Originally posted by New Cable Guy
By the way, dsspredator, I'm using that antenna you posted in my attic. Its quite directional but doesn't have as much gain as my combo antenna.

NCG: What do you use that antenna for DT or TV?

I picked up the antenna last night in Niagara Falls NY
for $25. I'll put it together over the weekend and post my results.
All I really want is to see 33.1 again.

Hmm, is something up with WIVB CBS today? It seems to be coming in *really* strong. Doubt it's atmospheric since WGRZ NBC is barely causing a blip (but that happens all the time, yet often comes in during prime time - I wonder if they're changing power levels depending on the time of day or something, seems very consistant to a be coincidence).

Usually both WIVB and WKBW come in with identical signal strength. I have yet to lose their signal. WGRZ which has always been consistent at my location actually dropped off the other day for a few hours in heavy fog. First time I lost it completely. Although this time of year their is a condition that occurs over Lake Ontario for a couple of weeks that causes UHF signals to diminish. I beleive thats whats happened. WGRZ has been quite good for the last few days here at 8 bars, and I even picked up WNYO-DT for an hour straight the other day, although I dont expect to get this one on any consistent basis until they get an increase in power, would be nice though. WXXI-DT seems to come in quite regularly now especially if I re-aim my antenna towards Rochester, although I usually have it in another direction. By the way Daniel, are you aware that WIVB is broadcasting from both transmitters for ch-32 and 39 for now. We all know ch-32 has an incredibly strong signal in the GTA at 1000KW. Maybe this is what you've been tuned to. I've also noticed the problem with WIVB on CSI has been fixed. It doesn't breakup anymore during special effects scenes like it used to, although they do seem to have an ongoing audio problem here and their but never during HD programming.

OK, now this is weird. On my SIR-T165, I have had *two* pairs of channel 39's for some time. Which I figured was caused by some slightly improper mapping when 32 started having problems and it was redirecting everything over to 39 (being that 39 also owns 32). A while ago one of the 39's went dead, but recently they're both active again.

Today, the two are behaving differently. They both have the exact same programming, but one of them is coming in stronger than the other. By that I mean I can turn my antenna to the point where one of the 39's drops out, then dial in the other and it comes in strong.

I wonder if they're testing 32's transmitter by remapping it to 39 and broadcasting CBS on it (even HD). Thus the weaker one is likely the "real" CBS (I'm 90 miles away from it) and the stronger one is UPN. Of course, with all this remapping going on it's hard to know exactly what's happening... but...

Yesterday's CSI came in excellent for me - except for one pixelation near the beginning, everything was utterly perfect including all grainy "flashback" scenes that normally cause all sorts of problems. I wasn't paying attention to which of the 39's I was using, so I wonder if I was *really* catching the UPN version...

OK, now that's just freaky!


At any rate, NBC never comes in good for me compared to CBS. Others around here have noticed a similar problem: all they can get is the reception light blinking on the front.

Then for me at least, at some point, usually around 8-9 PM, suddenly *boom* everything works perfectly. It's like a hard cutoff, not a gradual fade. Now, I am 87 miles away and as far as I know they're still not broadcasting full power... so I just live with it.

Franky, I wouldn't mind at all if they broadcast CBS from UPN and UPN from CBS - but that's just because the UPN transmitter comes in so stronger!

I'm having a problem receiving WUTV HD 29-1. I live in St. Catharines near Lake Ontario. I can get any channel worth watching from New York State (only after adding a quality Channel Master pre-amp) including WUTV SD 29-2. WUTV HD however comes in with the top 2/3 of the picture with a green pixalating
overlay that appears almost like a wraparound picture. The signal is very strong. My OTA receiver is an LG LST 3510A. I e-mailed the station's engineer who had no idea what was causing the problem. Any thoughts?

Daniel,

WIVB said something about "doing some testing" Wednesday night so chan 39.1 -- WIVB tower in Colden ie CBS HD -- was doing color bars.

They said 39.1 would be back Thursday night -- and it was and CSI did look good altho there were a few bursts on micro-blocking and a couple freeze ups on my SIR-T 165.

They also said if 39.1 was not on that the CBS-HD signal would be on the WNLO tower on Grand Island. Not sure about the mapping ie what channel.

WNLO is waiting on a "new satellite receiver" from UPN for HD.

That's all I got.

Very confusing.

Also heard that WKBW is getting "a new part" next week that is supposed to bring
HD "soon."

We'll see.

I was also getting some very strong signals today, as high as 18.5 dB on WIVB and even getting 16.5 dB on WKBW which I would have thought impossible.

Then in the evening, everything turned back to normal.:(

Yes, WIVB-DT is definitely broadcasting from both transmitters and both map as 39.1, thats what accounts for the difference in signal strength from one to the other. I'm not sure how long they will continue it this way. The other day, on Thursday it was remapped to 32.1 with the better quality WNLO their, but that was only for a couple of hours.

Is it just me or is there no audio on the WIVB channel?

The subchannel has audio, but the main channel has nothing.

Originally posted by daredevil23
Is it just me or is there no audio on the WIVB channel?

Same here. I noticed the problem last before Letterman.

Man, WIVB is always having audio problems with their DTV channel. Its either static in the audio or no audio. Every other day is a problem with them.

Originally posted by New Cable Guy
Man, WIVB is always having audio problems with their DTV channel. Its either static in the audio or no audio. Every other day is a problem with them.

It's getting old isn't it? It is for me...every time I tune to the station it's always something.

Bill

It's getting old isn't it? It is for me...every time I tune to the station it's always something.

Same here they use to be quite reliable but lately its been awful . I wish they could get it straightened out.

Originally posted by dsspredator
Outdoor Antennas for UHF-Only (Channels 14-69)
$23.99
Catalog #: 15-2160


http://www.radioshack.com/images/ProductCatalog/ProductImage/15/15-2160.jpg


Well I hooked this up last night.
About 30 feet above ground with 70-75 feet of RG6.

Early results:
14 9 bars
32 10 bars
38 9 bars
43 10 bars

Nothing but flashing on 33 and 39.
It will need some adjustments.

OK, there has been a lot of confusing posts about whats up and what isn't. Lets try to set up what we know.
Here's my questions - does anybody have hard facts?

Channel 4 --- on channel 39 along with channel 23

channel 7 --- no HD yet, expected by ????

channel 23 ---- is it digital 32? When I try 32 my receiver automatically goes to 39. Is 23 (32?) going to go HD? I saw Star Trek was supposed to be HD last night.

channel 29 ---- Any time frame for the enhanced wide screen?

Canadian channels ---- Is anyone in US receiving any of them? What channels and times??

Updated question;

Anyone using a HTPC in this area?

Well you've got one choice for dxing Canadian digital at the moment, and that's Toronto1 on channel 66. Since I was getting T1 at 16 dB signal strenght today, the channel seems to be on most hours of the day.

BTW, I'm about 43 miles away from the CN Tower transmitter.

Anyone in the area have the new HR10-250 HD DTivo? I am having OTA scanning issues.

I haven't received any signal from channel 7 in a couple of days. test signal strength and it's at 100. Anyone else having difficulty receiving channel 7?

This morning:

38.1 9 bars

I still can not lock on 33.1. I have not locked a signal in over a month.

I note with affectionate irony -- as my mother is Canadian -- that we get many helpful tips from our friends in Canada.

This is good.

Looks like the Government of Canada is Under Successful in keeping it's citizens from watching the Evil US Media.

Now if GOC would only let our stations stations broadcast in FULL POWER.

I haven't had any problems in Lockport with channel 7 (mine is mapped to 7-1 and 2) or 33 for a long time., except for channel 7's crappy picture!

All have been quite good here.

WKBW-DT has had sporadic problems with their transmitter over the last few days causing breakup of the picture every 30-60 seconds, but its mild, still a watchable picture. They were supposed to get a loner part to fix the problem as of today.

The problem seems to have been fixed overnight Thursday night. Friday morning, WKBW DT coming in very well in Toronto for the first time in nearly a week. Citytv HD was off the air for a few days this week. Station management didn't know of the problem till I reported it. It's back on, for those looking for the signal. Power increase to 1200 watts approved. Remember they are transmitting from about 1,700 foot tower on the edge of Lake Ontario. Although the antenna is directional, should be plenty of opportunities to view Citytv this summer during "tropospheric" ducting.

WUTV

Anyone getting audio on 29.1? It's fine well, loud on 29.2 but there is no audio present for me on 29.1. Seems every Sunday something goes screwy with 29.1, last Sunday there was no picture just audio. Now we have the rerverse since the begginning of the week.

Originally posted by tvguy073
Power increase to 1200 watts approved. Remember they are transmitting from about 1,700 foot tower on the edge of Lake Ontario. Although the antenna is directional, should be plenty of opportunities to view Citytv this summer during "tropospheric" ducting.


But, the power increase has NOT been approved by Industry Canada yet!

I still can't get a signal from 7-1....anybody else having issues?

Originally posted by moose01572
I still can't get a signal from 7-1....anybody else having issues?

Last time 7-1 worked for me was Tuesday night.
33-1 Has been real sporatic this week for me, although it did start coming in again late last night.

It'd be nice to have an evening with good weather soon. :D

Using a Hughes E-86 and a Zenith Silver Sensor, I can't get anything over a 20 signal strentgh...

Anyone know if they're working on their signal in upgrading to HDTV?

All the Buffalo DTV stations are now coming in fine at my location with the exception of WNYO-DT because of its extreme low power situation.

Re: The WNYO situation.

Since both stations are owned by the same company, any chance of WUTV using its secondary channel to broadcast WNYO and using WNYO's secondary channel to broadcast WUTV. Similar to what WIVB and WNLO are doing?

I'm in Mississauga, ON and I have no trouble receiving HDTV with a small indoor antenna. The analog version, however, has some crappy ghosting and it also picks up some interference from channel 44 (Omni.2 in Toronto).

You have a good point about the secondary channel being used the same way WIVB does with WNLO. I've spoken to the engineering guy at WUTV and he was quite pleasant to talk to. Maybe I'll call them and make that suggestion.

Has anyone spoken to WIVB as to why they are stretching their standard definition material? Is this a short-term situation, or are they doing it for good?

Does anyone really prefer it this way?

Ron

I like it the way it was.It was a nice detailed picture.
Now it just short of crap :)

Originally posted by jeneral
Re: The WNYO situation.

Since both stations are owned by the same company, any chance of WUTV using its secondary channel to broadcast WNYO and using WNYO's secondary channel to broadcast WUTV. Similar to what WIVB and WNLO are doing?

That is a great idea. WUTV are you listening? Put WB49 on 29.2.

Having 29.1 and 29.2 with the same programing is a waste.

The only problem with WYNO on the sub channels is that we all know it will look crappy PQ wise. They always highly compress those sub-channels. Analog WNYO comes in picture perfect.

Here's some recent experiences...

WIVB CBS 39 (89 miles): Typically I can get this just fine, although certain conditions seem to cause problems. I do not like the current stretching of local analog content. The CBS network feed doesn't do that, so why should they? And it's still poor quality compared to something like Fox's stellar upconversion. Audio issues: staticy or drops out, fortunantly rarely during actual HDTV programming. Often gets stuck in 5.1 mode for non-5.1 programs.

WNLO UPN 32 (60 miles): Which I why I love the current CBS rebroadcast on UPN's transmitter - it comes it absolutely 100% perfectly. So, when there's the standard CBS breakups I know for sure it's in the source and has nothing to do with me.

WGRZ NBC 33 (87 miles): Due to its low power output, this one is spotty. But suspiciously spotty: it either comes in not at all (not even poorly) or 100% solid. I still wonder if they vary power output. Analog upconversion about on par with CBS, but I do not like the grey bars added to local analog content (the NBC analog feed is black, so why are they grey?).

WKBW ABC 38 (90 miles): Depite being the furthest station away from me, this one comes it rock solid. But since there's no HDTV content and a stretched analog format that's even worse than NBC/CBS's quality, I haven't watched much. Looking forward to HDTV, however.

WUTV FOX 14 (60 miles): As mentioned, the best analog upconversion of any Toronto or Buffalo station. Betters my 60" Wega's cable upconversion in color (expected) and detail (something I haven't seen before). No problems with signal strength, but they have been having audio problems - namely no audio at times.

WNED PBS 43 (60 miles): What can I say? 24x7 HDTV, great signal strength, no audio problems or picture breakups in the past few months. What's not to like?

CITY 53 (15 miles): With their recent slight power increase, I pretty much can't NOT get this. Analog upconversion better than most, but not as good as Fox. Good detail, but some flickering on fine lines. They've been having some problems keeping on the air in the past week or two, but it seems to be working fine now.

CKXT 66 (15 miles): Haven't actually watched any HDTV on it yet, but reception seems OK. Analog upconversion similar in quality to City. When this station first came on the air, it typically caused my SIR-T165 receiver to reboot. Doesn't do that now.

WNYO WB 34 (85 miles): WB transmission? What WB tranmission? I can get the analog 49 version just fine, but with their HDTV's incredibly low power output I may as well be trying to get Orlando.


Also, I was wondering if anyone had any ideas on station's actual power output. According to info in the FCC database (not always accurate I guess):

14: 35kW (1000kW application)
32: 1000kW
33: 240kW (480kW allowed)
34: 0.65kW (167kW application)
38: 358kW (723kW allowed)
39: 790kW
43: 156kW
53: 0.9kW
66: 2.81kW

Originally posted by Daniel Tonks
WGRZ NBC 33 (87 miles): Due to its low power output, this one is spotty. But suspiciously spotty: it either comes in not at all (not even poorly) or 100% solid. I still wonder if they vary power output. Analog upconversion about on par with CBS, but I do not like the grey bars added to local analog content (the NBC analog feed is black, so why are they grey?).

This is done because grey side bars cause less burn in on phosphor displays, this also includes plasmas.

Anyone in the Buffalo area with a MYHD card? I don't get audio on 29.1 but if I record the transport stream and play it back audio is there. I've tested with a panasonic set top box and audio works fine on 29.1 so it must be a problem with the MYHD card. I'm using the SPDIF connector directly to my receiver, all over stations work fine including 29.2. When I record 29.1 is it playing back the audio stream from 29.2 or something?

WKBW tv 7-1:

I,m still having problems getting this station to lock. The signal is jumping all over the place and up until about 1 week ago it has been perfect. My stb is a Hughes E86. I,m approx. 60 miles from the trnsmitter.

Originally posted by Macros
Anyone in the Buffalo area with a MYHD card? I don't get audio on 29.1 but if I record the transport stream and play it back audio is there. I've tested with a panasonic set top box and audio works fine on 29.1 so it must be a problem with the MYHD card. I'm using the SPDIF connector directly to my receiver, all over stations work fine including 29.2. When I record 29.1 is it playing back the audio stream from 29.2 or something? I asked that question twice here and go no response.

You should use the true channel number. Do you mean DTV ch14? Their 14-1 has no audio, but their 14-2 does! I noticed this a few days ago, but since I don't watch that or the 49 clone it wasn't a issue. Uncheck that virtual channel mode since it is only confusing and surely not accurate. You shouldn't call a Buick a Chevy even if they are from the same parent company.

WNED PBS 43 (60 miles): What can I say? 24x7 HDTV, great signal strength, no audio problems or picture breakups in the past few months. What's not to like?Amen.................
How can we get the others to follow suite?? WNYO WB 34 (85 miles): WB transmission? What WB tranmission? I can get the analog 49 version just fine, but with their HDTV's incredibly low power output I may as well be trying to get Orlando.WB= trash TV for kids!

You should use the true channel number. Do you mean DTV ch14? Their 14-1 has no audio, but their 14-2 does! I noticed this a few days ago, but since I don't watch that or the 49 clone it wasn't a issue. Uncheck that virtual channel mode since it is only confusing and surely not accurate. You shouldn't call a Buick a Chevy even if they are from the same parent company.

Yes, I'm talking about 14-1 having no audio. If I disable virtual channel mode with MYHD then I have to manually select the sub-channels which is tedious.

Same programming on both. Changing sub channels involves 3 more clicks (if you don't hit the damn esc button by accident as I always do).
When the analog stations are finally off the air will you be still referring to the DTV channels as ch 29, 49 etc??

What monitor is it hooked up to and do you haver the daughterboard?

When the analog stations are finally off the air will you be still referring to the DTV channels as ch 29, 49 etc??

Probably, as long as stations continue to use the same Virtual Channel Table (VCT) data in the PSIP. Besides, I'm from Canada our analog stations are never going away apparently. :)

I'm using a 38" 4:3 presentation monitor right now without the dvi daughter board since all my display devices are analog at the moment.

Can you pick up the stations out in the Boston Hills 30 miles SSE of the city?
How about this DTV ch15 out of Hamilton, can you get that? Does analog ch 15 off that foreign country of Grand Island interfere?

I bet your analog channels will eventually.

Originally posted by Macros
Yes, I'm talking about 14-1 having no audio. If I disable virtual channel mode with MYHD then I have to manually select the sub-channels which is tedious.

14-1 has audio for me.

Can you pick up the stations out in the Boston Hills 30 miles SSE of the city? How about this DTV ch15 out of Hamilton, can you get that? Does analog ch 15 off that foreign country of Grand Island interfere?


My reception is limited to Buffalo and Toronto. I get nothing on DTV 15, I guess the religious analogue station is interfereing. The same content is on DTV 66-1(Toronto 1) from the CN tower.

There are no xmitters in the city of Buffalo. The stations I was referring to are the 3 SSE of Buffalo in the Boston Hills (2,4 & 7).

I can't for the life of me understand how/why ANYONE would allocate two channels 15 miles apart (ch 15)????

I can barely pick up ch 57 where I am. Not enough to watch, but enough to ID the station. That is the weakest out of Toronto for me.
Ch 41 & 47 come in fine as does ch 19 EXCEPT for the Grand Island problem (17, 23 & 29) since I'm right in the fireing line! I know those are grteat for you guys, but a major problem here!

I was hoping to get ch 15 because of the distance since I doubt I would ever get 66.

These others are up yet; 20, 24, 35, 40, 63 & 64?

Originally posted by daredevil23
This is done because grey side bars cause less burn in on phosphor displays, this also includes plasmas.

Actually, at the light level of grey they're broadcasting, it's more likely to cause ACCELERATED burn-in in the bar region. If they were really concerned about burn-in, they'd get rid of the bug.

20 - CBC DT, not up.
24 - CBC French DT, not up.
35 - Crossroads DT, not up.
40 - CTV DT, not up.
63 - ??
64 - ??


Channel 57 is only 280kW and directional, while 41 is 1475kW and 47 is 1138kW, both non-directional. Channel 19 is 1080kW and says its directional.

That ch-15 thing is weird. I cant get anything Digital on ch-15 but I can get the Grand Island analog ch-15 which is much farther away. I suspect the Hamilton ch-15 is extremely low power and has a directional antenna. Their is also a ch-45 in Hamilton which is the analog transmitter of Toronto1 and its also not receivable in Toronto, although I sometimes get the Digital ch-45 out of Rochester.

By the way can any of you in Buffalo get ch-55 out of Ft. Erie which is Global?

Originally posted by New Cable Guy
By the way can any of you in Buffalo get ch-55 out of Ft. Erie which is Global? Comes in fine here, but I'm only 4 miles from the river. Are you sure the xmitter is out of Ft Erie?? Just because the license says Ft Erie, doesn't mean that is where it is!

What is the output of 45 and where is the xmitter. I can't get it at all.
What is this Crossroads DT?
What is 19's directional pattern?
Is there Canadian equilivent of Antenna Web since they don't want to list Canadian stations?

When ch 17 moved over to that foreign country of Grand Island (never knew what was so 'Grand' about it) one reason was to 'block' channel 19's reception so they could get more $$ from donations. Can't donate to a station you can't receive. Unless you live out in Clarance or further east, 19 is really tough with 17 12 MHz away and a field strenght of 30 to 40 db as compared to 19's -5db or so!

BTW, ch 63 was in error.

Anyone notice any difference with 14-1 (still no audio)?

For some reason I can watch it in 1024x768 where before I had to use 800x600 using a MyHD tuner card and a DVI connection. Something was changed.

I haven't had this station since last tuesday. Anybody else having difficulty?What's up ?

channel 7-1:

Me to moose01572, it hasn't been coming in for a week now. It use to be excellent all the time. Someone here on an earlier post I think mentioned about a oscillator part or something malfunctioning ?

Originally posted by videobruce
Anyone notice any difference with 14-1 (still no audio)?

For some reason I can watch it in 1024x768 where before I had to use 800x600 using a MyHD tuner card and a DVI connection. Something was changed.

As of right now. perfect audio on 14-1 and 14-2. 90+ signal on 7-1 and perfect picture and sound. I am 50 miles from the transmitters and having no issues.

Originally posted by videobruce
What is this Crossroads DT?

A Canadian mostly religious network that recently started up broadcasting on TV as "family friendly TV". A sample of their non-religious programming includes Mr. Belvedere, Major Dad, The Wonder Years, Dr. Quinn, Touched by an Angel, Charles in Charge, Growing Pains, The Muppet Show and Happy Days.

To be honest, I'm not sure WHY the CRTC gave them a HDTV license... maybe no one else asked.


What is 19's directional pattern?
No idea... FCC doesn't have it on file.


Is there Canadian equilivent of Antenna Web since they don't want to list Canadian stations?
No, but I seem to recall SOMETHING new mentioned somewhere in the past month that Canadians could use... but I can't remember it for the life of me.

I doubt the FCC has anything on Canadian stations. How about the Canadian equilivent (can't think what it is)?

BTW, 14-1 still has no audio here. 14-2 does. Anyone else confirm/deny this?

Originally posted by videobruce
I doubt the FCC has anything on Canadian stations.

Actually the FCC does have info on Canadian stations.
Go to the FCC site and type in call letters like CFTO or CKDX
and they will provide the same info as US stations.

Or you can enter Toronto or Hamilton and ALL stations will be listed.

Originally posted by videobruce
I doubt the FCC has anything on Canadian stations. How about the Canadian equilivent (can't think what it is)?

BTW, 14-1 still has no audio here. 14-2 does. Anyone else confirm/deny this?

Are you checking at night? It HAS audio at night. Don't you believe me? :)

It doesn't here!
I'm checking now!

Originally posted by videobruce
It doesn't here!
I'm checking now!

I am at work now, but I called the wife to check and 14-1, FOX29 still has audio. It was the Maury Povich show, pillar boxed. The signal was breaking up every once in a while. Lower power during the day??? Still was working though. Have you tried both DD and PCM audio output on your SAT receiver? My old Samsung TS160 had a toggle in the menu for it.


BTW, here is what I am testing with-

HR10-250 D* Receiver, optical connection, Denon 3802 AV receiver

Are you sure you are tuned to 14-1 not 14-2 since 14-2 does have audio??

I have a HTPC and using MyHD.
I'll look into the audio settings, but 14-2 does have audio and they are bith SD material so I don't understand why you heasr it and I don't. All other channels; SD & HD ATSC and NTSC are good! I checked all the settings in the program and my audio control panel, but still nothing. I'm using analod audio out from the PC. The station has a problem, it just doesn't affect your setup with a STB and digital out I guess.

Anyone else NOT receiving audio on 14-1?

To change the subject:

For all you guys that are waiting for WKBW to go HD, they are waiting for the HD receiver from ABC. ABC promised the station by May 3rd that they would have the unit. The unit is made by Tanberg (not sure of the spelling).
This came from the engineering dept. of the station via a 'land line'. The O&O's get the equipment first.

Not sure how far down the list we are................

Originally posted by videobruce
Are you sure you are tuned to 14-1 not 14-2 since 14-2 does have audio??

I have a HTPC and using MyHD.
I'll look into the audio settings, but 14-2 does have audio and they are bith SD material so I don't understand why you heasr it and I don't. All other channels; SD & HD ATSC and NTSC are good! I checked all the settings in the program and my audio control panel, but still nothing. I'm using analod audio out from the PC. The station has a problem, it just doesn't affect your setup with a STB and digital out I guess.

Anyone else NOT receiving audio on 14-1?

I'm positive. I receive both, 14-1 is 16:9 pillar boxed, 14-2 is 4:3. Both have audio. I will switch to analog tonight to see what happens.

I can also confirm that 14-1 and 14-2 are both working, with audio. I just checked it 5 minutes ago (Judge Mathis was on). Maybe you're having software problems.

My setup: Samsung SIR-T151 w/ Radio Shack 15-1880 indoor antenna.


Thanks for the WKBW update Videobruce. Since I can't receive WNYO-DT, I was curious if they're broadcasting HD or just upconverted SD? (I'm a fan of Everwood and Gilmore Girls; both are broadcast in 1080i).


Last I read, CBC-DT (20) was hoping to be up and running by late August. This was in some article/ad supplement in MaClean's magazine.

I'm also not receiving audio on 14-1 either. 14-2 comes in fine, though sound is very statically. I'm running a myHD card too. I get audio on every other channel.

merlock

I just checked, audio on 14-1 and 14-2 is just fine. Using a standalone HDTV receiver.

I can also confirm that 14-1 and 14-2 are both working, with audio. I just checked it 5 minutes ago (Judge Mathis was on). Maybe you're having software problems. Not when ALL other channels are fine including their 2nd sub channel! I don't watch it, but would be nice to know what is going on!

The real question is; why are you guys hearing it?

Here's the link I use to look up Canada TV stations:

http://www.globalserve.net/~hepburnw/dx/tv/tv-can.htm#41

Hope this helps.

Excellent!! Maybe you should send that to AntennaWeb and get them to include Canadian stations for a change since they are reluctant to.

For anyone that cares, I've updated my Toronto/Buffalo channel map at http://www.sunstorm.com/stuff/channels.jpg

I know it's mainly centric on my particular location, but it might be useful to someone.

just thought id let everyone know been very good weather for tropo openings.
just got done watching the 11 pm news on ch-3 syracuse dt ch.54 almost full scale. aslo in was 25 pbs and19 wyst. no interference from toronto analogs
rochester also very strong as well as watertown. looking sw to erie not getting any enhancement. was goin to try for elmira but couldnt remember what dt ch they are on. B.T.W. for those of you able to get wb 49 dt ch 34 your not missing much they're audio is horrible. can anyone else verify this for me??? signal is great but audio is crackly???
anyhow swing your antennas things are out there.
catch ya later /stay cool
Rich

Yes, audio is bad on WNYO-DT. I dont normally receive it, but yesterday morning it was coming in for a few hours and the audio was lousy indeed.
I've also been receiving WXXI-DT quite consistently for about a week now.

Has anyone noticed the PQ on WKBW-DT has improved quite a bit. It looks like they have upgraded something at their end, but I dont know if they are HD ready yet.

WKBW-DT is no longer badly stretching the source on the HDTV channel. The resolution is better but the colours are still terrible. Someone needs to crank up the saturation, everything is muted and dull looking. Maybe that's how the ABC network feed looks? Not pretty.

Is anyone else still not receiving WKBW from Buffalo. Up until a week or so I could receive it no problems with excellent signal. All my other Buffalo stations come in just fine. I have a Hughes E86 stb. with a Delhi antenna (16') on a 30' tower ,preamp and amp? Just wondering if it is just me or is anyone else not receiving. The signal is jumping all over the place.

Have you tried re-directing your antenna. The station has been having some problems with minor breakup every minute or so. They need to install some new part that is on order. I found that this problem affected 1 of my antennas to the point it was unwacthable, but my other more directional antenna has no problems at all receiving it, while both always worked fine. Also check for overload, maybe your signal is too strong for your receiver to handle.

Thanks for the reply New Cable Guy. I've tried moving the antenna all over the place to no avail. Maybe the part they are waiting on has something to do with direction the signal is being sent and where I,m located it could be most effected,don't know just a guess. I,m approx.60 miles due west of the transmitters.

BLT, I'm in the same boat.nothing on wkbw since last tuesday

ABC is still working for me (90 miles). CBS tonight had audio breakups during JAG/Cold Case (what else is new), but at least they were mild and only every 30-60 seconds this time.

moose01572:

Whats your direction from the transmitters?

I now watch WIVB-DT on ch-32 instead of 39 and the PQ doesn't breakup during CSI and other programs, but the audio goes out every now and then which is annoying. They cant seem to get their act together over there.

ABC signal level is acting very flighty, it's running from 0 dB to 8 dB and then back to 0 dB, staying mostly in the zero range.

At least I was getting Fox today without any major problems.

Some of you guys are a lot closer than I am to the transmitters. I cant figure why you are having so much trouble receiving certain stations, becuase I get consistent reception on all but WNYO-DT.

[QUOTE]Originally posted by New Cable Guy
[B]Some of you guys are a lot closer than I am to the transmitters. I cant figure why you are having so much trouble receiving certain stations, becuase I get consistent reception on all but WNYO-DT.

:) all looks great here in Lockport as well. no problems with ch 7???
only complaint I have is City tv in Toronto just aint making it anymore with leaves on the trees!! only when conditions are up or lake enhancement.
ch 49 is always there wb on 34 digital. ch 21 or 16 Rochester is a regular too.
they have a great line up of channels.
sounds like you guys either have receiver problems or your getting multipath or poor signals. B.T.W. does anyone know if ch 31 wuhf from Rochester (fox) had a igital ch up yet???? I've got 8-10-13-21 all in digital but no fox????
take care
Rich Wertman
R.W. Antenna Svc. Inc.
Lockport,N.Y.

Channel 31 is not digital yet.I believe the target is mid June.It will be channel 28 digital.I believe the delay has something to do with a Canada having a channel 28.Not positive but I think I read that somewhere.

Anyone see Motown 45 on WKBW DT last night? Audio was very muddy. I thought it was ABC but switched to ABC Boston via satellite, which had good audio. Watched the repeat on KOMO-DT Seattle (ABC Digital) at 11 pm and audio was very good. Can't Buffalo TV stations get anything right?

Reception problems occur usually due to local geography versus actual distance to the transmitters. Too many tall buildings in the area, and me without a 30 meter tower.

But then again, there is only a 1° difference between NBC and CBS for me and yet one is clear and the other is difficult to receive, so there are some other factors as well. (Low power)

I'm just hoping that once the analogs are shutdown, all the stations revert to their original channel frequencies.

That problem I'm having that someone in Toronto confirmed regarding WUTV 14-1 has not changed; no audio on the main channel, but audio on the sub channel using a MyHD card. 14-2 is fine, but 14-1 is silent.

I talked to a engineer at another station and he says it's in the PISIP data from the station and how the receiver handles it (or doesn't in this case).

The changes would have to be in the registry according to him since he has a Hauppauge tuner card and that was what he had to do.



On another subject; anyone notice 49's DTV audio being very high and distorted?

Guess what ABC fans??????

Guess what station finally got their receiver and is working on installing it as I type this??
This is first hand from the horses mouth (so to speak). I didn't ask when he thought it would be up and running since I didn't want to push my luck with him).



Another little deal. It appears that ALL stations have to have a time delay built into their transmit chain (up tp 10 seconds) to filter any offensive content out (thanks to you know who). Problem is, syncing it to local commericals and radio feeds that don't have a delay.

Folks, Videobruce's news is good. I have had access to HDTV network services from Boston and Seattle for several years 24/7. Over the course of the last 2 years, with the exception of a fire at FOX 25's TX site in Boston, the outages, loss of video, loss of audio carriers, has been very rare. So, what about Buffalo. All I see/hear is sloppy engineering practices, ineptness, lack of good business sense, ordering receivers. Spotty maintenance etc, etc. and always excuses from the broadcasters.

My view, having suffered from WIVB's loss of audio (last night on 60 Minutes tribute to Don HEWITT) is that the problem is "absentee landlord owners". Granite, LINN, Sinclair and other companies, are absentee landlords and really don't care much about Buffalo. I've visited the Seattle stations, and know that several are locally owned and they take pride in 99.999% uptime for their DTV services.

Luckily, I have access via satellite to 2 network feeds in HDTV on at least one of my sets.
Meantime....

SHAME ON ALL OF THE BUFFALO ABSENTEE LANDLORDS.

This really can't be blamed on any company, but on waiting for ABC to send the equipment to the locals when they get it frrom the manufactures. I'm sure they (ABC) wants them to have it since the more stations that have HD the more they can charge for their commerical time.

WKBW had to wait for the larger markets to get their first.

Videobruce, I take your comments in stride. Of course all broadcasters are in business to make money. ABC is no exception. However, with the May 1 2004 dealine looming for so many stations in so many markets, it is rather surprising that ABC, FOX and other networks did not have their act together at least when it came to supplying their affiliates. Why then, did other network affiliates in other markets go on the air, with their HD equipment in place? In the TV industry, there is an old maxim. If you don't order it, and if you don't pay for it, it's not shipped out.

Buffalo is one of a few markets where the absentee landlords kicked and screamed their way into DTV broadcasting. I suggest you look at the FCC files. Some of the excuses that the absentee landlords gave the Commission, for their inability to convert to DTV on time, are interesting.

I've spoken with several station people over the years from Buffalo. Absentee landlord owners did not want to incur expenses "broadcasting to a handful of early adopters", and were particularly concerned about energy costs. That is why several stations in Buffalo (and elsewhere) are not operating at licensed EIRP. They don't want to incur the operating costs.

Having worked in "this industry" for about 36 years, I've met a lot of station owners. They all have one thing in common. The bottom line and avoidance of red-ink.
My earlier comment about Boston and Seattle markets bears some explaining. Not only was Seattle one of the first HD markets, but the stations embraced HD, some producing real HD 16:9 news and local programming. No "dicking" around with missing equipment, or equipment malfunctions. Why did they do it? Because they are in the business of serving the public and selling ad time. Why did they do it "early". In Seattle where high-tech and aerospace has created a lot of "early adopters" they saw the so-called "Microsoft millionaire employees" as a great market of HD adopters and decided to serve them in a real way, with good quality transmissions.

I guess in the "rust belt" the absentee landlords don't have the same economic incentive, or visionary zeal.

As for me, my $9.95 ($7.00 US) a month for Boston and Seattle HD signals is money well spent, because the stations have 5-9's reliability and they care if their equipment malfunctions. They fix it right away.

I think, were NBC to increase their power to the full allowed, my reception of it would come in much more reliably. ABC seems to come in OK already, so if THEY doubled I'm sure it'd be rock solid no matter the weather.

Which makes CBS a puzzle. At double ABC's current output, why do I seem seem to have so many more reception issues with them? Of course, the UPN rebroadcast is great! ;-)

tvguy, how does one have access to distant DTV signals? BUD?

I think Tvguy is getting those stations from Expressvu.

Hooray, WKBW-DT is now Broadcasting in HD!!! Just checked ABC primetime programming and its real HD, yahoo, finally.

Ah, great, now that the SEASON'S OVER! ;-)

There's so little in HD on ABC this week... not even Millionaire.

Originally posted by Daniel Tonks
Ah, great, now that the SEASON'S OVER! ;-)



I'll be looking forward to seeing the final of Alias on Sunday in HD.

I wonder if/when Adelphia will add the channel to their HD lineup...

Hockey is the absolute best sport in HD, the cup finals should be great on ABC!

Why then, did other network affiliates in other markets go on the air, with their HD equipment in place? What size market share? This isn't a large market.
In the TV industry, there is an old maxim. If you don't order it, and if you don't pay for it, it's not shipped out. That's anywhere in any industry.
Absentee landlord owners did not want to incur expenses "broadcasting to a handful of early adopters", and were particularly concerned about energy costs. Xmitter energy costs are a large part of the monthly expense especially with electricity costs so high around here! Remember they are VHF stations that are converting to UHF which means among other things MUCH higher $$ for UHF coverage vs VHF.
Not only was Seattle one of the first HD markets, but the stations embraced HD, some producing real HD 16:9 news and local programming. Again, larger market and the per capital income is greater. IOW; more $$, more of a upscale area.
hey saw the so-called "Microsoft millionaire employees" as a great market of HD adopters Yep, there you go, instant Yuppies!
I guess in the "rust belt" the absentee landlords don't have the same economic incentive, or visionary zeal.Yep, it's also called Suburban Mentality, the same mentality that had thrown my city into the crapper because the Federal, State and County governments don't care because none of the politicians live there!

BTW, I'm NOT sticking up for big business, that what I see for this market. One thing I will say, other than Ch29 and now ch17 with it's new CEO (or whatever he is) the locals really haven't tapped the Canadian market and don't realize the potential that 99% of the other markets don't have. Take Antenna Web. They refuse to recognize Canadian Stations in their maps!

Originally posted by Daniel Tonks
Ah, great, now that the SEASON'S OVER! ;-)

There's so little in HD on ABC this week... not even Millionaire.


Oh well, better late than never. Be thankful you folks in Buffalo have as many HDTV channels as you do. :) Just remind yourself you could be in Rochester (just ABC and WXXI) or someplace even worse.

Hmm, looks like Friday was a bad night for Buffalo HDTV... ABC had a hard time getting locked onto a HD George Lopez (but eventually did) and CBS, while showing Joan in HD as far as I could tell, didn't have Jag for at least the first 15 minutes (and I stopped checking after that).

Folks, these almost daily technical blunders serve to confirm my earlier rant that the absentee landlord owners of the Buffalo stations just don't care (WNED excepted) about the HD-ready viewers. TV stations in Boston, Seattle and other cities have qualified engineers and control room staffs, (just as I assume Buffalo has qualified employees) but Boston and Seattle stations seldom if ever suffer from lost audio, lost video etc. And by the way, Boston HD telecastson the CBS station (WBZ) suffered from a few glitches with their server in the first few months, but these were corrected a long time ago.

Now, after nearly 2 years, WIVB still can't get its HDTV act together.

Doesn't anyone on this board question why? Is it that senior management have not made monitoring of the HD signal a priority, because they don't care about the HD audience. I'd love to hear the "explanation" from the general managers of these Buffalo stations as to why there are so many signal disruptions. Don't tthe GM's or Ops directors review the "trouble log", or doesn't anybody bother to tell them?

In Toronto, Rogers Cablesystems which serves most of Ontario, has remained with the Detroit HD signals brought in by fibre and have not switched to Buffalo signals, despite no-cost over-the-air reception.

For years S. Ontario was the "cash cow" for a number of Buffalo stations. Fox 29 still probably mines a lot of gold from the S. Ontario market. Looks like they will lose this market by default if they don't sharpen up their technical standards fast.

I for one, have lost patience with the chronic signal problems, and will watch HD signals from other markets via satellite, unless there is no alternative.

It's kind of sad. We've been viewers of WIVB since shortly after it signed on, over 50 years ago. We suffered though early B&W, the switch over to color, but I can't remember, in 50 years, chronic, almost daily technical problems with WIVB's signals. It's just bizarre. Right Videobruce?

tvguy073: Gee........I thought I ranted alot!

I work afternoons and don't get to see any network HD material except for PBS and a couple of CBS HD soaps durning the day. I could record some stuff, but there isn't anything I'm remotely interested in untill I get my 'real' HD TV. Not that I sit there and watch 'soaps', but I do pass by and 'scope' over a few minutes of the program, the same with PBS. There is a PBS program once I week I record without too many problems (so far).

Every time I look at WIVB (CBS) I can't remember having or seeing a problem except for CBS's customary 'brown tinge' and low video on their 'soaps' that I can remember back to the 70's or 80's!

If you want to talk abouit poor video, from what I have seen the award has to go to ch49! That cartoon pasty looking smeary video reminds me of a Phony Smearitron from the 60's! It is worse than Direct TV's smear (if such a thing is possible)! I have NEVER seen ANYTHING remotely decent (including the programming itself) from that station! I don't watch that 'kiddy wigger crap' so I don't really care. They could go off the air and it would phase me in the least.

Of all the local stations I have always like ch4 from the 50's on (I use to watch Meet the Millers......showing my age). They have always been a pioneer in one form or another. Other than 'Rocketship 7' and 'AM BUffalo' (which I didn't watch), I can't think of anything else outside of what ch4 produced/broadcast that was outstanding.

Your complaints are just signal related? This is still 'new' and will be problems. HD viewers are a very SMALL audience (so far) which means less attention will be paid to these broadcasts. Give it time...............



On a separate subject;
Anyone on Grand Island or N. Tonawanda get any of the DTV stations out of Toronto?
Anyone in N. Cheektowaga get any of the Rochester DTV stations?

One big problem across the board are the lack of a GOOD signal strength meter. These 'bar graph' are close to useless. Because of the 'cliff effect' and those 'toy' meters you don't know where you are as far as signal.

Looks as I will have to invest in a $600 digital tuning SLM ans sell my analog meter!

Originally posted by pmb1010
I'll be looking forward to seeing the final of Alias on Sunday in HD.




I hope they're wrong.... I went over to titantv, and looked at the listings for Sunday eve. WKBW doesn't have Alias listed in HD for Ch7 digital channel.... CRAP! :mad:

Unless their tower takes another lightning hit -- like Thursday nite --

ALIAS WILL BE IN HIGH DEF ON WKBW

Right now the picture on the HD channel 7-1 is WONDERFUL . . .

. . . when it's coming from the network . . . . it's MUCH less wonderful on local upconverted stuff.

All I've seen in HD on WKBW was a few minutes of GEORGE LOPEZ -- don't get me started -- and it was REAL HD albeit boring sit-com FLAT LIGHTING.

The improvement on the HD network stuff is NOT subtle -- it's great. . . .

The only downside is that this really shows how weak WKBW's LOCAL UPCONVERTS are.

Now if ABC will broadcast THE FAST AND THE FURIOUS in OAR !!!!!!

Enjoy

Originally posted by GregHoey
Now if ABC will broadcast THE FAST AND THE FURIOUS in OAR !!!!!!

They did and it was awsome! Thanks WKBW.

Now that the HD is up how about some 5.1.

Well I've got an antenna upgrade coming since they were practically giving these away.
http://www.radioshack.ca/images/RadioShack/15/1508227s.gif

Part #1508227 (http://www.radioshack.ca/estore/Product.aspx?language=en-CA&product=1508227&category=Outdoor+Antennas&catalog=RadioShack)

Will pick the unit up on Tuesday or Wednesday, now all I need is a Channel Master Spartan 3 pre-amp and I'll be all set to DX the world. :D

Anybody been watching 29-1 Fox? I have been getting audio drops and blocking video several times a minute. Anybody else? It has been fine. Signal strength is great. Analog 29 is flawless.

I posted this in another thread, but will do the same here. I found a far better site than AntennaWeb that includes CANADIAN listings and ERP/HAAT figures along with the polar patterns.

First go here to get your Lat & Long. (if you don't already know it):

http://www.ngdc.noaa.gov/seg/geomag/jsp/IGRFGrid.jsp

Then go here to get the listing (notice the options):

http://www.2150.com/broadcast/default.asp

Anyone experiencing problems with a single station, pay attention to the 2nd last column. Not all stations are omni-directional.

Note Ch14's (WNED) & Ch28's & 32's (WUHF) DTV patterns. WNED is directional towards Buffalo with almost nothing going towards Toronto.
WUHF out of Rochester is a figure 8 pattern facing south and NE which makes it next to impossible to receive it in Buffalo.

Of course, all the Rochester stations that are up on that 'ant hill' on those two 'tripods' have very poor coverage to the west in the first place. Sorry Rochester, we would like to watch your satation, but their location and lack of HAAT is a pisser.

So... when can we expect WUTV to start broadcasting some ED/HD material? Or are we going to have to wait for actual HD? How about The Casino, which starts in a half month?

I mean, to get beaten to the punch by WKBW... :-)

Maybe WUTV is waiting for the real deal. They probably dont want to invest in EDTV equipment if it is going the way of the dinosaur to save a few bucks. Their SD PQ is stellar though, the best of all the others. I'm still curious when we will be seeing some UPN HD material. WIVB is still doing that duplication of its signal on both 32 and 39 and cant figure why they are doing this or for how much longer. The ch-32 signal reaches well into Barrie and quite strong, and probably goes farther than that.

Well, from what I head The Casino is supposed to be the first example of Fox HD, so maybe they'll have something by then. Can't seem to find any engineering contacts for WUTV, however.

Re 32, wow, all the way to Barrie? I can't say that I mind the duplication - 39 often has "problems" in my area, but so far 32 has been absolutely rock solid. Tuesday's 3 hours of NCIS & Reversable Errors was glitch free the whole time.

For some reason, I'm getting NBC a lot better lately. However, tuning into ABC's HD movie tonight (Coyote Ugly), I had tons of glitches that I couldn't resolve (but when the movie was over later, the channel came in fine).

I think their is an issue with WKBW's HD Reciever, because I also noticed some breakup of the picture intermittently, but the SD channel was fine. Maybe the duplication of WIVB is their because of their chronic problems which doesn't occur on ch-32. Maybe it will be that way until they fix 39.

Originally posted by New Cable Guy
Maybe the duplication of WIVB is their because of their chronic problems which doesn't occur on ch-32. Maybe it will be that way until they fix 39.

It would make sense to keep CBS on 32 due to the high quality and power and flip UPN HD over to 39 since only a couple UPN programs are HD.

Just my opinion.

MY QUESTION:

WHICH IS WHICH? WIVB 39-1 or WIVB 39-1

My SIR-T 165 displays 39-1 and 39-2 twice in succession.
Is the FIRST 39-1 WIVB or WNLO -- I can find no way of distinguishing them
other than at times different levels of micro blocking.

Anybody know?

MY THOUGHTS

Could it be that WIVB and WNLO are extending their digital coverage area using two separated transmitters?

Any thoughts?

ANOTHER THOUGHT:

WKBW-DT looks really good these days and is it my imagination or are their local upconverts better now.

WKBW-DT definitely looks better now, but not as nice as WUTV-DT for sure on the SD side. Also, maybe the duplication thing with WIVB is permanent, to give WIVB wider coverage, since WNLO barely gets ratings, but I dont like having 2 mappings of 39-1, they should switch it to 32-1 or 23-1. I wonder if what they are doing is in line with FCC rules.

Originally posted by GregHoey
MY QUESTION:

WHICH IS WHICH? WIVB 39-1 or WIVB 39-1



Greg:

On your Samsung enter ch 32 directly and it will map to 39.1 39.2.
That will be WNLO. If you enter ch 39 directly that will be WIVB.

The first 39-1 is ch-32 and the second 39-1 is actually 39. I was able to determine this by signal strength. The first 39-1 always is 9 bars rock solid but the second 39-1 has dropped slightly during foggy weather to about 6 bars from the usual 9 bars.

Thanks guys,

Greg

Yup, punching in 39 on my SIR-T165 gives me four 39 listings, but punching in 32 just gives me the two. Interesting that the receiver can keep them straight.

I'm not sure how UPN folks would feel about it, but I'm all for CBS broadcasting from 32 and UPN from 39. CBS is my #1 watched HD network, and receiving it so reliably from 32 is an absolute joy. The only UPN HD show I'd watch is Enterprise, which I get from CITY already.

Edit: reversed what I meant to say re 32/39 mapping. ;-)

Maybe you should E-mail the station regarding this issue. I guess it makes no difference which station broadcasts from which transmitter. 32 gives a wider coverage for Southern Ontario. Maybe they are testing the range of both stations to see which serves CBS better since they do solicite advertising from Canadian sources. Their could be objections for operating CBS programming from Grand Island full time because it might infringe on the Rochester CBS affiliates territory and they could complain if thats the case. I think Grand Island may be closer to Rochester than the current location of their 39 transmitter.

A quick poke through MapPoint shows that their current transmitter is 62 miles from the center of Rochester, and the Grand Island transmitter is 67 miles.

I guess it's up to whatever WIVB wants to do, but my vote is to swap 'em.

I sent an E-mail to Mr.Merrill at WIVB pointing out your idea. He usually
replies quickly. I will see tomorrow what he has to say about it.

Isn't tomorrow a holiday in the US?

Audio? Hey, this is television - it's all about picture, baby!

When I was a kid the FCC licensed broadcasting operators who had to ensure that the station broadcasts conformed to technical standards. I thought that used to include broadcasting audio and video at the same time on TV. I suppose "de-regulation" has overtaken those common sense requirements? Guess those golden days are gone in the case of DTV operators who can choose to broadcast sound, pictures or none of the above. Anyone know where the absentee landlord president of the company which owns WKBW is located so I can write to him/her?

For the last two nights I have not been getting audio on WKBW-HD 7-1/38-1 -- audio was normal on 7.0 and 7-2/38-2.

Anybody else having similar problems?

Tonight I just happened to notice that the 9 pm local news promo on WKBW-HD
DID have audio but as soon as the picture switched back to network the audio went away.

This makes me think it's NOT my SIR- T 165.

Any ideas????

Absolutely right. It's not your Sammy HD receiver. It is the "absentee landlord" which owns WKBW. They just don't care and obviously don't monitor their own telecasts. No sound Monday night for the hockey game either.

Well, in the "didn't quite work" HDTV broadcasts department, CITY started their movie of the night, "Pay It Forward", in HDTV, but the picture had occasional flashes to green (only during the movie, not during commercials). At the 1 hour 35 minute mark, the HDTV tape stopped and the last hour of the movie was just in SD.

Originally posted by GregHoey
For the last two nights I have not been getting audio on WKBW-HD 7-1/38-1 -- audio was normal on 7.0 and 7-2/38-2.

Anybody else having similar problems?

Tonight I just happened to notice that the 9 pm local news promo on WKBW-HD
DID have audio but as soon as the picture switched back to network the audio went away.

This makes me think it's NOT my SIR- T 165.

Any ideas????

This is great! I finally can leave my antenna in one spot with the addition of WKBW, but the quality sucks. We may have only one real network in HD (ABC Rochester), but it is rock solid 100%. It makes me so mad. Early adopter my a**. It's been YEARS since the first digital broadcast.:mad: :mad:

Is anyone else still having trouble receiving 7-1(wkbw)? It's been weeks and I still can't get it. 2-1 and 4-1 are finr. Any ideas?

Stop me if you've heard this already . . .

WKBW-HD is chan 38-1 mapped to 7-1 -- that's how I got it.
Their SD digital is 38-2 mapped to 7-2

HOWEVER, I haven't gotten audio on 7-1 for two days . . . . picture looks nice.

I have never gotten 2-1 or 4-1 -- they don't exist on my Samsung SIR T-165

WGRZ analog is chan 2 and HD digital is 33-1 mapped to 33-1

WIVB analog is chan 4 and digital is . . . . . well confusing at present. It's supposed to be WIVB HD on 39-1 mapped to 39-1.

Whatever they're doing with WNLO-DT confuses me so I won't attempt to define it.

Just called WKBW and was told I was the first phone call about no audio on their HD
channel. 7-1 / 38-1.

Hmm,

I think it might be a good idea for other forum members to PHONE WKBW and complain.

716-845-6100

Just a suggestion as they don't seem to read this site.

Tonight I came home and I am getting audio but not video with 9 bars signal strength. Thats strange.

I called them Tuesday morning after the hockey game and told them they didn't have audio - they knew then.....

Originally posted by dzt41j
I called them Tuesday morning after the hockey game and told them they didn't have audio - they knew then.....

Call WKBW again and let them know the audio is great now but
the video sucks because there is NONE!

However, The DC show last night at 9 looked great in HD.
They just have no video on their SD and local feed.
So hopefully the HD feed will be good for hockey tonight.

Man, these Buffalo stations have un-ending glitches all the time and its getting annoying. WGRZ and WNED have the fewest problems it seems. Even our low powered Toronto stations have fewer problems. WKBW still has issues with HD breakup and SD blacking out, and WIVB has ongoing problems with scratchy audio and freeze-ups during certain shows. WUTV has constant loss of video but the audio is fine. I hope these bugs are ironed out soon.

I never see anyone complain about that cartoon looking channel better know as analog ch. 49!
Doesn't anyone notice how 'pasty' the video looks?

Originally posted by videobruce
I never see anyone complain about that cartoon looking channel better know as analog ch. 49!
Doesn't anyone notice how 'pasty' the video looks?

I would comment, but since they operate at 600 W I've never seen the PQ. Last night I picked up 3 Rochester channels but WB49 ch 34 is only a blink on my samsung.

Anyone watching the HD Hockey finals on ABC notice that the camera seems to get blurry every so often? Is it my set or tuner, or is it the zooming of the cameras on the network? I also am getting alot of intermittent drop-outs even though my tuner is showing 93% signal. I'm having a few people over for the game tonight and hope everything is smooth, but would like to know if anyone else is experiencing the things I'm seeing.

Go Flames Go!!!

Well I got my new antenna in the box on Saturday and I have built the UHF section to test out how well it works with the digital channels. All is can say is WOW, it's amazing, just sitting on the ground with no preamp, my Fox signal went from 8 dB to 17 dB.

I'm just waiting for my Channel Master Spartan 3 preamp to arrive and I'll be able to mount it on my tower.

http://www3.sympatico.ca/daredevil23/VU-190.jpg

Yes, I saw the blurry thing as well. It's like the picture fuzzes out to SD briefly then gradually gets clearer again. Since I never saw that during the Superbowl, it's got to be ABC's issue.

I believe the reception blips are a problem at WKBW with their reception of the network feed. So, you'll likely get them again.

It looks more like the camera operator was having trouble focusing. If you noticed some times they would quickly shift to another camera.

Originally posted by Daniel Tonks
Well, from what I head The Casino is supposed to be the first example of Fox HD, so maybe they'll have something by then. Can't seem to find any engineering contacts for WUTV, however.

WUTV has fully upgraded and is now HD/DD 5.1 ready:

Cities upgraded for FOXHD coming Fall 2004 (http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?s=&threadid=409554)

Fox will not be sending any HD until Fall (sched. 9/12 start) 2004 though, so any of the summer series' will still be 480p. Should be very high quality 480p.

Thanks for the info.

Do you know if their 480 P will be WIDESCREEN -- as I understand it the
current FOX 480 P network feed does have the 16x9 flag in it.

Can you confirm this?

Thanks.

I've been having a weird issue with WUTV in the last month. Ever they started broadcasting in on 14.1, I've been getting a strong signal of about 88-93%. Now for the last month, the signal fluctuates between 95% and 0. I have tried to tweak the antenna to no avail and all the other channels come in strong. I have a 6000 receiver and am wondering if anyone else using a BEV 6000 is having any issues with this channel. Thanks.

Is nobody watching the NBA finals or watched the NHL finals on WKBW? Am I the only one noticeing that the picture goes soft and blurry every once and a while then sharpens back up? There is a thread regarding the problem with ABC afflilates and the Harris Flexicoder that they use. I've contacted the engineer at WKBW about changing the prefilter setting on the encoder to fix the problem but he basically said I'm off my rocker. Maybe if more people complain he might do something besides dismiss the problem.

It makes it very hard for me to watch without getting a headache with the picture going from reasonably decent HD to an out of focus blurry mess.

Macros.

Originally posted by Plugplay
I've been having a weird issue with WUTV in the last month. Ever they started broadcasting in on 14.1, I've been getting a strong signal of about 88-93%. Now for the last month, the signal fluctuates between 95% and 0. I have tried to tweak the antenna to no avail and all the other channels come in strong. I have a 6000 receiver and am wondering if anyone else using a BEV 6000 is having any issues with this channel. Thanks. Spring time: Foliage!!!!
Bet it settles down in the late fall when the leaves fall off the trees!

Originally posted by videobruce
Spring time: Foliage!!!!
Bet it settles down in the late fall when the leaves fall off the trees!

Thanks for the suggestion videobruce, but it shouldn't apply to me since I live on the 21st floor of a condominium.

Very, very tall trees???

I does sound as it is foliage. You are below the escarpment aren't you?
If so, then trees along the ridge would be the issue.
Something is fluctuating the signal and I doubt it is airplanes.
Even if the output of the xmitter varies a little, you would NEVER see it unless it droped 75% to 90% of full output.

Any special time this happens? How is digital ch 14 and analog ch 17, 23 & 29?

Originally posted by videobruce
Very, very tall trees???

I does sound as it is foliage. You are below the escarpment aren't you?
If so, then trees along the ridge would be the issue.
Something is fluctuating the signal and I doubt it is airplanes.
Even if the output of the xmitter varies a little, you would NEVER see it unless it droped 75% to 90% of full output.

Any special time this happens? How is digital ch 14 and analog ch 17, 23 & 29?

I am actually near the lake so I get a pretty direct line to Grand Island through St. Catherines. Being in southern Mississauga, I don't have an escarpment issue. As for DTV 14, it works fine. I will play around with the analog 29 and see if I can narrow it down later today.

I haven't had any problems with Fox ever since getting my new antenna.

Plugplay; since those other 3 channels are from the same location (within 1000' and a few hundred feet elevation) if there is a reception problem it should show with those also.

Originally posted by videobruce
Plugplay; since those other 3 channels are from the same location (within 1000' and a few hundred feet elevation) if there is a reception problem it should show with those also.

I just figured it out. There was something with my RG-6 cable from my antenna to my receiver because when I replaced it, all three came in perfect and when I flip it back, ch 14 jumps around while the other 2 come in perfect. I've never heard of a cable being selective but that's what caused my grief. Thanks for all your help...

If it is a bad fitting the low band (2-6, especially ch 2) can be affected while the UHF channels are ok.

With 'RF' anything is possible!

Anyone here having recent problems with WKBW-DT. I'm getting fluctuations from 9bars to 0 and then back up again. I've never had any difficulty with this station and I'm trying to figure out if its them and not a reception issue. The other stations come in fine. When I look at the signal on my Spectrum Analyzer it is good and strong but my receiver shows these fluctuations.

New Cable Guy:

I,ve been having problems with WKBW as well for a few weeks now and has been driving me crazy.

Exact same problem as you are having. I was told on another forum that WKBW is having transmitting problems and have cut back to 1/2 power till it is fixed probably resulting in multipath due to the fact WIVB is at full power. I hope thats what it is.

I just noticed this in the last few days, it was fine up until earlier this week.
On my Analyzer, the signal is consistent, but on my receiver, it acts as if their is no signal for short durations.

Hey guys,I love this forum!!! Havent had to talk alot,but learned very much.I live in Depew-George Urban area with some tall trees nearby.I bought the $25.00 uhf antenna,wich is suppost to be an add on to the vhf rooftops but it works for me,mounted on a directv pole by itself.I get nbc,cbs,abc,pbs very good(signal in 90's always on a dish network 811),but have a little trouble with fox 29 dtv,sometimes it comes in around 70 but only when its rainin.the antenna I have is directional so I have pointed soutwest of me.If I get another of the same antenna and point it towards grand isle,I should probly get fox better,but I just wanted to chime in and say that you dont need real expensive huge antennas to have good signal on the buff digitals.By the way I install for directv so any questios about satellite I can usually answer.I have seen the antennas that directv is shipping for the high deff package,theres 2 for this area one is like a pizza that hits all around within 60 miles ithink the other one kinda looks like the ones that are bolted behind alot of dish network dishes around here.Gotta get one to know what they can do around northern towns and such.p.s. cant wait for the hdtv nfl season!Finally monday night football in 1080i.!!!!!!

Well, Monday Night Football will be in 720P actually.

being that i do not own a hdtv set as of yet, I don't really know the difference between 720p and 1080i. Is there much difference between the two?

720p is progressive scan and 1080i is interlaced. To the "eye" there is not much difference. However, it is said that 720p has fewer "artifacts" for high motion programming, such as fooball, hockey and basketball. After a few years of watching both, the picture quality is indistinguishable, but great. The key is how much the local broadcaster is compressing the HDTV signal. 13 megabits per sceond is about the limit under which HDTV will transmit well.

Oh ok. Thank you. Hopefully I will be able to get hdtv ota from down here in jamestown,ny . I checked antennaweb.org and it says I can't recieve any. But, will have to try it out first to see if i can or not.

Originally posted by bigdawg03
Oh ok. Thank you. Hopefully I will be able to get hdtv ota from down here in jamestown,ny . I checked antennaweb.org and it says I can't recieve any. But, will have to try it out first to see if i can or not.

You look like your local transmitters are 20 to 50 miles away, no problem with a decent aerial antenna.

About 70 miles to colden, where some of the buffalo transmitters are. So you say a decent aerial antenna will do fine? That's great news then. Thank you

Originally posted by bigdawg03
About 70 miles to colden, where some of the buffalo transmitters are. So you say a decent aerial antenna will do fine? That's great news then. Thank you

Your pushing the limits, but it may work. Make sure you pick an antenna rated for that distance. It will be BIG.

Bill

Thank you very much bill. What would you recommend.

If you know your latitude and longitude, then enter those numbers into www.2150.com (http://www.2150.com/broadcast) and you'll know your correct distances.

Lat=42.103451 long=079.228586

Range=150 Miles
Magnetic Declination = -13.25

Nice. Didn't know I could pick up so many stations. anywhere from pittsburgh, cleveland, akron,youngstown, johnstown,corning, altoona,rochester,clearfield,elmira.

Will be a treat when i get my hdtv this late summer/early fall.

Thanks for the help daredevil23, and mr biggles.

Hmm, anyone else noticing problems with WNED lately? Yesterday there was no image and just the WNED logo, later a bunch of flashing garbage, and today I get frequent pixelation, pauses and audio blips.

Looks like Adelphia is adding HDNET, HDNET Movies, and ESPN-HD to their lineup June 22nd...

Still no ABC, or Fox yet though...

It would be nice to get those in, but I am hooked on my Adelpia dvr, I can't give that up. I'll stay with ota reception but no hdnet....

Originally posted by dzt41j
It would be nice to get those in, but I am hooked on my Adelpia dvr, I can't give that up. I'll stay with ota reception but no hdnet....

Yup - that's why the DVR is on the bedroom std def TV, and the HD cable box is on the main TV. (until Adelphia decides to release the HD recorder model... they told me they would but talk is cheap.)

I get all the digital & premiums on both TV's, so I get all the movie HD for relatively cheap compared to what my cable bill is per month already.

I hammered an Adelphia supervisor on the phone about the card I got in the mail saying that on June 22 HDNet HDNM and ESPN would be added.
The first rep was typically clueless so I asked to speak to a supervisor.

I hammered him about why InHD 1 and 2 weren't also in the mix and also NESN. And followed that up by recanting to him what a rep told me in person at the Home Show about an HD DVR being tested.

Here are his replies.
InHD 1 and 2 WILL be added no more than thirty days after June 22. I told him I don't believe that or it would have been on the card and he said it was a mistake that that info was also not on the card.

NESN will not be added as it is a regional sports channel.......

They are testing the HD DVR and it WILL be available by the end of the summer.

We shall see.

I also asked if he knew about pricing and he said they are still planning it but it appears that the HD DVR will be an additional $4.95

I said okay then, I guess I will wait until July 22 to see if what he says comes true and if not I am gone again as an Adelphia sub.

He also told that they are going to roll out a three tier price level dependant on usage for Powerlink.
I told him I didn't like the sounds of that.

Originally posted by bigdawg03
Lat=42.103451 long=079.228586

Range=150 Miles
Magnetic Declination = -13.25

Nice. Didn't know I could pick up so many stations. anywhere from pittsburgh, cleveland, akron,youngstown, johnstown,corning, altoona,rochester,clearfield,elmira.
YES although it looks interesting. Jamestown is a tough reception area. especially if your in a valley instead of up on the hills. i have an install out there using a 72ft tower and stacked side by side winegard prostar super deep fringe yagis. these are run into a 29 db amplifier. this guy is fighting a couple hills and he had the tower. he is able to get all the colden channels but has someproblems ocassionally with grand island. he does get erie stations and pittsburgh fairly regular. if you need any assistance i've been in the antenna business for 25+ years. i design super high gain systems for dtv and analog signals.
call my shop anytime 716-434-9216
take care Rich

Will be a treat when i get my hdtv this late summer/early fall.

Thanks for the help daredevil23, and mr biggles.

Thanks Rich. Will keep you in mind.

Hey Rich,

Any idea why when I hooked up my new Channel Master Spartan 3 preamp that my signals strengths went down versus just using a standard balun. :(

I am going to be doing more ground testing to see if I can work out the bugs, I'm just glad I didn't mount it on my tower.

Thanks,
Chris...

Originally posted by bigdawg03
Lat=42.103451 long=079.228586

Range=150 Miles
Magnetic Declination = -13.25

Nice. Didn't know I could pick up so many stations. anywhere from pittsburgh, cleveland, akron,youngstown, johnstown,corning, altoona,rochester,clearfield,elmira.


Magnetic declination for this area is roughly +10 to figure out where the North Pole is located, and try to use a range of say 60 miles, that's a bit more conservative, you could use 150 if you have a tower on a hill, with no obstructions and a quad stack of high gain antennas just itching to receive some digital waves.

[QUOTE]Originally posted by daredevil23
[B]Hey Rich,

Any idea why when I hooked up my new Channel Master Spartan 3 preamp that my signals strengths went down versus just using a standard balun. :(

I am going to be doing more ground testing to see if I can work out the bugs, I'm just glad I didn't mount it on my tower.

HHHHHHMMMMMMM just off the top of my head i would wonder which model # you have? Is this a vhf+uhf amplifier or just uhf??????
The single banded units work a heck of alot better. I would check all your connections first. Do you use flat lead from antenna to input of amp or coax? if coax check all the baluns. I've seen Em bad right out of the box.
Im also more partial to Winegard when it comes to preamps. Channel Master is still using 1970's technology transistors????? Winegard uses a very hot design and utilizes the lateset in stripline HEMT and chip tecnology.
Ive used both C.M. And Winegard side by side in some really tough uhf areas and Winegard always kicked but. Even when puttin it up against theSuper Titans From C.M. But try those things first and let me know back!
Rich

I have the Model 0064 single 300 ohm UHF/VHF input Spartan 3. I bought some fresh 300 ohm twin lead from Radio Shack. I'm going to put my antenna on the ground and hook it up, right now I have it mounted to the side of my antenna tower, just about my roofline, but it's not the best location to be hooking up wires.

I am also curious how I am to route the twinlead next to all the metal of the antenna itself so as to not cause any signal problems.

Hey guys,

I'm new to HDTV and will be getting a DLP set in about 2 weeks. I'm trying to decide whether to go Satellite, Cable, or OTA for digital reception. Any advice would be greatly appreciated.
I live in the OP/West Seneca area. Thanks in advance!

JD.

Originally posted by daredevil23
I have the Model 0064 single 300 ohm UHF/VHF input Spartan 3. I bought some fresh 300 ohm twin lead from Radio Shack. I'm going to put my antenna on the ground and hook it up, right now I have it mounted to the side of my antenna tower, just about my roofline, but it's not the best location to be hooking up wires.

I am also curious how I am to route the twinlead next to all the metal of the antenna itself so as to not cause any signal problems.


OK the 0064 is not the best choice for uhf digital ,but im wondering what antenna your using? is it uhf only or v/u?? I try to mount the preamps as close to possible to the feedpoint of the antenna. Most of our installs have them within 6-10 inches to the feedpoint. if you can mount the amp so the twin lead is sorta floating free space youll be fine. otherwise use some standoffs to keep it away from the boom etc. also silicone the twin lead to the antenna's wing nuts to hep keep it secure.\

Rich

JD- Whether you go with satellite or cable you will get about the same offerings except for locals. At the present time Adelphia doesn't offer all the local digital channels, although that will probably change. With either Dish or Directv you can get a built-in ota tuner which can receive all the local digitals currently available. With a DLP set the non-digital cable channels will look pretty awful, although some satellite SD channels can also be really bad. The bottom line is to decide based on what your cost will be for what programming you want. For me, Dish with the HD package made more sense, even though I also have Powerlink. Any way you go, you are going to love it!

JCochran,

Thanks for the reply. Do you know if an indoor antenna would work in the Southtowns or do I have to mount one on my roof? I suppose I could give cable a try first although I really want to take advantage of DVI.

JD:

After calculating the costs for Directv, Dish, and cable for my setup, my best deal worked out to be Adelphia cable with the premium tiers, dvr, hd, powr link, etc. that I am subscribed to.

The other main reason for cable is I can drop them at anytime.
I have never been a Direct or Dish customer, and to get the best deals on equip you need to be new install. I'd rather not waste an install on standard stuff, but waiting for more HD and digital recording capabilities that dont cost $1000 for buggy equipment. and you need to stay at least a year with their contracts.

And, the HD set top box from adelphia has dvi output. I have my HD set connected to the box that way.

JD- I get good results with a roof-mounted antenna on all the locals, but with an indoor antenna, my results are spotty. I live in Tonawanda, and 17 and 29 are strong, but 2,4,and 7 can be an iffy proposition. 49 is a no-show. I would think that from OP 2,4, and 7 should be solid, but I don't know about 17 and 29. It's probably worth a try, and you can always return the indoor for an outdoor as a last resort.

Has anyone noticed that since last night, WXXI (channel 21.1) is transmitting pretty severe pixellation? Scenes with any significant motion are pretty bad. Can anyone confirm? Is anyone from WXXI's engineering group online?

Thanks in advance,

Ron

Originally posted by rwantennasat
Most of our installs have them within 6-10 inches to the feedpoint. if you can mount the amp so the twin lead is sorta floating free space youll be fine. otherwise use some standoffs to keep it away from the boom etc. also silicone the twin lead to the antenna's wing nuts to hep keep it secure.

Rich

Rich,
This is great advice for everyone. One quick question.
Have you ever ran RG6 from the wingnuts of an antenna to a 300 to 75 transformer into a pre-amp?

Originally posted by BLT
New Cable Guy:

I,ve been having problems with WKBW as well for a few weeks now and has been driving me crazy.

Exact same problem as you are having. I was told on another forum that WKBW is having transmitting problems and have cut back to 1/2 power till it is fixed probably resulting in multipath due to the fact WIVB is at full power. I hope thats what it is.

Any knowledge if these problems have been fixed?

Originally posted by pmb1010
JD:

After calculating the costs for Directv, Dish, and cable for my setup, my best deal worked out to be Adelphia cable with the premium tiers, dvr, hd, powr link, etc. that I am subscribed to.

The other main reason for cable is I can drop them at anytime.
I have never been a Direct or Dish customer, and to get the best deals on equip you need to be new install. I'd rather not waste an install on standard stuff, but waiting for more HD and digital recording capabilities that dont cost $1000 for buggy equipment. and you need to stay at least a year with their contracts.

And, the HD set top box from adelphia has dvi output. I have my HD set connected to the box that way.

Thanks for the info. I was told the box from Adelphia didn't have DVI... So that's good news! Will it let you connect an outdoor antenna as well? Or are you limited to what Adelphia offers?

I'm sure it would not decode OTA HD. Cable HD and OTA HD are different formats so having an input for OTA would be silly for cable, as they expect all signals to be carried by the cable co. And DVI has been working for quite some time.

I bought a Samsung T165 HD decoder box a couple months before Adelphia released their HD channels. I have that connected to other inputs on my Sony XBR910 so I can check out the HD channels that adelphia doesnt provide.

If your goal is to maximize local HD, then I'd say maybe Dish with their 811 might be the way to go. I've read mixed reports, some say it's a turd, others say they have no problems. But then you need an antenna, and maybe rotor.

In my case, I got most of the local OTA I needed - CBS, NBC and PBS.
Ch7 too *so* long to get their stuff running, it was only a couple shows at the end of the season I needed to have the Samsung online for. Eventually Adelphia will add Ch7 HD to their lineup.

You really need to add up costs, features, functionality of all the services and make an informed decision. If you want to put in a dish type setup, do you have a good spot to see 210 degrees clearly on the compass in order to catch the sats? Some folks on city lots have too many trees that block the signal...

Let us know what you decide, and how you make out.

Got a response from WKBW regarding my problems recently receiving their digital signal...

"Nothing has been changed at the transmitter or with data encoding since commissioning the transmitter.

Without detailed viewer site information it is impossible to make an evaluation or suggestions."

BLT: what was the other forum you are referring to on your post here???:

http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?s=&threadid=137214&perpage=20&pagenumber=46

What's up with WGRZ-HD 33.1 -- I haven't been getting it the last few evenings.

Anyone else?

What's the reason.

kdrabik:

Here it is: June 11/04

wkbw-dt is having some technical problems.They are at 1/2 power.People in western new york are having problems lately too.It comes in fine for me 99% of the time but only on my yagi type anttenna. it used to be fine on my indoor attic twin bow antenna but not any longer.I suspect muilti path problems and channel 39 being at full power are causing most peoples problems. From Digital Home Canada

Came home from work today, the new HD channels are on the guide.
Switch over to HDNet, "not authorized".
HDMovie is blank, ESPNhd is blank.

Call adelphia. Ask if there is a fee. Nope, new channels are free to HD customers.
Stacey hits my box a couple times. HDNet is now coming in.
While she hits the box again, I ask about Ch7 and when can we expect Adelphia to pickup Ch7 in HD. "They are transmitting HD?" she asks... Yup.
For a month now I tell her.

I also asked about HD PVR. "Within a month" she says.
Within a month for Adelphia WNY is September from past experiences.

Stacey comes back and says they are having trouble with HDMovie and ESPN-HD. They'll be back as soon as possible. Oh well....

Originally posted by pmb1010
Came home from work today, the new HD channels are on the guide.
Switch over to HDNet, "not authorized".
HDMovie is blank, ESPNhd is blank.

Call adelphia. Ask if there is a fee. Nope, new channels are free to HD customers.
Stacey hits my box a couple times. HDNet is now coming in.
While she hits the box again, I ask about Ch7 and when can we expect Adelphia to pickup Ch7 in HD. "They are transmitting HD?" she asks... Yup.
For a month now I tell her.

I also asked about HD PVR. "Within a month" she says.
Within a month for Adelphia WNY is September from past experiences.

Stacey comes back and says they are having trouble with HDMovie and ESPN-HD. They'll be back as soon as possible. Oh well....

Adelphia knows Ch 7 is in HD. I emailed WKBW a few weeks ago and was talking to one of their managers about their HD. I asked them about Adelphia and they said they were in talks but they had some details that still needed to be worked out. He didn't seem optimistic that it would be very soon... but I'm assuming (just based on how much both parties probably want it done) that it will be done by the fall.

I'm holding off on HD until there's an HD PVR. But honestly all these technical glitches aren't making me look forward to it :(

Originally posted by pmb1010
Let us know what you decide, and how you make out.

I'm going to give cable a try. I'm already spending a lot on the TV so I don't want to jump into something I'll regret later. I can't wait for my DLP to be delivered so I can start enjoying HD! I'll let you know how it goes.

I noticed that the Rochester locals are available on satellite, as of June 24. Has anybody taken the plunge? How does the picture quality compare to OTA, or cable? Will the locals be available in standard definition only?

Thanks in advance,

Ron

Originally posted by RIppolito
I noticed that the Rochester locals are available on satellite, as of June 24. Has anybody taken the plunge? How does the picture quality compare to OTA, or cable? Will the locals be available in standard definition only?

Thanks in advance,

Ron

Only SD networks are available. Quality is decent, better that my cable but not quite as good as analog OTA. I haven't watched them allot yet, but it seems like less compression that some of the regular D* channels.

It is very interesting that D34 the WB is now listed on TitanTV's schedule.

Is anyone getting any signal from them?

Originally posted by daredevil23
It is very interesting that D34 the WB is now listed on TitanTV's schedule.

Is anyone getting any signal from them? Unfortunately yes and have been.........surely can do without!

[QUOTE]Originally posted by dsspredator
[B]Rich,
This is great advice for everyone. One quick question.
Have you ever ran RG6 from the wingnuts of an antenna to a 300 to 75 transformer into a pre-amp?

NO this wpould be a complete mismatch causing a total signal loss. antennas with wingnut connections require a 300 ohm inpedence line or a 300 ohm to 75 ohm outdoor balun/transformer. In which case mount the transformer very close to the wing nuts then a short piece of rg-6 to the preamp input, again as close as possible
Rich

Anyone here have an 8000HD?

Girl at work signed up with cable a week or so ago, switching from Dish, and orders HD. I asked her what box they got... ==> 8000HD.

I asked Adelphia cust rep on the phone just a day or 2 before she got this when I called about problems with receiving HDNET and HDMovie channel.
I have 2 boxes here, SD PVR and 3250HD receiver. I'd like to consolidate to 1 "expensive" box....

They told me end of summer. I know Buffalo summers are short, but not THIS short! :p

I just got one yesterday from the West Seneca office.
It caught me off guard when I called to harass them as to when the hd unit and inhd are going to be available. They told me it was in now.
Much to my surprise, it was actually there.

In typical blundering Adelphia fashion though, they had a sheet showing all the new HD channels. The ones we got, and the ones we didn't:
InHD 1 and 2 and NESN. The girls said I should get those three channels as well and they would show up with the new box.
They of course are wrong. We still don't get those three channels but I do believe that the InHD's will be added very soon.

I don't believe we will get NESN, but who knows? They sure as hell don't!

Oh well I got the box for 6 months at $7.50 per month. Then they don't know what the rate is.

Sweet. Watch one recorded show while recording another. Picture in picture, not that I use that but it's there.

Well I guess that's it then.
Gulp, gasp, choke, cough cough cough Adelphia is the king.

Is this the High Def recorder?! Damn, that's what I've been waiting for to upgrade to HD. Well, and local ABC. If I could get the recorder I might just have to upgrade...

Originally posted by cwoody222
Is this the High Def recorder?! Damn, that's what I've been waiting for to upgrade to HD.

Time to make the move. So far I am thrilled with this HD DVR :p

Has anyone heard whether channel 10 in Rochester, NY will have the Summer Olympics in HD? I assume that WGRZ in Buffalo will have it in HD: is that a valid assumption?

Thanks in advance,

Ron

Has anyone been able to get one of the new DirecTV HR10-250's to record CBS, UPN and/or PBS without setting up manual recordings? Thanks

Title says it all - right now (10 PM), I'm getting CBS from Buffalo, NBS, CBS, PBS from Rochester, but nothing from WOKR (ABC). Is anyone else seeing the same here in Rochester?

Thanks,

Ron

Originally posted by Plugplay
Has anyone been able to get one of the new DirecTV HR10-250's to record CBS, UPN and/or PBS without setting up manual recordings? Thanks

Not me. They still have a software bug with subchannels. There is a rumor of a software update in the next few months that may fix it.

I'm trying to update a master list of OTA HD stations. Buffalo has not yet been updated. Can somebody that knows what networks are broadcasting in HD or HD/DD5.1 go to the following link and post the info?

National List of Stations Broadcasting HD / DD5.1 (http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?s=&threadid=422073)

Just need the Network, Re-mapped Channel#, and if they're DD 5.1. For any of the networks (ABC, CBS, NBC, PBS, UPN & WB) that are currently broadcasting in HD.

Thanks....

Originally posted by sprocto4
Not me. They still have a software bug with subchannels. There is a rumor of a software update in the next few months that may fix it.

I spoke with DirecTV about this problem last week on two separate occasions. I was told that they only guarantee the top 23 markets for OTA digital reception and Buffalo is not one of them. I told them that was unacceptable and when more people in WNY got these new HD Tivo units, which are in very short supply now, they would be deluged with complaints. They agreed to notify the engineering department but who knows when and if this problem will be solved is anybody's guess.

AJ

I just hooked up my Channel Master 4221 and I'm getting WGRZ. The Samsung T351s info says that it's in HD for the 11pm news. My problem is that there is a small black band going vertically on either side of the pillar box. Is this normal?

Yes, it is normal. None of the local stations are broadcasting HD newscasts at this time. So you will get the squeezed format.
Only the prime time shows are in HD. And some sporatic daytime soaps.
Go to:
http://www.titantv.com/ttv/commandcenter/commandcenter.aspx

and sign up with your zip code etc.
Once there, you can browse the local schedule and see whats on in HD for the evening lineups...

Is Fox being broadcast in HD? I can pick up every other station except for this one.

Yes Virginia, Fox is in 720P. :D

Originally posted by beerme1
Time to make the move. So far I am thrilled with this HD DVR :p


Is the DVI working on the 8000HD from Adelphia?

I gave the girl at work a DVI cable to hook up their LCD-TV to the box, but they said it didn't work... I was reading on yahoo groups that the 8000HD that the DVI is not funtional at this time (something about the 3250HD having more field time and the 8000HD is months behind in software updates...)

No DVI yet.

I can't figure out why WUTVDT-1 does not show widescreen programs in widescreen. I know they are capable as they did show the all-star game in widescreen.

Is anyone having audio problems on WIVB?

Last night during BB5 I lost audio 5 times for about
20 seconds each drop. I have a Samsung 151.
This problem only happens on CBS.

Yes,

I have been having audio troubles with WIVB or WNLO or whatever the heck they are.

ESPECIALLY, with UPCONVERTED shows.

Last Sunday, 60 MINUTES had consistent bad audio break-up through out.

AT 8PM there was a loud audio POP and the AUDIO ONLY for COLD CASE came in and sounded great . . . . but no picture.

THEN, 10 minutes later there was picture but it was SD 4x3.

AND, of course, WIVB is having problems with micro-blocking and freeze-ups on CSI. . .
AGAIN !!!!!!!

What up with these guys.

An IT guy at work had a thought about this; problems in picture and sound frequently
occur if the baseband video network feed is converted to video then re digitized -- to insert local feeds -- more than once.

It seems likely that with WIVB's signal being hubbed out of Indianapolis and then
split out to WNLO as well that there are additional digitize / re-digitize steps ie a copy of a degraded copy becomes more degraded.

and of course where is the FCC? Still obsessed with Janet's Breast.

Just a thought.

Of course, the total irony is that Fox network's "splicing" system doesn't involve
digitizing and re-digitizing.

Perhaps they were crazy like the proverbial FOX to wait for better tech and industry leader CBS is now stuck with old tech.

Any thoughts?

Yea, get the networks from satellite..

http://www.iwantmyhdtv.com/iwanthdtv/letter-official.jsp

Can anyone tell me if the 8000hd is a complete piece of crap or have they fixed the problems that the non-hd 8000 had (delays, missed recordings..)

Also i see on adelphia's webpage that they offer espnhd, hdnet/movies, and now INHD1/2 in the buffalo area, is this true, and are there many problems with these channels?

Thanks

Originally posted by briless
Can anyone tell me if the 8000hd is a complete piece of crap or have they fixed the problems that the non-hd 8000 had (delays, missed recordings..)

Also i see on adelphia's webpage that they offer espnhd, hdnet/movies, and now INHD1/2 in the buffalo area, is this true, and are there many problems with these channels?

Thanks

I get my box tomorrow and they are telling me I will get those channels by default with the HD box. They don't feel that a separate HD package charge is warranted yet.

Notice I said "yet" :mad:

Should I be holding my breath for FOX and ABC from Adelphia Buf.?

SDB

My 8000 HDDVR works great, no complaints. Never missed a program yet. Does have some problems recording two of the same shows back to back from the guide, but it’s easily over come by manual entering the record time.

Better not hold your breath for ABC & FOX. My installer said they don’t have enough room for them…..Whatever that means. Not sure he even knew about them.

BTW don’t have INHD1/2, but no problems with my HD channels. In fact I think less issues then when I got them OTA.

Originally posted by clight385
BTW don’t have INHD1/2, but no problems with my HD channels. In fact I think less issues then when I got them OTA.

So do you have anything on channels 772-775?

702 – NBC
704 – CBS
707 – PBS
750 – HBO
751 – Showtime
752 – Stars
753 – Cinemax
770 – HDNet
771 – HD Movies
772 – ESPN
800 – DVR Playback

I live in Orchard Park and am considering getting one of these Winegard antennas (MS-2000 or the SquareShooter 1000, 2000) and I was wondering if anyone in the area has experience with either of these?

My apartment's balcony faces South, so even if I mount the antenna to the railing outside, the signals will have to pretty much travel through the building to hit the antenna.

Any thoughts would be greatly appreciated.

I suggest you try to put it on the roof of your building to face east,your pretty close to the towers so it shouldnt be a problem getting nbc,cbs + abc and maybee even pbs.If ya cant put it on the roof just try hooking a line to it and holding it off the balcony,just to experiment and see if youll get anything!

Also I put up a winegard ms 2000 the other day in Elma,and faced it south-southeastern direction and got everything except for fox-hd,but you might be a little farther southwest from the towers in colden.

Thanks for the info, lurch. :)

Originally posted by clight385
My 8000 HDDVR works great, no complaints. Never missed a program yet. Does have some problems recording two of the same shows back to back from the guide, but it’s easily over come by manual entering the record time.

Better not hold your breath for ABC & FOX. My installer said they don’t have enough room for them…..Whatever that means. Not sure he even knew about them.

BTW don’t have INHD1/2, but no problems with my HD channels. In fact I think less issues then when I got them OTA.

I don't think it has anything to do with "room". Here's what the newspaper said last week:

"However, it's still working on retransmission rights from local WKBW-TV and Fox"

That jives with what WKBW told me in an email a few months ago. It's a legal thing, not a technical thing.

Adelphia would be pretty dumb (well, dumber than usual) to ignore 2 major local networks from their lineup.

Local rep, phone rep and online channel lineup all say Adelphia will get INHD1 and 2 by next week.


702 WGRZ HD WGRZ HD Broadcast HD (High Definition)
704 WIVB HD WIVB HD Broadcast HD (High Definition)
713 WNED HD WNED HD Broadcast HD (High Definition)
750 HD HBO High Definition HBO HBO HD (High Definition)
751 HD SHOWTIME High Definition Showtime Showtime HD (High Definition)
752 HD STARZ Starz High Definition Starz HD (High Definition)
753 HD CINEMAX HD CINEMAX Cinemax HD (High Definition)
770 HD NET HD NET Broadcast HD (High Definition)
771 HD NET MOVIES HD NET MOVIES Broadcast HD (High Definition)
772 ESPN HD ESPN High Definition HD PLUS TIER
774 INHD1 iNDemand HD HD PLUS TIER
775 INHD2 iNDemand HD 2 HD PLUS TIER



I'll believe it when I see it on my wall.


SDB

39-1 is out as of noon, 7/27. Is it weather related?

Thanks for the heads-up.
What local number do you have? Could you post?
I can never get a local number from them.

BTW I wouldn't trust the online lineup. They list DIY as digital plus, but it's basic digital.

Well, fingers crossed for INHD 1/2

The Olean office is 372-9740. The service tech gave it to me. I thought I had a West Senica # too but I can't find it now. The 800 # guy was located in Cheektowaga.

I know the channel listing is for crap, but it did fall in line with what they were saying so I figured I'd mention it. It's not like we had it and then they took it away, so I'm assuming it's coming, it's just a matter of when.

SDB

Originally posted by SDB
Local rep, phone rep and online channel lineup all say Adelphia will get INHD1 and 2 by next week.




I'll believe it when I see it on my wall.


SDB

Adelphia channel guide showing these new channels, but they are "not authorized" on my HD3250 box... not sure if they are HD or not.
(I suspect it's blah-blah "on demand"???)

Mod 900
STZod 901
HBOod 906
MAXod 907
Fod 910
Aod 911

Is anybody getting WP 49 (34-1) in digital? I am not getting it at all.

Originally posted by stjefrey
Is anybody getting WP 49 (34-1) in digital? I am not getting it at all.

Yes. I'm in Orchard Park and using a Silver Sensor on top of my TV. It's aimed approximately Northeast, but that may be just due to getting a reflection off of neighboring buildings here. The one channel I can't get is 29.1 (Fox).

As a quick followup... I'm getting WB 49 @ 49.1 on my TV.

Originally posted by stjefrey
Is anybody getting WP 49 (34-1) in digital? I am not getting it at all.

It's the only channel I can't get with my Silver Sensor.

Has anyone heard plans for WKBW to broadcast ABC News on 7.2?