junianby, I live near Penncraft (at the end of New Salem Rd.). The guy at the Uniontown Mall recommended a good outdoor antenna. He said that's what you need around here. I can't say how well an indoor antenna would fare since I didn't try one. I get all the Pittsburgh digital channels in great with one large, non-rotating outdoor antenna. I'm using my TV's built-in ATSC tuner.

I spent about $180 total for the antenna itself (the Shack's largest outdoor antenna, $99), and mounting hardware, ground rod, RG-6 cable, etc. I'm glad I took his advice. I avoided all the guessing games with indoor antennas by doing so.

Save yourself the hassle an get an outdoor antenna.

Thanks Heinz , I will look into the outdoor antenna. I have a Dish 921 and would like to see our ota locals in hd. By the way I go by your place going to work every day.
Again, Thank you

The Channel Master 4228 is an excellent, and popular, UHF-only antenna; about 40"x40"x6". (with the 7777 preamp)

Have a question here:

Been reading all of the replies, and became a member!

Building a house now in PGH, and don't have the cash to get an HDTV yet, probably not for about a year.

Have a Toshiba analog TV and it has component inputs. I feel my DVD's and Xbox look pretty good, though not surely like they would on a HDTV.

Looking at getting a HDTV tuner, like the Samsung T451, and with an antenna, hooking it up to this tv via the component inputs. I know that I will be downcoverting the signal to 480i, so here's my question: I'm I just wasting my money on this receiver and antenna to get marginal improved quality over the Comcast locals now, or do you think that this minimal start into the HDTV OTA might be worth it for some improved quality?

And I know satellite would give signal improvement, but the wife and kids really like the On Demand stuff.

Thanks for your replies,
Brian

Yes I think it's worth it, especially if you see yourself upgrading in the near future. The analogs thru Comcast stink. I'd rather watch a clear letterboxed widescreen broadcast than the analog signal.

You could also just get an HD STB from Comcast for no cost although you will miss out on NBC and Fox since Comcast doesn't carry those HD feeds.

Originally posted by dpkimmel
I'm 53 miles from their tower. I have a large rooftop antenna. I'm not sure of the specs on it though. I've had it for a long time. I also have an in-line amp hooked up. Without it, I don't receive any digital channels.

I went out today and purchased a dedicated HDTV receiver just to give it a try. My signal strength increased on all channels. I can now at least tell that WTAE exists! The signal varies so much on their channel that the unit is unable to get a lock on it. I did locate a couple of other stations from Youngstown but they are duplicates of others that I already receive. I don't know that I have any options left. I thought about raising the antenna up another five or ten feet, but I don't know if it would make much of a difference. I also thought about trying to buy a bigger and better antenna. If anyone has any ideas, please pass them along. I sure would have liked to see that Pitt game in HD tonight!

I am a bit confused by your dilema.

Are you saying you want WTAE SPECIFICALLY? Or do you want a digital/HD ABC to watch football(I know the Pitt game has been passed by, but there are HD Playoff football this weekend.

You should have NO trouble getting WYTV/ABC out of Youngstown, OH. There designated as 33-1, but I believe it is listed as 36 or 36-1 and remapped to 33-1. I cannot see any problem receiving this and WFMJ/NBC(with a digital subchannel of the WB out of Youngstown) and PBS out of Alliance(which is this areas PBS station).

Thanks for the reply STEELERSRULE.

The latter. I just want to be able to get ABC-HD. Yesterday I purchased a new antenna and amp. I finally got a signal from WTAE. The signal is still pretty weak. As it is right now it's pretty much unwatchable.

I've been trying to get WYTV/ABC out of Youngstown, OH as well. No success. You just explained my problem though. I didn't know that they were actually 33-1. I have been searching on 36-1. Thanks for updating me on that! When I get home today, I'll give it a try. I've have been able to pick up WFMJ/NBC & it is watchable. Maybe there is hope for me yet?

Thanks for the info & Go STEELERS!

dpkimmel,

What type of HD receiver do you have? Have you just tried to SCAN for channels instead of inputting them directly?

STEELERSRULE,

I have a DirecTV T-360. I have tried to scan and all I can receive from Youngstown is NBC. Last night I tried a search on 33-1 with no success. I was able to find the analog feed. It was a pretty weak signal. I think that I will have to try a different antenna. Perhaps a dedicated UHF model for long range. Any suggestions?

Originally posted by Bob McLaughlin
In my experience, when Titan TV is wrong, it's been that something is not listed as HD, but ends up being broadcast in HD. I can't recall any shows that were being listed as HD, but were then broadcast in SD.

For some reason, HD broadcasts aren't being listed as such on Titan for me. I know it the past they were. Any idea what setting I need to change to have the HD show up again?

Originally posted by dpkimmel
STEELERSRULE,

I have a DirecTV T-360. I have tried to scan and all I can receive from Youngstown is NBC. Last night I tried a search on 33-1 with no success. I was able to find the analog feed. It was a pretty weak signal. I think that I will have to try a different antenna. Perhaps a dedicated UHF model for long range. Any suggestions?

I've read that the Channel Master 4228 is popular. It is an 8-bay UHF dedicated outdoor antenna.

I have also read about a Squareshooter which is pretty popular as well. It comes in an amplified and non amplified version.

They sell a Terk model that is an exact duplicate of the squareshooter at Best Buy.

But be warned. TERK absolutely SUCKS IMHO. You will find plenty of people that will back that up her on the forum.

That being said, you have the option of getting one(they are either $99 or $149. I am not sure, but $149 sounds right) at Best Buy and trying it out.

Just make sure you KEEP your receipt and the original packaging the antenna comes in. Be a bit anal about opening it, and keep everything together. They have a 30 day return policy. If you don't like it or it doesn't work, put it back in the box and return it(along with the receipt, VERY IMPORTANT. They can be big pri*$# at BB if you do not have it).

It might be worth the effort to try. But unfortunately, most Terk products just don't come up to snuff. This model should work in the 50-60 mile range.

How far are you from the towers in Ytown as compared to the Burgh stations?

I checked out the Terk Squareshooter copycat at Bestbuy.com...and it's such a copycat that it even has the Winegard "W" emblem in the corner in the picture shown...could they be just letting Terk brand it for distribution?

scottro,

I think you are absolutely right about what you wrote.

I am sure I read somewhere that the Terk was just a repackaged Winegard Squareshooter.

I think you are right.

To confirm...It's funny, I only mentioned this because I was on Winegard's site earlier in the day looking at the Squareshooter, so I figured what the hell, it's worth a trip to Best Buy. So I picked up the Terk HDTVs....and sure enough inside the box is a Squareshooter with the little W and all just like the picture. I even looked for a Winegard distributor locally and didn't find one, so it moved down the list, but I guess today was my lucky day.
(Unfortunately karma got the other half as after I was done playing with my new toy I discovered an inch of water in the basement...but at least I get all the locals in HD now!)

Performance wise, It's a nice little antenna. It's rated a Medium Directional which is just what I was looking for, and it mounts nicely off a second floor porch, which beats the hell out of mounting on the roof. The Terk model is not amplified, although I think Winegard has an amp'ed version. It did fairly well indoors (my home theater is in a 3rd floor finished attic), but was very touchy as to placement. Once I moved my test outside and pointed it in the general direction of the towers, I was set. All Pittsburgh locals at 50% or better. I'm only about 5 miles away from most of them, but I live in an old neighborhood where we can spit on each other's houses, with lots of trees. And these old barns are all aluminum sided.

And STEELERSRULE....nice call on the LG LST4200. I know you were one of the people that raved about it, and it really lived up to the hype. It was doing a pretty decent job locking in with an old, unamplified UHF loop. So now with that Squareshooter/Terk, things are looking good for a SuperBowl party...now we just have to get the Steelers there.

The LG absolutely smokes the Samsung SIRT351 I had before in every way: reception, front end/menus, options, channel scan, the remote. Everything. Well worth a little bit extra cash to not deal with the headaches.

Regarding the Terk/Squareshooter....I still say everything that TERK makes is garbage, since they don't actually make this - this is the first product out of a Terk box that gets more than an overnight stay in my house...and I've probably had 4 of the Terk indoor models.

i don't understand how/why WTAE rarely turns on their 5.1 during some of their biggest shows. LOST is almost never on, they usually turn it on with about 15min left in the show. i record it every week and went back and checked, never on in the begging but usually at about the 43min mark it is turned on. tonight they turned on 5.1 at 10:30 pm 1.5 hours into alias... man it just pisses me off because ALIAS and LOST are 2 of the shows that use 5.1 the best.

Originally posted by STEELERSRULE
I've read that the Channel Master 4228 is popular. It is an 8-bay UHF dedicated outdoor antenna.

I have also read about a Squareshooter which is pretty popular as well. It comes in an amplified and non amplified version.

They sell a Terk model that is an exact duplicate of the squareshooter at Best Buy.

But be warned. TERK absolutely SUCKS IMHO. You will find plenty of people that will back that up her on the forum.

That being said, you have the option of getting one(they are either $99 or $149. I am not sure, but $149 sounds right) at Best Buy and trying it out.

Just make sure you KEEP your receipt and the original packaging the antenna comes in. Be a bit anal about opening it, and keep everything together. They have a 30 day return policy. If you don't like it or it doesn't work, put it back in the box and return it(along with the receipt, VERY IMPORTANT. They can be big pri*$# at BB if you do not have it).

It might be worth the effort to try. But unfortunately, most Terk products just don't come up to snuff. This model should work in the 50-60 mile range.

How far are you from the towers in Ytown as compared to the Burgh stations?

WCWB - 39.59 mi - Weak signal but it stays locked
KDKA - 39.86 mi - Strong signal
WPXI - 41.74 mi - Strong signal
WQED - 42.51 mi - Weak signal but it stays locked
WYTV - 41.95 mi - Weak analog signal; No hint of DT signal
WFMJ - 42.25 mi - Weak signal but it stays locked
WTAE - 53.42 mi - Weak signal with allot of drops
WPGH - ??.?? mi - Strong signal

From the miles alone it stands to reason that I should pick up WYTV. All I can figure is that it must be the terrain. I read early on in a post about WYTV that they broadcast their digital signal only when a HD program is available. I'm assuming that has changed? If that is the case, that may be my problem as I've only tried to acquire the signal in the afternoon, not during 'prime-time'.

Weather permitting I may try to raise the antenna another five feet this weekend. I don't really want to move the whole setup if I can help it.

Thanks for the antenna advice. After the money that I've spent in the last couple of weeks on this problem I' having trouble talking the wife into yet another investment. Somehow this just isn't as important to her as it is to me! Go figure.

In order to comply with FCC regulations, I have to make some PSIP changes to WFMJ-HD and WBCB on 21-1 and 21-2 today at 12:30 PM. If you're getting us on cable we will go away for awhile until the cable techs rescan their tuners. For you OTA people, you will probably have to re-enter channel 20 or 20-1, or do a rescan to get us back. What you have to do depends on your particular set top box. In some of the older set top boxes it may be necessary to power it off and back on. If you've monitored any of the other threads in the Info and Reception area, you'll see this is going on around the country as many broadcasters that have been on the air for a year or more are catching up with changing rules. Sorry for the inconvienince, but if it's any consolation, this will be a bigger pain for me than you.

I panicked when I saw the headline above this article in the Post-Gazette:
http://www.postgazette.com/pg/05006/437979.stm
But after reading it, I found out it only applies to people getting their HDTV over cable. I wrote to the PG thanking them for at least discussing HDTV, but pointing out that the headline is misleading since anyone with an OTA receiver and an antenna in this area can in fact watch the Supbowl in HDTV.

Bob, a friend of mine thought the same thing...he was getting on me because I was so happy I can finally get Fox HD OTA, saying "all that work for nothing...", but I set him straight.

Originally posted by dpkimmel
WCWB - 39.59 mi - Weak signal but it stays locked
KDKA - 39.86 mi - Strong signal
WPXI - 41.74 mi - Strong signal
WQED - 42.51 mi - Weak signal but it stays locked
WYTV - 41.95 mi - Weak analog signal; No hint of DT signal
WFMJ - 42.25 mi - Weak signal but it stays locked
WTAE - 53.42 mi - Weak signal with allot of drops
WPGH - ??.?? mi - Strong signal



Wow. that is strange.

I have an LG LST-4200A connected to an INDOOR RCA amplified antenna and I get(OTA):

1. WFMJ/NBC and WBCB/WB on channel 20-1, 20-2 respectively. Only about 13 miles away, tops. No dropouts.

2. WYTV/ABC on channel 33-1. Again, about 13 miles away. I get dropouts, but that is ONLY because I have my antenna in a "Sweet Spot" if you will. All I have to do is turn the round thingy for UHF in the middle to get full reception. You will see why I don;t like to move it in a minute.

3. PBS out of Alliance(I don't know the call letters) on 45-1(HD) and 45-2(SD). About 31 miles away. Again, I get droputs, BUT ONLY because I refuse to turn the round thingy. Point it more towards the west(like I would for WYTV) I get NO DROPOUTS.

4. KDKA/CBS on channel 2-1. About 50 miles away!! I get this in perfect form. No droputs, and this is with a crappy indoor RCA antenna.

5. WPGH/FOX on channels 53-1(HD) and 53-2(SD). Also about 51 miles away!! I OCCASIONALLY get droputs, but not often. Has to be real bad weather, and even then it comes in on a regular basis.

6. WPXI/NBC on channel 11-1. About 49 miles away. This one I have more dropouts than I would like, but I have WFMJ that makes up for it. But this is no big deal because:

OF CLEAR QAM I GET PERFECTLY MIND YOU THROUGH ADELPHIA:

1. KDKA/CBS
2. WPXI/NBC
3. WTAE/ABC
4. WQED/PBS

I would love to have FOX, but according to toaday's article in the PG, that seems unlikely. The WB would be nice too, along with UPN. These both might happen in the near future.

And I don't blame local cable co's not wanting to pay for the right to re-transmit the signal. That is crap. Sinclair is really screwing themselves.

Anyway, I find it confusing that I can get all of those stations with a cruddy indoor antenna, and you still can't. Your terrain must be really bad.

But an outdoor antenna, especially the ones I mentioned, should help a great deal. It might take a while to find a sweet spot, but you eventually will. It just takes time.

What's up guys and gals?!

I was wondering if someone could reccommend me a set top box and ant. to use to get the FOX NFL playoff games. I live in Monroeville (right on the border of Murrysville) if that makes any difference. Where is this site you are all checking out how far you live from the stations?

Thanks for any and all help!

http://antennaweb.org/aw/Address.aspx

WRL:

On the Titan TV site, highlight "TV Listings" at the top left, then click on "TV Listings Preferences". On the next screen, you can click on the checkmark box that says "HD Indicator". That should do it.

-Bob

scottro: Thanks for the tips about the Squareshooter. My little old Xium that worked wonders for me in my old apartment just wasn't up to the task of my multipath-filled (trees + Al siding) backyard, but I picked up one of these from BB today and it works great! I can get WPGH at around 60-70%. No signal at all from WTAE for some reason, and everything else comes in OK. Except WQED for some reason is in the low 20's. Oh well, I'm sure if I were to put it on my roof it would work better up there. I'm probably not going to worry about that until I go back to satellite.

Has WPXI been having problems today? Usually WPXI comes in the strongest for me (actually 11 analog is at 100%) For some reason I can't get anything on 11.1. I did a rescan of channels (on my Sylvania SRZ3000) and I can get 2, 2.1, 4, 4.1 and 11 (I'm only about 3 miles from 11's tower)

Is it just me (my receiver) or is there a problem with WPXI's digital signal today?

Originally posted by WRL
Has WPXI been having problems today? Usually WPXI comes in the strongest for me (actually 11 analog is at 100%) For some reason I can't get anything on 11.1. I did a rescan of channels (on my Sylvania SRZ3000) and I can get 2, 2.1, 4, 4.1 and 11 (I'm only about 3 miles from 11's tower)


Forgot to add, even tho my signal strength is at 98-100, the picture is fuzzy and basically unwatchable (For once, watching channel 11 is actually better on cable (Channel 12)

Just found out from the above posts that BB has the Squareshooter, and all I can say is Ouch!! on the price.

Just check out some online sites, like solidsignal, and you'll find:

SS-1000 (non-amplified) @ $87.99
SS-2000 (amplified) @ $108.99

That doesn't include shipping, but for where I live, is only $16.95.

Just a FYI

I sent an e-mail complaint to WTAE about their 5.1 sound not being consistently passed on and their (IMO) excessive use of the weather bulletin crawls (at least 6 times during Alias on Wednesday), which interrupt the HD signal. Here is the response I got:Regarding your emailed questions below, this is the first complaint I have
received about inconsistent delivery of 5.1 sound in our programs.
Please allow me some time to look into the cause of this and fix it. It
may be a network problem, a local equipment problem or human operator error or some combination, but I thank you for bringing this to my attention.
If you continue to experience this problem, please do not hesitate to
contact me directly. It helps me when I know specific dates and times of
problems.

Second, we are actively seeking a better technical solution than what is
presently available to us for emergency weather announcements on HDTV
because we agree this is a big problem. All broadcasters have an
obligation to serve public safety needs. Despite the interuptions to wide
screen display we must provide that information when the need arises. As
soon as we can find and implement a less disruptive method, I can assure
you we will do so. Please bear with us while we work to provide the best
possible viewing experience.

Finally as to the number of times we do this, we always attempt to balance
the number of interruptions against the threat to human life and property.
If we err we'd would rather be on the side of safety than the alternative.
Thanks for writing and thanks for your interest in WTAE. We will work to
earn your continued viewership.

David A. Kasperek
Director of Engineering
WTAE-TV

Nice that Mr. Kasperek would take the time to reply and is concerned about these issues. I'd suggest that any technical issues with WTAE-DT be addressed to him. His e-mail is:

dkasperek[NO_SPAM]@hearst.com (remove the [NO_SPAM] to e-mail him).

Originally posted by Bob McLaughlin
I panicked when I saw the headline above this article in the Post-Gazette:
http://www.postgazette.com/pg/05006/437979.stm
But after reading it, I found out it only applies to people getting their HDTV over cable. I wrote to the PG thanking them for at least discussing HDTV, but pointing out that the headline is misleading since anyone with an OTA receiver and an antenna in this area can in fact watch the Supbowl in HDTV.

I saw the same article and as I was about to say an expletive I realized that on my DirecTV I get both east/west coast channels in SD and HD. So, I wasn't concerned.

I didn't realize, however, that having OTA would get me the HD feed. I mean, if the local channel isn't delivering it in HD then how does it come through on OTA?

Thanks...

How did you manage to get Fox HD on DirecTV? Sinclair would never approve a waiver... you must be lucky. :) WPGH is now broadcasting HD though, are you just getting it OTA?

Originally posted by BHavMedic
Just found out from the above posts that BB has the Squareshooter, and all I can say is Ouch!! on the price.

Just check out some online sites, like solidsignal, and you'll find:

SS-1000 (non-amplified) @ $87.99
SS-2000 (amplified) @ $108.99

That doesn't include shipping, but for where I live, is only $16.95.

Just a FYI

YIKES. Thanks for the heads up, it looks like I spent a good $50 too much...but there IS something to be said for instant gratification!! :D
The key is rationalizing....say it takes a week and a half to arrive...that's at least 2 Fox NFC games in HD I wouldn't have seen otherwise, perhaps gone out to a bar....Plus I had a best buy gift card from Xmas...yep, it all works out in my head....;)

Blitzburg wrote:
I didn't realize, however, that having OTA would get me the HD feed. I mean, if the local channel isn't delivering it in HD then how does it come through on OTA?
The answer to this is in the PG article:
"Cable carriers must negotiate contracts with television stations for the right to retransmit their broadcasts. None of the three major cable carriers serving western Pennsylvania, eastern Ohio and the panhandle of West Virginia have been able to negotiate such an agreement with Sinclair for WPGH's high-definition signal."

So, the dispute is over the RE-transmittal of broadcast, not the original broadcast. Since OTA gets the HD signal straight from the source (the Fox station on Ivory Avenue) instead of being retransmitted through a cable company, that is why it's available OTA in HD.

I am not getting a 1080i signal for WPXI-DT OTA yesterday or today...

I am getting a 4:3 480 signal.

Even Leno last night came in like this...

This is with a Samsung 360 DirecTv receiver....

Never noticed this before - anyone else getting this?

Originally posted by Jantzen
I am not getting a 1080i signal for WPXI-DT OTA yesterday or today...

I am getting a 4:3 480 signal.

Even Leno last night came in like this...

This is with a Samsung 360 DirecTv receiver....

Never noticed this before - anyone else getting this?

Same thing is happening on my LG LST-3510 OTA tuner.

It started sometime yesterday before prime time.

About a week or so ago, I noticed my tuner was getting an 11-2 subchannel with no signal in addtion to the 11-1 HD one. Then yesterday when I got home, 11-1 was in SD and the 11-2 channel disappeared. I rescanned lastnight and there was no change.

Leno right now is coming in SD.

On a positive note, both WPXI and WTAE are broadcasting real guide data now. Don't know when that happened as I don't look at the guide very often (on account of no useful data being broadcast locally).

There's a thread about compying with some Feb 1 FCC deadline at the top of the forum. Wonder if WPXI's switching things around for that.

WPXI is 4:3 SD on Armstrong as well, very strange.

Is all the Pittsburgh DT stations broadcasting at full signal strength?

At least I'm not alone on the WPXI-DT issue...

Maybe they are moving things around...

Thanks.

Law & Order: SVU was broadcast in SD only as well. One major change I've noticed in the last month (or couple weeks) is that some stations are actually using the SD flag. WPGH-SD Digital OTA is using it now (not sure if it was in the past).

My STB doesn't allow me to change the AR if the station has said that it's an SD channel.

I'm sure it's all related to the new FCC PSIP rules.

once again no 5.1 for LOST or ALIAS last night on wtae.... i emailed the person mentioned on the last page. i really hope this problem is fixed soon.

Does anyone have an e-mail we could use for WPXI? I sure hope they know that they aren't broadcasting at 1080i. The WTAE 5.1 issue confirms that these stations don't look that closely at their product. WCWB is another one: they're notorious for not even turning on the HD feed half the time.

Chris

i have been talking to dave at wtae over email alot about the 5.1 problems and i have to say he is really helpful and defintely wants to fix the problem. he even mailed me his cell phone number and told me to call him anytime there is a problem and he will have it fixed. i only watch sports, ALIAS, LOST, and life as we know it on abc. if anyone notices problems with the 5.1 mix you should email dkasperek@hearst.com (much thanks to the poster he provided this info on the last page).

i'd also suggest anyone with questions about the signal to email him, very helpful guy.

it just seems like alot of the time these stations aren't even aware that problems exist.

Did you guys notice that the FIRST AND TEN on-screen graphic wasn't not on the HD broadcast? I was shocked that CBS would not use it for a playoff game.....but then I turned it to Ch. 2 so I could see a replay on my tivo....and there it was. WTF?

I noticed they were using their "B" unit for that game (you can tell when the score bug is in the 4:3 area), so maybe that unit doesn't have the HD first down capability? Let's see if today's game has it.

You guys haven't noticed it's not been on the "A" game either?

I'm pretty sure I've seen it on at least a few games.

I've not seen it lately, at least the last 3 weeks.

I was too busy having heart palpitations during that game to notice much. Although one of my guests commented on the lack of the 1st down line. He said he thought that was only on Fox but I said I was pretty sure I had seen it on CBS before.

Early in the game there were some picture difficulties with freeze-ups followed by dropping to SD for awhile. I assume this was on the network feed since some CBS sidebars appeared, not just black.

Yeah I noticed that too in the beginning of the game as well. No first down line or scorebox/down&distance in the corner on the HD feed.

From the 4th qrt on I was having heart palpatations and shortness of breath to care about it.

I think some of you may be right about it being the "B" game in the AFC Playoffs this week therefore the CBS didn't have the "top" equipment set-up if you will.

That is ridiculous that they don't have enough HD equipment for two playoff games. CBS definitely needs to catch up to FOX when it comes to broadcasting NFL games in HD! (Yes, I know the game was HD, I'm talking about the lack of 1st and 10 graphic, etc.)

How about an ALL PA Super Bowl??!!

Originally posted by guins
...

How about an ALL PA Super Bowl??!! Sounds good to me. But judging from their respective efforts the past two days I'd say the Steelers had better pick it up a few notches if they want to beat the Patsies again. They were way out of sync yesterday with huge mistakes while the Pats played about as perfect as they could. We can only hope they eliminate the errors and the Steeler D provides a much stiffer challenge to Brady & Co. than the Colts did.

I'm confident they can do it. But the turnovers and big returns have to stop.

Originally posted by guins
That is ridiculous that they don't have enough HD equipment for two playoff games. CBS definitely needs to catch up to FOX when it comes to broadcasting NFL games in HD!



What are you talking about? You think the Steeler game wasn't HD?

He means the additional equipment for the first down lines and such.

Originally posted by ChrisDixon
Does anyone have an e-mail we could use for WPXI? I sure hope they know that they aren't broadcasting at 1080i. The WTAE 5.1 issue confirms that these stations don't look that closely at their product. WCWB is another one: they're notorious for not even turning on the HD feed half the time.

Chris

WPXI is broadcasting in HD again. Las Vegas and Medium were both in HD tonight.

Did anyone watch 24 tonight? Was it in SD for everyone? I wish they would replay these episodes late at night or something. I'm trying to archive the season in HD but now I will have to use an SD episode. :( I noticed WPGH moved their PIDs around from 21 (HD) and 31 (SD) to 31 and 41, so this was probably another casualty of the PSIP changes.

Originally posted by agtiny
Did anyone watch 24 tonight? Was it in SD for everyone? I wish they would replay these episodes late at night or something. I'm trying to archive the season in HD but now I will have to use an SD episode. :( I noticed WPGH moved their PIDs around from 21 (HD) and 31 (SD) to 31 and 41, so this was probably another casualty of the PSIP changes.

Yeah, it was definitely in SD for me last night. Real bummer because the FOX SD feed looked horrible. I've noticed that compared to the local WB SD broadcasts, the local FOX SD broadcasts look over compressed.

Re 24, why do they do that? I thought it would always be in HD after seeing the four episodes last week? Very annoying. Is that a common practice? Aren't shows like Lost and CSI always in HD?

I figured after five years or so they would have the HD thing down a little better by now. Apparently HD broadcasting is still an immature science. Is this a network thing or local?

i think that WPGH was just doing something to their signal for the fcc regulations like WPXI was...that is what i hope and assume anyways. if you want to archive 24 you can easily download last nights episode in hd with 5.1 surround on many bit torrent sites if you are interested and want to keep your archives all hd.

WPGH better have their act together in time for football sunday though. up until this point they had been the only network that always had every HD show done correctly in 5.1 and hd for me.

oh, i was so looking forward to american idol tonight in hd too :rolleyes:

I don't think any online ones go as high quality as I'm doing... ~1.1GB 1280x720 Xvid. That's only about a 2.5:1 compression so they look great, and I can fit 4 to a DVD this way. The ones you find online are downsized to 480. But at least they are widescreen and have the original AC3, so still better than SD/2.0.

Originally posted by agtiny
I don't think any online ones go as high quality as I'm doing... ~1.1GB 1280x720 Xvid. That's only about a 2.5:1 compression so they look great, and I can fit 4 to a DVD this way. The ones you find online are downsized to 480. But at least they are widescreen and have the original AC3, so still better than SD/2.0.

yeah, there are ones every week now that are 701meg, not as good as what you are doing but they are really good and much better than the SD broadcast. may be an alternative at least for this week.

I called up Channel 11 last week about their HD problem. They had a part failure in the upconverter and it was going to take a few days to get it in. I'm glad they are back in HD.

I have called several of the stations (KDKA, WTAE, and WPXI) when their HD broadcasts aren't right. I gotten real good response from the engineers at WTAE (Dave and another guy, can't remember his name offhand) and the lady who took my call at WPXI was very polite when I talked to them about the part problem above.

There have been times when the stations come back from a break and forget to turn the HD broadcast on. I usually end up calling the newsroom and kindly ask if they can get someone to flip the HD back on. Usually within less than 5 minutes, the HD comes back on. I am not sure if the newsroom likes people doing this but I want my HD.

I figure if I make a few calls here and there, the stations will know that people are watching their HD offerings and will keep the signal in proper order.

:D :D :D

yeah, seems like WPGH is still haven't problems as well. perhaps i will try to call today as the person handling it was really nice last time. i ended up watching some of american idol last night and it kept going in and out of HD.

Hey guys,

I know I read here last year (prob in this post) the name and number of a locally recommended antennae installer for HD OTA reception.

My buddy has an RCA 40 inch with the Direct TV HDTV and OTA HD receiver built in, and he is looking to see if he can get an antenna installed before February 6th. He lives in the Munhall, PA area, and asked me to check into this.

I went back and read some, but can't seem to find what I'm looking for.

If anyone can give a recommendation, I would appreciate it.

Thanks,
Travis

I know it was Blitzburgh who recommended his guy, I think his name was Greg from Pittsburgh Custom Home Theater.

that's it...

Thanks agtiny...

did a search on greg for this thread...came right up...

Greg Calvimontes
Pittsburgh Custom Home Theater
(412) 362-1273

Thanks again...saved me from combing 60+ pages of posts...

TOM BRADY MVP!!!!!!!:)

DELETE YOUR POST NOW!
(sarcasm)
It's gonna be a fantastic game.

Just so long as there aren't any more interceptions or punt return touchdowns. That s*** just shouldn't happen in a playoff game.

i called WPGH yesterday and they are having problems with their HD signal i guess and claim it will be fixed shortly...

better be fixed before sunday.

got this email from dave at WTAE today about their 5.1 issues, good news indeed as 5.1 was present all last night:

It turns out we had a couple problems.

First a couple operators were confused about 5.1 vs Stereo buttons on the
switcher. We corrected that misunderstanding and made labeling clearer
for all operators. Second we noted ABC sometimes sends "5.1 surround" but
with only stereo information encoded, in other words the audio is all
there,but they should just send us stereo when that is all they have. I
will be following up with ABC Engineering to see why they do this and if it
can be corrected. For example, all day today they sent Dolby 5.1 for the HD
coverage of the inauguration but only left and right audio.

I predict much better 5.1 audio from us going forward. Let me know if you
feel otherwise at anytime in the future.

I just bought a Sony HDTV. 52" Rear Projection 520 series. Hooked up to Comcast here in the North suburbs. This forum has been helpful getting up to speed with where we are locally and finding out general info on HD.

Thinking about getting an OTA antenna as Comcast only has 4 HD in my area (ESPN, WTAE, KDKA and PBS).

How do you guys know what signal the local HD programming is operating in (ie 1080i, 720p or 480)?

Also, when I flip back and forth between the same "regular" channel and the "HD" channel, I expected the HD channel to show more detail left to write due to the broadcast being 16:9 versus 4:3. This has not been the case. I run the screen in the "Full" screen mode and the HD seems "stretched out" to fill the 16:9 just like the 4:3. Why is this?

What shows are on when you are doing the comparing?

Some shows aren't broadcase in HD...they are simply upconverted from 480i to the native HD resolution of the channel 720P/1080i...and broadcast on the HD equivalent.

Local news...most daytime programming is like this.

Let us know what shows you were watchin when doing your comparison, and we can give you a clearer answer...

As far as what do the channels broadcast in:

ESPN 720p
WTAE 720p
KDKA 1080i
WQED 1080i

For locals, they broadcast in the same format the parent company (ABC/CBS) does...

BlacknGold- Thanks for the response.

Primarily I am comparing HD on ESPN on evening game broadcasts that are advertised as being in HD. The picture looks super clear, but the figures look stretched out horizontally. The picture looks the same as regular ESPN only it is much clearer.

Also, another example, in these week's Jack Johnson "Unforgivable" special on PBS HD, the 16:9 screen just seemed to be the 4:3 stretched to fit on 16:9. The PBS HD logo is partially off the screen in HD.

I am using the component inputs rather than the DVI/DVM input. I know moving up will help the picture, but using the component inputs should still give me the 16:9.

I am glad I went to the Steeler game last week because the Comcast/KDKA feed was down. No way I am going to sit outside and freeze this week so I gave away my tickets to watch on HD. KDKA or Comcast (not sure who had the problem last week) hopefully will make it right this week.

Go Steelers!

Originally posted by jg1601
BlacknGold- Thanks for the response.

Primarily I am comparing HD on ESPN on evening game broadcasts that are advertised as being in HD. The picture looks super clear, but the figures look stretched out horizontally. The picture looks the same as regular ESPN only it is much clearer.

Also, another example, in these week's Jack Johnson "Unforgivable" special on PBS HD, the 16:9 screen just seemed to be the 4:3 stretched to fit on 16:9. The PBS HD logo is partially off the screen in HD.



Go Steelers!

Sounds like to me that maybe your cable box isn't set up right. Turn off the power to the box and then hit the menu key on your remote. You should get the white setup menu. Verify your aspect ratio is 16x9 and the DVI/ypbpr output is 1080i. Hope this helps.

JSling-

Thanks for the advice. Just reset the cable box to 16:9 and 1080i. Everthing is great. 16:9 is awsome as I watch the Pitt game (unfortuneately they are getting beat by UConn).

Thanks again.

Do WGPH and WB broadcast at a lesser strengths that the other pgh statios? I live in Uniontown and can get every other station (cbs abc nbc wqed) I can even get wjac outta johnstown, but no fox or wb :-( I am using a channelmaster 4228 and the 777 amp.

Originally posted by traganoo
Do WGPH and WB broadcast at a lesser strengths that the other pgh statios? I live in Uniontown and can get every other station (cbs abc nbc wqed) I can even get wjac outta johnstown, but no fox or wb :-( I am using a channelmaster 4228 and the 777 amp.

I live in Connellsville and have the same antenna and 7775 amp. I get all the stations you get plus Fox and WB. I think both are at full power.

http://www.fcc.gov/fcc-bin/tvq?list=0&facid=73875
and
http://www.fcc.gov/fcc-bin/tvq?list=0&facid=73875

I get FOX at about 75 and WB at 68 signal strentgh.

I cannot pull in WPGH today to watch the Eagles/Falcons in HD. Is it me or is everyone having a problem? I usually pull in Fox 53 no problem.

Thank God KDKA is as strong as ever!

Edit.....I rescanned and got it no problem. Thanks!

It's on 53.02. They moved it!!

Originally posted by guins
I cannot pull in WPGH today to watch the Eagles/Falcons in HD. Is it me or is everyone having a problem? I usually pull in Fox 53 no problem.

Thank God KDKA is as strong as ever!

No problem here in Moon twp. WPGH is coming in strong as usual for me.

Mod hat off....


Go Steelers

Mod hat back on.

I'm watching WPGH just fine, the signal strength hasn't changed from the usual. I'm also on 43-1, -2 is the SD.

I'm running a Dish 921. 53 was non existent for the last few days. As a last resort I tried -02 and I'm getting the HD feed there. I just rebooted the receiver thinking it was just acting up but it's still coming in on the -02 sub. -01 is a black screen for me...

I checked and -2 is definitely the SD feed. Both are working fine for me. Maybe you need to turn off PSIP.

Well, something is weird. WB HD is on the -02 feed now too. Maybe I need to delete my OTA stuff and do a rescan. I'm not messing with it right now. House full of people and it looks good. If I mess with it right now I'll get smacked!

The audio and video is waaaaay out of sync on Fox. Usually it is not big deal because it is just slightly out of sync, but today is the worst I've ever seen it...at least 2 seconds off. Very annoying!

I never can get WPGH-53 only11,13,9 and sometimes 2 if it will lock in.
I am using a channelmaster 4228 and the 777 amp.

guins: I watched the whole game on Fox and didn't notice any sync issues at all. I'm using a MyHD card.

Yesterday was the first time I've ever had signal strength of 10 bars (100%), and it was that way for both WPGH and KDKA. Usually I it's at 9 bars, it must have something to do with the extremely low humidity.

Too bad the Steelers were nowhere near 100%...I still feel sick and angry... :(

Originally posted by agtiny
guins: I watched the whole game on Fox and didn't notice any sync issues at all. I'm using a MyHD card.

Wow! That is weird...I assume you were watching the same thing as me WPGH-OTA. Btw, the CBS (KDKA) broadcast was fine.

Yep, OTA. I sometimes notice a very slight sync issue on KDKA though. I think it only happens during football games. Maybe it's just a distance thing because their mics aren't close enough. You'll hear the kick of the ball a split-second after it's been kicked.

What do you guys think is the best OTA HD Tuner if you don't want to sink a ton of money into it? I live in the NHills pretty high up on top of a hill overlooking North Park. I figure I should be OK with a decent indoor antenna to get the locals. Just not sure what tuner to buy without going way overboard as I assume eventually I will get all of the local HDs over cable.

I assume the MyHD card allows you to use your PC as the HD tuner and connect with a DVI or Component cables?

Also- why does the HD tuner from the cable company weaken the signals for many of the non-HD channels from previous to having the HD tuner box?

The audio sync on the CBS feed before the kickoff of Steelers-Pats was HORRIBLE. I could hear Shannon Sharpe say something stupid long before his mouth started moving...

Hello,

Brand new to the forum and almost new to HD. I have DirecTV and am contemplating an upgrade to their HD package. DTV is offering me a good deal (IMO) including a new dish and OTA antenna. My question is: what kind of OTA reception can I expect? I live in Mt Lebo, in a valley for the most part. Lots of hills and trees to go thru....like most of us Im sure.

I just dont want to get the thing installed only to find out that I can only pick up a channel or two (since WTAE antenna is away from others, I exopect that to be a problem)

Any thoughts or advice on an antenna that has worked for any of you in the South Hills or wherever you are around town (Mt Washington excluded..LOL) is most appreciated.

Thanks a bunch -SG

Good luck on having one of the DirecTV installers getting you any ota in a valley in Mt. Lebo. It's a PITA for those of us who know what we are doing.

WPGH was fine yesterday, no sync problems... hopefully it will be good for 24 tonight. glad they fixed their HD since it was out all last week.

WB - i was told by them that they are not at full power but will be within the first quarter of this year.

CAN ANYONE IN CRANBERRY PULL IN WB22 ? i can get it sometimes with breakups.

I've never seen WB up here. For some reason my new antenna can't even get a blip on WTAE and only gets low 15-20% signal on WQED. No idea why, but the other 3 channels are perfect. Must be a directional issue. WQED was rock solid at my old apartment, and WTAE was good enough if there was no rain. And that was on a 1st gen DTC-100 tuner!

steweygatz
I live close to you, in Banksville. I put up a channel master 3021 and get mixed results. Surprisingly one of the best, if not the best channel I get is WTAE. The worst reception is KDKA. For some reason everything has to be right for KDKA to come in. I could not watch the Steeler game last night because of the reception problem. I hope this is due to KDKA having transmission problems and not something that I will have to llive with. I have no other problems with other stations although I should mention that I am using a rotator and amp with the antenna. You are right when you mention that our hills and trees present a problem. Good luck.

yeah, even with WB not at full power i don't understand how those of us in cranberry can't get it, antennaweb says we are like 14miles away and many in pittsburgh further away receive it. i've tried everything i can think of and can't get it in, but can get everything else at 90. guess i'll wait for the upgrade to full power.

any news on UPN being approved by the fcc ? their are starting to get some somewhat decent shows in HD.

Originally posted by BlackNGold
that's it...

Thanks agtiny...

did a search on greg for this thread...came right up...

Greg Calvimontes
Pittsburgh Custom Home Theater
(412) 362-1273

Thanks again...saved me from combing 60+ pages of posts...

Yup...it was me...Blitzburgh who recommends Greg and highly so. I've sent you a PM with his info. He also posts on here as Greg C.

ds and greg,

thanks for the heads up on the equipment and potential installation issues. i know that the antenna the tech will install is not going to perform the way i want it to.

fyi, i bought some info from a guy on ebay for $5 on what kind of OTA install he performs. the guy got great feedback so i said, for $5, ill take a look. at any rate, the install (indoor attic) calls for installing a directional UHF antenna from radioshack. because the wtae signal comes from the other direction i would need 2, and actually, his install in charlotte, nc, required that he install 3 of these. the UHFs are around 30 bucks a pop, but considering the valley im in, im banking on the fact that ill need some trial and error installs on my own until its right. although the info is general, at least the info is a start.

thoughts on the directional UHF?

While watching American Idol on Fox tonight, a scrool at the bottom of the screen said turn to channel 43 for American Idol and the Super Bowl in HD. Did anybody else see this? What did it mean? 43 on Adelphia here in Monroeville where I live is PCNC.

LOL that's pretty funny. That would just be Sinclair pushing OTA. 43 is their actual digital channel, though most receivers remap it to 53. That's just about the dumbest thing ever... anyone who would be able to tune OTA 43 surely already knows what channel Fox is on. In fact, for them to be able to tune 43 while seeing that message, they'd have to already be watching it on 43!

If they're watching it anywhere else, they'll tune some other basic cable channel, or static!

Yes, Sinclair seems to be using every opportunity to promote their "free" OTA HDTV. They inserted that bottom message about channel 43 a few times on their analog channel during 24 last night. Must be getting some complaints.

By the way, KDKA-DT, at least on Comcast, always has the video/audio out of sync. The amount seems to vary. It was particularly bad during the Steeler game the other day, on commercials and studio talking heads. But it's there on normal programming like sitcoms too. In fact, it's often bad enough that I can't watch it. Too distracting. For me it appears that the sound is behind the picture a little. I think this is the station's problem since I've heard it also occurs on OTA and Adelphia cable too. I really wish they'd fix it.

Originally posted by hondo21
They inserted that bottom message about channel 43 a few times on their analog channel during 24 last night.

Doh! I already stripped out the SD subchannel from my recording or I'd grab some screenshots. God help them if they put that over the HD feed which I haven't watched yet.

Has anybody attemted to use a qam capable tuner with Armstrong's system? What were the results?

Originally posted by nandoal28
While watching American Idol on Fox tonight, a scrool at the bottom of the screen said turn to channel 43 for American Idol and the Super Bowl in HD. Did anybody else see this? What did it mean? 43 on Adelphia here in Monroeville where I live is PCNC.

Yes, I saw that and thought of Bob Smizik's PG article a couple of weeks ago. I guess they have to get the word out that the SB will be available to 'Burghers for FREE....who needs cable???!!!

Originally posted by woodynugs
Has anybody attemted to use a qam capable tuner with Armstrong's system? What were the results?

From talking to them, I think they eventually plan to go with clear QAM on OTA channels, but I gathered they don't have it implemented yet.

I think most average customers are confused by that message about HD being available on Ch. 43...a buddy at work knows I'm into this stuff and asked me about it...he thought it was a message from Comcast that they were adding Fox HD.

Sounds like Sinclair is digging in their heels...OTA or nothing. I first noticed the message during the NFC champ game, looks like they're running it during every primetime show now.

I guess they have to get the word out that the SB will be available to 'Burghers for FREE....who needs cable???!!!
Yeah, and don't get me started on that "Only Cable Can" slogan. What a misleading crock of sh*t!

Someone should tell them to change it to "Only Cable Won't Have the Superbowl in HDTV".

I live near st clair hospital in the south hills. For the most part reception is OK . I can not tell you the signal strength because my first gen panny dtv tuner does not have one. I get KDKA-DT, WPXI-DT, WPGH-DT, and most recently WPTT-DT and WQED-DT. I use a single radio shack bow tie mounted outside near a window pointing 45'. I will try to mount another bow tie so I can pick up WTAE. I have a directional big antenna 99 dollars at radio shack. It makes no difference. A while back radio shack discountinued the bow tie antenna and sold them for 5 bucks. However they have them in stock now for 14.95 Catalog #: 930-0998 I hope this helps.

Hey does anybody have contact info for the WB 22 station? It seems that they never "flip the switch" for their prime time programming. I'm watching Smallville right now on the WB 22 HD channel, and it's letterboxed and not in HD. Has anybody else noticed this? I thought our WB station was broadcasting HD, but I've never seen it.

Charles

Originally posted by bigcps
Hey does anybody have contact info for the WB 22 station? It seems that they never "flip the switch" for their prime time programming. I'm watching Smallville right now on the WB 22 HD channel, and it's letterboxed and not in HD. Has anybody else noticed this? I thought our WB station was broadcasting HD, but I've never seen it.

Charles

I installed an outdoor antenna two weeks ago. I have never seen anything but 4:3 on WB 22 even when my Direct TV HD tuner shows HD in the programming guide.

Hi,

I am wondering if anyone could recommend an installer for an outdoor antenna. I am new to HD and am currently using a small indoor antenna from Radio Shack. I get decent reception with the exception of WTAE. I would like an outdoor antenna because it should improve my reception, plus that indoor antenna is very ugly.

I searched through previous posts and saw someone recommended Pittsburgh Custom Home Theater. Is this still the place? Also, will they recommend an outdoor antenna. I really don't know much about all of this, so I need some assistance.

Thanks for your help, I have learned so much from reading this thread already.

Linda

Originally posted by steweygatz
Hello,

Brand new to the forum and almost new to HD. I have DirecTV and am contemplating an upgrade to their HD package. DTV is offering me a good deal (IMO) including a new dish and OTA antenna. My question is: what kind of OTA reception can I expect? I live in Mt Lebo, in a valley for the most part. Lots of hills and trees to go thru....like most of us Im sure.

I just dont want to get the thing installed only to find out that I can only pick up a channel or two (since WTAE antenna is away from others, I exopect that to be a problem)

Any thoughts or advice on an antenna that has worked for any of you in the South Hills or wherever you are around town (Mt Washington excluded..LOL) is most appreciated.

Thanks a bunch -SG

Also new to the forum, but purchased a Sony WE50655 last Sun. Live in Upper St Clair on a hill. All I have for HD is a $19.99 Phillips indoor antenna. Reception for SD non-existent (have Dish for SD), HD on CBS great (no problems with game other than outcome), Tues NYPD Blue on ABC perfect, but last night sometimes fuzzy, NBC great picture, but audio a little off, 53 sometimes good, sometimes no signal, WQED good for most part. I think it's all trial and error. Saw a post today for an indoor/outdoor Terk antenna that I may try. The SD reception is irrelevant to whether you can get the HD.

Sorry for the cross-post. :) Armstrong just added WPGH-DT, channel 109. Still trying to see if I can get any details on how this was possible, and I'm also asking about WCWB. My cable bill went up $2 this month, which may or may not be related.

So much for my OTA setup. :\

I'm in Bloomfield on Penn Avenue in a loft with wall made of 12 inches thick, semi-hollow cinderblock. I don't have any buildings of taller than 3 stories around me. The ceiling height is about 16 feet.

Any thoughts on if I mounted a small omnidirectional outdoor antenna upside door on my ceiling like these from Radio Shack:
- High-Definition Amplified Outdoor TV Antenna (http://www.radioshack.com/product.asp?catalog%5Fname=CTLG&category%5Fname=CTLG%5F003%5F001%5F002%5F000&product%5Fid=15%2D2185)
- Low-profile Omnidirectional Amplified TV Antenna (http://www.radioshack.com/product.asp?catalog%5Fname=CTLG&category%5Fname=CTLG%5F003%5F001%5F002%5F000&product%5Fid=15%2D1634)

if I'd be happy? Would the thickness of the walls interfere with the signal reception making it likely I'd need to consider a roof install?

Thanks in advance for advice.

Does anyone have good WPGH-HD reception in Carnegie, PA?

I'm supposed to bring my OTA HD tuner, for the Superbowl, to a friends house on Kismet St., in Carnegie. Its on top of a small hill, but there are other houses close around.

I have my OTA HD tuner hooked up in Ellwood City currently, to an external direction UHF antenna, and get WPGH, KDKA, PBS, and WPCB-40 in HD digital. (For some reason I can't get WPXI-11 now, even though I got it with an indoor antenna, go figure). And I'm about 40 miles from the transmitters.

Since Carnegie is within 10 miles, I don't think an external antenna isn't necessary. I wonder if the other houses will be a problem? I'm hoping an indoor antenna in a 2nd story bedroom will work, even if I have to place it outside the window temporarily.

Thanks for any info.

PS.
I originially bought a HDTV OTA tuner so that I could watch the superbowl on FOX. I'm was surprised but pleased to see Armstrong added it. I did call them and ask them to add Fox and Universal HD.



Originally posted by agtiny
Sorry for the cross-post. :) Armstrong just added WPGH-DT, channel 109. Still trying to see if I can get any details on how this was possible, and I'm also asking about WCWB. My cable bill went up $2 this month, which may or may not be related.

So much for my OTA setup. :\

Originally posted by UVArplcd
Also new to the forum, but purchased a Sony WE50655 last Sun. Live in Upper St Clair on a hill. All I have for HD is a $19.99 Phillips indoor antenna. Reception for SD non-existent (have Dish for SD), HD on CBS great (no problems with game other than outcome), Tues NYPD Blue on ABC perfect, but last night sometimes fuzzy, NBC great picture, but audio a little off, 53 sometimes good, sometimes no signal, WQED good for most part. I think it's all trial and error. Saw a post today for an indoor/outdoor Terk antenna that I may try. The SD reception is irrelevant to whether you can get the HD.

Thanks for the heads up. Im actually on Cedar Blvd in the valley and again am worried about poor reception. I have Direct TV so Ill have a DTV STB that is capable of getting OTA HD reception as well. Currently DTV does not broadcast local channels in HD over the dish. If I get HD installed, DTV should install the H10 STB (manufactured by Samsung) but im not sure what OTA Ill get...I think whatever OTA is is, it will attach to the back of the dish, at least thats what the sales rep told me. So Im pretty much at the mercy of the DTV installer. But if I cant get my channels, I may have to try another antenna. Considering the equipment and install is being offered at a fair price, I think Ill try the DTV equipment and install and see what happens. If it doesnt work well, I can always put it on DTV.

Originally posted by gmfbts
I installed an outdoor antenna two weeks ago. I have never seen anything but 4:3 on WB 22 even when my Direct TV HD tuner shows HD in the programming guide.

GM,

I see that you have DTV. What tuner do you have and how well does it work? I have read several posts in other forums about troubles with audio and picture sync...many subcribers have been furious with HDTV. Just wondering on what kind of luck you had so far.

Thanks -SG

Originally posted by linda4017
Hi,

I am wondering if anyone could recommend an installer for an outdoor antenna. I am new to HD and am currently using a small indoor antenna from Radio Shack. I get decent reception with the exception of WTAE. I would like an outdoor antenna because it should improve my reception, plus that indoor antenna is very ugly.

I searched through previous posts and saw someone recommended Pittsburgh Custom Home Theater. Is this still the place? Also, will they recommend an outdoor antenna. I really don't know much about all of this, so I need some assistance.

Thanks for your help, I have learned so much from reading this thread already.

Linda

I sent you a PM on this one. Yes...always go with Pittsburgh Custom Home Theatre and Greg...ALWAYS.

Originally posted by steweygatz
GM,

I see that you have DTV. What tuner do you have and how well does it work? I have read several posts in other forums about troubles with audio and picture sync...many subcribers have been furious with HDTV. Just wondering on what kind of luck you had so far.

Thanks -SG

I have the HR10-250 HD Tivo. I have noticed a sync problem with the audio occasionally but my Yamaha receiver has a setting to adjust the audio delay so after adjusting it, I rarely notice it. I have nothing to compare to the HD tuner but seeing that I can receive KDKA, WTAE, WPXI, PBS, WPGH and WB in digital OTA, I am happy with it.

My biggest complaint is how slow the unit is and the very common bad HDMI connector. My first one was bad so I had it replaced but it only lasted about a month. I now use the component output.

was the digital feed from KDKA out for anyone else last night ?

It was fine here, we watched NCIS.

Originally posted by tipton
was the digital feed from KDKA out for anyone else last night ?

KDKA was out for me last night.

KDKA-DT channel 2 was out for me last night as well. I was able to get it over my HD PVR cable box. But OTA, it didn't come in. It showed signal and everything else, but no picture. Strange.

Originally posted by gmfbts
KDKA was out for me last night.

KDKA-DT worked fine for me last night. As a matter of fact, it is the only station I can reliably receive. I'm right on the Allegheny/Butler County line (Cranberry/Marshall Twp). I've got a CM 4228 8-Bay up in the attic (that GregC helped me install a couple of years ago) and recently added a CM7777 pre-amp. Here's what I get (on my HR10-250):

25 - 88%
26 - 0
38 - 16
42 - 0
43 - 58
48 - 56
50 - 13
51 - 0

Anyone have any suggestions on how to improve these signals? I get an awful lot of dropout on 43 & 48, and would love to get 38. I'd like an ABC station, but let's get real.

I would put the antenna outside. Having it in the attic cuts the signal close to 50%. It's a pain to mount it outside, that's for sure. But it will definitely improve your reception. Also, trying a directional UHF would probably help as well.

I live almost 20 miles north of you, in Ellwood City. I have a 43 inch UHF directional attenna mounted near the roof of my house (2 stories). I'm not in a valley, but neither am I at the highest point in Ellwood City.

In terms of digital HD stations, I can get KDKA(2), WPXI(11), PBS (3 digital feeds), WPCP (40), and WPGH-FOX(53). So, if I can get these channels much further away, then the problem must be your antenna and where its located. Things like metal siding will also interfere with the signal.

survey your site using www.antennaweb.org, enter your address, it it should give you a list of stations you can get and what type of antenna is needed.

Have you folks up to the north tried getting stuff out of Youngstown? I know for a fact that a small indoor antenna on a high floor in Cranberry Twp. can get WFMJ-DT 20 (21/NBC). I didn't manage to get WYTV-DT 36 (33/ABC), but you probably could get them further north.

And if you're in Ellwood City, you should have no problem with either...so if you can snag WYTV, it'd get you ABC in place of WTAE, which you apparently can't get...

Does WYTV (ABC) in Youngstown transmit in HD? I can get a kinda weird looking picture on WYTV 33. The picture is analog and looks like its getting multiple ghosts.

If 33 transmits in HD, in order to get it, I'd probably have to raise my directional UHF antenna above my roof.

WTAE is retarded, that's for sure.

yup, OTA last night KDKA was out for me. i had full signal strength but no picture. weird. it seems for some it was out and others it was not. i'll check tonight.

i too live in cranberry township and have the HD tivo and can pull the following all with a 90 signal strenght: KDKA, WTAE, WPGH, WPXI. i can also sometimes get the WB to come in but its rare, the signal jumps all over the place. i get all of this with an indoor amplified radio shack antenna

http://www.radioshack.com/product.asp?cookie%5Ftest=1&catalog%5Fname=CTLG&category%5Fname=CTLG%5F003%5F001%5F001%5F000&product%5Fid=15%2D1880

i have it placed on top of a high bookcase and never have to touch it. it took alot of experimenting to find the ideal placement. with a large outdoor antenna i don't see how you couldn't be getting those channels in this area.

I'm in Wheeling
I'm getting 65% signal on KDKA but no picture, same as last night

What do you think is the most cost effective HD Tuner. I get a few HD channels on cable but am thinking about getting an antenna and HD tuner for my HD ready TV. I know the antenna I want, it is the HD tuner I need that is at question.

Tipton & Fritoguy:

I'm with you, I get a full signal, but no video or audio on KDKA (OTA). Anyone out there have any additional information as to what the problem is!!

I just checked KDKA OTA and get a perfect picture and sound. Maybe you guys need to reboot your receivers?

Originally posted by agtiny
I just checked KDKA OTA and get a perfect picture and sound. Maybe you guys need to reboot your receivers?

I did a "soft" boot, powered it off with the remote. No change! I will unplug and see if that helps!

Thanks for the suggestion!

PS Why is WPXI's audio out of sync and everyone else is in sync (WTAE & WPGH)?

You could also try rescanning all your channels. I bet the problem is related to PSIP changes.

I powered the unit down (unplugged). Rebooted, rescanned, still the same problem. Good signal, no video or audio on KDKA (2-1)! I'm at a loss.

In the rescan, it added back the channels I had deleted (13-1, 13-3, 13-4, etc.) so the scan seams to be working!

Anyone's help is greatly appreciated!

Hmm, try channel 25 instead of 2.

I don't receive KDKA OTA last night or tonight? Did notice strong signal but no video? Strange that others get it fine?

Jim

Tried channel 25, same result. The receiver identifies it as KDKA, HD, 2-1 but never displays video or outputs audio. The HDTV indicator on the LCD front panel even lights up and stays on!

Now, on WTAE, who's signal varies nightly, if it isn't a strong enough signal, the HDTV light will remain off and the video outputs a big "no signal" onto the screen. This doesn't happen on KDKA. The problem doesn't seem to be a signal strength issue.

I've got the same problem with KDKA OTA - 69% signal, no picture. I tried rescanning with no change.....

I'm using a directv hd receiver - what kind of STB do you have?

I'm using a Samsung T165 (the one with the firewire built in). I didn't check yesterday, but the day before KDKA wasn't coming, but had at least a 60% signal strength. WPXI, FOX, and PBS had the same signal strength, and all came in properly.

I have a television with a built in tuner. I have not been able to get KDKA the two nights either. It was very surprising because this is usually my strongest signal. WPXI, FOX, UPN, and PBS all came in fine. I can never get WTAE, so that is no suprise.

I haven't figured out how to check the signal strength yet, I will do that tonight.

Like others have said, I'm really annoyed with WB-22. They NEVER turn on the HD (I think I've seen them do it twice this whole year, though I only watch Everwood and sometimes Smallville). I tried e-mailing the station, but I'm sure it was ignored.

As for reception, I live in Bethel Park (South Hills) and I have found that even a few degrees of direction can make a huge difference. I have a silver sensor (with pre-amp) in my attic and I can pick up most channels well if I point it to the north. If I want to be sure to get flawless WTAE, I may bump it a little bit to the NE. The others work best if pointed slightly toward the NW.

Chris

Zyll: I use a Samsung SIR-T451 with a Channel Master antenna in the attic. I've had a solid 100% signal from KDKA since I hooked it up two weeks ago! I just don't get any video or audio with KDKA since Tuesday.

Linda4017: I agree, WTAE is the worst! I watch the signal strenght meter go from 80% to nothing in a matter of seconds. It's very rarely "watchable".

To all, I sent an email to KDKA but have not received a reply yet.

WTAE? What is this WTAE you speak of? ;)

(0% signal in squirrel hill with a silver sensor)

i called and left a message with KDKA, hopefully they will fix the problem.

i don't understand the complaints about WTAE... since they upgraded to full power i've never had any problems, aside from the 5.1 surround. their signal is as strong as any of the other channels for me. weird. i would bet if you have someone moving your antenna while someone else watches the signal meter you will find a sweet spot, thats what did it for me at least.

man, i can't believe how noticeable it was with WPGH Fox during the presidential address last night... the quality on WPGH was so much worse than all the other HD channels in pittsburgh. way way worse. i'm sure the subchannel lower the bitrate some, but jeez...

Rest assured, there is absolutely zero chance of picking up WTAE from my apartment in squirrel hill.

Since I rent, an outdoor antenna isn't possible. I've tried every type of indoor antenna in ever possible location and orientation. At best, a 5% signal strength is acheivable on a good day.

In the hilly terrain of pittsburgh, I guess it's luck of the draw... combined with the impossibility of an outdoor antenna.

If you are having problems with WTAE in Squirrel Hill, I have no chance of every receiving it in Moon. I still have an indoor antenna, I may have to break down and get one outdoors. I am not sure I will be able to pick up with that.

It really depends on where you are within a location. There are parts of Squirrel Hill that are much lower than others. I live really close to Frick Park (near the playground), and I get WTAE. I can't remember the signal strength, but I do get it.

Also keep in mind that if your apartment is on the far side of the building away from the tower, you're probably not going to get a great signal.

I see that WPXI will now be broadcast in HD on the Comcast system. I'm sure Fox will be on the way sometime.

I've been reading all of the posts, and other than stating the obvious benefit of OTA is that the signal is free, what other advantages does OTA have over the Comcast signal?

It would seem that all of the problems of signal strength, getting the right antenna, HD tuner if you need one, etc., would be solved with cable. Plus, you get Discovery in HD, ESPN in HD, OnDemand, etc.

Any reason I should fuss with an antena, tuner, etc., or am I missing something in OTA HD that I don't know about yet?

Thanks,
Brian

I'd say the majority of people concerned with OTA usually need it since they subscribe to one of the satellite companies or just use OTA for Fox since it is only available on armstrong.

once i found out i could get all the local stations (aside from the WB) with strong signals OTA i switched to directv for the HD tivo and sunday ticket. it all depends on what you are looking for.

Originally posted by BHavMedic
IAny reason I should fuss with an antena, tuner, etc., or am I missing something in OTA HD that I don't know about yet?I'm not sure what cable company you have, but many of them compress their 'HD' signals. OTA can offer better picture quality. That is, if your local cable provider compresses the signal to a lower res than your display and eyes are capable of using.

As to my previous post concerning WTAE. There are plenty of reports of people much farther from the transmitter than me not having trouble. It all depends on the surrounding hills and buildings.

still no word from KDKA, this is a really weird problem it seems. some people are getting picture and sound OTA but others are not.

2 QUESTIONS I HAVE

1. any new info on UPN broadcasing digitally ? (hurry up fcc!)

2. why does the PBS station broadcast program info on 13-3 instead of the 13-2 they broadcast on ? has anyone ever inquired about trying to get that changed?

I'd be almost positive that it's a PID change issue. I have an old capture of KDKA (from my cable box) that used PID 0x0010 for the stream. From a capture I just took, the PID is now at 0x0030. 30 is also what's used by WPGH now, who used to be on 20. WPGH changed their PID within the last month.

Sometimes the cable headend will change the PIDs so this may not mean anything, but the fact that I can still receive it means nothing is wrong at their end.

Your receivers are likely looking for the old PID when it doesn't exist. There is still a signal but just no data in the old PID. That's why a reboot or rescan should help, it should get rid of the old data. I know my old DTC-100 had an option to disable PSIP, if you have that option, you could try that and tune to channel 25.

Still no luck with KDKA OTA. This is third night. However this is what I have observed:

On my SONY SATHD300 have strong signal on 2.1 but no video. Try hard reboot and rescan but can't get any video. STB doesn't allow me to tune 25.1 directly.

On my SONY KD34XBR2 TV tuner can't get channel on 2.1 but successfully get it on 25.1.

Therefore, believe KDKA changed something in their PSIP that is not compatible with some or maybe all DirecTv receivers. From previous posts and my own experience appears there maybe an issue with:

Directv HD tivo HR10-250
LST-3100A
SAMSUNG T165
SAMSUNG SIR-T451
SONY SATHD300
Sylvania SRZ3000 (stand alone digital OTA box, non satellite)

Jim

i have both the directv HD tivo HR10-250 and the Sylvania SRZ3000 (stand alone digital OTA box, non satellite) and can't get KDKA on either channel. no audio or video. full signal strength.

reboot, unplug, rescan, resetup, etc etc... nothing seems to work.

I have an LST-3100A and I can't get KDKA either. I tried rescanning. That didn't work. I tried turning off the power strip that its plugged into. That didn't work either. Right now, I've pulled the plug and will leave it unplugged for about 30 minutes or so and give it one more shot.

Any suggestions after that?

Here maybe the explanation of KDKA issue:

It's After 2/1/05, Rescan Digital Channels (http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?s=&threadid=504419)

I delete stations, I rescan, I even left it unplugged for a while. Nada.

I still can't get KDKA tonight. I have an internal tuner in my tv. The signal shows in the excellent range, but no audio or video.

I have also unplugged and rescanned with no change.

Ok, I like the others still don't have KDKA. I have deleted it and unplugged the receiver. I will try in an hour to see if it clears everything out!

Anyone know if there's a "key-combination" that will "hard-boot" or clear all settings on the Samsung SIR-T451 OTA receiver?

One strange thing I've noticed. My STB shows that KDKA's channel thinks its Jan 20, 1997. Everywhere else has the correct date.

I noticed it today on an install of a 4228 antenna. Had to move it outside for a client in Squirl Hill. Strong signal on the meter of the LG LSS3200A and the DirecTV HR10-250. No picture.
Get back home, strong signal on my Zenith HD-520, no picture. But my Dish Network 921 has no problem.

Originally posted by linda4017
I still can't get KDKA tonight. I have an internal tuner in my tv. The signal shows in the excellent range, but no audio or video.

I have also unplugged and rescanned with no change.


I am having the same problem with KDKA

kdka works fine in uniontown on my voom receiver

http://kdka.com/kdcontacts/.
I've called them up to complain. Hopefully, they'll get back to me with some information. But if a lot of other people call, maybe they'll try and do something (as if they aren't already).

Originally posted by traganoo
kdka works fine in uniontown on my voom receiver

The problem seems to be with OTA recievers! Voom and other satellite providers don't usually get their original signals via OTA. Not being familiar with Voom, are you saying your KDKA signal is from an external OTA and everything is fine!?

Looks like many of us are just going to have to wait until someone from KDKA's engineering responses to one us who have attempted to contact them!

Some receivers are OK, like my MyHD card, and apparently the Voom box. They are probably sending out invalid metadata in their stream which is confusing the majority of receivers. I'm sure once they hear from enough people they will fix the issue. Didn't someone have a contact with an engineer over there?

Originally posted by dfiler
Rest assured, there is absolutely zero chance of picking up WTAE from my apartment in squirrel hill.

Since I rent, an outdoor antenna isn't possible. I've tried every type of indoor antenna in ever possible location and orientation. At best, a 5% signal strength is acheivable on a good day.

In the hilly terrain of pittsburgh, I guess it's luck of the draw... combined with the impossibility of an outdoor antenna.

Isn't Squire Hill very close to WTAE's transmitters? I was sure they were on the east side of town. Or am I thinking of their doplar radar?

WTAE has their transmitter in Elizabeth, PA. It's only at 820 ft, compared to KDKA and WPGH which are over 1000 ft. above sea Level.

Like most of you, I (and others I know) also have lost KDKA-DT (broadcast 25, PSIP 2). I tried to get it back by rescanning, which is very painful for me as I need a rotor and so the rescan loses those channels that are not in the aim of the antenna at that time. Then I have to re-aim the antenna and manually enter the broadcast channel so the receiver can relearn the stations.

After all of this, I still don't have KDKA-DT and I also don't have WQEX-DT. WQEX is just a shopping channel, so it's not really important, but I've always gotten it before.

Does anyone know why it disappeared?

Thanks,

Allen

Originally posted by freefiber
After all of this, I still don't have KDKA-DT and I also don't have WQEX-DT. WQEX is just a shopping channel, so it's not really important, but I've always gotten it before.


It might be the same issue. All stations were required to make PSIP changes by Feb. 1, and it looks like some channels did it incorrectly.

Originally posted by sthayashi
It really depends on where you are within a location. There are parts of Squirrel Hill that are much lower than others. I live really close to Frick Park (near the playground), and I get WTAE. I can't remember the signal strength, but I do get it.

I live in Sq. Hill as well, at the corner of Northumberland and Dallas (right by the graveyard). With a Dish 811 receiver and an attic-mounted DB4 (http://www.hdtvantennas.net/), WTAE is my weakest signal at 76-78% (and the occasional "signal lost" followed immediately by reacquisition). WPXI, KDKA, WQED, and WPGH are all consistently 95 and up. WCWB is typically about 85% (which surprises me a bit -- don't they share a tower with WPGH? Or am I mistaken in that belief? Not that they ever show Smallville in HD anyway, bastards... ;) )

Unlike KDKA-DT, WQEX-DT now is giving a very low, but non-zero signal strength. If it is the PSIP, then it's really confusing my Pioneer 5040.

Voom uses an OTA antenna to get locals, and I still get kdka. I never can pull in 53 or 22 though :(

I have two DirecTV receivers - the HTL-HD and the new H10. Normal signal strength for KDKA-DT but no picture or sound on either the last few days.

Fortunately, I can still get CBS HD on DirectTV Channel 80 since KDKA is an O&O station.

I live just outside of Kittanning and do get the digital versions of 2, 4, 11, 13, 40 and 53 reliably with a rooftop antenna. I can also get 6 out of Johnstown if I rotate it a little.

Originally posted by Viper777
Does WYTV (ABC) in Youngstown transmit in HD? I can get a kinda weird looking picture on WYTV 33. The picture is analog and looks like its getting multiple ghosts.

I'm pretty sure that WYTV-DT broadcasts in HD (DT 36) during the appropriate ABC programming. They do seem, however, to have less power than the other Youngstown digital currently up, WFMJ-DT 20 (21/NBC).

Even so, the map below (of WYTV-DT's current "main service area", from the FCC) would seemingly indicate you'd have a shot at it in Ellwood City:

http://www.fcc.gov/ftp/Bureaus/MB/Databases/fm_tv_service_areas/maps/DS616045.gif

I don't know if terrain would be an issue between Y-Town and Ellwood City.

The antenna would have to be moved in its direction, of course, and that could lose you Da Burgh...

quote:
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
originally posted by Mike 7200
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
I live just outside of Kittanning and do get the digital versions of 2, 4, 11, 13, 40 and 53 reliably with a rooftop antenna. I can also get 6 out of Johnstown if I rotate it a little.


Mike 7200,

I also live just outside of Kittanning ( 1.5 miles past the courthouse) I have a channel master 4228 on the roof top and receive all the stations you have listed. Are you able to get digital WB 22? I have had no luck with this one.

gmc2512 - no luck on WB 22. I get about a 20 on the signal strength, so they must be using a low-power transmitter.

I spoke with Mark today (KDKA Engineer). He did confirm they changed two items on Tuesday due to mandated FCC changes. Don't recall exactly parameters he mentioned but one was somekind of map parameter. I jotted it down the values as he rattled them off

16 -> 48
17 -> (49, 52)

Doesn't mean anything to me?

He also mentioned that alot of SAMSUNG people are calling and hard reboot seems to help. It didn't doesn't seem to help me?

Funny thing was he advised me to research in AVSForum?

DirecTv wasn't able to help, nor SONY. Hopefully Mark is working this weekend.

I originally called (412)575-2700 and asked to speak to TV Engineering Dept and left message for Mark with my phone number. He did call me back. I think Aginty right. We need to pester him a bit. Sorry Mark.

Jim

Also have a Samsung 360 and can scan KDKA 2-1 but no audio or video...

I tried rescanning and rebooting and still not KDKA audio or video.

My RCA DTC-100 pulls it in fine - though it only pulls in by frequency - i.e. - 25-1...

here is some new info i got via email from WQED today:

Very shortly (within the next few weeks) we will begin broadcasting our
HD programming on 13-1. At that time it will also include a description
of the program. At some point in the next year we will also be
broadcasting multiple channels simultaneously. When we begin this
service, you will find programming on 13-1, 13-2, 13-3 and 13-4.

If you have any questions, please let me know.

Thanks.



Paul Byers, Director of Engineering
412-622-1530
pbyers@wqed.org

Originally posted by linda4017
I still can't get KDKA tonight. I have an internal tuner in my tv. The signal shows in the excellent range, but no audio or video.

I have also unplugged and rescanned with no change.



Any one have any luck getting KDKA ?:( :p :o :mad:

Originally posted by firemantom26
Any one have any luck getting KDKA ?:( :p :o :mad:

Tom,

Suggest you call KDKA TV Engineering to let them know you are having a problem. Seems odd thier change 2/1/04 killed us all. What kind of receiever do you have?

I was on the phone with Sony backend support for my receiver. They had other calls with similiar issue with CBS. They were going to have Engineering get in touch with CBS. They should get back intouch with me Monday.

Jim

Originally posted by roemerj
Tom,

Suggest you call KDKA TV Engineering to let them know you are having a problem. Seems odd thier change 2/1/04 killed us all. What kind of receiever do you have?

I was on the phone with Sony backend support for my receiver. They had other calls with similiar issue with CBS. They were going to have Engineering get in touch with CBS. They should get back intouch with me Monday.

Jim



Samsung 26" HDTV (TX-P2675WHD) channelmaster 4228 and the 777 amp

Originally posted by firemantom26
Any one have any luck getting KDKA ?

Coming in fine for me with my Dish 811. Strong signal (98%), and I didn't have to rescan.

Originally posted by firemantom26
Any one have any luck getting KDKA ?:( :p :o :mad:

Same story here in Cranberry...Directv HD Tivo, rescanned, excellent signal strength (92-95) but only a black screen. Luckily I'm still getting it across the satellite in HD.

looks like KDKA must have fixed the problem... coming in fine today for the first time (sunday)

I still cannot get KDKA. I tried again this afternoon with no luck. Still show a strong signal, but no picture or audio.

I have an LG HDTV (DU-50PY10).

Linda, what part of town are you in?

I'm down in Wheeling
Comcast channel 213 is now wpgh 53 in HD

Linda
I have 3 different hd tuners and still can't channel 2
I get signal but no sound or video

Are you sure it's fixed? I just looked at the stream again and noticed something I didn't notice before:

KDKA TVCT:
Channel 1
Short Name: KDKA-HD
Transport Stream ID: 2501 (0x09c5)
Channel Number: 2.1
Carrier Frequency: 0
Modulation Mode: ATSC (8 VSB)
Service Location Descriptor:
PCR PID 0x0011
Stream Type 81 ESPID = 0x0014 Language = eng
Stream Type 02 ESPID = 0x0011 Language =

Notice the PCR PID and 2 ESPID entries, pointing to 14 and 11. These are the old PID values, they should read 34 for the Type 81 PID (audio) and 31 for the Type 02 (video).

Here is WPXI's correct TVCT. WPGH looks basically the same as this, too. Pass this along to KDKA's team if you want.

Channel 1
Short Name: WPXI
Transport Stream ID: 2505 (0x09c9)
Channel Number: 11.1
Carrier Frequency: 0
Modulation Mode: ATSC (8 VSB)
Service Location Descriptor:
PCR PID 0x0031
Stream Type 02 ESPID = 0x0031 Language =
Stream Type 81 ESPID = 0x0034 Language = eng

Well I noticed I WASN'T receiving KDKA OTA at all.

But through my Cable(QAM) it was coming in perfectly.

This was between 4:00pm-4:30pm.

P.S. Like everyone else, I was receiving a strong OTA signal, just NO picture or audio at all using an LG 4200A STB, Indoor amplified RCA antenna at about 49 miles north of the Burgh.

Originally posted by tipton
looks like KDKA must have fixed the problem... coming in fine today for the first time (sunday)

I got about a 40% signal but still no picture,oh well the Super Bowl looks good on Fox 53 HD OTA.

I am in Moon Township off of Spring Run Road Extension. I just checked and I am still getting a stong signal with no audio or video.

Thankfully the Super Bowl was on Fox. I picked that up just fine.

I'll check again tonight when I get home from work, but yesterday I was definitely getting KDKA OTA with picture and sound.

sorry for the wrong report, i'm defintely not getting KDKA. i must have accidentally been tuned into the SD channel forgetting that i had to add that to my favorite channels. definitely not coming in.

Does anyone have an email contact for KDKA engineering?

I don't have an email address but I did contact the 412-575-2700 number. The first three times that I tried the number, someone hung up on me without saying a word. I got through on the fourth try. I asked for engineering and was asked, radio or television. I asked for television and was transferred to voice mail. The voice mail stated to leave a message and someone will get back to you. I left a message but I'm not holding my breath on a return call.

I have a Samsung 360 model from DirecTV. I've tried the hard re-boot with no success.

I hope that there is someone actually working on this @ KDKA.

Well, if you hear back from them, mention those PID numbers I posted above. I am pretty sure if they fix those it will solve the problem.

Originally posted by agtiny
Well, if you hear back from them, mention those PID numbers I posted above. I am pretty sure if they fix those it will solve the problem.

As you seem to have a better handle on the problem than me, if you can find the time, call:

George Jacob, KDKA, 412-931-1593

It will save me from being "inarticulate" on the phone with him. After emailing my freind at KDKA Radio (Head Engineer), he passed my email on to "KDKA's HD Guru". George left a message on my business phone for me to contact Samsung for a software update! Also said to call if I can't solve it.

Agtiny, if you can call him I think we'd all appreciate it!

:D:) :D

Originally posted by 1Audioman
As you seem to have a better handle on the problem than me, if you can find the time, call:

George Jacob, KDKA, 412-931-1593

It will save me from being "inarticulate" on the phone with him. After emailing my freind at KDKA Radio (Head Engineer), he passed my email on to "KDKA's HD Guru". George left a message on my business phone for me to contact Samsung for a software update! Also said to call if I can't solve it.

Agtiny, if you can call him I think we'd all appreciate it!

:D:) :D

1Audioman

Do you have the 360 model? Have you ever contacted Samsung for a software update? If so, how does that work? The only updated that I've ever had applied to my receiver is through DirecTV.

I have not received a call back from KDKA after leaving a voice mail. I'm sure that they are getting allot of calls!

Dan

My Samsung SIR-T165 is not receiving KDKA either (strong signal but can't get a lock). But I have a MyHD card in my computer and its never missed a beat ... gets KDKA-DT just fine. Humm?

I noticed in an earlier thread that Samsung has an upgrade for a few models (I think mostly early units, but I could be wrong), including the T165. So, they're supposed to be sending it to me ... I'll let you know when I've done the upgrade.

But I think the general theme of this thread regarding KDKA is correct -- its a problem they have to address (after all, all the other stations continue to come in just fine). Didn't someone once post Mark Etzi's email address in this thread? :)

dpkimmel,

No, I have the new SIR-T451. It's one of their newer models, that's why I don't really "buy into" the software update.

I did get an auto-reply email from Samsung, to my request for the "keystrokes" necessary to set the receiver back to the factory presets. They asked I call the Customer Care Center. I haven't had a chance yet, hopefully tomorrow morning.

I found Mark Etzi's address (etzi@kdka.com) and sent him an email.

I also can say that I have the same problem with KDKA on all three of my HD receivers. Two are the HR10-250 HD Tivo's and a Sony SAT- HD200. I receive a strong signal, but no picture or sound. I've tried to rescan the channels and a hard boot of all three, but still no luck. So it seems it's not just a Samsung problem. How can we get KDKA to fix this for us?

I still have problem with SONY SATHD300. Left message with KDKA Engineering but no return call?

Hope they're investigating it.

Jim

I haven't been able to speak to anyone at KDKA. If someone here has spoken to a representative of KDKA, have they admitted that they are having some sort of problem with their signal? I just want to know if someone there is working on this problem.

What models of receivers are and aren't working? I have a Samsung 360 model that I purchased around six months ago. If you have a Samsung 360 and it is working, what update are you currently on?

Dan

I cannot pull in KDKA-DT either...and that is usually the strongest....been gone for at least a week. thanks goodness the Super Bowl was not on CBS this year!

I have a samsung.

Still nothing in Cranberry, thankfully I can get it fine across the sat on D*. Clearly this is not a receiver problem since we have a wide variety of receivers across many different manufacturers. My set-up: Directv Tivo HD10-250.

I am not receiving KDKA either in Castle Shannon. I get signal but no sound or video. I have a Directv Tivo HD10-250.

Originally posted by GNo
Still nothing in Cranberry, thankfully I can get it fine across the sat on D*. Clearly this is not a receiver problem since we have a wide variety of receivers across many different manufacturers. My set-up: Directv Tivo HD10-250.

I don't understand how you are getting it on D*. I have the D* HD package and I don't get locals. I only get them OTA.

Originally posted by guins
I don't understand how you are getting it on D*. I have the D* HD package and I don't get locals. I only get them OTA.

Because you live in an O&O market for CBS, you are eligible to receive DirecTV's national CBS-HD feed from NY. KDKA-HD is not being broadcast through DirecTV.

Like I stated in an earlier post, the problem appears to be in OTA reception ONLY, at least for me.

I live outside of New Castle, PA and receive Adelphia cable.

My STB is an LG LST-4200A(THIS IS NOT A SAMSUNG RECEPTION PROBLEM, BUTA KDKA PROBLEM) connected to an A/B selector for BOTH OTA antenna and CLEAR QAM through Adelphia.

The Adelphia feed gives me ALL the channels available with NO problems:
1. KDKA/CBS PERFECT!!
2. WPXI/NBC PERFECT!!
3. WTAE/ABC PERFECT!!
4. WQED/ PERFECT!!

Now I am not going to go into all the stations I receive via an indoor antenna again, but KDKA is one of them. Like you, I am receiving it at 45-50%(this is about the max on the LG signal bar) signal strength, BUT I AM NOT RECEIVING ANY PICTURE OR SOUND OTA ONLY!!

AGAIN, CLEAR QAM for KDKA is fine, but OTA is HAVING A PROBLEM.

I think this is where the problem must lie. My KDKA HD channel via Adelphia is fine, while the OTA is not being found. This is weird considering it is usually the other way around.

great service from KDKA. i've called 2 times and left messages, no call backs. numerous others have called as well.... it seems like KDKA wants to blame things on the receivers.

I'm getting KDKA-DT on my Samsung 360 now...

Yep, they fixed the issue. Not the way I'd have thought, but they did. They set the main video and audio PIDs back to the way they were pre-2/1. They're now at 11 and 14 again. It's probably against FCC rules, but maybe they had a problem with their equipment that broke the correct setup.

back on here too on my samsung

Working on my SONY SATHD300 now!

Originally posted by guins
back on here too on my samsung






Working here too.

Glad to have it working again.

Re: KDKA ... I talked with Mark Etzi at KDKA yesterday ... he said their HD difficulties were the result of some bad software ... and he was certainly aware of everyone's frustrations ... . I was glad to see KDKA again on my Samsung T165 when I got home ...

With all of the PSIP trouble, and some equipment changes, I checked all of my OTA channels, even ones I rarely watch.

KDKA -- now back on the air. Finally.

WQEX -- Paul Byers replied to my email that they should be back early next week.

Glad to hear your Samsung T165 is getting KDKA again. Quick question, does your T165 allow you to perform timer recording? I can't find a way to get mine to do the timer recording (which the specs say it does).

Thanks,
George


Originally posted by rpeduzzi
Re: KDKA ... I talked with Mark Etzi at KDKA yesterday ... he said their HD difficulties were the result of some bad software ... and he was certainly aware of everyone's frustrations ... . I was glad to see KDKA again on my Samsung T165 when I got home ...

Anyone in the Pittsburgh area have a Toshiba xx HM 94 DLP HDTV? I am having a nightmare with the TV guide(Gemstar) using the TV. Works on my LG LST 3410A perfectly but on the Toshiba it is determined that I am 1 hour and 3 minutes west of here. Even with a new replacement TV received yesterday from Toshiba the time is set wrong(this messes up any chance of using the Toshiba Symbio HD recorder with the TV as it uses the TV guide for timed recording) I get HD on 2, 4, 11, 13, 22 and 53 with good picture. Just bad time!
HELP It has been over 3 months with no resolution of this problem. Driving me nuts.

The KDKA problem was funny for me.
(All OATA roof antenna) Seems that my Toshiba HDTV got 2-1 just fine (I could tell the Toshiba that 2-1 was really 25-1 but the others automatically switched to 2-1) but my LG 3410A and Samsung 165 would not look at 25-1 and switched to 2-1 with no picture or signal found. Never lost it on the Toshiba! Was driving me nuts!

Channel master has a nice new rotor setup. They sell either the control separate or (works with the radioshack rotor too) combination drive motor and controller. In the $50 to $75 price range. Has a small box that powers the rotor and is RF controlled with LED readout of direction in compass degrees. . Can be programmed to a specific position named with a "channel number" That way you can just program it for each channel direction(reads out in compass degrees when moving) With a programmable remote (or the one that comes with the unit) you just enter the channel number and the antenna redirects.

Originally posted by dpkimmel
Because you live in an O&O market for CBS, you are eligible to receive DirecTV's national CBS-HD feed from NY. KDKA-HD is not being broadcast through DirecTV.

Call me lucky! ;)

I have DirecTV and get all the locals, plus the Digital locals via OTA, PLUS the east coast and west coast networks via DirecTV in BOTH SD and HD (separate channels). Yeah, I know, I'm not suppose to and I do pay a minimal charge for it but I like having those options. I get at least half of the NFL ticket without having to pay the price PLUS, when KDKA, WTAE or WPXI goes off the air on my OTA (it rarely though does happen), then I have the DirecTV HD network channels as a back up.

I miss nothing!

But hey, given some of the nightmares I went through several years back, I deserve it. :D

Ya think?

What did you go through, Blitz?

Well I watched Fox's broadcast of NASCAR's Budwiser Shootout tonight and I must say it was a big dissapointment. If they are not planning on improving there digital broadcast then I will have to watch it on regular TV. Anyone else care to comment?

I did not watch that show, but normally my OTA channel 53-1 (FOX) is very good. Although normal standard broadcast UHF stations come in quite intermittant and grainy here in Irwin, the digital feeds are good. From what I have seen on forums, most of the voom, dish network etc broadcasts do not live up to a good old high gain roof antenna or C band 4DTV/HDD200.

I did not watch that show, but normally my OTA channel 53-1 (FOX) is very good. Although normal standard broadcast UHF stations come in quite intermittant and grainy here in Irwin, the digital feeds are good. From what I have seen on forums, most of the voom, dish network etc broadcasts do not live up to a good old high gain roof antenna or C band 4DTV/HDD200.

Originally posted by HT Gearhead
Well I watched Fox's broadcast of NASCAR's Budwiser Shootout tonight and I must say it was a big dissapointment. If they are not planning on improving there digital broadcast then I will have to watch it on regular TV. Anyone else care to comment?


I watched a bit of it & thought the broadcast was decent.
of course you don't get HD with the "in car" cams, but ...over all i thought it was good....definately way better the noral cable or Dish.

question for all the Pittsburgh people....

First off here is my location....i live just east of wilkensburg, right where wilkesnburg & churchhill & blackridge come together (Penn Ave & Graham Blvd)

I have a LG LST3510A reciever & Terk TV5 indoor antenna.
I know there has been a lot of terk haters but this one had good reviews & a few people in PGH i talked to had it and like it.

Well I'm getting everything except WTAE
all the other channels 2.1,11.1,13.1,13.2,13.3,13.4,22.1,22.2,53.1,53.2
so thats CBS,NBC,PBS,WB & FOX
they are all at 75% signal strength or higher with no problems.
...but on channel 4.1 (WTAE) i get nothing...."no signal"

now i tested their analog signal & that comes in very clear..its just the digital is non-existant.

I've tried moving the antenna all around the house & attic, but still nothing...the sweet spot seems to be in my livingroom bay window, but still no WTAE.

i was thinking about trying a silver sensor, but don't want to spend the $ if its probably not gonna help....since i saw that a guy in sq.hill had the same problem and a silver sensor didn't help.

i just want to know if anyone else is in the same area as me & can give me some insight on if the problem is me or just the WTAE signal which i hear is very low.

I wouldn't be too concerned cause i don't watch much ABC, except Lost.....but ABC has the NBA contract & i want to be able to see the games & playoffs if they are in HD.

WTAE must have morons working for them, regarding HD. If everyone else's signal is fairly easily received, and WTAE's isn't, its a problem on their end. Whether is where the transmitter is, or something else, they need to solve their problem.


Originally posted by jer_mayhew
question for all the Pittsburgh people....

First off here is my location....i live just east of wilkensburg, right where wilkesnburg & churchhill & blackridge come together (Penn Ave & Graham Blvd)

I have a LG LST3510A reciever & Terk TV5 indoor antenna.
I know there has been a lot of terk haters but this one had good reviews & a few people in PGH i talked to had it and like it.

Well I'm getting everything except WTAE
all the other channels 2.1,11.1,13.1,13.2,13.3,13.4,22.1,22.2,53.1,53.2
so thats CBS,NBC,PBS,WB & FOX
they are all at 75% signal strength or higher with no problems.
...but on channel 4.1 (WTAE) i get nothing...."no signal"

now i tested their analog signal & that comes in very clear..its just the digital is non-existant.

I've tried moving the antenna all around the house & attic, but still nothing...the sweet spot seems to be in my livingroom bay window, but still no WTAE.

i was thinking about trying a silver sensor, but don't want to spend the $ if its probably not gonna help....since i saw that a guy in sq.hill had the same problem and a silver sensor didn't help.

i just want to know if anyone else is in the same area as me & can give me some insight on if the problem is me or just the WTAE signal which i hear is very low.

I wouldn't be too concerned cause i don't watch much ABC, except Lost.....but ABC has the NBA contract & i want to be able to see the games & playoffs if they are in HD.

Originally posted by Mark Vidonic
What did you go through, Blitz?

About three years in purgatory in dealing with incompetent techs.

Originally posted by HT Gearhead
Well I watched Fox's broadcast of NASCAR's Budwiser Shootout tonight and I must say it was a big dissapointment. If they are not planning on improving there digital broadcast then I will have to watch it on regular TV. Anyone else care to comment?

I missed the Shootout...what in particular was so poor about it?
Fox's NFL coverage was weak in comparison to ESPN/ABC and CBS...was it disappointing in a similar manner?

Originally posted by jer_mayhew
i was thinking about trying a silver sensor, but don't want to spend the $ if its probably not gonna help....since i saw that a guy in sq.hill had the same problem and a silver sensor didn't help.
I live in Sq. Hill, have the silver sensor and can get WTAE. What you COULD do is go to Radio Shack get the 15-1880 antenna and test that out. I get almost as good reception with that as I do with the silver sensor. The bonus is that if it doesn't work, you can always return it. I believe Radio Shack has a 30-day return policy. It'd certainly be worth giving it a shot.

Originally posted by jer_mayhew
question for all the Pittsburgh people....

First off here is my location....i live just east of wilkensburg, right where wilkesnburg & churchhill & blackridge come together (Penn Ave & Graham Blvd)

I have a LG LST3510A reciever & Terk TV5 indoor antenna.
I know there has been a lot of terk haters but this one had good reviews & a few people in PGH i talked to had it and like it.

Well I'm getting everything except WTAE
all the other channels 2.1,11.1,13.1,13.2,13.3,13.4,22.1,22.2,53.1,53.2
so thats CBS,NBC,PBS,WB & FOX
they are all at 75% signal strength or higher with no problems.
...but on channel 4.1 (WTAE) i get nothing...."no signal"

now i tested their analog signal & that comes in very clear..its just the digital is non-existant.

I've tried moving the antenna all around the house & attic, but still nothing...the sweet spot seems to be in my livingroom bay window, but still no WTAE.

i was thinking about trying a silver sensor, but don't want to spend the $ if its probably not gonna help....since i saw that a guy in sq.hill had the same problem and a silver sensor didn't help.

i just want to know if anyone else is in the same area as me & can give me some insight on if the problem is me or just the WTAE signal which i hear is very low.

I wouldn't be too concerned cause i don't watch much ABC, except Lost.....but ABC has the NBA contract & i want to be able to see the games & playoffs if they are in HD.


I have a used Silver sensor HDTV/UHF Digital Indoor Antenna (Silver and Black) I have had since Dec. I would let go for $25 and Recoton V310UL UHF/VHF/FM Signal Amplifier for $20. I did work but I needed to put up an outside antenna to get most of the Pittsburgh Stations. Both are in great working conditions Let me know if you are interested.


Thank You

Tom
PM if you want both I would let them go for $40

I'm out in irwin and no problem with 4 but direction. Try a roof antenna, something like the biggest radioshack one. Get a rotor(channel master) with a digital readout of degrees(and remote!) and go to
http://www.antennaweb.org/aw/Address.aspx
for angle directions from your actual house street number. Takes guessing out of the picture and as 4 is not the same direction as the Pittsburgh based towers(near Little Boston up the Yough river in Buena Vista) It will require antenna redirection. Nothing says signal like a big antenna. Amplifying a poor signal is just a bigger poor signal. I suggest a big VHF/UHF combo since the digitals are going VHF in a year or two and
UHF will get you only 40, 22 and 53 if you go to a UHF bow tie or other non VHF unit.

I'd bet the digitals will stay on their UHF channels as UHF has better reception.

Yes your right about the in-car cameras. I didn't expect them to be digital but there seemed to be to may different kinds of cameras being used. It seemed like some where analog or SDTV cameras as some of the picture quality was fuzzy. Also there seemed to be alot of artifact in the digital shots especially when showing the crowd.

The other problem I encountered, which is not Fox's fault, is the tremendous amount of panning going on as the cameras follow the cars. This creates peekabo scan lines on my 2HD.

As I understand it, all the current "non uhf" 2-13 channels will go HDTV on the VHF band and their current UHF broadcasts will discontinue. . I don't know if they will continue to have UHF Digital std def broadcasts though. Also,
UHF is more easily done in by weather and has shorter range. Low VHF channels have their problems too though.

Pittsburgh channel 2-1 seems located at 25-1. Other HD or digitals seem happy to be called 4-1, 11-1, 13-2 etc, and use only the first 2 digits of the UHF station
(43, 51 etc). 2-1 is the only one that goes by 25-1. Programming loads on 25-1 on the guide and not on 2-1. (When I try to record on the LST3410, it goes to 25-1(where the program is listed) and quickly changes over to 2-1(which does not have a program) and says invalid channel and stops. Anyone else in Pgh witht he 3410 have a fix or similar problem? I do have a 451 series LG unit so it should not be old firmware.

Originally posted by HT Gearhead
Yes your right about the in-car camera's. I didn't expect them to be digital but there seemed to be to may different kinds of camera's being used. It seemed like some where analog or SDTV cameras as some of the picture quality was fuzzy. Also there seemed to be alot of artifact in the digital shots espectially when showing the crowd.

The other problem I encountered, which is not Fox's fault, is the trmendous amount of panning going on as the cameras follow the cars. This creates peekabo scan lines on my 2HD.


I guess we'll see if Fox gets it together for the 500...it IS the Super Bowl of stock car racing. If Fox can broadcast every NFC game they cover in HD...I don't see how they can't manage to do Daytona right.

As I understand it, all the current "non uhf" 2-13 channels will go HDTV on the VHF band and their current UHF broadcasts will discontinue. .

I thought I read that the plan was for the Federal Censorship Commission to reclaim the old VHF freq's currently used for analog and reallocate them (SELL) back into the public domain, along with a chunk of the UHF, for non-TV use, at the end of the "transition period"?

I don't think anyone really knows, including the FCC. We could be watching TV on paper thin organic polymer displays by the time the "transition" is complete...

Originally posted by Bill Shenefelt Try a roof antenna, something like the biggest radioshack one.


how do the ones that clip to your Sat dish work??

I'll probably go with a rooftop before trying another indoor.
but we'll see.


I may go to sears to pick up a silver sensor today & try it out & if its no good take it back.

Originally posted by sthayashi
I live in Sq. Hill, have the silver sensor and can get WTAE. What you COULD do is go to Radio Shack get the 15-1880 antenna and test that out. I get almost as good reception with that as I do with the silver sensor. The bonus is that if it doesn't work, you can always return it. I believe Radio Shack has a 30-day return policy. It'd certainly be worth giving it a shot.


just relized this....maybe a stupid question, but how are you getting channel 4 with the silver sensor? isn't it just a UHF (channels 14-69) antenna?