I sure hope that there is a quick fix for this situation considering that this is the only CBS HD feed I can receive. I did check the signal strength from the set up menu to see if there were any drop outs but the signal stayed at the 92%-95% range. I also deleted all channels and completed a rescan to see if that would help but it did not. Also how would a station trouble shoot a problem in transmission when it seems to only effect a specific brand of receiver.

As of right now no HD on WXLV for the Rams/Seahawks game.

Edit: Somebody must have woke up because it is now in HD, but of course the audio is badly out of sync.

Edit #2. No longer in HD, audio is in now sync.

Edit #3. Still no HD and the audio is now very badly out of sync.

The upcon of the Clemson/Wake game on WFMYDT is watchable.

Just put the WXLV game on as it flipped to HD....horrible PQ along with the usual delay. ARRRRGH!!!

Originally posted by xmitterengineer
Foxeng, You're on the right track. Actually the updates were installed last week. For some reason days after the upgrade the Flexicoder nim card failed over to backup, and the support pc's quit talking to each other. I know you're thinking UPS but no problems found. Everything has been reset (I hope), some parameters have been changed and monitoring of data flow with snapshots of faults enabled. We're going to capture that gremlin and roast it. Thanks for everyone's patience..... Rickey.

This info may be some help. Started playing around with receiver again(Dish Network) 811, deleting and rescanning channels but still having flashing with 51(wfmy) so I hit the Info button which if pressed once would give a transparent info box and if hit twice would give a solid info box but either way when info box is up flashing would stop but as soon as the view button or cancel button is hit to remove info box the flashing resumes.

I just walked back into the room after watching the Jets/Bolts game and they had HD feed of some NASA stuff on. A voice then came on testing the different channels and they had the left and right backwards. This went on for awhile until I got bored of the monotone voice being wrong. I do not know who is in charge of the HD at 45 but after watching it all day today, they need to be releived tof their duty.

Originally posted by Modok
I do not know who is in charge of the HD at 45 but after watching it all day today, they need to be releived tof their duty. The best idea I've heard all year.

Originally posted by pti711
I sure hope that there is a quick fix for this situation considering that this is the only CBS HD feed I can receive. I did check the signal strength from the set up menu to see if there were any drop outs but the signal stayed at the 92%-95% range. I also deleted all channels and completed a rescan to see if that would help but it did not. Also how would a station trouble shoot a problem in transmission when it seems to only effect a specific brand of receiver. Good question. Believe it or not we've had similar probs before but with a different brand receiver. A large part of the solution depends on feedback from our viewers, which I appreciate. And thanks for your patience. Oh and by the way it's not an anti Dish 811 conspiracy, but I do wish I was that smart. Thanks... Rickey

Update: I made some modifications to our setup late this morning. I would appreciate any Dish 811 reception reports please. Thanks... Rickey.

Rickey, I couldn't get WFMY-DT this morning but I was watching it as late as the Kentucky/Kansas game yesterday. I did a channel scan and reboot this morning but it didn't work. Will the modification you made late this morning cure this?

Originally posted by uncrules
Rickey, I couldn't get WFMY-DT this morning but I was watching it as late as the Kentucky/Kansas game yesterday. I did a channel scan and reboot this morning but it didn't work. Will the modification you made late this morning cure this? We have our fingers crossed. Since the problem only appears to affect Dish 811 receivers it is hard to tell if it is fixed as we don't have that model receiver. Thanks... Rickey

I don't have that receiver. I have 2 Samsung SIR-TS160s. When the guy reported the problem with the Dish 811 receiver I was still working. I will check again when I get home for work.

Great forum. Discovered it this morning.

WXLV managed to broadcast Sunday night's line-up in HD for the first time, although the audio feed was doubled with a delay of about two seconds between each source. I gather on Sunday nights they set the switches and then go home. It's frustrating, but appears more as Sinclair being unwilling to spend on operators than technical.

One ABC alternative I've discovered is WTVD-DT 52.1 from Raleigh. I'm still trying to pull in WRAL and it's eluding me. Has anyone had success with WRAL-DT?

DTV and antennas are quickly becoming an addiction.

Ed

WFMY-DT is working for me now.

Checked 811 once I got home (around 9:30pm) and still having flickering issue. Will contact WFMY TV station tomorrow to see if this problem can be resolved.

I'm watching 48.2 and it looks like HD to me. I know they said they weren't going to do HD but it looks like to HD to me and not strech-o-vision. BTW, the audio is in perfect sync. Why can't they do that for WXLV-DT?

The dolby audio from ABC has a delay after re-encoding. The Harmonic digital equipment used there has a software bug that causes the delay to drift and not lock to the delay adjustments. Harmonic is working on finding where the problem is.

Originally posted by pti711
Checked 811 once I got home (around 9:30pm) and still having flickering issue. Will contact WFMY TV station tomorrow to see if this problem can be resolved. As of about 6:00 this afternoon more prospective fixes installed to hopefully address the Dish 811 issue. Feedback appreciated! Thanks... Rickey.

Originally posted by uncrules
I'm watching 48.2 and it looks like HD to me. I know they said they weren't going to do HD but it looks like to HD to me and not strech-o-vision. BTW, the audio is in perfect sync. Why can't they do that for WXLV-DT?


Uncrules,..
I owe you an apology. 48.2 is definitely HD. I just caught Veronica wars in HD. Pretty sad that the engineer on staff the night I called didn't know (Monday). We should probably call the station tomorrow to let them know that their Monday night tech isn't aware that they are passing HD.
Now to get Zap it to put 45.2 and 48.2 in the DirecTV guide.

Hey Greg T, no problem. I'm just glad that we have another HD alternative around here.

Rickey, while I was watching the Wake/MD game tonight it seemed to me that the audio on 2.1 was just slightly out of sync. Sometimes it seemed like it was in sync, other times it seemed that the audio was just a tick ahead of the video. I could notice it when the ball would hit the rim. Also, while watching a news story right after 5pm the audio was out of sync too, but this was more noticeable.

Edit: While watching the game I did check the analog channel and the audio was in sync there. So I don't believe the problem (if it wasn't my imagination) was coming from the Raycom broadcast.

Originally posted by xmitterengineer
As of about 6:00 this afternoon more prospective fixes installed to hopefully address the Dish 811 issue. Feedback appreciated! Thanks... Rickey.
seems some progess was made, receiver reverted from 2.1,2.2 to 51.1,51.2 and the flickering went from every 1 to 2 seconds to about every 7 to 10 seconds. I know you guys will have the Dish 811 owners watching CBS HD problem free soon. Keep up the good work.

So,
I talked to the engineer at WUPN/WXLV,
Jan 10th was the first time they passed HD on UPN. They weren't expecting to go live with HD, but they ended up getting channel 2's old equipment. It sounds like they still have a few kinks to work out, and some automation equipment to get. They are pulling their hair out with the WLXV audio issues, but they are continuing to work on them. I mentioned the PSIP issue on 48, he said that he's had several PSIP experts look at it and can't figure out the problem. He has a test receiver that can't pick up 48 OTA because of the existing PSIP problem. He also mentioned they UPN48 WUPN/ABC45 WXLV are going full power within a week. They transmit from Randleman, NC.

Originally posted by Greg T
I mentioned the PSIP issue on 48, he said that he's had several PSIP experts look at it and can't figure out the problem. He has a test receiver that can't pick up 48 OTA because of the existing PSIP problem. He also mentioned they UPN48 WUPN/ABC45 WXLV are going full power within a week. They transmit from Randleman, NC.

If I might throw my unwanted 2 cents in here. The PSIP issue might be because they are (as of last week, I haven't checked lately so this may not be accurate) WUPN has been running their video streams in the reserved PIDs area and not in the video area and that might be something to look at. The video might be interfering with the PSIP data since both are trying to work on the same PID.

Just a guess from a far.

WFMY DT 51 flickering issues seem to have went away on the Dish Network 811. Great work to all involved.

Originally posted by pti711
WFMY DT 51 flickering issues seem to have went away on the Dish Network 811. Great work to all involved. Thanks but we're not out of the woods yet, I still have to reactivate the program guide. Thanks for everyone's patience. Rickey.

I'm planning on switching from TW to Voom. The lack of HD channels on TW with the cost Voom seems like it's the better deal. The lack of DVR is one big drawback to me.

I live in Lewisville and I understand you have to have an OTA antenna to get local HD on Voom and the antenna is normally a Stealth antenna. I would like to receive the local HD channels and hopefully the Charlotte stations as well.

Will this antenna do it? I don't want a huge mast antenna mounted on my roof to get these channels.

Thanks

Originally posted by el_triad
Will this antenna do it? I don't want a huge mast antenna mounted on my roof to get these channels.

No, it will not. To do what you to do, you will need an outside antenna. Lewisville is on the wrong side of the market for all stations except WXII and WUNL. PAX is at Reidsville and all of the rest of the digitals are north of Asheboro.

And you would be lucky to get anything from Charlotte.

Newbie here

Longtime lurker, first-time poster. I'm hoping to jump into the big screen high definition world with a front projector. Am keeping an eye on costs, otherwise I'd have a 60-inch Sony in the family room. Am trying to decide whether to get TWC digital cable and HDTV package (about $20 more a month on the cable bill) or get a tuner and an antenna. I need help with the math. Extra cable fees would be $240 a year. A good tuner (LG 4200) and antenna would be how much? $400-$500? I like the simplicity of the cable since all the cables are run but am not ruling out an OTA setup. How easy is an OTA rig to use and how reliable. I live in Winston-Salem near Thruway shopping center. I would like Monday Night Football in HD so from what I understand I'd need an OTA setup to get it. How inexpensive an OTA setup could I get away with and any chance an inside antenna would allow me to pick up the ABC signal. By the way, I have a lot of tall oak trees around my house. I understand that makes a difference. Sorry for the simple nature of the question. I'm sure I'll have more. Thanks in advance for any suggestions.

TWC added a HD PPV channel today. It currently only has Shrek 2 and some IMAX films for 3.95 each. it's about 3 channels past ESPNHD.

Originally posted by el_triad
I'm planning on switching from TW to Voom. The lack of HD channels on TW with the cost Voom seems like it's the better deal. The lack of DVR is one big drawback to me.

I live in Lewisville and I understand you have to have an OTA antenna to get local HD on Voom and the antenna is normally a Stealth antenna. I would like to receive the local HD channels and hopefully the Charlotte stations as well.

Will this antenna do it? I don't want a huge mast antenna mounted on my roof to get these channels.

Thanks
The Stealth is their first option, but if that doesn't work, they go to option 2. I forget what it is. The Stealth likely won't work. I have the ChannelMaster/amp/rotor combination that a lot of people use, and from Winston-Salem near the Children's Home, I get all of the Charlotte stations, so you shouldn't have any trouble with those. From Lewisville, you won't be able to get Fox 8 in High Point, which currently puts out a very weak OTA signal but projects being at full strength this summer. I would think you could get 12, 26, and 45, but you'll have to try. Channel 2 is doubtful. I love VOOM. If you're a movie buff, you won't be sorry.

I don't watch that much tv but do watch 24. I was really disappointed with the new logo on the screen during the show. This was the first time I've noticed it so I assume this is something new. I understand the reasoning for the logos even though I don't agree with them but I don't understand why the Fox logo has to be so obtrusive, solid red, white and black. If I watched more tv burn in would also be an issue.

I know someone from fox posts to this forum and would appreciate your input about this and if possible who I would need to contact at the station to register my opinion on this.

Thanks.

Originally posted by dtaylor
I don't watch that much tv but do watch 24. I was really disappointed with the new logo on the screen during the show. This was the first time I've noticed it so I assume this is something new. I understand the reasoning for the logos even though I don't agree with them but I don't understand why the Fox logo has to be so obtrusive, solid red, white and black. If I watched more tv burn in would also be an issue.

I know someone from fox posts to this forum and would appreciate your input about this and if possible who I would need to contact at the station to register my opinion on this.

Thanks.

The bug during network programming is controlled by the network and has been there since FOX went HD in September and is actually located in the network HD equipment. We have no control over it. We can not control the size, or brightness or location of it. I have personally voiced concern to the network about burn in opacity and location of the bug to no avail.

Other stations have also complained. It is an on going issue.

I also noticed the additional prominent network logo while watching 24 last night, but was relieved that it was not steadily on. (It would dissapear after a short time leaving the local transparent logo on the bottom right)

I would think the networks would do whatever they could to prevent burn-in and it seems they are trying. But two logos? Why? Is this the case of too many marketing folks?

They must know the local logo exists... otherwise, the network logo would have been in the corner of the screen. Theirs was centered on the bottom, purposely placed to not cover the local bug.

Add one more vote for no additional clutter covering the program.

Joe L.

Originally posted by J. L.
I also noticed the additional prominent network logo while watching 24 last night, but was relieved that it was not steadily on. (It would dissapear after a short time leaving the local transparent logo on the bottom right)

I would think the networks would do whatever they could to prevent burn-in and it seems they are trying. But two logos? Why? Is this the case of too many marketing folks?

They must know the local logo exists... otherwise, the network logo would have been in the corner of the screen. Theirs was centered on the bottom, purposely placed to not cover the local bug.

Add one more vote for no additional clutter covering the program.

Joe L.

I guess I must being missing something. Are you guys saying you saw TWO bugs in TWO different places at the same time? Were they local bugs or one local bug and one that was a FOX only bug? And what did the second bug in the center of the picture look like?

Originally posted by Radly-1
Am trying to decide whether to get TWC digital cable and HDTV package (about $20 more a month on the cable bill) or get a tuner and an antenna. I need help with the math. Extra cable fees would be $240 a year. A good tuner (LG 4200) and antenna would be how much? $400-$500? I like the simplicity of the cable since all the cables are run but am not ruling out an OTA setup. How easy is an OTA rig to use and how reliable.
I've found that if you have TW you'll still want OTA to get ABC 45 in HD, then you'll discover how TW becomes redundant aside from HBO HD original programming - the only reason I keep it at the moment.

You don't have to take the full plunge to begin enjoying digital TV. I have a built-in ATSC tuner at home in G'boro, but purchased a Samsung T451 tuner from CC and set my mother-in-law up in Metro DC with digital quality OTA by using the T451's down-converted NTSC output and a S-video connection to a standard TV. No ghosts, no snow, better than analog cable quality video without any monthly charge.

The $249 T451 had greater signal sensitivity than the integral tuner in the Sony HDTV (could receive 12.1 from the side of the antenna, zero signal with the Sony), equivalent HD quality via component video or DVI outputs, however the T145's downscaled 480i NTSC video output is slightly stretched horizontally, nor can you directly enter subchannels as there's no decimal point on the remote. For an antenna I used a $100 Winegard SS-2000 Square Shooter, although I'm now of the opinion it's all looks and poor in performance (eqivalent results with a single folded dipole made with #10 wire), however going on a town home it did blend in. Next trip I'll replace it with a $20 CM4221 and $65 CM7777 preamp like I use here with excellent results.

Again, it's fun to experiment with digital television, and you don't need to invest in a HDTV monitor as step one. Furthermore, there's an inherent joy in weaning yourself from TW.

Originally posted by foxeng
I guess I must being missing something. Are you guys saying you saw TWO bugs in TWO different places at the same time? Were they local bugs or one local bug and one that was a FOX only bug? And what did the second bug in the center of the picture look like?

No, I only had one logo in the lower right coner. However due to the solid coloring and large size on my 42" tv it was very distracting. Thanks...Drew

Originally posted by foxeng
I guess I must being missing something. Are you guys saying you saw TWO bugs in TWO different places at the same time? Were they local bugs or one local bug and one that was a FOX only bug? And what did the second bug in the center of the picture look like?


Yes, there were two bugs on the screen at the same time. One was semi-transparent and located on the lower right corner of the screen. It is always there.

The other was bright, bold, not at all transparent and located in the center of the screen at the very bottom. It went away after a short interval but was very distracting when it was present. It seemed to be locally generated since it had the local city names within it. (Greensboro, High-Point, Winston?)

Talking with foxeng privately, he said the centered logo was a FCC Station ID that normally is only used in a sporting events when the station elects to not interrupt the action to do a station ID in a commercial break. He said it might have been accidentally left enabled last night during the showing of 24.

So.... I was not seeing double..... :D :D :D

Joe L.

Finally checked out some HD content on UPN last night, looked and sounded great. Now if only ABC would get their audio glitches under control and FOX would increase their transmission power I would be a happy camper.

Originally posted by Radly-1
Newbie here

Longtime lurker, first-time poster. I'm hoping to jump into the big screen high definition world with a front projector. Am keeping an eye on costs, otherwise I'd have a 60-inch Sony in the family room. Am trying to decide whether to get TWC digital cable and HDTV package (about $20 more a month on the cable bill) or get a tuner and an antenna. I need help with the math. Extra cable fees would be $240 a year. A good tuner (LG 4200) and antenna would be how much? $400-$500? I like the simplicity of the cable since all the cables are run but am not ruling out an OTA setup. How easy is an OTA rig to use and how reliable. I live in Winston-Salem near Thruway shopping center. I would like Monday Night Football in HD so from what I understand I'd need an OTA setup to get it. How inexpensive an OTA setup could I get away with and any chance an inside antenna would allow me to pick up the ABC signal. By the way, I have a lot of tall oak trees around my house. I understand that makes a difference. Sorry for the simple nature of the question. I'm sure I'll have more. Thanks in advance for any suggestions.

The LG4200 is probably the tuner to beat right now and it can be had for less than $300. One advantage is that it has a QAM tuner in it as well so you could hook it up to the cable for FOX and CBS HD for now. OTA is the way to go if possible however. With your location you might have the option of picking up Charlotte and Roanoke stations as well as the Triad ones with the right setup.

I'm watching American Idol and the sound just got very badly out of sync. I don't know if the problem is Fox or WGHP-DT. It was in sync for about 30 minutes and then after coming back from a commercial it became terribly out of sync.

Originally posted by uncrules
I'm watching American Idol and the sound just got very badly out of sync. I don't know if the problem is Fox or WGHP-DT. It was in sync for about 30 minutes and then after coming back from a commercial it became terribly out of sync.

Must be you. My Sammy 160 has been in perfect sync throughout the whole show.

Go to a different channel and come back and see if relocks. I have noticed that if the data stream is interupted at a funny place in the stream, the 160 will go out of audio sync. Just a lock on a different channel and back to the original fixes it for me.

I went to check on the WFU/FSU game and then came back and the audio was back in sync.

Go to a different channel and come back and see if relocks. I have noticed that if the data stream is interupted at a funny place in the stream, the 160 will go out of audio sync. Just a lock on a different channel and back to the original fixes it for me.As usual you're right on top of things.

Originally posted by uncrules
As usual you're right on top of things.

Not really. It is just AI is too important of a show to the network and station to let slide. It doesn't matter to me, but the wife LOVES AI so if I have to watch it, I will watch it on my terms! :D

When did you move to High Pockets?

Yeah, I'm only watching because my wife is watching it ;)

I moved to High Point in March of 2000. I live in the area that is in the SE corner of the Wendover and Penny Road intersection, near the new movie theater on Wendover.

Originally posted by uncrules
Yeah, I'm only watching because my wife is watching it ;)

I moved to High Point in March of 2000. I live in the area that is in the SE corner of the Wendover and Penny Road intersection, near the new movie theater on Wendover.

I thought you lived in Elon or Birlington or somewhere over there?

Originally posted by foxeng
I thought you lived in Elon or Birlington or somewhere over there? Nope, never have live in Elon or Burlington. I moved from Sanford to Greensboro in 92 and lived in various apartments before getting a house in Greensboro. Then my family and I moved to High Point in March 2000.

I'm currently getting HD from Time Warner cable but due to the sick feeling I get each month when I get my cable bill and no ABC I'm thinking about going OTA. I'm near Westridge and Bryan Blvd and was wondering what type on antennae people in the area have had success with? I have a large attic space with easy access from my attic to my tv. Would this be adequate in this area? If I have to install an outside antennae I probably won't bother. Also would need to puchase a STB any suggestions here would be appreciated also. Thanks

Originally posted by uncrules
Nope, never have live in Elon or Burlington. I moved from Sanford to Greensboro in 92 and lived in various apartments before getting a house in Greensboro. Then my family and I moved to High Point in March 2000.

I was in Sanford from 93 - 97...small world.

Originally posted by dtaylor
I'm currently getting HD from Time Warner cable but due to the sick feeling I get each month when I get my cable bill and no ABC I'm thinking about going OTA. I'm near Westridge and Bryan Blvd and was wondering what type on antennae people in the area have had success with? I have a large attic space with easy access from my attic to my tv. Would this be adequate in this area? If I have to install an outside antennae I probably won't bother. Also would need to puchase a STB any suggestions here would be appreciated also. Thanks

I am only about a mile from you and I use the Channel Master 4228 perched on my one story roof and I get all of the locals as well as many of the Raleigh stations and Roanoke stations when the band is open, like it was last night. The drop outs on WXII during West Wing were so bad I watched WNCN-DT in Raleigh. First time in a while WNCN-DT has been solid.

Originally posted by foxeng
I am only about a mile from you and I use the Channel Master 4228 perched on my one story roof and I get all of the locals

Thanks...any idea how installing in an attic rather than outside would inpact the reception.

Originally posted by dtaylor
Thanks...any idea how installing in an attic rather than outside would inpact the reception. I live in Guilford College and get all locals with a Channel Master 4221 4-bay, a step down from Foxeng's 4228 8-bay, but more forgiving in aiming.

The problem with attic installation is that moisture in the plywood sheating does attenuate UHF signals. Reception will vary depending upon humidity. However, for the cost of an antenna (around $20 for a 4221) experimenting in the attic is cheap.

If worried about appearance outdoors, UHF antennas are physically small comparied to the legacy VHF antennas still around. Also, the 4221/4228 looks more like a small flat screen than a conventional antenna. Outdoor masts can be had for around $18 - again not much lost if you decide it isn't for you.

The real investment will be the ATSC tuner. I puchased a Samsung T451 for my in-laws. It's very sensitive to signals, more so than my Sony HDTV, but has a lousy user interface. I'd try a different brand if I had to do it over again.

Originally posted by dtaylor
Thanks...any idea how installing in an attic rather than outside would inpact the reception.

Depending on the siding, it could block up to 50% or more of the signal.

Originally posted by DoubleE
I live in Guilford College and get all locals with a Channel Master 4221 4-bay, a step down from Foxeng's 4228 8-bay, but more forgiving in aiming.

If worried about appearance outdoors, UHF antennas are physically small comparied to the legacy VHF antennas still around. Also, the 4221/4228 looks more like a small flat screen than a conventional antenna. Outdoor masts can be had for around $18 - again not much lost if you decide it isn't for you.

Thanks...I'm not as concerned with the appearance as with the hassle. I already have easy access for running an additional cable to the attic right above the tv. To get outdoors would be much more difficult. I've seen others post about using an indoor antenna so thought an attic installation may work. I may just give it a try and if it doesn't work well I can always move it outside later.

Does an outdoor antenna need line of sight, the only practical place I could put it would be on the south side of my house below the roof line?

Originally posted by dtaylor
Thanks...I'm not as concerned with the appearance as with the hassle. I already have easy access for running an additional cable to the attic right above the tv. To get outdoors would be much more difficult. I've seen others post about using an indoor antenna so thought an attic installation may work. I may just give it a try and if it doesn't work well I can always move it outside later.

Does an outdoor antenna need line of sight, the only practical place I could put it would be on the south side of my house below the roof line?

If you can get it outside it would be best for your signal. The higher the better. All of my antennas are in a spare unfinished room on the second floor. (CM 4251 &4228, 2 Televes DAT-75's) For me it was an much easier install, I for one would rather have a pro properly install and ground the antenna that's on my roof.

Can't say for sure but you should be able to pick up all the Triad stations plus like Foxeng says maybe some or all the Triangle ones. WDBJ out of Roanoke is probably a go as well. A CM 4228 or 4248 can be had for $50 or less, and I have heard some good things about the Antennas Direct(AVS sponsor) models too. The 4228 would probably make a good choice for performance and cost. You could just hang it up facing the southwest for most of your stations. Get the CM 9521 rotator and CM7775or7777 amp if you want to give the other markets a shot.

I've gone thru several other antennas and have used 5 different tuners to try and get the best set up. It is nice during football season to be able to tune to a different market and watch a game that isn't on locally. If I could get away with it, I would put up the tallest tower possible and shoot for Charlotte as well.

Say DoubleE:

You say you can get all local HD channels in the Guilford College area with a four bay CM antenna? Does that include WGHP DT?

I live just north of you on Fleming Rd and I'm scrambling to pull in the signal for SuperBowl Sunday. So far, no luck. I was originally using a Winegard SquareShooter mounted in my attic. Got all channels EXCEPT FOX. Moved the antenna to the roof and got all channels much better, but still no FOX. Changed to the Channel Master 4228 based on Foxeng's recommendation but still no luck.

I still have some further tinkering I can do to optimize my setup (direct run to receiver, amplification). What type of receiver are you using and does your setup have an amplifier in it? How strong is the signal that you receive? My Samsung 160 will occasionally register a 30% signal but this isn't enough to lock it in.

Thanks for any help!

Fletch71

Originally posted by fletch71
I still have some further tinkering I can do to optimize my setup (direct run to receiver, amplification).

Until you get a direct run to the recevier and an amplifier on it, you will have a hard time receiving us. When you install the amp, be sure you turn the FM Trap on or if it doesn't have a FM Trap, get one from Radio Shack so the FM stations at 68 and 220 do not overload it and knock out stations you receive now.

Next football season life will be easier for those with OTA setups.

Originally posted by fletch71
I live just north of you on Fleming Rd and I'm scrambling to pull in the signal for SuperBowl Sunday. So far, no luck. I was originally using a Winegard SquareShooter mounted in my attic. Got all channels EXCEPT FOX. Moved the antenna to the roof and got all channels much better, but still no FOX. Changed to the Channel Master 4228 based on Foxeng's recommendation but still no luck.

I still have some further tinkering I can do to optimize my setup (direct run to receiver, amplification). What type of receiver are you using and does your setup have an amplifier in it? How strong is the signal that you receive? My Samsung 160 will occasionally register a 30% signal but this isn't enough to lock it in.
The 4228 is an excellent antenna. If you google the words - raw gain UHF - there's a good comparison on hdtvprimer. The 4228 beats all other commercial antennas between channels 22 and 52.

I was able to get Fox8 solidly using a 4221 mounted outdoors 20 feet high with about 40 feet of RG-6 fed directly to a Sony 50WE655 HDTV with integral tuner. I later added a 7777 preamp, but ABC45 is my bane and I'd like to get ABC52 out of Raleigh.

Since you have more gain (twice mine: 3db for a 4221 vs 4228 at 8.1's UHF channel 35) you might consider diffraction and noise figure as a potential problems. Diffraction can cause signal cancellation at various physical locations. It is also dependent upon frequency, so only one channel may be affected. Moving the antenna a few feet can eliminate this. If you google - diffraction shading UHF - there is another good read on hdtvprimer.

NF is set predominately by the first gain stage in a receiving system (NF of the first stage alone plus the summation of remaining stages divided by their gains - therefore the latter stages greatly reduced in contribution). All electronics generates thermal noise, and for transistors there's thermal, shot and avalanche noise. If the noise exceeds signal level, the signal is effectively buried within and lost. With Fox8 being low power for now, lowering the NF could help.

The CM7775/CM7777 preamps have a published noise figure of 2.0 dB, which is considered excellent. Adding this preamp at the antenna will redefine the NF for your system even if you have sufficient gain already. Dow Electronics (near 85 & Holden) stocks the 7777. There are other preamps available, however with NFs most likely similar to our (unpublished) Sony or Samsung NFs, all they can do is compensate for loss in the feed coax.

Hope this helps. It's a best-guess with your having more gain than I, and with all other things more or less equal. Good luck on SuperBowl.

Thanks to DoubleE and Foxeng!

After installing a dedicated run of RG-6 and adding a Radio Shaq 15-1108 amplifier, I am finally tuning in FOX.

The signal meter on my Samsung 160 fluctuates between 45% and 77% but is usually a solid 54%. I'm enjoying watching the Eagles and the Falcons this afternoon and look forward to a High Definition Super Bowl.

When FOX and all the other stations do go to full power (later this year?) I'll have to watch out. All that signal strength might knock the antenna off my house!

Thanks for the advice-

Fletch71

Originally posted by roland6465
TWC added a HD PPV channel today. It currently only has Shrek 2 and some IMAX films for 3.95 each. it's about 3 channels past ESPNHD.

Roland,
What's the channel #? I can't find it.

Originally posted by jacksonian
Roland,
What's the channel #? I can't find it.

It's 611. However, as of last night it was down.

Edit: The channel appears to be back up now. Last week we tried to watch Shrek 2. The 5.1 audio was so horrible (break-ups and drop-outs) that it was unwatchable. TWC did the right thing and credited our acocunt for the charge of the movie.

I saw on the Raleigh thread that TWC has added ESPN Deportes, and they are hoping that may mean a new deal which will include ESPN2HD. We're usually a little bit later than they are on new stuff, but hopefully this is good news for us HD TCW customers.

Speaking of ESPN2, I see now that hdsportsguide.com is listing new events on ESPN2HD starting tonight. I know that they were where I noticed the NCSU/Duke game moved from 2 to 1, so I wonder if "the Deuce part deux" is going to happen.

Came home late from work last night. Working on a project you guys will LOVE! Anyway, did my weekly check of channel 88 on D* to see if by some miracle WRAZ and WFXR gave me the HD waiver for FOX HD. Hit the 88 on the remote expecting to see the good ole call x721 message and low and behold up pops a FOX5 logo for a news promo! Gee, it just took 30 days! So thinking I must have been dreaming last night I just checked it again and sure enough channel 88 is up. I wish we could get KTTV too. (Oh well. I can get both stations at work if I REALLY wanted to watch them, SD only though). So I guess there are miracles.

I do know that WCCB WILL NOT give waivers. I spoke to their Ops Manager, he posts on AVS and he wouldn't even give ME a waiver, if I needed it. He said so! Some friend ! ;)

Foxeng,

I tried to get a waiver from the guy at WCCB and haven't heard anything back either!

It seems fairly crazy that although I live 15 miles from GSO and 70 miles from Charlotte, that I can't get HD via D* because of WCCB.

I give kudos to WFMY for making 2.2 a weather channel. One thing you don't get with D* is the local info on The Weather Channel. I really appreciate being able to check the latest weather forecast when I'm not near my computer.

For those OTA folks, how about checking to see that your receivers still work on WGHP. We have been installing the PSIP equipment today to pass the program guide. It is lashed together with chewing gum and string but I wanted to check something to report back to FOX on. On the three different receivers we have here all seems to be working from a standpoint of no lost video or audio which is the most important thing. There are still a couple of issues to be worked out on the PSIP equipment and we will be addressing it over the next few days so you may not have all functions working to start with.

Anyway, if you would be so kind and have a look to be sure it is still working and let me know what is working and isn't, that will help a lot. We do not have our automatic guide feed hooked up yet so I am having to enter the data in manually so the descriptors are pretty bare but I did try and put something in every position so I could test this puppy to be sure it didn't do anything funny to the system. So far so good.

If you are on cable you will not be able to see the PSIP data we are sending since TW and Lexcom strips it out before it enters into their system.

Thanks.

in walkertown.

For those that have the Samsung SIR-TS160 can you tune to WXII-DT (12-1) and then tune to another channel (I initially receive a picture on 12-1). Whenever I do this my Samsung loses the ability to receive a signal on any other channel, OTA or satellite channel. I have to change my dish type to "no dish" and then go back to "Oval 3" to get my channels back. This happens every time I tune to 12-1. When I'm in no dish mode I can tune to 31-1 to get WXII-DT but like with 12-1, when I tune to another channel I lose all channels. This happened one time yesterday and I fixed it. But I don't remember if I turned to 12-1 again after I fixed the problem yesterday. This is happening to both of my Samsung SIR-TS160s.

The software version on both receivers is 1.0.14 updated on June 2nd 2004.

I've got a TS160 Samsung and Mits Promise Module that is freakin out on 12.1. Funny thing is my HD Tivo doesn't seem to have a problem with it.
Uncrules, My TS160 is doing the same thing yours is. I've had to unplug it and plug it back in to get it to view any channels again. My promise module reset itself and rebooted.
I talked to engineer for UPN48 WUPN/ABC45 WXLV today. WXLV is full power, WUPN should be full power by next week.

Same here WXII is playing havock with my Samsung 151 OTA box.

Somebody tell me whats wrong. PSIP data corupt?? Guess its Raleigh or Charolette channels until its fixed because it just plain sucks.

I noticed the WXII lockup problem on my Sammy 160 after Wednesday nights West Wing. It may have something to do with the PSIP upgrade. Not sure when they were going to do that.

I don't know how this will correlate with the Samsung boxes, however on my Sony 12.1 went "no-signal", however I can get WXII now by tuning to 31-3. Strangely, 31-1 and 31-2 are "no-signal".

Originally posted by georgestruthers
Same here WXII is playing havock with my Samsung 151 OTA box.

Somebody tell me whats wrong. PSIP data corupt?? Guess its Raleigh or Charolette channels until its fixed because it just plain sucks.


Man,
I thought I was lucky by being able to get all the Raleigh and Greensboro stations. Having Charlotte too would rock.

Originally posted by uncrules
I give kudos to WFMY for making 2.2 a weather channel. One thing you don't get with D* is the local info on The Weather Channel. I really appreciate being able to check the latest weather forecast when I'm not near my computer. Nice to know someone is watching... really. Thanks. Rickey.

Rickey, I have a suggestion for 2.2. When WFMY is broadcasting their news, can you simulcast the audio from 2.1 to 2.2 instead of having the elevator music.

Originally posted by DoubleE
I don't know how this will correlate with the Samsung boxes, however on my Sony 12.1 went "no-signal", however I can get WXII now by tuning to 31-3. Strangely, 31-1 and 31-2 are "no-signal".

That's a good sign. That means that they are getting their PSIP correct. PSIP maps 31.3 back to 12-1. If the remapping part goes away, it SHOULD show up on 31-3. If it doesn't (takes you to 31-1 or 31-2), then their PSIP info is wrong...

- Trip

I had a Scientific Atlanta 8000HD replaced by an 8300HD last Saturday. All was very good. Last Sunday about Noon I noticed two things:

1) There was no "480i Stretch" function available. There were only "480i Standard" and two 1080i zoom modes when receiving SD. Receiving HD, I had standard, stretch, and two zoom modes. I had set up 1080i, 480i standard. I also tried setting up 480p standard, the two 480 wides, and the 720p just for grins. The 480i stretch mode I had on two or three 8000's and the one 8300 was gone.

2) There is no audio on channels 104, 117, or 120. The 8300 is set to Dolby output. If I change the audio to "other", I get sound on those three channels but no Dolby on any others. This is a new behavior.

The TW guy, with whom I've become too familiar (the guy with the twin, you know), came today and only had an 8000 with him. It exhibited both problems. This seems to vindicate the boxes and implicate the head-end or such.

Anybody had these problems? Was there a software update gone awry? I'm not wigging in my belief that I have long had a 480i stretch mode on the SA box, am I?

Thanks.

It's seems that the Dish Network 811 receiver cant't handle any flaws in the PSIP data stream. I was having a problem with WFMY a few weeks ago but with the help of Rickey that problem was resolved but now the problem is with WXII. I called the station and was told that the problem with the PSIP was fixed as of mid-day Friday. Rickey do you have any contacts with WXII because they seem to think that everything is fine but is not.

I've been trying a couple of times a days, including just now, since the WXII problem appeared and it still is a problem for me too.

I've got the same Problem with WXII as well. Their number is (336)721-9944, I usually just ask for the engineering department.

I just got my new Sony rear projection LCD TV. I currently use DirecTiVo for my SD signals, but i want to get OTA HD. I purchased a silly set top antenna from radio shack and managed to get the WFMY CBS out of Greensboro and WXLV out of Winston Salem.

However I am most concerned with getting WGHP fox out of high point. Currently i don't get any signal at all for Fox 8. I'm most concerned with picking up my local Fox, CBS, ABC and UPN channels. My house is located near Downtown Greensboro, close to lee and murray.

Antenna web gave me these settings for my local channels:

DTV Antenna Type Call Sign Channel Network City State Live Date Compass Orientation Miles From Frequency Assignment
* red - uhf WUNC-DT 4.1 PBS CHAPEL HILL NC 119° 37.2 59
* red - uhf WUNL-DT 26.1 PBS WINSTON-SALEM NC 311° 39.1 32
* red - uhf WLXI-DT 43.1 TBN GREENSBORO NC 197° 13.9 43
* red - uhf WGHP-DT 8.1 FOX HIGH POINT NC 198° 17.8 35
* red - uhf WGPX-DT 14.1 PAX BURLINGTON NC 37° 14.5 14
* red - uhf WFMY-DT 2.1 CBS GREENSBORO NC 201° 13.9 51
* red - uhf WTWB-DT 20.1 WB LEXINGTON NC 197° 13.9 19
* red - uhf WXII-DT 12.1 NBC WINSTON-SALEM NC 311° 39.1 31
* blue - uhf WUPN-DT 48.1 UPN GREENSBORO NC 197° 13.9 33
* blue - uhf WXLV-DT 45.1 ABC WINSTON-SALEM NC 197° 13.9 29
* violet - uhf WPXR-DT 38.1 PAX ROANOKE VA 353° 80.5 36

I'm looking to get a Channel Master 4228 mounted either inside my attic or outside mounted to a vent pipe. However I have a couple of questions:

1) What experiences have people had with mounting their antenna in their attic?

2) Do i need to include a rotator to the antenna to get all my local channels?

3) Should i look to add any other equipment other than the antenna and the mounting equipment to get clear signals?

4) *And most importantly* Does anyone have a good recommendation for an antenna installer?

Thanks in advance.

Hi RareAir, I don't know anyone to recommend for the installation; you might ask at:

Dow Electronics
2606 Phoenix Dr
Greensboro, NC 27406-6358 Phone: (336) 856-0930

Dow carries the rotors, amps, etc that you will need. A number of posters here favor the Channel Master 4228 or 4248 with a 7775 pre amp. JUST REMEMBER: the cost/benefit of a good OTA system is in your favor! free programming with perhaps the highest quality picture!

Also, a number of stations including Fox8 have yet to go to full power-that is supposed to happen in July of '05.

I started out with an attic installation which turned out to be a waste of time and money. Then I tried a setup with 2 antennae on a mast a few feet above my deck with noticeable improvement but frequent dropouts on the weaker transmitters. For me, a chimney mount with a rotor won hands down!

Personally, i have the Channel Master Rotor (9521A), Channel Master 7775 amp, and a Weingard GS 1100 antenna. (For me, the GS 1100 gets the same results as the bigger CM 4228 and/or 4248. It is a fraction of the size and hardly noticeable attached to the back of the chimney. The GS 1100 is one of those "winged" antennae and needs to stick up above the chimney by only a few inches to clear when turning with the rotor.) see:
http://www.walt.lasley.com/ant.htm

WXII still sucks. FoxEng give them a call for us will you.

Originally posted by RareAir
I'm looking to get a Channel Master 4228 mounted either inside my attic or outside mounted to a vent pipe. However I have a couple of questions:

1) What experiences have people had with mounting their antenna in their attic?

Depending on the siding, you could loose as much as 50% to 60% of the signal before it reaches the antenna. Outside is where you want it.

2) Do i need to include a rotator to the antenna to get all my local channels?

Yes.

3) Should i look to add any other equipment other than the antenna and the mounting equipment to get clear signals?

You should get an antenna pre-amplifier. A Channel Master 7777 is a good one for the 4228. You should also not have any splitters in the line. For each 2 way splitter, you half the signal. For a 4 way splitter you drop the signal by 75%. RG-6 and a direct run are the best.

4) *And most importantly* Does anyone have a good recommendation for an antenna installer?

I have personally used Michael Kearny at 336-362-7972. (good luck on trying to book him before the Super Bowl) My installation is not your normal installation and Michael loves to just come play with it. I like to tinker with it and Michael says he "learns" so much from mine (like what NOT to do!! ;) ) I will have to post a picture of it some time when the weather breaks.

I use the 4228 on UHF on my one story roof at Battleground and Westridge, I get WGHP-DT with no problems as well as Roanoke and Raleigh.

Originally posted by georgestruthers
WXII still sucks. FoxEng give them a call for us will you.

They don't listen to me. I am just the competition! The only way you will get their attention is to have everyone call and complain. Numbers count in this game.

I have tried to call several times but can't in touch with the engineer. Maybe he knows they have messed up and refuses to pick up the phone.

Instead of asking for Engineering, ask for a gentleman named Hank Price. He is the GM of WXII.

I have yet another WXLV story........ I think they have a new piece of audio equipment, because last night I was flipping around all my OTA & cable channels to see who had the SotU in HD. I stopped on WXLV right as the President was coming in the door, and about 5 words into his speech, there was a pip (not a pop), a word was repeated, and the audio snapped from about 2 seconds ahead to dead on.

I know I have burned myself time and again with these guys wanting them to get it right, but I might have to actually try watching some WXLV to see if this was a fluke, or a new synch thingy.

WXLV audio should be in sync now. After days of work by Harmonic dialing in to the system a software upgrade was performed that fixed the problem. There was no way that with out that upgrade the engineers could make the audio sync up. Harmonic had actually denied the problem was theirs at first blaming the ABC and Miranda equipment.
It is still a manual switch for both video and audio by the master control operator - so it will take place a minute or two after the actual start of ABC HD programming. Soon that will be automated so the local upconverted breaks can run on the HD channel.

Thanks for the info. Now if we can get WXII to fix their problem. I watched ER in HD last night but because of their problem I couldn't do my normal channel surfing during commercials because I would've needed to reset my receiver and missed some of the show while I waited for it reboot. It takes a lot of self control for me not to start flipping channels during commercials. :D

.

It seems that the PSIP issues with WXII are fixed, at least on the Dish 811.
I would also like to thank WGHP for their quick response. I was having trouble with their PSIP also so I emailed the engineer and 5 mins. later I received a phone call. He was more amazed that I could get the signal in Martinsville Va. but he made some changes as I monitored my tv and fixed the problem in less than a minute. Great JOB!!!!!

pti711, please share with us the type of antenna, amp, mounting etc. that you have delivering WGHP to Martinsville, VA. thanks

and you are right, WGHP/FOXENG has an excellent reputation for responding to the problems/queries of the viewer.

Originally posted by 4theheelz
and you are right, WGHP/FOXENG has an excellent reputation for responding to the problems/queries of the viewer.

Aw shucks!!! (***********BIG BLUSH!**********************)

Originally posted by pti711
It seems that the PSIP issues with WXII are fixed, at least on the Dish 811.The issue is now fix for me too.

I hope this is the correct forum for this. I am in Stokesdale and thinking of putting up a CM 4228 for my area channels and some longer distance, Roanoke (getting these from an indoor Silver Sensor now), RDU and possibly CLT are the ones I am shooting for. Thoughts? Something better I should try?

I want to take the worthless VOOM OTA antenna that is attached to my deck...about 10ft off the ground..and toss it and mount the CM to where the "Sensor II" is now.

I think this will work and not be too much trouble but, I know that someone here can tell me if I am sadly mistake.

Appreciate the help! I can give you all kinds of details on where I am..what I have done to receive what I get now and what I have tried that doesnt work but, I was trying to keep this post short..I ramble like you would not believe!

Thanks Triad!

Originally posted by 4theheelz
pti711, please share with us the type of antenna, amp, mounting etc. that you have delivering WGHP to Martinsville, VA. thanks

and you are right, WGHP/FOXENG has an excellent reputation for responding to the problems/queries of the viewer.

Wingard PR9032 antenna
Channel Master 7777 pre-amp
Channel Master antenna rotor
RG6 Quad Shield cable 100ft.
I also have all of my components and coaxial running through a "Monster" brand AC power conditioner.

Hi, I just received my new Sony 30XS955 television on Saturday and I love it so far. The only problem I am having is that I cannot pick up WFMY CBS with the QAM tuner on analog time warner cable. So far I have been able to get Discovery HD, WXII, and WGHP. I was wondering what qam channel WFMY is on so that I can tune into it directly instead of relying on the auto scan. Thanks!

Sure is quiet on here!

Any feedback so far on what you are seeing on FOX today?

I am not at the station, but short of a physical power cycle, I can pretty much do what needs to be done remotely if anything. RIght now, it looks like FOX has got it going pretty good. The PQ is much better than the regular season. I know those guys have been burning the midnight oil to get this right. So far so good!

Originally posted by foxeng
Sure is quiet on here!

Any feedback so far on what you are seeing on FOX today?
I think the fact that there hasn't been any feedback is a good thing. Happy people generally don't run to their computer to make comments. I'm a software developer and I always take no news as good news when I deploy my software to our production environment and I don't hear anything back from users.

For me personally I had been watching the UNC/FSU game and I'm now listening to the post game show so I haven't had much chance to see the pre-game coverage of the Super Bowl.

Every market should have a local FOX engineer asking for feedback. ;)

Though there have been no problems, really, here in Cleveland (WJW FOX 8, O&O). With the splicer system and much being controlled by the network, there's not a lot the local folks need to do, I guess...

Originally posted by Inundated
Every market should have a local FOX engineer asking for feedback. ;)

Though there have been no problems, really, here in Cleveland (WJW FOX 8, O&O). With the splicer system and much being controlled by the network, there's not a lot the local folks need to do, I guess...

Not really. As long as the splicer doesn't hang up, there isn't much to do!

Even if it does, there's not much we can do locally either..except power cycle it..

Here is my antenna. The top is a 4228 and the bottom is a high power VHF only antenna that I use to DX analog TV stations. It works for DTV as well since I have picked up WNCT-DT channel 10 in Greenville, NC several times. WFMY on channel 2 drowns out WBRA-DT channel 3 in Roanoke. I can tell it is there, but it has never locked up for me.

http://www.w4cl.net/fox/p2050021.jpg

http://www.w4cl.net/fox/p2050023.jpg

man did you kill this thread with those daggum big pictures!

Originally posted by bdfox18doe
man did you kill this thread with those daggum big pictures!

Big antennas! Big pictures! I am going to go back and resize them.

OK, I have resized the pix. Are all of the people OUTSIDE of the market happy now? ;)

More better now..!!
I'd show you my antenna, but it's only a lil bitty squaresshooter..~

[QUOTE]Originally posted by foxeng
[B]Sure is quiet on here!

I am not at the station, but short of a physical power cycle, I can pretty much do what needs to be done remotely if anything.

You might want to check these guys out.
servertech.com/products/RemotePowerManagement/SentryCommanderPT40/

Fox eng you are da man!!!

Your suggestion on the installation service could not have happened any better. Luckily the guys at Carolina Commercial Audio had a slot that opened up and managed to do my install before the superbowl.

After doing a thorough walk about and looking at all the options available for mounting the antenna, the best option ended up being in my attic. After installing a CM 4228, CM Rotor, a mast amp and running Approx 100 feet of control and antenna cable, I managed to pick up 23 HD Channels on the first pass and 36 off air channels.

The superbowl came in loud and clear, and both my wife and I was simply blown away by the picture quality.

I'll attached a picture of the install tomorrow when i get to work.

Once again, thank you very much for the recomendation.

Originally posted by RareAir
Fox eng you are da man!!!

Like to help where I can.

Foxeng,
After looking at your antenna set up I realize that I have the same basic set up (a 4228 mounted above a Vhf - UHF) about 25 feet above ground.
I live not far from you at Air Harbor and Bass Chapel Rd's and my reception is close to what you get.
I have found that the comments and tips that you and others give in this forum are outstanding,
r/ wow

Alright, to foxeng and anyone else who is interested...

WTWB has elected channel 19.
WUNL has elected channel 26.
WXLV has elected channel 29.
WUPN has elected channel 33.

The rest have yet to choose... (I'm surprised that WFMY did not choose even though other Gannett-owned stations like WLTX in Columbia made elections.)

- Trip

Thanks Trip!

Trip,

what are these elections? Does this mean that i would search for WUPN on channel 33?

Before I forget...

As promised, here is the picture of my new setup.

http://www.kravitz.net/awotftp/awotpicposter/RareAir/4228instal.jpg

Thanks RareAir for the photo. (i never thought about the inverted mount for the attic before)

Does your TV need to be turned upside down to see the picture right side up with the upside antenna? :D

Originally posted by RareAir
Trip,

what are these elections? Does this mean that i would search for WUPN on channel 33?

This means simply that when the analog signals go away, WUPN's digital will remain on channel 33. WUNL's will move back to 26. And so on.

However, WUPN-DT will be able to remap to 48-1 as long as it wants to.

- Trip

Does anyone have the capability of capturing a screen cap in real 1280x720 off of WGHP-DT? I have a digital tuner card (WinTV-D, not HD), but it only captures in 480i and I need a screen cap of our DTV signal with true resolution during network HD programming.

If you have the capability, please PM me.

Thanks.

Here's the final channel elections:

WFMY-51
WGHP-8
WXII-31
WGPX-14
WTWB-19
WUNL-26
WXLV-29
WUPN-33
WLXI-43

- Trip

Did anyone not have DD 5.1 for the Grammys? I did not. I was using the QAM tuner and did not try OTA.

I don't think 2.1 OTA does DD yet. I recorded it to DVHS from WRAL, sounded incredible in 5.1 (albeit, not much center channel going on)

Sorry for my ignorance if they don't broadcast a 5.1 signal yet. I read some good things about it though and was curious. Thanks for the response Greg.

I was hoping Ricky would chime in but I think I heard that WFMY only has a network receiver that does 2.0 only and that soon it is to be upgraded to do 5.1. I don't know if WFMY has the 5.1 encoding equipment though. That is why I hope Ricky will chime in and straighten me out.

The new receivers are in house. The encoding equipment is not. We hope to have all of it soon. Rickey

First I would like to say how great it is to have some of the local stations represented and so willing to help. With all of the different variables, some of the issues are difficult to troubleshoot and it is hard to know if it is just me, the local station, or the network. I really do appreciate their willingness to admit when they have problems and keeping us informed with the latest updates.

I am also grateful to the others that have been at this for a while and have been willing to share their knowledge.

I am still having a problem with my HD receiver (RCA DTC-210) locking up when attempting to change channels. Freezes on "Searching for Signal". I too have noticed that it occurs when switching from WXII to another channel. I have left a message at the station and will let you know if I hear anything. The problem started for me around Jan 25 or 26. I had not read this forum for a few weeks and was not aware that anyone else was having the same problem. I had already called the manufacturer and they are sending me a new receiver. I have been waiting for over 2 weeks and when I called to check the status, they said that it was on back order. So I decided to do some further research to see if it could be something other than the receiver. That's when I found this thread. I still do not have any idea when the new receiver will arrive and now I am not sure if it will correct the problem if it is being caused by the WXII feed.

I tell you,.. Since I moved, I miss my old CBS affiliate in Denver that passed the full 19.3 stream without multi casting. Albeit, it's nice having the second channel for 24 hour weather, it would be nice if they shut them down for big events like the Super Bowl and the Grammys.

RareAir
Can you tell me approx what your antennae set up cost with materials plus installation? You can pm me if you prefer.

Finally, it looks like Zap2it has updated 45.2 and 48.2 with programing info via DirecTV.

We have found out that the PSIP EPG software we are using has MANY bugs in it and we should be getting a software update this week or next. Those who are watching us OTA, do you see the program guide a lot or do you see holes in it and for how long out do you see programming? What type of receiver are you using?

I haven't noticed any gaps in the programming guide data or any other oddities.

Originally posted by uncrules
I haven't noticed any gaps in the programming guide data or any other oddities.

How many days ahead are you seeing data? You should be seeing 4 days. That is what we have been told to run until the software update.

On my Samsung 160, I have yet to see any data further that than 18 hours and on the Samsung 150 at work I also haven't seen anything past 18 hours and the Samsung 165 at work I have only seen it up to 36 hours. Around midnight the software stops updating data. It just keeps sending stale data until I manually restart the program and I have to do it every day. Luckily I have remote access to the EPG computer and I can restart it from home so I can keep the thing alive. This is one of the major issues that the update is to fix. Another issue is it doesn't parse the CC and Ratings data from the service we use to keep the guide updated. You can manually create the lists and it all works just fine but I don't have the time to enter by hand all of the events everyday. That is to be fixed in the update as well.

I have also not seen any program descriptions on my 160 but I see it on the other receivers. Strange.

I've had problems with the sound dropping out on TNTHD for the past several months. I've contacted Time Warner and been told it's a problem with the station. The station is basically unwatchable and it seems strange this would not be corrected. Just wondered if anyone else has noticed this (Time Warner problem) or something with my setup. Other HD stations are fine. Thanks

As I type this message I can see program guide data for Fox 8 through Monday February 28th at 7:30pm with no gaps in the data.

I also noticed for the 1st time last night that there is a 2-3 and 2-4 appearing in my program guide. There is nothing on these channels but my signal meter reads them coming in at 93%. I wonder if Rickey can tell us what they are for. Maybe they can do like WRAL does with their sub channels and put out of market NCAA tournament games on those channels.

Originally posted by uncrules
As I type this message I can see program guide data for Fox 8 through Monday February 28th at 7:30pm with no gaps in the data.

Which tuner is that on? To the 28th? That is 7 days out and the software isn't setup to send more than 4 days. Maybe this thing has more bugs in it that I thought.

I just looked at my 160 and it stopped at noon today and I have nothing further. If I kick start it, I can see stuff until tonight on my 160.

I'm using my Samsung 160.

Originally posted by uncrules
I'm using my Samsung 160.

If you have it on D* and watching HD OTA, then you are seeing the guide data that D* is sending and not the guide date we are sending. I have to tell my 160 I have no dishes connected and then it will pick up the guide data OTA and that is how I am seeing the guide data OTA. That would also explain why you see 7 days out when I am only sending 4 days out.

data for at least 48 hrs out. receiver-LG LST-3510a.

Can anyone explain why WGHP, WFMY, and WXII all "tell" the receiver that all programs are in HD even when they are in SD.

WUPN, WXLV, and WUNC correctly report the display resolution.

and why does all this matter? my receiver has a "native" setting which will pass thu the correct resolution without having to stretch SD.

TWC Question......

I called to request ESPN2HD the other day, and the CSR told me that the DVI output had been activated on the SA DVR boxes. Can anyone confirm/deny this for me before I have a n installer out again only to have to send him away when there is no DVI out.

Originally posted by 4theheelz
data for at least 48 hrs out. receiver-LG LST-3510a.

Can anyone explain why WGHP, WFMY, and WXII all "tell" the receiver that all programs are in HD even when they are in SD.

WUPN, WXLV, and WUNC correctly report the display resolution.

and why does all this matter? my receiver has a "native" setting which will pass thu the correct resolution without having to stretch SD.

The guide data doesn't control that. WXLV, WUPN, WFMY and WUNL all have HD and SD channels. WGHP and WXII only have HD channels and the receivers determine the "HD" or "SD" by the the signal received for that subchannel. With WXLV, WUPN and WUNL, the first subchannel is an SD channel and WFMY has an HD channel first. If you go to their -1 subchannel, your receiver will say SD, if you go to all of the other stations whose HD channels are the 1st subchannel, they will say HD.

The stations do not change from 720p or 1080i to 480i when a program isn't in HD. The subchannel stays in one format (720p or 1080i) all of the time and if a program isn't in HD, it is upconverted to the HD format, but it is still a SD program. It is like watching a black and white program on a color set. It is still a color transmission, but the program is black and white.

Originally posted by dtaylor
I've had problems with the sound dropping out on TNTHD for the past several months. I've contacted Time Warner and been told it's a problem with the station. The station is basically unwatchable and it seems strange this would not be corrected. Just wondered if anyone else has noticed this (Time Warner problem) or something with my setup. Other HD stations are fine. Thanks

I have not had that problem; however, I don't watch it a lot. But what I have seen has been steady. No dropping out. I'll spend more time on it to see if it does drop out.

Originally posted by roland6465
TWC Question......

I called to request ESPN2HD the other day, and the CSR told me that the DVI output had been activated on the SA DVR boxes. Can anyone confirm/deny this for me before I have a n installer out again only to have to send him away when there is no DVI out.

roland, DVI has been active on my 8100HD (Greensboro) since the most recent software update. I haven't used it, though, other than to temporarily connect a DVI cable to it to confirm that it was in fact active.

foxeng,
I've got a friend in Clemmons who has DirecTV, can't get TWC. Do you think he can get Fox HD over an OTA antenna. Anyone else over that way, what can you pick up via OTA. He can't put a big antenna on the house, lives on a golf course, so this would be with an indoor antenna.

Originally posted by jacksonian
foxeng,
I've got a friend in Clemmons who has DirecTV, can't get TWC. Do you think he can get Fox HD over an OTA antenna. Anyone else over that way, what can you pick up via OTA. He can't put a big antenna on the house, lives on a golf course, so this would be with an indoor antenna.

Clemmons is right on the edge of our low power coverage area. If he had an outside antenna, he would have a good chance of getting FOX out of Charlotte. He could try and see if D* would give him a HD waiver. He would need to ask for the HD Customer Rep. The regular reps really seem to have no clue according to people who have called.

Thanks foxeng. I'll let him know. Sounds like his best bet may be to shoot for the waiver.

I've asked foxeng before, but it was some time ago and maybe things have changed, so here it goes.

My brother lives in Kinston and I just sent him my old MDP-120 in hopes of him picking up some HDTV ota. Since he's a big time Nascar fanatic, what are the chances of him picking up a Fox affiliate broadcasting in HD, using an outdoor antenna of course?

Also, what are his other options regarding OTA reception (sorry I don't know the area that well, I was only 2 when I lived there).

Many thanks!

Originally posted by taz291819
I've asked foxeng before, but it was some time ago and maybe things have changed, so here it goes.

My brother lives in Kinston and I just sent him my old MDP-120 in hopes of him picking up some HDTV ota. Since he's a big time Nascar fanatic, what are the chances of him picking up a Fox affiliate broadcasting in HD, using an outdoor antenna of course?

Also, what are his other options regarding OTA reception (sorry I don't know the area that well, I was only 2 when I lived there).

Many thanks!

WRAZ in Raleigh is the only hope. The local in that market hasn't started broadcasting a digital signal yet and the Wilmington FOX is so low power, no in Wilmington picks them up. You might want to go over to the Greenville, NC thread. They can help you there.

I sure wish TWC could get ABC-HD.........

Originally posted by telemike
I sure wish TWC could get ABC-HD.........

Funny you should mention that. I had a guy at TWC tell me just recently that they don't expect to see ABC on their system anytime soon.

Anybody else having their OTA CBS coming through in non-HD?
I currently have Samsung Sirts360 (buggy STB) soon to be traded up for DirecTivo HD.
BTW, there should be a pricedrop to 500 come June of this unit for any others considering.

That is a WRAL thing.

I'm looking at buying one of the RCA 61" DLP's. It looks like it has the built-in ATSC Tuner with QAM.

I currently have analog Time Warner Cable. (not digital!) Will I be able to pick up the free hd channels over my analog connection? Or will I have to get the antenna to get HD content OTA? I've already decided that I'll need the Channel Master 4228 if I have to get an antenna, but I'd like to know what channels I'll get (if any) with just my regular analog cable connection.

I'm on Time Warner of Lexington if that makes a difference. I want to think I read somewhere on here that QAM allows you to pick up the free digital signals that are piggybacked with the regular analog signal.

If some do come through, is Discovery HD or PBS-HD part of that, or must those be picked up OTA with an antenna? Thanks.

Here is the TV specifications. Thanks.

RCA Scenium (http://www.tvauthority.com/DLP-TV-HDTV/RCA-Scenium-HDLP61W151.asp)

try: http://www.antennaweb.org/aw/welcome.aspx
to see what's available in your area. (if you can pick up the network feeds which would include PBS from Charlotte, NC then all the better)

As for DiscoveryHD, you might consider adding the digital and HD pack from Time Warner to your existing analog programming.

Originally posted by DaveWolf
I currently have analog Time Warner Cable. (not digital!) Will I be able to pick up the free hd channels over my analog connection? Or will I have to get the antenna to get HD content OTA? I've already decided that I'll need the Channel Master 4228 if I have to get an antenna, but I'd like to know what channels I'll get (if any) with just my regular analog cable connection.[/URL]

Time-Warner in the Triad offers CBS, FOX and NBC to those with plug and play HD sets for the same basic cable charge. Just plug in your cable to the cable or QAM input on your HD TV and you will have them for the same charge you are paying now. ABC is not on TWC and you will need an outside antenna for it. The 4228 will work just fine for that.

So basically if I add an antenna, I'll get the additional digital channels of ABC, PBS, and UPN? Can't I just pick up the PBS channel from Winston instead of Charlotte? (looks like its on Sauertown Mt. with WXII). I am 25.6 miles away.

Is there any better PQ from picking up any of the other stations OTA even if they come in on my basic cable?

Originally posted by DaveWolf
So basically if I add an antenna, I'll get the additional digital channels of ABC, PBS, and UPN? Can't I just pick up the PBS channel from Winston instead of Charlotte? (looks like its on Sauertown Mt. with WXII). I am 25.6 miles away.

Is there any better PQ from picking up any of the other stations OTA even if they come in on my basic cable?

PBS HD is also on Time-Warner. UPN and ABC digital (they are on the same tower and ABC analog is on Sauratown Mt) come from Level Cross north of Asheboro. The PQ should be the same off air or through cable. I have been told that the only thing TWC does is convert the ATSC to QAM and they do not do any bitrate changes.

Thanks FoxEng for all the help. At this point, I don't think it will be worth it to get an antenna just to pick up the Sinclair stations. Perhaps they'll eventually get their act together with Time Warner.

Thanks for putting up with my ignorance! Can't wait to get started!

Originally posted by DaveWolf
Perhaps they'll eventually get their act together with Time Warner.

From what the folks at TWC have told me, don't expect WXLV-DT or WUPN-DT anytime soon.

Glad I can get WXLV OTA from my house then. Too bad WTWB's signal is too weak for me. They have better shows than ABC.

TWC customer reminder......

Please call Time Warner and ask them to put ESPNU and ESPN2HD on.

how about ESPN2HD?

oops....yeah, ESPN2HD

How about also telling them we want the SA8300 HD DVR and we want the PASSPORT software. SARA is hideous. I went down to my friend's in Charlotte. He has a new 8300 with the PASSPORT software and it's light years better. The interface is pretty darn close to TiVo. You can actually search for shows, actors, titles, keywords, and do season pass type programming. The current SARA machine is about as advanced as a 4 head VCR.

I saw on the news crawl at the bottom of the screen on WFMY's morning broadcast that they will show on TWC digital channels, the out of market NCAA tournament games. The games will be on 520, 521, and 522. I assume that those of us who get those channels OTA will get them too on 2-2, 2-3, and 2-4. When I saw these channels appear recently I was hoping that this is what would happen.

Originally posted by uncrules
I saw on the news crawl at the bottom of the screen on WFMY's morning broadcast that they will show on TWC digital channels, the out of market NCAA tournament games. The games will be on 520, 521, and 522. I assume that those of us who get those channels OTA will get them too on 2-2, 2-3, and 2-4. When I saw these channels appear recently I was hoping that this is what would happen.
Great!

Will they be the HD games? I'm afraid that 2 HD games and one SD could really screw with the broadcast. I wish they'd just do 2 channels....one for the "local" teams and one all HD all the time.

But I guess more BB is more BB.

I've noticed over the last couple of days that quite frequently on WFMY-DT there has been bad pixelation/signal break up. There doesn't seem to be a signal drop when this has occurred because I've had my signal meter up when the problem occurred and the signal strength didn't change.

Originally posted by uncrules
I've noticed over the last couple of days that quite frequently on WFMY-DT there has been bad pixelation/signal break up. There doesn't seem to be a signal drop when this has occurred because I've had my signal meter up when the problem occurred and the signal strength didn't change. Pixellation problem should be gone now. A little matter of bandwidth allocation. Also for the channel line up during the playoffs. 2-1, HD 2-2, 24/7 news and weather (graphics) 2-3, Playoffs 2-4, Playoffs 2-0,(analog) Playoffs. We are using the latest (I hope) statistical multiplexing software which will allocate bandwidth where needed the most (motion dependant). Thanks for watching... Rickey.

Originally posted by foxeng
From what the folks at TWC have told me, don't expect WXLV-DT or WUPN-DT anytime soon. Back before I discovered this forum I purchased a HDTV, discovered ABC HD absent on TWC, with the final frustration coming after erecting an antenna only to see HD content frequently left SD, especially Sunday nights, as if the station was left unmanned. Ditto with audio problems. So I called each Monday and was eventually given the station manager.

I must give him credit for being personable and taking time to speak with a viewer, however when asking why ABC45 HD wasn't on TWC, his response was that he expected monetary compensation from TWC before he'd allow them to carry their digital signal. After all, they had incurred great expense in going digital, and it was only fair in recovering their cost if TWC viewers were paying to enjoy their signal.

I'm an engineer, not a MBA, nor in the broadcast industry, however it seems to me that advertising rates and revenue therefrom are dependent upon audience share, therefore I'd be giving the signal away in any manner I could, at least on par with the competition.

I also tried to explain that with HD resolution, watching analog programming becomes a last option as the artifacts become painfully obvious. Furthermore, with TWC, you spend your time up-downing the remote in the 4xx-5xx range with channel 7 long forgotten. All to no avail. Unless TWC compensates (and why would they), they’ll be no ABC HD on TWC.

The flip side of all this is rediscovering OTA and antennas, and the fun of experimenting. So unreliable is ABC45 that I'm making a homemade 15 element Yagi cut for WTVD ABC channel 52 in Durham. For a single channel, you can also make a lossless balun. Add an Agilent 0.4dB NF preamp, and my hope is ABC HD 24/7 out of Raleigh with adjacent WRAL channel 53 as bonus. A whole new hobby and means to stay out of trouble thanks to WXLV.

I emailed TWC about the SARA software with the HD DVR and how much better the Passport software was. Here's the response, I was impressed that it wasn't a canned reply at least.

"Thank you for contacting Time Warner Cable's customer service department, where your satisfaction is our priority. In the Greensboro division, we use the SARA software platform for all of our digital boxes, including our 8300 HDDVR. When we launched our digital cable service, the Passport software platform was not ready for full implementation, so we chose the SARA platform. Charlotte launched their digital cable service later, and at that time the Passport software platform was ready. Currently we are looking at several different software platforms for possible future implementation and/or upgrade."

I'm actually watching the OC because I want to see the Star Wars trailer and WGHP-DT is off the air. I was getting it at 6:30pm. ARGH!!

I'll really be steamed if it is in HD and WGHP-DT is off the air.

Well, WGHP-DT is back on the air but not in HD.

:(

FOX Network made a change in the splicer today and it has now failed. For those looking to see the ST trailer, it is NOT in HD and on the HD feed it is 4:3 letterbox. You aren't missing anything.

Thanks for letting us know what's up and the fact that I didn't miss a HD version makes me feel a lot better. I did watch it on WGHP-DT because it still was better than watching the SD channel.

Originally posted by uncrules
Thanks for letting us know what's up and the fact that I didn't miss a HD version makes me feel a lot better. I did watch it on WGHP-DT because it still was better than watching the SD channel.

We never went off the air, the transmitter has been up the whole time. It was the video and audio stream from network that wasn't being passed.

I had the FOX engineers on the phone for a LONG time trying to get it fixed. They couldn't get it going so I will have to call the manufacturer who did a software reconfig this afternoon and looks like they turned the HD receiver port off! The local port works (obviously) but the HD receiver port doesn't. Of course the manufacturer tech people have all gone home for the day!

I switched over to the WNYW-DT feed when the ST trailer was on and they saw the same thing you did, 4:3 letterbox non HD.

Originally posted by uncrules
I did watch it on WGHP-DT because it still was better than watching the SD channel.

It will never be digital quality, but in about a month, we should have our new channel 8 transmitter on the air and hopefully, it will look a little better than our current 25 year old channel 8 transmitter.

Foxeng,
Are you going to be full power in a month?

Originally posted by Greg T
Foxeng,
Are you going to be full power in a month?

Not digital. It will not be finished until later this year.

In the process of going full power digital, since we have plans to go back to channel 8 for our final digital channel when analog shuts down (whenever that is), we are also upgrading the channel 8 facility to a digital ready facility and just transmit analog on it until the analog shutdown as well as building the full power channel 35 digital facility all at the same time.

This is a project we have had in the works for about 7 years now and it is all finally coming together. We are very excited about it.

Good evening everyone.

I am going to apologize in advance for posting this, but I wanted to double check before I go and purchase my TV tomorrow. I am looking at purchasing the 50" RCA which has a built-in tuner. Here are the specs:

RCA 50" (http://www.bestbuy.com/site/olspage.jsp?skuId=6780389&type=product&productCategoryId=pcmcat31800050029&id=1089890234895)

If I have TWC ANALOG cable, will I be able to pick up all of the CBS HD games for the NCAA Thursday and Friday? Or do I have to have digital cable for that? I will probably get an antenna eventually, but don't think I can get it purchased and operating fully by Thursday.

Just want to make sure I can watch my Wolfpack at 12:15 Friday in HD. It is one of 24 games selected to be in HD per CBS.

Will I be able to get the .1,.2,.3 channels that carry the other games also? Thanks for the help! And Foxeng, I promise this will be my last post regarding this!
Can't wait!

Originally posted by DaveWolf
If I have TWC ANALOG cable, will I be able to pick up all of the CBS HD games for the NCAA Thursday and Friday? Or do I have to have digital cable for that? I will probably get an antenna eventually, but don't think I can get it purchased and operating fully by Thursday.

Just want to make sure I can watch my Wolfpack at 12:15 Friday in HD. It is one of 24 games selected to be in HD per CBS.

Will I be able to get the .1,.2,.3 channels that carry the other games also? Thanks for the help! And Foxeng, I promise this will be my last post regarding this!
Can't wait!

Nice set Dave. My brother-in-law has last years model and he loves it!

I do know that TWC sends channel 510, 520, and 540 in the clear so with your cable setup, using the built-in cable tuner you will have no problems receiving those channels. I haven't heard if TWC will require a STB for 521 and 522. But if you do, just hook up a modest antenna (try rabbit ears and if not, just a small cheap antenna on a pole in the back yard will be more than enough for that) to the TV and get the same channels on 2-3 and 2-4 over the air for free. You are not locked in to TWC unless you live the over side of nowhere.

Don't worry about asking questions, that is why we all are here, to glean information where we can.

I AM NOW AN OFFICIAL MEMBER OF THE HDTV NERD SOCIETY!!!! I finally took the plunge last night and got my RCA DLP. Got it from BB and they threw in a Yamaha surround system for free! Came home and hooked it up in time for the Tonight Show and felt like I was sitting in the audience!

Thanks so much to everyone for helping me in my ignorance! Especially to Foxeng!!!

You mentioned above that TWC sends out the 510, 520 and 540 "in the clear". I found the CBS channel on 80-1 (or something like that) last night. I saw where they have split and added some subchannels. Last night they were showing the WFMY screen logo but carried the sound from the regular broadcast. I assume that is what you are referring to? I guess WMFY will carry some of the extra March Madness games on the subchannels.

Is the 510 and 520 channel numbers the digital cable #'s? My numbers are all different from what is on the thread, but I guess that is because I am still getting an analog cable signal and the free digital signals are just piggybacked on it.

What is the channel number for PBS HD? I couldn't find it last night. That is different from UNC TV, correct? I found the UNC HD channel, it was awesome too!

Thanks again! Can't wait to get home tonight!

Welcome. I think I've got a similar set up to yours.

80.1 - CBS HD
80.3 - CBS WFMY logo (hopefully for the games....)
80.4 - "
82.3 - UNCHD (PBS HD)
85.11 - Discovery HD
102.300 - TNT HD
116.2 - NBC HD
116.3 - FOX HD
116.4 - WXII weather

Let me know if you come up with some others....
I know there are a few other digital channels with PBS, but aren't necessarily HD.

Welcome Dave!!!

Thanks for the warm welcome. Wadewilk, I found TNT HD on that signal, but nothing on Discovery HD. I know this would normally be included as part of the digital package, but was wondering if this was still a freebie passed along with the analog signal. I tried looking around for it last night, but couldn't get anything in that channel range.

Has it been taken off the air? And again, I am on TWC Lexington. All of the other channels are an exact match. Thanks again!

Hi all- Just found this thread, its great!!! all local "friends" with same cable company. I'm used to seeing threads from people all around the country and wondering, "wonder if this info applies to me". Got this thread bookmarked.

I've noticed on these "country wide" thread's mentioning the SA 8300HD box, is it available here?

I now have a 8000HD, Hitachi 53" widescreen TV, which does not have the HDMI inputs, not sure if that matters or not.

If its available is it worth the effort to request and install it??

With all the multi casting and my locals only coming in via OTA, I was worried that I might not see much BB in HD. Thanx WFMY the Wake game looks good in HD. WRAL is SD for everything now.

I tried to watch the Texas Tech game last night on TWC 522 - very fuzzy/pixelated. Even though the broadcast said in HD, am I to assume these "extra" CBS games aren't going to be in HD?

I guess I should be thankful to even receive the broadcast....

Originally posted by PamW
I tried to watch the Texas Tech game last night on TWC 522 - very fuzzy/pixelated. Even though the broadcast said in HD, am I to assume these "extra" CBS games aren't going to be in HD?

I guess I should be thankful to even receive the broadcast.... Pam you are correct, our available bandwidth only allows one HD along with the SD programming. CBS is only offering us one HD game at a time anyhow. However the fuzziness/pixellation should only be appearant on scenes with a LOT of motion. Of course with your setup I suppose every little detail good or bad comes out with clarity.
Thanks for watching... Rickey.

Thanks Rickey!

Yep, 64" will show every lump and bump ;)

I really AM glad to get all the channels, especially since my hubby is a Texas Tech grad - It's a crying shame Furman didn't have a good enough team to get this far this year though (just kidding - they NEVER get this far!)

WFMY is not showing the UNC game over its digital signals. If your stb is digital only, you can't see Carolina try to reach the sweet 16. It's unbelievable that anyone with a brain would do something this stupid.

wow - I just checked it out - you are right! What were they thinking? At least we got to see Texas Tech (my husband's Alma Mater) in HD yesterday!

The subchannels are totally unwatchable on my 92" front PJ. Good thing the Pack has been in HD so far, and I'm assuming the Syracuse regional will be HD as well.

I'm going to go out on a limb and say that the HD games I've watched (most) has been some of the worst live HD I've seen in a long time. I mean, CBS is constantly swtiching rez as it switches cameras, The picture pixellates every time a graphic changes on screen, and the wide shots are much fuzzier than need be.

I'm actually glad WFMY can only support one HD game at a time, else even the HD feed would be unwatchable.

I agree that the HD broadcasts have been less than steller. I guess it is a delicate balance between providing a large number of games via multicasting and having the highest quality picture on the HD channel.

SB

Duke and NC State are slated to play in the NCAA regionals at the same time Friday night. For those without a digital receiver and/or TW digital cable, this is a dilemma. WFMY apparently needs feedback as to which game to show in our area. http://www.wfmynews2.com/sports/ncaa.aspx

WRAL has a better idea however, SHOW BOTH!
http://www.wral.com/sports/4303750/detail.html

Well I just emailed WFMY with that information, saying that it might be the best answer to a sticky situation. Although I am sure they are aware of what WRAL is doing, it certainly helps to have support from the viewers.

Originally posted by 4theheelz
WRAL has a better idea however, SHOW BOTH!
http://www.wral.com/sports/4303750/detail.html

WFMY doesn't have a second station like WRAL.

Read in this morining's paper that on our TWC system the State game will be on the analog ch9 while the Duke game will be on extended cable ch58. Thank God for digital OTA!

I wonder what game will be shown on HD?

Originally posted by PamW
I wonder what game will be shown on HD?

The State game will be on the HD channel according to WFMY's website.

Cool - thanks!

WOO-HOO!

Go Pack!

We tried this sometime ago with not so great results but we have more people with digital sets now than then.

Does everyone/anyone want to get together to talk about H/DTV face to face? Just meet the others in the area who have digital TV? Other reasons?

I personally would like to meet the people I converse with and answer questions. It has been years since stations really knew their audiences by face and name. I will also post this to the TriadHDTV email list so it gets the most play.

Anyone interested and if so, when and where?

I'd be interested in this type of meeting. Would it be possible to get a tour of the HD equipment at Fox 8?

Originally posted by sbarrier
I'd be interested in this type of meeting. Would it be possible to get a tour of the HD equipment at Fox 8?

It will take about 5 seconds to look at of the HD equipment! I am not trying to be flippant, but everything we have fits in not quite one equipment rack! It would be easier to take the two pictures and post them here! As a matter of fact, if you go to http://www.fox8wghp.com/dtv2 you can see it everything except the FOX splicer and that is a one rack unit high box. It isn't as impressive as you might think!

If we can get a group together, I will see if I can get permission to give a tour. Prior to 9/11 a tour was no problem, now it has to go through channels so I will see what I can do after we get a group together since I will have to have names and such.

Reagrding TWC - had my HD setup for over a year. Past couple of weeks, I'm starting to get a lot of what I think is combing on the non-HD digital cameras. For example, on Speed channel last night they were doing close ups of drivers talking, and all their white teeth had noticeable horizontal lines that alternately ended in different locations. Saw the same thing on other digital channels, primarily in white or other bright areas. Diagonal lines often looked stair stepish as well, similar to what you used to see in graphics on old PC 8088 machines (just not as coarse).

HD channels look fine.

Is anyone else seeing this with TWC? Has this happened with your setup before? Any thoughts?

Originally posted by foxeng
We tried this sometime ago with not so great results but we have more people with digital sets now than then.

Does everyone/anyone want to get together to talk about H/DTV face to face? Just meet the others in the area who have digital TV? Other reasons?

I personally would like to meet the people I converse with and answer questions. It has been years since stations really knew their audiences by face and name. I will also post this to the TriadHDTV email list so it gets the most play.

Anyone interested and if so, when and where?

Sounds like a great idea. I'm game. Any ideas as to where to meet? Restaurant or home?

Anyone else experience problems DVR'ing (8000HD)the Final Four Games on TWC channel 520? I tried to record UNC's game on Saturday as well as the championship last night. Although the recording light stayed lit throughout the games (suggesting that the 8000HD was recording both games in their enirety) I ended up with only partial recordings. I have plenty of space on the harddrive, so that was not the problem. Also, I recorded other content on other channels over the weekend and yesterday and they are fine.

Don't know on the DVR, haven't got that advanced yet. I am thinking about getting an antenna this summer to pick up ABC for college and MNF football in the fall since TWC doesn't carry it.

Sounds like TWC won't be carrying their signal anytime soon. My question is what kind of antenna will I need to pick up one station.

I am 24 miles from WXLV's signal. (I live on Forsyth-Davidson county line close to US 52). Is there anyway to get an indoor antenna (i.e. Silver Sensor) to pick up the one station?

I hate to buy a rooftop antenna for just one station. Thanks for any help!

Dave- I believe you're near the Forsyth/Davidson line? I live around the corner from Grace Baptist on 150, and I'm using a Zenith Silver Sensor (http://www.dealtime.com/xPC-Zenith_Silver_Sensor_Digital_HDTV_UHF_Indoor) unamplified in my attic and I get WXLV-DT at 100% on my Hughes E86. They're cheap, super sensitive, and if you only want one channel, their narrow view are perfect.

BTW, I can get UPN HD out of Charlotte and once WTWB gets its power up, I assume I'll get their DT signal well, as I get a great picture on their analog channel.

roland- I'm really close to you- I'm right off 150 off of central road. Did you have to put antenna in attic to get reception? my HDTV is down to about ground level, I have a split foyer style house so its kinda like a basement, you think I would get reception of ABC down there?

If not, are there any wireless devices on the market today to send a TV signal like that to my TV?


Wish TW would get their act together and carry ABC HD

Originally posted by steve57765
roland- I'm really close to you- I'm right off 150 off of central road. Did you have to put antenna in attic to get reception? my HDTV is down to about ground level, I have a split foyer style house so its kinda like a basement, you think I would get reception of ABC down there?

If not, are there any wireless devices on the market today to send a TV signal like that to my TV?


Wish TW would get their act together and carry ABC HD

Rule of thumb for antenna placement. The higher the better and outdoors if possible!

AFAIK there are no devices capable of sending a HD signal wireless.

As far as waiting on TWC and Sinclair to work things out over ABC45 HD, your effort will be better placed on getting your locals OTA. Once you go OTA you'll never look back.

I think that foxeng posted somewhere earlier that he felt that it would be sometime before TWC and ABC45 got their issues worked out.

I've heard the same thing, don't hold your breath for Sinclair and TWC to work it out. I'll be in the same boat come football season.

I live in Summerfield, right at Lake Brandt. Does anyone out this way think I can get ABC45 with a silver sensor in the attic? I just need that one channel.

Originally posted by jacksonian
I've heard the same thing, don't hold your breath for Sinclair and TWC to work it out. I'll be in the same boat come football season.

I live in Summerfield, right at Lake Brandt. Does anyone out this way think I can get ABC45 with a silver sensor in the attic? I just need that one channel.

My best guess would be yes! You might need a preamp like the CM7775 or7777 though. A buddy of mine could pick up ABC45 with a Silver Sensor on top of his TV. He lives about 1/4 mile from Colonial Mall in Burlington.

I am new here so be kind. I have recently moved my antenna out of the attic(sort of come out as you might say). I had reception from Charlotte on its fox affiliate but not local because of a firewall that prevented me from receiving eastward signals and western signals. When I moved it outside I picked up local fox. The problem is that the one from Charlotte was not that great but the local one seems to loose sound sync constantly. I can switch to another channel and then switch back its OK. Also the sound breaks up a lot. Very annoying. I'm thinking I going to have to raise it higher to get Charlotte again. Any suggestions about the breaking up sound or how to cure it. All other channels seem to be acceptable at least watchable. I know we are on the cutting here but its just not worth watching.

rickyble - Welcome to the forum.

Threads merged.

Originally posted by rickyble
The problem is that the one from Charlotte was not that great but the local one seems to loose sound sync constantly. I can switch to another channel and then switch back its OK. Also the sound breaks up a lot. Very annoying. I'm thinking I going to have to raise it higher to get Charlotte again. Any suggestions about the breaking up sound or how to cure it. All other channels seem to be acceptable at least watchable.

Sounds like you need a little more signal. You didn't say where in Winston-Salem you are, nor were you using a pre-amp. I live on the north side of Greensboro by the Guilford Battlefield and receive FOX8 solid with just a Channel Master 4228 and a Radio Shack pre-amp on top of my roof.

We will be increasing power later this year so a weak signal shouldn't be a problem then, but you might try raising and lowering the antenna a little to see if you get a slightly stronger signal. Also you might try aiming the antenna in different directions. I know in my own case, I have to aim it 165 degrees to get a solid signal, even though the transmitter is due south of me. It just has to do with the way the TV signals bounce off of buildings and signs and such.

Welcome to the thread!

I have a 4228 and a radio shack preamp also. im on the southside off ebert street next to Heather Hills golf course. I have tried moving the direction to get the strongest signal and then set my roto to that position for each channel I am able to get . I actually was getting almost all of the channels out of Charlotte reasonable well. I was not sure if there was something else going on last night with fox. Also I have notice that it seems like each week the race is not that good. The programs on before and after were clear from the Charlotte station but as soon as the race broadcast came on it went into pixelation and sync problems. Last weekend I moved it out to the roof and got worse reception for the race than before.

Btw this is a great forum. Up until now i have been doing all the searching and researching for info all over the web. Solidsignal.com believe it or not was a good help. Thanks for all the info too

A slightly off topic question, but here goes. Does anyone know of any digital theaters in NC? I'd like to check out the upcoming SW movie in an all digital theater.

I can finally join the Greensboro topic, after fine tuning my Rat shack VU-190XR I can now get WFMY-DT, WUPN-DT, and WXLV-DT. All are around 60%, with WXLV being closer to 70%. I'm thinking I'll need a pre-amp for WGHP-DT and WTWB-DT. But what I get is pretty good considering I'm between 85 and 95 miles from the transmitters.

Originally posted by jmccurrytech
I can finally join the Greensboro topic, after fine tuning my Rat shack VU-190XR I can now get WFMY-DT, WUPN-DT, and WXLV-DT. All are around 60%, with WXLV being closer to 70%. I'm thinking I'll need a pre-amp for WGHP-DT and WTWB-DT. But what I get is pretty good considering I'm between 85 and 95 miles from the transmitters.

I seriously doubt you will pick up WGHP-DT until later this year when we increase power and go on our new omni-directional antenna (we are directional and low power over High Point, Greensboro and Winston-Salem) and WTWB-DT is having transmitter problems and is running very low on power. I can't even pick them up 20 miles a way.

Originally posted by jacksonian
I've heard the same thing, don't hold your breath for Sinclair and TWC to work it out. I'll be in the same boat come football season.

I live in Summerfield, right at Lake Brandt. Does anyone out this way think I can get ABC45 with a silver sensor in the attic? I just need that one channel.


Should be able to...I am in Stokesdale and am using one for that very reason! Works like a charm right out of the box. Once you get it in place..dont touch it!:)

I checked antennaweb.org and noticed WXII was 30 degrees different from WFMY and WXLV, so I moved my antenna and Im getting WXII-DT at 50% :) Im so glad I got an outdoor antenna, any of you who are on the fence about it, go outdoor, the only way to go!

I have heard that Sinclair has reached an agreement with Directv (DTV is paying) for carriage of the HD signal in the Greensboro market when DTV starts offering local HD.
This should help propel the TWC/Sinclair talks, as the competition for viewers will increase.

I doubt it seriously. I don't think TWC will budge on that. And frankly, D* is a fool for paying.

Originally posted by jacksonian
I doubt it seriously. I don't think TWC will budge on that. And frankly, D* is a fool for paying.

D* pays all the locals. Nothing new there.

I want NBC Universal HD on TWC.

I've never heard of NBC Universal HD. Do you have any info?

It used to be Bravo HD. It basically shows Law & Order 10 times a day.

It's more that Law and Order 10 times a day. While Law and Order: SVU is shown, They've played The District, Monk, Battlestar Galactica, 1st two rounds of the Masters and some movies. It's better than when it was Bravo HD.

Here's the home page.

http://www.universalhd.com/

Today's Schedule (http://www.universalhd.com/Schedule/daily.bravo?start_date=2005-04-22&end_date=2005-04-22)

How about 4 hours straight? I watch the channel some, I'm just not a big Law & Order fan and since they do show it as much as anything else, it is somewhat of a turnoff for me.

However, it is HD, and the more HD the better!

I'd like to see TWC get NBC Universal HD, ABC-HD and UPN-HD

Is anyone using TWC's new SA8300 DVR box? I still have the SA8000. Did they activate a DVI or HDMI port yet?

I watched Casino on UHD Saturday night, uncensored. They are starting to loosen up on some of the movies. Saw a Sci Fi movie from the 60's I hadn't seen in years. I forget the name, but it was about finding an identical Earth exactly 180 degrees in the same orbital plane but everything is backward. I also so saw Clockwork Orange on it several months ago.

Originally posted by foxeng
I watched Casino on UHD Saturday night, uncensored. They are starting to loosen up on some of the movies. Saw a Sci Fi movie from the 60's I hadn't seen in years. I forget the name, but it was about finding an identical Earth exactly 180 degrees in the same orbital plane but everything is backward. I also so saw Clockwork Orange on it several months ago. "Journey to the Far Side of the Sun" is the movie. Stars Roy Thinnes from TV's "The Invaders"

Originally posted by vstone
"Journey to the Far Side of the Sun" is the movie. Stars Roy Thinnes from "TV's The Invaders"

Yeah, that's it!

Originally posted by jacksonian
Is anyone using TWC's new SA8300 DVR box? I still have the SA8000. Did they activate a DVI or HDMI port yet?

I got the 8300 yesterday after my year-old 8000 bought the farm. The DVI on my 8000 was activated by one of the latest software updates that TWC did. My 8300 does not have a DVI port, but does have an HDMI port. I don't have the necesary cable to check to see if it is active, however.

My 2nd 8000HD with latest firmware is working great. 1st one had a power supply problem. I only have component video inputs so DVI/HDMI is useless to me.

The HD channels look the same on the 8300 vs. the 8000. However, the SD and analog channels look much better on the 8300 on my set-up (Sony RP LCD).

We had a failure today in the DTV transmitter. We had to have a part shipped in overnight so hopefully we should be back on tomorrow. If you are on TWC, you should still have it since in Greensboro/High Point they are taking the fiber feed. I do know that they were taking the off air signal in Winston and are in the process of getting someone out to the headend to get it changed over to the fiber line so it should be back shortly there too.

If you are on LexCom Cable, they take our digital signal off air so you will have to wait for us to come back up.

Originally posted by fairtomiddlin
The HD channels look the same on the 8300 vs. the 8000. However, the SD and analog channels look much better on the 8300 on my set-up (Sony RP LCD).

Thanks, I think I'll switch it out. If you get a chance, email TWC and bug them about getting the Passport software instead of the SARA. I've seen the Passport and it's light years better, it's almost as good as the TiVo interface. MUCH better.

Originally posted by jacksonian
Thanks, I think I'll switch it out.

For what it's worth, TWC will insist on coming to your home to replace the box. I knew my 8000 was pretty much dead, yet they would not let me bring it in to them to replace.

WGHP-DT came back on the air at 11:30 this morning.

I don't think it's an easy thing to switch from SARA to PASSPORT software for TWC. Probably won't happen. I just wish I had ABC-HD

I agree that it's doubtful it will happen. But if you've ever seen PASSPORT, you'd be dying for it compared to the clunky SARA.

How does the HD picture quality compare on the 8300 versus the Pace 550? I have not gotten the DVR because of PQ concerns.

I can tell you tomorrow. I'm getting an 8300. As a coincidence to my post the other day, I went upstairs to look at something on the 8000 and it said, "DISK TROUBLE - UNRECOVERABLE WRITE ERROR"

So it looks like the hard drive died. I have had a Pace 550 in the other room for the past year. I can't tell any difference in pq between them.

I'll keep saying this so you guys can make some noise too: Tell TWC you want PASSPORT. It's SO much better than the SARA crap we have. The SARA is so bad that I rarely even record anything on the HD DVR because it's just so painful to navigate compared to my TiVos. I'd sell all 3 of my TiVos if they could get the PASSPORT software or something equivalent. You truly don't know what you're missing if all you've seen is the SARA.