Well, there is a Columbia and a Charleston thread, so I thought I would start a Florence /M.B. thread since hopefully things are going to pick up soon.

The current DTV channels available in our area are as follows:

WBTW-DT 56 CBS (SD only) Florence
WLTX-DT 17 CBS Columbia
WRLK-DT 32 PBS Columbia (very difficult to receive and not reliable)
WOLO-DT 8 ABC Columbia
Fayetteville PAX 36
NC PBS 25

Supposedly as of Nov. 1, Fox WFXB 18 and Sumter 38 WQHB are supposed to be on the air, but I haven't seen a signal yet. WPDE-DT 16 ABC and WWMB 20 UPN are supposed to be on by Dec 1. WIS-DT 41 in Columbia, which is NBC, is supposed to be up by Jan 1, 2003. PBS in Florence has a May 2003 deadline, but Hap said Sumter would be on by the end of the year but I haven't heard any new news concerning that.

We just got a new Best Buy. They have a large selection of HDTV's. I saw a 40" Panasonic LCD RPTV that had a really nice picture.

WBTW is still passing SD only and I am not sure when that will change. I cannot seem to get much feedback from the other stations, either.

Just hopeing to stimulate some discussion,

Scott

Well, I spoke with Norman Worley, Cheif Engineer of WPDE15/WWMB21 about 1 1/2 month ago and he said their transmitter was mounted and secured. They just need to install the transmittion line. Due to a delay they were waiting on a crew to install the transmition line. According to their request to the FCC for an extention the transmition line install was due to begin Nov. 1st.

WWMB request in .pdf
http://svartifoss2.fcc.gov/prod/cdbs/forms/prod/getattachment_exh.cgi?exhibit_id=86608

WPDE request in .pdf
http://svartifoss2.fcc.gov/prod/cdbs/forms/prod/getattachment_exh.cgi?exhibit_id=85931

That is pretty good news, I guess. How did you find those FCC documents?

I guess the station right now that I am most interested in is WIS-DT since I can receive CBS and ABC in HD out of Columbia. It would be nice to see some NBCHD.

What about FOX WFXB-DT 18? Have you heard anything? Can you search to see if they got another extention? Last I heard, they were supposed to be on the air by Nov 1.

Scott

If you go to the FCC link below, Select Digital TV next to Service, Select CP Extention next to Application Type, Input State Abreviation next to State, Click Submit Search. On the search results page click Application next to the station of your choice, go to bottom and click Exibit link to read the Extention Request in .pdf format.

http://svartifoss2.fcc.gov/prod/cdbs/pubacc/prod/app_sear.htm

I don't see any extention request for WFXB listed since June 11th. So I'm unsure about WFXXB status.

Mitchell,

My recommended antenna setup for our market is as follows:

Channel Master 4248 for the UHF side on a CM IR controlled rotator and Winegard high band VHF yagi on the VHF side aimed at WIS 10 and WOLO-DT 8 in Columbia. The two sides are connected with a Channel Master Titan 7777 preamp.

This is after considerable experimentation.

Scott

Thanks Scott for the info. I,ll give you a call and find out more!!!

As far as I know, Time Warner Cable is not carrying any HD yet. Are you getting HBO and Showtime in HD?

Scott

This morning I noticed WWMB-TV 21 & WPDE-TV 15 is off the air. Since transmition line installation was due to begin Nov. 1st. maybe they got the lines installed and are nearly ready to go live with their digital channels. Lets hope by Dec 1st or before. :)

And again this morning both WWMB-TV 21 & WPDE-TV 15 were off the air for awhile. WPDE is back on now but WWMB is still off.

I guess this is great news. I wonder if WPDE is going to pass the network HD feed? Daryl, have you been able to get a signal on channel 8 or 18?

Scott

I wonder if WPDE is going to pass the network HD feed?I don't know but I sure hope so. Everytime I try calling WPDE/WWMB(both have the same phone number) to find anything out the receptionist connects me through but I only get an answering machine. I tried today and when I asked for Mr. Norman Worley(chief engineer) she said he was no longer with them and patched me through to another person(Robert Blair) and again just an answering machine.have you been able to get a signal on channel 8 or 18?Never on WOLO-DT 8, it's to far from me. I'm ~30 miles North of the SC state line but ocasionally I get a weak signal on 18 but I'm sure its not WFXB-DT 43. So I'm not sure how far long WFXB 43 has gotten in their digital buildup. Fox WFXB-TV 43 of Florence/Myrtle Beach and Fox WSFX-TV 26 of Wilmington NC are affiliated with each other. Here's a quote from an e-mail corrspondence I had with Dave Carfolite, VP & GM. This was back on July 15th, 2002.

Dave Carfolite
VP & General Manager
WFXB FOX43 Myrtle Beach
http://www.wfxb.com/
843.828.4300 ext.230
fax 843.828.4343
WFXB FOX43 Florence
843.629.1431
fax 843.629.1166
WSFX FOX26 Wilmington
http://www.wsfx.com
910.343.8826 ext.116
fax 910.251.0978
gm@foxcarolina.tv
david@carfolite.com

First correspondanceI noticed on www.titantv.com that WSFX 26 plans to start transmitting DTV by November 1, 2002. I was curious if you are still going to meet that date. Thanks for any information you can provide. I'm a regular satisfied viewer of WSFX 26.

reply:

We are awaiting delivery of our Harris Transmitter as we speak.
However, because of the very low penetration of DTV receivers we are
going to put in a low power transmitter to cover New Hanover County to start, which might be a problem if you are in Pembroke. There are still a great many problems to resolve with DTV.Second CorrespondancePreviously I asked about WSFX then I noticed in your signature that
your also associated with WFXB FOX43. I noticed at www.antennaweb.org
that WFXB also plans to go live digitaly November 1, 2002. Will WFXB still be metting that date? Also, will WFXB be very low penetration to only cover a small area at first like you will be doing with WSFX in New Hanover County? If WFXB does go very low power I still may be able to receive the signal since WFXB's transmitters are much closer to Pembroke than WSFX is. Thanks for any information.

his reply:

We will be later than WSFX but we are also planning a low power digital
launch - however, since our city of licence is Myrtle Beach our signal will
be coming from our studios and the signal will be mostly Horry
County. Yes, our five million watt analog transmitter (and our digital
ready tower) is in Mullins - but we can't hit Myrtle Beach with low power
from Mullins. Until there are enough digital receivers to justify the
additional $15,000/ month full 5 MegaWatt power bill, we will be on low power.

But thanks for asking - I appreciate your interest.Now this month WSFX 26 has requested and was granted another 6 month extention and WFXB 43 has no new request listed on the FCC page so I have no info on WFXB 43.

And for the 3rd morning in a row WWMB is off the air. I'm not sure when it went off. I noticed 1 1/2 hour ago and it's still off. I don't think they took WPDE off the air today thought. I keep checking for a digital signal on 16 and 20 but nothing so far.

Daryl,

ThaNKS for keeping an eye out! I am off line for a week or two due to a move. I will let you know when I am back up and running. Painting the new theater now as we speak.

Scott

Not looking to good for WFXB Fox 43 going digital anytime soon. According to the information at the link below WFXB filled for an extention Nov 22, 2002. The reason is stated at the bottom of the request form under Exhibit 1. :(

WFXB FOX 43 (http://svartifoss2.fcc.gov/cgi-bin/ws.exe/prod/cdbs/forms/prod/prefill_and_display.pl?Application_id=618888&Service=DT&Form_id=337&Facility_id=9054)

Daryl,

I am luckily able to pull in the new Fox WACH-DT in Columbia, not that I would be watching a whole lot of SDTV anyway. I guess WFXB-DT will be delayed even more. They seem like a low budget station.

Scott

Same here. Luckily I get Fox WRAZ-DT 50(49-1 49-2) OTA(50% of the time) and on TWC(100% of the time) out of Raleigh NC. So I'm ok for Fox. And luckily WRAZ does 1080i(upconverts Fox's 480i/p National feed to 1080i).

Scott, have a good 2 weeks away.

Well, WPDE 15 & WWMB 21 did not go live December 1st as we hoped. Their gonna be late but I'm pretty sure they'll go live before Dec. 31st.

I appreciate the info Scott and Darryl. It seems there would be more people seeking HD. I guess I'm going to have to get me a high band VHF antenna. I currently use my FM ant. for VHF. I was hoping that WPDE would be on air by now. I also doubt they will transmit HD. Scott did you move closer to Columbia ?

crosbyclan,

I'm not sure about if WPDE will be 720p or not but I think I heard awhile back that they would be. I just e-mailed Billy Huggins(vice president & general mgr) asking. I also included a link to this posting inviting him to join in. Hopefully he will and clue us viewers in on their progress and intentions.

Edited format #

WPDE, if they do HD, will likely be 720p since that is the ABC standard.

Jim I am off 2nd loop rd so the difference is negligable. I have a VHF antenna I will sell you. Call me.

Scott

Your right on the 720p stuff. Don't know were my mind was when I typed that. Day dreaming of that new Toshiba LCos 1080p tv I guess. :D

I am going to buy that TV when the second generation is $3-4k. I have been drooling over the specs too. Probably 4thQ 2003 or 1-2ndQ 2004

Scott

I'll give you a call scott. A friend of mine went to CEDIA this year and he said by and far the best display was Lcos. forget which one it was though.

Anybody notice anything odd about WBTW-DT 13(56.1) signal strength? I normally have a signal strength of 100% from WBTW 24/7. Lastnight I had no signal at all and today it's steadily fluctuating between 0% and 9%. I've never lost their signal before even during storms.

I noticed it too. I think they were off the air

They probably were. The weak signal I was picking up was probably some distant digital ch 56 in another direction. I get that alot. I hoped they were off switching to an HD setup but apparently not. They came back on at 100% again sometime between 8pm and 9pm lastnight back to their old digitized analog signal.

WBTW-DT 13's signal is off again today. Has been all afternoon. No Idea whats up though.

I just checked WBTW-DT 13(56.1) again and their back on. The good news(and I could be wrong about this) is it looks like their now doing 1080i HD(currently upconverted local programming) but it looks much sharper. And my HD box(Toshiba DST3000) wont let me change their aspect ratio anymore. It only behaves this was on HD(720p/1080i) material.

Lets hope they pass the national CBS HD feed. I guess we'll find out tonight at 8pm when King of Queens comes on. All CBS's lineup except Everybody loves Raymond will be new first-run episodes. :)

Daryl when I got home last night David letterman was in 1080i. Tis the seasonto be jolly. now lets see what happens with WPDE.

Ok, then we know WBTW has gone to 1080i but they did not pass the National HD widescreen feed during primetime lastnight. :(

As for WPDE 15/WWMB 21, I think they plan to go live by Dec, 31st. Lets hope they keep on schedule. :)

I e-mailed WBTW 13 today about the national pass through a got this reply below.

My question:Hello Mr. Wayne Phillips,

I noticed Monday Dec. 16th that WBTW-DT 13(56.1) was off air all afternoon. Once you came back on you had switched from a Standard Definition digital signal to a High Definition Digital(1080i) signal. This was an enjoyable surprise.

I noticed though that WBTW did not pass CBS's national HD widescreen feed of the primetime programming. Do you plan to start passing the national HD feed anytime soon? Thanks for any information you can provide.WBTW's reply:Yes, We are in the process to get everything going. There is a lot to this process and we have made great strides and should have everything up by Friday this week. Thanks for letting me know about getting the HDTV signal. Wayne

All I can say is AWESOME!!!

SCott

I talked to the owner of J&M Electronic Supply today about getting an antenna and he told me that WPDE-15 and WWMB-21 would be up by Christmas. He talked to their cheif engineer last week abd this is what he was told.


WPDE-DT 16
WWMB-DT 20

I CAN CONFIRM!!!! FLORENCE HAS ITS FIRST LOCAL HDTV!!!! WBTW_DT 56 IS CURRENTLY SHOWING CBS HD FEED!!! (Yes I am screaming)

I didn't think this would ever happen.

SCott

56.1 reassigned to 13.1 yesterday. now I can only hope WPDE is in 720p.

Mitchell B.

Thanks for the info. That sounds great. WPDE/WWMB did state in their request to the FCC for an extention beyond Nov. 1st that they expected to go live around Mid-Dec. and by Dec. 31st at the latest. :)

Scott Burns,

Yep I saw it lastnight, looked good. I was able to jump back and forth between WRAL's CBS HD feed from Raleigh NC and WBTW's CBS HD from Florence SC and could see no difference at all in the picture quality. I even forgot a couple times which station I last stopped on. :)

crosbyclan,

I too am curious if WPDE will pass 720p or sideconvert it to 1080i since their building with WWMB which is UPN(Paramount, owned by Viacom, hence CBS who uses 1080i). Or if WWMB will pass 1080i once UPN National goes HD, or sideconvert to 720p. :D Tad bit confusion there. LOL

I wrote Mr. Wayne Phillips(engineer of WBTW) again this morning and got a reply back already with interesting news on the audio. Here's our corespondence.

My E-mail:Mr. Phillips,

After you commenting that you "should have everything up by Friday this week" I didn't expect to see you pass through the CBS National HD feed before Friday. WOW! was I surprised to see you doing so lastnight. It looked very good here in Pembroke NC. I unfortunately wasn't able to watch every minute of the 3 hour primetime feed due to holiday situations but while I was watching everything seemed to go smoothly. I did not notice any picture freeze ups, pixilation, loss of signal, no audio out of sync problems. Everything looked great. Even the upconverted local programming looks sharper and clearer than it did before Monday. Thanks for all the hard work to bring us viewers HD.His Reply:Yes, We are still working on the system. We got our new Dolby boxes hooked up today for 5.1 audio. CBS changed some things on the HDTV feed so that caused some problems at 12:30P but should be good tonight. Thanks for letting me know. WayneNow I know CBS doesnt do a National audio feed in DD5.1 yet, but Boss Ross of CBS did say New York is equiped for and 8 channel feed and plans to upgrade the satelite for DD5.1 capability are made and I think will be done by summer I think. So when they do WBTW will be ready. :D

Another update

I just found WBTW-DT 13.2(56.2) on in SD showing local weather radar. No audio. It wasn't on earlier this afternoon.

I will be writing an article for the Florence Morning News tomorrow. It should appear on Sat or Sun. It will be on digital TV. It is sort of a follow up to an article I did 2 years ago for the paper.

If anyone has any suggestions on what to include or even wants to send a few sample paragraphs, I would be much obliged.

Scott

Well Scott, I can't think of but 1 think. What Digital is. Most people think digital is just digital but don't know the differences. For instance theres SD and HD. SD comes in 2 flavors 480i & 480p, HD also in 2 flavors, 720p & 1080i. And maybe their differences. These are the basic I think people need informing on. The 18 diferent ATSC formats would be overkill and discouraging for the non-technical readers. Just an suggestion. :)

Like the info in this jpeg.

http://home.nc.rr.com/dalloyd/foremats.jpg

I expect my little article in the Morning News to be published today or Tuesday. Look for it and tell me what you think.

Scott

In what Paper?

can you email me a copy?

It will be in the Christmas edition of the Florence Morning News.

Bob, I will email the original text to you. The published version is likely to be different. Editors tend to take liberties with manuscripts.

Scott

Scott, could you include me on the mailing too? I scoured the website for today's Morning News w/o success .... they do not provide a search capability and I will however check again tomorrow. Bruce

It didn't print in the Wed paper either. Maybe they decided to can it? They acted real excited about it though. Oh well, I will let ya'll know.

It is in the D section of today's paper. Heavily edited. Check it out and let me know what you think.

Scott

Afraid I don't get Florence newspaper here in NC

Here is a link to the on-line version (http://www.morningnewsonline.com/MGBUPKJ5BAD.html)

Scott: Very glad you all got some press up there on HD! You ready to do Part II? <g>

Bruce

Thanks bdenman.

Nice article Scott, you go dude. Now lets hope WWMB/WPDE meet their expected Dec, 31st date. Officially they don't have to go live before May since they got a 6 month extention granted.

Here is the original unedited version:

Florence’s Gets Its First HDTV Station

Scott Burns
kscottburnsmd@hotmail.com

WBTW-DT began broadcasting CBS primetime high definition programming this week. For the first time, local HDTV programming is available in our area. WBTW-DT has been on the air since January 2002, but until now has only been a simulcast of their standard definition programming. WBTW-DT is located on channel 56 and can be received with a digital television tuner. CSI, The District, and JAG are just a few examples of shows that are now available in HDTV. Before this week, the only available HDTV in our area was via satellite or from Columbia’s digital TV stations.
According to documents filed with the FCC, WPDE-DT and WWMB-DT expect to be on the air by the end of the year. Hopefully, WPDE-DT will begin broadcasting in time for the Superbowl, which is to be produced in HDTV this year. Most of ABC’s primetime lineup is available in HDTV as well. ABC’s digital high definition programming is currently only available via WOLO-DT from Columbia, but is fairly easy to receive in the Florence area.
The quantity of HDTV programming has significantly increased over the last year. Most of CBS and ABC’s primetime lineup is in HDTV. CBS has been the leader in HD sports this past year with events such as The Masters, U.S. Open, and the NCAA Final Four. PBS and Warner Brothers, although not available locally, feature an occasional show in high definition. NBC produces Jay Leno nightly in HDTV and has a few primetime shows as well. HBO and Showtime have HD versions of their premium channels. They are available through both satellite providers. Discovery has a new channel called Discovery HD Theater. It is available only on Dish Network. If HD sports and documentaries interest you, then DirecTV has a channel called HDNet. ESPN recently announced that it would be launching ESPN-HD in the spring of 2003.
Prices of digital television equipment have been steadily dropping over the last year. Samsung makes a 30” widescreen HDTV that retails for less than $1000. On average, a digital television costs about 50% more than an equal sized traditional TV. Purchasing an HDTV now is a reasonable option for most budgets and provides some insurance against obsolescence. The analog broadcasting that began in the 1940’s is scheduled to end on December 31, 2006. After that date, your current television will require a cable style converter box to down convert the digital signal to an analog one if you wish to continue using your current TV.
Digital high definition television represents a huge leap in picture quality. Some people consider HDTV to be the biggest advance in television since the introduction of color in the 1960’s. HDTV is up to six times more detailed than DVD’s and is ten times sharper than traditional over the air TV or VHS videos. The colors are much richer, the picture has perfect digital clarity without any artifacts, the sound is CD quality surround sound, and the screen is wider. The wider shape is probably the first thing that people notice.
Traditional television screens appear essentially square. They are actually a little wider than they are tall. The technical description of the shape is a 4:3 aspect ratio. HDTV is about a third wider and is presented in a 16:9 aspect ratio. This is similar to the shape of a movie theater screen and is closer to the normal field of vision. When shopping for a TV, deciding between 4:3 and 16:9 is one of the first steps. 16:9 is the preferred format for watching DVD’s and HDTV. This avoids the black bars at the top and bottom of the picture.
In order to experience WBTW-DT’s high definition programming, you will need an HDTV monitor and a digital television tuner. The signal is best received using an outdoor antenna. The antenna should be pointed towards WBTW’s tower in Dillon. Since all of our local digital TV stations will be in the UHF band, a UHF only antenna should be sufficient. UHF only antennas tend to be much smaller than combination VHF/UHF antennas. I have had the best results with Channel Master’s model 4248. A Radio Shack model 15-2160 should also work well.
If you wish to learn more about this technology, I recommend www.avsforum.com. I also would be happy to answer any questions by email.

Well, WWMB/WPDE has 12 1/2 hours to meet their estimated schedule. I fear the worst. :(

I live in Laurinburg. Though I have an antenna that can be rotated, and though I've tried receiving WBTW turning it in any number of directions I still can't get it. Last night I was even able to pick up WRAL DT in HD! (First time I'd ever seen it!) But no 13 or 56. Do any of you know whether they are still on reduced power, or whether they are only broadcasting toward Myrtle Beach (which would be the opposite direction from Laurinburg)?

rcp,

I could be wrong but I think their still at reduced power. I don't think their directional either but I think their transmitter is located between Marion and Conway. At that distance and them being at reduced power could explain why you don't pickup WBTW.

Lastnight Tropospheric ducting out of the north was strong which could explain WRAL-DT reception. I also was picking up weak signals from a couple northern stations I normally don't see. Early this morning as well.

Searching the FCC Site (http://www.fcc.gov/fcc-bin/tvq?call=WBTW) shows WBTW-DT is still operating with a Special Temporary Authorization and at 19KW ERP. Checking their engineering data, it shows they plan to go to 1000kw ERP when fully licensed. And if I understand their antenna pattern it appears Laurinburg should be able to receive the signal when they go to full power. Good luck....

Bruce

WBTW's tower is in Dillon.

rcp, what kind of antenna are you using? Can you pick up 21 and 15 analog? THey are both UHF and broadcast from essentially the same location. If you get a decent signal there, I suspect you should see digital 56. I would at least use 15 to get my antenna aligned before searching for 56.

Scott

Scott, I've got a Channel Master Rotator Controller Model 9537. Yes, I do get a clear signal from analog 15. I suspect WBTW-DT is directing its low power signal toward Myrtle Beach where the market is. I'll just have to be patient.

Dick

still no ABC in HD. I was hoping they would be on before the playoffs. This morning wis 10 ran a comercial informing us of their transition and apopologizing for interuptions in broadcasting. anybody know whats up with 15?

I called WPDE 15/WWMB 21 this afternoon. I could only get the engineers(Robert Blair) answering machine so I asked the secretary(not the front receptionist) when they would begin digital transmition. She went and asked somebody and return saying sometime this month but no confirmed date. She said call back in a week and they should know more. Sorry I couldn't get more details.

Laurinburg and Florence are about equidistant from Dillon so power should not be the issue. I have 98% signal strength.

I suppose the signal could be directional but I doubt it. Why would they do that? I will email wphillips@wbtw.com That is their engineer's email.

What antenna are you using? I have a CM4248 with a CM Titan 7777 preamp.

Scott

Scott: It looks like they have a directional antenna which would allow them to direct their signal more over land than water. See the Reliative field polar plot (http://www.fcc.gov/fcc-bin/tvq?call=WBTW) link which is under the third record for WBTW Digital, CH 56 Special Tem (STA). Unfortuately there is no scale to the plot but I imagine the included area under the plot extends SE from Dillon past Myrtle Beach and out past Laurinburg to the NW. It still would be worth hearing from Mr Phillips on the coverage area and a possible date of full power.

Bruce

Based on that polar plot, they are sending as much signal to Laurinburg as Florence and MB is getting the least

I have entered the hdtv dark ages once again :D . My family and I have relocated from the greater Boston area to the coastal Carolina's. I was enjoying off air hdtv broadcasts for the past 2 years and it appears I get to experience the growing pains all over again.

From reading this thread it is clear that you folks are far more knowledgeable in the intricacies of off-air technology than I. I was hoping you help me with my current my situation.

I think that my only options for off air are to either come up with a well disguised outdoor mount antenna or to go for an attic mount. The ridge-line of the house I am renting is 25' and I have a clear shot toward the east down a fairway without obstructions however I am surrounded by a thin grove of tall southern pine. I am 25 miles from Myrtle Beach and 50 miles from Wilmington.

I purchased an indoor Terk TV5 when I first moved in so that we could watch something while we waited for DirecTV to be installed and for our RPTV to be delivered. I have since returned the Terk but while I had it I was able to receive the following stations:

WWAY, WFXB, WUNJ, and WECT

Do you think I could get away with an Antennacraft AC-9 or an amplified Sensar Antenna as the titan tv site recommends? I realize I won't pick up Florence but it appears to be in the range for MB and Wilmington. I have no experience with this antenna.

By my calculations, you must be somewhere close to Little River. Care to elaborate? If so, you are 60 miles from Dillon SC where the MB/Florence stations are located.

You probably will not get WBTW-DT with an attic mount only because they are low power. I think you are within line of sight.

I would recommend you start with a roof mount Channel Master CM4248 and rotor. May need to add a preamp. I would avoid the AC-9 and Sensar. Garbage in = garbage out. An amplifier is beneficial if the incoming signal is OK but weak. There is no substitute for good old fashioned metal elements to harness radio frequency energy.

Glad to have you here.

Scott

Just over the border in Calabash. I would love to go with a CM 4248 with an IR rotator etc... but I can't get away with a large, mast antenna due to the POA (POS) rules in the neighborhood. I need a solution for the interim while we build our house in another less restrictive development.

My last house came with an older multi-directional and a rotator, I simply added a pre-amp and was good to go. Down the road I will have the flexibility to go big. I imagine any outdoor low profile antenna I find will be the equivalent of an indoor set top mount, useless for my application.

What do you think I could get away with in the attic? Would it be possible to mount the CM 4248 with a rotator in the attic, there is certainly enough space. I would imagine the biggest challenge would be running the ground. I have no idea if this is even possible, just thinking out loud again.

Your neighborhood cannot legally prevent an antenna or a dish up to one meter. But if you know that and want to be nice to them, then ok. I would not put one on my house either because no one else has them and they say they don't want them.

I have a friend here in Florence with a CM 4248 and rotor in his attic, so it can be done and the reception is better than you think. You are probably OK without a ground inside (no lightning or static buildup).

rsilvers is right. As long as the property is elclusively yours to use and the antenna is within 12 feet of your roofline, it is protected by Federal Law. See www.fcc.gov

Scott

doglegleft,

Welcome to the neighhborhood. :D

Now everybody. I got good news and bad news. First the good. I checked WPDE 15 and WWMB 21 for a signal this morning just after 6 am. WPDE-DT 15.1(16.1) is on and hitting a steady 100% signal strength. WWMB 21 had no signal and their analog channel was off. Now I check again just after 11 am and WWMB 21's analog is back on and looks like their testing their digital channel WWMB-DT 21.1(20.1). I'm getting a signal fluctuating off and on between 0 and 30%.

Now the bad news. WPDE-DT 15.1 is only SD. Apparently just broadcasting their analog signal on their digital channel. No idea when they'll go HD. By the Superbowl hopefully.

As for WWMB-DT 21.1 UPN, they probably start off SD too. I guess you all know UPN as of yet has no National HD feed so we probably won't see WWMB go HD for awhile.

Ill keep monitoring both stations through the day. Heck LOL, I'm stuck in a bed paralized from the neck down with nothing better to do than read forums and watch HD and signal meters. :D

LOL, just after submitting the previous post WWMB's signal hit 100% for a whole minute. Their teasing me. :D

Update on WWMB-DT 21(20.1)

Sorry everyone. The reason WWMB's signal strength was fluctuating so badly was due to my antenna. A slight 5 degree turn looked their signal in at 100%. Still as I said it's only SD for UPN for now. :)

Daryl,

I am also getting them loud and clear here in Florence. Hopefully during primetime tonight they will flip ono some HD!!

Scott

I'm totally dissapointed with WWMB 21. Their analog audio through cable and OTA is mono(not stereo). I've been waiting on their digital channel mainly to hear Buffy and Enterprise in Stereo Surround. I'll be darn if the Analog and Digital audio coming over their Digital channel is also MONO! :( That sux.

Daryl,

I have to work tonight. Check to see if WPDE-DT is passing the ABC HD network feed.

Thanks,
Scott

Thanks for the help folks. I will be picking up the CM 4248 and I will likely need some advice on the install.

Hey Daryl, when the boston stations first started coming on line we had nights we would have loved to have had mono, we would get picture no sound, sound no picture, severe lip sync... think really bad Kung Fu movies (or great depending on taste).

I found the CM 4248 at consumer-direct.com 40.95, 17.62 for FedEx 2-day. Anyway have any experience with these guys or know of a better etailer for Channel Master?

consumer Direct is top notch. I bought my HDTV from them. Free shipping last I checked.

SCott

Hey Daryl, when the boston stations first started coming on line we had nights we would have loved to have had mono, we would get picture no sound, sound no picture, severe lip sync... think really bad Kung Fu movies (or great depending on taste).LOL, yep I have experienced these things on occasion to. I've been getting local HD since Superbowl 2001. I'm kinda in between Florence SC and Raleigh NC viewing areas. I've been getting ABC, CBS, NBC and FOX for awhile out of the Raleigh viewing area. Plus I get them and HBOHD, SHOHD and PBSHD demo loop on cable. So I've kinda been through the HD growing pains already with Raleigh. :D

Scott,

Sorry dude. WPDE-DT did not go HD at all lastnight. Stayed SD with DD2.0 audio. And to be honest, If the dd2.0 was in surround sound it was so minimmal I couldn't tell even when I applied DPL2 or Logic 7 to it. And my M&K speakers image so well I couldn't tell between straight DD2.0 and DPL2. Hopefully be Superbowl they'll have all the kinks out and be HD DD5.1. Ocassionally I notice very fine vertical lines on both WPDE-DT and WWMB-DT. And it's obvious their both just broadcasting their analog channel over their digital channel.

Bad news regarding WPDE-DT. I just got an email from Karen Mallett and she says that they are not planning on going HD for another year. Guess I will continue to watch WOLO-DT

SCott

UGH! That Stinks.

well it looks like I need an antenna. scott, do you still have a vhf that you want to get rid of. How far apart does a uhf and vhf need to be if monted on the same pole? Thanks for the help.

Give me a call. I'm in the ER tonight 674-5100. I have one that I am installing tomorrow at a friend's house, but I have a few that should work. About 2-3 feet apart is plenty (1/2 wavelength at channel 8)

Scott

I just got this email from Billy Huggins, general manager of WPDE:

Scott,
We are still tuning the lines and breaking the transmitter in. We have one more visit from the Manufacturers rep before they sign off on the equipment. Additionally, we will continue to broadcast at full power in standard definition digital. However, we are trying to get the manufacturer to loan us HD equipment for the Super Bowl. We are full digital in Master Control but do not have the HD converter. I will keep you posted on their decision.
Thanks
Billy

Thanks Scott for the update. That's positive news. Now if they could get WWMB in stereo. :)

Well, we already know WBTW-DT 13.1 is already using a DD5.1 dolby box so I feel confident they'll be passing the 5.1 audio feed of the Grammy's. :)

If I am not mistaken, during Hack the other night, it was in 5.1 surround.

Scott

Scott,

No idea, I didn't watch Hack. Next time check to see if there's a .1 sub signal labeling on your receiver. WBTW-DT is DD5.1 ready as stated in a earlier post of mine from a e-mail from them.We got our new Dolby boxes hooked up today for 5.1 audio. But since all CBS shows are only DPL(that I know of) their Dolby box is set to DPL4.0(2.0 Surround) for the time being. But I could be wrong.

I noticed WPDE-DT 15.1 has been off air all day. Maybe they were able to get the manufacturer to loan them the HD equipment for the Super Bowl. Maybe they are off to make the necessary changes. All speculation. :)

Well everyone. I'm afraid it looks like WPDE was not able to borrow the HD equipment for the SB.

WIS-DT was up and running last night. They were simulcasting their analog programming. From what I have been told, they expect to have HD on the air any day but were having problems with their HD encoder. Signal strength was very strong. 98% at my house. Even pegged the meter to 100 a few times (I hardly ever see that).

Looks like we now have CBS-HD (WLTX or WBTW), ABC-HD (WOLO), and NBC-HD (WIS). Now we need PBS-HD in a more reliable fashion (I occasionally get WRLK-DT in Columbia). SCETV's Sumter digital station is supposed to be on the air soon. I also am getting Fox EDTV from WACH-DT without any difficulty.

Things sure have come a long way since I first got my HDTV in Feb 2000. There were no stations then. Only HD was HBO and Showtime on Dish Network. Shortly thereafter, WRLK-DT went on the air, but it is notoriously hard to receive here in Florence. It sure is nice to sit down at night and have EIGHT HD possibilites!!!

Scott

Thanks Scott. Great news!! I too am getting all the stations you mention I went ahead and got an antenna-craft high band vhf for WOLO. The super bowl was great. its a shame, that the picture and sound were better than the game. I'll be scanning for wis now.

Congrats guys. WIS is to far for me to even get a signal flicker. :)

Just got off the phone with John Augustine from WIS in Columbia. He said their HD board is working right now but has been coming and going. We may see some NBC HD tonight. They are going to be on the air from 6p-12:30A each day. They are up right now. They are broadcasting with 874KW, which is their full licsensed power.

Daryl, you should try tonight for a signal. They were probably down when you looked earlier. 874 KW is a lot of juice for DTV. I think the max is 1000KW.

Scott

I tried lastnight during primetime but not a flicker. I'll give it another shot tonight. Nothing at this moment. But I'm about 100 miles away, I don't expect anything. Besides I get NBC HD by OTA(50% of time) and on TWC. So I'm not quite out in the cold.

I thought I was posting to this thread earlier, but it ended up being a new post instead.

Is anyone in Wilmington able to receive Florence/MB stations? If so, what equipment?

It looks like the towers are about 70 miles away... I know that's approaching the limits, but it is pretty flat around here...

Just bumping this up in case someone new might see it. I am currently getting ABC,NBC,CBS, FOX, PBS (sometimes) in over the air digital in FLorence.

It is good to finally have all the networks. I know that PBS will be much more reliable once Sumter is on the air (which I heard should be soon)

Scott

Scott,

You said "It is good to finally have all the networks". You didn't mention WB or UPN. :D

You say your getting FOX, is that outta Columbia or is WFXB-DT 43 outta Myrtle Beach live at extremely low power? I ask because I haven't seen even a flicker of a signal from WFXB yet.

The only FOX digital that I am getting is WACH-DT 48 out of Columbia.

ALso, just of interest only, I have been getting a pretty reliable signal from WCSC-DT out of Charleston!

I don't really consider UPN, since they have no HD. I would like to check out the WB in digital, but we don't even have an analog affiliate.

Scott

Thanks, I figured it was WACH-DT your getting. I unfortunately have no OTA analog WB affiliate either. Just a cable only analog WB network WFWB-TV out of Florence.

Do any of you know whether the Lumberton UNC HD channel is running properly? I live in Laurinburg and receive the digital signals on 31.1,3,4,and 5 until 8pm. Then all but 31.1 go off (as, I understand, they need to for 32.2 HD to come on), but I cannot get the HD signal. I even called Sony after 8pm last night (the set is a Sony XBR KD-34>BR2) and they walked me thru the standard channel set up menus, had me default to factory settings, but, still, no dice! Sometimes when I'm watching 31.1 the HD signal bleeds through for a few seconds. Maddening! Any advice?

rcp,

Your right, during primetime between 8pm and 11pm 31.3, 31.4 & 31.5 are turned off and 31.2 is turned on. I get them ok but I'm much closer than you (Pembroke). If you get 31.1 I don't understand why you don't get 31.2.

Thanks for the reply, Daryl. It's puzzling and frustrating.

I was wondering if Channels 16 & 20 out of Florence are off the air. I'd been getting them since they came on, with a high signal strength, until recently.

For the last few days I checked, can't get anything.. Not sure when that happen because I don't check all that often, since they aren't HD.. I'm still getting everything else, including WBTW, which is much weaker, or use too be anyway..

Down on the coast is where I'm trying. So I'm wondering, are they off the air, having problems, reduced power or has something really weird happen at my end?

Like I said, no problems with any other channels, and that includes WWAY, which I'm getting very easy now.

WPDE-DT 15 (6-1) and WWMB-DT 21 (20-1) have been of the air for nearly a two weeks now. I called WPDE yesterday and left a message o some ladies answering machine. She called back this morning and my nurse answered thinking they were callinng my father so I didn't get to speak with her. My nurse said the lady told her the engineer said they were having problems and should be back on air at the end of this month and they were in the process of upgrading to HD.

I called WPDE 15, the ABC affiliate here in Florence/Conway. The master tech there told me that they tried to get the HD up, but they failed. They are waiting to get new equipment from the corporate ABC people. They said initially they wanted it done with testing and live April 2004, but he said that it will be at least Nov. 2004 until it will happen. SD for now, HDTV in Nov. 2004 :( No plans for HD for UPN 21 there other carrier.

Thanks for the update. I notice that WPDE-DT15 and WWMB-DT21 is constantly on and off the air at any given time. The past few days WPDE-DT15 has either been running at lower power (use to get 100% signal) or my antenna has been shifted by the wind while at the same time WWMB-DT21 is always at 100% when their on air.

Right now WPDE's signal strength is at 30% and WWMB is at 100%.

1. I went to ACE hardware, no antennas.
2. acehardware.com said they could deliver the Channel master 4 bay or the 3020/18/16 products to the store.
3. I went to J&M Supply Company,no antennas, order only Winegard 9095 UHF only $90 and VHF $160+ shipping.
4. Lowes has the CM 3020 for $100.
5. Radio Shack has the VU-190 for $100 and the VU-120XR for $70.

I want to watch the Colts vs. Bills game in 12 hrs.
Its on CBS in Columbus, the Florence station is airing the Jags game.
FWIW, CBS HD for next week is Colts vs. Patriots.

I bought a Zenith Silver Sensor for Florence channels.
The Zenith is sitting on top of the table facing toward Dillon.
The results: 16 WPDE ABC, 20 WWMB UPN, 13 WBTW CBS.

I bought the Radio Shack VU-120XR for Columbia channels.
The Radio Shack is facing west in my attic.
The results: 8 WOLO ABC, 17 WLTX CBS, 41 WIS NBC, 48 WACH FOX.

I am happy 2 ABCs, 2 CBSs, 1 NBC, 1 FOX, and 1 UPN.
No monthly fee...

Kewl, sounds like your all set. :D

Did a channel scan sunday. I'm picking up 7.1 NBC I believe it's out of wilmington. may only be transmitting during primetime, I haven't had time to check it out during the week.

I don't think thats NBC out of Wilmington. Their numbers will be 44.1 remapped to 6.1. I haven't gotten any signal from these numbers yet.

Has anybody got a signal from WPDE or WWMB the last couple days? I haven't.

I have not gotten a signal from WPDE or WWMB the last couple days. They have been down since I called them :( Wishing for HD :)

crosbyclan,

I just remember there's a station out of Washington, NC that broadcasts NBC. Their NBC WITN-TV/DT 7 (32-1 remapped to 7-1). This may be who you picked up.

FloCobra,

WWMB 21(20-1) has been on the past couple days but still no signal from WPDE 15(16-1) yet.

Thanks Daryl,

I must have gotten some good tropospheric ducting that day. I have not been able to reliably receive that station since. still waiting on Fox and NBC that I can recieve consistently.

I was asked to post this by Diana Smith to the appropriate forums:

"The new HD Tier channels are available in the Columbia-Sumter-Orangeburg areas, Florence-MB areas and the southern portion of The Grand Strand including Surfside Beach, Pawley’s Island, Georgetown and Andrews. Due to Bandwidth constraints, we are unable to launch in Summerville at this time. We are actively planning to upgrade the Summerville plant in the very near future, however I do not have a timetable for completion of either the upgrade or addition of new HD signals as they become available.

We regret the inconvenience for our Summerville customers and pledge to remedy the situation as soon as possible."

Diana Smith
Director of Marketing for Video Services
Time Warner Cable South Carolina


Bruce

I was also asked to post this by Diana Smith to the appropriate forums:


In answer to the requests for information concerning the impending launch of the HD DVR (SA Explorer 8000 HD):

Currently TWC is field testing the new HD DVR in another TWC location. We do not have an option to test in South Carolina. Corporate Engineering announced yesterday afternoon that they ‘expect’ to sign off on the equipment around the end of the year, but this date is still an estimate. Please understand that the delay has been associated with our desire to offer a set top that is technically sound.

Upon approval, it will probably take a week to 10 days to receive and stage the converters, as well as distribute to all systems for customer use. The HD DVR will be available in all TWC Digital Systems throughout South Carolina.

Pricing for the HD DVR will be the same as the current DVR model: $14.90 per month ($9.95 for the converter and $4.95 for the functionality).

The E8000HD has the following features:

* DVR Capability for Std. and HD content
* Dual HD Decode
* 160GB Hard drive
* DVI


Diana Smith
Director of Marketing for Video Services
Time Warner Cable South Carolina


Bruce

I was asked to pass the following along by Diana Smith, Director of Marketing for Video Services, Time Warner Cable South Carolina:


In answer to questions concerning the plans for future pricing of HD Programming:

"Time Warner Cable of South Carolina has no plans to charge for HD services that the company does not pay a license fee to carry. This would include HD versions of local broadcast networks. Programming that costs the company significant license fees to acquire and carry will likely become part of a "paid tier" (the HD Tier) for which customers will have an option to subscribe. This would include channels like ESPN HD, HD Net, HD Net Movies, IN HD 1 and IN HD 2. This is in keeping with customers' desire to subscribe, and only pay for, programming that they want."

Dan Santelle
Vice President of Sales & Marketing
Time Warner Cable of South Carolina

bdenman,

Although I'm not in SC thanks for all the info. :)

If interested, I posted the contents here (http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?postid=3068530#post3068530) of an email this morning I received from TWC. It concerned the ins/outs of the TWC/Pioneer promotion.

I was asked to post this information from Diana at Time Warner:


"Effective Immediately:

HD Net and HD Net Movies are now available in the following Time Warner Cable of South Carolina Service Areas:

* Greater Columbia
* Sumter Area
* Orangeburg Area
* Florence Area
* The Grand Strand from the North Carolina border to the Georgetown-Andrews area. Also including Conway.

These services are available on Channel 930 and 931 respectively and are part of The HD Tier. Currently the HD Tier is available as a free preview through February to HD customers who call in and request the service. Effective March 1, 2004, the tier will cost $6.95 per month.

Diana Smith
Marketing Director for Video Services
Time Warner Cable South Carolina"

DVI for SA3250HD
From: Diana Smith,
Marketing Director for Video Services
Time Warner Cable South Carolina

Subj: SA 3250HD DVI Output Update:

Effective Tuesday January 6, 2004, the code to activate the DVI output on the SA 3250HD will be downloaded. Please note, the HD Converter must be powered off for at least 15 minutes, post-download, in order to receive the code.

I got this information from Shaun Bennett at SCETV and thought it might be of some use to you all here in the Florence/MB area:

"WRJA-D is the second station on our current build out queue. We are going to bring our Charleston station (WITV) up later this month and WRJA up in February. The tower has been reenforced and the antenna has been mounted. We have a few modifications to make with the equipment at the transmitter site, but expect a fairly smooth power up. When I get a firm date I will let you know."

[WRJA is SCETV's station in Sumter and their DT programming should be essentially the same as WRLK's (almost but not 100%). Besides the Sumter area coverage, their OTA digital broadcast will extend SCETV's signal more towards Florence and other points east.]

I was asked to post his:

Please Note:

I have just discovered that the software upgrades necessary to implement the DVI output on the HD DVR (SA 8000HD) will not be implemented until March.

I apologize for any miscommunication on this issue and regret any inconvenience that may have resulted.

Diana Smith
Director of Marketing for Video Services
Time Warner Cable South Carolina

Good Morning,

I wanted to update you on the situation with WIS HD on TWC.

We are down to the final review of the deal. The last pieces to be agreed upon are very minor. Both sides have focused their efforts this week on getting the deal finalized prior to the races this weekend. It is very close to resolution and we feel there are decent odds it will be signed before the end of business on Friday, 2/13. If this is accomplished TWC will be able to provide the signal in time for the Saturday race.

Please realize this is not a promise that the deal will be done, just a pledge that we are continuing to do all that we can to accomplish the feat.

If the deal is completed, I will provide a post to the forum and we will provide a crawl on The Weather Channel.

As a final note, the WIS deal will provide NBC service to all TWC South Carolina HD Subscribers in all areas except Summerville/North Charleston.

A Much Better Afternoon:

The attorneys have agreed on the language of the deal! We will have WIS HD prior to this weekend on Channel 805. As soon as I find out when the switch will be hit I will post!

Good Morning,

Unfortunately I'm here to tell you about a firmware bug that was just discovered that impacts both the SA 8000SD and the SA 8000HD.

These converters do not recognize February 29th on the guide, which has resulted in a shut down of the record function. All aspects of the 8000 except record are working. I have heard of no instances in which previously recorded material has been lost. All recordings that were set prior to midnight last night, should be fine.

SA is in 'emergency session' working on a software patch. I will keep you updated.

In SC, our guide goes out 7 days, so once February 29th appeared, thats when the problems started. This may not be an issue in other TWC Divisions depending on how far out their guide data goes.

Thanks for your patience while we work through this issue.

DVR Update!

First, this Firmware Bug does NOT impact the SA 8000HD, just the SD!

Second, the fix is currently undergoing testing in the lab. If it passes, the patch will download tonight and this will all be behind us tomorrow.

I will, of course, keep you updated.

Thank you again for your patience.

SA 8000SD Update -

We are downloading the software patch right now. Everything should be in the system by 6pm at the latest. You have two options:

If you want to record something on your SD DVR tonight, please go ahead and reboot the converter to force the software patch. If you don't plan on recording and don't want to deal with a reboot, then just wait until your converter receives the forced download sometime after midnight tonight.

Either way, if you have recordings already scheduled, please take a moment and make sure they are still in the scheduled recordings list after your converter receives the software patch.

Please let me know if you have any questions and again I thank you for your patience concerning this issue.

Well....the first noteworthy HDTV news in Florence in a while. WRJA-DT PBS digital in Sumter is now on line and is loud and clear here in Florence. Finally, we have a reliable source of PBS HD. WRLK-DT out of COlumbia was the first OTA HD station that I ever recieved but it was always hit and miss on reception even using a gigantic parabolic dish on my old house. I moved in Nov 2002 and did not move my monster antenna. Until today I was basically devoid of PBS HD. This is truly great news.

Scott

Thanks to Hap Griffin and all the others at SCETV

Thanks for the info scott.

I have been watching 28-3 PBSHD at lot lately and it is great. Basically 24-7 HD channel with compelling content. Highly recommend.

Scott

Per Requests for Information as to how TWC will facilitate the IEEE 1394:

TWC, along with each of the other MSOs, and representatives of the consumer electronics industry, signed the Plug and Play Agreement in December 2002. The body of that agreement was adopted by the Federal Communications Commission in the Plug and Play Order, dated September 2003. Per this Agreement and Order, TWC has two different obligations with respect to IEEE 1394 (‘Fire Wire’), tied to different dates:

Effective April 1, 2004, solely upon request of a customer, TWC must replace any leased high definition converter, which does not include a functional IEEE 1394 interface, with one that includes a functional IEEE 1394 interface.

Effective, July 1, 2005, all high definition converters acquired by TWC for distribution to customers must include both (1) a DVI or HDMI interface AND (2) an IEEE 1394 interface.

In TWC South Carolina, the only HD converter available as of April 1, with a functional 1394 port will be a new version of the 3250 that will be referenced in the South Carolina offices as the 3250FW (this is not a part number you will find on the SA website – I also do not know what other Divisions will ‘name’ their converters). There will be no HD DVR with a functional 1394 port available in any SA Division until July 1, 2005.

Beginning Thursday, April 1, 2004, Customers in South Carolina may call in and request to switch out their current HD converter or upgrade to an HD converter with a functional 1394 port. The inventory of the 3250FW will be very limited, so they will not be stocked at any front counter location. An installation appointment must be scheduled and, again due to limited inventory, this appointment may take up to 14 business days to schedule depending upon where you reside in South Carolina.

The Master's in HD

In the Columbia DMA and the Florence-Myrtle Beach DMA, TWC will offer live coverage of the first two rounds of The Master's on Thursday and Friday on the Special Events HD Channel 813. In addition, we will show an Encore Performance of each day's round at 8pm that same evening and on the same channel.

Good Afternoon,

Please be aware, on Tuesday, May 4th, sometime between 2am and 6am, Discovery HD Theater will be moved from its current satellite to a new satellite. This will result in a very short interruption of service. Unfortunately, this disruption is unavoidable.

Please let me know if you have any additional questions,

Does anybody know whats going on with WPDE-DT 15-1(16-1) and WWMB-DT 21-1(20-1)? They are constantly on & off the air at no specific time or schedule(no pattern).

Diane, I don't get TWC from SC but thanks for keeping the Florence/Myrtle Beach thread up to date. :D

Good Morning,

Friday, May 21st at 9am, TNT HD will launch its new service. Time Warner Cable of South Carolina will provide the service free to all HDTV customers on channel 840.

TNT HD features an incredible array of programming from award-winning dramas like Law & Order to exciting NBA season action to original movies, series and more, all in HD with continual 5.1 Surround Sound. Friday nights programming will center around Game 1 of the NBA Western Series final between LA Lakers and the winner of the Sacramento Kings/Minnesota Timberwolves series.

Have a great week.

Good Afternoon,

We are planning to have the DVR 1.1 Software download available to all TWC South Carolina DVR customers within the next 5 to 10 business days. I have included some general information below as an overview of the new features. This information is applicable to both SD and HD DVRs. I will send out an additional email when I know the download has been sent to your DVRs.

Activates:
· S-Video Out
· Composite Video & Audio Inputs

Features:

· Copy a Recorded Program to VCR Tape – allows user to copy a recording to VCR while watching or recording another channel. Customer required to purchase their own connection cables.
· Adds “Recording Space Used” status – allows customer to determine available space for additional recording.
· Auto-Erasing Oldest Recordings – allows customer to schedule new recording, even if there is not enough recording space. DVR will automatically erase oldest recording that is NOT marked as NEVER Erase in order to provide room for newest scheduled recordings.
· Copy First-Run Episodes only – allows customer to select just First-Run Episodes when All Episodes is selected on the Confirm Recording screen.
· Power Save Mode – allows the converter to power down during the time from 1:00 am to 6:00 am if there is no customer activity. Customer can avoid the power down by touching any key when they receive the power down message. While in power-down mode, converters will still execute scheduled recordings and will still receive scheduled maintenance from the headend.



On a related note, the DVI Output is now anticipated to be activated with the DVR 1.2 Software download which is not tentatively scheduled until August or September.


Have a great weekend,

The DVR 1.1 Software download will be made available to all TWC South Carolina DVR customers during the course of regular business today, May 25, 2004. If you turn off your DVR or HD DVR for several minutes during the course of the day, the converter will receive this download. The Headend staff will initiate a forced download of the new software during the regular maintenance window very early tomorrow morning, Wednesday, May 26th. This will ensure that all DVRs and HD DVRs will have received the download by start of business tomorrow.

Please let me know if you have any questions,

Has WBTW gone off the air tonight? I just recently changed to a HDtivo and been having problems getting it, now its totally gone. Its always been hard to get on the coast, because of the low power.

So, just checking to see if they are off tonight, instead of hooking my other receiver back up.

Does anybody have any idea if they plan on increasing power anytime soon?

Thanks

I noticed Sunday (June-6-04) that WPDE-DT 15(16-1) is sending out a HD signal now instead of SD. But theres no picture, just audio. Its the same way today. Hopefully they'll get the video going soon.

Sometime late Tuesday afternoon WPDE-DT 15 got the video going but unfortunately the didn't pass the national HD feed lastnight. It was 4x3 upconvert.

Thanks for the info Daryl. now if WFXB will get off their ass and committ we will have all the major networks in digital, if not HD.

Actually WFXB-DT 43 (18-1) is broadcasting SD now out of Myrtle Beach and have been for some time now. But at very low power and only on I think their local stations 200 foot tower just to cover the county that Myrtle Beach is in (forgot the county name, starts with a H I think).

Horry

Thanks Daryl. I live about 50 miles from myrtle beach. I've received that station once last winter, but since have been unable to get it. could've been some tropo ducting.

Good Morning,

Time Warner Cable of South Carolina is pleased to announce the addition of MLS games to the programming line-up on INHD. Please be aware, blackouts are required on INHD for MLS games to protect the local distribution market of the teams playing. These games will generally be available on that team’s Regional Sports Network, or team affiliated OTA station (in standard and/or high definition), and/or on MLS DIRECT KICK Sports Package. Blackouts are determined by MLS and the team’s local broadcaster.

Blackouts will be determined and announced several days prior to the game broadcast. Please check local listings for game availability in your area.

Originally posted by DianaTWCSC
Horry Yep, thats it. Thanks DianaTWCSC. :)

crosbyclan,

I live 10 miles west of I-95, 30 miles north of the NC/SC state line. I too picked up WFXB-DT 43 (18-1) one time only early one morning on 18-1 about 3 weeks ago. It didn't even remap to 43-1 either. That was due to heavy tropo also because I was also picking up WIS (forgot the channel #).

Hello,

Could I get a Florence HDTV update?
I am hoping to get a decent listing of SD and HD stations.
I am aware of antennaweb,
but Columbia digital stations are no longer showing up in a search.
I am 59.9 miles to the analog towers with a narrow 2 degree spread.
After the superbowl, I got buyers remorse with my HDTV system and returned it to Circuit City.
But the Colts play New England on Sept. 9 on ABC, I will be back in the HDTV market before then.

Here is what I have gathered:
WOLO Columbia ABC 8 HDTV
WPDE Florence ABC 16 only SD :(
WLTX Columbia CBS 17 HDTV, use when WBTW isn't on.
WRJA Sumter PBS 28 HDTV
WIS Columbia NBC 41 HDTV
WFXB M.Beach FOX 44 SD :( & low signal.
WBTW Florence CBS 56 HDTV

Thinking out loud...
Why bother with a Florence directed antenna?
Just aim the 4228 8-bay at Columbia, to get ABC, CBS, and NBC.
Then aim the 4221 4-bay or a new 4248 yagi at Sumter, to get PBS.

Is there a HDTV Fox affiliate in Columbia?
I know of the UPN affiate in SD, but who watches UPN?
What am I missing?

Originally posted by FloCobra
Is there a HDTV Fox affiliate in Columbia?
I know of the UPN affine in SD, but who watches UPN?
What am I missing?
Columbia's FOX affiliate is WACH(Ch 57) and their DT channel is #48 (their tower is near the others near Elgin). Their programming is mostly 480i with some SD 480 widescreen programming. Earlier today I posted here (http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?postid=3918229#post3918229) in the Columbia thread my latest email response from their engineer. In a nutshell, they are not yet ready to do HD broadcasts.

For UPN, I am not sure about the Flo/MB area, but our area's UPN/WBHQ is a non-player for HD. Their analog broadcast are out of Columbia while their DT emanates from Sumter (very low power). Their primary affiliation is now WB and UPN secondary and the UPN part goes away the end of this year. The FCC database does show there is a construction permit approved for an analog TV station WRBJ Ch 47 which might pick up the UPN affiliation.

ps: two antennas with an A/B switch might work or a rotor.

Thanks Bruce for you reply,

I have some TWCSC questions.
I currently have channels 2-12 for $6/mth via TWCSC.
FWIW, it passes also FX, FoxNews, and Disney.

I dont want a $30+ monthly bill.
Could I rent a TW high def SA3250HD (for $10/mth?) from them.
Then pay $6.95 for their hidef tier?
Or does HD Tier only come with the costly digital cable package?
Does the SA3250HD offer OTA?
If the above is true, costwise, it would be roughly $17/mth or $200/yr.

You can rent the 3250 HD converter and receive the free HD channels in your area - PBS, NBC, TNT-HD and Discovery HD. You cannot purchase the HD Tier without also subscribing to the Cable Tier.

WPDE-DT ABC 15-1 (16-1) and WWMB-DT UPN 21-1 (20-1) both are owned and run by the same crew.

WPDE-DT ABC 15 just this past week started sending out an upconverted 720p signal (according to my LG LST-3510A and their PSIP info changed to now saying HD instead of SD) of their analog channel. Hopefully they'll start passing the National HD feed soon.

WWMB-DT UPN 21 is only a 480i digitized version of their analog channel.

Diane,

Currently, I am a Time Warner Cable subscriber.
I have Earthlink Hish Speed Internet for ~$42.95
and Broadcast Tier for ~$5.54.
What I hear you saying is that I can rent an HDTV receiver from TWCSC and receive free HD content. I realise that additional HD content costs $6.95/mth via HDTV tier.

My questions:
What is the rental fee for the 3250 converter?
Can I rent the HDTV 3250 converter and receive some HDTV content here in Florence with the broadcast tier?
Or do I need digital or basic?
Can the HDTV 3250 converter pick up OTA signals via an outside antenna?
Can I return the convertor after a month, ie there is no contract?
The cable line installed was orange because i have broadband, and I told the installer that I might get HDTV in the future.
Will they have to run a new cable line to receive HDTV?
What stations will TWCSC provide for free here in Florence when I rent the box?

Thanks,

Michael

All the answers are here (http://www.twcsc.com/) .

Yes - you can subscribe to the Broadcast Tier and also rent the 3250.

You cannot subscribe to the HD Tier at $6.95 a month, without also adding the Cable Tier.

the 3250 costs $9.95 per month
You can subscribe to the Broadcast Tier, rent the 3250 and receive the following channels free: NBC (WIS), PBS (ETV), TNT HD & Discovery HD. As contracts are concluded with ABC, CBS and FOX, these channels will also be provided to you free of charge
You do not need Digital or Basic (Cable Tier) in order to receive the channels listed in the sentence immediately above this one
The 3250 does not pick up OTA signals
You can return the converter any time you want - a day, week, month.
Typically HD & HSD are provided on the same cable line. Unless there are extraordinary circumstanced at your home, you should be all set.
As stated above, current Free HD channels are NBC (WIS), PBS (ETV), TNT HD and Discovery HD

Also, a favor please - my name is Diana, please don't call me Diane - I appreciate it.

Please let me know if you have any additional questions.

Thanks Diana,

I appreciate your quick and professional response.

Michael

Not a problem - let me know if you have any additional questions.

Please also note, you either call to set up an installation for a 3250 or you can stop by your local office and pick up an HD converter. If you do opt to pick up the converter yourself, you will be required to show your HD TV manual. We do this a percaution because some people of not entirely educated yet and they think the HD conveter will provide them HD pictures without the HD TV.

Hi Diana,

I plan to drive over to the local Florence TWCSC office this afternoon.
I will give HDTV a try for a month and see if I like it.
I have an new Panasonic LCD video projector.
I am very impressed with it, XGA, 2600 lumens, bright and clear during the daytime. I use a 6'x9' screen aka 100" diagonal.
It shows HDTV in 1080i, 720p, and 480p/i.
I will need to get a VGA breakout cable, ie there is no VGA output on the 3250 but the VGA / component video cable will provide me the video signal.

Michael

Glad to hear it! Please let me know here or at twcscnews@twcable.com if you need anything else.

I drove over to the TWCSC office in Florence.
I asked for a 3250HD STB for HD.
They were out. :(
They had two with the DVR, but they were beat up.
One looked like it dueled with a screwdriver and lost.
They other had sticky stuff on it, I looked away and didn't ask.
They said to call back and see if they have any more coming in tomorrow.
I wasn't looking forward to a beat up box, but I guess for $10/mth, I can't expect a new box.

Then I went over to CC, BB, and Sears.

Sears must of had a big sale this weekend, half of the store demos were
gone. They tried to sell me on DishNetwork. Voom was mentioned only in passing.

BestBuy tried to sell me a D*TV 3 room system for $299 with a $80/mth fee.
$49.95 for top 60, $10 for HD, $10 * 2 for the other boxes.
They said that Satellite picture was far superior to OTA or TWCSC.

Circuit City was the most informed of the three. The guy first showed me PBS-HD via OTA on a Sony, its very clear. They suggested the Hughes HTLHD for $299. Then I asked about a ATSC with QAM. They have two of the LG LST3510A for $449.00 - 10%. Then I noticed the Zenith HD-SAT520 on closeout for $196.XX That is a DEAL!!!!!!!!! No QAM, but a OTA for less than $200, wow.

I am in decision mode, not sure, I waffle quite a bit.

Not a problem - I'm a huge fan of shopping and I'm here if you need me.

Do you have a name at Best Buy? We have deal with them and a regular training schedule to go into the store and provide info so I would like to make sure this blue shirt gets the full story.

Thanks

Apologizes for the lack of Braves in HD in Florece and Summerville last night. The Engineers have worked on both all afternoon and claim everything is fixed and ready to go for tomorrows 1pm game.

I do not have HD in my office (what's up with that!) - so please if anyone has trouble post right away!

Anyone know what's going on with WPDE-DT(16) lately.
Seems like it's off the air much more than it's on.........

I called Time Warner Cable to schedule the install of an additional outlet and to bring an 3250HD STB. The time will be next Monday. The additional outlet should only cost me $33 instead of $83 because the house is prewired, just not connected at the outside box.

The STB should cost me $9.95/mth for one month. The CSR didn't think I could get free HD without complete basic tier. Diana posted that I should. I will find out. I plan to use it just one month to make sure I am getting the free HD QAM signals from TWC. Then in August I will buy the LS 3100A OTA w/ QAM STB.

Installed in the attic is a Winegard 9095 and 1713 antennas, I hope to get Columbia, Myrtle Beach, Charleston, and Florence, from here in Florence. The Walmart STB was plastic, poorly constructed and not what I wanted.
I cant find anything on TV to watch during the summer. Is it just me?

The installer came buy to add the additional outlet to a bedroom and to drop off my HD cable box. He handed me a SA3100HD. It came with remote, component cable and an audio cable. He didn't have any SA3250HD boxes. He said I could go to the local office and trade it in for the 3250 if I wanted to. But he has never gotten one.

The box tunes in the 2-12 channels fine.
I still get FX, FoxNews, and Disney.
I now get HDTV** aka 800, 801, 802, 805(not working), 813, 814, 840(not working), 845;
Also the digital music choice aka 301-340 and Free Favorites on Demand aka 849-899.
I could choose to get Movies on Demand, but dont want to pay any more.

Assessment:
PBS looks nice, but I heard its repeating programming.
Discovery HD is clear and Dolby 5.1
Food Network on demand makes the wife happy.
Emeril is playing as I type.

No reception on NBC and TNT-HD?
I this a box problem or cable problem?

NBC is supposed to broadcast in HD for the Olympics in August.
I hope to catch it.

First try the ever famous re-boot. If you are still missing channels, you need to call and set up a service call so that the technican can determine the correct nature of the problem.

There may be a dely in providing a 3250 in Florece - we are running low and expecting a shipment from SA any time now. Should be very temporary.

Hello Diana,

I called a CSR at TWC. She walked me thru the rebooting of the box. I unplugged it for 20 secs. Plugged it in. She sent a signal to the box. 805 and 840 are still black. So she will have a technician call and set up an appointment. They were very professional about it. She was typing the whole time. I threw your name around at will, I hope that was ok.

She and her supervisor are both convinced that I have to have the full basic in order to receive the HD channels. I tried to tell them otherwise, via your posts/email. I do get 800, 801, 802, 813, 845. But NBC(Olympics coverage) and TNT-HD(NASCAR) are not coming up.

So I expect a call to schedule service tomorrow and hope it wont take a week again.

Would you mind emailing me with your home phone number at twcscnews@twcable.com

This way I can access your account and (1) follow up with the service call and getting you a 3250 (2) locate the CSR and Supervisor you spoke with so I can instruct them regarding the buy through provisions.

Thanks

Anyone know anything about when or if WPDE-DT will be back on?

I wanted to give my overview of what is available via Time Warner Cable in Florence, SC for a reasonable low cost.

Pricing: $5.56 for broadcast cable, $9.95 for digital convertor box.
Total: $15.55/month

Ch 800 SCETV - PBS-HD
Ch 801 Analog of 800
Ch 802 ETV Analog
Ch 805 NBC-HD
Ch 813 Braves High Definition
Ch 814 Special Events
Ch 840 TNT-HD
Ch 845 Discovery HD Theater

With the SA 3100HD box you also get the following channels:
301-340 TW Digital Music
849-899 Free Favorites on Demand

I am still looking into getting an OTA box to get CBS, ABC, and FOX from Columbia, unless Diana can convince me that the major networks will be available in HD by the Fall season.

Good Afternoon,

Turner Networks has just alerted us to the fact that the scheduled Braves Game in HD for Saturday, July 17th WILL NOT BE in HD. This is a technical issue on their end and they apologize for any inconvenience.

Tonights game will be in HD.

For the first time ever, Time Warner Cable will provide a Live High Definition PPV event. Mike Tyson (50-4-44 KOs) will fight the current International Heavyweight Champion Danny Williams (31-3-26 KOs). The fight will be aired live from Freedom Hall Arena in Louisville, Kentucky.

· Friday, July 30 at 9:00 pm eastern time
· Special Events HD Channel 814
· $44.95

The fight will be available via an impulse buy on Channel 814 as of Wednesday, July 28th. Just tune to Channel 814 and press the B button on your remote.

Good Morning,

I'm headed to the airport for a Cable Marketing conference. I will not be checking the Forum while I'm out, so please contact customer service if you have an urgent issue with your service.

I'll be back online next Saturday - take care and have a great week,

Is there a reason TWC doesn't have ESPN-HD?

I guess the only way to get that is thru D*?

Time Warner Cable Corporate Programming group is currently in negotiations with ESPN concerning carriage of their HD channel.

We continually provide feedback to that group that our customers are continually requesting the product and we plan to launch the service immediately upon completion of the deal.

More to the point though, currently you do need to purchase a satellite dish and contract in order to recieve ESPN HD.

WPDE-DT(16) is back on the air now, after being off for a long time!

Good Morning,

Although things remain a bit slow on the forum, I wanted to let you know I am leaving shortly to attend the final Cable Conference of the summer. I will be away from the internet until Wednesday morning, so please call customer service if you have an urgent matter. 1-866-892-7201

Enjoy your Sunday!

Does anyone know what HD channels we can get down here in Myrtle Beach with an OTA setup?
I still can't figure out how Columbia gets ABC/CBS/NBC in hi-def, yet we can only get NBC down here. Its all TWC, so thats what I don't understand.
I am dying to get setup to see MNF in HDTV, but from what I'm reading, its not possible, even with the OTA antenna.

Originally posted by Merch120
I still can't figure out how Columbia gets ABC/CBS/NBC in hi-def, yet we can only get NBC down here. Its all TWC, so thats what I don't understand.



It is all the same TWC office, but different ABC and CBS affiliates (its the same NBC affiliate in Columbia and Florence-Myrtle Beach DMAs respectively). We have successfully concluded negotiations with ABC and CBS in Columbia - and CBS in Charleston DMA. But are still in negotiations with CBS and ABC in your DMA.

Hope that helps to clarify.

Originally posted by DianaTWCSC
It is all the same TWC office, but different ABC and CBS affiliates (its the same NBC affiliate in Columbia and Florence-Myrtle Beach DMAs respectively). We have successfully concluded negotiations with ABC and CBS in Columbia - and CBS in Charleston DMA. But are still in negotiations with CBS and ABC in your DMA.

Hope that helps to clarify.
Are you sure? I get CBS here.

Here is the breakdown of HDTV in the Pee Dee Region.
TWCSC provides WIS in Florence and at the Beach, NBC.
OTA provides WBTW, CBS in Dillion.
No ABC HDTV available.
No FOX HDTV available.

TWCSC also provides PBS, Turner South(Braves games only), TNT-HD(Nascar, Law and Order, etc), DiscoveryHD.

So no HDTV Monday night football in Myrtle Beach.
OTA ABC from Columbia is available in Florence, where I live.
No FOX, too low of a signal.

My $.02

Originally posted by Gary J
Are you sure? I get CBS here.

Your in the Charleston DMA, not the Florence-Myrtle Beach DMA. We have done a deal with the Charleston CBS affiliate, WCSC.

Originally posted by FloCobra

TWCSC provides WIS in Florence, WECT Wilmington, NC at the Beach, NBC.



Just a point of clarification - NBC HD is WIS in both Florence and on the Beach. We are not carrying WECT in HD.

Finally got my HDTV and TWCSC upgraded my dvr to the dvr hd one. I don't think they have everything setup right so a tech is returning next week. Am very pleased with the channels I have but like others am hoping to see many more soon. Will also be nice when we see channel info listed for ETV-2 - channel 802. It is the only channel that never has any info on what is showing or what might be showing later.

Thanks Diana

I now have everything working super. The TWCSC techs along with the help of one of the AVS Forum members now have my tv, 8000hd and go video combo dvd recorder/vhs all setup properly.

Wonderful - enjoy!

Hello Diana,

Any hope that ABC and/or CBS will be available in Florence in HD by the time the NFL season starts?

I watched the Colts play the Jets tonight on ESPN, very poor resolution because ESPN is on an analog station as you know. But the Colts play only one regular season game on ESPN, so I can bare with it.

On Thursday night, September 9th on ABC, my Colts play the Patriots to open the regular season. ABC here in Florence is not even HD over the air, so I would have to get it from Columbia OTA. CBS is broadcasting in HD already, but not on TWCSC. Colts play on CBS most of the time.

Are there negotiations with CBS or ABC in the Florence DMA?

Any CBS, ABC, or Fox updates?

Good Morning,

Negotiations are on-going with all Network affiliates who have an HD feed available. I do not have any information beyond that though.

Enjoy your weekend,
Diana

Am hoping that our local sations CBS station WBTW and ABC station WPDE Hi Def broadcasts will be added to the Time Warner lineup soon:) They both told me that they broadcast in HD.

Fingers crossed that you are negotiating with them too.

Thanks

I could be wrong, so correct me. WPDE is broadcasting in DTV and WBTW is broadcasting in HDTV. What do we know about Fox WFXB? Will they be broadcasting HDTV on September 12, 2004? If so, I guess another antenna pointed at the beach is in order since the columbia Fox channel is broadcasting at very low power.

Florence has a bizzare HDTV reception.
ABC, no TWCSC, OTA in DTV in Florence, OTA in HDTV over VHF in Columbia.
CBS, no TWCSC, OTA in HDTV in Florence or Columbia.
NBC, TWCSC channel 805, OTA in HDTV in Columbia.
FOX, no TWCSC, OTA in HDTV(maybe) in Myrtle Beach, low power in Columbia.
PBS, TWCSC channel 800, OTA in HDTV in Sumter, OTA in DTV in Florence.

Solution for HDTV for all 5 networks with least amount of equipment:
ABC: VHF aimed at Columbia.
CBS: UHF aimed at Columbia.
NBC: Same UHF aimed at Columbia.
PBS: Same UHF aimed a Columbia, only 20 degrees seperation, aim between?
FOX: Another UHF aimed at Myrtle Beach.

If you aim a silver surfer at the Florence towers in Dillion, 30 miles away, you only get CBS in HDTV, so why not just get CBS out of Columbia instead of the extra antenna?

If you used a QAM plus OTA receiver like the LG 4200A, you could get PBS and NBC from TWCSC, aim a VHF at Columbia for ABC, a UHF at Florence for CBS, and a UHF at Myrtle Beach for FOX. This would get you the 5 networks.

If TWCSC would jsut give us all five, it would save lots of money. But it doesn't look like the networks are cooperating with them.

WB and UPN are just not worth watching, IMHO.

Your thoughts and corrections are requested.

WWMB-DT(20) UPN hasn't broadcast in over a month, so you can count that one out for the time being.
At least they got the ABC transmitter going again, it was off for weeks!

Does anyone have experience getting a waiver from Channel 13 so as to get the HDTV signal from DirecTV? I live in Laurinburg, which is in the "market" for ch. 13, but they've aimed their transmission away from this city toward the beach and we can't get any digital signal. It's frustrating not to get high def CBS.

Also, does anybody know their plans as to when they'll boost the signal to full power and aim it this direction?

Will be nice when Florence-Myrtle Beach have CBS and ABC HD on TWC.
The Columbia TWC customers get both of them.

As we say down south, are we the *red-headed* step children?
Am just teasing lol. Seriously, I do hope they add them to our lineup soon.

I'm sorry for the perception, but Network Affiliates are either Owned and Operated by the main broadcast group, ie NBC (National Broadcasting Corporation), ABC (American Broadcasting Corporation), etc. or they are franchasied out kinda like a McDonalds.

In the case of both Columbia and Florence-Myrtle Beach DMAs the Broadcast Affiliates are franchised to different companies. So, even though it seems very goofy, the fact that we have a contract with one ABC or CBS franchised affilate doesn't have anything to do with our negotiations with another franchised affiliate. They are two entirely different companys.

NBC worked out for Columbia and Florence-Myrtle Beach because WIS applied for and received Significantly Viewed status in the FMB DMA from the FCC.

After another conversation on the golf course, a well-known physican in the community stopped by my house to see my HDTV setup. He was impressed by the clearity and sound broadcasting the Olympics and DiscoveryHD. I disconnected my 3100HD box and took it to his house. I connected it to his Panasonic HDTV that he has not been using to receive HDTV, just analog cable. He was impressed how good his TV could look.

He is supposed to call TWCSC and get a box sent out to him. But he wants the same deal I have, I wonder if the CSR will allow him to get it. Broadcast cable and HDTV channels in the 800 range for ~$16 per month. Yes he does have roadrunner and the Cable tier currently. But he wants to drop the Cable tier, saving him $37.50 and add the cable box $9.95.

Diana, will he get the run around?
Or will the CSR know how to set him up on Broadcast and Broadcast HDTV?
If he has trouble, can I have him email you and have you take a look at his account?

Thanks.

FWIW, this doctor had Best Buy connect a new progressive scan Sony DVD player to his HDTV and Sony Surround sound receiver. Well you guessed it, composite video all the way around. Why would they ever use yellow for video and red and white for audio? I pulled out some Component video cables and a digital audio cable and hooked it up for him. He inserted a DVD and the blue light for Dolby lighted up fot the first time ever. The progressive scan video picture came on, WOW, he said.

Thanks Diana for the clarification.

Originally posted by FloCobra
After another conversation on the golf course, a well-known physican in the community stopped by my house to see my HDTV setup. He was impressed by the clearity and sound broadcasting the Olympics and DiscoveryHD. I disconnected my 3100HD box and took it to his house. I connected it to his Panasonic HDTV that he has not been using to receive HDTV, just analog cable. He was impressed how good his TV could look.

He is supposed to call TWCSC and get a box sent out to him. But he wants the same deal I have, I wonder if the CSR will allow him to get it. Broadcast cable and HDTV channels in the 800 range for ~$16 per month. Yes he does have roadrunner and the Cable tier currently. But he wants to drop the Cable tier, saving him $37.50 and add the cable box $9.95.

Diana, will he get the run around?
Or will the CSR know how to set him up on Broadcast and Broadcast HDTV?
If he has trouble, can I have him email you and have you take a look at his account?

Thanks.

FWIW, this doctor had Best Buy connect a new progressive scan Sony DVD player to his HDTV and Sony Surround sound receiver. Well you guessed it, composite video all the way around. Why would they ever use yellow for video and red and white for audio? I pulled out some Component video cables and a digital audio cable and hooked it up for him. He inserted a DVD and the blue light for Dolby lighted up fot the first time ever. The progressive scan video picture came on, WOW, he said.


He should not get a run-around, but certainly I'm available if needed.

HOWEVER, since he already has Road Runner and Basic Cable, he can upgrade to the Speed of Light Package with an HD Converter and get Digital with 144 more channels than he has right now for just $7.25 more than he's paying right now. This is the best value package we have available and then he wouldn't lose any channels.

Thanks Diana, I called him and let him know about the "Speed of Light" package.

Thank you - that was very generous.

Hello Diana et al,

The TWCSC subcontractor came to my doctor friend's house today. He brought with him a SA3250HD. (All I have is the old 3100HD.) He spent a long 20 minutes telling about all the features and channels. He then confirmed with Doc that he wanted broadcast and HDTV local channels. Yes, then Doc signed the work order and the installer called Columbia to confirm the order. I read the pink sheet that Doc signed. $9.95 for the HDTV box, $5.66 for the broadcast cable, and a $.99 fee for somekind of assurance plan he doesn't need.

The installer did some work on the roadside box and called to see if everything was working correctly. It all looks fine; clear on 2-12 and 800-845. Well, guess what. Some additional channels are also being received, 901, 902, 921, 922. 4 HDTV channels that he doesn't mind getting, but dont want to pay for. Also channels 103-285 of the digital tier was loud and clear.

Diana can you make sure he wont be billed for anything except broadcast and the box rental. Please PM me and I will give you his information from his pink sheet.

Thanks.

ESPN HD is now available on the TWC HD Tier Channel 950

– the deal was just signed – authorization is in progress – so it will come on the air sometime this evening (sorry I can’t be more precise than that)

No information will show up on the Guide until Tuesday, September 14th.

Customer’s who currently subscribe to the HD Tier will automatically receive this channel. Customer’s who wish to ad the HD Tier should call 866-TWC-SC01, the addition of this service can be done over the phone.

That is great news. Just checked it out and it is coming thru great here.

Yeah - I just got home and turned it on.... I think it looks pretty good.

Enjoy

Just inncase nobody has noticed. WPDE-DT 15-1(16-1) ABC is now passing through the national ABC HD feed but still no DD5.1 yet.

WWMB 21-1 has been off-air for several weeks now. Anybody heard anything?

Some possible good news for the Florence-Myrtle Beach DMA. Billy Huggins, the vp and general manager for WPDE, the ABC affiliate in Florence, thinks they may be close to a deal with TWC to carry the digital station. Now before getting too excited, I have no idea if TWC also thinks they are close to a deal. I know they have supposedly been close with WCIV in Charleston for 9 months now, but still no deal. I would encourage everyone in the Florence-Myrtle Beach DMA to let Mr. Huggins (whuggins@wpde.com ) know you are interested in getting their digital channel on TWC and hopefully TWC will be willing to go the extra mile to work out this deal. I am happy that we now have espn-hd and I think Diana also does a great job. However, I just think it is a disservice to the subscribers in the Florence-MB DMA that we are not able to watch Monday night Football and the ABC shows/sitcoms in high def. Maybe this will change soon.

I read on the Columbia thread that TW was in negotiations with WPDE. Hopefully Mr. Huggins is right. I will for sure email him. Thank you :)
Wish we had more people in our area that knew about this forum.
Maybe they will start negotiating someday soon with WBTW too. Would be awesome to be able to have them both.

foz32,

He didn't happen to comment why WWMB 21-1(20-1) has been off air for a few weeks did he?

Anyone have any ideas on how to spread the word about the Florence/Myrtle Beach forum for our area.
I know there are lots out there that might enjoy knowing about the updates. I think it would also encourage more to use Time Warner hd options.

Wouldn't it be nice if Best Buy, Circuit City and Sears mentioned us to new hdtv owners or Time Warner mentioned it to people who switch to HD....lol. I don't see any of that happening but would be great to get this area as busy as the Columbia one.


I posted this yesterday in the wrong area lol. A guy suggested making up cards and passing them out at Circuit City. I am home bound and can't do that but it sure was a good idea.

I do tell my HD customers with questions about the Forum, but most of my HD customers have been members a lot longer than me.

I don't think we can legitimately endorse anything like this forum in official correspondence, at least not without getting legal approval on verbage, which would be red tape.

Thanks for the update on WPDE. I did email Mr. Huggins and told him how much lots of people including myself would love to have WPDE added to TWC.
He emailed me back that he thought the deal would be finalized this week....fingers crossed :) I know it is not a done deal until both sides have everything worked out.

Thanks Diana
I think TWCSC and you are doing a super job already. Hopefully, we can all spread the word more locally. Was not trying to add more work to your job. I had not thought thru how that would be difficult on your part. Appreciate all your help.

I emailed Mr. Huggins also:

We are waiting on Time Warner. We have the only full power HD ABC signal in the market and the staff at Time Warner has not sent the contract. We work with staff out of Columbia and I know they have a lot of markets to work on but if you talk to your local Time Warner office it will help. Thanks, Billy

Not as positive as above.

Maybe TWC is waiting on WPDE-DT to get organized. Their not passing the ABC DD5.1 audio yet and lastnight they only showed the 4x3 upconverted video feed of MNF.

Monday Night Football was shown in HD on WPDE-DT last week, so they are set up for HD.

Originally posted by Nottacky
Monday Night Football was shown in HD on WPDE-DT last week, so they are set up for HD. I know that. I saw. But it wasn't lastnight.

Sorry, I didn't realize that you saw MNF last week.
I guess WPDE just forgot to switch the feed to HD this Monday.
Maybe they'll get it figured out and get WWMB on also..... (fingers crossed).

I too emailed Mr. Huggins at WPDE with this pretty incredible response -

We are providing a full power HD signal for all of this area on channel 16. We have offered the signal to Time Warner at no charge. This is the same way we provide our analog channel 15 but they havent responded. If you call them you can probably help push this along.
Thanks,
Billy

Again, no HD on WPDE-DT lastnight (Tuesday night) either. One other thing I noticed. WPDE-DT 15-1 is not on all night. Not sure what time they turn off but they turn on at 7am. I guess TWC would want a 24/7 signal to be on cable. Ofcoarse if they connect to cable by fiber line they could then be on cable 24/7 while still turning OTA off overnight.

I wish they would go HD on WWMB-DT 21-1 UPN. I would love Enterprise in HD. Maybe thats why WWMB-DT has been off so long for. Upgrading to HD. (fingers crossed) :)

FYI on why no HD for WPDE the past 2 nights from Mr. Huggins:

The ABC HD receiver didn't pass it through. They are working on the problem as I type this message. It passed through standard definition digital but not the High Def.

jksc,

Thanks for the info. I'm not complaining. Just making observation statements. I get three digital ABC's. WWAY-DT, WPDE-DT and WTVD-DT so always atleast one of three will be passing network HD and atleast one of two will be passing DD5.1. But at this time I have no digital UPN. :(

does anyone know when fox 43 will broadcast in digital. I've been unable to reliably pick up wach out of Columbia. what other choices are there?

I'm in northeast Florence county.

WFXB Fox 43-1(18-1) has been broadcasting digitally for quite some time. But only from a 200 foot tower outside their station at very low power. Last I heard it will be awhile before moving to a higher tower at full power.

It will be a very long while before WFXB does.

Thanks daryl. I'm only 29 miles from fxb tower, not even a blip on the signal strength meter. I guess I need to concentrate my efforts on wach.

Florence has a new TWCSC channel. 806 NBC-W, WIS weather doppler radar.

I did not see that it was on....thanks. Hopefully, we will be getting as many as Columbia someday.

WWMB-DT 21-1(20-1) is back on the air today. Unfortunately still SD. :(

Originally posted by gail2magic
I did not see that it was on....thanks. Hopefully, we will be getting as many as Columbia someday.

My understanding is that since their is no NBC in Florence-Myrtle Beach DMA then we get NBC, NBC-HD, and NBC-W weather stations out of Columbia. We wont be getting the other columbia CBS, ABC, FOX, or PBS so no more weather channels out of columbia at least. I don't know if WPDE does the weather doppler radar on OTA. Anyone know?

I hope TWCSC can get WPDE on TWCSC soon.

No Scott Burns posts in 6 months, what happened to him?

Detailed Florence Station/Channel Information:

WPDE-DT ABC (16)
HD OTA Ch15.1 and TWC Ch 815

WBTW-DT CBS (56)
HD OTA Ch13.1
Slow TWCSC negotiations, but I am guessing .... TWC Ch 810


WIS-DT NBC (41)
HD OTA Ch41.1 and TWCSC Ch 805
SD OTA Ch41.3 and TWCSC Ch 806 weather radar

WWMB-DT UPN (20)
SD OTA Ch21.1
Did not come along with WPDE.

WFXB-DT FOX (44)
SD OTA Ch44.1
no indication of TWCSC negotiations, but I am guessing .... TWC Ch 820

WRLK-DT SCETV/PBS (32)
HD OTA Ch 35.3
TWCSC Ch 801 analog channel
TWCSC Ch 802 South Carolina Channel
TWCSC Ch 800 PBS in HD

Free to Air cable QAM signals on TWCSC
Special Events HD Ch 813
TNT-HD Ch 840
Discovery HD Theater Ch845

Additional/Premium Channels on TWCSC for $6.95
HBO HD 901, 902
Showtime HD 921, 922
HDNET Ch 930
HDNET Movie Ch 931
INHD1 Ch 940
INHD2 Ch 941
ESPN-HD Ch 950

Time Warner High Definition Converters:
SA3100HD, SA3250HD, SA8000HD.

Station Power Levels:

ABC: WPDE-DT is licensed for 421kW; ant ht 600 m AGL.

NBC: WIS-DT is licensed for 874 kW; ant ht 427 m AGL.

CBS: WBTW-DT is licensed for 19.54kw; Ant ht 556m AGL.

FOX: WFXB-DT is licensed for 5kw; Ant 45m. UGH!!!!!

PBS: WRLK-DT is licensed for 65 kW; ant ht 396 m AGL.

UPN: WWMB-DT is licensed for 375kW; ant ht 578m AGL.

Thanks for the update. Fingers crossed that they will be added soon.

The reason we have NBC HD via WIS in FLO/MB on TWC is not because FLO has no NBC affiliate but rather because a few years back WIS applied to the FCC for significantly viewed status in FLO/MB area and was approved by the FCC. That interaction between WIS and FCC allowed TWC to carry WIS signals without retransmission fees per customer.
After rethinking it I maybe wrong but I think that is the way I understood how it was explained to me but as a blonde I reserve the right to change my mind as any female can and does so give me a break as I am trying to learn all this stuff and I have a hubby that was a national speaker at SCTE in Las Vegas in 1995 on HDTV future and he talks so far over my head I am lucky to be able to turn the thing on let alone understand how all these things work.

Edited this post....this is not where I should have posted this.

Title revised to reflect change in market by Nielsen from Florence-Myrtle Beach DMA to (effective 9/04) Myrtle Beach-Florence, SC DMA

Does anybody have any idea when WBTW-DT will start broadcasting in full power and non-directionally? It is frustrating not to get CBS in HD over here in Laurinburg.

We are actively working with WPDE to get their digital signal on the lineup. Mr. Huggins has had our agreement and has requested some changes which we are considering. Not sure why he would say that we haven't mailed it to him. I hope to have the situation resolved very soon.

Thank you for your interest,

Dan Santelle
Time Warner Cable
VP Sales & Marketing, SC Division
Phone: 803.251.5295
Fax: 803.744.5520

Originally posted by rcp
Does anybody have any idea when WBTW-DT will start broadcasting in full power and non-directionally? It is frustrating not to get CBS in HD over here in Laurinburg. If I'm not mistaken WBTW-DT 13 is at full power with a non-directional antenna.

Thanks FloCobra. Just some more info fyi. According to an email I got from Mr.Huggins:
"The addition we asked for is ABC " network exclusivity" which is already in place for our analog signal. This is FCC law for analog and will be for digital. It prevents them from bringing in ABC New York or another time zone. Adelphia has already accepted the one line addition"

Also, it seems like Mr. Santelle/TWC is asking for them to exclude certain zipcodes from receiving the digital signal. Mine is one of them and I live in Surfside Beach. This amazes me. WPDE is one of the stations I get my local news from, so I have no clue why he would ask for that. It seems like if TWC was going to get the station for free from WPDE, then they would want to give it to as many of their customers as possible. If anyone would like the email address for Fred Dressler who is the Executive VP for Programming at TWC or Terry O'Connell who is in charge of all of the Carolina operations to express your concerns, just pm me. I do not want to put them on the forum though.

wbtw-dt is not full power yet

I found this link to be interesting:
http://www.2150.com/broadcast/default.asp

Is anyone receiving a UBN or WB high definition station in Sumter, SC?
I just hooked up my receiver this week and am still strugling with the fine tuning of stations.

Another Time Warner Question for Diana,

http://www.twcsc.com/ESPNinHD/ESPNinHD-Welcome.htm

The HD Tier is only $6.95 per month with your HD Converter subscription, but as a special offer, Customers with an HD Converters can sign up for the HD Tier, and receive the first month FREE! The HD Tier gives you 5 channels of HD programming, including ESPN HD, IN HD 1, IN HD 2, HD Net, and HD Net Movies!

Are they still not making this available without the basic cable tier?

Good Evening,

The FCC Buy Though provision allows consumers to purchase The Broadcast Tier (BST - including local broadcast networks, CSPAN, the like) and a Digital Converter (SD or HD or either DVR variety) and an ala carte service like HBO. But it does not include any Tier services, like Cable Tier (CPST - including CNN, The Weather Channel, ESPN and the like), any Digital Tier or HD Tier.

Thus TWC is abiding by FCC regulations to require subscription to The Cable Tier (Broadcast Tier + Cable Tier = Basic Cable) as a prerequisite to The HD Tier.

Have a great evening,

Diana,

I hear WPDE HD is imminent for our area. Before Monday Night football?

While I truly understand your impatience, I will not ever speculate on a launch or launch date for any channel (HD or SD). I have been burned in the past on a launch that we were absolutely sure would happen and it didn't. I learned my lesson - I will not misstate information or make promises out of my control to customers ever again. So, as soon as it is official, I will send out the email notices and post to the appropriate forum.

I appreciate your understanding on this issue.

Originally posted by Gary J
Diana,

I hear WPDE HD is imminent for our area. Before Monday Night football?

I hope so. That would be good news. If not, as long as its carried by TWCSC before Alias premiers in January ;)

Any updates on HD Special Events Channel 813? I suspect that no more Braves games until next season.

Abc Hd In Mb
I just got off the phone with a person named Linda in the programming dept at WPDE. She said she had a contract from TW on her desk that showed a start date of 10/8 for TW to start showing WPDE in HD. Wait till the 8th and we will see what happens! MNF here I come!

Word that hubby got was that WPDE is a 480 line HDTV service. Anyone know if that is true?

Originally posted by FloCobra
Any updates on HD Special Events Channel 813? I suspect that no more Braves games until next season.

Sorry, didn't mean to let this slip an entire day.

No more Braves in HD this season.

Currently I'm trying to find out which (if any) Basketball games we are going to get from FOX Sports Net in HD.

Have a great Friday and Weekend.

Hey - I just cleaned out my in basket - sorry for the inconvenience to the person trying to PM me.


And - followup to the post above. SC does not qualify for any Basketball games from FOX in HD. We do get Hockey - if Hockey ever starts up.

Effective immediately, TWC has launched WPDE (ABC Affiliate in the Florence-Myrtle Beach DMA) on Channel 815.

WPDE HD appears free on the following lineups to all TWC customers with an HD Converter:

Florence
Lake City
Johnsonville
Myrtle Beach/Conway/NMB (North Strand)
Surfside Beach/Pawley's Island (South Strand)


It WILL NOT appear on the following lineups:
Hemingway
Georgetown/Andrews/Kingstree

Grinning from ear to ear...thank you!!