Hey guys, I've recently installed an ATI HDTV Wonder Tuner in my PC and have been able to pickup WRSP with about a 70% signal with their small bundled antenna.
However, the software says I've also getting about an 80% signal from WICS but I'm getting absolutely no picture or audio, just blackness. Any idea whats going on?

Station - Channel -Ntwk - City - State - Orient. - Distance
WRSP-DT 55.1 FOX SPRINGFIELD IL 84° 12.2
WICS-DT 20.1 ABC SPRINGFIELD IL 82° 11.4

Hey guys, I've recently installed an ATI HDTV Wonder Tuner in my PC and have been able to pickup WRSP with about a 70% signal with their small bundled antenna.
However, the software says I've also getting about an 80% signal from WICS but I'm getting absolutely no picture or audio, just blackness. Any idea whats going on?

Station - Channel -Ntwk - City - State - Orient. - Distance
WRSP-DT 55.1 FOX SPRINGFIELD IL 84° 12.2
WICS-DT 20.1 ABC SPRINGFIELD IL 82° 11.4

This same thing happened to me about a year and a half ago when I was using one of these cards. As near as I can tell there is something incompatible between the ATI HD card and WICS's equipment. I hope ATI's software is better now because when I was using it I had nothing but problems.

T

Without a good antenna it is possible to pick up signal with so many errors that it will not display even tho the signal strenght looks good. What your actually seeing is multipath and other signal issues that your tuner card is reporting as signal but it is actually garbage.

Hey guys, I've recently installed an ATI HDTV Wonder Tuner in my PC and have been able to pickup WRSP with about a 70% signal with their small bundled antenna.
However, the software says I've also getting about an 80% signal from WICS but I'm getting absolutely no picture or audio, just blackness. Any idea whats going on?

Station - Channel -Ntwk - City - State - Orient. - Distance
WRSP-DT 55.1 FOX SPRINGFIELD IL 84° 12.2
WICS-DT 20.1 ABC SPRINGFIELD IL 82° 11.4
I have the ATI HDTV Wonder Tuner as well and I have the same problem with WICS Channel 20. The problem is not the antenna. I have tried using the same antenna I use with my HD-TiVo with the same results. What's interesting is WICS's sister station WICD Channel 15 does not have this problem with the PC card. I agree with Thumper that the software is deficient.

Chris

I have the ATI HDTV Wonder Tuner as well and I have the same problem with WICS Channel 20. The problem is not the antenna. I have tried using the same antenna I use with my HD-TiVo with the same results. What's interesting is WICS's sister station WICD Channel 15 does not have this problem with the PC card. I agree with Thumper that the software is deficient.

Chris

Just a little info MCHansen but I have an HD-TiVo also and I have never had problems receiving WICS with the HD-TiVo like I did with my ATI HD card.

T

Hey gang,

Has "The Tube" launched on a subchannel of a station yet? It was supposed to sometime this month. If so, where is it (what station)?

I've completed an exhausting--but not exhaustive--search of this thread looking for recommendations for antennae, and found references to those recommendations but not the messages themselves. I apologize for bringing up old topics, but I would appreciate some advice. I would like to get local HD feeds OTA to complement my satellite channels. I have a small UHF/VHF rabbit-ear style antenna sitting around, which I plugged into my HDTV, and to my surprise it picked up almost all of the stations I found listed on Antennaweb. But the signal went in and out, and the rabbit ears are just so unattractive (to me) in my otherwise hi-tech-looking setup. My preferred option would be a clip-on antenna that installs over my existing Dish, since A) it's not visible in my family room, B) I don't have to install any new hardware or long runs of cable, and C) they seem reasonably priced.

What is the forum consensus on clip-on antennae? Since local (SD) channels are already part of my programming package, I only care about getting NFL games, Cardinals games, and Illini games in HD when they're available. This means that picking up the maximum number of stations is NOT my priority, but making it through a football game without having to get up and adjust the rabbit ears IS.

If you've had good luck with an easy-to-install antenna, particularly a clip-on, I'd like to hear your suggestions. Also, my dish is an oval rather than a circle, so I'd like to know if that affects the choice of antenna. The RCA model I was looking at said it would fit an 18 or 20" dish, but didn't mention if it had to be circular.

I know my "introduction" to the group is a long-winded one, so I'll stop now, but if I left out any technically relevant information I'm happy to provide it. Thanks in advance.

-Brad

.

What is the forum consensus on clip-on antennae? -Brad

Kind of like a clip on tie, IMHO.. a nerdy POS.. As they say in consumer reports,
"there are better choices".

Any good, UHF/VHF antenna will do fine. Preferably outdoors or attic mounted. Avoid expensive, high-tech type antennas like Terk, they can't change the laws of physics. look at Channel Master Antennas, most home improvement stores have them. No one antenna works perfectly in any situation, you may have to experiment some.. :)

Hi Brad,

I live in south-east Urbana. I am a dish network subscriber but I have never been subscribed to local channels. I have used a Terk TV42 antenna for my (analogs) locals since 2000.

Since January this year, I am using new dish network HD satellite receivers and the new DISH 1000 dish. I decided to keep my clip-on Terk TV42 antenna just to see if it works with the digital locals channels. My dish is in the top of my home roof.

This is the list of the channels I am able to get permanently:

Name Channel
WCIA 03-1
WCFN 03-2
WILL-HD 12-1
WILL-SD 12-2
WICD 15-1
WAND 17-1 Not regular lately
WAND 17-2 Not regular lately
WBUI 23-01
WBUI 23-02
WCCU 27-01
WCCU 27-02

This is the list of the channels I have got for short periods of time, mainly early in the morning or late at night:

Name Channel
WRTV (ABC indianapolis) 06-1
NC64 (Indianapolis) 06-1
WTHR(NBC Indianapolis) 13-1
SkyTr (Indianaplois) 13-1
WLFI (CBS Laffayette) 18-1
RADAR ( Laffayette) 18-2
WEIU (PBS) 51-1
Mhz W (PBS) 51-2

Home this help

I've completed an exhausting--but not exhaustive--search of this thread looking for recommendations for antennae, and found references to those recommendations but not the messages themselves. I apologize for bringing up old topics, but I would appreciate some advice.

What is the forum consensus on clip-on antennae? Since local (SD) channels are already part of my programming package, I only care about getting NFL games, Cardinals games, and Illini games in HD when they're available. This means that picking up the maximum number of stations is NOT my priority, but making it through a football game without having to get up and adjust the rabbit ears IS.

-Brad

Hi Brad,

Welcome to the forum!

No "clip on" works well. They provide little if any signal gain (and in many cases, negative gain compared to a standard antenna). I am the anti-clip-on antenna guy, but for you, I may make an exception, because...

You explictly told us what you wanted which is below what most people want.
If you just want Illini games, WCIA is west of town and a clip on will catch
that. Ditto WICD. And since those are the main ones, you MAY be fine with
a clip-on. Try it and see. But be warned: you won't, in the future, be able to diplex
the clip-on antenna with the same cable coming down from the dish. Do yourself a favor and run a separate line to the box.

Thanks to those of you who have posted (or will post) their comments on my question. I appreciate being a part of this community, and I will take all of your advice seriously. I live in SW Champaign, and don't expect to need that strong an antenna to get the sporting events I want to see in HD.

But be warned: you won't, in the future, be able to diplex the clip-on antenna with the same cable coming down from the dish. Do yourself a favor and run a separate line to the box.

Gilbert, I'm still new enough to this antenna business that I admit I don't know what your sentence quoted above means. I understand the concept of diplexing, and have in fact studied the splitters coming into my SD dual-tuner receiver with curiosity. Are you saying that my dish and my antenna cannot share the cable run between my dish and my family room? Or by "in the future," are you saying that I can do it right now but my future expandability will be limited? I really really don't want to run another 50' of cable around my house and drill another hole through the masonry into my family room, but it is important to me to understand what I can do now and can or cannot do in the future. So I appreciate your bringing this to my attention.

Thanks again,
-Brad

No "clip on" works well. They provide little if any signal gain (and in many cases, negative gain compared to a standard antenna). I am the anti-clip-on antenna guy, but for you, I may make an exception, because...


I really don't know anything about antennas, but I decided to gave a try to my old Trek TV42 since It was already installed when I changed to HD (see my previous post).

I find out that the reception is more than satisfactory in my case. What else can I ask for?

Gilbert, I'm still new enough to this antenna business that I admit I don't know what your sentence quoted above means. I understand the concept of diplexing, and have in fact studied the splitters coming into my SD dual-tuner receiver with curiosity. Are you saying that my dish and my antenna cannot share the cable run between my dish and my family room? Or by "in the future," are you saying that I can do it right now but my future expandability will be limited? I really really don't want to run another 50' of cable around my house and drill another hole through the masonry into my family room, but it is important to me to understand what I can do now and can or cannot do in the future. So I appreciate your bringing this to my attention.

Thanks again,
-Brad

Hi Brad,

SW Champaign? Even better. WCIA, when it goes to 1 million watts, will melt your TV. :-)

"Are you saying that my dish and my antenna cannot share the cable run between my dish and my family room?"

With DirecTV and the MPEG4 decoders, yes, this is correct, because DirecTV now uses the same frequencies as off-the-air broadcasters with their MPEG4 boxes. I do not know if Dish is going this way or not, but either way, I know you really, REALLY don't want to do it but to future upgrades, you may soon have no choice. Since cable and DirecTV do it, Dish may someday (soon) use those same frequencies as well. So if you diplex, you really, REALLY run the risk of a problem later because of interference, with Dish and over-the-air broadcasts interfering with each other. BTW, by you capitalizing "DIsh", I assume you have Dish Network. If you have DirecTV, the only option you have is to run a separate cable, because MPEG2 tuners will be going away pretty quickly, and MPEG4 won't let you do it.

Now, having said that, if you still want to diplex, go ahead, and read this:

http://www.solidsignal.tv/dishnetwork/Installation_Documents/The_Ins_and_Outs_of_Diplexers.pdf

Just know that in the future, by using DIsh Network, you may have to stop diplexing in the future, causing considerable grief.

Otherwise, as noted above, others have done it so far with no problems when done correctly
(and the PDF gives a nice how-to so you can do it right).

I have the ATI HDTV Wonder Tuner as well and I have the same problem with WICS Channel 20. The problem is not the antenna. I have tried using the same antenna I use with my HD-TiVo with the same results. What's interesting is WICS's sister station WICD Channel 15 does not have this problem with the PC card. I agree with Thumper that the software is deficient.

Chris

I solved the problem, after running the free aftermarket WatchHDTV software you have to set the channel to 20-(-1) instead of 20-1 and the signal will decode. I don't believe the stock ATI software supports this (-1) mode.

I really don't know anything about antennas, but I decided to gave a try to my old Trek TV42 since It was already installed when I changed to HD (see my previous post).

I find out that the reception is more than satisfactory in my case. What else can I ask for?

I live in SPFLD and do pretty good with the clip on. It is an easy set up and not a bad price.

I solved the problem, after running the free aftermarket WatchHDTV software you have to set the channel to 20-(-1) instead of 20-1 and the signal will decode. I don't believe the stock ATI software supports this (-1) mode.
Thanks for the info on WatchHDTV. It solved the problem for me too and I learned something about Digital subchannels as well. - Chris

From TVBR e-paper regarding the sale of WRSP and WCCU TV, some FCC scrutiny.

GOCOM, go
When GOCOM Media bought WRSP-TV Springfield IL and WCCU-TV Urbana IL from Bahakel for 7.25M, it was buying a primary Fox-affiliated station in the Champaign-Springfield-Decatur IL (WRSP) and its satellite (WCCU). The FCC tends to use such transfers of control as an occasion to rejustify such and arrangement and this case was no exception. For starters, although the stations are in the same Nielsen DMA, they do not overlap, a primary requirement for a satellite operation. GOCOM then relied on the expert testimony of station owner/broker Larry Patrick, who noted that the Urbana station was relatively weakly endowed when it comes to its engineering parameters, that it doesn't cover much of the market, and that there is virtually no possibility that a buyer would be able to come in and make a go of it with the station operating as a standalone. The FCC found the arrangement to be in the public interest and allowed it to go forth under the new ownership.

From the horse's mouth.

http://svartifoss2.fcc.gov/prod/cdbs/forms/prod/getattachment_exh.cgi?exhibit_id=415274

Since January this year, I am using new dish network HD satellite receivers and the new DISH 1000 dish. I decided to keep my clip-on Terk TV42 antenna just to see if it works with the digital locals channels. My dish is in the top of my home roof.

llueveYescampa,
Thanks for the input; sounds like you're doing just what I want to try. One question for you -- your post says you have a DISH 1000 dish, which is the same oval shape as my dish. The clip-on antennae seem to be designed primarily for round dishes; does your antenna fit securely on your oval dish?

Thanks,
-Brad

From the horse's mouth.

Very interesting reading, to say the least. Do you think the "Anticipated Construction Date" for WCIA is a beginning date or an ending date?

-Brad

llueveYescampa,
Thanks for the input; sounds like you're doing just what I want to try. One question for you -- your post says you have a DISH 1000 dish, which is the same oval shape as my dish. The clip-on antennae seem to be designed primarily for round dishes; does your antenna fit securely on your oval dish?

Thanks,
-Brad

Brad,

Yes. The flexibility of the antenna allows for a good fit on a DISH 1000. The overall reception, in my case, is very good.

Hope this help

Very interesting reading, to say the least. Do you think the "Anticipated Construction Date" for WCIA is a beginning date or an ending date?

-Brad

Ending date. WCIA's manager also has quoted from NEXSTAR's headquarters,
and now the documents have been laid before you as proof. :D

Have any one notice 15-2 TUBE ?

Hey gang,

Has "The Tube" launched on a subchannel of a station yet? It was supposed to sometime this month. If so, where is it (what station)?

It will be on WICD(Champaign) and WICS(Springfield) The official launch date is July 15 but it is now on the air on WICD 15-2. The WICS launch date may be delayed.

JWN

What is it? I hope it's not something that steals significant bandwidth from the HD signal.

Have any one notice 15-2 TUBE ?

I'll have to break out the digi-tuner and check "the tube" out, can anyone tell me if the videos are in HD, and if they plan on adding it to insight?

I'll have to break out the digi-tuner and check "the tube" out, can anyone tell me if the videos are in HD, and if they plan on adding it to insight?

It's in SD and in order to preserve the primary HD channel it's at a fairly low bitrate. They are showing a lot of old material(from less than high quality sources) so that may help make the low bitrate a little easier to live with. It will be on Insight by July 18 but I don't know the channel number .

JWN

The tube is playing music videos in SD. You can (most likely) get it in channel 15-2.

I just add the most likely because I have two digital turners and I am able to get it in one of them but not in the other one.

The one with the problem even lost the capability of mapping the RF channel (41) to 15-1. Now it is shown as 41-1, and no THE TUBE.

Any one have an idea of why can this be happening?

[QUOTE=mdamberger]From TVBR e-paper regarding the sale of WRSP and WCCU TV, some FCC scrutiny.

GOCOM, go
When GOCOM Media bought WRSP-TV Springfield IL and WCCU-TV Urbana IL from Bahakel for 7.25M, it was buying a primary Fox-affiliated station in the Champaign-Springfield-Decatur IL (WRSP) and its satellite (WCCU). The FCC tends to use such transfers of control as an occasion to rejustify such and arrangement and this case was no exception. For starters, although the stations are in the same Nielsen DMA, they do not overlap,
/QUOTE]

Well, perhaps on paper they don't overlap. In practice they do. For some reason
WRSP, even though 68 miles from Champaign, is perfectly easily
receiveable here, and in some places in town is actually easier
to receive than WCCU, like where I live. WCCU really is underpowered and
undertowered and wimpy.

Doug McDonald

The tube is playing music videos in SD. You can (most likely) get it in channel 15-2.

I just add the most likely because I have two digital turners and I am able to get it in one of them but not in the other one.

The one with the problem even lost the capability of mapping the RF channel (41) to 15-1. Now it is shown as 41-1, and no THE TUBE.

Any one have an idea of why can this be happening?


Now, everything is working fine. They probably fix the problem.....

Now, everything is working fine. They probably fix the problem.....


Except the Audio/Video sync seams to be off a bit. Audio seems to be a 1/2 second or so ahead of the video.

None the less though, great addition to the local line-up.

Edit 7/18: Audio/Video sync problem seems to be getting worse. :(

Sync problem looks fixed this afternoon. Picture quality looks better too.

Released from CW's upfront presentation via TVWeek.

Following is The CW's 2006-2007 night-by-night breakdown of prime-time premiere dates (asterisks indicate programs that will air in high definition):

Wednesday, Sept. 20: "America's Next Top Model" (special two-hour premiere)

Friday, Sept. 22: "Friday Night Smackdown!"

Monday, Sept. 25: 8 p.m. (ET) "7th Heaven"; 9 p.m. "Runaway"*

Tuesday, Sept. 26: 8 p.m. "Gilmore Girls"*

Wednesday, Sept. 27: 9 p.m. "One Tree Hill"*

Thursday, Sept. 28: 8 p.m. "Smallville"*; 9 p.m. "Supernatural"*

Sunday, Oct. 1: 7 p.m. "Everybody Hates Chris"*; 7:30p.m. "All of Us"*; 8 p.m. "Girlfriends"*; 8:30 p.m. "The Game"*; 9 p.m. "America's Next Top Model" (repeat)

Tuesday, Oct. 3: 9 p.m. "Veronica Mars"*

Is 9:30. I am having problems tunning to WCIA, but instead I am getting WLFI (also CBS) in HD.

WLFI is in West Lafayette (I think) and is in RF Channel (Channel number 18)

Released from CW's upfront presentation via TVWeek.

Following is The CW's 2006-2007 night-by-night breakdown of prime-time premiere dates (asterisks indicate programs that will air in high definition):

Wednesday, Sept. 20: "America's Next Top Model" (special two-hour premiere)

Friday, Sept. 22: "Friday Night Smackdown!"

Monday, Sept. 25: 8 p.m. (ET) "7th Heaven"; 9 p.m. "Runaway"*

Tuesday, Sept. 26: 8 p.m. "Gilmore Girls"*

Wednesday, Sept. 27: 9 p.m. "One Tree Hill"*

Thursday, Sept. 28: 8 p.m. "Smallville"*; 9 p.m. "Supernatural"*

Sunday, Oct. 1: 7 p.m. "Everybody Hates Chris"*; 7:30p.m. "All of Us"*; 8 p.m. "Girlfriends"*; 8:30 p.m. "The Game"*; 9 p.m. "America's Next Top Model" (repeat)

Tuesday, Oct. 3: 9 p.m. "Veronica Mars"*


CW is going to be carried by WBUI in our area, right? I hope so - that means Veronica Mars in HD. Woo-hoo!

John C.

CW is going to be carried by WBUI in our area, right? I hope so - that means Veronica Mars in HD. Woo-hoo!

John C.


Yes.

Is 9:30. I am having problems tunning to WCIA, but instead I am getting WLFI (also CBS) in HD.

WLFI is in West Lafayette (I think) and is in RF Channel (Channel number 18)
WLFI Lafayette is analog channel 18 and uses channel 11 for DT.

Just for everybody's information, I wrote the below to our buddy Art Svymbersky at Insight:

I know there is a plan for WCIA to be added to Insights Local HD lineup as soon as they get their signal going. I was curious about some of the other local channels that are currently broadcasting digitally (and in HD).
Namely, WILL, and WBUI. Also, are there plans to add any other HD channels in the near future to the HD-Pack lineup? TNT? ESPN2? Please, any information you can give me will be great. Thank you for your time.

His response was this:

When WCIA starts sending out a local HD signal, we hope to carry it. We are about 14 days from carrying Will HD. ESPN2 HD and others will be roll-out in late October.
Thank you

Take it for what its worth!

Noob,
Thats good info. Everytime I email him, he never gives out much info. They better carry the WCIA signal immediately. Art already said they have a deal. I need that for my SEC gator football games on Saturdays. I would also be thrilled if we could get ESPN 2 also by October. That would help for the last half of Football season. When we get those two stations, Insight will have just about every channel that I really want that is currently being offered in HD.

WRSP-DT is off air for maintenance, I hope to have it back on air by Wednesday.

Insight cable customers should not be affected as WRSP-DT is now fed to them directly via fiber.

I just purchased a new HDTV which includes a digital
tuner. I have been able to bring in WILL, WAND, WICS,
WBUI, WYZZ, WRSP, WCCU, and WICD in digital channels,
but have not been able to get WCIA or WCFN no matter
how I have the antenna turned or how much I increase
the amplification.

I live in Decatur, IL and every channel guide I bring
up (usually use Titan TV), it shows that I should be
receiving a digital signal from both stations with no
problem on 3.1, 49.1, and 49.2.

Is there something I am doing wrong?

I am using a Radio Shack 80-inch boom, 32 element roof
mounted antenna, probably about 25 ft in the air with a
Radio Shack high gain signal amplifier on a rotor for
directional movement.

I am still able to get WCIA by analog, but WCFN is very
fuzzy by analog. I'm actually getting more digital
channels than I did analog channels though.

Thanks!

I just purchased a new HDTV which includes a digital
tuner. I have been able to bring in WILL, WAND, WICS,
WBUI, WYZZ, WRSP, WCCU, and WICD in digital channels,
but have not been able to get WCIA or WCFN no matter
how I have the antenna turned or how much I increase
the amplification.

I live in Decatur, IL and every channel guide I bring
up (usually use Titan TV), it shows that I should be
receiving a digital signal from both stations with no
problem on 3.1, 49.1, and 49.2.

Is there something I am doing wrong?

I am using a Radio Shack 80-inch boom, 32 element roof
mounted antenna, probably about 25 ft in the air with a
Radio Shack high gain signal amplifier on a rotor for
directional movement.

I am still able to get WCIA by analog, but WCFN is very
fuzzy by analog. I'm actually getting more digital
channels than I did analog channels though.

Thanks!

Hi Twatts,

First, welcome to the forum! Second, thanks for such a clear and concise post. It makes diagnosing your problems easy.

First, WCIA is at low power. While they will be going to 1 million watts (the highest power you can go) hopefully in the fall (they say September but due to a lack of tower guys, I bet this gets postponed until October or November), right now they are only at 1,280 watts. Needless to say, their range is limited as a result.

Second, WCFN-TV is at roughly 1.8 million watts; the highest power you can go with analog UHF is 5 million. WCFN-DT is at 1,810 watts; they will go 1 million watts, but not for a few years.

Solution: First off, in general, you've done everything right---way to go! But, you didn't know about the lower power of WCFN or WCIA. I suggest the following:

1. WCIA-DT is simulcast on WBUI's subchannel. Watch it there until WCIA-DT goes full power; when they do, it will be in HD and it will be very strong in Decatur.

2. WCFN is much more problematic. If you REALLY want it clearly, I'd go with a larger Winegard antenna. Radio Shack antennas are made by Antennacraft, and quite frankly, if your amplifier has a high noise level of 5 dB or more, it may be doing more harm than good for your digital and analog signals. Plus, Radio Shack antennas don't last anywhere near as long as a Winegard antenna, and they get better reception.

If I were you and don't care about "DX'ing", and don't mind a weaker signal on WCFN analog, I'd say: just wait until the others power up, then you're fine. WCIA-DT simulcasts WCFN-TV/DT, but not in HD. So you'll be able to get that clearly in the next few months when WCIA-DT powers up. My $.19, adjusted for high gas prices...

WRSP-DT Update

Parts arrived today, but another bad part was identified once the new parts were installed. I should have it back on air tomorrow.

Sebenste:

Thanks for your help - guess I didn't think that WCIA would be broadcasting digital in such low power?

You say that "WCIA is broadcast on a sub-channel of WBUI". I'm not seeing WCIA programming on either channel 23.1 or 23.2 - I guess I'm confused.

I never really watched anything on WCFN because the analog signal was so weak and fuzzy, but I figured now that I have digital, and WCFN broadcasts in digital, I could start watching. Guess I'll have to wait for their power to go up.

I'm not interested in changing antennas or amplifiers, I've had the existing set-up for 3 years now. I don't think another set-up would gain me any other channels besides maybe WCFN. I don't see too many channels that I'm missing that other people in Decatur are getting. Actually seems that I'm getting more than most people in Decatur.

Help on WCIA would be great though.

Thanks!

"WCIA is broadcast on a sub-channel of WBUI"


Say again? :eek:

WCIA has advised the FCC they expect to be at full power by this September. They're susposed to start sending out an HD signal at the same time. Unless some compelling programming forces you to do otherwise, if you wait until September your existing gear should get a fine signal from a full power WCIA.

"WCIA is broadcast on a sub-channel of WBUI"


Say again? :eek:

Hmm. I guess they don't anymore. Last summer, I know they did. I guess I need to update my WBUI entry in my database. Sorry about that!

In either case, as mraub said, in September (but maybe a month or two later),
they should be at full power. The FCC document I posted was made before they were notified of the tower people backlog to get to them.

Last night when the storm was passing through, I noticed I was unable to get several digital signals- 55, 27, 15, 43 and even 17 and 23 at times (12 and 20 = no problem). However, when I would flip the the analog channels, I wouldn't have any real problems, it would just get a little fuzzy when it thundered or lightninged.

Is this normal that many digital signals are knocked down by the weather? Just seems odd to me that if digital is the wave of the future due to clarity and sound, wouldn't the purpose be defeated if you couldn't watch due to a storm?

Example - I like checking the weather on WAND's doppler on channel 17.2, however at times it was off-line last night. Even when the storm wasn't in Decatur?

Does the presence of clouds or whether really affect the signal that much?

Last night when the storm was passing through, I noticed I was unable to get several digital signals- 55, 27, 15, 43 and even 17 and 23 at times (12 and 20 = no problem). However, when I would flip the the analog channels, I wouldn't have any real problems, it would just get a little fuzzy when it thundered or lightninged.

Is this normal that many digital signals are knocked down by the weather? Just seems odd to me that if digital is the wave of the future due to clarity and sound, wouldn't the purpose be defeated if you couldn't watch due to a storm?

Example - I like checking the weather on WAND's doppler on channel 17.2, however at times it was off-line last night. Even when the storm wasn't in Decatur?

Does the presence of clouds or whether really affect the signal that much?

Twatts,

One of several things could be happening here:

1. Static "crashes" from close strikes of lightning will cause a brief picture breakup on weaker signals.

2. I know how good your analogs are, but how strong do your digitals come in?
If they are not all that great, weather can and certainly will cause problems,
due to temperature inversions (signals reflecting off of warm air loft, causing them to be received at great distances and interfering with locals), to lightning, to heavy rain, to humidity (high humidity knocks down signals by as much as 33%).

3. Water is getting into your feed line. Are you using RG-6 cable, and is it relatively new (within 5 years)? Are the contacts on tight?

4. It could be that a station went off the air due to a power outage. There was at least one reported tornado near Decatur last night.

Any chance you could upload a photo of your antenna and tower, close-up of the whole antenna? When I recommend antennas to someone, I always go two sizes above what they need. Antennaweb and the FCC assume no weather factors, no tropo, etc
when determining signal range. The signal may be good under normal conditions, but throw in high humidity to knock down signal, or ice/snow, or a thunderstorm, or a temperature inversion...and the signal becomes too marginal to pick up. Granted, on a few days every year that will always happen....but you should otherwise be rock solid, especially from Decatur.

When I bought my antenna, Radio Shack suggested the smallest one, but I went with the middle size. I thought about the large one, but thay said that would be overkill, especially for WAND and WBUI. I'm glad I went with the middle size as I seem to get "ghosting" on these channels as well as WCIA sometimes via analog. I usually turn down my amplifier, but it still ghosts a little with WAND and WBUI.

My connections should be good. We bought Gold Standard Coax cable for Satellite (Have Dish Network without local channels) and used that for the antenna. We put the amp on the antenna and waterproofed connections by using some silicone. From there, we went through the roof, directly to the basement through the wall, probably 30-35 ft. of cable. Right into the amp box, then out into a splitter that goes around the house. The HDTV is in the basement, with a direct line from the splitter, approx. 15-20 ft. of cable. Connections and long cable (loss) should not be an issue.

With the Radio Shack amp on (approx) 8/10 gain, here are my signal readings at around 1:00 pm CST. (Channel, Rotor direction, Signal Strength, Signal-Noise, AGC)

43.1, N-N/W, 67-70, 19, 61
43.3 Same
12.1, N/E, 98, 32, 31
12.2 Same
12.3 Same
15.1, N/E-E, Very low 60, Not locked on, Picture only when hits high points
15.2 Same
27.1, N/E,E, No signal-Zero
27.2 Same
17.1, S-S/W, 89, 27, 41
17.2 Same
20.1, W-S/W, 98, 30, 49
23.1, Same
23.2, Same
55.1, W-S/W, No signal - Zero
55.2, Same
25.1, N/W, No signal-Zero
25.2, Same

I'm very disappointed today. Monday night, when I got the TV and all my A/V equipment hooked up, I got all of these channels. I went around the antenna and re-ran the digital channel set-up each time so the TV could find channels I could get automatically. It is high humidity and fairly cloudy right now though.

If I could get your e-mail address, I may be able to take a picture this weekend with my digital camera. My antenna is roof mounted on a tri-pod. I do have a couple tall trees to the NW and SE, but they haven't appeared to hurt my reception.

I really appreciate your help with my set-up!

WRSP-DT Update

Things are progressing but not as quickly as I had hoped. Sign on delayed until Friday.

Are you performing work on WCCU 27.1 and .2 as well? Maybe this is why I am getting zero signal for WRSP and WCCU?

Are you performing work on WCCU 27.1 and .2 as well? Maybe this is why I am getting zero signal for WRSP and WCCU?

I am only working on WRSP-DT, WCCU-DT is operating normally.

Hi,

Does anyone know what is happening with WILL?
For several days now 12-1 has been useless and a new 12-3 has appeared but is showing only SMPTE bars.

Mike

I've had no problem with 12-1. It's been on whenever I've checked anyway. As for 12-3, I've sent an e-mail and presently awaiting a response.

WRSP-DT Update

WRSP-DT is back on air at half power. I'll will be increasing power during the weekend as the new parts break in and should be back to full power by Monday.

WRSP-DT Update

WRSP-DT is back on air at half power. I'll will be increasing power during the weekend as the new parts break in and should be back to full power by Monday.

I believe most of us really appreciate the warning on the maintenance. I am glad to see the maintenance during the summer repeats. ;)

T

Currently watching the Cubs-Cardinals on 23.1, why isn't this in HD? 23.1 says WBUI-HD, and on my Sony widescreen it says it is broadcast in 1080i 16x9, however it is only showing in 4x3 on my screen (black bars on each side)? Sorry, I'm new at this HD stuff, but just seems that it should show on the whole screen as it did yesterday on WRSP-DT. I shouldn't have to use any of the zoom or wide zoom features.

Thanks!

WRSP-DT Update

WRSP-DT is back to 100%.

Way To Go Ken!

Currently watching the Cubs-Cardinals on 23.1, why isn't this in HD? 23.1 says WBUI-HD, and on my Sony widescreen it says it is broadcast in 1080i 16x9, however it is only showing in 4x3 on my screen (black bars on each side)? Sorry, I'm new at this HD stuff, but just seems that it should show on the whole screen as it did yesterday on WRSP-DT. I shouldn't have to use any of the zoom or wide zoom features.

Thanks!


23.1 doesnt pass the Cardinals hd signal yet, but i have heard they have plans to do it in the future. And the reason you got widescreen yesterdasy on WRSP is because fox presents a fox widescreen (not hd though) mlb game every saturday.

Currently watching the Cubs-Cardinals on 23.1, why isn't this in HD? 23.1 says WBUI-HD, and on my Sony widescreen it says it is broadcast in 1080i 16x9, however it is only showing in 4x3 on my screen (black bars on each side)?...

Hi,

First notice that WBUI isn't shooting and broadcasting the game; they're simulcasting the signal from KPLR channel 11, St. Louis's WB. This can also be noticed by the big WBUI WB in the upper left corner in addition to the little WB11 down in the scorebar.

If your Sony says it's getting a 16x9 picture, it is. WBUI is taking the 4x3 picture sent to them and sending out a 16x9 pic comprised of the 4x3 pic with black sidebars encoded with it.

I also noticed some static and dropouts. Note that the game and the 11 logo would disappear, but the WB and the bars stayed perfect.

Take care,
Mike

Info I just received from Rick Finnie about WILL-TV 12-3.

It will be "PBS-Create" channel

I found this info on it...

[Create—a lifestyle channel packaged by American Public Television for a January launch. It combines popular how-to and travel fare distributed by APT and National Educational Television Association. Pending negotiations with PBS, Create may pick up WGBH-produced how-to titles such as Victory Garden and This Old House, said APT President Cynthia Fenneman. Stations can co-brand with Create’s swirling sphere logo and add local programs to the schedule.]

http://www.current.org/dtv/dtv0519spanish.shtml


No timetable given...just "soon"

Just to let you guys know, The Tube Network Went on the Air yesterday in springfield. For those interested, its @ 20.2 off air, and should be arriving on cable soon as well.

Dr.

Just to let you guys know, The Tube Network Went on the Air yesterday in springfield. For those interested, its @ 20.2 off air, and should be arriving on cable soon as well.As much as I want to like this, I hate thinking about the bandwidth it's stealing from the high def channel.

As much as I want to like this, I hate thinking about the bandwidth it's stealing from the high def channel.
None, The HD channel was NOT modified to make room, We had 3mb left over, so we used that. :)

Dr.

As much as I want to like this, I hate thinking about the bandwidth it's stealing from the high def channel.

I haven't noticed any decrease in quality on WICD 15-1 since they added The Tube there a few weeks ago.

None, The HD channel was NOT modified to make room, We had 3mb left over, so we used that. :)That's cool. Extra channels are great, as long as they don't impact the quality of what we've already got.

Thanks for the info! :cool:

New "Fox News" to start in September.

The new owners of both local Fox affiliates (WRSP-55 & WCCU-27), GOCOM Broadcasting, says they will have 9PM local newscasts from both stations lasting 35 minutes.

They have contracted with the two ABC affiliates in the area (WICS-20 & WICD-15) to produce and staff the broadcasts.

Some items of the news broadcasts will be "area specific" with WCCU airing items specific to the east side of the market area and WRSP airing items specific to the west side. They have no plans to do other than 9PM broadcasts although they may do "special bulletins" or "weather emergencies".

Also they will stop calling themselves FOX 55 and FOX 27 and will now be called FOX Illinois.

New "Fox News" to start in September.

The new owners of both local Fox affiliates (WRSP-55 & WCCU-27), GOCOM Broadcasting, says they will have 9PM local newscasts from both stations lasting 35 minutes.

They have contracted with the two ABC affiliates in the area (WICS-20 & WICD-15) to produce and staff the broadcasts.

Some items of the news broadcasts will be "area specific" with WCCU airing items specific to the east side of the market area and WRSP airing items specific to the west side. They have no plans to do other than 9PM broadcasts although they may do "special bulletins" or "weather emergencies".

Also they will stop calling themselves FOX 55 and FOX 27 and will now be called FOX Illinois.

9pm??

Oh that's right... unlike other networks, Fox doesn't have any 9pm primetime programming...

I have been emailing back and forth with Rick Finnie at WILL. He has gotten several emails describing troubke with 12-1, so I am not alone. At this point, to his knowledge, everything is fine on their end. We don't know if it's hardware-specific, but my friend is having the same problem in a different location with a different tv.

I still think something had to change on their end. My setup worked fine from January til a week and a half ago, and I still get 12-2 and 12-3 just fine.

Take care,
Mike

I have been emailing back and forth with Rick Finnie at WILL. He has gotten several emails describing troubke with 12-1, so I am not alone. At this point, to his knowledge, everything is fine on their end. We don't know if it's hardware-specific, but my friend is having the same problem in a different location with a different tv.

I still think something had to change on their end. My setup worked fine from January til a week and a half ago, and I still get 12-2 and 12-3 just fine.

Take care,
Mike

I have watched some programming on 12-1 recently without any "trouble". Not 24/7, but different shows at different times without incident.

What kind of trouble are you having?

...12-1...What kind of trouble are you having?

12-2 and -3 are perfect, while 12-1 has sound but the picture is 100% digital noise. Imagine the top third of the screen as a grid of flickering random colors and the bottom two thirds as flickering horizontal lines.

I am referring to 12-1 OTA, btw, just so we're talking about the same thing. Any time I've checked in the last 12 days or so, it's been solid garbage - no occasional good signal at all.

Mike

Hi,

I have had no problems at all with WILL (12.1, 12.2 and now 12.3). Actually WILL is the best local OTA channel I get.

Lately, I have been having some problems with WICD (15.1 and 15.2) and WAND (17.1 and 17.2). I am not sure about this, but it looks like the hottest it gets, the worst the reception of these two channels. Does that make any sense?


Ironically, in the early hours I usually have not problems getting WRTV (6.1 and 6.2, ABC from Indianapolis) and WTHI (10.1 for CBS Terra Hute). I am also able to get, almost all day long, WEIU (50.1 and 50.2 PBS form Charleston????)

12-2 and -3 are perfect, while 12-1 has sound but the picture is 100% digital noise. Imagine the top third of the screen as a grid of flickering random colors and the bottom two thirds as flickering horizontal lines.

I am referring to 12-1 OTA, btw, just so we're talking about the same thing. Any time I've checked in the last 12 days or so, it's been solid garbage - no occasional good signal at all.

Mike


I thought that it might have been your VHF antenna, but if you are receiving 12-2 and 12-3 ok, it wouldn't be your antenna.

What kind of STB do you have? Or is it going straight into a DTV tuner ready TV?

Hi,

I have had no problems at all with WILL (12.1, 12.2 and now 12.3). Actually WILL is the best local OTA channel I get.

Lately, I have been having some problems with WICD (15.1 and 15.2) and WAND (17.1 and 17.2). I am not sure about this, but it looks like the hottest it gets, the worst the reception of these two channels. Does that make any sense?


Ironically, in the early hours I usually have not problems getting WRTV (6.1 and 6.2, ABC from Indianapolis) and WTHI (10.1 for CBS Terra Hute). I am also able to get, almost all day long, WEIU (50.1 and 50.2 PBS form Charleston????)

Yep, Charleston. What is 50-2 showing?

Actually is 51.1 and 51.2
51.1 is a PBS station.
51.2 is MHz W, a channel having a lot of foreign language programs.

WRSP-DT will be off air for a few hours this afternoon while tower maintenance is being performed.

What kind of STB do you have? Or is it going straight into a DTV tuner ready TV?

Terk HDTVa into a Philips 427320/37

Here is the latest from Rick Finnie:

I talked with the engineers that installed our equipment that added
the third channel. When we added the third channel our transmission changed
from fixed to variable bit rate to get maximum use of our spectrum. Some DTV
receivers have difficulty handling variable bit rate transmission. Go on the
website of your receiver manufacturer and check for software updates for
your tuner. This may solve your problem.

Now, he says something has indeed changed. I am now asking if all three went VBR. Again, I get -2 and -3 fine.

Mike

Update:

Saturday August 5, 4:30 to 6:00 pm
For the first time since the trouble started, 12-1 was perfect for 90 whole minutes. Granted, the widescreen flag was apparently not being broadcast and received automatically, but still I had picture and sound. Then it went back to digital garbage again.

I think it's fairly clear my equipment is fine.

Mike

Mike,

We watch 12-1 every day. It is one of our favorites. We have not had any problems at all. We live near Lincoln. I have a Samsung.

The Tube, 20-2, is a pretty good station when they play the old stuff.

I'm sure it's a pretty different reception scene near Lincoln. I don't get any of the 20's, for instance. I do get the Tube on both 15.2 and 43.2 though.

This will stink if 12.1 stays this way. It's one of our favorites too. I should restate that we got it just fine with the same tv and antenna at the same address from January to July. Also, a friend of mine with a Dell LCD has 12.1 looking just like mine.

Mike

Is this channel 43 WYZZ-TV from Peoria?

Is this channel 43 WYZZ-TV from Peoria?

yes

Well, it is WYZZ, but I believe it's from Bloomington.



So, here is a more specific question:

Does anyone here successfully receive 12-1 OTA with either a Philips plasma or a Dell LCD?

Mike

Mike,

We are now receiving 12-1, 12-2, but no longer are getting 12-3. Odd, any ideas?

yes

So, here is a more specific question:

Does anyone here successfully receive 12-1 OTA with either a Philips plasma or a Dell LCD?

Mike

I have absolutely no problem receiving it here in Danville with my Hitachi plasma or my Philips LCoS.

Just to let you guys know, The Tube Network Went on the Air yesterday in springfield. For those interested, its @ 20.2 off air, and should be arriving on cable soon as well.

It did last week - it's on digital channel 140.

Anyone heard anything on WCIA's progress to HD?

GM Russ Hamilton stated on Mondays morning show that it could be done by as early as Mid September but he said it would more likely be the first week of October. So about another month and a half.

As of Tuesday, WILL-DT (HD) has been put up on the Insight HD tier as channel 773. Most of the people around here have this already on OTA, but for us poor cable dwellers, this is a major development!

Now, all we have left are WB (or whatever it turns into this fall) and WCIA. Come on, Nexstar!

I was wondering if anyone has a problem picking up WCCU-DT. I am located in north-central Champaign and receive strong digital signals for WBUI. WILL, WAND and WICD, but have been unable to receive anything for WCCU-DT. I know I have my antenna facing the correct direction because I receive an adequate WCCU analog signal. I was really hoping to be able watch some Fox programs in HD but it doesn't look good right now.

Have you tried channel 55 (Fox) out of Springfield? I can't get a solid lock on WCCU from SW Champaign, but 55 comes in good and strong.

I was wondering if anyone has a problem picking up WCCU-DT. I am located in north-central Champaign and receive strong digital signals for WBUI. WILL, WAND and WICD, but have been unable to receive anything for WCCU-DT. I know I have my antenna facing the correct direction because I receive an adequate WCCU analog signal. I was really hoping to be able watch some Fox programs in HD but it doesn't look good right now.

I have tried channel 55 from Springfield but only receive a fairly weak analog signal and no digital signal. I may be too far away from Springfield in north Champaign. I am thinking about trying another antenna, but I am trying to first figure out if there may be an issue with WCCU since I receive four strong HD signals. Does anyone know if WCCU-DT has a weak transmitter, and if so, will it ever be upgraded?

As of this morning (8/23) WCCU-DT is coming in clear as usual here in Danville.

Did not watch it last night, so I couldn't tell you about then.

WCCU-DT is on a low tower. That's the problem. A real antenna, even a modest one,
pointing ENE will work if in the clear. It should work even in an all-wood attic at
a reasonable height. At 10 feet off ground level, if you are in a part of Champaign that is to the the west of Yankee Ridge, it won't work, so you need it higher.

I'm to the west of Yankee ridge, and it is marginal even at an antenna height of 23
feet.

Doug McDonald

I exchanged my indoor antenna for a different model at radio shack and now I have no problems receiving WCCU-DT. I can also now receive WCIA-DT, which I had also been unable to receive previously. Now I only have to wait for WCIA to go HD.

I exchanged my indoor antenna for a different model at radio shack and now I have no problems receiving WCCU-DT. I can also now receive WCIA-DT, which I had also been unable to receive previously. Now I only have to wait for WCIA to go HD.
If you don't mind saying, what kind of antenna did you move up to?

Thanks,
-Brad

I switched to a $50 antenna from Radio Shack, which looks like a black flying saucer. It picks up two more channels than the Terk antenna I had and also has a motorized rotation mechanism. If you go to Radio Shack, you won't miss it.

JD23, if I can trouble you as well,

Do you mind mentioning which Terk you had? and maybe mention where in your building your antennas have been - ground floor, NW corner, etc. ?

I've considered the same black Shack as well.
I've been using the Terk HDTVa here in central Urbana. Fox digital is pretty good and CBS is really bad. Neither has been impossible or reliable. I've just been hoping WCIA will up their power when they go HD and I'd be happy.

I'm just wondering if the shack will top a terk amplified or just their passives.

Thanks,
Take care,
Mike

Mkjnovak,

I can give you some more info on my setup. The Radio Shack antenna is replacing the Terk HDTVa. I am on the second floor and the antenna is close to a west facing wall, so I assume signals from the east, such as WCCU, will be the hardest to receive. I would recommend trying the Radio Shack antenna since you can always return it for a refund if it offers no improvement.

Thanks. Just knowing that for you the Shack was an improvement over the same Terk is enough for me to give it a shot. You see, I've already done a few "Let's see if this one is better" runs, and the HDTVa has always won so far.

For me here in Urbana, I'm pretty good for WCCU and WICD and am hoping for some improvement on WCIA WILL and WAND. Oddly WBUI is great, much better than WAND, and they should be roughly the same distance direction and power.

Mike

It's my understanding that WCIA's upgrade will include a full power digital transmitter. Most people in town should be able to get them with a paper clip pushed in the antenna jack.

I picked up the black shack; I think it goes back.

The good: 27.1 comes in no matter how I set it. WICD and WILL digitals are almost as good.
The bad: I have yet to get digital 3 17 or 23 with it. 17 was always tricky; 3 was nearly impossible, but 23 was better before with the HDTVa.

Mike

mjk - I have a Radio Shack amplified indoor antenna (# 15-1880) that I have out in my garage and I can pick up 12, 15, 17, 20 (Springfield), 23, 27 and 55 digital broadcasts. Note that I can't get 3 yet, but I am being patient waiting for them to start broadcasting in full. Once in a while I will pick up their signal, but it is very hit and miss and usually only comes in around 60% strength. I have the antenna pointed SE and never have to move it to pick up everything listed. I tried the black Shack before getting this antenna and didn't have much luck, either.

Melanotheron,
Those are pretty enviable results. Would you mind saying in what area you live? I'm guessing you must be much closer to Springfield? I've only seen flickers of 20 and 55.
Mike

I'm in Mahomet, so I guess I am pretty lucky. Channel 55.1 is usually at around 95-98% signal strength, 20.1 is around 88-93% so it is pretty amazing. I'm just miffed that I can't get CBS...maybe WCIA will go full power some day! See if you can find the same Radio Shack antenna and give it a try.

I guess I must have gotten pretty lucky with black Shack antenna. I can pick up 3, 12, 15, 17, 23 and 27 from one angle with no problems. With the old HDTVa, I could not pick up 3 and 27. In north Champaign, I cannot pick up anything from Springfield though.

Wow, I would think in Mahomet 3 should be solid even at low power. The tower could just about fall on you compared to me. I must be right on the practical edge of Springfield reception, and Mahomet is closer. At 35+ miles, even 5 miles makes a difference.

Right now the weather must be being very nice to me. I can pick up everything from one position for a couple days now. 17 and 3 have even been solid. I can't wait for CBS full power and HD.

Sadly the 15-1880 is off the website, and it's not in the Urbana Shack's computer as laying around anywhere locally.

Mike

Wow, I would think in Mahomet 3 should be solid even at low power. The tower could just about fall on you compared to me.
Yep, that's what I thought, too. It is pretty frustrating to me, since I can pick up all the other stations so far away. I even went to the WCIA website and sent a note to "Ask the Manager", but never got a response. I'm hoping full power solves my problems, but, for now, I have given up on WCIA.

Mel

You might try a call to WCIA's engineering department to see if they could give you some advice on improving reception. You might be so close to the tower that you're in a null created by the transmitting antenna's placement or radiation pattern.

Got a note from Insight yesterday stating that later this year Insight would add TNT, ESPN2, and MHD (MTV's HD channel) to their HD lineup. I say November because our good buddy Art had stated to me that there would be additions to the HD come November, but he wasnt sure which ones. Well, now we know!

Got a note from Insight yesterday stating that later this year Insight would add TNT, ESPN2, and MHD (MTV's HD channel) to their HD lineup. I say November because our good buddy Art had stated to me that there would be additions to the HD come November, but he wasnt sure which ones. Well, now we know!

But does MHD actually show any music? MTV sure as heck doesn't...

Wikipedia has the info!

MHD @ Wikipedia (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/MHD_%28TV_network%29)

Got a note from Insight yesterday stating that later this year Insight would add TNT, ESPN2, and MHD (MTV's HD channel) to their HD lineup. I say November because our good buddy Art had stated to me that there would be additions to the HD come November, but he wasnt sure which ones. Well, now we know!

thats awesome, good to see insight adding some more HD content, now if they could just get the program guide for WILL-HD.......

What are my chances of receiving any channels in Thomasboro?

What antenna should I buy/try? I tried an indoor Terk from a coworker with just the two diamonds and it got nothing.

What are my chances of receiving any channels in Thomasboro?

What antenna should I buy/try? I tried an indoor Terk from a coworker with just the two diamonds and it got nothing.

You should definitely be able to get FOX27.
3 12 and 15 seem possible, or at least after 3 goes to full power.
You're pretty far from everything else. I like the Terk HDTVa best after trying five different indoor models. You might need to consider a serious outdoor antenna.

Mike

As a start I'd suggest you plug your address in at antennaweb.org. That will give you an idea of the directions and distances involved. Their antenna recomendations are a good place to start, though not the final word. Or you can call Good Vibes. They installed antenna at my house for about $150 that works great on all channels.

What are my chances of receiving any channels in Thomasboro?

What antenna should I buy/try? I tried an indoor Terk from a coworker with just the two diamonds and it got nothing.

What are my chances of receiving any channels in Thomasboro?

What antenna should I buy/try? I tried an indoor Terk from a coworker with just the two diamonds and it got nothing.


In Thomasboro you should get everything except WEIU easily, unless you
are in a very low spot. You should try a quad bowtie in the attic first, pointing both east (ABC and Fox) or SW (everybody else). If that works, fine, get another one with two leadins and a switch. If it does not work, you'll need to mount two of them outdoors. At a high enough location they will work fine.

You are just far enough from NBC and WB (soon CW) that you may very well
need a modest outdoors setup. ABC, Fox, and soon CBS should be huge signals.
Don't worry about CBS if you get NBC and WB, they are increasing power 500 [sic] times soon.

WEIU may be problematic. They are not HD.

Doug McDonald

Can someone explain how an affiliate decides what programming to offer in HD and what programming they don't, provided the source is in fact HD? Specifically, I was wondering why ABC was touting their HD feed of today's OSU/NIU football game, but WICD-DT fed us a 4:3 SD feed. Looks like tonight's Notre Dame game will be the same. On the other hand, WAND-DT showed beach volleyball today in HD. No offense, but I would rather see football in HD than (men's) volleyball. Any factual input on this question?

Thanks,
-Brad

Brad,

The OSU/NIU game on ABC was never scheduled to be in HD. Check this HD sports guide/schedule. http://www.hdsportsguide.com/

Steve

Specifically, I was wondering why ABC was touting their HD feed of today's OSU/NIU football game, but WICD-DT fed us a 4:3 SD feed. Looks like tonight's Notre Dame game will be the same. On the other hand, WAND-DT showed beach volleyball today in HD. No offense, but I would rather see football in HD than (men's) volleyball. Any factual input on this question?
Thanks,
-Brad

I'm watching the ND-GaTech game in HD on WICD. Don't know why you're not.

Brad,

The OSU/NIU game on ABC was never scheduled to be in HD. Check this HD sports guide/schedule. http://www.hdsportsguide.com/

Steve

Steve, thanks. I hadn't seen that programming guide. I trust it will be more accurate than what I had been using, which also incorrectly showed the ND/GT game was going to be SD instead of the wonderful HD feed I'm watching at this very minute. Actually, it's been a very enjoyable night for me, flipping back and forth between the ND and Auburn games, while listening to the Illini game on the radio. Sports junkie's heaven.

Hope everyone enjoys their holiday weekend.
-Brad

Sent WCIA an email a few minutes ago and Russ replied already saying that according to the tower crew they would be full power and HD first week of October.

Sent WCIA an email a few minutes ago and Russ replied already saying that according to the tower crew they would be full power and HD first week of October.

Which probably means we'll be working out the glitches for a couple months thereafter. :)

Sent WCIA an email a few minutes ago and Russ replied already saying that according to the tower crew they would be full power and HD first week of October.


Did he say what year?

:rolleyes:

Did he say what year?

:rolleyes:

Well, I admit that up to now, WCIA's information has been as reliable as Donald Rumsfeld telling us how we're winning the war in Iraq, but I think this time Russ is giving us the straight info. And yes, they'll probably have glitches for a good while, but it is good to see them making progress.

Now, how long until CBS gives us Katie Couric in HD?? I guess that since none of the network news divisions make any money these days, I shouldn't hold my breath for HD news, but still . . . :)

John C.

Hey guys,

WMBD-DT, the CBS affiliate in Peoria, is off the air. They are replacing their antenna with their new high power one. They hope to be back up and on the air on Tuesday...I assume at a full 800 kw, with HD to follow thereafter. West and northwest of Champaign, you have a shot with a big antenna, including Decatur.

Edit: Surprise! They went great-looking 1080i tonight at low power on their new antenna (9/8/06), full power expected next week. Peoria HD posters are experiencing shock and awe...

Edit #2: Their analog is off, but they are now simulcasting on 43.2, WYZZ-DT's subchannel, temporarily in place of "The Tube". If you need CBS digital, there ya go...

I went right by WCIA's tower yesterday, and there appears to be no activity
going on.

I sure hope that having them at full power on Ch. 48 does not cause
serious problems. It could with WEIU-HD on 50.

Doug McDonald

I'm wondering if anyone else is having any problems with WAND-DT right now. Everytime I change to one of the WAND-DT channels, I pick up the signal fine for approximately 7 seconds and then the signal goes out and I receive a No Signal message. My TV says the signal is a 80/100, so these problems should not be occurring. I was hoping to watch the ND Mich game in HD, so this is really aggravating. I'm having no problems with any other digital channel, so this is completely isolated to WAND-DT.

WAND is dead for me on 2 separate HD tuners. Good signal strength is shown, but no video or audio. Tried calling them, but just got voicemail with no way to get to engineering. They do know there's a football game on this afternoon, don't they?


I'm wondering if anyone else is having any problems with WAND-DT right now. Everytime I change to one of the WAND-DT channels, I pick up the signal fine for approximately 7 seconds and then the signal goes out and I receive a No Signal message. My TV says the signal is a 80/100, so these problems should not be occurring. I was hoping to watch the ND Mich game in HD, so this is really aggravating. I'm having no problems with any other digital channel, so this is completely isolated to WAND-DT.

WAND is dead for me on 2 separate HD tuners. Good signal strength is shown, but no video or audio. Tried calling them, but just got voicemail with no way to get to engineering. They do know there's a football game on this afternoon, don't they?

I'm still unhappy about this, but for a while I was concerned that my TV's tuner was having a problem. I'm glad that they picked such an inopportune time to have such a problem.

Just confirming... as of 5p, still no WAND coming in OTA. The tuner shows there is signal (light on) but no picture or sound.

What are the odds WAND will be fixed for Sunday night football?

Lately I haven't had WAND digital OTA either.
Mike

I just recently stumbled across this forum. After reading several of the HDTV antenna threads, I have scoured the internet trying to find a website which sells the Radio Shack 15-1880 antenna which everyone seems to rave about. Do any of you know where I might be able to purchase one. It appears that Radio Shack no longer sells this particular model. Are there any other indoor antennas which perform as well as the 15-1880?? THANKS!!!

Ryan

WAND seems to be back up.

Actually called WAND on Saturday because of the HD problem with the Notre Dame Game. Got News Dept and had them transfer me to Master Control.

Told the guy that the HD feed wasnt working....tried a quick switch flip and asked me if it was better....I said no....he said it was working from where he was sitting and basically brushed me off after that.

So they knew about the probelm at kickoff of the game. What that means...I dont know. Just thought I'd pass off my experience

E* is setting me up with a ViP622 this weekend. Neither of my HDTV's has a built in tuner and I'll be using the 622 to get the locals. I'm located in Urbana, very close to Meadowbrook park (Windsor and Race). I'm hoping to get by with an indoor antenna if possible. Any opinions on this given my location? Is it worth a shot where I'm at, or should I just call Good Vibes and have an antenna installed and be done with it? (I'd rather just have someone do the install if an outside antenna is needed.)

Also, I do have a Silver Sensor UHF antenna from a friend. If any of you are using this model, what do you recommend for a VHF antenna?

I know I can just wait and see if the indoor setup works well enough, but I'm hoping to get an idea of what to expect in advance as I currently get HD locals via insight and dvr my fav shows, and don't want to be waiting too long to be doing the same thing when I get E*.

Last question, when will WCIA be available in HD? (Just kidding :D )

I also have a Dish 622 and have found the ATSC tuner more sensitive than others I have used. I had Good Vibes install an antenna in my attic which locks on all local digital signals. They intended to install the antenna on the roof, but weather didn't permit that and it has worked fine in the attic. Unless you like to fiddle with antennas, I'd just call Good Vibes and have them do it for you. As I recall, the cost wasn't that high.

Thanks for the advice mraub. I called Good Vibes and they asked my location and then told me they've had mixed results getting the local HD's with Urbana antenna installs. Installed cost would be around $200.

Once E* get's the 622 installed this weekend, I'll try the Silver Sensor along with whatever indoor VHF antenna I can find locally, but I expect that won't work so well and I'll be calling for the install by mid-week. :)

They used a 1 bay UHF antenna in my installation. Moving to a 2 bay ought to give you any additional gain you need in Urbana. I don't know if they keep 2 bay antennas in stock, but they could certainly order one for you.

They used a 1 bay UHF antenna in my installation.

One bay?
You mean a single dipole X or bowtie type?
That's kind of amazing.

Do you pick up all the WILL digitals with that? I'm curious since they're on VHF 9.

Annoyingly enough, WCIA has petitioned to go back to 3 from 48 after the analog shutoff. They're the only local to want to do so AFAIK.

I wonder how mad people with UHF-only antennas will be; it could ruin WCIA's reputation for being so on top of the technology end of things.

Mike

One bay?
You mean a single dipole X or bowtie type?
That's kind of amazing.

Do you pick up all the WILL digitals with that? I'm curious since they're on VHF 9.

Annoyingly enough, WCIA has petitioned to go back to 3 from 48 after the analog shutoff. They're the only local to want to do so AFAIK.

I wonder how mad people with UHF-only antennas will be; it could ruin WCIA's reputation for being so on top of the technology end of things.

Mike
And the fact that their the last in the area to go HD hasnt?

It could ruin WCIA's reputation for being so on top of the technology end of things.

Mike

No offense intended, but who in blazes ever made that claim?

WCIA is a freakin' joke, comparatively speaking.

No offense intended, but who in blazes ever made that claim?

WCIA is a freakin' joke, comparatively speaking.

I'm assuming he was being sarcastic.

I know this will sound like another joke, but anyone heard an update about WCIA's HD transition?

Is anyone willing to wager whether they will make finish before the end of football season?

They've promised completion by the end of September 2005.

sarcasm (n.): witty language used to convey insults or scorn

sar chasm (n.): the gap between the user of sarcasm and the one who doesn't get it

I emailed Russ at WCIA about 3 weeks ago and he said it would definitely be completed by the second week of October at the latest. That would be about only 3 weeks from now. We will see. I am dying to see my Gators in HD and of course most of their games are on CBS.

I emailed Russ at WCIA about 3 weeks ago and he said it would definitely be completed by the second week of October at the latest. That would be about only 3 weeks from now. We will see. I am dying to see my Gators in HD and of course most of their games are on CBS.
First it was mid-June, then end-of-July, etc., etc. I emailed Russ in July and he never answered. I did hear that he addressed the HD issue on the "Ask the Manager" segment, but since I don't watch CBS anymore, I never saw it. My kids are going to be interviewed for a Friday morning news segment and I told them to mention that WCIA would be much better if it was in HD!

Mel

I can't complain about no WCIA HD because when I asked Russ about an HD waiver he put it through for me without any problems. I get the CBS HD out of New York until WCIA is full HD. Thanks Russ.

I should also mention that I have had the New York feed for over 6 months now.

Sarcasm isnt always the best literary tool to use on the internet. I dont see the need for snide replies when someone doesnt get sarcasm when reading it.

Well, the last reply was meant to be funny, not snide.
Sorry if you took it that way.
FWIW two people did seem to be treating me like an idiot when they thought I was sincerely complimenting WCIA. Did you have a problem with that as well?
Mike

PS
Whoops, and I just saw you were one of them
heh heh
sorry

Yes, i was one of them, but that was more out of disbelief than believing you were an idiot. My apologies if any offense was taken. Perhaps I should refrain from making comments when having a bad day!

No apology nec. and no hard feelings; likewise I hope.
I was just ripping WCIA yet another new one (common on this thread) and was surprised that anyone thought otherwise. You're right; typed sarcasm is not always the best approach; it can lead to misunderstandings. I was just hoping for a little chuckle from anyone who did catch it.

I'd say that's enough of that and anything else personal we should take private and spare the forum.

Take care,
Mike

Per Russ - WCIA is seeing another delay in their HD and expansion of their digital signal. The tower crew has notified him that they need to special order "guy wires" that are special and must be built to spec. These will not be received by the tower crew for another 6-8 weeks. This pushes the project back to December.

Russ seems very upset by this and feels the tower crew should have known this ahead of time.

Guy wires are what hold the tower up. Was the tower crew expecting the perfection of an anti-gravity generator by the end of this month? It kind of sounds like a feeble excuse to cover up scheduling snafus. I wonder of the new transmitter could be temporarily hooked to the existing DT antenna to provide HD service to CU and other areas near the tower. If the tower contractor is the one who messed this up, it ought to bear the cost of a temporary arrangement.

You know, since the beginning of summer 06, I've been thinking to myself, "as long as they have the kinks worked out by the Super Bowl, I can live with the delays." In fact, since I thought that my own target deadline was more or less a given, I've been slightly amused by each looming deadline having a new reason for being pushed back. Then less amused when switching back and forth between NFL games on Fox in HD and CBS in SD; it's like the difference between mono and stereo. Now, I'm not laughing at all. There's a very real chance that WCIA will miss yet another Final Four and now the Super Bowl in HD. I give up. Somebody call me when the last horse finally crosses the finish line.

-Brad

Per Russ - WCIA is seeing another delay in their HD and expansion of their digital signal. The tower crew has notified him that they need to special order "guy wires" that are special and must be built to spec. These will not be received by the tower crew for another 6-8 weeks. This pushes the project back to December.

Russ seems very upset by this and feels the tower crew should have known this ahead of time.

The incompetence exhibited on this project is comedic at this point. If I missed deadlines with the frequency displayed by the people responsible for WCIA's HD upgrade, I would be roaming the streets penniless right now.

Is Fox 55 HD off the air? I'm not receiving any signal. Tuesday evening 9/29/06.

Is Fox 55 HD off the air? I'm not receiving any signal. Tuesday evening 9/29/06.

WRSP-DT (RF 44/Analog 55) showing up occasionally here in STL on late Tuesday night.

Oddity: I can get WEIU-DT better than either WICS-DT or WRSP-DT. WEIU is 50% further away, and at much less rated power. Same story for WSEC and WUSI, versus WICS and WRSP. WBUI, WICD, and WAND seem to be the only commercial DT's using thier full rated power in your market.

Does anyone have the contact email for WBUI?
I went to their recently CW-ized website, and there are an awful lot of links to nothing. Forum, FAQ, Contact, and FCC links all lead to "coming soon" at most.

I want to drop a line because lip sync on the digital OTA channel was really bad all last night. Anyone else notice this?

Unrelated: I get WBUI easily yet WAND takes work. These should be roughly the same direction distance and power, right?

Thanks,
Mike

Does anyone have the contact email for WBUI?
I went to their recently CW-ized website, and there are an awful lot of links to nothing. Forum, FAQ, Contact, and FCC links all lead to "coming soon" at most.

I want to drop a line because lip sync on the digital OTA channel was really bad all last night. Anyone else notice this?

Unrelated: I get WBUI easily yet WAND takes work. These should be roughly the same direction distance and power, right?

Thanks,
Mike

I have more problems with WBUI than WAND. The lipsync is horrible on 23-1. 23-2 seems pretty much in sync most of the time. I didn't get a signal from 55-1 0r 55-2 last evening until after 8 cdt, yet had no problems with WICS. Strange.

I think WBUI's tower is actually a little north of Decatur while WAND's is on the south side. There's maybe 10 miles North-South distance between them.

Both WAND and WBUI towers are located northeast of Decatur a little south of Argenta near I-72. They are less than 2 miles apart.

Thanks, I guess I haven't paid much attention to where WAND's tower was. I just assumed it was still next to their studios in South Shores. I seldom get to that area any longer although I lived nearby when growing up several decades ago. I knew WBUI's was at Oreana, or used to be at least, since we supplied some of the stuff they needed at the site when it was built.

FYI our buddy Art at Insight says that WBUI HD (CW) should begin being carried by Insight on November 15th "hopefully" (his words)

Does anyon know when WYZZ is scheduled to go full power? I live in North Decatur and can get Digital at night - but sometimes it fades in and out - signal strength is all over the place.

Per the FCC website, it looks like they have a construction permit to go 1 M Watts - and per the contour map, I should have no problem getting it in North Decatur.

Thanks for your help!

Does anyon know when WYZZ is scheduled to go full power? I live in North Decatur and can get Digital at night - but sometimes it fades in and out - signal strength is all over the place.

Per the FCC website, it looks like they have a construction permit to go 1 M Watts - and per the contour map, I should have no problem getting it in North Decatur.

Thanks for your help!

Hi Twatts,

I know...they *are* at 1 mw! :)

I have a friend who lives 4 miles northwest of Champaign, locks them easily with an 80%+ signal. Another friend who lives 40 miles northeast of LaSalle locks
them easily as well in southern DeKalb county in Waterman.

The transmitter is literally halfway between Peoria and Bloomington. If you have an outdoor antenna, is it pointed the right way?

Does anyon know when WYZZ is scheduled to go full power? I live in North Decatur and can get Digital at night - but sometimes it fades in and out - signal strength is all over the place.

Per the FCC website, it looks like they have a construction permit to go 1 M Watts - and per the contour map, I should have no problem getting it in North Decatur.

Thanks for your help!

Hey twatts can you receive WRSP??? Why are you trying to get YYZ??? Just curious

T

I must be right at the end of the signal range. I can usually pick it up - but it goes in and out from 72% to 80% - however as it goes in and out I usually get some errors and the picture distorts.

I can get WRSP and WCCU - However it seems sometimes WYZZ has different programming - I thought they had different football games on some Sundays - maybe I'm wrong?

Also, last night (Saturday), WRSP and WCCU had news on at 9 and WYZZ had 24 on at 9.

They definitely have different baseball games and their non-primetime lineup is diferent - MASH instead of Will & Grace reruns for example.

Mike

Create TV is on the air on 12.3

RE: WBUI and Cardinals High Def games.

WBUi had plans to broadcast HD Cardinals baseball this season but we had trouble setting up our recievers to get the sound working right. Also word was we'd only be able to actually broadcast something like 2 or 3 games in HD anyway so w edecided to hold off. There were also plans to take a Digital feed as well that were dropped.

Probably next season we'll get things in gear a bit better. The whole CW conversion kind of took over as we had to adjust for that as well.

And as someone else stated, those black boxes on the sides are from the upconversion process. Occasionally the system seems ot glitch and reset itself to 16x9 and stretch the image even though it's till set to 4:3 letterbox.
--
Josh Miller
Assistant Chief Engineer - WBUI

Thanks Josh and Welcome. It is always nice to see someone take ownership in their job.

Welcome aboard, Josh! It's great to have someone from WBUI around. Looking forward to future info from you... :cool:

One more welcome

It would be great if we reliably had more reps of the broadcasters around.
BTW I was the one explaining the 4:3 within 16:9 and the two station IDs.

Since you're here, could you maybe make some comments on the technical end regarding lip sync? I noticed last week Gilmore Girls and Runaway were really bad on 23.1, and someone else mentioned 23.2 was much better.

TIA and welcome again,
Mike

One more welcome, Josh.

On the lip sync stuff: it was just a tad off on Veronica Mars on Tuesday night, at least as viewed on my DirecTV HR10-250 HD-DVR. But Veronica looked terrific (both her and the show in general!) - I'm so glad you guys got the CW so I can watch in HD!

John C.

WMBD-DT in Peoria (physical channel 30, resolves to 31.1) is now at full power (800 kw) and plans to broadcast the Bears game in HD. Springfield, maybe northwest side of Champaign, you have a shot at getting it. See if you can. They're pegging the signal meters in Bloomington with their transmitter on the bluff just southeast of Peoria.

What's up with WCCU today?

I was watching the Packers-Rams game and all of a sudden they broke away to Giants-Redskins. Is the Packers game blacked out in our area and they didn't realize it?

From a regional perspective it doesn't make sense that they would show Giants-Redskins over Packers-Rams...

WRSP is showing Giants-Redskins as well. Really disappointing... My wife and I were all geared up for the Rams / Packers game.

WRSP is showing Giants-Redskins as well. Really disappointing... My wife and I were all geared up for the Rams / Packers game.
Peoria's WYZZ did the same thing. Better than the Chicago area, which got neither game. WQRF-FOX Rockford is showing the Rams/Packers in HD.

Did anyone else lose the Bears/Bills game today on WCIA during the late part of the 2nd quarter? I was watching via DirecTV and didn't get a chance to check the OTA feed. It's like the commercials worked fine but the game feed died out for like 5-8 minutes. Maybe it was just a glitch with DirecTV upload system they use, I dunno. It seemed more like they lost the game feed coming in. Thanks!

Stan

I was watching it on cable and it did the same thing, so it must have been the network feed or something. Also, the Redskins/Giants game switched over to the Packers game on Fox at about the same time.

I just moved to the country and there was an 18" omnidirectional saucer antenna at the top of a 25-30ft tower. There was also a really old wineguard amp that I hooked up. Might try taking it out to see if that makes a difference. They had abandoned it for dishnetwork. I figured out the cabling and hooked it up to my 60" Sony SXRD and WOW! I just stuck to my locals through directv at my old house. I am shooting myself now. My location is 2 miles west of Thomasboro.

I was able to pull in 12 analog and 7 digital.

I got the following digital channels

12.1 WILL-HD 1080i Unbelievable Video. Lots of Lip Sync on the audio.
12.2 WILL-SD Not sure the difference between this and 12.3
12.3 WILL-SD

15.1 ABC-HD 720p Pretty good, No lip sync
15.2 THETUBE Video music channel?? Wife might like it?

27.1 FOX-HD 720p A's/Tigers looked really good last night. Could not tell if lip sync
27.2 FOX-SD Did not watch enough to see what this channel was. Think it is just standard def Fox

17.1 did not come in. antennaweb says it is 38 miles from my tower. What wattage are they broadcasting? If they are not full power there might be a chance I can get it with my current antenna if they crank it up.

Of course 3.1 is delayed so I am now in the same boat as you guys.

Let me know if you have any questions.

Scott

17.1 is full power and I'm surprised you didn't get them since they put out a strong signal. They used to turn off their digital transmitter at midnight, so if you did this late at night you could have missed them

I tried plugging channel 30 the other night (CBS from Peoria) but not even a wiggle on the signal meter of a Dish 621 in SW Champaign.

17.1 is full power and I'm surprised you didn't get them since they put out a strong signal. They used to turn off their digital transmitter at midnight, so if you did this late at night you could have missed them

I tried plugging channel 30 the other night (CBS from Peoria) but not even a wiggle on the signal meter of a Dish 621 in SW Champaign.

Hey mraub,
Since I too am in SW Champaign, I have a question for you. Does your reception of 17.1 tail off as it gets later in the evening? I notice almost every week watching Sunday night football that my reception is unwatchable by the end of the game. The signal strength on my Dish receiver starts the night around 72-74 -- not great, but no pixellation -- and by the end of the evening is ususally in the upper 60's.

And what about your 27.1 reception? Mine is sometimes right on that border between watchable and unwatchable. I had an outdoor antenna installed (don't recall the model right now) on the roof of my house (2 floors, but one is half underground), but the neighbors have so many trees.... By contrast, 12.1 and 15.1 come in at 100 all the time.

Thanks,
-Brad

Brad,
I can't say I've really paid that much attention to 17.1's signal levels since they've always been high enough to generate a stable picture with no pixelization.

I get Fox on 55 from Springfield. I've never got a reliable signal from 27, though it is physically closer than Springfield.

17.1 is full power and I'm surprised you didn't get them since they put out a strong signal. They used to turn off their digital transmitter at midnight, so if you did this late at night you could have missed them

I tried plugging channel 30 the other night (CBS from Peoria) but not even a wiggle on the signal meter of a Dish 621 in SW Champaign.

Just did a rescan and WMBD comes in *strong*. Strength of 79. I live about 47 miles from the Peoria towers (just north of Springfield). Jericho looked good in HD tonight. This is awesome. One step closer to dropping CBS from D*. :D

T

12.1 WILL-HD 1080i Unbelievable Video. Lots of Lip Sync on the audio.
12.2 WILL-SD Not sure the difference between this and 12.3
12.3 WILL-SD

12.1 is PBSHD. I've seen the lip sync go from perfect to horrible from show to show for no apparent reason. The content only lines up with regular WILL occasionally (concerts, Frontline, to name two).
12.2 is just the digital upconversion of analog 12. When they are showing the same thing on 12.1 and 12.2 the quality difference can be downright laughable.
12.3 should be CreateTV - just came on last week, full time cooking, crafts and how-to.

So, no 17 and since you didn't mention, no 23 either? They're both coming from near Decatur. I seem to seriously be in the minority around here, but I get 23 rock solid and have to fight like crazy for 17, and I'm in central Urbana.

Mike

So, no 17 and since you didn't mention, no 23 either? They're both coming from near Decatur. I seem to seriously be in the minority around here, but I get 23 rock solid and have to fight like crazy for 17, and I'm in central Urbana.

Thanks for the info on the 12. series. I did see a concert that was on 12.1 and 12.2 last night and there was a huge difference.

I will try to auto program during primetime to see if I can pick up 17.1. Antennaweb does not even mention 23.1 so I did not even know about it. Hopefully it will come in too. The extension on my tower is all the way down. Maybe if I elevate the antenna another 7-8 ft that might help?? Maybe replacing the really old amplifier too? I am not sure what else to try... just a rookie? Any suggestions?

Hi Scott,

Welcome to the forum!

It sounds like your antenna system is in bad shape, and your lack of stations proves it. 2 NW of Thomasboro, you should be getting everything...even WCIA!

BTW, folks, here is the current WCIA signal footprint if you have an "adequate" antenna per the FCC:

http://www.fcc.gov/fcc-bin/FMTV-service-area?x=DS598941.html

If you would like to get serious about OTA reception, from your location, I'd
recommend a Channelmaster 4228 antenna on a rotor, without an amplifier.
You can get them at warrenelectronics.com for $65, including tax and shipping, plus a rotor, about $50. If not, you'll be tweaking that antenna a lot manually as stations are in all different directions.

FYI our buddy Art at Insight says that WBUI HD (CW) should begin being carried by Insight on November 15th "hopefully" (his words)

Got notice in my Insight bill this week that this IS going to be added on 11/15, on ch. 914. I'm assuming that since Insight is supposed to be doing a complete rearrange of the channel lineup, (Insight digital 2.0) that this means Insight is moving all the HD channels into the 900's.

Just an update on WCIA in HD as of 10/16/06. I sent an email to Russ Hamilton via the WCIA website and he replied that they should be HD1080 by December, unless there is severe weather which would keep the tower crew from climbing the tower.

I'm new to the forum, and I know there's some frustration with WCIA, but I will say it was nice to get a quick reply from him even though I'm just one viewer. In a followup email he said that will include both the Springfield and Champaign towers.

Just an update on WCIA in HD as of 10/16/06. I sent an email to Russ Hamilton via the WCIA website and he replied that they should be HD1080 by December, unless there is severe weather which would keep the tower crew from climbing the tower.

I'm new to the forum, and I know there's some frustration with WCIA, but I will say it was nice to get a quick reply from him even though I'm just one viewer. In a followup email he said that will include both the Springfield and Champaign towers.

December of what year??

OK. I'm being less than charitable to WCIA, but really. How many markets in the US have the distinction of the CBS affiliate being DEAD LAST in converting to HD transmission???

I know it's not Russ's fault, and I really like the guy (as I do the rest of the WCIA staff). Nextstar's ownership of this station has been one giant disaster after another, IMHO. WCIA used to be revered as a leader in television technology and the quality of its local services (when I was a student here in the 1970's, everyone else's news departments were just jokes compared to WCIA). Today, it's "just another station" and inferior in many respects to its competitors.

John C.

Just an update on WCIA in HD as of 10/16/06. I sent an email to Russ Hamilton via the WCIA website and he replied that they should be HD1080 by December, unless there is severe weather which would keep the tower crew from climbing the tower.

I'm new to the forum, and I know there's some frustration with WCIA, but I will say it was nice to get a quick reply from him even though I'm just one viewer. In a followup email he said that will include both the Springfield and Champaign towers.


As a follow up...Russ just announced that the earthquake in Hawaii will set things back a few more months while they contract someone (after a few weeks of twiddling their thumbs) to inspect the tower for damage. This inspection is a very time consuming task that will last for weeks.

:cool:

He told me the same thing in an email a few weeks ago. So we miss another season of SEC Football, NFL Football and primetime programming. My guess is it will be finished right before the Superbowl in January. I believe the Superbowl is on CBS this year. We all keep saying "I know it is not Russ's fault". It gets to a point where I think it is. If it was important enough to him it would be done by now. Some people are capable of finding ways to get things done if they want to bad enough. First it was July, then October, now December. I know it is only TV and it isn't the most important thing in the world. All I ask is that he just tells us "I don't know when it will be finished and we apologize for the delay".

Well, I'm assuming December 2006. My actual question to him was whether they would have the Superbowl in HD, CBS has the upcoming Superbowl on 2/4/07. But, CBS also has the Superbowl in 2010, so perhaps that's when it will be up and running.

But I can see why you regulars on the thread have been so frustrated. There are some older posts where folks were hoping to get the 2004 Superbowl in HD, 3 years ago! And those same folks may be thinking, "well, they missed the 2004 game, but SURELY by 2007 they'll have it done...".

I predict that they will miss the "by December" date and it will be the end of January, but still in time for the Superbowl. (Perhaps just wishful thinking, from a person who is more optimistic due to not having experienced the months and years of frustration that the rest of you have gone through...)

He told me the same thing in an email a few weeks ago. So we miss another season of SEC Football, NFL Football and primetime programming. My guess is it will be finished right before the Superbowl in January. I believe the Superbowl is on CBS this year. We all keep saying "I know it is not Russ's fault". It gets to a point where I think it is. If it was important enough to him it would be done by now. Some people are capable of finding ways to get things done if they want to bad enough. First it was July, then October, now December. I know it is only TV and it isn't the most important thing in the world. All I ask is that he just tells us "I don't know when it will be finished and we apologize for the delay".

Yes, the Superbowl is definitely on CBS in 2007. That's what prompted me to write to Russ in the first place. A bunch of folks from our church's singles group get together every year and have a big Superbowl party. Prior to last year it was just on a regular TV with standard definition cable. But for last year, I volunteered to bring my 50 DLP Samsung and my HD tuner and we watched it on Fox and it was truly amazing. Most folks there had not seen an HD TV with a good HD source and were blown away by it. (Fox is 720P which exactly matches to the TV's native 720P, so it was a totally perfect picture. I'm still amazed myself even after having the TV almost 3 years.) So when the leader of the singles group asked if I would bring my TV again I said sure, but that I didn't know if it would be in HD or not. So I agree with you. It's not the most important thing, but last year we had about 100 folks at the party and if it's not going to be in HD I would really like to know so we can make other plans (or at least let folks know so they can set their expectations).

*chuckle*

The folks defending Russ amuse me. From the very beginning, WCIA has actively resisted the switch to HD, and are now simply continuing the stonewalling.

Now it's "Aww, poor, poor Russ. Isn't it a shame what he's having to endure?"

Please.

WCIA is a complete and utter effing joke.

$10 says there is at least one more delay pushing the launch date into 2007. Any takers? Didn't think so...

With a significant number of stations having to upgrade their transmitters and antennae in a short period of time, there is a real shortage of tower crews to get the work done. Since there aren't all that many people who are comfortable working off a tower hundreds of feet off the ground, tower companies can't just go to Manpower and hire people to do tower work. I think WCIA signed the contracts to upgrade their tower many months ago and its hard to fault them too much if the tower companies push back the completion date. As a short term solution, WCIA freely grants waivers to get WCBS-DT out of New York for satellite subscribers, though that doesn't help cable customers.

C'mon now. Surely you're not that gullible? ;) We are now coming up on A YEAR past when WCIA first promised they would be broadcasting in HD (it actually may be more than a year now; I've lost track of all the delays and missed promises). Is that all due to a shortage of tower crews?...

All the other major networks in the area somehow managed, through all the strife and anguish, to get their damned HD signal on the air.

C'mon now. Surely you're not that gullible? ;) We are now coming up on A YEAR past when WCIA first promised they would be broadcasting in HD (it actually may be more than a year now; I've lost track of all the delays and missed promises). Is that all due to a shortage of tower crews?...

All the other major networks in the area somehow managed, through all the strife and anguish, to get their damned HD signal on the air.

Yes, because corporate approved and gave them the money. Re-read the post I did which had Nexstar's letter on there to the FCC. Rockford, Peoria, Champaign...all the stations they own are in the same boat, and experiencing the same delays. It's not the GM's fault...none of their towers can handle a new full-power transmitter, and none have had any equipment to put anything digital on the air except at flea power. In fact, of all of the stations to be upgraded, WCIA is right now #1 on a long list of stations to be upgraded. Your station bumped us up in here in Rockford
to getting our upgrade sometime next year. Russ made a stink to corporate about rabid Illini fans...and got your upgrade pushed up a few years. Some stations the company owns wont be HD or full power for another 4 years!

Frankly, I don't know how good/bad of a manager he is. This I do know: in terms of going full power and HD, he has done all he can. You are pointing the
finger at the wrong entity. The parent company, going on a massive spending spree buying stations at horribly inflated prices, preventing capital upgrades from occurring on a timely basis, is squarely to blame for your fiasco in Chambana.

Hi all,
Has anyone else been getting sound loss on WCCU Fox? It seems to last for 5 to 15 seconds. No picture loss until the sound comes back, then theres a small video dropout. Thanks for any replies.

jask

I thought I noticed no sound from WCCU around 6:30 or 7:00, but I just switched to 55 from Springfield. I just checked WCCU and the sound seems to be back.

I'm getting an occasional 10 second sound loss, followed by a brief video glitch on WRSP. This is on a DirecTV HD Tivo with 6.2a software. Many others have complained about similar issues after receiving the 6.2 software on their Tivo. You wouldn't happen to be watching on one of those, would you?

On a DirecTV H20, I noticed a couple of very brief audio dropouts on Fox earlier this evening.

I'm getting an occasional 10 second sound loss, followed by a brief video glitch on WRSP. This is on a DirecTV HD Tivo with 6.2a software. Many others have complained about similar issues after receiving the 6.2 software on their Tivo. You wouldn't happen to be watching on one of those, would you?

On a DirecTV H20, I noticed a couple of very brief audio dropouts on Fox earlier this evening.


I got the same audio dropouts on recorded episodes of SuperNatural on WBUI that I watched yesterday. And, yes, I am using one of D** HD Tivo DVR.

I wish they'd hurry up with the OTA upgrade on the new HR-20. :mad:

I noticed sound drop outs on ABC too. I have the HR10-250 tivo and I noticed it was upgraded to Ver.6.3a. Any ideas??
Just got off phone with D** and they have said they haven't received any complaints on this. D** mentioned calling them with the problem so they have enough issues to look into it. keep me informed. thanks

I noticed sound drop outs on ABC too. I have the HR10-250 tivo and I noticed it was upgraded to Ver.6.3a. Any ideas??
Just got off phone with D** and they have said they haven't received any complaints on this. D** mentioned calling them with the problem so they have enough issues to look into it. keep me informed. thanks
If you were Watching WICS last night, the sound Dropouts were likely due to our HD audio switcher Failing. It cooked its harddrive. We have a temporary fix, but its not perfect. It should work well enough though until the New HDD arrives

Dr.

i happen to be watching 17.1 last night. The sound dropouts are even happening on 12.1. whats going on? Is this due to the update from D**? thanks everyone.

Chilli_Dog I have the HR10-250 tivo and you are describing exactly what i am experiencing. Any ideas how to fix it? I tried talking to D** but they said that only if they get more complaints, then they might be able to help me. thanks

jask

Chilli_Dog I have the HR10-250 tivo and you are describing exactly what i am experiencing. Any ideas how to fix it? I tried talking to D** but they said that only if they get more complaints, then they might be able to help me. thanksThe only "fix" for this that I'm aware of is to switch to PCM audio. You lose the Dolby Digital, but it should help with the dropouts.

D* is supposedly aware of this issue, but I doubt they're too concerned about fixing it -- especially since the HD Tivo is no longer their flagship DVR. I hope they come through for us, but I'm not holding my breath... :(

I noticed some sound dropouts watching OTA, so it may not be your DVR's after all. I noticed it on WAND, WICS, and WICD. Just a few seconds each time, but it was happening.

Mel

I got the same audio dropouts on recorded episodes of SuperNatural on WBUI that I watched yesterday. And, yes, I am using one of D** HD Tivo DVR.


I'm no sure how old the episode was but a couple of weeks ago my boss was working on some configuration of the High Def audio on a Thursday (the day Supernatural airs). It seems we're not passing the Dolby Audio the network sends us during Prime and instead we're upconverting the left and right channels the way we do for the regular Daytime feeds.

We can set it up to pass the Dolby but then it will also only pass the regular 2 channel stereo the rest of the day. I'm pretty sure he's working on a fix for this (he may have already found one).

On a semi related note we also discovered that Smallville is sent to us with only 2 channel stereo audio. Kind of odd given the show's somewhat actionish nature.

The only "fix" for this that I'm aware of is to switch to PCM audio. You lose the Dolby Digital, but it should help with the dropouts.

D* is supposedly aware of this issue, but I doubt they're too concerned about fixing it -- especially since the HD Tivo is no longer their flagship DVR. I hope they come through for us, but I'm not holding my breath... :(

Chili The bad thing was that I saw all the problems posted on Tivocommunity and I decided to roll the dice and left the phone line plugged in. I was thinking surely this wouldn't affect me. :rolleyes: I received the update last weekend and sure enough the first OTA FOX program I watched (NLCS) there were several 6 second audio drops. Argggg...I don't know if you have messed with the new audio settings but there quite a few new ones. OK..My whining is done. (for now)

T

I'm going to play with the audio settings this evening. I hadn't had too many problems until last night, when it was really bad on Fox. Kind of sucks we have to deal with this.

Just wondering what the consensus is on Insight's quality for HD? Assume they're compressing the HD locals...how bad?

ALso, how is the quality of their non-SD channels. I switched to Dish years ago when I got a 52" TV, as at that time Dish was far superior. BUt I assume that Insight has played some catch-up.

ALso, what are they doing on the national HD channels (Discovery, HBO, etc.) Are they doing what some refer to as HD-Lite like DirecTV, or are they closer to Dish Network in the quality...or even better?

Thanks!

Blackjack,
I don't know much about the technical terms but I am pretty pleased. I think all the locals look great for most shows. NBC sucks for sports, but from what I have read that is not Insights fault, it seems NBC sucks on most cable on satellite companies. But it is really good for regular programming. ABC and Fox are great for sports. ESPN used to be outstanding but over the last 6 months or so the quality has seemed to get much worse. Once again, this seems to be an ESPN issue and not just Insight because people with other cable companies have been saying the same thing. While I am very pleased with the quality, I will be the first to admit that I don't have the most sensitive eye when it comes to this stuff. Some people seem to notice every little flaw that I just don't see.

I was on WCIA's website today and they now have a link to their conversion to HD. They are doing the antenna now and starting the tower upgrades, was pretty detailed had a lot of pictures. Check it out. Maybe we'll have CBS HD by the super bowl.

I was on WCIA's website today and they now have a link to their conversion to HD. They are doing the antenna now and starting the tower upgrades, was pretty detailed had a lot of pictures. Check it out. Maybe we'll have CBS HD by the super bowl.

Where at? I don't see it.

Edit: Found it. http://www.wcia.com/highdef.asp

I don't see any guy wires in the pictures!

Blackjack, I am pretty happy with the quality of insight, and no, they do not do 1280 by 1080 HD-lite. I was getting all my locals OTA before getting insight and I see no difference on my 51" Hitachi. They are adding a few more HD channels real soon as well...

In other news, I start working at WCIA on Monday, I'll try to keep everyone abreast of any updates on the HD feed, but I'll be working in promotions, not engineering.

where exactly is the antenna?

Insight's press release yesterday mentions the addition of ESPN2, TNT, and MD to the HD line-up:
http://www.insight-com.com/documents/Insight_10252006.pdf

But they don't mention a timeframe. Any ideas?

On another message board Michael Willner (I believe that is his name) who is a big wig with Insight said that the rest of Insights customers will be updated next week. Here is a link

http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,17155413

where exactly is the antenna?

I think it's out by Seymour or Bondville, west of Champaign about 10 miles.

For anyone interested here is Insights new Digital 2.0 Cable lineup for Champaign that I believe is supposed to start next week.

http://www.insight-com.com/documents/printlineup/11.03.pdf

For anyone interested here is Insights new Digital 2.0 Cable lineup for Champaign that I believe is supposed to start next week.

http://www.insight-com.com/documents/printlineup/11.03.pdf

Great! Thanks!

So... anyone taking bets on whether WCIA goes live before those of us with CBSHD on Dish lose it on December 1?

I'm guessing not.

So much for having that waiver...

where exactly is the antenna?
-

mkjnovak,
Where did you get the map from?
Thanks, Phil B.

I live in Champaign and yesterdays Bears game in HD had the look like someone at Fox was putting some sort of shading over the lens. The game had the look like it was being shot through sunglasses. Anyone else noticing this? Channel was 27-1. CBS HD (channel 80 on Directv) and Channel 17-1 did not show this and the pic was great

I'm glad someone else noticed this, as well. I had just changed some settings on my tv, turned on the game and was freaking out that the new settings were causing this. I chalked it up to very strong shadows in the stadium, but it may have been something else. Thanks for posting this...I didn't see any mention of it in the thread about the game in other forums.

Mel

mkjnovak,
Where did you get the map from?
Thanks, Phil B.
Sorry, I don't remember; I've had it for a while.
I know the FCC creates coverage maps per station you can view online. Maybe someone figured out how to map multiple stations simultaneously. Or with those pins, maybe someone put in the coordinates to Mapquest or something.

Mike

I'm looking into getting an antenna so I can stop paying DishNetwork for local SD broadcasts and get free HD broadcasts. :cool:
Does anyone here have any suggestions? I've seen some good reviews for the Terk HDTVa which is an indoor amplified antenna.
An indoor would be much more convenient, but I wasn't sure it would pick up WCIA HD before the tower upgrade. (I want to see Illini Basketball!) Anyone have one of these? BTW, I live in Champaign.

What part of Champaign, subdivision name? I use an indoor Silver Sensor and get the following here in northwest Champaign (Westlake Subdivision).
3-1
3-2
12-1
12-2
12-3
15-1
15-2
17-1
17-2
23-1
23-2
27-1
27-2

I have to move the antenna ocassionally but this does not bother me

For Insight Costumers,
Insight Digital 2.0 went into effect today. We now have ESPN 2HD, TNT HD, and MHD. Also, WBUI HD(CW Network) will start on Nov. 15 and WCIA should start next month. Then we will finally have all the locals in HD.

Between Mattis & Prospect, just South of Springfield Ave.

Thanks.

The channel lineup posted recently for Insight cable indicates that "When available, Basic Service includes local digital broadcast signals and HD signals." I believe this refers to the availability of QAM "in the clear" broadcasts of the HD locals for Insight Basic subscribers.

I am wondering where these channels would be found on Insight Basic with an HD (QAM) tuner. For example, WAND HD is 906 on Insight Digital 2.0, WAND (analog SD) is at channel 10 on Insight Basic, and WANDDT is 17.1 with an over-the-air HD tuner. Would I find WAND HD at 17.1 or 10.1 or somewhere else on Insight Basic with a QAM tuner?

I am planning to purchase an HD (QAM) tuner, but do not currently have one. The reason I ask this question is that I would like to know whether I can find a channel lineup that I can use to have my ReplayTV tune the HD (QAM) locals carried by Insight basic.

Thanks very much for any help !!

I'm looking into getting an antenna so I can stop paying DishNetwork for local SD broadcasts and get free HD broadcasts. :cool:

I'm assuming that you have an HD DISH receiver when I say this, but you ARE aware that if you dump the SD locals on DISH, you will NO longer get local off-air SD OR HD guide info. (at least on all their HD DVR receivers & some of their non-DVR units)
If you have an HD DVR, you would then have to resort to setting ALL your off-air recordings via manual timers. ;) ;)

An indoor would be much more convenient, but I wasn't sure it would pick up WCIA HD before the tower upgrade. (I want to see Illini Basketball!) Anyone have one of these?

There WON'T be ANY HD on WCIA until AFTER the tower upgrade - that is the whole purpose of the tower upgrade... ;) ;)

I am wondering where these channels would be found on Insight Basic with an HD (QAM) tuner. For example, WAND HD is 906 on Insight Digital 2.0, WAND (analog SD) is at channel 10 on Insight Basic, and WANDDT is 17.1 with an over-the-air HD tuner. Would I find WAND HD at 17.1 or 10.1 or somewhere else on Insight Basic with a QAM tuner?

I am planning to purchase an HD (QAM) tuner, but do not currently have one. The reason I ask this question is that I would like to know whether I can find a channel lineup that I can use to have my ReplayTV tune the HD (QAM) locals carried by Insight basic.

It will vary from system to system & has NO relation whatsoever to any of the channel numbers on their digital boxes. You will have to let the QAM tuner do a complete scan & it will find them, but they will NOT be the same as the channel#'s they have assigned.
Because of this, you will not be able to have your Replay tune the QAM box, since they do not create channel lineups based on these types of tuners. You'll need an Insight box to do this w/your Replay, sorry.

I'm assuming that you have an HD DISH receiver when I say this, but you ARE aware that if you dump the SD locals on DISH, you will NO longer get local HD guide info. (at least on all their HD DVR receivers & some of their non-DVR units)

Are you sure??? I know that for my HD-TiVo under D* all of of my locals are received through my antenna and the Digital channels incorporated right into the D* guide. I receive my guide info and everything. I am a little skeptical about your statement dishrich.

T

I'm looking into getting an antenna so I can stop paying DishNetwork for local SD broadcasts and get free HD broadcasts. :cool:
Does anyone here have any suggestions? I've seen some good reviews for the Terk HDTVa which is an indoor amplified antenna.
An indoor would be much more convenient, but I wasn't sure it would pick up WCIA HD before the tower upgrade. (I want to see Illini Basketball!) Anyone have one of these? BTW, I live in Champaign.

Also lowend keep in mind that the only Illini games that will be in HD are *national* CBS games (and of course possibly ESPN or ESPN2 games.) I have yet to see any local broadcasts in HD.

T

Are you sure??? I know that for my HD-TiVo under D* all of of my locals are received through my antenna and the Digital channels incorporated right into the D* guide. I receive my guide info and everything. I am a little skeptical about your statement dishrich.

T

OK, be skeptical - I've only been installing both E* & D* for several years now - but, yes I'm VERY sure. I assume that you are NOT an E* customer & as such, probably don't realize E* does things differently than D* does. ;) :p E* pretty much does ANYTHING to make you cough up an extra $5-6 a month for some BS fee, so this should NOT be surprising. (another one of their "because we CAN" fees :rolleyes: :rolleyes: )
If you want to double-check me on this, go over to satguys.us or dbstalk.com & search for this & they'll tell you the same thing. ;)

You ARE correct about the HD-Tivo - D* did (& still does) NOT require you to purchase locals to get off-air guide info on any of their HD receivers or the HD Tivo.

HOWEVER, D* did make a change on their newest HD receivers, in that the receiver MUST be authorized for some sort of prog by D* for the off-air tuner to even work. Shut down the prog on the receiver & the off-air goes down with it. D* evidently got tired of people going into stores & picking up their HD set-tops on the cheap & NOT using them for D* prog. (ie: ONLY using them for a cheap off-air tuner) ;) Of course, since all of their new equipment is leased, it's probably a moot point anyway...

I've been living with a Terk HDTVa since getting the new TV. I can get all the channels I want, but sometimes it takes work. I'm in central Urbana.

3 12 15 17 23 27

I have been contemplating a Good Vibes install for a while. Some here have mentioned it being resonably priced and an effective solution.

I called GV and spoke with two different people. They said typically they install a Winegard 44, sometimes an 88.

So, here are my questions:

Those of you who went with GV, did they install a 44 or 88? If so do you get WILL reliably? I wonder because 12 goes out on VHF 9, and the Winegards are technically listed as UHF only.

Any problem receiving the rest of the above list?

Also (stick with me, please; this is going to seem dumb at first) do you get 3 analog? I only ask because WCIA has petitioned to go back to 3 after analog shutoff. This could potentially suck for many. I think after WCIA gets HD going we should give them some peace for a while and then ask why they plan to switch and if we can change their mind.

Mike

Thanks for the reply. I do realize that it will vary from system to system - I am asking specifically about our local Insight cable system here in Champaign / Urbana.

If any local Insight customers with a QAM tuner (ie HDTV with an QAM-capable internal or external tuner - not an Insight box) could tell me where their tuner finds any of the HD locals on Insight cable, I would very much appreciate it!

Thanks again !!


It will vary from system to system & has NO relation whatsoever to any of the channel numbers on their digital boxes. You will have to let the QAM tuner do a complete scan & it will find them, but they will NOT be the same as the channel#'s they have assigned.
Because of this, you will not be able to have your Replay tune the QAM box, since they do not create channel lineups based on these types of tuners. You'll need an Insight box to do this w/your Replay, sorry.

I recently got Insight cable here in Chatham, IL and the only local that shows unencrypted is WICS. The other channels are all encrypted, luckily I have an outdoor antenna so I pick my locals up that way.

OK, be skeptical - I've only been installing both E* & D* for several years now - but, yes I'm VERY sure. I assume that you are NOT an E* customer & as such, probably don't realize E* does things differently than D* does. ;) :p E* pretty much does ANYTHING to make you cough up an extra $5-6 a month for some BS fee, so this should NOT be surprising. (another one of their "because we CAN" fees :rolleyes: :rolleyes: )
If you want to double-check me on this, go over to satguys.us or dbstalk.com & search for this & they'll tell you the same thing. ;)

You ARE correct about the HD-Tivo - D* did (& still does) NOT require you to purchase locals to get off-air guide info on any of their HD receivers or the HD Tivo.

HOWEVER, D* did make a change on their newest HD receivers, in that the receiver MUST be authorized for some sort of prog by D* for the off-air tuner to even work. Shut down the prog on the receiver & the off-air goes down with it. D* evidently got tired of people going into stores & picking up their HD set-tops on the cheap & NOT using them for D* prog. (ie: ONLY using them for a cheap off-air tuner) ;) Of course, since all of their new equipment is leased, it's probably a moot point anyway...

I stand corrected.... :D

That is a bummer they require you to buy locals to get the guide. Now I know why I converted to D* 2.5 years ago.

T

Thanks for the reply. I do realize that it will vary from system to system - I am asking specifically about our local Insight cable system here in Champaign / Urbana.

If any local Insight customers with a QAM tuner (ie HDTV with an QAM-capable internal or external tuner - not an Insight box) could tell me where their tuner finds any of the HD locals on Insight cable, I would very much appreciate it!

Thanks again !!

I had my TV search for all available digital channels last night and it found no HD stations in the clear. It looks like Insight isn't going to give us anything for free.

OK, be skeptical - I've only been installing both E* & D* for several years now - but, yes I'm VERY sure. I assume that you are NOT an E* customer & as such, probably don't realize E* does things differently than D* does. ;) :p E* pretty much does ANYTHING to make you cough up an extra $5-6 a month for some BS fee, so this should NOT be surprising. (another one of their "because we CAN" fees :rolleyes: :rolleyes: )
If you want to double-check me on this, go over to satguys.us or dbstalk.com & search for this & they'll tell you the same thing. ;)

You ARE correct about the HD-Tivo - D* did (& still does) NOT require you to purchase locals to get off-air guide info on any of their HD receivers or the HD Tivo.

HOWEVER, D* did make a change on their newest HD receivers, in that the receiver MUST be authorized for some sort of prog by D* for the off-air tuner to even work. Shut down the prog on the receiver & the off-air goes down with it. D* evidently got tired of people going into stores & picking up their HD set-tops on the cheap & NOT using them for D* prog. (ie: ONLY using them for a cheap off-air tuner) ;) Of course, since all of their new equipment is leased, it's probably a moot point anyway...


I have to partially disagree with dishrich here. I have had E* HD receivers for about a year. One 811 and one 211, and although they use to hide the program info of the local channels as dishrich described early in this post, now I am getting this information on the following local channels:
CBS (3-1), WILL(12-2), NBC (17-1), CW(23-1)

The program guide is still empty (local digital) for:
ABC (15-1) and FOX (27-1).

I have been watching a lot less TV lately and I do not know when this change happened, all I can tell you is that I have never being a local channel subscriber.

Hope that some one can verify this....

I have to partially disagree with dishrich here. I have had E* HD receivers for about a year. One 811 and one 211, and although they use to hide the program info of the local channels as dishrich described early in this post, now I am getting this information on the following local channels:
CBS (3-1), WILL(12-2), NBC (17-1), CW(23-1)

The program guide is still empty (local digital) for:
ABC (15-1) and FOX (27-1).

I have been watching a lot less TV lately and I do not know when this change happened, all I can tell you is that I have never being a local channel subscriber.

Hope that some one can verify this....

I believe that Dish is giving EVERYONE free locals right now, til DEc 31, and requiring you to opt-out come Jan 1 or otherwise they start billing you. (shady deal, if you ask me).

I believe that Dish is giving EVERYONE free locals right now, til DEc 31, and requiring you to opt-out come Jan 1 or otherwise they start billing you. (shady deal, if you ask me).

I totally forgot about them giving free locals now - it was supposed to be only for people that were getting distant nets (NY, LA, etc) networks in areas that HAD locals, but maybe they just gave them to EVERYONE that had locals available.

llueveYescampa - you should check & see if you are getting the SD locals on your receivers. (I believe since you have HD boxes, those locals will come in on starting on ch 7400 thru 7408, which are viewable on ANY model of E* receiver) If you are seeing these channels on your system now, then you DO have locals & the reason why you are NOW seeing the digital guide info.

If this is the case, if you have them removed, you WILL be loosing the guide info again & I stand by my earlier statements... ;)