Originally posted by Cinder
Just tried to watch alias and had no audio. Thank you wear. Anyone else not have audio with wear's hd broadcast last night?

Gee, Cinder, you make me glad I missed Lost caused of my daughter's birthday:) No, miss it all Wednesday.

Audioman1:

For distance, higher is always better. But there is a quick formula for distance that will give you some basic info. It for line of sight and curve of the earth. Distance in miles = Square root ( 2 * tower height in feet). You do this for both towers, your's and the TV station's, and add the results.

From that, going from 20 feet to 30 feet would give an extra 1.5 miles. Not much, is it? But if there is inference from trees and what have you, you can get a better improvement than what is implied. So you just have to try and see.

If you want to see what the FCC has, like the coverage maps I post, go to their TV Query (http://www.fcc.gov/fcc-bin/audio2?x=tvq.html) form and plug in your questions.

Results will be station data for both analog and digital. Look for a link at the transmitter record that is "Service Contour Map (xxdBu)" to get a map like those I posted. Be sure to use the Digital STA record if it is in the results, because that the station's approval to operate a lower power than their construction permit authorized. And both will be there if they got STA.

So what are you currently getting, WMBB-ABC on ch 19 and WJHG-NBC on ch 8 from Panama City?

Cinder,
No audio on WEAR for me on Wednesday, either.

Been reading for a while, first time to post--anyone near Chemstrand and Ten Mile in Pensacola picking up WKRG? I sure would like to get March Madness as well. Just got the tv, and don't have an outdoor antenna as of yet...

Originally posted by Cinder
Just tried to watch alias and had no audio. Thank you wear. Anyone else not have audio with wear's hd broadcast last night?

No Audio during "Lost" on Wednesday. That's the only ABC show I watch...

Steve

quote RickRS:

----------------
I'm just outside of the coverage line, on the west side of Ft. Walton but still in the yellow blob of Ft. Walton on the map. Can't get WTVY at all!
----------------


Rick, I am only 4 miles inside the WTVY ring (Baker) but I get them "loud and clear". Always there and never drops out. (Thank goodness since WKRG is so weak!) It sure seems like west FWB should get them too. My antenna has about 12dBd gain at 36 and is about 25' up. I also use the Radio Shack 2 stage amp to push the signal down about 75 feet of cable. Is your antenna not up to snuff or do you think it's the terrain crushing the signal?

Also, what do you know about the units used on the FCC maps you've linked us to? As I recall the WALA map was a 36dBu ring but WTVY is a 41dBu ring. Do you know what the "u" in dBu means? I suspect it might be "unity" but I'm wondering how the calculation is made. (I'm betting it's calculated and not measured). Maybe they calculate the power at (or very near) the xmitter and define a distance where the signal drops by 41dB. But then it seems like it would be -41dBu. Does anybody know what the ring actually represents? It seems hard to figure. If I get a station loud and clear 4 miles within the ring and RickRS gets ziltch 2 miles outside the ring (with comparable equipment) then you tend to gain some confidence in the info. But then you have people well within the rings for WALA and WKRG who are having a tough time... :confused:

Ricknau,

You are 100% correct, the coverage map is calulated. It's not a "real world" deal where the FCC had crews measure the power level. They are calulating what point the signal drop down to 41 dBu.

FYI,
Decibel is a ratio expressed in logarithmic scale for power. It only a ratio as 'dB", but if you express it in a common engineering standard, it becomes a power level. I think 'dBu' is "decibels referenced to 1 microwatt". I KNOW dBm is "decibels referenced to 1 milliwatt" and dBw is "decibels referenced to 1 watt".. So if 'u' is a microwatt and 41 dB is a power ratio of 12,589 , 41 dBu is 12.589 milliwatts. So the 41dBu curve is where FCC calulated the transmitting station's radiated power is now at 12.589 milliwatts, using the transmitter ERP and transmitting antenna polar responce. I hope they are using radiating tower height, too, in case somebody is too low, but I don't know.

DTV standards have a step for different frequencies, with more power required for higher frequencies. Standards are for DTV channels 2-6 is 28dBu, ch. 7-13 is 36 dBu, and Ch 14-69 is 41 dBu. This is to reflect the fact that there is more noise, either in the receivers input stage or from background radiation, as the frequencies go up. So WALA Ch 9 is one level, and WKRG Ch 36 is another.

You have tons of variables in any antenna situation. There is antenna gain, downlead cable loss, preamp noise, and TV receiver sensitivity, which can be different in every situation. Trees, buildings, elevation are all factors.

RickRS,

You are obviously very knowledgable so you'd know if your system was adaquate or not for pulling in Dothan. I just wanted to share my experience so you'd have a reference. I was overjoyed to see CBS come in from the east after buying a high gain antenna and crapping out with WKRG.

Hmmm... let's take this a little further. I'm thinking out loud here, see if this makes sense. If 12.5 milliwatts at the reciever is the standard for "good" or "minimum" or 1:1 SNR or whatever the quality factor for 41dBu stations, then for 36dBu stations we'd expect to require 4 milliwatts ( log (4000) * 10 ) to have that same "quality". So it would seem that a 36dBu station could get by using about 1/3 the power of the 41dBu station ( 4/12.5 ). Now let's see, WPMI transmitts at 1000kW so WALA would need 333kW to match WPMI's "quality" at any given distance. And WALA aspires to boost their power to 29kW? I must be missing something or it's just hopeless. Probably both. :rolleyes:

The distance of coverage is not mandated, other than avoidance of interference with other stations. WALA and WPMI do not have to have the same coverage. In fact WALA analog coverage is not as good as WPMI's.

I'm with you, I wish WALA was throwing a signal out that went as far as WMPI!!!

Here's something interesting: WALA was approved for 124kW to start with, as shown by this FFC Grant 2/28/02. (http://svartifoss2.fcc.gov/prod/cdbs/pubacc/Auth_Files/423154.pdf). Interesting. Cause I think WALA was at 124 kW back in 2002. In fact, they claim reports that people in Okaloosa county were receiving their DTV signal when I wrote them back in 2002 to ask if they could do anything to improve my nonexisting reception.

And then WALA was granted a "minor modification" on Nov. 1, 2004 for 29kW and an extra 35 meters of tower height with a different antenna. WALA application (http://svartifoss2.fcc.gov/cgi-bin/ws.exe/prod/cdbs/forms/prod/cdbsmenu.hts?context=25&appn=101022454&formid=301&fac_num=4143). I'm wondering what "Freeze Order DA-04-2446" on the application is about?

If I'm right that WALA was 124kW in the past, when did they switch to only 16 kW.

Anyway... the point of my use of coverage maps is to show what may be possible (well inside coverage area), difficult (close to the edge of coverage) and hopeless (far outside of coverage).

Originally posted by Ricknau
RickRS,

You are obviously very knowledgable so you'd know if your system was adaquate or not for pulling in Dothan. I just wanted to share my experience so you'd have a reference. I was overjoyed to see CBS come in from the east after buying a high gain antenna and crapping out with WKRG.

And sharing our experience is the key. The more real world knowledge of what's possible, the less pain a newbie has to go through to get OTA reception.

I wonder if I cut down some trees in my neighbors backyards if Dothan's CBS-HD would finally get to me:D Since WKRG is scheduled for a big increase in their power and antenna height, I think I will just wait and see if OTA CBS-HD is almost here

Keeping my fingers crossed for you!

Thought i'd throw this out there. If anyone is in the market for a subwoofer i have a james cinema 10, 750 watt front firing 10" sub. great little sub, very musical. anyway i have it in inventory because i customer decided to go with a top end james sub. Anyway, if anyone is interested pm me and i'll let you know the price. I just want to move it so i don't carry it in inventory, so the price will be good for this type of sub.

Daniel

So what are you currently getting, WMBB-ABC on ch 19 and WJHG-NBC on ch 8 from Panama City? [/B][/QUOTE]

CBS - 3
NBC - 7
ABC - 13
FOX - 28

Just got A LG LST 4200 From Cinder today, Put up a new antenna, Got stuff a little figured out and checked the paper for HD tonight. Nada darn thing In HD. :mad: I want to see if the CM 3010 will pick anything up, If not I will take it back and get a monster antenna. Antenna.org gave me results that I needed a big antenna. a Friend of mine is getting all but one of the locals on a dish antenna further from the towers than I am. The only thing he does not get is CBS, From reading here it is a problem anyway.
Cinder was great to deal with. I will let the forum know what I find as a new guy goes through his growing pains.

Thank You, Cinder.

Mark.

Thanks for the kind words, here's some info on abc (wear):

"I may have an answer for you. Although we constantly monitor the video on 3.1, we do not currently monitor the audio at all times (the digital audio is about 3 seconds behind the analog, so it's confusing in Master Control if 3, 3.1 and 3.2 are all turned up...along with both the analog and digital audio from our co-owned WFGX-TV35/DT50...all in the same room!). It's quite possible that the operators actually did not turn up the 3.1 digital channel audio to check it on that night. We're working on a system to correct this deficiency. In the meantime, Operators will be required to spot check audio on each channel to ensure that we indeed have a proper signal.

Thanks for bringing this to our attention...and have a very nice day!

Joe

I was wondering what WEAR 3.1 & 3.2 were... My voom box was getting a signal when it scanned for channels, even though there isn't a picture coming in. why is there 2 channels anyway? I get 13.1 and 13.2 the 13.2 just shows the Radar from channel 13 which is ABC here,
How much longer will it take for CBS Dothan to broadcast Digital? Does anyone know...

Dothan has been digital and HD since 2003, Audioman1. They are transmitting on channel 36. The range is pretty good but doesn't reach as far as their analog transmission (STA).

WEAR tower is beside I-10 on the other side of the AL-FL border, about half way between stateline and Mobile. They transmits on channel 17. Are you sure you're getting anything from them, as I'm guessing that's 150 miles or more.

Ok some one told me that they would be broadcasting digital to our area, and was just wondering when. I guess 36 is just to far,
3.1sd & 3.2 HD or something like that is what it says, I had a Basketball game come in on it last weekend. strange

Scraped the CM 3010 although it did pick up the locals. Put up a CM 3671 and am happy with the results. I was surprised at the size of the thing! It is big. The 3671 coupled with the LG LST 4200 seems to be working great, for now I am going to enjoy the HD. A rotator may come some day.

Mark

I ordered a rotator and got it up last week, did all the tie down cables 30 ft. in the air, turned on the rotator and is didn't turn, I almost cried after doing this all day alone. it was hell getting that thing up in the air, I took it all down and tapped on it and it started, but I had to tap it every time, so now i have to wait till the on-line Co. replaces it. what a week.....:(

I'm working on trying to get good am antenna reception for a customer in magnolia springs with a tin roof. I tried an antenna specifically made for this from c crane, but to no avail. Does anyone have any suggestions? They listen to 710 AM and this is the biggest priority right now. I appreciate any help or advice.

Thanks,
Daniel

Daniel I just tried to get it on my Onkyo, no go. Tried it on Pats 05 Honda, nothing. I have never got it here at night, and not to good in the day time. As you go up 98 or 27 it will start to come in. About half way from Magnolia Springs to your house you will get it ok.

I can pick it up fine with my car in their driveway, but can't get anything to work for their house so far. Thanks for letting me know about the problems there. They're holding my money hostage until i finish this very small part of a very very large job. If anyone knows a lot about am and is willing to give me a hand tomorrow i'll sell them anything i carry at wholesale (plus shipping), anything and the offer will be good until they buy the product.

thanks,
Daniel

Re: AM antenna and tin roof...
Don't know the details of what you tried. With a tin roof, I would stay out of the attic, figure out which exterior wall faces the transmitter, and put something appropriate Right There, looking out from well below the tin roof. Or try it on top of the roof. I don't think it requires some fancy product, but rather an antenna specifically for AM and oriented the right way. Maybe something like this: http://beradio.com/news/radio_shieldedloop_am_antenna/index.html. (If this link doesn't work, go to www.bereadio.com and search on "shielded loop am antenna", in results find article from Oct 11, 2001.) Somewhere on that site, they've also got pictures about putting the shielded loop antenna inside a Hula Hoop to keep it round and weather-protected ;-)

Thanks for the help and links.

Daniel

Daniel,

My first reaction was to suggest a home-made quarter-wave loop antenna outside, but the size seemed way big and would have practical concerns for most homeowners. (Think something like 100 meters of wire stretched between some trees.)

Maybe something like this (http://www.antennex.com/palomar/loop.htm) but it seems a little pricey.

Trying to get away from the metal roof would be the key. Good luck

Well i got it working. I ran 18 gauge 2 conductor speaker wire from the receiver, down the house, buried it and ran it to a tree, then came out of the ground and wrapped it around the tree. I then took the positive and negative and looped them together and electrical taped it. Turned out perfect, they get many am channels, but 710 is perfect (or as near it as it will get). Thanks for the help.

Daniel

Anyone experiencing OTA reception problems with our locals? It started on Tuesday night with bad reception and low signal strengths.

Ok here, no problem.

Fine on my end.

joverstr2,

Definitely having reception problems. And my problems have not just been P'cola and Mobile. I am towards the east and get Dothan very well, except this past week. I have noticed that FM radio reception has been weak also. My wife and some co-workers said they had noticed the radio drop off too. That makes me think I'm not crazy. Maybe there's been some solar flare activity or something.

Actually, right now (Fri night), I'm not getting 15 or 44 at all. I'm wondering if they were knocked out by a thunderstorm.

I just wanted to thank all of you for the helpful information. I have read the last 50 pages of the thread & have learned from all your trials and tribulations. I bought a Westinghouse 30" LCD set a few weeks ago and after much reading decided to try the USDTV OTA receiver from Walmart.

I got it yesterday (2nd) and hooked up my external RS antenna.

Lo and behold, I got everything on the FIRST scan. 3-1 & 3-2 were perfect, 10-1 & 10-2 had no troubles, 5-1 & doppler on 5-2, PBS was great -- I don't know if I should run right out and buy a few dozen lottery tickets to see if the luck holds or what!!!

This HD stuff has a heck of a learning curve, so I just wanted to say that I appreciate all the help you've given this newcomer by telling it like it was for each of you. Looking forward to LOTS of fun ahead -- Neal.

Is WALA still having issues with their bandwidth problems which translate to intermitten sound or is it just me?

I had signal strength problems last week too. I missed "24" on Fox HD. Hopefully that wont happen tonight.

I have been getting dropouts and sound problems with my reception. I think it is coming from a guy that lives about 1/4 mile from my house that is a Ham. The FCC told me it was my problem not his. Is there any filters or jamming equipment that I can use or did I just pay a bunch of money on reception stuff that does me no good?

Mark

Originally posted by hello911
I just wanted to thank all of you for the helpful information. I have read the last 50 pages of the thread & have learned from all your trials and tribulations.

Holy cr*p!, you read 50 pages of this stuff? My hat is off to you, Neal, I would have given up way short of that. Glad you found something usable in our rants:)

Originally posted by Audioman1
What town does your CBS come from, I was told by Dish that Panama City was getting a local CBS instead of Dothan's broadcast. Of coarse they didn't know when.....;)

Audioman1,
WTVY is the local CBS affiliate for Panama City. WMBB is the local ABC affiliate and WJHG is the local NBC affiliate. WTVY booms in because its tower is not in Dothan, but is actually between Dothan and Panama City, at Miller's Crossroads, FL. They boast that they serve "The Tri-States" , that being the Florida panhandle, southeastern Alabama, and southwestern Georgia.

2 weeks ago I decided to pick up an HD box from COX since I had been told that they now had the 3250 boxes with firewire. Oh what fun I had. Monday went into COX in Fort Walton I asked for a 3250HD box with active firewire, no ones knows what firewire is, I tell them thats its been a requirement for almost a year that they provide HD boxes with operating firewire ports. Told that ifs that the case then they must be turned on. Went home hooked up box to a JVC 30k and no firewire connection. I checked the firmware on the box and found that it was version 1.52 which does not support firewire. Called COX tech support and was told thet do not support firewire on the 3250 only on the HD DVR's. Back to the office on Tuesday and told them I wanted a 8300 since tech support told me to ask for. No problem but there would be an extra charge, I replied "hell no" and asked for a manager. 20 minutes later I was told they had just received an emial that afternoon about firewire and if I left the box it would be upgraded and I could get it back on Wenesday. Back on Wednesday picked up box went home and guess what? The same 1.52 firmware. On Thursday I was a little bitchy and got another box that had been upgraded while I waited, it even had a sticker on the bottom that said "1394 enabled. Guess what, another 1.52 firmware. On Friday they took one look at me and ran for an engineer. Finally someone at COX who wasnt a complete moron, if you need him I believe his name is Robert Kennedy, He knew that 1.52 firmware would not work and went off with my box and loaded 1.57.7.1 on it, he could not explain why it took all week to accomplish this but did say I was the first customer, at least in the FWB area to ask for a box with firewire. So its possible locally to record HD if you can go to COX everyday for a week and not go postal. I cant wait to go back in July and ask about DVI :)

On Friday they took one look at me and ran for an engineer.
That cracked me up:D

Has the COX local HD line-up improved? They got anybody besides WSRE?

Yes Robert, we live among the ignorant & unwashed !!!
I recently had a Comcast tech tell me he could not hook up my Monster component cable cause all he knew was the Red-Green-Blue cables with the STB.

The locals are being pulled into the 21st century yelling & screaming!!

Originally posted by RickRS
Has the COX local HD line-up improved? They got anybody besides WSRE?

WPMI (NBC)
ESPN
Universal HD
INHD1
INHD2
Discovery HD
HBO-HD (Pay)
SHOW-HD (Pay)

All HD channels, except ShowTime and HBO, are included with the basic monthly HD subscription.

I subscribe and have enjoyed it. I'm looking forward to the other local channels but realize it's a matter of Bussiness negotiations as to when they will be available. (That's why I also get the OTA HD)

Steve

Thanks, Steve.

I see that there has been no change in local HD (I forgot that it was only WPMI, not WSRE, that is the single local HD on COX).

Rick, WSRE and WPMI are both included on COX.

Well, still waiting for the day that FOX-HD is available from COX, along with ABC and CBS. Its unbelievable how long COX has let this thing go. Of course, with DSB limits in place, they don't feel any competition.

Rick, thay better get get ready................I have networks in HD from D* now.

Sea Launch is currently preparing for the launch of DIRECTV's Spaceway satellite, at the end of April. The Boeing 702 spacecraft is the first of four Ka-band satellites that will enable DIRECTV to deliver more than 1,500 local and national High Definition channels and other advanced programming services to consumers nationwide.

Strange Reception Issue

I have two ATSC tuners. One is built-in to my Mitsubishi 52725. On this tuner, all the digital channels correctly remap and show program information except for WPMI-DT. I can receive their HD channel as 47-3 but it doesn't move to 15-1 as it should, and 47-4 is their digitized SD broadcast which should appear as 15-2 but it doesn't. Neither show any program information.

The second tuner is the Hughes Satellite/OTA tuner. On this one, everything is normal (47-3 does remap to 15-1), and the correct program material appears. However, and here is the strange one, 15-2 appears and is labeled as WPMI digitized SD but the audio and video have been Channel 3's (ABC) digitized SD broadcast with the ABC/WEAR bug in the lower right corner.

Any one else in the area observing anything like this? Tim Reid of WPMI hasn't been able to come up with an answer yet.

Originally posted by ROBERT HUNZEKER
2 weeks ago I decided to pick up an HD box from COX since I had been told that they now had the 3250 boxes with firewire. So its possible locally to record HD if you can go to COX everyday for a week and not go postal. I cant wait to go back in July and ask about DVI :)

So, will the firewire on the box allow me to dump recorded shows to my computer?

Thanks,
Steve

Steve,
The 3250HD is not a DVR, there is no "recorded shows". You can set VCR timer on the box and record to DVHS, with a JVC 30K you wil need a remote that sends timed commands since it does not allow timer recording from the firewire input, stupid JVC decision, other DVHS decks do allow this. Other option is no use a MAC since there is an app that uses iCal to setup timed recordings, including an addon to access tvguide for channel info, works as 90% of a DVR except it cant send channel change commands to a SA box only a motorola so you have to set timers on the 3250 and the computer but it works fairly easily when you consider that you are getting to record HD. On the PC you could use the capdvhs or dvhstool progs which are free or you buy TSReader. I think TSReader will allow timed recording other 2 are manual, I guess you could run then with a bat file and windows scheduler. Hope this helps.

Guys I have a new sencore audio generator and would love to fine tune some of your audio systems. I'm having a slow month and would be happy to give a great discount on a professional audio calibration. I can do video calibrations as well if anyone is interested.

PM or email me, i'll discount further if more than one person wants a full calibration. I'm not isf or haa certified at this time, but i've had all the training. I just can't get in the testing until november.

Look forward to hearing from you. As always if any avsers want any equipment i'll give you a nice AVS discount.

Daniel
daniel@absolutehometheater.net

Originally posted by ROBERT HUNZEKER
Steve,
The 3250HD is not a DVR,

Sorry, I thought you ended up going with the 8300HD which is the DVR version. That's what I have.

Steve

Hello all,

Hi, noob here, I am about to go HD, and was wondering if anyone could give me a quick recap on what is available OTA, if anything, in the Niceville area. I have a nice channel Master long range antenna I could throw up on a tower, with a rotor, and was wondering if it would do me any good. I am out by the college (OWCC).

I read the first few, and the last few pages, but man, there are a few.

Can anybody give me the skinny?

Thanks!

Bruce, use this link http://www.antennaweb.org/aw/welcome.aspx
To see what reception you may get and what kind of antenna you may need.

Mark

Did anyone watch revelations on NBC tonight, the HD feed on COX was terrible, everytime there was a lightning flash the picture macroblocked to the point where you couldnt see anything, there was also problems with the audio crackling every few minutes. If anyone watched the OTA feed I am wondering if its was the same or is COX to blame.

Bob

Anybody notice WPMI right audio channel sounding scratchy? All other channels and DVDs sound fine. I only notice it intermittently. I noticed it during Revelations and Law and Order tonight.

Steve

Being down in the flats, you might not get a lot of anything OTA unless you can point your antenna NE towards Bonifay. WTVY-DT has a pretty good signal that MAY get your way. As for the Mobile and Pensacola stations you might get WSRE-DT, which is the PBS affiliate, the other stations are pretty much a lot of work to get, you need height and an efficient UHF antenna. Robert H may have some insights he can share, he seems to be the local FWB/Niceville/Mary Esther digital TV guru. I am up about 250 feet just north of Bob Sikes Airport, but can't get the Mobile Fox or CBS stations as I am out of their signal contour. I get WSRE, WEAR (when their transmitter is running). and WPMI as well as WTVY from Dothan/Panama City. I keep tweaking and it gets better all the time. I think the engineers at the stations are doing the same. It's a learning curve at both ends and we are both at the bleeding edge of the technology, though I did see HDTV receivers at Wal-Mart for $899 (!)

Originally posted by ROBERT HUNZEKER
Did anyone watch revelations on NBC tonight, the HD feed on COX was terrible, everytime there was a lightning flash the picture macroblocked to the point where you couldnt see anything, there was also problems with the audio crackling every few minutes. If anyone watched the OTA feed I am wondering if its was the same or is COX to blame.

Bob

Not just Cox, I get it OTA and saw the same thing on Revelations and got the scratchy audio during L & O as well. Think it may be an NBC thing??

J C

Originally posted by JC West
Not just Cox, I get it OTA and saw the same thing on Revelations and got the scratchy audio during L & O as well. Think it may be an NBC thing??

J C

I watched the Cox feed and captured the OTA HD feed. They both had the bad audio. It's probably WPMI.

Steve

Is it just me or did anyone else experience massive breakups and constantly switching from 16:9 to 4:3 format during The O. C. and Tru Calling tonight?

Does anyone know it WALA has made the modifications they promised in mid March?

This is a reply from Mr. Fields when I questioned him some time ago.

J C

Hello,


We do have a solution in the works to correct the digital breakup on WALA and improve the picture quality of WBPG. Equipment is on order that will allow us to move our data services to a different path. This will free up sufficient bandwidth to resolve the digital breakup for WALA and improve picture quality on WBPG. Equipment is scheduled to be installed middle of March.

Thanks for Watching WALA and WBPG,





Roland Fields

Originally posted by Bruce/Fl
Can anybody give me the skinny?

Thanks!

Bruce, I pm'ed you about the locals. I think you're are our first from Niceville.

WARNING!!! I going to start posting those FCC maps again:D

These are estimated current coverage. You can find the FCC database I get this from here (http://www.fcc.gov/fcc-bin/audio2?x=tvq.html)

ABC (ch 17) from Pensacola is like this (http://www.fcc.gov/fcc-bin/FMTV-service-area?x=DT562364.html).

ABC (ch 19) from Panama City is shown here (http://www.fcc.gov/fcc-bin/FMTV-service-area?x=DS601001.html). This doesn't look promising but I would check it out myself first.

CBS (ch 27) from Mobile is shown as it currently is, here (http://www.fcc.gov/fcc-bin/FMTV-service-area?x=DS593820.html) and this is what it will be this summer, in future (http://www.fcc.gov/fcc-bin/FMTV-service-area?x=DT499365.html). Not sure if it will be enough.

CBS (ch 36) from Dothan is here (http://www.fcc.gov/fcc-bin/FMTV-service-area?x=DS989152.html) right now, so this is where I think you will get CBS Later, they will switch from channel 36 to channel 4 for DTV and the range will increase to this (http://www.fcc.gov/fcc-bin/FMTV-service-area?x=DT421541.html). They won't tell you when cause they are waiting for the DTV switch-over, which has an unknown date.

NBC (ch 47) from Mobile is here (http://www.fcc.gov/fcc-bin/FMTV-service-area?x=DT619714.html). There is no signal of any strength from Panama for NBC.

UPN (ch 45) from Mobile is here (http://www.fcc.gov/fcc-bin/FMTV-service-area?x=DT616146.html)

FOX and WB (ch 10) from Mobile is here (http://www.fcc.gov/fcc-bin/FMTV-service-area?x=DS1022736.html) I think we won't see this until the cable provides it. Is available from DirecTV if you can get the waivers.

PBS (ch 31) from Pensacola is here (http://www.fcc.gov/fcc-bin/FMTV-service-area?x=DS593707.html) Close to the edge on this one.

PBS (ch 38) from Panama is here (http://www.fcc.gov/fcc-bin/FMTV-service-area?x=DT629989.html) but I think its not HD.

Everybody is HD, when available (meaning if the show is actually in HD, some are not) except for PBS from Panama.

Do note that in Niceville, as in FWB, you are far-fringe. You should go for the highest gain antenna you can get and get it up as high as you can. 30 feet is a practical number for your mast. A rotor would be a good investment, or a multiple antenna setup, instead. A good pre-amp would be nice too, but you could try without to see if its necessary.

And finally, those maps are estimates. The farther inside the coverage you are, the better it will be. Being on the outside will not doom you to no reception, but you may have to go for a super setup to pull them in. You just have to find out for yourself.

Originally posted by RickRS
CBS (ch 27) from Mobile is shown as it currently is, here (http://www.fcc.gov/fcc-bin/FMTV-service-area?x=DS593820.html) and this is what it will be this summer, in future (http://www.fcc.gov/fcc-bin/FMTV-service-area?x=DT499365.html). Not sure if it will be enough.

Rick,

Thanks for the info and links. I checked them out last time you posted them, as well...

I live on the West side of Pensacola and have a 20 foot mast with a preamp. I get all of the channels availabe but CBS has got to be the hardest to pick up. On my MDP-130 card it shows a 30% - 40% signal while all of the others are in the 85% - 100% range. I use it for adjusting the direction my antenna points...:)


Steve

Originally posted by RickRS
Bruce, I pm'ed you about the locals. I think you're are our first from Niceville.



Rick,

Awesome post, and thanks for the PM.

I will probably be in touch with you soon.

And now that it looks like it may be possible to actually get something OTA, what are our options on getting towers? 30 years ago, they were everywhere, but with the advent of cable, they are almost extinct.

Where have you that have them, gotten them?

Thanks.

Bruce,

If you want a tower, my mom has a Rohm 40 foot dismantled and on the ground. These are the triangular towers used by radio operators. She doesn't have a base for it. She would sell it if anyone offered. I have a 50 foot, also on the ground except for a 20 foot section holding up my antenna. Frankly, I getting older and too nervous about heights to want to mess with a full tower anymore. These things are a bear to get up.

Both Radio Shack and Lowes of FWB have telescopic TV masts. Lowes has 30 foot from Channel Master, RS I'm not sure of, but they may have 20 foot, 30 foot, and 40 foot.

Steve,

You're welcome. The info was intended to bring Bruce in Niceville up-to-date, as he ran out of steam reading the history of DTV in our area, aka this thread, so it repeats stuff from earlier this year. Your CBS problems should be solved this summer. Let's hope that WKRG can get the new antenna on a higher tower, with a Megawatt of transmission power on-line by end of July, as promised.

Originally posted by RickRS
Bruce,

If you want a tower, my mom has a Rohm 40 foot dismantled and on the ground. These are the triangular towers used by radio operators. She doesn't have a base for it. She would sell it if anyone offered. I have a 50 foot, also on the ground except for a 20 foot section holding up my antenna. Frankly, I getting older and too nervous about heights to want to mess with a full tower anymore. These things are a bear to get up.



Thanks again Rick!

That is actually what I was looking at getting, the triangular type. I'll be in touch.

I have a Channel Master 3020 that I picked up a few years ago, for just this use.

I tried to post a link for the antenna, but I don't have enough posts yet to do that apparantly.....a quick google will show it, what do you think, will that antenna do a good job for me?

And I will put up a rotor as well.

Bruce, the CM3020 is Channel Master's top Advantage series antenna, intended for far-fringe use. It should do well.

There are some other antennas that could get you a little more gain. I suggest you go ahead with the CM3020 and see how well it performs in your location. A pre-amp would be a good investment, as well.

If it doesn't work out for you, you could try a number of other antennas, such as the CM4228, which is a UHF only 8 bow-tie, the CM3671 from Channel Master's Top-of-Line Crossfire series, or Wingard's HD8200, both which are VHF/UHF combos.

Using Channel Master's data on the StarkElectronic.com site,
ABC-3 (on ch17) would be about 9 dB gain with CM3020 and about 11 dB with CM4228.
UPN-44 (on ch 45) would be about 10 dB gain with CM3020 and about 13 with CM4228.

So you can get better antennas if you have to, but try what you already have first. Don't want to break the bank experimenting with antennas:D

A good primer on the subject of antennas is available at HDTV Primer (http://www.hdtvprimer.com/) and a simulation the author has of different antenna types is available here (http://www.hdtvprimer.com/ANTENNAS/comparing.html) .

You could try this.

I'm in Niceville too and was wondering if anyone locally has had any luck with HD waivers from D*. I currently have Voom and cox but am getting tired of on Cox's "we're in negotiations" line for local HD. Looking at a different sat provider now and would go with D* if HD networks were attainable.
Thx
Greg

Greg,

I believe a guy I work with at my second job has D* locals, well no, actually come to think of it what he said was he was getting the two coast feeds for the networks, LA and NY.

So maybe that's all you can get from them right now.

Originally posted by Bruce/Fl
Greg,

I believe a guy I work with at my second job has D* locals, well no, actually come to think of it what he said was he was getting the two coast feeds for the networks, LA and NY.

So maybe that's all you can get from them right now.

Talked with him today, yes, he's getting the "distant" locals....how's that for an oxymoron, anyways, all the affiliates down here signed off allowing it, except for NBC apparantly.

Just a FYI

Thx for asking Bruce. I get NBC on Cox in HD so D* might actually work out.
Greg

I get NBC in Crestview with a roof top antenna facing toward Dothan (most times). It is understandable why they won't allow waivers since they have the strongest digital signal of all the network affiliates.

Originally posted by Bruce/Fl
Thanks again Rick!

That is actually what I was looking at getting, the triangular type. I'll be in touch.

I have a Channel Master 3020 that I picked up a few years ago, for just this use.

I tried to post a link for the antenna, but I don't have enough posts yet to do that apparantly.....a quick google will show it, what do you think, will that antenna do a good job for me?

And I will put up a rotor as well.
I have the same antenna with a rotator and its 60ft above the ground, I can watch ABC in Pensacola and CBS in Dothan and I live 40 miles south of Panama City, So you should be able to get any thing you want..

Wow, Audioman, towers for WEAR-ABC on Channel 17 is about 60 miles NWW from me and I'm about 60 miles west of Panama City. That puts you well over 120 miles from the tower, maybe 160 miles. What antenna are you using? Is WEAR reception good all the time or do you have drop-out problems at times? What HD receiver are you using?

I'm using the same antenna as you have, Channel Master 3020 I get (wear 3.1 & 3.2 ) but it is ABC I can get a signal about 75% of the time, I'm about 1500ft from the beach so I have a clear line of sight.
I'm still using my Voom receiver I'll let you know if its as good with D* next week.

WKRG-DT

I notice that WKRG-DT filed an application with the FCC on 04/04/05 to lower their new transmitter to 499 meters HAAT. The previous construction permit was for a location at 557 meters. They have new proposed contour maps:

http://svartifoss2.fcc.gov/prod/cdbs/forms/prod/getattachment_exh.cgi?exhibit_id=298258

Reception in the outer regions (Niceville, FWB, Biloxi) will be negatively impacted according to the diagrams if the request is approved.

Damn!

While WKRG's proposal states that it has no impact of the 41dBu coverage area, it clearly shortens the other edge of coverage just enough to fall short of Ft. Walton and Crestview.

It is possible that the directional antenna will do a little better than expected, but its also entirely possible that Ft. Walton, Niceville, and Crestview will be diappointed with WKRG's improvements. We'll see what happens.

WEAR-DT

I presume that WEAR-DT (ABC) got hit during the thunderstorm on Saturday, 30 April, as I have had no signal on channel 17 since then. Anyone have any further information?

Same here, No signal.

J C

This is extremely annoying, went to watch desperate with my wife and of course the tivo didn't record because there was no signal.. I also assume it was hit, but can't they email us or post something to let us know...

Daniel,

We got KILLED on Saturday morning. Lightning hit our microwave tower out behind the station and fried our microwave gear. We finally got back on with our analog, but the digital microwave is dead, and we couldn't get hold of anyone to get a replacement until today. I don't know at this time how soon we'll have a replacement in here. I'll try to let you know later today.

Thanks,

Joe

I would have thought there would be a way to ground their equipment, or use some form of surge protection. I'm sure it would be expensive, but cheaper than replacing devices. But, maybe their insurance covers it.

Grounding? Surge Protectors? What is that ? :)

I'm in northeast Pensacola and I have an 80" radio shack antenna (chimney mounted on a 2-story house with a 5-foot mast) and a USDTV (Wal-Mart) receiver. I get most channels near maximum strength (FOX, UPN, NBC, PBS, ABC when it's operational) and CBS (WKRG) at about half-strength. Even at near-full strength, the good channels get some interference. WKRG is pretty lousy most of the time. Would I benefit from a channel master 7777 pre-amp? I'd hate to drop the $60 without knowing if it will help.

Also, any thoughts on a 10' mast & chimney mount? I have some high trees on my neighbor's property which are in the LOS of the antenna. Would I need to install guy wires if I used a taller mast?

Thanks in advance.

Higher is better in Fl. since the state is so flat. I'm using the Radio Shack 2 piece Booster and I can get Pensacola 3-1 & 3-2 but i'm sure they have a strong signal. I'm down by Port St. Joe Beach just past Mexico Beach, I have a rotator also.
I just want to let some people know that I have my new DirecTV H-10 HD Receiver hooked up now and I noticed it isn't as good as getting the far away channels like my Voom HD Receiver did But It will work ok for me, We don't get HD cable here so I just have the basic 13 channels from them and I have the antenna for the shows in HD for my big TV.

That H10 is a weird box. I just installed one for a customer who lost voom and he now gets every station except nbc. With the voom box he only got mobile pbs. Antenna is in the same spot and nothing has changed. That said he's near the malbis mall and i think there is a lot of interference the voom box couldn't sort out.

Welcome fl_litig8r!

WKRG will be getting a taller tower and higher power in a couple of months. That may work wonders once for you once it is complete without you having to do anything.

For your other channels, if you're near full strength on the bar indicator (or whatever your tuner uses) I don't think a pre-amp would help. If the signal was weak, like on WKRG, yes, a pre-amp might get you in the black. If the problem is multi-path interference, a pre-amp won't do a thing. For that, relocating the antenna and/or using a very directional antenna can help. You can try a pre-amp, as you never know.

As you get bigger and higher gain antennas, they typically get more and more directional, which can help you with multi-path interference, so one approach can be to exchange the Radio Shack for the 120" or 160" model.

Bad thing about the antenna setup thing is that it can be a crapshoot. We can't tell you what will be the best for the least money, guaranteed. You just have to find out for yourself.

Some tips on antennas can be found at
HDTV Primer (http://www.hdtvprimer.com/ISSUES/erecting_antenna.html)

Is anyone else in the Mobile area using this receiver? If so what are you seeing for signal strength? I have a high gain antenna and am only showing about half strength on all the channels. I have a great picture on all channels now, Even fox that was a problem at first.

Mark

Originally posted by 99LSFM2
Is anyone else in the Mobile area using this receiver? If so what are you seeing for signal strength? I have a high gain antenna and am only showing about half strength on all the channels. I have a great picture on all channels now, Even fox that was a problem at first.

Mark

Greetings:
I've wanted to find out what this box will do locally.

Exactly where are you in Mobile?
Are you currently getting breakups on WB 10-2 and Fox 10-1?

Thanks
J C

Mark,

It may be like my Samsung SIR-T150; The bar graph will be at a couple of bars when the signal is locking in and never gets above the half way mark while having a perfect picture.

The bar indicator does not really show signal strength, it shows percentage of dropped bits, or something like that. Samsung "recalibrated" the bar graph on later models because people complained that other brands got 80-90 percent on their bar graphs when the Samsung would only get 50-60 percent. Both got perfect reception, of course :)

WEAR DT is back up but the SD looks real bad on my set. Very blotchy. I wonder if they're still waiting on replacement parts to get them back to normal.

Also, I'm getting a 2 second sound delay on WSRE that I never had. I thought it was my new H-10 box from Directv but I hooked up my old Voom box and see/hear the same thing. :-(

I was getting the sound delay on WSRE as well. It must be a problem on their end.

I've lost wsre completely for no reason (maybe leaves...) had it all last year , now only about 40%.

If anyone is looking for a quality subwoofer i have a company that is havinga preorder promotion on a real nice one. It's in the 10" 300 watt 12" by 12" cube mode, but direct and passive radiator and a quality piece that is not boomy. I can only get six and i'm just trying to fulfill my opening order if anyone is interested.

Daniel

Revelations on WPMI

Does anyone here follow this show. Twice now, the first 10 minutes have been in SD and then they switched it to HD after that. That was bad enough, but last night got even worse. When they finally switched from SD to HD, they turned off the sound. I don't mean they turned off surround sound. They turned off the sound. As much as I enjoyed HD picture quality, I enjoy knowing what is going on more.

saw the same thing here on Revelations

Originally posted by jello212
Revelations on WPMI

When they finally switched from SD to HD, they turned off the sound. I don't mean they turned off surround sound. They turned off the sound. As much as I enjoyed HD picture quality, I enjoy knowing what is going on more.

Actualy the sound was on for the commercials. That's what pays their bills anyway.....:)

I like the way they often cut back to SD about a minute before the end of various Law and Orders.

This situation about falling short of Crestview/Niceville/Ft. Walton could be more of an economic pie fight between the affiliates and the network. Have you noticed that Cox Cable does not carry two ABC signals on its systems in the area, but the lowly little Valparaiso Cable (city owned) carries ABC from Panama City and Pensacola? It's feasable now because ValP Cable can get the signal. But if the station lowers its HAAT, that signal is now "over the horizon" Each affilliate would now have a captive audience back, and you no longer would have a choice of two stations. WKRG managment probably has the mindset that we in the east can be adequately served by a Dothan station better than a Mobile station, and the extra money to get the signal to the hinterlands isn't worth spending.

Hate to bust your bubble, guys, but the average Joe Six Pack is of little concern to the NFL Think the Sunday Ticket price is bad, try going to the stadium and seeing it for real, paying $6 for a hot dog and $10 for a beer on top of the overly inflated price of the seat you park your arse in. Who ultimately pays for those inflated player salaries? You do.

Calling up DirecTV and bitching to the CSR is only shooting the messenger. My wife works for their extended warranty section, and is the nicest person on God's green earth. But calling her to moan and groan about blackouts, price increases, automatic renewals, ALL of which are spelled out in the contract you signed with DirecTV for the service, falls on deaf ears. She hears it countless times a day.

Some people even try CSR roulette and see if they can get a different answer on another call. Nope. All calls are documented, the next CSR sees the comments left in by the previous one, so there are no secrets or skullduggery. If any rules were broken by a CSR, assuming the computer would let you do it (which it wouldn't) it would be grounds for immediate termination and possible prosecution from the program owner. The NFL plays for keeps.

Getting this excited over television isn't worth it, people. I have a big dish for wild feeds, digital cable, and DirecTV as a free bennie due to my wife's employment. I hardly watch any of it myself, I'm too busy not being a couch potato. I have a boat to get ready to get into the water.

By the way, I hear the NFL is on one of the satellite radio services. I wonder which one and what the cost is. It could be a lower cost alternative to the Sunday Ticket.

"By the way, I hear the NFL is on one of the satellite radio services. I wonder which one and what the cost is. It could be a lower cost alternative to the Sunday Ticket."

NOT even in SD, let alone HD, would not be of much value to anyone let alone an HD buff.

This definately sucks with the price increase. That said it's still well worth it for the amount of HD football i get to watch with my wife every sunday. It's big entertainment and it's big money, i'm just glad i have the opportunity to watch my raiders every sunday (as well as all my fantasy players) in glorious HD. Now that said, if i'm paying more "EVERY GAME" must be in HD this year, and the production should be perfect.

The satellite radio is cool for the car and great for homes, but unless i can synch the local broadcasters to the timing of the HD game it's pretty much worthless to me. It's on Sirius by the way.

Hey guys,

I was with Voom and now Dish and want to get my Winegard Sensor II antenna working again. The dish installer took it down and put up Terk that did not work at all. I took it down and put my Winegard back up. I run the cable to the DP3020 UHF input then out to one of my 811 receivers ota input. I have read that you may need a power inserter like the PS-9370. Ultimately what I want to do is have my winegard feeding both 811's ota signal. Where does the PS9370 go? Before or after the DP3020 or after a splitter. Ok, now I'm confused as all get out. Help...........

Jerry, by no means did I wish to imply that Sirius could even begin to fill the void of the not paying the highway robbery for the Sunday Ticket, after all video adds another dimension. But to the NFL junkie who has to have that fix on Sunday, but can't come up with the nut that Rupert wants, it's a "poor man's alternative"

Cinder, thanks for the memory jog on which service carries it. I remembered it was the one that Terry Bradshaw does commercials for.

My location:
westside of Pensacola, FL off of Lillian HWY and Blue Angel HWY.

My hardware:
HDTV Receiver: Voom Motorola DSR550 (used from ebay for OTA only)
Antenna: unamplified indoor antenna bundled with ATI HDTV Wonder
(borrowed from a friend, looks to be a Zenith ZHDTV1
Silver Sensor knock-off which is on order)
Antenna placement: on a 9 ft plant shelf above the TV
aimed at 320 degrees

My results:
Everything marked "OK" below comes in SOLID, and a handfull came in perfectly yesterday (Biloxi and New Orleans stations I think), but are now gone. Everything I was hoping to pick up, 11 digital channels, is there EXCEPT for anything on freq 47 (WPMI-DT 15-1, according to antennaweb.org). Signal Strength is 99 but Voom receiver doesn't lock in a channel. Am I picking up a false signal or is this too much for my setup to handle? Thanks!

Freq Power Channel Call-Sign Comments
3 77
4 3
5 68
6 11
7 14
9 91 10-1 FOX10HD OK
9 91 10-1 WB55 OK
10 64
15 58
17 98 3-1 WEAR-HD OK
17 98 3-2 WEAR-SD OK
21 80
23 58
27 89 5-1 WKRG DT OK
27 89 5-2 WKRD SD OK
31 97 23-1 WSRE 1 OK
31 97 23-2 WSRE 2 OK
31 97 23-3 WSRE 3 OK
33 45
34 88 33-1 WHBR DT OK
39 0 13-1 WLOXDT OK 5/18, now gone
39 0 13-2 WLOXDT OK 5/18, now gone
39 0 13-3 WLOXDT OK 5/18, now gone
41 81
42 2
43 0 6-1 WDSU-DT OK 5/18, now gone
44 64
45 98 44-1 WJTC-HD OK
47 99 15-1 WPMI-DT NEVER LOCKED IN.
55 68

Welcome, Jayron.

Wonder what was going with WPMI-DT and your setup? It is showing a 99 in your "power" column, which is expected at your location.

Could the PSIP problem still be there, at least for Voom receivers? Anybody else using a Voom?

Originally posted by jayron

My location:
westside of Pensacola, FL off of Lillian HWY and Blue Angel HWY.


I live in the same area, Lillian Woods. I'm not there right now as I'm on a trip this week and next so can't verify signals. I've never gotten WLOX or WDSU. They were probably just the luck of the draw due to weather conditions at the time. Maybe a signal skip. I'm not sure about your problems with WPMI. I know mine was working fine when I left.

I found that when I was using an indoor antenna, it wasn't that reliable because of all of the trees around us. I ended up going with an outdoor antenna that I bought at Home Depot. They're pretty cheap. (Less than $100 for the antenna and poles and wiring)

Anyway, if you're still having probs in a week and a half, I can help you out by letting you know what I'm getting. I'd have my sons check (They're at the house) but they don't know how to use my HD setup...:)

Steve

RickRS,
Thanks for the welcome.

Yes, Voom receiver is returning 99 power for WPMI-DT. When scanning for channels, it parks on 47 for a little bit then goes to the next freq without locking anything in. I've seen something to the effect of "4 of the last 10 PSIPs processed...", in the Antenna Aiming portion of the Voom setup, but didn't get a manual since the receiver was from ebay and can't find one on the web. I can get the exact message off the screen if you think it will help, since you mentioned the PSIP? thing. Maybe I can take the receiver to my buddys place across town whose set up with an outdoor and lock in WPMI over there.

I've been going through these 93 pages of posts and have got alot of info from everyone. Noticed that "rute" was actually in my neighborhood so I had a chance of getting the OTAs. I've been on the fence about getting an HD receiver from D* to pick up the national HD feeds since I have DNS waivers for eastcoast and westcoast ABC, NBC, FOX & CBS, but wasn't sure if I could go back to a non-TiVo receiver and wasn't willing to part with the bug bucks for an HD DirecTivo.

rute,
I was VERY suprised to get WLOX and WDSU and wasn't counting on keeping them. I'm sure it was just a fluke. I just couldn't believe that they were coming in on this little indoor antenna.

I've been running for a couple of days with the indoor antenna where it's at and so far signal was been right on. Maybe an occassional blip, but very few and far between and don't know how it's going to hold up during one of our scattered T-storms. If I have to resort to an outdoor antenna, then I'll probably end up getting a used Samsung SIR-TS160 off of ebay added to my D* account.

I'd appreciate a followup on you WPMI-DT when you get back in town. Especially if you're running a Voom receiver too, which I might have seen or gotten mixed up in these 93 pages worth of posts.

Thanks to all!
Great forum.

Originally posted by jayron
I'd appreciate a followup on you WPMI-DT when you get back in town. Especially if you're running a Voom receiver too, which I might have seen or gotten mixed up in these 93 pages worth of posts.

Thanks to all!
Great forum.

Actually I'm running a Samsung SIRT-151 for the big screen and an MDP-130 for the computer.

Steve

I've had nothing but trouble in dealing with voom for antenna. Not to say i haven't seen it work, but most of my installs it pulls in terribly, or pulls in strong but doesn't show it. I had a customer who we could only pull in 3 channels with voom, he switched to directv with the rca hd tuner, the install guy had taken my antenna down (squareshooter) and left it in the room with the tv. Just for the hell of it i plugged it to the directv box and put it behind the tv. It pulled in every channel. When i tried this with the voom box prior to this it pulled in nothing.

Anyway, just a little ramble for you.

Has anyone heard anymore about Cox carrying the Local HD feeds? I know they carry WPMI but I'm still waiting on CBS, ABC, FOX, etc.

Just wondering if there's been anymore info leaking out...

Thanks,
Steve

Well D* let me have CBS national feed and it only took 3 weeks. Now I'll try for FOX and get rid of mediacom....lol

Cox told me that the locals want room for the HD plus the sub channels. WKRG/CBS carries radar on one of its' sub channels, which is worthless as a channel, but they insist that no HD without carriage of the current sub and any that they might add later. Cox is not willing to waste bandwidth on useless sub channels.

Cox told me that the locals want room for the HD plus the sub channels. WKRG/CBS carries radar on one of its' sub channels, which is worthless as a channel, but they insist that no HD without carriage of the current sub and any that they might add later. Cox is not willing to waste bandwidth on useless sub channels.

They've been saying that for a year. CBS is the only channel that broadcasts different material on the sub-channel anyway.

What about WSRE's three channel setup?

And whatever happened to Sinclear's claim that WEAR was being dropped from Dish, June 1? Anybody know the story?

Sinclair and Dish have agrred to a two month extension on the negotiation.

In case anyone missed it, Cox added 13 new digital channels yesterday and 1 Hd channel:

Digital
314 - Pentagon Channel
323 - Fit TV
330 - Fuel
331 - NFL Network
352 - National Geographic
353 - TV One
354 - Si TV
420 - Telemundo
421 - Telefutura
422 - Si TV
423 - ESPN Deportes
424 - Fox Sports en Espanol
425 - CNN en Espanol

HD
714 - WJTC UPN

Steve

Does anyone know what HD channels Mediacom carries? Tried calling their customer support, but it was like talking to a brick wall.

I'm in Navarre, on the East Bay, and using a CM 4228 am getting ABC, NBC, Fox, UPN, PBS, and a christian channel, 33, on my Hitachi.

Occasionally get CBS (5-1) depending on the tides (I guess).

Does anyone have an audio sync problem with ABC (3-1)? While my signal is great, and the picture is fine, anytime the show is in Dolby AC3, my lip sync is terrible. Like watching an old Godzilla movie. I was thinking it might be my tuner, but it only happens on 3-1, Fox, and NBC always seem fine.

If you happen to be in the know, I tried a CM7777 preamp, and lost everything. Didn't get a single signal. I called tech support at the seller, and they said I overpowered the signal to the tuner. But would I have gotten something?

Any help would be gratefully appreciated.

Welcome, ChipD

Glad to hear you get FOX with a CM4228 in Navarre. Not bad for a UHF only antenna and channel 9.

Good news on CBS. They are installing their full-power DT rig right now. Jim's respond to my question today on how things are going:

Hi Rick,

Yes, new transmitter is installed. Will try and install the
antenna and 7" line next week. We are on schedule and hope to be on the
last week in June.

Best Regards,

Jim Richardson, Chief Engineer

So CBS will show some improvements shortly. When they go from the current 55kW ERP to 1 Megawatt that will be a +12.6dB increase in signal. The higher tower (1600 feet instead of 833 feet) will help us on the fringe, increasing the signal horizon by maybe 15-20 miles.

On the preamp question - can't say if you should have seen something even with a overdriven front end on your tuner. You can have the preamp itself be overdriven if there is some strong signals nearby, causing major distortion of all signals. DTV tuners may not be able to handle the distorted signal, resulting in no video image. I'm just guessing, ok:)

If you hadn't already done so, switch in the FM trap on the CM7777. The most common source of this strong signal interference is a nearly FM radio station.

ABC-DT does have a audio sync problem. Sometimes it appears worst than others. Call or email the station and complain, as I have, that's the only way it will ever get changed.

Does anyone or has anyone been successfull in obtaining a satellite waiver from FOX channel 10? They denied my waiver through D* and I have tried to and been unsuccessfull at reaching the person at the station who approves the waivers.

Hi,
Well, I also live on the westside in Pensacola right by the Navy Base and I finally made the choice to experience HDTV over the air instead through COX.
I am using a Samsung receiver STR161 and a Channelmaster 4228 antenna that I have mounted on a 10ft mast on my roof.

I can get these channels: NBC, PBS, WB, FOX and UPN, but I cannot receive CBS or ABC.Am I using the wrong antenna? I know some of you are using Radio Shack antennas and are getting ABC? Any ideas? Thanks a bunch

Go to antenna.org and find out the direction of the broadcast towers from your location. You can tweak the direction of your antenna with a compass. As for CBS, the are currently broadcasting a very weak signal and until that changes, you practically have to be under the tower to get any reception. ABC should come in clear.

As far as your antenna is concerned, it will be fine for CBS on Ch 27 and ABC on Ch 17. Those are both within the UHF capabilities of the CM4228. Being on the west side of Pensacola, I would expect you would get good reception that close to the towers. Maybe you could try repositioning/reaiming your antenna. The CM4228 is going to be pretty directional and a few degrees left or right, or a few feet up or down may be the ticket.

As far as a RS antenna, you got a higher gain antenna with the CM4228 than anything Radio Shack sells. I'm using one over here in Ft. Walton and getting ABC just fine, altho with a preamp and a 25 foot mast.

Hi,
Well, I also live on the westside in Pensacola right by the Navy Base and I finally made the choice to experience HDTV over the air instead through COX.
I am using a Samsung receiver STR161 and a Channelmaster 4228 antenna that I have mounted on a 10ft mast on my roof.

I can get these channels: NBC, PBS, WB, FOX and UPN, but I cannot receive CBS or ABC.Am I using the wrong antenna? I know some of you are using Radio Shack antennas and are getting ABC? Any ideas? Thanks a bunch

I live off of Lillian and Blue Angel and am getting ABC and CBS fine. I'm using a standard Aerial antenna from Lowes. Mine is up at about 20ft. I ended up buying a compass and using antennaweb.org to set the direction. Then I used the meter on my samsung box to fine tune the direction.

CBS is very finicky, though. It comes in fine on my Samsung but I get a lot of breakup on my MDP-130.

Steve

Thanks guys,

It looks like I did buy the correct antenna. I also went on antennaweb and found that I had to set my antenna about to 309 to 314 degrees.
I will keep on turning back and forth until ABC comes in.
I do find it strange though that the PBS channels come in quite clear while ABC does not, even though they are supposed to be located on the same geographical direction at 311 degrees.

Thanks again

Thanks guys,

It looks like I did buy the correct antenna. I also went on antennaweb and found that I had to set my antenna about to 309 to 314 degrees.
I will keep on turning back and forth until ABC comes in.
I do find it strange though that the PBS channels come in quite clear while ABC does not, even though they are supposed to be located on the same geographical direction at 311 degrees.

Thanks again

Not sure why this is happening. They both come in fine for me. I just checked their transmitter power and height and they are both about the same height and both transmitting at 1000 kW. Have you tried raiseing your antenna? Again, mine is at about 20' and picking up all channels fine.

Steve

There is the possibility of multipath signal.

If that problem exists at your location, a signal reflected from a building or other large surface nearby may be causing signal cancellation when you are pointing at the tower. You already have a very directional antenna with the CM4228, which helps with multipath. Moving the antenna to another location may help if its still a problem. You just have to experiment. Trying slowly sweeping the antenna around the compass heading by a wide margin. Then try moving the antenna up or do a few inches and sweeping the horizon again. If your antenna is just 10 feet off the ground I would strongly think about going up to at least 20 feet off the ground to avoid a lot of interferences that occur that low.

I see mediacom added ESPN2 HD to their lineup, wahoo !

ABC 3-1 down? Trying to watch the NBA finals, and I'm getting no reception. :(

Its on 17.1.

Its on 17.1.

Thanks.

A teaser for Peter Jackson's (LOTR) new movie King Kong, will air on NBC in HDTV right after Fear Factor. Here's a link (http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=551414) to the thread on the HDTV Programming board.

I'm going to call NBC and remind them to 'flip the switch'.

One of my best friends is doing special effects CGI work on King Kong in New Zealand. Said they've put in 90 hour weeks to get this promo ready to air in time. Plan to visit him in the spring and possibly see the set, should be fun.

Looks like WKRG finally got their digital transmitter up to full power.
Its coming in strong up in Frisco City, AL in Monroe County.
YAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA

I am getting an 82 on my Dish 811 on WKRG 5, a 94 on 3, a 90 on 10 a 92 on 15, a 90 on 55, a 92 on PBS 23 or 31, and a 84 on 44. Still the weakest signal, but better than no picture at all with a 49 on WKRG, w3hich is what I had before. I am 30 miles from the broadcast towers.

Well COX in Fort Walton has finally beaten me down. After all the fun I went through to get an HD box with working firewire I have decided that they are not ready for primetime. It took 5 boxes the first week to get one that worked. The kicker is that in the 3 months since I have had to return 4 more boxes that quit working. They each lasted about 3 weeks and then on a Friday they would go not authorized and tech support could not bring them back to life. They are sure that the new software is not the problem even thought I am the only local customer using it and are convinced its my home wiring, but cant explain why everytime they give me a new box it works fine for a few weeks. If anyone else is using a firewire box I really would like to hear about your success or failure.

Bob H.

This is sorta on topic and off topic...

Has anyone set their service address to say a NY or California address and their billing address here and see if they get the national affiliates?

All I want is National HD affiliates... Yes I know I can apply for waivers. What they should do is give you locals and HD National Affiliates.

If anyone has done this and gets the National Affiliates in HD, please let me know. I really don't want to be at the mercy of the stations in the surrounding areas as the signal quality and stabilization is so erratic.

Thanks

Well, WKRG is reaching FWB, but just barely.

I on the west side of Ft. Walton, near the mall. WKRG is now regularly coming in but is suffering from signal dropouts.

Whats the story in Crestview?

From big town of Baker Fl (about 10 miles west of the bigger town of Crestview) I'm getting a 93 for signal strength on WKRG. Suuuweeet! Thats matches the strength of all the other P'cola/Mobile stations for me except WALA. And I'm not sure I'll ever pull those guys in.

Just scanned it in so I can't attest to whether there are drop outs.

I got a question for the experts (and the not so experts) among us. I get WSRE at 93 or higher signal strength. But I have always gotten extreme "blockiness" anytime the camera pans fairly radiply. It is so bad that anything with any action is unwatchable. Now a friend of mine has just gotten a HD set and he says that WSRE is his "show off" station, meaning it has the best PQ of all the HD channels he gets OTA. I asked about PQ degradation when the camera pans and he says he sees nothing bad. It is always very high quality PQ. i always figured it was WSRE over compressing to squeeze in 3 channels into their bandwidth but if that was the case wouldn't everybody see the same artifacts? BTW, I see this with 2 different STBs, one from Voom (RIP) and now the Directv H-10 STB.

What's with that?

From big town of Baker Fl (about 10 miles west of the bigger town of Crestview) I'm getting a 93 for signal strength on WKRG. Suuuweeet! Thats matches the strength of all the other P'cola/Mobile stations for me except WALA. And I'm not sure I'll ever pull those guys in..


All the stations are UHF except WALA. Are you sure you have a VHF antenna. Might be worth checking. WALA is a strong signal for me.

Well, WKRG is reaching FWB, but just barely.

I on the west side of Ft. Walton, near the mall. WKRG is now regularly coming in but is suffering from signal dropouts.

Whats the story in Crestview?

No WKRG up here Rick. :mad:

No WKRG up here Rick. :mad:

Well, at least you got WTVY from Dothan loud and clear. Just have to invest in two antennas pointing in opposite directions or a rotor to get it and the Mobile stations :)

Jerry, I do have a combo antenna. In fact I chose the one I have (Wingard 8100) because it peaks on Channel 9 at 12.5db. It's the best I could find. But even with that and an amp on the mast it's just no good. I've harped on WALAs low power/low tower issue a bunch in this forun and others. I won't go into all that again. I'm now kissing up to them and begging for a waiver.

Lenbo, I too pull in WTVY in the total opposite direction from P'cola/Mobile. The rotor I use is the CM 9521A. It's the only one I could find with an IR romote and it is very inexpensive. It works very well and I would highly recommend it. Check it out here:

http://www.starkelectronic.com/cmmatv.htm#rotor

This is sorta on topic and off topic...

Has anyone set their service address to say a NY or California address and their billing address here and see if they get the national affiliates?

All I want is National HD affiliates... Yes I know I can apply for waivers. What they should do is give you locals and HD National Affiliates.

If anyone has done this and gets the National Affiliates in HD, please let me know. I really don't want to be at the mercy of the stations in the surrounding areas as the signal quality and stabilization is so erratic.

Thanks


Ok since there have been no replies, either because nobody knows or nobody wants to answer, I called up DTEEV and asked them what national locals I would get out of the Crestview area without doing a waiver. The lady said FOX... so basically I would need to submit a waiver and hope that I could get CBS, ABC and NBC. FOX would be nice for the HD football.. CBS also, but if I think I would be getting the DTEEV HD Football package anyway. I called this number... 1 800 263 0028 and asked about HD elgibility for my area. At first she said she couldn't do it without an account, but she later said she could if I gave her my address. It's sad that the FCC needs to get it's hands in on this type of invasion of privacy... All I want is HDTV.. I don't care who's commercials they are showing... as I stated before.. give me the locals and the HD Nationals... Anyhow, that's a whole thread which I'm sure has been covered. And yes I know how to spell D*V.

If you have a RV(camper), you can get the Nationals by sending D a copy of your vehicle registration. Tell them you travel a lot and request the Nationals. You can also subscribe to the locals for when you are home.

jerryez,

I think we know I do not have a rv camper =) , my question was fairly simple and I was hoping someone had some insight as if my first post asked. Since there is a service address and a billing address, I was hoping someone had tried this. I've heard of the RV camper thing before.. but that's not doable.. it would be nice if someone could respond and let us know if the service/billing address idea will work. I might still try this considering I really want NFL Sunday Ticket, but knowing I could get all the National affiliates would be a definite 100% go.

Thanks for the info jerryez.. too bad I don't know someone with a RV.

Wala is strange. I have not been able to pick it up with any success for a long time. I do some installs where it pulls in strong and some installs, same antenna and everything a block away and it's 10-20%. I don't really understand what they're doing or why they're so hit or miss. Thankfully i have fox nationals...

Ok since there have been no replies, either because nobody knows or nobody wants to answer, I called up DTEEV and asked them what national locals I would get out of the Crestview area without doing a waiver. The lady said FOX... so basically I would need to submit a waiver and hope that I could get CBS, ABC and NBC. FOX would be nice for the HD football.. CBS also, but if I think I would be getting the DTEEV HD Football package anyway. I called this number... 1 800 263 0028 and asked about HD elgibility for my area. At first she said she couldn't do it without an account, but she later said she could if I gave her my address. It's sad that the FCC needs to get it's hands in on this type of invasion of privacy... All I want is HDTV.. I don't care who's commercials they are showing... as I stated before.. give me the locals and the HD Nationals... Anyhow, that's a whole thread which I'm sure has been covered. And yes I know how to spell D*V.

I guess spending a little $$$ for a old camper trailer is out of the question, if only for the vehicle registration number! if you know someone who can front the bills for you at a New York or L.A. address, and can provide them with a PHYSICAL address (no post office boxes accepted) at one of those places, you should be good to go. Since you can't go the recreational vehicle / trucker exemption, if you have broadband internet, such as COX HSI, get a VONAGE VoIP telephone line that will allow you to have a telephone number in the location you select. I live in Crestview, just north of the airport. My VONAGE VoIP phone number has a New York area code. To my New York friends, my home phone is a local call. Make ALL calls to the DirecTV people on this phone, and connect your receiver to this phone line if you opt to do pay-per-view via the remote control (I DON'T recommend this!). The customer service representatives at DirecTV (my wife is one of them, a local company here handles their service contracts) can see the number you are calling from when you call them, they can tell that a guy in Crestview, Florida who says he is calling from New York is lying through his teeth. Most of the time the CSRs don't really care, but they do get audited, and they would get fired and DirecTV would pay $$$ in damages to any local broadcaster who sued them if the broadcaster could prove they knew the person was not where he said he was, or was not a long haul trucker or recreational vehicle owner. The phone is also handy as I get unlimited long distance in the U.S., Canada, and Puerto Rico. $26 including tax.

You will also get only the analog national network feeds. The high definition feeds for DirecTV are located on another satellite, and may require a two dish setup. No local channel high definition feeds are available on DirecTV yet. There is just no bandwidth available on the satellites for all of the local high definition signals. This will change in the next few years when DirecTV gets the rest of its new satellite fleet into space. The other local New York and L.A. channels are spot beamed very precisely, you would need a huge dish (C-band size) to get a signal that far away from a footprint, if you were successful at all. Not likely.

By the way, CBS High Definition comes in very well in Crestview through WTVY-DT from Dothan, their tower is near Bonifay. Point a UHF yagi antenna roughly ENE. That's how we enjoy CBS-HD in our house. Hope this helps. :)

This is sorta on topic and off topic...

Has anyone set their service address to say a NY or California address and their billing address here and see if they get the national affiliates?

Sorry Ray... not me.

Did WPMI-DT 15.1 do something recently to their digital signal? My VOOM receiver has finally locked in WPMI-DT.

I was hoping to see some of the July 4th shows on NBC in HD today, so I decided to try a rescan on my VOOM. Low and behold, I finally picked up the 2 WPMI-DT channels 15.1 and 15.2 (freq 47). Signal quality has always been 99, but up until just now, I was unable to lock in the channels. No hardware or antenna changes have been made and I'm pretty sure I didn't get a software update from VOOM since they are gone, so all I can think is maybe WPMI did something. Thanks WPMI!

My lineup with an indoor Zenith Silver Sensor and VOOM receiver is finally complete.

I did not have HDTV during Ivan. How much was lost due to the storm? Will Dennis make my OTA HD go bye, bye?

If i remember correctly i think we only lost abc digital for a little while. It got a few of the analog towers if i remeber right...

Good Luck you guys with DENNIS. I'm staying here at St. Joe Beach I'm 20ft above sealevel, maybe I'll be back....lol

Just checking to see how the group fared. Amazingly I had no significant damage, however I will have Gulf Front property for a couple of days. :)

Dennis may have peeled back the roof of a local motel, but all he did to me is knock out my pre-amp and bend my el-cheapo Rat Shack antenna. A perfect excuse to tell the boss er..the wife that we need to replace them.

Is it just me or is anyone else getting pixelation and breakups on Fox 10-1?
Would love to get your feed back.

J C

Yes on 10.1 but it is ok on D* 88.

Its HD on 88 but not on 10.1 here.

Is it just me or is anyone else getting pixelation and breakups on Fox 10-1?
Would love to get your feed back.

J C


It is unbearable. Most of the time Fox 10-1 has pixelation during live sporting events, but during tonight's broadcast it was almost unviewable as pixelation occurred during every pitch.

Me and 3 friends called to complain. WALA responded that they were fixing the problem, so far the only "fix" has been replacing our HD signal with a 480i signal.

Thanks WALA for being the worst HD local.

Yes on 10.1 but it is ok on D* 88.

How do you get D* 88?

J C

I have all net-work CHs. East and West . Please dont ask how...............There are others on our board that has them too. D* is slowly catching up on us and taking them away.

After Dennis 15-1 And 15-2 has been almost impossible to recive. I took my anntenna down prior to the storm. Before Dennis it was my most stable signal. Did they have any damage to the transmitter/tower ? :eek:

After Dennis 15-1 And 15-2 has been almost impossible to recive. I took my anntenna down prior to the storm. Before Dennis it was my most stable signal. Did they have any damage to the transmitter/tower ? :eek:


I still get them strongly in Baker, not too much closer than Crestview. Check your setup. If you have an amp maybe it is not working.

Is anyone noticing a bit of a problem with WKRG-DT's broadcast of the NFL Quarterback Challenge? I'm watching the NFL quarterback challenge on WKRG-DT with an over the air antenna. I'm noticing something that I can best call a "strobing" effect, almost like the image is shot with a high shutter speed. I've seen this before at times with their broadcast, and usually only with sporting events (golf & football), and only when the image is 4:3 with black bars on the sides (HD signals are never a problem). I don't see any problem right now with the analog antenna signal, cable signal, or DIRECTV satellite signal. My other digital antenna signals are coming in just fine. Has anybody else noticed this or know what this is?

I'm new to Milton FL and ready to give up on Mediacom HD as I want more than NBC, which rarely works anyways. I have run my address through antennaweb, but it doesn't look promising for getting any of the big networks OTA. What should I be able to pull in from Milton (near int. of hwy 89 and 90), and what would I need for an antenna to do it? Thanks for any advice...

At a minimum, I would expect ABC-HD on ch 17, CBS-HD on ch 27, NBC-HD on ch 47, UPN-HD on ch 45, and PBS-HD on ch. 31. I can get all that in Ft. Walton, but CBS is weak.

The one that I heard was spotty in Milton is FOX/WB on ch 9. CBS used to be spotty in Milton, too, but up their power by something like 12 dB (big increase) just this summer.

And by the way, antennaweb.org said I can't get any of the Mobile/Pensacola DTV channels :D

As far as antennas, think mast-mounted outside for starters. I would suggest something like Channel Master's CM3678, CM3020, or maybe bigger like CM3671. A UHF only antenna like the CM2448 would be a bit more compact and work great for all channels above 13, but may not get FOX on ch 9. But wait for more responds with any first hand experience near your location.

I'm new to Milton FL and ready to give up on Mediacom HD as I want more than NBC, which rarely works anyways. I have run my address through antennaweb, but it doesn't look promising for getting any of the big networks OTA. What should I be able to pull in from Milton (near int. of hwy 89 and 90), and what would I need for an antenna to do it? Thanks for any advice...

With a decent UHF antenna you should easily get all the Mobile/P'cola stations except WALA Fox which is VHF (digital Channel 9) and low on power. I just bought a Winegard 9022 UHF antenna from Pace Electronics (Old Palafox and 9 1/2 Mile Rd) for $25 and it pulls 'em all (UHF) in easily. I do also use a Radio Shack two stage amp (preamp on the mast, main amp down below). It's about $70. I'm about 20 miles farther from these towers than you are so a similar rig would have to work for you. Getting a VHF/UHF combo might also work for WALA but it's a gamble. I have a Wingard CA-8100 (now in storage) and even though it's got 12.5Db gain on the WALA freq I still couldn't get a picture.

Thanks for the help...how high would I have to get the antenna off the ground? I'm wondering because putting the antenna on the roof is not an option with my military base housing.

The closer to the ground, the worst the possibility of interference. The higher the better. That said, jou just have to find out for yourself. If one is close enough to the tower, a couple of feet off the ground will work fine.

In your situation, I would suggest the CM4228 UHF. It's small rods used for the 8 bowties and the mesh reflector are less likely to attrach attention. Very high gain. Then experiment with placement for best results. In other areas (not around here), I have heard accounts of this antenna being used 3-5 feet off the ground.

You might get an agreement from Pace Electronics to allow you to return it if it doesn't work out. This antenna has no fold out parts and the risk of benting the fold out rods is the primary reason for "no returns" policies on antennas.

So I went to Pace Electronics and came home with a Winegard Squareshooter (non-amp). He said good luck with it in Milton, but I could bring it back and try something else if it didn't work, so I started small.

I just set the Squareshooter on the patio table, facing roughly west. To my complete amazement I am pulling in 6 digital stations: ABC(17), CBS(27), NBC(47), UPN(45), PBS(31), and WHBR(34). I can get the signal meter to jump around on FOX(9), but can't lock it in yet.

I'm extremely happy with the results. Now I know why people bother with OTA HDTV - it looks amazing. Thank you to RickRS and Ricknau for the advice.

The Squareshooter is a pretty cool antenna. That said, it suffers badly with Fox, specifically 9. i switched to the antennas direct db4 for myself and my installs because it is similar in principle, but gets a better signal for most stations as well as fox. (Though for whatever reason i still can't pull fox in with any consistency.) an install i did a block away gets fox fine...

OTA HDTV is quite amazing.

butterbars, you will never get Fox with a SS. I tried it and it just would not do it. I got a DB4 and it will. DB4 and DB8 are uhf but it gets Fox for me. Don't know why but it does.
If I were you I would get a DB8. If it don't work take it back. I have tried just about every antenna and the little DB4 works the best for me.

I second the idea of going with the db8 or db4. I have the db8 at my house. I can get you the antenna from antenna direct if you'd like, or you can pay a little more and get it directly from them (this may be easier, up to you.) Either way antenna direct gives you a 30 day return policy if it doesn't work for you. I've used their preamp in a couple installs, but rarely have needed it.

As a side note, i have some inventory i'm looking to reduce if anyone is looking for anything.

Tru Audio CS8 8" Subwoofer
Denon DVD 1910 5 Disc DVD Player

Also have a customer with a 5 speaker setup of PSB speakers he's looking to sell cheap. PM me if interested, these PSB speakers are kind of old but they're nice. I of course would recommend something new from me instead, but it's cheap :)

Finally, i picked up two new speaker lines,
Bay Audio and Conextions, The latter makes the best outdoor speakers i have ever heard.
(I still carry Boston, Tru Audio, James Loudspeaker and Aerial Acoustics.)

Daniel

I'm tempted to try a DB 4/8 to get FOX and WB, but wondering if it is worth the effort. Do both FOX and WB broadcast in HD on channel 9?

Allot depends on the distance of your stations transmitters. . Since Florida is so flat and no mountains to bounce a signal off you need to get pretty high if there distant signals I'm up 40 ft and have a 100 mile uhf vhf antenna, and i can get about every channel within a 100 miles I also have a rotator so I can swing it towards Tallahassee. Good Luck..... If I can help let me know.

I'm tempted to try a DB 4/8 to get FOX and WB, but wondering if it is worth the effort. Do both FOX and WB broadcast in HD on channel 9?

Right now they have both Fox and WB so screwed up I question if it's worth it.

During the MLB All-Star game they had the broadacast so messed up they switched to SD and it's been that way every since on live broadcast.

The WB side is grainy and has continuous lip sync problems. DirecTV Local WB SD is much better than the broadcast.

Had a long conversation with Roland Fields after the All-Star game and they have additional equipment in house for several weeks now that he "thinks" will clear up the problems with both channels, however there seems to be some sort of manpower problem getting it installed.

He said that if the problem was on the Analog side that it would have been fixed a long time ago but that the Digital audience was so small that it really didn't warrant that much attention right now.

I got the feeling that they weren't hep on getting it fixed.

Sure hope they get it right before the start of the NFL, They WILL NOT issue waivers so that we can get a decent picture.

J C

Butterbars,

Glad you found that HDTV didn't have to involve paying money to the cable company.

On your antenna choice; I have never used the Sharpshooter, ok? From reports, the Sharpshooter is a antenna design with poor RF performance and great cosmetics. You pay a premium for the "space-age" appearance. It's a UHF only design. You can get better performance from a lot of less expensive antennas.

Check HDTV Primer (http://www.hdtvprimer.com/ANTENNAS/comparing.html) for some independance numbers on some commonly available antennas, including the Sharpshooter.

As Bobby Ray and Cinder suggest, a UHF multiple bowtie such as the DB4 or the DB8 will work very well. Note that at HDTV Primer, the only Direct Antenna DB series checked is the DB2. Also, if you're hoping for ch 9, HDTV Primer suggests the CM4228, which is Channel Master's 8 bowtie UHF, of which the DB8 is very similar. The advantage CM4228 has over DB8 is its' continous screen behind the bowties, which cause it to work down into the frequencies at channel 9.

None of this guarantees you can get channel 9. You just have to see what works at your location.

Also, it is your choice, and your money for, your situation. If you're happy with the Sharpshooter, don't worry about what I think, ok? ;) In any case, do work to get an agreement with the vendor to return antennas if they don't work out for you. Sounds like Pace Electronic was working with you on this. Did Pace had any CM4228 on hand? Take a look at one if they do.

For those that aren't aware, most of the HD antennas are made to pick up UHF signals. (That's where most of the HD channels broadcast) Fox/channel 9 is a VHF signal. This requires an antenna capable of picking up the VHF frequencies. The HD antennas mentioned in this thread can pick up some limited VHF frequencies but not with the same strength they can pick up the UHF frequencies. That being said, you may want to try a standard VHF antenna to see if you can pick up FOX. I'm not sure how to hook it up in combination with a UHF antenna, but there are others that are much smarter than me in this forum that can help.

Personally, I have a standard house antenna mounted on my roof that picks up all of the local HD/Digital stations just fine. I got it at Home Depot fairly cheap.

I know my location is prime but a good signal amplifier can work wonders.

Steve

I just ordered the CM4228 8-bowtie from a forum sponsor. I figure for the price it's worth a try. I'll post an update when I try it. Thanks for all the help.

Cox has added TNT HD to its HD line up

Yeah, I saw that cox added a new channel. I also noticed that they started to carry NBCs subchannel for weather a few weeks ago. Correct me if I'm wrong but isn't that the reason cox is "negotiating" with the local channels? That they did not want to carry the local's weather channel in addition to their HD channel because cox already had their own weather channel. So if they are going to carry NBCs, why don't they carry everybody's and get us the rest of our locals. //end rant//

On a possitive note I've been pulling in ABC consistantly lately so I'm only missing CBS and Fox.

My thinking is that since Cox is carrying all of the WSRE streams and now both of the WPMI streams that they are willing to carry the content. It has been widely published that the other broadcasters are looking for compensation before they allow the cable companies to carry their signal. The same signal we get for free OTA.

Update on Milton OTA HD...I got the CM4228 today, and just rigged it up temporarily to see what it's got. Excellent - I'm now getting both Fox and WB on WALA(9), in addition to all the others I was getting with the Squareshooter. I'm getting a strong signal on WALA, but there are some audio dropouts on Fox, and some video "pixelation" on WB, although both are watchable. Anyone else experiencing this from WALA? Great advice here on the 8-bowtie!

Is anyone in the Pensacola/Cox area using a MyHD MDP-130 card for receiving the HD signals from Cox? I'd like to compare frequencies etc so we don't have to do a new scan each time Cox adds another channel.

Thanks,
Steve

WEAR-DT

My OTA reception of digital 17 has been pretty bad since Dennis. Is anyone else having the same problem? Any info as to whether their operations were damaged by the storm? I had a new antenna installed after the storm-- all other channels are fine-- just very poor on 17. (Location is near PNS airport.)

No problems with WEAR-DT here. MNF looked great tonite.

I live in Mobile. 17.1 comes in great! Maybe the best HD channel OTA.

Thanks for the responses. WEAR-DT was my best channel, and now the worst. I'll check things out here since it seems the problem is not elsewhere!

Did anyone watch Deep Impact on WKRG the other night. The tv listings had it listed as HDTV but I did not get it in HD.

It was not HD any where.

Hi guys and gals!
I'm in Chickasaw, AL and get my HD feeds from Comcast. My TV (JVC 56P575) is HD ready, and I have the Comcast HD feeds through my Motorola 6412 dual tuner DVR. Anyone know the scoop on why Comcast doesn't carry WALA/FOX, WKRG/CBS, UPN(44), and the WB(56?) channel in the HD feeds? (My guess is, as posted above, that WALA and WKRG have not worked out the kinks, dont know why no UPN or WB.)
Also what kind of set-top box would I need to receive the OTA signals if I wanted to go that route?

Thanks!

Chaz

Hi guys and gals!
I'm in Chickasaw, AL and get my HD feeds from Comcast. My TV (JVC 56P575) is HD ready, and I have the Comcast HD feeds through my Motorola 6412 dual tuner DVR. Anyone know the scoop on why Comcast doesn't carry WALA/FOX, WKRG/CBS, UPN(44), and the WB(56?) channel in the HD feeds? (My guess is, as posted above, that WALA and WKRG have not worked out the kinks, dont know why no UPN or WB.)
Also what kind of set-top box would I need to receive the OTA signals if I wanted to go that route?

Thanks!

Chaz

WB is the only local channel not broadcasting in HD right now. CBS, UPN and Fox are broadcasting in HD and you can easily pickup these channels with an OTA antenna. Most likely WKRG and WALA are probably trying to require comcast to carry their sub-channels. WKRG has a local radar on 5-2 while WALA carries their sister channel WB55 on 10-2. This is something you need to call comcast about, or just install an antenna to pickup these channels.

WALA-DT 10.1 is still experiencing break-ups with their HD signal. MLB, NASCAR, and NFL broadcasts are ALMOST not worth watching in HD because of this. Is their anyone who isn't experiencing this problem? Has anyone heard any updates from their engineer (Joe, I think)?

I just sent Joe an email. Will post a reply when I get one. Tomorrow probably.

WALA-DT 10.1 is still experiencing break-ups with their HD signal. MLB, NASCAR, and NFL broadcasts are ALMOST not worth watching in HD because of this. Is their anyone who isn't experiencing this problem? Has anyone heard any updates from their engineer (Joe, I think)?

The "Aints" game last night had quite a few breakups but for Fox-10 it really wasn't that bad. A few weeks ago during baseball it got so bad they switched it to SD and left it that way for a while.

I've been in pretty close contact with Roland Fields locally and his last comments were that they had some equipment in hand that "should" improve the quality of both WB and Fox if they ever fould time to install it.

If anyone knows where to apply pressure to get Fox-10 fixed please help............

J C

Best Buy is selling their LG DVD/OTA tuner combo at closeout prices. It also upconverts thru DVI. That or the cheapest set top box at WalMart should work.

I'm sick and tired of these breakups and i refuse to put up with it this season. If the problem is not fixed during week 1, then i'm going to setup a meeting with someone at WALA and demand a waiver.

I'm sick and tired of these breakups and i refuse to put up with it this season. If the problem is not fixed during week 1, then i'm going to setup a meeting with someone at WALA and demand a waiver.


Keep us posted on how that works out.

J C

The breakups in the 1st quarter of the game last night on WALA-DT were horrible. Near the end of the game (I'm a Skins fan - had to watch the whole thing). I noticed that there were no breakups at all. I switched over to 10.2, and it was off the air. It looks like WALA recognized they have a problem and can correct it temporarily if they want to. Not the best news for viewers of UPN, but that signal is bad anyway.

Did anyone watch Baseball Saturday on Fox 10-1?

I never saw one breakup but I didn't watch the whole game.

J C

Has WKRG-DT (digital 27; "5") reverted to lower power as a result of the storm? Very poor reception (for me) last night (Tuesday).

Same thing for me, yesterday during the day i had 0 signal on wkrg and wpmi, last night i picked up cbs and nbc but low signal.

lost my west coast feeds yesterday, :(

Update on Milton OTA HD...I got the CM4228 today, and just rigged it up temporarily to see what it's got. Excellent - I'm now getting both Fox and WB on WALA(9), in addition to all the others I was getting with the Squareshooter. I'm getting a strong signal on WALA, but there are some audio dropouts on Fox, and some video "pixelation" on WB, although both are watchable. Anyone else experiencing this from WALA? Great advice here on the 8-bowtie!

Butterbars,

Glad to hear the Channel Master work for channel 9. If for any reason you wish to upgrade, a pre-amp would be the next step. As others have posted, WALA has serious problems with quaility because they multicast FOX-HD and WB, so I wouldn't expect the pre-amp to fix the audio dropout and pixelation. So if the signal strenght is good, wait for WALA to get their setup improved before worrying with a pre-amp because you likely don't need it.

Of course, joining in with those that are calling the station manager and complaining is the best option, I think :)

On WKRG - For me, the signal had improved to a very watchable experience here in my far-fringe situation for the last month. But can't get it at all since Katrina, so I think something has been damaged by the storm.

WKRG and WFBD

It looks like CBS has fixed their problem. Signal strength is back up for me.
I'm getting a weak signal for digital channel 48 (WFBD) listed as Destin/Pensacola/Mobile. My antenna is pointed away from Destin so I'm not getting much of a signal. Apparently this is a new digital only station according to the FCC website.

Saturday (9/3/05): Seems that WKRG is not back to full power yet!

Hi All...

Did anyone have trouble picking up HD with WEAR for last night ball game Texas AM and Clemson?

I was unable to pick up the signal, all ther others seem to be working????

Thanks

WEAR

Since Hurricane Dennis, my reception of Channel 17 wanders all over the place bouncing between 10 and 100. I had to replace my antenna after the storm. I had solid reception until after the storm and the installation of the new antenna. I've been wondering if the problem was in my reception or with the transmission! I'm close to Pensacola airport.

I lost it last night as well.

Daniel

Hi All...

Did anyone have trouble picking up HD with WEAR for last night ball game Texas AM and Clemson?

I was unable to pick up the signal, all ther others seem to be working????

Thanks


The game wasn't in HD, but it was being broadcasted digitally. I am able to pick up 3-1 on 17-1 nowadays some reason.

I had the same problem tonight with the FSU - MU game.... Hopefully, they can get this resolve... Got to have the football in HD. I will try 17-1.

When watching ESPNHD over the weekend I noticed I wasn't receiving 5.1 DD- just stereo digital sound. Is it me or anyone else?

Anyone home? Hello!.. Also-does anyone know if Comcast Mobile is going to add ESPN2HD?...also... Letterman in HD looks great on WKRGHD

No word from Comcast on any additions . . . I want WKRG and WALA in HD from Comcast - instead it seems I have to go shell out $200 bucks for an OTA receiver to get them . . .

mill3704,

You must be tuning in the SD transmission. For me that would be 3.2. It might be 17.2 for others. But the FSU/UM game was in HD for me on 3.1. And I've had no drop outs on WEAR since a couple of days after Katrina.

Ok - saw a great deal on a STB at Radio Shack ($89.99) so I now have my HD feeds locally. I receive WEAR, WKRG, and WALA with no problem. PBS and WPMI cut in/out on me (probably antenna issues - using an amplified Phillips indoor antenna on top of the TV - will probably invest in an attic antenna soon - I'm in Chickasaw) but am not getting WJTC (UPN 44) at all. Are they broadcasting atm or are they off the air for the digital feed?

Chazon,

44.1 is broadcasting just fine - must be the indoor antenna. I live in West Mobile just south of the airport and use an attic antenna w/amplifier, and I pick up everything just fine. That includes WEAR-DT out of Pensacola and WLOX-DT out of Biloxi (although 13.1 has been off the air since Katrina). Good luck with yours!

ok - thanks for the info - what antenna setup are you using? I am planning to do the same and not sure what to go with. . .

Ok - saw a great deal on a STB at Radio Shack ($89.99) so I now have my HD feeds locally.

Holey moley! OTA HD boxes at $90?!!

Hadn't priced any in a long time. My Samsung SIR-T150 was a steal at $250 a few years ago:D

On antennas, Butterbars tried my recommendation of a Channel Master CM228 and reports good results in Milton. Your problem channels are all UHF and this is a high gain UHF antenna that should do the trick. Just a suggestion.

I get 'dropouts' at times on this station (OTA). It reads 95-98% signal strength then goes down briefly. Is this the station or my antenna? Anyone else have this problem. Want to watch NFL in HD!

Just like last season, the geniuses at WKRG have forgotten to turn on the HD signal. This game is being broadcasted in HD, just not in Mobile.

Anyone have a contact to reach up there at WKRG?

WKRG-DT

jrichardson@wkrg.com

I sent him an email the other day asking if they were having a post-katrina transmission problem, and if so, what the timeframe might be for repairs. I have had no reply. Reception was excellent for about 2 months between July 1 (when they went full power) and katrina. but now is completely unreliable. My reception bounces between 100 and 0. Occasionally it is stable during the late evening hours. If I get a response from Richardson, I'll post it.

ok - thanks for the info - what antenna setup are you using? I am planning to do the same and not sure what to go with. . .

I just went with a standard 80" antenna from Radio Shack, model VU-90XR. I got the amplifier from Radio Shack as well. The amp was well worth the money, IMO.

beachrez: thanks! Sounds exactly like my situation. Let us know what you hear!
cmkratt: Are you experiencing this problem even with your nifty amp set up or is that the answer?

WKRG-DT

jrichardson@wkrg.com

I sent him an email the other day asking if they were having a post-katrina transmission problem, and if so, what the timeframe might be for repairs. I have had no reply. Reception was excellent for about 2 months between July 1 (when they went full power) and katrina. but now is completely unreliable. My reception bounces between 100 and 0. Occasionally it is stable during the late evening hours. If I get a response from Richardson, I'll post it.


I feel sorry for you guys out the outer rim of reception. Regarding the HD transmission, there is no excuse. The US Open was broadcasted in HD all week and weekend.


Potential nightmare for tonight. ABC has no audio on their digital channels tonight. I'm really looking forward to this Falcons vs Eagles game. If there is no HD, i'm gonna be seriously pissed.

Anyone have a number up there to call?

I just called up there, they said "we'll take care of it". 3 minutes later audio returned, 2 minutes later the audio went off again.

F'ing great, the audio is fixed now there is no HD.

I was just about to ask if anyone was getting MNF in HD but Crimson beat me to it. Never mind, it just came up in HD. Nice.

and there it went again...this is getting old.

They continue to have problems. At least it gets fixed fairly quickly.

masbama: I haven't had any reception problems with WKRG-DT since Katrina. Their picture has always come in strong for me. I have a Sony HD-200, so I don't have a signal meter. I only watch them at night or on the weekend, but I haven't had any signal issues. The only problem with them is they sometimes fail to turn on the HD broadcast (like last weekend's first NFL game), and a recurring strobing issue with their 4:3 golf broadcasts (looks like someone's filming with a very high shutter speed - gives you a headache to watch).

I'm not sure if my success is the amp (which I think a lot of people have one), or just being close enough to their antenna) I live just south of the Mobile airport, so I don't think I'm near the edge of their broadcast range as some people are.

Sonys HD200 has a signal meter. I've had one for two years.

Now that's something I didn't know. Are you saying the HD200 has a signal meter for digital antenna signals? I've used the satellite signal meter before, but I've never seen a menu for the antenna meter. How do you access it?

Thanks CM.
I live near USA but have a hill w/ homes on it so I wonder if they block the signal. Night time seems better than daytime-The US Open this past weekend went in and out. (Tennis looks great in HD!)
What kind of amp do you have and were did you get it (May I ask)?

I got my amp from Radio Shack about 2 years ago. Here's a link to one on their website which looks identical to mine: Radio Shack High-Gain Signal Amp (http://www.radioshack.com/product.asp?catalog%5Fname=CTLG&category%5Fname=CTLG%5F003%5F001%5F003%5F001&product%5Fid=15%2D2507). I'm guessing that you'd have no problem finding one in a local store.

Let me know how the setup works - good luck!

SIGNAL button
Shows the signal strength of the current digital over-the-air channel or satellite
channel. The signal strength may be improved by adjusting the over-the-air antenna
or satellite dish antenna as directed by the antenna installation instructions.

Its on the left side of your remote.

WKRG-DT

I did get a response from JRichardson:


"We are at full power and am not aware of any problems. I have a tower
crew scheduled here soon for a complete inspection and maybe will find
something."

If you are having reception problems on Channel 27, please let him know at jrichardson@wkrg.com.

Just my two cents on the WKRG signal strength problem- Way out in the far fringes of Ft. Walton Beach right after Katrina my reception of WKRG disappeared. Improved a lot when I realized that the storm had pushed the antenna mounting around about 20-30 degree so the old rotor settings were not right anymore. I only watch CBS-HD at night and reception is now, and has been for the past week, as good as it was before the storm.

Seems WKRG again is not playing the NFL games in HD :(

I don't follow football that much anymore and I didn't see the schedule, but CBS only does 3 games in HD and the rest in SD OTA on a Sunday. I believe from the comments on the HDTV Programming forum that the games on WKRG were network SD this week.

You can see what's scheduled next week for network HD at http://www.sportsline.com/cbssports Note that they have 6 games in the lineup and only 3 are HD.

http://www.hdsportsguide.com/

Thanks for the link. They kept flashing during the Jacksonville game Hi Def provided by Sony, I just assumed it was supposed to be HD - they must slap that to all the games - HD or not :rolleyes:

I thought I remembered seeing a post in this thread about someone that does the HD setups in the Santa Rosa area. I looked back a few pages but couldn't find anything. One of the guys I work with lives out in Gulf Breeze and would like to get HD OTA. His Sat receiver has a built in OTA receiver. However, he doesn't want to have to put up a masive antenna that would be an "eye sore". He is looking for someone to come out and look at his setup and give him an idea of what it would take to get him setup on OTA HD.
Any takers?

Thanks...

what's the report on getting HD OTA in niceville area?

thanks!

Hey, allenjohn, welcome.

Don't know if there is anyone with first hand knowledge of Niceville's reception.

Are you thinking of getting into the HDTV, or do you already have the stuff and are ready to get things set up?

You likely can get NBC and UPN from Mobile, based on signal strength curves from the FCC database ( http://www.fcc.gov/fcc-bin/FMTV-service-area?x=DT619714.html ) CBS from Dothan looks likely, too ( http://www.fcc.gov/fcc-bin/FMTV-service-area?x=DS989152.html ).

Other stations you will just have to find out for yourself, that is, if nobody from Niceville weights in.

OK. Let's trying rephrasing the question, since there wern't any replies to the last one.

Anybody live in Gulf Breeze that's getting OTA? What type of antenna are you using and what channels can one expect to receive?

Thanks,
Steve

Hi Rute,

I live in Holley by the Sea and I'm using a DB-8 Bow tie in the attic... I am able to pick up the Mobile CBS, Pensacola ABC (WEAR), and Mobile NBC.. I also pick up couple of PBS stations as well. I am unable to pick up the FOX station.... A good friend of mine lives between Holley by the Sea and Gulf Breeze and he has a Square Shooter 2K.. He is picking up the same station selection as I am...

Hi Rute,

I live in Holley by the Sea and I'm using a DB-8 Bow tie in the attic... I am able to pick up the Mobile CBS, Pensacola ABC (WEAR), and Mobile NBC.. I also pick up couple of PBS stations as well. I am unable to pick up the FOX station.... A good friend of mine lives between Holley by the Sea and Gulf Breeze and he has a Square Shooter 2K.. He is picking up the same station selection as I am...


Thanks for the info. Now I need to find out if anyone in Santa Rosa sells those antennas. I know my friend can get it from the internet, but he'll probably want someone to install it. So, if he buys it locally, he has a better chance of getting it installed....:)

Again,
Thanks....

Just got HDTV, and have been trying to get some locals.

I have a wineguard square shooter and have had no luck yet :mad:

I'm at a good spot in Niceville, about as high as you can get for the area so I think I should be getting something.

Any tips or other reports from niceville would be helpful.. thanks!

Anybody else having trouble with WKRGHD OTA? I have one of those DB4HDTV antannas in my attic and for the past week the signal has been jumping all over the place. It goes from 90 to 40 signal strength all the time. Anyone else with this problem?

I have a wineguard square shooter and have had no luck yet :mad:

I'm at a good spot in Niceville, about as high as you can get for the area so I think I should be getting something.


I think you should be getting something, too. But not with a Square Shooter. Niceville, like Ft. Walton and Crestview, are at the outer edge of TV reception for Mobile stations. If you want good OTA, you have to get big, ugly, deep-fringe antennas sitting way up in the air that cause the people that live across the street to ask things like "You trying to get the NASA Deep Space Probe on that thing?":D

The Square Shooter is not deep-fringe. It appears to be a very expensive UHF antenna with mediocre performance, designed for moderate distance reception (~30-40 miles). It is designed for people that want an antenna that doesn't look like an antenna.

My advice - first, get the Square Shooter as high up as you can. Try aiming the Square Shooter 3-5 degree north of straight west while tuning ch. 17 (ABC), 31 (PBS), 45 (UPN), and 47 (NBC). If nothing, then sweep slowly north and south of that heading up to 45 degrees to see if anything shows up off axis. Then turn the antenna to northeast and tune ch 36. Sweep north and south again. Nothing? Ok, you did your best, toss the Square Shooter and go get a real fringe area antenna.

First thing to decide - UHF or Combo (VHF/UHF)?

Right now, everybody you have a chance of getting is boardcasting on UHF stations. Our only VHF DTV channel, Fox on Ch 9, has been unreachable to us in Okaloosa county. Maybe with a Winegard HD8200, but we don't have any one with that antenna reporting. So a good UHF antenna would be smaller, cheaper, and better than a VHF/UHF combo and will get you everybody doing DTV right now.

However.... Dothan WTVY-CBS is currently boardcasting DTV on Ch 36. When the DTV transistion period is over and the stations shutdown their analog transmitters, WTVY will switch their DTV from ch. 36 to ch. 4. A UHF antenna will be useless at that low of a frequency and you will have to get a VHF antenna then. At that time, Cox Cable will have everybody's DTV signal available, so you could just switch back to cable anyway.

So if you went UHF, the best of the Channel Master line is a 8 bow-tie configuration CM4228 (http://www.channelmaster.com/images/4228.jpg) This is the one I am using. Consider this, the Square Shooter has a gain of 4.5 dB. Any Radio Shack outside antenna model can out-perform that, with their reported UHF gain ranging from about 6 to 10 dB. The CM4228 is about 13 dB. In antennas, CM's antenna is a HUGE improvement over the Square Shooter. I would suggest the CM4228, paired with a CM7775 (uhf) or CM7777 (vhf/uhf) pre-amp and a Channel Master 9521 rotor (so you can point antenna toward Mobile, Dothan, or Panama City whenever). Locally, Lowes has the rotor, but that's all. Check with Pace Electronics in Pensacola (800-822-0075) or on-line vendors such as Stark Electronics (http://www.starkelectronic.com/) for the CM4228 and pre-amp.

And other antennas lines to consider are Winegard (http://www.winegard.com/offair/chartselector.htm) and Antenna Direct (http://www.antennasdirect.com/LR_HDTV_Antennas.html)

I left you a PM

Masbama, I'm getting the same thing here in Pensacola. Very jumpy. I'm hoping it will be better for the Florida/Kentucky game in HD.

Fla/Kty is jumping al over the place. Pitiful! Is it us or WKRG?

WKRG-DT

I did get a response from JRichardson:


"We are at full power and am not aware of any problems. I have a tower
crew scheduled here soon for a complete inspection and maybe will find
something."

If you are having reception problems on Channel 27, please let him know at jrichardson@wkrg.com.

For those of you experiencing poor reception from WKRG-DT: Send an email to them-- they don't seem to believe that they have a problem, and they do (in my opinion).

beachrez: Is your WKRGHD signal like mine with this Fla/Kty game? I sent an email but no reply yet. Been in my attic but no positive results.

Unwatchable

WKRG is all over the place and it has been for some time. I'm near the Pensacola airport. The signal varies been 0 and 100. It can hit 100 2 or 3 times in a minute and be near 0 the rest of the time.

Just like mine. It must be the station. I just went out and spent 60 bucks at Radio Shack for an antenna amplifier but if it is the signal it will do no good. Very frustrating. I just wish WKRG will acknowledge the probelm. At least we can isolate it Thanks!