Anyone else experiencing the game just kind of locking up. No picture and no audio. It is now doing this for the 3rd time. I hope it is not my set up.

I'm watching OTA and it's doing it here also. (both TV and satellite tuners) Also the analog OTA gets messed up at the same time. And when the digital goes down I still show good signal strength.

LTH--

At least it's not my set up. Everything is new so I'm still getting to know the in's and out's. I was wondering with an OTA, what additional channels do you get? Do you have to put an antenna on you roof? I'm not that happy with the limited amount of HD programming especially in the sports arena. Sports in SD(especially NFL on Fox) looks really bad on my new set and has been really disappointing as I am pretty much forced to watch most sporting events on this TV(wife). Sports broadcasts in HD are awesome and it's great when it's actually a game that I want to watch.

cbell2112:

I live near Dunes West in Mt. Pleasant. I recently put up a 50" Radio Shack on the corner of my back porch on a 5 foot pole. I have a RS preamp/amp and a channelmaster rotator. With my setup I get ABC, PBS, CBS, NBC and Fox consistently and about 60% of the time I can get UPN. I had tried numerous indoor antennas (including the silver sensor and various remote controlled rabbit ears with a cable amplifier or amplified rabbit ears) and I even tried a 150" channelmaster without the preamp/amp.
With the indoor antennas I never once got Fox or UPN. I could see a slight signal strength occasionally but never a picture. And NBC was very hit or miss. And occasionally, on real windy days, I even had trouble with CBS ( which is at full power)
With the 150" antenna and an indoor amp I still couldn't get Fox. Since it was huge I returned it and settled on the current setup with 50" antenna and preamp/amp. And even this setup required me to move the antenna to the other corner of the porch to get Fox. And Fox DD 5.1 is the best for football games!

Interesting! Do you use this for all of your HD or do you subscribe to HD through Comcast also? How much was this set up? And how does it connect to your TV(component I assume)?

Sorry for all the questions but I may have to go this route.

From what you are saying it sounds like the local NBC and Fox affiliates are broadcasting in HD but Comcast is not picking up that feed b/c they haven't hammered out a deal with Sinclair and NBC. Do other cable companies in Charleston like Knology and Time Warner pick up these feeds? I guess I don't understand why they would be sending out the HD feed when no one can receive it through conventional means.

I would like to 2nd the motion by KTrout in support of starting a local Low Country/Charleston "HD Club". This could have the potential for much fun and a greater understanding of shared interests and knowledge to all who read/post to this Forum.

Thanks!

HerbL

A Low Country/Charleston "HD Club" would be cool, then we can get together and picket in front of the FOX station to demand HD

cbell2112:
I have DirecTv. This neighborhood used to only have US Cable, but it was recently bought by Comcast. Right now my only cable option is Comcast analog only. And until recently D* didn't have local Charleston channels, plus it will be a long time before D* offers HD local channels for us.
Because of this I chose to get the outdoor antenna stuff. Why pay for SD local channels when I can get HD for free? Well not exactly free.
Besides needing an HDTV tuner ( the cheapest I know of is a US Digital at Walmart) the antenna and preamp/amp was about $100 and the rotator with cable was about $100. I had an old D* dish mount that I mounted to my porch and bought a 5' pole for about $5-10 at Lowes. I did all the installing myself.

LuvThatHDTV:

How high is your antenna mounted? Is the 5' pole stuck in the ground or fastened to your house? I live in Dunes West and just got a VOOM system installed Friday. No OTA whatsoever with a Winegard Sensar antenna roof mounted. Are you able to get high quality reception on Fox? I'm thinking about having a SB party and am pretty nervous about not being able to receive a decent signal form Fox OTA.

russ_777

I have Voom and with the supplied OTA antenna, I couldn't get any locals either. You could try to get up on the roof and properly aim the antenna yourself or go to Radio Shack and get a $20.00 UHF antenna and 20 ft of pole and mount it to the side of the house. This is what I did and I get CBS, NBC ABC(ocasionally), PBS, here in Goose Creek. Fox and UPN is a no way where I live. (If you mount the mast to the side of the house, you can rotate it yourself)

Originally posted by r.jones
russ_777

I have Voom and with the supplied OTA antenna, I couldn't get any locals either. You could try to get up on the roof and properly aim the antenna yourself or go to Radio Shack and get a $20.00 UHF antenna and 20 ft of pole and mount it to the side of the house. This is what I did and I get CBS, NBC ABC(ocasionally), PBS, here in Goose Creek. Fox and UPN is a no way where I live. (If you mount the mast to the side of the house, you can rotate it yourself)

You need a better installer, I also have Voom up here in the creek and I get all the local channels except UPN and FOX. Actually I do get Fox occasionally, sometimes it's great, sometimes it's blocky, and then sometimes it's dead.

Hammer

You need a better installer, I also have Voom up here in the creek and I get all the local channels except UPN and FOX. Actually I do get Fox occasionally, sometimes it's great, sometimes it's blocky, and then sometimes it's dead.

TheHammer69:

What antenna are you using, and how high is it mounted?

I have Voom here in Summerville. I installed a Winegard Square Shooter antenna with a CM 7777 pre amp I think. It's been a while but I get ABC, NBC and CBS pretty well, don't get Fox or WB at all. I did once buy a huge antenna from Radio Shack and put it in my attic and got good reception. I'm thinking I should have kept that and not install one on the outside of my house. I also have the CM Stealth antenna that I would like to try outside.
It would be fun to have a club to get together with a bunch of different antennas and try them out to see what works best.

Originally posted by russ_777
TheHammer69:

What antenna are you using, and how high is it mounted?

It's a Wineguard Sensar and it's Mounted above my 24"dish about half way up my single story roof. I originally had a Stealth mounted under an eave but I was having bad multipathing problems with it. When I had the 24" dish upgrade done, the installer decided to use the Sensar because he claimed it was better.

Hammer

russ_777:
I have the pole mounted to the upper corner of my back porch, so the top of the antenna is about 15 feet above the ground. I had to move it to the other corner of my porch to get Fox. The line of sight was clearer from that corner.
I do pretty good with Fox reception. I get a steady, watchable signal about 90% of the time. It's occasionally low ( about 40% on my signal bar) but it's usually steady with few drop outs. Wind seems to have the biggest effect on OTA for me

Anyone else having ABC HD issues during the game? It's basically unwatchable, even the analog OTA. Much worse than 2 days ago

Its almost unwatchable here in Moncks Corner. The folks at the station say they are not having any problems. Same answer I usally get.
Rob

Yep, Sugar Bowl transmission has real trouble. 4-1 OTA hung up my Sam TS360; I had to unplug and reboot. Also, D* digital chan 4 has problems here--unwatchable.

Yes, I receive ABC-HD via cable but I spoke with someone that receives it OTA and he was experiencing the same problems. I was told that it was a weather related disturbance affecting the microwave transmission between the station and the tower. I did notice the same problem on Saturday, although not to this degree.

I would encourage everyone to contact Austin Walker @ WCIV with an e-mail inquiring about the reason for the multiple drop-outs and extended loss of signal. I will try to verify that this is not due to a power issue regarding the transmitter at the tower tomorrow.

Here's Austin's e-mail address: awalker@wciv.com

Please take a second to write and ask, it can make a difference.

The folks at the station are probably watching a direct feed...not an OTA signal. Pretty lame ABC.
Hopefully CBS will get the bowl games next year since their engineers actually care.

KTrout:
Thanks for the address. I tried...we'll see if maybe it's better by tomorrow's game

CSI Miami is in DD 5.1....YAY!!!!!!!!!!!!

Yes it is indeed 5.1 that is awesome. They also had the sound cut out during the commercials which was nice.

I also think a Lowcountry HD Club would be a good idea. Maybe we could get together at a local restaurant and share our stories and fixes to all of our HD problems.

KTrout any more word on FOX's new antenna installation progress, would love to see the Super Bowl and Daytona 500 in HD, but it's not going to happen with the current signal strength of FOX up in Summerville.

Thanks again for all your help.

Thanks CBS for getting DD 5.1 working finally.

Im getting the same digitizing on ABC HD thru TWC also.

Comcast was digitizing badly. National feed was not the problem. I suspect it was at WCIV.
HDSC

Hammer:

Well then I've got a system/installation problem because that's the same antenna I have. I suspect something's wrong with the receivers as I fed an antenna feed directly into the OTA input (bypassing the roof-mounted Sensar, diplexers and 75' coax run) and got not even a trace of a signal for any of the local OTA stations. I've got installs.com coming to look at it Friday. Of course I couldn't get anyone here before the Orange Bowl tomorrow night.... :mad:

Originally posted by russ_777
Hammer:

Well then I've got a system/installation problem because that's the same antenna I have. I suspect something's wrong with the receivers as I fed an antenna feed directly into the OTA input (bypassing the roof-mounted Sensar, diplexers and 75' coax run) and got not even a trace of a signal for any of the local OTA stations. I've got installs.com coming to look at it Friday. Of course I couldn't get anyone here before the Orange Bowl tomorrow night.... :mad:

If ABC has the same problems when broadcasting the Orange bowl that they had with the Rose Bowl and now the Sugar Bowl, then you won't be missing much. Anyway, if you are gonna test without a diplexer, you need to make sure that you are using a power inserter on the line to the Antenna to power the internal amp. Speaking of which, the internal amp on the winegard could be burned out.

Hammer

I recently did the DTV HD Upgrade Package. I also installed my own UHF Antenna for OTA Reception.

I live in Coosaw Creek and have a a large group of standing pines and some hardwoods directly behind my house lying in the signal path of the Local Stations. Just the other side of the trees is a Golf Course Fairway with houses further back on the other side of the fairway.

Trees and dense foliage can block UHF Signals. This is definitely the case in my surrounding environment. Some times it is necessary to sacrifice "Height" for "Position" when trying to mount a UHF Antenna and acquiring UHF Signals.

I am using the RCA 210 Sat/OTA Combo Receiver. To my understanding, this STB is made by Samsung. I also purchased and installed a Channel Master, 4221 UHF 4 way Bowtie, Omni-Directional Antenna. It was necessary to move my antenna around to try many different temp. locations, both high and low, before I found the sweet-spot. My final sweet spot mounting location was the rear brick side wall of my home. The antenna is mounted very low using only a 5' step ladder to assist me. I only have a 30' run of RG-6 so no Pre-Amp is required. For those looking for a good pre-amp, the Channel Master 7777 is highly regarded as it has high-gain and very low noise.

My antenna is actually "looking under the trees" as most of the dense limbs and foliage in my yard is middle to upper heights. I am now able to "pull-in" all local HD/Digital Channels with relatively high signal strength. I found moving the antenna even 1 or 2 degrees in both azimuth and elevation often equated to a signal or no signal condition for acquiring a specific station.

My only problem is that this omni-antenna can see about 30 degrees each side of center so I can not see all stations (in their current broadcast tower locations) at once. I guess once all of them are transmitting from the same general location this problem will go away for me and many others.

It would be great to see more signal reports here, user locations, equipment used, etc. here.

Lets get that HD Club going!!!!!!!!!

Thanks!

HerbL

Originally posted by KTrout
One of my many resolutions is to spend a little more time on the forum trying to keep this HD ball rolling here locally. Since May I've really been blessed with an addition to the family that makes the fact that WCBD's PSIP is screwed up, for example, much less "important".

I can imagine what my wife would say if I said my resolution was to spend more time on HD and hometheater. :D

Originally posted by KTrout
Anyone have an interest in developing a very informal but at the same time official "Charleston HD Club" (Or some other similarly named society?)

Just throwing it out there. Might help us organize some "movements" such as PSIP correction, etc.

Mark

I think this would be great, I also like some of the suggestions the picketing at FOX, and meeting at a local establishment for discussion and socializing.


Regarding all the ABC problems with the Bowl games, and there are many. At least most of the Rose Bowl was in glorious HD. I had some friends who were over watching first the Capitol One Bowl and then the Rose Bowl left trying to figure out how to get a HD set after seeing the improvement. I guess our locals were asleep at the switch for the Capitol One bowl because I had read it was supposed to be in HD and apparently in other places it was shown in HD, ESPN had HD highlights as well.

During the news last night after the game, which I kept switching off because the lockups would hang my Comcast box or my OTA tuner, Nina Sossamon (sp?) explained that the warm weather was causing problems with the signal last night and that she has spoken to quite a few people during the course of the evening. I guess it affected their analog signal as well. Anyway, a least we know they are aware of it and will hopefully have things fixed for tonight.

Andy

I now understand that the weather, in certain conditions, does have the ability to affect the microwave signal between station and tower.
Channel 4 has personnel at the tower today and they will hopefully remedy the situation.

newbie advice needed! Is it true there are 2 towers near Awendaw that carry all the HDTV signals for us in Charleston? From what I have found, it appears NBC,FOX and UPN are on one tower and ABC,CBS, and PBS are on the other. Both towers are located right next to each other. Is this true? If so, it would seem a directional uhf only antenna would be the way to go for me on James Island to pick up the OTA HD. I've been reading and cannot find answers, hope someone won't mind chiming in. Thank you.

I got a call from Channel 4's chief engineer this afternoon and they were able to make adjustments this afternoon correcting the problems we have been experiencing this last couple of days.

I would also like to point out that Channel 4 was not alone in having this problem as other stations across the state experienced the same symptoms. So if you used their name in vain, please send a silent apology :)


BP238: Welcome to the forum. It is true that there are two towers in Awendaw. However, only CBS, ABC and PBS are broadcast at full power from the WCSC tower. NBC and FOX each broadcast at a lower power from the location of their station. You being in James Island might not notice the difference as you point your antenna to Awendaw.

Here's a link to my website that indicates the current broadcast locations:
http://www.markuyak.com/schdtv/antennas.htm

WCBD is in the process of constructing a full power facility in Awendaw from which FOX and UPN will also broadcast, however it is not yet complete.

Hope that helps.

Mark:
I did not use WCIV in vain. I stated that the problem was at WCIV not comcast or the national signal. If it was a weather event they have explained it. But the cause was the wciv signal retransmitted. I feel no apology is needed. I was trying to troubleshoot the cause.
HDSC

Shuttermaker,

Are you on my HD email list? (old age memory you know) If not email me at twcscnews@twcable.com please.

Thanks,

Anyway, if you are gonna test without a diplexer, you need to make sure that you are using a power inserter on the line to the Antenna to power the internal amp. Speaking of which, the internal amp on the winegard could be burned out.

Hammer:

The Sensar comes in two variants, one with and one without the preamp. I don't know which one I have. The test I was doing was using a passive "rabit ears" antenna connected directly to the receiver's OTA input (i.e., I removed the diplexer that locks to the back of the receiver). The attenuation spec for RG-6 is about 2 dB per 100ft at 100 MHz, not sure what the Winegard Multiswitch and diplexers are speced at for insertion loss but in my case it all probably adds up to 5 or 6 dB. Even an isotropic antenna that's resonant in the VHF band should give some signal response, especially if you're avoiding the 6 dB of T/L and diplexer loss.


During the news last night after the game, which I kept switching off because the lockups would hang my Comcast box or my OTA tuner, Nina Sossamon (sp?) explained that the warm weather was causing problems with the signal last night and that she has spoken to quite a few people during the course of the evening. I guess it affected their analog signal as well. Anyway, a least we know they are aware of it and will hopefully have things fixed for tonight.

Andy: That's probably an accurate cuase for the fades. Temperature inversions can cause changes in the refractive index that affect the propagation of uwave signals. In a properly engineered system, sufficient fade margin would have been built into the link budget to overcome those conditions. By the way, has anyone ever noticed that Nina looks a little like Michael Jackson? Maybe it's just me. :D

HerbL:

You may have a point about lower being better in your case, although it's very counterintuitive. I also am surrounded by an acre's worth of tall pines that don't have any "foliage" until 30 or 40 feet up.

HDSC: I agree that you didn't say anything wrong about WCIV here on the board. My comment was more tongue in cheek because I know that I was frustrated enough that I'm pretty sure at least one or two words that the FCC would deem offensive escaped from my mouth last night.

Guess we'll find out how the alignment adjustment worked soon enough.

Mark:
Missed that one. I thought I was the only one that said WCIV so I thought I might be a bad bad boy. I had a little bit of frustration setting in, trying to watch the game with the sound crystal clear. At least we have a positive solution which is light years from years ago. This HD thing just might work.
HDSC

But just wait what I have to say if tonights game :) :):)

No signal on TWC ABC-HD for the big game. :(

Its out in Summerville and Columbia, they are working on the problem.

shutter:
National and comcast working fine. I know that doesn't help you but Touchdown OK
!!!

Ahhhhh its not out in Columbia? Did the call center say that...Is it still out for you? I'm calling the engineer while waiting for your response.

TWC
Thats customer service!!

Yes, the HD signal is still out on my end. The call center told me Cola and Sville.

HDSC thanks for the update, I am however watching it in SD

7 - 7 tie

Hopefully good technical service soon as well. (thanks HDSC)

Engineers in the Headend are checking the ABC feed in Summerville now - finger's crossed.

OTA is OK

Still experiencing macro-blocking on ABC OTA in Goose Creek. If warm weather is causing this crap, let it snow, let it snow, let it snow

Came upstairs after halftime and Comcast hasn't missed a beat.

HDSC: I hear you.

TWC's HD feed is back up. Thanks for the help Diana.

Gotta love TWC's effort !

Anyone know the possible approximate date of the WCBD tower going online? Also, a dumb question....if I am watching the uhf HD channel of a station,(i.e. UHF 34 for channel 4 ABC), am I only going to get a picture when a HD program is on? In other words, is it a digital "all the time" channel showing HD and SD programming in digital signal or just on when needed to broadcast a HD program? Thanks for any help.

Originally posted by r.jones
Still experiencing macro-blocking on ABC OTA in Goose Creek. If warm weather is causing this crap, let it snow, let it snow, let it snow

My ABC OTA was perfect tonight here in the Creek.

Hammer

bp238: IT IS a digital "all the time" channel showing HD and SD programming in digital signal.
Disclaimer - I don't know if they broadcast in the middle of the night. At one time WCBD was not broadcasting their digital channel 24/7, but I'm not sure of that status now.

Approximate date: Anywhere from now until June 1.

Hi guys, (Attn: Frank Thomas)

I haven't been on in a while because I just moved to a new place on Sullivan's Island. Here's the deal... The house is a duplex, where the landlord rents one half (me) and the other half is for his friends/family vacationing. Well, the rent includes basic cable, because the cable isn't split b/t the two units. I had (actually i still have it, b/c i haven't canceled it from my old place yet) comcast cable w/ HD, etc and cable internet.
What is the easiest, most economical way to get back everything i had? The cable bill will have to remain in the landlord's name i assume, but I want to keep using my 8000 dvr box and hopefully we won't get hit with any disconnection / connection charges... Sorry for the long story, and thanks for any help!

Mark

dolemite77,

If you can, please send me an email with the address. I would need to check our billing system to see how this is set up.

Frank Thomas
Comcast Cable
Frank_Thomas@cable.comcast.com

The sound coming from my 8000HD works just fine for channels 1-99, but is not there for 101 and above.

Anyone have ideas about this??? Is it just me having the problem?

Thanks Ktrout. Just one more dumb question................will a normal uhf tuner pick up the digital signal in SD? I'm thinkin probably not but had to ask. Reason being I want to run cable throughout the house with the UHF signal coming through it. It will be going to all TV's in the house...some HD and some not. Hoping the old TV's will pick up the digital uhf sig.
Thanks!!

Originally posted by bp238
Thanks Ktrout. Just one more dumb question................will a normal uhf tuner pick up the digital signal in SD? I'm thinkin probably not but had to ask. Reason being I want to run cable throughout the house with the UHF signal coming through it. It will be going to all TV's in the house...some HD and some not. Hoping the old TV's will pick up the digital uhf sig.
Thanks!!

I hope you don't mind my answer instead of Ktrout's but, a normal (NTSC, analog) tuner will not decode the digital signal. While the digital signal is sent at the UHF frequencies only a ATSC, digital tuner will decode the signal give a picture. The old TV's will only get the old analog UHF signals.

Andy

bp238,

To help things out a little for you, I too am on James Island and am currently using a Zennith Silver Sensor antenna to get all my OTA HD signal (also have Comcast HD for the other stations). I placed the antenna in my attic of a 2 story home and get all the channels. If I can help you in anyway, let me know. This board was great to me in getting started and I hope to be able to return the favor to others.

As I'm typing this I remembered that I wanted to ask about UPN and that bar that I have running down my signal on the left side of the screen. Anyone else see this? Not that I watch anything on UPN, but notice it flipping through. Do they even have any shows in HD?

bp238: will a normal uhf tuner pick up the digital signal in SD? I'm thinkin probably not but had to ask. Reason being I want to run cable throughout the house with the UHF signal coming through it. It will be going to all TV's in the house...some HD and some not. Hoping the old TV's will pick up the digital uhf sig.

No. Even though both NTSC and ATSC use forms of vestigal sideband modulation, they are not compatible (except that they fit into the same spectral mask). In NTSC, the analog video carrier and audio subcarrier directly modulate the IF carrier. In ATSC, digital data that represents the video and audio information of one or more signals is grouped into symbols of 3 bits, which is then used to VSB modulate the IF carrier at one of 8 discrete amplitudes. The demodulation process in the ATSC case involves deciding which one of the 8 amplitude levels was received during each symbol period, then decoding that decision into the corresponding unique group of three bits. The triads of bits clocked out by the decoder comprise the multiplexed MPEG-2 stream that has to go through an MPEG decoder and decompressors to recover the video and audio signals. There are some other steps in the process such as applying forward error corection algorithms.

An NTSC receiver uses a conventional envelope detection process to strip off the analog video and analog sub carriers directly from the IF signal. It's a much simpler process.

Question....has anyone ever seen specifications in the manuals that come with ATSC receivers (or anywhere else) that correlate the received signal level as typically indicated by a bar going from 0 to 100% with the actual received signal level at the input to the receiver, in uV, dBuV or dBm? Reason I ask is I'm interested in constructing a link budget that characterizes the performance of my receive signal chain from antenna to demodulator. I need to know a basic BER or SER spec for the typical ATSC demodulator at a nominal received signal level that produces a watchable image.

lancer1991:

Yes I have that vertical line too.

russ_777: Welcome to the forum. You're going to have to speak english if you'd like some help. We're just a bunch of guys that like clear pictures. :)

Seriously, I don't have any idea where you could get your hands on something that would provide that indepth technical information. I haven't looked, but this website MIGHT have something.

http://www.keohi.com/keohihdtv/index.htm

Good luck.

I do not think you will find that info. I have a Sami 151 rec. that will give 6 bars or 55 on WCSC, I also have a Dish 921 HD sat rec. that will shows about 85 on WCSC on the same ant
I also had a Dish 811 that read 80. The reading are good for pointing ant. for best signal and nothing more that.
Jim

KTrout: Thanks for the link, I'll try to tone it down. :p This is a great forum you have here. I look forward to learning a lot from you all, and hopefully I'll have some things to share.

Anyone able to get a signal for FOX HD today. My tuner shows 76% signal on channel 40 (that is about the best I ever get) but no picture on 24-1. I rescanned for channels and it doesn't report 24-1 as a found channel even with that strong signal at channel 40. My guess is that FOX 24 is having some problem with their transmitter getting the source, including PSIP data. In the past even when the spliter wasn't working I would still get a SD digital signal. I would call someone there, but I wouldn't expect an answer.

Andy

Andy,

The squirrels can't run on the wheel fast enough for me to be able to help you out. The analog picture seemed worse today than in the past though.

The Packer game was almost unwatchable on Comcast, and forget "24". Why can't Comcast at least offer FOX on their digital channels on SD, since they cannot carry it in HD ???
I have sent the same message to Comcast, NChaleston,
rick

I just checked now and Fox looks similar to what problems ABC had last week during the bowl games.

let me explain....pixelating like 4.1 did last week...and then disappearing altogether.

Originally posted by AndrewG
Anyone able to get a signal for FOX HD today.
Andy

I watched 3 quarters of the Packers/Vikings game today on Fox. I thought it looked great.

It was the first time I've watched Fox HD, and I thought it looked better than CBS & ABC HD football. I was using a temporary installed outdoor antenna to see if I could watch the game in HD (trying to get ready for the SB). I have been using a Silver Sensor a while now, and just have never been able to get Fox. I did loose the signal close to the end of the game, but I think it was weather related, and I could never lock the signal back in.

1. Is it just my setup or has channel 5-1 reduced power?? I am having more trouble keeping a sig on them than even on FOX today which seems really weird as I have never had any trouble with LOS on 5-1. I've been trying to get ready for a Super Bowl party and have been trying to tweak everything to ensure FOX signal will be there, so I have "tandemed" two CM4228 antennae to increase gain (instead of the single I had been using for a while), which seems to have helped with gain but with the downside that the antenna array seems much more directional (Duh!) than before, so I seem to be having more trouble receiving all sigs with a single orientation. So, I can't tell if 5-1 has a worse signal or whether my new antenna array is the culprit.

2. Does anyone have any info on whether FOX will be broadcasting the Super Bowl at higher power or higher antenna height than they currently use? I am really uneasy about having a house full of folk and having to fall back and shoot a DirecTV SD sig onto my 100" screen instead of a HD sig . I went into deep depression (A.K.A. panic) over this past weekend when I had severe problems getting the HD signal from FOX down here on Seabrook Island during the game.

I'm sure that fog that rolled through yesterday didn't help the signal much. I lost it for 5 minutes or so, but finally got it back. Switched over to 40 and back to 24 like 3 times.

Hey Dan,
I am a new poster here, but have been following this forum for several months. I have set up a number of different antennae in the area for people trying to pull in hi def ota. My biggest challenge so far has been to get wtat's dig signals at my home in goose creek. This last weekend I finally found "the spot" and "the antenna" that pulls 24.1 (40-1) in at my house. I am using an antenna that I have had good luck with on bohicket rd ( towards KIA/SBK) and Wadmalah Island. The antenna is a Terk HDTVs, which looks very similar (i.e. - identical) to the Winegard Square Shooter. I have the antenna on a mast that puts it about six feet above the roofline and about thirty feet above ground level. I too am fretting about fox reception for the superbowl and have been "beta testing" to get a reliable signal from their temporary transmitter set up. I spoke to an engineer at wtat by the name of don stewart a few months ago, and he indicated that in my location it would would be highly unlikely to receive their digital broadcasts until they relocate to their permanent broadcast site. Apparently, the antenna they are using is somewhat "beamy" (not to mention at reduced radiated power and lower elevaton) and is mainly hitting the peninsula and mount pilot with useable signals. I checked with him again today, and he indicated that they have not made any changes in broadcast antenna, orientation, or radiated power since we last spoke, so I feel like I may have found the right set up. I did lose DD 5.1 lock a few times briefly, so I may have to fine tune it some, but still, even if they don't get up in power or elevation by SBXXXIX I should be able to fill my 45x80 screen with glorious 720p. Now the down side; the required orientation of the HDTVs to get 40-1 is a no go for some of the other local HD channels. Solution is an A/B switch between the antennas and the Winegard AP-4800 pre amp I am using. On Bohicket rd I was able to pull in fox with the same antenna inside an attic at about 17 feet of elevation. If you try this antenna, be aware that it doesn't like to be close to any large metal objects (foil covered ducts, chimney caps, metal soffit, gutters, etc...) but it is ok on an ordinary steel mast pipe. I hope this helps. It was great getting to watch the Minnesota/Green Bay game (Randy Moss not withstanding) and "24" in HD with no LOS. Good Luck.

Cheers,
Bill the Hightechredneck

hightechredneck : Welcome to the forum

Bill (hightechredneck),

Thanks for the post. I'm happy to hear that you are close to finding the best orientation for your antenna and SBXXXIX and thanks for the antenna advice. I've heard mixed reviews of the Terk antennas, so I went with a pair of the deep fringe CM4228 with a 26db preamp. What I plan for the Big Day is to move my antennae out of the attic and onto an upper deck on my house. I tried this in the last day or so and the signal strength increased by about 50%. When I moved the antenna array to the deck and got it pointed best (about 40 degrees magnetic for me), I got a pretty solid signal from 24-1 which is the objective for 2-6-5. So, I guess that is about as good as it will get. Hopefully, the weather will cooperate--today I am getting good sigs from all the local digital OTA broadcasts with my antenna in the attic (POA rules and all). So, with a little help from the weather and a temporary deck location for my antenna, maybe all will be OK for SBXXXIX.

Thanks again!

Well I guess we need to get this ball rolling.

I just want to throw out something in regards to getting together. Even though this will be the third time, I was thinking that with a lot of newer members people might be interested in a tour of WCSC's TV station in West Ashley. I have already contacted Eldon and he would happy to do it again. It really is pretty interesting to see how everything comes together and what is involved with putting broadcasts etc. on the air. And Eldon will be able to answer most questions that everyone has regarding some of the more technical issues regarding broadcasting in HD. We can just pick a date maybe 4 - 6 weeks from now and whoever can make it will. It most likely will be a weeknight, right after work. Again, just a thought. Please let me know what you think about this.

Regardless of where we meet, there is one thing that I want to accomplish for sure that I think would benefit everyone, and especially newbies, in regards to OTA reception. I plan on bringing a large map of Charleston and I'd like for people to indicate approx. where they live, the model of antenna they use, the method/location where it's mounted, the model of STB they use and maybe even bring a picture of it with them. I would then take that information and put it on a page on my website that everyone can reference. The info at your location could be your AVS screenname and really I could add e-mail or anything else you wanted on there. I'm really open to ideas on this. However, I can tell you that I'm not interested in publishing exact addresses for privacy reasons. I just think it would be helpful to have a single location for all of this information. A lot of people out there have been through a lot to get their systems performing really well and I think most of you are more than willing to share it.

OK, that a was a little more long winded than I expected, none-the-less, let me know what you think.

Would love to get together KTrout with everybody else and you. Will look forward to more info. Also any more specific word on the FOX antenna relocation.

Thanks,

Scott

Originally posted by hightechredneck
.....My biggest challenge so far has been to get wtat's dig signals at my home in goose creek.....

I'm in Goose Creek also, and am just trying to get FOX-HD on a temporary basis for the playoffs and the SB. (the SB only if the Eagles make it :D ) I don't watch FOX for anything but football, so hopefully by next season they will be at High Power and I can keep using my Silver Sensor.

I'm using a Radio Shack 15-2160 on a ~12' mast. The only place I could pull a signal was on the front corner of my garage. Being that this is temporary I don't really want to mount the antenna. So right now its not installed and just kind of propped up. I had it on for the Vik/Pack game and it looked great. About 3/4 into the game I lost the signal, I'm guessing because of the fog that rolled through.

I put the antenna back up today, and was able to get all local HD channels while having the antenna pointed towards 24-1's tower. I'm still contemplating using a Vent Mount with a 5' mast and putting the antenna on my roof. I have a 2 story house so that will put my antenna about 30' high. I'm not using an amplifier yet, I've tried RS amps and I completely loose signal with those. I still might try a CM amp, just in case it will help during the bad weather situations.

Ktrout,

I am there for any get togethers you guys have. I have been pretty much following this thread from the begining, and you have been a big help to all of us. I'd also love to check out some of these big screens (I only have a tiny 57") with a HD signal.

Mike

Diana,

Does TWC offer more than one HD box? One that might accept an external antenna for OTA signals? I have the Explorer 8000 HD box now. Would be nice to hookup my old CM4228 antenna from back in the DirecTV days.

Does anyone else know how many years that FOX has the right to broadcast the Superbowl?

Originally posted by shuttermaker
Does anyone else know how many years that FOX has the right to broadcast the Superbowl?

I think the NFL contract was extended late last year. The current contract, up after the 2005-2006 season, has the super bowl on Fox this year and CBS in 2005, and then fox again in 2006.

The new contract which is up in 2011, gives both networks 2 games each beginning with CBS in 2007.

I don't mind Fox having the super bowl. I think they did a great job with last weeks Wild Card Game. None of the networks can touch the Fox pregame show with Howie, Terry, Jimmy, & James. I just hope that WTAT (Sinclair broadcasting) will get that antenna up to high power before next season.

Mike

Count me in for a tour of the Tower Facility. Please advise on date and time!

Thanks

HerbL

Mark Sounds like a good idea, would love to do it again.
Jim

Dan @SI - You wouldn't think plywood decking and rafters could attenuate signals by so much, but it sure does. If anyone out there has a roof deck made from "Kool Ply" (foil faced plywood) you can forget about any attic antenna.

Ktrout - Great Idea about the map/pix/antenna info. I could see that "atlas" coming in very handy to a number of us.

Precision Power - Glad you're getting fox. Careful about the vent pipe mounts though. Most vent pipes are pvc, and sometimes they will "flex" (bend/bow) a little bit (depending on how well they are strapped). Windy days might cause a few "flex" based dropouts. For a pre amp, try a high gain U bypass V model from CM or winegard. Glad to see that other Goose Crecians are getting reliable reception. BTW SB XXXIX will be the Battle of PA, I'll take pitt and give the six and a half points.

Cheers,
Hightechredneck

Originally posted by shuttermaker
Diana,

Does TWC offer more than one HD box? One that might accept an external antenna for OTA signals? I have the Explorer 8000 HD box now. Would be nice to hookup my old CM4228 antenna from back in the DirecTV days.

Hi There,

TWC has the following HD Converter Models -

3100 - if you have one, trade it in
3250 - DVI port active

8000 - DVR with DVI port that is not yet active - last estimate from SA was sometime in 1Q
8300 - DVR with HDMI port active - just starting to roll these out around the state, so I cannot guarantee a delivery of this specific model, or a time in which they would be available for you to pick up at the front counter.


None of these models will accept an external antenna for OTA signals.

Originally posted by hightechredneck
Precision Power - Glad you're getting fox. Careful about the vent pipe mounts though. Most vent pipes are pvc, and sometimes they will "flex" (bend/bow) a little bit (depending on how well they are strapped). Windy days might cause a few "flex" based dropouts. For a pre amp, try a high gain U bypass V model from CM or winegard.

Thanks for the tip. I was going to try the vent pipe option being that it is the least permanent of the roof top mounting options. 2nd would be some type of chimney mount. I might need to consult some professional help, are you up for the task?

Originally posted by hightechredneck
BTW SB XXXIX will be the Battle of PA, I'll take pitt and give the six and a half points.

Honestly I'll be happy with just a SB appearance at this point. After watching them loose 3 straight championship games I'll have to take what I can get. I think that even with 6 1/2 points the Steelers would be a good bet.

KTrout - count me in for the tour. Actully, if memory serves me correctly I may have met Eldon before. Also sounds like a good idea about the map. What I think would be really neat would be if somone could get their hands on a calibrated e-field probe and specan and have folks keep it a week at a time to record signal strengths at various locations. Seeing some bar on your receiver's GUI peg out an uncalibrated signal strength display is one thing; knowing what the actual field strengths are at your location on each freq as a function of time and other variables is a much more valuable piece of data to have. That would allow you to do a link budget on your system and trade off antenna gain, antenna position, coax run lengths, splitter/diplexer losses, etc., to arrive at an optimal set up. Any other way is sort of a guessing game at best.

I am SO happy I stumbled upon this site. I read a ton of posts yesterday and learned a lot and if this information is on here please forgive me and direct me where I need to go. I just got the knology HD receiver ( I think there's only one) and I need to look to see if I can attach an antennae. Do I have to use OTA to get local channels forever? I see that people are having problems-especially with FOX. I just need to know what I should get--or if I need to change service providers for a better deal. I'll be ticked if I have to get an OTA receiver to go with my Knology box. I'll have an even harder time explaining this to my fiance. Thank you and I really appreciate everyone's input here--a truly nice forum.

btw--I live on James Island

Originally posted by remhuck
I am SO happy I stumbled upon this site. I read a ton of posts yesterday and learned a lot and if this information is on here please forgive me and direct me where I need to go. I just got the knology HD receiver ( I think there's only one) and I need to look to see if I can attach an antennae. Do I have to use OTA to get local channels forever? I see that people are having problems-especially with FOX. I just need to know what I should get--or if I need to change service providers for a better deal. I'll be ticked if I have to get an OTA receiver to go with my Knology box. I'll have an even harder time explaining this to my fiance. Thank you and I really appreciate everyone's input here--a truly nice forum.

btw--I live on James Island

I would guess the Knology box is either a Motorola or Scientific Atlanta HD box and they, or any cable HD receiver as far as I know, do not decode digital OTA signals. So if you want NBC and FOX you will need a OTA box. Changing providers won't change anything, at least for now because Comcast doesn't have NBC or FOX either. Regarding OTA forever, I would expect, that eventually NBC and FOX will have to renegotiate with Comcast and Knology over carrying their signal and will eventually be available over cable, but for the immediate future they appear to be OTA only.

Regarding OTA receivers, check out ebay, there are two different Samsung OTA receivers (151 and 351) which are popular with many people and you should be able to get one in the $100 -$125 range.

Welcome to the Forum.

Andy

I didn't see any of those on ebay just now Andy. Guess they come and go.. But is it even possible for me to receive OTA on Sullivans Island? I know i may receive NBC, but what about Fox/UPN? I won't even bother if all i would be able to get is NBC...

If you look on ebay under:
Home > All Categories > Consumer Electronics > Televisions > HDTV Receivers, Tuner

There are 200 items, many of them are Samsung OTA tuners, a few other things as well. It looks like, new those are about $150-180, but there are some used deals as well.

I can't believe you could get FOX on Sullivan's Island, maybe oljim could which his antenna towers, but I would't believe you could get it with a conventional sized antenna. It must be nearly 15 miles as the crow flies. But I also think Bill said that FOX told him they were projecting toward MP and the penisula, so maybe you can get it.

I am impressed with the people getting it in Goose Creek.

On James Island, depending where on the island, I don't see why you couldn't get it, with a reasonable sized antenna, good location, and a decent tuner. I think the Samsung's are supposed to be pretty good.

Andy

I live downtown and was thinking of changing from cable to voom....does any one know if all of locals can be picked up with the Voom provided OTA? please help...I am obviously a newbie.

LarryBIrd: One member of our group has Voom and will hopefully chime in, however, you do have the capability of getting all of the OTA broadcasts with the VOOM box. It's similar to DirecTV and Dish in that regard.

Not to be a rumor monger, but I would do a little research on the financial stability of VOOM before I decided to switch. Again, just wanting you to make an informed decision.

Dolemite: I live in Park West and cannot pull in FOX. You might be able to if you amplified and raised and fine tuned, but ..............

I have not seen this firsthand, but heard it from a pretty reliable source. There's not a lot of activity out at the tower so I would say that with a little more than 3 weeks to go it doesn't look good for FOX broadcasting at increased strength from Awendaw.

So if you were planning on experimenting with a temporary Jimmy Rig to try and pull in Fox, I would recommend you start playing around.

Originally posted by KTrout
So if you were planning on experimenting with a temporary Jimmy Rig to try and pull in Fox, I would recommend you start playing around.

That is exactly what I started doing last weekend. It worked out great I just hope that the weather cooperates the next few weekends. I'm using a 20 dollar radio shack antenna ( RS Part #15-2160 )a 12-13' mast (piece of pipe off an old chain-link fence that my dad had stored away on his property)and I'm using a Goose Creek Heavy Duty trash can to hold the mast up. It doesn't look good, and my neighbors are probably saying "WTF" on Sundays, but it is effective. I only put it up during the game, so I think they can live with it for a few more weekends.


I wish I would of messed with the antenna during the regular season. There was 1 or 2 weekends that I was stuck watching SD fox instead of the HD-NFL Sunday ticket to see my team play. Let me just say that I don't know what it was, but the fox game looked better than the other 2 networks that carry football. It might have been that the green/yellow and purple/white uniforms just looked great in HD.

Originally posted by dolemite77
I didn't see any of those on ebay just now Andy. Guess they come and go.. But is it even possible for me to receive OTA on Sullivans Island? I know i may receive NBC, but what about Fox/UPN? I won't even bother if all i would be able to get is NBC...
Dolemite- I think you should definitely try to get HD on Sullivans Island. Certainly the transmissions from Awendaw will be a cinch to get (CBS, PBS), but the fox broadcasts are going to be coming from roughly 90 degreees to the right of your antenna beam if its pointed at the awendaw towers, so a rotor may be necessary. (I wonder whether a direct line between foxs broadcast tower and your home is coincident with the Cooper River Bridges?) Two antennas with an A/B switch might be another way to go. Just trying to get Awendaw is going to put you in good shape for whenever wtat does move over to their permanent site, so why not try it? Just try to maximize the big three: Elevation, Orientation, Amplification. Good Luck.

Cheers,
Bill the Hightechredneck

Originally posted by hightechredneck
Dolemite- I think you should definitely try to get HD on Sullivans Island. Certainly the transmissions from Awendaw will be a cinch to get (CBS, PBS), but the fox broadcasts are going to be coming from roughly 90 degreees to the right of your antenna beam if its pointed at the awendaw towers, so a rotor may be necessary. (I wonder whether a direct line between foxs broadcast tower and your home is coincident with the Cooper River Bridges?) Two antennas with an A/B switch might be another way to go. Just trying to get Awendaw is going to put you in good shape for whenever wtat does move over to their permanent site, so why not try it? Just try to maximize the big three: Elevation, Orientation, Amplification. Good Luck.

Cheers,
Bill the Hightechredneck

OOPS - My right YOUR LEFT!!!

Originally posted by KTrout
LarryBIrd: One member of our group has Voom and will hopefully chime in, however, you do have the capability of getting all of the OTA broadcasts with the VOOM box. It's similar to DirecTV and Dish in that regard.

Not to be a rumor monger, but I would do a little research on the financial stability of VOOM before I decided to switch. Again, just wanting you to make an informed decision.

I also have Voom and live in Goose Creek. I get everything OTA except FOX and UPN but I couldn't get those stations before I got Voom. I wouldn't worry about Voom's stability. The subscriber numbers are growing and they will be around in one form or another.
I have had D*, DTV, and HD cable. Voom is far better than the competition.
I have the basic Voom package with 29 HD channels (31 as soon I'm able to get FOX and UPN). Can any of the competitors say that? Do your HDTV and yourself a favor and get Voom.

Isn't Voom as subsidiary of Cablevision? If so..it would seemingly be somewhat stable, wouldnt it?

Originally posted by LarryBIrd
Isn't Voom as subsidiary of Cablevision? If so..it would seemingly be somewhat stable, wouldnt it?

Voom was a little slow getting the ball rolling in the beginning and that made the analysts on Wall Street skeptical of its survival. DIrectTV and Echostar pretty much have the available DBS customer base. There isn't HDTV sets in every home yet, so how would Voom survive?

As I stated in an earlier post, I have had every form of DBS and cable that is available in my area and had no problem giving them up. I can't imagine being without my Voom.:D

thanks for the replies redneck, I would certainly love to try, I just don't know when. I just moved in here (it's a rental) and i don't know if I should be rigging up any tower antennas right now. Still would have to buy the OTA receiver and antenna, and from what it sounds like, a rotor and pre-amp as well... I'll have to hold of on that for now...

First timer, so please excuse. I am looking for some help/advice. I purchased a Sony lcd rptv with a built in hd tuner last week. I installed a directional UHF antenna from Radio Shack on my roof this past Tuesday. When I searched for digital channels I picked up all of the local channels broadcasting digital signals (NBC, ABC, CBS, FOX, UPN and PBS). I watched FOX’s broadcast of “Branson’s Millonaire” show in HD. Signal dropped several times during broadcast but overall was ok. Wednesday the fog rolled in and I totally lost everything except NBC and UPN which was great reception and so-so on CBS. Last night I connected a cheap indoor antenna and got everything fairly good except FOX. I live in West Ashley across from the Elks Lodge and have my antenna facing Mt. Pleasant. Am thinking I may need a different antenna outdoors. Any suggestions on model and where to purchase locally. Where to face it? Why would I receive some channels but not others from the same tower (UPN but not FOX)? This site is great. Thanks for the help.

Welcome Robsibis,

OTA is so unpredictable. There are alot of variables that effect it (station's transmitting power, wind, rain, trees, height of your antenna, if Jupiter is aligned with Mars, etc, etc).

Try www.antennaweb.org and that might answer some of your concerns.

going with Voom Downtown...I will let you know how it goes...Thanks for everyone's help.

Originally posted by Robsibis
First timer, so please excuse. I am looking for some help/advice. I purchased a Sony lcd rptv with a built in hd tuner last week. I installed a directional UHF antenna from Radio Shack on my roof this past Tuesday. When I searched for digital channels I picked up all of the local channels broadcasting digital signals (NBC, ABC, CBS, FOX, UPN and PBS). I watched FOX’s broadcast of “Branson’s Millonaire” show in HD. Signal dropped several times during broadcast but overall was ok. Wednesday the fog rolled in and I totally lost everything except NBC and UPN which was great reception and so-so on CBS. Last night I connected a cheap indoor antenna and got everything fairly good except FOX. I live in West Ashley across from the Elks Lodge and have my antenna facing Mt. Pleasant. Am thinking I may need a different antenna outdoors. Any suggestions on model and where to purchase locally. Where to face it? Why would I receive some channels but not others from the same tower (UPN but not FOX)? This site is great. Thanks for the help.

Welcome Robsibis, from another West Ashley resident. I live in Northbridge Terrace not too far from you. I can give you some advice and my experiences. First, if you have a roof antenna and you are aimed at MP, and you still got Fox the first night, turn it toward North Charleston, (try Antennaweb.org for exact compass direction, I am about 352 degrees) and you should lock in FOX. I am about 2-3 miles from the tower and I can get FOX pretty good with an indoor Silver Sensor antenna. Even aimed at FOX I get NBC, CBS, PBS,etc, but I turn it toward MP to get NBC as strong as possible. I have a Radio Shack UHF only antenna (2160 model about 3 feet long) in my attic, which I used to use all the time aimed toward MP and Awendaw before FOX came on with HD this fall. Then I tried to aim it to get FOX (approximately 90 degree difference) and could never get it. But it would get UPN. I set up the Silver Sensor inside and can get FOX very well, but not UPN. These antennas were in approximately same position, but the SS was about 8 feet lower than the attic antenna. So I know your problem with two channels on the same tower, but different reception.

I would suggest that you don't need a different roof antenna, but that you need two antennas or a rotator for the roof. So you can aim at FOX and then aim at Awendaw/MP for everything else. If you don't want a rotator, I would suggest the Silver Sensor (about $40 and Sears has it at Citadel Mall) indoors you can turn it yourself, and either try to get FOX with it or aim it at Awendaw and get an A-B switch for the roof mounted antenna aimed at North Charleston. Then when FOX and NBC move to their Awendaw location you can just aime the roof antenna (or SS) permanently.

Andy

Is the Fox Local Channel a low-budget operation?

If one were to make a first impression assessment and assumption based upon the quality and format structure of their Web Site I would have to say the answer is yes.

Their Website just plain stinks and is very uninformative.

Also, are they that arrogant that they cannot respond to local viewer questions asking when their new tower will be up and transmitting a quality signal?

Whats the big secret here?

Thanks!

HerbL

Hey folks. Just for informational purposes. I was on computer with TV going (Comcast) and broadcast stopped with a notice on the screen that my cablecard firmware was being updated.

They have not resolved the bi-directional thing have they?

Warren

Whoohoo! I finally get to join the club! Just got a new Sony 55in.WF and plugged in a cheap Radio Shack antenna(15-1864) and got ABC, CBS, and PBS. ABC drops ocassionally, but I put it out on an upstairs porch for Alias and it comes in well. I barely got NBC one night, but haven't tried very hard to get it any further. I'll be putting a Channelmaster 4228 in the attic as soon as Electrical Wholesale gets more. Dolemite, I live in Old Mt. P right off Center so you shouldn't have any trouble. Another thing, I went into Rat Shack on 17 here in Mt.P to ask if anyone had been succesful getting a good signal from FOX and the guy said that FOX would be "boosting" the signal for the Super Bowl so not to worry. Sounded fishy. Can they boost the signal for just one night?
Oh, and wpruitt: as far as I know, Cablecard is hardware-specific when it comes to uni-directional and bi-directional. You'd need to either get a new tv or hopefully be able to switch out the old Cablecard reader when the bi-directional Cablecard readers come out. AFAIK, they can't be firmware-upgraded to bi-directional.

HerbL: The local FOX affiliate does not have its own studio and actually broadcasts their 10 pm news from WCSC, Channel 5. They are associated with Sinclair Broadcast Group, which was pretty well known for not participating fully with this idea of high definition broadcasts from the outset. Thus, they complied with the requirements of the FCC by initially broadcasting a minimal DIGITAL signal which apparently currently reaches enough of an area to be in compliance (although I might argue this point, but the FCC wouldn't have the time to look into this I'm sure)
HOWEVER, their transition to full power broadcasting is not totally in their hands. They will actually utilize WCBD's tower in Awendaw for this and so even if they have all of their pieces in place, if WCBD does not, then no luck. Why don't they answer questions? Sometimes they do, but I guess it's easier not to. WCSC has really been the only station here locally that will consistently keep the users involved with this process.

And that's again why I would like everyone to try and make the first meeting of the Lowcountry HD club there at their facility in West Ashley. (Date TBD).
(How was that for transitioning?)

Hatfield: Welcome to HD! I wouldn't count on FOX "boosting" their signal.

Im about to make a somewhat hefty investment ($2500 to $3000.00)in a new HDTV. Im really struggling to make a decision on which make and model to buy. To make things worse, i have trouble trusting the information im receiving from salespeople at the big stores.

I currently have a 32 inch Hitachi Ultravision CRT HDTV. Its been really enjoyable but i want to go bigger and i want widescreen.

Im not sure of the most important aspects i need to consider when making this purchase. If anyone would like to chime in and make suggestions or offer opinions on the subject, id be very appreciative.

shuttermaker,
forum jump to display devices and pick what kind of device you are planning to buy. There is some good brand specific info in there.

Shuttermaker,

If I can stay OT here for a second I would recommend against a RPTV. I just purchased a 51" about 9 months ago, and while I'm happy I wish I had a little more money at the time to get a DLP or another type. I don't like the risk of burn in and having to tone down the brightness which makes it tough to watch in a bright room, which I have.

Okay, back on the topic here. So the minor dropouts of audio on FOX. Is this a cause of the low signal or another broadcast issue? It is really becoming annoying and would like to know if there is anything that can be done. I only watch one show on FOX besides football, but is definetly much more noticeable on shows than the sports (I guess since you're paying more attention to words than action).

Check out the new RP sets from CES or this forum. This is the year for 1080p, finally. And the newer sets have better blacks. This IMHO could be the year that RP takes over FP, given the screen sizes that have been announced from Sony/JVC & Samsung. We are moving into a new house mid Feb, and I am keeping my Sammy 507 till all the new sets come in, and we get real prices and reviews, which is tops 6 months. Hope this helps,
rick

I guess to clarify my post regarding which TV, I was refering to CRT RP.

Originally posted by shuttermaker
Im about to make a somewhat hefty investment ($2500 to $3000.00)in a new HDTV. Im really struggling to make a decision on which make and model to buy. To make things worse, i have trouble trusting the information im receiving from salespeople at the big stores.

Personally, I am a big fan of the DLP TVs. I have an FP DLP that gives a great picture. When it was time to get a better TV for the family room, I definitely wanted to get a DLP there too. Looking around AVS and other places led me to the Samsung units. I have had their smaller one for a while now and it has a great picture too. I would definitely take a look at those. They even sell a model or two at Costco now which gives you a pretty good deal for a great TV.

I like the DLP sets as well. This set from Sony is high on my list too

Sony 42" Grand WEGA™ HDTV (KDF-42WE655)

I need to break out my Zenith HDV420 and my Silver Sensor and see if I can get Fox again . At one time I was pulling it in but since Comcast has offered their HD cable I haven't even bothered with it . If I can't get it to come in I guess I'll be at Precision Power's ( Mike ) house watching the Colts ( fingers crossed ) and Eagles in the Superbowl and of course the Eagles losing .

On another not I think the tour would be great for the new people as well as the ones like me who haven't been able to make it to the last 2 .

Originally posted by JeffD
I guess I'll be at Precision Power's ( Mike ) house watching the Colts ( fingers crossed ) and Eagles in the Superbowl and of course the Eagles losing .

Like I said before a superbowl appearance would make my year. I know a win would be better, but after 3 straight Championship dissapointments I'll take anything thats an improvement. On another note I'm watching the Colts 1st game this year on NFL Network, and they are playing a team that has Manning's number, the same team that the Colts have to play to even think about the superbowl.

I set up my up temporary antenna last night and fox looked great again.

Mike

I live in Mt P. I have just recieved Voom and the have mounted an amplified directional antenna on my roof?

Well superbowl is coming up... In what direction is Fox's antenna??? I want to play around and see if I can get it.

I went to antennaweb.org and it said....
WTAT 24 FOX CHARLESTON SC 48° 12.5 24
and WTAT-DT 24.1 FOX CHARLESTON SC 301° 10.5 40

What's up with that? 2 totally different directions? I am confused... Anyone With Voom have any luck getting fox with there antenna?

Note**** as it stands now I get 4.1, 5.1, 5.2, 49.1, 49.2, 49.3.

Originally posted by bigdog77s
WTAT 24 FOX CHARLESTON SC 48° 12.5 24 and WTAT-DT 24.1 FOX CHARLESTON SC 301° 10.5 40

What's up with that? 2 totally different directions? I am confused... Anyone With Voom have any luck getting fox with there antenna?

Note**** as it stands now I get 4.1, 5.1, 5.2, 49.1, 49.2, 49.3.

For HD you want the 24.1 channel. 24 is the analog channel. Fox is broadcasting with a very low power signal, so it may take some tweaking to get. I get all the HD locals with my indoor silver sensor except for Fox & UPN. With an outdoor antenna on a 12' mast pointed directly at the Fox station I get all the HD-Locals including Fox & UPN. The only time I watch Fox is for football, so I am hoping that by next season Fox will be broadcasting with a stronger signal, but for now I'm stuck with a rigged up outdoor antenna on Sundays.

"Originally posted by shuttermaker
Im about to make a somewhat hefty investment ($2500 to $3000.00)in a new HDTV. Im really struggling to make a decision on which make and model to buy. To make things worse, i have trouble trusting the information im receiving from salespeople at the big stores. "

I waited a while to get my HDTV, I finally settled on a Philips Matchline 55" with pixel plus. I paid only $2199.00 at REX TV on Rivers ave, the gave me a 24 month warranty too. I think they have a 62" for 2399.00. for me the 62" was too big for me. I surfed and surfed and surfed the internet until my eye's bled trying to find the TV for the right price and options. My TV has a good selection of feature and a easy well laid out remote control, it also has DVI, VGA, S video, component and RGB inputs. If I wanted to hook it up to my computer, no problem, a 25' computer monitor cable is around 15 bucks. I have to tell you that I am really satisfied with my TV, my next choice would have been the Hitachi DLP. Of course if I had the dough, I would have gone plasma, come on Power-ball...

Good luck with your quest for the holy HDTV...

surf

Originally posted by shuttermaker
I like the DLP sets as well. This set from Sony is high on my list too

Sony 42" Grand WEGA™ HDTV (KDF-42WE655)

Just purchased this set. I found it online for under $2000 delivered. Could not be happier with tv. FOX's HD signal is driving me crazy though. I did a lot of research and with price a high priority followed by size of unit the Sony 42" won. There was really no other competition for the money. Good Luck.

Originally posted by Precision Power
For HD you want the 24.1 channel. 24 is the analog channel. Fox is broadcasting with a very low power signal, so it may take some tweaking to get. I get all the HD locals with my indoor silver sensor except for Fox & UPN. With an outdoor antenna on a 12' mast pointed directly at the Fox station I get all the HD-Locals including Fox & UPN. The only time I watch Fox is for football, so I am hoping that by next season Fox will be broadcasting with a stronger signal, but for now I'm stuck with a rigged up outdoor antenna on Sundays.


So is Fox's HD tower still on the Bridge? The Voom installer told me that They were building a new tower in Awendaw. Any ETA or any information of this at all? Will it be up before the Superbowl?

Originally posted by shuttermaker
Im about to make a somewhat hefty investment ($2500 to $3000.00)in a new HDTV. Im really struggling to make a decision on which make and model to buy. To make things worse, i have trouble trusting the information im receiving from salespeople at the big stores.

I currently have a 32 inch Hitachi Ultravision CRT HDTV. Its been really enjoyable but i want to go bigger and i want widescreen.

Im not sure of the most important aspects i need to consider when making this purchase. If anyone would like to chime in and make suggestions or offer opinions on the subject, id be very appreciative.


To me it appears that TV are almost going to start to be like computers. New technology keeps coming out making the viewing experience better, and making older TV seem obsolete.

I just purchased a Samsung DLP about 6 months ago. I love it. But If you look at what they have brought out at the CES this month, it is amazing. Looks like the new standard they are trying to make TVs will be 1080p.... the only thing is that no one is broadcasting in this format, and with everyone upgrading to broadcast in 1080i or 720p will they invest more to broadacast in 1080p. 1080p TVs will hit the main stream later this year... although I saw an 82" that used 1080p at Tweeter already.

IMO I like DLP. Great picture all. I like the Samung which I have. But the Mitsubishi looks incredible. My opinion is read up to get more knowledgible on all the different TVs and the different technology. And then go to Best Buy and Circuit City and Tweeter to look at the Tvs 1st hand. It's your eyes watching the TV.

Go to a site like Cnet.com. It had a TV buying guide explaining alot of it. Like how big you want depending on how far your seats are from the TV. It helpded me on my purchase

It's official, 24-1 will NOT be broadcasting the Super Bowl in full power from Awendaw. I spoke with someone there this morning.

The new target date is April or May 1st. So those of you that have been holding off on purchasing antenna rotators, amplifiers etc. can now decide if you want to go ahead and purchase them for the Superbowl or any other FOX programming that you want to see in HD before then.

I also confirmed that they will not be "boosting" the signal in any way, manner or form.

bigdog77: Their existing antenna is on the tower adjacent to the station as indicated on Antennaweb. FOX is not actually building an antenna but installing their equipment on a tower owned by WCBD in Awendaw.

Originally posted by KTrout
It's official, 24-1 will NOT be broadcasting the Super Bowl in full power from Awendaw. I spoke with someone there this morning.

The new target date is April or May 1st. So those of you that have been holding off on purchasing antenna rotators, amplifiers etc. can now decide if you want to go ahead and purchase them for the Superbowl or any other FOX programming that you want to see in HD before then.

I also confirmed that they will not be "boosting" the signal in any way, manner or form.

bigdog77: Their existing antenna is on the tower adjacent to the station as indicated on Antennaweb. FOX is not actually building an antenna but installing their equipment on a tower owned by WCBD in Awendaw.


Thank you Ktrout....

Question... It seems that WCBD has a tower in Awendaw... but it appears they broadcast their HD from the tower by their station... I am in Mt P and those are in 2 totally different directions. Are they going to move the HD antenna to Awendaw? If Fox piggy backs WCBD's antenna in Awendaw.. why can't they do it themself since it is thier tower. IT seems the would be the only one that's not broadcasting from there.

WCBD and FOX will both be moving at approximately the same time to Awendaw for their digital broadcasts. Yes WCBD has a tower out there now but they needed significant improvements / upgrades before they are ready for their digital/HD broadcasts. So both FOX and WCBD have been broadcasting weaker signals from their studios in the interim. WCBD is just significantly stronger currently than FOX so most people can get their signal without too much trouble, except that in MP it it is nearly the opposite direction from the Awendaw towers.

quote:
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Originally posted by KTrout
It's official, 24-1 will NOT be broadcasting the Super Bowl in full power from Awendaw. I spoke with someone there this morning.

The new target date is April or May 1st. So those of you that have been holding off on purchasing antenna rotators, amplifiers etc. can now decide if you want to go ahead and purchase them for the Superbowl or any other FOX programming that you want to see in HD before then
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------


I wonder if TWC can, at that time broadcast the HD signal from FOX or NBC.

Or is that not how it works?

Originally posted by shuttermaker
I wonder if TWC can, at that time broadcast the HD signal from FOX or NBC.

Or is that not how it works?

TWC requires two things to air the HD signal of a broadcast affiliate (1) an executed Digital Retransmission Consent contract and (2) an available HD signal.

We don't have number one yet, so this next part may be mute, but... the way I read the thread both NBC and FOX HD signals out or Charleston are very weak and thus hard for OTA to pick up. If the TWC Headend in Summerville is not able to pick up the signals until their move, then I guess your right, that date would be important, but, I'm just speculating here....

"TWC requires two things to air the HD signal of a broadcast affiliate (1) an executed Digital Retransmission Consent contract and (2) an available HD signal."

Again, here-in lies the problem. The parent companies of both WCBD and WTAT don't want to give their consent away for free and feel that they should get something in return for providing their digital signal to TWC, COMCAST, etc."

The parent companies of both own multiple stations and will continue to use all of them as leverage until an agreement can be hammered out. Which I don't feel is likely until enough pressure is put on them to do so.

Originally posted by DianaTWCSC
TWC requires two things to air the HD signal of a broadcast affiliate (1) an executed Digital Retransmission Consent contract and (2) an available HD signal.

We don't have number one yet, so this next part may be mute, but... the way I read the thread both NBC and FOX HD signals out or Charleston are very weak and thus hard for OTA to pick up. If the TWC Headend in Summerville is not able to pick up the signals until their move, then I guess your right, that date would be important, but, I'm just speculating here....


Diana,
This is interesting to me, is this how you do it for all stations, digital and analog, grab them OTA and then retransmit? I ask, because, IIRC, when PBSHD first went live, I thought I remembered Comcast retransmitting them via a fiber optic source, because they initially were not OTA. I didn't have Comcast at the time but I remember the discussion. I assumed that when possible that is how the cable companies did it, but I guess for a headend in Summerville, that would be a long cable run.
Thanks,

Andy

Some are over the air, some are fiber feeds - depends on the deal. Typically, this is a separate deal worked out between MSO and broadcaster, although it wouldn't surprise me if fiber feeds were part of some retransmission consent agreements.

Originally posted by AndrewG
I guess for a headend in Summerville, that would be a long cable run.
Thanks,

Andy

We have redundant fiber ring going all the way around the state Columbia - Summerville - Georgetown - MB - Florence - Sumter - Columbia. And connections to NC via Wilmington and Charlotte....

In comparison Charleston to Summerville's not so bad.

Originally posted by KTrout
"TWC requires two things to air the HD signal of a broadcast affiliate (1) an executed Digital Retransmission Consent contract and (2) an available HD signal."

Again, here-in lies the problem. The parent companies of both WCBD and WTAT don't want to give their consent away for free and feel that they should get something in return for providing their digital signal to TWC, COMCAST, etc."

The parent companies of both own multiple stations and will continue to use all of them as leverage until an agreement can be hammered out. Which I don't feel is likely until enough pressure is put on them to do so.

So am i to assume that an agreement is already in place between the parent company of WCSC and the cable providers, thus giving us the HD signal currently provided to us by TWC ? If this is the case, then a comperable deal should be easy to get done. OR Is there more greed involved by the parents of local FOX and WCBD?

Originally posted by shuttermaker
So am i to assume that an agreement is already in place between the parent company of WCSC and the cable providers, thus giving us the HD signal currently provided to us by TWC ?

Yes at least for TWC and WCSC and TWC and WCIV.

If this is the case, then a comperable deal should be easy to get done. OR Is there more greed involved by the parents of local FOX and WCBD? [/QUOTE]

No

I wouldn't call it greed, I would call it each company trying to establish the best possible deal for present and 'future' situation in the HD world. That's the tricky part, what some companies think they want to establish for the future, vs other companies which would rather want to wait and see how the technology evolves.

(does that make sense?)

Other than email, guess there isnt much of anything else someone can do to pressure or persuade them to get in gear.

Problem is , doesnt sound like they really respond to email. Maybe the Lowcountry HD Club as a whole will have a louder voice. Crosses fingers

I speculate that the reason these companies are holding out is because they want cable companies to carry as many channels as they may multi-cast. And as we all know multicasting has the POTENTIAL to ruin HD.

So, to me, the bottom line is these larger companies don't really care as much about providing this enhanced technology to the consumer.

Again, this is merely speculation.

Is there a problem with Fox HD (besides low signal) lately? I was able to get it a few weeks ago but moved my antenna to the roof to make sure I could watch 24. Since then both my Dish receiver and MythTV box cannot receive Fox HD channel 40. It sees a signal but cannot get a station id or major channel number and all I get is a black screen. I put my second Silver Sensor back on it in the living room and still cannot get it. I was just wondering if they are down or working on something?

- James

Originally posted by JeffD
I need to break out my Zenith HDV420 and my Silver Sensor and see if I can get Fox again . At one time I was pulling it in but since Comcast has offered their HD cable I haven't even bothered with it . If I can't get it to come in I guess I'll be at Precision Power's ( Mike ) house watching the Colts ( fingers crossed ) and Eagles in the Superbowl and of course the Eagles losing .

On another not I think the tour would be great for the new people as well as the ones like me who haven't been able to make it to the last 2 .

I have just recieved Voom last week and right now my antenna is pointed toward Awendaw. If I change the direction of the antenna, what are my chances of picking up Fox with this antenna? Anyone have an idea? Anyone with Voom in Mt P?

A few months ago I emailed Jim Zimmerman (President of Media General which owns WCBD). To my surprise he answered me (not a canned response but a 2 page formal letter in a Word doc). He, in no uncertain terms, said their position is that cable companies must carry everything they broadcast. No recompression of the HD feed and every sub channel they have, including all that they may add. So if they add 100 sub channels next year Comcast would have to add them too. I can see why Comcast wouldn't want to accept that deal. He of course goes on to say that this is all in the best interest of us... the consumer.

He offered me a free antenna but when I hit him up for the OTA tuner that would also be necessary, I got no response.

-brian

This is starting to sound like a deadlock between the cable companies and the network parents. It looks like my next TV set will be one with the ability to attach an OTA antenna, then wait for the awendaw tower to be completed.

Oh Fox! How we hates it! Alright, I just picked up a Channelmaster 4228 from WIE and set it up in the attic. Ended up with worse signal strength from ABC and NBC than I had with the po-dunk Rat Shack UHF/VHF antenna I was using. Decided to rig a small mast on the second story rear porch(approx. 14ft.) and pointed at 309 degrees towards UPN/FOX(got direction from Antennaweb.org). NBC, ABC, CBS, and PBS come in great, but still no UPN/FOX. The "Diagnostics"/signal meter reads 41%. Now, I'm on a mission. I'm ordering the Channelmaster 7775 from WIE tomorrow to see if that works. I'll keep everybody updated.

jamesarm:
I have had no unusal issues with Fox HD recently. The main issue with reception seems to be wind (which I still don't quite understand). But other than that it seems to be the same. My Sony Sat HD200 needs about 33% signal to get a solid picture and I get that about 80-85% of the time. Right now I have about a 50% signal.
And for reference, I have never had 100% signal on any channel. The best I ever get is about 95% ( I have a bar graph instead of numeric indication for signal strength).

Originally posted by LuvThatHDTV
My Sony Sat HD200 needs about 33% signal to get a solid picture and I get that about 80-85% of the time. Right now I have about a 50% signal.
And for reference, I have never had 100% signal on any channel. The best I ever get is about 95% ( I have a bar graph instead of numeric indication for signal strength).

I have a Zenith HD-Sat520 (same as the sony HD200) and I have the same results as you from Goose Creek. Your description of the signal meter is pretty much dead on with mine.

Originally posted by LuvThatHDTV
jamesarm:
I have had no unusal issues with Fox HD recently. The main issue with reception seems to be wind (which I still don't quite understand). But other than that it seems to be the same. My Sony Sat HD200 needs about 33% signal to get a solid picture and I get that about 80-85% of the time. Right now I have about a 50% signal.
And for reference, I have never had 100% signal on any channel. The best I ever get is about 95% ( I have a bar graph instead of numeric indication for signal strength).


I had the problems with FOX last week with strong signal and no picture. It seems that this was related to a mandate from the FCC as to how the PSIP data was included in the signal and some channels were not in compliance and had to change their set up. My OTA tuner is in my Toshiba 51HX93 set and prior to Christmas Fox was tuned at 24-1. The signal meter always showed 40 as the signal. Now I get it on 40-1 but it wasnt' until a did a factory reset of the tuner in the set that I was able to rescan. I would try that with your tuner, and then rescan, and then Fox should be on 40- 1 not remapped.

Regarding the wind and signal strength, I always assumed that the wind caused the trees to blow around and the leaves to interfere with signals. I noticed it during the World Series on FOX. I don't think it is a problem with the other stations because they have reasonable strength, but with Fox any thing can hurt.

Andy

Originally posted by weezer
He, in no uncertain terms, said their position is that cable companies must carry everything they broadcast. No recompression of the HD feed and every sub channel they have, including all that they may add. So if they add 100 sub channels next year Comcast would have to add them too. I can see why Comcast wouldn't want to accept that deal. He of course goes on to say that this is all in the best interest of us... the consumer.

He offered me a free antenna but when I hit him up for the OTA tuner that would also be necessary, I got no response.

-brian

Of course he said it was in the best interest of the consumer, they want to multicast shopping and special interest stations, so when you are watching ER on 2-1 you can flip over to 2-3 and purchase scrubs like you see on the show. Of course the best interest would be to get a good signal of a great picture through cable companies. Comcast already has a national policy of no compression, which is great for HD users, but if I was Comcast (or Knology, or TWC) I wouldn't sign an open ended must carry agreement. Of course now they will argue that the sub channels would only be used for news, weather, public service etc, but we know the truth. We already have seen what can happen with multicasting with PBS, although I think their HD is looking much better, maybe they have reallocated bandwidth.

Well it looks like Big Business has missed the Big Picture.

This is what I am seeing with my linux box, UPN looks ok but something is wrong with the fox packets. UPN has the correct station channel and identifier. With fox I get the default 40 and no identifier. Also there is a flag called 'disabled', it happens to be true or 1 on fox but not on any of the other channels I get. Here is the packet dump from a few channels:

channel = 35
# CHANNEL 35 ###### signal = 44
PAT found packets
entry { packets
majorchannelnumber = 36;
minorchannelnumber = 1;
stationchannel = 35;
stationidentifier = WMMP-1 ;
programnumber = 2;
disabled = 0;
};

# CHANNEL 40 ###### signal = 57
PAT found packets
Unable to recieve valid packets
did find pat
`ERROR vct item ptr null couldn't get channel info
entry {
majorchannelnumber = 40;
minorchannelnumber = 1;
stationchannel = 40;
stationidentifier = unknown;
programnumber = 2;
disabled = 1;
};

# CHANNEL 47 ###### signal = 84
PAT found packets
entry { packets
majorchannelnumber = 5;
minorchannelnumber = 2;
stationchannel = 47;
stationidentifier = WCSC SD;
programnumber = 4;
disabled = 0;
};
entry {
majorchannelnumber = 5;
minorchannelnumber = 1;
stationchannel = 47;
stationidentifier = WCSC HD;
programnumber = 3;
disabled = 0;
};

- James

Originally posted by AndrewG
I had the problems with FOX last week with strong signal and no picture. It seems that this was related to a mandate from the FCC as to how the PSIP data was included in the signal and some channels were not in compliance and had to change their set up. My OTA tuner is in my Toshiba 51HX93 set and prior to Christmas Fox was tuned at 24-1. The signal meter always showed 40 as the signal. Now I get it on 40-1 but it wasnt' until a did a factory reset of the tuner in the set that I was able to rescan. I would try that with your tuner, and then rescan, and then Fox should be on 40- 1 not remapped.

Regarding the wind and signal strength, I always assumed that the wind caused the trees to blow around and the leaves to interfere with signals. I noticed it during the World Series on FOX. I don't think it is a problem with the other stations because they have reasonable strength, but with Fox any thing can hurt.

Andy

Originally posted by shuttermaker
I like the DLP sets as well. This set from Sony is high on my list too

Sony 42" Grand WEGA™ HDTV (KDF-42WE655)

Shuttermaker,
The Sony WE655 series are really nice. Cable card slot, hdmi, integrated atsc tuner, and plenty of inputs. One thing that should be considered when purchasing any digital micro display device based television is how does it look with analog SD feeds from low rez sources. Most of the "Big Box" stores show these tv's with a high def loop or DVD. Ask them to see SD cable through the tv's tuner, which will allow you to evaluate how well the tv "scales" low rez signals up to the displays native resolution. For example, most HD DLP's are using the same HD2+ chip from Texas Instruments, but each manufacturer has their own propietary video circuits that can make a huge difference in picture quality. Also, the "Big Box" stores are generally a horrible place to evaluate a display. Most of the TVs are set to a factory display mode (picture/contrast set to BLOW TORCH), which makes it hard to evaluate what kind of detail can be coaxed from the set. Manufacturers have been doing this for years. They know that most TV's are displayed side by side and most buyers spend less than ten to fifteen minutes looking at the display before making a purchase decision. And according to their research, most people (wrongly) percieve the set with the brightest, "punchiest" picture as superior. Just like loudspeakers, if you play the same 2 minute cut of music once through five different pairs of speakers, most people will gravitate towards the pair that plays the loudest. As always, Caveat Emptor. BTW the sony's come out of the box really blue, but they do allow a high degree of "tweakability" in the regular user menu which allows them to be dialed in for a great picture from a variety of sources.

Cheers,
Hightechredneck

One solution would be to have Comcast totally revamp their inventory and provide their customers with settop boxes that would also decode OTA and have a tech come out and install an antenna, just as you SAT customers get. Then, Comcast could say, "Hey, we've provided our customers a way to receive all of your sub-channels, so now it is up to you to get YOUR signal to them.
The upside - Hopefully our bandwidth won't be compromised by all of the new sub-channels and everyone will be happy.
The downside - Someone will have to shoulder the costs. Can't see the bother for Comcast to go to such a distance.
The Impossible - DEFINITELY


Mind you now, this is just pure reaching here.

Is anyone with TWC having problems with thei HD box...i was channel surfing and mine just went blank. Tried calling customer service and its busy. the 866 # and local Summerville #

I turned it off....unplugged it...waited 10 minutes...plugged it back in...waited for the clock to appear...powered it on ...i only get program data....no signal from HD channels or regular channels.....my other box and 2 other TVs have reception.

Columbia market area is having the same issues. The problem was seen around 5pm. Diana says the problem is at the head end and that they are working on it. Both our SD and HD 8000s are affected here. If you have a regular NTSC TV in the house w/o a converter, the analog tier will work fine on it.

TY Bruce...yes the rest of the house is workin.

Hello all,

I have an RCA DTC210 with an OTA Radio Shack antenna(mounted in attic) connected. I get all the HD locals except FOX and UPN. My problem is with NBC 2.1 audio. I have a great picture but no sound at all. I'm hesitant to readjust my antenna because everything else is perfect. Any solutions/advice out there?

Thanks,
JJvike

I called an old friend that I used to work with at Fox. He is in the engineering department. I asked him if they had changed anything lately and told him what I was seeing with Fox HD (no call sign, not locking in to 24-1, only 40-1) and he said he would check with an engineer. When I got home I did another scan and Fox was picked up. I tried the same thing with MythTV on my linux box and was able to receive it now. I don't know if they did anything but Fox is working for me now (just poor signal strength).

- James

Originally posted by AndrewG
I had the problems with FOX last week with strong signal and no picture. It seems that this was related to a mandate from the FCC as to how the PSIP data was included in the signal and some channels were not in compliance and had to change their set up. My OTA tuner is in my Toshiba 51HX93 set and prior to Christmas Fox was tuned at 24-1. The signal meter always showed 40 as the signal. Now I get it on 40-1 but it wasnt' until a did a factory reset of the tuner in the set that I was able to rescan. I would try that with your tuner, and then rescan, and then Fox should be on 40- 1 not remapped.

Regarding the wind and signal strength, I always assumed that the wind caused the trees to blow around and the leaves to interfere with signals. I noticed it during the World Series on FOX. I don't think it is a problem with the other stations because they have reasonable strength, but with Fox any thing can hurt.

Andy

This is a known problem with the 210 and obtaining the Local Program Guide. I cannot provide any further details on the specifics of Why!

Unless someone knows/provides additional info there is "no fix" yet for this issue.

If you input your zip-code to download the local channel program guide info this is most likely your problem.

I have DTV and an RCA 210. When I input my zip-code to receive the local program guide information I lost audio on 2.1. This is a known "bug" and has happened to many.

To Fix: You need to deselect your zip-code to 00000 and "hard reset" your 210 by power down. When you reboot You will then need to do a rescan of local off-air channels. You should now have 2.1 normal audio and video.

Basically, you must give up the local channel guide info or have no audio on 2.1.

Good Luck!

HerbL

HerbL,

Thanks for the info. I'll probably wait to try that until NBC has something on worth the effort. When you did your reset, did you still get the local guide info for the stations provided by DTV, and just lose the HD OTA guide info or did you lose both?

JJvike

The Local OTA "only" Channels Data gets vaporized. You will just see "Regular Programming Schedule" displayed. The Sat. DTV Network Program Listings should remain intact.

As I recall, this all happens because there is some type of "out of date" "out of synch" proram schedule data sharing problem between DTV and local network. I am not entirely sure on this point.

There are other Posts in this Forum on this problem, I just don't recall where.

Good Luck!

HerbL

I decided to splurge and got the Hughes HR10-250 HD DVR yesterday. And today when Circuit City opens up it's going back. The HD OTA reception sucks. I only got CBS reliably with it and I usually can even get Fox with my SAT HD200 and my Mits Built-in.
This new one would only go up to 85 on CBS and that was only about a 20 degree alignment band. Anything outside the band had nothing. And the weird thing was that my strongest signals from all the stations ( FOX and UPN were no-shows) came from the same direction. None of which are where I usually have good signal strength. I even tried the old rabbit ears to make sure I didn't have too strong of a signal and I had the same luck with them...none!
Sorry to see it go back. The sat receiver seemed to be a little stronger than the Sony B.T.W.

Anyone else not have a HD signal through FOX right now? Pre game show isn't in HD and their pre game always has been before.

No HD here. I'm using OTA. I just got my new H10 receiver setup and when I got done the lady said something about PPV HD; almost like the game is only SD unless you pay for HD. I'd bet it's actually a Fox thing.

Looks like it's not a national thing. Most of the forums I checked have HD. SOme are also only SD. Probably a Sinclair thing or a local thing since we all know how much WTAT and Sinclair care about HD.

Definitely not PPV for HD over Fox, I am sure that it is just our locals having their typical stellar service. I am not optimistic for a clean Superbowl in HD. I would bet they are having some kind of splicer problem, potentially weather related. But it's not as if you can call and ask someone there.

I guess we can hope that they take extra precautions for the Superbowl next week but I would think they would make sure that this week was working well.

AndrewG:
I agree with you. You'd expect today to be a "dry-run", but I guess WTAT doesn't think that way.
I wonder if I can get a Directv HD waiver for Fox only since WTAT doesn't show any concern?

Hey All,
I live in Mt Pleasant, near new Wando HS, can someone give me headings for local DTV stations? Especially UPN and FOX. I know there is a web site somewhere that one inputs their zip and it will give headings for the stations?

Thanks,
John

Originally posted by lancer1991
Anyone else not have a HD signal through FOX right now? Pre game show isn't in HD and their pre game always has been before.

So I finally decided it was time to get the antenna on the roof to see if I can get FOX digital and I was able to get a nice reliable signal with a bit of extra work. I wanted to do this this week so I could check it out and be ready for a Super Bowl party.

Then what do I get? No HD on the game. Very disappointing. I sure hope they have the Super Bowl in HD. Is there any way we can check and make sure they will?

Originally posted by laseru2
Hey All,
I live in Mt Pleasant, near new Wando HS, can someone give me headings for local DTV stations? Especially UPN and FOX. I know there is a web site somewhere that one inputs their zip and it will give headings for the stations?

Thanks,
John

Check out this (http://www.markuyak.com/schdtv/schdtv.htm) site. There's a link at the top for antenna locations.



Looks like it's not a national thing. Most of the forums I checked have HD. Some are also only SD. Probably a Sinclair thing or a local thing since we all know how much WTAT and Sinclair care about HD.

Yeah, I finally did some searching and found a FOX playoff link and it looked like a lot of people complaining about the picture. Hard to tell if some where picky of the HD signal they were getting or just didn't realize they may not of had a HD signal.

Originally posted by LuvThatHDTV
I decided to splurge and got the Hughes HR10-250 HD DVR yesterday. And today when Circuit City opens up it's going back. The HD OTA reception sucks.

I have had that HD DVR for a while and I get great OTA reception. Basically it is the same as my Hughes HTL-HD (which I believe is known for good OTA) and definitely much better than the RCA DTC-100 it replaced. Maybe you got a bad unit or there is a problem with the hookup. I live in Mt P in Brickyard and now with a Silver Sensor on the roof the HD DVR can get every local channel (including FOX and UPN with a bit of tweaking!) well.

patyoung:
I believe it could have been a bad unit. It was an "open box buy". Since it was an OBB I didn't want tovreturn it and then have to pay full price, especially not after reading about a lot of people with reception issues on various forums.
It may be that they had a batch with bad receivers, but I didn't want to go through the hassle again when I read about many people with reception issues. I think I'll wait for the next HD DVR D* comes out with.
I live in Dunes West and have an outside antenna and get similar reception with the new H10 I bought and my built-in Mits and my Sat HD200. All of which are much, much better that the HD DVR.
I also get all the local HD channels but couldn't even get CBS reliably with the DVR.

laseru2:
Try this site also

http://www.antennaweb.org/aw/welcome.aspx

Originally posted by LuvThatHDTV
I wonder if I can get a Directv HD waiver for Fox only since WTAT doesn't show any concern?

I'd like to pursue that option also. There is talk about a blanket national waiver for Fox, but I'd like to see if it would really work here for Charleston. Let me know if you have any luck with Directv.

This may be old news but Saturday night I got home from a LONG night and turned on my tv. Low and behold Knology had added FOXHD to their lineup! I thought maybe it was the drinks so I got my girlfriend to verify it. We watched the Eagles/Falcons games in HD yesterday. It was WAY better but FOXHD has nothing on CBSHD. Again if this is old ignore it.

Thanks.

I believe that because of recently "passed" national legislation by Congress there will be no more Local Waivers granted.

It is my understanding that DTV will not/cannot issue waivers from beyond the date this legislation was passed/implemented. I believe the cutoff date for DTV issuing new waivers to customers was sometime in October. If one did not have their waivers in place or operational by this date DTV would no longer grant or activate them.

I do not know the name of the Bill or its specifics. Also there is some confusion/debate about those who were previously granted waivers and if they will continue to maintain their rights to keep them in place if "locals" were now available by SAT. Not sure on this also.

Maybe someone here knows additional, more detailed info on this and can share it. There are a number of Posts here in AVS threads addressing this issue.

HerbL

Originally posted by Precision Power
I'd like to pursue that option also. There is talk about a blanket national waiver for Fox, but I'd like to see if it would really work here for Charleston. Let me know if you have any luck with Directv.

I doubt you'll have any luck there. Check out the HDTV Programming Forum for more detail (there are a number of threads about DNS Waivers), but since the new law went into effect Waivers are basically non-existent anymore. I can't even come close to getting FOX down here in Beaufort and 28 in Hardeeville isn't broadcasting yet, so I called D* looking for a waiver. The HD Eligibility department was actually pretty helpful and tried a number of different things, but the bottom line is that WTAT has said a blanket NO to any and all waiver requests (I was pretty shocked that we're considered part of their signal area AND part of Fox 28 in Hardeeville).

The whole mess with this new law is getting a lot of dicussion in the other forum area and there's a big push for people to write their local congressmen about it. The basic theme that keeps coming up is that there is no "digiital white area" set up yet that shows where you can get digital OTA and where you can't. Since that's not available, D* and everyone else has to use the analog signal areas and that's not anywhere near the same. The new law got rid of the waiver process, but didn't put the same timeline on the creation of the new digital map, so consumers are basically screwed. And this was supposed to be "good for the consumer", your government at it's finest yet again......

On the positive side, there is a persistent rumor that D* is going to call the Super Bowl a "Special Event" and broadcast it anyway to all HD subscribers. Here's hoping that's true!

Originally posted by redb1rdz
On the positive side, there is a persistent rumor that D* is going to call the Super Bowl a "Special Event" and broadcast it anyway to all HD subscribers. Here's hoping that's true!

That would be great.

Thanks for updating me on the waivers.

Originally posted by remhuck
This may be old news but Saturday night I got home from a LONG night and turned on my tv. Low and behold Knology had added FOXHD to their lineup! I thought maybe it was the drinks so I got my girlfriend to verify it. We watched the Eagles/Falcons games in HD yesterday. It was WAY better but FOXHD has nothing on CBSHD. Again if this is old ignore it.

Thanks.

As far as I know this is not old news, this is very new news. I just told my friend with Knology and he checked the lineup on the web and it has been updated on Knology's web site as well. He has a DVR coming for the Superbowl, I am just crossing my fingers for a wind free day so my signal stays strong.

Get with it COMCAST, or there may be the big switch. If Knology can do it why not you? Funny thing though Knology still doesn't have ABC.

I remained quietly confident while others here, went on about Pittsburgh and their pretenders, but i have to say my boys looked pretty good yesterday. Good strong running game, tight run defense and confused the new kid enough with our "second string" secondary.

And of course they really looked good because they were on CBS, which looks better most days than FOX anyway, but of course, yesterday WTAT couldn't even send out the HD signal. It was definitely a local event, my brother in MA saw the NFC champ. in HD and all the highlights on ESPN were in HD. Keep your fingers crossed for them straightening things out for the SB.

Andy

Originally posted by AndrewG
I remained quietly confident while others here, went on about Pittsburgh and their pretenders, but i have to say my boys looked pretty good yesterday. Good strong running game, tight run defense and confused the new kid enough with our "second string" secondary.

And of course they really looked good because they were on CBS, which looks better most days than FOX anyway, but of course, yesterday WTAT couldn't even send out the HD signal. It was definitely a local event, my brother in MA saw the NFC champ. in HD and all the highlights on ESPN were in HD. Keep your fingers crossed for them straightening things out for the SB.

Andy

It must be great to be a N.E. fan this decade. I have been an Eagles Fan since I was 6 around the last time they made it this far. I am still in shock that the Eagles made it this far, and all I can hope for is they don't get blown out. If the Eagles can keep it close, win or loose I will be a proud Eagles fan. Although a win would be much better. I can't even express how much respect I have for the Patriots (coaches & players) they are the ultimate team, and should be the example for every other team on and OFF the field.

I'm going to Jacksonville the 5th and may stay down there during the game, so I might not even have to worry about WTAT and their lack of customer service.


Good luck to your team.

Diana,

Any new word on FOX HD? It appears that Knology does in fact list it in their HD lineup.

I was told that Fox had a problem with their HD and had corporate call in and change a bunch of settings / parameters in their system.

- James

Originally posted by AndrewG
I remained quietly confident while others here, went on about Pittsburgh and their pretenders, but i have to say my boys looked pretty good yesterday. Good strong running game, tight run defense and confused the new kid enough with our "second string" secondary.

And of course they really looked good because they were on CBS, which looks better most days than FOX anyway, but of course, yesterday WTAT couldn't even send out the HD signal. It was definitely a local event, my brother in MA saw the NFC champ. in HD and all the highlights on ESPN were in HD. Keep your fingers crossed for them straightening things out for the SB.

Andy

Originally posted by jamesarm
I was told that Fox had a problem with their HD and had corporate call in and change a bunch of settings / parameters in their system.

- James

You mean after the game? If so that is good news, so hopefully things will be all set for Feb 6.

Originally posted by shuttermaker
Diana,

Any new word on FOX HD? It appears that Knology does in fact list it in their HD lineup.

Unfortunately no.

I watched that new show Numbers last night on CBS and there little logo on the left showed HD and DD 5.1 logo, but no DD 5.1 on either OTA or Comcast. Weren't some people saying they were getting CSI Miami in DD a couple of weeks ago? Are they still testing things and our local station hasn't sorted it out yet?

Didn't want to put multiple questions in same post.

Okay, so I was in Syracuse for a couple of days last week and my parents have DVR through TW and I'm liking the idea. Couple of questions though.

How does the Comcast one compare to Tivo? I know the added cost of Comcast would be $5/month and Tivo you will have the price of the unit plus $13/month or $300 for lifetime. Do they both tape HD and show back HD?

No tape - that's so 20th century.

I just started playing with transferring shows recorded on the DVR to my computer....really neat. I havent tried to do the same with HD content

Lancer1991: To answer your question, COMCAST's DVR is capable of recording and playing back HD and 5.1. I've heard that TIVO's guide is a little more user friendly, but I have not ever had TIVO so I can't really comment on it.

That FOX HD on Knology is news. I might have to do some digging now.

I found this from Jan 18th

http://www.knology.com/news/index.details.cfm?pkey=274

Thanks for the correction GaryJ. I guess you get caught up with old terms that you don't even realize what you're typing.

Sounds like Comcast may be the best option as to cost. I thought I read someone saying that Comcast doesn't allow to tape 2 shows while watching a third though. Can you do this with Tivo? Does one guide show whether or not a show is new or a repeat?

Sorry about being OT, but figured since it can record HD, kinda fits.

I have had E* for almost a year, I have a Samsung 50" DLP TV, no cable available in my area. I have always had a problem with the program guide downloading almost every time I switch from OTA to satellite stations and display the guide, it doesn't matter if it has been 2 minutes since the last download. 2 Months ago they sent me a new receiver, same problem but now it usually takes 2-4 download attempts before it loads. The satellite signal strength is in the mid to upper 90s with a clear view to the satellite. Another problem I have at least twice a week is the receiver freezes, only displays the header, no video, no audio, unable to change channels. Then I have to reset the receiver...acquire the satellite....download EPG.... I am VERY VERY tired of this. My contract is up in less than a month and was ready to sign up with Voom, yeah, I know, no more Voom. Comcast has been stringing lines in the neighborhood but I don't think they even offer DTV in my area, 17 north near Wando HS.
I have called many times and the best they offered was to replace the receiver and it actually got worse. When I called to cancel service they suddenly took an interest in me and offered to send a tech out to check it out. These intermittent problems are hard to pin down and I can't see the guy spending a day there troubleshooting.
My question (finally) is if people in Charleston or Mt Pilot have had similar problems with Dish? Does anyone have Comcast in the Copahee area and if so what is the signal like?
Thanks and sorry for the long post.
John

Originally posted by lancer1991
Thanks for the correction GaryJ. I guess you get caught up with old terms that you don't even realize what you're typing.

Sounds like Comcast may be the best option as to cost. I thought I read someone saying that Comcast doesn't allow to tape 2 shows while watching a third though. Can you do this with Tivo? Does one guide show whether or not a show is new or a repeat?

Sorry about being OT, but figured since it can record HD, kinda fits.

I have had the Comcast DVR for sometime and I think I can give you some input. First, it has two tuners, so you can record two different shows at the same time. During those two recordings you could watch something you had previously recorded (playback, off the harddisk) but you cannot watch a third program being broadcast, that would be a third tuner. You cannot transfer HD recordings in HD to any other device. (I guess in theory you could capture the component out signal but non-compressed HD would be impossible to capture to any current recording media) There is Firewire out ports on the back but they are not active. You can output analog video and audio via composite or s-video which I have done numerous times, recording to a DVD recorder, and with a little effort you can output the equivalent of a anamorphic DVD signal from a HD recording. These recording look very good from the HD source.

Hope that helps.

Redbirdz I got waivers for ABC and Fox several yrs ago with E . They took ABC away when Sav was put up on sat last yr but still have FOX (from NY)
But this does not help with HD just SD feed from sat. Fox 28 is on air but very low power, I pick it up on and off.
Jim
laseru2 what model E rec do you have, I have the Dish 921 HD DVR and it works find but for the HD off air EPG sucks. It only list programs for ch that from sat. I can pick up from 4 DMAs

Jim,
It's the 811, guess I should have mentioned that.

Do you have diplexers ? they have been known to cause problems like you have.

Diplexers? Don't know what that is.

Originally posted by oljim
Redbirdz I got waivers for ABC and Fox several yrs ago with E . They took ABC away when Sav was put up on sat last yr but still have FOX (from NY)
But this does not help with HD just SD feed from sat. Fox 28 is on air but very low power, I pick it up on and off.


Jim,

Thanks, didn't know 28 was on, I'll see if I can get it from here. As far as the waiver thing, the problem is the new law. You're OK because you had it before the law went into effect, but anyone new is hosed. I'm getting all the locals SD from Savannah on D*, but the quality is just horrible (ABC22 has this red push that is disgusting). Oh well, I'm still hoping D* will come through and give us the big game. We'll see.....

Thanks

Barry

Here is a thread in the programming forum about Sinclair and its views toward cable coverage:

http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?s=&threadid=500356

I guess that Knology decided to pony up, and maybe because they are more local (they are only in the Southeast, and headquartered in GA) and smaller perhaps things go a little faster than the larger cable cos. So maybe Knology decided it was worth some money to separate themselves from Comcast. Or it could be that their analog agreement was up for renewal. And while we can understand that since HD/digital is a small part of their business (and from what I understand not included in ratings) Sinclair can stand strong now, but if the cable cos didn't carry their analog station, they would really be in trouble. I mean, how many people do you know that get all off their television OTA, my guess is less than 15%.

Nice find Andy. My speculation was wrong, but unfortunately, I don't think a resolution will be reached any time soon.

laseru2 looks like a splitter so they can run sat and ant on same RG-6. should have one outside and one where cable goes into sat rec..
Best to have one cable for sat and one for outside ant.
Jim

Jim,
I have an antenna on a rotor in the attic (soon to go on the roof) with a coax that connects to the rear of the receiver. The antennae are not combined.
It is really frustrating living in the boonies, no HS internet, no cable, no Voom, and continuous problems with E*.

Thanks for the info, maybe I'll see if they will make me an offer I can't refuse to upgrade to a HD-DVR to keep me with E*. (I'll not hold my breath)

John

John what type dish do you have 500 or superdish

Jim,
Not sure, I haven't looked at it since they put it on the roof a year ago. I don't think it is a super dish cause I asked about adding local programming through the satellite and they told me I'd need an upgraded dish.

you must have a dish 500, you would need a superdish to get locals from dish. If you want locals they will give you a superdish free,but I would not put it on your roof. Do you have trees in direction that dish is pointing now?

A little help please?

Can someone tell me the call letters of the Low Power Hispanic station in the Charleston Area.

Yes, I know I should know this, but I can't find my info anywhere...

I'm a bozo.

Jim,
Clear view to satellite, my house is on pilings, 14.5 feet above grade, two story house but huge tall oak trees to the N,W and E. I can pick up local DTV stations ABC CBS NBC ETVX3 (85% signal strength or better using the rotor) except UPN and FOX. I understand they (FOX UPN) are transmitting with quite low power. I would like to get the Super Bowl in HD but it doesn't sound too good for local FOX. That was why I planned to get my OTA antenna on the roof, to at least have a chance. To get a dish 500 for free they want me to sign a new 1 year agreement and add $5.00 to my monthly bill. With the problems I've been having I'm a little reluctant to do that. I'd like to get a HD-DVR but I keep coming back to the problems I've been having and the lack of customer service. Too bad VOOM is going away. :-(

Where is VOOM going away to ??
rick

If you have a cm4228 on top of 2 story house with rotor you should get FOX
No DVR was down side for Voom at least for me
Voom was sold to Dishnetwork last week

Is $550 the best price around for E* HD-DVR? I don't know what model antenna I have, it's from radio shack.

My 921 was $550
Is your ant uhf only or VHF/UHF you will have better luck with UHF only and much smaller.

VHF/UHF combined, I took a look at the CM4228. Are they sold locally or should I order one online?
Thanks,
John

Diana, I believe it's WJEA-LP - 12 Telefutura.

Took it from this database http://home.earthlink.net/~wb9nme/tvdb/states/sc.htm

I'll be the bozo if I'm wrong. Hard to find info on these stations.

LuvThatHDTV: I purhcased the hr10-250 to replace my hd300 sony and lost 2.1 and 4.1 without touching the OTA antenna ! The antenna is a 10 element yagi located in my attic. I googled the HR10-250 and stumbled on a thread regarding the reception issue. More than 1 owner replied that the DVR's input sensitivity is too high. I inserted a Rat Shack 20db variable attenuator and voila! I live in Brickyard near Pat Young and WCBD is 175 degrees away from the Awendaw towers. I use an A/B switch for a special high gain UHF antenna pointing towards 2.1 . The yagi is for all others. Both the hd200 and the hd300 sony tuners are better tuners. The hr10-250 tuner has a narrow useable band between the levels of insufficient signal to overload , whichs results in a warning of no signal found. I was ready to return the DVR until I tried this trick. My other complaint is that it doesn't have an analog tuner. I still also use the hd200 because my better half feels more comfortable using the remote with the "favorites" button. Picture quality looks similar - Hd gorgeous and SD fair to mediocre. Funny how quickly we get spoiled. The engineers at WCBD laughed when I referred the "crappy " analog signal. They lead me to believe that the conversion to Awendaw will occur about the same time as the new bridge opening- maybe May-June....
also... Thanks to Ktrout for spending the time to contribute to these threads .. I also have a rugrat and spare time seems to be in short supply.

laseru2, the 4228 can be ordered from Wholesale Industrial Electronics on E. Bay for $72.12 which includes shipping from their Columbia store. They don't keep them in stock so it has to be shipped. I got mine on the 18th and it works beautifully, but I still can't get Fox/UPN. I ordered a Channel Master 7775 UHF amp from them to try and pick up FOX that they had to order directly from Channel Master in NC. Still waiting for it, but I'll post results when it gets here.

John,

You may also want to also take a look at the CM 4221 UHF.

It is the "baby brother" to the 4228. The 4228 has better gain, however, you May not need it" The 4221 is also reported to have a little better omni performance/coverage than the 4228. The 4221 is smaller in size.

I have a 4221 mounted at my home in Coosaw Creek, N. Charleston area. I pull everything in locally at 90-100%. I have no pre-amp and am 20+ miles distance to the towers.

I purchased my 4221 also at Wholesale E. on. E. Bay St. It was $26.00. I was also looking at the 4228, but the 4221 is "golden" for me.

Good Luck!

HerbL

loadams -

Beautiful! Thanks!

someone from up your way can answer that.

If you want to get good range with OTA get it up high as you can and OUT of the attic.

John: One place that I know you can order a CM4228 from is Wholesale Industrial Electronics on East Bay Street - 722-2634

I don't know if they'll have one in stock, but they can normally get it from Columbia pretty quick.

As info for those looking for a CM 4228, you might also want to check out solidsignal.com; go to off-air TV supplies. They have the CM4228 for $48.99 + $10.99 for ground shipping. I have ordered two of them and have gotten both within 5 business days (pay more for UPs and you can get it sooner, I am sure). I also ordered the CM 7775 (another $48.99 plus shipping). I live on Seabrook Island and have been trying to get ready for Super Bowl. So, I ordered two of the CM4228 and added the pre-amp so I can get whatever signal WTAT-24 decides to send out when they wake up on 2-6-5. I stacked on the same mast and wired the two CM-4228 together by connecting the antenna lugs in parallel. It works very well and makes it possible for me to get the DX signal down here in the hinterlands. Now if CH24-1 will just send out a 720p sig, I will be fat for game day.

Rob Rhett:
Thanks for the input. The thought had crossed my mind that the signal was overloaded. I tried disconnecting the amplifier and even tried connecting a set of rabbit ears to get a weaker signal and neither worked for me. I had lent out my Silver Sensor so I didn't have it available to try ( thinking the rabbit ears were too weak) I didn't have an attenuator to try. And now I have a new box so I guess I'll wait until the price drops or a new box comes out. But thanks again. I would have loved to have kept it.

I have decided to give tuning HDTV over the air a shot. I live in Olde Park(Mt Pleasant) which is right next to Ion. What kind of equipment/devices work best in this part of town?

On another note, I have noticed that when I tune in an HD program via Comcast that my receiver frequently detects the audio as Dolby Digital in 2.0/0. I still get audio out of all 5 speakers and the sub which I believe would make it 3.0/2. Is this normal or do I have to change a setting after I tune the program to get full 5.1.

Thanks to all. This is a great forum.

Cheers!

You receiver is most certainly receiving the 2.0 signal, and like any stereo source is extracting center and surround information via ProLogic or Prologic II for newer receivers. That is actually a better situation for shows that are not actually 5.1. What do I mean, well, PBSHD and HBOHD actually have many in not all of their shows in real 5.1 (although there may be little surround information on your typical NOVA episode) and you receiver would use the information designated for each channel. But ABC always broadcasts its HD audio in 5.1 but few of there shows, (MNF is an exception) are recorded in 5.1 so you get typically just stereo audio locked in the front speakers. FOX also has a true 5.1 when they are sending their HD signal, noticable during football. If you mean you never get 5.1 on your receiver then you may have to adjust something. Check INHD they are usually (always??) in 5.1. But what you describe sounds like normal surround decoding of a two channel source.

Regarding FOX, I checked last night around 9:55 and whatever they were showing, was in HD. So hopefully this means they got whatever problem they had last weekend fixed for the SB. 9 days to keep the fingers crossed.

GO PATS!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Did anyone hear what the problem was at FOX? I remember during the World Series they had a problem with the splicer or something like that.


With Comcast's DVR, can you tape OTA HD channels or are you only limited to recording the channels provided by Comcast?

No OTA recording via the Comcast DVR

Don't believe anything Rob Rhett says! LOL (hey Rob, glad you found the best audio/video site available! see if you can guess who this is :-) I just recently upgraded to a plasma and HD and decided to see if an indoor antenna would get me anything before I drag my lazy butt up in the attic and fish cable through the wall. The Terk TV 5 stunk (no surprise). I picked up a low profile Jensen TV920 (made by recoton I believe) from rat shack and surprisingly I get 2, 4, 5, and 7 very well. I am on James Island, Harborview side close to the harbor. No Fox digital though, bummer.

Did I read here somewhere that they are in the process of moving their tower to Awendaw? If so, any estimated dates on the move. If I could add Fox HD to my existing locals I will probably just go with the indoor for now. Thanks.

John
(hey Rob, call me)

Did our local PBS switch from 49 to 7? I use to get it on 49, but for the past couple of days I've had no signal. After doing a channel search 7 was added with picture and 49 still locks, but no signal.

My PBS switched back to 7-1, 7-2, & 7-3. It was there a while ago, but has been at 49 until recently. My guide doesn't even list 49 anymore.

hey folks, just found this thread and had a few questions regarding FoxHd:

first, my setup includes a channel master (don't know which one) in the attic fed down to a hughes hd reciever (don't know which one).

i tried direct tv's local upgrade but was disappointed in the rca box that i had to use (even though it was free) and then i couldn't get the local channels in hd like i could from my channel master.

anywho, i can get all locals in hd from my attic EXCEPT Fox. someone told me that their tower is in the opposite direction of the others from where i am which is near the IOP Connector, in Mt. pleasant. is this true, and if so, does anyone know which direction to point my antenna for the game on sunday ?

one more problem i am having since the direct tv guys came and messed with my system, is that my local channels are now breaking up and losing the signal every few seconds unless i have a decent sized fan on the reciever to cool it off. i think it has something to do with the second satellite they installed outside my house but i can't be sure. they had some kind of voltage converter between the satelite cable and the rca box that got super hot. don't know if anyone knows anything about this or not, thought i would ask for advice here though.

thanks in advance.

4roger20

You can use this site http://www.markuyak.com/schdtv/schdtv.htm to check antenna .

I would check and make sure that the DirecTV guys didnt install any diplexers in your line feed. Those can cause quite a few reception problems.

thanks, i was just in the middle of a google search which , funny enough, pointed me back to this website!!!

as for the diplexers, i don't really know what they are just that they did install a second dish and then spliced the extra cables from that dish into the existing cable that comes into my house. i wanted the locals from direct tv for my other two non hd tv's but i don't use it in my media room, which is hd. so i deleted out their hd locals from my menu guide, and inserted the locals from my ota antenna.

4Rodger,
OlJim is the man for this question but I'll tell you what I have learned. I live a little further out than you do I am almost to Awendaw. I can pick up all the locals DTV signals EXCEPT FOX. I have a UHF/VHF antenna in my attic too but it's on a rotor. I have purchased a omni-directional antenna DB4 from antennasdirect.com. I plan to move my antenna to the roof to increase the odds that I can get FOX. I think they broadcast with very low power and their transmitter is West Ashley, therefore, we need as much help as we can get to be able to pick up the DTV signal. The following web page will give you compass headings and distances to transmitters from your home. Hope this helps or if I am misinforming you hope others set me straight.

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

John

Success! Just got the Channel Master 7775 UHF amp installed and am now receiving FOX well(about 75%). Again, my set-up is a Channel Master 4228 UHF antenna mounted onto the rear, second-story,SW-facing porch(approx. 14ft.) and the Channel Master 7775 UHF amplifier all connected to a Sony GWIV. I live b/w McCants and Center in Old Mt.P. Oddly, I am not getting UPN though. It's weird. I get fuzzy UPN on channels 31, 32, and 35. Comes in clearly on ch. 36. No HD and a scrambled signal on ch. 38. Like I said: weird. I think I'm going to move the antenna back up to the attic next weekend since wind has been disrupting the signal occasionally; maybe I can get UPN (although there's really nothin' I want to see on UPN.) I'll keep everybody posted.

Just curious if anyone here was using MythTV to record HDTV over-the-air. I have been using it for a while now and just changed from using pcHDTV.com HD-2000 and HD-3000 OTA HDTV cards to Air2PC DVB-ATSC cards. I also have a couple of Hauppauge PVR-250 for recording from Directv. MythTV has a lot of nice features which cable PVR's don't currently have (see mythtv.org).

I am now getting all 6 DT broadcast stations, but I use two antennas to get them. I am in N Chas, so luckily they are about 40degrees apart so I just use two RS U75 directional antennas. One pointed at Awandaw and one pointed downtown (FOX,UPN, and NBC line right up for me). Setup two lineups at labs.zap2it.com and I was set. Too bad we don't have WB OTA.

--
David

TWC broadcasts FOX HD in Albany, NY . Why is it not possible for other TWC markets not to have access to it ?

Maybe cause FOX 23 in Albny is a Clear Channel owned and not a Sinclair station.

Originally posted by shuttermaker
Maybe cause FOX 23 in Albny is a Clear Channel owned and not a Sinclair station.

Absolutely - entirely different ownership group in the negotiations

I feel like a kid waiting for Christmas morning...hoping...by some slim chance that....b4 the Superbowl you will announce that FOX HD will be on TWC....

Now I feel like the Grinch

Nah...its not in your hands. If anything SBG is the Grinch. But, Id like to say im willing to pay extra to have FOX HD. And thats a shame beause outside of football and Nascar...i have no other reason to watch FOX

Hey, the engineer at WCIV e-mailed me today and was wondering if I had noticed any changes to their audio. I haven't really been watching much TV so I couldn't really give him a good answer. Any comments from you guys would be appreciated, I will pass them on.

On another note, has anyone ever been de-subscribed to a thread before? Apparently it happened to me a couple of days ago. I thought it was odd that no one was chattering here..

I'm still working on getting a tour put together and haven't forgotten about it. Don't want it to interfere with any Final Four stuff. Hopefully I'll have it figured out soon.

Thanks for your help.
Mark

Watching a rerun of Lost. I have DD 5.1

Sounds great.

Hey shuttermaker.

Do you get FOX from where you are in S'ville? I'm thinking of getting OTA gear to get Fox and NBC.

Im on TWC, NO FOX HD ...lol

However, Im in the market for a new HD set. I think the next one i buy will have a built in tuner. Ive been thru the OTA process b4 when i lived on Johns Island. It wasnt that fun. Let me know how itturns out. I want FOX HD b4 the Daytona 500. Even if it means going OTA.

State of the Union address looks good on ABC HD and is in DD 5.1 but, seems more faint than it did on Lost.

WCSC is broadcasting SD.

Ktrout, I meant to post this earlier when the State of the Union was just beginning. I don't know if it's what the engineer at WCIV was talking about, but when the shouter(I really think that's his real title) came out to yell, "Ladies and Gentlemen, the President of the United States," the audio was not in sync. It was delayed compared to the video. The delay persisted right up through the gavel bringing the chamber to order. It synched correctly right before Bush began to speak. Don't know if the problem was directly from the source up in DC or local. Just wanted to tell 'ya what I saw. Anyone else hear that? BTW- I don't have my 5.1 system hooked up so this was regular audio.
Edit: Geez. He's not the "shouter."(<---slap to the forehead) He's the Sergeant-At-Arms. I guess I don't remember my 6th grade class on the Constitution and the government.

WCIV is switching their audio to DD2.0 on local stuff (news breaks, local commercials) then back to 5.1 when they go to the national feed. Ktrout, think u had a hand in that one.

And kudos to ABC finally, showing the inaug and address in HD, only one of the big 3.

A couple of posts back - I, too, have PBS back on 7.1, 7.2, 7.3 - has screwed me up on which way to surf with my remote but I like it better.

And start praying right now for a clear, calm Sunday evening. Walsh says in the 60's w/ partly cloudy skies - either that, or I will be chopping down every tree within a 50 block radius of my home.

I don't watch much WCIV but I did notice recently that they did get the 5.1 straightened out. Thanks Ktrout!

Also I have 7.1, 7.2, and 7.3 I love it. I hated having to tune to 49 because D* only showed " Regular Schedule" on the program guide for 49 but it showed correctly for 7. Now my auto-tune works correctly.

Does anyone have issues with WCBD audio right now during The Apprentice? My new D* H10 receiver has no audio at all right now, but my Mits built-in and Sony Sat HD200 both have audio. The H10 works fine on other channels, but not with 2.1.

Thank you Comcast.

!!!ATTENTION COMCAST HD CUSTOMERS!!!


Comcast is pleased to announce that we have reached an agreement with Sinclair Broadcasting that allows us to carry WTAT HD.


Our engineers are working with WTAT's as we speak to get the channel up and running as soon as possible.

WTATHD will be located on Comcast Channel 183.

Frank Thomas
Comcast Cable

That's great news! Thanks Comcast.

Dianna, is TW close to a deal?