MPRH
BTW, the television station is the primary user of the frequency. The health care facility would have to move their equipment off frequency. They would have to be given reasonable time to do this.
CUL Jim

Does anyone know if the Philly OTA transmitters will stay in the UHF band after all is said and done with the transition to HDTV? I am this close to getting my HDTV and OTA tuner and wonder if I should go with a straight UHF Yagi or or the VHF/UHF combo? I plan to get a rotor for other city offerings. I sit at about 540 feet above sea level (that is average for this area) and am about 35 miles from Roxboro.

Jim, what will your station do, will they give up the old VHF frequency?

Thanks,
Barry

Barry
We will probably keep channel 26 and 32 for our stations. Channel 3 stinks. Multipath, both fixed and time varying are problems. Skip in the spring, and electrical interference are real problems. Channel 32 for digital ( or analog for that matter ) is much better than channel 57.
We have a station in Chicago, WBBM, analog channel 2 and digital channel 3. They have had nothing but trouble. Most of the local cable systems have WBBM analog on channel 3 because of poorly constructed distribution. The direct pickup on channel 2 was intolerable so they moved them to channel 3. When they fired up their digital transmitter it got into all the cable systems and blew up, you guessed it, their own analog signal on channel 3. I have been watching their progress and my opinion at this time is that low VHF stinks!!! Take a look at the Chicago WBBM thread.
Channel 26 and 32 are great UHF channels. They propagate well and are pretty immune to electrical interference. You can cover very well without a lot of power.
My guess for the Phila. area is that we will end up with channel 26 and 32, WPVI will have to move but probably won't go to channel 6, WCAU has to move and will probably keep channel 10, and WHYY will keep their high VHF channel.
I would love to have a high VHF channel. You can run full power with a 25kw solid state transmitter. For UHF, you need about a 50kw transmitter which means Klystrons or in our case IOT's. Either way, you have to crank out a lot more power on channel 26 to cover the same area as on a high VHF channel.
The transmitter power specs. are a little deceiving. NTSC power is spec. at peak power level at tip of sync. Channel 3 runs 22.9kw tpo peak at tip of sync for 100kw erp. Average power is around 6kw to 9kw depending on picture content. The digital transmitter is spec. at average power and must be capable of about 4 times that at peak power.
CUL Jim

Heh heh. Jim Chase said, "Channel 3 stinks"!

--Philly Tim, channelling Beavis and Butthead

P.S. to Jim: Just kidding!

For those of you who are jonesing for an ABC digital signal other than WPVI, and you have an STB with a UHF antenna, you might want to try WNEP-DT in Wilkes-Barre - Digital channel 49.

In Reading my WPVI signal sucks, but I'm able to receive WNEP reliably at about 90-95% on a Dish 6000. They're running a fairly hot 100kw ERP. It's actually pretty amazing.

If you want to give it a try, aim your antenna sorta north (depending on your location) toward Wilkes-Barre and try to receive channel 44 analog - WVIA. If you can hit the sweet spot for 44, you'll be aimed at WNEP-DT's tower since they're in the same location. If you can receive WNEP-DT, take a shot at WVIA-DT (PBS) on channel 41 - it's fairly strong as well.

WNEP has a very good HDTV/DTV webpage (http://www.wnep.com/Global/category.asp?C=31496), too, with lots of good info.

Philly Tim
Now, now, I meant the frequency, not the station.
CUL Jim

anyone else have trouble watching digital 3-1 last night? My signal kept going good to bad and back again....lots of pixelation. Finally went to directv 3 as it was quite annoying.

Is something going on at the station? I've never had problems with 3-1. My 10-1 is still registers "bad" on the signal meter more so than "normal" or "good". I'm wondering if I need to adjust my rooftop antenna.

Take care,
Bob

I can pick up both WNEP-DT and WVIA rock solid here in Wayne if I turn my antenna.

Originally posted by BobP
anyone else have trouble watching digital 3-1 last night? My signal kept going good to bad and back again....lots of pixelation. Finally went to directv 3 as it was quite annoying.

Is something going on at the station? I've never had problems with 3-1. My 10-1 is still registers "bad" on the signal meter more so than "normal" or "good". I'm wondering if I need to adjust my rooftop antenna.


Yes, I had the same conditions with 3-1 last night...

PAX is now broadcasting a digital signal on UHF 31.

Now, if PAX would change their minds and do HD I'd watch them more. They have some decent shows but all things being equal , I'll choose the HD show every time...

All,
I'm new to OTA , I just put the antenna (yagi) up last night. I'm located in Lancaster and can only get ch32 (3-1). I did this to get 6-1 as Comcast here does not have ABC. I have an amplifier but have not hooked it as of yet. CBS come in very well, is WPVI's signal that bad?

Thanks Dave

All,
I'm new to OTA , I just put the antenna (yagi) up last night. I'm located in Lancaster and can only get ch32 (3-1). I did this to get 6-1 as Comcast here does not have ABC. I have an amplifier but have not hooked it as of yet. CBS come in very well, is WPVI's signal that bad?

Thanks Dave

Originally posted by Dan Bither
PAX is now broadcasting a digital signal on UHF 31.

Now, if PAX would change their minds and do HD I'd watch them more. They have some decent shows but all things being equal , I'll choose the HD show every time...

How is the PQ? Similar to KYW or WPVI?

The picture quality on the new PAX 61-1 is comparable to the standard-definition digital broadcasts on 12-1 (during the daytime hours) and 65-1 and 65-2 (the Spanish-language channels). Their broadcast cannot be compared to KWY or WPVI since they are not broadcasting a HD signal.

However, so far I have not gotten any audio from 61-1. Seems that they are still working out the kinks.

I would not expect HD programming or broadcasts from PAX. Now that their network partner has withdrawn its participation, there is a strong chance that the PAX network will simply disappear in fairly short order.

But miracles DO happen. Maybe they will be saved by some angels or something.

--Philly Tim

And the O&O local affiliate of the former "network partner" now has a weaker signal than a soon-to-be defunct channel?

Sorry, but I need to ask this question at least once a month. What's up with WCAU? Anyone contact Tim O'Sullivan lately? Hope they're not blaming the weather again! That excuse is getting old! :eek:

JWhip - Any connections over at WCAU?

ditto Philly Tim re PAX:

strong signal in Doylestown, but no audio. ATSC 704x380i format

BTW, I saw on Titan that WPSG-DT was doing HD movies (Dr. No last night). is this true? did anyone catch and if so, how was the transfer?

I know that channel 172 (Comcast SN) is now gone.. but aren't the Flyers home games supposed to show in HD on channel 175? I had some show on Alaska on.. had to leave a few minutes after 7pm however in case they came in late..

Is Comcast going to show Flyers home games on channel 175?

Also, anyone w/ some idea on CBS on Comcast? Like many, I am now looking at an OTA unit because I can't get CBS HD on Comcast for the Superbowl...
TIA...

Not EVERY home game was scheduled - here's the remainder of the original schedule posted at http://philadelphia.comcastsportsnet.com :

Flyers in HDTV*
December 16 Calgary Flames 7 p.m.
December 18 Tampa Bay Lightning 7 p.m.
December 20 New York Islanders 1 p.m.
January 8 Florida Panthers 7 p.m.
January 10 Edmonton Oilers 7 p.m.
January 12 Pittsburgh Penguins 7:30 p.m.
January 16 Toronto Maple Leafs 7 p.m.
January 20 Montreal Canadiens 7 p.m.
January 24 Buffalo Sabres 1 p.m.
February 2 Tampa Bay Lightning 7 p.m.
February 4 Washington Capitals 7 p.m.
February 10 New Jersey Devils 7 p.m.
February 16 San Jose Sharks 8 p.m.
March 5 Ottawa Senators 7 p.m.
March 11 Dallas Stars 7 p.m.
March 25 New York Islanders 7 p.m.
April 2 Ottawa Senators 7 p.m.
*Initial schedule, subject to change

Sixers in HDTV*
December 17 Miami Heat 7 p.m.
December 19 Cleveland Cavaliers 7 p.m.
December 22 Orlando Magic 7 p.m.
January 5 Milwaukee Bucks 7 p.m.
January 7 Los Angeles Clippers 1 p.m.
January 9 New Jersey Nets 7 p.m.
January 17 Memphis Grizzlies 1 p.m.
January 19 Seattle SuperSonics 2 p.m.
January 23 Orlando Magic 7 p.m.
January 27 New Jersey Nets 7 p.m.
February 3 Toronto Raptors 1 p.m.
February 7 Boston Celtics 7 p.m.
February 11 Washington Wizards 7 p.m.
February 23 Detroit Pistons 7 p.m.
March 6 Chicago Bulls 8 p.m.
March 8 Milwaukee Bucks 7 p.m.
March 12 New York Knicks 7 p.m.
March 22 Dallas Mavericks 7 p.m.
March 24 Phoenix Suns 7 p.m.

March 26 Cleveland Cavaliers 7 p.m.
April 1 Portland Trail Blazers 7 p.m.
April 3 New York Knicks 7 p.m.
April 12 Indiana Pacers 7:30 p.m.
*Initial schedule, subject to change

For some reason, Channel 57-1 is not coming in for me over the past few days.

I think that's odd, since I presume that 57-1 is broadcast from the same tower as 3-1, and that comes in okay.

Or is that a false assumption?

Anyone else having OTA reception problems with 57-1?

--Philly Tim

Im sure i speak for a lot of people!

OTA BLOWS!


mitch

Originally posted by mitchjs
Im sure i speak for a lot of people!

OTA BLOWS!


mitch

I read this forum reguraly and see all the posts. I live on the PA/DE line and receive every Philly DTV station without problem with a small Silver Sensor Ant. I even get NBC10 without many problems (as long as they are broadcasting). I don't think OTA blows. Works very well in my opinion, its totally FREE, and nearly every network in Primetime is HD. If the OTA blows for HD what do you call Comcast and DirecTV (I have both - They blow for the money).

I also have comcast & direcTV

but OTA varies night to night... im in lansdale PA
i got a ChannelMaster 4223 ant...
and somedays its great, the next day i get freezes and pixelation!

I had to watch Simpsons tonight on comacast, cause OTA was freezing

the weather plays too much of a mark on OTA Digital TV...

put it this way... 90% of the people here are Techies
and we're the people who dont count!

OTA has to work much better then it is now, if its gonna ever work...
my parents are a perfect example... (50+)... they agree it looks a hell of a lot better... but all the freezing, and drop outs... well... theyd never put up with it and be back on comcast quickly!

comcast works 99.99999% of the time
my OTA 75%

someday maybe all the stations will be running at full power, and it will work 99.999% of the time... I put up with it cause of the WONDERFULL picture Digtal tv is...

P.S. I watch NONE of the HighDef shows... Just not into that kind of tv...
I watch SPORTS, SPORTS and more SPORTS.... and SIMPSONS

thats it!

and its BECAUSE of SPORTS!! HDTV will make it
becuase once a FOOTball junkie is shown what a HD game looks like
he will run out and SPEND the $500 for a OTA tuner and $2000+ for a TV

the average joe, wont (my parents say... they are happy with their 35" 4:3 set) even though they agree my picture looks wonderful....

I know HD sales are up, but mark my word its driven by SPORTS :)
not, CSI, not ALIAS....
not even my 3 Enterprise geek friends have HDTV!!!

oh, well... just some thoughts

DirecTV works 98.9% (i cant remember when i had a RAINFADE issue)


if comcast would get CBS... then i think OTA might become less of a issue to a lot of people

I'd pay $10.00 for all the LOCAL Digitals without question if comcast had em...
comcast's INHD,INHD2 sux (great pic, lousy programming)
but HD Flyers/Sixers/Phillies is why i even have comcast
and yes im not happy with no more channel 172!!


Rant over... :)
mitch

I am with baeverly on the OTA issue, having all 3 sources (D*, Ccast and OTA).

I am another 10 miles further from PHL antenna farm than mitch and am using a attic-mounted, Winegard bowtie (PR-4400) and get all Philly, Vineland and Trenton stations rock solid without rotation and have for almost 2 years now (as each has come online).

that said, I messed with antenna placement and beam heading until I got it right but once setup I havent had reception problems (broadcasting problems will affect any of the sources).

and as he added, the price is right. I think I am paying about $8 a Flyers game with all the c--p I have to buy/rent just to get CCSN HD.

to each his own I guess...integrated ATSC tuners would force the issue

Philly Tim
We haven't had any reception problems reported for WPSG-DT, other than your post.
KYW-DT and WPVI-TV share a tower with antennas mounted on top of the other. Channel 26 is the lower antenna because of it's physical size with channel 64 antenna mounted on top. The feed line to PVI'S antenna is mounted to the side of our antenna causing an ever so slight notch in our pattern.
WPSG-DT's antenna is on the new American Tower. It is one of several antenna mounted on the upper side of the candelabra arms.
WPSG-DT doesn't cover quite as well as KYW-DT because the power is limited.
CUL Jim

Originally posted by mitchjs
P.S. I watch NONE of the HighDef shows... Just not into that kind of tv...
I watch SPORTS, SPORTS and more SPORTS.... and SIMPSONS

thats it!

and its BECAUSE of SPORTS!! HDTV will make it
becuase once a FOOTball junkie is shown what a HD game looks like
he will run out and SPEND the $500 for a OTA tuner and $2000+ for a TV

I agree with you for the most part. If you don't watch Sports and Movies the whole HDTV is kind of a big waste. Sports definitely is what drives it for me. At this point I TIVO every non sporting event I watch so I can't watch what little other TV I do watch in HD anyway at this point - soon though. Kind of kills me to have all this expensive equipment and not to watch something in HD.

I've been getting all Philly channels OTA with a Radio Shack antenna mounted in my attic. I have no problems unless the weather is EXTERMELY bad. Maybe I'm lucky? Maybe I just worked hard to experiment with 6 different antennas and hundreds of positions areas. Persisitence prevailed and I found a 'sweet spot'.

The bottom line (IMO) is that this is still fairly new to everyone (networks, broadcasters, local stations, and most importantly... us!). Yes, it's frustrating. If you want digital/HD (today) you have to work and perhaps spend for it!

All I know is that unlike many Comcast 'customers', I'll be watching the Eagles on CBS in the Super Bowl... in HD!! :)

OTA does not "blow"!

Originally posted by mitchjs
Im sure i speak for a lot of people!

OTA BLOWS!


mitch


I am sure you do not speak for "a lot of people"

but I am sure it is a comment based on ignorance

Thank you, Jim Chase!

I think I found the 57-1 problem, and it was entirely on my end. I have a rooftop antenna with a rotor, and I think the positioning got out of alignment when I tried to rotate the antenna during the snow/ice storm we had the weekend before last. (Maybe the upper mast froze up a bit?) So when I positioned the indoor rotor contol where the "sweet spot" usually is, I was getting okay reception for some channels and poor or none for others.

This afternoon I finally had a chance to tinker with my system and rediscovered the "sweet spot" several degrees further away from where it used to be. Channel 57-1 comes in loud and clear! Thanks, Jim, for the helpful information about your broadcast configuration. That was a useful clue that led me to understand it must have been a problem with my antenna.

Even better, I am also getting 10-1 with a steady signal this afternoon, although that might be just a transient condition, since I am usually not able to lock in on their lower-power signal.

To ALL:

I certainly did not mean to spark off a debate on the merits/shortcomings of OTA reception! Oh, well, I guess really Mitch sparked it off, but I provided the tinder.

My two cents: I don't think it makes sense to speak critically of someone else's choices when it comes to equipment, connections, subscriptions, programming preferences, etc. The point of these forums is to share information and ideas so that we can all make informed choices within the limitations of our individual preferences and budgets.

For me, OTA has worked quite well, despite the occasional glitches and drawbacks. I could probably work cable or satellite into my limited budget, but then I would probably watch more TV than is good for me! (Or at least more infomercials.) I don't watch much sports, and I generally watch films on DVD, so the programming choices on our local OTA stations are quite sufficient for me. I see the glass as much more than half full, and will be close to the top once 10-1 is broadcasting a stronger, more reliable signal.

I really appreciate the hard work of the broadcast personnel who have made digital and HD broadcasts a reality for us, and I appreciate the people on this thread who keep us all connected with what's happening in the local market.

--Philly Tim

I think most of us are just frustrated with the state of Philly DT affairs. The only station everyone can seem to receive is CBS, most receive ABC, some receive WB, UPN, and hardly anyone seems to receive Fox and NBC.

Fox and NBC are really the problem here. They are 2 major networks and have had plenty of time to upgrade their transmitters. The fact that they haven't and many of us have spent a ton of time to receive them is quite displeasing. All of us seem to spend tons of time on roofs, attics, etc looking for this "sweet spot" I told Steve 2K about 1 year ago. It's ridiculous. We can all receive the analog signals without an effort. Clearly, we would like all the Philly DT stations to have the same quality that KYW does.

With regards to WPVI's multicasting, I don't have as big of a problem as I did. It seems to be a corporate mandate that ABC O&O stations transmit a weather sub-channel. They can get away with this with 720P, but not 1080i.

I didnt mean to hurt anyone's feelings
but i did speak the truth

Im very in tune with DT, my selft 3 antennas and many different positioning... to get it where im at now

yes, there is a sad state of DT in philly.... just read this thread... many people have problems... OTA sux! maybe tomarrow it will be better

Over the air has always been poor, go back 20 years ago, catv always provided a better consistent picture... ok, now that we are Digital ota stands a chance. My #1 enemy is Multipath!

all i know is that, if comcast would get thier act together... (yeah right)
there would be a hell of alot happier people!

and/or I got consistent DT via OTA, then Id be happy...
as of last night my 17-1 was going in and out, funny i used to have such a hard time with 12-1 (pbs) now i get that 99.99999% and no freezes!
but now 6-1 & 17-1 is a issue...

do really need a Micrometer calipers to set my damm antenna :)

please dont get upset... just read it and smile :)
mitch

I understand the frustration, pabuwal.

I do have one further observation to make. It is true, as you say, that I can receive the analog signals of all local stations "without effort." However, because of the severe multipath issues related to living in a city with lots of high-rise buildings, the reception on these analog signals is riddled with ghosts and other problems. These analog signals look even poorer on a good (HDTV-ready) TV monitor!

After years of experiencing marginal analog signals (because of multipath, not because of what was being transmitted), it is glorious to get such sharp, clear digital pictures -- including those that are not HD!

It's clear that 10-1 has taken far too long to get its new antenna and higher-power signal online. In fairness, we do not know all of the variables involved, and there may still be roadblocks that are out of their control. To be sure, it would make a big difference if the powers-that-be at Channel 10 communicated with the "digital" viewing public about these issues!

I receive 29-1 pretty well but realize that many do not. By now I have forgotten what is the latest status of their digital plans. Was channel 29-1 going to transmit from a new tower sometime next year (perhaps the Spring?) and increase their power at that time?

--Philly Tim

When I had my OTA box (I returned it and went with Comcast) I had no problem with Fox, NBC was so-so. One thing I did notice was that it mattered which OTA box I used, I tried the Zenith and Samsung. The Zenith worked out better.

I'm basically on the PA-DE border using an antique antenna on my rooftop that was there when I bought the house 5 years ago. Ironically Fox29 is the one network that comes in nearly perfect via an analog OTA tuner.

Amazing reading this thread regarding the different locations and stations received. Here in the Lehigh Valley I have a Samsung 150 with an indoor Silver Sensor and get Philly CBS ABC and FOX - also get the 2 LV stations. Since I am a big Football fan I am not upset since NBC does nothing for me. Good luck to all - keep searching for the RIGHT SPOT!!

Originally posted by Philly Tim
It's clear that 10-1 has taken far too long to get its new antenna and higher-power signal online. In fairness, we do not know all of the variables involved, and there may still be roadblocks that are out of their control. To be sure, it would make a big difference if the powers-that-be at Channel 10 communicated with the "digital" viewing public about these issues!

I receive 29-1 pretty well but realize that many do not. By now I have forgotten what is the latest status of their digital plans. Was channel 29-1 going to transmit from a new tower sometime next year (perhaps the Spring?) and increase their power at that time?

--Philly Tim

Just a perspective from a different angle:

I, like a few others on this thread, am from Central NJ...and from the time I started trying to glean OTA signals (February or so) until a few months ago, Philly digital signals were the "only game in town" for most digital OTA viewing. When WABC-DT and WNBC-DT went "live" within the last two months, I rarely find myself rotating towards Philly for much of anything other than if WPSG-DT has a movie in HD (I'm not really a big fan of the WB's HD shows)

If WCAU-DT had been operating at normal power, I probably would've left my antennas facing Philly, as at least the PBS station in Trenton is in that direction.

So I'm thankful that the Philly signals (KYW/WPSG in particular) were there when I needed them....but it's a shame that WCAU STILL isn't at full power. And even more confusing that there's practically NO feedback from their engineering/programming departments :confused:

Even if WCAU has had roadblocks, that is no excuse for the years they are behind KYW and WPVI. Soon they will be behind WNBC!

We're not talking days or months here.

Zglass,

You must sit up high on a hill to get Philly on an indoor antenna from there!

BTW,
I just got my Comcast cable box and received the 6200. Any preferences between the 5100 and 6200?

Originally posted by Barrybud
BTW,
I just got my Comcast cable box and received the 6200. Any preferences between the 5100 and 6200?

A 6200?!?

Is that the one with DVR? I want to get one! We signed up for more info on DVR at Comcast. Tell me what features it has, please. (is this 6208?)

Originally posted by bronowyn
A 6200?!?

Is that the one with DVR? I want to get one! We signed up for more info on DVR at Comcast. Tell me what features it has, please. (is this 6208?) Hi Dawn,

The 6200 is NOT the PVR. It's an upgraded 5100 box with DVI and Firewire ports. Don't think that they are enabled yet.

Actually, I THINK (not sure) that it's supposed to have a faster processor also.

David

Is it just me, or does anyone else get a blurry out of focus picture sometimes watching WPVI? I noticed this on the past 2 monday night football games.. I clearly see the picture going out of focus .. I bleive it's the camera but not sure. Picture quality on this channel also not as good as others.. expect fox of-course.

Originally posted by mendes9
Is it just me, or does anyone else get a blurry out of focus picture sometimes watching WPVI?

Same here. The picture will blur for an instant and come back into focus.

Same here. It gets really annoying. Does it do the same thing OTA? I have an OTA box, but generally use it for CBS.

Yep, had that problem on the last two MNF games.

Actually, I was having that problem for all Sixers/Flyers HD games this season, but not the Phillies or the Sixers/Flyers last year. PQ overall this season seems lower then last. Maybe showing the games on 175 will make a difference now.

By the by, (I'll ask just to be annoying) does anyone know when Comcast will have new Scientific Atlanta boxes for the areas that use the SA 3100? The box is the suck. :(

Originally posted by LSpera
Same here. It gets really annoying. Does it do the same thing OTA? I have an OTA box, but generally use it for CBS.

Happens here too OTA using a E86 STB 3 weeks in a row. Nice to see its happening to others now I can cancel the eye exam.

WPVI must be having a problem with their encoder as this is not happening nationally. Just another example of WPVi not paying any attention to the quality of their digital signal.

JWhip and others:

Earlier in the thread you mentioned that Comcast does send out the local HD channels via unencrypted QAM. I was considering buying that new LG QAM decoder (linked here (http://www.jandr.com/JRProductPage.process?RestartFlow=t&Section_Id=1&Product_Id=3954285)) and I just wanted to confirm that I'd be able to get signal after buying it. Exactly what channels would I be able to get?

Thank you all for any information.

You should.

RE: Monday Night Football "Blurriness"

I have noticed that phenomenon several times when watching MNF (which I do not do every week).

I think the explanation is much simpler than you think. To my eye, the culprit is . . .

STANDARD-DEFINITION CAMERAS!!

I think that a FEW of the cameras they use are of the lower-resolution variety (although they are widescreen), most notably the "Sky-Cam" that flies on wires over the playing surface.

In the rare case when ABC switches to one of those cameras, or shows an "instant replay" from the Sky-Cam, the picture is not HD, so it sticks out like a sore thumb.

At least that is what I THINK is going on.

--Philly Tim

Nice idea Tim, but I'm sure there is more to it than this... at times even the score graphics seem to go "out-of-focus".

I have also seen the "blurriness" on MNF on WPVI OTA. I do not believe that it is just the SD camera shots that Philly Tim suspected. It happens on the regular side shots as well. If I remember correctly, you can even see the blurriness on the graphics (such as the score bug).

Originally posted by mdm180
I have also seen the "blurriness" on MNF on WPVI OTA. I do not believe that it is just the SD camera shots that Philly Tim suspected. It happens on the regular side shots as well. If I remember correctly, you can even see the blurriness on the graphics (such as the score bug).

I too believe its not the camera's although the usage of SD cameras is sad.

It is most noticable In the graphic overlays (score bug) when for example they pan the sidelines or follow someone running up close. Could it be because they are overlaying the graphics in a SD 4:3 mode???

Originally posted by webboy10169
I too believe its not the camera's although the usage of SD cameras is sad.

It is most noticable In the graphic overlays (score bug) when for example they pan the sidelines or follow someone running up close. Could it be because they are overlaying the graphics in a SD 4:3 mode???

I see it too, call me stupid, but I always think it from the camera just shaking a little bit.

When you see the graphics going fuzzy then you know it isn't SD cameras or camera out of focus. In the programming forum someone posted the exact nature of the NBA finals problems (which this seems to be exactly... again) and that it is easily solved.

Side note: I watched a bit of the Flyers on 175 (INHD2) and the new setup seemed to have fixed the fuzzy problem for them. Hopefully the Sixers won't exhibit the problem tonight either. I wonder why 172 started doing it this season and why moving to 175 fixed it (if it is indeed fixed, since I only watched a period).

Never mind. The regular fuzzy problem is occuring like before on the Sixers game right now. I must have not been paying attention last night.

This just friggin sucks. Last seasons games looked jaw dropping. I wonder if they are using the same encoder as ABC.

I hear mention of the 6200?? Does anyone have word/good guess when DVI might be enabled?? I guess I only DREAM they will enable firewire?

I'd love to hear from anyone who has switched from the 5100 to the 6200 and what they see as the differences.

Looks like WCAU must have done something with their power. before, I barely received a blip on the meter, now the signal strength is somewhat lower than WPHL. Just low enough I can't receive it!

Figures.

I noticed this the other day that I can now get WCAU but the signal is jumping up and down, but at least now a get a picture, something I was never able to get before. Funny how all of a sudden WCAU seems to being putting out a stronger signal right after WNBC-DT in NY came back on-line.

FWIW...
I 've never had any reception problems, but the signal strength for WCAU has jumped into the 90's (from low 80's). And yes... it does fluctuate from 86-94).

To note... seems like WPVI has dropped a notches. Wind perhaps?

Anyway... looks like WCAU is improving it's strength. Whether that will help the Central Jersey folks, who knows?

For now, I've rotated my antenna (without the aid of a rotor) toward NYC for the time being, since NBC is up and booming. I would love to turn it back since the OTA situation is better in Philly vs. NYC.

Checked the tropo affects, and it's pretty dead in the air today, so can't be that!

Calabs, Can you receive WPIX-DT? If so, what type of antenna are you using?

Whoa! On a whim, I just turned to 10-1 and there was a picture!!! After all this time could we finally be seeing a change at WCAU? I consistently receive the digital stations for 3, 6, 17, 29 and 57 with very high signal strength. 10 was always 0 or slightly above. Tonight I'm getting a consistent 58%. Not too bad! I'm hoping this continues or even gains strength in the next few days.

Nice Christmas present! :)

I concur with others posting about WCAU-DT. Something has changed. I never get a solid lock up here in Newtown/Bucks County. This morning I see a solid lock and 90% signal strength.

Also, it seems that they are not sending out the virtual channel number 10-1 anymore. Some folks may have to rescan to see the channel.

I am using the MyHD MDP-120 with a rooftop CM 4 bay bow-tie at about 24 miles.

RSL

Originally posted by rlloydag
I concur with others posting about WCAU-DT. Something has changed. I never get a solid lock up here in Newtown/Bucks County. This morning I see a solid lock and 90% signal strength.

Also, it seems that they are not sending out the virtual channel number 10-1 anymore. Some folks may have to rescan to see the channel.

I am using the MyHD MDP-120 with a rooftop CM 4 bay bow-tie at about 24 miles.

RSL

...since no replies seem to come from any E-mail "contacts" at WCAU??

Originally posted by pabuwal
Calabs, Can you receive WPIX-DT? If so, what type of antenna are you using?

pabuwal - No, I can't get WPIX-DT. That may be because I have a Yagi UHF only antenna. I don't believe folks as far down south as us can get it anyway, as they're transmitting at some rediculously low power. We may have to just wait for the combiner to be finished sometime in the Spring!

Just announced!! Comcast has come to an agreement with CBS/Viacom. Comcast to begin carrying CBS immediately!!

Originally posted by Calabs
pabuwal - No, I can't get WPIX-DT. That may be because I have a Yagi UHF only antenna. I don't believe folks as far down south as us can get it anyway, as they're transmitting at some rediculously low power. We may have to just wait for the combiner to be finished sometime in the Spring! I'm 27.8 miles from them and get it fine. You're about 28.85 miles from them. Maybe there's some geological obstruction.

Originally posted by dswallow
I'm 27.8 miles from them and get it fine. You're about 28.85 miles from them. Maybe there's some geological obstruction.

I recall you have a "straight shot" across the water, which may help you reception. Is this correct?

Originally posted by Carl Jones
Just announced!! Comcast has come to an agreement with CBS/Viacom. Comcast to begin carrying CBS immediately!!
The press release can be found at:
http://www.cmcsk.com/phoenix.zhtml?c=147565&p=irol-newsArticle&t=Regular&id=479550&

The release says the agreement is effective immediately but does not say when it will actually be carried. I expect to see it at Channel 182 in the coming weeks, if not days.

Yes. Comcast has "CBS (KYW) coming soon" and it will be channel 182.

I have been told to expect it within 10 days. Also Starz HD and Cinemax HD are on.

Originally posted by JWhip
I have been told to expect it within 10 days. Also Starz HD and Cinemax HD are on.

More great news, just in time for the LOTR weekend.

THANKS!

David

Originally posted by Calabs
I recall you have a "straight shot" across the water, which may help you reception. Is this correct? Mostly, though the last few miles is over some land if I'm to believe my compass.

It looks great. I can't wait for the Superbowl.

Originally posted by beartrash
It looks great. I can't wait for the Superbowl.

What's your location?

ENJOY!

David

Wow, getting my Comcast HD install in less than 2 hours, and there's a 5:30 NFL game on CBS.....what great timing! Excellent news!

No CBS on Comcast here (West Chester, PA), yet.

IS UPN coming ,too? if it is, anyone know what channel it will be on?

One thing about the new HD channels Starz HD and Cinemax HD, while it is great to have them, I wish they were grouped with the others in the 172-190 range. HD surfing wasa little more convienient when all the HD's were together.

JT

KYW-DT should be on by Christmas on 182. UPN will not be added at this time. While the agreement does include retransmission consent for UPN 57 it does not mandate that COmcast carry it, just lets them if they want to. Comcast has decided against adding it at this time due to a lack of HD content. Enterprise and Jake 2.0 are not enough for Comcast to carry it.

Originally posted by JWhip
KYW-DT should be on by Christmas on 182. UPN will not be added at this time. While the agreement does include retransmission consent for UPN 57 it does not mandate that COmcast carry it, just lets them if they want to. Comcast has decided against adding it at this time due to a lack of HD content. Enterprise and Jake 2.0 are not enough for Comcast to carry it.

Does this apply to the Philly suburbs, like Wilmington?

Yes

WPVI was at it again last night during 10-8. The picture kept pixellating, and it looked like frames were being skipped - making the video picture very jerky.

JWhip;

Where do you get your info? I don't understand the logic stated on UPN/WB. Fox doesn't carry ANY HD yet...they are on!?

Iget my infor straight from contacts at Comcast, Viacom, etc. Fox has substantial widescreen programming, albeit for now, 480p including NFL Football and the World Series that Comcast decided was worth carrying. They are working on getting WB17 on but I do not know when. The only thing UPN has on are Enterprise and Jake 2.0. I would suggest that you complain to Comcast and ask for UPN 57 and WB 17.

Jwhip;

Thanks for the info. That's encouraging news. Any suggestions on whom I complain/campaign to at Comcast?

Don't know if this is old news or not, Comcast has free preview for:

1. Cinemax & Cinemax-HT (Channels 319 thru 330) 12/24 thru 1/2/04.
2. Staz & Staz-HT (Channels 368 thru 376) 1/3 thru 1/10/04.

Happy holiday!!

JWhip, can we assume that if UPN decides to do home Flyers, Sixers, Phillies HD games then Comcast will add the channel?

Also, do you think (or where should we complain) Comcast will mirror Starz & Max HD in the 170-190 range? Rather inconvienent right now.

Today at 11:30 am (in South Jersey, Camden county) Comcast added 182 which was black for 10-15 minutes. Then it came on for I guess 10 minutes and it was gone (and still is missing). Not that I care for CBS's (is that proper english.... CBS' ... CBS's) programming, I just want HD football for this weekend.

Now we just need Comcast to get HDNet, HDNet movies, and I suppose TMC-HD. I wouldn't mind having WB-HD and UPN-HD... just for bragging rights since I don't watch them ;)

Of course when sports are on UPN I wouldn't mind a digital picture feed.

I think that it is a safe bet that if and when HD sporrts are on UPN 57. it will be added. I would expect UPN 57 to be added by fall 2004 at the latest.

Well thats good to know. I feel bad for those who do watch UPN and WB programs though.

... as I write this I see I have 666 posts. Good thing I'm uping it. ;)

It is funny that the only two HD channels I can get OTA are 3 and 57. ONce 57 is on Comcast, I can take down the antenna.

Has anyone noticed that INHD has been "off-air" since at least Sunday night? I called Comcast, and surprisingly they said no one has reported the problem.

I'm in the the Norristown area.

This may be the NBA TV issue. During NBA TV games, Comcast is off the air at the moment. Once Comcast has a deal with the NBA for NBA TV, Comcast customers will start to get this programming and INHD will no longer be off the air.

foxfire,

Thanks for the reply.

I guess it could be the NBA TV issue, but I noticed that INHD was off-the-air Sunday night (12/21). I just checked the INHD schedule and there wasn't an NBA game on INHD2 last night (at least on the list at philadelphia.comcastsportsnet.com).

I'm going to send Comcast an email about this. Don't know if I'll get a response, but you never know.

Originally posted by Omen
Has anyone noticed that INHD has been "off-air" since at least Sunday night? I called Comcast, and surprisingly they said no one has reported the problem.

I'm in the the Norristown area.

INHD has been off here (Abington) for several days. I thought it might have something to do with them reconfiguring their software to add new channels so I didn't call.

Jwhip and others...

Any word on Comcast carrying Discovery HD sometime in 2004?

I can hope....

Thanks...

I'm in Center City, Philadelphia.

As of today I now have Cinemax HD, no Starz HD though.




Originally posted by faceoff
What's your location?

ENJOY!

David

I called customer service about INHD and they weren't aware of any problem or channel lineup change.

They did issue a truck roll to replace my set top box.

Originally posted by allinav
INHD has been off here (Abington) for several days. I thought it might have something to do with them reconfiguring their software to add new channels so I didn't call.

Originally posted by allinav
INHD has been off here (Abington) for several days. I thought it might have something to do with them reconfiguring their software to add new channels so I didn't call.

Thanks for the info allinav. At least it's not just me. On another note, I tried using Comcast's web site to send an email about this problem, but the email bounced :)

I'll try again tomorrow.

Originally posted by allinav
INHD has been off here (Abington) for several days. I thought it might have something to do with them reconfiguring their software to add new channels so I didn't call.

I finally got an email thru to Comcast. They responded very quickly and stated that they weren't aware that channel 174 was showing "off-air" during this timeframe. They suggested that I call 1-800-COMCAST to report the problem.

I think we should all call (I just did). At the very least Comcast will get an idea of the scope of the problem.

Just wondering if anyone else saw that as of last night 12/22/03 WFMZ DT 46-4 had a National Lacrosse game on in HD. After that they had a music show from HD NET. It was in the evening. As of this morning they are broadcasting nothing on 46-4. By the way WFMZ is in Allentown, PA.

Yes - saw that last night - also a few days ago they had an All-Star Basketball game on that was played in Chicago - didn't watch it long enough to see what league it was. Don't know what's going on with WFMZ. The BIG disappointment is WLVT , when are they going with HD. Lately it's just 4 regular channels. Sent them e-mail and no response. Does anyone know their plans?

Any word in the Lehigh Valley about RCN getting CBS locked up for the Super Bowl? I've been pretty pleased with RCN's HD lineup so far, but CBS and a DVR (Motorola 6208) will really make me happy.

Has anyone noticed that NBC's signal has become slightly weaker after the upgrade last week? I tried watching Las Vegas last night and noticed the signal was in the low 40% range when I was previously getting close to 60% Unfortunately, that's enough to cause major pixelation for me. Bummer.

Rob

For those of you who have both OTA and Comcast access is the PQ generally better via OTA. I know there are many factor that could change this answer, but I am curious about it from what you may see.

Thanks!

Originally posted by RTrueman
Has anyone noticed that NBC's signal has become slightly weaker after the upgrade last week? I tried watching Las Vegas last night and noticed the signal was in the low 40% range when I was previously getting close to 60% Unfortunately, that's enough to cause major pixelation for me. Bummer.

Rob

Did anyone get confirmation that they ACTUALLY upgraded their antenna/tweaked their signal ?!?! I haven't sent an e-mail in MONTHS for the sole reason that the ones I DID send were never replied to.

Anyone ?!?!

I don't know if there was an official announcement, but enough folks around here got a boot in their signal strength last week. Last Thursday night I switched to 10-1 (mistakenly, I admit) and received a signal. When I checked the signal strength, I was around 60%. Previously, I never received anything above 10%. There was definitely a change. I hope they continue "upgrading" their signal as I would love to see this signal where the rest of my Philly stations are (around 90-100%).

Rob

barrybud,

I've compared my Satellite CBSHD feed to local OTA.. and I couldn't tell a difference.. on a calibrated CRT based TV. In theory my local OTA transmits a higher bandwith than my satellite provider, again just looking I couldn't make out a difference.

Originally posted by RTrueman
I don't know if there was an official announcement, but enough folks around here got a boot in their signal strength last week. Last Thursday night I switched to 10-1 (mistakenly, I admit) and received a signal. When I checked the signal strength, I was around 60%. Previously, I never received anything above 10%. There was definitely a change. I hope they continue "upgrading" their signal as I would love to see this signal where the rest of my Philly stations are (around 90-100%).

Rob

Well, maybe I'll have to rotate and give a look see. I was going to do it last night to pick up WPVI'S HD feed of MNF because NYC's was horrific...but then I read that WPVI'S was just as bad.

In case anyone was interested, KYW-DT is up on Comcast channel 182 in suburban Philadelphia and Delaware.

I you subscribe to Comcast Basic Cable and want HD what will it cost? I do not really want Digital Cable. But I would like to get the availabel HD channels. Will they give you an HD converter without Digital Cable?

Originally posted by baeverly
I you subscribe to Comcast Basic Cable and want HD what will it cost? I do not really want Digital Cable. But I would like to get the availabel HD channels. Will they give you an HD converter without Digital Cable? Will any cable company give you anything without making you pay? ;)

Jwhip;

Just checked. You're right, CBS is up!!! I hope it's here to stay! By the way, have you heard any recent news on enabling DVI?

I would guess in the 1Q 2004. I do not have need for DVI at this time so have not checked.

Originally posted by dswallow
Will any cable company give you anything without making you pay? ;)

TWC in Staten Island no charge for HD.

Originally posted by baeverly
I you subscribe to Comcast Basic Cable and want HD what will it cost? I do not really want Digital Cable. But I would like to get the availabel HD channels. Will they give you an HD converter without Digital Cable?

As for HD with out Digital Cable the answer is no. HD is Digital there for a digital Box is required. And if im not mistaken on most cable companies the HD channels are assigned In the upper hundreds. An anaolg box doesnt go past 125. So short answer is No digital No HD.

I think I read recently that you can get the HDTV channels from Comcast without subscribing to digital, but not quite for free.

You must pay the monthly fee for the digital box and you will receive the simulcast channels. I don't remember if that means just the channels that simulcast and available OTA or whether that means that you get everything that's available on your non-digital channels (meaning inHD1 and 2 would be excluded).

Anyway you should at the very least be able to pick up the OTA channels for a few bucks (5 or 6) a month.

Up here in Easton/Bethlehem, I still can't get a reliable lock on WCAU. When I do get a lock, it's still around 50% only. Mostly, it just bounces around from 10% up to 60% with no lock. Obviously there's multi-path issues here, but if the signal was strong enough, it shouldn't be a problem.

I get Fox, ABC, and CBS at above 70% levels. UPN57 is the only Philly channel I can't get, and that's because of their signal pattern (skull) and their power output.

Originally posted by baeverly
I you subscribe to Comcast Basic Cable and want HD what will it cost?

According to Comcast site you can have standard, and just the HD channels without getting the "Digital tier". You need the HD box 51/6200 and your additional cost would be about $5 a month for the box plus a onetime $18 service charge for the installation.

Here is a quote from their site...

*HD programming from ABC, NBC, CBS and PBS is available in selected areas. Comparative claims based upon areas where HDTV from Comcast is available. To receive HD features and benefits an HD television (not provided), HD box and remote control is required. Advertised channels/stations generally provide a mix of HD and non-HD programming. HD programming is limited to the programming provided to Comcast in HDTV format by the programming provider. Programming and charges subject to change. Basic service subscription is required to receive HDTV and premium HDTV channel requires subscription to underlying premium channel. Call Comcast for details and restrictions.

Here is the link, I don't know if it will work.

http://www.comcast.com/Benefits/CableDetails/Slot4PageOne.asp

Originally posted by JWhip
In case anyone was interested, KYW-DT is up on Comcast channel 182 in suburban Philadelphia and Delaware.

No KYW-DT in Abington. However, INHD is back.

No KYW in South Jersey (Sewell) yet.. they better hurry up.. I put my OTA box up on Ebay! :)

SWEEEET

In Lansdale, PA

182 CBS is on!!!

ok, that helps.... maybe now we can hammer them about UPN
i know.. not enough HD... well I just wanna take down my antenna :)


p.s.

I whish ABC would look at ESPN HD's sunday night football

the packers game was unwatchable
even when ABC's MNF is watchable, its no way near the Q of ESPNHD

mitch

CBS on 182 isn't on in Willow Grove (Jenkintown) yet (at least I'm not getting it). If anyone else in Willow Grove is getting it, please post a reply. Thanks

CBS-HD in Valley Forge is in da house!

Contrary to previous reports WPHL-DT is showing the Yule Log in SD, not HD.:(
Most Tribune stations were supposed to have it in HD. Oh well, I guess I won't have to worry about burn-in.

On another note, I was hoping they would pick up the Rose Parade, but they went and got the Mummers again. I think that would actually be a good parade for an HD broadcast some day.
Merry Christmas Everyone!

Originally posted by baeverly
I you subscribe to Comcast Basic Cable and want HD what will it cost? I do not really want Digital Cable. But I would like to get the availabel HD channels. Will they give you an HD converter without Digital Cable?

I emailed Comcast here is the response:

Thank you for contacting us regarding your Comcast cable service.

Unfortunately, if you want to access HDTV programming you will need to
subscribe to our digital cable package. If you just want Basic you will
have access to all local channels but not in HDTV format. The following
is a list of current prices:

Basic: $12.85
Standard: $27.30
Digital Plus: $14.95
HDTV converter rental: $5.00
Online W/Cable: $42.95
Modem rental: $3.00

Your total monthly fee for HDTV service with internet would be $106.05
plus taxes and fees. The installation charge would be $41.24.

If you have any additional questions, please reply to this email or call our customer service department. Our customer service department can be
reached at 1-888-COMCAST. We are open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week for
your convenience.


Sincerely,
Daniel W.
Comcast Customer Care Specialist

I had heard that they have to give you the HD broadcast channels and cannot force you to have digital cable. Does anyone know if this is true? Is there anyone getting the HD Locals without subscribing to the digital tier. I am willing to pay for the converter box rental of course.

Thanks!

Originally posted by baeverly
I emailed Comcast here is the response:



I had heard that they have to give you the HD broadcast channels and cannot force you to have digital cable. Does anyone know if this is true? Is there anyone getting the HD Locals without subscribing to the digital tier. I am willing to pay for the converter box rental of course.

Thanks!

I don't think you need 'Digital Cable'. You should only need basic cable service.

Check out this thread:

http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?s=&postid=3085073&highlight=256+QAM#post3085073



:cool:

Originally posted by hosermike
I don't think you need 'Digital Cable'. You should only need basic cable service.

Check out this thread:

http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?s=&postid=3085073&highlight=256+QAM#post3085073



:cool:

Thanks Hosermike. My mits does have an integrated QAM tuner. Looks like I may be able to watch the Eagles in HD tommorrow night afterall.

Anyone else notice that on Philly (Chesco) Comcast ABC feed of Life with Bonnie that the vocal track is missing? All I get is the laugh track.

Originally posted by baeverly
Thanks Hosermike. My mits does have an integrated QAM tuner. Looks like I may be able to watch the Eagles in HD tommorrow night afterall.

Does anyone know if Comcast Encrypts ESPN-HD? If not what channel is it? I can't find it....

you bet they do!

chan 173


mitch

Originally posted by baeverly
I emailed Comcast here is the response:



I had heard that they have to give you the HD broadcast channels and cannot force you to have digital cable. Does anyone know if this is true? Is there anyone getting the HD Locals without subscribing to the digital tier. I am willing to pay for the converter box rental of course.

Thanks!

Call and talk to a supervisor if you don't want digital cable. I've seen some people be successfully with that.

If you call Comcast to just add the HDTV service to your basic cable, all you really need is to rent the Motorola QAM decoder at about $6.50/mo.

I ordered it last week and the rep gave me a hard sell on a promo they are running for their 'Digital Cable' with STARZ. Only $5.+/mo. for the first 3 months. If I decided to keep the service it would add about $28. to my current bill.

I let 'em hook me up on the promo but I will almost certainly cancel everything but the HD once the promo ends. I'm sure they will put a lot of presssure on me to keep the package as they really aren't making diddly with just the HD.

BTW...anyone interested in a 2yr old Sammy SIR-T150 for OTA?


:D

CBS-HD sounds a little crackly-crackly blip-blippy so far for the 1:30 football game....let's hope it doesn't continue! :D

If you check over in the programming area there is a thread started on this problem. The latest and greatest news is, there is a problem with the production truck at the stadium which is affecting the sound. At this time the broadcast is in DD 2.0.

Ah ha, hadn't looked there...thanks :)

Hoser, would I still need to rent a QAM STB if my TV (MITS) has one built in? I receive all the local channels fine. Just looking to add CSN. Every Comcast CSR I ask gives me a different answer.

Canadian?

Originally posted by frankd
Hoser, would I still need to rent a QAM STB if my TV (MITS) has one built in? I receive all the local channels fine. Just looking to add CSN. Every Comcast CSR I ask gives me a different answer.

Canadian?

You would only be able to receive the unencrypted channels. I believe that CSN IS encrypted so you would not be able to get it.

More info in this thread:

http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?s=&postid=3085073&highlight=256+QAM#post3085073

No to the Canuck question. Old nickname from my competitive pistol shootin' days.

:D

So just subscribing to the HDTV service wouldn't do it. Have to rent a decoder. I don't mind the 5 bucks a month rental but I really don't want the exteral box.

"Competitive pistol shootin" Yikes

Can anyone tell me the QAM channel number for CBS. I haven't been able to find it on the tuner.

No idea frankd.

I see CBS-D on 182 now with no program info. Hope they change the station label and get info, though it isn't a big deal. I wish Comcast would map Cin & Starz HD to 176-177. Dammit I'm lazy and don't want to have to go to the 300s unless I absolutely necessary to watch a movie. ;)

drhill: Did you call comcast and suggest that they map it within the "HD" station section of the guide? What did they say?

Ironically just as I went over to the tv CBS is labeled properly, but I'm not getting anything but a black screen right now. No biggie, I don't need CBS until Sunday for football, but I'm sure it will be fixed quickly anyway. :)

bronowyn: I assume your talking about Max and Starz. No I haven't, I'm lazy. But since you mentioned it I'll give them a call today I suppose.

CBS on Comcast in the Wilmington Delaware area comes on 81-2 on my Hitachi's built in tuner.

Also since I just have basic cable with my internet, if I upgrade to Digital cable plus, would I get espn-hd without a HD box. I get all the majors in HD with just basic. I have D* but I am trying to hold out until the TivoHD box becomes available.

Thanks

Jim

Just noticed that CBS HD on channel 182 is now on in Mercer County NJ.
Finally may have to retire the Unity Motion box.

mberk

It's live in South Jersey! (08080)

Time to sell my Samsung OTA box!

I noticed my CBS was working at 4 (probably earlier, but I didn't check from 1 to 4) and I actually had fully working info. :)

Originally posted by drhill
No idea frankd.

I see CBS-D on 182 now with no program info. Hope they change the station label and get info, though it isn't a big deal. I wish Comcast would map Cin & Starz HD to 176-177. Dammit I'm lazy and don't want to have to go to the 300s unless I absolutely necessary to watch a movie. ;)

It should be remapped soon.....

Originally posted by LSpera
It's live in South Jersey! (08080)

Time to sell my Samsung OTA box!

Do you think that there will be a price drop of used OTA decoders due to this? I'm putting mine up on E-Bay ASAP.

I wish they offered a package with just 170-190.. including hbo/sho/starz/tmc... but nothing else. I hate paying for the 200 channels I don't watch. I refuse to watch anything in SD anymore.

Bought my OTA box for $100.. just sold it for a little less than $200.

Originally posted by Zglass
Amazing reading this thread regarding the different locations and stations received. Here in the Lehigh Valley I have a Samsung 150 with an indoor Silver Sensor and get Philly CBS ABC and FOX - also get the 2 LV stations. Since I am a big Football fan I am not upset since NBC does nothing for me. Good luck to all - keep searching for the RIGHT SPOT!! How the heck you get Philly from The Valley with a Silver Sensor??!! Does the Silver Sensor get that much of distance?

Well, KYW-DT is up on Comcast 182 in South Jersey tonight but with some real tech problems. Pixelization, artifacts, and drop-outs: pretty much the gamut of HD issues. Not unwatchable, but pretty close. Hopefully, Comcast Garden State just needs some tweaking to clear the problems before the serious programming comes on about 1pm on Sunday.

As I write this, my wife threw in the towel on Judging Amy and went to SD. Move CBS on Comcast Garden State into to the unwatchable category at least in our area. Hope this is first-day jitters.

Watched The Gaurdian & NCIS with no problems in Deptford. In fact, it was perfect. I know your system & my system share the same feed so it may be a problem locally in CH.

I'm in garden state cable area too. Though I didn't get to watch any CBS tonight.

I used to have bad problems (pixels and massive dropout) with CSN-HD and PBS-HD at my old house and it was mostly because of a bad splitter. The cable run wasn't the greatest but a new splitter (needs to be 1000mhz I believe) cured the problems 99%.

Originally posted by KROD-ATOWN
How the heck you get Philly from The Valley with a Silver Sensor??!! Does the Silver Sensor get that much of distance?

Read about the Silver Sensor on AVS about a year ago and decided to give it a try - surprised me when it worked for WLVT and then just kept moving it around until I got Philly CBS. Friend of mine is a Service Electric techie says I am in a perfect spot - get a bounce from South Mountain - don't know if he's right but who cares it works for me. Hoping if NBC ups its power will get that also. Have been getting 46-3 WFMZ-HD last few days -- looks like they are experimenting because they are showing HD-NET programs. PQ is fantastic - wonder what they will carry when they go full-time with HD. Haven't seen anything in the MCALL about it. Have you read anything about them?

Found CBS on 82-2 (QAM) in the Doylestown PA area. Just in case someone else cares.

Originally posted by Barrybud
Zglass,

You must sit up high on a hill to get Philly on an indoor antenna from there!

BTW,
I just got my Comcast cable box and received the 6200. Any preferences between the 5100 and 6200? Barrybud - not on a hill, actually a valley - but am a short distance from South Mountain - a friend is a Service Electric techie and he says I am in a perfect spot - get the Philly ch via a bounce. May be true BUT still only works for ABC CBS FOX and not the other Philly stations - hopefully they will come in when power is increased. FYI also use a CM 7775 pre-amp and a RS attentuator with the SilverSensor. Worked like a charm for the abc cbs HD/faux fox football games this season.

Side-note - started getting WFMZ-HD 46-3 the past week - showing HD-NET shows but I can't find anything in the papers. Makes no sense why they are carrying a premium ch - sent them e-mail but no response. Any info on this?

I live in the Harleysville area and CBS-D has been up on 182 since last week. In my opinion, there is no comparison between the OTA picture and Comcast. OTA blows comcast away. Don't get rid of you OTA reciever yet! This pretty much holds true for all the digital locals. Anyone know what Comcast does to these channels? Are they doing additional compression?

Please disregard the above statement it is not true.

There is NO difference in PQ from Cable HD to OTA. Many users, including myself have done extensive testing of both sources & they are IDENTICAL.

The HDTV signal is completely digital. It is given to the consumers via cable systems in the exact same bit rate as it as given to the cable systems from the broadcasters. No compression is done to cause the picture to degrade.

I've heard this before and its usually the user of the Cable STB isn't on the correct TV input. I know it sounds silly, but I've seen this statement posted probably 10x since HD over Cable started, and everyone of the posters were watching the HD channels on their RF (analog) input on their TV.

Be sure to check your settings......BTW what STB do you have?

Not so fast... Here are some facts..

Measurements have shown OTA HD typically transmit around 19.4 mpbs with some variation but that's the average on most OTA stations. My Satellite provider's HD channels HDNET, ESPNHD, CBSHD feed, are all also 19.4 mpbs, so that's why I see no difference compared to OTA. The HD Demo channel you see everywhere for DISHNETWORK is transmitted at 18mpbs. Measurements have shown HDTV Showtime and HDTV HBO to use in the neightborhood of 10Mbps to 14Mbps, depending on the content for DishNetwork. I can confirm, as some HD content on those channels are not up to par.

Cable company's differ big time.. Some cable company's HD have been measured at 10 to 14mpbs ... so what rgc101 is saying may have some merit. Read this article (http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/03254/220386.stm) , Cablevision in Long Island, NY uses 12mpbs for HD channels, I don't know what comcast use's.. but I have read articles where they said most cable companies run bettwen 10 to 14mpbs. True HD, is considered 19.4mpbs.. and I have seen an HD program off a D-VHS tape recored at 28mpbs.. looked stunning.

Here is another article that might be of interest:

http://www.cedmagazine.com/ced/2003/1003/10c.htm

BillM,

I watched Judging Amy in Cherry Hill last night and it was almost flawless. Very occasional spots of pixelation, but very good for Comcast. No complaints. (Sometimes, CSN and INHD are unwatchable because of signal interruptions, and NBC's audio almost always has breaks in the sound.)

Ron Volkman

I don't pose to be an expert. All I can tell you is what my eye sees. There is a noticeable difference. If you have an OTA receiver, try it yourself. HD over Comcast is not chopped liver by any means, but it is not the same quality as OTA. That goes for channels 10, 6, and 12 as well.

I ran a very detailed test of OTA vs. Comcast during the Packers-Broncos game this weekend just to check on this. I also did a comparison with the game via Direct TV as well I saw no difference at all between the OTA, Direct TV and Comcast pictures. I will check again this weekend but, in my experience with WPVI, the Comcast and OTA pictures are the same. Believe me, if they weren't, I would have complained about it.

I do have an OTA reciever and there is no difference, I've been comparing for over 2 years now......This has been confirmed on plenty of other threads in this forum. Comcast sends out the HD signal at the same bit rate it is recieved. Using 256QAM this allows for 38.8 Mb/s in 6mhz, which allows them to carry 2 HD channels at full data rate on one 6mhz carrier. Its the broadcasters that use the lower bit rates not the Cable Co.

This likely is also part of the contracts that are signed between the two providers. Saying that the Cable Co. can only carry the designated HD signal at its full data rate.

I'm sure that this is the same for Sat providers, also. Even though the use a different modulation scheme (QPSK) they can get up to 40 Mb/s on one carrier.

Bottom line if you can see a difference then your looking so hard for a problem, and likely making yourself see something that isn't there. I just can't see how you can see such a "noticable" difference in something that isn't being changed from its source.

BTW.....What type of Display are you comparing this on? Same inputs, same settings? Somethings not right.....

Ive got Comcast Cable in Cherry Hill and am not totally happy with the picture I receive either. HBO HD definietly does not look as good as the other hi def channels.

I am aslo anxiously waiting for a dvi output on my STB so i can enjoy my Sammy 46" dlp to the maximum. (*sorry, just venting)

How long has comcast offered Hi Def channels? I didn't realize that they were doint it for two years now. I thought it was more recent than that.

As for CBS last night, It also did not look as good as the others (ABC & NBC). Hopefully, they are working out some of the kinks.

Ry

A copy of an e-mail:
(As of yesterday, I can get CBS HD via Comcast. I can not get over the air so I can't compare.)


I appreciate your interest in our high definition (HD) programming. We would also like to see the CBS HD signal carried on local cable television systems.

CBS has spent millions of dollars on our owned and operated stations to provide true High Definition at 1080 horizontal lines. This is the highest quality picture format available today. Delivering this quality is costly and takes every bit of the 19.4 Megabit per second digital stream that the FCC will allow. We simply can not have another organization compressing our true HD signal and re-transmitting it at a lower data rate and marketing it as full bandwidth HD. As far as I know this is the major issue with HD signal carriage on cable television systems.

If you are within our coverage area CBS HD signals via KYW-DT are available over the air for free. The higher data rate of over the air broadcast will allow for a better quality 1080i HD signal with fewer blocky pixels. In those instances where we provide 5.1 channel sound, all of the original digital audio bits will be there too. All you will need to provide is a UHF antenna and a high definition receiver. The other stations in the market are transmitted from the same location, so the chances are if you receive one HD station you will be able to receive them all.

If you enjoy HD programming, I encourage you to receive your HD signals directly from the HD transmitter and not through an additional compression and distribution system.

Originally posted by Zglass
Read about the Silver Sensor on AVS about a year ago and decided to give it a try - surprised me when it worked for WLVT and then just kept moving it around until I got Philly CBS. Friend of mine is a Service Electric techie says I am in a perfect spot - get a bounce from South Mountain - don't know if he's right but who cares it works for me. Hoping if NBC ups its power will get that also. Have been getting 46-3 WFMZ-HD last few days -- looks like they are experimenting because they are showing HD-NET programs. PQ is fantastic - wonder what they will carry when they go full-time with HD. Haven't seen anything in the MCALL about it. Have you read anything about them?

No I havent heard about what WFMZ will launch.
Im in the Center City Allentown in area of 6th and Allen. I will highly doubt I get Philly stations with a Silver Sensor, but I shall try getting a Sensor over the weekend and see what I get.

Originally posted by Crusader
Ive got Comcast Cable in Cherry Hill and am not totally happy with the picture I receive either. HBO HD definietly does not look as good as the other hi def channels.

I am aslo anxiously waiting for a dvi output on my STB so i can enjoy my Sammy 46" dlp to the maximum. (*sorry, just venting)

How long has comcast offered Hi Def channels? I didn't realize that they were doint it for two years now. I thought it was more recent than that.

As for CBS last night, It also did not look as good as the others (ABC & NBC). Hopefully, they are working out some of the kinks.

Ry

In the Motorola systems Comcast was using a seperate Side-car box (moto hdd200) that was used in conjunction with the Motorola DCT2000 regular Digital Cable Box. Its cost was 10.95/month and it was slow but it was HD, and it worked pretty well, for its time.

This was launched a couple of months before the last Winter Olympics in 2002. I'm pretty sure it was in Sept/Oct of 2001 when it first went live, in this region.

Again this was in Motorola systems only, basically any Southern NJ system other than the old Garden State systems.

I was one of the first testers in this region of this setup, what a long way we have come from then..........

And the Garden state systems are stuck with the crappy SA3100. I wish we could get new boxes.

Using the sidecar setup was exactly like the way the 3100HD functions. But there are other SA STB on the horizon that will function much better than the current versions. Check the SA website for more info on those. 3250HD & 8000HD are both possible next canidates for the replacements I would guess.....


BTW...............Happy New Year here to the Right Coast!!!..............

Im in the Center City Allentown in area of 6th and Allen. I will highly doubt I get Philly stations with a Silver Sensor, but I shall try getting a Sensor over the weekend

Why? I live in Bethlehem Township, have a Channel Master antenna with a CM amplifier and I get EVERY Philly station OTA except for WCAU (because of low power on their part) and UPN57 (because of the output pattern). But I get CBS, ABC, Fox, and WB with little problem. I know someone in Reading that gets better reception of the Philly stations than I do!

As for WFMZ, what could they possibly transmit in HD that would be worth watching? :) Aside from school delays and cancellations, it's just not worth swinging the antenna 90 degrees to pick it up. I get lifeline cable from RCN, so I usually watch Accuweather and WFMZ on the cable.

Originally posted by Randy Boecker
Why? I live in Bethlehem Township, have a Channel Master antenna with a CM amplifier and I get EVERY Philly station OTA except for WCAU (because of low power on their part) and UPN57 (because of the output pattern). But I get CBS, ABC, Fox, and WB with little problem. I know someone in Reading that gets better reception of the Philly stations than I do!

As for WFMZ, what could they possibly transmit in HD that would be worth watching? :) Aside from school delays and cancellations, it's just not worth swinging the antenna 90 degrees to pick it up. I get lifeline cable from RCN, so I usually watch Accuweather and WFMZ on the cable.

He's not sure it'll work for him in center city BECAUSE the Silver Sensor I'm using is an INDOOR antenna. It's about 10 inches by 6 inches. Should have no problem with outdoor antenna if he wants to go to that trouble.

Agree about WFMZ - my ? was why are they transmitting HD-NET since that is a premium HD ch.

Luckily the Comcast feed of WB17 is strong today. Even though its in SD it looks sharp and the colors are brilliant. The mummers parade would look spectacular in HD! I hope we wont have to wait too many years for this to becomes reality!

Happy New Year and enjoy every moment of digital bliss that is available to us in the Philly area.

Has anyone else noticed some weird artifacts coming through lately on 10-1? The symptom is an odd pattern of vertical lines through the picture, accompanied by an audio disturbance. This can last for a few seconds to several minutes or longer. I just noticed this in the past few days, and I hope it is something in the broadcast signal and nothing wrong with my STB.

As long as I am already typing a message: I wonder why it is taking so long for Channel 61-1 to figure out how to send an audio track over their digital channel? I assume I am not the only person not to hear audio on 61-1.

Happy New Year to everyone, by the way.

--Philly Tim

Originally posted by Zglass
...
Agree about WFMZ - my ? was why are they transmitting HD-NET since that is a premium HD ch.

HDNet has affiliate agreements with local stations wanting at least an eight hour block of HD where BD is not included.

I receive WCAU well into the acceptable signal range and frequently receive dropouts and pixilation.

I've noticed my signal meter, which has measured in the "bad" area forever, is now steadily in the "good" area on 10-1. I've not noticed the phenomena you mention, but today I had a "good" signal strength with no picture at all....and at another point a test pattern appeared this afternoon....go figure.

Have they recently upgraded at the towers and are not producing an acceptable signal strength? Are they having problems or tweaking their equipment?

Bob

No problems with WCAU here, but I don't watch 'em much. I'm the exception in that I've never had much trouble receiving their signal.

I also get video only on 61-1.

On RCN cable in the Lehigh Valley, we also have no picture on WCAU-DT. There's nothing in HD this late, but I hope it gets resolved soon.

WCAU-DT OTA had no picture when I surfed through it a couple of times late tonight

Last night, WPVI 6.1 ABC had trouble again with HDTV. The first 45 minutes of the Sugar Bowl was in SD, before they flipped the switch. It was in 5.1 Dolby for a few minutes, but switched back to stereo.

Why is there always a problem on Sunday evening? Is it a staff problem?

Tonight I see a large lowercase "e" at the top of the screen above wcau-dt philadelphia lable, 10-1. Anyone else?

no e right now but the olympic logo is there.

Why is ER letterbox( black bars on sides and top/bottom)? I am watching is SD because I can't zoom with my SIR-T165 via DVI.

The "e" was also on the screen on WNBC-DT in New York.Er is now on in SD.

It switched back to HD about 15 mins into ER, but now the e & NBC logo are gone. The NBC logo remained off to the end of ER. I wish they would keep it off period. It is much more enjoyable to watch w/o the logo. I was watching WNBC out of NY.

what is the "e" for?

e-e-e-ediots! :)

I noticed there are 4 WPHL-DT channels this evening 17-1,17-2,75-1,75-2.
The "-2" channels have a bad audio lag of 2-3 seconds. There all show HD on my SIR-T165 tuner.

i just got a mits 73713 with the integrated tuner.
shouldnt i be able to tune in the local hd channels with this thing?

i have the cable feed going right into the ant-dtv input and have scanned everywich way but loose and still cant get the channels.

any ideas?

I think you can only tune OTA HD channels. Cable HD channels are transmitted differently.

i was thinking that but people in other threads including here....
http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?postid=3085166#post3085166
are reporting to get hd channels through comcast dig cable hooked right intothe mits with integrated tuner.

Originally posted by whotony
i was thinking that but people in other threads including here....
http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?postid=3085166#post3085166
are reporting to get hd channels through comcast dig cable hooked right intothe mits with integrated tuner.

I can get them with my integrated mits. Just Local HD and some other misc stuff. You need to attach your cable to the ANT-DTV input not ANT-A or ANT-B. You need then to go into NetCommand Setup Antenna. Select Cable and then Standard. Hit enter for it to Scan for Channels. ABCHD is usually 79.01 or 79.51 and the others fall right after that ending with FOX at 118.

It will only work with a good strong signal I noticed. Make sure you have a good cable with good connectors. I had trouble early on until Comcast came and fixed my Cable run from the street. At first I could only have either the Cable Modem or the TV hooked up not both.

umm, i'm getting ppv. watching bruce almoghty right now.

Originally posted by whotony
umm, i'm getting ppv. watching bruce almoghty right now.

That is the other stuff I was talking about. Only problem is it seems they are ON-Demand. So you never what is where and at what time. Also, you will be people rewinding and fast forwarding thru various shows and you have no control. Gets interesting at times to say the least.

Originally posted by baeverly
That is the other stuff I was talking about. Only problem is it seems they are ON-Demand. So you never what is where and at what time. Also, you will be people rewinding and fast forwarding thru various shows and you have no control. Gets interesting at times to say the least.

No - OnDemand gives YOU the ability to order at any time, and to pause, rewind, and fast-rorward as much as YOU want for 24 Hours from when you order it.

Hope that this helps.

David

Originally posted by faceoff
No - OnDemand gives YOU the ability to order at any time, and to pause, rewind, and fast-rorward as much as YOU want for 24 Hours from when you order it.

Hope that this helps.

David

That's assuming you have Comcast's "box". The MITS Integrated sets have their own QAM Tuners for Digital Cable. So we just pick up what's "out there" that are sets can get thats unencrypted by the Cable Co. So at time this is even On Demand "stuff" that other people have picked or PPV's that are rented. So when you are sitting their watching an ON Demand or PPV, keep in mind some us may be watching along with you.

Hope that this helps.

I take it our Fox doesn't do 5.1?

Originally posted by drhill
I take it our Fox doesn't do 5.1?

Nope.

YaHoo, We Win! WOW!

ok sorry

will techtv, wbhd, or upnhd, be available in philly for comcast? Also what is this talk of digital upn i hear?

Anyone having problem with 29-1 (FOX) lately. I can't get a signal. I can get all of the other channels over the air with my Hughes E86.

All of the other signal come in at 90-100 except WHYY 30-44.

I live the Downingtown area. I was getting about a 60-75 signal on FOX. My antenna has not been moved since last summer.

Please help. I don't want to MISS the NFC championship on high resolution next Sunday.

i lost abc-6 after the opening credits of ALIAS. Anyone else?

Yeah, what a bad night to be out!!! Looks like the station stopped broadcasting for a little while as I wasn't getting any signal. They got the Action Radar and duplicate SD broadcast on 6-3 and 6-2 (what a waste!), but nothing going on 6-1. It's now time for the Practice and it's still out.

Later.

I lost channel 29 for about 120 seconds in the second quarter. 29 is the only channel I have problems with. But it's been better this year then last football season.

btw: when is Fox going HD

I lost ABC 6-1 during ALIAS... Disappointing as ALIAS and The Practice has been good tonight.

Well....at least the EAGLES won today, suffering watching the game, but I guess we won.

Hello, just wondering is it just me, or is WPVI 6-1 still out ? I am getting a good signal but the screen is just black.

Originally posted by supercomando
Hello, just wondering is it just me, or is WPVI 6-1 still out ? I am getting a good signal but the screen is just black.

supercomando,

It's NOT you - AFAIK, it's still out - via Comcast also.

David

6-1, 6-2 & 6-3 OTA all good here, signal strength 100, but I am only 5 miles from the antenna farm at Roxborough.

Found what was wrong with my reception of FOX. I went to AntennaWeb and found out that my position was wrong. It was 90 instead of 96. Did FOX move there position recently or there signal is lower?

Now, FOX is up but WHYY and PAX is down.

Originally posted by jones07

btw: when is Fox going HD

Fall 04'

Originally posted by miatasm
Fall 04'

That long ?

Thanks for the reply ;)

Originally posted by jones07
That long ?

Thanks for the reply ;)

Just in time for the '04 -'05 Football season! ;)

Did anyone else notice if WPVI-6 dropped out about 30 minutes into their Monday night movie last night? I had a solid signal indicated but a black screen for about 30 minutes.

Yes...the signal dropped out for about 30 minutes during the movie

Originally posted by bobkunkle
Tonight I see a large lowercase "e" at the top of the screen above wcau-dt philadelphia lable, 10-1. Anyone else?

I saw this too. The "e" looked like it has a small Canadian (red) maple leaf in the lower right of the "e". Canadian Hijack/ hacked the network feed? They went letterbox to conceal the logo then back to HD after getting rid of it.

Anyone else not able to catch Fox last night for the Eagles game? Of-course I was catching every other station, except Fox..

Fox OTA was fine. It was the Eagles that were missing.

Dan

I was able to watch the Eagles game on Fox (Comcast).
but the sound was very erratic/choppy throughout most of the game (it would be ok for a few minutes, then lose sound for 0.5 seconds, then come back, then lose it again a few minutes later, etc....)
DID ANYONE ELSE EXPERIENCE THIS??
:confused:

I'm in Feasterville, right near Exit 28 PA Turnpike.. NOTHING up here.. all other stations decent strength...

ExpensiveWino.. I saw something interesting.. For the Colts game, I was switcing between, Dish Network's HD feed, and Local OTA HD feed, and the sound from Dish's broadcast was definetly better.. my rear surrounds were much better defined from Dish's broadcast than local OTA. Picture Quality was the same on both..

OTA FOX has always been problematic for me. 4 or 5 times this year I had to watch the SD side because the Digital side became unwatchable sometime during the game. This is the only channel I have problems with.

I know it's most likely that my Antenna is a bit off. But I'm just not into going up to my 3 story row house roof to re-adjust the thing. Not this time of year.

Watched the entire game OTA. No problems.

Originally posted by Ratman
Watched the entire game OTA. No problems.

It wa fine on Comcast - actually, it was NOT fine, but there was nothing wrong with the picture and sound - just the (lack of) result.

David

Here's a few pages all about the history of Roxborough Tower Farm

http://www.fybush.com/site-031002.html
http://www.fybush.com/site-031009.html
http://www.rwonline.com/reference-room/special-report/03_roxborough.shtml

Sixers game today still suffered horribly from the "fuzzy" problem.

Digidan,

Thanks for the links, lots of info there!

What is WPHL 17 up to?

Last night, they had 4 subchannels: 17.1, 17.2, 75.1 and 75.2 -

17.1 - regular HD signal
17.2 - HD signal showing the language as Spanish - sound was actually the English audio on a 1/2 second delay.
75.1 - copy of 17.1
75.2 - HD signal with 1.0 Dolby audio (center only) stating Spanish - actually had English

I couldn't see any noticeable degradation of the picture, but there must have been some with 4 HD channels!

Originally posted by MSmith
What is WPHL 17 up to?

Last night, they had 4 subchannels: 17.1, 17.2, 75.1 and 75.2 -

17.1 - regular HD signal
17.2 - HD signal showing the language as Spanish - sound was actually the English audio on a 1/2 second delay.
75.1 - copy of 17.1
75.2 - HD signal with 1.0 Dolby audio (center only) stating Spanish - actually had English

I couldn't see any noticeable degradation of the picture, but there must have been some with 4 HD channels! They can map the same video to multiple channel numbers.

True, but each one was different (except perhaps 17.1 and 75.1)

Originally posted by MSmith
True, but each one was different (except perhaps 17.1 and 75.1) The WB is standardizing on virtual channel 75 in all markets being The WB, in addition to their own channel designation in each market.

They are all the same video; only the audio varied.

Last night I programmed 75-1 for the Gilmore Girls, the samsung 165 then defaulted to 17-1.
Marie

And just to complicate things further, WPVI is now broadcasting different content on 6-2 (SD) from what is broadcast on 6-1 (HD). 6-2 used to be just a SD simulcast of the 6-1 channel.

It wasn't clear what the 6-2 programming was (did not watch very much), but I think at one point this evening, they were repeating the 6:00 newscast.

As before, you can tune in 6-3 to see the weather map. Or just look out the window. :o)

--Philly Tim

Was anyone else missing the audio on the HD broadcast of Threat Matrix on WPVI this evening? My receiver showed a 5.1 signal but I heard nothing. The SD feed was fine.

anyone having trouble with dig channel 29 ota, the last couple days?
i get pixelating and pic freezes for about 1 0r 2 seconds.

when i switch to comcast dig cable version of it i get the pixelating.

flyersfan, no sound on comcast's abc HD, but I only watched 2 seconds worth.

whotony, I've been having a bunch of breakup/audio dropout on fox's ed channel on comcast the last two days.

OH how SWEET ESPN's HD flyers game was

comcast get it done!!!!

mitch

Originally posted by mitchjs
OH how SWEET ESPN's HD flyers game was

comcast get it done!!!!

mitch

the flyers game was what?

comcast get what done?

was SWEET

cause the HD was by ESPN

comcast sportsnet broadcasts arnt up to snuff

mitch

hmm. you dont think sportsnet hd looks spectacular?

i cancelled it about 6 weeks ago, but what i saw was exceptional.

will get it again when baseball starts.
so unless they changed something i'm sure it will still look great, and does now too.

Just curious if anyone knows whether or not UPN 57 has ANY plans to pass through any Phillies home games in HD this season ?!?!

I assume the only way they could do it would be if they utilized Comcast's trucks for the production/distribution since they *probably* don't have any of their own.

I also *think* UPN cancelled their only 2 HD shows (Jake 2.0 and Enterprise)????

Anyone?

Enterprise is running new episodes right now Wednesdays at 8pm on UPN 57 - in glorious HD.

Also, WPVI 6.1 screwed up yet again.

For Threat Matrix, the sound was missing the center channel - no dialogue, no misc sounds (like a chair scraping), just the soundtrack.

Are these folks going to get their act together?

Originally posted by MSmith
Enterprise is running new episodes right now Wednesdays at 8pm on UPN 57 - in glorious HD.

This was the post (http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?s=&threadid=354758) I was referencing when I commented that UPN was cancelling it's HD shows. Now as I read through it I see that Jake 2.0 is done, but ST:E is on the verge of staying/going....so what would that leave on UPN in HD? Friday night movies in HD???

Originally posted by drhill
flyersfan, no sound on comcast's abc HD, but I only watched 2 seconds worth.

whotony, I've been having a bunch of breakup/audio dropout on fox's ed channel on comcast the last two days.


YES -- I can also confirm this. I don't think its just FOX either. Signal strength seems strong and steady, but frequent bursts of "poor signal quality" (?) with audio drop outs and pixilation. Don't remember ever seeing activity like this before. It may just be an unrelated coincidence but my wifi network is experiencing the same exact symptoms. Is there some oddball atmospheric interference going on?? Sunspots? Whatever it is I'm glad I'm not the only one seeing it...

I believe he's trying to say, that the flyers game looked awesome on ESPN HD. (as it did)... and that ESPN did HD right (for that game)... I think it looked better than any HD Flyers game I've seen this year.

Hi All, I'm new to the HDTV thing and I'm curious what type of HDTV OTA antenna I should purchase. Using antennweb.com I'm approximately 24 miles from the towers. My goal is to pick up ABC, CBS, NBC, FOX, WB, and UPN out of Philadelphia. I live in Medford, New Jersey very close to where Route 70 and Route 541 meet. I've read many threads on OTA antennas and I'm very confused.

Here's my setup: 50-Inch Sony GWIII with Hughes DIRECTV HD box.

I prefer to install the antenna in the attic or if possible just use an indoor antenna. Anyone in the area have any luck with the Silver Sensor in my area?

Any information anyone can provide would be of great help! This site has really been helpful with my HDTV needs. Thanks for your replies in advance!

Indoor won't cut it. In attic might work for CBS but you probably won't get all the channels. Rooftop is the way to go for you (24 miles). I recommend you get a cheap old metal rooftop antenna from home depot (less than $30). The bigger the better. The higher the better. If you don't like the look you can always get cable. I hear DirecTV (maybe Dish too?) are doing free OTA antenna installs with their new incentive HD installs these days...


Originally posted by sdpadres
Hi All, I'm new to the HDTV thing and I'm curious what type of HDTV OTA antenna I should purchase. Using antennweb.com I'm approximately 24 miles from the towers. My goal is to pick up ABC, CBS, NBC, FOX, WB, and UPN out of Philadelphia. I live in Medford, New Jersey very close to where Route 70 and Route 541 meet. I've read many threads on OTA antennas and I'm very confused.

Here's my setup: 50-Inch Sony GWIII with Hughes DIRECTV HD box.

I prefer to install the antenna in the attic or if possible just use an indoor antenna. Anyone in the area have any luck with the Silver Sensor in my area?

Any information anyone can provide would be of great help! This site has really been helpful with my HDTV needs. Thanks for your replies in advance!

This was the post I was referencing when I commented that UPN was cancelling it's HD shows. Now as I read through it I see that Jake 2.0 is done, but ST:E is on the verge of staying/going....so what would that leave on UPN in HD? Friday night movies in HD???

Oh, sorry. Didn't see that. I can see why Jake 2.0 went down, but I'm a little surprised that Enterprise is going under.

I'd really like to see SciFi-HD on DirecTV!

Originally posted by MSmith
I'd really like to see SciFi-HD on DirecTV! John Edwards and Infomercials in HD? No way. ;)

Originally posted by dswallow
John Edwards and Infomercials in HD? No way. ;)

Indeed...............but what about those Twilight Zone marathons on New Years Eve? :eek:

Last years flyers/sixers games looked better because CSN HD games keep getting soft (loss of resolution do to a new encoder I guess). I hope it gets fixed once they get the equipment permanently installed in the Wacho center.