LngdnAlger: I believe both of those companies are more repair orientated businesses. I know that Audio Warehouse has a certified ISF technician on staff. They did my set nearly three years ago. I don't know what they charge, but a link to their website where you can request a quote is here: http://www.theaudiowarehouse.com/

There might be others, but that's one that I'm familiar with.

I have started setting up the TV now that it's here (made the trip from ATL surprisingly well) but I am having some trouble getting the OTA channels.

Here's my setup: 2 antennae - CM Stealthtenna and RS "ears and loop"
RCA DTC100 (ProScan model) receiver going to Sony TV

When I run a channel scan, I get NO digital channels to show up. I have tried each antenna individually as well as together. Last night I was able to at least register some of the digital stations, but was only able to get spotty reception on WCBD/NBC.

Antennaweb says I only need the second level antenna (light green??), and the CM goes one more than that, so I should be convered. I have an amp to put on the CM, but I am using significantly less than 50' of cable right now.

I had trouble getting consisten signals in ATL, but I lived in a little valley with big oak trees all around. Here in James Island I shouldn't have any structures in the way...

Any ideas?

Thanks.

I had my Samsung HLN507 upgraded by Patton & Young and found they did a great job, compared with some of the horror stories other folks had with this upgrade in other parts of the country. I don't know if they are ISF certified.
-rick



Originally posted by LngdnAlger
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.

Tonight on the WCSC news there was a story that HDTV is now available from Comcast in Charleston. I guess beta testing is over, or the story was confused, but they seemed to know what they reporting, with an additional line in the story that WCSC has been broadcasting HD for a few months.

Andy

Eldon sent out the following e-mail today..... I was out of town for the holiday weekend and not aware of this. Thanks to Eldon for keeping us informed.

"I want to apologize for the reception problems you may have been having with our HD signal lately. We have had one problem after another the last week or two with this transmitter. We are at half power right now, but have been sporadically at 10% power or completely off the air the last few days. I told the manufacturer this morning that I want them to either send someone to go through this transmitter from one end to the other, or to send someone to take it out and get rid of it. We'll see which happens. I expect us to be at half power for at least the rest of the week.



Thank you for your patience with us,



Eldon"


Let's hope the people at Harris correct their deficiencies.

Andy: I haven't heard that COMCAST has gone public, but that doesn't mean they haven't. Sorry I missed the story.

Don't blame Eldon or Harris for the transmitter problem. The transmitter was not manufactured by Harris and Eldon inherited the equipment. The press release for Comcast was 9.01.03.

John Crockett, Do You Have Any Idea When WITV DT, Here In Charleston Will Sign-On?

The current plans are to bring WITV-D up in early January. Until then, Comcast Cable is the only one carring our digital services.

-Shaun

Did anyone notice during West Wing and Law and Order that the HD signal would go away for a second and then come back?

Because I still have to type 50-1 in to get the channel on my Hughes box, It doesn't come back by itself and I have to change the channel back to 50-1 over and over.

Is it just me?

Since when was WW in HD ?
-rick

sound bad on 5.1 hissssssssssss

now 5.1 picture is gone, all black and all red sometimes

At least for tonight, I be hoping that 4.1 does not have those problems, cause I'm ready for some HD Football !!
-rick

picture back, but sound is Hissssssss

What I meant was the upgraded signal of West Wing. Biggest thing is every time it cuts out I lose the station and have to type 50-1 to get it back. My hughes still will not tune to 2-1.

planenut do you type 50-1 or just 50

I type 50-1 and it remaps to 2-1 but it won't work if I type 2-1... Hughes was supposed to have fixed this but it still doesn't work. "This means I can't use the previous channel button either... I do have 50-1 in the turbo tune menu and that works.

I do not need to put in the 1 , just the 2 or 50 and it will remap to 2-1

I have a few questions about MNF (TNF) in HD and the recent discussions regarding WCBD in HD.

First, Football!!!!. In the second quarter there was a time after coming back from commercial when the game was being shown in SD. It didn't last long and I was going to call WCIV and have them flip the switch and then it was switched back to HD. Anyone know if this was a local problem, i.e. does WCIV still need to "flip" the switch coming back from commercials, or was this a network problem.

Second, did anyone notice that frequently there would be shots that seemed fuzzy or out of focus that then focused in tight. I don't know if that is related to changing camera angles or what. It happened a lot but always corrected pretty fast.

Finally, regarding WCBD (2-1) and HD. I haven't seen any HD in a while and I checked during Leno and some epidsodes of Law and Order. I just assumed that WCBD still wasn't sending the HD signal, but I see some recent messages about HD in and out on some shows. Anyone (KTrout?) know the status on 2-1 signal. I know it is still the weakest of the 3 but when I get it i would like to see the HD when it is available.

Thanks

Andy

Originally posted by AndrewG
I have a few questions about MNF (TNF) in HD and the recent discussions regarding WCBD in HD.

First, Football!!!!. In the second quarter there was a time after coming back from commercial when the game was being shown in SD.

Second, did anyone notice that frequently there would be shots that seemed fuzzy or out of focus that then focused in tight.

Finally, regarding WCBD (2-1) and HD. I haven't seen any HD in a while and I checked during Leno and some epidsodes of Law and Order.
Thanks

Andy

Andy, the SD of MNF post commercial is a local issue, since I was talking to my brother on the phone at one of those times, and he saw none of that. Where we lived before ABC virtually never screwed up the SD back to HD feed, but I have seen it here on more than just MNF.

And yes, some of the shots were SD from the game. It was, BTW, not one of the best HD football games in terms of quality of picture. CBS, IMHO, is still the reference.

And as to WCBD, I have never seen an HD broadcast from them, and that also BTW, is why I never tune in to any of their shows. I would LOVE to see WW, but not if it is going to be shown in SD. My personal boycott if you will.

-rick

Checking on COMCAST and NBC status. Nothing to report yet.

Also want to pass on that Auto switch at WCIV is operational, so the SD we saw during MNF theoretically was not "operator error".

Back to work

Does anyone know if CBS is broadcasting the SEC game of the week in HD as they have the past couple of years?

Originally posted by KTrout
Also want to pass on that Auto switch at WCIV is operational, so the SD we saw during MNF theoretically was not "operator error".


Last night during the third quarter when MNF was in SD I called master control and the engineer I spoke to said he had been having problems with the switch, then he checked it while I was on the phone and he got it back to HD. Very helpful and responsive. Nice customer service.


Regarding CBS's SEC game of the week, from what I have been reading in the Programming section, apparently CBS doesn't have a sponsor this year and therefore isn't carrying the game of the week
Andy

I know one source who can give a definitive answer: Eldon at WCSC.
Eldon: How bout checking your sources and give us the answer.
But don't quit your primary job of keeping the HD signal flowing :) We have a "nice to know" not a "must know" situation here.

:mad:

Bad News for Carolina Fans

This is from Eldon;

'As far as I have been able to determine, the SEC game will not be in HD. I have not found anything that says it will not be in HD, but I have also not been able to find anything that says it will be. Usually in that case it is not. I am trying to confirm this, but have had no answers from CBS yet. If I find anything different, I will let you know.'



Would you please let the forum know this for me?



Thanks,



Eldon

Good news for Patriot fans like myself, and HD fans in general. According to TitanTV the Patriots-Eagles game this Sunday, which is the CBS HD game of the week, will be shown locally. We get a chance to see WCSC show off their HD for football. Of course it goes up against the Panthers in SD on Fox.

Andy

:D Just In From Eldon;

Good News! I just received notice from CBS that the SEC game tomorrow (South Carolina @ Georgia at 3:30 PM) WILL be in High Definition!



Enjoy the game!



Eldon



This makes my weekend!

I got my Silver Sensor today and have tried it out. I now get WCSC with signal strengths consistently in the 90s. It's definitely a good indoor antenna.

I am confused, though, because antennaweb says WCIV(ABC) is at the same compass orientation (55deg) as WCSC, and all the others are only 2 degrees off (53deg), but I am unable to see ANY other stations. At about 340deg I can get WCIV signals that bounce from 0 to 100, but it never locks in.

Does anyone have any suggestions? I would love to be able to get ABC for football...

Thanks,
McLeod

McLeod: Antennaweb is correct with the compass orientation of WCIV, they use WCSC's antenna to broadcast so they originate from the same location (as will SCETV eventually). It is not correct with any of the others.

The problem you are experiencing is because WCIV is broadcasting at 20kW versus WCSC's 1000kW. You might be able to try a 10dB amplifier, it might put you over the hump so to speak. OlJim knows a lot more about this than I do.

Eventually NBC, FOX and UPN will originate from the coordinates indicated by antennaweb. Probably not until 2005 at least. For right now if you want to try and get NBC, which is broadcasting at only 11kW from half the height as the others, direct your antenna toward their main station l across the cooper river bridge in Mt. Pleasant. Fox and UPN's signals originate from their ARCO Lane location. Good luck with them.

Hope that helped

KTrout -
I have tried my Radio Shack Amp (15-1108) which gives 25dB on VHF and 20dB on UHF signals, and it didn't do anything for me as far as the WCIV signal is concerned. Is that amp too strong? Should I try a different one?

Thanks.
McLeod

I'm not an authority on this, but it seems that if over-amplification was a problem you'd see it on WCSC before WCIV since there's more signal strength there to begin with.

Is it possible you are just in a bad spot in the house? It seems that you might be suffering from multi-path. (Do you see any ghosting on the analog channel 4?) Have you tried stringing together some coax and moving the antenna around inside the house and maybe even outside towards tower? I found that the only way I could pick up WCBD with a bowtie is having it closer to outside wall towards tower (about 25' from TV). Try experimenting a little.

Got HD Comcast this past week for extra $5 per month, but only 3 channels work - ABC, CBS and PBS. Anyone know when NBC, Fox, (more?) will be available?

cmsouth:
Comcast is currently negotiating with NBC for carriage. I don't know anything more than that. I suggest we start e-mailing WCBD and inquiring when it will be available. Not knowing is never pleasant.

Comcast has also indicated that they don't have any plans to carry FOX or UPN unless they are broadcasting in HD and we all know about Sinclair's efforts regarding HD.

More is currently available with additional fees, ESPN-HD, INHD (starting the 15th w/ programming) HBO and SHO.

I moved my antenna to a different spot and also raised it about 8 feet. Now I get WCIV at about 40 signal strength which allows me to lock in pretty well.

My next question is, in which direction should I point the antenna to get the other stations?

Also, should I be getting PSIP info and 5.1 sound?

Thanks,
McLeod

LngdnAlger:
You should be pointing to the NE roughly a 30-70 degree heading but it can move depending on your location on James Island. I live W. Ashley and use a 58 degree and get all of them. Some are at about 30 and some are at 60 degrees. If you PM your lat-long location I can give you an exact number. INFO: Some of the homes near Ft. Johnson will have almost a 90 degree direction so like I say it can move depending on where you are located. Good Luck

cmsouth, did Comcast provide u with a set top box? What kind, connections, etc.. The reason why Im asking, I called and got a blank with the rep on the phone. I told her I had a hdtv "ready" and she told me that I would not need to exchange my digital box, that a tech would "install" something outside and that I would use my existing digital box.
Not wanting to go any further with her on that, I decided to call later and hopefully get someone else on the phone. Certainly wouldn't be HD with a composite connection.
Any thoughts?
Thanks in advance.

loadams,

Unless your current box has a component connections and the old ones did not... You will not be able to get HD without the new box. I don't think the representative you had knew what she was talking about.

Originally posted by LngdnAlger
I moved my antenna to a different spot and also raised it about 8 feet. Now I get WCIV at about 40 signal strength which allows me to lock in pretty well.

My next question is, in which direction should I point the antenna to get the other stations?

Also, should I be getting PSIP info and 5.1 sound?

Thanks,
McLeod

When I had my silver sensor I got a better signal with it sitting on the floor . I don't know why but it worked ! I was able to pick up ABC , NBC , CBS and Fox . Try moving it all around the room at different heights to see what happens .

Anyone notice the sound problems on WCSC lately. I first noticed it during the Patriots-Eagles game on Sunday and thought it might be the source. But tonight during Judging Amy (my wife's show) I notice it again. It is sort of a choppy cut out during dialogue and music. I misplaced Eldon's email but thought I would post here first. I don't notice it on any other channels. Anyone else.

Andy

Andy Same here, I wonder if power may be down again.

loadams, I received a new box (I did not have a set top box before, just used regular coax input) with composite connections to my hd tv. The box is a Scientific Atlanta Explorer 3100HD. I'm not aware of any work that the installer did outside, although he did finally acknowledge that our signal was low and planned to have a tech look at the street (another story).

The set top box tv signal goes directly to my tv and i am feeding the digital audio output to my home entertainment receiver. BTW, there is no digital sound below channel 100, so I'm trying to figure out how I want to have multiple setups to take both analog and digital audio - the wife and kids feel like they have to have a advanced training class to run it...

CMS you need to feed your r&l analog to your HT rec. and to TV. If your STB only has one set of audio out, get 2 Y conn . this way you will get analog sound from TV or HT rec. My 811 will auto switch from analog to DD if DD comes from STB

Received email from Eldon today regarding the audio. As I suspected it sounds like their audio problems are from the CBS feed, I noticed that when the local news or commercials were on there was no audio problems.


CMS, regarding the advanced class on set up. I solved this problem by using macros in a new remote. I have a Home Theater Master MX-500 remote that is fully programmable and it is great for this kind of thing. They are about $100 but it really is worth it, it replaces everything and allow macros for multiple tasks :

http://www.surfremotecontrol.com/HTM-500.html

One thing I did is set a macro called HDTV and one called SAT. The SAT sets the TV and satellite receiver to the mode for normal TV, primarily setting the TV inputs to composite and the TV screen size for SD TV. When you watch a HD station like the digitial networks or HDNet, HBOHD, etc, I press the HDTV macro which sets the TV up for HD, i.e. no stretching, signal input through the component inputs.

The DirectTV has all the audio in digital format, but in your case you could also set the receiver to change inputs if it doesn't auto switch, i.e optical for HD and analog for SD cable.

It certainly simplifies a complicated set up for those who "just want to watch TV" as well as getting the best picture when you want it.

Andy

Thanks cmsouth for all the info, hope to get things running soon.
BTW, how's pic quality on WCSC-HDTV ? Wife would love to know,
CSI fan.
Thanks again.

loadams I can say that the PQ on CBS is great ! Every once in awhile the PQ is a little soft but a majority of the time the picture is nice and sharp .

Is anyone else enjoying INHD and INHD2s programming ? Most of everything I have watched on there has been great and some of the programs are great to show off what HD really is !

JeffD: INHD seems to have programming very much like HDNet and when I get a chance to sit down in front of the tube, I will check out what they have on.


Other news......

Looks like WCSC is picking up the national HD game of the week again this week, Browns @ 49ers at 4:15. Thanks guys.

Looks like they're using TITANTV for schedule info now as well, just happened to notice that next weeks Patriots @ Redskins game will also be broadcast here locally in HD.

WITV requested an extension and is now estimating Jan. 04 for a completion date at the Awendaw facility (shared w/ WCSC).

They had to re-bid the construction contract and a bid has been recently accepted.

COMCAST and TIME WARNER currently have HD content w/ their service, so this really only affects those waiting for their OTA signal.

Does anyone know when WCSC will have 5.1 audio? I love it on ABC..wish it was working on CBS.

Or does anyone know when NBC is going HD ?? And what has been wrong with ABC lately? Threat Matrix was not in HD, and the 4:3 image was all dark and washed out. Guess CBS has spoiled us locally.
-rick

KTrout,

Thank you for updating the members on the status of WITV-D OTA. Yes, we hope to bring our third DTV transmitter in the state on air mid-January in Charleston. TWC and Comcast currently carry our services, but Comcast is having some problems receiving our SD channels (SD 1 & 2) due to the failure of our primary satellite (Telstar 4) that we use for signal distribution. We hope to fix this soon.

-Shaun

WCSC 5.1: WCSC is waiting on equipment from CBS national. Since Charleston is not a large market, we're low on the totem pole. I don't think anyone has a firm date, but we've heard late fall.

NBC HD: NBC has the capability of broadcasting in HD. I personally don't get it because my indoor antenna has to be on the other side of the house to pick-up their signal, so I can't comment on their frequency. When I did string things through the house when they first came on air, the quality was good.

ABC HD: When you see a show is supposed to be broadcast in HD, and you don't see it here locally, call the station and ask for Master Control. Please be courteous and request they "flip the switch". They have been very good about doing so in the past. But remember, they have a lot going on so it might not happen right away. With the new season starting, they might not be aware that certain new shows are in HD.

MONCKS CORNER

Anyone in Moncks Corner that could relay reception information? Have an acquaintance looking to receive some OTA signals up that way. Didn't know if FOX / UPN was a possibility etc.

Thanks

I called WCBD to inquire about the digital broadcast. Engineers decide to not "flip the switch" tonite bcause of a power outtage earlier in the day.

So WCBD IS set up to transmitt HD ? I have not yet seen a single HD broadcast from their digital channel, and was really hoping WEST WING would have been in HD. Is there an e-mail contact there, or phone number to inquire about their HD status ?
thanks, rick

I called 884-2288, which is the newsroom...they put me thru to engineeringdepartment.

I'm not sure what's going on with WCBD..... it's disappointing that they won't even communicate their intentions. Jack Becknell is listed on their website as the chief engineer and operations manager: jbecknell@wcbd.com


Reminder, WCSC is broadcasting the Redskins in HD this afternoon.

Thanks. I am going to try and get the lowdown, and will post if I learn anything.
-rick

Does anyone one know if there is something wrong with WCIV (ABC) I am watching 10-8 and it is listed as an HDTV show but is not broadcasting in HDTV. I am waiting for Alias tonight at 9 and I will be very pissed if it is not broadcasted in HD either.

- James

Just called them and they said they were waiting for the signal from ABC 20 minutes after 8. After I hung up, within 30 seconds it switched.

Anyone know what's up with Comcast tonight? I can see HBO-HD and SHO-HD, but CBS, ABC and PBS are all offline... :( (and it's < 1hr to MNF)

Perigee

Perigee:

Just finished working on my webpage and hadn't noticed until now.... ran downstairs and am getting WCIV fine. It's about 9:20 pm.

Just finished a page that might help a few people with reception of OTA signals.

Go here: www.markuyak.com/schdtv/schdtv.htm (http://www.markuyak.com/schdtv/schdtv.htm) and look for antenna page.

Map will indicate tower locations w/ latitude and longitude. Bottom of page will give additional instructions if you want to find out exactly how far away towers are from your house.

Good luck and let me know of any improvements / questions you might have.

yeah, I noticed it was back on about the same time you did.. lol was odd tho that it was the 3 local stations that I had a black screen on...

Perigee

I saw a commercial on channel 2 today advertising HDTV , are they broadcasting again ? I no longer have my OTA receiver hooked up I only have my comcast HD box in use right now .

http://www.counton2.com/servlet/Satellite?pagename=WCBD/Page/CBD_FrontPage

right side of page under site features it says the big picture hdtv .

I don't know if they're broadcasting, I'm in the same situation that you are in right now. I think they are, however you won't hear it from them.

Want to throw something out there to everyone. Anyone have any ideas on how to get a relatively accurate count on the number of people that tune into the local HDTV stations here in the Charleston area? I think it's important that we try to get these stations generating revenue from the DTV channels. They won't be able to sell advertising to anyone without even having any idea how many people are watching.

Let me save you some time.
The local chain retailers (BB, CC) have corporate policy that prevents them from stating how many HDTV ready sets they have sold. The cable companies have the same corporate position in regards to subscribers.

I'd like to figure out a way to get out of this Catch 22 situation that we're still in (although it's nothing like it used to be). Is it crazy to think that the 106th market in the US could become a model for the rest of the country? Uh, yeah maybe. But, it ultimately benefits all of us doesn't it?

Let me know what you think.
(Besides that I'm nuts)

Why not get the three major participants (WCIV) (WCSC) (WCBD) to conduct an internet poll on their website to try and get a feel for the numbers. Also, for those HD subscribers that dont frequent the internet...why not get the above mentioned stations to broadcast a phone number during one of their many news broadcasts, asking for feedback on HD viewing habits.

Short of those ideas...maybe we could take up a donation - collection to run an ad in the Post and Courier asking for feedback on if they watch...who they, watch and where they reside.

Just a few thoughts....they may be rediculous or unfeasible...dunno

WCSC will be doing an internet poll soon. The other two stations I don't know about.

I don't watch the local news so I haven't been privy to any self promotion that might be occuring, but you would think that if they were really serious about getting info they could do something like what you mention during their news broadcasts.

Maybe I should try to get some grant money for a study. You never know.

TITANTV will be updated with the COMCAST HD Channels sometime in the near future. Just FYI.

All 3 of the biggies ABC, NBC and CBS are broadcasting OTA DTV. Not sure if NBC is broadcasting HDTV though. Will check whenever they are supposed to have HD on.

Looks like no HD on NBC...what a surprise!

I called master control at NBC and asked them if there is HD programming available for a show and seconds later they flip the switch. Sometimes they forget to flip back after a commercial break though.

Seems like they're always forgetting. Why not get an auto switch like CBS? Guess that would be too much to ask.

Probably some budgetary restrictions involved...considering the low priority of HD on the totem pole...lol

It is interesting to hear that WCBD can do HD. I have to admit that I haven't watched much NBC in the last week with the baseball on, but I will contact master control next time something (West Wing comes to mind, or Leno any night) is supposed to be in HD. I wrote email to Jack Becknell and asked about the status of HD at WCBD but I received no reply.
I guess I can understand their economic reasons for delaying the purchase of an auto switch since they are still at low power, and they have a limited audience and source material. That said you would think they would have someone watching their programming in the studio, and if watching they should be watching the HD feed :D and be able to switch after commercials.

Andy

Andy, no luck getting NBC in HD. West Wing Wed night was sd, and has been all season. I sent an e-mail to both Jack & the Station Manager, and this is the response I received:

"I have been on vacation, and am just starting to get caught up on e-mails.We are on the air_with DT from 2:00PM until 2:00AM daily. We are transmitting from our studio tower at the foot of the Cooper River Bridge in Mt. Pleasant. We are actually on TV channel 50 - NOT 59 as many receivers were pre-programmed for. Several viewers have manually tuned to channel 50, then get the 2-1 channel to pop up. We pass through the NBC high definition programming. Please let me know how successful you are in receiving our signal. Thanks for watching "Count On 2."
_
_
Jack Becknell
Operations Manager
WCBD Count On 2"

I replied that I have been receiving their digital signal just fine on 2-1, but have never seen an HD feed, but received no reply. I would really be happy to see WEST WING in HD as well,
-rick

I also have NEVER seen HD on WCBD!

Was it me or did CBS 5.1 have a flutter in sound last night.

WCSC has two games this afternoon. The late game, Steelers @ Broncos, I believe will be in HD.

oljim: Didn't tune in to WCSC last night, can't comment

oljim
No it wasn't you it was the CBS, they also had it during CSI thursday. It seems to be more frequent recently. And thursday they seemed like they were working on it because the picture went away a couple of times and even went to SD during the broadcast a time or two, but the sound stayed messed up

Seems ok tonight, Went to WTOC 11.1 in Sav. last night and they had the same old sound sync problem that they have had for 9 months but no flutter like 5.1. Tks for the info
Jim

Is anyone getting 16:9 on Survivor tonight on DTV from OTA?

If not, what are the contact numbers for the stations to get them to switch?

Also if you are in Summerville area using off air what kind of equipment are you using to get off air and what channels are you getting?

Thanks for all the info

Scott

rothfusz:

Don't think Survivor is in HD (16x9). I think it's only in SD

rothfusz:

Answers to some of your questions.

Check here (http://www.markuyak.com/schdtv/schdtv.htm) for station contact information. In most cases call the main number, reach the news desk, and then ask for master control. That person can help switch the SD / HD feed.

Survivor is not broadcast in HD.

From Sangaree you should be able to get most Channels.
Antennaweb.com is helpful to indicate the type of antenna that you need. However it's not accurate in regards to where all signals originate from. There's a link at the top of the website listed above that will show you where they originate from and you can calculate your distance from them.

NBC (50-1), Fox (40-1) and UPN (35-1) are likely the only ones that will give you a little bit of trouble with an indoor antenna.

Any other questions, please post, we'll try to help you out as much as possible.

Almost forgot the reason I came here...........

WCSC Broadcasting Florida vs. Arkansas in HD this afternoon. Pass it on.

Just got off the phone with Master Control, they are having trouble with their HD feed. They are working on it though.

HD Sports This Weekend on WCSC

Saturday - 3:30 pm, SEC game Tennessee vs. Alabama

There might be an NFL game on as well, seems to be a conflict between TITANTV and CBS's listings.

Any idea if the HD game on CBS will still be in HD? I understand they moved it to Pheonix, AZ due to the fires.

OK, having giving up on NBC forever, tuned in yesterday to find some silly LUCENT DIGITAL TV logo floating in the WS portion of the screen. What does this mean ? Perhaps they will begin broadcasting HD soon ?? They have to be the most frustrating station since we moved here. I know that Charleston is not San Francisco, but give me a break !!!!
rick

PLANENUT
THE FOOTBALL GAME IS ON ABC AND FROM TEMPE,AZ.THERE WILL BE NO
HD OF THIS BALL GAME THIS IAW ABC

Thanks Jim,

I have been getting a fair amount of tiling lately on channel 4-1 and 5-1. I don't watch much on 50-1 (channel 2) partly programming, partly my previous channel button doesn't work because it has to remap so I have to type 50-1 each time (but I digress). My signal still shows 86-93% which I would think is strong enough to prevent that. I haven't changed anything.... Maybe this happened when they decreased the power level. Any ideas? btw, this is with my ota antenna running through my hughes box. I haven't compared the cable signal.

Cable is experiencing the same problem lately. A little worse than OTA but that's probably mostly because they pick-up the signal further away than I do.

Seems like the transmitter is still experiencing problems. I was seeing a signal strength of about 30 a half an hour ago.

Channel 2 certainly acts the least responsible in regards to serving the community.

speaking of Channel 2...

I just got off the phone with Michael at Master Control. He says he is instructed by his boss NOT to switch on HD because of pixelation (spelling). He turned it on twice ( a couple of seconds each time) and the picture looked ok to me... He also says there is a problem with their HD feed from NBC but NBC is committed to getting all the other channels up and running before coming back to fix theirs. I'm pretty pissed. Time to write a few letters I think. I haven't made it a priority because I like CBS programming and service soooo much better. But occasionally I do want to catch West Wing or ER. I think ER is NBC. I'll have to call the manager tomorrow at NBC also and maybe a few others should. Does it sound reasonable to believe NBC is going to get the others up first before fixing the problems at each station. hmmm. I would think they would want each one to work properly before moving on to the next station.

Just sent off an e-mail. I'll let you know if I get a response. I hope I'm wrong about the way things seem to be headed.

People, planenuts right in having people contact Channel 2. Even if it's just a simple question regarding DTV operation.

I've sent numerous e-mails off to channel 2 about thier HD programming or lack of it . And ofcourse I have been ignored repeatedly ! It seems they just don't care to answer an e-mail or they don't know the answer . All I want is a repsonse from one of my 20 e-mails I've sent with no reply .

I know one thing I do love INHD and INHD2 ! Awesome programs and HD really shines on it , well on most programs . Comcast has done a great job on getting their HD cable up and running . I had some problems with ESPN at first but they have seemed to correct all the drop outs .

I too have been frustrated by not getting any response from NBC re: HD. The West Wing right now is the only program on NBC we watch, and simply boycott the rest due to their lack of resolve in providing their viewers what CBS and ABC have been doing perfectly. And off all things, NBC is my strongest signal !!
rick

TO ALL CHS AREA MEMBERS:
I just talked with Jack Becknell at WCBD. He advised me that a complete new system is being installed the first week of December, due to the critical nature of the NBC digital receiving system. He advised it will include new Dishes, Encoders, Decoders, exciters and a new GPS tracking system to maintain a perfect signal. He advised me that when they turn on the HD it will only hold for about 20 to 30 seconds and then the signal breaks up. I have known Jack for close to 15 years. You can put your money on what he tells you.
PLEASE NOTE: This is not an attempt to sidestep anything. Jack told me that he will be happy to explain what has happened and what they are doing to correct it. I hope he doesn't get a thousand calls, but I am sure a few of the active members of this site can get the same information that I got by calling him at 884-2222.
Its not as bad as it appears.
Thanks!
HDSC

I also spoke with Jack this morning. The information HDSC relayed is the same that Jack discussed with me. Jack indicated that they have not broadcast any HD material in the last two months due to the complications that have never been completely corrected since the lightning strike.

I also expressed that a lot of us could potentially live with these types of circumstances if we only were informed. Not knowing the situation is a very frustrating thing.

First off, thanks to everyone who has an interest in DTV and specifically WCBD-DT. We've had a number of problems with the NBC HD satellite system. We found a receiver that worked with our downlink gear, then it got hit by lightning, and we haven't found a combination of electronics that stays locked properly since.

NBC is updating the satellite receiving systems at all NBC stations - which is network owned and maintained equiopment. This was rolled out according to market size, and since Charleston is around #108 television market, we were not near the top of the list. The entire NBC downlink system at WCBD is finally being changed, starting the first week in December. NBC assures us that this system will have higher stability and improve the reliability of the HD receiver.

For those who are into such things, the NBC system in use went from analog to standard definition digital, then attempted to go HD by continuing to modify the original system. It converts Ku-band satellite signals (12 Ghz.) down to C-band signals (4 Ghz.) in the hub of the dish, then converts C-band signals to L-band signals (1 Ghz.) in the receiver rack. This double conversion worked OK on an analog or even a standard definition digital signal, but has some serious frequency stability and jitter problems on the HD receiver. This shows up as intermittant picture pixillating and blocking, which I find most annopying.


I welcome all reports of good or bad signals. If anyone has questions concerning our DTV or HDTV signal, hours, problems, I will try my best to answer them, or find the answer. My e-mail address is jbecknell@wcbd.com.

Thanks,

Jack Becknell
Operations Manager
WCBD-TV/DT

WOW Jack, THANKS, and I am sure I am speaking for everyone on this forum. ANY HELP you need from us, we are here, and if the "exciters " that you get don't excite, let us know. Perhaps we could take them out for a night on the town !!
Looking forward to December.
rick

Jack,

Welcome to the forum, I see you found your way here.

We certainly thank you for your input and hope that you can occasionally find the time to peruse our thread and add any helpful information possible.

We look forward to seeing WCBD-DT come back online and hope that your equipment integration goes smoothly.

Question: Will new equipment pass 5.1 sound? I suspect so, but don't like to assume anything.

Thanks again.

ER is in HD!!! After Jack's response someone must of tried something new. Anyway, it looks great. I will keep watching through Leno to see if they keep it up.

Andy

Well it only lasted a short time. After a commercial break around 10:25 ER came back SD. Then about 15 minutes later the HD signal popped back on, but only lasted through the next commercial break. When it was in HD the picture really was great. I guess I can consider it a preview for December. Just some info for this group and for Jack.

Andy

Steelers vs. Seahawks Today on WCSC.
Packers vs. Vikings tonight on ESPN-HD
Patriots vs. Broncos on WCIV.

Got home too late last night to post Miami vs. Va Tech.

The Steelers game is NOT in HDef, according to the Directv NFL site and titan....
The CBS HD game is Jets at Eagles.
rick

Jets and Eagles played last week. BUT you're right, the Seattle game is not in HD. My mistake.

Anyone else experiencing crazy fluctuations in signal strength right now.... right now being around 7:30 pm?
Signal seems to be pulsing between 72 and 100 pretty consistently.

Please tune into MNF and report any dropouts / reception problems on COMCAST and/or OTA. Thanks

Found my problem. I was on the fringe of reception out here where I live and it seems the plant has changed enough that now I'm on the outs with the local channels. All other HD channels I didn't have a problem with, but the box is having troubles with the locals.

Disregard my request.

By The way, DirecTV now has NBC 2.1 correctly on their Program Guide. But they still don't show any data for 4.1 yet

Is the sound out on 2.1?

Parett,

Don't know if you saw earlier thread regarding NBC, but they are having most of their front end equipment replaced during the first week in December. I didn't think they were planning on broadcasting anything on the digital side until then, but if you're asking about the sound you must be seeing a picture.

Perhaps someone else capable of receiving 2.1 can comment.

While I'm here, any Time Warner people seeing an increase in HD programming? There seems to be a lot of talk in Columbia about not only additional channels but also of an HD PVR box maybe coming soon.
Can anyone in Time Warner land add anything about these two issues?

I get 2-1 pretty good most of the time, but they are broadcasting in SD currently. I posted a couple weeks ago about ER being intermittantly in HD one night. I would be interested in finding out more about the DirectTV guide, because as far as I have noticed they still don't have info for 2-1. I actually keep 4 ( I get 4-1 in beautiful HD) and 2 in the guide so that I will have the programming info. I actually still have the old 2-1 in my system as well. If i type 2-1 in, it comes up with 2-1 WCBDDT and searches for signal that it never finds, however it does have programming info. If I move up one channel it switches to 2-1 WCBD-DT and the signal comes up, without programming info. This must be a holdover from the channel switch by WCBD here back in the spring. I will try to download the info again, by switching zipcodes, etc and will report my results. BTW, I have the Samsung TS-160 receiver.

Andy

While I'm here, any Time Warner people seeing an increase in HD programming? There seems to be a lot of talk in Columbia about not only additional channels but also of an HD PVR box maybe coming soon.
Can anyone in Time Warner land add anything about these two issues.


KTrout,
The Summerville TWC system has not had any HD content enhancement since Discovery HD was added in July. We do have the SA 8000 DVR for standard definition but no word on the HD version. It seems we're always behind Columbia.

Pcm19

Andy:
I would encourage you to contact Jack @ WCBD and let him know about the guide/programming info. It might be a PSIP issue that could be corrected with the new equipment.

PCM19: Thanks for the update

Living on Daniel Island, I only receive 2-1 at night and it no longer has any sound. I'm assuming this is a problem with my set up since no one else has mentioned this before. 2-1 does come up with the proper program data now on my Samsung TS-160, but without any sound

On another interesting note, has anyone else noticed the Columbia NBC station sometimes appears on 41-1, 41-2 and 41-3(weather map). Sometimes when I do a search for off-air signals they appear.

Tonight, I "re"-setup my receiver (Samsung TS-160), and forced a new download of guide info, and searched for digital stations, and now I have only the one version of 2-1 WCBDDT. The info is in the guide, but as discussed above , I now have no sound. I assume this has something to do with the new equipment work, but I will write to Jack ask. Parett, I don't think it is our set up, but it would be interesting to hear from anyone else who is getting 2-1.

Andy

I am receiving 2.1 right now in Dolby Digital 2.0. I believe it was Dolby Digital 5.1 last night, but I have still not seen HD on it yet. Maybe when they finish changes in December?
I did have to adjust my rabbit ears a few days ago so I think they may have made some changes on their end, since I haven't had to touch the antenna in months prior to that. I'm not sure if they changed to dolby digital recently, which might be the problem for some people if they did.

Maybe they should have threatened Lou's job! It's a good thing that game wasn't in HD. We would have seen the Cocks get their 1080i butts kicked!

4:15 WCSC-DT Raiders at Chiefs
8:30 ESPN-HD Redskins at Dolphins

MNF WCIV-DT Giants at Buccaneers

Originally posted by rothfusz
Is anyone getting 16:9 on Survivor tonight on DTV from OTA?

If not, what are the contact numbers for the stations to get them to switch?

Also if you are in Summerville area using off air what kind of equipment are you using to get off air and what channels are you getting?

Thanks for all the info

Scott

I live in Summerville off 61. I have a Samsung t160 receiver connected to DTV antenna and an off air directional amplified antenna hanging in my garage. The only HD channel I get is 5-1 WCSC and at a strenght of about 70%. Picture is great and reliable. When I do the channel scan, it picks up 2-1 and 24-1 (NBC and Fox) but I am unable to receive a signal (0%). What do you get and what equipment and antenna are you using? mk

mlkeel: 2-1 is not broadcasting right now, 24-1 has very low power and you might have to adjust your antenna to get a "lockable" signal.

I'm surprised you don't get 4-1..... have you moved your antenna around and pointed it towards the WCSC Tower in Awendaw? There's a link on my web page that might help you out with orientation..... try here

http://www.markuyak.com/schdtv/schdtv.htm

Think it's called antenna locator or something like that......

hope that helps

I have adjusted my antenna to a positas ion that gives me the best reception on 5-1. When I did a channel scan, 4-1 was the only one that didn't show up on my guide. But even though 2-1 and 24-1 now show on my giude, I get no signal. Is the 4-1 (ABC) antenna on the same tower with WCSC (5-1)? The web site that you pointed me two did not show the ABC transmitter location.

Thanks for the feedback.
Mark

Mark:

Yes, ABC (4-1) and (1Q of next year PBS) originates from the WCSC Tower in Awendaw.

There might be a couple of things contributing to your reception woes. I think I remember reading somewhere about the Samsung having some problems with PSIP configurations. You might do a search on Samsung T160 and see if you can find some helpful hints.

In the meantime you might try these few things, others might add more suggestions. I haven't had a lot of time lately to mess with this stuff.

Remember 2-1 is most likely off air right now.

1) For ABC, try manually entering the stations, 4-1, or even try channel 34 and see if it re-maps.
2) For FOX, try manually entering the stations 24-1 or Channel 40.

3) if you still can't get ABC, you might need a 10 - 20 dB amplifier to boost your signal. Of course, you could move the antenna outside if you didn't want to do that.

Keep posting your results, etc. there's others that know a lot more about this stuff than I do.

Is 4-1/34 transmitting at full power (or as high as WCSC). Mark

No, Channel 34 (4-1) broadcasts @ 20kW where as Channel 47 (5-1 / 5-2) broadcasts @ 1000kW.

Channel 50 (2-1) is at 10.8 kW.

Channels 40 (24-1) and 35 (36-1) broadcast at a whopping 3.6 kW from all of 154' in the air.

Mark:

Here's something that I found for you on another forum regarding the T160...

"If you are viewing a station... i.e. NOT viewing the program guide... then the manual input of another OTA station, whether in the APG or not, will cause it to jump to that station and it may/may not lock in to the APG if it is strong enough.

HOWEVER, the trick is to set the 160 to 'no dish' and do a scan, do what I said in the first paragraph and save all the OTA's you want to a 'Favorites.'

Then, set your dish again and let it reboot and you're off to the races!

Good luck!"

Apparently there's also been discussions of a software update but this update does not complete when coming from DirecTV.

I haven't had time to post lately, but wanted to update you guys who are trying to pick up the various OTA stations. I am getting a noticeably stronger signal from CH 5 recently, roughly 10-20% stronger than that of a few months ago. Not sure why, since they have been broadcasting at full power for quite a while now. Last week, I was able to get CH 4 (34) for a while one night. It went away at 11PM, not sure if they turn it off, or if I just lost the signal. It was probably in the 40% range, but enough for my Zenith receiver to lock on. I am in the St. George area, very near the intersection of I-26 and I-95. Antenna is a very large RS UHF/VHF, installed in the attic. Those of you in Summerville should easily get anything that I get...

Daryal.

I appreciate the info. One other thing that is interesting about my situation is that even though I can't pick up the signals for 2-1 and 24-1, they show up in my channel list and guide. I have never gotten a signal on them. However, my receiver doesn't even detect 4-1 and it doesn't show up in my guide. Also, if I manually try to select 4-1 it says "channel unavailable", however when selecting 2-1 or 24-1, I get a "searching for satellite" message. I get 5-1 at anywhere between 80% and 35% signal strength, but regardless the picture is always perfect and the signal never drops. I will try the procedure you refer to see if that helps. I am certain that my antenna situation is not ideal (i.e. antenna hanging in the garage....lots of metal above and around it even thought nothing in front).

OK, here's the latest. Today I swapped out my 10db amp on my off air antenna with a 30db. Major improvement but still not quite there. I now get 5-1 at about 95%. I get 4-1 at between 0% and 70%. 4-1 will stay on most of the time at around 45% (picture quality and sound are good until it drops below 30%. It does seem to go up and down an awful lot. @-1 comes in at between 44% and 55%...never seems to drop below 45%. Picture quality is good but I get no sound. 24-1 is coming in between 0 and 20% and I am yet to get a picture...I assume the poser is just too low for me to pick up with my current configuration.

Two questions for anyone who might know:

1. Why does 4-1 (ABC) fluctuate so wildly when the others don't
2. Why am I not getting audio on 2-1 9 (NBC)

Mark:

Glad to hear things are getting better. Especially in time for MNF tomorrow night.

You might be experiencing a slight multi-path issue with 4-1. I just checked my level and it seemed to bounce a little, maybe +/- 14 or so. You might try to move the antenna around a little bit and concentrate on getting the best signal for it. 5-1 shouldn't ever be a problem, you could probably bury the antenna in the ground and still get something from them.

Others have indicated lack of audio on 2-1. The station had a lightning hit quite a while ago and this coming week will begin to replace a lot of front end equipment that was both damaged during that event and that is also being replaced to better communicate with their National equipment. They should have all issues resolved by the middle of the month if not before.

It has nothing to do with you or your equipment.

Hope that helps.

Just moved from West Ashley to Summerville, I was using a samsung ota for HD, now using the Time Warner HD box, has anyone got any info on extra channels they will be adding, we get WCSC, SCETV, DiscoveryHD, HBOHD, and ShowtimeHD at the moment......

All the signals are perfect, WCSC is much better than on my samsung with the silver sensor i was using......

I can't imagine getting better reception of WCSC over TWC than I am getting OTA. It is absolutely perfect. I had TWC and it was so bad for everything (especially non-digital networks and cable channels) I got rid of it and went back to *D. I actually get analog network channels about as good OTA now as I did with TWC.

Paul_J2,

Getting info from TWC is almost impossible. I send an email every month requesting updates on additional HD content with little success. I agree with you on the HD quality, it's very good. The analog is another story.

pcm19

KTrout,

Do you get channel guide information for 4-1?

I'm using an amplified antenna from Radio Shack and have DISH Satellite system 6000 receiver with the 8VSB Tuner card. I get NBC/ABC/CBS all fairly well, but usually have problems between the commercials. I can't get a signal for FOX or UPN.

I was asked to post this by Diana Smith to the appropriate forums:

"The new HD Tier channels are available in the Columbia-Sumter-Orangeburg areas, Florence-MB areas and the southern portion of The Grand Strand including Surfside Beach, Pawley’s Island, Georgetown and Andrews. Due to Bandwidth constraints, we are unable to launch in Summerville at this time. We are actively planning to upgrade the Summerville plant in the very near future, however I do not have a timetable for completion of either the upgrade or addition of new HD signals as they become available.

We regret the inconvenience for our Summerville customers and pledge to remedy the situation as soon as possible."

Diana Smith
Director of Marketing for Video Services
Time Warner Cable South Carolina


Bruce

Bruce,
Thanks for the info. Just my luck to be on the Summerville system. I keep up with the Columbia thread as well as the Charleston since you guys get better info from TWC. Could you provide Diana Smith's email address? I have a few specific questions concerning the Summerville system.

Thanks
Phil

Diana Smith is at twcscnews@twcable.com

She is also the contact person for the newletter. If you are not subscribed to that you can do so at http://www.twcsc.com. The newsletter has a feedback box for initial inquiries.

Bruce

Thank you.

Phil

I was also asked to post this by Diana Smith to the appropriate forums:


In answer to the requests for information concerning the impending launch of the HD DVR (SA Explorer 8000 HD):

Currently TWC is field testing the new HD DVR in another TWC location. We do not have an option to test in South Carolina. Corporate Engineering announced yesterday afternoon that they ‘expect’ to sign off on the equipment around the end of the year, but this date is still an estimate. Please understand that the delay has been associated with our desire to offer a set top that is technically sound.

Upon approval, it will probably take a week to 10 days to receive and stage the converters, as well as distribute to all systems for customer use. The HD DVR will be available in all TWC Digital Systems throughout South Carolina.

Pricing for the HD DVR will be the same as the current DVR model: $14.90 per month ($9.95 for the converter and $4.95 for the functionality).

The E8000HD has the following features:

* DVR Capability for Std. and HD content
* Dual HD Decode
* 160GB Hard drive
* DVI


Diana Smith
Director of Marketing for Video Services
Time Warner Cable South Carolina


Bruce

Anyone else getting this, I can bring up the guide when looking at the Component view, but when i switch over to s-vhs,composite or cable input i don't get a guide, but if i switch the tv back to component the guide is displayed, is there an option on the box that i'm missing...

Paul

Bruce,

Thanks for your post. The information presented by Diana pretty much follows along with that given by Michelle Baran at Scientific Atlanta in an e-mail I got before Thanksgiving:

The Explorer 8000HD will be commercially available end of December. There are currently no plans to offer this set-top through retail outlets. Of course, this may change over time, but this is the status to-date.

As for Comcast, yes, they would need to test and authorize the Explorer 8000HD on their system. We hope they will decide to deploy this set-top in your area mid-next-year. In the meantime, do let Comcast know that you are interested in the Explorer 8000HD as it may speed along their decision-making.

Thanks for your email and continued support of Scientific-Atlanta set-tops.

Best regards,

Scientific-Atlanta


I'm not clear on why the deployment would be mid next year. I'll try to find out.

Paul_J2
Thats the way the SA3250 works as far as I know; same situation here with ours.

KTrout,
Is your Comcast cable system based on Pioneeer software or SA? That might be a reason for the differences in rollouts. TWC headends can run either Pioneer software in their headend servers or use SA software. As I understand it, Pioneer based systems have software called Passport running in their converters while SA based systems have SARA branded software. Also, SA based systems tend to use only SA brand converters (for now) while Pioneer based headends use SA, Pioneer, and Pace converters. It appears that SARA based 8000HDs are coming out first hence Green Bay TWC as per SA's recent Press Release and soon Columbia's TWC. Charlotte TWC on the other hand runs Passport and they have been told Q2 of next year (reported recently in Charlotte threads). Differences between the two brands of software on existing 8000DVRs (and how to ID them) are often discussed on the standard 8000DVR forum at yahoo groups.

Bruce

Bruce,

I believe it's SA, but I'm not sure. I will ask and let you know.
As always, thanks for the information.

I was asked to pass the following along by Diana Smith, Director of Marketing for Video Services, Time Warner Cable South Carolina:


In answer to questions concerning the plans for future pricing of HD Programming:

"Time Warner Cable of South Carolina has no plans to charge for HD services that the company does not pay a license fee to carry. This would include HD versions of local broadcast networks. Programming that costs the company significant license fees to acquire and carry will likely become part of a "paid tier" (the HD Tier) for which customers will have an option to subscribe. This would include channels like ESPN HD, HD Net, HD Net Movies, IN HD 1 and IN HD 2. This is in keeping with customers' desire to subscribe, and only pay for, programming that they want."

Dan Santelle
Vice President of Sales & Marketing
Time Warner Cable of South Carolina

WCBD-DT Update?

Channel 2 was supposed to complete repairs on their digital side the first part of this month. Is Channel 59 back up? I would appreciate it if someone would post an answer or any news.

Thanks

WCBD-DT is still up without sound as it has been over the last month. I tried to reacquire the signal/guide, and it remains the same. It is strange that they continue to broadcast the silent picture while they were suppose to be working on the digital signal. Considering how poor the analog picture for Channel 2 is either OTA or Knology is, I don't really watch it, but would like to catch some of the HD on NBC if the ever come up.

This evening I did a digital scan with my Samsung TS-160 receiver and a new set of stations appeared in the guide and OTA. Channels 39-1, -2, -3, -4, -5 appeared with names of UNC-TV ,-HD, -KD, -ED, and -NC. There was available with programming on all except 39-2 (UNC-HD). I did the scan around 11pm but by 11:30 it was gone. I wonder if the local PBS station was experimenting with DTV and I happened to catch it. I think UNC-TV is from the Raleigh-Durham area, so clearly I wasn't receiving some new OTA signals with my attic antenna. Anyone with an idea out there, or a connection with WITV locally to check on their status?

Andy

Andy you sure it was 39, UNC from Chapel Hill Nc. is 59-1-2-3-4-5 also they have UNC 9-1-2-3-4-5 but not sure where it is. It was a good nite for long dist last night, I had 6-1 and 41-1 from Orlando and a 15-1-2-3-4-5 from FL not sure where -5 said fl ch
Jim

Andy 39-1-2-3-4-5 is PBS station WUNP DT from Roanoke Rapids NC.
My 15-1-2-3-4-5 is WCEV -DT 15 from Melborne FL also PBS

Hello All...I am new to the forum so please forgive if this is old new. As of yesterday I've joined the HDTV community and haven't been this excited since my honeymoon night. ;) Using a Zenith "Silver Sensor" I was able to receive WCBD, WCIV, & WCSC. All 3 had fabulous pictures/sound although it seems that WCBD wasn't switched on until after 5:00pm. I was further blown away when WCIV aired MNF in HD and 5.1 Dolby Digital sound. All I can say is "WOW!" Still can't receive the UPN or FOX stations, tho. So if anyone has any tips, I'd appreciate hearing them. Santa did indeed come early this year...Merry Christmas to everybody. :)

It'sHappyHour:

Welcome. Glad you're enjoying HD.

Your chances of getting 40 (Fox) and 35 (UPN) depend on a few things, but most importantly what part of Mt. Pleasant you live in. Their signal is very weak and broadcast from not too high up. I don't know of many people with indoor antennas pulling them in.

After the holidays and after we get the nursery situated I'm going to maybe solicit people to let me include them on a reception map I'll post on my website. If people want to start sending that info, maybe include screen name, nearby street intersection, type of antenna and amplifier (if applicable) and stations received.

Back to work

KTrout:

Thanks for the welcome! I live in Dunes West and was wondering if you had a recommendation for an outdoor HD antenna...or is it possible to amp the indoor type? I'm only getting 40's on the signal meter for channels 2 & 4. Getting 80's for ch. 5. Zippo for UPN or FOX. Thanks!

If interested, I posted the contents here (http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?postid=3068530#post3068530) of an email this morning I received from TWC. It concerned the ins/outs of the TWC/Pioneer promotion.

It'sHappyHour:
I know one other HD enthusiast that lives in Dunes West. As I remember he has an indoor antenna w/ a 20 dB amp on it and can pick up channels 2 & 4 with reception in the 60's - 70's, gets something much higher for Channel 5 but also can't get FOX / UPN.

Not having an outdoor antenna, I don't know a lot about them. But I always hear good things about the Channel Master 4228, check around. I'm pretty sure you can get the Channel Master from Wholesale Industrial Electronics, on East Bay (near intersection of Calhoun) for around $50 - $75. Think they have to ship it in from Columbia. I don't know that it would pay off in regards to getting FOX and UPN. You might just wait until they begin broadcasting from Channel 2's antenna in Awendaw in two more years (I'm guessing).

Good luck

Bruce:
Thanks for the link. 500 bones and six months of free box rental is nothing to sneeze at.

Anyone: Is TWC participating here locally?

I believe the closest TWC unit to your region serves Summerville and I believe there have been some posts here from Summerville residents. My research shows the greater Charleston/North Carleston/Mt Pleasant area has either Comcast or Knology and Beaufort has Comcast. I really don't mean to tease or confuse folks with posts about TWC if it is but a minor player in your general area.

edit for the record: Beaufort is Charter

Beaufort is Charter and they can not spell HDTV much less carry it.

You should know :) Guess my internet research was incorrect or I just can't read. Thanks for the correction...

Update: Regarding TWCSC subscribers in your area.... I have been told there are actually several hundred HD viewers in Summerville/North Charleston.

Bruce:

I'm Sorry to have confused you. My intention was to find out if our Summerville TWC was participating in the Pioneer rebate and / or if anyone had taken advantage of it. It's my understanding that the Summerville branch doesn't necessarily carry all programming from the Columbia area.

The rest of your research is correct except COMCAST does stretch onto the Isle of Palms and Sullivans Island.

There is a "Charter" here locally, they call themselves "US Cable" and they're based out of a house on Johns Island.

Thanks again.

KTrout,
Ah; I took your statement the other way. Not a problem. The answer is yes regarding the Pioneer promotion. Summerville is one of the TWCSC's service areas and my info came directly from Time Warner Cable South Carolina.

Channel 5 has recently developed a survey for their HD viewers. It's a simple six question anonymous survey.

Please participate in this survey only if you are receiving their digital signal. Additionally, please take the survey only once, but be sure to tell any other HD friends that you know about it.

WCSC's Survey Page (http://www.wcsc.com/about_us/HDTV_survey.cfm)

Thanks,
Mark

Just posted my response. Will the results be made public, i.e. for this forum ?
thanks, rick

Not sure, don't think so, but will ask.

Just bouncing so that others see Survey request:

http://www.wcsc.com/about_us/HDTV_survey.cfm

Charleston's local SCETV network is hoping to begin broadcasting on Channel 49 by February 1st. The "ETV Roadshow" will be operating from Charleston during the first week celebrating the long awaited sign-on.

For those of you that don't get PBS programming through cable this is a welcome addition to the OTA offerings here in Charleston. The picture quality on a lot of the programs is outstanding.

Just wanted to wish everyone a safe New Year Eve's celebration and a Happy New Year.

I've been slacking a little bit lately but will try to pick things up in the next week or so. Seems my wife thinks a nursery is a little more important than HD stuff, go figure.

did Fox 24 crank up the power, came in good last night for a change.

oljim: Not sure, I just finished asking them about it via e-mail.

Remember we've got crazy HD football this weekend. Two NFL games today on WCIV-DT in 5.1, NFL game tomorrow on WCSC-DT and then the (OTHER) NCAA Championship tomorrow night on WCIV-DT in 5.1 as well.

Was just flipping thru the locals, and 2-1 is on with sound.
Does this mean they are HD ready ?
rick

It's possible. I e-mailed a couple of people there this weekend asking them for a status, so I might get an official response tomorrow.

Any new info on when FOX might decide to catch up with their competition?

Would have been nice to see the Packers game in HD. Here on Johns Island I can barely get their analog signal

Have to agree, after the other HD playoffs it was a real downer
to see how terrible the local FOX looked, and esp since those
around the country getting it in 480p WS had raves about it.
Anyone know their plans here ??
rick

Originally posted by GRC
Was just flipping thru the locals, and 2-1 is on with sound.
Does this mean they are HD ready ?
rick


GRC, How do you get your signal, OTA? If so what kind of box do you you use? I will explain what I observe and see if anyone has any insight.

I have a Samsung TS-160 DirectTV receiver, so it gets its guide info from DirectTV (someone correct me if this is wrong) I think that there is some problem with the mapping of the DirectTV guide, and this is why.

If I do a new scan I get a series of digital stations: 2-1, 4-1, 5-1, 5-2, and often 24-1. I know that the box must remap these, since I have never tuned in the UHF station directly. In this case, and for some time 2-1, with call letters on my guide of WCBDDT, has no sound. Recently I tried to figure out what was going on and I set my box to "No Dish" Then I did a reset and let it scan. It came up with 2-1, 4-1, 5-1 and 5-2. This time however, the call letters changed in the info section of the guide. When I do this I get 2-1 with clear audio (still no HD) and call letters of WCBD-DT. I then tried channel 50 directly and I get a digital signal with no audio. No remapping, since I think it uses DirectTV info to do this. I tried to save this scan to a favorites list on the box, but when I reconnect to the dish, it downloads the data again, and then even in this "favorites" list, 2-1 WCBDDT replaces the WCBD-DT and no audio again.

I don't think it is just the box, I am guessing that other D* boxes have the same problem, and non-D* boxes don't, I know there was some discussion of this guide info remapping problem some time ago, but I thought it would be resolved.. Anyone have any input, it would be helpful to hear from D* folks with either the same or different boxes.

Thanks,
Andy

I have both the Zenith HDR230 and the Sammy box. The 230 pulls in all the locals with a RATSHAK antenna, bought eons ago for UHF/VHF analog, which BTW outperforms the Zenith Silver Sensor in spades. And also, the ratshak OTA is not listed on their web site, but is powered. The Sammy box picks up far less signal than the Zenith, but is still watchable, till my wife walks thru the kitchen, which is in the way of the signal. IMHO the Zenith has a far better reception of locals than the SAMMY, but then again, that is all the Zenith pulls in. Hope this helps,
-rick

I have the Hughes HIRD-E86 receiver from DirecTV.

47-1 remaps to 5-1 and, is listed as WCSCDT
47-2 remaps to 5-2 and, is listed as WCSCDT2
34-1 does not remap to 4-1 but, 4-1 is listed on my guide as WCIV-DT
50-1 does not remap to 2-1 but, 2-1 is listed on my guide as WCBDDT
40-1 does not remap to 24-1 but, 24-1 is listed on my guide as WTATDT
35-1 does not remap to 36-1 but, 36-1 is listed on my guide as WMMPDT

Hope this helps.

If we can get some info together, maybe we can get this worked out. I already wrote to WCBD and DirectTV hopefully if it is a problem with one of them we can get it worked out. I know WCBD may still be down with their HD signal but if we can get even the SD digital signal it is so much better than the analog.

A couple or questions:

Rick: Do you still have the Sammy box hooked up to DirectTV, and can you get WCBD with audio through it? It sounds like when you use the Zenith OTA only box you might be doing what I get when I select "No Dish" I also have a Rat Shack UHF only antenna in the attic and it does a great job, 4-1 and 5-1 above 90% signal. 2-1 around 77%.

shuttermaker: ALthough 50-1 doesn't remap it looks like your guide is like mine, so do you get audio with 50-1. Have you tried 59?

One more thing. When I scan with "No Dish" OTA, I get 5-1 and 5-2 but the call letters are now WCSC HD and WCSC SD respectively, with the dish guide it is like shuttermaker's

Andy

Hello all-

The WCSC Survey is a means for us to get to know our viewers, and their
demographics.

This info will NOT be made public.


Regards-
Mike

re: NBC

I have an RCA DTC100 (both local and direcTV) and get 2-1 fine with audio (if they are broadcasting at all that is). I don't think I have even seem the video without the audio. Of course, I keep hoping they will get their HD going. I am almost positive I saw an HD Law and Order on there like a year ago... Maybe they were just testing something at the time.

For what its worth, I am in Northeastern Mt P and I get 2, 4 and 5 very well, but can never get 24 or 36. Also, I get much better reception with a little silver sensor than with a full sized radio shack antenae or a chimney mounted Terk (my attic is somewhat challenging though as I have the metal coated roof sheathing and a spray foam insullation).

PS. Love this thread for CHS HDTV info + thanks for that page with the station info and maps.

I have no success with 50-1 or 59-1.
I receive audio and video with 2-1 but, only if they decide to "flip the switch" and broadcst their digital signal. All i had today until 4pm was a black screen. Oprah is on now and i have their digital signal. Though its is spotty and digitizing.

From: Diana Smith,
Marketing Director for Video Services
Time Warner Cable South Carolina

Subj: SA 3250HD DVI Output Update:

Effective Tuesday January 6, 2004, the code to activate the DVI output on the SA 3250HD will be downloaded. Please note, the HD Converter must be powered off for at least 15 minutes, post-download, in order to receive the code.

shuttermaker, maybe I misunderstood what you were saying before. If you type 50-1 you don't get remapping, but when you scan 2-1 comes up and that is WCBDDT (no dash) with audio and video.

I thought a lot of folks noticed the lack of audio. Maybe it is the way my box keeps old data. This all happened a few weeks ago when I tried downloading new guide data to get some info in the guide, so I wouldn't need to keep the analog stations in the guide. (WCSC-DT is good, WCIV-DT has nothing so I keep the analog channel in the guide). It worked I got all the data but the audio was lost. So there was some change.

Is everyone getting audio now, if not, what kind of box are you using, again, I have the Samsung TS-160.

Andy

Correct, when i enter 50-1 with the remote there is no remapping.

I do have 2-1 after doing a scan. The audio works when the video is present

I use the HIRD E-86 from Hughes. My OTA antenna is a Radio Shack antenna...cant remember the model...it was about 50 bucks. The antenna is about 24 feet up in the air. Wish it was about 40 feet in the air, especially in the spring and summer.

I believe that the mapping issue with WCBD has something to do with both DirecTV and WCBD. Andy you are correct, planenut had contacted DirecTV to let them know about the problem and they indicated it would be corrected. Still waiting. I also called them and talked to about 5 different CSR's and it just didn't quite sink in. They couldn't differentiate between the box handling OTA local digital signals and the fact that Charleston doesn't get local channels through the satellite. Anyway, the problem originated when the FCC allocated our local stations with UHF channels that would change in the near future. They would have to then double buy transmission equipment. DirecTV initially had WCBD as 59. To complicate the matter I don't think that WCBD has their PSIP set-up correctly. Maybe after the HD comes back online we can dig a little deeper into this.

I still haven't heard anything back from WCBD regarding HD transmission, but apparently the audio is back. IS THE AUDIO DD5.1? Ridiculous Conspiracy theory number 1 - they can't afford any HD equipment after spending the dough on the "VIPER" weather radar.

Mike: Met you out at Awendaw. Thanks for joining the Forum, your input is certainly welcome.

PatYoung: Welcome as well. Appreciate any input or questions you might have. And you're not crazy, you did see Law and Order when they were initially coming on board in early May.

Bruce: Even though it doesn't affect me, that's good news that they're activating the DVI port on the 3250. Appreciate you throwing it our way.

Thanks to all that responded. I actually found someone in the HDTV hardware forum who had nearly the identical problem with a different station but with my box.

http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?postid=3052390#post3052390

His solution, and it is what I did to get around my problem, was to do a factory reset (gets rid of any zip code information), and then rescan for local stations. When I did this I found 2-1, 4-1, 5-1, 5-2, 24-1, and now the 2-1 had audio, as it did when I scanned with "No Dish" I haven't put in the zip code info in my OTA info on the box and therefore I guess the box doesn't try to get guide info. I don't have any programming info for the locals, now, but I at least I have audio for 2-1. I really think this is a combination problem between Direct TV's info, (I have contacted them) and WCBD-DT's hardware (The guide has a 1997 date for WCBD-DT, all the other stations are normal). I am hopeful that when they get their HD hardware back up and running the PSIP data will be corrected and I can get the info in the guide.

BTW, I have written to the General Manager at WCBD about their HD status (Jack wasn't listed in contacts) yesterday but I haven't heard back.

Andy

Jack is no longer at WCBD.

And that's all I know about it. The general manager used to just pass our e-mails to him, so I'm not sure who is in that capacity now, if anyone.

Again, is audio from WCBD-DT DD5.1?

Thanks

My receiver is not showing 2-1 providing DD5.1

WCIV-DT is the only station to show DD5.1 on my receiver but, I only hear DD2.1

Thanks Shuttermaker. I've heard 5.1 on WCIV-DT before. They must still be the only station in town with it.

Hello all Low Country folks!!
I just recently got into the HDTV / Home Theatre thing... Bought a 65" HDTV and 6.1 audio. I went to comcast.com thought and it said there was no HD service in this area. Then I found the AVS forums and you guys obviously have HD broadcast... What do i need to know? (or do i really have to read the 1188 posts... i hope not)

Thanks!

I live in Summerville and have a Sammy T160 w/ garage mounted Radio shack uhf/vhf amplified antenna. I get 4-1 (@ 36%-69%) and 5-1 and 5-2 (@93% fairly constant). Occasionally I get 2-1 (@ 36%) w/ no audio. I have never gotten it with Audio.

Also, I get channel guides for 2-1 and 5-1 but nothing for 4-1. I do get the channel guide for 4 but 4-1 always says "regular programming".

I have never been able to get 24-1 or to direct tune any of the digital ota channels 24 or higher.

How do you know if a channel has been remapped or not?

Dolemite77: I'm at work so can't get too deep into this, but would gladly later. COMCAST HD is available in most parts of Charleston. If you have digital cable now, it's just a matter of switching out your box. You will need to upgrade to digital if you don't have it. Call the local office, they have been signing up people for a while now.
Your other choice is to purchase a Set-top box which is capable of receiving Over the Air (OTA) signals. You can get ABC, CBS for sure in HD. NBC was broadcasting but has had some equipment problems but should be back on soon????. FOX and UPN broadcast digitally, but with a weak signal.
We'll be glad to help you more with more specific questions.

mlkeel: If the channel doesn't show up on it's UHF assigned frequency, it's been re-mapped. For example, anything -1 with the analog channel assignment in front of it, ie 5-1 for WCSC's channel 5 digital station most likely has been re-mapped.
I have the same message on 4-1 and just haven't taken the time to figure out who is responsible for that.

I contacted Antennaweb.org and let them know about our situation here in Charleston with the stations broadcasting from different locations than they indicate on their website.

They are going to update their website to reflect our true situation based on info from the stations STA's submitted to the FCC.

The change will go in effect after the 15th of this month, or so I've been told.

If you haven't been there in a while, they've made some changes to their website to indicate your distance from the transmitters. It's a lot easier than the hoops you have to jump through on my website.

I would still like to put people on a map indicating where they are in relation to the transmitters, what antenna type they have and maybe even signal strengths. There have been a few posts lately giving some of that information, but I would welcome more. I'll use screennames and don't want your real address either. I'll get more specific about that later.

Back to work

Just received confirmation that the local PBS / SCETV station that will begin broadcasting (Channel 49) the first week of February will be DD5.1 capable.

Hey,

Thanks for the info about comcast HD. Evidently, comcast hasn't bothered to update their website about this, or i can't find it.... So what would you guys recommend... OTA or comcast HD in charleston? I guess i would like HBO HD so comcast would be the only way to go there. What does comcast charge for that? Right now, i just have standard cable with the sixty some channels and HBO. Not digital. Does comcast have any HD upgrade promos running right now? Again, very new at this I am, so thanks for any input!

Mark

dolemite77:
I live on Johns Island and use DirecTV. I have the HIRD E-86 box from Hughes and pick up the 3 major networks OTA . Im very happy with it. DirecTV offers a decent HD package. I guess the decision comes down to wether you want to spend the money to own your own HD STB with DirecTV or rent one from Comcast.

At my location, Comcast is not an option so the choice was easy. Ive had Comcast in other areas of Charleston and I think i prefer the picture quality of DirecTV over Comcast anyway. Hope this helps.

Mike

dolemite77 I agree with shuttermaker look into Direct TV or dishnetwork. A few weeks ago my daughter got a new Dish 811 and a standard 2nd rec. w free install for under $100 with rebates. She now can get local HDTV and Sat HDTV. If you go with off air,save time put up a good outside ant. like the CM 4228. If you move you can take it with you, forget cable it is unable.
Jim

There are pros and cons to each cable and satellite. I can say that I have DirecTV and COMCAST and I've done several A / B picture quality comparisons over the last three months for the HD Channels and don't see much of a difference in quality. If anything, ESPN-HD on the satellite seems a little "softer".

Awesome, this sounds exciting, but I still don't know what way I would go as far as cable or satellite. What are the rate comparisons of these?

Does anyone have any info on the Dish 921 receiver? They finally show it on their web site, but when you call customer service, they have no information on it.

Randy

921s are hard to find, Dish depot in Fl did have some last week www.dishdepot.com

gbff123: go to this link:

http://www.satelliteone.com/dish/store/dish_player-dvr_921.pdf

dolemite77: i'll have to pull bills and get back to you.

Just received an email from Eldon at WCSC:

Mike,
I just received word from CBS. They are sending the DD5.1 equipment this week. I am very hopeful we will have it in by the super bowl.

Eldon

That's great news out of WCSC getting 5.1 in time for Superbowl. Also great is Eldon just keeping us informed of their updates. WCBD on the other hand doesn't even respond regarding HD or their PSIP problem. Apparently it is up to the local station to ensure that their pointers to virtual stations are updated with DirectTV. I had hoped that WCBD had just overlooked updating their info and that would correct the remapping problem on my receiver and my email would have them look into it. However I don't know if anything even happened with my email to the GM.

We should all be happy that the Superbowl is on CBS/WCSC this year. If it looks as good as their playoff games we are in for a treat, especially if the Patriots make it:D

Andy

I agree with everything you say except for that part about the Patriots :D

Any info about what the rate comparisons are between comcast HD, or directTV / dish network HD? I just got my HDTV last week, and would like to have service by Superbowl... Thanks for any info!

Dolemite: Check your Private Messages

KTrout, Thanks alot...

So around $50 a month for Comcast HD? and that includes cable modem? Anyone else have Comcast HD service? How much $ / month?

I was asked to post his:

Please Note:

I have just discovered that the software upgrades necessary to implement the DVI output on the HD DVR (SA 8000HD) will not be implemented until March.

I apologize for any miscommunication on this issue and regret any inconvenience that may have resulted.

Diana Smith
Director of Marketing for Video Services
Time Warner Cable South Carolina

Thanks for keeping us in the loop Bruce.

Got a reply regarding WCBD-DT.

They are supposively fully functional. All the required work was completed over the holidays.

Could someone please verify that shows on this evening starting at 9 pm (I looked it up) are in HD and check the audio as well? I would appreciate a quick post w/ comments or just stating that they're in HD.

Thanks

WCBD-DT is NOT in HD. And the audio in NOT 5.1.

They could broadcast HD months ago. You had to call them and ask to flip the switch and then a few weeks later they aid they couldn't any longer due to commercial or something like that. I have seen WCBD-DT in HD a few times before but only after I called and never otherwise.

Master Control just indicated that they are still waiting on software upgrades to broadcast in HD. I will pass this on and we'll see what happens.

By the way, I need to correct myself, the local SCETV channel has the call letters of WITV instead of whatever I gave earlier. (Like I'm sure this affects a lot of people, I can see people busting out their erasers now)

Thanks for the feedback.

The signal from WCBD to Johns Island is sketchy at best. When it did come in long enough to make a determination, I saw no HD and did not hear DD5.1

Anybody know when the might be increasing their signal strength?

You're looking at 18 months at a MINIMUM.

I just sent 9 emails to various department heads at WCBD. It reads as follows:

When can lowcountry viewers expect a stronger digital signal and an overall improvement in digital broadcasting from WCBD? You are currently transmitting at 10.8kw@685 feet. All we really need is 20kw @ about 1500 ft. Sure would like to see WCBD make an effort to match WCSC and WCIV.

WCSC is at 1000kW @ 1709 ft.

WCIV is at 20kW @1712 ft.

Doppler Radar was sufficient. Why spend the money on Viper when you could have used it for High Definition?

Mike
Johns Island

My conspiracy theory comes to life!

Oh by the way, I've been meaning to let everyone know for a while now that COMCAST now has program guide data for INHD and INHD2. Thanks.

AND I just checked and www.antennaweb.org now has updated information regarding broadcast directions for the local stations. One day early even.

As previously confirmed no HD tonight on Law and Order or Leno. Also the audio was 2.0. I get a good signal from WCBD so I look forward to their HD signal. However, they have not responded to me regarding the PSIP data so maybe KTrout can you talk to your source at WCBD and have them update their info with DirectTV. That is the responsibility of the engineer at the local stations according to D*. Thanks, let us know when to check again.

Andy

Anyone notice the request for email from WCSC HDTV viewers last night during CSI. I wrote in, and we all should let them know how great their signal and reliability is. If you missed it the email was HDTV@WCSC.com

They have had that on for the last few days, I for one will let them know they are the only HDTV station that knows what they are doing.
Jim

The antennaweb made some big changes a few weeks ago and is now useless for most of us. It was listing all the stations for Charleston and Savannah. Now it does not list any for Charleston only one of the 2 full power stations in Sav. but does list 2 not on the air yet and one low power station that I can not get.
They say I need a red ant for the for the low power station that I can not get in Sav and do not list the full power station that has on for 1 1/2 yrs and can be picked up with a paper clip.

I replied to the WCSC request and got a nice thank you reply from Eldon. They're also doing a survey of HDTV viewers, there's a second e-mail reply you'll get with a link to it. Looks like they're trying to get some hard numbers on who's really watching. The more folks that respond to that, the more ammunition they'll have to improve the system even more (although compared to everyone else they're so far ahead it's not even funny). Let your voice be heard!

Thanks for posting the info request for WCSC, I have not seen the request myself.

Antennaweb has a problem with their database right now as WCBD-DT does not show up. I'm working with them right now trying to correct it.

Of the 9 emails i recently sent to WCBD, I received 1 reply. How appropriate that the lone reply came from the IT Dept. I knew that the IT department would have nothing to do with High Definition but you know what they say about the "squeaky wheel". The response i received said they would pass the email along to the appropriate people. What a joke

Everyone is probably aware of this, but just in case..... NFL in HD, 3 pm this afternoon on WCSC-DT.

For any newcomers or for those that haven't done it yet, please take two minutes to complete WCSC's poll regarding HD reception. Thanks.

http://www.wcsc.com/about_us/HDTV_survey.cfm

Ok, so i called comcast and they are scheduled to be out here this Saturday morning to install the HD box... Right now, I don't have anything but straight out of the wall cable. No digital cable. I thought it would be alot more expensive, but it's only 5 bucks more she said. Now, does anyone know what kind of equipment they will be installing? What make/model of HD box? thanks!

Mark

More than likely it will be a Scientific Atlanta Model 3100HD box.

Here's a web link: http://www.sciatl.com/customers/source/745880.pdf

What is up with 5.1/5.2 just got home from a few days in NC. NO 5.1, put in as 47 now it comes in but does not remap to 5.1???

As of this post. No problems with WCSC, or remapping

Shuttermaker/oljim,

I am also not getting 5-1 and 5-2 as of today. I also cannot direct tune channel 47 - says channel not available. Interestingly though I am still getting a 93% signal on 5-1 and 2 even though I have no picture or audio. I am now getting 2-1 video fairly reliably although I still am not getting audio.

Funny thing is I get HDTV on 47.2 and radar on 47.1 my stb says 5.1/5.2 not found

5-1 appeared to lose signal around 8:55 pm. I actually had the guide up and it disappeared while I was moving around in the guide. I still get 100% on the STB for 5-1 but no picture as of 9:50. I wonder if they have a PSIP guide problem, based on what others are noticing regarding remapping and picture problems.

Andy

Still seeing 5.1 and 5.2.

I see this as a sign of progress. Eldon and staff probably started trying to integrate new 5.1 audio equipment today. I would have waited until after the playoff game on Sunday as well in case I screwed something up. Why the channel designation changed for some, I don't know, but it's a possible explanation.

OK, I've been out of the loop for a while and now I'm confused. What is PSIP and what are the DirecTV issues everyone is talking about with remapping and WCBD?
Since about a week after I emailed Directv and complained about the WCBD issue I used to have (Channel 59 vs. 50) in November the guide started working correctly for WCBD. WCIV still doesn't work. (It remaps correctly but only shows "Regular Schedule) Is there some other issue going on that I'm unaware of ?
Also I've read about sound issues with WCBD. I haven't had any sound issues. I always get WCBD in DD 2.0

LuvThatHDTV,
I'll tell you what I know. I also called DirectTV recently to complain about the PSIP guide data and an audio problems with WCBD. I guess back in November, they reset somthing and the guide info appeared but the WCBD-DT station associated with the guide remapping has no audio. I use a Samsung TS-160 STB. I haven't had audio since I had guide data reappear. I found a work around and that is to Set the Dish type to "No Dish" and rescan. Without the PSIP guide data the remapping is different and 2-1 had audio.

When I contacted DirectTV about the problem, I was told that it was up to the local stations to provide correct guide data (PSIP) and virtual station remapping. I have had no response to request for information HD and PSIP updating with two different emails to WCBD in the last week.

It sounds like you are able to get both guide data and audio through your D* STB. What type do you have? I am hoping that when WCBD gets their HD software problems fixed the guide info will also be updated with D* and we will solve these issues.

With tonight's problem, since there is apparently no picture on 5-1 but the signal is still 100%, it may be some kind of remapping issue and as far as I can tell this is related to PSIP data. KTrout has indicated that WCSC is updating their audio to 5.1, and it might be that the PSIP disruptionis related to that work.

Andy

From ATSC document:

"Program and System Information Protocol (PSIP) is data that is transmitted along with a station's DTV signal that tells DTV receivers important information about the station and what is being broadcast. The most important function of PSIP is to provide a method for DTV receivers to identify a DTV station and to determine how a receiver can tune to it. PSIP identifies both the DTV channel and the associated NTSC (analog) channel. It helps maintain the current channel branding because DTV receivers will electronically associate the two channels making it easy for viewers to tune to the DTV station even if they do not know the channel number.

In addition to identifying the channel number, PSIP tells the receiver whether multiple program channels are being broadcast and, if so, how to find them. It identifies whether the programs are closed captioned, conveys V-chip information, if data is associated with the program, and much more. If broadcasters do not include properly encoded PSIP data in their DTV signals, receivers may not correctly identify and tune to the station. Therefore, it is vital that all broadcasters understand PSIP and include the data in their DTV stations signals. PSIP is a mandatory Advanced Television Systems Committee (ATSC) Standard."

And for all you hardcore people, please see attached Broadcast Engineer article from June 2001 on the basics of PSIP

Thanks KTrout for the info regarding PSIP info. It does explain how the wrong PSIP info would cause DirectTV to either give the correct information for a stations like WCSC-DT or no information WCIV-DT. And it is consistent with the problems with WCBD. An it shows why it is important that the local engineers get the PSIP info correct.

I will continue to pursue WCBD about their PSIP info, and hope that it resolves the problems with the audio on the correctly mapped station.

Andy

5.1/5.2 is back the way it should be. It comes up with 5.1 if I enter 47 or 5 on STB and locks very fast.

AndrewG and KTrout:
Thanks guys, I sure do appreciate it. I hate being out of the loop for so long. (just got back from honeymoon cruise and my laptop needed it's motherboard replaced before that)
I have the Sony HD200 receiver. Up until around November my guide used to show 3 WCBD's. 1 for the analog signal, 1 for where WCBD-DT was supposed to be (which showed the correct programming, just on the wrong channel) and 1 for where it actually was (50). Of course, the one for 50 only said "Regular Schedule", just like 4.1 does now. Then a few days after I emailed directv it just started working correctly for WCBD. I didn't have to do any kind of setup or channel add or anything. I also explained to DirecTv the problem with WCIV, but obviously nothing happened with that. Then again their reply to me was to unplug the receiver from the wall and wait 5 minutes, then they said I should call since it's usually easier to work on problems over the phone than in email. I replied to them that the problem isn't in my receiver and rebooting won't fix anything. I told them that if they don't understand the problem to keep forwarding the email to someone else until they found someone who understood the problem. I never heard back from them after that; so I doubt my email actually had any effect.
But since it started working correctly for WCBD I haven't had any audio problems. My receiver remaps 50 to 2.1 and I get Dolby Digital 2.0 for the audio. I have also not seen any HD on 2.1 yet.
I also had 5.1 and 5.2 go away last night even though the signal still showed normal. Today it is back to normal, with DD 2.0 for the audio.

Turns out my theory on why the PSIP went haywire was correct. WCSC was trying to integrate the 5.1 equipment. Looks like it might be in place now but can't say for sure until CBS sources a 5.1 signal.

Just replaced my Radio Shack antenna with a Channel Master 4228. WOW!!! I now get 100 signal strength on CBS, ABC, and 79 strength on NBC without rotating the antenna. I also for the first time have reception from FOX although, its only at a strength of 40 (not viewable at this strength). My girlfriend said it looks like a giant fly swatter...lol

Glad to hear it Shuttermaker. You might be able to direct more at FOX since other stations come in so well and improve your readings there.

Just out of curiousity, how far are you away from FOX?

Since there are no more football games on FOX..i think i will just leave it at the position to best pick up the big 3. Mapquest says im about 16.5 miles from the FOX studio

We should get to see (hear:D ) if WCSC's DD upgrade worked tonight, right? I haven't seen my receiver detect DD 5.1 yet on WCSC, I see it on WCIV. CSI should be a 5.1 show correct? I guess we will wait and see.

PSIP update, no response from either theh GM or Engineer at WCBD, no response from the Engineer at WCIV. Will try again to contact WCIV directly, I last tried a few days ago through their web page, but I will send email to the engineering department.

Not that it makes it okay, but if you read some of the other programming forums you see that a lot of stations all over the country and in larger cities than Charleston, have problems keeping their PSIP data updated. So we should appreciate the expert work that goes on with Eldon and WCSC that much more

Andy

"CSI should be a 5.1 show correct?"

Nope. To my knowledge, the only production CBS does in 5.1 is sports or musical specials. None of the prime time schedule is done in 5.1.

Dan Stalnaker
Director of Technology/Operations
WLTX-TV;WLTX-DT
Columbia,SC

Hi Dan,
Nice to see an expert on the forum. Since you are here I have a question. WCIV here always appears as 5.1 during Primetime, does ABC have their shows produced/broadcast in 5.1 are they just upconverting a standard stereo signal.

Thanks,
Andy

Andy,
I am not sure. I can ask an ABC Engineer I know from Charlotte though and get back with you.

Dan Stalnaker
Director of Technology/Operations
WLTX-TV;WLTX-DT
Columbia,SC

ABC does broadcast most of their shows in 5.1, but I believe most of them, especially sitcoms, are "upconverted". It seems like most of them don't take advantage of it though. But then again, why go through the trouble of only having a laughtrack on the rear surrounds for example? Some of ABC's shows like Alias did use the rears from time to time. At least about six months ago they did, I haven't seen it in that long.

As Dan indicated CBS does not source a lot of 5.1 and that's why Eldon was asking CBS for a test signal.

Dan: Thanks for taking the time to visit Charlestons thread. I notice you contribute on the Columbia thread and it is appreciated.

AndrewG:
WCIV is ALWAYS in DD 5.1 (even during commercials), but usually only has sound coming from the front 2 channels. I personally would like it better if they only broadcast DD 5.1 when they had 5.1 source material, that way Pro Logic II would work when only stereo was broadcast, without me having to make changes to my stereo receiver.