurs fans out there, I just spoke with one of the broadcast engineers over at My35 and was informed that all Spurs game they carry this year will be available in HD OTA. The first game will be this Saturday night 11/11 vs. the NY Knicks at 7PM CST.

Just like their Sinclair owned sibling KABB, no HD for TWC customers...which is getting kind of old in a hurry.

Fortunately, here in Helotes My35 is the strongest broadcast signal I receive on my set top antenna :cool:

...KSAT buries their heads in the sand and solves the problem by removing all HD monitors from the station and from the employee homes so their employees can't see how contorted they look in stretch0vision. Da-UH!
...

Is this true? Holy cow, how moronic.

I'm happy to see the continuing INTENSE dialogue here regarding the WOAI audio issue. It's comical that it's gone on as long as it has - even in light of the reported efforts by the station claiming it's fixed. It is heartening to see that our posts are noted - but, when will the "fix" come? I agree that NBC has some of the best programming it has had in years - in HD!! Too bad "audio" drives us back to SD.

For you Spurs fans out there, I just spoke with one of the broadcast engineers over at My35 and was informed that all Spurs game they carry this year will be available in HD OTA. The first game will be this Saturday night 11/11 vs. the NY Knicks at 7PM CST.

Just like their Sinclair owned sibling KABB, no HD for TWC customers...which is getting kind of old in a hurry.


I don't understand this. If the local affiliate is carrying it in HD, why does a TWC customer not also get this?

I don't understand this. If the local affiliate is carrying it in HD, why does a TWC customer not also get this?

Because Sinclair broadcasting is involved in a dispute with TWC and they will not allow TWC to carry the Sinclair signal in HD until they get more money. For most parts of the country, it's not such a big issue. For San Antonio, it's very bad because the Cowboys play on KABB and the Spurs play on My35 (both owned by Sinclair).

Is this true? Holy cow, how moronic.

Sorry, no it's not true, I was just being dramatic. ... well as far as I know it's not true.

Sorry, no it's not true, I was just being dramatic. ... well as far as I know it's not true.

I didn't think so, but it does explain why they insist on keeping stretch-o-vision.....

I didn't think so, but it does explain why they insist on keeping stretch-o-vision.....

I can't stand stretch-o-vision! When KSAT content goes from HD to SD on TWC, I immediately switch to the SD channel so that I can at least have the proper ratio displayed. Grrr....why will they not fix this? :confused:

Here is a link to the Contact Us (http://www.ksat.com/contact/index.html) feature on KSAT's page. Maybe if we start bombarding them with complaints everytime we see stretch-o-vision, we can get some action, or at least an explanation. Not that there IS a good explanation, but an acknowledgement of the problem would be something.

I spoke with one of the Engineers from KSAT a few moments ago and he told me that this was not a local decision. It came down from their President at corporate HQ, Washington Post/Newsweek and affects all 6 stations that they own (Detroit, Houston, Miami, Orlando, San Antonio and Jacksonville).

With that bit of info, I gave corporate a call and ended up getting to speak with one of their General Counsel attorneys in the TV division. He was very polite and listened to my concerns and asked that I forward him a link to this forum. I'm also going to look up the other AVS forums for the above cities and include those links as well.

He said that they had received complaints from people about the black bars on the side of the screen during SD broadcasts and that they actually spent money on the machines to stretch the aspect ratio. I told him that was nice of them but that I could accomplish the same thing with the "wide" button on my remote if so inclined :D

I will post an update on any follow up communications I receive.

I told him that was nice of them but that I could accomplish the same thing with the "wide" button on my remote if so inclined :D



I went through the same thing with WLS-DT in Chicago, they stretch all SD programming. Their engineering manager said they do it because folks with plasma sets said they worried about burnin and wouldn't watch their station. Also, there's a lot of STB's out there that won't let you change the aspect ratio of 720p or 1080i ATSC programming. With that all said, I don't like it when stations do stretch 4x3 to 16x9, leave it in the original format and let the viewers decide on what to do with it.

I am new to this forum and thread. As a matter of fact I just ordered my TV and it should be here in about a week. I have learned in this thread that FOX and WB are not available through TWC in HD. So, I need an antenna for over-air reception of the stations in HD.

I live on the NE side of town in a neighborhood comprised entirely of 2 story houses. Would an indoor omnidirectional antenna be all I need to receive these stations? Or, because of the tall houses, would I need a rooftop model? Also, any suggestions or recommendations as to brand or model would be appreciated.

One fiinal question. Are the issues with WOAI & KSAT problems with both antenna reception and TWC?

Thanks,
Derrik

While watching Numbers on D* last night the HD picture went out. In fact the HD picture for ABC, NBC and I think FOX all disappeared from D*. I flipped over to my antenna to check ABC, NBC and FOX and the HD pictures were fine. I can't get CBS OTA. Was anybody else watching some HD network programming off D* and see the picture go away? It was gone for at least 20 minutes or more. I turned on an SD system and watched the rest of Numbers.

One fiinal question. Are the issues with WOAI & KSAT problems with both antenna reception and TWC?

Thanks,
Derrik

I've only received HD through TWC, but I believe the issues are there no matter how you get the signal.

I'd love to add an antenna to get Fox in HD, but the HD-DVR TWC provides doesn't have any way to add an antenna. Is there an easy solution for this? Is there an HD-DVR model that can work with TWC and accept an antenna?

I'd love to add an antenna to get Fox in HD, but the HD-DVR TWC provides doesn't have any way to add an antenna. Is there an easy solution for this? Is there an HD-DVR model that can work with TWC and accept an antenna?

The only one that I am aware of for both TWC & OTA is the Tivo Series 3. It looks like a great unit that has the 8300HD beat hands down feature wise. Unfortunately, it costs $799 plus the monthly service fee on top of your cable service.

I could plunk down the cash if I really wanted it that much (I'd rather have a PS3 next weekend..haha) It's just hard for me to feel good about that purchase since the 8300HD has come a long way in the past year and only costs $9.95 a month. There are pros and cons to each choice, that's just where I ended up.

The only one that I am aware of for both TWC & OTA is the Tivo Series 3. It looks like a great unit that has the 8300HD beat hands down feature wise. Unfortunately, it costs $799 plus the monthly service fee on top of your cable service.

I could plunk down the cash if I really wanted it that much (I'd rather have a PS3 next weekend..haha) It's just hard for me to feel good about that purchase since the 8300HD has come a long way in the past year and only costs $9.95 a month. There are pros and cons to each choice, that's just where I ended up.

Thanks. Well, its not worth the cash to me either. It would be nice if TWC offered a model that supported connecting an antenna.

Oh, and WOAI - your sound problem is still not fixed. It was evident all through SNL last night. :(

Thanks. Well, its not worth the cash to me either. It would be nice if TWC offered a model that supported connecting an antenna.

Oh, and WOAI - your sound problem is still not fixed. It was evident all through SNL last night. :(

Questions as to connecting an antenna. My TV has HDMI, Component and Antenna In connections. It also has an ATSC Tuner. Can I connect the STB to the TV using either component or HDMI and then connect the antenna to the antenna in terminal? Connected this way, won't I be able to receive both cable and OTA signals?

TV won't be delivere till sometime this week, but trying to get prepared.

Questions as to connecting an antenna. My TV has HDMI, Component and Antenna In connections. It also has an ATSC Tuner. Can I connect the STB to the TV using either component or HDMI and then connect the antenna to the antenna in terminal? Connected this way, won't I be able to receive both cable and OTA signals?

TV won't be delivere till sometime this week, but trying to get prepared.

Short answer is yes. I have my 8300HD connected to the HDMI port on my TV and the antenna is connected via the coax "antenna" input.

I have never really noticed much of a sound problem with WOAI. Sometimes I just think SNL is mixed horribly. Something I do notice about WOAI though is that during the tonight show, the signal seems to get weaker and there are second drop offs ever minute or two. This has been going on for the last year. It never really effected me that much but now that I bought a PC ATSC tuner that isn't very sensitive, it has become a nucience. I recorded the Tonight Show on either Thursday or Friday and the signal was really weak and unwatchable.

It may have had something to do with the weather that day but the second drop outs are very consistant. The earlier shows do not have this problem.

I wrote to KSAT about stretch-o-vision, and got this response:

HI, thanks for writing and for watching KSAT12. We appreciate your feedback regarding our 16x9 picture. We are in the process of testing new equipment that allows our signal to fill the screen. We've heard from some viewers in the past that they see a "burn-in" on their sets when our signal is 4x3, so we're testing this device and looking for feedback. We'll certainly take your feedback into consideration.

Thanks again for writing!

KSAT12 AUDIENCE RELATIONS

Hopefully that means they will put a border up on the sides rather than distort the picture.

Hello Everyone,

I need a bit of help that maybe you guys can provide. I need to get an OTA HD antenna that can pickup MY35 in the downtown area. The problem is I need one that is an indoor model.

Can anyone recommend one?

This one has a good reputation.

http://www.radioshack.com/product/index.jsp?productId=2103058&cp=2032057.2032187.2032189.2032204&pg=2&parentPage=family

You need a 300 to 75 ohm adapter.

The Zenith Slver Sensor has always been rated highly. It used to be available locally at Sears.

http://reviews.cnet.com/Silver_Sensor_Digital_HDTV_UHF_Indoor_Antenna_ZHDTV1/4505-6509_7-30471331.html

I am new to this forum and thread. As a matter of fact I just ordered my TV and it should be here in about a week. I have learned in this thread that FOX and WB are not available through TWC in HD. So, I need an antenna for over-air reception of the stations in HD.

I live on the NE side of town in a neighborhood comprised entirely of 2 story houses. Would an indoor omnidirectional antenna be all I need to receive these stations?
You can check the map that is linked in my signature below for reception reports from around town. I hope that you'll add your report once you get your over-the air setup in place. :)

For good reception, it is more important that your lot be on high ground than that there not be many buildings around you. Getting your antenna up high can be helpful, but it's less important if your lot is relatively high compared to the terrain between you and the tower. (My lot is on high ground and I get HD reception with an amplified set-top antenna on the first floor.) Also, houses with wood frames won't impede signals nearly as much as business buildings with steel frames.

I was hoping to get the Radio Shack antenna listed above, but I never had any luck locating it at a local best buy. There is one for sale that is pretty similar online through Antenna's Direct, but I haven't purchased it yet.

One of the locations is very very close to me here in Monte Vista and they are able to get intermittent reception of 35. That gives me a bit of hope, but it doesn't say whether or not they are using an outdoor antenna or not.

Hello everyone,

I've gotten an antenna from RS setup inside my loft. It picks up every channel very well with the exception of MY35's HD feed. I just can't get it to come in. Has anyone here in the Monte Vista area had any luck pulling this in with an indoor antenna? If so what kind of a setup are you using?

Love Movies I saw that you posted on the map that you can get it intermitently. Would you be kind enough to provide me with a few more details of what happens with you and MY35 reception?

I'm dying here! They are carrying Spurs games on HD but I can't see them because TWC won't let me, and I can't pick up the OTA signal. Hopefully I can get this worked out.

Thanks to everyone for their help. This entire thread is a good resource.

I Just got a new LCD for my ps3 and xbox 360 but my father refuses to pay for High Def programing which is fine. I know i can buy a HD antenna but will i be able to receive ABC, Fox, and CBS? I am a huge sports fan and just want to be able to watch some of the games on my new baby before i move out in a few months.
Sorry if my post is noobish

I Just got a new LCD for my ps3 and xbox 360 but my father refuses to pay for High Def programing which is fine. I know i can buy a HD antenna but will i be able to receive ABC, Fox, and CBS? I am a huge sports fan and just want to be able to watch some of the games on my new baby before i move out in a few months.
Sorry if my post is noobish

It all depends on where you live in relation to the transmitters. Go to www.antennaweb.org, plug in your address and see what type of antenna you need. BTW, a good old antenna might work just as well as something labeled HD, that's all just marketing hype, and antenna is an antenna.

MannyisGod,

You do realize, don't you, that 35 is in a different direction from the other channels? From Monte Vista it would be WNW, while the others are SE. I have a rotator on my outdoor antenna just because of that.

Thats a good point. However, I think the antenna I have right now is Omnidirectional because I have it pointed WNW and I get all of the others but NOT 35. Do you think I would have luck with the Zenith directional that was linked above?

thanks for the help guys greatly appreciated

Thats a good point. However, I think the antenna I have right now is Omnidirectional because I have it pointed WNW and I get all of the others but NOT 35. Do you think I would have luck with the Zenith directional that was linked above?

I think the Zenith would be worth trying.

Has anyone confirmed via watching a Spurs broadcast on MY35 that it is actually in HD now?

It has not been in HD yet, but it is the best SD I have ever seen.

Has anyone confirmed via watching a Spurs broadcast on MY35 that it is actually in HD now?

Yes it is in good quality digital SDTV. The pregame today was zoomed SD, which was a little tragic since you can't see what's at the top and bottom of the screen... one commercial in particular made no sense whatsoever.

Has anyone confirmed via watching a Spurs broadcast on MY35 that it is actually in HD now?

I spoke with a different broadcast Engineer over at My35 and he told me that the person that informed me of the Spurs games being in HD OTA was incorrect. He said they are trying to get the equipment together to do Spurs games in HD together for next year but that the rest of this year will be in SD (except for the games on KENS and the ones on nationally carried networks).

I spoke with a different broadcast Engineer over at My35 and he told me that the person that informed me of the Spurs games being in HD OTA was incorrect. He said they are trying to get the equipment together to do Spurs games in HD together for next year but that the rest of this year will be in SD (except for the games on KENS and the ones on nationally carried networks).

I see. Well, thus ends my quest to pickup MY35 OTA with an antenna. I'll settle for my TW feed if its just SD. :)

Thanks for the clarification.

I was wondering "IF" I got a HDTV that has the built in tuners, would it pick up the basic HD channels that TWC offers, without using their box? Or do you still need the cable box.
This is for a 2nd TV and I have the cable box going to a larger HD ready TV. Don't want to have to pay for a 2nd box.

As long as you get a TV with a QAM tuner it will pick up the main channels which are unencrypted.

I'm getting ready to move into Alamo Ranch (1604 & 151) and plan to install an attic antenna. I was wondering if anyone is out there yet and getting over the air reception of the locals.

BTW, I was able to pick up MY35 last night via the antenna. I had to position my antenna on top of my flat panel, but worked.

WOIA's echo problems continue. They happen on certain commercials, they happened on tonight's halftime show, they happened on parts of the Football Night in America. I don't understand why they can't figure this out. I know they are claiming this is not a local problem, but I haven't seen complaints in other locales about this. Also, the same commercials that echo on WOAI don't echo on KENS or other local stations.

The pixelization on fast motion during tonight's game seemed worse than normal.

WOAI has been horrible on DirecTV via dish, but today i have noticed a big improvement. Less of that horrendous pixelation. I wouldnt say its perfect but looks comparable to the other channels now. Heres to hoping it lasts.

The WOAI-DT Sunday Night Football picture quality was excellant. However there was no audio at all for the first half. Also - the ECHO issue is still there. But the picture is top notch perfect!

The WOAI-DT Sunday Night Football picture quality was excellant. However there was no audio at all for the first half. Also - the ECHO issue is still there. But the picture is top notch perfect!
These comments on audio/video quality, are they observed via satellite or over the air. I popped over to the game for a few minutes and didn't see any problems OTA. But it wasn't for very long.

I'm viewing all SA local HD from a D'TV HR20 via Sat. And just last night (11/26) the video quality was perfect. Audio? ECHO!

The WOAI-DT Sunday Night Football picture quality was excellant. However there was no audio at all for the first half. Also - the ECHO issue is still there. But the picture is top notch perfect!

How do you receive it? I get it OTA and had sound throughout the game, including the first half. Lots of pixelization and the occasional echo sound though. What size screen do you watch it on?

I'm viewing all SA local HD from a D'TV HR20 via Sat. And just last night (11/26) the video quality was perfect. Audio? ECHO!

So this was MPEG4 local in local delivery? that's encouraging (except for the audio issue).

WOAI has been horrible on DirecTV via dish, but today i have noticed a big improvement. Less of that horrendous pixelation. I wouldnt say its perfect but looks comparable to the other channels now. Heres to hoping it lasts.

What DirecTV receiver are you using?

What DirecTV receiver are you using?

H20, currently watching the Today show and it looks pretty good.

As long as you get a TV with a QAM tuner it will pick up the main channels which are unencrypted.
TWC lines do not carry any unencrypted digital channels that I have ever seen. I have scanned the line a few times in the last 3 years and have never picked up anything.

TWC lines do not carry any unencrypted digital channels that I have ever seen. I have scanned the line a few times in the last 3 years and have never picked up anything.


Not correct.

Time Warner digital Cable:
Channel 103- has 5 subchannels in the clear ABC and NBC in HD
Channel 112 - has 3 subchannels in the clear with the CBS and PBS in HD

I am still looking for Fox...

Since the discussion is on WOAI, I have had an issue for the last several months. Every 10 minutes, the TV does a updating channel database. This causes the screen to go blank for a few seconds. Very annoying. Does WOAI send a signal periodically that could cause the EPG to reset?

Not correct.

Time Warner digital Cable:
Channel 103- has 5 subchannels in the clear ABC and NBC in HD
Channel 112 - has 3 subchannels in the clear with the CBS and PBS in HD

I am still looking for Fox...

Don't think you are going to find a Fox KABB HD signal on TWC. Sinclair Broadcasting will not let them carry it.

TWC lines do not carry any unencrypted digital channels that I have ever seen. I have scanned the line a few times in the last 3 years and have never picked up anything.

Unless I am mistaken, by law TWC has to broadcast those HD signals in the clear because they are local stations.

Are there any Zap2It users in the San Antonio area? Its a free database that contains all the TV programming. I use it to schedule my computers but it started failing today. Users in other areas say it is working fine so I wanted to check here in SA.

Are there any Zap2It users in the San Antonio area? Its a free database that contains all the TV programming. I use it to schedule my computers but it started failing today. Users in other areas say it is working fine so I wanted to check here in SA.
AllenDB - Yes, I'm in SA and I'm using Zap2it in order to drive my MythTV system (both HD and SD). I, too, had issues with Zap2It, but mine actually began about 2 weeks ago. If you check the forums at labs[dot]zap2it[dot]com, there are a number of posts about 'HD channels being lost'. I'm not too sure if that's the issue you're experiencing, but if so, it's rectifiable by deleting and recreating your lineup. Additionally, you need to be aware that they are no longer sending the 'channel numbers' using the '4.1' format, but instead sending the UHF signal numbers (that statement may not be technically accurate, but hopefully you get the gist). If you PM me more details, I might be able to assist. Thanks, doug.

Not correct.

Time Warner digital Cable:
Channel 103- has 5 subchannels in the clear ABC and NBC in HD
Channel 112 - has 3 subchannels in the clear with the CBS and PBS in HD

I am still looking for Fox...
Guess something must have been setup wrong. I have always done auto program with my TV and have never picked up anything. I'm I correct in that you are just uning a simple QAM tuner? If so, I better check again. I don't get such a great signal OTA for PBS so this would be great. And one more thing, I don't have digital cable but I always assumed I am getting the same feed as anyone else. Could I be affected by my cable package?

AllenDB - Yes, I'm in SA and I'm using Zap2it in order to drive my MythTV system (both HD and SD). I, too, had issues with Zap2It, but mine actually began about 2 weeks ago. If you check the forums at labs[dot]zap2it[dot]com, there are a number of posts about 'HD channels being lost'. I'm not too sure if that's the issue you're experiencing, but if so, it's rectifiable by deleting and recreating your lineup. Additionally, you need to be aware that they are no longer sending the 'channel numbers' using the '4.1' format, but instead sending the UHF signal numbers (that statement may not be technically accurate, but hopefully you get the gist). If you PM me more details, I might be able to assist. Thanks, doug.
I finally deleted and recreated my lineup. But they're back to only virtual stations, not the UHF RF. But my program has an internal channel table so just as long as I can get the lineup I'm alright.

Yes, the problems started a couple of weeks ago and had to recreate the lineup then. Just surprised I had to do it again tonight. Wonder if they will ever get the channel info correct again.

Hey KSAT... great!!!! Glad to have you back to reality with all the other channels!

Guess something must have been setup wrong. I have always done auto program with my TV and have never picked up anything. I'm I correct in that you are just uning a simple QAM tuner? If so, I better check again. I don't get such a great signal OTA for PBS so this would be great. And one more thing, I don't have digital cable but I always assumed I am getting the same feed as anyone else. Could I be affected by my cable package?


Well a simple digital qam tuner, yes. An analog tuner obviously won't work.

As far as cable packages.. I'm not entirely sure on that one. It shouldn't matter as long as you have digital feed in the area (at the box). Someone else may know more about that than me..

If you are not subscribed to Basic Standard(channel 2-78, 98, 99), your service will be trapped out in such a way that the QAM Frequencies will not get through.

If you are subscribed to Basic Standard, you will be able to pick up the local Hi-Def services with no provisioning needed by Time Warner Cable-San Antonio.

Hey KSAT... great!!!! Glad to have you back to reality with all the other channels!
Thank God :) . I knew Steve Brown wasn't that big. :D

Has anyone heard anything new on the potential for the Cowboys/Falcons game this Saturday night (12/16) to be broadcast OTA? I realize this is only an issue for TWC customers as AT&T, DirecTV & DISH all carry NFLN.

If you are not subscribed to Basic Standard(channel 2-78, 98, 99), your service will be trapped out in such a way that the QAM Frequencies will not get through.

If you are subscribed to Basic Standard, you will be able to pick up the local Hi-Def services with no provisioning needed by Time Warner Cable-San Antonio.


Just got a Panny TH50PX60U the other day and I am new to HD. I have my Time Warner box SA8300 connected via the component inputs, my DVD via one of the HDMI inputs and an antenna via the Coax input.

As set up now, when I let the TV do a channel scan I believe that it will scan the antenna and cable box. Is that correct? Don't I need to scan raw (before box) cable signal to pic up extra channels? If so, how can I get it to scan my raw cable? Would I need to split the cable at the wall and run one to the box and the other to the TV? If I did that, I'd lose my antenna capability. So should I then run the antenna and the straight cable to another splitter before connecting to the TV Coax input?

Thanks,
DM

If you have an SA8300 why are you worried about using the QAM tuner? Thats the box I have and its an HD box.

If you really want to do it that way, you have to split the cable BEFORE it goes into the box. one of the signals will go to your coax input on the TV and the other will feed the cable box.

I am at a crossroads here and don't want to make a major mistake. I have had TWC ever since I moved here to SA about 15 years ago. During that time my cable bill has skyrocketed to the point where I am now paying over $170 per month for digital cable, HD service, HBO & SHowtime, 2 dvrs and highspeed internet.

About 3 months ago my picture & sound quality nosedived. I get severe pixilation and buzizng from all tvs. TWC has replaced the master splitter, all cable wall boxes, both dvrs, wiring from splitter to box outside house, wiring from that box to junction box in back of yard. They say they have surveyed from there to neighborhood junction box. Still have the problem, with no resolution in sight. Besides that it really irks me that I cannot get FOXHD or NFL Network. Also satelite apprears to have more HD channels. I am seriously considering switching providers.

My question is who to go with. I am intrigued by ATT Uverse, but have heard they still have major problems and growing pains. They use Dish as satellite provider. Dose the ATT settop box compress the regular Dish signal any further, or is the signal the same? Does anyone out there currently have Uverse? What are your thoughts?

Other main option as I see it is Dish Network. I have no experience with satellite and would appreciate any input concerning signal strength, signal compression, weather concerns, customer service. Can anyone give me first hand advice?

I have not considered Direct TV. Should I?

Any info concerning the above would be greatly appreciated. If I do make the change I'd like to do it soon.

Thanks in advance.

I'm thinking about switching to Grande cable myself. Not having NFL network and FOX/My35 in HD is really starting to annoy me. When you factor in that Time Warner is more expensive, then I really think I'd be better off switching.

I am at a crossroads here and don't want to make a major mistake. I have had TWC ever since I moved here to SA about 15 years ago. During that time my cable bill has skyrocketed to the point where I am now paying over $170 per month for digital cable, HD service, HBO & SHowtime, 2 dvrs and highspeed internet.

About 3 months ago my picture & sound quality nosedived. I get severe pixilation and buzizng from all tvs. TWC has replaced the master splitter, all cable wall boxes, both dvrs, wiring from splitter to box outside house, wiring from that box to junction box in back of yard. They say they have surveyed from there to neighborhood junction box. Still have the problem, with no resolution in sight. Besides that it really irks me that I cannot get FOXHD or NFL Network. Also satelite apprears to have more HD channels. I am seriously considering switching providers.

My question is who to go with. I am intrigued by ATT Uverse, but have heard they still have major problems and growing pains. They use Dish as satellite provider. Dose the ATT settop box compress the regular Dish signal any further, or is the signal the same? Does anyone out there currently have Uverse? What are your thoughts?

Other main option as I see it is Dish Network. I have no experience with satellite and would appreciate any input concerning signal strength, signal compression, weather concerns, customer service. Can anyone give me first hand advice?

I have not considered Direct TV. Should I?

Any info concerning the above would be greatly appreciated. If I do make the change I'd like to do it soon.

Thanks in advance.

Head over to our sister site http://www.dbstalk.com. You will get all of your questions answered there.

My understanding is that if subscribed to satallite service, you can get HD service on certain channels such as ESPN, HDnet, INDH, etc.

But in order to receive the local channels in HD, it requires an antenna. If that is the case, does the satellite set top box function as an OTA tuner for TV's that do not have built in HD tuners?

My understanding is that if subscribed to satallite service, you can get HD service on certain channels such as ESPN, HDnet, INDH, etc.
But in order to receive the local channels in HD, it requires an antenna. If that is the case, does the satellite set top box function as an OTA tuner for TV's that do not have built in HD tuners?
Quite a bit of learning required here. First, just because you have satellite does not mean you get HD for the channels you specified. At least for DirecTV. You have to pay for the HD package.

Second, you can get the local channels in HD on D* and you do NOT need an antenna and you should not have to pay extra for them,

Unless I completely misunderstood your questions. :)

My understanding is that if subscribed to satallite service, you can get HD service on certain channels such as ESPN, HDnet, INDH, etc.

But in order to receive the local channels in HD, it requires an antenna. If that is the case, does the satellite set top box function as an OTA tuner for TV's that do not have built in HD tuners?
For DirecTV, it depends on which HD Receiver or HD-DVR you order.....esp. if off of eBay....
The older H10 (and other HD) Receivers are limited, since they did not do the new MPEG4 channels. These are being discontinued.

The new D* H20 Receiver and HR20 HD-DVR receive both the old MPEG2 and the new MPEG4 HD National and HD Local-In-Local channels
(which only include "Top Four" networks, where available) and also have HD OTA tuner to receive those local digital channels that aren't (yet) on the satellite.

For Dish, the Vip211 HD Receiver and new Vip622 Dual-Tuner HD-DVR are both MPEG2/MPEG4 with HD OTA tuner, providing pretty much the same capabilities,
except for more HD channels and different HD-LIL roll-out program sequence (50% of U.S. household by end of this year & more next).
San Antonio was added in May this year, so MPEG4 enabled receivers should be readily available....

See fol. for HD channel lists:
http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=419472
Your choice may boil down to either more HD (Dish) or more extra cost sports packages (DirecTV).

I should have clarified. My set does not have an HD tuner. On TW cable using their HD settop box, I get the local channels in HD, no extra charge. But I do pay for the HD package which includes the channels I mentioned.

What I was not sure of was, if subscribed to a satellite service, if it was possible to receive the locals in HD using the satellite and their settop box or would I need an antenna and get then over the air.

I was not sure if satellite services could transmit local channels HD signals. But it sounds like I can and I would not need an antenna.

Thanks for your responses. That helps a lot.

At least with Dish Network as they don't have a retrans agreement with WOAI. Also if your interested in PBS in HD neither carries it so OTA is THE only way to get KLRN in HD.

Someone with D* will have to chime in on SA HD locals but there could be a station missing there also.

I should have clarified. My set does not have an HD tuner. On TW cable using their HD settop box, I get the local channels in HD, no extra charge. But I do pay for the HD package which includes the channels I mentioned.

What I was not sure of was, if subscribed to a satellite service, if it was possible to receive the locals in HD using the satellite and their settop box or would I need an antenna and get then over the air.

I was not sure if satellite services could transmit local channels HD signals. But it sounds like I can and I would not need an antenna.

Thanks for your responses. That helps a lot.

I was wondering if anyone knew how to get the CW network in Eagle Pass, Texas other than by satellite tv. My Time Warner Cable isn't carrying The CW but carrying my Network TV from KMYS 35 from San Antonio. Anyone know how i can get the CW KCWX ch. 2/4 from san antonio??

...Anyone know how i can get the CW KCWX ch. 2/4 from san antonio??

Odds are Time Warner does not carry KCWX in Eagle Pass because they are unable to receive it. They are able to receive the other San Antonio stations and retransmit, but KCWX is too far away for them to get a good signal.

Note also that KCWX does not yet offer HD programming; they lack the facilities. Their DTV plan is in motion, however, and they are expected to meet the Feb. 2009 analog shut off date and begin digital operations on channel 5. Remember that the KCWX transmitter facility is located in Stonewall, Texas in the southeast corner of Gillespie county, slightly southwest of Blanco. The tower is a couple of miles from where Blanco and Kendall counties join. At full rated power their DTV signal will not reach very far into Uvalde or Real county, and not at all into Zavala, Dimmit, Webb or Duval county.

I hate to say it, but if KCWX or any CW network stations are available to you via satellite, that would be your best option.

Has anyone noticed? WOAI-DT's audio seems to be fixed! No more echo!

Has anyone noticed? WOAI-DT's audio seems to be fixed! No more echo!

Did they actually fix it or just turn off the Dolby Digital?

Has anyone noticed? WOAI-DT's audio seems to be fixed! No more echo!

No it's almost like they have someone standing by to turn a knob whenever it happens... happened during several commercials during the games this weekend, but not the live game. There was one place that echoed during one of the halftime or postgame shows for a few seconds... certainly not enough to complain about though. I consider it fixed and thank WOAI for the thoughtful attention.

I do continue to have the dropout of the signal... suddenly the popup that says the signal is lost, a delay for a few seconds, then the signal strength meter jumps back up to 80 or 90... I have no suggested explanation for that one. Could be you local people don't have the problem, and I've never seen it on any of the other channels.

I do continue to have the dropout of the signal.

Me too, it is very annoying.

I know Sinclair and Time WArner have been in talks recently, anyone know if they're any closer to picking up the HD feeds here?

Just got a letter in the mail saying TWC will launch A&E HD and the mtv hd Jan 1.

Just got a letter in the mail saying TWC will launch A&E HD and the mtv hd Jan 1.

I was happy to see this. When they announced a month ago or so that they were dropping INHD2, I kept hoping it meant they were going to add some other HD channels. I was hoping for ESPN2, but these will be nice.

Just got a letter in the mail saying TWC will launch A&E HD and the mtv hd Jan 1.

I got this letter in the mail yesterday as well. Glad to see they we were actually going to see a net gain in the number of HD channels that we get locally because when I called customer service on Tuesday they told me there were no new channels coming. It would be really nice if they would keep the folks answering the phone more in the loop ;)

The new channels are already active. Not bad.

The new channels are already active. Not bad.

So far so good with the new channels....Now if we could just get ESPN2 & KABB Fox in HD I would be a very pleased customer :D

A&E HD was showing A Few Good Men last night in 4:3 format. They didn't stretch it, but what is the point of that? The CSI:Miami episodes they were showing earlier were in HD and looked fantastic(that show always does), but why would they show a 4:3 movie when there is obviously a proper AR source available. The screen carried the A&E HD logo the whole time.

I looked at a description of MHD on the web, and it made I thought it would be great. They supposedly broadcast old MTV Unplugged and VH1 Storytellers sessions. I love live music. But all I have seen so far is hip-hop. Dissapointing so far...

Did INHD fold their content into one channel, or did TWC just drop INHD2 and the channel still exists?

ESPN2 would be nice, they show some good college football and baseball games. I'd prefer CW in HD myself.

Fox is a no-brainer. I can't believe that hasn't been worked out.

I got this letter in the mail yesterday as well. Glad to see they we were actually going to see a net gain in the number of HD channels that we get locally because when I called customer service on Tuesday they told me there were no new channels coming. It would be really nice if they would keep the folks answering the phone more in the loop ;)

A lot of times companies don't want employees to give away anything before it is officially announced, so they just don't tell them. But I found an article in some online magazine about Time Warner announcing they were adding A&E HD back on December 18th. So if the company is publicly announcing it, yeah, they should tell their phone reps.

Hi Guys -

I'm trying to get a grasp on the source of an issue that I'm facing. I'm watching the Spurs game and seeing a fair amount of pixelation during the high-motion scenes. I'm picking the signal up via OTA-digital using an antenna in my attic. As far as I can tell there are only a few reasons I should be seeing this:
1) the bandwidth is limited by KENS due to their sub-channels and therefor this is the best they can/will provide
2) My signal isn't good enough.
3) My TV can't display the high frame rate

I'm 99% certain that it's not #3 as we can play Blue-Ray discs and they look perfect. I'm a bit confused as to whether #2 could be the issue. My TV shows that my signal is 8/10, but that's the only metric regarding signal quality that I have. I'm not too sure I even understand why a poor signal would cause pixelation/macroblocking? I guess it's the case that the bitrate has increase and for some reason the receiver isn't picking up the motion vectors? That doesn't sound probable, but I'm not doing a very good job of understanding this predicament.

Thanks in advance for any help/pointers you guys might be able to provide.

Thanks, doug.

KENS is rebroadcasting the ESPN feed and they never really do a good job with HD sports content. Check some of the other HDTV sports threads on this forum for complaints on ESPN quality (or lack thereof).

Hi Guys -

I'm trying to get a grasp on the source of an issue that I'm facing. I'm watching the Spurs game and seeing a fair amount of pixelation during the high-motion scenes...As far as I can tell there are only a few reasons I should be seeing this:

1) the bandwidth is limited by KENS due to their sub-channels and therefor this is the best they can/will provide

KENS has only one sub channel and it is using very little bandwidth.

2) My signal isn't good enough.

I am sure your signal is just fine.

3) My TV can't display the high frame rate

I doubt it. The cause of the blocking you see is compression, pure and simple. The HD signal KENS-DT is broadcasting tonight is a direct feed from the AT&T Center here in San Antonio using a compressed-270 Mbit transmission over fiber. We are using a Tandberg decoder provided by Vyvx and the game is traveling over AT&T fiber. We have been watching the game here at the studio and I see occasional blocking symptoms, but to my eye it is not severe - but to your eye it may be unacceptable. We are fighting to overcome this macroblocking (pixelation, pixelization, etc.) symptom on several fronts. It is one of the most annoying artifacts of the digital television transmission.

For the moment, it is what it is. We will continue to upgrade equipment as time goes on to improve the technology available to bring you quality events. KENS will also broadcast the Super Bowl in HD in a few weeks, and weather permitting we will switch off our Multicast channel. Then you can tell me how much of a difference that makes, if you like. We're always open to comments both pro and con.

And by the way, we are not rebroadcasting an ESPN event. The Spurs have provided us with our own feed of the game via the method described. Sporting events are both the most challenging content that HDTV can handle and the biggest draw for HDTV buyers and viewers; it is easy to see how the limitations of the system can be exceeded.

Mr. Paonessa -
Thank you for your prompt and informative response. I wouldn't describe the viewing experience as 'unacceptable', but instead just 'questionable'. My eye is probably somewhat hyper-sensitive as we were watching this on our brand-new 67" HDTV (Samsung 1080P DLP) from roughly 10.5' away. From all my research, this is the correct viewing distance, but it's also going to make any imperfections very visible.

Because you are so knowledgeable in this area, I would like to ask one more question - you stated that you seriously doubted that it was my signal. I currently have my antenna (It's one of the 12' ones from Radio Crack) connected to a signal amplifier and then split the signal a total of 5 times. We do this because we are running it into 2 HDTVs, 2 PCHDTV Cards and a another for expandability. I just want to make sure that this type of splitting couldn't possibly cause this symptom.

Thanks again for your great feedback. I fully understand that this is still an actively evolving technology and that each piece of the communication pathway must be upgraded and tweaked before the viewing experience will be flawless. I sincerely hope I didn't offend you by my question and I apologize if I was overly critical of the work you guys are doing.

Thanks, doug.

No offense taken; I do hope you meant that you're watching that 67" Sammy from 10 1/2 feet distance...

I did not consider your question critical at all - it was a question.

Where you live has a lot to do with the quality of signal. (What part of town do you live in?) If you are already receiving all channels, and you have generally good signal integrity on KENS-DT, that is not the cause of the granular experience with motion artifacts. A 12 footer is a substantial antenna. Kudos to you for having the foresight to use an amplifier before splitting - if you had not done so you may not have had much signal to work with on your longest run from the spillter.

You probably know that if you have a weak signal in the DTV world your receiver displays nothing - just a blank screen. It IS possible to get a marginal signal that may pop in and out, depending on variables, but you would know that you have a severe condition. Given that all signal strength indicators on consumer televisions are arbitrary, if yours shows that you have a "good" (better than about 80%) signal your reception should be relatively error-free and rock solid.

That means motion artifacts in the video more than likely are caused by coding errors and compression. In an ideal world HDTV exists as a 1.5 Gigabit/second (Gbps) program stream. During live events this is nearly always compressed for remote transmission, on the order of 270 Megabits/second (Mbps) or 540 Mbps. At the TV station we expand this back out to 1.5 Gbps for transport through the facility and switching, but guess what? The data thrown out at the first compression is not fully recovered. Worse, we beat up the signal even more by compressing it again to 19.4 Mbps for transmission. By the time the home receiver decodes what's left, stills and relatively slow action still look great - much better than analog TV. But add a lot of NBA or NFL motion and anyone can see we're operating an imperfect system.

On the plus side, error-concealment and masking systems are improving every day. In a few years the motion vector artifacts ($25 term for what you're seeing) will just be a bad dream.

I cannot believe network CBS or CBS out of SA. So the Spurs game (or some useless basketball game) is on and they forgo firstrun episodes of Close To Home and Numbers. And these are in HDTV, more on that in a minute.

So when are we going to see these trashed episodes??? Maybe a week or two later or some other convenient primetime???? Later this summer? Maybe never??? The average user would/will never know. They would not have known that in all their wisdom the network or CBS SA thought the best opportunity for all concerned would be at 2AM and 3AM this morning. Yes they were shown figuring users could record them,,, NOT!!!

How would they know and second how do they record HDTV? While making my nightly check of the schedule I caught it and have them on the computer in HDTV for viewing tonight. But I'd bet the national debt that 99% the SA viewers that follow these programs either did not know when to record them or if they did, didn't get them in HDTV.

Why don't they play basketball games at 2 in the morning. Things would go so much smoother for the TV viewer.

Now, now, now Allen... some of us actually love the Spurs around here... seriously love them. KENS and Ch 35 are great to give non-cable people the chance to watch the games.

You can download most of your missed programs at www.eztvefnet.org in compressed HD.

Actually, I'd much rather see the MY35 games on cable or another network. They do the absolute worst job with broadcasting good video quality, although Fox Sports Net isn't far behind.

I wasn't able to view the KENS broadcast in HD because I got last minute tickets to the game, but I'm very happy they are broadcasting in HD. I usually watch the ESPN feed over any local feed because they're always in HD, but I'd much rather listen to Sean Elliott's commentary. FSN's HD feed was horrible for a game earlier this year, but its looked much better the past couple of times they've done it. The sooner MY35 jumps on board with HD - or is bumped from Spurs coverage - the better.

But remember Manny there are thousands of Spurs fans that don't have cable or satellite service and CERTAINLY not HDTV, so no matter how rough the channel 35 broadcasts, they are appreciated by a lot of people who wouldn't be able to watch. I'm sure more people watch the Spurs play on channel 35 than any other program they show. Additionally, I think probably your disappointment with the quality of the broadcast is simply that it's SD rather than the great HD stuff we've grown accustomed to. I'll bet on a regular 25inch SD tube it looks and sounds just fine!

It's just a wonderful thing that the different entities around San Antonio work so hard to make certain every single game is available to the population. That isn't the case in most large cities.

Kudos for the entire Hearst/Express-News/Kens/My35 team.

No, their SD broadcast through TW is pretty horrible. I can barely pick up their HD feed OTA, so I don't bother, but from what I remember that was a bit better.

It would be way better in HD of course, but even on my 27 CRT in the bedroom, it looks like crap.

I'm sure that there are tons of people that like the games on there, but I just wish they had better quality.

I was ass-u-ming ... sorry... when i watch sports in low-fidelity SD on my super sceptre I always feel like I've lost my glasses. And I have to admit at the time, I take off thru the ESPHD and TNTHD type channels hoping to find it there.

...the Spurs game ... is on and they forgo firstrun episodes of Close To Home and Numbers. And these are in HDTV, more on that in a minute.

How would they know and second how do they record HDTV?

Why don't they play basketball games at 2 in the morning. Things would go so much smoother for the TV viewer.

I'm hurt, Allen; (tongue in cheek, here)

KENS airs only 10 Spurs games this season and yes, we pre-empt prime time programs to put on the games in HD. The playback times for the delayed shows are always published in the San Antonio Express-News TV Week, TV Guide, Zap2it on line and other venues. We also ask the KENS news department to promote both the game and the playback times of the Prime Time shows. (I honestly did not notice whether our anchors mentioned Prime Time playback Friday night or not. If they did not, I apologize.)

BUT we make the effort to delay those shows in HD and in Dolby 5.1 surround on the HD side as well as Dolby ProLogic surround on the SD side. I know most people don't have HD recorders - yet. You are fortunate in that you do have a means of capturing HD to watch later. But I also know when viewers do have HD recorders in their hands they'll be glad we made a HD version available - even at 2 or 3 in the morning.

Seriously, though - as I have written before, live professional sports events are a big draw for HDTV buyers and viewers. Sports will continue to be a catalyst for networks to expand HD coverage and for viewers to buy big HDTV displays to watch those events.

Incidentally, based on national trends, the estimated number of HDTV viewers in the San Antonio area (OTA, cable and satellite delivery lumped together) comes to about 420,000, thanks to lower prices on HD components this Christmas season past.

[QUOTE=MannyIsGod]Actually, I'd much rather see the MY35 games on cable or another network. They do the absolute worst job with broadcasting good video quality, although Fox Sports Net isn't far behind.]

My35 is fuzzy on DirecTV, BUT their Digital OTA is the best SD I have seen, with KENS a close 2nd. Except for the 4:3 ratio, their Spurs broadcasts are almost as good as HD. That's on a 56" rear-projection (tube) set. They make the antenna and rotator worthwhile.

So when are we going to see these trashed episodes??? Maybe a week or two later or some other convenient primetime???? Later this summer? Maybe never??? The average user would/will never know. They would not have known that in all their wisdom the network or CBS SA thought the best opportunity for all concerned would be at 2AM and 3AM this morning. Yes they were shown figuring users could record them,,, NOT!!!

I'm a loyal viewer of KENS 5 newscasts. As far as I can tell, they always include a 15-30 second story in their 6 and 10 PM newscasts of when that night's pre-empted prime time shows will be run overnight.

...Incidentally, based on national trends, the estimated number of HDTV viewers in the San Antonio area (OTA, cable and satellite delivery lumped together) comes to about 420,000, thanks to lower prices on HD components this Christmas season past.Not to make a total pest of myself, but when do you think KENS will begin broadcasting the news in HD?

I thought for sure that channel 4 would debut HD newscasts with their new set, but no dice.

... when do you think KENS will begin broadcasting the news in HD?


Our target for HD newscasts is 2008. I dare tell you no more.

Is anyone else experiencing no signal for KABB-HD Ch 29-1 Over The Air? Wanted to watch the football game in HD.

DerrikM

Coming in fine here.

It's working for me, Derrik

Thanks guys, seems to have straightened out for me just before kick off. Might do a minor antenna adjustment at the quarter.

GO GATORS

Moved to the correct location.

(Posting this for posterity sake and as information for the masses - I have absolutely no affiliation with GVTC, other than being a customer.)

I live in a fiber-to-the-home GVTC neighborhood and would like to confirm the fact that their services are top notch. I actually use them for everything: phone, cable (including HD), internet, and security. The pricing is extremely competitive and the quality of the HD has been excellent thus far.

Further, their installation folks were early (!), extremely efficient, and very knowledgeable.

Over the years I have lived in numerous areas and have had everything from TWC to Adelphia and have to say I am happiest with GVTC. Further, GVTC being a co-op means a lot to me personally as it means the money from customers, actually directly benefits the customers. I do have to say they currently utilize the SciAtl 8300HD cable box, without some of the features I did enjoy with TWC, with regards to the DVR. But, I am confident this is something that will be added in the near future.

I would certainly recommend anyone in a GVTC fiber-to-the-home neighborhood give them a try. They are certainly worth it.

If you are not subscribed to Basic Standard(channel 2-78, 98, 99), your service will be trapped out in such a way that the QAM Frequencies will not get through.

If you are subscribed to Basic Standard, you will be able to pick up the local Hi-Def services with no provisioning needed by Time Warner Cable-San Antonio.

FWIW - I have basic, basic cable (~$15/month) through TWC-SA and I get ABC, NBC, CBS, and PBS in the higher spectrum, but only 1 or 2 show as being in full 1080i HD. Not bad for $15/month.

Hey guys, all the info so far has been very informative. I recently bought a Westinghouse 32" with a built in HD tuner. I live on the northwest side (by Huebner & Babcock) and am trying to get HD for relatively cheap somehow. I bought an RCA indoor antenna at walmart and am having difficulty picking up any channels but FoxHD and My35HD. I saw your mention of getting the HD channels from your TimeWarner (I also just have channels 2-13 over the Cable). When I have my cable hooked up, and search for channels, it only finds analog channels.

Any helps/tips/tricks I seem to be missing?

Thanks for all the help ahead of time, I am truly appreciative.

Hey guys, all the info so far has been very informative. I recently bought a Westinghouse 32" with a built in HD tuner. I live on the northwest side (by Huebner & Babcock) and am trying to get HD for relatively cheap somehow. I bought an RCA indoor antenna at walmart and am having difficulty picking up any channels but FoxHD and My35HD. I saw your mention of getting the HD channels from your TimeWarner (I also just have channels 2-13 over the Cable). When I have my cable hooked up, and search for channels, it only finds analog channels.

Any helps/tips/tricks I seem to be missing?

Thanks for all the help ahead of time, I am truly appreciative.

I just bought a Westinghouse 32 with built in tuner also. these are the HD channels i get from just basic cable(2-99) with TWC:
103.1(KSAT)
103.2(WOAI)
91,93,94(KLRN)

All im missing is FOX, KENS(CBS), & MY35 hd channels.
Do i need anything else to get these channels. Like an antenna or receiver like the Samsung T(???).

Help is much needed.

For those that care (as I do) Criminal Minds is on at 12:07 AM the 18th and CSI: NY at 2:07 AM. :eek:

I just bought a Westinghouse 32 with built in tuner also. these are the HD channels i get from just basic cable(2-99) with TWC:
103.1(KSAT)
103.2(WOAI)
91,93,94(KLRN)

All im missing is FOX, KENS(CBS), & MY35 hd channels.
Do i need anything else to get these channels. Like an antenna or receiver like the Samsung T(???).

Help is much needed.

KENS is on TWC HD and if you can get the other channels, then you should be able to get it. KABB-FOX and My35 are both owned by Sinclair Broadcasting and the only way to get them in HD is through satellite or OTA solutions.

Mr. Paonessa -
The game tonight has two new 'surprises'! We're seeing short stints of horizontal black lines that only show up momentarily. Additionally, we're seeing spurious specs of white (I would describe it as 'snow', but not in the NTSC sense) throughout screens where the picture is primarily darker. Are these due to something new you guys are doing tonight?
The motion vector artifacts seem about the same tonight, but then again, it's pretty tough to do a comparison with something that was played weeks ago.
I'm on the NW side of town (Huebner and I-10). My TV is reporting a signal strength of 6/10, which seems low, but as you educated me on previously, the side-effects I'm seeing presumably are unrelated. Additionally, none of these symptoms occur during commercials.

Thanks, doug.

I can vouch for the flickering horizontal lines as well. I've noticed very little if any pixelation, however. I have noticed no white specs at all.

Actually I just noticed the white specks. It is almost like some form of digital noise.

Manny - I think you're correct, pixelation does seem better. I still see it, especially just after the Spurs logo flies across the screen, but the high-action scenes generally do seem better. I remember I would see pixelation anytime they would zoom in on a single player, even when it would be Tony just dribbling downcourt. The last few replays of Kobe making the dunk just before break were nearly perfect.

The game tonight has two new 'surprises'! We're seeing short stints of horizontal black lines that only show up momentarily. Additionally, we're seeing spurious specs of white ... throughout screens where the picture is primarily darker.

My TV is reporting a signal strength of 6/10, which seems low...

Thanks, doug.
Doug, you and Manny are both right about the black streaks and white specks in tonight's Spurs game. We called down to the truck before game time to ask about those problems but I was told there was a problem in the truck. As you pointed out, the flaws were most noticeable during the Spurs logo sweeps and the AT&T HDTV banner sweep. I believe they had a keyer problem on one of the switcher banks in the truck.

Just for fun I tuned over to the ESPN version of the same game and surprise! No streaks and almost no motion artifacts. The same truck produced our local game as well as the ESPN (Lakers-centric) network version.

So, I have to apologize for the less than stellar look of tonight's game, but sometimes there are problems than cannot be overcome in the time available.

As to the reduced signal strength, you're right. Our DTV transmitting antenna is coated with about an inch of rime ice, top to bottom. Until that melts off in the next day or so, our transmit power is reduced to prevent damage due to high reflected power. As soon as the ice is gone we'll back to full power.

I am disappointed that KSAT stopped broadcasting the Transguide cameras on 12-2 before the ice storm, when San Antonio finally had a definite weather-induced need to see what was happening on the highways!

The DTV program guide says that 12-2 is "Off the Air until further notice." Anyone know if they're having equipment problems or planning to use 12-2 for something else?

KENS is on TWC HD and if you can get the other channels, then you should be able to get it. KABB-FOX and My35 are both owned by Sinclair Broadcasting and the only way to get them in HD is through satellite or OTA solutions.
Yea i found KENS HD yesterday. i just found out about the KABB(FOX) & My35 HD. I hope TWC will obtain them one day but i guess ill just have to bend a little. I'll go and get an antenna soon.

I am disappointed that KSAT stopped broadcasting the Transguide cameras on 12-2 before the ice storm, when San Antonio finally had a definite weather-induced need to see what was happening on the highways!

The DTV program guide says that 12-2 is "Off the Air until further notice." Anyone know if they're having equipment problems or planning to use 12-2 for something else?I was disappointed as well. I did notice that the cameras were not available on the Transguide website either. Seems like their availability has an inverse relationship to their usefulness to the public. :confused:

In case you didn't know, Transguide broadcasts on analog channel 53. However, it is a low-power signal and won't look as good as it did on 12-2, even if one can receive it OTA.

http://sbgi.net/press/release_2007122_201.shtml

News Release

Contact: Barry Faber, VP & General Counsel
(410) 568-1500

Sinclair Announces Analog and Digital Carraige Agreement with Time Warner Cable

BALTIMORE (January 22, 2007) - Sinclair Broadcast Group, Inc. (Nasdaq:
SBGI) is pleased to announce that it has entered into a retransmission
consent agreement with Time Warner Cable, the largest cable system
servicing Sinclair's markets. The agreement, which expires December 31,
2009, allows Time Warner to carry the analog and digital signals of 35
television stations owned and/or operated by Sinclair in 22 markets to
approximately six million of Time Warner's subscribers, many of whom
receive two stations owned and/or operated by Sinclair.

"Sinclair is very pleased to have reached this agreement with Time
Warner, which carries our stations to more subscribers than any other cable
company," commented David Smith, CEO and President of Sinclair. "We are
excited that this agreement not only ensures retransmission of our signals
by Time Warner for the next three years, but also provides for the carriage
of our digital signals for the first time to most of Time Warner's
subscribers. This agreement, which represents a mutually acceptable
economic agreement between the parties, is further indication of the value
of our television stations to cable companies and provides a strong
illustration of the successful operation of the free market for negotiation
of retransmission consent agreements. "

Today's agreement includes the following stations and markets:

Birmingham, AL: WABM/WTTO
Buffalo, NY: WNYO/ WUTV
Cape Girardeau, MO/Paducah, KY: WDKA/KBSI
Charleston, SC: WMMP/WTAT
Charleston, WV: WCHS/WVAH
Cincinnati, OH: WSTR
Columbus, OH: WSYX/WTTE
Dayton, OH: WKEF/WRGT
Greensboro/High Point/Winston Salem, NC: WMYV/WXLV
Lexington, KY: WDKY
Norfolk, VA: WTVZ
Milwaukee, WI: WCGV/WVTV
Pensacola, FL/Mobile, AL: WEAR
Pittsburgh. PA: WPGH/WPMY
Portland, ME: WGME
Raleigh, NC: WLFL/WRDC
Rochester, NY: WUHF
San Antonio, TX: KABB/KMYS
Springfield. MA: WGGB
Syracuse, NY: WNYS/WSYT
Tallahassee, FL: WTWC
Tampa, FL: WTTA

The agreement also provides for the carriage of Sinclair's MyNetwork
TV affiliates in Columbus, Ohio and Dayton, Ohio, both of which are
transmitted as digital multicast stations.

Sinclair Broadcast Group, Inc., one of the largest and most diversified
television broadcasting companies, currently owns and operates, programs or
provides sales services to 58 television stations in 36 markets.
Sinclair's television group reaches approximately 22% of the U.S.
television households and is affiliated with all the major networks.

The Sinclair carriage agreement is in place. I have confirmed it with Melinda Witmer, SVP Corporate Programming and Keith Coogan, local VP of Technical Operations. He assures me that they are working on a plan right now to get KABB & KMYS on in HD but I don't have a timeline.

I also spoke with Mike Guerrera in KABB Engineering and he said it would be a priority for them as soon as the local TWC group was ready to move forward.

Looks like we'll have 24, House and NFC football in HD from TWC-SA in the near future :D

Here's the thread on the forums where many people have been discussing the Sinclair Digital Carriage status-

http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=500356&page=49&pp=30

UPDATE I also spoke with the Business Editor of the Express-News this morning and he said they would have somebody look into the announcement. Here's a story that was just posted to their website-

Fox affiliate going HD on Time Warner (http://www.mysanantonio.com/business/stories/MYSA012307.01E.TimeWarnerdeal.12257e7.html)

Web Posted: 01/22/2007 08:16 PM CST

Sanford Nowlin
Express-News Business Writer

Soon, Fox affiliate KABB-29 will no longer be the only major network on Time Warner's San Antonio cable system without a high-definition signal.

The city's dominant cable provider Friday agreed to carry the high-definition signals of Sinclair Broadcasting Group Inc.'s KABB and KMYS-35, local affiliate for fledgling MyNetwork.

Neither company would discuss terms of the three-year deal, which also includes 20 Sinclair stations in 34 other markets.

"The agreement allows us to provide our customers with all of Sinclair's high-definition signals available within areas served by Time Warner's systems," Time Warner spokeswoman Maureen Huff said.

However, she added, "We don't have a specific launch date for San Antonio yet."

KABB already provides high-definition broadcast signals to Time Warner competitors such as AT&T Inc.'s U-verse, meaning Time Warner probably could begin carrying the signal in a matter of days.

yay...now i don't have to by an antenna for my tv. Boy that was quick. American Idol HD here i come. Watching horrible singers in HD will be fun. Now my HD TIVO can get full use.

Too bad the NFL season is already over for Fox. Well there's always next season to look forward to in HD. :(

Suddenly, today we're not receiving the QAM channels on our TV through TWC. Anyone else having this problem? Has anyone had that problem before?

We have basic cable (0-22, 75, 76, 77, 99) and previously got NBC, CBS, ABC, and PBS in HD on our Vizio 37" LCD.

Just had to rescan. Working now with new channels. Now have Fox HD!

Just had to rescan. Working now with new channels. Now have Fox HD!

Where is it showing up? Still nothing on the channel guide through my 8300HD box. Did KMYS show up in HD since it is also a Sinclair station?

KENS is on TWC HD and if you can get the other channels, then you should be able to get it. KABB-FOX and My35 are both owned by Sinclair Broadcasting and the only way to get them in HD is through satellite or OTA solutions.

The two parties signed an agreement recently that will mean those two can be carried in digital format over TWC.

The two parties signed an agreement recently that will mean those two can be carried in digital format over TWC.

Yes, I heard that from Melinda Witmer, SVP of TWC Corporate Programming over the weekend (see earlier in this thread). I've followed up with KABB & the local TWC Engineering group and neither seems to have a plan in place with a due date.

SoTex - I just received an email from Keith Coogan, VP Technical Operations of TWC-SA and he said there are no digital services coming from KABB at this time. Have you seen actual HD content via QAM or is he just out of synch with his engineers?

I am interested in getting a separate Clear QAM tuner that is supposed to pick up through channel 155 and was wondering what unencrypted, digital channels (both HD and SD) that Time-Warner sends that I'd be able to pick up. I'm expecting as a minimum it would be the following:

92 KLRN 2 - High Definition
104 WOAI-NBC - High Definition
108 KLRN-PBS - High Definition
112 KSAT-ABC - High Definition
155 KENS-CBS - High Definition

This is actually less than what I already get over the air for free, but it may be more reliable and they should eventually add Fox (which I also already receive) and MyNetwork. I'd be very interested in what someone else locally can pick up with a Clear QAM tuner.

Suggested format would be:
Tuner or TV model, followed by digital channels received

Also, does anyone know if TWC uses QAM64 or QAM 256?

:mad: begin rant: The Sinclair CBS affiliate in Portland Maine was on the air in HD on the Time Warner system on Tuesday, January 23. This local TW office continues to exhibit a disturbing, monopoly-like, manana attitude that defies business logic. I hope that once the AT&T product rolls out full bore that they kick TW's butt up and down every street in San Antonio. TW is in desperate need of some real serious competition. Their fat, lazy approach in this market needs to end now. - end rant. Thank you. I feel much better now...... :)

:mad: begin rant: The Sinclair CBS affiliate in Portland Maine was on the air in HD on the Time Warner system on Tuesday, January 23. This local TW office continues to exhibit a disturbing, monopoly-like, manana attitude that defies business logic. I hope that once the AT&T product rolls out full bore that they kick TW's butt up and down every street in San Antonio. TW is in desperate need of some real serious competition. Their fat, lazy approach in this market needs to end now. - end rant. Thank you. I feel much better now...... :)

I don't see why Time-Warner needs to take the heat for this. It was Sinclair that applied extortion tactics and demanded money for HD rebroadcasts... unlike ANY other group owner of television stations in the US! Now that they've reached an agreement involving payments, our cable bills will certainly go up. :mad:

TW's negotiations with Sinclair dragged on for over a year. Their engineers certainly have other duties and weren't just sitting on their hands waiting for the other shoe to drop so they could flip the switch on the HD signals from Sinclair.

It might be that the process is on hold waiting for TW to cut a big check to Sinclair.

I don't see why Time-Warner needs to take the heat for this. It was Sinclair that applied extortion tactics and demanded money for HD rebroadcasts... unlike ANY other group owner of television stations in the US! Now that they've reached an agreement involving payments, our cable bills will certainly go up. :mad:

TW's negotiations with Sinclair dragged on for over a year. Their engineers certainly have other duties and weren't just sitting on their hands waiting for the other shoe to drop so they could flip the switch on the HD signals from Sinclair.

It might be that the process is on hold waiting for TW to cut a big check to Sinclair.

The ball is now clearly in TWC's court. The contract has been signed for a week and our local TWC offices have not even contacted KABB Engineering (per Mike Guererro, Chief Engineer) to begin the process.

TWC-SA's Engineers should have been prepared for this. If you go and read the Sinclair carriage thread, you'll read that several TWC cities did indeed have it ready to "flip the switch". Several cities had their Sinclair stations available in HD over TWC within hours of the contract being signed. Many other TWC locations have worked hard to get it out in the past few days since the launch.

Our local TWC VP of Technical Operations, Keith Coogan has responded to a few of my emails but still does not have a plan in place, or at least one that he will share, as to when we are going to get KABB & KMYS in HD.

The fact that they haven't even begun the process by contacting KABB Engineering tells me about how slowly they are moving....

I don't see why Time-Warner needs to take the heat for this.My point is that there is at least one other Time Warner facility that has already made the signal available to its viewers: Time Warner New England in Portland, Maine. I haven't checked the rest, but it might be interesting. I would just like to see TW-SA get a little more aggressive in making something happen, like their sister office in Maine seems capable of doing. As of this morning no one in San Antonio has even put anything about it on their website. zzzzzzzzzzzz.......

My point is that there is at least one other Time Warner facility that has already made the signal available to its viewers: Time Warner New England in Portland, Maine. I haven't checked the rest, but it might be interesting. I would just like to see TW-SA get a little more aggressive in making something happen, like their sister office in Maine seems capable of doing. As of this morning no one in San Antonio has even put anything about it on their website. zzzzzzzzzzzz.......

Same crap in Milwaukee with the CW & MyNet Sinclair affiliates. Most local HD on cable is picked up via OTA (some have fiber). All TWC needs is to receive the signal over the air and put it on cable. Provided they have the equipment to do so.

My point is that there is at least one other Time Warner facility that has already made the signal available to its viewers: Time Warner New England in Portland, Maine. I haven't checked the rest, but it might be interesting. I would just like to see TW-SA get a little more aggressive in making something happen, like their sister office in Maine seems capable of doing. As of this morning no one in San Antonio has even put anything about it on their website. zzzzzzzzzzzz.......

Exactly. I thought when I called the Express-News and they said they would get a reporter on it to do a story that we could see some results. The local TWC offices basically just told them that "they don't have a timetable" to release KABB & KMYS in HD to their customers...

The local Engineers from TWC and KABB didn't even know about it until I called them. Why is a customer more informed that people that have a significant financial stake in the process? :(

My point is that there is at least one other Time Warner facility that has already made the signal available to its viewers: Time Warner New England in Portland, Maine. I haven't checked the rest, but it might be interesting. I would just like to see TW-SA get a little more aggressive in making something happen, like their sister office in Maine seems capable of doing. As of this morning no one in San Antonio has even put anything about it on their website. zzzzzzzzzzzz.......


Maine is a state full of small markets. TW would only need to cut a small check to pay Sinclair for the retransmission rights on a system with a few thousand subs.

San Antonio is a huge market for TW with hundreds of thousands of subs. Maybe TW needs to move money around or get a dozen signatures to cut such a big check? How many signatures would be needed at your workplace to cut a check for over $1 million? ;)

Maine is a state full of small markets. TW would only need to cut a small check to pay Sinclair for the retransmission rights on a system with a few thousand subs.

San Antonio is a huge market for TW with hundreds of thousands of subs. Maybe TW needs to move money around or get a dozen signatures to cut such a big check? How many signatures would be needed at your workplace to cut a check for over $1 million? ;)No argument with any of this, except that the $$$ required of TWC by the carriage contract is totally unknown to any of us. An acknowledgement and update by TWC San Antonio would be a really smart thing to do right now, regardless of any "obstacles". Failing to do that for this long just makes them look bad.

Maine is a state full of small markets. TW would only need to cut a small check to pay Sinclair for the retransmission rights on a system with a few thousand subs.

San Antonio is a huge market for TW with hundreds of thousands of subs. Maybe TW needs to move money around or get a dozen signatures to cut such a big check? How many signatures would be needed at your workplace to cut a check for over $1 million? ;)

This is handled at the corporate level. The individual TWC franchises are not writing Sinclair a check for anything. All they need to know is that the agreement has been signed and that they can move forward.

Portland, ME was online Friday night at 7:20EST and the agreement was not signed until about 2 hours before that. So, even if they were to have written them a check, there is no way a check was authorized and written within 2 hours. I couldn't get a check for $5 written from my company without 2 weeks notice.

Could it be a bandwidth issue? Hard to believe but possible.

The ball is now clearly in TWC's court... our local TWC offices have not even contacted KABB Engineering (per Mike Guerrero, Chief Engineer) to begin the process...
This is the most accurate quote and factoid of all.

Time-Warner gets HD signals from all the locals OTA, unless I am mistaken, and it should be a matter of 1. setting up receivers 2. routing them into the headend (not that easy, really) and 3. assigning channels in the lineup.

Is it about bandwidth? I don't know but I know whom to ask.

Is it about bandwidth? I don't know but I know whom to ask.

Thanks, your efforts to help support the local HD community are greatly appreciated. Would love to know what you could find out about this situation even though it's not your channel.

BTW, I'm extremely happy that KENS has the Superbowl this year! Your football PQ is by far the best of any network :D

KTSA ran an interview with a TWC rep who said they don't know when the service would be up and running. He said they needed to wait on the contracts.

KTSA ran an interview with a TWC rep who said they don't know when the service would be up and running. He said they needed to wait on the contracts.

Did you catch the name of that person? I would like to write them an email or give them a call. I'm calling BS on the "waiting for contracts" excuse, if that was the case then how have all of those other TWC locations with Sinclair stations already get them on the air?

I believe the facts are that the local TWC management was caught flat footed by the announcement and had no game plan in place for what would happen once the carriage agreement was signed. It's like they expected we would never have FOX or KMYS in HD...

Sorry I didn't get the name but it did sound like BS. He was talking about waiting for the ink to dry, Dotting I's & crossing T's. Of course you wouldn't know its BS unless you read about all the other places that have it up already.

Hopefully this will happen sooner or then later im missing prison break in HD

Hopefully this will happen sooner or then later im missing prison break in HD

Exactly. I'm missing 24 and NFC Football along with a few sitcoms on Fox in HD and my wife is dying to get American Idol in HD. I have a Terk HDTV internal antenna but it only works sporadically for Fox in Helotes.

I live in Lockhart and am fortunate enough to get HD OTA from San Antonio and Austin. I prefer to watch KSAT over KVUE for sports because KVUE upconverts the 720p signal to 1080i. However KSAT's sound is awful. The dialog comes from the left and right front channels and not from the center channel. Anyone know what's going on with KSAT's sound mixing?

I just heard back from John Owen, President TWC-SA on my email request for status on adding KABB & KMYS in HD to the lineup. Looks like it will happen this week!

Subject: Re: Sinclair Carriage agreement
Date: Mon, 29 Jan 2007 10:25:29 -0500
From: "Owen, John" <john.owen@twcable.com>
To: xxxxxx@sbcglobal.net

We will be adding this week. Thanks.

I just heard back from John Owen, President TWC-SA on my email request for status on adding KABB & KMYS in HD to the lineup. Looks like it will happen this week!

Subject: Re: Sinclair Carriage agreement
Date: Mon, 29 Jan 2007 10:25:29 -0500
From: "Owen, John" <john.owen@twcable.com>
To: xxxxxx@sbcglobal.net

We will be adding this week. Thanks.Good job!! Thanks so much for your persistence and update.

Dan

Holy Crap! Do my eyes deceive me? KABB, right there at 111 among the HD stations!

"...and there was much rejoicing!!!"

Holy Crap! Do my eyes deceive me? KABB, right there at 111 among the HD stations!

"...and there was much rejoicing!!!"

Yep, it's there! I'm not as worried about KMYS since the Spurs games they carry are not in HD.

I noticed that there was some confusion over where the unencrypted QAM HDs were on TWCSA. Here are the ones a friend and I found when searching today. There might be some other DT channels missing, but all the local HDs are here.


103.104 - NBC (WOAI)
103.112 - ABC (KSAT)
103.19 - PBS (KLRN)
104.91 - PBS DT (KLRN)
104.111 - FOX (KABB)
112.108 - PBS HD (KLRN)
112.155 - CBS (KENS)

CBS will carry the superbowl in HD, but is KENS going to receive the HD signal? Time Warner's tv listings for Feb. 4th, lists the superbowl on KENS but does not list it as HD on the HD channel.

It shows HD on my Tivo guide.

CBS will carry the superbowl in HD, but is KENS going to receive the HD signal?
KENS-DT will broadcast Super Bowl XLI in High Definition, along with most of the pre-game programming earlier Sunday afternoon. As a service to our viewers we will also switch off our 5-2 Vipir radar service as soon as our Children's programming segment is concluded at about 1:00 pm to give the maximum possible bandwidth to our HDTV service.

KENS-DT will broadcast Super Bowl XLI in High Definition, along with most of the pre-game programming earlier Sunday afternoon. As a service to our viewers we will also switch off our 5-2 Vipir radar service as soon as our Children's programming segment is concluded at about 1:00 pm to give the maximum possible bandwidth to our HDTV service.

KENS' attention to things like this is one of the reasons that I'm happy you guys are carrying the game this year :D

Jerry,

Congratulations on a flawless Super Bowl broadcast. I watched it on my new 61" DLP and it was perfect as far as I could tell.

BTW, I noticed you were also broadcasting the game on 5-2. How much bandwidth did you alot to each?

Thanks,

Sherrill

Sherrill,

Thanks for your kind words. We actually switched off our 5-2 service at about 1:15 Sunday afternoon in order to devote 18.8 Mb/s to the HD stream on 5-1. Your receiver must simply have held on to the 5-2 channel mapping and associated it with the 5-1 stream. Had you tuned away from KENS-DT for a while and came back, 5-2 may not have been there.

I just hooked a cable line to my TV with a QAM tuner a week ago. There is no antenna on this TV and since I don't pay for the TWC HD pack, I have only been watching analog TV channels on that TV. I am glad to see that I can also pick up the unencrypted HD signals over the line. I still have one question. You always hear that HDTV OTA gives a better picture because the stream is not recompressed before sent over the TWC line.

Do paying subscribers and freeloaders like me get the same degrated signal over TWC line or do paying subscribers get a seperate one from the one I am able to pick up? And if there are two, are both the same recompressed signal (which is inferrior to OTA)?

And other thoughts. The digital channels are all about 50% signal strength. My QAM tuner is not particularly powerful so I do have some dropouts at times.

I just heard back from John Owen, President TWC-SA on my email request for status on adding KABB & KMYS in HD to the lineup. Looks like it will happen this week!


.[/I]

What is KMYS? What network? The only new channel I see among the HD stations on Time Warner is Fox on 111.

What is KMYS? What network? The only new channel I see among the HD stations on Time Warner is Fox on 111.

KMYS is part of the "My Network TV" network and has the rights to carry some Spurs games. Their website is http://www.krrt.com/

What is KMYS? What network? The only new channel I see among the HD stations on Time Warner is Fox on 111.
You are right. KMYS is no where to be found among the unencrypted channels at least.

You are right. KMYS is no where to be found among the unencrypted channels at least.

It is not available in HD on TWC as of yet but it has been carried on channel 7 for some time. The channel is part of the basic package.

Last time it was discussed here, KMYS wasn't even available OTA on HD yet. Is that still the case?