There's not 'officially' a lot of so called antenna installers out there, as there were in the good old days. ... Otherwise, when they go outdoors with an antenna, it appears most people tend to do the work themselves or get family members or buddies to help. ... But you may find professionals listed in the phone book under services such as home security installations, or a satellite TV franchise that may be willing to do antenna work for you. You may want to start with a home security installer because those guys 'may' tend to have more professional knowledge about wiring in general.Curious if HT installers would (still) do this? Here in SE VA I knew of two businesses (that did HT installs) and also did antenna installs...

Dow Electronics on Phoenix Dr just off Holden in Greensboro supplies the installers. They may have a list and can give you some info on installers. 336-856-0930

I know (in your particular case) you only want a new antenna as a backup for your Direct TV. But I also know you will appreciate having it during bad weather :)

Yep, a combination of the two - I want the antenna mainly as a backup for DirecTV DURING bad weather. In the 11 months we've had service, the only time we've had a service outage was during VERY heavy rain. As a side benefit, I can also have the digital subchannels integrated into my DVR guide and record from them just like I can the 'cable' and main broadcast stations.

Yep, a combination of the two - I want the antenna mainly as a backup for DirecTV DURING bad weather. In the 11 months we've had service, the only time we've had a service outage was during VERY heavy rain. As a side benefit, I can also have the digital subchannels integrated into my DVR guide and record from them just like I can the 'cable' and main broadcast stations.

Sadly, except 8.2, which has been discussed on here at length. I had it a few months ago on the AM21, but it was short lived.

I want everybody to understand I do NOT object to 4:30 AM local "newscasts". I can remember when TV stations did not begin programming until 6 or 7AM. I do wish local TV could exist without the attached iron ball marked news. Local TV could be more fun. Now, the only smiles, much less laughter, I see while local programming is on happens on screen. Nobody seems to know what those people in the box are smiling, or laughing about.

I am still fighting D* over the PSIP issue. It seems that their PSIP guys can't understand that there is a problem with the data even after I have sent them info time and time again. I am now trying a different path to get them to listen.

I am still fighting D* over the PSIP issue. It seems that their PSIP guys can't understand that there is a problem with the data even after I have sent them info time and time again. I am now trying a different path to get them to listen.

We (well, at least I) appreciate it!

Curious if HT installers would (still) do this? Here in SE VA I knew of two businesses (that did HT installs) and also did antenna installs...

That's a good point about HT installers (as another option) that someone could check with in regards to antenna installs. Some of them may not want to take on an antenna project; but I am sure there are others who would do it as a side job.

And on a different note, 'The Stereo Shop' located on Reynolda Rd in NW Winston had a representative working for them (assume he's still there) that did basic 'attic' antenna installs as a side job (no outside jobs). He was willing to install my attic antenna (for my upstairs bedroom TV) for me last year; but I did it myself with the help of a relative. This particular business specializes in car stereos but does other work as well.

So there are different sources to check if someone wants to pay a person to install an antenna for them. I think it just takes more 'digging' than it used to. When I was growing up in the 70's, I think it was as easy as flipping through the yellow pages of the phone book and immediately finding lots of businesses that did these jobs all the time.

But if I had no leads at all, and I wanted to hire someone for an antenna project, my instincts tell me that a home security installer might be one of my first choices to check. No doubt, they are accustomed to getting wiring in places which might be difficult for some people. Just my thoughts here...

Dow Electronics on Phoenix Dr just off Holden in Greensboro supplies the installers. They may have a list and can give you some info on installers. 336-856-0930

Sounds like another good source for someone to check, if they're interested in hiring someone.

I've got a cell fone, like most people; however, no smart fone. But I was curious about something that perhaps FoxEng or others could answer.

I understand both the RDU and Charlotte markets have some local affiliates which offer mobile tv apps for people with smart fones. But apparently no Triad stations are offering this.....at least not at this time.

Is this something that WGHP and/or other Triad stations plan in the near future? Are these mobile apps able to deliver live television? And, are there any handheld devices being planned (now or in the near future) that would be able to use the TV spectrum to deliver this video content, or will it remain satellite driven and through paid celluar subscriptions only?

I have not closely followed this issue. But it seems other countries have taken the lead on mobile tv and that we are lagging behind.

I've got a cell fone, like most people; however, no smart fone. But I was curious about something that perhaps FoxEng or others could answer.

I understand both the RDU and Charlotte markets have some local affiliates which offer mobile tv apps for people with smart fones. But apparently no Triad stations are offering this.....at least not at this time.

Is this something that WGHP and/or other Triad stations plan in the near future? Are these mobile apps able to deliver live television? And, are there any handheld devices being planned (now or in the near future) that would be able to use the TV spectrum to deliver this video content, or will it remain satellite driven and through paid celluar subscriptions only?

I have not closely followed this issue. But it seems other countries have taken the lead on mobile tv and that we are lagging behind.

We have offered a IPhone app for watching newscasts for several years now.

WSOC/WAXN current have two MH/H streams and will add a third by April 1.

WSOC/WAXN current have two MH/H streams and will add a third by April 1.This is what I think evan237 was referring to...

This is what I think evan237 was referring to...

My point was, MH/H is completely different from an iPhone app.

My point was, MH/H is completely different from an iPhone app.Yep.

I am still fighting D* over the PSIP issue. It seems that their PSIP guys can't understand that there is a problem with the data even after I have sent them info time and time again. I am now trying a different path to get them to listen.

How can one listen to something one does not understand?

How can one listen to something one does not understand?I always tell my wife to say it louder than previous attempts... ;)

I always tell my wife to say it louder than previous attempts... ;)

Mine thinks that if she stands directly between me and the Tv that I hear better...:rolleyes:

How can one listen to something one does not understand?

I am trying to "edumacate" them!

Just so everyone is in the loop, I have sent a message via a backdoor at D* about the 8.2 issue. The person is out of pocket at the moment, but when I have needed help before they have always been available to do what they could. We shall see if that continues.

My point was, MH/H is completely different from an iPhone app.

Yes, I meant to refer to MH/H versus fone apps. And I was wondering about recent innovations with built-in mobile receivers and their ability to stream 'live' TV to mobile devices, whether it's to an IPhone, BlackBerry, tablet, smart fone or other handheld device....as well as the methods in which that delivery is being carried out. And how much video content is actually 'live' from stations that offer mobile tv, such as from WSOC or WRAL?

I don't currently own a handheld device that is capable of receiving mobile TV from any station, and regardless of my location. But I became more interested in this topic after reading a couple of articles about it recently. But it's funny, it seems many of the reps that offer these handheld devices are no more knowledgable than myself on this topic :D

But I know some of the members on here know much more. Thanks for any additional feedback.

Interesting quote from Supremr Court Assoc. Justice Samuel Alioto:
“Broadcast TV is living on borrowed time. It is not going to be long before it goes the way of vinyl records and eight-track tapes.”

The context was not FCC designs on bandwidth, but Federal oversight of broadcast media as to content. Just the same, a point of view was made public that will not warm the heart of those of us who still use and appreciate broadcast TV.

could someone give a bit of an "idiots guide" to MH/H.

I'd like to see this in operation, but i have no idea what to do.

fyi: i have a windows moble 6.5 phone. older smartphone. will it receive MH/H?

Thank you to you and all others that responded with some very helpful answers to my question. I plan on contacting the supplier on Holden Rd. and going from there? Crazy that when I was a kid in the late 80s I thought my grandparents' antenna on their house looked so outdated and here I am trying to get one for myself.

could someone give a bit of an "idiots guide" to MH/H.

I'd like to see this in operation, but i have no idea what to do.

fyi: i have a windows moble 6.5 phone. older smartphone. will it receive MH/H?

I don't know much about it myself. Perhaps, if Ted from WSOC has time, he may be willing to share more information. It appears his station is actively involved in mobile DTV.

While I don't own a handheld device that is capable of accessing any video transmissions, the Mobile DTV issue is an interesting topic. Plus, I am all about supporting any technology that helps support the argument for preserving the broadcast spectrum.

We all know smart fones are capable of accessing the web through a cellular network. But beyond that, how does it really work with mobile TV that takes it beyond an internet site? To what extent would any local station be able to offer full streaming of entire shows on mobile TV? And what about live TV? If the broadcast spectrum is used in some way, what type of tuners and handheld devices are actually capable now (or in the future) of utilizing that spectrum?

yeah, i never thought i'd have any problems on the career field when i learned to be a tv antenna installer and a typewriter repairman.

any comments on news-14 on 45?


i haven't watched yet. i was told it was kind of disappointing.

I don't think it is for ratings but to keep the network affiliation. If that is true, who cares how good or bad it is?

Is it different than News14's normal fare? Granted I've not seen much but what I have seen didn't disappoint me.

yeah, i never thought i'd have any problems on the career field when i learned to be a tv antenna installer and a typewriter repairman.

I understand what you mean. And my interpretation remains sketchy about Mobile DTV. But I did find a few links that I thought were interesting....

http://www.lightreading.com/document.asp?doc_id=216009&

http://www.lightreading.com/video.asp?doc_id=216260&

And the following links are from the Open Mobile Video Coalition:

http://www.openmobilevideo.com/

http://mdtvsignalmap.com/

Is it different than News14's normal fare? Granted I've not seen much but what I have seen didn't disappoint me.

It hasn't really effected the ratings one way or another. It seems to be just ... there.

Interesting quote from Supremr Court Assoc. Justice Samuel Alioto:
“Broadcast TV is living on borrowed time. It is not going to be long before it goes the way of vinyl records and eight-track tapes.”

The context was not FCC designs on bandwidth, but Federal oversight of broadcast media as to content. Just the same, a point of view was made public that will not warm the heart of those of us who still use and appreciate broadcast TV.


Sadly, I tend to agree..eventually..when everyone is connected..and all content can be gotten at anytime anywhere via the web..:(

Interesting quote from Supremr Court Assoc. Justice Samuel Alioto:
“Broadcast TV is living on borrowed time. It is not going to be long before it goes the way of vinyl records and eight-track tapes.”

The context was not FCC designs on bandwidth, but Federal oversight of broadcast media as to content. Just the same, a point of view was made public that will not warm the heart of those of us who still use and appreciate broadcast TV.

That statement may be very true....especially if broadcasters don't find a way (or are allowed a way) to reinvent themselves in the future. Mobile DTV may not save broadcast TV from eventually going the way of vinyl records and eight-track tapes. But it is something that would certainly help reverse that trend if the technology improves and more people become interested in this delivery method.

As for Federal oversight of broadcast media content, I suppose all of us would have to be naive if we ever thought we had 'complete' free press where our media outlets are concerned from government intervention. I don't think that ever was (or will be) the case. Just the realities....

I don't think it is for ratings but to keep the network affiliation. If that is true, who cares how good or bad it is?

It seems that is exactly on point, because as you stated, it appears WXLV needed this for their ABC affiliation.

As far as the content of the news (in my opinion), it seems no different from News 14 Carolina on TWC (both produced by TWC). So if you like one then you'd like the other, and vice versa. We know producing local news is very expensive. But in my view, it doesn't help develop any special character for WXLV by having it done this way.

But now that they seem to have this deal worked out, perhaps there won't be any more disputes between TWC and Sinclair Broadcasting regarding retransmission rights. Well, at least probably not in the short term......

Sadly, I tend to agree..eventually..when everyone is connected..and all content can be gotten at anytime anywhere via the web..:(

This fellow I know told his cable provider many years ago he was no longer going to pay for service. Today, that cable is still "live" with analog extended basic service. Over time, neighbors jave tapped on. I have no idea how many. I don't know that any of them have a digital reciever. I've wondered how many instances of this occur. I've got an idea that when most cable providers end analog down the pipe, there is going to be a few without sevice, and what they will do I don't know. Dish and cable providers have, since transition to digital, appeared to be very aggressive as to getting and keeping customers. A common sense business assumption would have pay servers very interested in eliminating OTA if possible. If they can get down to about 5% OTA viewers, I think they may get it. Having done it, they might be sorry. Pay services might become the "public interest" purveyors of the future. They might discover in how many directions a sword might cut.

This fellow I know told his cable provider many years ago he was no longer going to pay for service. Today, that cable is still "live" with analog extended basic service. Over time, neighbors jave tapped on. I have no idea how many. I don't know that any of them have a digital reciever. I've wondered how many instances of this occur. I've got an idea that when most cable providers end analog down the pipe, there is going to be a few without sevice, and what they will do I don't know. Dish and cable providers have, since transition to digital, appeared to be very aggressive as to getting and keeping customers. A common sense business assumption would have pay servers very interested in eliminating OTA if possible. If they can get down to about 5% OTA viewers, I think they may get it. Having done it, they might be sorry. Pay services might become the "public interest" purveyors of the future. They might discover in how many directions a sword might cut.

I am convinced that is exactly what cable and satellite providers want....the total elimination of OTA. And as I've said before, it is my belief that part of the problem has been a lack of education and/or awareness with the general public as it relates to OTA digital/HD television. That is why I am a firm believer in promoting any new technologies that help broadcast OTA continue to reinvent itself. If this doesn't happen, that 5% threshold you described may indeed happen in the future. And if cable and satellite companies ever gain a complete monopoly on television, it is my belief that we will all pay BIG time in the future.

I am convinced that is exactly what cable and satellite providers want....the total elimination of OTA. And as I've said before, it is my belief that part of the problem has been a lack of education and/or awareness with the general public as it relates to OTA digital/HD television. That is why I am a firm believer in promoting any new technologies that help broadcast OTA continue to reinvent itself. If this doesn't happen, that 5% threshold you described may indeed happen in the future. And if cable and satellite companies ever gain a complete monopoly on television, it is my belief that we will all pay BIG time in the future.

Broadcasters are in a bad spot. They NEED the cable/dish viewers. They certainly WANT the OTA viewers, but they MUST have the subscription viewers. There is little broadcasters can do about the decline of OTA. And that is what broadcasters are doing. Little. I can see the FCC whittling down to about 12 UHF TV channels, which will make local TV VERY local. About like 1950's UHF. That might not be what it sounds. It would make for useful very local advertising. I can't do anything, and wouldn't know what to do if I could.

Broadcasters are in a bad spot. They NEED the cable/dish viewers. They certainly WANT the OTA viewers, but they MUST have the subscription viewers. There is little broadcasters can do about the decline of OTA. And that is what broadcasters are doing. Little. I can see the FCC whittling down to about 12 UHF TV channels, which will make local TV VERY local. About like 1950's UHF. That might not be what it sounds. It would make for useful very local advertising. I can't do anything, and wouldn't know what to do if I could.

Yep, I realize it's a difficult situation. And broadcasters do need the revenue from cable/dish viewers. Without it, they'd probably be in big trouble. It's not like the old days where local affiliates could get by on the revenue from local businesses who chose to buy air time for advertisements. Heck, now days, you see local advertising on national feeds like CNN. So the environment in which broadcasters work, and the costs of doing business are far different than they were 20 or 30 years ago. I totally get all of that.

But if the time ever comes where locals are required to essentially give up their rights to broadcast, it would be a game changer for sure. They would be at the complete and total mercy of the dish and cable providers. Those providers could then decide to make a local station entirely irrelevant if they so chose. Also, it is not in the best interest of the American population to see our air waves continually sold off to the highest corporate bidders.

And in the hypothetical scenario of the industry being left with 12 UHF channels (as you described), I would guess some locals might have to go off the air entirely or the coverage areas of each station would be so very small, as to limit the reach of viewers in each market. Also, without a viable alternative to dish or cable, I could see the prices of subscription TV going completely through the roof.

IMO (to the extent possible), it would make good business sense for broadcasters to support advances in technology which may help the television broadcast spectrum become more relevant in today's world. I don't pretend to have the answers on how that is done; and I don't work in this field. But that's why I had posted an inquiry on this forum a week ago about Mobile DTV.

I was asked to comment on the Mobile DTV (ATSC-M/H) in here lately. Not entirely sure what to say about it, but here goes.

ATSC-M/H more or less takes a certain amount of bandwidth and error corrects it a bunch and the result is much more robust data stream contained within. For example, a typical station running a single Mobile DTV stream would dedicate 1.83 Mbps to Mobile DTV and when all the error correction is done, on the other side is less than 500 kbps to work with. Naturally, as you might expect, with 500 kbps the only thing you can really do is use MPEG-4 at low resolutions, so this is targeted at cell phones and other portable devices.

Range? Difficult to say, exactly, though I've heard 35 miles, range-dependent. I imagine it also depends on the type of antenna. I know Falcon_77 has tested in the Los Angeles area and using it inside the car with a decent antenna is less reliable than even a poor external antenna. The vehicle just knocks the signal down so much.

The idea is to broadcast live programming on it, and right now, I believe that means primarily local news and network programming, but I believe right now syndication is being passed through as well. NBC and Fox are leading the charge with their "Dyle TV" brand, which will see broadcasts from NBC and Fox, at the very least, encrypted but free of charge, so as to require registration and Internet access for tracking purposes. That doesn't necessarily constrain the service to smart phones, but I remember reading that it will require access at least once per week, even if that is via Wi-Fi or a USB hookup.

As for why Greensboro isn't among the early markets, "Dyle TV" is the brand associated with the MCV, a group of 12 ownership groups (and WCCB) that partnered together. Local TV (owner of WGHP) is not one of those 12, and so there would have been no Fox to go with the NBC in the area, so other areas were prioritized, such as Charlotte, Knoxville, Atlanta...

And as far as listings go, I prefer my own. http://www.rabbitears.info/market.php?request=atscmh

If there's anything else I can answer, please ask today, because I cannot promise my availability for the next two weeks after today due to work.

- Trip

I was asked to comment on the Mobile DTV (ATSC-M/H) in here lately. Not entirely sure what to say about it, but here goes.


Range? Difficult to say, exactly, though I've heard 35 miles, range-dependent. I imagine it also depends on the type of antenna. I know Falcon_77 has tested in the Los Angeles area and using it inside the car with a decent antenna is less reliable than even a poor external antenna. The vehicle just knocks the signal down so much.


- Trip

So there is no way it would cover the whole market there, and surely wouldn't cover the Triangle market, or the Eastern NC market. Doesn't seem feasible to even have it wasting bandwidth to me. Why would anyone want to be traveling in a car and try to watch something and it freezing and pixelating every few seconds? It would be unwatchable. The technology needs to be improved for this to work properly.

I heard signal testing of WRAL showed it to be reliable past Durham. That's enough to cover most of the population centers of the market at the very least.

- Trip

Yep, I realize it's a difficult situation. And broadcasters do need the revenue from cable/dish viewers. Without it, they'd probably be in big trouble. It's not like the old days where local affiliates could get by on the revenue from local businesses who chose to buy air time for advertisements. Heck, now days, you see local advertising on national feeds like CNN. So the environment in which broadcasters work, and the costs of doing business are far different than they were 20 or 30 years ago. I totally get all of that.

But if the time ever comes where locals are required to essentially give up their rights to broadcast, it would be a game changer for sure. They would be at the complete and total mercy of the dish and cable providers. Those providers could then decide to make a local station entirely irrelevant if they so chose. Also, it is not in the best interest of the American population to see our air waves continually sold off to the highest corporate bidders.

And in the hypothetical scenario of the industry being left with 12 UHF channels (as you described), I would guess some locals might have to go off the air entirely or the coverage areas of each station would be so very small, as to limit the reach of viewers in each market. Also, without a viable alternative to dish or cable, I could see the prices of subscription TV going completely through the roof.

IMO (to the extent possible), it would make good business sense for broadcasters to support advances in technology which may help the television broadcast spectrum become more relevant in today's world. I don't pretend to have the answers on how that is done; and I don't work in this field. But that's why I had posted an inquiry on this forum a week ago about Mobile DTV.

Broadcasters seem to have had a great selling point in DTV. I do not recall broadcasters referring to their Digital signal as anything but an alternative means of reception, as things have evolved. The truth is, most of the point of the DTV transition has been negated by the penetration of subscription services. Had HDTV recievers with tuners been affordable 6 or 7 years sooner, something different might have happened. It is undeniable that HD OTA is superior to any other delivery. The time is probably past to sell a superior picture. Broadcasters have subchannels to promote, but don't, really. But, there is a mechanism in the universe at play. Cycles. They happen, but can be unpredictable. Subscription services are a mess. People are paying for 5 channels to every one they actually watch. Sometimes 10 to one. They don't like it. Here's a clue: Why is ESPN on cable? The answer is that at its inception, there was no way to get it on broadcast TV. That is no longer so. If ESPN moved to broadcast, its potential viewership woulld expand. Think on it.

I remember watching a documentary from PBS/NHK about the Tsunami in Japan. The commentary went something like...

The children and their parents where waiting on the 4th floor of the school wondering if the danger has passed. Power was lost so the only way they could get updates was by radio and TV on their cell phones...

And now for something completely different....and hopefully not out of this thread's context.

Is anyone using the 1394 connection on the back of the Greensboro NC Time Warner cable set top box(Explorer 4640HDC)? I'd like to use it to feed video to a home theater PC type installation.

I've tried this is two different ways on the same PC:
Windows XP, MediaPortal software;
Fedora Linux, Myth TV software (actually Mythdora).

I can get 1394 video into Windows XP PC from my Sony DV camcorder, but not from the STB.

Myth TV definetly has the ability to use 1394 as a tuner input, but I get nothing.

Any comments/advice?

Any comments/advice?


TW does not enable the port...

TW does not enable the port...

It has been disabled for awhile, you won't see that or Passport ever again..

I was asked to comment on the Mobile DTV (ATSC-M/H) in here lately. Not entirely sure what to say about it, but here goes.

ATSC-M/H more or less takes a certain amount of bandwidth and error corrects it a bunch and the result is much more robust data stream contained within. For example, a typical station running a single Mobile DTV stream would dedicate 1.83 Mbps to Mobile DTV and when all the error correction is done, on the other side is less than 500 kbps to work with. Naturally, as you might expect, with 500 kbps the only thing you can really do is use MPEG-4 at low resolutions, so this is targeted at cell phones and other portable devices.

Range? Difficult to say, exactly, though I've heard 35 miles, range-dependent. I imagine it also depends on the type of antenna. I know Falcon_77 has tested in the Los Angeles area and using it inside the car with a decent antenna is less reliable than even a poor external antenna. The vehicle just knocks the signal down so much.

The idea is to broadcast live programming on it, and right now, I believe that means primarily local news and network programming, but I believe right now syndication is being passed through as well. NBC and Fox are leading the charge with their "Dyle TV" brand, which will see broadcasts from NBC and Fox, at the very least, encrypted but free of charge, so as to require registration and Internet access for tracking purposes. That doesn't necessarily constrain the service to smart phones, but I remember reading that it will require access at least once per week, even if that is via Wi-Fi or a USB hookup.

As for why Greensboro isn't among the early markets, "Dyle TV" is the brand associated with the MCV, a group of 12 ownership groups (and WCCB) that partnered together. Local TV (owner of WGHP) is not one of those 12, and so there would have been no Fox to go with the NBC in the area, so other areas were prioritized, such as Charlotte, Knoxville, Atlanta...

And as far as listings go, I prefer my own. http://www.rabbitears.info/market.php?request=atscmh

If there's anything else I can answer, please ask today, because I cannot promise my availability for the next two weeks after today due to work.

- Trip

Thank you, Trip, for taking the time to share your information on this important topic. Myself and several other 'non-engineer' TV viewers were wondering when we might get some feedback on this issue :)

TW does not enable the port...

I'm actually happy to hear that....it means I can stop worrying that I've screwed something up.

Now, did they get an exemption/waiver to 47CFRSection 76.640(b)(4)(ii)

(4) Cable operators shall:

(i) Effective April 1, 2004, upon request of a customer, replace any leased high definition set-top box, which does not include a functional IEEE 1394 interface, with one that includes a functional IEEE 1394 interface or upgrade the customer's set-top box by download or other means to ensure that the IEEE 1394 interface is functional.

or am I just not up to date on the FCC's rules?

I remember watching a documentary from PBS/NHK about the Tsunami in Japan. The commentary went something like...

The children and their parents where waiting on the 4th floor of the school wondering if the danger has passed. Power was lost so the only way they could get updates was by radio and TV on their cell phones...

Reportedly, South Korea and Japan have been leading the world in Mobile DTV technology. And I understand terrestrial Digitial Mobile DTV (T-DMB) is very popular in South Korea because it is free; and it is included in most mobile handsets sold in that country.

I remember watching a documentary from PBS/NHK about the Tsunami in Japan. The commentary went something like...

The children and their parents where waiting on the 4th floor of the school wondering if the danger has passed. Power was lost so the only way they could get updates was by radio and TV on their cell phones...

Such natural disasters and matters of national security should hopefully support the argument for saving the broadcast spectrum for free, OTA broadcast TV and mobile DTV. Especially in the post-911 era. Not everyone wants to pay high fees for subscription TV and channels they don't even watch.

Such natural disasters and matters of national security should hopefully support the argument for saving the broadcast spectrum for free, OTA broadcast TV and mobile DTV. Especially in the post-911 era. Not everyone wants to pay high fees for subscription TV and channels they don't even watch.

I couldn't agree more. There are some who would argue that OTA is doomed regardless. But I am trying to remain optimistic. And I am also hoping for new leadership at the FCC after elections. I know OTA is not really a partisan issue; but a new set of representatives certainly could not hurt the cause at this point :)

I'm actually happy to hear that....it means I can stop worrying that I've screwed something up.

Now, did they get an exemption/waiver to 47CFRSection 76.640(b)(4)(ii)
or am I just not up to date on the FCC's rules?

There are numerous threads here on the forum in other areas where that subject is covered. Of course, using the firewire out won't help the over compressed bit starved video....

ok i'll be blunt. i'm not the sharpest knife in the drawer. i have a question about mobile tv, but not about the technical aspect of it.

what do i need to pick up a mobile tv broadcast? can my smartphone do it?

i have a windows mobile 6.5 phone. if this will work, what software? if my phone won't do it, what will? any other phone? what devices and how do you do it?

sorry for such a question, but everything i read is all about the technical aspects. i want the quick start guide.

The quick start guide is that other than the Hauppauge Aero-M, there is no readily-available device that will decode Mobile DTV at this time. There are no publicly-released cell phones, one or two DVD players and handheld TVs, and none of the aforementioned devices, not even the Aero-M, will work with the encrypted Dyle TV service that will be offered by Fox and NBC.

Have to wait and see what devices are released this year.

- Trip

thanks trip.

other than the hauppauge usb unit, do you have the name of any hand-held devices i can look at? google didn't...

if there are virtually zero devices to receive it, no wonder very few are broadcasting with it.

LG DP570MH

And this product line: http://www.mygotv.com/

Mobile DTV has been in testing and will finally launch this year. Of course few are broadcasting it and fewer have receivers.

- Trip

LG DP570MH

And this product line: http://www.mygotv.com/

Mobile DTV has been in testing and will finally launch this year. Of course few are broadcasting it and fewer have receivers.

- Trip

Trip,
I am gaining an understanding of the technology, as you outlined in your previous post that will be immerging later this year. Very interesting stuff.

If you have a chance, can you explain MH/H data streams that are available (right now) versus an 'app'? If I understand things correctly, a current MH/H data stream (from participating stations today) uses a tiny piece of the spectrum to provide *pre-recorded* information of complete shows, whether it is a newscast or otherwise. Whereas, an app (such as offered on an iPhone) is simply a small tidbit of information, and 'not' a stream of a full show. Also, an app uses no part of the spectrum whatsoever and merely gains access to the web through the cellular network. Do I have all of this correct?

Thanks again :)

MH/H

No such thing. M/H. Mobile/Handheld. :)

If you have a chance, can you explain [M/H] data streams that are available (right now) versus an 'app'?

Short version is that M/H uses a piece of the actual TV station bandwidth. An "app" uses the Internet connection just as any other phone application would.

Thanks again :)

Glad to help.

- Trip

Short version is that M/H uses a piece of the actual TV station bandwidth. An "app" uses the Internet connection just as any other phone application would.

Your clarification is exactly what I thought. Thanks.

Broadcasters seem to have had a great selling point in DTV. I do not recall broadcasters referring to their Digital signal as anything but an alternative means of reception, as things have evolved. The truth is, most of the point of the DTV transition has been negated by the penetration of subscription services. Had HDTV recievers with tuners been affordable 6 or 7 years sooner, something different might have happened. It is undeniable that HD OTA is superior to any other delivery. The time is probably past to sell a superior picture. Broadcasters have subchannels to promote, but don't, really. But, there is a mechanism in the universe at play. Cycles. They happen, but can be unpredictable. Subscription services are a mess. People are paying for 5 channels to every one they actually watch. Sometimes 10 to one. They don't like it. Here's a clue: Why is ESPN on cable? The answer is that at its inception, there was no way to get it on broadcast TV. That is no longer so. If ESPN moved to broadcast, its potential viewership woulld expand. Think on it.

You make many good points. As for the issue of ESPN moving to broadcast, that would be fantastic for the viewing public; and it would certainly expand its potential viewership. Of course, we know ESPN will not be going on broadcast TV. But if we could just hang on to what we've got, it would make me happy.

You make many good points. As for the issue of ESPN moving to broadcast, that would be fantastic for the viewing public; and it would certainly expand its potential viewership. Of course, we know ESPN will not be going on broadcast TV. But if we could just hang on to what we've got, it would make me happy.

I know of no good reason ESPN could not go to broadcast, as, possibly, a second ABC network.

I know of no good reason ESPN could not go to broadcast, as, possibly, a second ABC network.

Other than ESPN is a FOR PAY Cable Network....they'll put a game on cable before they do OTA for that very reason. We do air an ESPN SEC pkg on WOLO's MeTv..which we pay for.

A little birdy has whispered in my ear of the possibility of another HD news in the market.

Other than ESPN is a FOR PAY Cable Network....they'll put a game on cable before they do OTA for that very reason. We do air an ESPN SEC pkg on WOLO's MeTv..which we pay for.

Well, cable would be paying to distribute ESPN if it were broadcast. Otherwise, lawyers would shut them down. Such a scheme would increase relative ad revenue by increasing viewership. ............................................................ ...............
My primary thesis was that ESPN began as a cable net because there was no broadcast avenues. There are now. I will not bet that ESPN goes broadcast, but......................................................... ..........................
There are cable nets that could not be broadcast, but, ESPN is not one of them.
Already, ABC broadcast no longer has a sports division, relying on "ESPN ON ABC".

Such a scheme would increase relative ad revenue by increasing viewership. .

If so, then why isn't it being done already? So let us know what OTA channel you get E by when you do, ok? ;)

If so, then why isn't it being done already? So let us know what OTA channel you get E by when you do, ok? ;)

I did not indicate it would happen. Just that if the right, or wrong , lawyer thinks its his idea, it might.

A little birdy has whispered in my ear of the possibility of another HD news in the market.

I will take a guess at it and say WXII ;)

on the M/H broadcasts that are out there now, including WSOC and WAXN in charlotte, and a couple in raleigh... what programming is on?

is it a simulcast of live tv? or some other feeds like replays of their newscasts?

if not live tv, why not?

Last time I saw, simulcasts, except WCCB also has the weather feed on 18-11 that used to be on 18-3 before they got Me-TV, in addition to a simulcast on 18-10.

- Trip

WCCB also has the weather feed on 18-11 that used to be on 18-3 before they got Me-TV, in addition to a simulcast on 18-10.- Trip


Correct..that is until we encrypt the simulcast on 18-10..

Why are the simulcasts being encrypted?

Why are the simulcasts being encrypted?


Required by MVC and the Networks.

Required by MVC and the Networks.

IS that OMVC, or MCV?

MCV.

- Trip

Here's a link that was located for Dyle Mobile TV, for anyone who is interested. *If* the initial launch is successful this year, I see no reason why it could not expand in the future to include additional stations...including the Triad.

http://www.themcv.com/

Thanks again to Trip and the others who have participated in this discussion :)

AntennaTV is announcing today that "WKRP in Cincinnati" is coming to their network this spring.

Always liked this show. It reminds me of a radio station I worked for when I was in high school. Very much off the beaten path with whacky people (we even had a Herb Tarlick!) who had no clue what they were doing and one broadcast pro trying to make it all work! Those were good times!

WAXN runs two streams of M/H: WSOC-MH and WAXN-MH....they are simulcast of 9.1 and 64.1. By April 1, WSOC will add a channel of M/H. We add Conditional Access (CA) to all three streams. Programming of the WSOC M/H stream is unknown at this time.

AntennaTV is announcing today that "WKRP in Cincinnati" is coming to their network this spring.

Always liked this show. It reminds me of a radio station I worked for when I was in high school. Very much off the beaten path with whacky people (we even had a Herb Tarlick!) who had no clue what they were doing and one broadcast pro trying to make it all work! Those were good times!

Sweet! (Any word on your "edumacation" so we can watch 8.2 on Directv via the AM21?)

Sorry if this has been covered already, but does anyone know what the deal is with WMYV-HD? I tried to tune in the State/Boston College game the other night OTA, but 48-1 was mirroring 48-2's music videos.

More info on WKRP coming to AntennaTV. From SitcomsOnLine:

Baby, if you've ever wondered that if WKRP in Cincinnati would be back on TV, now no need to wonder if that will happen! Why? Because digital simulcast network Antenna TV has announced at the annual National Association of Television Program Executive (NATPE) conference that the hit '70s sitcom WKRP in Cincinnati is coming in April 2012! The sitcom is about the misadventures of the staff of a struggling radio station in Cincinnati, Ohio. Among the stars on the series are Gary Sandy, Howard Hesseman, Gordon Jump, Loni Anderson, Jan Smithers and Tim Reid. The series last aired regularly on television on Tribune's WGN America in 2008-09, but that was on cable and Antenna TV is a digital broadcast network. Prior to WGN America airing, it was on AmericanLife TV in 2007. When WGN America aired it, all of the music seemed to be intact and I think that will be the case on Tribune's Antenna TV as well.
Antenna TV will air all 90 episodes of WKRP in Cincinnati starting in April and will air it on Sunday nights during a two-hour block following NewsRadio to create a three-hour dysfunctional radio block in primetime! WKRP in Cincinnati will be replacing Married...with Children, which will be resting for a bit. Following WKRP in Cincinnati will still be the addicting '70s sitcom Soap, so WKRP in Cincinnati and Soap air back-to-back as well. Loni Anderson and Diana Canova back-to-back! We'll have exact timings coming soon, but expect this order starting in primetime.
We will have more on Antenna TV's new spring schedule that will start in April in the coming weeks, But we're not expecting any series to be removed from the schedule except Married...with Children, which is just resting anyway. Will more shows come to Antenna TV in the spring and will we see some timeslot changes for some shows? (I'm hoping the underrated Too Close for Comfort finally goes to weekdays) We will let you know as soon as we can announce that. But for now let's remember, "I'm at WKRP in Cincinnati..."

Read more: http://blog.sitcomsonline.com/2012/01/natpe-2012-day-1-has-wkrp-in-cincinnati.html#ixzz1kJsDuqcx

Sweet! (Any word on your "edumacation" so we can watch 8.2 on Directv via the AM21?)

Not yet, but I am taking some much needed time off. I will see if I can get my contact moving again when I get back to the office this week.

Sorry if this has been covered already, but does anyone know what the deal is with WMYV-HD? I tried to tune in the State/Boston College game the other night OTA, but 48-1 was mirroring 48-2's music videos.

Is it still doing it? I am seeing separate programming.

I don't know what it's doing now, the only box with OTA is in my theater, and honestly, I only use WMYV a couple of times a year for ACC Network games.

I have read that some of you are trying to receive 8.2 on DirecTV via the AM21 or HR20. As you know DirecTV has something setup wrong and we can not receive it, although it is in the guide. I have a workaround that works for me and is described below.

Set up your secondary OTA DMA using zip code 45201. This will bring up WLWT in Cincinnati, Ohio. This station uses RF channel 35 as WGHP does. It will appear as 5.2 (the virtual channel) in the guide. After your setup is complete, tune to 5.2 and you should receive WGHP 8.2.

The guide for 5.2 does not show the correct programing, but you can see the correct programing by looking at the 8.2 guide.

This has worked for me using the HR20-700 and HR21-700 (with AM-21 attached).

It is reported that DirecTV's new DVR, the HR34, actually tunes for OT stations when using the AM21N tuner (just as the tuners in our TV's do). That would eliminate these kind of problems. (It will probably work on the AM21 as well).

No one seems to know at this time if DirecTV will keep this approach on future HR34 firmware updates.

The information above is what I read on the DBS Forum.

foxeng,

Just a note that 8.2 is one of my favorite channels, even though i have access to many DirecTV channels. I have friends that rely on OTA only due to cost factors, and they all talk about watching 8.2.

In Greenville, SC I enjoy Antenna TV on WJZY 46.2 from Charlotte. One of my favorite subchannels, along with MeTV on WSPA 7.2.

I have read that some of you are trying to receive 8.2 on DirecTV via the AM21 or HR20... Set up your secondary OTA DMA using zip code 45201.

I wonder if anyone else has had success with this. I gave it a whirl before supper tonight. I couldn't see how to get to the secondary screen without first confirming my primary market. The system searched for my area for a couple of minutes and wouldn't let me cancel or navigate away from the screen. And turning the box off and on didn't clear everything. I eventually had to reboot the receiver via the red button and now my guide data is totally repopulating from scratch.

I'm going to hold off trying anything else for now. Anyone else have input?

I wonder if anyone else has had success with this. I gave it a whirl before supper tonight. I couldn't see how to get to the secondary screen without first confirming my primary market. The system searched for my area for a couple of minutes and wouldn't let me cancel or navigate away from the screen. And turning the box off and on didn't clear everything. I eventually had to reboot the receiver via the red button and now my guide data is totally repopulating from scratch.

I'm going to hold off trying anything else for now. Anyone else have input?

Didn't work with my HR20-100. Same thing happened. I had to reboot to get it to stop. I did get it to accept it second time, but when I go to it, it does the same thing as if I went to 8-2 so I suspect in this new code, they have it locked out because it was searching and never found anything. I see that it still has the old STA data in the list as well and I suspect that may be part of the problem.

I am still working with D* on this. I am escalating this up the chain from my end. I was actually hoping this worked so I can use it as ammo.

foxeng,

Just a note that 8.2 is one of my favorite channels, even though i have access to many DirecTV channels. I have friends that rely on OTA only due to cost factors, and they all talk about watching 8.2.

Diddo. I hear people talking about Antenna TV and MeTV (on WRAZ 50-2) on a regular basis.

Foxeng, out of curiosity, what is WGHPSTA in the AM21 database from?

Diddo. I hear people talking about Antenna TV and MeTV (on WRAZ 50-2) on a regular basis.

Thanks. Appreciate that. AntennaTV is really trying to put together a nice sustainable lineup. It is getting better. If something happens to that channel, we hear about it!

Foxeng, out of curiosity, what is WGHPSTA in the AM21 database from?

That is part of the problem I believe with 8.2.

Since we were on channel 8 digital post transition, then turned channel 35 back on a week later and ran both 8 and 35 digital for 9 months, D* created a special "STA" OTA entry for 35. You have the regular antenna entry for 8, and a STA entry for 35 so depending on where you were located you had access to an OTA signal.

We ceased broadcasting on channel 8 in March of 2010. D* has never removed the STA entry even though they changed the regular OTA entry to channel 35 on their own. They have been told numerous times by me since then and there has been a license issued for channel 35 (which they receive as normal routine of any station) which should have flagged them to remove it as well and update their database. It doesn't appear all the steps have taken place. And that is why you are seeing it and works.

When they added the .2 in March of 2011, I suspect they created it using channel 8, not channel 35 and that is why the 8.2 doesn't work. It is looking at the wrong channel. Trying to get their attention to correct all this has been daunting to say the least but I am still trying.

That is my theory anyway.

http://www.w4cl.net/fox/DirecTVEPG.jpg

Didn't work with my HR20-100. Same thing happened.

The system searched for my area for a couple of minutes and wouldn't let me cancel or navigate away from the screen.

How long are you guys waiting when re-entering the primary zip code? It can take up to 5+ minutes...

How long are you guys waiting when re-entering the primary zip code? It can take up to 5+ minutes...

It was better than 10 minutes. The screen saver had already kicked in and had been up for a while. The second time around it was only 2 minutes.

It was better than 10 minutes. The screen saver had already kicked in and had been up for a while. The second time around it was only 2 minutes.Ah, ok... 10 is excessive...

Didn't work with my HR20-100. Same thing happened. I had to reboot to get it to stop. I did get it to accept it second time, but when I go to it, it does the same thing as if I went to 8-2 so I suspect in this new code, they have it locked out because it was searching and never found anything. I see that it still has the old STA data in the list as well and I suspect that may be part of the problem.

I am still working with D* on this. I am escalating this up the chain from my end. I was actually hoping this worked so I can use it as ammo.
I did not have a problem doing the setup. It took a few minutes for the DVR to scan 27360 (my primary zip), then a few minutes more for the 45201 secondary zip. I think the entire process was less than 10 minutes, but I did not time it. It worked a few months ago for my HR20-700, and a few days ago for my HR21-700 via AM21.

I have also previously used this procedure for sub-channels not even in DirecTV's database, but 8.2 is what I watch now.

If anyone is interested, here is a link for screen shots of my TV that I took this afternoon.
http://web.me.com/leoncollett/filechute/8.2%20TV%20Photo.zip

I did not have a problem doing the setup. It took a few minutes for the DVR to scan 27360 (my primary zip), then a few minutes more for the 45201 secondary zip. I think the entire process was less than 10 minutes, but I did not time it. It worked a few months ago for my HR20-700, and a few days ago for my HR21-700 via AM21.

I have also previously used this procedure for sub-channels not even in DirecTV's database, but 8.2 is what I watch now.

If anyone is interested, here is a link for screen shots of my TV that I took this afternoon.
http://web.me.com/leoncollett/filechute/8.2%20TV%20Photo.zip

There is a difference. You are not showing the STA .1 like I am. That may be the difference why you are seeing it and I am not when WLWT is selected.

In my previous post, note in the linked photo's I am watching WGHP 8.2 "Bachelor Father". To watch it, I selected 5.2. The 5.2 guide information is wrong for what I am watching, but 8.2 receives just fine.

There is a difference. You are not showing the STA .1 like I am. That may be the difference why you are seeing it and I am not when WLWT is selected.
I have 5.1 in my guide, but have it hidden in my custom list. I wonder if you previously had WRAL 5.2 setup on your DVR. Maybe that is the issue. I have never setup the Raleigh stations.

If you can find another station using channel 35 and if DirecTV has the sub-channel in their database, then that might be another solution (Until DirecTV fixes things - they sure have a crazy system for OTA.).

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Category:Channel_35_digital_TV_stations_in_the_United_States

I have 5.1 in my guide, but have it hidden in my custom list. I wonder if you previously had WRAL 5.2 setup on your DVR. Maybe that is the issue. I have never setup the Raleigh stations.

If you can find another station using channel 35 and if DirecTV has the sub-channel in their database, then that might be another solution (Until DirecTV fixes things - they sure have a crazy system for OTA.).

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Category:Channel_35_digital_TV_stations_in_the_United_States

Currently WLWT is the only 5 I have listed and all I get on that channel is Searching for Signal.

Currently WLWT is the only 5 I have listed and all I get on that channel is Searching for Signal.
I tried 5.1 and get Searching for Signal also. Strange, looks like if 5.2 would give me 8.2, that 5.1 would give me 8.1.

I still wonder if any previous attempt to get 5.2 WRAL might still be in memory somewhere even though it is not set up like that now.

Also with my setup, I no longer have access to 12.1 WXII as the only 12.1 station listed is from the other DMA. I wonder what would happen if I reversed the primary and secondary zip codes in my setup. Don't think I will try that because 8.2 could get messed up and that was what I was after.

Sorry to put everyone on a mission that does not work for them, but I was just trying to help. Information on the DBS Forum indicates that this procedure is sometimes hit and miss. Hope you are able to get DirecTV to work this out. I have heard that they are becoming more difficult to deal with on OTA sub-channel issues. Maybe that is why they are reported to allow regular scanning on the new HR34.

Completely off-subject, but today's date (2/8/12) makes me think of Greensboro television for some reason. Can't figure out why. ;)

- Trip

Completely off-subject, but today's date (2/8/12) makes me think of Greensboro television for some reason. Can't figure out why. ;)


I'm looking forward to 6/8/12 in a few months for warmer temperatures and my youthful memories of WTVR/WXEX/WRVA-TV.

I tried 5.1 and get Searching for Signal also. Strange, looks like if 5.2 would give me 8.2, that 5.1 would give me 8.1.

I still wonder if any previous attempt to get 5.2 WRAL might still be in memory somewhere even though it is not set up like that now.

Also with my setup, I no longer have access to 12.1 WXII as the only 12.1 station listed is from the other DMA. I wonder what would happen if I reversed the primary and secondary zip codes in my setup. Don't think I will try that because 8.2 could get messed up and that was what I was after.

Sorry to put everyone on a mission that does not work for them, but I was just trying to help. Information on the DBS Forum indicates that this procedure is sometimes hit and miss. Hope you are able to get DirecTV to work this out. I have heard that they are becoming more difficult to deal with on OTA sub-channel issues. Maybe that is why they are reported to allow regular scanning on the new HR34.

Everytime I have played with zip codes on my AM21, I have had to re-do it 3 or 4 times to get WXII and WGPX to show. I can't get WXII OTA 99% of the time, but I do have WGPX and having it in HD (as it is not on Directv) is important. And The Magic School Bus is a guilty pleasure of my gf and her friends so 16-2 is also important.

Why was 8.2 working a few months ago? If you scroll back to Sept or Oct, you can see a pic that I posted where it was working?

On a semi-related note, does anyone else see that WLFL 22-2 is listed as WUNW PBS not the Country Network on the AM21?

Completely off-subject, but today's date (2/8/12) makes me think of Greensboro television for some reason. Can't figure out why. ;)

- Trip

I have NO idea why! :D

http://www.dslreports.com/shownews/ATT-The-UVerse-Build-is-Over-118297

IIRC, there were not many takers for the original build-out.

Was it ever even offered where I am (W-S)?

Here AT&T DSL only provisions @ 1.5 down...

http://www.dslreports.com/shownews/ATT-The-UVerse-Build-is-Over-118297

IIRC, there were not many takers for the original build-out.

Was it ever even offered where I am (W-S)?

Here AT&T DSL only provisions @ 1.5 down...

Not that I am aware of. We still send them a signal via fiber.

In my previous post, note in the linked photo's I am watching WGHP 8.2 "Bachelor Father". To watch it, I selected 5.2. The 5.2 guide information is wrong for what I am watching, but 8.2 receives just fine.

Have you ever tried to receive WJZY 46.2? With the right antenna, I think it is possible to receive Charlotte signals in Thomasville. But I realize 8.2 is your true local preference. And if I still lived in Concord, I would definitely make an effort to receive WGHP. Watched analog channel 8 growing up.

In my previous post, note in the linked photo's I am watching WGHP 8.2 "Bachelor Father". To watch it, I selected 5.2. The 5.2 guide information is wrong for what I am watching, but 8.2 receives just fine.

This whole process confuses me a little. If you select 5.2, does it switch to 8.2?

I think I do something like this to get WGSR. Since I receive Raleigh locals OTA, I naturally added a Raleigh DMA for my secondary locals. I do not receive WRPX OTA (I do if point at it, but not when it's pointed at Garner) but I added WRPX 47.1 to my guide anyway and LP WGSR from Reidsville comes in on 47.1, with WRPX data. I understand how this works with WGSR (although there is probably an error somewhere at D*) but it's the same channel number, 47.1; how does added a 5.2 from somewhere else get 8.2 to come through?!?!

I am glad that I get Antenna TV from WNCN 17.2 but, like TylerSC said, I would rather have the "local" 8.2. I have it on QAM, but it would be better to have it on D*. I continue to wish Foxeng luck with his endeavor with D* to fix it!

I continue to wish Foxeng luck with his endeavor with D* to fix it!

It sounds like there's at least a half dozen of us in this boat. foxeng, is there anything we can do? Like taking turns sending an e-mail to customer service? I wonder if the proverbial 'squeaky wheel' would get the grease, or just get tuned out? If they got 6 or 8 e-mails from different subscribers over a 2-3 week period ("Hey, why can't I get the local subchannel 8.2 using my AM21?"), do you guys think it would make any difference?

It sounds like there's at least a half dozen of us in this boat. foxeng, is there anything we can do? Like taking turns sending an e-mail to customer service? I wonder if the proverbial 'squeaky wheel' would get the grease, or just get tuned out? If they got 6 or 8 e-mails from different subscribers over a 2-3 week period ("Hey, why can't I get the local subchannel 8.2 using my AM21?"), do you guys think it would make any difference?

You won't get any complaints from he if you complain to D* direct. I am fixing to take this to a supervisory level at the TOC.

Have you ever tried to receive WJZY 46.2? With the right antenna, I think it is possible to receive Charlotte signals in Thomasville. But I realize 8.2 is your true local preference. And if I still lived in Concord, I would definitely make an effort to receive WGHP. Watched analog channel 8 growing up.
After roof work, I no longer have an outside antenna. At this time I am just using a small antenna in a closet and can receive Charlotte stations sometimes. I am located at a high elevation just south of Thomasville and did receive both Charlotte stations and Raleigh WRAL with the outside antenna. I was using a D* HR20 set to both Charlotte and Raleigh zip codes.

I have an original CM 4228 and 4248 and plan on trying these in the attic and putting one outside if necessary. Sometimes it is good to have access to those stations for news relating to their area.

I used to enjoy Amateur Radio (WA4ACV), but have not been active for many years.

This whole process confuses me a little. If you select 5.2, does it switch to 8.2?

I think I do something like this to get WGSR. Since I receive Raleigh locals OTA, I naturally added a Raleigh DMA for my secondary locals. I do not receive WRPX OTA (I do if point at it, but not when it's pointed at Garner) but I added WRPX 47.1 to my guide anyway and LP WGSR from Reidsville comes in on 47.1, with WRPX data. I understand how this works with WGSR (although there is probably an error somewhere at D*) but it's the same channel number, 47.1; how does added a 5.2 from somewhere else get 8.2 to come through?!?!

I am glad that I get Antenna TV from WNCN 17.2 but, like TylerSC said, I would rather have the "local" 8.2. I have it on QAM, but it would be better to have it on D*. I continue to wish Foxeng luck with his endeavor with D* to fix it!
When I select 5.2, it tunes to 8.2 since both stations use the same actual frequency (35). This is a process used around the country when D* does not have the desired sub-channels in their database. In our case, D* has 8.2 setup, but has something wrong.

I guess there are also other factors that I don't understand which make the workaround not work on some systems.

After roof work, I no longer have an outside antenna. At this time I am just using a small antenna in a closet and can receive Charlotte stations sometimes. I am located at a high elevation just south of Thomasville and did receive both Charlotte stations and Raleigh WRAL with the outside antenna. I was using a D* HR20 set to both Charlotte and Raleigh zip codes.

I have an original CM 4228 and 4248 and plan on trying these in the attic and putting one outside if necessary. Sometimes it is good to have access to those stations for news relating to their area.

I used to enjoy Amateur Radio (WA4ACV), but have not been active for many years.

Lucky that you still have those original American made Channel Master antennas, rather than those Chinese made imitations that they sell today. I also have an original 4228 and 4248, both of which give me better results than the current products available now. I would put that 4248 outside with a 7777 preamp and a rotor. It would be awesome to receive top stations such as WBTV, WSOC, WGHP, and WRAL. That 4248 is an excellent UHF antenna, and I wish they were still being sold somewhere today.

It sounds like there's at least a half dozen of us in this boat. foxeng, is there anything we can do? Like taking turns sending an e-mail to customer service? I wonder if the proverbial 'squeaky wheel' would get the grease, or just get tuned out? If they got 6 or 8 e-mails from different subscribers over a 2-3 week period ("Hey, why can't I get the local subchannel 8.2 using my AM21?"), do you guys think it would make any difference?

They've received several from me already. Maybe one more!

It sounds like there's at least a half dozen of us in this boat. foxeng, is there anything we can do? Like taking turns sending an e-mail to customer service? I wonder if the proverbial 'squeaky wheel' would get the grease, or just get tuned out? If they got 6 or 8 e-mails from different subscribers over a 2-3 week period ("Hey, why can't I get the local subchannel 8.2 using my AM21?"), do you guys think it would make any difference?

My solution has been to use solicitations to provde me with service as kindling, if paper. If solicited in person, I try to affect a look that I might use the solicitor as kindling. I cannot see myself paying for the previlege of watching commercials. Cable and dish can't give me what I want, anyway. I hope you fellows come to a solution, but I have mine. If I want Antenna TV, ME TV. Retro TV, or THIS, I punch in a number on a remote, and there it is. And I don't worry that a local program director might not care for me to see a network offering. I have duplicates of all the broadcast nets. Dish and cable want to tell me what I want.

They've received several from me already. Maybe one more!
I have sent email's to D* in the past concerning this matter. Most recently I received a response saying to check my antenna, reboot my receiver, etc.. It sounded like a a form reply sent to everyone who had OTA problems. I will try again and attempt to be more specific.

I have sent email's to D* in the past concerning this matter. Most recently I received a response saying to check my antenna, reboot my receiver, etc.. It sounded like a a form reply sent to everyone who had OTA problems. I will try again and attempt to be more specific.

Does anyone think there's any likelihood that specifics might help? I was thinking of something like...

Everyone in our market seems to be unable to view the local AntennaTV subchannel from WGHP TV using their receiver's tuner or the AM21. For me personally, I am able to view - and record - other subchannels in the market except this one. There is speculation that this stems from the station switching over from channel 8 to channel 35. The thinking is that something in the DirecTV system is still pointing the tuners to 8.2 instead of its relocated home.

Is there someone locally - or notionally - who can check this out? I bought the tuner to integrate the subchannels into my program guide. With one of the 2 key ones unviewable, it's both frustrating and leaves me with a feeling that I wasted my money.

Please feel free to correct anything above and offer ideas. My thinking is that this might be, for us end users, a case of customer service roulette - maybe one of us will hit on someone who knows how to pass this up the chain. Or maybe we can reach critical mass, where they see X number of reports of the same issue and decide to follow up.

Just my 2c worth...

The problem I am seeing is that the people who respond to emails don't even know what an AM21 is! I get the whole "reset your receiver" story or the "we can send someone out to check your dish" spiel or the "we don't offer subchannels" blah-blah-blah or if they do know what an AM21 is the "check your antenna" crap reply that LCollet was talking about. I don't know what else to do!

The problem I am seeing is that the people who respond to emails don't even know what an AM21 is!

Agreed. I guess I was hoping against hope that providing some specifics would prevent an automatic form reply. I had even thought we might be able to add something along the lines of... "according to an engineering contact at the local station, the problem is the x thingamabob needs to be recalibrated for the y hoozit."

May also be helpful to add "I've corresponded with several other people in my area and none of us can get this channel, so it's not a matter of rebooting our receiver, checking our antenna, etc." In fact, in my case, I can get OTA reception with the same antenna, just not with the AM21.

I have sent email's to D* in the past concerning this matter.

I meant to ask... do the e-mail replies include a tracking number? Just wondering in case it was possible to ask to bump the request up the ladder and have someone review the thread without starting from scratch.

My solution has been to use solicitations to provde me with service as kindling, if paper. If solicited in person, I try to affect a look that I might use the solicitor as kindling. I cannot see myself paying for the previlege of watching commercials. Cable and dish can't give me what I want, anyway. I hope you fellows come to a solution, but I have mine. If I want Antenna TV, ME TV. Retro TV, or THIS, I punch in a number on a remote, and there it is. And I don't worry that a local program director might not care for me to see a network offering. I have duplicates of all the broadcast nets. Dish and cable want to tell me what I want.

Well, it's all a matter of personal preferences. I am an OTA enthusiast and always will be. And I strongly support all local broadcasters for many reasons. But I do think it is a matter of choice too. I like some of the national/paid feeds such as the History Channel, Nat Geo, AMC, Animal Planet, etc, just to name a few. But, IMO, there are FAR too many filler channels that are inevitably part of the paid package.

As for Dish and cable, I think we can ALL agree that they have their shortcomings; and this issue with D* and 8.2 Antenna TV is yet another case in point. It seems these people who accept customer inquires are only trained to give scripted replies in a lot of instances with no technical background whatsoever.

But as for Dish or Cable telling you what you want with locals, that is another topic and is generally mandated by federal policies versus those of cable or satellite. For example, it is the government who has created (and sometimes changes) designated market areas across the country (all counties mandated to be in one market versus another). And in these cases, access to local networks truly stops at the county lines. In the so called information age that we live, I am not aware of any other types of media that is so tightly regulated in this way.

Well, it's all a matter of personal preferences. I am an OTA enthusiast and always will be. And I strongly support all local broadcasters for many reasons. But I do think it is a matter of choice too. I like some of the national/paid feeds such as the History Channel, Nat Geo, AMC, Animal Planet, etc, just to name a few. But, IMO, there are FAR too many filler channels that are inevitably part of the paid package.

As for Dish and cable, I think we can ALL agree that they have their shortcomings; and this issue with D* and 8.2 Antenna TV is yet another case in point. It seems these people who accept customer inquires are only trained to give scripted replies in a lot of instances with no technical background whatsoever.

But as for Dish or Cable telling you what you want with locals, that is another topic and is generally mandated by federal policies versus those of cable or satellite. For example, it is the government who has created (and sometimes changes) designated market areas across the country (all counties mandated to be in one market versus another). And in these cases, access to local networks truly stops at the county lines. In the so called information age that we live, I am not aware of any other types of media that is so tightly regulated in this way.

This is one of the reasons I love the idea of the AM21. It allows me to combine my interest in receiving channels OTA and mix it into Directv. I have always seen it as Directv trying to fix flaws in the DMA system by giving the consumer more local choices. (At least I'll pretend that's the reason, I guess it was made for people to integrate HD locals into their guide before their DMA was available in HD on Directv.) The AM21 is far from perfect (as we've been discussing) but at least they try. It should just scan and take OTA guide info. To me, that would be SO MUCH easier for them to deal with. The missing channels are so annoying!!

Well, it's all a matter of personal preferences. I am an OTA enthusiast and always will be. And I strongly support all local broadcasters for many reasons. But I do think it is a matter of choice too. I like some of the national/paid feeds such as the History Channel, Nat Geo, AMC, Animal Planet, etc, just to name a few. But, IMO, there are FAR too many filler channels that are inevitably part of the paid package.

As for Dish and cable, I think we can ALL agree that they have their shortcomings; and this issue with D* and 8.2 Antenna TV is yet another case in point. It seems these people who accept customer inquires are only trained to give scripted replies in a lot of instances with no technical background whatsoever.

But as for Dish or Cable telling you what you want with locals, that is another topic and is generally mandated by federal policies versus those of cable or satellite. For example, it is the government who has created (and sometimes changes) designated market areas across the country (all counties mandated to be in one market versus another). And in these cases, access to local networks truly stops at the county lines. In the so called information age that we live, I am not aware of any other types of media that is so tightly regulated in this way.

I agree. My bottom line is that dish and or cable can not be a problem for me so long as I try to pretend they do not exist. If enough viewers determined not to pay for additional aggravation in their lives, things might improve. The market will correct. Of course, so lomg as government is involved, market reailty will be distorted . I cannot see a point where I will deal with temperamental technology so I may pay a monthly fee. Life is litterally "outside the box". With the exception of the rare times TV lives up to its original promise of allowing a general public to see significant events from far away, TV is just entertainment. That's unavoidable. But I do not care to encourage the current fact that the box and associated remote control is the most widely used drug in the USA. I'm not a fan of turning History into contrived melodrama, or Geography into political sophistry. When I turn the box on, I want no pretense. I'm in front of it to be entertained.

I agree. My bottom line is that dish and or cable can not be a problem for me so long as I try to pretend they do not exist. If enough viewers determined not to pay for additional aggravation in their lives, things might improve. The market will correct. Of course, so lomg as government is involved, market reailty will be distorted . I cannot see a point where I will deal with temperamental technology so I may pay a monthly fee. Life is litterally "outside the box". With the exception of the rare times TV lives up to its original promise of allowing a general public to see significant events from far away, TV is just entertainment. That's unavoidable. But I do not care to encourage the current fact that the box and associated remote control is the most widely used drug in the USA. I'm not a fan of turning History into contrived melodrama, or Geography into political sophistry. When I turn the box on, I want no pretense. I'm in front of it to be entertained.

IMO, OTA only is not bad at all for people who don't watch a lot of TV. The PQ is usually better than digital cable or satellite. And while the channels are limited, it's really not bad at all, especially when supplemented with a movie service for $8 bucks a month. Add your own DVR to that (if a person wants), and OTA becomes even better!!

At this time, I have OTA and cable. But I only agreed to accept TWC back b/c they gave me a new customer rate; and I do like it for a few of the speciality networks.

If/when TWC wants to increase my rate, I'll cut them right back off. And they know I'll do this b/c we've gone through this before; and I've done just fine without cable. I only watch the cable for the specialty network. On general principle, I stick with OTA viewing for all locals.

This is one of the reasons I love the idea of the AM21. It allows me to combine my interest in receiving channels OTA and mix it into Directv. I have always seen it as Directv trying to fix flaws in the DMA system by giving the consumer more local choices. (At least I'll pretend that's the reason, I guess it was made for people to integrate HD locals into their guide before their DMA was available in HD on Directv.) The AM21 is far from perfect (as we've been discussing) but at least they try. It should just scan and take OTA guide info. To me, that would be SO MUCH easier for them to deal with. The missing channels are so annoying!!

I've got a TiVo and it works in a similar manner as far as combining OTA and paid/subscription channels into a single guide lineup. This is MUCH better versus using an A/B switch or changing inputs on the remote everytime a viewer wants to go back and forth between OTA and paid TV.

I have no experience with the AM21. But I can say the TiVo is a great product in terms of being very intuitive, a nice interface, and complete guide information on all channels. And if ever guide information is missing on any channel, it's easy to contact TiVo and report the issue, knowing that it will be fixed.

But as far as the AM21, I think it is amazing that D* cannot get their butts in gear and resolve the issue of Antenna TV 8.2. I would gladly join you on the e-mail campaign (or call them myself) if I had the AM21. That type of service is unacceptable; and I hope it is fixed for you and the others soon.

For those who are interested in mobile TV...

I saw this story today and thought of the discussion here a week or so ago:

Granite Broadcasting Venture Will Send Shows to Mobile Devices Over Its Airwaves (http://www.deadline.com/2012/02/granite-broadcasting-venture-will-send-shows-to-mobile-devices-over-its-airwaves/)

I e-mailed customer service and got a reply back today. I was told that they couldn't help me via e-mail, and that I would need to call tech support. I just did and the guy I got told me that the technicians in the broadcast center were aware of the issue and that it was being worked on.

At first, I thought it was a brush off since I hadn't mentioned the station by name or number. I asked about that and was told that, when he looked it up, the local market was one of the ones listed - he mentioned Ft. Wayne as another one - as having issues with broadcast station reception. He said there was nothing further he and I could do at this time.

I still retain some optimism that something might be able to be done. I replied to the e-mail with the above details and added the following:

"From talking to local people, I know that this problem has been reported to DirecTV many times in recent months, with no progress. I was hoping that there was some way for me to add my name to the list of people reporting this problem so that someone, somewhere, at DirecTV would realize the inconvenience this is to many customers. I'm also assuming that, if I've talked to 6 or 8 people who've complained about this, there are dozens more who haven't connected with others to see if anything can be done.

Is there any way to be in touch with a technician (or supervisor in the technical area) who has experience with this type of issue to explain what we believe the problem to be?"

**Update to my update:

We'll see what happens, but I got a response within 15 minutes. In said, in part:

"Thanks for writing us back. Upon review of your previous email, I am sorry to hear what you have experienced with your AM21 and with the previous communication you had with our technical support agent. I would like to personally assure you that your feedback about this is very important to us.

I just wanted to let you know that I received your email, and I have escalated your email to a specialist who will personally research your issue and reply to you.

By escalating your issue, we can resolve this concern without further inconvenience. We respect your time and want to reassure you that we are working diligently to get back to you as soon as we can. While this may take some time, our specialists generally respond within 24 hours.

Thanks again for writing. We appreciate your patience while we work to resolve this issue for you."

Folks,

Just thought I would share a couple of technical details and advancements in our operation at WGSR. The first, and most obvious, is that we have improved our internet stream to display the maximum signal we can do on our somewhat limited bandwidth. The picture is now 14x9, and when internet congestion is at a minimum we actually put a 720p picture on the UStream page. You can see the results at http://www.wgsr47.com .

Also, we have two tower cameras set up to give us aerial pictures of Reidsville and Brown's Summit. The cameras are HD, 1280x720, and look sharp! Watch WGSR's morning and evening newscasts to see what we do with them.

We are in a dialog with the marketing people at Time-Warner Cable about getting market-wide signal carriage, and things look promising. If any of you would like to see our signal light up in Greensboro, Asheboro, Burlington, Kernersville, Winston-Salem, Thomasville and Lexington, please contact Time-Warner and put in a word for us. Any help will definitely be appreciated, and if TWC identifies any one person as being majorly responsible for their deciding to add us, I'll personally buy that person a steak dinner.

Technical improvements are slowing down until the economy improves, but we're looking to add HD to WMDV in Danville in the next two years, and attempt to get that station on as many Comcast and other cable outlets in Virginia. We've also begun to push DirecTV to add us to the Greensboro local channels. That effort is going slowly though. The decision-makers in DirecTV wish to remain annonymous...even from their customers.

Well, that's what's going on in our world. I'll let you know as things progress.

Matt Smith, Station Manager
WGSR-LD, Reidsville, NC
WMDV-LD, Danville, VA

Folks,

Just thought I would share a couple of technical details and advancements in our operation at WGSR. The first, and most obvious, is that we have improved our internet stream to display the maximum signal we can do on our somewhat limited bandwidth. The picture is now 14x9, and when internet congestion is at a minimum we actually put a 720p picture on the UStream page. You can see the results at http://www.wgsr47.com .

Also, we have two tower cameras set up to give us aerial pictures of Reidsville and Brown's Summit. The cameras are HD, 1280x720, and look sharp! Watch WGSR's morning and evening newscasts to see what we do with them.

We are in a dialog with the marketing people at Time-Warner Cable about getting market-wide signal carriage, and things look promising. If any of you would like to see our signal light up in Greensboro, Asheboro, Burlington, Kernersville, Winston-Salem, Thomasville and Lexington, please contact Time-Warner and put in a word for us. Any help will definitely be appreciated, and if TWC identifies any one person as being majorly responsible for their deciding to add us, I'll personally buy that person a steak dinner.

Technical improvements are slowing down until the economy improves, but we're looking to add HD to WMDV in Danville in the next two years, and attempt to get that station on as many Comcast and other cable outlets in Virginia. We've also begun to push DirecTV to add us to the Greensboro local channels. That effort is going slowly though. The decision-makers in DirecTV wish to remain annonymous...even from their customers.

Well, that's what's going on in our world. I'll let you know as things progress.

Matt Smith, Station Manager
WGSR-LD, Reidsville, NC
WMDV-LD, Danville, VA

Obviously, I don't have access to your station in Winston-Salem via cable nor antenna. And so I've got no experience watching WGSR. However, I would be happy to make a call to TWC for you as a viewer in this market.

With all the filler channels that cable companies provide, I believe they should be required to carry ALL stations in a given market, whether it's a full power station or low power. They should be forced to retransmit, particularly when the local requests it. Afterall, it's not like we are not subject to all these other crazy rules with paid/subscription TV.

This is just my opinion. But I have no problem putting in a word about WGSR with TWC. BTW, I understand WGSR is a VERY local station. But, I would assume that would most likely change if the station got access to all of the Piedmont Triad.

For those who are interested in mobile TV...

I saw this story today and thought of the discussion here a week or so ago:

Granite Broadcasting Venture Will Send Shows to Mobile Devices Over Its Airwaves (http://www.deadline.com/2012/02/granite-broadcasting-venture-will-send-shows-to-mobile-devices-over-its-airwaves/)

Thanks for sharing that article. I'd like to see LOTS more articles like this. IMO, mobile devices using the airwaves would help make the broadcast spectrum more relevant.

I understand South Korea and Japan are WAY ahead of the US in this area. And their populations seem quite happy with mobile media using the airwaves.

Folks,

Just thought I would share a couple of technical details and advancements in our operation at WGSR. The first, and most obvious, is that we have improved our internet stream to display the maximum signal we can do on our somewhat limited bandwidth. The picture is now 14x9, and when internet congestion is at a minimum we actually put a 720p picture on the UStream page. You can see the results at http://www.wgsr47.com .

Also, we have two tower cameras set up to give us aerial pictures of Reidsville and Brown's Summit. The cameras are HD, 1280x720, and look sharp! Watch WGSR's morning and evening newscasts to see what we do with them.

We are in a dialog with the marketing people at Time-Warner Cable about getting market-wide signal carriage, and things look promising. If any of you would like to see our signal light up in Greensboro, Asheboro, Burlington, Kernersville, Winston-Salem, Thomasville and Lexington, please contact Time-Warner and put in a word for us. Any help will definitely be appreciated, and if TWC identifies any one person as being majorly responsible for their deciding to add us, I'll personally buy that person a steak dinner.

Technical improvements are slowing down until the economy improves, but we're looking to add HD to WMDV in Danville in the next two years, and attempt to get that station on as many Comcast and other cable outlets in Virginia. We've also begun to push DirecTV to add us to the Greensboro local channels. That effort is going slowly though. The decision-makers in DirecTV wish to remain annonymous...even from their customers.

Well, that's what's going on in our world. I'll let you know as things progress.

Matt Smith, Station Manager
WGSR-LD, Reidsville, NC
WMDV-LD, Danville, VA

You can also thank Directv for screwing something up with the AM21 which allows us to watch WGSR on Directv if you add a Raleigh zip code and watch WRPX 47-1! The guide info is incorrect, obviously, but we can still watch WGSR.

And, speaking of screwed up AM21s, SVTarheel, I have received that same message nearly verbatim in regards to WGHP-2. Twice :(

And, speaking of screwed up AM21s, SVTarheel, I have received that same message nearly verbatim in regards to WGHP-2. Twice :(

Well, I was hopeful. It took 48 hours or so, but I did get a more detailed response this afternoon, to which I replied with even more info. If anyone would care to see the contents of either - or both - emails, I can send them to you or post them here.

I am curious. Post away!

Here's the main portion of what I received Friday:

Thank you for contacting us. I will be happy to address your concern with getting channel 8.2 through the AM21.

First, I wanted to let you know that your feedback is of great value to DIRECTV and the services we offer. I want to assure you that the information you have provided has been forwarded to the appropriate department to review and handle accordingly. While this may not have an immediate impact, it will provide us with critical information to make the AM21 device more effective. Thank you very much for bringing this to our attention.

As you may know, that AM21 is only compatible with ATSC stations. In some cities, you may get more channels if you run the antenna cable directly to the TV. This is most common in small cities, like Palm Springs, CA, where there may be a lot of low-power analog stations (NTSC).

At this point, I would suggest trying to re-scan for all of the ATSC digital sub-channels. Once the scan is complete, all of the available channels should appear in your on-screen guide. You can periodically repeat these steps to check for new digital sub-channels. If this still doesn't work, you can also run your antenna cable directly to the TV and disconnect the AM21. This may allow you to see that channel, but of course you won't be able to record to your DVR.

Here's most of my response: (As I mention below, I apologize for my ignorance of the the technological terms, specifics, etc. - please feel free to offer corrections)

Thanks for your response. Let me see if I can clarify the situation...

When using the AM21, channel 8.2 scans and appears in the program guide just as it should. The problem is that there is no picture reception. I've corresponded with a half dozen or so people in the local area, all of whom have the same problem, either using the AM21 or a receiver with built-in ATSC tuner. (As I mentioned earlier, I'm guessing that, if there are 6-8 people communicating online, there are dozens that have the same problem are are unconnected to us.)

As best we can tell, the problem is on DirecTV's end. Pardon my potentially poor understanding of the terminology in the following explanation, but the main suspicion has to do with WGHP changing frequencies. For decades, WGHP was analog channel 8. As I understand it, it also started out as digital channel 8 but later switched to digital channel 35. They kept the '8' for marketing purposes but the frequency isn't attached to the one for channel 8 at all. Our thinking is that DirecTV still has something in the system pointing 8.2 to the frequency for digital channel 8 and, since there's nothing to find there, the picture is blank even though the correct program guide is filled in (from a different source).

I can appreciate the generic customer service responses, but several of us have been writing in for months and the solution is not to rescan the local channels, reboot the system, etc. NO ONE has been able to receive 8.2 via DirecTV, including one of the engineers from a local station. As I mentioned, using the same antenna, I can receive the station crystal clear via my TV's tuner. I'm about 25 miles from the tower, and the others are spread all over the area, so the idea of it being a tuner sensitivity issue seems unlikely as well.

I hope this added information is helpful. On the one hand, I'm sure that the inability for a group of subscribers to view a digital subchannel is likely a low priority repair. But, considering the number of times I know that it's been reported, it's increasingly frustrating. As I mentioned, I got the AM21 for the express purpose of adding the local subchannels to my DVR-able stations. Having 8.2 unavailable gives me only 50% of the stations for which I bought the unit in the first place. We had cable for 30+ years until a year ago. As a relatively new subscriber, the inability to have this satisfactorily addressed is worrisome as well.

Thanks again for your attention to this. My hope is to not be a nuisance but to apply the adage of the squeaky wheel getting the grease. In my ignorance, this would seem to be a simple fix - just a matter of the right person becoming aware of the problem so that a switch can be flipped or a line of code can be fixed. I'm hoping that I - and maybe the others - can squeak enough to have this box checked as completed by someone on the technical side of things.

I just checked and have a reply from a couple of hours ago. I'll post it separately. It appears that I got someone who knows even less than I do. If that's not the case, I can declare my optimism to be severely diminished...

My latest (confusing) missive from DirecTV:

You've been a customer with us for a little more than a year now, so I'm not sure if you're aware that all sub channels are not available through DIRECTV. Our satellite capacity doesn't allow it at this time. While we are unable to provide you with a detailed listing of all sub channels available in your area, please be advised that scanning, as you may have previously done, will pull in all available channels.

If the channel isn't coming through, as in your case, the only resolution is to run your antenna cable directly to the TV and disconnect the AM 21. This will allow you to get all available stations. Keep in mind that some might be analog and standard-definition only. You can also record them on your DVR, but they will not appear in the guide.

The only way to receive additional local channels/sub-channels that are not carried by DIRECTV is if you have an off air antenna and can receive a signal from the local station providing it. If disconnecting the antenna from the back of your DIRECTV receiver and running it directly into the back of your television set doesn't pull the channel in for you, then the channel cannot be obtained. As this method bypasses DIRECTV satellites and it is pulling from all available local channel signals in your area.

My response:

Thank you for your response, but I'm afraid I don't understand it. Why would satellite capacity have any bearing on the ability for an antenna to receive a signal and route it through an AM21 tuner?

I'm also confused by the statement about bypassing the AM21 - right now the station DOES show up in the guide but there's no visible picture. I don't see how I can record to my DVR since taking the AM21 out of the loop results in no connection from the antenna to the DVR itself. In fact, one of the earlier replies to my question included the following: "If this still doesn't work, you can also run your antenna cable directly to the TV and disconnect the AM21. This may allow you to see that channel, but of course you won't be able to record to your DVR."

Reading my original inquiry will show that my whole purpose for getting the AM21 was to add the local subchannels to my DVR-capable options.

My previous exchanges encouraged me, since it seemed like I was getting increased understanding from the reps as to the nature of the problem. I'm hoping today's response will prove to be the glitch it appears to be...

FYI, I have just got off the phone with ANOTHER DirecTV division on this .2 issue. I explained what has been happening including the latest CSR emails. He also believes that either/or a combination of the STA 8/35 or pointing the receiver to the wrong channel is the culprit. He has asked me to send him some information and I about to do that now. Lets hope this gets it fixed.

I think we are closer now than we have been in the past. Keep your fingers crossed.

I think we are closer now than we have been in the past. Keep your fingers crossed.

My fingers have been crossed that my e-mails weren't confusing the issue and delaying things further :D

I don't know how long it will take them to fix it, but I suspect, the fix will be downloaded on the daily program guide update so it will be at least 24 hours. I suspect longer though.

I don't know how long it will take them to fix it, but I suspect, the fix will be downloaded on the daily program guide update so it will be at least 24 hours.

Since the guide data is already present, would you expect there to be a need for action on our part - rescan, re-enter primary zip, reboot, etc? Or, if/when they get it fixed, should 8.2 automagically be viewable?

I don't think the viewer needs to do anything. It will just work one day. That is why they do it so you don't have to re-scan. I would rather be able to scan though. Just me.

When I correspond with them, I am always sure to mention that I am able to receive the 8-1 WGHP signal with the AM21. This is a snippet of what I sent them:

When all channels are shown on my guide, from Directv and from the AM21, this is what's there:

8 WGHP HD (via Directv - picture/sound is there)
8 WGHP SD (via Directv - picture/sound is there)
8-1 WGHPDT (via AM21 - picture/sound IS THERE)
8-2 WGHPDT2 (via AM21 - no picture/no sound. Only the "Searching for signal from the off-air tuner.) This is because the AM21 doesn't know to look for 8-2 on RF 35!

I do not understand why the AM21 can't scan for channels like it supposedly does when hooked to a HR34 receiver. Do any of you have an HR34 receiver with an AM21 to test it?

I just re-did my AM21 for fun and WGHPSTA did not show up... is that a good sign?

I just re-did my AM21 for fun and WGHPSTA did not show up... is that a good sign?

I think it is too early.

I don't think the viewer needs to do anything. It will just work one day.

I hope your efforts pay off. My latest response seems to reflect the end of the road:

I understand that you want to add the local subchannels to your DVR-capable options. Please note that we can’t guarantee any signals receives on these channels. We offer the equipment as an attempt to help, but as DIRECTV is a satellite service company, we cannot assume responsibility for an off-air signal coming from another company.

I'd like you to know that you've provided valuable feedback for us regarding your technical concerns, and so I have forwarded your email to DIRECTV's Management Team for an internal review. Such useful information may be disseminated to our Broadcast and Engineering Departments for handling, as well. Although you won't be directly contacted, they review every suggestion, inquiry and complaint for trends from our most important customers to determine what changes should be considered.

We're glad to have been of service, and if you have further questions or concerns please contact us

I was really struck by the past tense of "glad to have been of service." I'll ignore asking by what possible definition that could be remotely true. I did respond with the following clarification:

> I understand that you want to add the local subchannels to your DVR-capable options.

That is incorrect. I can receive a couple of dozen channels with the AM21. There's ONE channel that NO ONE in our area can get - with either the AM21 or a receiver with built-in tuner - but we can ALL receive it OTA. I'm trying to get someone at DirecTV to acknowledge that the problem is on your end and figure out who to route the problem ticket to so it can be fixed for all of us.

Since they have a message from me, I'm guessing I'll get some kind of response, if for no other reason that to close the loop.

I am leery about how much technical info really gets to where it needs to go from these CSR's. The technical stuff happens at Castle Rock, Colo. The CSR's are all over the place and few if any I bet are in Castle Rock.

I am leery about how much technical info really gets to where it needs to go from these CSR's.

That's my feeling too..I certainly know that is true with TWC...On the first day of CSR School they teach: "repeat after me class: The problem is the Tv station not us" :rolleyes:

That's my feeling too..I certainly know that is true with TWC...On the first day of CSR School they teach: "repeat after me class: The problem is the Tv station not us" :rolleyes:

Related, I will offer my opinion that both WCCB and WGHP are technically in good shape. I frequently watch both, and with no issues.

Related, I will offer my opinion that both WCCB and WGHP are technically in good shape. I frequently watch both, and with no issues.

Thanks.. we try hard to make sure we have a quality product..which makes it very frustrating when CSR's give customers bad information as they are here.
I deal with TWC doing it all the time..:(

I'm guessing I'll get some kind of response, if for no other reason that to close the loop.

No e-mail but just got a phone call. (Someone tried to call yesterday, but I missed it, so he e-mailed.) The guy today suggested that the tuners in TVs might be better/stronger/more sensitive to pick up a low power station. I didn't think WGHP's 8.2 was low power, but I honestly didn't know and I told him so.

I asked if he had read the earlier messages about the frequency changeover, many people in the same boat, etc. - he had, but again suggested that those of us in different areas might still be able to get 8.2 OTA and not via D* if it was a low power station.

Regardless, he said he would escalate this to engineering (which I suspect some of you have heard before) but he was very profuse in his thanks for the additional information I had tried to explain to him.

I also told him that we knew that the station itself had tried for months to have D* look into the issue with no resolution so far. We shall see...

One area of ignorance my conversation with him brought up - I don't know if 8.2 was live before all the frequency issues, if it was EVER viewable via D* tuners, etc.

No e-mail but just got a phone call. (Someone tried to call yesterday, but I missed it, so he e-mailed.) The guy today suggested that the tuners in TVs might be better/stronger/more sensitive to pick up a low power station. I didn't think WGHP's 8.2 was low power, but I honestly didn't know and I told him so.

I asked if he had read the earlier messages about the frequency changeover, many people in the same boat, etc. - he had, but again suggested that those of us in different areas might still be able to get 8.2 OTA and not via D* if it was a low power station.

Regardless, he said he would escalate this to engineering (which I suspect some of you have heard before) but he was very profuse in his thanks for the additional information I had tried to explain to him.

This goes to show the CSR's have no clue what they are doing. That is why I have no confidence any technical info goes above their immediate level. They have no idea what a subchannel is. If they think that a .2 of station is a DIFFERENT station technically, then they have no clue what is going on. Both stations are on the SAME TRANSMITTER. If 1 million watts is low power, the 8.2 is low power. It is the SAME power as the .1. Why? It is coming off the SAME DAMN TRANSMITTER! If you receive the .1 with no issues, the .2 will come in with the SAME reception. They don't get it.

I also told him that we knew that the station itself had tried for months to have D* look into the issue with no resolution so far. We shall see...

Stations go through the same thing the subscribers do. We had an issue with the stream breaking up prior to the transition and shortly after. Both times the technical people (one being a former broadcast engineer) kept saying it was our problem. After I sent a stream capture of our signal to them. The problem mysteriously fixed itself. Yeah, it happens.

One area of ignorance my conversation with him brought up - I don't know if 8.2 was live before all the frequency issues, if it was EVER viewable via D* tuners, etc.

No. The .2 has only been active since December of 2010 so at the time of the transition and at the time channel 8 was shut down (March of 2010), there was only one stream, 8-1. DirecTV never added the .2 to the program guide until March or April. I don't remember which. Again, it was like pulling Eye Teeth with them. You can go back through this thread and see how long it took.

Since John Malone's Liberty bought DirecTV from News Corp, they run it like a cable company. When News Corp owned them, stations had direct access to the people we needed to talk to. No more now. You go through a gauntlet of people to get where you need to go and then there is no guarantee you will get the right person and you never get the right person the first time any more. This last call about the .2 issue, I literally had to call the emergency TOC number stations have when there is a technical issue. Of course they can't help because they just handle station interfaces and uplinks. They would have to have me email them all the info so it could be escalated up the chain. The program guide is done from a division called "Programming" which has nothing to do with programming. Go figure. It is the "Programming" division is what handles the program guide issues and they are VERY insulated from the outside word. The only reason I know that is when we were trying to get the .2 listed in the first place last year, it took months to get to them and then I had a devil of a time getting them to list it then. I suspect that is when this issue began since the .2 has never completely worked correctly from the get-go.

This is scary. And to think I was considering getting D* last year :eek: It almost makes me wonder if the level of service is possibly better with the CSRs at TWC? Could that actually be possible?

At any rate, I hope this issue is resolved for all viewers of D* How much longer can it take them to get the picture about what is going on with 8.2?

This is scary. And to think I was considering getting D* last year :eek: It almost makes me wonder if the level of service is possibly better with the CSRs at TWC?

I can understand that - I'm certainly no fan of TWC, but I wouldn't take a bullet for D* either. We had cable for 30+ years. After I moved back home to help my folks with some health issues, the only entertainment expense we had was TV. There were so many shows one or more of us enjoyed that I think we had something like 55 series recordings programmed at one point with TWC.

After the 'upgrade' to Navigator in October 2009 (not coincidentally the same time I joined AVS - for the forum info about the new guide), things got immediately worse. After about a year, I was missing about as many recordings as I was getting - and only had 160GB of hard drive space to work with. As I've said many times, if your DVR won't R, what good is it?

With costs that kept rising, we decided to take a leap into the world of satellite, thinking it could hardly be worse and we'd at least have more money. I can honestly say that it's been great, from a hardware perspective. Twice in 13-14 months, we lost connection in the whole house setup - both times, I reset both DVRs and everything was back to normal.

I can't think of a time when a recording has been missed, and I probably have 60+ series spread between the 4 tuners on the 2 500GB DVRs. The only issues have been occasional loss of signal, say during an overnight thunderstorm, that rendered the recording unwatchable in places. You only have to glance at the last few days of posts in the TWC Navigator thread (which I still follow) to see that recording reliability doesn't seem to have improved at all.

This 8.2 issue has been supremely frustrating, but as much from the principle of the thing as anything else. For our uses (we RARELY watch anything live), the changeover to D* has been like trading a Yugo with three wheels in for a Bentley. I know that's supreme hyperbole, but the stress reduction has also been priceless.

That said, I'm not on the D* payroll and would kick them to the curb if I couldn't reliably record stuff. But, for us, it really has been almost bulletproof. That being the case, I haven't had a need to test the CSRs. To me, the only mitigating factor here is that this is surely a fairly unique problem. I'm not surprised that the entry level folks are bewildered (and offer the scripted advice of reboot, rescan, etc.) but I am very frustrated that there's not something in place to say "this is a problem multiple people in X market are dealing with so it should be referred to the engineers, technicians, whatever, in Y department for resolution." I'm not an engineer by trade, but that seems to be a no-brainer. I guess it's a simple as things are being run by marketers, accountants, MBAs, etc. I can't help but think there's someone in a basement somewhere who could fix this in 10 minutes if we could make him or her aware of the issue. But foxeng has already detailed how insulated the proper people are from even the stations (ostensibly, their providers in one sense, or customers in another).

In any event, while I still have some optimism, I'm hoping that the shotgun approach of many of us contacting the consumer end of things and foxeng working from another angle might result in one 'magic bullet' hitting the target. After all, that's all we need.

My apologies for the long-winded post.

As a D* sub since 1997, I can say, the number of issues I have had with them I can count on one hand. Many people I know with TWC have that many in a month.

While the 8.2 thing really peeves me off, I wouldn't trade D* for TWC. TWC seems to be a continual issue of one thing after another. I don't have that with D*.

I've had DirecTv since day one..and I can count on several fingers the issues
I have had with them. Not so with TWC..I'd have to be a mutant to count that high. :)

I've never had D* But my guess would be the issue of outages during bad weather as being one of the more typical complaints. Of course, that is a technical issue. And I don't honestly know how it can be entirely eliminated without subscribers going with an extra large dish in their backyard!! And who is going to do that (even if it were offered by the satellite provider)? But, I guess we all understand that a large dish is going to be able to punch through the clouds during bad weather and keep a signal far better than the standard size dishes that homeowners are accustomed to now days.

In this regard, it would seem the cable companies have a bit of an advantage. It's been my personal experience that cable is not so affected by these issues. It just works during bad thunderstorms or other inclement weather. Well, that is if you want to keep watching....which may not always be the best idea unless you have a good surge protector (for thunderstorms)!

BUT my biggest beef with TWC is the fact that their pricing is all over the place! It seems no two customers pay the exact same price. TWC has so much creative pricing that it is absolutely ridiculous! And if you think you are locked in on a good deal, just wait till your statement reflects a new higher amount. Of course, TWC has their so called retention department and sometimes that works for people who want to haggle with them. But I have gotten very tired of it through the years. And that is precisely why I cut them off (the last time) a year ago. I am only back with them more recently b/c they contacted me and offered me the new customer rate. But as always, it is subject to change; and I am quite sure the pricing will change (go higher).

This is one of the reasons I am so passionate about the whole cause for OTA! Certainly the viewing options are limited. But there is no question that it provides the best HD picture of any delivery system that I am aware of. It's also not so bad when supplemented with a movie service and your own DVR!

There are so MANY cable channels that I NEVER watch. I watch a few of the specialty channels and that's about it besides network TV, which I can get OTA. So when my bill is raised again, I fully expect to cut them off. Now, I understand everyone's situation is different. And there are those individuals who rarely watch anything but specialty networks. So for them, perhaps they are willing to pay much more than I am for subscription TV. This commentary is just my two cents worth.

...an extra large dish in their backyard!! And who is going to do that ... But there is no question that it provides the best HD picture of any delivery system that I am aware of..

Me..:).. I have one..:eek:. And OTA really isn't that great..compared to what it COULD be. But certainly better than TWC by far. :(

http://pwp.att.net/p/s/community.dll?ep=16&groupid=362351&ck=

Me..:).. I have one..:eek:. And OTA really isn't that great..compared to what it COULD be. But certainly better than TWC by far. :(

http://pwp.att.net/p/s/community.dll?ep=16&groupid=362351&ck=

Nice, Bob. This is definitely not your standard homeowner's dish! And I am sure (with your setup) you are not affected by inclement weather issues in the manner that other D* customers experience :)

And I am sure (with your setup) you are not affected by inclement weather issues in the manner that other D* customers experience :)

Actually Evan, I have had very few issues with fades on DirecTv with the AU9 (?) dish.. if the dish is installed absolutely perfectly, a fade is rare..at least for me. Only in the heaviest of rain storms do I lose it. The big dish is used for "real" video using commercial equipment not available to the average viewer.

We have only lived in NC since Oct 2010. I stupidly got TWC then and finally switched last August. I just couldn't take it anymore. I had Dish Network before I lived here. With TWC, the PQ is terrible. The guide is worthless. The HD channels don't remap on top of the SD ones so they're way up in the 1000s. The boxes need to be replaced monthly sometimes. We had a lot of pixelation on some HD channels all the time. And, a killer for me, no NFL Network/Red Zone. No offense to the fans of the Panthers or WGHP, but I just can't watch them every week. Not to mention paying ridiculous amounts of money. Friends I have down here have said horrible things about losing signal with satellite in the storms and stick with TWC despite the problems described in this post and previous ones. bdfox18doe's mutant hand comment is the perfect description.

My friend up north has had Directv for years and has never lost a signal for more than a few minutes even during wicked bad storms. Since last August, we have NEVER lost our signal completely. During a storm last fall, it was blocky (like an OTA signal when the antenna is a little off) for about 2 minutes and yesterday when it changed to sleet it was blocky for about 30 seconds but that's it. I think if you have an installer who cares (mine was so precise he got back up on the ladder to fiddle with it to increase the signal level by 3 points), things go a lot better. It took him a little longer than I expected to do the install but I couldn't be happier with the results. He even helped me hide the wires, etc inside since my building is wired for TWC and the landlord won't allow additional wiring inside and helped with my antenna some. The point of this rambling post is - IF your installer cares, you won't lose your signal very much at all.

We have only lived in NC since Oct 2010. I stupidly got TWC then and finally switched last August. I just couldn't take it anymore. I had Dish Network before I lived here. With TWC, the PQ is terrible. The guide is worthless. The HD channels don't remap on top of the SD ones so they're way up in the 1000s. The boxes need to be replaced monthly sometimes. We had a lot of pixelation on some HD channels all the time. And, a killer for me, no NFL Network/Red Zone. No offense to the fans of the Panthers or WGHP, but I just can't watch them every week. Not to mention paying ridiculous amounts of money. Friends I have down here have said horrible things about losing signal with satellite in the storms and stick with TWC despite the problems described in this post and previous ones. bdfox18doe's mutant hand comment is the perfect description.

My friend up north has had Directv for years and has never lost a signal for more than a few minutes even during wicked bad storms. Since last August, we have NEVER lost our signal completely. During a storm last fall, it was blocky (like an OTA signal when the antenna is a little off) for about 2 minutes and yesterday when it changed to sleet it was blocky for about 30 seconds but that's it. I think if you have an installer who cares (mine was so precise he got back up on the ladder to fiddle with it to increase the signal level by 3 points), things go a lot better. It took him a little longer than I expected to do the install but I couldn't be happier with the results. He even helped me hide the wires, etc inside since my building is wired for TWC and the landlord won't allow additional wiring inside and helped with my antenna some. The point of this rambling post is - IF your installer cares, you won't lose your signal very much at all.

Good post. It sounds like this is the type of installer whose business card you need to hang onto. Too often (with so many businesses now days), it's the attitude is......'git-r-done' as quickly as possible without focus on the quality of the job.

My experience with signal loss has been the same as what the previous posters have seen - during a torrential downpour, we've lost signal for a few minutes but I can't remember any interruptions during anything less than that. And we haven't had any serious snows since we installed our dish.

Interestingly in all this, I spent a bunch of time last night searching around for HTPC info. I still need to install my new antenna and was thinking of setting up a computer as a PVR to give me non-satellite recording options via OTA. With as much TV as we watch, cord cutting may not be an option but, after our D* commitment is complete, I might try OTA + internet for a bit to see how much we can replace for far less $. If any of you locals have any experience with HTPC PVR kinda stuff, especially local resources, I'd love your input. PM me or use my username at hotmail for e-mail.

If any of you locals have any experience with HTPC PVR kinda stuff, .

Look at MediaPortal: http://www.team-mediaportal.com/

Interestingly in all this, I spent a bunch of time last night searching around for HTPC info. I still need to install my new antenna and was thinking of setting up a computer as a PVR to give me non-satellite recording options via OTA. With as much TV as we watch, cord cutting may not be an option but, after our D* commitment is complete, I might try OTA + internet for a bit to see how much we can replace for far less $. If any of you locals have any experience with HTPC PVR kinda stuff, especially local resources, I'd love your input. PM me or use my username at hotmail for e-mail.

I have an OTA DVR Setup at my house - my older AMD 2800+ computer acts as the "master backend" recording up and serving video. Bought two tv tuner cards for $20 each, bought a 2TB Green SATA drive when they were cheap $70, and ended up buying an HDHomeRun single tuner for $30 which hooks up OTA via ethernet (which is great, buy the dual one!).

Three tuner cards hooked up to my computer, and it records three (or if there is something on the subchannel, more) programs at once - the MythTV software has a nice web interface called MythWeb where I can set up recording rules, see the status of the system, etc.

It also will scan for commercials after done recording so I can autoskip them at each commercial break.

I bought a used pc on ebay for $70, and added a good nvidia video card with HDMI and svideo out for $30, and this computer is the frontend computer that is hooked to the living room TV - it talks to the backend pc and shows the programs.

The backend also transcodes shows to .mp4 for space savings, but mostly to run a hacked channel for the roku that will display these shows, tied into that mythweb interface - this gives me programming on the Roku, which I have in the livingroom and the bedroom. So, at night we watch the roku in the bedroom before going to sleep.

My estimate, the overall cost for me to setup everything was less than $300, and I have a multi room DVR, with great signal/PQ, and have been very happy.

MythTV can be setup fairly easily with a install distribution that will wipe an old machine and put on everything it needs to run MythTV... which is good for those who don't know linux. There are other options if you just want to stick with Windows, but I like free :)

Oh, and we cut satellite and are saving $1200 a year now...

Just an FYI. WKRP in Cincinnati will debut on AntennaTV on April 8th. No time has been stated publicly that I am aware of.

WKRP in Cincinnati will debut on AntennaTV on April 8th.

WKRP is one of my favorite shows. I hope we are able to iron out the DirecTV/8.2 issues in the next 5-6 weeks.

No updates from my end except to say that, since the phone call and my follow-up e-mail to them with a couple of clarifications, there's been no communication.

Just an FYI. WKRP in Cincinnati will debut on AntennaTV on April 8th. No time has been stated publicly that I am aware of.

I am looking forward to it.

Talking about Antenna TV WGHP 8.2 as we have been has made me remember that once upon a time - for a very brief time - it did work on Directv. Now we travel down memory lane back to when it worked (and the guide was blue)...

FYI, I have just got off the phone with ANOTHER DirecTV division on this .2 issue... I think we are closer now than we have been in the past. Keep your fingers crossed.

Any thoughts? Did the conversation go nowhere or is the fix more time consuming (or further down their list) that we hoped?

Any thoughts? Did the conversation go nowhere or is the fix more time consuming (or further down their list) that we hoped?

If it isn't an emergency, like a channel is down, they take their time. Just waiting, like everyone else. I did hear a while back they were having some issue with .2 channel EPG data. It seems several markets have this same kind of issue and it usually is the last station in. Don't know if that has anything to do with this.

I was watching the Missouri-Kansas game on WRAL2 (it looks **slightly** better than the game on 2-2), and when the ACC game was over there was a crawler directing people to turn to OTA channel 5-1 or TWC channel 105 to finish the CBS game. I have noticed this with other channels, too, especially WCWG, where they say "digital channel 20-1 or cable ch. 3. Two things:
1. WHY don't they direct people to the HD channel? 1105 for WRAL for those in the DMA or 1130 for WCWG for those in our DMA. I realize not everyone has HD but this adds to the ignorance to those who don't understand that stretched out SD is NOT HD. At least mention something like "Triad CW, digital channel 20-1, cable 3 and in HD on 1130?"
2. What about Directv/Dish people? :)

I was watching the Missouri-Kansas game on WRAL2 (it looks **slightly** better than the game on 2-2), and when the ACC game was over there was a crawler directing people to turn to OTA channel 5-1 or TWC channel 105 to finish the CBS game. I have noticed this with other channels, too, especially WCWG, where they say "digital channel 20-1 or cable ch. 3. Two things:
1. WHY don't they direct people to the HD channel? 1105 for WRAL for those in the DMA or 1130 for WCWG for those in our DMA. I realize not everyone has HD but this adds to the ignorance to those who don't understand that stretched out SD is NOT HD. At least mention something like "Triad CW, digital channel 20-1, cable 3 and in HD on 1130?"
2. What about Directv/Dish people? :)

What you're saying sounds easy enough for them to do. And it would help educate those (who you say) are ignorant to the fact that stretched out SD is not HD!

Sure has been a sad day here at work. Many tears. Everyone is pretty solemn.

Sure has been a sad day here at work. Many tears. Everyone is pretty solemn.

I have not lived in the Triad for over 10 years now, but I can still remember Rich's distintive voice and unique delivery. In today's politically correct atmosphere I really miss his commentaries.

Sure has been a sad day here at work. Many tears. Everyone is pretty solemn.

I will miss seeing Brenner as I have often the last few years at various places.

Antenna TV Remembers Davy Jones – “The Monkees” Marathon to air March 3 & 4

From “Daydream Believer” to “Last Train to Clarksville,” The Monkees won hearts on both sides of the pond. Beginning Saturday, Antenna TV remembers Davy Jones with a weekend-long tribute.

Antenna TV, which airs on 60 affiliates across the U.S. reaching 58% of TV households, will honor Davy Jones and The Monkees beginning with a special airing of “Head” (1968) at 1pm ET on Saturday, March 3rd. Antenna TV will also air a complete 58-episode marathon of The Monkees on Saturday, beginning at 5pm ET, and running straight through to Sunday, March 4th with an encore airing of “Head” at 10PM ET.

Sorry to hear about the loss of Rich. A great personality to say the least!

Does anyone have a recent QAM channel lineup for TWC? My Dad got a new TV recently and trying to introduce him to QAM. I am on D* now so I no longer keep up with the channel numbers. THanks!

Does anyone have a recent QAM channel lineup for TWC? My Dad got a new TV recently and trying to introduce him to QAM. I am on D* now so I no longer keep up with the channel numbers. THanks!

You can get the latest QAM channels for any system, here: http://www.silicondust.com/support/channels/

This is the QAM list I have on TWC with no TWC TV subscription in Alamance County:
2.1 WFMY HD (CBS)
2.2 WFMY2 (Weather)
4.4 UNC-MX (PBS)
8.1 WGHP HD (Fox)
8.2 WGHP2 (Antenna TV)
12.1 WXII HD (NBC)
12.2 WXII2 (This)
20.1 WCWG HD (The CW)
20.3 WCWG (Estrella)
26.1 UNCTV (PBS)
26.2 UNC Kids (PBS Kids)
26.3 UNC EX (PBS)
45.1 WXLV "HD" (ABC)
45.2 WXLV2 (TCN)
48.1 WMYV "HD" (My48)
48.2 WMYV2 (CoolTV)
42 TV Guide Channel (fuzzy but watchable)
73 Disney Channel
75 NBC Sports Network
77 VH1 Classic
87.7 WTVD (ABC)
116.3 WLXI (TCT)
116.5 WGPX (Ion)
116.6 Alamance County EAS
117.2 News 14 Carolina

There are also several 4:3 chopped SD versions of HD local channels in there, too.

I've got TWC; but it's hooked up to my TiVo (with cable card) so I am not using the built-in tuner on my TV to pick up qam channels. But some things I have noted in the past:

1) It seems the CSRs at TWC and elsewhere are given no training. They will tell customers that a digital settop box is mandatory for HD viewing, even on the locals. (Lack of training..... not too surprised there).
2) I've always found it strange that some of the channels don't map to their true virtual numbers while others do. For example, here in Forsyth, WGPX has never mapped to their virtual 16.1. And Antenna TV WGHP was not correctly mapping to 8.2 for a long time. Not sure whether or not that's been changed or not. These are just two examples among others that I've seen.

Correction: NBC Sports (ch 75) is NOT on QAM (at least not now). It used to be though.

The spring AntennaTV schedule:

ANTENNA TV SPRING 2012 SCHEDULE

EFFECTIVE MONDAY, MARCH 26, 2012
All times Eastern

What's new: WKRP in Cincinnati
What's on hiatus: Married with Children, The Nanny, Totally Tooned In, Circus Boy

Mon-Fri - Daytime/Afternoons
5:00AM Antenna TV Theater
7:00AM Antenna TV Theater
9:00AM Antenna TV Theater
11:00AM Too Close for Comfort (replaces Antenna TV Theater)
11:30AM Too Close for Comfort (replaces Antenna TV Theater cont.)
12:00PM Three's Company, with The Ropers/Three's a Crowd in rotation (replaces Antenna TV Theater cont.)
12:30PM Three's Company, with The Ropers/Three's a Crowd in rotation (replaces Antenna TV Theater cont.)
1:00PM McHale's Navy (replaces Dragnet)
1:30PM McHale's Navy (replaces Adam-12)
2:00PM Hazel (replaces McHale's Navy)
2:30PM Hazel (replaces McHale's Navy)
3:00PM Dennis the Menace (replaces Bachelor Father)
3:30PM Dennis the Menace (replaces Bachelor Father)
4:00PM Leave it to Beaver (replaces Father Knows Best)
4:30PM Leave it to Beaver (replaces Father Knows Best)
5:00PM Adam-12 (replaces Dennis the Menace)
5:30PM Adam-12 (replaces Dennis the Menace)
6:00PM Dragnet (replaces Leave it to Beaver)
6:30PM Dragnet (replaces Leave it to Beaver)

Mon-Thurs - Primetime and Overnight
7:00PM Good Times
7:30PM Good Times
8:00PM Sanford & Son (replaces Three's Company)
8:30PM Sanford & Son (replaces Three's Company)
9:00PM All in the Family
9:30PM All in the Family
10:00PM Three's Company, with The Ropers/Three's a Crowd in rotation (replaces Maude)
10:30PM Three's Company, with The Ropers/Three's a Crowd in rotation (replaces Maude)
11:00PM Too Close for Comfort (replaces Sanford & Son)
11:30PM Too Close for Comfort (replaces Sanford & Son
12:00AM Alfred Hitchcock Presents (replaces Three's Company)
12:30AM Alfred Hitchcock Presents (replaces Three's Company)
1:00AM Burns & Allen (replaces Alfred Hitchcock Presents)
1:30AM Burns & Allen (replaces Alfred Hitchcock Presents)
2:00AM Jack Benny (replaces Burns & Allen)
2:30AM Jack Benny (replaces Burns & Allen)
3:00AM Antenna TV Theater (replaces Jack Benny 2x/Hazel 2x)

Fridays - Black & White Friday Night
7:00PM Father Knows Best (replaces Good Times)
7:30PM Father Knows Best (replaces Good Times)
8:00PM Bachelor Father (replaces Too Close for Comfort)
8:30PM Bachelor Father (replaces Too Close for Comfort)
9:00PM Leave it to Beaver (replaces All in the Family)
9:30PM Leave it to Beaver (replaces All in the Family)
10:00PM Dennis the Menace (replaces Maude)
10:30PM Dennis the Menace (replaces Maude)
11:00PM Burns & Allen (replaces Sanford & Son)
11:30PM Burns & Allen (replaces Sanford & Son)
12:00AM Jack Benny (replaces Too Close for Comfort)
12:30AM Jack Benny (replaces Too Close for Comfort)
1:00AM McHale's Navy (replaces Benny Hill)
1:30AM McHale's Navy (replaces Benny Hill)
2:00AM Hazel (replaces Benny Hill)
2:30AM Hazel (replaces Benny Hill)
3:00AM Antenna TV Theater (replaces Three Stooges 4x)

Saturdays
5:00AM Antenna TV Theater
7:00AM Here Come the Brides (replaces Antenna TV Theater)
8:00AM Iron Horse (replaces Antenna TV Theater cont.)
9:00AM Adventures of Rin Tin Tin (replaces Totally Tooned In)
9:30AM Adventures of Rin Tin Tin (replaces Totally Tooned In)
10:00AM C.Q. Goes Green E/I
10:30AM Critter Gitters E/I
11:00AM Curiosity Quest E/I
11:30AM Heads Up E/I
12:00PM Y.A. Outdoors E/I
12:30PM Y.A. Outdoors E/I
1:00PM Gidget (replaces Antenna TV Theater)
1:30PM Gidget (replaces Antenna TV Theater cont.)
2:00PM The Flying Nun (replaces Antenna TV Theater cont.)
2:30PM The Flying Nun (replaces Antenna TV Theater cont.)
3:00PM The Monkees (replaces Gidget)
3:30PM The Monkees (replaces Gidget)
4:00PM The Partridge Family (replaces Flying Nun)
4:30PM The Partridge Family (replaces Flying Nun)
5:00PM Adam-12 (replaces The Monkees)
5:30PM Adam-12 (replaces The Monkees)
6:00PM Dragnet (replaces The Partridge Family)
6:30PM Dragnet (replaces The Partridge Family)
7:00PM S.W.A.T.
8:00PM It Takes A Thief (replaces Adam-12 2x)
9:00PM It Takes A Thief (replaces Dragnet 2x)
10:00PM Suspense Theater (replaces It Takes a Thief)
11:00PM Alfred Hitchcock Presents (replaces It Takes a Thief)
11:30PM Alfred Hitchcock Presents (replaces It Takes a Thief cont.)
12:00AM Burns & Allen (replaces Alfred Hitchcock Presents)
12:30AM Burns & Allen (replaces Alfred Hitchcock Presents)
1:00AM Leave it to Beaver (replaces Alfred Hitchcock Presents)
1:30AM Leave it to Beaver (replaces Alfred Hitchcock Presents)
2:00AM Dennis the Menace (replaces Alfred Hitchcock Presents)
2:30AM Dennis the Menace (replaces Alfred Hitchcock Presents)
3:00AM The Three Stooges (replaces Suspense Theater)
4:00AM Benny Hill (replaces Suspense Theater)
4:30AM Benny Hill (replaces Suspense Theater cont.)

Sundays
5:00AM Movie
7:00AM Father Knows Best (replaces Antenna TV Theater)
7:30AM Father Knows Best (replaces Antenna TV Theater cont.)
8:00AM Bachelor Father (replaces Antenna TV Theater cont.)
8:30AM Bachelor Father (replaces Antenna TV Theater cont.)
9:00AM Hazel (replaces Circus Boy)
9:30AM Hazel (replaces Circus Boy)
10:00AM McHale's Navy (replaces Adventures of Rin Tin Tin)
10:30AM McHale's Navy (replaces Adventures of Rin Tin Tin)
11:00AM Leave it to Beaver (replaces Iron Horse)
11:30AM Leave it to Beaver (replaces Iron Horse cont.)
12:00PM Dennis the Menace (replaces Here Come the Brides)
12:30PM Dennis the Menace (replaces Here Come the Brides)
1:00PM Antenna TV Theater
3:00PM Antenna TV Theater (replaces Gidget 2x and The Flying Nun 2x)
5:00PM Leave it to Beaver (replaces The Monkees)
5:30PM Leave it to Beaver (replaces The Monkees)
6:00PM The Partridge Family
6:30PM The Partridge Family
7:00PM Too Close for Comfort
7:30PM Too Close for Comfort
8:00PM NewsRadio (replaces The Nanny)
8:30PM NewsRadio (replaces The Nanny)
9:00PM WKRP in Cincinnati (replaces NewsRadio)
9:30PM WKRP in Cincinnati (replaces NewsRadio)
10:00PM WKRP in Cincinnati (replaces Married...with Children)
10:30PM WKRP in Cincinnati (replaces Married...with Children)
11:00PM Soap
11:30PM Soap
12:00AM Three's Company (replaces Too Close for Comfort)
12:30AM Three's Company (replaces Too Close for Comfort)
1:00AM All in the Family (replaces Alfred Hitchcock Presents)
1:30AM All in the Family (replaces Alfred Hitchcock Presents)
2:00AM Maude (replaces Burns & Allen)
2:30AM Maude (replaces Burns & Allen)
3:00AM Good Times (replaces Jack Benny)
3:30AM Good Times (replaces Jack Benny)
4:00AM Leave it to Beaver (replaces Hazel)
4:30AM Leave it to Beaver (replaces Hazel)

So what's up with the prime-time shows bumped by the ACC tournament shows being in 4:3?

Their machines can't record 16:9 for future transmission?

On Monday, March 12, WGHP will be operating at reduced power as we replace a damaged bypass 480v switch for the transmitter. We will be on our back up transmitter during this time. This will start around 7am on Monday morning and will run most of the day. We hope to be back to full power before the 5pm news.

On Monday, March 12, WGHP will be operating at reduced power as we replace a damaged bypass 480v switch for the transmitter. We will be on our back up transmitter during this time. This will start around 7am on Monday morning and will run most of the day. We hope to be back to full power before the 5pm news.

As of 2PM, I see no problems from over 30 miles away. But, my experiemce might not be typical.

As of 2PM, I see no problems from over 30 miles away. But, my experiemce might not be typical.

The antenna is the one we used when we first went digital in 2002. The only difference between now and then is the power. It was 4.2 kw then, it is 50 kw now. Same pattern, just more power. We came back to full power at 3:15pm.

Hey foxeng, have you heard of what's going on with Northstate? When I woke up this morning my Internet was down. I have their Plex Blitz service for Internet access. When I got to work I tried to pull up their website and it's down.

No idea. Sorry.

I am reading in the trades that WFMY is revamping its newscasts, again. (ratings have been disappointing, and that is just what the numbers say "looking from across the street" as we say in the biz.) News2.0 is only 6 months old and they are making major changes to it. Biggest change is current morning team is basically being moved to the weekends (next stop, let's don't talk about it) and Eric Chilton is moving to mornings as they try and wrap others around him. Eric has done mornings in a major market before, but he can't carry the whole newscast. No one can.

The vibe we keep hearing from viewers (and yes, they do call and complain about the other stations as if WE can do something about it. But really? Why would we? Can you say, "didn't think that one through?") is their content sucks and people don't like seeing anchors standing the whole newscast. They say it looks awkward and not inviting. Like having company to your house and they never sit down.

Guess we will see new promos touting "News2.1! The new and improved News2.0!" I really don't know what they are trying to do other there. They seem to be flying in the face of wisdom and past knowledge.

Eric Chilton is moving to mornings as they try and wrap others around him.

Yikes! Well, there goes my only reason for watching their evening newscasts. Sadly, the cons outweigh the pros on all 3 (main) channels for me.

Back in the 80s and 90s they had a good news program. I remember Bill Kopald, Sybil Robson, Charlie Harville, Lee Kinard, and Sandra Hughes. Sounds like things have deteriorated over there. Same thing happened at WUSA-9 a few years back, as Gannett retired all of their top talent and replaced them with younger faces. Not quite the same legacy station it used to be. Gordon Peterson, Maureen Bunyan, and Doug Hill moved to WJLA-7, along with Arch Campbell and Bob Ryan from WRC-4. Sounds like WGHP has stayed the course and continues to present the best news programming in the market.

I am reading in the trades that WFMY is revamping its newscasts, again. (ratings have been disappointing, and that is just what the numbers say "looking from across the street" as we say in the biz.) News2.0 is only 6 months old and they are making major changes to it. Biggest change is current morning team is basically being moved to the weekends (next stop, let's don't talk about it) and Eric Chilton is moving to mornings as they try and wrap others around him. Eric has done mornings in a major market before, but he can't carry the whole newscast. No one can.

The vibe we keep hearing from viewers (and yes, they do call and complain about the other stations as if WE can do something about it. But really? Why would we? Can you say, "didn't think that one through?") is their content sucks and people don't like seeing anchors standing the whole newscast. They say it looks awkward and not inviting. Like having company to your house and they never sit down.

Guess we will see new promos touting "News2.1! The new and improved News2.0!" I really don't know what they are trying to do other there. They seem to be flying in the face of wisdom and past knowledge.

It seem like the Pied Piper of the Piedmont is about to be led by the rats into the sea. What I think doesn't matter, but I'll write it anyway. No anchor, but a host. A delineation between hard "news", softer stories, and the host. The host does not have to be, and probably should not be, a hard news person. Technical fluff should have a purpose.
Wait
Channel 2 has already done it. The Good Morning Show, with Lee Kinard.

Back in the 80s and 90s they had a good news program. I remember Bill Kopald, Sybil Robson, Charlie Harville, Lee Kinard, and Sandra Hughes. Sounds like things have deteriorated over there. Same thing happened at WUSA-9 a few years back, as Gannett retired all of their top talent and replaced them with younger faces. Not quite the same legacy station it used to be. Gordon Peterson, Maureen Bunyan, and Doug Hill moved to WJLA-7, along with Arch Campbell and Bob Ryan from WRC-4. Sounds like WGHP has stayed the course and continues to present the best news programming in the market.

WFMY has been trailing in the ratings for about 10 years. They got rid of their main anchors a few years ago for a rotating crew of anchors that are comprised of field reporters to cut costs. Several friends who worked there got cut when that happened. The general public consensus is they ran Saundra Hughes off 2 years ago in a similar manner as they did Lee Kinard 10 years ago. Told her "Here is your new job".

Their GM of 25 years left early last year and Gannett moved the GM from Little Rock AR last summer. Shortly thereafter they threw out the conventional newscast with no on set news desk and all weather forecasts are done from the outside "Weather Garden" even in bad weather. They don't do hard news unless the public wants it. They basically do news by public committee. Even going HD from the studio and recorded pieces (no HD live from the field, they don't have the digital intercity infrastructure in place yet) hasn't done anything for the ratings. They called all this, "NEWS2.0" as a take off on the analog channel number and a new version with a digital reference. We have people tell us it has the look of "done on the cheap" (if the general viewer ever really saw what the sets were made out of, all TV stations would be called that!) even though they did a complete renovation of the building after the new GM came last year and changing the newsroom into a "Digital Information Center". They seem to really be into things like that. Their webpage is called "digtriad.com" an admitted attempt to put the word "digital" with Triad to make it sound hip. And that from the stations promos people. PERSONAL OPINION: The new news opening with reliving the "glorious past" of the station with all the graphic stills of logos and pictures to advance the NEWS2.0 theme is a little cheesy and self important to me. But then I am just an engineer. What do I know about promotions?

Like I said, I have no idea what they are trying to do over there. I have several friends there and I worry about them. I worked with Eric at WGHP in the 90's before he went to Florida before coming back to WFMY. I hope he isn't getting wrangled into something. But he is a big boy. He will do good either way. As we say in the biz "It will either work; or it won't!"

I remember when it was talked about here back when WFMY went to the new "style" and even I knew it wouldn't work and I know nothing about the TV news biz, other than just being an observer on the TV side of it. It was shocking. Also once you start losing boatloads of viewers for decisions like this, often it takes a long time to get the people back, if ever.

The weather on WFMY was the only thing worth watching, until the stupid Weather Garden. The only time I see it is when I want a quick weather snippet and watch 2-2. Their news is basically "Facebook will kill you." Once again, thank you Fox 8 for having the only news in the Triad worth watching.

The vibe we keep hearing from viewers (and yes, they do call and complain about the other stations as if WE can do something about it. But really? Why would we? Can you say, "didn't think that one through?") is their content sucks and people don't like seeing anchors standing the whole newscast. They say it looks awkward and not inviting. Like having company to your house and they never sit down.

Yes, how stupid is that (viewers contacting WGHP) to complain about WFMY? But I do agree that the format of News2.0 sucks. And I also hate seeing anchors standing for the entire newscast. I couldn't agree more in that it looks awkward and not inviting.

Times do change. But I guess when a station no longer invests in its employees and treats them crappy, ratings will decline. WGHP is clearly the best in the Triad for local news, followed by WXII, and WFMY a distant third.

Yes, how stupid is that (viewers contacting WGHP) to complain about WFMY?

You would be surprised what people complain about. It ranges from wanting to talk to some syndicated show host to complaining about other stations or newspapers or wanting us to do a story on them stubbing their toes. It is really amazing. TV seems to be the catch all place.

I remember when it was talked about here back when WFMY went to the new "style" and even I knew it wouldn't work and I know nothing about the TV news biz, other than just being an observer on the TV side of it. It was shocking. Also once you start losing boatloads of viewers for decisions like this, often it takes a long time to get the people back, if ever.

Well, you can't blame them for trying. Had it worked, this conversation would have been a lot different! :)

Setting yourself a part has always been part of the biz. Sometimes it works and sometimes it doesn't. "That is why they play the game."

http://www.mediabistro.com/tvspy/wfmy-revamps-morning-show-promising-to-break-the-cookie-cutter-morning-news-formula_b42811

Well, you can't blame them for trying. Had it worked, this conversation would have been a lot different! :)

Setting yourself a part has always been part of the biz. Sometimes it works and sometimes it doesn't. "That is why they play the game."

http://www.mediabistro.com/tvspy/wfmy-revamps-morning-show-promising-to-break-the-cookie-cutter-morning-news-formula_b42811

Well, I wish WFMY luck. Maybe, it will make a difference. But as mentioned on here by JspENC, it is sometimes a long process to get the viewers back. But I suppose their news will always be a cut above WXLV, which I don't even count count as a competitor in the Triad for local news.

Not that it has anything to do with local news, but to the credit of WFMY....they've had some proud moments in history to include being the first station in the Piedmont Triad to go on the air. And reportedly, WFMY has had one of the largest (over the air) covereage areas in the southeast.

But it would seem to me that their current management needs to get a grip if they really want to turn things around with their local news. I don't know how the future of any station can look too bright when they no longer properly invest in their employees.

WFMY can best be described as a station with a great future behind it.

Looks like the new prospective owners of WEFC (ex-WDRL) are taking a minimum of equipment from the current operation. Check out the listing here . . . http://www.jessemeeks.com

Just looking over what's up for sale, most of it is analog studio and transmitter equipment, not very useful for a broadcaster in the digital age. There are satellite receivers for sale, and dishes of some sort.

I did notice one interesting piece of digital transmitter equipment...a 250-watt "Pineapple" transmitter, fixed-tuned to Channel 41, but no evidence of either an exciter or encoder, both of which would be necessary to put TV programming on the air.

I might show up out there just to see if those items might be mis-labeled.

Looks like the new prospective owners of WEFC (ex-WDRL) are taking a minimum of equipment from the current operation. Check out the listing here . . . http://www.jessemeeks.com

Just looking over what's up for sale, most of it is analog studio and transmitter equipment, not very useful for a broadcaster in the digital age. There are satellite receivers for sale, and dishes of some sort.

I did notice one interesting piece of digital transmitter equipment...a 250-watt "Pineapple" transmitter, fixed-tuned to Channel 41, but no evidence of either an exciter or encoder, both of which would be necessary to put TV programming on the air.

I might show up out there just to see if those items might be mis-labeled.

You think a dollar apiece for all items would be accepted?
The vise and gas cans are worth something. Sone of the stuff would cost a bit to dispose of.

The Andrew dishes are about the only the thing worth getting. The rest of the stuff, even though it looks like it is in decent shape and is quite serviceable, isn't of much value in the digital age. Its usefulness expired on June 12, 2009. If you could still get a analog LP, it would make a good LP, but now a days, 95% of it isn't worth anything.

WFMY can best be described as a station with a great future behind it.

Life is cyclical. What goes around comes around. WFMY may be down, but they aren't out. Not by a long shot. A few years ago WXII were having issues. They recovered. I suspect and expect that one day WFMY will recover as well.

That is what makes competition a good thing. It makes everyone better. It causes everyone to step up to another level. The viewer is the ultimate winner and that is as it should be.

What is it with the client's kids in commercials? I'm SO tired of seeing kids that can't act telling me to buy something from their dad or other family member.

What is it with the client's kids in commercials? I'm SO tired of seeing kids that can't act telling me to buy something from their dad or other family member.Suppose to make it look "cute???"

Suppose to make it look "cute???"
well cute it ain't.

i'm not wearing tutu, but i know who will.

What is it with the client's kids in commercials? I'm SO tired of seeing kids that can't act telling me to buy something from their dad or other family member.

That is as old as commercials themselves.

That comes from the client, not the station. It is their money and their product, they can spend it and display it anyway they want. And they do. 109U-PULLIT is a prime example of the client has a concept and that is the only one they want to see on TV.

Growing up near Charlotte, I was exposed to near-lethal doses of Perry Brown and Factory Sales and Surplus. He did every gag possible on his commercials, and usually appeared personally in them wearing a Superman suit.

However, he sold a LOT of furniture out of that old schoolhouse in Waxhaw.

Also, let's mention his "brother" in advertising schlock, Bill Stallings. Stallings was primarily on radio (and owned WCPL-FM in Pageland, SC), but also did TV commercials for his big business, Stallings Salvage of Monroe. His loud "Lumber-Lumber-LUMBURRRRRR" and rapid-fire delivery was enough to make any TV professional cringe.

Later . . . . Matt

i never knew stallings owned wcpl-fm in pageland. so much lumber you'll think it grows on trees!

i wasn't really talking about the client doing their own ads, although i agree they're usually pretty bad. no, they're always pretty bad. haha.

i don't disagree with what you guys said at all, but i was just writing about the kids in the ads. buy a tractor from my paw-paw was the ad that set it off for me.

but yeah it's their money.

I get tired of those Toyota of North Charlotte commercials. And last year when I was in Orlando, there were those same 2 folks and that dog selling cars down there also. But the most annoying was that car salesman who always used to beg you to "pick up the phone and give us a call."

I get tired of those Toyota of North Charlotte commercials. And last year when I was in Orlando, there were those same 2 folks and that dog selling cars down there also. But the most annoying was that car salesman who always used to beg you to "pick up the phone and give us a call."

Yes, and let's not forget it's I 77 exit 23! They've beaten that into the heads of people who have seen the commercial for Toyota of North Charlotte.

There's always going to be annoying commericals. But here in the Triad market, I don't think there's any quite like that one.

I will not listen to 93.1 or 104.1 because of KRAAAAZZZZY KEVIN POWELL.

it's funny that you mention tom park (with angie stephens and the dog). i have always thought they were really good ads.

of course they're not the owner of the business doing the ads. park owns a production company in florida. tomparkproductions.com

but what i like about them is they're professionally done, in my opinion. yes, he "plays" the dealership owner (without actually saying it), so the viewer sees the ads just like they see the whole "owner does his own spots" ads, but WITHOUT the annoying amateurish look and feel.

in reality he does the same thing they do. he pitches the sponsor, and has something cute (dog, small child) to catch the viewer's eye. but he doesn't sound like a buffon doing it.

"pick up the phone, gimme a call" is in a different league.

Has WXII finally gone to HD, at least for the studio cameras?

Not sure about WXII, but the Hearst owned sister station WYFF-4 in Greenville, SC just upgraded to HD this weekend, and they built a nice new set.

Has WXII finally gone to HD, at least for the studio cameras?

I haven't watched a channel 12 newscast, even accidentally, in a couple of years, but I thought the switchover at WFMY made them the last of the big 3 to go to HD in studio??

And speaking of WXII, I noticed yesterday that THIS-TV was no longer viewable via my AM21 DirecTV tuner. I guess foxeng's contact was accurate in saying that D* would no longer carry subchannels. That's a real disappointment and makes the AM21 little better than a paperweight.

I am still getting 2-2,, 4-2, 4-3, 5-2, 11-2, 11-3, 16-2, 16-3, 17-2, 20-2, 20-3, 22-2, 28-2, 40-2, 43-2, 45-2, 48-2, and 50-2 with my AM21. WXII rarely gets signal at my house, but I watched the "Searching for signal" banner for a few minutes on 12-2 and i did get a few blips, and even enough of a picture to see the "THIS" logo for a second. Try 12-2 again and don't give up home!

Try 12-2 again and don't give up home!

No way I'll give up home, but I am almost out of hope. :D

Thanks for the update. I just sent another message to the DirecTV customer service folks, as a followup in our ongoing conversation about the issue. With foxeng hearing what he did from the kind of source he did, I'm expecting them to all go dark soon but I would love to be proved wrong. And, if they're indeed planning to do this all over, I can't imagine that there won't be a decently sized number of complaints from people with stand-alone tuners or receivers that have them built-in.

EDIT: I've spent the last 30 minutes searching for a comment I thought I remembered from foxeng. Didn't you say that one of your contacts mentioned the lack of bandwidth issue as a reason for subchannel carriage not going forward? I was looking for it to make sure I understood whether the issue was that D* was going to cease providing subchannel reception or if they were just not going to add any additional future stations that might crop up.

"Lack of Bandwidth" is a common explanation used by satellite and cable providers when they are requested to carry signals they have already decided are not worthy of carriage. Here, as everywhere, money talks, and a provider either providing service for free, or willing to pay in either advertising barter or outright cash can be accommodated regardless of such a bandwidth-short condition.

Aside from 26-2, Directv has never carried any of our local sub channels on their spot beam satellites. They've been available only via OTA.

Now for 12-2, I have an AM21 hooked up to the HR24 in my bedroom and I'm still getting 12-2 along with all of our other local sub-channels and some from Roanoke like 7-1, 7-2, 10-1, 10-2, 27-1 and 27-2. The only issue is 8-2 which oddly enough shows up in the guide correctly, but nothing shows up when I turn to it.

Now some good news for the future. Directv's newest HD DVR, the HR34, brings back channel scanning. I got one a couple of weeks ago and I got an AM21N with it. While you still put in the zip code in the local setup it scans for channels and I can get 8-2. Not just in the guide but it actually shows up and can be watched.

The only issue is 8-2 which oddly enough shows up in the guide correctly, but nothing shows up when I turn to it.

I've been pursuing this w/ DirecTV. A few weeks back, I got a phone call and e-mail from a rep who seemed very knowledgeable. He asked for some specific info that he could pass along to their National Engineering Team. I got sidetracked with some family issues but recently sent him the details from my end that he asked for along with some detailed technical info provided by foxeng.

As always, we'll see if it goes anywhere, but it was the most promising thing yet in my interaction with them over this issue.

I just realized in the last few days that I had likely misunderstood the bandwidth issue. Something that was said led me to believe that they would cease offering subchannels altogether. Now, I'm thinking that it likely meant they wouldn't be adding new channels, guide info, etc., rather than the currently viewable ones going dark on AM21s and receivers with tuners built-in.

I've been pursuing this w/ DirecTV. A few weeks back, I got a phone call and e-mail from a rep who seemed very knowledgeable. He asked for some specific info that he could pass along to their National Engineering Team. I got sidetracked with some family issues but recently sent him the details from my end that he asked for along with some detailed technical info provided by foxeng.


Right as we were sitting down to supper, I got a call from the sharpest D* person I've corresponded with yet. He said that the original plan to escalate the problem to the National Engineering Team would have had them then forwarding the info to the appropriate place. Since we were having such trouble getting this resolved, he said he was cutting out the middleman and was sending the info that I sent directly to the broadcast group that could fix it.

He said that foxeng's info was extremely helpful and that his technical suggestions were likely the exact problem on their end. He also said he wouldn't be surprised to see this fixed within a week. Re: the bandwidth issue he said 1) since we're already seeing the guide data, bandwidth isn't an issue and, 2) there was some talk of making some changes that would cause the bandwidth limitations to cease to be an issue for the future - but, even if that comes to pass, that still wouldn't guarantee any new channels would be added as they became available.

Take all this with a grain of salt, your mileage may vary, etc. I just wanted to give an update to those who were interested.

Right as we were sitting down to supper, I got a call from the sharpest D* person I've corresponded with yet. He said that the original plan to escalate the problem to the National Engineering Team would have had them then forwarding the info to the appropriate place. Since we were having such trouble getting this resolved, he said he was cutting out the middleman and was sending the info that I sent directly to the broadcast group that could fix it.

He said that foxeng's info was extremely helpful and that his technical suggestions were likely the exact problem on their end. He also said he wouldn't be surprised to see this fixed within a week. Re: the bandwidth issue he said 1) since we're already seeing the guide data, bandwidth isn't an issue and, 2) there was some talk of making some changes that would cause the bandwidth limitations to cease to be an issue for the future - but, even if that comes to pass, that still wouldn't guarantee any new channels would be added as they became available.

Take all this with a grain of salt, your mileage may vary, etc. I just wanted to give an update to those who were interested.

All this effort and all someone somewhere probably has to do is go into some computer file and change "8" to "35"...

Bandwidth issues for the AM21 could be partially resolved by not listing channels that don't exist from their database. Think of all the pointless non-existant channels in there you have to uncheck to make it work smoothly:
2-3,
2-4,
4-4,
5-3,
5-4,
8-1 WGHPSTA,
11-3 (no need for it, same as 11-2),
16-4,
17-3 (miss the free USN, although I have DTV sports pack),
26-4,
26-5 is listed and can't be tuned, but I like it because it's the UNCMX listings, which is available for free on TWC QAM ch 4-4),
50-3, etc...

Removing all those would allow for:
20-4 (as pointless as it is),
43-3 (the best of the TCT channels),
43-4,
real 47-1 (WRPX 47-1 will show WGSR when tuned via the AM21, but the guide data is for WRPX. WGSR subchannels don't work with WRPX subchanels).

While I'm whining about the AM21...
Fix 8-2,
Make WLFL 22-2 show correct guide data.
Put the "this tv" or "metv" or whatever logo in the corner.
Make the calls legible. No need to write WGHPDT2. Just do WGHP-2.

None of this can be hard. Of course the biggest and best fix for this would to allow the AM21 to scan and add OTA guide data... Also, let the thing do QAM, too!

ok, rant over.

I don't get the talk about bandwidth with the AM21. It's a OTA tuner, it picks signals out of the air. There is no bandwidth at work. These channels aren't coming from the Directv satellites in the sky.

Now as I mentioned before, the latest HDDVR, the HR34, does do channel scanning (if you have an AM21N) and ditches the old way. I get 8-2 with no problem with the the HR34/AM21N combo.

I don't get the talk about bandwidth with the AM21. It's a OTA tuner, it picks signals out of the air. There is no bandwidth at work. These channels aren't coming from the Directv satellites in the sky.

If I understand it correctly, they're talking about the bandwidth used by the guide downloads - the more channels in the guide, the larger the amount of data and, thus, the more time the download takes on a given bandwidth.

If I understand it correctly, they're talking about the bandwidth used by the guide downloads - the more channels in the guide, the larger the amount of data and, thus, the more time the download takes on a given bandwidth.

Oh ok. I thought you guys were talking about the channels themselves.

I sent a "little note" to the Director of Business Devlopment complaining of their TV ads, and how they were polluting all the stations in the Charlotte area. After a few computer generated spam e-mails that they generated, they wanted some "feed back." Needless to say, I let them know in no uncertain terms how I felt about their stupid ads, and that I'd never buy anything from them until they cleaned up their act. If a few more people would take the time to send a message to these people, maybe they would do something about it. In Charlotte, nearly every channel carries these ads, 100's of times a day. No, I don't sit in front of the TV all day long. But you can't have the TV on for more that 10 minutes without a Toyota of North Charlotte ad.

Since my conversation with the rep who seemed to grasp the DirecTV AM21/8.2 issue, I've been checking periodically to see if it has appeared. He hoped for resolution within a week but we're now at the end of week 2.

I just checked 8.2 again and, in the process, noticed that THIS-TV is visible again, so that glitch has been resolved. Oddly, I noticed that 26.2 is viewable but I just get an error message (searching for signal) for 26.4 & 26.5. I don't ever remember trying to watch them before, I just happened to think to test them today. The guide data was there. Are they generally viewable with a DirecTV tuner?

Oddly, I noticed that 26.2 is viewable but I just get an error message (searching for signal) for 26.4 & 26.5. I don't ever remember trying to watch them before, I just happened to think to test them today. The guide data was there. Are they generally viewable with a DirecTV tuner?

26.4 and 26.5 are not OTA. They are only available via TWC but are sent from the broadcast center at RTP. Their guide data is sent to TMS along with the other channels so it can display on the TWC system. D* just passes whatever they get on.

Now that I see that, I knew that about 26.5 but I had forgotten. I didn't realize 26.4 was the same though. Thanks.

26.5 is TWC QAM 4.4, and part the channels that everyone can see. So, if you have their Internet but Directv for TV, you can still see UNC MX if you really want to. Same for News 14 Carolina. And 8.2!

I sent a "little note" to the Director of Business Devlopment complaining of their TV ads, and how they were polluting all the stations in the Charlotte area.


That "pollution" is what pays for your "free" Tv.. :rolleyes: Don't like it? Then listen to the radio..or use the internet..if you think it is any better that is...;)
Not exactly the best usage of your first post here IMHO..

BTw.. You spelled "grammar" wrong...

That "pollution" is what pays for your "free" Tv.. :rolleyes: Don't like it? Then listen to the radio..or use the internet..if you think it is any better that is...;)
Not exactly the best usage of your first post here IMHO..

BTw.. You spelled "grammar" wrong...


Yep. but you know people aren't happy unless they are griping about something. Why they don't gripe to the cable companies about why we have to pay to watch those channels, AND watch commercials also on those is beyond my comprehension...? They get free tv in the highest quality and still moan.:rolleyes: