View Full Version : Buffalo, NY - HDTV
I need some help with OTA access of WGRZ. I was out-of-town for the digital transition and tried to rescan last night, but none of my systems could find WGRZ. Prior to this I tuned WGRZ fine as i had customized my OTA to be able to get this station. Specifically, I aimed my very directional antenna (Channel Master 4228) at WGRZ and used the antenna gain/loss to boost WGRZ and drop TheCW (if i remember correctly) signal strengths. I live on Grand Island, so overlap is a problem, and this has worked quite well for the past 9 months. Now when I rescan, both my Pioneer TV and HDHomeRun see everything else just fine, but not WGRZ. I DO see the WGRZ Analog that is looping a DTV transition video, but can't find the digital station. I thought it was supose to be on 33.1 (real)? Can anyone help? Thanks!!
videobruce 06-16-09, 09:09 AM This is a first. You are the first person to post that lives on GI. What part of the island?
I'm surprised yopu can get anything other than the remaining three stations.
With four of the orginal seven dark, if you got 33.1 before, it shouldn't be problem now. I would only assume 32.1 is swamping your tuners. I assume you have no amp?
videobruce 06-16-09, 09:19 AM On a separate note, Remote Central updated their list of WNY and S. Ont. stations. This should clear the air (no pun intended) about channel changes.;
http://www.remotecentral.com/hdtv/index.html
BTW, to respond to his commenst, WNED, WNYO & WUTV purposely run a duplicate SD sub channel specifically for TWC and possibly Direct TV and Dish network (not sure about those) so as to provide a proper aspect ratio image for their SD customers. Also WNED 43.2 also carries TVGOS data that TWC converts to analog channel three, so any older TVGOS device (V8 and before) will receive data.
Bruce-
I live on the NE section of GI, near the high school and antenna farm (~1 mile). WGRZ has always been tricky getting, until some really nice person on a forum helped me diagnose the problem and suggested an antenna. Ever since, it has been working wonderfully, i might get pizelation every once in a while, but its been great. I pointed the high gain direction of the antenna right at WGRZ, and the antenna had a very low gain notch at the proper angle (30degrees) to "filter" WNLO. It was late last night when i rescanned, but i'm fairly sure i get all of the other channels i did before (FOX, ABC, CBS, CW, and MyTV). So I'm a little confused on what exactly changed during the transition? My brain is getting old, but i used to have the same possible overlap between WGRZ/WNLO before the transition, right? Did both stations move fequencies, so my antenna isn't as good at filter these new side by side stations?
Thanks for the help!!!
-DrPyro
videobruce 06-16-09, 10:45 AM I'm even more surprised you got WGRZ. I don't know what to tell you. 34.1 is no more which would help. ASAIK no one increased power.
el gran chico 06-16-09, 10:35 PM WPXJ's signal has been much stronger the past few days up here in Toronto. But the Event Information Table has disappeared on their PSIP. Since it's not on tvguide.com or zap2it.com yet, there's no way to see what's on. :eek:
tshaff09 06-17-09, 09:27 AM Titantv has wpxj. The only thing I need and can't find yet is WRGZDT3. Probably soon.
wgrz 2-3 appeared today on my hr20 directv reciever
mrpeter105 06-24-09, 01:06 AM Hi:
It looks like WNED has added a subchannel with WNED-FM 94.5. I discovered this while surfing on my Magnavox H2080MW8 DVR. When I landed on 17.3 it was the program WorldFocus but the soundtrack was classical music. After awhile of listening the music ended and the announcer came on and said you are listening to WNED-FM 94.5. I then checked on my Artec T3APRO converter box. There was no music detected and the soundtrack was correct for the program, ie audio of a news program. I tried cycling the audio button on the Artec from english1 to english2 but no change there. I also went back to the Magnavox and changed the audio from stereo to sap to see if I could get it to give the correct audio. No go, it was still the 94.5 FM audio. I then tried finding it on my Artec by inputting subchannels from 43.1 to 43.12 but couldn't find it. So I guess that it is meant to be hidden from us. Now, I understand that the Rochester PBS has been doing this for a while now. When i've received them from tropo a little while ago I don't recall this type of problem on their 21.3 subchannel. So, I don't think that it is my equipment as such(I hope!). I'm betting that they have implemented something incorrectly and will fix it soon (I hope!). In the meantime I wonder if there is anybody from the Buffalo/Toronto areas who have a Philips 3575/76 or Magnavox 2160/2080 and can check that channel to see if they are getting the same or any old tuner for that matter. That's WNED 17.3 Thinkbright.
Thanks
Edit:
Hi Again:
I don't know what to say, but it seems to have been corrected. I just checked and the soundtracks between the Artec and Mag are now in sync. The program was called Onstage. I had noticed this problem initially last night. I guess I will keep monitoring and I apologize for any inconvenience.
Edit2:
1)The WNED-FM feed is now back on 17.3.
2)A member on another website, using a Philips 3505 has also been experiencing the same issues. That member has reported that this has been happening on and off for the last week. So, it looks like it may be a Philips/Magnavox specific bug of some type. Therefore i'm wondering if this will also affect later Mag/Philips units.
3)I've posted this post to a number of threads here on AVSForum that cover the Philips and Magnavox units. In order to facilitate a single easy to follow discussion it would be easier if you could please post your replies to the " Buffalo, NY - HDTV" thread over here, as suggested by another member.
http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=137214
Note: I expect people reading the above post in other threads will direct their replies to this thread. Thanks.
videobruce 06-24-09, 07:52 AM mrpeter105; I have the Maggy version, but have it setup for CATV. WNED has had two mystery sub channels (only on certain tuners) that are blank, no video. I'm have wondered what they were. It seems as that tuner gets confused between the 2nd and 3rd/4th subchannel.
Interesting idea running WNED FM on another subchannel if that is the case. Too bad WNED doesn't tell anyone about it. :rolleyes:
Since I have still been struggleing with TVGOS digital, I haven't really done many tests with the reduced Gilligans Island antenna farm. Definately an improvement, but not as much as I hoped. (Don, that's your clue for a 'I told you so' :o ).
Too bad WNLO didn't get WNED's old spot (ch. 17). For that matter, better if 17 went back to 17 like WNYO went back to 49. :D
Trip in VA 06-24-09, 07:55 AM WNED has had two mystery sub channels (only on certain tuners) that are blank, no video. I'm have wondered what they were.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/UpdateTV
- Trip
videobruce 06-24-09, 08:28 AM I saw that months ago, but haven't heard/saw anything since.
Trip in VA 06-24-09, 08:33 AM UpdateTV has no programming, just the blank subchannels on some TVs.
- Trip
videobruce 06-24-09, 08:39 AM When I said "seen", I didn't mean on that channel, but in print. If this is the case, why two channels?
Trip in VA 06-24-09, 08:59 AM When I said "seen", I didn't mean on that channel, but in print. If this is the case, why two channels?
Ah. :)
I know there were some updates sent out to Sony TVs not too long ago.
I'm not sure why there are two of them; I'm really not familiar with the system and how it works.
- Trip
mrpeter105 06-25-09, 05:42 AM VideoBruce
Thank you for your response. You say that you have a Magnavox unit, is it a 2080 or a 2160? Also even though your on cable, is it possible you could also check the ota signal? What they send to the cable company might be somewhat different than what goes to the transmitter. That's just a guess on my part. The problem is that this problem is intermittent. Sometimes the soundtrack is correct for the program and sometimes its the WNED-FM soundtrack. It seems to be more consistently WNED-FM after midnight, although during the primetime evening hours it seems to cycle between them somewhat.
Thanks
videobruce 06-25-09, 08:03 AM A little birdie tells me that 43.3's additional 'language' use audio channels are for WNED's AM & FM backup for their STL (Studio to Transmitter Link).
43.7 & 43.8 (I think those are the ones) are indeed for Update Logic (same birdie). Why two sub channels I don't know, nor do I know how much additional bandwidth is consumed (I imagine very little).
Apparently, you have to hit the SAP/audio button four (or more) times to get it to return to normal audio. The STB's and I assume this DVR get the audio channels mixed up some how. Supposedly, it is a known issue.
Is anyone currently receiving WPXJ? I had them all along and today -Gone?
tshaff09 06-25-09, 06:36 PM I'm guessing something happened in the storm... but don't know for sure
mrpeter105 06-26-09, 05:51 AM videobruce
Thank you for your response. That worked like a charm! I didn't realize that the audio button works with the digital side only and going through the menu system, which allows you to select between stereo/sap, only applies to the analog side. When I tried going through the menu system, I guess I assumed that whatever was there applied for both sides. In fact
it does allow you to choose stereo/sap, even though you're tuned to a digital channel. So I guess that that kind of made me assume that those were the only choices. From there I jumped to the conclusion that it must be due to a bug or improper implementation on WNED's part.
Of course, if you haven't already guessed, I haven't read the manual. I guess I ought to crack it open and get acquainted with it so that I don't jump the gun in the future.
Once again thanks and have a nice day!
videobruce 06-26-09, 10:07 AM As with most manuals, it's probably not there. I have never used that feature on any devide that I can remember. Same goes for CC and the damn 'V-chip' most manuals devote so many pages to.
How is it that WPXJ- OTA is down but it still airs programming on TWC?
anyone ever connect two uhf antennas? With my antenna outside facing north i get everything i need with a solid signal. I however want to watch rtn 2-3. The signal is ok but is much stronger when i spin the antenna to the south. I was wondering what would happen if i put a indoor antenna facing south. When i hooked one up my channel2 signal was 100%. Is there a way to combine the two antennas or is it just not worth it?
philherz 06-26-09, 10:26 PM anyone ever connect two uhf antennas? With my antenna outside facing north i get everything i need with a solid signal. I however want to watch rtn 2-3. The signal is ok but is much stronger when i spin the antenna to the south. I was wondering what would happen if i put a indoor antenna facing south. When i hooked one up my channel2 signal was 100%. Is there a way to combine the two antennas or is it just not worth it?
"In order to join 2 seperate UHF and VHF antennas, you need a VHF/UHF Combiner. Its worth the effort to use a Combiner and not just a basic Splitter for less signal loss and better signal filtering and handling. Channel Master and Winegard offer combiners but you can get the cheapies and they are still better than the basic splitter."
You might want to check out: http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=1037779&highlight=signal+combiner+splitter
philherz 06-26-09, 10:35 PM Is there a way to combine the two antennas or is it just not worth it?
This might be more helpful: http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?p=15759712#post15759712
i want to join two uhf antennas though.
videobruce 06-27-09, 01:34 PM Just try a splitter in reverse. See what happens. If you rock that antenna back and forth a few degrees, can any of the Boston Hills stations come in? How about WPXJ from Pavilion?
i tried the splitter in reverse yesterday. It was weird. On wgrz with the roof antenna just plugged into the splitter i get the standard 65%. with the indoor antenna plugged in by itself facing south i get 100%. When i plug in both the indoor antenna drops out and the 65% is back. Also all other channels read as if the indoor antenna does not exsist.
Channels 2 4 and 7 comein around 65% on average WB comes in 95% while facing north. CBC is still rock solid 70-80%. A few nights i am hitting 90-95%.
Even at 65% my picture is good on 2-3 which is why i started looking into to this so it is not a major concern. I would just like to juice the signal up a bit if i can. Obvisouly if i turn the roof antenna south then 2 4 and 7 are all rock solid at 100%
George Molnar 06-27-09, 08:47 PM i tried the splitter in reverse yesterday. It was weird. On wgrz with the roof antenna just plugged into the splitter i get the standard 65%. with the indoor antenna plugged in by itself facing south i get 100%. When i plug in both the indoor antenna drops out and the 65% is back. Also all other channels read as if the indoor antenna does not exsist.
Channels 2 4 and 7 comein around 65% on average WB comes in 95% while facing north. CBC is still rock solid 70-80%. A few nights i am hitting 90-95%.
Even at 65% my picture is good on 2-3 which is why i started looking into to this so it is not a major concern. I would just like to juice the signal up a bit if i can. Obvisouly if i turn the roof antenna south then 2 4 and 7 are all rock solid at 100%
Merging two antennas aimed in different directions often causes reduced signals or blackouts of desired stations caused by echos or interference from the wrong direction.
This is a complex geometry problem where the desired signal travels over a direct distance into one antenna and a longer distance to a reflector which bounces it into the wrong antenna and when merged together they can be in-phase and display stronger, or out-of-phase where they're weaker and your digital converter crashes and says "weak signal."
All t.v. stations have different wavelengths and different direct path lengths and different reflected path lengths so every channel is affected differently even though they're in the same general direction or location.
Also, the results are dynamic and change with atmospheric condition or severe weather or vegetation and the viewer gets sporadic reception riddled with blackouts.
You can use a rotator to aim one antennna clearly at the transmitting tower of the channel you want, and use your digital set's "strength" feature to know when you are properly aimed.
You can also try two antennas with two downlead wires to the back of your t.v. set and use and A/B switch to select the antenna aimed in the right direction.
videobruce 06-28-09, 09:12 AM I would only use a A/B switch. As George stated, it's a mixed bag when you use a combiner with antennas facing different directions. It usually doesn't work out, especailly when you have local stations in the mix.
Have you evey received 18.1 (CHCH), 25.1 (CBLFT), 44.1 (CJMT) and/or 40.1 (CFTO)??
Someone posted a comment about CFTO reverting back to VHF channel nine after 8/11 and droping ERP down to a few kw. That shouldn't reduce coverage since the VHF high band travels further than stations on UHF. I would venture it will be an improvement. All the other Toronto stations will see a power increase including the most elusive of all; CITY that will be on 51.1 (subject to change). :)
they only canadian ones i get is:
cbc - no problem
chch comes is decent signal
omni2- only a couple times.
I would like to get CTV but i have not gotten it so far.
was looking online for a b switch. i see radio shack sells a remote control one that will work so i dont have to go to the tv everytime to flip the switch. This should work so i will pick one up today and give it a try
videobruce 06-28-09, 05:51 PM Interesting you have received 64.1 since that signal is much weaker than 40.1. CFTO. Nothing with 44.1?
Take a look at the thread I started in the Technical forum;
http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=1155849
Also, take a look at this thread another member started;
http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=1158404
el gran chico 06-29-09, 11:34 AM Watch out for 64.1 and 44.1 (and 53.1/57.1 if you happen to pick up their hairdryer-powered transmitter 1200 watts :rolleyes:) - they have severely messed up PSIP data (STT = system time table particularly) that will confuse any tuner with an on-screen guide. :mad: Since their signals penetrate American airspace, I hope the FCC might be able order them to fix it or cease broadcasting. I'm convinced Canadian authorities have no clue what I've been complaining about - maybe they'll listen to the FCC. :confused:
WPXJ - I see they are back up on RF 23 but something is still goofy with their transmitter. I was watching a Clint Eastwood movie Saturday night and my signal level went from about 80 to not even a whisper in a matter of seconds. All the other stations I get were fine or else I would have thought an angry neighbor snipped my RG6. :eek:
videobruce 06-29-09, 11:43 AM 95% of the time I can get 64.1.
44.1 is another story. 43.1 kills me with or without the traps. I tried retuning two or three thimes, using my better 2 cavity trap and then using that and another 'can' trap (3 pole), but 44's signal isn't strong enough. Funny, it;s stronger than 40.1 and mich stronger than 64.1, but no dice.
As far as PSIP data, it hasn't been a issue here with 64.1.
I think IC is too busy worring about water rights. ;)
Did you ever use to watch 'Intellegence'??
el gran chico 06-29-09, 12:22 PM Titantv has wpxj. The only thing I need and can't find yet is WRGZDT3. Probably soon.
It looks like both Titantv and zap2it are up to date now for the Buffalo stations. TV guide dot com is still a mess (no surprise to me :rolleyes:).
Anyone out there with TVGoS see any of the new WGRZ subchannels or WPXJ digital channels yet? WNYB 26.2 I don't think was ever added from a long time ago so we may need to wait a while if this is at all indicative. :mad:
videobruce 06-29-09, 12:55 PM Anyone out there with TVGoS see any-thing? :(
jt1001001 07-07-09, 10:29 AM Hi: I have decided to get rid of Time Warner (can't afford it anymore) and I'm setting up for OTH HD. I have a used ChannelMaster 4421 mounted in my attic about 8-10 ft above ground level, pointed south-west, and I get almost all the locals great (no WPXJ but that's OK). I do not have a pre amp or signal amplifier installed, approx 40 ft run of RG-6 coax form the antenna down to the TV. From my house in Tonawanda (by I-290 and big green water tower) I can actually see the 2 Grand Island towers to the northwest so I pick those stations up no problems with this set up. I would like to get the CBC if at all possible, but when I point the antenna due north no digital signals are received. I do get channels 41 and 47 analog when pointed north (with a lot of snow). Would mounting the antenna outside help?? How high would I have to get the antenna (I only have a single story house with crawl space attic, and heights are not a good thing for me)? Should I consider a Yagi style so as to try to block the signals from the Grand Island tower?? Thanks all for your assistance.
... I would like to get the CBC if at all possible, but when I point the antenna due north no digital signals are received. I do get channels 41 and 47 analog when pointed north (with a lot of snow).
Toronto is northWest of GI, try aiming a little more west and see what happens. Higher and more directional will get you a better signal. So close to the 17/23/29 blowtorches it won't matter what kind of antenna you use, though a carefully pointed Yagi will reduce the overload some.
videobruce 07-07-09, 01:28 PM ChannelMaster 4421 mounted in my attic about 8-10 ft above ground levelYour attic is 10' above ground level?
Toronto is NNW of your location. Being 'on top' of the Gilligans Island antenna farm (half as bad as before, only three high powered TV stations now) kinda puts you at their mercy. You shouldn't have any problem with CBLT, except possibly from getting overloaded from those stations.
BTW, forget about any type of amp unless you are willing to add filters for those three channels.
jt1001001 07-07-09, 01:49 PM [QUOTE=videobruce;16783958]Your attic is 10' above ground level?
Roughly that's where it starts, maybe more like 12ft overall height of the house is i think 16 to 18ft if that. Small house = small attic area.
[BTW, forget about any type of amp unless you are willing to add filters for those three channels]
Guessed that an amp would do that (remember something form ham radio that an amp aplifies everything including noise) so I did not install one
videobruce 07-10-09, 12:57 PM From one of my favorite sites :rolleyes: here are the updated contour maps from the FCC for the Buffalo market (in two parts). Take note of the before and after ERP outputs and the viewership counts;
videobruce 07-10-09, 01:07 PM Also, here are current and proposed coutours for WNYB.
el gran chico 07-15-09, 11:29 AM Thanks for posting this Bruce. i have to chuckle when I see WNYO's "analog loss 0". I know Ontario viewers don't count but if they did, it would be something like "analog loss 5,000,000". Granted in some locations WNYO's reversion to RF 49 improved reception, but more lost it especially in this direction.
I guess this station doesn't realize they can sell time to Ontario businesses or market Western NY business to Ontarians. Some of us actually visit and spend money in WNY. Most of the Buffalo stations have figured this out. Just these guys and WPXJ aren't getting it. :rolleyes:
videobruce 07-15-09, 12:02 PM I know Ontario viewers don't countOntario?? You mean there is land north (and west) of the United States?? :eek: According to these maps, it's all water. ;)
You guys are really not missing anything. Ok, I'll trade you, CITY for WNYO and I will throw in WUTV & WNLO. :D
Since I got you here, to answer your question a month ago or so, I have TVGOS listing through TWC's SCTE127. I'm still unsucessfull at OTA with either device. I'm using the 14201 zip code, but choose my cable system this time, not the Falls Earth Station provider as before.
All of the Canadian channels are there, unlike before. Apparently, it doesn't matter which provider you choose.
I guess this station doesn't realize they can sell time to Ontario businesses or market Western NY business to Ontarians.
Makes perfect sense to me given their current financial situation - just search buffalo.bizjournals.com for channel 29!
videobruce 07-16-09, 01:37 PM You don't mean this do you?;
http://buffalo.bizjournals.com/buffalo/stories/2009/07/13/daily12.html guess this station doesn't realize they can sell time to Ontario businesses or market Western NY business to Ontarians.Yes. they do. WUTV was one of the first 'locals' to accept ads for Canada knowing their vireership extends well int Ontario. There is alot more to it than what meets the eye. IC has hasseling these US stations even though through grandfather clauses and current licenses, they had air and ERP rights. Why do you think musical channels were played at the last minute?Just these guys and WPXJ aren't getting it.Actually, WPXJ is in the most favorable location for all of WNY. They don't have just the Buffalo market, but the Rochester market also. No one else other than WNYO can say that. Grand Island and the Boston Hills are too far west for most in the Rochester market to receive. Also, I would guess, there wasn't any allocations in this market open for another station whereas, Batavia was wide open.
UHF channel 23 & 29 had coverage into Canada only by getting their license early enough IC couldn't/didn't meddle in and whine. Now, for the most part, both extended coverage patterens were given to Canada (sort of). Must have something to do with 'water rights'. ;)
videobruce 07-16-09, 01:39 PM Frankly, All three stations need to rethink their use or non use of their sub channel. WGRZ is smart, so was WKBW (as long as that lasted.)
I wish some of these cable TV services would/could enter into the OTA market (other than HSN).
cwoody222 07-22-09, 07:47 PM Anyone else having more trouble than usual with WIVB?
I'm getting ZERO signal level (sometimes a bit more, like up to 30%) all of a sudden. Every other station is fine.
videobruce 08-05-09, 10:40 AM Last weekend I was able to pick up Erie Pa. Except for the already spoken for Canadian channel 24 and the filter effect of my ch. 23 trap, most came in fairly well. WICU which reverted back to VHF ch. 12 was so strong I was able to receive it with the antenna headed at Toronto. :eek:
Anyway, apparently their reception situation is pretty messed up with poorer coverage (lower power with some stations). WICU (NBC) is/was simulcasting WSEE (CBS) on one of their sub channels. Talk about overly heavy satellite delivered compression, I thought I was watching a Beta 3 tape.
I know they have been airing The Insider , Ent Tonight, Ellen etc in HD for a little while now- when did it start though? Why cant WKBW do this with Wheel of Fortune and Jeopardy? - Finances? :rolleyes:
BroadcastBoy 08-06-09, 09:52 AM You need HD servers, HD master control switcher and many other items. I'm sure they can find other ways to spend what money they have (or don't have).
I just built a Gray-Hoverman antenna using a 2X4 and coat hangers and 2 lengths of solid copper 10 gauge wire. It outperformed my RS rooftop antenna. I was able to pull in CBC crystal clear from just south of the buffalo airport. The antenna was set on my front porch 7 feet off the ground. Has anybody ever built one of these? Tried it? Made it permanent? I expect better performance from the roof but thought I would ask anyways.
videobruce 08-09-09, 07:58 AM CBLT 20.1 puts out a decent signal in WNY. Moving an antenna a few feet can make a difference.
jt1001001 08-10-09, 04:53 PM I just built a Gray-Hoverman antenna using a 2X4 and coat hangers and 2 lengths of solid copper 10 gauge wire
I've seen a few articles on thitype of antenna. What build instructions did you utilze?? do you ahve a link? I'm still trying to solve my CBLT 20.1 problem and thsi may help!
the instructions I found and used were at www.digitalhome.ca/ota.superantenna/design.htm
hope this helps in your quest. I'm going to try my hand at fabrcating one out of aluminum.
videobruce 08-11-09, 07:24 AM One problem I always see with home made antennas is bent elements. Even using 12 guage copper wire, it's almost impossible to keep the length absolutely straight. Using a 'coat hanger' might be ok if the natenn will be inside, but outside it will rust with the connection point going south very quickly. Stainless steel rod would be the answer.
Since we are talking UHF, distances between elements is critical. The other problem I see is unequal spacing between the V's of each bay.
ya you're right attention to detail is everything when building one of these cause a minute change causes havoc with the antenna's specs. But like I said I threw it together to see what it would pick up and it worked better the CM 4221 copy I had built before. I enjoty the tinkering more than anything but I will take a shot at fabing one of long lasting materials in the near future.
Getting "inexpensive" materials may be the only hurdle.
el gran chico 08-17-09, 12:19 PM Hey Trojen, I built one and it worked great - better than my CM 4221! My problem is that I doubt mine would stand up to the weather our area would subject it to so back went the 4221.
My driven elements were built out of 1/4" aluminum rods (cost me less than 10 bucks :cool:) which certainly hold their shape but it was really difficult to work with. I'm sure 3/16" would be a better choice but my store didn't have any.
bbtrinet 08-17-09, 12:42 PM For those that would like information,
I just bought a Winegard ms-2000 antenna. It's a circular omni-directional antenna. http://www.winegarddirect.com/viewitem.asp?d=Winegard-MS2000-Metrostar-Omnidirectional-Amplified-TV-Antenna-%28SMS2000%29&p=WD-SMS2000
I live in Cheektowaga near Stiglmeir park.
I originally had the antenna indoors, and received 14 digital channels. (NBC, ABC, CBS, FOX, PBS, and their sub-channels) all were in the 90-97% range, except for CBS which was down near 80%.
I installed it on my roof this past weekend, and I now get 26 channels. All the Buffalo channels I receive 98-100%, including CBS now. I'm also receiving CBC (5-1) and CHCH/E! (11-1) above 80%. Additionally, I get many more analog channels that come in with a little bit of static.
It's a great investment, so I can now leave DirecTV, and still be able to watch all my shows on my Tivo. I can't watch shows on a Tivo if I had to rotate an aerial. This is perfect for me so far.
Chico,
I'm curious what you used as the backbone for the antenna. my problem is wood is no good. I can't seem to find aluminum stock big enough. I've got my brother in Brampton looking into getting me some rods but the problem remains the spacing between the driven elements & th e reflectors. Where I am in Cheektowaga lots of channelmasters go up and comeback down when the intended results aren't acheived. Rich antenna down here clued me in to the fact that people closer to TO are having problems with 4221's and 4228's.
He suggested a Winegard 8800. It's similar in design to the Gray-hoverman so I may give it a shot. But if I can do the homebrew on the cheap that will last I'll go that route. I'm headed to Ottawa this weekend and there's a club up there who make the GH10 maybe I'll look them up and smuggle one accross the border.
videobruce 08-18-09, 09:46 AM Rich antenna down here clued me in to the fact that people closer to TO are having problems with 4221's and 4228's.I find that hard to beleive since that was the best antenna made for UHF (minus their 6' and/or 8' parabolic dish(s) from the 70's). I was never impressed with the Winegard version of the 4228, less so with the one from AD and that overpriced, newer version with those goofy looking discs. :rolleyes:Where I am in Cheektowaga lots of channelmasters go up and comeback down when the intended results aren't acheived.Chwg. is in a 'valley' of sorts. Parts are low, even they are 'out in the open', reception from Toronto is difficult, possibly because the path is over the Onondaga escarpment that runs through N. Buffalo, Amherst, Williamsville & Clarence;
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Onondaga_(geological_formation)
http://www.geocities.com/ntgreencitizen/amherst.html
The fact he got CBLT 20.1 with the RV antenna tells me I believe he might have a shot at CFTO 40.1, CJMT 44.1 and CFMT 64.1 if he was using a 4228A (if you can find one). The only downside with the 4228, it isn't as direction as a yagi would be. If multipath is a problem (impossible to tell with a digital signal w/o a spectrum analyzer), a yagi would be a better choice.
AndyHDTV 08-29-09, 03:00 PM Effective 9/15/09 Turner Classic Movies HD, HBO Signature HD, The Movie Channel HD & The Movie Channel Xtra HD. Effective 9/16/09 E! HD, G4 HD, Headline News HD & MSG Plus HD. Effective 9/17/09 HBO Comedy HD, HBO Zone HD, QVC HD and Style HD. Effective 9/22/09 MSNBC HD, The Weather Channel HD, HBO2 HD ThrillerMAX HD & Starz Comedy HD. Effective 9/23/09 Oxygen HD, HBO Family HD, Showtime 2 HD, Showtime Showcase HD, Showtime Extreme HD, Starz Edge HD and Starz Kids & Family HD.
http://www.timewarnercable.com/WNY/support/policies/channelchange.html
videobruce 08-30-09, 02:09 PM Let us know when all of those are 'in the clear' in a base HD package.
mrinferno 09-01-09, 03:53 PM to anyone else in the area tuning ClearQAM's via TWC...
As of this morning, I can no longer tune 88.1 (WGRZDT) and 88.2 (WIVBDT).
Neither my TV tuner or my PC's ClearQAM tuner can pick up the signal.
"No Signal" is all I get.
Just curious if anyone else has the problem.
I can still tune the rest of the ClearQAM's:
89.1 (WGRZDT)
89.3 (WKBWDT)
92.1 (WNLODT)
106.1 (WUTVDT)
106.2 (WNYODT)
I have the same problem. Nothing on 88.1 and 88.2
It looks like they've been moved to 116.1 and 116.2
mrinferno 09-01-09, 11:52 PM It looks like they've been moved to 116.1 and 116.2
awesome, thanks for the heads up. i was hoping it was a simply channel swap, just hadn't a chance to rerun the channels scans.
TWC just messing with the few of us that use the Clear QAM's I guess ;-)
videobruce 09-02-09, 08:42 AM RF channel 92 still has PSID issues. Done on purpose AFAIC!
One of my five tuners can not ID channel 92, on one other, the channel locks then unlocks, in an endless loop. RF channels 73 thru 117 are all occupied except for channel 109, 111 & 112. No RF carrier is present on those. There is a probably some/many of these numbers will not match what your tuner(s) show (depending on the age of the tuner and manufacture). Hopefully, most will becorrect. Still subject to correction for the 'in the clear' digital lineup ;
75.7 Public Access
89.7 Local Gov't. access
--The next three depend on your tuner--;
92.1 Preview, Sabres Home Games
92.2 WQLN/PBS Erie Pa. (possible computer glitch why this is included)
92.3 WNLO HD
93.1 WGRZ HD
93.2 WIVB HD
93.3 WGRZ SD
93.4 WIVB SD
94.7 Preview
106.1 WUTV HD
106.2 WNYO HD
106.3 WUTV SD
106.4 WNYO SD
107.4 CFTO SD (or .2)
107.5 CBLT SD (or .3)
107.6 ?? (or .4)
107.30 C-SPAN 3 (or .5)
111.3 ESPN-U
111.6 Bridges
113.1 WNED HD
113.2 WNED SD
113.3 WKBW HD
113.4 WKBW SD
115.2 WNYB
The sub channels of 107 map slightly different on the two tuners I used to list the channels.
The Music Choice channels are now on 107 & 116 instead of 107 & 112. Apparently, it depends on your tuner what subchannel they wind up on. On two different tuners, I have two different lists.
bwilkins 09-02-09, 11:30 AM I rescanned last night and Ch 7 and 17 were still on 89
videobruce 09-02-09, 01:12 PM That was last night. ;)
bwilkins 09-03-09, 11:27 AM found Ch 7 and 17 on 113 - but WUTV was missing for me - I'll try a rescan tonight
videobruce 09-03-09, 12:17 PM Don't do a rescan. Try enterning 106.1 directly. What make TV?
mrinferno 09-03-09, 01:26 PM bruce thanks for the update, i noticed very late last night that PBS and ABC changed before i went to bed and was too irritated to run a scan to find them.
does anybody by chance run a PC tuner to tune the clear QAM stations? disappointly the new 116.1 & 116.2 are tuning very, very poorly - blocking and audio drops, etc.
i'll try 113.1 & 113.2 later today.
i was hoping to avoid having to go the antenna route since the clear qam's have been working so well until now.
ranger1975 09-03-09, 11:56 PM Thank you much videobruce for posting the channel changes. Just signed up with this site because I learned about QAM the hard way.
videobruce 09-04-09, 08:49 AM disappointly the new 116.1 & 116.2 are tuning very, very poorlyThey are tuning even worse this morning. They aren't there. I'm convinced now, the 'head end' goons don't know what they are doing.
Anyone find where WGRZ & WIVB went? 107 & 113 are still good.
ranger1975; Welcome to the forums.
Whitestar2 09-04-09, 05:37 PM 535pm. WGRZ & WIVB feeds are on 93-1 thru 93-4. Currently running another HdHomerun scan for my GBPVR setup. I guess I'll have to watch for more channel movement!
ranger1975 09-04-09, 05:49 PM Here's the new list I am currently using - please note that I do not include music channels, paid adverts, other news, etc.. channels:
93.1
93.2
106.1
106.2
107.44
113.3
78.1492
mrinferno 09-04-09, 10:22 PM wow, yet another change. good news for me is 93.1 (WGRZDT) & 93.2 (WIVBDT) are tuning fine on my AverTVHDDuet fine now!
videobruce 09-04-09, 11:24 PM What's on 107.44 & 78.1492??
BTW, when you se a four digit sub channel, you can pretty much be sure that isn't the correct sub channel. My Mits is famous for four digit numbers.
videobruce 09-04-09, 11:26 PM If anyone has time, would they scan 107 & 112 for the Music Choice lineup to see how your sub channels lineup?
mrinferno 09-04-09, 11:32 PM 107.44 is WPXJ in SD, same as 18.
also, worthy to note I reran a channel scan on my Sony XBR and found it's tuning 83.1306 YES HD.
I couldn't tune 78.1492, but 78.1493 is SNY SD & 77.1494 is ESPN SD.
I can't tune 4 digit sub channels via Win7 Media Center, so not sure what the translation would be.
also, found a cool site with fairly up to date channel listings -> http://www.silicondust.com/hdhomerun/channels
mrinferno 09-04-09, 11:37 PM If anyone has time, would they scan 107 & 112 for the Music Choice lineup to see how your sub channels lineup?
ha, while i was typing the 1st reply. that's actually how I found the SiliconDust lineup list.
Was trying to find a list of what music was on which channel easier than writing it all down. Their list only helps somewhat.
Anyways, I have music on 107.53 thru 107.71 and 112.94 thru 112.117. I'm pretty sure there was music on every sub in each of the two ranges. ~41 channels should be about right.
I found 5 audio only channels on 111.22 thru 11.27, I don't think they are Music Choice. Sounded like radio broadcasts.
--
edit - just found the list http://www.timewarnercable.com/CustomerService/Clu/Clu.ashx?CLUID=554
under the Package Filter deselect all but "Digital Music Choice" should see channels 400 - 445
but i'm way to tired to verify whether the order is the same in the QAM's :]
ranger1975 09-05-09, 12:57 AM 78.1492 is TNT (I believe 720p).
107.44 I THINK is ION - not too thirlled with it but they do play movies every now and then.
Does anyone know if TBS is still available?
videobruce 09-05-09, 10:06 AM There are way to many errors in the silicondust site to make it worth while.
The only music lists you could find would be their converted, fictitious channel listing which is of no use here.
I did find those radio station like channels, but didn't bother listing them. Another waste of bandwidth.
I couldn't find TBS except on the orginal analog channel.
I doubt 'YES HD' will stay 'in the clear' for long. ;)
Whitestar2 09-05-09, 04:08 PM YESHD moves often. One day it's 77-1306 then another it's 80-1306. Yesterday it was 83-1306. 107-4 is ION network.
theedge 09-07-09, 10:03 AM YESHD moves often. One day it's 77-1306 then another it's 80-1306. Yesterday it was 83-1306. 107-4 is ION network.
I have been getting YES at 76.1306 on my Philips and SNY at 80.1493. The channels seem unavailable unless there is a game or encore game (Baseball) on the network...
videobruce 09-11-09, 02:15 PM The channel lineup I posted last week is holding up. No changes (AFAIK).
Rovi has confirmed that TWC's SCE127 TVGOS data from analog cable channel three isn't working (as I thought). Orginally, it did, but has been down a few weeks after they started to provide it.
OTA WNED 43.2 is working after one uses the TVGOS "jump start" method as posted elsewhere. ;)
Have a slingbox hooked up on TW Buffalo. From a scan I can get ABC 1.2 and Fox 1.3, but can't find NBC or CBS HD. I've looked on the thread and I don't get the channels listed. Does anyone have the channels as of Aug or Sept 2009?
videobruce 09-12-09, 05:01 PM Those channels are the actual physical channel numbers. What your receiver/tuner re-numbers them to, I would have no idea. There is no such thing as channel one dot anything. How about your TV, I assume it is QAM capable. Do you have another tuner?
BTW, welcome to the forums.
so the 1 dot whatever is set by the slingbox? I don't have a tv set up - only the slingbox so I can't compare/contrast. I don't have another tuner available to test. That, and I'm out of state now :(
To clarify my question ... I have a slingbox which can except clear QAM input. I did a scan and get channels 2, 3, 4, ... but also 1.1, 1.2, 1.3, ..... 79.xxxx, ..... so those are the channels I switch between. They are not mapped to anything. When I scanned I was unable to find NBC and CBS. I'm looking for someone that has the same issue, and whether they were able to determine how to resolve that issue. All I care about are the local HD channels.
videobruce 09-13-09, 10:41 AM All those 'virtual' (fictitious in this case) channels are set by your tuner. Funny your device still sees the older 1.x remapped channels and all my other tuners don't anymore since TWC finally woke up and corrected the poor PSIP data.
Punch in 93.1 and 93.2 directly and see what happens.
What are you watching all of this on?
I tried 93.1 and 93.2 - both go to 93.22 (the closest channel I picked up). I'm watching this on a slingbox app. The slingbox is hooked up in NY and streams tv over the net so that I can watch it on my tv, or web app.
ranger1975 09-13-09, 12:13 PM FYI...78.1492 (TNT) is no longer available.
videobruce 09-13-09, 12:17 PM I thought this was using TWC. No idea how that works. Completely different animal. All of the above doesn't apply if you are getting video off the internet.
You still haven't said what TV you are using. It would help if you would explain your situation better.
cwoody222 09-13-09, 04:06 PM Hopefully, most will becorrect. Tentative and subject to correction local 'in the clear' digital lineup (until they change it again);
92.1 WNLO (problem with PSID data, some tuners might not see this channel)
92.2 Preview (home Sabers games in HD ???)
92.3 WNLO
92.4 WQLN/PBS Erie Pa. (possible computer glitch why this is included)
93.1 WGRZ HD
93.2 WIVB HD
93.3 WGRZ SD
93.4 WIVB SD
94.7 Preview
106.1 WUTV HD
106.2 WNYO HD
106.3 WUTV SD
106.4 WNYO SD
107.4 CFTO SD (or .2)
107.5 CBLT SD (or .3)
107.6 ?? (or .4)
107.30 C-SPAN 3 (or .5)
111.3 ESPN-U
111.6 Bridges
113.1 WNED HD
113.2 WNED SD
113.3 WKBW HD
113.4 WKBW SD
115.2 WNYB
The sub channels of 107 map slightly different on the two tuners I used to list the channels.
The Music Choice channels are now on 107 & 112 instead of 84 & 112. Apparently, it depends on your tuner what subchannel they wind up on. On two different tuners, I have two different lists.
Anyone find WKBW HD anywhere else other than 113.3? When I scan w/ my TiVo Series 3 it only reaches 112-43.
My 92.2 Preview still appears on 0 like it did last year but previously all my locals were on 1.x so they did, in fact, move to the locations shown above.
I wish E! HD would be in the clear at least for next week's Emmy show.
iloveperth 09-15-09, 04:03 AM I stumbled upon this thread via the dsl reports site, and I'm thrilled with all the information I found here (the channel listings are extremely helpful). We recently bought a HDTV for our upstairs bedroom, and after doing a channel scan, I was surprised at how many digital channels I received without a boxthe music choice channels being the biggest asset.
I'm not sure if this is the kind of question I can ask here, but why am I able to get CSPAN-3 through the digital scanning, when it's not available through Time Warner itself? Also, why were all the channels switched around a few weeks back? It was a huge pain in the rear end, to search through all the channels for the MC channel I listen to, but I shouldn't complain, I guess!
Thanks in advance for any answers.
videobruce 09-15-09, 08:10 AM why am I able to get CSPAN-3 through the digital scanning, when it's not available through Time Warner itself?I'm sure it is somewhere, you probably just missed it. It might not be listed in their channel lineup since it is relitive new and not exactly something one would wait for.why were all the channels switched around a few weeks back?1. Because, they don't know what they are doing,
2. They are making room for additional services,
3. They are just trying to 'screw' with anyone that doesn't rent their 'cash cow' STB,
4. All of the above. ;) It was a huge pain in the rear endThen they accomplished reason #3. :D
Effective 9/15/09 Turner Classic Movies HD, HBO Signature HD, The Movie Channel HD & The Movie Channel Xtra HD.
Nothing on my box yet :mad:- did the effective date slip?
JCochran 09-15-09, 09:22 PM Wondering the same thing myself!
videobruce 09-16-09, 09:16 AM Those RF channels that were empty are now active. Everything from 73 to 117 is occupied. They might be testing the additional services, playing musical channels (they are good at that), or haven't figured what to change for them and what package to put them in.
Wondering the same thing myself!
I emailed twc and this is the response I received:
In Buffalo, we have had some recent network matters that we are working on, which have delayed the time frame of the HD channels we were planning on adding this week. We should hopefully start adding the HD channels next week, assuming the network matters are resolved. We added many HD channels this past year, and will be adding many new HD additions over the next month or so.
cwoody222 09-22-09, 07:52 PM Are Multi-stream CableCards available from TWC (or Verizon) in this area yet? M-Cards?
Been using an antenna and basic cable on my HD sets. Decided to look at Sat, Fios and digital cable HD. It seems to be the same with all of them. They claim to offer a million channels but when you look at the packages you really get a bunch of junk.
example - digital cable:
Music channels most people could care less about.
Just about every free HD channel is dupicated in the basic, standard and digital basic in SD.
But wait there's more....You also get free faith and spansih channels.
And how about all the shopping channels? Just what we all like to do is just shop from the comfort of our living room.
They then break out some of the HD offerings from the three basic lists, again dupicating channels and make little extra cost tiers.
I understand they are looking to make money, but offer something people really want.
These overpaid TV service execs that setup these packages need to look for a new career.
HD is now the standard but we still get to pay for the old analog signal. Its like coming out with color TV and telling us we have to pay to watch a program in color.
Now I feel better.:cool:
videobruce 09-24-09, 11:38 AM You forgot to add all of the additional free compression they give you (or should I say, don't give you) just to cram all of those additional services in their 'pipeline'. ;)
One thing I did notice is that when running cable directly to the TV vs. using their box the SD stations do come in better with the cable box.
Their customer service has also been great.
Like most companys they just have a lot of over paid mis-managment people that think they know everything.
Failure is the key to success.
cwoody222 09-24-09, 06:38 PM One thing I did notice is that when running cable directly to the TV vs. using their box the SD stations do come in better with the cable box.
Their customer service has also been great.
Like most companys they just have a lot of over paid mis-managment people that think they know everything.
Failure is the key to success.
My TiVo S3 handles their analog signal MUCH better than their own box. Analogs come in better and my S3 can tune in their HD locals w/ poor signal strength and their crappy box needs more signal strength just to properly display digital cable.
They also just made FIOS available on my street and they have been beating down doors to get you to sign up.
The guy asks me why I would spend all this money on HD TV's and not have HD progamming. He then goes on to show me the package that has 320 SD channles and 14 HD. Wow, 14 HD channels! The next one still had 320 SD but only gave you 114 HD.
He then says that they are no longer going to support copper lines (CO and DSL). I said I wasn't aware of that that I would check with the FCC to verify it since all Verizon services are normally approved by the FCC.
You should have seen him dance at that one.
TWC then shows up a month after half the neighborhood switched to FIOS.
Boy, their management was on the ball.
videobruce 09-25-09, 11:13 AM He then says that they are no longer going to support copper lines (CO and DSL). Yea, right. Another lying salesman trying to make a sale. Get his name and report him.
cwoody222 09-29-09, 03:42 PM I've read that in SOME TimeWarner markets they use the broadcast flag a bit "over zealously" in such a way that breaks even legitimate uses such as Multi-Room Viewing (MRV) with 2 more more TiVo's.
Can anyone w/ digital service from TWC verify that this is the case or not in this market?
Basically, if you have TWC and two TiVo's, can you share digital cable channel shows between the TiVo's?
mrinferno 10-03-09, 05:15 PM anybody know if the Sabres game tonight will be in HD on any of the TWC clear QAM channels?
videobruce mentioned maybe the below:
92.2 Preview (home Sabers games in HD ???)
i guess maybe will just have to wait til 7 tonight.
videobruce 10-03-09, 07:39 PM Try 92.1 ;)
The digital channel lineup has been updated;
http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?p=17106718#post17106718
cwoody222 10-04-09, 02:00 PM I tried to record the game last night on one of my "0" channels that has OnDemand Previews but it wasn't on.
I do get 92-1 and -2 on my TiVo. -2 shows Previews, -1 shows nothing.
Was the game on last night? Which channel?
mrinferno 10-04-09, 02:14 PM I was able to record the game on 92-2 (preview), i had to setup a manual recording because the guide data doesn't match up with anything useful.
videobruce 10-04-09, 02:44 PM the guide data doesn't match up with anything useful."anything useful" being TWC. There is little doubt in my mind this is by design. :mad:
My Mits DLP showed RF channel 92 being empty. I did another scan and it at least 'found' the channel after a little persuation. I did have to 'force' both channels (92.1 & 92.2).
My new Samsung LCD showed the same thing before and after a 2nd scan, no channel 92 in the list. I can't even force the channel. Ch. 93 is fine. :confused:
The Sony DVR can be forced to view RF channel 92.1 & 92.2 (also 92.3, if I remember correctly), but they weren't found in a 2nd scan that I did. I have to manually enter the channel, but it still won't show in the channel list.
But, my PHD-205 tuner had the channels from a old scan (when TWC played musical channels last) and both were available. This is why I use this tuner for any 'list' I compose, as it seems to be the most reliable.
Depending on the tuner, WNLO HD and the Preview/Sabres Home Games services were reversed sub channel wise. 92.1 was 92.2 and vice a versa on the other tuner.
As I posted before, their PSIP data for that RF channel is incorrect.
bwilkins 10-05-09, 11:12 AM Was it just me or was there a lot of pixelation during the bills game yesterday. I noticed it on my main tv on TW.
When the game got out of hand I put a 22" LCD on an antenna and had the same issues OTA.
Did you notice they never advertise or tell you about the free HD channels you can get without a box? The want everyone to beleive you have to rent a box from them or get digital cable to get the free HD channels. They then constantly screw with everone and move the HD channels around.
videobruce 10-05-09, 02:17 PM Typical consumer scam.
"Free" HD channels my ass.
maevejr 10-07-09, 03:36 PM I am thinking of switching from dish network to directv for MSG HD and Sabres, YES HD and the Yankees. What I don't want to give up is OTA in the program guide particularly CBC OTA.
Does CBC OTA show up in the program guide of direct TV. Can i get the HR 20 or do I need the HR 21 with the AM 21 OTA dual tuner accessory
I am thinking of switching from dish network to directv for MSG HD and Sabres, YES HD and the Yankees. What I don't want to give up is OTA in the program guide particularly CBC OTA.
Does CBC OTA show up in the program guide of direct TV. Can i get the HR 20 or do I need the HR 21 with the AM 21 OTA dual tuner accessory
I believe you would need the older reciever like the hr21 - I know the newer models dont have atsc tuners built in :mad: If you switch I would (if you care) ask for new equipment otherwise they send you refurbished garbage. I cancelled by install due to this -even though the csr said "oh yeah you'll get all new boxes" - That was a line 4 ya!
bodosom 10-08-09, 09:17 AM Does CBC OTA show up in the program guide of direct TV. Can i get the HR 20 or do I need the HR 21 with the AM 21 OTA dual tuner accessory
Yes, no, yes. You'll get an HR2N for N=1,2,3. If the installer has an HR-23 you should ask for that.
As a switcher who certainly watches PBS and CW in HD you should be able to get the AM-21 for free but when I got mine you had to call for it after the install since you weren't eligible until you had an active HR on your account. This was a year ago so policiess may have changed but you should at least get a credit equal to the cost. That said the only channel I ever have any trouble with is FOX. CBS is fine off the satellite for what I watch (prime time programming).
WRT to new/refurb. I have personal experience with 8 HR installs and they were all new, but the DTV people have no control over what the installer brings and calling the install contractor (Halsted) doesn't help either.
cwoody222 10-08-09, 07:30 PM Anyone find tonight's Sabres game on TWC yet?
videobruce 10-09-09, 09:22 AM 92.9 Chris, one of the preview channels. If you can't directly tune it, try a full rescan. As I have posted, the 92's PSIP data is wrong. Some tuners might not be able to ID those channels. Can you get 92.1 WNLO HD ok?
videobruce 10-09-09, 09:25 AM On a separate note TWC's SCTE127 data on cable channel 3 which is OTA WNED 43.2 is back up and running sometime this past week after being down fot a month.
Both of my devices are showing cable 0:3 as the host.
captaincelluloid 10-09-09, 01:02 PM I have had issues with the DD audio levels on WGRZ "pumping"
ever since the infamous analog shut-off.
I define "pumping" as the levels of all the other channels
being variably compressed / gated in INVERSE response to the level of the dialog channel. IE; when there is dialog the volume goes down in the other channels and when there is no dialog [
or the dialog pauses ] the volume in the other channels
increases . . . . and none too subtly.
Some days are worse than others, a few days sound perfect but most days sound bad.
I don't have this issue with ANY other HD / DTV station
or with Blu Ray, HD-DVD or DVD playback.
I am using a Samsung OTA HD receiver and a Lexicon
audio processor.
Has any one else had this problem?
Is it a result of WGRZ's compression for their sub-channels?
Is it a PCIP issue?
I would guess it is an issue with WGRZ's local Dolby
encoder.
Granted my audio processor is ten years old but
this doesn't seem like a problem on my end.
Any thoughts?
thanks,
-30-
rjtdiver 10-12-09, 09:00 AM I lost my clear QAM HD WGRZ last week and cant find it again. I have tried rescanning but can only find SD WGRZ. Has anyone else had the same problem .. or is this something specific to my tuner capabilities?
videobruce 10-12-09, 12:17 PM I noticed that the other night. 93.2 was there, 93.1 wasn't.
Anyway, it's back up again.
BTW, RF channel 112, Music Plus services are missing.
I am new to this forum and HDTV. I now have a Samsung 32inch 720 that I have hooked up to just standard cable, no cable box. The picture is fine on all channels. I realize that I am not getting HD service, but we are happy with the picture. We want to purchase this tv,Samsung LN46B650 46" 1080p LCD HDTV, for another room but understand that it will look awful with out getting a TWC box. I called TWC today inquiring about this and they said I will have to rent their box to receive HD. My question is, I was under the impression that you could just up grade to HD cable without renting their box and this would receive HD service and take care of the picture issue. But they are telling me I have to rent their box. I understand all the other features of renting the box, extra channels, DVR ect, but I am not interested in any of that, just a quality picture. Can someone please tell me if I am wrong about this and explain how this works?
Thank You
NEWBE IN ELMA
rjtdiver 10-12-09, 08:25 PM VideoBruce - thanks - must be my tuner or something wrong with my TWC - I still can get it tuned in. anyone else in TWC Suburban having this trouble?
Thanks.
Can someone please tell me if I am wrong about this and explain how this works?
You need a TV w/ a Qam capable tuner. Look up the manual or specs online for the set you're lookking at. If your set has one just plug in the cable and you're good to go. Keep in mind the channel scan will most likely take a while and the HD channels you will get are limited to mostly locals - 2,4,7 etc all on different channels like 92.1, 93.1 etc ( and they can change whenever TWC sees fit) , sabres games and a few other random stations including music choice channels.
videobruce 10-13-09, 11:34 AM rjtdiver; reread my post. The same thing happened here. ;)but understand that it will look awful with out getting a TWC box.Whom from TWC told you that one?? :p
If they were referring to their analog channels with digital noise injected into every channel, especially in the upper 40's and lower 50's (at least here), they have a point. But they are telling me I have to rent their box.It's called their 'cash cow'. ;)
usaff4; BTW, welcome to the forums and I have the 32" version that can't ID those services on RF channel 92 as posted above.
Thanks for all the advice, I think I will buy the tv and connect it to the basic cable I am now using to see how it looks. If I have problems I will then get a box from twc. The specs says it has a built-in QAM cable TV tuner. The 32inch Samsung I have now does pick up a few HD channels but they seem to always be in different places.
Viedobruce, Whom from TWC told you that one?? If you want the persons name and extension at TW that I spoke to I have it.
Thanks again
cwoody222 10-16-09, 08:20 PM 92.9 Chris, one of the preview channels. If you can't directly tune it, try a full rescan. As I have posted, the 92's PSID data is wrong. Some tuners might not be able to ID those channels. Can you get 92.1 WNLO HD ok?
I still can't find the Sabres.
I can get all the locals.
When I scan I do not get 92.9. When I try to tune it anyway, I get nothing.
I've checked all my channel 0's and everything in the 92 & 93 range for the Sabres and they're not there. I do get Preview on one of my 0's.
Any other suggestions?
I'm trying on 2 TiVo's with the same outcome on each.
I am getting it on 92.2. I scanned before the game and 92.2 did not come up. They used to use a preview channel so I guess it did not become active until the game started. TWC are morons!
cwoody222 10-16-09, 08:57 PM Nope, not on 92.2 here. I just did a re-scan during the game and tried every digital channel I get from 89 - 99. Not there.
Any other ideas?
chuckv64 10-17-09, 03:26 PM Same deal here cwoody. I have a panasonic plasma & get all the other HD stations but no sabres. I also did a scan during the game. Must be our tvs dont recognize that channel.
videobruce 10-17-09, 04:13 PM You have three choices;
1. Get another tuner,
2. Watch it in SD,
or:
3. Pick up the phone and complain with the following question. ;)
"When are they going to correct the corrupted PSIP data on physical channel 92 so we can watch the Sabres without one of youe "cash cow" STB's?"
mrinferno 10-17-09, 07:17 PM anybody getting the game on 92.2 tonight? it was working fine for me last week, went to the game last night so didn't record it. tonight i'm getting 92.2 cannot be decoded.
last time it worked for sure for me was 10/8 for the phoenix game.
videobruce 10-17-09, 07:32 PM 92.1 or 92.2 or take you pick. It is there! Somewhere (over the rainbow). :rolleyes:
Either do a full rescan or,
'Force' the channel by punching in "9-2-.-1-enter" or,
"9-2-.-2-enter" or,
just "9-2-enter",
or choice three above!
The next call goes to the State CATV commission and beleive me, NO utility wants to hear from them!
mrinferno 10-17-09, 08:02 PM yep, know how to tune it, just wasn't working ;-)
did the rescan and manually entering the channels and the usual jazz, just plain wasn't working.
anyways nevermind, it's working now 92.2 on both of my tuners. it started recording properly at 7:04 left in the 1st. maybe TWC was having some issues with the broadcast.
videobruce 10-17-09, 08:22 PM maybe TWC was having some issues with the broadcast.Reread my previous posts.
cwoody222 10-18-09, 10:19 AM I wasn't around yesterday to try mine out during last night's game. Guess I wait till next home game.
mcquillen811 10-20-09, 12:18 PM Has anyone heard this or have any additional information regarding CBC being offered in HD on TWC?
from: http://www.buffalonews.com/sports/story/830153.html
Q: Why doesn't Time Warner carry CBC and therefore HNIC in HD? (Several people asked).
Answer: According to a reliable source, TWC's engineering staff is working on carrying the Canadian stations in HD but it probably won't happen until early next year.
videobruce 10-20-09, 04:34 PM TWC's engineering staff is working on carrying the Canadian stations in HD but it probably won't happen until early next year.I understand they are waiting for a better deal to purchase a 'Terk' antenna. :D
Gotta love all of those 'canned' corporate answers.Q: Will FiOS make a deal to carry CBC any time soon? (Several people asked).
Answer: According to a FiOS spokesman, nothing is new. Translation: Don't hold your breath.Yea, right. Kinda wonder which operator is worse.
cwoody222 10-24-09, 03:12 PM Anyone having trouble with 7-1 this weekend?
My recordings on Thurs evening were crystal clear and then as of last night, I'm barely getting a signal at all.
bwilkins 10-26-09, 09:03 AM 3rd week in a row where the game was a pixelated mess at my end. Everytime the camera angle switched the picture would get messy for a few tenths of a second.
I'm not seeing any of this on Ch2, Ch29 or ESPN games. Just CBS
Anyone else seeing this?
videobruce 10-26-09, 09:36 AM The recordings I have watched ( 10-14 days old) from prime time programs on CBS, during low light scenes have had a huge problem with data loss or high errors. Commercials and high brightness scenes (outdoor) do not have the problem. I'm not home in the evening so I can't say if the problem is TWC, WIVB, CBS or what/where.
I assume what you saw was similar to what I have been seeing.
bwilkins 10-26-09, 11:24 AM Very well could be - I'll have to look closely at that tonight.
I would expect it more on WGRZ with the two subchannels, but not on WIVB (zero subchannels if I remember correctly).
videobruce 10-26-09, 11:37 AM Where/when I see what I see is only under darker scene situations, night shots, darker interior shots. Broad daylight it's fine.
I see what appears as the digital equivalent of analog ghosting similar when an airplane passes overhead on a analog station, not your usual 'cliff effect' digital artifact breakup.
You might of seen something different. It's hard to describe.
captaincelluloid 10-26-09, 12:39 PM The recordings I have watched ( 10-14 days old) from prime time programs on CBS, during low light scenes have had a huge problem with data loss or high errors. Commercials and high brightness scenes (outdoor) do not have the problem. I'm not home in the evening so I can't say if the problem is TWC, WIVB, CBS or what/where.
I assume what you saw was similar to what I have been seeing.
I see the same artifacts on WIVB-HD . . . . I use an OTA receiver and live 6 miles from the WIVB transmitter.
I have also noticed that the problem seems worse
during the week and better on the weekends.
I have called WIVB to complain and have gotten nowhere.
Any suggestions as to whom to complain to?
videobruce 10-26-09, 02:35 PM I'll ask my one my birdies.
ajc1616 10-28-09, 09:37 PM On Fios I wasn't able to get Rick and Harry following the instructions on the sabres website enabling SAP. Did D* subscribers have any luck in getting Rick and Harry?
philherz 10-28-09, 10:09 PM On Fios I wasn't able to get Rick and Harry following the instructions on the sabres website enabling SAP. Did D* subscribers have any luck in getting Rick and Harry?
Sure did!! I was flipping between channels between periods a lot, but I don't think we had them then.
i could not find the HD feed of the game on direct. I got it on 637 and 638 both in sd. On the -1 hd channels i got the directv screen. I even have center ice and did not find it on there either. Did u guys get the HD feed of the game?
philherz 10-29-09, 10:16 AM i could not find the HD feed of the game on direct. I got it on 637 and 638 both in sd. On the -1 hd channels i got the directv screen. I even have center ice and did not find it on there either. Did u guys get the HD feed of the game?
Same here!
I did a menu search for Sabres and D* directed me to 770 (??) (Center Ice??), but that was also SD.....
mosuavea 10-31-09, 03:31 PM Afternoon everyone.
Every time I do a scan on my Samsung HLS5087, I do not get any of the sub channels referenced in this thread for in the clear TWC channels. I have tried all 3 variations of the scan (STD/HRC/IRC) with no luck.
Something I am doing wrong? Any help is appreciated.
videobruce 10-31-09, 03:55 PM STD/HRC/IRC have nothing to do with digital QAM channels. Only analog. Do you have another HDTV tuner or a SDTV CECB you could try, or access to one?
mosuavea 10-31-09, 04:34 PM STD/HRC/IRC have nothing to do with digital QAM channels. Only analog. Do you have another HDTV tuner or a SDTV CECB you could try, or access to one?
Yeah, give me a few and I can switch the computers and update you.
rlind50688 10-31-09, 11:14 PM The Samsung HL-S5087, does not have a QAM tuner, according to the manual.
videobruce 11-01-09, 01:25 AM The 5088 (which was the step up model) had the QAM tuner, CC slot, TVGOS & 1394 ports (the reasons I didn't get the cheaper 5087). I forgot about the two versions since I owned a 5088.
Get a PrimeDTV PHD-205 (used, if you can find one);
http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=638769
or a Centronics ZAT 502;
http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=1136626
I can't beleive what I just heard from two different customer service reps. I called to see what HD channel the Sabres game is on in Fredonia for my son. The first rep says since he doesn't have a box and the HD QAM channels are not in their published channel list, he couldn't discuss them. At first he denied they even existed. The student appartment complex lists all them in their rental contract paperwork with no mention of the Sabres HD availability.
The second rep again claimed to have no idea what I was talking about concerning the HD locals with basic and standard packages. He said I must be getting them OTA since my TV has an HD tuner, even though no external antenna exists. Must be a magic signal or something.
Three weeks ago I sent an email to their customer affairs person concerning their lack of advertising these channels and never heard back. Just proves what I said in an above post that they want everyone to beleive you need a box and digital cable. I have filed a complaint with the FCC.
philherz 11-02-09, 05:23 PM I can't beleive what I just heard from two different customer service reps. I called to see what HD channel the Sabres game is on in Fredonia for my son. The first rep says since he doesn't have a box and the HD QAM channels are not in their published channel list, he couldn't discuss them. At first he denied they even existed. The student appartment complex lists all them in their rental contract paperwork with no mention of the Sabres HD availability.
The second rep again claimed to have no idea what I was talking about concerning the HD locals with basic and standard packages. He said I must be getting them OTA since my TV has an HD tuner, even though no external antenna exists. Must be a magic signal or something.
Three weeks ago I sent an email to their customer affairs person concerning their lack of advertising these channels and never heard back. Just proves what I said in an above post that they want everyone to beleive you need a box and digital cable. I have filed a complaint with the FCC.
My parents have the $9+ basic cable deal and don't get any QAM channels, so I called TW and was told they needed the $30 package (without a box) to get the local HDs.
I have friends with the same package who get lots of unencrypted digital channels for the same $9+, so who knows!!
They stick with their OTA antenna and seem happy enough.......
videobruce 11-03-09, 08:42 AM I can't beleive what I just heard from two different customer service reps. I can. Call up a third and you will get another story.
Filing with the FCC won't do any good. It's not their department. All they care about is signal leakage (for the most part). Contact your town and the state PSC. While your at it add the AGs' office to the list for deceptive advertising: "Free HD"!
Trust me, NO utility wants a call from the PSC and/or CATV commission. ;)
http://www.dps.state.ny.us/cablergt.html
philherz; Your parents have a low pass trap installed, your friends don't.
philherz 11-03-09, 10:40 AM philherz; Your parents have a low pass trap installed, your friends don't.
That makes sense...they live in an apartment complex!!!!
Can I ask TW to remove the filter???
videobruce 11-03-09, 11:10 AM Sure, they will just charge them the standard service rate.
If you have an HD TV with an HD tuner the only way you get the HD locals without a cable box is if the TV also has a QAM tuner. Check your TV specs to see if QAM is listed. Most have it now but a couple years ago not all did.
philherz 11-03-09, 03:16 PM philherz; Your parents have a low pass trap installed, your friends don't.
If you have an HD TV with an HD tuner the only way you get the HD locals without a cable box is if the TV also has a QAM tuner. Check your TV specs to see if QAM is listed. Most have it now but a couple years ago not all did.
I have a friend with the "lifeline" (bargain....NO box) $9+ TW subscription who gets lots of digital/HD thru his cable.
Wish my parents didn't have that filter!!!
bwilkins 11-08-09, 06:46 AM I see the same artifacts on WIVB-HD . . . . I use an OTA receiver and live 6 miles from the WIVB transmitter.
I have also noticed that the problem seems worse
during the week and better on the weekends.
I have called WIVB to complain and have gotten nowhere.
Any suggestions as to whom to complain to?
Another part of the country is seeing the same breakups I do when watching football (with screencaps)
http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?p=17496244&posted=1#post17496244
videobruce 11-13-09, 01:40 PM FWIW, it appears that TWC might have the channel 92 issue partially corrected. Anyone having problems with ID'ing that RF channel, should try it again. The problematic Samsung tuner that couldn't find the channel now has.
cwoody222 11-14-09, 04:50 PM Time Warner Cable's ads state that some services require the lease of a STB. "Free HD" is one such service.
Their advertising is no more false or misleading than 99% of company's ads in the US.
Does it suck? Sure. But neither the FCC or your state/town is going to care. There are a LOT more important things for them to worry about.
On another topic, I still cannot find the Sabres HD games on my tuner. I've checked EVERY digital channel that comes in. No Sabres :(
videobruce 11-15-09, 09:30 AM I have told you what to do. Contact the States AG office and the CATV commission. Provide copies of the ads, and copies of their "conditions" (fine print). Both easy to obtain and mail them in with the complaint forum.
You don't have to check every channel. It is on either 92.1 or 92.2 depending on the tuner. There is a possibility it might be ID'ed as channel '0'. If a complete rescan doesn't do it, there is nothing you can do other than the above and/or getting another tuner.
A different example. On a older HP/Sharp LCD set, the tuner can not ID 93.1 (WGRZ HD) even after a rescan, It does ID 93.2 thru 93.4, but not the main channel. It does ID 92, but WNLO and their Preview/Sabres home games channels both get ID'ed as 92.1 :rolleyes:
rjtdiver 11-16-09, 11:10 AM VideoBruce - apparently I have one of the older Sharp tv's which as you stated cannot id 93.1 but can id 93.2-4. Is there any way for me to force the tv to tune in WGRZ HD - which is apparently located on 93.1?
videobruce 11-16-09, 12:15 PM I tried a complete rescan and entering in just 93 and then 93.1, but nothing worked. 93.1 was not in the list of channels. The other 93's were. TWCs' PSIP are faulty. Call and complain, but don't let them tell you about using their damn STBs'.
Anyone else in buff getting cbc and cblft strong tonight?
mine is coming in at 90%. I average 75-80% ever since the analog shutdown. Prior to that i was averaging 70%. I check the signal 2-3 times a week.
Can u get CTV- I had it for a minute then it dropped out again - cblft is coming in for me at almost 50%!
i stopped trying for ctv a while ago. Even on nights that cbc came in at 100% i as never able to pull in ctv. On those nights i was able to get omni and omni 2 but never ever have a gotten ctv. I am just happy with cbc for the hockey games.
cwoody222 11-18-09, 07:53 PM Just discovered if I punch in 92 with no subchannel I get WNLO just like when I use 92-1.
So I guess my tuner is like that other example.
I've tried all my Zero's too.
Weird since it worked last season.
chuckv64 11-18-09, 10:24 PM Is wgrz hd still on 93-1. I was getting it fine until a day or 2 ago now it is gone. A complete rescan does not get it back.
videobruce 11-20-09, 11:03 AM Apparently TWC is playing around with their SPIP on some of the unencrypted OTA stations (still). Yesterday morning I discovered that WNED and WKBW that are on physical channel 113.1 and 113.3 respectively, are being id'ed as 17.1 and 7.1 on some of my tuners. :eek: Only those two so far.
WGRZ, 93.1 which disappeared a few days ago on some tuners has reappeared.
(I was kidding about the exciting part. :o )
Regarding Canadian reception; 17 months and counting. ;)
chuckv64 11-21-09, 09:48 AM yeah wgrz has returned for me. Wish they could stop screwing around with them for awhile.
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