I had lots of drop outs too today with WRAZ OTA. Even with a 90% signal strengh. Same result with Mits Promise Module and HD Tivo.

Originally posted by Shaky jake
I tried to search the thread for recent pertinent posts, didn't turn up anything.

Has anyone else had problems with WRAZ Fox 50 during the NFL Playoff broadcasts? The sound drops out for a second or two very frequently (every minute or so, often several times a minute), and the picture seems 'jerky' at times (like there is a very bried loss of signal).

Happened last week, yesterday, and now again today. No problems on other channels.

In case it helps, I'm on TWC in Durham, using the built-in QAM tuner in my Hitachi 57S715 (no STB).

Thanks,

Jake
Not here. Watched game on HD all afternoon. Some (very brief) drops when the end zone camera and "spy-eye" overhead were used. Check out the HDTV Programming forum for the minute-by-minute comments as the game was broadcast. Audio was very good, PQ was erratic due to various cameras (some SD) used. Problem with dark end-zone shots.

E

Originally posted by IamtheWolf
Not here. Watched game on HD all afternoon. Some (very brief) drops when the end zone camera and "spy-eye" overhead were used. Check out the HDTV Programming forum for the minute-by-minute comments as the game was broadcast. Audio was very good, PQ was erratic due to various cameras (some SD) used. Problem with dark end-zone shots.

E

Same here - no drop-outs that I noticed. Of course, I am fast-fowarding throught commercials, time-outs, half-time, etc - and I fast-forwarded most of the 4th quarter - but solid reception throughout.

PS - the PQ didn't look particularly good - looked like fox widescreen, especially compared to the game on CBS now. I hope they do a better job with the Super Bowl.

I too have noticed a drop last night and today it was going and coming so much I had to switch back over to the Dain Cable Co. here in Timberlake. Oh well maybe they will find the problem soon and fix it.:(

I am 74 miles away and in VA, and I get WTVD, WNCN, WRAZ, and WRAL fine most of the time.

I have noticed that WTVD is the only station that I "see" more than a 4:3 picture or at least I think I do. WRAL and the rest seem to have the black bars "futher in" during 4:3 material. WTVD's bars "come in" much less. It is a total night and day difference here and I don't understand why. Would any of you mind explaining to me why this is the case.

NBC had a failure during the second segment of Las Vegas tonight. Came back after the break.
http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?threadid=497457

I'm watching 24 right now on NBC and there is a green stripe running down the left edge of the picture. Just though I would say so since I don't think it's supposed to be there. :)

^ Yeah, I dont think 24 was supposed to be there on NBC either ;). So Im not sure if you mean 24 on FOX or Las Vegas on NBC...but I never noticed a green stripe during 24.

hpman247, Ive noticed that too, but its only during the local programming (ie, if you see commercials during HD shows, they are the usual 4:3 width). Im guessing they do a slight stretch like 13:9 or 14:9 just to fill more screen.

And I also had problems with WRAZ during the Vikings-Iggles game, but no problems outside of that...I always blame the DVR though :).

Hahah. Yeah, my bad. Show with the green strip is 'Medium' on NBC. So basicly I'm an idiot any any "bug report" I offer up should be taken with a gain of salt. :)

I think 24 looks great on WRAZ. The FOX here in Roanoke/Lynchburg DMA doesnt even do HD yet. I also had a problem during the Vikings game. I couldnt keep signal, but I ntice this during many football games on WRAZ. Usually it gets itself right tho after the 1st quarter...weird I know.

Originally posted by Shaky jake
I tried to search the thread for recent pertinent posts, didn't turn up anything.

Has anyone else had problems with WRAZ Fox 50 during the NFL Playoff broadcasts? The sound drops out for a second or two very frequently (every minute or so, often several times a minute), and the picture seems 'jerky' at times (like there is a very bried loss of signal).

Happened last week, yesterday, and now again today. No problems on other channels.

In case it helps, I'm on TWC in Durham, using the built-in QAM tuner in my Hitachi 57S715 (no STB).

Thanks,

Jake

I know others said they had no problems, but I noticed the same thing using OTA antenna to my Samsung SIR-TS360 DirecTV HD Receiver. It was like a small hitch in the sound, as if volume was dropping low and popping back up again. This was much more frequent than hitches in the picture, although I noticed those as well occasionally.

NBC17ENG,

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

Originally posted by Daryl L
NBC17ENG,

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

Right you are. It had changed all the audios back to the same PID number. I can't see any reason for it, but I just set everything back. :confused:

Well apparently I unsubscribed from updates to this thread somehow and hadn't gotten any emails in a while about this thread being updated. Anyway, I scanned back over the last few pages and didn't see mention of this so I'll post it.

I noticed a few days ago that Time Warner has HD Movies On Demand working now. I'm not sitting in front of the TV just now but I think it was on channel 299 and also mirrored on 502. There wasn't a heck of a lot to choose from, mainly IMAX programs that you can see other places (INHD for example) but they did have Shrek 2 on there for 3.95.

Nice to see they've got that working now...

Jarrett

Originally posted by gstelmack
I know others said they had no problems, but I noticed the same thing using OTA antenna to my Samsung SIR-TS360 DirecTV HD Receiver. It was like a small hitch in the sound, as if volume was dropping low and popping back up again. This was much more frequent than hitches in the picture, although I noticed those as well occasionally.

I also am seeing the same audio problem frequently on 50.1, including early this morning. I am using a ChannelMaster 4228, Samsung SIR-TS360, and am located just west of Jordan Lake. I have absolutely no video dropouts.

The company i am working for is looking at getting HD sat installed and i was wondering who in the area installs commercial sat service? if anyone knows i would appreciate the heads up. looking through the yellow pages has turned up residential installs thus far.

thanks

NBC17ENG,

Audio souded fine lastnight, thanks. :)

Q1. Has anyone heard if/when TWC will field the Scientific Atlantic 8300HD DVR?

I have been reading on other threads about an issue with the SA8000HD's resolution, as measured using HDNET's test pattern. After measuring with my SA8000HD I get a horizontal resolution of about 900. This is similar to what other people have measured in some other markets. Here is where I first heard of the issue and what instigated me to measure my STB:

http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?postid=4664241#post4664241

Now, I don't know what my previous SA3250HD or SA3100HD boxes would have scored on the test pattern. I didn't know about the test until after I returned them for the DVR. But as you can read in the post I linked to, there is about a 45% drop in resolution going from the SA3250HD to the SA8000HD in some areas of deployment. I want to know if our area is one of those effected by the issue. So my next question is:

Q2. Can anyone with an SA3250HD (or SA3100HD, or Pace 550) measure there _horizontal_ resolution using the HDNET test pattern to see how they perform in our area?

The test patterns are broadcast Tuesday morning at (I think) 8 am. I think the resolution pattern is the second one. It will contain "wedges" both vertical and horizontal. These wedges are basically lines that get closer and closer together. There are little numbers along the wedges. The way _I_ determined reolution was to find the point in the wedge where I could no longer distinguish that there were lines anymore (blurred to grey). Then I used the corresponding number like this: (n X 100 X 1.77). I get about 900 lines of resolution horizontally.

After much reading of posts, it seems the SA8000HD performance depends on where it is deployed (more specifically, on what other STBs must be supported where it is deployed). To get background on this, and the underlying issue, read posts by "vegggas" in this thread:

http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?s=&postid=4949743#post4949743

If you read through you find out that a firmware fix will not improve the problem. But moving to the SA8300HD is supposed to perform better. So I'm interested in if/when it will be available.

Q3. Anybody else think their SA8000HD was a little soft compared to their last cable box?

Thanks for any comments, measurements, information, or rumors.

Sooke

Does anybody know if the Raleigh TWC HD boxes (both DVR and non DVR) support digital audio out to a 5.1 receiver? If the boxes can do it, how (optical or what?) and then does TWC actually put the data in there and enable the output?

Gonna buy a home theater receiver and want to know what the TWC boxes support, if anything.

Thanks

dave_ral,

The SA8000HD (DVR) and the SA3250HD (non-DVR) both support digital audio 5.1 over coax. I don't see an optical port. I've used both boxes with my receiver/surround sound system. TWC has (or had) atleast 2 other non-DVR HD boxes (the Pace 550 and the SA3100HD), but I am not sure what they are capable of.

Not all networks and not all shows use 5.1 channels though. Only some do. I've enjoyed Alias this season in 5.1. That show seems to make good use of the surround speakers. Generally, I've found DVDs do a much better job of using the surrounds than TV shows do. Although, it's nice when 5.1 audio is available for sporting events because you can raise (or lower) the center channel volume. This lets you make the announcers louder compared to crowd noise, or if you prefer, eliminate the announcers to get an at-the-stadium effect.

Sooke

Originally posted by sooke
The SA8000HD (DVR) and the SA3250HD (non-DVR) both support digital audio 5.1 over coax. I don't see an optical port.

There is a optical digital audio port on my SA8000HD. Im not looking at it right now but if I recall its the "trapdoor" style rather than the protective plug version (Im sure theres a technical term for each but I have no idea what they are).

Originally posted by ENDContra
There is a optical digital audio port on my SA8000HD. Im not looking at it right now but if I recall its the "trapdoor" style rather than the protective plug version (Im sure theres a technical term for each but I have no idea what they are).

Does anybody know if TWC turns this on?

I think optical audio is enabled on the TWC HD-DVR but I'm using coaxial so I'm not 100% positive.

In other TWC news, I noticed that ESPN Deportes is coming over on channel 379 this morning. I'm guessing it's part of the Sabor Latino package but there's no official announcement of the channel on their website or any program data in my onscreen guide. As a soccer fan, I'm delighted by the addition.

Also, I wonder if the addition of ESPN Deportes could be foreshadowing of ESPN2-HD coming soon. I'm guessing that they got a package deal on both of these channels, but it's just a guess.

Originally posted by gstelmack
I know others said they had no problems, but I noticed the same thing using OTA antenna to my Samsung SIR-TS360 DirecTV HD Receiver. It was like a small hitch in the sound, as if volume was dropping low and popping back up again. This was much more frequent than hitches in the picture, although I noticed those as well occasionally.

Same here. It's been around since the MLB playoffs for me. FOX 50 is still hard for me tune as well with a Samsung TS-360. Pretty discouraging with the Super Bowl coming up. I have a replacement box coming because of the 720P bug so hopefully the new box tunes better.

EDIT:

Great, now the NFC game is on and I can't get FOX 50 tuned in. This is getting frustrating.

Originally posted by dave_ral
Does anybody know if TWC turns this on?

They do, that's how I've got mine hooked up.

j.

Originally posted by Shaky jake
I tried to search the thread for recent pertinent posts, didn't turn up anything.

Has anyone else had problems with WRAZ Fox 50 during the NFL Playoff broadcasts? The sound drops out for a second or two very frequently (every minute or so, often several times a minute), and the picture seems 'jerky' at times (like there is a very bried loss of signal).

Happened last week, yesterday, and now again today. No problems on other channels.

In case it helps, I'm on TWC in Durham, using the built-in QAM tuner in my Hitachi 57S715 (no STB).

Thanks,

Jake

Hey, I'm having the same problem with the NFC championship game on FOX50 HDTV being broadcast on TWC Cary. This is really odd.

I have a Sharp LC-37GD6U LCD HDTV set, with a CABLE CARD setup using the built in HDTV/Digital tuner. I also have the SA-8000HD DVR. I use a 3 way splitter, one going to DVR, one to Digital input on back of TV, and one going to Analogue input on back of TV. While watching the FOX football game today (Falcons VS Eagles), and the game last week, I notice when I use the built in tuner on my TV that I get EXACTLY the same thing you are talking about. Periodic dropouts of audio, with some video dropouts too. VERY ANNOYING!!! So, I figured it must be the broadcast. But, when I switch over to the DVR, which I have maybe a 10 second delay set up by pausing it during the game, I can watch the exact same time period of the game, but guess what? Yep, NO dropouts! It's the same signal, but something is different between the built in HDTV tuner in my $4000 HDTV set and the POS SA-8000HD DVR. I even swapped the cable outputs from the splitter just to confirm that that wasn't the cause. Same problem. I also checked the signal strength into the HDTV, it's well above the minimum, in between 83-88 (dB?), it states signal should be 60 or above.

What gives here? I wonder if your HDTV and mine use the same tuner chip, and there is a bug or problem with it? I can't explain it except to say that it's bothering the hell out of me. Anyone got any ideas, thoughts?

I'm seeing these same occassional audio/video dropouts during the NFC Championship Game. I'm watching OTA on an RCA F38310 with built-in HD tuner. It appears these dropouts only occur from specific cameras (like end zone shots or shots from the remote overhead cam). I don't recall ever seeing a dropout during a normal sideline shot.

This has occurred during several of the FOX NFL games lately and always seems to be from the same camera angles.

Guess I'm not the only one seeing this behavior.

Steve

I'm not getting any audio on OTA FOX50 HDTV. Had to watch the NFC Championship game on 50-2.

Is anyone elses Desperate Housewives not in HD. Just the normal 4:3 here. I hope that Boston Legal will be, or it could be that they forgot to flip the switch.

Originally posted by hpman247
Is anyone elses Desperate Housewives not in HD. Just the normal 4:3 here. I hope that Boston Legal will be, or it could be that they forgot to flip the switch.

Looks like they "flipped the switch" about 2-3 minutes before the end of Desperate Housewives. Between the audio problems on the football game and the non-HD DH episode, it was a bad night for HD in the Triangle.

Well besides the non-HD Housewives, Ive noticed a lot of pixelation on WTVD over the past week or two...it only seemed to show up right after a commercial break, but during Aladdin Saturday night and the DH rerun, there was pixelation throughout, particularly during fast motion. Is anyone else seeing this, and does anyone know if this on the network or local level?

Originally posted by wjarrettc
I think optical audio is enabled on the TWC HD-DVR but I'm using coaxial so I'm not 100% positive.

In other TWC news, I noticed that ESPN Deportes is coming over on channel 379 this morning. I'm guessing it's part of the Sabor Latino package but there's no official announcement of the channel on their website or any program data in my onscreen guide. As a soccer fan, I'm delighted by the addition.

Also, I wonder if the addition of ESPN Deportes could be foreshadowing of ESPN2-HD coming soon. I'm guessing that they got a package deal on both of these channels, but it's just a guess.

CSR at TWC told me ESPN Deportes is a temporary channel -- it's being carried for the Dominican League Finals which go through this week.

Originally posted by edvedd
CSR at TWC told me ESPN Deportes is a temporary channel -- it's being carried for the Dominican League Finals which go through this week.

That's crushing news to me. I better get on the phone!

Originally posted by wjarrettc
Looks like they "flipped the switch" about 2-3 minutes before the end of Desperate Housewives. Between the audio problems on the football game and the non-HD DH episode, it was a bad night for HD in the Triangle.


I continue to see the audio problems periodically on 50.1 I never get video dropouts....My Samsung 360 actually locked up during Desperate Housewifes on 11.1. It continued to display the video, but no audio, and would not respond to the remote control. I had to re-boot it. This lockup happened late in the show, and it may have been initiated by the reported "switch flipping".

Directv, ChannelMaster 4228 antenna, Samsung SIRTS360, near Jordan Lake

Originally posted by wjarrettc
That's crushing news to me. I better get on the phone!

I confirmed this as well. I'm asking any soccer fans in the area that are interested in UEFA CHampions League or Dutch soccer to call or write TWC and tell them you want your ESPN Deportes on a permanent basis.

Thanks.

the samsung ts-360 sux... im getting a replacement any day now... and i hope it fixes all of my issues. dropping sound on 50.1 and the video problems on espn taped movies and abc filmed shows.

Originally posted by wjarrettc
I'm asking any soccer fans in the area that are interested in UEFA CHampions League or Dutch soccer to call or write TWC and tell them you want your ESPN Deportes on a permanent basis.
You can also contact TWC through their web form (http://www.twcnc.com/template/contactus.cfm).

ESPN Deportes schedule (http://espndeportes.espn.go.com/sports/tvlistings/deportes/deportesSchedule?network=34)

Hey everyone,

Anybody have any ideas what WTVD's plans are for 11.2 now that ABC News Now is being yanked on January 29th? Apparently, ABC wants to see if they can make it more profitable; guess that means it'll turn out to be some subscription internet servcie. Will WTVD do a SD simulcast of 11.1 like they did before?

I know you all can barely get UPN 28 in the triangle. Any idea as to when they might turn up the power or reorient their antenna? I remember reading on this thread months ago that the engineer thought UPN 28's digital antenna's signal was being squelched by the analog antenna. Will this ever be corrected or will the power increase solve this problem?

Likewise, when might WB 22 turn up the power? I can barely pick them up, but at least I can get it most of the time. We don't have a ota WB here in the Greenville market.

Finally, will WRAZ have PSIP up and running by the Feb 1st deadline? I remember someone mentioning not until Summer 2005 way way back in the thread last year. Or was that full power? Likewise, our Fox affiliate hasn't even began testing a digital signal down here. We have no idea when we're going to get a FOX digitally. I'm one of the lucky few that can get WRAZ at their current output.

Thanx for any info in advance. :)

Anybody, anybody? J/K! Thanx anyway... I thought I'd at least throw some things out there and see if anyone knew anything about the items I mentioned! :D

I noticed a lot of complaints about the Samsung 360. I currently have this box and am not overly happy w/ it. The previous Sony box pulled in more OTA channels.
It has been mentioned many times, but older versions of this box have "stuck" firmware. This box was supposed to be recalled, but it never happened. CC and BB are aware of issues w/ this box, but you would have to trade it in for the same box or an older Hughes box.
I would hold out for a next gen box. The newer tuners will deal w/ multipath better.
Multipath is the main reason alot of people are having OTA reception problems in the area.
I know Fox gives me random audio/video synch issues. It is one of the rare times I have to get up and mess w/ the antenna.
I know it's been said, but height is key to better signal reception.

I am currently using bunny ears hooked up to an amp and am getting all the major locals. The Terk, RS, and Zenith options never worked out oddly enough. I have not moved to an outdoor Channelmaster or Winegard antenna yet. UPN is spotty at best when it comes in. No WB or PAX for me for now.

Okay guys Superbowl is rapidly approaching and I need to replace my antenna to pick up FOX 50. I'm 45 miles from the towers(Oxford) and now am using a Radio Shack VU-120XR. It was suppose to be good up to 90 miles UHF well it isn't. I have the Channel Master 4228 antenna with the Channel Master 7775 pre-amp should this do the trick. There is no major obstruction in the way and with the old antenna I only picked up FOX very sparingly.Will this do the trick for me(only thing I wish is I could of got it up during all those 60 and 70 degree days)

Richard - the 4228 should do better than your current VU-120 - as a matter of fact, I'm kind of surprised you can get anything with the RS out there in Oxford. I'd try the antenna w/o the 7775 pre-amp first, then add it if needed.

As a point, most of the mileage figures Radio Shack gives for their antennas are about double the reality - or more than that !

I talked to WB/UPN Raleigh. They don't have any plans to up the Power, they have to have it full power by June 06'. I don't get UPN, but I get WB 22 as long as the weather doesn't turn too bad.
Lucky for me I was able to get DHwives out of Greensboros since the Raleigh ABC didn't pass the HD (talk about a show that warrants HD). I think ABC Raleigh has reduced their bandwitch for HD, they are now doing 11.1,11.2 and 11.3. So 11.1 is probably getting 12 mb/s, thus the pix-elation during Aladdin. Hopefully we'll get more bandwith for 11.1 when 11.2 (news) goes away.
I adjusted my antennae a little, my 50.1 breakups have been reduced.


Equipment
HD Tivo
Mitsubishi Promise Module
Samsung TS160
Two UHF only Radio Shack antennaes joined with equal length wires to a channel Master preamp. 45' and 40' high. One pointed towards Clayton (Raleigh) the other pointed towards Greensboro.

I've got two HD:
ABC
NBC
CBS
PBS

I've got one HD:
WB
UPN
Fox

Thanx for the reply, Greg T... Gee, you'd think with this cable carriage issue that Sinclair is having across the country with some of the cable systems they'd make sure all their stations were putting out a full powered signal. I'm surprised that the RDU WB and UPN aren't at full power yet; it's market 29 after all. It seems to me it would warrant full power. But tha's just my opinion after all.

I usually watch DH on WTVD because of some reception issues with my local ABC, WCTI. Luckily Sunday night, WCTI was coming through loud and clear cause I noticed the problem with WTVD broadcasting SD. I hadn't noticed a lot of pixilation on WTVD's main HD channel, but have noticed the two subs were very muted and dull looking.

Thanx again for the info! :D

Looks like WTVD 11.2 will become SD simulcast of the HD primary. Electronic Programming Guide data is mirroring 11.1 on 11.2 now. We'll see once ABC News Now goes off the air on 1/29.

Okay guys I have success...I talked my son through the installation of the Channel master 4228 and 7775 preamp.Fox now comes in nice and strong so does the WB. Is anyone getting UPN in reliably now that and PBS are the only things missing for me?

^^ Yeah 11.2 was an SD digital version of their analog broadcast before ABC News Now, so I imagine thats what they will be going back to.

Is there anyone from WTVD that reads/posts here? Would be nice to hear any official info regarding bandwidth. Im glad Im not the only one thats noticed the pixelation problems. I will say though that outside of the few seconds after a commerical break, Alias looked pretty good last night.

Medium on Monday on NBC, however, made the Aladdin pixelation pale in comparison...granted I was watching on my DVR but usually thats not the issue (usually). Anyone else notice anything with 17 or is it just me?

Originally posted by ENDContra
^^
Medium on Monday on NBC, however, made the Aladdin pixelation pale in comparison...granted I was watching on my DVR but usually thats not the issue (usually). Anyone else notice anything with 17 or is it just me?

I think I just saw what you described on the Apprentice. Time-Warner Engineers also saw some issues last weekend that could be the same thing you're seeing. We'll re-boot in the wee hours of the morning, and that should take care of it.

Can someone remind me whether UPN in HD is available OTA in Raleigh?

Thanks,

Sooke

Originally posted by sooke
Can someone remind me whether UPN in HD is available OTA in Raleigh?


I can. It's not.

In addition, UPN-DT is running on what I call "tower power." That is, in order to pick up the signal, you need to be standing at the tower.

Originally posted by sooke
Can someone remind me whether UPN in HD is available OTA in Raleigh?

Thanks,

Sooke


WUPN is going full power next week. If you can get it they transmit out of Randleman, NC. Which is about 60 miles east of Raleigh.

Originally posted by Greg T
WUPN is going full power next week. If you can get it they transmit out of Randleman, NC. Which is about 60 miles east of Raleigh.

Do you know if that will be UPN-DT or UPN-HD?

That is, in order to pick up the signal, you need to be standing at the tower.

I've been able to get glimmers of UPN out here in chapel hill since the leaves are off the trees. It looks great for the 2 seconds I can see before it breaks up :)

I can get WB at about 60%, so it is tollerable to watch, but it gets annoying when the wind blows or anything like that.

I have been picking up UPN OTA now for the last week or so w/ a Z Silver Sensor and a Samsung T151. My Location is around Lake Wheeler. I have gotten channel 30 (shopping) and 40 (univision) from out east somewhere.

Has anyone had success getting WUNC and the other major stations with an antenna in the attic? WUNC is 180 degrees (or thereabouts) from the other stations. I am going to get a CM3671. It was suggested that I get two antennas if I couldn't get WUNC off the backend.

Henry

It's UPN-HD and it looks great. I'm recording Enterprise every Friday now (never watched it before, who says HD doesn't generate revenue). I'm afraid I'm going to lose WB 22 when the leaves come back.

Last Saturday, my SA8000HD started to die. When trying to access recorded shows, it gave an error and said I had to contact TWC. This is the 2nd time this has happened so I was more than a little upset since last time they said it couldn't be fixed and they would have to replace my box and I would lose all of my recorded shows (last time the first 5 episodes of Lost, this time the first 6 episodes of 24...)

After stewing for an hour I called and found out there is a new fix for this problem.

Unplug the box and hold down the Volume (-) button (left button on circular console) on the front of the box while plugging in the unit. Hold this button until the clock comes back up on the box.

Works like a charm. Box is working great.

While on the phone I asked if the 8300HD would be arriving in Raleigh soon. After double checking the tech told me that when it arrives in North Carolina it should be here first but at this point nobody down there knows anything about it or when it might arrive.

Hi guys,

After lurking in this forum for some time I finally took the step this past weekend and got my HDTV (Sony KDF-55WF655).

I thought I would post my setup/experience here in case it might be of help for those that might be lurking just as I was before diving right into this.

I'm in West Cary (near HW55). Got an amplified Square Shooter antenna, which I currently have indoors against a window (planning to install it outdoors on the roof when it stops being so cold outside). I was surprised (and happy) when even with this setup, I was able to pickup all our local digital stations. Even UPN-28, which I gather from the discussions here is the weakest, I can pickup fairly reliably. I've had a little more trouble with PBS, since it's transmitting from the opposite direction, but if I turn the antenna a little bit, I get that one too (hopefully when I put the antenna outside I'll have better signal on this one).

I'm even picking up CBS out of Greensboro! So I'm kind of hoping that I'll be able to pick up their UPN too when they go full power, given that our local station doesn't transmit and HD signal.

I only hope that this good luck is not due to the trees having no leaves this time of year. Remains to be seen what kind of signal I'll be having come spring.

Originally posted by Jsipe
While on the phone I asked if the 8300HD would be arriving in Raleigh soon. After double checking the tech told me that when it arrives in North Carolina it should be here first but at this point nobody down there knows anything about it or when it might arrive.

Interesting ... I asked the same question in the HD recorders forum and TWC said it would not appear in Raleigh in the next 3-6 months.

Also in that forum is a post from someone in Charlotte NC who has just had his 8300HD installed. So much for Raleigh being first. :rolleyes:

Originally posted by hbehrman
Has anyone had success getting WUNC and the other major stations with an antenna in the attic? WUNC is 180 degrees (or thereabouts) from the other stations. I am going to get a CM3671. It was suggested that I get two antennas if I couldn't get WUNC off the backend.

When I first got my CM4221 I had it in the attic. I could get CBS, ABC, NBC (sort of) and FOX no problem. Couldn't get WUNC off the "back" when it was in the attic. When I moved it to the roof I thought I might be able to, but the 4221 is pretty directional (if you ever look at the little graphs, it's "rear" reception range is about 5% of the front) so I still couldn't get WUNC. Everything else was stronger, including the NBC signal which locks just fine now.

Unless you're pretty close to WUNC's tower, I'd be surprised if you could pick it up without pointing the front end of the antenna at it.

Welcome to the forum gilber.

Hey I found a little forum tip some might find useful for long threads like this one. I've always been annoyed that I had to reset my browser bookmark to the last page of this thread whenever it grew enough to spill over into a new page. If you edit your bookmark and replace the "pagenumber=xxx" at the end of the URL with "goto=lastpost" it will always send you to the end no matter what page we're up to.

Sooke

Originally posted by VisionOn
Interesting ... I asked the same question in the HD recorders forum and TWC said it would not appear in Raleigh in the next 3-6 months.

Also in that forum is a post from someone in Charlotte NC who has just had his 8300HD installed. So much for Raleigh being first. :rolleyes:

TWC is testing the SA8300 in smaller markets. Charlotte has a "test lab" where some of the new boxes go first before being deployed to other places - that's probably how one of the new boxes got installed.

plus, twc raleigh is one of the largest TWC divisions - so they'll have the 8300s after most of the kinks have been ironed out.

BTW- your best bet in getting accurate and reliable information is by emailing TWC -- they respond pretty quickly.

I'm new to OTA HDTV here in Timberlake. I'm just using the indoor antenna at this time but was wanting to know what antenna would You get for this area? We get the basic WRAL , WTVD, PBS now. Sometimes 50, & 22, 17 when playing around with the little antenna.
Thanks for your help.

RSMoonwalks, check out antennaweb.org. It will tell you where to point your antennas and give a rough estimate of what you should be able to pull in OTA.

I am getting ready to purchase an HDTV. I think I know everything I will need to get except the antenna and "stuff" that goes with it. I am not sure what the "stuff" is: amplifier, plug, cables, etc. Can anyone recommend one of the best OTAs and what else I may need to get?

AdTHANKSvance

Meanwhile, I will start reading through the 100+ pages here.

Originally posted by MacAttack1970
I am getting ready to purchase an HDTV. I think I know everything I will need to get except the antenna and "stuff" that goes with it. I am not sure what the "stuff" is: amplifier, plug, cables, etc. Can anyone recommend one of the best OTAs and what else I may need to get?

AdTHANKSvance

Meanwhile, I will start reading through the 100+ pages here.


Hey, MacAttack - welcome to the HD world. You'll love it.

I run a local Home Theater company (Carolina Home Theater), and I can probably answer any questions you might have in regards to HDTV and OTA reception. I've also installed antennas for several other forum members, if that's a service you're interested in.

Send me a PM and we can take this offline.

PS - Depending on the TV you're looking at, I also might be able to get you a discount. :)

Am I missing something? I flipped over to WB 22 during Lost's first commercial break and found Smallville was in SD. Am I crazy or weren't they broadcasting HD at least a couple of weeks ago. I distinctly remember watching One Tree Hill, Smallville, and Jack & Bobby in HD on WB 22. What happened?

Disregard the above... I guess someone read my post or they noticed at the station that something was wrong. WB22 is back in HD now! At least some of Smallville was HD tonight! :)

Another newbie question here, I'm curious how wunc is able to run 5 hdtv streams from it's tower? I assume they either run two or more at a lower bandwidth or they run some kind of stats based compression on them?

I checked their website and it seems that there are times when all 5 are running at once. (I can't post links yet sorry)

Thanks in advance,

Ralph

Originally posted by ralphwalters
Another newbie question here, I'm curious how wunc is able to run 5 hdtv streams from it's tower? I assume they either run two or more at a lower bandwidth or they run some kind of stats based compression on them?

I checked their website and it seems that there are times when all 5 are running at once. (I can't post links yet sorry)

Thanks in advance,

Ralph

WUNC runs these subchannels:

4-1 UNC-TV
4-2 UNC-HD (PBS-HD)
4-3 UNC-KD (PBS Kids)
4-4 UNC-ED (PBS You)
4-5 UNC-SD (PBS APB)

However, 4-2 only airs from 8-11PM. At that time, 4-3, 4-4, and 4-5 are all shut off.

- Trip

Any chance of getting another PBS station beside the UNC one? I haven't seen Smart Traveler's since I've moved here. The few hours of mostly repeat episodes of Carolina Outdoors is getting old.
Does anyone actual prefer many channels of SD over one channel of SD with one full time HD station.

If you can get something from VA...

So, I moved my cm4221 to a different spot in the attic, and I think I'm finally getting 50.1 with no drop-outs (just in time for my Superbowl party).

Now that that worry is behind me, I have a question. A friend is bringing his projector over so we can have a bigger screen for the game (my plasma is 42 inch) but I was thinking it would be nice if I could have them both going at once (same room).

Problem is, the HR10-250 only outputs HDMI *or* component (not both at once). The projector takes component and my plasma takes both. Is there a way to "split" the component outs so I can drive both displays at the same time? I assume there's a piece of hardware that'll do this, but I don't want to plunk down much cash for a one time thing.

Thanks for any info,
Charles

I believe that you cannot drive 2 devices with the HR10-250, but you may want to do a search over at ww.tivocommunity.com to verify.

I have the same tivo, but haven't tried it.

Anybody else have a problem with Joey last night on 17.1? It was in SD almost all the time except for about 20 seconds?

I haven't checked on ER, but hopefully it was broadcast in HD.

Originally posted by ncsu4life
the samsung ts-360 sux... im getting a replacement any day now... and i hope it fixes all of my issues. dropping sound on 50.1 and the video problems on espn taped movies and abc filmed shows.

DirecTV sent me a Hughes HTL-HD to replace my problematic Samsung TS360. The day I boxed up the 360, it was reported here that the 720P bug was finally fixed. LOL. The Hughes has a much better tuner and a more responsive remote though so I'm happy. Hopefully the Super Bowl comes in strong on Sunday with no audio hiccups. 24 has been flawless with the Hughes and my Radio Shack 15-1880.

I'm a recent refuge from Southern California - soon to be happily retired in the Pinehurst/Southern Pines area.

I previously had the luxury of pretty good OTA HD reception in Escondido, near San Diego since 1998, but I'm not sure there will be much hope of reliable OTA at our new place, which will be 50-60 miles or more from the transmitters in the Raleigh area.

I really want to set up with a TIVO HD system on DirecTV, with OTA via antenna, but if I can't get decent OTA for the digital channels, I will have to consider the TWC alternative.

I could look up the location in one of the web sites, but my previous experience tells me that reality isn't always as predicted by those things, and I would rather hear from anyone who has had some real world experience in that approximate location.


Vic W

The majority(all networks except PBS) of the Raleigh area DTV transmitters are just east of Garner, close to Auburn. WUNC (PBS) is located out by Chapel Hill.

Yes, you CAN trust www.antennaweb.org for our area - at least as far direction is concerned. The size of antenna maybe another issue... at your distance, you probaly want as good a UHF antenna as you can find, and probably need a pre-amp to boot - especially for DT22 and DT28 .

Originally posted by vanelin
Anybody else have a problem with Joey last night on 17.1? It was in SD almost all the time except for about 20 seconds?

I haven't checked on ER, but hopefully it was broadcast in HD.

Yes - just finished watching Joey off the HDTivo and it switched back and forth from HD with no center channel to SD with stereo audio. Mostly the SD/stereo combo.

Very annoying.

Originally posted by ceburkett

Is there a way to "split" the component outs so I can drive both displays at the same time? I assume there's a piece of hardware that'll do this, but I don't want to plunk down much cash for a one time thing.

As far as hooking up the HDTivo to more than one display - yes, you have to split the signal. No way to get the HDMI and component to work at the same time.

Since it's a one-time thing, the cheapest thing to do is just get 3 rca y-adapters and split the component signal. Something like this ...

http://www.radioshack.com/product.asp?catalog%5Fname=CTLG&category%5Fname=CTLG%5F007%5F002%5F001%5F002&product%5Fid=274%2D501

For a better signal, you'd need an HD-capable distribution amplifier ...

http://www.smarthomepro.com/777065.html

Originally posted by vicw


I really want to set up with a TIVO HD system on DirecTV, with OTA via antenna, but if I can't get decent OTA for the digital channels, I will have to consider the TWC alternative.

I could look up the location in one of the web sites, but my previous experience tells me that reality isn't always as predicted by those things, and I would rather hear from anyone who has had some real world experience in that approximate location.

vicw - send me a PM. I'll see what I can do for you.

Originally posted by NBC17ENG
I think I just saw what you described on the Apprentice. Time-Warner Engineers also saw some issues last weekend that could be the same thing you're seeing. We'll re-boot in the wee hours of the morning, and that should take care of it.

Thanks for looking into this, but I really couldnt tell a different this past Monday. Again though it might just be the DVR as it doesnt provide the same PQ as a non-DVR STBs, although I havent noticed this kind of pixelation on any other channels except ABC on occasion.

Originally posted by vanelin
Anybody else have a problem with Joey last night on 17.1? It was in SD almost all the time except for about 20 seconds?

I haven't checked on ER, but hopefully it was broadcast in HD.

NBC had an audio problem with the uplink on Joey & Friends, and suspended HD for the night because the center channel audio was missing. We took local control and switched ER manually after the first intro break and it was fine. See also http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?s=&threadid=505243

oops! I meant Joey and Will & Grace. Sorry I didn't get a chance to post it earlier yesterday. Coffee hasn't kicked in this morning yet.

Originally posted by deArgila
Since it's a one-time thing, the cheapest thing to do is just get 3 rca y-adapters and split the component signal. Something like this ...


Will that really work, or is it likely to look like poo? Even though it's a one time thing, I'd rather not be embarrased with the PQ.

Thanks for the reply!

Originally posted by ceburkett
Will that really work, or is it likely to look like poo? Even though it's a one time thing, I'd rather not be embarrased with the PQ.

Thanks for the reply!

:) I don't think you'll have to worry about being embarrassed with that set-up.

Splitting the cables just causes some signal loss. If the two runs are relatively short (10-20ft), you probably won't even be able to tell much of a difference.

You could always buy the connectors, try them out beforehand, and just return them if you're not satisfied.

My bad. GG FOX50.

Ive got it in 5.1 and it sounds great.

My bad. I got a new receiver and forgot to change the audio. LOL.

I spent all day moving my antenna around the roof to finally get a good solid signal from WRAL/FOX50. I ended up moving it just SIX FEET from its original position to lock it in. It was worth it. The pic and sound are incredible! Lost WTVD in the move, but we get that down from D* anyway and PBS I never watch. THIS is the way to watch the Super Bowl

There has been talk of this in the past and I needed to get some insight from everyone else on it. I have a Samsung 360 and I am aware of the problems. But I had bad audio problems during the Super Bowl broadcast last night watching Fox50 OTA. I do not get the D* feed so I can't comment on that feed as it compares to the OTA feed. The dropouts seemed to be only with certain cameras, especially the suspended camera. I have seen this problem for quite sometime here with all different broadcasts. I see it on American Idol with certain cameras and these dropouts were there with the NFC championship game as well. The broadcast last night was almost unwatchable at times due to the terrible audio. I tried to switch from DD to stereo at the receiver, but it did not seem to make a difference.

I do not think this is directly related to the previous 360 problems as those have been supposedly fixed. This is a broadcast problem I think from Fox50 but I would like to see if anyone else is seeing the issue with their feed from TWC here in Raleigh or with other STBs. Did anyone have any problems last night?

I saw some audio issues last night OTA during the superbowl, but just attributed it to multipath issues since my antenna is mounted in the attic. Interesting that you mention it however...I'm curious to see if other people saw the same issues.

As another point of reference, my QAM tuner in a different room saw no such audio dropouts.

I assume it could have been multipath, but it is very strange that it only occurred with certain cameras. And I don't see and video problems either. Never pixeled out or anything. Commercials (even HD) were perfect. And when I watch something like 24, I have no issues at all. But I don't claim to understand multipath to the point that I could say it wasn't the culprit. Unfortuantely, the 360's signal strength meter is so poor, that I can't really even measure my signal.

i got an rca-210 replacement for my 360 and have been happy with that. the signal meter actually works now and i had a lock on 90% for fox50. however i experienced the same problems as you stated above with certain camera angles having audio issues and minor clipping issues... most of the game was fine however except for these limited camera angles.

Originally posted by claytonHD
There has been talk of this in the past and I needed to get some insight from everyone else on it. I have a Samsung 360 and I am aware of the problems. But I had bad audio problems during the Super Bowl broadcast last night watching Fox50 OTA. I do not get the D* feed so I can't comment on that feed as it compares to the OTA feed. The dropouts seemed to be only with certain cameras, especially the suspended camera. I have seen this problem for quite sometime here with all different broadcasts. I see it on American Idol with certain cameras and these dropouts were there with the NFC championship game as well. The broadcast last night was almost unwatchable at times due to the terrible audio. I tried to switch from DD to stereo at the receiver, but it did not seem to make a difference.

I do not think this is directly related to the previous 360 problems as those have been supposedly fixed. This is a broadcast problem I think from Fox50 but I would like to see if anyone else is seeing the issue with their feed from TWC here in Raleigh or with other STBs. Did anyone have any problems last night?

I also have a 360, and a ChannelMaster 4228 antenna, roof mounted. I'm just west of Jordan Lake. I can confirm the audio problems with 50.1:
* Virtually never any video dropouts
* Picture quality is excellent
* Audio clipping/dropout is only on certain cameras
- I do sometimes see the problem during the local news.
- It is somewhat subtle, only a small volume change or "click" at
the end or beginning of each word. Yet it is somehow extremely
distracting and annoying.
* Commercials are always fine

I have seen many comments in the forums that the 360 OTA tuner is not as good as many others.... I haven't heard these audio problems on 4, 5, 11, 17, or 28. ....My intuition is that the problem is the combination of a less than
stellar 360 OTA tuner, with some aspect of channel 50's broadcast aggravating the problem.

Are there any engineering folks who work for 50 that could chime in here?

I am getting better picture quality from DirecTV on NBCE than from WNCNDT 17.1 OTA and would expect the opposite to be the case. I know that DirecTV is sending a compressed signal with reduced resolution. My OTA PQ for CBC and ABC is certainly vastly better than the feed from DirecTV. Perhaps NBC17ENG can provide some insight?

I have 2 HR10-250 DirecTiVos and can do A-B comparisons. What I'm getting from 17.1 is definitely inferior. Anyone else notice this?

Originally posted by claytonHD
There has been talk of this in the past and I needed to get some insight from everyone else on it. I have a Samsung 360 and I am aware of the problems. But I had bad audio problems during the Super Bowl broadcast last night watching Fox50 OTA. .... The dropouts seemed to be only with certain cameras, especially the suspended camera. ...Did anyone have any problems last night?

Watched on TWC in Raleigh. Had audio drops whenever the overhead (SKY?) Cam was used. Also there was a slight pause, and alleged "swimming" grass from that camera. I know it wasn't my TV.

See the HDTV Programmers thread for the game in that section of this forum.

Originally posted by robnalex
I am getting better picture quality from DirecTV on NBCE than from WNCNDT 17.1 OTA and would expect the opposite to be the case. I know that DirecTV is sending a compressed signal with reduced resolution. My OTA PQ for CBC and ABC is certainly vastly better than the feed from DirecTV. Perhaps NBC17ENG can provide some insight?

I have 2 HR10-250 DirecTiVos and can do A-B comparisons. What I'm getting from 17.1 is definitely inferior. Anyone else notice this?

I don't get the DirecTV NBCE, but I do get WXVII out of High Point. They are sending the full 19.3 MB/s Mpeg2 stream. The picture quality is vastly superior to WNCNDT's 17.1. Multi-casting is the devil. lol.

Originally posted by Greg T
I don't get the DirecTV NBCE, but I do get WXVII out of High Point. They are sending the full 19.3 MB/s Mpeg2 stream. The picture quality is vastly superior to WNCNDT's 17.1. Multi-casting is the devil. lol.

Thanks for the comparison, because I was seeing some artifacts on my signal at home, but had not received any viewer comments about it, so I was not sure if it was my old first generation receiver causing it. TWC is recording every second of our feed and monitoring it, and I have a team of 6 viewers watching it OTA and on TWC reporting any errors. I'll ask them to look closer.

WNBC (NBCE) gets their feed directly from the source, without the satellite issues, and back hauls it to the DirecTV up link over fiber, with little or no compression. It should look about as good as it gets.

We're still tweaking our new multiplexer blindly since the manual still has not been written, so we're being careful to not totally mess things up. We also have been careful to not reduced the HD bandwidth at all from what we've been sending all along. We stole the bits from our SD sub-channel for Weather Plus, but that's another story we're working on.

We did install the newest software last Friday, which took care of the RCA sets losing 17-1, and was supposed to fix the Samsung problem. Could you drop me an e-mail and describe further just how superior vastly is? I'd certainly appreciate it, as always. Comments (russell.mizelle@nbcuni.com)

Originally posted by robnalex
I am getting better picture quality from DirecTV on NBCE than from WNCNDT 17.1 OTA and would expect the opposite to be the case. I know that DirecTV is sending a compressed signal with reduced resolution. My OTA PQ for CBC and ABC is certainly vastly better than the feed from DirecTV. Perhaps NBC17ENG can provide some insight?

I have 2 HR10-250 DirecTiVos and can do A-B comparisons. What I'm getting from 17.1 is definitely inferior. Anyone else notice this?

I don't get the NBCE feed from D*, but I've noticed a drop-off in PQ on NBC17 lately.

Joey is really the only show I watch - and the PQ was much better at the beginning of the season than it is now.

This wasn't in HD for me last night.

this may not be the correct forum for this ... if so, i apologize in advance. does Raycom-Jefferson broadcast the ACC bball tournament in HD? and if so, does WRAL carry the HD feed? ESPN is broadcasting the tournament in HD, so if RJ doesn't broadcast HD, anyone know if the ESPN-HD feed will be blacked out on TWC or DirecTV?

Originally posted by drill
this may not be the correct forum for this ... if so, i apologize in advance. does Raycom-Jefferson broadcast the ACC bball tournament in HD? and if so, does WRAL carry the HD feed? ESPN is broadcasting the tournament in HD, so if RJ doesn't broadcast HD, anyone know if the ESPN-HD feed will be blacked out on TWC or DirecTV?

The ACC tournament is set to be broadcast in HD by ESPN-HD and ESPN2-HD.

They should/will be blacked out locally via both TWC and satellite. Unless, of course, your account says you live in another area (for whatever reason ;))

Then again, that will only help you for the semi's and the final unless D* actually turns on ESPN2-HD before then.

Does anybody in the RDU area have a SASEM OnAir USBHDTV tuner? They recently released some new software (2.85 prog and 20054 driver) and it works great except for the fact that now it won't pick up UPN-28 (digital).

It says that the channel locked (which you can see because it actually tunes to the channel when you try to add it in your channel setup), but says that no stream info was present, and so it doesn't actually add it to the lineup. When you click "ok", it then tunes back to the channel that you were previously on.


Is UPN-28 digital actually on 27.2 or something? I was thinking that perhaps the program just doesn't see anything on the .1 subchannel and therefore asssumes that nothing exists, but maybe not.


Is there something going on with UPN-28 lately that have been noticed by others? Thanks for any input.

-Jason

Jason -

UPN28 digital programming is on frequency 27, which usually get's remapped to 28-1.

However, the station is currently under low power and is hard to pick up in most areas.

So, it may be that your tuner senses the channel during the scan, but can't get a strong enough signal to give you a picture.

Last week, I was lucky enough to get UPN 28 for one night here in Greenville. It was on 27.1. I guess the psip wasn't up and running yet for it to rebrand to 28.1. Maybe that is part of the problem with your tuner.

I wish they, the engineers at 22/28, would add UPN 28 to the WLFL stream as a sub channel since I can actually pick up WB 22. It would be better than not getting UPN 28 at all. That seems to be the predicament most people in the triangle are dealing with- it's pretty bad that you guys can't get your local UPN at all and you live there!

Neither ESPN or ESPN2 lists tonights Duke/UNC game in HD.

Just went to WRAL site and they are going to carry the game BUT it is NOT showing in HD:(

Jefferson - Pilot - still stuck back in the analog way...

I'm down about 40 miles south of Fayetteville, just west of Lumberton. My buddy who's head of the techs and equipment just called me and said he just got word today that he'll be getting a few SA8300HD DVR's in about 8 to 10 days. He's replacing my 8000HD DVR then. Looks like their finally coming our way.

ANyone live in/near the Pinehurst area? I've gotten a plasma and a HD receiver from DTV and not sure I live close enough to pick up the OTA signals.

Any assistance is greatly appreciated.

Rick

Originally posted by putrfixr
ANyone live in/near the Pinehurst area? I've gotten a plasma and a HD receiver from DTV and not sure I live close enough to pick up the OTA signals.

Any assistance is greatly appreciated.

Rick

Antennaweb (http://www.antennaweb.org) will give you a pretty good idea what will be required to get what stations at your house. Just put in your address and zip and see what comes up.

Originally posted by deArgila
Jason -

UPN28 digital programming is on frequency 27, which usually get's remapped to 28-1.

However, the station is currently under low power and is hard to pick up in most areas.

So, it may be that your tuner senses the channel during the scan, but can't get a strong enough signal to give you a picture.


The thing is, i had the channel and could watch it with the old software version of the sasem, it's just after this new software update that i'm having problems getting it to appear in the channel lineup...

Originally posted by easternncnewswat
Last week, I was lucky enough to get UPN 28 for one night here in Greenville. It was on 27.1. I guess the psip wasn't up and running yet for it to rebrand to 28.1. Maybe that is part of the problem with your tuner.

I wish they, the engineers at 22/28, would add UPN 28 to the WLFL stream as a sub channel since I can actually pick up WB 22. It would be better than not getting UPN 28 at all. That seems to be the predicament most people in the triangle are dealing with- it's pretty bad that you guys can't get your local UPN at all and you live there!


I know i've had it re-branded before, as it was working fine before with the old software, and correctly got re-mapped to 28-1 from air channel 27. This is exactly what i was wondering, if there was something flaky with their x-mission as of late that would be noticed in the psip not showing up so the (new) software could actually add it to the channel lineup.

Has anybody else noticed this psip issue with upn lately? Can you check?

NBC has had several problems with the uplink in New York recently with the center channel audio missing on DD 5.1 programming. Last night's West Wing has been reported. Here's a sample of last night's comments from across the nation. http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?s=&threadid=507663

Originally posted by Daryl L
I'm down about 40 miles south of Fayetteville, just west of Lumberton. My buddy who's head of the techs and equipment just called me and said he just got word today that he'll be getting a few SA8300HD DVR's in about 8 to 10 days. He's replacing my 8000HD DVR then. Looks like their finally coming our way.

Do you know if that's the start of large scale roll out or just a test batch?

This is not a test batch. They may only get small batches per area or huge batches but I'm pretty sure it's a final product rollout. Testing for the 8300's are finish as far as I can tell.

Originally posted by jmarkley
Has anybody else noticed this psip issue with upn lately? Can you check?

Update: I just got a call from a UPN-28 engineer and was told that yes, they are having issues with the psip information being broadcast. He hopes to have it resolved (by updating to the latest software version) in 5-7 days, and said to give him a call back if it's not fixed in that time frame.

Just wanted to let people know. :)

Originally posted by Daryl L
This is not a test batch. They may only get small batches per area or huge batches but I'm pretty sure it's a final product rollout. Testing for the 8300's are finish as far as I can tell.


Do the 8300's have a active firewire port?

Originally posted by Greg T
Do the 8300's have a active firewire port? To be honest I'm not sure, but I don't think so. I believe the HDMI port is active though.

Originally posted by Daryl L
I'm down about 40 miles south of Fayetteville, just west of Lumberton. My buddy who's head of the techs and equipment just called me and said he just got word today that he'll be getting a few SA8300HD DVR's in about 8 to 10 days. He's replacing my 8000HD DVR then. Looks like their finally coming our way.

Daryl, please let us know if the HDMI output is enabled when you get your box.

Thanks,

Sooke

Final channel elections are in! Here's what the Raleigh channels have chosen:

WUNC-25
WRAL-48
WTVD-11
WNCN-17
WLFL-27
WRDC-28
WRAY-42
WUNP-36
WUVC-38
WRPX-15
WRAZ-49
WFPX-36

- Trip

Originally posted by Trip in VA
Final channel elections are in! Here's what the Raleigh channels have chosen:

WUNC-25
WRAL-48
WTVD-11
WNCN-17
WLFL-27
WRDC-28
WRAY-42
WUNP-36
WUVC-38
WRPX-15
WRAZ-49
WFPX-36

- Trip

Does this mean these are the final channels that the stations will occupy when they cut over to digital only?

Is there any info out there when they will switch to these potentially new channels?

Originally posted by jmarkley
Does this mean these are the final channels that the stations will occupy when they cut over to digital only?

Is there any info out there when they will switch to these potentially new channels?

Yes.

Right after the shutoff I should think.

- Trip

Originally posted by Trip in VA
Yes.

Right after the shutoff I should think.

- Trip

How about the other question, when is ths shuttoff scheduled for? Has it been scheduled at this point yet? Thanks.

-Jason

Originally posted by jmarkley
How about the other question, when is ths shuttoff scheduled for? Has it been scheduled at this point yet? Thanks.

-Jason

The hard date was supposed to be December 31, 2006, but that's not happening. The current proposal is 2009 or later.

- Trip

Originally posted by sooke
Daryl, please let us know if the HDMI output is enabled when you get your box.

Thanks,

Sooke I would but unfortunately I don't have anything with a HDMI connection, sorry. :)

Originally posted by Daryl L
I would but unfortunately I don't have anything with a HDMI connection, sorry. :)

I was wondering this too. Charlotte seems to have theirs up and running so there's a good chance. It might be listed in the diagnostics menu, something like HDMI port: Active, but that's probably a bit too obvious for a diagnostic description. Can you scan the diag menu when you get hooked up and see if anything looks positive? Thanks.

Originally posted by VisionOn
I was wondering this too. Charlotte seems to have theirs up and running so there's a good chance. It might be listed in the diagnostics menu, something like HDMI port: Active, but that's probably a bit too obvious for a diagnostic description. Can you scan the diag menu when you get hooked up and see if anything looks positive? Thanks. Sure, no problem.

Does anyone know what the flags for all of the HD channels on TWC are set at? I think I might have asked something similar before but I had 5c and encrypted QAM all mixed up :). Im wondering what channels I would be able to record via Firewire to PC...I would definitely like to be able to record ESPNHD and/or HDNet if possible. Someone in another thread mentioned how he was recording from almost all HD channels, including HBOHD, using an SA3250 and a PC...Im just wondering what TWC has everything set to here and if Id be able to do the same.

Is anybody else seeing WB22 on 57.1 with no psip and program information?

My twc friend called yesterday to tell me there will be a delay getting my 8300HD DVR. The guy he sends up the road on Tuesdays to get new equipment is out sick so it might be as late as next week before I get it. He said he got his setup Monday (twc tech personel get first pick for testing) and channel changing is much faster than on the 8000HD DVR (set to output 480i, 480p & 1080i). He hadn't tested recording yet. He also said analog channels look slightly better on the 8300 compared to the 8000 (I'm sure this could vary per users eyes).

I thought they were talking about the UPN affiliate in the Triad, not UPN 28 here in the Triangle.

easternncnewswat,

Your right. My mistake. It ws another UPN, I edited it ot of my previous post.

Originally posted by Daryl L
My twc friend called yesterday to tell me there will be a delay getting my 8300HD DVR. The guy he sends up the road on Tuesdays to get new equipment is out sick so it might be as late as next week before I get it. ...

Hope we're not on the same road. Getting mine Friday.

Originally posted by IamtheWolf
Hope we're not on the same road. Getting mine Friday.

The SA8300HD boxes are available now in Raleigh? How did you get on their list?

Sooke

[QUOTE]Originally posted by easternncnewswat
Is anybody else seeing WB22 on 57.1 with no psip and program information? [/QUOTE


Yes, i checked today to see if i could reprogram my channel lineup for upn 28 (which now has psip info), only to find that it didn't pick up 22 now! All i need is one day where all the channels work so i can program the sasem tuner program and then i should be fine.

What is it with these broadcasters? :)

-Jason

Originally posted by Daryl L
easternncnewswat,

Your right. My mistake. It ws another UPN, I edited it ot of my previous post.

No worries, Daryl! I'd be thrilled if UPN 28 and, for that matter, WB 22 went full power with psip working on both. Nod to jmarkley with the last half of that statement!

I have my HDTV through TWC at the moment. The problem I have is that they only have the Scientific Atlanta Explorer 8000HD and 8300HD with a DVR. The 8000HD I have is horrible to say the least, but awesome when it does work. I suspect it has a defect. But, that's another issue. I have called to confirm that they have teh 8300HD in so I can get a replacement. The problem I am having with them is getting them to answer whether the HDMI out on this STB works. I have gotten 4 replies from them stating in two that it works and two that it doesn't. What I need to do is get the STB off the Component-in. I need to free one for my XBox so I am not sorting through cables everytime I want to watch DVDs, cable, or play XBox.

Does anyone here know if the SA8300HD's HDMI out works?

Got mine installed the other day. The HDMI is not active -- but all other outlets seem to be operational. Scientific Atlanta (i don't think) has sent software to activate it.

PQ is great and the new search feature is cool.

As for the 8000HD -- I never had any problems.

So what are they basic advantages for getting the 8300??? I would like to know if it will be worth my trouble switching out boxes. If this has already been discussed, I'm sorry.

Here are the problems with my 8000 (From what I have researched, this is a unique box that I have):

Problem 1: DVR starts recording and stops after 1 minute.
Solution: Unplug 8000, let sit for 5 minutes, then boot again. Temporarily resolves the problem

Problem 2: When the STB is turned on, picture lasts for 1 minute (almost to the second), then shuts off the signal to the TV.
Solution: Spam the "Prev" button to go to another channel and back again. Watching tv in strobe sucks. Lucky solution is to unplug the box and let sit for 5 minutes, then reboot. It can take upward of 10 times to get this to work.

Problem 3: When a show actually does record, the HDD automatically formats itself.
Solution: (Quote from TWC) "Don't record shows then."

If anyone really wants this STB, I am returning to the center on Atlantic Avenue tonight. If you want it, I will ask them to hold it for you :D


If the HDMI is not enabled on the 8300, I am still FUBAR'd on the compnent-ins to get my XBox hooked up. I may have to go to DirecTV sooner than I anticipated.

I called today (Cary, NC office) and was told that they do not yet carry 8300HD boxes....

I put about 25% stock in whatever a TWC customer service rep phone rep tells me, so are the 8300HD models rolled out in Raleigh/Cary already?

Originally posted by edvedd
Got mine installed the other day. The HDMI is not active -- but all other outlets seem to be operational. Scientific Atlanta (i don't think) has sent software to activate it.

PQ is great and the new search feature is cool.

As for the 8000HD -- I never had any problems.

I can't see what the problem is with TWCNC and HDMI. It's enabled on other Passport boxes around the country. I can only hope they are trying to fix the problem with audio over the HDMI/Digital out and that's the reason this batch is switched off.

Originally posted by elkboy
I called today (Cary, NC office) and was told that they do not yet carry 8300HD boxes....

I put about 25% stock in whatever a TWC customer service rep phone rep tells me, so are the 8300HD models rolled out in Raleigh/Cary already?

Check out this reply from TW Raleigh in the 8000/8300 Passport forum:

http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?s=&postid=5202640#post5202640

I stand corrected -- a buddy of mine just let me know that the HDMI port IS active on the SA8300.

Sorry for the confusion.

Elkboy-
It's always best to email TWC directly to get the most up to date info -- they respond to emails pretty quickly. I got a response back within an hour.

Also- TWC doesn't have HD DVRs at their payment places.

I live in downtown, and was contemplating getting one of those cheeezy satellite dish add-on antennas to pick up all the locals out there on hwy70, and getting a smaller uhf to install on the roof to pick up PBS. My intention was to use a diplexer, combine the signals into a OTA set-top box, rather than get a rotator and a single roof-top antenna. Am I crazy to think this might work?

Just got off the phone... 8300HD swap-out for my 8000 this Sunday....

was told that the HDMI port was inactive (so don't try to use that as an excuse for getting the upgrade, even if it's not true).

8300HD swap-out for my 8000 this Sunday as well...

Originally posted by starreem
I live in downtown, and was contemplating getting one of those cheeezy satellite dish add-on antennas to pick up all the locals out there on hwy70, and getting a smaller uhf to install on the roof to pick up PBS. My intention was to use a diplexer, combine the signals into a OTA set-top box, rather than get a rotator and a single roof-top antenna. Am I crazy to think this might work?

It MIGHT work for WRAL, WRAL, WTVD, and WNCN. I wouldn't hold much hope for the DT versions of WB and UPN, though - those gerbil powered transmitters need all the help you can get...

Originally posted by elkboy
(so don't try to use that as an excuse for getting the upgrade, even if it's not true).

Are you saying that we need an "excuse" to swap out the box? i.e. they won't just swap it because you want the benefits of the 8300?

so, what are the upgrades with this new unit??

The lady I talked to asked why I needed a different box. I told her that I wanted the HDMI port since my tv does not have DVI (HDMI only). She put me on hold for five minutes and then came back and said that the 8300 didn't even have HDMI enabled and might NEVER have it enabled...

So I said "Fine... then I want it for the guide searching ability and rumored better picture quality".

I don't think they NEED a reason, but they asked, and it cost me five minutes on hold...

Thanks Scooper. I was not aware that the UPN and WB used lower powered transmitters. I seldom watch local stations anyway. I am mostly interesetd in PBS. I was looking to take advantage of the second RG6 running from my dish in my front yard (dual LNB-one receiver). I guess I'm also looking for the technical advice if combining the antennas is possible? They would be nowhere close to each other, either in proximity, or elevation.

Originally posted by sooke
The SA8300HD boxes are available now in Raleigh? How did you get on their list?Sooke

Affirmative. I just called 'em and went through the same process others are describing. It arrived today.

Analog channels look much better with same component cables. I have Coax cable for sound to Denon Receiver, its all good. I do not have HDMI cables to test that port. Even if I did, it would be for video only with sound set to "off" on my TV (so couldn't resolve any of the 5.1 vs 2 channel concerns).

E

Can somebody who has an 8300 in the RDU area post a report on what is actually working on the 8300? Is the archive to VCR function working?

Thanks.

Originally posted by starreem
Thanks Scooper. I was not aware that the UPN and WB used lower powered transmitters. I seldom watch local stations anyway. I am mostly interesetd in PBS. I was looking to take advantage of the second RG6 running from my dish in my front yard (dual LNB-one receiver). I guess I'm also looking for the technical advice if combining the antennas is possible? They would be nowhere close to each other, either in proximity, or elevation.

It's possible to combine the antennas, but you'll likely cause problems with your signal.

For example, you can get a good signal for PBS with one antenna - but when you combine it with the other antenna, a multi-path induced signal from the second antenna will interefere with your "good" signal, causing an overall bad signal.

If you want to try to combine them, what you need is a "combiner." - which is essentially an inverted splitter (but not all splitters can act as combiners due to internal circuitry, so make sure the one you get is properly labeled as a splitter/combiner).

If you want further info or help with your antennas - send me a PM. I can also provide you with a combiner.

Thank you deArgila. My HD set-up is still a little ways down the road for me. Been lurking here for a while, and still working out lots of hardware decisions, as well as wiring decisions. :)

Originally posted by starreem
Thank you deArgila. My HD set-up is still a little ways down the road for me. Been lurking here for a while, and still working out lots of hardware decisions, as well as wiring decisions. :)

No problem. If you need any assistance/input - let me know. And, of course, I'll be more than happy to do the install/wiring when the time comes. :)

Originally posted by DaveL
8300HD swap-out for my 8000 this Sunday as well...

Just got a call from TWC (24-hours before 'swap') saying they are out of them in the 'warehouse' and I've been put on a waiting list. When they get more, they'll call..

So I posted this on the last page and Im guessing that it just got lost in the whole 8300HD frenzy :)...anywho, is anyone else out there recording via Firewire to PC with TWC? Id like to find how many channels I can do this with, if any. What are the copy flags set on for each channel? Anyone? :).

Originally posted by easternncnewswat
Is anybody else seeing WB22 on 57.1 with no psip and program information?

Is WLFL ever going to fix this? I e-mailed engineering about this a week ago when I posted and they haven't even bothered to reply with a kiss my a** or anything!

I can understand if the equipment failed or something, but it'd be nice to know if they're at least working on resolving the issue.

Btw, I know they have said they have no plans to up the power on their transmitter, but aren't they required to go full power in June? Or is that just for the big 4 affiliates?

Originally posted by elkboy
Just got a call from TWC (24-hours before 'swap') saying they are out of them in the 'warehouse' and I've been put on a waiting list. When they get more, they'll call..

Well I guess I lucked out as I got the last one that my installer had. Initial impressions are that the picture is noticeably sharper. I just hope is is more reliable. The installer says it shouldn't have dropouts when recording 2 HD sources at the same time.

Also, the installer said that the 8300 uses name brand laptop hard drives that are more reliable. It is definitely quieter than the 8000.

Originally posted by DaveL
Also, the installer said that the 8300 uses name brand laptop hard drives that are more reliable. It is definitely quieter than the 8000.

I think I still see some of the tufts of smoke the installer was blowing up your butt. ;)

According to the Explorer 8300 spec sheet (http://www.sciatl.com/customers/Source/7004920.pdf) (I don't have TWC cable but I think this is the unit to which you are all referring), the unit is available with 160GB drive (or larger). I think the largest laptop (i.e. 2.5 inch) drive you can get is 100gb, and those are *expensive.*

So, while the unit may be using different drives than before, I doubt they are laptop drives.

My 8300HD install was cancelled as well due to out of stock....

Originally posted by gstelmack
I know others said they had no problems, but I noticed the same thing using OTA antenna to my Samsung SIR-TS360 DirecTV HD Receiver. It was like a small hitch in the sound, as if volume was dropping low and popping back up again. This was much more frequent than hitches in the picture, although I noticed those as well occasionally.

I've had the same problems with WRAZ OTA with the SIR-TS360. Resetting the reciever and reorienting the antenna didn't seem to make a difference. At first I thought the problem was exclusively with NFL games, but recently I noticed the problem was really bad with a "King of the Hill" rerun. I'd really hate for this to be the hardware, because it's already been replaced by D* once. Haven't experienced the same problem on our other two recievers, old Panasonic and Mits SR-HR5.

Originally posted by DaveL
Also, the installer said that the 8300 uses name brand laptop hard drives that are more reliable. It is definitely quieter than the 8000.

Easy way to check that is to go into the engineering screen and look at the drive specs, that should tell you the model. As the 8000 uses Maxtor drives (that's a name brand if ever I saw one) it does sound like the installer was making it up as he went along. Although given my 8000 died the day after I got it, the drive has to be more reliable. It couldn't be much worse.

I only recently found out that some of the installers are outside contractors so he may not have been familiar with the unit. That would explain why the installer who fit my unit didn't know where the digital coax cable was supposed to go. :rolleyes:

I jsut want to make sure that I am not crazy here. I am currently in a heated battle with TWC in Raleigh

Problems with SA8000HD-DVR:
1. Picture goes out less than a minute being on. I can change the channel and it iwll come back. But, when this happens the picture will go out on all channels. Only solution is to unplug box for 5 minutes and reboot. This can take up to 10 times to get it to work correctly.

2. DVR fails to record. I set the recorded to record a show. It fails to record or even register it on the DVR. When it does record (verifying the red record LED is on), I go to list the shows and nothing is there. TWC says that this is common and to just reboot the box. This doesn't work

3. Live TV fails to do anything correctly. I cannot stop, pause, rewind, replay anything. The function flat out does nto exist.

After all week long discussing with them a solution, they agreed that I need to swap the cable box. I verified with three phone calls and received 3 email responses, that I can swap the box out at my local office (Atlantic Ave and Six Forks). Friday night when I called to verify one more time, they said it was there waiting for me. I get there at 9AM Saturday and I am told by the teller that they do not have a replacement for me and there is nothing on the account.

The retention person spoke with his supervisor and that she will be calling me this evening to rectify the problem. I am not sure what will come of it, but I made it very clear of the following:

1. A replacement unit will be delivered after 5PM. I have already taken 2 days off work for these knuckleheads. Their customer service is about as useful as a $5 bill in a $100 minimum BlackJack table.
2. If they cannot deliver the replacement, they can pick it up at my curbside because I will file a trespasser warrant on all of TWC (they will have to move their cable box off my property as well).

I do have to say when the HD is working, it looks awesome. I did get lucky that I only had to reboot twice during Daytona - I am not a huge NASCAR fan, but watching any sport in HD is great.

Originally posted by MacAttack1970
I jsut want to make sure that I am not crazy here. I am currently in a heated battle with TWC in Raleigh

Problems with SA8000HD-DVR:
1. Picture goes out less than a minute being on. I can change the channel and it iwll come back. But, when this happens the picture will go out on all channels. Only solution is to unplug box for 5 minutes and reboot. This can take up to 10 times to get it to work correctly.

2. DVR fails to record. I set the recorded to record a show. It fails to record or even register it on the DVR. When it does record (verifying the red record LED is on), I go to list the shows and nothing is there. TWC says that this is common and to just reboot the box. This doesn't work

3. Live TV fails to do anything correctly. I cannot stop, pause, rewind, replay anything. The function flat out does nto exist.

Sounds almost exactly like the problem I had and it sounds exactly like the 8000 version of stiction - the drive will become stuck. Go around to the back of the unit and switch everything off apart from the cable box. See if you can hear the hard drive.

Normally the drive will make a random series of chirps and clicks even when off, but if you hear the same small clicking noise repeatedly the drive has failed. When the drive sticks the tuner still functions but the buffer will not work since it has nothing to buffer to. This may explain why the picture probably goes off at the beginning. It gives up looking for the drive and the tuner kicks in by itself. That's what it looked like to me.

Occasionally I had programs that failed to record as well. The light was on and the box thought it was recording but because the drive had stuck again recorded to thin air. When the drive kicked back in after a cold boot the data was not there so the program looked as if it hadn't recorded.

The drive in mine stuck virtually every day for 6 days requiring a cold boot every time to wake it up. When I explained this to TWC service they sent someone out the next day ("we may swap out the box" they said) and luckily when they arrived the drive was frozen as usual and they replaced it without saying very much.

See if you can get an 8300. Good luck.

They exchanged my 8000 for an 8300 today. The case looks much nicer, and everything is a lot snappier. The fast forward controls are more Tivo-like in the responsiveness. The 8000 would take about 1 sec before each FF keypress would take effect.

And the onscreen guide pops up a bit quicker.

Originally posted by Daryl L
My twc friend called yesterday to tell me there will be a delay getting my 8300HD DVR. The guy he sends up the road on Tuesdays to get new equipment is out sick so it might be as late as next week before I get it. He said he got his setup Monday (twc tech personel get first pick for testing) and channel changing is much faster than on the 8000HD DVR (set to output 480i, 480p & 1080i). He hadn't tested recording yet. He also said analog channels look slightly better on the 8300 compared to the 8000 (I'm sure this could vary per users eyes). Buddy called today saying they made their usual Tuesday equipment run today now that the go2guy is back at work and he's sending my 8300 tomorrow. :)

I got my 8300HD today as well. Picture quality is noticably improved, along with faster menus, and the search feature is nice. It also allows aspect ratio changes on hd content which the 8000hd did not allow.

Can anyone else confirm whether the HDMI is active? I don't have a cable yet to try.

Scheduled to get my SA8300HD on 2/24.

I just noticed TWC sent me an email last week announcing they were available and I should call to schedule a box swap.

Sooke

I didn't realize the search feature was any different until last night. It's actually useable, now that it takes more than just 1 letter. I also like the way it removes any characters that don't exist in the next position. It makes it a lot quicker to enter titles. TiVo should get that feature implemented.

Originally posted by dwwall
Can anyone else confirm whether the HDMI is active? I don't have a cable yet to try.

It is active -- tried it via HDMI to DVI. Looks sharp.

I'm also happy with the ability to widen the HD channels showing non-HD content.

Originally posted by edvedd
It is active -- tried it via HDMI to DVI. Looks sharp.

I'm also happy with the ability to widen the HD channels showing non-HD content.

Heh. Here is what TWC said in their email:

"We wanted to send you a quick email to let you know the SA8300HD DVR is currently
in stock and being deployed. From what we have seen all outlets are active with
the exception of the HDMI port."

Glad they are wrong. :)

So... does it have a firewire port? Is that active?

Also, any way to turn the grey pillars black?

Thanks,

Sooke

If any of you wondering about the 8300HD haven't already done so make sure you look at the 8000HD/8300HD TWC Passport forum to be aware of it's benefits and problems. You'll find more information there from existing users too.

http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?postid=5226508#post5226508

8300 is scheduled to be installed tomorrow.

My 8000 has been trouble since the day it was installed (continuous stuttering, audio drops, rebooting, etc.). If I hadnt given my Tivo away, I would have gone back to it a long time ago.

Anyway . . . I hope the 8300 solves all of these problems.

They brought out my 8300HD DVR this afternoon. I like it's looks. I can set it to output 480i and 1080i and all analog channels are output at 480i (unlike the 8000 which wanted to output 480p with the same setting) and it outputs 1080i on all digital channels (SD and HD). The format changes and channel changes are much quicker than on the 8000. I saw nothing in the diagnostic screen about firewire except on the Copy Protection page.

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

8300 scheduled for today as well. The customer support on the phone last night claimed that the HDMI and Firewire are supposed to be on....we'll see...

firewire being active is very, very doubtful. i don't think any of the twc hd dvr boxes have an active firewire outlet.

Well, got my 8300HD tonight. It sure looks like the picture is sharper than the 8000HD it replaced. But since I can't do a side by side comparison it may just be in my head.

Changing channels is quicker, even when changing formats. It's a little smaller and a little nicer looking in my opinion. Haven't messed with the search feature that some have said is improved.

Did notice audio drop out once or twice on DSCHD channel, which was a little disappointing. Was hoping to see those issues go out the door with the 8000HD. But will take some time to assess if there is improvement.

If you go to channel 999 and page way the heck done you can find an item that says something like "Firewire Port: Always enabled". But I have no way to test this.

Sooke

Originally posted by chrad44
8300 scheduled for today as well. The customer support on the phone last night claimed that the HDMI and Firewire are supposed to be on....we'll see...

HDMI works, but I'm running into the "no 5.1 channel" problem.

Since HDMI feeds audio, I'm trying to get my optical out from Sony to my receiver (but failing). The Coax audio out from the STB to the same receiver does work (but its 2 channel).

I'm new to the forum and just had the 8300HD installed this morning. Looks like a great unit... I do have three questions though that I hope someone will be able to help with.

1. On the diagnostics screen under "Copy Protection" mines says "HDMI port: Block HDMI - HDCP auth failed" and "HDMI port: Always use HDCP." I have seen several people state that they are using the HDMI port, does your diagnostics screen say the same thing? I would like to use this port, but don't want to buy a HDMI -> DVI cable if it's not going to work.

2. Also, on the same diagnostics screen ("Copy Protection") it says "1394 port: Enable 1394 port always." My unit doesn't seem to have a 1394 port anywhere on it, at least externally. Does anyone know what's up with this?

Thanks.

Originally posted by dpenny
I'm new to the forum and just had the 8300HD installed this morning. Looks like a great unit... I do have three questions though that I hope someone will be able to help with.

1. On the diagnostics screen under "Copy Protection" mines says "HDMI port: Block HDMI - HDCP auth failed" and "HDMI port: Always use HDCP." I have seen several people state that they are using the HDMI port, does your diagnostics screen say the same thing? I would like to use this port, but don't want to buy a HDMI -> DVI cable if it's not going to work.

2. Also, on the same diagnostics screen ("Copy Protection") it says "1394 port: Enable 1394 port always." My unit doesn't seem to have a 1394 port anywhere on it, at least externally. Does anyone know what's up with this?

Thanks.
I have the same settings and started using HDMI last night. It works fine. However, I've encountered the DD 5.1 vs 2 channel issue.

Hey, I'm trying to watch the Pitt/Uconn game on wral digital channel 3, if anyone reads this in time, anyone else not have any sound for that channel, or is it just POS dish network 811 receiver?

Originally posted by markmsn
Hey, I'm trying to watch the Pitt/Uconn game on wral digital channel 3, if anyone reads this in time, anyone else not have any sound for that channel, or is it just POS dish network 811 receiver?

Its on TWC here in Raleigh, sound included

Hooked up my new HDMI cable to the SA8300HD yesterday. Good news is the picture, Bad news is the lack of Digital audio.

This is a known issue with the box, and I spoke with TWC who are working on it. It requires a firmware upgrade from SA to TWC, which they say will be made available. Once that happens there will be an item in your General Settings (settings, A buttons). The item will allow you to select "Audio: Digital Out" which will the facilitate DD 5.1 rather than the current 2 channel audio. Specifics are available at the Scientific Atlanta site by joining their "Explorers Club" for access to the User Guide.

The earlier release in Texas of this box had the same process. See this posting fo reference: http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?postid=4823344#post4823344

If you have contacts at TWC, push for this. When the firmware happens, post it here if you see it first.

Originally posted by markmsn
Hey, I'm trying to watch the Pitt/Uconn game on wral digital channel 3, if anyone reads this in time, anyone else not have any sound for that channel, or is it just POS dish network 811 receiver?

I'm not getting any audio on 5.3 ota in Greenville, NC. I think WRAL is experiencing some issues.

Will WRAL 5.1 be SD until after March Madness? Anyone know?

Thank goodness for WFMY. If WRAL is defintately SD until after March Madness, I need to change all of my CBS recordings to WFMY. Thank goodness for options. Has anyone heard? I don't watch Cold case, but noticed that it's SD on WRAL and HD on WFMY.
I called the newsroom and they thought it was switched today only for a basketball game from today. It should be back to normal HD after today.

I hope that's the case! I e-mailed WRAL about the sound/audio problem on 5.3 ota today, but never got a response back. I also asked if WRAL was in SD mode until after March Madness but never got a response back about that either. I hope WRAL goes back to HD mode when not doing the games. I hadn't realized how much I'd gotten used to local news in HD!

Is anyone broadcasting the games in OTA HD this year? My wife and I would love to watch the games in HD but aren't setup for pulling in ESPN-HD over D*.

If you have a VHF antenna see if you can tune in WNCT channel 10 or 9.1 to the east. I think they will not be multi-casting. WFMY in greensboro I think is going to be multi-casting so they wont work for you...

Hi all, yes we are doing a few different things over the next few weeks.

First off, this weekend:

OTA - Seeings as none of these games are available to us we are running 3 SD's and will be until tomorrow morning when we revert back to 1 HD and 1 SD

TWC - We have "turned up" channel 258 for this weekend, but will drop it until the next round of games (and sorry, I'm a sports mororn and seeing as I'm home right now, I don't have the schedule in front of me :) ) But HD is still on 255.

Coming up, whenever we are supplied a game in HD we will definately run it, so have no fear that you will not be able to see any HD games on WRAL!

As for the audio yesturday, it has been corrected, thanks to those of you who pointed it out, seems it was only a problem OTA and on newer recievers (we are using the "old Faithful" RCA DTC 100's as our confidance monitor!).

Take Care,

Pete

Thanks for the info on WRAL.

Could you tell us WRAL's exact plans (for OTA and TWC) for the NCAA tournament? Especially since there will be two simultaneous HD games during the first two days (first round) and possibly some during the second round as well.

I'd like to be prepared. :)

Yes, thanx for the info on WRAL! I knew something must have been wrong with the ota signal yesterday. I find it is rare when their is a problem with WRAL or WRAZ's digital service (analog too for that matter)!

When running HD games, will there only be 1 SD sub or 2? TitanTV is showing both 5.3 and 5.4 being up and running with local produced programming...

Gee, sound would be nice on WB22... :rolleyes:

Glad the PSIP was taken care of earlier in the week!

My HR10 250 HD DVR (Directv) has 5.1 5.2 5.3 5.4 up and airs 5.3 and 5.4 as copys of 5.1 5.2. However now 5.3 is a NCAA Slide.

Interesting, 5.3 is showing a WRAL logo slide on my Samsung T-351.

For all of our programming check our website or go directly to Titan Tv

Sorry, got a little trigger happy on the last post:
Titan Tv (http://titantvguide.titantv.com/apg/grid.aspx?siteid=51073&stationID=506)

As for the Slate when there is no game...just saving bandwidth.

Pete

Great, I did not think of switching to WFMY from WRAL.
It is aweful we will not get DUKE UNC in HD.
For others having problems w/ their Directv STB, I heard HD Directivo will be 500 ~June.
I know I am waiting on it.

^ We werent going to get Duke-UNC in HD anyhow...its not an HD broadcast.

Turns out my impression that the SA8300HD has a sharper picture than the SA8000HD was not in my head. I took a look at the HDNET resolution test pattern from Tuesday morning and found it gave me a horizontal resolution of about 1280. Which is what it should be since my TV is only capable of 1280 horizontally (its a Samsung DLP, 1280 x 720). So my TV is the limiting factor in resolution on a 1080i broadcast, not the cable box.

With the SA8000HD, the same test pattern gave a horizontal resolution of around 900. Showing the box was limiting my resolution below what my TV was capable. If I find the time I'll post pictures (I'm at work right now).

Edit: Oh, forgot to mention, my connection with both boxes has been over component. I'm not using HDMI on the new box. Also found that scaler/deinterlacer in my TV does a better job than whatever is in the SA8300HD. This never made a difference with the SA8000HD, the resolution was equally poor either way.

On another positive note, I have not noticed anymore audio dropouts/glitches since the day the box was installed. A welcome improvement over the SA8000HD. The big test will be American Chopper on DSCHD tonight. It always gave my SA8000HD box fits for some reason.

Sooke

Has everyone been charged the 18.95 to have a tech come out and install the new 8300 DVR? If a HD DVR has problem, they swap it out for free, but it you want an upgrade, they want to charge 18.95.. They also said that I could not drop by the local office and pick one up. One of the texh has to install it. The last tech could not even install it on my system, I had to do it. Any suggestions?

Haven't got my bill yet but no one mentioned a charge to me (neither the email from TWC announcing the 8300 or the tech who installed it).

Tech was a real nice guy, but I ended up educating him on what was better about the new box (more video memory, better search ability).

I guess I should have asked if there was a charge or not. They didn't charge me for the 8000 so figured this was similar.

Sooke

I do get audio drop outs and sometimes a recording just stops recording.. I think I am going to call them tomorrow for a service swap out, which is free

Sooke,
You should send them a bill for 18.95 for your training session ;).

when i called to get my 8300HD, the CSR specifically waived the installation fee without me even asking for it. My guess is that they bill for swapping stuff out normally since normally you could pick it up at one of their offices. In this case, my guess is that they also waive the fee since they won't allow that.

My installer did however think that the 8300HD was not a DVR. In fact he tried to talk me out of it from before his arrival all the way until the thing booted up and I showed him it was in fact a DVR.

any idea if the Duke - UNC game tomorrow on CBS is in HD? It's not raycom (thank god), but I can't find any evidence anywhere that CBS is doing it in HD. That just seems surprising for one of the biggest games of the year, but I've seen them pull even dumber stuff in the past...

Titan TV indicates not in HD. Bummer.... Similar answer for ACC Tourney

CBS hasnt done a regular season game in high def in a couple of years now.

As for the tourney, it is indeed in high-def on ESPNHD and ESPN2HD, as long as you live outside of the ACC viewing area :rolleyes:.

i don't always trust titantv because i've seen it be wrong numerous times, which is why i asked here.

that's pathetic that CBS doesn't do HD for the regular season. This game is huge! What else could they possibly be using their HD cameras for? Hell, WRAL should offer them their equipment to cover the game.

as far as the ACC tourney goes, I've cried for years every time a game is covered locally by Raycom and ESPN nationally. With the addition of ESPNHD, this just hurts that much more :(

Originally posted by mikea28

as far as the ACC tourney goes, I've cried for years every time a game is covered locally by Raycom and ESPN nationally. With the addition of ESPNHD, this just hurts that much more :(

Ive been exchanging emails with WRAL and Raycom on this issue. They understand but have no answer for this year. Hopefully Raycom will offer a 'competitive' product next year.

Can you just use the PIP on the TWC Cable box?

how would you do that?

Originally posted by jakedog
Can you just use the PIP on the TWC Cable box?

Originally posted by phishbfm
how would you do that?

Just a quick request (and/or reminder) to quote folks in your reply. Since this thread often ends up having mutiple topics, I can't tell to which post these two posts refer, or even if they refer to the same thing.

Thanks.

Originally posted by jakedog
Can you just use the PIP on the TWC Cable box?

I can use PIP. It works great.

i thought he was referring to using pip for the acc tourney on raycom or espn...and was wondering what he meant as espn is blacked out in raleigh during the tournament.

Does anyone know if they would somehow leave ESPN-HD open to raleigh customers for the acc tourney??

I assume you could always "move" until after the tourney was over.

Originally posted by ceburkett
I assume you could always "move" until after the tourney was over.

Yes.

And just to clarify - this is only possible if you have satellite. :)

great...im a time warner customer....but I'm not sure for how long...

BIG EAST tourney will be in HD. Good enough for me.

go WVU

Originally posted by jakedog
Has everyone been charged the 18.95 to have a tech come out and install the new 8300 DVR? If a HD DVR has problem, they swap it out for free, but it you want an upgrade, they want to charge 18.95.. They also said that I could not drop by the local office and pick one up. One of the texh has to install it. The last tech could not even install it on my system, I had to do it. Any suggestions?

They just told me the same thing: 18.95 to upgrade, and no, you can't go pick it up at a service center because we've had too many people hooking them up to standard-def TV's. So I said, but the 8000 has problems that drive me crazy. She said, "describe one." So I told her about not being able to play from beginning a recording currently in progress. She said she'd send out an installer today to swap it out for an 8300 as a service call (no charge).

We'll see.

:-)

j.

so how are these ACC tournament games filmed? Will ESPNHD have a crew there? Will Jefferson/Pilot (WRAL) also have a crew there?

Originally posted by jaysoffian
She said she'd send out an installer today to swap it out for an 8300 as a service call (no charge).
We'll see.


Bah, installer showed up on-time, but didn't have an 8300. He said none are available. He took my name and number and said he'd call me when one is available. I'm not going to hold my breath...

j.

Originally posted by jaysoffian
... I'm not going to hold my breath...

I've been rescheduled twice for 'out of stock'. They were supposed to come last Saturday 8-12... called at 11:30 to say they weren't coming. After some complaining, they said they'd take one month of earthlink off my cable bill (~$40).
-B

Originally posted by cbordman
so how are these ACC tournament games filmed? Will ESPNHD have a crew there? Will Jefferson/Pilot (WRAL) also have a crew there?

yes, both will be filming there. if youre in jefferson pilot's viewing area, it is blacked out on espn...but this is the first year i have espn-hd, so i dont know if that is blacked out as well....i would assume it is.

yes, the ACC tournament on ESPN(2)HD will be blacked out in R/JP areas. since RJ controls the broadcast rights in our area, they are making ESPN black out their signal ... which totally freakin' sucks. R/JP is too cheap to buy and broadcast in HD. so, the biggest market for ACC basketball can't watch it in HD because R/JP sucks.

personally, i think any HD signal should be allowed to trump broadcast rights if the broadcaster with rights is only sending SD. write your congressman.

i also think multi-casting sucks for sports and live events. anyone see the grammy's and oscar award shows in HD? macro-blocking extravaganza! woo-hoo! i really wish the locals didn't multicast. what a waste of bandwidth. is there any indication that the locals will stop multicasting, or is it here to stay?

It's probably too late now to stop multicasting; the genie is out of the bottle. Even though the FCC nixed mandatory carriage of multicasted stations, if a station can provide compelling content and work out a deal with the local cableco, stations will most likely offer up a programming option.

I think we are all BIG fans of multi-casting around this time of year -- w/ WRAL's coverage of the NCAA tourney.

Other than that - not so much.

Originally posted by edvedd
I think we are all BIG fans of multi-casting around this time of year -- w/ WRAL's coverage of the NCAA tourney.

Other than that - not so much.


I LOVE the way WRAL manages their bandwidth.

No 24/7 SD simulcast, no weather map - just HD and a semi-relevant subchannel.

And when multiple basketball games are on at the same time (NCAA tourney, split RJ/JP telecasts, pre-empted CBS telecasts, etc. - they simulcast those.

Not to mention a heck of a strong signal.

If only everyone could be like WRAL. :)

Originally posted by deArgila
If only everyone could be like WRAL. :)

YUP, What he said! :D

Agreed - WRAL is great -- heads and shoulders above the rest.

Alright -- so we all know that WRAL is multi-casting the NCAA tourney next week. Plus, 39 HD games available - which means that there could be two HD games on at once.
A buddy of mine told me that WRAL and TWC are going to have two hd channels available so if there are two hd games - both will be available. Gotta love synergy. don't know about OTA on that extra hd channel.

Too bad they couldn't use the subs of WRAZ to pass some of the HD games as well. Have like 50.1 as a SD fox and 50.2 as an HD CBS cast.


Speaking of WRAL's greatness. I moved here 6 months ago and knew about WRAL's greatness before I moved. They were the first station I tried to pick up when I put up my antennae.

Originally posted by edvedd
A buddy of mine told me that WRAL and TWC are going to have two hd channels available so if there are two hd games - both will be available.

Wow - I hope that's true.

It's true

The additional games will be available on WRAZ.

Would be nice if UNC, Wake, Duke, and (fingers crossed) State all ended up at one of the 4 HD sites, but it looks like Charlotte is not one of them, and Carolina and probably Wake will both be playing there.

Unfortunately the extra games will only be avaialabe on TWC, not WRAZ

Originally posted by psockett
Unfortunately the extra games will only be avaialabe on TWC, not WRAZ

On what channels?

Is it a safe assumption that those of us with QAM tuners will be able to pick them up from TWC as well?

Can anyone explain why they (WRAL, Raycom, JP Sports, whoever) would block ESPN-HD's broadcast of the ACC games if they aren't even offering them in HD? This is really frustrating!! I could understand if they were offering an HD feed, but they aren't!!

Doug

Seems to me that the place to apply the pressure is not WRAL or JP, but the ACC and the member schools. Don't know if it will help, but mail to John Swofford (ACC boss) or the athletics directors of the individual schools will likely have more effect.

If you are a big contributor (ie, have season tickets), you would have even more clout.

IMHO, the ACC is really pushing to be THE premier college sports conference, and being leading edge from a broadcasting perspective would only enhance that image. Don't know what kind of clout their contract gives them over JP Sports, but at the very least, that's the squeaky wheel that will really get some attention.

Remember the golden rule...whoever has the gold makes the rules, and clearly the ACC has control of the gold here.

Dave

PS....another vote for what a class act WRAL is. Thanks to everyone there for doing such a fine job. Must make life miserable for the competition.

OH - I think complaining to JP should add pressure - after all - WRAL would pass it in HD if it was offered that way. I mean, it's not like there weren't HD cameras available - Capital Broadcasting probably could have arrainged a lease for their HD truck if necessary.

Originally posted by Scooper
OH - I think complaining to JP should add pressure - after all - WRAL would pass it in HD if it was offered that way. I mean, it's not like there weren't HD cameras available - Capital Broadcasting probably could have arrainged a lease for their HD truck if necessary.

Yeah, but JP has their own (non-HD) trucks. Has to cost them much more $$$ to rent somebody else's trucks than use their own.....so if nobody makes them, going HD just cuts into their profit margin unless they can charge more for it. Don't know if there is enough demand for HD to get the stations to pay extra for it.

PSOCKETT....just for grins, how much does a fully equipped HD sports truck cost? (capital investment, and how much/day to rent?)

WRAL doesnt own an HD production truck...the truck used for the Christmas parade was rented and all of the Hurricanes games were done in collaboration with FOX Sports Net. But yeah I hope that next year Raycom and ESPN can work together so that Raycom can at least use the equipment thats already in place and just rent a truck to give "the locals" what they want. It was so frustrating everytime they went to the above the rim camera and that ESPNHD logo was on the backboard, reminding you of what you were missing :).

Does anybody have any idea if UPN 28 has reorinted their dtv transmitter or upped their power output slightly? I have never been able to lock on to this channel, but over the past week I have received it quite a number of times. It's usually evenings and very early morning, but it's more than before... Anybody in the triangle receiving UPN 28 better than before?

Originally posted by ENDContra
WRAL doesnt own an HD production truck

What? There's a piece of broadcasting hardware that Jim Goodman doesn't own? Unthinkable.... :)

Woohoo! Wolfpack playing in high def on Friday!

Originally posted by dave_ral
Yeah, but JP has their own (non-HD) trucks. Has to cost them much more $$$ to rent somebody else's trucks than use their own.....so if nobody makes them, going HD just cuts into their profit margin unless they can charge more for it. Don't know if there is enough demand for HD to get the stations to pay extra for it.

PSOCKETT....just for grins, how much does a fully equipped HD sports truck cost? (capital investment, and how much/day to rent?)

In round numbers i'm hearing about $10 Million (we arnt' looking at any, but this is what I hear). The price is gettin up there not just beacuse it's HD equipment, but the bar is bring raised with the advent of the expando Trucks as well.

BTW, we will be lighting up a 2nd HD channel for the games on TWC (we just don't have the bandwidth OTA, and Fox is not an option). So look for 260 to show up Tuesday or Wednesday. For you QAM guys, I'm not sure what the channel will be, but it will be on a different MPEG channel so it won't nessecarily be sequential with the other channels.

So what DOES Capital Broadcasting own ? I was there when they did the premier HD Newscast from the NC State Fair ...

The response I got back from WRAL about the ACC tournament in HD stated that WRAL has been pushing JP Sports to get the content in HD, but they just are not responsive.

Doug