I haven't seen this mentioned here

http://newscenter.verizon.com/press-releases/verizon/2008/tv-choice-and-competition-8.html

It has been many times. (About the same number of times TW's channel lineup has been posted.) :rolleyes:
Verizon & corporate American's continued anti-city discrimination practices favoring the surburbs over the city that created their esistance in the first place. :mad:

Anyone else been noticing break ups on Ch29 - It was freezing up and losing audio on both analog and digital

FYI, TW in T of T

Regarding the argument of PQ between WNED and WXXI from Rochester, due to the exceptional conditions three nights ago, I was able to lock in four out of the five Rochester stations for the first time. I made comparisions between WXXI & WNED using the 3rd part of the series "Churchill" and another program that aired directly after that for the comparision.

Long story short; I couldn't see a difference on a 56" 1080p DLP. I also compared on two other sets, but they were smaller screens, one being a 720p and theother a computer monitor using the PHD-205 tuner (which seems to have a 'soft' picture). I look first for resolution (apparent sharpness), artifacts etc. and saw no real difference to speak of. Due to the switching delay for digital channels the 3 second delay didn't help, but there were enough stationary images to make the above observation.

Both looked terrible (as usual) compared to CBS & ABC. For the couple of members that claimed they saw a difference, it surely wasn't there at the time I viewed it. PQ with those two ptograms overall was average for PBS. No sports and no nature programming.

Conditions dropped out around 1130p. I had all four for over an hour. No idea when it started though.

Regarding the argument of PQ between WNED and WXXI from Rochester, due to the exceptional conditions three nights ago, I was able to lock in four out of the five Rochester stations for the first time. I made comparisions between WXXI & WNED using the 3rd part of the series "Churchill" and another program that aired directly after that for the comparision.

Long story short; I couldn't see a difference on a 56" 1080p DLP. I also compared on two other sets, but they were smaller screens, one being a 720p and theother a computer monitor using the PHD-205 tuner (which seems to have a 'soft' picture). I look first for resolution (apparent sharpness), artifacts etc. and saw no real difference to speak of. Due to the switching delay for digital channels the 3 second delay didn't help, but there were enough stationary images to make the above observation.

Both looked terrible (as usual) compared to CBS & ABC. For the couple of members that claimed they saw a difference, it surely wasn't there at the time I viewed it. PQ with those two ptograms overall was average for PBS. No sports and no nature programming.

Conditions dropped out around 1130p. I had all four for over an hour. No idea when it started though.I remind you that the discussion earlier centered about your statement regarding the poor PQ on WNED:
it's a PBS xmission issue, not a local WNED issue.As I pointed out in early May (http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showpost.php?p=13791623&postcount=4597) that comparisons that I have done with WXXI OTA and WXXI on TW (TW Rochester receives their HD feed from WXXI via fiber without added compression) shows that the degraded PQ is not due to the PBS feed, but rather to additional compression at WXXI to cram in 3 additional SD subchannels.

Your conclusion that WXXI HD and WNED HD are equally crappy OTA is likely due to excessive compression for subchannels, rather than differences between 720p and 1080i (which is what PBS distributes in).

Anyone else in the city having trouble with TW since yesterday? Around 11:30 my picture quality suddenly got HORRIBLE. Still like that today. Very fuzzy and some digital channels not coming in at all.

I'm sure it's a signal level issue but I wonder if the problem is at TW's end and is affecting my area.

I noticed my landlord's television looks crappy like mine too.

Dave; For whatever reason you saw a difference, I didn't. hence AFAIC, it's a PBS issue. AFAIK, all PBS affilates are required to carry all three channels (HD, SD & Think Bright) which would make all affilates on a equal playing ground. 720 or 1080 really doesn't matter here since the quality level is as low as it is.
I don't know how TW gets their cable feed, but OTA or cable it's the same here. How do you know TW doesn't get their PBS feed direct from satellite completely bypassing WXXI? ;)

WKBW runs two subchannel as does WNED and it doesn't degrade ABC's feed at all. There might be a slight difference between WIVB with NO sub channels and WKBW with two subchannels (minus their past issues which seem to be corrected), you can't blame either PBS affilate for compression issues unless both stations haven't set up their equipment properly.

I will add the above doesn't compare any sports feed, since other than some hockey, I don't watch sports.

Once they use SDV I wonder if TW Buffalo will offer tuning adapters for free like TW Kansas City is doing.

http://blogs.kansascity.com/tvbarn/2008/06/time-warner-giv.html

"We expect to be able to offer Tuning Adapters to customers with compatible UDCPs later this year. At that time we will provide you with additional information on availability and device compatibility. It is currently contemplated that the Tuning Adapter will be provided at no additional charge. "

Dave; For whatever reason you saw a difference, I didn't. hence AFAIC, it's a PBS issue.How often do I need to tell you: It is a difference between cable here in Rochester and OTA. Unless you were making THAT comparison, then you looked at something different than I did.
AFAIK, all PBS affilates are required to carry all three channels (HD, SD & Think Bright) which would make all affilates on a equal playing ground. 720 or 1080 really doesn't matter here since the quality level is as low as it is.I doubt that PBS is making any station carry anything. If they did, then WNED would also be carrying PBS World which WXXI carries on 21-2 (Create/Think Bright is on 21-3 and WXXI SD is on 21-4)
I don't know how TW gets their cable feed, but OTA or cable it's the same here. How do you know TW doesn't get their PBS feed direct from satellite completely bypassing WXXI? ;)
I never said that TW here gets the PBS feed direct from satellite - I said that WXXI feeds HD direct to TW Rochester via fiber. The average bitrate of the TW feed is 18.7Mbps (about the same as the maximum OTA bitrate)
I know because I know people in both the broadcast scene here and at the TW head end. However, the practice of direct feed from studio to cable head end is a fairly common industry practice (both commercial and public stations). In many cities it provides a signal to the majority of viewers if the OTA transmitter goes out.


WKBW runs two subchannel as does WNED and it doesn't degrade ABC's feed at all. There might be a slight difference between WIVB with NO sub channels and WKBW with two subchannels (minus their past issues which seem to be corrected), you can't blame either PBS affilate for compression issues unless both stations haven't set up their equipment properly.Well:
There is likely degradation as WNED downconverts the 1080i PBS to 720p as well as the compression coming from squeezing 2 SD subs in. You said WXXI HD looked the same as WNED HD, keep in mind that WXXI has one more sub than WNED, so the additional degradation apparently is from the 1080i>720p downconversion done by WNED. Then there also the bitrate allocation as a variable between stations with the same number of subs.

Anyone else in the city having trouble with TW since yesterday? Around 11:30 my picture quality suddenly got HORRIBLE. Still like that today. Very fuzzy and some digital channels not coming in at all.

I'm sure it's a signal level issue but I wonder if the problem is at TW's end and is affecting my area.

I noticed my landlord's television looks crappy like mine too.

I'm not in the city, but in Amherst.. I did not notice any problems, and I notice pretty much all problems concerning picture quality when it happens it seems.

Most of the time I am the first one that calls on problems if I happen to be watching TV when they happen, they've actually told me that-(I have TWC on my speed-dial as "crapwarnercable")... I said I should be on the payroll.. they've actually offered me a job on more than a few occasions, LOL.

How often do I need to tell you: It is a difference between cable here in Rochester and OTA. Unless you were making THAT comparison, then you looked at something different than I did.I heard you the first time. I reported MY observations.I doubt that PBS is making any station carry anything.It's been reported by another member that indeed PBS requires their affilates to carry these three channels. This PBS World apparently isn't one of them. And no, I never confirmed this through any other sources, but believed it to be true.I never said that TW here gets the PBS feed direct from satellite I never said you did. I suggested that they just might.

My point is, I find it very strange that WKBW (and probably most others) can run two sub channels without noticeably depreciation their main channel, but these two PBS affilates can't.
Unfortunately, I didn't have time to make comparisions with the other three networks between the two cities since I was more interested in mapping three other tuners to these channels while I had the chance for future convienance.

What's with the grey side bars of WHAM and that blank music sub channel of ?? (I forgot which station)? :eek:

Well, maybe there's an association of New York PBS stations that requires it, but there's no national requirement. In particular, I know that KERA in Dallas only carries a single HD and no additional subchannels. I think the PBS in Connecticut does the same thing.

"ThinkBright" is something exclusive to the state of New York, see on my site here: http://www.rabbitears.info/search.php?request=network_search&network=ThinkBright

WKBW probably has superior encoders. Is there anyone in the market with a computer-based receiver? If so, we could investigate this further. (And, time permitting, could give me a hand with my website)

The gray bars are related to concerns about burn-in on HD screens that have those problems. At one time, two of my local stations down in Roanoke used gray bars (WDBJ and WSET), though recently WDBJ has reverted to black bars.

- Trip

Well, maybe there's an association of New York PBS stations that requires it, but there's no national requirement.Then that member was wrong."ThinkBright" is something exclusive to the state of New York.Gee, who do we thank for that?WKBW probably has superior encoders.There is nothing "superior" about WKBW especially considering the present ownership. :rolleyes: It's WGRZ from the 70's (or so) all over, but worse (more management problems).
BTW Trip, there is a local boycott of their news because of unfair treatment to their employees by their current owners.The gray bars are related to concerns about burn-in on HD screens that have those problemsYes, I know why they are there, but the concern is a little dated and really not their responsibility.

http://www.ny.thinkbright.org/landingpage.asp

There's the ThinkBright page, if you're interested.

I don't remember what order the stations came on in; it's possible that if WNED signed on before WKBW that WNED has older equipment that's not as good.

- Trip

Keep us posted.

it's possible that if WNED signed on before WKBW that WNED has older equipment that's not as good.WKBW was the last major network affilate to go digital. There are only two locals that haven't gone digital. WPXJ & WNGS.
(Before someone yells me about WNGS, they are just hitch hiking along with WKBW. That doesn't count AFAIC.) Started in July of 2002 with a $2.5 million grant from The John R. Oishei Foundation, WNED began to harness digital technology to create a lifelong learning educational service. On Oct. 1, 2007, the service expanded to include all of upstate New York . New York State viewers can tune into a whole new selection of public broadcasting programs, including educational series, arts and cultural specials, public affairs forums and high-quality children's shows through ThinkBright.Golly, now we have to thank WNED for all of this. ;)

I would like add that WNED sub channels are much better than WXXI.They can slice up the bandwidth as they see fit.ThinkBright is very watchable on WNED while none of the sub channels on WXXI or WKBW are watchable quality.

WNED is very watchable on my set. I can't distinguish it from any other HD channel. And they're giving us another free PBS channel. Like that's a BAD thing?

Sheesh... a $2.5 million dollar grant to serve upstate NY with a entirely new public station and we're bitching because of some minor picture degradation that this station may or may not be causing?!


BTW Trip, there is a local boycott of their news because of unfair treatment to their employees by their current owners.

That's a matter of personal opinion. This site has some (highly biased, obviously) details on what the issues are.

http://7newsunfair.com/demands.htm

Sorry for going WAY off-topic here...

If anyone's curious, here's some TWC recent activity in other parts of the country when it comes to additions of HD channels.

http://www.engadgethd.com/tag/time+warner+cable/

Not that I have their HD box or CableCARDs so it doesn't matter to me, but I wonder when we'll get some love? Although I loathe the idea of SDV coming here, unless they provide us free converters to deal with those with CableCARDs.

Anyone else in Buffalo getting this on analog 12 tonight - it's not dtv but still watchable!
Wicu is from Erie, PA

WNED is very watchable on my set. I can't distinguish it from any other HD channel. And they're giving us another free PBS channel. Like that's a BAD thing?That's the typical public broadcasting view - the more the merrier, even if it means poorer technical quality"

If it is very watchable on your set, then either your set is masking the defects or you are not looking very hard. Assuming that PQ on WNED HDis about the same at WXXI HD (as Videobruce claims), then I can tell you that the degradation of the HD OTA signal (on WXXI HD) is significant when compared to WXXI HD carried on TW Rochester (at 18.7Mbps)

Verizon television should be available in WNY by this August according to Verizon techs.

On a separate subject, for those few here that have a active interest in antennas and OTA, as much as I'm not a fan of e-bay, for example there is/was a SLM (Signal Level Meter) for under $50. Item #140244709449
I won't bother with a link since it won't work. It is/was a no name model, but for $50, you can't possible go wrong.

It surely beats that completely useless indicator on your TV with some meaningless number.

This is not HD news, but anyone from Buffalo in the 1970s will remember Channel 2 News and Ron Hunter. He just passed away. I was a teenager in HS when I used to watch his TV news. The one program I always think of was something he did the voiceover for for Public School tapes of "The Autobigraphy of Miss Jane Pittman" I think. I could have my shows mixed up, but there was a umax type tape which was sent to Buffalo Public schools.

http://www.comcast.net/entertainment/popcast/5079/inspirationalanchormanpassesaway/

What a CRAPPY channel line-up. WTF. No new HD channels and a bunch of other junk.

Yep, one of the main reasons I went to Dish and got their DishHD package... TWC sucks...as I read on EngadgetHD about TWC in other areas adding new HD channels and WNY stuck with the same lineup for what seems like forever! I stuck with roadrunner and pay $30/month for HD! :) The girl at the TWC was amazed about how cheap the DishHD package is and she said she was going to sign up..lol

FWIW, three nights ago around 1130pm conditions were uyp again and I was bale to get a lock on WJET in Erie. I swunga round back to toronto and for the heck of it I tried City TV 53.1.

Guess what? :eek:

It only lasted a few minutes and it dropped out. At least it's in the channel map on one for my four tuners.

Has anyone had audio sync issues with the local channels on D* lately? My OTA is fine but D* has been screwy.

Has anyone had audio sync issues with the local channels on D* lately? My OTA is fine but D* has been screwy.

I try to ignore it, but I find WGRZ HD is usually pretty messed up, at least on the news!!! (D*)

I have not had any sync issues with the HD locals via D* (or any channels via D* for that matter).

greetings

please remember to challenge the [information in] the post: never the poster

Thread rolled back to remove the increasingly off-topic PBS argument. Keep it civil, please, as Markrubin mentions above.

Thread rolled back to remove the increasingly off-topic PBS argument. Keep it civil, please, as Markrubin mentions above.OK, you are right - but the PBS discussion itself is not "off-topic". The fact that WNED converts the 45Mbps 1080i PBS network feed to 720p at something like 10-12Mbps is very much a local (Buffalo, NY HDTV) topic.

OK, you are right - but the PBS discussion itself is not "off-topic". The fact that WNED converts the 45Mbps 1080i PBS network feed to 720p at something like 10-12Mbps is very much a local (Buffalo, NY HDTV) topic.Of course. But, the key word in my post was "argument."

Of course. But, the key word in my post was "argument."Sure was.:)

Hey davehancock,
Are test channels in the guide for TW digital cable a sign that sdv is coming soon? - Thanks

Hey davehancock,
Are test channels in the guide for TW digital cable a sign that sdv is coming soon? - ThanksThat, in itself, is not a sign. TW often uses test channels at the higher QAM frequencies to enable field techs to check out the system in advance. In Rochester they used these channels way in advance of deploying SDV. If the experience here is any guide:
First you may see a couple of existing (likely SD) channels in some test channel positions that are actually switched.
Then TW will likely move some of the subscription-only foreign language channels to SDV.
Once all of those are working in all areas they may move a few of the existing HD channels to SDV.
After they have those working OK they will likely start introducing new HD channels on SDV.

The key here is that the actual switching is done on a node (neighborhood) basis and successful operation depends on getting a good return signal from the customers STB. There are lots of opportunities for things to go wrong (like a customer having a surge suppressor in the link that cuts out the return path) so they need to go slow and resolve the issues as they come up. If they went whole hog with SDV at once their tech support would be overwhelmed.

But you can "spy" on what is going on by looking at the diagnostic menu: Press and hold the front panel SELECT (I think, I am not home and can't double check) button. A "mail" icon will show up on the front panel display. Press the front panel INFO button and the diagnostic menu will show up. Navigate by using the front panel Vol+ and Vol- buttons and get to the Pg 39 screen:
http://i254.photobucket.com/albums/hh85/DaveHancock_bucket/SDVPg39a.jpg
If the 3rd item says "Broadcast" the channel you are tuned to is NOT SDV, if it says "Switched" it is and the SDV pool channel that is being used to send the signal to you in this session (in this case 771MHz). The next time it may be an entirely different channel (I've counted 6 QAM channels in the SDV pool in my neighborhood).

PS: I AM NOT a TW employee - or even a fan. I know what is going on through following a lot of cable industry web sites and having some conversations with folks in the industry.

Hey davehancock,
Are test channels in the guide for TW digital cable a sign that sdv is coming soon? - Thanks

TW might be up to something. I didn't notice the upcoming programming option on the their web site yesterday. It may not indicate anything, but it did peak my interest when I found all of those test channels yesterday evening.

Anyone know why Wheel of Fortune and Jeopardy on WKBW are showing up as HD in my TiVo guide when they are still SD?

Just as listings for Canadian stations don't show programs that actually are in HD. I believe both are in HD on CTV.
Just as many movies on CBLT and CFTO after midnight are in HD, none of those ar ever listed.
GIGO.

Can't get any of that through cable. ;)

Email from TWC:

Testing at this point is internal only but I am not at liberty to share anything more then that.

New HD channels will not begin appearing anytime before September 2008.

Thanks, Steve

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Steve Jaworowski
Division Vice President, Marketing & Sales
Time Warner Cable

Email from TWC:

Testing at this point is internal only but I am not at liberty to share anything more then that.

New HD channels will not begin appearing anytime before September 2008.

Thanks, Steve

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Steve Jaworowski
Division Vice President, Marketing & Sales
Time Warner Cable

Good Just in time to switch to FIOS TV.

That, in itself, is not a sign.

Sooo - It will be a while?? - What was the timeframe from when you started hearing about sdv in Roch - till the actual roll out?

Sooo - It will be a while?? - What was the timeframe from when you started hearing about sdv in Roch - till the actual roll out?That's kind of hard for me to say. A couple of years ago there was one person who (erroneously) stated that several TW Rochester stations WERE ALREADY SDV - and many of us believed it. It wasn't till a year later that I had a conversation with the head of the local head end that I found out that this was not true.

Eventually, the roll-out that I described occured. As I recall, each step took about a month. So a start of new HD stations in September is entirely reasonable (particularly with FiOS getting active in the area). Keep checking those test channels with the diagnostic procedure that I described. At the time there was a TW employee who was keeping the local RochesterHDTV thread posted on what was going on - so we had sort of an insider's view.

This is a link to that discussion (http://www.rochesterhdtv.com/showthread.php?t=4394&highlight=SDV), things start to really happen in early January (this year). Then they (TW) started rolling out new HD channels late in January with new ones added about once a month.

NOTE: Changes seem to happen on Tuesday's (Monday night). I've heard that it gives them Monday to prepare, and the rest of the week to deal with problems resulting from the changes.

PS: SDV is sensitive to local issues. For example, is the return path from your cable box sufficiently good? If your box can't tell the local node what to send, then SDV won't work. Also, depending on the system, the QAM channels used in the SDV pool may be at higher frequencies, and more susceptible to poor cable runs, old splitters, surge supressors (these can cause a lot of problems), etc. So, when SDV starts and you have problems getting them - DONT FAIL to get them to come out.

For a long time there were 20 test channels.. Now I see 73 test channels. Hmm. Hopefully I will get Direct TV before I see any more TWC HD channels if it is going to be after Sept 08. If they would just attempt to give the public an IDEA of the channel line-up and a general time frame it would save them a lot of customers.

I mean what the heck. I need all the discovery channels in HD, NAT GEO, all the history channels. Is that so much to ask for over 200 bucks a month? Man they are shooting themselves in the foot.

But you can "spy" on what is going on by looking at the diagnostic menu:

Mine says "SDV1151-Ready" on this screen (page 21/49). Under session 1 column- session 2 is n/a- BTW on my box (Explorer 4250 HDC) Is that a good sign - I should not have a problem?

Mine says "SDV1151-Ready" on this screen (page 21/49). Under session 1 column- session 2 is n/a- BTW on my box (Explorer 4250 HDC) Is that a good sign - I should not have a problem?That's a normal reading. Doesn't really mean anything. For example, if you have a bad return path, SDV won't work (either will On Demand), yet (I think) you would still see that on the Name-Status line. Session 1 & Session 2 columns reflect the status of the two tuners. Here is another shot of screen 39 tuned to a non-SDV channel on tuner 2 (tuner 1 is not in use in this case)
http://i254.photobucket.com/albums/hh85/DaveHancock_bucket/Pg39.jpg

Move to Wilson, NY
I took my RS - $30 uhf antenna on a road trip over the weekend - on the way home we stopped at a little park on Rt 18 - I propped up my antenna on the top of the car pointed just out over the lake - not even directly at Toronto and was able to get 9, 11, 41, 44,57, 64, 65, and 66. I guess I'll just have to move out there If I really want to watch the canadian stations.

Were those their digital channels or analog?
You should of been able to get all the digital and possibly including CITY TV. I guess I'll just have to move out thereNo you don't. A bunch of filters and you should be fine. Alot cheaper than moving. If I really want to watch the canadian stations. The ones that aren't available on cable or satellite. ;)

Yes - all digital- We then traveled further down the road to the parent's in-law- My father in-law's house in Pendleton and was surprised to still see - 5, 9 , 11,25, and even 44- no city though. Same set-up RS- antenna sitting atop a chevy trailblazer. Not bad. He's got a tower w/ ham equipment on it that he's thinking of putting an uhf antenna on!

He's got a tower w/ ham equipment on it that he's thinking of putting an uhf antenna on!What's he waiting for?

He's not as jazzed about dtv as me. He does have one 20" lcd hdtv in the house- The set in his family room is an older 50" or so analog Mitsu widescreen. He's more into the Ham stuff right now. I've told him he can have the RS antenna I used for testing. Does it surprise you that he's getting CTV, CBLFT and Omni2 and I'm not. He does have a clearer shot than me. I have huge maples around me including directly behind my house. Even in the fall I cannot get ctv - only on dxing days!

Does it surprise you that he's getting CTV, CBLFT and Omni2 and I'm not.The only thing that would of surprised me would be if he didn't get everything.
AFAIC, you should be able to get everything except 53.1 & maybe 44.1 with the right setup.

The only thing that would of surprised me would be if he didn't get everything.
AFAIC, you should be able to get everything except 53.1 & maybe 44.1 with the right setup.

Yes- but he get's these stations w/o a pre-amp, filters etc. Is it because he's far enough away from GI and a little further north - with a clearer view also?

Yes. GI isn't a issue wher he lives.
But, neither mean you can't do almost as well if you want to..

I just saw a commercial telling me about how advanced the Time Warner Fiber network was. Its so advanced that they will be offering 10, I repeat 10 Bisons games! Whoop-di-do!

I was blessed with receiving CITY-TV 53.1 again last night. This time for over a half an hour. The 1st time was only for a few minutes. I sat down and watched their 11pm news in HD.
Though that doesn't seem like much, considering their output, or lack of and their direction (NW), it is really amazing.

It got better. I had two of Detroit's stations that hung in there for awhile just before this.

TW WNY had one of those low budget informercials on channel 999 talking about the launch of SDV. They apparently said that the end of July is the launch of SDV to customers. Apparently Caller ID on TV will be one of the next things to expect. I wonder when they launch StartOver and CID on TV, will they get rid of that annoying task list when pressing guide. Rochester gives you the option of pressing "A" if you want to view the task list. Wonder how right on they will be........

I have very great news that I just discovered. It appears that TW WNY has expanded to the Rochester Division as they just merged. This is very great news considering they are a test market so after a while, we will have the same great features that they have. Its great to see that they are expanding. Go to IN THE NEWS section of the TW website. I couldn't access my channel lineup when I went on the website, and it directly took me to Rochester's division.

link?

go to the "in the news" section of the time warner website... its not letting me post the link for some reason. the website is all out of wack... timewarnercable.com/wny... you will notice that its merging with the tw rochester's website and you cant even check the channel lineups of buffalos list yet... i think they're doing some maintenance to it...

wait... now it works...

http://www.timewarnercable.com/InvestorRelations/PressReleases/TWCPressReleaseDivDetail.ashx?PRID=2308&MarketID=54

"Time Warner Cable customers in the Western New York Division will not see any change in their services as a result of this merger."

So... they're probably just eliminating some employee positions by expanding current employees' responsibilities to cover more geographical area.

"Time Warner Cable customers in the Western New York Division will not see any change in their services as a result of this merger."

So... they're probably just eliminating some employee positions by expanding current employees' responsibilities to cover more geographical area.That may be true (about eliminating employee positions) but, lets face it, the REAL problem is that the Buffalo system is physically a different plant. And one that Adelphia had neglected for years. It takes time to upgrade the system, but apparently upgrading is happening.

That's kind of hard for me to say. A couple of years ago there was one person who (erroneously) stated that several TW Rochester stations WERE ALREADY SDV - and many of us believed it. It wasn't till a year later that I had a conversation with the head of the local head end that I found out that this was not true.

Eventually, the roll-out that I described occured. As I recall, each step took about a month. So a start of new HD stations in September is entirely reasonable (particularly with FiOS getting active in the area). Keep checking those test channels with the diagnostic procedure that I described. At the time there was a TW employee who was keeping the local RochesterHDTV thread posted on what was going on - so we had sort of an insider's view.

This is a link to that discussion (http://www.rochesterhdtv.com/showthread.php?t=4394&highlight=SDV), things start to really happen in early January (this year). Then they (TW) started rolling out new HD channels late in January with new ones added about once a month.

NOTE: Changes seem to happen on Tuesday's (Monday night). I've heard that it gives them Monday to prepare, and the rest of the week to deal with problems resulting from the changes.

PS: SDV is sensitive to local issues. For example, is the return path from your cable box sufficiently good? If your box can't tell the local node what to send, then SDV won't work. Also, depending on the system, the QAM channels used in the SDV pool may be at higher frequencies, and more susceptible to poor cable runs, old splitters, surge supressors (these can cause a lot of problems), etc. So, when SDV starts and you have problems getting them - DONT FAIL to get them to come out.

Don't forget the fun we all had going to TVGuide.com giving us the heads up two weeks ahead of what channels were going to be added next.

In the Rochester HDTV forum, many of us were awaiting the rollout of MSGHD. Then, we discovered at TVGuide.com, if you put in your zip code and advance a week ahead, it is usually dead on on the next channel that will be added to the lineup. I am again going to be going through that process now that I no longer am served by the Rochester part of Time Warner WNY, as I await Buffalo's arrival of HD. But I just wanted to add that... Might I add the first two HD additions that we got when I was in TW Rochester was National Geo. HD and TBS HD. After about a month after that, they were flocking in like crazy.

I was a little disappointed when I got off the phone with a CSR. This was my first time on the phone with them since the merge of TW WNY and Rochester. My call was because I wanted to cancel my HD Tier package, considering I barely watch it, and that we are going to be rolling out SDV.

Anyway, I asked them about the merge. They said, yes, we are part of the TW WNY division, including Rochester. I then asked about SDV testing. She had no idea what that was. I mentioned about getting test channels (Ch. 1500+), and she had no clue why they showed up on the guide nor did she know what they were for. You would figure because she is an employee, she is getting those channels. But then I asked just out of curiosity, when they are deploying SDV for customers, and again, she said she did not know. Like mentioned earlier in this forum, she did change the subject and ask about the weather which I found humorous. I guess like what dave hancock said, just go to the info pages on your STB and find out yourself. The TW CSR's are useless when it comes to that.

Fios TV should be available on August 4th, but that is the same day that the workers contracts end and that means possibly a strike.

Fios TV should be available on August 4th, but that is the same day that the workers contracts end and that means possibly a strike.

Were did you get this information from? I hope its true, but there is still no channel line up on there web site. It seems like if they were starting up on the 4th they would be taking pre-orders by now.

I was a little disappointed when I got off the phone with a CSR. This was my first time on the phone with them since the merge of TW WNY and Rochester. My call was because I wanted to cancel my HD Tier package, considering I barely watch it, and that we are going to be rolling out SDV.

Anyway, I asked them about the merge. They said, yes, we are part of the TW WNY division, including Rochester. I then asked about SDV testing. She had no idea what that was. I mentioned about getting test channels (Ch. 1500+), and she had no clue why they showed up on the guide nor did she know what they were for. You would figure because she is an employee, she is getting those channels. But then I asked just out of curiosity, when they are deploying SDV for customers, and again, she said she did not know. Like mentioned earlier in this forum, she did change the subject and ask about the weather which I found humorous. I guess like what dave hancock said, just go to the info pages on your STB and find out yourself. The TW CSR's are useless when it comes to that.

Why would you think the "merger" (announced just last Friday) would have any impact (positive or negative) on a call you made to a CSR? Especially since the announcement included:

"General operations, such as Time Warner Cable’s call centers and technical operations will continue to function as and where they currently operate."

You asked about a technology that 99% of customers have no clue exists. You asked about a technology that they haven't officially announced. You asked about a technology that they are only testing currently.

And yet you expected a CSR to have intimate knowledge of, and share with you, info on said topic?

The CSR had no info because there's no official info to give yet. Especially to the 1% of the customer base that even cares.

Were did you get this information from? I hope its true, but there is still no channel line up on there web site. It seems like if they were starting up on the 4th they would be taking pre-orders by now.


Someone in my family works for VZ and that is what they told me.

Someone in my family works for VZ and that is what they told me.


Cool. I gues we will see what happens. It just can't get here quick enough.

Strike has been approved. Doesn't mean it'll happen though or how that would affect FiOS TV.

http://www.buffalonews.com/258/story/397295.html

You asked about a technology that 99% of customers have no clue exists. You asked about a technology that they haven't officially announced. You asked about a technology that they are only testing currently.

And yet you expected a CSR to have intimate knowledge of, and share with you, info on said topic?


Well... yes. I believe they should be well knowleged about a service that is going to be added and is in testing, so that people like me who know what it is can find out more, since they ARE the cable company and should already have the answer. I mean what are they going to say when there is problems with SDV once it is officially deployed? "I don't know?" They need to know the answers considering they are probably going to be flooded with calls when people start seeing the "Channel currently not available at this time" message appearing on their TV, like how it did in TW Rochester when they rolled out SDV. This is important information that they need to know so the customer doesn't get pissed off and decide to move to FIOS. Especially that it is getting launched in this area, the last thing they want to hear is "I don't know." That "I don't know" will be good enough to lose a customer.

I understand that nothing is going to happen with the call center and the way they operate, but you would think they would at least have some information since I am sure it is mentioned at their meetings. Besides, that question was a curiosity and I understand they wouldn't have the details right away since the merge was effective on the 18th.

Aug. 4th is definitely not the date FIOS TV will launch. An article in the Buffalo News today about the strike says that the video hub downtown is expected to completed around Labor day with TV transmission to follow. So we are probably looking at late Sept. or Oct. which is what I was told months ago. Hopefully there will be no strike so it is not delayed.

http://www.buffalonews.com/145/story/397752.html

Aug. 4th is definitely not the date FIOS TV will launch. An article in the Buffalo News today about the strike says that the video hub downtown is expected to completed around Labor day with TV transmission to follow. So we are probably looking at late Sept. or Oct. which is what I was told months ago. Hopefully there will be no strike so it is not delayed.

http://www.buffalonews.com/145/story/397752.html

Gator's post sounds more likely considering that thats the exact time TW wants to roll out all the HD channels. Also thats around the time they said they want to roll out StartOver and Caller ID on TV (For Home Phone customers). It would seem like it makes more sense anyway since that was the exact date the guy on TC999 said it would be deployed.

Just wanted to say a quick thanks and goodbye. Yesterday was my last day in Buffalo. After the movers left the house, my wife and I drove to Binghamton for good. Just wanted to say thanks to all those that helped me learn all about this addictive OTA thing! I hope I didn't post too much OT stuff (like D* newest satellite D11 testing all 14 national transponders as of 7/21). I'll still be active on the site in the Binghamton thread and other threads. I hope channel 2 goes 5.1 soon as I thought that was the last major missing piece of HD in Buffalo. Good luck and take care!

Hey maybe you can get NY city Ota- from your location now! Maybe that's stretching it w/ an indoor antenna! Guess you wont be gettin CBC anymore.

Well, I don't see any problem;
http://www.2150.com/broadcast/default.asp?latitude=42%2E085075&longitude=%2D76%2E053813&magnetic_north=%2D11&range=150&sort=distance&show_expired=True&show_construction=True&show_analog=False&show_low_power=False&action=Show+Stations

At around 142 miles away for the Tri state area and Buffalo the opposite way around 136 miles, this should do it quite nicely (pdf file, also see attachment);
http://www.wade-antenna.com/Wade/uhfparabolic.pdf

It's only around $3600 (plus shipping). At 155 lbs, it should be a piece of cake to lift up on your 200' tower.

Of course you found a house on the tallest peak around Endicot didn't you?? ;)

I have a db8. I am able to get cbc from my location (62 miles awy) works well. I think it is comparable to the 4228. It is much lighter than a 4228 too. The guy i think u are looking for is rich from lockport. I found a number before on yahoo local. search for antenna in lockport

CTV HD?

I was looking at your posts from January when you gave up on it. ;)

What did you do differently?

I live near Buff State, so a little closer to the CN tower. I have tried all the budget outdoor antenna's and have failed miserably.

Where did you get your DB8?

BrahmaBull; He is just getting CBLT 20.1 (CBC), not CFTO 40.1 (CTV).
I can assure you 40.1 is out of the question without some serious assist.

Indiana627; you have a PM.

It was a typo, sorry. I meant CBC. (better go fix my PM to him, :lol)

I just wanted to let you know... my DVR was downloading a new upgrade of SARA around 1:00am this morning. My box rebooted a couple of times. On my SA8300HDC, my software is now on version 1.90.5.a111 as per my diagnostic pages. This could possibally be a sign of SDV deployment this week for customers in TW WNY. Just a heads up. Let me know if anyone else got the upgrade about the same time.

Is the rest of the software still as crappy as always?

I just wanted to let you know... my DVR was downloading a new upgrade of SARA around 1:00am this morning. My box rebooted a couple of times. On my SA8300HDC, my software is now on version 1.90.5.a111 as per my diagnostic pages. This could possibally be a sign of SDV deployment this week for customers in TW WNY. Just a heads up. Let me know if anyone else got the upgrade about the same time.Not sure what this version is - BUT most versions of SARA software have been SDV ready for quite some time. There have been some "issues" with the HDC boxes, so this is likely just an update to address some of those issues.

Dave, you are right. I noticed that my box is faster now when scrolling through the channels on the guide. I also noticed that when I hold the channel up button that it changes the channels a hell of a lot faster too, especially when passing the On Demand channels. Other than that, I really have not discovered much yet. Still, no SDV for customers as it says I have 0 and all my channels are "Broadcast" via Diagnostic pages. If anyone else noticed a difference, please post.

Is A&E HD or TNT HD broadcast in the clear by any chance?

So far, everything is in Broadcast. Picture quality is pretty good, although A&E HD is displayed in 720p. Some people have their boxes so that it changes the resolution to whatever it is broadcasting in. I personally keep it fixed on 1080i for everything I watch. I find it annoying when I change the channel and my TV flickers the screen for whatever it is viewing. But... TW said, and I quote this, "The end of July" for the SDV launch. We are approaching it, but still no visible signs yet.

Is A&E HD or TNT HD broadcast in the clear by any chance?


No- but TBS is and there is plenty of useless programming available on there!

Darn, I was hoping for The Closer (TNT) and Mad Men (A&E) in HD. Oh wait, Mad Men is on AMC anyway...

But I guess I could check out My Boys on TBS in HD tonight.

BTW, Mad Men is on CFTO 40.1 ;);
http://www.ctv.ca/servlet/ArticleNews/story/CTVNews/20080717/Emmy_bids_080717/20080717/

What's he waiting for?

Hey Guys long time no talk! Been doing alot of SMATV jobs in and out of state. Plus getting married .Im sure you guys are all aware of OMNI 1+2 being on full now as well as CHCH and CTS being on 11-1/11-2 as well. Signal here in Locckport on all these is very decent . Considering my tower is down at 25 ft instead of 80. Being away so much I cranked it down. Too much lightning as of late. Jim you'll have to stop by my Cottage at lake ontario. In due north of lyndonville. I have a 30 ft Rohn tower w/ a five ft parabolic and preamp. The Toronto stuff is quite heavy. Also regulars On DTV from Quebec/Waterown/platsburgh/ Rochester/ Syracuse and of course Buffalo.
Too many Chs to choose from. The Lake does offer some nice propagation. Does anyone know whats up with 7-3 WCSN? I have a couple correction facilities in the area with it and now i see its down? I can swap it out no big deal but just wondering if anyone has heard anything?
Take care
Rich In Lockport

Does anyone know whats up with 7-3 WCSN?It apparently went down 2-3 days ago.
You also missed some real good propagation from the NW a week or two ago. CITY-DT south of the escarpment. ;)

Maybe I'll move out by my father in-law in pendleton. He does quite well out there he can get cbc,ctv chch, I beleive one omni, cts etc. And that was only with the antenna sitting on top of the car! He plans to put up a mast at the back of the house for the tv antenna I will give him. I know i'm gonna be jealous at the ota he'll be getting. Why does chch and cts come in better when it rains?

It apparently went down 2-3 days ago.
You also missed some real good propagation from the NW a week or two ago. CITY-DT south of the escarpment. ;)

Hey any guesses on what will happen - I say we'll see this soon as a sub on WGRZ - 2.3 perhaps?

Hey Rich - set one of these up:

http://antenna.kr2020.com/

BTW, Mad Men is on CFTO 40.1 ;);
http://www.ctv.ca/servlet/ArticleNews/story/CTVNews/20080717/Emmy_bids_080717/20080717/

Not the new season, though.

Not that I get CA stations OTA anyway.

All of that just to go 3 1/2 miles for a meager 1.5MB?? :rolleyes: One thing for sure, he really knew what he was doing!
What a waste of money. Guess I'll have to settle with my $32 a month 3MB DSL with only a twisted pair to my house. :D

Isn't the new season in September/October?

Isn't the new season in September/October?

Nope. This Sunday.

Anyway, it looks like someone heard me. A hour after I mentioned CITY, low and behold (on a CECB no less);

What box do you have?

It was a CM 7000. It beat out the PHD-205 tuner and my older HP (Sharp) LC-2600N (neither would lock to the signal). The conditions didn't last long (as usual, not like last time). I was on the 'cliff' the whole time. I didn't have a chance to try my Mits 732 which had the best tuner. I would say this beat it out. One thing I did notice, it is able to lock to 38 & 39 off the back side of the 4228 whereas all four other tuners usually can't. I assume the error correction is better.

I only got this as a spare and for testing since I didn't want to lug the PHD-205 around when need be. Remember these only hace composite out. Some (as this) also have S video, but on 'digital' sets there is little difference. Older 'tube' sets are reported to show more of a difference due to their poorer comb filters.

It was a CM 7000.

The zenith (LG)- cecb I have is pretty good too! I was getting CHCH last night off the back of my 4228- while trying to grab rochester - no go on rochester though. This box also does better at the buffalo locals while pointed north when I want to get cbc. I hear there is a dtt 9001 or something like that at cc now that has analog pass thru!

It's the 901 with APT. See the CECB forum.

Indiana627; And here I thought I had it bad with Gilligans Island;
http://www.2150.com/broadcast/default.asp?latitude=42%2E067&longitude=%2D75%2E9667&magnetic_north=%2D11&range=90&sort=distance&show_expired=True&show_construction=True&show_analog=False&show_low_power=False&action=Show+Stations

You are a mile from 4 TV stations. :eek:

I've been looking into getting an antenna over the past few months, but in Canada the antenna selection seems a bit too small. I live in Niagara Falls, ON and I was wondering if anyone knew where I could get a good quality antenna. I live about 15 minutes away from the Falls.

Also I was wondering what type of antenna/brand should I purchase and if I would need a rotor and/or amp. I know remote central lists all of the hdtv available ota, but I was wondering how many channels in total I would be receiving. Thats including analog, digital and hd.

I've been looking into getting an antenna over the past few months, but in Canada the antenna selection seems a bit too small. I live in Niagara Falls, ON and I was wondering if anyone knew where I could get a good quality antenna. I live about 15 minutes away from the Falls.

Also I was wondering what type of antenna/brand should I purchase and if I would need a rotor and/or amp. I know remote central lists all of the hdtv available ota, but I was wondering how many channels in total I would be receiving. Thats including analog, digital and hd.

2 letters - one word - RW Antenna - He's got a post on this page. I would suggest a cm 4228 - this has been a reliable antenna for me. You may be able to get away w/o a rotor and still get TO or Buffalo off the back depending on which way you have it pointed. You should be able to get most TO and Buffalo stations probably close to 18-20 channels!

Spoke with the sales reps at the FIOS booth in the McKinley Mall today and they told me they expect TV to be available on Sept. 30th and pre-orders to begin on Sept. 1st. They asked what area I lived in and told them Orchard Park so I don't know if this is for everyone or just OP.

2 letters - one word - RW AntennaI don't know if he works across the pond.

I perfer the 4228 in spite of it's wind load. The other popular antenna here, the 91xg, while a good antenna, I feel is overrated. I don't like the way all those elements are assembled to the boom and their plastic cased matching transformer. The fitting will break off if you tighten it too much and there is no warning from the manufacture about this even though they admit there is a problem.

I'm trying to find a Canadian vendor because I probably will need installation and might want to try the CM4221 and CM4228. Maybe even try the DB8.

Anyways how far back would one of those antennas set me back? And how much would an installation cost?

I've been looking at Miele Satellite and Antenna and I might actually pay a visit there sometime this week.

1. Welcome to the forums,
2. Have you considered doing it yourself?
3. How high is your roof peak, do you have access to ladders?
4. Are you right in the city of Niagara Falls?
5. Have you tried here;
http://www.digitalhome.ca/forum/forumdisplay.php?f=81

[QUOTE=Zeratsu;14377871]I'm trying to find a Canadian vendor because I probably will need installation and might want to try the CM4221 and CM4228. Maybe even try the DB8.

Hi,
Rich here from Lockport. I have anything you need. However with Canadas labor laws we can no longer come over with our trucks and do installs. I do have a good friend in The Niagara region thou who can help you. Look in your Yellow pages for Hartman Antenna+ Satellite. He will take care of you and do a good honest job. I have known him for 15 years. Very professional. His first name is Paul. You can tell him Rich from R.W. antenna in Lockport reccomended him. Believe he is on Thorold in Niagara.

P.S> thanks guys for news on 7-3. we will sub something else in for now.
Jim: rain usually kills things however sometimes it can help an antennas performance? I tend to like the performance of the ZEnith and Insignia boxes best. They pull some serious signals. The digital stream boxes the shack sells are decent to.
Im selling mostly Zeniths.
Rich

Thanks for the recommendation Rich. I gave Paul a call and he was exactly what you said he'd be. He was completely honest and told me that he did a test one street away from me and the results were very poor due to the location and elevation.

In the end he just told me to stick to either cable or satellite.

Looks pretty good! I dont believe the whole broadcast was in HD though!

he did a test one street away from me and the results were very poor due to the location and elevation.Poor results for what? Stations in Chicago??

You are in the Golden Triangle between WNY and Toronto and he claims you are in a bad location?? :confused::eek:

Is anyone else having problems with WIVB 4-1?

It went dark for me a couple of days a go, although some signal is still be there because my TiVo's signal meter says it's fine. Just no picture or sound for me.

1. What town are you in?
2. What/where is your antenna?
3. Welcome to the forums.

I'm OTA in the city and while I haven't lost 4-1 I have noticed that any SD content (ie: local content) has choppy audio. I lose it every few seconds just for a brief second.

Doesn't happen on national CBS HD content.

FWIW, I stopped down at Verizon's FIOS TV Head End at the Elmwood CO. Unfortuneately, I didn't have my camera. Three 'masts' were erected instead of a 30' tower. I counted eight (?) UHF yagi's (some of them might not be for TV) and what appears to be a all band antenna with a rotor. I didn't have a pair of 'glasses' either so I couldn't take a closer look at the antennas.

Nothing but a real lack of knowledge and typical suburban mentality to a city CO and not provide the service in a area that is prime for this market.
There is more to this than your damn "Take rate" :mad:

Well, since no one else was having problems with 4-1 I figured it must be me. I bypassed the TiVo and it came in fine on my Sony TV.

I had to cold boot the TiVo but 4-1 is coming in fine now, it might have been related to some software upgrades that TiVo is doing.

FWIW, I stopped down at Verizon's FIOS TV Head End at the Elmwood CO. Unfortuneately, I didn't have my camera. Three 'masts' were erected instead of a 30' tower. I counted eight (?) UHF yagi's (some of them might not be for TV) and what appears to be a all band antenna with a rotor. I didn't have a pair of 'glasses' either so I couldn't take a closer look at the antennas.

Nothing but a real lack of knowledge and typical suburban mentality to a city CO and not provide the service in a area that is prime for this market.
There is more to this than your damn "Take rate" :mad:

Yesterday Verizon employees were picketing outside that location.

Even if Verizon did apply for a license in the City, who's the say the City would allow it? The City government is a lot more corrupt and stupid than the suburbs that Verizon is allowed in.

The City has lots of multi-family homes and old homes. Both difficult for wiring, no doubt. However, they would be smart to get in now and wire new builds and rehabs (condos, lofts, etc).

The server restore ate my posting, so here goes again:

TW has put some new HD channels up for Olympics.
They are in 787-788ish range.

I noticed on Friday (Aug 8th) that one of them had "Power Lunch" (a CNBC program).
As previously posted (and now lost) was link to PDF announcement that some special channels will be available. CNBC-HD was one of them.

It only shows black screen for me on 788. 789 comes in OK as does some soccer on OLY1. I cant seem to get CNBC.
I called TW. Spoke to the girl and said I pay for the HD tier, can I get CNBC-HD? She said I should be getting the channel. Had me unplug box to reboot but nothing but black screen. Only suggestion she had was service tech visit (I have 3 splitters between cable in and this box...) I want to make sure its out there for others before I have tech drive out there (I'm in NT).

Can anyone else try 788 and see if they get CNBC-HD?

The server restore ate my posting, so here goes again:

TW has put some new HD channels up for Olympics.
They are in 787-788ish range.

I noticed on Friday (Aug 8th) that one of them had "Power Lunch" (a CNBC program).
As previously posted (and now lost) was link to PDF announcement that some special channels will be available. CNBC-HD was one of them.

It only shows black screen for me on 788. 789 comes in OK as does some soccer on OLY1. I cant seem to get CNBC.
I called TW. Spoke to the girl and said I pay for the HD tier, can I get CNBC-HD? She said I should be getting the channel. Had me unplug box to reboot but nothing but black screen. Only suggestion she had was service tech visit (I have 3 splitters between cable in and this box...) I want to make sure its out there for others before I have tech drive out there (I'm in NT).

Can anyone else try 788 and see if they get CNBC-HD?

I have had all the new channels (786 Soccer,787 Basketball,788 CNBC, and 789 USA) no problem since they went live last wednesday.

Are any of the new HD channels in the clear?

I think the one at 787 was replacing the sabre channel.
There was soccer in the clear this morning when I checked.
It had a fixed banner gold colored page for the weekend on it.

Same here. I have had absolutely no problem getting these new channels. I don't know what you mean by asking if they are in the clear. If you are asking if they broadcast in HD, yes.

FYI, TW has commercials that mention "New HD channels this fall" showing up at the end of the commercial.

Are any of the new HD channels in the clear?

Looks like nbc olympic coverage on 94.1 and usa hd on 100.2 !

Is the weather channel on TW digital cable on 700 ? I saw somewhere that's where it's supposed to be.

The server restore ate my posting, so here goes again:

TW has put some new HD channels up for Olympics.
They are in 787-788ish range.

I noticed on Friday (Aug 8th) that one of them had "Power Lunch" (a CNBC program).
As previously posted (and now lost) was link to PDF announcement that some special channels will be available. CNBC-HD was one of them.

It only shows black screen for me on 788. 789 comes in OK as does some soccer on OLY1. I cant seem to get CNBC.
I called TW. Spoke to the girl and said I pay for the HD tier, can I get CNBC-HD? She said I should be getting the channel. Had me unplug box to reboot but nothing but black screen. Only suggestion she had was service tech visit (I have 3 splitters between cable in and this box...) I want to make sure its out there for others before I have tech drive out there (I'm in NT).

Can anyone else try 788 and see if they get CNBC-HD?

they were ALL BLACK for me earlier, but back on now. (Amherst) Sometimes some of them do go off air I think though..

Not that I care though, I am ditching TWC and moving soon, hooking up D*. TWC has such a crappy HD line-up, especially for the price.





Is the weather channel on TW digital cable on 700 ? I saw somewhere that's where it's supposed to be.

I do not see it.

Looks like nbc olympic coverage on 94.1 and usa hd on 100.2 !

Awesome, thanks! 94.1 is the NBC Soccer channel and 100.2 is, in fact, USA.

Burn Notice, Monk and Psych in HD finally! :)


PS For the other poster, "in the clear" means it's not scrambled so any digital tuner can get it, you don't need a cable box.

Did a scan about 5:25am today and was able to get 9, 25, 44 and 64. I had been getting 18 & 36 too. I don't know why but the rain and damp weather helps with 18, 36 from Hamilton. Only channel I didn't get a pic on was 64. When I checked CBC the signal was strong at about 90%. This seems to be an indicator good dx for me w/ other canadian stations.

In order of signal where I am (give or take):

A strong first; CBLT 20.1 CBC (5)
CFTO 40.1 CTV (9)
CFMT 64.1 Omni 1 (47)
CHCH 18.1 E? (11)
CIII 65.1 Global (41)
CJMT 44.1 Omni 2 (69)
CKXT 66.1 Sun TV (52)
and a far distant last; CITY 53.1 (57)

I didn't include CBLFT 24.1 (25) because of it is blocked by my ch 23 filter (and is 100% French). I would guess it would be above 40.1. Anything below 64.1 is hit or miss for me.

Is the weather channel on TW digital cable on 700 ? I saw somewhere that's where it's supposed to be.

Where did you get this information from? Please post it. I have heard nothing about TWC to be on channel 700. Its temporarily not available because of bandwidth space to cover the olympics. After 8/24, it should resume to the SABRE channel. Not even TW Rochester carries the Weather Channel, which they have one of the most HD channels in NYS besides Albany, which is the leader right now.

My estimated guess is after the whole SDV launch and HD upgrade happens, down the road, Channel 700 might be HD Movies On Demand. In TW Rochester, Channel 1000 is just that. I am sure by then, channel 700 will no longer be needed considering MSGHD is carried on many TW systems in New York State, and since there is going to be alot of bandwidth space, there will be no need to carry SABRE channel anymore.

Where did you get this information from?

zap2it

Great News...

SDV has officially been launched in Buffalo! Currently TBN and the New York State legislative channel have been migrated. We can soon expected new HD channels! The wait is now over... also look for Caller ID on TV in the next few weeks...

Hold select on your box and press info, as you will see on those two channels I listed, now says Switched!

videobruce- Can you take a look and comment please? Thanks

http://www.kitztech.com/

It's meant to be installed indoors, not out. There is no input spec provided (as usual).
I don't know what he means by "Output IP3".

MOJO HD is now available to all TWC Digital Cable customers. It has also been migrated to Switched, although I have been having problems tuning into it. I noticed it appear when flipping though channels, and I got rid of the HD tier package. Just another channel added to switched.

Dave, you mentioned when a station is Switched, it would also show up in the summary. Ours currently says SDV Channels - 0. But I counted three that say ####/Switched when in the diagnostics. Why is that?

pffft, my parents have had mojo hd for years now... for free.

they now have 60 HD channels thru cablevision... for free.

western ny cable companies need to get their stuff together.

pffft, my parents have had mojo hd for years now... for free.

they now have 60 HD channels thru cablevision... for free.

western ny cable companies need to get their stuff together.

I agree.. I don't know why they added it to the HD Tier package in the first place. It should of been free since they came out with the channel.

Any sightings of Zenith DTT901 at Kmart (for $49.99) around Buffalo?

Try CC !

Unnecessary comments deleted.

I agree.. I don't know why they added it to the HD Tier package in the first place. It should of been free since they came out with the channel.

Different strokes for different cableco's. Many put HD channels that have no SD counterpart, like MOJO, in a separate tier.

A friend lives in the country and has DishTV. He has a 150' run of cable from his barn to his house for SD TV.

The D* installer came by and said he couldn't run that much cable and get an acceptable HD picture in the house.

DishTV looked into it and said they would call him a new customer and run add'l lines to the house so that he could get HD without a problem.

Any idea why DishTV says the picture will look fine but D* says it won't work?

Do they have different equipment or is one of the 2 companies wrong in their assessment of the situation???

thnx

Because of the small, usually fixed amount the installers are paid for each install, he just didn't want to do it.
It wasn't worth it to him.

Though 150' seems kinda long. Why is it on his 'barn' and not his house?

Because of the small, usually fixed amount the installers are paid for each install, he just didn't want to do it.
It wasn't worth it to him.

Though 150' seems kinda long. Why is it on his 'barn' and not his house?

He's got no clear path to the satellites from his house because of all the trees...his barn is taller and just misses them!!!

150' should also work OK for D* if he can find someone who'd be willing to do it???

Anyone else having sudden problems with HBO on TWC digital? I suddenly lost all my HBO channels. For more than a few days. Usually when that happens it's a signal strength problem and I lose some low-level digits but everything else is fine.

Shouldn't be an Account problem as I can still get HBO OnDemand just fine.

I assume HBO is NOT on SDV?


And it seems USA-HD was turned off the moment the Olympics ended :( Oh well, three weeks of HD Monk, Burn Notice and Psych was better than nothing, I guess.

Wonder if USA-HD will ever return? And if it does, I doubt it'll be clear-QAM so my TiVo can enjoy it.

it should be back soon. I am finding more and more channels being migrated to SDV by the day. Now, the TC999 channel and Ch 998 is on SDV test, along with MOJO. That now makes 5. I am imagining the HBO issue has been addressed to customer service so if you still notice it being out, it should be back by now.

Got my SDV is coming letter yesterday. Everything in HD but broadcast is going to go. The promised the tuning adapter for late 2008.

cwoody222: I had a problem recently when all three boxes were not getting scifi, tvland & some other stations. Called tech support: don't remember the exact explanation.... something to do with moving boxes to different nodes. She had me shut down my boxes & she sent some info to them & when I booted them back up thet were fine.

I'm going to miss the USAHD channel, Burn Notice looked so much better!

Got my SDV is coming letter yesterday. Everything in HD but broadcast is going to go. The promised the tuning adapter for late 2008.

Do you mean the broadcast level of service? No more $7/mo. lifeline service any more? Does anyone know if TWC will require you to have digital cable after 2/17/09 or will they still offer basic analog cable? Thanks in advance

Anyone else having sudden problems with HBO on TWC digital? I suddenly lost all my HBO channels. For more than a few days. Usually when that happens it's a signal strength problem and I lose some low-level digits but everything else is fine.

Shouldn't be an Account problem as I can still get HBO OnDemand just fine.


I had problems with several channels (120something, 153-155, 160something), showing only a blank screen last week. A reboot of the cable box (unplugging and waiting for a minute or so before plugging back in) fixed the problem.

Might be related to the SDV testing.

TIME WARNER CABLE ADDS ESPNU HD ON CHANNEL 725

LINK (http://www.timewarnercable.com/MediaLibrary/4/86/Content%20Management/Products%20And%20Services/documents/Time%20Warner%20Cable%20Press%20Release%20-%20ESPNU%20HD%20launch%20FINAL.pdf)

I'm thinking of buying an HDTV for my parents.

They have an inexpensive Time Warner package of approx. 12 channels through their apartment complex for only $9 per month.

I was thinking of also getting them a small indoor antenna so they can get some HD channels, but the TV only has one coax input.

Is there any way to use both their TW coax and antenna inputs?

Is their an indoor antenna that uses a component input?

I'm assuming it'd be a royal pain to keep switching input cables!!

thnx

Use the basic cable and get hd locals and maybe more via qam

He won't get QAM unless they get digital cable, I'm pretty sure.

Just buy a splitter.

My HBO is back now also. However, reboots of the box last week did NOT fix it; I tried that. It just magically reappeared this week.

Also, USA-HD will NOT be back for me anytime soon since it's going to be SDV and I refuse to use their absolute POS box for my main viewing. So, my TiVo won't get it :(

He won't get QAM unless they get digital cable, I'm pretty sure.

Just buy a splitter.

I currently dont have a box and get unencrypted qam via basic cable. Just the locals though for the most part - 2,4,7,17 etc and I see espn U

My house could tune in QAM until we upgraded to digital. But they also "did something" to our line to enable the digital so maybe that was what did it.

I currently don't have a box and get unencrypted qam via basic cable. Just the locals though for the most part - 2,4,7,17 etc and I see espn U

This gives me some hope that just hooking the TV to the TW cable will give them all they need/want!!!

I was at a local TV store and they specifically said that this would not happen!

Then again, the BS they tell you about how all sets need calibration, etc. shoulda tipped me off!

He won't get QAM unless they get digital cable, I'm pretty sure.

Just buy a splitter.

A) It sounds like they may get QAM with just the very basic cable based on jimdoo's comments.

B) If that doesn't work, what kind of splitter? The old type that we'd use to split Adelphia cable for a 2nd TV??

thnx

Full FIOS TV channel line up is available at Verizon.com. 100 HD channels and to think TW just gave one new channel. The are also taking orders for Orchard Park anyway.:D

I am moving in to an apartment in the middle of september, I am calling tomorrow to get it installed. When I called today the woman I talked to said that there are 50 National HD channels and 9 local HD channels. I am sure that will increase

Looking at the channel lineup it looks like there is no MSG or MSG2 in HD. Hopefully that is wrong. Deal breaker if can't get Sabres in HD.

On the Premier box it has MSG and MSG 2. When I sign up tomorrow I will ask to see if we get MSG.

Like most of the lineup for FIOS TV in the Town of Tonawanda, however very suprised to see no canadian locals or canadian HD locals at all. Hopefully this will be changed by the launch date in mid October. I did call and request to be notified when it will be available, as was told October 8 to 15. Offers will possible include 2 free HD DVR boxes, but wasn't going to commit to that on the phone.

Canadian OTA Locals or Canadian OTA HD's would make FIOS TV Beyond amazing.

Also MSG and MSG 2 are listed, however no MSG HD or Sabres HD Channel listed. Hoping more channels are added before launch.

Its 7:37 no ESPNUHD on the phone with tech support

I have ESPNUHD its fixed, but I can't stand Colin Cowherd.

Got all signed up for FIOS TV today. I have a 9/20 install date. I signed up for the Extreme HD & the 30.00 movie package along with one Home media DVR and one HD box. There is no MSG HD as of now SD Only. FIOS has filed a complaint with the FCC over Cable Vision holding the HD feeds of MSG hostage. It might mean no Sabres in HD for a while, but I will be done with TW once and for all. I will more than triple my HD channels in just one day. I guess I will have to enjoy ESPNU for now.

very suprised to see no canadian locals or canadian HD locals at all.I'm not. Very easy solution especially where you are. ;)

BTW, welcome to the forums.

I currently dont have a box and get unencrypted qam via basic cable. Just the locals though for the most part - 2,4,7,17 etc and I see espn U

OK, bought the TV (for my parents' 65th anniversary!!!!) and hooked it up to their TW basic cable.

Went thru the auto-scan with the QAM tuner.

Maybe 25 total channels, but no HD.

Is there a chance I did something wrong???

thnx

The qam stations will come in (atleast in my experience) on different channel numbers on different tuners. And TW moves them around some too. For the most part I have been getting 2,4,17,7,6,8,23(TBS) on these respective qam station #'s 88.1, 88.2, 89.1, 89.2 or 89.3, 106.1, 106.2 and 111.4. For some odd reason the LCD Tv's I have upstairs in the kid's rooms get 225+ digital stations when I do a scan. They are element brands sets I got for a deal at X-mas time last year. Is there more than one type of channel scan you can do? My Sanyo HDTV has a reg ch scan, then an add on search and a digital cable scan.

The qam stations will come in (atleast in my experience) on different channel numbers on different tuners. And TW moves them around some too. For the most part I have been getting 2,4,17,7,6,8,23(TBS) on these respective qam station #'s 88.1, 88.2, 89.1, 89.2 or 89.3, 106.1, 106.2 and 111.4. For some odd reason the LCD Tv's I have upstairs in the kid's rooms get 225+ digital stations when I do a scan. They are element brands sets I got for a deal at X-mas time last year. Is there more than one type of channel scan you can do? My Sanyo HDTV has a reg ch scan, then an add on search and a digital cable scan.

Good idea- I'll have to see if there are different scans available!!

All I did was plug the cable into the back, call it "cable" in the setup, and ran auto-scan.

All it found were the 20 or so stations they got on their old 27" set!!!

If it's only got 1 type scan, I suppose I could call it "TV" instead of "cable" and see what a re-scan gives me.

Any other ideas????

PS: It's a pretty basic Vizio, so I'm not sure if I'll have too many options.....

Some tuners have trouble finding the 'in the clear' channels or may not display them. The only way to tell is to try another tuner.
That's why it's nice to have a spare 8VSB/QAM tuner available for times as this. ;)

Some tuners have trouble finding the 'in the clear' channels or may not display them. The only way to tell is to try another tuner.
That's why it's nice to have a spare 8VSB/QAM tuner available for times as this. ;)

Oh man, are you suggesting I lug my 42" Sony over there to give it a try? :eek:

Probably a stupid question, but if I hook an indoor antenna up to see how it might work, might the tuner have problems finding the digital stations even that way???

My set finds the QAM locals on channel # 0. Multiple 0's, in fact. It's odd.

My set finds the QAM locals on channel # 0. Multiple 0's, in fact. It's odd.

Sooooo, we've tried the auto-scan with the cable on both "TV" and "cable", but still no HD channels.

Is there some way to force a scan on channel #0?????

When you say you have basic cable - Are you referring to the "Lifeline"- cable channels 2-22? Or do you have the broadcast level of service - channel 2-99?
Maybe TWC shut- off access to in the clear Qam stations for the lifeline level of service?

When you say you have basic cable - Are you referring to the "Lifeline"- cable channels 2-22? Or do you have the broadcast level of service - channel 2-99?
Maybe TWC shut- off access to in the clear Qam stations for the lifeline level of service?

Exactly.....2 thru 22 plus a couple in the 90's like a TV Guide channel and a shopping channel.

Their Vizio tuner just didn't pick up any clear QAM digital.

I guess it's time to check out OTA unless someone has something else to try.......

My Sanyo HDTV needed a firmware upgraded b4 I could scan for digital cable channels. They mailed a package out to me that I had to connect a cable between my pc and the tv and I had to send it back when I was done. I would call Vizio tech support on Tuesday to inquire if it's the tuner or not. I would say call TWC also -however frontline csr's there usually dont have any answers when u say qam. There is a user on this board that seems to have alot of inside info on TW- I believe his user name is mcquillen.

My Sanyo HDTV needed a firmware upgraded b4 I could scan for digital cable channels. They mailed a package out to me that I had to connect a cable between my pc and the tv and I had to send it back when I was done. I would call Vizio tech support on Tuesday to inquire if it's the tuner or not. I would say call TWC also -however frontline csr's there usually dont have any answers when u say qam. There is a user on this board that seems to have alot of inside info on TW- I believe his user name is mcquillen.

VERY interesting!!

I emailed VIZIO tech support earlier today and asked them for some advice.

I'm with D* now, but was with Adelphia/TW for almost 20 years and I'm very familiar with the TW support staff! I just told VIZIO that TW didn't know anything about QAM with that cable package!!!

I hope to try an antenna in the next couple days....if they get the locals with that, there really is no reason for my parents to stay with that "Lifeline" package!!!

Thanks for all your help!!!!!!

Follow your 'drop' cable to the pole (assuming it is aerial). Try to follow that cable to the 'tap' port. Is there a filter connected (a silver round tube, in line attached at the tap)?
Analog stops at channel 72 and digital starts at channel 73. A low pass filter would block all digital channels.
Why they would bother doing this is beyond me as all of that is encripted anyway.

"The power of you" my ass. :mad:
With each new owner of the cable systems, the corporate mentality gets worse.
Four plus owners in the city and three owners in the suburbs. These guys don't have a clue.

It's a tad early for a (yet another) rant against TW. We have no idea what philherz's parents' problem is at this point.

No it's not Chris. It's never too early.
Just by programming PSID data to cause a receiver to display a non existant channel number is enough by itself. There is absolutely NO reason to have a channel '0' or a channel '1', since neither are channel numbers. Let alone more than one of each.

Follow your 'drop' cable to the pole (assuming it is aerial). Try to follow that cable to the 'tap' port. Is there a filter connected (a silver round tube, in line attached at the tap)?
Analog stops at channel 72 and digital starts at channel 73. A low pass filter would block all digital channels.
Why they would bother doing this is beyond me as all of that is encripted anyway.



I should be over there in a few days and I'll check it out.

QUESTION: I'll also check out an indoor antenna. If an indoor antenna receives digital channels, does that imply the tuner is fine and the lack of digital thru their cable means those channels just aren't there???

OR could it be that that tuner just isn't working correctly with the cable?

OTA and CATV channels are different frequencies and different formats (8VSB vs 64QAM). That wouldn't mean anything.

Either:
a trap is inserted,
the tuner can't handle the crappy PSID data,
the tuner is defective or
some other interference or factor is present.

Are you sure the set does indeed have a QAM tuner? Just about all new sets in the past 2 years do, but that doesn't mean all of them. Just because it says "cable", it doesn't have to mean "digital cable".

OTA and CATV channels are different frequencies and different formats (8VSB vs 64QAM). That wouldn't mean anything.

Either:
a trap is inserted,
the tuner can't handle the crappy PSID data,
the tuner is defective or
some other interference or factor is present.

Are you sure the set does indeed have a QAM tuner? Just about all new sets in the past 2 years do, but that doesn't mean all of them. Just because it says "cable", it doesn't have to mean "digital cable".

Manual says: ATSC/Clear QAM tuner, NTSC video decoding via RF or Composite video...that should work, right?

I'm hoping the indoor antenna gives them the locals...that's basically the only channels worth receiving in the TW "Lifeline" package and I'd be pleased to cancel it.....

Manual says: ATSC/Clear QAM tuner, NTSC video decoding via RF or Composite video...that should work, right?

I'm hoping the indoor antenna gives them the locals...that's basically the only channels worth receiving in the TW "Lifeline" package and I'd be pleased to cancel it.....

Maybe it's just easier at this point to go w/ the splitter as mentioned earlier! As you state you'll still get the locals (and in the case you use and indoor antenna) you'll actually gain in the form of sub-channels. TWC cannot give you those via qam or digital cable for that matter. 2.2 -weather+, 17.2 and 17.3. You'll just miss TBS that's all.

Maybe it's just easier at this point to go w/ the splitter as mentioned earlier! As you state you'll still get the locals (and in the case you use and indoor antenna) you'll actually gain in the form of sub-channels. TWC cannot give you those via qam or digital cable for that matter. 2.2 -weather+, 17.2 and 17.3. You'll just miss TBS that's all.

Another good point.

I found a nice A/B splitter that an Adelphia installer gave me 10 years ago when I told him I wanted to watch one channel and record another before the cable box days....

Follow your 'drop' cable to the pole (assuming it is aerial). Try to follow that cable to the 'tap' port. Is there a filter connected (a silver round tube, in line attached at the tap)?
Analog stops at channel 72 and digital starts at channel 73. A low pass filter would block all digital channels.
Why they would bother doing this is beyond me as all of that is encripted anyway.



My parents live in an apartment complex.

I found where the cable comes from underground at their building, goes thru a small rectangular box with a couple screws holding the cover on, and then I see 8 cables going into the building. (8 apartments)

I wish I had my camera with me, but that's what I remember.

PS: Tuner works fine with Terk TV-5 that I borrowed- they get all local digital channels that they're interested in except channel 7.

If I can't get TW and/or Vizio to work together to give the locals on cable in HD, is this the right place to give their particulars to get a recommendation on an indoor antenna for them???

No it's not Chris. It's never too early.
Just by programming PSID data to cause a receiver to display a non existant channel number is enough by itself. There is absolutely NO reason to have a channel '0' or a channel '1', since neither are channel numbers. Let alone more than one of each.

There is no fault with Time Warner that his QAM is showing up on Channel 0, because most likely he has a Toshiba TV, which handles QAM on channel 0. If the channel is too high for Toshiba or Toshiba alike TV's, they show up on channel 0. I have a Samsung and mine shows up in their respective channel locations. No channel comes in on Channel 0 on my TV.

As for Time Warner not lasting long in the Buffalo area, I would think again on that one. They have been in most of NY State for years. Their Rochester and Albany markets are their best ones currently. They are the second largest cable operator in the United States, they aren't going anywhere.

Did you forget to remember that they bought out bankrupt Adelphia, who's systems were in dire need of upgrades? Talk to the people who have TW Rochester and ask them how many HD channels they get and all the features that Buffalo doesn't have yet. Within the next couple of months, Buffalo will be getting those same features and HD channel additions. Some people prefer to have more channels than just OTA, not to mention Sabres in HD, which is definitely not a questionable subject compared to FIOS. To each is own.......:cool:

There is no fault with Time Warner that his QAM is showing up on Channel 0, because most likely he has a Toshiba TV, which handles QAM on channel 0. If the channel is too high for Toshiba or Toshiba alike TV's, they show up on channel 0. I have a Samsung and mine shows up in their respective channel locations. No channel comes in on Channel 0 on my TV.


My TV is a Magnavox.

But everything else in your post, I agree with 100%.

Countdown to how long before Bruce complains about TW's "Power of You" marketing... 5-4-3-2-1...

;)

I don't know which one of you two are worse.

Tell us, do you have the TWC flag flying out in front you your house? It's apparent you are blind to large corporate mentality. They could sell or tell you anything and you would 'buy' it.

God bless our free market economy, anxiously awaiting my FIOS!

Any new TWD HD channels yet?

Anyone know why WKBW showed the Michigan-Utah game on Saturday in SD only? :mad: Bama-Clemson was in HD that night. I understand from other forums that Michigan-Utah was available in HD.

I recall this happening a few times last year.

I don't know which one of you two are worse.

Tell us, do you have the TWC flag flying out in front you your house? It's apparent you are blind to large corporate mentality. They could sell or tell you anything and you would 'buy' it.

Time Warner makes flags now? Sweet... I'll have to go pick it up. I can hang it high on an OTA tower...

I prefer this company because they offer my Sabres in HD, and I don't want OTA since I never watch any of the locals, there is no On Demand, and my channel choices are widespread. I can be rest assured that I can watch the Sabres Home Opener this year in glorious HD, and not have to worry about whats on WNED that night... :)

TW "Lifeline" package gives 2 thru 22 plus a couple in the 90's like a TV Guide channel and a shopping channel.

The Vizio tuner just didn't pick up any clear QAM digital.

I guess it's time to check out OTA unless someone has something else to try.......

RE: Vizio VW37L

OK.....Vizio confirms this is definitely a QAM tuner!

Time Warner confirms they DO NOT give any digital channels with the Lifeline package, but would be glad to provide a couple digital channels for 3 times what my parents now pay.

HERE'S MY Question: The QAM tuner works fine with a Terk TV-5 that I borrowed- we get 6 local digital channels that they're interested in (plus a couple sub-channels,) but WKBW only comes in analog.....any suggestions on what indoor antenna might do a better job?

philherz; You should of said they only had Lifeline (actually they call it "Basic"). A low pass filter cuts out anything above channel 26.
Try a Silver Sensor and/or try finding another location for what you have.

philherz; You should of said they only had Lifeline (actually they call it "Basic"). A low pass filter cuts out anything above channel 26.
Try a Silver Sensor and/or try finding another location for what you have.

I moved the Terk TV-5 all over the place, so I think it's giving us all the channels it ever will.

QUESTION: Since a silver sensor is so directional, is it likely my parents would have to move it to go from the transmitters on GI to the ones down by Colden?

(I should've mentioned they live on the first floor of a 2 story apartment building on Foxberry in Getzville, 14068.)

thnx!!!!

I've been wanting to try this one:

http://i.walmartimages.com/i/p/00/04/44/76/05/0004447605072_215X215.jpg

Avail here: http://www.walmart.com/catalog/product.do?product_id=9906712

Why? A coat hanger would probably surfice as well. ;)

Hey guys,

Been with TWC for 6 years but recently moved into my first home and am thinking about jumping ship to DirecTv now that I have the option to do so. Couple questions from those who have made the jump or decided to stick with TW:

Sabres home games in HD?
All locals in HD without the use of an antenna?
Any reason not to switch?

I've been wanting to try this one:

http://i.walmartimages.com/i/p/00/04/44/76/05/0004447605072_215X215.jpg

Avail here: http://www.walmart.com/catalog/product.do?product_id=9906712

Just wondering, was this directed at me....are you suggesting I try this for my parents' apartment?

(...I should've mentioned they live on the first floor of a 2 story apartment building on Foxberry in Getzville, 14068.)

My research in some of the AVS antenna forums seems to indicate this doesn't perform any better than unamped loop/rabbit in the same spots.....

any suggestions on what indoor antenna might do a better job?

Yes- for your parents! - I know maybe it is junk. I just posted it because it's a newer antenna - and I believe multi-directional. I have not used it.
The silver sensor is about the best indoor antenna I've used. Then again - you can get a $3.99 radio shack bowtie that works well too.

Yes- for your parents! - I know maybe it is junk. I just posted it because it's a newer antenna - and I believe multi-directional. I have not used it.
The silver sensor is about the best indoor antenna I've used. Then again - you can get a $3.99 radio shack bowtie that works well too.

I've been reading so much about these indoor antennas, sounds like it's always a crap-shoot and I think my best bet is to buy a couple locally to see what might work.

I used a silver sensor on my TV for about a week and it was OK...never picked up any WKBW and really don't want my parents to have to change directions constantly.

I'll be happy to get a multi-directional that works at least as good as the Terk TV-5 that I borrowed....it's OK, but WGR and WIVB are hard to both get without repositioning for each and WKBW is strictly fuzzy-analog-only.

Unless someone really has a better idea, I guess I'll have to go the trial-and-error route.

thnx!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Location, location, location.
Moving ANY antenna a few feet will make a difference with borderline stations.

Hey guys,

Been with TWC for 6 years but recently moved into my first home and am thinking about jumping ship to DirecTv now that I have the option to do so. Couple questions from those who have made the jump or decided to stick with TW:

Sabres home games in HD?
All locals in HD without the use of an antenna?
Any reason not to switch?

You're covered for the Sabres, locals are good with the exception of WIVB, regardless of what dish says you will get rain/snow fade in the worst of storms (really bad t-storm or lake effect snow band). Put up an outdoor uhf antenna and enjoy some great hd programming from CBC.

Originally Posted by mosuavea View Post
Hey guys,

Been with TWC for 6 years but recently moved into my first home and am thinking about jumping ship to DirecTv now that I have the option to do so. Couple questions from those who have made the jump or decided to stick with TW:

Sabres home games in HD?
All locals in HD without the use of an antenna?
Any reason not to switch?
You're covered for the Sabres, locals are good with the exception of WIVB, regardless of what dish says you will get rain/snow fade in the worst of storms (really bad t-storm or lake effect snow band). Put up an outdoor uhf antenna and enjoy some great hd programming from CBC.

Dumped TW after 20 years in favor of D* back in April in order to save some substantial $.

I do lose signal occasionally during thunderstorms, but it's no big deal and I don't regret doing the switch for a minute.

FYI: WIVB is in HD on D*.

The TV listings (what's on - not the channel lineup) are showing 3 new HD channels in the 800# range

Planet Green
Travel Channel
ABC Family

Anyone seeing them?

I am not seeing it yet, it usually takes longer for it to show up on my TV.

I haven't seen those channels show up on my box. I did notice that my box was on channel one this morning & I know there wasn't any power problems last nite so I'm guessing they are updating the boxes.

Bring on USAHD & ScifiHD!

The TV listings (what's on - not the channel lineup) are showing 3 new HD channels in the 800# range

Planet Green
Travel Channel
ABC Family

Anyone seeing them?

*yawn*

Sci-Fi? USA? TBS? TNT?

Got this response from TWC about the channels showing in the 800 block



Thank you for using Time Warner Cable Online Customer Support.


I apologize for the confusion, however other than ESPNU-HD (which
launched 8/28/08) we have not added any additional HD channels at this
time. To avoid further confusion, please be sure that you were looking
at the Western New York website at http://www.timewarnercable.com/WNY
for your neighborhood's specific HD channel lineup.


If you have any further concerns please feel free to e-mail us at your
convenience or contact our 24 hour Customer Care Center at
1-866-668-6044.

Still trying to get an indoor antenna to work for my parents' apartment in Getzville. (14068)

A Terk TV-5 that I borrowed gets all local digital channels that they're interested in except channel 7.

1) Any idea why antennaweb doesn't show a digital signal for WKBW for that zip code???

2) When I look at tvfool.com, it appears to show that WKBW is the lowest transmission strength of the 3 stations in the southtowns...is that part of the problem?

thnx

get a silver sensor

Any guesses on whether they will or can broadcast ET or The Insider tonight in HD?

Any guesses on whether they will or can broadcast ET or The Insider tonight in HD?

Not unless it's HD 4x3. My TiVo says it's supposed to be. Of course, it's said that about Jeopardy and Wheel on WKBW for weeks and that's still SD.

Did Oprah switch to HD today? My TiVo shows that and Ellen as HD... are they really?

Not including network-provided things like The View and Price is Right, is there ANY local non-prime time stuff in HD? All I know is Two and a Half Men on WUTV. Anything else?

Still trying to get an indoor antenna to work for my parents' apartment in Getzville. (14068)

A Terk TV-5 that I borrowed gets all local digital channels that they're interested in except channel 7.

1) Any idea why antennaweb doesn't show a digital signal for WKBW for that zip code???

2) When I look at tvfool.com, it appears to show that WKBW is the lowest transmission strength of the 3 stations in the southtowns...is that part of the problem?

thnx

While I'd also say "get a Silver Sensor", even that doesn't work miracles. I have one and it has to be set up JUST RIGHT to get all the locals with decent quality. I've knocked it off my mantle a few times and getting it set up again is always a pain. A few inches off in either direction throws things off. So... keep trying, even with your Terk.

Quote:
Originally Posted by philherz

Still trying to get an indoor antenna to work for my parents' apartment in Getzville. (14068)

A Terk TV-5 that I borrowed gets all local digital channels that they're interested in except channel 7.

1) Any idea why antennaweb doesn't show a digital signal for WKBW for that zip code???

2) When I look at tvfool.com, it appears to show that WKBW is the lowest transmission strength of the 3 stations in the southtowns...is that part of the problem?

thnx

While I'd also say "get a Silver Sensor", even that doesn't work miracles. I have one and it has to be set up JUST RIGHT to get all the locals with decent quality. I've knocked it off my mantle a few times and getting it set up again is always a pain. A few inches off in either direction throws things off. So... keep trying, even with your Terk.

If I could get a Silver Sensor locally I might give it another try, but 6 months ago I tried one on my TV in Williamsville and WKBW was the only digital station I was hoping for that didn't come in.

I did pick up 3 Radio Shacks just to see if any would work. The 15-1874 didn't work at all.

With the gain turned up, the 15-1878 picks up everything at their apartment in HD and gets WKBW 90% of the time.

I didn't want to mess with a good thing (at least for now), so I left the one that Radio Shack really pushes, the 15-2186, in the box for now...still have 29 days to test these out before some/all get returned!!!

thnx for your help!!!!

WIVB blew it yesterday and showed Oprah in SD.
Would have been a nice season premier in HD with the US Olympic athletes on as the guests.

Murray

WIVB blew it yesterday and showed Oprah in SD.
Would have been a nice season premier in HD with the US Olympic athletes on as the guests.

Murray

I think all the locals that have syndicated shows that are showing up in the data as HD may be receiving an HD digital feed from the satellite but are not broadcasting in HD.

I don't think any of the local stations (with the exception of WUTV) have the ability to store the HD shows prior to broadcast (since these shows are not broadcast "live" from satellite like primetime and network shows).

I think we may have awhile to wait for local syndicated shows in HD on all 3 major locals. No idea why WUTV is able to do it for Two and a Half Men, though.

EDIT: to add "exception of WUTV"

I think all the locals that have syndicated shows that are showing up in the data as HD may be receiving an HD digital feed from the satellite but are not broadcasting in HD.

I don't think any of the local stations have the ability to store the HD shows prior to broadcast (since these shows are not broadcast "live" from satellite like primetime and network shows).

I think we may have awhile to wait for local syndicated shows in HD on all 3 major locals. No idea why WUTV is able to do it for Two and a Half Men, though.



WIVB has "The Young and the Restless" on everyday in beautiful 1080i at 12:30pm.

Any guesses on whether they will or can broadcast ET or The Insider tonight in HD?CIII Global 65.1 passes it in HD. As I said before you shouldn't have problems receiving it with the right setup.
WUTV 14.1 and their sister ststion WNYO 34.1 are the only locals that can orginate HD material. I guessing WIVB 39.1 (and WNLO 32.1) would be next.I don't think any of the local stations have the ability to store the HD shows prior to broadcastYou thought wrong.No idea why WUTV is able to do it for Two and a Half Men, though.That just conterdicted you last statement. :rolleyes:
With the proper equipment almost anything can be done.

WIVB has "The Young and the Restless" on everyday in beautiful 1080i at 12:30pm.

That's CBS network, passed through just like primetime, sports, etc. as far as I know.

- Trip

WIVB has "The Young and the Restless" on everyday in beautiful 1080i at 12:30pm.

Because, like Price is Right, CSI and Letterman, it comes directly from the satellite. It's a CBS show, not syndicated.

CIII Global 65.1 passes it in HD. As I said before you shouldn't have problems receiving it with the right setup.
WUTV 14.1 and their sister ststion WNYO 34.1 are the only locals that can orginate HD material. I guessing WIVB 39.1 (and WNLO 32.1) would be next.You thought wrong.That just conterdicted you last statement. :rolleyes:
With the proper equipment almost anything can be done.

Well, yes. Obviously WUTV has the proper equipment and WIVB, WKBW and WGRZ don't.

What I meant was, I don't know why WUTV does and the others don't. There's obviously some business reason we don't know about.

Because, like Price is Right, CSI and Letterman, it comes directly from the satellite. It's a CBS show, not syndicated.

Ahh...that makes sense ..thanks

Yesterday:

Ophra and Dr. Phil were HD on CFTO 40.1.
Wheel of Furtune and Jeopardy were HD on CBLT 20.1
The Insider was 16x9 HD on CHCH 18.1.

FYI - point your antennas north.

I "Hoping" there will be significant NEW HD channels avail on TW sometime in the first quarter of '09. Is there any reason to think otherwise?

Finally got around to making the appointment for D* and I will no longer be a TWC TV customer starting Friday. Looking forward to the change, especially the ST and extra HD offerings.

Next I have to get the ok from the boss to have an antenna installed to watch some CBC Saturday nights....one can dream

I don't know why WUTV does and the others don't.Very simple. Money. WKBW's owner was in hock and WGRZ's situation isn't much better.

Maybe I missed it.. but did anyone mention that TWC how has WNED (PBS-HD) in 1080i instead of 720p? I'm leaving the area soon anyway.. but it does look better, on some shows.

but did anyone mention that TWC how has WNED (PBS-HD) in 1080i instead of 720p?TWC only passes along what they receive off air. WNED switched back to 1080i almost 5 weeks ago;
http://www.digitalhome.ca/forum/showpost.php?p=776957&postcount=821

Well if none of you have noticed (which I am sure you have)... TW Buffalo now has tons of channels that have migrated to SDV. A majority of their HD channels are now delivered in SDV. I can't keep track. But to add to that, we now have Caller ID on TV. I don't understand why when you go to the diagnostic pages, it says that there are 0 SDV channels, but when you go to each individual channel, it tells you which channel is Switched. Maybe DaveHancock can add to that one. As a former TW Rochester customer, I see the changes in Buffalo as the same Rochester was just over a year ago. But eh, I'm waiting now for the new HD channels to roll in, just like how it was when I lived in the TW Rochester market.

Just to add... we have one HD channel that TW Rochester doesn't carry... ESPNU-HD. I can see what this merge will bring both markets.

TWC only passes along what they receive off air. WNED switched back to 1080i almost 5 weeks ago;
http://www.digitalhome.ca/forum/showpost.php?p=776957&postcount=821

Guess that goes to show how much I watch that channel.. There are some great shows on it though.

There are some great shows on it though.Yes there are and always have been It's the only network station that is 100% HD (43.1). Too bad they removed Frontline.

Yes, 1080 does make a difference, but it still doesn't look as good as many programs from CBS & ABC. There is still a softness when viewing closeups of faces.

WIVB perhaps could be showing syndicated HD soon. Their hub in another state just upgraded. I hear hardware is in place but there are minor software stuff to work thru.

But the big humps are over, I believe.

Anyone know what the big news is about? WGRZ's news yesterday
said Verizon will be making an announcement tomorrow.

Probably just a PR event to official "open" the facilities and to announce the service in towns they've already announced they're coming to.

http://www.wgrz.com/news/local/story.aspx?storyid=60602&catid=13

I wouldn't get too excited.

I'm Fios TV eligible as of yesterday (14226) and am currently looking into their settop boxes...

But I would imagine that the announcment is a bit of pomp & fanfare.

Presale ends today and the first installations are now starting. I will have to wait until Saturday though.

As expected, all they announced was that service is now available in Orchard Park, Hamburg, Tonawanda and Amherst.

My install is Friday Morning, the same day Im moving in to my apartment in Amherst. Im getting Phone, HD TV and internet for about 120. I was going to be around 108 but Im getting 2 regular boxes for my roomates and a regular hd box for my flat screen. We are also have the home media dvr (very cool by the way) for my 50 inch dlp I just bought. Standard telephone and home voicemail. 20 DL 10 UL internet which we do not need but it was a free upgrade I will take it, 59 HD channels including the nfl network. I will post a review some time next week, but I am really looking forward to it.

Anybody know when WNLO (THE CW) is going to be carried in HD by DirectTV?

Thanks

I guess TW's SDV didn't save enough bandwidth for their worthless services like CallerID onscreen.

Sunday my HBO was completely unwatchable due to digitization. Again on Monday. But VOD worked. So I watched True Blood on OnDemand. Tuesday I was watching Entourage OnDemand and then THAT went all digital crazy on me. At the same time a CallerID popped up. Nice.

However, regular HBO was fine so I set Entourage to record at 11pm. But, by 10:45 OnDemand was OK again so I finished the episode there.

It shouldn't be this hard, should it?

And why did they make OnDemand so hard to get to now (I have to scroll and scroll and scroll to the 900 channels) by changing the navigation of the Guide button on the remote?

And why did they make OnDemand so hard to get to now (I have to scroll and scroll and scroll to the 900 channels) by changing the navigation of the Guide button on the remote?

Try pressing the A button (yellow triangle). It brings up the new menu system that includes all the HD and OnDemand channels.

Try pressing the A button (yellow triangle). It brings up the new menu system that includes all the HD and OnDemand channels.

Oh! Of course! Yellow Triangle "A" buttons always mean "Guide" or "Main Menu" in my mind! :rolleyes:

Interesting news that TWC doesn't even have a current contact with the City... and hasn't in 3 years!

http://www.wgrz.com/news/local/story.aspx?storyid=60705&catid=141

Oh! Of course! Yellow Triangle "A" buttons always mean "Guide" or "Main Menu" in my mind! :rolleyes:


Wasn't very intuitive to me either. I didn't realize that was how you got to it until I re-read the mailer that was sent out last week about the "new guide and caller id coming September 23!".

On a more positive note, if this thread (http://sabresfans.proboards66.com/index.cgi?board=Sabres&action=display&thread=44720) over on a Sabres' message board is to be believed, TWC will be adding the following channels shortly:

Sepember 23 -
CNN HD
TBS HD
Science Channel HD
Discovery Channel HD
Animal Planet HD

October 2 -
NHL Network HD
History HD
HGTV HD
Lifetime HD
Disney Channel HD

Not sure if it's true or not, but we'll see.

Over the weekend half of my HD channels were not even available. I didn't bother calling to see what the problem was a my FIOS TV install is this Saturday so I could care less at this point. Three more days and I wont have to deal with TW anymore.

They issued a press release this morning...

"BUFFALO, NY- September 17, 2008 – Time Warner Cable, the nation’s second largest cable television operator and provider of telecommunications services, today announced that is has added five new channels on its FREE high-definition tier, including CNN HD on channel 721, TBS HD on channel 723, Science Channel HD on channel 737, Discovery Channel HD on channel 738 and Animal Planet HD on channel 739."

Does anybody know if either Dish or DirectTV will be carrying MSG-HD this year? I want the Sabres games in HD, and I don't want TWC.

Has anybody seen the new HD's yet?