I agree with JWhip about last nights MNF...the production itself must have been fine based on the PQ seen on the ESPNHD this morning. So assuming the ABC/ESPNs HD productions of NFL games are on the same level, what else could explain the difference in the quality of the transmissions. The ESPN games look great while the ABC/MNF are mediocre at best? Lets hope that if the WPVI subchannel issue is the cause, someone takes a long look at this decision before the regular season starts.

ABC, as we know broadcasts in 720P not 1080i. My Sony RPTV is native 1080i, so no conversion take place when I tune into NBC, CBS etc, however, with ABC my STB up converts to 1080i. Now, if I was watching on a 720P native DLP projector, or DLP rear projection TV such as the popular Samsung, then it should look better on those systems since no conversion is taking place.

I agree with the comments above, ESPNHD looks stunning. as does games on CBS or NBC for that matter, ABC and FOX transmissions are no where near as good both on my CRT RPTV, or my FP DLP projector.

Guys,

I'm Hearing September 1 (or August 31) for NFL Network, Nick TOON, and MTV Hits.

ENJOY!

David

The CBS games have always looked better than the ABC and ESPN games. I have a DLP 720P projector.

Originally posted by faceoff
Guys,

I'm Hearing September 1 (or August 31) for NFL Network, Nick TOON, and MTV Hits.

ENJOY!

David

Nick TOON, and MTV Hits. Bah, wasted bandwidth. :o
TNT-HD, Bravo-HD and encore-HD...................where are you ? ;)

You're not missing much with TNT-HD, I have it on Dish & haven't watched but maybe 3 movies on it. The transfers aren't always that great. It would be a better addition rather than the 100th MTV and Nick channels. I do have a soft spot for NFL network though.

I would much rather get HDNet & HDNet Movies.

Thanks for the info faceoff.

Speaking of Comcast additions...what ever happened to Discovery On-Demand and the testing of HD On-Demand? I wouldn't pay for anything On-Demand (New releases) at this point, but in HD I would be tempted. While I look forward to the NFL Network, is another MTV really necessary...quality over quantity needs to be the focus. I know that the HD household concentration, while growing, is still very small...but we also are the group most willing to shell-out ridiculously high amounts of cash for top quality viewing each month. I commend Comcast for the steps taken to improve the HD content this year, but adding another MTV, NICK, etc. is not going to push someone into finally subscribing to the service. I know many HD owners who are just waiting for something to make them switch from satellite, and several others who are very close to making the HD jump and only need a little push...adding more HD content might be the difference maker.

The 6208 dvr and HD sportnet pushed me over the edge in picking Comcast over D* an Voom. And I left comcast 13 years ago for C-band then D* for 3 years, because of comcast poor customer service an prices. Comcast HD bought me back.

More MTV, More NICK............why ?

btw: I forgot in my first post................Thanks faceoff ;)

I had my heart set on panasonic TH-42PD25UP but think it does not accept 720p signal. What channels will be "mush" b/c of this on comcast (which broadcast in 720p)? Also, does anyone use an EDTV without such a problem?

thanks

shacke

I sent wpvi a complaint about the MNF broadcast. And mentioned shutting down a sub channel during the broadcast. This is the response I got.

Company policy at this time is to carry the additional channels so we have no
plans to eliminate any of the sub-channels.

Are you experiencing a lip sync problem or is the ambient audio delayed?

James D. Gilbert
VP of Engineering
WPVI-TV Ch.6

To add/clarify to my post above, will the 6208 up/down-convert a 720 signal in order for it to be displayed on a TV that doesnt accept 720 as an input?

thanks

shacke

Originally posted by minorthr
I sent wpvi a complaint about the MNF broadcast. And mentioned shutting down a sub channel during the broadcast. This is the response I got.

Company policy at this time is to carry the additional channels so we have no
plans to eliminate any of the sub-channels.

Are you experiencing a lip sync problem or is the ambient audio delayed?

James D. Gilbert
VP of Engineering
WPVI-TV Ch.6

I believe that the ABC News channel is mandated by company policy but I doubt that the radar is part of that policy since WABC-DT out of New York does not carry radar and only 2 channels are present (HD and News).

That extra 1 to 4Mbps used by the radar would make a very big difference in the quality of the 6.1.

Perhaps we can convince WPVI to turn off the video for the Radar channel during MNF and leave the audio (Weather Radio).

Looks like Comcast did something between yesterday & tonight. My 6208 passes everything except HBO-HD, Showtime-HD, Cinemax-HD & Starz-HD (basically all the premium channels). Anything from these channels appears for a second & suddenly freezes via Firewire to my JVC 30K. I just get a still picture w/no audio. Back on the 6208, the picture & audio are running fine. All network HD (ABC, CBS, etc.) & Discovery-HD appear fine via Firewire/JVC. Has 5c or something been activated on premiums? Anyone else having this problem? It was working fine for the last two days.

You can set the 6208 to output all HD channels as 720p or 1080i. So it will work with any HD display. I have a Panasonic plasma that does 720p. While there is a very slight improvement in going 720p on 720 p programming, it is not enough to be worth the effort of changing the settings. Regarding WPVI, I have had a number of e-mails with Mr. Gilbert today. He has agreed to allow me to show a DVHS tape of the difference between MNF and ESPN HD's highlights. I will do the recordings when I get back from a trip and will let you know how it comes out. The only way WPVI will turn off the two subchannels will be if the FCC mandates that they do so.

Okay ... got the problem resolved! After two hours of trying just about everything, I physically unplugged the 6208, reset Firewire on the JVC 30K, then powered on the JVC followed by plugging the 6208 back in. Hope Firewire dumps to DVHS continue working tomorrow...

my tivo told me i have a new channel today.


nflnet on channel 168.
it even has a guide for it.
but when i tune to it, there is nothing there yet.
it goes one channel lower.

Originally posted by JWhip
You can set the 6208 to output all HD channels as 720p or 1080i. So it will work with any HD display. I have a Panasonic plasma that does 720p. While there is a very slight improvement in going 720p on 720 p programming, it is not enough to be worth the effort of changing the settings. Regarding WPVI, I have had a number of e-mails with Mr. Gilbert today. He has agreed to allow me to show a DVHS tape of the difference between MNF and ESPN HD's highlights. I will do the recordings when I get back from a trip and will let you know how it comes out. The only way WPVI will turn off the two subchannels will be if the FCC mandates that they do so.

Great idea. I should visually check WABC and WPVI for a difference as WABC does not broadcast the weather radar. Also, it might make sense if we ask them to reallocate the bandwidth rather than shut them off. I think they are giving more bandwidth than needed to both subchannels.

In my email that I sent him I asked to shut down the weather channel during MNF then bring it back up after the game was over. I also mentioned the ESPN highlights being a lot better then the WPVI broadcast. I have not heard back from them after I sent my reply to his email.

Perhaps we will have the opportunity to do a true comparison between the 2 transmissions tomorrow night as the Eagles/Steelers game is on ESPNHD and will also be carried locally on ABC...or will we not get the ESPNHD feed because ABC is carrying it here? It might be the chance we need to see where the quality issue really are.

Can anyone confirm how the game will be handled locally?

Comcast has confirmed the Sept. 1 addition for the NFL Network for PA & NJ as of this morning. This is 100% confirmed by Comcast.

I, too, could not watch this Monday's MNF on WPVI-HD - the audio was off by at least a second or two. It was like watching a bad martial arts dubbed movie where the audio nowhere near matched up to the lips of the commentators.

Half-time was the worst, when Al Michaels did his segment.

WPVI needs to be aware of this and correct the problem!!

Originally posted by zippychimp

I, too, could not watch this Monday's MNF on WPVI-HD - the audio was off by at least a second or two. It was like watching a bad martial arts dubbed movie where the audio nowhere near matched up to the lips of the commentators.

Half-time was the worst, when Al Michaels did his segment.

WPVI needs to be aware of this and correct the problem!!

go to wpvi's site and file a complaint about it the more people they hear from the more they will know it is an issue. As stated above i actually got a response back from them.

usually when it is a espn hd game and also carried by channel 6, the hd feed is not passed and we only get the sstandard def feed.

The Harrisburg ABC affiliate just went online about two weeks ago. They allow about 13.95 Mbps for HDTV and about 3.5 Mbps for ABC News Now and the balance is for audio and overhead. A third subchannel would render the HDTV primary channel as a waste.

Even Sinclair advocates dropping the SDTV subchannels to make way for primetime HDTV at http://www.myfreehdtv.org and here is a chart from the website:

http://www.myfreehdtv.org/images/techspec2.gif

someone should send that to channel 6.

Whotony...does tht mean no HD game for us tomorrow night...or will the HD feed come in on ESPNHD as scheduled and ABC just has the SD feed?

thats the way it has been in the past.

Originally posted by minorthr
go to wpvi's site and file a complaint about it the more people they hear from the more they will know it is an issue. As stated above i actually got a response back from them.

I did email them a note on the WPVI.com board. This is the reply I received:

We are aware of the audio delay problem. It has been addressed and fixed.



James D. Gilbert

VP of Engineering

WPVI-TV Ch.6

4100 City Avenue

Philadelphia, PA 19131

voice: (215) 581-4542, fax: (215) 581-4515

Titan TV show Eagles Steelers on ABC and ESPN.
Can anyone confirm whether we'll have both feeds,
or will ESPN be blacked out.?
If blacked out, any chance ABC will have the HD feed.?
I'm sure they'll have the same feed/cameras, but is it a money thing or rights thing for HD or not.?
Or will both channels carry the game since it's preseason, and the "rights to the game" rules are out the window.?
From Titan TV, you have to click on "additional airings"
http://www.titantv.com/TTV/Grid/ShowDetails.aspx?pvrWatch=P&viewerMode=false&callsign=WPVI&stationId=836&psipId=0&scheduleId=78886077&channel=6&contentType=digital_cable&psipMajor=&psipMinor=
Please be the latter, I won't be able to take Don Tolleffson and Gary Papa doing play by play...:mad:

6 will carry the SD feed from ESPN. HD will only be on ESPN HD and will NOT be blacked out here.

Thank you Jwhip for your response. My ED plasma is on the way and I ordered my DVR which is coming on the 7th! :D

shacke

Anybody notice that WCAU-DT was only sending out DD2.0 this morning? I know after they swapped out the encoder, they had started sending DD5.1, but it seems we're back to 2.0 today... Hmm....


Lee

Originally posted by LeeG23
Anybody notice that WCAU-DT was only sending out DD2.0 this morning? I know after they swapped out the encoder, they had started sending DD5.1, but it seems we're back to 2.0 today... Hmm....


Lee
I did notice this last evening.

Ed

Originally posted by whotony
my tivo told me i have a new channel today.


nflnet on channel 168.
it even has a guide for it.
but when i tune to it, there is nothing there yet.
it goes one channel lower.

Not till September 1st in Comcast Philadelphia area AND you have to pay for Digital "PLUS", not just Digital "Classic". $5.00 more per month.

Originally posted by JWhip
You can set the 6208 to output all HD channels as 720p or 1080i. So it will work with any HD display. I have a Panasonic plasma that does 720p. While there is a very slight improvement in going 720p on 720 p programming, it is not enough to be worth the effort of changing the settings. Regarding WPVI, I have had a number of e-mails with Mr. Gilbert today. He has agreed to allow me to show a DVHS tape of the difference between MNF and ESPN HD's highlights. I will do the recordings when I get back from a trip and will let you know how it comes out. The only way WPVI will turn off the two subchannels will be if the FCC mandates that they do so.


Well why did they turn on both subchannels in the first place? Did he say why? I can't imagine that many digital viewers care for them or watch them often. Particularly the radar one.

And what does the FCC have to do with making an internal decision to make their viewer's happy (as far as I know, the FCC has nothing to do with whether or not they choose to have the subs)? I bet if WPVI was swamped with complaints, one or both of the subs would come off.

Originally posted by caesar1
Not till September 1st in Comcast Philadelphia area AND you have to pay for Digital "PLUS", not just Digital "Classic". $5.00 more per month.

Or, for the $5 - you cn get the Sports Package - your choice.

David

I have had an HD monitor for a long time now, and I would like to upgrade from Analog cable to Digital w/HD.

Is the 6208 HD-DVR available in the Willow Grove system?

I would also need a SD Digital STB for another TV.
Will I be able to get both an HD STB and an SD STB?

If so, what do they provide as an SD STB?

Do they both come with the DRC 450 Universal Remote?

I am reading conflicting dimensions for the HD 6200 series.
More importantly, though, I need the dimensions for the SD STB, whatever it is.

Pretty sure that the 6208 is available in WG, faceoff might be able to help on that one....

What do you mean by SD digital STB? Do you want digital cable on another television? The 6200 series provides HD & SD programming through the one STB.

What do you mean by "what do they provide for SD?" are you talking abou Channels or content...Please clarify "SD"....

Not sure about a "DRC 450" remote control. You will most likely get the remote controls shown on the pages listed below.

Are you talking "physical dimensions"? Like how big it is? The "Regular" Digital Box is about the same size as the 6200 series. But there are many different models. Some are the same size, some are not as deep, and some are altogether smaller. Depending on what the technician has on his truck......

This info & more are on the pages below.

Good Luck

Originally posted by miatasm
Pretty sure that the 6208 is available in WG, faceoff might be able to help on that one....



Willow Grove is out of the Philly Office - I'm like 99.9% sure that they are available - actually, based on the fact that the press release was this past Monday, Iwould have to say that it it.

ENJOY!

David

Yes, I want one HD DVR (6208) and one 'regular' (SD) STB.

And I want to be able to buy better universal remotes for each, especially for the HD/audio room.
What works with the 6208 and all of the regular STBs?

And the physical dimensions are an issue for the regular STB, as I would like to fit it on a 15" round top of a pedestal, but it looks like I won't know what I am getting.
Could it be put on the floor? Or would the IR not work? How about an RF Universal remote?

Originally posted by faceoff
Willow Grove is out of the Philly Office - I'm like 99.9% sure that they are available - actually, based on the fact that the press release was this past Monday, Iwould have to say that it it.

Do you mean the Willow Grove Office is served by the Philly Regional Office?

If it the 6208 is available would they automatically give me one or could there be a waiting list?
If I have to get a HD STB (non-DVR), would I get the 6200?

If anybody in the WG service area has the 6208, please chime in.

Originally posted by QZ1
Do you mean the Willow Grove Office is served by the Philly Regional Office?

If it the 6208 is available would they automatically give me one or could there be a waiting list?
If I have to get a HD STB (non-DVR), would I get the 6200?

If anybody in the WG service area has the 6208, please chime in.

The Willow Grove area is served out of Philly, not out of MontCo.

You would have to ask for a DVR - you would not automatically get one - supply and demand since the formal launch would determine whether or not there is a wait list - my guess, and that's all it is, is that there would not be a wait.

You SHOULD get a 6200 for regular HD - to be sure - just tell them that you want firewire - the 5100's have DVI, but no Firewire - as far as I know, if you want firewire, it has to ve a 62xx Box.

David

Originally posted by faceoff
The Willow Grove area is served out of Philly, not out of MontCo.

There is a local office in WG, so are you talking about a Philly regional office?

You would have to ask for a DVR - you would not automatically get one - supply and demand since the formal launch would determine whether or not there is a wait list - my guess, and that's all it is, is that there would not be a wait.

OK, I know I have to ask for the DVR, hopefully you are right and it is available.

You SHOULD get a 6299 for regular HD - to be sure - just tell them that you want firewire - the 5100's have DVI, but no Firewire - as far as I know, if you want firewire, it has to ve a 62xx Box.

Hmm, I thought the 5100 was replaced with the 6200. Never heard of the the 6299. I don't have Firewire, just DVI.
Don't they confirm whether one has Firewire or not? Like asking what the TV or device is, on the phone or when they get there?
If the have the 6208 DVR I will get that for HD anyway.
I still wonder what they give as a regular Digital STB.

Sorry - the "6299" was a typo - it should have read "6200" I corrected it - sorry. .

Originally posted by QZ1
Originally posted by faceoff
The Willow Grove area is served out of Philly, not out of MontCo.

There is a local office in WG, so are you talking about a Philly regional office?

You would have to ask for a DVR - you would not automatically get one - supply and demand since the formal launch would determine whether or not there is a wait list - my guess, and that's all it is, is that there would not be a wait.

OK, I know I have to ask for the DVR, hopefully you are right and it is available.

You SHOULD get a 6299 for regular HD - to be sure - just tell them that you want firewire - the 5100's have DVI, but no Firewire - as far as I know, if you want firewire, it has to ve a 62xx Box.

Hmm, I thought the 5100 was replaced with the 6200. Never heard of the the 6299. I don't have Firewire, just DVI.
Don't they confirm whether one has Firewire or not? Like asking what the TV or device is, on the phone or when they get there?
If the have the 6208 DVR I will get that for HD anyway.
I still wonder what they give as a regular Digital STB.

Hey,

I am not receiving any audio or video on INHD or INHD2. The channell shows up as black screen .I have a SA explorer STB w/ the digital and HD (of course).

anyone else having this problem?

PS. I'm located in Mt. Laurel

Originally posted by QZ1
Yes, I want one HD DVR (6208) and one 'regular' (SD) STB.

And I want to be able to buy better universal remotes for each, especially for the HD/audio room.
What works with the 6208 and all of the regular STBs?

And the physical dimensions are an issue for the regular STB, as I would like to fit it on a 15" round top of a pedestal, but it looks like I won't know what I am getting.
Could it be put on the floor? Or would the IR not work? How about an RF Universal remote?

There is a newer regular Digital Box that should suit your needs but I'm not sure how available they are in your area. The model is a DCT2500 its smaller (width & depth).

AFA universal remotes go, anyone should work but I would make sure you get a programmable learning remote so that you are sure you can get all of the features you use onto the remote. Codes will be listed under Motorola or General Instrument. Radio Shack has some nice upgradable remotes......

Yes the box will work on the floor

You can get a 6 pin to 6 pin Firewire cable with two 6-to-4 pin convertors for $15 at your local Target.

Everybody ready for the realignment tomorrow?? :-)

Just curious if anyone has heard anything yet on if CSTV will be added Wednesday along with NFL Network!

Big PSU games on CSTV this weekend...

I've had the new lineup for a couple of weeks now & I don't remember seeing CSTV, Sorry.....

Originally posted by miatasm
Yes the box will work on the floor
Will the IR work, or will I need RF?

I'm not quite sure what you are asking. Are you talking about the remotes Infared?

Olympics over...what in the heck is with the picture now..vertical "bar" interference on all STBs (OTA) and Comcast 6208!!

MNF is all screwed up on Comcast.... Channel 210, no announcers, picture qaulity problems etc

A little OTA breakup on the video (philly 6-1) No center channel or shall i say no anouncers. Which is fine by me. since the anouncers are horrid anyway.

Originally posted by webboy10169
A little OTA breakup on the video (philly 6-1) No center channel or shall i say no anouncers. Which is fine by me. since the anouncers are horrid anyway.

Yep, same here. It started right in the beginning of the broadcast when Al Michales and John Madden was talking...... lost the voice for 10 seconds.

Originally posted by whsbuss
Yep, same here. It started right in the beginning of the broadcast when Al Michales and John Madden was talking...... lost the voice for 10 seconds.

Audios back Dolby digital lit up on the receiver. What a shame it was nice not to hear Madden bumble over himself...

Finally getting the MNF HD feed on Comcast.

Channel 210? I get ABC on 180...

oops.. HD feed just switched to 4 by 3 awful feed... guess they are still having problems.. ABC is by far the worst ABC feed... hope they get this fixed sometime soon...

Channel realignment in some areas (eventually all) puts all the HD's in the 200's.....

Originally posted by miatasm
Channel realignment in some areas (eventually all) puts all the HD's in the 200's.....

Ah, I see.. thanks for replying...

Originally posted by miatasm
Channel realignment in some areas (eventually all) puts all the HD's in the 200's.....

Here's what coming to Bux/ Mont: NFL Network is supposed to be 9/1/04, everything else on 8/31:

ADD: Channel 129 Nick TOONS Digital Classic
Add: Channel 139 MTV HITS Digital PLUS
Add: Channel 180 NFL Network Digital PLUS
Add: Channel 275 NFL Network Digital Sports Package
From Channel 138 to Channel 162 G4techTV
From Digital Classic to Digital Plus - MTV Jams (Channel 142)
From Channel 172 to Channel 200 Comcast SportsNet HD
From Channel 173 to Channel 202 ESPN HD
From Channel 174 to Channel 206 INHD
From Channel 175 to Channel 207 INHD 2
From Channel 178 to Channel 238 HBO HD
From Channel 179 to Channel 228 SHO HD
From Channel 180 to Channel 210 WPVI-DT
From Channel 181 to Channel 211 WCAU-DT
From Channel 182 to Channel 212 KYW-DT
From Channel 183 to Channel 213 WTXF-DT
From Channel 184 to Channel 214 WPHL-DT
From Channel 186 to Channel 205 DHDT
From Channel 190 to Channel 220 WHYY-DT
From Channel 184 to Channel 216 WPVI News
From Channel 185 to Channel 217 WPVI Weather

From Channel 200 to Channel 500 ON DEMAND Previews

IN-DEMAND PPV from 201-202/224-231
to 501-502/524-531

Adult Programming from 250-254 to 544-548

Now if I were realigning the channels, I would have made the DT locals correspond with their OTA number....

103 KYW
106 WPVI
110 WCAU
112 WHYY
117 WPHL
129 WTXF
157 WPSG

etc...

But that's just my opinion...

That would make way too much sense....

Well- realignment occurred over night -

As Faceoff posted - all changes were made - including the addition of the NFL Network.

I was told yesterday now however, that CSTV isn't going to be added now. DAMN! I wanted to watch college football this weekend! Not sure why they wouldn't have added it now with all the other changes. :-(

The Inquirer got my hopes all up!

But - in the 2 minutes i got to watch NFL this AM - pretty sweet. :-)

I'm in Bucks and we have NFL network this morning.

faceoff, what about Cinemax-HD & Starz-HD? Are they still the old channel #s?

Originally posted by Brajesh
faceoff, what about Cinemax-HD & Starz-HD? Are they still the old channel #s?

OK

Cinemax-HD is on 233
Starz-HD is on 248

I didn't check, but the premiums (HBO,MAX.Starz, and SHO) are still probably also mapped in the 300's where the premium channels are.

Also, Upper Merion is getting PCN added tomorrow on Channel 185.

David

Brajesh-
They kept Cinemax and Starz HD on their 300 level spot - but they also put a copy of them in the 200's with HBO and Showtime HD.

They took StarzHD off 368 on my set.

Also, I lost the center channel audio on Comcast HD and INHD.

Anyone else have the audio problem?

Thanks. You guys know where I can get a listing of all the SD channels? comcast.com is no help.

Originally posted by math08
They took StarzHD off 368 on my set.

Also, I lost the center channel audio on Comcast HD and INHD.

Anyone else have the audio problem?

Can't confirm either issue - a suggestion - if you are using the COMCAST remote - just set the "Favorites" to cycle through the HD Channels - works great - I have mine set to the HD Channels - and the Digital Sports Channels.

ENJOY!

David

Can any of you comcast insiders help out with ESPN Gameplan? I know lots of people are trying to sign up, but the rumors are that Comcast is still negotiating for carriage.

I'm trying to help out a buddy who is in Denver and needs PSU football or I fear he might take his own life. Thanks guys.

Originally posted by Drew_N
Can any of you comcast insiders help out with ESPN Gameplan? I know lots of people are trying to sign up, but the rumors are that Comcast is still negotiating for carriage.


Just checked - seems to have been true - what I heard is that everything was signed off this morning.

David

Thanks David. Much appreciated!

Looks like WV got CSTV today- on channel 274.

Looks like it's getting closer!

Originally posted by miatasm
I'm not quite sure what you are asking. Are you talking about the remotes Infared?
Yes, I don't know how sensitive the IR is between STB and remote.

Assuming I even have line of sight, does the remote have to be aimed near perfectly level with the STB?

If there is no line of sight, how do I go about about using the STB?

I never understood how an RF remote works with an IR STB. I need a general understanding before I look for remotes.

No it doesn't need to be directly level with the box.

Do you have a RF remote control that you are going to use with this box?

If so, most RF output remote control also output IR. You will need line of site but you do not have to be directly in front of it.

As far as RF remotes working with IR equipment. An RF remote control or Repeaters (like X10 or leapfrog) work by taking an IR signal from the remote then converting to RF. RF then can be transmitted through walls & floors (usually via an antenna). Then its picked up by a receiver which converts it back to IR and sends it to the equipment either by direct line of site to the equipment or by IR extenders.

Is you STB going to be located away from the Television?

Originally posted by jeepmatt
Looks like WV got CSTV today- on channel 274.

Looks like it's getting closer!

OK, I'll show my stupidaty!! What is CSTV??

CSTV is College Sports Television - a cool sports channel devoted to College sports..

Back at the end of july comcast agreed to carry them - the Inquirer said we'd have it by 9/1 - but now noone knows.

Thanks Jeepmatt, I'll look forward to that. Is there a difference in the two NFL channels just added? Do we know yet what Gameplan will cost?

Originally posted by Carl Jones
Thanks Jeepmatt, I'll look forward to that. Is there a difference in the two NFL channels just added? Do we know yet what Gameplan will cost?

Hi Carl,

The NFL Channel is the same - the one on Ch 180 is with the Digital Plus Tier, the one on 275 is with the other Sports Tier Channels.

ENJOY!

David

Thanks David. What of pricing for Gameplan?? I'm ready for some football!!

Carl-
I think it's $99 for the season if you order by the end of the week.

Originally posted by jeepmatt
Carl-
I think it's $99 for the season if you order by the end of the week.

Correct - It's $99 for the season up until 9/3 (Earlybird) after 9/3, it goes to $119.

ENJOY!

David

Thanks for the info... so are we getting CSTV?? (MORE FOOTBALL)!! Glad my wife doesn't read these!!

http://www.espnppv.com/espnppv/

Carl-
When Comcast signed the deal back on 7/28 to carry CSTV - The paper (Inquirer) said we'd have it by 9/1 - which seemed reasonable.

Now, noone knows anything about it - actually disappointed - especially with football season starting this weekend - and tons of other PSU games on (Girls soccer, etc.)

Hopefully someone on here will have some juicier news as to when we may finally see it.

Originally posted by jeepmatt
Carl-
When Comcast signed the deal back on 7/28 to carry CSTV - The paper (Inquirer) said we'd have it by 9/1 - which seemed reasonable.

Now, noone knows anything about it - actually disappointed - especially with football season starting this weekend - and tons of other PSU games on (Girls soccer, etc.)

Hopefully someone on here will have some juicier news as to when we may finally see it.

Matt,

I just pulled the beginning of the article from Philly.com - here's what it says:

Comcast plans to add college sports channel

Source: Don Steinberg INQUIRER STAFF WRITER
Comcast has agreed to carry CSTV - College Sports Television - on all of its cable systems. CSTV is a 24-hour channel that shows college football, basketball and other sports from field hockey to ultimate frisbee. Its fall football schedule includes Penn, Princeton, Lehigh, Rutgers and Maryland games.The deal calls for CSTV to appear on most Comcast systems on Sept. 1, but Comcast said the start date in the Philadelphia area has not been determined yet.

Thanks again guys. Very helpful.

Originally posted by miatasm
No it doesn't need to be directly level with the box.

That's good.

Do you have a RF remote control that you are going to use with this box?

No.

If so, most RF output remote control also output IR. You will need line of site but you do not have to be directly in front of it.

As far as RF remotes working with IR equipment. An RF remote control or Repeaters (like X10 or leapfrog) work by taking an IR signal from the remote then converting to RF. RF then can be transmitted through walls & floors (usually via an antenna). Then its picked up by a receiver which converts it back to IR and sends it to the equipment either by direct line of site to the equipment or by IR extenders.

Great, I understand now.

Is you STB going to be located away from the Television?

Well, the TV is directly in front of the viewing area; but the furniture, on which it is sitting, is off-set to the right, so the STB would be on the floor to the right of the piece, on a ~45 deg. angle from the viewing area.

If the STB is recessed, it probably wouldn't have line of sight, therefore, I could line up the STB with the furniture, and then it would have line of sight, for sure. So, I still can get an IR Universal Remote.

Thanks for your help.

Looking at Comcast's site I read this in regards to HD:

"Comcast SportsNet, Discovery HD Theater, ESPN, INHD and INHD2 are included with a subscription to Comcast Digital Cable."

I was thinking of getting Digital Plus, keeping the Value Pak, and dropping Expanded Basic. But I have some questions.

For the room with the HD tuner, I will get the aforementioned HD channels, but when they are showing 4:3 content will it be OAR on all the channels, or do any use stretch-o-vision? If so, which?
If they do, I might miss having analogs, CSN and ESPN, from Expanded Basic.

For the room with the regular Digital tuner, do the HD channels come in down-rezzed and letterboxed on an Analog TV w/Composite? (don't have S-video) Or not at all?
If they don't, I might miss Expanded Basic on the secondary TV, also.

Originally posted by QZ1
Looking at Comcast's site I read this in regards to HD:

"Comcast SportsNet, Discovery HD Theater, ESPN, INHD and INHD2 are included with a subscription to Comcast Digital Cable."

I was thinking of getting Digital Plus, keeping the Value Pak, and dropping Expanded Basic. But I have some questions.

For the room with the HD tuner, I will get the aforementioned HD channels, but when they are showing 4:3 content will it be OAR on all the channels, or do any use stretch-o-vision? If so, which?
If they do, I might miss having analogs, CSN and ESPN, from Expanded Basic.

For the room with the regular Digital tuner, do the HD channels come in down-rezzed and letterboxed on an Analog TV w/Composite? (don't have S-video) Or not at all?
If they don't, I might miss Expanded Basic on the secondary TV, also.

As far as I know, some of CSN is stretched - all HOME GAMES on CSN are in HD.

ESPN puts stuff on the side when they are broadcasting SD.

The digital box will only get the audio - no the video on the HD Channels.

Hope this helps!

David

For the room with the regular Digital tuner, do the HD channels come in down-rezzed and letterboxed on an Analog TV w/Composite? (don't have S-video) Or not at all?

i think you can change the "resolution" down to 480i and it should be veiwable on a regular tv.

i think you have to turn off the cable box and hit the menu button. this should bring up a screen that lets you change from
480i-480p-720p-1080i.

Matt,

I just pulled the beginning of the article from Philly.com - here's what it says:

Comcast plans to add college sports channel

Source: Don Steinberg INQUIRER STAFF WRITER
Comcast has agreed to carry CSTV - College Sports Television - on all of its cable systems. CSTV is a 24-hour channel that shows college football, basketball and other sports from field hockey to ultimate frisbee. Its fall football schedule includes Penn, Princeton, Lehigh, Rutgers and Maryland games.The deal calls for CSTV to appear on most Comcast systems on Sept. 1, but Comcast said the start date in the Philadelphia area has not been determined yet.

Damn! There was fine print! Question for all you - why would the home town of Comcast be lagging in adding channels? I know there's probably a ton of things needed to add a channel for transmission - but you'd think in Philly - being a HUGE sports town - we would've had CSTV at 12:01am on 9/1 ?

Thanks Faceoff for the story link.

why wont my tivo show the correct programs for csn on 200?

all i get are the show for one of the inhd channels, even though it says it is csn.

Originally posted by faceoff
As far as I know, some of CSN is stretched - all HOME GAMES on CSN are in HD.

ESPN puts stuff on the side when they are broadcasting SD.

The digital box will only get the audio - no the video on the HD Channels.

Hope this helps!
Yes, the info. is helpful. I would probably keep Expanded service, so I could get analog CSN and ESPN on the analog TV. Of course, when I get another HDTV, I might drop Expanded.

Just bought a 42" ED panny plasma and am cable shopping - wanted to know opnions on whether there is noticeable difference using DVI vs component with the motorola STB.

Thanks

shacke
Bala Cynwyd, PA

Since SA8000 is available in S. Jersey and Dover, is it available to the Willow Grove, PA service area?

Is it $10 for an HD DVR or $10 more than HD STB, ie. $15?

Regarding regular Digital (non-HD) STBs:

Is it now possible that Comcast (Willow Grove) is now using SA as well as the Motorola DCT2500 (or other Motorola)?

I can't see a difference - the components that Comcast supplied with the HD box seem to be fine quality and look great. I only have one DVI input in my tv so I use it for the DVD-IN (Samsung DVD Player w/ DVI output).

Pat




Originally posted by shacke
Just bought a 42" ED panny plasma and am cable shopping - wanted to know opnions on whether there is noticeable difference using DVI vs component with the motorola STB.

Thanks

shacke
Bala Cynwyd, PA

Originally posted by QZ1
Regarding regular Digital (non-HD) STBs:

Is it now possible that Comcast (Willow Grove) is now using SA as well as the Motorola DCT2500 (or other Motorola)?

Not with the current addressability system......

Originally posted by shacke
Just bought a 42" ED panny plasma and am cable shopping - wanted to know opnions on whether there is noticeable difference using DVI vs component with the motorola STB.

Thanks

shacke
Bala Cynwyd, PA

I have both component & DVI hooked up on my moto 6200 to my Pio 1110HD. I can see very little difference between the two.

I realize this is off-topic since it is not an HDTV question, but it is specific to the Philadelphia market.

The local package from DirecTV includes WLVT, Channel 39, from the Lehigh Valley. My picture is frequently awful (snowy). This is not a problem on any of the other Philadelphia area local channels offered by DirecTV.

Does anyone else notice this? Is the problem with D* or with me? If it is a problem with D* where do I go to complain?

Thanks,
Stu

It's not you, it's D* - I'm assuming they try to pick up the signal OTA in Philly and then relay it off to wherever before firing it up into space and back down again... seems worse in the summer.

If you have half-an-hour to waste, you could call D* customer service and have them tell you to reboot your receiver, but it won't help ;)

Originally posted by StuSuss
I realize this is off-topic since it is not an HDTV question, but it is specific to the Philadelphia market.

The local package from DirecTV includes WLVT, Channel 39, from the Lehigh Valley. My picture is frequently awful (snowy). This is not a problem on any of the other Philadelphia area local channels offered by DirecTV.

Does anyone else notice this? Is the problem with D* or with me? If it is a problem with D* where do I go to complain?

Thanks,
Stu

Same here. But via OTA there is less snow of the picture (about 8 miles from Roxborough).

Originally posted by whsbuss
Same here. But via OTA there is less snow of the picture (about 8 miles from Roxborough). DirecTV has their receiving center on top of the PECO building here in center city. They probably get a lot of snow on 39 due to distance and multipath. The only other channel that is as far away is 69, but I've never noticed any snow on it. Maybe 69 transmits at a higher power, slightly different location, or both?

Originally posted by StuSuss
The local package from DirecTV includes WLVT, Channel 39, from the Lehigh Valley. My picture is frequently awful (snowy). This is not a problem on any of the other Philadelphia area local channels offered by DirecTV.

Does anyone else notice this? Is the problem with D* or with me?

I record "EastEnders" every weekend on WLVT and it nearly always looks bad. Last weekend was particularly snowy. I'm guessing it has a lot to do with the delivery method and equipment that this little public television station uses to distribute its signal. Fortunately it's one of three PBS stations that we get and I only watch EastEnders on that channel so I haven't felt compelled to call D* about it. It is annoying though.

Rp

Finally got my DVR today! I want to hook up tivo to use the new digital service. I have IR cable - where is the IR sensor on the 6208? Am I just blind?

Also, channels are coming in with side bars and I cant change the aspect ratio on my TV remote with these channels? - anyone have an idea why? I do have an ED plasma which must have something to do with it. Do I have to somehow change to output to 480p?

thanks for any help.

shacke

Turn 6208 off. then hold down menu button on 6208 box. advance option screen will come up. It will give you 480i and 480p options

Place the IR blaster right over the 6208 clock.........right in the middle. it works with my ReplayTV

I'm in the Ft. Washington area. Since Comcast recently remapped the HDTV channels to >199, I have not noticed the Dobly Digital indicator light up on my receiver. Prior to Comcast's change, I did see the the indicator light up on many of the HDTV programs.

The 6208 STB is connect to my Sony receiver via the optical out. The receiver is set to auto-decoding mode. I do see the light when I play a DVD.

I have not contacted Comcast yet. Have any of you experienced the same problem? Thanks

Thanks Jones07 - that advice worked fine.

But.... The local channels in HD still have the side black bars no matter what I set the settings to. What is it about these channels that that persists? and can I fix it to remove the bars from them???

thanks

shacke:confused:

Originally posted by shacke
Thanks Jones07 - that advice worked fine.

But.... The local channels in HD still have the side black bars no matter what I set the settings to. What is it about these channels that that persists? and can I fix it to remove the bars from them???

thanks

shacke:confused:

shacke,

You will get black bars when the programming is NOT HD which is just about anytime other than prime-time or Sports on weekends.

In fact KYW usually has grey bars - not black.

ENJOY!

David

Thanks David! Aah - That explains why the picture was not as good. I was confused as these channels are in a different location than the other locals. Please tell me that EAGLES games are broadcast in HD?! (insert nervous sweat:( )

shacke

Originally posted by shacke
Thanks David! Aah - That explains why the picture was not as good. I was confused as these channels are in a different location than the other locals. Please tell me that EAGLES games are broadcast in HD?! (insert nervous sweat:( )

shacke

Someone else will probabl;y be able to give you a more exact answer - but I know that FOX has committed to HD Sports (Especially football) big-time. As far as I know, and I'm probably wrong, there's not a schedule for all-HD games this season.

David

Originally posted by faceoff


In fact KYW usually has grey bars - not black.



Which STILL drives me nuts! It still doesn't make any sense to me why
they're doing this.

Dennis

Fox is currently broadcasting in widescreen only (NOT HD) but switches to HD this Sunday for NFL & most of it's prime time shows. If you have your cable box set to 1080i or 720p, you will have no control on the side bars on those channels.

I don't like the grey bars on CBS either!! I had read another post somewhere that they had changed to grey bars because of a liability issue. Someone suing complaining of burn in on their expensive TV???

Originally posted by YoungWeb
I'm in the Ft. Washington area. Since Comcast recently remapped the HDTV channels to >199, I have not noticed the Dobly Digital indicator light up on my receiver. Prior to Comcast's change, I did see the the indicator light up on many of the HDTV programs.

The 6208 STB is connect to my Sony receiver via the optical out. The receiver is set to auto-decoding mode. I do see the light when I play a DVD.

I have not contacted Comcast yet. Have any of you experienced the same problem? Thanks

Go to your "audio" settings on the main menu. Make sure it is set to "advanced" on the second setting.

Originally posted by DTGallagher
Which STILL drives me nuts! It still doesn't make any sense to me why
they're doing this.

Dennis

A CBS employee explained this was due to a lawsuit filed by someone against his TV manufacturer, who alleged the side bars were burned into his TV.

Supposedly grey bars are less likely to cause burn-in (or would take longer).

CBS is protecting itself. I think since the broadcasters weren't named in the lawsuit, the lawyers are being ridiculously over-cautious. Moreover, advice is just that -- advice -- it doesn't have to be followed.

Originally posted by shacke
Please tell me that EAGLES games are broadcast in HD?! (insert nervous sweat:( )

shacke

Not to worry. The Games will be in sweet HD ;)
Took Fox long e-nuff.

Yep I'm not a fox fan, but their widescreen does look nice for no being true HD

I am wading through my new channel lineup and quickly noticed one thing. Of all the huuundreds of channels, I get or want to see only a fraction. Is there a way to change the guide so that it only scrolls through the channels you would ever want to watch? Is there a limit to the number of favorites you can add to the list (assuming that is the only option)?

thanks

shacke

bala cynwyd

Faceoff-
Any news yet on CSTV???

This is killing me! lol..

College sports is taking off now - was just up at PSU for the game over the weekend - it's turning to FALL - what's better than college sports?? :-)

Originally posted by jeepmatt
Faceoff-
Any news yet on CSTV???

This is killing me! lol..

College sports is taking off now - was just up at PSU for the game over the weekend - it's turning to FALL - what's better than college sports?? :-)

To quote Sgt Shultz "I know nothing".

David

Originally posted by shacke
I am wading through my new channel lineup and quickly noticed one thing. Of all the huuundreds of channels, I get or want to see only a fraction. Is there a way to change the guide so that it only scrolls through the channels you would ever want to watch? Is there a limit to the number of favorites you can add to the list (assuming that is the only option)?



Maybe these should go in the motorola forum, but another annoyance with the DCT is that the guide screen always resets back to channel 1, rather than the current channel. Also, the guide rolls over to the next 1/2 hour block early, so that when you click the show it only gives you the option to set a reminder, not actually go to that channel!

is there a motorola forum if so where ?


thx

I guess I was thinking of the HDTV > HDTV Hardware forum...
but I checked and there's almost no dicussion of onscreen program guides there, so I figured the people here might be the most knowledgeable on the topic.

Originally posted by shacke
Is there a way to change the guide so that it only scrolls through the channels you would ever want to watch?

Which service are you talking about? If it's DirecTV you can program a favorites list. Some receivers even allow you to have multiple favorites lists...one for you, one for your wife/girlfriend/whatever.

Originally posted by jeepmatt
what's better than college sports?? :-) NFL-HD

Originally posted by jeepmatt
what's better than college sports?? :-)

Real sports known as professional sports... spelling bees, cutting my toe nails, shopping for dog food, etc.

To each his own though. ;)

I'm a current Voom subscriber living in Allentown, PA. Voom uses an OTA for its local network programming. Unfortunatly, I can only sometimes tune in CBS 3, NBC 10, and UPN 17. When I do get signal it is pixelated, breaks up and freezes often, and will often just go black and show the "no signal" message on the screen. I have never been able to tune to any other Philadelphia channels (Fox, ABC, WB, etc...). I'm trying to find out what antenna people have used with success in my area. I definitly want to get Fox this football season, and I would like to have all the other network programming as well. Voom has agreed to pay for and install a Winegard HD8200p model antenna as an upgrade, should this work? Is there another model I should request instead? Or, would I have better luck purchasing and setting up my own antenna? I am a newbie when it comes to OTA antennas (I've always used SECTV cable prior to Voom). Thanks in advance for your help.

I emailed HD Net yesterday about whether they will ever be coming to the Comcast systems.

Surprisingly, I received a same-day response that they are in negotiations, but there is no ETA if or when an agreement will be met.

I think if we are able to have these 2 remaining channels added to the HD lineup, Comcast's will be one of the most robust in the country.

Any thoughts?

I agree

Hello
I am new to this forum and I would like the names and phone numbers of a local installer that can put up an antenna on the roof. I looked in the phone book and called one shop that wanted $450 to supply and install a CM 4228 antenna. That seems so high.

Thanks

Originally posted by JerryL356
I am new to this forum and I would like the names and phone numbers of a local installer that can put up an antenna on the roof. I looked in the phone book and called one shop that wanted $450 to supply and install a CM 4228 antenna. That seems so high. Was that including a preamp and wiring into the house? Masts, mounts, miscellaneous hardware/screws, connectors, cable, grounding wire, ground rod, doing a neat job running the cabling, et. al.... I wouldn't necessarily say cheapest is the best, and how difficult is it to get to where the antenna needs to go (multi-story house, steep roof, need for 2 people or more, etc)... will they do testing to determine the best location, or are they just putting it where you tell them you want it?

I guess what I'm getting at is that doesn't necessarily seem that high depending on what's involved.

What's so difficult about putting it up yourself... ? Antenna is $60 I put mine in 2 weeks ago..

Directv installed a winegard sensor 1000 on the roof. I am not getting above a 60 signal on any of the channels. I do not receive channel 12 or 17. Channels 3 and 29 are pixelated. I see that the best way to go would be the CM 4228. The wires are already run but I would rather have it professionally installed. I have no signal strength meter.

One other question... Where can I purchase the CM 4228?

Thanks

Geez... ABC isn't transmitting the pre-game at least in HD? LAMO

jeepmatt, Comcast and HDNet have been in negotiations for awhile. You won't get any info from emailing Comcast until after it is already known for awhile. Just anxiously await word from the posters in the know around here (JWhip, Ken H, the Q).

Originally posted by mendes9
Geez... ABC isn't transmitting the pre-game at least in HD? LAMO

agreed

Anyone else getting an awful feed from ABC tonight? Football is tough to watch, lots of drops, loss of audio...

I'm in Wayne watching the Colts-Pats game and the pixellation is almost intolerable, lots of audio drop-outs. I'm I alone or everytime it rains does the cable get a screwed-up?

Same here and I am getting it on most all of my HD channels, on both my boxes. I have decided to turn it off as it is unwatchable.

Everything fine here in EHT, NJ (Comcast)

Lots of pixelation in Newtown Square, but only on Comcast and it's all the local channels. Over the air, everything's rock solid.

Comcast...I get pixellation whenever it rains. They pi$$ me off.

Fine here in Blackwood, NJ. Actually it looks better then most ABC broadcasts. Not as soft as usually (still not as good as ESPN).

good in Somers Point, NJ (knock on wood)
couple of audio drops no biggie.

Confirmed rock-solid HD and 5.1 OTA

Originally posted by JerryL356
One other question... Where can I purchase the CM 4228?

Thanks

I have one which I'll deliver to you if you want to buy it. I bought it and put it on the roof but it fed too much signal to my very sensitive HD TiVo and I haven't returned it. I've still got all the parts and the box and I'll even throw in 10 feet of antenna mast. Feel free to email me.

parkman at mac.com

Rob

Since I put up my ChannelMaster 4228 ROCK solid signal EVERY local OTA channel every day... i'm in in Feasterville, right above northeast philly.. not 1 dropout last night.

was channel 29 dig not coming in for anyone else?

i could get it ota but not on comcast tonight.

Originally posted by whotony
was channel 29 dig not coming in for anyone else?

i could get it ota but not on comcast tonight.

Fox digital has not been on Comcast the last two nights!! There during the day but off at night.

Originally posted by Carl Jones
Fox digital has not been on Comcast the last two nights!! There during the day but off at night.
Hopefully it's because WTXF is increasing their transmitter strength?? I'm guessing... I hope they increase their transmitter strength.

You haven't missed anything - there has been no HD/widescreen FOX programming since Wednesday. FOX network is apparently launching its true HD (720p) network delivery tomorrow (Sunday) and the affiliates have been getting their equipment set up... acid test is 4pm tomorrow, I guess, when all being well we should see the Eagles in true HD.

There's a sticky thread all about this in the HD Programming forum, with input from at least a couple of Fox affiliate engineers.

i cant wait for the new foxhd. Hopefully they wont screw it up and the eagles game will come in nice and clear.

Well so far, after 5 minutes, the Eagles game on FOXHD looks crap!!

FOX's HD sure looks a lot like 480p upconverted to 720p...

I am getting a lot of audio drop outs for the Eagles game.

Well at least you're getting the digital feed. I can't receive it at all OTA!!

HarleyJoel,

Did you lose your FOX hi-def signal about an hour or so ago? I lost not only FOX, but also the ABC, NBC, and PBS digital signals. I am still getting CBS perfectly and watched the Steelers/Raiders game in hi-def.

Anyone else in the South Jersey or Jersery shore area having problems with the above digital broadcasts?

I checked the signal right before 1:00PM and it was a good signal. I watched the Steeler game without problems and now I'm getting nothing on 29-1. I just checked WPVI-DT and WCAU-DT and I'm still getting them okay.

I'm getting pixellation and audio drops (not near as many on Thursday night's football game), and the game does look like crap. Also the audio is not 5.1 as advertised. Very disappointing...

I was getting so many audio drop outs that i actually turned it off to regular TV, I came back before halftime and so far so good... havent had pixelation or audio dropouts since... this better be first day jitters, cause it sucks

Things are better now here, picture is OK, was expecting better.

by second qtr!! everything is great


by half time its perfect

just look at the SCORE BOARD!!!


E
A
G
L
E
S


EAGLES!!!!!!


mitch

I guess I have to add HDTV service from Comcast......

Comcast's delivery was no where near perfect either. I flipped between Comcast and OTA when each would breakup enough to annoy me. I can take bad picture quality or breakups, but not both. At least not on the Eagles games.

Comcast gets the same signal as you do with a full strength OTA signal.

Picture was fine here in south jersey, looked good to me, not as good as CBS but thats because unlike what FOX says 1080I is better than 720p

The close up shots looked allot better then the distant shots. It was no ESPN HD Sunday night Football, or ABC HD Monday night Football. It was allot better then the crap Fox gave us last year for the Eagles games. I had a few pixalation/audio drop outs, nothing I would consider major. The game was watchable..........oh, and they won witch is always a good thing ;)

Fox has done a great job considering they did 6 games in HD yesterday, I'm pleased to have it. Here, we had (via comcast) significant audio dropouts at the beginning of the Eagles-Giants game & low announcer audio throughout the game. Switching back to Los Angeles or to commercials, sound volume jumped up significantly. Video was OK, I'm sure it will get better, just PLEASE fix the audio!!

Originally posted by Carl Jones
Fox has done a great job considering they did 6 games in HD yesterday, I'm pleased to have it. Here, we had (via comcast) significant audio dropouts at the beginning of the Eagles-Giants game & low announcer audio throughout the game. Switching back to Los Angeles or to commercials, sound volume jumped up significantly. Video was OK, I'm sure it will get better, just PLEASE fix the audio!!

I had the same observations via OTA on 29-1. The DD audio did drop out until mid way through the 2nd quarter. Wish the quality was as good as CBS (3-1) but I guess we shouldn't complain too much.

I agree. I am not sure if this was a Comcast or broadcast issue. Went to SD to watch first half due to audio drops. The prior Steeler game was fine.

Second half was fine, execpt low volume of game commentator vs commercials. Had to keep the remote in hand to not be blown away when they went to commercial break.

i didnt have the problem of the soft announcer/loud commercials, but from the 2nd quarter on it was much better. Hopefully it was just small problems for the first time, and it doesnt happen again

I just got off the phone w/ Garden State Cable, SJ's Comcast provider. They informed me that the SA 8600 series HD DVR box is now available in Camden & Burlington County. Does anyone have any information on this box??

The FOX highlights on ESPN looked better than teh games did on FOX :confused:

I just oredered a Terk36 and I'm in the process of picking up a 40' tower. I will be placing the tower in the rear of my yard so I'm looking at a 100' run from the base of the tower to the house. I could really use some help in determining what cable I should run, what type of preamp and anything else in regards to the long run. I'm pretty sure I should use RG-11 for coax, but what about the rotor and the preamp? Any suggestions are appreciated.

Originally posted by ruckus87
I just got off the phone w/ Garden State Cable, SJ's Comcast provider. They informed me that the SA 8600 series HD DVR box is now available in Camden & Burlington County. Does anyone have any information on this box??

The official model number is SA8000HD. Dual Tuner HD 160GB - DVR. Here is more info from SA's website:

http://www.scientificatlanta.com/Demo/dvrHD/dvr.html

Originally posted by Damien
I just oredered a Terk36

That's your first mistake - Terk specialize in heavily marketed, overpriced, pretty looking products that fail to deliver.

Originally posted by Damien
I just oredered a Terk36 and I'm in the process of picking up a 40' tower. I will be placing the tower in the rear of my yard so I'm looking at a 100' run from the base of the tower to the house. I could really use some help in determining what cable I should run, what type of preamp and anything else in regards to the long run. I'm pretty sure I should use RG-11 for coax, but what about the rotor and the preamp? Any suggestions are appreciated.

Since all the Philly stations are UHF you should check out the Channel Master 7775 preamp. I bought one and can vouch for its quality and effectiveness. People have raved about Channel Master products in these forums and elsewhere. There's a reason for that.

Originally posted by kjroddy
That's your first mistake - Terk specialize in heavily marketed, overpriced, pretty looking products that fail to deliver.

I'm hearing that now. I just resell it and get a Channel Master. Thanks.

I've been anxiously awaiting a 2-tuner DVR, anticipating it to be the Motorola 6412...now I see the SA8000HD is rolling out in parts of Jersey. How do the SA and the Motorola 2-tuner boxes boxes stack up, and does anyone know if Comcast will roll both in the region. I'd also be interested in a comparison of the PQ of the Moto5100/6200 series and an SA box for anyone who may have experience with both...thanks.

Chris

It will be the 6412. My opinion is that Analog PQ is a tad bit better in some cases through component output, but nothing significant. The iGuide for the Motorola I think puts some well needed features into the Motorola DVR, some will still complain its no Tivo, but it is better than the current TV Guide, and has better functionality than SA's "SARA" guide. Chris check your PM....

I'll be picking up my SA8000HD DVr after work today. I haven't played with Motorola or SA DVr's as of yet, so I'll be interested in seeeing how this tech works.

I couldn't take the poor signal I've been getting OTA and just ordered the HDTV service only from comcast. It's an extra $15 that's well worth it I'm sure. My wife will be happy when I take the "ugly" antenna down too.

Originally posted by HarleyJoel
I couldn't take the poor signal I've been getting OTA and just ordered the HDTV service only from comcast. It's an extra $15 that's well worth it I'm sure.

I did the same thing but decided to kill it after I found an antenna that worked well enough to get ABC and PBS. I still can't get FOX or NBC but they'll be on the bird soon.

NFL Network on Comcast Digital Question

Does anyone know why it is carried twice.
Once on Channel 180, and again in the high 200's?

Will we ever get NFL Network in HD since it is now available?

Did anyone see HBO's "Inside The NFL" last night - it says it is broadcast in HD, but it was not.

Also, I saw ALOT of freezing up problems last night no matter what HD channel I watched in the Souderton, PA area.

Originally posted by zippychimp
NFL Network on Comcast Digital Question

Does anyone know why it is carried twice.
Once on Channel 180, and again in the high 200's?



180 is for the Digital Plus folks, the one in the high 200's is for the Sports Tier Package.

David

Originally posted by zippychimp
Will we ever get NFL Network in HD since it is now available?

The only show that is available in HD on the NFL Network is "NFL Game of the Week." Everything else is SD to the best of my knowledge.

Did anyone see HBO's "Inside The NFL" last night - it says it is broadcast in HD, but it was not.

I watched it on DirecTV's HBOHD channel and it was not in HD. I saw nothing advertising the show in HD either.

Originally posted by HarleyJoel
I couldn't take the poor signal I've been getting OTA and just ordered the HDTV service only from comcast. It's an extra $15 that's well worth it I'm sure. My wife will be happy when I take the "ugly" antenna down too.

I sold my OTA receiver and switched to Comcast quite some time ago... and I had a terrific OTA signal! One of the best moves I made. Comcast HD always looked just as good (or better: Olympics!). Comcast simply has more content, and will only continue to expand that gap. Add in DVR, On-Demand, added sports package, ease-of-use. Comcast "gets it".

Wait until you see INHD (I and II), and DiscoveryHD, and sports on ComcastHD. Plus all the stations that "sometimes" came in OTA. You'll be glad you got rid of that antenna too.

OTA was fun. It's over.

IMO... it's all how much one is willing to pay monthly.

I am still going to keep D* for the Sunday Ticket and local SD channels (since they come in without the static on D*)... but I've called Comcast three or four times asking if I could get only the HDTV channels with my basic cable (channels 2-20) and was told each time that I had to pay for the Digital Silver package. It was only after I called and said "look, it's on your web site that I can get it with the basic cable for $15.00 extra", that they agreed.

I am running into a brick wall trying to use my 6208 with my tivo unit. The 6208 only has 1 RCA audio out and while it has digital outputs, those wont do into my TV. Since I have to use the RCA audio slot from the 6208 to connect to the TV, how the heck do I get audio signal from the box to the TIVO??? There are multiple video outs but that doesnt help with sound.

Am I screwed out of using tivo?

If someone can please help I would greatly appreciate it!!!

shacke
bala cynwyd

This piggyback cable (http://www.radioshack.com/product.asp?catalog%5Fname=CTLG&category%5Fname=CTLG%5F007%5F002%5F003%5F006&product%5Fid=42%2D2620) from radio shack will do the job

Or just a "Y" cable which should cost about a buck a RS or the such. You will need 2 of them.

Originally posted by HarleyJoel
I've called Comcast three or four times asking if I could get only the HDTV channels with my basic cable (channels 2-20) and was told each time that I had to pay for the Digital Silver package. It was only after I called and said "look, it's on your web site that I can get it with the basic cable for $15.00 extra", that they agreed.

If you already have Comcast cable you do not need to pay extra for the digital locals! If you want HD cable channels (ESPN HD, INHD, etc.) you'll need the higher service but if you just want the HD locals they are provided free of charge on all tiers of service that every cable company in America offers! This is required by the FCC. DO NOT pay more for HD locals. Here in Philadelphia they charge $5/month rental for the HD capable set top box. I have the Comcast limited basic service for $18.99 + $5 for the HD tuner for a total of $24.99. All local channels have a digital version (with network HD content) on that most basic tier.

Rob

Here's the link...

http://www.comcast.com/phlhdtvtvg/

...to a page with the following paragraph on Comcast's website.

"HDTV broadcast feeds are included in limited basic service. A subscription to HBO, Showtime, Cinemax or Starz! is required to receive the HDTV channel from that service. Comcast SportsNet, ESPN, Discovery HD Theater, INHD and INHD2 are included with a subscription to Comcast Digital Cable."

Rob

Originally posted by DaveInBerlinNJ
I sold my OTA receiver and switched to Comcast quite some time ago...Comcast HD always looked just as good.

I have Comcast AND DirecTV and I really appreciate the consistency of the channels on D* compared to Comcast. Comcast's channels look vastly different from one another...some look great, others not so great. And the audio levels are just as inconsistent as the video.

Comcast simply has more content, and will only continue to expand that gap.

That's factually incorrect...sounds like you've got a bone to pick with D*.

Add in DVR, On-Demand, added sports package, ease-of-use. Comcast "gets it".

If by "gets it" you mean knowing how to fleece its customers then yeah, I guess Comcast gets it. I was lied to by five (5) different Comcast sales reps who all told me that I had to get the digital package for $58 in order to get my local channels in HD, even though the digital locals are included for free (as required by the FCC) in their limited basic package for $18.99. Their customer service has been notoriously bad in my experience compared to other service providers that I have dealt with including DirecTV, T-Mobile and the like.

When I got DirecTV 4 years ago my monthly Comcast bill was $68/month for basic cable and HBO. DirecTV had a larger lineup of consistently good-looking channels with HBO for $53/month. That was a no-brainer for me. Now 4 years later, my DirecTV bill is STILL less money than that Comcast bill from 4 years ago. But hey, we all have different experiences and perceptions, right?

And here's another one for ya...Comcast charges $16 for HBO. DirecTV charges $12 for HBO. 'nuff said.

Wait until you see INHD (I and II), and DiscoveryHD, and sports on ComcastHD.

I'd like to have INHD but DirecTV has HDNet and NDNet Movies so that's a wash. And DirecTV has DiscoveryHD so THAT's a wash too. I'd like to get SportsNet HD but frankly, I can live without it. I know some folks can't. The Phillies continue to kill us, there won't be any hockey this year, and who wants to watch a bunch of pot heads, rapists and wife beaters bounce an orange ball for 2 1/2 hours? ;-)

Rob

I agree with you Rob on Comcast's channel quality. Since I'm in Ocean County, NJ I am technically part of New York's market. Which sucks because NY's weather reports are always wrong and they never mention anything in this area news-wise. So I have Comcast's local channels for Philly's affiliates. Maybe because I'm in a NY market is why they are charging me different for the HDTV locals? I checked it on their website and the $9.95 equipment charge is listed there for my situation but they may have just tacked on an additional charge for the service just to gouge me.

Incidentally, does anyone here get the D* HDTV NBC or CBS feeds because they're in an O & O area? I thought I would be able to get them but I'm not. I tried to call them but was on hold for 20 minutes.

I had to call to get it activated... wasn't going to bother, but I had an old receiver I wanted to deactivate at the same time... first CSR was able to deactivate my receiver but knew nothing about NBCHD so transferred me to "another department". Fifteen on-hold minutes later i had to give my details all over again to the second CSR who was then able to fire it up within a minute or two.

Originally posted by HarleyJoel
Incidentally, does anyone here get the D* HDTV NBC or CBS feeds because they're in an O & O area? I thought I would be able to get them but I'm not. I tried to call them but was on hold for 20 minutes.

what channel should we look for nbc on.
i get cbs so maybe i should get nbc too.

Originally posted by HarleyJoel
Incidentally, does anyone here get the D* HDTV NBC or CBS feeds because they're in an O & O area? I thought I would be able to get them but I'm not. I tried to call them but was on hold for 20 minutes.

I also called to get it added to my account. Seems its not automatic at D* when they add a new O&O HD channel. Still prefer my OTA but I now have a backup NBC-HD channel.

Originally posted by whotony
what channel should we look for nbc on.
i get cbs so maybe i should get nbc too.

CH 82 is the East Coast feed, 83 the West

Wasnt Joey suppossed to be in HD last night? NBC 10 on Comcast did not have the HD broadcast going. Anyone else have this issue?

Originally posted by minorthr
Wasnt Joey suppossed to be in HD last night? NBC 10 on Comcast did not have the HD broadcast going. Anyone else have this issue?

It was in HD on DirecTV's NBC HD feed. Not really my cup of tea but hey, it was in HD!

Rob

rpfotog:

It IS factually correct that Comcast provides more HD content than OTA... which is precisely what I stated. In my area, they provide this content more reliably, with greater ease of use, and with (at least) equal quality compared to OTA.

I was not comparing Comcast to D*.

I was not aware that HarleyJoel had D* or any other satellite service (his comment that I quoted had no reference to D*). I hadn't read any of his previous comments, sorry.

I have no axe to grind against D*, or any other satellite service. Sure seems like you have axe to grind against Comcast though!

FWIW, I have NO affiliation with Comcast. I simply like the service they provide me. If I didn't, I wouldn't pay for it. I find their cost to be more than acceptable. They certainly never tried to fleece me. I pay slightly more than what you paid 4 years ago... I have 2 HD boxes, 1 of which is a DVR... get all digitals, HD package, sports package, On-Demand. I don't get any movie channels as I prefer to buy DVDs. I have more stuff to watch than time to watch it. My Comcast service ROCKS. For me, they absolutely "get it".

Originally posted by rpfotog
If you want HD cable channels (ESPN HD, INHD, etc.) you'll need the higher service

And even for those HD Digital Standard channels you mention, all one needs besides Ltd. Basic is Digital Classic (or possibly Digital Plus), one does not need Expd. Basic.

IIRC, according to the FCC, they can't make you 'buy through' any lower tier(s) (except Ltd. Basic) to get the tier(s) you want.

The only drawback to not getting Expd. Basic is that on Analog TVs, (whether it has no STB or a Digital STB), one doesn't get an Analog or Digital SD version of these HD channels, I was told. One might want to have CSN and ESPN on other TVs, if so, then Expd. Basic would be needed.

Originally posted by whsbuss
I also called to get it added to my account. Seems its not automatic at D* when they add a new O&O HD channel. Still prefer my OTA but I now have a backup NBC-HD channel. Apparently I have to get a waiver - they said it'll take 45 days - I get it pretty good OTA anyway but I figured it can't hurt. Plus Comcast is installing HDTV service Sept 25th.

I would like to put a regular Digital STB on a glass pedestal, but I don't know if it can carry an STB.

Does anyone know what are the possible Digital STBs, and their weights, from Comcast- Willow Grove?

I have searched the DCT2500, that was mentioned a few weeks ago, and couldn't find anything. I think the DCT2224 is also possible, IRCC.

Is it possible to request the DCT2500 since it is smaller?
Regardless, I need to know the weights.

Thanks

Can't be more than three pounds IMO.

I do not receive D* Channel 82 (NBC-HD) even though I do receive D* Channel 80 (CBS-HD).

I was connected to the DirecTV High Definition Eligibility Department. The CSR would not give me the phone extension, but I was told that any CSR can connect a customer to this department.

I live in East Bradford Township, Chester County. I was told that I need to obtain waivers from the NBC affiliates in Lancaster and Baltimore. In anticipation of the arrival soon of Fox-HD, I also applied for a waiver from Fox which must be sought from the Fox affiliate in York, Pa.

The CSR in the High Definition Eligibility Department said that I could seek distant network signal (DNS) waivers at the same time I sought the High Definition (HD) waiver. Receiving DNS signals will cost $1.50 for the eastern feed and $2.25 for both the eastern and western feeds. There will be no charge for HD signals if I obtain the waivers.

Apparently if you are within the grade B signal range of any affiliate, a waiver must be obtained. You determine that by entering your address at the "Find out if you qualify" link at this page.

NBC HD and DNS qualification (http://www.directv.com/see/landing/nbc_hd.html)

Has anyone had a different experience? Has anyone received NBC-HD, channel 82, whose registered home address is within the Grade B signal range of any of the listed affiliates?

Thanks, Stu

I am in Phoenixville (also Chester County) and I automatically got NBC HD (NYC) from DirecTV when they started offering it a few days ago. I am receiving it now on Channel 82.

I absolutely hate how our CBS only shows Steeler or Ravens games. They must be creaming in their pants today since they play each other. I know this is probably because of proximity but come on. These teams are boring as hell. I bet the Colts-Titans game will be a good game.

These game decisions go hand and hand with the lovely grey side bars.

Hah, and it (Pitt-Bal) isn't even in HD. Well I guess I'll watch Fox's .75HD instead (though with fox it's more like .50HD).

It's HD now! But no voices - which I don't mind but I would like to hear the Referee.

They got the sound working right on and off - I think they play Steelers to get Eagles fans riled up for November when they face each other in Pittsburgh

We're over in Cleveland, and we had the Steelers/Ravens game in SD to start the hour. They apparently figured out what was going on, and it is now fixed...complete with announcers. It's been in HD for about 10 minutes now.

It started SD here too. Then it went HD but only the ambient sound. No announcers and no ref's. It's back to normal now.

"I would like to put a regular Digital STB on a glass pedestal, but I don't know if it can carry an STB."

Originally posted by Ratman
Can't be more than three pounds IMO.
I may get a new 20" TV for that room, that appears to have a flat top.
So, depending on the dimensions, I could put the STB on the TV or on the pedestal.
Is it okay to put the STB on the TV?

I can't find dimensions for regular Digital STBs, you would think Motorola would have these listed, but they don't, AFAICT.

Could somebody please measure a DCT2224 and/or a DCT2500?

It would be much appreciated. Thanks.

The 2224's DCTs could be as big as the 6200 or NOT as deep, there were 2 chassis used for their production. The 2500's are narrower & not as deep as the 2224's. The exact dimensions I don't have right here but I could have them for you tomm. if your desperate.

Anyone having constant pixellations & break-ups w/their 6208 and HBO-HD & Showtime-HD? All my other HD channels are fine, except these two. Anyone?

What's happened with UPN?? There was talk during the summer that UPN would be added to Comcast's digital lineup this fall (now). There still doesn't appear to be any HD offerings from them however. Is that why it still hasn't been added?

Techincally it isn't fall and UPN HD is waste of Bandwidth right now, Unless they start showing sixers and flyers games

Originally posted by drhill
I bet the Colts-Titans game will be a good game.
It was fantastic, as was almost every game on the Sunday Ticket being HD.
NFLST is NFL fans Xmas morning every Sunday.
And with all the HD this year, from NFL Gameday, then all the games, then NFL Primetime--thank you, thank you, thank you ESPN, NFL, FOX and CBS, and DirecTv.
Why don't more Football fans subscribe to the Sunday Ticket.?
We have all this expensive HT gear, and a little bit more gets what all that equipment is for.!
NFLSTHD, the best religion on Sunday.!

Originally posted by Plasma George
Why don't more Football fans subscribe to the Sunday Ticket.?
We have all this expensive HT gear, and a little bit more gets what all that equipment is for.!
NFLSTHD, the best religion on Sunday.!

In my case it has everything to do with blackout rules and not being able to get Eagles games on the ticket. I can't get FOX29 OTA so I TiVo the Eagles in SD. If I could see the HD Eagle games on the Sunday Ticket, I'd definitely get it. My understanding is that you used to be able to do it, but not anymore. The ST is blacked out so as not to harm the local affiliate.

Rob

Originally posted by miatasm
The 2224's DCTs could be as big as the 6200 or NOT as deep, there were 2 chassis used for their production. The 2500's are narrower & not as deep as the 2224's. The exact dimensions I don't have right here but I could have them for you tomm. if your desperate.
Yes, I would really like to know the dimensions and the weight of each of the possible Digital STBs, so I can try to find a way to accomodate all variations or at least one.
Thanks for your help.

Originally posted by rpfotog
In my case it has everything to do with blackout rules and not being able to get Eagles games on the ticket. I can't get FOX29 OTA so I TiVo the Eagles in SD. If I could see the HD Eagle games on the Sunday Ticket, I'd definitely get it. My understanding is that you used to be able to do it, but not anymore. The ST is blacked out so as not to harm the local affiliate.

Rob
You CAN'T get FOX29 OTA.?
That means no NFC in HD for you.?
Can't you get Comcast.?

Originally posted by Plasma George
You CAN'T get FOX29 OTA.? That means no NFC in HD for you.? Can't you get Comcast.?

Yeah, no FOX HD OTA for me...and I worked there for 9 years! And yes, I got the basic tier of Comcast with their standard HD STB but I can't TiVo the Comcast signal. I shoot games on Sundays so I'm never home to watch them 'live'. I'll be in Detroit for the Eagles game next week so I'm covered for that game anyway. I DO get Sunday Night games on ESPNHD and Monday Night Football OTA on WPVI so that's good.

I don't want to spring for the full digital Comcast package in order to get their DVR. Then I've got more hardware and another box to program and it's just not that important to me. And frankly, I really, really hate giving Comcast ANY of my money. I'll probably ditch the cable TV service even though I just got it two weeks ago. I don't even have the Comcast box plugged in so it's just a matter of when I get around to returning the hardware to them.

Rob

Originally posted by drhill
Hah, and it (Pitt-Bal) isn't even in HD. Well I guess I'll watch Fox's .75HD instead (though with fox it's more like .50HD). not trying to pester you DRhill, but you're always bashing 720p.
All I can say is...I'm seeing both CBS and FOX games through the Ticket (direct form the networks), and they both look FANTASTIC.!
When I change from SD games to HD, I hear this...
"Godamn look how clear that is"
"after seeing NFL like this, I can't watch it at my house"

It's pure bliss on Sundays...the last thing I'm thinking of is coming into work, getting online, and ragging on the networks for their formats.
You gotta put your energy somewhere else.

Plasma George, keep enjoying your compressed D* HD channels. Fox games look like poop so far (at the very least ESPN looks damn good... just a notch below CBS, but still a noticable notch). I certainly enjoyed the late CBS game (even if it was the Cowgirls).

720p<1080i and I can tell a difference with my tv and my fiiends 720p tv.

Btw, I'm not being mean, I just saying I have a preference and I have a headache. 720p guys give it too. ;)

Btw, I was thinking about D* for awhile but the reduced resolution and the fact I get Comcast for free kind of puts the nail in the coffin for now.

I have Comcast and just had HD set up this weekend. ESPN comes in at 1080i but it is 4:3 with bars. Why is this?

Technically it is coming in at 720p and then upconverting it to 1080i. There is some loss in PQ, but unless your set does 720p native it is unavoidable. The 4:3 sidebars are there when the content is SD material (and 4:3 ratio).

I had some friends over last night to watch the Eagles game on my 50" Sammy DLP and I couldn't help but be disappointed in the video quality from both the Comcast Motorola 6208 and my Hughes E-86 OTA (both setup with component input into the Sammy).

I know the overhead roving field camera that they use at the Link is clearly not HD and every time they show plays from that camera, I cringe to see that SD upscaled picture on my 50" screen, but even the press box and side line camera shots we just not as crisp as I've seen ABC 720p do.

I'm wondering how much image quality we're loosing on WPVI with those 2 worthless sub channels piggybacking the rate capped 19.2Mbps ATSC signal. I mean if we're only getting 15Mbps of video from the 720p main stream, I think we're getting gypped in picture quality.

I guess the live weather radar has some usefullness when the weather is bad, but I mean really who whatches that 24hr local news feed? Come on!

Originally posted by pat1284
I know the overhead roving field camera that they use at the Link is clearly not HD and every time they show plays from that camera, I cringe to see that SD upscaled picture on my 50" screen...

The "Skycam" as it is called is absolutely an HD camera. There was an end zone super slo-mo camera that isn't HD. That was pretty much it. I agree that the OTA WPVI signal could be better, but I'll attribute some of the dull look to dull uniform/stadium colors. I bet New England @ KC on Nov. 22 will look sweet. Red and blue really pop.

Rob

Am I the only person who had issues with Comcasts HD feed of ABC last night. Around the begging of the 4th quarter it started to macro block then just went completely black. I called comcast and they said they were having issue. Around the end of the 4th it actually came back. I am in the Reading Pa area.

and I couldn't help but be disappointed in the video quality
Ditto. I have a 6208 from Comcast, and it looked pretty poor compared to ESPN and CBS football. I emailed ABC sport with my comments, but don't expect anything to change. But at least I felt better :D

Originally posted by QZ1
Yes, I would really like to know the dimensions and the weight of each of the possible Digital STBs, so I can try to find a way to accomodate all variations or at least one.
Thanks for your help.

DCT2500

9.5" deep (front to back)
15" Wide (side to side)
2.75" tall

DCT2000 series (2 sizes)

9.5" deep & 12.5" deep
17" wide
2.75" tall

DCT5100, 6200 series

12.5" deep without bypass box
17" wide
2.75" tall

Originally posted by miatasm
DCT2500
9.5" deep (front to back)
15" Wide (side to side)
2.75" tall

DCT2000 series (2 sizes)
9.5" deep & 12.5" deep
17" wide
2.75" tall

DCT5100, 6200 series
12.5" deep without bypass box
17" wide
2.75" tall
Thank you very much.

Does the use of the bypass give as good a picture as splitting the signal?
I see no mention of it on Motorola's site. I assume it is provided w/ the STB.

BTW, I see on their site that the 6200 weighs 9.5 lbs.
Is there any reason to believe the 2000/2500 weigh any less per sq. inch?

Yes it does weigh less, how much I do not know. The bypass does nothing to the signal input level or quality.

ESPN puts out a much better PQ. At the very least ABC MNF is better then last years blurryfest every 30 seconds.

ESPNs highlights of the MNF game looked sharper than ABCs feed...I found the same to be true when SportsCenter showed highlights of the FOXHD games on Sunday night...ESPNs HD highlights looked better than than the actual HD feed on FOX...

Shhhh! We don't want the networks to stop supplying ESPN with HD highlights because they might think that someone else can do it better!

Maybe instead of pulling HD highlights from ESPN they can learn something from them. What baffles me is that I'm sure MNF (ABC) is using the same production components, software, etc., as ESPN, yet their transmission is no where near as crisp. I know FOX is still working out some kinks in their HD production, but ESPN apparantly knows how to transmit FOX's HD better than FOX does.

I totally believe these are local issues, as the HD games on DirecTv are also excellent.!
And SC/NFL Primetime would be getting the direct feeds, unlike us in Philly seeing it through WPVI or WTXF.

I thought The PQ was great watching through Comcast, better than the FOX games and equal to ESPN

Originally posted by miatasm
Yes it does weigh less, how much I do not know. The bypass does nothing to the signal input level or quality.
So, there is no reason to split the signal between STB (digital) and TV (analog), other than to save space?
How big is the bypass box?
Can it be put anywhere, say, to the side of the STB?

The bypass box truely does nothing for you, RF Bypass isn't enabled so the bypass is there to make it less confusing to hook up.

It can't be mounted anywhere. It mounts to the back of the box using existing screw holes & its about 1/2 inch thick.

Is the space that you are trying to locate the box that tight that removal of the bypass would make it better?

Originally posted by Plasma George
I totally believe these are local issues, as the HD games on DirecTv are also excellent.!
And SC/NFL Primetime would be getting the direct feeds, unlike us in Philly seeing it through WPVI or WTXF.

It's been said before... maybe not in this thread, don't know :shrug: ... that it is a local issue. Multicasting + an old encoder (which they atleast have the setting better now then before) + who knows what.

Did anyone see intermittent breakups on WPVI-DT tonight? Of all the channels OTA 6-1 is the absolute worse.

I get them all via a ChannelMaster 4228 w/pre-amp in the attic and only WPVI gives me problems. MNF was almost perfect, thank god I saw the Eagles in HD!

I hate to try and adjust the antenna again as everything else is perfect. Any ideas on how to get a better lock on their signal?

So far Law and order is not in HD. Its coming in 4x3 SD. Anyone else having this issue ?