A new FCC rule took effect yesterday that requires stations to provide emergency information in visual or aural form when there is a life threating situation like floods and things on digital, the same as analog.

To comply we have set up a temporary system. We have to drop back to SD currently to do the crawls and the splicer has to be bypassed in the process and that bypass is not being done as cleanly as we like it and so the actual data stream is being interrupted and that is causing the dropouts. We are aware of it. We are not happy with it and will be making changes to it in the coming months as we install some new equipment for some upgrades we are in the middle of doing now.

[QUOTE=foxeng]UNC is having an Andy Griffith Marathon on UNC-NC the -5 channel of the OTA transmitters. For the newbies, here is a map of the UNC digital stations:

UNC-NC seems to be quite low res. (at least the B&W Andy Griffith show I watched. Also, I just discovered that on TWC the UNC HD channel is active all the time, not just evenings as on the OTA transmitters.

2 questions:

1. Has anyone heard anything recently about TWC getting ESPN2-HD and/or ABC-HD?
2. What is the word on INHD2?

Is INHD-2 gone from TWC-G'boro?

INHD2 has been folded into INHD1 as a single channel.

Idont know if anyone else was watching it but the tube video channel was just awesome. it is now gone. I called 48 and they said that Sinclair was not going to renew the contract. Its a real shame too. Like the old tv 61 when it first started out. Nothing good last long I guess. Seems like Sinclair well just makes some bad decisions.

Idont know if anyone else was watching it but the tube video channel was just awesome. it is now gone. I called 48 and they said that Sinclair was not going to renew the contract. Its a real shame too. Like the old tv 61 when it first started out. Nothing good last long I guess. Seems like Sinclair well just makes some bad decisions.
There was no "official" reason given to engineering but we were told group wide to remove the Tube on 12-31-06. There was an article in one of the trade publications last month that the tube was having trouble meeting pay-roll. I do not know if that has anything to do with the cancellation on our stations though. My guess is it has more to do with having to meet new FCC regulations on EAS and various other things involved with a secondary stream. We were passing the Tube with no intervention on our part other than an ID.

A new FCC rule took effect yesterday that requires stations to provide emergency information in visual or aural form when there is a life threating situation like floods and things on digital, the same as analog.

To comply we have set up a temporary system. We have to drop back to SD currently to do the crawls and the splicer has to be bypassed in the process and that bypass is not being done as cleanly as we like it and so the actual data stream is being interrupted and that is causing the dropouts. We are aware of it. We are not happy with it and will be making changes to it in the coming months as we install some new equipment for some upgrades we are in the middle of doing now.

Cool. Glad to hear you know of the problem and are working it. I wish every station had someone here...

There was no "official" reason given to engineering but we were told group wide to remove the Tube on 12-31-06. There was an article in one of the trade publications last month that the tube was having trouble meeting pay-roll. I do not know if that has anything to do with the cancellation on our stations though. My guess is it has more to do with having to meet new FCC regulations on EAS and various other things involved with a secondary stream. We were passing the Tube with no intervention on our part other than an ID.

That's a shame. I watched The Tube a lot.

I don't know what the financial aspects were, but I suspect no one was making money on it with no black in sight - which probably had something to do with it as well.

Just from looking at their website they are making money. They are moving into the bigger market areas this year. LA SF NY more. And I noticed before they so abruptly went off the air that they had some info commercials. Anyway it is always a shame when something good and well liked comes on and someone else makes the decision to take it off without your having an option...and 48 has so little programming worth watching away. Its not like that have a huge market share. There is a share of people out there who are waiting for different things like the tube and more. It was one reason I was so excited when I found the subchannels on the ota hd. The possibilities of what can be shown and the new channels could be great. But I fear it will be just more of the same. The map shows two other stations in NC that show it but they are a long way... to far to pick up.

Time Warner Cuts Broad News Corp. Deal Including local stations
By Mike Reynolds, Multichannel News - January 2, 2007

The renewal of Fox News Channel and the “placeholder” provision for its proposed business channel with Time Warner Cable are components of a larger deal the cable operator has struck with News Corp.

According to a Time Warner executive familiar with the deal, the broad-reaching contract, which was finalized on Dec. 28, also encompasses retransmission-consent carriage for Fox’s owned and operated stations through 2009, renewals for Fox News Channel and Speed Channel, plus the addition of Fox Reality Channel to its channel lineup and a commitment to the business channel that Fox News has been contemplating launching.

Another executive with knowledge of the deal placed the monthly per subscriber fee for the proposed business channel in the 10 to 15 cents range.

A Fox News Channel spokesman confirmed the extension agreement for the news service and the placeholder pact for the business channel, but declined to comment on any financial terms. Officials at Time Warner Cable and News Corp. officials declined comment.

Of the 35 stations in 26 markets comprising the Fox Television Station group, a number transmit in such Time Warner Cable-served DMAs as New York, Los Angeles, Dallas and Austin, Texas, Cleveland, Milwaukee, Kansas City and Greensboro, N.C.

The Time Warner executive familiar with the pact said that Fox’s O&Os had been out of contract with the cable operator since Dec. 1, 2004. The stations had remained on the air in the interim via month-to-month renewals under terms of the old contract, said sources with knowledge of the O&Os.

The far-reaching pact also covers a contract renewal for Speed, which counts nearly 70 million subscribers nationwide, as well as the launch of Fox Reality in roughly half of Time Warner Cable’s footprint. The Time Warner launch, coupled with a pact with Comcast Corp., will push Fox Reality’s sub count into the 35 million-home range.

As for Fox News Channel, Time Warner Cable, whose original 10-year contract with the cable news leader was set to expire in fall 2007, has reached a multiyear contract extension covering some 13 million subscribers.

An executive familiar with the negotiations said the terms are similar to the ones that Fox News reached with Cablevision Systems Corp. last fall in that there is an escalating license fee structure. The agreement with Time Warner, this executive said, tops out in 80-cent range in the latter years of the pact. The Fox News’s deals with CVS and Time Warner Cable average around 75 cents per subscriber per month over the life of the contracts.

Fox News also inked renewal contracts with DirecTV and the National Cable Television Cooperative last year.

The Time Warner Cable/News contract also pertains to the proposed business channel Fox News has been eyeing. The executive familiar with the deal said the cable operator would pay a monthly per subscriber license fee in the 10 to 15 range, should the service get off the ground.

Time Warner Cable’s large subscriber base, particularly its strong presence in Manhattan, home to this nation’s financial district, is viewed as critical for News Corp. to give the official go-ahead. Officials at the media giant have indicated that a business channel, which go after the same lucrative advertising base that is now the province of CNBC, would need some 30 million homes before it would debut.

Fox News already has a commitment from DirecTV and a placeholder pact with Comcast Corp. for the business channel.

http://www.multichannel.com/article...y=Breaking+News

Cool. Glad to hear you know of the problem and are working it. I wish every station had someone here...

If I'm not mistaken we have guys on this forum representing all of the major networks here in the Triad. We're pretty lucky to have them.

What happened to The Tube buried in this SEC filing for TUBM, search for 'Sinclair'

The forum won't let me post a link as I am a newbie , so you have to do the following:

1) go to the website pinksheets
2) In the top left enter the symbol 'TUBM'
3) Select 'Filings' in the drop down box
4) Select top filing, '10QSB' dated 12/20/06
5) Search for 'Sinclair'

Thanks for the article Foxeng. Nice to see TWC can successfully negotiate a carriage agreement with someone anyway.

I only seem to get music on station 2-2 and now 48-2 (the tube) is blank, any replacment coming?

For those of you waiting on the new HR20-700B DVR from D*, it looks like the gloss black model is on hold. If you check out the website now, it shows it in silver again.

I got a pricing and channel lineup update for 2007 in the mail today from TWC W-S. In it, INHD has moved to the HD Pack instead of being listed in the HD Channels with the locals, Discovery HD, and TNT HD. The pamplet mentions that the next billing cycle will reflect the new prices, so I assume that if the channel lineup will be affected it will probably happen in the same time frame. Has anyone heard that TWC would be removing INHD from the basic HD lineup or could this be a misprint? If this is how they're choosing to deal with the loss of INHD2, I might be moving to satellite in the near future.

Thanks for the article Foxeng. Nice to see TWC can successfully negotiate a carriage agreement with someone anyway.

Unlike Sinclair, FOX has many different things to offer a cable company. That may have had something to do with it. Those things are handled WAY above the station level so I don't know any more that what is reported. I didn't even know we had been on a month to month basis for 3 years! I keep telling people I am the last to find out anything. This just goes to prove it!! :D

2 questions:

1. Has anyone heard anything recently about TWC getting ESPN2-HD and/or ABC-HD?
2. What is the word on INHD2?
I e-mailed them last week and got this:

Thank you for contacting Time Warner Cable. Unfortunately, since INHD2 has decided to no longer broadcast, we are unable to offer this station anymore. While we know it can be frustrating to lose this channel, we are focused on offering more high-definition channels to our customers as soon as we are able. We do not have any information on any price differential at this time. If you need further assistance, please reply via e-mail or contact our 24 hour Customer Service department at 1-800-334-7143.

We appreciate you giving us the opportunity to assist you. Your satisfaction is our priority, so please do not hesitate to contact us if you have any unanswered questions or concerns. If you reply to this e-mail, be sure to include the original correspondence so we may better assist you.

Emilie
Customer Service Specialist
CustomerService@triadtwcable.com
www.triadtwcable.com
1-866-874-2389

I had asked about ESPN2HD and other HD content and got no new info the week prior. The "price differential" was me asking that if they cut 20% of the tier, do we now get 20% off. Of course if they add channels, I'm sure the tier price will rise (as it always does)

If it wasn't for high speed cable internet, I'd have D*

You can get D* and still have cable Internet. I use Road Runner and have D*. The only difference would be that you have to pay $5 more a month for RR.

If I'm not mistaken we have guys on this forum representing all of the major networks here in the Triad. We're pretty lucky to have them.

I don't recall seeing anything from someone at the ABC station regarding HD on TWC. Maybe I've missed something, but I also don't recall activity from anyone at other stations close to what Foxeng does. Go ahead and speak up or quote something if I'm wrong.

I'll add to my original post that it would be nice if TWC had someone here.

transmitterengineer works for channel 2
I work for channel 8
mr12 works for channel 12
dubbadon works for channel 20. He started the thread years ago but I don't think he frequents anymore
Zane works for channel 45/48

No one from TWC that we know of.

You can get D* and still have cable Internet. I use Road Runner and have D*. The only difference would be that you have to pay $5 more a month for RR.
I'm not sure what the Road Runner price is, but when I switched it was a $5 difference. I'm using Earthlink via cable and its $41.95. Same speed, same everything. The bill even comes from TWC. I also have D*

transmitterengineer works for channel 2
I work for channel 8
mr12 works for channel 12
dubbadon works for channel 20. He started the thread years ago but I don't think he frequents anymore
Zane works for channel 45/48


I looked at that list and realized I have no clue which channel number means which network here - I let the remote deal with small details like that. :) So, here's the list for the similarly challenged:

transmitterengineer - WFMY (CBS)
foxeng - WGHP (FOX)
mr12 - WXII (NBC)
dubbadon - WCWG (The CW)
Zane - WXLV (ABC) / WMYV (MNT)

I also wanted to point on that the last two nights of bowl coverage on Fox have been some of the best looking HD sports coverage that I've ever seen.

"I also wanted to point on that the last two nights of bowl coverage on Fox have been some of the best looking HD sports coverage that I've ever seen. "

totally agree! way to go Foxeng!

I got a pricing and channel lineup update for 2007 in the mail today from TWC W-S. In it, INHD has moved to the HD Pack instead of being listed in the HD Channels with the locals, Discovery HD, and TNT HD. The pamplet mentions that the next billing cycle will reflect the new prices, so I assume that if the channel lineup will be affected it will probably happen in the same time frame. Has anyone heard that TWC would be removing INHD from the basic HD lineup or could this be a misprint? If this is how they're choosing to deal with the loss of INHD2, I might be moving to satellite in the near future.

Ive been TWC HD for quite a while now, even before I signed up for the HD Pack it showed INHD not included unless you bought the Pack, yet I had always had it in my lineup... take it as you will. Yea they better step up quick and add some new content, its starting to get frustrating... If its bandwith related, get rid of all that new crap they added...

Funny thing happened late last night. Whenever I tuned channel 8 on my Dish 811, the receiver rebooted itself. It refused to lock on 8 but other OTA locals were OK. It's time to retire that old 811 and I just cancelled the Dish service today.

I was supposed to have an HR20 installed this morning. The installer called me and said that they did not have a receiver to install. He said they had a shipment coming in tomorrow and rescheduled for Saturday. He couldn't guarantee that an HR20 would be in the shipment. I called D* and they gave me a credit, but then tried to reschedule me for 2/16. I told them that was unacceptable, and she put me on their cancellation list. The installer I spoke with first is still going to come out Saturday (if they have the equipment), but I am on their cancellation list also. Although what good is a cancellation list if there's no equipment?

So, for those of you that have a HR20 install planned cross your fingers.

Does anybody know whether or not there are any DirecTV installers on this forum / thread?

I was supposed to have an HR20 installed this morning. The installer called me and said that they did not have a receiver to install. He said they had a shipment coming in tomorrow and rescheduled for Saturday. He couldn't guarantee that an HR20 would be in the shipment. I called D* and they gave me a credit, but then tried to reschedule me for 2/16. I told them that was unacceptable, and she put me on their cancellation list. The installer I spoke with first is still going to come out Saturday (if they have the equipment), but I am on their cancellation list also. Although what good is a cancellation list if there's no equipment?

So, for those of you that have a HR20 install planned cross your fingers.
Thanks for the heads up. I'm supposed to get mine installed this Sunday. Even if they are out of HR20s I'm going to want them to go ahead and install the new dish and give me the R15. I have a H20 so I could at least start getting HD locals from D* along with the OTA signals.

I don't recall seeing anything from someone at the ABC station regarding HD on TWC. Maybe I've missed something, but I also don't recall activity from anyone at other stations close to what Foxeng does. Go ahead and speak up or quote something if I'm wrong.

I'll add to my original post that it would be nice if TWC had someone here.
I try not to comment much on the Sinclair - TWC carriage issue because I can do nothing about it. I just hope everyone getting us OTA are happy with the signal.

I try not to comment much on the Sinclair - TWC carriage issue because I can do nothing about it. I just hope everyone getting us OTA are happy with the signal.

45-1 has one of the best signals out there. It basically never breaks up and I live a little over 30 miles from the transmitter tower. I'm using a RS Yagi (no pre-amp) in my attic and I get the signal to come in between 95-100%. Good job Zane.

I try not to comment much on the Sinclair - TWC carriage issue because I can do nothing about it. I just hope everyone getting us OTA are happy with the signal.


Yea I have a rinky dink uhf antenna stuck behind a lot of equipment in the house, and my signal rocks, love some abc hd. It would be cool if TW and them agreed but all they would do was compress the hell out of the image anyways;) best to stick with the ota

Yea I have a rinky dink uhf antenna stuck behind a lot of equipment in the house, and my signal rocks, love some abc hd. It would be cool if TW and them agreed but all they would do was compress the hell out of the image anyways;) best to stick with the ota

Agreed, even if it was on TWC we'd still be watching it OTA.

Sorry Sinclair and TWC, you both lose when it comes to us antenna folk. :cool:

I was supposed to have an HR20 installed this morning. The installer called me and said that they did not have a receiver to install. He said they had a shipment coming in tomorrow and rescheduled for Saturday. He couldn't guarantee that an HR20 would be in the shipment. I called D* and they gave me a credit, but then tried to reschedule me for 2/16. I told them that was unacceptable, and she put me on their cancellation list. The installer I spoke with first is still going to come out Saturday (if they have the equipment), but I am on their cancellation list also. Although what good is a cancellation list if there's no equipment?

So, for those of you that have a HR20 install planned cross your fingers.

Crossing my fingers big time. Suppose to have the HR20 installed on Sat.. I really want those locals in HD (and the DVR function). The Mrs is getting tired of looking at the Silver Sensor in the living room. :-) Thinks it's an eye sore or something....

Sorry Sinclair and TWC, you both lose when it comes to us antenna folk. :cool:

How does Sinclair lose if you're still watching their station?

I try not to comment much on the Sinclair - TWC carriage issue because I can do nothing about it. I just hope everyone getting us OTA are happy with the signal.
I admit, the first time I saw Boston Legal OTA I was very impressed. It is SO MUCH better than it's TWC version.

How does Sinclair lose if you're still watching their station?

By upseting the large majority of people who don't have antennas and can't watch ABCHD. Lets not forget the public outcry over the Superbowl last year. They have given themselves a bad name in the Triad, something that won't easily be undone.

The really bad thing about all this is that most people direct their anger towards ABC45 because they don't have a clue who Sinclair is. I don't think its fair to people like Zane who have no control over it.

By upseting the large majority of people who don't have antennas and can't watch ABCHD. Lets not forget the public outcry over the Superbowl last year. They have given themselves a bad name in the Triad, something that won't easily be undone.

The really bad thing about all this is that most people direct their anger towards ABC45 because they don't have a clue who Sinclair is. I don't think its fair to people like Zane who have no control over it.


What will be even worse is that now in 2007 when Nascar will be shown on ABC, the latter half of the season, everyone especially here in NC where the heart of racing country is will be griping, maybe that will be the thing that puts them over the top to agree on something... you never know...

http://www.circuitcity.com/IMAGE/product/enlarged/phl/EC.PHL.MANT510.JPG

I wonder if I should find a better indoor antenna to try and pick up NBC and PBS. My philips MANT510 doesn't pick up the ones coming from North Winston. Is there any difference between using RG59 and RG6?


The Philips MANT510 is a hi-power 50 db amplified indoor antenna for use with VHF, UHF, FM, and HDTV. This Philips antenna is your best choice to increase the broadcast range to over 25 miles, or when the signal is obstructed by hilly terrain or tall buildings.

Philips MANT 510 Features:

50db gain - adjustable with LED signal level monitor
Unique UHF panel array for superior reception
Adjustable 44 inch chrome-plated dipoles
Very low noise amplifier which is critical for DTV (Digital TV)

Go with RG6, it surely won't hurt. With a short run such as yours, you can pick up some pretty cheap locally. If you end up needing a long run, I have a few hundred feet left on my spool I can ration off.

What will be even worse is that now in 2007 when Nascar will be shown on ABC, the latter half of the season, everyone especially here in NC where the heart of racing country is will be griping, maybe that will be the thing that puts them over the top to agree on something... you never know...
At this point I think TWC is the one behind the eight ball, not Sinclair. Since there is an alternate provider that will provide ABC in HD (without getting an antenna) that people can get in this market, Sinclair can just tell anybody who calls them and complain, to switch to D*. Now I understand D* isn't for everybody, but there certainly are people who will switch because of this. This puts the pressure on TWC to make a deal, not Sinclair.

Seems like local station owners all over the country are pulling this stunt with the cable companies. Frankly I think the whole thing is despicable since cable companies by and large aren't charging customers extra for the HD feed from these local stations, yet the local stations owners want to do just that. If the cable companies buckle, they will just end up passing these charges right unto their customers anyway.

In any case, I'll probably be gone from cable soon, as my beef with TWC is that they do not have enough HD content and I'm tired of waiting.

At this point I think TWC is the one behind the eight ball, not Sinclair. Since there is an alternate provider that will provide ABC in HD (without getting an antenna) that people can get in this market, Sinclair can just tell anybody who calls them and complain, to switch to D*. Now I understand D* isn't for everybody, but there certainly are people who will switch because of this. This puts the pressure on TWC to make a deal, not Sinclair.

Very true, whomever side anyone chooses(sinclair vs TWC) to take, It will have to be TWC who gives in for anything to happen on the positive end... Sinclair really doesnt have anything to lose, TWC has millions of customers...
because in the end not everyone is like all of us freaks here who go to all ends of the world to get our hdtv ;) wether it be with antennas or whatnot, the majority of the people buying the hdtv's are familys or non experienced people who just want to be able to have a STB from their local cable provider and be ready to go, as easy as it is to get an antenna, a lot of people dont want the hassle or dont want to have it in their house looking bad.

The first battle in the station compensation with cable is over and the broadcasters have won.

MediaCom Poised to Drop 22 Sinclair Stations
By Ira Teinowitz Television Week January 5, 2007

A potentially precedent-setting battle between MediaCom Communications and Sinclair Broadcast Group over broadcast TV retransmission rights payments escalated today, with MediaCom saying it will drop 22 Sinclair stations from its cable systems in 12 states at midnight tonight.

MediaCom Chairman and CEO Rocco B. Commisso said he is being forced to drop the stations after failing to reach agreement on a new carriage contract, a move that will deny 500,000 MediaCom households cable access to some major network stations. MediaCom, the country's No. 8 multiple system operator, provides service in smaller cities.

MediaCom and Sinclair have been fighting over retransmission since September. Sinclair, which hasn't been getting retransmission fees, wants MediaCom to start paying fees for its 22 stations in MediaCom's service areas, arguing that it should be getting the kinds of fees cable program providers get. MediaCom has been trying to limit fees to 12 major network stations that get the majority of local viewership and to get other, lesser stations for less or nothing.

The fight had already been escalating, with MediaCom filing an anti-trust lawsuit against Sinclair and a complaint with the Federal Communications Commission charging that Sinclair wasn't engaging in "good faith" negotiations. Meanwhile Sinclair has been offering local residents $100 to sign up with satellite services competing with MediaCom.

The FCC's Media Bureau rejected MediaCom's complaint yesterday, urging the two companies to engage in binding arbitration. Mr. Commisso said today MediaCom would appeal the Media Bureau's action to FCC commissioners. He said his company is willing to engage in binding arbitration, but that Sinclair has been unwilling to negotiate, and that it has been increasing the amount of its payment demands, asking rates that are 100 percent to 500 percent higher than it is getting from Comcast or from satellite services for the same channels.

"The egregious demands by Sinclair will become a lightning-rod issue for Congress and are going to lead to much higher consumer rates," he said.

Barry Faber, Sinclair's VP-general counsel, called the Media Bureau's action yesterday "a resounding victory not just for Sinclair, but for all broadcasters in their efforts to be fairly compensated by cable companies. In addition to its overall holding that our actions in this negotiation have been completely legal, we were particularly gratified by the FCC's conclusion that marketplace considerations for the value of broadcast stations can take into account the prices cable companies pay for nonbroadcast, cable channels."

http://www.tvweek.com/news.cms?newsId=11316

I only seem to get music on station 2-2 and now 48-2 (the tube) is blank, any replacment coming?

I've got the same thing. 2-2 is only audio for me. Every now and then I do see a very messed up picture. It will have half of the screen frozen from the previous channel and then the other half split into two halves with the actual video in the top left corner taking up maybe 25% of the screen.

Any way to fix it?

I got my HR20 replacement yesterday, was sitting on my doorstep. Do you all think I should switch it with the original. They sent to me saying my system was defective because of the black screen bug that happens on the HD channels and is only fixed after a reboot.

To switch or not to switch?

Props to my installer. They canceled my install from Thursday, rescheduled for today (hoping they would have the equipment by then) and install was great. He installed the slimline dish, and the HR20 was great for today's football games. Its going to take some getting used to coming from the HR10, but its just different. Overall good install, good equipment and good experience. PQ on locals are very close if not as good as OTA. The receiver did an upgrade shortly after setup was complete. OTA was not available during setup, but was after the upgrade. OTA's showed up in the program guide like it did with the HR10, and accented in a slightly different color.

Just thought I'd share my experience....

Looks like I am about ready to switch back to DirecTV from TWC. I had switched to TWC about 15 months ago when I upgraded to HD - liked TWC local HD programming. I have been patiently hoping for TWC to get ABC-HD and ESPN2-HD, but who knows if or when. Now that DTV has locals in HD and a reasonably priced HD-DVR it may be time to switch. Any recommendations on getting the best deal and equpment? Looks like my bill will drop from ~$84 TWC to ~$66 for Total Choice + HD (although my RR internet will go up $5).

Looks like my bill will drop from ~$84 TWC to ~$66 for Total Choice + HD (although my RR internet will go up $5).
I'm not sure about new customers. My local HD upgrade was free. I'm not sure what D* will do in response (if anything), but DISH is doing a free HD DVR starting sometime this month. As far as the extra $5, you can switch to Earthlink broadband via cable and get that $5 back. That's what I did when I switched from TWC to D* in 2001. Its the same service, same lines, same equipment, it even comes on a TWC bill, but its Earthlink's "service". You may be able to keep your TWC service for the same price. They offered me that too when I told them I was switching. Not sure what they are doing now.

Having my fingers crossed worked.. My install was setup between 8 and 12 yesterday. The installer called at 10 saying he didn't have any HR20's, but he was able to find one in Greensboro (I'm in Lewisville). Apparently they've had to cancel installs because of limited HR20s the last few days. (I got lucky) He had to go get it so the install didn't start until 12:30, but no problems installing the dish or the DVR. Locals do look good. However I think the dish needs to be aligned still. I was playing around with the the signal strength and 3 of the Sats come in around 98 yet Sats 99 and 103 are hovering around the 50's????? I believe these are the new Sats so I'm not sure if anything is on them yet as all my channels are good. Everything else checks out. Finally glad to get the locals in HD without having to fight with OTA. I had to fight to get ABC and almost never got CBS. NBC was almost never a problem and I could finally get Fox once they went full power.

Well I got my HR20 today. I also got the Slimline dish. I haven't tried to DVR anything yet.

Looks like we were 3 for 3. 3 of us posted that we were getting an HR20 this weekend and everyone got theirs.

I haven't checked the signal strength on the sats yet, but based on the signal strength of the OTA channels I'd say that the tuner in the HR20 is much better than the HR10. From the same antenna position that my HR10 was getting the towers to the south at between 88% and 94%, all were maxed out at 100% on the HR20. Even WXII (from the same antenna position) had a significantly higher signal and locked on well. It wasn't as good yesterday with the weather, but locked on strong Saturday. Usually at this antenna position the breakups were frequent on a good day.

Looks like we were 3 for 3. 3 of us posted that we were getting an HR20 this weekend and everyone got theirs..
Make that 5 for 5, though I didn't post earlier. My papa and one of my cousins had their HR20s installed in Stoneville (NW Rockingham Co.) on Friday. The installer said the receivers just had came in that morning. Mastec was the company doing the install.

What kind of deals are you folks getting? I've been somewhat hesistant to upgrade my 3 HD-Tivos. I don't want to go into sticker shock!

Free dish upgrade, H-10 to H-20 upgrade, and the HR-20 for $69 installed. It took talking to the right CSR and help from an offer TWC gave me to make the whole thing happen.

WFMY - Loss of input signal on digital channel. This happens a lot when they switch to CBS network. We often miss the begennign of the first CBS evening show waiting for HD to return.

Same problem here. It only seems to happen on CBS. Had to go to SD on the small TV to watch "Mother" tonight.

Those of us who have gotten HR20s with the 5 LNB dish should be sitting pretty later this year as far HD content goes.

http://today.reuters.com/news/articlenews.aspx?type=technologyNews&storyID=2007-01-08T194350Z_01_N07269551_RTRUKOC_0_US-ELECTRONICS-SHOW-DIRECTV.xml&WTmodLoc=TechNewsHome_C1_%5bFeed%5d-1

LAS VEGAS (Reuters) - Top U.S. satellite television operator DirecTV Group Inc. (DTV.N: Quote, Profile , Research) plans to announce on Monday it has secured agreements for 60 high-definition channels from major TV networks, as part of a goal to launch 100 HD channels in 2007.

These channels, expected to debut in the third quarter of 2007, will include HD versions of well-known networks including those owned by General Electric (GE.N: Quote, Profile , Research)-controlled NBC Universal and Time Warner Inc.'s (TWX.N: Quote, Profile , Research) Turner Networks, executives said.

Some of the channels that I've seen mentioned are:

Sports - NFL Network, YES, RSNs

- Major Networks - CNN, USA, Sci Fi, Weather Channel, Food Network, TBS, Cartoon Network, Speed, FX

- Movie Channels - All Premium Services

Some others that will probably be part of a roll out are National Geographic HD, A&E HD, HGTV HD, the Golf Channel/Versus HD combo channel, MHD (MTV), Wealth TV HD. The Voom package may be possible as well, especially if D*'s new owner John Malone buys Rainbow Media.

What kind of deals are you folks getting? I've been somewhat hesistant to upgrade my 3 HD-Tivos. I don't want to go into sticker shock!
I got mine for $20. The upgrade was free (after a discussion with the CSR) but I had to pay for the shipping of the receiver ($20). The install was for a new 5 LNB dish and the HR20. When they had to reschedule my install because they didn't have the receiver D* gave me a $100 credit giving me a net of +80 for the install. I had an HR10 that I got in the fall of 2005. That was the only receiver I upgraded. I think this is what they are doing for all of their new receivers, but mine is now leased. The installer basically said all this means is that if I ever want to upgrade or deactivate the receiver I have to return it to D*

However I think the dish needs to be aligned still. I was playing around with the the signal strength and 3 of the Sats come in around 98 yet Sats 99 and 103 are hovering around the 50's????? I believe these are the new Sats so I'm not sure if anything is on them yet as all my channels are good.
Just checked mine out last night. Like you the 99 and 103 were not coming in very strong. For me, 103 was coming in lower than 99. Anyone else with an HR20 or H20 getting similar results? I'm curious if this is a misalignment or if those sats are just not putting out a good signal yet.

Found this in the HDTV programming section. I'm excited about the year ahead for D*. Of course this assume that the satellite launches go okay and D* can deliver what they're promising.

LAS VEGAS--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Jan. 8, 2007--DIRECTV, the nation's leading satellite television service provider, is hailing 2007 as the "Year of HD" with the planned launch and carriage of 100 national high-definition (HD) channels. With this substantial HD muscle, DIRECTV will offer three-times more HD programming than any other multi-channel distributor, with the majority of these channels launching in Q3.

DIRECTV also announced today that it currently has signed agreements, or agreements in principle, with more than 70 major networks including:

-- A&E
-- National Geographic
-- Bravo
-- NFL Network
-- Cartoon Network
-- SciFi Channel
-- CNN
-- Speed
-- Food Network
-- TBS
-- FX
-- The History Channel
-- HGTV
-- The Weather Channel
-- MTV
-- USA Network

DIRECTV will also extend its leadership in HD sports programming by offering hundreds of games and other HD programming available from Regional Sports Networks (RSNs) around the country, including YES Network, Comcast Sports Net, New England Sports Network and FOX Sports.

To satisfy the insatiable appetite for a greater number of movies in HD, DIRECTV will offer an expanded line-up of HD programming available from all premium movie channels.

"This is DIRECTV's break-out year for HD," said Chase Carey, president and CEO, DIRECTV, Inc. "The launch of our two new satellites will complete the largest capacity expansion in DIRECTV history, and no other video service will be able to match the sheer volume and quality of our HD programming. With HD adoption now reaching critical mass in the U.S., and 40 million homes projected to have HD-capable TVs this year, DIRECTV will be uniquely positioned as the best choice for HD programming."

With the launch of DIRECTV 10 and DIRECTV 11 satellites in 2007, DIRECTV will have the ability to deliver more than 1,500 local HD and digital channels and 150 national HD channels, in addition to new advanced programming services for customers.

DIRECTV currently offers standard-definition local channels in 142 markets, covering nearly 94 percent of television households in the country, as well as local HD broadcast channels in 49 cities, representing more than 65 percent of U.S. TV households.

I wish I could talk the wife into D* or E*. How do they tap into the existing cable runs in the house? Cut off TWC and splice in?

I'd have to check with my association about dishes for our townhouses too.....

I wish I could talk the wife into D* or E*. How do they tap into the existing cable runs in the house? Cut off TWC and splice in.
The main thing you have to remember, at least with D* but probably E* too, is that you need a distinct cable run for each receiver from your sat/multiswitch. For instance you can't run a single cable to your attic and then split it into 2 runs for 2 receivers. Then remember that DVRs take 2 inputs so you would need 2 cable runs for that. I remember reading that D* was working on equipment so you could run 2 streams on a single coax (called Frequency Translator Module or FTM) and also equipment so you could run the streams through a splitter too. FTM was mainly supposed to help with the DVRs and the latter was talked about with an apartment building in Manhattan. That was last year some time and I haven't heard anything else since. I was hoping there would be some talk about that at CES this year but I haven't read anything about it as of yet.

I wish I could talk the wife into D* or E*. How do they tap into the existing cable runs in the house? Cut off TWC and splice in?

I'd have to check with my association about dishes for our townhouses too.....

If your house is anything like mine, there is a junction box on the outside of it where all the coax lines are located. When I had cable TV, one line came in from the outside and it was split to all the rooms in the house. Now that I switched to D* I have a dedicated line for Road Runner and 4 lines from my dish going to 3 receivers. (One receiver is a DVR, which takes 2 lines). The most inconvenient thing about satellite TV (in my opinion) is that the lines can't be split with a splitter like cable. In order to get more than 4 lines with a multi-satellite dish, you need to run them into a 4X8 multi-switch. You can find out all you need to know about D* at www.dbstalk.com

Last night there was a release candidate update for the HR20 that was temporarily available. It will be available again tonight.

http://www.dbstalk.com/showthread.php?t=75652

Monday January 8th: 11PM - 1:30AM EST (8PM - 10:30PM PST)
Tuesday January 9th: 11PM - 1:30AM EST (8PM - 10:30PM PST).


-------------------------------
staggered rollouts are there for a reason... as much as they are confident about the release, they need to limit the impact of any unexpected issues.

Before downloading this Release Candidate, you MUST agree to to the below statements... before you force the download.

If you do attempt to get to get this version; then you assume all the risks with this software version.

You will report any issues with the release to the forum, in the appropriate threads. When reporting those issues, please provide as much detail as possible.

You will NOT CALL the DirecTV service center, if you are having a problem. Come back here, and report the problem. The CSR tier will not have the information about this release in their system.

I can not stress it enough: If you force download, DO NOT CALL the call center if you are having problems.

And if it things get to a point that you can "live" with it, do another forced update to revert back to the previous national version.

So to get the update:
During one of the two above stated windows; you may be able to get the release candidate by the 02468 method.


Release Notes:
http://www.dbstalk.com/showthread.php?t=75653

Fixes

* Stability
* Audio/video 3-5 second off after trickplay
* Sporadic DD audio drop outs
* Recording reliability: auto record keyword, title, series-link, and manual recordings should all work as expected.
* Trickplay reliability improvements
* Black screen on playback of a recording
* Sporadic "Do You want to Delete?" on playback of a recording
* Reboot after software download equal to reset button


Improvements

* Improved guide rendering speed
* HDMI TV Compatibility
* Faster audio/video recovery after trickplay
* CallerID
* ATSC tunning improvement


New Features

* The following keys will bring the box out of standby and go straight to screen: Power, Guide, List, Menu, Info, Channel Up, Channel Down

I'd have to check with my association about dishes for our townhouses too.....

I haven't read this whole pdf but I believe that according to the FCC, your homeowners association can't prevent you from putting up a satellite dish.

http://www.fcc.gov/Bureaus/Cable/Orders/1998/fcc98273.pdf

This link also states the same thing.

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

The rule (47 C.F.R. Section 1.4000) has been in effect since October 1996, and it prohibits restrictions that impair the installation, maintenance or use of antennas used to receive video programming. The rule applies to video antennas including direct-to-home satellite dishes that are less than one meter (39.37") in diameter (or of any size in Alaska), TV antennas, and wireless cable antennas. The rule prohibits most restrictions that: (1) unreasonably delay or prevent installation, maintenance or use; (2) unreasonably increase the cost of installation, maintenance or use; or (3) preclude reception of an acceptable quality signal.

Effective January 22, 1999, the Commission amended the rule so that it also applies to rental property where the renter has an exclusive use area, such as a balcony or patio.

On October 25, 2000, the Commission further amended the rule so that it applies to customer-end antennas that receive and transmit fixed wireless signals. This amendment became effective on May 25, 2001.

The rule applies to individuals who place antennas that meet size limitations on property that they own or rent and that is within their exclusive use or control, including condominium owners and cooperative owners, and tenants who have an area where they have exclusive use, such as a balcony or patio, in which to install the antenna. The rule applies to townhomes and manufactured homes, as well as to single family homes.

Uncrules,

Thanks for the info. It is very helpful.

FYI,

I see the lifting derrick on top of the tower for channel 20. I saw some mounting sections for the DTV antenna arrving the other day when I was on my way to work down to my tower. I know the antenna is on site, the transmitter is running in test mode and they are just waiting for the tower crew to do their thing. Once the antenna is mounted, they will have to install the feed line, about 2100 ft of it, and that will take a little time. My guess, with good weather and if the tower crew doesn't dilly-dally around, they should be ready to fire up full power in 45 to 60 days.

Here is a picture that was taken last summer of the tower that has channel 20 analog/DTV,channel 48 analog/digital, channel 45's digital and channel 61's digital.

In the picture the section on the left is channel 20's analog antenna. The steel pole on top is to be removed, sections of tower to be installed and the channel 19 DTV antenna to be side mounted like the channel 20.

The center antenna is channel 45's digital. The original plan was to also put the analog above it but that will not happen now. The antennas on the right are channel 48's analog and digital. The antenna below the candlelabra is channel 61's digital.

The lifting derrick (not pictured) is setting in the middle of all three antenna sections. I am sure when they start moving stuff around up there, channel 45 and 48's transmitters will have to reduce power or go off the air to stay within federal emission guidelines.

Enjoy!

http://www.wabweb.net/radio/images/WXLVTower3.jpg

Is that the CW network DTV antenna you are talking about?

Yes.

foxeng,

How high is the section that you have pictured? (enquiring teenage sons want to know)

Around 1900 ft above the ground.

WXLV digital is scheduled to go off at 9:00am for 1 hour on Thursday morning so the tower crew can move equipment onto the arbor. They have to break the transmission line at the top because it blocks access to the top. When they actually begin installation we will reduce power on all 3 of our transmitters to allow the tower crew to work. I will be interested to see how many people receiving us off air will be affected by the low power.

WFMY has issues again with HD. Jeopardy switching between HD and SD with different times soe portions are missed or repeated. Drives the wife crazy.

WFMY has issues again with HD. Jeopardy switching between HD and SD with different times soe portions are missed or repeated. Drives the wife crazy.

Congratulations to WFMY, they got all of the opening to NCIS in HD tonight!

Cool photo foxeng! thanks for sharing! I've never seen a transmit antenna that close up before. Will you give us another photo when they get the CW antenna attached?

Also I've heard that side mount antennas don't perform nearly as well as one mounted at the top of a tower. Supposedly the tower itself throws some interference into the signal, such as 'ghosting'.

Cool photo foxeng! thanks for sharing! I've never seen a transmit antenna that close up before. Will you give us another photo when they get the CW antenna attached?

Actually I didn't take that picture. A man from Austria who was visiting the area took the picture and put it on his website. I will try and get one when it is completed.

Also I've heard that side mount antennas don't perform nearly as well as one mounted at the top of a tower. Supposedly the tower itself throws some interference into the signal, such as 'ghosting'.

That is true, but you can minimize the interference by rotating the antennna and pulling it out from the tower so it doesn't effect it as much.

WFMY - Loss of input signal on digital channel. This happens a lot when they switch to CBS network. We often miss the begennign of the first CBS evening show waiting for HD to return.

That was an "upgrade" to that POSG (P.O.S. Gear - similar to nick POSG - P.O.S. Guy) Harris IRD they did about 18 months ago. It used to be that it froze the last good frame - but some genius decided that operators weren't noticing the frame was frozen - so they changed the firmware that when you loose the signal, it displays a black slate that says "Loss of Input Signal".

Considering there are alarms that can be connected, this is just ridiculous.

That was an "upgrade" to that POSG (P.O.S. Gear - similar to nick POSG - P.O.S. Guy) Harris IRD they did about 18 months ago. It used to be that it froze the last good frame - but some genius decided that operators weren't noticing the frame was frozen - so they changed the firmware that when you loose the signal, it displays a black slate that says "Loss of Input Signal".

Considering there are alarms that can be connected, this is just ridiculous.

Cute. :rolleyes: :rolleyes: :rolleyes:

Actually I didn't take that picture. A man from Austria who was visiting the area took the picture and put it on his website. I will try and get one when it is completed.



That is true, but you can minimize the interference by rotating the antennna and pulling it out from the tower so it doesn't effect it as much.

The coverage maps I have seen show that WXLV's signal is attenuated to the east and WMYV's is attenuated to the southeast, while WLXI's looks like a bunch of daisy petals.

Is this caused by sidemounting the transmitting antenna on a supporting member which acts like a reflector, or is it in the design of the transmitting antenna itself?

Cute. :rolleyes: :rolleyes: :rolleyes:

This being a foreign thread to both of you, let's keep it civil. OK?

The coverage maps I have seen show that WXLV's signal is attenuated to the east and WMYV's is attenuated to the southeast, while WLXI's looks like a bunch of daisy petals.

Is this caused by sidemounting the transmitting antenna on a supporting member which acts like a reflector, or is it in the design of the transmitting antenna itself?

FCC website is showing that all three are directional patterns meaning the signals are by design and not random interference sidemounting interference.

This being a foreign thread to both of you, let's keep it civil. OK?

Two points:

I have never insulted "you know who" personally or professionally, and am mature enough not to do so.

Second, I receive and actually watch several stations from the Greensboro market, so at least give me the distinction of being on this thread with a "green card", and not being a complete illegal alien. ;)

Two points:

I have never insulted "you know who" personally or professionally, and am mature enough not to do so.

Second, I receive and actually watch several stations from the Greensboro market, so at least give me the distinction of being on this thread with a "green card", and not being a complete illegal alien. ;)

You know what they say, "What happens in Programming, stays in Programming." :D

Actually I didn't take that picture. A man from Austria who was visiting the area took the picture and put it on his website. I will try and get one when it is completed.

Cool

That is true, but you can minimize the interference by rotating the antennna and pulling it out from the tower so it doesn't effect it as much.

I hadn't heard that before. Thanks. Pulling it away makes sense. It sounds like rotating would help a directional beam.

I saw the gin pole on top of channel's 20 tower today. Work seems to be progressing.

That was an "upgrade" to that POSG (P.O.S. Gear - similar to nick POSG - P.O.S. Guy) Harris IRD they did about 18 months ago. It used to be that it froze the last good frame - but some genius decided that operators weren't noticing the frame was frozen - so they changed the firmware that when you loose the signal, it displays a black slate that says "Loss of Input Signal".

Considering there are alarms that can be connected, this is just ridiculous.

Well the problem is a little more complicated than just the HD receiver. In this particular instance when "Loss of Input Signal" appears its actually from an HD recording that was sourced from the sat receiver in question. Alarm takes on a slightly new aspect when attempts at that concept are applied here. We have recently made GPIO linkages between the SD MC switcher and our MMC 100 in an effort to provide some "automation". However this requires the MC operator to enable and disable the GPIO linkage at the appropiate times.

Yes this problem has been very frustrating for me also. And I personaly apologize for anyone else's frustration regarding this. We will continue to work on this until we get it right. Good luck all.

Rickey.

Ricky,

Any update on the status of your DD5.1 upgrade? Thanks for the info.

foxeng,

How does D* retransmit your DTV signal? I noticed something interesting tonight. Last Saturday in got my HR20 receiver. This evening I was watching an episode of House recorded on my new receiver. One of the things that drove me nuts was how much louder the audio was for the commercials when watching FOX HD programming OTA. When watching House, I was watching a recording from the HDLiL feed. The audio levels for both commercials and programming were at the same level. Just curious what D*'s process was for retransmitting your DTV feed and why the audio was different. . . and I guess what else they may be changing from your feed.

foxeng,

How does D* retransmit your DTV signal? I noticed something interesting tonight. Last Saturday in got my HR20 receiver. This evening I was watching an episode of House recorded on my new receiver. One of the things that drove me nuts was how much louder the audio was for the commercials when watching FOX HD programming OTA. When watching House, I was watching a recording from the HDLiL feed. The audio levels for both commercials and programming were at the same level. Just curious what D*'s process was for retransmitting your DTV feed and why the audio was different. . . and I guess what else they may be changing from your feed.

If you have a DD5.1 decoder you may have the volume equalization turned on and that IS a good thing. The problem isn't with D* or us. Here is what network does. On the digital signal, they do not use ANY audio processing or leveling. The goal is to record all programming into the system at the same level. In the beginning they watched the recorded levels pretty closely. In the last 6 or 9 months, whom ever is recording the programming is NOT watching the levels. They appear to be lower than the commercials. Since this is sent via the splicer, we have no way to intervene except to drop back to SD and run it through our digital processing, something that defeats the whole purpose of doing HD. Until network starts to ride the levels better or they add leveling, or they let us run the HD signals like other networks, there isn't much that can be done except to use the autoleveling of DD5.1. I use that on my DD5.1 system and that helps.

Ricky,

Any update on the status of your DD5.1 upgrade? Thanks for the info.

Check your Dolby Digital(tm) indicator on your decoder it should now be lit. The decoding/encoding equipment was installed today. I was waiting to see if anyone noticed, but since you asked...

Anyhow there will probably be some more "tweaking" required, there are a LOT of parameters to be chosen in the three new pieces of equipment. We are sending 5.1 through pretty much "as is", and when 5.1 is not available we are synthesizing 2.0 audio into 5.1 complete with "low frequency effects" The box that does this says THX(tm) on it.

Just managing the lip sync issues brought about by the signal delays in these three new boxes was a time consuming challenge for me. I'm still not quite sure that I got it right and will continue to look at A/V timing.
Any comments are appreciated.

Rickey.

Check your Dolby Digital(tm) indicator on your decoder it should now be lit. The decoding/encoding equipment was installed today. I was waiting to see if anyone noticed, but since you asked...

Anyhow there will probably be some more "tweaking" required, there are a LOT of parameters to be chosen in the three new pieces of equipment. We are sending 5.1 through pretty much "as is", and when 5.1 is not available we are synthesizing 2.0 audio into 5.1 complete with "low frequency effects" The box that does this says THX(tm) on it.

Just managing the lip sync issues brought about by the signal delays in these three new boxes was a time consuming challenge for me. I'm still not quite sure that I got it right and will continue to look at A/V timing.
Any comments are appreciated.

Rickey.
I was just about to edit my post. I was flipping through and saw Criminal Minds and noticed that the DD was lit up. I thought to myself, 'what an idiot'. Post a question and all I had to do was look at my receiver. I don't feel so bad knowing that you just turned it on today. Everything sounded good for me. Can't wait to hear the football games this weekend. CBS's 5.1 is amazing for their sports. I would sometimes switch to the Roanoke station during games just for the audio.

If you have a DD5.1 decoder you may have the volume equalization turned on and that IS a good thing. The problem isn't with D* or us. Here is what network does. On the digital signal, they do not use ANY audio processing or leveling. The goal is to record all programming into the system at the same level. In the beginning they watched the recorded levels pretty closely. In the last 6 or 9 months, whom ever is recording the programming is NOT watching the levels. They appear to be lower than the commercials. Since this is sent via the splicer, we have no way to intervene except to drop back to SD and run it through our digital processing, something that defeats the whole purpose of doing HD. Until network starts to ride the levels better or they add leveling, or they let us run the HD signals like other networks, there isn't much that can be done except to use the autoleveling of DD5.1. I use that on my DD5.1 system and that helps.
That's interesting. My receiver does not have any sort of auto leveling; or if it does I didn't know it and haven't changed any settings since swapping sat receivers. I'm going to do some comparisons between D* and OTA during a live broadcast (not DVR'd) and see if there is any difference.

Thanks for the info.

Gregchak, hey man no sweat. Just wait 'till you have the experience of hooking that last wire up on a "dead" curcuit and seeing electronics fire up. :eek: Yes everyone gets caught "behind the curve" sometimes. Me included. :p

Rickey.

[QUOTE=xmitterengineer]Check your Dolby Digital(tm) indicator on your decoder it should now be lit. The decoding/encoding equipment was installed today. I was waiting to see if anyone noticed, but since you asked...

I noticed last night too, it sounded great! Now we don't have to watch CBS out of Roanoke. :)

Thanks for all the hard work Rickey.

That is great and just in time for the NFL Playoffs and the Super Bowl!

Help choosing antenna:
Wondered if anyone could give some advice on choosing an OTA antenna? I've been to antennaweb but I'm suprised that channel 8 is showing I need an antenna with as much power as picking up the Charlotte stations. The rest of the stations show a "yellow" antenna as good enough. I'm hoping to mount the antenna inside an attic with a fairly tall (7 or more feet of clearance).

Thanks,

Here is what I received from antennaweb for the digital stations:

yellow - uhf WUNL-DT 26.1 PBS WINSTON-SALEM NC 13° 19.6 32
yellow - uhf WXII-DT 12.1 NBC WINSTON-SALEM NC 12° 19.5 31
yellow - uhf WMYV-DT 48.1 MNT GREENSBORO NC 123° 36.0 33
yellow - uhf WXLV-DT 45.1 ABC WINSTON-SALEM NC 123° 36.0 29
yellow - uhf WFMY-DT 2.1 CBS GREENSBORO NC 123° 35.1 51
red - uhf WLXI-DT 61.1 TBN GREENSBORO NC 123° 36.0 43
blue - uhf WUNG-DT 58.1 PBS CONCORD NC 200° 52.1 44
violet - uhf WGHP-DT 8.1 FOX HIGH POINT NC 129° 36.9 35
violet - uhf WCCB-DT 18.1 FOX CHARLOTTE NC 205° 58.0 27
violet - uhf WCNC-DT 36.1 NBC CHARLOTTE NC 227° 65.2 22
violet - uhf WBTV-DT 3.1 CBS CHARLOTTE NC 228° 64.8 23
violet - uhf WSOC-DT 9.1 ABC CHARLOTTE NC 205° 58.3 34

Antennaweb hasn't updated their database that WGHP-DT is now at full power.

From your sig it appears you are in Winston-Salem. Any decent antenna will work from Winston-Salem for all of the locals.

I was reading an article from Engadget HD that had an interview with the CTO of D*. He was grilled pretty good about HD Lite. One of the questions asked was how D* was retransmitting the HD LiL feeds. He mentioned a couple of scenarios. One was where D* had a transcoder at the local station and another was where they were retransmitting the local station's OTA signal. The latter kind of surprised me. This would make a big difference for instance with channels that multicast. If D* was retransmitting from its transcoder at the station before the feed was multicasted out, in theory, there would be a better picture on D* than OTA; assuming D* doesn't over compress the feed making it the HD Lite in question. Would this assumption be correct? For channels that don't multicast I wouldn't think there would be much of a difference.

With that said, I was wondering if the members from the local stations would be willing to share with us the mechanism D* uses to retransmit their feed.

The link to the interview is here:
http://www.engadgethd.com/2007/01/11/the-engadget-hd-interview-directvs-cto-re-hd-lite/

Being a digital signal, it doesn't matter if the signal is picked up OTA or at the station. It is the same data stream (MPEG2) and if a station is multicasting they would still need either a second decoder at the station or a second receiver at the collection site and that MPEG2 signal would be transcoded to MPEG4 for the HD LIL.

Here in the Triad, D* picks up the digital stations OTA. We had been approached as being the collection site for the digital signals. It was something we were interested in but didn't have the space for the 11 racks of equipment D* said they needed to do this so last I heard they put it at the SD receive site at the T-W fibre center on Galimore Dairy Rd in Greensboro.

As of this morning WXLV and WMYV DT's and the WMYV 48 analog have reduced power to allow Ch 20 to install their full power antenna. I am interested to hear if this has affected anyones reception locally. I believe our fringe viewers will suffer the most. With good weather we should be operating at low power for approx 2 weeks.

As of this morning WXLV and WMYV DT's and the WMYV 48 analog have reduced power to allow Ch 20 to install their full power antenna. I am interested to hear if this has affected anyones reception locally. I believe our fringe viewers will suffer the most. With good weather we should be operating at low power for approx 2 weeks.
Thanks Zane for the update. (That is one of the neatest things about this thread-having the kingpins of each station participate!)

Wonder if TWC will carry the HD signal from the CW? Is 48 Sinclair owned?

Don't know about 20 (they are owned by Pappas) and yes, 48 is owned by Sinclair.

Being a digital signal, it doesn't matter if the signal is picked up OTA or at the station. It is the same data stream (MPEG2) and if a station is multicasting they would still need either a second decoder at the station or a second receiver at the collection site and that MPEG2 signal would be transcoded to MPEG4 for the HD LIL.

Here in the Triad, D* picks up the digital stations OTA. We had been approached as being the collection site for the digital signals. It was something we were interested in but didn't have the space for the 11 racks of equipment D* said they needed to do this so last I heard they put it at the SD receive site at the T-W fibre center on Galimore Dairy Rd in Greensboro.
That makes sense. But say, for instance, a station was overly compressing its HD signal (and this is not a comment about any of the stations here, just a question about the process) to make room for additional streams in their multicat. If D* retransmitted the station's signal from OTA you would be viewing the same OTA
signal (over compressed) on HD LiL. But if D*s transcoder was at the station and it received the stream before it was encoded and compressed for the multicast signal, wouldn't that be of better quality? Or in the scenario where the transcoder is at the station, would the transcoder get the stream after it was already encoded and compressed and ready to be transmitted via OTA making D* get the same quality of stream either way? Again, this is not a comment about how any of the stations here send their signal, its just me being overly curious about the process.

Thanks for the info.

But if D*s transcoder was at the station and it received the stream before it was encoded and compressed for the multicast signal, wouldn't that be of better quality? Or in the scenario where the transcoder is at the station, would the transcoder get the stream after it was already encoded and compressed and ready to be transmitted via OTA making D* get the same quality of stream either way? Again, this is not a comment about how any of the stations here send their signal, its just me being overly curious about the process.

Thanks for the info.
In our situation here if D* had equipment here (they don't) we would provide them the feed out of our encoder. It would be the same stream sent to the transmitter at what ever bit rate we were running at the time.

The bottom line is D* has no intention of dropping lines to each station as they used to do with analog several years ago. We had a direct fibre line from our control switcher straight to the uplink center. D* did away with those Jan 2006 to cost their costs and went with OTA collection sites. They carried the same infrastructure over to the DTV signals.

The bottom line is D* has no intention of dropping lines to each station as they used to do with analog several years ago. We had a direct fibre line from our control switcher straight to the uplink center. D* did away with those Jan 2006 to cost their costs and went with OTA collection sites. They carried the same infrastructure over to the DTV signals.
Exactly right.

As of this morning WXLV and WMYV DT's and the WMYV 48 analog have reduced power to allow Ch 20 to install their full power antenna. I am interested to hear if this has affected anyones reception locally. I believe our fringe viewers will suffer the most. With good weather we should be operating at low power for approx 2 weeks.
I'm located in Statesville. I just checked WXLV and am receiving it with a little breakup at times. WMYV will not stay locked in.

Zane, Foxeng thanks for the info. After reading that article I referenced it really makes you think about all of the different things that go into retransmitting these signals. And then when you mentioned 11 racks for 4 local stations, that's a lot of equipment. I've been through TWC's facility off of Galimore Dairy a couple of times. They certainly have the space and the infrastructure for something like that.

I realize this is a little broader in topic than just Greensboro, but with all of the talk about switching to DirectTV I thought I'd give it a shot. I've got to get more HD and better picture quality than TWC!

I currently have 4 TV's. Two are little old TV's in my office and garage, just so I can watch a game or something when doing work. One is in our workout room with a DVR. The main one has an HD DVR. I may want to add a TV to a bedroom later, but could live without it.

Will it be overly complicated and expensive to support this many TV's? Does each run from the multi-switch contain all satellites and OTA? I guess I could cheap out and share one tuner among 2 or 3 of the secondary TV's, but that will be inconvenient to change cables.

Does anyone have exceedingly good/bad experience with local installers? I'm the picking/inquisitive type...

I wish there was an affordable home distribution system with HD audio/video. It seems a little ridiculous that each TV needs a satellite tuner (when some are used just a few hours a month) and I need a dedicated DVR in each location where I want recorded programs. Plus I have to program each DVR independently. It seems we're getting close with fast WLAN, Slingbox, etc. The last time I looked into this, the problem was with getting the audio/video to the TV's (especially HD with digital audio), the RF remotes, and the cost. It should be fairly easy to put a bank of about 5 tuners, MPEG cards, hard drive, and fast WLAN in the garage, then each TV would just need a WLAN receiver with A/V outputs and a remote.

Thanks!
Adam

Atoner,

With TWC cable, you can have as many analog TVs as you want and if your HDTVs have a QAM tuners they will also get locals in HD (except for ABC) and Discovery HD and TBS HD as well. Otherwise you need an HD cable box rented from TWC at each HDTV to get digital and premiums. For Dish network, they have an HD DVR receiver that includes a second receiver with an analog (channel 3) RF output. You can feed this output to as many analog TVs as you want. You will need to buy extra UHF remotes for the other TV and all must watch the same channel. You can watch sat or recorded programs from any TV (except they will not be in HD). The main HDTV located at the receiver can watch a different channel as the box has two separate receivers that share the same DVR. Or you can buy newer HDTVs with good over-the-air tuners and distribute a common antenna signal to all. No really good solution exists for sending HD siganls to multiple TVs.

If I have a tv with a QAM tuner and get the basic TWC package (the 6.87 one) will I get HD locals or do I have to have standard package?

I hooked up my RR cable to my TV and got many digital stations without any cable supscription

I hooked up my RR cable to my TV and got many digital stations without any cable supscription


You are technically stealing cable service and will most likely be prosecuted if caught.

If I have a tv with a QAM tuner and get the basic TWC package (the 6.87 one) will I get HD locals or do I have to have standard package?

Is $6.87 the price to get basic cable, e.g. I could leave basic cable on the little TV's and run DirectTV + OTA to the two DVR's? Is this listed somewhere on TWC's web site, or it is one of those unpublished fees?

When did basic drop from $11 to $6 dollars?

Basic cable is essentially what you can get from an antenna (reception augmentation) plus a few access channels and news14 for $9.18/mt. Standard service adds the remaining analog channels. I would guess that all the digitals would be trapped out unless you also have Road Runner. In that case they need to keep the upper frequencies open so some clear QAM will come through. If you pay for RR and basic cable and you TV is able to tune the clear QAM versions of the locals as well, are you stealing? After all, they are sending you signals to your TVs and have control over what they allow on the cable. Can they then say "please don't tune in the local HD channels unless you first upgrade to full digital service"?

You are technically stealing cable service and will most likely be prosecuted if caught.

I am not so sure. First thing, he is not using any illegal or shady hardware to receive
the QAM stations. Second, one can almost argue that he is paying for the access since
he is paying for RR (RR access obviously allows some channels through). The unencrypted
digital QAM stations the best I can tell are not technically part of the basic cable tier either.
That being the case, everyone on just basic cable receiving those channels could also be
considered stealing from this perspective.

I am not trying to start a debate here, but I think we have to be careful with how we use the
term "stealing". Let just be happy for donnych that he is getting a "perk" with his RR which is just
another type of cable service.

C Snyder

When did basic drop from $11 to $6 dollars?


The current price for basic in Forsyth is $7.69 (previously $6.87).

C Snyder

Unencrypted digital QAM technically is more akin to a broadcast basic cable tier. I only mention this because while cable companies offer a broadcast basic tier (I think by FCC mandate) they rarely adverttise it; you have to ask for it. What many consider basic cable is now the expanded analog cable.

This is interesting because basic broadcast cable is usually offered by putting a filter on the cable line coming into the house, preventing the line from passing the extra channels. This allows use of analog "cable ready" TV's without STB's for two cable tiers. As we transition to all digital cable (whever that happens), broadcast basic becomes clear QAM, but there is no direct technological transition (at this time) to an expanded basic without use of cablecards.

Note that the HD cable channels offered in clear qam digital are not available in the broadcast basic tier (ie their analog counterparts). This is likely a mechanism for charging more for the basic digital tier, assuming the this conforms to FCC regulations.

Anyone knowing more about this fell free to correct this (as if I could stop you) as I claim no special knowledge in this field. Cablecard 2.0, OCAP, and SDV may alter this landscape.

TWC users with SA8300HD:

Has anyone been able to enable 480p using HDMI? My Samsung LN-S4051 LCD and the SA8300HD will not pass 480i or 480p over HDMI. I can only pass 720p and 1800i and the never used 480p widescreen.

TWC users with SA8300HD:

Has anyone been able to enable 480p using HDMI? My Samsung LN-S4051 LCD and the SA8300HD will not pass 480i or 480p over HDMI. I can only pass 720p and 1800i and the never used 480p widescreen.

I have the TWC SA8300HD and use HDMI to a Sony SXRD. In Auto HDMI mode I get 1080i, 720p, and 480i passed through to the TV (depending on the channels selected) so the TV does all the upscaling. I have not tried 408p from my DVD because it upscales to 1080i through its HDMI by default.

Are you sure that you have 480i and 480p enabled in the SA8300HD's initial setup? To check, turn the box off then press and hold both the guide and info keys on the box (not on the remote). Accept the advanced setup option and be sure all modes that your TV can see are selected (unless you want the cable box to do the upscaling)

I have the TWC SA8300HD and use HDMI to a Sony SXRD. In Auto HDMI mode I get 1080i, 720p, and 480i passed through to the TV (depending on the channels selected) so the TV does all the upscaling. I have not tried 408p from my DVD because it upscales to 1080i through its HDMI by default.

Are you sure that you have 480i and 480p enabled in the SA8300HD's initial setup? To check, turn the box off then press and hold both the guide and info keys on the box (not on the remote). Accept the advanced setup option and be sure all modes that your TV can see are selected (unless you want the cable box to do the upscaling)


I tried manually enabling the different options. I get a blue screen (no signal) with 480i and 480p. I did check with S-Video on another input and I saw HDCP Copy Protection.

The current price for basic in Forsyth is $7.69 (previously $6.87).

C Snyder

10 years ago, the last time I had TWC in Greensboro, it was 10.6x for basic which was 2-14 excluding HBO on channel 5 I think it was.

According to the guy who runs the headend of TWC, the digital OTA channels on their system are free with basic and are available to those with basic service and a QAM tuner.

I am not so sure. First thing, he is not using any illegal or shady hardware to receive
the QAM stations. Second, one can almost argue that he is paying for the access since
he is paying for RR (RR access obviously allows some channels through). The unencrypted
digital QAM stations the best I can tell are not technically part of the basic cable tier either.
That being the case, everyone on just basic cable receiving those channels could also be
considered stealing from this perspective.

I am not trying to start a debate here, but I think we have to be careful with how we use the
term "stealing". Let just be happy for donnych that he is getting a "perk" with his RR which is just
another type of cable service.

C Snyder

No, he is not paying for cable TV and is stealing cable TV service. Sorry if you don't like the word stealing but it is theft and can be prosecuted as such. If he connects up his Road Runner service to his TV he has illegally tapped into the TWC system and is stealing their TV Service no matter how you try to spin it.

His stealing of Cable TV Service is costing you and other legit subs more money to subsidize his theft, so no I will not be happy he is stealing service as you are.

I don't know how to make it any clearer.

http://www.cabletheft.com/


Definition of Cable Theft
Cable theft is the illegal interception of cable programming services without the express authorization of, or payment to, a cable company.
Active Theft occurs when someone knowingly and intentionally makes an illegal physical connection to the cable system in their area for the purpose of receiving cable service in their home or business.

Premium Theft or "Pay Theft" occurs when someone knowingly and intentionally attaches equipment (i.e., black boxes, cheater box, cube, descramblers, decoders, etc.) for the unauthorized receipt of premium or pay cable services such as HBO, Showtime, Cinemax, Starz, or Pay Per View movies and special events (wrestling/boxing).

Passive Theft means having active cable service in your residence without notifying the cable operator. (Example: You move into a new apartment that has active service but you do not notify the cable operator.)

No intent to steal have called about installing basic cable
Just read on another thread that when you pay for RR without cable they charge a surcharge for this type of thing.
I only hooked it up temporary to see if true.
I need them to come out and wire up a splitter and all.
BTW where I work we have TW and do not pay for HBO and get it. Called about it and they did nothing about it. Told service man when he came out and he did nothing. So what else can you do?
Sorry for starting something that was not intended, but the service people at TW know NOTHING about QAM Tuner and the ability to get HDTV through just the basic service.

One more question
TV have a Cable Card slot. TW was not very helpful in explaining the advantage to using this. Any help with this.

No, he is not paying for cable TV and is stealing cable TV service. Sorry if you don't like the word stealing but it is theft and can be prosecuted as such. If he connects up his Road Runner service to his TV he has illegally tapped into the TWC system and is stealing their TV Service no matter how you try to spin it.

His stealing of Cable TV Service is costing you and other legit subs more money to subsidize his theft, so no I will not be happy he is stealing service as you are.

I don't know how to make it any clearer.

Again, it is perspective. Since he is paying for RR, it is a grey area. The definition for
passive theft would completely apply if he had no paid service from twc. Again, perspective
on how you choose to approach it. And yes, I do have problem with the term "stealing" in this
case since he "discovered" the clear QAM comes through to his residence without intentionally
bypassing (according to the post) any mechanism to prevent otherwise. Obviously you have a
very strong opinion on this subject as I have my own, so I will say no more on the topic.

C Snyder

According to the guy who runs the headend of TWC, the digital OTA channels on their system are free with basic and are available to those with basic service and a QAM tuner.

Thanks Foxeng, perhaps this will explain the situation to the misguided who mistakenly equate QAM with theft. OR are the TV manufacturers accomplices since they include a QAM tuner along with ATSC and NTSC?

When did basic drop from $11 to $6 dollars?

Basic cable price varies from county to county in the triad. I believe the local governments get a say in how much basic cable costs in their respective areas. I know Guilford County is on the higher end of that price range.

Maybe someone in the know could elaborate further.

If you get basic cable i believe your QAM tuner will also tune Discovery HD and TNT HD and some of the upper digital channels. If TWC doesn't want to filter them out you should be free to watch them. BTW, I have TWC full bundle, just got cable phone installed as well.

Cable Cards will let you subscribe to encrypted digital channels and maybe get VOD.

If you get basic cable i believe your QAM tuner will also tune Discovery HD and TNT HD and some of the upper digital channels.

In Greensboro, I'm able to get Discovery-HD, WGHP-DT, WXII-DT, WFMY-DT and WUNC-DT (and several sub-channels) via QAM. Never been able to find TNT-HD via QAM.

I'm considering switching from TWC to D*, and I'd appreciate any opinions regarding D*'s new carriage of HD locals. In particular I'm wondering about picture quality (vs. TWC or just in general). I'm tired of not getting ABC in HD and excited about D*'s claims of expanded HD offerings later this year, but I think TWC's HD picture quality has improved recently and I'd hate to switch for mostly one channel (ABC) plus a promise of more later only to lose overall picture quality or reliability. I've never had satellite before and it sounds like more trouble than cable (need 2 lines for DVRs and phone connections to the receivers, loss of signal in heavy rain, etc.), but with HD locals and the surprising claim of HD channels like SciFi, USA, etc. later this year, D* is pretty tempting. Particularly since there's no sign TWC will add any HD channels here any time soon. Any advice or opinions from those with D*?

You don't have to have the phone line connected unless you want to order PPV programming. (I have a receiver in my bedroom that has never been hooked up to a phone line). As far as two lines per DVR, you don't have to have 2 lines connected, but if you want to take full advantage of the DVR's capabilities, I would recommend having both tuners connected. Since you would be a new customer, you should be able to have everything installed for free. Give them a call and find out what kind of options they can give you.

I'm considering switching from TWC to D*, and I'd appreciate any opinions regarding D*'s new carriage of HD locals. In particular I'm wondering about picture quality (vs. TWC or just in general). I'm tired of not getting ABC in HD and excited about D*'s claims of expanded HD offerings later this year, but I think TWC's HD picture quality has improved recently and I'd hate to switch for mostly one channel (ABC) plus a promise of more later only to lose overall picture quality or reliability. I've never had satellite before and it sounds like more trouble than cable (need 2 lines for DVRs and phone connections to the receivers, loss of signal in heavy rain, etc.), but with HD locals and the surprising claim of HD channels like SciFi, USA, etc. later this year, D* is pretty tempting. Particularly since there's no sign TWC will add any HD channels here any time soon. Any advice or opinions from those with D*?
I switched from TWC in 2001 because of frustration with their customer service and quality of picture. I haven't sat down and really looked at their PQ since then, but their analog tier PQ wasn't even close to those same channels on D*. I never had HD from TWC. A friend of mine switched from TWC to D* in December and he commented immediately how much better both SD and HD were on D*; he has never seen OTA.

I got setup with my HD locals back on 1/5 and the service has been great. I geeked it up one night and kept going back and forth between the D* feed and OTA. Most of the time I could not tell the difference. There were a couple of times I noticed an ever-so-slight difference, but for the most part, through my eyes, there was no perceived difference. D* continues to be questioned about their HD Lite. Sometimes I can notice this, sometimes not. I did notice several times during MNF this year on ESPN.

I also got their new HD DVR (HR20). I have had some problems with it. Watching live TV and using instant replay, pause, etc. features with live TV I haven't had any problems. My problems arose with the recording reliability. The good news is that it only happened one night, the bad news is that it was last Thursday when I DVR about 5-6 shows. In those instances, as soon as I selected to play the show it asked me to keep or delete the show and was unable to watch any of them. Very frustrating to say the least. The Mrs. was less than thrilled.

In terms of PQ, you will probably gain in the non-HD channels. For HD all I can say, having never had TWC HD, is the the quality is certainly good enough for me and the HD locals are close to if not as good as OTA. If you are interested in getting their HD DVR, you may want to wait a little bit and let some of the recording bugs get worked out. You can read A LOT about that on dbstalk.com. Their most recent software release candidate seems to be getting good reviews.

Hope that helps.

The Digital SD from TWC has gotten way better, looks way better than the analog SD. My SA8300HD DVR now gets almost all the SD channels digitally.

Thanks guys. We wouldn't be using PPV so we wouldn't need the extra phone lines, I guess, but we'd want both tuners available for DVRs for at least two TVs (but only one HD). However ...

If you are interested in getting their HD DVR, you may want to wait a little bit and let some of the recording bugs get worked out.

... we use our TWC HD DVR regularly (the SA 8000HD), so I guess I should wait until the HR20's bugs are ironed out. We had lots of trouble with the 8000HD when we first started with digital cable, but none lately, so I guess I'm not surprised D* is having some initial trouble with the HR20.

As for non-HD channel picture quality, that's one of my other complaints with TWC, even though they've improved some there.

Telemike -- when you say that you're receiving most SD channels digitally are you including basic and standard tier channels? And how do you tell whether you're receiving them digitally or via analog, or is that a feature specific to the 8300HD?

Thanks again.

I notice some digital breakup at times on the SD channels. I am not sure about channels less than 14 being digital but all the other channels are coming in digital for me as best i can tell. PQ is almost DVD like although the bit rates aren't the best (I see macroblocking right up at the screen).

Channels 16 and lower are not digital in my area. Basically everything on the standard
tier from 18-76, and 95 (which tunes as ch1 with digital access) has a digital feed.
I can see the difference in the way that 2-16 have that typical "analog noise" for
lack of a better term. The SD digital feeds have that processed look.

C Snyder

Channels 2 through 77 are analog here in Greensboro on TWC and if you do not have a cable box, but do subscribe to the extended tier, you will get them without any cable box or QAM tuner on an older set connected directly to the cable.

I have one older set without a set-top-box and that is how it is connected. I know it gets analog channels 2 up through 77.

I have two set-top boxes on the other two TVs. As already stated, the analog channels above the basic tier (2-13?) all have digital equivalents. Hard to know which the set-top-box actually uses when tuned to channel 31, etc. It could use the analog 31, or the digital equivalent.

Eventually I expect the analog channels from 14-77 to be reclaimed and those who currently subscribe to the extended tier will all need a cable box to tune to their digital equivalents. Only the most basic of cable from 2-13 (??) would be available without a cable box. That will free up a LOT of bandwidth for HDTV (I can dream, can't I?)

Joe L.
To fend off any questions, I subscribe to the extended tier, the HDTV tier, the premium channels, etc. I am not using services I have not subscribed/paid.

I'm considering switching from TWC to D*... I'm tired of not getting ABC in HD

It could be worse. The cable tv system where my parents live, (Mediacom) in Marion, NC, recently dropped the local ABC affiliate (WLOS from Asheville) because of a money squabble with Sinclair. Now they don't have ANY ABC programming available on their cable service.

http://www.citizen-times.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=200770106002

Again, it is perspective. Since he is paying for RR, it is a grey area. The definition for passive theft would completely apply if he had no paid service from twc.


Incorrect - they wired it to the cable modem.

He has put a splitter in and wired it to his TV.


Obviously you have a very strong opinion on this subject as I have my own, so I will say no more on the topic.


Because it is not Grey - its black and white. They did not wire it to his TV - he did.

It does not matter if he wired it from his cable modem, from the house entry or from the pole - he is stealing it according to the law - and its not grey - it's black and white.

Now, I really don't give a rats aszz if he steals it or not - but to say its grey is another outright misinterpretation of the law and he should be aware of the fact of what he is doing. If he makes a concious decision to do it, that's his decision - but at least he should have the facts without someone saying it's a grey area.

Chances of getting caught? Very slim, but again, it's his life and he has to live with his decisions.

Simple logic should tell you if they put a filter on your line if you do not have TV service to keep you from getting basic analog cable that it's clearly not ok to get basic HD Channels for free just because the filters are not up to those frequencies - yet.

My brother and sister in law who live in Greensboro and are reps for several firms - they buy everything for 50% of for demos - and then up selling everything for cash several months later.

They send their kids to a private school that is Christan Based. They attend church, listen to K Love on the Radio blah blah blah.

Yet they take off the cost of the demos as a business expense and never need to go to an ATM for cash as they never report the sale of the demos.

They can tell me all about how religious they are - and how they obey the 10 Commandments, say prayers, never drink and all that, but I will continue to throw in their face to get serious as they are cheating on their taxes big time.

Again, I don't really care - but to try and justify it is ridiculous (they actually tried one time, lol) as its black and white - and speaks volumes about the person - who might be trying to convince others they are close to walking on water as you can get - when in reality - actions speak much louder than words.

So yes, I will call a baby ugly in real life as well - no matter who's baby it is.

It sure would be nice if there was a contact at TWC that would post here.......

Unfortunately, if you sign up for RR only, you are not entitled to the television signals and TWC has everyright to terminate your service if they find you are viewing TV from that "modem line." Of course the only way they would know is if you had a RR problem and they came to your house and saw the splitter.

Anybody know where I can get one of those hacked P3 (football) cards so I can watch D* for free? I'm tired of paying them my hard earned money.

...Just kidding folks.

Watched American Idol on FOX8 last night OTA and the 720p broadcast looked great on my 768p Samsung 40" LCD.

Interesting read on TWC and switched mode cable.

http://www.cedmagazine.com/article/CA6375650.html

Watched American Idol on FOX8 last night OTA and the 720p broadcast looked great on my 768p Samsung 40" LCD.

Thanks!! (Even though that is through the splicer and we have nothing to do with it!! :D )

I am hoping FOX8 is the first to have HD weather alerts. Especially when we shut down the schools if a single snowflake falls :(

I still have not played with my inside antenna to pick up the North Winston stations on OTA.

when will the CW20 DTV broadcast be active?

I notice some digital breakup at times on the SD channels. I am not sure about channels less than 14 being digital but all the other channels are coming in digital for me as best i can tell. PQ is almost DVD like although the bit rates aren't the best (I see macroblocking right up at the screen).

My biggest complaint with SD channels on TWC-Forsyth is that things look very washed out. I can attribute the blurriness to SD, but it is still an issue with the lower channels. I don' t understand the contrast and saturation issues.

In general, my SD channels for Forsyth TWC are washed out and blurry, at least on my 42" LCD. HD channels usually have fantastic color, contrast, brightness, and black level but suffer from chronic MPEG artifacts and occasional breakups. The SD channels aren't as offensive on a ~20" CRT. I can understand the resolution/size/blurriness relationship, but not necessarity the contrast and saturation. SD channels, at least the locals, look much better OTA than TWC. The contrast, saturation, and resolution were immediately noticeable. Perhaps some of this is due to coming from a tuner on another input with different settings. But I shouldn't need to change my TV's settings when switching between SD and HD from the same 8300HD set-top box.

I thought some of the SD issues were with channels above/below 100. This used to be the switch between analog and digital, but I don't think this is the case any longer. It ocurred to me that I ususally watch SD channels <100 on the big LCD but >100 on a much smaller CRT. So I'd expect the CRT to look better and hence think channels >100 look better.

Interesting read on TWC and switched mode cable.

http://www.cedmagazine.com/article/CA6375650.html

Gone are the days of rapidly clicking through channels... That pretty much went away with digital stations and the latency to pick up the stream, to be replaced by searching through program guides. I assume it'd be even slower to change channels with the switched system.

Watched American Idol on FOX8 last night OTA and the 720p broadcast looked great on my 768p Samsung 40" LCD.

The problem with American Idol is that the bad singers sound even worse in 5.1 Dolby Digital. :eek:

I think Wheel of Fortune is one of the best looking HD shows. Nice colors and PQ

I think Wheel of Fortune is one of the best looking HD shows. Nice colors and PQ

Agreed. I tend to prefer 1080i on CBS over 720p on other channels. I guess with all the fast moving sports that Fox shows, 720p is the way to go.

I am hoping FOX8 is the first to have HD weather alerts. Especially when we shut down the schools if a single snowflake falls :(

Not this storm!! :)

when will the CW20 DTV broadcast be active?

They are in the process of installing the antenna as we speak so it will depend on the weather.

For those wondering about the "analog tier" channels, I believe the answer depends on whether you have a digital box or not. For instance, last night, my neighborhood was having trouble with all of the digital channels (pixelization) which was fixed this morning. The set top box couldn't hold a decent signal on anything but the local access and networks other than channel 12. My upstairs TV, which is actually on a line shared with my cable modem (yes, I do pay for cable tv, unlike others) could tune all of it's usual sub 100 channels in just fine. I believe that the sd channels other than the networks are run on a different channel and the box "picks" these digital feeds over the analog. Of course, TWC has to keep the analogs going for those of us without QAM tuners and no set top box. Correct me if I'm wrong in this (NW Greensboro). All the SD's look bad on a 50" TV, but digital is better (smoother). Because I have a CRT projection, the 1080i channels look better. The box does a better job at upconverting the 720p than the TV does too. The only thing that I notice is that the FOX 720p seems to be cropped, as in the logo is partially missing on HD material. Is there a way to adjust the 720p overscan in the box? 1080i is not croppped like this (I compare to my LCD in the other room with the HD OTA). And the PACE box is outputting all HD at 1080i.

The only thing that I notice is that the FOX 720p seems to be cropped, as in the logo is partially missing on HD material.

You might want to check that again.

You might want to check that again.

I've noticed that on Fox material I record, but not live. The FOX8 logo in the bottom right corner is cropped. I assume it's my equipment.

Like I said, you might want to check again. :)

Like I said, you might want to check again. :)

Will do! :)

When viewing HD on Fox 8, the logo on my set is touching the side of the viewing area, but not cropped. Speaking of the WGHP logo, a few weeks ago during the Cotton Bowl, I noticed it appeared centered on the bottom of the screen. For what it's worth, I'm glad I haven't seen it since.

The lower center is a legal ID that is required by the FCC. You will only see that one when we are in network programming and there is no local break to run the ID's that have both analog and digital IDs on them.

It looks like that network reloaded our network bug and it seems smaller and moved up and to the left a little. I noticed it earlier today on the monitor at work and tonight on my HD set. Was wondering if anyone else noticed it. Of course we will not have that bug back on the air until network programming tomorrow night.

Does anyone know if TWC-Forystyh has an HDTV box that has an HDMI output? Also is the consensus in Winston-salem (near Wake Forest) to go with TWC QAM stuff or OTA stuff?

Thanks for your input.

Just wanted to give kudos to Ricky and those that work with him on an excellent upgrade to DD51 @ WFMY. Other can chime in here if they want, but for me I haven't noticed any problems and the audio is great. The NFL games sounded awesome over the weekend, and I just watched a couple of DVR'd shows tonight which also sounded awesome.

Does anyone know if TWC-Forystyh has an HDTV box that has an HDMI output? Also is the consensus in Winston-salem (near Wake Forest) to go with TWC QAM stuff or OTA stuff?

Thanks for your input.

1- I have the Scientific Atlanta Explorer 8300HD (w/HD DVR) and it has an HDMI output.

2- I have TWC local channels in HD (except ABC). I also have a very old (25+ years old) TV antenna mounted on my chimney with a rotator. It works very well. I even get Charlotte Stations. However, because all of the locals do not broadcast from the same orientation, it's inconvenient to use OTA with my setup. I will say that it's very nice to be able to get ABC-HD via OTA.

I live in Clemmons West.

I am a TWC subscriber with Scientific Atlanta Explorer 8300HD.

I am having intermittent problems with audio dropouts only when using HDMI. Component works fine. I figured out a way to correct the problem. If I tune to channel 1917 and then back to my HD channel, the problem goes away.

Also, for some reason, the audio on HDMI is much louder than on Component.

Anybody else having these symptoms?

I've noticed that on Fox material I record, but not live. The FOX8 logo in the bottom right corner is cropped. I assume it's my equipment.

It is as the logo is not placed off the screen:

http://img407.imageshack.us/img407/7414/foxsplicerlogospecszj3.jpg (http://imageshack.us)


When viewing HD on Fox 8, the logo on my set is touching the side of the viewing area, but not cropped. Speaking of the WGHP logo, a few weeks ago during the Cotton Bowl, I noticed it appeared centered on the bottom of the screen. For what it's worth, I'm glad I haven't seen it since.

That is the Legal ID as Foxeng said.

It is as the logo is not placed off the screen:

http://img407.imageshack.us/img407/7414/foxsplicerlogospecszj3.jpg (http://imageshack.us)




That is the Legal ID as Foxeng said.


didnt quite understand what all that meant, but my logo is on the lower right corner and it also is cut off a bit on the bottom, seems lower than it should be no problems left to right tho

When I switched to TWC the Fox logo on my 34" Dish (RCA) tube TV was only half visible from the TWC HD STB but was fully visible using the OTA tuner in the Dish 811 receiver. TWC allowed me to try all three STBs and they all acted the same. I then found the advanced service menu for the TV and played with the geometry controls. The 8300HD STB does put out the full 16:9 picture and I was able to adjust the H and V amplitude so that the Fox bug was well above the bottom and fully visible. Going back to the 811, everything is shifted up and to the left with black bands below and on the right. My new Sony SXRD shows most of the bug but about 1/3 to 1/2 of the call letters are cut off. I will not touch the geometry settings on the SXRD. I'll try to post some digital photos later.

One funny this with the old 811, for the past few weeks, tuning to Fox 8.1 causes the receiver to reboot. Only channel 8.1 causes this. That receiver is obsolete.

WXII did a weather crawl and dropped out of HD to do it. But when they stopped the crawl, they didn't go back into HD mode until the middle of the next commercial. ARGH!!! The Office is my favorite show on TV!

WXII did a weather crawl and dropped out of HD to do it. But when they stopped the crawl, they didn't go back into HD mode until the middle of the next commercial. ARGH!!! The Office is my favorite show on TV!

Op forgot to "flip the switch" after the crawl ran. Oh how I am looking forward to the days when a crawl or squeezeback won't throw it out of HD.

EDIT: Please feel free to call the station when you see errors like this make it on air. We hope those things never happen but sometimes we all miss it until we get a call from a viewer. PS. The Office is my favorite show on TV also.

Here is the Fox bug as seen on my 34" Dish (RCA) TV from the TWC 8300HD set top box before and after geomatry adjustments to the TV.

Op forgot to "flip the switch" after the crawl ran. Oh how I am looking forward to the days when a crawl or squeezeback won't throw it out of HD.

EDIT: Please feel free to call the station when you see errors like this make it on air. We hope those things never happen but sometimes we all miss it until we get a call from a viewer. PS. The Office is my favorite show on TV also.

Would you station guys mind posting the numbers we should call for things like this? I'd be glad to call, but I want to make sure I'm not wasting my time calling a number that's not appropriate. Thanks.

For the HR20 users, there is another window coming up for the next release candidate for the firmware.

http://www.dbstalk.com/showthread.php?t=76919

Friday, January 19th: 11PM - 1:30AM EST (8PM - 10:30PM PST)
Saturday, January 20th: 11PM - 1:30AM EST (8PM - 10:30PM PST).

Would you station guys mind posting the numbers we should call for things like this? I'd be glad to call, but I want to make sure I'm not wasting my time calling a number that's not appropriate. Thanks.

WXII

(336) 721-9944, Press 1 for News

or e-mail

newstips@wxii12.com

didnt quite understand what all that meant, but my logo is on the lower right corner and it also is cut off a bit on the bottom, seems lower than it should be no problems left to right tho

As noted on the chart, the logo is maximum of 54 lines high - starts on line 630 and runs to line 683 out of the 720 lines height on your screen. Thus if the bottom of the logo is cut off, your set is cuttin goff at least 37 (5% or more) on the bottom of the screen.

The same thing on the width - the logo is 96 lines wide - starts on line 1120 and runs to line 1215 of the 1280 lines width on the screen. Again, if the right side of the logo is cut off, your set is cutting off at least 65 lines (5% or more) on the side of the screen.

Too bad they can't run the weather alerts during just commercials and leave the HD Feed for the show intact.

Here is the Fox bug as seen on my 34" Dish (RCA) TV from the TWC 8300HD set top box before and after geomatry adjustments to the TV.

When did you take the after adjustment photo? There is a reason I am asking.

When did you take the after adjustment photo? There is a reason I am asking.


I was watching fox last night and it seems to be miracously fixed on my tv, just seems like it happened within the last few days. full logo is now visible

Question about the fox bug, foxeng. I know I'm going to show my ignorance in TV production by asking this, but here goes. What is the difference between putting the bug in the bottom corner on a 16:9 HD feed (outside the 4:3 frame) and putting the weather crawl on it? I assuming both are put into the stream by the local station. Why then does it have to switch to 4:3 to do the crawl? I guess its a different kind of media you are combining with the HD feed?

Too bad they can't run the weather alerts during just commercials and leave the HD Feed for the show intact.Oh, no, no, no.

That would never do. Note that news channels' crawls also stop during commercials. Comercial buyers want sole possesion of your eyes, regardless of the safety considerations.

Question about the fox bug, foxeng. I know I'm going to show my ignorance in TV production by asking this, but here goes. What is the difference between putting the bug in the bottom corner on a 16:9 HD feed (outside the 4:3 frame) and putting the weather crawl on it? I assuming both are put into the stream by the local station. Why then does it have to switch to 4:3 to do the crawl? I guess its a different kind of media you are combining with the HD feed?Bugs on network shows usually come from the network.

Oh, no, no, no.

That would never do. Note that news channels' crawls also stop during commercials. Comercial buyers want sole possesion of your eyes, regardless of the safety considerations.


If they ran the alerts during commercials, people would WATCH the commercials instead of going to the bathroom.

Advertisers lose viewers during commercials. If we had to watch the commerical to see the weather alert and school closings we'd see more advertising and be influenced to buy the product.

When did you take the after adjustment photo? There is a reason I am asking.

Photos were from a week ago. I noticed last night that the bug had moved on my Sony SXRD, it's no longer cut off. I'll post before And after photos from the Sony later tonight.

Network has reloaded out bug and it appears to be smaller and moved to the left and raised and not as bright. That is why I was asking if anyone saw anything different.

As for the bug and weather crawls, both come from different places. The bug actually lives inside the HD splicer. It can be turned on or off at will whether there is any signal coming into the splicer or not.

The weather crawls are created and run outside of the HD world in the analog world currently to tell the truth. So in order to run them on the digital, we have no choice but to drop back to SD to do it. Because FOX doesn't provide a standard HD-SDI signal for the HD feed, we have no way to insert anything into it except what is loaded in the splicer so even if we had a HD crawl, we would have no way to get it on air during network. We hope FOX will come up with a way to do it through the splicer or some other way.

If the information posted several hours ago on the Sinclair Dispute thread is correct, Sinclair HD Signals could show up on Time Warner Systems as early as midnight (100 minutes from now).

Some people I know in the area are having some difficultly with their H20/HR20 5 lnb dish setup from Directv. I want to see what the signal levels are for those in the area on the 6 active Ka Transponders.

If you have a H20 or HR20 with the newer 5 lnb Dish from Directv, could you go:

Menu - Select

Setting - Select

Setup - Select

Sat & Ant - Select

View Sat Signals - Select

Arrow up to - ir + and keep hitting to get to Satellite 103 Network 14

The first 6 tansponders should be active - and you might only have a reading on the first few.

If you can give me those 6 transponder signals and note what County you are in it would be helpful - and also allow others to check their signal in this area as there seem to be some dishes that are not aligned properly - as I know one member here had readings in the teens which he should have higher.

Thank you for your help.

If the information posted several hours ago on the Sinclair Dispute thread is correct, Sinclair HD Signals could show up on Time Warner Systems as early as midnight (100 minutes from now).

According to that thread, TWC and Sinclair has come to terms on SD and HD carriage and Sinclair HD signals are starting to show up on TWC systems in New England. I don't know if they have any bearing on TWC in the south and I am not sure if Zane knows or can even comment on it so those with TWC check channel 530 to see if WXLV is available in HD. You should be able to tell by the black bars on the sides for 4:3 programming.

According to that thread, TWC and Sinclair has come to terms on SD and HD carriage and Sinclair HD signals are starting to show up on TWC systems in New England. I don't know if they have any bearing on TWC in the south and I am not sure if Zane knows or can even comment on it so those with TWC check channel 530 to see if WXLV is available in HD. You should be able to tell by the black bars on the sides for 4:3 programming.

WXLV-DT is up and running in Greensboro on TWC 530

Some people I know in the area are having some difficultly with their H20/HR20 5 lnb dish setup from Directv. I want to see what the signal levels are for those in the area on the 6 active Ka Transponders.

If you have a H20 or HR20 with the newer 5 lnb Dish from Directv, could you go:

Menu - Select

Setting - Select

Setup - Select

Sat & Ant - Select

View Sat Signals - Select

Arrow up to - ir + and keep hitting to get to Satellite 103 Network 14

The first 6 tansponders should be active - and you might only have a reading on the first few.

If you can give me those 6 transponder signals and note what County you are in it would be helpful - and also allow others to check their signal in this area as there seem to be some dishes that are not aligned properly - as I know one member here had readings in the teens which he should have higher.

Thank you for your help.

I'm having mine installed today and I'll make sure and report back with the numbers.

WXLV-DT is up and running in Greensboro on TWC 530
DT has been up for a while now. The kicker will be to see if HD shows up during that programming. (fingers crossed)

For any of you guys that use a QAM tuner (PC or otherwise) to view unencrypted channels from TW in Winston-Salem, can you post the numbers/list? My fusion card doesn't scan them properly, but I can tune to them if I know their exact number.

Thanks

Some people I know in the area are having some difficultly with their H20/HR20 5 lnb dish setup from Directv. I want to see what the signal levels are for those in the area on the 6 active Ka Transponders.

If you have a H20 or HR20 with the newer 5 lnb Dish from Directv, could you go:

If you can give me those 6 transponder signals and note what County you are in it would be helpful - and also allow others to check their signal in this area as there seem to be some dishes that are not aligned properly - as I know one member here had readings in the teens which he should have higher.

Thank you for your help.
Here's what I'm getting on sat 103(a):
1-8 17 71 0 10 10 30 NA NA
9-16 ALL NA
17-24 ALL NA
25-32 ALL NA

WXLV-DT is up and running in Greensboro on TWC 530

Are you seeing black bars on the sides of the picture or is the image over the entire picture? If you see the back bars then TWC is passing HD. If not, they are passing SD.

DT has been up for a while now. The kicker will be to see if HD shows up during that programming. (fingers crossed)

Are you seeing black bars on the sides of the picture or is the image over the entire picture? If you see the back bars then TWC is passing HD. If not, they are passing SD.
There are black bars for 4:3 material. Snow skiing is on in HD right now (2:00 pm). I watched Good Morning America in HD on 530 this morning. Also, I can get it on my other HDTV's qam tuner on 93-1.

Here's what I'm getting on sat 103(a):
1-8 17 71 0 10 10 30 NA NA


Thank you

What part of the triad are you in?

DowntownWS - if you are still getting 15,15,0,0,0,0 then you dish is misaligned.

Can someone further East (Guilford and/or Alamance) also give me readings.

Wow, I am astounded. I never thought TWC would get ABC HD until the SD channel was turned off. They WOULD wait till after football season was over, those punks... :)

Foxeng

Here are photos of showing the Fox bug before and after your network reload.

There are black bars for 4:3 material. Snow skiing is on in HD right now (2:00 pm). I watched Good Morning America in HD on 530 this morning. Also, I can get it on my other HDTV's qam tuner on 93-1.

I attempted to receive ABC in HD through QAM (i have regular analog cable), and could not tune to 93-1. I do not receive any other local networks in HD either. I do, however, see ABC in SD over QAM. I would like to receive all the locals through cable, because without digital cable I have to switch between OTA and cable for TV.

With regular analog cable, should i receive locals in HD through QAM? Also, would the locals retain the programming information (title, rating, guide, etc...)? Thanks

I attempted to receive ABC in HD through QAM (i have regular analog cable), and could not tune to 93-1. I do not receive any other local networks in HD either. I do, however, see ABC in SD over QAM. I would like to receive all the locals through cable, because without digital cable I have to switch between OTA and cable for TV.

With regular analog cable, should i receive locals in HD through QAM? Also, would the locals retain the programming information (title, rating, guide, etc...)? Thanks

Have you tried to scan for the channels (as opposed to simply trying to tune to the channel)? I had to do a channel scan in order to pick up the digital channels via qam.

Have you tried to scan for the channels (as opposed to simply trying to tune to the channel)? I had to do a channel scan in order to pick up the digital channels via qam.

Yeah, I tried scanning, and I do receive several channels via QAM, and I also tried scanning just from 93 to 94. The tuner was set to cable when i scanned. I think the issue may be with TWC not broadcasting it in HD to regular analog customers. Otherwise, it may not appear because of the wiring in my house, but this is unlikely because i receive other channels fine.

[QUOTE=djrcelicagt41]Yeah, I tried scanning, and I do receive several channels via QAM, and I also tried scanning just from 93 to 94. The tuner was set to cable when i scanned. I think the issue may be with TWC not broadcasting it in HD to regular analog customers. Otherwise, it may not appear because of the wiring in my house, but this is unlikely because i receive other channels fine.[/QUOTE

I notice you're in WS. I believe that the channel assigments there are different than they are in G'boro. So, digital channels that you tune to via your qam tuner will not have the same numbers as the same channels do in G'boro.

I notice you're in WS. I believe that the channel assigments there are different than they are in G'boro. So, digital channels that you tune to via your qam tuner will not have the same numbers as the same channels do in G'boro.
The numbers may be different, but as I stated, i still receive ABC via QAM in SD. If Greensboro receives it in HD via QAM shouldn't I also? Don't both still use ABC 45?

The numbers may be different, but as I stated, i still receive ABC via QAM in SD. If Greensboro receives it in HD via QAM shouldn't I also? Don't both still use ABC 45?

Which of the local digital channels are you able to pick with your qam tuner? And, BTW, the programming that is on ABC-45 now (7:30 pm) is not HD material. Seabiscuit is set to air at 8:00 in HD. Might want to check it then.

Also, are you sure your TV has a qam tuner? It may just have an analog tuner for cable/ota and an atsc tuner for digital OTA.

Which of the local digital channels are you able to pick with your qam tuner? And, BTW, the programming that is on ABC-45 now (7:30 pm) is not HD material. Seabiscuit is set to air at 8:00 in HD. Might want to check it then.

Also, are you sure your TV has a qam tuner? It may just have an analog tuner for cable/ota and an atsc tuner for digital OTA.
My tv has a QAM/ATSC/NTSC tuner. Also, if it was hd, the information pane that shows info about the channel would say 720p or 1080i if it was HD, but it says "480i SD". If it was being broadcast in HD, the number would always be hd, regardless of whether the content is SD or HD. Also, I know what ABC HD would look like, since i can receive it OTA. Finally, the content was streched, taking up the entire screen. If it was HD, ABC would insert bars on each side to maintain the 4:3 ratio. I cannot check channels right now because my brother is playing xbox, but from memory I know there were 2 tv guide channels, TLC, the weather channel, abc sd, a couple of ads for digital cable (like NBA Pass), and the spanish channel.

My tv has a QAM/ATSC/NTSC tuner. Also, if it was hd, the information pane that shows info about the channel would say 720p or 1080i if it was HD, but it says "480i SD". If it was being broadcast in HD, the number would always be hd, regardless of whether the content is SD or HD. Also, I know what ABC HD would look like, since i can receive it OTA. Finally, the content was streched, taking up the entire screen. If it was HD, ABC would insert bars on each side to maintain the 4:3 ratio. I cannot check channels right now because my brother is playing xbox, but from memory I know there were 2 tv guide channels, TLC, the weather channel, abc sd, a couple of ads for digital cable (like NBA Pass), and the spanish channel.

Sorry I can't help. Hope you are able to figure it out.

Sorry I can't help. Hope you are able to figure it out.
Thanks for your help!!! I will try disconnecting all the splitters and running the cable straight through to the TV. Even though they are all amplified, its the last thing i can think of trying before i talk to TWC.

To anyone who has switched from TWC with a SA8300HD DVR to DirecTV with an HR20, is the HR20 a better DVR? Specifically, can you adjust record times to have a program start 1 minute early and run 1 minute late to catch everything? My 8300HD consistently misses the last 30 seconds of many programs. If I program it to record more, it usually forgets within a week. Is the HR20 buggy? The 8300HD used to be terrible due to bugs, missed recordings, lockups, etc., but is at least useable now.

Can you see more than 1 week out in the program guide?

Is it any smarter about recording / not recording multiple airing of a program on the same station? Not keeping two copies of the same program?

How about program descriptions? Sometimes I get no detailed information on program content.

Thanks!

A deal with Sinclair and TWC has supposedly been in the works for several weeks. I did not post anything about it because I was not sure.

Well damn - ABC Is in high def on TWC. I still think I got my money's worth with the antenna and tuner I bought in June.

So the next question is, how long will it take Time Warner to catch up on the other channels I want, such as ESPN2 HD, ESPNU, and everything HD rumored to be coming to DirecTV? I'd expect them to eventually catch up on ESPN2 and ESPNU, but I think they'll stay behind DirecTV for the next few years.

A deal with Sinclair and TWC has supposedly been in the works for several weeks. I did not post anything about it because I was not sure.

Zane, what about WMYV-DT? Will we be seeing it on TWC also?

I didn't switch from TWC, but I have an HR20.
Specifically, can you adjust record times to have a program start 1 minute early and run 1 minute late to catch everything?
Yes, you can set it to record early and record later. I haven't seen any times where I need to record early. It seems to be dead on with start times. I do have a couple that I record 1 minute longer and don't have a problem with that.
Is the HR20 buggy?
There is a lot of info on the bugs that the HR20 has on dbstalk.com. I have had only one bad problem but it only happened once. Two Thursdays back it screwed up everything I recorded that evening. Its know as the IKD bug (immediate keep/delete). It hasn't happened since. The only other thing has been DD silence when coming out of FF, REW, etc. Just give it several seconds and it eventually comes back.
Can you see more than 1 week out in the program guide?
When its fully populated it will go out 14 days. When you first set it up it takes about a day to fully populate.
Is it any smarter about recording / not recording multiple airing of a program on the same station? Not keeping two copies of the same program?
Most of my Series Links are set for first run only. I have not gotten any repeats.
How about program descriptions? Sometimes I get no detailed information on program content.
From what I've seen, all of the programs that I have requested more info for had a decent description. A few teaser sentences. Most of the shows I looked for more info were major/prime time programming.

Hope this helps.

Zane, what about WMYV-DT? Will we be seeing it on TWC also?
I thought the deal would be both stations, but I don't know for sure. ABC would get primary treatment.

I didn't switch from TWC, but I have an HR20.

Yes, you can set it to record early and record later. I haven't seen any times where I need to record early. It seems to be dead on with start times. I do have a couple that I record 1 minute longer and don't have a problem with that.

There is a lot of info on the bugs that the HR20 has on dbstalk.com. I have had only one bad problem but it only happened once. Two Thursdays back it screwed up everything I recorded that evening. Its know as the IKD bug (immediate keep/delete). It hasn't happened since. The only other thing has been DD silence when coming out of FF, REW, etc. Just give it several seconds and it eventually comes back.

When its fully populated it will go out 14 days. When you first set it up it takes about a day to fully populate.

Most of my Series Links are set for first run only. I have not gotten any repeats.

From what I've seen, all of the programs that I have requested more info for had a decent description. A few teaser sentences. Most of the shows I looked for more info were major/prime time programming.

Hope this helps.

Thanks. It sounds like the HR20 has some bugs to be worked out since it is new, but it is starting out a lot better than the 8300HD.

Some people I know in the area are having some difficultly with their H20/HR20 5 lnb dish setup from Directv. I want to see what the signal levels are for those in the area on the 6 active Ka Transponders.


Arrow up to - ir + and keep hitting to get to Satellite 103 Network 14

The first 6 tansponders should be active - and you might only have a reading on the first few.

If you can give me those 6 transponder signals and note what County you are in it would be helpful - and also allow others to check their signal in this area as there seem to be some dishes that are not aligned properly - as I know one member here had readings in the teens which he should have higher.

Thank you for your help.

I'm in southern Forsyth and here are my readings on 103 Tuner 1:

1-8 = 35, 75, 0, 18, 0, 35, N/A, N/A
9-16 = N/A
17-24 = N/A
25-32 = N/A

Here are my readings on 103 Tuner 2:

1-8 = 42, 72, 0, 15, 0, 34, N/A, N/A
9-16 = N/A
17-24 = N/A
25-32 = N/A

I thought the deal would be both stations, but I don't know for sure. ABC would get primary treatment.

It certainly would be a blanket agreement for all stations.

I can speculate that the problem was the timing - this came down very late Friday and most cable systems do not like to do major maintenence over the weekend as people are at home and watching - so very rarely will they change something that late.

As ABC has sports and HD Programming over the weekend, they obviously made an exception.

The other will probably show up next week.

It is entirely possible that they will need to move stations arounds among the QAMs to be able to get the bandwidth for 2 HD Channels - and they really do not want to remap the system over the weekend which is a receipe for trouble.

Anyone compare the PQ between OTA and TWC for ABC, etc?

Anyone compare the PQ between OTA and TWC for ABC, etc?


I havent had a chance to compare to OTA, but on first glance of NBA basketball,desperate housewives(my wife watched it =P) it seems to look pretty good. Had some audio problems during the NBA game yesterday, i dont know if that was necessarily the channels fault though. So far pleased with it, bout damn time;)

Anyone compare the PQ between OTA and TWC for ABC, etc?

I haven't checked recently. A couple months ago it was better OTA than TWC, even for standard def.

I had dropout problems with HDMI from the 8300HD during CBS NFL football last night. Had to switch to the component connection. I was recording another HD program at the time.

Is it just me or does anyone else thing that the WFMY upconverted SD content on the digital signal look worse than the analog feed? I see this both OTA and through TWC. Judging by the fine print in the locally inserted commercials, much more readable on the analog feed. However, the network HD look very good.

My experience with subcontractor Mastec and DirecTV equipment upgrade:

The HR-20 unit itself is a work in progress because I've had to reset it a couple times now after it locked up. The installer I got was useless. He did a quick sight survey from where my triple LNB dish was and said the 119 was going to be blocked. From there I knew he didn't know what he was doing because I took him inside and showed him the signal meter on sat B and it was pegged at 96-100% on all the transponders. I already did most of the work (like running an extra line and burying cable) before he got there and when I told him I wanted the dish as low to the ground as possible and offered to dig the hole, he basically ignored me. Now I have a rather large dish on a 6' pole in my front yard. The wife called to complain and they called the installer which really made the guy mad. When he got off the phone he said "dude, I told you the dish wouldn't work from that location". Then I asked him if he tried the signal meter from the low level like I asked, and he said he didn't have to because he could tell by looking. If you recall, he thought that 119 was going to be a problem and I proved him wrong. Bottom line is the guy was lazy and didn't want to put the pole deep into the ground. One more thing the guy did that really ticked me off was I wanted a line cut and run through a grounding block. I would have done it myself but I don't have any compression f-connectors. Anyway, I had the line tagged with a piece of tape and told him exactly what to do. I went inside to hook up the HR-20 while he did this simple task. After he came back in I went to check the grounding block. Upon inspection I see the tagged line going through the block AND see where he cut the coax from my 4228 antenna and spliced it back together with a barrel connector! (Thanks from cutting my signal strength jacka$$!) Like I said, this guy was useless. If any of you get a tech from Mastec named Marckes (yes, that’s how he spells his name), tell him to get back in his van or you are going to call the cops.

It certainly would be a blanket agreement for all stations.

I can speculate that the problem was the timing - this came down very late Friday and most cable systems do not like to do major maintenence over the weekend as people are at home and watching - so very rarely will they change something that late.

As ABC has sports and HD Programming over the weekend, they obviously made an exception.

The other will probably show up next week.

It is entirely possible that they will need to move stations arounds among the QAMs to be able to get the bandwidth for 2 HD Channels - and they really do not want to remap the system over the weekend which is a receipe for trouble.
Press release from Sinclair:
http://www.sbgi.net/press/release_2007122_201.shtml
Guess we'll have to wait and see if TWC has room for WMYV-DT.

Yeah, someone holler if you see WMYV pop up.

[QUOTE=djrcelicagt41]Yeah, I tried scanning, and I do receive several channels via QAM, and I also tried scanning just from 93 to 94. The tuner was set to cable when i scanned. I think the issue may be with TWC not broadcasting it in HD to regular analog customers. Otherwise, it may not appear because of the wiring in my house, but this is unlikely because i receive other channels fine.[/QUOTE

I notice you're in WS. I believe that the channel assigments there are different than they are in G'boro. So, digital channels that you tune to via your qam tuner will not have the same numbers as the same channels do in G'boro.

Has anyone verified that TWC is broadcasting this in the WS area? I hate to do another channel scan (which is a PITA on my tv) to look for it, if it isn't there yet. :)

(Edit) Never mind, I found it!

I have Time Warner in WS and yes ABC is in HD, just in time for Lost in Feb!!

I have Time Warner in WS and yes ABC is in HD, just in time for Lost in Feb!!

was thinking the exact same thing =)

Anyone compare the PQ between OTA and TWC for ABC, etc?

I haven't checked recently. A couple months ago it was better OTA than TWC, even for standard def.


Yes, a picture OTA usually looks better than a blank screen.

A deal with Sinclair and TWC has supposedly been in the works for several weeks. I did not post anything about it because I was not sure.

You can all thank me for this. After several months of procrastination, last week I finally got an antenna specifically to reach WXLV-DT. I was just in the process of installing it when I heard the announcement. Murphy's Law strikes again. :)

Anyway, great news for HD in the Triad!

You can all thank me for this. After several months of procrastination, last week I finally got an antenna specifically to reach WXLV-DT. I was just in the process of installing it when I heard the announcement. Murphy's Law strikes again. :)

Anyway, great news for HD in the Triad!
:eek: I knew it HAD to be because of you! :p

Question for HR-20 owners:

When you change channels from a regular network such as ESPN to one of the "new" HD LiL channels, does your TV show a solid light gray screen for a second or two and then tune into the HD LiL?

Question for HR-20 owners:

When you change channels from a regular network such as ESPN to one of the "new" HD LiL channels, does your TV show a solid light gray screen for a second or two and then tune into the HD LiL?
Yes it does. It isn't just the LiL channels either. It will do it going to any HD channel. I believe this will occur any time you change to a channel that is in a different resolution than the current channel. I do have native mode is off. My H20 will sometimes do that same thing but not as dramatic.

That's an interesting question - what happens when you go from say, HBO-HD or SHO-HD to WFMY or WXII?

When I set the 8300HD to pass thru mode, the TV blanks and goes through gyrations when changing between channels with different formats (such as ABC or FOX 720p to CBS or NBC 1080i). Sounds like the same thing going on in your HR20.

I have native off too and just checked the "gray screen" issue on other HD channels and it occurs but it doesn't take near as long as when switching to the HD locals. For example, switching between channels like 72, 73, 76 I can see it pop up for about 1/2 a second while the HD LiL takes a full 2 seconds or so. At least I know now I'm not the only one that is experiencing this. Oh yeah, it doesn't happen when changing between the SD channels. It's either a resolution issue or it happens when accessing differnet satellites. If you look at the signal strength in the setup menu, you'll notice the when switching between the different satellites it takes a second to acquire the signal. I don't know for a fact this is what's causing the gray screen, just a hunch.

That's an interesting question - what happens when you go from say, HBO-HD or SHO-HD to WFMY or WXII?

I don't see it going from HBO-HD to Sho-HD. Both are 1080i. I do get it going from HBO-HD to ESPN-HD. 1080i to 720p. Not a long delay though. I don't get going from ESPN-HD to ESPN2-HD. 720p to 720p. I do get it going from WFMY-DT from D* to WFMY-DT via OTA. The delay is longer. I get it going from WFMY-DT from D* to WXII-DT from D*. One I had this gray delay cause me to have to reboot. That was a couple of software releases ago. I haven't had it lock me up since then.

Apparently ABC-HD is not available via TWC on QAM tuners. I can't find it anywhere in Winston-Salem. Anybody in WS found it?

I don't see it going from HBO-HD to Sho-HD. Both are 1080i. I do get it going from HBO-HD to ESPN-HD. 1080i to 720p. Not a long delay though. I don't get going from ESPN-HD to ESPN2-HD. 720p to 720p. I do get it going from WFMY-DT from D* to WFMY-DT via OTA. The delay is longer. I get it going from WFMY-DT from D* to WXII-DT from D*. One I had this gray delay cause me to have to reboot. That was a couple of software releases ago. I haven't had it lock me up since then.

I had mine lock up when changing between the OTA and LiL channels the other night. I have the 0x11B software I forced to download this past Saturday night.

Question for HR-20 owners:

When you change channels from a regular network such as ESPN to one of the "new" HD LiL channels, does your TV show a solid light gray screen for a second or two and then tune into the HD LiL?
I do get a pause while it is tuning the channel. Mine is black, however, but that's just because that is the color I have set for my bars. Your bars must be set to dark gray. I have always gotten that pause, even with my HR10. It does seem to hang around a bit longer when it is tuning an HD channel. Is that what you guys are referring to? I also have native mode turned off and everything set to 1080i.

011B came down last night and when I came home from work I did a reboot just for good measure. No problems as of yet. Menuing seems to be a bit more responsive. I watched a couple of shows recorded in 010B without any problems and one show from 011B also without any problems. Although I did notice that it decided not to record 24 last night; I'm assuming it was on? FF and REW seem a bit more responsive too. I just wish they would implement some sort of over-shoot ala TiVo without infringing on their patent for it. I still can't believe that has a patent.

I don't see it going from HBO-HD to Sho-HD. Both are 1080i. I do get it going from HBO-HD to ESPN-HD. 1080i to 720p. Not a long delay though. I don't get going from ESPN-HD to ESPN2-HD. 720p to 720p. I do get it going from WFMY-DT from D* to WFMY-DT via OTA. The delay is longer. I get it going from WFMY-DT from D* to WXII-DT from D*. One I had this gray delay cause me to have to reboot. That was a couple of software releases ago. I haven't had it lock me up since then.

You are missing my point.

You really need to go from HBO-HD to WFMY- via D* HD-LIL

and

SHO-HD to WXII via D* HD-LIL

Did anybody notice the poor picture quality on FOX for the State of the Union broadcast last night?

I am on TWC in W-S. I even switched over to the local OTA broadcasts from Charlotte and W-S and the same poor quality. It looked very soft, almost out of focus.

The other stations (CBS, ABC, NBC) looked much better.

I had dropout problems with HDMI from the 8300HD during CBS NFL football last night. Had to switch to the component connection. I was recording another HD program at the time.

Is it just me or does anyone else thing that the WFMY upconverted SD content on the digital signal look worse than the analog feed? I see this both OTA and through TWC. Judging by the fine print in the locally inserted commercials, much more readable on the analog feed. However, the network HD look very good.
I am getting audio dropouts only. Also, the audio on my component output is much lower (weaker) than HDMI.

By the way, when I do experience this HDMI problem, i can quickly fix it by tuning to the weather channel (1917) and then back to my original channel and all is fine.

Did anybody notice the poor picture quality on FOX for the State of the Union broadcast last night?

I am on TWC in W-S. I even switched over to the local OTA broadcasts from Charlotte and W-S and the same poor quality. It looked very soft, almost out of focus.

The other stations (CBS, ABC, NBC) looked much better.

Yes, I noticed the same thing.

Did anybody notice the poor picture quality on FOX for the State of the Union broadcast last night?

I am on TWC in W-S. I even switched over to the local OTA broadcasts from Charlotte and W-S and the same poor quality. It looked very soft, almost out of focus.

The other stations (CBS, ABC, NBC) looked much better.

The same camera angles looked to be used on HDNet when I switched, but the main difference is they were actually broadcasting in HD.