anyone know where to get a list of which games will be on which WRAL channels? mainly, i want to know which games will be in HD, and secondly i would just like to know which channels to tivo.

answer to my own question ... WRAL posted thursday's schedule this afternoon. friday's schedule will be posted tomorrow. not enough posts yet to post a linkable URL but here is the address :

www{dot}wral{dot}com/sports/4282979/detail.html

For inquiring minds:

http://broadcastengineering.com/news/broadcasting_new_allhd_truck/

http://www.nmtv.com/facilities/fac_trucks.asp

Ok, the ESPN-HD logo on top of the backboard during the Raycom/JP broadcast made it seem like they were mocking us.

It seems to me like it's time for a petition to the ACC and/or Raycom/JP. As mentioned before, the ACC would probably be the best route, but maybe we could hit both of them up.

Anyone have the contact info and/or the time to start this up?

Originally posted by drill
answer to my own question ... WRAL posted thursday's schedule this afternoon. friday's schedule will be posted tomorrow. not enough posts yet to post a linkable URL but here is the address :

www{dot}wral{dot}com/sports/4282979/detail.html [/B]

Confirm for me what I'm reading? None of the OTA WRAL-DT channels will carry a game in HD?

Originally posted by BlueCamel
Confirm for me what I'm reading? None of the OTA WRAL-DT channels will carry a game in HD?

That appears to be true. In order to carry mutiple games, WRAL has to split up its OTA bandwidth to multicast. So the only HD games are the WRAL ones on TWC, as they can provide "full" HD bandwidth. I assume the HD games tell us something about where CBS has HD trucks and where they don't.

I'm wondering if WRAL will show the HD games OTA at least in widescreen even if they have to drop to 720 or 480. That would be a little better than just showing the standard def 4:3 game.

Anyone have problems with sound during "24" tonight on WRAZ? Video is fine, but no sound.

No problem on WRAZ during 24 for me. OTA.

Can't wait for the madness to start - even picked up a second QAM-capable box today so I can watch both HD streams at once. :-D

pkscout - i'm thinking since 720p actually requires more bandwidth than 1080i (being progressive scan), they won't be dropping down to that, not to mention the fact that they're setup for 1080i broadcasting, as is all their equipment and the incoming signal. And that 1080i will also be used for their TWC broadcast. I guess 480p 16:9 would be possible, but I'm thinking that all the transcoding needed while they're already doing so much extra work for the tourney in general, it just won't happen. That'd be 3 different versios of the broadcast for them. The OTA DTV market can't be that big in comparison to the HD cable market.

Originally posted by mikea28
pkscout - i'm thinking since 720p actually requires more bandwidth than 1080i (being progressive scan), they won't be dropping down to that, not to mention the fact that they're setup for 1080i broadcasting, as is all their equipment and the incoming signal. And that 1080i will also be used for their TWC broadcast. I guess 480p 16:9 would be possible, but I'm thinking that all the transcoding needed while they're already doing so much extra work for the tourney in general, it just won't happen. That'd be 3 different versios of the broadcast for them. The OTA DTV market can't be that big in comparison to the HD cable market.

Probably true, but a guy's gotta have a dream. :D Especially since I have satellite and OTA HD. No cable here.

Originally posted by pkscout
That appears to be true. In order to carry mutiple games, WRAL has to split up its OTA bandwidth to multicast. So the only HD games are the WRAL ones on TWC, as they can provide "full" HD bandwidth. I assume the HD games tell us something about where CBS has HD trucks and where they don't.

I'm wondering if WRAL will show the HD games OTA at least in widescreen even if they have to drop to 720 or 480. That would be a little better than just showing the standard def 4:3 game.

The games that are not HD will be provided to us 4x3, so broadcasting them 16x9 would onluy make the players shorter ( and Fatter). But thanks for asking

BTW, the other day i said the 2nd HD would be 260, we have changed that to 254. It should show up later today or tomorrow, we got all of the pieces put together last night.

any word on whether the 2 HD channels will be tunable by a QAM tuner, or will a digital set top box be required?

yes, the second HD will be 79-2

is there a listing somewhere of which games will actually be broadcast in HD? like where CBS will have the HD trucks?

TitanTV

Originally posted by phishbfm
is there a listing somewhere of which games will actually be broadcast in HD? like where CBS will have the HD trucks?

Try this ...

http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?postid=5323943#post5323943

thanks

Originally posted by psockett
BTW, the other day i said the 2nd HD would be 260, we have changed that to 254. It should show up later today or tomorrow, we got all of the pieces put together last night. Yep, TWC now has 254 on with the Color Bars test pattern going. Calibrate them HD tv's while you can. ;) :D

im sorry but mulitcasting sucks bawls if i cant watch the main channel in hd ota...

Originally posted by ncsu4life
im sorry but mulitcasting sucks bawls if i cant watch the main channel in hd ota...

i have to agree with you there. multicasting is cool until it degrades the main channel in a perceivable way. (in this case degrading it all the way down to SD). imho, i would rather have 1 *REALLY* good high bandwidth HD channel than multiple lower bandwidth channels. most HD content (normal primetime stuff) doesn't suffer too badly when being multicast, but some content (the award shows that have live performances with strobe lighting is a great example) is basically unwatchable. if macro blocks are visible over the whole screen a few times a minute, it completely destroys the experience. i would rather watch a SD signal that doesn't macroblock every 20 seconds instead of an HD signal that does. the whole purpose of HD television is better quality. divying up the bandwidth for more quantity isn't what i would hope for. there are PLENTY of channels of crap to choose from. i don't want more channels. i want better picture quality channels.

Originally posted by Daryl L
NBC17ENG,

Lastnight on Las Vegas and Medium it sounded like the audio had reverted back to stereo on all channels like the last time you had to reboot it. :) Hi NBC17ENG,

Unfortunately I've been hearing the same problem on the 5.1 feed Sunday and Monday night. ;)

Originally posted by Daryl L
Yep, TWC now has 254 on with the Color Bars test pattern going. Calibrate them HD tv's while you can. ;) :D

I'm not getting anything on 79-2 via QAM. Can anyone else confirm the new channel?

Sorry, had to move it to 111-8

Originally posted by Daryl L
Hi NBC17ENG,

Unfortunately I've been hearing the same problem on the 5.1 feed Sunday and Monday night. ;)

Sure enough! The receiver reverted back to the same PID on all channels for no reason, again. We just reset it. Thanks

Originally posted by psockett
Sorry, had to move it to 111-8

Ok - thanks! I found it - but at 111-1

NCAA schedules along w/ channel assignments for multi-cast and HD games can be found here:
http://www.timewarnercable.com/nc/programming/ncaamulticast.html

Click on the schedule.

Originally posted by edvedd
NCAA schedules along w/ channel assignments for multi-cast and HD games can be found here:
http://www.timewarnercable.com/nc/programming/ncaamulticast.html

Click on the schedule.


Here's another source for the schedule - includes the OTA schedule and might be less confusing ...

http://www.wral.com/sports/4282979/detail.html

Originally posted by NBC17ENG
Sure enough! The receiver reverted back to the same PID on all channels for no reason, again. We just reset it. Thanks Much appreciated NBC17ENG. :D

WRAL has downgraded 5.1 to an SD broadcast and brought 5.3 and 5.4 online for NCAA March Madness. Time to shoot some hoops!

Originally posted by easternncnewswat
WRAL has downgraded 5.1 to an SD broadcast and brought 5.3 and 5.4 online for NCAA March Madness. Time to shoot some hoops!

Hooray for WRAL!

I'm using an additional OTA reciever to accomodate PIP (which on my older HD set means composite or s-video anyway, so not having 1080i doesn't matter so much).

BTW my D* box (Samsung 360) is giving incorrect program guide info on 5-3 (text same as 5-1) & no info at all on 5-4 (SIGN OFF/No Info Available). 5-1 and 5-2 info is A-OK, and (thank goodness) all the games are where they are supposed to be.

[Note: info fixed as of Friday's games. Thanks WRAL!]

Hooray for WFMY- they are passing the Wake game in HD OTA. Looks good. I hope they keep showing us HD games.

Werent all the games in Dolby 5.1 yesterday? The State game was only in 2.0 today. Still sounded great, but I hope we can get 5.1 when the Pack enacts its revenge on the Huskies Sunday ;).

Only TWC 255 will be in 5.1 audio.

Yeah, I should have clarified, I was watching on TWC 255 in HD...but only 2.0 audio.

I have really enjoyed being able to see all games the past two days, and understand why only SD programming can be offered with OTA broadcasts with 4 channels.

BUT - on WRAL's website, they still mention "High-definition games are available only on Time Warner digital cable." Including games Sat and Sun, where only two channels are now required at any given time. Why is WRAL not giving us HD? Are other CBS affiliates broadcasting their coverage in HD?

Thanks - Chuck

It comes down to - do you want 1 game in HD, or all the games ?

Originally posted by Scooper
It comes down to - do you want 1 game in HD, or all the games ?

Honestly, since I can only watch one game, and the one I want to watch is on the "main" channel, I would rather have one in HD. Actually, I would prefer they downres the HD game to 480p and leave it 16:9 so that at least it fills my display *and* show all the games. I think that would be the best compromise.

Given this past weekend -- I understand WRAL opted to deliver all NCAA games in parallel at SD rather than one at HD. After thinking it over, that's pretty cool -- we get to save the bucks required to buy the games from DirecTV and I like the switching.

Anyway, for the Sweet Sixteen and beyond, any word whether WRAL will broadcast all the remaining games in HD?

Wondered if there is any wisdom to get waivers for the Raleigh-Durham networks so we can get the HD network feeds from DirecTV? I'm about 35 miles out, and video is hit-and-miss. Just enough to tease me, the pic is great for 2 seconds, out for 10-15, in for 2 seconds, etc. I've got the HD-TiVo so I'm hating it. Can't record HD channels and watch it.

So... I'm technically inside the radius (aren't I?) so I'm not sure what people are doing to solve similar problems. Any help much appreciated!

Get a better antenna setup - 35 miles should be easy to get the Big 4 + PBS. This also means you should put your antenna outside (not in an attic). Getting WB-DT and UPN-DT may be a problem, considering their squirrel powered transmitters...

Thanks Scooper for the advice. I'll give it a try -- hoping I find some appropriate help for installation. Any tips there? Seems "Old School" to be installing an antenna in 2005! And tough to find it listed as a service in the Triangle.

Otherwise, I've got trees all around, if that matters. Maybe another ice storm could've helped thin them out, but there's still a tall forest of pines.

Thanks again -- I'll persist!

Originally posted by jmw86069
Thanks Scooper for the advice. I'll give it a try -- hoping I find some appropriate help for installation. Any tips there? Seems "Old School" to be installing an antenna in 2005! And tough to find it listed as a service in the Triangle.

There is at least one person here who runs an installation company. I'm sure he'll pipe in when he sees your query.


Otherwise, I've got trees all around, if that matters. Maybe another ice storm could've helped thin them out, but there's still a tall forest of pines.


The trees will affect OTA reception, but not as significantly as they do satellite signals.

BTW, you should be able to get the national ABC and NBC HD signals, as our NBC and ABC affiliates are owned and operated by the network. They should have been added to your account automatically, but they weren't for me. I had to call and remind DirecTV about those two stations.

Originally posted by jmw86069
Wondered if there is any wisdom to get waivers for the Raleigh-Durham networks so we can get the HD network feeds from DirecTV? I'm about 35 miles out, and video is hit-and-miss. Just enough to tease me, the pic is great for 2 seconds, out for 10-15, in for 2 seconds, etc. I've got the HD-TiVo so I'm hating it. Can't record HD channels and watch it.

So... I'm technically inside the radius (aren't I?) so I'm not sure what people are doing to solve similar problems. Any help much appreciated!

I'll gladly offer up my services. I've installed antennas for many avs members.

Send me a PM and we'll set everything up. :)

Trees.... yeah they do affect sattelite. My strategy (posting for comic effect) is to have mounted the dish within the trees on a 15 foot tall pole about 50 feet from the house, such that it peers through a carefully trimmed hole in the trees to the South-South-West. No lie -- every month or so I have to go out and trim the trees and vines to boost the signal. But otherwise the signal is maxed out at 98 to 100. All that to avoid cable and so I can keep my TiVo. :-)

I'll look into getting the antenna properly installed before I ramble on any more. But I appreciate the help and the rapid response times!

are all of the remaining games going to be in HD? Either on WRAL or WRAZ?

Originally posted by cbordman
are all of the remaining games going to be in HD? Either on WRAL or WRAZ?

Every game from here on out is available in HD.

WRAL has just posted the schedule on their website ...

http://www.wral.com/sports/4282979/detail.html


PS - a BIIIIGGGG "thank you" to WRAL and TWC for this past weekend's action. It was priceless to watch every game - and every HD game!

But...

This quote still exists on their page: "High-definition games are available only on Time Warner digital cable."

I really hope this isn't true for us OTA customers...

Originally posted by Chuck Bridgham
But...

This quote still exists on their page: "High-definition games are available only on Time Warner digital cable."

I really hope this isn't true for us OTA customers...

psockett - maybe you can chime in on this one.

My guess is that they just didn't update that section - as the exact wording was there for the first weekend.

Seeing as though WRAL is only lighting up 5.1 and 5.2 - and that the games under 5.1 do have the "*" to indicate HDTV, I think it's safe to assume that the games on 5.1 and 50.1 will be available in HD OTA.

Originally posted by deArgila
[B]Every game from here on out is available in HD.

WRAL has just posted the schedule on their website ...

http://www.wral.com/sports/4282979/detail.html


Actually on the link you posted they say that:
"High-definition games are available only on Time Warner digital cable.":mad:

Hopefully that's a misprint and they will be available to satelite HD.

Look at the schedule itself, it indicates the HD games will be on Digital 5.1 / TWC 255. Looks to me that HD games will be available over the air as well as cable, but you will need TWC in order to get the alternate games in HD.

The games involving all three local teams will be available in high-definition TV on digital cable and over the air.

Here's what I saw today when I went to WRAL's site.

http://www.wral.com/sports/4303750/detail.html

It looks like it's HiDef from here on out.

Hey guys, yes, HD from here on out ( if we get it it will be on air and TWC)

Originally posted by psockett
Hey guys, yes, HD from here on out ( if we get it it will be on air and TWC)

psockett, I'd like to thank you and all the folks at WRAL for taking the time to get permission from CBS Sports to be able to show both the Duke and NC State games. I'm a Duke alum and my wife is a State alum, so you kept there from being too much family strife on Friday. Now all we have to do is figure out which game to watch live and which one to TiVo.

Actually, I just noticed the FOX50 schedule hasn't been updated to show the Duke game, so that might make the decision, as it's a lot easier to TiVo stuff that has good guide data.

Go Duke! Go Pack! Go to he...... :D

Originally posted by pkscout
Go Duke! Go Pack! Go to he...... :D

Watch it dude, watch it! ...and watch your language.

Oh, Dukies are goin down :)

Originally posted by pkscout
psockett, I'd like to thank you and all the folks at WRAL for taking the time to get permission from CBS Sports to be able to show both the Duke and NC State games. I'm a Duke alum and my wife is a State alum, so you kept there from being too much family strife on Friday. Now all we have to do is figure out which game to watch live and which one to TiVo.

Actually, I just noticed the FOX50 schedule hasn't been updated to show the Duke game, so that might make the decision, as it's a lot easier to TiVo stuff that has good guide data.

Go Duke! Go Pack! Go to he...... :D

Sounds dangerous. What are the chances you don't find out who wins while watching the first game?

Better take this opportunity to set up a second HDTV. I'll be glad to help you with that. ;) That's what I'll be doing.

Did anyone else have problems watching American Dreams last night on NBC? I recorded it on my Time-Warner DVR (8300HD) and it was nearly unwatchable. The picture kept freezing and the audio breaking up. Alias was fine, as was WRAL's 11pm news, so it wasn't a cable issue.

NBC 17, ota, was a mess last night! I tried watching the West Wing and finally turned the channel. Awful to say the least. I think it's time to drop 17.2...

I also had problems with West Wing last night. I was trying to show off the high def digital cable to a friend by watching West Wing. Needless to say, he wasn't too impressed with the freezes, pixilation and stutters. We finally switched over to the standard def channel. At least I got to show off the BBC on Demand channel. Cool, but alas, not high def.

Hi all,
thanks for all of the great information.

I had a question about the relative signal strength of NBC17 versus ABC and CBS, all of which are located on the same tower (I believe).

I'm running an HTPC setup using the MyHD card to pull down the ATSC stream. I've got a CM4228 with a CM7777 preamp mounted in the attic (yes, I know, I know, outside is much better, but it was a lot easier to put in the attic).

So I routinely get 95-100% signal strength on both CBS5/ABC11, but I'm typically at 50% strength with NBC17. I guess I'm just a little suprised since they're all mounted on the same tower and thus orientation is not an issue. Even Fox50 and WB22 come in 70-80% (I had difficulty with these stations before using the CM4228).

Is NBC relatively underpowered compared to ABC/CBS? I know NBC is _slightly_ higher in the UHF (channel 55 versus 52/53)--does that account for the difference?

Not that big a deal, since NBC is pretty stable even with 50% strength. I'd be curious to hear any explanations--seems like there's a pretty strong NBC engineering presence here.

cheers,
dave

Actually - ABC and NBC are each on their own tower - it's just that they are within .5 mile of the WRAL tower that has all the other ATSC antennas (some exceptions - WUNC is their own, as are the PAX and Univision stations)

Is anyone getting TNT HD over unencrypted QAM from Time Warner, and if so, what's the channel mapping? I just recently got a QAM tuner, and while I get all the local stations and Discovery HD, I can't seem to find TNT HD.

Thanks,

Oh, thanks scooper. I hadn't realized that the big three actually were on separate towers, though of course that's logical. Is the NBC tower not as high/lower power transmitter or something? Anyway else find that their NBC signal strength is about half of ABC/CBS? I'm in southern Durham, close to Southpoint mall.

cheers,
dave

Glad to know that I wasn't the only one having trouble with NBC HD on Wednesday night. It was absolutely unwatchable!! What is the deal with them? I hardly ever have problems with the ABC and CBS digital channels, but NBC (both 217 and 218) rarely comes in clear. I almost always seem lots of artifacts and the picture regularly drops out. Do you guys experience this as well? Has anyone come up with a resolution?

Doug

Originally posted by Kevad
Is anyone getting TNT HD over unencrypted QAM from Time Warner, and if so, what's the channel mapping? I just recently got a QAM tuner, and while I get all the local stations and Discovery HD, I can't seem to find TNT HD.


TNT-HD is 84-1 while Discovery HD is 84-2.

Which reminds me of another question I asked awhile back that went unanswered :). Is anyone able to record ESPNHD or any of the HD tier channels via Firewire to PC? Or am I only able to do this if I have a D-VHS recorder?

ENDContra-

MythTV currently (v. 0.17) supports scheduled recording and channel-changing over firewire. Not sure which cable boxes are supported at this time--I'm not currently doing this, but many are.

You might check over at mythtv.org (http://www.mythtv.org)

cheers,
dave

Originally posted by Kevad
Is anyone getting TNT HD over unencrypted QAM from Time Warner, and if so, what's the channel mapping? I just recently got a QAM tuner, and while I get all the local stations and Discovery HD, I can't seem to find TNT HD.

Thanks,

here are my results from a few months ago:

http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?s=&postid=4956508&highlight=TNTHD#post4956508

Thanks, but I just wanted to know if these channels were accesible via Firewire in regards to copy protection flags. The only way Ive been able to record ESPNHD so far is using the PaceHD box to downcovert to SD and output via S-video, which gives me a pretty good picture for what it is, but definitely not HD.

Does anybody have suggestions on who pressure to get the WB in HD on Time Warner Cable?

Originally posted by foundation
Does anybody have suggestions on who pressure to get the WB in HD on Time Warner Cable?

If I remember correctly, our local WB affiliate isn't broadcasting in HD. They are doing digital, but not HD. So nobody at Time Warner can help you. You'll need to get the folks at WB22 to broadcast in HD before TWC can pass it in HD.

Now, if I've remembered incorrectly about WB22, then this post was a tiny waste of bits. :D

Originally posted by pkscout
If I remember correctly, our local WB affiliate isn't broadcasting in HD. They are doing digital, but not HD. So nobody at Time Warner can help you. You'll need to get the folks at WB22 to broadcast in HD before TWC can pass it in HD.

Now, if I've remembered incorrectly about WB22, then this post was a tiny waste of bits. :D

Yes. WB22 is indeed broadcasting in HD OTA. I catch "Smallville" every weds.

I'm just moving into the area (Southern Pines), and close to ordering a setup from TWC to include an HD DVR. I really want only the 8300, not an 8000, and I'm curious what experience others may have had very recently getting 8300's on initial installations, or getting swapouts of 8000's.

I'll be using component outputs, so the HDMI issues won't help me if they need convincing that I really need the 8300.

I even pick up WB 22 from Mebane as long as the weather isn't bad. I have Smallville setup in my HD Tivo to record every Wednesday. It's in high def, but they are doing some funky things with the 5.1 track. Some weeks the voices come from the rear channels.

Originally posted by vicw
I'm just moving into the area (Southern Pines), and close to ordering a setuo from TWC to include an HD DVR. I really want only the 8300, not an 8000, and I'm curious what experience others may have had very recently getting 8300's on initial installations, or gettig swapouts of 8000's.

I'll be using component outputs, so the HDMI issues won't help me if they need convincing that I really need the 8300.

Get the 8300. Better SD picture, faster channel change, slightly smaller in width. Put your foot down, especially if you're a new(er) customer.

Just another note to the good folks at WRAL -- the HD NCAA signal was superb this past weekend. Have they boosted the signal strength? I have over-the-air HDTV through HD TiVo, but channels 11 and 50 are sometimes flaky depending upon wind, weather, humidity, mood, etc. But all the NCAA games went without a hitch the whole weekend.

Nicely done. Very cool to watch the games in high def!

Sorry I haven't logged in during the past week, but today is the first I've heard of issues last Wednesday night during West Wing. I do know that it was stormy, and we had rain, which is bad for KU satellite delivery. I spoke to TWC, and they did not get any calls or e-mails either, so it is un-clear exactly what happened, but it looks like a weather issue.

As for DTV antenna placement, we are at full power as assigned by the FCC located just a few feet from WRAL, WRAZ, WLFL and WRDC on the same tower. Only WTVD is located a few hundred yards away, WRPX is near Louisburg, and UNC is near Chapel Hill.

Was the Players Championship (golf) in HD this past weekend? How was the PQ? Did they have many HD cameras on the course or mostly SD?

Just curious, I was out of town and missed it.

Thanks,

Sooke

Any other DirecTV customers lose signal from Sat C today?

I have had this happen before, usually during the day. All my hardware connections have been checked out recently and are OK. Every time this happens (not very frequently) I wonder if my Sat C Kit is going bad, but then the signal comes back and is fine for months.

Every so often - the sun gets behind the apparent locations of the satellites in orbit and temporarily blacks out the satellites output.

This is also a good time to see if there is any blockage from trees etc. If there's a shadow on your dish - you aren't going to be getting it at that location.

Originally posted by Scooper
If there's a shadow on your dish - you aren't going to be getting it at that location. Thanks, Scooper. I don't understand what you're saying about a shadow on the dish?

BTW, Signal came back about 5 P.M. and is still fine.

TWC's cinemax on-demand has sure taken a nose dive.....

According to a source at TWC, the problem with NBC's digital channels has been ongoing. TWC claims that NBC has problems with their broadcast equipment and hasn't taken steps to resolve the problem. I'm glad to know that someone from NBC is on the forum here, maybe some action can be taken. Of all the local digital channels I receive through TWC, NBC is consistently the worse. I am constantly getting artifacts and the picture drops out regularly. TWC says there is nothing they can do about it, if the other channels are fine then it's a problem with NBC. So where is the problem really??

Not sure if I missed it...

Has anyone with the 8300 determined which outputs are active?

Thanks - John

Hey guys, I live in Pensacola, Fl and may be moving to Raleigh (oh please let it be). Anyway, the HD offerings here are slim. None of the networks are broadcasting HD at full strength, so unless you can see the tower from your back door, you're not getting the networks OTA. And the cable company isn't much better. Their HD package includes ESPNHD (superb pq), DiscoveryHD, InHd1, InHd2, UniversalHD, and a watered down NBC HD (higly pixellated during action).

My question is, how is the PQ through TWC? Would it make more sense to go with D* and use an antennae to receive the locals OTA or to just use TWC for the whole package?

Originally posted by jello212
...My question is, how is the PQ through TWC? Would it make more sense to go with D* and use an antennae to receive the locals OTA or to just use TWC for the whole package?

I can only speak for TWC, but I'm very pleased with the service and PQ, line strength, etc. (No, I don't work for them). I have the TWC HD package and the delivery is good, but I wish ESPN had ALL HD content. Majors are excellent for their HD content, too. If you like Hoops, CBS did a great job with its HD and so did TWC by delivering EVERY game, including those in HD as HD.

I am a Carolina grad so, yes, I love hoops. The basketball viewing options here are as slim as the HD selections. I seriously hope the fiance gives the approval to move back to Raleigh.

Ugh, played around for 2 hours pre UNC game to get nothing but digital artifacts, how frustrating (esp when inviting neighbors over)..

Last weekend was really good reception, I hope it's wind related!!

(It's really a bummer we can't get network access over Directv like we can for the ABC network feed on channel 86)

Originally posted by aab
Ugh, played around for 2 hours pre UNC game to get nothing but digital artifacts, how frustrating (esp when inviting neighbors over)..

Last weekend was really good reception, I hope it's wind related!!

(It's really a bummer we can't get network access over Directv like we can for the ABC network feed on channel 86)

If you want help getting a reliable antenna set-up - send me a PM. :)

Why is it that the greatest advance in TV picture quality to date (HDTV) is also saddled to one of the oldest and flakiest technologies (antennas)?

So was it wind this weekend? I'm a Carolina grad, and built up this system arguably to watch moments just like this weekend's UNC Final Four game in HD. Oh but it was "windy"... Fantastic. Freaking cheesy technology.

Does anyone know what brand of tin foil picks up UHF signals best? Seriously, is there a thread about common problems and remedies for antennas? (I'm not finding AVS forum search that intuitive.)

deArgila, I'm at the end of my patience with my sad antenna set-up over here, but I can't help wondering what sort of success rate you have? Did your customers see UNC whip Michigan State in high def without pixellation? I kept switching from HD to SD on the HD-TiVo, trying to watch HD but it was dropping/stalling frames every few seconds and too annoying to watch. But it would've been a great picture!

Thanks for any help!

Originally posted by IamtheWolf
I can only speak for TWC, but I'm very pleased with the service and PQ, line strength, etc. (No, I don't work for them). I have the TWC HD package and the delivery is good, but I wish ESPN had ALL HD content. Majors are excellent for their HD content, too. If you like Hoops, CBS did a great job with its HD and so did TWC by delivering EVERY game, including those in HD as HD.

Yeah TWC is decent, especially as most of the HD content and equipment is rolled into the digital cable package at no extra charge. Haven't checked the cost lately but TWC is about $80 a month for digital cable.

More info here:
http://www.timewarnercable.com/nc/products/cable/hdtv.html

You might get a digital satellite service for a lot less but the HD stuff may be extra. I'm happy to pay more and avoid the hassle.

I won't spend too much time bashing TWC's service. On the DirecTV front, cost is definitely less than TWC (especially with more TVs, as despite all ads to the contrary TWC will charge more per digital TV receiver than DirecTV), and we get ABC and NBC HD over the satellite (those two stations are O&O by the networks). CBS and FOX do an excellent job of OTA HD broadcasts, and the DirecTV HD receivers will pull in an antenna signal. DirecTV has nice deals for getting the equipment and installation done for you, check their website.

Originally posted by jmw86069
deArgila, I'm at the end of my patience with my sad antenna set-up over here, but I can't help wondering what sort of success rate you have? Did your customers see UNC whip Michigan State in high def without pixellation? I kept switching from HD to SD on the HD-TiVo, trying to watch HD but it was dropping/stalling frames every few seconds and too annoying to watch. But it would've been a great picture!

Thanks for any help!

Well, I was able to watch the MSU game with zero dropouts, zero stalling/dropping frames, etc.

My success rate - 99%. But I have a 100% satisfaction guarantee.

Originally posted by gstelmack
I won't spend too much time bashing TWC's service. On the DirecTV front, cost is definitely less than TWC (especially with more TVs, as despite all ads to the contrary TWC will charge more per digital TV receiver than DirecTV), and we get ABC and NBC HD over the satellite (those two stations are O&O by the networks). CBS and FOX do an excellent job of OTA HD broadcasts, and the DirecTV HD receivers will pull in an antenna signal. DirecTV has nice deals for getting the equipment and installation done for you, check their website.


i can't afford $1000 for an HD DVR from directtv right now, so i will continue paying 5 bucks a month for it from twc.

Originally posted by phishbfm
i can't afford $1000 for an HD DVR from directtv right now, so i will continue paying 5 bucks a month for it from twc.

yeah, sure... but after twelve years or so , I think you'll finally come to realize that it would have been cheaper in the long run to purchase an HD-DVR for $1000... :)

(@ $6.95/mo)

-Brian

Let's see.

$1000 divided by $6.95/a month = 143.88 months

143.88 months divided by 12 months = 11.99 years

I'm pretty sure he would not keep that Directv HD DVR nowhere near 11.99 years. He would more than likely replace it long before then. So actually it wouldn't really be cheaper in the long run. :)

Just a little levity here. No offence intended. I'm in a good mood, UNC WON! :D

(I'm hoping others will realize that I was kidding also... go ACC!)

I'm moving to Cary, NC and was wondering what to expect HD-wise when I get to town. I have contacted TWC and it appears that all locals and the HD tier are a pretty good way to go. Any thoughts?

I have an HD-Tivo, and love it. But if TWC with an HD-DVR were out at the same time I bought my HD-Tivo I would have *definitely* gone with TWC. Can't beat the price per month, and the extra cash in your pocket to buy other wasteful things, like a bigger HDTV set.

Plus, HD-Tivo is switching to MPEG4 format, obsoleting their HD-Tivo. Yeah, I love that.

Plus, if you follow antenna threads, although you can pick up a strong signal with a well placed antenna, now you're adding even more cost to the whole operation. And God forbid it's windy. Yeah, in the wind or bad weather, you'll also lose local channels and perhaps sattelite as well. Wonderful. Just what I want to attach to the multi-thousand dollar investment, which itself is focused on watching poorly-conceived TV shows to begin with.

I love Tivo itself, nobody beats their interface, but I have to say I don't like to spotty local HD signals, and the questionable move to MPEG4 without a clear migration plan for current HD-Tivo owners. Rumors, yes, but no clear plan.

I'd go with TWC, they have a ton of HD channels, and it'll only cost you a few bucks a month to try it out and see if it suits your tastes. My wife would kill me for saying that, she loves Tivo.

Thanks. I have D* also, but it won't move until the middle of June. I figure I can have TWC until then. I mainly use D* for NFL-ST anyway. I am SOOOOOOOOO thankful to have local HD stations for all the major networks. That is such a change for me.

Thanks again.

Cary = "Containment Area for Relocated Yankees" :)

You'll find the people down here very friendly and helpful. It was like culture shock moving from DC to here in '94 .

Cary = "Containment Area for Relocated Yankees"LOL, thats good. Never heard that one. Brought back the memory of one we had when I was in the army.

U.S. Army = "Uncle Sam Ain't Released Me Yet". ;)

The settings for Aspect Ratio on the SA8000HD are not making sense.

When you choose to modify Apsect Ratio there are two sections.

TV Type: 4:3 Picture Settings: Letterbox (16:9) Squeeze (16:9) Zoom (16:9)

TV Type: 16:9 Picture Settings: Sidebar (4:3) Stretch (4:3) Zoom (4:3)



I have a 16:9 LCD but it seems like my picture looks best when I select TV TYPE 4:3 and Letterbox Picture Settings. AM I going crazy?

Windmiller,

What is your TV's aspect ratio set to? Maybe your TV is scaling the image too. On my Samsung DLP I have the aspect ratio set to something called "normal". Then the cable box's Aspect Ratio setting does what is expected.

Good luck,

Sooke

Good point!! Im not sure as I just got the TV less than a week ago, Ill check when I get home.

Ho hum.... Seems like a lull in the HD evolution of television this summer. No exciting new equipment, no new channels...

I emailed TWC asking about ESPN2 HD and Universal HD. About ESPN2 HD they said:

"None of the satellite providers is opting to carry it until there is sufficient HD programming to offer. We have not received an update from our Corporate office if/when this channel will be available."

Funny the first thing they point out is I can't get it from a satellite. I love competition. :) I remember well how unresponsive cable companies were before satellite providers. These days I think TWC does a very good job.

About Universal HD they said:

"We are currently awaiting word of negotiations with Sinclair Broadcasting to bring our customers Universal HD. We will announec any new developments as soon as they are known."

FWIW.

Sooke

P.S. TWC removed the $18.95 from my bill for swapping the SA8000HD for the SA8300HD after I pointed out I viewed it as a service call (given the SA8000HDs audio drop out flaws).

Is anyone picking up these Raleigh RTN digital channels?

and if so, how?

http://www.raleighnc.gov/portal/server.pt?space=CommunityPage&cached=true&parentname=CommunityPage&parentid=0&in_hi_userid=2&control=SetCommunity&PageID=0&CommunityID=202

Originally posted by sooke

P.S. TWC removed the $18.95 from my bill for swapping the SA8000HD for the SA8300HD after I pointed out I viewed it as a service call (given the SA8000HDs audio drop out flaws).

Same thing happened to me. They assured me when I made the appointment there would be no charge, but when I got my bill I was charged. Even worse, they updated my account as though I now had two DVR's instead of one, so I was being charged double. It took me 30 mins on the phone with billing to straighten it out (we'll see when the next bill comes if it's really straightened out). The way they show the charges on the bill makes it very difficult to determine what the problem is. Very frustrating.

Originally posted by gillcup
Even worse, they updated my account as though I now had two DVR's instead of one, so I was being charged double. It took me 30 mins on the phone with billing to straighten it out

I didn't get soaked with the the install charge, but the double DVR billing thing happened to me too...they also double charged me for the previous partial month during the month the swap occurred. Guy on the phone was pretty nice about it, but it took me 20 minutes as well.

Keep a close eye on your bill if you do a swap.

Originally posted by sooke
About Universal HD they said:

"We are currently awaiting word of negotiations with Sinclair Broadcasting to bring our customers Universal HD. We will announec any new developments as soon as they are known."


Maybe Im wrong, but what does Sinclair have to do with Universal HD? UHD is owned by NBC Universal...sounds like when they wrote that maybe they had WB22HD in their head.

Originally posted by ENDContra
Maybe Im wrong, but what does Sinclair have to do with Universal HD? UHD is owned by NBC Universal...sounds like when they wrote that maybe they had WB22HD in their head.

Exactly right. I received a follow-up email from them saying as much. But no real info on getting UHD.

Sooke

Hey guys,

Brand new to the club and in the RTP area. Just got my Grand Wega KDF-42WE655 LCD projection and it is capable of accepting a cablecard. Any experience with TWC Raleigh and a cablecard vs. set top box?

thanks,

Originally posted by daowens
Hey guys,

Brand new to the club and in the RTP area. Just got my Grand Wega KDF-42WE655 LCD projection and it is capable of accepting a cablecard. Any experience with TWC Raleigh and a cablecard vs. set top box?

thanks,

not sure if you know, but the current version of Cablecard is one way only, which means you cannot access interactive features such as the program guide and content on demand.

I've just recently moved from Chatham County where I had Dishnetwork to Morrisville. I had cancelled DN because I couldn't afford the 1K they wanted for the 921 - I wanted High Def, but not that much worth!
Anyway, I got the TWC HD-DVR and have had it for about 3 or 4 days. My experiences have been mixed. There's so little actual HD content (compared to the total amount of content available) that I'm disappointed. Plus, so much of what the locals broadcast isn't in HD. Very annoying. Now, when stuff IS broadcast in HD, boy, I sure think it looks great - I taped Alias, CSI, and then this weekend Satyricon (off of ShoHD) and then Jethro Tull and The Who at the Isle of Wight off of one or the other of the InHD channels. They all looked GREAT. Of course, during playback of the Jethro Tull show, the unit up and died. Eventually it told me there was a problem with the HD and I'd need to reboot. That didn't help. I unplugged it eventually and when I replugged back in and it booted up it finally worked again. That was a bit disconcerting, I have to say. I hear there is an 8300 box that doesn't have the same level of problems? I guess I would like to know how to get it (if I don't have it already, I'll check that tonight!) Anyway, just wanted to post here now that I've actually got HD channels (previously I just watched a lot of DVD's! :-)

Lyman Green

I do know that fact about guide and PPV and do not really care. From what I have read, the increased picture quality and ability to use a single remote, and get my PIP back is worth it. Besides Blockbuster is just down the road.

I want to set my dad up to receive OTA HDTV with a HDTV receiver and a antenna. I want to do it on the cheap. Any suggestions for a good indoor or outdoor anetenna for under $100.00. He lives in Chapel Hill and has a Samsung HDTV. I am new to OTA HDTV and have found lots of good info here but wanted to see what the regulars here recommend as far as antenna and a cheap receiver.

Much thanks!!!

Anyone having issues with PBS Digital? I am not talking about digital cable or OTA reception but rather QAM via cable.
I have been receiving it for the past couple years and now I have lost it in the last week or so.
I have re-scanned a number of times but no luck. It used to be on 90-2, 90-3, 90-4...etc.
I still get all the rest
ABC, CBS, NBC, FOX...etc, just not PBS via clear QAM.
I have a Samsung tuner, not a TW issued box.
FYI - The regular cable feed for PBS has been a bit off-and-on too so perhaps that is the issue.
Any feedback appreciated.
THANKS
Bill

You can get a Radio Shack VU-190XR for $99 which picks up the best of any antenna Ive used, but you have to include the cost of the mounting hardware, guy wire, and rotator. But IMO, an outdoor antenna is the only way to fly! For a cheap receiver check ebay, theres a sylvania which I purchased on ebay recently which goes for less than $100, maybe a little over 100 when u factor shipping in. I believe the model number is SRZ3000

Originally posted by lymang
Anyway, I got the TWC HD-DVR and have had it for about 3 or 4 days. My experiences have been mixed. There's so little actual HD content (compared to the total amount of content available) that I'm disappointed. ...
Of course, during playback of the Jethro Tull show, the unit up and died. Eventually it told me there was a problem with the HD and I'd need to reboot. That didn't help. I unplugged it eventually and when I replugged back in and it booted up it finally worked again. That was a bit disconcerting, I have to say. I hear there is an 8300 box that doesn't have the same level of problems? I guess I would like to know how to get it (if I don't have it already, I'll check that tonight!) Anyway, just wanted to post here now that I've actually got HD channels (previously I just watched a lot of DVD's! :-)

Lyman Green

Yes the 8300 unit is improved. I think you got my 8000 unit which also died 3-4 days in. :rolleyes: If you want the 8300 you'll have to be specific when you call and hope when the truck pulls up they have some onboard.

See the specific forum for the 8000/8300 for information. Here is a good place to start:

Passport HDDVR tips (http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?s=&postid=4547722&highlight=guide+tips#post4547722)

I know the feeling about programming, we'd all like more HD content but which ever service you pick the programming has it's ups an downs. Even Voom which has great content but it's own share of problems. On the plus side at least you don't have to buy the equipment first to find that out!

Originally posted by VisionOn
Even Voom which has great content but it's own share of problems. On the plus side at least you don't have to buy the equipment first to find that out!

Voom's biggest problem now is that they are shutting down operations as of April 30, 2005 (http://slashdot.org/articles/05/04/10/144212.shtml?tid=129). Other than that, I think Voom is a very interesting idea. ;-)

With the 8300 PVR, it seems there is always something to watch in HD.

CableCard Update:

Two guys from TWC came out and popped the card in and it would not receive channels. They went to the cable card menu and did a reset (I think) which the guy told me downloaded firmware into the card and the TV. The screen said that the process could take up to an hour ss they left and told me not to touch the TV until they came back. After about 10 minutes, the TV tuned itself to a channel and all appeared to be fine. Being a good citizen, I did not touch the TV until they returned. The scrambled channels were not coming in. So the guys called the TWC Raleigh offices and waded through about 5 or so people and over 45 minutes until they finally found someone who could bind the numbers from the card to that of the services at the head. Once this was done, everything was fine. Lesson learned is that there are not too many people from TWC Raleigh who understand CC and Sony Wega.

Bottom line is that the PQ is excellent on all channels, I have a single remote, and no more STB. I am quite happy. Word of caution, If calling TWC Raleigh for a CC, do not let them send Prince out, Insist in skilled HDTV/CC installers from TWC. My experience with these two guys was great.

Originally posted by VisionOn
Yes the 8300 unit is improved. I think you got my 8000 unit which also died 3-4 days in. :rolleyes: If you want the 8300 you'll have to be specific when you call and hope when the truck pulls up they have some onboard.

See the specific forum for the 8000/8300 for information. Here is a good place to start:

Passport HDDVR tips (http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?s=&postid=4547722&highlight=guide+tips#post4547722)

I know the feeling about programming, we'd all like more HD content but which ever service you pick the programming has it's ups an downs. Even Voom which has great content but it's own share of problems. On the plus side at least you don't have to buy the equipment first to find that out!

Yeah, am going to continue with the 8000 as long as it works. It has behaved well since the hard death requiring the reboot on Saturday. It seems to record everything (HD or SD) that I ask without any serious problems, and I'm happy enough with component output for the time being.

But the moment this thing goes south on me more than once I'm calling TWC. I have read the entire thread you reference there - it's a worthwhile effort IMO. :-)

I sort of wish I'd read these forums before calling TWC - they have been pretty responsive to me (as opposed to Bellsouth) and I bet if I'd asked for an 8300 to start with I might have gotten one - the guy who installed was just some young punk - a contractor I think - and he just carried the unit in, seems like I could have asked for him to bring an 8300 if I'd known to do so.

Still it's been OK so far, <crosses fingers, knocks on wood> and I hate to raise a ruckus until I have to.

I have to admit it's so weird to see what is and what isn't high-def. WRAL seems to have one of their news broadcasts at least in High Def, and then a ton of others that are not. Last night it looks like WNCN wasn't broadcasting Scrubs in HD, which really surprised me. I would have thought anything that prime-time would be in HD. Especially since I"m pretty sure a few moments later The Office WAS in HD? (I could be mistaken, but I'm pretty sure that was the case)

Last night I watched some Korean Sumo Wrestling in HD on one of the InHD channels while I washed the dishes. Strange stuff, but it was cool to see it in HD and see the sweat beads on the wrestlers' foreheads.


Lyman

Just had a successful Cablecard installed on my kdf-42we655, but in talking with the TWC guys, I was compalining about the passport unit, and they mentioned that they had a Pace unit in the truck that was the best STB they had available. Any opinions or experience with Pace v. CC?

I'm using a Pace (at least until I get my Dvico Fusion HTPC setup going). It's by far the best they have in my opinion (for STB). I've tried Scientific Atlanta (all revisions) and their Pioneer boxes.. all suck.

My biggest complaint with the Pace box is that it loses premium configuration on a power outage or glitch.. I have to do a hard reset to get it to pull an updated access list.

Originally posted by lymang
I have to admit it's so weird to see what is and what isn't high-def. WRAL seems to have one of their news broadcasts at least in High Def, and then a ton of others that are not. Last night it looks like WNCN wasn't broadcasting Scrubs in HD, which really surprised me. I would have thought anything that prime-time would be in HD. Especially since I"m pretty sure a few moments later The Office WAS in HD? (I could be mistaken, but I'm pretty sure that was the case)

Like you I'm sticking with the 8000 until the 8300 fixes the HDMI audio problem. It's doing it's job fine at the moment (fingers crossed) and I don't feel like disconnecting everything again.

The Office possibly was in HD (didn't watch it, sorry). NBC sometimes has problems with HD and it doesn't switch over to the HD signal or if they encounter a problem during the broadcast they will switch back to SD. The NBC engineer posts here as well so you could direct your questions to him in situations like this and he might be able to fill you in. Usually most prime time drama is in HD and the majority of the sitcoms. I think.

NBC had issues with their HD signal last night. It didn't switch until sometime during "Revalations."

BTW - I have the 8300 box and love it.

Jeff

Scrubs is not broadcast in high-def. It and That 70s Show are the only scripted shows on the big four not broadcast in HD.

A quick repeat of my earlier question.

I still can't get PBS via clear QAM over TWC cable.
I still get all the rest
ABC, CBS, NBC, FOX...etc, just not PBS via clear QAM.
Anyone else have a QAM capable TV or receiver (not a TWC digital box) that can give this a peek and let me know? The channels used to be 90-1 thru 90-4 or so on my Samsung unit.
Any feedback appreciated.
THANKS
Bill

Bill....FYI - With my MyHD 130, I do get PBS over clear QAM. (Along with all other local stations and Discovery, but for some reason I can't tune TNT HD).

I lost PBS over QAM a while ago. I have two tuners - an LG and a Samsung, neither is picking it up.

What do you guys think about this antenna, comes with rotor.

http://cgi.*********/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&category=73383&item=5768075770&rd=1

Kevad and DeArgila - Thanks for the response.
Kevad - I get TNT-HD, but no sound. I used to get sound for a while but then I lost it again. I lost sound on a few stations about 9 months ago and a the fine folks from WRAL helped TWC fix the issue and then I had tnt-hd sound again, at least for a while. Now it tis gone again.

The recent (2-3 weeks???) PBS loss has been troubling in that my kids like the timing of some of the pbs-kids digital shows.

ANYONE???????

Anyone with a Sony QAM capable TV able to get PBS-HD? I think there are a few Sony models around here with built in tuners. I wonder if it is just the LG and Samsung units with the issue?

ANYONE???????

Did WRAZ increase their broadcvasting power, b/c i am getting their signal at the same strength that i get WRAL, and that is unusual, in fact WRAL has always been 10 over that of WRAZ, and WRAL is at my average sig strength for them.

I've had a harder time getting WRAZ than I used to; I still do but have a few more breakups than I used to. I do remember sometime ago that one of the engineers said that they would be going up to 1MW by July. I'll be stoked when that happens!

Btw, I haven't checked it today though...

I'm getting WRAZ at 90% like WRAL as well. I've positioned my antenna where I usually cannot receive WRAZ and am pulling them. Not sure if it's higher power or atmospheric. I guess time or an engineer will tell us in due time.

Me too. My antenna is positioned where if atmospheric conditions permit, i can get WRAZ at my normal 61%, 1% over what i need to recieve it on my 811. But I have never gotten them both at the signal strength. I really hope it stays like this, b/c WRAZ is hard for me to get in the day time, and if i can get it during the day ill have Nascar. I really hope this is higher power.

Another poster on the Greenville, NC thread is now reporting that he was receiving WRAZ this afternoon, which I believe is unusual for him. I've also asked another user who is deeper southeast if he is getting any kind of signal from WRAZ. I'll let you know if I hear anything back or just check the Greenville, NC thread. Keeping fingers crossed here!

Well I'm still getting WRAZ just as I did last night, so i assume that they have increased power.

Hi guys. I've been away a while and I'm trying to get caught up reading the backlog of posts. I didn't see a definitive answer to the following but may have missed it...


I've been having an unusual number of pixellation and drop out problems with my SA8000HD DVR starting about 3-4 weeks ago. I had TWC out twice this past week. The first time the tech messed with my coupler underneath the house and changed one of my coaxial lines to boost the signal strength a couple of dB. They then came back and ran a new line to the street but I'm still having an awful time with pixellation. The worse channel without a doubt is HDNet. When watching MLS Soccer Saturday night I was getting pixellation every 30-40 seconds for long periods of time.

Anyway, I've got another service call and I have asked (nee, pleaded) with the CSR to have the tech bring me an 8300 upgrade. I was curious how those of you that got upgraded a month or so ago have found the new box after you've had a chance to use it a while. In other words, how adamant do I be to the tech about not accepting any solution other than a new 8300!

Also, did anyone ever confirm if the firewire and composite/S-Video jacks were enabled on the 8300?

Thanks!

wjarrettc,

The difference between the 8000 & the 8300 is significant. I've had virtually no problems since getting the 8300. The S-video is active but my box doesn't have firewire.

Are any of you ota viewers experiencing a problem with your PSIP information being an hour off on WRAL? Likewise, is anybody seeing PSIP Guide information on WRAZ? I'm getting nothing but DTV Program for every show on WRAZ. Did something happen to their PSIP generator?

All my other stations are showing the proper shows for their respective time slots. Right now, WRAL is showing in Guide data that The Late Show with David Letterman is airing at 10:35!?! What's up with that?

Originally posted by wjarrettc
...I was curious how those of you that got upgraded a month or so ago have found the new box after you've had a chance to use it a while. In other words, how adamant do I be to the tech about not accepting any solution other than a new 8300!

Hi wjarrettc,

Be adamant. I had audio dropouts and weird pixelation glitches all the time with the 8000HD box too. My worst channel was probably DSCHD, but I had problems on other HD channels too.

Since getting the the 8300HD a coupla months ago, no such problems. Hope you have the same luck.

But another reason to insist on the 8300, is that it displays higher resolution horizontally. Using one of the test patterns on HDNET I calculated about 980 horizontal resolution with the 8000 box. With the 8300 box I get about 1280. Since my TV is a 720 x 1280 display, the resolution I get with the test pattern is limited by the display (as opposed to by the cable box with the 8000). HDTV lost some of its WOW for me when I got the 8000 box. But I couldn't give up the DVR abilities. Fortunately we didn't have to wait long for the 8300 boxes.

Also, channel changes are faster, particularly when you have the box set up to pass through the channels' format (ie. the box changes formats quicker).

I have had one screwy thing happen. One time, all of my series recordings stopped working. They were still all listed under the series management menu, they just didn't record. I had to delete them all and re-enter them. Then they worked again.

My two biggest feature wishes are an option to turn the grey pillars black for 4:3 material, and I wish I could organize recorded shows into folders (I've got a zillion Barneys recorded for the kids that I have to wade through).

Good luck,

Sooke

Originally posted by WildBill
Kevad and DeArgila - Thanks for the response.
Kevad - I get TNT-HD, but no sound. I used to get sound for a while but then I lost it again. I lost sound on a few stations about 9 months ago and a the fine folks from WRAL helped TWC fix the issue and then I had tnt-hd sound again, at least for a while. Now it tis gone again.

The recent (2-3 weeks???) PBS loss has been troubling in that my kids like the timing of some of the pbs-kids digital shows.

ANYONE???????

Anyone with a Sony QAM capable TV able to get PBS-HD? I think there are a few Sony models around here with built in tuners. I wonder if it is just the LG and Samsung units with the issue?

ANYONE???????

I have a sony 60xs955 with builtin QAM tuner. I checked last night, and I was still receiving the digital versions of PBS, CBS, ABC, NBC, Fox, DiscoveryHD, and TNT-HD over TWC cable. No sound problems on any of them. Same channels were available back in December when I first got my set.

Originally posted by sooke
Hi wjarrettc,

Be adamant. I had audio dropouts and weird pixelation glitches all the time with the 8000HD box too. My worst channel was probably DSCHD, but I had problems on other HD channels too.

Since getting the the 8300HD a coupla months ago, no such problems. Hope you have the same luck.

But another reason to insist on the 8300, is that it displays higher resolution horizontally. Using one of the test patterns on HDNET I calculated about 980 horizontal resolution with the 8000 box. With the 8300 box I get about 1280. Since my TV is a 720 x 1280 display, the resolution I get with the test pattern is limited by the display (as opposed to by the cable box with the 8000). HDTV lost some of its WOW for me when I got the 8000 box. But I couldn't give up the DVR abilities. Fortunately we didn't have to wait long for the 8300 boxes.

Also, channel changes are faster, particularly when you have the box set up to pass through the channels' format (ie. the box changes formats quicker).

I have had one screwy thing happen. One time, all of my series recordings stopped working. They were still all listed under the series management menu, they just didn't record. I had to delete them all and re-enter them. Then they worked again.

My two biggest feature wishes are an option to turn the grey pillars black for 4:3 material, and I wish I could organize recorded shows into folders (I've got a zillion Barneys recorded for the kids that I have to wade through).

Good luck,

Sooke

Friday the TWC guy gave me an 8300. It hasn't crashed yet! My 8000 (which I had for about 4 or 5 days) had crashed already at least 3 times. I regret losing some recordings (Alias in HD) which I hadn't watched but the stability of the 8300 has so far made it very worth it. Things I'd like:
1. the ability to record off the box to DVD in a high quality format
2. A more detailed search capability that would look farther into the future

Question: I might be missing it, but it looks like there is no way to change what kind of audio comes out of the 8300. I have just an optical cable hooked up and I'm seeing a LOT of variance in sound levels. When I was using stereo composite cables just to the TV (before I hooked up the receiver) I didn't hear such variances in sound levels. What I see a lot of is changes from 5.1 audio to 2.0 or 3.2 or various other types of digital audio in various formats. That is when I am most likely to see wild variances in sound levels. Would it be wise for me to hook up the composite audio cables in addition to the optical cable? What choice will the 8300 make when outputting sound if both cables are hooked up and attached to my receiver?

Lyman

Originally posted by lymang

Question: I might be missing it, but it looks like there is no way to change what kind of audio comes out of the 8300. I have just an optical cable hooked up and I'm seeing a LOT of variance in sound levels. When I was using stereo composite cables just to the TV (before I hooked up the receiver) I didn't hear such variances in sound levels. What I see a lot of is changes from 5.1 audio to 2.0 or 3.2 or various other types of digital audio in various formats. That is when I am most likely to see wild variances in sound levels. Would it be wise for me to hook up the composite audio cables in addition to the optical cable? What choice will the 8300 make when outputting sound if both cables are hooked up and attached to my receiver?

Lyman [/B]

On the 8000 I had both composite audio and optical outputs. Composite went straight to the TV speakers while Optical went to the amplifier in my surround sound system. Both seem to be active always. I would GUESS that the 8300 is the same (still waiting on the installer today hopefully with an 8300).

If you want to use both outputs on the amp, why not connecting them to two different inputs and then just switch back and forth at your whim.

Well, as I expected the Tech showed up today with no 8300s on his truck. After much discussion I finally consented to try another 8000 to solve my problem. My strategy is that it's easier to insist on getting an 8300 if I'd already tried another 8000 and it didn't solve my problem either.

Those that succeeded in getting an 8300, what was your tactic to get one? The tech told me he had no way to help me (no one to call, etc.).

I don't have an HDMI input on my TV so I can't use that as an excuse :(

Originally posted by wjarrettc

Those that succeeded in getting an 8300, what was your tactic to get one?
When I made the appointment I specifically asked for an 8300. I told them my 8000 had video/audio drop-outs and that I heard the 8300 fixed those problems. They didn't give me any hassle.
Good luck,

Originally posted by wjarrettc


Those that succeeded in getting an 8300, what was your tactic to get one? The tech told me he had no way to help me (no one to call, etc.).



I'm sorry to report I got lucky. The TWC woman I spoke with told me there was no guarantee I'd get one. She scheduled an appointment with a guy to come out. Then, the guy who was here earlier in the day to put my cable modem in and I were talking and I mentioned I wanted an 8300, and he literally happened to have one in his truck, problem solved.

I wish it was more reliable, for your sake and mine.

Lyman

Any over the air hd viewers not receiving WRAL tonight?

Originally posted by easternncnewswat
Any over the air hd viewers not receiving WRAL tonight?

Nothing here. Man that ticks me off right around sweeps. That would be NCIS right down the tubes even though it's showing just fine in SD. It's days like these I think I need to either record the same show in both HD and SD on my TiVo or get another TiVo just as a backup. :( Especially since 24 crapped out last night as well for no apparent reason.

I sent an e-mail to WRAL last night about a PSIP problem; their schedule was off an hour in my guide. All other stations showing proper shows/showtimes in my grid.

I find it difficult to believe WRAL would address the problem during Prime Time though.

I'm also having some difficulty with WNCN right now. Can't lock on to signal. WRAL is coming in at a constant 90% though... Another HD viewer here in Greenville is saying they can't receive WRAL either so it must not be an isolated problem.

BTW, about the 24 thing, I also said in my e-mail that Fox had no programming info other than DTV Program and literally almost as soon as I sent the e-mail I checked Fox 50 and programming info was in there. Maybe they were working on PSIP when 24 crapped out on us last night?

pkscout,

I did a rescan of my channels and now receive WRAL. The PSIP grid information has not been corrected, but maybe they were trying to work on it and that's why WRAL wasn't receivable for a while.

Originally posted by WildBill
Anyone having issues with PBS Digital? I am not talking about digital cable or OTA reception but rather QAM via cable.
THANKS
Bill

Yes, I've been missing it as well on my Zenith TV with an integrated QAM tuner. From what I understand, WUNC is sending faulty PSIP information, which drives some TVs nuts. A friend who works on HDTV tuner card drivers told me this. According to him, it is so bad that when he tunes to WUNC on cable with his new Samsung DLP, the entire TV locks up and has to be reset. I think he might be correct about the PSIP -- even OTA, I don't see any program title information like I used to; I only the timeslot information.

Have you complained to WUNC? The last time this happened, I posted a comment on their web site. Within a day, an engineer had emailed me, and reproduced the problem with an LG set-top box. They got it fixed a day or two later.

Drew

Originally posted by wjarrettc
Well, as I expected the Tech showed up today with no 8300s on his truck. After much discussion I finally consented to try another 8000 to solve my problem.

So, after 6 days with the new 8000, I've already had 3 lock ups that required rebooting and I've seen box pixellation and dropouts on 5.1 sound. Admittedly, the dropouts are fewer on this box than the old one, but having to reboot it ever other day is a pain the in butt.

Add to that yet another problem with TWC PPV this weekend that saw me spend 1/2 hour on the phone telling the CSR what the problem had to be (a head end configuration problem) only to have her tell me stupid things like "Try turning your TV on and off". Then they had to schedule a service appt for 1-5pm on Sunday. At 8:45am, the cable guy shows up at my door...I'm in the shower, my wife still in her PJs...He didn't bother to call ahead and when I asked why he didn't come when he was scheduled, he said "I'm trying to get done early so I can have the afternoon off." He took one look at my problem and said "That's a head-end problem there." Of course he was right (as I was the night before). No one in all of RDU saw those PPV matches Saturday night but the CSRs apparently have no way of comparing problems among themselves to see if there are common issues.

Anyway, long story short...I ordered a DirecTV HD TiVo this morning and will get installed Wednesday. TWC, you're fired!

Drill and Drew.
Thanks for the response. I just sent a note to WUNC. I guess it is mostly with the LG, Zenith and Samsung models since Sony works fine. (lg and zenith of course being the same company so I expect that)

I will also contact WRAL as they helped out before. Nice folks that they are. :)

Originally posted by WildBill
[B]Drill and Drew.
Thanks for the response. I just sent a note to WUNC.


For what it is worth, I got a reply from their Chief Engineer this morning.
He told me they hope to have the problem corrected by Weds.

I'm very impressed by how responsive they are to these problems.

Drew

Drew,
Yup, I too received info from UNC that their Chief Engineer was working the issue. They were very nice and responded quickly. This was from a customer care person who shared the engineers email and phone which is beyond what I expected. Great news to hear that they think they will have WUNC back and working by Wed.

BTW - I had sent a note to WRAL, asking they forward it to the engineering team for an issue I had with PBS and TNT-HD audio. This engineer responded and said he had spoken with an engineer at TWC and they were working with the appropriate parties to resolve the issue with the QAM tuners.

I just want to re-state AGAIN. The WRAL folks are AWSOME. Everytime I have contacted them the response has been quick and efficient. They always check into the issues and previously problems have been solved. I don't know if my current TNT-HD audio issues will be fixed, but WRAL did above and beyond in support of the local customer base.

Hey guys. New here but I've had HD since Nov. Currently have the 8300 and love it. I tried this week to use the HDMI out but could only watch HD channels and it was slow on changing channels. Did anyone else have this same experience?

Also has anyone tried hooking up an external hard drive. I read in the manual where you can hook a serial ATA drive to it but those drives can be expensive (over $200 for a 200GB drive).

Thanks in advance.

Actually UNC's chief engineer is a member here.

WRAL's dd5.1 sounds great but for awhile now (well over a month) the dialog on their stereo broadcast has been bleeding to far into the front left and right and surround speakers when played back in dolby prologic surround. They've had this issue a couple times before but corrected it quickly. Apparently their unaware of it this time. I'm suprised nobody has mentioned it here.

Hello All,

Longtime lurker, first post. I live in Greensboro, and am currently setting my dad up to receive his local digital stations. He lives in Garner. I'm trying to get a list of the subchannels that exist in the RDU market. I know that WRAL has a few, and WNCN has Weather Plus. What about WTVD and the others? Thanks!

Originally posted by MR12
Hello All,

Longtime lurker, first post. I live in Greensboro, and am currently setting my dad up to receive his local digital stations. He lives in Garner. I'm trying to get a list of the subchannels that exist in the RDU market. I know that WRAL has a few, and WNCN has Weather Plus. What about WTVD and the others? Thanks!

http://www.rabbitears.info/listings.php?id=ral

4-1 UNC-TV
4-2 UNC-HD (PBS HD)
4-3 UNC-KD (PBS Kids)
4-4 UNC-ED (PBS You)
4-5 UNC-NC (Annenburg)
5-1 CBS-HD
5-2 WRAL Newschannel
11-1 ABC-HD
11-2 News
11-3 Weather
17-1 NBC-HD
17-2 NBC-SD
17-3 WeatherPlus
22-1 WB-HD
28-1 UPN-SD
30-1 Shop-at-Home
40-1 Univision
40-2 TeleFutura
47-1 PAX
47-2 PAX (W)
47-3 Worship.Net
47-4 PraiseNet
50-1 Fox-HD
50-2 Fox-SD
50-3 WRAL Weather Channel

Thanks, I've heard that WTVD's NewsNow is no longer being broadcast. True?

Originally posted by MR12
Thanks, I've heard that WTVD's NewsNow is no longer being broadcast. True?

ABC News Now returns in July, presumably to 11.2. Currently, WTVD is 11.1, ABC HD, 11.2 WTVD News rebroadcasts/Radar, and 11.3, ABC SD.

Good news on the clear QAM front for the LG STB's. (probably the Samsung built-in tuners too) WUNC engineers, working with TWC were able to get WUNC fixed.

I don't desire to quote or even directly reference what anyone did without his or her permission so I won't. Just suffice to say the WUNC engineers were AWSOME and helped TWC figure out the fix. WUNC is back in all it's A/V forms and the kids and I are very happy. Quick and well-informed responses arrived within hours of my e-mails proving that WUNC engineering is yet another professional and high-quality group serving the triangle.

Now… If I could just receive TNT-HD audio all would be beautiful on the HD front. I will keep trying to find a solution.

Originally posted by WildBill
Good news on the clear QAM front for the LG STB's. (probably the Samsung built-in tuners too) WUNC engineers, working with TWC were able to get WUNC fixed.

...

Now… If I could just receive TNT-HD audio all would be beautiful on the HD front. I will keep trying to find a solution.

I can confirm that both my LG and Samsung QAM tuners are now picking up the WUNC channels!

Thanks to all!!

As far as TNT-HD audio - I'm also still having issues on the LG (the Samsung is fine).

Another issue I've had with the LG and not with the Samsung occurs sometimes when I'm watching ABC or FOX (113-x). Randomly, the picture changes to the WRAL weather channel, even though the "channel" remains the same. Changing the channel and then changing it back fixes the problem temporarily.

A friend of mine with a different LG tuner has the same issue.

Which digital channel is Discovery Channel HD and TNT HD on TWC?

Did anyone ever manage to confirm that WRAZ-DT had gone to full power?

I feel safe saying WRAZ-DT is now at full power. I am watching WRAZ-DT on my WinTV-D with a 16.4 signal. I've got an 11 on WNCN-DT (not watchable), a 5 on WUNC-DT, a whiff of WRAL-DT, and nothing at all on WTVD-DT. This is WITHOUT turning my antenna away from Roanoke.

- Trip

Did anyone else have issues with Las Vegas last night on NCNHD via TWC?
I set the 8300HD to record Las Vegas on NCNHD and it pretty badly screwed up. First of all, I ended up with a Listerine commercial at the beginning over audio of the episode, and then when the show came on it was in SD. Bleah. I know this could have been the 8300HD, but it looked more to me like it was a broadcast issue. Anyone else see this ?

lymang, it wasn't your 8300, it was the station. Channel 217 had the listerene commercial during Fear Factor even before Las Vegas. I went to 218 and it had a lot of pixelation. 217 still gets my vote for the worst reliablilty of any HD channe. ESPN HD on the other hand, gets my vote for the HD channel with the least HD content.

IMHO the best HD channels are UNC, Discovery, and the INHD channels. Always in HD. Best network HD channel is CBS on 255.

Originally posted by bobjdan
IMHO the best HD channels are UNC, Discovery, and the INHD channels. Always in HD. Best network HD channel is CBS on 255.

Wow! Can't believe HDNet didn't make your list when INHD did. For me, HDNet's original programming content is much higher than INHD. But then again, I'm a soccer fan and love the MLS on HDNet. If you were a baseball fan, I can see INHD being preferred.

Originally posted by bobjdan
lymang, it wasn't your 8300, it was the station. Channel 217 had the listerene commercial during Fear Factor even before Las Vegas. I went to 218 and it had a lot of pixelation. 217 still gets my vote for the worst reliablilty of any HD channe. ESPN HD on the other hand, gets my vote for the HD channel with the least HD content.

IMHO the best HD channels are UNC, Discovery, and the INHD channels. Always in HD. Best network HD channel is CBS on 255.

Thanks. Glad to hear it can't be blamed on the box. Not surprised it can be blamed on WNCN. What is their problem? Idjits.

I have the HD suite and the locals and ShowtimeHD. If I were to pick the best HD content I'd say probably the InHD channels win. None of that idiotic SD content. It always amazes me when there's SD content on ShowtimeHD. What's the point of that? Bleah.

Lyman

On one hand I'm surprised the problems that WNCN has with their HD and 2 subchannels. After all, they're owned and operated by a network. I don't see any of the problems that they have with WTVD which is also an O&O with one main HD and 2 subs. Likewise, look at WRAZ which also has an HD and 2 subs.

If WNCN is having this many problems, I can't imagine what the quality of HD and the 2 subs is for these Raycom stations broadcasting HD, Weather Plus and the Tube music video channel. Or is it just WNCN that has these kinds of problems?

I remember reading about a year ago that NBC/Universal ultimately wants an HD channel and something like 3 subchannels dedicated to news, weather, sports, and/or community affairs. I just don't see how that would be possible even with the best, probably ultimately worst, compression technology.

Originally posted by wjarrettc
Wow! Can't believe HDNet didn't make your list when INHD did. For me, HDNet's original programming content is much higher than INHD. But then again, I'm a soccer fan and love the MLS on HDNet. If you were a baseball fan, I can see INHD being preferred.

I agree that HDNET is fine HD. I misspoke wen I said IHHD. I should have said the HD suite.

Originally posted by easternncnewswat
On one hand I'm surprised the problems that WNCN has with their HD and 2 subchannels. After all, they're owned and operated by a network. I don't see any of the problems that they have with WTVD which is also an O&O with one main HD and 2 subs. Likewise, look at WRAZ which also has an HD and 2 subs.



Well I am new to HD reception (though I have had my HDTV for about a year) and I don't even watch their other channels if they're not HD. And they look like most of the time when I cross over them on the cable box they are in SD. So I don't what the deal is. On the other hand, I have heard from other HDTV watchers here at work that WNCN has had problems in the past (a year ago my friend was really complaining about how bad it was).

Lyman

It's unfortunate, but it seems that more often than not, whenever you have a problem with something on WNCN-HD, it's probably a problem with the station, which they often blame on their feed. None of the other networks seem to have anywhere near as many problems.

That is pretty much what my friend said - when he was having problems last year and complained, TWC told him: it's WNCN. When he called them they tried to pass the buck along as well.

I haven't had any issues with WRAL's HD channels. The CSI shows (all three flavors) I record on the 8300HD look really, really spectacular. In fact, I marvel at how good they look. I already knew how good DVD's looked, but moving to HD TV channels has made me appreciate my tv even more.

Lyman

while WNCN is on my mind, i would also like to note that WNCN's digital SD channel on TWC looks like complete under crap. It's so overly compressed it's rediculous. Actually, it reminds me of the overly compressed olympics on NBC last summer, only much worse. I record SD shows in SD on my 8300HD to save hard drive space, and that SD channel is crap. The analog SD channel is much better btw, even digitally compressed by the 8300HD. The WRAZ, WRAL, etc. SD digital channels are not NEARLY as bad.

All the WNCN problems are so sad because I do watch a fair amount of stuff on NBC.

I have the AS 8000HD and a Harmon Kardon AVR 125 Receiver.

On HD channels like Discovery channel when a commercial comes on that is not in 5.1 I lose sound and when the commerical ends and the audio goes back to 5.1 I have to manually choose Dobly on my receiver.

How can I fix this as it is driving me crazy. I thought all I needed was analog audio cables hooked up along with digital. Is that correct?

The 8000 is very buggy. Call TWC and tell them it is defective. They will bring you an 8300.

Does anyone know if there is a way to turn on the analog audio outs on the 8300 while also using the digital audio out? I always have the digital out connected, but also want to hook our headphones up to the analog.

Has anyone else seen or heard of this issue? I want to make sure this isnt something I am not doing correctly.

Originally posted by mikea28
while WNCN is on my mind, i would also like to note that WNCN's digital SD channel on TWC looks like complete under crap. It's so overly compressed it's rediculous. Actually, it reminds me of the overly compressed olympics on NBC last summer, only much worse. I record SD shows in SD on my 8300HD to save hard drive space, and that SD channel is crap. The analog SD channel is much better btw, even digitally compressed by the 8300HD. The WRAZ, WRAL, etc. SD digital channels are not NEARLY as bad.

All the WNCN problems are so sad because I do watch a fair amount of stuff on NBC.

I'm down to watching pretty much only Las Vegas, that somethign Jordan show and Scrubs, and they've had a pretty crappy record. And Scrubs isn't in HD!!! WTF is up with that? Morons. If Malcolm in the Middle can be in HD, then they OUGHT to be able to have Scrubs in HD. Feh.

I'm setting up my Dad's antenna and HD receiver tomorrow. He lives in the Garner area. Any idea what kind of reception he should expect from the Raleigh stations. I know the antenna field is in Garner, but what about PBS in Chapel Hill. Will he have a problem picking that up?

p.s. I'm in Greensboro.

Get a rotator for his antenna rig if he wants to watch WUNC-HD. All the other stations are outher east of Garner, but WUNC is out by Chapel Hill.

cbordman mentioned that the 8000 from TWC is very buggy....I've had mine for a few months now and am curious to know what kind of problems others have had with the unit. So far so good for me...but should I anticipate needing an upgrade anytime soon?

i had constant lockups. Then it wouldn't display the recorded list after about a week of uptime. It would say there was a hard drive error and the time warner folks said it just needed rebooted. A reboot would fix it for about a week, and then the same thing would happen. I could rarely get it to record 2 programs while watching a third.

The 8300 has never caused any problems and the menus are much faster.

Hi all,

I have had DirecTV for about 7 years I think, and have been happy with it. I got a Samsung 360 receiver recently (when one of my receivers died), in anticipation of getting an HD TV later this year.

Yesterday, a TW cable person knocked on my door and said she saw my dish beside the house and wanted to offer me the following deal:

$39.95 DigiPic 1000
$6.95 DVR (8300HD)
$39.95 RoadRunner
====
$86.95
+ tax
====
$93.87

The price is locked for 18 months.

I currently pay $53.53 for my two DirecTV receivers, plus $44.95 for RR, which is $98.48 per month.

So, questions are:
1) Is this a good deal?
2) Will the picture be as good? I live in a 5 year-old development off Cary Parkway.

Thanks.

Originally posted by abward

So, questions are:
1) Is this a good deal?
2) Will the picture be as good? I live in a 5 year-old development off Cary Parkway.

Thanks.

1) You'll be saving $20 off the regular price for Digipic 1000 for 18 months. Note that 1000 package is just basic and standard tiers with no premium channels. If you want HBO-HD, SHO-HD, HDNET, INHD or ESPNHD you'll have to pay more.
2) The picture quality for HD here is Raleigh is excellent (depending upon the source obviously) YMMV.

Originally posted by abward
So, questions are:
1) Is this a good deal?
2) Will the picture be as good? I live in a 5 year-old development off Cary Parkway.


I don't think saving $5 a month for 18 months is much of a deal, especially since you'll be paying more after the special pricing expires. In addition, all the channels on TWC below 100 are analog, so that picture will probably look worse than DirecTV's pure digital signal. I'd review what you tend to watch and think about whether it's worth $90 to leave DirecTV.

I'm a DirecTV subscriber, and it would take *much* more than that to get me back to TWC. Then again, I have an HD-TiVo, and the TWC HD recorder doesn't hold a candle to the HD-TiVo in my opinion, so I think TWC would literally have to *give* me cable to get me back. ;)

Thanks everyone, I am going to give cable a try. Install is tomorrow. They have a 30 day money-back guarantee, so I will not loose much to try it.

I called DirecTV and they were not willing to lower my bill to match cable.

18 months from now, DirecTV (and possibly cable) is likely to be quite different than today, so I can always switch then too.

Update: Changed my mind and cancelled the install. I was watching DirecTV last night and I was thinking that I am completely satisfied with it; the PQ, the way channel 5 is channel 5 and 11 is 11 etc, and I like the future HMC plans.

When I finally get an HDTV, I may be unsatisfied with the amount of HD I get OTA, and might look into cable again. We will see.

I switched from DTV and they locked me into digipic 2000 for 18 months at $49.95. It includes HBO and Cinemax (which includes HBO HD).

I have DirecTV and an HDTiVo, so I usually watch the local channels via antenna thru the HDTiVo. However, I live in Fayetteville and cannot get UPN 28 with any reliability, so I have to watch it via the locals on satellite.

In the past few weeks, the SD picture from DirecTV on UPN 28 has become unwatchable - it appears to be just an antenna feed that DirecTV has uplinked.

Does anyone know if there is a place we should call to get this fixed? Just customer service at D*?

If you are a fan of "Lost" and have a season pass to record from OTA channel 11.1 on your DirecTV HR10-250, be sure to check that next week's 2 hour season finale is set to record.

As of tonight, next week's 2 hour season finale (Wednesday, May 25 from 8-10 P.M.) is not in the guide and not in your "to-do" list. The time slot is currently listed as "To Be Announced".

If your season pass is for the ABCE channel you'll be fine- it's right there where it belongs.

Man, I'm bumming over the Sunday Ticket HD price hike. I switched from TWC for ST and now I feel a bit cornered. Maybe we should move to Ohio so I can see the Brownies for free? LOL.

Originally posted by aldamon
Man, I'm bumming over the Sunday Ticket HD price hike. I switched from TWC for ST and now I feel a bit cornered. Maybe we should move to Ohio so I can see the Brownies for free? LOL.

i thought ST subscribers got the HD games for free if they had an HD receiver. did that change this year? what's the deal? I don't have a DirecTV HD receiver yet, but was thinking about getting one right before the NFL season started just for watching the ST games in HD.

Expect to pay extra for Sunday Ticket games inHD - new change this year. The DBS boards are all a-buzz about this.

Wednesday night I DVRed Lost and Alias because I had some people over before we went to go see Star Wars. When I watched it later it sounded like all of the center channel had been moved to the front left and front right....there was no surround sound or center channel at all. Was this a problem at WTVD or on the network level, or possibly was it with TWC? I didnt see anything about audio issues in the Lost thread in the HDTV programming forum so Im assuming its local. They had basketball on last night so there was no way to tell if it had been resolved.

Anybody here watch WLFL, WB 22? Is Sinclair getting ready to pull it and WRDC from TWC and *E? I saw part of a scroll the other night on WB 22 that mentioned contacting them about keeping the channels on the line up.

From what I've read, Sinclair is pulling it's channels from cable systems across the country until it gets cash, multicasting rights, or both. They've settled with some systems and *D too. I guess Sinclair is about to play hardball with cable and satellite in RDU too.

WLFL and WRDC are going to pulled from dish network only -- if an extension can't be reached. WLFL has a blurb about it on their website.
According to the crawl, it doesn't affect cable or direct tv. Also, it don't think this has anything to do w/ multi-casting.

How do people like TWC's cablecards? Do they have optical or digital output to connect to a home theater? Any drawbacks other than the PPV and guide not working? Picture quality better than the box?

TWC wants $50 to install now and $1.50 a month. I have them bringing a 3250HD, but would change if it is better.

Thank you in advance!

Sinclair picked the wrong company to pick a showdown with. Charlie is known far and wide as a hardnosed negotiator.

I suppose I can always watch them OTA if there is anything compelling on....

Not to mention that those folks in RDU with Dish Network can always get the Superstations package with 3 WB network affiliates; one in NY, one in Denver, and one in LA. Also, they will get 2 UPN affiliates; the O&O in NY and the affiliate in Boston. Surely, Sinclair isn't counting on people with Dish Network salivating for WB22 News at 10. That's not their negotiating point is it? People missing out on local news?

How do people like TWC's cablecards? Do they have optical or digital output to connect to a home theater? Any drawbacks other than the PPV and guide not working? Picture quality better than the box?

TWC wants $50 to install now and $1.50 a month. I have them bringing a 3250HD, but would change if it is better.

Thank you in advance!

You are probably better off getting an SA8300 HD DVR-- just my opinion. A friend of mine in my neighborhood had a cablecard thru TWC - but ended up getting one of the HD DVRs and he's a big boxing fan- so he wanted to order events and such.

PQ is really the same from what I saw -- no difference from the card or the box.

As for the optical or digital connections -- the cablecard slides into a slot in your hdtv -- so there are no connections per se on the card itself. I'm not sure how my buddy hooked his audio up- i didn't think to ask.

How do people like TWC's cablecards? Do they have optical or digital output to connect to a home theater? Any drawbacks other than the PPV and guide not working? Picture quality better than the box?

TWC wants $50 to install now and $1.50 a month. I have them bringing a 3250HD, but would change if it is better.

Thank you in advance!

digital audio output would be from the TV since the TV will decode the signal. any TV with a cable card slot will have the digital out.

other than getting rid of the cable box, I don't see a big advantage. I guess it's slightly cheaper.

IMHO cable card will really only be useful for things like stand alone DVR's from 3rd parties.

I'm a Directv customer, but am thinking of trying to pickup up the local HD channels OTA. I live in N-NW Raleigh just east of the aiport and live in a fairly wooded area. Anyone here near me and getting HDTV OTA?

cbordman mentioned that the 8000 from TWC is very buggy....I've had mine for a few months now and am curious to know what kind of problems others have had with the unit. So far so good for me...but should I anticipate needing an upgrade anytime soon?


I'm guessing no one has had problems with the 8000???

I'm guessing no one has had problems with the 8000???

The 8000HD was unreliable for many of us, so I think most who were experiencing the problems moved on to the 8300HD. The 8300HD seems to work like a champ for me anyway. The problems I experienced with the 8000 were mainly video/audio dropouts, particularly when both tuners were working at the same time (watch one channel while recording another). Other minor problems include slower channel changing & no video output except component. Also with the 8300 I can now do "no repeat" series recording. Whether the 8000 supports that feature, I don't know. My old one didn't.

I'm a Directv customer, but am thinking of trying to pickup up the local HD channels OTA. I live in N-NW Raleigh just east of the aiport and live in a fairly wooded area. Anyone here near me and getting HDTV OTA?

Well, I got an ATI HDTV Wonder to test things out. It comes with a Silver Sensor like antenna which I put in my attic.

How come I get excellent signal strength on WRAZ HD, but weaker and more intermittent signal on WRAL HD? I thought the transmitters are on the same tower? Are they not transmitting at the same strength?

Well, I got an ATI HDTV Wonder to test things out. It comes with a Silver Sensor like antenna which I put in my attic.

How come I get excellent signal strength on WRAZ HD, but weaker and more intermittent signal on WRAL HD? I thought the transmitters are on the same tower? Are they not transmitting at the same strength?

Your experience has less to do with the towers/signal and more to do with your antenna set-up.

#1 - it's in the attic.
#2 - it's a silver-sensor-like antenna
#3 - you said you're in a wooded area

If you want better signals, I recommend roof-mounting a better antenna. And that's not just because I'd install it for you. :)

Hey all, just recently moved here from Orlando, FL and had TWC installed last weekend. Many of the basics i'm noticing are the same (I had Brighthouse in Orlando, which used to be TWC). HD wise the only thing I lost was UPN and WB, which I never watched.

I've noticed the SD channels here are MUCH grainier than they were in Orlando, which wasd a bit of a dissappointment, but I can deal. I was quite suprised to find out that Bravo isn't offered here, or did I miss something?

dgmayor,

If your using a digital cable box, by the end of this month (on either the 20th or 27th) all analog channels (the majorty below channel 100) will begin being simulcasted in digital and analog. Your box will then only display the digital channel so all the channels below channel 100 should look better. While analog tuners like in tv's, vcr's and dvr's will still receive and display the analog channels.

As for Bravo, I have never gotten it down in my area but I think Raleigh use to get it but haven't now for awhile.

so will my HD-DVR start broadcasting channels 100 and under digitally?

phishbfm,

Well the digital hd-dvr boxes don't broadcast. They just receive and recorder. But I understand what your asking. The answer it Yes. Your hd-dvr cable box will start receiving the digital channels between 0 and 100 instead of the analog channels.

thanks gillcup! looks like I'm the late adopter.... I'll be making that switch soon

dgmayor...i dont think we get bravo in Raleigh, however my folks get it in Burlington.

[QUOTE=Daryl L]dgmayor,

If your using a digital cable box, by the end of this month (on either the 20th or 27th) all analog channels (the majorty below channel 100) will begin being simulcasted in digital and analog. Your box will then only display the digital channel so all the channels below channel 100 should look better. While analog tuners like in tv's, vcr's and dvr's will still receive and display the analog channels.
QUOTE]

I heard this too and thought it was on the down-low. I know a couple of the techs at TWC. From what I heard, they are going to be one of the first cable companies in US doing this -- going all digital.

I heard this too and thought it was on the down-low. I know a couple of the techs at TWC. From what I heard, they are going to be one of the first cable companies in US doing this -- going all digital.No Idea if it was on the down-low but the two head techs at my local office told me last week they got the memo on the change. I know one area in New York has been simulcasting all digital for awhile now.

dgmayor...i dont think we get bravo in Raleigh, however my folks get it in Burlington.

can anyone explain the Bravo hot spot on TWC? I'm Carrboro and I can get Bravo on channel 72, however my friends in Chatham county and Chapel Hill cannot and hardly anyone else can either. What's the deal with that? :confused:

Given this lack of Bravo, what does that mean for the chances of getting Universal HD?

can anyone explain the Bravo hot spot on TWC? I'm Carrboro and I can get Bravo on channel 72, however my friends in Chatham county and Chapel Hill cannot and hardly anyone else can either. What's the deal with that? :confused:

Given this lack of Bravo, what does that mean for the chances of getting Universal HD?

it's a legacy issue. the former cable co in Carrboro that TWC took over already had Bravo launched back in the day. TWC wanted to add bravo to digital a couple of years ago but bravo said nope. bravo is still in play so to speak - so they may relent and let them add it to digital.

Universal HD is a totally different animal. Think -- ESPN and ESPN HD. Even though Universal used to be Bravo HD -- it's still a different channel and it being added would have no effect on the other.

No Idea if it was on the down-low but the two head techs at my local office told me last week they got the memo on the change. I know one area in New York has been simulcasting all digital for awhile now.

I'll rephrase -- first cable co in NC to do this. That is going to be pretty cool - all digital.

it's a legacy issue. the former cable co in Carrboro that TWC took over already had Bravo launched back in the day. TWC wanted to add bravo to digital a couple of years ago but bravo said nope. bravo is still in play so to speak - so they may relent and let them add it to digital.

Universal HD is a totally different animal. Think -- ESPN and ESPN HD. Even though Universal used to be Bravo HD -- it's still a different channel and it being added would have no effect on the other.

Interesting, thanks for the info. So given the possible upcoming switch to all digital TWC would that mean I would lose access to the current analog channel on the digital box? I would assume it would still be transmitting over the regular cable signal.

All digital cable boxes will pickup all current channels between 0 and 100 in digital form.

All analog devices (TV's, HD STB's with analog tuners but without QAM capability, VCR's and personel DVR's) will pickup all current channels between 0 and 100 in analog form.

I'm not sure how or if TV/HD STB's with QAM capability will handle channels 0 thru 100 in digital form or not.

hmmm... I've always heard that stand alone Tivos can't record 2 channels at once, because the channels are analog and it would require 2 video encoders.

Do the DVR boxes have 2 analog encoders? How are the TWC boxes able to record 2 analog channels at once?

hmmm... I've always heard that stand alone Tivos can't record 2 channels at once, because the channels are analog and it would require 2 video encoders.

Do the DVR boxes have 2 analog encoders? How are the TWC boxes able to record 2 analog channels at once? I have no idea about that. I would assume they have two cheap mpeg encoders. I say cheap because my pioneer and toshiba dvr's can record analog and the picture looks much better (less artifacts and less compressed) than recorded analog looks on TWC's boxes.

I have no idea about that. I would assume they have two cheap mpeg encoders. I say cheap because my pioneer and toshiba dvr's can record analog and the picture looks much better (less artifacts and less compressed) than recorded analog looks on TWC's boxes.
it's all dependant on the data rate they use - i don't think the quality of TWC's encoders is any worse actually if compared to the same data rate on other DVR's.

dgmayor,

If your using a digital cable box, by the end of this month (on either the 20th or 27th) all analog channels (the majorty below channel 100) will begin being simulcasted in digital and analog. Your box will then only display the digital channel so all the channels below channel 100 should look better. While analog tuners like in tv's, vcr's and dvr's will still receive and display the analog channels.

As for Bravo, I have never gotten it down in my area but I think Raleigh use to get it but haven't now for awhile.
The real issue here is how well they encode the analog channels for the digital boxes. I could easily see this looking worse than the current analog channels, which will really suck if we have to use our TV's internal tuner to get the best out of those channels. Of course, if they do a good job,it'll be great for those of us with DVR's to record a properly encoded digital signal.

i assume they'll also stop the digital SD locals up in the 200's (that often look like crap anyway due to limited bandwidth)...

interesting turn of events though - this is probably a baby step towards eliminating the analog band completely.

What's up with the US Open? Isn't it suppose to be in hi def?

What's up with the US Open? Isn't it suppose to be in hi def?

That's funny, I just signed in to find out the same thing. I FFwd to Sunday coverage and it doesn't show it in HiDef then either. Wasn't it in HD last year?

*** EDIT: I just did a search and found this:

http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=541159

NBC is pathetic. The US Open not in hi def. Too bad CBS does not have it..

NBC is pathetic. The US Open not in hi def. Too bad CBS does not have it..

Man, that's bad. I don't watch golf but to miss covering the US Open in HD is pretty sad.

Per NBC 17

Dave,

Unfortunately NBC Sports is not providing the US Open in High Definition to its affiliates.

Thanks for watching NBC 17!

Ira Lilly
Director, Technology and Operations
WNCN TV Raleigh, NC

Hi,
I live in Sanford and have not used my projector much since the NFL season ended. I decided to watch the US Open in HD but found out that was not going to happen but my problem is that I can not pick up PBS from Chapel Hill anymore (OTA). I used to pick up 4-1 thru 4-5 by just moving my indoor antenna but now it is like it is not there at all. I can still pick up all my normal channels from the Raleigh Area and I still get channel 2 from Greensboro too. Has something happened to WUNC that I am not aware of? Titan TV still list all their channels but I am having no luck with them tonight. ( I also tried rescanning with no success)
Thanks
Akooh

Well, it tis the 20th. Did the majority of the analog channels below 100 start broadcasting digital as well as analog? Can anyone tell? Or perhaps is it pushed back to the 27th?

checked the diagnostics and it's still analog here. I'm guessing that if they do switch it's going to alter the channel arrangement. Otherwise there are going to be multiple duplicate and redundant channels in the 210+ area or 0-14 area.

Well sometime over the night lastnight down at the Lumberton NC hub (just below Fayetteville) all channels below 100 except for 6 channels (4 of my local networks out of Florence SC, The Weather Channel and The TVguide channel) are now all digital.

The 4 locals my friend at the local hub said they would go digital as soon as they get the modules and antennas setup for them to pick up their digital signal.

They've just gotta workout the audio level problem and a problem with no audio on msnbc required an exciter reboot causing guide data loss which should gradually reload.

I know I told you this would happen on the 20th but I was just repeating what the head tech told me. I appologize. :)

Can the STB tell you what resolution and bitrate are being used for the digital channels?

Can the STB tell you what resolution and bitrate are being used for the digital channels?
I have no idea if there is any bitrate info available but my 8300HD DVR displays wether the received signals format is HD or not and displays the output format (480i, 480p, 720p, 1080i) depending on how you have it set to output format set in the setup.

When I asked about the simucast, I got the following reply:

This is currently "in the works" so there is some truth to the rumor. We do not
have a concrete timeline when our entire division will go all digital
(Raleigh/Durham/Fayetteville markets), however this transition may occur over
the next few months.

Thank you for taking the time to email us.

Looks if it might be some time before everyone gets the simucast........

My cable feed (Lumberton hub) comes from the Fayetteville headend. After the trunk line leaves Fayetteville it is split. One way goes to St. Paul hub (not sure if their simulcasting yet). The other way comes to Lumberton hub. Pembroke (where I live) and Fairmont both get cable from Lumberton but my friend said although Lumberton and Pembroke are simulcasting, Fairmont won't start till later. So it's a area by area change I guess. I'm guessing since Fayettevilles feed comes from Raleigh's headend that Raleigh should have already started multicasting too.

so how would we know exactly? I have an integrated digital tuner in my Sony TV, and it didn't find any new digital channels this morning.

Does the front display of the 8300HD tell you if the channel is digital or analog?

so how would we know exactly? I have an integrated digital tuner in my Sony TV, and it didn't find any new digital channels this morning.

Does the front display of the 8300HD tell you if the channel is digital or analog?
No, the 8300HD DVR display shows 480p for regular digital channels and 480i for analog channels if both options are selected in setup.

My guess for tv's with QAM tuners is they'll probably only receive any unencrypted (locals only?) since the rest are encrypted (only a guess).

OK...why is the Pirate vs Cardinals game blacked out tonight (6/23). I undertand the MLB blackout rules for Baltimore and DC, but what is up?

Thanks.

Jeff

I just checked the tuning info for the analog channels and it said they were now broadcasting in QAM256. Can't say the picture quality is a vast improvement. I lost my channel 2 WFMY CBS feed and although WRAL is better on channel 3 the quality is nowhere near as good as the previous digital channel on 257. The 250 range of channels are still there.

UPDATE: Just checked again 15 minutes later and they seem to be back to analog. My WLFL hasn't come back though. Might have been a box quirk or maybe a test? :confused:

Got word last week that the Raleigh/Durham area is going all digital on Monday or TUesday.

Looks to me like they flipped digital on in Raleigh at 1240am Monday night.

Looks to me like they flipped digital on in Raleigh at 1240am Monday night.

Not here (at 6am). It does look like I received a firmware push overnight (Date 1/25/05) SP4? Can't really tell what it does.

In Cary, its 10 PM Tuesday and box diagnostic mode is showing channels sub-100 as being analog still.

a little birdy told me the official flipping of the switch is going to happen July 6th.

Also-- just heard TNT and TBS On Demand are going to be added the same day.

So does that mean I no longer need the digital package?

I have HD and my monthy cost is outragous compared to Satellite.

I am thinking about switching to Satellite...any feedback?

NBC is SAD...

NO HD US OPEN and now no Wimbelton! That is CRAZY...

NBC needs to get with it!

So does that mean I no longer need the digital package?
I think you still need the digital package to receive channels over 100.

So does that mean I no longer need the digital package?

I have HD and my monthy cost is outragous compared to Satellite.

I am thinking about switching to Satellite...any feedback?

To each their own but personally, you'd have to take my Time Warner from my cold dead hands before I gave them up.

Their HD selection is excellent compared to satellite (with the exception of Voom), I think the Explorer8300HD DVR is one of the best in the industry, and the support has always been excellent for me.

They often say that you get what you pay for, and I feel that TWC is worth the cost.

So does that mean I no longer need the digital package?

I have HD and my monthy cost is outragous compared to Satellite.

I am thinking about switching to Satellite...any feedback?

If you're wanting to switch just for HD I wouldn't do it. The satellite HD packages are pretty light. I have satellite, but I get all my HD OTA. I used to have the HD package with DirecTV (when they offered 6 months free), but I basically never watched anything on it. All the HD I watch I can get OTA.

However, I find the general quality of the SD channel's *much* better on DirecTV than the analog channels on TWC. My satellite bill is only a few dollars more than my analog only cable bill was, but I get much better quality. Is it better than the TWC digital? I don't know, but it is *much* less expensive.