I had Voom and now have Time Warner Cable.

I am not satisfied with thier level of HD programming and my bill is out of hand too, for what I want to watch. I was waiting to see how people felt about the 10 Voom channels that are on Dish and the quality of the feed, the majority of people seem to love it.

When I had Voom I watched a lot of their HD shows and my antenna got all the local channels in HD, even WB which greedy Sinclair wants TWC to pay for.

So for about $45 I will be getting all the regular channels I watch, plus the 15 HD on Dish and all the locals in HD.

how do you integrate the OTA channels in the Dish tuner? OR do you have to switch to watch OTA?

So if I were to go OTA for my HD all I would get is

WRAL - CBS
WTVD - ABC
WNCN - NBC
WRAZ - FOX


Correct...I basically give up ESPNHD, DiscoveryHD and others...Right?

So if I were to go OTA for my HD all I would get is

WRAL - CBS
WTVD - ABC
WNCN - NBC
WRAZ - FOX


Correct...I basically give up ESPNHD, DiscoveryHD and others...Right?

You can get WUNC-HD as well, although it's in a different direction from all the others, and I'm not sure Sesame Street is in HD yet. ;)

Basically I'd say you have it right. I had ESPN-HD for awhile and every time I tuned it they were showing a game in SD with side bars, so I'm not sure how much you are missing. Discovery HD Theater had some really cool stuff, but the only thing I watched regularly was Trading Spaces in HD. I know, not much point, but it was in HD. :D

Your OTA HD availability will vary with your location and your antenna set-up.

I have two antennas set up with a combiner and I can get the following stations in HD ...

NBC-HD (WNCN)
FOX-HD (WRAZ)
ABC-HD (WTVD) and (WXLV - Winston-Salem)
CBS-HD (WRAL) and (WFMY - Greensboro)
WB-HD (WLFL)
UPN-HD (WUPN - Greensboro)
PBS-HD (WUNC)

I'm in decision mode on this, but moving from CBand to either DISH or TWC. I get the local HDTV OTA, NBC a bit iffy, but I can always get Greensboro HDTV for NBC.

So the issue is who has the better cheaper package for other HD and SD stuff. Right now, I want HBO/Showtime (both, but does TW have all of the multi channels?), TNT HD (into the West and some other original programing worth it), ESPN, etc. VOOM is a bonus for DISH. I figure if PQ is equal, DISH is over $10/month (120/yr) cheaper and that's not counting the 6 months free HD, HBO/Showtime and 3 mo discount for 60 or 120 channel packages. Adding those in, it's no contest for DISH over TWC for a newbie like me.

Another factor for some might be Roadrunner broadband, but I have a deal on DSL that's better so that's not a draw for a cable bundle to me.

I'm in decision mode on this, but moving from CBand to either DISH or TWC. I get the local HDTV OTA, NBC a bit iffy, but I can always get Greensboro HDTV for NBC.

So the issue is who has the better cheaper package for other HD and SD stuff. Right now, I want HBO/Showtime (both, but does TW have all of the multi channels?), TNT HD (into the West and some other original programing worth it), ESPN, etc. VOOM is a bonus for DISH. I figure if PQ is equal, DISH is over $10/month (120/yr) cheaper and that's not counting the 6 months free HD, HBO/Showtime and 3 mo discount for 60 or 120 channel packages. Adding those in, it's no contest for DISH over TWC for a newbie like me.

Another factor for some might be Roadrunner broadband, but I have a deal on DSL that's better so that's not a draw for a cable bundle to me.

On TWC I get TNT, NBC, ABC, CBS, Fox, Discovery and PBS in HD free with a basic digital pacakage. Showtime and HBO HD are free with the general premium sub of all the HBO and Showtime channels. I get all the HBO and Showtime channels available (HBO Zone, Comedy, Signature ... Showtime Beyond, Extreme, Next etc.) and the west coast version of most of them as well.

ESPN is available in HD with the 5 channel HD package of InHD and HDNet for $6.95 a month.

Going off topic for the moment ... TWC just flipped the digital switch here so all the analog channels are now digital. Some are a great improvement and a few are not. FX, Animal Planet and ironically News 14 are unwatchable at the moment due to picture artifacts and audio break ups.

... TWC just flipped the digital switch here so all the analog channels are now digital. Some are a great improvement and a few are not. FX, Animal Planet and ironically News 14 are unwatchable at the moment due to picture artifacts and audio break ups.

Hopefully this stays digital. I'm expecting to have to re-adjust User Menu settings for viewing preference. I anticipate the appearance will be darker based on viewing experience of HD channels when they broadcast SD.

Fortunately, the HD and previous digital channels are the same. I think this will take some compromise.

I noticed that we are digital in Goldsboro. All but about 6 channels are digital with some being better quality and some the same.

Going off topic for the moment ... TWC just flipped the digital switch here so all the analog channels are now digital. Some are a great improvement and a few are not. FX, Animal Planet and ironically News 14 are unwatchable at the moment due to picture artifacts and audio break ups.

They've got an upgrade scheduled for tonight - for both raleigh-area and fayetteville to fine tune that artifacts and break ups.

This just occured to me -- but now that TWC is all digital, everyone with a DVR is going to be able to record MORE since the analog side of things was such a hard drive hog.
I didn't record a lot on the analog side of things to begin with -- but those that did are good to go.

They've got an upgrade scheduled for tonight - for both raleigh-area and fayetteville to fine tune that artifacts and break ups.

Looks like it's been fixed here. I figured with News 14 being one of the worst affected channels they wouldn't leave it for long. Looks pretty good. Now I just wish they would rearrange the channel lineup to remove the extra local digital channels in the 250 region and put all the HD channels in one block.

Got my 8000HD replaced with an 8300HD yesterday. What a difference!! Havent recalibrated yet since HDNET test pattern isnt till next Tuesday.... but color looks much better... less pixelation. Im impressed. Am seeing one issue that perhaps someone has figured out. The 8000 could be forced to load future program guide information be scrolling into the future days. Landing anywhere in a day (within 1 week) with 'no data' would force a load. With the 8300, it seems hit or miss and you have to scroll across a day boundry (from say 11:30 pm to 12:30 am to make it load. Is there an easier way?

As to lower channels in digital.... at least one channel is still analog... The Weather Channel... (my wife says it is my favorite... I think she exaggerates).

I have a 8300SD. All of my series recordings stopped working with the switch to all-digital. I just had to go in and set them up again. Wanted to give people a heads up before they started missing all their shows.

My NBC looks much better after the switch. The NBC in the 200s has always been horrible, but now the 006 looks pretty nice. Only problem i've seen so far is that the volume levels on some of the channels are all over the place. I had to turn the WB (002) way up to hear it, but MTV (053) was crazy loud.

Havent recalibrated yet since HDNET test pattern isnt till next Tuesday.... but color looks much better... less pixelation.

How do you perform this calibration? I've still got the 8000, but am moving to the 8300 in a few weeks. But I assume I can calibrate the 8000 as well, maybe I've been missing out on a better picture!

How do you perform this calibration? I've still got the 8000, but am moving to the 8300 in a few weeks. But I assume I can calibrate the 8000 as well, maybe I've been missing out on a better picture!

The calibration is of the Display... not the 8300. Brightness, Contrast, tint, color. The HDNET test patterns (Tuesday 8:00am) contain the test patterns to enable you to set the display for the most accurate pic.

can you just record the calibration on tuesday mornings?

[QUOTE=deArgila]Your OTA HD availability will vary with your location and your antenna set-up.

I have two antennas set up with a combiner


What kind of combiner do you have?

can you just record the calibration on tuesday mornings?

yup... 8 to 8:10 am on Tuesdays

http://www.hd.net/program_search_results.html?keyword=test%20patterns&whattosearch=title

Tue., Jul. 12th 8:00 AM ET
5:00 AM PT HDNet Test Patterns
Wonder how your home theatre is doing? Wish you had test patterns to help set it up? Well, HDNet is here to help. This short program will help you get the most out of your home theatre setup by providing you with the same professional test patterns HDNet uses to set their gear.

What kind of combiner do you have?

channel plus 2212

like this one ... http://shop.store.yahoo.com/pricesrite/i2212.html

I have a 8300SD. All of my series recordings stopped working with the switch to all-digital. I just had to go in and set them up again. Wanted to give people a heads up before they started missing all their shows.

I noticed this too. If you have any series recordings for anything from channels 0-77, then you'll need to reset those- delete them in the series option and go back and re-do them. It doesn't affect anything above 100.
Don't know about you guys -- but w/ my 8300HD I've mostly recorded the HD broadcast shows -- and stretched it if it wasn't HD.

Hi there. I'm potentially moving to the Durham/RTP area in a few months and I'm curious about the OTA HD availability there. I've got a Zenith HD with a built-in HD tuner, but the towers here in Orlando are all about 20 miles from me, and I'm in a downtown apartment high-rise facing the wrong way, so I don't get to utilize the built-in tuner. It's not a big deal because our local cable co. has a very nice HD lineup.

That said, I've noticed that (according to TWC's page) they don't carry WB or UPN in HD in the RTP area, and these are both channels that I watch pretty frequently. So I'm wondering what the OTA reception is like, say with a cheap-ass antenna, and where the towers are.

Thanks in advance.

Mixed news (from your perspective) -

All the Raleigh Durham Digital stations (except PBS and PAX, and the lone Hispanic station (40)) are broadcast from the antenna farm just east of Auburn NC , about 5 miles east of Garner. This is the good news.

The bad news - WB22 and UPN28 are managed by Sinclair Broadcasting Corp, and the last time I heard, they were still doing their digital signals (I don't know if they can do HDTV yet) at only 9.8Kw - rather low power. Plan on a pretty decent sized UHF OTA antenna mounted outside for the best possibility of reception.

Mixed news (from your perspective) -
The bad news - WB22 and UPN28 are managed by Sinclair Broadcasting Corp, and the last time I heard, they were still doing their digital signals (I don't know if they can do HDTV yet) at only 9.8Kw - rather low power. Plan on a pretty decent sized UHF OTA antenna mounted outside for the best possibility of reception.

I'm pretty sure that neither WB22 or UPN are doing HD, just digital. So the reason that TWC doesn't carry those two in HD is that they aren't available here in HD.

I'm pretty sure that neither WB22 or UPN are doing HD, just digital. So the reason that TWC doesn't carry those two in HD is that they aren't available here in HD.

Don't know about UPN, but WB is in HD.

WB22 is definitely doing HD. UPN28 is not. However, UPN48 out of Greensboro is doing HD and can be picked up with the proper set-up. In fact, I have a stronger signal for UPN48 than UPN28!

On another note, I just re-did a channel scan on my LG QAM tuner and found the following channels ... (I haven't done a scan on the Samsung one, but if I get anything different, I'll update the post).

78-10 - ABC/WTVD (SD)
78-11 - CBS/WRAL (SD)
78-42 - WB/WLFL (SD)
79-10 - shopping channel (SD)
79-11 - QVC (SD)
84-2 - Discovery HD
84-3 - TNT-HD
85-2 through 85-6 - CBS/WRAL-HD and subchannels
89-9 - UPN (SD)
89-10 - FOX/WRAZ (SD)
89-11 - PBS/WUNC (SD)
90-1 through 90-5 - PBS/WUNC-HD and subchannels
105-1 - News14 carolina (SD)
111-1 through 111-3 - NBC/WNCN-HD and subchannels
112-9 - Univision (SD)
112-10 - WGN (SD)
113-1 through 113-3 - ABC/WTVD-HD and subchannels
113-4 through 113-6 - FOX/WRAZ-HD and subchannels
117-9 - Shop America (SD)
117-12 - Telefutura (SD)
118-2 - real estate channel (SD)
118-9 - NBC/WNCN (SD)
118-10 - News14 carolina (SD)
118-11 - Shop at Home (SD)

Thanks deArgila, is the reason that the new digital SD versions of ESPN and other channels arent available because they are encrypted? Sure would be nice if I had access to all of these channels with my PC QAM tuner (not like Im not already paying for them :) ).

WB22 is definitely doing HD. UPN28 is not. However, UPN48 out of Greensboro is doing HD and can be picked up with the proper set-up. In fact, I have a stronger signal for UPN48 than UPN28!



Why does this NOT surprise me ???

Ah well - someday I will get my digtal tuner / HD display... at which time I may investigate getting an antenna that can receive Greensboro from Youngsville in a forest.

I will say the analogs for the RDU stations all come in well with a proper OTA setup for your situation.

anyone know if Time Warner will be getting this channel?

Outdoor Channel 2 HD - is now fully operational and available to cable and satellite operators. Outdoor Channel 2 HD has now officially begun its rollout to cable and satellite operators, and plans to launch a full media and marketing campaign to consumers on July 1st

Has anyone had problems with widely varying volume problems during commercials on channels below 100? It seems like since the digital switch, some commercials seem to be much louder than the rest of the content. This is most notable on the Discovery channel, specifically "local" commercials like the West Virginia tourism ad, News 14 ads, Gerber Insurance, and any of the local "chat" line ads. It is very annoying to all of a sudden have a huge change in volume at random.

deArgila, so are those OTA channels?

Has anyone had problems with widely varying volume problems during commercials on channels below 100? It seems like since the digital switch....


Yes, but I've got worse problems. Since the digital switch there are many channels I can no longer get, below and ABOVE 100. Between channels 00 and 58 I cannot get 23 channels: (06, 10, 11, 14, 17-22, 24, 35, 37, 38, 41, 45-48, 50, 53, 56, and 57 are blank). I stopped counting above channel 58 except to notice that many above 100 were now blank also. INHD and INHD2 are now having bizarre pixelation problems; pretty much unwatchable. Other HD channels appear OK thankfully. BTW, I have the SA8300HD DVR.

Further, many of the ones I do get (about 90%) have a black stripe along the left edge. Meaning, I don't think the picture is centered, it appears offset to the right by about 10 to 20 pixels depending on channel.

I haven't had any time to deal with this until tonight. Today I received a nice letter from TWC explaining that they had upgraded their digital system. It said I should call 866-4-TWC-NOW if I had questions.

It's busy. It's been busy all evening.

So I tried 595-4892 from my TWC bill.

It's busy. Has been all evening as well.

I'm wondering if maybe my box didn't get the new firmware for some reason. Is there a way to initiate a download myself?

Can someone tell me what firmware version I should have?

Anyone else (from Raleigh) have any of these problems?

Thanks,

Sooke

Need your help. I've got an HDTV with Raleigh TWC SA8000 HD cable box that has worked fine since January. Came home tonight and could not get sound out of either my TV or my surround sound receiver. Picture on all channels was fine. Checked the cables and they were fine. So I rebooted the cable box. It took a while, with Passport screen showing and wait a minute, for a few minutes. Then it clicked back on, and the sound was working, but I had lost all the channels. When I change the channels on the cable box I get about 5 channels at the most, with no channel information, no guide info, etc. Of course this was afterhours for TWC. Any suggestions?

...Of course this was afterhours for TWC. Any suggestions?

In the past I've gotten a TWC CSR on the phone at midnight. Maybe their policy changed???

Don't ask me how, but after rebooting my cable box twice and not being able to get the channels, I left for an hour and came back, and when I turned everything on, it all worked! Don't know why it didn't work an hour ago and does now, but I'm just glad it works.

In the past I've gotten a TWC CSR on the phone at midnight. Maybe their policy changed???

TWC's customer service line is available 24/7/365, there's always a live person in the call center.

Need your help. I've got an HDTV with Raleigh TWC SA8000 HD cable box that has worked fine since January. Came home tonight and could not get sound out of either my TV or my surround sound receiver. Picture on all channels was fine. Checked the cables and they were fine. So I rebooted the cable box. It took a while, with Passport screen showing and wait a minute, for a few minutes. Then it clicked back on, and the sound was working, but I had lost all the channels. When I change the channels on the cable box I get about 5 channels at the most, with no channel information, no guide info, etc. Of course this was afterhours for TWC. Any suggestions?


Next time this happens see if you can access your DVR list. It sounds to me like drive failure I've had, from what I remember ...

The box will try to boot the hard drive on startup but because the drive is stuck it takes forever. Eventually the box senses something is wrong and bypasses the drive, boots up and just transmits the channels straight through to the TV. However by doing this it loses all of the interactivity so you can change channels but don't have your extra features.

Only way to solve the drive stiction was to unplug the box which forces the drive to spin down. Powering up again starts the drive spinning and everything returns to normal. If it starts happening daily, swap out the box, it's dying.

- one other thing to note. Listen to the drive. Usually the drive chirp fluctuates as it's buffering and recording. If at any time it stops fluctuating and just repeats the same low click over and over, it's stuck. This can happen even if the box says record on the front. The signal is being sent to the drive but because the box can't tell the drive isn't moving, it's just writing to the same spot for the duration of your show.

Has anyone had problems with widely varying volume problems during commercials on channels below 100? It seems like since the digital switch, some commercials seem to be much louder than the rest of the content. This is most notable on the Discovery channel, specifically "local" commercials like the West Virginia tourism ad, News 14 ads, Gerber Insurance, and any of the local "chat" line ads. It is very annoying to all of a sudden have a huge change in volume at random.

upping the volume on commercials is typical ad men logic. They crank it up to get your attention or wake you up if you are having a nap. They've been doing that for a while. :rolleyes:

Generally though I have one or two channels that now have reduced volume in the digital switch that somebody here mentioned earlier. WB22 is now pretty low volume across the board.

I'm wondering if maybe my box didn't get the new firmware for some reason. Is there a way to initiate a download myself?

Can someone tell me what firmware version I should have?

Anyone else (from Raleigh) have any of these problems?

Thanks,

Sooke

head over to the 8000/8300 Passport thread (http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=453804) in the HDTV section. They should be able to give you some pointers and troubleshooting advice.

What's the best STB available from TWC now? I had the SA3100, and now the Pace box. Anything with USB or RS232 control for HTPC integration?

Robert

....Further, many of the ones I do get (about 90%) have a black stripe along the left edge. Meaning, I don't think the picture is centered, it appears offset to the right by about 10 to 20 pixels depending on channel.


I don't have the other problems you described, but do have the one above. It is particularly apparent for non-HD channels, where there are grey bars on each side with a black stripe to the right side of the left grey bar. I guess when HD channels show SD output its not apparent since the side bars are black, too.

I'm seeing the black bar too. In the past, when channels went blank, it was because the signal got weak. Try removing any splitters that you might be using.

I can't get any digital channels thru my HDTV's internal tuner anymore. While being hooked up to Time Warner that is.

I use to get all the locals and TNT-HD and Discovery HD.

deArgila, so are those OTA channels?


Assuming you're referring to the channels I picked up with my QAM tuners - no, these are not OTA. (Although most of them are available OTA).

They are cable channels from TWC that are unscrambled, so you don't need a TWC box to pick them up. However, you do need a TWC feed.

ENDContra - Yes, that's what I'm assuming.

Uh oh....

cbordman,
I assume that is via unscrambled QAM which is what I do too. (and deArgila in the post above mine)

That would not be good news as I recently moved and elected to not run any wires for a OTA feed since I enjoyed the QAM reception with my basic TWC service. With the locals as you folks know came the bonus of Disc-HD and TNT-HD. (although tnt-hd and samsung QAM tuners didn't have sound for the last 3 months)

I will check when I get home from work. Can anyone else (perhaps deArgila) utilizing QAM reception not via a TWC box, confirm that we don't have any digital and/or HD channels anymore.

I assumed and hoped that TWC would continue to send the locas unscrambled forever, perhaps that was naive but I THOUGHT that since so many of these TV's and outboard tuners like the SAMSUNG units were in circulation and the only way to get it was a subscription to TWC cable it would make sense to enable and not scramble what you already had.

That's what i was hoping. And i was even hoping that when all channels below 100 went to digital, that i would be able to pick them up as well with a straight cable connection. But after searching for all new channels, i no longer get any digital channels with the QAM tuner.

I still have all my QAM channels, so maybe you did a search under the wrong settings? i.e., you did a search for OTA channels or for the wrong type of cable channels.

Maybe try to add each channel manually, if that is possible. Or redo the search and double check your settings.

My QAM channels still exist. I even re-scanned and it's all the same.
Sorry it took me so long, had to hang some drywall tonight.

Everything there and TNT-HD still has no audio via the LG unit. The engineer at PBS said the issue was with TWC sending bad PSIP info. It had previously messed up the PBS feed but they (TWC) fixed after PBS told them to and how. :(

Sorry, I mis-spoke earlier. I have an LG STB, not a Samsung. It is good for OTA and QAM. I use it for QAM.

hmm.. still no QAM channels at all. I redid the channel search and it only found the analog channels. When i manually tune to 5.1, i get 'No signal'. oh well..

Are you picking up digital versions of all channels below 100, or still analog?

cbordman,
Yes, I picked up a few additional 'digital' channels. Mostly the ones I already had, they are repeats of CBS, ABC..etc. But WB is new as well as about 3 or so home shopping types.
VIA QAM I get such channels as:

CBS on 85.2 (HD), 85.3...etc
DISC-HD - 84.2
TNT-HD 84.3 (no audio for months now)
PBS on 90.1, 90.2(HD)
And so forth.

After the switch to all digital, I picked up some additional and weirdly random (as far as my LG unit's # designations are concerned) channels. CBS again on 78.x, WB in the 120's or so.

BTW -
I did not pick up, and I did not expect to, all or most of the digital channels below 100. I have only the $11.00 or so BASIC edition which gets at most about 20 analog channels. A fair number of which I don't believe have shown up as new digital content. But the home shopping ones did. (go figure)

It is VERY nice however that I even get the discovery channel.
If TNT-HD had Audio, I would love it. :)

Sorry to hear about your continued issues. Are you using a SAMSUNG TV with built-in QAM reception or something of the sort? Perhaps if you list your specific equipment someone else with similar equipment in the area might be able to double check and then the 2 of you can speak.
You could also try a quick external OTA antenna option (any rabbit ears should work for WRAL, they put out a strong signal) just to confirm your HD source inside the TV.

it's a Sony grand vega, 50" with the built-in tuner.

Hoping someone can help me out.

need to know if anyone has any info on a terk tv-55 antenna or a samsung sir-t451 tuner.

Need to get tuner/antenna set up soon, these are in my budget.

Any help/comments greatly appreciated.

it's a Sony grand vega, 50" with the built-in tuner.

I just installed one of these this week and set it up for QAM reception without any problems (other than the channel search taking forever). The 42" model didn't have any issues, either.

It might be worth having TWC come by to check your cable signal.

Hoping someone can help me out.

need to know if anyone has any info on a terk tv-55 antenna or a samsung sir-t451 tuner.

Need to get tuner/antenna set up soon, these are in my budget.

Any help/comments greatly appreciated.

I have a samsung t-451, though I don't use it for OTA reception. Adding and deleting channels is a pain in the @ss, but other than that, I'm happy with it.

As far as the antenna - why the terk? Your best bet is really to go with an roof-mounted antenna, and the terk is not the way to go for that - especially at $70 or so.

thanks deArgila,

I'm not set on either one really. They are just in my budget.

Any recommendations for tuners/antennas in that price range would be helpful b/c I'm new to the OTA thing and really don't know what I'm doing.

I just decided I wanted to take advantage of free HD so I'm trying to get set up.

I'm near the Southpoint Mall area, if you know any antenna's that work well in the area.

We use this
http://www.solidsignal.com/prod_display.asp?CAT=Antennas%20TV&PROD=ANC4228

works great here in Timberlake.

I've heard good things about this antenna.

Do you have to use the rotator to pick everything up?

How about an OTA tuner, what do you use?

thanks deArgila,

I'm not set on either one really. They are just in my budget.

Any recommendations for tuners/antennas in that price range would be helpful b/c I'm new to the OTA thing and really don't know what I'm doing.

I just decided I wanted to take advantage of free HD so I'm trying to get set up.

I'm near the Southpoint Mall area, if you know any antenna's that work well in the area.

As it happens, I'm right near Southpoint as well. I've used several different antennas ...

Channel master 4228
Channel master 4221
Channel master 3018
Channel master 3022 (which I custom-modified)
Channel master stealth - this one I didn't have much success with, but I also never bothered to roof mount it (I got it for free when I signed up for Voom).

But all four of the other antennas worked very well for me. I currently use the modified 3022 to pick up PBS and the Greensboro stations and the 4228 to pick up the Raleigh stations.

For an OTA tuner, I've used the Samsung T-151 and the HDTivo from Directv. I've also used an LG LST-3410A and it worked well. And with my business, I've pretty much used everything else.

I think a proper antenna set-up is MUCH more important than the tuner.

I live in Sanford NC and I am about 38 miles from the WRAL towers and 25 miles from the WUNC towers,according to www.antennaweb.org. I got one of these indoor antennas http://www.radioshack.com/product.asp?catalog%5Fname=CTLG&category%5Fname=CTLG%5F003%5F001%5F001%5F000&product%5Fid=15%2D1880 and it worked great. You might want to try one and if it doesn't work for you, you can return it. I could pick up about about ten digital channels (more actually, but I just tuned in about ten that I liked) WRAL was strongest and the HD was great.

I did not use my projector or Sylvania SRZ 3000 receiver much after NFL season. I turned on my tv receiver recently and can not pick up WUNC and have been having a hard time getting WRAL too. I do pick up 50-1 ok and it seems like it is in the same tower farm that WRAL is. I can not figure out what the problem is, unless it is the trees near my house having more leaves, which I hope it is. I am hoping WRAL and WUNC did not make any changes like in the direction or power of their transmissions, if there are such things to change. I am not very familiar with the broadcasting process.

Great Info,

Thanks guys,

I have heard many good things about the CM 4228, my only concern is that I don't want to have to install a rotor; but I want to pick up PBS Chapel Hill, and would like to pick up Greensboro.

You guys know of any antenna that could do the job where I wouldn't need a rotor?

I see mixed reviews on the Terk TV-55.

Great Info,

Thanks guys,

I have heard many good things about the CM 4228, my only concern is that I don't want to have to install a rotor; but I want to pick up PBS Chapel Hill, and would like to pick up Greensboro.

You guys know of any antenna that could do the job where I wouldn't need a rotor?

I see mixed reviews on the Terk TV-55.


Your best bet is to do what I did - install two separate antennas (pointing one in each direction) and connect them with a combiner.

It's usually a little better if the antennas are small or a fair distance (15ft+) apart.

it's a Sony grand vega, 50" with the built-in tuner.

cbordman,

i have a sony 60xs with built-in QAM tuner and i had no problems yesterday receiving the HD and other digital channels. i rescanned last monday just to see if the new digital stuff was there, and they were.

make sure you are scanning on the cable input and not the OTA input.

-drill

You think I could pick up GBO and WS with a 4228 pointed that direction? Would I need a smaller (than 4228) antenna for the Raleigh area stations?

You think I could pick up GBO and WS with a 4228 pointed that direction? Would I need a smaller (than 4228) antenna for the Raleigh area stations?

I think you'd be ok with two 4228's if you choose to do so, as long as you place them apart (about 15ft+). Just try to make it so the line-of-sight for one doesn't pass through the other one.

Also, test each one individually for signal strength before combining them. Compare the relative signal strengths (pre-combine vs. post-combine) and you'll see how much interference you're getting between the two antennas. If there is a significant signal drop post-combiner, you might need to put in an A/B switch instead of a combiner.

Does anyone have an experience with a Winegard Squareshooter? I live in Wake Forest and was thinking of trying the non-amplified version. I have a CM 7777 pre-amp that I could use with it, if needed.

I finally got my channels coming in again :) I had to rescan and got all my channels back at full strength with my amplified indoor antenna. I made a list of the channels I get here in Sanford along with their signal strength.

WUNC is still dropping out some but I am pretty sure it is because of one really big tree I have in the direction of the UNC tower. I feel like this will vary with the seasons. I know it was much better this past fall and winter.

Here is a list of the channels I get and the signal strength, in case anyone in my area is thinking about getting an OTA receiver. I listed NTSC channels too, but I will delete all of them and only watch the digitals.


Channel Signal Strength
WRAL 5-1 95
WRAL 5.2 95
WTVD 11-1 90
WTVD 11-2 90
WTVD 11-3 90
WNCN 17-1 81
WNCN 17-2 81
WNCN 17-3 81
WTWB 20 54
WLFL 22 90
WRDC 28 55
WUVC 40 92
WUVC 40-1 90
WUVC 40-2 90
WUPN 48 43
WRAZ 50 33
WRAZ 50-1 95
WRAZ 50-2 95
WRAZ 50-3 95

When I move my antenna to a more northern direction I can also pick up these
WFMY 2-1 65
WUNC 4-1 55
WUNC 4-2 63
WUNC 4-3 85 (cartoons, go figure)
WUNC 4-4 no signal
WUNC 4-5 no signal
WGHP 8 18

About a week ago I described how I was no longer getting many channels with the SA8300HD DVR since TWC switched over to all digital channels.

Turns out the solution was to remove my surge suppresor from the path of the coax. Cable guy said they are now using frequencies that get blocked by surge suppressors. Glad its fixed, although I wish I didn't have to lose my surge protection.

Just incase anyone else has a similar problem...

Sooke

How do you like the 8300? Did you have a 3100 or Pace box prior? I'm leary of switching over after I read all the posts about the 8100 and 8300 having lesser pic quality than the Pace box, and people clamoring to TWC to get their original boxes back. Has this issue been resolved w/ firmware or new hardware?

Robert

How do you like the 8300? Did you have a 3100 or Pace box prior? I'm leary of switching over after I read all the posts about the 8100 and 8300 having lesser pic quality than the Pace box, and people clamoring to TWC to get their original boxes back. Has this issue been resolved w/ firmware or new hardware?

Robert

I've had (in order):

3100HD
3250HD
8000HD
8300HD

Never had the Pace box.

All have worked well except the 8000HD. It is simply a dog (bad PQ, slow channel changes, audio dropouts, weird pixelation intermittently).

PQ with the 8300HD seems good to my eyes. I do not think the 8000HD's problems are fixable via firmware (I'ld just stay away from it).

Sooke

do you think certain splitters could be blocking the digital frequencies since the switchover? My tv's qam tuner can no longer detect any digital channels. Guess i'll get in the crawlspace tonight and do some testing..



About a week ago I described how I was no longer getting many channels with the SA8300HD DVR since TWC switched over to all digital channels.

Turns out the solution was to remove my surge suppresor from the path of the coax. Cable guy said they are now using frequencies that get blocked by surge suppressors. Glad its fixed, although I wish I didn't have to lose my surge protection.

Just incase anyone else has a similar problem...

Sooke

Check the frequency range of the splitter. They should be 1Ghz splitters. My Panamax surge suppressor works fine.

About a week ago I described how I was no longer getting many channels with the SA8300HD DVR since TWC switched over to all digital channels.

Turns out the solution was to remove my surge suppresor from the path of the coax. Cable guy said they are now using frequencies that get blocked by surge suppressors. Glad its fixed, although I wish I didn't have to lose my surge protection.

Just incase anyone else has a similar problem...

Sooke
I'm having no such problem with the cable running through my Surge Protector (at least I don't think so). I add the qualifier because after reading this I thought, nope not me. So I turned the set on tonight when I got home and....Surprise!

Every single channel had pixelation. I took the surge protector out of the equation -- same result ---> pixelation. A re-boot of the SA8300 (apparently) cured the pixelation (0-100, 100 range, HD channels - all of them).

As an aside, in Diagnostic (with TWC) for Memory, the captions are Free, Largest, Lowest and When with readings, date/time. Does the date/time refer to largest or lowest reading (there is only one date/time).

Does anyone have an experience with a Winegard Squareshooter? I live in Wake Forest and was thinking of trying the non-amplified version. I have a CM 7777 pre-amp that I could use with it, if needed.

I've had plenty of experience replacing them! From what I've seen, it doesn't work too well. Who knows, could work for you.

Now that TWC had gone to all digital in our area, I wonder if you good people would care to comment on the differences between the two.

I know there is a price difference, and a slight difference in channel line ups.

What about the PQ, and the HD PQ?

I have DirecTV now, and am trying to decide whether to switch when I get my HDTV. The lack of all digital pictures for TWC has prevented me from doing this in the past.

pricewise, TWC won for me. The HD DVR is only 6.95 a month, compared to the $800+ directv HD Tivo.

I switched to Time Warner when we bought an HDTV. They gave us the digipic 2000 package for 49.95 a month, for 18 months, just for switching.

and i think ESPNHD is 10.99 a month with DTV compared to 6.99 a month with TWC.

pricewise, TWC won for me. The HD DVR is only 6.95 a month, compared to the $800+ directv HD Tivo.

I switched to Time Warner when we bought an HDTV. They gave us the digipic 2000 package for 49.95 a month, for 18 months, just for switching.

and i think ESPNHD is 10.99 a month with DTV compared to 6.99 a month with TWC.

Yes, if you tell them you are thinking about switching from dish they should give you a good rate. A friend of mine switched from Dish Network to digital with HBO two years ago and they had a rate of $45 a month.

Ok. What about the PQ differences?

Ok. What about the PQ differences?

IMO, Time-Warner Digital looks better than I recall DirecTV looking (I haven't had DTV in over a year now though).

There is no comparison between the digital channels and the analog channels, esp if you didn't have the best signal strength, so I'm glad they switched to all digital.

j.

Ok. What about the PQ differences?

there are less artifacts than there used to be. A year or two ago some of the new channels had bad breakup but I don't see that very often now. Still happens occasionally but I haven't seen it on the HD feeds.

Plus there's always the movie and free channels on demand, which is nice extra content to play around with and displays surprisingly well considering it's interactive.

OK, thank you.

The forums have lamented that DirecTV is broadcasting a watered-down HD signal, commonly referred to as HD-lite. Is TWC doing this too?

I have seen some awsome HD broadcasts via cable (TW) and some that appear (to the naked-eyd) watered down. What is stange is that when this happens, I have often switched channels and noticed what appears to be a better picture on another channel.
(say perhaps some of the recent FOX true HD broadcasts -vs- Disc-HD.

Perahaps this is due to multi-casting, or perhaps something from the local affiliate but since it can look really good on certain channels and just decent on others I can't see how TWC would be at fault. It would make sense to me that TW would either water down everything or nothing and not arbitrary channels. That would probably just tick off a local affiliate to single their broadcast out from everyone else's.

NOTE: I did notice that when I had digital OTA reception, in general it looked a bit better than any cable or sat. signal I had ever received. However, I gladly gave that up for the convience (and a couple additional channels) that cable provided.

This is just my opinon, based upon judgement with my own 2 eyes. I don't have any equipment to tell me if a given signal is of higher bandwidth than another.

...

Thanks. If and when I finally get an HDTV, I will seriously consider the switch-over.

Tonight I am picking up WTVD 11-2 and they are showing yesterdays news! What a waste of programming! Wild that I am 90 miles out and can get this channel and not WRAL or RAZ

Probably already covered somewhere in this thread...but I can't seem to find it:

Currently have the 8000HD DVR, but really want/need the "other than component" outputs activated.

I currently am running my own in house "Cable System" through a ChannelPlus Modulator & Distribution panel to 8 other TV's (main room TV hooked directly to the tuners)...problem is I can only modulate composite video. I have 2 DirecTV TIVOs and my AV Receiver Multiroom output (DVD, VCR, etc...) distributed BUT no TimeWarner Cable...which for me means HBO is only broadcast on my main room TV.

So my question: Does the 8300HD DVR have the composite outputs activated and whats the best way to get TWC to swap the 8000 for the 8300 these days?

Thanks in advance - John

John,

I haven't tested the composite outputs on my 8300HD DVR, but I got mine simply by calling TWC customer service and saying "Hi, I currently have an 8000HD-DVR box, and I'd like to get it swapped out for an 8300HD-DVR model. Can I schedule someone to come over and do that?" They came over and took care of it within 48 hours.

Can anyone tell me where I can buy a channel master 4228 (or similar) in the Triangle area. I am having a real hard time finding any retailers for some reason.

Woul like to install tomorrow if I can just find somewhere to buy.

One more question,

Does anyone know what TWC channels can be had for free using a QAM tuner in Durham?

Is it possible to receive these as well as OTA signals at once?

Thanks Anyone

Can anyone tell me where I can buy a channel master 4228 (or similar) in the Triangle area. I am having a real hard time finding any retailers for some reason.

Woul like to install tomorrow if I can just find somewhere to buy.

Try Consumer Direct Warehouse on Wake Forest Road. Be sure to call ahead so they can get one on the truck in the morning, since they normally have to deliver from their main warehouse in Garner.

-Dave

Since the change to all digital, the volume change between channels is horrible. WB is nearly unwatchable since the TV has to be cranked all the way up to barely hear it. If you change channels you get blown away from the volume. Commercials are also rediculous now as someone earlier stated.

I have been trying to call TWC, but the line has been busy for days! I guess I have to stay up till midnight to call! :-)

The volume thing is not only on TWC. We are having the same problems here with Charter up here in the Roxboro area.

Thanks Kevad,

Called and they have them in stock.

Does anyone know which would be better, one CM 4228 or two CM 4221's in opposite directions?

I'm in SW Durham, so I'm not sure if I can get PBS with the 4228 pointed toward Raleigh, but I don't know if a 4221 will pull in raleigh from within an attic.

Anyone know why TW will not hand out a 8300 HD DVR out at the office? They told me someone will have to bring it to me.

Anyone know why TW will not hand out a 8300 HD DVR out at the office? They told me someone will have to bring it to me.

I can't remember if anyone got to the bottom of this. There might be some activiation technicality going on, but the rumor I heard was that TWC didn't believe that everyone had an HDTV and were just getting the HD version for the larger hard drive over the regular 8000/8300. Why you can't box swap an HD unit for another HD unit is illogical though.

I can't remember if anyone got to the bottom of this. There might be some activiation technicality going on, but the rumor I heard was that TWC didn't believe that everyone had an HDTV and were just getting the HD version for the larger hard drive over the regular 8000/8300. Why you can't box swap an HD unit for another HD unit is illogical though.

The customer service centers don't stock the HD-DVR units for this reason. The HD-DVRs are more expensive for TWC, even though they charge people the same amount as the regular DVRs. And because of their larger HDs, they want to make sure that only HDTV owners get them.

any chance of time warner getting espn2hd in time for college football season?

It sure didn't take long to get the Al Gore Current TV channel in the lineup... :(

Hey Guys...

Lots of good info here. I'm not a newbie to home electronics but I haven't dabbled in HD Reception yet.

Anyways there is a ton of information here and I haven't found the exact answers to my questions.

I'm in Cary and have DirectTV and would like to just pick up OTA HD channels until the HD Packages are better. Is there a link that someone could provide that has information on what hardware (antenna/receivers) to buy and how to setup antenna's...etc in order to get the reception? I would like to read up on the best way to get an OTA setup in my system.

I assume that I could just get a DTV Standalone HD Terminal and use the OTA antenna in it? What else would I need?

Thoughts or suggestions....sorry for the newbie questions just trying to find some information to read up.

I have the 8300HD/Passport with UR5-8400 remote from TW. Connected with HDMI to DVI.
I programmed the remote System on/off button to turn off the box and the TV.
They both turn off fine with no problems, but when I press system on the tv shows the HDCP compliant message and on the box the only thing on is the little symbol above auto on front of box. I then have to press CBL power buttons to get the 8300 on. I have read and read these forums.
Is there anyway to get the System on/off button to turn on both the TV and box with no HDCP message? Thanks

Can someone tell me if TWC in Raleigh will supply good HDMI cables. I will be getting the Explorer 8300 and doing an HDMI to HDMI connection. If they will be giving me crappy cables then I'll want to buy my own. So will they supply the cables for me and if they do, will they be as good as some Belkin or Monster cables?

Can someone tell me if TWC in Raleigh will supply good HDMI cables. I will be getting the Explorer 8300 and doing an HDMI to HDMI connection. If they will be giving me crappy cables then I'll want to buy my own. So will they supply the cables for me and if they do, will they be as good as some Belkin or Monster cables?
They won't supply the HDMI cables. They provide component cables. I bought mine here through one of the on line vendors. Good price, it all works.
You know about the 5.1 audio out issues when using HDMI and the current TWC box/software, right? If not, read through some of this thread and the TWC Passport thread.

I assume that I could just get a DTV Standalone HD Terminal and use the OTA antenna in it? What else would I need? By 'terminal' I assume you mean a DirecTV HD receiver? If that is correct, the answer is yes. If you want to record HD from D* and OTA you will need the DirecTiVo HR10-250.

I assume that I could just get a DTV Standalone HD Terminal and use the OTA antenna in it? What else would I need? By 'terminal' I assume you mean a DirecTV HD receiver? If that is correct, the answer is yes. However, you will also need an OTA antenna. D* will sometimes provide one (usually for new subscribers) but it's usually a piece of junk. If you want to record HD from D* and OTA you will need the DirecTiVo HR10-250.

Sorry about the previous post- couldn't get it to delete.

By 'terminal' I assume you mean a DirecTV HD receiver? If that is correct, the answer is yes. However, you will also need an OTA antenna. D* will sometimes provide one (usually for new subscribers) but it's usually a piece of junk. If you want to record HD from D* and OTA you will need the DirecTiVo HR10-250.

Sorry about the previous post- couldn't get it to delete.

Thx...What OTA Antenna should I look at getting? Would I need two or just one? Is there a website I can read up on the Antenna technology?

nobodeuno
There is good information available at antennaweb.org website. Read up on the information there and they will even help you choose an antenna.

What I did was start small. I went to Radio Shack and bought an in-house (smallish) antenna and gave it a try. At best, you could live on a small hill in Cary and get GREAT reception. At worst you could live in a valley, get poor reception and lots of multipath. It's just hard to tell so I (after a couple moves) have found it easy to just evaluate my current lot, starting with one of the cheap antenna's at Radio Shack. If that doesn't work I exchange it for an upgraded model. Radio Shack has a great return policy so I use them and try to buy my final product from them so I at least feel honest about it.

At my last house, I eventually had to go with an antenna on the roof to get all the locals including PBS. PBS, as you will see from the antennaweb.org site broadcasts from an angle usually opposit (or close enough) the other channels on the WRAL digital tower that pickiing it up with one antenna is troublesome at times.

To receive the MOST channels, say from Raleigh, Greensboro...etc you will have to do a roof mount. But, if you want to try to start small and just get the locals (abc, cbs, nbc, fox & pbs) give a small indoor antenna at least a try. At my current house in Apex I got lucky. I get all the locals with a small indoor antenna without hardly trying. All you need to start small is the antenna, a short length of coax and the instruction manual for your DirectTV receiver.

BTW - If you do have to go the outdoor mounted antenna route, rest assured that you can put up an external antenna no matter what a local covenant might say. Do some research here on the forum and you will find links to the FCC's federal mandate stating that you have the right to erect an outdoor antenna. (providing you own the property I think)

Wayne Estabrook,

I haven't seen you around lately but if your still around I wanted to thank UNC-TV for broadcasting NASA-TV's live Shuttle landing this morning on your digital sub channel UNC-NC (204 TWC/ 31-5 OTA). I glanced at ABC, Fox News and HNN and news anchors were talking over the NASA/Shuttle comunications (not that it's a bad thing) but thanks to UNC-TV and NASA-TV it was uninterrupted viewing and listening which I prefered. Thanks alot.

nobodeuno
There is good information available at antennaweb.org website. Read up on the information there and they will even help you choose an antenna.

What I did was start small. I went to Radio Shack and bought an in-house (smallish) antenna and gave it a try. At best, you could live on a small hill in Cary and get GREAT reception. At worst you could live in a valley, get poor reception and lots of multipath. It's just hard to tell so I (after a couple moves) have found it easy to just evaluate my current lot, starting with one of the cheap antenna's at Radio Shack. If that doesn't work I exchange it for an upgraded model. Radio Shack has a great return policy so I use them and try to buy my final product from them so I at least feel honest about it.

At my last house, I eventually had to go with an antenna on the roof to get all the locals including PBS. PBS, as you will see from the antennaweb.org site broadcasts from an angle usually opposit (or close enough) the other channels on the WRAL digital tower that pickiing it up with one antenna is troublesome at times.

To receive the MOST channels, say from Raleigh, Greensboro...etc you will have to do a roof mount. But, if you want to try to start small and just get the locals (abc, cbs, nbc, fox & pbs) give a small indoor antenna at least a try. At my current house in Apex I got lucky. I get all the locals with a small indoor antenna without hardly trying. All you need to start small is the antenna, a short length of coax and the instruction manual for your DirectTV receiver.

BTW - If you do have to go the outdoor mounted antenna route, rest assured that you can put up an external antenna no matter what a local covenant might say. Do some research here on the forum and you will find links to the FCC's federal mandate stating that you have the right to erect an outdoor antenna. (providing you own the property I think)

Thanks for the help. I'll do just that! Now I just need to get DTV to give me a deal on a HD Receiver.

Later,

Justin

Any news on TWC adding new HD channels like ESPN2 HD?

Daryl,

Glad you enjoyed the NASA Live feed on UNC-NC. It was not my decision but I definitely agree with it.
I apologize for not answering sooner. I need to spend more time on AVS Forum.

Wayne

Wayne Estabrook,

I haven't seen you around lately but if your still around I wanted to thank UNC-TV for broadcasting NASA-TV's live Shuttle landing this morning on your digital sub channel UNC-NC (204 TWC/ 31-5 OTA). I glanced at ABC, Fox News and HNN and news anchors were talking over the NASA/Shuttle comunications (not that it's a bad thing) but thanks to UNC-TV and NASA-TV it was uninterrupted viewing and listening which I prefered. Thanks alot.

Any news on TWC adding new HD channels like ESPN2 HD?

I'm waiting for Starz HD and Cinemax HD ...

I apologize for not answering sooner. I need to spend more time on AVS Forum.

Wayne

No problem. Good to see you still pop in. :)

It looks good but not as good as it did 2 years ago when I first got my TV. Now ESPNHD looks better. Could it be that channel 257 is still active? When I first started with HD it was only active for NCAA Basketball and the football games looked unreal.....LOL.

Nobo: I see you are not ready to jump to D or E TV HDTV waiting to see more HDTV offerings. Or the anticipated MPEG4 roll out on both. That makes sense if the only expense you're thinking of is the move to HD on satellite. But say you are in a spot in RTP here (as many of us are) that can get very good reception on all local HD OTA channels. You know the 1000 plus HDTV channels D* is working to put up in the next two years? - most are just the locals for each area, which you can get now - for free.

Now you have a couple choices - buy a separate OTA set top box (mmm - I could sell you mine but I'm probably going to keep it just in case). Or, and you should really consider this - jump to the Direct or DISH HD Package with an HDDVR. Both small sat companies have DVR's with an OTA HD receiver built in. Now you would have an integrated box that doesn't have to cost a lot more than just an OTA unit (unless you want to own it, probably a mistake given the upcoming transition.). And easier to switch and use with the guides if it is part of the sat system. A big deal for WAF.

As an example, I paid $250 for the privlige of leasing the DISH 942 DVR. A great little unit. That one box replaced my old Cband satellite package, my VCR, and my HD STB. Wow!! And I get to record HDTV shows. TheDISH HD package is damn good and free for 6 months. Now if you're wedded to Direct, say for football, you could go that route, and I don't know about leasing costs. But if you're ready to spend $200 to 300 for an HDTV STB, consider the integration with your satellite system.

As far as the antenna, others have given you the right advice, and sometimes you might want to call the engineers at the TV stations who generally know what success people in your neighborhood are having with roof top antennas - oh, consider one with a rotor.

Just incase anyone is interested. My SA8300HD DVR got a software upgrade lastnight. There's a new Audio Digital Out option in the setup. I'm on TWC just 40 miles South of Fayetteville NC (part of Raleigh/Durham/Fayetteville devision). Info below.

[NEW on 8-25-05]
Versions:
ResApp Version: PASSPORT Echo 1.8.111
OS Version: PowerTV 6.14.43.3sp
Driver Version: 1
ResApp Date: June 29 2005
OS Date: July 6 2004
PowerKey: PKEY_3.8.4.1-p +dvrs3
PowerKey Date: June 22 2004

[NEW on 6-28-05]
Versions:
ResApp Version: PASSPORT Echo 1.8.098
OS Version: PowerTV 6.8.9.4sp
Driver Version: 1
ResApp Date: Jan 25 2005
OS Date: Aug 11 2004
PowerKey: PKEY_3.7.5.110-p +dvrs3
PowerKey Date: Oct 20 2004

[OLD Came on Box]
Versions:
ResApp Version: PASSPORT Echo 1.8.095
OS Version: PowerTV 6.8.9.4sp
Driver Version: 1
ResApp Date: Dec 14 2004
OS Date: Aug 11 2004
PowerKey: PKEY_3.7.5.110-p +dvrs3
PowerKey Date: Oct 20 2004

Yup... I got it too... One thing I notice is that if fixed the program guide data load issue. Jumping forward anywhere into a day that doesnt have program guide data causes guide to update. Great!

One thing I notice is that if fixed the program guide data load issue. Jumping forward anywhere into a day that doesnt have program guide data causes guide to update. Great!

Mine always did that.

Lastnight I noticed a change in the format output operation. Before the upgrade if you only had 1080i and 480i chosen, all digital channels (HD and SD) were output at 1080i and all analog channels were output at 480i. And if you only had 1080i, 480p and 480i chosen, all SD digital channels were output at 480p and all HD channels were output at 1080i and all analog channels were output at 480i.

Now if you only have 1080i and 480i chosen, all HD channels are output at 1080i and all analog and SD channels are output at 480i. And if you have 1080i, 480p and 480i chosen, all HD channels are output at 1080i and all analog and SD channels are output at 480i and all Music Choice channels are output at 480p. This is how it should have been all along.

Sorry, but can someone post how to bring up the software version?

On mine I just tune to ch.999 and scroll down the list to Version.

WRAL Newschannel is simulcasting WWL, the New Orleans' CBS affiliate, on 5.2, if anybody wants to see local coverage of Hurricane Katrina!

Just incase anyone is interested. My SA8300HD DVR got a software upgrade lastnight. There's a new Audio Digital Out option in the setup. ....

The software update created an anomaly on my system. I no longer saw Dolby Digital 5.1 decoding, despite the fact that the Audio Digital Out option was set by default to Dolby Digital on the 8300. I reset the option first to two channel only, then back to Dolby, and it started working properly again.

Well, being computer users we're all aware of clitches with software installs or updates. Thankfully it was a simple resolve. ;)

Got word from a buddy on mine at TWC that they are going to have Universal HD up today through Sept 11 as a free preview for their coverage of the US Open. I think he said it will be on ch. 295 - and open for all TWC hd folks.

what is universal HD?

Got word from a buddy on mine at TWC that they are going to have Universal HD up today through Sept 11 as a free preview for their coverage of the US Open. I think he said it will be on ch. 295 - and open for all TWC hd folks.

Cool. I'm not seeing it yet but I'll keep a lookout for it. I take it after the preview it becomes part of the HD Suite?

http://www.universalhd.com/ was originally BravoHD I think. It's a mix of movies and NBC shows.

Cool. I'm not seeing it yet but I'll keep a lookout for it. I take it after the preview it becomes part of the HD Suite?

http://www.universalhd.com/ was originally BravoHD I think. It's a mix of movies and NBC shows.

Doubtful since it's a free preview. From what I remember they did this a couple years ago w/ INHD's coverage of the open - before they officially launced it.

Good day all.

I am getting a Panasonic TH-42X500U on Friday. Time Warner is coming to setup on Friday afternoon. They said they would bring me a SA8300HD. Should I go with a cable card instead or go with the SA8300HD box? If I go with the box, should I use HDMI or component cables?

George

Well, the SA8300HD box is a DVR, so it would give you Tivo-like abilities. But it costs about $8 a month.

Good day all.

I am getting a Panasonic TH-42X500U on Friday. Time Warner is coming to setup on Friday afternoon. They said they would bring me a SA8300HD. Should I go with a cable card instead or go with the SA8300HD box? If I go with the box, should I use HDMI or component cables?

George

Get the 8300HD. It has an amazing set of features and is well worth the $8/month extra. Mine is hooked up via HDMI to my Sony A10. Very nice picture.

Anybody having issues with the HDMI port failing on their 8300HD? My second box just failed with the same problem... pink screen, snow, finally with HDCP message. First box worked perfectly for about a month... second for about a week. DVI port on monitor works fine with Denon 3910.

Last nights coverage of the USOpen was in HD and looked pretty good. A few break-ups but overall a good presentation. I noticed a lip-sync issue during the Agassi interview but I don't recall it being an issue during the on-court play and the in-studio stuff.
I have seen the past 3-4 or so in HD but only on the weekends, so these early round night matches in HD were like an early Christmas present. Being a tennis nut and loving HD like I do last night was thrilling to me and the wife. My 7 year old even said WOW, it's just like we are at the court watching them play. :)

TWC - THANKS!!!!!!!!!!!

BTW - Let me amend that last post a bit.
The USOpen in HD was great. Great in that, for a bit, it took my mind off the devastation in Mississippi and Louisiana. My sympathies and condolences to those who lost loved ones and their homes and businesses. Our prayers and support are with you.

Since moving from DirecTV, I've missed UniversalHD. However, since NCAA football is ready to begin, is ESPN2HD going to make an appearance? Also, any idea if Univeral HD will become permanent?

Jeff

I had been using the component video to connect my SA 8300HD to my maxent plasma. I wanted to try HDMI, so I got a cable off the net and connected it.
I could not get any picture. But, while the HDMI was connected, the box would not output anything on the component video. So it seems something was getting output to
TV.
May be my 8300 HDMI port is bad. But may be there is an incompatibility with what the TV is expecting. My TV shows 1080i when I connect it through comp video.

Free HBO on TWC from 1-6 September. Channels 400-412 (includes HBO-HD!). See www.twcnc.com for details.

CSTV is on TWC ch. 327. I think it was available beginning yesterday.

I've been enjoying the new HD Dave this week- until tonight- it was in SD 4.3. Did someone at WRAL forget to throw the switch?! :mad:

^ Football Friday...Letterman is on a half-hour delay. Since they are delaying only a half-hour, taping both HD and SD is probably not as feasible. I really dont know exactly what they do and how they do it, I just know Football Friday was the reason for it.

Based on the location, is it safe to say CSTV will be part of the digital sports tier in the very near future? Im just glad we have it now, if any State games appear on it I will definitely add it for $2.95/month.

Re: 8300HD...I finally got around to getting a service call to hopefully get an 8300HD to replace my 8000HD. Of course, he didnt have any, so I just stuck with what I had. He told me though that he replaces a lot more 8300s than 8000s...I was pretty surprised since everyone says to switch to the 8300.

Finally...Im pretty sure I already know the answer to this, but I have to ask just in case. What is the chance that TWC would be allowed to put ESPN2HD on 290 for the duration of the VT-State game? Yeah I know, no way in hell. But I would hate to come home from the game and find out it was on in HD and I recorded the crappy SD channel, and I know TWC can probably receive ESPN2HD, they just cant retransmit it without permission. Like I said, had to ask just in case, but Im pretty sure we would have heard something by now otherwise.

Did anyone else have a picture that broke up occasionally, then vertically half a picture last night on NBC-HD during the NASCAR race? Or, is my 8300HD box going wierd?

My 8300 was doing the same thing during the race

I noticed the same behavior. Picking up NBC OTA, tuning with my Mits TV. Same sporadic picture breakup as well as vertically half a picture towards the end of the race.

Did the channel lineup in Holly Springs change overnight? I'm getting NBC17 on channel 7 now.

Our site controller for the primary NBC sat dish seems to have lost its mind, and was causing sporadic flashes to black and half screen video. It progressively got worse and we switched cables to our back-up dish Monday.

Since Weather Plus rides on the network bitstream, it was having the same symptoms. www.encdtv.com caught a screen shot of it, and that's the first news I heard of it. Way to go encdtv! I didn't see that it affected the race, but suspected it affected some network programming. Way to go reporting it here guys, my bad for not seeing it earlier. I watched the race on DirecTV.

BTW, If you have noticed our left channel audio was 6db down from the right channel, it should already be fixed. I finally got an operator to notice it was leaving them that way.

Im trying to get an SA 3250 w/ Firewire enabled, but I keep getting the runaround from anyone I talk to (oh we dont have any in stock, sorry). Im not expecting them to just conjure one out of thin air, but I feel like they could at least make the effort in having one sent over from another office...considering the FCC requires them to make one available if a customer requests one. Anyone had success getting one?

Since Weather Plus rides on the network bitstream, it was having the same symptoms. www.encdtv.com caught a screen shot of it, and that's the first news I heard of it. Way to go encdtv!

Thanx for the kind words, NBC17ENG! Btw, has bandwith been adjusted recently, because I watched Ellen yesterday at 4 on 17.2 and the picture seemed noticeably better to me? Matter of fact, I've seen a couple of things on 17.2 that look a bit better.

Im trying to get an SA 3250 w/ Firewire enabled, but I keep getting the runaround from anyone I talk to (oh we dont have any in stock, sorry). Im not expecting them to just conjure one out of thin air, but I feel like they could at least make the effort in having one sent over from another office...considering the FCC requires them to make one available if a customer requests one. Anyone had success getting one?

yes- try emailing them here:
http://www.timewarnercable.com/nc/customer/asktwc.html
in the subject - put Product Info

I've had pretty good results on email responses.

The software update created an anomaly on my system. I no longer saw Dolby Digital 5.1 decoding, despite the fact that the Audio Digital Out option was set by default to Dolby Digital on the 8300. I reset the option first to two channel only, then back to Dolby, and it started working properly again.

Since reporting the problem, I'm finding that the loss of Dolby 5.1 decoding on the 8300 since the software update was not a single incident, and I fairly frequently have to go through the reset/set routine to restore. Is anybody else experiencing this?

Since reporting the problem, I'm finding that the loss of Dolby 5.1 decoding on the 8300 since the software update was not a single incident, and I fairly frequently have to go through the reset/set routine to restore. Is anybody else experiencing this?

Yes....I had to do this last night before the MNF game. I lost 5.1 and had to reset the box. Very annoying....especially when your recording something.

I haven't noticed a loss of DD5.1, but I'll start paying closer attention.

You've probably done this but... be sure to feedback your trouble to TWC.

Sooke

I haven't noticed a loss of DD5.1, but I'll start paying closer attention.

You've probably done this but... be sure to feedback your trouble to TWC.

Sooke

Good thought. Actually, I was waiting to get some input from others on the forum to confirm I'm not alone and dealing with a one-off problem. Since Hiatt66 reports the same thing, I'll go ahead and report it to TWC. I think I'll also do some experimenting to see if I can correlate the condition to some other event, such as power off/on cycles, reboots, etc.

I haven't had this problem.

Any one using an indoor antenna with a DISH 811 HD Box?

I always got such an error from the forum if I wrote my reply a little bit longer:
1. Your Post contains one or more URLs or image calls, please remove them before submitting your message again. To prevent the abuse of spam, we have set this restriction in place until after you make 5 posts.

But I didn't include any URLs or image calls in my post.

Any one using an indoor antenna with a DISH 811 HD Box?

I live near Southpoint Mall in Durham and can view all the digital channels in the yellow zones given by antennaweb, such as ABC,CBS,FOX and NBC. They look great on my LCD TV and the signal quality range from 80-90%.

However, I got no luck on the two channels in the red zone: UPN 28.1 and WB 22.1　Although the signal quality are shown 60-70% and the Dish guide can even retrieve their program lists, blank screens are always displayed after I switch to either of these channels.

Is this a problem of my antenna or HD box? thanks

Hey guys,

Anyone know which TWC stations you can pick up with a QAM tuner for free? Any good QAM tuner recommendations?

Thanks

jkiddcarolina,
YUP,
TWC broadcasts most all basic subscription channels over QAM for free with a basic subscription. (HD broadcasts as well as SD broadcasts)

I don't know if you get more with the standard edition or not, I have basic.
In addition to NBC, CBS, ABC, FOX, PBS and a few others you also get Disc-HD and TNT-HD.

I have the LG QAM and OTA HD tuner but I can't recommend it. The set has trouble with PBS and TNT-HD audio all the time. TWC (or whomever) has fixed it in the past but it has been broken now again for 3-4 months.
People with other QAM tuners, built into TV's, seem to have less problems than I.

Maybe a few of those will jump in.

BTW - You should use the search feature on this thread and in the HDTV Hardware forums for QAM. You will get a TON of information.

Cool,

Thanks Bill. That's good info b/c I was JUST about to pick up an LG unit on ebay. I was going to get the Samsung 451, but read some stuff that said the channel changing was really slow.

Any personal info on the samsung unit?

Also, any chance of getting any qam channels for free if I don't pay TWC anything? What I mean is, I have TWC still ran to the house, but don't even suscribe to any service.

Thanks again.

I have the 8300HD box and tried using an HDMI cable but I could only get HD channels. Is that the way it is suppose to work? Also for those that have switched, is there a noticable difference between HDMI and component for picture. Thanks.

I have the 8300HD box and tried using an HDMI cable but I could only get HD channels. Is that the way it is suppose to work? Also for those that have switched, is there a noticable difference between HDMI and component for picture. Thanks.

I have an 8300HD hooked up via HDMI. I get all of the TWC channels through it. Maybe you have some setting wrong on the 8300HD?

Cool,

Thanks Bill. That's good info b/c I was JUST about to pick up an LG unit on ebay. I was going to get the Samsung 451, but read some stuff that said the channel changing was really slow.

Any personal info on the samsung unit?

Also, any chance of getting any qam channels for free if I don't pay TWC anything? What I mean is, I have TWC still ran to the house, but don't even suscribe to any service.

Thanks again.

I have the samsung 451 and an LG, both have their issues. The channel changing on the 451 is EXTREEEEEEMELY slow. Channel surfing is not an option. However, it doesn't have the problems with TNT-HD audio that the LG does.

The QAM tuners built in to the Sony Wega LCD's seem to be the best I've come across.

As far as getting the channels for free, if you're still getting a signal from TWC (ie, you can watch the analog channels when you hook up a tv to it), you can probably get the QAM channels as well. Obviously, you have to do this at your own risk, as TWC considers this cable theft. FYI.

Great answer deArgila.

BTW - Hard to believe myself but it's been 5 years since I purchased my Toshiba 40" HDTV. It needs an external STB, can't even handle 720p (it shows a blank screen) from my XBOX and of course since I have to use the external LG-STB for QAM decoding, doesn't give me sound on TNT-HD and PBS-digital is hit-or miss.

SO..... I am getting set in a couple couple months to pull the trigger on a new set and the Sony Wega LCD (42 or 50") is exactly what I had my sights on. Perhaps the KDF-E42A10 or the KDF-E50A10, depending upon which room we decide to put it in.

deArgila -
Do you have one of these or perhaps another model? Sounds like you have seen or perhaps even own one and are using QAM decoding? Can you report that there are NO audio/video issues using the QAM decoder built-into the Sony Grand Wega LCD for unencrypted content via TWC here in the Triangle? That is important to me as I will continue to receive HD content via QAM. (I will only put up another Antenna if I have to)

THANKS!!!

Hi gang. I may be moving to NC sometime next Spring and am starting my research now. Is the TWC packages/equipment the same for the Raleigh area as it is with Charlotte? Same channels?

I've read six months worth of posts and found nothing on Firewire being active on STB's for Raleigh. Are SA3250HD with active firewire available and are the copy flags in your area proper, allowing for time shifting of HD channels?

Thanks for your help

By the way, how accurate is the PSIP data with the OTA station, as in the clock times? ANyone with a Samsung SIR-T165 knows how much a nightmare timed recordings can be if the local PSIP clock data is wrong (they are ALL wrong here in CT).

I have an 8300HD hooked up via HDMI. I get all of the TWC channels through it. Maybe you have some setting wrong on the 8300HD?

What would I need to set on the box? Also do you think it is worth it? Any ideas on where/what HDMI cable to get? Thanks in advance for your help.

Great answer deArgila.

BTW - Hard to believe myself but it's been 5 years since I purchased my Toshiba 40" HDTV. It needs an external STB, can't even handle 720p (it shows a blank screen) from my XBOX and of course since I have to use the external LG-STB for QAM decoding, doesn't give me sound on TNT-HD and PBS-digital is hit-or miss.

SO..... I am getting set in a couple couple months to pull the trigger on a new set and the Sony Wega LCD (42 or 50") is exactly what I had my sights on. Perhaps the KDF-E42A10 or the KDF-E50A10, depending upon which room we decide to put it in.

deArgila -
Do you have one of these or perhaps another model? Sounds like you have seen or perhaps even own one and are using QAM decoding? Can you report that there are NO audio/video issues using the QAM decoder built-into the Sony Grand Wega LCD for unencrypted content via TWC here in the Triangle? That is important to me as I will continue to receive HD content via QAM. (I will only put up another Antenna if I have to)

THANKS!!!

I don't personally own a Sony Wega, but I install them all the time. So, my main experience with them is just setting them up.

It takes forever for it to complete the channel scan - but that's normal. What I really like about it is that it integrates the analog and digital channels together - which you can't do with an external unit - and I haven't had many issues with it not finding channels as I have with other integrated QAM HDTV's. The favorite channel feature seems to be more useful than a lot of the other tuners I've come across, as you can specify specific subchannels rather than the master channel.

I do own the Samsung and LG units that I use for QAM, but I only use them from time to time (like when HD NCAA tournament games are only available via TWC, etc). Most of the time, I use my OTA signal and HDTivo for obvious reasons. I would not recommend either the Samsung or the LG to anyone for their main TV.

What would I need to set on the box? Also do you think it is worth it? Any ideas on where/what HDMI cable to get? Thanks in advance for your help.

I don't know, it just works for me. I plugged in the HDMI cable between the 8300HD and my Sony 42A10, told the 8300HD to show 1080i, 720p, and 480i, and it just works. The scaler on the Sony is pretty good at scaling the 480i up to my native 720p, and 1080i down to 720p, so I tell the STB to just pass those signals through.

I got my HDMI cable at monoprice: http://www.monoprice.com/products/product.asp?c_id=102&cp_id=10231&cs_id=1023101&p_id=2404&seq=1&format=2&style=

It is a waste of money to pay more for an HDMI cable, IMHO, since this is a digital signal (you either have it or your don't). If it was an analog signal, as with component, then I might pay a little more.

It is a waste of money to pay more for an HDMI cable, IMHO, since this is a digital signal (you either have it or your don't). If it was an analog signal, as with component, then I might pay a little more.

Be careful about making statements like this that you really don't have any evidence for.

Just because a digitial signal is an "all-or-none" type of signal doesn't mean all cables are created equally. One HDMI/DVI cable can ABSOLUTELY produce a better result than another, especially as cable length increases and resolution increases (because the difference becomes more obvious). If the cable didn't make a difference, you wouldn't expect either distance or resolution to matter.

Be careful about making statements like this that you really don't have any evidence for.

Just because a digitial signal is an "all-or-none" type of signal doesn't mean all cables are created equally. One HDMI/DVI cable can ABSOLUTELY produce a better result than another, especially as cable length increases and resolution increases (because the difference becomes more obvious). If the cable didn't make a difference, you wouldn't expect either distance or resolution to matter.

Go ahead and waste your money if it makes you feel better. :rolleyes:

I noticed a couple of days ago that the Universal HD channel went away. Is this permanent?

I noticed a couple of days ago that the Universal HD channel went away. Is this permanent?
I think I read somewhere here that it was a "free preview" during the US Open.
I was glad to see Encore is still there, which (like Universal HD) I had no idea was available.

NBC17 ND Football.....why all the artifacts???? It was and is the same for the NASCAR races. What is going on???? Some of the shots look good but for the most part it's macro blocking and has a lot of atrifacts in the picture. Especially on the motion shots.

I think I read somewhere here that it was a "free preview" during the US Open.
I was glad to see Encore is still there, which (like Universal HD) I had no idea was available.

Encore? Are you speaking of the SD Encore channel?

I recently got a HDTV (Sony A10) that currently has both antenna and cable hooked up to it. The antenna is a 15-year-old Channel Master U/V/F model, whose number and specs I've forgotten. I haven't used it regularly in years and there is some work that needs to be done on it or it needs to be replaced -- some tree branches have grown out so far they overhang and touch parts of it, some of the elements are bent, and I'm not sure if the rotor works any more (I'm reluctant to test it until the branches are trimmed). It's pointed in the general direction it needs to be, but I don't know if it's optimal. At any rate..., living just outside Carrboro near Chatham County (between 35-40 miles from the antenna farm near Garner, I believe) I pick up 5,11,4, and 50 pretty well. Signal stength for 5,11 and 50 tends to be in the 60s and 70s according to the TV's diagnostics. I don't pick up a 17.1, but the TV's diagnostics reveal it is trying to pick up something with a signal strength in the 40s there. However, the diagnostics report a physical channel of 17??? I thought 17 was supposed to be broadcasting digitially on a UHF channel in the 50s. Is it possible that the TV just doesn't pick up 17's digital signal and is trying to decode 17's analogue signal? Does 17 have a much weaker digital signal than 5 and 11? Although reception is satisfactory on the channels I get most of the time, the signal does falter occasionally. I have wondered if a dedicated UHF deep fringe antenna wouldn't improve on that. How strong does the signal need to be to be rock-solid all the time?


On the cable front, I find that 4.2 on the antenna sometimes reports no signal, even though I can find a PBS HD broadcast on the cable. Does cable sometimes fill in that slot even if channel 4 isn't broadcasting anything? I can find 4, 5 and 17 in HD off the cable, but I can't find 11 or 50 in anything but 480i (although it is a digital signal). Does that make sense?

Go ahead and waste your money if it makes you feel better. :rolleyes:

You can choose to remain ignorant if you want. But don't pass off that ignorance as advice to someone else.

http://www.dvigear.com/education/DC_v4.html

pay special attention to pages 6 and 7 ...

<<<
While audio buffs will argue the com-plex dynamics of ultra-high fidelity speaker cable, this cable must carry relatively low frequencies, most of which are below 20 kHz. However, with DVI and HDMI signals, data rates of up to 1.65 Gbit/sec. are possible. In the analog world this would be equivalent to 165 MHz which is more than 8,000 times higher frequency than most audio signals. For short cable runs of less than 5 meters (16.4 ft.) there are usually not too many is-sues; however, these high frequencies pose serious challenges for long length DVI and HDMI cables. In general, the higher the frequencies and the longer the cable length, the greater the likelihood that image problems will occur. For example, at low resolutions a DVI signal might travel 20 meters without signal degradation. At higher resolutions the same 20 meter cable could exhibit significant image degra-dation. For this reason, typical cable lengths for higher resolution signals, such as 1080p, are usually limited to 10 meters or less. Figure 1 illustrates this problem
>>>

NBC17 ND Football.....why all the artifacts???? It was and is the same for the NASCAR races. What is going on???? Some of the shots look good but for the most part it's macro blocking and has a lot of atrifacts in the picture. Especially on the motion shots.


I saw the same and have been less than impressed with any of NBC's HD offerings. I don't know if they starve bit-rate or what, but can tell you it is not on par with CBS.

...pay special attention to pages 6 and 7 ...
...You can choose to remain ignorant if you want ...

Ok, I read pages 6 and 7. I have a 6ft cable. Six feet (1.8 meters) is way less than 5 meters.

Their picture showing the difference is for a 20 meter cable! Sure, if I had to run ANY cable for 20 meters, I would spend more money than a cheap one, even for a digital signal.

Also, note that this company also sells cables. I would expect them to have information on their site indicating that you need to buy their product.

I have no doubt that a videophile might detect a very slight difference between my "Certified HDMI DVI Cable 28AWG - 6ft w/Ferrite Cores (Gold Plated)" cable and an expensive one.

For 1-2 meters in length, I say save your money and get the monoprice cable. I am not "ignorant", just practical.

Peace!, and your turn :rolleyes:

Ok, I read pages 6 and 7. I have a 6ft cable. Six feet (1.8 meters) is way less than 5 meters.

Their picture showing the difference is for a 20 meter cable! Sure, if I had to run ANY cable for 20 meters, I would spend more money than a cheap one, even for a digital signal.

Also, note that this company also sells cables. I would expect them to have information on their site indicating that you need to buy their product.

I have no doubt that a videophile might detect a very slight difference between my "Certified HDMI DVI Cable 28AWG - 6ft w/Ferrite Cores (Gold Plated)" cable and an expensive one.

For 1-2 meters in length, I say save your money and get the monoprice cable. I am not "ignorant", just practical.

Peace!, and your turn :rolleyes:

I agree.

However, my initial point to you still holds true. You shouldn't be passing off speculation as advice to someone.

The fact remains that the cable can absolutely make a difference even in the digital realm. The "either the signal is there or it isn't" just isn't true. If there wasn't a difference even at modest lengths, you wouldn't expect there to be a difference at greater lengths and resolutions. But there obviously is.

Whether or not it's worth the price difference is a matter of opinion and is highly dependant on the situation. But the cable does matter, even with a digital signal.

I am just getting into the HDTV world and recently bought a Sony Wega TV. I'm kind of iffy about a big outdoor antenna. At first, I bought a Terk antenna that clips on to my satellite dish and uses the existing wiring to connect to the TV. However, I recently bought a much cheaper indoor RCA model antenna. As it turns out the indoor model works MUCH better. Most of the time, my signal strengths on 5 and 11 is between 95 and 98, 17 is about 85-88. And usually there is no interruption with the signal. However, on certain days the signals will suddenly start going in and out. My signal strength will go from 98 down to 41 and then pop back up to 98 again. Like I said, usually everything is great, but if there's a night where this is a problem, I might as well turn the satellite back on because it's way to annoying to try to watch a program. It doesn't appear to be one channel more than the other. In other words, if one is having problems with the signal, they usually all are.

What makes a really strong signal suddenly drop down in the 40's and then right back up? Sorry if this is a stupid question....like I said, I'm just getting started.

I am just getting into the HDTV world and recently bought a Sony Wega TV. I'm kind of iffy about a big outdoor antenna. At first, I bought a Terk antenna that clips on to my satellite dish and uses the existing wiring to connect to the TV. However, I recently bought a much cheaper indoor RCA model antenna. As it turns out the indoor model works MUCH better. Most of the time, my signal strengths on 5 and 11 is between 95 and 98, 17 is about 85-88. And usually there is no interruption with the signal. However, on certain days the signals will suddenly start going in and out. My signal strength will go from 98 down to 41 and then pop back up to 98 again. Like I said, usually everything is great, but if there's a night where this is a problem, I might as well turn the satellite back on because it's way to annoying to try to watch a program. It doesn't appear to be one channel more than the other. In other words, if one is having problems with the signal, they usually all are.

What makes a really strong signal suddenly drop down in the 40's and then right back up? Sorry if this is a stupid question....like I said, I'm just getting started.

What you're describing is probably a result of multi-path interference. This is an issue that is caused by the same signal reaching the antenna at different points (ie, the main signal gets to the antenna, and then a reflection of the same signal gets to the antenna).

Multi-path is more common with indoor and attic mounted antennas, but can also be an issue if tall buildings/trees/etc are nearby or if the antenna is not positioned properly.

You can experiment with antenna placement or just go ahead and roof-mount a good antenna and be done with it. If you're interested, I'll be happy to install a low-profile roof-mounted antenna for you. :)

I have the 8300HD box and tried using an HDMI cable but I could only get HD channels. Is that the way it is suppose to work? Also for those that have switched, is there a noticable difference between HDMI and component for picture. Thanks.

I am also having the same problem. Everything works fine with component video, but with HDMI, I have been able to only get HD channels. And that too after I set my default channel to an HD channel, turned on the TV first, and then rebooted the 8300HD.
I do not see much difference and actually thought that component video looked slightly better, but I am not sure.
I had a TWC tech visit to see if they can help. But the guy did not have a clue.
I have a 42 in MAxent Plasma HDTV.
HDMI does not seem to be worth the trouble. I also felt that with HDMI, channel flipping was slower. It might all be in my head though :-)

I live in Hillsborough and need to have an intenna installed. Does anyone have any recommendations for an installer in the area?

Thanks

Just curious whether anyone else had problems yesterday with TWC's Surface HD feed on NBC? About 3 times through the show there were 5 minute episodes of just horrible audio and visual breakup, to the extent that even closed-captioning was fried. I'm hoping this was a local feed problem -- it wasn't national as there were no other complaints in the main Surface thread -- and not my HD DVR.

Just curious whether anyone else had problems yesterday with TWC's Surface HD feed on NBC? About 3 times through the show there were 5 minute episodes of just horrible audio and visual breakup, to the extent that even closed-captioning was fried. I'm hoping this was a local feed problem -- it wasn't national as there were no other complaints in the main Surface thread -- and not my HD DVR.

I noticed the same thing OTA. At first I thought it might have been reception, but all the other channels had strong signals, and signal meter for WNCN didn't show a signal drop either. If both the cable and OTA feeds failed, the fault is probably with the station.

Just curious whether anyone else had problems yesterday with TWC's Surface HD feed on NBC? About 3 times through the show there were 5 minute episodes of just horrible audio and visual breakup, to the extent that even closed-captioning was fried. I'm hoping this was a local feed problem -- it wasn't national as there were no other complaints in the main Surface thread -- and not my HD DVR.
I experienced a similar problem on TWC's NBC-HD during part of the Notre Dame game last Saturday. There was so much breakup that it was unwatchable for almost an hour.

Just curious whether anyone else had problems yesterday with TWC's Surface HD feed on NBC? About 3 times through the show there were 5 minute episodes of just horrible audio and visual breakup, to the extent that even closed-captioning was fried. I'm hoping this was a local feed problem -- it wasn't national as there were no other complaints in the main Surface thread -- and not my HD DVR.

Yes, I noticed the same thing on my 8300HD. Unfortunately, I was (trying!) to watch the recording, not live. I got the gist of the story, but missed a lot of details. Fortunately, it'll be rebroadcast tonight on the SciFi channel at 11. Also on Friday at 6PM and Monday at midnight. Not in HD, of course. :mad:

Medium, recorded was fine (there may have been a moment or two). Definitely noticed some breakups on Leno, but not many (then again, I didn't watch much).

While I'm posting, has anyone heard anything about WLFL getting it's HD signal on Time-Warner anytime soon? Like, for the new season?!

Thanks for letting me know about the break up last night. We went back to our main sat dish yesterday afternoon and it was holding steady. I did not see "Surface", but I did watch "Las Vegas" and "Medium". I did not see any break-up during those shows. I'm switching back to the back-up dish now, but it was causing the issues with the game this past weekend. The Field Engineers are supposed to be here soon to fix the problem.

Thanks for letting me know about the break up last night. We went back to our main sat dish yesterday afternoon and it was holding steady. I did not see "Surface", but I did watch "Las Vegas" and "Medium". I did not see any break-up during those shows. I'm switching back to the back-up dish now, but it was causing the issues with the game this past weekend. The Field Engineers are supposed to be here soon to fix the problem.
Well, thanks for keeping your viewers in the loop about it, that's very heartening.

Unfortunately, I was (trying!) to watch the recording, not live. I got the gist of the story, but missed a lot of details.
Ditto. Hence I'm in the exact same boat :(. Liked what I saw but was frustrated by losing the details as you mentioned.

Fortunately, it'll be rebroadcast tonight on the SciFi channel at 11. Also on Friday at 6PM and Monday at midnight.
Ah, didn't know that. Many thanks, I'll schedule one of those to catch up.

NBC is unwatchable at this point...I tried to watch The Office and Leno last night, couldn't do it. It's getting rediculous...I haven't seen any other channels have this problem(this is on TWC btw).

For now i will only watch and record the regular cable feed channel 6 until its consistently better.

why can't NBC get on par with the other leading networks for HD?

Yeah, The Office was messed up last night for certain. Totally frozen for the first 5 or so minutes, then a bit of breakup for a short while after that. Unfortunate. Hopefully these field engineers arrive soon and kick the problem.

I live in Hillsborough and need to have an intenna installed. Does anyone have any recommendations for an installer in the area?

Thanks

I can help you. Send me a pm or an email (questions@carolinaht.com) if you're interested.

........

As far as NBC - I don't watch it too much, but I rarely have any issues OTA, but used to have all kinds of issues with TWC. The Notre Dame game, for example, had no problems that I remember. I think there must be a problem between the NBC-TWC feed and has been for some time.

As far as NBC - I don't watch it too much, but I rarely have any issues OTA, but used to have all kinds of issues with TWC. The Notre Dame game, for example, had no problems that I remember. I think there must be a problem between the NBC-TWC feed and has been for some time.

Man I hope so. I just moved all my HDTiVo season passes from the NBC New York feed to the local one figuring I would get a better quality from a non-compressed OTA signal. I'd hate to have to move them all back. :(

I was recording Lost and E-Ring tonight at 9. Lost I watched while it recorded, very few problems. Couple break ups here and there. Was going to watch E-Ring while Invasion recorded to find that it only recorded from 9-9:42??? Why would this happen?

I just checked my E-Ring recording, and it's a full hour here. I have an HDTiVo and recorded it OTA.

When folks post about recording problems, would it be possible for you to add what video source (OTA, cable, satillite) and recorder? That would certainly help both track the issue down and let others know whether they might need to be concerned.

TWC picks up the NBC 17 feed OTA in Durham and Fayetteville, and I talked with one of their head-end engineers a couple of days ago, and they are not getting any reports of problems, nor am I getting any reports. Ironically, while I was talking to him, my STB in my office was messing up on my (217 - 219) digital channels only, and all others were fine. After he confirmed it was fine leaving the head end, I took my own advise, and found the connector into the box was loose, and the signal locked in fine. It sure appears the frequency we are on in their system is very sensitive to bad / poor connections, and they confirmed over 90% of problems are "connector related", or poor quality splitters installed in the line. [/B]Cables and connectors do make a huge impact on HD signals![B]

I just checked the encoder clock time, and it has drifted off about 13 minutes, so that is why your recording stopped early. I am installing a new GPS master clock now, and it will take care of those clock drifts.

The East Carolina football game is listed as being on ESPN Regional this saturday? Can someone explain what that means, and if it will be available thru Time Warner?

I just checked my E-Ring recording, and it's a full hour here. I have an HDTiVo and recorded it OTA.

When folks post about recording problems, would it be possible for you to add what video source (OTA, cable, satillite) and recorder? That would certainly help both track the issue down and let others know whether they might need to be concerned.


Sorry, TWC with the TWC HD-DVR.. I'm used to my old thread in Orlando. We had Cable and OTA/Sat in seperate threads.

WTVD 11.3 is now simulcasting KTRK-TV Houston's Hurricane Rita coverage. WTVD is branding 11.3 as the Eyewitness News Now channel.

The East Carolina football game is listed as being on ESPN Regional this saturday? Can someone explain what that means, and if it will be available thru Time Warner?
As far as I know, all ECU games are blacked out in North Carolina on ESPN Gameplan....they are available on WITN-TV 7 out of Greenville/Washington though, which I doubt many of us can pick up, especially if youre on cable. Yet another case of blackout rules resulting in games being completely unavailable for people that actually live in the area.

TWC picks up the NBC 17 feed OTA in Durham and Fayetteville, and I talked with one of their head-end engineers a couple of days ago, and they are not getting any reports of problems, nor am I getting any reports. Ironically, while I was talking to him, my STB in my office was messing up on my (217 - 219) digital channels only, and all others were fine. After he confirmed it was fine leaving the head end, I took my own advise, and found the connector into the box was loose, and the signal locked in fine. It sure appears the frequency we are on in their system is very sensitive to bad / poor connections, and they confirmed over 90% of problems are "connector related", or poor quality splitters installed in the line. [/B]Cables and connectors do make a huge impact on HD signals![B]

I have been having issues all week with NBC. I had signal for a bit, now get nothing but a gray screen. I rebooted the box, but nothing. I will call TWC to see what the problem is.

Anyone else having issues? BTW, checked all the connectors and they are solid.

It's not watchable to get the gist of the story with all the breakups. Same thing happens with most NBC HD feeds. The SD feed is fine but the digital feed is not even coming in. HD or SD.

When it is watchable the 5.1 has no rear signal. Pretty poor business.

Hi all. First time poster.

I'm having trouble with NBC as well. Noticed it start last week (when i got the 8300). Is there anything we can do? Missed some great golf (HD) yesterday!

It's not watchable to get the gist of the story with all the breakups. Same thing happens with most NBC HD feeds. The SD feed is fine but the digital feed is not even coming in. HD or SD.

When it is watchable the 5.1 has no rear signal. Pretty poor business.

The (3) NBC 17 streams were out on TWC Friday afternoon, and they reported back a huge number of bit errors overpowered their receiver and locked it up. That's the same problem that occurred about a year ago, and has not happened since then. I'm sure they will see this and look into it as I will on our end.

Has anyone else noticed no rear channels in the 5.1? I have not received any reports on it, but I guess it could be time to re-boot the Dolby encoder. Never hurts, anyway.

NBC17ENG, All I can do is document my experience... things have been very good during with 217 for several months now (in fact I do not remember the last time I had any issues with macroblocking or dropped signal)... I was actually hoping that the issues have been resolved. Unfortunatly, starting Thursday last week (just as ER came on) the signal disappeared on 217-218 (did not check 219)... I had to drop back to 6 to watch the first 10 minutes.

Has anyone else noticed no rear channels in the 5.1? I have not received any reports on it, but I guess it could be time to re-boot the Dolby encoder. Never hurts, anyway.

I did. But I can't remember if it was during ER thursday night or Inconcivable on friday night. My receiver was only detecting 3 front channels.

Watching "West Wing" tonite in "chase" mode, I noticed the audio become unintelligible in the
last 2-3 minutes of the show... when I stopped it and went back to NBCHD, the channel was
blank. (~9:34) (visually.. the video became spotty slightly after the audio breakup)

This was on TWC.

(is the show re-run locally in any time slot so I can catch the end?)

Mike

EDIT: in case it helps in any diagnosis, I have the 8300HD DVR

Watching "West Wing" tonite in "chase" mode, I noticed the audio become unintelligible in the
last 2-3 minutes of the show... when I stopped it and went back to NBCHD, the channel was
blank. (~9:34) (visually.. the video became spotty slightly after the audio breakup)

This was on TWC.

(is the show re-run locally in any time slot so I can catch the end?)

Mike


Same. Recording on TWC HD-DVR stopped at 8:56. From about 8:54 on the audio and video cut in and out and dropped entirely.

I had the same problem - TWC, HD-DVR Explorer 8000. Had the same issue on Law & Order: SVU (Saturday, 10pm).

Hopefully NBC-17 will repeat the program so that we can watch the ending to tonight's premiere.

- J

Thanks for the reports. The only thing that is different in the past week or so is the sat dish issue I mentioned earlier. BTW-the field engineer came out and decided something was wrong with the dish, and ordered more parts to install. I'd laugh at them if I weren't so mad at them! I don't trust the back-up dish fully, and I have another dish we own I'll get my guys to connect it to.

I'm pretty sure that is causing the bit errors TWC is seeing that croaks their equipment. We'll get it straightened out as quickly as possible and I'll compare notes with TWC in the morning. They read this forum too, so they will have an answer before I ask.

Thanks for the reports. The only thing that is different in the past week or so is the sat dish issue I mentioned earlier. BTW-the field engineer came out and decided something was wrong with the dish, and ordered more parts to install. I'd laugh at them if I weren't so mad at them! I don't trust the back-up dish fully, and I have another dish we own I'll get my guys to connect it to.

I'm pretty sure that is causing the bit errors TWC is seeing that croaks their equipment. We'll get it straightened out as quickly as possible and I'll compare notes with TWC in the morning. They read this forum too, so they will have an answer before I ask.

Thank you very much for your help. We appreciate it.

On another note:

On each of the early NFL games the past 2 weeks, the "main" camera looks out of focus? I thought it was me, until I asked my son to verify for me. The FOX games look fine. Other CBS programming looks fine. Is it equipment? Is it CBS-HD? Or, is it TWC 8300 issues? Anyone else???

Thanks.

Jeff
Cary, NC (TWC SA-8300 DVR)

Thanks for the reports. The only thing that is different in the past week or so is the sat dish issue I mentioned earlier. BTW-the field engineer came out and decided something was wrong with the dish, and ordered more parts to install. I'd laugh at them if I weren't so mad at them! I don't trust the back-up dish fully, and I have another dish we own I'll get my guys to connect it to.

I'm pretty sure that is causing the bit errors TWC is seeing that croaks their equipment. We'll get it straightened out as quickly as possible and I'll compare notes with TWC in the morning. They read this forum too, so they will have an answer before I ask.


I am new to this forum, but I'll just jump in. I have had the SA Explorer 8300HD box from TWC for about a week. So far, I have not been able to successfully watch or record a single prime time NBC show. It goes from sever pixeling to sound drop-outs to no picture or sound at all. Last night it was true again as I was trying to watch and record "Law and Order-Criminal Intent" on TWC channel 217. I finally gave up and went to NBC analog channel 6 to finish watching it. Damned if it wasn't having some problems too. I don't have any problems with CBS, ABC or any other HD channel. Why is putting out a decent HD program signal so difficult for NBC(17)? The other networks don't seem to have much of a problem. NBC actually has some pretty good shows this season, but that won't matter much if it can't get out the signal.

Just my thoughts.

NBC17ENG,

Again lastnight (Sunday night) no rear surround channels detected. Only front 3 channels detected. You have my permission to reboot. ;)

NBC17ENG,

Again lastnight (Sunday night) no rear surround channels detected. Only front 3 channels detected. You have my permission to reboot. ;)

I don't understand how all this works, so that's why I'm asking questions. My concern was the pixeling and no picture, not so much the sound. (This has happened every night for the past week or so, not just last night and only on NBC.) Being a rookie, I didn't know if this was some problem with my cable box or TWC in general, so I called TWC and they said they were having problems with NBC. This "implied" to me that the problem with the picture quality and drop-outs was on the NBC17 end. Is this correct or is this a case of "buck passing"?

Thank you very much for your help. We appreciate it.

On another note:

On each of the early NFL games the past 2 weeks, the "main" camera looks out of focus? I thought it was me, until I asked my son to verify for me. The FOX games look fine. Other CBS programming looks fine. Is it equipment? Is it CBS-HD? Or, is it TWC 8300 issues? Anyone else???

Thanks.

Jeff
Cary, NC (TWC SA-8300 DVR)

i noticed the same thing. i am using the QAM tuner built into my sony 60xs television. so i am guessing its not an issue with TWC 8x00 boxes. i think its CBS equipment problems at the game. the second game on CBS in week 1 looked great.

-g

i noticed the same thing. i am using the QAM tuner built into my sony 60xs television. so i am guessing its not an issue with TWC 8x00 boxes. i think its CBS equipment problems at the game. the second game on CBS in week 1 looked great.

-g


I'm just glad to know it's not just me. It seems to be the first game...The SEC games on Saturday look great. The CBS 2nd NFL game looks great. Faulty equipment?

I don't understand how all this works, so that's why I'm asking questions. My concern was the pixeling and no picture, not so much the sound. (This has happened every night for the past week or so, not just last night and only on NBC.) Being a rookie, I didn't know if this was some problem with my cable box or TWC in general, so I called TWC and they said they were having problems with NBC. This "implied" to me that the problem with the picture quality and drop-outs was on the NBC17 end. Is this correct or is this a case of "buck passing"?

Sorry if I confused you tommy122. I was just replying to a question NBC17ENG (the engineer at NBC17) asked a few posts back. The audio I refer to is just NBC17's audio module(decoder/encoder?) needing rebooting (it's happened before previously) and completely unrelated to the video problems noticed lately.

But, I had experienced some video problems within the past week or so. All I watched lastnight on NBC was Crossing Jordan on ch.217 TWC and had no video problem at that time.

But, I had experienced some video problems within the past week or so. All I watched lastnight on NBC was Crossing Jordan on ch.217 TWC and had no video problem at that time.

I watched Crossing Jordan also. About 40 minutes into it, I started having some picture problems but it didn't last long. Maybe the problem is on my end, but I don't understand how. I get very good reception and sound on all of the other HD channels. Last night when I was having picture and sound problems on 217, the same thing was happening on 218 and 219, and to some extent analog channel 6....all NBC. That seems to be more than just a coincidence. I had a TWC tech out last week to check my signal and he said that it was fine (and naturally 217 was fine at the time). Oh well, I give up. I guess that's one of life's little mysteries that I wasn't meant to understand :)

I watched Crossing Jordan also. About 40 minutes into it, I started having some picture problems but it didn't last long. Maybe the problem is on my end, but I don't understand how. I get very good reception and sound on all of the other HD channels. Last night when I was having picture and sound problems on 217, the same thing was happening on 218 and 219, and to some extent analog channel 6....all NBC. That seems to be more than just a coincidence. I had a TWC tech out last week to check my signal and he said that it was fine (and naturally 217 was fine at the time). Oh well, I give up. I guess that's one of life's little mysteries that I wasn't meant to understand :)


P.S. to my last post. I just turned on my TV and channels 217, 218 and 219 are "off the air". I called TWC and they said this was a NBC problem, so I guess that I haven't lost my mind after all :)

P.S. to my last post. I just turned on my TV and channels 217, 218 and 219 are "off the air". I called TWC and they said this was a NBC problem, so I guess that I haven't lost my mind after all :)

I called TWC yesterday when I got NBC over the air but lost 217-219. The CSR scheduled a visit for later this week. Tonight, I received a call from another TWC individual stating that this was an NBC problem as well. I can tell you that the TWC rep that called me today was less than courteous... abusive really. I was simply asking them why I received NBC over the air with no problems while TWC signals were failing.

12:15am....Monday night/Tuesday AM (Leno....Jessica Alba, no less).....all NBC feeds just dropped, all other HD channels working fine. (I've got TWC with a 8300DVR)

First off...NBC17ENG...thanks for all the comments. It's helpful to at least know you guys are aware of it. Sure wish the TWC guys that are lurking out here would speak up as well sometimes.

It's just beyond belief that a station/cable system in a top 30 market is letting this go on as long as it has (and took this long to even realize that it's a problem...recognition of it being a problem is as much TWC issue as yours)....I first noticed it the week before last but wrote it off to an isolated problem....but started paying attention last week when I couldn't (ever) watch the premiere's of ERing, then West Wing, L&O:CI, etc because I tried to record them on my DVR. Flipping to channel 6 is not an option with a DVR a couple of days later.

Is this just another item on the list of "things to fix" or is this being treated like a broken transmitter or busted network link?....because to those of us with cable and HD, that's what it is.

12:15am....Monday night/Tuesday AM (Leno....Jessica Alba, no less).....all NBC feeds just dropped, all other HD channels working fine. (I've got TWC with a 8300DVR)

First off...NBC17ENG...thanks for all the comments. It's helpful to at least know you guys are aware of it. Sure wish the TWC guys that are lurking out here would speak up as well sometimes.

It's just beyond belief that a station/cable system in a top 30 market is letting this go on as long as it has (and took this long to even realize that it's a problem...recognition of it being a problem is as much TWC issue as yours)....I first noticed it the week before last but wrote it off to an isolated problem....but started paying attention last week when I couldn't (ever) watch the premiere's of ERing, then West Wing, L&O:CI, etc because I tried to record them on my DVR. Flipping to channel 6 is not an option with a DVR a couple of days later.

Is this just another item on the list of "things to fix" or is this being treated like a broken transmitter or busted network link?....because to those of us with cable and HD, that's what it is.


I agree with everything you just said. When I called TWC, the first response was that "I'm not aware of any problems". I then asked, "Can you check"? Reluctantly, she put me on hold for a while. When she finally came back, she said that they were having trouble at the "head-end" (whatever that means) with NBC. She further stated that it wasn't their problem, which I guess is "technically" correct. The part that I don't understand is NBC(17)'s "don't give a crap" attitude about the whole issue. I have had this problem with channels 217-219 for a couple of weeks. I don't believe that I have been able to watch a single Fall premiere show on NBC completely through without having to switch to channel 6. You would think that NBC17 would have a vested interest in getting their product to market. Is this just a case of complete management incompetence at channel 17?

P.S. to my last post. I just turned on my TV and channels 217, 218 and 219 are "off the air". I called TWC and they said this was a NBC problem, so I guess that I haven't lost my mind after all :)

I've had that several times (blank screen all channels) over the past week. Usually around Leno. Last night I had the same dropout on Leno that was mentioned previously. Why is it only the 217 channel affected and not the other channel 9 which is supposedly digital?

I recorded Surface last week and lost the HD signal every 20 minutes as well. Last night I recorded the show and the DVR is showing a runtime of 8pm-8.56pm which usually happens when a signal fault occurs. Anyone watch on Monday? If it dropped out then, it's the last time I'll record from the NBC HD feed. It's just too unreliable.

NBC17ENG must have rebooted the audio box. My receiver was detecting all DD5.1 channels lastnight. The only video problem I had lastnight on TWC ch.217 was at ~8:47pm until ~9:05pm when it switched to SD. My headend is at the Fayetteville hub which gets it's feed through a trunk line from Raleigh hub I believe.

Why is it only the 217 channel affected and not the other channel 9 which is supposedly digital?

I think that the low-numbered digital channels are the result of TWC picking up
the local feed and digitizing it themselves, while the high-numbered OTA digital
channels are digitized by NBC17.

Have OTA HDTV people been impacted by this as well?

For what its worth, my OTA reception of NBC17-HD was OK for me last week with
my Air2PC HDTV tuner card in my MythTV box. This is based on just L&O, and L&O
SVU, so I have no idea if I was just lucky and I should plan to record the non-HD
versions tonight.

Drew

I think that the low-numbered digital channels are the result of TWC picking up
the local feed and digitizing it themselves, while the high-numbered OTA digital
channels are digitized by NBC17.

Have OTA HDTV people been impacted by this as well?

For what its worth, my OTA reception of NBC17-HD was OK for me last week with
my Air2PC HDTV tuner card in my MythTV box. This is based on just L&O, and L&O
SVU, so I have no idea if I was just lucky and I should plan to record the non-HD
versions tonight.

Drew


Well, this seems to be a complex issue. All I know is that I have had reception problems (picture and audio) on TWC cable channels 217-219 for a couple of weeks. Reading the other posts, I don't seem to be the only one who has had these issues. I don't know how to resolve it because TWC says that the problem lies with NBC17 and NBC17 doesn't seem to care to resolve it. (I actually sent an email to NBC17 about this, but of course they didn't bother to answer) It would be great if they would actually talk to each other, but I guess that's too much to expect :)

NBC17 doesn't seem to care to resolve it. (I actually sent an email to NBC17 about this, but of course they didn't bother to answer)

I had similar problems with WUNC acting up with my TV's QAM tuner. My problem report was answered by one of WUNC's engineers the next Monday (it was filed on a weekend), and they duplicated the problem with an LG settop box, and coordinated with TWC to fix the problem the same day. Maybe NBC just needs to be as proactive as the WUNC people were.

Drew

The site was down "checking their database" this morning when I tried to post, and I never got a chance to post at work. We're getting good information from those of you posting.

I suspect TWC is suffering some atmospheric interference at the Durham headend. I see it start happening around 5:30 PM as the sun begins to set. If you're a fan of www.encdtv.com ,as I am, you should note that he reported "some fantastic tropospheric ducting" that enabled him to pick up the Southeast Virginia stations around Sept 20 in Greenville, which is about when all this started happening here. The atmosphere is ripe for this type of issue.

It is indeed definitely NOT happening over the air, and it is NOT happening at the Fayetteville headend which TWC receives local signals there too. If it follows last year's pattern, it will affect them soon. The average home antenna is about 30 feet above ground. TWC has there's mounted quite a bit higher, which means it can "see" more interference from over the horizon.

Atmospheric conditions are beyond the control of NBC 17 and Time-Warner. It's a fact of life, and extremely unfortunate it only affects us on channel 55 OTA. I have spoken with the TWC engineers and they are investigating it on their end as vigorously as we are on our end. There's thousands of things that can interfere with TV signals in the fall. That's the last time this happened, and we have not seen it until about two weeks ago. It's like looking for a needle in a haystack, and will take some time to determine if there's a work-a-round. See those strange lights in the distance from the north at night yet? That's electromagnetic fields from the North Pole, or Santa's workshop gearing up for a trip in December.

And Tommy 122, if you're one of the hundreds of e-mails I've received this week, I will respond as soon as possible. It's more efficient to post here and reach more people quickly.

Now for an update on the "other issues" that have nothing to do with the above issue:

The main dish is back in service and I'm not seeing any errors in the primetime bitstream.
The missing rear audio is back, and thanks to Daryl for confirming that.
We had a fail switch go crazy and switch back and forth at the end of Ellen this afternoon, and was corrected during our 5:00 News. There were some quick glitches on air when it switched back and forth.
NBC NY had an issue Monday night 40 minutes into Surface, or Las Vegas, I don't have the info in front of me now. The network switched to SD until Medium at 10.
The strangest issue of the week is audio from a Leno promo running in the middle of a program, and later a SNL promo audio was heard. Miami confirmed it was there, and checked the other HUB stations, and they did not have it. We are hunting that down now, but it's another very strange problem. . . .

Just a head's up for everyone, tomorrow night is showing strong trophospheric ducting over central/eastern Virginia and North Carolina. Last week, when this happened the guys over in the Norfolk Va. thread were screaming because Monday Night Football on WVEC in Norfolk was going haywire; yet, here in Greenville, N.C., I was receiving WVEC and their MNF broadcast with no problems.

That same night, WRAZ was crashing and burning down here in Greenville, N.C.; couldn't get a stable signal due to interference.

Anyway, weird how that stuff happens, but I'm ota and not seeing the problems with WNCN that you guys are seeing except on a rare case and then it affects all RDU stations.

Here's the tropo forecast page if you want to check it out:

http://home.cogeco.ca/~dxinfo/tropo.html

NBC17ENG...I really appreciate you taking the time to write....and I know it's no fun getting hate mail like this. Kudos to you for standing up and taking it (unlike your TWC counterparts)....BUT...

You mean your primary, high power transmitter broadcasting megawatts (yeah, I know it's ERP, but isn't it still KW going into the tower?) can't push a digital stream, with 21st century error encoding, from Raleigh to Durham?

Can't TWC at least monitor the channel and switch the HD channel to the regular broadcast channel when the digital feed gets corrupted? Maybe it's in NBC17's interest (in prime time) to pay somebody $6/hour for 6 hours to watch and call TWC when it goes away so they can manually switch? (perfect reason why you need staffed master control operators locally...at the very least you could have a cable feed in master control and the operator could be watching.) Personally, I'd take a 4:3 picture on my DVR rather than no picture at all.

I'm sorry...but blaming it on sunspots, cosmic rays, or guys in red suits isn't an excuse. Would it satisfy your advertisers who are paying for time?

TWC....this string of notes sure would make a great DirectTV commercial.....

You guys are sure that this isn't some nefarious plot on the part of the competition? Seems to me it only happens on the new prime time shows...usually near the end. ;)

It is indeed definitely NOT happening over the air, and it is NOT happening at the Fayetteville headend which TWC receives local signals there too. If it follows last year's pattern, it will affect them soon. The average home antenna is about 30 feet above ground. TWC has there's mounted quite a bit higher, which means it can "see" more interference from over the horizon.

Atmospheric conditions are beyond the control of NBC 17 and Time-Warner. It's a fact of life, and extremely unfortunate it only affects us on channel 55 OTA. I have spoken with the TWC engineers and they are investigating it on their end as vigorously as we are on our end. There's thousands of things that can interfere with TV signals in the fall. That's the last time this happened, and we have not seen it until about two weeks ago. It's like looking for a needle in a haystack, and will take some time to determine if there's a work-a-round. See those strange lights in the distance from the north at night yet? That's electromagnetic fields from the North Pole, or Santa's workshop gearing up for a trip in December.

And Tommy 122, if you're one of the hundreds of e-mails I've received this week, I will respond as soon as possible. It's more efficient to post here and reach more people quickly.

Can't TWC then just mount another antenna at the 30" mark and not have issues like the rest of us OTA'ers?

Maybe it's not that simple?

Yeah...maybe just a set of rabbit ears would fix this....

After reading this thread, I turned on my TV to check on my recordings of My Name is Earl and The Office. Both recorded the full times, but I won't know if they're ok until after work. However, NBC 17 HD feeds on TWC here in Morrisville/Cary seem to be down again (6:30A).

I totally understand everyone's frustrations and please know we're doing everything we can to resolve the problem. It is never simple. If your neighbor has a high power ham radio interfering with your TV, you can go out and buy a filter to resolve it. Tropospheric anomalies cover a broad range of frequencies, and are harder to filter out.

If Pete, Mike, Matt or Rick at WRAL, or Wayne at WUNC had any suggestions, they'd post or call me without hesitation. And if equipment was an issue, the local stations would share any spare equipment to resolve the problem for each other. I count all the local station engineers as friends and not as competitors, and I have the TWC engineer's numbers stored in my cell phone. We do talk to each other, so let's put those comments to rest right now. Nobody wants to send out defective products on purpose. ESPECIALLY your fall premiere shows. AND you can know for sure everyone is reading your comments.

Please be patient and thank you for sharing the information on the last two pages. That has been a huge help to fellow viewers, TWC, and NBC 17.

The site was down "checking their database" this morning when I tried to post, and I never got a chance to post at work. We're getting good information from those of you posting.


It is indeed definitely NOT happening over the air, and it is NOT happening at the Fayetteville headend which TWC receives local signals there too. If it follows last year's pattern, it will affect them soon. The average home antenna is about 30 feet above ground. TWC has there's mounted quite a bit higher, which means it can "see" more interference from over the horizon.


And Tommy 122, if you're one of the hundreds of e-mails I've received this week, I will respond as soon as possible. It's more efficient to post here and reach more people quickly.


I would like to thank NBC17ENG for taking the time to post here and let us know that they are aware of the problem and are trying to resolve it. I wish your counterpart at TWC would do the same.

I'm not an engineer, I'm an account so I have almost no understanding as to how all of this works. All I can do is to report what I'm seeing on my end. I don't have OTA so I can't do any comparisons between what's happening on TWC channels 217-219 in Raleigh vs. the OTA signal. I'm still confused as to why just NBC17 channels 217-219 is experiencing this and not ABC(211), Fox(250) and CBS(255).

I totally understand everyone's frustrations and please know we're doing everything we can to resolve the problem. It is never simple. If your neighbor has a high power ham radio interfering with your TV, you can go out and buy a filter to resolve it. Tropospheric anomalies cover a broad range of frequencies, and are harder to filter out.

If Pete, Mike, Matt or Rick at WRAL, or Wayne at WUNC had any suggestions, they'd post or call me without hesitation. And if equipment was an issue, the local stations would share any spare equipment to resolve the problem for each other. I count all the local station engineers as friends and not as competitors, and I have the TWC engineer's numbers stored in my cell phone. We do talk to each other, so let's put those comments to rest right now. Nobody wants to send out defective products on purpose. ESPECIALLY your fall premiere shows. AND you can know for sure everyone is reading your comments.

Please be patient and thank you for sharing the information on the last two pages. That has been a huge help to fellow viewers, TWC, and NBC 17.


Thanks NBC17ENG...

One question... any chance of a rebroadcast of some of the affected shows once the issues get resolved?

I'm just a country dude that loves tech stuff but I'm no engineer, but I got a theory. I'm sure most here have read how if the LG HD set-top-boxes get too strong a signal it can overload them causing loss of audio/video. Maybe these headends are being overloaded due to tropospheric ducting carrying signals farther making them stronger in the normal viewing areas. I remember two years ago early in the fall due to tropospheric ducting I picked up two Jacksonville digital stations a couple early mornings while loosing my normal reception of WRAL, WTVD, and WNCN. I was also getting WRAZ which I normally didn't then due to them being at low power (I'm ~77 miles from their towers).

My OTA HD STB (LG LST-3510A) died last week so I can only comment on the TWC feed and not on the current OTA reception at the moment. I have a Samsung SIR-T451 on the way that should arrive Friday though. :) I'm just brainstorming at a cause. Pay me know mind. :)

I'm still confused as to why just NBC17 channels 217-219 is experiencing this and not ABC(211), Fox(250) and CBS(255).

I think partly due to the frequency they broadcast at is being affected most by electrical interference during increased atmospheric ducting.

Atmospheric ducting allows RF signals to be carried farther (which can also carry electrical interference that can also affect, hams, cellphones, cordless phones, CB's, ect...) by keeping the signal closer to the earth farther before reaching to far in the upper atmosphere to high for our antennas to pick up but also overload closer receivers.

Thanks NBC17ENG...

One question... any chance of a rebroadcast of some of the affected shows once the issues get resolved?

You may have missed it lastnight but TNT is rebroadcasting Las Vegas on Tuesday nights at 10pm and in HD DD5.1 on TNTHD and CBS's previous seasons Cold Case at 11pm. Lastnight they showed the season premiere. Their also showing last seasons Alias weekdays in HD 5.1 at 6pm.

I think partly due to the frequency they broadcast at is being affected most by electrical interference during increased atmospheric ducting.



OK, I have a very basic question. How does TWC get it's signal from NBC17 to send out to cable subscribers? Do they pick it up over the air, or does NBC17 feed the signal to them over fiber optic cable or the like?

I suspect TWC is suffering some atmospheric interference at the Durham headend.

It is indeed definitely NOT happening over the air, and it is NOT happening at the Fayetteville headend which TWC receives local signals there too.

NBC17ENG, Thanks for the honest status reports... just to give you another data point, I asked a TWC tech working on the line on my street last week what head end my house came from.... I'm coming from the Raleigh headend... I did not see any comments about problems from there... I would be interested in hearing the response to the NBC-17 --> TWC feeds recently asked in this forum.

Thanks again.

OK, I have a very basic question. How does TWC get it's signal from NBC17 to send out to cable subscribers? Do they pick it up over the air, or does NBC17 feed the signal to them over fiber optic cable or the like?

To be honest I'm not absolutely sure but from what I gathered from one NBC17ENG's previous posts TWC is receiving NBC17 OTA.

It is indeed definitely NOT happening over the air, and it is NOT happening at the Fayetteville headend which TWC receives local signals there too. If it follows last year's pattern, it will affect them soon. The average home antenna is about 30 feet above ground. TWC has there's mounted quite a bit higher, which means it can "see" more interference from over the horizon.

The lateset update on the issue lookes extremely encouraging.

Durham has a low power TV station on channel 56 with a minus offset, which puts it closer to my channel 55, and in Time-Warner's neighborhood. I do not know how they got moved from channel 24 to 56-, but that's regulated by the FCC.

There is also a low power channel 55 in Danville Va. Tropospheric ducting could be bringing them in as the interference, and the least likely another channel 55 is located in Hampton Roads Va.

If either of these are the source, I think we can knock this out relatively easily.

The lateset update on the issue lookes extremely encouraging.

Durham has a low power TV station on channel 56 with a minus offset, which puts it closer to my channel 55, and in Time-Warner's neighborhood. I do not know how they got moved from channel 24 to 56-, but that's regulated by the FCC.

There is also a low power channel 55 in Danville Va. Tropospheric ducting could be bringing them in as the interference, and the least likely another channel 55 is located in Hampton Roads Va.

If either of these are the source, I think we can knock this out relatively easily.

Those descriptions make since. You on the ball today. :D

Yes TWC uses an antenna to pick us up, and therefore prone to any interference like anyone else. We are working to get a fiber feed to them.

They have some unique receivers at TWC. Instead of tuning in one digital stream like a home STB does, it picks up all DTV streams on the carrier and passes them out the back. If I ran 5 SD channels, it would pass all five signals out the back, and in my case, it passes all 3 streams out.

That's why when it breaks, all three NBC 17 streams break at the same time.

Yes TWC uses an antenna to pick us up, and therefore prone to any interference like anyone else. We are working to get a fiber feed to them.
<snip>
That's why when it breaks, all three NBC 17 streams break at the same time.


Thanks. That makes more sense to me. I assumed (incorrectly) that TWC received it's feed via fiber.

[QUOTE=NBC17ENG]......I have the TWC engineer's numbers stored in my cell phone. We do talk to each other......................


I sent an email to TWC concerning this issue. Below is their response back to me today:

"Response: Dear Customer,

We are aware of the issue with channels 217, 218, and 219. Unfortunately this is a issue that stems from NBC. They have been in contact with our head end technicians and are still working to resolve this issue. If you have any other questions please reply to this email or call 1-866-489-2669 for assistance.

Best regards,
Time Warner Cable"


This issue is being addressed by both parties, so hopefully it will be resolved soon.

I'll simply add my $0.02 and agree that I very much appreciate NBC17ENG being here as a resource/contact.
Its nice to know feedback might actually to someone that can use it (vs. lost in the 1st level call center droid)

Mike

Not sure which forum is most appropriate for this question....

I currently have TWC digital and 8300HD DVR... if I were to "drop" the digital package (frankly channels 100-199 are useless to me, and 281 might as well be renamed Law and Order HD)... would I still get the OTA "local" digital channels over cable? (and could I record them on the DVR) (and/or can the DVR receive OTA signals?)

replies or PMs are fine.

Thanks,
Mike

Not sure which forum is most appropriate for this question....

I currently have TWC digital and 8300HD DVR... if I were to "drop" the digital package (frankly channels 100-199 are useless to me, and 281 might as well be renamed Law and Order HD)... would I still get the OTA "local" digital channels over cable? (and could I record them on the DVR) (and/or can the DVR receive OTA signals?)

replies or PMs are fine.

Thanks,
Mike

All of the local "digital" channels are in the digital tier and I think you have to subscribe to that in order to get a DVR.

Hi Folks,
We recently decided to get HDTV OTA in our new house in Cary (right behind Davis drive schools). I have tried a set of indoor antennas from CC with a LG-LST3510a but I cannot seem to get all HD channels.

In general, how many HD channels should I expect in this area? Would I get more if I did QAM over TWC's basic service?

Is there any way I can get away without installing an outdoor antenna?
If not, can I put it on the ground next to the house (so that I can wire it into the inlet we have for TWC's cable today)?
Finally, if I do have to put it outdoor on the roof can I run the cable on the side of the house to this inlet or is that a hazard?

Thanks all for sharing your very helpful views and experiences!
Balan

Hi Folks,
We recently decided to get HDTV OTA in our new house in Cary (right behind Davis drive schools). I have tried a set of indoor antennas from CC with a LG-LST3510a but I cannot seem to get all HD channels.

In general, how many HD channels should I expect in this area? Would I get more if I did QAM over TWC's basic service?

Is there any way I can get away without installing an outdoor antenna?
If not, can I put it on the ground next to the house (so that I can wire it into the inlet we have for TWC's cable today)?
Finally, if I do have to put it outdoor on the roof can I run the cable on the side of the house to this inlet or is that a hazard?

Thanks all for sharing your very helpful views and experiences!
Balan


Hi, fidozoom. We must be neighbors, because I can see Davis Drive school directly from my yard.

If you drive past a house with two gray square-looking antennas on the roof, that's my house. I have two Winegard Square Shooter antennas installed, one looking east and one looking west. I'm using the Square Shooter model with preamplifier, but since I combine them I have another signal amplifier after the combiner to prevent any signal loss.

With this setup, I'm picking up digital channels 4, 5, 11, 17, 22, 28, 40 and 50 in Raleigh-Durham, and channels 2 and 48 from the Triad (I was particularly interested in picking up UPN-48 from there, since our friendly UPN affiliate WRDC doesn't transmit HD). I might be picking more channels, but those are the ones I'm mainly interested in.

I'm getting a pretty reliable signal in most of them now, although I did have to experiment putting the antennas in different parts of the house before finding the right spot for them. My current problems are with channel 28, which has such a weak signal that even my hyper-amplified antennas sometimes don't pick it up, but since I'm getting 48 from Greensboro I really don't care. The opposite problem I'm having with WUNC: their signal is so strong that both antennas pick it up (even the one looking in the opposite direction), so sometimes I get drop outs I believe caused by multipath.

If you go the TWC route, you must know that they don't have the WB and UPN in their HD tier. You might not be interested in those channels (not everyone is), so you might not care. In my case, I do watch a few shows in those networks, so that's one of the reasons I went the OTA route.

My experience with putting the antennas at ground level (believe me, I tried) was not a good one. I couldn't find a spot where I could pick all the channels at the same time, and it was difficult to secure the antenna so it wouldn't move. OTOH, I also found out that signal quality is not necessarily proportional to the height of your antenna spot. You definitely have to test several places to see where you get the signals you're interested in.

If either of these are the source, I think we can knock this out relatively easily.

How ya gonna do that....bazooka?

:)

After reading this thread, I turned on my TV to check on my recordings of My Name is Earl and The Office. Both recorded the full times, but I won't know if they're ok until after work. However, NBC 17 HD feeds on TWC here in Morrisville/Cary seem to be down again (6:30A).

For what it's worth, I watched both shows last night and there were only very minor glitches here and there, but both shows recorded in their entirety and looked and sounded fine for the most part.