I wonder if the WCBD advertisers, including NBC, know they are not getting their moneys worth?

Somebody call Johnny's Cars and tell him! :)

WCBD 2.1 must be tramsmitting at low power. My sister lives in Mt Pleasant and she receiving then OTA with a clear picture.

Not sure what you are receiving but I haven't had WCBD 2.1 OTA or on cable since early yesterday (Friday) and it is still out now at 11:40AM this morning.

I'm on JI, but if they're running low power, I would think I wouldn't be getting it. It is definitely NBC though.

As of this morning, WCBD is coming in loud and clear on D* (SD & HD) and OTA up here in the Creek.

There is something different about WCBD 2.1. I nornally have no problem receiving it here in Beaufort and at this time I still can't get it OTA. I do have a weak signal on cable which is usually very clear. The cable company also receives it OTA. As far as James Island receiving it OTA which is close to the coast having more water between JI and the tower. I hope Ojim here in Beaufort might checkin with his findings.

I hope when all stations shut down there analog transmitters in February that they will move their antennas to the top of the tower instead where they now hang on the side.

Still No Signal North of G C in Pimlico on 2.1/2. Oh well, just about broke my habit of ch 2.1 local news for the really beautiful pic with ch 5.1 HD local news. So far ch 5.1 local HD has been truly an enjoyable experience! They have set the bar high for the others locally.

I'm still not getting anything from WCBD, and I'm in Goose Creek... pretty weird. I emailed them through their website to see if they knew what was going on and if anyone knows when it might be fixed.

No OTA WCBD 2-1 or 2-2 for 2 days.

Am receiving the analog signal (tho poorly).

All others...4-1, 5-1, 7-1,7-2,7-3, 24-1, 24-2, 36-1 come in great.

Getting WBCD signal this morning.

There is something different about WCBD 2.1. I nornally have no problem receiving it here in Beaufort and at this time I still can't get it OTA. I do have a weak signal on cable which is usually very clear. The cable company also receives it OTA. As far as James Island receiving it OTA which is close to the coast having more water between JI and the tower. I hope Ojim here in Beaufort might checkin with his findings.

I hope when all stations shut down there analog transmitters in February that they will move their antennas to the top of the tower instead where they now hang on the side.

Eddie I just got home from a short trip,I have 2.1/2.2 now but did not look to see about it last week. Do you have a problem with TVGOS EPG, mine stopped back around the first of Dec. Never did get many of the listings for the sub. channels from Sav stations or WJWJ 16.3

oljim,

I am still getting my TVGOS updates at this point. They were coming from WITV ch 7 when I started TVGOS in 2006 but I have not checked to see if that is still the case. Don't know if I will still get them after Feb. 17 or not and will sure miss it if not.

AVS TVGOS thread:


http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?p=15358087#post15358087

Eddie I just got home from a short trip,I have 2.1/2.2 now but did not look to see about it last week. Do you have a problem with TVGOS EPG, mine stopped back around the first of Dec. Never did get many of the listings for the sub. channels from Sav stations or WJWJ 16.3

I'm still gettin TVGOS from WJWJ with no problems.

WCBD 2.1 was off the air for a couple of days and came back on at low power. I still can't pickup their digital signal. There analog signal on cable was snowy during that time but looks good now. If you don't mind, check 2.1 to see if you getting a signal from them. I hoping they might be doing some tower work with their antennas.

I'm still gettin TVGOS from WJWJ with no problems.

WCBD 2.1 was off the air for a couple of days and came back on at low power. I still can't pickup their digital signal. There analog signal on cable was snowy during that time but looks good now. If you don't mind, check 2.1 to see if you getting a signal from them. I hoping they might be doing some tower work with their antennas.

I can get 2.1 but signal is low, could never get the PBS 7 in Charleston. They have a low power radio stations about 1 miles from me that messes it up.

I can get 2.1 but signal is low, could never get the PBS 7 in Charleston. They have a low power radio stations about 1 miles from me that messes it up.

Ojim,
I would like to believe they changing their antenna to the top of the tower and not leaving it hanging on the side.

TVGOS signal will no longer be transmitted by PBS in February but will be from CBS stations. WCSC is now transmitting TVDOS. I checked my DVR a few days ago and it still receiving it from WJWJ. Just in case you don't know about this website, it does have a lot of info. http://www.rabbitears.info/
Eddie

The last data I got from Charleston back in September indicated that WCSC-DT was not carrying TVGOS. Has this changed?

- Trip

The last data I got from Charleston back in September indicated that WCSC-DT was not carrying TVGOS. Has this changed?

- Trip

It listed on http://www.rabbitears.info/ as number 133 under TVDOS Listings.

It listed on http://www.rabbitears.info/ as number 133 under TVDOS Listings.

Yes, that's my website. :D And it has a red X next to it, indicating it was not carrying TVGOS back in September when I last got data from the area.

I'm trying to figure out if that has changed.

- Trip

Yes, that's my website. :D And it has a red X next to it, indicating it was not carrying TVGOS back in September when I last got data from the area.

I'm trying to figure out if that has changed.
- Trip

Are you sure the X means not carrying it. Everything I read says all CBS stations would carry it.

Yes, I'm sure, I designed the page. :D

The page is intended to list which ones have begun carrying it already and which have not--just because all CBS stations will carry it, doesn't mean they're picking it up all at once. =) As of September 22, WCSC-DT was not carrying it. I know of several stations which have picked it up in recent months, but have no newer data on WCSC-DT.

- Trip

Yes, I'm sure, I designed the page. :D

The page is intended to list which ones have begun carrying it already and which have not--just because all CBS stations will carry it, doesn't mean they're picking it up all at once. =) As of September 22, WCSC-DT was not carrying it. I know of several stations which have picked it up in recent months, but have no newer data on WCSC-DT.

- Trip

Trip, do you have any info on WTOC (CBS) in Savannah, GA?

Trip, do you have info on and when the Charleston and Savannah station might move their digital antennas to the top of their towers? Here in Beaufort, SC we are stuck in the middle of the two. Receiving the Charleston stations is not always a sure thing.

Trip, do you have any info on WTOC (CBS) in Savannah, GA?

Nothing about TVGOS. I do know they will be using their existing analog antenna for digital transmissions starting on 02/18/09.

Trip, do you have info on and when the Charleston and Savannah station might move their digital antennas to the top of their towers? Here in Beaufort, SC we are stuck in the middle of the two. Receiving the Charleston stations is not always a sure thing.

The way I read it, with the exception of WITV (which is duplicated on WJWJ-DT), what you see is about what you get on WCSC and WCIV, and probably WCBD as well. WMMP and WTAT will relocate to different channel numbers which may provide an increase in signal for you, but no increase in height.

WJCL, WTGS, WVAN, and WTOC should all receive an increase in height by returning to their analog channels. WGSA isn't moving, nor is WSAV.

- Trip

Nothing about TVGOS. I do know they will be using their existing analog antenna for digital transmissions starting on 02/18/09.



The way I read it, with the exception of WITV (which is duplicated on WJWJ-DT), what you see is about what you get on WCSC and WCIV, and probably WCBD as well. WMMP and WTAT will relocate to different channel numbers which may provide an increase in signal for you, but no increase in height.

WJCL, WTGS, WVAN, and WTOC should all receive an increase in height by returning to their analog channels. WGSA isn't moving, nor is WSAV.

- Trip

WCSC, WCIV and WITV are on the same tower. WCBD and WTAT are on the same tower. WMMP use to be on WCIV old tower and I think it sill remains there.

WMMP shares its antenna with WTAT now. Or will after the transition at least, if it doesn't now.

- Trip

WMMP shares its antenna with WTAT now. Or will after the transition at least, if it doesn't now.

- Trip
Trip, if I'm reading you right, these station will be able to use their old antennas in February with the digital transmitters. WCBD usually comes in strong but since they were off I haven't been able to get them. Ojim says he is getting a weak signal from them.

Only if the antennas are compatible. A low-VHF antenna for channels 2, 4, and 5 are useless for UHF signals like those stations will have. But since WTAT and WMMP (and WCBD) are sharing a wide-band UHF antenna (apparently, based on their filings), they can shuffle their UHF frequencies around.

The only station recycling an analog antenna is WITV, I think, unless I missed a filing where they stated they were replacing their antenna.

- Trip

Only if the antennas are compatible. A low-VHF antenna for channels 2, 4, and 5 are useless for UHF signals like those stations will have. But since WTAT and WMMP (and WCBD) are sharing a wide-band UHF antenna (apparently, based on their filings), they can shuffle their UHF frequencies around.

The only station recycling an analog antenna is WITV, I think, unless I missed a filing where they stated they were replacing their antenna.

- Trip
I wish they would all come in like WTAT here in Beaufort. It is as solid as a rock here.

WMMP and WCBD should start coming in like that at some point if they weren't already, but you might be out of luck on WCIV and WCSC.

I've gotta run so if I don't respond promptly, I'll respond later.

- Trip

Math was never my strong point, so maybe this is a simpleton geometry/algebra question: here in the Low Country, where there is very little terrain change until you get about 50-75 miles inland, how much of a difference would it make to raise the antenna from 500' to 750' (or whatever the current/future values are)? Obviously there would be more reach inland and along the existing fringe to some degree, but for those who already receive the signal along the coast and just inland, will this really make any difference? For anyone within 40-50 miles of the tower, they won't get any more "power" from the increased elevation, would they?

There are legal reasons that the antenna heights really can't be raised that much, though at some point WCIV and WCSC might choose to relocate their antenna up the tower by 250 feet or so. Doing so wouldn't harm people close in I don't think. What might change is how any multipath reflections you might see are coming in, which could require a change in antenna location or orientation.

That may not be as detailed an answer as you'd like, but I don't want to speculate too much as I'm really not sure about too much beyond that. =)

- Trip

Any more detailed and it might go over my head :D
So essentially there is no technical advantage to raising the antenna for the primary market reception? It would only benefit the fringe reception, and may actually introduce new angles for mutlipath "noise"? Is that it, in a nutshell?

It wouldn't create any new multipath, just change the angles at which it's coming in. If you can defeat it now, you should be able to defeat it then as well.

The main beneficiaries would be those behind hills (if any) and those at the fringe. Stations doing mobile DTV would also have better range with the added height.

- Trip

Not too many "hills" around here...just ancient sand dunes until you get inland about 50-75 miles. We aren't called the Low Country for nuthin' ;)

I follow, that's why I said "if any." :)

Seriously though, mobile DTV would stand to benefit a lot from such a boost in height, and I know Sinclair (WTAT/WMMP) is watching mobile DTV very closely.

- Trip

I follow, that's why I said "if any." :)

Seriously though, mobile DTV would stand to benefit a lot from such a boost in height, and I know Sinclair (WTAT/WMMP) is watching mobile DTV very closely.

- Trip

Explain "mobile DTV"

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ATSC-M/H

Start there, if it doesn't make sense, let me know and I'll explain it better. (Trying to save some typing) :)

- Trip

I have an LG10000 (Voyager) from Verizon and it had a sticker on it when I first got it that said "OTA Capable" but the MobileTV service from Verizon seems to be the only option ($25/month). If I understand this issue, LG and Samsung are working with the ATSC folks to come up with a cross-platform standard that would eventually allow me to pickup local TV signals on my phone for free...is that correct? If so, it would be "neat" but I think I would prefer my 50" plasma :)

If I recall correctly, the standard has already been approved. But yes.

- Trip

The article I was reading was from May, so in terms of technology, that was eon's ago.

And lest I forget...Merry Christmas everyone!!! Please have fun and enjoy what time you have with friends and loved ones.

Think we're going to watch Die Hard. Takes place Christmas Eve you know!

Doesn't DH2 also take place on Xmas Eve?

Does it? Maybe we'll watch them both. What the hell.

That's the spirit!!!

second question: (just to start more thread drift...)
who good for doing calibrations in this area?

first question,
off the Air, by fairgrounds in Ladson (between Summerville & Charleston)
what can I expect to receive on a:
-HD rooftop antenna
-HD in the attic ( single story house, but peak is tall )
-HD set top "rabbit ears"

TIA
john

First answer: from similar location (in the Creek), I am using a Philips 58-element double-boom Yagi-style antenna on top of my chimney, barely higher than the one-story roofline. All signals are at least acceptable. Only WMMP (lower power and off axis by a few degrees) and PBS (lower power and weaker signal from sub-channels) are not full-time 100% solid reception. From this area, we are only about 30 miles from antenna farm in Awendaw, so your only issue will be to have an ant. that will lock in to a slight spread of the signal. The towers are very close together in basically a N-S orientation, but here in the north area, we are coming at them from the side, so there is a small spread...but it's not too bad.

If you are mounting in your attic, just make sure you can leave room to rotate as needed. Simply mounting so that the ant. is aligned with the ridge of the roof won't cut it, unless your house is built on a E-W axis.

Rabbit ears can work, but may be more trouble due to lower power and LOS issues. I tried a Silver Sensor and was able to lock on the major networks at the time (several years ago and WTAT was still broadcasting from Arco Ln, and with less power). Now the major net's are pumping about 100Kw each, so might be acceptable.

Whatever you go with, probably best to look for a "fringe" or "deep fringe" labeled antenna just to be safe.

As for answer 2: sometime recently in the past page or two there was some brief discussion with links to regional calibration companies. None listed are very local...closest was Greenville IIRC. But if you want to save some money, try to coordinate with several other people who could help defray the travel costs at least.

Or you can go the "simple route" (like me :D) and just buy a do it yourself kit. I use the Spyder3TV and it works great. I am sure that a pro could do better, but mine looks great compared to what it was, and it won't cost me anything to do another calibration every 6-12 months. BONUS!!

Best of luck!!

Anyone tired of the SD commercials on the HD channels on Comcast especially ESPN? It really causes issues when I'm fast forwarding on my Tivo.

Can't they upconvert the commercials to match the resolution of the channel they're showing the commercials?

Not that I like SD commercials, but how on earth do SD commercials cause issues for you when FF on your Tivo/DVR?

But as for the upconvert, national channels that allow for local origination commercial slots don't ever see the content that fills those local slots. That is all done by the local affiliates or the cable co's. So ESPN might be able to upconvert some content (if they chose to) but more often than not, the local supply line that fills those slots won't have the capability to shoot, produce, edit in HD or provide a live upconvert of the SD signal.

...or something like that... ;)

Can't they upconvert the commercials to match the resolution of the channel they're showing the commercials?

If they're coming from ESPN, they are upconverted to match the resolution. Everything that ESPN-HD puts out is 720p, whether it originated in 720p or not.

I'm curious too, what issues are you having fast fowarding your TiVo? I FF all the time and haven't had any issues.

I tried a Silver Sensor and was able to lock on the major networks at the time (several years ago and WTAT was still broadcasting from Arco Ln, and with less power). Now the major net's are pumping about 100Kw each, so might be acceptable.

Whatever you go with, probably best to look for a "fringe" or "deep fringe" labeled antenna just to be safe.

As for answer 2:
buy a do it yourself kit. I use the Spyder3TV and it works great. I am sure that a pro could do better, but mine looks great compared to what it was, !

well, i dug thru the "Mystery box" of cables, and found an old FM antenna in there, just plugged it in, and got ~5 channels, so I assume that means there are some good signals in this area.

do you have the old silver sensor laying around? might toss it in the attic, and see.


do you think you can DIY a calibration on an Panasonic 50pz80?
i would rather do it myself, and be partly wrong,
than pay $300 for it to be partly wrong, and not to my liking.

it will be a month or so before i complete the install (by my wife's reckoning of my install skills ) :confused:

Silver Sensor (http://reviews.cnet.com/a-v-antennas/silver-sensor-digital-hdtv/4505-6509_7-30471331.html) is about $30 at RatShack or Sears...keep the receipt in case it doesn't work for you. Another good option that a friend jsut tried with overwhelming success is the Philips MANT940 (http://reviews.cnet.com/a-v-antennas/philips-mant940-hdtv-antenna/4505-6509_7-32023898.html) . Worked magnitudes better than other antennas of the same price and size.

The Spyder3TV (http://spyder.datacolor.com/product-ht-s3tv.php) is about $200 and is well worth the expense. You can use it over an over, and works well enough. If you were setting up a full-on home theater with all sorts of special equipment, you may opt for the professional calibration. But if you are setting up an HDTV in your den and just want it to look as good as possible without the fuss, the Spyder is the way to go.

I have been checking into the Spyder3, but the holdup has been the PC requirement. I do not have a laptop (only desktops) and they are from 5' to about 30' away. How long is the USB cable that connects to the PC and will a cable extension work? I actually have one front projector and 4 other HDTV's between two homes so it would be used a lot.

THe issue with FF on the Tivo with Comcast and their SD commercials is that, while fast forwarding, the TV senses the change in resolution from 720P to 480i switches to 480i. But it seems the local Comcast commercials are at the end of the commercials. So since I'm FF, by the time the TV switches from 720P to 480i and back to 720P with the return of the ESPN programming I'm way past the end of commercials.

Normally with Tivo, since it has a "automatic" rewind function that will skip back a certain amount depending on your FF speed, I find it easy to FF and "stop" at the resumption of the programming. With Comcast mixing in SD commercials with the HD programming it really makes it difficult to FF through commercials. I may have to resort to the 30 second skip but prefer to skip commercials using the 2x FF speed on the Tivo.

It's been awhile since I had a Tivo branded DVR, but can't you force the output resolution to 720p (and/or 1080i) so that everything it shows is "HD"?

I have been checking into the Spyder3, but the holdup has been the PC requirement. I do not have a laptop (only desktops) and they are from 5' to about 30' away. How long is the USB cable that connects to the PC and will a cable extension work? I actually have one front projector and 4 other HDTV's between two homes so it would be used a lot.

I believe it's 6' (possibly 8')

I have MCE with my Skip fwd set to 30 seconds and skip back set to 15 seconds. I have found using the skip faster then the FF. The 2x FF is to slow and the 3x and above goes to fast. Skipping fwd goes quickly and if you skip one to far a skip back of one half, 15 secs, usually puts me very close to correct. Even if I have to do a second skip back I know it will be within 15 seconds and I don't need to sit there with eyes glued to screen waiting to press play at the right instant.

i use the SKIP on my Dish DVR

a normal TV show is 3~4 skips,

and a late night movie is 7~8 skips.

i would do a few and count them, then just do that number the rest of the time.

most channels (Lifetime / USA) have some "propaganda" advertising thier own shows right before the main show starts back, so i usually stop there.


hth?

I can get 2.1 but signal is low, could never get the PBS 7 in Charleston. They have a low power radio stations about 1 miles from me that messes it up.

Oljim, I still can't receive WCBD 2.1 or 2.2 since they were off the air. Please give a signal report, is it still a low signal? WCSC 5.1 signal is good.
Eddie

Eddie39, try a new add channel search.

Eddie39, try a new add channel search.
All that has been done. I'm picking up all Charleston stations and was getting WCBD until they went off. I just need a signal level from Oljim since he was also receiving a low signal. Thanks

It's been awhile since I had a Tivo branded DVR, but can't you force the output resolution to 720p (and/or 1080i) so that everything it shows is "HD"?

I've thought about having Tivo show everything in 720P or 1080i. If Comcast keeps mixing SD and HD I guess I will have to switch to fixed output resolution. I guess I will have to experiment to see the resolution (720P or 1080i) Tivo does a better job of converting since my TV is capable of both resolutions. Right now, obviously, I have it set to show everything in its native format.

I haven't used a DirecTV DVR but one thing Tivo has on the Dish DVRs and the Comcast DVRs is a superior FF and rewind function. I have preferred to use the FF function instead of the 30 second skip becuase I can have it start normal playback about one second before the program returns. This ensures I can hear any dialog that begins right when the show starts back.

Oljim, I still can't receive WCBD 2.1 or 2.2 since they were off the air. Please give a signal report, is it still a low signal? WCSC 5.1 signal is good.
Eddie

Eddie just got back from FL. I get 2.1 at 72 and 5.1 at 76 so they are about the same here, both have good steady signal.

THe issue with FF on the Tivo with Comcast and their SD commercials is that, while fast forwarding, the TV senses the change in resolution from 720P to 480i switches to 480i. But it seems the local Comcast commercials are at the end of the commercials. So since I'm FF, by the time the TV switches from 720P to 480i and back to 720P with the return of the ESPN programming I'm way past the end of commercials.

Normally with Tivo, since it has a "automatic" rewind function that will skip back a certain amount depending on your FF speed, I find it easy to FF and "stop" at the resumption of the programming. With Comcast mixing in SD commercials with the HD programming it really makes it difficult to FF through commercials. I may have to resort to the 30 second skip but prefer to skip commercials using the 2x FF speed on the Tivo.

It didn't use to do this, I don't know what Comcast changed to make it go haywire on the switch. My 8300HD DVR will show the channel info when it jumps to 480i and back to HD and vice versa. Seems like all my issues started when I swapped boxes and got one with cable cards in it.

Good News for FOX HD fans on D* It looks like with the help of FOX and Rhode we have resolved the problem. If anyone out there with D* would keep an eye on it and let me know I would appreciate it.

Thanks
Michael Kordek
Director of Engineering and Operations
WTAT/WMMP
Charleston, SC

Again, thanks for the help and updates on the progress with that issue. With American Idol about to start, I will be watching more than just football games, so I will offer my eyeballs and insight. :)

I was just wondering if it had been fixed. I've been watching via OTA since issue started and had been curious if any progress has been made. I'm not watching much on FOX this week (other than BCS game), but I'll see during 24 on Sunday.

How did I know they would push to fix b4 Idol came back. Just funny I guess.

Thanks for all your help Michael.

I was reviewing my setup to make sure I haven't overlooked anything for OTA reception after the DTV conversion on 2/17 (assuming they don't delay the switch). I have a couple of questions.

First, can anyone confirm the post 2/17 digital frequency assignments? (staion,analog freq, post 2/17 digital freq)

WCBD(NBC), 2, 50
WCIV(ABC), 4, 34
WCSC(CBS), 5, 47
WITV(PBS), 7, 7
WMMP 36, 36
WTAT 24, 24

Second, do we know which stations are at full power on their digital signals? Are there any stations besides WITV(PBS), WMMP(36) and WTAT(Fox24) that are not already broadcasting on their post-2/17 digital channel? I'm trying to test my reception and get an idea where I stand for post-2/17.

Lastly, I know there are some differences in the range of the analog signal versus the digital signals but I live in West Ashley and this should not be a concern for me. I'm using a Channel Master 4228 bowtie antenna in my attic. I really worried about PBS (WITV) channel 7 after the transition since my UHF antenna is mainly designed for channels 14 - 69. I know I get some gain on channel 7. If I'm able to receive a good signal on the current analog channel 7 signal does that mean I should be okay when it switches to digital on channel 7 or do I need to be thinking about adding a VHF antenna?

Thanks!!

i get 3 digital channels on 7 now, in Ladson.

i put the walmart / phillips antenna on the back of my Direct TV dish stand,

FWIW, you need to put the Amp as CLOSE to the antenna as possible, NOT on the back of the TV.

i brought the phillips supplied 20ft lead into the attic, and put the amp there, and used 100ft of RG6 ($27 home depot/$34 wally world) to go across house, down to TV

hth?

i get 3 digital channels on 7 now, in Ladson.

i put the walmart / phillips antenna on the back of my Direct TV dish stand,

FWIW, you need to put the Amp as CLOSE to the antenna as possible, NOT on the back of the TV.

i brought the phillips supplied 20ft lead into the attic, and put the amp there, and used 100ft of RG6 ($27 home depot/$34 wally world) to go across house, down to TV

hth?

He is talking about after 17 feb when PBS goes to DTV 7, the antenna he has now is 10 times better than what you have, I would move the 4228 ourside and see what it does, or try WJWJ PBS that is on DTV 44

FWIW, regarding the D* WTAT HD signal...when watching the BCS Championship game Thursday night, the only problems I saw were on the first two plays of both the 2nd & 4th quarters. For about 5 seconds each time, there was audio and video stutter. Otherwise, no issues with what I watched.

Very happy to see that game 1 of the Raycom basketball season is in HD. Good tidings for the upcoming year...?

And on top of that, the HD looks GREAT!!! (D* HD-LIL)

Hello there

I have some questions/concerns about my reception of 24 and 36... I live in west ashley... up near the bees ferry end of Glenn McConnell... and was wondering if it is expected that I should be getting signal problems on those channels at this time (and if it will improve post 2/17). I have a set top set of bunny ears. Not the best, no, but it works great for 2,4,5 and 7 most of the time. 24 I get good picture if I position correctly, but audio is sketchy. It improves somewhat if I manually switch my TV to PCM (I assume because the signal load for PCM is not as much?). 36 is most of the time a lost cause, although it seems to have gotten a bit better recently.

It is quite aggravating to be watching 24 and having every other word drop from my audio.

Hello there

I have some questions/concerns about my reception of 24 and 36... I live in west ashley... up near the bees ferry end of Glenn McConnell... and was wondering if it is expected that I should be getting signal problems on those channels at this time (and if it will improve post 2/17). I have a set top set of bunny ears. Not the best, no, but it works great for 2,4,5 and 7 most of the time. 24 I get good picture if I position correctly, but audio is sketchy. It improves somewhat if I manually switch my TV to PCM (I assume because the signal load for PCM is not as much?). 36 is most of the time a lost cause, although it seems to have gotten a bit better recently.

It is quite aggravating to be watching 24 and having every other word drop from my audio.
Are these analog or digital channels you are referring too? You are about 23 miles from the towers which are out on Sewee Rd in Awendaw and a outside antenna would serve you better than rabbit ears.

Eddie how is everything on your end, I was woundering is you get listings for 16.1/16.2/and 16.3 on your TVGOS EPG same for 35.1/35.2/35.3 and one more thing in the channel setup do you get 526 channel listings when it is set to off air, no reason to list HBO and all that junk when set to air listings.
Jim

Folks,

As part of our ongoing efforts to improve our video product Charleston has begun a digital simulcast. What is a digital simulcast?

If you have a Comcast digital box every channel you receive will be 100% digital. This will improve picture and sound quality. Channel numbers will not change, the picture quality will improve. 100% digital does not cost any more than your normal bill.

This is done on a box by box basis, and if you have a TV without a box you will continue to get the channels you get currently just in analog format.

We have not deployed simulcast broadly to our customers yet. In fact it has previously been only to Comcast employees. As part of my commitment to my fellow geeks I am able offer the ability to test this ahead of the public.

Remember this is a test and some temperance may be required. After a house goes 100% digital you may have pixilation that might require a truck roll. Historically we have found signal problems are at a house and not the node level on simulcast.

If you or any of your team members have any interest in participating in this free test of a new feature email me (don’t PM me on this) with:

Name
Address
Phone number

At

Andrews_mcilwain@cable.comcast.com


This will be done with rate codes and should not require a truck roll unless you have marginal signal at your residence.

Thanks
Andrews Mcilwain | Comcast | Sales & Marketing Charleston SC and Augusta GA |
http://www.comcasttraining.com

Is anyone else having issues with the Comcast ABC and CBS digital channels (431 & 433)? Both of those have been a pixelated mess since yesterday. I called Comcast this morning but the person I spoke with was rather clueless. She had me reboot my STB even though I told her that all 3 TVs were having the same problem. Just wondering if maybe the source signal at the tower was the issue.

As mentioned in the post immediately before yours:
Remember this is a test and some temperance may be required. After a house goes 100% digital you may have pixilation that might require a truck roll. Historically we have found signal problems are at a house and not the node level on simulcast.

Sounds like you may need a truck roll :)

The way I read hfg676 post is it is a Volontary test

It very well may be...but the coincidence is eery if it is not related.

And the fact that is is a voluntary sign-up and not run through the main CSR's makes sense as to why the level 1 CSR he contacted had no clue...though some CSR's have been known to not have a clue in the past. But all indicators point to this issue being related to the digital rollout.

Thanks for the feedback. I didn't make the connection at all to the prior post about simulcasting as I also interpreted that to be an "opt-in" option. The signal came back as suddenly as it went yesterday afternoon. Thankfully (or not, if the outcome is considered) it was fine for the Clemson/Wake game at 3:30. It's been intermittent since; sometimes being flawless for 30 minutes to an hour and then constantly breaking up for an hour. Weird. It only seems to be these two channels (aside from poor signal that I always get on NBC which, sadly, I consider normal now).

Are these analog or digital channels you are referring too? You are about 23 miles from the towers which are out on Sewee Rd in Awendaw and a outside antenna would serve you better than rabbit ears.

Yeah, sorry... I'm referring to Digital OTA channels. Outdoor antenna is not an option because I live in an apartment complex.

Thanks for the feedback. I didn't make the connection at all to the prior post about simulcasting as I also interpreted that to be an "opt-in" option. The signal came back as suddenly as it went yesterday afternoon. Thankfully (or not, if the outcome is considered) it was fine for the Clemson/Wake game at 3:30. It's been intermittent since; sometimes being flawless for 30 minutes to an hour and then constantly breaking up for an hour. Weird. It only seems to be these two channels (aside from poor signal that I always get on NBC which, sadly, I consider normal now).
Hey,
I apologize for the pixilation. I am not aware of any pixilation on the HD channels.
Simulcast would not affect the just 2 channels. At this point simulcast is done with rate codes by individual residence addresses.
If you are still having a signal issue I would suggest getting a trouble call. Sometimes it is the most mundane thing, but our techs now what to look for. It might shock you, but a large amount of the time rebooting a box fixes all the problems.
At my house I had a smart panel put in 2005 when I built the house. My video worked fine along with my CHSI and CDV until recently. The tech got to my house looked at the panel and asked why I had a 8 way splitter for TV signal (I have a home run for my EMTA) and not an amplifier. I had always assumed the splitter was an amplifier (it was buried in the bottom of my panel). A house amp later and I am fine.
Thanks for being a Comcast customer
Andrews

Andrews_mcilwain@cable.comcast.com

Eddie how is everything on your end, I was woundering is you get listings for 16.1/16.2/and 16.3 on your TVGOS EPG same for 35.1/35.2/35.3 and one more thing in the channel setup do you get 526 channel listings when it is set to off air, no reason to list HBO and all that junk when set to air listings.
Jim
Jim

Sorry to take so long getting back to you. At the beginning setup I put zip code 29906 and selected Charter digital as my cable company. It gave me their channels plus all OTAs. Charter only carries 16.3 as channel 788 and analog 16 as channel 8. I can go into my setup and add OTA channels. I do have WGSA listed if thats the 35 you are looking for. I tried this morning and I'm not receiving them at the moment. I don't have a channel 526. If you go to Zap 2 it http://www.zap2it.com/ and set it up with zip 29906 and charter digital you will see all channels the way I'm getting them.

By the way, I'm still waiting on you to come by and see if you think I can get Directv under all these oaks I have.

Eddie

Anyone with Comcast getting TLC HD on the Discovery HD Theater channel also?

Jim

Sorry to take so long getting back to you. At the beginning setup I put zip code 29906 and selected Charter digital as my cable company. It gave me their channels plus all OTAs. Charter only carries 16.3 as channel 788 and analog 16 as channel 8. I can go into my setup and add OTA channels. I do have WGSA listed if thats the 35 you are looking for. I tried this morning and I'm not receiving them at the moment. I don't have a channel 526. If you go to Zap 2 it http://www.zap2it.com/ and set it up with zip 29906 and charter digital you will see all channels the way I'm getting them.

By the way, I'm still waiting on you to come by and see if you think I can get Directv under all these oaks I have.

Eddie
Eddie this is the EPG for my TV, If I select cable I can not get my OTA channels and I do not want to see 788 for 16.3 I want a list of 16.1/16.2 and 16.3 same for WGSA, they have 3 sub ch all with differant program.
Looks like 16.3 has gone to crap most of the program is for kids.

Eddie this is the EPG for my TV, If I select cable I can not get my OTA channels and I do not want to see 788 for 16.3 I want a list of 16.1/16.2 and 16.3 same for WGSA, they have 3 sub ch all with differant program.
Looks like 16.3 has gone to crap most of the program is for kids.


My DVR has both cable and antenna connectors on it. When I do a TVGOS setup, give me both OTA and cable.

Thoughts on the digital switchover delay.........

With Congress looking like they will pass the bill to delay the conversion from analog tp digital by four months, anyone have a guess if any of the local stations will take advantage of the option in the bill to switch over to digital before June?

I think the congressional bill especially with the option allowing stations to switch before June is going to be more confusing. The big reason they give for the delay is the coupon program running out of funds. Why not keep the original date and hire a private company to handle a $40 rebate program? This allows individuals to immediately buy the converter boxes for the original February switchover date and receive their rebate after they buy the converter box.

I saw in the Greenville, SC forum that someone said SCETV will go all digital as planned on February 17 to save money. Does anyone know if this is true?

It would seem that it would make sense for all the local stations to agree on a date and all switch to digital at the same time if it is before the June date. Can you imagine if one station switches before the others the confusion it will create? Plus it would seem to be a bad public relations move to be the only one (besides SCETV?) to switch (I guesss they need to weigh the loss of some viewers / advertising against the reduction in costs by not transmitting both an anaolg and digital signal).

Many of us on the fourm have been around for many years, I have not looked a a analog TV signal for over 5 years. I see no reason for any station to spend extra money on the analog signal. Cut it off on Feb 17th anyone that has not figured it out by now never will, or they will run not walk to get a converter box.

It is. All the SCETV stations have filed to state they'll be killing analog on February 17 because there's no money in the budget to run them any longer than that.

- Trip

The same people not ready on 2/17 are the same ones who won'tbe ready 4 months from 2/17 or any other future date. Congress won't be happy until they buy them a brand new flat panel digital. And NO those of us who once again did the right thing and are prepared will Not get anything but laughed at for doing so.

The House failed to delay the deadline. February 17 is still the day of the switch.

Can whoever helped with FOX24 HD on DirecTv see if anything can be done about CBS5 HD? For several weeks/months, the volume output on CBS is much lower than is used to be for voices.

For example, watching CSI I now have to turn it up more to hear communication, but when they switch to say music during intro or other non-verbal, it is extremely loud.

That shouldn't be but is not unusual for any of the broadcasters as it depends on the source material recording. If your AVR or TV has what is usualy called a "night" mode it will help reduce this. It normally will reduce the range between the high and low volumes. It is also known as dynamic contrast or range control. You may or may not want this on for movies, it can vary hugely from one program/movie to the next.

That shouldn't be but is not unusual for any of the broadcasters as it depends on the source material recording. If your AVR or TV has what is usualy called a "night" mode it will help reduce this. It normally will reduce the range between the high and low volumes. It is also known as dynamic contrast or range control. You may or may not want this on for movies, it can vary hugely from one program/movie to the next.

This is definitely something that started when DirecTv started their Charleston locals in HD. It is for all CBS shows on all of my TV's. Who can help?

Anybody heard anything about Verizon FIOS coming to Charleston anytime soon? Is the crappy economy going to slow their rollout? I can't take Comcast anymore and Knology doesn't seem to offer anything better.

Anybody heard anything about Verizon FIOS coming to Charleston anytime soon? Is the crappy economy going to slow their rollout? I can't take Comcast anymore and Knology doesn't seem to offer anything better.

I wouldn't count on FIOS getting here anytime soon. Verizon doesn't even offer telephone service here yet and I think that is the first step. I think U-Verse will be here before FIOS will.

Is WCBD or NBC carrying the game in DD 5.1? I've checked both OTA and DirecTV, it seems to be Dolby ProLogic for the game itself, although the spots seem to be 5.1. My stupid Best Buy Insignia receiver doesn't switch automatically between DD and ProLogic.
-JFS

Is WCBD or NBC carrying the game in DD 5.1? I've checked both OTA and DirecTV, it seems to be Dolby ProLogic for the game itself, although the spots seem to be 5.1. My stupid Best Buy Insignia receiver doesn't switch automatically between DD and ProLogic.
-JFS
Actually, I don't think any of the content was 5.1 here, although I heard from people elsewhere that it was. I changed a setting on my A/V receiver and found that some channels would be 5.1 (like WCSC and HBO) and others would be 2.0 with PL. I tried going back a bit on the forum - I can see from rabbitears.com that WCBD is supposed to be 5.1, but it also says WCIV is 2.0 and I'm nearly certain I've been getting 5.1 from them.
-JFS

I can only go by what the data I'm given says. If WCBD was doing DD5.1 at the time the data capture was taken, then I list it as 5.1. If WCIV wasn't doing 5.1 at that time, I have no way to know that they are 5.1 capable.

If they're 5.1 capable, then I'll fix my listing.

- Trip

Don't know if NBC didn't do 5.1 or WCBD can' send it but that really sucks! It was only stereo. Ch5 and CBS can do it. When ch 5 has a game in HD & 5.1 it is soooo good. You really feel like you are right there in the stands. For the Super bowl to not have 5.1 is really second rate low class. I would have liked to see the 3D but had no glasses. But, the sound issue was just inexcusable. It makes a huge difference in the experience.

I can only go by what the data I'm given says. If WCBD was doing DD5.1 at the time the data capture was taken, then I list it as 5.1. If WCIV wasn't doing 5.1 at that time, I have no way to know that they are 5.1 capable.

If they're 5.1 capable, then I'll fix my listing.

- Trip

Your website is TERRIFIC, Trip! I certainly understand how you have to rely on the data. I guess it comes from a PC Tuner tool? I understand audio formats really well, but was really frustrated last night trying to figure out an authoritative way to determine what I was getting - I just got on D* HD - the HR23-700.

If I find out more, I'll let you know.
-JFS

Your website is TERRIFIC, Trip! I certainly understand how you have to rely on the data. I guess it comes from a PC Tuner tool?

Yes. I have a contact in the DC area, and he was in the area on a trip with his laptop and USB tuner and antenna, and he got me the data I have for the Charleston stations. Most computer tuners work with TSReader Lite one way or another. It's a wonderful tool, I use it all the time.

Is there anyone here who can confirm for me whether or not there is a digital signal on channel 29? I've heard rumors of it, there's a permit for one in Charleston, but I've gotten no confirmation.

If I find out more, I'll let you know.
-JFS

Thanks.

I sometimes take a guess and try to figure out if a station is doing 5.1 or not based on bitrates, but in the case of WCIV I hesitated. WCIV is owned by the same company that owns my local ABC, WSET. On the analog side, they never broadcast in stereo (the only local station not to), and on the digital side, they do not do 5.1, so I wasn't sure if this also applied to WCIV given the common ownership.

- Trip

I am re-visiting the following issue since none of the parties involved have done anything to resolve it.

I am on Comcast in Charleston. PBS-HD looks absolutely awful through cable. This is not a fault of my cable box because every other channel looks normal (i.e. If quality of over-compressed HD streams can be called normal).

So what is the problem ? The signal is heavily compressed. Its so bad that when there is any motion on the screen, the area of motion gets pixelized. I was watching Frontline-World (HD program) and it was pixelating at even the slightest motion.

I checked PBS OTA and it looked normal. A couple of months ago when I was researching this issue, I called the field engineer at PBS. He ran some tests and called back to confirm that the problem was only on Comcast cable and not OTA or satellite. He promised to have Comcast address the problem.

Its been two months now and the problem is still there.

Andrew ... are you looking at resolving the problem ? Its easy to test ... just watch PBS-HD channel on a reasonably-sized HDTV. Mine is a 37-inch 1080 display.

Does Fox24 plan on regaining an HD feed any time soon?

EDIT - That was interesting... we'll see if it lasts

36.1 would be nice for these raycom games - they did it for SEC football, so they have the equipment

Is WCBD or NBC carrying the game in DD 5.1? I've checked both OTA and DirecTV, it seems to be Dolby ProLogic for the game itself, although the spots seem to be 5.1. My stupid Best Buy Insignia receiver doesn't switch automatically between DD and ProLogic.
-JFS

WCBD doesn't have the DD 5.1 capability, but the game was in 5.1. A few years back I spoke with Sam Barclay at WCBD about it and he gave me a little hope it would happen, but hasn't yet. Previous e-mails to him have gone unanswered regarding various issues, so I've given up on getting through to him.

I'm still experiencing the fuzzy cut ins with WCBD.

OK...the idiots got their way. The DTV transition date has been delayed until June. Freakin Idiots!

And in June they still will not be ready

Agreed but pretty soon the new administration will buy them a new DTV, delivered and installed free. Now which of us are fools?

Will any of the engineers or representatives that monitor this forum from the local TV stations post their analog to digital conversion plans once they become available. I'm sure they will all wait until President Obama signs the bill to announce anything.

This could really be a mess if they all switch at different times. Does anyone know if any of the local stations have to wait for other TV stations to turn off their analog signals or move from a temporary channel before they switch?

Someone here said PBS will switch because they don't have the budget to continue both.

WCBD will have something on their afternoon news today about the date of switch. I got an email from Ricks Lipps WCBD VP General Manager stating they would see what the rest of the market wants to do. Wilmington, NC shut all their analog stations down last September 8, 2008 at 12 noon. SCETV plans to shut their analog down September 17 because of funds.

Here's a link to the FCC's statement on allowing stations to switch early

http://www.broadcastingcable.com/article/173682-FCC_Releases_Rules_For_Stations_Sticking_To_Feb_17_Date.php

I got an email from Ricks Lipps WCBD VP General Manager stating they would see what the rest of the market wants to do.

Tell him the rest of the market uses Dolby Digital 5.1 too.

Will any of the engineers or representatives that monitor this forum from the local TV stations post their analog to digital conversion plans once they become available. I'm sure they will all wait until President Obama signs the bill to announce anything.

This could really be a mess if they all switch at different times. Does anyone know if any of the local stations have to wait for other TV stations to turn off their analog signals or move from a temporary channel before they switch?

WCSC just said they will turn off the analog on the 2/17 date.

Bill Walsh on WTMA 1250 AM this morning said he heard all the stations in the Charleston area are switching on 2/17.

The White House wants your opinion on The DTV Delay ACT Bill
President Obama wants to hear what the public has to say, you can comment here

http://www.whitehouse.gov/briefing_room/dtv_delay_act/

I'll tell the Prez it doesn't much matter to me!

Why does it matter now it's a done deal. Since he wanted it he is not going to refuse to sign it now. Just want to add to their mailing list maybe?

When it does finally stop I am hoping that time and money concentrated on Digital will finally improve the local performance. BTW kudos to WCSC ch 5.1 !!

WCSC just said they will turn off the analog on the 2/17 date.

Apparently, this decision has been reversed.

WCSC announced on there 11PM news last night that they were extending the cutoff until June 12. WCBD has a banner on their website saying all Charleston stations were extending cutoff until June 12.

According to Trip in VA's RabbitEar website on the DTV transition:

http://www.rabbitears.info/dtr.php

half of the local stations plan on turning off their analog on 2/17. PBS (WITV 7), Fox (WTAT 24) and Channel 36 (WMMP 36) are the three stations.

I wonder if the FCC pressured the other three stations to wait until 6/12. The FCC Commissioner had said the FCC would look into any area where all the stations switched on 2/17.

Whatever the reason this will cause confusion for a lot of people.

Yeah, just like the government to try and fix a problem and create a whole batch of new ones.

Change we can believe in by, well, not making a change.

SCETV DTV Update

I should have posted this information sooner, but I have not been on the forums lately. I apologize for waiting until the last moment for disseminating this news.

As most of you are aware, SCETV has chosen to shut down our eleven analog transmitters around the state on the original DTV transition date of February 17th ~ 11:59:59PM. At the same time, we will also change our service lineup in our transport stream for our DTV signal. This will more than likely require a channel rescan. Our new lineup will be the following:

Program 1: ETV – HD, Main Programming
Program 2: SCC – SD ,South Carolina Channel
Program 3: ETVW – SD, ETV World

Originally, we were going to drop one of our SD services during this transition, but that decision has been changed.

Also, with our analog signal going away, we will no longer support Gemstar/Macrovision TVGOS. There is some limited information that can be found here: http://www.macrovision.com/dtv/10053.htm?link_id=rightPromo

Again, I am sorry for getting this information out at such a late date. If you are experiencing any issues with receiving our signal, contact information can be found at http://www.scetv.org/television/dtv/. We have an 888 number set up, and you are welcome to send me a message.

Since I am posting this in multiple forums for our stations around the state, I wanted to remind WITV viewers that we will be changing from RF channel UHF 49 to channel VHF 7.

Thanks for you patience.

-Shaun

Shaun,

HUGE SERIOUS THANK YOU!!!!!

The few minutes it took you to post this info will save many of us a LOT of time (and 4 letter words)! If only all the stations would show this thoughtfulness for their customers. Also, those who follow this thread will be able to save others time and you help calls.

Thank you again.

Local FOX is planning on shutting analog down as well.

Shaun,

HUGE SERIOUS THANK YOU!!!!!

The few minutes it took you to post this info will save many of us a LOT of time (and 4 letter words)! If only all the stations would show this thoughtfulness for their customers. Also, those who follow this thread will be able to save others time and you help calls.

Thank you again.


I am just glad that nobody yelled at me for waiting until the last minute to let you all know what was going on; just wasn't thinking.

Anyway, please call the number on the web site or contact me if you have any issues after tomorrow night.

-Shaun

I think 36 is as well.

How can anyone of them afford to keep blasting 2 signals at this time? That is seriously expensive.

Shaun,

I know it is not your problem after today and you must be busy. But, if you know which if any Charleston area station is picking up the TVGOS info after today I would be once again very thankful. Just knowing if it is even out there would save us a tremendous amount of time and anger.

Shaun,

I know it is not your problem after today and you must be busy. But, if you know which if any Charleston area station is picking up the TVGOS info after today I would be once again very thankful. Just knowing if it is even out there would save us a tremendous amount of time and anger.

Read someplace that it will be on WCSC but will they???

Shaun,

I know it is not your problem after today and you must be busy. But, if you know which if any Charleston area station is picking up the TVGOS info after today I would be once again very thankful. Just knowing if it is even out there would save us a tremendous amount of time and anger.

I will ask around, but at this time I am not sure if you’re local CBS affiliate has decided to carry the service. You might be able to contact Macrovision/Gemstar to find out what options you have for TVGOS in your area.

-Shaun

Shaun,

Thanks for a quick response.

oljim,

I have read the same. Getting accurate info on TVGOS kind of falls in the same category as winning the lottery. I will really miss it but good as it is when it is there I am just not willing to put any more time in to it then I did in the past. It is just not worth it and really p!@#$ me of to have to treasure hunt for the most simple of information as if it were nuclear bomb plans. BTW I suscribe to the TVGOS thread here at AVS and it still amounts to rumor for everything. Gemstar/macrovision S!@#

Same problem here, works sometimes, not others. My TV has it but I find the seup is crazy, why do they list 525 channels when you set it to antenna, no one gets HBO from antenna. The info comes from PBS now, but does not give listings for sub channels on PBS .Guess we will find out if it works next week. My dog has more info than you get from Gemstar/Macrovision as far as after the 17 th

The ETV subs are out there, on my Toshiba plasma OTA, you have to do some editing after going through the list of 525. My set is 2 years old and I don't know what happens anymore after today but it was a very nice convenience for the past 2 years even though I spent a lot of time to get it working. NO MORE. My PVR is MCE 2005 so it has its own recording guide from zap2it and there is plenty of info on the net. TVGOS was nice because I could just press one button any time the TV was on and check programming. Couch potato thing :)

Our DTV encoder upgrade and service lineup changes are complete. WITV frequency change over should be complete ~5:00AM

-Shaun

Thanks for the update sbennett.

New ETV switch and analog drop picked up by my Toshiba DTV with strong signal and good quality pic. FYI on my Toshiba just doing a scan again did not work. Mine has a "reset" on the scan screen and when I did that and then another scan, Surprise, it worked just the way it is supposed to, really it did! :D

Thanks again Shaun!

This refers to ch 7 WITV

I get a much better signal on DTV 7 than I did on DTV 49 Never could get ch 7 in analog

Actually I do too. Was 86/88% now it's 93/94%

I was about 60 with dropouts now SOLID 76 I am 71 miles from tower

I am 19 miles from tower

Im 45 miles away from the Channel 7 WITV tower and scanned it with an American made Channel Master 4221 with a CM 7777 amplifier, which is not a VHF antenna and am recieving breakups. Its got to be a strong signal. My TV set is a Vizio GV42LF.

Ill try it with some indoor antennas and let you know the results.

Mine is UHF Turk in the attic. Atmosphere could be effecting. I have had that in the past. WITV is usually pretty good for me but at times it appears to get a severe migrain. Haven't tried it since this morning.

sbennett - Now that you have switched to digital are you at "full power" or do you still have to move the digital transmitters to the top or higher on the towers?

Also, does anyone know if WTAT and WMMP are at "full power" now after the "switch"?

sbennett - Now that you have switched to digital are you at "full power" or do you still have to move the digital transmitters to the top or higher on the towers?

Also, does anyone know if WTAT and WMMP are at "full power" now after the "switch"?

WTAT and WMMP will be increasing power sometime in the near future. I have not been given the exact date as of yet however the thought is that it will be done sometime between 3/3 and 6/12. As soon as I get a firm date I will post it here for everyone.

Michael Kordek
Director of Engineering and Operations
WTAT/WMMP

Directork - thanks for responding!! I hope it is closer to 3/3 than June.

Does anyone else get "stop motion" on WMMP 36? Its really annoying.

sbennett - Now that you have switched to digital are you at "full power" or do you still have to move the digital transmitters to the top or higher on the towers?

Yes, WITV is operating at full power.

-Shaun

tc1 you get any info on TVGOS, I get nothing on it here.

No, It's been saying it would rebuild in 24 hrs since I dropped analog ch 7 and rescaned for switch. Bought my Toshiba in 2006 and I don't know if it will do the digital TVGOS or if there is now no TVGOS to be had in this area or both. I'm just leaving it alone until I hear something to try. I have plenty of program info sources but none as convenient as TVGOS and I miss it already. :(

If you find anything shout out here.

Since Georgia and South Carolina ETV shut down their analog we don't have anyone in either area carrying the TVGOS Guide. I sent a email to TVGOS @ Macrovision and got a automatic reply with an incident number. Also called in and left a message, just waiting for someone to get back to me, I hope.

I knew about the channel 7 and 24 changes prior to the 2/17 SD drop. I have OTA reception with an RCA ANT806 in the attic and don't have any problems with local HD channels. I live in West Ashley. I have my OTA tied into my Dish VIP622 DVRHD receiver and it works flawlessly...until the middle of last week. I lost all three channel 7 signals, but the Dish guide was still there. Never lost 024-1 HD. I tried rescanning the local channels this weekend and still couldn't get any channel 7s to show a signal. Last night, went in and clicked 007-1 in the local setup menu and hit "edit name". I saw a signal! There was life. Same for 007-2. 007-3 was still dead but the guide is still living. Since 007-3 mirrors -1 in most content, I'm happy I can get ETV and SCC HD again. I love Austin City Limits and Sound Stage on the weekends.

Thanks sbennett for the reminder to rescan the channels. I was perplexed for a few days, but all is well again!

7 is the one that actually changed frequency. If you get -1 & -2 you should get -3 also. -3 WAS 1080i and -1 & -2 were 480i. NOW -1 is 1080i & -2, -3 are 480i.

I knew about the channel 7 and 24 changes prior to the 2/17 SD drop. I have OTA reception with an RCA ANT806 in the attic and don't have any problems with local HD channels. I live in West Ashley. I have my OTA tied into my Dish VIP622 DVRHD receiver and it works flawlessly...until the middle of last week. I lost all three channel 7 signals, but the Dish guide was still there. Never lost 024-1 HD. I tried rescanning the local channels this weekend and still couldn't get any channel 7s to show a signal. Last night, went in and clicked 007-1 in the local setup menu and hit "edit name". I saw a signal! There was life. Same for 007-2. 007-3 was still dead but the guide is still living. Since 007-3 mirrors -1 in most content, I'm happy I can get ETV and SCC HD again. I love Austin City Limits and Sound Stage on the weekends.

Thanks sbennett for the reminder to rescan the channels. I was perplexed for a few days, but all is well again!

You need to go back into local channels, go over to the channel list, go down to 7.1/7.2/and 7.3. Put a red dot with the select button in fromt of each one. Now go to the delete and remove them, go to add locals, put 07 in the transmit number, if you get a green signal bar go to done, done again.
If you do not get a green signal bar you need to adjust your antenna.
Your 622 is looking at 49 for PBS this will change it to 7

Anyone with D* and an HR20 receiver not getting 24.1 or 36.1 during American Idol? My Mitsubishi TV's built-in tuner, which shares the same antenna as the D* box is working just fine, but the HR20 says searching for signal. Odd that it's only those two stations. I will reboot it later but since I'm recording another show I don't want to reboot it just yet. Just curious.
Thanks.

Anyone with D* and an HR20 receiver not getting 24.1 or 36.1 during American Idol? My Mitsubishi TV's built-in tuner, which shares the same antenna as the D* box is working just fine, but the HR20 says searching for signal. Odd that it's only those two stations. I will reboot it later but since I'm recording another show I don't want to reboot it just yet. Just curious.
Thanks.

Any reason you aren't just using the HD-LIL feed from D* on 24 or 36? Both LIL feeds are coming in beautifully in HD.

Main box is busy on two tuners...will check bedroom HR20.

Okay, bedroom OTA is not getting those two channels.

LR HR20 also not showing OTA channels 24 & 36. And that one has been rescanned since the digital conversion. BR HR20 has not.

So it doesn't appear to be a reset/rescan issue. Guess it might just be bad PSIP data.

I hope 36 WMMP boosts power eventually. Because I have spotty reception of that channel.

In Goose Creek SC I was able to pick up 7-1, 7-2, 7-3 with an indoor Philips UHF antenna.

After WITV moved to VHF I am unable to pick-up ETV programming with a couple of RCA UHF/VHF indoor antennas. HDHomeRun on MythTV reports 30% reception at best.

Is anyone in my area picking up WITV with an indoor antenna? If so what brand and model?

Thanks, PLA

The HD locals should be on dishnetwork this week, they are on Sat 129. Look in your HD list.

I knew about the channel 7 and 24 changes prior to the 2/17 SD drop. I have OTA reception with an RCA ANT806 in the attic and don't have any problems with local HD channels. I live in West Ashley. I have my OTA tied into my Dish VIP622 DVRHD receiver and it works flawlessly...until the middle of last week. I lost all three channel 7 signals, but the Dish guide was still there. Never lost 024-1 HD. I tried rescanning the local channels this weekend and still couldn't get any channel 7s to show a signal. Last night, went in and clicked 007-1 in the local setup menu and hit "edit name". I saw a signal! There was life. Same for 007-2. 007-3 was still dead but the guide is still living. Since 007-3 mirrors -1 in most content, I'm happy I can get ETV and SCC HD again. I love Austin City Limits and Sound Stage on the weekends.

Thanks sbennett for the reminder to rescan the channels. I was perplexed for a few days, but all is well again!

You need to go back into local channels, go over to the channel list, go down to 7.1/7.2/and 7.3. Put a red dot with the select button in fromt of each one. Now go to the delete and remove them, go to add locals, put 07 in the transmit number, if you get a green signal bar go to done, done again.
If you do not get a green signal bar you need to adjust your antenna.
Your 622 is looking at 49 for PBS this will change it to 7

Got it, Jim. Now I have all 3 channel 7s. I did have to have the receiver reload the program guide, as it said "digital service" for 007-3. After that, business as usual.

Any reason you aren't just using the HD-LIL feed from D* on 24 or 36? Both LIL feeds are coming in beautifully in HD.

Main box is busy on two tuners...will check bedroom HR20.

I've had D* for 10 years and OTA HD for about 6 years now. All my receivers and two of my 4 TV's have ATSC tuners so I've never subscribed to the LIL's. I can't see paying for something that I can get free. I have an outdoor UHF antenna with an amp and rotator (for back when Fox and UPN were in West Ashley) and therefore I never have issues with reception such as the rain fade I occasionally get with D*.
I reset the receiver this morning and now I'm getting those channels again. The signal strength showed good on both channels before resetting so something such as PSIP data must have been the issue.
Thanks!

I've had D* for 10 years and OTA HD for about 6 years now. All my receivers and two of my 4 TV's have ATSC tuners so I've never subscribed to the LIL's. I can't see paying for something that I can get free. I have an outdoor UHF antenna with an amp and rotator (for back when Fox and UPN were in West Ashley) and therefore I never have issues with reception such as the rain fade I occasionally get with D*.
I reset the receiver this morning and now I'm getting those channels again. The signal strength showed good on both channels before resetting so something such as PSIP data must have been the issue.
Thanks!

Locals are free w/ D* aren't they?

Locals are free w/ D* aren't they?

Not on my plan. I have an older plan and it's cheaper than an equivalent new plan. I'm allowed to keep the old plan as long as I don't make any changes to my plan. So adding LIL's would be a double whammy....paying for something that's free now and then also losing my older plan, which would also increase my pricing.
Also, in order to get LIL's on two of my D* tuners I'd have to upgrade them since they are older and can't do MPEG4.

Not on my plan. I have an older plan and it's cheaper than an equivalent new plan. I'm allowed to keep the old plan as long as I don't make any changes to my plan. So adding LIL's would be a double whammy....paying for something that's free now and then also losing my older plan, which would also increase my pricing.
Also, in order to get LIL's on two of my D* tuners I'd have to upgrade them since they are older and can't do MPEG4.

All good points...I also have an older plan and just got my annual rate increase letter today. The only channels I am not getting in HD that I want are BiographyHD and Science Channel. Funny thing though...Science Channel content replays on DiscoveryHD from time to time, so not missing anything there; and BioHD stuff replays on A&E, so again, no big loss.

Grandfathered packages are great compared to what those new customers might be having to choose from, and there are limits. But I would recommend contacting D* about the MPEG4 upgrade. I am pretty sure that as I have followed the upgrade path, my base programming package has remained constant, and that hardware is not part of the "change in plan voids grandfathered package" concerns. Worth a check...

Watching the weather on WTAT and noticed ghosting on the text. I thought that wasn't possible with a digital signal? Watching via Comcast.

Watching the weather on WTAT and noticed ghosting on the text. I thought that wasn't possible with a digital signal? Watching via Comcast.

I have been noticing this also on the local WTAT programming. It's all good on the national feeds.

Well at least this year WCBD has opted to put the golf coverage on their sub channel while showing the Telethon. Unfortunately, the audio on channel 14 for Comcast is horrid and for OTA, audio is okay, but no HD.

Anyone know if WCBD has the capability to push HD through on CW?

2-1 is 1080i and 2-2 IS 480i so no

I'm confused. Does anyone know what's going on with WTAT Ch 24 and WMMP Channel 36?

I thought on 2/17 24 and 36 were going to turn off analog and switch to digital. WTAT Channel 24 moving from channel 40 back to 24 (24.1). Channel 36 WMMP moving from 35 back to 36 (36.1).

After scanning the channels, both WTAT and WMMP are still broadcasting DTV switching info on their analog channels (24 and 36) and still broadcasting their digital signal on their "temporary" channels (40 and 35).

Did I miss something?

Folks,

A quick update about Comcast. We have 7 more HD channels coming soon.

6 channels will launch on 3/16

430 Bravo HD
443 Nickelodeon HD
452 Spike HD
459 Lifetime HD
470 CNBC HD
471 QVC HD


MLB HD Will launch 4/16/09

This in addition to the 1,000 HD choices on demand. This brings our linear HD line up to

HD LIMITED BASIC
431 ABC HD Simulcast on
432 NBC HD Simulcast
433 CBS HD Simulcast on
434 Fox HD Simulcast
436 My TV HD
440 PBS HD

HD DIGITAL STARTER
401 Fox Sports Regional HD
403 ESPN HD
404 ESPN2 HD
405 Golf HD on
407 TNT HD
409 Universal HD
410 A&E HD on
411 Palladia HD on
412 Discovery HD Theater
414 Food HD
415 HGTV HD
420 USA HD
421 TBS HD
422 History Channel HD on
423 CNN HD
424 Discovery HD
425 TLC HD
426 Animal Planet HD
427 Sci-Fi HD
428 Fox News HD
429 American Movie Classics HD
430 Bravo HD (Coming 03/16)
442 Cartoon Network HD
443 Nickelodeon HD (Coming 03/16)
444 ABC Family HD
445 Disney HD
448 Versus HD
450 Speed HD
451 FX HD
452 Spike HD (Coming 03/16)
457 E! HD
458 Travel HD
459 Lifetime HD (Coming 03/16)
470 CNBC HD (Coming 03/16)
471 QVC HD (Coming 03/16)

HD DIGITAL CLASSIC3
413 National Geographic HD on
446 Science HD
479 MLB HD (Coming 04/16)

HD SPORTS
ENTERTAINMENT PACK
406 NFL Network HD

HD PREMIUM
416 HBO (E) HD
417 Cinemax (E) HD on
418 Showtime (E) HD on
419 Starz (E) HD

If you have any more questions please dont hesitate to contact me if you have any questions. Please remember that I do travel every week, and apologize in advance for any delay.

Andrews_mcilwain@cable.comcast.com

What is it with 24.1 and the D* HR20 DVR? Again, tonight, 24.1 isn't working correctly. This is at least the 4th time it's had issues since it first cropped up last week. Does anyone know if 24.1 is doing anything with their signal? I guess PBS did some changing around and I had to rescan to get it working, but it's been fine ever since. And 24.1 always seems to work on my Mits. 6 yr old built-in tuner but my D* tuner can't handle something that's going on. Kind of annoying.

Well, Im having trouble with WJWJ Channel 16 now. I have a Channel Master 4221 on the roof with a CM 7777 amplifier, and get spotty channel 7 WITV now that they have switched to real channel 7 digital. I was hoping to just go with WJWJ but now Im having trouble. I even switched to a Radio Shack double bowtie and aimed the thing directly at WJWJ but nothing.

What is it with 24.1 and the D* HR20 DVR? Again, tonight, 24.1 isn't working correctly. This is at least the 4th time it's had issues since it first cropped up last week. Does anyone know if 24.1 is doing anything with their signal? I guess PBS did some changing around and I had to rescan to get it working, but it's been fine ever since. And 24.1 always seems to work on my Mits. 6 yr old built-in tuner but my D* tuner can't handle something that's going on. Kind of annoying.

This explains why I did not get the last Idol recording. I checked it half way through last night and had to switch to 24. I have the HR-21. The D* H20 works fine with 24.1.

Well, Im having trouble with WJWJ Channel 16 now. I have a Channel Master 4221 on the roof with a CM 7777 amplifier, and get spotty channel 7 WITV now that they have switched to real channel 7 digital. I was hoping to just go with WJWJ but now Im having trouble. I even switched to a Radio Shack double bowtie and aimed the thing directly at WJWJ but nothing.

I checked my signal on WJWJ, it is not what it has been. Seems like it is down about 20-30 from normal on all 3 of my antennas. It comes in good even with them pointed to Sav. but not good today.

Just called WJWJ, they have some problems, but will get it fixed, so they said ???
Not sure about Fox 24 no problem here.

No problems on Fox for me.

Thanks for the confirmation on WJWJ, oljim.

Again, I hope 36 WMMP ups the juice sooner rather than later.

WTAT and WMMP will be increasing power sometime in the near future. I have not been given the exact date as of yet however the thought is that it will be done sometime between 3/3 and 6/12. As soon as I get a firm date I will post it here for everyone.

Michael Kordek
Director of Engineering and Operations
WTAT/WMMP

Michael - It looks like Channel 24 WTAT analog (frequency 24) is off the air or at least has stopped showing any DTV conversion information. It also appears you are still transmitting the digital signal at frequency 40. When will you switch the digital signal to frequency 24 which is what I understand is your permanent frequency? My TiVo programming data is all screwed up because they (and I) thought you switched to your permanent frequency (24) on 2/17.

Thanks in advance for any information you can give on WTAT and WMMP.

I get 24.2 ota but there doesn't appear to be any programming, anyone know what wtat has planned for the subchannel?

I get 24.2 as well, they were duplicating the 24.1 feed for a while (in 480) but I think that was just to test the feed.

WJWJ Channel 16 PBS is now back to full strength for me, as of yesterday afternoon.

Again Fox is messed up with the D* DVR.....getting annoying!!

Again Fox is messed up with the D* DVR.....getting annoying!!

Finally this afternoon it's working again. I would hate to have to dig out the HD-VCR again, so I hope it continues to work. My old Sony D* receiver also isn't picking up Fox or Upn correctly, but at least they can scan for channels unlike the HR20.

Michael - It looks like Channel 24 WTAT analog (frequency 24) is off the air or at least has stopped showing any DTV conversion information. It also appears you are still transmitting the digital signal at frequency 40. When will you switch the digital signal to frequency 24 which is what I understand is your permanent frequency? My TiVo programming data is all screwed up because they (and I) thought you switched to your permanent frequency (24) on 2/17.

Thanks in advance for any information you can give on WTAT and WMMP.


Currently we are still OTA on 40 and 35 frequency. When the power is increased , it is at that time we will be changing channels. At this point it is looking like it will be sometime in June, due to interference issues. We were also having some PSIP issue late last week, however they should be fixed now

Michael Kordek
DIrector of Engineering and Operations
WTAT/WMMP

Andrew,

Thanks for the update. Great to see more HD channels. Bravo and Nick will be a great addition.

Now, if the channels did broadcast HD programming it would make it a lot more relevant. We have had E! HD for a while and I swear I have yet to notice them broadcasting anything in HD. That goes for quite a few of these other channels.

Folks,

A quick update about Comcast. We have 7 more HD channels coming soon.

6 channels will launch on 3/16

430 Bravo HD
443 Nickelodeon HD
452 Spike HD
459 Lifetime HD
470 CNBC HD
471 QVC HD


MLB HD Will launch 4/16/09

This in addition to the 1,000 HD choices on demand. This brings our linear HD line up to

HD LIMITED BASIC
431 ABC HD Simulcast on
432 NBC HD Simulcast
433 CBS HD Simulcast on
434 Fox HD Simulcast
436 My TV HD
440 PBS HD

HD DIGITAL STARTER
401 Fox Sports Regional HD
403 ESPN HD
404 ESPN2 HD
405 Golf HD on
407 TNT HD
409 Universal HD
410 A&E HD on
411 Palladia HD on
412 Discovery HD Theater
414 Food HD
415 HGTV HD
420 USA HD
421 TBS HD
422 History Channel HD on
423 CNN HD
424 Discovery HD
425 TLC HD
426 Animal Planet HD
427 Sci-Fi HD
428 Fox News HD
429 American Movie Classics HD
430 Bravo HD (Coming 03/16)
442 Cartoon Network HD
443 Nickelodeon HD (Coming 03/16)
444 ABC Family HD
445 Disney HD
448 Versus HD
450 Speed HD
451 FX HD
452 Spike HD (Coming 03/16)
457 E! HD
458 Travel HD
459 Lifetime HD (Coming 03/16)
470 CNBC HD (Coming 03/16)
471 QVC HD (Coming 03/16)

HD DIGITAL CLASSIC3
413 National Geographic HD on
446 Science HD
479 MLB HD (Coming 04/16)

HD SPORTS
ENTERTAINMENT PACK
406 NFL Network HD

HD PREMIUM
416 HBO (E) HD
417 Cinemax (E) HD on
418 Showtime (E) HD on
419 Starz (E) HD

If you have any more questions please dont hesitate to contact me if you have any questions. Please remember that I do travel every week, and apologize in advance for any delay.

Andrews_mcilwain@cable.comcast.com

Currently we are still OTA on 40 and 35 frequency. When the power is increased , it is at that time we will be changing channels. At this point it is looking like it will be sometime in June, due to interference issues. We were also having some PSIP issue late last week, however they should be fixed now

Michael Kordek
DIrector of Engineering and Operations
WTAT/WMMP

Michael,

Thanks for fixing the PSIP issue. This seems to have fixed my issues with WTAT.

Currently we are still OTA on 40 and 35 frequency. When the power is increased , it is at that time we will be changing channels. At this point it is looking like it will be sometime in June, due to interference issues. We were also having some PSIP issue late last week, however they should be fixed now

Michael Kordek
DIrector of Engineering and Operations
WTAT/WMMP

I thought WTAT was going to put digital over ch24 to avoid interferance with WILM digital 40 in Wilmington NC. I was able to receive WTAT until WLIM started using that channel for digital.

Thus now I can not get either one.

Seem like the interferance is caused now & it would be avoided if WTAT goes ahead & move digital to CH 24.

Michael,

Thanks for fixing the PSIP issue. This seems to have fixed my issues with WTAT.

I think I spoke too soon. Idol again isn't working on the D* DVR. If you could look into this again Michael my wife would appreciate it.
Thanks

The Charleston, SC HDTV thread is looking more like a HD Satellite and OTA Signal Problem Reporting Forum.

How come there are not that many TW and Comcast HD subscribers reporting signal problems with their setup ... here ?

TWC here. Nothing to report.

The Charleston, SC HDTV thread is looking more like a HD Satellite and OTA Signal Problem Reporting Forum.

How come there are not that many TW and Comcast HD subscribers reporting signal problems with their setup ... here ?

We're all too busy working to try and afford the rate increases (Comcast).

EDIT: Seriously, is anyone else sick of these prices? Just got home to find my new bill at $145 for internet and HD cable with a DVR. Figuring I usually only watch the HD channels and my kids watch the PBS Kids and Noggin, I'm basically paying that much for 30 or so channels and internet. I'm absolutely disgusted that there are no better options to get the package you use. Comcast told me the only way I can save any money with them is to add my phone service. That way, when I lose my cable signal, I can not only lose my internet, but phone also.

When is Comcast or any service going to let us purchase just the HD channel lineup for 1/3 or 1/2 the cost? Never is my guess.

Someone mentioned HD programs on E!. I've caught a few movies being shown in widescreen (HD?) format. Not much else.

Worse is when some of these HD stations (SciFI in particular) shows a program in SD when it has obviously been framed for widescreen.

Home TV here. No real problems... wish they would add 36.1 as a cable channel... I think I might be the only one here with HOME

WCBD, on the other hand... wish they would learn how to broadcast in DD5.1

"WCBD, on the other hand... wish they would learn how to broadcast in DD5.1"

SECOND THAT! True surround sound is more enjoyable then a perfect picture to me.

Home TV here. No real problems... wish they would add 36.1 as a cable channel... I think I might be the only one here with HOME

WCBD, on the other hand... wish they would learn how to broadcast in DD5.1

I believe it has to do with not having the appropriate equipment to do so. I talked with the engineer a couple of years ago and it didn't sound like it was anything there were looking to spend money on anytime soon and with the economy I'm sure it is even further on the back burner.

I believe it has to do with not having the appropriate equipment to do so. I talked with the engineer a couple of years ago and it didn't sound like it was anything there were looking to spend money on anytime soon and with the economy I'm sure it is even further on the back burner.

I'm sure that's the case. Same channel that doesn't have the "appropriate equipment" to air Raycom football games in HD or rebroadcast syndicated shows in HD (i.e. Jeopardy).

I guess that's the beauty of a monopoly - they have no incentive to step into the 21st century.

Does any oone know what has been going ooon at WCSC? 2 weeks ago I was able to get WCSC 47 very reliable here in Myrtle Beach. Last week their signal was too weak for my hdtv to decode. Now it is back reliable like it was 2 weeks ago.

Maybe the had a 2 tubes as a push pull in the power amp & one of the tubes had failed. Thus they now a new tube in the amp. Now I am able to see Bill Sharp again.

Sorry to pile on the OTA discussion, but:

I just installed a rooftop antenna this weekend and dropped off my cable box at Comcast today. Felt SO good. I meticulously planned an intense overhaul of our TV setup and everything has gone perfectly according to plan, as Cobra Commander might say, except this: I have no guide information for 24.1 and 36.1. I have to do a manual record on the Tivo to record something on those stations. Is that something to do with the other problems you guys are having with these stations? Signal strength is perfect on both so at least I know that's not an issue. I tried re-scanning but nothing changed.

My Tivo seems to pick up 24.1 twice; one of them it just says 'searching for signal' and the other is labeled with a * and has the signal but no guide info. Ditto for 36.1. It's almost like it's receiving the guide info on one channel and the signal on the other. But they're both the same frequency.

Anybody with OTA Tivo having these issues or have any advice? Thanks.

Does any oone know what has been going ooon at WCSC? 2 weeks ago I was able to get WCSC 47 very reliable here in Myrtle Beach. Last week their signal was too weak for my hdtv to decode. Now it is back reliable like it was 2 weeks ago.

Maybe the had a 2 tubes as a push pull in the power amp & one of the tubes had failed. Thus they now a new tube in the amp. Now I am able to see Bill Sharp again.

I'm down in Beaufort and having the same problem. I still can't watch Bill Sharpe OTA. I don't really don't miss him. LOL

We're all too busy working to try and afford the rate increases...is anyone else sick of these prices?
Lancer, I feel your pain. We have TWC here, and up until a few months ago subscribed to an attractive package call "Speed of Light" that bundled digital cable, HD DVR, Road Runner 6 M down/378k up internet, and a motley collection of semi-premium SD digital channels (like Encore, Flix, Sundance, etc). That package started out in 2004 at just under $100 before DVR function and taxes.

Last year they unbundled the SOL package, but maintained the component prices for a while. Then every month or two one or another of the individual services would be increased, and by last month our bill ha crept up close to $150.

I decided to follow the advice of a consumer advocate I saw on Good Morning America last week and called up to try to negotiate a better deal. She said you should ask for and insist on getting the same (promotional) rates offered to new customers. It took 45 minutes, and I had to escalate the call up to a "customer retention specialist", but I got our bill back to about $100 per month by doing the following:

-dropping the "Digital Preferred Tier", which is all SD crap we never watch anyway. Used to be "free" with SOL but was up to $11 a month recently
-dropping HBO; only added it for my wife to see "True Blood" which is now in reruns only anyway, saving about another $13 per month
-and most effectively agreed to a price lock package that rebundled the remaining services at a fixed rate of $101 for 2 years.

Be advised that the price lock option is not mentioned anywhere on their website or in their rate sheets, and as I understand it can only be offered by a "retention manager". There is also an early termination penalty ($150, I think), but that's not much different than the pricing strategies used now by cell service providers. I won't see the first statement under the new pricing for another 3 weeks, but I'll repost when I do with a follow-up.

I don't know if Comcast has a similar plan available but I bet they also have second tier CSR's trained to retain existing customers by renogiating package pricing. It's worth some time on the phone to explore what hidden options are available to you.

Good luck and good shopping!

Mike

meflynn85,
check post from directork above on 3/9/09.

Lancer, I feel your pain. We have TWC here, and up until a few months ago subscribed to an attractive package call "Speed of Light" that bundled digital cable, HD DVR, Road Runner 6 M down/378k up internet, and a motley collection of semi-premium SD digital channels (like Encore, Flix, Sundance, etc). That package started out in 2004 at just under $100 before DVR function and taxes.

Last year they unbundled the SOL package, but maintained the component prices for a while. Then every month or two one or another of the individual services would be increased, and by last month our bill ha crept up close to $150.

I decided to follow the advice of a consumer advocate I saw on Good Morning America last week and called up to try to negotiate a better deal. She said you should ask for and insist on getting the same (promotional) rates offered to new customers. It took 45 minutes, and I had to escalate the call up to a "customer retention specialist", but I got our bill back to about $100 per month by doing the following:

-dropping the "Digital Preferred Tier", which is all SD crap we never watch anyway. Used to be "free" with SOL but was up to $11 a month recently
-dropping HBO; only added it for my wife to see "True Blood" which is now in reruns only anyway, saving about another $13 per month
-and most effectively agreed to a price lock package that rebundled the remaining services at a fixed rate of $101 for 2 years.

Be advised that the price lock option is not mentioned anywhere on their website or in their rate sheets, and as I understand it can only be offered by a "retention manager". There is also an early termination penalty ($150, I think), but that's not much different than the pricing strategies used now by cell service providers. I won't see the first statement under the new pricing for another 3 weeks, but I'll repost when I do with a follow-up.

I don't know if Comcast has a similar plan available but I bet they also have second tier CSR's trained to retain existing customers by renogiating package pricing. It's worth some time on the phone to explore what hidden options are available to you.

Good luck and good shopping!

Mike

Good work. Part rate drop, part channel drop equal good savings.

The Charleston, SC HDTV thread is looking more like a HD Satellite and OTA Signal Problem Reporting Forum.

How come there are not that many TW and Comcast HD subscribers reporting signal problems with their setup ... here ?

This started as a OTA fourm, before cable hd HD.Did you ever think that only a small % even have or want cable much less TW or Comcast.
This is the only place to find out about OTA, and that is also a setup with Sat. HD. Going to cable for me would be like going back a 1995

Sorry to pile on the OTA discussion, but:

I just installed a rooftop antenna this weekend and dropped off my cable box at Comcast today. Felt SO good. I meticulously planned an intense overhaul of our TV setup and everything has gone perfectly according to plan, as Cobra Commander might say, except this: I have no guide information for 24.1 and 36.1. I have to do a manual record on the Tivo to record something on those stations. Is that something to do with the other problems you guys are having with these stations? Signal strength is perfect on both so at least I know that's not an issue. I tried re-scanning but nothing changed.

My Tivo seems to pick up 24.1 twice; one of them it just says 'searching for signal' and the other is labeled with a * and has the signal but no guide info. Ditto for 36.1. It's almost like it's receiving the guide info on one channel and the signal on the other. But they're both the same frequency.

Anybody with OTA Tivo having these issues or have any advice? Thanks.

The issue is WTAT CH 24 and WMMP CH 36 announced and dropped their analog signal on 2/17. They filed with the FCC that after the "switch" they would move the digital signal back to their "original" frequencies (WTAT from frequency 40 to 24 and WMMP from 35 to 36). They ended delaying the switch to their permanent frequencies (24 and 36). But the TiVo guide data assumes they went ahead and switched (per filings with FCC) to their permanent frequencies thus the issue you are seeing.

If you look at the two listings for Fox WTAT on TiVo after you do your channel scan you will see CH 24.1 Frequency 24 and CH 24.1 Frequency 40. The Frequency 24 having the guide data and no picture and frequency 40 having the actual picture but no guide data.

The solution is to contact TiVo and/or Tribune (Zap2It) and get them to correct the issue. Of course about the time they correct the issue, WTAT and WMMP will actually switch to their permanent frequencies and the data will be wrong again.

The issue is WTAT CH 24 and WMMP CH 36 announced and dropped their analog signal on 2/17. They filed with the FCC that after the "switch" they would move the digital signal back to their "original" frequencies (WTAT from frequency 40 to 24 and WMMP from 35 to 36). They ended delaying the switch to their permanent frequencies (24 and 36). But the TiVo guide data assumes they went ahead and switched (per filings with FCC) to their permanent frequencies thus the issue you are seeing.

If you look at the two listings for Fox WTAT on TiVo after you do your channel scan you will see CH 24.1 Frequency 24 and CH 24.1 Frequency 40. The Frequency 24 having the guide data and no picture and frequency 40 having the actual picture but no guide data.

The solution is to contact TiVo and/or Tribune (Zap2It) and get them to correct the issue. Of course about the time they correct the issue, WTAT and WMMP will actually switch to their permanent frequencies and the data will be wrong again.


The FCC failed to check the frequency use. The FCC assigned ch 40 to WILM in Wilmington NC. Thus WTAT using ch40 is interfering with WILM now. The FCC has is the results wrong. The FCC needs to have WTAT go ahead & move the digital to ch24 to avoid interferance. But some of what the FCC does is about at resonable as the digital am radio frequency use. When the let an am station use digital the station really uses channels outside of the of the assigned channel to carry the digital. Thus causing interferance to other stations. So what should I expecet from the FCC

The new administration insisted there had not been enough time so they changed it so those who weren't prepared in Feb won't be prepared in June. FCC ain't perfect but these snafus go to new admin's compassion for the lazy and procrastinators.

The FCC failed to check the frequency use. The FCC assigned ch 40 to WILM in Wilmington NC. Thus WTAT using ch40 is interfering with WILM now. The FCC has is the results wrong. The FCC needs to have WTAT go ahead & move the digital to ch24 to avoid interferance. But some of what the FCC does is about at resonable as the digital am radio frequency use. When the let an am station use digital the station really uses channels outside of the of the assigned channel to carry the digital. Thus causing interferance to other stations. So what should I expecet from the FCC

WILM-LD, as a low-powered station, was assigned nothing; they chose channel 40. Second, as a low-powered station, they receive no protection from WTAT. If someone started a full-powered 40 in Myrtle Beach, for example, WILM would either have to move or accept the interference.

I think you know this already; this explanation is for those who may not know.

- Trip

WILM-LD, as a low-powered station, was assigned nothing; they chose channel 40. Second, as a low-powered station, they receive no protection from WTAT. If someone started a full-powered 40 in Myrtle Beach, for example, WILM would either have to move or accept the interference.

I think you know this already; this explanation is for those who may not know.

- Trip

According to this

http://www.fcc.gov/fcc-bin/tvq?list=0&facid=167819

WILM is Licensed ch 40 from this at the FCC web site

Cool, thanks guys. Guess I'll put in a call and see if it does any good. I'm just glad to know what the issue is and that it will be hopefully be resolved by this summer in one way or another.

Lancer, I feel your pain. We have TWC here, and up until a few months ago subscribed to an attractive package call "Speed of Light" that bundled digital cable, HD DVR, Road Runner 6 M down/378k up internet, and a motley collection of semi-premium SD digital channels (like Encore, Flix, Sundance, etc). That package started out in 2004 at just under $100 before DVR function and taxes.

Last year they unbundled the SOL package, but maintained the component prices for a while. Then every month or two one or another of the individual services would be increased, and by last month our bill ha crept up close to $150.

I decided to follow the advice of a consumer advocate I saw on Good Morning America last week and called up to try to negotiate a better deal. She said you should ask for and insist on getting the same (promotional) rates offered to new customers. It took 45 minutes, and I had to escalate the call up to a "customer retention specialist", but I got our bill back to about $100 per month by doing the following:

-dropping the "Digital Preferred Tier", which is all SD crap we never watch anyway. Used to be "free" with SOL but was up to $11 a month recently
-dropping HBO; only added it for my wife to see "True Blood" which is now in reruns only anyway, saving about another $13 per month
-and most effectively agreed to a price lock package that rebundled the remaining services at a fixed rate of $101 for 2 years.

Be advised that the price lock option is not mentioned anywhere on their website or in their rate sheets, and as I understand it can only be offered by a "retention manager". There is also an early termination penalty ($150, I think), but that's not much different than the pricing strategies used now by cell service providers. I won't see the first statement under the new pricing for another 3 weeks, but I'll repost when I do with a follow-up.

I don't know if Comcast has a similar plan available but I bet they also have second tier CSR's trained to retain existing customers by renogiating package pricing. It's worth some time on the phone to explore what hidden options are available to you.

Good luck and good shopping!

Mike

Mike, thanks for the update. My office manager did the same thing a couple of weeks ago with TW and was successful. As I mentioned in an early post, my try with Comcast got me no where except and offer to add more service with them (wow isn't that nice of them, add more when I'm trying to cut down).

I saw in Monday's Business Review in the paper that Knology is expanding. Maybe they'll come in my neighborhood, of course they're probably just as expensive, but at least I'll have a legitimate threat to leave Comcast for.

According to this

http://www.fcc.gov/fcc-bin/tvq?list=0&facid=167819

WILM is Licensed ch 40 from this at the FCC web site

I don't understand your point.

- Trip

Listed below is a link to the FCC's latest list of TV stations transitioning to digital before 06/12/2009. There are no Charleston stations listed and the stations that have already switched are not listed.

Edit: Changed links to new location FCC moved docs

http://hraunfoss.fcc.gov/edocs_public/attachmatch/DA-09-589A3.pdf

Also here is the list of the stations transitioning on 06/12/2009.

http://hraunfoss.fcc.gov/edocs_public/attachmatch/DA-09-589A2.pdf

WCBD 2.1 is labeled WBCD?

only a small % even have or want cable much less TW or Comcast.
This is the only place to find out about OTA, and that is also a setup with Sat. HD. Going to cable for me would be like going back a 1995

Ok ... maybe I have been living in a cave ... but how does an OTA (I assume you mean local OTA and not satellite) setup expect to replace cable or satellite ?

I am just curious. Especially since OTA channels are limited and lack variety.

like going back to 1995

??

"Especially since OTA channels are limited and lack variety."

My $.02: True. But even though I am OTA only I have Tivo capability with an HTPC and MCE. I am able to record more of what I would watch then I have time to watch. Would I like to see some cable/sat shows? Yes. But in my case it is not worth the continuing expense. I figure it would take about a year and a half of cable/sat bills to equal the cost of the additional equipment I have to make it a completely Free setup. Something to consider in the coming economic times.

And with the subchannels each station has, I think we all in time will see more selections to choose from and it will be free.

What tc1 and Eddie39 said, PLUS the way tv content is delivered is constantly changing and moving towards an internet-based model. Aside from premium channels, most any show on any channel can be viewed on the web in some (legitimate) way. Already there are multiple set top boxes (like PS3 and Tivo) that you can use to view much of this content. Over the next few years the line that separates web and tv will continue to blur and eventually dissolve. Between my OTA shows, Netflix via Tivo, and a frickin library card, I already have access to more content than I can possibly watch. That the OTA HD is beautifully uncompressed and more reliable than Comcast is just icing on the tasty, comfortably affordable cake.

If you like ESPN live, as just one example, you're not getting that free anytime soon.

Again, True. But my point was "different strokes for different folks". There are other options if one takes a moment to really think about what and how much you Actually watch.

I do like this thread being OTA/cable/sat. Many times knowing that we all have the same problem saves a lot of time not having to troubleshoot my equipment. Also the majority of the time it has Not been my equipment.

Ok ... maybe I have been living in a cave ... but how does an OTA (I assume you mean local OTA and not satellite) setup expect to replace cable or satellite ?

I am just curious. Especially since OTA channels are limited and lack variety.



??

You can not beat the price thou. I am not into sports so ESPN for me it a waste of money.It is just like some use a dryer & some use a clothes line. Some spend a lot on their yard & have timed sprinklers. Others let it wait until the rain come.

But moste important getting out of dept & spending less that you bring in. OOTA helps do that.

If you like ESPN live, as just one example, you're not getting that free anytime soon.

True, but you can watch any NBA game (or even 3 at once) live at NBA.com with pretty decent quality with the Season Pass for a flat $20. Other sports have similar deals. And you can watch all the highlights of every sport either on ESPN.com or the sport's website (NFL.com video quality is also really good). Right now you have to kind of patch things like that together to make up for the loss of something like ESPN (which I do miss). But you can do it, for less $, and it's only going to get easier and higher quality going forward.

Others let it wait until the rain come.

I would be the first to jump if there was an option to shelling out $$$ for cable / satellite ... OTA is just not that option ... i.e. I would end up dead waiting for that rain.

We are primarily a geek household watching Discovery HD / Science HD / History HD etc. We don't watch any network shows ... and I suspect those big 4 networks don't care much about deadbeats like us either.

OTA is just not an option for us. Sadly, paying $$$ for cable/sat is the only option I see for now ... BUT, in the not too distant future, every channel would be ON-DEMAND over super-wide fiber pipes and ala carte might become a reality.

Again, True. But my point was "different strokes for different folks".

True, which is why I said "If you like" which I do.

Cool, thanks guys. Guess I'll put in a call and see if it does any good. I'm just glad to know what the issue is and that it will be hopefully be resolved by this summer in one way or another.Do you now see FOX24 (WTAT) on your TiVo with guide data?

Tribune was supposed to fix WTAT for TiVo, DirecTV, and WMC this week. If they have not, please post or pm me.

Do you now see FOX24 (WTAT) on your TiVo with guide data?

Tribune was supposed to fix WTAT for TiVo, DirecTV, and WMC this week. If they have not, please post or pm me.

I have not had a problem with 24-1 on Directv since the first day of the transition. I just reran my setup thru the box and it came back on.

Do you now see FOX24 (WTAT) on your TiVo with guide data?

Tribune was supposed to fix WTAT for TiVo, DirecTV, and WMC this week. If they have not, please post or pm me.

I'm in San Fran this week (for the GDC if there are any gaming dorks reading!) but I will check when I get home.

I am in Northwest Mount Pleasant (Rivertowne/Planter's Point/Park West/41 area). I currently have Dish and am tired of the rate increases and want to get HD.
I am considering my options and the one that appeals to me is OTA and TIVO.
Does anyone on the forum know what channels I can expect to receive and a suitable antenna?
I am thinking that I will probably just remove the dish and place an outdoor antenna on it's post.

Thanks in advance.

I am in Northwest Mount Pleasant (Rivertowne/Planter's Point/Park West/41 area). I currently have Dish and am tired of the rate increases and want to get HD.
I am considering my options and the one that appeals to me is OTA and TIVO.
Does anyone on the forum know what channels I can expect to receive and a suitible antenna?

Thanks in advance.

What dish rec. do you have now? I have Dish with the HD and it went up $2 and when I look at all the HD they added this yr $2 is a good deal.
My Dish HD DVR will record from sat or antenna. A HD TIVO will cost more per mo than my HD pack from dish.

...I won't see the first statement under the new pricing for another 3 weeks, but I'll repost when I do with a follow-up...

Just got the new TWC-SC statement, and here's the "price lock" rate breakdown:

Digital Cable and Road Runner 94.95 (bundled)
DVR service 0.00
HD Plus Tier 6.95

Total before taxes and fees $101.90.


I see they are advertising the "price lock" deal on their TV spots, so I presume it's now a standard rate option any CSR can offer. Also don't know how long the DVR service will be free, but hope it's for the entire 2-year lock-in period.

This is an interesting and new way to market CATV service and one we can live with for now.

Mike

What dish rec. do you have now? I have Dish with the HD and it went up $2 and when I look at all the HD they added this yr $2 is a good deal.
My Dish HD DVR will record from sat or antenna. A HD TIVO will cost more per mo than my HD pack from dish.

I have a Dish 510.
I am not considering adding the TIVO. I am looking at replacing Dish altogether and going with TIVO OTA and using Amazon, Netflix, and HULU to cover the gaps.
Dish 200 w/ HD and Locals - ~$70 per month (plus upgrade fee to get a new box)
TIVO and Netflix - $25 ($10.95 + 13.95) per month (TIVO paid one year in advance) and ~$250 - $300 out of pocket to start.

However, my original question is related to the forum topic, Local HDTV Info and Reception.
I am in Northwest Mount Pleasant (Rivertowne/Planter's Point/Park West/41 area). I currently have Dish and am tired of the rate increases and want to get HD.
I am considering my options and the one that appeals to me is OTA and TIVO.
Does anyone on the forum know what channels I can expect to receive and a suitable antenna?

All local channels in HD + CW(2-2) and + ETV 7-2 & 7-3

All towers are in Awendaw

All local channels in HD + CW(2-2) and + ETV 7-2 & 7-3

All towers are in Awendaw

Thanks.
Please excuse my ignorance. I have been on Dish for 8 years and am not familiar with the digital TV stuff.
What are the "all local channels" I should be able to receive? Is there an updated list somewhere.
Do you mean that CW is or is not HD?
Regarding 2-2, 7-2, and 7-3. Are these subchannels? Will Tivo pick them up?

From your location, it look like you are N.of Goose Creek.
What type of antenna do you use?
I am about 10 miles from Awendaw. What antenna do you think should I need? I will probably go a step or two better than I need, to be safe.

I just found this:
http://www.rabbitears.info/search.php?request=zip_search&zipcode=29466&miles=40

I think it answers my channels questions.
Are there any recommended antennas or those suggested that I avoid.

TiVo will pick up all OTA channels.

Regarding 2-2, 7-2, and 7-3. Are these subchannels?

Yes, DTV channels are shown as n-1, n-2 n-3. The -1 will normally be the HD capable (1080i or 720p) ch and -2 & 3 if used will only be standard DTV (480i).

Do you mean that CW is or is not HD?

No it is not because 2-1 has the HD bandwidth.

This can become a deep subject and I suggest you do some reading. You will not understand that what you are watching is always digital (DTV) but not necessarily HD.
There is plenty of info out there but here is a start: http://www.hdtvprimer.com/

I am 19 miles as the crow flies from the towers and get excellent reception with a UHF antenna in my attic of a 2 story home.

Wait a bit and someone in your area will probably give you some recs for indoor and outdoor options. There are people from MP who come to this thread.

BTW, I am referring to CW here as OTA LOCALLY

I just found this:
http://www.rabbitears.info/search.php?request=zip_search&zipcode=29466&miles=40

I think it answers my channels questions.
Are there any recommended antennas or those suggested that I avoid.

I live on James Island (I think I'm farther from the antennas than you) and this is what I'm using:

Antenna: http://antennasdirect.com/C4-Clearstream-DTV-antenna.html

Pre-amp to boost the signal: http://www.bestbuy.com/site/olspage.jsp?skuId=9156334&st=antennas+direct+cpa&lp=1&type=product&cp=1&id=1218045945841

Stand (if you're mounting on roof: http://www.amazon.com/Antennas-Direct-STM-715-J-mount-mast/dp/B000WOVD1Y/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=electronics&qid=1235341523&sr=8-1

Coaxial cable: http://www.monoprice.com/products/product.asp?c_id=102&cp_id=10216&cs_id=1021603&p_id=4061&seq=1&format=2

That's all you need. I used those links just to show you the products but you can get it all cheaper elsewhere (I got the antenna for $80 on ebay). I can't recommend that antenna enough, it's worked flawlessly. The whole setup (including tivo) is about $500. Haven't had any issues except tivo not recognizing Fox and UPN channel info, which should hopefully go away after June when channels make the complete switch to digital broadcasting only.

Hope that helps!

I live on James Island (I think I'm farther from the antennas than you) and this is what I'm using:

Antenna: http://antennasdirect.com/C4-Clearstream-DTV-antenna.html

Pre-amp to boost the signal: http://www.bestbuy.com/site/olspage.jsp?skuId=9156334&st=antennas+direct+cpa&lp=1&type=product&cp=1&id=1218045945841

Stand (if you're mounting on roof: http://www.amazon.com/Antennas-Direct-STM-715-J-mount-mast/dp/B000WOVD1Y/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=electronics&qid=1235341523&sr=8-1

Coaxial cable: http://www.monoprice.com/products/product.asp?c_id=102&cp_id=10216&cs_id=1021603&p_id=4061&seq=1&format=2

That's all you need. I used those links just to show you the products but you can get it all cheaper elsewhere (I got the antenna for $80 on ebay). I can't recommend that antenna enough, it's worked flawlessly. The whole setup (including tivo) is about $500. Haven't had any issues except tivo not recognizing Fox and UPN channel info, which should hopefully go away after June when channels make the complete switch to digital broadcasting only.

Hope that helps!

No need for him to spend that much for a antenna and amp, he is less than 20 miles from towers a good 2 bowtie like the Eagel Aspen DTV-2 BUHF can be found on line for $15 or if PBS is important get a CM 2016 VHF/UHF for under $40 No need for an amp I get all the Sav GA stations 40 miles away with the 2 Bow tie ant($15) and FOX and NBC from Charleston 71 miles with no amp. As for that $20 mount he has on now holding up his dish or can find one in the trash or at any Sat dealer for $5
If you need an amp for that clearstream 4 it is not worth $80, you can get a CM 4228 for much less and would not need a anp

I live on James Island (I think I'm farther from the antennas than you) and this is what I'm using:

Antenna: http://antennasdirect.com/C4-Clearstream-DTV-antenna.html

Pre-amp to boost the signal: http://www.bestbuy.com/site/olspage.jsp?skuId=9156334&st=antennas+direct+cpa&lp=1&type=product&cp=1&id=1218045945841

Stand (if you're mounting on roof: http://www.amazon.com/Antennas-Direct-STM-715-J-mount-mast/dp/B000WOVD1Y/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=electronics&qid=1235341523&sr=8-1

Coaxial cable: http://www.monoprice.com/products/product.asp?c_id=102&cp_id=10216&cs_id=1021603&p_id=4061&seq=1&format=2

That's all you need. I used those links just to show you the products but you can get it all cheaper elsewhere (I got the antenna for $80 on ebay). I can't recommend that antenna enough, it's worked flawlessly. The whole setup (including tivo) is about $500. Haven't had any issues except tivo not recognizing Fox and UPN channel info, which should hopefully go away after June when channels make the complete switch to digital broadcasting only.

Hope that helps!

Thanks for the links.
I do already have the mount, as mentioned above. I also plan to use the cable that is already connected to the Dish. I just need to find a good antenna, that doesn't look too bad, and possibly an amplifier. It seems there are a lot of opinions regarding amps. I will consider the antenna you suggested.
I may take the advice I have given others; that is, to start with the lowest you think you will need and if it isn't enough, return it and upgrade. I say this because it is easier to return something to purchase a more expensive unit than it is to return something for a lower unit.

It is also unfair to the merchant.

It is also unfair to the merchant.

Returning at all or downgrading?

Most of the time, I find that I am able to keep what I get.
Actually, cell phones made me realize this philosophy of purchasing. I allowed the salesman to talk me into purchasing a high level phone and it didn't do what I needed. I wanted to return for the original phone I was looking at and he made it very difficult. Whenever I have returned an item to upgrade to a higher level, it has been an easy and pleasant experience.
Anytime I have returned, and it isn't very often, the items are still in new saleable condition.

I am sorry that I mentioned the philosophy. I would hate to see this thread become one about shopping techniques rather than finding the equipment to suit our needs.

Thanks for the links.
I do already have the mount, as mentioned above. I also plan to use the cable that is already connected to the Dish. I just need to find a good antenna, that doesn't look too bad, and possibly an amplifier. It seems there are a lot of opinions regarding amps. I will consider the antenna you suggested.
I may take the advice I have given others; that is, to start with the lowest you think you will need and if it isn't enough, return it and upgrade. I say this because it is easier to return something to purchase a more expensive unit than it is to return something for a lower unit.


I have seen single element antennas at Best buy. Radio shack has had the corner reflector. You should not need much as close as you are to towers. If the satlight mount is still installed; The you can use the pipe to mount the antenna on. Some of the UHF antennas were smaller that the satalight & hard to see. I think that WITV over ch 7 will still come in strong enough through the UHF antenna for you to receive ETV. Also I would not get an amp until I tried the antenna. I would confrim that the signal is too weak with out an preamp. You will save a lot of money & get better uncompressed HD TV by using the antenna. I heard some one tell me that the HD over the antenna looked much better than cable.

No need for him to spend that much for a antenna and amp, he is less than 20 miles from towers a good 2 bowtie like the Eagel Aspen DTV-2 BUHF can be found on line for $15 or if PBS is important get a CM 2016 VHF/UHF for under $40 No need for an amp I get all the Sav GA stations 40 miles away with the 2 Bow tie ant($15) and FOX and NBC from Charleston 71 miles with no amp. As for that $20 mount he has on now holding up his dish or can find one in the trash or at any Sat dealer for $5
If you need an amp for that clearstream 4 it is not worth $80, you can get a CM 4228 for much less and would not need a anp

Yeah it's probably overkill; I just wanted to make sure that I never had any problems with the signal for any channel. The lowest signal strength of any of them is in the 80's; most are close to 100% strong. When I was living downtown I used an indoor antenna and reception was pretty unpredictable. There's nothing more frustrating than trying to watch something that's constantly cutting in and out, so I erred on the side of overkill just to be safe.

Also the thing I like about the C4 is that it's so small (20" x 28") compared to the CM 4228. I have it mounted just on the backside of my roof (1 story house) peeking over the top and you really can't tell it's there.

BTW Tivo guide is now seeing the Fox lineup accurately, leaving UPN as the lone problem child.

The problem that most people have, they get a antenna for how it looks, get one for how well it works. Same for amps, they will not make up for a low signal from a poor or small antenna. they will help for long cable or many splitters in the system If you have less that 50 ft of RG-6 a amp will do nothing to help with signal. Many amps with high noise figure will hurt signal or over load the tuner

I went up to Awendaw to see a golf tournament at Bulls Bay and was looking at the antenna farm from the club house which sits approx 80 feet in elevation. From the info at rabbitears.info and past posts it looks like channels 2,24 and 36 share the northwestern most antenna and channels 4,5 and 7 share the southeastern antenna. Are those the only antennas or did I miss some?

When I looked at the southeastern (channels 4,5 and 7) antenna I could see at least three side mounted antennas. I assume those are the temporary digital antennas? However, when I looked at the 2,24 and 36 antenna I did not notice any side mounted antennas. Are they able to "share" the top antenna or did I just not see the side mounted antennas.

Anyone that knows the setup I would be interested in knowing more about the antenna farm and how all the antennas are shared and mounted.

Thanks!!

I went up to Awendaw to see a golf tournament at Bulls Bay and was looking at the antenna farm from the club house which sits approx 80 feet in elevation. From the info at rabbitears.info and past posts it looks like channels 2,24 and 36 share the northwestern most antenna and channels 4,5 and 7 share the southeastern antenna. Are those the only antennas or did I miss some?

When I looked at the southeastern (channels 4,5 and 7) antenna I could see at least three side mounted antennas. I assume those are the temporary digital antennas? However, when I looked at the 2,24 and 36 antenna I did not notice any side mounted antennas. Are they able to "share" the top antenna or did I just not see the side mounted antennas.

Anyone that knows the setup I would be interested in knowing more about the antenna farm and how all the antennas are shared and mounted.

Thanks!!

Channel 5 was the first to build a tower at Seewee Rd which has their antenna at the top of the tower. channel 4 and 7 used sided mount antennas. Channel 24 also had a tower out there which fell during Hugo in 1989 and they later side mounted their antenna on Channel 2 tower. Channel 36 analog was on the old channel 4 tower over on Ben Sawyer Blvd. Channel 36 digital is now on Channel 2 tower. It is my understanding that all digital uhf channels can share the same antenna.

Thanks Eddie39 for the info.

Anyone interested in pictures of antennas, here is a link to a video WYFF Channel 4 in Greenville shot back in February talking about the DTV conversion. It has some good shots of their antenna on Ceasars Head and their various side-mounted antennas.

http://www.wyff4.com/video/18607835/index.html

Solid Signal suggested the Winegard HD7010 (http://www.solidsignal.com/prod_display.asp?PROD=HD-7010). It is just barely in the budget. Actually a liitle outside once I consider the cable and stuff (from monoprice.com (http://www.monoprice.com/home/index.asp)). I can swing it though. I saved some money on the TIVO box at Sears today. The $299 box was on sale for $189 and i got 5% off for floor model. I was planning on a refurb for $199.

I am also considering the Antenna Craft HBU22 (http://www.solidsignal.com/prod_display.asp?prod=HBU22) which may be overkill, but is a few dollars cheaper for what appears to be more antenna.

I do like the price on the Winegard HD1080 (http://www.solidsignal.com/prod_display.asp?PROD=CCS822) $25.82 and free shipping. I don't know if it will meet my needs though.

I noticed Channel 5 is now showing a 5-2 subchannel, with "Test" on the Program Guide info. Its dark though, like 24-2 is now.