UPDATE! I went outside and rotated my mast about 30 degrees and I got 34-1 and it remapped to 4-1. It looks and sounds great.

Came home tonight after the Riverdogs game and punched in 4-1 and it said searching for signal. Rescanned for digital stations and then punched 4-1 and got it. Nice strong signal ~77% ( I get about 86% for 5-1 and about 69% for WCBD) better than 2-1 at leasst for now. They were showing a shuttle launch, which looked great and doing some kind of audio test (left channel, right channel, etc) then back to the Primetime show.

Looking forward to some ABC HDTV.

Andy

I'm out of town... so is 34-1 transmitting HD or just upconverted SD right now?

planenut they are transmitting HD tonight they had on a movie in HD it was 28 Days in 720p . The picture looked great ! Even thought my TV doesn't do 720p :p .


r.jones I'm in Goose Creek I live in the Pineview Area ( near ) Crowfield . I use a Silver Sensor indoor antenna and for channel 2 I get usually a 60% signal , channel 4 I get 50 - 70 % sig strength , 5-1 5-2 I get minimum 90% and I also can pick up Fox if I move my antenna in the right direction .

shuttermaker
I would try a CM 9521 rotor before the ant, pointing the ant you have could make a big improvement. The 9521 has a remote and you can program the the rotor for each chs best position.
Jim

I live in the Crowefield area at the bottom of a bluff. Eventhough I have a twenty foot mast it's actually just a few feet above sea level. If I get my rig
on the roof and a rotator I could probably get FOX and UPN (WB?). I get FOX on the SAT system out of Atlanta and since FOX doesn't do HD it really doesn't bother me that I don't get it locally.

r.jones:
Check your PM box

Thanks KTrout

Have to give WCIV some props..... Noticed AMISTAD was being broadcast in HD this evening so I decided to check it out. Show started in SD, called Master Control and asked them to flip the proverbial switch, and within a minute, HD.

Looks and sounds good.

OK the picture isn't the best transfer, and the audio is low, but relative to what we were seeing on 34 this time last week......

Time Warner Cable.............It's official there will be no additional HD channels in the Summerville market until sometime in 2004. Contrary to the assurances the CSR's give you. ESPN HD and Discovery HD are just around the corner. Yeah Right. Can anyone help me get my dish back from TWC. Please read my thread " Boycott Time Warner Cable" for the whole story. Anyone have a good deal on a D*TV receiver?

butlers:

I'm sorry to hear about that.
My suggestion would be to print out the webpage referencing the additional channels, document your conversations with TWC that you mention in your other post and go up the line. I don't know that TWC will ever give you another DST3000, but you might find someone willing to give you the $300 you had invested.

Thanks for the heads up.

Well i am glad to see that there is other people besides me really interested in HDTV. Just found this thread the other day while i was researching some diy fp screens. Yeah i was hoping TWC would be offering some hd but cables companies are usually a pain in the ass to deal with although i will probably need to get road runner from them. Havent really decided whether i am going to go with cable or with direct tv. You guys ever have like and local home theater type get togethers? I think that could be useful to see other peoples gear and setups and also maybe to find new golfing buddies. I dont know what i am more hardcore about home theater or golf. Anyway great to see local people active on this forum and thread.

Howdy folks,

I haven't seen any posts lately regarding Comcast handling HDTV channels. I called a few weeks ago and got their obligatory "soon" response. Has anyone heard anything definitive on what they will carry and when? Also, once they do begin to carry the signal, is a QAM tuner all that will be required, or will it be necessary for them to take more of my money each month?

Thanks,
harristl

Ohh i am sure the cable companies will want some more money. The magazine i read had a article about hd cable and they were talking like it would be like 10 or 15 bucks for adding hd channels to your service.

giznad:
we haven't had a formal "mixer" so to speak, but some of us have gotten together at tours of Channel 5's facilities.

harristl:
Comcast accelerated their schedule from 1Q 2004 to sometime before that now for public roll-out. They are not being too revealing because they are still in negotiations for carriage of local stations. As of right now, in order to get their HD service you would have to subscribe to their digital package. If you already do so, its my understanding there will not be an additional charge for HD.

I'm suspicious about Channel 4's 5.1 sound now. I wasn't sure about it, but I believe ALIAS is broadcast in 5.1. It definitely wasn't 5.1 this evening. My receiver indicates 5.1, but there's no center or surround artifacts. I don't habitually watch the show, so didn't know if this was a repeat and maybe not 5.1 from ABC national. Does anyone else know? Has anyone actually heard 5.1 from Channel 4? The level seems low as well. Anyone's comments would be appreciated.

I was all ready to dump TWC and go the Direct TV route until I realized we can't get The WB OTA and Direct TV doesn't offer it to our market. So the question is what do any of you do to get The WB?

Thanks!

I waited and waited for TWC to get HDTV. I got tired of waiting and got Dish. I have the 6000 receiver and can't wait until the DTV921 comes out so I can record shows in HDTV and use with my JVC HDTV tape recorder. I went with Dish instead of DirectTV because you can get WB and UPN from them. You still cannot get the local channels but with the SuperStation package you get 2 or 3 WB's and 2 UPN's. I have Road Runner internet from TWC and you can get the local broadcast only channels from them. I was told you can get them if you have RR. Now that ABC, CBS and NBC are broadcasting in HDTV I can almost get rid of cable except I won't be able to record those channels with my Tivo until I get the HDTV recorder.

You might want to try to get waivers from your local stations. I have dishnetwork and I got waivers from ABC, NBC and FOX and now I get these networks out of Atlanta. Go to their website and get on the locals page , input the information and they will request the waivers for you.

What's the status of 2-1? I lost my amp and haven't bothered to replace it yet.

Jay Leno was not in HD on my set last night. I know NBC doesn't offer a whole lot of HD material anyway and it may not be a main priority for WCBD to get the equipment up and running.

Did anyone watch the HD test material on ABC last night from 10:00 -11:00. It looked great but still no DD5.1. It will show on the receiver as 5.1 but when you put your ear to the speaker you will find out otherwise.

Sounds like the equipment is DD5.1 but maybe they aren't recording some of the programming in 5.1 and it is only using two of the channels My receiver also shows 5.1 but I haven't given it the ear test yet. We'll have to check when they show a HD movie.

I saw it last night, the shuttle launch and the NYC scenes were great. On another note, this evening I was watching 4-1 and they were broadcasting a show that was supposed to be HD and was being shown SD. I called Master Control (went throught the news desk) and they flipped the switch by the time they were back from the commercial.

Regarding 2-1. I get it intermittantly, but with a lot of dropouts. Of course it looks like they still don't have their HD equipment working, so your not missing much. But I get 4-1 better with no dropouts than 2-1 and 2-1 should be closer and I guess both are low power.

Speaking of dropouts, I haven't had one forever form 5-1.

Andy

OK.....I feel like I've just been paroled from prison. I got an open box Hughes hd receiver from CC for $300.00. Time Warner Cable came out and re-installed my dish. All is well. Except for the local channel issues. QuestionDo I have to enter 47-1 or 34-1 in order to get the signal strength. When I enter channel 5 I get no power, but can get the CBS HD channel. Could someone give me a brief rundown of steps needed for all the local channels currently transmitting. Also I live in Summerville, any help on an antenna?????I can't believe that TWC is such a cracker jack operation. They felt that by offering me discounts on there inferior cable that they were gracious enough after they had false advertised. What a Joke. Time Warner is about to become prehistoric. In another month Comcast will probably be carrying all locals and Discovery and ESPN HD. Local channelos are supposed to be the cable industries calling card. Whatever! I told TWC that at least the Direct TV receiver can also get the local channel HD broadcast OTA. There little box can't do that and they aren,t going to be able to add additional channels until sometime in 2004. I tell you what D* has there issues to, but afetr my experience with TWC, I will never stray from D* again.

butlers,

I am not at home and just doing this from memory but..

To see signal strength...
you have to go to the menu.. setup and installation
Then you will probably have to change the source from satellite to local
Then the transponder button will become channel click on channel and set the approprate physical channel ie. 34, 47 or 50
The strength will be shown along with an annoying clicking sound.

Sorry I'm not at home to give you the exact names on the remote and screen views.

Now were cooking. Thanks Planenut. I can recieve 34 at constant 80 to 100%, 47 90-100%, and 50 at 45-65%. I cannot however seem to get an inling of the Fox digital channel.Does anyone have any help for that . I live in Summerville and have a Multi - Directional antenna on the top of the roof on my 2 story home.I've tried moving it around but can't pick up the signal at all. I do have a 10DB amplifier hooked up to the antenna.

Fox is weird I can pick it up fine with my Silver Sensor indoor antenna but my friend less than 2 miles away can't pick it up with the same antenna . I guess it's hit or miss with Fox .

I mean I have wide open sky around me, I just can't figure out why I cant get it. Oh well. I'm looking forward to next week when I can get ESPN HD. You wouldn't happen to know where I can pick up the Avia DVD around here?

Fox/Upn use the same tower that is on Arco lane near West Montague and I-26. I understand it is a very low tower and transmits at low power. I think the low tower is the bigger restriction however but don't forget that most maps depict the antenna in another location so make sure you are pointing your directional antennas in the right direction... Hope this helps. I get the signal near 100 percent in Hanahan but I am only about 3 miles away from Arco lane.

I've noticed that at about 11PM my NBC ( 50) signal drops all the way down to zero from a constant 50 to 75 during afternoon and evening hours. Is this something that can be fixed with the antenna??

Originally posted by butlers
You wouldn't happen to know where I can pick up the Avia DVD around here?

I've got a copy of Avia your more than welcome to borrow if you like . We can meet up sometime and I cna let you use it .

I've noticed that at about 11PM my NBC ( 50) signal drops all the way down to zero from a constant 50 to 75 during afternoon and evening hours. Is this something that can be fixed with the antenna??

The only way I believe this can be fixed is by calling Master Control at NBC and asking them to broadcast Channel 50. This smells like an operational decision to me. Why broadcast LENO? I mean the show has HD quality that is as good as anything else out there.

NBC (2-1) is really starting to tick me off. THis HD equipment failure excuse is getting old. Oh well I'm not gonna let it bother me, If they don't tighten up the local HD community will just quit tuning in. I for one quit watching a few days ago.

JeffD...That would be great. I think we are just a couple of minutes away!Just say when. Also.....I want to have an entertainment center built into the wall in my living room. Anyone know of someone who does quality work at reasonable price. Any help with this would be appreciated.

butlers I'm getting ready to head to the mountains for the weekend i'll be back sometime Sunday . E-mail me at demum@comcast.net and give me your phine number and i'll call and we can meet up to let you get the DVD .

Tomorrow night ABC's Saturday Night at the movies is going to be broadcast in 5.1. Could someone tune-in for a while and see if WCIV is passing the 5.1 properly? I'm going to be out of town.

I guess someone is asleep at the switch at the station. the ABC Saturday Night Movie is still 4:3 and the sound is defintely not 5.1

I agree mheyward1.

What is the deal with NBC....I was able to pick them up for about an hour today, and then boom no signal at all for 2.1. Is it the sation having problems......any info

WCIV hasn't started looking ahead yet to figure out what is being broadcast in HD, but if you call the station and ask for Master Control they usually will switch feeds relatively quick. WCIV's # is 881-4444.

I'm not sure what's going on with NBC and I'm not having any luck getting feedback from station. I encourage all to write and inquire. jbecknell@wcbd.com

Our next shot at 5.1 on ABC is Thursday night, movie is "Love Letter" (not familiar with it).

WCIV's chief engineer took another position so I'm not sure if the position has been filled yet or not. Might explain why staying on top of what's supposed to be in HD might not be #1 priority right now.

Hey guys, TWC went live with Discovery HD Theater yesterday. Excellant picture and it's all HD.

Glad to hear that..... the more HD the merrier...

How about those preying mantis's????

DirecTV started w/ their package and it looks pretty good.... Now if ESPN and COMCAST and TWC can get together........

Those things looked like the aliens in Independance Day!

Amen to ESPN HD! That's one I REALLY want.

Tuned in briefly to ABC movie last night before leaving to see T3. Had to call master control and they switched to HD right away. Again couldn't really tell if 5.1 was there or not. It looked like an older movie and might not have had much in the way of surround effects. And like a dummy I didn't really look at my receiver close enough to figure out what was going on. Guess that's what happens when you're trying to eat quickly and get out the door.

Did anyone else happen to check it out?

Didn't get a chance.. Sorry

They need more power to get down here

Is NBC doing any broadcasting in HD or SD lately? I tried to pick up wimbleton on the OTA box and couldn"t get a signal on the meter.

I believe NBC is still having equipment problems. Has anyone else heard from Jack to confirm this?

oljim: We finally found one you couldn't pull in huh?

I can get it now and then, but wet trees kill me on 2-1 and 4-1 I can get NBC from 3-1 in Sav. but NO ABC If they all came in like 5-1 I would be a happy camper. BTY Jay L was in HD and 5.1 last night on 3-1 in Sav. WOW

pcm19: What Channel is Discovery HD on? I'd like to update my website

Discovery HD is on channel 845. TWC has also added PBS HD on channel 800. The other night I was watching something I wouldn't ordinarily sit through and my 17 year old daughter walked through the room shaking her head and made the statement " You'll watch anything if it's HD!".
To which I replied enthusiastically "Of course!". Smart aleck teenagers!

Is it me or is 5-1 more hissssss than normal sound

I cant believe that WCBD hasnt flipped the switch so we can enjoy the Pepsi 400 on 50-1 or 2-1. I am going to call them.

Talked to Scott @ Master Cntrl. Flipped the switch in under a minute. Says he "forgot" to do that. Wonder how many of the peolpe in control are able to view HD at home. If there were more then maybe they wouldnt "forget"


Yes oljim..i get the hissing on on 5-1 as well.

shuttermaker I think each station mang. should be required to watch his station at least 1 hr per night to see how it is working.
Jim

What's going on with WCSC's sound ?

I am getting the hiss on 5.1 also. Thanks for speaking up. I thought it might be my antenna being mis-aligned. You guys saved me a lot of time trouble shooting/!

Message from Eldon this morning replying to my inquiry from Sunday AM.

"The AES audio frame sync card lost it's mind. This card has done this before, so it was easy to find. All I had to do was reset it, but I don't know why it sometimes goes crazy. We'll check for firmware updates. We'll also have to come up with a better way to monitor the signal."

I let him know that we can call MASTER CONTROL in the future and just let them know there's a problem. I figured somthing was fried and didn't bother calling them. Until firmware corrects problem, we can do it ourselves.

pcm19: Thanks for the channel updates. I'll fix website sometime in the near future.

Their signal strength is down and there wasn't any content on earlier. I called Master Control and they were going to check on it.

Anyone have any idea if they have been "up" today at all? I'm not getting a good feeling about this.

Please contact Channel 4 and ask them about the signal. I don't mean to jump to conclusions, but I think there are some stations out there that think we're a smaller group than we really are.

KTrout I jumped over to 4-1 about 10 PM and few few more times before 11PM I was OK about 75% of the time, much better than I see it come in for past week or so. I only get it when trees are dry.

Thanks OLJIM. They must have found some time to correct the problem or it was something on my end.

KTrout
I find 5-2 a good tool for this end, any time I see yellow or red on radar I forget 4-1 and will have dropouts on 5-1/5-2

Just had a very positive conversation with Channel 4. They had to take a step backward and re-organize with the recent departure of their Chief Engineer.

Once things calm down, they plan on installing the automatic switcher and getting the 5.1 audio operational.

What about 2-1. I haven't seen any HD content in over a month. Does anyone know why?

I don't pull in 2-1, so I can't really comment. I don't think NBC has a lot of HD offerings right now except for Leno. I don't even know if they're broadcasting a signal right now. If they're not, they apparently are still having equipment problems.

Can someone else help answer this?

I didn't see anything on 2.1 this evening. I usually get it around 60% but nothing around 8:30 when I started watching CSI from last night.

CBS looked good, no noise problems or dropouts (no dropouts any time recently). 90%

ABC looks good, stereo receiver says 5.1 but never anything but stereo.
75%

I would have to say CBS rules, ABC a solid second and NBC is trailing way behind!

Does anyone know for sure what power level 2 and 4 are broadcasting at? In the St. George area, I get 5 with no problems, even during bad weather. Got either 2 or 4 (can't remember which one) for 10-15 seconds a few weeks ago, but nothing since.

Any info on power levels or when they might go to full power is greatly appreciated.

Daryal

Same here Daryal 5 is always good 4-1 some times and 2-1 has not come in for some time. Sure would be nice if 2-1 and 4-1 could get going with full power.

I get channel 5 very well in West Ashley with my attic UHF only un amplified antenna. And they continue to be the leader in both HD programming and lack of problems. I get their signal anywhere between 73 and 100 on my meter (Samsung TS-160 STB). And lately ~93%.

Since 4 has been up I have been receiving it very well and have not noticed dropouts since they have been up full time. Of course they have the occasional problem with flipping the HD switch but they are usually quick to respond to a phone call. I was checked the strength last night and it was 93% as well. I am pretty impressed considering they are broadcasting from Awendaw (right?) and at low power (right, as well?) Maybe they are at a higher power now? Anyone else get the higher strength lately. Anyway, looking forward to MNF and (hopefully?) some college games in HD in the fall.

Of course, Channel 2 was looking good for a few days with Leno, but I only get the signal off and on, lots of dropouts, and loss of signal, and at best 69% on the meter but typically lower. I imagine that I could turn the antenna slightly or add an amplifier, but it must be 10 miles closer to me than the Awendaw towers, so how low can their power be? I guess a lot has to do with how high their antenna is. But as has been discussed before, with no HD signal, and few NBC shows in HD anyway, they are a distant 3d.

Just thought I would report my recent results and signal strengths.

Andy

Thanks to both for the info. Especially interesting on 4. They are on UHF 34, right? I still have not re-aimed my attic mounted UHF/VHF RS antenna. When I got the receiver the first day 5 started broadcasting, I got a lock immediately, so I had no incentive to do more. I may try to "fine tune", or may get a cheap UHF only from RS and try it outside just to see what I get. I could also flip it 180 degrees and check Columbia, so that may be the best way to go. Oljim and I discussed it a while back, but I haven't had time to pursue it.

Daryal

Daryal 4-1 is 34 2-1 is 50 I have a RS-U75 if you want to give it a try, I will be going up I-95 friday PM me and see what we can work out.
Jim.

Daryal: WCSC is broadcasting at 1000kw. Originally, WCIV filed papers w/ the FCC indicating they would broadcast at 340kw, but they went low power as well and their Chief engineer indicated they were broadcasting at 1kw. I don't remember what WCBD's broadcasting power is, but I think it's around the 1kw number as well. However, they transmit from a much lower elevation, probably 1/3 the height, as WCIV.

WCBD indicated it would be 2005 - 2006 before they finish renovations on their main antenna in Awendaw.

OK, here's some more information from 100000watts.com. Not sure if it's correct, but it does appear that they are referencing FCC permits etc.

WCBD, Channel 2-1 (DTV 50) - 10.8 kW at 685 ft. elev.
WCIV, Channel 4-1 (DTV 34) - 20kW at 1712 ft. elev.
WCSC, Channels 5-1, 5-2 (DTV 47) - 1000kW at 1709 ft. elev.
WTAT, Channel 24-1, (DTV 40) - 3.6 kW at 154 ft. elev.
WMMP, Channel 36-1, (DTV 35) - 3.6 kW at 154 ft. elev.

Alright, I'm going to put this same info on website so I won't have to try to find this post in the future.

Where can I find a 1700 ft tower so I can get them all

What's the point of broadcasting from a 154 ft. tower at 3.6 Kw. I bet you can pick up WTAT from the station's parking lot!

KTrout, why no range chart for 2-1, are red and blue lines for grade A and B

Oljim,

Thanks for the offer. Just so happens that I went by RS during lunch yesterday and picked one up.

For what it's worth:

A RS U75 antenna, "mounted" on a 12 foot wooden rod, held up by hand, got me 5, which I already had, and 4, which I still cannot get with the attic antenna. The U75 was probably about 15-20 ft above ground level. Signal strength was in the mid range, but stayed locked on with no problems.

So if I can get 5 and 4 in St. George with a temporary rig, literally held up by hand while standing on a 6 foot ladder, your guys in the immediate Charleston area should have no problems.

Daryal.

Daryal did you try any Columbia stations? look for them on 17/32/38/41/48 also 8 but it is vhf.

Oljim, I got 17 with the portable antenna, but no others. I have gotten 17 sporadically in the past with the attic antenna pointed at Charleston.

I tried the U75 pointed to Columbia, but only at about 10ft high, and with the house directly between the antenna and the source. Hope to have time to give the Cola channels a fairer eval this weekend. 17/19 was the only ch number I could remember, so I could not type in the others to check strength. Will try that next time.

Actual broadcast Channels is in parens (). Remapped virtual channels (what you normally see on your receiver) have dots (note that WACH does not remap so you see 57.1 for now)

ABC WOLO-DT (8) HD Ch25.1 SD Ch25.1 (wxr)
CBS WLTX-DT (17) HD Ch19.1 SD Ch19.2 (wxr)

NBC WIS-DT (41) HD Ch41.3 SD CH41.2 (simulcast) and Ch41.1 (wxr)
PBS WRLK-DT (32) HD Ch35.3 SD Ch35.2 and Ch35.1 (latter two provide PSU, PBS Kids, WRLK simulcast and classes)

FOX WACH-DT (57) SD Ch57.1

Bruce

I would like to thank all of you, especially ktrout, for posting all of the good info on the Charleston HDTV status. I purchased a HDTV monitor (Hitachi 51UWX20B) in June and decided to buy a digital tuner to see what was on. I didn't think there was much on so I didn't want to spend too much. I got a Samsung SIR-T151 off Ebay ($199) and a Radio Shack U75 UHF antenna ($21.95). The antenna is in the attic with an in-line signal amplifier to drive the 100' of RG-6 coax. I am happy to say that I can receive all five local channels. I live about 1.5 air-miles North of Northwoods mall on the Goose Creek Reservoir. The antenna had to be pointed in a compromise position to pick up both the Awendaw-Mt Pleasant/Arco Lane signals but all channels come in pretty reliably. Channel 4-1 is the weakest and occasionally suffers a drop-out (due to signal reflections I suspect). I confess that I only occasionally watch the digital signals because I am so dependant on the ReplayTV PVR to zip by commercials. I occasionally watch an HDTV show if there is a show I like such as CSI. It spoils me for the rest of my viewing because of the sharp picture. Otherwise, our favorite channel is Super Doppler 5000! (5-2). I am on the lookout for a reasonable solution for more HDTV channels and an HDTV PVR. The Dish PVR 921 looks to be promising if the cost is right. I have Comcast now but they look slow to provide HDTV.

Charlie

41-1/2/3 seem to come in more that any of the others, 57-1 was good but it seems to have dropped off for some reason. Have got all but the PBS at some time in last few weeks

Truesdac: Check your PM's.

bdenman: Thanks for the contribution. I know you're very active in Columbia and I appreciate your input here in the Lowcountry.

Oljim: I'm pretty sure those aren't Grade A and B reception contours, but I couldn't find my source for those GIF's this evening. Channel 2's FCC application shows a 48dBu contour and a 41 dBU contour that reaches beyond those shown on my contour maps and all the way up to the Myrtle Beach area. I believe Grade B is the point at which you get an acceptable picture 90% of the time. Eldon might know a correlation between those dBU contours and Grade rating.

Just wondered, I saw a contour map for the Sav stations one time and I am in grade B for all but one station that put me in A. I am in the Sav DMA but had to get a waver from 2,4 and 5 when I was after networks on C band sat back in 1998. Did not need one from 24. Ch 2 has always been bad down here, a low power FM station 1 mile from here kills ch 2, and the PBS stations from Charleston and Sav. 7 and 9. Dish and Direct TV will have the Sav. stations on this fall, but who wants 6 stations when all but ABC is still in mono. They are still back in the 80s

Just to appease my curiousity, I'd like to ask the simple question and ask you to please reply with a YES or NO. (I know this may seem somewhat counter-productive and forum "fill", but there's a method to ..........)

HAVE YOU SEEN HIGH DEFINITION PROGRAMMING BROADCAST ON WCIV's Channel 34 (or 4-1) AT ANY TIME IN THE LAST MONTH?





Thanks

(Comments are welcome, but not necessary)

I have seen HD programming on 4.1, but not sure if it's been more than 1 month ago. (Yes I know I didn't answer yes or no, sorry!)

Yep, just over the past few days while channel surfing......some sitcom.
-rick

It appears that some of the local stations are not playing the game fairly when it comes to passing the HD signals through or showing them at all to the local viewers. If you look at Sunday night, ABC listed prime-time from 7:00 PM till 11:00 PM as all HD. Well, that might have been the case in other markets, but in Charleston, the 10 till 11 slot was not HD. I did call WCIV master control, but they said they were only passing thru what the network sent them. WCSC looked great, and WCBD was blank and black. (I wonder how they sell products with that signal?)
We need to start commenting on picture quality and pass thru of HD signals from the network in our market. The advertisers are paying good money and our forum is in the disposable income bracket. If I switch to non-network HD, or watch WCSC because of the picture quality, then they lose an exposure to their goods. It might not matter if it's just me, but if all of us feel that way, then they may pay more attention to flipping the switch at master control in the future. Or in WCBD's case, maybe we need to educate their advertisers about what they are (not) getting for their dollars; because it appears that both of them are in the dark.

Originally posted by KTrout
HAVE YOU SEEN HIGH DEFINITION PROGRAMMING BROADCAST ON WCIV's Channel 34 (or 4-1) AT ANY TIME IN THE LAST MONTH?



No !


On another note I'm about fed up with the local stations when it comes to HD ! Why can't can't they get their stuff together ! I'm about to go satellite so I can watch some HD material when I want to ! It seems comcast will never come through with HD in our area and when they do it still won't have the channels that satellite has (ie Discovery HD , ESPN & HDNet ) . Those channels play the material I want to see in HD !

YES.

Many times over the last month. Last week during some sitcoms, on Tuesday they were already up and running in prime times, but a few other times I have had to call ( I guess 2x) and talked to master control.

The first time, I talked to someone in Master Control and told him the HD signal wasn't coming through. The "Master Controller" said, "Maybe it isn't in HD" I told him that it said so at the beginning of the show and he said he would check. By the time I had hung up the phone and flipped back to 4-1 they were in HD.

So they do appear helpful but not very knowledgable about HD. I guess no one is watching it there in the studio.

Of course the real question about HD on WCIV so far is "Do you care" Because other than some lame sitcoms (which I watch anyway since they are HD) there hasn't been much in the way of programming from ABC. Of course the fall football season is something like 6 weeks away.....

Andy

JeffD:
If you can find it in your budget, you might think about getting Sat instead of waiting for HD cable. The HD content is really a lot better now especially with the addition of ESPN HD. I have enjoyed watching a couple of Braves games the last couple of weeks, so now I am hooked. And remember football season is just around the corner, and ESPN normally has a few good games every week. Not to mention CBS (SEC) games every Saturday and Pro games on Sunday. This is really the first year we will be able to utilize our equipment the way it is supposed to be used. Thank you WCSC for taking the lead in OTA broadcast, I think it will pay dividends in the future.

2-1 has been experiencing equipment problems.

The initial problem with the NBC receiving equipment was corrected, but unfortunately the entire station got hit with a power failure and it wiped out a big UPS and some HD processing equipment.

The zapped equipment has already been sent back to the manufacturer and is being bench tested right now. As soon as it's repaired and put back in service they will be back up :)

Here's my opinion on DirecTV vs. Cable

I am thoroughly enjoying DTV's new HD service. Don't get me wrong. However the way I would approach the choice is this.

A) If you can't live without HDNet or want HDNet and HDNet movies, go DirecTV because that one is iffy for COMCAST.
B) If you can live with signing an agreement for a year w/ DirecTV knowing that you probably won't get any additional HD programming during that time (they've used up all transponders and Multiplexing right now) then go with DirecTV. BUT a year is a long time. Think about where we were last year at this time in regards to HD programming and availability.
C) If you are most interested in Local channels and are tired of fooling with antenna's or don't want to spend $400 on an HD STB, COMCAST is almost here.
D) If you're not getting any HD now, I would wait until football season starts to make a decision because I really think by then COMCAST will have an agreement w/ ESPN.
E) COMCAST has the ability to add significantly more programming, and I believe that they will here locally. Charleston was one of the first on-Demand areas in the country and management here is interested in and seems very receptive to HD. COMCAST is not holding up HD here locally.

Well that's my 2 cents.

Cable vs DTH satellite

When I bought my Sony HD set I did a lot of research and decided I was better off sticking with TWC rather than going satellite. So far things have not progressed as quickly as I would like as far as adding new channels but on the other hand I'm not out $600 on a HD sat system. Plus my kids would have gone NUTS if they didn't each have a feed to their rooms like they have with cable, which would have added more to the cost of the satellite system.

My 1 cent worth.

If you really want to save money unplug your new HD-TV. If you are not getting HD signals to your HD-TV now, you have a nice conversation piece,
sort of like an antique. They are nice to look at, but modern technology has passed them by.
What I have read is wait! Wait for Comcast to come through with their pledge for HD channels. Hey, we can save $600.00 on a STB. Well first off you can find buys on HD STB's as low as $300.00 or less for discontinued models. And if it doesn't work out E-bay can return some of your investment. What I didn't hear is that you are leasing a converter box from comcast for an additional $8.00 to $16.00 or more per month. That doesn't include service. I think it is comparable to Sat service so that is a wash. But I do know that the premium channels are more expensive on Cable. Also don't be so sure that signing on with cable will give you the HD local signals in our area, even if they offer a premium HD service such as HBO-HD. I would encourage you to do a search of this forum and other search engines and find out for yourself. And look at the price differences between a number 20 market for TV, verses a 105 TV market be sure to compare number of cable companies serving that market. What I did discover was that it is supply and demand. What they charge in Philadelphia, PA verses Podunct, WA is totally different. At least everyone on Sat can get a firm price and pay the same as the next subscriber.
Regarding the one year commitment. We have a TV that is only enhanced with proper HD signals. That is a fact of life! We can't return our TV where we bought it 180 days after purchase because we don't like the programming available.

What I do think is a positive for Comcast is the VOD function. I am tired of paying blockbuster for an extra day because I thought the wife was returning the movies and she was sure that I was.


Regardless--Get that HD screaming today - You will be glad you did!!
That is just my $.03 worth.

In the meantime, I am going to enjoy watching the HD content available to me today until comcast makes me a deal I can't refuse. Then I will put the STB's on E-bay and cancel my DTV service.

With TWC there is no additional charge for the HD converter if you are already on the digital tier, which I assume folks like us would already have. All you have to do is swap the digital box for an HD box (currently using an
SA 3100HD). In addition the HBO HD & Showtime HD is at no additional cost if you already subscribe. Discovery HD and PBS HD are no additional charge as well. I don't know if ESPN HD will have a charge but I'm willing to pay it if there is.

My 1/2 ¢ worth.

My only options are U.S. (U-Suck) Cable or Directv or OTA only. I tried U.S. Cable when I first moved here, even though I heard how terrible it was. I didn't believe it could actually be as bad as what I had heard. My mistake; it was worse. 3 days after U.S. Cable was installed I cancelled my service and put in my first Directv system and have never looked back. Must be nice to at least have to option of TWC or Comcast. Then again, it's one less decision I have to make.

Same down here Charter does not know what HDTV is.

pcm19 - Please contact me at usrsld@sc.rr.com. I have a Time Warner question for you. Thanks!

LuvThatHDTV: Whats your beef with US Cable..just out of curiosity? I live on Johns Island and that is all thats available unless you go with DTV (which I did). I still use US Cable for their internet service ...I had no problem with their cable service...other than the fact that they have no plans to offer HD.

I got word back from SCETV that Channel 49 will not be affected by the recent statewide budget cuts for Public Broadcasting.

However, they are running behind schedule and probably won't be up until the end of the year. But at least they are still coming.

shuttermaker:
Well you said one thing that's a problem; internet service! It's not available here; also no digital cable; also only one channel in stereo (local UPN not even HBO or MTV or VH1) and the worst cable reception I've ever seen. My rabbit ears picked up the local channels better than I got on US Cable.
Also terrible installer(s). They didn't put the HBO filter in when I ordered itso they had to come back the 2nd day and their crimps jobs on the cables were terrible, somethine the 2nd guy had to als fix . Also, their "Weather Channel" has no local radar. And they also were advertising their 2 "new" channels during the local weather part of the Weather Channel; two channels that came out in 1999 they were still calling new last year. They have also been raising their rates and actually remved a couple of channels from their lineup. They have about 50 channels for about $43 a month I believe. (I learned of some of these things from neighbors, many of whom have switched to Directv)
Maybe your John's Island service is good but here in Dunes West it's terrible!

I definitly agree with the sub-contracted installers being underqualified. I have something you may be interested in...email me at S_T_A_T_I_C_X@hotmail.com

Sorry about the late notice, but I just got home from work.

WCIV has recently configured their automatic switcher and it should be tested this evening. Additionally, they also made some corrections to the audio system and should be broadcasting 5.1 this evening as well.

Go check it out. They asked for feedback regarding anything that's going on. If all goes well, they will officially join WCSC as being "on air".

My home theater says its 5.1...but im not getting 5.1

I will keep watching..though the programming isnt quite to my liking right now..lol

Well I can't really ask you to watch this if you're not a fan of DISCO.

I assumed that ABC was broadcasting in HD this evening when I got the e-mail from WCIV. They're not.

As a matter of fact Saturday night will be the first night to see if it really works. I'm not sure this show is being broadcast in 5.1 either, so I don't really know if we'll learn anything this evening.

Sorry for the scramble. I'm going to try and find if this is being broadcast in 5.1. If anyone knows, please speak up.

Because right now I'm "Burning that mother down with a disco inferno".

www.titantv.com really good program guide

OK I'm pretty sure it's not 5.1 anyone else know any different please let us know.

Guess we'll have to try this again on Saturday night.

Again sorry.

Yeah I'm down w/ Titan, and it ruled out HD, but it didn't necessarily rule out that it was broadcast in 5.1 Not likely, but I wanted to see it.

KTrout 4-1 is NOT DD5.1 my lite is on but it is not in 5.1 I just tried 25-1 ABC in Columbia it is in DD5.1

oljim: Thank you, I stand corrected. That's why I ask. I'll pass it on to WCIV that we still don't have 5.1.

I only got sound from front speakers on 4-1, but had from all speakers on 25-1 My DD lite was on both stations but sound was not 5.1 on 4-1.
Jim

I sent an email to www.titantv.com asking how to have WCIV added to the program guide. This is the reply I received:

Good afternoon.

Thank you for visiting TitanTV and for providing your feedback.

I forwarded your message to the people here who handle the live status of the DT stations. They told me they have activated that call sign and its programming data should begin appearing in your Digital guide page this weekend.

Thank you for bringing this to our attention. Let me know if you have any other comments or questions.

Ken Nelson
Technical Services
Decisionmark Corp.
Cedar Rapids, IA

That's good, I tried to add them to my guide this morning and it still gave the the not listed error message.

Just checked TitanTV this morning and WCIV is now on my program guide.

Shuttermaker: Thanks for your efforts, saw that it got added to mine as well.

Wow another Sunday Disney movie and no HD again for channel 4 ! I even called master control twice . 1st time was told it was coming in HD on thier monitor , 2nd call was told that this program was analog only . :rolleyes:

WCIV is in the process of trying to configure their automatic switchers and the 5.1 audio. I believe they set some parameters on Friday that obviously didn't work on Saturday night or this evening as well. The engineers haven't had another shot at it, yet. Hopefully they'll figure out the switching some time this week. The 5.1 might be a little tricky.

Saw what appeared to be some automatic switching taking place on WCIV this evening. Looks like they got it worked out. Glad to see it, good job guys.

Well, I didn't realize that ABC had so much HD content. Since I haven't really been able to pick it up before, I was happy to see that the full (8-11PM) schedule is all HD. This looks pretty good. I thought CBS was the only one that had a good selection. Maybe we are moving into the digital HD age at a faster pace than I once thought.

Hey All,
I just moved to Hilton Head. I know all this programming from Charleston is too far from me, but does anybody know someone with HDTV reception on HHI from the Savannah towers?
I'd hate to go and get an antenna and have no reception. Any help would be appreciated. Football season is coming!
Rob
:(

vail55..you need to speak with oljim...he is in Beaufort...gets EVERYTHING..lol

Rob you can get the Sav stations with a RS u75. I know of 3 or 4 people that get 11-1 (dtv 15) CBS 3-1/2 (dtv 39) NBC. Fox 28 is on dtv 27 but low power.
Let me know if you need more info
Jim.

I wish Comcast would get on the ball and get the HD Cable rolling !

Thinking about getting a set and STB. What kind of reception and which stations can I expect to get in Summerivlle with an attic antenna in a one story house.

No cable, just OTA (I have E* w/o HDTV capacity).

rmwjr: i saw someone suggested that you look at antennaweb.org already. it's a good site but will only be accurate for channel 47 (Channel 5, CBS) because they are the only channel operating from the location and with the parameters indicated on antennaweb.org.

quick summary: Channel 47 (CBS) shouldn't be a problem even with antenna in attic. They're at full power.
Channel 34 (ABC) broadcasts from the same spot shown on antennaweb.org, but at much lower power. depending on your choice of antenna, this may or may not be a problem.
Channel 50 (NBC) broadcasts from their main tv studio right across the cooper river bridge in mt. pleasant. they're also on lower power and from a lower location. you might require an amplifier to get their signal.
Channels 35 and 40 (UPN and FOX) broadcast from the studio location as well which is approximately at the intersection of I-26 and 526. They're even at lower power and from a lower height. I don't know if you'd be able to get them or not even with an amplifier.

There are guys on this forum from summerville who can maybe help you out more than i have. guys like oljim and some others have a lot more experience with antennas than i do as well.

anyone in summerville with antenna in attic? help.

Help me out here!
Is WCBD transmitting a 2.1 signal at all? I can't pick them up and I do get all the others. They are the closest signal to me. I rescan every week with no positive results. Am I doing something wrong?

you have to call and ask them to "flip the switch". I know it sucks..but weve discussed this before. Im watching SNL on analog CH 2. WCBD sux.

shuttermaker and others:
I thought you had to get the signal (2.1) for the "flip the switch" to change the SD to HD. I didn't realize that the "switch" controlled the digital signal as well. Am I wrong here, or is WCBD not transmitting a digital signal at all? If anyone is getting a signal on the digital spectrum please advise.

i don't believe WCBD is broadcasting at all. as far as i know their equipment is still being repaired.

Thanks for the info: I could not bring myself to believe that WCBD was transmitting a signal and I was not getting any sign of it on my signal strength meter! I will sleep well tonight, knowing I don't have to go back into the attic and manually turn that antenna in yet another direction. :)

around midnite last nite, i was receiving wcbd dt very well here in vance,sc. this was the best reception ever for me on ch 50

Thanks for the heads up bellvg. My Sony was remapping to the original channel 59 (2.1) which doesn't exist, so I entered 50 and it found the signal. It remapped to 2.1 so I am now getting a good signal strength.

For Info purposes, Jack Becknell the Engineering Head at WCBD said they should be back with HD programming in a couple of weeks or so. He said that the Mfg was shipping the replacement stuff this week.

Looks like we might have all major networks in Charleston showing HD in the near future.

bellvg: Thanks for the input.

I wasn't exactly wrong. I'm no help w/ WCBD. Can't pull them in with antenna I have and decided not to mess w/ outdoor until everything shakes out.

Anyone else having audio issues with 5.1 now? My sound is kinda "fluttering" or "wavering"

KTrout:
As close as you are to WCBD you should get some signal strength. You are in an interesting location being somewhat between 4, 5 and then 2, with 24,36 in yet another position. I was getting a no signal until I manually re-entered the 50 which then remapped to 2.1. By the way I now have two 2.1 channels. One works the other doesn't. This is because WCBD was originally set to air on 59. When you do the auto-detect and put in your zip code, it thinks WCBD is x-mitting off of 59 and doesn't recognize 50. I would check it before doing a lot of antenna switching. If you need to borrow a box for a day you know how to contact me.

LuvThatHDTV I went to 5-1 about 9.55, you are right the sound was fluttering or what ever you call it. Did not go on after 10 PM so not sure if it went back to normal

Got a note from Eldon regarding the "fluttering audio". They did hear it, but it cleared up before they were able to pin point the source of the problem. Since it cleared up on it's own, there's a good chance it might return, but unfortunately, until it does they can't really do too much.

I'm thinking we maybe try to write down when and if it happens again and they could do some more investigating. Or maybe even call Master Control and let them know.

KTrout and oljim:
Thanks, I'll do my part if I hear it again. Glad to know it wasn't on my end. I taped CSI: Miami last night but haven't had a chance to watch it yet, maybe I taped the audio problems too? My Sony STB is what I usually use , only use the TV tuner when recording. Will have to check it out later

Even though Comcast is not and running yet, I heard they've just signed an agreememt with ESPN HD. I can't wait!!!!

Comcast needs to hurry up ! I'm going to be very upset if they don't have HD up and running when the football games start coming on ! ;)

JeffD:
You might consider investing in a STB with DTV, that way you know you can see them tomorrow. I think Comcast is dragging their feet because they think there is only about 10 people with the capability to recieve the signals. And if that is the case, I don't blame them for not offering HD. Since I am one of those 10 I want it NOW!!!! Thanks to Ktrout for leading the charge anyway.

HDSC: I've already invested in one STB that is the Zenith OTA only STB . I would hate to buy another , not including the wife factor " what do we need that for " . :D In the end I will most likely be going with the satellite route ........again.......been there once already .

JeffD:
I should have clarified my stb thought process. I mean with the DTV capability also. I have been a customer for about 7 years.. While I have had my issues in the past. All and all they still seem to be leading in their broadcast. selection. This is the way I look at it. Comcast is blowing a lot of smoke about HD and ESPN-HD and etc, etc,. I've got all those channels that we want now. I have the TV to handle it so I should have it if I can afford it. But if I sign up for comcast it is still going to cost close to the same amount. I agonized over my TV selection, you know, once I buy it ,the next best TV ever produced will come out next month. So I realized, that one in the hand is better than the one we hope will be better. And once you look at comcast rental fees it probably is a wash. Do what is right for you. PS: You can eliminate most of the effects of frying pan over the head if you wear a motorcycle helmet when you tell her. :)

JeffD tell her it is a new HDTV law, you gota get one

Maybe we need to form a low-country regional HD public service commission. You could submit a question to the commission and they could rule on it. IE: I need a new STB, My TV needs to be larger to get the full effects of HD. I can see it now: I know the antenna is ugly, but I am required by law to have this antenna, HONEY!. I know the screen is big but I am not in compliance with the HD regulatory requirements. "I must comply because the fines are far more than the cost of the antenna. And by the way, safety helmets could be rented by the week at a nominal cost.

HDSC : I guess I need to clarify . I did get a HD Satellite before I bought my OTA only STB . My biggest problem was getting a strong signal . You see I have this lovely batch of trees in my back yard that is in my way of getting a good signal . And removing the trees to get a satellite is completely out of the question . So in all honesty I'm banking on Comcast to come through . I have waited for over 2 years now what's a few more months .

JeffD:
DTV suc** without getting strong sat signal strengths. Especially on the C (110) segment, which has most of the HD channels at this time. Unless you can find a location on your property, I guess you are bound to the cable connection. Good Luck in your quest for HD signals!

MNF in HD woo hoo !!!!

Yes, it looks great. Please drop WCIV a quick e-mail and let them know that you're looking forward to the season.

I'm still not receiving 5.1, guess they haven't worked that out yet.

Finally channel 4 did something right ! And it only took them 10 minutes to get the HD feed started ! The picture was very clear and sharp my wife even commented on it :eek: .

Yep the 720p looked pretty good, better than I expected it to. It wasn't quite as detailed as 1080i but the motion looked better on it. Not many "jaggies" on the yard markers and definitely no picture blocking due to bandwith limits like on D*.
And no 5.1 here either; although they must have at least some of the equipment to broadcast it since my receiver is getting a 5.1 signal still, but only the 2 fronts are actually being used
All in all it was very fun to see MNF-HD!!
What's that Email for WCIV?

I thought the 720P looked great also. I was surprised they were able to show the replays in HD. The games that I have seen in the past would just super-impose an SD image, however, this is my first (ABC) HD game. I guess the technology just keeps on getting better.

I emailed WCIV and praised their good work . I also enquierd about the 5.1 "ghost" signal. No reply as of yet. Email form for WCIV is at
http://www.abcnews4.com/contact.hrb . I directed my email to the engineering dept.

The first ten minutes might not have been WCIV's fault. Although I haven't seen anything else posted about the broadcast feed from national being goofy.

I didn't see any of ABC's MNF broadcasts a couple of years ago, so I don't have anything to compare it to..... but I agree the broadcast seemed to utilize a lot more HD camera's and I didn't notice many SD shots at all.

Guys, one more thing. I really was hoping that WCIV would have their 5.1 operational by now, and I don't think it's happened. So we might to put in a few inquiries.

If you get a chance, drop them a line and just simply ask when the 5.1 will be operational.

Thanks

Where can a person buy an over-the-air set top box here in Charleston? (Other than Best Buy, which charges $400 for the Samsung T151... Walmart.com has the same box for $298, but they don't have them at the store here in West Ashley)

Thanks!

Perigee:

I use the HIRD E-86 from DirecTV. Got a 2 room system from a seller on Ebay for 350.00 i think it was.

Perigee:
I can't say for sure about the Circuit City here, but I was in Vero Beach, FL two weeks ago and they had some great deals on (what they called_open box Zeniths. The new models are coming out for Xmas and also they are changing the brand name so it might be worth looking at. PS: The STB with DTV is the same as the Sony HD 200. But the non DTV is supposed to be an excellent choice also. Hope this helps.

JeffD

I am regularly in contact with a representative at Comcast. I was supposed to be one of the 1st beta testers for Comcast, after I met the GM and he noticed my knowledge on the HDTV format. They are indeed dragging their feet. In fact, he told me as recently as two weeks ago, that they were waiting on 2 local HDTV stations to start carrying HD content. Now apparently, after reading this thread, I find out that there are in fact, 3 local stations ALREADY DOING DTV content. So I called back this afternoon and left the following message on his voicemail:

I need to know what you guys are doing in HD, because I am thinking of not taking my Comcast with me when I move

I'll let you know what they say tomorrow.

check again more like 5 CABLE IS UNABLE

Sept 1 cannot get here fast enough......

I WILL be watching MANY things in HD, from Sept 1 on. In fact, I am getting the satellites and equipment on August 17, so as to give myself enough time to get it installed before NFL week 1.

Originally posted by oljim
check again more like 5 CABLE IS UNABLE

More like Cable is GAYBLE.

I can only get one however, 5.1, since I live in Ladson, and have only an indoor antenna.

The Krakken If you go to www.antennaweb.org
put in your add you will find 5 DTV stations now live in Charleston.

How many of them are doing actual HD material??? And how much HD material???

The Krakken: Please keep us informed as to what Comcast says ! KTrout is in-touch with Comcast as well and keeps us informed very well , but another person getting some information as well is always good !

And as far as your indoor antenna . I use a Zenith Silver Sensor ( indoor antenna ) and I live in Goose Creek . I can pick all 3 majors and also FOX . You might try moving your antenna around and even closer to the ground . Sounds funny I know but the only way I can pickup all 4 channels is with my antenna sitting on the floor . I can't understand it but it works :D .


Perigee: I use the Zenith HDV-420 it's an over the air only decoder . I got it at Circuit City last year for $320 on an open box buy . You might check with them .

Thanks everyone for the info! BTW I called Knology today (I currently have them as my cable provider) about their upcoming beta-test of HDTV channels and equipment, and found out that they are starting the beta August 15th, they should be in here to install a box for me within a week after that :) Apparantly, to start with, they are only going to have WCBD-DT and WCIV-DT (no WCSC-DT *sniff*) and ESPN-HD and a few others. They plan to charge 9.95 for the HDTV service after the beta is complete.

Originally posted by JeffD
The Krakken: Please keep us informed as to what Comcast says ! KTrout is in-touch with Comcast as well and keeps us informed very well , but another person getting some information as well is always good !

And as far as your indoor antenna . I use a Zenith Silver Sensor ( indoor antenna ) and I live in Goose Creek . I can pick all 3 majors and also FOX . You might try moving your antenna around and even closer to the ground . Sounds funny I know but the only way I can pickup all 4 channels is with my antenna sitting on the floor . I can't understand it but it works :D .




Jeff, your wish is my command. I spoke with a high ranking comcast agent (whose name was removed from my initial post for privacy reasons), today who told me that they are actually ready for rollout. The problem lies in the re-broadcast contracts between them and WCBDand WCIV, which is further hampered by the limited availability of HDTV material from said broadcasting studios. They are telling Comcast that though they are broadcasting from their digital tower, that their HDTV lineup is limited. As a result, corperate office is holding COMCAST back here locally from launching, since the pricing scheme is set. He told me that they (comcast) could begin beta testing tomorrow, if Corporate would release the other channels (HBOHD, SHOHD, ESPNHD, and HD IN-DEMAND are all waiting in the wings for rollout). However, Corporate won't release the channels, until there is sufficient content from one of the OTHER LOCAL studios (start calling them and protesting NOW.) THe pricing scheme is already set (no extra cost for the box, 4.99/month for the local HDTV stations, and 5.00/month for the HD tier), and they don't want to charge you 10 bucks a month for JUST CBSHD, so they are waiting on the OTHER channels to STEP UP!!! He says, they already have the equipment, and the amplifiers/recievers/nodes in place and they already have allocated the bandwith for the following: (CBSHD, ABCHD, NBCHD--local tier), (HBOHD, SHOHD, ESPNHD, and In Demand-HD--HD tier), and one more HD channell. They are also trying to add one more node for an addition 4 HD channels by years end. The HD boxes are here locally, and ready to be rolled out. Their staff has been "trained", if you want to call it that, to install.

Further, he and some of his management team are coming into my store, and considering buying their HDTV's for the office from me. THey are getting ready to buy between 4-7 of them in various sizes to show off, and DRIVE HD in the offices.

I think it may be time to call together some HDTV owners I know (and I know at least 400 of them, since I sold them all TV's in the last 8 months), and organize a protest of the local stations....or at least get them to sign a petition that threatens a boycott of the local stations.....or something......

Ok, maybe that is extreme, but I am getting tired of waiting......

EDIT: Comcast IN DEMAND--HD by itself is 3.95/month for as many IN DEMAND MOVIES YOU WANT......

Pedigree, you can get a Samsung OTA HDTV tuner at the Northwoods Mall sears in North Charleston, if you ask for Daemeon, in the electronics department, brand new, in a box for 299.99 (regular price 399.99).

You'll have to mention this site, however, as I (I mean uhhhh.....HE :D), won't know who you are otherwise. "HE'LL" look for you, if you are interested. :D

This sounds like more comcast BULL Why protest the local stations, the HD programs come from the network. WCSC for one, has done a dam god job of passing on to us the programs they get from CBS

I agree. We'll see.....when I call him back in 2 weeks, its Decision day for me. I'd better hae some good news. For comcast to be the BIGGEST content provider in the area, and the LAST ONE (Knology on August 15) to get HD is UNFORGIVABLE.

Actually if I had to pin the tail on the culprit in this scenario I would have to go with WCIV and WCBD. It doesn't matter what we're able to get OTA. Comcast has to have an agreement for re-broadcast rights in order to be able to pipe it to us.

WCBD's predicament is somewhat understandable. I think the thing that's binding them up is they don't have an adequate link between their station and COMCAST. They probably want COMCAST to help pay for the costs of installing a fiber link (shortest distance over the Cooper River bridges) and that just doesn't make financial sense for either of them right now. I believe COMCAST has a good relationship with them and this is only a money matter.

I'm confused by WCIV to be honest with you. They broadcast as much HD content as WCSC and yet don't want to "officially" acknowledge that they are doing so to COMCAST. Perhaps they don't understand that there's not that much source HD material actually being broadcast from the networks and thinks that COMCAST will demand more. (COMCAST knows that ABC does as much as CBS, I sent them a compilation of HD programming comparing the two already) Perhaps WCIV is holding out attempting to get a larger deal in rebroadcast rights. I really don't know, but it's puzzling as hell if you ask me.

The GM w/ COMCAST has been straight up with me since day one (about a year and a half ago) regarding their intentions. If he gave Krakken that information I believe it.

Krakken if you have 400 people willing to call and inquire, do it. There's still that stigma that we're really a minority and that decisions regarding HDTV broadcasting affects less than 100 people here locally. There's way more people affected by it, some don't realize it and just have widescreen digital tv's and don't know the difference between HD and "digital". And on the opposite end of the spectrum you find people like us that get on these forums and try to make a difference because we want this medium to succeed.

I have contacts at WCIV that I don't want to compromise, but I will give you this.
WCIV's Telephone Number 881-4444.
General Manager, Suzanne Teagle - steagle@wciv.com

Please contact them and ask nicely about the status of being included with COMCAST's HD service.

Its a wrap. I will begin calling the troops tomorrow.......

Originally posted by The Krakken
Its a wrap. I will begin calling the troops tomorrow.......

Actually, 400 is kinda low. I have personally sold more than 800 HDTV's in the last year, and as a store, we likely are closing in on 2300 for the 15 month period ending Sept 1. The clients are out there. That is just 1 sears, and does not take into account the other sears, Best buy, CC, Sams (who buys HDTV's there???), Wal-mart (or here???), CostCo (or here???), Audio Warehouse, Reed Brothers, Tweeter, and quite a few other local, smaller retailers.......

I will stick with my$225 broke/ returned/ open box (haha) T-151 STB and 3 dish DVRs, till they come out with a HD/sat/ota/dvr stb. I will now take one of my dish dvrs with me to NC. for the weekend and take my 200 ch with me.

Yes Trinity he is the one!!!!!That Dameon guy is a hell of a guy at Sears . He helped me get my Hitachi 65swx20b at a steal!!!!His Girlfriend doesn't look to bad either. Dameon, why don't you work on establishing a discount rate for the AVS Forum Memebers, it would defenitely increase buisness. Also.....honest opinion on Sears Master Protection agreement!!

Originally posted by butlers
Yes Trinity he is the one!!!!!That Dameon guy is a hell of a guy at Sears . He helped me get my Hitachi 65swx20b at a steal!!!!His Girlfriend doesn't look to bad either. Dameon, why don't you work on establishing a discount rate for the AVS Forum Memebers, it would defenitely increase buisness. Also.....honest opinion on Sears Master Protection agreement!!

I was wondering what happened to you......I am gonna tellmy G/F what you said. Shoulda kept her away from you guys at the theatre though. I think she got a little too close to Beth, because lo and behold, GUESS who is pregnant??? They say it rubs off......

Glad to know you are still alive. What have you decided to do about your TV? You gonna exchange it?? Oh......and speaking of the Sears Master Protection agreement: If you really want a new TV without the hassle, then simply tell the sears technicians about that black line issue with your Toshiba television. Its a satisfaction issue that they cannot fix. After they try it and realize that they cannot fix it, they will put in a request to give you a new tv. When they do that, come and see me.

As far as an AVS forum discount, I am all for it. I just need to figure out how to do it. A flat rate would suffice......

EDIT: AND WHERE IS THE DISK???

The Krakken:
Either you are full of it or Comcast is. What does the network broadcast of HD channels have to do with the "limited availability of network material".
If that was a concern then Comcast should not be providing a HD signal anywhere. The network does not discriminate between CHS or LAX! Even if one of the top few markets have local news in HD that is still not a factor.

Originally posted by HDSC
The Krakken:
Either you are full of it or Comcast is. What does the network broadcast of HD channels have to do with the "limited availability of network material".
If that was a concern then Comcast should not be providing a HD signal anywhere. The network does not discriminate between CHS or LAX! Even if one of the top few markets have local news in HD that is still not a factor.

I am only going to address your first sentence. It really isn't a good idea to run around questioning a persons credibility, with such baselessness.

Would you like to talk to the same man I did??

Call the Comcast Main office in North Charleston,


And ask to speak to Frank Thomas (I will not give out his direct extension over the web).

Until then, please refrain from questions about a persons credibility. At the end of the day, I am a young gifted student, who is on his way to medical school. I have NO REASON to lie to a bunch of people I don't know, have no desire to get to know personally, and as such, will likely never meet.

Good day to you sir.

Krakken:
Like I said: Either you or Comcast is full of it. This is based on your post that the "reason" for not going ahead is based on HD programming available. Ktrout has had crap up to his knees with comcast and the reason for the delays. I am sure that as a young gifted future medical student you can appreciate wanting facts instead of crap!
Have a nice day sir.

Anybody else with comcast notice the channels between 180 and 190?? I asked my contact about them, and he informed me that they are indeed the local HD channels. Makes me wonder though, where are the premium channels???

I noticed those channels atleast a month ago . Hopefully Comcast will quit treating us like we dropped the soap in prison and step up to the plate and roll out the beta testing allready !

Any one look at titantv.com. They claim that MNF isn't going to be shown on ABC tonight. However it will be shown on ESPN HD. Thanks ABC and Comcast.

finally, wciv has their 5.1 dolby digital sound working on nypd blue.......sounds real good

FYI, Comcast cable has been working with WITV (SCETV) diligently to provide our digital signal in the Charleston area. We have finished installing the required equipment today needed to get our signal on their cable system. Although our DTV transmitter will not be on the air until after January, our services should be available on cable in the next week or two.

-Shaun

Not if Comcast isn't offering DTV at all....whcih they aren't right now.

Ktrout, I believe it is your week to harrass Comcast (I only call once every 10 days of so, so as to not be considered a nuisanse and play myself out of the Beta rotation)....any news??

Shaun:
Thank you for your post regarding SCETV and Comcast. It certainly is a positive sign that things are happening regarding Cable distribution of HD or digital signals in our area. Even though SCETV might be unavailable OTA immediately, if cable is committing to broadcasting your signal, maybe they will let us view it in the near future. Since you didn't mention any other cable system in our area that you are working with, I can only surmise that Knology is not working in that direction at this time. If they are, we would like to hear it. They are beginning to suggest that it will be available within the month. Of course us die hard HD fanatics are hanging on every mention of actually seeing a HD picture on our sets.

I am not aware of what direction Knology is taking in distribution of HD material. To this point I have only been in communication with Comcast in the Charleston area.

-Shaun

Shaun,

Time Warner Cable in Summerville is broadcasting PBS programming in HD. Is that your content or a national HD feed?

Thanks

It is PBS's national HD feed. We pull the PBS feed off of satellite here in Columbia and send it to Time Warner. Time Warner then distributes it around the state in their coverage areas.

-Shaun

Why must cable cos have a direct hook up to station? Why not get it off air like we do. How is a cable co going to hook up to stations 50 miles away.

I noticed that PBS-HD has been added to the Comcast guide on channel 190. Also, the listings for FOX and UPN are gone. Still no sign of ESPN-HD, HBO-HD, DISC-HD, etc...

-Brian

Good News!

Comcast contacted me earlier today and they are prepared to begin BETA testing in the very very near future.

For those of you who have not already done so, if you are interested in participating in the BETA testing contact me via e-mail at kilgoretrout@comcast.net.

Originally posted by weezer
I noticed that PBS-HD has been added to the Comcast guide on channel 190. Also, the listings for FOX and UPN are gone. Still no sign of ESPN-HD, HBO-HD, DISC-HD, etc...

-Brian

There is a reason for that and its a good one. Comcast begins HD Beta Testing on Friday. All non-HD material has been moved from that location.

I cannot say anymore. And please don't bother calling Comcast. Their Beta testing roster (I believe) is full, outside of the 4 or 5 individuals that Mark (Ktrout) is likely to bring into the fold. Better start kissing his rear now. :D

The exact number of additional people eligible for BETA testing has not been determined. If you're interested, drop me a line. It's first come first serve.

Thanks to bellvg's post regarding WCIV-DT I tuned in quickly to My Wife and Kids this evening and WCIV-DT is indeed broadcasting in DD 5.1 Now.

Kudos to them. First in Charleston.

Originally posted by KTrout
Good News!

Comcast contacted me earlier today and they are prepared to begin BETA testing in the very very near future.

For those of you who have not already done so, if you are interested in participating in the BETA testing contact me via e-mail at kilgoretrout@comcast.net.


Woo Hoo !

Eldon has passed on the following information regarding upcoming CBS HD movies.

SUN, AUGUST 17 9:00-11:00PM TRUE CRIME

SUN, AUGUST 24 9:00-11:00PM BREAKDOWN

SUN., SEPTEMBER 7 9:00-11:00PM ONE TRUE THING

SUN., SEPTEMBER 21 9:00-11:00PM MISSION IMPOSSIBLE II

SUN., SEPTEMBER 28 9:00-11:00PM TWELVE MILE ROAD

SUN., OCTOBER 5 9:00-11:00PM BLESSINGS

SUN., OCTOBER 12 9:00-11:00PM FOOTSTEPS

WCSC is still waiting on equipment from corporate for DD5.1. They're ready otherwise.

Well, I was in Circuit City today, and now I am totally confused. The sales rep tried to sell me a TV, by convincing me that the Regular Comcast HD rollout is tomorrow, and NOT just the BETA test. I didn't reveal my status as a tester (or not), and he kept going on about how its available to the general public for free starting tomorrow. Well, feeling either betrayed by Circuit City, or Comcast, I called comcast up and asked them about the Availability to the PUBLIC of HDTV on COmcast. The rep told me that she didn't know anything about it. And they hadn't gotten their HDTV customer promotion information yet. Not only that, but they haven't gotten any promotional commercials up and running yet either.

Now somebody is lying. I have no doubt that I, errr uuuhhh I mean, some people will have HDTV in my, I mean their, home tomorrow. But what I want to know is whether or not this is the official rollout, or the Beta test.

I trust frank, so if CC is lying, I AM gonna report them!!!

Krakken:

Let's Sanction them! Put them before the HD council! My recommendation: SD for a period of 2 years or 6 months SD with a probation period of 2years
and a 25% discount on all new HD sets. CC doesn't know the power of the council! But they may have to feel the wrath of them.

Originally posted by HDSC
Krakken:

Let's Sanction them! Put them before the HD council! My recommendation: SD for a period of 2 years or 6 months SD with a probation period of 2years
and a 25% discount on all new HD sets. CC doesn't know the power of the council! But they may have to feel the wrath of them.

I agree. I'll ask Yoda, err uhh....I mean the Council about this.:D

The 25% discount sounds sweet though....:cool:

Originally posted by The Krakken
Well, I was in Circuit City today, and now I am totally confused. The sales rep tried to sell me a TV, by convincing me that the Regular Comcast HD rollout is tomorrow, and NOT just the BETA test. I didn't reveal my status as a tester (or not), and he kept going on about how its available to the general public for free starting tomorrow. Well, feeling either betrayed by Circuit City, or Comcast, I called comcast up and asked them about the Availability to the PUBLIC of HDTV on COmcast. The rep told me that she didn't know anything about it. And they hadn't gotten their HDTV customer promotion information yet. Not only that, but they haven't gotten any promotional commercials up and running yet either.

Now somebody is lying. I have no doubt that I, errr uuuhhh I mean, some people will have HDTV in my, I mean their, home tomorrow. But what I want to know is whether or not this is the official rollout, or the Beta test.

I trust frank, so if CC is lying, I AM gonna report them!!!


I know a couple of people at CC and one of them is going to be a beta tester and he is on the list for KTrout . I'll bet he said something to someone and it got handed down through the here say pool .

I'm on the list too. Hopefully next week. KTrout emailed me the name and model of the STB I can expect them to bring next week, but I am at work and forgot what it is. Any of you guys know? I want to get smart before they arrive.

Thanks,
Luke

Originally posted by JeffD
I know a couple of people at CC and one of them is going to be a beta tester and he is on the list for KTrout . I'll bet he said something to someone and it got handed down through the here say pool .

Well, the here say pool is out of control. Those guys couldn't sell me anything with their reckless use of misinformation and half truths....

The hear-say pool is dropping this around the water cooler.

Model SA3100HD

Originally posted by HDSC
The hear-say pool is dropping this around the water cooler.

Model SA3100HD

From what the guy @ Knology told me today, they're going to be issuing that box as well...

Perigee

Luke,

If I may.... suggest if you or others indeed do get a SA3100HD:

1. use only with a widescreen set; there is no aspect control on the box so some folks have problems using it with a 4:3 set.
2. have available a decent set of component (YPrPb) cables in case cable co. does not provide a cable set.
3. have available s-video and analog audio cables (to be used when viewing non-hd channels). The box can upconvert analog channels to 1080i (and viewed over component input) but image quality is generally not considered as acceptable.
4. for digital audio, have available a decent audio coax cable of suitable length with RCA connects (box does not have Toslink output).
5. I would also make sure the cable co. checks the signal strength on the coax-in at low and high channels (TWC seems to do this as a rule). HD requires a better signal than analog or SD.
6. If you use a splitter before the box (for PIP/POP or VCR), install an appropriate splitter (1gHz or better) while he is there (he might have one) and then to check the signals again. Doing it later might cause a problem (low signal strength). Consider getting an amp installed if signal is questionable (cable co might do it free).
7. Best result is to have all cables home run to the house box (separate cables; no splitters or barrel connectors). RG-6 is preferred inside the house.

Good Luck
Bruce

Frank (Comcast), if you are reading this, call me either at work or on the cell phone.....

--Dameon

As I just emailed to Mark, Knology tells me they plan on carrying here locally (which they now claim to be '14 days' away), ABC, NBC, CBS, PBS, ESPN, Discovery, 2 HBOs, 2 Showtimes and a few others for 'around 12 channels' (The others may be InDemandHD channels, I forgot to ask that)

Perigee

bdenman: Excellent post. Informative and accurate.

Originally posted by bdenman
Luke,

If I may.... suggest if you or others indeed do get a SA3100HD:

1. use only with a widescreen set; there is no aspect control on the box so some folks have problems using it with a 4:3 set.

3. have available s-video and analog audio cables (to be used when viewing non-hd channels). The box can upconvert analog channels to 1080i (and viewed over component input) but image quality is generally not considered as acceptable.

Good Luck
Bruce

Thanks. Excellent post.

Question though. If you have a TV that has multiple inputs (is there an HDTV in existence that doesn't, wouldn't the presence of #3 make #1 redundant?? I mean, black bars are always gonna be there on a 4:3 set, so no use fussing about it after one gets HDTV. However, the S-video input would ensure that you don't have to watch your SDTV signals in a windobox................

The black bars in 1080i is only a problem for those people who would rather watch full screen zoom, than the wide screen. I don't hate black bars enough to EVER zoom the picture in. THat usually degrades picture quality in some form or fashion.

Perigee:

Originally posted by Perigee
As I just emailed to Mark, Knology tells me they plan on carrying here locally (which they now claim to be '14 days' away), ABC, NBC, CBS, PBS, ESPN, Discovery, 2 HBOs, 2 Showtimes and a few others for 'around 12 channels' (The others may be InDemandHD channels, I forgot to ask that)

Perigee

I am sure that comcast will add those channels soon. The competitive nature of the beast will dictate that. If you look in other cities where comcast is providing HD signals, you will see a full line up or in the process of building up to it. A week ago no one had announced for sure that they would be rolling the service out this soon. Now we have more choices than ever before. It's gonna get better because the market will drive it in that direction. Costco has a 42 AKAI on sale for $999. a plasma for $2600., now the market is driving in all directions towards the consumer. I remember when my dad told me, "Nobody will be able to afford one of those new color TV's". I think I said the same thing when I was looking at those beautiful plasma tv's a few years back. But you know what..........,
Looks like we have a map to the future by looking at the past.


And thanks for the post by our midlands counterpart in Sumter. It helps to get a jump on configuring our sets and amps. See "honey" I really do need a new set of cables, and that plasma would really make those cables shine when we get HD. :)

Originally posted by The Krakken
Thanks. Excellent post.

Question though. If you have a TV that has multiple inputs (is there an HDTV in existence that doesn't, wouldn't the presence of #3 make #1 redundant?? I mean, black bars are always gonna be there on a 4:3 set, so no use fussing about it after one gets HDTV. However, the S-video input would ensure that you don't have to watch your SDTV signals in a windobox................

The black bars in 1080i is only a problem for those people who would rather watch full screen zoom, than the wide screen. I don't hate black bars enough to EVER zoom the picture in. THat usually degrades picture quality in some form or fashion.


Redundant? Yes but in a sense it is necessary.

- The SA3100HD outputs only a 1080i image over component. If you have a 4:3 set w/o the letterbox squeeze, you will get a distorted/stretched image in the vertical dimension. If your set does the squeeze but does not have a zoom capability, the viewer will get bars on all four sides on those programs on a HD channel that are just 4:3 upconverts. Like you said, zooming can remove all four bars but at a cost... degraded picture quality).

- The main reason is to run another type of connect is for those times when you want to watch a non-HD channel via the box. If you have only component outputs, everything is upconverted to 1080i and the SA3100HD does a lousy job of upconversion; images are usually too fuzzy and dark. Most users find it better to send those signals out over S-Video and watch it that way.

Note that I mention S-Video but some viewers also connect their boxes with composite cables. Some believe their set's comb filter is better than the one in the SA box so they use composite connects for some of their channels. I suggest trying S-Video and composite and see which suits you.

Bruce

It appears the 3100 will give us a chance to view HD on cable. But after searching this forum and reading the post from various members. It appears that we are still getting old technology moving into the CHS area. I didn't sign up with comcast to go back-wards. Now I am willing, to let them cut their teeth in the CHS area by introducing new features, but I will not be very tolerant using lesser technology. If I am downgrading by getting comcast what is the incentive? Some of the CHS area membership already receive HD signals without comcast. I am one of them, so we need to have a mind set of: "Don't piss on my leg and tell me it is raining" (J. Judy, law 1999). mentality.
But not to put comcast in a bad light, it appears that the alternative is knology which is using the same 3100 box. I wonder if the demographics of being over a 100 on the Nielson market has something to do with this. If you look at the Nielson: Do a median average "residential sales" and you will see that we are far beyond that.
I know this is new technology and you have a certain market share. Do not lose sight of the fact that the satellite industry has already made this available to some of us. In fact, most of us have disposable income that allows us to choose the best picture available. You will never sell me on your service: Knology or Comcast if you can't step up to the plate and provide the best signal, picture, and quality. With all things equal we then get to value. Just a viewpoint from a consumer that is fortunate enough to have alternatives.

Originally posted by HDSC
It appears the 3100 will give us a chance to view HD on cable. But after searching this forum and reading the post from various members. It appears that we are still getting old technology moving into the CHS area. I didn't sign up with comcast to go back-wards. Now I am willing, to let them cut their teeth in the CHS area by introducing new features, but I will not be very tolerant using lesser technology. If I am downgrading by getting comcast what is the incentive? Some of the CHS area membership already receive HD signals without comcast. I am one of them, so we need to have a mind set of: "Don't piss on my leg and tell me it is raining" (J. Judy, law 1999). mentality.
But not to put comcast in a bad light, it appears that the alternative is knology which is using the same 3100 box. I wonder if the demographics of being over a 100 on the Nielson market has something to do with this. If you look at the Nielson: Do a median average "residential sales" and you will see that we are far beyond that.
I know this is new technology and you have a certain market share. Do not lose sight of the fact that the satellite industry has already made this available to some of us. In fact, most of us have disposable income that allows us to choose the best picture available. You will never sell me on your service: Knology or Comcast if you can't step up to the plate and provide the best signal, picture, and quality. With all things equal we then get to value. Just a viewpoint from a consumer that is fortunate enough to have alternatives.

Just a quick question......It has already been reported that the 3100 box has problems producing SDTV images at 1080i without image degradation. However, does this also mean that the HD images are not as sharp?? On my HS510, they are EXTREMELY nice, and this is coming from a man that watches HDTV all day, every day at work. My HD picture at home, easily outclasses what I watch at work on D* (except CBS SEC football braodcasts, which we at sears get every year for some reason). Only the CBS SEC games on D* even come close to what I watch at home.

So the question I have is, IF I were watching the 3100 box right now, would I be watch the best that HD has to offer?? Or would a quick change in box get better results? I am just curious, and it has nothing to do with my current level of satisfaction......

BTW--Thanks Frank!!

Originally posted by The Krakken
Just a quick question......It has already been reported that the 3100 box has problems producing SDTV images at 1080i without image degradation. However, does this also mean that the HD images are not as sharp?? On my HS510, they are EXTREMELY nice, and this is coming from a man that watches HDTV all day, every day at work. My HD picture at home, easily outclasses what I watch at work on D* (except CBS SEC football braodcasts, which we at sears get every year for some reason). Only the CBS SEC games on D* even come close to what I watch at home.

So the question I have is, IF I were watching the 3100 box right now, would I be watch the best that HD has to offer?? Or would a quick change in box get better results? I am just curious, and it has nothing to do with my current level of satisfaction......

BTW--Thanks Frank!!

Time out.

In my experience, the SA3100HD works just fine for HD. It's PQ is essentially the same as I have seen using a late model Zenith receiver (DTV420) and an older Samsung SIR-T150. It's HD PQ is fine. It does do a lousy job of upconverting/scaling 480i to 1080i but that is a separate issue from displaying true HD.

I do agree its feature set may be somewhat troubling to some owners. As mentioned, it has no aspect control which is desirable for some with 4:3 sets. It does not downconvert 1080i and simultaneously output it with the HD signal via S-Video. It does not have DVI and Firewire connects. And some might note it has only digital coax (S/PDIF) audio and no Toslink digital audio out.

The SA3100HD is just not that ancient. It came into widespread use in early 2002 (mine was manufactured 02/16/02 and installed that March). It is about the same vintage as (or newer than) most STBs in use today (DirecTV's Hughes E-86 and its Toshiba and Mits clones; Sony, Panasonic, RCA and the E* 6000). I have seen a couple few other STBs in use and none struck me as "better." It may be possible that some might feel some like the latest Zenith (and Sony twin) might have a slightly better PQ; they are newer. We all have different perceptions. I know I feel no compulsion to go spend $1000 just to find out.

Given the fact that TWC_SC does not charge for installation here nor require a commitment, I can only suggest those who can receive it from them try it. The monthly rental fee is reasonable. Other cable companies might be similar and worth trying out (might not too).

Having said all that, I must admit I am looking forward to a new box. But rather than one with the aforementioned amenities (none of which I currently need), I want one that is a HD version of the Explorer 8000DVR.

Bruce

Bruce,

I agree with your assessment of the 3100HD. I have had mine since March (TWC Summerville) and I am very pleased with the HD PQ. As far as the "extras" my Sony LCD projection has the bells and whistles that aren't included with the 3100HD.

Bruce,

Thanks for the great advice. By coincidence only, I had Comcast out yesterday checking my signal. They gave me a new 1Ghz splitter, checked connections and signal strengths. The signal is strong! I am good to go and ready anytime for the HD box from the signal side.
Also by coincidence, we are having new hardwood floors put in our home so my HDTV is out of it's cabinet on a table with easy access for cable connections and "ready" for the 3100HD.
I had read on the AVSForum the issues of the 3100HD not doing a good job of upconverting SD materials. I bought extra S-video and component cables and am ready to go for that as well.
I have a question for you or any others out there. My HDTV is a Philips 34' widescreed with two sets of component inputs and several RCA inputs. Unfortunately, only one set of the component inputs is able to accept 1080i/480p. The other is 480i only. That means for me to be able to have access to a HD signal AND a progressive DVD signal, I must component switch thru my receiver (Onkyo 600). Not sure how successful I will be with that. Anyone have any experiences with the 3100HD component switching through a receiver?
Now all I am doing is waiting for the call from Frank! I locked and loaded for HDTV! Bring it on!

:)

I have two component connections routed through my Onkyo receiver and have no complaints. DVD and HD Sat.

Now I will have the HD cable as well so I am short one set of component connections. The DVD wil have to go for a few days while I check out the cable.

Originally posted by bdenman
Time out.

In my experience, the SA3100HD works just fine for HD. It's PQ is essentially the same as I have seen using a late model Zenith receiver (DTV420) and an older Samsung SIR-T150. It's HD PQ is fine. It does do a lousy job of upconverting/scaling 480i to 1080i but that is a separate issue from displaying true HD.

I do agree its feature set may be somewhat troubling to some owners. As mentioned, it has no aspect control which is desirable for some with 4:3 sets. It does not downconvert 1080i and simultaneously output it with the HD signal via S-Video. It does not have DVI and Firewire connects. And some might note it has only digital coax (S/PDIF) audio and no Toslink digital audio out.

The SA3100HD is just not that ancient. It came into widespread use in early 2002 (mine was manufactured 02/16/02 and installed that March). It is about the same vintage as (or newer than) most STBs in use today (DirecTV's Hughes E-86 and its Toshiba and Mits clones; Sony, Panasonic, RCA and the E* 6000). I have seen a couple few other STBs in use and none struck me as "better." It may be possible that some might feel some like the latest Zenith (and Sony twin) might have a slightly better PQ; they are newer. We all have different perceptions. I know I feel no compulsion to go spend $1000 just to find out.

Given the fact that TWC_SC does not charge for installation here nor require a commitment, I can only suggest those who can receive it from them try it. The monthly rental fee is reasonable. Other cable companies might be similar and worth trying out (might not too).

Having said all that, I must admit I am looking forward to a new box. But rather than one with the aforementioned amenities (none of which I currently need), I want one that is a HD version of the Explorer 8000DVR.

Bruce Whoa Kemo Sabe! I wasn't stating that the HD 3100 is bad at all. I was more or less asking questions about what to expect. This is my first foray into actual HD signals OUTSIDE of D* at work. And as I previously noted, the PQ at home today is excellent (this does not mean that I am on time-warner, Comcast or any other HD Cable source. Maybe I am, maybe I am not;))

Thanks for answering my questions. They were indeed most helpful...

The Krakken..... did not mean to "byte" <g>. I really think you and others can/will enjoy HD via the SA3100HD. The quality does depend on what your local station sends out (TWCSC gets most via OTA). Quality of HBO, SHO, etc also depends on the producer. In time cable will no doubt provide converters that have more elaborate features. When folks get boxes like the SA3100HD installed I must reiterate that the signal strength must checked/ Poor signals to the box will cause dropouts at the very least.

Planenut... switching difficulties do exist with multiple HD sources. Some AVS receivers do have adequate bandwidth for switching; others don't; some don't offer it all. In the meantime there are standalone electronic switches that reportedly do a nice job but they are a bit expensive for my budget. I have tried a mechanical switch that did seem to work okay. Currently I currently do a manual cable swap when I need to see HD via the Samsung (NBC in partricular). Otherwise I have the Sammy connected via a 480p component input which lets me check programming on the various channels and to watch FOX if desired in their current mode. Eventually (soon maybe) I will need something better so I don't damage the hardware.
Bruce

Thanks for the discussion about the good and the bad of the 3100HD. What I did notice is that comcast is rolling out a later model box in some areas they serve. I was hoping we might be included since this is a completely new roll-out. If they have the option of old vs new models, it would appear to be a wise choice if they went with the newer model. But, they might have that in their future plans anyway. Or they might be testing that model along with others before rollout.

They might be. But I dont think they are. The guy who I talked to and did 5 installs last friday, indicated that they are using the same box for the time being.....

I am new to the HDTV world and I just purchased Direct TV. Everything looks awesome except for the local channels. I have a Terk TV42 now, with mixed results. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated. My dish is raised pretty high, about 15' high.

gerome welcome to the forum , the problem most likely is your antenna . Terk antennas are not very highly thought of on these and other forums . I live in Goose Creek and have a Zenith Silver Sensor I use for OTA reception . It does great and even picks up Fox as well as all the other OTA channels . You might try another antenna you could always buy one at CC or Best Buy and if you get bad results with it return it for a refund .

gerome: What type of DirecTV receiver do you have? Are you getting 47 and 34? Being in Mt. Pleasant there's a good chance you might not get Channels 40 and 35.

I agree that Terks aren't the best antenna, but I'm not sure that's the problem with your local channels.

Let us know and we'll try to help.

gerome:
You are actually near some of the transmitters. Awendaw, Patriots Point, and Montague Avenue. Although the directions are scattered, you are in a pretty good place for picking up HD signals without having to even use an amplifier, but it is ok to use one, but be aware that you might get "ghosting". I live W. Ashley and I'm using a Channel Master Stealth antenna amplified and I pick up Fox, WB, CBS, ABC, NBC and get good signal strength. I got mine at Lowe's and it is placed in the attic. Before I placed a permanent antenna in the attic I used a Silver Sensor and it worked good also. I agree with JeffD that the Terk's look nice but don't seem to get the job done. I tried that antenna also. Best Buy took it back without a problem. Krakken probably could hook you up with the Silver Sensor to get you seeing signals initially until you decide what you want to do on a more permanent basis. Good Luck! The signal is there, you just have to find it.

Thank you for all of the responses. I am using a Samsung SIRT165 Tuner. As of now, the only channels I am receiving are 2, 4, 5-1, 5-2, and 7. I can get 24 and 36 with ghosting. Channel 5 is barely visible. I haven't tried moving the antenna around, but from what I've read, I may just take it back and try that Zenith Silver Sensor. I will let you know how it goes. Thanks again for the info.

gerome
Only a jerk would sell you a terk.
What ever ant. you use DO NOT feed the ant cable by way of diplexers, they can cut dtv. signals by 50%.

Originally posted by gerome
Channel 5 is barely visible.

That is odd . Channel 5 is the most powerful antenna around here . And with you maybe less than 20 miles from it you should be getting it very good . Maybe you are to close to it and your getting to much signal .

Gerome:
I am not familiar with the Samsung T165, but some stb's have separate analog and digital signal inputs for antenna's. You can use a splitter if it does have dual inputs. As close as you are to 5's antenna you could almost use a bare coax to get the signal.

I agree with JeffD and HDSC on ch 5, I get ch 5 very good, no ch2 poor 4,24 and 36. Same with DTV 5.1/5.2 4.1 about 50% 2-1, 24.1 and 36.1 seldom. I am 79 miles from WCSC tower.

I was going to write to Eldon Brown and ask this question but I thought I would post here first and hope that he reads it and let everyone else in on the details.

As most of us know, CBS will be carrying on game each Sunday in HD. I suppose that WCSC doesn't have a contract with a local team and therefore shows either the national game each week or one of potential local interest. If that is the case and the game picked for the region for local broadcast on analog Channel 5 is not the HD game would it be possible that WCSC-DT would still show the HD game on 5-1? Or hopefully since the HD game each week will be one of significance WCSC might show it anyway each week? Any ideas on how that might work with the NFL/CBS/WCSC contracts. Perhaps Eldon is checking in and has some insight on this. Thanks

Andy

I have been wondering about that. What better way to justify your broadcasts in HD, and being the leader in this market, than to show the HD game every week. We already know that ABC is gonna have a game in HD every week. CBS would be wise to keep pace....

Locals CBS affilliates do sometimes show different games on the analog and digital feeds. During the NCAA tourney last year, I was able to watch multiple games because WGCL in Atlanta would always show the HD game on their DT signal, while showing the regularly scheduled feed on the analog. Hopefully CBS here can and will do the same for the NFL games this season (and hopefully college bball!).

McLeod

Eldon is already working on finding out about broadcasting CBS's HD game of the week on 47 if another regional game is being covered. I asked him about it probably ten days ago or so..... he was on vacation for most of last week after doing some work at the Awendaw site so he hasn't had a lot of time to look into it. Comcast is also checking the language of their agreement with WCSC to make sure there would not be any problem in passing CBS's HD feed with their service when that time comes..........

They are aware of the benefits of doing so with local sports bar etc. so I think unless corporate or national people get involved (and their packs of lawyers) it will happen here. I've got ST w/ DirecTV so it doesn't really affect me so much, but I figured others would be interested.

If anyone hears something, let us know. And then call your local sports bar and get them on board w/ some HD programming. The more that see it, the better it sells.

I'm looking for some help!!!!

I just recently purchased a HIRD box and am trying to get dialed into the local digital broadcasts.

Channel 5 is clear all of the time and channel 4 is good too. I'm having a lot of trouble with 2, 24, and 36.

I live in Mt. pleasant off of 41.

Any suggestions on antenna, tricks of the trade, etc. would be appreciated.

GDS:
Point one antenna, which you already have aimed in that direction toward awendaw (4,5) . Then add a splitter with a second antenna turned toward Patriots Point. If you have a wide ban antenna split between PP and the CHS airport you should get that signal. Combine the signals between (4,5) and (2,24,36) then you should enjoy the programming. Depending on where you are on HWY 41, I would say an antenna direction of 228 degrees for 2, 24, 36 should put you on the signal. Be aware that 24 and 36 is very low power and it will be very iffy if you receive those signals. Since this is your first post, the members will bend over backwards to get you up and running. Just let us know how we can help

GDS
What ant do you have now

As far as channel 2, I still have to type in 50-1. My box still looks to the wrong channel if I type 2-1. I have the Hughes E86.

Eldon got back to me today regarding carriage of HD games.

Unfortunately, it looks like the matter is out of his hands. Here's the notice he got today from CBS regarding the HD football games....

"You may only televise the HD game on your digital channel if it is the game assigned to your station under the standard regionalization procedures."

Eldon then stated "It goes on to make it very clear that we will not be allowed to air the HD game on the digital channel if we are assigned a non-HD game for the analog channel. We are expected to carry the same game on both channels."

A piece of good news - it looks like two of the four games in September at least have a chance of being broadcast here locally.

Additionally, he wanted everyone to know that they had a transmitter part fail so they are only operating at half power..... most of you probably wouldn't even know. The part's ordered and full power will be restored after it arrives.

Wish the news was better, but at least now you know.

Almost forgot - Don't forget MNF in HD this evening!!!

Channel 4's new engineer has been tweaking picture and sound so constructive feedback is appreciated.

KTrout I was woundering about some dropuots on 5.1 last night, figured it may have been the weather. Did 4.1 get DD5.1 working yet

Is anyone else not getting email updates about new posts to this thread? Or is my ISP screwing me? Thanks

Works here; just got email on your last post...

Also, is it just me or does ABC and NBC local news look much better than CBS local news? I love how CBS has handles the HD rollout much better than the other stations (except DD 5.1 of course!), but their SD news broadcasts just seem very unsharp ,soft and even a little blurry compared to the other channels. Or am I losing my mind?

bdenman

Of course as soon as I posted that I got a email about your reply...guess I'm working too much. Thanks!

oljim: yes, WCIV has DD5.1 now.

luvthathdtv: can't help you regarding local news

I am finally moving my Sony Rear Projection TV from ATL to Charleston this week, and I expect that it may need to be calibrated after travelling 300 miles. Does anyone know a good company/technician that does calibrations around here? Sony recommended Altronics and Patton and Young Electronics. Does anyone know much about either of them?

Any help would be appreciated.

Thanks.