I purchased a Channel Master 3041 amp and now WHYY-DT locks in just fine. Thanks to all who responded.

Originally posted by flyersfan
I've noticed the flash at various arenas for years. Perhaps I'm wrong, but I thought most modern arenas have a flash available to photographers so the entire rink/floor is illuminated well for high-speed photography. If this is true, I have no idea what triggers the flash - whether it's every x minutes, random, etc.

What I'm seeing is new, it started a couple weeks ago.
It's not just CSN, I was getting it during the NCAA last night.
It's the entire screen flashes, then dims, and it's completetly random, sometimes 2-3 seconds in a row, then nothing for 20 seconds.

What's weird is it's arena shots only, not studio stuff, it's gotta be arena cameras.

JWHip, ever hear of this.?
I never saw anything like this when I was in New Hope, now in Limerick, and it's been happening for a couple weeks.

Besides Radio Shack, can someone suggest a place to purchase a high quality UHF antenna locally?

I live in center city and because of the multitude of buildings between here and Roxborough, I need a 4 or 8 bay UHF antenna and the equipment to mount it.

Thanks for any advice,

Sean

Originally posted by seanmcgpa
Besides Radio Shack, can someone suggest a place to purchase a high quality UHF antenna locally?

Try here:
http://www.hbfelectronics.com/index.php?action=contact_info

Originally posted by Ratman
Try here:
http://www.hbfelectronics.com/index.php?action=contact_info

Thanks, kindly. Drove over, picked up a Channel Master 4228 8 bay UHF antenna, a Channel Master 7775 amplifier, a 10 foot mast, and a chimney mount. Significantly cheaper prices than elsewhere, too.

The guys were nice, but told me I'd never get HDTV in center city Philly well (I'm near 18th and Lombard). So many people had tried and only gotten one or two weak stations with lots of dropouts. My hopes sank. So I left empty handed... but turned around and decided to chance it.

I got home, installed everything (on the 4th floor of a townhouse in the wind - eeek!), pointed the monster towards Roxborough and to my delight I am getting 3, 6, 10, 17, 29 and 57 in digital. To my dismay I can't get WHYY TV 12 in digital (the channel I MOST wanted). 6 out of 7 isn't bad.

I've heard rumors that DirecTV is going to add a few "national" feeds for Fox, NBC, PBS in HDTV ... anyone know more about this?

And would anyone know if using a Diplexer to combine OTA signals and my DirecTV signal over one cable would degrade performance? My Directv signal looks great... I was wondering if I plugged the antenna directly into the TV (and ran the long cable) would I be able to pick up WHYY? Probably not but I don't know how to get ... unless I add another antenna somehow, which I don't know how to do.

Any input or advice greatly appreciated...

Sean in Philly

Sean, add a rotator to your setup. The signal might be subject to some interference and reaiming the antenna so the source of such interference is in a "null" area with far less gain might do the trick. You may also have some chance of getting a signal from a different station that's also PBS -- New Jersey's full of them, for example, and the Baltimore market isn't out of the question either; with the rotator you could easily try.

Originally posted by dswallow
Sean, add a rotator to your setup. The signal might be subject to some interference and reaiming the antenna so the source of such interference is in a "null" area with far less gain might do the trick. You may also have some chance of getting a signal from a different station that's also PBS -- New Jersey's full of them, for example, and the Baltimore market isn't out of the question either; with the rotator you could easily try.

Thanks for the advice... although I'm not 100% sure it'd work. I did try rotating the antenna manually in 20-25 degree increments, and could not lock onto Channel 12 WHYY at any time.

Does anyone know where the antenna for this station is located?

It annoys me that I can get Channel 44.1 (?) and some other digital channels (35.1) but not WHYY. Doh.

I am much further out than you are, but I also have difficulty locking in WHYY - although I am using an indoor antenna. I locked in on this channel over the weekend on Saturday for a couple of hours - then it was gone again.

I am in Delaware county & I receive 3, 6.1-3, 10, 12.1-2, 17.1-2, 29, 57, & 61.1-.4. but no NJN 23. All this from the $30, 18" Sears indoor antenna placed in attic. I never made the leap to a large antenna on roof since this was the easy fast way & I got those results. It took SOME time to get it just right with the slightest change in position making a big difference. I did some trial & error but now I have just right. Only on high wind days does the signal vary.
Are there other channels I could receive with the step up to a roof mount/mast style? What do other people get OTA in the Delco. area?
Seems my NJN loss not bad since PBS is a national feed in prime time anyway.

Here is an excerpt of a helpfull email I received from Engineering
dept. of WPVI-TV Ch.6, WPVI-DT Ch.64 when I was setting antenna.

"...Signal strength is not the bottom line with digital. It's the carrier-to-noise ratio. Simply put, if you have a strong signal, you could also have strong multipath (ghosting in the analog world) which subtracts from the incidental signal because it is out of phase thus reducing the carrier-to-noise ratio. Often, maximum carrier-to-noise ratio and maximum signal strength do not occur at the same antenna azimuth. That's why I always recommend an antenna rotor with all installations. That way, reflections can be tuned out or minimized by adjusting the antenna's azimuth for maximum carrier-to-noise ratio."

Originally posted by seanmcgpa
The guys were nice, but told me I'd never get HDTV in center city Philly well (I'm near 18th and Lombard). So many people had tried and only gotten one or two weak stations with lots of dropouts.

I got home, installed everything (on the 4th floor of a townhouse in the wind - eeek!), pointed the monster towards Roxborough and to my delight I am getting 3, 6, 10, 17, 29 and 57 in digital. To my dismay I can't get WHYY TV 12 in digital (the channel I MOST wanted). 6 out of 7 isn't bad.

Hi Sean, you've had better luck than me. I too have the Channel Master 8-bay, the same preamp, and a 10-foot mast mounted on top of a four-story building. However, I'm at 12th and Spruce and must point directly at the skyscrapers on/near Market in order to be facing Roxborough. I get very poor results: occasional signal lock on 10, 35, 57, and 61; rare signal lock on 17 and 29; and almost never a signal lock on 3, 6, and 12. When I look at the analog channels, they all have strong signal with a fair amount of ghosting, so on the digital side multipath is definitely the problem. I've tried rotating the antenna in one-degree increments with little improvement.

I have two questions for you and the rest of the forum. First, do you think lowering the antenna a couple feet will make any appreciable difference? (I can't go any higher, so that's not an option.) Second, would a large Yagi do better than the 8-bay? Or, am I just SOL because of the skyscrapers?

Originally posted by stoli412
Hi Sean, you've had better luck than me. I too have the Channel Master 8-bay, the same preamp, and a 10-foot mast mounted on top of a four-story building. However, I'm at 12th and Spruce and must point directly at the skyscrapers on/near Market in order to be facing Roxborough. I get very poor results: occasional signal lock on 10, 35, 57, and 61; rare signal lock on 17 and 29; and almost never a signal lock on 3, 6, and 12. When I look at the analog channels, they all have strong signal with a fair amount of ghosting, so on the digital side multipath is definitely the problem. I've tried rotating the antenna in one-degree increments with little improvement.

I have two questions for you and the rest of the forum. First, do you think lowering the antenna a couple feet will make any appreciable difference? (I can't go any higher, so that's not an option.) Second, would a large Yagi do better than the 8-bay? Or, am I just SOL because of the skyscrapers?

Stoli,

How does your antenna signal get to your box? Via a Multiswitch and Diplexer?

The reason I ask is I was searching around and found several threads on how common multiswitches that combine a satellite and antenna signal on one cable can cause reception problems. For kicks, I disconnected the antenna from my Terk BMS-58 multiswitch and ran a line directly to the TV - WHAM! Now I get everything, 12, and even 23.1 (although not well). WHYY 12 went from a "Bad" signal to a almost a "Good" signal. 10.1 which was coming in but wth a few dropouts here and there is now rock solid perfect.

I don't really understand how disconnecting the multiswitch can make that much of a difference... but I don't care! I can fnally watch Philly HDTV in time for HD-Tivo!

I do think, however, it's just a matter of luck... I have a clear view in between Graduate Hospital's big building a the skyscrapers to the north.

Thanks for everyone's input...

Sean

Not HD related, but does anyone know when we will get the SD NBA TV channel on comcast in the area?

Heads up to Philly. There is talk of an April 27 DVR launch in your town. At least that is what your CSR's are telling people (and there is a VOD program on which is a DVR FAQ-- is that something new?).

Originally posted by seanmcgpa
Stoli,

How does your antenna signal get to your box? Via a Multiswitch and Diplexer?

Sean, I have a coax cable going directly from the antenna to the receiver, so the signal is not degrading in a multiswitch or diplexer. It sucks that the skyscrapers make that big of a difference. If I lived just a few blocks west or a few blocks north, I probably wouldn't have any reception problems.

I'm really curious if a Yagi will improve things. But I've spent so much money already that I'm reluctant to spend any more without knowing if it will actually do me some good. :)

Originally posted by stoli412
Sean, I have a coax cable going directly from the antenna to the receiver, so the signal is not degrading in a multiswitch or diplexer. It sucks that the skyscrapers make that big of a difference. If I lived just a few blocks west or a few blocks north, I probably wouldn't have any reception problems.

I'm really curious if a Yagi will improve things. But I've spent so much money already that I'm reluctant to spend any more without knowing if it will actually do me some good. :)

It's so true... it was hard enough talking my partner into the new 60" HDTV, then the stand, then the DirecTV HD box, then the cables, then the antennas, and all the misc. BS ... it realllllllly adds up. I've spent more money in the past 2 weeks than I have in the past year! :)

Boys and their toys... good thing he loves me!

...and awesome HD Sports schedule for us Comcast HDers...

Flyboys Game 1 tonight on CSN-HD, and then Game 2 Saturday night CSNHD.!
HD Masters Thurs and Fri at 4:00 and an encore at 8:00 on INHD and INHD2 respectively, CBS has Sat. and Sun. coverage.
Monday the Phillies new stadium home opener on CSN-HD.!

Man ever since NFL season is over, I've had a huge HD need, I think this weekend will be the hit I need.!

Flyers looked great tonight. I didn't notice any fuzzy problems (though it was never as bad with hockey).

A friend of mine was over and he hates hockey. After tiring of his bitching about the announcers getting excited over every faceoff, I pulled the wires out of my center speaker. Not only did he enjoy the rest of the game, I thought it was so much better. Just like being in the stadium. Wish I could do this for non HD games too (no 5.1)

SonomaSearcher or Faceoff:

knowing how "Philadelphia" to Comcast has multiple meaninfs in the 5 county area, got any specifics? I am in Central Bucks, for example... thanks

Originally posted by drhill
Flyers looked great tonight. I didn't notice any fuzzy problems (though it was never as bad with hockey).

A friend of mine was over and he hates hockey. After tiring of his bitching about the announcers getting excited over every faceoff, I pulled the wires out of my center speaker. Not only did he enjoy the rest of the game, I thought it was so much better. Just like being in the stadium. Wish I could do this for non HD games too (no 5.1)

I was doing the same thing.!
Actually, my new house has only 2 fronts for stereo right now, and my receiver was set to 5.1, so I was missing the entire center channel, but it sounded like you were at the stadium. (no announcers, just arena sounds)
Not sure if HDNET still does this, but they'd demo a period of an NHL game with just this type of sound "Sounds of The Game" I think.

Originally posted by Plasma George
I was doing the same thing.!
Actually, my new house has only 2 fronts for stereo right now, and my receiver was set to 5.1, so I was missing the entire center channel, but it sounded like you were at the stadium. (no announcers, just arena sounds)
Not sure if HDNET still does this, but they'd demo a period of an NHL game with just this type of sound "Sounds of The Game" I think.

Hi George,

I missed the game last night (story of my life)! :) Are you still seeing the "flashing"? Is anyone else seeing it?

THANKS!

David

Originally posted by Plasma George
I was doing the same thing.!
Actually, my new house has only 2 fronts for stereo right now, and my receiver was set to 5.1, so I was missing the entire center channel, but it sounded like you were at the stadium. (no announcers, just arena sounds)
Not sure if HDNET still does this, but they'd demo a period of an NHL game with just this type of sound "Sounds of The Game" I think.

Yeah I heard HDNet does that for periods. Its great I think.

Anyone else see the baseball game on INHD on Thursday (Padres-Giants)?

After seeing that I am so unimpressed with Comcast's HD anymore. Phillies games never looked that good, and I'm not even sure Flyers/Sixers did last year either. Did Comcast get cheap cameras? Or are they not using an all digital connection? Are they not sending a full 1920x1080 (or 1440 since that is all current camera's capture I believe)?

faceoff, I've never noticed any flashing (white flashing, there is the fuzzy problem which I don't know if they fixed yet).

I agree, the hockey looks good, but not as good as some of the INHD games...

Hi Guys,
Anybody in the DELCO area with Comcast cable experiencing frame rate problems with there cable tv service?
Seems like the standard channels suffer more then the Digital and HD channels. When the picture/scene scrolls up, down, left, or right, it doesn't seem to move smoothly.
I have the Moto 5100 connected to my Sony KV34-XBR910

WHOOOOOOOPS, on a final note:

LETS GO FLYERS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

(I must say, Flyboys are incredibly amazing in HD)

What the F. What is with the little white specks in the Phils home opener. It is like little noise problems and it is even on screens with all graphics (so it isn't the rain causing it). Why the hell are there god damn SD cameras. I know these can't be wireless.

I'm sorry but after watching INHD's broadcast of the Giants-Padres game it has become clear (hehe) that Comcast is doing a average job at best of HD. Even the Red Sox games on INHD the last two days have looked better then any HD CSN-HD has ever done. Comcast must have bought inferior equipment.

The Flyers games have looked good, but never as crisp as it should (Sixers game are a joke with the big fuzzy).

No white flecks here. The picture is outstanding. I was away and have not seen the INHD games yet. I can assure you that Comcast did not buy inferior equipment.

I'm just pissy because of all this crappy weather we've had. The white specks seem to be gone.

I like the bug in the upper right corner (well I don't like it, but it is well done as far as bugs go. It is a shame they take the SD broadcast directly from the HD because it would be nice to have the score bugs stacked on top of each other in the upper left. But they are still very minimal and well done.

Looks like no HD doubleheader tonight because of the Flyers game. Oh well.

Oh wait, the white specks are still there. It kind of looks like when you are at a movie theater and you see a dust speck.

Originally posted by blackngold75
Not necessarily so. Using a Silver Sensor I can lock onto most of the Philly digitals (except Fox and PBS) - no amp yet. I am ~35 miles from most of the broadcast towers, and antennaweb tells me I need a large directional with a pre-amp. I would imagine reception would be at least equal if not better with an outdoor OTA installation.


Using a silver sensor kept on top of the TV I can get 3.1, 6.1-3, 10.1, 17.1-2, 29.1, 34.1, 57.1,61.1-4 and after rotating 39.1-4, 65.1-2. I am located in Schwenskville

Originally posted by vikaskj
Using a silver sensor kept on top of the TV I can get 3.1, 6.1-3, 10.1, 17.1-2, 29.1, 34.1, 57.1,62.1-4 and after rotating 39.1-4, 65.1-2. I am located in Schwenskville

What about 12.1.?
I've never seen an image.
My reception in Limerick is much worse in the rain too, alot of trouble with NBC and FOX.

Originally posted by Plasma George
What about 12.1.?
I've never seen an image.
My reception in Limerick is much worse in the rain too, a lot of trouble with NBC and FOX.

I once got 12.1 and 12.2 for about an hour - haven't seen it since. Not sure why. Are they at low power? You're about 15 miles closer than I am.

I can't get Fox (29.1) at all - my receiver goes nuts flashing "searching for signal" but never locks on. I heard a rumor that Fox will be upping it's power, but as far as I know it's just a rumor.

drhill,

I agree that the Giants-Padres game on INHD was outstanding. I'm hoping Comcast can reach that level with the Phils this year. I also agree that the Flyers games do seem to lack a little of that "extra-crispness", but I ain't complaining.

Interestingly, I find the Sixers game to be very sharp during the brief milliseconds I watch, just before I change the channel! Maybe its just expectations, as I never normally watch basketball?

I'm surprised that the Phils were on HD at all for the opener. They didn't have electricity to some of the cash registers on the upper levels! They lost the freakin' AM RADIO on the way home (I left after 8 innings)... no surprise if they had problems with HD. And YES they DID have guys walking around with wireless cameras (SD only I suppose).

Yeah, but there was one shot in the first inning (first hit) that seemed perfect placed to view the batter and the right field line to the fence ( I doubt it was wireless, looked too good to be wireless for SD) and it was SD (4:3 too).

Sixers have a fuzzy problem (talked about before) and even besides that an overall "less then crisp" look to them now. Not that it matter since the season is over for them.

I won't call it complaining, but helping/hoping to have an improvement to what other places are doing.

Any HDTV cable customers in the Lehigh Valley? I'm getting pretty frustrated with RCN (frequent dropouts that they can't seem to solve) and am considering Service Electric. Can someone please confirm their HD lineup? What they have listed on their web site doesn't matchup with zap2it.com or their own channel guide. They claim to have the following:

(on zap2it)
HBO**, Showtime**, KYW-3, WTXF-29, WPVI-6, WCAU-10, WB-17, PBS National Feed, UPN-57, WFMZ-69, Discovery HD Theater, ESPN-HD, HDNet, HDNet Movies

(not confirmed)
Cinemax**, Showtime Too**, Starz!**, Comcast SportsNet, INHD

Yes, I've tried talking to the sales dept., but the woman barely knew what HD was much less what they really offer.

Originally posted by Plasma George
What about 12.1.?
I've never seen an image.
My reception in Limerick is much worse in the rain too, alot of trouble with NBC and FOX.


I have not been able to get 12.1 yet. With other antennas FOX and WB17 were a problem but not after installing the silver sensor.

We need your help,
There's a white flashing phenomenon happening during sporting events that's driving me and Comcast insane.
To date, me, Faceoff (Comcast employee) and a member from another forum have witnessed this flashing during INHD b-ball games, Flyers games, ESPN games.

I'm in Limerick, Facoff is in King of Prussia, and the 3rd is in West Chester.
the flashing is especially disturbing duing INHD b-ball games.
You set the contrast/brightness perfect, and the flash dims the screen each time (white flashing is more tolerable up against all white hockey rinks)

What we're seeing CAN'T be this limited, it HAS to be more widespread.
Nobody is more anal about PQ than AVSForum members, and we ALL check in on INHD b-ball, (the PQ is amazing) how is noone else reporting this.?
JWHIP, can you say your not seeing this.? Where do you live.?
Other Comcast HD guys.?
Watch Sportcenter right now, do you see the flashing during the game highlights????

I don't see it.

That's what's confusing...some see it, some don't.
And I have to think the ones that don't see it, don't have it.
drhill---it will help us to know where you live.?
It seems to be just Montgomery County, PA.

Perhaps more likely is that it's an issue between the Motorola HD box and the display. Did you correlate what displays all of you were using? Motorola box/sw versions? HD settings for the box? (4:3, 1080i/720p, etc). Does it show up on all outputs, or just on component?

Or an issue with a few specific Motorola boxes; have any of you switched boxes?

Not trying to be rude, but we are way beyond initial troubleshooting "what ifs" like that.
It's a long, long story, we know the problem, we just need to find more people that are seeing this white flashing.
INHD bball is where it's most noticeable.! SD Flyers is tough to see.
Thanks

I live in Camden County South Jersey.

Did anyone catch the INHD NBA TV game last night (Dallas Memphis). I caught 10 minutes and PQ was absolutely phenominal (except the big ugly stat bar they put up). Crystal clear (3d feel and WOW) and I didn't see any pixelation. Was this a piggy back on HDNet's local broadcast?

Whatever they are doing Comcast should copy it exactly because you can't compare the two. Its almost as if CSN-HD is now doing 720 (plus pixelation) compared to last nights broadcast.

George, as tough as SD Flyers will be tonight (again), it is even worse that I can't unplug my center speaker to get rid of the commentators. I hate losing the game sound, but I might mute it and either turn on the radio announcers or just listen to music while watching. Damn ABC for ruining our HD broadcast this coming saturday.

Originally posted by flyersfan
Any HDTV cable customers in the Lehigh Valley? I'm getting pretty frustrated with RCN (frequent dropouts that they can't seem to solve) and am considering Service Electric. Can someone please confirm their HD lineup? What they have listed on their web site doesn't matchup with zap2it.com or their own channel guide. They claim to have the following:

(on zap2it)
HBO**, Showtime**, KYW-3, WTXF-29, WPVI-6, WCAU-10, WB-17, PBS National Feed, UPN-57, WFMZ-69, Discovery HD Theater, ESPN-HD, HDNet, HDNet Movies

(not confirmed)
Cinemax**, Showtime Too**, Starz!**, Comcast SportsNet, INHD

Yes, I've tried talking to the sales dept., but the woman barely knew what HD was much less what they really offer.

I used to live in the lehigh valley, and had both SE and RCN at different times. I must say that SE is piss poor IMHO. Their service and their support is total ass. Basically it's a bunch of 90 year old ladies running the support line. I would avoid them at all costs, you will be sorry if you go with them. RCN has their problems too, but they are leaps and bounds ahead of SE.

It's funny, just last week I was driving through Mohoney City(home of SE cable TV, very small town), and I have NEVER EVER seen so many Satellite Dishes in my life, if you drive down the main street, you see nothing but row home after row home with sat dishes on the roof...that should be some indication of their quality. You would think they would give them cable for free just to save their image a little. They are one of those companys that just fell behind the times years ago.

I live in Chester County and have never seen what you are discribing.

Hmm. Phillies game isn't in HD today. Interesting.

Ouch. I was all set to enjoy the game in HD but it's stretched SD. The Comcast SportsNet schedule says this game should be in HD.

I thought every Phillies home game was supposed to be in HD.

Was Monday's home opener in HD? I was out of town on Monday and didn't see it.

The opener was in HD.

Anyone know if ABC-WPVI is broadcasting this Saturday's Flyers game in HD?

Originally posted by whsbuss
Anyone know if ABC-WPVI is broadcasting this Saturday's Flyers game in HD?

Pretty sure that the answer is no.

Sorry!

David

That makes no sense. ComcastSportsNet carries it in HD.

Originally posted by whsbuss
That makes no sense. ComcastSportsNet carries it in HD.

ABC has the rights to Saturday's game - not CSN (Unfortunately)

David

Unbelievable, the 2 games in NJ were torture to watch on SD, now a third...

I am getting hi def for my new TV tomorrow. When I setup the installation I had game 5 in mind then I realize that ABC has the game. How disappointing. I have never seen a game in HD. I have high expectations. I hope I am not disappointed.

Even Hitchcock (Flyers coach) said on the news the extra day off will hurt his team.
He's commenting from how strong the Flyboys played in the 3rd period, and are anxious to get at it again and finish off the Devils.
If they lose Sat., start off slow, I hop Hitchcock comments again on the extra day off killed their momentum.
I think he used the words "must be the TV schedule".

PUCK YOU ABC, for not only screwing the Flyers, but also the loyal HD fans in Philadelphia.!
I'm defining HD fans as those who know the advantages of HD, and made the initial investment and are currently paying premiums to see our beloved teams in HD.

Can any Comcast people comment on the non HD game yesterday....and whether tonight's game will be.???

There must have been a glitch with the equipment yesterday. They were rushing like mad to get the opener on in HD. Perhaps the cut and paste job didn't hold till yesterday.

Hi All,

Check this out : http://www.foxsports.com/content/view?contentId=2320250 , it says 10 Eagles in HD. Now, if you add the ABC and ESPN Games, that's 4 more. That leaves 2 games on CBS. The last I heard was that CBS (I HOPE I'M WRONG), has 1 mobile HD-production truck. On October 31, Indianapolis is at KC at 4:15, so that may be THE Game. January 2, there are a LOT of better teams than the Bengals are looking. Lets hope - and ENJOY!




2004 Regular Season

Date Opponent Time Network
Sep 12 NY Giants 4:15 p.m. FOX*
Sep 20 Vikings 9:00 p.m. ABC*
Sep 26 @ Lions 1:00 p.m. FOX
Oct 3 @ Bears 1:00 p.m. FOX
Oct 17 Panthers 1:00 p.m. FOX
Oct 24 @ Browns 1:00 p.m. FOX
Oct 31 Ravens 1:00 p.m. CBS
Nov 7 @ Steelers 1:00 p.m. FOX
Nov 15 @ Cowboys 9:00 p.m. ABC*
Nov 21 Redskins 4:15 p.m. FOX*
Nov 28 @ NY Giants 1:00 p.m. FOX
Dec 5 Packers 4:15 p.m. FOX*
Dec 12 @ Redskins 8:30 p.m. ESPN*
Dec 19 Cowboys 1:00 p.m. FOX
Dec 27 @ Rams 9:00 p.m. ABC*
Jan 2 Bengals 1:00 p.m. CBS


David

I wish the Eagles would have had some more marquee CBS games. I missed the HD games last year.

I figured it was something like that JWhip. With all the rain we've had in the last year and half it isn't suprising the stadium isn't ready.

Here's the Ask Comcast SportsNet reply to my email about yesterday's Phillies game not being in HD:

"Thank you for your interest in Comcast SportsNet. Due to technical issues, yesterday's Phillies game, originally scheduled in HD, was not broadcast in high-definition.

Tonight's Phillies game will be televised in high-defintion on Comcast Cable channel 172."

No specifics but it's good to know that tonight's game will be in HD.

Now that we have (almost) all of the home games in HD, what would it take to get the away games carried on CSN-HD in HD? This would only be in the case where the away ballpark already has HD coverage.

Is it a matter of the cost for the HD transmission link back to CSN vs. SD? How much more is it? Could a sponsor be found to pick up this cost?

It would be nice to set up reciprocal HD arrangements with other markets.

I will have real HD for tonights' Phillies game-tickets!

Originally posted by faceoff
Hi All,

Check this out : http://www.foxsports.com/content/view?contentId=2320250 , it says 10 Eagles in HD. Now, if you add the ABC and ESPN Games, that's 4 more. That leaves 2 games on CBS. The last I heard was that CBS (I HOPE I'M WRONG), has 1 mobile HD-production truck. On October 31, Indianapolis is at KC at 4:15, so that may be THE Game. January 2, there are a LOT of better teams than the Bengals are looking. Lets hope - and ENJOY!




2004 Regular Season

Date Opponent Time Network
Sep 12 NY Giants 4:15 p.m. FOX*
Sep 20 Vikings 9:00 p.m. ABC*
Sep 26 @ Lions 1:00 p.m. FOX
Oct 3 @ Bears 1:00 p.m. FOX
Oct 17 Panthers 1:00 p.m. FOX
Oct 24 @ Browns 1:00 p.m. FOX
Oct 31 Ravens 1:00 p.m. CBS
Nov 7 @ Steelers 1:00 p.m. FOX
Nov 15 @ Cowboys 9:00 p.m. ABC*
Nov 21 Redskins 4:15 p.m. FOX*
Nov 28 @ NY Giants 1:00 p.m. FOX
Dec 5 Packers 4:15 p.m. FOX*
Dec 12 @ Redskins 8:30 p.m. ESPN*
Dec 19 Cowboys 1:00 p.m. FOX
Dec 27 @ Rams 9:00 p.m. ABC*
Jan 2 Bengals 1:00 p.m. CBS


David
i dont see anywere on that site that says 10 eagles games in hd.
it just says 10 games on fox, doesnt it?


The NFL on FOX's eleventh season boasts 64 games featuring last season's playoff teams, including:


Seattle Seahawks (13)

NFC champion Carolina Panthers (12)

NFC North champion Green Bay Packers (11)

NFC East champion Philadelphia Eagles (10)

NFC West champion St. Louis Rams (10)

Dallas Cowboys (10)

it just says up to 6 games a week will be in hd, nowere does it says what the games will be.

here it saysBeginning Sept. 12, the network will present up to six games in 720p high definition every week during the regular season. In addition, all nationally televised regular and postseason games, including the NFC Championship Game and SUPER BOWL XXXIX, will be offered in the 720p (progressive) high definition format,
so i guess if all 10 eagles games are the national game then yea 10 hd games.

my other question is will/is channel 29 ready for broadcasting hd?

Originally posted by whotony
i dont see anywere on that site that says 10 eagles games in hd.
it just says 10 games on fox, doesnt it?




it just says up to 6 games a week will be in hd, nowere does it says what the games will be.

here it says
so i guess if all 10 eagles games are the national game then yea 10 hd games.

my other question is will/is channel 29 ready for broadcasting hd?

I'm thinking that the (10) next to the Eagles, meant HD since it was in the HD section. Looking at it again - you might be right (hope not)!

David

Channel 29 is fully capable now of passing a 720p signal.

Well if Fox doesn't carry the 720p signal there will be such an uprising....

Tonight's Red Sox vs NYY is widescreen just doesn't compare to HD.

A number of off topic (1080i vs. 720p) comments have been deleted.

Please keep this topic on track with local issues only.

Originally posted by flyersfan
Any HDTV cable customers in the Lehigh Valley? I'm getting pretty frustrated with RCN (frequent dropouts that they can't seem to solve) and am considering Service Electric. Can someone please confirm their HD lineup? What they have listed on their web site doesn't matchup with zap2it.com or their own channel guide. They claim to have the following:

(on zap2it)
HBO**, Showtime**, KYW-3, WTXF-29, WPVI-6, WCAU-10, WB-17, PBS National Feed, UPN-57, WFMZ-69, Discovery HD Theater, ESPN-HD, HDNet, HDNet Movies

(not confirmed)
Cinemax**, Showtime Too**, Starz!**, Comcast SportsNet, INHD

Yes, I've tried talking to the sales dept., but the woman barely knew what HD was much less what they really offer.

I have Service Electric HD package and its pretty good, they are offering 18 total channels but I would say some of them are not online yet

HBO online
Cinemax not yet
Showtime online
Showtime Too not yet
Starz not yet
KYW-3 online
WTXF-29 online
WPVI-6 online
WCAU-10 online
WB-17 online
PBS National Feed online
UPN-57 online
WFMZ-69 online

Discovery HD Theater online
ESPN-HD online
HDNet online
HDNet Movies online
Comcast SportsNet INHD online

good luck

Originally posted by JWhip
Channel 29 is fully capable now of passing a 720p signal.

Cool. Are they sending an upconverted signal now? If so are we getting it on Comcast as well?

How did you like the Phillies stadium?

They only send out 480p now but if they were fed a 720p signal, they could pass it through now. The Park is magnificent.

I think I'll try to get to a game in the summer. I haven't seen a live phillies game in 3 years or more.

Originally posted by jesup
Or an issue with a few specific Motorola boxes; have any of you switched boxes?
I was viewing the Flyers/Devils OTA through my DST3000, and the white flashing was still there.
So it's not the Comcast line in the ground, it's not equipment, cause all 4 TVs are effected.
The only common link yesterday was WPVI or ABC.
I'm so pissed I'm the only Ahole that's effected, it seems at this point I'm just scr-wed.!

Originally posted by Plasma George
I was viewing the Flyers/Devils OTA through my DST3000, and the white flashing was still there.
So it's not the Comcast line in the ground, it's not equipment, cause all 4 TVs are effected.
The only common link yesterday was WPVI or ABC.
I'm so pissed I'm the only Ahole that's effected, it seems at this point I'm just scr-wed.!

George,

You're not - remember the other night when you were on the phone? I saw them the same times as you did. That really (I THINK) supports my theory that if you know that they are there, you will see them - because THEY ARE there. If you don't, you probably won't even notice it.

Two things:

1) Are you going to br at the meet on 4/30? I'm goin to do my best to be there - and hopefully, there will be either a hockey or basketball game on, so everyone can see it.

2) Can you also post this on the "other forum" that we hang?

Later!

David

Plasma George:

I suspect there is something faulty about the configuration of the decoder/transmitter for the WPVI digital signal that causes the flashing. I haven't watched any hockey lately, so I did not see the specific phenomenon that you describe.

But I DO remember a similar annoying effect in some ABC-provided HD programs broadcast by WPVI (I have an OTA tuner). The more striking example of this is the opening credits of the sitcom "Life with Bonnie." There is something about that bit of video that makes the Channel 6 digital transmitter go bonkers. Lots of flashes and lime green lines sparking all over the screen.

There were some messages about this phenomenon much earlier in this thread. As I recall, multiple people saw the same thing, and the speculation was that WPVI did not have their equipment configured correctly to display certain HD signals. Maybe tune in to the beginning of that show next time it is on and see if you get the same or similar flashing.

Makes you wonder if anyone at WPVI ever monitors their digital signal on a "real" TV rather than just watching the studio monitors.

Good luck!

--Philly Tim

When I read the announcement the first time, I read it as Fox will have ten Eagles games in HD. Looking at it a second time, I think they wrote it in a way that makes you assume there will be ten Eagles games in HD. Until Fox clarifies that statement, I'd say they're on ten times and who knows how many are HD.

Originally posted by Bolo601
When I read the announcement the first time, I read it as Fox will have ten Eagles games in HD. Looking at it a second time, I think they wrote it in a way that makes you assume there will be ten Eagles games in HD. Until Fox clarifies that statement, I'd say they're on ten times and who knows how many are HD.

THANKS - then it wasn't just me? If you look at the number of games that they are doing on a weekly basis, I would say that 10 was still a possibility - but not a certainty.

Maybe someone from FOX is actually watching this board, and could give us the correct answer.

David

My neighbor knocked on my door today and offered me two free tickets to the Phillies game. Left Center field upper deck (scoreboard section) row 1. I sat right net to the blonde girl who is on Angelo Cataldi's show (Rhea?), and I was told Keith Jones has seats right there too.

Beautiful stadium (they need to put up more ball-strike boards, preferably behind home plate, and it was impossible to see the score board right behind me.). Traffic wasn't great leaving.

Side note: I would assume the Eagles get a lot of HD games.

When I worked in the Arena at Hershey, I helped install overhead strobes that were used for the Action Sports photos being taken while play was in progress. The flashing I saw on the Flyers/Devisl HD game looked a lot like these. So bright they hurt my eyes. We put up about ten strobes that were in sync. and they light up the whole venue. - Tw -

This is a quote from Dale Myerson's HDTV letter from "This week in Sports" dated 4-16-04 which also seems to think most all of the games will be in HD:



FOX Sports HD NFL coverage sends an early warning shot across the bows of the other Major Network’s HD Ships.

Meaning: HD Sports is coming to FOX Big Time, no better place than the NFL, every Sunday in the fall.
FOX Sports has jumped in with both cleats. They announced that they will be “broadcasting up to six NFL games a week in HD 720p”.

WOW!
They claim 111 NFL games slated for the regular season… hmmm let me get my abacus. Let’s say they average only 5 games a week x 18 weeks. Heck that’s 90 HD NFL games outa 111 total! Well, if they go ahead and do six/week x 18 weeks its 108 HD NFL, throw in Thanksgiving and specials. Yup, seems their whole NFL season will be HD !!! (The NFL has an 18-week schedule with each team having 2 bye (off) weeks) Oh gee, I forgot the NFL postseason & preseason, Oh Boy! HD Football.. note to self: need to get portable HDTV setup for tailgate parties!


Guess we shall see...
Adam

...Philly Tim--It's not an ABC thing, I saw this flashing during the St. Joes game on CBS, and it's most noticeable on INHD basketball.
Just check out Sportscenter any morning, watch the highlights of any basketball or hockey game.
I will be in Indianapolis on the 30th, it would be nice to meet everyone, maybe next time.
But if there's a NHL or NBA game on ESPN or CSN or INHD, you won't need me there.

If it IS recognized by Comcast, wouldn't Comcast have the equipment/gear/tools to troubleshoot and find the origin????
At this point, that's sort what I'm asking of Comcast.

Hi George,

When you are in INdy, report back what you see there. Reading the post from the guy who used to work at HersheyPark Arena - it may be arena dependent - originating at the source.

David

Plasma George - Is the flashing that you're seeing happen anytime other than watching the game ? I am actually suggesting that we're seeing the photographer's strobes during the action. All they want is to catch the players on the ice - in their game jerseys. - Terry -

Originally posted by Hersheypk
Plasma George - Is the flashing that you're seeing happen anytime other than watching the game ? I am actually suggesting that we're seeing the photographer's strobes during the action. All they want is to catch the players on the ice - in their game jerseys. - Terry -
It doens't have to be solely action, I also see it when they're showing the coach, or during timeouts, it does seem to be IN arenas.
The 2 big points are,
It's a new thing, and why is it not effecting everyone.?
If it was in other cable systems, it's be the hottest thread over in hte "HDTV Programming" forum.
I was at my brother's house 15 miles away, he has HD Comacst Digital Cable, and he doesn't have this problem.

You're right - that everyone should see it. The guys I worked with were doing the shots for the players cards - so it would be more prevalent at the beginning of the season - or - when the players wear special jerseys - or - if a new player was called up to play during playoffs or something like that. And also would be all sports. I don't think they cared if there was action happening. Just a good shot of the player. I guess I'll keep watching and see if my theory holds true. It sure is an annoying thing - knowing that the management makes money on this while we're squinting.

HersheyPk - I was happy to read your post. I'd suggested the same 2 weeks ago but it was ignored. It seem logical that many arenas have this feature now.

Why isn't this seen more often? Not sure... maybe some encoders are more susceptible to this strobe flash than others.

Originally posted by flyersfan
I'd suggested the same 2 weeks ago but it was ignored.
If you mean me ignoring, at that time, I highly doubted you, but now that I've seen it OTA, proves it's not in Comcast's transmission to my house.
(Which is what I initially thought, and hoped. (easier solution)

Originally posted by flyersfan
Not sure... maybe some encoders are more susceptible to this strobe flash than others.
What do you mean by encoders.?

When I mentioned encoders, I meant the device that compresses the signal for transmission. I can't imagine that every live broadcast gets sent using the exact same equipment. Sure, it's all MPEG2 in the end, but just like in the audio codec world, perhaps some do it better than others.

(Throughout all of this, I assume we've been discussing HD transmission... I don't know how many people notice (or even care about) this over analog signals.)

I see it on ALL my TVs.
But it's much more noticeable during an HD game, after the flash, the entire screen dims, then slowly recovers.
I don't see the dimming on SD, but the flash is there.

I'm hoping there is a fix, (what you were saying) but unless there are more people recognizing the problem, it won't be worth the effort.

Kind of OT... but perhaps some "in the know' participants can shed some light.

I work in a facility shared with Comcast. A maintenance employee overheard "aisle talk' from Comcast personnel that there may be another cable provider coming into the area.

Any thoughts or input? I'd welcome the competition if true!

Interesting hearsay Ratman. I bet what you heard was that a competitor, other than the satillite guys, named RCN was truly hurting and going to visit the Chapter 11 courthouse? I see them currently at .27 cents a share and ready to be delisted from the stock exchange. They've laid off tons of folks in the last year, closed call centers and consolidated markets.

Although I'm not sure what other competitor is out your way in Jersey, I don't live there. But I do track cable stocks. Comcast is doing pretty good, I own their stock, and recommend it to others regularly.


What has you do turned off to them?

What I stated is all I know...
The way it was related made no reference to satellite not any cable provider.

I don't follow the stock market...(other than my own problems with my 401k). Downsizing and outsourcing is the "American Way" this decade... that's another topic.

You're not very far from me (about 40 minutes or less perhaps?). Who are you kidding?

There are no competitors in this area, as you should know... you work for Comcast.

What turned me off? I started with 30 channels at $8 per month in 1981.
I now pay $50 per month for 60 channels of which 45 I don't really want to watch or pay. (But of those 15 I do want... I have to move to another "tier" of service). BTW... I am an analog only sub, no STB.

If it weren't for the "bribery" of my internet connection, I'd drop 'em like a bad habit.

Does Comcast pay you to troll on forums?

I'm all for more competition... it'll always drive prices down. Having said that, I doubt there will be any (non-satellite) competition for Cable HD around here. There's no need for any.

I had OUTSTANDING OTA reception of all the Philly stations, and had already paid for my OTA STB... and still dumped it for Comcast. Despite the fact that the Philly area has one of the best OTA digital TV situations on the planet, Comcast now has more available HD programming, and their programming will continue to expand, while OTA stagnates.

My digital HD cable box install was flawless. The box has been rock solid. I went from a complicated (for my wife and family) system, with OTA + regular Cable + Netflix, to a dead simple system: cableHD with HBO. I watch just as many movies, have more TV channels, and more HD. Price is about the same. It's a no-brainer. Zero complaints here, and I'm NO fan of cable monopolies.


edit: I deleted a bunch of my "stronger" remarks... should have just said that cable is an appropriate choice for many people... and that I didn't find Danny's remarks troll-like at all.

I second daveinberlinNJ

Cable is hassle free...

where my OTA sometimes fritzs out... and its due to stinking multipath!

mitch

Originally posted by DaveInBerlinNJ
... and that I didn't find Danny's remarks troll-like at all.

No. Not in this thread. But in the past, he has criticized me in various threads for my distaste for the 'Cable Hog'. He always seems to 'pop in' conveniently to defend Comcast. He won't even admit that he is an employee. (Embarassed perhaps?)

Hey... cable is good in many ways. I just don't care for the lack of 'land based' competition that allows them to continually raise fees.

ok so why is the orioles game blacked out on INHD for phila?

Originally posted by Ratman
No. Not in this thread. But in the past, he has criticized me in various threads for my distaste for the 'Cable Hog'. He always seems to 'pop in' conveniently to defend Comcast. He won't even admit that he is an employee. (Embarassed perhaps?)

Hey... cable is good in many ways. I just don't care for the lack of 'land based' competition that allows them to continually raise fees.

IMHO - cable sucks. Period.

I live in Camden County South Jersey and it wasn't blacked out for me, and cable doesn't suck.

that's why I switched to DTV in 1997.
ESPN on Greater Media (now Comcast) was always fuzzy. My friends would come to see football on my system and chide me for fuzzy picture on my $$$ set up!

Please keep on topic.

Tonight's Flyers game

I just got my first RPTV and am watching tonight's game in HD. Although the picture is much better than SD it is not as crisp as I thought it would be especially when the camera seems to move. I am not sure if:

1. My expectations are to high and that this is what is to be expected
2. My TV is not broken in yet and/or is in need of professional calibration
3. Comcast's broadcast is not as good as it should be (The Phillies game looked crisper the other night)

Any thoughts?

So far the results are good - 1-0 after 1.

there have been lots of complaints of the picture being fuzzy when the camera switches or a graphic comes on the screen.

check out inhd 1 or 2. they have very crisp and clear programs.

CSN HD has not had a great broadcast since the Phillies last year (even this year has the "fuzzy"), and not a good basketball/hockey broadcast since last year's playoffs.

Just curious if anyone else here has seen comcast's High Definition and Over the Air HD? I had never seen Comcast HD until last night. Granted it was on a different (and probably inferior with regard to both specs and end user setup/calibration) television than I'm used to watching -- but I have to say, the comcast HD picture quality was terrible. There were only two sources that I was able to view, one was the HD demo loop channel (I saw some HD demo material of a pyramid flyover and some spookey tour of a church in time-lapse and a fortress), the other content was ESPN-HD, it was a baseball game.

I just thought it looked really compressed/fuzzy compared to the average HD content I'm used to seeing over the air, but also compared to even DirecTV's HD-Net stuff.

Not sure if this is an equipment issue, a fluke of just poor content examples at the time, or if Comcast is seriously compressing their HD content at the expense of picture quality? I would LOVE to see a side by side comparison on identical hardware of identical content delivered from different sources.

Though I haven't personally seen OTA, most people around here say Comcast is identical to OTA and better then D* when extra compression is used.

Re: Flyers

I guess I am glad to hear that it is not my TV, although I hope this is something that Comcast Sportsnet improves upon in the future.

whotony, Unfortunately I can not compare it to games on INHD because my cable company, Blue Ridge (Eastern Lancaster) does not carry this station.

I hope the Eagles games look good this fall.

THe only OTA channel that I can get is KYW. Once in a while WPVI and UPN in the winter. I have compared KYW OTA and via Comcast and the picture is the same. The few times I have been able to do it with WPVI met with the same results. I get ESPN HD on Direct TV and Comcast and Comcast has a better picture. HD Net is almost always outstanding but IN HD looks awesome as well. I do not know what you are used to watching HD on but I have a 34" and a 42" plasma.

...the Padres game coming from California on INHD has far superior PQ than the Philies game here in PA on CSN.
Same goes for INHD Bball games vs. Sixers PQ on CSN.
I have no idea why, they are both 1080i.

Been that way for awhile. Comcast used to do it right, not anymore.

I have not been that impressed with Comcast HD as well, some of the college hockey games on INHD had a better picture quality than the Flyers games... I hope Comcast gets their act together and invests in better equipment or whatever they need...

Comcast Sportsnet HD sucks compared to other broadcasts...

I e-mailed them but never got a response. Games on InHD look 100% better...

...but watching the HD Flyers game was the most noticable "white flashing" I've seen yet.
What's worse, is the after dimming over the enitre screen, the dimming is SO obvious against the white ice, it's like I dropped my brightness down 50%.
Comcast is thinking it's effecting everyone, but if you don't know it's there, you won't notice it.
My point is AVS people are the most into PQ, and they will notice it without being told about it.
A couple newer members posting here, and I'm asking them if they saw this flashing during the Flyers games.? (or any hockey game, SD or HD)
I'm embarassed to invite people over to watch the games.

TraderGordo:

I have seen OTA and ComcastHD side by side on the same TV (my TV!). No difference when watching the same content. How confident am I about that? I sold my OTA receiver. And I had excellent, no hassle OTA reception.

If you noticed poor PQ on a demo loop, I would think there was some problem with that person's equipment. Demo loops are generally very high quality. ESPN-HD on the other hand often just broadcasts stretched SD programming, so it often looks lousy.


Plasma George:

I haven't noticed the flashing issues. I'll try to watch more carefully next game, and report back. (maybe I shouldn't try to see 'em... If I do see 'em, maybe I'll never stop seeing 'em!)


On Comcast sportsnet in general:
I agree that their sports HD broadcasts seem to lack just that little extra detail that I see on other HD sports broadcasts. Despite that, they are still very good... just switch from the HD broadcast to the SD broadcast. It's night and day.

It seems to me that Comcast has been at this for a while longer than most broadcasters. So I'd think they'd have most of the major problems sorted out. So that shouldn't be the problem. Maybe their equipment is a generation behind? I don't know? Is HD broadcast equipment still in its rapid improvement phase? I would guess that it might be, as the technology is relaltively new. Does anyone know?

edit:typo

According to the channel listings, Comcast SportsNet is showing the Phillies game tomorrow and ESPNHD has an NBA game......IF this is true - does anyone know where the Flyers game will be broadcast? (and hopefully in HD)

...http://philadelphia.comcastsportsnet.com/

Thanks for the replies re: white flashing.
I'm trying to convince Comcast, there's something going on at my house, and they need to send someone out.

CSN will have the game tomorrow night but it will not be in HD. CN8 will get the Phillies game.

Plasma George:

I have only seen two games, but have not noticed any white flashes.

You posted the link, but unless I am not seeing something right they don't say which of the events are in HD. I originally thought only home games would be in HD, but I thought that during the telecast the other night CSN indicated that game 3 would be in HD which suprised me.

Originally posted by pelly
Plasma George: but unless I am not seeing something right they don't say which of the events are in HD.
Because there aren't any HD games on this weeks schedule.
We're in a CSN-Hd drought.:(

The other night on PostGame Live, Comcasts graphic for Wednesday nights Flyers game from Toronto said 'HDTV-Where Available'...which I found confusing since it was a road game. I know that Games 3 and 5 were originally on the ESPN-HD schedule last week, but has since been revised. Now, only game 5 (Sunday) appears to be on ESPN-HD. Is there HD Production at the Air-Canada Centre, and is Comcast going to grab the HD feed if possible for games 3, 4 and 6? It would be nice...

As for CSN HD PQ...not bad, but definitely not jaw-dropping, as some of the INHD Baseball games on recently. The PQ of Padres home-opener on INHD was spectacular. The Phillies on CSN HD isn't too bad, but nothing close to the INHD games. I noticed the fuzzy transition shots on CSN's cameras, especially at the ends of the rink during the Flyers games as many here described. Last nights Avs-Sharks game on ESPN HD was slightly better than the CSN games I've seen. I'm glad to see that more are posting these often subtle criticisms, as now I can leave my set alone for a while. For the first couple of weeks after purchasing the HD, I kept assuming that it was my set and spent far too much time trying to make CSN HD's games look better. Now that INHD and ESPN HD are showing more games I have better reference content...bottom line Comcast still has some work to do.

they must have changed something because this fuzzy issue wasnt there last year.

as to inhd the orioles game is blacked out in philly again tonight.
that doenst make sense.

do they have a cust service number that soemone could call to ask about that?

...I've been in recent contact with a couple Comcast people, and I emailed them about this today.
Probably just an error as Balt. and Phil. Comcast systems mirror each other pretty closely.

It was blacked out because Comcast has apparently not finished rewiring their distribution system. The sat. network that feeds SE PA including Philadelphia, also feeds the Baltimore market. When games are blacked out there, there are here as well. When the rewiring is finished, this should no longer happen. I would have thought this would have been finished by now but I quess it hasn't.

I don't know about last night, but last week the O's game wasn't blacked out for me. I live in South Jersey so I must not be involved in that distribution system.

edit: Forgot a few words.... I am a moron.

Originally posted by drhill
I live in South Jersey....
And all this time I thought you were one of us...

NO you are not. SE PA is not NJ!

Sorry, I forgot to add "not". I'll edit it.

God I didn't realize how obscene the score graphic is on SD Flyers broadcasts. It is huge and just eats up space for no reason.

Yes it does. And when they put a message or ticker on the bottom it's nuts. I think the word "Comcast" appears a half dozen times on the screen.

Yeah, I hate the "scores on the 4's" ticker. Especially when there isn't anything else going on. God forbid we go online to check a score.

Its amazing what we forgive when the actual game is in HD...then again, even in HD we find things to complain about. I had a bunch of people over for games 1 and 2 and while everyone was in awe of the PQ of the HD, I'm sitting there complaining that it could be better...look at the blurr...the 1/2 focus adjustment of Comcasts cameras...

My girlfriend is ready to have me committed...

Would a

"LETS GO FLYERS!!!"

be considered off topic?

How 'bout "Let's Go Flyers...in HD!"

That should get us a pass...

Is it safe to assume that we (meaning the Philly/SJ market) will be getting game 5 Sunday in High-Def on ESPN-HD? It is listed as an HD telecast on ESPN-HD, but you never know...some obscure clause in the local black-out rule may prevent us from getting the HD feed...

progear, I think ESPN won't be blacked out because on CSN they are listing the game as being on ESPN and not on their channel (they were at least). So if ESPN is going bring an HD truck I guess we get HD (720 cough ).

I don't think that is off topic frankd.

Lets hope so...thanks drhill. I will be interested to see how ESPN HD looks in comparison to the CSN HD games of last week. While the CSN games looked decent, they still have some issues with focus and blurring on transitions, etc...I am not complaining. Just having another (different) HD production from the Wachovia Center will be an interesting reference to compare what we have seen all year on CSN HD.

Originally posted by progear

Is it safe to assume that we (meaning the Philly/SJ market) will be getting game 5 Sunday in High-Def on ESPN-HD? It is listed as an HD telecast on ESPN-HD, but you never know...some obscure clause in the local black-out rule may prevent us from getting the HD feed...

Also, Comcast is advertising their pre-game and post-game shows for Sunday, but are not advertising the telecast. Apparently the ESPN(HD) broadcast is a nationwide exclusive.

Since I don't get Comcast Sportsnet HD, I can finally host a Flyers-HD party at my house on Sunday! Let's hope they're looking to close out the series! :)

I'd be willing to sacrifice a game-7 in HD for a chance to advance to the Conference Championship. I believe that ESPN-HD is carrying games 2, 3,5,6 and 7 of the Conference Finals, however they have yet to specify Eastern or Western Conference. I am going to assume that ABC will grab the odd games, unfortunately I don't think they are doing any HD until the Finals.

Flyersfan, is CSN-HD not available in your area? Enjoy the HD party...this Sunday will be HD Playoff Party #6 for me...I originally scheduled and invited everyone over for Game 1 of the Devils series...everyone has invited themselves for the rest...they just show-up!

They were also nice enough to plan my fall schedule around the 14+ Eagles HD games on the schedule this year...

Since I'm the one with the HD, as long as the Flyers and the Birds are playing I will never be short on company...at least they bring beer...

Originally posted by drhill
So if ESPN is going bring an HD truck I guess we get HD (720 cough ).

I hope ESPN uses their trucks, as 720p is a superior format for NHLHD.
Hockey pucks with trails were cool during those fraternity years...
Comcast was getting more "white flashing" reports during the last game, if anyone here sees the flashing, can you please post.!

Is anyone having sound problems with 57-1? For about a week now I have not been getting any sound.

Originally posted by aldiesel
Is anyone having sound problems with 57-1? For about a week now I have not been getting any sound.


Haven't been watching a lot of UPN lately, but as of right now I have no audio problems (OTA).

Audio from 57-1 is fine for me. The Three Stooges are on! :)
"Boink".... nyuk, nyuk, nyuk.

Originally posted by aldiesel
Is anyone having sound problems with 57-1? For about a week now I have not been getting any sound.

I have seen the same issue crop up on 57-1 with my Samsung SIR-TS360.

You must have the same receiver or the SIR-TS160. You can either change the audio settings to PCM from Digital Dolby 5.1 or just power the receiver down with it on 57-1 and then turn it back on to get audio.

Good Luck.

Originally posted by Plasma George
I hope ESPN uses their trucks, as 720p is a superior format for NHLHD.


Let's not start this stupid **** again.

I am curious to see how the colors are going to look on ESPN-HD. They always seem to be a bit off compared to 1080i broadcasts. Since I've seen the Flyers and the Wachovia center both live and in person it should finally convince me if ESPN is messing up the colors or not.

Originally posted by drhill
Let's not start this stupid **** again.

I am curious to see how the colors are going to look on ESPN-HD. They always seem to be a bit off compared to 1080i broadcasts. Since I've seen the Flyers and the Wachovia center both live and in person it should finally convince me if ESPN is messing up the colors or not.

Hey drhill,

Everyone knows that 720P is better for fast motion (just kidding - *I* won't even go there - at least not in this thread). :D

I would be very interested in hearing your comments though (especially sonce you've actually "been there, done that", of the ESPN-HD coverage vs CSN-HD coverage.

Let's go Flyers!

THANKS!

David

Originally posted by faceoff
Hey drhill,

Everyone knows that 720P is better for fast motion





:p

Can you see the sunburn from the red light on the back of Eddie's neck? :)

LOL.

Ok, PQ was very good (except for a few colors were overexposed: the white in Leafs jerseys, the blue on the creases, and the little orange stripe on the flyers jerseys. But it didn't seem as bad as time went on, maybe I adjusted without knowing it).

For comparisons. Right now CSN-HD not only has the fuzzy problems still, but overall it isn't as sharp as it should be even when not "fuzzy". So ESPN's broadcast today looked better then this years CSNHD Flyers games.

If you compare it to last years CSNHD games then last year had more detail and 3d/Wow look to it. But since Comcast can't do HD right anymore ESPN wins currently as far as picture.

Sound isn't close. Comcast's DD 5.1 kills circle surround "5.1". ESPN's announcers seem to think Domi is a tough guy instead of a cheap shot punk.

Originally posted by AVonaBudget
I have seen the same issue crop up on 57-1 with my Samsung SIR-TS360.

You must have the same receiver or the SIR-TS160. You can either change the audio settings to PCM from Digital Dolby 5.1 or just power the receiver down with it on 57-1 and then turn it back on to get audio.

Good Luck.

Thanks. I have tried both suggestions. I changed the audio to PCM. I then powered off and back on. That did not work. I then changed back to dolby digital and powered off overnight and still no sound. Any other suggestions would be helpful and appreciated. And yes it is Samsung TS160. All other channels are ok.

Originally posted by aldiesel
Any other suggestions would be helpful and appreciated. And yes it is Samsung TS160. All other channels are ok.

Re-scan digital channels?
Tune to the "real" channel? (32)

I searched the thread for PBS, but the only substantive news I saw was the below quoted information (5 months old now). Does anyone know if WHYY has plans to ever boost their transmitter power? Many of us used to receive PBS with no problem when they first went live with full power. But now even people who live pretty close to their tower can't pick up the signal. Is the low power transmission a cost savings issue? Are they considering doing higher power during prime time or any variable schedule like that?

I know many here probably don't watch PBS -- but I love a lot of their shows (really miss Smart Travels in High Definition, and also love the documentaries, Behind the Lens, etc.). Any comments, new developments, or more recent news of any kind would be greatly appreciated.



Originally posted by Philly Tim
Thanks, Bill!

Those of us on WHYY's excellent e-mail list received a message on December 1 giving a preview of details for the new channel configuration (pasted below).

Your plans are still a bit fuzzy, but of course we need to wait until full implementation later this year. I'm especially looking foward to seeing the "second choice (12.2) program schedule comprised of selected
encore WHYY productions, other content available to WHYY not currently
aired on TV12, unique new content."

Please extend our thanks to the entire WHYY team. I hope you will be willing to keep us posted on this forum as well when there is news that is ready for public release.

--Philly Tim

============= beginning of pasted text ==============

Date: Mon, 01 Dec 2003 12:45:28 -0500
Subject: December DTV Schedule
From: "Dianne Chenault"

Greetings:

Changes to the WHYY DTV Programming

PBS Distribution Services recently announced in February 2004, PBS will
launch the PBS HD feed. The feed of PBS currently being shown on WHYY
channel 12.1 has been a “test” laboratory feed containing HD content
clips (known as the HD Loop) along with some PBS and APT HD programs.

Starting in February, the channel will no longer contain “HD Loop”
material. Instead, it will be a service of complete programs along with
HD interstitials. (In fact, effective December 8, 2003 PBS will begin
replacing the HD Loop with complete programs. PBS is considering the time
between December 8 and February 1 as an unofficial test period.)

Coming Spring '04

12.1 will be a 24/7 simulcast of WHYY's Channel 12 programming.

Phase 2 of WHYY’s digital broadcast strategy currently under development
will offer a second choice (12.2) program schedule comprised of selected
encore WHYY productions, other content available to WHYY not currently
aired on TV12, unique new content and premium PBS delivered High
Definition programs during the primetime evening hours.

As our plans are finalized and we are ready to launch our new DTV service
(12.2) , we will keep our "DTV Viewer Community" up to date via email and
postings to our DTV Web Site.


========== end of pasted text ==============

TraderGordo,

I received an email from Diane Chenault on April 9:

=================================================
Greetings:

WHYY is in the process of replacing our FM Antenna: We are several days
into this job already - The tower has been rigged, the FM backup antenna,
which will keep 91FM on the air the next few weeks, is assembled and will
be lifted & mounted on the tower today.

The next work is scheduled for overnight Monday going into Tuesday. At
0000, Tuesday, Apr 13 WHYY FM will stop broadcasting on the old FM
antenna. 91FM only will be off the air from 0000-0500. When 91FM returns
to air at 5AM it will be on the backup antenna. Ch12 and DTV are not
affected this night.

On subsequent nights work will proceed on dismantling the old FM antenna
and lowering the pieces. During that period DTV will be off between
midnight and 5AM, Ch12 will stay on the air with reduced power during
those hours, and 91FM will remain on the air from the backup antenna. So
unlike the Ch17 transmission line project there are very minimal effects
on our operation. The reduced power on Ch12 may only affect those viewers
in our deep fringe area - out 50-60 miles. Everyone else will not see any
effect.

As always work is weather dependent, and if not done one night will be
automatically scheduled for the next night. The entire process to replace
our old antenna will take 12 working days spread over the next three weeks.

===================================================

So, it wasn't supposed to have an effect on DTV strength (except when it was off), but you never know.

I also received this on April 30:

===========================================
...
WHYY TV 12 is now being broadcast 24/7 on Channel 12.2. At this time
Channel 12.2 is available only to "Over the Air" viewers. Comcast and
Urban Cable are not yet carrying channel 12.2 as part of their Digital and
HD package. It is expected that they will offer this at a later date
===========================================

So I'm guessing the antenna work is completed, and if you are still having reception problems, its some other cause.

Also, I changed over to Comcast, so I'm not getting the "full-time" HD channel 12.2. Have any of you OTA guys noticed this change over for channel 12??? Opinions?

Dave

I noticed last night that my Comcast Sports Net channel is now scrambled (I have Comcast Southern NJ (Gardenstate) standard cable and I recieve my DTV signals thru a LG LST-3510A). Anybody else notice this?

Here's the latest update on the WHYY DTV status and future plans:

1. Power level - WHYY-DT55 in Philadelphia is a temporary FCC assignment. The current power level exceeds the minimum level required by the FCC at this time during the transition to all digital. WHYY's permanent DTV assignment is Channel 12. A power increase above the current 89KW ERP on Ch. 55 will require a capital investment of $1,000,000. Most of this investment would be lost when WHYY is required to return the Ch. 55 temporary license to the FCC in perhaps, less than 2-3 years. We are reluctant to make this investment with the pending shutdown of the UHF channel. The Association of American Public Television has presented a plan to the government for consideration that could lead to an early move to all digital by public television under certain conditions. This proposal is currently under consideration and discussion. If this happened, WHYY-TV12 would quickly transition to WHYY-DT12 at full authorized power on VHF channel 12. VHF signal propagation is significantly better than any UHF assignment. So... it's worth waiting for in any case! In the meantime, WHYY-DT cable carriage already extends the digital service area throughout the tri-state region.

2. Tower Work - The WHYY-FM antenna located on the same tower as the TV antennas has been replaced with a new one. All work is completed now. There are no scheduled down times remaining.

3. Programming Additions - WHYY is in the early stages of creating unique SD programming schedule on 12.1. The goal is to bring programs and other special features to the community that have not been available on analog TV12. These additional programs and encore presentations will air on 12.1 when HD is not being broadcast. 12.2 has been activated as a 100% simulcast of analog TV12 to assist in the viewer transition to all digital and to meet FCC requirements.

4. Comcast 12.2 carriage - WHYY has not requested the set-top box mapping of the new 12.2 program service by Comcast. When the new program schedules are finalized this will occur.

Southern Delaware Note: WHYY's television service in Seaford, DE will be upgraded and launch, full power, DTV service from our tower in Seaford late this summer. WDPB-DT44 (our permanent channel assignment) will provide a strong digital signal in southern DE & MD reaching as far north as Dover, DE. Initially the programs streams will duplicate those on WHYY-DT.

Thanks for you interest and comments about WHYY's services. and hopefully, membership support to serve you better. The AVSForum has been a great tool for over 4 years to help us plan and evaluate our steps toward digital.

Send an email to dtv@whyy.org if you would to directly receive DTV related programming and technical advisories from WHYY.


Regards,

Bill Weber, VP & CTO, WHYY,Inc.

Wow, Bill. Thanks for the excellent report!

In #4, can you hazard a guess when Comcast will carry this additional content?

Comcast 12.2 carriage within 60 days of our request. Most likely July/August, 2004.

THANKS BILL! That's the kind of info I was looking for. Please keep this board updated whenever there are noteworthy developments or information in the future!

I look forward to being able to receive WHYY digital again, hope it doesn't take years, but I understand the cost problems.



Originally posted by Bill Weber
Here's the latest update on the WHYY DTV status and future plans:

1. Power level - WHYY-DT55 in Philadelphia is a temporary FCC assignment. The current power level exceeds the minimum level required by the FCC at this time during the transition to all digital. WHYY's permanent DTV assignment is Channel 12. A power increase above the current 89KW ERP on Ch. 55 will require a capital investment of $1,000,000. Most of this investment would be lost when WHYY is required to return the Ch. 55 temporary license to the FCC in perhaps, less than 2-3 years. We are reluctant to make this investment with the pending shutdown of the UHF channel. The Association of American Public Television has presented a plan to the government for consideration that could lead to an early move to all digital by public television under certain conditions. This proposal is currently under consideration and discussion. If this happened, WHYY-TV12 would quickly transition to WHYY-DT12 at full authorized power on VHF channel 12. VHF signal propagation is significantly better than any UHF assignment. So... it's worth waiting for in any case! In the meantime, WHYY-DT cable carriage already extends the digital service area althoughout the tri-state region.

2. Tower Work - The WHYY-FM antenna located on the same tower as the TV antennas has been replaced with a new one. All work is completed now. There are no scheduled down times remaining.

3. Programming Additions - WHYY is in the early stages of creating unique SD programming schedule on 12.1. The goal is to bring programs and other special features to the community that have not been available on analog TV12. These additional programs and encore presentations will air on 12.1 when HD is not being broadcast. 12.2 has been activated as a 100% simulcast of analog TV12 to assist in the viewer transition to all digital and to meet FCC requirements.

4. Comcast 12.2 carriage - WHYY has not requested the set-top box mapping of the new 12.2 program service by Comcast. When the new program schedules are finalized this will occur.

Southern Delaware Note: WHYY's television service in Seaford, DE will be upgraded and launch, full power, DTV service from our tower in Seaford late this summer. WDPB-DT44 (our permanent channel assignment) will provide a strong digital signal in southern DE & MD reaching as far north as Dover, DE. Initially the programs streams will duplicate those on WHYY-DT.

Thanks for you interest and comments about WHYY's services. and hopefully, membership support to serve you better. The AVSForum has been a great tool for over 4 years to help us plan and evaluate our steps toward digital.

Send an email to dtv@whyy.org if you would to directly receive DTV related programming and technical advisories from WHYY.


Regards,

Bill Weber, VP & CTO, WHYY,Inc.

I apologize in advance if this is the incorrect place for this question...but, has anyone in the Philadelphia/South Jersey area rec'd the Motorola 6208 HD/DVR from Comcast yet? A customer rep said I should be contacted sometime this week or next to schedule the swap (5100) and install (S. Jersey), and I was curious if anyone has any first impressions or reviews...or any other news as to when it will be available...Thanks!

Bah to all of you Moto guys. I'm in a SA 3100 area, we should get our new boxes first because ours suck more. :p

Progear-

For Phila proper, word was end of April, then mid-May and now end of May. No one really knows. There may be a waiting list you can get on. There are 6208s in the Main Line suburbs, although they are not being advertised yet.

WHYY-DT's power level, transmitting antenna location and height have not changed since it went on the air in May, 2000. Seasonal changes effect the signal reflections. These changes can make some reception locations difficult.

----------
Bill

Originally posted by Ratman
Re-scan digital channels?
Tune to the "real" channel? (32)

I too have this issue (also a TS160). I have tried the same, power down/up, rescan, etc. with no luck. Hard to watch the Phillies with no sound (or not :D ).

Any idea why the sound suddenly went bye-bye?

Please post if someone has found a solution.

Thanks CKarras...I am on the reserve list. A friend in Delaware County was told to expect the call this week in his area, and that some installations had already occurred in the philly burbs. When I heard that, I called and got put on the list in my service area (SJ). The rep checked it out for me and told me that it had been moved up...as early as this week. The only hold-up was the number of Motorola boxes being distributed to each service area. As soon as I am contacted I will post it.

I hope your friend in Delaware County gets his. Hopefully when I purchase my new HD toys over the next week or two, Comcast will have plenty of 6208's available for me. All I want is two of them. :) I know they won't compare to my ReplayTV, but I'll live with them because they record in high definition.

Flyers - Bolts HD??? ABC has the Saturday Games (1,4,7*) and it looks like ESPNHD has Game 2 listed (Monday 5/10)...

Update** ESPN HD has added Game 3 (Thursday 5/13) to its schedule, so it looks as if most, if not all of the non-ABC games will be carried in HD...

Has anyone heard any updates on when/if Comcast is adding WB or UPN to their HD lineup? Sure would like to see more added to our local service!!

WB17 will be added on JUne 1st on channel 184.

Originally posted by Carl Jones
Has anyone heard any updates on when/if Comcast is adding WB or UPN to their HD lineup? Sure would like to see more added to our local service!!

WB will be 6/1/04

ENJOY!

David

Thanks guys. That's really good news!!

Just an FYI...
WFMZ - Allentown is multicasting HDNet on channel 69-3.

Sweet... so close to pulling my Antenna DOWN!!!!

need that UPN... for sunday phillies games... and the rare flyers away game

i know some of you people want Enterprise on UPN... :)

mitch

Originally posted by Ratman
Just an FYI...
WFMZ - Allentown is multicasting HDNet on channel 69-3. YES BUT it is not the current HDNET schedule. Seems to be real old programming - EX: other night had Notre Dame - Creighton College BB game from 2 years ago. They have been doing this old HDNET for months - even have that channel on Service Electric Cable. No idea what's up!

Flyers away games on UPN won't be in HD. Well, not until HD is ubiquitous. Comcast doesn't do away games for Phils or Flyers in HD.

re: the fuzzy trouble on sportsnet.
it is not just during sporting events that are hd.
i was watching a segment on the reporter show tonight were they make "funny" comments over photos and i saw the shifting focus there too.

no kidding dave...

ofcourse.... BUT

DTV still thousand times better then ANALOG CABLE feeds of the channel!!


mitch

For those on the fence about RCN in the Lehigh Valley, they just added Comcast Sportsnet HD to the lineup. Of course all the remaining hockey games will be handled by the national broadcasters, but it should be good news for you Phillies fans.

They also shuffled around the pay-channel HD channels, so hopefully we'll see Cinemax HD soon.

WHYY has been costing me a small fortune now, not to mention all the risk of loss of life from so many trips to the rooftop :)

OK -- I decided to replace my signal amp. I should have used a quality part form the beginning, knowing that Radio Shack is unreliable, but honestly the RS one got the job done and I've been enjoying every digital channel BUT WHYY for almost 4 years now. Anyway, found the Channel Master 7778 (it was recommended somewhere, not sure where) for pretty cheap ($38 @ consumer-direct.com). I also bought a replacement transformer. Swaped the equipment out yesterday and was really surpised to see WHYY working again! So I'm pretty happy. Also did a channel rescan on my HD receiver and was surprised to see 3 or 4 new digital channels show up that I didn't even know existed (PAX, WYBE, the spanish channel and I think there was one other one). WHYY is still the weakest signal (about 50 on a scale of 100) but seems to be working fine for now. Anyway, if anyone is thinking of doing an antenna install or already have one but need some improvement, I definitly recommend the Channel Master mast mounted pre-amp titan 7778.



Originally posted by Bill Weber
WHYY-DT's power level, transmitting antenna location and height have not changed since it went on the air in May, 2000. Seasonal changes effect the signal reflections. These changes can make some reception locations difficult.

----------
Bill

Originally posted by Carmac
I too have this issue (also a TS160). I have tried the same, power down/up, rescan, etc. with no luck. Hard to watch the Phillies with no sound (or not :D ).

Any idea why the sound suddenly went bye-bye?

Please post if someone has found a solution.

I did notice that if I clear my zip code and set it back to all zeros, I lose my guide data but I get the sound back. But again, once I set the zip code which I have tried many, I lose the sound.

Has anyone experienced this and been able to fix the problem?

The channelmaster 7778 is a GOOD amp.

Originally posted by Plasma George
I hope ESPN uses their trucks, as 720p is a superior format for NHLHD.
Hockey pucks with trails were cool during those fraternity years...
Comcast was getting more "white flashing" reports during the last game, if anyone here sees the flashing, can you please post.!

it's a "still camera strobe"

bill clement just said it during the flyers game when they showed a replay and a flash whited out the image.

Originally posted by whotony
it's a "still camera strobe"

bill clement just said it during the flyers game when they showed a replay and a flash whited out the image.

We got a winner - looks like whotony beat me to the punch. . . It was on the replay on the TB non-goal that hit the right post behind Esche and bounced out the left side - clear as day.


David

As soon as he said it, the first thing I thought of was this thread. I KNEW someone was making a note of it here.

HDTV is not a passion, it's an illness... and we're the sickest of the sick!

Originally posted by DaveInBerlinNJ
As soon as he said it, the first thing I thought of was this thread. I KNEW someone was making a note of it here.

HDTV is not a passion, it's an illness... and we're the sickest of the sick!

can you believe it.

sheesh my first thought, "i have to go to avs to post that.":p

IN case anyone lives in Lower Merion, WB17 is up on 184 along with what looks to be 6-2 and 6-3 on channels 194 and 195.

...but I saw the flashing all game, much worse than ABCs game on Saturday.
So, did you guys see the flashing the rest of the game.?
It pops my screen every 5-10 seconds.
I saw it at my Dad's house, but it is MUCH less noticeable, so it seems to vary in intensity with location.

The only flashing I saw were the strobe lights. That is the only "flashing" I have ever seen.

jwhip - thanks; I'll check 184/194/195 on the Malvern system tonight.

Any word on 6208's being available on the Main Line?

6208's are available. I have had one for awhile now. They are kinda buggy though but do record HD very well.

Anyone know if the new SA boxes are in yet? I don't care about the DVR (it would be nice, but not necessary).

TONS of flashing on Flyers tonight (ESPNHD on Comcast).
Once you start to notice it, it is rather annoying.
I find its apparent on regular ESPN also.


0-2... hmmm, we'll see what the boys got now, eh

You see the flashing at the games also. Ignore them!

Why in the hell is comcast showing ABC's multicasted channels on channel 194 and 195. Though I don't have an ota tuner I'm guessing since they have an abc logo and 195 is a weather map.

WASTE OF BANDWIDTH.

drhill,

I agree, but Comcast may have been forced to carry those in order to get the local ABC HD signal. A take it or leave it package, so to speak.

Originally posted by SonomaSearcher
(Are you talking the Philly ABC station or NYC ABC station?)

H-m-m-m.
The title of this thread is "Philadelphia Digital Update".

Alas, a waste of bandwidth it is, but the Comcast lawyers, in their infinite wisdom, determined that their agreement with Disney required them to carry them.

End of the HD for Flyers until Finals??? It looks as if ESPN has shelved the Flyers/Bolts series to the deuce the rest of the way...no more HD for us. We can see the Sharks/Flames in HD twice this week...yipee!!! I understand ESPN's attempt to give equal coverage, but half of the viewers interested in that series will be watching it on CBC in Canada...while the rest of us in the east will probably be going to bed with the late starts. I'm hoping that someone up at ESPN wakes up and realizes that they wanted exclusive coverage to the Conference Finals and now they are F-ing it up big time!!!

Email them and let them know at:
askespntv@espn.twdc.com <askespntv@espn.twdc.com>

No Flyers in HD this week? that is puzzling........:confused:
I will send an email. I"ll keep my fingers crossed.....

I doubt ESPN will change their programming at this late date. Maybe for Game 7....

Originally posted by JWhip
You see the flashing at the games also. Ignore them!
IMPOSSIBLE.
Especially with my plasma, there's some sort of built in protection that causes a dimming after every flash. (contrast protection maybe???)
Whatever it is, the brightness steps down like 50%, ie. the ice goes grey, then the brightness climbs back up to white, waiting for the next flash.
My 62 year-old father inlaw (rabbit ears at his house) goes, "why does your TV dim like that?"
If you can ignore it, more power to you, cause you don't have it that bad, cause Saturday's game was awful.!

Sounds like your plasma's got garbage (poorly written) firmware. Complain to your Plasma manufacturer. If, in fact these flashes are camera flashes (which is perfectly reasonable), then there's nothing wrong with the transmission. If your TV can't handle it, I think you need to take it up with the guys who make your TV... I think it's great that your TV is trying to protect itself, but If it can't handle 1 frame of complete white, then, there's a problem. Perhaps the protection should be defeatable, or should key off of 3 consecutive frames or something...

...I'll talk to them since I'm still under warranty.
In defense of the plasma, it's very noticeable on my 2 CRTs with just analog feeds.
The Comcst reps who came to the house said it's worse than anything they've seen before.
I have to believe them, cause I've been to many family and friends houses, and it's there, but very faint.
My CRTs, the screen almost pops, the entire image jumps.

The flashes are noticable but not to the point of distraction. My Panny plasma does not dim at all with the flashes or lose focus or anything like that. The same is true for my 34" CRT. I can even see them on my 31 Proton which is 10 years old. I can't say that they are distracting at all. I have seen it so much at live events that I have to pay attention to see them.

Originally posted by drhill
Why in the hell is comcast showing ABC's multicasted channels on channel 194 and 195. Though I don't have an ota tuner I'm guessing since they have an abc logo and 195 is a weather map.

WASTE OF BANDWIDTH.

Not really a waste, per say.....You see they add the 2 ABC sub channels to a 256 QAM that was already there. These 2 sub channels maybe take up 3-4 MB/s total bandwidth, which wasn't currently being used on that particular freq. allocation.

Here, they added it to a frequency allocation which is shared with HBO-HD & ABC-HD.

The ATSC allocation for ABC (and all other OTA for that matter) is 19.39 MB/s maximum.

A 256QAM does 38.8 MB/s so this leaves approximately another 19.4 MB/s for HBO (38.8-19.39=19.41). Which HBO doesn't even come close to using.

The breakdown would be approx.

ABC-HD Primary channel - 14 MB/s
ABC-SD Sub Channel - 3 MB/s
ABC-Data Sub Channel - 1 MB/s
HBO-HD Primary - 14-18 MB/s (just a guess here)
------------------------------------------------
TOTAL - 32-36 MB/s

All of these rates are Maximum data rates.

So again, not really wasted, per say.....just using space that didn't seem to be filled before.....Hope this helps....

miatasm, I think it's really great that you participate in the forum. Thanks for this analysis and the handshake issue workaround with firmware 7.10.

No problem....

Here is a link to explain all of this bandwidth allocation stuff in even more depth then I did.....Nice reading....

http://projectorexpert.com/Pages/itshdtv.htm

Originally posted by drhill
Why in the hell is comcast showing ABC's multicasted channels on channel 194 and 195. Though I don't have an ota tuner I'm guessing since they have an abc logo and 195 is a weather map.

WASTE OF BANDWIDTH.

I would agree it is a waste of OTA bandwidth especially when it reduces the quality of a network HD presentation for OTA and also cable. Comcast has plenty of bandwidth but that is not the issue.

It is a complete watse as the two subchannels have had a very definite effect on the PQ of WPVI-DT's 6-1 channel which is now almost unwatchable as far as HD is concerned. IT is now reduced to good widescreen SD not HD which is the whole point.

Any truth to the rumor that the 6208 will be available in South Jersey on 5/28? A CSR told me this today.. but of course I'm skeptical.

I completely understand that the bandwidth is there, but they could have used it for more deserving digital channels (playboy is too compressed ;) ) like NBATV (which dissappeared right after we got it back) or something else. It is also a waste for ABC to ruin PQ (like JWhip said).

If they are wasting time to add this garbage they could waste the time and map a mirror of MAX and Starz in the HD channels which doesn't take up bandwidth.

Their effort could be better spent.

Originally posted by JWhip
The flashes are noticable but not to the point of distraction.
You're fortunate...probably like the rest of this board since noone is complaining.
I'm hoping Comcast can "reduce" the flashing so it's not a distraction for me.

Originally posted by JWhip
It is a complete watse as the two subchannels have had a very definite effect on the PQ of WPVI-DT's 6-1 channel which is now almost unwatchable as far as HD is concerned. IT is now reduced to good widescreen SD not HD which is the whole point.

This may be true, but Saturday's Flyers game had the best ABC-HD picture I've seen in months. Of course, I get the signal OTA not via Comcast.

I was very disappointed in the PQ of Saturday's Flyers' game. I have seen much, much beeter PQ on hockey. last night's game between Calgary and San Jose was much better IMHO.

LSpera, I was told by a CSR yesterday roughly the same. He added that the dual-tuner HD DVR (I Believe the Motorola DCT6412) should be available in about six weeks in our area as well. I don't know how accurate the info on the 6412 is however, since we have been waiting since the beginning of April for the 6208. He advised me to call back next week even though I am on the "list" to be contacted...I have been calling weekly, especially since the Cherry Hill area, and most of the philly suburbs have been installing for the last few weeks. If I hear anything I will post.

JWhip...I agree with you about Saturdays Flyers game...I thought the previous Saturday game from Tampa had far superior PQ. The close-up shots were crisp, but the game in general was soft. Although based on some of the posts here it may have been a Comcast issue since the OTA has had some good reviews.

Most of the Cherry Hill area is SA they are using the 8000 for DVR.

They have been for 3-4 months

Did you hear from someone that the Motorola sections of the Cherry Hill area had them?

Originally posted by progear
JWhip...I agree with you about Saturdays Flyers game...I thought the previous Saturday game from Tampa had far superior PQ. The close-up shots were crisp, but the game in general was soft. Although based on some of the posts here it may have been a Comcast issue since the OTA has had some good reviews.

My point exactly. I'm with DirecTV and only get ABC-HD via OTA and Saturday's game was very sharp. The sea of orange crush shirts shot from the uppder deck camera was very detailed..... must have been Comcast's compression as my neighbor said his PQ was somewhat soft.

I can pick up the channel 6 OTA intermittently and have seen the same softness. I have seen ABC feeds in my travels around the country and have seen the same softness compared to ESPNHD in areas where the ABC affiliate multcasts. I have compared Comcast and WPVI's OTA signal side by side and have seen no difference. It is definitely softness introduced by WPVI's multicasting not Comcast IMHO.

Originally posted by whsbuss
My point exactly. I'm with DirecTV and only get ABC-HD via OTA and Saturday's game was very sharp. The sea of orange crush shirts shot from the uppder deck camera was very detailed..... must have been Comcast's compression as my neighbor said his PQ was somewhat soft.

Comcast does not compress the DTV content.....

When I had an OTA receiver, I could never find any difference between OTA and Comcast HD's PQ. There is a difference in amount of HD content. Hence, I no longer have an OTA receiver!

Whoever said that the Comcast SportsNet HD video is soft is ABSOLUTELY correct. I was A/B comparing the Phils to the college baseball game on INHD2. The INHD game was "you are there" clear. CSN wasn't even close. On the INHD centerfield shot, the pitcher, batter, catcher, ump and PEOPLE IN THE STANDS are all crystal clear. The Phils game CF shot had NO ONE looking sharp. It's no contest. CSN does need to do something.

quick edit... The INHD looks like HD. CSN looks like a nice DVD transfer. Very nice, smooth image. Looks good on close-ups. Not as detailed when pulled back. Is CSN doing 480p??? It sure looks like it.

I absolutely agree that CSN needs to do something about their HD. I believe it may have to do with their production, as INHD baseball games have been far superior to CSN's Phillies games with one exception...the Oriole's games (also produced by Comcast) in the last few weeks on INHD had the same soft and grainy feel of the Phillies games...I wonder if it is the production technique or equipment which is the culprit. The college games on are far superior, as is most the other MLB coverage on INHD.

miatasm...As far as the 6208 in the Cherry Hill area, I called Comcast to check the status of the roll-out in SJ, and the CSR told me that the only area SJ she was aware of, as of last week, was in the Cherry Hill region.
I know several people in the Philly burbs who have it or are scheduled for install. How accurate the info is is questionable, while many of the CSR's are in tune with whats going on, some sound as if they have never heard of an HD DVR...

progear, If you get a chance e-mail me. miatasm@hotmail.com

I've noticed that both the ESPNHD and CSNHD are both softer than the INHD and INHD2 channels...and yeah it seems like it's transferred at 480p instead of 1080i!

CSNHD is sent at 1080i not 480p. ESPNHD is sent out at 720p not 480p. AFter having discussed this with Comcast and CSN people, I feel that the softness that some are discribing is due to the encoder that CSN is using. Some encoders are better than others. When I get a better handle on this, I will let you know!

Now that the WB is airing the season finales this week, I imagine the rest of the Philadelphia area should have WB17-HD anytime since we won't care to watch. It figures... anyone else besides the Main Line get it yet?

Originally posted by Mike3
Now that the WB is airing the season finales this week, I imagine the rest of the Philadelphia area should have WB17-HD anytime since we won't care to watch. It figures... anyone else besides the Main Line get it yet?

I assume you're talking cable? I get WB17 digital over-the-air.

JWhip, tell them to use the encoder the San Diego Padres are using. Mmmm, pretty.

I just put a CM4228 in the attic to replace my RatShack V/UHF antenna. With the amp connected I'm still only getting 73% on WPVI-DT (HD Tivo). Nothing much changed by replacing the antenna. Also WYBE-DT (35-1) has a 74% signal but no picture? Is it possible they are not broadcasting programming?

I'm only 8 miles from the Roxborough antenna farm with some trees in the direct path and a bit of a valley. I've always had problems with WPVI-DT not locking. Does anyone think the Square Shooter would be a better antenna than the CM4228?

Trees/valley must be bad. At 8 miles you should get it with an indoor antenna. I could get it ~25 miles out on a Silver Sensor, no amp. (SS mounted outside under eave... so I was cheatin' a little). Can you get the antenna outside? And maybe a little higher. Sometimes a little change makes all the difference.

Anyway, I've just got comcast now... I'm gettting the stupid WPVI subchannels, so they're broadcasting. I'm also getting SD WYBE, so I'd guess they're broadcasting also.

Originally posted by JWhip
CSNHD is sent at 1080i not 480p. ESPNHD is sent out at 720p not 480p. AFter having discussed this with Comcast and CSN people, I feel that the softness that some are discribing is due to the encoder that CSN is using. Some encoders are better than others. When I get a better handle on this, I will let you know!

Really? That's odd...Almost all of the programming on CSNHD looks like stretched materials so that's why I thought it might just be 480p. It's not like INHD other HD materials. Even with ESPNHD, it looks like stretched materials as well.

Is that the way it should look like?

During non-sporting events comcast does SD & stretches it. During most Philly sporting events (phillies,flyers, sixers) that are Home they broadcast out at 1080i. I do agree that they look kinda soft, but c'mon 480p!!! Are you guys saying they look like FOX, that, I cannot agree with.

BTW, ESPN does the same thing, AFA the stretching.....

I don't have any big complaints against Fox widescreen. I get a nice sharp wide picture. True, it lacks a bit of detail on close viewing... but its miles ahead of SD.

The CSNHD Phils broadcasts are "maybe" a little bit better. I find myself wishing the camera guy would focus a little better... or if its in focus, the picture seems "smooth" instead of "sharp". I get this constant feeling that there is something between me and the game... I'm not "there"... like there is some smoothing layer or de-noise filter in the way... if you get rid of it, you could see the real game, instead of watching the game on TV.

Sorry to ramble, but I don't know how else to explain it.

Maybe it's just expectations? I'm not expecting 480p Fox to look so good, so I'm surprised when it does. I KNOW 1080i should look better than it currently does on Phillies CSNHD... so I'm disappointed.

I am distinctly NOT a Comcast Cable basher. I am, in general, overjoyed with my Comcast HD experience to date. They provide my locals in HD, with the same exact PQ. They also offer additional HD that I can't get OTA. The added HD programming is why I switched... and CSNHD is the biggest part of that decision for me (and many like me I suspect).

I am bothered that INHD can broadcast a better pic for a freaking college baseball game... a game in the middle of nowheresville... where you KNOW they don't have dedicated, built in equipment and facilities for HD. Meanwhile, the CSNHD/Phils are broadcasting from a BRAND-SPANKING NEW, MULTI-MILLION DOLLAR FACILITY, in one of the largest, most sophisticated cities on the planet... with dedicated equipment everywhere... I would assume they have the "best" available equipment and facilities. And they get shown up by INHD.

CSNHD should be ashamed.

The problem needs to be identified and corrected.

I understand exact what you are saying, I was more or less responding to dawei213 post, than yours. I agree CSN when doing HD lacks Definition, almost like its out of focus. It looks like to me that they have the sharpness turned all the way down.....It should be sharper......I completely agree

Well, I had the pleasure yesterday afternoon of touring HD production facility at the Wachovia Center and was watching a live feed from the third base side camera during batting practice. The picture was a sharp and detailed as any HD pioture I have seen and better than what we get on our system. CSN HD engineers have not noticed the softness or intermittent focus issues on the feed they send out of the building but are aware of our reports. I have seen the Soul games that went out on INHD and they are more like the picture I saw yesterday afternoon. The Soul feeds were sent out via sat to INHD. Therefore, it seems to me, and I have mentioned this to Comcast and CSN, that there must be a problem when the feeds are sent to the three main head ends in the Philadelphia market. They are looking into it. However, I can assure you that the picture in the production facility is remarkable.

Great report JWhip - that must be some facility.........so at least there is some hope that Comcast and CSN will get their act together someday.

I would hope that Comcast/CSN would be able to consistently match the quality in INHD.

IMO Phillies games look fantasic... anything better would be a plus!

It's good to know that they are aware of our reports, and are looking into it.

Despite the "cableco bashing" that one finds from time to time, I've almost always had nothing but good experiences with Comcast. I feel their product is worth every penny I spend on it.

I had little doubt that the HD facilities and equipment available at the complexes are the best available. That's the cause of my dismay at the readily apparent lesser picture quality when directly compared to the INHD broadcasts.

No doubt, the Phils games look very good. But INHD is clearly superior, and it shouldn't be. I'm glad to hear that CSN-HD apparently feels that way also!

Despite the "cableco bashing" that one finds from time to time, I've almost always had nothing but good experiences with Comcast.


I feel the same way.

Does anyone know why ESPN thinks its OK to broadcast the Flyers / Tampa Series in SD? The last 2 games were in SD and I think tonight's game is also. Their SD feed isn't even good, it looks like crap.

It's BS we have to watch the conference finals in SD...

Such a great game (and series), should be in HD.

Simple. The NBA trumps the NHL every time. Hockey ratings are terrible.

Has anyone else had trouble picking up WB 17 Digital (Ch. 54)? Since at least yesterday evening, my HD-300 receiver shows no picture - No Signal; however, if I check the Signal Strength it says it is around 92 or 93.

Talked with Sony and they felt since only one OTA Digital was a problem, it almost certainly is a local channel issue. Must admit the logic.

Have received the 2.0 upgrade and everything else is fine at this time. Anyone else having trouble picking up the WB?

its out for me too 11:22 AM SUnday

No picture... here. PSIP seems to be working FWIW.

i seem to be getting the analog feed on thge dig channel.
ota.

Originally posted by JWhip
Well, I had the pleasure yesterday afternoon of touring HD production facility at the Wachovia Center and was watching a live feed from the third base side camera during batting practice. The picture was a sharp and detailed as any HD pioture I have seen and better than what we get on our system. CSN HD engineers have not noticed the softness or intermittent focus issues on the feed they send out of the building but are aware of our reports. I have seen the Soul games that went out on INHD and they are more like the picture I saw yesterday afternoon. The Soul feeds were sent out via sat to INHD. Therefore, it seems to me, and I have mentioned this to Comcast and CSN, that there must be a problem when the feeds are sent to the three main head ends in the Philadelphia market. They are looking into it. However, I can assure you that the picture in the production facility is remarkable.

There is a possibility that the encoder that is sourcing the signal at the production facility is outputting more than 19.4Mbps in order to produce the high quality that was observed in the production facility.

There also exists that possibility that this greater than 19.4Mbps signal is transcoded back down to 19.4Mbps before entering the cable plants (thus reducing quality, resulting in a softening).

INHD uses a different encoder (of better picture quality, IMHO) at a lower bandwidth...lower than 19.4Mbps, thus it does not need to be transcoded before being placed on the cable plant.

Originally posted by JWhip
...and was watching a live feed from the third base side camera during batting practice.
I see the baseline cameras as being fantastic.
The softness I notice, is the camera most used, the centerfield camera shooting the pitch.
Hands down softer than the same shot on an INHD game,
While the first base and third base games have great detail.
I beleive it's camera related...maybe due to the distance of the shot...

Now that the WB in HD will be carried by Comcast starting Monday, what's next to look forward to and when?? Lots of rumors, but I don't believe I've seen anything definitive.

I just got a HD ready TV recently, I'd like to get some info on comcast HD service. Currently I only have comcast Pottstown basic and standard service (kind of expensive already for $45).
My questions are
1. Is it true that even without HD service, those HD signals already come in to my house and I just need a STB to view them?
2. With $6.95 rental fee, I can rent a STB from comcast. I don't like the idea that I have to pay $18.25 installation fee for them to install the box and I can't pick it up and do it myself. What if I just get my own STB (say same Motorola model as comcast STB), will it work too? What is the reason if it won't work?
3. I was told I would get 10 HD channels (comcast, ESPN, INHD, INHD2, ABC, NBC, CBS, FOX, PBS and WB), is it correct?
4. It seems those local channels only broadcast HD for primetime shows, what will I see in those local HD channels for non-HD broadcast, is that the same (NTSC) as in the analog channels?
5. How about comcast and ESPN HD channels, do they have HD broadcast for all day? Are they the same programs as in the analog channels (ch35 for comcast and ch36 for ESPN), just one in HD format and one in NTSC format?

I tried to get answers from customer service rep, but they seem to give different answers. Thanks!

Anybody have problems with their DVI connection? I recently received a SA3250 box from Comcast (BTW, DVI cable was supplied by Comcast). Initial setup worked perfectly, however, once everything shutoff and powered up again, I got either snow or an error message (telling me to use component). The only way to get DVI back was to manually power down STB by unplugging STB unit.

I have a Toshiba 30HF83 HDTV and it is HDCP compliant so I'm guessing that the issue is with the STB (firmware 1.52.6.1). Thus far I have found no workaround (other than unplugging unit). Component is OK, however, I really would like to use DVI because (1) it produced a crisper picture than component and (2) it would free up a component input for a future HD device.

Any ideas?

Where do you live? I've been waiting for a new SA box because the 3100 is butt. I'm in Camden County, South Jersey.

I live in the same county so you should be able to get the 3250box. Besides a DVI output, you also get more features. Take a look at the following link:

http://www.hdtvoice.com/voice/showthread.php?t=7178

Definitely a STB issue.

Here is my workaround that seems to work (for the SA3250 STB):

(1) Turn on TV
(2) On STB press <Guide><Info> simultaneously (this turns on the STB)
(3) On STB press <Power> (to exit setup screen)

Hopefully Comcast can fix this on their next firmware push.

BTW, PQ is sharper via DVI than component (at least in my eyes).

Originally posted by C.Y.
I just got a HD ready TV recently, I'd like to get some info on comcast HD service. Currently I only have comcast Pottstown basic and standard service (kind of expensive already for $45).
My questions are
1. Is it true that even without HD service, those HD signals already come in to my house and I just need a STB to view them?
2. With $6.95 rental fee, I can rent a STB from comcast. I don't like the idea that I have to pay $18.25 installation fee for them to install the box and I can't pick it up and do it myself. What if I just get my own STB (say same Motorola model as comcast STB), will it work too? What is the reason if it won't work?
3. I was told I would get 10 HD channels (comcast, ESPN, INHD, INHD2, ABC, NBC, CBS, FOX, PBS and WB), is it correct?
4. It seems those local channels only broadcast HD for primetime shows, what will I see in those local HD channels for non-HD broadcast, is that the same (NTSC) as in the analog channels?
5. How about comcast and ESPN HD channels, do they have HD broadcast for all day? Are they the same programs as in the analog channels (ch35 for comcast and ch36 for ESPN), just one in HD format and one in NTSC format?

I tried to get answers from customer service rep, but they seem to give different answers. Thanks!

Comcast has to provide you with a set-top to receive digital "basic" channels, which include off-air channels (ABC, NBC, CBS, FOX, PBS, and soon WB). They can charge you whatever rental fee they want to; you do NOT have to subsribe to their digital tier. If you want CSN-HD, ESPN-HD, INHD, and INHD2 you'll need to subscribe to the digital tier.

You can also purchase your own set-top to receive these signals over cable; the set-top must be capable of receiving QAM signals; there are only a handful on the market and they are hard to come by. More and more TVs are clear-QAM capable and it is an FCC mandate that all new TV models introduced after July 1, 2004 that are 27" and larger must have digital tuners. Hence right now there A LOT of new models being introduced before the July 1st transition.

By the end of this year there will be more QAM set-tops available for purchase, be keep in mind it may be more financially feasible to rent a set-top from Comcast than to purchase one on your own. A set-top you purcahse will not be upgradeable to support CableCard (encrypted subscription channels) or two-way features like VOD and PPV. (Those set-tops will not be available until next year.)

In my market (Central Bucks near Philly), ESPN-HD and CSN-HD are still unencrypted QAM and can be tuned without the digital package. I have had 3 6200 boxes for a while at $6+ each successfully receiving all but the INHD pair.

Recently I got the digital package to do the DVR functionality on the 6208.

So CY may be able to get a few more with just the HD package.

Originally posted by petersbar
In my market (Central Bucks near Philly), ESPN-HD and CSN-HD are still unencrypted QAM and can be tuned without the digital package. I have had 3 6200 boxes for a while at $6+ each successfully receiving all but the INHD pair.

Recently I got the digital package to do the DVR functionality on the 6208.

So CY may be able to get a few more with just the HD package.

I am also in the same general area (Southern Bucks) and ESPN-HD and CSN-HD are encrypted. Comcast may consider them part of the standard tier since that programming is available in analog. Similarly, someone were to subscribe to HBO as an analog customer and then get a digital set-top they would most likely also get HBO-HD.

Point being, Comcast cannot force you to subscribe to the digital tier just to get a digital set-top.

So if a TV has built-in QAM tuner, you could just plug in cable and be able to see those unencrypted HD channels? And if TV does not have QAM tuner, I could just get a 6200 STB and be able to see those unencrypted HD channels too?
I think one comcast rep told me I must rent their STB to be able to see HD channels. I can understand it for encrypted channels, I guess they have their own firmware for STB, so same model STB form other place won't work for encrypted channels, but how about unencrypted channels?

Pretty much, Yes!

But you need to get an HD only package for the STB to work with the unencrypted channels I believe.....(CBS, ABC, NBC,ect.)

Originally posted by C.Y.
So if a TV has built-in QAM tuner, you could just plug in cable and be able to see those unencrypted HD channels? And if TV does not have QAM tuner, I could just get a 6200 STB and be able to see those unencrypted HD channels too?
I think one comcast rep told me I must rent their STB to be able to see HD channels. I can understand it for encrypted channels, I guess they have their own firmware for STB, so same model STB form other place won't work for encrypted channels, but how about unencrypted channels?

Point being that you cannot currently purchase a Motorola set-top or any other compatible digital set-top. There are several options: 1a) TV or set-top with QAM tuner for clear QAM channels. 1b) "Digital Cable Ready" (DCR) TV that supports CableCARD...currently only Panasonic has models (but to get encrypted QAM channels you must rent a CableCARD from your cable company. 2) Rent a set-top from your cable company.

A TV with built-in QAM tuner should be able to receive the broadcast channels, but not anything exncrypted like ESPN-HD or CSN-HD.

By law, all off-air digital channels must not be encrypted and must be carried as part of basic cable. So you just need to be a cable subcriber to be able to receive the off-air digital channels and you must rent a set-top from your cable company.

If you subscribe to "tier-1" which includes channels like ESPN, you may also receive those channels in HD, but that is up to the provider (ESPN in this example), if they have licensed it in that manner.