Charleston, SC - HDTV [Text View] - Page 21

tc1

01-06-07, 08:08 AM

I'm trying to get OTA reception and have found I can get FOX 24, WMMP 36, and often PBS 7 with great clarity, but get very poor to almost no signal for channels 2,4, and 5. I'm using a Channel Master pre amplifier with a Terk HDTV outdoor antenna. It seems strange to get Fox and PBS while not getting the others clearly since I thought they were all coming from the same general location. I just wondered if anyone else had experienced this and what you did. Thanks, Wally

Are you tuning Analog rather then Digital, i.e., 4 vs 4-1? An "HDTV Ready" ant is just a UHF ant. What you describe is what you get when you recieve the analog channels over a UHF ant.

Eddie39

01-06-07, 10:22 AM

Would someone with Comcast tell me when Beaufort Comcast will go HD?

atp1313

01-06-07, 11:45 AM

Has anyone else noticed a "static" sound on CBSHD? I have had it from time to time over the last week or so. Very annoying tonight. Thanks for your input.
I have noticed this as well. I am reffering to an OTA recording of CSI (and something else I can't remember right now). Initially I thought it was just over-gain on my system as my wife is nearly deaf (and refuses to get her hearing checked) and needs the volume up loud enough to wake the dead. :p

lancer1991

01-06-07, 01:21 PM

Looks like we may have made some positive ground. Can someone with a QAM tuner and Comcast re-scan and see what channels you're getting? I'm able to get all but NBC right now. Two channels at 116 and 3 channels at 77 (or 75) can't remember.

cgking114

01-06-07, 03:23 PM

lancer1991

01-06-07, 07:19 PM

Getting all of them including NBC. Cool.

I wonder why I can't get NBC if you're getting it. I sent a message to Chris George who helped get the whole QAM thing resolved, but mentioned I couldn't get NBC while you were. Hopefully it is just some setting by the way it's being broadcast or something kind of like what StanDSRC mentioned awhile back.

atp1313

01-06-07, 08:48 PM

lancer1991

01-06-07, 09:56 PM

I have a Vizio 50" Plasma and it says in the tech specs "Integrated NTSC and ATSC tuner allows over-the-air analog and digital broadcasts with an external antenna or cable*". But it also says "*Clear QAM signal required for Digital Cable reception." I have never bothered to hook anything up direct from my antenna or cable since I have an HD DVR with D* that allows OTA recording.

Now the questions:
Does this mean that I do NOT need a Cable Card for viewing any and all retransmitted local HD signals carried by Comcast?
Do I need to call Comcast and let them know that I plan to receive their signal to get that signal?
If this signal is coming in from the wall and split to my Cable Modem, will this have any effect on either the TV or Internet reception?

Sounds like you have the right tuner, so just hook up your coax from Comcast, select Cable in your menu and then scan channels and you should be good to go. You don't need to contact Comcast as it is no different then hooking up an Anolog TV and getting your local channels, this is just the free digital version.

Sounds like you just have internet through Comcast if I'm reading your post right, so I'm not sure if you will have the channels, but doesn't hurt to try the steps above.

ElwayLite

01-06-07, 10:14 PM

Well, it's official. Mediacom was ordered to turn off their Sinclair stations because the two could not reach an agreement.

Now Comcast is in their crosshairs and the agreement expires on Feb 5th. If I can't watch 24 and Prison Break in HD, let alone at all I'm gonna be pissed. I cannot have an outdoor antenna(apartment) and the set top does not work.

Sinclair must be managed by a bunch of raving lunatics. What I can't get is that say FOX,ABC, etc.. wouldn't threaten Sinclair. It's bad business for a network to lose viewers because of some greedy bastards.

jcvader99

01-06-07, 10:30 PM

Greetings all... I haven't posted here in a while, but I have my second HDTV now and have a few questions.

My first HDTV is on a Comcast Digital/HD/DVR box, so no issues with that aside from horribly poor interface.

My NEW HDTV is just plugged directly into the cable outlet. It has both a digital and analog tuner so I am getting basic cable plus the major networks in digital/HD.

Initially I found that the following channel lineups were coming from Comcast through the standard cable outlet...

NBC 2 HD = 102.2
ABC 4 HD = 117.1
CBS 5 HD = 117.2
FOX 24 HD = 77.1
PBS HD = 77.2
PBS SD = 77.3

In the last week or so, some of these have changed. NBC moved to 232 temporarily and then back down to 102.2 and now is at 102.1. PBS and FOX have swapped places.

In addition to those things... some other weird channels show up at random on the tv (without doing a channel scan) although they don't have any actual content, or it just might be scrambled.

My original channel scan found 80+ analogs and 200+ digitals, but I had to go back and manually program the digitals since there are actually only the 6 or 7 channels referenced above.

For reference, my TV is the Best Buy Black Friday special... Westinghouse w3213: 32 inch flat panel LCD. I know its not a top of the line tv, but it looks "DANG" good so far. The color is great, and the picture quality is excellent as well. I should have bought 3 of them at the $500 price I paid.

Any input on the channels, comcast, or the TV is welcome and appreciated.

Thanks! -JCVader99

Gary J

01-06-07, 11:02 PM

Sinclair must be managed by a bunch of raving lunatics.
More like smart raving lunatics. They are going to get paid for their channels just like satellite and FIOS companies pay them for their channels.

atp1313

01-07-07, 09:21 AM

Sounds like you have the right tuner, so just hook up your coax from Comcast, select Cable in your menu and then scan channels and you should be good to go. You don't need to contact Comcast as it is no different then hooking up an Anolog TV and getting your local channels, this is just the free digital version.

Sounds like you just have internet through Comcast if I'm reading your post right, so I'm not sure if you will have the channels, but doesn't hurt to try the steps above.

Thanks...will try it this afternoon and post results. I actually do have TV and Internet with Comcast, but have never bothered with the TV signal because of antenna and D*. Having the TV actually drops the cost of Internet to the point that it is cheaper to have both than just Internet, so it is silly NOT to have both. ;)

RFrank

01-07-07, 10:43 AM

Hi everyone. I've had the Time Warner HD service for a few months now but have always been disappointed that they don't offer FOX HD, especially now due to the BCS Championship game being carried by FOX.

After doing a little research, I found out that I could buy an HDTV antenna and pick up many network HD feeds for free. So I stopped by WalMart (bad idea to begin with?) and bought a Philips indoor 46dB amplified antenna (MANT410). When I hooked the antenna up (to the ANT1 input), I couldn't pick up any HD channels and only some SD channels would come in but not clear at all. I played around with both the VHF and UHF gain and antenna orientations but couldn't get anything. I found some information on antennaweb stating that FOX is channel 24 and the tower was at a compass direction of 95 degrees. This still didn't help.

Could someone please help me figure out what I'm doing wrong? Did I buy the wrong antenna? Am I just not getting good enough reception? Am I correct on the channel and antenna orientation for FOX HD? I'm in North Charleston off Dorchester Road just north of Ashley Phosphate. Thanks in advance for any information.

Steve

Oh yeah, my TV is a Samsung HL-S5088W if that helps.

Steve, I live in Summerville (farther away from the broadcast sites), and am using a simple pair of rabbit ears with a UHF loop to pick up ALL digital OTA broadcasts...24-1 (UHF channel 40) comes in crystal clear. I suggest you keep it simple if you can. It takes a little bit to get set up, but I also have a Sammy and use the internal tuner to get all these channels. Make sure the built in amplifier is turned on (at least mine has one, and assume most if not all do if they have an internal tuner). I used to use a RS UHF antenna on my roof when everything was low power, and it worked pretty good ($23)...it is now collecting dust in my shed, as the $5 set top antenna is pulling the load.

mikeld999

01-07-07, 01:33 PM

A couple of questions (maybe our Comcast "rep" is online)...

1. Cable guide magazine shows a new HD channel 207 called Comcast Sports Net HD. Any word on when we will get it?

2. Also anyone know why NBA games listed on online guide for channel 206 aren't shown (just gray screen)? Some time ago, I went round and round with customer service people. They said you had to be subscribed to NBA package to get it. INHD and our previous Comcast rep said that wasn't true. I remember the Comcast rep saying it was coming.

Again, the first couple of minutes of the playoff game on CBS was SD. I just can't believe how unautomated these local stations are.

atp1313

01-07-07, 03:31 PM

ElwayLite

01-07-07, 04:00 PM

I too am getting it fine over Comcast and the SA8300hd. CBS has been macro blocking slightly today and the scratchy audio is still there.

atp1313

01-07-07, 04:54 PM

Nevermind...it appears it was an issue with this paperweight that D* is now using to replace the Tivo-based DVR. Rebooted nad the picture was back up. Yeah D*!!!

ComcastCG

01-08-07, 03:09 PM

Happy New Year!!!

I don't think I will ever take 2 weeks off in a row again. I am finally caught up. At least, I keep telling myself I am.

I just read the last 4 pages of posts. If I missed your questions, let me know.

1) HDs OTA - You should be able to Auto Tune your sets and pick up ABC, CBS, NBC, FOX and PBS. In what I have read I think everyone is able to do so.

2) New HD Channels - Versus/ Golf HD (Comcast Sports HD) is targeted to be up and running by the end of the month on Channel 207. As for other HD channels, I have been told to get ready for two or three more in late February to Early March. I have not received information as to which HD channels they would be.

3) The Tube has gone dark as of December 31, 2006.

4) Compressing HD Channels – We do not compress our HD channels. We transmit them as we receive them. In my own experience, I have noticed a difference between games. Some are not as clear as other games. A good bit of it has to do with the cameras and lighting used to record the games.

5) Beaufort HD – I have not seen any timelines for HD in the Beaufort area.

Again, please let me know if I have missed anything.

Chris

ElwayLite

01-08-07, 03:38 PM

Thanks for all the updates!

ElwayLite

01-09-07, 11:54 AM

Darthtom

01-09-07, 11:15 PM

atp1313

01-10-07, 12:17 AM

I called WCSC yesterday to "inform" them about the static problem. I was sent to a voice-mail where I left a message. Hearing the same problem last night and tonight makes me wonder if anyone listened to the message. I will have to look up the engineers number and call him directly I guess. Anyone else calling them?
Called the other day to ask them to "flip the switch" on the UConn/Tenn basketball game, and he was so effecient in responding to my request that I forgot to mention the static. :)

wally774

01-11-07, 04:31 PM

Is it just me or is anyone having no signal from the 5-1 OTA? I now have the Comcast cable running directly to my TV (channel 117.2) and the HD picture is coming in fine there, and it is coming in fine via D*'s local channel. Just a blank screen on the OTA through D* HD DVR. Confusing and frustrating, though not critical as I couldn't care less about the Patsy's or the Planes... ;) But I do like my HD, regardless of what it is, so "I want my HDTV"!!

I seem to have the same problem with 5-2. It's not a big deal since it's channel 5's doppler radar, but for some reason I get the message ' searching for singal on off air tuner' although my signal rating shows signal strength at nearly 100%. All the other locals come in fine through the ota antenna. (I'm using a LaCrosse Terrestrial Digital outdoor HD antenna through my Directv HD tuner) Judging by the signal stregnth meter I should also be able to get channel 35.1 from somewhere in GA, but get the same 'searching for signal' message as with local 5-2. Any idea why the signal meter should read near 100% but still get the 'searching for signal' message?

LuvThatHDTV

01-11-07, 07:41 PM

I seem to have the same problem with 5-2. It's not a big deal since it's channel 5's doppler radar, but for some reason I get the message ' searching for singal on off air tuner' although my signal rating shows signal strength at nearly 100%. All the other locals come in fine through the ota antenna. (I'm using a LaCrosse Terrestrial Digital outdoor HD antenna through my Directv HD tuner) Judging by the signal stregnth meter I should also be able to get channel 35.1 from somewhere in GA, but get the same 'searching for signal' message as with local 5-2. Any idea why the signal meter should read near 100% but still get the 'searching for signal' message?

Wally,

Usually when I've seen this it means there is an actual signal but either no video/audio data or unusable data in the stream. For a while I had to select 00000 as my zip code so that one of the local channels would work. If I told D* what my zip code was then (I think ABC) I had no audio. But if I told it 00000 and just let the receiver find the local channels the audio worked fine. But I had no guide when I had to do that. A firmware upgrade fixed that issue with the D* box. ( I seem to recall that the box was actually made by Samsung and many Sammy's had that issue)
Sounds like you may have something similar going on.

ElwayLite

01-12-07, 08:27 AM

I called WCSC yesterday to "inform" them about the static problem. I was sent to a voice-mail where I left a message. Hearing the same problem last night and tonight makes me wonder if anyone listened to the message. I will have to look up the engineers number and call him directly I guess. Anyone else calling them?

Let me know if you don't get anywhere and I'll call them too. Two's better than 1. I will not know if the statis still there until I watch CSI NY on the dvr tonight.

wally774

01-12-07, 09:58 AM

LuvThatHDTV

01-12-07, 12:06 PM

HDWow

01-12-07, 12:27 PM

Doppler Radar, Ch 811 on TW has been off in Surfside for at least a week, probably longer. I don't check it often, but if it is not working OTA or on cable, I would think it is a station problem. Maybe they will put some real programming on in place of the lame radar.

LuvThatHDTV

01-12-07, 01:15 PM

ComcastCG

01-12-07, 04:43 PM

Hey Chris/ComcastCG.

I just read an article on Tivo.com about CES2007. They announced the Tivo software for Comcast boxes was in the works as I had heard. Any idea on whether the 8300HD will get that software, I've read that only the Moto boxes will get it which is not cool.

Unfortunately, I have only received information regarding the motorola boxes. If I run across info. for the SA boxes, I will defintiely pass it along.

ElwayLite

01-12-07, 04:48 PM

Unfortunately, I have only received information regarding the motorola boxes. If I run across info. for the SA boxes, I will defintiely pass it along.

Thanks. I was told on another forum that 2008 is the year for Tivo and SA. So we might have to wait another year or so if that's true.

atp1313

01-12-07, 09:27 PM

Thanks for the info. I tried the '00000' workaround, but this particular unit, HR20-700S, won't take an invalid zip code. Apparently I'm not getting either audio or video, although I don't know if 5.2 even had any audio associated with it since it's doppler radar. The unit is sold under Directv's label so I'm not sure if it's a Samsung product. How can I determine if there's a softward upgrade out there somewhere that might fix it? Thanks again.

To force a download of the most recent software for the HR20-700, you will need to do the following:

*Open the ACCESS CARD cover on the bottom front-right of the unit
*Press the RED RESET button
*When the box power-cycles and says "Hello...", type in 02468 on your remote.

You may need to do the reset a coupleof times as the forced download is finicky as to when the buttons are pressed and how quickly they are pressed. Some people have said that the time to press is as soon as the first flashing blue lights appear on the box (screen format indicator lights) or when the ridiculously unnecessary "blue eye" starts spinning. I have found that a simple non-rushed speed of pressing the buttons works fine.

Good Luck!

And for more targeted searching on D* products/support/services,check our this link: http://www.satelliteguys.us/forumdisplay.php?f=11

atp1313

01-12-07, 09:30 PM

... The unit is sold under Directv's label so I'm not sure if it's a Samsung product. ...
These boxes (the "700" series) are manufactured in Mexico,and are not (to my knowledge) the product of any third party manufacturer (i.e. Samsung, Hughes, etc). The software was/is developed by a company called Pace, though I am unclear if they are a subsidery of another manufacturer. And for what it's worth, Pace is also responsible for the design of the menus/functionality of several cable STB/DVR's out there.

Hatfield

01-13-07, 04:37 PM

(12/29/06)Anyone having problems with sounds on CBS HD OTA. My Comcast CBS HD has had a static background noise issue for the last 2 days. Still apparent on the game right now and wondering if its WCIV or Comcast....
(1/5/07)Has anyone else noticed a "static" sound on CBSHD? I have had it from time to time over the last week or so. Very annoying tonight. Thanks for your input.
(1/5/07)Noticed last night on CSI, but only heard it on the center channel though. Tried DD and ProLogic and it was on both.
(1/5/07)I posted that I was having this problem last week but no one replied. I was hoping when cbs actually had some new programming that others might notice the issue. It's getting quite annoying.
(1/6/07)I have noticed this as well. I am reffering to an OTA recording of CSI (and something else I can't remember right now). Initially I thought it was just over-gain on my system as my wife is nearly deaf (and refuses to get her hearing checked) and needs the volume up loud enough to wake the dead. :p
(1/7/07)I too am getting it fine over Comcast and the SA8300hd. CBS has been macro blocking slightly today and the scratchy audio is still there.
(1/9/07)I called WCSC yesterday to "inform" them about the static problem. I was sent to a voice-mail where I left a message. Hearing the same problem last night and tonight makes me wonder if anyone listened to the message. I will have to look up the engineers number and call him directly I guess. Anyone else calling them?
(1/12/07)Let me know if you don't get anywhere and I'll call them too. Two's better than 1. I will not know if the statis still there until I watch CSI NY on the dvr tonight.

I'm getting the static right now during the Indy/Baltimore game so I just called the WCSC/CBS control room(I noticed,Elway, that you incorrectly specified WCIV for CBS when you meant WCSC) to let them know of the problem. I've been hearing it for quite a while too. The man I spoke to was not aware of the problem and said he'd check it out.

And the only reason I've quoted everybody is in case I call back and need to give them a timeline and list of complainants.

Could everyone check their WCSC/CBS signal during a high def broadcasts and see if it's a widespread problem or just the 5 of us? Thanks.

weezer

01-13-07, 05:34 PM

I just checked and I hear the static on CBS HD via Comcast.

Hatfield

01-13-07, 05:53 PM

I just called again to inform them of my accumulation of the above posts and the gentleman I spoke with seemed genuinely concerned. He's writing an email to the chief engineer right now.
I also explained that the static can mostly be heard over the center channel. Is everyone else in consensus that this is the trouble spot? And it only seems to happen when the announcers are talking. Any other views? The more info we can give, the more likely they'll be able to pinpoint the problem.

CORRECTION: I originally called and said that I heard static over the right channel as well as the center. That was my ears playing tricks on me. Sorry about that. It is mainly over the center channel while the announcers are talking, but also happens on both the right and left if the volume is turned up pretty high.
It's not happening during the commercials.

Weezer, thanks for posting up.

Darthtom

01-13-07, 06:35 PM

I just called them again myself. This sound problem has been going on for a week or two and I am sick of it. I let them know my frustration. I hope that everyone calls and complains! That way, they will know how important it is to us.

ElwayLite

01-13-07, 07:59 PM

I just got home and caught the last 5 minutes of the game and it had the lovely static issue.

usrsld

01-14-07, 03:57 PM

Anyone want to post the phone number to call WCSC about the audio static problem?

cbell2112

01-14-07, 04:26 PM

Yes I have static on the HD CBS channel. Am not using surround at the moment but it is coming through clearly on my TV speakers.

KurosawasGhost

01-14-07, 05:36 PM

i too have the static issue....this has gone on for over a week!!! Comcast acts like they have never heard of the problem!!!!!

Who the hell do we need to talk to to get this problem fixed, its really really annoying!

and yes i agree with you all that it is mostly a center channel issue.....

but some on how can the "powers that be" not know about this problem!!!!????

sorry, end of rant!

Eddie39

01-14-07, 06:29 PM

I'm down in Beaufort, watching the football game OTA channel 5.1. I'm not hearing any static down here. I didn't hear any last night either. Could it be your cable company? Elton Brown is the chief engineer at WCSC. Just call the station and ask to speak to him. If you have to leave a message, he is pretty good about returning his calls.

Gary J

01-14-07, 06:58 PM

No static here on WCSC TWC.

KurosawasGhost

01-14-07, 07:23 PM

well if its comcast then they are acting like they have no idea what the problem is....its like they think its my tv or something.....

is it just a local charleston comcast issue?

ElwayLite

01-14-07, 07:27 PM

I've been having the problem since before xmas. I don't even waste the call because all they do is say they can't see anything wrong and offer to send someone out.

My Headline News has had static for 2 mo's, same story.

Hatfield

01-14-07, 07:31 PM

Maybe those with and without the WCSC static problem could post their source(cable provider or OTA) and their audio setup(just TV's audio or going through a receiver). Again, the more info we provide, the easier it will be for them to pinpoint the problem.

I'm receiving WCSC/CBS over-the-air through my Dish Network satellite receiver. The audio is going through my Marantz audio receiver(set to Dolby Digital).
It's not just a Comcast issue then.

Anyone want to post the phone number to call WCSC about the audio static problem?
We don't need to repeatedly pester the control room with the same problem a bunch of times. If you want to call and complain, please call the main switchboard or comment line or write an email. I'm in personal contact with the control room and have told them to monitor the thread. They have this thread posted from their main HDTV section of the WCSC website (http://www.wcsc.com/about/hdtv) so they know and respect this forum so to speak. In the past, they've been wonderful at listening to and repairing the problems brought up in this thread. The last thing we need is to piss the control room off with a bombardment of calls about the same issue.

Let's not all start calling the control room please. They'll just change the number and make it harder for any of us to tell them problems. I've got control of this one and I promise I'll continue to pursue a resolution. Again, please do not call the control room and bother them. It will only make it harder to remedy future problems.

lancer1991

01-14-07, 08:11 PM

I'd like to give some credit to WTAT for be the first local station to put up a message saying they are having HD problems and it will be back up. They had this on Thurs. saying they'd have this fixed on Friday. It'd be nice if they all did this, so at least we knew it was a problem they were aware of and they weren't pestered by everyone that it is down.

As to the CBS audio issue, I'm hearing it via Comcast and in both DD and pro-logic through my Marantz receiver and it is primarily the center channel. As I type this I did not hear static during a Chevy Silverado commercial, but it is very present during the SD vs NE game. Actually not hearing during many of the commercials.

Eddie39

01-14-07, 08:23 PM

May I suggest those having the problem and can switch between antenna and their cable provider, try to see when you are having static. Then report it here for the ones also having the problem. I had a hum on Charter sometime ago on a Savannah station but not OTA. I also had a problem convincing Charter they had the problem.

ElwayLite

01-14-07, 10:11 PM

What I do not understand is why someone with Dish and myself with Comcast have the issue, but TWC does not. That really makes no sense.

ElwayLite

01-14-07, 10:23 PM

Is it just the types of camera's or do producers do things visually to shows.

For example, prison break is a little plain, but csi miami's color are very very loud. Is it just camera tricks and they way they want their show viewed? Just curious.

Darthtom

01-14-07, 10:40 PM

The static issue has been going on for me for over a week or two and I am on TWC. It is not on every program. For example, the local news seems to be fine but the network HD programing seems to be a problem. If I had to take and educated guess, I would say it is a problem with their receiver or retransmission items concerning the network programs. It is a WCSC issue and not a cable issue.

Hatfield

01-14-07, 10:48 PM

...It is a WCSC issue and not a cable issue.
Agreed. It is a WCSC HD issue. It is from the original source and not a retransmission problem through TWC or Comcast.
During the NFL games, the static could only be heard when the announcers were talking which leads me to believe that it is a mid/high frequency sound issue.

During commercials:
if the commercial is standard definition then there is no static, but if the commercial is in HD then the static shows up. So yes the static can be heard during commercials, but only during the HD commercials.

I hear it OTA through my sat receiver and at my buddy's house around the corner over Comcast(no receiver).

Hatfield

01-14-07, 11:30 PM

kjpjr

01-14-07, 11:46 PM

I am in Murrells Inlet, watched WCSC since about 4:30 football, not 60 minutes, but cold case and without a trace -- no static. Have not had the static problem at all since I have seen it in this thread. However with my HD setup I mute all the commercials on WCSC because they are so much louder than the show. Toshiba HDTV, SA8300HD DVR and Panasonic HTIB

Darthtom

01-15-07, 07:43 AM

Darthtom (NCHS) TWC - SA8300 - Home Theather

cgking114

01-15-07, 08:51 AM

Static on WCSC here also. Mt. P with Comacst

atp1313

01-15-07, 08:53 AM

Just to keep a running synopsis of who's having problems and who's not and where everyone's located:

STATIC:
1)atp1313=========OTA(Goose Creek)
2)Hatfield==========OTA(Mt.P)(Home Theater Receiver)
3)weezer==========OTA(Chas.)

4)ElwayLite========Comcast(Chas.)
5)lancer1991=======Comcast(James Island)(Home Theater Receiver)
6)KurosawasGhost===Comcast
7)cbell2112========Comcast(Mt.P)(TV speakers)
8)Friend of Hatfield's==Comcast(Mt.P)(TV speakers)

9)Darthtom=======TWC(N.Chuck)

10)usrsld=========?(Summerville)

NO STATIC:
1)Eddie39=======OTA(Beaufort)(Home Theater Receiver)

2)Gary J=========TWC(Pawleys Island)

3)kjpjr==========Either Comcast or TWC since you have the SA8300?(Murrells Inlet)(Home Theater Receiver)

First off, I am not an engineer, so this is specualtion. But by looking at this list, the areas closest to the transmitters (Chas. Metro) seem to be having the problem regardless of carrier. Those farther away don't recognize or experience the problem. To me this sounds like high gain on the center channel or mid/high range spectrum. What I would be curious to know from those outside the range of the problem (Pawley's, Beuafort, etc) is how would you describe the overall volume of the HD shows since this problem was first reported? Do your shows sound a little louder? Maybe our's (Chas Metro) are now TOO loud, and the range of this "improved" volume is maybe 50-60 miles.

And for what it's worth, I hear the problem via built-in ATSC tuner and via OTA. I do not have SD carriage via Comcast, so cannot comment. My audio is being sent through Pioneer VSX Receiver (DD5.1) when coming in via OTA (center channel problem only). Over ATSC, the sound is limited to TV speakers (noticeable "in stereo).

Not sure if this makes too much sense, but it might be helpful...

cbell2112

01-15-07, 09:21 AM

Eddie39

01-15-07, 10:31 AM

tc1

01-15-07, 10:44 AM

Volume is another issue that I have. The range in volume between different stations is incredible. ESPN is a perfect example, I have to ratchet up the volume when watching this channel vs. some of the other chanels about 50-75%.

How do we get that fixed?

Now there is a BIG problem for me! :mad: OTA only, sound through Yamaha reciever. Haven't noticed static. Newbies take note: Be very careful channel surfing! The max high and min low have been enough to trip the overload on my receiver! Don't be fooled because it was just very aggravating 10 minutes ago. The next time if you switch from a very low output channel on say a movie to another very high output channel running a commercial it can blow your eardrums and your receiver. :eek:

Edit: My hearing sucks in certain frequencies so that may be why I haven't noticed it.

Hatfield

01-15-07, 11:10 AM

Elton Brown is no longer the chief engineer at WCSC. :mad: He has moved to Kentucky to open up a campground.

I just called and left a detailed voicemail with the new chief engineer(didn't get a name) explaining the problem and I recited the link to this thread. I also left my contact number so I hope he calls back. If it doesn't get resolved shortly and I haven't recieved a reply, I'll keep calling in hopes the problem can be fixed before the Super Bowl.

If you havn't posted up whether you hear the static or not and what your specs are, please do so we can gather as many clues as possible. Thanks.

Eddie39

01-15-07, 11:30 AM

Sorry to hear that Elton left WCSC. He was a great engineer and would have worked to solve this problem.

CARRMAN

01-15-07, 04:56 PM

I just wanted to chime in here too, I am in Myrtle Beach and pick up WCSC OTA pretty well, I am having the static issue also and it is extremely annoying! They need to fix that before the Superbowl.

Eddie39

01-15-07, 05:13 PM

I will listen more closely over the next few days. I looking at WCSC local news and I don't hear any static. I'm using a Pioneer digital amp with fiberoptics connected to the input.

ElwayLite

01-15-07, 05:19 PM

I have Comcast in Goose Creek. Sound goes optically from my 8300HD DVR to a Sony HTIB. I have had the static since 12-27. Glad some more people have noticed it.

Hatfield

01-15-07, 05:26 PM

I will listen more closely over the next few days. I looking at WCSC local news and I don't hear any static. I'm using a Pioneer digital amp with fiberoptics connected to the input.
Eddie, the static is only heard when it's a high definition program. The news is not in HD hence no static.
Tonight from 8-11pm it's all in high definition from How I Met Your Mother(hilarious show BTW) through CSI:Miami.
If you could give those a shot and post up results, I'd appreciate it.

KurosawasGhost

01-15-07, 06:24 PM

I too live in mount pleasant if that helps....and i get the static whether i listen through the normal speakers or my sony receiver...it doesn't make a difference.

and yes, it varies from show to show....sports seems to be the worst though.....football is border line unwatcable unless i have the volume turned waaaaay down.

Eddie39

01-15-07, 06:28 PM

Eddie, the static is only heard when it's a high definition program. The news is not in HD hence no static.
Tonight from 8-11pm it's all in high definition from How I Met Your Mother(hilarious show BTW) through CSI:Miami.
If you could give those a shot and post up results, I'd appreciate it.

I understand that but I did listen to some of the Young and the Restless today which is in HD to see if I heard it and last night programs with no static.

Darthtom

01-15-07, 07:37 PM

First off, I am not an engineer, so this is specualtion. But by looking at this list, the areas closest to the transmitters (Chas. Metro) seem to be having the problem regardless of carrier. Those farther away don't recognize or experience the problem. To me this sounds like high gain on the center channel or mid/high range spectrum. What I would be curious to know from those outside the range of the problem (Pawley's, Beuafort, etc) is how would you describe the overall volume of the HD shows since this problem was first reported? Do your shows sound a little louder? Maybe our's (Chas Metro) are now TOO loud, and the range of this "improved" volume is maybe 50-60 miles.

And for what it's worth, I hear the problem via built-in ATSC tuner and via OTA. I do not have SD carriage via Comcast, so cannot comment. My audio is being sent through Pioneer VSX Receiver (DD5.1) when coming in via OTA (center channel problem only). Over ATSC, the sound is limited to TV speakers (noticeable "in stereo).

Not sure if this makes too much sense, but it might be helpful...

Your ideas are well thought out but would apply to analog not digital. With digital, the signal is the same no matter where you pick it up. You either get it or you don't. That is why there is no ghosting with digital.

Elton Brown is no longer the chief engineer at WCSC. He has moved to Kentucky to open up a campground.

I did not know that Elton left. That must be a fairly new thing. It hasn't been that long since we talked. Anyway, I hope this new guy is good. I may just stop by and meet him and see what is going on.

RFrank

01-15-07, 09:14 PM

Just to keep a running synopsis of who's having problems and who's not and where everyone's located:

STATIC:
1)atp1313=========OTA(Goose Creek)(TV Speakers and Home Theater)
2)Hatfield==========OTA(Mt.P)(Home Theater Receiver)
3)CARRMAN========OTA(Myrtle Beach)

4)weezer==========Comcast(Chas.)
5)ElwayLite========Comcast(Goose Creek)(Home Theater Receiver)
6)lancer1991=======Comcast(James Island)(Home Theater Receiver)
7)KurosawasGhost===Comcast
8)cbell2112========Comcast(Mt.P)(TV speakers)
9)Friend of Hatfield's==Comcast(Mt.P)(TV speakers)
10)cgking114=======Comcast(Mt. P)

11)Darthtom=======TWC(N.Chuck)(Home Theater)

12)usrsld=========?(Summerville)

NO STATIC:
1)Eddie39=======OTA(Beaufort)(Home Theater Receiver)

2)Gary J=========TWC(Pawleys Island)

3)kjpjr==========Either Comcast or TWC since you have the SA8300?(Murrells Inlet)(Home Theater Receiver)

4)tc1===========?(N. of Goose Creek)(Home Theater Receiver)

Static here...same as what everyone has been describing...I get it through cable and OTA. It is really annoying...for instance, I am watching 2 1/2 men and it is really strong...when the voices "peak." I hear it through the center channel during 5.1 programming, and left/center/right on other programs. I am in Summerville with TWC, pipe my sound through a Sony home theater system, and have had this problem for weeks. I am thinking this is a CBS network problem, as national commercials have the problem, but locals are crystal clear (noticeable difference when run back to back)...interesting note: national commercials have black bars on the sides, and local ones get gray bars...on my Sammy.

Eddie39

01-15-07, 09:34 PM

Very strange, I'm looking at two and a half men also OTA, not hearing any static at all.

Hatfield

01-16-07, 06:17 PM

Very strange, I'm looking at two and a half men also OTA, not hearing any static at all.
That is strange...but lucky I guess. :)

I didn't watch any CBS programming last night(Golden Globes), but my HTPC did record "How I Met Your Mother" and the static is even heard/recorded through my HDTV-tuners in the computer. :mad:

I thought we were headed towards a good theory that distance somehow eliminated the static since only Eddie39(Beaufort), Gary J(Pawleys Island), kjpjr(Murrells Inlet), and tc1(N. of Goose Creek) seemed to be static-free. But then CARRMAN in Myrtle Beach(which is farther away than all of the above locations) has posted that he hears the static too. :mad: Oh well.

I have not heard from WCSC. I'll call the control room tomorrow afternoon and make sure they're making an effort to resolve the issue. If I ask about it and get a "huh? :confused: " from whoever picks up, I'll make sure to go postal. :D

If you have not posted up whether you're experiencing the problem or not, please do. More info the better.

King Jumungus

01-16-07, 10:09 PM

shuttermaker

01-16-07, 10:29 PM

I heard the static during "NCIS" and "The Unit".

Knology in Summerville

kjpjr

01-16-07, 11:08 PM

watched same shows in Murrlells Inlet on TWC with no static. Glad to hear not everyone watched American I'm Dumb

Gary J

01-16-07, 11:31 PM

watched same shows in Murrlells Inlet on TWC with no static. Glad to hear not everyone watched American I'm DumbJust 40 million Einstein. BTW, learn how to spell your home town's name. :eek:

kjpjr

01-17-07, 12:11 AM

Congrats gary you just joined my killfile bye

atp1313

01-17-07, 02:28 AM

I am pretty much in the same boat as the rest of you guys; The static is unbearable during sports. I have an optical cord from my receiver to the cable box... When I hit mute on my Cable box remote, I only heard the crowd audio, no announcers, no static. When it went to commercial, I heard the music and the voice of the guy naming the sponsors, but no Greg Gumbel. I honestly have no clue how I did this, but it was nice to not have any static... I have no clue if this even helps anyone out.

It's my first post... go easy on me.

First of all,welcome to the forum.

Second,I read a post somewhere talking about how to "disable" Dick Vitale's voice during BBall games that sounds like this. If you have 5.1, you can disconnect the center channel (and the front channels as well,if necessary) and leave the sub and rear channels,and all you hear is the PA and crowd noise. I tried for a Duke game (Go Devils!) and it was WONDERFUL!!!!! Almost like being at Cameron Indoor....well,not quite, but it was nice to go through the whole game w/o Dikie V.

dougcooke

01-17-07, 05:36 AM

I live out in Bonneau (by the lakes) and was impressed with the reception I got with a roof antennae on my new TV. But lately I'm getting no signal for the weather doppler page (5-2) and the Tube 36-2). Can any one tell me if something has (or has not) changed with these stations?

I'm thinking maybe one of the windy days redirected my roof antennae, but before I go and miss with that, would love to hear some feedback. thanks

Darthtom

01-17-07, 07:52 AM

weezer

01-17-07, 11:16 AM

Many subchannels have been dropped as of January 1st since the FCC ruled that they had to meet the same requirements as the main channel as far as having 3 hours of educational programming and being able to broadcast emergency alerts. I guess it wasn't worth the money or effort to try to implement that.

Upside should be that the stations devote their full bandwidth to the HD feed.

usrsld

01-17-07, 12:05 PM

Just to update... I have the static only on WCSC HD programing, and have TWC in Summerville. Hope it's resolved before this weekend's NFL playoff game.

Hatfield

01-17-07, 02:35 PM

Just called again and was transferred to an engineer. He said they are aware of the static problem and that it's a problem with the transmitter and they are waiting for the part to fix it.

I also passed along that some people farther away are not hearing the static and he said he had heard the exact same thing and was as dumbfounded as we are.

I again gave them a link to this forum(I actually just told him to get here from the WCSC HDTV page) and told him that we were documenting the issue. A good list of clues so to speak.

Mr. WCSC engineer, if you're reading this, please join up. We'd love to have you onboard the forum. You'd bring a wealth of knowledge to the table. :) And I'd think WCSC would benefit with some "consumer feedback" such as the last 2 pages of this thread.

KurosawasGhost

01-18-07, 01:39 AM

Thank you diligent community members for going about this the right way and (hopefully) getting the issue resolved....you get a lot farther by being polite than by just spamming complaints! Good job gurus! Hopefully its fixed by Super Bowl time....but at least they are aware of the problem...

usrsld

01-18-07, 12:27 PM

Well done Hatfield!!!!!! Hope the WCSC audio problem is soon resolved.

atp1313

01-18-07, 03:28 PM

Was there any indication as to how long WCSC would have to wait before the part was shipped/installed?

I am sure that someone will post when the fix is in place (or is noticed)...I do not watch a whole lot of CBS HD (Football/Basketball/CSI/2.5 Men), so if it isn't fixed by tonight, I won't see (hear) it until Sunday/Monday. But I would love to hear back on this forum if progress is made so I can make sure to record the game this weekend.

atp1313

01-19-07, 10:09 AM

Watched CSI last night and the static was still there, though not as bad...or was not as obvious to me since it wasn't sports? Is it equally bad for everyone on all HD programming,or does it flucuate depending on the show/programming?

kjpjr

01-19-07, 10:36 AM

Watched the same CSI last night on TW in Murrells Inlet and had no static. Weird problem. The only problem we have is the commercial breaks during CSI or any CBS show we watch are so loud we have to mute the channel so we really never hear any of the commercials.

I use a SA8300HD DVR and my Toshibia TV speakers are off and all sound goes through my Panasonic HTIB

KurosawasGhost

01-19-07, 12:07 PM

just a change of topic....out of curiosity:
Do any of you have wierd problems watching jeaopardy on nbc HD? For whatever reason NBC seems to almost "scramble" for periods up to 2 seconds during jeopardy....it does it during other shows as well, butto me its most noticable during jeopardy.....thats the only channel that gives me problems.....

Andy Steele

01-19-07, 12:13 PM

I'm looking at installing a CM 4221 or 4228 in my attic. I have a couple of questions.

Does anyone know if the local TV stations are going to continue to broadcast in UHF after the analog signals are stopped in 2009? I've heard of some TV stations in other areas that are going to switch back to VHF in 2009. Of course this will impact whether I buy a UHF or VHF/UHF combo antenna.

Is anyone using a CM 4221 or 4228 mounted in their attic in the West Ashley area? Which one and is it working okay? My first thought in to go ahead and get the 4228 since I'm going to lose signal strength by mounting it in the attic.

Any advice anyone can give will be appreciated.

shuttermaker

01-19-07, 12:17 PM

weezer

01-19-07, 04:35 PM

I think the problem has been around long before they shared bandwidth with CW.

I would describe it as audio drops out for one second followed by macroblocking for a second and then returns to normal. Last night I noticed it about 3 times between 8:00 and 10:00pm.

lancer1991

01-19-07, 07:39 PM

Has anyone noticed that today's TV guide in the paper isn't showing the football game on FOX Sunday? Showing some paid programming. I hope they are not pulling what CBS does and broadcast their telethon on Sunday's coverage of golf. I hope it is just a typo, as I had to browse through the sports section to make sure it was suppose to be on FOX at 3:00.

just a change of topic....out of curiosity:
Do any of you have wierd problems watching jeaopardy on nbc HD? For whatever reason NBC seems to almost "scramble" for periods up to 2 seconds during jeopardy....it does it during other shows as well, butto me its most noticable during jeopardy.....thats the only channel that gives me problems.....

As someone else has stated, this has been an ongoing problem. For those with TW it doesn't seem to be an issue, but those who get NBC OTA and Comcast suffer this issue. It appears that OTA has a signal loss were you get the digital artifacts, but if you watch it on Comcast that translates to an audio drop. It was noted by Diana when she was at TW that they get their signal as a head end (?) or direct feed where she thought Comcast was picking up the signal OTA or via another route and that may be the difference of why they don't get an audio drop.

I believe Sam at WCBD said he hasn't heard the audio drop while watching it on the TV at the office. I'm curious if anyone in Mt. Pleasant or closer to the tower could chime in whether or not their OTA suffers that signal loss. This may further explain if it has something to do the distance from the tower and if so, if Comcast picks up their signal via an antenna and they are a distance away from the tower, then they would be broadcasting that same signal loss.

RFrank

01-20-07, 09:36 AM

I just noticed a new channel on TWC...820...wow, finally, FOX HD!! :D

shuttermaker

01-20-07, 11:37 AM

I just noticed a new channel on TWC...820...wow, finally, FOX HD!! :D

Sinclair and TWC just signed a new carriage deal late yesterday. I didnt think that it would include our local FOX affiliate though...excellent. I may switch back to TWC.

KurosawasGhost

01-20-07, 01:43 PM

anyone know if comcast in charleston will ever get national geographic HD?

im also wondering if we will ever get the food network or A&E.....i know we are supposed to get Golf/VS soon....hopefully we keep getting more and more channels in HD

King Jumungus

01-20-07, 06:10 PM

LuvThatHDTV

01-20-07, 09:40 PM

atp1313

01-21-07, 12:35 AM

Darthtom

01-21-07, 12:47 AM

Hatfield

01-21-07, 01:02 AM

As long as we are picking on NBC, tonight's SNL is almost unwatchable (and no,I am not talking about the cast, writing, or guest host :) ). On my TV there is a horrible red/green shift throughout all parts (HD and SD, program and commercials). Good thing they aren't doing anymore football this season. ;)

Oh,and it only appears on NBC. Other HD feeds are fine. So I am pretty sure it is not the TV.
It's NBC and not your TV. Same thing here. I was even commenting that digital signals are not supposed to have ghosts. I guess they found a way to prove that wrong. Rest assured that your TV is fine. NBC is at it again.
Leave it to me to call up the control room. :p
I called up the WCBD/NBC "master control"(as they so eloquently put it) and informed them of the "red ghost" effect I was seeing during tonight's SNL on my television as well. I told her that there was a "red shadow" just to the right of the main image. The girl admitted she was not an engineer and said she didn't see the problem from her end. But she would "make a note if it." :rolleyes:
SNL is pretty much unwatchable anyway. :p The show sucks now. But tongiht's "red-ghost-to-the-right-of-the-real-image" glitch only added to the aggravation. :mad:
Oh well. A really bad SNL show was only made worse through local intervention. :rolleyes: I informed them of the problem and let's hope it doesn't spread.

Eddie39

01-21-07, 08:31 AM

WCBD is off the air this morning so maybe they are repairing the problem.

shuttermaker

01-21-07, 08:58 AM

Looked like a color convergence issue on the digital feed. The SD broadcast was horrible as well

Darthtom

01-21-07, 10:20 PM

Well, just glanced at Crossing Jordan and the red ghosting is still there. Man it is bad. So, lets review, the audio on WCSC is still screwed up making it very annoying to watch the game right now and WCBD has bad video making it very annoying to watch it. So, is there something in the air in Charleston? Both are on different towers so that can't be a factor. So, what's up? Come on guys, lets get it together!

long4928

01-22-07, 10:13 AM

KurosawasGhost

01-22-07, 01:52 PM

yeah i just noticed NBC is all messed up now....i was getting a red line down the left side of my screen (HD 232 comcast in mount pleasant)....

WTF???????????

cgking114

01-22-07, 02:15 PM

I have a Samsung HLS5087w. I have Time Warner in Summerville. Basic cable. "grainy picture" I am going to get a box to pick up the HD stuff, but what I was wondering was, will the non hd channels (2-77) look better with a DVR than they do without? And do you folks use HDMI cables for your DVR or just standard cables?

Thanks
To be honest, with my TV the non HD channels look better without the box, but you can only get the premium HD channels with a box. What I would do is to get a splitter and run one coax to your TV and then the other to your box. That way when you want to watch regular cable you can go your cable input and watch them. When you want to watch the digital channels you go to the box input. The regular channels will look grainy with an HDTV unfortunately. There is no way around that. Trust me though, you will LOVE the DVR. I would use HDMI because it carries both your audio and video. If you don't want to spend the extra money to buy one, the component cables that TW will give you are almost just as good and your non HD channels should look a little better than with HDMI. If you think you will watch mostly non HD, the component might be your best bet.

Eddie39

01-22-07, 05:33 PM

yeah i just noticed NBC is all messed up now....i was getting a red line down the left side of my screen (HD 232 comcast in mount pleasant)....

WTF???????????

Are you getting the red line during the news? I'm receiving WCBD OTA with no red line.

KurosawasGhost

01-22-07, 08:34 PM

Are you getting the red line during the news? I'm receiving WCBD OTA with no red line.

well it seemed fixed during the news and jeaopardy...hopefully the problem is gone

Hatfield

01-22-07, 08:52 PM

Was watching How I Met Your Mother this evening on WCSC and had just commented to the Mrs about how I hate the static(and something to the effect of going super nova if it's not fixed by the Super Bowl) when all of sudden the sound cut out completely. Came back on. Cut off again. Went to std definition with sound and the static disappeared. Back to HD and he static reemerged. Then the sound cut out again. Now they've kept it on std. def for quite a while with of course no static. I think they're workin' on the problem, boys and gils. :D
Let's cross our fingers.

And it's now 9:07 pm and I just started watching 2.5 Men. It's in HD and I DON'T HEAR THE STATIC. I don't wanna get everyone too excited, but I think it's fixed. I'll continue to update through New Christine.

And on another note, I just flpped over to WCBD to check Heroes and I don't see the "red-shadow" glitch. We may be on a roll.

Hatfield

01-22-07, 09:37 PM

No static during the WCSC OTA HD feed of New Adventures of Old Christine either. :D :D :D
I think we're golden, fellas. I guess we should check tomorrow night to make sure. I know I've had wicked static during NCIS in the past couple weeks so tomorrow night at 8pm before the State of the Union will be a true test.

KurosawasGhost

01-22-07, 09:41 PM

Hatfield

01-22-07, 10:00 PM

Darthtom

01-22-07, 11:14 PM

FOXHS ON TWC!!!!! OMG I just found FoxHD on TWC 820! When did this happen? I hope that I did not miss the game in HD yesterday when I did not need to. I do notice that the signals I am seeing (King of the Hill and Seinfeld) are SD programming stretched. For those who have been receiving FoxHD for a while, is this normal? Does their actual HD feeds look good?

While I am excited and relieved to FINALLY have FoxHD on TWC, you would know that it shows up AFTER the last football game of the year for that channel. :/ Typical. Not that I am complaining or anything. Truly, I am just happy to finally have it.

On a different note, I DVR'ed heroes tonight and I am playing it now. NO red ghost! Yea!!!! I did notice the sound going in and out on CBS tonight, maybe they finally are getting the problem checked out. You would think they would work on it during the night and not prime-time though. My guess, they are having national feed issues... local programming or syndicated programming does not seem to be affected.

THANKS TWC for FINALLY giving us FoxHD!

:)

atp1313

01-23-07, 01:27 AM

wow i just saw that direct tv will offer over 100 channels of HD by the end of 2007.

Any hope at all of cable companies even coming close to competing with that?

i know its tough with bandwidth, etc....bit hopefully we could get a FEW more HD channels?

I'd go with a dish but the neighborhood i live in does not allow them......
A couple of points:
1. That 150 channel statement does refer to capacity, and not certainty of delivery of that number of channels.
2. While 150 HD feeds might be shooting for the stars, more networks are waiting in the wings for there to be a carrier of their HD signals. And a LOT of those HD channels will be made up of RSN's. But there are quite a few HD channels out there waiting for delivery: National Geo, A&E, Bravo, Food Network, CNN, TBS, etc, etc...
3. As to your comment about not be able to install a dish (regardless of provider), the FCC hasmandated that no HOA can restrict the delivery and reception of any terrestial or non-terrestial television or radio signal. You have EVERY RIGHT to install D*, E* or an exterior antenna anywhere on or in your house or yard. Granted, you may piss off your neighbors, but according to the law, they have nothing to stand on. GO FOR IT!! :D

shuttermaker

01-23-07, 09:09 AM

b4z

01-23-07, 09:40 AM

Just saw a blank channel on Comcast 207 come upthis morning.
Anybody know what GVHD means?

Has the static on the cc been fixed?
Drove me crazy on last Sunday's game.

weezer

01-23-07, 12:06 PM

GVHD is probably Golf/Versus Channel which is supposed to launch this month. I also noticed that the Braves HD channel (a waste of bandwidth 99.9% of the time) has been removed.

KurosawasGhost

01-23-07, 01:12 PM

A couple of points:
1. That 150 channel statement does refer to capacity, and not certainty of delivery of that number of channels.
2. While 150 HD feeds might be shooting for the stars, more networks are waiting in the wings for there to be a carrier of their HD signals. And a LOT of those HD channels will be made up of RSN's. But there are quite a few HD channels out there waiting for delivery: National Geo, A&E, Bravo, Food Network, CNN, TBS, etc, etc...
3. As to your comment about not be able to install a dish (regardless of provider), the FCC hasmandated that no HOA can restrict the delivery and reception of any terrestial or non-terrestial television or radio signal. You have EVERY RIGHT to install D*, E* or an exterior antenna anywhere on or in your house or yard. Granted, you may piss off your neighbors, but according to the law, they have nothing to stand on. GO FOR IT!! :D

Thanks for the info!

kjpjr

01-23-07, 01:16 PM

As to your comment about not be able to install a dish (regardless of provider), the FCC hasmandated that no HOA can restrict the delivery and reception of any terrestial or non-terrestial television or radio signal. You have EVERY RIGHT to install D*, E* or an exterior antenna anywhere on or in your house or yard. Granted, you may piss off your neighbors, but according to the law, they have nothing to stand on.[QUOTE]

As one who lives in a condo, serves on our HOA Board, and would like to have a dish, the above is not totally correct. We have been round and round on this issue in our condo/HOA. The FCC rules refer to exclusive use areas for a dish. Many condo owners do not have exclusive use areas to put up a dish. Our condo does not. Examples of exclusive use refer to an area that only I own -- not common areas owed by the "HOA". That would be like a porch or deck -- I can put a dish on a porch or deck but not on the outside or roof of our building since it is considered a common area. Our "backyard" is a common area not just mine -- therefore the HOA rules on no dishes are legal. We do not have a porch/deck so I have no outside area to put a dish that is exclusive. I could put a dish on top of my heat pump -- exclusive use but can't drill a hole to get the wire inside -- common area -- and the wire would pass over a common area. So when the MLB package and the NHL package move to Directv next year I will not be able to get them any more!

links with more information

http://condolawyers.com/articles/fcc.htm

http://www.fcc.gov/mb/facts/otard.html

http://www.fcc.gov/cgb/consumerfacts/consumerdish.html

kjpjr

01-23-07, 01:51 PM

Hatfield

01-23-07, 08:02 PM

No static on tonight's NCIS either!!! :D :D :D
I think the static issue on WCSC is fixed!!! Way to go WCSC!!! :D :D :D

Darthtom

01-23-07, 09:19 PM

So, we can recap this week so far..... NBC corrected their Ghosting, CBS corrected their Static and TWC/Sinclair allowed FoxHD to show up on TWC. A good start to the week for the Charleston HD area! :)

KurosawasGhost

01-24-07, 01:23 AM

yeah although im almost "battle scarred" now....i half expect the static to be there when i turn it on.....and then....nothing! :-) im glad they got it fixed! (knock on wood)

AndrewG

01-24-07, 10:41 AM

In reference to my remarks about the MLB and NHL packages leaving cable:

http://thepastime.net/2007/01/21/mlbei-is-only-on-directv/

My understanding is that NHL will follow MLB to Directv as it is the same provider (In Demand)

I heard about this move this morning on the radio. I thought that there was some issue with the NFL having an exclusive contract with D* for Sunday Ticket, that it possibly violated the "gentlemen's agreement" regarding their trust exemption status. If MLB does the same thing they might be inviting an investigation from Congress.

But it certainly sounds like a done deal. If it is and MLB EI and NFL ST are both only on D* then that will certainly change a lot of people's choice of carrier.

When D* gets their new satellites up and has their new expanded bandwidth, and hopefully both more channels and better picture, I will probably change. I can always get locals OTA very well with a Silver sensor or attic antenna. Local Comcast is lately very slow to adopt new channels. Where are A&E and Natl Geo HD that are other Comcast systems.

atp1313

01-25-07, 02:48 AM

As one who lives in a condo, serves on our HOA Board, and would like to have a dish, the above is not totally correct. We have been round and round on this issue in our condo/HOA. The FCC rules refer to exclusive use areas for a dish. Many condo owners do not have exclusive use areas to put up a dish. Our condo does not. Examples of exclusive use refer to an area that only I own -- not common areas owed by the "HOA". That would be like a porch or deck -- I can put a dish on a porch or deck but not on the outside or roof of our building since it is considered a common area. Our "backyard" is a common area not just mine -- therefore the HOA rules on no dishes are legal. We do not have a porch/deck so I have no outside area to put a dish that is exclusive. I could put a dish on top of my heat pump -- exclusive use but can't drill a hole to get the wire inside -- common area -- and the wire would pass over a common area. So when the MLB package and the NHL package move to Directv next year I will not be able to get them any more!

links with more information

http://condolawyers.com/articles/fcc.htm

http://www.fcc.gov/mb/facts/otard.html

http://www.fcc.gov/cgb/consumerfacts/consumerdish.html
Good and valid explanation. I live in Crowfield which has "Covenants and Restrictions", but there is nothing in our bylaws that can prevent me from putting up a dish (in the yard, or on the roof, or anywhere on the house). I had heard of overly restrictive HOA's putting the quash on "common area personal access" before...sux to not have an exterior area to hang/post/attach a dish. Is it possible to get a signal through glass? Not that you would want to, but could you put a dish just inside a window, maybe behind a curtain and out of sight from the room?

kjpjr

01-25-07, 12:22 PM

If you have a house that is different. Then you own the outside -- exclusive use. You can get a dish through a window but there is signal loss. There is some special glass made that helps that. The other problem with a window set up is the dish needs to be almost flat -- like a bowl -- to "reach" the sky. I have looked at that option and it does not really work for our windows. I am really bummed now because it looks like the MLB pack is a done deal. It will almost for certain be on Directv this spring. MLB will pick up about a million dollars a team by moving to dish but I wonder how many of the 750,000 of us that get it on cable will move to join them?

bbarrie

01-25-07, 08:05 PM

shuttermaker

01-25-07, 09:19 PM

AndrewG

01-25-07, 10:34 PM

Got a question about Comcast HD expansion. Obviously I know that Universal HD is out there as well as National Geographic and the CW (which we're unlikely to get), but with all the talk of expanding the HD lineup, how many channels are there that we aren't getting. I did an (admittedly brief) search on the 'net and it doesn't seem like we're missing too many channels. The ones I'd like to see like USA, ComedyCentral or SciFi don't appear to exist, but it looks like we are about to get an underwhelming golf/hockey channel. yay.

Anybody have a list of what's potentially available?

This is really a question with 2 answers. The first is what is out there and there is a synopsis on the HDTV programming page of the forum in a sticky. The second type is what is available to us as Comcast subs (obviously TWC and Knology would have different answers). But for what is available, I think this summary of what was available for Comcast in Detroit in January 2007, would be what we should expect to be available for us, since Comcast has contracts with these stations:
Comcast Detroit Lineup:

199 National Geographic HD
200 A&E HD
201 Fox Sports Net HD Detroit
202 ESPN HD
203 ESPN2 HD
204 TNT HD
205 Discovery HD
206 INHD (MLB, NBA HD, NFL Network)
207 CSHD Golf Channel HD / Versus HD (NHL)
208 Universal HD
209 MHD
215 HBO HD
219 Cinemax HD
223 Showtime HD
227 Starz HD
231 ABC WXYZ-DT
232 NBC WDIV-DT
233 CBS WWJ-DT
234 FOX WJBK-DT
235 My Network TV WMYD-DT
236 The CW WKBD-DT
240 PBS WTVS-DT (HD PBS Digital)

bbarrie

01-26-07, 02:00 PM

So, going by that list there's not really too much coming up. Golf/vs. is already on the grid here, Fox Sports Net HD Detroit sounds like a regional channel, and our CW carrier here doesn't have the bandwidth to provide it in HD 'cause they're already giving us WCBD on that stream.

So, by my calculations that leaves us with National Geographic, A&E, and Universal HD as the "two or three more in late February to Early March" that our kindly Comcast guy alluded to.

I can live with that... at least we're moving forward.

atp1313

01-27-07, 01:24 PM

By my very quick and basic count, there are (or will very soon be) 64 networks broadcasting in HD. Carriage rights differ from carrier to carrier, but this appears to be what is "available". Also, the FoxSports RSN's are only available in your local market, so that drops the "local total". I am sure I missed a few, so please feel free to add-on as needed.

A&E
ABC HD (Local)
ABC HD (National)
Animania HD
Bravo
CBS HD (Local)
CBS HD (National)
Cinemax HD
CW HD
Discovery HD Theater
Equator HD
ESPN HD
ESPN2 HD
Family Room HD
Film Fest HD
Food Network HD
Fox (Local)
Fox (National)
FSN Arizona
FSN Bay Area
FSN Florida
FSN Midwest
FSN North
FSN Northwest
FSN Pittsburgh
FSN South
FSN Southwest
FSN Utah
FSN West 2
Gallery HD
Gameplay HD
Golf/Vs HD
HBO HD
HD News
HD PPV
HDNet
HDNet Movies
HGTV HD
INHD
INHD2
Kung Fu HD
Monsters HD
MyNetwork
National Geographic Channel HD
NBA TV HD
NBC HD (Local)
NBC HD (National)
NESN HD
NFL Network HD
NFL Sunday Ticket
NHL Center Ice HD
Outdoor Channel
PBS HD (Local)
Rave HD
Rush HD
Sci-Fi
Showtime HD
Starz HD
Sun Sports
TBS HD
The 101
TNT HD
Treasure HD
Ultra HD
Universal HD
World Cinema HD
WorldSport HD
YES-HD

Obviously, this leaves room for the supposed 100-150 national HD channels, but there might be some in development that are not listed or announced yet.

KurosawasGhost

01-27-07, 05:49 PM

i would love sci fi and the food network, but it looks like charleston is only going to get vs/golf, nat'l geographic, and A&E....i guess we technically also get the nfl network on comcast, at least when a game is on....

ill take anything at this point....

atp1313

01-27-07, 05:54 PM

Additional channels found while perusing a D* board:

DIRECTV also announced today that it currently has signed agreements, or agreements in principle, with more than 70 major networks including:

-- A&E
-- National Geographic
-- Bravo
-- NFL Network
-- Cartoon Network
-- SciFi Channel
-- CNN
-- Speed
-- Food Network
-- TBS
-- FX
-- The History Channel
-- HGTV
-- The Weather Channel
-- MTV
-- USA Network

And as depleted as our local options might seem right now, this list is simply an example of what COULD be rebroadcast to us via Comcast, TWC, Knology, D* or E*. This by no means is a list of channels that we WILL be getting (or already get) anytime in the near future.

atp1313

01-27-07, 05:59 PM

A lot of these channels have been preparing for the HD carriage agreements to fall into place for some time. I know that FX is filming their dramas in HD and has been for about two years. CNN aparently has the HD equipment in place and is ready to simply "flip the switch" as soon as someone can give them the bandwidth. And speaking of bandwidth, I think if I understand this correctly, cable will be limited to launching any mass HD channels until they convert all their analog signals to digital. Analog is just hagging too much of the pipe. This is why sat carriers are better lined up for the onrush of HD...everything they send is already digital.

ElwayLite

01-27-07, 06:10 PM

Comcast announced on the 25th that they have BEEN testing SDV and will implement it about the same time as D* is adding their capacity in the summer. Should be fun for the consumer in the next year.

atp1313

01-27-07, 06:15 PM

Well, I am out of any commitment with D*, so if C* appears to have the better deal/lineup, I can switch with little trouble. And if they ever unveil the C*/Tivo combined unit, that will only sweeten the pot. Also, Sinclair better hold their agreement with FOX...would hate to switch back and lose FOX. Of course I also have the built-in tuner on the TV, so it wouldn't be the end of the world.

KurosawasGhost

01-27-07, 07:09 PM

can someone explain what D* and C* etc is....sorry I'm not well informed! :-)

atp1313

01-27-07, 08:30 PM

D* = DirecTV
E* = Echostar (Dish Network)
C* = Comcast (or cable in general, but since we have three main providers in this area, C would be Comcast, K* would be Knology and T* could mean TimeWarner, though most people are fine saying TWC or TW for that one)

KurosawasGhost

01-28-07, 01:33 PM

^^^gotcha, thanks!

wpruitt

01-30-07, 07:03 AM

Came home yesterday to find my Comcast cablecards in my Tivo stuck in firmware update and the one in my tv unable to receive premium channels. Just in time for the super bowl.

WP

Andy Steele

01-30-07, 06:28 PM

Same issue with the two cablecards for my S3 Tivo. I'm on the phone with C* right now. They're reinitializing the cards so we'll see if that works. If not I guess I get to get a visit from a tech.

Sounds like they made a big mistake and blew everyone's card away. Just think what this would have been like had we been past July when they have to start putting CC's in STBs.

Andy Steele

01-30-07, 07:13 PM

Well no luck with C* on my CC issue. C* Customer Service said they were having Scientific Atlanta in Wednesday morning to try and resolve the issue.

It appears that whatever they did it totally erased my CCs. When I reboot and insert them into the S3 Tivo, the S3 sees them as having no information. I ended up taking the CCs out of the S3 because leaving them in causes the S3 to constantly reboot.

Isn't it fun being the Guinea Pig for C*.

ElwayLite

01-30-07, 07:45 PM

Andy Steele

01-30-07, 07:59 PM

It may turn out to be an anchor but the $ spent on the Tivo S2 4 years ago and on the S3 in October has been worth every penny.

Tried the C* DVR and it was no comparison. So far it's been worth the guinea pig pain.

I just hope C* gets their act together on CCs and gets more HD programming.

Nat Geo HD would be nice. Also, ESPNU (HD or not) would be nice and much preferred over A&E HD or any other of the mentioned HD channels not currently offered by C*.

ElwayLite

01-30-07, 09:51 PM

I have a series 2 and a 8300hd. While I will agree the Tivo software is better, the 8300 does what it is supposed to which is reliably record shows. When the S3 came out Tivo lost me when they decided to charge $800 for something that doesn't have $800 worth of extras over my 8300.

Whats funny is now S3 owners are mad because when SDV becomes popular with Comcast, Tivo owners won't be able to view those channels.

ElwayLite

01-30-07, 09:55 PM

Well, those of you with Comcast be prepared to lose Fox. The term is almost up and they have not reached a deal with Sinclair.

bbarrie

01-30-07, 11:19 PM

Re: Tivo vs. SA... I have the misfortune of watching several shows on networks such as USA, Showtime, and HBO that repeat "new" episodes throughout the week and I find myself unable to use the "record all episodes" functionality of the SA box. I have to manually set each show or my DVR fills up and runs out of room. More frustrating than that is that once you set the "record all episodes" you are unable to cancel a single episode lest you cancel all recordings of that show. That said, I agree with the price complaints, $800 is out of my range, but the SA box sucks, sucks, sucks. Plus I'm on my 3rd one in the last year, and every time one dies, it takes along with it everything I haven't watched.

Tivo does better (based on my non-HD series 2):

Keeps your place when watching recorded shows so you can come back to it later
Doesn't arbitrarily switch to live TV when a new recording begins
Season Pass is not only usable, but useful
Has a 'jumpback' feature when you ff/rw so you don't miss your mark
Allows you to transfer programs to your computer or another Tivo
Plays content (music/photos) from your computer on your TV
Lets you search the entire cache of programming for a show, not just one day at a time
When you join a recording already in progress, allows you to jump to the beginning and doesn't force you to 'look away' as you rewind to the start of the show
Set recordings over the internet

One small note in favor of the SA box... unlike Tivo, it lets you continue to view live tv while you view the list of recorded prograrms or browse your settings.

KurosawasGhost

01-31-07, 11:16 AM

so comcast is going to lose fox HD??????????????????????????? holy **** that is terrible? Any news on if it or is not going to be renewed?

ElwayLite

01-31-07, 11:18 AM

ElwayLite

01-31-07, 11:19 AM

so comcast is going to lose fox HD??????????????????????????? holy **** that is terrible? Any news on if it or is not going to be renewed?

There is a good chance we will being that other providers had their feeds cut off. I think its 80/20 in favor of us losing the Fox signal because Comcast is pretty stubborn.

KurosawasGhost

01-31-07, 11:23 AM

wow that sucks....i just called comcast and they told me that they were "diligently" trying to keep it....but whatever that means you know?....damn...i might have to switch to a dish if they pull that crap on us....i guess it expires march 1st if they can't renew.....

She said it helps to call.....so if you haven't called to "plead" with them to keep it then please do so! (ironic how TWC just gets fox and now comcast might lose it)

damn.

bbarrie

01-31-07, 12:10 PM

so comcast is going to lose fox HD??????????????????????????? holy **** that is terrible? Any news on if it or is not going to be renewed?

I think the bigger picture is losing Fox altogether, not just HD. Break out the rabbit ears everybody.

wpruitt

01-31-07, 01:15 PM

ElwayLite

01-31-07, 01:22 PM

Andy--No the CC's are all still down. I was told they are working on it but there is no time table as to when it will be fixed.

Regarding the boat anchor for Tivo, the same argument can be made if you are driving anything more than a Yugo.

Warren

If that makes you feel better after buying something thats over priced and wont work with SDV, so be it.

Other funny thing is my yugo doesn't have CC's so I'm having no problems.

bbarrie

01-31-07, 06:52 PM

Well maybe the FCC will do the right thing (http://www.usatoday.com/money/industries/technology/maney/2007-01-30-carterfone_x.htm) and make everyone play nice together.

Gary J

01-31-07, 07:07 PM

Well they have not in Iowa (http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=500356&page=1&pp=30) and Sinclair did not settle up with TWC until they paid up.

Sinclair Responds to Congressional Letter

In a press release, Sinclair Broadcast Group executives responded to leaders of the Senate Commerce Committee who demanded that the FCC intervene in the company's retransmission dispute with Mediacom.

Sinclair argues that the FCC does not have the authority to force the two sides to binding arbitration, as Sens. Daniel Inouye (D-Hawaii) and Ted Stevens (R-Alaska) had proposed in their letter to the FCC.

"[Federal law] on this subject provides that '[n]o cable system or other multichannel programming distributor shall retransmit the signal of a broadcasting station, or any part thereof, except with the express authority of the originating station," wrote Sinclair Vice President and General Counsel Barry Faber. "Allowing Mediacom the right to retransmit the signals of Sinclair's stations without Sinclair's consent, whether through binding arbitration or otherwise, would be tantamount to removing the need for Mediacom to obtain Sinclair's consent, in direct contravention of the statute cited above governing retransmission consent."

Faber also restated Sinclair's position that government interference is unwarranted and that the two companies should be left to settle the matter themselves.

"Unfortunately it appears that Mediacom's interest in reaching agreement has been tempered by a belief that it need not complete a deal because the government will step in to remedy such a failure," he wrote.

ElwayLite

01-31-07, 07:57 PM

If I lose Fox altogether, being I am an avid 24/Prison Break fan, the HR20 will be coming out of the closet and D* will be getting my business back.

On another note, we know have Golf/VS Hd on Comcast, problem is they don't show any HD. What the hell.

Hatfield

01-31-07, 09:15 PM

Alright, boys and girls. atp1313's list seemed like a good primer to show everyone what I get(or could get if I paid more; I have the HD Bronze pack for $85/month) with Dish Network.
I'll also add that I only lost my signal during tropical storm Ernesto for 4 minutes meaning rain fade is quite negligible.
The VIP622 DVR rocks and has never missed a beat. The only caveat is that I have to manually program the DVR for local channels since you don't get guide info. The channels are in the guide, but no info.
Another neat thing about the 622 DVR is you can view your recorded shows on multiple TVs around your house. Granted only in 4:3. I have a remote that controls the 622 from any room in the house and have it split to the 3 other TVs in my house. I can watch my DVR anywhere. Only caveat is no locals on the secondary feeds.
I'm not affiliated with Dish in any way, I just moved from Comcast to Dish and I'm happier. This is just an FYI in case anyone was curious.

A&E
ABC HD (Local) through OTA antenna & integrated into guide
ABC HD (National)
Voom Animania HD
Bravo
CBS HD (Local) through OTA antenna & integrated into guide
CBS HD (National)
Cinemax HD
CW HD through OTA antenna & integrated into guide
Discovery HD Theater
Voom Equator HD
ESPN HD
ESPN2 HD
Voom Family Room HD
Voom Film Fest HD
Food Network HD
Fox (Local) through OTA antenna & integrated into guide
Fox (National)
FSN Arizona
FSN Bay Area
FSN Florida
FSN Midwest
FSN North
FSN Northwest
FSN Pittsburgh
FSN South
FSN Southwest
FSN Utah
FSN West 2
Voom Gallery HD
Voom Gameplay HD
Golf/Vs HD
HBO HD
Voom HD News
HD PPV
HDNet
HDNet Movies
HGTV HD
INHD
INHD2
Voom Kung Fu HD
M HD(you forgot this one atp1313)
Voom Monsters HD
MyNetwork through OTA antenna & integrated into guide
National Geographic Channel HD
NBA TV HD
NBC HD (Local) through OTA antenna & integrated into guide
NBC HD (National)
NESN HD
NFL Network HD
NFL Sunday Ticket
NHL Center Ice HD
Outdoor Channel
PBS HD (Local) through OTA antenna & integrated into guide
Voom Rave HD
Voom Rush HD
Sci-Fi
Showtime HD
Starz HD
Sun Sports
TBS HD
The 101
TNT HD
Voom Treasure HD
Voom Ultra HD
Universal HD
Voom World Cinema HD
Voom WorldSport HD
YES-HD

ElwayLite

01-31-07, 10:07 PM

It's nice you noted your OTA in the list which does many of us no good. Dish is even farther behind D* in HD local service. If I did anything it'd be going back to D*, Dish's HD offering for that price is a joke, it's a bunch of Golf/VS Hd channels.

Comcast has all of them beat with HD locals, at least until D* launches their sats then we'll see. Dish will still be sitting there with a small amount of hd locals.

mikeld999

01-31-07, 10:19 PM

I'm on Comcast and lost the audio on everything -- HD, digital, etc. I have the 8300 with the HDMI connection. First I just reconnected the analog audio input, then I completely reconnected the component setup with no change. Anyone else run into this problem? Also, can I go to the Comcast "store" and exchange my box or do I have to go thru customer service?

ElwayLite

01-31-07, 10:23 PM

kevin49er

01-31-07, 10:52 PM

I think the bigger picture is losing Fox altogether, not just HD. Break out the rabbit ears everybody.

Can they do that???

I mean even cut off the SD feed??? I thought that it was part of their license agreements with the FCC that they had to provide feeds of the local broadcast stations... for public safety and weather announcements if anything at all...

I'm relocating to the area soon, probably Mt. Pleasant... how hard would it be to pull in a digital signal or analog signal there???

Hatfield

01-31-07, 10:56 PM

...Dish's HD offering for that price is a joke...
I think you misunderstand. I pay $85 for the above HD channels, HBO, AND most everything you get with Comcast digital except for:

AMC
Animal Planet
BBC America
BET
Bravo
Discovery Science
Discovery Times
DIY
Encore Channels
ESPN Classic
FOX News
FX
Golf
Hallmark
Military
Noggin
Outdoor Channel
PAX
Sundance
Soapnet
Speed
Style
TCM
Univision
VH1 Classic
WGN

Most of which I could get for an extra $10, but I really didn't watch any of them anyway except for FX and I didn't think FX was worth an extra $10/month. I don't understand how you can say it's overpriced considering it's cheaper than Comcast considering the channels you don't watch on Comcast.

And as far as the

...it's a bunch of Golf/VS Hd channels...
You think the Voom channels are just filler? Have you actually watched any of them? Of the 15 Voom channels I think you're referring to, I watch them all all the time except for Animania(kid toons), Gallery(art), Gameplay(video games), and Ultra(fashion). I'm tellin' ya the others are fantastic and I always can find something of interest. You are more than welcome to come on over and I'll give you a demo. I'm willing to bet my right arm that you would change your mind. They are NOT "a bunch of Golf/VS Hd channels." If you'd like to ask me about any one of them, please do, and I'll tell you what I've watched on any one of them within the last week.

atp1313

02-01-07, 12:12 AM

You think the Voom channels are just filler? Have you actually watched any of them?

I used to have Voom, before they went dark and were later picked up by E*. I agree that most of the programming was very good. Though it always comes down to desire for content and preference of what content to view once you have it. I would love to have 2-3 Voom channels again, but it is not worth the complete switch to E* just for those channels. It's a shame really...I miss Equator and WorldSport (HD Soccer rocks :) )

And thanks for filling in the gaps on my list. I put that together in about 5-10 minutes, so I knew I would be missing some. The value of that list though is to demonstrate the total volume of HD that is available. Someday all of those channels will be available to all of us. At what cost, who can tell right now. But when D* launch D10/11 this year and has the capacity, they will certainly be able to fill up their transponders with a majority of those listed channels. That is a bonus for all of us who have made the switch to HD. Hopefully the influx of all that HD will cause more people to get HD sets, and then they will demand more HD content, then the providers will give us more, then more people sign up, etc etc. It's a cascading effect that can only get better as we go forward.

Hatfield

02-01-07, 12:32 AM

atp1313

02-01-07, 12:50 AM

Hatfield

02-01-07, 01:06 AM

Here's the youtube:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eMG2SBwIcrM

I can just imagine the technician saying, "Whoops."

Gary J

02-01-07, 07:21 AM

Here's the youtube:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eMG2SBwIcrM

I can just imagine the technician saying, "Whoops."
How big is your display? Do you notice the effects of HD-Lite?

oljim

02-01-07, 07:40 AM

Hatfield
If you sub the local ch from Dish, you will get the EPG for the off air ch.
I now get EPG for the sub ch like 7-2 and 7-3 on my 622

bbarrie

02-01-07, 08:11 AM

Can they do that???

I mean even cut off the SD feed??? I thought that it was part of their license agreements with the FCC that they had to provide feeds of the local broadcast stations... for public safety and weather announcements if anything at all...

I'm relocating to the area soon, probably Mt. Pleasant... how hard would it be to pull in a digital signal or analog signal there???

Someone can correct me, but my understanding is that the station owner (sinclair) has to give rebroadcast permission to the distributor (comcast, etc.). So far they've been getting it for free which has worked well for Sinclair since more people watch their stations via cable than antannae so there's been no problem, but now Sinclair's seeing other alternatives with satellite. Basically both sides win with Comcast carrying their signal, it's just a monetary game of Chicken.

And I'm not the one to ask about OTA reception, but I think you should be able to get everything in Mt. Pleasant as long as you're not out in the sticks or living in a well.

ElwayLite

02-01-07, 08:19 AM

Someone can correct me, but my understanding is that the station owner (sinclair) has to give rebroadcast permission to the distributor (comcast, etc.). So far they've been getting it for free which has worked well for Sinclair since more people watch their stations via cable than antannae so there's been no problem, but now Sinclair's seeing other alternatives with satellite. Basically both sides win with Comcast carrying their signal, it's just a monetary game of Chicken.

And I'm not the one to ask about OTA reception, but I think you should be able to get everything in Mt. Pleasant as long as you're not out in the sticks or living in a well.

Some of us cannot get OTA, and with the possibility of losing the SD feed as well I am not excited.

ElwayLite

02-01-07, 08:26 AM

I hear that atp1313, and agree totally. But the D* HD channels rollout will most likely be delayed since today's rocket containing one of their new sats blew up today. The incident will delay both D* and E* for a little while I think due to investigations and such. :mad:

And I just learned this 5 minutes ago. Add A&E HD to my E* lineup I highlighted earlier. Just went active today. :D

The explosion won't halt anything for D*,they already stated it.

Other than A&E hd and Nat Geo Hd the rest are crap. Even the E* subs on forums complain about voom. Just about every provider offers the decent basic HD channels(ESPN, ESPN2, etc...), except for locals. If you did not have OTA locals as I do not, you might not be singing the high praises of E*. Lack of lil's is why I stuck my HR20 in the closet for awhile.

Until everyone starts adding more main stream channels like the ones coming online late in 07, I'm going to sit back and watch. Having an hd channel that sucks(VSGFGHD,MHD, etc..) and bragging about it being hd doesn't make any sense.

Oh, I forgot, you get a better deal for those great voom channels. :rolleyes:

AndrewG

02-01-07, 09:31 AM

It's nice you noted your OTA in the list which does many of us no good. Dish is even farther behind D* in HD local service.

I'm not sure that most can't get OTA. If you are in Charleston, you should be able to get all the networks with a Silver Sensor indoors. Now if you mean you don't have a OTA receiver, then his comment regarding the OTA is still relevant since all the Sat receivers get OTA signals.

You might not get OTA for whatever reason, but I would argue than nearly everyone in this forum can get them now that they are all at full power, using a moderate antenna. Now, I am sure many do not want to bother, and like having the stations integrated into the other cable stations, but OTA is definitely a possibliltiy for most.

Regarding Sinclair pulling their analog feed as well as HD from Comcast. I can't believe they would do that, and Comcast would have a bargaining chip. Most of the Comcast subs do not have a cable alternative, and if Sinclair pulled their feed, most of the Fox viewers would not have access. Most folks watching cable would not bother using an antenna for local SD, they will watch something else.

Although, Sports Bars might start having "24" and "Idol" nights, to get all the Comcast displaced folks out.

ElwayLite

02-01-07, 09:37 AM

I can't have OTA in goose creek because my rental office does not allow outdoor antennas at my town home. Indoor does not work so i'm sh*t out of luck.

I have seen where Sinclair did pull both SD and HD in markets from mediacom so I'm hoping we don't feel the same wrath. If I loose both it'll be D* time again.

Just hope my HR20 works with the eSATA drive I have now for my 8300.

Hatfield

02-01-07, 10:01 AM

The explosion won't halt anything for D*,they already stated it.

Other than A&E hd and Nat Geo Hd the rest are crap. Even the E* subs on forums complain about voom. Just about every provider offers the decent basic HD channels(ESPN, ESPN2, etc...), except for locals. If you did not have OTA locals as I do not, you might not be singing the high praises of E*. Lack of lil's is why I stuck my HR20 in the closet for awhile.

Until everyone starts adding more main stream channels like the ones coming online late in 07, I'm going to sit back and watch. Having an hd channel that sucks(VSGFGHD,MHD, etc..) and bragging about it being hd doesn't make any sense.

Oh, I forgot, you get a better deal for those great voom channels. :rolleyes:
Let's agree to disagree. This isn't the thread for it.

Hatfield

02-01-07, 10:29 AM

Hatfield
If you sub the local ch from Dish, you will get the EPG for the off air ch.
I now get EPG for the sub ch like 7-2 and 7-3 on my 622
Funny. I just now read one of your responses over at DBSTalk. :D
I actually got the locals EPG for about a month about 2 months ago. I didn't get when I first got set up and then it showed and then it disappeared. :mad: I'm guessing it was a firmware glitch. I have renamed them all to make it easier for my wife. I did change all the call signs such as "WCSC-DT" and "WCBD-DT" to "CBS" and "NBC." I'm gonna try another "Add Local Channels" search, leave the names alone, and see what happens.

ElwayLite

02-01-07, 10:32 AM

Let's agree to disagree. This isn't the thread for it.

I agree, problem with forums is people are too darn opinionated :D

chsgas

02-01-07, 11:43 AM

Does anyone know where you can buy a Channel Master CM4228 locally? With the pending Sinclair/Comcast showdown I want to be ready just in case.

I've tried Lowes, True Value (West Ashley & Mt P), and WIE.

They are on backorder at WIE without a known ship date.

Hatfield

02-01-07, 11:54 AM

WIE is the only place around here to get one AFAIK.

ElwayLite

02-01-07, 11:59 AM

I cannot remember where I got mine online from but it was only like $55 shipped and I got it within a week.

oljim

02-01-07, 12:21 PM

Hatfield

02-01-07, 06:16 PM

Hatfield
I got my 622 when they came out about a year ago, I did not rename them, I have always had the EPG for the -1 now I get all the sub ch listings 2-1/2-2 and so on.
They just added the sub ch for the Sav GA chs this week
Well, I've been trying to get the EPG for OTA locals without having to fork over any money to subscribe. I think I've come to realize that it's not possible. I never paid when I got the OTA locals EPG for the one month which I think was a fluke I can't repeat. I can deal with manual timers if I save $5/month.
If I've misunderstood you and you're saying I CAN get the OTA locals EPG without subscribing to the locals, send me a PM with instructions if you could. Thanks.

Eddie39

02-02-07, 07:06 AM

Its very simple, you need a antenna. A outside one is recommended. Does you set have a HD tuner, it not you will need a set top box.

lancer1991

02-02-07, 10:13 PM

Here's (http://www.syracuse.com/cny/poststandard/index.ssf?/base/living-3/1170410694303660.xml&coll=1) an interesting article on the use of sub channels.

Butler5

02-02-07, 11:07 PM

Can anyone tell me if TWC locally here is currently or has plans to move too Switched Video. I ask this question in reference to the current version of CableCards and there incompatibility with Switched Video. I am looking at making a major purchase involving CableCard so I would appreciate any insight on this subject.Thanks

r.jones

02-02-07, 11:39 PM

Here's (http://www.syracuse.com/cny/poststandard/index.ssf?/base/living-3/1170410694303660.xml&coll=1) an interesting article on the use of sub channels.

I was wondering if WCSC is allotting equal bandwith on 5-1 and 5-2 since the Doppler Radar was removed. What's the point of duplicating the HD feed, just give us full bandwith on 5-1.

shuttermaker

02-03-07, 12:03 AM

I was wondering if WCSC is allotting equal bandwith on 5-1 and 5-2 since the Doppler Radar was removed. What's the point of duplicating the HD feed, just give us full bandwith on 5-1.

pfft..dont worry about 5-1 and 5-2 the radar on 5-2 didnt take anything from 5-1. If you want to see the degrading factor of a shared signal, just watch WCBD. Its been denied numerous times but, i think the the CW is killing WCBDs HD PQ.

ElwayLite

02-03-07, 09:27 AM

Well, TWC reached a deal with Sinclair on Jan 22 and didn't lose any channels.

Mediacom just reached a deal so their channels are being restored before the Superbowl.

Comcast has until March 1st to reach a deal or loose Fox HD and probably SD in the Charleston area. Let's hope Comcast can use the means that TWC and Mediacom did and not lose the channel at all.

"Now where did I put my HR20?"

Gary J

02-03-07, 12:58 PM

"Now where did I put my HR20?"
ElwayLite and HDLite has a certain ring to it. :D

ElwayLite

02-03-07, 01:42 PM

Now Gary, HDLite is a myth, I never (sarcasm) noticed it :rolleyes:

KurosawasGhost

02-04-07, 11:41 AM

Say what you will about the ongoing battles with Sinclair....but at the end of the day there is NO WAY we lose Fox. Now MAYBE we lose Fox HD for a WHILE....but there is no way Comcast can afford to lose standard Fox due to the VAST number of hateful complaints and service cancellations that would ensue. I believe this is all positioning and negotiation tactics on both sides....

NFL, Nascar, 24, American Idol, Prison Break, just to name a few HIGHLY popular shows that Fox airs....Theaverage person is not going to be willing to switch off and try to get Fox with rabbit ears....

Comcast would be digging their own grave in Charleston if they lose fox.....and I bet at the end of the day we keep fox and fox HD. But we'll see right? Who knows....

ElwayLite

02-04-07, 12:11 PM

Scmedic

02-04-07, 03:39 PM

I really have a hard time with this whole fox/comcast situation. I've looked into Knology and Dish, and neither is appealing. This is going to really put a hurting on my HD cable attitude if it does ensue..

ElwayLite

02-04-07, 04:17 PM

To be honest, I was very happy with D*. My HR20 was on that worked great, the lack of HD locals is what sent me back to Comcast. End of 07 when it's time to unsuspend my D* account, i'm going to re-evaluate both.

Scmedic

02-04-07, 06:20 PM

Do we have a thread with the benefit of one over another? I want the full HD package, with HD DVR...And it seems that comcast is the most expensive....

Does D* not have local HD channels?

ElwayLite

02-04-07, 06:44 PM

Do we have a thread with the benefit of one over another? I want the full HD package, with HD DVR...And it seems that comcast is the most expensive....

Does D* not have local HD channels?

From my experience:

Directv has slightly better customer service
D* has a better dvr in the hr20

Both are pretty equal on sd channels for the price

Comcast has hd locals where D* does not here and probably wont until late 2007

If they were both equal everything, I'd probably turn my D* back on because I like the HR20 better than the 8300hd, and it's not that the box sucks, but the guide sucks.

KurosawasGhost

02-04-07, 08:27 PM

Tell that to the markets that lost hd and sd already with mediacom

Well its my understanding that those markets were only affected for a limited time and have now been fully restored with new deals in place....

I'm not saying it won't happen, I just don't think its likely. Hopefully it won't be an issue...

ElwayLite

02-04-07, 09:53 PM

Some people with Mediacom lost their channels on Jan 5th, did not get them back till Feb 2nd. Thats a lot of 24.

kjpjr

02-04-07, 10:03 PM

That could be a plus if you don't like 24:0

ElwayLite

02-04-07, 10:06 PM

That could be a plus if you don't like 24:0

Blasphemy!

kjpjr

02-05-07, 04:06 PM

The real story about 24 :rolleyes:

On the February 2 edition of MSNBC's Countdown, host Keith Olbermann awarded
Fox Broadcasting Co.'s series 24 the "bronze" in his nightly "Worst Person in the World" segment. Olbermann cited a January 16 segment of Countdown in which he discussed "the possibility that the show [24] was in part a device to get people thinking we were living in a country where a car bomb could go off at any moment." He stated that his concern "was pooh-poohed in some corners" by people who told him that 24 is "just entertainment." Olbermann then observed that, as Media Matters for America documented, syndicated columnist Cal Thomas "has pretty much underscored this point in his latest newspaper column, quoting: 'Watch the TV drama 24 for what could be our prophetic and imminent future with a nuclear device exploding in major cities.' "

From the February 2 edition of MSNBC's Countdown with Keith Olbermann:

OLBERMANN: But first, time for Countdown's latest list of nominees for "Worst Person in the World."

The bronze to the Fox TV series 24. We explored here a few weeks ago the possibility that the show was in part a device to get people thinking we were living in a country where a car bomb could go off at any moment. This was pooh-poohed in some corners. "Of course not," I was told. "It's just entertainment."

But now our esteemed colleague Cal Thomas of Fox Noise has pretty much underscored this point in his latest newspaper column. Quoting, "Watch the TV drama 24 for what could be our prophetic and imminent future, with a nuclear device exploding in major cities."

Media Matters for America

ElwayLite

02-05-07, 04:14 PM

I'm more surprised by the fact that someone actually listens to Keith Olbermann. That being said we should GET BACK ON TOPIC.

oljim

02-05-07, 04:33 PM

From my experience:

Directv has slightly better customer service
D* has a better dvr in the hr20

Both are pretty equal on sd channels for the price

Comcast has hd locals where D* does not here and probably wont until late 2007

If they were both equal everything, I'd probably turn my D* back on because I like the HR20 better than the 8300hd, and it's not that the box sucks, but the guide sucks.
You can record or watch the HD chs OTA with the HR-20 or the dish 622

ElwayLite

02-05-07, 04:49 PM

You are completely right, I almost forgot about the OTA which the SA8300hd for Comcast does not do.

atp1313

02-05-07, 07:53 PM

Do we have a thread with the benefit of one over another? I want the full HD package, with HD DVR...And it seems that comcast is the most expensive....

Does D* not have local HD channels?

When the stars align, all local providers (TWC, K, C) do or will carry all local HD signals. I am not a supporter of cable, per se, but in the spirit of openness, their signal will likely be better overall due to better reception/retransmission of the local signals than what you can get OTA (consistently and also based on distance to towers and obstructions in the way). Then again, if your neighbor decides to dig up his yard to put in an invisible fence for his noisy obnoxious dogs and "accidentally" cuts the cable, then you are SOL until a technician can get out there and run new cable (spliced cables suck). Whereas OTA will likely only be affected by weather (heavy rain, very windy, etc), and not the hand of man. :rolleyes:

I have and prefer D*. With the new birds going up soon, thye will have the bandwidth to carry WAY MORE HD content than cable. When they flip the switch on those new channels and how much those additional channels will cost is still hazy. I have read that the HD package with D* is going up $1/month. I can certainly absorb that. I may be crazy, but I can probably even absorb a $5 increase... :p

Also with those new birds will be further expansion of LIL HD. Charleston currently ranks #100 on the national DMA. D* has already launched the first 60 or so DMA's. This would put us at about August for introduction of LILHD with D*. Don't know the scoop on E*, so someone else will have to share their wisdom there.

Be sure to look back a few posts and you can see what channels are available for each provider. E* has more right now, but they are behind on the satellite development/deployment race, so they might be about plateaued right now.

bp238

02-05-07, 08:10 PM

I'm not getting anything on 5.1 anyone else having this problem? Signal strength is good but no picture or sound, just a black screen...

lancer1991

02-05-07, 08:30 PM

I'm not getting anything on 5.1 anyone else having this problem? Signal strength is good but no picture or sound, just a black screen...

How I Met Your Mother was fine via Comcast. Did have a picture freeze about 20 minutes into the show though. Don't have the antenna set up so can't check OTA for you.

Eddie39

02-05-07, 08:57 PM

How I Met Your Mother was fine via Comcast. Did have a picture freeze about 20 minutes into the show though. Don't have the antenna set up so can't check OTA for you.

I'm watching 5.1 in Beaufort with no problems at this time. WTOC in Savannah is freezing up and not watchable.

LuvThatHDTV

02-05-07, 09:13 PM

I'm not getting anything on 5.1 anyone else having this problem? Signal strength is good but no picture or sound, just a black screen...

What kind of receiver do you have? I have a couple. The HR10 from D* and my built-in on my Mits are working fine but my HD Tivo from D* (HR10-250) has the same issue as you.
I wish it was the Tivo that was working fine though.

Gary J

02-05-07, 09:15 PM

I have and prefer D*. With the new birds going up soon, thye will have the bandwidth to carry WAY MORE HD content than cable.
They will still not have unlimited bandwidth, they will still not have switched digital, they will still add junk programming at the expense of available bandwidth and they will still have overly compressed HD-Lite.

LuvThatHDTV

02-05-07, 09:33 PM

Does anyone have any engineering contact info for WCSC since Eldon has left? My wife will be real unhappy if the HD Tivo can't record CBS!

r.jones

02-05-07, 09:38 PM

I'm not getting anything on 5.1 anyone else having this problem? Signal strength is good but no picture or sound, just a black screen...

Not getting any picture/sound through the D* HR-20.
Hooked the antenna to the TV set and I have picture /sound.

Wonder if D* sent an firmware upgrade for the receiver that has caused this?

bp238

02-05-07, 09:43 PM

What kind of receiver do you have? I have a couple. The HR10 from D* and my built-in on my Mits are working fine but my HD Tivo from D* (HR10-250) has the same issue as you.
I wish it was the Tivo that was working fine though.

I have a sony rear projection hooked to a ota antenna. watched the superbowl fine yesterday..

LuvThatHDTV

02-05-07, 09:47 PM

I have a sony rear projection hooked to a ota antenna. watched the superbowl fine yesterday..
I watched the Superbowl fine also. Today, during the day I noticed WCSC was gone but thought maybe it was only me.
I have a feeling WCSC has made some kind of change.
Anyone know how to contact their engineering now? KTrout?

shuttermaker

02-05-07, 10:11 PM

WCSC is working fine through TWC currently. I called Master Control at noon today to ask if they would "flip the switch". I was told that there was a problem at the tower and they were working on it as we spoke.

Not sure when it was corrected but the wife saw the 8-9 pm programming. She said there was a freeze up during "The Class".

LuvThatHDTV

02-05-07, 10:22 PM

Not getting any picture/sound through the D* HR-20.
Hooked the antenna to the TV set and I have picture /sound.

Wonder if D* sent an firmware upgrade for the receiver that has caused this?

I think it might just be certain receivers with issues. I seem to remember 4.1 had issues with Sammys a a couple years ago until the Sammys had firmware upgrades. I think WCSC made some changes today at the tower. Since Shuttermaker said they had issues at the tower.

atp1313

02-06-07, 02:17 AM

They will still not have unlimited bandwidth, they will still not have switched digital, they will still add junk programming at the expense of available bandwidth and they will still have overly compressed HD-Lite.
One man's junk is another man's treasure...but I agree. And what's to say C* isn't doing that already. They could ditch half their channels and fill it all with watchable/worthwhile HD content, and still not have the capacity that the Satcasters will have.

bp238

02-06-07, 08:32 AM

As of 8:30 this morning still getting 89-95 signal strength but no picture or sound on 5.1. Just a black screen. This is with a Sony lcd rear projection on a OTA antenna. All other digital channels coming in fine.

bp238

02-06-07, 08:50 AM

tc1

02-06-07, 09:35 AM

I just called the switchboard at WCSC (843) 402-5555 and the receptionist said they have been working on the tower since 4:00 this morning trying to get the signal back on. So I assume if you have cable or satellite you are still up but for us cheapskates getting free OTA we are out of luck until they get the problem fixed....

It is kind of wierd. The signal is there but apparently has an error. I have OTA only and my Toshiba 42hp95 dropped 5.1 from the lineup completely yesterday (after great Superbowl reception thank you Lord). New ch scan still does not see it this morning. BUT, my PC based PVR still sees it with a strong signal and no problem! Came here to see if it was my equipment or what. Glad I did cause I would be wasting a lot of time for at least the rest of the day otherwise. As usual misleading clues. On the one hand the Toshiba shows all other ch no problem indicating station problem. On the other PC PVR has no problem with 5.1 indicating Toshiba problem. Checking here showed me whatever it is it's not on my end.

Upside, since CBS Monday night lineup is my preferred we just watched it via the PC/Toshiba. Hope somebody can eventually explain this to us. :confused:

Tom

LuvThatHDTV

02-06-07, 11:25 AM

I checked my Sony SAT HD200 receiver when I went to bed last night and it didn't have a picture either. SO I had half of my four tuner with a picture and half without.
When I tried a channel scan with the Tivo it also acted like the channel didn't exist, even though the signal meter shows high signal strength.
But at least it sounds like they are working on the problem.

tc1

02-06-07, 11:43 AM

OK, as of 11:30 my Toshiba via channel scan now sees 5.1 and gets good pic. BUT, if your checking this thread WCSC the scan says 5.1 is "ETV"! Now if this isn't corrected before tonight EPG's will probably be screwed up. I expect the TVGOS on the Toshiba will get cross eyed. :rolleyes:

Tom

LuvThatHDTV

02-06-07, 02:17 PM

Gary J

02-07-07, 09:04 PM

Please do not tell me Duke-Carolina on ESPNHD is blacked out in this area.

ElwayLite

02-07-07, 09:07 PM

Please do not tell me Duke-Carolina on ESPNHD is blacked out in this area.

I do not have it on Comcast.

Gary J

02-07-07, 09:08 PM

I asked you not to tell me that.

ElwayLite

02-07-07, 09:11 PM

I asked you not to tell me that.

My question is, why the F&%$ would they black this game out. Sports programming is getting ridiculous. 5 years from now you'll have to spend $1000 per year to get sports packages so you can actually watch it.

KurosawasGhost

02-07-07, 09:17 PM

that really makes me mad!

ElwayLite

02-07-07, 09:19 PM

The more technology advances in the tv industry. the farther back I feel we move. Wait till the only way you can watch an nfl game is with the package, from what I understand the NFL is pushing that.

KurosawasGhost

02-07-07, 09:23 PM

&*%$ ESPN! is it any different if you have a dish or is it blacked out on that too? Greedy &*^%$%& #$$ holes! ok sorry, end of rant! but come on!!!!!! its not like we live in raleigh, durham, or charlotte.....or even wilmington or columbia....

DAMN!

ElwayLite

02-07-07, 09:25 PM

GreystoneSC

02-07-07, 09:37 PM

Its blacked out in Columbia as well - including ESPN HD - but it is available in 70's style technicolor here on what normally is the WB? It is on CH 4 here.

KurosawasGhost

02-07-07, 09:39 PM

in charleston i just found its on the upn channel (like 13 comcast or something like that)

hope that helps....not in HD but at least we get to see it!

kjpjr

02-07-07, 11:28 PM

it is not the fault of ESPN it is the local channel that makes the blackout. The $1000 a year for sports packs is almost here now. I pay about $450 for MBL EI, Centre Ice, and ESPN Game Plan. That will all change soon since I can't have a dish where I live and MBL EI is going to Directv -- maybe not -- but if it goes the word on the street is that Centre Ice will follow. ESPN Game plan will be a waste of money this fall. All ACC and SEC are blacked out. No Big Ten, PAC 10 or Big 12 at all on the pack. So do I pay $125 to watch Boise State? If TW does not carry the Big Ten network that will be a lot of Big Ten stuff missing. I realize that in this area of the country that may not be very important but I spent 40 years of my life in WI and MI and went to most UM home games for about 30 years. Oh well if I move could have a dish but with a coastal condo and the insurance stuff they are not selling at all.

kjpjr

02-08-07, 11:31 PM

We had trouble with the sound on these two shows tonight in HD, no 5.1 and it kept going up and down. We needed to keep the remote in hand to keep adjusting the volume. Anyone else have similar problems?

KTrout

02-10-07, 01:10 AM

LUV THAT HDTV: I don't have a contact. Mike and Eldon aren't there anymore. Eldon wasn't sure who they were going to bring in.

On another note, does anyone have the capability of capturing a typical drop-out from WCBD and creating a video file of it? I would like to send this up the line as local management does not appear to care enough to correct the problem. Let me know and I can give you an e-mail address. I'm guessing a 15 second clip that would show the audio drop out and tiling would be sufficient.

atp1313

02-10-07, 02:07 AM

Please do not tell me Duke-Carolina on ESPNHD is blacked out in this area.
Please tell me that you have been around long enough to know that at least one of two Duke/UNC games is ALWAYS carried on a local channel and blacked out on ESPN (locally). What really irks me is that Cameron Indoor has a seating capacity of 9314 people. They sell this (and just about every other) game out well in advance. My understanding of the black out rules was that if a game was not sold out within 72 hours of telecast, it was blacked out in the region where it is taking place. The idea being that if you wanted to watch the game, you would have to get off your lazy ass and go to the stadium and see it in person. Not sure about the rest of you here, but I have been to about 10-15 games at Cameron, always using a friend of the family's "Iron Duke" season passes. If you don't have a ticket for the "big games" (i.e. just about any conference game), you really can't get them just by walking up to the ticket window. They would laugh in your face.

I can appreciate that local sportscasters (Lincoln Financial, formerly Raycom/Jefferson Pilot) want to drive as many eyeballs to their showing as possible so they can cover their advertising budget, but when a game of this (personal) magnitude is sold out well in advance, why can't they show the game simultaneously on multiple networks.

Or better yet, use some of the gazillions they make on airing this game in particular to buy some frigging HD equipment and send out a quality signal. Up here in the Creek, the signal from WMMP (Channel 13) is just barely strong enough to get OTA. This channel - to my knowledge - is not one that comes in via my TV's ATSC tuner from Comcast...if it is, what is the channel number?

So when can we expect Lincoln Financial Group (or even FSN South) to pony up and provide HD content here in Charleston? FSN advertises that some of its Sunday Night Hoops games are available in HD...not here and since the ACC is a primarily southeastern-market conference, and since FSN primarily services the southeastern market, why advertise it if you are NOT going to send it or make it available?

Bah Humbug... :mad:
GTHC!! :p

kjpjr

02-10-07, 02:14 PM

The 72 hour rule is an NFL rule it does not apply in this case. Lincoln wanted to protect its market so we "all" got to see it in SD and it sucked!

Gary J

02-10-07, 02:37 PM

The 72 hour rule is an NFL rule it does not apply in this case. Lincoln wanted to protect its market so we "all" got to see it in SD and it sucked!
ACC Tournament available in HD
By Danny Hooley, Staff Writer
Good news, ACC fans with high-definition TVs: You'll be seeing basketball games in HD just in time for March Madness.
So says Colin Smith, vice president of distribution at Raycom Sports, which distributes ACC games for broadcast in partnership with Lincoln Financial Sports.

Smith said that the 10 tournament games being distributed by Raycom/Lincoln Financial Sports (the 11th game at 7 p.m. March 8 will be carried on ESPN2) will be available for local affiliates like WRAL in HD.

The current situation, in which games are available only in ACC territory in standard definition, has been galling for fans across the Southeast. Many of the same games they see on local affiliates in standard definition are available outside the ACC region in high definition.

That's because Raycom/Lincoln Financial Sports, which owns the exclusive distribution rights, hasn't been offering a high-definition package to affiliates, including WRAL in Raleigh. So while fans across the nation were enjoying last Wednesday's Duke-UNC game in high definition on ESPN, that broadcast was blacked out for hardcore fans in the Triangle. (FCC requirements and exclusivity clauses prohibit two broadcasts of a game in the same market.)

LuvThatHDTV

02-10-07, 09:07 PM

cgking114

02-11-07, 10:09 AM

Has anyone else lost their OTA signals? I have lost all mine. I bought a new antenna and did a rescan and still can't get them back. I was getting very strong signals before. I thought my antenna went bad so I got a new one. Still no luck. I hope my tuner in my TV has not gone bad.

RFrank

02-11-07, 10:25 AM

Why are sports packages exclusive to certain mediums? For example, why must I get a <specific> satellite dish to have NFL ticket? I prefer cable (even with its lackluster advancements with HD programming) for a variety of reasons...but don't have a "choice" if I want a specific line of programming like this. Almost seems like a monopoly? It would be great if whoever runs NFL ticket (and the like) would open it up for any carrier...seems like they would make more money too! I am sure there are way too many dynamics about this I don't see, but regardless, as in other issues, the consumer is the one who "pays" the price.