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?


A Plasma will smoke a DLP in picture quality every time hands down.
Up until now the dlp was always several thousand dollars cheaper for the same size. That gap has shrunk tremendously.

It depends on what plasma and what dlp. Usually the plasma that I like are a lot more expensive than The dlp. My problem now is everytime I pick the tv I want, I find numerous posts on this forum with a problem

I'm courious in case it comes up again.
Atlanta @ SF was on ESPN last night which was blacked out for some strange reason (away game).

Does anyone know what network it was actually televised on?

Weird it was blacked out being an Away game plus Barry Bonds getting close to Hank's HR record.

I live down in Mobile. The game last night was on SportsSouth. For contractual reasons, ESPN2 is blacked out in the southeast area only. Sportsouth has "priority".

I live down in Mobile. The game last night was on SportsSouth. For contractual reasons, ESPN2 is blacked out in the southeast area only. Sportsouth has "priority".

Ok maybe so. I only checked Sports South HD and nobody was home.

Anyone else on Brighthouse having issues downloading their email? Its like outlook express is struggling to get the download. Sometimes I have to stop it and restart it a few times for it to go through.

Here's an update I got from WCOV today on the digital signal:

"Mr Trippe, I just thought I would let you know that I talked to the people at Axcera and they ran the exciter through some tests and it looks like it may be the culprit. They are over -nighting a replacement which if everthing goes right should have us back on the air sometime tomorrow(Lord willing). They said that there is a possibility that the Demod could also be bad, but let's hope not. Again thank you and everyone else out there for being patient.


Sincerely,
Mike Hunsberger
WCOV"

Hopefully, the issue with Dish VIP receivers will be fixed.

Also, is anyone else experiencing problems with WBIH? It's been out for me for several days.

Anyone else on Brighthouse having issues downloading their email? Its like outlook express is struggling to get the download. Sometimes I have to stop it and restart it a few times for it to go through.


Jim, I haven't had any problems lately. Stan

Also, is anyone else experiencing problems with WBIH? It's been out for me for several days.
What channel is that? I haven't heard of it.

What channel is that? I haven't heard of it.

WBIH is digital 29. It's mostly infomercials and really old shows.

I went home for lunch today and decided to test the signal(because of the email from WCOV). Not only is it back, it works on my VIP 211 receiver. I get a solid signal with 73% strength out here behind Wetumpka High School. I'm so glad the signal is back and even happier that the VIP 211 picks it up again.

I went home for lunch today and decided to test the signal(because of the email from WCOV). Not only is it back, it works on my VIP 211 receiver. I get a solid signal with 73% strength out here behind Wetumpka High School. I'm so glad the signal is back and even happier that the VIP 211 picks it up again.

Good deal. I just checked Knology at a customers house and it's not back yet.

I went home for lunch today and decided to test the signal(because of the email from WCOV). Not only is it back, it works on my VIP 211 receiver. I get a solid signal with 73% strength out here behind Wetumpka High School. I'm so glad the signal is back and even happier that the VIP 211 picks it up again.
I guess the outage was a blessing in disquise. Since moving to a D*HR20-100
from the HD Tivo I had been unable to lock into the WCOV signal. However, I tried 20-1 a short time ago when I got in from work and I am getting a very good signal from WCOV (OTA). Now I'm all set for "House" this fall.

Does the picture look funny to you? Contrasty or something?

Does the picture look funny to you? Contrasty or something?

No, my picture looks fine. I don't notice anything different from before.

Well it's a miracle... after about a year and a half I can now receive WCOV-HD on my vip-622. WCOV must have increased the power of their digital transmitter (as some on this board have claimed as the future fix to this long-standing problem). Too bad I just wasted about $100 buying a used LG-4200A HD receiver off of Ebay about 2 weeks ago to try and pick up WCOV-DT as a workaround. If anyone wants to buy a used LG-4200A receiver (no remote control included), please PM me--who knows, WCOV just may revert to its previous state of incompatibility with the rest of the HDTV world. :mad:

Workin like a champ!

Hey Grandpa where are ya at?

hey Jim you still up

Well it's a miracle... after about a year and a half I can now receive WCOV-HD on my vip-622. WCOV must have increased the power of their digital transmitter (as some on this board have claimed as the future fix to this long-standing problem). Too bad I just wasted about $100 buying a used LG-4200A HD receiver off of Ebay about 2 weeks ago to try and pick up WCOV-DT as a workaround. If anyone wants to buy a used LG-4200A receiver (no remote control included), please PM me--who knows, WCOV just may revert to its previous state of incompatibility with the rest of the HDTV world. :mad:

Might be a good idea to hang onto the LG-4200A for a while. If you continue getting the WCOV-HD signal on your 622 after 6 months, I'd ebay the LG.

I have decided on the Mitsubishi wd 65831

http://www.htguys.com/archive/2007/April20.html
see this

Charles,

Congrats on your decision.

So, when's the HT party? :)

Not Sure, Waiting for delievery.Thanks for all your help.

Well it's a miracle... after about a year and a half I can now receive WCOV-HD on my vip-622. WCOV must have increased the power of their digital transmitter (as some on this board have claimed as the future fix to this long-standing problem). Too bad I just wasted about $100 buying a used LG-4200A HD receiver off of Ebay about 2 weeks ago to try and pick up WCOV-DT as a workaround. If anyone wants to buy a used LG-4200A receiver (no remote control included), please PM me--who knows, WCOV just may revert to its previous state of incompatibility with the rest of the HDTV world. :mad:

I did the same thing as you. Those LG 4200s are great tuners. I was able to get one with a remote. I'm keeping mine to add the digital channels to my non-digital tv in a bedroom. When the switchover comes these boxes will be very useful. I heard the 4200A was a superior tuner to the VIP 211. However, I have both of them hooked up right now and I seem to get beter results with the 211. The 211 also passes through the analog channels better.

I have decided on the Mitsubishi wd 65831


You won't regret it. I have the 57831 and really like it (albeit the fan is a little noisy). It has a great picture and is very adjustable.

WCOV is actually coming in very well now, even on my D* HR20. Did they boost the power or something?

WCOV is actually coming in very well now, even on my D* HR20. Did they boost the power or something?
I don't know what they did, but my signal strength is the highest it has ever been from WCOV. I am getting a peak signal of 63 on my TiVo Series 3. The signal had never gone above 55 in the past. Although, it held very steady at 55.

On my VIP dish it was at 35% and would never lock. Now it's rock solid at 73%

Hey Jim, I got it . Mitsubishi 65 inch 1080p tv, beautiful blackstand to match and Sony Blue Ray player. All I can say is WOW! What a picture. For those who say that there is no difference in watching 1080P dvds than regular dvds, may I suggest Casino Royale and the movie 300.

Think I saw one over at BB. Nice picture.

So you like 300 in HD?

My HD-DVD of 300 should be here any day. Ordered it from Amazon.

Its a different type of film making. Very interesting look. Of course Happy feet is amazing. Also have both Pirates movies. Heck even my dvds I make look better through this player.
The tv out of the box takes a little time to adjust the picture but in the end it is worth it
The one at Best Buy is not the Diamond version. I also went ahead and got the 5 year warranty from Cohens. So little time so much to see!

1080p looks magnificent! I only have a Sony KDL-40XBR2, but when playing a Blu-Ray disc through my PS3, the screen comes to life. During a recent software update, my PS3 acquired the ability to upscale DVDs to 1080p. I had a player which had upscaled them to 1080i, but it does not hold a candle to the PS3's ability. By the way, I have to agree that Casino Royale is amazing in full HD. I am a member of Netflix solely for the reason that they are a source of Blu-ray rentals for me. If I lived in Montgomery, I'd probably be a Blockbuster member since they are about to carry blu-ray. With Netflix, their distribution center is in Birmingham. I find that, more often than not, the turn around time is only one day on movies.

If I lived in Montgomery, I'd probably be a Blockbuster member since they are about to carry blu-ray

I called Blockbuster a couple of weeks ago and asked if they had any Blu-rays. He said no we don't carry Blu-ray and didn't indicate they would be in the future.
But he could have been an idiot.

I think Blockbuster operates under two business models where you have Blockbuster owned stores and franchised stores. It may be that only the Blockbuster owned stores are definitely going to carry the Blu-Ray disc. The franchised stores may or may not.

If you remember back, the Montgomery Blockbuster was slow in adopting DVDs. They had a store full of VHS tapes when DVDs had already been around for a while.

Any idea when Best Buy and Circuit City will open in Prattville? I'm looking at Blu Ray Players and thought they might have some specials when they open (about decided to wait on the 3rd gen units this fall, although the Panasonic DMP-10AK--think that's the model number--looks good and comes with 5 discs in the box and another five free by mail and supports Dolby True HD via multichannel outputs or HDMI).

Any idea when Best Buy and Circuit City will open in Prattville? I'm looking at Blu Ray Players and thought they might have some specials when they open (about decided to wait on the 3rd gen units this fall, although the Panasonic DMP-10AK--think that's the model number--looks good and comes with 5 discs in the box and another five free by mail and supports Dolby True HD via multichannel outputs or HDMI).


Super-blu is the bomb.
http://us.lge.com/products/model/detail/tv%7Caudio%7Cvideo_digital%20video__BH100.jhtml

I believe circuit city opens Monday. Best Buy has not begun contruction. They are clearing the ground for the shopping center

I believe circuit city opens Monday. Best Buy has not begun contruction. They are clearing the ground for the shopping center

Thanks. I noticed that ABT Electroinics is taking pre orders on the Samsung dual
unit. I saw it on the site last night--I don't remember the price exaclty but it was a little over $1000-a little less than the LG unit. I stil think I may go with the Panasonic unit--it's hard to beat 10 free Blu-Rays. If I wait until this fall, I'm not sure what kind of free disc offers will be available. I'll see if Circuit City in Prattville has any grand opening deals. If not, I'll probably order online. Amazon has a pretty good deal on the unit I'm looking at.

Is anyone else's WCOV gone again? This time it's gone from my VIP211 and LG4200A. It's been off the air since last night.

Dead on Knology too. If they can't get it nobody can.

Thanks. I noticed that ABT Electroinics is taking pre orders on the Samsung dual unit. .

As part of your research, you may want to visit refurbdepot and scan ebay for the large number of defective-repaired items from any specific mfg.. past reviews on
the previous sammy HD unit were not very positive.

As part of your research, you may want to visit refurbdepot and scan ebay for the large number of defective-repaired items from any specific mfg.. past reviews on
the previous sammy HD unit were not very positive.

Thanks. I'm not really thinking about buying the new Samsung duo unit. All it would get me is the ability to watch Universal Pictures releases (and I've read rumours that they would release on both formats starting in '08--don't know how much creedance that has). I'm leaning towards the Panasonic DMP-10AK. It gets generally good reviews in the blu-ray section of this forum and seems to do everything I want.

WCOV-DT off the air again. How pathetic. I guess they have until February 18, 2009 to get it right.

Anyone check to be sure that their analog feed is still broadcasting?

Anyone check to be sure that their analog feed is still broadcasting?
The analog feed is on the air. HD in Montgomery is sad.

Here is the deal. I have a house in Fairhope, AL and have Dishnetwork, I also get my local network channels.

I go to the Auburn football games in Auburn, AL and tailgate there. We bring a portable Dishnetwork satellite dish and a receiver from my home. I purchase the ESPN college game plan for the season. However, I also want to watch the games that come on the local channels when in Auburn, AL. I can't pick up the local channels when in Auburn, AL like I can at home. Why?

How can I watch the local network channels away from home with a portable satellite?

Thoughts?

Thanks.

Here is the deal. I have a house in Fairhope, AL and have Dishnetwork, I also get my local network channels.

I go to the Auburn football games in Auburn, AL and tailgate there. We bring a portable Dishnetwork satellite dish and a receiver from my home. I purchase the ESPN college game plan for the season. However, I also want to watch the games that come on the local channels when in Auburn, AL. I can't pick up the local channels when in Auburn, AL like I can at home. Why?

How can I watch the local network channels away from home with a portable satellite?

Thoughts?

Thanks.

Mobile Locals?

They are on Echo 10 Transponder 12 Spot beam 7.
Getting them in Auburn is questionable at best.

Here's the spotbeam coverage.
Your only hope is to "move" to Atlanta or Montgomery.

Edit:
Well if he wants to block a link to his website then I'll host the damn picture myself.

http://bumracing.com/albums/album01/12S7.sized.gif

Montgomery Spotbeam Foot Print.

http://bumracing.com/albums/album01/31S11.sized.gif

Birmingham Footprint.
http://bumracing.com/albums/album01/29S11.sized.gif

Atlanta footprint.
And I pick it up fine in Montgomery.

http://bumracing.com/albums/album01/20S6.sized.gif

Mobile Locals?

They are on Echo 10 Transponder 12 Spot beam 7.
Getting them in Auburn is questionable at best.

Here's the spotbeam coverage.
Your only hope is to "move" to Atlanta or Montgomery.

Edit:
Well if he wants to block a link to his website then I'll host the damn picture myself.

http://bumracing.com/albums/album01/12S7.sized.gif


Giong by the blue interior, it looks like I would be ok keeping my Mobile Address for the locals. It doesn't look like to me that changing the physical address to Montgomery or Atlanta (we don't have a HDTV, so having locals from ATL isn't that important) would be any better. It actually looks like that keeping the Mobile address would put the Auburn area closer to the middle of the blue area than by changing it to Montgomery or Atlanta.

I think last year the problem was we kept changing the zipcode to where we were in Auburn, instead of just keeping it as our Fairhope adress.

You say trying to get mobile locals in Auburn, Al would be questionable at best. Why do you say that. Why do you think changing the address to Montgomery or Atlanta would be better? From what I see looking at the maps, Auburn is closer to the center of the blue areaa in the Mobile spot beam map. However, you obvlisouly know more about this than I do and I came here for advice, so please let me know what you think.

Thanks so much for the help.

Your right. I was thinking Auburn was more northeast than east.
When I looked at another map I see it's almost due east.
http://www.censusfinder.com/mapal.htm


If you carry your receiver to the game with the Mobile address you should be fine.

Last year I believe Mobile was sill on 105 which required a Super dish to pickup.
If you setup a Dish 500 at the game and get signal on 110 and 119 you should be fine.

What website has those maps you were posting above?

Thanks for the help.

What website has those maps you were posting above?

Thanks for the help.

Satellite Transponders and Spots here:
http://www.dishchannelchart.com/

Echo Spot maps here:
http://jameslong.name/e-spots.html

Here's the latest from Mike at WCOV:

"Jason, It looks like what I was afraid of. The demod and upconverter are bad also. I am not getting any output power. I have been in touch with the Axcera people and have been working with them all morning. It looks like we may have to get them down here to actually tear into the thing. I'm sorry again, I thought everything was going to be alright after it came up nicely after putting in the exciter. Was working fine till friday afternoon around 3:30 then bang it just went off. Couldn't get IF input Or the demod to lock and was getting a 120% output power reading. Please let everybody know on the forum. Thanks Mike"

It sounds like WCOV-DT could be out for a while.

Hope they are back for 24-House -Prison Break - Football

Hope they are back for 24-House -Prison Break - Football

Is there going to be another season of 24?

yes

House, 24 and Bones are my Fox shows.

I don't see any of these going for more than one more season.

Then its going to take something even more bazarro to keep my attention.

Charles......got that new Mits up and going??? After you get a couple of weeks on it, we can calibrate it with the Accupel signal generator.

Yep everything is great so far.I don't think I want to change anything now. I can't imagine anything better except better source for hd. I am really enjoying Blue Ray. Planet Earth is great! Jim what is it and what does it do?
I found settings on line and it made a big difference in my picture.
Thanks very much for advice and knowledge. By the way did you decide to sell the extra tall speakers you where using for rears. I may be confused,but I thought you had some not connected.

Charles,

The accupel is a HD signal generator to use in the calibration of brightness, contrast, tint and color saturation.

The speakers in the back are here for a while.......unless I find something I like better. :)

A possibility that we don't get it back for a long time?

"Jason, I have been working on the transmitter solidly all week, and talking to the Axcera people at the same time,(no help). I think the upconverter is gone, so I'm trying to get the GM to let Axcera people come down and actually work on it. He is kind of hesitant because of the cost. But I have made it clear that we need to get it up and running as soon as possible. Thanks again for your patience. Mike"

Thanks Jim, I will keep in touch. I wish there was a way to get the Fox national feed on Satellite

A possibility that we don't get it back for a long time?

"Jason, I have been working on the transmitter solidly all week, and talking to the Axcera people at the same time,(no help). I think the upconverter is gone, so I'm trying to get the GM to let Axcera people come down and actually work on it. He is kind of hesitant because of the cost. But I have made it clear that we need to get it up and running as soon as possible. Thanks again for your patience. Mike"

Tell him to relay this to the GM.
If he thinks HD is not important to the Montgomery Market maybe he wouldn't mind writing wavers so we can get our Fox Affiliate elsewhere.
Don't forget all of Knology's customers are down too not just OTA.

Speaking of Knology, what's happening with them?

Are they about to loose their franchise in Montgomery?

Tell him to relay this to the GM.
If he thinks HD is not important to the Montgomery Market maybe he wouldn't mind writing wavers so we can get our Fox Affiliate elsewhere.
Don't forget all of Knology's customers are down too not just OTA.

Message relayed. I also let them know that Dish and Directv customers have no other option for HD yet. Those of us in Wetumpka have no option whatsoever if the OTA is down.

Does anyone know where the next nearest Fox HD tower is located? Birmingham maybe?

Mike's working hard to resolve this issue.

"Jason, there may be a break-through, I have been working with the people at Axcera the transmitter people . I am hoping that the info that the tech got is going to resolve the problem, he has to run it by higher up techs and do some simulations. I am hoping that this will be fixed no later than tuesday,(hoping for monday). I will try to update you as soon as I know. Thanks Mike"

Well, it looks like WCOV-DT might be on the air again by the middle of the week. Please post when you can get a signal.

Here's the latest from Mike:

"Jason, Well it has been one those weekends. Our Analog TMX went done saturday night around 7p. Spent 8p-11p down in Grady working on Tmx. Went back down sunday from 8a-2p trying to get AC and Tmx up and running. There was a brown out down there that lasted for an hour. Not real good on equipment. That is o.k. now. Talked to people at Axcera today and they finally agreed that it was the upconverter. They said they would have one here in the morning. Hoping to get it back on by tomorrow evening, Wednesday the latest. Thanks Mike "

I don't envy his job one bit!

Thanks for update and hard work

x2 on thanks for the update.

No Fox OTA as of this morning. I am keeping my fingers and toes crossed!

Dish Network adding 6 more HD channels today.
August 15th: MTV, VH1 and CMT; Golf/Versus HD; Animal Planet HD; The Science Channel HD; TLC HD; Discovery HD, and

History HD, which will debut on Sept. 1.

Scott,

No SciFi channel?

Well, it looks like no MLB or preseason NFL in HD on Fox this weekend.

" Jason, Well bad news, DT isn't going to be up for a little while longer. Had it for a short period of time then it went down again. The guy I have been working with from the Axcera transmitter place says that someone will have to come down here because there wasn't anything else he could tell me to do. So now it is up to the GM to approve them coming down. I will keep you updated as it goes. Thanks Mike"

:(

SON OF A XXXXXXXXXXXXX I want a waver

I apologize

Hey everyone, I am kind of new around here, and by here I mean the forums and the capital city. I have been here since November and I got a 42” Sharp Aquos LCD HDTV in February from HHGregg. I went there because they had a tremendous sale and they are about a block from my apartment, ie I live at Vaughn and East Blvd. Let me just say that I went to Cohens for the first time in June, and man, that is an awesome store! There Home Theater room is marvelous! I saw the salesman in there playing a PS3 on a 1080p projector and it looked and sounded perfect!


Now that I got that out of the way, here is what I am getting. I have a basic cable package with Knology as well as my Internet comes from them. And with just the TV plugged into the wall, I can get CBS (both the digital CBS and the Weather map{I love the map}) , NBC (Again both the channel and the NBC Weather channel), Three PBS channels, 1 movie channel that seems to be HD, and around 45 music channels! I used to Get HBO Family and ABC this way, but they stopped doing that about the same time APT went to crap.

With some Bunny Ears that I picked up at Best Buy, I am able to pick up PBS (2 of them I think), CBS(8.1 8.2 8.3), ABC, NBC(the channel, weather channel, and some music video channel called ‘the Tube’), and 4 TBN channels. Although, the signal strength is not all that great, as I have to hold the antenna a certain way to get the TV to Lock on to them. So my question is, what kind of indoor antenna should I get for my first floor apartment?

Hey everyone, I am kind of new around here, and by here I mean the forums and the capital city. I have been here since November and I got a 42” Sharp Aquos LCD HDTV in February from HHGregg. I went there because they had a tremendous sale and they are about a block from my apartment, ie I live at Vaughn and East Blvd. Let me just say that I went to Cohens for the first time in June, and man, that is an awesome store! There Home Theater room is marvelous! I saw the salesman in there playing a PS3 on a 1080p projector and it looked and sounded perfect!


Now that I got that out of the way, here is what I am getting. I have a basic cable package with Knology as well as my Internet comes from them. And with just the TV plugged into the wall, I can get CBS (both the digital CBS and the Weather map{I love the map}) , NBC (Again both the channel and the NBC Weather channel), Three PBS channels, 1 movie channel that seems to be HD, and around 45 music channels! I used to Get HBO Family and ABC this way, but they stopped doing that about the same time APT went to crap.

With some Bunny Ears that I picked up at Best Buy, I am able to pick up PBS (2 of them I think), CBS(8.1 8.2 8.3), ABC, NBC(the channel, weather channel, and some music video channel called ‘the Tube’), and 4 TBN channels. Although, the signal strength is not all that great, as I have to hold the antenna a certain way to get the TV to Lock on to them. So my question is, what kind of indoor antenna should I get for my first floor apartment?

I had a Terk HDTVi off of Atlanta Highway in the Somerset Neighborhood and got all of the local channels just fine. I've heard the best indoor antenna is this phillips silver sensor antenna. You can find it on ebay and amazon. It should cost you about $20.


The PBS actually has 4 channels. CW, MyNetwork TV and Frazier should all have digital channels by Christmas.

Hey everyone check out Wild Hogs on Blue Ray dvd .Great flick. Also Remember the King ( Elvis )this week.

I went to Cohens for the first time in June, and man, that is an awesome store! There Home Theater room is marvelous! I saw the salesman in there playing a PS3 on a 1080p projector and it looked and sounded perfect!


Everything you buy there comes with a free jar of Vasoline. :D :D :D :D :D :D

LOL!

I am looking for a good Surround sound system around here. I am trying to do it cheaply though since I will be getting a house soon, and I am wondering what stores around here carry 7.1 receivers?

Scott,

No SciFi channel?

Nope.
http://www.dishnetwork.com/content/our_products/dish_hd/programming/index.shtml

Pity, as the SciFi channel has some good original series.

LOL!

I am looking for a good Surround sound system around here. I am trying to do it cheaply though since I will be getting a house soon, and I am wondering what stores around here carry 7.1 receivers?


Circuit City, Best Buy, HHGregg, Sears, Cohens and others.

1 movie channel that seems to be HD, and around 45 music channels!

I found out last night that channel is HDNet. I watched Boiler Room on it last night and it looked great!

I found out last night that channel is HDNet. I watched Boiler Room on it last night and it looked great!

All of the Space Shuttle launches and landings are on HDNet live. Stunning!

Cool!

So what is the digital Cable service like around here? Would it be worth it for me to get it for three months?

Get Knology with the 8300HD DVR and run like a school girl from Charter. :)

901 WNCF-DT 32 (ABC)
902 WAKA-DT 8 (CBS)
903 WSFA-DT 12 (NBC)
904 APT-DT (PBS)
905 WCOV-DT 20 (FOX)
911 ESPN HD
912 ESPN2 HD
913 Discovery HD Theater
915 TNT in HD
917 Universal HD
918 HDNet
919 HDNet Movies
921 HBO HD
926 Starz HDTV

Thought I would pass on this info.

Your New Disposable Flat Panel HDTV
Updated Monday July 30, 2007-Now Includes Olevia HDTVs
Flat panel TV bargains abound these days. With prices dropping 30%-40% from 2006 to 2007 (confirmed this week by LG US CEO Michael Ahn) one can easily be tempted by the leader pricing of the “new brands” (called tier two and tier three by the consumer electronics industry) that undercut top panel maker prices by hundreds of dollars.
What the enticing, price driven TV commercials and their dealers don’t tell you is that Westinghouse, Polaroid and other tier two and three set makers add costly charges during the one year warranty period and buyers may incur substantial service charges after their warranties expire. In fact, two companies surveyed don’t support service at all after the one-year warranty expires!
Polaroid’s HDTVs, which sell mainly through Circuit City, would seem to be bargain-priced compared to the “name brand” competitors. Polaroid’s 1080p 42” LCD Model number PLD 4241TLXB, for example, sells for $1149.99 at Circuit City, while Toshiba’s 42HL167 goes for $1699.99.
The Polaroid set seems like a good deal until you find out what the Circuit City and Polaroid websites fail to disclose, which is that Polaroid HDTVs cannot be repaired after the warranty period expires!
The HD Guru visited his local Circuit City and asked the salesman what to do if a Polaroid required out of warranty service. He didn’t know. The next day the HD Guru called Circuit City’s customer service (CS) department. The representative did not have a clue about either in or out of warranty service for Polaroid flat panels!
The HD Guru later contacted Polaroid customer service. A representative informed him that its HDTVs carry a one-year on-site warranty. Fine. But what about parts and service for out of warranty service? Incredibly, the customer service rep replied “there are no out of warranty repairs available, you are basically on you own,” adding that Polaroid does not offer any out of warranty support (including parts), at its US headquarters or through independent TV repair shops.
With no parts and no authorized “out of warranty service available”, what you basically get when you buy a Polaroid is a disposable HDTV— think paper towel. When the warranty expires, if the set breaks, it’s ready for the town dump.
You can always buy an extended warranty from Circuit City, but that subtracts a substantial portion of the savings gained by buying an off brand TV in the first place. The HD Guru wonders how an extended warranty will be honored since Polaroid does not have any system to sell parts to servicers.
Next up, Vizio HDTVs. Here is what appears on its website, with bold added by the HD Guru.
”Service Labor
During the one (1) year warranty period, VIZIO will provide, when needed, service labor to repair a manufacturing defect at its designated service center. To obtain warranty service in the United States, you must first contact VIZIO Technical Support via email at techsupport@VIZIO.com or via phone at (949) 428-2525. The determination of service will be made by VIZIO. PLEASE DO NOT RETURN YOUR UNIT TO VIZIO WITHOUT PRIOR AUTHORIZATION.
Service
During the one (1) year warranty period, VIZIO will, at its option and sole discretion, repair or replace defective parts, which may be new or remanufactured, including replacement of the entire unit. The Customer will be required to ship the product to the service center indicated by VIZIO when the return authorization is provided. The Customer is responsible for all transportation charges to the service center. VIZIO is not responsible for the de-installation or re-installation of the product.
Packaging and Shipping Instruction
When shipping the product to an authorized VIZIO service facility, the original carton box and packing material, or an equivalent as designated by VIZIO, must be utilized.”
According to Vizio, all TVs 37” and larger must go by truck to California. Fed Ex Ground from NY to Vizio in Irvine, CA is $88.95 for its 42” LCD TV and $108.95 for its 50” plasma. You threw out the TVs packing carton? If you are in the warranty period, it’s no problem, Vizio will ship you a new cardboard box at no charge (according to its CS rep).
If the Vizio flat screen breaks after the one-year warranty expires is where it gets expensive. The prices are shocking.
For any Visio 42” LCD, the carton and packing material with shipping is $300. Its out of warranty service is at a “Flat Rate” of $300 parts + $140 labor. Outbound shipping (FED EX ground) to Vizio cost $89. For return freight, Vizio charges $250 bringing the total cost of an out of warranty repair cost a staggering $1079. The current cost of a new Visio 42” LCD at Circuit City is $1099. Think of it, twenty bucks more and you get a brand new disposable TV with a new one-year warranty. What a deal!
Insignia
Insignia is Best Buy’s “house brand.” It offers a line of HDTVs up to 42”. According to Best Buy salesmen and the Insignia website (http://www.insignia-products.com/t-WarrantyInformationEnglish.aspx) if an Insignia TV needs repair, you must bring it into the store where it was purchased in its “original packaging or packaging affording an equal degree of protection”. Hauling a 92 pound 42” plasma television in its factory carton is quite a hassle probably requiring a large SUV, pickup truck or van. The Best Buy salesmen also said that after the factory one year warranty expires, Best Buy will not repair Insignia brand televisions, but if the two hundred dollar Best Buy extended warranty is purchased with the television, Best Buy will provide in-home service.
Westinghouse
If the set is purchased from Best Buy it must be returned to the store for warranty service regardless of the size of the TV, according to the Westinghouse customer service department. If purchased elsewhere, Westinghouse customer service must be called to determine if the set is in need of factory service. Westinghouse will issue a return authorization if they determine factory services is needed and it will pay the freight both ways if the TV was purchased within the last 90 days. From 90 days to the end of the one-year warranty, the consumer must pay the return freight and supply the original packaging or a suitable equivalent. Westinghouse does not sell replacement cartons and packing. Out of warranty service is available locally in select markets according to its customer service department. If there is no local factory authorized servicer in your area, the set owner must pay the freight both ways and the cost or repair parts and labor, which will be determined after Westinghouse receives and examines the malfunctioning television.
Olevia
Olevia’s limited customer service hours (7:00 am- 6:00 pm Pacific time) and broken links on its website regarding its warranty rules made it difficult to obtain information on its policies. Furthermore, its warranties are the most complicated the HD Guru™ has encountered. If an Olevia HDTV requires repair within the one year warranty period, the additional costs and services incurred will depend on how long you owned the set its screen size. Here is its warranty program obtained from an Olevia customer service representative.
<37” screen size – customer pays return freight from day one. Return shipping to Olevia is $55 for 32” HDTV and paid to Olevia when obtaining return authorization.
37” and larger- up to 45 days old Olevia will pay return freight to its California headquarters and replace the broken television with a new unit.
After 45 days the customer pays the return freight at a rate of $150 for it 37” models and $225 for its 42” HDTV. Olevia will replace the defective television with a rebuilt unit (as in another set that was defective and repaired) This “no repair” just replace with a refurbished set applies to all Olevia HDTVs regardless of model or size according to its customer service department. Olevia will pre-ship the refurbed TV to you and at the time of delivery, will allow you to use the same shipping carton to return your defective television.
The Olevia customer service rep said its 42″ models have on-site inspection service, but it is only to send a technician over to your home to determine of the set is actually in need of repair, for example, to make sure the power cord is connected. If the tech determines the set is broken, Olevia will ship a replacement refurbished TV after the shipping is paid.
For sets out of warranty repairs, you would obtain a return authorization, and ship at your expense the broken TV back to Olevia for a repair estimate. If you need a shipping carton, Olevia will ship you one for a very reasonable $20.
Olevia also offers extended warranty service plans, however they will charge you return freight after the initial 45 days of ownership and replace you broken HDTV with a refurbished unit. Here are the prices of the plans (you must add on the return freight charges )i.e. $225 for a 42” model which raises the cost of warranty to $474 for its 5 series with three year extension of the one year factory warranty. Of course it the set requires a second replacement, you would have to shell out another $225 for shipping.
3 Series
All Parts & Labor/ Replacement (including LCD Panel)
2 Years Total/4 Years Total)
332 $119 order $149 order
337 $159 order $189 order
342 $189 order $219 order
5 Series
All Parts & Labor/ Replacement (including LCD Panel)
2 Years Total/4 Years Total
532 $149order $169 order
537 $189order $219 order
540 $199 order $249 order
542 $199 order $249 order
.
Name Brand HDTV Service
All the top name brands including Panasonic, Sony, Hitachi Samsung, Philips, LG, Mitsubishi, Sharp and Toshiba etc. have in-home factory authorized warranty service for their larger size TVs (usually 32” and up). Out of warranty service is no problem. All the major name brand TV companies have vast parts supplies and a nationwide network of factory authorized servicers. The latest trend, started by Panasonic is “concierge” service. If a Panasonic plasma is taken out of the home for service, Panasonic will provide a loaner plasma TV until the set is returned. This extra service is free; set purchasers only need to register with Panasonic.
Bottom line: the top tier TV companies invest in the future, spending collectively many tens of millions of dollars to keep their customers coming back to them. The “new brands” look for the sale today and do not have policies that will retain customers. With better warranties and service, the top brands have an incentive to build higher quality more reliable HDTVs.
Make sure you check out the warranty and after warranty service of the brand of HDTV you are considering, or you may end up spending more money sooner than you anticipate.
Copyright 2007 HD Guru ™ All Rights Reserved

Neat. Kind of glad that I didn't buy that $400 special that HHGregg had a while back. You would think that a brand like Polaroid would have better service than that. I did see there 1080p TV and it does look nice, although the size of it is kind of weird looking.

Definately something to keep in mind when friends ask about what display to buy. I sure don't want to be on the hook when someone's year old Vizeo dies and it cost them as much to get it fixed as it would be to replace it.

Yeah, I have been advising all of my buddies to wait for the prices to come down on 1080p HDTVs.

Get Knology with the 8300HD DVR and run like a school girl from Charter. :)

901 WNCF-DT 32 (ABC)
902 WAKA-DT 8 (CBS)
903 WSFA-DT 12 (NBC)
904 APT-DT (PBS)
905 WCOV-DT 20 (FOX)
911 ESPN HD
912 ESPN2 HD
913 Discovery HD Theater
915 TNT in HD
917 Universal HD
918 HDNet
919 HDNet Movies
921 HBO HD
926 Starz HDTV
I have a great deal with Knology but the new HD channels and the ability to archive HD recording to an external hard drive makes DISH very tempting. Do you have any trouble getting the local channels in HD using an antenna?

Do you have any trouble getting the local channels in HD using an antenna?

Just fox.

Anybody else not getting sound on WSFA-HD? With the problems with Fox and WSFA , HD in Montgomery is pitiful.

Same here . Comes and goes

Just fox.

Do you have both DISH and Knology?

Do you have both DISH and Knology?

Yes I do.
I have the Scinetific Atlanta 8300HD DVR from Knology and the Dish VIP622.

My wife works out of town so there are times when her stuff and mine fall at the same time. Plus up until recently getting FOX OTA was out of the question so if I wanted to watch NASCAR in HD Knology was the only way.

Since I "Moved" to Atlanta 6 months ago I have a backup to the local Fox and others so it has crossed my mind to drop Knology.
I have phone and internet with Knology anyway so it really doesn't cost that much to have their TV too.

So where exactly is the Fox tower located at?

So where exactly is the Fox tower located at?


Digital is at the station.
Adrian Lane in Normandale. Basically the south side of Old Cloverdale or a half mile west north west from the Baptist hospital as the crow flys.

Yes I do.
I have the Scinetific Atlanta 8300HD DVR from Knology and the Dish VIP622.

My wife works out of town so there are times when her stuff and mine fall at the same time. Plus up until recently getting FOX OTA was out of the question so if I wanted to watch NASCAR in HD Knology was the only way.

Since I "Moved" to Atlanta 6 months ago I have a backup to the local Fox and others so it has crossed my mind to drop Knology.
I have phone and internet with Knology anyway so it really doesn't cost that much to have their TV too.

How does the picture quality compare between Knology & DISH?

How does the picture quality compare between Knology & DISH?

I'll do an A B A comparison tonight. Just recently got them both on HDMI and haven't checked since then.

Up until about 6 months ago the 8300HD would only allow you to connect directly to the viewing source instead of going through an AVR.

Satellite Transponders and Spots here:
http://www.dishchannelchart.com/

Echo Spot maps here:
http://jameslong.name/e-spots.html

I have decided to use a tuner from my Gulfport, MS house at the Auburn games. I have my locals "moved" to Birmingham (for HD reasons) here at my Gulfport, MS house.

Will I simply be able to use my Super portable dish with the Gulfport, MS tuner that I used last year with my Fairhope, AL located tuner.

Also, will I still be able to pick up all programming including my Birmingham locals in Auburn, AL.

My uncle has a tuner for dishnetwork at his home in FAirhope, AL and he has his locals set to Mobile. I have my dishnetwork tuner at my home in Gulfport, MS and my locals set to Birmingham, AL.

We used his FAirhope, AL tuner last year and a portable super dish and couldn't get the local channels because we changed the zipcode to the Auburn zipcode once we got there and started setting up the tailgate. (I guess we should have left the zipcode the same as it was set for Fairhope, AL ,correct?).

Can I use the gulfport, MS tuner with the portable superdish in Auburn, AL and leave the zipcode set to my Gulfport, MS zipcode and still receive the Birmingham locals? Do I need to move the locals or change the zipcode once in Auburn, AL?

Or...

Do I need to take my uncle's tuner from Fairhope, AL with the locals set to Mobile? If I do this would I leave the zipcode set to Fairhope, AL or change it once I got to Auburn, AL. Also, would I need to change the locals once I got to Auburn, AL.

We have a portable superdish we used for tailgating last year. Will that superdish only work with an Alabama tuner, or can I use that same portable superdish with my Gulfport, MS tuner while in Auburn, AL?

This makes my head hurt!

Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

Essentially, we have a tuner in Fairhope, AL and one in Gulfport, MS and would like to watch dishnetwork in Auburn, AL and also receive the local channels (not really caring where the locals come from as long as we can watch the Southeast network games).

Thanks, MH

Forget the Super Dish. Super Dish picks up 105, 110, 119. The isn't anything left on 105. Those locals were moved to a Spotbeam on 110.
To get all HD programing you need a dish 1000 (110,119,129) or a Dish 500 pointed at 110,119 and a wing dish pointed at 61.5.

Birmingham HD locals are on a nation wide beam at 119 so your golden on that point.
You will need to see 129 to get ESPN2 and Sports South in HD.

Don't have HDTV for tailgating, so not worried about 129, so I guess the 500 dish will still work, correct?

I apologize, it turns out we have a dish 500.

Can I take my Gulport, MS (with birmingham locals) tuner which is set to whatever it is set at and just use the 500 dish we had last year in Auburn and plug it in and have everything work just as I was still in Gulfport?

Sorry, still confused.

Yes absolutely!

Birmingham SD locals are on 110, (E110) Transponder 29 Spot 11. You should be fine.

If you have a dish 500 where the box is currently nothing changes. If not just do a switch test when you get to Auburn.

Roll Tide :D


Sorry about the HD mixup. I don't know where I got that from.

Yes absolutely!

Birmingham SD locals are on 110, (E110) Transponder 29 Spot 11. You should be fine.

If you have a dish 500 where the box is currently nothing changes. If not just do a switch test when you get to Auburn.

Roll Tide :D


Sorry about the HD mixup. I don't know where I got that from.

I have a dish network dual hd tuner at home, and don't have locals so I use Birmingmand to get locals in HD for my Sammy 42 plasma. I think that is where you may have gotten that from.

Thanks, and even though you have been overly gracious with your assistance, war damn eagle!

Just in the "NICK" of time. :D

Is there anywhere around here to get some good deals on HD DVDS?

Netflix

I have a dish network dual hd tuner at home, and don't have locals so I use Birmingmand to get locals in HD for my Sammy 42 plasma. I think that is where you may have gotten that from.

Thanks, and even though you have been overly gracious with your assistance, war damn eagle!

Turns out the portable dish is a 500, but the dish at my house is a 1000. Is this a problem?

What do you mean when you say I will have to to a switch test?
What is that and will it cause any problems with the b'ham locals, I am getting in Gulfport, MS using my home 1000 dish.

Thanks.

Switch test is just a check you run from Menu / System Setup / Installation / Point Dish. (ushally Menu 6 1 1)
From that screen select Perform Switch Test. The receiver will Poll the Dish to see what LNBs it has and where they are pointing.

Once you get home with the receiver reconnect to the Dish 1000 and perform the same thing.

Ask any Alabama fan at the Game. They should be able to help. :D

Is there anywhere around here to get some good deals on HD DVDS?

Best Buy with a Reward Zone Card and the discount coupon. That's all I have come up with. Wal-Mart has some about 4 bucks each cheaper than BB.

Hey everyone,
I rent from netflix and watch before I buy. I pay $16.99 a month and can have 3 at home at at a time. They have both formats. I see when a new one is going to be released and place it in a save mode, and when it is released I get it the next day.
Has anyone watched TNT Saving Grace? I thought The Company was great in HD. I wish all shows were that good.

I hate the networks placing logos and previews on the screen while you are watching a show. You pay so much for a great picture and part of it is used for commercial.

Has anyone watched TNT Saving Grace?

Love the show.
Love "The Closer" also.

Anyone on Brighthouse with a Tivo S3 having problems with channel 782??

Best Buy with a Reward Zone Card and the discount coupon. That's all I have come up with. Wal-Mart has some about 4 bucks each cheaper than BB.

Does any of the wal-marts around beside the one on atlanta hwy carry HD DVDs? I don't go into the 231 store anymore since they ticked me off, and the Ann street one isn't really convenient to get in and out of, so I normally just go to the new on out on Chantilly.

Scott,

How does that compare to Amazon?

See the B'ham article today about Hoover-gate. Doesn't look good for bama.

Thanks for all the help, wde.

Positive news.

"Sorry I haven't got back to you sooner, but it has been hell to find someone to work on this DT tmx. I got someone and he will be here in the morning. Keep your fingers crossed that we can get it back on the air by friday, saturday at the latest. Axcera wanted an arm and a leg, but I found this guy that will take only an arm. He is one of the best in the southeast."

Post when you get WCOV-DT ont he air again.

Thanks.

The Company was amazing in HD!! Did you notice that it will be available on Blu-Ray?

Anyone on Brighthouse with a Tivo S3 having problems with channel 782??

Is that HD Net Movies? My signal is terrible. I called tech support, and they told me to reboot. Haha.

Is WSFA down? I lost my OTA signal a little earlier. I checked my cable and I'm not getting it there either. (I'm referring to the digital signal.)

Is that HD Net Movies? My signal is terrible. I called tech support, and they told me to reboot. Haha.

I think so.

They were out yesterday and changed out a connector and some splitters. It helped the motorola box, but it still breaks up on the S3.

wsfa hd was down OTA. oops its back on!

I really enjoyed The Company Closer and Saving Grace.

Does any of the wal-marts around beside the one on atlanta hwy carry HD DVDs?

Anyone know?

I don't believe I have seen either Bluray or HD DVD at the Prattville or Millbrook Walmarts but I will double check the next time I'm in there.

Cool.

Is there a Moviestop in Prattville still?

Yes there is. They did close the one right next to Blockbuster (never could figure that one out). The one at the intersection of Cobb Ford Road and Highway 31 (next to the exxon) is still open last time I was in Prattville.

Looks like 20-1 Fox OTA is trying to come back to life.

Lots of breakup here in Wetumpka.

I just got home .Nothing in Millbrook yet.

It was coming in and out for me last night. When it did it was for a split second and only about 66 signal strength. 20-2 came in a little better.

Fox seems to be back now. I was off work today. I checked it intermittently during the day and a few times I would get a signal but usually not. About an hour or go I was getting a good signal. I just checked and it is still coming in so maybe the repair has been made.

Fox seems to be back now. I was off work today. I checked it intermittently during the day and a few times I would get a signal but usually not. About an hour or go I was getting a good signal. I just checked and it is still coming in so maybe the repair has been made.

How is your signal strength compared to before it went off the air?

How is your signal strength compared to before it went off the air?

It seems about the same, maybe a little lower (but I still get a picture with no breakups, etc.). However, all my signals have been a little lower for the past week or so--I'm assuming atmospheric related. UPDATE: It's 7:20 now and my signal strenght has dropped dramatically. I no longer have a watchable picture.

Another update: 7:29 and signal strength is back up.

I'll do an A B A comparison tonight. Just recently got them both on HDMI and haven't checked since then.

Up until about 6 months ago the 8300HD would only allow you to connect directly to the viewing source instead of going through an AVR.

Who did the DISH installation? How does the HD channels look on DISH?

Who did the DISH installation? How does the HD channels look on DISH?


I did the installation.
HD looks great. I compaired to Knology with both boxes on HDMI going through my Denon 3806. Both looked identical.
Only noticible difference is about a 3 second delay on Dish.
If you want Dish installed in this area call Jim Frizzel. 334-799-3845
He's an indipendent Dish retailer and that beats the heack out of dealing with the Dish Hacks.

WCOV is back for me as well. However, I'm only getting a 66% signal. I used to get a 76% signal. I haven't had any dropouts though.

Something is wrong where I live. The only thing I am getting digital is there weather channel. I change the channel and the info comes up on top but nothing else.

Does anyone in the area have a good working knowledge of bass traps and absorption???

I'm going to be working on accoustically treating my living room and would like to see what others have done in non dedicated home theater spaces.

I rescan for wcov and now I have it . Low signal but steady. Welcome back

After area thunder storms I'm getting no signal from WCOV (all the other locals are fine).

After area thunder storms I'm getting no signal from WCOV (all the other locals are fine).


Off on Knology too.

I was out in that storm and it was intense! It was hailing on I-85 and my Defroster wasn't working that well.

I was out house shopping in Prattville today, and I was able to stop at the Movie Stop right across from the Wal-mart, and man that place had a great selection. I ended up Picking up Pitch Black and Christmas Vacation on HD DVD for $20 a piece and I got History of the World and 28 Days Later on DVD for $13 total. I could have spent more time in there but there were some screaming kids running around and my GF was getting ready to beat them. They have some great prices on HD DVDs, and the next time I go back I plan on getting some more of them!

I was out in that storm and it was intense! It was hailing on I-85 and my Defroster wasn't working that well.

I was out house shopping in Prattville today, and I was able to stop at the Movie Stop right across from the Wal-mart, and man that place had a great selection. I ended up Picking up Pitch Black and Christmas Vacation on HD DVD for $20 a piece and I got History of the World and 28 Days Later on DVD for $13 total. I could have spent more time in there but there were some screaming kids running around and my GF was getting ready to beat them. They have some great prices on HD DVDs, and the next time I go back I plan on getting some more of them!

How about Blu-Ray?

Are Knology or Charter ever going to add more HD channels? Are DirecTV or DISH our only options?:

Any updates on WCOV?

I'm getting a 0 signal for WCOVDT in Millbrook. Was getting a 50 on Saturday day before the storms. I can get the regular but it looks like I have double vision :)

How about Blu-Ray?

They had a ton of Blu-ray too, but I can't speak for their prices on them as I don't have that format yet. I would imagine that their prices would be similar for Blu-ray as they are for HD DVD. I would definitely suggest checking it out if you are in the area.

I did the installation.
HD looks great. I compaired to Knology with both boxes on HDMI going through my Denon 3806. Both looked identical.
Only noticible difference is about a 3 second delay on Dish.
If you want Dish installed in this area call Jim Frizzel. 334-799-3845
He's an indipendent Dish retailer and that beats the heack out of dealing with the Dish Hacks.

Do I call DISH Network to get deals on programing and then Mr. Frizzel for installation?

Do I call DISH Network to get deals on programing and then Mr. Frizzel for installation?

No you call Frizzel for everything. Once you get E* involved the game is over.

I received the following email from the APT programming director:

Thank you for writing. You can now find an update on the website reflecting the expectation to have HD back in order by September 1.

We appreciate your continued interest in Alabama Public Television HD.

Again, thanks for writing.

Donna Baker

Alabama Public Television

I just checked the web site and a new message is indeed reflecting the 1 September date. Hopefully we will finally get back some APT-HD programming.

Woot!

it'll be nice to have apt hd back..... that stretchy stuff ain't cutting it.

Isn't Jim an installer out at Jimmy's? I didn't know he did dish on the side.



I wish somebody would go ahead and win this dang format war. Finally got my office/den set up with an Onkyo surround system (which works great off Knology and my 8300hd), only to find out that (appearantly) my Akai lcd/dvd combo only outputs PCM, not DD or DTS. grrr.....

Which means I need/want a dvd player. Amazon is running a killer deal on a Toshiba HD-A2 right now ($238 with 8 free movies!), but I don't wanna get bit.

Isn't Jim an installer out at Jimmy's? I didn't know he did dish on the side.



Jim Left Jimmy's over 2 years ago and went out on his own doing Home Audio, Video, Security, and Satellite.

He's an Onkyo dealer BTW.


Which means I need/want a dvd player. Amazon is running a killer deal on a Toshiba HD-A2 right now ($238 with 8 free movies!), but I don't wanna get bit.


http://us.lge.com/products/model/detail/tv%7Caudio%7Cvideo_digital%20video__BH100.jhtml

guess it's been a while since I was out there :)

oh.... and perhaps you missed the part where I was excited about the $200 price. :D

guess it's been a while since I was out there :)

oh.... and perhaps you missed the part where I was excited about the $200 price. :D

Yea I noticed you were a tightwad. :D :D

fox back on OTA in Millbrook

WCOV back on here in Wetumpka too with a little better signal strength than last week. I couldn't get any updates from the engineer this time though.

I hope it is on longer than last time.

Good news! Anything good on the channel?

House , Prison Break, Bones, NFL football, BCS COLLEGE FOOTBALL championship. Just a few

So glad to have Fox back. Shame on Brighthouse for not having Fox HD!

Speaking of Brighthouse, does anyone know if football games like this Saturday's Alabama game on pay per view is normally SD or HD? I'm thinking its probably SD, but would like to ask anyway.

I am sure it is SD . Really bad SD

Mike from WCOV emailed me and said that they are currently working to boost the digital signal's power. I get a pretty good lock at 66% signal strength but I used to have it at 76%.

I am sure it is SD . Really bad SD

Oh that's great. Bunch of people coming over to watch the game and its going to look bad.

Looks like it's on Dish @ 460 and 461.
No HD.

It could be different this year Jim. I am going on last years quality. At least it will be a big screen. Roll Tide

Had planned for a day of football but I checked Circuit City's web site and saw they had the Panasonic Blu Ray DMP-BD10a for $539 (and in stock in Prattville). This included the 5 free Blu Ray Discs in the box plus another 5 free by mail. I had been leaning towards the Toshiba HD DVD HD-XA2 but I had waited long enough with a 1080p display and no native 1080p to display (and the 10 free discs didn't hurt either). Other than the slow load times, etc. I am very happy. Haven't had time to watch a lot yet, but I did get it set up. Uncompressed audio through the analog outs sounds great.

Charles,

You were right, the Alabama game looked like crap. I don't think I've heard audio that bad either.

By contrast, when I flipped over to the Auburn game during a commercial, I've never heard that many people say how good high definition looked. I think I could have sold a few TVs if I was in the business. That prompted me to connect the front projector up to the motorola cable box and project the Auburn game at 119" on the upper wall and the Alabama game from the Tivo on the 60" plasma. Kinda like picture in picture on a monster scale. Following two games at once will also wear you out.

Following two games at once will also wear you out.

I used to work in the NOC for JP Sports (now Lincoln Financial) for ACC and SEC games.. you should try following and recording multiple games all day long..and at tournament time.. especially when you're not really a sports fan..:)

At least they both won Jim. My espn was not as good as it has been. I don't know but I think it has gone back to the way it was last year. I think it is ESPN.

Its your signal. You couldn't have asked for a better picture on the Auburn game. I'm still having problems on 782, but ESPNHD looked great.

Auburn got lucky again. KS owned them all but the last 4 min. :)

Uncompressed audio through the analog outs sounds great.

So you did 5.1 in analog?

Thanks Jim, Espn has been great up till now. Baseball beautiful and everything else.
As for being lucky. I had rather be lucky than lose. I think it is going to be a long season for both teams. I don't think Bama is as good as they looked although there was lots of improvement. (RED ZONE). We will no more at Vanderbilt. Roll Tide

Auburn got lucky again. KS owned them all but the last 4 min. :)



So you did 5.1 in analog?

Yes. I used the 5.1 analog ins on my receiver so I can get uncompressed PCM audio as well as Dolby TrueHD (which the Panny decodes, although I don't have a disc yet with Dolby TrueHD). I have my optical hooked up so I can switch back and forth between Dolby Digital through optical and the PCM through the analog output.
The Dolby Digital seems louder but not as defined/refined as the uncompressed audio.

Yes. I used the 5.1 analog ins on my receiver so I can get uncompressed PCM audio as well as Dolby TrueHD (which the Panny decodes, although I don't have a disc yet with Dolby TrueHD). I have my optical hooked up so I can switch back and forth between Dolby Digital through optical and the PCM through the analog output.
The Dolby Digital seems louder but not as defined/refined as the uncompressed audio.


So what receiver are you sending the audio to?

My room is setup with 7.1 so I have to use digital.

I put one of these bad boys in a customers house in Wynnlakes last Thursday.

http://www.sunfire.com/images/details/ultimatereceiver-back.jpg

So what receiver are you sending the audio to?

My room is setup with 7.1 so I have to use digital.

It's a Yamaha. It has 6.1 analog inputs. The Panny Blu Ray has 7.1analog outs. I have a 5.1 speaker set up (not HTIB) so I'm running 5.1 into the receiver from the Panny. I just watched Casino Royale on Blu Ray and the uncompressed audio was fantastic. (I'd love to have something like the Sunfire above but I'm afraid that's a little out of my budget and would be overkill for what I need--but it would be nice-except I don't see any HDMI inputs.)

but it would be nice-except I don't see any HDMI inputs.)

Yea the no HDMI would be a drawback but the strange part is all of the American Made high end units have no HDMI.
I guess your supposed to send 1080p video straight to the viewing source.

.....not to mention decoding hi rez audio formats.

Is there a way to tell the bulb hours on a Mitsubishi 65831 tv? Also is ther a way to set a brighthouse dvr to pass throuh signal and let the tv pick source 720 or 1080I ?

Is there a way to tell the bulb hours on a Mitsubishi 65831 tv? ?

Don't know if this works on yours, but On my 62" Mits:

Press "Tv Menu" then 2-4-7-0. There will be 4 rows of 5-zeros on the very bottom row. First 5 is Total Tv on Time, second 5 is current lamp time, 3rd is previous lamp time, 4th is previous lamp time 2, then previous lamp 3..

.....not to mention decoding hi rez audio formats.

What do you mean Jim? I must be missing something.
There's optical and coaxial for every source.

Optical and coaxial don't have the bandwidth for hi rez audio without having them down converted.....but I've just noticed that you also have 8 channel analog input. As long as you don't have more than one device that can also output analog or are willing to go with an external analog switcher, you're covered.

If time wasn't an issue and I was buying for the first time, I'd wait for a receiver/preamp that has HDMI switching and audio processing of the new formats. The choice gets more clouded if you already own equipment as you can generally get components like Blu-Ray or HD-DVD players with interal audio processing output through analog.

Optical and coaxial don't have the bandwidth for hi rez audio without having them down converted

I didn't know that. I'm going to try that on my Blu-Ray/Denon 3806 and see if I can tell a difference.

I didn't know that. I'm going to try that on my Blu-Ray/Denon 3806 and see if I can tell a difference.

You should hear a difference. That's why I'm using the analog outputs instead of the digital. Be sure in the disc you play you select the uncompressed audio LPCM multichannel audio option (or Dolby TrueHD if the disc and your player support it), if Dolby Digital is selected and you use the multichannel inputs on your receiver you will only get 2 channel sound.

I tried it but it did not work. By the way Jim my channel 781 has a lot of pixilation and artifacts in background. 782 is ok

I'll swap with you. lol

Jim I am watching football now on espn and it is beautiful go figure

The DISH installer says I can't get the local channels in HD with an outdoor antenna. This is odd because I used to get them with an indoor antenna. Anybody in the Arrowhead area able to pick up the local HD channels?

The DISH installer says I can't get the local channels in HD with an outdoor antenna. This is odd because I used to get them with an indoor antenna. Anybody in the Arrowhead area able to pick up the local HD channels?

I'd say he works on comission..and wants to sell them to you via satellite. :)

Sounds like the DISH folks put their installers through the same rigorous training that cable installers get. It obviously takes time and effort to achieve that level of disinformation.

The DISH installer says I can't get the local channels in HD with an outdoor antenna. This is odd because I used to get them with an indoor antenna. Anybody in the Arrowhead area able to pick up the local HD channels?

I used to live in Lake Forest and picked them up fine with an attic antenna. As others have said, your installer is a few fries short of a happy meal.

Sounds like someone has a weekend project to do. :)

I know why he said that. There is no way he can come out ahead and you pay a fair price. Plus there is no guarantee it will work.
If he spends 4 or 5 hours installing an antenna and you can't get the channels are you going to pay him?

I know the answer.

The DISH installer says I can't get the local channels in HD with an outdoor antenna. This is odd because I used to get them with an indoor antenna. Anybody in the Arrowhead area able to pick up the local HD channels?

I live about 70 (air) miles from most of the Montgomery local broadcast towers and I receive all but Fox20 via OTA signals through my DISH VIP622.

FOX20 is still in low-power mode but CBS8-01, NBC12-01, APT26-01 and ABC32-01 are received in HD thru my DISH receiver. Sometimes ABC32-01 fades out with weather conditions but overall the reception is good.

You need to install a quality VHF/UHF antenna, probably with a rotor since the transmit towers are so scattered, and connect it to your DISH (VIP) receiver. Even after DISH (no telling when) starts to carry local Montgomery HD channels you will be happy you have both OTA and DISH local HD capability. With my 622 I can record 3 different HD (like football games) channels at the same time. DISH HD receivers have 3 tuners, 1 OTA and 2 satellite, and that is great during football season.

I live in the Birmingham DMA and get ABC, CBS, FOX and NBC HD via DISH since about 3 months ago. I get all the Montgomery OTA via my outside antenna better than Birmingham because Chehau mountain is betweeen me and Red Mountain.

Montgomery is way down the list for DISH to start carring their local HD broadcasts. They go by how many subscribers are using DISH in your local DMA (direct marketing area). Probably sometimes next year after their new satellite is launched into orbit before you see Montgomery HD locals on DISH.

Sounds like someone has a weekend project to do. :)

I know why he said that. There is no way he can come out ahead and you pay a fair price. Plus there is no guarantee it will work.
If he spends 4 or 5 hours installing an antenna and you can't get the channels are you going to pay him?

I know the answer.

Yes, I was going to pay him. We had already agreed on a price for the installation of the outside antenna. If he wanted to back out of the deal, I wish he had just said so.

What was the price? Who was suppling the antenna?

How about Blu-Ray?

I was out house hunting in Prattville, and I stopped and looked at the Moviestop tonight, and they have a few titles for $20, but most of the blu-ray titles are $25 - $35. I ended up getting Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory on HD DVD along with the Clone Wars DVDs.

Anyone know how good the OTA reception is at the corner of Cobbs Ford and Mcqueen Smith in Prattville?

Should be great. Lots of Elevation there.

The FCC released the following news about what happens to cable providers when analog transmissions cease in Feb, 2009:

WASHINGTON (AP) — Here's the pitch from the cable TV industry: One way or another, all subscribers will still be able to tune in their favorite shows when broadcasters shift to digital-only transmission in 2009.

Seeking more than a promise, Federal Communications Commission Chairman Kevin Martin wants commissioners to require cable companies to provide that service.

"Unless the commission acts, some cable customers may actually be harmed by the transition and lose the ability to view some of these channels," Martin told The Associated Press on Monday.

The FCC, which is scheduled to meet Tuesday, has been split over such a proposal in the past but may be moving toward a compromise.

The greatest impact of the digital conversion will be on viewers of non-digital televisions who receive their signals over the air. Beginning Feb. 18, 2009, they will be forced to buy a special converter box, subsidized by the government, to receive their channels.

The impact of the shift on the nation's cable subscribers is less certain.

Today, cable television system operators receive broadcast feeds in analog and digital format. Come Feb. 18, 2009, broadcasters must stop supplying the analog signal. That creates a problem for the cable industry's 32 million analog subscribers.

Cable operators can either convert the digital signal to analog at the point where their cable signal originates, or they can supply customers with a "down converter" device that will change digital signals to analog at the TV set.

This is essentially what the FCC wants to force the industry to do, under Martin's proposed rules.

Last week, the National Cable and Telecommunications Association launched a $200 million advertising campaign to assure customers that the shift won't affect them. "Every TV set you have that's hooked up to cable will work just fine," happy customers intone in a TV spot.

What the commercials do not say is how the industry is going to manage the transition, something that concerns Gene Kimmelman, federal affairs chief for Consumers Union. "It is astounding that they're telling their customers 'don't worry, we're taking care of you' without telling them at what price."

NCTA spokesman Brian Dietz said analog consumers will not be charged more when the transition occurs. Nor will they be forced to sign up for a more expensive digital service.

The NCTA has committed to doing what the FCC is asking, but is resisting the mandate, a position Kimmelman calls "disingenuous."

The NCTA says what the FCC is doing violates the industry's constitutional rights.

"We've said we will voluntarily take care of our customers, which is different than a government mandate," Dietz said.

Dietz said a government-ordered transition would deny the thousands of cable system operators the flexibility they need in managing the transition.

Kimmelman credited the industry with launching the ad campaign, but said the government should assume an oversight role.

"I think there are some sticks that can be placed over their heads to try to ensure that they don't take advantage of their customers," he said.

Government or Cable. Everyone's going to be taken care of real well.

The following announcement is on the APT web site today:

September 12 Update: APT is now successfully broadcasting true HD programming from PBS. We are still experiencing aspect ratio problems with non-HD programs that are being unconverted because PBS feeds both 16:9 and 4:3 programs and our software can’t adjust automatically. Our engineers are working on a solution. Thank you for your patience.

Anyone on Brighthouse with a Tivo S3 having problems with channel 782??

Jim, I watched a movie last night on Bright House Ch. 782 and had no problems. Has it cleared up for you?

Its fine now. Seems like it cleared up about a week ago.

The following announcement is on the APT web site today:

September 12 Update: APT is now successfully broadcasting true HD programming from PBS. We are still experiencing aspect ratio problems with non-HD programs that are being unconverted because PBS feeds both 16:9 and 4:3 programs and our software can’t adjust automatically. Our engineers are working on a solution. Thank you for your patience.

Sometimes you need a person to flip the switch. Maybe the state can't afford a switch. Lets have a pledge drive !!!

Sometimes you need a person to flip the switch. Maybe the state can't afford a switch. Lets have a pledge drive !!!

Don't You mean "Beg-A-Thon" ?? :)

I'll Give

Heck, I would send them $20. I liked their old HD shows.

Heck, I would send them $20. I liked their old HD shows.

Speaking of old shows in HD, I recorded Hogan's Heroes on HDNet everyday. All of the sudden it has been pulled from the schedule. Last weekend, I saw two episodes of the original Charlie's Angels on HDNet. These old shows look amazing in HD. Thank goodness some of these classics were shot on film instead of tape.

Come on WAKA flip the switch or go to the Denver-Oakland game!

Its HD now. Thanks

Alright, Den-Oak in OT in HD!

Come on WAKA flip the switch or go to the Denver-Oakland game!

Sorry--had a signal issue with CBS. Took awhile to work around. Still not fixed, just patched;)

I want someone to tell me the best way to record HD channels (OTA). Is there a cheap way other than vcr.
Thank you

Charles,

I think I remember seeing a Sony HD OTA tuner/recorder on the bargain table of the Montgomery Circuit City. Seems like the model number was 300, but not sure.

This would be suitable for time shifting. If you're wanting to permanently record a show, a different machine might be more suitable.

You are asking about recording it in HD, right?

Yes. I woud like to be able to record fox tv 20 in hd from my outside antenna. I don't believe fox will ever be on Brighthouse. I don't want to spend a whole lot of money for one station though.

Another option would be to switch to a satellite service that has a DVR with OTA HD capability.

Given the number of HD channels on Dish, this may be what I'll be doing anyway. The deal maker will be when SciFi goes HD and maybe Spike. Just can't get enough of Star Trek. lol

good idea. I am leaning that way also

Yes. I woud like to be able to record fox tv 20 in hd from my outside antenna. .

I have a JVC D-VHS, HM-DT100..among other methods.. but I usually just record a widescreen SD copy on DVD with my Panasonic DMR-EZ17, especially for stuff I watch once.

Anyone else w/ Dish Vip622 missing fox guide data for their fox OTA? I have data for every other OTA channel. Is this a fox problem or something w/ my box?

Anyone else w/ Dish Vip622 missing fox guide data for their fox OTA? I have data for every other OTA channel. Is this a fox problem or something w/ my box?

Working fine here. It shows "That's 70's Show" on right now.
Reboot your box.

I want someone to tell me the best way to record HD channels (OTA). Is there a cheap way other than vcr.
Thank you

With the Dish network VIP 722 you can record 1 OTA show and 2 satellite shows at the same time.
You can also archive to external drives (up to 3 750gig) for a one time 39.95 activation fee.
Thats a lot of HD!
Oh and the onboard drive is 500gig.

Scott
Will their system permit you to remove a drive once its full and later return it for playback of previously recorded material or does returning it basically erase the drive?

Jim you can rotate all three drives.
I think they are working on allowing you to swap the drives to any VIP receiver on your account including VIP 211's.

I don't remember if there is a limit on the times you can swap but I don't think so.

Scott,

So, their system doesn't really allow you to have more than 3 drives with only up to 3 connected at any given time? So you couldn't really build a library larger than what you could fit on the 3 external and 1 internal drives.

Also, if you DVR died, could you marry your drives to its replacement?

Jim your just too picky. :D

How could you possibly fill three 750 gig drives? :eek:

Currently with MPEG4 it's 4GB per hour for HD content.
That's about 560 hours of HD!

Yes the 622 failure is a possibuility. When they open it up to all VIP's on the account that shouldn't be a problem.

I was relating it to the Tivo S3 which is still MPEG2 (much less recording capacity) and won't recognize previously recorded content if another external drive is married to it.

Sounds like they've got a good product.

Anyone else w/ Dish Vip622 missing fox guide data for their fox OTA? I have data for every other OTA channel. Is this a fox problem or something w/ my box?

Working fine here. It shows "That's 70's Show" on right now.
Reboot your box.

Tried rebooting the box and power cycling, but still no guide data. Any other ideas out there?

Tried rebooting the box and power cycling, but still no guide data. Any other ideas out there?

To get the program guide, do you have to subscribe to the local channels?

To get the program guide, do you have to subscribe to the local channels?

Yes, you have to sub to the locals.

Yep!

Anyone else w/ Dish Vip622 missing fox guide data for their fox OTA? I have data for every other OTA channel. Is this a fox problem or something w/ my box?

I just upgraded to the Vip722 and have guide info for every OTA channel box WCOV. I do subscribe to the locals through DishNetwork and have called them and they opened a ticket but to no resolution yet.

Scott, So you have guide info for WCOV? Forgive me for asking but since this thread is a hundred pages now but, what OTA equipment do you have? I understand you have the Vip622 but what antenna, amp and such?

Thanks in advance!

Yep Guide info works fine.

I have a 622 with a Winegard MS-2000 about 25 feet in the air.
http://www.winegard.com/offair/metrostar.htm

I'm right by Alabama Christian Academy.

http://bumracing.com/albums/album01/DSCN4266.sized.jpg

http://bumracing.com/albums/album01/DSCN4267.sized.jpg

Oh and you will notice my time is on Eastern. :)

I called Knology today and got my Cable Upgraded to the HD Service with a HD DVR and the Edge internet upgrade, so Friday afternoon I will take off and get my HD DVR installed!

I called Knology today and got my Cable Upgraded to the HD Service with a HD DVR and the Edge internet upgrade, so Friday afternoon I will take off and get my HD DVR installed!

I have Knology as my backup.
Do some research and see if an external drive is doable with Knology. The hard drive fills up fast when recording HD.

Just an FYI,

During the Alabama Game I flipped from Dish ESPNHD to Knology ESPNHD back and forth.
Knology was connected Component, Dish was connected HDMI.

Knology smoked Dish in PQ.

Good to hear.

If anyone gets a chance to visit the Showcase Home in the Montgomery Parade of Homes I did the AV in this house.

Limited budget but we did a in wall Mid Atlantic Drawer Rack to hold the equipment, Dish Network (from my house) :)
Control 4 system to control the AV, some lights, security, and thermostats.
2 mini touch screens, one in the living room and one in the MB.
Audio in 4 rooms, 50" LG over the fire place, 6.1 surround.

Denon Receiver, Denon DVD.
Ademco APEX Destiny security


Parade starts either Thursday or Friday (I'll be in Talladega Fri, Sat, and Sun)
I think it runs 2 weeks.

To get to the Show Place Home
Head east on Vaughn Road from the Eastern Bypass. As soon as you past Catholic school turn right next to Ida Belle young park and follow the signs to Somerhill. There should be signs everywhere.

Beginning October 17th on NBC 13 News at Ten, Alabama will receive high-definition local news, sports and weather, brought to the community by WVTM-TV.

“Accuracy matters in everything we do at NBC 13 News,” said Vice President & General Manager Gene Kirkconnell. “High definition is the most precise and pristine format for the presentation of entertainment, news, sports, and weather programming. We’re proud to be the first station in Alabama to bring high-def to our local news viewers.”

In fact, central Alabama viewers will experience the clearest, sharpest picture with enhanced audio available, no matter what type of TV set they have.

“The picture quality is stunning, with beautifully accurate and detailed rendering of color, action, and important information,” said the station’s Chief Engineer Chuck Blackwood. “We’ve already tested some news and weather in high definition. Viewers will be amazed when the new technology is fully rolled out during the next few weeks.”

In addition, WVTM will be using high definition weather technology not available at any other Alabama station. In fact, few stations in the world offer these advancements.

“With one million watts, NBC 13 forecasters already operate the most powerful weather radar in Alabama,” said Chief Meteorologist Jerry Tracey. “As we combine the radar power with cutting edge digital display and broadcast technology, viewers will see the clearest, most detailed weather information. During severe events, our exclusive high definition Doppler radar will show unequaled clarity and accuracy.”

The station is also bringing these systems online with the latest digital video and editing technology, including an HD video switcher and graphics, and special studio lighting presented from two new sets.


One of those news sets debuted last month. On October 17th, NBC 13 will unveil Alabama’s first set built especially for high definition broadcasts. The old studio was gutted to make way for the new presentation areas, including a dramatic anchor desk, high-definition reporter presentation area, panoramic guest and interview area, traffic presentation area, and a High Definition Weather Forecast Center.

“WVTM-TV NBC 13 has always been at the forefront of innovations in broadcasting, said Kirkconnell, recalling historical innovations made by Channel 13. “NBC 13 was Alabama’s first TV station, the state’s first news team and was the first with live and live remote broadcasting. It was also Birmingham’s first station to broadcast in color,” Kirkconnell noted. Now we are excited to bring Alabama its first high definition broadcasts of local news, sports, and weather.”

They might be the first in Alabama but I have been watching HD local news in Atlanta for over a year. ;)

4bama,

Which market does NBC 13 serve?

Is there any thing going on about APT (Alabama Public Television) picking up the National PBS HD feed. Since they dropped it a while back, there's not much there to watch.