Brian,

Can you pick up the CW analog at all? The MyNetwork affilaite used to be UPN Montgomery. I think its tower is in Troy. They aren't digital yet. I guess CW isn't either then. They told me they would be soon though. I got my hopes up when it said "now available" on antennaweb. My fiance loves to watch Reba on the CW. If I have to watch something with her I'd rather it be digital or HD. It just makes the viewing experience better. BTW, is that brian_"esq" as in attorney? I ask because I'm one and that's the only place I ever see that used. Well, except for the Bill & Ted movies.
Yes, I am an attorney. I have not tried to get the CW on an analog antenna. I get it on cable.

Brian,

Can you pick up the CW analog at all? The MyNetwork affilaite used to be UPN Montgomery. I think its tower is in Troy. They aren't digital yet. I guess CW isn't either then. They told me they would be soon though. I got my hopes up when it said "now available" on antennaweb. My fiance loves to watch Reba on the CW. If I have to watch something with her I'd rather it be digital or HD. It just makes the viewing experience better. BTW, is that brian_"esq" as in attorney? I ask because I'm one and that's the only place I ever see that used. Well, except for the Bill & Ted movies.

Montgomery Market:

CW = WBMM ANALOG 22 DIGITAL 24. ANALOG IS FULL POWER, BUT DIGITAL
IS RUNNING VERY VERY LOW POWER AT THIS POINT PENDING TRANSMITTER REPAIRS. WHEN REPAIRED, WILL RUN 100KW....BUT THE CW FEED FOR MARKETS
OVER 100 (MONTGOMERY) IS NOT OFFERED IN HD YET....SO YOU'RE NOT MISSING ANYTHING.

MY TV = WRJM ANALOG 67 DIGITAL NOT. THIS IS THE OLD UPN STATION, WHEN THERE WAS A UPN. ANALOG IS FULL POWER, BUT DON'T EXPECT A DIGITAL
SIGNAL ANYTIME SOON AS THEY ARE NOT REQUIRED TO DO SO UNTIL THE ANALOG SHUT OFF DATE......AND IT MAY JUST TAKE THEM THAT LONG.

BOTH STATIONS TRANSMIT NEAR PINE LEVEL, BETWEEN TROY AND MONTGOMERY. BELIEVE THEIR TOWERS ARE JUST A SHORT DISTANCE APART.

WAKA-DT, did WAKA cut it's power down this (Tuesday) evening?

Ed

WAKA-DT, did WAKA cut it's power down this (Tuesday) evening?

Ed

I hope he answers, all of a sudden my 622 receiver(DISH) can't pick up WAKA.

Just check here in Wetumpka.

WAKA is getting an occassional dropout. WSFA is much worst. What happened?

Hmm, I wonder what is going on, too. Looks like all of my receiveable channels are having issues this morning...WTVY-Dothan, the Montgomery stations, and even WDIQ-Dozier(13 miles south)...no reception, weak reception, etc.,.

I'm not exactly sure *exactly* how to read the maps (but I have an idea :) ), but the maps at www.dxinfocentre.com show that tropospheric ducting was moving into the marginal/fair zone yesterday and into the fair/moderate zone today. In the north fringe of the state and to the east are areas marked as "unstable". Out in the Gulf, south of New Orleans is a strip of "Intense" TD.

How all of this might affect reception is unknown to me, but the fact that that the problem appears widespread tends to make me think of an atmospheric problem. ????

...or maybe the Martians are jamming the signals? :eek:

Ed

I actually registered here just to see what happened last night. I get spotty reception in Prattville with my cheap set-top antenna, but 8 was always good, then last night, nothing...

Interesting.

Anyway, Knology is out friday to do the hook-up. Anybody have experience with Knology's hd quality?

WAKA-DT, did WAKA cut it's power down this (Tuesday) evening?

Ed
Sorry folks--thought we had IT fixed before you would get impacted. IT is PSIP
and we are having issues here. You'll get the RF, but the set won't know what to do with it. Not everyone will see a problem, but some will. We're working on 8-1
first since that is the HD content, but 8-1 may be goofy for a few days. 8-2 and 8-3 may be totally out for a few days. But it's top priority, so we'll do our best.

I actually registered here just to see what happened last night. I get spotty reception in Prattville with my cheap set-top antenna, but 8 was always good, then last night, nothing...

Interesting.

Anyway, Knology is out friday to do the hook-up. Anybody have experience with Knology's hd quality?

(SEE MY OTHER POST for your first concern). Knology is handling our PSIP issues well. Watched last night and we were fine. You'll be happy with them and the quality.

(SEE MY OTHER POST for your first concern). Knology is handling our PSIP issues well. Watched last night and we were fine. You'll be happy with them and the quality.

In layman's terms, what is PSIP other than something to do with how channel numbers are assigned to the rf signal.

In layman's terms, what is PSIP other than something to do with how channel numbers are assigned to the rf signal.

One of our fine engineers may chime in here later, but go to wikipedia.org
and search for PSIP. Saves us some typing.

In layman's terms, what is PSIP other than something to do with how channel numbers are assigned to the rf signal.

Basically, with DTV, we are broadcasting data, and the PSIP information tells your receiver how to turn that data into audio and video. That includes identifying the channel number and call letters, telling the receiver how many channels or streams we are broadcasting, where to find those streams in the data. It also includes the program guide information, ratings information, etc.

If the PSIP information is not complete, some receivers will refuse to tune the channel at all, and some will tune the channel even though the information is not complete.

I was going to post a link to the PSIP Wiki, but I see that WAKA-DT 8 beat me to it. Also, our PSIP problems should be solved, we just got the replacement equipment configured.

Hope that helps...

Basically, with DTV, we are broadcasting data, and the PSIP information tells your receiver how to turn that data into audio and video. That includes identifying the channel number and call letters, telling the receiver how many channels or streams we are broadcasting, where to find those streams in the data. It also includes the program guide information, ratings information, etc.

If the PSIP information is not complete, some receivers will refuse to tune the channel at all, and some will tune the channel even though the information is not complete.

I was going to post a link to the PSIP Wiki, but I see that WAKA-DT 8 beat me to it. Also, our PSIP problems should be solved, we just got the replacement equipment configured.

Hope that helps...

Could that be the problem over at WCOV and my DISH VIP622 receiver? The 622 can not lock on to WCOV.

Could that be the problem over at WCOV and my DISH VIP622 receiver? The 622 can not lock on to WCOV.

I have a similar problem with WCOV...I have a DirecTV HD receiver that will not pick up WCOV, but my HD Tuner card in my PC has no problem with WCOV. I'm not an expert on PSIP, but WCOV's PSIP information looks OK to me. If I had to guess, my guess would be that some other parameter, maybe the transport stream clock, is just right on the edge of the acceptable tolerance, so some receivers will lock on to it and some won't.

Interestingly, if I remember correctly, my first DirecTV HD receiver would pick up WCOV, but I had it replaced under warranty (with the same model), and the new one won't pick it up.

I have a similar problem with WCOV...I have a DirecTV HD receiver that will not pick up WCOV, but my HD Tuner card in my PC has no problem with WCOV. I'm not an expert on PSIP, but WCOV's PSIP information looks OK to me. If I had to guess, my guess would be that some other parameter, maybe the transport stream clock, is just right on the edge of the acceptable tolerance, so some receivers will lock on to it and some won't.

Interestingly, if I remember correctly, my first DirecTV HD receiver would pick up WCOV, but I had it replaced under warranty (with the same model), and the new one won't pick it up.

I have another receiver that picks up the signal(not DISH). You may be right. That is weird.

The only channel I had a problem with last night was WAKA (and it seems fine now). All other channels came in fine last night and this morning. I get my channels OTA.

Was it just me, or did Letterman and Ferguson (sp?) switch to 4:3 last night?

Was it just me, or did Letterman and Ferguson (sp?) switch to 4:3 last night?
Possibly, although Ferguson is not in HD. Still have a few drops of blood after the wound was closed. Will check.

Those on Brighthouse cable and are using a Tivo S3, check your locals (on the cable side) to see if they now tune properly. I had a problem since I got the S3 back in October and it now looks like its working like it should.

Now, if we can get them to add WCOV DT. Might have to keep the antenna farm up just for that channel. Probably wouldn't hurt to keep the antennas up as a backup.

Those on Brighthouse cable and are using a Tivo S3, check your locals (on the cable side) to see if they now tune properly. I had a problem since I got the S3 back in October and it now looks like its working like it should.

Now, if we can get them to add WCOV DT. Might have to keep the antenna farm up just for that channel. Probably wouldn't hurt to keep the antennas up as a backup.
Everything appears to be working on my end, too. Yeah! It is about time.

brian,

I've been flipping between the OTA and cable versions of the same channels. Can't tell much difference. Have you tried to see if one looks better than the other and if so, what did you find out?

brian,

I've been flipping between the OTA and cable versions of the same channels. Can't tell much difference. Have you tried to see if one looks better than the other and if so, what did you find out?
I can't tell any difference. I switched all of my Season Pass programs last night to the cable feed. Of course, I still need the antenna for Fox and the alternate PBS feeds.

hey Jim I want to send you a video clip from my new video camera. The clip is from last months dance theater pan production

Charles,
I'd like to see that.

please send private e-mail address

I am making dvd's as we speak. I have to make about a hundred.

Thanks Jim

I'm not moved in my new house in Wetumpka yet but the builder let me install the antenna. I put a 4228 on a tripod in the attic. I took a little tv with me to test which stations I would receive. The only thing I got was the VHF WSFA and WAKA. Waka was a little grainy and WSFA was perfect. I couldn't get any UHF stations. I think I hooked everything up correctly. I moved the antenna all around and even tried my CM 7777 with it. Nothing! Anyone have any ideas or suggestions to help me?

jtrippe,

Simple question with not so simple an answer.

The lack of reception could be many things including the aim of the antenna, sensitivity of the tuner, shooting through your roof rather than mounting it outside, other obstructions such as your neighbor's house, trees or high horizon line.

It sounds like you were using an analog TV to run your test. Is that correct? Are you planning on using a TV with a digital tuner?

jtrippe,

Simple question with not so simple an answer.

The lack of reception could be many things including the aim of the antenna, sensitivity of the tuner, shooting through your roof rather than mounting it outside, other obstructions such as your neighbor's house, trees or high horizon line.

It sounds like you were using an analog TV to run your test. Is that correct? Are you planning on using a TV with a digital tuner?

Jim,

Thanks for the input. I won't have the hdtv at the house until I move in on the 30th. However, someone on another board suggested that I switch the tv setting from Cable to antenna. I'll try to check tomorrow to see if that was the problem. I'm running the analog to the bedrooms and will use the digital tuner in the living room. I'll post an update.

having very spotty service with Knology digital right now...

I was able to take my digital receiver and test out the CM 4228. I set it up in the attic on a tripod raised above the ac and any other obstructions. First, I hooked up my 7777 with not very good results. My next try I did not get CBS or ABC digital. I moved the antenna a couple of inches to SSW and, wow, the results were amazing. Here's what I get(I didn't test signal strengths but my LG 4200A locks in everything pretty nicely):

Analog:

WCOV Fox 20
WRJM MNTV 67(very poor reception though)
WMCF TBN 45
WNCF ABC 32
WAKA CBS 8
WSFA NBC 12
WFRZ FMN 34
WETU ION 39 (formerly Pax)
WBMM CW 22
WAIQ PBS 26

All of these are pretty clear with the exception of channel 67. It's right in the middle but it's really fuzzy. I get PBS 10 out of B'ham but it's fuzzy.

Digital:

WSFA NBC 12.1 and two subs
WNCF ABC 32.1
WAKA CBS 8.1 and two subs
WCOV Fox 20.1 and 1 sub
WAIQ PBS 26.1 and 3 subs
WMCF TBN 45.1 and 4 subs

The only digital I can't get is WBIH 29. It's pretty much an info-mercial channel so I don't care.

Thanks for the suggestions.

Everything appears to be working on my end, too. Yeah! It is about time.

Brian,

For whatever reason, my S3 stopped tuning in 20.1 on Monday. grayscreen. Didn't record 24..aaarrgh. The ASTC tuner in my plasma still picked up 20.1, so it must have been something Tivo related.

Anyway, did a OTA channel rescan and it starting receiving it again.

update on my knology... as if you ota guys cared ;)

I was missing TNT HD, HD Net, HD Net Movies, ESPN2 HD, and all my digital music channels.

Guy comes out to the house, tells me he is surprised I can get service at all, as I'm too far away from the nearest 'box'. does a scan with the SA 8300 set top box, and it shows that I'm -20db for the stations I can't get (all in the 700mhz range). Plugs in an amp, and now I'm good...

although, I think he amplified the noise in some of my other channels.... I couldn't tell if it was just the programming, or the signal... I'll have to give it a few days to see.

But, big thumbs up for Knology service.... I think having competing cable companies really helps out.

Hey Jim,
Did you get link to 24 that I sent you?

Charter has added two HD channels to its Montgomery lineup. ESPN2HD is now on channel 774 and Universal HD is on channel 776.

Charter has added two HD channels to its Montgomery lineup. ESPN2HD is now on channel 774 and Universal HD is on channel 776.

Wow! thats unbelievable!
A year late but good for them.

Charter has added two HD channels to its Montgomery lineup. ESPN2HD is now on channel 774 and Universal HD is on channel 776.
Whoa, I noticed Universal but ESPN2 is AWESOME! Thanks for the heads up!

Just an FYI for everyone interested in the NCAA Basketball Tournament...CBS had some technical issues at the start of coverage tonight, so from 6:00 until about 6:30 we were broadcasting either a Loss of Signal message or upconverted Basketball coverage on 8-1. The problems have now been resolved.

I'm trying to find out if any of the Montgomery cable companies use a HD Motorola box with an active firewire output that can be used to transfer shows to a JVC D-VHS recorder?

I'm trying to find out if any of the Montgomery cable companies use a HD Motorola box with an active firewire output that can be used to transfer shows to a JVC D-VHS recorder?
Charter uses a Moxi which should allow you to do this. As a new customer you might end up with whatever the new DVR they offer is. I can't remember what it is or whether it has this ability. I'd call them and find out if you could get a Moxi. And when they say yes, tell them you mean MOXI and not DVR, because they tend to think they are the same thing.

Knology uses the Scientific Atlanta 8300.

Thoraudio,

Does the 8300 have an active firewire output?

Charter uses a Moxi which should allow you to do this. As a new customer you might end up with whatever the new DVR they offer is. I can't remember what it is or whether it has this ability. I'd call them and find out if you could get a Moxi. And when they say yes, tell them you mean MOXI and not DVR, because they tend to think they are the same thing.

Have you actually found a number to Charter that connects you to someone who
can help you with anything? I think that could bring you some bucks on ebay.

Charter uses a Moxi which should allow you to do this... tell them you mean MOXI and not DVR, because they tend to think they are the same thing. One other thing: be sure to tell Charter that you need FireWire. There are some early Moxi boxes that did not have a FireWire output. You will need either a BMC9012f or a BMC9012f2. Moxi boxes are in short supply in some Charter offices, so they may not be able to supply you with a Moxi.

Is anyone having any problems with the digital TBN channel 45? I can't get it at my house in Montgomery or the one in Wetumpka. It was there at both places last weekend.

Also, at my Wetumpka house, I can't seem to get MyNetWork 67. I've got my CM 4228 pointed right at it. Without the CM 7777 pre-amp it is very grainy and in black and white. When I add the pre-amp it turns to color and is a little more watchable. Anyone in Wetumpka get a good picture? Does anyone really even care about MyNetworkTV?

Thanks.

Thoraudio,

Does the 8300 have an active firewire output?

I'll look at home, but I don't think so.

Just noticed NBC Nightly News is in HD. :)

No an 8300 does not have Firewire.

Actually, it does.... but I don't know if it's active.

There's threads on here about spotty results recording off of the firewire outs, do a search for 8300 and firewire.

Thoraudio,

Since this is for a friend and he already haas an 8300 with Knowlogy, I think I'll suggest we just hook up the DVR to his JVC recorder via firewire (think I actually have that cable laying around here somewhere) and see what happens.

Thanks everyone.

Am I the only one not getting FOX in HD?

Grandpa,

I was just watching my recording of House from last night from 20.1.

During the first 20 minutes, it was in SD. Then the picture went to HD. At the 43 minute mark, I was getting a lot of audio dropouts and switched to my SD recording of the same show off of cable. (yes, I record both as I've missed some recordings when 20.1 was below the lockon signal level).

Bottom line is that I'm getting Fox in HD intermittantly.

Grandpa,

I was just watching my recording of House from last night from 20.1.

During the first 20 minutes, it was in SD. Then the picture went to HD. At the 43 minute mark, I was getting a lot of audio dropouts and switched to my SD recording of the same show off of cable. (yes, I record both as I've missed some recordings when 20.1 was below the lockon signal level).

Bottom line is that I'm getting Fox in HD intermittantly.

I just watched part of my recording from last night and I encountered the same thing. HD after about 20 minutes and then at about 43 the audio dropouts and pixelation started. Guess I'm going to have to hook my Replay back up so I can record the cable feed along with the OTA HD.

CBS HD was unwatchable tonight during Jerico on Knology.
Anyone else notice?

I just watched part of my recording from last night and I encountered the same thing. HD after about 20 minutes and then at about 43 the audio dropouts and pixelation started. Guess I'm going to have to hook my Replay back up so I can record the cable feed along with the OTA HD.

Some guy over in Richmond Virgina had the exact same problem.

Must be a "Fox" thing.

Hey everyone. Not sure if I'm in the right place to ask this...

But I've got Bright House Networks and their HD cable box here. When I first got my HDTV and called up Bright House, I had to use the component cables because I didn't have an HDMI or DVI cable to work with the box. A few weeks ago, I had them replace the cable box because it was really faulty. It looks exactly identical to the box they replaced, except for the removal of the HDMI port. I called their customer service line and they couldn't help me at all. One person didn't even know what HDMI was. :rolleyes: Does Bright House plan to issue out a cable box with HDMI in the future? I really don't want to have to go get a stupid DVI to HDMI converter.

Crisis,

What model cable box do you have?

Crisis,

What model cable box do you have?

Hey Jim;

The model of cable box I have is the Motorola DCT5100, if I'm not mistaken. The first one I had actually had an HDMI port on the back of it. I'm sure of it. This new one does not. I also got an email back from Bright House tech support, finally. Some other Bright House subscribers may find this very interesting...

First of all, we would like to sincerely apologize for any inconvenience that you have endured while dealing with this issue. Hopefully the issues that you were experiencing with your service has been resolved. In reference to your question concerning the future of HDMI support across our network, we are always looking for ways to improve upon the services that we offer to our subscribers. HDMI support is an offering that we are actively reviewing and hope to add sometime in the near future. Again, we do thank you for choosing Brighthouse Networks.

Thank you,
Michael S.
BrightHouse Networks
Technical Support Representative
(205)592-8693

Not that it matters much. But, I noticed the opening of Wheel Of Fortune (airing at 6:30 P.M. on WAKA) said it was broadcast in HD. Yet, it is not in HD. Does anybody know why not?

Not that it matters much. But, I noticed the opening of Wheel Of Fortune (airing at 6:30 P.M. on WAKA) said it was broadcast in HD. Yet, it is not in HD. Does anybody know why not?


You can search back and read threads on the subject. Basically, we do not have
the facilities to broadcast non-CBS programming in HD. Wheel is not a CBS program. This is still a common
lack with local stations, much as color was decades ago (the network would be in color but nothing else). No local station (don't think anyone in Alabama either) can do this. Atlanta is capable.
I'll let you know the local timetable when it becomes available.

Hey Jim;

The model of cable box I have is the Motorola DCT5100, if I'm not mistaken. The first one I had actually had an HDMI port on the back of it. I'm sure of it. This new one does not. I also got an email back from Bright House tech support, finally. Some other Bright House subscribers may find this very interesting...
I had a Bright House box before I got my TiVo Series 3. It was a Motorola box with HDMI. That was back in November.

CBS HD was unwatchable tonight during Jerico on Knology.
Anyone else notice?
I tried to watch Jericho, too. My picture was only slightly pixelated, but the sound dropped in and out constantly. I finally turned on the closed captioning which came through fine. Near the end of the show, the signal miraculously recovered.

I had same problem with House and Jericho and friday night lights over the past few days .Thank goodness for the internet. Watched them all on computer

I'll let you know the local timetable when it becomes available.

No big deal...just curious. Thanks for the response.

I'm happy as long as all sports, prime-time and late-night shows are in HD.

I had same problem with House and Jericho and friday night lights over the past few days .Thank goodness for the internet. Watched them all on computer
There was this show called Day Break which ABC showed in the late fall when Lost was on a break. ABC cancelled the show. Anyway, I watched the remaining episodes last night over the internet. I was amazed how great they looked on my HDTV. I plugged a computer into my HDTV via its VGA input. I set my video card for 1920 x 1080 lines of resolution. Wow. The quality was stunning. ABC's website video player has a widescreen mode.

Is there something going on with WSFA's HD broadcasting or is it me. The soundtracks are fine but the dialogue is...missing. Last nights "Crossing Jordan" was a good example. When they would go to SD commercials the dialogue would be fine. Kind of strange. ?????

Ed

Is there something going on with WSFA's HD broadcasting or is it me. The soundtracks are fine but the dialogue is...missing. Last nights "Crossing Jordan" was a good example. When they would go to SD commercials the dialogue would be fine. Kind of strange. ?????

Ed

It's been going on for days. I'm sure if a need comes up to insert the weather maps, they'll fix it.

It's been going on for days. I'm sure if a need comes up to insert the weather maps, they'll fix it.

I sent off an email to Ken Selvaggi, the general manager...didn't know who else to send it to. We'll see what he says.

Ed

Is there something going on with WSFA's HD broadcasting or is it me. The soundtracks are fine but the dialogue is...missing. Last nights "Crossing Jordan" was a good example. When they would go to SD commercials the dialogue would be fine. Kind of strange. ?????

Ed

I was so gotten.....

2 nights ago, the L&O criminal intent was centered around the deaf community. With hearing the 'surround' ambient noises, and the voices being muted, I thought it was a 'gimmick' or artistic interpretation.... I was really into it.

Then the next show did the same thing :rolleyes:

Medium was screwed up also.

Think their advertisers should get a refund. That would get their attention.

I turned over to WSFA to watch Andy Barker, P.I. At first there were the audio problems and then it switched to SD with black bars all around. I assume this is just a WSFA problem since there were no posts about NBC problems in the programming forum.

Same thing happened tonight...Raines(?) started out in HD, had some audio problems and quickly went to SD. Ed went to CBS.

I got an acknowledgement today from WSFA regarding my email. Basically it's being forwarded on to engineers, technicians, a couple of mediums, and a rodeo clown(which may or may not have stayed at a Holiday Inn Express last night).

Ed

Same thing happened tonight...Raines(?) started out in HD, had some audio problems and quickly went to SD. Ed went to CBS.

I got an acknowledgement today from WSFA regarding my email. Basically it's being forwarded on to engineers, technicians, a couple of mediums, and a rodeo clown(which may or may not have stayed at a Holiday Inn Express last night).

Ed

Funny... :) :) Good luck on getting anything done right in Montgomery..excuse me, they have weather maps down to a science. All the weather folks have to do is repeat what ever the National weather service says.

Something is seriously wrong with the HD portion of Bright House's line up. I can't get anything but locals and the HDNET movie channel. I have called tech support, and they say a system upgrade is under way. All I know is, I am going to be very angry if I can't see The Soprano's season debut.

Is anyone else up here experiencing this problem?

Brian,

At 11:50 p.m., everything looks fine including HBO-HD, channel 381.

Brian,

At 11:50 p.m., everything looks fine including HBO-HD, channel 381.
Did you ever have a problem? Mine began on Thursday.

brian

Tonight I checked the Tivo S3 and the Motorola HD-DVR and they both got the local and non locals in H.D. On Friday, I'm sure I must have played 381 (HBO-HD) but it would have only been on the Tivo. Only other problem is that some of my recordings lacked center and front main channel audio.(except for the commercials) I think that was narrowed down to being a station problem.

I live in east Montgomery and have Dish Network. I have heard from several people that some of the local channels (WSFA and WAKA) also broadcast in HD, but it can only be viewed with an over the air antenna. I have tried to use a set of bunny ears run through my Dish Network HD receiver, with no luck. I only picked up APT (in HD) and WAIQ (regular). I could not even get WSFA of WAKA on my antenna. I am just learning about all this so if this sounds novice I apologize. It has taken me a while just to find this forum, and I thought this might be the perfect place to ask. If anyone could tell me what I am doing wong or what kind of equipment I need to get the locals in HD I would be grateful! Thanks guys.

brian

Tonight I checked the Tivo S3 and the Motorola HD-DVR and they both got the local and non locals in H.D. On Friday, I'm sure I must have played 381 (HBO-HD) but it would have only been on the Tivo. Only other problem is that some of my recordings lacked center and front main channel audio.(except for the commercials) I think that was narrowed down to being a station problem.
I got Bright House to "hit" my cable cards this morning. Everything is working now. However, I have been having that old problem resurface with regard to channel 201. Have you?

brian,

Just checked it at 7:40 PM and my S3 can go between 201, 206, 211 and 216 without getting the grayscreen. I can tell that its struggling to lock in, whereas a few days ago when I checked, they switched much more quickly.

Charter put in TNT-HD over the weekend on channel 770. It was a nice suprize. Just a week or so ago, I discovered NBC-UNIVERSAL HD and ESPN2 HD. We got more HD channels (3) in the last week than we got all last year. I hope the trend continues. I'd love to see HD NET, HD NET MOVIES and NATL GEO HD next.

I live in east Montgomery and have Dish Network. I have heard from several people that some of the local channels (WSFA and WAKA) also broadcast in HD, but it can only be viewed with an over the air antenna. I have tried to use a set of bunny ears run through my Dish Network HD receiver, with no luck. I only picked up APT (in HD) and WAIQ (regular). I could not even get WSFA of WAKA on my antenna. I am just learning about all this so if this sounds novice I apologize. It has taken me a while just to find this forum, and I thought this might be the perfect place to ask. If anyone could tell me what I am doing wong or what kind of equipment I need to get the locals in HD I would be grateful! Thanks guys.
Some indoor antennas work better than others. I used a Silver Sensor indoor antenna to get nbc, cbs, abc, apt, and fox. I had to rotate the antenna to get some of the stations. I got tired of rotating, so I switched from Directv to Knology. I live in East Montgomery also.

I live in east Montgomery and have Dish Network. I have heard from several people that some of the local channels (WSFA and WAKA) also broadcast in HD, but it can only be viewed with an over the air antenna. I have tried to use a set of bunny ears run through my Dish Network HD receiver, with no luck. I only picked up APT (in HD) and WAIQ (regular). I could not even get WSFA of WAKA on my antenna. I am just learning about all this so if this sounds novice I apologize. It has taken me a while just to find this forum, and I thought this might be the perfect place to ask. If anyone could tell me what I am doing wong or what kind of equipment I need to get the locals in HD I would be grateful! Thanks guys.

I have heard good things about this antenna.
http://www.solidsignal.com/prod_display.asp?main_cat=03&CAT=&PROD=AD-LACROSSE-A


You can buy this antanna locally at Electronic Supply
http://www.solidsignal.com/prod_display.asp?main_cat=03&CAT=&PROD=ANC4228

I use this one near Alabama Christian on 30' pole with Dish Network and get everything except Fox.
http://www.solidsignal.com/prod_display.asp?PROD=SMS2000

Fox will be tough to get until they get their high powered antenna up on WSFA's Tower.

I live in east Montgomery and have Dish Network. I have heard from several people that some of the local channels (WSFA and WAKA) also broadcast in HD, but it can only be viewed with an over the air antenna. I have tried to use a set of bunny ears run through my Dish Network HD receiver, with no luck. I only picked up APT (in HD) and WAIQ (regular). I could not even get WSFA of WAKA on my antenna. I am just learning about all this so if this sounds novice I apologize. It has taken me a while just to find this forum, and I thought this might be the perfect place to ask. If anyone could tell me what I am doing wong or what kind of equipment I need to get the locals in HD I would be grateful! Thanks guys.

I would suggest slight rotation of your ears and a re-scan. repeat until results please. note that you may get different results with each rotation, but unlikely
you will get all locals at once, since they are transmitting from different directions.
i live in east montgomery and have no trouble picking up all local hd broadcasts (yes, all locals except channel 67 wrjm ((my netowrk)) have an HD channel)...but
not from the same positioning of my ears. i have my ears in a position to receive all but wsfa, and that works for me, since NBC really doesn't have anything I want to see.

also, if you are not familiar with the "all or nothing" behavior of digital
transmissions, you may not expect to have to go through this repeat process.

I would suggest slight rotation of your ears and a re-scan. repeat until results please. note that you may get different results with each rotation, but unlikely
you will get all locals at once, since they are transmitting from different directions.
i live in east montgomery and have no trouble picking up all local hd broadcasts (yes, all locals except channel 67 wrjm ((my netowrk)) have an HD channel)...but
not from the same positioning of my ears. i have my ears in a position to receive all but wsfa, and that works for me, since NBC really doesn't have anything I want to see.

also, if you are not familiar with the "all or nothing" behavior of digital
transmissions, you may not expect to have to go through this repeat process.

Not with a Dish Network tuner.
It just isn't sensitive enough.

I'm having a problem playing the HD-DVD version of Happy Feet on my Toshiba A1. You can stop laughing :) .

Well anyway, Amazon sent me a replacement and I'm having the same problem as the first. Before I order an XA2, I'd like to test these disc on someone's XA2, just to be sure that its not the disc. Any volunteers??

The weather man on Channel 12 said, "We will interrupt the hockey game when necessary". That is lie, they will interrupt when they want to and the damn map is an interruption. Off to FOX to watch baseball. 8 and 12 are run by idiots.

Hello,
I just got Dish HD and live in the Woodley Rd. area. I am using a Philips Silver Sensor for OTA signals and can pick up every local channel in HD except WCOV/Fox 20-1. I have the antenna in my attic and the best I can get for signal strength is about a 39, which doesn't keep it locked. I have tried pointing it in every direction and get the same result in my ht as I do in the attic. Is it my antenna or is the Fox signal that weak? Thanks, in advance.

Hello,
I just got Dish HD and live in the Woodley Rd. area. I am using a Philips Silver Sensor for OTA signals and can pick up every local channel in HD except WCOV/Fox 20-1. I have the antenna in my attic and the best I can get for signal strength is about a 39, which doesn't keep it locked. I have tried pointing it in every direction and get the same result in my ht as I do in the attic. Is it my antenna or is the Fox signal that weak? Thanks, in advance.

Since the WCOV-DT tower would hit Woodley Road (in town) if it fell, you must be
way out Woodley Road. So assuming you are, yes they have a very weak signal
which should someday be improved. If you live in the city on Woodley Road, "somethin ain't right".

technogov,

Shift the antenna over a few feet and then re aim it. Sounds too much like there is something else between your antenna and the tower.

Hello,
I just got Dish HD and live in the Woodley Rd. area. I am using a Philips Silver Sensor for OTA signals and can pick up every local channel in HD except WCOV/Fox 20-1. I have the antenna in my attic and the best I can get for signal strength is about a 39, which doesn't keep it locked. I have tried pointing it in every direction and get the same result in my ht as I do in the attic. Is it my antenna or is the Fox signal that weak? Thanks, in advance.

I have DISH and have a VIP622. I can not get FOX HD through the VIP622. All other channels come in fine. I get FOX HD by using another receiver attached to the 622 just for FOX. Anyone with a VIP211 or 622 have the problem. Both FOX and WCOV say they have no idea what the problem is.

I have DISH and have a VIP622. I can not get FOX HD through the VIP622. All other channels come in fine. I get FOX HD by using another receiver attached to the 622 just for FOX. Anyone with a VIP211 or 622 have the problem. Both FOX and WCOV say they have no idea what the problem is.


No one with a Dish VIP receiver can get WCOV Off Air. It ain't your antenna because mine is 30 feet in the air off of Waresferry road inside the bypass.
The latest software from Dish fixed a lot of OTA problems throughout the country but not WCOV.
As the saying goes "you can't make chicken salad out of chicken S**t"


BTW I get 35% also with bursts up to 58% but it will never lock.
Hopefully one day FOX will get high power on the Digital side.
Until then I will continue to "Live" in Atlanta. :D

I am amazed at my reception of WCOV-DT. I live in Wetumpka. I get a reliable 50 to 55 signal strength with an indoor Terk brand antenna from Best Buy that sits on top of my subwoofer. I pick up all the Montgomery digital channels with the exception of ABC, but this is because of my aiming. I can get a great signal from ABC, but when I adjust the direction of my antenna for ABC, I lose WCOV.

By the way, I had to buy some Velcro for my antenna. My cat kept moving my antenna without permission. ;-)

Did you velcro the cat or the antenna? :)

Since the WCOV-DT tower would hit Woodley Road (in town) if it fell, you must be
way out Woodley Road. So assuming you are, yes they have a very weak signal
which should someday be improved. If you live in the city on Woodley Road, "somethin ain't right".

I actually live inside the bypass and not too far from WCOV. Don't they have a big tower on the station grounds? I remember a tower got blown down in a tornado in the 90's. Was that the same one?

Anyway, is it possible to use a splitter and hook up more than one antenna to the same input on the 6122 and point them in different directions?

Thanks

technogov,

Shift the antenna over a few feet and then re aim it. Sounds too much like there is something else between your antenna and the tower.

I have some large trees in the way of the signal but there are some gaps of blue sky I might try to aim for. I guess using a compass might help, too.

Thanks

I have some large trees in the way of the signal but there are some gaps of blue sky I might try to aim for. I guess using a compass might help, too.

Thanks

What receivers do you have for the HD channels?

Anyway, is it possible to use a splitter and hook up more than one antenna to the same input on the 6122 and point them in different directions?

Yes if they are identical antennas and the coax is the same length.

What receivers do you have for the HD channels?

I have a Vip6122 and a Philips Silver Sensor antenna. The antenna is in my attic, about 13 feet above ground level.

Yes if they are identical antennas and the coax is the same length.


Hmmm...do you think it would help in getting a stronger signal from WCOV or is there no hope until they boost the power up? I'd say I am about 2 miles from WCOV. Can you be too close?

Hmmm...do you think it would help in getting a stronger signal from WCOV or is there no hope until they boost the power up? I'd say I am about 2 miles from WCOV. Can you be too close?

As Scott said. no one with a VIP receiver from DISH is able to pick up WCOV FOX OTA HD. There is a quirk between the WCOV signal and the VIP that will not lock the signal. We are not the only area in the US that has this problem. The last update of the 622 Software (L403) fixed some problems, but not here in Montgomery. The ONLY way for me to pick up WCOV is with another OTA receiver.

Oh well. Who do we need to call or email (bug the s*&t out of) to get this expedited? =]

Oh well. Who do we need to call or email (bug the s*&t out of) to get this expedited? =]

Try calling WCOV.

I thought NBC nightly news was in HD?

Anyone else on Brighthouse having troubles with the HD DVR losing its mind and deciding to record the SD channel instead of the HD channel? It just randomly seems to decide to record the SD channel, even though the series recording is set for "this channel only" on the HD channel.

EDIT: After some searching, I found this is a common problem on series recordings if both the SD channel and the HD channel have the same name in the program guide, and sure enough, Brighthouse has renamed the HD WNCF and WAKA channels so they match the SD channels guide name. WSFA still works since it is called WSFAD.

I just noticed Brighthouse has added ESPN2 HD. Now if we could only get wcov fox in hd!

I just noticed Brighthouse has added ESPN2 HD. Now if we could only get wcov fox in hd!
And the choir said "Amen". I wonder how long it will take all of the cable systems to add the newer HD channels? I am to the point that the HD channels are all I will watch with the exception of Fox News and Weather Channel.

Anyone else on Brighthouse having troubles with the HD DVR losing its mind and deciding to record the SD channel instead of the HD channel? It just randomly seems to decide to record the SD channel, even though the series recording is set for "this channel only" on the HD channel.

EDIT: After some searching, I found this is a common problem on series recordings if both the SD channel and the HD channel have the same name in the program guide, and sure enough, Brighthouse has renamed the HD WNCF and WAKA channels so they match the SD channels guide name. WSFA still works since it is called WSFAD.


Just noticed that 32-1's signal level is fairly low and won't consistantly lock on. Same with 20-1, both on antenna input. Other OTA HD channels look o.k. This might be why we're getting the SD version over cable of 32 instead of the HD version (Brighthouse).

Can someone confirm weak signal level on 32-1, preferably north of Montgomery.

I might be having an antenna problem but would like to find out what everyone else is seeing before dragging the ladder out.

Thanks!!!!

Just noticed that 32-1's signal level is fairly low and won't consistantly lock on. Same with 20-1, both on antenna input. Other OTA HD channels look o.k. This might be why we're getting the SD version over cable of 32 instead of the HD version (Brighthouse).

Can someone confirm weak signal level on 32-1, preferably north of Montgomery.

I might be having an antenna problem but would like to find out what everyone else is seeing before dragging the ladder out.

Thanks!!!!

Jim, I'm getting good signals on 32-1 and 20-1 (16) from OTA. Stan

Just noticed that 32-1's signal level is fairly low and won't consistantly lock on. Same with 20-1, both on antenna input. Other OTA HD channels look o.k. This might be why we're getting the SD version over cable of 32 instead of the HD version (Brighthouse).

Can someone confirm weak signal level on 32-1, preferably north of Montgomery.

I might be having an antenna problem but would like to find out what everyone else is seeing before dragging the ladder out.

Thanks!!!!
My 32.1 signal has been spotty for about 6-8 weeks. This coincided with the trees flowering. I am just glad that the cable feed seems to work now with my cable cards.

Thankfully there are only three more NASCAR races on WCOV this year!

No HD for today's race.... boo hoo!

_____________________________________


It's back. Only about 1/2 hour late. Not bad for Alabama!

_____________________________________

Back to SD on WCOV at 1:00 PM.

It's like a roller coaster ride!

And they even started the race late.

Glad I could switch over to Fox 5 in Atlanta. :D

WCOV (FOX) just can not keep the HD running during the NASCAR races. It's a good thing they only have two more races this year.

Have you ever noticed that WAKA turns off the HD about 2 to 3 minutes before the end of the Late Show with David Letterman? They do it every single night.

Don't understand WCOV'S problem. I thought everything was automatic with their splicer. Must be broke.

WCOV (FOX) just can not keep the HD running during the NASCAR races. It's a good thing they only have two more races this year.

It does not matter who has what...not one station in Montgomery knows what they are doing.

It does not matter who has what...not one station in Montgomery knows what they are doing.

TNT-HD and ESPN-HD have 12 races before ABC picks up the last 11. We should be good to go for the 12 that TNT & ESPN have. I don't remember ever having a problem with WNCF (ABC). But, you are right. That will probably change. I hope not though.

Don't understand WCOV'S problem. I thought everything was automatic with their splicer. Must be broke.

Now that the race is over, they have the HD turned back on. The post-race interviews are better viewed in HD than the actual race! Great job WCOV!

It does not matter who has what...not one station in Montgomery knows what they are doing.

Grandpa--

I'll be happy to credit your WAKA bill.

Grandpa-- I'll be happy to credit your WAKA bill.


I've put it on his tab for when he complains.. ;)

Grandpa--

I'll be happy to credit your WAKA bill.

I would gladly pay any CBS station that would move into Montgomery and would promise not to keep the stupid weather map up all the time. I would pay a NBC station that would show the National Poker show instead of a local church service Sunday Morning. I would pay a FOX station who would flip the switch on time for NASCAR.

Unfortunately competition is not allowed, so the locals can just do what they want with no repercussions.

ditto...I would pay for that service, too!

Along those lines, I've told Charter many times that I would pay for the NFL Network. But, they are in some pissing contest with each other. The result of their feud is that I do not get the channel.

Does anyone having DISH Satellite have SAT 129? DISH added FOX South and SPORT SOUTH HD and put them on 129. They are coming out Tues to change DISH 1000 to 1000.2. Was wondering what signal strength people are getting on 129. After change will have 65.1, 110, 119, 129. (BRAVES in HD :) )

Does anyone having DISH Satellite have SAT 129? DISH added FOX South and SPORT SOUTH HD and put them on 129. They are coming out Tues to change DISH 1000 to 1000.2. Was wondering what signal strength people are getting on 129. After change will have 65.1, 110, 119, 129. (BRAVES in HD :) )


Depends on the transponder.

129 is further to the west from 110/119 and only 30° high so it can be tough to have a shot at it because of trees.

TP Signal
01 63
02 62
04 85
05 75
06 58
07 59
08 79
09 80
10 83
11 56
12 85
13 84
16 77
17 73
18 57
21 72
22 59
23 59
27 58
30 80
31 82
32 72

[QUOTE=Scott Smith]Depends on the transponder.

129 is further to the west from 110/119 and only 30° high so it can be tough to have a shot at it because of trees.

Thanks..I hope I have line of sight here in Dalraida.

I would gladly pay any CBS station that would move into Montgomery and would promise not to keep the stupid weather map up all the time. I would pay a NBC station that would show the National Poker show instead of a local church service Sunday Morning. I would pay a FOX station who would flip the switch on time for NASCAR.

Unfortunately competition is not allowed, so the locals can just do what they want with no repercussions.

Oh, it's Monday. Grandpa hates those weather maps as much as I do.
But I woke up this morning, am pretty healthy, and have alot to be thankful for.
So I thought I would balance out the posts with some "glass is half full" stuff. :)

Grandpa- If you really are old enough to be a Grandpa, you must remember WCOV as the CBS affiliate. So you also remember that they pre-empted hours
of prime-time programming with no notice... you sat down to watch something
and a local movie came on because sales was able to sell one that afternoon.
And they had a habit of delaying the top shows, too. Lots of them. Up to 7 days.

I was in Atlanta a few weeks ago and the CBS affiliate there was pre-empting
2 hours of prime for a local movie.

Do you know of a town called Birmingham? The market
that never saw The Beatles debut on Ed Sullivan or Walter Cronkite declare
President Kennedy dead or The Tonight Show with Johnny Carson...because
the CBS/NBC combo affiliate tended to clear the shows from the network that
paid them more....not that had the most popular shows.

And yes...money CAN buy happiness. And competition.
Just call one of those satellite companies and tell them you want to pay copyright
on a distant CBS affiliate. They can bring it to you then. Nobody will stop you.

Was not Born and raised in Alabama. Just because it was screwed up back in the those days, doesn't mean you should keep screwing up now.

Grandpa,

Put up a tower and pull in stations from distant markets.

Wonder what the cost of doing that would be??

Was not Born and raised in Alabama. Just because it was screwed up back in the those days, doesn't mean you should keep screwing up now.

You really need to be positive. Like me.

You really need to be positive. Like me.


I am a very positive person. I am positive I am beating a dead horse. Montgomery media is set in their ways and will not change. Most of the people who work for local stations here do so because they could not get a job with a good station. That is why most have been here so damn long and have become stale.

Channel 8 is in second place in the news world (montgomery market), and always will be.

Will not post again.

I was haveing a bad Tuesday morning until I read this. It will be nice to not have all the bull crap to read. I personally think tv 8 is the best. Best shows,news, and staff.They try to keep us informed. Keep up the good work Mark. BY BY Grandpa

I was haveing a bad Tuesday morning until I read this. It will be nice to not have all the bull crap to read. I personally think tv 8 is the best. Best shows,news, and staff.They try to keep us informed. Keep up the good work Mark. BY BY Grandpa

Thanks. We try. And As I said, I hate the maps as much as Grandpa, whose comments are always welcome by me.

Me to, I was only kidding about Grandpa. I am proud to get what I get but there are much more important things going on in this world now than TV. HD on my locals have come a long way in a short time.

A couple of the female anchors are pretty hot too. :D

yes sir

I have the Dish VIP622 and was wondering if there is a way to get guide data for all of the OTA channels not just the x-01 channels, especially the 26-02 and 26-03 pbs channels.

Is there something I'm not doing because a couple of months ago all OTA channels had guide data for about a week.

When I was in Best Buy yesterday, I found their TV display receiving The Weather Channel with the HD logo in the lower right hand corner.

Has any of the Montgomery cable companies increased their HD offerings???

As a side note, when I was in Virginia earlier this month, I discovered that Best Buy will price match Amazon dot com for items sold by Amazon (not the other vendors found on the Amazon website). Got a $499 GPS for $372 for girlfriend, but wanted to wait till I got back to get one for me. The Montgomery BB started to not want to do the same pricematch, but I keep telling her that the other BBs were doing it. She was kind of busy, so she went ahead and approved it. Now you're probably not in the market for a GPS, but think of all the other stuff that you could get them to price match on.

I'm not getting a lock but my Dish 622 is picking up WEAR Digital channel 3 out of Pensacola. Guess they just went high power.

http://www.weartv.com/

From their FAQ

What is WEAR's digital channel?

WEAR-DT is physically broadcasting on UHF Channel 17, but the signal will appear as channel 3.1 and 3.2 on most digital receivers. Digital channel WEAR-DT 3.1 carries programming identical to analog channel WEAR-TV3, except the ABC High Definition programming is in High Definition. WEAR-DT 3.2 carries programming from The Tube Music Network, which is an all-music-videos channel. WEAR-DT 3.2 programming is all standard definition.

Where is the WEAR digital transmitting antenna?

The antenna is at the top of our new 1,930 foot tower located about 2 miles south of the Wilcox Road exit from Interstate 10 in Baldwin County , AL .


How much power is WEAR-DT transmitting?

Since January 2005, our Effective Radiated Power is 1,000,000 watts which blankets the Mobile-Pensacola-Fort Walton Beach viewing area. If you can receive our analog signal on Channel 3, you should also be capable of receiving our digital signal.

Anybody else having problems with WSFA. I am watching off-air and my signal fluctuates from good to zero. All of my other locals come in fine. It doesn't seem to matter how my antenna is aimed (outdoor), even when it is is an optimal position I still get the signal fluctuation. This started yesterday. (There are no trees or other obstructions that would interfere with the signal.)

(Wednesday, 5:57 a.m.--it's fine now._

I just talked to a friend of mine who is a producer for WFRZ (Frazier TV). They just ordered the digital transponder and plan to broadcast a digital signal with three or four substations by the end of the year. In addition, they plan to broadcast some programs in HD. The contemporary service will be filmed and broadcast in HD first.

The analog signal is weak. I for one barely get it out in Wetumpka. The digital signal will only be 6600 Watts but they were told that it would have a farther signal carriage. The analog station currently broadcasts at Low Power 15000 Watts. They do have a license to upgrade the wattage but the cost is too much for them right now.

I know not many are interested in this channel but it's nice to have another digital offering. Anyone have any updates on the CW or MyNetwork TV digital start dates? I know the CW was waiting on their digital transponder to be repaired. They had to send it overseas.

I just talked to a friend of mine who is a producer for WFRZ (Frazier TV). They just ordered the digital transponder and plan to broadcast a digital signal with three or four substations by the end of the year. In addition, they plan to broadcast some programs in HD. The contemporary service will be filmed and broadcast in HD first.

The analog signal is weak. I for one barely get it out in Wetumpka. The digital signal will only be 6600 Watts but they were told that it would have a farther signal carriage. The analog station currently broadcasts at Low Power 15000 Watts. They do have a license to upgrade the wattage but the cost is too much for them right now.

I know not many are interested in this channel but it's nice to have another digital offering. Anyone have any updates on the CW or MyNetwork TV digital start dates? I know the CW was waiting on their digital transponder to be repaired. They had to send it overseas.

I don't believe the CW offers a HD feed for 100+ markets (Montgomery is 117)
so even if they get their amp repaired, there will be no HD programming on their digital signal. Also, I believe MYNetwork will not go digital until the big analog sut off date 2/17/09...as they are not required to do so until then, based on their analog original sign on date. When they do, they will be on channel 48.

Well, at least the CW will be digital. That's a big improvement over what they have now. It's really a shame that Frazier and TBN are digital before MyNetwork TV. They really are behind. In addition, I can get every local Montgomery channel crystal clear here in Wetumpka with the exception of MNTV 67. I get Birmingham stations better than theirs. They must not be broadcasting at a very high wattage. They are useless for OTA. The CW analog comes in pretty clear and I think it's transmitter is farther away.

In order to get the new HD channels D* promises this fall I recentlty replaced my HD Tivo with the D* HR20-100 (the new channels will be MPEG 4--the Tivo can only do MPEG-2 and is not upgradeable). All my OTA channels are fine except I am having problems with reception on WCOV. Is anybody else having problems with WCOV--if not I quess the OTA tuner in the HR20-100 has problems with WCOV's signal (maybe the tuner in the HD Tivo is better). I could compare but the Tivo was deactivated when I installed the new receiver. Is Fox OTA okay for everyone else?

Last night (Tues the 19th) did anyone else loose the center channel for NCIS and The Unit (CBS)

Stan,

Just checked 20-1 (OTA digital).

Its floating between 58-60 on my Tivo S3. WCOV-TV signal strength is usually lower than the other stations, but these numbers are low even for them.

I don't seem to have any problems locking on. I haven't watched it long enough to see if its having any dropouts.

I keep getting the satellite companies confused. Is D* DirectTV or Dish Networks?

Stan,

Just checked 20-1 (OTA digital).

Its floating between 58-60 on my Tivo S3. WCOV-TV signal strength is usually lower than the other stations, but these numbers are low even for them.

I don't seem to have any problems locking on. I haven't watched it long enough to see if its having any dropouts.

I keep getting the satellite companies confused. Is D* DirectTV or Dish Networks?

Thanks Jim. D* is Directv. They are putting up a new sat in July and another one later on. They plan to have a large slate of HD on the air in September (all of the HBO, Starz, Cinemax and Showtime Channels as well as a number of the national channels like The Animal Planet, MSNBC, SciFi Channel, Learning Channel, etc).
I've never gotten a really strong signal from Fox but on the Tivo it was generally in the 70s, now it's in the 50s and breaks up a good bit. Not sure if the weather yesterday may have caused some problems with WCOV or if the OTA tuner in my
new DVR has problems with the Fox signal for some reason. As long as I can get
"House" this fall I'm okay. Stan

Thanks Jim. D* is Directv. They are putting up a new sat in July and another one later on. They plan to have a large slate of HD on the air in September (all of the HBO, Starz, Cinemax and Showtime Channels as well as a number of the national channels like The Animal Planet, MSNBC, SciFi Channel, Learning Channel, etc).


Don't hold your breath on that one! :D :D

Don't hold your breath on that one! :D :D


I don't really pay a lot of attention to rumor and speculation, but the launch date for the sat has been set and D* has announced the channels and when most of them will be coming on line. D* has of a history of not announcing new channels until they have definite plans and commitments to bring them out. This isn't rumor or speculation. (I should have said by years end instead of September--some of the channles will be on line in September but not all--but D* has said by the end of the year. I know this is a best case scenario and there could always be problems with the new Sat.)

Stan,

SciFi channel alone in HD would be enough to add the service. :)

Its amazing how much difference there is when one of the SciFi shows like Starship Enterprise shows up on Universal HD.

Stan,

SciFi channel alone in HD would be enough to add the service. :)

Its amazing how much difference there is when one of the SciFi shows like Starship Enterprise shows up on Universal HD.

I'm looking forward to the new channels, and, for now at least, D* has announced that the nationals (excluding the subscription movie channels) will be included in the $9.99 HD package. We'll see on that one. Stan

I did a rescan on my LG 4200A this morning and got two new digital channels. I got CBS 15(3.1 and 3.2) out of Columbus and PBS 23 (28.1-28.4) out of Athens, GA. I also go analog ABC 9 out of Columbus. There must have been some strange or good atmospheric conditions this morning to get these. I get almost all of the Birmigham locals in analog but most of the time they are grainy. I get about 5 different PBS stations in analog with our local one always coming in great and most of the time I get channel 10. I'm sure the new digitals are just temporary but I would really like to pick up the digital CW and MNTV from Birmingham or Columbus too. Has anyone ever picked these up? I think with my channel master 4228 and the 7777 pre-map my range is about 60 miles. I highly recommend the 4228. I'm in Wetumpka and it works great in my attic for all of the Montgomery locals.

I'm looking forward to the new channels, and, for now at least, D* has announced that the nationals (excluding the subscription movie channels) will be included in the $9.99 HD package. We'll see on that one. Stan

So if you're just interested in the nationals in HD, are we only talking about $9.99 per month? What about a DVR? Which satellite?....ok, that's it for now. Earl Gray tea must be loaded with caffine. :eek:

So if you're just interested in the nationals in HD, are we only talking about $9.99 per month? What about a DVR? Which satellite?....ok, that's it for now. Earl Gray tea must be loaded with caffine. :eek:

Jim, the MPEG4 HD will be on the new sat (all the new HD channels and local HD will be MPEG-actually, the HD locals are already MPEG4). I believe that the sat will be 103 and the other sat going up will be at the 99 positionThey have announced that all the new HD channels (except premium channels) will be included in the $9.99 HD access fee. How long that will last is anybody's guess. The DVR fee is $5.99 a month. I had the HD Tivo but just got D*s new box (HR20-100). It seems to be a good box, a little different interface than Tivo so I'm having to get used to it. The only thing I am having a problem with it is picking up WCOV. All the other HD channels come in fine (they all--except WCOV--come in good now from one antenna location). The signal strength seems okay on WCOV but it will not stay locked. This tuner may be more sensitive to multi-path or other interference than the tuner on the Tivo. There are some good deals out there now. I got my new DVR, the new larger dish, and installation for shipping and handling ($19.95) Stan

Jim, the MPEG4 HD will be on the new sat (all the new HD channels and local HD will be MPEG-actually, the HD locals are already MPEG4). I believe that the sat will be 103 and the other sat going up will be at the 99 positionThey have announced that all the new HD channels (except premium channels) will be included in the $9.99 HD access fee. How long that will last is anybody's guess. The DVR fee is $5.99 a month. I had the HD Tivo but just got D*s new box (HR20-100). It seems to be a good box, a little different interface than Tivo so I'm having to get used to it. The only thing I am having a problem with it is picking up WCOV. All the other HD channels come in fine (they all--except WCOV--come in good now from one antenna location). The signal strength seems okay on WCOV but it will not stay locked. This tuner may be more sensitive to multi-path or other interference than the tuner on the Tivo. There are some good deals out there now. I got my new DVR, the new larger dish, and installation for shipping and handling ($19.95) Stan

Can anyone on this board affiliated with WCOV shed some light as to why some of the new satellite receivers (e.g. Dish vip-622) appear incapable of receiving WCOV-HD using an OTA antenna? I am thinking of switching from E* to D* and I get the feeling (based on the above quoted post) that the WCOV-HD OTA reception problem is not limited to the new E* receivers. In my opinion, WCOV is going to lose a lot of viewership when the switch to digital becomes mandatory if they don't take aggressive measures to quickly resolve any HD signal incompatibility issues with the receiver manufacturers.

Can anyone on this board affiliated with WCOV shed some light as to why some of the new satellite receivers (e.g. Dish vip-622) appear incapable of receiving WCOV-HD using an OTA antenna? I am thinking of switching from E* to D* and I get the feeling (based on the above quoted post) that the WCOV-HD OTA reception problem is not limited to the new E* receivers. In my opinion, WCOV is going to lose a lot of viewership when the switch to digital becomes mandatory if they don't take aggressive measures to quickly resolve any HD signal incompatibility issues with the receiver manufacturers.

I sent an e-mail to WCOV (chief engineer) to see if there is a known problem with WCOV and the HR20.

Their digital transmitter is on low power on the station property. Simple as that.
When they get the high power transmitter up on WSFA's tower all will be well in Montgomery.

Their digital transmitter is on low power on the station property. Simple as that.
When they get the high power transmitter up on WSFA's tower all will be well in Montgomery.

If it is a "low power" transmission issue as Scott Smith claims, can anyone explain why I can receive WCOV-HD on my E* 811 receiver but not my E* vip-622 receiver using the same antenna & position? My 811 receiver indicates a signal strength for WCOV at about 74% and locks the signal in fine; at the same time, my vip-622 receiver indicates a 39% signal strength and fails to lock on to the signal. Others on this board have also indicated they can receive WCOV-HD on other HD receivers, but cannot receive it on the newer E* and (possibly) the newer D* HD receivers. In my opinion, either the newer E* & D* HD receivers aren't sensitive enough to pick up the currently "weak" WCOV-HD signal, or there is a signal incompatibility issue with WCOV-HD and the newer E* & D* HD receivers. I guess the only way we'll really find out which one it is, is when/if WCOV increases their HD transmission power. Does anyone have a realistic date as to when the WCOV high-power transmitter will be functional?

Their digital transmitter is on low power on the station property. Simple as that.
When they get the high power transmitter up on WSFA's tower all will be well in Montgomery.

I received WCOV reliably on my HD Tivo tuner--no problems. However, on my D* HR20 the receiver will not lock on that channel so the problem appears to be between WCOVs signal and my receiver and not low power since I receive WCOV fine on another tuner. The receiver picks up the other OTA signals just fine, in fact I can pick up all stations (except) WCOV from one antenna position when I had to adjust it for WAKA on my Tivo.

Can anyone on this board affiliated with WCOV shed some light as to why some of the new satellite receivers (e.g. Dish vip-622) appear incapable of receiving WCOV-HD using an OTA antenna? I am thinking of switching from E* to D* and I get the feeling (based on the above quoted post) that the WCOV-HD OTA reception problem is not limited to the new E* receivers. In my opinion, WCOV is going to lose a lot of viewership when the switch to digital becomes mandatory if they don't take aggressive measures to quickly resolve any HD signal incompatibility issues with the receiver manufacturers.


I have a VIP 211 and used to get WCOV just fine. However, around last January it just went out. Others have posted here about this too. It's a problem with the VIP receivers. I have an LG 4200A receiver and get WCOV just fine in Wetumpka. I don't think it's a low power issue. It's either the VIPs or a combo of the VIPs and WCOV's signal. I don't think WCOV has ever hired a new chief engineer either. The current staff doesn't know what they're doing when it comes to digital tv.

I'm pretty sure their Digital Transmitter is only 800 watts.

I'm pretty sure their Digital Transmitter is only 800 watts.

Thanks for the info, but that doesn't explain why some receivers at a particular location can receive WCOV, and at the same time, other receivers at the same location can't.

Thanks for the info, but that doesn't explain why some receivers at a particular location can receive WCOV, and at the same time, other receivers at the same location can't.

Other than a problem with the signal itself in some way that I don't understand it looks like it may be a multipath problem and some OTA tuners handle that much better than others.

Other than a problem with the signal itself in some way that I don't understand it looks like it may be a multipath problem and some OTA tuners handle that much better than others.

I know that my D* H20-100 box will not lock onto the WCOV signal, my understanding is that the RCA boxes have issues w/ some signals and the 600 boxes are better at receiving the signal. I can get WCOV on my old D* Zenith HD box. With D* it's the RCA boxes are more sensitive for some reason.

I know that my D* H20-100 box will not lock onto the WCOV signal, my understanding is that the RCA boxes have issues w/ some signals and the 600 boxes are better at receiving the signal. I can get WCOV on my old D* Zenith HD box. With D* it's the RCA boxes are more sensitive for some reason.

That's my understanding. For some reason the 600 has the 5th generation chip and the 100 has a 3rd generation chip. Why a newer box would have older technology than the older box I don't know.

Since I am having problems with WCOV I thought, just for the heck of it, I would try the B'ham Fox Station (6-1). Believe it or not, I was able to get a better signal than WCOV--still not that watchable but it was more consistent. Whether that was atmospheric conditions and it was just a sparodic thing I don't know. I was getting a much better signal from the B'ham CBS station. The tuner on the HR20-100 seems to be better than my Tivo tuner except for WCOV.

I live in Wetumpka (in town) and use a Terk indoor antenna from Best Buy. I receive WCOV with no problems through a TiVo Series 3.

I know that my D* H20-100 box will not lock onto the WCOV signal, my understanding is that the RCA boxes have issues w/ some signals and the 600 boxes are better at receiving the signal. I can get WCOV on my old D* Zenith HD box. With D* it's the RCA boxes are more sensitive for some reason.

Can anyone on this board affiliated with WCOV explain what, if anything, is so unique about their HD signal that it could be causing the reception problems some of us have been having with our newer receivers? Has some newer HD signal standard been implemented in the newer receiver chips that WCOV's signal is non-compliant with? From the recent posts on this board, it does not appear that it is a transmitter power level issue.

ViewHD,

Read up 4 post. :)

As much as we complain about the weather coverage on the local channels, I have to compliment WAKA and their new weekend weather-woman, Ashley McDonald. She does a great job!

just a thought...It would be nice if y'all started broadcasting your news in HD!

just a thought...It would be nice if y'all started broadcasting your news in HD!

Won't happen any time soon. Our market isn't big enough to support the capitol out lay for that.

I spoke to a big cheese a Raycom (Owners of WSFA) they said the big markets will come first and then trickle down.
It will start with instudio only then eventually into the field.
Alanta's NBC station 11 alive is already 100% HD cameras.

the big markets will come first and then trickle down

"Trickle" is an appropriate word for that.

Can anyone recommend, based on personal experience, a non-E* or non-D* HDTV receiver that is actually capable of receiving a WCOV OTA HD signal? I've given up hope on being able to view WCOV HD using any of the new HD satellite receivers for the upcoming NFL season. I've heard that the LG LST-4200A is a good one, but it is no longer in production and that used ones are hard to find in the secondary marketplace.

Thanks in advance.

Looks like a bunch of used ones on ebay.

I'm in Prattville and having a heck of a time getting ABC(32.1) and FOX(20.1).

Antennaweb says ABC is at 128 from my address. But I get a zero signal at that direction. I get low 40s at 150. I can't get a sniff of FOX no matter what direction I try. Any ideas? I'm using a large channel master. So, if I'm pointed the right direction it should work.

Can anyone recommend, based on personal experience, a non-E* or non-D* HDTV receiver that is actually capable of receiving a WCOV OTA HD signal? I've given up hope on being able to view WCOV HD using any of the new HD satellite receivers for the upcoming NFL season. I've heard that the LG LST-4200A is a good one, but it is no longer in production and that used ones are hard to find in the secondary marketplace.

Thanks in advance.

I have the LG 4200A. It is an excellent receiver. I highly recommend it if you can find a used one. I was able to find a used one. I'm in Wetumpka and it helps pull in all of the signals. I had the same problem as you. My VIP 211 won't get WCOV. The 4200A will. It pulls in signals better than the VIP211. Also, it has HDMI and pulls in analog and digital. Highly recommended if you can find one. It's worth the expense.

APT will no longer carry the PBS HD feed on 26-1. I found the info here: http://www.dbstalk.com/showthread.php?t=91190 Apparently, it costs too much. Now we're going backwards again with HD content. The CW and MyNetwork need to hurry up and get thier act together.

FYI: I just talked to someone at WRJM and they plan to go digital by October and hope to carry HD programming.

APT will no longer carry the PBS HD feed on 26-1. I found the info here: http://www.dbstalk.com/showthread.php?t=91190 Apparently, it costs too much. Now we're going backwards again with HD content. The CW and MyNetwork need to hurry up and get thier act together.
Wow. I've been getting 26-1 through 26-4. Will they all be gone?

Wow. I've been getting 26-1 through 26-4. Will they all be gone?

No,
Just every thing on them will be 4:3 instead of 26-1 being 16:9 1080i

I'm in Prattville and having a heck of a time getting ABC(32.1) and FOX(20.1).

Antennaweb says ABC is at 128 from my address. But I get a zero signal at that direction. I get low 40s at 150. I can't get a sniff of FOX no matter what direction I try. Any ideas? I'm using a large channel master. So, if I'm pointed the right direction it should work.


Just joined this forum, I've been on other forums for a while but wanted to add to the AVS user group as well.

I'm in the south end of Clay county, between Goodwater and Ashland. I have a 60' tower with the best Winegard antenna and channel master 7777 preamp all on a rotor.

I'm about 80 miles away from most Montgomery stations and about 55 miles from the Birmingham Red Mountain transmitters (all miles as the crow flies per antennaweb). I get better reception from Montgomery because I have most of the Cheaha mountains between me and Red Mountain.

Anyway, I wanted to tell you about Montgomery Fox20. If anyone receives it regularly you are lucky. The station engineer at Fox20 was Phil Whitt, a very knowledgable and friendly person. Unfortunately he died a while back and the station took a while to replace him. That process has been completed and a internal promotion has us a new station engineer.

The reason for this long explanation is to let you know that even though Fox20 has FCC approval to transmit a full power the higher-ups have over-ridden both Phil and the new engineers desire to switch to full power. Fox20 is transmitting at less than 100kw when it could be at 1MegaWatt, like NBC12 and CBS8.

Wetumpka may receive Fox20, and even I can get it early in the AM when the weather propagation is right. But most of the time you will not be able to get it. Call FOX20 and complain. The excuse is they don't want to buy an extra transmitters for the temp frequency they're now assigned because in Feb 2009 they can start transmitting digitally on their native channel 20 frequency. It would be nice to have Fox20 at full power before NFL kicks off this fall <g>.

Anyway, with my VIP622 I get the following signal strengths for Montgomery:

CBS8 90 to 100% (1MW)
NBC12 90 to 100% (1MW)
PBS26 75 to 85% (650kw)
ABC32 60 to 75% (500kw)
Fox20 zero to 40% (<100kw)

Channel 12 and 20 transmitters are co-located (per my info) so 20 is not transmitting full power (IMHO).

Channel 8 is in Selma
Channel 32 is between Montgomery and Selma
Channel 26 is nearest to me so I get a strong signal even though 26 is not transmitting 1MW like 8 and 12.

Channel 12 and 20 transmitters are co-located (per my info) so 20 is not transmitting full power (IMHO).

20 analog is co located.
The Digital is on a small tower on Adrain Lane at the station.

Channel 8 is in Selma
Channel 32 is between Montgomery and Selma
Channel 26 is nearest to me so I get a strong signal even though 26 is not transmitting 1MW like 8 and 12.

Wow, thanks for the info. Now I can quit fighting my antenna. I'm using a DirecTV HR20 DVR, so that has to be the tuner. But, ABC and FOX have pathetic reception.

Just joined this forum, I've been on other forums for a while but wanted to add to the AVS user group as well.

I'm in the south end of Clay county, between Goodwater and Ashland. I have a 60' tower with the best Winegard antenna and channel master 7777 preamp all on a rotor.

I'm about 80 miles away from most Montgomery stations and about 55 miles from the Birmingham Red Mountain transmitters (all miles as the crow flies per antennaweb). I get better reception from Montgomery because I have most of the Cheaha mountains between me and Red Mountain.

Anyway, I wanted to tell you about Montgomery Fox20. If anyone receives it regularly you are lucky. The station engineer at Fox20 was Phil Whitt, a very knowledgable and friendly person. Unfortunately he died a while back and the station took a while to replace him. That process has been completed and a internal promotion has us a new station engineer.

The reason for this long explanation is to let you know that even though Fox20 has FCC approval to transmit a full power the higher-ups have over-ridden both Phil and the new engineers desire to switch to full power. Fox20 is transmitting at less than 100kw when it could be at 1MegaWatt, like NBC12 and CBS8.

Wetumpka may receive Fox20, and even I can get it early in the AM when the weather propagation is right. But most of the time you will not be able to get it. Call FOX20 and complain. The excuse is they don't want to buy an extra transmitters for the temp frequency they're now assigned because in Feb 2009 they can start transmitting digitally on their native channel 20 frequency. It would be nice to have Fox20 at full power before NFL kicks off this fall <g>.

Anyway, with my VIP622 I get the following signal strengths for Montgomery:

CBS8 90 to 100% (1MW)
NBC12 90 to 100% (1MW)
PBS26 75 to 85% (650kw)
ABC32 60 to 75% (500kw)
Fox20 zero to 40% (<100kw)

Channel 12 and 20 transmitters are co-located (per my info) so 20 is not transmitting full power (IMHO).

Channel 8 is in Selma
Channel 32 is between Montgomery and Selma
Channel 26 is nearest to me so I get a strong signal even though 26 is not transmitting 1MW like 8 and 12.

Just to keep everyone honest, I've got to say I remember turning off the lights in Selma (at Channel 8) after we left in 1986. Our tower (analog and digital) is at
GORDONSVILLE...just about a mile from channel 32's analog tower. Yes, WAKA-DT is 1mw ERP...the only full power DT in the market. Channel 32's digital is on Harrison Road and they operate at just under 10kw ERP. I believe they will move up in power and out to Gordonsville in 2009. WCOV-DT is operating at 1kw ERP. WSFA-DT, from Grady is at 600kw. Now do we all understand? According to the G-men, WCOV-DT will stay on channel 16, moving to Grady with 1mw ERP...but I have no time table for that. WCOV analog--I think--is pumping out about 2.7mw from Grady...so expect similar coverage from WCOV-DT when they move. WRJM is scheduled to move to channel 48 when they go digital, but your info on that is more than I've heard. Finally, here at the BIG 8 we appreciate all the "positive" comments about the weekend meteorologist, and appreciate the viewing.

Wow, thanks for the info. Now I can quit fighting my antenna. I'm using a DirecTV HR20 DVR, so that has to be the tuner. But, ABC and FOX have pathetic reception.

I have had two DirecTV HD receivers, both were the same model, and the first one I had would receive WCOV fine, while the second will not lock on WCOV. I have an ATSC tuner in my computer, and it receives WCOV fine. All of these devices have been connected to the same antenna and coax. All of the receivers pick up WAKA, WSFA, and WNCF with no problems.

This seems to be the same type of experience that others are having, so I believe that something is out of spec on WCOV's signal. Some receivers are more tolerant than others, so some work, and some don't. I suspect that they will continue to have problems with some receivers until they have an engineer with the proper test equipment come in and analyze their signal. Some people think things will get better when they go high power from Grady. It might, but if it does, I think it will be because they found and fixed the problem, not because of the additional power. Again, this is just my theory, based on my observations. It can be hard to get DTV right, because there are a lot of variables to deal with, and not a lot of consistency in receivers...I've seen firsthand that equipment and configuration problems can affect different receivers differently.

Depending on your location, another issue could be power and distance...I don't have any major reception problems, but I'm located in Montgomery (I can see WNCF's DT antenna from my house; I get good reception from them with a paperclip for an antenna.) WNCF and WCOV are the lowest powered stations in town, WCOV-DT is currently licensed for 1.1kw at 511 ft at their Montgomery studio, and WNCF-DT is licensed for 10.9kw at 807 ft at their Montgomery studio. Compare that to WAKA-DT at 1mw at 1663 feet in Gordonsville, and WSFA-DT at 600kw at 1663 ft in Grady, and you can see why you are most likely to have problems with ABC and FOX.

I have had two DirecTV HD receivers, both were the same model, and the first one I had would receive WCOV fine, while the second will not lock on WCOV. I have an ATSC tuner in my computer, and it receives WCOV fine. All of these devices have been connected to the same antenna and coax. All of the receivers pick up WAKA, WSFA, and WNCF with no problems.

This seems to be the same type of experience that others are having, so I believe that something is out of spec on WCOV's signal. Some receivers are more tolerant than others, so some work, and some don't. I suspect that they will continue to have problems with some receivers until they have an engineer with the proper test equipment come in and analyze their signal. Some people think things will get better when they go high power from Grady. It might, but if it does, I think it will be because they found and fixed the problem, not because of the additional power. Again, this is just my theory, based on my observations. It can be hard to get DTV right, because there are a lot of variables to deal with, and not a lot of consistency in receivers...I've seen firsthand that equipment and configuration problems can affect different receivers differently.

Depending on your location, another issue could be power and distance...I don't have any major reception problems, but I'm located in Montgomery (I can see WNCF's DT antenna from my house; I get good reception from them with a paperclip for an antenna.) WNCF and WCOV are the lowest powered stations in town, WCOV-DT is currently licensed for 1.1kw at 511 ft at their Montgomery studio, and WNCF-DT is licensed for 10.9kw at 807 ft at their Montgomery studio. Compare that to WAKA-DT at 1mw at 1663 feet in Gordonsville, and WSFA-DT at 600kw at 1663 ft in Grady, and you can see why you are most likely to have problems with ABC and FOX.

My bet is you are correct that you have the same model receiver from D* but if you'll check closer the one that can't pick up WCOV will more than likely be a -100 model and the one that can pick it up will be a -600 model. I have one of both and have the same issue. The RCA tuner isn't very good at picking up that signal. Supposedly there is some new software coming out that may help us out but we'll have to wait and see if it stabalizes the signal enough to grab it and keep it.

Hi,

I just moved to Montgomery and am trying to decide which cable company to go with. I will probably order expanded/extended basic cable. From reading previous posts on this forum, it looks like both Charter and Knology offer unencrypted QAM for the local stations (ABC, CBS, FOX, etc)... I am using a HDHomerun tuner with SageTV as my DVR so no need for equipment rental... Does one company offer better service or more unencrypted channels than the other?

I'll be living in western Montgomery, if that helps...

Appreciate any suggestions. Thanks,

-Allen

Knology carries more HD channels than Charter including HDNet and HDNet movies.

Can any of you guys that are "insiders" for the local channels tell us why the Montgomery locals are not on D* yet? We are, by a long shot, the largest DMA with no SD locals on D* yet. I could understand it if Dish did not carry the Montgomery locals either, but Dish has had them for a few years now. D* is now rolling out HD locals and really has not had any new SD announcements in a while. I get my locals in HD via antenna, so it is only a minor pain (don't have HD in every room so I have lifeline cable for those rooms) but it would be fantastic to get them on D*. Thanks in advance for any feedback!

Can any of you guys that are "insiders" for the local channels tell us why the Montgomery locals are not on D* yet? We are, by a long shot, the largest DMA with no SD locals on D* yet. I could understand it if Dish did not carry the Montgomery locals either, but Dish has had them for a few years now. D* is now rolling out HD locals and really has not had any new SD announcements in a while. I get my locals in HD via antenna, so it is only a minor pain (don't have HD in every room so I have lifeline cable for those rooms) but it would be fantastic to get them on D*. Thanks in advance for any feedback!

It goes way back to the Pegisys days when they had some kind of exclusive here. No idea of the details.

Columbus, Ga. and Dothan, Al. are decent markets and neither are on D* or E*.

I'm guessing D* will have HD locals here and skip right over the SD.

I also don't think we are more than a year from having E* HD locals here. Then I can "move" back to Montgomery. :D

It goes way back to the Pegisys days when they had some kind of exclusive here. No idea of the details.

Columbus, Ga. and Dothan, Al. are decent markets and neither are on D* or E*.

I'm guessing D* will have HD locals here and skip right over the SD.

I also don't think we are more than a year from having E* HD locals here. Then I can "move" back to Montgomery. :D

When my installer installed my slimeline dish a few weeks ago I asked him when we could expect the local HD from this area on D*. He told me the end of the summer. We all know how reliable statements from sat and cable installers are.

Can any of you guys that are "insiders" for the local channels tell us why the Montgomery locals are not on D* yet?

I'd say ROI, or "return on investment". They know how many subs they have there in that market, and an expected percentage of how many would sub to the locals. My bet is the bean counters don't think it is worth the investment.

Of course, with the February 2009 analog shut-off coming, who knows how that figures in the equation..

Anyone recieving fox on a outside antenna tonight? I am getting no signal

Same here in Blueridge. Looks like Fox finally gave up the ghost.

I e-mailed them this morning. Has anyone else tried to contact them?

Let see no fox HD no pbs HD and last night I recorded new show on abc 32 and there was no center channel on sound. We are going backwards.Thank God for cbs 8!

.Thank God for cbs 8!

ARRRGH! You had to go and say that didn't you..I hope you didn't jinx the Big 8 by saying that! :)

The big 8 rules. The best station in montgomery with true HD. Best network shows I think

I e-mailed them this morning. Has anyone else tried to contact them?


The new Fox20 station engineer is Mike Hunsburger, telephone him at 334-288-7020 and discuss their plans. I did this a couple of months ago and he said then that the station management was still dragging their feet about spending any additional funds on Digital transmitters before analog transmissions stop in early 2009.

I think if enough of you Montgomery DMA viewers call and express your opinion it may help Mike convince his management to act sooner....else you may be looking at late 2008/ early 2009 before Fox20 OTA has a viewable and reliable signal.

Now that DISH network has started Birmingham HD locals for us in the Birmingham DMA the OTA from Montgomery is gravy.....but still wanted.

Is anyone able to get FOX HD on 20.1 OTA right now? I just don't want to waste my time getting an amplifier if there is no way to get the signal or if it is completely down right now.

No signal in Millbrook all weekend with amp ota

Is anyone able to get FOX HD on 20.1 OTA right now? I just don't want to waste my time getting an amplifier if there is no way to get the signal or if it is completely down right now.

Maybe when they come back they will have the problem with the signal that is causing certain receivers not to be able to lock onto the signal will be fixed.
Probably wishful thinking.

The new Fox20 station engineer is Mike Hunsburger, telephone him at 334-288-7020 and discuss their plans. I did this a couple of months ago and he said then that the station management was still dragging their feet about spending any additional funds on Digital transmitters before analog transmissions stop in early 2009.




If you really want to get their attention, call their advertisers and see if they'll call the station about the digital signal being down. Station management might not listen to us, but I bet they'll listen to advertisers threatening to pull their ads with them.

Anyone noticed no center channel sound on abc or nbc shows lately

Maybe when they come back they will have the problem with the signal that is causing certain receivers not to be able to lock onto the signal will be fixed.
Probably wishful thinking.

Fox20 is not, has not and probably will not, broadcast their DT signal strong enough for ANYONE, no matter how close to the studio and temp transmitter you are, to reliably receive their signal... You are at the mercy of the weather propagation patterns, outside temperature, cloud cover, cloud ice formations and several other environmental factors.

Everyone is wasting their time, resources and money trying to overcome a simple problem with better antennas, amplifiers or TV tuners. Call the station engineer instead of complaing to one another here. Any station ocassionally has a problem with their PSIP generator, and if it fails on the weekend it may not be restored (usually just requires a computer reboot at the studio) until Monday morning.. but the basic problem with Fox20 is LOW POWER and the temp location of their transmit antenna. You'll help everyone if you:

The new Fox20 station engineer is Mike Hunsburger, telephone him at 334-288-7020 and discuss their plans. I did this a couple of months ago and he said then that the station management was still dragging their feet about spending any additional funds on Digital transmitters before analog transmissions stop in early 2009.

I think if enough of you Montgomery DMA viewers call and express your opinion it may help Mike convince his management to act sooner....else you may be looking at late 2008/ early 2009 before Fox20 OTA has a viewable and reliable signal.

I beg to differ.I have been watching tv 20 hd for about 18 months with ocassional problems. I don't use an amp, just a 20 year old radioshack antenna 20 feet in air. I never took it down when I got cable and dish. This is something new for me. I believe Mr. Woods the owner is so cheap we are lucky to get what we get. I wish their was a way to get all the national feeds abc,cbs,nbc,and fox on satelite when your locals were not providing the proper service. I HOPE IT IS FIXED FOR NEW SEASON . HOUSE 24 NFL. Nice to talk to yall

Fox20 is not, has not and probably will not, broadcast their DT signal strong enough for ANYONE, no matter how close to the studio and temp transmitter you are, to reliably receive their signal... You are at the mercy of the weather propagation patterns, outside temperature, cloud cover, cloud ice formations and several other environmental factors.

Everyone is wasting their time, resources and money trying to overcome a simple problem with better antennas, amplifiers or TV tuners. Call the station engineer instead of complaing to one another here. Any station ocassionally has a problem with their PSIP generator, and if it fails on the weekend it may not be restored (usually just requires a computer reboot at the studio) until Monday morning.. but the basic problem with Fox20 is LOW POWER and the temp location of their transmit antenna. You'll help everyone if you:

The new Fox20 station engineer is Mike Hunsburger, telephone him at 334-288-7020 and discuss their plans. I did this a couple of months ago and he said then that the station management was still dragging their feet about spending any additional funds on Digital transmitters before analog transmissions stop in early 2009.

I think if enough of you Montgomery DMA viewers call and express your opinion it may help Mike convince his management to act sooner....else you may be looking at late 2008/ early 2009 before Fox20 OTA has a viewable and reliable signal.

I have to disagree also. I have been receiveing Fox HD reliably with an outdoor antenna (I am between Wetumpka and Millbrook). Like others, one receiver was able to pick up Fox reliably and another reciever was not. The problem is not signal strength in most cases (although a stronger signal would be very desirable).

Fox20 is not, has not and probably will not, broadcast their DT signal strong enough for ANYONE, no matter how close to the studio and temp transmitter you are, to reliably receive their signal... You are at the mercy of the weather propagation patterns, outside temperature, cloud cover, cloud ice formations and several other environmental factors.

Everyone is wasting their time, resources and money trying to overcome a simple problem with better antennas, amplifiers or TV tuners.

What's your source?

Several of us have been receiving Fox DT OTA reliably for quite a while that live in Wetumpka and Prattville. or were we all suffering from mass hallucinations?

I still have a few on my TIVO if you don't believe us.

hey Jim,
I am in the market for a new tv. Budget no more than $3500,size 50 to 55 . lcd or plasma. Any ideas . I even woud would consider rear projection DLP ? I have not kept up tp date on newer technology.
Thanks

Charles,

Interested in a slightly used 60" Pioneer plasma? :)

If you prefer the look of a plasma, I think you can get the Pioneer 5080 (50") for around that figure from either Cleveland Plasma or Invision, both forum sponsors.

I'll take a look at the rear projection displays when I make the weekly "Best Buy" trip and get back with you.

What's you're viewing distance?

I would be . Details please Let me know what you see at Best Buy. I am going to learn as much as I can this week before I buy. 7 TO 8 FT. I have 48 inch rear proj. now

What's your source?

Several of us have been receiving Fox DT OTA reliably for quite a while that live in Wetumpka and Prattville. or were we all suffering from mass hallucinations?

I still have a few on my TIVO if you don't believe us.


The Fox20 station engineer, Phil Whitt, and I discussed this problem over a year ago because as I mentioned in an earlier post I could ocassionally get the DT on some cloudy mornings when the weather propagation was just right.

After Phil died I spoke to the new station engineer. Same story. Fox20 decided to broadcast at a VERY low power, mainly to allow the local cable company to pick up the DT for their distribution.

Unless you have a good line-of-sight to their small antenna located at their studio you will have intermittant reception. Winter months are best for reception in these conditions because tree leaves, especially when wet, reduce the ERP even further if your line-of-sight involves trees somewhere.

Both engineers said SOME Wetumpka residents will see the DT, depending on their line-of-sight. That's about the range limit for their current ERP.

If you have been receiving their DT reliably then you are among the lucky few. If you just lost the signal over the weekend the typical problem at the station is the computer that combines the network/local station feeds with the PSIP (Program Signal and Information Protocol) hung up. The engineer will normally reboot the computer Monday morning and "fix" the problem. Without the proper PSIP no receiver or tuner can "lock" to the DT.

I'll call the new Fox20 station engineer, Mike Hunsburger, at 334-288-7020 after he gets to work this morning and ask him what's going on. Maybe they are relocating their transmit antenna to their analog location co-located with NBC12. This will improve area coverage even with low power. This is wishful thinking on my part because it will require the station to purchase new equipment to microwave the studio signal to the transmitter location. If they wait until analog transmissions stop in Feb. 2009 then existing equipment can be used with minor modifications.

...snip...

After Phil died I spoke to the new station engineer. Same story. Fox20 decided to broadcast at a VERY low power, mainly to allow the local cable company to pick up the DT for their distribution.



Interesting in that Fox20 is running at low power to make the cable companies buy the DT signal from them. Brighthouse cable refused to do this so there is no Fox20 DT on their cable system.

As far as having a good line of sight to the station's antenna, I definately don't. Must be something else going on that's helping me lock on to their signal.

hey Jim,
I am in the market for a new tv. Budget no more than $3500,size 50 to 55 . lcd or plasma. Any ideas . I even woud would consider rear projection DLP ? I have not kept up tp date on newer technology.
Thanks

We sell Pioneer, Pioneer Elite, and LG if your Interested.
Just give me a model number and I'll get you a price.

If you want the best bar none picture you want a Pioneer Elite Pro-FHD1 (1080P) but the price will scare the crap out of ya. :D Retail is 8k.

The Fox20 station engineer, Phil Whitt, and I discussed this problem over a year ago because as I mentioned in an earlier post I could ocassionally get the DT on some cloudy mornings when the weather propagation was just right.

After Phil died I spoke to the new station engineer. Same story. Fox20 decided to broadcast at a VERY low power, mainly to allow the local cable company to pick up the DT for their distribution.

Unless you have a good line-of-sight to their small antenna located at their studio you will have intermittant reception. Winter months are best for reception in these conditions because tree leaves, especially when wet, reduce the ERP even further if your line-of-sight involves trees somewhere.

Both engineers said SOME Wetumpka residents will see the DT, depending on their line-of-sight. That's about the range limit for their current ERP.

If you have been receiving their DT reliably then you are among the lucky few. If you just lost the signal over the weekend the typical problem at the station is the computer that combines the network/local station feeds with the PSIP (Program Signal and Information Protocol) hung up. The engineer will normally reboot the computer Monday morning and "fix" the problem. Without the proper PSIP no receiver or tuner can "lock" to the DT.

I'll call the new Fox20 station engineer, Mike Hunsburger, at 334-288-7020 after he gets to work this morning and ask him what's going on. Maybe they are relocating their transmit antenna to their analog location co-located with NBC12. This will improve area coverage even with low power. This is wishful thinking on my part because it will require the station to purchase new equipment to microwave the studio signal to the transmitter location. If they wait until analog transmissions stop in Feb. 2009 then existing equipment can be used with minor modifications.

Thanks for the information and the follow-up attempt. Looking forward to hearing what you find out.

Interesting in that Fox20 is running at low power to make the cable companies buy the DT signal from them. Brighthouse cable refused to do this so there is no Fox20 DT on their cable system.

As far as having a good line of sight to the station's antenna, I definately don't. Must be something else going on that's helping me lock on to their signal.


OK, I just got off the phone with Mike (Fox20 engineer) and it was not the PSIP generator (he wishes it was that easy).

The digital transmitter was struck by lightning sometimes Wednesday and they've been down since. He's replaced the transmiitter but still has other fried components somewhere in the loop, he even suspects the cable run from the antenna to the transmitter may be fried. Hopes to be back up late today but may take a couple of days longer.

Brighthouse refused you say! That's interesting because Mike said they let Charter run a cable from the back of their transmitter rack so they would not have to pick up the low power transmission. He even suspects the Charter cable may be the one that delivered the voltage surge from the lightning...

Thanks for the information and the follow-up attempt. Looking forward to hearing what you find out.

See my above response...hope they get back up soon for you lucky ones that can receive it....

See my above response...hope they get back up soon for you lucky ones that can receive it....

Hey, many thanks. I can live with bad news. It's a PITA when you don't know if it's them or you. Because of my world class electrical skillz I usually assume its me :)

Thanks very much.Good information

FYI I checked and it's off on Charter too.

I just spoke with my contact at WFRZ (Frazier). They are looking to have up to 4 sub-channels when they go digital this year. They are negotiating with The Worship Channel, Pentagon Channel and Military Channel and possibly a Christian music video station.

Anyone have info on Samsung HL-T50765 ? I saw it at circuit city and was wondering if it is an older version or if it had some known problems. Good price

Charles,

Have you seen this? By the way, that last digit is a "S". Its a HL-T5076S.

http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=857157

Thanks Jim ,I am reading now .I ment s just excited. I got the fever

Now I am confused

Just got the news that the city of MGM is starting the process of removing Knology,
which would leave Charter as the only cable company. There seems to be a wide
disagreement between the city and Knology over the franchise renewal terms.

I'll just leave it at that so you can envision the future.

The city's web site has the email addresses of the mayor and council members, should you care to comment.

It could be worse.You could only have Brighthouse

It ought to be the other way around. They need to get rid of Charter. I recently had to relieve them of their HD/Digital services. My HD was pixelating and other channels were saying that I needed a subscription to view, which I had. So, I made an appointment for last Thursday afternoon; they failed to show up or call. I re-scheduled for Monday afternoon--same result. Additionally they refused to credit my account until the problem was fixed. After two no-shows, it was apparent that they never intended to fix it. So, I decided that I did not want to pay for something I'm not getting, so I fired them and turned in the equipment to the office the next morning. While at the office, the agent told me that the notes said that the repairman knocked on the door and got no answer--a complete lie.

So now, I'm the biggest HD OTA fan! Keep up the great work WAKA, WNCF, WSFA! Hopefully WCOV will come back on line and I can start singing their praises again!

Good thing that the power and phone company doesn't give service like cable!

I think the Knology media attention is some political posturing.

We will see what happens. Knology has way too much money invested in this market to walk away.

And there is no way I'm switching to Charter!

Still no fox 20 DT.

Any news????

Still no fox 20 DT.

Any news????

I'm getting a fairly good signal "strength" but no picture. I'm anxious to see if the
signal is any different. Also, I had to recently replace my sat receiver (or at least D* did--the remote senor went out apparently). My old receiver had a build date of 5-12-07 and my new receiver has a build date of 6-29-2007. I doubt that will make any difference but I'm anxious to see (of course if I can receive FOX when it comes back on the air I'll have no way of knowing if that is a result of my receiver or the signal being sent out).

No signal or picture here from wcov

Hey Jim,
I found pioneer 6070 hd at amazon.com for $3500. WILL THIS TV DISPLAY 1080i. I keep seeing 720p.Do you know if this is a good place to order from? Best Buy has it for $4949.99. Big difference

Charles,

Its 1366 X 768 and will accept a 1080i, 720p and 480i/p signals. It specs also say that it'll also take 1080p24 over HDMI.

Charles,

Its 1366 X 768 and will accept a 1080i, 720p and 480i/p signals. It specs also say that it'll also take 1080p24 over HDMI.

I think that is one of those misleading statements like Mitsubishi does.

It will accept 1080p/24 but I'll bet it wont display it. That isn't enough pixels.

Not misleading if you know the difference between native resolution and what signals it'll accept.

Not misleading if you know the difference between native resolution and what signals it'll accept.

Well I know that the native res for 1080p is 1980 x 1024. Ya can't make chicken salad out of chicken sh*t. :D

Well I know that the native res for 1080p is 1980 x 1024. Ya can't make chicken salad out of chicken sh*t. :D


My understanding of native resolution for a 1080p widescreen display is 1920 x 1080.

Some manufacturers will short you on the number of pixels in the horizontal component of the resolution, but that's the exception, not the norm. That's like thinking you've got chicken salid and actually having chicken salid lite.

Here's a link to support what a true 1080p display has in the way of number of pixels. http://www.pioneerelectronics.com/pna/v3/pg/product/details/0,,2076_310069731_290043890_tab=B,00.html?compName=PNA_V3_Pr oductDetailsComponent

what kind of connection from motorola dvr (Brighthouse) to tv are you using. Brighthouse came last week and installed 2nd dvr in bedroom and I was not home.When I checked they connected to component in using r c a wires. I changed to component. Will the hdmi work with Brighthouse dvr. They had no idea what it is.

I have a tough choice. Pioneer PDP607CMX, SonySXRD 60A2000, or Mitsubishi
WD 65831. I just saw the Mitsubishi at Cohens $2899.99 Any suggestions. I know pioneer is a Plasma. The others are dlp and rear projection. I am leaning towards the 65 inch. This will probably be my last tv I ever buy and I so want get it right.

I have a tough choice. Pioneer PDP607CMX, SonySXRD 60A2000, or Mitsubishi
WD 65831. I just saw the Mitsubishi at Cohens $2899.99 Any suggestions. I know pioneer is a Plasma. The others are dlp and rear projection. I am leaning towards the 65 inch. This will probably be my last tv I ever buy and I so want get it right. Jim is this your Pioneer model?

I have a tough choice. Pioneer PDP607CMX, SonySXRD 60A2000, or Mitsubishi
WD 65831. I just saw the Mitsubishi at Cohens $2899.99 Any suggestions. I know pioneer is a Plasma. The others are dlp and rear projection. I am leaning towards the 65 inch. This will probably be my last tv I ever buy and I so want get it right. Jim is this your Pioneer model?


The thing you need to take in account is the bulb for the dlp or lcd projection. I have had my dlp for three years and I am goin on my 3rd bulb. At $ 200 a pop it can get expensive. I donnot watch it but maybe 15 to 20 hrs a week and that is on low power. Some people may get more life but it will not be as much as the manuel says. The plus is that it is a awesome picture.

I was told they would last appx a year. Is that about right? How hard is it to change the bulb?

I was told they would last appx a year. Is that about right? How hard is it to change the bulb?


Yes. A year sounds about right with average use. The bulb is not hard to change at all. I have a toshiba dlp and it the bulb comes in its own housing. All you have to do is open the compartment and pull out the tray with the housing. Takes about 5 min.

Charles,

The Pioneer model number is 6070. Best Buy calls it a 6071, but its the same TV.

As for bulb life on projector type displays, I think its going to depend on the particular display. The Sony LCD rear projector I had would go something like 5,000 hours before needing the bulb replaced. I've heard other bulb based displays going 2,000 hours. So depending on how many hours you watch TV and the particular display, the bulb cost can become sustantial and worth factoring into the cost of ownership.

Jim,
I found some problems with the Mitsubishi on AVS forum. An airflow pproblem and some blooming. Heat is the culprit. It is a known problem for this model. The bulbs and reliability are causing me to hesitate. 65 inches great picture 1080p. I talked to Chris at Cleveland plasma and for a Pioneer 6070 $3,650 delivered. Best Buy 4999.99. Ihave a few days to study but after seeing yours I am leaning that way. Good to see you today Oh Nice lady!

The following news was posted on the APTV.org web site about HD programming, for Montgomery, channel 26.1



July 21 UPDATE: All of our HD viewers know that Alabama Public Television has been experiencing technical difficulties with the APT HD channel since July 1.

APT stopped buying the PBS HD loop package at the end of June, but programming on this channel should still be in HD.

Technical problems resulted in two malfunctions - the loss of HD signal, and the irregular squeezing and squishing of images that were being roadcast.

Equipment is arriving this week - and PBS is addressing software issues - that we believe will correct both of these problems within the next week. Thank you for your patience.

If they are not purchasing the national hd feed I wonder what they will show locally

If they are not purchasing the national hd feed I wonder what they will show locally

Their web site at aptv.org has a complete listing of HD programming. Some of it is older PBSHD (delayed is better than none) and some of it is local APT generated HD broadcasts. Too early to decide how we will, or will not, like the programming.

They have a total of 4 DT feeds now. 26.1 is the HD feed, 26.2 is the same feed in SD, 26.3 is called "Create" in SD and 26.4 is the "IQ" feed in SD. Check their web site for a complete schedule of the different feeds.

So far, my observations are "too many non-adult type programs", all the feeds have children's programs until 6 or 7pm. At least PBSHD had adult programming from about 9:00am on. Of course my wife and I are retired with no small children at home so your opinions may vary.