bdfox18doe

I guess WFXB did not make any changes to the digital transmitter when the analog was shut down.

Like for example taking the ch 43 antenna off the top & moving the digital ch 18 from the side to the top.

I made some measurments of the digital ch 18 while ch 43 was still on the air & not long after the digital ch 18 went on the air at 1000kw. I do not think the levels have changed since I took the measurements.

But any way I though you might like to have a report of WFXB in Myrtle Beach & the actual db measured on a semcore signal meter.

On the floor of my house west Myrtle Beach I measured WFBX ch 18 on a clip on uhf bow tie a -29 db.

On a radio shack vu190 in my attic about 17 feet above the ground facing your tower though a gable with plastic siding. I have a 40 feet of rg6 & a channel master indoor amp 3042. I measured on ch 18 -15db.

I had to use a distribution amp becauased it could handle strong signals when the outdoor amps could not.

At that time ch 43 was on the air & ch 43 was a +14db on that same connection.


When using an out door preamp ch 43 & about 3 other uhf stations came in all over the UHF dial & distored the signal beause of over loading the preamp. but this distrbution amp is really made to connect to tv cable & can handle strong signals. But you can see why when preamps are for weak signals & then there was about 4 very strong stations coming in then why the pre amp caused problems. Some amps do give a max number of channels & their signal level. But none tell what the minimum signal is. I assume it is someithing like a -70 or -60. I do know that my receivers will receive down to a -40 digital signal & work fine. But the the signal needs to be steady when that low. If meter is moving up & down when the signal is that low it can go too low & the tv screen go out. The in door distribution amp brings in a few more stations that I can not receive with out it & that is why I assume they may go down to a -70 or so.

But about watching WFXB on a portable tv when the storms have taken the power off, I think I will have enough signal with an indoor bow tie. But if we end up watching tv like that I hope I am sitting in front of a fire in the fire place because we have a a bad ice storm & not a hurricane.

Our digital has been completed and at full power for some time now, so no changes were made other than turning off the analog transmitter.

bdfox as of this afternoon we still don't have the weather radar channel. Come on TWC.

the channel is now live!

For the Northeast fans in SC, This from the Time Warner Upcoming Channel Change Lineup

August 1, 2009: YES Network,YES HD, NESN and NESN HD will be added to the Games and Sports Tier.



August 11, 2009: HSN will move from Channel 78 (Cable Tier) to Channel 13 (Broadcast Tier) in Georgetown, Brown’s Ferry/Sampit and Surfside Beach North.



WMMP will be added to Channel 2 (Broadcast Tier) in Surfside Beach South.



WBTW (Channel 13) will no longer be available in Georgetown and Brown’s Ferry/Sampit. WBTW (Channel 13) and WBTW HD (Channel 810) will no longer be available in Surfside Beach South.



WCBD (Channel 2) will no longer be available in Surfside Beach North

Greetings all, I am visiting the Myrtle Beach area in a week or so and will be bringing along my portable flat screen HDTV (gotta love having a 19" for travel purposes). We are staying on Ocean Blvd in Myrtle Beach, so I was hoping someone familiar with the area could help me out by providing a list of QAM channels that I should be able to pick up in this area? I did a search for QAM, but the posts all seemed rather dated. Thanks in advance for any information.

Greetings all, I am visiting the Myrtle Beach area in a week or so and will be bringing along my portable flat screen HDTV (gotta love having a 19" for travel purposes). We are staying on Ocean Blvd in Myrtle Beach, so I was hoping someone familiar with the area could help me out by providing a list of QAM channels that I should be able to pick up in this area? I did a search for QAM, but the posts all seemed rather dated. Thanks in advance for any information.

I do not know about QAM but I can answer for ATSC OTA using a in door bow tie antenna like you get from Radio Shack.

Depending on which side of the building you are staying in, which side the window of your room is facing & how high the floor of the room you may get several stations.

If your room has a window facing up the north side of the strand you will get 2 or 3 main stations with the additional sub.

If your room is facing south of the strand you will get maybe 4 of the Charleston stations. If facing the west then you will get 3 or 4 more stations from Florence.

If you are facing the ocean you will get a very strong local NBC and maybe a combination of the list above.

We are staying on Ocean Blvd in Myrtle Beach, so I was hoping someone familiar with the area .

That's part of what TWC calls the "hotel loop" and is a custom channel package different from what most people here get. You probably will find few if any QAMs in a hotel. You will just have to scan and see.

That's part of what TWC calls the "hotel loop" and is a custom channel package different from what most people here get. You probably will find few if any QAMs in a hotel. You will just have to scan and see.

If you want HD bring your bow tie in door uhf antenna or you may only get analog tv cable that looks nasty. At best you may get sd compressed digital channels. Oh bomba said tv cable in not needed because we have free OTA. Thus the tv cable did not get any stimulus money. The tv cable plans to get their share of the money by encrypting the digital signal. Thus they can force these wanting hd to get the cable hd box & they can control every channel, watch every move you make & compress the signal when & where they have a chance. They must to obtain their share of the stimulus money or filthy Lucre

Let me know when ESPN is free.

Let me know when ESPN is free.


I do not have a problem with you paying for ESPN if you want it. But only you should have to pay for it & only you should receive it.

Since the tv cable box has the digital equipment to pass only the channels the customer wants & block those they do not. The US GOV should flat oirder the tv cable to just do it that way & pass the cost of the channel on to the customer. Dish network was doing in 1999. Dish had an offer to pick 15 of any of the 300 channels for $10.00 each month instead of the tv cable deciding what channels to pick out & group together. Sending the group with unwanted channels to customers they do not want them but making them pay for them. It has been in congress & the senate. The tv cable refuses to do the Cable TV a la carte.

A good example tv cable = filthy Lucre!

Why did Dish stop doing that? Was it cost efficient? Should Beach Ford sell and service just Ford or also Chevy, Nissan, Toyota. Mercedes and every make made? If they had to do that would a Ford still cost the same? Would they still be able to compete with Tidelands Ford who is only selling and servicing Ford?

Cable packages strike a balance between choice and cost/benefit efficiency.

Why did Dish stop doing that? Was it cost efficient? Should Beach Ford sell and service just Ford or also Chevy, Nissan, Toyota. Mercedes and every make made? If they had to do that would a Ford still cost the same? Would they still be able to compete with Tidelands Ford who is only selling and servicing Ford?

Cable packages strike a balance between choice and cost/benefit efficiency.

They should be unbundling the cost of those channels.

How many times I have been to a dealer ship to buy a new car; They try to let them get the loan for you & sell extended warrenty. Why because the make money on that stuff. Plus what they made of the sell of the new car. I tell them I just want to buy the car, not this other stuff. It is the same with the tv cable.

the bundling is cost efficent for the tv cable, NOT the customer if, they do not want but 1/4 of the channels. Like the car dealer ship the make more money if they can sell you more even if you do not want it or even need it.

The bomba admin needs to do with the tv cable like the phone CO wast done 25 years ago. Back then long distant calls were very high. But local phone service was low. The money made off the long distant calls where paying for the local phone service. Those who were new to Horry & did not know any one local but there family & freinds were a long distant call. When they were making the high long distant calls they were paying for the local phone service that they seldom used. Therefore they were paying for the local service for the localse who did not make the long distant calls. But the locals were big times users of the local service.

I saw the tv cable folks on cspan rebelling against unbundling in a senate hearing. I applaud the senate say go after the tv cable. Apply the same laws like they have the the local phone CO. The tv cable is guilty of filthy Lucre!

the bundling is cost efficent for the tv cable, NOT the customer if

Cost efficient for cable and in turn the customer. Otherwise you would pay a lot more for the same channels or the same for less channels.

If you want HD bring your bow tie in door uhf antenna or you may only get analog tv cable that looks nasty. At best you may get sd compressed digital channels. Oh bomba said tv cable in not needed because we have free OTA. Thus the tv cable did not get any stimulus money. The tv cable plans to get their share of the money by encrypting the digital signal. Thus they can force these wanting hd to get the cable hd box & they can control every channel, watch every move you make & compress the signal when & where they have a chance. They must to obtain their share of the stimulus money or filthy Lucre
Our president's name is OBAMA. Try to remember that. BTW, the stimulus program has nothing to do with OTA or cable reception in Myrtle Beach. Try to save your political rantings for other forums.

Cost efficient for cable and in turn the customer. Otherwise you would pay a lot more for the same channels or the same for less channels.

You are right because you depend on othes to pay to carry espn.


To unbundle I would pay less because I never watch espn so I would not have to pay for it. You would pay more because you are carring the full expeince to carry espn.

Exactly. So we have come full circle.


Let me know when ESPN is free.

Exactly. So we have come full circle.

Thus you should have to pay for all of the cost & not your neighborhood. You neihgborhood should not have to pay for espn & it should not be coming to their house. Will your bill go up, yes becasue no one is help you or the tv cable to bring you espn.

In the old days of analog cable it was not cost effective to sell espn as a single channel to a customer. But now wiht digital boxes on top of the set it is as esay as passing or blocking hbo.

ESPN is as popular as the big 4 networks if not more so. You are in the minority. Ala carte would be cheaper only for a small minority of people.

David,

A lot of people will be really upset if they are forced into renting a box every month. There are pros and cons. I believe the rental of the box should not exist if the cable snake gets rid of analog expanded cable. I completely agree also on the choice idea. People should be able to pick channels in groups of ten and then pay for the ones they choose, thus having as many or as few as they want to pay for. IF JUST ONE company would do this... imagine!

Why can't the bama get involved in this? He has a lot of other stuff. We are too concerned with foreign countries and not our own business!!!!!!

Same as ala carte. People would be adding and subtracting from their carts of 10 constantly and costs and prices would skyrocket from admin costs. Not a difficult concept and exactly why you have not seen even "JUST ONE" do this.

Our president's name is OBAMA. Try to remember that. BTW, the stimulus program has nothing to do with OTA or cable reception in Myrtle Beach. Try to save your political rantings for other forums.


That is just what I said. Go back & reread my post #1758. "the tv cable did not get any stimulus money"

The tv cable wants obtain some of that money by charging for stuff folks do not want. I want his admin to order an unbundling of the tv cable the the Local phone systems have been done.

Same as ala carte. People would be adding and subtracting from their carts of 10 constantly and costs and prices would skyrocket from admin costs. Not a difficult concept and exactly why you have not seen even "JUST ONE" do this.


What about putting a limit on how often you can change your services? It doesn't seem unreasonable to me to put a limit say of no more than 3 times a year, or you will be billed for the operator assistance. Not a hard concept if you know how to run a business.

Ok go tell them how to run their business!

Same as ala carte. People would be adding and subtracting from their carts of 10 constantly and costs and prices would skyrocket from admin costs. Not a difficult concept and exactly why you have not seen even "JUST ONE" do this.

dish network did it.

If espn is that big then it should be easy & cost effective.

If hbo is cost effective then espn should be easy & cost effective

Guess you haven't notice how much HBO costs. Big difference.

ESPN is one of the more expensive networks for cable and satellite to compensate.

ESPN costs about $3.50 a month (http://www.mediapost.com/publications/?fa=Articles.showArticle&art_aid=95303). Much less than is paid to HBO. Get your facts straight.

ESPN costs about $3.50 a month (http://www.mediapost.com/publications/?fa=Articles.showArticle&art_aid=95303). Much less than is paid to HBO. Get your facts straight.

I never compared it to HBO, that was you. ESPN costs more than the other channels carried in the same tier... How about that? HBO is a PREMIUM service.

So what's your point? Bottom line is any form of ala carte will cost the typical subscriber much more than the current package choices.

So what's your point? Bottom line is any form of ala carte will cost the typical subscriber much more than the current package choices.

If you don't watch all those channels, how are you getting your monies worth anyway? If I have 20 cable channels, and no locals because I use an antenna and pay $25 a month, that would be fine. Less is sometimes more if the content is satisfactory on those channels. If they change the program line-up, and I no longer watch such-and-such channel, I drop it and add another. I can do that up to a set number of times without extra payment, and it may be worth it to me to pay say a five dollar assistants fee once or twice a year, and I still save money, and the company will gain more customers, and the rich will be happy because they can get everything I offer, and the poor will be happy with their ten channels.

If you don't watch all those channels, how are you getting your monies worth anyway? If I have 20 cable channels, and no locals because I use an antenna and pay $25 a month, that would be fine. Less is sometimes more if the content is satisfactory on those channels. If they change the program line-up, and I no longer watch such-and-such channel, I drop it and add another. I can do that up to a set number of times without extra payment, and it may be worth it to me to pay say a five dollar assistants fee once or twice a year, and I still save money, and the company will gain more customers, and the rich will be happy because they can get everything I offer, and the poor will be happy with their ten channels.

repeat

Ok go tell them how to run their business!

repeat



We will order them how to run their bussiness.

We will write our congressman & ask the to make legislation ordering the tv cable to unbundle their services and tax espn like the current admin is going to tax cigerettes. We will also write both our senators & ask them to sign the tv cable unbundling bill.


Once in Law the cable tv folks will obey or go to prison.

There you go! Use a spell checker if you really want to impress them. ;)

We will order them how to run their bussiness.

We will write our congressman & ask the to make legislation ordering the tv cable to unbundle their services and tax espn like the current admin is going to tax cigerettes. We will also write both our senators & ask them to sign the tv cable unbundling bill.


Once in Law the cable tv folks will obey or go to prison.I recommend that you consider campaign contributions to our Congressfolk from the cable companies.

WPDE now has sidebars during there news broadcasts. It says "News" during the News Segments. Weather during the Weather Segment. Sports during Sports segment. Hopefully this is the beginning of eventually going HD or atleast Widescreen.

WPDE now has sidebars during there news broadcasts. It says "News" during the News Segments. Weather during the Weather Segment. Sports during Sports segment.


Maybe they just think their viewers with HDTv's are dumb? :)

WBTW being dropped in Georgetown, WNCT has already been dropped in northern NC, even for an in market county w/o 30 day notice to viewers and the station, and now WCBD will be dropped in Horry county. All three stations are Media General. This is TIME WARNER CABLE of course.

http://www.broadcastingcable.com/article/328339-Media_General_Files_FCC_Complaint_as_Time_Warner_Cable_Drops _WCBD.php

WBTW being dropped in Georgetown, WNCT has already been dropped in northern NC, even for an in market county w/o 30 day notice to viewers and the station, and now WCBD will be dropped in Horry county. All three stations are Media General. This is TIME WARNER CABLE of course.

http://www.broadcastingcable.com/article/328339-Media_General_Files_FCC_Complaint_as_Time_Warner_Cable_Drops _WCBD.php


This is when the TWC customers should then drop TWC cable & connect their tv to an antenna.

Let me know when I can get ESPN with an antenna.

Does anyone know why Time Warner does not carry WWMB-HD?

Let me know when I can get ESPN with an antenna.

Sure. ESPN on ABC weekends.;)

Who is to say you can't have an antenna with your cable?

Let me know when I can get ESPN with an antenna.



You can.

It is called a satilight.

You will have to pay to decode the signal thou

Never heard of satilight.

Never heard of satilight.

That's because it's called satchelite..:)

satchelite Paige the ole baseball pitcher? Now him I've heard of.

WBTW being dropped in Georgetown, WNCT has already been dropped in northern NC, even for an in market county w/o 30 day notice to viewers and the station, and now WCBD will be dropped in Horry county. All three stations are Media General. This is TIME WARNER CABLE of course.

http://www.broadcastingcable.com/article/328339-Media_General_Files_FCC_Complaint_as_Time_Warner_Cable_Drops _WCBD.php
Wow--no WBTW in Georgetown--surely WPDE will also be dropped, and TW never bothered to put WFXB, WWNB, or WMBF on in Georgetown. So basically this means no local TV news for Georgetown County for TW subscribers, since the Myrtle Beach/Florence stations were always the local news source, which makes sense since MYB the studios are right up Kings Hywy (25 miles?). TIme Warner does not believe in out of market stations AT ALL, which is stupid, since it removes one of advantages cable has over satelite.

TIme Warner does not believe in out of market stations AT ALL

I think it's more like the FCC designated DMA stations don't believe in it.

The FCC does not designate market areas. That is done by Nielson Media Research.

The FCC does not designate market areas. That is done by Nielson Media Research.

Ok amended to read -

I think it's more like the Nielson Media Research designated DMA stations don't believe in it.

November 23, 2009: The following channels will be added:

HBO Signature East HD - Channel 904 (HDTV Digital Converter and premium HBO)
HBO Family East HD - Channel 905 (HDTV Digital Converter and premium HBO)
HBO Comedy East HD - Channel 897 (HDTV Digital Converter and premium HBO)
HBO Zone East HD - Channel 898 (HDTV Digital Converter and premium HBO)
HBO Latino East HD - Channel 900 (HDTV Digital Converter and premium HBO)
Showtime Too HD - Channel 923 (HDTV Digital Converter and premium Showtime)
Action Max HD - Channel 908 (HDTV Digital Converter and premium Cinemax)
Cartoon Network HD - Channel 827 (HDTV Digital Converter and Basic Cable)
WE HD - Channel 828 (HDTV Digital Converter and Basic Cable)
IFC HD - Channel 862 (HDTV Digital Converter and Digital Movie Tier)


October 28, 2009: The following channels will be added:

HBO 2 East HD - Channel 903 (HDTV Digital Converter and premium HBO)
BBC America HD - Channel 858 (HDTV Digital Converter and Digital Tier)
Headline News HD - Channel 825 (HDTV Digital Converter and Basic Cable)
Investigation Discovery HD - Channel 831 (HDTV Digital Converter and Digital Tier)
Lo Mejor On Demand - Channel 876 (Free On Demand)
TCM HD - Channel 861 (HDTV Digital Converter and Basic Cable)
MSNBC HD - Channel 826 (HDTV Digital Converter and Basic Cable)
truTV HD - Channel 829 (HDTV Digital Converter and Basic Cable)

Well it looks like TWC in our area is ready to switch from SARA to NAVIGATOR on the Scientific Atlanta STB's. We got a mailing announcing the change today, but it did not give a specific timetable for the SW download.

I will eventually go through the relevant threads in the SA8300 area (our STB), but if any of you in the area have recently been converted to Navigator, I'd appreciate your comments- good, bad, or ho-hum...

Thanks,
Mike

can someone explain this email from the station manager of WPDE (Billy Huggins)

Lee, we have the new 5.1 Dolby equipment in house. The problem is that ABC just started embedding their audio in the digital signal and their new equipment requires for us to strip it out to feed the Dolby 5.1 equipment they provided. We want to leave it embedded as the quality is so much better. If they cannot provide Dolby 5.1 equipment to allow it then we will strip it our and pass it through the equipment provided. Give us a few more weeks.
We are in 720p but not in 16x9 until we get a new set built. Our old set was designed for 4 x 3 and we are getting set designs prepared right now. We hope to have it ready by May of 2010.


Is he actually saying that the two channel audio is better than the 5.1 quality???

WPDE HD is now showing up as 5.1

Here in Murrells Inlet on TWC we are getting awful sound from WPDE and the Charleston CBS affiliate, both of which indicate 5.1.

I just noticed that I can not get 5.1 from my converter box, only pcm 48. Does this have anything to do with the new menu navigator? On another note, the new menu is lousy, in my opinion.

I answered my own question, I found advanced settings under "devices" in the settings menu. Hope this helps anyone else during the switch to the new system.

TWC in this area now has navigator I'm liking it so far....

Just got Navigator today on DVR and not crazy about it.

N sucks! I have it one one set but not on the DVR yet. Tech has been here twice replaced the box and not the problem. The biggest problem -- every time you turn the box/TV on you have to go into the box settings to get the volume to work. If you don't it it is the very loudest or you can mute it! I want my SARA!

I still don't like it. Too hard to do easy things. First time I went to ch 21 the screen was more like 3:3 and I had to fix using the TV remote, a device I hadn't used for four years except to turn the set on and off.

I have to admit N is growing on me. My wife swears our picture and sound are better on the TV with the DVR. It's a little slower switching from one tuner to the other on PIP, however. I also don't like when you are recording two shows and watching a third that when the one you are watching is over you get put right into the middle of one of the shows you are recording. The old software brought you back to the recorded list.

Is anybody else's USA HD only showing up in SD and 2 channel DD????????

I had a quite a lot of audio drop outs and that weird Brrrrippp sound on both Sunday and Monday night showing of 24. This is through Directv local channels. I know there is a of long on going complaining on DBStalk about this, but I don't remember getting it so bad on WFXB before.

I see FOX talked about quite often as having this problem on local channels, but it appears to be rather random. Oh yes I've seen it some on other locals also, but it was rather bad with 24.

So, just wondering if WFXB knows anything about it and why it was happening so often on 24. No, I didn't try OTA, so I cannot say if it was different. I also haven't watched a lot of FOX since the first of the year.

But it as mostly audio problems with video glitches a few times.

WFXB monitors off air and cable very closely. if you are having an issue with our signal on DirecTv, call them and complain. Don't take the excuse "it's the local stations problem". And let us know here. We have the 24hr direct numbers to DirecTv TOC. We also have DirecTv receivers that see WFXB in MB and Charlotte, and I have one at home.
This is where it is good to have an OTA antenna. Then you can look at us off-air to confirm if there is or is not an issue at
WFXB before calling.

bd is WFXB any closer to having HD sydnication or allow Regis & Kelly to appear live in HD????????

Not at this point in time, for a myriad of reasons.

Well it looks like WMBF (the only local HD news in this area) is going to add another subchannel. Get ready for poor HD on NBC folks. :mad:

http://www.timewarnercable.com/Carolinas/support/policies/channelchange.html

Looks like they will add This TV on April 1st.

Well it looks like WMBF (the only local HD news in this area) is going to add another subchannel. Get ready for poor HD on NBC folks. :mad:

http://www.timewarnercable.com/Carolinas/support/policies/channelchange.html

Looks like they will add This TV on April 1st.


That may be true for the TV cable customers. But, those that use an antenna & receive WMBF signal directly from their transmitter will not see a change. WFXB has FOX network a HD that looks great. They have a 2nd FOX Spanish as a sub channel. A 3rd channel as a sub carrying a Local weather channel. I do not expect the weather sub to be HD but I do not really care. But, 43.1 looks so real, I would jump to catch the foot ball & would think it would come out the TV.

Great job the stations are doing.

That may be true for the TV cable customers. But, those that use an antenna & receive WMBF signal directly from their transmitter will not see a change.

If they add another subchannel, then yes they will see a difference.

- Trip

If they add another subchannel, then yes they will see a difference.

- Trip

It does not make a difference with WFXB. Why should it make a difference with WMBF. The network feeds do not occupy the entire bandwidth the FCC has giving the tv station. So what is wrong with them putting something in the unused bandwidth like WFXB does.

It does not make a difference with WFXB. Why should it make a difference with WMBF.

WFXB is using the Fox splicer. Fox is the only network which has its feed look the same on all its affiliates. Also, a static weather feed like 43-3 uses very little bandwidth. (Also note that 43-2 is the exact same video as 43-1, just with different audio, so it literally uses zero extra bandwidth.)

The network feeds do not occupy the entire bandwidth the FCC has giving the tv station.

Wrong. (Except Fox as noted.)

So what is wrong with them putting something in the unused bandwidth like WFXB does.

There isn't unused bandwidth until you compress the video down, compromising quality during high-motion scenes.

- Trip

WFXB is using the Fox splicer. Fox is the only network which has its feed look the same on all its affiliates. Also, a static weather feed like 43-3 uses very little bandwidth. (Also note that 43-2 is the exact same video as 43-1, just with different audio, so it literally uses zero extra bandwidth.)



Wrong. (Except Fox as noted.)



There isn't unused bandwidth until you compress the video down, compromising quality during high-motion scenes.

- Trip

It will not stop me from see NBC in full HD because I also get WECT & WCBD.

It does not make a difference with WFXB.

FOX leaves enough bandwidth for a local subchannel. However, the splicer does give priority to the network's HD, so if the network feed needs some of the bandwidth taken by the local subchannel the splicer will do so. I have seen almost 17mb/s HD from FOX, which is generous compared to most HD..especially considering they are using state of the art high-efficiency Motorola encoders.

FOX leaves enough bandwidth for a local subchannel. However, the splicer does give priority to the network's HD, so if the network feed needs some of the bandwidth taken by the local subchannel the splicer will do so. I have seen almost 17mb/s HD from FOX, which is generous compared to most HD..especially considering they are using state of the art high-efficiency Motorola encoders.

that almost 17mb, would you say would be about the max needed. If I understand it, the FCC allows 19mb band width in the 6mhz spectrum; If that is the case; There is 2 mb left over still. Even then is that enough to run sd like for the weather or an old rerun 4:3 tv show?

I thought the FCC was wanted the full use of the bandwidth. By the stations adding sub channels they were efficiently using the band width. Or doing what the FCC wants them to do.

There is 2 mb left over still. .

That thinking is incorrect. You can't use the full 19.4 mb/s for "video".. there has to be room for audio and PSIP, as well as some null stuffing to allow for PSIP update bursts to prevent over-subscription of the multiplex. That varies dependent upon encoder,multiplexer, PSIP generator and equipment configuration.

That thinking is incorrect. You can't use the full 19.4 mb/s for "video".. there has to be room for audio and PSIP, as well as some null stuffing to allow for PSIP update bursts to prevent over-subscription of the multiplex. That varies dependent upon encoder,multiplexer, PSIP generator and equipment configuration.

Opps I forgot. I guess that is where the data come thru for the tv guide that we receive from you.

From what I have heard from the FCC is that " if you do not use it, you can lose it" Or they have a push to fully use the bandwidth.

What I do not understand thou is the tv cable. They can down convert or strip off the sub channel & change the channel from what they receive from the station.

Can they also up convert too?

Their band width is not limited by the FCC. I do not understand why they even touch it & it is not passed rf digital straight to the coax to the customer.

Well it looks like the additional subchannel is a Raycom Media thing. Because the sister affilate in Columbia. (WIS) Is getting the ThisTV subchannel on the same day. Does anybody know if WCSC the CBS affilate in charleston (which is also owned by Raycom Media) is getting it also???

What is with the new message banner? It has been on and off all day showing watches and warnings but none within 200 miles of MB. It blocks out the whole top of the TV and runs "forever"! Another fine improvement from TWC -- they really do suck!

I got WJPM's OTA signal yesterday morning!

That thinking is incorrect. You can't use the full 19.4 mb/s for "video".. there has to be room for audio and PSIP, as well as some null stuffing to allow for PSIP update bursts to prevent over-subscription of the multiplex. That varies dependent upon encoder,multiplexer, PSIP generator and equipment configuration.
BTW Bob, FXB still looks great here in Ft. Mill about 50% of the time including this morning.

I need to look and see if there is a LP station around Charlotte on RF 16 since I can't get anything on WPDE. I can get WBTW and interesting like this morning WWAY and WTAT for Ft. Mill.

according to rabbitears and trip, it looks like WBTW wants to increase their power.

From 31.6 KW to 54.7 KW

http://www.rabbitears.info/blog/index.php?post/2010/04/20/WBTW-13-to-Seek-Power-Increase

WLOS filed a modification to their construction permit (changing antenna patterns yet again) but this time it had an interference acceptance agreement with WBTW which stated that WBTW wanted to increase power.

- Trip

later this week im going to be in South Carolina to install a new antenna at my aunt & uncle's place (who lives on the Marion/Dillon County line)

They recently purchased the Winegard FV-HD30 and now there's an issue with where to point it; so far they have clear view of the WPDE (ABC)/WWMB (CW) and WBTW (CBS) towers from their back yard.

but from what i know, the other stations towers, WJPM (PBS) is west of them, WMBF (NBC) is to the South East and WFXB (Fox) just due-east of them.

i want it where its going to pull in the other stations effectively, anyone got any pointers?

www.tvfool.com

later this week im going to be in South Carolina to install a new antenna at my aunt & uncle's place (who lives on the Marion/Dillon County line)

They recently purchased the Winegard FV-HD30 and now there's an issue with where to point it; so far they have clear view of the WPDE (ABC)/WWMB (CW) and WBTW (CBS) towers from their back yard.

but from what i know, the other stations towers, WJPM (PBS) is west of them, WMBF (NBC) is to the South East and WFXB (Fox) just due-east of them.

i want it where its going to pull in the other stations effectively, anyone got any pointers?

According to Solid Signal, the FV-HD30 is a multi-directional antenna (green zone) (http://www.solidsignal.com/pview.asp?mc=03&p=FV-HD30&d=Winegard-FreeVision-FVHD30-Compact-Ultra-Powerful-DTV-TV-Antenna-%28FVHD30%29&c=TV%20Antennas&sku=). I would suggest adding a high-gain preamplifier to make it more uni-directional.

Oh and don't forget about the rotator, either.

well, im back from my aunt & uncle's place from installing the antenna (Wineguard FreeVision FV-HD30)

we've placed it 20ft in the air on two 10 foot steel poles (fastened together)
we've ran a test and aimed it twards Myrtle Beach and here the stations we got along with the signal level

WBTW 13 (CBS): 80%
WPDE 15 (ABC): 68-70%
WWMB 21 (CW): 58-65%
WHMC 23 (PBS-Conway): 50%
WUNU 31 (PBS-Lumberton, NC): 25%
WMBF 32 (NBC): 40-45%
WJPM 33 (PBS-Florence): 50%
WFXB 43 (FOX): 80%
WFPX 62 (ION-Fayetteville, NC): 10-15%

*note: their location is near the Marion/Dillon County line and also we had to do a little patch work on the line going to the house (since we are using their old cable TV line) for the time being until i get some proper replacements for the ground and cable screw on kits.

now, he needs an amp (a good one); any good recommended outdoor amps to increase the range on this?

The percent numbers you give are useless without telling where the cutoff is that reception breaks up or disappears. Which of those stations are actually watchable, or are all of them?

I have a CM7777 that I'm rather fond of, as far as amps go.

- Trip

The percent numbers you give are useless without telling where the cutoff is that reception breaks up or disappears. Which of those stations are actually watchable, or are all of them?

I have a CM7777 that I'm rather fond of, as far as amps go.

- Triphmmm...i've seen this exact amp on summit source.com last night, it looks promising so i'll tell my uncle about it...

now as for the stations, all of them (except for WFPX at times unless i aim north) are viewable, like today around 12p before i left i ran one last scan and all of them (except WFPX) came in and holding steady with no breakups nor drop-outs.

*note: their location is near the Marion/Dillon County line ...

now, he needs an amp (a good one); any good recommended outdoor amps to increase the range on this?

You may have more problems with a preamp..since they are so close to the WFXB and WBTW transmitters. Especially with WFXB.

Hello Myrtle Beach HD fans.

My folks live in Myrtle Beach and have the most basic TWC TV and also TWC phone. I recently sent them a new flat panel to replace a dead CRT. Should they be able to get some HD via clear QAM?

Has WBTW dropped 5.1??? The last few days they have been 2.0 via TWC in johnsonville.

Hello Myrtle Beach HD fans.

My folks live in Myrtle Beach and have the most basic TWC TV and also TWC phone. I recently sent them a new flat panel to replace a dead CRT. Should they be able to get some HD via clear QAM?

Quite a bit last time I checked - about a year ago.

Well I think I found out, why its crappy 2.0 now on WBTW. They are now airing syndicated HD shows. (Ellen, Jeopardy, Wheel of Fortune) Even though the PQ isn't that good. Why can't you do both 5.1 and syndicated HD programming???

I too noticed the change with Jeopardy and Wheel. I was wondering why I couldn't get 5.1 digital sound too. I also noticed that the picture does not fill my screen as true HD does but the side bars are not as wide as with no HD 4x 3 normal picture. Anyone know the reason for this.

Quite a bit last time I checked - about a year ago.

My father says he is not getting any channels in the 100 and above range on the new set. Is TWC now blocking all clear QAM?

Hello Myrtle Beach HD fans.

My folks live in Myrtle Beach and have the most basic TWC TV and also TWC phone. I recently sent them a new flat panel to replace a dead CRT. Should they be able to get some HD via clear QAM?

In Conway TWC does not send any digital signals to be decoded by my Dad's tv. he has 2 inputs to the tv = 1 analog & 1 digital & he has twc to the analog & watches the twc analog cable. The antennas in the attic are connected to the digital input on the tv. He receives 30 hd tv channels from his antenna. He will surf twc cable & the antenna. The antenna is so much better than the cable that he only uses twc to watch the FOX news channel. Every thing else he watches from the antenna. He would turn off the cable if WFXB could carry the FOX news network. But he is still thankful for what God sends him over the antenna. He has a garden & he says what he receives on the antenna from the air is like the rain from the air. The water & the TV signal is better what comes out of the air. His garden grows on it much better than the city water & the TV looks much better OTA than the signal from the cable.

Btw

WFXB the races & sports from your OTA from your tower does really look great.

As of about 15 May, TWC carried the OTA channels unscrambled on at least some of it's MB loops, but the channel numbers correspond to the OTA asignments (ie 15-1), not to the published cable lineup (ie 805).

As of about 15 May, TWC carried the OTA channels unscrambled on at least some of it's MB loops, but the channel numbers correspond to the OTA asignments (ie 15-1), not to the published cable lineup (ie 805).

I assume like for example TWC must demodulate the OTA signal of the FCC assigned channel ch 16 at [488mhz-494mhz] then modulate the copy from OTA to some other frequency out of the band of the HD TV tuner. It does not matter to us because we get the OTA free anyway. I guess TWC can control who gets a specific channel & who cannot by sending the signal through their HDTV cable box. Unlike the analog that took a filter that was in or not in to provide a channel or not. Also it was normally group of channels.
Since TWC is down converting the HD OTA to analog channels for those that still have a analog only TV; Thus using 2 channels [analog & digital] for one station is why they are doing this. If they ever shut off the analog channels on the TV cable this current set up may change. But those who still have analog only TV must have the digital box to down convert the channels to analog. Thus the channel would be converted to analog at each analog TV at the customer’s house only & not at TWC office for all of them like they are doing now.

TWC has to carry the broadcast stations unencrypted. I think carrying it out of band would qualify as encryption.

They are required to provide service analog TV sets thru FEB 2012. They may do this with an actual analog signal or by providing a digital converter, which they may charge for. I think most cable systems will go to all digital before 2012, but they are balancing buying a bunch of digital converters with a limited useful life against hoping the analog TV sets will be replced by customers.

looks like WBTW has finished upgrading to HD syndication. How much longer should it be before 5.1 is re-enabled?

can bob or WFXB (if hes still around) tell me why they are not letterboxing any of the games or primetime tv? Because they are squeezing the full HD frame in the SD feed. I can even see the local station bug on the SD feed. Because the games look terrible squeezed. Can't even read the football scorebug. Also shows like Family Guy look terrible. The HD feed is fine though with no problems.

How are you watching? Off Air, Cable, Satellite?

TWC in johnsonville, sc Is it a TWC problem?

TWC in johnsonville, sc Is it a TWC problem?

TWC has not enabled AFD in their receivers that feed the analog channel.. so it will not follow the aspect ratio control codes sent by FOX.

so what do I need to do? Call TWC, but I don't think none of the techs would have any clue. On what I'm talking about enabling AFD.

I have to do that corporately thru the proper channels. Standby.

Update: TWC has to update the OTA demods firmware during tonight's overnight maintenance window.
So it should be corrected for the next game. If not, please let me know.

hey bob, thanks I noticed last night that primetime programming was letterbox. Everything's good now. :)

Ya welcome, appreciate the report back.! :)

CNA has reared its ugly head again! All had been good for a couple of months but CNA is back! A tech guy is coming tomorrow but that is how we started 3 or 4 years ago! I wish I could have a dish. I spend almost $200 a month with TW and their **** never works like it should.

Tech guy said all is fine, no reason why I have the CNA problems! Well there must be a reason and we will keep being a pest until we find out!

hey Bob, I know you work with fox and all. But do you have any connections to WBTW? It's been three months since they started the HD syndication migration. And they still have not re-enabled 5.1 yet.....

No, Sorry I don't.

Just got back from a visit to my folks in Myrtle Beach. They have basic analog cable and phone from TWC. I tried channel search on two LCD TVs and got no digital channels. One TV showed encrypted digital channels. In the past, TWC delivered clear QAM on locals in Greensboro. It's disappointing that they will get no HD without a cable box and digital service.

One good thing is the WMYF (NBC) comes in great with only the most basic indoor antenna. However, on the Visio 32" LCD, it ti three menus deep to switch from cable to OTA so the old folks will never do it.

WPDE is currently in the process of installing a new set. It will take two weeks to finish. I asked the general manager, if they will be HD. But sadly, it will be 16:9 SD only. He told me that they have the HD cameras, but are not yet ready for HD.

Just got back from a visit to my folks in Myrtle Beach. They have basic analog cable and phone from TWC. I tried channel search on two LCD TVs and got no digital channels. One TV showed encrypted digital channels. In the past, TWC delivered clear QAM on locals in Greensboro. It's disappointing that they will get no HD without a cable box and digital service.

One good thing is the WMYF (NBC) comes in great with only the most basic indoor antenna. However, on the Visio 32" LCD, it ti three menus deep to switch from cable to OTA so the old folks will never do it.


Some of the earlier HDTVs have 2 inputs like mine. One is the the analog tuner & the other is an hd digital tuner. If that was the case you could connect the analog tv cable to the analog port & the ota antenna to the digital. But My Dad's tv has only one port. So I guess eh will be turning off the tv cable because he does not like them any way & putting an dish with an hdmi port on his tv. Then putting the antenna to the antenna port on the tv. You would think the the tv cable would give a stb with an hdmi out put as the same price as their analog expanded pack. But since hate those who get their local stations over antenna & bypass the tv cable. They want you to get every thing from them. Dish let you get the OTA your self or they can bring them to you. But the TV cable get angry when get channels with out them. I guess they are being bypassed of a chance of Filthy Lucre.

Some of the earlier HDTVs have 2 inputs like mine. One is the the analog tuner & the other is an hd digital tuner. If that was the case you could connect the analog tv cable to the analog port & the ota antenna to the digital. But My Dad's tv has only one port. So I guess eh will be turning off the tv cable because he does not like them any way & putting an dish with an hdmi port on his tv. Then putting the antenna to the antenna port on the tv. You would think the the tv cable would give a stb with an hdmi out put as the same price as their analog expanded pack. But since hate those who get their local stations over antenna & bypass the tv cable. They want you to get every thing from them. Dish let you get the OTA your self or they can bring them to you. But the TV cable get angry when get channels with out them. I guess they are being bypassed of a chance of Filthy Lucre.

For HDMI, they might want to soak you for a digital package. They will be threading their way thru the digital transition at least thru FEB 2012 and who knows what the transition path is. In Virginia, Comcast is giving folks a deal on a digital box for extended basic to wean folks off of analog (they are running analog cable channels in parallel on digital channels.

In Virginia, Comcast is giving folks a deal on a digital box for extended basic to wean folks off of analog (they are running analog cable channels in parallel on digital channels.

Time Warner is doing the same thing in SE North Carolina. Right now, customers can get a digital unit w/o cost for a year. Then they will sock it to them. Dirty thieves. By then, they may shut down analog.

Help! I am stuck in a condo with HTc basic cable. If I do a manual digital scan, will I at least pick up the local HD networks? CBS etc? Anyone know those for HTC down here at Pawleys Island? Thanks for any help.

Help! I am stuck in a condo with HTc basic cable. If I do a manual digital scan, will I at least pick up the local HD networks? CBS etc? Anyone know those for HTC down here at Pawleys Island? Thanks for any help.

If you have a window facing south west or an angle in the direction I would get a bow tie indoor antenna from Radio Shack. I would put it in the window & see if you can get WCSC CBS ota from Charleston. Try that.

Way back on April 20, 2010, WLOS-13 (Asheville) applied for FCC approval to modify its directional signal pattern. The cause was the need to install a new digital antenna on its tower to reduce the weight load. WLOS had discussed it with Media General, owner of WBTW-13, and stated in the application that WBTW would, in response, request permission to strengthen its non-directional signal from 31,600 watts to 54,700 watts. The FCC approved WLOS' request on July 20, 2010, but as of February 9, 2011 I have seen nothing at fcc.gov about any power increase for WBTW. It seems almost as if WBTW's power will not increase after all.

WBTW has finally after 8 months of going HD syndication. Re-enabled 5.1 audio, it took them way tooooo long.

If you have a window facing south west or an angle in the direction I would get a bow tie indoor antenna from Radio Shack. I would put it in the window & see if you can get WCSC CBS ota from Charleston. Try that.

I very seriously doubt you'd be able to get WCSC in MYB area with an inside antenna. HOWEVER, HTC, like all cable providers, is required by law to provide local over the air HD signals unscrambled at no cost to basic subscribers. The larger national providers (such as TWC) love to switch the channel positions for local HD around, but HTC is a local consumer owned company. If you do a scan on your HD TV you should find most or all of the locals in HD. The only problem is the distribution system in your condo may not pass the higher channels which HD channels usually occupy.

Wellll! I've been connected to TWC for one heck of a long time, with Road Runner too. After replacing my old"er" TV with a new Sony Internet TV and Sony Blu-ray player, I looked around the net for a DVR with an M-card to replace <ahem> update my perfectly good older DVR. I must have been in "happy land" for too long, not keeping up with the tec boom, busy on my puter with Flight Simulator. This is where I found you folks and realized that buying a DVR into which to insert a TWC M-card is no longer possible. Sooo I went down to TWC and brought home a silver (they couldn't match my black units) DVR with an M-card installed and signed up for Digital.
Set it up to only to have it stop at E-13. Called TWC who is sending out a "tech", because resending a signal did not work, and with a replacement for the DVR because I noticed a scratch in the plastic front when I got home. If this does not work, I hope you folks will be available to assist a re"tired" old man.

We live just into Georgetown County, by the hospital in Murrels Inlet. Since we do we get only the Charleston NBC station. I was planning on watching the hockey game and the PGA this afternoon but the NBC station is having some kind of fund raiser so they will not show them. They said we could watch the sports on their CW station. We don't get the Charleston CW station, we get the MB station so there no way I can see the hockey or the golf. Thanks to TWC and the NBC Charleston station. We don't get the NBC MB station except for local news sometimes. This is really a bigger issue than just today but I needed to vent! Thanks for reading!

Living a half mile from you as the crow flies I could not agree with you more. This has happened before.

I also don't like the fact that the station in question has "TV" sound and no Dolby.

Of course, you do realize that since the WMBF-TV transmiter is your closest station (probably about 10 miles), you should be able to easily pick it up over the air, maybe with a bent paper clip, but certainly with a $4 bow tie. Look at it this way, you recieve all the Charleston stations, which is about 80 miles away, and the 2 Florence stations, which is also about 80 miles away, but neither of the MYB stations, which are less than 20 miles away. Yeah, it really is crazy!

My HD does not have a tuner and we live in a condo with no exclusive use area outside so I really am stuck.

One amazing thing about the Charleston stations -- if you watch their news they do not have any weather for our area. It really is a stupid set up but there is really nothing we can do except to get the FCC to change the DMA rules. Like that will happen!

Well, at least the good people of Laurinburg NC, which is about 100 miles from Myrtle Beach, recieve WMBF on cable and satelite, though they don't stand a chance of getting it OTA. But kjp, if you could get your hands on a ota converter box, you could surely get WMBF with an inside antenna, though of course it wouldn't be hd.

What's wrong with a OTA HD tuner STB? And write receive on the blackboard 100 times.

Do they still carry WIS-10 on cable in the Grand Strand areas like they used to? Used to be they would carry a wide variety of stations from Wilmington, Florence, Columbia and Charleston.

Do they still carry WIS-10 on cable in the Grand Strand areas like they used to? Used to be they would carry a wide variety of stations from Wilmington, Florence, Columbia and Charleston.
No, neither WIS nor WECT is carried anywhere in the Myrtle Beach/Florence DMA. Don't forget, WMBF, WIS, and WECT are all owned by Raycom, who obviously has a "deal" with Time Warner (Raycom also owns WCSC--talk about excessive media concentration). HTC also dropped WIS and WECT, though they may still carry WCSC. And, thanks Gary for your spelling lesson--hope it made you feel better.

Didn't Horry county used to get WWAY on cable for a long time? I think it got dropped when Raycom owned the station briefly for a period about 5 or 6 yrs ago. Time Warner and Raycom do not like offering out of market stations from the way it looks... If you don't get news or weather from the station you do get, I would complain to the station.

bdfox18doe : Are you associated with WOLO in Columbia SC? I saw that WOLO now has METV on the sub as 25-4. I wonder if there is a chance METV could be broadcast on WFXB 43.4 We sure would watch it if WFXB did show it.

David

bdfox18doe : Are you associated with WOLO in Columbia SC? I saw that WOLO now has METV on the sub as 25-4. I wonder if there is a chance METV could be broadcast on WFXB 43.4 We sure would watch it if WFXB did show it. David


Only a slight association with WOLO..;)..And yes, MeTv is coming to WFXB..
When we get the installation completed that is..Sitting here now looking at a pile of servers and equipment for all 3 stations.:)

Only a slight association with WOLO..;)..And yes, MeTv is coming to WFXB..
When we get the installation completed that is..Sitting here now looking at a pile of servers and equipment for all 3 stations.:)

I'll look forward to seeing some MeTV! When the weather warms up a little again, I'm able to watch FOX 43 every evening and morning.:D

Only a slight association with WOLO..;)..And yes, MeTv is coming to WFXB..
When we get the installation completed that is..Sitting here now looking at a pile of servers and equipment for all 3 stations.:)

That is GREAT news.

We do watch WFXB a lot. I love the top 5 at 10 news & the “not the news” the follows. I wish the FOX news network had 30 minute national & world news in the evening.

WFXB whomps out the power in Myrtle Beach.& it is easy to receive WFXB with an indoor antenna like a bow tie.

We look forward to watching Me TV when it come on WFXB. You can forward this to your sales department to show those buying commercials.

Do they still carry WIS-10 on cable in the Grand Strand areas like they used to? Used to be they would carry a wide variety of stations from Wilmington, Florence, Columbia and Charleston.

In the Georgetown headend (where we live), TWC is still carrying WIS as a legacy analog channel on RF channel 10. And they are also carrying WIS-DT in the clear on QAM (maps to 10-1 on QAM-capable sets, and 11xx on their STB). BTW we ALSO still get ch 2 analog NBC from Charleston.

This situation is a pet peeve of mine; we get "distant" DT/HD affils but not the logical, closer locals. WMBF (Myrtle Beach) for example is a grade A signal here, their 2000 foot stick is less than 30 miles away, and can be received with a wet noodle on the OTA antenna input. TWC here does not carry either an analog or digital signal from WMBF! The ONLY HD NBC affil we get is WIS, which is over 140 miles away. Their local news and weather coverage is great for the midlands, but doesn't have anything to do with the Grand Strand area.

In addition, our only FOX HD channel is WTAT 24 from Charleston, while the much closer, WFXB 43, stick even closer than WMBF, is not carried in either SD analog or DT/HD.

Similarly, the ONLY ABC DT/HD we get is from WCIV (Charleston, over 60 miles away), while WPDE-15 (Florence/Myrtle Beach) is closer and also more relevant with the local news/weather. We do at least get the legacy analog version of WPDE on RF channel 9.

CBS is similarly screwed up. The ONLY DT/HD CBS channel carried is WCSC 5 (Charleston), while WWBT 13 (Florence/Myrtle Beach DMA) would be a better, more logical choice. We do still get WWBT analog on RF channel 13, as well as WCSC on 5. I find myself watching a lot of crappy SD analog channels just to get relevant news and weather...

It would seem that if we get 2 or more SD/analog legacy "local" channels, we should also be offered their DT/HD counterparts. But if only one is going to be carried, it should be the closest local, not something from an "over-the-horizon" station 140 miles away. I don't know how the "must carry" or similar rules apply in this new mix of SD analog and DT, but we are not getting the logical choices in our market.

WMBF news is in the clear.

WMBF news is in the clear.

Not here in Georgetown! WMBF is not on our head-end in either analog or digital form whatsoever.

Not in Murrells Inlet if you live in G'town county. It is on sometimes in the 100's but not so you can schedule anything. I am really tired of seeing Charleston stations and the ads for stuff I will never buy there. I live in a condo, can't have a dish (no exclusive use area) and no real place to put a TV antenna.

Not in Murrells Inlet if you live in G'town county. It is on sometimes in the 100's but not so you can schedule anything. I am really tired of seeing Charleston stations and the ads for stuff I will never buy there. I live in a condo, can't have a dish (no exclusive use area) and no real place to put a TV antenna.
Wouldn't make any difference if you had a dish---you would still only receive Charleston channels as local--in fact you would not even get WBTW and WPDE as you probably now do on cable. Again, the best thing to do is get hold of some kind of Digital tuner box and and a small indoor UHF antenna. WMBF is by far the closest TV station to your location (just southwest of Surfside Beach, just across the ICW) and should be easy to receive.

I just went to Dish Network and checked my local channels for my zip code. They are all the MB/Florence channels, nothing from Charleston but WIS out of Columbia. We do get the local NBC station on the dish.

I just went to Dish Network and checked my local channels for my zip code. They are all the MB/Florence channels, nothing from Charleston but WIS out of Columbia. We do get the local NBC station on the dish.

Hummm--is the actual town of Murrels Inlet in Horry County? In that case, the zip code would account for you getting the wrong line-up. In any case, you would not get WIS--that's probably left over from the days before WMBF came on---Florence-Myrtle Beach got WIS back in those days.

MI is not an actual town, parts of it are in Horry and parts of it (most) is in Georgetown. We live in G'town by about 300 yards. This is all part of the DMA from the FCC

I get WMBF news on channel 124 in Pawleys Island.

I get WMBF news on channel 124 in Pawleys Island.

...and here in G'tn on 124 we get WIS-10-2 (Weather subchannel).

We get WMBF on 124 also but you never know for sure what will be on. The local news seems to "always" be there but with a 60in HD TV we watch very few if any stations that are not in HD.

Last night I did some over the air scanning around and found some channels I had never seen before.

An analog on channel 11 that had Georgetown and Local News mentioned on it. I could get no sound, just static, but there was a visible picture.

Then I got some weird channels on digital labeled 9.8 and 9.9. Calls were "RF9-8 & RF9-9" There was a solid signal, but no audio or video. Do these have something to do with the SC ETV? I can take a picture of the banner if anyone is interested.

Last night I did some over the air scanning around and found some channels I had never seen before.

An analog on channel 11 that had Georgetown and Local News mentioned on it. I could get no sound, just static, but there was a visible picture.

WGSI-CA. It has a permit to flash-cut to digital on 11, but is currently still analog.

Then I got some weird channels on digital labeled 9.8 and 9.9. Calls were "RF9-8 & RF9-9" There was a solid signal, but no audio or video. Do these have something to do with the SC ETV? I can take a picture of the banner if anyone is interested.

http://www.rabbitears.info/market.php?request=station_search&callsign=whmc

:)

- Trip

Ahhh. I had never noticed update TV even existed.

Wow. My modified UHF really does have some VHF gain if it picked up that low a power.

We live just into Georgetown County, by the hospital in Murrels Inlet. Since we do we get only the Charleston NBC station. I was planning on watching the hockey game and the PGA this afternoon but the NBC station is having some kind of fund raiser so they will not show them. They said we could watch the sports on their CW station. We don't get the Charleston CW station, we get the MB station so there no way I can see the hockey or the golf. Thanks to TWC and the NBC Charleston station. We don't get the NBC MB station except for local news sometimes. This is really a bigger issue than just today but I needed to vent! Thanks for reading!

A lot depends on what side of the building you have window facing & the building that are around you. . If there is a window facing the direction of the tv station’s broadcast tower. If you happen to have a balcony facing west to Dillon where WBTW has their tower you may receive them with a pair of rabbit ears. If you have a pair they would need to be extend to about 26 inches for the wavelength of the freq they are using. But since they are VHF & are not very high in power you will have a better chance at the UHF stations running the FCC max of 1000000 watts. But since WMBF is so close you should receive them with an in door antenna like a bow tie.

If you do not have a stb from twc I can understand. Some new hd TVs will remove the un-received channels each time you scan. Thus when you go from twc to the antenna it is a long process. Some sets will let you keeps the channels. Thus it is not practical to switch you tv antenna back a forth from the antenna to the cable if you deletes the use received channels each time you witch & scan. One way around it is to use the twc’s stb & connect it to the hdmi & connect tv tuner to the antenna. But then your cable bill is more to pay for the stb. Thus some thing that used to be as simple as a ab switch when every thing was analog is a pain on the digital world.

I too live in Murrells Inlet. It seems that at least with DirecTV you may be able to get either the Charleton or Myrtle Beach Stations if you call them and pick which county you want. Georgetown will get you the Charleston stations and Horry the Myrtle Beach ones.

I live in Horry county about 2 miles or so from the border. When I signed up for DTV they said I was suppose to get the Charleston stations. When I called and told them I was in Horry I got the Myrtle stations. Seems since the zip code is in both counties all you have to do is pick one.

I tried to get both but no go. :mad

Media-General bailing on VHF, petitioned to move WBTW from 13 to 41.

- Trip

Media-General bailing on VHF, petitioned to move WBTW from 13 to 41.

- Tripwth?? they were doing pretty good on channel 13, why all of a sudden they want to leave their "name sake" frequency for channel 41?

would'nt their reach take a hit from the move?

Media-General bailing on VHF, petitioned to move WBTW from 13 to 41.

- Trip

They must figure they will have a stronger signal on UHF, as VHF digital has been problematic in many areas. In NC, WGHP moved back to 35 after having reception problems on 8. But I think WBTW's signal power and direction was limited to protect WLOS-13 out of Asheville, who has reception issues as well. Speaking of WLOS, wish they could go back to UHF also, and would like to see Media General move WSPA back to UHF like they're trying to do with WBTW. But realize that probably can't happen.

Media-General bailing on VHF, petitioned to move WBTW from 13 to 41.

- Trip

If WBTW had just gotten the ch 13 I might be able to understand the restriction the FCC has put on the ch 13. But since WBTW has had that ch since 1962 over an 840’ tower in Florence. Then in 1980 with the FCC VHF max at 316k ERP on a 2000’ tower; It seems foolish for the FCC not granting them the License to run at 20 percent of the analog [316k] the DTV VHF Hi max at 60k ERP. At UHF they run at 20 percent of the analog UHF [5mg] at 1-mg ERP. Just because they are using DTV signal is not going to make a weak signal do as good as the strong analog signal. I also think the FCC miscalculated the noise at VHF that is not at UHF. It would seem to me that VHF would need a stronger ERP that UHF has to overcome the noise.

the DTV VHF Hi max at 60k ERPi think the Maximum VHF ERP is a bit higher than that, WXIA 11 (DT 10) in Atlanta runs at 80kw and its a high-VHF station...unless 80 is the max, i havent seen any other Hi-VHF station that has topped that

It would seem to me that VHF would need a stronger ERP that UHF has to overcome the noise.i strongly agree with you on that one

i think the Maximum VHF ERP is a bit higher than that, WXIA 11 (DT 10) in Atlanta runs at 80kw and its a high-VHF station...unless 80 is the max, i havent seen any other Hi-VHF station that has topped that

The FCC power limit for upper-VHF is 160 kW, but that's good only up to 1000', after which point there's a sliding scale which produces a power limit of 30 kW at 2000'.

WBTW at 31.6 kW is at the power limit for their height of 1961'.

- Trip

The FCC power limit for upper-VHF is 160 kW, but that's good only up to 1000', after which point there's a sliding scale which produces a power limit of 30 kW at 2000'.

WBTW at 31.6 kW is at the power limit for their height of 1961'.

- Trip

It's going to be interesting to see how often I'll be able to see them in Ft Mill. I can get WBTW from time to time but usually get WFXB a lot more often. I'm blocked from Asheville (Mt Pisgah) by a hill so that has helped.

I guess a 1 million-watt UHF signal will have more punch for getting through walls and windows to reach set-top antennas within WBTW's market area. However for me, I bet it will mean I will rarely see WBTW any more. Roughly half of all nights I am able to see the 11pm news on WBTW. I am 111.5 miles from their tower - in the southeastern tip of Dorchester County (11 miles northwest of downtown Charleston, and 12 miles south/southeast of downtown Summerville). I am using a Winegard 7698, 42 ft above sea level. The relatively long wavelength of the VHF-13 signal works wonders for getting WBTW's signal this far. Bye-bye to that on ch.41, probably. On the other hand, most nights I receive WTEV (ch. 19) from Jacksonville, Florida, often up to 28 db signal-to-noise ratio. Their tower is only 1,000 ft tall. Having almost nothing but ocean between that tower and me works wonders.

I had read, back about April 20, 2010, at rabbitears.info that, in response to a change in the signal pattern of WLOS, WBTW would petition the FCC for an increase from 31.6 kwatts to 54.7 kwatts. WLOS' petition for the pattern change actually stated this. The FCC approved WLOS' petition by late July, yet I never saw an application at fcc.gov from WBTW for the power increase. Now I know why.

I guess a 1 million-watt UHF signal will have more punch for getting through walls and windows to reach set-top antennas within WBTW's market area. However for me, I bet it will mean I will rarely see WBTW any more. Roughly half of all nights I am able to see the 11pm news on WBTW. I am 111.5 miles from their tower - in the southeastern tip of Dorchester County (11 miles northwest of downtown Charleston, and 12 miles south/southeast of downtown Summerville). I am using a Winegard 7698, 42 ft above sea level. The relatively long wavelength of the VHF-13 signal works wonders for getting WBTW's signal this far. Bye-bye to that on ch.41, probably. On the other hand, most nights I receive WTEV (ch. 19) from Jacksonville, Florida, often up to 28 db signal-to-noise ratio. Their tower is only 1,000 ft tall. Having almost nothing but ocean between that tower and me works wonders.

I had read, back about April 20, 2010, at rabbitears.info that, in response to a change in the signal pattern of WLOS, WBTW would petition the FCC for an increase from 31.6 kwatts to 54.7 kwatts. WLOS' petition for the pattern change actually stated this. The FCC approved WLOS' petition by late July, yet I never saw an application at fcc.gov from WBTW for the power increase. Now I know why.

do you ever receive WPDE 16 from Florence? Their tower is just about a mile from WBTW. What about WWAY 46 from Wilmington Also how well do you receive the Savannah stations?

I always thought WPDE and WBTW were on the same tower. :o I hardly ever get WPDE, but WFXB comes in often. I also get the ETV on both VHF 7 and 9 a lot. I only get WBTW maybe two or three times a year.

Media General is also trying to switch WNCT 10 to 45 up here. That will make tuning WECT and WWAY more difficult for a three, maybe 4 county area.:mad:

I always thought WPDE and WBTW were on the same tower. :o I hardly ever get WPDE, but WFXB comes in often. I also get the ETV on both VHF 7 and 9 a lot. I only get WBTW maybe two or three times a year.

Media General is also trying to switch WNCT 10 to 45 up here. That will make tuning WECT and WWAY more difficult for a three, maybe 4 county area.:mad:

WPDE & WBTW are on 2 seperate towers. WBTW's tower is a little taller aprox 200' taller. I do not think WECT & WWAY will be affected in this digital world by ch 45. In the days of analog that was a different story. In the old days the FCC would not assign 2 channels one above the other unless there was gap in the freq band between the 2. Today they will assign then one right on top of the other with out a problem. In Wilmington WUNJ has ch 29 & WSFX has ch 30.

There will be no co-channel problem. Before the June 12, 2009 transition, here in Charleston WITV-7 was on channel 49, while WCBD was channel 50 before and after June 12, 2009. Zero problem.

We have 630kw WCIV-34 (ABC), 1,713 ft above the ground. I am 23.4 miles west of the tower. A few nights ago, with my antenna aimed at Jacksonville, Florida, I actually got WCWJ-34 from Jacksonville. I rotated the antenna and quickly got WCIV.

WPDE's tower is newer than WBTW's and is about 6 or 7 ft taller. WPDE's 421kw channel 16 signal is directional towards Florence and the Grand Strand (so I rarely get it), while WBTW is non-directional. Those of us on the absolute fringe of WBTW could conceivably get it better on ch. 41 at 1 million watts, 1961 ft, than on ch. 13 at 31.6kw. Most nights I get WJBF-42 from Augusta (106.5 miles away), and often it is 29 to 31 dB SNR.

There will be no co-channel problem. Before the June 12, 2009 transition, here in Charleston WITV-7 was on channel 49, while WCBD was channel 50 before and after June 12, 2009. Zero problem.

We have 630kw WCIV-34 (ABC), 1,713 ft above the ground. I am 23.4 miles west of the tower. A few nights ago, with my antenna aimed at Jacksonville, Florida, I actually got WCWJ-34 from Jacksonville. I rotated the antenna and quickly got WCIV.

WPDE's tower is newer than WBTW's and is about 6 or 7 ft taller. WPDE's 421kw channel 16 signal is directional towards Florence and the Grand Strand (so I rarely get it), while WBTW is non-directional. Those of us on the absolute fringe of WBTW could conceivably get it better on ch. 41 at 1 million watts, 1961 ft, than on ch. 13 at 31.6kw. Most nights I get WJBF-42 from Augusta (106.5 miles away), and often it is 29 to 31 dB SNR.


How well to you get WRDW ch 12 from Augusta ?

I get WRDW-12 (20.2kw) approximately the same times that I get WAGT-30 and WJBF-42. Most of those times it is 2 to 4 dB weaker than WJBF. On rare occasions, when atmospheric conditions seem especially favorable for VHF and awful for UHF I can see WRDW at at least 26 dB SNR and not see WAGT or WJBF at all.

I get WRDW-12 (20.2kw) approximately the same times that I get WAGT-30 and WJBF-42. Most of those times it is 2 to 4 dB weaker than WJBF. On rare occasions, when atmospheric conditions seem especially favorable for VHF and awful for UHF I can see WRDW at at least 26 dB SNR and not see WAGT or WJBF at all.

I guess that proves the theory of the FCC for ERP assignments. But that is with a door antenna. With an indoor antenna UHF come inside better at the expense of a high electric bill for the TV station.

If WBTW does move to UHF then I hope some one could buy or lease the old ch 8 tower in Florence on TV road behind the WBTW’s original studios. They could repair that antenna system & run 13 at 160k because it is only 840’ & have a good range for a lot cheaper electric cost that UHF at 1mg ERP. It would be a great place for ION [used to be PAX network] network. The 840 tower has a ch 13 antenna on the top but some thing is wrong with it. When ch8 was it was very strong on Conway but weak when it was changed to 13.

They could repair that antenna system & run 13 at 160k because it is only 840’ & have a good range for a lot cheaper electric cost that UHF at 1mg ERP.

I wonder if that would be the remedy for VHF nightmares. In brief, higher power and shorter towers. The signal density would be increased in the primary service area while reducing the potential for fringe QRM.

I'll focus on the Dallas-Ft. Worth market since it's what I know and KTVT was our problem station on RF-11 with 23 kW at 1707' HAAT. If they ran, say, 110 kW but at only 1100' HAAT, I'd surmise the signal would be good and hot where it counts while not interfering with co-channel KSWO and adjacent channel KXII.

Engineers, consultants, Trip? What say you about "higher power/lower tower" to maybe redeem VHF?

No. KMBC bailed on channel 7 due to many reception complaints even though they had 85 kW and a permit for channel 9 at 116 kW. They're now happily putting out 1000 kW on channel 29 with no complaints.

Even if you greatly improve VHF power at low heights, you're still fighting against antennas with negative gain at VHF frequencies but positive gain at UHF, and you lose the fringe viewers who actually have antennas capable of pulling it in.

WPLG and WSVN in Miami went from 22 kW and 30 kW to 127.7 kW and 158 kW, respectively, but I only know one person down there and he continues to have trouble with those signals. (An anecdote isn't a trend, of course.)

I don't really know a lot of people in markets where VHFs have boosted power into the 100 kW range after having been at a much lower power, which is too bad because that information would be really helpful, but I would imagine that if it was the magic elixir, we'd have heard more about it.

- Trip

If WBTW does move to UHF then I hope some one could buy or lease the old ch 8 tower in Florence on TV road behind the WBTW’s original studios. They could repair that antenna system & run 13 at 160k because it is only 840’ & have a good range for a lot cheaper electric cost that UHF at 1mg ERP. It would be a great place for ION [used to be PAX network] network. The 840 tower has a ch 13 antenna on the top but some thing is wrong with it.now that i think about every time i drive through Florence i never thought there was an old channel 8 tower, unless its that 800ft tower thats near interstate 95..if so then i was wrong thinking it was WJPM channel 33 all along; anyways here an idea, if i was WMBF 32 i would utilize that tower and have OTA coverage for the western half of the "proposed" viewing area, mainly for Florence.

I never have gotten WWAY or WECT. I used to get WUNJ-29 (Wilmington) 3 or 4 times per month, but never now, due to a new la raza station on ch 29 here in North Charleston, a couple of miles to my north. I get WPDE-16 less than once per month. The Savannah stations, whose towers are 91 to 93.5 miles away come in most nights. At its strongest, WSAV-39 (1Mwatt) is up to 31 dB SNR, WGSA-35 (1Mw) is 1 to 2 dB weaker, and WJCL-22 (350kw) is maximum 27 dB SNR. WTOC-11 (24.4kw) is viewable as often as the Savannah UHFs are, and tends to be maximum 27dB SNR. Reception of Fox Savannah is rare.

now that i think about every time i drive through Florence i never thought there was an old channel 8 tower, unless its that 800ft tower thats near interstate 95..if so then i was wrong thinking it was WJPM channel 33 all along; anyways here an idea, if i was WMBF 32 i would utilize that tower and have OTA coverage for the western half of the "proposed" viewing area, mainly for Florence.

That is WBTW’s old tower on TV road north of I95 on TV road. WJPM is about as high but more west of I95 & south of TV road.

I agree, I would have thought WMBF would have used a tower more inland. Since the ETV in Charleston uses a side mount on WCSC’s tower & the same company that owns WCSC owns WMBF; I would think they could work a deal to trade the space that WITV ch 7 is using for Charleston to get space on the side of the Conway WHMC tower.

If WFBX would even think about leasing space side mount on their tower would cover Florence better.

But they did not ask me, ha ha.

Like the FCC thinks thou, you would think they would be trying to make better use of the AM radio channel & more efficient. The current AM radio waste most of the power in the carrier & they have 2 sidebands with same information. You would think they would remove a side band & replace with a digital signal. But they did not ask me as well.

WMBF can't move in-land since they're co-channel with WRLK in Columbia.

- Trip

WMBF can't move in-land since they're co-channel with WRLK in Columbia.

- Trip

They are almost right on top of each other... WMBF can't do anything unless they change channels.

They are almost right on top of each other... WMBF can't do anything unless they change channels.

That may be why WMBF does not cover Florence well.

Now that the analog is gone there should be some channels they left. Like 19, 23, 25, 26, 27, 33, 35 & 43 I the list keeps going.

They might could buy from the SC ETV an old antennas they use to need for channels they did use for analog TV.

That may be why WMBF does not cover Florence well.

Now that the analog is gone there should be some channels they left. Like 19, 23, 25, 26, 27, 33, 35 & 43 I the list keeps going.

They might could buy from the SC ETV an old antennas they use to need for channels they did use for analog TV.true, i mean im sure some of the stations kept the equipment for those old channel allocations, just beam via STL to the towers and light up lets say "hypothetically" channel 25 since WOLO-TV no longer uses it...on paper it looks like a simple fix for WMBF to do so

If WBTW moves from ch. 13 to ch. 41, and if it turned out that none of the UHF channels David mentioned is suitable, it would seem to be an improvement for WMBF if they moved to ch. 13 and transmitted from the top of WBTW's tower. Especially if the WLOS pattern change allowed them to get permission for at least some power increase, maybe to 40kw. Their signal along the Grand Strand would be somewhat weaker than now on ch. 32, but would it not still get the job done? They would substantially more than double their coverage area, including blanketing Florence County with a powerful signal. Also, instead of using WBTW's non-directional pattern, if WBMF went to ch. 13 on WBTW's tower, it would seem they could really crank up the power if they switched to an extremely directional pattern aimed heavily toward the Grand Strand. Aim a 100kw signal from southern Dillon County south/southeastward, (and thus avoid interfering with ch. 13 in Jacksonville, Florida), with a secondary lobe west/southwestward toward Florence.

I perceive, though, that Raycom is satisfied to continue with WMBF putting a strong signal onto the Grand Strand and cover little else. If a ch. 41 option is available to WBTW, then it has been available to WMBF too - in addition to other UHF frequencies - but Raycom has apparently done nothing to leave ch. 32.

According to the FCC's website, there is absolutely nothing on channel 37 in North Carolina or South Carolina. No regular stations, no low-powered stations, no translators - nothing. I would say WMBF's problem of being hemmed in on channel 32 by WITN to the northeast and WRLK to the west is solved. They can build a 2,000-ft tower in Horry County or far northern Georgetown County and transmit a 1 million-watt non-directional signal on channel 37.

There's nothing anywhere on the continent on channel 37 because it's reserved for radio astronomy.

- Trip

There's nothing anywhere on the continent on channel 37 because it's reserved for radio astronomy.

- Trip


You'd think the RF experts here would know that! :)

If WBTW moves from ch. 13 to ch. 41, and if it turned out that none of the UHF channels David mentioned is suitable, it would seem to be an improvement for WMBF if they moved to ch. 13 and transmitted from the top of WBTW's tower. Especially if the WLOS pattern change allowed them to get permission for at least some power increase, maybe to 40kw. Their signal along the Grand Strand would be somewhat weaker than now on ch. 32, but would it not still get the job done? They would substantially more than double their coverage area, including blanketing Florence County with a powerful signal. Also, instead of using WBTW's non-directional pattern, if WBMF went to ch. 13 on WBTW's tower, it would seem they could really crank up the power if they switched to an extremely directional pattern aimed heavily toward the Grand Strand. Aim a 100kw signal from southern Dillon County south/southeastward, (and thus avoid interfering with ch. 13 in Jacksonville, Florida), with a secondary lobe west/southwestward toward Florence.

I perceive, though, that Raycom is satisfied to continue with WMBF putting a strong signal onto the Grand Strand and cover little else. If a ch. 41 option is available to WBTW, then it has been available to WMBF too - in addition to other UHF frequencies - but Raycom has apparently done nothing to leave ch. 32.

From what I see on the FCC site, the SCETV ch 7 WITV is on the top & higher than WCSC. If the SCETV had still left the ch 23 at the top on the Conway then do an even trade. Let the SCETV use Raycom tower space for WITV & let Raycom use the ch 23 antenna.

I really have to commend the folks at WFXB of where to put a tower. There is not any of WFXB’s city grade signal wasted into the ocean or wasted into other market like Wilmington, Charleston & Columbia. But it still covers the grand strand with a very strong signal as well as Florence.; Also their signal goes into an area that none of the markets’ FOX signal reaches like Bennettesville & Dillon SC & Pembroke & Redsprings NC area.

I have heard though some folks in the area used to get WECT analog at the expense of down town Wilmington’s city grade signal. Thus WECT put the digital transmitter on a tower soul of Wilmington & those folks lost that strong signal. Raycom intended for WMBF to fill that void on the SC area. Also for the NC area from WECT. Those in NC can get WECT with a very strong yagi antenna & a good low noise preamp. But those in SC WMBF is a now show & have really with the extra equip can get WECT.

So to the folks making the decision at WFXB, GREAT WISDOM & GREAT DECISION!

I really have to commend the folks at WFXB of where to put a tower. There is not any of WFXB’s city grade signal wasted into the ocean or wasted into other market like Wilmington, Charleston & Columbia. But it still covers the grand strand with a very strong signal as well as Florence.; ...So to the folks making the decision at WFXB, GREAT WISDOM & GREAT DECISION!

Well, Thanks David..but those of us currently here had nothing to do with where the tower was placed. However, my boss & predecessor..(now retired) is an RF whiz who knows how to properly engineer a RF system to get top performance like WFXB has. It was his plan that was used to rebuild WFXB-DT that worked.

A lot of these towers were put up before all these current so called 'markets' were drawn up weren't they? Didn't stations like WBTW once serve Fayetteville? Before WRAL or WTVD got a signal in there?

bdfox please tell me that when you put Me-tv up, you won't take down the weather channel. Because I use that channel alot especially when bad weather is around. If you aren't going to take it down, how are you able to do two sub channels? I thought the splicer only allows for one sub.

bdfox please tell me that when you put Me-tv up, you won't take down the weather channel. Because I use that channel alot especially when bad weather is around. If you aren't going to take it down, how are you able to do two sub channels? I thought the splicer only allows for one sub.


WOLO in Columbia has METV on 25.4 & left the toher channels as they aready were. I assume on WFXB METV will be over 43.4

A lot of these towers were put up before all these current so called 'markets' were drawn up weren't they? Didn't stations like WBTW once serve Fayetteville? Before WRAL or WTVD got a signal in there?

WRAL and WTVD were the local stations in Fayetteville long before WBTW ever thought about going there, but that's not to say WBTW didn't also want to serve the Fayetteville metro, but things don't always turn out the way you hope...

Weather on WFXB-DT will remain on 43.3..and MeTv will be 43.4..That is whenever I get time to go install it..hopefully up by the end of June..Plus all of the encoding and mux equipment gets replaced with newer high-efficiency units. So there is quite a bit of work to do.

bd any chance of TWC getting Metv at launch? Or will it be a few months later like what happened with the weather subchannel.

Hi - I'm a confirmed non-techie in Pawleys Island and was hoping I could find a little help on here understanding my ability/inability to pick up ETV broadcasts.

I've got basic Time Warner cable, no convertor boxes, and two HDTV's - a nice Sony and a cheapo Sanyo. Both have internal QAM tuners, so I run "Auto-Program" scans occasionally on both TV's to locate "in-the-clear" digital and HD channels, including ETV.

Until several weeks ago, I was able to get HD broadcasts of three SC PBS channels on both TV's - (1) ETV, (2) SC Channel, and (3) ETV-World. At some point, SC Channel and ETV-World disappeared from the Sony, but is still available on my Sanyo. I assumed there was a minor tweak in the digital channel used for broadcasting these two stations, so I ran the auto-program scan on the Sony TV. Still couldn't get them so I waited a few days and re-ran the auto-program scan. Same results, and I'm bummed. I double-checked to make sure no channels were blocked.

My question - with both of these TV's receiving signals via my T-W cable, why would some digital channels be available via QAM to one TV but not to the other? All comments are appreciated. Thanks.

Signal is too weak at the Sony. Try making sure the antenna is tight and scan again. If that doesn't do it, use a distribution amp.

Signal is too weak at the Sony. Try making sure the antenna is tight and scan again. If that doesn't do it, use a distribution amp.
THANK YOU!! :) I'm afraid I'm stuck in the analog age, never occurred to me that a weak signal would miss the channel altogether, instead of just poor video. Tried some cable swapping, but turns out the culprit was a splitter used to feed the incoming signal to a rarely used VCR. When I took that out of the loop and connected the Sony directly to the cable jack, the channels reappeared. Loss of these channels was a recent event, so I suspect the strength of my incoming signal has degraded, but regardless, I'm good to go for now.

One more question - I'm not familiar with a distribution amp, but if I replace the splitter with a distribution amp, do you think that will allow me to reconnect the VCR without affecting the signal to the TV?

Thanks again for your help.

BD its 5:42 pm on Sunday, and the race is not in HD. The race is letterbox, what's going on?

Edit: By the way, I'm on TWC.

Edit 2: At 6:09 pm they fixed it...

well according to WFXB (Not the News) facebook page....theres something on 43-4. It's got to be Metv, but I have TWC and can't confirm it. Anybody else confirm it?

well according to WFXB (Not the News) facebook page....theres something on 43-4. It's got to be Metv, but I have TWC and can't confirm it. Anybody else confirm it?

I guess if you had an antenna you could answer your own question..;)

hey by the way BD, why you switch the weather subchannel from 16x9 to 4x3?

well according to WFXB (Not the News) facebook page....theres something on 43-4. It's got to be Metv, but I have TWC and can't confirm it. Anybody else confirm it?

MeTV is on 43.4, and even with 4 channels Regis and Kelly look & sound better on WFXB than it does on WNCT with only 2 channels.

The weather on 43.3 is still 16X9 on my TV.

It's fixed now on TWC back to 16x9....

Thought 43-4 metv wouldnt be up till around end of june. BTW 43-4 looks squeezed horizontally for me on Samsung un40xc7000.

I guess if you had an antenna you could answer your own question..;)
You folks at WFXB are doing a great job. I just love METV.

Media-General bailing on VHF, petitioned to move WBTW from 13 to 41.

- Trip

I could really understand why WBTW wants to change from ch 13 to UHF 41 today. When the lightning was strike the screen would lock up & the sound would stop. It was difficult to understand what they were saying on the news. But on WPDE ch 15 the storm had no affect on the reception.

I have seen news on other web site the FCC has a freeze on tv channel changes. But is seems WBTW already got their request in before the freeze. Seems the wireless wants some of the UHF. But they do not want the VHF. So the FCC is looking about getting some of the stations back into VHF. One of their options was to just let the VHF stations increase the power. But from what I have read at the blog is some are not sure that even a lot more power will over come the noise like lighting like the UHF tv stations do. I am sure that if the FCC continues on that proposal we will be hearing a lot about.

Ok can someone clarify what I'm seeing when watching WFXB 43-3 wx and 43-4 MeTV? On my HDtv I have it set to display standard definition 4x3 material in it's OAR w/ side bars. If I turn to 43-3 wx and any other SD channel with 4x3 material it displays normally with black sidebars. But if I turn to 43-4 MeTV the picture is squeezed horizontally with extra wide black side bars.

In order to get 43-4 to look like normal 4x3 material with normal black side bars I have to set my tv to stretch the picture wide. But when I do this all other SD channels (even 43-3 wx) with 4x3 material is stretched out to the screen edges removing the black side bars.

Ok can someone clarify what I'm seeing when watching WFXB 43-3 wx and 43-4 MeTV?.

Both are 16:9 "Widescreen" SD sources. 43-4 MeTv is 4x3 programming placed in a 16:9 frame. This is due to future programming on 43-4 that will be presented in 16:9 Widescreen format. WCCB and WOLO are done the same way. Based on what you describe D, I'd say that your tv does not handle the 16:9 flag properly.

Both are 16:9 "Widescreen" SD sources. 43-4 MeTv is 4x3 programming placed in a 16:9 frame. This is due to future programming on 43-4 that will be presented in 16:9 Widescreen format. WCCB and WOLO are done the same way. Based on what you describe D, I'd say that your tv does not handle the 16:9 flag properly.

Yeah my tv's info bar says it's [480i 16:9] in it. BTW I'm using a Samsung UN40C7000 3D HDTV I got last October. It's not a problem. It just confused me because WRAZ Fox 50 out of Raleigh (which I don't pick up regularly) appeared to have MeTV broadcasting as a 4:3 "Non-Widescreen" SD source though they could be changing it to that themselves.

Also, do you know if TWC will be adding WFXB 43-4 to the Lumberton area lineup? Thanks for your input. It's always appreciated.

I see what you are talking about also Daryl when I pick up WFXB. Some channels do not like the "auto screen" or "screen fit" setting on my TV's and I have to change it to wide to get HD or go back to auto screen when I change the channel to a sub in 480i so the show won't be in "stretch-o-vision". ;)

Both are 16:9 "Widescreen" SD sources. 43-4 MeTv is 4x3 programming placed in a 16:9 frame. This is due to future programming on 43-4 that will be presented in 16:9 Widescreen format. WCCB and WOLO are done the same way. Based on what you describe D, I'd say that your tv does not handle the 16:9 flag properly.

I assume that the TV transmitter can not be easily changed from 16:9 to 4:3 & back forth. But in most sets /dtv st box , it is an easy option to change. I hate it when the original movie or show has already been cropped with the side of the wide screen are cut off to fit in a 4:3 . I prefer the station to let me zoom into 4:3 if I want. The tv cable does crop off the side from the ota of the 19:9 wide screen hd to fit the 4:3 analog channel. I can understand why because have seen the AMC network with it 16:9 over the analog channel. It was so blurry you could not read the any text on the screen. If they did the ota you could not read what the temperature forecast for the week when the station gives the local weather.

Tell your sells department when selling commercial time, we watch Metv more than any other channel.

You guys at WFXB are doing a fine job.

Yep I picked up WRAZ's MeTV lastnight and they were broadcasting a 4:3 "Non-Widescreen" source like I thought.

ok I got good news and bad news.....

Good news: We got Metv now on TWC in Johnsonville, SC.
Bad news: They replaced WFXB-WX with MeTV. Why can't we have both??

WFXB-WX should be channel 126
MeTV should be channel 127

The reason why I'm having such a fuss over losing the WX channel. Is because its the best weather subchannel in this DMA.

TWC has both of the WMBF subchannels, but WFXB can't? What the heck??? :mad:

I guess if you had an antenna you could answer your own question..;)


It seems the volume is lower on 43.4 that the other channels. But do not lose any sleep or put in any over time cost to WFXB for just that. I can turn up the volume.

I wish we had an over the air only forum. It seems that most here are problems caused by the TV cable & not the station. I would seem to me that would be very easy to resolve. Just call the TV cable or go to their office & tell them. I can say one thing for a local phone/TV cable provider. I have gone in & told them of problems. When they could not easily make the changes to their system, they would give me credit against my bill because they failed to provide good service. They gave me a $10.00 credit for a year. But I first had told them I was going to take my Internet to another provider & talk to the president of the company & his boss, the chairman of the board. I told them his name because I knew the chairman for most of my life.

WFXB, your signal from my antennas is doing just fine. I get 43-1, 43-2, 43-3 & 43-4. But if & when I ever move, first I will tell a realtor when looking for a place is, “ the place I am going to get must allow an small out door antenna. If not the site it unacceptable. The acceptance will be in writing.

I wish we had an over the air only forum. It seems that most here are problems caused by the TV cable & not the station. I would seem to me that would be very easy to resolve. Just call the TV cable or go to their office & tell them. I can say one thing for a local phone/TV cable provider. I have gone in & told them of problems. When they could not easily make the changes to their system, they would give me credit against my bill because they failed to provide good service. They gave me a $10.00 credit for a year.


Very good point. I just got several months free and a new HD receiver from Directv for calling and trying to cancel. I had all intentions of canceling, because I don't "need" this service, and I would just rather go rent some blue rays or buy them even... than have cable or dish. When I told them I had an antenna, that is when they went to work for me. I also don't need Faux news and the such, feeding me what they want me to think and not letting people make their own decisions. Anytime you question some event, they label one a "conspiracy theorist." That is because they want you to believe everything your told. They also want you to have cable, because then your exposed to more propaganda.

Weather on WFXB-DT will remain on 43.3..and MeTv will be 43.4..That is whenever I get time to go install it..hopefully up by the end of June..Plus all of the encoding and mux equipment gets replaced with newer high-efficiency units. So there is quite a bit of work to do.

So, you guys are running 4 streams????
What encoder are you using? Is it the Selenio?

Ray in the Winnabow Swamp.

So, you guys are running 4 streams????
What encoder are you using? Is it the Selenio?

Ray in the Winnabow Swamp.

I can't speak for bdfox18doe, but WFXB is only running three streams, just with interesting mapping.

The video from 43-1 is being used with the SAP audio to create the 43-2 feed. It prevents people from calling up complaining that they're hearing baseball in Spanish on 43-1, etc.

- Trip

Trip is correct.

Encoders are Harmonic Mv450's (HD) and Mv100's (SD). With Thomson Amber II Muxes. Fully redundant too..!

Trip is correct.

Encoders are Harmonic Mv450's (HD) and Mv100's (SD). With Thomson Amber II Muxes. Fully redundant too..!

That's a novel approach.

We are looking at new encoders. One of our stations has bought the Selenio. They say you can run 2 HD streams. I am skeptical.
Or course, I guess that depends on how you define "HD".

I recently purchased a new MPEG 4 IRD from Scopus who is now owned by Harmonic. I have not been impressed with the product. Maybe not a measure of Harmonic as it is a different business unit.

Ray

They say you can run 2 HD streams. I am skeptical.
Or course, I guess that depends on how you define "HD".

Ray

Two soap operas..sure..NCAA games and or Nascar combined..Then the definition of HD is questionable IMHO.

ok I got good news and bad news.....

Good news: We got Metv now on TWC in Johnsonville, SC.
Bad news: They replaced WFXB-WX with MeTV. Why can't we have both??

WFXB-WX should be channel 126
MeTV should be channel 127

The reason why I'm having such a fuss over losing the WX channel. Is because its the best weather subchannel in this DMA.

TWC has both of the WMBF subchannels, but WFXB can't? What the heck??? :mad:


bdfox18doe


I thank God for WFXB. You have the highest erp for the Florence MB area Your signal comes in even with an in door antenna. My Dad is wanting to get rid of the tv cable & he would But he wants to watch the FOX news. I have told him about the Local FOX news at 10:00pm . But he is in bed by than. He switches the TV to the dtv converter box to WFXB to watch WFXB weather. So if it concerns WFXB we ant to let you know TWC does not stop us from watching you weather channel.

I am just simply amazed at the folks that complain about the TV stations that provide them with a free OTA signal. But they signals they do pay for from the tv cable should address that issue directly to the tv cable people.

WBTW applied to the FCC to switch to channel 41 on May 2. I wonder what the FCC's normal timeframe is for announcing the disposition of such a request. Obviously it is more than three months.

I am glad I am able to watch WFXB. I watch Live w/ Regis and Kelly here, since WNCT does not air them anymore. None of the other locals to me do either.

I can receive all my local channels in the Florence/Myrtle Beach area when I have my antenna connected directly into my tv! I purchased an AM21 Off Air Tuner from Directv just to simply have the convenience of my off air locals displaying on my Directv program guide - Channels such as 13.2 & 21.2 which are not avaliable directly from Directv!

All local channels, including all subchannels, come in perfect through the tuner and display on my Directv Program Guide except for WFXB 43.4! I only receive 43.1, 43.2, & 43.3 with the tuner!

I have done everything I can think of and the tuner will not pick up the 43.4 signal! There is also no manuel way to add the channel! I have called Directv and of course they have no idea what the problem is - although they did give me my money back for the tuner after 40 minutes of complaining!

Does anyone have any idea why this tuner refuses to give me 43.4! I love MeTV!!!

Frustrated that Time Warner has never added CW HD to the Florence lineup.

Does anyone have any idea why this tuner refuses to give me 43.4! I love MeTV!!!

If DirecTv does not put the channel in their database, the AM21 will not tune
it. Bottom line is..You will need to use your Tv's tuner to see MeTv until they do.
(That issue has been covered in depth in other areas of AVS forum..simply search for AM21).

WBTW gets antennafied with "Antenna TV" starting Monday!

BD, I just noticed that MeTv on TWC is now stretched 16x9. Is it going to be permanently stretched?

BD, I just noticed that MeTv on TWC is now stretched 16x9. Is it going to be permanently stretched?

It should NOT be..We will look into it. :(..Standby.

ok it's fixed now....What happened to cause it to stretch?

TWC 124 QAM looks squeezed. :(

Anybody know when TWC is cutting off analog channel support?

Anybody know when TWC is cutting off analog channel support?

For MB.. no time soon.. from what I am told.

http://www.fiercecable.com/story/time-warner-cable-tests-technicolor-digital-terminal-adapters/2011-09-08