Actually, WVLT sends its HD signal to Comcast (Knoxville) via fiber. Outlying areas are more likely picked up off-air. I see no quality difference between the Comcast HD cable box and my OTA receiver.

You may remember that WVLT was late coming on air due to tower construction. Their response was to feed cable directly via fiber. They were also able to have their HD feed to cable active when the transmitter (power hungry device) was not on air. Stations are staying on much longer now than just a few years ago so the advantage of feeding cable via fiber is diminished.

WBIR-DT is received by Comcast OTA as is (I think) WATE-DT.

FYI, all DTV stations are required to match their analog schedules this April 2005, i.e. if the NTSC is a 24/7 station then the DTV will be a 24/7 station.

Currently, there appears to be a mandate for all stations to operate at full licensed power in July 2005.

What happened to the PAX stations? I was getting 4 feeds from PAX, but now they seem to be down. I had a strong signal. Anyone else having trouble? My ant. has not been moved.

Originally posted by Rachael Bellomy
Well, last spring, during the basketball tournaments, CBS'es picture quality of the games was good, except for the backboard cams which were narrow images and anytime the commentators spoke, yes, again, narrow image. The image stayed W-S more on the ESPN games. That's what made it better for me. CBS, atleast, had none of this horrid pixelization, macroblocking, or screen-door effect, whatever you want to call it, that they have now. The ABC/ESPN group has done more right covering sports than CBS so far, IMO.

Do you think I should write a letter to the editor of the paper critisizing channel 8 and try to embarass them into action? Their two Vol football telecasts this season were pathetic! Is the same thing happening on the feed that goes to Crumcast Cable? Anybody know?

I want to snap into action but I don't know what to do as of yet....:)

Rachael

the game looked better today, much better than last week, but still having compression issues. It almost looks like they are running some kind of dynamic filter to cover up the macroblocking, causing the out of focus effect on fast motion....

I am calling every week... a letter to the Sentinel couldn't hurt...

Andrew, I only saw about 5 minutes of 2-day's WVLT "medium-def" game. The glimpse I saw was on my 36" HD monitor, not my RP, when I came in from yard work. I saw the blocking on a fade-out to a commercial during my brief stint. It looked good before that but that was tube time...

I'll try to think of a good angle for a letter and plan on sending it sometime after the electon, unless they shape-up before then. What's the best way to harass them by phone? Ask for technical department or the enginer or who? Who do you bug? I complained to the newsroom the time I called. I forgot who to ask for. Anyway, I want to bug him or her too, whomever they might be, and make that individual push for improvement to get rid of us. Concentrated fire, eh?

Or, can or should we start bugging CBS at the national level? Tried that yet?:)

Anyone having problems receiving KABB (Fox 29-1) over the air this morning?

Originally posted by joealtus
Anyone having problems receiving KABB (Fox 29-1) over the air this morning?

I couldn't get them last night during the baseball game. Signal showed 75% but no picture. So I did what I always do when this happens; turned off the off-air guides and made it rescan the channels. I used to have to do this for WOAI (KMOL) a lot. I have a DTC-100 reciever and when you turn off the guide it stops remapping the channels. So 29-1 is now received on 30-1.

I noticed there was a 30-2 there that may not have been there before. That may be what's causing the problem.

jr

Originally posted by JohnRichmond
I couldn't get them last night during the baseball game. Signal showed 75% but no picture. So I did what I always do when this happens; turned off the off-air guides and made it rescan the channels. I used to have to do this for WOAI (KMOL) a lot. I have a DTC-100 reciever and when you turn off the guide it stops remapping the channels. So 29-1 is now received on 30-1.

I noticed there was a 30-2 there that may not have been there before. That may be what's causing the problem.

jr

sounds like they are having psip problems.

I'm hoping this board will be the answer to my questions. Sorry if this is a repeat question, too mant pages to cipher through.

Last fall, I bought a Zenith 32" HDTV. We dropped DirecTV to go to Comcast because we couldn't afford to sink more money into upgrading the DirecTV equipment. I grow more tired of Comcast not carrying WTNZ's HD signal, especially now that football season has started. So here's my question.

My TV has a built-in HD tuner. What I need to know is if I buy an antenna to receive the other available channels, do I still need to buy a set-top-box to receive and tune the channels? If so, is there anything available that's under $100? If not, how do I need to connect the antenna and how can I tune the TV to select the channels?

The internal ATSC receiver input is connected to the OTA outside antenna. Hopefully, your set has another RF input that could be used for Comcast or do you have the Comcast HD STB? If you only have the one RF antenna input you can use a manual switch between Comcast and the outside antenna. I believe that Comcast must supply this switch on your request. You then have to get up and walk to the set the change inputs.

If you have the Comcast HD STB, you could tune the Comcast channels with the Comcast STB connected to the AV inputs (probably y, pr, pb) and switch to OTA and the associated RF input for the built-in tuner. No external switch needed.

An outdoor antenna will work best but, unless you're behind some hills, you should be able to get all of the Knoxville stations. Second best is an antenna in the attic. Worse is rabbit ears and other set top antennas.

Borrow someones "rabbit ears" for a test. I don't recommend rabbit ears but they may work well enough if you are lucky.

Originally posted by joealtus


The last 2 weeks in a row, I've had to call KENS to get them to switch the NFL game over to HD.

Joe, thank you for the heads-up. There is not yet a way for us to automate the switch to HDTV when one game isn't and the second game it...but there IS a way to motivate a human operator to get him to pay attention!

I hope this never happens again, especially on NFL games but at any time.

Originally posted by JohnRichmond
Has there been any discussion at KENS about possibly disabling the radar during live sports (assuming no rain is in the area)? Live sports at 1080i really taxes even a 19 Mbit stream. If you knock off another 3 Mbit for a radar that absolutely no one will see (in good weather) then the picture starts to get dicey.


Thanks John, that's a good suggestion. I'll have to train an operator to do that, since it's not as simple as flipping a switch - but it is a worthwhile process. That's what I have done in the past for big events, such as Super Bowl.

BTW the upgrades we are doing involve converting our entire station to digital, just like everyone else is doing, and we are now running exclusively on Sundance Automation, which eventually will do the HDTV switching (for scheduled events; a human still needs to watch and make a manual switch when there are sliding events.)

My TV does have 2 coax inputs, one for cable and one for an atenna. If I connect an antenna to it, how do I get the channels to come up in the HD mode of the TV and how do I change the channels?

Thanks for your attention Jerry. We really appreciate you taking the time to be a member of this forum.

jr

You may have to refer to the instruction booklet that came with your TV. If it is lost look at http://www.zenithservice.com/gcsc/b2c/hpi/main. Zenith posts some of their manuals on line.

Probably you will have to tell the set that input one is antenna and needs antenna tuning and antenna two is cable and needs cable tuning. You will probably have to make the set scan for channels after the OTA antenna is hooked up. You may have to make the set scan for cable channels in the same manner.

Its likely that only one of the RF inputs is usable with OTA HD but for now its back to the manual for help.

Well I just tried the manual page now and it didn't work. You may have to start at www.zenith.com and work your way through the pages. Sorry.

MRM4
If all you are trying to get is WTNZ,a simple,directional UHF antenna like the Zenith Silver Sensor(Sears,about$30) will probably work well.It's broadcast at "channel34",which is UHF (UHF is 14 to 69).AFAIK,only channel 7 requires VHF in the Knoxville area.Not sure about your other questions.

I live in Morristown of 25 E and I'm not sure the compression has as much to do with the pix quality as much as the hardware they use. I get WSBN from Norton Va. DT 32 with a signal in the high 80's. They are transmitting to low def signals on 47-1 and 47-2 but their high def on 47- 5 looks great! I have a home theatre with a Panny LCD Hi Def projector and watching this on a 16:9 110" screen at it still looks good. 47-3 and 47-4 are not being used in case you were wondering. I have a rooftop Winegard VHF /UHF combo Hd 6084 with no amp.and using a dish network 811 for OTA signals.
I also get fox from Greenville 39-1, 39-2 and it never looks as good as fox 34-1 from Knoxville even though the signal is much higher.
I don't understand why WBIR invested in HD but not Dolby Digital real dissappointment.
I get most of my HD from tri cities which seem to have their act together much better then Knoxville. Wjhl is DD and all are full time digital. Knoxville rolls up the streets and closes for business after 12:30 PM I can't get a decent analog from 34 so I have to turn the rotor to Greenville if I want FOX. I get signal levels from low of 70 to high 92 Bristol everything east of me. Knoxville is just hard to get at my location. Anyone had success with a CM 7777 amp in my area? I'm thinking of giving it a try but am worried DT 41 (analog 2) from sneedville may overload the amp.
Anybody know if WLOS 13 DT 56 Ashville is at full power? I get analog 13 great but barely an occasional blip from their DT 56. 33 from Ashville comes in fair and I do get an accasional lock on their DT 25.
DT 7 rocks out here in the 80's signal level and looking great. Best from Knoxville.

My TV has the following modes:

1 analog
1 DTV
1 Front A/V
2 Video
1 DVD in
I HD in

I assume that once the antenna has been connected, I will see any channels it detects in DTV mode. Is that correct? If so, how do I get those channels to display in my HD mode? I'm at work right now, so I don't have the owner's manual in front of me. It's vague anyaway.

Each set is different. Some are automatic and detect the hd signal and some you must manually set up. Have to look at your manual to see what you'll have to do. You can try just plugging in the antenna to the set and see if it detects the analog and HD signals it won't hurt if it doesn't.

MRM4,
I'd try going to the "DTV" input and directly tune channels as a first option.
Be sure you have the antenna coax hooked to the appropriate coaxial input on the back of the set. Try tuning ch. 17,26,30,31,34 for starters. I'll bet it also has an auto scan function as well in the TV menu somewhere.
Once you've accessed DTV, HD should be automatic and depend on the local station offering it. PBS has HD on almost all the time while others will typically offer it during prime time and on weekends (sports). I think FOX has the ALCS/NLCS tonight although I'm not sure as the teams may be traveling. Check TitanTV.com for schedule of upcoming HD although it's not always correct.

Edit: According to TitanTV, cards vs. astros at 8 on FOX . Don't forget MNF on ABC at 9. CBS has it's usual Monday 8-11 HD lineup as well.

cpcat, thanks for the information. I think I understand it better now. The TV does have a self scan. I'll have to get an antenna and connect it.

To: jimc705 Morristown
Thanks for the signal report on DTV 7 in Morristow, Lewis Cosby, GM WMAK-DT

Wjhl is DD
JimC705,
I'm assuming you're referring to Dolby 2.0? I've never gotten any true 5.1 from them. WBIR provides Dolby Digital but only 2.0 as well, as far as I know.

WATE has recently been providing true 5.1 with MNF and of course FOX(WTNZ) provides 5.1 by default with it's HD offerings.

.I get most of my HD from tri cities which seem to have their act together much better then Knoxville.

Have you seen HD from WEMT in Greeneville? I've heard they will offer it soon but the last time I could receive them they weren't even providing an upconverted 720p signal. Until you have FOX HD in the Tri Cities, I'd have to give the edge to Knoxville. I also think WJHL and WKPT (as well as WEMT for that matter) need to crank up the power a bit, then you'd be talkin'.

I looked at the owner's manual for my TV. There is an antenna/cable 1 coax input and an antenna 2 input. Under the setup menu, I can chose TV/DTV to antenna1, cable TV to antenna1, or cable to antenna1 and TV/DTV to antenna2.

One more question. When I get the antenna connected and the TV detects the channels, will those be viewable in the HD mode on my set or only in the DTV mode? If so, will I have to revert back to DTV mode to change the channel, then flip back to HD mode?

Originally posted by quickfire
thanks for the info Sean.
WJHl 11.1 CBS is full time DD whan availiable

cpat
Good News WKPT is running at low power but told me shortly after the first of year they are going full power. I don't know about WJHL or WEMT if they are or not. WCYB Bristol is the hottest here I get a 92 signal level.The weakest is WKPT low 70's from the east direction but I still get a good lock.
WJHL does pass 5.1 full time but most programs are not in 5.1 thus 2.0 pro logic. At least my Yamaha receiver sees a 5.1 signal and turns on all the speakers. It has auto detect in it. When commercials come on it will drop back to pro logic then back to DD when the program returns.
Wate has been sending DD. Can you get WVLT where you are? It's the only Knoxville I can"t get.

NRMF
Most units will display HD when it's receiving HD (1080I or 720P) and DTV (480p still DVD quality) SDTV (480 I) , whichever is being transmitted. If you set upgrades 480I to 720P or 1080I (most new sets do) then you'll still notice a big difference when you get true HD. All this is more then likely automatic and you won't need to do anything. If you are using an external receiver for the Dolby Digital you may have to flip back and forth between pro logic and DD if it doesn't have an auto detect. If it's fairly new (last 3 years or so) it should auto detect but you may have to set it up to do so. Mine you can set it manually to STEREO,
PROLOGIC or AUTO DETECT. I don't know why they even put it in there other than if you only wanted it for music only. I set it to auto detect and it switches between pro logic and 5.1 when it's availiable.

One thing I'm still not sure about. And it may be hard to answer because of unfamiliarity with the TV. But once I get the antenna connected, search for the channels and get the signals, does that mean if I select channel 31-1 in DTV mode that channel will also show up in my HD mode or just in DTV mode?

NRM4,

Most receivers will remap 31-1. It will show up as 10-1 on your set.
The way it works is your set will auto scan for digital channels. If they are UHF or VHF it doesn't care it scans for all. Then it will reassign the UHF or VHF digital channel to the local analog channel number you are familiar with.
Example :
WBIR channel 10 analog will have digital channels scanned at UHF 31-1 and 31-2.
When the receiver is done and scanned all digital channels it reassigns them to the analog channel 10.
Thus you have three channel 10's. You will select from your remote channel 10 or 10-1 or 10-2.
channel 10 (analog)
channel 10-1 (digital)
You will actually be receiving UHF channel 31 but you do not need to punch in 31-1 for the receiver does it automatically.
channel 10-2 (digital)
Same deal here when you punch 10-2 you are actually watching 31-2
Analog 10 and digital 10-1 will have the same programming.
10-2 will have different programming.
You will get DTV from both 10-1 and 10-2 the digital channels all the time. However if it's HD then you'll get HD. You will not need to make any changes for the receiver will do this automatically.
I hope this helps and didn't further confuse you.

I think I have it. I'm hooking up the antenna tonight. We'll see how it goes. Thanks for the help. I may be back online tonight if something doesn't come out right.

Here's my update. I bought the Zenith Silver Sensor antenna and connected it. Works good. I scanned the channels and got most of them. One I didn't get that I was surprised about was WBIR. Do they have a weaker signal? It's no big deal since I get them through Comcast anyway. And I didn't get WBXX, but I was under the impression that's a hard one to get. Maybe I need to reposition the antenna. But I got WTNZ liked I wanted. So I can see their NFL games, the Super Bowl, and NASCAR in high def. I wish I had this brain storm about 2 months ago. Thanks for all the help.

NRM4,
Y/W
FYI channel 10 is running reduced power level but will go full power in July.
Digital is funky to receive, 10 , 6 and 43 are come of the same tower. If you move your antenna a foot or two you may get 10 and lose 43. WBXX is actually transmitting from Oak Ridge so you may need to turn the antenna a little.
Here in Morristown WMAK DT7-1 and WBXX DT20-1 come in the strongest. I can't get DT8 at all but I do get all the other Knoxvilles, tri cities and some VA and NC digitals. Glad it worked out for you Enjoy your new HD. Games look great and DD will blow you away.

I had to put up a 2nd antenna and use a joiner to be able to pick up WBXX. Hardly worth the trouble since they don't transmit any HD yet, though. I guess when they start in 2006 (according to them) I will be ready.

Originally posted by seandudley
I had to put up a 2nd antenna and use a joiner to be able to pick up WBXX. Hardly worth the trouble since they don't transmit any HD yet, though. I guess when they start in 2006 (according to them) I will be ready.

I agree with that. They are far behind the other networks.

Which network is supposed to be showing the first Lord of the Rings in high def in a few weeks? I've said a couple people reference it, but they couldn't remember which network will be carrying it.

Lord of the Rings will be on HD. I don't think WBXX has HDTV.

MRM4,
You should be able to get WBIR if you can get the others. For me it's the strongest and most reliable second only to WATE which is at full power. It's ominidirectional as well. Try directly tuning ch. 31 and try repositioning the antenna slightly as well.

You can go to http://www.2150.com/broadcast/default.asp and punch in your lat/long in decimal form for exact bearings to all the towers in the area. Magnetic variation is about -4 usually.

MRM4
jimc705 said it best,digital is squirrely.I can usually pull in Knoxville's 6,8,10,15&43.But I get breakup on 10 occasionally and 43 often.I have tried several antennas,amps,stacking UHF antennas and still can't always get dependable reception(I'm near the towers,but in a really bad reception spot).Currently I have a strong UHF antenna(Winegard PR-9032...115" long yagi).A second slightly weaker antenna works almost as well.Stacked the 2 and it was worse.A possibility (I don't want to contend with,but it works well) is to use 2 separate antennas and 2 runs of coax with an A/B switch.

What's the complete list of channels everyone is able to recieve OTA? Any Austin channels or just San Antonio?

I have an HD-ready set, but no tuner yet, and am weighing the decision to purchase based on the number of channels available.

If you are getting channels from outside San Antonio, what kind of antenna are you using?

Thanks,

Originally posted by jrfuda
What's the complete list of channels everyone is able to recieve OTA? Any Austin channels or just San Antonio?

I have an HD-ready set, but no tuner yet, and am weighing the decision to purchase based on the number of channels available.

If you are getting channels from outside San Antonio, what kind of antenna are you using?

Thanks,

OTA, I get FOX (KABB), CBS (KENS), ABC (KSAT), NBC (WOAI), and PBS (KLRN) all without any problem in terms of reception using a directional antenna and no rotor. These are all San Antonio stations. I have not looked into trying to receive other stations.

Anyone tried to get the Austin WB station (ch 54, I think). It's about 60 miles as the crow flies, and I used to get NTSC transmissions from that far and beyond when I was a young man living in the middle of nowhere - that was, of course with a big roof-top antenna on a rotor, though.

The list below is what I receive on a Channel Master directional 4 bay UHF antenna (i think it is the 4221)
As you see I get almost no VHF NTSC stations but don't really care.

I am near Woodlawn Lake and the antenna is pointed to the transmitters (SE) All digital stations have great signal (90-97)

I would imagine that 54 (transguide) here would interfere with the WB in Austin.

4.1 WOAI Digital
4.2 WOAI SD
5.1 KENS Digital
5.2 KENS Radar
9 PBS NTSC (reception poor)
12 KSAT NTSC (reception soso)
12.1 KSAT Digital
12.2 KSAT Digital (ABC News Now)
14 Something NTSC
17 Spanish station NTSC
18 ditto
23 Something NTSC
26 Something NTSC
28 Shopping NTSC
29 KABB NTSC
29.1 KABB Digital
29.2 KABB Digital
31 Spanish station NTSC
35 KRTT NTSC
41 KWEX (Spanish) NTSC
41.1 KWEX Digital
41.2 KNIC (Spanish) Digital
46
50
54 Transguide
60 KVDA (Spanish)
60.1 KVDA Digital

If anyone is in need of a big rooftop antenna I still have a brand new in the box 16 foot Radio Shack antenna for sale. PM me for details.

seandudley,
I see you put up a second antenna for digitals and joined them. Where these both UHF's? If so how did you join the 2 UHF's and get them matched?
Presently I have 2 antennas 1 vhf/uhf combo and a uhf for just a few Knoxville digitals but I must A/B switch them. Be real nice if I could join them and eliminate the A/B switch.

Originally posted by cpcat
MRM4,
You should be able to get WBIR if you can get the others. For me it's the strongest and most reliable second only to WATE which is at full power. It's ominidirectional as well. Try directly tuning ch. 31 and try repositioning the antenna slightly as well.

You can go to http://www.2150.com/broadcast/default.asp and punch in your lat/long in decimal form for exact bearings to all the towers in the area. Magnetic variation is about -4 usually.

cpcat: The magnetic deviation in Knoxville is appx +4 not -4. The
magnetic line thru Nashville, TN is zero. East of that line is + and West of that line is minus.

Citico,
Currently, the zero line is running at about the Mississippi river with positive values west of that and negative values to the east. See http://www.ngdc.noaa.gov/seg/geomag/icons/us_d_contour.jpg
for a map of the declination in the U.S. for this year. You'll notice that we are between -4 and -5 in this area.

You can also directly calculate it at http://www.ngdc.noaa.gov/seg/geomag/jsp/Declination.jsp.
Using lat/long for Knoxville as 35.9478 and -83.94678 respectively the result is minus (west) 4 deg. 53 minutes.

It varies some with season and over time and is due to migration of the earth's magnetic north pole. Any further detailed explanation is over my head, I'm afraid.

For some reason the second link didn't work. Here it is again:http://www.ngdc.noaa.gov/seg/geomag/jsp/Declination.jsp

[QUOTE]Originally posted by aVOLanche
still can't always get dependable reception(I'm near the towers,but in a really bad reception spot).Currently I have a strong UHF antenna(Winegard PR-9032...115" long yagi).A second slightly weaker antenna works almost as well.


If you are just a few miles from the towers you might benefit from angling the receive antenna upward toward the top of the tower. Mechanically that's unhandy but you might gain a surprising increase in signal strength.

Stacked the 2 and it was worse.

Avolanche,
Out of curiosity, was the stack horizontal or vertical? Horizontal does much better at rejecting multipath (which is likely your problem) and is overall better for digital reception even at long range in my experience. Here is a pic of my stack if you're interested:

I'll try to slighlty reposition the antenna. At this point, it isn't a huge priority for me since I do get WBIR HD through Comcast. I just found it odd that it didn't come in when I did the channel setup through the TV.

I'd be interested to hear if you see any difference in picture quality comparing cable to OTA with the various networks. OTA should be the best possible picture in theory and various data compression schemes employed by cable/satellite would only degrade the quality slightly. I'm not sure about the situation with WVLT in which they give a direct feed to the cable co. Assuming the feed is not bandwidth limited in any way, and the cable co. doesn't compress it after it gets there, it should be equal to OTA.

Also, does Comcast provide the subchannels as well? Both WATE and WBIR provide a weather/news subchannel OTA.

I've got both Comcast and a OTA receiver. I don't see any difference between the Comcast feed and the OTA digital feed. I can't do a quick A/B comparison but I sure don't see any difference.

There is the potential for the cable companies to additionally compress the signals but so far, to their credit, I haven't seen this happen. Cable is able to put two HD channels (nearly 40 Mbs) into the same 6 MHz space as OTA requires for one channel. The cable modulation scheme is optimized for the well controlled world inside of coax and fiber while the OTA signals live outside in the noise and reflections of the "real" world.

This is in sharp contrast to the analog stations where the OTA analog signal is very much better than the Comcast analog feed. This of course assumes a good reception location.

The second channel from WATE shows up on digital 194. The second channel from WBIR is 10news2 Comcast channel 21 and has been on cable since before HD. The second channel on WVLT is the same as the UPN affiliate on OTA RF channel 32 (low power). UPN is on Comcast channel 8.

Comcast does insert their own program guide information instead of the information the local station sends.

cpcat,PatrickT,jimc705

jimc705,not to step on sean,but 2 UHF antennas are joined with a simple splitter and equal length lead from both antennas.A "joiner" is required to connect a UHF with a VHF.....Channel Master #0549 is a good model($7-8).You might want to search the web for "stacking antennas" as it's a bit complicated(horizontal,vetical,wavelength spacing,etc).

I have both antenna angled upward at about 30 degrees(after hours of experimentation).I'm at the base of a steep hill with some trees,so I'm guessing that's why the angulation helps.

I tried horizontal "stacking" with no success(but I'm in an attic and have limited access,so I may try again).It's really tough moving 10' long antenna around the rafters while trying not to fall through the sheetrock!I may bite the bullet, PO all my neighbors,and put it on the roof(.....I know the law says OK,but.....I'd be the only antenna in a restricted subdivision).

I did reconfigure and ended up with a better signal from stacked antennas than from either one,but not a huge difference.They are not identical antennas,so that could be part of the problem.Everything is RG6 with equal lengths to both antennas and a good splitter,baluns,etc,so I don't know much more to do.I'm getting a good signal almost all the time,so I may just stay status quo.

aVOLanche,
Spacing is not a problem for one is on my roof and the other has to be about 10' lower to get knoxville and is on my deck. Equal lead in lengths I have to roll up a 10 feet on the UHF. I tried a splitter but made it worse and lost DT 7 all together. My roof top is a vhf uhf combo. The one on the deck is uhf only. I get great reception with a a/b switch. The rooftop still gets knoxville but the signal level is really low about 60 on some channels and occassional drop out. If it rains forget it! The deck ,lower antenna, gets all the Knoxvilles in the high 60's to mid 70's and no drop outs. I need the VHF for DT 7 and analog 12 Winston salem and 13 Ashville all 3 in differrent directions . I need the height for those as well as the tri-cities and VA / NC digitals. My rotor is on the roof . The UHF is dedicated to KNoxville digitals. I may try a combiner for someone said you can combine and all channel with a vhf or a uhf. Thanks for the response.

Hi everyone! I was one of the first to post in this thread but drifted off to take care of my own forum. :)

First, it's great to see a couple of the local station employees involved! This is great and thanks for reading our comments.

Right now I have a DirecTV HR10-250 (HD-Tivo) and receiving all local digital broadcasts using (believe or not) an indoor terk antenna that sits on the floor! (okay, it's upstairs but it actually does better on the floor than it does on the stereo cabinet).

Right now I receive all local digital channels except for KLRN-DT. KENS-DT is the weakest of the bunch at about 65%. KMOL and KSAT are both in the 90's. Don't remember FOX but I think it's in the 70's.

I live near Ingram Mall. I'm very pleased with the reception I'm getting but really miss PBS. I can receive it if I turn the antenna but then I lose KENS.

Jerry, I really hope you guys get that power boost up and running as soon as possible. It would help a great deal. I'm also very much impressed with your HD from KENS. I consider the quality to be the best out of all local HD. Thanks for your hard work in keeping things running over there.

FOX HD also looks pretty darn good. I was watching the playoff games the other day and the PQ was excellent. Now I wish KRRT would get off their butts and do something. Their DT channel is the absolute worst!

jimc705
When I said spacing,I was referring to the distance between 2 identically aimed UHF antennas.It is apparently important to get them wavelengths or multiple wavelengths apart(which sounds like it would be hard to do in your case).

When you say "combiner" do you mean a "JOINER" to combine a UHF and a VHF antenna?Most people talk about a "combiner" as a splitter/combiner depending on which way it's turned (semantics,but important).The joiner I gave the part# on does combine UHF/VHF.There is also a "signal combiner"that is used to insert a VCR,DSS,receiver,etc into an existing cable or antenna system-this is often just called a combiner....confusing?From what I gather from your post,you need a "joiner".Check Solidsignal or StarkElectronics for these.

If you get great reception with an A/B switch,there are remote control A/Bs(if you can't successfully combine signals w/o a switch).
Good luck!

PS :Just read where D***** is heading toward HDTV locals!

aVOLanche,
Thanks you are correct it should be a joiner. I know Channel Master and Winegard both make them and appreciate your help. I'll have to give it a try. I Know about the IR a/b switches but wife already going nuts. She's not wild about the rotor. Wants to turn on the tv and put it on a channel at that's it. She can't understand if it's in the air and free I want it if possible. Thanks again

They are not identical antennas,so that could be part of the problem.

Avolanche,
That is the problem. You can't stack dissimilar antennas without severe multipath resulting. I noticed you use a Winegard PR9032. Below is a pic of my stack of that antenna. It works very well. I still have them is you're interested. You'd probably do better by putting just one 9032 outdoors, though.

Jimc705,
I can't think of a satisfactory solution to getting rid of your A/B switch and keeping your antennas as they are. There's a product from CM called a "Jointenna" which is designed to make it possible to combine uhf channels from dissimilar antennas but it won't work with channels close together in the uhf spectrum. Tri Cities has 27,28 while K-ville has 30,31 so it won't work. You might consider improving the reception of your combo antenna and using one for all. Do you use a preamp?

cpcat,

I'm using another big Winegard that is a VHF/UHF model.I cut off the VHF portion for maneuverability,then found the PR-9032 for $30!I put up the 9032 and it outperformed the other Winegard slightly.Then I attached both antennas with a combiner and moved them around for hours.I was ready to stay with the single PR-9032 when I made one last attempt at using both in a vertical stack.Together,they perform the same as the 9032,BUT, I get better reception on WBIR(10).So,for now,I'm satisfied.Thanks!

cpcat,
Thanks I think you may be right. I'm going to try to relocate the roof antenna and try different locations. If i go to the far end of my house I may clear the mole hill towards Knoxville. The run for rg6 will be about 20 or 30 feet longer but hopefully the stronger signal will offset the line loss. Thanks for your input.

Well the game has started and it looks like the picture is ok, but the sound is messed up.

Oh wait the sound is ok, but during the fumble the picture isn't hd anymore.

Can CBS get their act together or what?

I hate to complain about picture quality on WVLT-DT because it's free, but during the UT-Alabama game the picture was pixellated badly if there was any movement to amount to anything. If there is no action or movement it is fairly good, but otherwise it is not very good. I assume it is because they are carrying another signal on the second channel thereby reduicing the MB/S available for carrying detail.
Larry

Same old, same old Larry! I'm calling it screen door digital. Voice your displeasure at 450-8880.

I see a lot of posts in this forum and haven't been able to go through them all so excuse me if this has already been asked and answered here, and my being a newby at this forum. Here is my list of questions:

1. I have a PC I am considering hooking up to Comcast Cable, I was looking to buy an ATSC tuner for this and was curious if anyone here has been able to get one to work with Comcast yet in this area?

2. I noticed a lot of people here were talking about obtaining the local D-TV channels with an roof mount antenna, does Comcast not carry these channels yet? I thought I seen them on my tuner in the digital realm, (channels 98, 180-182, & 194)?

3. Which is the best about 50" HDTV to get for this area, which will allow me to get all the ATSC channels? Samsung? Magnavox? Pioneer? I know they all do about the same as far as picture quality, so that's not really an issue, I am more curious as to which would be most compatible with our areas Comcast systems. Preferrably one where I can ditch the illegal monstroncity that they are forcing upon us, if there is such a beast at this point in time.

4. One final question, which of the ATSC bands is Comcast using in this area? QAM64, 128, 256? None of the previous? Any help in these matters would be greatly appreciated.

TIA - DT.

Game was good Wjhl dt 11.1. They don't simulcast though. May be the reason.

disabledtrucker,
Welcome to the forum. Cable does have them if you want to pay for digital cable. A lot of us here have satellite and get HD OTA FREE!
Some have cable but just want FOX HD which cable doesn't carry yet. I guess others have cable but don't want to pay the fee for digital cable and elect to get OTA.
I can't help as far as Comcast I'm in Charter area out here. Maybe someone may be able to help you. Anyway welcome aboard!
Sounds like you may have just moved in the area. Where did you move from? I came from Richmond , VA and love it down here. Just curious!

Game was good Wjhl dt 11.1. They don't simulcast though. May be the reason.

Actually, they do multicast a weather radar channel. It's possible that it takes up less bandwidth than an SD tv channel like UPN 30, though. Whether it's due to bandwidth issues or the native broadcast format, I don't see this problem with 720p sports on FOX (no multicasting) or ABC (multicasts one channel).

Thanks Jimc705, but I have lived in the area for about 11 years now, I moved here from Va as well. I seem to have located the answer to my first question, being a DVICO Fusion-HDTV3-T. Has anyone tried this card in the area with MCE 2005? What were your results? Now to find out if a NVidia personal cinema will work with MCE 2k5... Anyways, I haven't really been into researching this topic much until just recently. Well not since it was first starting out, over a year ago. Now, it getting close to the time I have to replace all my tuners, including my big screen, (non-digital ancient analog, 1/2 way working monstrosity I call a,) tv, I thought it would be the correct time to look into it further before it becomes a must in the next year. Most of the major companies in this area have already decided and implemented what they will be using in the future so I figured why not look into this now.

I have also pretty much been able to find an answers to number two and maybe 4 as well now. That leaves me with the answer to number 3. I know a lot will say, it's up to personal preference, but I don't have a personal preference. I am looking for what is most compatible, if that gives me a list, then at least I'll have a list to choose from, if not, then I'll have my job narrowed down. My main concern is I don't want to use that monstrosity that comcast calls a tuner when I purchase my next television, if I can at all advoid it. If that means I must wait until Jan or Feb. then I'll wait, I just need to know what to look for for this area. Any help in this matter would be greatly appreciated.

Again TIA- DT.

That leaves me with the answer to number 3.

I'd go with either rear projection LCD or DLP. For RPLCD think Sony, for RPDLP think Samsung. Both have ATSC tuners in the 50 inch size range.
I think both are Cablecard ready as well. Go to the display devices section (rear projection) at this site for more info.

Thanks cpcat.

My comments to WVLT have been polite, but they continue to simply screw up almost every HDTV telecast.

I had to call them 3 times over the weekend.

1. Audio at the start of the UT / Bama game was awful. Spoke directly to the dood running the booth. He blamed it on CBS.

I called several friends in Nashville I knew were watching the game, no audio problems. I called WVLT back, told the guy that Nashville was fine, he said hang on....he "reset the feed" and .....sure enough it was fine.

2. NCIS at 9:00 started off in SD....I called....they blamed CBS....but magically in 30 seconds, CBS must have fixed the problem

3. Had a Titans party on Sunday(man we suck this year), No HD. Called em, once again blamed CBS. Took a while to fix....but they got it right...

The picture quality on Sports sucks now they are multi-casting or whatever. Any scene with fast moving images blurs and looks like a bad dvd.

Some of you may not notice it ( I can not imagine how) but on a 9 foot screen it makes the picture look crappy.

I have emailed the GM many times and his responses are textbook....thanks for the note...we will have a meeting on this today.......blah blah blah.


Big hat, no cattle.

Cipro

DisabledTrucker: I agree with CPCAT, I'm not an expert or anything but his reply is definitely the norm for that size.

After going back and looking over the Samsung TV's on their site, I have come to the conclusion that cpcat and banghead11 are incorrect in their reccomendations as I am looking for something which already has a tuner built in, in the 50" range. So I am still looking for advice on which is the best in this area.

get alot more info on the threads for those specific devices rather than this simple knoxville area hdtv thread.

the RPTV thread is quite good.


Cip

I do not want to go through the illegal monstrosity that Comcast calls a tuner to be able to obtain those digital signals when I upgrade my tv.
But I still need to know what to look for in them from this thread before I can go to that one and look to see what is available. I need to know am I looking for an NTSC/ATSC, QAM64, QAM256?
Do I need to get something with a cable card?
Are there any other factors I need to know about for this area, when it comes to obtaining comcast digital cable through the tuners of my next TV set?

Im not aware of anyone on this board that is a comcast customer who does not use their HD Box.

I have 2 from Comcast one with the DVR and one with out.

I would not give up my DVR.....its a lifesaver....


Most on this board are getting their programming via OTA or Direct TV.


I seem to be one of the few Comcast subs.

BTW.....Im a big fan of Comcast HD lineup....its expensive...but very good....

FOX HD is suppose to be on my end of OCT.

Cip

Whats the big deal with just using a comcast set top box?

I've got both OTA and the Comcast DVR. You will need ATSC (8VSB) for OTA and QAM of some variety for Comcast. I think Comcast is 256QAM but that is a question better directed to Comcast. My LG tuner will decode some of the unscrambled Comcast QAM stations but I bought it for OTA and that's how it's hooked up. Whether Comcast is supporting cable cards is also best asked them. I think you'll have trouble getting past the first layer of office staff but I hope I am wrong.

I would also look at other threads for Comcast and cable card issues.

For one it's illegal for a cable company to require that you use one to obtain the signals that you recieve per FCC laws. Two, it doesn't fit with the HDTV's I have been looking at, as they don't have the room for that monstrosity on the top of them. Three it looks like I am living in the 70's with that monstrosity on top of my TV. Four I'm tired of wasting my money for it. And five do I need to keep going on?

I wont even go into here what I think of their office staff, I just wish I had the email address of the guy in Pennsylvania who actually owns this company. What an earful he would get from me once I finally do! I have even told them up in Canada, when he was at the office up there in a meeting what I thought of this office down here, and they told me then they were going to pass on my comments to him then. I was lucky at that point when I called and reached the office he happened to be in that day, but to this point, noone is willing to put out his email address or anyone in the higher ups of the company where we can actually go to to complain about the local idiots. As when you complain to the complaint emailer, it will be directed to the local offices and noone in the higher ups even get the information, which is another thing I will chew him out about.


These idiots are rude, unhelpful, and worse yet, imbeciles. How the hell they even got jobs as technicians is way beyond my comprehension. I have always been more knowlegable than even the most knowlegable one that I have ever talked with anywhere in the organization to this point, which is intolerable to say the least. I say that because I am in no way a specialist, nor am I anywhere's near being a technician.

I once thought about applying to Comcast for a job, though with their obvious qualifications, I would be either overqualified and never get a job, or be underqualified to be one of the bosses that noone can ever talk with because I do somewhat have a brain.

My original point was you will find much more help on other threads.

This thread is less hardware specific and more info and reception. The hardware threads are much better for your specific needs.


Best of luck, but I sense you will have to reconsider your options. Having ones cake and eating it too in the current HDTV market is quite difficult.

Cip

I agree what having ones cake and eating it too in the current digital realm is quite difficult at this point, but it should'nt be as they are supposed to have this already out and being sold because of the federal laws which go into effect december 31 which mandates it. I understand it's less hardware specific in this thread, being more info and reception, which is why I directed my comments here first, as that was what I was looking for, regional information and reception answers. Obviously why I never found anything in this forum prior to actually becoming a member, noone here is technically advanced enough to answer these questions. The problem is I don't know of any other sites which are either. The ones who are are more interested in how to hack the cable companies signals to steal them and I am not interested in that. I don't mind paying for the signals, it's the ability to obtain them legally without having to have an illegal box to do so. Yes, that box you all have on top of your tv to obtain the cable signals which comcast is forcing you to rent, is illegal, check the federal fcc laws.

Dont get me wrong here, the information that you all are giving me is actually helping me out here. It's not what I wanted to hear, and in no means technically geared, but it is helpful, in a round about way. Basically I am finding out that noone in this area is able to recieve these signals unless they have an illegal box to do so still. Or unless they live within range of the towers signals and can recieve them with a OTA device. Furthermore that this thread, although entitled "Knoxville, TN - HDTV" is more for dish/OTA people and thus should be renamed "Knoxville, TN - HDTV via Dish/OTA."

I am also learning that people in this area has either poised these questions to Comcast and not recieved an answer, got an answer and not telling, or haven't poised these questions prior for this specific area. Contrary to popular belief, these questions are not regional in reguards to East West North South, nor are the in regaurds to TN, but to individual cities which are tied together using the same systems. Different systems are using different ways to send us these signals. Which was the reason I asked here first. Hoping that someone locally could lead me in the right direction. Thus you all have in a round about way, it seems that I will still have to wait a little longer to actually get these answers. I have a tech coming to the house tommorrow, once I get some answers from them, I will post back here as to what they tell me so others will know for future reference. Assuming this idiot will know anything about what I am talking about.

The thread does not need to be renamed. There happens to be more OTA guys, but we help each ohter.....we all agree that WVLT can screw up no matter how you get the signal :)

I see you are new so I am going to cut you some slack.

The search button is a nice tool. I suggest you make use of it.

I have come to the conclusion that cpcat and banghead11 are incorrect in their reccomendations as I am looking for something which already has a tuner built in, in the 50" range. So I am still looking for advice on which is the best in this area.

The FCC has mandated that 50% of all TV's manufactured this year 34 inches or larger will have to have integrated ATSC tuners. The manufacturers have responded by basically putting one in all of their sets in that range (it would be more expensive to manufacture both). The new Sony's have it and so do the Samsung's but you'll have to look at the newer models, not last year's models. I'll try to get some links and post them for you.

Here's Sony, the top 4 or 5 have both ATSC tuners and Cablecard:
http://www.sonystyle.com/is-bin/INTERSHOP.enfinity/eCS/Store/en/-/USD/SY_BrowseCatalog-Start;sid=FHq66SsUWTu6zmppWYGw4mQZ-Ed8yVKnEfw=?CategoryName=tv_ProjectionTVs_RearProjection_42t o51TVs&Dept=tv

Here's a DLP from LG:
http://www.1-877camcorder.com/du52sz61d.html

Looks like you may have to wait a while for Samsung.

Now that LG is coming out with a 5th generation STB tuner that enhances reception under multipath conditions.. I would be incline to get a TV w/o a tuner and use the latest and greatest STB coming out shortly.

http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?s=&threadid=449677&highlight=4th+generation

Thanks cpcat, I had only looked at the Samsung as I hadn't looked at the LG, and Sony isn't even an option in my opinion, but that's neither here nor there. Has anyone had any luck with the ones from RCA? What about Magnovox?

cipro
we all agree that WVLT can screw up no matter how you get the signal Ok, I'll agree with that, I don't really watch the local channels anyways, but I'll agree with that statement. Though the only channels I have noticed are the ones which are all up around 180-194, are'nt these supposed to be the new digital channels, or are they still where they were before and only switched from the original analog channels? If so, then I don't really see any difference between any of them, unless it's due to the antiquity of this box as I have had it since it was first released. I couldn't tell you what it was other than it says Motorola on the front of it, as I see no numbers on it. While I am on the subject of the box, what is this about a/b? I cant switch between them on mine, in fact, the a/b button on the box doesn't even work.

DisabledTrucker, it's pronounced Crum-cast.;) I'm a former, disgruntled customer and now a happy D-customer. :)

I haven't cared much for them myself Rachael, I wish I had another option where I live, I would happily switch again! BTW, what does ": Knoxville, capital of de Republica Polezannia" say in english?

Originally posted by DisabledTrucker
Though the only channels I have noticed are the ones which are all up around 180-194, are'nt these supposed to be the new digital channels, or are they still where they were before and only switched from the original analog channels? If so, then I don't really see any difference between any of them, unless it's due to the antiquity of this box as I have had it since it was first released. [/B]

Huh?

There should be a marked improvement from the corresponding analog channel. If you don't see that 180 is much better than 13 or 181 much better than 9 then something is either not set up correctly or you are wired to your set incorrectly. (assuming an HD monitor)

The Comcast HD STB has three separate coaxial feeds to connect to your set. Something like Y, PR, PB or similar. There are other outputs available such as an RF modulator output, Svideo, etc. but if you have the HD monitor you want to use the component outputs. All the others are lower resolution provided for backward compatibility with older products.

I don't have an HD monitor yet, but I still don't see any difference between the channels they are all the same to me, (local channels.) As far as the upper channels 180-194, when they come in visually, (I always get audio,) I can't tell the difference in the pictures, they are all just as sharp. My question was about the digital channels that comcast is supposed to be broadcasting, not the HDTV ones. For those of you who still haven't grasped the difference, a digital signal is what all channels soon will be broadcasting cable or otherwise. All analog channels will soon be switching to digital, though not necessarily HDTV formatted. HDTV on the other hand is a format of that digital signal which incorporates a higher quality picture into the bitstream. I was not referring to the HDTV signals, I am trying to figure out where they are supposedly sending those digital channels that we're supposed to be able to recieve now, or are they only supposedly sending out the HD versions of those channels currently on comcast? Like I said, I hadn't noticed any difference in the picture qualities of any of them, when they aren't attempting to broadcast in HDTV. Other channels actually look a lot better than any of the local channels to me, Sci-Fi in particular, but that is what my tv sits on most times, when I am not watching a good movie on one of the movie channels which also come in better.

Originally posted by DisabledTrucker
I haven't cared much for them myself Rachael, I wish I had another option where I live, I would happily switch again! BTW, what does ": Knoxville, capital of de Republica Polezannia" say in english?

Well, it's not proper English or Espanol! I occasionally make shows for Community TV and the name of my show is Polezannian National Television or PNT. Polezannia is an imaginary country I made up. Polezannia has no homeland but is first on the U.N.'s waiting list of new countries. So for now Polezannia just has national TV, no kuntry. Sometimes I'll speak some Espanol (Spanish) briefly on the show. Sometimes I'll have on-screen graphics that say El (the) Televicion (TV) De (of) Polezannia. Most countries have capitols, not capitals!

I've had less time to make shows this past year because my elderly mom has had several health problems and I've had to care for her. However, I'm working on a new show now.
I'll proably make a couple more this winter as time allows. It's a comedy show.

In proper Espanol, Republica (republic) de Polezannia. Polezannia is a bannana republic since I really like bannanas and water sports like surfing and water-skiing. Recuredos (best wishes) de Rachael!

http://community.webtv.net/rachelbitchlist/PolezannianNational

Originally posted by DisabledTrucker
I don't have an HD monitor yet, but I still don't see any difference between the channels .

You won't see any significant difference until you have an actual HD monitor. The difference between an HD monitor with a HD source and an ordinary NTSC monitor even fed from a down converted HD source is remarkable.

Comcast channels 5, 9, 13, 21 are sent as NTSC via fiber to Comcast and then sent to subscribers as NTSC. Channels 180 and 181 are picked up OTA as ATSC digital signals and are repackaged as QAM for cable distribution. Channel 182 is sent via fiber to Comcast. Comcast channels above 100 are distributed as digital with varying bitrates. Comcast channels below 100 are distributed as NTSC receivable by standard tuners of the past 50 years.

If you are watching an NTSC set hooked to a cable box or OTA HD tuner but watching the down converted output you are not seeing HD.

I realize this is pretty basic but I just dumped almost $90 on a Terk TV44 and couldn't get a signal. I live just off 1604 and Bulverde rd, approx. 20-25 miles from most transmitters @ 150 degrees. I'm only trying to get the local OA HD channels in one HDTV. Have a Dish 900-series PVR, dish has 3 outputs/cables coming out since the receiver has PIP capability. Evidently the dish has a built in quad switch. Before I go out and spend any more money on another antenna, I would like to hear from ya'll, especially anyone who has a working Dish 900-series and is successfully receiving OA broadcasts.

Thanks

So I got a Channel Master (3021) and I get the locals crystal clear (See earlier post)

This antenna was only $38 online.

I am not using Dish, sorry. My tv has an internal tuner.

@Rachael:
Cool show, I had seen one of them a while back, I don't watch community tv all that often though, but it was hillarious. Thanks for the background.

@Patrick:
Well I realized I wasn't seeing HD, but I was curious if I was even watching digital. HD, again, is a form of the digital signal in that it is in a higher definition than a regular digital channel. My question was which of those are the actual digital channels, and which are the HD ones? As I mentioned, none of them that are viewable on my set look any different than they ever have. They all look just as bad as they have since I moved to this area, there are many other channels that are being broadcast on cable which are better in quality than any of those. In that they have sharper pictures with less pixelation. Yes, I notice them on my computer as that is where I watch most tv, the big screen isn't sharp enough for me and gives me headaches to watch it. Whereas my 17" monitor is much better.

For the Knoxville market area:

Comcast channels 2 through 99 are standard definition analog NTSC.

Comcast channels above 100 are all digital.

Comcast channels between 172 and 186 are HD and digital.

The Comcast supplied STB hides these differences from you because it is able to tune both analog NTSC and various QAM (digital) formats. You may want to "Google" your STB model for the procedure to change the display format from 4:3 to 4:3 letterbox so you can see the actual aspect ratio of the HD channels.

You'll still need an HD display device to appreciate any improvement. You'll also find that the HD display excels at making marginal picture look much worse.

Originally posted by DisabledTrucker
@Rachael:
Cool show, I had seen one of them a while back, I don't watch community tv all that often though, but it was hillarious. Thanks for the background.

So next time we have a rock drive to build the Polezannian home island, we can count on you? :) Hey, I read this summer that LCD flat panels would be falling 5-15% for the next 18 months. Maybe that'll be your ticket sometime soon? I think LCD flats will be the sets that really drive the switchover when it really gets going in ernest. Recuredos mi amigo!!!

If you have an analog set and have digital cable, you won't see a marked improvement over the analog cable.

Cipro, where did you get your information on Fox HD being added the end of this month? When I asked a Comcast person about a month ago, they only had plans to add TNT HD (no date given) and WB HD (which shows little HD programming). I asked specifically about WTNZ HD and they said they're goal is to provide all of them, but have no immediate plans to add them from what he could tell. It would be good if they add it. But it will make me and other people highly upset. I just bought a $40 antenna so I could specifically get WTNZ HD. And if they add it AFTER the baseball playoffs are over, they will upset other people.

Comcast is terrible. I wanted to switch back to DirecTV (HD programming), but my wife and I couldn't agree on spending the additional money to upgrade our equipment. That's why I bought the antenna. Comparing DirecTV's customer service and Comcast's is night and day. As DisabledTrucker said, you cannot speak to anyone with any authority. I'm sure I'm preaching to the choir. And don't ask me about their continued screw-ups, the latest being them finally realizing we weren't being billed for digital or basic cable after getting it for 2 years. When I inquired last fall about WTNZ HD being available through Comcast to the WTNZ folks, the GM emailed me himself and basically explained it was a money issue on Comcast's end. To put it nicely, Comcast was and is holding them up for more money.

DT, the only ways to get the local HD channels in Knoxville are through the cable companies (Comcast, Knology, Charter), through DirecTV or Voom (they provide or sell and OTA antenna) or just by an OTA antenna. None of the cable companies provide all of them at this time. As much as we bash Comcast for their lack of choices, Knology and Charter have fewer choices. DirecTV and Voom will allow you to get all of them, buy you have to buy or rent the equipment. There are always catches either way.

As far as TV buying, get one with a built-in tuner. That way if you have to get local HD channels via an antenna, you won't need a box.

Guyz, I was down at Busted Buy today and an employee told me they'd be having a big sale the day after thanksgiving and to expect slashed prices on many HDTV sets. I was amazed to see the HD Tivo in their today but stille with the grand price.

From what I can recall, BB's black friday deals last year were mediocre at best. Two years ago, it was good, but last year was not. I wouldn't hold your breath on thinking BB would have a sale on good HDTV stuff. Maybe a sale on an Advent tube HDTV or something. I'll still cross my fingers though!

If somebody actually DID find a good BB black friday deal last year, please correct me.

You mean you can actually get deals at BB? The last I looked for anything at BB, you either couldn't get it cause they were out of it or it was more expensive than what I could get it for elsewhere with paying taxes and shipping from an online store.

Again people, I am not asking about HD channels, I was wanting to know where Comcast chose to put the digital channels, you know the ones which are broadcast OTA...as starting the dec 31 they are supposed to switch all channels from analog to digital, so those channels that comcast is currently broadcasting from 1-99 are supposed to change from analog to digital and comcast will have to give them up and move everything to 100+.

Comcast will tell you otherwise, but according to the new laws, that's what is supposed to happen. I understand that was pushed back untill next year, giving them untill Jan 1, 2006, but it's still supposed to happen, which is why I was wondering if they just put the digital versions of the channels in the place of the original channels converting it from the analog version of it, or if they have supposedly moved it elsewhere.

Again the HD part of the signal just makes the picture of supposedly of better quality, (actual results may very,) but it still resides on the digital signal, which is what I am talking about, that actual digital signal. From what I understand, they are only still broadcasting analog on channels from 1-99 thus there isn't any digital channels there, they are all up above 100. If that is the case then they still aren't broadcasting the actual digital versions of these channels as the ones they seem to be broadcasting there are the HD versions of these channels. Either way, there still isn't any difference in the channels, even with the ones above 100, when they are viewable, (not using the HD formatting of the signals,) they are still just as bad a quality as the rest of them in the analog realm, IMO.

I don't need a digital tv to notice this as that's what the stupid box is supposed to be doing for me, converting that digital signal to analog for my tv to view it. I already have what they call an HDTV, but it's all analog, and not truely HDTV, but then again it's almost 20 years old. Thus I don't call it HDTV, it is a rear projection though, one of the first ones available, from RCA, if not their first model.

Now to find out what PatrickT meant by:"Google" your STB model for the procedure to change the display format from 4:3 to 4:3 letterbox so you can see the actual aspect ratio of the HD channels. And to find out what all is there when I push {Power} then {Select}, like the tech guy did yesterday when he was here and see what all was there, as he was just flipping through it so fast I couldn't read everything it said. FWIW, the box is a Magnavox DCT2224.

Quote "Again people, I am not asking about HD channels, I was wanting to know where Comcast chose to put the digital channels, you know the ones which are broadcast OTA...as starting the dec 31 they are supposed to switch all channels from analog to digital, so those channels that comcast is currently broadcasting from 1-99 are supposed to change from analog to digital and comcast will have to give them up and move everything to 100+." unquote

You misunderstand...

There is no mandate by the FCC or Congress to move any of the cable channels around or to discontinue the analog cable feeds. There was several years ago a cutoff date proposed for the end of analog OTA transmissions on 1/1/2006. That date has slipped at least until 1/1/2009.

There is still a significant audience that only receives analog OTA television.

Not to change the subject. Have not had time to read all the posts in this
thread but is WATE Channel 6 up to full power? I have a Dish 811 box
and it is slow to lock on this channel as compared to the others, WBIR and
Fox.

WATE is at full power the last I heard from their CE. I've seen no evidence of a change in their signal strength from up here.

One thing we've had plenty of this week is fog, drizzle, and wet leaves. I wouldn't be too concerned until I saw the problem on a dry day.

Just an FYI, but if any viewers experienced channel mapping problems with KENS-DT Thursday evening (10/28) through Friday morning (10/29), we were having PSIP problems. Thursday afternoon we lost closed captioning and the Flexicoder began its color flashing behavior again. After restoring closed captioning and restarting the Flexicoder, KENS-DT had lost all channel mapping.

By 8 PM I had PSIP running again (I thought) only to discover that it went out again overnight and we had no channel mapping again this morning. It is working as I write, but I will keep an eye on it over the weekend.

Thanks for your patience,

I finally got all the OTA channels. The Terk TV44 just didn't work but the problem there was that I selected the wrong antenna. It's impossible to pickup the UHF from where my Dish sits down by the eave on the backside of the house. However, yesterday I picked up a $20 UHF/VHF, "rabbit-ears", antenna and it got me most of the feeds except for KENS. Went to Home Depot this morning and picked up a 10db amplifier, and now everything is working great. wife doesn't like the exposed cable from the antenna, though. Now that I know it is in fact feasible to get good reception I this area, I may invest in an outdoor channel master or winegard antenna -- I know exactly where to put it. As for the Terk, I know exactly where to tell the folks that sold it to me where to put it.

Someone posted earlier that supposedly heard that WTNZ HD was going to finally be added to Comcast soon. Anyone else confirm this?

Anyone recording HDTV on the new Charter Cable DVR?? Just ordered one.. can't wait to try it out....

I don't have cable,but the D****** Version works superbly(HR10-250).It's a 2 tuner,250 GB,Tivo style.The recordings in HD are as good as the broadcast and I can do up to about 35 hrs of HD(or 200 hrs of SD).These things change the way you watch TV.I'm sure you will be pleased.Don't know how I ever did without a Tivo(PVR,DVR,whatever).Highly recommended!

Originally posted by aVOLanche
I don't have cable,but the D****** Version works superbly(HR10-250).It's a 2 tuner,250 GB,Tivo style.The recordings in HD are as good as the broadcast and I can do up to about 35 hrs of HD(or 200 hrs of SD).These things change the way you watch TV.I'm sure you will be pleased.Don't know how I ever did without a Tivo(PVR,DVR,whatever).Highly recommended!

The charter box is the Motorola Moxi, with an 80GB hard drive, but expandable by 2 USB 2.0 ports for external drives. HDTV archiving, here I come! A whole collection of HDTV movies will soon be mine.... cannot wait!

Hey all,
I've been reading on the other parts of this forum with interest the fact that WB seems to be offering more and more HD programming. I contacted David Williams at WBXX several mos. ago and was told they were in the "early stages" of providing HD but no definite date had been set. Maybe with some more interest from some of us it might help to speed it up.

Here's the email: questions@wb20tv.com

Have at it.

NRM4 ,
should've looked into to dish network. They'll give new customers 2 HD 811 OTA / sat receivers , plus 2 dual tuner sat receivers for free with no obligations. 2 OTA digital tuners a great deal.


1st Room

DISH 811 High Definition Receiver


2nd Room

DISH 811 High Definition Receiver


3rd & 4th Room

DISH 322 dual-tuner receiver

A DISH Network dual-tuner receiver has been recommended for these rooms. Confused about dual-tuners? more

ligation. Top 60 programming and knoxville locals only 29.99/mo.

is it better to get time warner or directv here in san antonio?

As for the power of channel 6 dt 26 here's a quote from PAT THOMPSON at wbir 10.
Channels 43-1 and 6-1 or RF 26 and 34 are full power. I believe that 8-1 and 17-1 are full power but I'm not completely sure. Our full power signal strength should be very close to the signal you get from 6-1 (RF 26).
WBIR-DT transmits on RF channel 31 from a common antenna shared by RF
channels 26, 34, and 43 (NTSC). At present WBIR-DT is transmitting at
50% of our final licensed power.

WVLT looking like total crap again today during the ballgame.... sigh.... and what about that ugly, ugly icon at the bottom right????!!!

You really need to research their packages and pricing and make your own decision about that. When we moved to SA in 1996 we picked TW but after a couple of years of rate increases switched over to Dish. Have been with Dish since then and except for the rare occasion when a storm is strong enough to block the signal, have no complaints. I feel I get more for my money with Dish that I could get from TW. Of course, that is MY opinion.

I had D for 7 years, had a disagreement and left. I have thought of going back because:
ESPNHD (but TWC just added it)
NFL Season Ticket (a little too expensive)
HDTivo (I have a TWC HDDVR but it is barely usable)

I stay with TWC because:
They added ESPNHD
It is easier (I have a lot of TVs)
Local HD Channels (I can pickup all the local HD channels OTA ,you have to be able to if you have D but at least I have the option. ) This is important since I have 1 HDTV with no tuner.

I have not compared the HD packages side by side but it seems that TWC has at least as much if not more than D.

As stated by others: it is a personal decision depending on your needs and desires

I believe that 8-1 and 17-1 are full power but I'm not completely sure.

Based on my having received OTA from Knoxville over the last 14 mos or so and the FCC website which lists STA's for these two I'd say WVLT is at their STA of 230 kw while WKOP is at their STA for 15kw currently. No way to know for sure (tried email but no answer, at least for WVLT). I have a friend who operates a local cable co. up here and he has it from WVLT's CE that their power is now "up another level". This also coincided with me finally being able to receive them consistently as of about a month ago. Before then, it was only during tropo events for me. I still cannot receive WKOP at all while I can consistently receive WETP from Sneedville (about the same distance and at only 5 kw currently).

For info from the FCC on the Knoxville stations, go to http://www.tvradioworld.com/region1/tn/tv_information.asp?m=kno

I think the TWC HD package is a better deal...after that it depends on the type of programs you like.

I have to chime in that the cable rates seem to go up consistently - about twice the rate of inflation near the beginning of each year. It really is quite ridiculous.

WB20 off air? Are they maybe upgrading to HD?

TWC has improved in every imaginable way. Since I went HD they must have made ten service calls to my house. The service and support I get has been excellent. They've added so much HD I almost never watch SD anymore. With the exception of FOX and Warner, we get almost everything. The SA 8000 HD box from TWC has been a real pleasure. Now I can watch HD when I want to and scan the dreaded commercials. TWC has even answered the multiple e-mails I've sent.

Given all the above I guess they have the right to charge for it. But, I agree with George. The rate increases are questionable. My cable bill for 2005 will nearly be $1300. As soon as Grande has enough HD content I may not be able to afford TWC anymore.

Don't know. They've done this before and came back on with out any noticeable changes. Did you email them? I did, but no response as of yet.
I put their email address up on a post a few days ago. I think it's one page back in this thread. If enough of us show interest, maybe they'll at least respond to the inquiry.

Has anyone else experienced problems with KENS? No audio on TWC channel 155.
This happened the other night (can't remember when) and again last night (7:00pm)
I checked back at various times and still no audio.
At some point there was audio but the picture was SD.

I don't know how TWC gets its KENS signal, but OTA KENS is the weakest of the big 4. I run strictly OTA and have never been able to pick up KENS due to the big trees between my antenna and the tower.

BTW, has anyone used any of the newer antennas for OTA? I'm using standard roof units that have little trouble picking up any of the analog channels, but a bit problematic with some of the HDs

I get KENS OTA very strong using an ChannelMaster 4221 UHF antenna but I am almost downtown (Woodlawn lake) see earlier post by me.

I did not check the audio problem OTA, just from TWC. I am assuming that since all other stations had no problems that it would have shown up OTA also. If it happens again I will check.

Originally posted by Realthogue
Just an FYI, but if any viewers experienced channel mapping problems with KENS-DT Thursday evening (10/28) through Friday morning (10/29), we were having PSIP problems. Thursday afternoon we lost closed captioning and the Flexicoder began its color flashing behavior again. After restoring closed captioning and restarting the Flexicoder, KENS-DT had lost all channel mapping.

By 8 PM I had PSIP running again (I thought) only to discover that it went out again overnight and we had no channel mapping again this morning. It is working as I write, but I will keep an eye on it over the weekend.

Thanks for your patience,

Jerry, are you still having problems? The upconversion of Sunday's Texans game and tonight's Spurs game looked awful, especially during motion. It's normally not near this bad. Also, the Spurs game was not centered vertically; it was too low and you could see the lines that normally appear offscreen.

Anyone else see this?

I live in Caryville. I have a Samsung TS-360 HD Satellite Receiver hooked up to a SamsungHL-P5063w HDTV. I am using a Winegard PR8800 OTA Antenna. I pick up both digital feeds of each network great.
The only digital channel that doesn't come thru is WB20. Someone said it might not be transmitting. I have about a 70-80 signal on all channels. I am not having to use an amp of any kind. The HDTV Shows are great. They are as good or better than DirecTV HDTV. If you live north of Knoxville I would give the OTA antennas a chance. I am glad I did.

Update on WTNZ-HD (FOX) and Comcast.

Originally I was told by both FOX and Comcast that the channel would be on by the end of October.

My contact at Comcast seems to no longer be working there, so I emailed the GM of Fox.

He said that Comcast drug their feet and now it might be Christmas.


Rob Parker was my contact at Comcast, anyone know if he is still there? He was the HD guru.....his voice mail is still active but he has not returned 5 or 6 calls and every time...(too many times to count) I dial him up I always get voice mail.



I wish I had better news.

Cipro

PS WVLT still SUCKS.....their HD picture looks decent on a 36 inch screen but on my 9 foot PJ the artifacts are HORRIBLE.

Last year was so much better for them....stupid multi-casting....who even watches that other channel while the vols are on?

Originally posted by Cipro
PS WVLT still SUCKS.....their HD picture looks decent on a 36 inch screen but on my 9 foot PJ the artifacts are HORRIBLE.

Last year was so much better for them....stupid multi-casting....who even watches that other channel while the vols are on?

I have a 36" HD monitor and a bigger one too, and I don't have to strain my eyes to see the muck-ro-blocking on the 36" tube.

Originally posted by Cipro
My contact at Comcast seems to no longer be working there, so I emailed the GM of Fox.

He said that Comcast drug their feet and now it might be Christmas.


Gee, what a surprise. These people are the most disorganized people I've ever come across from a supposed big company.

I got a letter in the mail from them yesterday saying since I had the basic cable package (2-99) that I would no longer be getting any HD channels effective tomorrow unless I buy the digital package (I would still get local HDs). This coming after a conversation several months ago saying as long as I had it in a package I already had, I would also get it in HD. I'm getting ready to call them to see what their problem is.

I called the number provided in the letter. They said they're moving all HD channels, other than the local HDs, to the digital service. They offered me an upgrade to digital for $5 extra a month for a year. So I took it until I can convince my wife to upgrade my DirecTV equipment to the HD equipment.

I did ask about additional channels. They're supposed to be offering some new ones starting tomorrow such as A&E and another one (can't remember which). I asked about others and she didn't have a list with any schedule. It looks as if WTNZ HD isn't coming soon. Glad I did get the OTA afterall.

I have TWC and the Pace tuner. When ESPNHD went online, everything worked fine. Now, more times that not, when I tune to 124 I get nothing. I've reset the box and all that stuff, and it doesn't help. Other than getting TWC to come out for a service call, does anyone have any ideas. That is the only channel that it ever happens on.

Originally posted by Chadnutz
I have TWC and the Pace tuner. When ESPNHD went online, everything worked fine. Now, more times that not, when I tune to 124 I get nothing. I've reset the box and all that stuff, and it doesn't help. Other than getting TWC to come out for a service call, does anyone have any ideas. That is the only channel that it ever happens on.

I think you're gonna find out that your higher frequencies have a lower DB than normal. TWC may need to replace your incoming line or add an amplifier if you have too many sets connected.

I have seen no problem with ESPNHD on either my Pace tuner or the DVR.

Jeffloby,

The only digital channel that doesn't come thru is WB20. Someone said it might not be transmitting

They're back on now. WB is in Crossville which will be quite west of where you're likely pointing your antenna now if you're north of Knoxville. Go to
http://www.2150.com/broadcast/default.asp and punch in your coordinates for exact bearings to the towers in the area.

WTNZ is transmitting from an old radar somewhere north of Oak Ridge. Here's their map and coverage area link from the FCC.
http://www.fcc.gov/fcc-bin/FMTV-service-area?n=TV256160.html
other specs here.
http://www.fcc.gov/fcc-bin/tvq?list=0&facid=72971

WTNZ is transmitting from an old radar somewhere north of Oak Ridge. Here's their map and coverage area link from the FCC

I'm assuming you mean WBXX.

Coverage maps are generally helpful but you need the bearing for precise aiming.
From Caryville, the difference in bearing will be significant between WBXX and the Knoxville stations, likely 30-40 degrees.

With my Winegard PR8800 Directional antenna, how would I pick up WBXX. I am getting the other networks great and don't want to mess with them. Would I require another antenna or a different kind? Thanks in advance

Chadnut,

Swap the box out and see what that does.

Can you check the signal strength on the Pace box? I know how to do it on the DVR. I had a relative low signal when I first got it and changed a cable or two and got it up to acceptable. Even at the low point I was still getting all channels.

Yea I meant wbxx sorry.

Jeff,
Looks like wbxx may be on one of the lobes of the antenna. If you get a strong signal on the networks now you can try to turn the antenna a little west. Try halfway between Knoxville and Oak Ridge and work from there.
It looks like you should be able to find a point where you can get both sufficently well. The pr 8800 only has a 20 degree beamwidth at channel 50 and 23 degree at channel 32 so it may be touchy. (see link below) If you can't get wbxx then you'll need a rotor. You can use a seperate antenna however, if you run a second coax line and use an A/B switch between them. Do not recommend a second antenna on the same coax for phasing and multipath problems when they are pointing in different directions.
http://www.winegard.com/offair/pdf/pr-8800.pdf

Would the Channel Master 4228 work better in my application. Would adding an amp help with the signal strength at all.

negative the 4228 looks like about 29 degree average so it would be about the same as pr 8800. If you installed a preamp it might very well overload the strong signals you presently have and loose all your channels. The best route to go is a rotor. Here's a link to one.
http://cgi.*********/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&category=4672&item=5729181832&rd=1

After looking were you are located I think they are to far apart for a single antenna without a rotor. The winegard hd 7080 vhf uhf combo however does have a wide 41 degree beamwidth at channel 50 and you'll also get channel 7 digital. It has a little less gain on UHF as the pr8800. You can take a look here.
http://www.winegard.com/offair/pdf/hd7080p.pdf

You may get channel 7 digital on the pr 8800 as well for you are close in and it is a strong VHF signal.

I'd go with a rotor. You may find with the 8800 you get some out of market digitals once you can turn it.

WBXX back up (as everyone already knows :) ). What is taking them so long to go HD? They have HD content. My wife likes to watch Reba (I don't mind looking at her myself), it's HD. Now LOTR is coming on in HD and we will miss it. That SUX! I have never gotten a reply from any email I have sent them. Has anyone? I am still holding out hope for Seven, that they will be able to send a little more signal my way so I can lock it in all the time. Ok, I've vented. I feel a little better now.:D

I know I sound like a broken record... but WVLT looks worse than ever.......

Are the engineers up there just stupid or blind? Or do they just not care?

Harold, WBXX should catch a lot of grief for not transmitting in HD with Lord of the Rings on tonight. I hope a lot of people voice their displeasure.

On another topic, does anyone that has Comcast been having problems with poor picture quality the last few nights that resembles some sort of interference? We've had this problem before, they said we had old cables. Now, it's back. Tonight was good. But Saturday night was terrible and Friday was bad. Happens around the same time. It was so bad Saturday night, it was useless watching anything digital or HD. The picture was gone.

Originally posted by Andrew_Ballew
I know I sound like a broken record... but WVLT looks worse than ever.......

Are the engineers up there just stupid or blind? Or do they just not care?
It seems like they're actually deproving by the week, eh?!? Those smooth, gold Notre Dame helmets were such a purr-fect backdrop to demonstrate muck-ro-blocking too.

Early last week, I repositioned by OTA in an attempt to get WBIR and WBXX. I was able to pick them up with decent to good signal strength. Yesterday afternoon and last night, the signals for WBIR and WBXX kept fluctuating. The signal strength meter on my TV would go from the low end of normal to the low end of good. I could see the signal meter going up and down. No matter how I repositioned the OTA, nothing changed it. It's almost like something was moving in front of, then away from the source. Very strange. Anyone else have this problem or have any recommendations?

I had nearly constant fluctuations and breakups on WTNZ yesterday and this morning. WVLT also had a few. WBIR, WATE, WBXX seemed less affected. It's likely the atmospheric conditions are simply volatile due to weather conditions. I'm hoping the 5th gen. chip receivers will be less vulnerable to this and more consistent. If it's multipath we're experiencing that is likely to be the case.

I use two antenna in order to be able to get WBXX. I bought a joiner which removes the WB channel number from the stream of the main antenna, and adds it in from the secondary antenna which is pointed towards WBXX.

WBIR-DT and WTNZ-DT should be similar in signal strength. The up/down variation sounds like multipath (ghosts).

Instead of adjusting the antenna for maximum signal strength, you might consider slowly rotating the antenna from loss of picture in one direction to loss of picture in the other direction. Then pick the center or at least where the picture is stable.

The dual antenna with channel trap is a good solution. A rotor with an all channel antenna is another good solution but requires turning the rotor control while channel surfing.

I was getting a good reception, then they started the flucuating signal. I'll do some repositioning and see if that works. The only reason I noticed it yesterday was when Comcast's signal started breaking up, I switched to the OTA to finish watching the race. That signal was breaking up too.

I called the Comcast people and they said there were some problems in the Powell area with the signal and picture quality. They have supposedly taken care of it. We'll see tonight.

WBIR-DT and WTNZ-DT should be similar in signal strength.

This should be the case, but for some reason I've always had more difficulty with WTNZ from my location. I'm convinced there's some interference from another channel i.e. WB 34 analog Campbellsville, my KET 35 locally from Hazard, or maybe the LP Local on 33 here in Corbin. I've purchased a notch trap from Blonder Tongue and I've spent literally hours notching out different signals adjacent to 34 but have yet to solve the problem. If it's multipath, I'm hopeful the new tuners with the 5th gen chip will solve it. If not, it may be the analog shut-off before the problem solves itself.

brand new to the forum...glad I found it, a wealth of information.

After talking to comcast yesterday and getting royally T'd off, I told
them they could take their HD box as I didn't want to pay $10/mos for
3 channels I can get OTA and I can't (yet) justify the additional cost
for digital cable.

My question(s) are: What stations can I reasonably expect to pick up OTA?
I live in Oak Ridge, I'd prefer not to use an antenna rotor if possible.
Would I be better off with a directional antenna w/o preamp or omni-directional
w/ pre-amp? Finally, perhaps not the approriate forum, but what is a
good OTA set-top box in the 250-350 dollar range?

Thanks

I live in Caryville. I have a Winegard PR-8800 antenna with a Winegard AP-4800 preamp. I get NBC,CBS,ABC,FOX plus WKOP plus the 4 religious stations on channel 54(Pax,Faith,etc.). The come in perfect. I am getting the channels I want to watch so I don't think I will add a rotor.

Anyone having trouble with KSAT and WOAI in HD on TWC?

I'd buy a directional antenna. If there are any reflections (ghosts) the omni will perform poorly.

Go to www.antennaweb.org and enter your zip code. The site will supply bearings and distances to the various stations.

You could buy a rotor or buy a second antenna pointed toward WBXX and Pax and just use an inexpensive antenna switch. Or just pick the stations you most want to receive and ignore the rest.

I've bought an LG OTA tuner with good results. Others have done well with Samsung or the tuners built-in to high-end satellite receivers. Look at the other forums for more complete recommendations.

jjjfrench
If you live in Oak ridge you are right beside wbxx transmitter. If you get a good directional and point toward Knoxville you should get all Knoxvilles very little trouble. WBXX will probably have enough power to come in the back side even with a directional antenna at your location. Winegard 4400 or Channel Master 4221 should be suffecient. This will get you the Digital channels. If you want analog also then your need a combo UHF/VHF. Knoxville does have one VHF digital channel 7. That also may come in on the UHF antenna for it is a strong signal in your area. If you want to be sure to get 7 then get a good combo. Winegar HD 7082 / 7084 or Channel Master 3677 3679.

Originally posted by jjjjfrench
Finally, perhaps not the approriate forum, but what is a
good OTA set-top box in the 250-350 dollar range?

Thanks
I was at Circuit City on monday and they had 2 OTA recievers. They had the LG with the built-in DVD player for $399 and a rather spartan reciever for $249, I'm forgetting the brand but it wasn't Samsung. After owning a Samsung box, I've joined the I hate Samsung chorus. I'm visualizing the spartan lookin' model to be on sale for $199 soon enough...for me. I want one for my bedroom TV, no frills would be hunky dory.

I don't see why you can't pick-up 6, 10, 8, 15, 43 unless you have a big ridge blocking you. 20 always seems to be a mystery...I don't get it or much care, for now.

jjjjfrench,

For OTA tuners you can't go wrong with LG. The LST-4200a seems to be the hottest right now. I've the LST-3510a (also a dvd player) and am happy with it.

Thanks for everyones' suggestions. I guess I'll be putting up an antenna this weekend, hopefully the weather will be nice.

Some days I get audio dropouts and pixelation but have not watched either lately due to lack of desirable programing. Will make a positive attempt to watch them for the next few days.

Anybody having problems with WTNZ today and tonite?

Originally posted by cpcat
Anybody having problems with WTNZ today and tonite?

I didn't watch it but WVLT was in top form tonight...:( ...I watched the first part of The Disaster Movie El Supremo in SD till I caught up with real time, Tivoin'. When I switched to the HD tuner, wha-la, SD. Is VLT just hopeless? I'm peeved every time I try to watch them.:rolleyes:

Has anyone noticed that KLRN 9-2 PBS isn't transmitting audio?

Or is this just me?

I can't get any audio on 9-2 -- all the other SATX HDTV Ch's come in fine.

??

Have had no audio on KENS and WOAI at times.

I get perfect pics and sound from KENS, WOAI, KSAT, and FOX. THe SD programming on 9-1 for KLRN is fine, however the HD programming on 9-2 has no audio.

This ol guy is getting confused! Are we talkin OTA or TWC?? I am not geting Fox on TWC. Noz4life was talking TWC and Blantonl OTA. Guess we should always include the channel numbers (like Blantonl did) rather than just the station identifiers as I did.

So can anyone confirm that KLRN is having audio problems on OTA 9-2?

I'm looking at and listening to KLRN OTA channel 9-2 right this minute. Have no problems with audio.

Yea, that was certainly annoying. I called them and was informed that for some reason because some sporting event ran over and the HD shows were starting late, they had no way to present them to us in HD.

turns out that switching my receiver to output PCM digital mode vs DD works for KLRN audio on 9.2.

However, I've never, ever, seen this issue before on any OTA or Sat HDTV signal.

Something must be different with KLRN's audio.

I can't get KLRN OTA. Don't have a VHF antenna.
Get Fox OTA great, only way to watch NFL in HD (NFC)

Looks like the bloodsuckers at TWC are at it again. Rates for most people are going up another 5%.

How about water and electricity which are essential and not a luxury????

That's bogus. All shows that aren't live are piped down via satellite several days before they are broadcast by the local station. They can present it how they want.

Bogus, totally, yes-way! Agreed! :) I'll be minimizing my viewing of channel 8 in the future. I'm tired of fooling with 'em. I'll stille watch 60 Minutes and the SEC football but beyond that forget 'em. I have other channels that actually come in good.

talked to a TWC tech rep today and he said they are close to getting FOX HD added. he said the contract was close to being a done deal a while back, but something fell through, but they are getting close to finalizing it again.

i hope this is true. i'm getting new service installed on sunday, and it would be ultimate if they get fox hd soon.

Take any TWC rep's statements with a big grain of salt. A couple of years ago, a TWC rep unequivocally guaranteed me that TWC would have NFL Sunday Ticket "by next season."

well the reason i feel to think it's somewhat substantial is, remember when a couple of ya'll mentioned they saw FOX HD listed in the guide, but then it was gone some time later?

i know most of the reps don't know a whole lot, but with the above happening it give you hope :D

I just setup my dad who lives in Schertz with a Sony Plasma and a Directv HD receiver (Samsung SIR-TS360) and a WineGuard antenna that came from Directv. Everything is working including OTA HD except for KEN channel 5-1 which has perfect video but no sound. On channel 5-2 the 24 hour weather radar being broadcast by KENS I hear the sound no problem. Does anyone have any suggestions or seen this issue. I am not familiar with the HD scene in San Antonio as I live in Houston.

Also, as an FYI, if you ever have to hook up a WineGuard OTA antenna do not hook it to the multiswitch if you have an antenna input as it doesn't seem to work. I had to hook the antenna up through its own diplexer.

Any help would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks.

Did anyone notice problems with WTNZ yesterday (11-21)? There was a constant problem with the video and audio. I thought it might have been through the live feeds, but it was still doing it during the prime time programming. That problem was not on the analog signal.

Did anyone notice problems with WTNZ yesterday (11-21)?

I've had problems with them for a couple of weeks now. It's either bad atmospheric conditions or a problem with their transmitter. I emailed their CE several days ago and he said he'd check on it. You can email him, too, if you want: ttheilmann@wtnzfox43.com

Thanks. I hope the fix the problem.

I live in Austin and tried to get the national CBS HD feed from DirecTV. KENS denied the waiver. What really is frustrating is that I can't get a signal from KENS with a CM 4221 (?) outdoor antenna on top of my two story house (I have climbed up on top of my roof two times to try to reposition my antenna to see if I could get KENS with no luck). I have ranted about this a little bit in the Austin thread if anyone wants more details.

Anyway, I was hoping one of my DISTANT neighbors in San Antonio might know who I need to contact at KENS to discuss the denial of my waiver. I looked through this thread and saw the Jerry from KENS visits this forum and I sent him a PM. I am just not sure how often he checks AVS since he doesn't have any posts this month. I went to the KENS website and could only find a contact number for the news manager and the citizens activist guy. I sent them emails anyway asking for the correct contact person.

So if anyone has a number or email address for someone at KENS that I can contact I would really appreciate it.

thanks,

Murray

Originally posted by MurrayW
I live in Austin and tried to get the national CBS HD feed from DirecTV. KENS denied the waiver. What really is frustrating is that I can't get a signal from KENS with a CM 4221 (?) outdoor antenna on top of my two story house (I have climbed up on top of my roof two times to try to reposition my antenna to see if I could get KENS with no luck). I have ranted about this a little bit in the Austin thread if anyone wants more details.

Anyway, I was hoping one of my DISTANT neighbors in San Antonio might know who I need to contact at KENS to discuss the denial of my waiver. I looked through this thread and saw the Jerry from KENS visits this forum and I sent him a PM. I am just not sure how often he checks AVS since he doesn't have any posts this month. I went to the KENS website and could only find a contact number for the news manager and the citizens activist guy. I sent them emails anyway asking for the correct contact person.

So if anyone has a number or email address for someone at KENS that I can contact I would really appreciate it.

thanks,

Murray

have you tried just calling KENS main number and asking for the engineering dept or any other dept?

Originally posted by kray
have you tried just calling KENS main number and asking for the engineering dept or any other dept?

You mean actually trying to TALK to someone instead of doing it electronically? :D

Actually I got an email from Jerry about 1 hour ago and am planning to call him back this afternoon.

[QUOTE]Originally posted by dwilliam_houston
[B]I just setup my dad who lives in Schertz with a Sony Plasma and a Directv HD receiver (Samsung SIR-TS360) and a WineGuard antenna that came from Directv. Everything is working including OTA HD except for KEN channel 5-1 which has perfect video but no sound. QUOTE]

This is a common problem with DirecTV customers with RCA and Samsung 360 receivers, ever since DirecTV pushed a firmware upgrade to these boxes. As a workaround for the Samsung, at least, you can go to the setup menu, and in the installation section DELETE your ZIP code. Just leave it blank. I am told this works to restore your audio. You'll get guide info from the local station's PSIP, but I think this action disables the DirecTV guide info.

I have been in contact with DirecTV engineering about this, and as you would expect they are reluctant to admit that they caused the problem. Hopefully we will resolve this quickly. Until then at least Samsung users have a workaround. I am told this trick does not work with RCA receivers.

My suggestion: lodge a complaint with DirecTV. They are sluggish to respond, but if enough people make a noise, someone will notice...

KENS, and all of the other stations that won't provide waivers are just jackasses as far as I'm concerned. Deed restrictions prevent me from put an antenna on my roof, and where I live, I simply can not get over the air transmissions from Terk antennas in the attic. I've tried it all, but I'll just have to live without network HD until it comes over DIRECTV on local channels, or these stupid stations stop their automatic naysaying to waivers.

I got a response on WTNZ' problem. Here it is:

Thank you for your interest in our digital signal. Unfortunately, we’ve encountered a problem that is not easily remedied. We are talking with equipment manufacturers to get this problem corrected ASAP. Be assured that we are doing everything possible to correct this problem. Unfortunately, the equipment manufacturers have not given us an estimated time when a “fix” will be available. I apologize for your inconvenience and hope you will continue to view our digital signal in the future.

Originally posted by george kaplan
KENS, and all of the other stations that won't provide waivers are just jackasses as far as I'm concerned. Deed restrictions prevent me from put an antenna on my roof, and where I live, I simply can not get over the air transmissions from Terk antennas in the attic. I've tried it all, but I'll just have to live without network HD until it comes over DIRECTV on local channels, or these stupid stations stop their automatic naysaying to waivers.

I believe deed restrictions the prohibit antennas in their entirety are not enforceable. There may be a restriction on how high above the roofline, but there can be no outright prohibition on antennas.

See here: http://www.fcc.gov/mb/facts/otard.html

Originally posted by george kaplan
...I simply can not get over the air transmissions from Terk antennas in the attic. [B]

Without regard to whether local stations are jackasses, I appreciate your displeasure with us and I apologize for our inability to do what you would like.

On the other hand, have you not read the various comments on Terk antennas posted in this thread and others? I agree, in some locations, NOTHING will work. In many locations, however, a better antenna with preamplifier will make a significant improvement.

Yep, same response I received. Their CE sure seems like he's on the ball so I'm sure it will be fixed. It's interesting. I've found I can get a little more stable signal out of my antenna's sidelobe than straight on. I initially thought this meant co-channel or adjacent channel interference from somewhere else but I suppose this could be due to multipath produced at the transmitter somehow.

Originally posted by Realthogue
[QUOTE]Originally posted by dwilliam_houston
[B]I just setup my dad who lives in Schertz with a Sony Plasma and a Directv HD receiver (Samsung SIR-TS360) and a WineGuard antenna that came from Directv. Everything is working including OTA HD except for KEN channel 5-1 which has perfect video but no sound. QUOTE]

This is a common problem with DirecTV customers with RCA and Samsung 360 receivers, ever since DirecTV pushed a firmware upgrade to these boxes. As a workaround for the Samsung, at least, you can go to the setup menu, and in the installation section DELETE your ZIP code. Just leave it blank. I am told this works to restore your audio. You'll get guide info from the local station's PSIP, but I think this action disables the DirecTV guide info.

I have been in contact with DirecTV engineering about this, and as you would expect they are reluctant to admit that they caused the problem. Hopefully we will resolve this quickly. Until then at least Samsung users have a workaround. I am told this trick does not work with RCA receivers.

My suggestion: lodge a complaint with DirecTV. They are sluggish to respond, but if enough people make a noise, someone will notice...


This did indeed fix the problem for my dad. Thanks for the support this is what makes this website so worthwhile.

The Knoxville market sure is getting pitiful....

WTNZ with transmitter problems, WVLT with absolutely no clue at all, WKOP still has poor audio after all this time......

WKOP still has poor audio after all this time......

And still at low power (15 kw is my guess).

Hey everyone, I am Andrew and I live in Oak Ridge. I am new to HDTV and the like but it is something I want to invest in. It will be my early Christmas present for myself. Here is the tv I am thinking of buying:

Magnavox 27" HDTV Monitor (27MS5402)
(Couldn't post the URL link since I don't have 5 posts yet. But it is on the Circuit City website.)

Other than buying the TV what else do I need to buy? Is it worth getting Comcast to supply their service to me?

Instead of getting the expensive HD tuner box can the HDTV Antenna work out here for over-the-air signals? (I found an indoor one on the Circuit City website.)

I am new I don't fully understand everything I need to have. Thanks in advance.

I placed an order for Time Warner Cable HDTV service (San Antonio, TX) to be installed Dec. 3.
I'm wondering if I can use an aftermarket PVR or am I forced to use the TWC box. I just want to avoid leasing their equipment forever.

I'm more interested in purchasing a PVR with DVD recording functions. Any info is much appreciated.

Andrew,


Welcome to the forum!

I live in Morristown TN and get all the Knoxville digitals very well. I also get the Tri Cities Grundy and Norton VA very well 23 digitals in all. With the correct antenna set up you should have no problem at all in Oak Ridge as long as you not on a north side of a mountain between you and Knoxville. You'll need a good Off Air antenna like a Channel Master 4221 or 4228.
http://www.channelmaster.com/home.htm

or Winegard pr 4400 or 4800
http://www.winegard.com/offair/prostar1000uhf.htm

Since you don't yet have a HD set you may want to consider Dish Network Receiver. For $750 they'll give you a 40 inch RPTV or a 34 inch direct view set and a PVR 921 HDTV receiver. They'll install it all for free. The 921 has the HD off the air tuner already in the unit. No need for a seperate STB(set top box). It also has a built in PVR (personal video recorder) to record HDTV. (similar to TIVO)

If you don't want the HD tv sets then you can get the 921 by itself for $250.

If you want 2 HDTV rceivers for FREE no cost at all. Then go with the 811 receivers. They also have the OTA tuner built in. You can get up to 4 receivers for free (2 hd receiver and 1 dual tuner receiver). You must be a first time Dish network subscriber. Basic service is $29.95 a month and you must sign up for the HDTV package for $10 a month additional for 1 year.

link to dish
http://www.dishnetwork.com/content/getdish/dha/index.shtml

Direct TV will also do the same deal except you must buy the HD receiver for $250 and it's comparable to the dish 811 not a PVR. Programming a few bucks higher everything else about the same.

Comcast if you want to go with them. To get HD you must subscribe and rent their Digital teir package and converter. Cost per month no idea. I cut the cable umbilical cord a long time ago. I'm sure there are some cable subscribers who can help you out. If you want over the air digitals you do not need their digital tier but will need to buy a STB and OTA antenna.

WBXX 20 is in your backyard and the other digital Knoxvilles are on Sharps Ridge the towers you see on 640. Pax is to your north if you want them you'll need a rotor.

Cost to put up a good antenna system with mounts, RG6 cable, rotor and antenna less then $200. If you need, I can help you put it up. I have a daughter who lives out your way and will be happy to help. Feel free to email me with questions at jimc705@yahoo.com.

You do have one VHF digital channel 7 WMAK. You may want a combo antenna VHF/UHF or a seperate VHF for it. Stay with Channel Master or Winegard and it's hard to go wrong. DO NOT GET anything with TERK's name on it. Their antennas are terrible. You can also use a Radio Shack antenna but they have rather poor performance compared to CM or Winegard. You can buy these antennas in Knoxville.

You may also get some Kentucky digitals at your location. I can't swear to that. Basically about 70 miles max for digital channels. Channels you should be able to get rather easily below. Go to antennaweb.org and put in your address to verify. Antenna web is very conservative reception.

WVLT analog 8 (digital 30) 30-1 CBS / UPN on 30-2
WATE analog 6 (digital 26) 26-1 ABC / 26-2 weather and abc new now
WBIR analog 12 (digital 31) 31-1 NBC / 31-2 News 10
WBXX analog 20 (digital 50) 50-1 WB programming
WLXP analog 23 (digital 54) 54-1 pax programming
WKOP analog 15 (digital 17) 17-1 PBS HD 17-2 PBS
WTNZ analog 43 (digital 34) 34-1 fox programming HD when available.
WMAK channel 7 independent No analog channel

Good luck with your choice and you'll be very happy you decided to go HD. Warning ! Standard tv will be some what boring after HDTV. HD Can be habit forming.

Without regard to whether local stations are jackasses, I appreciate your displeasure with us and I apologize for our inability to do what you would like.Obviously my statement was aimed at the stations as an entity, not any individual who works there, with the exception of the individual who decided on the waiver rejection policy. I don't know if that is you or not, but the policy is certainly asinine.

On the other hand, have you not read the various comments on Terk antennas posted in this thread and others? I agree, in some locations, NOTHING will work. In many locations, however, a better antenna with preamplifier will make a significant improvement.No, I haven't read in gory detail about antennas. I assume any better antenna would cost more than the powered Terk (which cost me $100). Since that antenna gets me exactly NOTHING on any of the stations (except an error message on my HDTIVO), I really can't see investing even more money in another antenna (which is more likely than not to be simply throwing said money away).

The only positive thing about this is that I've been motivated to cancel all of my local channels over DIRECTV, which saves me a bit of money each month. Until I can get HD one way or another through DIRECTV, I simply won't watch local channels or their corresponding networks.

Originally posted by george kaplan

No, I haven't read in gory detail about antennas. I assume any better antenna would cost more than the powered Terk (which cost me $100). Since that antenna gets me exactly NOTHING on any of the stations (except an error message on my HDTIVO), I really can't see investing even more money in another antenna (which is more likely than not to be simply throwing said money away). [/B]

You assume wrong and I think that's Jerry's point. A little research would have revealed the Terk is worthless at any price and a decent antenna could be had for less than the Terk.

and you have no basis to say another antenna is more likely than not throwing money away. many of us are receiving all the local digital broadcasts with antennas.

What part of town do you live in? What's your surrounding obstructions like? Tall buildings? Trees? etc? I'm sure there is an outdoor antenna that will work for you if mounted outside your attic.

Anyone notice the sound problems with KENS' broadcast of the Patriots game today?

It was DD5.1, but only one surround channel was getting information. Also, the CBS NFL music that they play on the way to a break was playing through the .1 channel. Very annoying and probably not good for my subwoofer.

Other DD5.1 broadcasts (FOX and CBS via DirecTV sunday ticket) were fine.

Jerry, can you get this fixed?

Originally posted by george kaplan
Obviously my statement was aimed at the stations as an entity, not any individual who works there, with the exception of the individual who decided on the waiver rejection policy. I don't know if that is you or not, but the policy is certainly asinine.
I have to agree with george on the "deny all waivers as corporate policy" stance. I am sure that Jerry didn't make the policy but as an employee he must live with it (at least that is my asumption). He seems to be very responsive, helpful and cares about us getting quality service from his station from what I have seen in his posts. Anyway, it is not just KENS and their waiver denial policy that irks me, it is any corporate, government, etc. "policy" that is used as an excuse not to take the time and effort to do what is right -- it is much easier to just issue a blanket "NO" than to make the effort to do the right thing.

Now DirecTV, is taking this lack of customer care to a new level on their handling of my DNS signal test request. If they did not have exclusive rights to the NFL Sunday ticket I would drop them right now. I don't have the time and space to talk about the lack of cooperation I have had getting DirecTV to put me in touch with someone who knows about the DNS signal test request I put in to prove that I can't receive KENS.

Anyway, that is enough complaining out of me for tonight.

Oh, and george, you really ought to spend about 1/2 as much as you did on your Terk antenna and get one that is much better. You would be surprised what a difference it could make.

Murray

Andrew, I would recommend getting a TV with a built-in tuner. You're going to pay the same amount either way, maybe even a few dollars cheaper with the built-in unit. They are easy to program when you add an antenna.

As far as Comcast, they're requiring all customers to get digital cable to get the HD channels. I'd go with DirecTV, Dish Network, or even Voom. They offer more for less money.

OK,

Tell me what antenna to try. BUT... keep in mind, that I am not allowed to put any antenna on my roof. So, this is going to have to work in my attic, despite living in a valley (all the other neighborhoods are in hills higher than us), on the far north side.

COME ON PEOPLE! Nobody can prevent you from putting an antenna on a roof. How many times, how many threads am I going to see where people beleive this bull$4it! The FCC has set forth (into law I think) that a neighborhood association, deed, etc... cannot prevent one from using an external ANTENNA to receive television or radio signals. This also applies to satellite dishes as well. I think the only thing that can be limited is the HEIGHT of the antenna. Maybe they can't exceed the roof line's height but that is it. Somebody around hgere will know where to look or you can just do a search here or on Google for antenna, fcc, and deed restrictions and I'm sure you'll find it.

Given that response, am I correct in concluding that this recommended alternative antenna (what is it called?) does have to be on my roof to work? I'm not going to get into a debate here about the issue, but I am not currently in a position to hire a lawyer or otherwise challenge in court the restrictions that prevent me from placing an antenna on my roof.

Q: What types of restrictions are prohibited?

A: The rule prohibits restrictions that impair a viewer's ability to install, maintain, or use a video antenna. The rule applies to state or local laws or regulations, including zoning, land-use or building regulations, private covenants, homeowners' association rules, condominium or cooperative association restrictions, lease restrictions, or similar restrictions on property within the exclusive use or control of the antenna user where the user has an ownership or leasehold interest in the property. A restriction impairs if it: 1) unreasonably delays or prevents use of, 2) unreasonably increases the cost of, or 3) precludes a viewer from receiving an acceptable quality signal from, one of these antennas. The rule does not prohibit legitimate safety restrictions or restrictions designed to preserve designated or eligible historic or prehistoric properties, provided the restriction is no more burdensome than necessary to accomplish the safety or preservation purpose.

FCC Antenna Rules (http://www.keohi.com/keohihdtv/hdreception/fccrules.html)

Originally posted by george kaplan
Given that response, am I correct in concluding that this recommended alternative antenna (what is it called?) does have to be on my roof to work? I'm not going to get into a debate here about the issue, but I am not currently in a position to hire a lawyer or otherwise challenge in court the restrictions that prevent me from placing an antenna on my roof.
I bought the Channel Master 4221 and tried it out in my attic at first. I live in Austin and couldn't get the very weak FOX signal that KTBC broadcasts. I moved it to my roof and can now get FOX ~98% of the time on my RCA DTC-100 satellite set-top box but cannot get it using my HiPix D-TV card. From reading this forum, I am one of the few people in Austin able to get KTBC's digital signal. If I had it all to do over again, knowing that that the antenna is going up on my roof, I would get the larger Channel Master 4228. I ordered mine on-line, but you could probably find somewhere locally to buy one and return it if it didn't work in your situation. In Austin, Fry's carries these and I am sure that there is somewhere in San Antonio that does as well.

Channel Master Antennas (http://www.channelmaster.com/pages/u1.htm)

Also on the deed restrictions, I would doubt that it would have to get to the lawyer-level. I would think that showing the homeowners association the FCC document would suffice, but I also understand that this may not be a big enough battle for you to consider fighting.

Good luck.

Murray

I think I saw the Channel Master antennas at Lowes. I ordered online and saved some money. The 4221 works great for me. It is only a UHF antenna and I do not get KLRN with it. Don't really care because I have TWC also.

Ordered online from:

http://www.solidsignal.com/

Has anybody heard/seen any information concerining KBEJ (UPN2) starting digital broadcast? TitanTV (I know, not the most reliable website for news information) had them listed as going live on 1 Nov 2004. They now list it "Under Review" (what ever that means). Anyway, I would really love to see Enterprise in HD...

Thanks

Last night was a really bogus night for local broadcasting. The football game on 8 had the usual muckroblocking deluxe. Then I went to channel 6 and after their game they started showing the ABC Network HD loop instead of the local news. I've seen it before and it didn't even go 'round once before, boom, off the air. 6-2 stayed on but 6-1, gone. I switched to PBS and John Fogarty (Creedence Clearwater Revival) was on and I thought this is what I want! BOOM! Abruptly, in the middle of a song, off the air... I'd like to stop paying DirecTV for the locals but the locals are stille so-ooooooo unreliable!

Just an FYI....

Comcast now has the dual tuner HD DVR boxes in stock.

I was able to swap out a single tuner box and picked up 2 dual tuner boxes...

Software is better (Iguide), two tuners is nice.

No charge to pick up or swap. I paid 30 bucks to have the comcast installer watch me install the single tuner HD DVR

:)

Cipro

It's good that they now allow user installs (or upgrades). Is it still the 80gig hard drive?

its the 6412....

The last 2 digits relate the the size of the HD....this new unit is the 120gig drive.

Since there is no difference in price...this one is a now brainer...

DM

[QUOTE]Originally posted by Zagor
Has anybody heard/seen any information concerining KBEJ (UPN2) starting digital broadcast? TitanTV (I know, not the most reliable website for news information) had them listed as going live on 1 Nov 2004. They now list it "Under Review" (what ever that means).../QUOTE]

To the best of our knowledge, KBEJ owners are waiting their turn for the final round of DTV allocations to make their channel selection. Because channel 2 is so prone to noise of all kinds, they want a better channel for DTV.

So they've adopted a "wait and see" stance until their turn comes up for a final DTV allocation. I'm not sure what "under review" means, except that they have not yet made up their minds.[B]

Anyone having trouble receiving WBIR-DT(31-1)(Knoxville's channel 10).Mine disappeared yesterday.The antenna signal strength checks out VERY strong on freq 31.But there is no picture/sound.I unplugged the HR10-250 and replugged with no success.All the other OTA digitals are great(6,8,15,etc)
If I punch in 10-1(which is where I normally get this channel)there is nothing.If I punch in 31-1(the frequency),I sometimes get a picture for an instant,then it disappears.I get the analogue WBIR 10 from D***** satellite just fine,but no digital off-air.Any advice?

avolanche,

Same problem here. I think their software is going goofy!
Normally WBXX has these problems. My is doing the same exact thing. I believe it's their problem and not your receiver. When WBXX had the problem it took them several days to fix. WBIR however thinks of digital as a necessary evil and will probably take their sweet time.

You should now be receiving WBIR-DT mapped to 10-1 and 10news2 mapped to 10-2.

Mine is usually in and out. If I watch it, I just watch it through the Comcast box. Less hastle. None of the others are like that. Well, WBXX usually doesn't come in. And this after I repositioned my OTA to get all the stations.

PatrickT
I've gotten WBIR at 10-1 for months and at a decent signal level.Since I posted,it has come back on.Was off last night(tried to watch Leno) and this morning.I called the station,got a recording and hung up.But it's OK for now.Go figure.

I watched Star Trek Enterprise, last friday night's edition, today, off my HD Tivo. Bummer! Channel 8 can't do UPN right either. Significant portions of the show had no video, just green screen. Whenever the video came back, the audio was bad with left channel sound only and loud audio noise in the right channel. During the last program segment they finally fixed it, ugh! I hope they do better 2-nite!

Good ole WVLT....I had to call again last night to tell 'em CSI wasn't in HD.They flipped the switch quickly,but still acted like they didn't know what was going on."Who,me"........

They now have a long menu after 5:00PM,and it's hard to get through.They said I need to talk to Doug Stallard (but he's not there at night....when the HD problems occur!).Channel 8 stinks.I hope a lot of folks buy new HD sets for Christmas since most will have a built-in HD tuner.Maybe that will help put the pressure on.

Ya....I recorded the CSI last night on the DVR.......i wanted to call them...then i realized i was watching a recording....

Jumped to live tv....it was fixed otherwise I would have stopped watching...


thanks for making the call

Anybody out there notice any improvement in WTNZ's signal? Their CE told me they've been working on it. Myself, I've recently gotten new antennas so it's hard to tell. It still seems weaker than WVLT, WBIR, WATE (in ascending order of power levels).

I am in northwest San Antonio and am also having a problem with no audio on KENS OTA. I have DIRECTV with a Samsung SIR-TS160 receiver and a Winegard antenna in the attic. I have tried going into Setup-Installation-Set Dish-Dish Pointing menu to erase my zip code. The menu will only accept 0 through 9 and I cannot make it blank. I have tried using zeros but still no audio. My last upgrade that was pushed by DIRECTV is dated 3:46a Wed. 6/02, 2004. The last time I had audio on KENS was about September 2004. Any suggestions?

Thanks.

cp,

I haven't noted any increase. Here my strongest Knoxville is WMAK, WATE, WBIR, WTNZ, WKOP, WVLT and WWBX dead last (descending order). Actually WWBX when I get it is stronger then WVLT or WKOP. WWBX is a hit and miss deal most of the time.

Some, not all, receivers will not show signal strength reliably until the receiver actually has a solid lock on the station. This characteristics of some receivers makes adjusting the antenna more difficult

I have noticed there is a difference between the OTA signal for WVLT and the their signal that is on Comcast. It looks better on Comcast, which is a surprise.

[QUOTE] Originally posted by jaque
I am in northwest San Antonio and am also having a problem with no audio on KENS OTA. I have DIRECTV with a Samsung SIR-TS160 receiver and a Winegard antenna in the attic. I have tried going into Setup-Installation-Set Dish-Dish Pointing menu to erase my zip code. The menu will only accept 0 through 9 and I cannot make it blank. I have tried using zeros but still no audio. My last upgrade that was pushed by DIRECTV is dated 3:46a Wed. 6/02, 2004. The last time I had audio on KENS was about September 2004. Any suggestions?

Jaque,

call your DirecTV installer and ask for another receiver. I learned today that another viewer had this problem with a Samsung from DirecTV and had no solution - until they replaced his Sammy with a LG receiver. He was able to change out the box, even enter his zip code and get full guide info for the first time since September. Ask for an LG. It worked for one viewer, so far.

I don't know why only Samsung and RCA boxes are affected on DirecTV, but it appears that they are. Yours is the first older Samsung with no audio on KENS HD that I have heard of. Over the air viewers do not seem to have this problem.

Forum readers, do any of you have ideas about why DirecTV viewers with Samsung or RCA receivers receive no audio with KENS 5-1 video? They report the 5-2 audio and video is just fine. A workaround for Samsung's SIR-T360 was to delete the ZIP code from the installation menu in setup, but that obviously didn't work for Jaque. The engineer I have been in contact with at DirecTV admits to being baffled by the phenomenon also.

Interesting. Does it not pixilate nearly as much on Comcast? Maybe they are providing the full bandwidth to Comcast instead of the cut down bandwidth to make room for UPN that we get over the air.

I can only comment on Comcast as I do not receive the signal OTA.

Its still pixel city on any fast moving sequence. Sports are the worst.

If its truly better on Comcast then I really feel sorry for you guys because its driving me nuts.....

Cip

Originally posted by Cipro
I can only comment on Comcast as I do not receive the signal OTA.

Its still pixel city on any fast moving sequence. Sports are the worst.

If its truly better on Comcast then I really feel sorry for you guys because its driving me nuts.....

Cip

Sounds about the same as over the air, which I get. It's truly less noticable on my 36" tube set than on my 58" RP, but stille discernable to a keen eye. It drives me batty 2.

Originally posted by MRM4
I have noticed there is a difference between the OTA signal for WVLT and the their signal that is on Comcast. It looks better on Comcast, which is a surprise.


Well, here on Charter it looks at least as bad or worse than OTA....

keeping my fingers crossed that in the next year WVLT figures out that they suck and fixes things. If not... I am pursuing other ways to get CBS HDTV, which cannot be discussed on the forum....

UT and SEC football in HDTV means that much to me.. I mean, thats the killer ap for HDTV in my household....

I am satisfied with my OTA signal

NFL in HD on WTNZ(Fox) is suffering dropouts(audio and video).I finally gave up.Will they ever get it right?

avolanche,
I see that on a few other forums FOX was having trouble. WTNZ I don't think was at fault this time. It was the FOX network feed. CBS also has troubles at time. Like you I sure hope that get the bugs out soon. I guess being the pioneers of OTA digital we have to put up with these problems till they get it right.

Thanks,jimc
I guess my frustration lies in the fact that I'm sitting there watching one of the few HD sources available,as they play the commercial about how Fox is broadcasting in 720P "the best HD signal available".And the durn thing is unwatchable!Hopefully a lot of X-mas gifts are HD sets.Consumer pressure is the great equalizer.

Originally posted by hotshot
I am satisfied with my OTA signal

If you are speaking of WVLT, I have noticed on the smaller HDTV direct view set that I purchased the other day, the problems are not as noticeable... they are still there though, and will surely be more noticeable on the live action sports that I have not yet had the chance to see on this TV.

BUT, on the larger projection system, currently at a relatively small 77 inches, the flaws are horrific. Unwatchable on the live action sports. I would imagine that any good display of 50 inches or larger would cause the pixelization to be very evident.

Hotshot,

in previous posts you have seemed to question the validity of the negative experiences of the WVLT viewers that have complaints. One post in particular was taken by myself to be a very "smart" response to my description of the problem and proposed action.

Perhaps I have just been in a really bad mood lately, (so I apologize in advance if I am too blunt), but if you are not seeing these things, especially on the SEC football games, it does not mean that they are not there. You saw the bad artifacts on the Olympic coverage... WVLT is at least as bad if not worse. The only difference being that they seem to be running some kind of real-time filter to cover the macro-blocking, which creates even more problems. I have no explanation as to why you aren't complaining as loudly about WVLT, other than you have some kind of affiliation with them.

Andrew Ballew

I'm not very satisfied with OTA lately. 6 forgot to switch to the news after tonight's foosball game. I wanna quit buying the locals from Direc but the locals are so undependable as of yet. Then there's 8 and their muckrovision that NEVER improves....

I contacted Directv about my no audio problem on the KENS OTA channel. I had high hopes that they would replace my Samsung receiver and the problem would be resolved. Boy, was I wrong. I explained my problem to the level 2 technical support person and after many minutes on hold, they refused to deal with the problem. In a rude way, she said they deal with satellite transmissions only. They do not deal with OTA transmissions. Oh well, maybe I'll try Time Warner cable when my contract is up in January 05.

Jaque

As much as I hate to say it, TWC has been good. (except for the fact that they do not know what a cablecard is)

The HD content seems to be as good or better than other providers (now that we have ESPNHD)

I was a D subscriber for 7 years. They wanted me to sign another contract for a equipment upgrade and I told them to shove it. The only regrets I have is not being able to blow big bucks on Sunday Ticket. I guess in a way D's poor service is saving me money.

PS you have to get FOXHD OTA at this time, it is not on cable. I actually watch all the locals OTA. Seems like the pic is a little better.

In order to comply with a FCC order we have changed MPEG-2 data within our 1080i encoder. This change will require home viewers to perform a "re-scan" of their digital receiver. All other functions of WOAI-DT remain as they were.

Thank you Greg for the heads up on this. I went to WOAI-DT and sure enough there was no signal. I rescanned and presto it was back. Appreciate you thinking to post to the AVS forum.

Originally posted by macbillybob
As much as I hate to say it, TWC has been good. (except for the fact that they do not know what a cablecard is)

The HD content seems to be as good or better than other providers (now that we have ESPNHD)

I was a D subscriber for 7 years. They wanted me to sign another contract for a equipment upgrade and I told them to shove it. The only regrets I have is not being able to blow big bucks on Sunday Ticket. I guess in a way D's poor service is saving me money.

PS you have to get FOXHD OTA at this time, it is not on cable. I actually watch all the locals OTA. Seems like the pic is a little better.

Macbillybob,

What receiver are you using to get locals OTA? Does any of the cable equipment have this feature? I was thinking of getting the TWC HD DVR, which I understand has a HD receiver built in.

Thanks,
Jaque

My Sony has an internal tuner. I have one of the 8000 dvr's from TWC and it does not get OTA.

jaque

You may think DirecTV is responsible for the Samsung receiver but it's not their problem. To my knowledge, it's never even been one of their freebie receivers when signing up for a contract. I don't think any HD receiver has yet...Why are you not calling Samsung about your OTA audio issue, or the TV station that is broadcasting it (KENS). It's obviously KENS if they are the ONLY station you can't get audio for, if it's all OTA audio then it's a Samsung issue. Why blame the one party that has nothing to do with it?

Driver,

The Samsung was one the freebie receivers from DirecTV. The receiver, the dish, and the installation actually cost me $99. I do not think the issue is with KENS because of previous posts in this thread. In previous posts, a senior engineer at KENS somehow knew of a workaround for some Samsung receivers, but it did not work for my model. Maybe I should call Samsung but I thought that since I am under the original contract with DirecTV, they might send me another receiver.

Jaque

MacBillyBob,

Do you get an audio signal from the KENS digital channel on your OTA Sony tuner?
If you do, I would think that YOU receiving the signal would eliminate KENS as MY problem.

Jaque

Sorry, my bad. Again I just hadn't seen DirecTV including HD equipment in their offerings for the freebie setups. I guess I need to go hammer out a better deal. :) My TS-160 cost around $600 (early adopter $$$). Still, for OTA audio issues if I was taking the call, I would ask if its a single station or ALL OTA stations. If it was just one then it would stand to reason that I would refer you to the local station itself. They, at that point, must be doing something different than the rest.

Sorry, I'm just joining this thread, but I read most of it.

I getting Directv with an HDTivo. I added a Terk44 (clip on) to my dish to get HD OTA. I'm located in Monte Vista (1m N of downtown) in a 2 story house.

I'm only getting a couple channels (I think pbs is the only stable one). Have I chosen a poor antenna? I went to Bjorns to buy a better one and the salesman said that transmitting towers are very low so far and that a new antenna would not help as much as a 20 ft mast. I'm in a historic neighborhood, so thats not happening.

Anybody live around here and get all of the channels? What antennas are successful in San Antonio? Is it directional.
thanks
michael

check out my previous post:

http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?postid=4538866#post4538866

I actually picked up most of the stations with the antenna on the ground. It is now mounted approx 10 ft in the air.

Don't get PBS since it is VHF and this antenna is UHF only.