Well it wouldn't have to be simultaneous but I would like to press a few buttons on the remote. I don't think the wife will be able to get a grip on:
with the unit off press the "info and guide" buttons simutlaneously and follow the onscreen instrctions to program the output and video choices.

I sure hope this is fixed with a firmware upgrade.

I wonder the the pronto can be programmed for that one? just kidding.

I recorded with it set up for Component 720P HD, then I rebooted and set it up for the S-video 480i and replayed the program on the TV and it worked.
So I guess it will record in a native format and replay in whatever you have the box set up for.

Shuttermaker,

I'm on James Island by Fort Lamar. Get my reception from a silver sensor in the attic.

Is anyone else having a problem with their SA8000HD when they go to onDemand? The first time I go to onDemand each day I get a notice saying that the software needs upgrading and to not unplug the box until its done. It then shuts down and proceeds to count down from about 600 on the display, does a few other counts and then reboots. The whole process takes about 10 minutes. OnDemand then works fine until the next day.

-Brian

haven't tried On demand but I will and let you know.

Well, while I haven't heard from WTAT regarding their HD equipment and / or their increase in power / move, they are broadcasting a HD signal with DD 5.1 as detected by me today during the Falcons/Cardinals Game today.

I am using a Silver Sensor in my Family room and my Samsung TS160 receiver. I had just tuned it today to watch the digital SD signal but once I locked it in I was very pleasantly surprised to see the game in HD. I get about 69% on my Samsung signal meter, I am going to install an amp this week, because I get signal breakups when the wind blows. I will also try to retune my Rat Shack antenna in the attic. I am in West Ashley probably 5-6 miles from the towers, so I may be one of the few who can get it at low power, but I will let you all know how my tuning this week goes, incase others want to try to get it tuned in.

Maybe they are still working it out since they are not advertising HD on their web page or responding to emails, but I am hopeful for the Superbowl and MLB playoffs. Also, maybe Comcast will start to carry it once they show conversion/committment to HD.

Didn't Comcast carry the local ETV PBSHD before they were broadcasting OTA?

Andy

Why can't they broadcast a HD NFL game on their DT station and whatever local game they wan't to cover on their regular station? NBC was able to do this with the Olympics. I really enjoyed all the games of Week 1 and Week 2 (double header in HD).

Now only if local FOX could get into gear I'd be a real happy man on Sundays.

Andrew,

That's great. Good to hear you've got a signal. Let us know how things progress with the amplifier. I too tend to get on and off signal breakups, so I'm curious if it works.

Maybe you can run a cable over to James Island for me, so I too can get FOX in HD. LOL.

Originally posted by weezer
Is anyone else having a problem with their SA8000HD when they go to onDemand? The first time I go to onDemand each day I get a notice saying that the software needs upgrading and to not unplug the box until its done. It then shuts down and proceeds to count down from about 600 on the display, does a few other counts and then reboots. The whole process takes about 10 minutes. OnDemand then works fine until the next day.

-Brian

My 8000HD stopped working with OnDemand last week. It would try to step up connection then hang and give an error text box. I didn't get the software message or a reboot. Manually rebooting didn't fix it. I had a technician out on Friday who didn't bring a new box, because they didn't tell him, but he said my signal was excellent so he didn't know why I couldn't get the two way signal. He was going to have people at the headend try to contact my box on Monday and see what they can tell. If others are having problems let Comcast know, maybe it is a software conflict.


Andy

Originally posted by lancer1991
Why can't they broadcast a HD NFL game on their DT station and whatever local game they wan't to cover on their regular station? NBC was able to do this with the Olympics. I really enjoyed all the games of Week 1 and Week 2 (double header in HD).

Now only if local FOX could get into gear I'd be a real happy man on Sundays.

The network tells them which games they have to carry on their analog channel, and last year this might have been an option, but from what I understand from Eldon at WCSC, the FCC regulations have changed so that the stations are required to carry the same programming on their DT/HD station that they have on analog. Last year it was different, they could carry different programming on each station, that's why they had the Masters on during the day on the digital station while they had soaps on the analog. It isn't WCSC's fault, except that they could perhaps try to make sure they always were assigned the game that was going to be in HD for their analog station.

Andy

AndrewG, Great Catch! FOX 24 Does look good to me. In hanahan I'm getting a 93%, Can't remember what I was getting before. Definitely looks HD.

Weezer, On another note, I tried the Video On Demand and it came right up the first time.

Why no CBS HD NFL football on TWC today?

Originally posted by lancer1991
On the golf coverage apparently the high def cameras are cumbersome so they only set them up in stationary areas and use standard def cameras to roam the course.

In regards to my issue with ABC and the 2 lines on digital pictures, I'm getting them now on Extreme Home Makeover if anyone can look for me and I've linked a picture here (http://mywebpages.comcast.net/cmhomer/abclines.jpg) .

This is an older comment but these lines that you are talking about are on both the Comcast feed and on the OTA, so it must be something at WCIV. They are there all the time, and they seem to flash. I think you can only see it on very light backgrounds and I am surprised others haven't noticed it. Anyway, lancer, you are not the only one seeing this.

Andy

So much for the 2nd half of the Colts -Packers game. I'm in Mt. Pleasant, aimed the metal towards the WTAT signal with good strength, 70% or so. I had coax everywhere !

Their 5.1 was right on, sounded great. Did anyone notice CBS's game last Sunday? Came across as 3.2.1 but sounded like I was in a trash can.

And how about the last 10 minutes of the Texans-Chiefs game in HD. "Geez, we're sorry, but do to NFL's policy, we can't show you the last 2 minutes !!!"

Sorry for all the sports talk.

No need to apologize for the sports talk, it makes HD shine. I assume your discussion of the second half of the Colts-Packers games was the loss of the HD signal. With about 9 minutes to go in the third quarter, they had a freeze and when it came back it was stretched SD. No addition HD for the remainder. I hope that they were just testing things out and they are intending a full rollout.

Andy

That's outstanding about FOX. I'm happy to be wrong. I didn't think they would be broadcasting so soon. Guess we need to wait and see if it was simply a test..... Andy could you please continue to monitor and let us all know. If they did go full time and COMCAST did not pick up their signal then I might consider going into the antenna erecting business.

Andrew is correct about WCSC's broadcasting choices. Unfortunately even though the transition to full digital has been put off by the FCC, the restrictions regarding program broadcasting have not. They have to comply and therefore cannot "double" broadcast. I assure you that Eldon and staff do everything possible to broadcast HD shows etc.

Andy did you see an increase in FOX's transmission strength as well?

Oops almost forgot, I've never experienced any problems with ON-Demand and the 8000HD.

My wife actually watched the Tennessee-Florida game last weekend with me. She was struck by the clarity and colors, I was struck that she even watched football with me !!!

Yeah, bummer with the second half. Watched the olympics, golf, now football. Would love to see MLB playoffs in HD but can find any info on that.

Recently posted about all of the emails sent to WTAT, I too sent one. Told them I would get a bunch of us and we'd get the tower done ourselves. Thought a little humor would get a response, but na....

Originally posted by AndrewG
My 8000HD stopped working with OnDemand last week. It would try to step up connection then hang and give an error text box. I didn't get the software message or a reboot. Manually rebooting didn't fix it. I had a technician out on Friday who didn't bring a new box, because they didn't tell him, but he said my signal was excellent so he didn't know why I couldn't get the two way signal. He was going to have people at the headend try to contact my box on Monday and see what they can tell. If others are having problems let Comcast know, maybe it is a software conflict.


Andy

I'm having the same problem with TNTHD. Every time I hit the channel the box gives me the same message.

Anyone else notice the NFL Network on COMCAST Channel 168 last night?

(Or is this old news?)

KTrout, I didn't but wasn't looking. I was already trying to watch two CSI and Cowboys.

Originally posted by KTrout
Anyone else notice the NFL Network on COMCAST Channel 168 last night?

(Or is this old news?)

I noticed it about about a week or so ago, and that is why I was interested in the VOD. My brother in MA, has Comcast, and the NFL network has highlights in the VOD. You can watch highlights from anygame from that week (not in HD, unfortunately) in about 10-12 minutes. Very cool. That would be the best feature of the NFL network if Comcast here is carrying it. Ktrout, can you check that out OnDemand. Still waiting for them to come out Friday to swap boxes to see if that fixes VOD.

Another feature he had, was College football OnDemand, he said that just had started last week. They had Michigan Replay, (the Michigan coaches show) and some similar ones from the SEC. He lives in Massachusetts, so there is no reason to carry those shows locally, so I hope this is a Comcast national thing. Anyone with their VOD please check this

The regular NFL network is okay Game of the week is cool. I had it when I had DirectTV and they would show the game of the week in HD on one of their other channels. I hope Comcast tries that.

More NFL good news from WCSC, they will have the Bills-Patriots game in HD this week at 1:00 pm.

Andy

Even better NFL HD news, according to TitanTV, we will get three HD games this Sun.

Bills-Patriots @ 1 on WCSC
Jets-Dolphins @ 4 on WCSC
Carolina-Atlanta @ 4 on FOX

Has anyone ever received a response from FOX. I have emailed them several times about HD and never gotten a response. I even emailed Sinclair and also got nothing. Just curious if anyone has heard back from them.

Andy: There is college VOD. Some game replays. Some game recaps. From the ACC and SEC. Didn't see any NFL VOD. Yet.

JKSC: I have not heard anything from FOX. Have a call in, will see what happens.

Has anyone NOT noticed NFL Network on TWC? :(

Thanks andy for confirming my ABC issue. I was starting to think it was my TV.

I did notice the tin can sound of the CBS NFL broadcast a couple of weeks ago. If I remember right, it was both games. I still haven't seemed to get my digital audio going right yet. I seem to get better audio (sound level and more of an apperance that it is in surround) with my receiver at RCA audio. Whenever I click over to my digital optical audio, the volume level decreases and I can barely hear anything from the rear speakers. It's actually kind of wierd that while watching through my digital comcast box, I have to crank up the volume to hear things, but when I go to an OTA signal it is super loud, and then clicking over to digital audio for OTA, its low again.

I recorded law and order tonight and starting watching it a little after 11:00. The picture and sound track was way out of sync. Somewhere I read to reboot the box to correct this I did that but it did not help. the sound was about 3 or 4 seconds behind the lips!

Finally about half way through I zipped a commerical and when it came back we were not in HD any longer and the sound was fine. I also noticed Leno was not in HD .

Is this a SA 8000 problem, a TW problem, or the NBC HD channel problem? I live in Myrtle Beach so we get Columbia NBC HD

My guess would be that it was the channel. However, I didn't see a post on it in the Columbia thread.

I've experience the box audio delay, but it was only 1/2 to 1 seconds. The fact that they came back in SD seems to point that they had a snyc problem that they couldn't fix.

Has FOX broadcast anything else in HD since the weekend?

I finally called WIS and they said it was their problem and they are working on correcting it

Originally posted by kjpjr
I recorded law and order tonight and starting watching it a little after 11:00. The picture and sound track was way out of sync. Somewhere I read to reboot the box to correct this I did that but it did not help. the sound was about 3 or 4 seconds behind the lips!

Finally about half way through I zipped a commerical and when it came back we were not in HD any longer and the sound was fine. I also noticed Leno was not in HD .

Is this a SA 8000 problem, a TW problem, or the NBC HD channel problem? I live in Myrtle Beach so we get Columbia NBC HD

My guess: either NBC or WIS-DT had a problem. You said you rebooted your box so that pretty much eliminated it being the source. I do not know if the network was at fault but I don't see any posts over at AVS/Programming discussing NBC problems.

So perhaps it was strictly a WIS-DT problem. They do have a recent history of audio sync problems though the past couple of nights it has bee okay (save Monday night when we lost ABC, CBS and NBC DT presumably due to bad weather). We in the Columbia forum had been noting and commenting for some time regarding WIS-DTs lip sync difficulties. No one commented there last night (reasons???). I personally did not watch NBC-DT last night so I do not know.

Regardless, PLEASE call or email WIS-DT explaining your experience. The more they hear about problems from area viewers the better the chance we have they will fix the problem!

Barry Ahrendt
Director of Marketing and Programming
WIS Television (803-799-1010)
BAHRENDT@wis-tv.com

Ken Thayer,
Chief Engineer
WIS Television (803-799-1010)
kthayer@wis-tv.com

Originally posted by kjpjr
I finally called WIS and they said it was their problem and they are working on correcting it
Ah, good. You had the answer before I got my comment posted. Let me reiterate that the more they hear from us the better.

Hi everyone. Just found this thread and have found it very helpful. I didn't know Comcast was now offering the 8000 in Charleston. I would like to get one.

However, does anyone who has one, know if the 8000 has firewire ports in the back? I love the 3250 I have now because I am able to archive material to DVHS and HDD through its firewire ports.

If not, does anyone think that Comcast will deny my request to have both the 3250 and the 8000?

Knightingale, I don't think they will deny your request but of course you'll have to pay for both. It has firewire but but I'm not sure if they are active and I don't have anything to try connecting it to. I'm enjoying using the pvr, wish I'd had it long ago.

Since the DVI port is not yet active, why would the firewire port be active ?
rick

The 8000HD does not have the firewire (or DVI) ports active. The DVI port activation is supposed to happen when they upgrade the software that will also enable the pass-through mode, which is thing I miss most from the 3250HD. That information is from people beta testing the new software in other Comcast areas. It has been said that October/November is the expected update. Of course that doesn't mean they will update here in Charleston, although they seem pretty good here. As far as I recall, there is no discussion of firewire activation.

They will let you keep both, the technician asked me when he came out, but as was said you pay for the other box ($6.95/mo ?).

Andy

Thanks for your replies AndrewG and planenut. I called today and requested an 8000. They scheduled an install date of October 12th. Yikes! I kept bugging the operator to just let me pick it up, but no such luck.

And yes, they did allow me to keep both. In fact, she was very happy to allow me to keep both.

Concerning the firewire ports on the back of the 8000, when I got the 3250, the installer said that the firewire ports on the back weren't active either. But when I hooked the box up to my Mac, I was able to record just fine. Maybe I'll have the same luck with the 8000. I'll let everyone know once I get it. Can't hardly wait!

Originally posted by knightingale
They scheduled an install date of October 12th. Yikes! I kept bugging the operator to just let me pick it up, but no such luck.

It's a kicker isn't it. You actually have a little different install since they are adding a box, but for most people they just hook up the connections you have to the 3250HD over to the 8000HD, 2 minutes, tops.


Concerning the firewire ports on the back of the 8000, when I got the 3250, the installer said that the firewire ports on the back weren't active either. But when I hooked the box up to my Mac, I was able to record just fine. Maybe I'll have the same luck with the 8000. I'll let everyone know once I get it. Can't hardly wait!

I have tried the FW with my TV and it didn't detect it. Although it had worked with the 3250HD. No one in the other forums has been able to use the FW on the 8000HD and Comcast has no word on it being activated. But I say give it a try.

One more thing for folks getting the 8000HD DVR. You really have to stress what you want to both the CSR, and especially to the Technician when they call. I had one guy who came late on Friday last week, when he gets to my house, he saw the DVR and said he didn't know that was my problem and didn't have a replacement box. They had to reschedule to today for someone to come out and swap boxes, and I talked to quite a few people about my problem. The technician calls this morning on his way over, and when I tell him I have the problem with VOD and I need a box swap, he needed to go buy the warehouse, because he didn't know I had the DVR he thought it was just the HD box.

Andy

I'd like to ask those of you pulling in FOX-HD to check out and post any broadcast info this weekend.

Thanks.

I just edited my hurried english.

Also, just had a chance to spend some time in the programming section and someone was asking about FOX broadcasting the baseball playoffs in HD?? - Looks like all games will be in HD.

[QUOTE]Originally posted by KTrout
[B]I'd like to ask those of you pulling in FOX-HD to check out and post any broadcast info this weekend.

I just got my new hdtv silver sensor antenna Friday and i can get all but 36 in hi def. Fox football sunday (atlanta versus Carolina) was AWESOME. I think my family gets tired of me commenting on how great HDTV looks.

The silver sensor is a great investment. I had tried a similar looking one from TERK but it sucked. The Silver sensor is the best indoor one I have tried.

Where can I go (website) to see what is being broadcast in HIDEF such as duting primetime, etc...? Thanks

You can go to titan tv (http://www.titantv.com) for HD lineup. I think you have to register though. Just click on the digital tab in the lineup grid.

Originally posted by KTrout
[B]I'd like to ask those of you pulling in FOX-HD to check out and post any broadcast info this weekend.


Pulled in FOX today, the Carolina-Atlanta game looked great, especially if you are an Atlanta fan.

Again, I am getting about 69% signal on my Samsung TS-160 receiver, using a Silver Sensor pointed at the studios in North Charleston. The Fox pregame show at 1:00 was in 720p HD, and the game and now the postgame show is in HD. With the SS pointed at Fox I still get NBC, ABC, CBS and PBS at varying strength (although all 75-93%) pointed 70-100 degrees away from their towers. Pretty good I think. Funny thing, I don't get 36 at all. Conversely, with my larger UHF antenna in my attic, also pointed in the general direction of the Fox/UPN tower, and running into my TV with a digital tuner, I get UPN but can't lock Fox.

While I am writing this Fox has switched to the Simpsons, and they even look great, no HD but very clean, I guess, that is because, it is sent 720p upconverted from Fox and our local just passes it. The local commercials are stretched, but I think the Fox ads are pillar boxed.

I will be tuning in the baseball this week. But it looks like Fox is doing HD. Maybe we should start contacting Comcast, (and TWC) to get them to carry Fox.

Originally posted by ysuopus33
Where can I go (website) to see what is being broadcast in HIDEF such as duting primetime, etc...? Thanks

TitanTv.com is a good link for HD (and all TV) schedules. I think you have to register the first time.

Andy

Let's not forget, WCSC and CBS still doing a great job getting us two HD games this week.

The Pats-Bills games looked great.

Andy

Thats great to hear about FOX. Sounds like last weekend wasn't a fluke and that they are still broadcasting from their location in N. Chas.

Unfortunately though, Sinclair (WTAT's owners) apparently do not have a good relationship with cable companies. On the AVS website you can find a thread detailing where Sinclair wants to charge cable companies for carriage rights. But then again, I was wrong about the timeframe for FOX broadcasting here in Charleston, maybe I'll be wrong about that as well.

And Andy, you are correct about giving WCSC some props. I know I take them for granted now-a-days.

I concur with others here, TITANTV is a good resource for HD programming info.

I will step up my search of information regarding FOX's intentions for stepping up their power.

Question: What is the furthest away that anyone out there can pick-up FOX?

Absolutely right on about WCSC. They run smoothly and without a glitch nowadays. Kudos to them for setting the standard.

Pulled in Fox over here in Longpoint with a SS aimed at them, 69% and no drops. Can get MMP but it is unwatchable.

Lancer, I decided to pull the optical cable and go with plain ole 2.0. I'm letting my receiver decode it in PLII, sounds okay and without the volume problems.

Looks like the Falcons are for real, put a whipping on those boys.

I tried to get FOX DT from Summerville (Legend Oaks) but could only get the analog for the Carolina game. The other network DT channels register in the 80s (NBC, ABC) and upper 90s (CBS,PBS).

I was getting Fox 24 at 10 am today, also UPN 36 but it did not remap to 36 but was ok on 35. PBS does not remap to 7 only as 49.1/2/3
Jim

Damn, Jim, you can really get those signals, I guess outside and high really does it for antennas.:D
What are you, 40-45 miles as the crow flies from the antenna in North Charleston?

What kind of tuner are you using? If people would include that in their descriptions of tuning in FOX that may be helpful for people considering trying to get WTAT-DTs signal.

PBS hasn't been remapping for some time, and I also see UPN as 35-1 not 36-1.

Andy

Andy I have a sami 151 tuner, old CM Quantum VHF/UHF ant with amp on 36 ft tower and 9521 rotor. I am 58 miles from 36 and 24. 71 miles from big towers up on Hy 17 (WCSC)
Jim

I have a CM4228, 2 RS U75, 1 RS U120 and some others just to play with but nothing will match the old 1160 Quantum (18 ft long)

Andrew, I'm using a Silver Sensor with a 10db RS amp and power injector from my living room. It runs thru a Motorola ota box. I borrowed a compass from my son, something he got at Wonder Works for about $5, aim the nose of the SS to 280 degrees right thru the living room window. Steady sig for WTAT.

Speaking of remapping, for about 10 minutes last weekend, PBS came in 32.1.
Isn't that a PBS station in Sumter? I hit my favorites, pressed 49.03 and came back with that. Weird.

Is there a way to fast forward 30 seconds on the Scientific Atlanta box like there is with a TIVO? I have the Comcast version if it makes a difference.

There is no official 30 second skip on the Comcast boxes, I think I read that the cable companies don't like that and keep SA from putting it in. I have read that some people had written macros for 30second skip for the SD version of the SA 8000 but that the code wasn't working for the new boxes. You might find some info on that in the two 8000HD threads in the HDTV recorders forum.

Andy

Thanks AndrewG

I thought i read that HD channels and SD channels in the same market are required to show the same content? Maybe my memory is incorrect.

On TWC we are watching Dolphins - Patriots in SD in the garage.

We are also watching Colts - Raiders in HD in the living room.

Well, scratch that...they've changed HD to Dolphins - Patriots.


Oh well.

At least you are getting it in HD. I am not here. I have paid for it but I am not getting it.

I thought the NE - MIA games was HD, but I'm only get SD OTA.

There are some major differences in its capabilities and other DVRs (namely Tivo).

I guess this is just an FYI to anyone thinking of getting one...

- We have already discussed the lack of 30 sec. FFW button, which, for me, is not that big of a deal.

- When you are watching a recorded program, you lose the "info" info on the program. It's there in your recorded list, but not when you are watching the program. Again, not a huge deal, but bad design/coding.

- You can't start at the beginning of a program that's currently being recorded. For instance, if I had come in late to the Braves game today, I would have liked to start watching at the beginning and then catch up to the live broadcast sometime later in the game. The 8000HD will only let you jump in on the live feed, then allows you to RW back to the beginning. With a typical program, that's annoying. With a sports program, it's not even a viable option. Every other recorded program has a "watch from the beginning" option.

- The DVR can't intelligently resolve recording conflicts. (Assume 1 tuner for simplicity here) Let's say you want to record The Daily Show and Family Guy at 11pm. Tivo would realize there is a conflict and then look for additional airings of the two shows. It would find The Daily Show at 1am and reschedule the recording. Once more, this is not a huge deal, especially since the 8000HD has two tuners, but is representative of the great functionality available in DVRs on the market that the 8000HD lacks.

With all of this said, I have more shows piling up than I will be able to watch, and I would rather have it than not have it...

I dont believe im watching it in HD either. There is no 5.1 surround sound. The Colts game looked to be in HD while it was available.

Other than picture quality, how do you know if youre watching HD content on the 8000 HD box from TWC?

Hit the # button until it says normal. Is the picture 4x3 or 16x9?

If you have a widescreen TV and bars are down the side, then it isn't HD.

When you can read the manufacturers logo on the jersey from the full field camera, you're in HD. That's what really blows my mind about HD, is the clarity in the small details.

Did local CBS have problems with the signal or is it a typo on TitanTV?

i recently moved to goose creek (on the naval weapons station). i have comcast hdtv, but i am having trouble getting some ota channels. i do have the somewhat infamous terk HDTVi antenna which allows me to get cbs and pbs dtv very well, but i cannot get fox or upn dtv at all. does anyonne know what headings i need to point my antenna at in order to receive these well? i'm really wanting to receive fox so i can watch HD football games that i can't get on comcast.

The Patriots-Miami game was supposed to be in HD, according to the CBS web site. In the programming forum other people reported seeing the game in HD, but here we got SD. It was funny, the Indy game started locally and both the Comcast guide and Titan reported the Patriots game on the schedule. I tried to call WCSC and complain, but only could leave a message. 5 minutes later they had switched over to the SD version of the game. Must have been a screw up at WCSC, and they didn't flip over to HD when they switched to the Pats-Miami game. It was unfortunate, too, because the SD picture was especially poor, worse than usual.

Andy

I just figured out that I'm 12 miles from the FOX tower according to the map linked below. Amazing that the signal is that low that it doesn't go that far.

Dooger,

You can check out the map here (http://www.markuyak.com/schdtv/schdtv.htm) . Just click at the top for the antenna locator. Looks like somewhat south would be your direction to aim. I'm sure others will chime in as to their success with reception of FOX and UPN in your area. I'm on James Island and can't get them.

Originally posted by dooger
i recently moved to goose creek (on the naval weapons station). i have comcast hdtv, but i am having trouble getting some ota channels. i do have the somewhat infamous terk HDTVi antenna which allows me to get cbs and pbs dtv very well, but i cannot get fox or upn dtv at all. does anyonne know what headings i need to point my antenna at in order to receive these well? i'm really wanting to receive fox so i can watch HD football games that i can't get on comcast.

I would recommend getting a Silver Sensor for OTA unless you want to use a larger outdoor antenna, but for its size it really works. And it is useful since you can rotate it between the low power channels not on Comcast, WCBD (NBC) and FOX. Basically, for Fox you need to aim at their studio in North Charleston. Ktrout has a page, I can get the link tomorrow, which shows you the actual lat and longitude setting, and you can then calculate the direction from your house. But for best guess, you need to aim at approximately the intersection of I26 and I526 for Fox. For WCBD, they are also broadcasting at low power from their studio, which is at the base of the Cooper River Bridge.

For anyone trying to get FOX with a Silver Sensor. I find that I get it best with the antenna rotated 90 degrees in the holder so the elements are vertical. For all other channels I find that it works best with the elements horizontal. I don't have an explanation, but it really works significantly better for FOX.

lancer1991,

i checked on antennaweb.org and it puts me at about 7.5 miles from the tower at about 220 degrees. i even extended the antenna out my door, but had no luck. i really have been wanting the fox hd football and baseball playoffs.

Hi Dooger -

There may be an obstacle in your path between Goose Creek and the Fox Studio on I 26.

Have you been able to raise your antenna to over ten feet or so?

Not sure if you're in a home or apartment, but UHF signals - especially at low power are not very robust if attenuated by buildings or even trees in some cases. A simple solution may be to add an inline UHF amplifier to your antenna feed.

Regards-
Mike

Hey - I just cleaned out my in basket - sorry for the inconvenience to the person trying to PM me.

To All: Just got an e-mail from WCSC explaining the broadcast problem on Sunday. They were assigned the NE-Miami game and are required to show it on both analog and digital channels. The operator mistakenly pulled a game being broadcast in HD from the CBS satellite and initially put in on 47 until he realized that was not allowed.

Dooger: I think the advice given by AndrewG and Mike will lead you to the promised land. Be patient as well. Good luck.

Apparently there is some confusion as to the broadcast this weekend and it was the operator at WCSC that was in error. Steps have been taken to clarify the procedures. Andrew has additional information on this subject.

(I was not even aware of the problem as I did not attempt to watch any HD NFL football yesterday)

Andrew, thanks for the tip on the SS. Reception was poor here this weekend, maybe the weather.

Dooger, I bought a 10db amp with power injector from Radio Shack, without it, I can't get FOX at all. Hope that helps.

Sorry to double post.

Dooger, is the Terk you have amplified already? If so, disregard my suggestion of the amp, might do more harm than good. Sears in Citadel Mall had plenty of Silver Sensors for $39.

Watching MNF and 5.1 is cutting in and out. Anyone else experiencing this?

Hi There,

On the road again to a meeting. Back in the office Friday morning.

Any cable issue, please call Customer Service at 866-892-7201.

Thanks.

Finally able to pick up FOX tonight OTA with a SS. Pulled it out of its cradle and moved it up into the peak of my roof rafters rather than on floor of the attic. Hopefully it just isn't the cool clear night that allowed me to get the signal. DD 5.1 comes in better on FOX than ABC. On ABC I barely hear my rears and the whole audio decrease. FOX decreased a little, but all speakers firing at the same level.

New HD channel for Comcast!!

Well, not really, but i was flicking the remote, and channel 930 came up as a widescreen HD still image and it says inhd... Why is that there?

For me, channel 930 is the channel used in conjunction with the PVR.

Not sure why it's showing you what you have. Do you have a PVR? Maybe if you don't that's what it indicates.

No, i have the 8000 HD. I was going down on the channel button, and it went from 02, 01, then 930. It's a widescreen image of ducks flying and an ocean in the background. INHD's logo is in the bottom right.

Originally posted by dolemite77
No, i have the 8000 HD. I was going down on the channel button, and it went from 02, 01, then 930. It's a widescreen image of ducks flying and an ocean in the background. INHD's logo is in the bottom right.

That is definitely the PVR channel. Maybe you had INHD tuned on the other tuner, while you were surfing, or maybe it was recorded when it was set up.

Did we ever find out what was causing the audio dropouts on CBS?

I used to get them with the OTA signal via a Hughes HD sat receiver. I still get them via Comcast 8000HD. They were happening about every 2 0r 3 minutes it seemed during Dr. Vegas lat night.

Looks like we'll get 2 HD NFL games this week. The Panthers-Eagles on FOX then the Steelers-Cowboys on CBS's late game. According to TitanTV no games next week will be HD. Is this right or do they not schedule which will be HD this far ahead?

On another note, did anyone notice the grainyness of the NY-BOS MLB game last night? The HOU-STL game looked good, but one or two of the late games cameras looked horrible.

Well I finally got tired of hearing everyone talk about WTAT-DT and not being able to watch for myself. Especially when one of my neighbors, who is relatively new to HD, can get WTAT-DT with a Silver Sensor. I've had one for several months now and have never gotten FOX with it. So I put up an outside antenna with a rotator.
I started with the CM StealthTenna 3010. It worked OK, but it had a loose connection or something inside it so I returned it. I used an inside amplifier with it and could not get FOX or UPN plus NBC wasn't much better than with the Silver Sensor.
I then tried a Channel Master 3020, again with the indoor amplifier. It didn't work much better than the 3010. Plus it was huge and a heluva eye-sore.
I then decided to go with a Radio Shack antenna. I didn't want anything near as big as the 3020 so I went with the 50" #15-2151. But I also opted for the RS Antenna-Mounted preamplifier/amplifier. Combined, these two cost about the same as the 3020, but work much better. I now get WTAT-DT 24.1 at about 60-65% and the signal seems pretty stable. I also get 36.1 UPN at about 40-50%. It's also stable and even viewable (for now) with few drop-outs so far.

All of the HD channels from TWC are without sound. Can anyone verify this? Or is it a problem on my end ?

I have sound now...just needed to reboot the box

So thanks to Dish Network I at least get the local fox channel now, but it would be really nice if I could get the HD feed off air. Is anyone who lives in the Summerville area in Sangaree able to pull the HD feed OTA? I just recently put up an outdoor antenna from Radio Shack, (VT-90) and have had great success with 3 out of the 5 locals that broadcast HD not counting PBS, although that is good as well. WCSC (90% all the time, weather or not) WCIV (72-74% all the time weather or not.) and WCBD about 70% all the time no problems with weather either. Any info would be great. I have pulled up antenna web and everything, and just haven't been able to get the FOX/UPN feeds yet.

Thanks,

Scott

Scott,

Are you using any kind of amplifier? With your distance from their tower I'm pretty sure you'll need one.

Construction has started out at WCBD's tower. I have not heard from anyone regarding transmitting dates for either FOX or WCBD.

KTrout, what do you recommend as far as an amp for FOX/UPN. The signals I get for CBS/ABC/NBC are non amplified. This is my Lat and Long if you'd like to look at my location and have any recommendations.

Lat-33D 2M 2S N ,
Long:-80D 8M 24S W

I also plan on setting up a 2nd OTA antenna on my roof aimed toward the FOX/UPN tower and seeing if that does the trick. I should be able to combine that signal into the same cable that I have running into my house now through a splitter/combiner. Right?

Thanks again,

email me at rothfusz@bellsouth.net if you'd like a quicker reply.

Originally posted by rothfusz
I also plan on setting up a 2nd OTA antenna on my roof aimed toward the FOX/UPN tower and seeing if that does the trick. I should be able to combine that signal into the same cable that I have running into my house now through a splitter/combiner. Right?

Thanks again,


I know you asked Ktrout, but if you don't mind I will lend my advice regarding your questions.

First, you mention a second antenna to aim at the FOX tower in North Charleston, if you haven't been doing that with your other antenna that would be the first test, with their extremely weak signal you have to optimize antenna direction. Since you still want to get the other local HDs, you would need to have two antennas pointed in the two different directions, as you described, but you cannot combine the signal into one cable. You will get incredible interference from the signals received by the other antenna. Because, for example, WCSC, is so strong you will get a good signal from the antenna aimed directly at their tower, and also you will pick it up on the antenna aimed at the Fox tower. The tuner will see this multipath and not be able to lock or decode the signal correctly. What would most likely work would be an A/B switch, where only one signal is passed at a time. Or a single antenna and a rotor would also work.

Regarding an amplifier, I have been using a Radio Shack power injector amplifier, which is recommended for long cable runs, but seems to stabilize the Fox signal I receive on my Silver Sensor antenna. It has two parts one piece attached to the cable at the antenna, the other piece is at the other end of the cable where it plugs into the tuner, and that section has a power supply and is plugged in to an outlet. It was $30 or 35. Works okay, but I think you need some type of signal before amplification. there may be other types of amps out there but that is one that works pretty well for my case.

Andy

rothrusz,

I concur with Andy regarding the combining of signals. I don't think that you will have much luck with that.

As far as antenna amplifiers go, I don't have any personal experience because I haven't started the frustrating quest of pulling in Fox yet, but I do sympathize. However, trying the radio shack is a good idea because of their return policy. LuvThatHDTV lives in Mt. Pleasant, approx. the same distance away from the antenna as you, and he just posted success with the radio shack antenna mounted preamplifier/amplifier.
If you are looking for another recommendation, I've heard and read good things about the Channel Master 7775.

Good Luck

If you only want DTV stations (HD) the R/S U 75 21-2160 UHF only will work better that the BIG R/S 190 (2156) . The CM 7775 is the best amp for UHF
I would try a rotor CM 9521 before going with an amp, changing the ant a few deg. can make a big difference.

Scott what rec did you get with dish? 811

Thank you for the help I'll let you know how things work out.

I got the 811 Receiver for DISH right now, I'm waiting for the HD PVR to drop in price before I get that.

I want the 921 but till they get the off air epg working, I will hold off on it. I can not do without a PVR, have 4 now and can never go back to live TV.

Last week for about 30 minutes the EPG downloaded for our 811. Now we have it for the digital off air channels as well as the other channels.

Time Warner Cable is pleased to announce the addition of WCIV HD on Channel 815 as of 5pm today. Catch "Monday Night Football," "Lost" and "Desperate Housewives" all in High Definition. A HD TV and HD Converter are required to receive HD Channels on Time Warner Digital Cable.

The channel will be on the following lineups:

Summerville/N Charleston
Hemingway
Georgetown
Andrews
Kingstree

Enjoy!

Great News Diana!!! :) Thanks...lookin forward to it!!

That's great. Now I can time shift "Lost" in HD.

I knew that buying an OTA receiver would speed up the TWC local carriage agreements. It reminds me of suffering through blizzards in Maryland shoveling snow and as soon as I broke down and bought a snow blower, I never had to use it for 2 years and gave it away when I moved down here. It turned out to be a great "anti-snow insurance policy".

nice thing about your OTA rec, it can go along when you move. same with sat. NOT true with cable.

Darn Fox,
No HD last night for the World Series game, just stretched upconverted SD. Funny thing though, actually sort of sad thing, it still looked better than their really terrible analog signal on Comcast. I am going to try to call today, I hope someone just forgot to switch on the splicer at WTAT. I am not optimistic.

Go SOX!!!!

Andy

Yeah, bummer about the Fox HD last night. Seems like over in the Programming Forum Fox is really catching heat, but I give them credit for moving on.
The great thing about the games is DD5.1, I can turn down my center channel to drown out McCarver !!

WCBD's antenna installation finished? Receiving OTA in the 70's and no dropouts aimed at Awendaw. Hope it is not just something freakish going on with my antenna again.

All: FOX's splicer blew up thus resulting in no HD. Replacement is on the way. Don't know time frame. I would guess that it probably won't be before this weekend.

loadams: WCBD's installation is not finished. I'm afraid that you have a freaky antenna :)

Must be. We watched "The Hour Of Brain Power" from 7-8, LAX, West Wing, & Leno without a single glitch, that's never happened before. Must have been atmospheric conditions .

Thanks for the update on WTAT.

Couple of General Announcements -

Remember the time changes this Sunday morning. We have a high level of confidence that all the DVR bugs associated with time changes have been resolved, but for my piece of mind, please check your scheduled recordings on Sunday to make sure they are listed at the correct times.


Newest announced time frame for the DVI activation on the SA8000HD is 1st Quarter 2005 - I don't know if that means early in January or late in March. Certainly I will keep you abreast of additional information as it become available on this issue.


Have a fun and safe Halloween!

Hopefully FOX picked up 2 of those splicers, so they have a spare on hand. Their HD broadcasts have looked great and I get less glitches than NBC and I pull NBC's signal in better than FOX.

Looks like both of WCSC's games this afternoon will be broadcast in HD!

I think those splicers are a little more than $10,000, so I don't know if WTAT would have had a spare on hand. Hopefully so.

Anyone not pay the $40-$60 for Comcast to hookup HD? Finally decided that I would grab Comcast HD to go with my OTA and went online to order and noticed they have this fee. What are they going to do, rewire my house? I'm in the wrong business if that is what they charge to drop off a box and make a connection.

Originally posted by lancer1991
Anyone not pay the $40-$60 for Comcast to hookup HD? Finally decided that I would grab Comcast HD to go with my OTA and went online to order and noticed they have this fee. What are they going to do, rewire my house? I'm in the wrong business if that is what they charge to drop off a box and make a connection.

I am not sure what your set up is, but if you are not currently a Comcast customer, they might waive the install to get you if you are signing up for a package. I didn't pay the fee, I, like you, went to the web page, and saw that install charge and wasn't going to do it. Of course, I was switching from DirectTV and Knology for my cable modem, so I was signing up for both through Comcast. Just call and ask, tell them you saw a promotion in the past and you want to know if you still qualify.

If you are just adding a HD box to your current set up, you might also want to call, since they don't let you just pick them up, they should have a very minimum, or no charge. They probably claim that they have to check your signal to make sure it is suitable. But at least in West Ashley we have Knology, so the competition is going to keep installs cheap, last I checked Knology didn't charge for installs.

Andy

Thanks Andy. I'm currently a Comcast customer for cable and ISP and Knology is in my development, but I think only in the front side and not where I'm at. This was how it was a couple years ago, and since I haven't seen anything or heard anything, I'm assuming it's still the case. I'll give them a call and see what I can get. Maybe I'll work it in with them looking at my somewhat snowy picture which was noticeable on my 27" and, of course, is even worse on a RPTV HD.

Off topic a bit, but cheers to our Country!

Bush '04!

Well......, I will lay off the above off topic comment to get to some interesting HD news.

Last night I stumbled on an episode of "Extreme Engineering" on DiscoveryHD, and it was all about the new Cooper River Bridge. It was rebroadcast at 3 am last night and I recorded it on my DVR. But all those interested should check out the schedule. I imagine that it is rebroadcast a number of times, it was pretty cool, some things you might not know about the bridges and of course in HD.


Andy

Andy,

I recorded/watched the show myself and it was quite good!

I then went on the Cooper River Bridge website and noticed that SCETV HD has a bridge update Nov. 18th at 10:30pm and Dec. 4th at 7 am and 11 pm.

I too DVRed the show.

If you want to see a super indepth photo essay of the construction check out my boss' web site: http://monitor.admin.musc.edu/~cfs/bridge/

He just started taking a few photos of the bridge and became obsessed. He's managed to talk his way onto the bridge and to the top of the towers.

-Brian

Okay, received my SA 3250HD box from Comcast today. I didn't opt for the DVR at this time, maybe later. They didn't charge me for the hookup (at least until I get my bill and then I can safely say that) and it's only an extra $5 a month.

So, since the babysitter was here when they hooked it up, I have no idea about this thing. First thing I notice is all the HD stuff has horizontal gray bars. Hook up is through coax cable, what about the DVI or component? Anyone shed some light on this for me?

Thanks.

Did they provide you any component cables if they did use them. I doubt they are going to provide a DVI cable.

Also you are going to want to do a setup so that you can select the formats you want. I went in and am using 480P, 720p and 1080i.

I have also hit the settings button twice and scrolled to input selection and have it set on pass through.

Lancer1991: Telcomguy looks like he about covered it. Did you have any luck configuring the unit to output 1080i through the component cables? I would also connect an S-video cord for some of the SD material. The 3250 has both outputs active.

If you have more specific questions, ask here on the forum or PM me and I'd be happy to help. I might take a little bit longer to get back to you, but I'll do it.

Thanks. Unfortunately, they did not provide any component cables, and I do not own any since my DVD is too old to have them. I pulled up the manual for the box and have gone through the settings, but I guess I'm not truly receiving HD until I hook it up through DVI or component and this is why I have horizontal bars.

You got it. I see a cable purchase in your near future.

Allways seems to be an extra purchase thrown in somewhere. Like going to a dealership to buy a car and they ask if you want tires with it.

You will need some component cables, but before you rush out to Best Buy and they try to sell some over priced Monster Cables to you, can I recommend checking out a few online companies, and trying Acoustic Research Cables. I have had very good luck with them, and they are usually much cheaper than Monster. Another recommendation is going to Radio Shack and buying there "high" quality AV cables, the ones with the gold plated connectors. Not the Component set but the Stereo L/R and Video RCA cable. I have been told my folks at R/S and also seen it myself that for this AV set they use the same (i.e. good) cable for both the yellow coded Video cable and the audio cables. All three cables are identical and can be used for component cables, although with different color coding. The same cable is sold as a component cable at R/S for twice the money. Just a tip.

Once that is hooked up you can go through the set up again on the box and you will either want to pick pass-through which will pass either 1080i/720p for the HD channels or 480i for the SD channels over the component cables, and you can use your TV's stretch modes for the SD stuff, or fixed which will pass 1080i all the time and you will have grey bars on the sides for SD stuff. I can recommend a couple of sources for AR cables if you PM me, I don't think we are supposed to post links.

Andy

I think I got my AR cables at walmart Also found RCA brand 6 ft for under $30

Here is an example of the AR cables from accessories4less.com:

http://www.accessories4less.com./Amazing/itemdesc.asp?CartId=1437-EVEREST-8569YHOZI47&ic=HT%2D191&tpc=

6 ft for $20.

Hi - I'm in the 'process' of relocating to Charleston and am now leaning towards Daniel Island over Mt. Pleasant. Daniel Island Media is the cable provider there, and as of yet doesn't have an HD package or DVR (both are required). Therefore, I might have to go the Directv route and use an antenna for the HD broadcasts, but I'm getting strange info from antennaweb.org:

I can't believe w/ how close Daniel Island is to Charleston I'm getting this - both in terms of needing a medium directional antenna and the compass orientiation/mileage figures for some of the broadasts. I would think it would be a joke to get consistent, strong signals of the major networks w/ a silver sensor.

comp miles
yellow - uhf WITV-DT 49.1 PBS CHARLESTON SC 85° 13.0
yellow - uhf WCIV-DT 4.1 ABC CHARLESTON SC 85° 13.0
yellow - uhf WCSC-DT 5.1 CBS CHARLESTON SC 85° 13.0
green - uhf WTAT 24 FOX CHARLESTON SC 81° 13.5
green - vhf WITV 7 PBS CHARLESTON SC 85° 13.0
lt green - vhf WCSC 5 CBS CHARLESTON SC 85° 13.0
lt green - vhf WCBD 2 NBC CHARLESTON SC 81° 13.5 2
lt green - vhf WCIV 4 ABC CHARLESTON SC 85° 13.0 4
red - uhf W44AX 44 TBN CHARLESTON SC 141° 6.8 44
red - uhf WCBD-DT 2.1 NBC CHARLESTON SC 175° 6.2 50
red - uhf WMMP 36 UPN CHARLESTON SC 156° 8.0 36
red - uhf WTAT-DT 24.1 FOX CHARLESTON SC 261° 5.1 40


My apologies if something similar has been posted - I honestly attempted to search.

Another tip for component video cables. (My 2 cents worth)
Check out this site for info on component video cables
http://www.audioholics.com/techtips/audioprinciples/interconnects/ComponentVideoCables.php

From my own experience any RCA cables will work as component video cables, especially if the cables are short.
But if not using component video cables then it better to use 3 yellow composite video cables instead of the standard set of yellow-red-white, since sometimes the red/white cables are smaller and different impedance than the yellow video cable

tenflyer: I might be able to help you out. However, the answer is somewhat complicated but I'll do my best.

First off, check my website located at http://www.markuyak.com/schdtv/antennas.htm to see a map of the current broadcast locations for the channels in Charleston. The information from antennaweb.org is correct. Unfortunately, Daniel Island is probably the worst location in Charleston (from a directional standpoint) for attempting to pick up all of the HD broadcasts because you are basically in the middle of three different locations. I have a co-worker that lives on DI and can receive all major networks, but it has been a struggle.

HOWEVER - there are two things that you should know that will help you make a decision.....
1) Daniel Island Media is in the process of providing both HD channels and PVR service. They have indicated this will happen before the end of the year. Apparently the service has already been established in the Moncks Corner area and DI is soon to follow. I don't think that NBC or FOX will be offered with their HD cable packages, but you will have to call them to find that out.
2) NBC and FOX are right now under construction and installing permanent transmitters at their Awendaw location (right down the road from WCSC's facility from which CBS, ABC and PBS are broadcast) so your multi-direction dilemna will someday end. I don't have a firm timeframe for when broadcasts will begin from there, but I realistically think it could be anywhere from 1-1/2 to 6 months.

So it kind of depends on what you want to do.
I hope that somewhat helps.

Added: Another issue that antennaweb.org doesn't indicate is that FOX currently broadcasts from only 154' with a 3.6kW transmitter.

Happy Veterans Day to any veterans that maybe in the group.

KTrout - that is excellent information, thanks! That is a very interesting directional issue, so hopefully the new towers are are up soon.

As far as DI media - the potential problem there I just learned from an email is that they haven't provided service to the subdivision I'm leaning towards (Beresford Creek) right off of Clements Ferry. But - they plan to within 6 months. IF that is accurate, It might be worth waiting for especially since it'll still be a few months till we move.

I've just grown weary of cable companies because those dates always seem to slip. Not having FOX and NBC would kind of be a big deal too, FOX for NFL in HD specifically. But, going the Directv route will require besides the antenna issues the not so trivial issue of having to buy the $900 Directivo.

Decisions, Decisions, Decisions

Thanks again!

For anyone interested here is exactly DI media's response to my question earlier today:


Currently we are not servicing the Clements Ferry Rd area. However, we aregoing to be expanding our service area to include Clements Ferry Rd. withinthe next 6 months. Regarding high definition television we do plan to have that available by the end of December. The high definition receivers that we will be getting do have DVR capabilities. If you have any other questions, please let us know.

Thank you for your interest in Home Telecom's services.

So is saving private ryan going to be broadcast or not? I heard Sinclair isn't going to show it. If not, that is some BS!

Yes, the FCC has everyone running scared. Censorship is wrong...if you dont like what you see, turn the channel

Originally posted by dolemite77
So is saving private ryan going to be broadcast or not? I heard Sinclair isn't going to show it. If not, that is some BS!

Well they did broadcast SPR last night with an appropriate introduction, I thought, explaining that it wasn't edited for content or language and that is was recommended for adults.

And of course ABC did it in HD although I was worried at first. Dolemite77, I am not sure what your comment regarding Sinclair meant. I had heard on NPR last night that Sinclair was joining a "boycott" of this show because of fear of FCC, but our ABC affiliate is not Sinclair owned but our Fox/UPN is.

In that same story on NPR they were saying that the FCC never tells stations in advance what can't be shown because that is censorship, they instead investigate some issue if it is brought to their attention by a letter, phone call, email, etc. Seems like a fine line. In a more cynical view the person being interviewed also said that sometimes affiliates don't like "limited commercial interruptions" from networks because there are less commercial time and they split it (70:30 network: affiliate) with the network, where if they prempt for local programming/syndicated shows, they get all the ad time.

Andy

Yep, my mistake. I was listening to some talkshow on 94.3 yesterday afternoon and they were discussing this. It must not have been a local radio show, because they were saying it won't air in our area. It was pretty sweet in HD though. I know what you mean in the beginning, it wasn't HD, i was about to get upset...

lancer1991, we will supply one set of component cables for connection to your TV. I'm sorry that you did not receive any at time of installation but I will be more than happy to send you a set, or I can have one set aside for you in one of cable stores. Whichever is easier for you. Send me a PM or call me at 266-3050 and I'll get it set up.

tenflyer, Comcast does offer advanced service (HD, DVR, high-speed internet, etc) in Beresford Creek. Give me a call at the same number above and I'll be happy to answer any questions you may have about our services.

Frank

PVR, and I am real impressed with it. Does anyone else own this box ??
Comcast BTW,
rick

I have the Explorer 8000 made by Scientific Atlanta thru TWC, dont know how i lived without it :)

I have the 8000 with Comcast as well, and have been happy with it... until last night. I was watching Saving Private Ryan in HD and had paused it for a little bit, and then resumed it so we could fast forward through the commercials. Well, i also on impulse scheduled it to record The Apprentice at 9pm. Low and behold, at 9 o'clock, Saving Private Ryan just stopped dead, then gave a screen full of garbled junk. The red light came on telling me that it was recording Apprentice. I could care less about Apprentice by now; I could download the episode later w/ no problem. But the 8000 wouldn't let me go into "My DVR", it wouldn't let me change the channel, it wouldn't let me do anything. I had to unplug the box and get started again. By this time i'd missed 10 minutes of the movie. I obviously realized that it was recording the movie, so it couldn't record both that and the Apprentice. Regardless, it should have a dummyproof feature that would prevent it from trying to record a show if another recording is already in progress. It seems like an obvious bug or glitch since the machine basically locked up.

fbtcu: Welcome to the forum :)

dolemite: Actually the 8000HD is capable of recording two shows at once, but you have to watch one of them. You still have all the features, pause etc. but if you change the channel a warning will appear asking you if you want to stop recording one of them.
Additionally, while recording one show, I typically get a notification that another program recording is getting ready to start.
I have not experienced the problem you describe. In fact the only time, and it's happened probably only twice, that I've had a problem is when I've accidently hit the On Demand button and then tried to turn the channel several times while it's accessing the system and the box has had to re-boot. I wouldn't consider it a problem though, because it's operator error.

But I did use it to my advantage because I quickly explained to my wife that I obviously still need practice with the remote and didn't want to give it up until I knew exactly what I was doing.

I'm pretty sure that I won't be able to go back to DVR-less TV watching. It takes up way too much time and is so inconvenient.


Kudos to WCIV for showing SPR last night. Until the FCC clearly defines what is indecent they really have no business handing out these ridiculous fines etc. They are attempting to justify their current existence, which has really extended well beyond their only useful purpose: to regulate the various broadcast spectrum assignments.

FBTCU,

Thanks for the offer, unfortunately I didn't know I was to receive these, so I went to BB on Thursday and bought the Acoustic Research component cables.



Got everything hooked up and working great. Had to go to RatShack and get a switch box for the optical audio. My receiver only has one each of coaxial and optical for digital audio, and with the OTA, cable box, and PS2 I had to find an option. Have to get up and manually switch it, but easier than unplugging and replugging.

Set the cable box at pass-through, and allowed all signals to come through. Now only if all channels were offered in HD, so I wouldn't have feel let down after switching back to normal cable after watching the HD stuff. So far everything looks pretty good. Plan on watching the Cooper River show on DiscoveryHD Sunday at 11 AM.

Thanks everyone for the help.

tenflyer,

I live on DI and I can tell you that I have suffered with OTA with D* due to poor reception using the different antennas in side my garage attic . My solution has been a Silver Sensor in the attic that pulls in CBS, ABC, NBC, PBS without a problem. I can not receive Fox or UPN unless I climb the ladder and move the SS towards their tower. This will be remedied as soon as the new tower is up and running.

I used to have DIM (before Home buyout) and their pricing is very high. I pay $52 bucks a months for internet.

Dave

parett - just so i understand, are you able to use 1 SS in your garage attic and get ABC/NBC/CBS HD signals? Because looking at the map it looks like you'd need a 2nd one to get the NBC feed for now. My other question, do you ever lose the signals for these 3 networks? The most frustrating thing to me is dropouts in the middle of a game. I only care about getting the digital feed from those 3 networks - I can tolerate FOX in SD via the Directv local package. Finally - I agree that $52 is high for internet - but are you at least happy w/ the speed/service they offer?

fbtcu - i don't know if you work for Comcast in Charleston, but on their website and also over the phone they told me they don't have service off clements ferry road on Daniel Island. Do you have more recent information?

thx.

Also for anyone interested per an email from Daniel Island Media this is their response to my question of HD and PVR:

The HD channels that are definitely going to be available are:

HBO HD
Showtime HD
The Movie Channel HD
Discovery HD
ESPN HD
HDNet
HDNet Movies
PBS HD
CBS HD
ABC HD

You will have to be subscribed to the premium channels HBO, Showtime and The Movie Channel to receive them. The other channels will be available on the basic HD tier.

The Motorola DCT6208 HD/DVR Receiver is the receiver we will be using.

tenflyer,

I have spent countless trips to the attic to adjust different hybrid antennas that I've purchased. The one from Lowe's was huge! Then on the advice of this board I purchased the SS and placed it in the attic with a RS amp and it works like a dream. Never a drop out now.

For DIM, I have to say that on a whole, I wasn't very impressed. The company had some real problems with sudden growth that were compounded when one of the installers and the owner/founder passed away suddenly. I'm sure Home will be much better.

Dave

I meant to include that I work for Comcast in my first post.

We do offer service in Beresford Creek. Because it is a new subdivision and construction may still be going on, its possible that not all the addresses were released as serviceable. That could explain why the website would not have it as active. Thanks for letting me know so that we can check it out though. I can double check your address though, just to make sure. Send me a PM or call me 266-3050.

fbtcu - thanks for clarifying things. We haven't settled on a home in Beresford Creek yet, so things aren't 100%. Once we know for sure I'll repost here or notify you so we can make sure. We were looking at homes on Sky Lane though, if that helps.

The Comcast website also seems a little off recently, for example even w/ Mt Pleasant addresses its showing that Digital Cable isn't available (when you go to get pricing), though since HD is that obviously isn't correct. The channel listing isn't showing any HD channels either. I think a few months ago this was working ok.

I'm realizing that customer service was looking up 'Daniel Island', and perhaps those homes off Clements Ferry are listed as 'Wando' or something else. The rep thought service would be available in Beresford Hall, which is obviously a different subdivision, but down the road from Beresford Creek.

thx for the information.

parett - at least based on your experience it sounds like I should be able to make something work - that makes me feel better!

Good Morning,

Updated listing of NBA Games available on HD Special Events Channel 813 is now available -

http://www.twcsc.com/HDTV_NBA2004.htm

Enjoy!

Thanks for the heads up tenflyer! I checked our website and there certainly is something weird going on. You are right, it is giving incorrect information about products available and channel line ups. We are working on it right now.

Concerning CBS audio dropouts...

Are we making any progress on fixing them? I had them with my OTA antenna and now with Comcast. Sometimes it is so bad I consider watching the show in SD.

Can't believe I said that!

planenut:
When do you have CBS audio dropouts? I haven't had any CBS audio issues in a long time.

I have two questions first. Is anyone having problems with NBC signal in HD for ER tonight. Second, is there anything different between the SS and say something like my R/S VT-90.

Thanks,

Scott

Hello all..
some of you may remember me from last year.. I work for ESPN and ABC and posted some pics for ya'll of our HD setup.

www.miketiffee.com/nbahd

anyway, I just bought the new Sony FX-1 HD camcorder.. it shoots in 1080i and the picture is awesome. I don't have a HD set yet so I'm forced to go into circuit city to watch my footage in Hi-def. the camera does do SD downconversion which looks excellent as well. Via S-video it's very sharp. I'm still undecided as to what kind of HD set I'm going to buy- I really like the quality of the CRT's- the Sony 34" widescreen KD-34XBR960 is what I'm leaning toward.. It has a i.link input so I can connect my camera digitally.

Welcome back Mike,

That is one heck of a camera. I currently have a 32 inch Hitachi Ultravision. Ive had it for at least 2 years. When tax time comes around im gonna get a new set, probably a TV with DLP. Glad to see youre still around...dont be a stranger. :)

We will also offer the Motorola DCT 6412 dual turner DVR when we launch HD on Daniel Island. All the technical details have been worked out and the equipment has been ordered. We hope to have the HD service available on DI if not by Christmas very shortly afterword.

Rob Helmly
Home Telecom

With Rob joining the forum it looks like we will have most of the bases covered cable wise around here, Time Warner, Comcast, and Home Telecom. Thanks to you three for providing direct infomation to those of use trying to get the best from out HD sets. Now about my problem.....:D


Andy

I would also like to welcome Rob. I have a co-worker that has been anxiously awaiting service so I will pass this news on to him.

I guess the next plateau for HD service here in Charleston, from a cable standpoint, would obviously be the inclusion of local NBC and FOX to the various cable services. The obvious question then is does anyone have a timetable? I know that NBC is a bit sticky with the parent company's current attitude, but how about FOX. Work is ongoing out at the Awendaw site and I hear transmitters are being moved into the building.......

VOOM Satellite Service to Dramatically Increase to Over 70 HD channels by March 2005

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

They made a press release today.

http://home.businesswire.com/portal...901&newsLang=en

VOOM Satellite Service to Dramatically Increase Channel Capacity

BETHPAGE, N.Y.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Nov. 22, 2004--Rainbow Media Enterprises, a subsidiary of Cablevision Systems Corporation (NYSE:CVC), announced today that its year-old VOOM satellite service will dramatically expand in March of next year from its current 39 high-definition channels to more than 70 high-definition channels covering the full continental U.S. (conus).


"The increase in VOOM's HDTV channels from 39 to more than 70 will allow us to continue to provide more high-definition video services than any other cable or satellite provider," said Tom Dolan, CEO of Rainbow Media Enterprises. "Our plan is to simultaneously add nearly 200 standard definition channels." Mr. Dolan continued.

To facilitate the expansion, the VOOM service will utilize 16 transponders on the SES Americom AMC-6 satellite, which VOOM refers to as "Rainbow 2," previously leased from SES AMERICOM, a SES GLOBAL company.

Mr. Dolan explained that all the programming transmitted by both Rainbow 1 and Rainbow 2 will utilize a new encoding system from Harmonic, initially configured to run in MPEG-2 and software upgradeable to MPEG-4.

"Today's announcement is a step forward in our plans to advance VOOM to MPEG-4 later in 2005. All VOOM customers have been provided with set-top boxes capable of receiving the MPEG-4 signal and we remain committed to offering more than 400 full continental US channels before the end of 2005," continued Mr. Dolan.

Adding further dimension to the company's capacity plans, Rainbow Media disclosed that today it filed with the Federal Communications Commission a recently completed contract with Lockheed Martin under which the aerospace company will construct five Ka-band satellites for VOOM. These high power satellites, the first of which is to be completed and launched in approximately 34 months, will enable VOOM to increase its channel capacity to more than 5,000 high definition channels when operating in spot beam mode. This will enable VOOM to have spot beams covering the entire United States including Alaska and Hawaii. With these satellites, VOOM will be operating with virtually no capacity constraints. These satellites will be operated at the company's orbital locations at 62W, 71W, 77W, 119W and 129W.

Voom has a good promo going on now for those that might be interested.

Channel 24 HD disappeared from my JVC 6000 menu. I wasn't able to see the Sunday HD football game, or anything else for that matter. Is the station gone, or is it my receiver hosing up? Thanks guys.:confused:

Videojet: Depends. Anyone else pull it in? Please post and let us know.

If no one else could, it potentially signals that a transition to Awendaw may be taking place.

Videojet and Ktrout,

I had my signal on 24 switched over to 40 the other day if this is any help. My Sony TV came up with channel 24 is now on 40 click to accept.

After a digital channel scan I do get Channel 40-1 but the screen comes up black with no sound. Looks like a Standard Definition Turkey Day. Thanks for the 911 about the move to Awendaw. :cool:

Might be something on your end, I had FOX in HD for Turkey Day game on channel 40.1.

Thanks for the reply. Checking my roof antenna it looks like It got blown off target. Either that or the squirrel gymnastic team got to it. :cool:

Looks like the 1pm game on CBS will be in HD


GO JAGS!!!

Good Morning - Please note this does not impact any HD channels, so I hope its not too great an imposition, but I did want to get this information out for customer reference. Please forgive!

Due to a satellite failure, the following channels are temporarily unavailable: Lifetime Movie Ch, G4TechTV, Biography, History International, Jewelry TV, FUSE, CNBC World, Tennis Ch, Family Net, Canal Sur, PUMA, Cine Latino, IFC, Adult PPV. Service will resume asap.

Just found out - IN HD 1 & IN HD 2 were on the satellite that went down - the engineers are working to restore that feed right now, so it shouldn't be too very much longer!

Sorry - my bad, I checked the other SD feeds from In Demand on that bird, but had a brain freeze that IN HD 1 & 2 are also In Demand product, plus I'm at work with SD, so I couldn't check it anyway....

Anyone have any problems with a DISH 811 RCVR changing your off air CBS to channel 47 in your EPG vs. the normal channel 5.

Other than that, picture is good, its just that the EPG is listing program info on 47-01, but the programming is actually on 47-02

Have a good night. CBS HD is the best.

Scott

I get OTA and yes tonight my 5-1 switched to 47-2 while doppler was on 47-1.

My OTA for CBS is still 5-1, but now also 5-2 and 47-1, while I now receive the radar on 47-2.

Did not try last night, but my Sami 151 and dish 921 are both 5.1 this am.

Good thing my D-VHS vcr records both CBS channels (5.1 and 5.2/47.1 and 47.2)
I had to work last night and my programmed recording of CSI-NY seems to have worked just fine. However the info for the program shows up as program 02 and program 03 instead of the actual CSI-NY title.
And obviously the Sony Sat HD200 had issues since my wife had to watch it on the analog channel.

Here's a note from Eldon regarding last nights broadcast.

"Some of you may have noticed a problem last night with the channel identification on our digital signal. While the signal was still there, the computer that inserts the PSIP information locked up so many receivers did not know how to decode our signal. It also took us longer than it should have to get the computer back up and running. We don’t know what caused the problem, but we will be talking to the manufacturer this morning to see if there is anything we can do to prevent this from happening in the future.



Thank you for your patience with us,"

Think that clears up what was happening. Thank you WCSC for keeping us informed.

KTrout:
Since you always seem to have the answers; how about seeing if you can get WCIV 4.1 to only broadcast a Dolby Digital 5.1 signal when the source material is actually 5.1. All the other channels default to Dolby Pro Logic II when the source is only stereo, but since 4.1 always show 5.1 my receiver doesn't fall back to D.P.L. II

I'll see what I can do.

Thanks!

KTrout,

Could you also see if they have had any signal loss in the past couple of weeks. 4.1 used to be one of my reliable OTA signals. Over the past two weeks, I can't get the signal to lock??? I hate missing MNF in HD.

What is the most recent timeframe for expected completion of the Awendaw tower and transmitting powers associated with NBC/UPN/FOX. Because I already get NBC OTA in HD but I still am not receiveing anything HD for UPN/FOX.

Did FOX's tower just explode? Lost all signals for FOX

AHH, go panthers

I have calls and e-mails out regarding FOX and WCIV's "situations". Will pass on any information that I get back.

I don't know about FOX's signal. I have not had the time to try and raise my antenna and boost signal to pull in FOX so I don't have it. A co-worker still has my OTA receiver anyway. Sooooo, could someone please confirm all loss of FOX signal?

Thanks

FOX was up during the Eagles-GB game, at least through the third quarter when I turned it off, because it was ugly.

HD Channel Update:

Last night on the Comcast guide there was an entry for what looked like StarzHD, either at 194 or 184, one of those. I couldn't tune to it, since it said you needed to call Comcast. But it looks like they are testing another channel. Like when they were bringing up DiscoveryHD a few months ago. Of course I don't get Starz SD now, does anyone, is it available, I didn't see it in the channel selections for Comcast.


Andy

They also added a bunch of Starz channels up above Showtime (in the 300s). Its another pay channel like HBO so you won't get the HD version without subscribing to SD channel package. The StarzHD channel was free to view for about 2 days when it first showed up but is now locked down.

I'm interested to see if we get EncoreHD. We get the Encore SD channels as part of the extended digital so I would guess the HD version should be included as well. Encore is part of Starz so hopefully it was negotiated in with this recent addition of Starz.

-brian

Thanks, I was confused, I knew we got all the Encore channels and that Starz and Encore are somehow related, but I didn't know if Starz was pay channel. I also noticed that new Starz channels had appeared in the 300s. I checked the Starz web site and while it would be nice for the occasional movie in HD they don't appear to have a lot of interesting movies, at least to me. I guess this is how Comcast is going to go with it for now, adding more pay channels.

I just hope they are going to carry ESPN2HD when it starts in January, and that they have bandwidth to carry it. There is also discussion of TCM and TBS joining TNT as HD channels, I hope that Comcast has those in sight as well.

Nice find Andy, I didn't see that last night.

I have an update on FOX HD. In regards to cable carriage, any negotiations would have to go through SINCLAIR and they have pretty much taken the same position as some other broadcasters regarding Multi-casting etc....... so I wouldn't expect FOX to be on your local cable system any time in the near future.

Awendaw update. The installation of FOX's transmitter won't start until January so that probably doesn't bode well for the Superbowl. They have to take all broadcasts from WCBD's antenna down to 1/2 power so it doesn't fry the guys working on the tower. If all goes well, the Superbowl is a possibility, but there's a lot of things that would have to go right.

No word from WCIV yet.

Later

Greetings those of the Lowcountry! Just got the Comcast HD DVR and the DVI connector does not seem to work. The input from my computer works fine. Does anyone know if the locals have not enabled it yet? Looks like it is enabled in other areas. Thanks for the advice.

wpruitt

Not if it's a 8000HD. HDMI is enabled in the 8300HD though.

Thanks it is the 8000 I believe. What is the difference in the units and does Comcast utilize both?

Don't know about Comcast but the 8300HD has S-Video out active, Passthrough resolution, HDMI at least. I am also getting a better picture with analog channels with it.

wpruitt: The DVI output is not automatically activated. I believe you can call COMCAST and make arrangements to have it done. I think someone else on the forum had this done.

wpruitt,
At this time, the DVI output on the SA 8000HD DVR/HD combo box is not enabled. The code for activation is currently being testing at our corporate labratories. I have already asked for a time frame as to when it may be ready but nothing is confirmed. The DVI output on the SA 3250HD set top box is activated however. At this time, we do not offer the SA 8300 DVR/HD combo box.

AndrewG,
We did launch several STARZ channels including HD. STARZ HD is on channel 196. STARZ is a premium channel so all Digital STARZ customers will receive the 8 standard definition channels, STARZ On Demand, and STARZ HD. If you have any quesitons about STARZ programming, just give us a call at 554-4100.
I have not heard anything on ESPN2, TBS, TNT, and Encore HD. I will look into those and see what I can find out.

Frank Thomas
Comcast Cable

Thanks for the info, Frank regarding Starz, etc. You mention that you are testing the DVI output software, I had read that the upgrade will also enable the Passthrough mode (i.e. 1080i passed as 1080i, 480i as 480i) like the 3250 had. Can you confirm this, and will the pass through mode be enabled on component output as well. I know a lot of people are interested in DVI, but I, and I bet others, really miss the pass-through, since my TV did a great job of stretching SD programming. Thanks

Andy

I noticed Starzhd and was receiving it for a day, then I went out of town and when I got back it said I did not get that channel. My money is on what you said, they were testing it and now those who have Starz have starzhd...

I have not been able to locate STARZ HD in the TITAN guide to add it to my FAVS, under any call sign I come up with for 196. Any ideas ?? BTW, COMCAST has a promo for $9.00/month if you do not have the STARZ pakage.
thanks, rick

Thanks Gary, Frank, and KTrout for the timely info.

As a dbl. tivo user I am pretty impressed with the DVR. There are some subtle software differences where tivo is superior the most significant is when fast forwarding, the tivo "jumps back" to make up for hand-eye coordination while the Comcast unit does not. Also have had very few glitches in schedule or playback.

Warren

Thanks Frank for correcting me on the DVI output

GRC: Typically I have had to contact TITANTV regarding Channel Programming changes. I will do it and have them add Channel 196 as STARZ HD.

rothfusz does your 811 EPG show listings for 49.2 and 49.3. does it give EPG for all the local stations or just the ones you can pick up from ant?

Jim

I just set up my SA 8000 DVR with my new Tohsiba 52HM84 DLP and was disappointed this afternoon that none of the football games were broadcast in HD. I am watching 60 Minutes now and it is not in HD and neither is America's Home Videos. I am tuned to the HD channels. What is up with that?

Also, I read your note on Sinclair and to not look for FOX HD programming anytime soon. Can you elaborate on this? I don't understand what you mean by multicasting. Is there anything we can do in the community to put pressure on them to make it happen? It sucks to have this great set up and not be able to watch the Panthers or the Superbowl for that matter in HD.

BTW, I am here in Mt Pleasant served by Comcast.

Great to have found this thread.

Cheers!

cbell2112,

The only time you will get 16:9, 1080i on your awesome set is if is broadcast as HD. Shows like 60 minutes, America Home Video are not filmed/recorded in HD.

As far as NFL Football is concerned, not all of their broadcasts are simulcast in HD. FOX, CBS, ABC, etc., etc., do not have enough HD equipment to cover all their NFL/Sports broadcasting in HD. On Sunday you get what you get.

Multicasting is what a TV station does with its allotted bandwidth. For example, Channel 5-1 is CBS programming and 5-2 is Live 5 Dopplar Radar.
ETV multicasts three channels. Some will argue and I tend to agree that this steals bandwidth from the HD material. The more bandwidth the better the HD will look.

I hope this answered your questions/concerns and welcome to the board.

P.S.
I'm also put out with Sinclair and their lack of concern for the HD community

Cbell,

Both the FOX games where in HD today, but the Oakland - Atlanta game on CBS was not.

r.jones thanks for the reply. Is this a licensing issue or is it just a matter of building more infrastructure? What gets me is that Fox constantly advertises that there games are broadcast in 720p. The game did not look good today in SD. After watching the game on ESPN HD it is absolutely no comparison.

Would like to know if the members of the thread are sending information to Sinclair and Comcast letting them know our feelings about their lack of support.

Thanks

This is a prime example of why many of us fought the FCC to not change its rules regarding who could own what. Sinclair is a very one sided group that was the one that forced all it stations to carry the anti-Kerry show as a news show. Many of its stations did not. They will not let TW or Comcast show its HD Fox or UPN signal until all of TW or Comcast agrees to Sinclair's demands regarding its fees. Sinclair doesn't care about you or me or the community it is in it just cares about its corporate profit. With the FCC being run to support big business and not the public it can get away with it because sooner or later we will say to TW or Comcast pay the fees give us our HD and Sinclair screws over the little guy again. I love my HD and hope this can be worked out for the Super Bowl but I would not hold my breath unless that will be the February surprise!

If you read the HDTV Programming Forum or the other Local forums you will see that this is a Sinclair feature nationwide. They own a lot of Fox it seems, but some places they own ABC or CBS. Imagine that here, WCSC has been the best all along.

Sinclair was opposed to HDTV altogether, which for Fox wasn't a problem until this year. They were meeting the letter of the digital TV law, broadcasting a digital signal, (they were first, believe it or not, in Charleston, although at the weak signal they still broadcast. Now they, and others are part of the "FreeHDTV" advertising campaign, also on the web, where they "explain" how you can get HDTV for free OTA, and don't need cable, satellite, etc. They have to stick by it because if they get enough people interested then they hope to force cable companies hand. Of course the kicker in Charleston, is that most people can't get the OTA signal if you are more than a couple of miles from the tower.

It seems to me, that Comcast, TWC, Knology, etc, will have a chance to "convince" Sinclair to allow retransmission when the renegotiate their analog contract. It they required access to the digital station as well as analog, Sinclair would have to concede. Many or most HDTV users have access to OTA tuners, but most "conventional" cable users wouldn't want to or know where to point an antenna.

It really is too bad, because Fox's HD football looks pretty good. Not nearly the caliber or CBS or ESPN/ABC, but great relative to there pathetic analog signal. Hopefully, they will finish the work at the Awendaw site soon, but I think probably not in time for the Superbowl.

Rant over.....:D


Andy

Just to put my 2 cents in as well....... I would have to say that I side with the cable companies on this issue of cable carriage.

Sinclair (FOX) and Media General (NBC) have the position that the cable companies benefit too much from the carriage of their originating broadcast material and therefore in this digital realm the cable companies should provide as many channels as requested for their material, i.e. 24-1, 24-2 and 24-3. I heard something the other day about NBC is going to start selling products (clothes, etc.) that are represented on their programming (I.E. the shirt Joey is wearing on his show) and that those plugged in will be able to do this during the broadcast. So one of these digital "channels" could possibly be devoted to this type of activity. Cable companies don't feel obligated to provide these additional channels and that's where we are right now, stalemate. Andy's right about it will probably only break free when the analog contract is negotiated. I also agree with r.jones about the bandwidth issue as the potential is there to rob from HD to support this activity.

In defense of the broadcasters, digital TV does not provide any kind of revenue right now for most stations as it is not regarded when ratings are calculated. So they've spent 5 - 10 million dollars to upfit and broadcast HD and not really benefitting from it other than providing great pictures and sound to the public. The FCC, well don't even get me started there.
Anyway, that's not why I came here. I'm going to use a separate post though instead of burying it in my diatribe.

Got a note from WCSC that CSI Miami will be broadcast in 5.1 this evening and they are interested getting feedback on sound quality, etc.

Please tune in and post what you think. Your feedback matters as WCSC has consistently proven that they are interested in providing its public with the highest quality stuff possible.

Thanks

WOW, thanks again to our CBS station. They are awesome,
rick

Originally posted by r.jones
cbell2112,
Multicasting is what a TV station does with its allotted bandwidth. For example, Channel 5-1 is CBS programming and 5-2 is Live 5 Dopplar Radar.
ETV multicasts three channels. Some will argue and I tend to agree that this steals bandwidth from the HD material. The more bandwidth the better the HD will look.


These are two very different examples of multicasting and its effect on bandwidth/HD signal quality. WCSC does have the Doppler weather subchannel on 5-2 but it uses very little bandwidth, as explained by Eldon Brown (WCSC engineer, and friend to all HDTV community members), around last years Superbowl, and they can turn it off, as they did during the Superbowl to make sure they would have maximum signal quality. If I recall correctly, they had all kinds of backup scenieros in place to make sure the SB would be the best it could be, I don't expect this kind of dedication from Sinclair and Fox24, you will get what they can pump out.

On the otherhand, ETV has their HD channel, their SD channel digital, and the third SC channel, also SD. The effect of these two other SD channels on their bandwidth is very apparent on the picture quality of their HD channel. There is blockyness and breakups frequently during fast moving scenes, it is clearly over compressed. That is there choice, and they are trying to provide the most educational outreach they can, so that differs from a commercial station, but it really it too bad, because their picture really suffers. I understand that some PBS stations multicast up to six stations during the day, but usually cut back to two during Prime-time to allow the HD signal more bandwidth.

So, I agree, that more (max) bandwidth is best for best picture quality, multicasting is not necessarily always the same problem.

Another issue, which should be of concern is another type of multicasting, where local stations lease their unused part of their assigned spectrum to a company to multicast "conventional cable" channels OTA. Obviously, in order to have bandwidth to lease (and profit greatly from) you must compress you broadcast signal into less space and really compromise picture quality. This OTA cable plan is in effect in some cities already, like Salt Lake City and LAs Vegas. I don't know how much success it will have, ( you have to buy a box to get it and set up an antenna) but this would be much worse than current multicasting.

Just one man's opinion

Andy

Originally posted by KTrout

In defense of the broadcasters, digital TV does not provide any kind of revenue right now for most stations as it is not regarded when ratings are calculated. So they've spent 5 - 10 million dollars to upfit and broadcast HD and not really benefitting from it other than providing great pictures and sound to the public.

Well FOX for one, helped their affiliates by providing the splicer for taking the 720p feed , so there was less cost for Fox24 than WCSC, WCIV, etc. I understand that they don't necessarily get more revenue, but imagine what these shopping channels will do to picture quality. And really what cable needs in more shopping channels.... I mean if NBC wants to sell shirts, wouldn't the internet be the way to go, and if the argument is that not everyone is internet savvy, think about their target audience for product placement reselling.

If I were Fox and getting ready to spend even more on the Superbowl production, and getting all the affiliates up to HD specs, etc, I would be p****d about the poor rebroadcast strength or or cable retransmitance among affiliates. I know the small markets like Charleston don't matter that much in the larger picture, but Sinclair owns stations in big markets as well.

Andy

Originally posted by KTrout
Got a note from WCSC that CSI Miami will be broadcast in 5.1 this evening and they are interested getting feedback on sound quality, etc.

Please tune in and post what you think. Your feedback matters as WCSC has consistently proven that they are interested in providing its public with the highest quality stuff possible.

Thanks

No 5.1 via Comcast or OTA here.

Andy

No 5.1 via TWC started watching at 10pm CSI. Wasnt home for the rest of prime time

I didn't see it either. I let Eldon know.

Looks like CBS did broadcast 5.1 nationally. Saw a thread that indicated they had to do a lot nationally and at the stations, so they'll probably find out what happened or didn't happen before next week.

no 5.1 here and none on WTOC (11.1 CBS ) in Sav Ga.

What I did hear sounded like stereo, but I want to be sure things are working right for me.

I got an 8000HD a week ago, and it handles the digital sound differently than the old 2000 box did. (Not to mention that it receives the HD channels, so I can at least see and hear them, even though I don't have an HD set yet!). I've noticed that I only get center channel on full 5.1 AC3 broadcasts or on the analog channels. The receiver apparently sends a stereo PCM stream for the analog channels, so my receiver defaults to Dolby Pro Logic. The 2000 sent nothing on the digital connection to my receiver for the analog channels, so I had to change my receiver from analog to digital mode depending on the channel I watched. The digital channels (100+ and HBO) always send AC3, but if it's not 5.1 I either hear a big fat mono (same audio on L,R,SL,SR, but nothing on C) or what sounds like stereo (same audio on L and SL, and R + SR, again nothing on C). My receiver (Kenwood 6 yrs old) won't allow me to engage Dolby Pro Logic on AC3 mode, and if I switch to analog mode it sounds like mono (just C speaker). This is different from what the 2000 did, which seemed to turn on AC3 2.0 Surround for non-5.1 material. I think this is just the way the 8000HD works, and haven't found anything to control it, but am wondering if anyone else has noticed?
-JFS

WCSC checked with national and they did indeed broadcast a 5.1 signal last night. So it appears the trouble is on WCSC's end.

National CBS is broadcasting a 5.1 test signal today (and next week on a regular basis) that WCSC will use to help get to the bottom of the issue. If it can be fixed before next Monday, I'm sure it will be.

Other posts on this forum indicate that CBS is getting ready to slowly start bringing on more and more 5.1 :)

I'll pass on more news as I get it.

Great news on CBS 5.1. Now I wonder if CSI (all of them) will be even louder. I don't know if everyone else experiences this, but with CSI I have to lower my receiver about 10 db when it comes on. Its just plain loud on my OTA HD stuff. A little toned down through Comcast, but still loud.

TWC Customers, Are you experiencing tileing or digitzing on ESPNHD? Im not getting the problem on any other HD feed except ESPN HD

I have a tech coming out tomorrow to look at my problem.

Shuttermaker -

I haven't seen it in Columbia - let me know what the Tech says.

Thanks,

Does anyone notice cut outs in the audio for the DD 5.1 signal on FOX? The cuts are small, but are noticeable. When I switch back to PL I don't hear it, nor do I get it on ABC DD 5.1.

Thanks TWC for the 8000HD! The lamp expired on my Sony LCD projection and it took a week to get a new one (out of warranty of course). But the DVR recorded everything I missed during the period of depression without HD.

Hey still trying to figure out when I am going to get HD and when I am not. Currently watching the Wake vs Texas game on ESPN HD via Comcast and it is not HD. Are only the evening games HD? I am hoping the Panthers vs Falcons game tonight on ESPN will be in HD but have no way to really tell.

How do you guys figure out what will be broadcast in HD in advance?

Thanks

Originally posted by oljim
rothfusz does your 811 EPG show listings for 49.2 and 49.3. does it give EPG for all the local stations or just the ones you can pick up from ant?

Jim

I only get EPG info for the -1 channels for the OTA Digital stations I get, which boils down to ABC, CBS, NBC, and PBS. The FOX and UPN channels are only analog right now until Awendaw gets finished I hope. However I do get all of the EPG info by way of the local channel broadcast from DISH.

Sorry I didn't answer your question earlier, it's been a while since I've been on the board here.

KTrout,

Thanks for the updates on the FOX Awendaw tower info. Although I don't like the possibility that the Super Bowl won't be in HD for me.


At least Panthers Falcons game tonight should be HD.

cbell2112,

If you have internet access register at www.titantv.com and set up your very own program guide. This will help .
Don't count on ESPN HD. You're lucky if they broadcast over two sporting events a week in HD.

I second the use of Titantv.com. It is pretty reliable for the HD content. For ESPNHD the best source for their HD content is:

http://sports.espn.go.com/sports/tvlistings/espnhd/index

Thanks guys--

I would also like to add that Comcast suggested:

www.onhd.tv

Cheers!

Any chance the CBS games will be in DD 5.1 ???
rick

There's always a chance, but I don't think so.

I haven't heard anything back from them yet, offered all us for testing purposes, etc.

I think they will use the test signal this week to figure it all out.

Then CBS will have to broadcast the games in 5.1, which I haven't heard that they have plans to immediately do.

The programming topic might have more info on this.

It is being broadcast nationally in 5.1, but not here on COMCAST !
rick

Now is in DD 5.1 and sounds awsome, way to go CBS !!!!
rick

You know every time I say it probably won't happen it seems to......

With that being said, there's NO way Fox will be able to broadcast the Superbowl from Awendaw next year.

I didnt hear or see any 5.1 coming from TWC :(

I reported it to my Engineers, they are going to check and see what happened. We are set up to pass through what they send, so....should'da happened.

Has anyone ordered Envy in HD on Comcast onDemand? I did last night and the surround sound was reversed. The voices came from the rear channels and rear effects from the front. My stereo correctly decodes 5.1 on non VOD channels.

Is this just me or have others had this problem?

-Brian

I have been a reader for quite a while but just registered! This is a pretty cool place for info -- and I need some. I live on one of the Sea Islands and recently adopted DirecTV and dumped the local analog cable. I am now using a Sam TS360 for HD via DTV and OTA. Since I did this, I am not able to receive audio for channel 2-1 even though the STB displays DD in the window. I previously used a Sam TS165 for OTA and got audio from all OTA stations. Can anyone give me some hints on what might be wrong? I receive audio for all of the other OTA digital stations via this STB, so I'm a bit confused.

Dan: Welcome. There was discussion about this problem early this year. Here's a pasted section of the discussion that takes place on pages 59 and 60 of this thread.

Solved problems - sort of.

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/show...390#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.

AndrewG is still very active in this thread and will probably help you out if what he describes above does not solve your problem.

Good luck

Sir Trout,

Thanks for directing me to the fix for no audio on 2-1; it worked and now I get A+V from all the local OTA digital stations. Seems a shame to have to engineer a solution like this for one errant station.

Dan

Glad to hear that it worked.

There are a few bugs still out there. I think it's probably best to wait until WCBD is full power from Awendaw before addressing some of them.

Hello all -

In order for us to comply with new FCC requirements, we here at WCSC will have to make some changes to our PSIP information data stream.
What we have to do is remap some of our channel allocation info so that we fall into spec with the new requirements.

What this means to you is that you MAY have to reset your receivers.
A simple power up reboot and channel scan should do the trick.

We intend to do the upgrade tomorrow - 12/23/04 around 9AM.

Merry Christmas to ya'll and to all the lucky ones getting a new receiver and display from Santa!!!

Let us know if there's anything we can do -

Regards -
MikeSheffer
WCSC Engineering

I am leaving for Texas tomorrow very early and do have to finish packing etc tonight, so I don't know if I will have a chance to help out with anything more until next Tuesday.

If you do have an emergency between now and then, please call Customer Service at 866-892-7201.

Happy Holidays!

Thank you Mike for the information.

After the equipment and construction delays it looks like we are about ready to launch our HD service on Daniel Island. I am looking for a few beta testers to monitor the service for a week or two before we begin marketing it to the public. If anyone here is a Home Telecon (formally DIMC) customer or knows one who is interesd please PM me or call me at (843) 761-9520.

Thanks and a very merry Christmas to all,

Rob Helmly
VP Video Operations

Merry Christmas

Still no 5.1 on CBS Comcast or OTA. Didn't someone say they caught last weeks game in 5.1?

Can anyone confirm audio dropouts on FOX 5.1 for me? Split second drop outs.

Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays, and a Happy New Year to everyone.

lancer1991:

I haven't watched any Fox today but I do occasionally have 5.1 drop outs on Fox without a picture dropout

Has anyone had recent luck recent luck reducing Comcast install charges?

At least on the Comcast website, as a new subscriber you are faced w/ the following 1 time install charges:

Digital Cable New Install fee - $62
HDTV Install (this makes NO sense - there is NO DIFFERENCE) $62
DVR/HDTV Install (this makes even less sense than the previous one) $62

And of course another fee for cable internet install - anywhere from $10 to over $100, depending. That one I'm ok with - I'll do it myself for 10 bucks.

I have no problem paying a SINGLE install fee for everything (excluding internet - I understand that can be seperate) - but the fact that installation is actually TRIPLE counted is insane to me. If I'm a new customer who is getting an HD DVR - on a single TV - how should I pay $180 ?????

I'm hoping I can call and talk to someone there who can do something. I haven't had luck in the past w/ them - for example when I called a few weeks ago they told me I couldn't even get service in my neighborhood when in fact they have had service there for quite a while.

tenflyer:

The install rates you saw on the website are our rate card rates. We run install specials all the time on Digital, HD, DVR and internet just about every month however. For instance, right now for a Digital Install (with or without HD/DVR) we are doing a free installation. The internet is considered an upgrade so that is done at no additional cost. As for your area not being served, I would need to look up the specific address to know for sure. Give me a call or send me an email with the details and I can let you know for certain.

Frank Thomas
Comcast Cable

266-3050
Frank_Thomas@cable.comcast.com

Hey Frank, any chance of getting FOX HD anytime soon ?
rick c

Just turned on MNF and noticed that it looks like BRAVO HD is coming to COMCAST on Channel 172. I haven't heard anything about it, but Frank mentioned that more was to come soon.

Actually Ktrout, isn't channel 172 BRVHD, which was Braves HD during baseball season? That'd be nice if they make some use of it though. I'm tired of seeing color bars on a HD capable channel...

I'm with Rick on that FOXHD question... Frank, can't you bang some exec's heads together over there and get us the Superbowl and Daytona in HD?!?
:confused:

I'd love to be able to offer FOX HD, especially for the Superbowl but unfortunately I have not heard anything new on the FOX (or NBC) front.

channel 172 BRVHD is Braves HD like Dolemite said. It is not Bravo HD. Sorry, no word on that either.

Boy, I'm just full of good news today!

Hey Frank - believe me I think we all (hopefully) understand that those types of things aren't in your control.

I know I'm at least happy you take the time to post here and provide information, and help, etc. It's great that all the local providers, actually, have a presence on this forum and take the time.

I myself am a long time Directv subscriber but with our move down to Charleston - we are leaving the dish behind. I'll miss NFL Sunday Ticket certainly, but I won't miss the need to spend $1,000 on an HD DVR.

Oops, that's right. Guess wishful thinking took over my senses. Too many things going on right now.

I would like to second tenflyer's sentiment regarding Frank's and Diana's input into the "community".

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

Anyway, spent a few minutes in the programming section and though there was lots there I found a post regarding some predictions pretty interesting. Thought others might find it interesting also......

here's the link: http://www.tvpredictions.com/predictions.html

Happy New Year to everyone.

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

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

Mark