Hello Raleigh/Durham area AVS folks. I have re-written this initial post and will try to make it a pointer to some relevant information about our community.

*For information about MUCH more than can be pointed out here in this intial post please USE THE SEARCH. Especially once you are within a large post, such as this one then click on the "Search this Thread" button beside the Thread Tools drop-down.

*For information about QAM reception I would direct your attention to this wonderful site maintained by Erik Garci -
http://home.roadrunner.com/~res18h39/channels.htm Digital TV Channels in Durham, NC[/url]

*For information about antenna reception (Off The Air) check out antennaweb.org. Plug in your address and it will tell you what type of antenna you need and which direction to align it.

* Our local uber-HDTV station WRAL gives away free antennas. Check out Antenna Give-away (http://www.wral.com/wral-tv/story/1180307/)

* On the subject of free antenna's scsiraid pointed out this information. CLICK HERE (http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?p=9358612&&#post9358612)

* Your physical location is often helpful in troubleshooting issues and answering questions. Be sure to edit your profile and put in your town and state.

There are a ton of good posts in the forum. My intention is not to re-write everything here in this post or to try to be the decision maker on choice A -vs- B. I would rather just have this post point out fairly routine information that is well documented.

Some posts or information I would like to point out include:
* What to ask for when calling TWC to setup your new HDTV.
* What to ask for when calling for DIRECT-TV service.



Send updates via private messages to WildBill. I will try to be prompt.

I have noticed wacky stuff going on at WNCN as well. They forgot to show the Preakness in HD and when I called the engineer didn't know what I was talking about so I called early for the Belmont. It seemed they were having problems then too as they said their upconverter was out. For a while they had the pre-Belmont coverage on, then the audio from Belmont (the announcers were practicing their lines) with the video from Golf then back to golf. Hopefully they will get these bugs worked out in time for the Fall season.

I too cannot get the WUNC 4-2 HD feed. I have a E* 6000 and it shows no signal strength when I tune to 4-2 and I get a blank screen. I can see the other subchannels fine. I do get a lot of jumping back and forth between remapping to 4 and showing channel 59 though but I have not worried about it yet as I don't care to watch 4 subchannels of PBS.

Here in Greensboro, on my Samsung SIR-T150 STB, 4-2 has never had anything on it, even though the others do. I did see 4-1 have a 16:9 show on Alaskan lighthouses the other night, the first time I had seen anything else but 4:3. The Triad UNC relay, ch 26 (32DT) is also carrying the same 4.1 channels as well.

At least NBC had the normal up-convert going and the decent sound for the US Open. However the EE was horrible. Kinda interesting(and sad), switching back and forth between WRAL's re-broadcast of the HD 2001 memorial Golf tournament and the live 2002 US Open.

Ah well, I will hold out hope for the US Open TENNIS. I hope CBS comes thru this year.

Last night I again had issues with NBC, so I re-scanned for channels using my DST3K. I then had sound for NBC. Could have been a coincidence, but we will see.
I also picked up PBS 4-2 as a channel list, (showed PBS-HD) but no picture during primetime. Later scanned again (another issue) and had picture after 11:00pm, but it was the same as on 4-1. Still don't know what's up with PBS hd. Would love to see that loop everyone is talking about.

The unctv.org website mentions this about the HD channel 4-2:

UNC-HD: This channel feeds a demonstration loop of high definition programs and other HD programs available from PBS. Currently there is no schedule for this channel. We anticipate that DTV Schedule in high definition will be available on a regular basis starting this fall.

I spoke with a guy at UNC and he said that the Harris is at the main HD studio now installing racks and equipment. Also, he said that they are working on building the remaining 3 out of 11 towers in Asheville, Wilmington, and I think he said Jacksonville. The 20 minute demo loop won't be out OTA until all of the towers are built and the microwave links complete. Apparently you can see the demo if you have TWCable.

Anyone having problems with the WTVD 11-3 signal? When I switch to this channel I get the audio from 11-2 and a black picture. When I switch away to another channel I get a flash of the weather radar and then the new channel video.

BTW, this is using a E* 6000.

I have the 6000 as well. It used not to do this. I am not sure if this is a station problem or something that has occurred as a result of an update some months ago.

I noticed this a few months ago on my 6000 and meant to call them but forgot. With no rain here for so long I really haven't wanted to check the radar in a while til the other night. I guess I will try and call them this afternoon.

I'm able to receive 11-3 OK on my Samsung T-150 here in Greenville. It may be an issue specific to the E* 6000.

Regards,

Gary

I also missed the meeting and tour, but I am now working for a local company http://www.lulutechcircus.com that in planning a technology type show in Raleigh in late September. One of the areas that I am trying to get covered is HT/HD. Check out the website to find out more about the show.

One of the areas that Lulu Tech Circus is focusing on is "usergroups". I was hoping we could make some progress on forming a Home Theater Usergroup in the Triangle. I would be willing to devote some time and I will try and get my company to donate some money/hosting to the project.

Anyone interested?

John Turner
Apex, NC

FYI - Fun stuff...

I was at the Durham Bulls game tonight. We had some good box seats and I noticed 3 camera's behind me. Went up with my kids and while they checked out the mascot, I checked out the cameras.

The one Panasonic had HD on the side. I went up to the camera man and said. " I guess your with WRAL, since I see your HD camera"

He said something like "Yeah, do you get the digital signal"

And I said I had been enjoying it since the 2000 Super Bowl and how I loved the WRAL broadcasts in HD.

He was real cool, let me look thru the lens, look over the camera a bit.
I don't know much about 'production' level stuff, but it looked a bit like the other two camers (nbc & abc), but of course the lens was wide angle (16x9)

The guy seemed happy to talk and truly enjoyed his work.

Side note: I had talked with I think the NBC guy a few weeks ago at another Bulls game, I asked when they were going to go all HD.

He said something like "With the camera's at 100K a piece, only the big dog (WRAL) can afford that kinda equipment." Sounded a bit like sour grapes to me. :)

I again don't know squat about this type of equipment, but I thought the HD camera's were around 20K? Don't remember, but I will check the WRAL site. Of course, I remember that WRAL partnered with Panasonic, so I am sure they got a deal. Gotta go watch the 11:00pm newcast. :)

Sound & Vision has a good article on HD at WRAL-TV. It's at
http://www.soundandvisionmag.com/hot_topics/articledisplay.asp?ArticleID=131

Wow...I have not been around the AVS forum in a while and I come back to a RD-F local area thread! It's great to have this info exchange regarding H/DTV in this area! A few notes that I can offer...

WUNC is not YET broadcasting in HD, but should be soon. You can pick the HD "loop" up on TWC channel 201.

WRDC and WLFL should be up by the end of the year. Remember that the WB network has planned to offer up to 3 hours of prime programming in HD next year.


WRAL-DT has been adding a bundle of new HD programs to the lineup and many are on deck. In addition to the HD movie titles (Paramount) airing on WRAL-DT that you may have noticed, a new episode of "The Business of Sports" premieres every Sat. night at 7:00p. You can also catch a repeat of the episode on Tues and Thurs at 7:00p. Cross your fingers for "Cheers" in HD next year plus some more HD movie titles. Look for Top Gun in HD in the near future.

Also, great news! The (CBS) main college football game each week will be produced in HD. I have not heard any other "definite", but from my understanding CBS Sports is really pushing for HD, so get ready!

There is a daily email that is sent out with the WRAL-DT daily schedules as well as links to industry related articles. If you would like to begin receiving the "WRAL-HD Update" click on the following url
http://www.wral.com/news/632374/index.html
and then scroll down, check "WRAL HD Update" and then submit.

Hope to hear from you soon.

Thanks for your time.

Take care and have a good night fellow digital viewers,

Jimmy Goodmon

Hi All and Jimmy,
Since I miss the first one, did-not know anything about. I there going to be another HD get-together sometime in the near future.


So Jimmy,
Are you hinting that WRAL-DT will be airing Cheers in HD next year. I can't wait, this show give me more laughs then any other show ever on TV. And to see it in HD will be awesome. Hey looks like I be buying a lot of blank D-VHS tapes.

Well I'll be. A whole 'nuther side of Triangle enthusiests :)

I don't visit this forum very often, but I just happened by and saw this thread. I don't know if you're interested in Digital Front Projectors, but I invite you to visit this thread:

http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?s=&postid=1210017

We will try to demo HDTV as well.

jgoodmon,WRDC and WLFL should be up by the end of the yearAccording to Anttennaweb.org and titantv both are scheduled to go live August 10th. You think they will miss that date?

Also, since WRAL and WRAZ are affiliated with each other maybe you can mention to WRAZ that their Black Level(contrast) or something is off and has been for quite some time. The commercials seem to look ok but that could be because they generally don't have any dark scenes but the shows dark scenes look washed out or kinda foggy. Back in the Fall WRAZ was not like this. This started sometime during the Winter. And this is only noticeable on WRAZ not WRAL, WTVD nor WNCN.

Any word on WRDC UPN 28 and WLFL WB 22 yet. According to Antennaweb.org and titantv.com both are scheduled to go live with their digital channel on August 10th. Thats this coming Saturday.

P.S. jgoodmon, appears that WRAZ-DT fixed their black level problem.

Well, It looks like WRDC UPN 28 and WLFL WB 22 aren't going to start their digital transmitions today. I've seen no signal at all from them and TitanTV as of today lists them as being Under Review. That stinks.

Can someone recommend what type of antenna I need to receive digital networks over the air in North Raleigh. I live off Lynn and 70. Hopefully something I can locally. Thanks

Well, WRAL has been giving away free channel master antennas for a while, you can call up WRAL and get the address from them. All you need to do is send a copy of a receipt for a locally purchased TV or STB (i think) and they will send it in a cuple of weeks. You should also try the antennaweb.org site for aiming tips. I used to live over that way and you could be golden or screwed depending if you are on a hill or in a valley over there. If you are at the top of a hill, rabbit ears might work just fine especially in the attic.

Hi all,
What is latest info on WRDC UPN 28 and WLFL WB 22 digital broadcast?
I did scan today and they are still not on the air!!!

I sent an e-mail to WLFL asking what their current schedule for going digital is since they don't appear to be there yet. Here's the entire reply I received:

"Hopefully in November"

________________________

Steve Fitzgerald

LOL, that sounds promising. UGH!!!

Thanks SteveFitz1

Recently purchased a samsung sirt 151 ota box. works great except I'm not getting a picture or sound on 17 or 55. my signal strength is about the same as other channels, but i keep getting the no signal popup after a few seconds. Is channel 17 currently sending out a digital or high def. signal? I'm getting channel 16 towards Greensboro occasionally even though their signal strength is much weaker than 17. Talked to a channel 4 engineer tody and he said probably october before they are hdtv capable.

If your refering to WNCN TV 17 NBC (DT - 55.1) yes they are on. I looked at them this morning. Also watched Elvis Presley movie "Loving You" on there Saturday Night. Looked amazing. I'm to far from Greensboro to get 16.

tried moving antenna. tried an amp. signal strength is still as good as the other channels.( 5,11,50,4) all of which i get fine. when i use the channel scan, it hesitates on 55(17-1), but then says no signal and moves on.this is frustrating because i know nbc is going to a lot high def in the fall season. i am about 5 miles west of chapel hill, and i can't figure out why i get all these other digital signals, but not 17(55). thanks, for any suggestions.

bigmf,
17.1 was comming in OK but for some other issue that I think you found in another thread. Daryl says it's good, so it must be.
I know when I setup my antenna it took literally hours to find the exact right spot to where I got great reception on all channels. This was due of course to the fact that I wanted to keep the antenna in my attic. Holding it up myself on the roof also gave greate reception, but I didn't want the mess and hassle of mounting in on the roof.

SO... I said that to say, you might want to try moving it around a LOT. Did you have someone watch the signal meter while you moved it around. Is it in your living room or in the attic or on the roof or where?

Even though I think nbc is on the same tower as WRAL (others can confirm this or they might know different), I still had to play with my anetnna a good bit to find the right pickup. I mean the difference in a single inch changed my signal strength from 30-40 to 90-95...

Good luck.

Also, wanted to post this here. I posted it in the PROGRAMMING forum, but since it's WRAL's info, thought I would cross-post a little. :)

Here is the detailed lineup of coverage. I got this from the WRAL digital newsletter, courtesy of Jimmy Goodmon at WRAL.



THE US OPEN COVERAGE IN HD ON WRAL-DT!
SAT 8/31/02: 11:00am-6:00pm
SUN 9/1/02: 11:00am-6:00pm
MON 9/2/02: 11:00am-6:00pm
FRI 9/6/02: 11:00am-6:00pm
SAT 9/7/02: 11:00am-5:00pm & 9:00pm-11:00pm
SUN 9/8/02: 4:00pm-7:00pm

Evening folks,
Sorry to be such the moving target...
Daryl, hey, I'm glad we got the black level in order over on WRAZ...thanks for taking the time to let me know about that problem...if you or anyone else see or hear ;) any problems on WRAL-DT or WRAZ-DT please let me know asap...

As for Sinclair-DT, they are going up on the RAL tower out at Auburn. The good news is we will have an antenna farm here in the triangle and thus will not have to do much adjusting of the antenna to tune various stations...the bad news is, i have not heard the official word on when sinclair's wrdc-dt or wlfl-dt will be up and in action. furthermore, i do not believe that they will be broadcasting hd on either station...looks like we're in for some 4x3 SD stuff from WB and UPN...sorry to be the bearer of such bad news.


Unfortunately, we have recently decided that the antenna giveaway promotion was at it's end...we spent thousands of dollars, over twenty to be sure, and have given away hundreds of antennas...if your looking for a good antenna, as I believe I read one of you were, I would recommend the Channel Master 3016 for rooftop mounting...however, if your within 20 miles of the transmitter and you want to put an antenna in the attic, try the stealth antenna from channel master which i believe to be the 3020 model.

as for why it's harder to pick up NBC eventhough it's in the same location as WRAL, it's power levels...WRAL is at maximum power 1mw while the other stations, including wraz-dt, are at lower power levels and thus the need to "tweak" and move the antenna to pick up NBC etc...

i hope to be a more active reader of this thread in the near future so hope to see you here soon.

take care,
jimmy g

It's nice to get a reason from someone(Mr. Goodman) on why I can't get nbc-17(55) on my new samsung set top box with a chimney-mount antenna about 5 mi. west of chapel hill. Evidently their weaker signal even though they are on the same tower as other digital is the culprit. I was beginning to think my box was defective, but i guess i will have to do without 17 until they choose to pump their signal a little. I'm tired of positioning antennas and buying amps. I get all the other channels perfectly.

Thanks for the heads up John Goodman. And tell WRAL-DT THANK YA THANK YA THANK YA!!!!! for their US OPEN HDTV Simulcast this coming week. :D

I'm glad to hear WLFL & WRDC will have transmitters on WRAL's tower. I was afraid theirs would be on the west side of Raleigh. I'm 77 miles South of WRAL's tower and am lucky to get WRAL, WTVD, WNCN and WRAZ signals pretty much every evening(WRAZ less often).

I loose them all everyday between 11am and 7pm. 40% I can get WRAL during the afternoon. Now that I know the others are at low power that explains it. I knew WRAZ was at low power due to interfering with another station east of them but I thought WTVD & WNCN was at full power.

I have a UPN station WWMB out of Florence/Myrtle Beach thats been upgrading the past couple months and suppose to go live Sept 1st from a tower 30 miles away. They'll probably go SD as well at first especially since UPN national hasnt gone HD yet. At the moment thats fine for me because I get WRDC analog but its kinda snowy and WWMB's analog looks crappy and their audio is Monoraul, not stereo so if they can get even SD digital on atleast I'll get a decent UPN Picture with stereo audio.

Luckly I get ABC(WTVD), CBS(WRAL), NBC(WNCN), PBS, HBO and SHO in HD on TWC along with FOX(upconvertred to 1080i by WRAZ I think which I must say looks pretty good). So maybe TWC will add the others also as they go live.

i checked channel 55(nbc 17-1) for about the 1000th time since hooking up my samsung 151 box and am getting a perfect picture. Jay leno show was good in hd on 9-11-02. First time I have gotten a picture on this channel even though the signal strength is the same as always., about the same as all the other raleigh-durham channels which have always come in perfectly. Wonder if WNCN is doing something different with their signal?

NBC17 has changed their signal. See this thread for details:

http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?s=&threadid=169451

This is getting very strange. I have been getting hd shows on channel 17-1 since 9-11 . Yesterday the channel # changed to 55 with no hd. Today I have channels on 30-1 and 30-2 and so far still no hd. I assume WNCN is working on their digital channels so that they will have multiple digital channels as do the other triangle stations. Still getting great hd from WRAL and WTVD and occasionally from fox. Would like to hear if any of you are currently getting any hd shows from WNCN.

It's coming in fine for me tonight (9/24) over channel 17-1. Perhaps you need to delete the channel and rescan?

Please note everyone!
Frazier and the new show at 9:30 was advertise as being in HD. Channel 17 missed the HD boat tonight.

Now !7-1 has returned and 30-1and30-2 have disappeared. Maybe Leno in hd will return tonight. last night it was in sd 4x3. In reading other posts on the hd forum tonight there seems to be a lot of nbc stations not transmitting in hd tonight or switching from hd to sd and back.

Originally posted by Bruce Embry
Please note everyone!
Frazier and the new show at 9:30 was advertise as being in HD. Channel 17 missed the HD boat tonight. Thanks Bruce. Glad to know that someone else couldn't get the hd version tonight, and my equipment wasn't the problem

NBC-17 has been having some issues with the 6000's. I had a dialog going back and forth with one of the engineers a couple of weeks ago but haven't heard anyhting for a while. I guess I'll send him some mail.

Hi Everyone,
NBC-17 has fixed there problems. ER was in HD tonight, WOW!
Thanks NBC and 17!

ER looked great and so does Leno. Hopefully HDTv will be exposed to the public enough to create the demand for more programming.Most people just don't realize the difference in picture quality, and the people who work in most audio -video stores don't understand the system very well. I went into a radio shack to buy an antenna amp. and the manager couldn't understand how i got hdtv over the air. He said the only way to get it was by satellite dish. pitiful.

Luckly I get ABC(WTVD), CBS(WRAL), NBC(WNCN), PBS, HBO and SHO in HD on TWC along with FOX(upconvertred to 1080i by WRAZ I think which I must say looks pretty good). So maybe TWC will add the others also as they go live. [/B]


Is the PBS the demo loop or the actual station? I live in Morrisville and I only have the PBS-HD loop with TWC...


Peter

Is the PBS the demo loop or the actual station?Mostly the demo loop but I notice occasionally some Latino family drama(movie I guess) thats on the actual OTA station in HD on the PBS-HD TWC channel at the same time.

I also watched WNCN-DT 17(55.1) lastnight and before ER they didn't flip the switch to HD but when ER started it switched to HD and boy was I glad. Looked good, much much better than having to watch the local NBC WECT-TV 6 analog signal out of Wilmington(WNCN is to far to get their analog signal too clear).

Bump!
Now that the WB(22-1, 57) and UPN(28-1.27) has gone Digital, I think we should bump this to the top.

I have an RCA F38310 HDTV. When viewing the program guide while in "Antenna" mode, all programming (both analog and digital) shows up as "Regular Schedule". When I view a program on a digital channel, the title of the program shows as "No Information Available". When I chose to show info about the program, it simply says "No Description Available".

Are any of the local Raleigh-Durham stations broadcasting program related information? If so, any suggestions as to what I might have set up wrong that's preventing me from seeing the info.

Thanks.

Steve

Is anyone able to receive the UNC TV HD subchannel 4-2 OTA? I've seen this channel available thru TWC. It's also mentioned on the UNCTV website. I'm able to receive all the other UNC TV subchannels (4-1, 4-3, 4-4, 4-5), but not this HD subchannel.

Thanks,

Steve

Hi Steve,
If I turn my antanna 180 degrees, I can pick up UNC digital channels. But they never braodcast any HD material. And since there is so much HD stuff on ABC, CBS, and NBC, and 480p on Fox, I have plenty of HD/widescrren programming to watch. So when ever UNC starts to braodcast HD stuff I might consider either putting up a seperate antanna or getting a rotor.

Originally posted by SteveFitz1
Is anyone able to receive the UNC TV HD subchannel 4-2 OTA? I've seen this channel available thru TWC. It's also mentioned on the UNCTV website. I'm able to receive all the other UNC TV subchannels (4-1, 4-3, 4-4, 4-5), but not this HD subchannel.

UNC has said in the past that when all UNC DT sites went on line, they would activate -2 channel on all sites. Asheville is the last one to build and they are working on it now.

Hi Jimmy Goodman, WRAL-DT

I was very surprised to learn that you guys are not feeding through the network feed of the Victoria Secret special on Wednesday night. I don't understand this! Please explained to me while it OK to have people speak curse words on TV, show naked bodies on CSI, show more naked people on Sunday night Spy movie, ETC. You guys are setting a double standard somewhere. Like many people here is the Triangle, I don't see a problem with the show.
Sincerely,

Bruce A. Embry
Cary NC.

I'm receiving HDTV via TWC's digital cable, and projecting a 120" image...glorious :)

I've seen a couple of references to 22 and 28 going digital...Any ideas whether 1) SD, HD or both and 2) when TWC might carry these?

Also, what's a decent online guide for determining HDTV content in our area. I've tried titantv, but when I select Digital Cable option, nothing shows up as HDTV when I know that's not the case. Also, for those longer time TWC users, is it safe to assume that any HD OTA content is always rebroadcast via TWC, or are there instances when the HD feed from TWC is not available, even though the stations may be broadcasting (barring cable outages of course).

Hope these questions aren't too assanine :)

Currently SD - Sinclair is laying in an archtecture to make it easy to upgrade as money / programing become available...

No idea when TWC will start carrying..

Hi All,
Here is replay from Jimmy Goodmon of WRAL.

Bruce,
Good morning. I appreciate your input. To begin, the Spy Program material was a mistake that stemmed from a major oversight at the network. If you watched the 2nd half of the program this past Sunday you will notice that we edited the "risqué" parts out. But that's not what your asking I know. We decided to DELAY BROADCAST the Vic. Secret special because of a number of reasons. The main reason is that this is a one hour paid commercial from Victoria Secret. There is no drama, no plot, nothing~ We could argue this issue back and forth all day long. You can call us hypocritical if you want. We know that CSI and other network shows have questionable content in them, but these are long standing dramas and comedies that have a story line behind them. They are not one hour paid commercials. And we have simply delayed the broadcast of the program to 2:10am. Viewers who want to watch the program are offered the opportunity.

Thanks for your note,
Jimmy

For Immediate Release
November 19, 2002

Carolina Hurricanes to be broadcast in High-Definition
____________________________________________________________ _________________________

DURHAM, NC - In a unique partnership, WRAZ-TV/DT, Time Warner Cable, and The Carolina Hurricanes will broadcast ten Carolina Hurricanes games in High-Definition on WRAZ-DT and on Time Warner Cable.

Nothing demonstrates the advantages of HDTV like live sports, and the fast-paced nature of hockey showcases this new technology especially well. Digital viewers will be able to see the players like never before, and the 16:9 wide aspect ratio of HDTV as well as the exceptional resolution, will offer hockey fans unprecedented field of view and clarity.

“HD captures all the incredible excitement of NHL action,” said Tommy Schenck, General Manager, FOX 50 WRAZ-TV/DT. “It really adds a whole new dimension to the game.”

“We are excited to be working with WRAZ and the Hurricanes to bring this exclusive programming to Time Warner Cable,” said Tom Adams, President of the Raleigh-Fayetteville division of Time Warner Cable. “The ten HD games will not be available on the satellite TV services,” he added.

The Carolina Hurricanes 2002 NHL Eastern Conference Championship title propelled local hockey support to new levels, and as area hockey enthusiasm continues to grow, these High-Definition broadcasts will provide the local fan-base with the highest quality sports coverage.

“This emerging technology is incredible for our sport, “ said Ken Lehner, VP Marketing Communications of the Carolina Hurricanes. “This will only fuel the growing enthusiasm for Carolina Hurricanes hockey.” Lehner added, “The Hurricanes will be just the fourth team in the NHL that will be broadcasting in HD with a local rights holder.”

To watch this select, ten-game package in High-Definition, viewers with High-Definition displays can turn to WRAZ-DT (channel 49.1 or 49.2 DTV) or to Time Warner Digital Cable channel 250. Time Warner Digital subscribers without a High-Definition display will be able to watch a standard definition broadcast of the game on digital channel 251.

Games to be carried on WRAZ-DT.

November 27 7:00pm EST vs. Vancouver
December 18 7:00pm EST vs. Tampa Bay
January 12 5:00pm EST vs. Colorado
January 20 7:00pm EST vs. St. Louis
February 23 1:30pm EST vs. Anaheim
March 4 7:00pm EST vs. Boston
March 7 7:00pm EST vs. Minnesota
March 10 7:00pm EST vs. Columbus
March 25 7:00pm EST vs. Toronto
March 29 7:00pm EST vs. Buffalo

Note: This schedule is subject to change.

For more information, call WRAZ-TV General Manager Tommy Schenck at (919) 595-5003; George Douglas, Time Warner Cable VP of Marketing at (919) 573-7092; or Ken Lehner, Carolina Hurricanes’ VP Marketing Communications at (919) 467-7825, ext. 5200.

Is that true 720p/1080i from Fox or the same old 480p crap?

? This is a local FOX affiliate...not FOX sports or the FOX Network...it's in true High Definition 1080x1920 interlaced...

From what I understand, WRAZ-DT sends out a 1080i HD picture. If I'm not mistaken they even take the Fox Network 480p feed, upconverts it to 1080i and transmits it. Thats what I luv about WRAZ, they, like WRAL-DT are 1080i people. :) Please correct me if I'm wrong.

Daryl,
You are correct. WRAZ upconverts the Fox 480i/p to 1080i...FYI, WRAZ and WRAL are owned by the same company, Capitol Broadcasting....
Take it easy,
Jimmy

Yep, :) I knew WRAL & WRAZ were both owned by CBC. That's why I included WRAL'S ID in my coment with WRAZ being 1080i people. :D

Originally posted by Daryl L
From what I understand, WRAZ-DT sends out a 1080i HD picture. If I'm not mistaken they even take the Fox Network 480p feed, upconverts it to 1080i and transmits it. Thats what I luv about WRAZ, they, like WRAL-DT are 1080i people. :) Please correct me if I'm wrong.

Ah....me understand, now keemosabie....

I was confusing FOX network with a FOX affiliate. So, if I understand correctly, WRAZ is our HDTV friend broadcasting in 1080i, while FOX is our lesser friend, filming most everything in 480p. So, while most HD content from FOX is upconverted 480p to 1080i, which looks crappy compared to true 1080i, the Carolina games will actually be filmed in 1080i by WRAZ, so no upconverting, and thereby a true 1080i picture.

COOL

CHANGING THIS POST...

Sorry, just found the WB/UPN thread for Raleigh/Durham area.
I am getting signal strength of about 20% for 57 and about 20% for 27.

Now I know they aren't at 'full-power' but they said this current level should cover 80% of the market. I am in APEX, fairly close to the towers, usually get 90% or better on all the regular channels. (abc, cbs, nbc, wraz, pbs)

SO...
Anyone know why 57 and 27 are reading so low? It is about 11:00pm Friday night. I will of course check tomorrow and some other days.

PS: PBS is HARD to lock up. I guess I am getting lotsa multipath or something, strenght fluctuates between 100% and 0%. PBS was actually better in the summer. Hmmmm.
Guess I better go play with my antenna again. Since I am so close, I have thus far only used an antenna in the attic. Non-amplified. Hope that can continue. :)

robertmee,the Carolina games will actually be filmed in 1080i by WRAZ, so no upconverting, and thereby a true 1080i picture.correct-A-mundo! :D

Anybody know if any of today's parades or football games will be in HDTV?

Well, I'll answer my own question :)

It appears the 4'oclock Dallas/Washington game was one of Fox's Widescreen games of the week.

What's going on with SWEP1 tonight??? I tuned into 250 TWC, and even though the splash at the bottom of the screen stated presented by FOX in Widescreen, I got the usual "movie has been formatted to fit your screen message", and the movie is Pan and Scan :(

Hey Guys,
I know I'm a bit outside the Triangle....but I was curious if there are any others on this thread from Fayetteville. I'm new to the area and looking to upgrade to HDTV. Just wanted to get an idea of what is available in this area.

According to antennaweb I should be able to receive Triangle stations (WRAL etc..) with just a "small omni-directional antenna". Not sure I believe this since it takes us 1+15 to drive to Raliegh from our house in South Fayetteville.

Just curious if anyone has any experience with over the air reception from down this way. (I currently have DirecTV had them install the oval dish at our new place so I know that I at least have those channels available.)

Thanks in Advance - John

PS - While I'm asking quesitons....Does anyone know of a good place in the Triangle to buy a new HDTV. (Fayetteville is pretty much BBuy or CCity). I'm considering the Toshiba 57HDX82 or Hitachi 57TWX20B. I appreciate any help you're willing to provide.

NOW! Audio - I wouldn't serious consider anyplace else. They have a website, and I think the closest store to you is in Cary.

And no - get a good sized directional antenna (see your other thread for a station summary).

Aggie86,

I'm just south of you in Pembroke. I'm located 77 miles from WRAL, WTVD, WNCN, WRAZ, WLFL & WRDC's towers. Luckily all of them are in the same general area so no need to constantly redirect the antenna. I use Channel Master Crossfire 3671 UHF/VHF rooftop antenna 25 feet high, a CM7777 ampllifier and CM rotator. At my distance I get WRAL 5(DT53), WTVD 11(DT52), WNCN 17(DT55) about 70% of the time and WRAZ ~45% of the time in mornings and the evenings. WLFL 22(DT57) & WRDC 28(DT27) are at low power so I can't pick them up any. WPAX 62(36) SD (from Lumber Bridge(between you and me) is live now.

Your less than 65 miles from their towers so with a medium to large antenna you should pickup WRAL, WTVD, WNCN all the time and most likely WRAZ & WPAX also. Hard to say about WLFL & WRDC.

South of you WBTW 13(DT56) out of Florence has SD live now. I get them at 100% all the time.WPDE 15(DT16) & WWMB 21(DT20) is suppose to go live tomorrow but the could be a week or two late.

Another alternative is Time Warner Cable of Fayetteville. They have HBOHD, SHOHD, PBSHD Demo Loop, WRAL, WTVD, WNCN in HD and WRAZ(480i/p national feed upconverted to 1080i by WRAZ) also they have WRAL, WTVD, WNCN & WRAZ's SD channel.

Thanks for all the Help!!

I don't know what how I survived prior to the internet. The salespeople I have asked the same questions to in Fayetteville are CLUELESS!

Daryl, sounds like you've got a great setup...think I'll look to buy something very similar. Unfortunately the subdivision that I live in does not allow external TV antennas..........(Sorry Scooper, I just couldn't resist...)

I have several very tall pine trees near my house. I was wondering if I could somehome use their height and attach an antenna. Anyone ever heard of this working or am I just being stupid?

Thanks Again, John

NOW! audio video website - http://www.nowaudiovideo.com/

As for using the pine trees - I've thought about that myself, but ... , trying to use a rotor would be difficult.

Aggie86,

The pine tree thing might work if you use an omni-directional antenna. You'd want it high as possible due to omni-direction antennas short ranges(~45 but usually actually farther). Height can improve that. I may be wrong but I don't think the tree branches will hinder the reception much.

Hey guys, long time no post.

Due to various factors (tree growth, dire need for upgraded OTA antenna, TWC conversion offer, etc.), my wife and I decided to take the plunge and go for Time Warner Cable after having been DirecTV customers for 5 years. We are scheduled for an install this Thursday. I'm curious whether people have done comparisons between WRAL's and others' OTA feeds and the TWC digital HD feeds... any disparity in quality? I know that when, by the grace of an extra kind God on a particular day, I actually get a well-dialed in signal on my DTC-100 to CBS or NBC for Leno/ER, the picture is stellar. I have some trepidations regarding the amount of bandwidth allocated by TWC for transmitting the HD signals compared with the OTA bandwidth. Founded or unfounded? Have you guys that are pulling HD over cable been happy with the results?

Many thanks, guys. I'm definitely looking forward to dropout-free viewing, that's for sure. Nothing quite as pathetic as settling in for a good 480p widescreen episode of 24 and having the joys of multipath and resorting to begging the neighbors to allow us to watch their 480i Tivo feed later :mad:.

WRAL, WTVD, WNCN & WRAZ's quality on TWC vs. OTA looks basicly identical to me. The only problem is the SA3100HD cable box adds a slight haze/foggyness to the HD images(many have commented on this haze or foggyness). I compensate for this by turning my contrast up 5 notches and brightness down 5 notches. After this readjustment I really can't tell any difference.

Am I the only one thats lost WTVD-DT 52.1, 52.2, 52.3 on OTA and TWC since the ice storm?

I didn't get power until this evening. But I was able to watch Alias on WTVD tonight at 9pm. My RCA DTC-100 picks it up on 11.1, I didn't try their other channels.

I was able to receive Alias last night in HD as well.

Yes, WTVD-DT came back on that following Saturday morning(7th).

I have TWC w/3100HD and WNCN (Ch 217) keeps momentarily dropping the picture... occasionally I will loose the picture and sound for several minutes.

Is anyone else seeing this problem?

I suspect it is the feed from NBC but no real conclusive evidence other than all other HD channels do not exhibit this problem.

Thanks....

I see the same thing with my TWC/3100HD setup. Can't remember specifically if it is NBC, but on occassion, I lose the signal for a brief few seconds....Haven't experienced a minute loss though. Also, I've been hearing static in my Front Right speaker every now and then....Seems there's an ongoing thread about static in the center channel on CBS on Sunday broadcasts, but this is the Front Right, not Center. If I switch channels or switch to DVD the static goes away. I'll have to remember next time which channel it is.

I do not know what has happened but I am receiving CBS and FOX50 with no drop outs at all. On the other hand, WTVD DT ABC was not there at all. I can not explain it but since the ice storm (if it is trees, I don't see them) or if they increased power. Also if when WTVD DT comes back my reception is bad again, I'll know why. I talked to the WRAL DT engineer last week and he said I was not the only one that was having bad reception. I just hope it last and also hope CBS doesn't drop HD.

Lastnight I also experienced occasional video loss for a second or two on WNCN-DT 17 on TWC channel 217 after 8pm thru sometime around 10:30pm then I had a black picture with the NBC bug showing and their SD channel(218 on TWC) had video but no audio. The popping started after 9pm. Odd though because I had more than enough signal strength to watch WNCN-DT 17(55.1 & 55.2) from OTA reception but it was black with no audio.

Tonight I decided to watch the UNC HD loop to verify that I was not seeing the same second or two drop on another HD channel. Unfortunatly, I saw a couple of drops in the video between 10:45-11:00pm. Although it was no where near as often as NBC. In 20 minutes the video dropped 2 times on UNC vs almost 1/minute on NBC when I've seen it at its worst.

Hi All,
WNCN NBC17 17-1 is now black with no audio and 100% signal strength on my SR-HD5. Is anyone else outthere experiancing problems with 17-1.

I call them yesterday and they reset there encoder and it work. But today its back out again. I wanted to watch SNL tonight.

I get a signal strength but no video or audio either this morning. My signal has dropped too low to check now on OTA but at this moment its working on TWC.

I just checked my OTA reception of WNCN NBC17 17-1. I have more than enough signal strength now to pick them up but no video or audio. But I am getting both their HD & SD channel on TWC.

I also could not receive NBC via antenna last night. I didn't try it any other time over the weekend.

I did email the station engineer this morning to ask if they knew of a problem or if something had changed.

I just noticed WNCN-DT 17.1(55.1) is being broadcast OTA again but 17.2(55.2) is not on. Hopefully their fixing the annoying lip-sync problem thats been on 17.2(55.2) for quite some time. The SD channel on TWC 218(55.2) is now off also.

WNCN replied to my email. Seems their ATSC encoder locked up over the weekend causing decoding problems for some receivers. They said the problem last week was similar, but different. I didn't ask what that means. Said they would be keeping an eye on it.

Its always good to see local stations like WRAL (CBS), WNCN (NBC), WTVD (ABC) and WRAZ (FOX) actively working on providing HD content for its viewers.

WRAZ is providing Durham Bull's baseball in HD - just a note.

WRDC-DT 28 & WLFL-DT 22 are to weak for me to pick up but I usually have some kind of signal strength from them. Lately I get no signal at all. Are they currently off?

Daryl,

I too used to get a signal from WRDC-DT (UPN), WLFL-DT (WB), & also WRPX-DT (PAX) but I'm getting nothing lately. I'm glad to see WNCN back however.

Is anyone else experiencing problems with WRAL-DT prime time shows recently? In the last 2-3 weeks shows like CSI, Hack, CSI: Miami have had problems with the video going black every 10 seconds or so for about 1 second. The audio is uninterrupted during the blackout. I've also had other drop-out problems too. The newscast afterwards was fine. All other local stations seem fine.

Hi everyone,
Is anyone out there haveing any problems with WTVD ABC 11-1. I have had constant reception drop-outs with chennel 11-1 for the past week.
Please confirm reception quiality channel 11-1. I do not have any problems with 5-1, 17-1 or 50-1. I have notice that 22-1 and 28-1 is off of the air since the ICE-Storm.

If no one has any problems then I need to service my connections at my grounding block and antanna.
Thanks for your help.

For gillcup

I have seen the same problem you described on the WRAL-DT signal. Video briefly interrupted (goes to black) with the audio OK. This is a recent issue. Have not seen this in the past.

Using a Samsung T-150 STB in Greenville. Not a loss of signal from WRAL as this would also drop the audio (in my experience).

Suspect problem is in the network feed to the station or in WRAL's internal routing of the network's digital video signal.

Regards,

Gary

Ditto on the CBS picture interruptions....lots of them tonight on CSI (both shows) but news was OK and no problems during commercials.

Also, did WNCN NBC go off air or is my system acting up? Dead at 11:00pm 12/26 when I switched to get ready for Leno!

OOPS! Back at 11:39pm.

Tom

Wow. This is a great thread for the Triangle. Just finished reading all posts for 2000 to now.

I tried using a Terk TV55 in my attic and got decent reception for WRAL and WRAZ, but the dropouts were too frequent and the other channels don't even come in strong enough to get a picture. In a rash decision, we ordered TWC to get locals in HD. Sure the locals are great, but the basic and standard channels STINK! So now I'm considering an OTA antenna again and switching back to DirecTV for the rest. Can someone recommend an antenna and more importantly someone to install it on my roof so I don't kill myself. Thanks.

Carmine
Cary, NC

New to HDTV in the cary area,
Can someone post a definitive list of what's available ota.
I seem to get
5-1
11-1
17-1
50-1
Nothing else (no PBS)
on DirectTV i get the HDNET, HBOHD, SHOHD

For the record, my video panel was causing problems with the signal from the Terk TV55. After going directly from the TV55 to the Hughes E86, I'm getting 100% HD signal on CBS, NBC, ABC, FOX, and WB. PBS hits 100% but drops to 0 too frequently to watch.

Quick question... Shouldn't ABC's HD picture fill an entire wide screen even though they broadcast in 720p? I'm getting black bars on the sides. However, the bars are smaller than a 4:3 picture and my TV won't stretch the ABC HD picture. Also, the audio from Saturday's playoff games was out of sync with the picture. Did anyone else notice that? Are there email addresses for the Triangle's local networks for reporting HDTV problems?

Carmine
Cary, NC
Sony 50XBR800, Hughes E86, Terk TV55

bump....I too would like to know any e-mail addresses for HDTV content in the area.

Any info on WB HD on TWC? Any guess as to whether ESPN HD will be carried by TWC? Anybody have a good contact at TWC to answer such questions, as TWC's website generally does not stay up with current info.

Last question....Is the ABC HD broadcast of the superbowl going to be 720p or 1080i? And is it a definite go?...all the newswire info is from many months ago...I'd like to know for certain before inviting everyone over and watching the SB in HD on 120" Front projection.

As for reporting problems via email, I don't remember the addresses off the top of my head but if you go to the various station websites, there is usually contact info for the engineering dept. I have emailed the engineers at Fox 50 and NBC 17 in the past with good results. This works well for general problems and requests.

If there is a problem with a show you are watching being in SD or some other more immediate problem, the best thing to do is to call the station. After 5:00 PM, it is usually best to call the news line number most stations have in the phone book and ask to speak to someone in engineering.

Also, you should check out www.nchdtv.com and sub to the WRAL HD newsletter (you can do that from WRAL's web site)


I'm in Morrisville, off Davis Drive right next to RTP and I get the following channels with my Dish 6000 hooked up using diplexors and a POS old Terk TV 50 hanging on 2 nails hammered into the trusses in my attic.


WUNC PBS 4.1, 4.2, 4.3, 4.4, 4.5 (nothing is on 4.2 right now)

WRAL CBS 5.1 and 5.2 (sometimes they will run additional subchannels during special events)

WTVD ABC 11.1, 11.2, 11.3 (can't see the radar on 11.3 with a 6000 but keep forgetting to call to complain about it)

WNCN NBC 17.1

WLFL WB 22.1

WPTF UPN 28.1

WRPX PAX 48.1

WRAZ Fox 50.1 and 50.2

All the stations except WUNC 4 are located on the three adjacent towers near Garner. WUNC is in Chatham county. You should check www.antennaweb.org to get the azimuth for the stations relative to your position. An Omnidirectional antenna or a rotator will probably be needed to pick up UNC for most in the triangle. WUNC is my worst channel and I usually only pull a signal in the 70's from them while I get 85-90 with most of the others.

I don't know if any of the stations are at true full power but 22 and 28 are definitely lower power than their FCC approval so they will come in sporadically for most in the area as well.

Yes, the Superbowl will be in HD. There is some info in the programming forum about it.

I haven't been able to received anything at 4-1 for WUNC's PBS channel. Have others gotten anything. Whenever I go to the channel I am always defaulted back to the analog channel. I have also tried 4-2, 4-3, 4-4 and 4-5 with nothing.

I am using an RCA DTC100 and don't have a problem with the other local HD stations. Any idea?

I live in North Raleigh and currently have Directv. Should I just move over to TWC for HDTV. I was looking at getting a Samsung 160 for $430 for OTA STB for Directv. What are the benefits of using Directv over TWC for HDTV?

Thanks

Quick question... Shouldn't ABC's HD picture fill an entire wide screen even though they broadcast in 720p? I'm getting black bars on the sides. However, the bars are smaller than a 4:3 picture and my TV won't stretch the ABC HD picture. Also, the audio from Saturday's playoff games was out of sync with the picture. Did anyone else notice that? Are there email addresses for the Triangle's local networks for reporting HDTV problems?

Ah yes!!! Post 100 for the Triangle thread! It's great how much info we share on this forum. Anyhew, in response to the above...

the ABC picture's that you refer to are upconverted sd pics that have been "stretched" by WTVD. It's a subjective thing. There is no right or wrong way to provide an sd upconverted picture. Some folks like the stretched way, others do not. WRAL, WRAZ,WNCN,WLFL,WRDC simply upconvert sd content, ie no stretching. This is why you see larger side bars on other stations broadcasting upconverted sd content. all hd content, whether 720 or 1080i is 16x9....that's a part of the specifications. so you will not ever see hd with side bars (you might see up/down bars with oar movies). If you see the black bars on the side, you are not watching native hd content.

For WRAL, contact jgoodmon with any programming or hd concerns...and join the WRAL-DT update list for program guides and hd events to come...


The network breakup some of you mentioned before was indeed due to the change in the cbs hd transmission stream..our ird didn't like the changes!....it is now resolved!


on another note, I'd like to hear what you think about the Hurricanes' games in HD on WRAZ-DT. Don't forget we have another game coming up on the 20th on WRAZ-DT!

Good night and take care,
Jimmy

The Hurrican's HD games on WRAZ-DT look fantastic. One thing I would like WRAZ to notice. The volume of the audio on 50.2(49.2)'s local feed is much lower their national passthrough and all other channels I get. It's like that on OTA reception and on TW cable channel 251.

I wrote Jim Goodmon at WRAL-DT if he had any idea if WRAL-DT will be equipped to pass the DD5.1 audio feed of the Grammy's and here's his reply.We are working on it as I write!
JimmyGoodie :D

Anyone have an e-mail contact for TWC in the area? I've e-mailed them three times in the past two weeks using their "Contact Us" link on their website about some HD issues. I always get the automated "we'll get back to you" message but nothing further. Maybe someone in the know, might be able to answer the questions, because TWC surely isn't:

1) ESPN HD - Will it be offered?

2) UPN HD, WB HD, PAX HD - Will they be offered and when?

3) General Quality issues, many of which have been discussed in this thread....Picture Dropout on NBC, Static on Fox, Crackling sound on PBS loop.

The static on FOX was not a TWC issue. I receive FOX-HD OTA and had static during the Giants vs. 49ers playoff game. I reported it to WRAZ on 1/7 and got a response from Jimmy Gamble (jgamble@fox50.com) saying that they would look into it.

Don't expect any reply from TWC. I have done the same thing, twice. I am currently a sat sub spending about 100 a month plus I have DSL for 50 a month and I practically begged them to get me to convert both to them just by telling me what was available and if they had any idea if they would ever implement the Sci Atlanta 8000 SD PVR. Never heard a word other than the canned autoresponder.

Some things change, some things remain the same.

I apologize. I should have said that "I receive FOX-DT" not "FOX-HD." Watching back-to-back NFL playoff games on Fox and CBS demonstrates just how much better 1080i is.

Actually,
It is called FOX-DT but what you are seeing is upconverted SD content in an HD stream...my point is, don't bash the local broadcaster FOX-DT, for something they cannot control...if FOX network sent FOX-DT true HD content, they would most certainly be providing it!
Jimmy

Yep, It's not WRAZ-DT's fault the NFC games look so bad compared to WRAL-DT's AFC coverage. It's Rupert Murdock and Fox National Network's doing.

Originally posted by Daryl L
Yep, It's not WRAZ-DT's fault the NFC games look so bad compared to WRAL-DT's AFC coverage. It's Rupert Murdock and Fox National Network's doing.

Right...Watch a Cane's game on WRAZ-DT and you'll see HD, not the 480p crap that FOX broadcasts to their stations.

WRAL-DT will be broadcasting at 1/2 power throughout today in an effort to tweak a few things...

Don't miss the Canes in HD tonight in WRAZ-DT at 7:00pm.
Jimmy

Fluctuating signal strength last night. I live in Apex and generally get 'normal to good' signal strength. However last night it was all over the map. I didn't do anything different, like moving the antenna. Any idea what the story is?

Another question from a noob: Do the triangle stations reduce their transmission power during the day? During daylight hours, I have real trouble getting a consistent signal. Then, when it gets dark, things improve to a good, acceptable level.

Finally, I gotta say: HDTV rocks on an 8' projected image. Not that this is news to anyone here.

David

Originally posted by Joseki
Fluctuating signal strength last night. I live in Apex and generally get 'normal to good' signal strength. However last night it was all over the map. I didn't do anything different, like moving the antenna. Any idea what the story is?

Another question from a noob: Do the triangle stations reduce their transmission power during the day? During daylight hours, I have real trouble getting a consistent signal. Then, when it gets dark, things improve to a good, acceptable level.

Finally, I gotta say: HDTV rocks on an 8' projected image. Not that this is news to anyone here.

David

David,

I have also noticed that HDTV reception is better at night. When I have good reception, my signal strength is steady in the "Good" range. But, when I have poor reception, the signal strength fluctuates every few seconds from the usual level down to "Poor" then back up. I was beginning to wonder if it was interference from something in my house (cordless phone, hair dryer, heater?), but perhaps it is not.

I'm planning to switch from an antenna in my attic to a roof-top antenna to try to get a steady signal. If I could just get my installer to return my calls...

Joel

WAF absolutely prevents an outdoor antenna! I have th RS double bowtie in my HT room right now. Certainly this is subobtimal but it gets the job done. I'll try to relocate it to the attic this weekend after I 'prove' that doing so will not endanger the upcoming religious experience (Superbowl in HD).

David

Tell Wife you have a $3000 TV that needs the OUTSIDE antenna to work properly.

Hi All,
Every since the ICE storm back in early Dec, I have had problems with getting ABC WTVD digital. All the others digital stations WRAL, NBC(17-1), UPN, Wb, and Fox 50 are still at 100%

Has anyone else experience any problems with ABC.

I wonder if the ICE storm did something to my antenna. But if it did, then I think all of my digital stations would be affected.

Thanks for your help!

I haven't noticed any difference with my attic antenna. Pretty sure During NYPD Blue last Tuesday, I had a 90 signal on my 6000 just like always.

Hi,

Does anyone know if WTVD will be broadcasting the superbowl in 5.1 on the HD broadcast. I saw that ABC will be and was wondering if TVD was going to be passing it to us.

Thanks,
George

I'm pretty sure they will.

Thanks to the local Triangle posters...as a result of finding this thread...I am now a Cary HD user!

I'm a very happy DISH user and was going to wait until DISH started offering more HD programming, but after discovering this thread I went out today and purchased a Zenith HDV420 tuner. I hooked it up an old ant. I have in the attic...and in less then an hour, I now have access to local HD programming. :-)

Thanks!!! :-))

David

drburns,

Coooooool! Neat isn't it.

All I can say after watching the first half of the Superbowl in HD is WOW!!!

Even my wife thinks it looks good. ;)

Thanks

David

I know this has been asked in this thread before, but does anyone know if and when Time Warner will start carrying the HD feeds from WB and UPN? When I talked to TWC last fall, they told that they would carry them once they were available, but so far I've not seen them.

Anybody heard any info about when TWC will be releasing the new versions of the STB from SA, like the 4200HD or the 8000HD PVR? I really would like to see how the added features stack up. I am mainly interested in the integrated docsis modem and the PVR capabilities.

I heard they were doing tests in the Orlando market? One TWC rep told me that they would be available 1st qtr '03, but we all know how that goes. Also, he didn't know which version they were going to offer, or if we would be able to choose which one we wanted.

NBA fans with TWC, Your going to LOVE THIS!!!

TNT and NBA Team to Offer NBA All-Star Game
and All-Star Saturday Night in High Definition


http://www.twc-nc.com/press_releases/1_31_03.html

Don't cry to many tears of joy. :D

Andrew,

1st quarter '03 is a much better estimate than what I got when I asked a similar question last year at the State Fair TWC booth. I asked if/when the STB's would have firewire output to use with D-VHS recorders. I got the following reply several weeks later:

"You asked if the HDTV boxes that Time Warner Cable offers
have firewire input[sic] for digital video recorder capability. I found out that our boxes currently do not have that capability but we are hoping to
include that in the near future. We hope to introduce the Digital Video Recorders late next year."

Regards,

Mark

A while back there was a discussion about when and how WB and UPN would broadcast HD in the Triangle OTA. Is there any update on this? If I remember correctly, these stations were easing into HDTV to make sure they got everything set up right. Thanks.

Carmine

Hey guys. I've researched this on the Time Warner Cable (TWC) site and I think I have the monthly charge figured out, but I did not see anything on HDTV equipment costs.

It looks like I need to have Basic + Standard + Digital service which adds up to just under $60 a month. Ouch.

In addition, does anyone know if I have to spend any $$$ on the HDTV Cable receiver?

I currently use DISH for non HDTV content and a Zenith OTA tuner to receive local channels. I'm very pleased with both, but I figured I wanted to research the cable option before my 30 days expired for the OTA receiver.

At $58+ a month, I will probably stick with the OTA receiver.

Thanks in advance for your input!

David

Hey,

Was I the only one who was watching Kingpin last night or the only one who called in. WNCN showed HD for about one second and then went to SD apparently to superimpose their logo bug. They did not go back to HD until about 10:25. I called over there twice and the news guy told me he would tell the engineering staff who he said was "too busy working on the promo" (the news promo I guess) to do anything about it. The second time, a few minutes later, my wife called and the news guy who answered the phone said that the engineering staff told him it was not in HD. My wife called BS on that and explanied that the presented in HD logo was on at the beginnning and he said he would ask the engineer again. 30 seconds later, the miracle of pushing a button brought us HD again. Then with 10 mintutes to go they went back to SD so they could do the 11:00 news promo.

Way to serve the viewers WNCN. :(

David-

In Raleigh, there is no additional charge for the HD box over whatever it costs for the standard digital box. I assume it would be the same in Cary.

As for total price, I am only paying about $45 a month for digital/HD + HBO. That may be somewhat discounted though since I also have Roadrunner. My total bill each month comes to $90.

I think the price is reasonable since I didn't have to buy any equiptment. It would be even better if TWC carried WB and UPN in HD along with ESPN-HD when it becomes available.

-Ady

Thanks Andy!

Guess I'll have to give TWC a call and see what they say about the monthly total.

Thanks...David

I just thought I would join this party. I've been off and on AVS since 98 back when I was a mod for HTF (when it had a cool community).

Anyway I have my trusty DTC-100 (great signal meter) and a new addition to the family; the Samsung SIR-160 (crap signal meter). Picking up the few DirecTV HD channels and pretty much all the Raliegh HD channels including of course WRAL for the last 4 years :)

I have a simple Rat Shack fixed antenna on the roof - VU120 pointed in the general direction of the antenna farm. Which seems to do the job for me here in Fuquay.

One note: I had used www.antennaweb.org for some time just using my Zip. But that can be very misleading, it told me back then that I needed Red zone antennas to receive Raleigh channels. You need to put your full address to get the most accurate results. Changed mine dramactically.

Anyway, here's a quick rundown of the channels I'm currently getting. Let me know if I'm missing anything good.

WRAL 5 - Strength 95
WTVD 11 - Strength 88
WNCN 17 - Strength 90
WLFL 22 - Strength 77
WRDC 28 - Strength 88
WRAZ 50 - Strength 94
WUNC 59 - Strength 30's

PBS is a pig to pick up, but I'm resigned to the fact that without a rotor I'm SOL.

Other than that I rely on a JVC D-Theater player for HD content. The only TWC I have currently is RoadRunner service. And I'm guessing that I would gain little from their Digital Cable service.


Cheers.

Jim long

Jim,

It looks like you are getting everything pretty well. Maybe a point or 2 higher than I do, although being In Morrisville I can pick up WUNC OK.



Incedentally, I have corresponded with Operations Director at WNCN about the issues with them not flipping the switch and he said that there switching is handled out of Florida but he would have the people responsible look into it. They can temporarily override the system but it is apt to get switched back again. Who is WNCN owned by and why do they thnk it is a good idea to perform switching in FL?

WNCN is a Network O&O - NBC runs them. So is WTVD - ABC.

Originally posted by Lee L
Who is WNCN owned by and why do they thnk it is a good idea to perform switching in FL?

In this age of money saving, a lot of the larger groups have regional central hubs for switching many stations. NBC and Sinclair are big on this, but I think NBC is MUCH further along than Sinclair. LIN Broadcasting is another that pops to mind that has central switching hubs.

WNCN is owned by NBC.

On TWC out of Raleigh/Durham/Fayetteville area(Im just few miles south of Fayetteville) I noticed yesterday evening that they finally added channel 722 listed as NBA HD to the program guide for the NBA Saturday & Sunday All-Star events. It's not airing anything yet though and probably won't untill Saturday.

Was anyone experiencing constant breakup of the WRAL-DT OTA signal Thursday night? All the other OTA digital signals were coming in as usual. However, WRAL-DT was so bad I had to watch WRAL on DirecTV in order to see CSI.

Just wondering if anyone else had this problem.

Steve

I had one or two breakups with a couple seconds of lost sound but it did not interfere with veiwing too much.

Same here in N. Raleigh, just minor breakups that were sporadic and only brief in length on WRAL-DT.

This is funny. Earlier(around 3pm) I checked channel 722 NBA HD on TWC and only got a black screen and a test signal on audio. Now(5:50pm) I just turned to channel 722 NBA HD on TWC Raleighs devision. I now have a HD video picture of the Atlanta All-Star gymnasium and looks like cheerleader on the floor practicing but still no audio. Just the test signal. :D

Looked again at 7:15pm and now a HD color bar test pattern is up. Calibrate eveyone. You got a true HD pattern to take advantage of. :)

What's up with WNCN-DT not showing the HD broadcast for the first 5-25 minutes of a show? Watching Sunday night, from 8:00PM until 11:PM, there were three HD shows in a row, American Dreams, Law and Order:CI, and then Kingpin. On every single show, the beginning was not switched over to HD.

I could see that maybe someone forgot to make the switch at 8:00, when American Dreams came on, but why at 9:00 and then again at 10:00, was there not any continuous HD broadcast.

Are they seriously switching on and off the HD signal? Why can't they just turn it on at 6:00 and then shut it off at midnight or whatever?

This seems absurd to me. I can sit down and watch WRAL-DT on Mondays from 8:00 right on through till 11:00 and see all the shows in HD without any switching. Why can WRAL do this and WNCN not do this? Are the people at WRAL just that much better at their jobs? Does it have to do with different equipment? Or is it just oversight on WNCN's part?

Maybe it's just me, but it seems that someone is making this a whole lot more complicated than it needs to be. Is there someone (in charge, rather than another drone) to complain to about this?

A little further up on the page you will see that I have the same issue with WNCN. After corresponding with someone at the station it seems they are one of several stations controlled automatically by a centralized control system in Miami FL that can be overridden locally. I have tried to watch several shows that were not even shown in HD at all until my wife or myself called the station. I have usually called the station and punched 1 for the news hotline as no one else will answer the phone after 5:00. The news people of course know nothing about HDTV but I usually ask them to either let me speak to someone in engineering or since the news people always tell me the engineer is busy working on the live shot or the promo for the news coming at 11:00, ask them to tell the engineer to go over and push the override button(s). In fact, my wife was the one that called Sunday to get them to switch L&O CI at about 9:10.

I am trying to get confirmation but my theory is that WNCN lacks the equipment to overlay the Station ID graphics on the HDTV programming and starts the show off in SD so they can run the ID bug. The station ID every hour is a requirement of the FCC so we are not likely to get out of that but my suggestion has been to switch it to SD just for the 10 seconds the bug is up and switch it back.

I think we all have higher expectations because WRAL genuinely cares that their product, in whatever form it takes, be the best it possibly can. It is funny how they have a top-notch, fully staffed, local engineering dept, run a bunch of original programming, do the news in HD and seemingly still make money.

For some reason, the other stations in the are do not seem to have the same level of commitment.

I do not want to give the contact name in the forum as I have not asked for permission to do so but he is who I got a response from by going to the contact page of www.nbc17.com and selecting email engineering. I will give the address to you via PM if you would like. I would love it if others in the area would call so I don't feel like I am the only one. Perhaps if every time the station forgot to run something in HD they had at least 3 or 4 cals they might care. As it is now, I have called them quite a few times since the first Triple Crown race last year that the engineer insisted was not available in HD and it has had no real effect.

Lee - Yes, I read your comments, and I do know about the central switching issue, even thought I think that could easily be taken care of, if they cared enough.

I don't know if the logo bug is the issue or not, but I wouldn't doubt it. But, since the local station has the ability to override the central system, they should do a better job when they do these things. I mean, if I was paid to do something, as part of my job, I would make sure I did it correctly.

I will start using the engineer contact too, as I think the more you bug them about it the more likely they are to get fed up with being bothered and do something about it.

Also, I know that there are some people that veiw these forums, with a "hands-off" approach, just to see how things are going. So, even though the NBC HD enginneer may/may not actually post in here, they do read to keep up with things.

So, it's also a form of "public humiliation" in a way.

I thought I read that Fox would be carrying the Daytona 500 in Dolby 5.1. Unfortunately, on Fox50 WRAZ my receiver is showing Dolby Pro Logic. Is anyone getting the race in 5.1?

Steve

I talked to the Cheif Engineer at WRAZ Fox50 and he said they do not have the equipment for 5.1 yet but are working on it. They hope to have it up in the next couple of months.

Seems like WNCN is now broadcasting their SD channel too. I'm getting channel 218, WNCN-SD, over TWC. I checked the OTA, but right now, reception on 55.1 and 55.2 (17.1 and 17.2) is constantly fluctuating from 100% to 0% with my AccessDTV card. But I don't remember if I was able to get a sub channel with the OTA, as I never really used the sub channels that way.

Is it just me, or is this new?

And on a side note, I was going to email WNCN's engineering department Monday to compliment them on finally being able to show multiple HD broadcasts one after the other. But, my hopes were premature :rolleyes:

American Dreams went smoothly without any SD-HD switching problems, then right into Law and Order:CI, again without any glitch from the SD-HD switching. I was all set for Kingpin. But NO, they had to screw it up.

After all the commercials, right as the show was about to start, they had to do the "The world's gonna end urgent weather update." Of course, that had to be in SD. Then, when they switched to Kingpin, SD only. It never went into HD as far as I could tell. I kept checking, for about 40 minutes, and then just gave up and watched it on the SD channel.

Maybe they'll get it right someday.

Hey,

I'm currently a Dirctv subscriber and have been considering upgrading to a HD Directv STB. I already have the oval dish and the 3 LNBs. I know I'll need an antenna to get local HD stations. I've been doing some research on this forum, but haven't seen any particular advice.

I was checking in a local Lowes Hardware and saw an antenna from Phillips/Magnavox called the MANT 910 to be mounted on an exiting Directv dish to get local channels. Has anyone used this to pick up OTA HD local channels? Any success/disappointment? In theory, all I need is a small multidirectional antenna from my location.

Another model I saw (also Phillips) was the MANT 400 indoor amplified antenna. Anybody used this one?

Thanks for any feedback.

John

I think you will have much better luck getting a "real" antenna over either of those, and you really want to put it OUTSIDE above your roofline. Keep in mind that most of the RDU locals / DTV transmitters are out east of Clayton. See what kind of antenna recomendation you get for WRAZ (50) analog - then go with that for an antenna. I'd recomend an antenna like the ChannelMaster 4025 / 4228 for DTV, or maybe one of their larger combo VHF/UHF units.

Yea, Scooper is on the right track here. Keep in mind that there is no "best" antenna for HD. The best antenna is the one that works for you in your location. The CM 4025/4228 is a great place to start, but don't be surprised if you have to try a few to get the right one. I started out with the Stealth which worked fine for my neighbor across the street. It wouldn't lock for me. Finally went to the 4228.

Charles

Hi Everyone.
Can anyone confirm that chennal 11.1(52) is ON or OFF the AIR. I have zero signal streagth on my SR-HD5 STB. All of the other channels are still at 100%.
Thanks

I get no signal from WTVD-DT on my OTA STB and no video or audio from them on TWC either.

I've had trouble with 11-1 over the past few days as well. It was out most of yesterday. Luckily it came back before Alias.

Yep, I saw WTVD-DT on lastnight.

Hello,

This is not HD related per se, but pretty close.

I use the Time Warner Digital Cable service. I connect the audio signal from my digital cable box to my HT receiver via analog cables through my Tivo. I do not have a HD set or a HD cable box, this is just the standard Scientific Atlanta digital box that TWC uses.

I watch Fox programing in TWC channel 251 to take advantage of the clean digital signal. I have noticed that the surround sound signal on this channel appears to be reversed, ie: the sounds that should come from the left channel come from the right and vice versa. It is fairly easy to notice this when watching programs like "The Simpsons" that use many surround effects.

I would not discount a problem or mis-cabling on my system except that I have tested it many times and I have no audio problems on any other channel, analog or digital.

Any idea what might be wrong here? I have mailed the TV station, have heard nothing back.

DTH,

Sorry, I hadn't noticed that particular problem and I never watch The Simpsons. But, I have noticed reversed front Left & Right audio ocassinally on Fox during animated shows in the past but those toons had very little surround info so it could have affecting the surrounds also.

Has anybody noticed a reduction in signal strength from WTVD-DT ABC 11(52.1) for the last week or two? I'm approximately 77 miles south of their transmitters. WTVD's signal use to be equal to WRAL & WNCN's signal strength and WRAZ's was about half(since WRAZ is at reduced power). For the last couple weeks WTVD's signal has been as low as WRAZ or slightly lower.

Daryl, are you meaning to say that WRAZ is at reduced power?

DTH,

I have not noticed any surround sound to speak of when I watch the Simpsons OTA on 50.1 but since WRAZ does not yet broadcast 5.1 sound any surround action you get should be Pro-Logic which has mono surrounds anyway. It might be some issue with TW, the cable box, who knows. I would sy to call up TWC and run it by them.

Lee L,

Yes I ment to say WRAZ. I corrected it above. :)

I just noticed this weekend that WRAL was running 5.1 sound during the HD basketball. Very clear sound (when a 3 pointer would hit only net it was quite startling) but I did not get very much sound on the surround channels. Looks like we are good to go for the Masters.

Just wanted to update those with TWC about the newest STB options. I had mentioned earlier that there was talk about the SA 4200HD being available by the end of 1st qtr 2003. Well, obviously, we're past that point and I have bad news about the possibility - none.

After talking to the Divisional Managers, they have decided not to go with the SA 4200HD. I'm not sure at to the actual reasoning behind it, but there were hints about the unwanted Tech support issues from the integrated DOCSIS modem. They may not want to have to force a $45.00/month charge to those that just want HDTV, since they will also have cable modem access capabilities. But, that's just speculation on my part, so don't go quoting me ;)

On to the good news: I was told that the management and engineering staff decided instead to opt for the SA 3250HD model. It is basically the same unit, without the DOCSIS modem integration, rather the normal head end modem for VOD and other stuff, yet still allowing online upgrade capabilities in the future. It will have more input capabilities, like 720P, and then, more importantly, aspect ratio control. This is the huge limiting factor to the SA 3100HD for many customers, especially those that have 4:3 HDTV sets.

I was told that they have 4200 units (actual number of unit ordered, not to be confused with the 4200HD model) on order for central NC, and they should be available aroung the middle of May. They could not tell me what options they opted for, such as DVI and Firewire. I was told that some of these options may come disabled, but upon request, could be enabled. I know this is a smart Tech Support move, and hopefully this is how it will come, as I really want the DVI and the IR Blaster would be very useful too.

If you are not familiar with the SA 3250HD box, or you just want to read more about it, go here for the PDF file:
http://www.sciatl.com/customers/subscriber%5Fpdfs/4003138.pdf

I also posted this news in the HDTV Hardware section: http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?s=&threadid=240990

Also, another possible reason for not opting for the 4200HD, is that they are also getting the SA 8000 PVR version STB. It is not the HD version, but I guess they're really getting hammered with requests for PVR capabilities. Unfortuantely, once people get these boxes, they'll quickly realize the limitiations of them. But, as long as I get at least one box that allows for Aspect Ratio Control, I'll be happy. I will keep using my HTPC for PVR functions.

Thanks for the info Techru. By the way, if you have an HD box from TWC, USA Network's HD broadcast of The Masters will be on cable channel 225 for the Raleigh/Durham/Fayetteville area viewers.

http://www.twc-nc.com/digital_cable/masters.htm

Techru,

Any idea how to get in on the early updates/testing of the new 3250HD units?

THANKS!

Due to extensive testing by the engineering dept. and the management team, there will not be an actual "testing" group. They are fully satisfied with the unit's capabilities and just ordered the amount of units mentioned above for the central NC region. I am "listed" on a very unofficial list to get the first unit, in the beginning of May hopefully. But, I would not be surprised at all if hundreds of customers get them before I do ;)

Calling the CSRs will be fruitless, as none of them have been given any data as to the option of a different STB even being considered. If you even mention HDTV, they all automatically go into SA 3100HD STB mode, as that is all the info they have ever been given. Most of the time, they can't even reliably answer questions about the SA 3100HD.

The management team decided that they will only let the CSRs know about the SA 3250HD availability once they actually have them in stock. I guess this will be in hopes to reduce confusion.

I promise, once they do come in, I will post back about the availability and how the set actually works and performs. If you currently have the SA 3100HD, you will be able to swap it for the SA 3250HD upon request. If you are getting new service, and the box is available, you would be wise to "specifically" request the SA 3250HD, if you want to make sure you get it over the SA 3100HD, as they still have thousands of those units to hand out.

just an fyi to clear up some confusion: hope you are all well...jimmy

ALL FOUR DAYS OF MASTERS ACTION WILL BE CARRIED BY WRAL-DT.

The Masters can be seen in the full glory of High Definition Thursday, April 10th through Sunday, April 13th on WRAL-DT.

WRAL-DT can be found on digital over the air channel 5.1 or on digital cable channel 255. AGAIN, ALL FOUR DAYS OF MASTERS ACTION WILL BE CARRIED ON WRAL-DT.

THE MASTERS IN HDTV ON WRAL-DT
WRAL-DT (5.1/255)
Thursday:4:00p-6:30p
Friday: 4:00p-6:30p
Sat: 3:30p-6:30p
Sun: 2:30p-7:00p

Hi,

I'm new to HDTV and HTPCs. From the HTPC forums, members have suggested I post here, in my local HDTV forum for help.

I'm receiving OTA only and am roughly 17.7 miles from the cluster of transmitters. With my antenna mounted outside, my HTPC signal strength meter finds signal strength above 85% on ABC, CBS, and FOX 99.9% or more often. On NBC at the same orientation, my strength isn't as good - but that's a different story.

My question is regarding ABC and CBS. I understand from it's pioneering efforts and further updates from this form that WRAL is very concerned with producing a high quality HDTV product.

Using my HTPC, though, I experience video stutter (momentary lock-ups) a few times every five minutes. Normally the audio persists but sometimes the dropout lasts longer and I experience audio stutter as well. One poster in the HTPC forums mentions that using the SW based decoding card I'm using rather than hardware that signal issues will tend to be reflected as this type of stutter, whereas in a hardware based solution (HTPC or STB) this issue would tend to manifest itself as pixelization.

From reviewing the posts here I wouldn't expect to experience any of this type of behavior with WRAL, I'm not sure about WTVD. I've been receiving HDTV with the antenna (CM 4228 with rotator) outside for over a week now and I always experience these issues.

Does anyone here have any helpful ideas?

Thanks.

Hey all, just wanted to say hey. I'm in Durham and I got my HD setup up and running the week before the Super Bowl, with my OTA setup the actual day of the SuperBowl. I'm a DirecTV subscriber and get HDNet, the 198 PPV/other stuff they show (like NBA tonight).

My OTA signals vary. During the CBS broadcast of the Syracuse/Kansas Final Four Championshiop, I had constant drops from 77% to 0. Was it my setup or were others in the area experiencing the same thing?

But really, just wanted to check in and subscribe to this thread to stay in the loop of our local stuff.

Right now, I'm just hoping for ESPN-HD on DirecTV soon. :)

Keefer37,

I had a similar problem during the NCAA final as well as a few other dropouts during some CBS programming last week (i.e., CSI on Thursday nite). I thought it was just me. The Masters on Sunday, however, was fine.

Originally posted by SteveFitz1
Keefer37,

I had a similar problem during the NCAA final as well as a few other dropouts during some CBS programming last week (i.e., CSI on Thursday nite). I thought it was just me. The Masters on Sunday, however, was fine.

I'm really hoping it was a CBS broadcast problem, but I have to say it was pretty annoying and fairly frequent.

You all think my Channel Master STEALTHtenna # 3010 in my attic is sufficient for receiving the RDU are HD signals OTA?

Keefer37,

That's the same setup I have...Stealth Antenna in my attic. I normally get a signal strength of 85-90 for WRAL-HD. Last week when I was having the problems, it was fluctuating wildly...even dropping into the 20s and 30s at times. I'm hoping it was something on the originating end since the signal strength has been solid the last couple of days. What kind of signal strength do you normally see?

The next couple of nights, I'm going to do some data gathering of signal strength. I haven't been able to find WB HD. It'd be nice to see Smallville in HD.

Hey Folks,
I received two phone calls from viewers last week experiencing the same type of signal breakup. We went back and tested our signal processing and distribution and all of the specs on our end were/are fine.

However, this does bring up the interesting point of foliage and wind. It was quite windy last week, and as the foliage around your house grows into the spring, the potential for signal breakup is higher. In particular, the pine needle of a pine tree is the approximate size of rf 53. Thus, last week, the pine needles were wet, the foliage was growing, the wind was blowing etc...not a perfect dtv reception environment.

All the folks who have contacted me have had indoor antennas in the attic. I believe that all of them have had a stealth antenna, but I cannot be sure...Unfortunately, a typical attic cuts signal reception in half. If you have metal siding (that is rare these days) or composite shingles, the signal will be even lower.

We need to somehow gather a list of those who had a problem, plot the location, set up etc...and figure out a solution. It very well may be something as simple as switching out an antenna.

For all those who experienced problems please send me emails with your location and system specs...

Thanks you all and sorry for any trouble,
Jimmy

I've been enjoying my HDTV setup since December and I have to admit that I have't watched this much CBS since I was a kid watching The Muppet Show. However, I have to say that my wife and I are really getting annoyed with that "It's All Here" commercial for CBS HDTV. It's on every commercial break!

Now I know people are going to say "Don't bash WRAL" and I'm not. But since Mr. Goodmon is nice enough to answer questions on this thread I thought I'd ask it here. Why doesn't CBS sell this advertising time to make money instead of advertising CBS in HDTV to the people who are watching CBS in HDTV?

Carmine

I get 78 strength but blank picture - Is something up with the channel?

Originally posted by skelm
I get 78 strength but blank picture - Is something up with the channel?

While I can't say for sure, NBC comes and goes for me. With my Silver Sensor I get all the other "close" stations at 151 degrees, but NBC is hit and miss. Right now I'm not getting it (67% signal but it's jumping between that and zero pretty frequently), but I was this morning.

To answer the first question in this thread, Go to the following thread to find other users in the Triangle Area in North Carolina - Take the poll!

http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?s=&threadid=251218

Hi All,

I just read about this Digital Video Recorder (http://www.twc-nc.com/digital_cable/dvr.htm) and I assume that it is not HD... anyone know for sure?

Thanks for the info...

George

Originally posted by gfsiii
Hi All,

I just read about this Digital Video Recorder (http://www.twc-nc.com/digital_cable/dvr.htm) and I assume that it is not HD... anyone know for sure?

Thanks for the info...

George

Nope, it's not HD. In my opinion, it's barely even a DVR. I own a TiVo, and the TiVo has a much better feature set. Of course you'll pay $250 for the TiVo and $12.95 a month (or $300 once) for service, so what TWC is offering is cheaper.

Nobody (AFAIK) has a HD DVR yet, but TiVo does has a reference design they announced at CES. Here's the press release. (http://www.tivo.com/5.3.1.1.asp?article=166)

The Scientific Atlanta 8000, which is what TWC is using is not HD but there have been rumors that SA is working on an extension to the line that would record HD but who knows when it will be available. TWC has been testing the 8000 in a few markets and has had quite a few issues with it. They have been correcting them with new software though but there were still some open issues the last I read. There are a few threads around AVS if you want to search for people's comments. I think there are a couple in the TiVo forum as well.

Anybody having problems with a total lack of sound on ABC 11-1 right now (10:35pm - Charlie's Angels), or is it just me? 11-2 has sound, but it's a real drag watching the movie in standard def. :(

pkscout - I experienced the same problem. Sound only available when local ABC news blip shown. Sound restored at the end of CA. Pre-amp indicated a 5.1 signal while this was occurring, so it certainly seemed that something had gone wrong at the source. I finished up on 11-2 as well.

stupid AVS preview eating long post... here we go again:

Is anyone having continued problems with ABC 11 HD station? I see many references to it in the past couple pages of this thread. But since I just joined the ranks of HDTV users yesterday, I want to confirm that it isn't something specific to my situation. I get Fox, NBC, CBS, WB all with great signal strength (minimum high 80's and CBS was 96-100% most of the night). UPN is barely there in the low 70's. I can't get a picture at all with ABC and the signal meter ramps up and down, from 0% up to sometimes ~75% and then immediately back to 0%.

Since I actually ordered the HDTV PC cards to put in a customer's desktop that I am building, I wanted to test these cards out to make sure they were working. So I made a mad dash to radio shack this afternoon. Got the VU-75XR 50 inch boom antenna and have it mounted on the tripod stand on my patio. No preamp, just a straight 25 foot length of good RG-6 to the tuner card in the computer. Would a preamp help the ABC station issue (as well as UPN)? Would it be too much for the channels that are already coming in well??

please provide any and all assistance. If you are having problems with ABC 11, please let me know. Thanks!!

TTT

btw.... I actually got brief flashes and one second blips of a picture and sound today, but that's it. I actually oriented the antenna directly at the ABC tower (which is at 168 degrees according to antennaweb's site, whereas all the other stations are supposed to be at 166 degrees). still no go....

Is anyone else having problems with ABC??? anyone?? Bueller?? Bueller??

off to Rat shack to buy one of their preamps to see if I can get better signal....

ABC works fine for me (zip 27703) in general. My particular problem a few days ago was that our local ABC affiliate stopped broadcasting sound during Charlie's Angels for some reason.

I'm using a Pannasonic HD tuner with a Silver Sensor antenna inside my house. I wonder if the HD card for the PC isn't as sensitive as a stand alone tuner. It's either that or your further from the tower than I am or have more obstructions, or have a building that built differently than mine, or your not holding your tongue the right way, etc, etc, etc.

Antenna placement and location are so variable that your next door neighbor could be having better luck than you and it might not tell you anything. Just as an FYI, NBC is my problem. I can only get it once in a while, but since the only thing we watch is West Wing, and it doesn't look like it's broadcast in widescreen HD anyway, it's not a big deal. We just TiVo it and watch it later.

thanks for getting back to me... at least I know it is not everyone and the problem lies with me. Now I can try to adjust and see if I can get a better signal within my limitations... I'll have to give the other HD tuner card a try to see if it works any better.... thanks for the help!!

got rat shack's best antenna mounted amp.... had absolutely no impact on ABC signal strength... but it sure does have an impact on the other stations... it made them all worse, no matter how low or high I turned the gain. I can't receive signals from nbc, fox, wb anymore with the amp in the loop.... guess I can return it to rat shack, huh???

this really sucks because the one station that I actually really want to work is ABC!!! Grrrr!!

I am at 27606 and I do have tree limbs pseudo blocking line of sight.... and I am not exactly on top of a mountain either.... but it really is strange how it works wonderfully with the other stations, but not with ABC or UPN....

A good antena will almost always help more than an amp. If the signal is crap, then the amplifier just gives you louder crap. '-)

You might search this forum and the HDTV hardware forum. There are a number of threads on antenna strategies. The Channel Master antennas seem to get good reviews. You'd have to get one mail order though, which makes in harder to return.

Circut City has the Silver Sensor I use. I can't guarentee it will help, but you could always return it if it doesn't work.

ssangste

I'm using a tuner card in my HTPC combined with a ChannelMaster 4228. Until I mounted the 4228 on the roof I had recurring reception problems. I also had no success whatsoever with the RS pre-amp. After mounting the 4228 on the roof my HD reception has been very stable, including ABC with the (observed) exception of loss of sound during CA noted above. I am approximately 17 miles from the broadcast tower farm. I can also receive WUNC fine by orienting the antenna as needed.

ok... today was a very interesting day....

I tried a few things today that don't make any sense to me...

In the process of adjusting antenna angle to hopefully get better reception, I turned the antenna completely 180 degrees in the opposite direction away from the towers. From 4pm this afternoon until 9:02PM, I got absolutely perfect reception for UPN and ABC without a single dropout, and had absolutely no signal on CBS, NBC, FOX, and WB. It's almost as if I was getting some sort of reflection off the outside wall on my second floor patio in order to receive ABC and UPN (the antenna was now pointed directly at the wall). I was very excited that I would be able to entertain this evening for everyone coming over to watch the season finale of Alias (ever since everyone has watched Alias on my 115 inch CRT based screen, no one wants to watch it any other way..... I figured adding in HDTV would really make their jaws drop)....

But obviously some atmospheric condition changed, because since 9:02pm I have been unable to get ABC or UPN anymore (and I continue to not be able to get CBS, NBC, FOX & WB). Constant dropouts again....

After reading other threads, I think ABC and UPN may have problems with multipath when the antenna is correctly aligned at 166 degrees. If I look at their analog counterparts, I have a serious ghosting problem.

I think I may have to look into an antenna stack next to see if I can alleviate the problem and get more stable reception...... I'm also going to order a CM 4228 to see if that will help. Good thing Radio Shack takes stuff back....

what does everyone think?? did anyone have problems with ABC tonight??

ssangste - No problems with Alias last night for me. I'm sure you've read that there are sometimes dead spots with HDTV reception and that the higher the antenna the more likely you are to receive a good signal. Just as a point of interest, with the CM 4228 and the leaves out on the trees behind it now, the 4228 is nearly invisible from the street.

audio - thanks for getting back to me.... it sucks to have watched Alias in SD after seeing that glorious picture in HD.... a living room full of people agreed with me :)

the problem I have is that I'm very limited on antenna placement. I live in a townhome/apartment community. They have no problem with me putting up some gawdy antenna array, I'm just not allowed to bolt anything down, drill holes, etc. nor can the antenna be placed anywhere other than my patio area. So I can have it sticking out from my patio area, I'm just not allowed to put it on a mast and raise it in the air, or mount it to the roof.

Do you know anyone locally that specializes in antennas and has a spectrum analyzer? I'd like to see what's going on with my signals to see if it is even possible to get these channels given my severe placement limitations. Might be more prudent than just random trial and error with a bunch of different antennas. Thanks again!

ETA: does anyone know the exact location of the towers? I am trying to figure that out to see if I can get an elevation plot, as well as determine just how far away I am from the towers. thanks!

Try http://www.100000watts.com/searches.html for the exact locations of the stations. Also, www.antennaweb.org will give you some compass headings from your location and tips on what antenna to buy. In general, the towers are near Garner just off US 70. All the analog and digital stations are located on one of 3 approx 2000 foot towers within a 1 mile radius there. The only excption is PBS which is in Chatham County. If you drive toward the beach on 70 or I-40 you will see them.

thanks for the info. It came in handy. Wow.... I'm further away from the tower than I thought.....

Since I have adjusted my antenna I can pull in channels:
15 PAX
27 WB
49 FOX
52 ABC
53 CBS
55 NBC
57 UPN
59 PBS

I am using an Access DTV card and a Silver ??? antenna in my attic. I live about 1/2 mile from NC State

After many tweaks I have it so that all the channels except 15 come in almost perfectly.
I plan to do some further antenna/amp testing. I will let you guys know what I come up with.

ok.... I'm discovering that this antenna thing is really flaky :)

I added in the rat shack 15-1711 indoor amp into the equation, played with antenna positionning and voila! I am getting ABC with a good signal. UPN is still a no go, but it is getting close. I need 75 percent minimum on my HDTV tuner card in order to keep a steady picture. WB, FOX, NBC, & ABC are all pretty steady in the mid-high 80% range. CBS is in the high 90's. UPN, while not getting a picture, is in the mid 60's. I've only had about 4 dropouts all night on various stations.

It's obviously cloudy and rainy here this evening. Is this causing the change to allow me to get a better signal? I know cloud cover helps the signal, but I thought rain hurt things because of it's reflectivity issues. Can the cloud cover cut down on multipath issues?? I suppose time will tell. All I know is I bought all the materials to construct a boom and mount two rat shack 15-2160 UHF antennas in a horizontal stack. I think I'll hold off for a few days to see what happens with this latest round of changes and how much different weather affects things.

Also, what's the deal with WB22? I thought they were broadcasting Everwood and Smallville in High Definition.... it looks like they are only broadcasting 480i on the digital signal. I know Charlotte broadcasts in true high def and I was really looking forward to watching Smallville in true high def.... who do we complain to in order to get them to hurry up and start broadcasting in 1080i??

What channels are TWC offering and how is thier HD service?


I looked but couldn't find anything.

...

Originally posted by bigslowrock
What channels are TWC offering and how is thier HD service?


I looked but couldn't find anything.

I have DirecTV now, but when I had TWC, the HD channels they had were:
ABC, NBC, CBS, Fox (not actually HD), PBS, HBO HD and Showtime HD.

Time Warner Cable Chapel Hill/Durham Lineup (http://www.twc-nc.com/cf/line_ups/details.cfm?vid=3)

Hi All,
I been wondering for a long time about the WB and UPN local stations. Does anybody know when these stations are going to start broadcasting HD programming.
Thanks!

I think some of that will depend on when the people making the shows do them in HD. Both those stations are broadcasting digital, but the HD depends on the program. I can't think of a single thing on UPN that's in HD (not even Enterprise), but on the WB I think Smallville and a couple of other things are in HD. I'm hoping Angel will be in HD next season, just 'cause I *really* wanted Buffy in HD, but that would be the next best thing.

Well, the WB and UPN stations are Sinclair ownerd so my guess is that they will start broacasting HD right about the time Michael Powell busts down their door and beats them with a baseball bat. In other words, not for a long time.

I don't know if my earlier post about those CBS "It's All Here" commercials prompted the change or not, but I'm glad to see WRAL mixing in some different HDTV commercials. Thank you, WRAL!

Techru,

Have you heard anything about the availability of the SA3250HD?

Thanks!

jim007 - Sorry for the delayed response, I've been away for a week on a business trip.

The latest news on the SA 3250HD is that they had to have all the units upgraded because of a software problem with the EPG. The EPG is software from Pioneer, and there was some problem with memory buffers or something that made it incompatible with the guide. So, the updated software has to be programmed into the memory chips.

The latest ETA, based on the ship-to date means that they will be available in the 2nd week of July.

Anyone tried to get HDTV who lives in the chapel hill/carrboro area? Sounds like we're a long way from the towers if they're in Garner. I'd love to get OTA HDTV instead of having to pay TimeWarner huge $ every month.

I am right outside of Chapel Hill and can find everything OTA except WB. (If anyone can give me some tips on finding WB, I'd appreciate it!)

batorok - just making sure that you know about your legal rights of getting HD without subscribing to digital cable. Basic cable and fee for the box is the max they can charge you for the local HD channels - cable act from -92. You also have the right to get HBO and SHO-HD only without the package and or digital cable. You probably know and don't want to pay for basic cable, but I want to make sure that you do know.

Originally posted by Techru
jim007 - Sorry for the delayed response, I've been away for a week on a business trip.

The latest news on the SA 3250HD is that they had to have all the units upgraded because of a software problem with the EPG. The EPG is software from Pioneer, and there was some problem with memory buffers or something that made it incompatible with the guide. So, the updated software has to be programmed into the memory chips.

The latest ETA, based on the ship-to date means that they will be available in the 2nd week of July.

Thats nice news. I will take a drive in a few weeks.

Originally posted by mhdiab
batorok - just making sure that you know about your legal rights of getting HD without subscribing to digital cable. Basic cable and fee for the box is the max they can charge you for the local HD channels - cable act from -92. You also have the right to get HBO and SHO-HD only without the package and or digital cable. You probably know and don't want to pay for basic cable, but I want to make sure that you do know.

I've called TW about getting just the HD channels but they said I had to get at least the digital tier. I'd love to get the locals HD without using an antenna! How do I make them aware of these facts?

keefer37 -

Just tell the CSR that you want to rent the HD box, but you only will subscribe to BASIC cable service. If they still say that you have to have Digital Tier to get the HD, tell them that's against the Law since the Cable Act of 1992 clearly states that only Basic service is necessary/required.

If the CSR still gives you greif, tell him/her that you wish to speak to a supervisor/manager. Tell them the same thing. This should settle it.

If this still doesn't work, tell them you want to speak to someone in the HD dept. and that if they don't give you satisfactory service you will be calling the Attorny General's office.

It really shouldn't have to go this far, as they are WELL AWARE that if you request HD and Only Basic service, they have to let you have it. They just don't want it well known, as they obviously loose big bucks!

Thanks, I'll look into this and let you all know what happens with it.

I just got a phone call from my friend at my local TWC office in Lumberton NC. He said he just got a memo that DiscoveryHD will be added July 8th on ch. 280. Our cable comes from the Fayetteville hub which is part of the Raleigh/Durham/Fayetteville devision.

I do trust this guy. I've spoke with him atleast twice a week for the past 3 years. If I have a problem with my signal he's the only one that I can depend on to have it corrected before the end of the day, usually within an hour if it's at their end. If he told me this, that's what the memo said that the head office sent him.

They are then using the same channel as currently in Charlotte (280) - wonder what the reason for the one week delay is....

On another note - InDemandHD is supposedly to start test broadcasting in mid-July and be on air in september for full - since TW inked the national agreement with them I hope your friend will get a memo about that going on air soon :)

mhdiab,

As soon as I hear anything I'll let you know. :)

Hello, folks:

I'm just getting into HD in the RDU area, and wanted to say hello and solicit any advice from locals. I am a TWC subscriber and a road runner user, so I'm strongly leaning to using TWC to receive HD signals.

Question: What is the possibility of TWC offering HD STB's that include a DVI output, and when might they be available?

How do other TWC subscribers rate their cable-based HD offerings?

Should I consider OTA and an antenna? How much should I expect to spend for such a setup, and will it offer clear advantages to getting HD via TWC in the Raleigh area? I live in 27612.

Thanks in advance!

Dan

Raleighwood,

I used to have Time Warner Cable and had no complaints on the HD channels. I've got DirecTV and get my local HD stuff OTA. It's hit or miss and varies day to day. If you have TWC already, by all means, stick with them. My parents just got a HDTV and they have TW and couldn't be happier with the offering.

Supposedly TW will be getting Discovery HD in the next couple weeks.

Also, one advantage of TW for your locals HD over OTA is you'll get the demo loop on PBS. Currenly OTA, the local PBS station (UNC-TV) always seems to multicast several SD channels, rather than show anything HD.

Raleighwood - I am in Charlotte and not Raleigh, but as I understand the services are very similiar. I got confirmed by TW (in Raleigh actually) that they should be putting on Discovery HD very soon - this week? the guy continued on by stating that ESPN-HD was next, but his counterpart corrected him and confirmed what is on this forum - FSN is coming next and indemandHD and not ESPN-HD.

I am very happy with TW - the main reason is that I get several HD channels without any extra costs since I have had the digital package before. Maybe my monthly are a bit higher than satelitte etc, but I have no equipment fees and that way when things gets settled within the next 12 months I can decide to keep cable or go with Dish / Direct......simple and I don't feel that I really miss anything by not having OTA - only WB and UPN aren't broadcasted in HD by cable here

Hello all,

You'll note that I am NOT in the Raleigh DMA, however when I turn the Winegard Ghostkiller with 30db amp on the roof and conditions are in the least bit good, I can get the following:

WRAL-HD
53-1 CBS
53-2 News

UNC-TV
59-1 PBS
59-2 PBS-HD
59-3 PBS Kids
59-4 PBS You
59-5 PBS APB

*Note: I cannot switch between the subchannels on 59 without it freezing, forcing me to reacquire the signal.

Now when conditions are really good, I can also get these:

UNC-TV
39-1 PBS
39-2 PBS-HD
39-3 PBS Kids
39-4 PBS You
39-5 PBS APB

WRAY-DT
42-1 SAH

WRAZ-DT
49-1 FOX (1080i)
49-2 FOX (480i)
49-3 Weather

WTVD-DT
52-1 ABC (720p)
52-2 ABC (480i)
52-3 Radar

WNCN-DT
55-1 NBC (1080i)
55-2 NBC (480i)

WLFL-DT (Yes, WLFL-DT is receivable when conditions are good)
57-1 WB (480i)

Plus I can get several Richmond and Greensboro, plus I got WSOC-DT the other day.

I watched ID4 last night on FOX49-1 until 9:30 when I lost it.

*Note: I cannot receive WRDC-DT or WRPX-DT due to WBRA-TV and WFXR-TV, and I think it sucks that I cannot get UPN digitally because of that, and they need to put UPN digital on 57 and WB on 27.

- Trip

Thanks for the info, folks.

General question: when can we reasonably expect regular cable channels like History Channel, Food Network, etc. to begin broadcasting in HD? I guess it depends on each network's schedule and wherewithal... But is there any real info out there about when we may begin seeing the transition? I know about the digital deadline coming up in a few years, but clearly the govt. won't shut down networks that fail to comply or anything...

ESPNHD will be great when it arrives! What is InDemandHD? A PPV HD movie channel?

Above I stated my friend from my local TWC office said DiscoveryHD will be added July 8th (tomorrow) to the Raleigh/Durham/Fayetteville area. Well, sometime this morning they added the name and channel # to the websites city channel listings. You can check your city listing at the link below. DiscoveryHD wasn't listed on there yesterday.

http://www.twc-nc.com/cf/line_ups/index.cfm

Well, I woke up and checked and sure enough, DiscoveryHD had been added to my TWC guide. I watched a little of Great Canadian Rivers this morning and it looks great. I'm getting it from the Fayetteville hub which is part of Raleigh/Durham/Fayetteville devision so Raleigh and Durham should have it now too.

Dave's Home Theater "It's finally done. Time to show-it-off" Party/Meet
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

How 'bout Saturday August 2nd at 7pm for another Home Theater party.

Here's what I've put together to show off.
- Ceiling Mounted Barco CRT
- 6.1 Surround System - Yamaha Receiver and Wharfedale Pacifics mainly.
- Aura Bass Shakers
- HTPC, TheaterTek, Radeon 7500
- TimeWarner Cable Box 3200HD HDTV Receiver
- Custom Cherry Home Cabinetry with 80x45 homemade screen - my own design and build.
- Lutron 4 Zone Lighting Control
- Automatic blind control
- Xantech Infrared distribution system
- Home Theater Master MX-500 remote control.

It's not as well integrated as it should be and I've got a few cosmetic final touches, but I'd love to show it all off and get all your "here's how you coulda-shoulda done it better" ideas. (Be nice, I've spent a year on this thing).
Bring your favorite reference DVD and I'll supply munchies and beer/wine. For obvious reasons, I don't want to post my address on-line along with my equipment list (it's in the West Cary area). If interested, (no commitment necessary), send me a Private Message for directions.

Originally posted by mhdiab
Raleighwood - I am in Charlotte and not Raleigh, but as I understand the services are very similiar. I got confirmed by TW (in Raleigh actually) that they should be putting on Discovery HD very soon - this week? the guy continued on by stating that ESPN-HD was next, but his counterpart corrected him and confirmed what is on this forum - FSN is coming next and indemandHD and not ESPN-HD.

Any idea on a timetable? My parents just got their HD TV and Discovery won't get watched much if ever in their household, but the three listed above will.

Does anybody know if WRDC-DT UPN 28(27.1) out of Raleigh has raised their power? I noticed lastnight and this morning their signal strength here was hitting 79%. Before lastnight it's never gotten above 35%. Usually it fluctuates between 0% and 15%.

Again lastnight and this morning WRDC-DT UPN 28(27.1) out of Raleigh was hitting in the 70's % range. Heck due to tropospheric ducting WRDC-DT UPN 28(27.1) WRAL-DT 5(53.1) out of Raleigh both were hitting on a steady 100%. And I'm 76 mile south of the towers.

I've never gotten UPN OTA. Hmm, I'll rescan my channels tonight.

Currently, as my antenna is pointed, I'm getting ABC, CBS and Fox OTA. I still have yet to be able to find WB for Smallville, nor have I come across UPN.

Tropospheric ducting, Daryl? Man, am I out of MY league. You guys are hard friggin' CORE, man. :D

keefer37,

I still get the week 0 to 15% fluctuations from WLFL-DT UPN 22(57.1) and my toshiba dst3000 needs atleast a 37% signal to get any audio/video. I'm quite possitive WRDC-DT 28 has indeed increased to full power cause their signal strength reading is still maintaining equal strength with WRAL who is at full power and basicly near each other(same block I think they call it tower alley? outside of Garner?).

Raleighwood,

Hehe, tropo ducting has to do with the weather causing RF signal to travel closer to the ground at farther distances making it possible for people to receive tv and radio signal better much farther away. The following link graphs the expected tropo ducting a couple days ahead with color levels. The brighter the color over your location the better the reception possibilities. Ham radio operators use this info all the time for loooooooooong distant comunications. I can't explain it more technically, sorry. I'm a rookie. :)

http://www.globalserve.net/~hepburnw/tropo.html

I must agree--WRDC-DT DOES seem to be much stronger than WLFL-DT now--though not as strong as WRAL-DT. Very noticable here in Charlotte Co., VA, where analog channel 27 had prevented ANY reception of it until last night (although WFXR-TV has been on low power for over a week).

- Trip

Does anyone know if the SA 3250HD will have DVI enabled? Also does anyone have the SA 3250HD yet?

Originally posted by Daryl L
keefer37,

I still get the week 0 to 15% fluctuations from WLFL-DT UPN 22(57.1) and my toshiba dst3000 needs atleast a 37% signal to get any audio/video. I'm quite possitive WRDC-DT 28 has indeed increased to full power cause their signal strength reading is still maintaining equal strength with WRAL who is at full power and basicly near each other(same block I think they call it tower alley? outside of Garner?).

http://www.globalserve.net/~hepburnw/tropo.html

Same block ? - Try "SAME TOWER" !

WRAL, WRAZ (both analog and Digital)
WRDC (Analog and digital (I think))
WLFL (Digital) are all on the same tower

WTVD (analog and digital) and WNCN (17 -analog and digital) are on their own towers not more than .5 mile away from WRAL's tower.

Originally posted by Scooper
Same block ? - Try "SAME TOWER" !

WRAL, WRAZ (both analog and Digital)
WRDC (Analog and digital (I think))
WLFL (Digital) are all on the same tower

WTVD (analog and digital) and WNCN (17 -analog and digital) are on their own towers not more than .5 mile away from WRAL's tower.

So if this is true, why do I get no signal, or crappy signal from 17? Is it a matter of power, rather than distance?

Analog 17, or Digital 55 ?

It may very well be a signal strength issue, an interfernce issue. Let me check another site tonight (and I'll post the URL so you can check your location) that should be able to shed more light on this.

Originally posted by Scooper
Analog 17, or Digital 55 ?

It may very well be a signal strength issue, an interfernce issue. Let me check another site tonight (and I'll post the URL so you can check your location) that should be able to shed more light on this.

The digital (HD) channel, which my HD Tuner remaps to 17-1 I believe.

Thanks. I appreciate it.

Ok - I checked the site www.ardman.net - the digital channel IS slightly weaker than the analog at my zip code. It's probably the same for your place.

Long time no post friends. :)

Yup, UPN is loud and clear hear in Apex. I know some of you are a LOT furhter away that I am, but I could barely get UPN prior to tonight when I checked. Don't know what they did (more power, fixed issue with transmitter or what) but I am extremely happy. Now if I could just lock up WB (same low signal) that would be awsome.

Originally posted by Scooper
Same block ? - Try "SAME TOWER" !HeHeHe I knew they were close to each other. :)

I called "Romeo," the CE at WLFL/WRDC, and he said to write letters--lots of letters--to WLFL/WRDC to show that there is demand for digital TV. He said that they replaced a fiber line to WRDC-DT, that being the only change other than what I believe he said was a temporary test with higher power. *can't remember*

- Trip

I'm new to all of this. Please go easy on me.

I live in Cary and just got a HDTV with tuner. I'm looking for advice on what digitial channels I should be able to get, what resolution they broadcast in, what I need for an over the air antenna, whether Direct TV's HD package is worth while and any other advise you all can offer.

Right now, I am picking up a few digital channels with rabbit ears, but I have no idea if I would get more with a roof top/attic antenna. I receive UNC-HD with a strong signal, but there's nothing on. I heard this channel is supposed to be awesome for quality. Any ideas?

Thanks,

David

howada,

Unfortunately, as it is, UNC-TV isn't broadcasting a HD signal from what I understand. The PBS loop that is availbe via TW Cable is breathtaking, but alas OTA, they don't broadcast (PBS that is).

You should be able to get the three networks, most likely Fox, and maybe UPN and WB.

I totally love the DirecTV HD package, mainly for Discovery and ESPN, though so far, there isn't a whole lot of content on ESPN HD. HDNet looks great too BTW.

Howada, go to www.antennaweb.org . There you can put in your address and the enigine will give you an idea of what type of antenna to use and what stations you can get. My guess is you can definitely get away with an attic mount since you are in Cary.

Has anyone heard about the SA 3250HD coming in yet to raleigh. Wasn't it supposed to come out in the 2nd week of july.
Thanks

I had heard it was the 4200HD that was coming out. I called TWC-Cary a few days ago and they didn't know anything about a new model yet.

What are the chances that the new box will have a DVI output?

Pretty please?

Hi there,

I am wondering if anyone has experience with antennas in the Hope Valley area of Durham. This is for use in a DBS system with a Samsung SIR-TS160. I have tried various antennae(Silver Sensor, Terk TV55, Channel Master 3010) in the home/attic with little success. The SS does the best job, but it is not good enough to hold signals for very long. Mounting in the attic does not get me much, this is a ranch style home, and there are very tall trees around the periphery of the property. So I am going to mount something on the roof/chimney. Right now I am considering the Channel Master 4221(http://www.channelmaster.com/Pages/u1.htm) on a ten foot mast.

Antennaweb says I don't need much for this area code(27703) but my experience suggests otherwise. If anyone here has had success in this part of town I would love to hear about it.

Hey there, DTH.

I'm right down the street from you Woodcroft (27713). We have a three story townhouse and couldn't get anything til I got a Channel Master StealthAntenna in the attic.

Altitude is your friend, so definitely go with the chimney mount. My experience has been CM products are good quality stuff.

Trees ? Trees cut down UHF badly - especially upper UHF (guess where most of the RDU DTV stations are - that's right 52-59 , with Fox DT at 49 and UPN DT at 27). You may wish to use an even larger UHF antenna ( say, the 4228), OUTSIDE, with a good UHF pre-amp (NOT Radio Shack).

Originally posted by thiruvil
Has anyone heard about the SA 3250HD coming in yet to raleigh. Wasn't it supposed to come out in the 2nd week of july.
Thanks

Anyone?

Well, it looks like WRDC-DT 28(27.1) sometime Friday or early Saturday dropped back to low power. :(

Bama, I checked last week and they still didn't have them. Said to check back around 1st of August.

Hi Everyone,

I'm interested in getting HDTV in the triangle. I'm trying to decide on an antenna. My choices so far are Channel Master 4228 or a Crossfire line such as 3677 or 3679. Anyone have any experience with either one?

The crossfire line are uhf/vhf so I can use them for regular analog as well, but not sure how good they are for HD.

Welp, WRDC-DT 28 is back at full power it apears. :)