Not a whole lot to look at there but they do have a set of Boston Towers in Room #2

They would probably sell the demos right!

Call Bob Hanson or Amanda Morrison first because the showroom may be unattended when you arrive.
Office 395-6555
Bob: 657-4104
Amanda: 657-5814

I read in the Huntsville thread that Knology had added FSNHD, TBSHD, NAGEOHD, SHOWTIME HD and maybe another. So I'm hoping we will see these or others soon. The CS folks don't get any information on whats coming. It will only confuse them.

I have never had the WCOV guide data. I still don't know how you are the only one on here getting it.
By the way I plan on making a trip to innerscapes on Mon. Are their prices fair or firm? Or can I work with them some?
steve

I can get 70 tops on WCOV.

Never have lost it.

What's your signal strength? Mine is 70%

I also get 70%.

I remember you didn't have a problem Scott, I envied you for so long...... but I now have guide data for WCOV OTA on my 722.

Stoner51, this little procedure is what Dish has had me doing to see if the receiver is getting the right data. Press menu, 6,9, add channel, key in 16 and let it get a lock. Then back completely out and change the channel to 20-01 by pressing 02001 on the remote. Then press menu,6,3, goto the counters and press the page down all the way down and see if it says 20 0 52. That's what mine was saying before I was able to get guide data and 20 0 103 after i was able to receive it.

If you press go and scan for channels again then go and perform a check switch so you download a new guide, if the counters said 20 0 103, you should have guide data. If it said 20 0 52, do what I did and clear the NVRAM with menu,6,3,info,right,left,TV/Video,Select, hold down the power button on the front panel. One it boots back up, goto add a channel and press 16 and let it lock. Once it does, select done to add it and go all the way out and then press 02001 so you are watching Fox. Then menu,6,3, counters and go all the way down again and see if it still says 20 0 52 or 20 0 103. If it now says 20 0 103, go scan channels so you get all of them, and perform a check switch and you should be good to go.

I know it was long winded.... but I talk too much.

Let me know what you find so I can report if any of what they have been doing with the WCOV engineer worked, or if it was indeed the clearing of the NVRAM.

By the way, the clearing of the NVRAM doesn't delete timers or recordings, just OTA channels, error counters, temp readings, sets resolution to 480i and dual mode.

Has anyone been to the Tweeter's in Birmingham lately?

I was trying to find them on their store locator and it doesn't show any of their stores in Alabama. I couldn't find it under the HiFi Buys name either...actually, I couldn't find a HiFi Buy website.

All the tweeters here have closed.

DishGeek It already says 20 0 103. I still don't get the data. I have a 622. don't see where that would matter. I will try the lear NVRAM and report back.
steve

Clearing the NVRAM did the trick. Thanks DishGeek

DishGeek It already says 20 0 103. I still don't get the data. I have a 622. don't see where that would matter. I will try the lear NVRAM and report back.
steve

Clearing the NVRAM did the trick. Thanks DishGeek

Awesome! In this case... Dish wasn't able to figure it out... It was me... Cool... I have to email and gloat....

I know of only one other person that had the same trouble and that was tomtb. If he will do the same try the above procedure, I'd like to know if in fact this is the case of faulty NVRAM data on his as well.

Awesome! In this case... Dish wasn't able to figure it out... It was me... Cool... I have to email and gloat....

I know of only one other person that had the same trouble and that was tomtb. If he will do the same try the above procedure, I'd like to know if in fact this is the case of faulty NVRAM data on his as well.

Good deal!

DishGeek It already says 20 0 103. I still don't get the data. I have a 622. don't see where that would matter. I will try the lear NVRAM and report back.
steve

Clearing the NVRAM did the trick. Thanks DishGeek

I don't know exactly what the 20 0 103 means either but think that's what it's supposed to be in order for it to map down the channel guide data correctly. I have been communicating with an engineer at Dish since 10-18-07 that was calling the WCOV engineer and trying to figure out if there is something not set right on their end making it not match. Anywho, it works now so I'm happy.

Good deal!

I followed the first part of the instructions( menu, 6,9,add channel , key in 16) and it solved the problem.

I followed the first part of the instructions( menu, 6,9,add channel , key in 16) and it solved the problem.

So, you didn't clear the NVRAM? Hmm.. Did you accept the add or did you cancel out and use the scanned channels you already had?

Whichever way, I'm glad it worked for you though!

So, you didn't clear the NVRAM? Hmm.. Did you accept the add or did you cancel out and use the scanned channels you already had?

Whichever way, I'm glad it worked for you though!

I did the add.

I have been unable to recieve any digital OTA broadcasts from WCOV for several days. Anyone know what the problem is?

I receive WCOV but lately I've been having a lot of problems with the reception (picture breaking up, pixilation, etc). I recorded the "Sarah Conner Chronicles" but the recording wasn't really watchable so I took that series off my list of programs to watch. Of course, this is not a new problem with WCOV and their low power, but, for me, it seems to have gotten worse.

Yes I have noticed the same. Not only did reception strength decrease I am having pixellation at times. Just with WCOV.

I watched on OTA HD no problems in Millbrook

No problems OTA here in Wetumpka.

Ok I need to talk with Brighthouse viewers and Dish viewers. Do you think Quality of HD is better on dish or brighthouse?

Ok I need to talk with Brighthouse viewers and Dish viewers. Do you think Quality of HD is better on dish or brighthouse?

I've had Charter HD and Knology and my in-laws have Brighthouse for HD. I now have Dish. To me, Dish not only blows away cable in HD quantity but quality also.

I've heard rumor that on Feb. 1 Dish will offer an HD-only pack. You could keep Brighouse cable and add all of Dish's hd channels for $29.99/month.

I upgraded from the 622 to the 722 a couple of months ago, and lost the program grid info for WCOV. (All others are fine) I get a signal level of about 67, much better than it used to be from WCOV. I tried your suggestions and they worked the grid now has program info. I have had 2 discussions with the tech folks at DISH and they didn't seem to understand you could receive local signals over the air and DISH signals and they both appear on the program guide. Then once we got past that, they didn't have a clue how to fix it. Thanks for your help. Now I can record FOX whenever we get over the strike and have some fresh productions to watch.

That sounds great. I wonder what they will charge for dvr

Any news on wcov fox power updates

Have you all watched Comanche Moon yet. It's not as good as original but really nice HD. So far a decent western

Starting in Feb, Dish Network is slated to begin offering an "HD Only" programming package. Rumored fees are as follows:

All HD package $29.99
HD Premiums $10.00
Locals $ 5.99

No SD channels are included.

Presumably, receiver and DVR fees will be extra, and a 2-year commitment may be required. The HD premiums pack is an exceptionally good value, if it includes them all.

Starting in Feb, Dish Network is slated to begin offering an "HD Only" programming package. Rumored fees are as follows:

All HD package $29.99
HD Premiums $10.00
Locals $ 5.99

No SD channels are included.

Presumably, receiver and DVR fees will be extra, and a 2-year commitment may be required. The HD premiums pack is an exceptionally good value, if it includes them all.

Okay, so this goes back to a question that I've always had. I want to keep my cable internet, but I would like to have Dish for programming, or now (since Dish has local channels but not in HD), keep my cable and just get Dish for HD. Is this possible? I always thought that you couldn't have both cable and a dish together, which is why I never switched.

Okay, so this goes back to a question that I've always had. I want to keep my cable internet, but I would like to have Dish for programming, or now (since Dish has local channels but not in HD), keep my cable and just get Dish for HD. Is this possible? I always thought that you couldn't have both cable and a dish together, which is why I never switched.

I would hold off on getting Dish right now. It is only speculation about the all hd pack. Though I do hope it is true. If you did get Dish, you can always "move" to another area and get local hd channels from that area.

I would hold off on getting Dish right now. It is only speculation about the all hd pack. Though I do hope it is true. If you did get Dish, you can always "move" to another area and get local hd channels from that area.

Oh, I'm definitely not going that route unless this rumor turns out to be true. I just wanted to be ready in case it does turn out that they are going to offer an "HD only" package.

To answer your question about cable and sat. I have had both cable and sat
for years as well as an outdoor antenna. There's no conflict (you will need seperate cable runs).

To answer your question about cable and sat. I have had both cable and sat
for years as well as an outdoor antenna. There's no conflict (you will need seperate cable runs).


Same here.

Oh, I'm definitely not going that route unless this rumor turns out to be true. I just wanted to be ready in case it does turn out that they are going to offer an "HD only" package.

To further elaborate. If you want a large number of HD channels in this area,
satellite is your only choice for the forseeable (spelling?) future (unless there are some plans I'm not aware of--I don't think there will be an appreciable number on cable for a while and I haven't heard of plans for FIOS in this area).

To further elaborate. If you want a large number of HD channels in this area,
satellite is your only choice for the forseeable (spelling?) future (unless there are some plans I'm not aware of--I don't think there will be an appreciable number on cable for a while and I haven't heard of plans for FIOS in this area).

I totally agree with that, and that is why I've been so torn. I can't live without my high speed internet, so I need cable for that. Also, I seriously doubt my wife would let me put up a huge antenna to get local channels in HD, for both financial and aesthetic reasons, so I need cable for that, even though Bright House doesn't offer WCOV in HD. So, this option of keeping cable and having Dish for HD sounds like the plan for me.

Of course, just for grins, could someone tell me how much equipment and installation I'm looking at to get Montgomery locals in HD from the top of a hill between Wetumpka and Alex City?

HD-only package is official. Go to satelliteguys.us for more info.

I totally agree with that, and that is why I've been so torn. I can't live without my high speed internet, so I need cable for that. Also, I seriously doubt my wife would let me put up a huge antenna to get local channels in HD, for both financial and aesthetic reasons, so I need cable for that, even though Bright House doesn't offer WCOV in HD. So, this option of keeping cable and having Dish for HD sounds like the plan for me.

Of course, just for grins, could someone tell me how much equipment and installation I'm looking at to get Montgomery locals in HD from the top of a hill between Wetumpka and Alex City?

The OTA tuner will be in the sat DVR and, I assume, your TV. So the only extra equipment would be an antenna and a probably a pre-amp (and mast and any needed cable). So you would probably be looking at somewhere
around $150-$175 (antenna and pre amp). (Of course installation will be extra if you don't plan to install it yourself). The price will vary depending on the antenna and pre-amp. From your location you will probably be okay for WSFA, WNCF, PBS and maybe WAKA. WCOV would be doubtful due to their very low power signal (in other words ,you would probably receive no more than the locals you get via cable and maybe not as much).

Off topic, I know, but happy Snow day fellas!

Ok I need to talk with Brighthouse viewers and Dish viewers. Do you think Quality of HD is better on dish or brighthouse?


HD quality better on Brighthouse. First thing I noticed when I switched from Brighthouse to Dish last fall.

I also really miss my locals in HD. Anybody in the Tallassee area had good luck with an outdoor antenna?

HD quality better on Brighthouse. First thing I noticed when I switched from Brighthouse to Dish last fall.

I also really miss my locals in HD. Anybody in the Tallassee area had good luck with an outdoor antenna?

Hey snowmanpb!

I just left you a pm on dbstalk....

Anywho, from what I've understood, when Dish gets their new birds in the sky, not only will we have more HD, but they will look better since they will be in mpeg4 8psk turbo fec modulation. (Basically, a method of obtaining better pq without having to up the bandwidth too much by using what bandwidth that is there more efficiently.)

Check out the attached snow picture.

This is what I was looking at when a friend called on the cell phone to tell me about the 2" of snow fall in Montgomery.

Check out the attached snow picture.

This is what I was looking at when a friend called on the cell phone to tell me about the 2" of snow fall in Montgomery.

And I bet the only way you knew it was snowing was that the tv news guys
did crawls and cut-ins to tell you, right? :rolleyes:

It was definately on the weather channel feed at the lodge.

And I bet the only way you knew it was snowing was that the tv news guys
did crawls and cut-ins to tell you, right? :rolleyes:

You have to stop making fun of the weather guys on 8 and 12. You have to remember there are no professional folks running either station. Bad weather is the only thing they have going for them. They are the local terrorist group in Montgomery, They have to scare people into watching them.

And I bet the only way you knew it was snowing was that the tv news guys
did crawls and cut-ins to tell you, right? :rolleyes:

We didn't break in....it was during required children's programming:rolleyes:
The weather guys were crying.
It was just a "every 15 year dusting", anyway.

But after the kids shows ended, the silliness began.

You have to stop making fun of the weather guys on 8 and 12. .

Oh, the weather guys here on 3,6,9, and 14 are just as bad.. only the guys on 18 (us) are conservative with the "OMIGAWD! You're ALL gonna DIE! " Weather cut-ins...:eek:

Okay, so, assuming I go with Dish, anyone know the best installer in the Wetumpka area?

Okay, so, assuming I go with Dish, anyone know the best installer in the Wetumpka area?

I used AMCOM on 231 in Wetumpka. They did a great job for me when I moved out there. Use them instead of going through Dish. Also, for your HD locals you can have them install an antenna for you. I have a channel master 4228 that I installed in my attic. I get all digital locals with no problem. Dish doesn't have HD locals yet.

I used AMCOM on 231 in Wetumpka. They did a great job for me when I moved out there. Use them instead of going through Dish. Also, for your HD locals you can have them install an antenna for you. I have a channel master 4228 that I installed in my attic. I get all digital locals with no problem. Dish doesn't have HD locals yet.

What about WCOV? Do you get that one in HD?

What about WCOV? Do you get that one in HD?

Yes. I get it at a solid 70% signal strength. It has occasional dropouts but nothing too bad. I get everything else at 81% or better. WSFA is close to 100%.

Okay, so, assuming I go with Dish, anyone know the best installer in the Wetumpka area?

Jim Frizzel
334-799-3845

I just found out that I am eligible for distant locals in HD from DirectTV. Anyone know an installer in the Lake Martin (Real Island) or Wetumpka area?

Thanks.

post above you

sorry if this is a dead horse beaten over and over but I just got Dish out in deer creek here in Fungomery and we're wanting local HD. My dad has a zenith silver streak indoor hdtv antenna he's not using that I'm going to try out.

The dish guy briefly said that if I got an indoor one, I'd just hook it into the back of the 722 DVR box and said the menu has a section for local OTA HD setup.

Is it really as simple as hooking it in with a coax cable, telling the dvr I've got an OTA hd antenna and pointing it in the right direction?

How will I know what channels are what and how will the dvr box integrate them into the channel menu?

I too have a ViP722 and receive the locals up here in Huntsville OTA with a Silver Sensor. All my digital/HD channels here are UHF. I live about 10 miles from most TV transmitters so the Silver Sensor unamplified UHF antenna works good for me.

I receive OTA signal strength anywhere between 73 to 90+.

As for hooking up an antenna to the ViP722 it is an easy process. Connect the antenna to the back, go to the menu, go to set-up, go to OTA and let the box scan for all the channels. It will find all the digital and HD channels automatically.

The OTA channels will be added automatically to the guide data. On these channels the background is yellow and they will be XX-01, XX-02, etc. (If you are getting locals from DISH they are XX-00 and have the light blue background.)

They question is will you get a good enough signal at your location with your indoor Zenith antenna to get the OTA channels. I have found I need to get at least a 65 signal strength to get a stable picture on the ViP722.

Good luck!

lowdown256

The website I ordered the zenith from said it was out of stock so I swung by radioshack and got another one. It's the radio shack brand small white and flat surface and rectangular. I started by just sitting it up on our armoire and it found WSFA with a 96% signal but called a friend that lives about 4 miles away with the cheaper antennae on his roof and he said he points his at about 300* or 10 oclock and said he picks up all the locals besides Fox (WCOV). I didn't get WAKA (ABC) so I'm wondering if mine is just not digging where it's pointing or if it needs to go in the roof or even out by the dish. :confused:

The only thing that sucks is that if I want to do anything else, I'll have to fish the cable down my wall behind the TV and make another hole in the wall for the wire that will have to run up in the attic out to the dish if I mount it out there. :(

The only thing that sucks is that if I want to do anything else, I'll have to fish the cable down my wall behind the TV and make another hole in the wall for the wire that will have to run up in the attic out to the dish if I mount it out there.

Amateurs. :D:D:D

true dat...

get up there and run that cable. not Difficult.

tomorrows project.

where can I buy a coax outlet plate that allows 2 jacks? home depot? radio shack?

I got mine from HD. You can buy the connections seperate ie. coax, speaker, rca, Rj45. I did this last year in my house. Ran Cat5e, new coax, speaker cable. Took a long time and my attic is only 36 inches high, my back hurt for a week. This is what I used.
http://www.smarthome.com/85622w.html
Good luck
steve
they sell these at HD and lowes has something similar, they also make them in 2, 3, 4 and 8

Electronic Supply on Hackel Drive has 2 port, 4 port, and 6 port plates in Ivory, White, and Almond as well as the inserts to go in them and the cut in boxes.

They have the glow rods too if you feel froggy as well as RG6, Compression fittings, crimpers, and strippers. :D
Bring your check book or visa card. :D

Lowes has all of the above in OnQ brand in the electrical isle. ;)

Well the deed has been done. Everything works great. WSFA gets 100%, it picked up WCOV and WNCF in HD as well as I think HD APT?

Anyways, I went to home depot and got a stripper for the cable, twist on connectors and a GE dual coax plate that had the double female jacks already mounted in there. I lucked WAY out fishing the cable down the wall as it was just a shot in the dark dropping it down there it just happend to be right next to the opening in the wall behind the plate so that was nice and the cable runs across the attic to the antenna mounted out on the roof.

So... next big question... Is Fox going to be broadcasting the superbowl in HD over the air? We're having some people over for the game and if there's any way to get it in HD, that'd be great.

So... next big question... Is Fox going to be broadcasting the superbowl in HD over the air? We're having some people over for the game and if there's any way to get it in HD, that'd be great.

If any football game was in HD, that'd be the one! (That means yes.) :D

tim

WCOV 20-01, next sunday at 5:30? Party on?

So... next big question... Is Fox going to be broadcasting the superbowl in HD over the air? We're having some people over for the game and if there's any way to get it in HD, that'd be great.

I can't believe you'd even ask that question..You must be REALLY new to HD..

Well the deed has been done. Everything works great. WSFA gets 100%, it picked up WCOV and WNCF in HD as well as I think HD APT?

Anyways, I went to home depot and got a stripper for the cable, twist on connectors and a GE dual coax plate that had the double female jacks already mounted in there. I lucked WAY out fishing the cable down the wall as it was just a shot in the dark dropping it down there it just happend to be right next to the opening in the wall behind the plate so that was nice and the cable runs across the attic to the antenna mounted out on the roof.

So... next big question... Is Fox going to be broadcasting the superbowl in HD over the air? We're having some people over for the game and if there's any way to get it in HD, that'd be great.

You didn't mention WAKA?

If you have 100% on WSFA you can probably swing west of where your pointing and improve WNCF, WCOV, and WAKA.


Hey bdfox18doe have you heard any word on the USB OTA tuner for the HR21?
I'm going to install one next week so I can get the 100 hours of Daytona Coverage on Speed Channel.

Hey bdfox18doe have you heard any word on the USB OTA tuner for the HR21?.

No, but I know the baby's daddy, If I talk with him I will ask.

I'm looking forward to Speed HD as well, they are just across town from here, and are working furiously to go full HD.

No, but I know the baby's daddy, If I talk with him I will ask.

I'm looking forward to Speed HD as well, they are just across town from here, and are working furiously to go full HD.


At this point in the game would you hunt down the HR20? or go with a HR21?

I can't believe you'd even ask that question..You must be REALLY new to HD..

We've had it for all of 1 week and had OTA HD locals going for about 2 days. I've yet to see something in HD from WCOV so that's what made me curious if the superbowl would be broadcasted OTA in HD since I can't get it from dish network in HD.

The other day we were talking about what to do behind the plasma.

This was the link I was looking for.

http://www.panamax.com/Products/In-Wall/MIW-POWERKIT-PRO.aspx#tab_benefits

I've yet to see something in HD from WCOV so that's what made me curious if the superbowl would be broadcasted OTA in HD since I can't get it from dish network in HD.

Most if not all of Primetime is HD on fox as well as ALL NFL games.

ahh ok. good.

I live on the north end of Lake Martin in Alexander City. Anyone have any ideas about how well I might pick up OTA signals out of Montgomery?

I live on the north end of Lake Martin in Alexander City. Anyone have any ideas about how well I might pick up OTA signals out of Montgomery?

AntennaWeb.org (http://antennaweb.org/aw/welcome.aspx) is a good place to start out. I put in just Alex City for the address, and it indicated NO digital stations are possible. But that's all math and numbers. Maybe someone from around Alex City can give their actual experiences. With the right setup, you might be able to pull in some from Montgomery, and more from Birmingham.

....how do you feel about erecting a 100' tower? :)

sorry if this is a dead horse beaten over and over but I just got Dish out in deer creek here in Fungomery and we're wanting local HD. My dad has a zenith silver streak indoor hdtv antenna he's not using that I'm going to try out.

The dish guy briefly said that if I got an indoor one, I'd just hook it into the back of the 722 DVR box and said the menu has a section for local OTA HD setup.

Is it really as simple as hooking it in with a coax cable, telling the dvr I've got an OTA hd antenna and pointing it in the right direction?

How will I know what channels are what and how will the dvr box integrate them into the channel menu?

Yes, it is that simple. You will have to scan for local channels. In order for the channel guide to show program info for your local channels, you will need to subscribe to the local channels through DISH.

Dish's HD-only package went live today. It is $29.99 per months plus locals. You cannot add regional sports networks to it though.

AntennaWeb.org (http://antennaweb.org/aw/welcome.aspx) is a good place to start out. I put in just Alex City for the address, and it indicated NO digital stations are possible. But that's all math and numbers. Maybe someone from around Alex City can give their actual experiences. With the right setup, you might be able to pull in some from Montgomery, and more from Birmingham.


From Alex City, you could probably get some from Columbus, Ga. I did and I am on the west side of Lake Martin. Generally, you can do a little better than antennaweb.org says you can do. You can forget getting Fox or ABC out of Montgomery. Might be able to get Fox out of Bham or Anniston. Best just to get an antenna and point it at Birmingham, then Montgomery, Columbus and Anniston and see what you can get. I would recommend a Channel master 4228 with an amp.

Dish's HD-only package went live today. It is $29.99 per months plus locals. You cannot add regional sports networks to it though.


Thanks for the heads up on that.

Has any recent comparisons been made between Dish and Direct's HD reception and if so, which was found to be the better. Interested in their DVRs and not considering OTA reception.

Does the Dish system (and DirectTV) require one or two coaxial leads if you're not using it for OTA.

My thinking is to use my S3 Tivo for OTA, and satellite for everything else home theater related. I'd keep Brighthouse for broadband.

Thanks for the heads up on that.

Has any recent comparisons been made between Dish and Direct's HD reception and if so, which was found to be the better. Interested in their DVRs and not considering OTA reception.

Does the Dish system (and DirectTV) require one or two coaxial leads if you're not using it for OTA.

My thinking is to use my S3 Tivo for OTA, and satellite for everything else home theater related. I'd keep Brighthouse for broadband.

I think Dish and Directv are pretty equal when it comes to reception. I've had both. It is widely known that Dish has the better DVR. If no OTA, you only have one coaxial coming into your box.

....and as to the quality of their HD signal? Is it HD lite?

....and as to the quality of their HD signal? Is it HD lite?

I don't think so. To me, it's better than the Charter and Knology I had before. My parents just upgraded to Dish from Charter and they noticed a better picture too.

Anybody know of a local source for a CM4228 antenna? Electronic Supply has been out of them for a month, they referred me to Handey's (which doesn't handle antennas), etc.,.

Somewhere in Montgomery or south (Greenville, Troy, etc.,) would be great.

Thanks,
Ed

I ordered a Directv slim line dish and a HR21 which arrived here on Friday.
As soon as I get over this cold I'll put it up and I will be able to compare Apples to Apples on Directv VS Dish. Both will be HDMI through the receiver to the TV.

Ed,

Have you tried Lowe's? Seems that I saw them there about 6 months ago.

Ed,

Have you tried Lowe's? Seems that I saw them there about 6 months ago.

Thanks, but Lowes went to the Phillips brand last year.

Ed

Ahhhhk! WCOV-D has 0 signal strength... Not good. Superbowl is in 5 hours. Standard def Fox is going to be lame if it remains this way the rest of the day.

Is anyone there working on getting OTA signal back up? Rest of the OTA stations have 85~100% signal strength.

Ahhhhk! WCOV-D has 0 signal strength... Not good. Superbowl is in 5 hours. Standard def Fox is going to be lame if it remains this way the rest of the day.

Is anyone there working on getting OTA signal back up? Rest of the OTA stations have 85~100% signal strength.

It is working in Montgomery. You may need to adjust antenna. It is 2:00 pm.

Ahhhhk! WCOV-D has 0 signal strength... Not good. Superbowl is in 5 hours. Standard def Fox is going to be lame if it remains this way the rest of the day.

Is anyone there working on getting OTA signal back up? Rest of the OTA stations have 85~100% signal strength.

It's fine between Wetumpka and Millbrook.

It is working in Montgomery. You may need to adjust antenna. It is 2:00 pm.

2pm as in adjusting it to point north east? I see that it's 2pm where you posted so I'm not sure what you mean.

2pm as in adjusting it to point north east? I see that it's 2pm where you posted so I'm not sure what you mean.

2 pm is just the time

I still get zero signal. It's pointing north west.. probably at about a 10:00 direction.

every other station gets nearly full strength! :mad:

I still get zero signal. It's pointing north west.. probably at about a 10:00 direction.every other station gets nearly full strength! :mad:

Well, befor you get yer pannies in a wad, you may want to put your address
in at www.tvfool.com to see if you can even receive WCOV there and that you are indeed pointed in the right direction. :)

sweet relief... 65% Bring it baby! BRING IT!

sweet relief... 65% Bring it baby! BRING IT!
Auburn T5, just out of curiosity...how for are you from WCOV tower. I've yet to even get a glimmer of it's digital signal down here in central Crenshaw county.

Thanks,
Ed

Hello, I have a question. A little background first. HDTV with HD tuner. No STB, just standard cable, no antenna plugged into the TV. When I run a channel scan, I pick up the following HD channels: PBS (not sure which one), NBC (WSFA), CBS (WAKA), ABC (WNCF), and Mojo (not sure what the call sign is). All channels come in clear, no issues. I have looked at the signal strength on the TV, and I am getting numbers between -30 and -40, which, according to the graphs on tvfool.com, seem like pretty strong signals. My TV has one coax input, so I do not see myself adding an antenna.

Fox (WCOV) shows a stronger transmitting signal than other stations I get, and the distance is <= some channels I am picking up, but I cannot get WCOV. Tvfools.com also show that the signal in the air around my address is stronger than any of the other signals of the channels I currently pick up. Is there a reason why I cannot get this channel? I know that there are other variables to consider regarding reception, but based on the data provided for the channels I do get, everything seems to say that I should be able to pick up WCOV.

Thanks for any insight.

Hello, I have a question. A little background first. HDTV with HD tuner. No STB, just standard cable, no antenna plugged into the TV. When I run a channel scan, I pick up the following HD channels: PBS (not sure which one), NBC (WSFA), CBS (WAKA), ABC (WNCF), and Mojo (not sure what the call sign is). All channels come in clear, no issues. I have looked at the signal strength on the TV, and I am getting numbers between -30 and -40, which, according to the graphs on tvfool.com, seem like pretty strong signals. My TV has one coax input, so I do not see myself adding an antenna.

Fox (WCOV) shows a stronger transmitting signal than other stations I get, and the distance is <= some channels I am picking up, but I cannot get WCOV. Tvfools.com also show that the signal in the air around my address is stronger than any of the other signals of the channels I currently pick up. Is there a reason why I cannot get this channel? I know that there are other variables to consider regarding reception, but based on the data provided for the channels I do get, everything seems to say that I should be able to pick up WCOV.

Thanks for any insight.

Which cable co. do you have? It sounds like you're picking up the channels via QAM since you don't have an antenna hooked up. That sounds like you have Brighthouse then. They do not offer WCOV digital yet. It sounds like you're not picking up the channel over the air, rather, you are getting the free, unencrypted digital channels that your cable company allows. Therefore, you'll need an antenna for Fox.

Thanks for the info. Yes, I have Brighthouse. So the stations I am picking up are coming in over the coax cable? I guess I assumed that they were OTA signals that were strong enough to not need an antenna.

PDCL,

Where in Wetumpka are you?

Does anyone know the status of WCOV's digital ota transmission? Power output, antenna location/height? I'm still in the dark in regards to an OTA FOX (as well as an ABC) channel down here in central Crenshaw County. When I do a channel scan with my Samsung H260F STB it seems to "linger" on channel 16 but then it passes on by. So, anybody know the data on WCOV at present.

Thanks!
Ed

Does anyone know the status of WCOV's digital ota transmission? Power output, antenna location/height? I'm still in the dark in regards to an OTA FOX (as well as an ABC) channel down here in central Crenshaw County. When I do a channel scan with my Samsung H260F STB it seems to "linger" on channel 16 but then it passes on by. So, anybody know the data on WCOV at present.

Thanks!
Ed


First off go to www.tvfool.com and imput your address, it will provid eyou with plenty of data as to what you can receive.

PDCL,

Where in Wetumpka are you?

I'm in Emerald Mountain.

Thanks for the info. Yes, I have Brighthouse. So the stations I am picking up are coming in over the coax cable? I guess I assumed that they were OTA signals that were strong enough to not need an antenna.

Yes, the stations you are picking up are coming through the cable.

I need help trying to pick up ota. Could some of you guys that know whole lot more than me take a look at my tvfool data. I am getting waka,wsfa,wtvy at around 70% on my Dish 722. I figured I should also be able to get wcov and maybe some others. Just take a look and see what you think. I loaded the data as an attachment.

I need help trying to pick up ota. Could some of you guys that know whole lot more than me take a look at my tvfool data. I am getting waka,wsfa,wtvy at around 70% on my Dish 722. I figured I should also be able to get wcov and maybe some others. Just take a look and see what you think. I loaded the data as an attachment.

Where are you located?

I'm not sure about the other stations, but those WCOV and WSFA transmitter power numbers are way off. WCOV is at only 1.1kW ERP (unless they JUST went online at Grady) and can be received only within the Montgomery area. You're too far south to get WCOV without some serious help.

Tim

First off go to www.tvfool.com and imput your address, it will provid eyou with plenty of data as to what you can receive.
http://i111.photobucket.com/albums/n153/intheswamp00/HomeReception.jpg

I've looked at tvfool several times and it always leaves me scratching my head making me wonder if that data might be incorrect...thus my inquiry as to whether anyone knows the true status of it's power output and antenna structure/location. In regards to location, I understand that it is supposed to end up on WSFA's tower, but is it there yet?

According to tvfool I should be receiving WCOV easily, that it should actually be the easiest channel for me to receive. It is stated as xmitting at 918.4kw, rx dBm -44.1, LOS, etc.,. But...no WCOV. On the other hand, WDIQ-11, WSFA-14, WAKA-55, WTVY-36, and WMCF-46 are all consistently received with good signals. WTVY at 67 miles is a very solid signal.

My house is situated on 425' hill. My setup is a CM4228 w/7777 pre-amp attached to a rotor at about 20'. This feeds through 100' of RG6 quad to a Samsung H260F receiver. The only thing inserted between the antenna and receiver other than the preamp and power supply is a Triplite surge protector. I've tried it with and without the surge protector and there's no discernable difference.

At first I thought that it was just a quirk with my Samsung stb being as during channel scans the stb would hit channel 16 and sit there for several seconds (raising my expectations at the same time!:( ) but eventually the stb would move on past channel 16 without locking it in. Manually entering the channel number only brings up the "no signal" screen. I also tried an older Samsung TS360 but it wouldn't even pause when it hit channel 16. Analog ch20 comes in quiet nicely on the TS360.

I've picked up the FOX affiliates via tropo from the coast but can't get FOX locally from less than 20 miles and over 900kw...something seems weird (if tvfool is correct). :(

Any info concerning this situation would really be appreciated.
Ed

Where are you located?

I'm not sure about the other stations, but those WCOV and WSFA transmitter power numbers are way off. WCOV is at only 1.1kW ERP (unless they JUST went online at Grady) and can be received only within the Montgomery area. You're too far south to get WCOV without some serious help.

Tim
Now that is some information for WCOV that makes sense. I was thinking that www.tvfool.com was full of it in stating some of those numbers.

Do you know what the power is for WSFA?

Thanks!
Ed

Hmmm, interesting...

Check out the transmitting power listed for WSFA on jdh71's tvfool report (43.35kw) and then check out the transmitting power listed for WSFA on my tvfool report (35.45kw). I guess the closer you are to the "tall tower" the more the transmitter throttles back on the power transmitted to you to save electricity...neat feature! :rolleyes:

Ed
(hmm, where'd this strange mood of mine come from?) :)

I live just about 10mi west of Andalusia

jdh71,

WCOV-DT is operating under reduced power. Its unlikely you'd be able to pick them up even with a pretty good antenna.

If you're bored, you might want to put up a large outside antenna and see if you can pick them up. If it doesn't, just leave it up as you'll probably be able to use it when WCOV-DT goes full power next year when analog is turned off.

I did install an outside 120xr Radio Shack special with a preamp. I don't know if there is anything more that I can do until wcov goes full power. Is that going to be in Feb 09? What about an ABC such as wncf will they be doing something different soon?

http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/announcement.php?f=34&a=120

Thanks for the heads up on that.

Has any recent comparisons been made between Dish and Direct's HD reception and if so, which was found to be the better. Interested in their DVRs and not considering OTA reception.



I just switched from Dish to DirecTV and at first, I thought Dish was better, but now I'd have to say the picture quality is about the same. It depends on the channel. Originally HGTV and Food Network looked much better on Dish but now I'd say they're about the same.

I do like the DirecTV DVR better overall because I like the interface better (seems to take less steps to complete the same task) and it handles conflict resolution better. The Dish DVR is faster scrolling through menus and I like the remote layout better. The DirecTV DVR I have (HR21) DOES NOT have an OTA input. At the end of February they are selling an addon stackable tuner (AM21) for about 60.00 that connects to the HR21 via USB.

Also the Dish DVR has Picture-in-Picture. DirecTV DVR does not.

The Dish DVR I had (VIP622) stores 30 hours of HD, DirecTV HR21 stores 50 hours of HD.

Thanks for the heads up on that.

Does the Dish system (and DirectTV) require one or two coaxial leads if you're not using it for OTA.



Dish only requires one coax input to operate it's 2 tuners. If you use the OTA input you can record 3 programs simultaneously, one OTA and 2 Dish.

DirecTV requires one coax per tuner so if you're using both tuners you have to have 2 coaxes. If one was to get the OTA addon you can only record 2 programs simultaneously regardless of whether they are OTA or DirecTV. But you can (I think) record 2 OTA channels simultaneously, something you can't do with Dish.

Now that is some information for WCOV that makes sense. I was thinking that www.tvfool.com was full of it in stating some of those numbers.

Do you know what the power is for WSFA?

Thanks!
Ed

WSFA is at their full power of 600kW.

tim

I live just about 10mi west of Andalusia

Your best bets for Fox is WALA (DT 9) from Mobile, then WDFX (DT 33) from Dothan.

I don't know if there is anything more that I can do until wcov goes full power. Is that going to be in Feb 09? What about an ABC such as wncf will they be doing something different soon?

I just put an e-mail in to the station manager at WCOV asking about their full-power plans. I'll report back when he replies.

For ABC, it looks like WEAR (DT 17) from Pensacola/Mobile is your best shot - I believe they're at full power now. Matter of fact, you should be able to just point your antenna to Mobile and get all the networks, with the exception of MyNetworkTV (Mobile doesn't have an affiliate), and WBPG-TV 55 (CW) doesn't even have a DT permit registered with the FCC (can't figure that one out).

tim

WSFA is at their full power of 600kW.

tim

Thanks Tim. I'm looking forward to what WCOV tells you about there power plans.

Ed

I will give Mobile a try on all of those stations. The only thing is my antenna does not go above my roof line and that will be between my antenna and Mobile. I will waiting on that update from wcov on full power. thanks alot guys on everything.

The word from WCOV's station manager is "On or before Feb 18th 09", with regard to their plans for going full-power from their permanent Grady location.

jdh71- you might want to consider moving that antenna to the other side of the house!

tim

Thanks for the update Tim. I might move that antenna give that a try. Do you think that a better antenna such as the channel master 4228 with 7777 preamp would give me any better results. I am running a radio shack 120xr with radio shack preamp.

Thanks for the update Tim. I might move that antenna give that a try. Do you think that a better antenna such as the channel master 4228 with 7777 preamp would give me any better results. I am running a radio shack 120xr with radio shack preamp.jdh71, I hate to tell ya, but even with that your not going to be able to receive WCOV from your location. I have a CM4228 @ 20' on a rotor, 7777 preamp, 100' RG6quad, a Samsung H260F, I sit on top of a 425' hill, and I'm located 30-some few miles closer to WCOV than you are. All I can get is a slight pause when the receiver hits channel 16 during a channel scan. They're just not putting out enough power.

Like Tim Ward suggested, moving your antenna to the other side of the house where it would have a clearer shot to the south would be a good move on your part being as those stations are transmitting at higher powers than WCOV. You are in a more "deep fringe" area than I am so I think the CM4228 and the CM7777 would be a good investment for you. Get a good quality RG6 quad coax, too. A rotor (if you don't have one) will make tweaking any signals much more easier.

Bottom line...forget WCOV for now, but prepare for it's power-up in '09...and, go ahead and shoot for some of those southern stations.

Best wishes,
Ed

Wonder if a 100' tower would help.

I have question maybe a dumb one but why at night such as right now am I receiving stations southwest, west even though my antenna is pointed north-northeast toward wsfa-waka. The antenna is a 120xr rat shack special that I know is not a geat one. Are cold clear nights good for reception? I do want to say again that I do really appreciate your suggest and all of your knowledge on this subject.

You're picking those stations up off the back side of the antenna. Some antennas do that more so than others.

Wonder if a 100' tower would help.

It wouldn't hurt.

Why would wcov not be transmitting in full power? Does wncf have any plans of making any changes in their transmission.

jdh71,

It cost more than running at reduced power. An additional cost without an increase in revenue.

Speaking of cost, Knology new rate increase was over 11% of my total cable only bill. Seems a bit large for an increase since they have not added a new HD channel in a long time. There is some talk about broadcasting the Braves 35 HD games from the local Atlanta station that FSN and FSS will not carry. Did Charter raise their rates also?

Why would wcov not be transmitting in full power? Does wncf have any plans of making any changes in their transmission.

I'm sure they will when they have to drop the analog in 12 months.

I wouldn't expect it to happen until then though.

Thanks for the update Tim. I might move that antenna give that a try. Do you think that a better antenna such as the channel master 4228 with 7777 preamp would give me any better results. I am running a radio shack 120xr with radio shack preamp.

You might want to try a Winegard PR-8800. It has better gain in the frequencies you are looking at. It has better back side gain than a CM 4228 (which I have) See this:

http://www.hdtvprimer.com/ANTENNAS/comparing.html

I think, with that antenna, you might have a shot at picking up the Mobile stations off of the front side and picking up WSFA and possible WAKA off of the back side.

Hope that helps.

... the Winegard will be better at picking up WSFA, the CM4228 will be better at picking up WAKA for now. However, I think that next year WAKA will be moving to a lower frequency. Depends on what you are trying to accomplish.


You might want to try a Winegard PR-8800. It has better gain in the frequencies you are looking at. It has better back side gain than a CM 4228 (which I have) See this:

http://www.hdtvprimer.com/ANTENNAS/comparing.html

I think, with that antenna, you might have a shot at picking up the Mobile stations off of the front side and picking up WSFA and possible WAKA off of the back side.

Hope that helps.

... . However, I think that next year WAKA will be moving to a lower frequency.

WAKA-DT will be moving to Ch-42 beginning late THIS year.

WAKA-DT will be moving to Ch-42 beginning late THIS year.

Thanks for the update. :)

Bob,

Will they be transmitting from the same location?

Bob,Will they be transmitting from the same location?

Yes, no change in location. DT will be at reduced power for a while. It will take quite a bit of work to do as well. Should be loads of fun.

I discussed WCOV's data within www.tvfool.com with Andy Lee. It had been listed in error as being full-power at it's final home in Grady. He has adjusted WCOV's data to reflect a more true picture. For my situation, this change drops WCOV Rx dBm to a more realistic -116.9 in the tvfool data output...moving it *way* down the list. Hopefully it will help to keep folks (like me) from getting confused in their reception attempts.

Ed

Hey Directv guys.

Can someone plug in my zip code and give me the settings for a 5 orbital location dish?
36109

Thanks!

Hey Directv guys:36109 Thanks!

Tilt 67 Elevation 49 Az 209

Thanks bob,
Guess it will have to wait.

http://bumracing.com/albums/album01/us_radar_plus_usen1.jpg

Ok, then make sure you stay tuned to WAKA or WSFA so you will know when to take cover! :eek:

I kinda loosely followed the install instructions on mine, it aligned almost perfectly.

Kinda scary on 65 south. Pulled over since I couldn't see to drive hoping that someone wouldn't ram me from behind.

Ok, then make sure you stay tuned to WAKA or WSFA so you will know when to take cover!

Thank god the local fox station doesn't have a news or weather dept. If they did we would have to watch the Daytona 500 on Monday!

WSFA has been non stop weather for the last 3 hours!

Thank god the local fox station doesn't have a news or weather dept. If they did we would have to watch the Daytona 500 on Monday!

WSFA has been non stop weather for the last 3 hours!

I thought WCOV was going to make it through the entire race in HD (even with the extreme weather!) But, as usual they switched to SD.

I'm sure the weather is to blame.....

I'm sure the weather is to blame.....

That is possible. The high bit-rate 8PSK transport that FOX uses is susceptible
to rain fade, especially if the feed is from the older secondary AFC antenna.

That is possible. The high bit-rate 8PSK transport that FOX uses is susceptible
to rain fade, especially if the feed is from the older secondary AFC antenna.

I'll remember that when it goes out when the weather is not a factor, which is inevitable. Stay tuned next weekend!

It went out on the Alanta Fox also.

It went out on the Alanta Fox also.

No problems here.

Prattville is *&^%$ed up!

Ground zero for a Tornado.
Intersection of Cobbs Ford Road and McQueen Smith is almost leveled.

Tilt 67 Elevation 49 Az 209

Man what luck!
I dialed in those numbers and eyeballed the Az. Hooked up the cables and I have 99 to 100% on most TPers. Wow that was lucky!

Who needs a stinkin meter! :D:D

Prattville is *&^%$ed up!

Ground zero for a Tornado.
Intersection of Cobbs Ford Road and McQueen Smith is almost leveled.

What really sucks is that none of the Weather coverage mentioned it until much after it happened. Fortunately we were okay over off of hwy 31.

I wonder if Moviestop is open today?

Are they letting people in to help clean up yet? People who aren't residents, that is.

Are they letting people in to help clean up yet? People who aren't residents, that is.

Yes
We went to help a friend and they just waved us through.

I just saw WAKA's HD/digital upgrade story on their 6:00 news. Great story! It certainly helps some of us understand exactly what is going on. A little self-promotion goes a long way. You ought to do more of those...maybe once a quarter.

Thanks!

I keep telling everyone that asks. Unless your watching TV with Rabbit ears on Antenna the 09 shutoff wont effect you.

My in laws thought they needed a new TV. They are on cable!

Lots of posts on here regarding WCOV and WNCF's reduced power operation (oh, except for one person awhile back that said all stations should go to WNCF to learn how to operate HD). Well, both have submitted their "final" plans (as of 2/18) and looks like WNCF won't be at full power until about May 1, 2009. They will transmit on Channel 32 from their current analog site at Gordonsville (they currrently transmit digital on 51 at reduced power from Montgomery, where it seems they will stay until 5/09). Still they will be at only 199 kw, so a reduction from their current 3Mw analog. WCOV has asked to stay on 20 from WSFA's tower, but the power level is unknown since they originally selected 16 (their current digital channel) and 20 represents a problem because there is a 20 digital in Mobile. So maybe a sharp directional signal northward, unknown power... don't know until the FCC decides...they may make them stay on 16, but from WSFA's tower instead of their current Montgomery location (if so they applied for 1Mw on 16 from WSFA's tower as opposed to their current 1.1kw on channel 16 from Montgomery).
WRJM (CH 67 analog; no digital facility; MY network) has (>>>as predicted here over a year ago<<<) said they had no digital plans. This will force them totally off the air on 2/18/09. All due to being in receivership (quick! someone buy them and construct a digital facility by 2/18).

Lots of posts on here regarding WCOV and WNCF's reduced power operation (oh, except for one person awhile back that said all stations should go to WNCF to learn how to operate HD). Well, both have submitted their "final" plans (as of 2/18) and looks like WNCF won't be at full power until about May 1, 2009. They will transmit on Channel 32 from their current analog site at Gordonsville (they currrently transmit digital on 51 at reduced power from Montgomery, where it seems they will stay until 5/09). Still they will be at only 199 kw, so a reduction from their current 3Mw analog. WCOV has asked to stay on 20 from WSFA's tower, but the power level is unknown since they originally selected 16 (their current digital channel) and 20 represents a problem because there is a 20 digital in Mobile. So maybe a sharp directional signal northward, unknown power... don't know until the FCC decides...they may make them stay on 16, but from WSFA's tower instead of their current Montgomery location (if so they applied for 1Mw on 16 from WSFA's tower as opposed to their current 1.1kw on channel 16 from Montgomery).
WRJM (CH 67 analog; no digital facility; MY network) has (>>>as predicted here over a year ago<<<) said they had no digital plans. This will force them totally off the air on 2/18/09. All due to being in receivership (quick! someone buy them and construct a digital facility by 2/18).

Any news on the CW? They told me their digital transmitter was broken over a year ago. The signal still isn't up. I know they are owned by WNCF. Why don't they just add it as a sub channel?

Anyone having signal problems getting WCOV-DT with an outside antenna for about the last week? I'm running it through a Tivo S3. I doubt its a Tivo, but if you're using one and can comment on the WCOV-DT signal, I'd appreciate it.

I am currently having no problems with WCOV-DT using OTA and Series 3 Tivo.

I'm not having any problems with TiVo 3 and WCOV either.

No problem in Millbrook outside antenna.

Thanks for posting guys.

I must have a bad connection somewhere. Sometimes the picture is rock solid on 20-1, then it pixelates as if the signal strength suddenly dropped.

Man, I hate climbing that ladder. Actually, I hate the idea of the impact after falling off the ladder. :)

careful Jim. Remember Brighthouse is working on adding wcov hd. LOL

....when pigs fly. lol

Speaking of which, did you see the article in the newspaper about Brighthouse having to renew their franchise with Elmore county on their March 10th meeting? One of the issues that have to be addressed is about how well they furnish services. Wonder what would happen if some of us appeared at the commission meeting to point out that Brighthouse isn't furnishing WCOV-DT. Or better yet, call Brighthouse and tell them we're going to the commission meeting and see if they can get it on their system in 4 days.

Anybody else in?? :)

Speaking of which, did you see the article in the newspaper about Brighthouse having to renew their franchise with Elmore county on their March 10th meeting? One of the issues that have to be addressed is about how well they furnish services. Wonder what would happen if some of us appeared at the commission meeting to point out that Brighthouse isn't furnishing WCOV-DT. Or better yet, call Brighthouse and tell them we're going to the commission meeting and see if they can get it on their system in 4 days.

Anybody else in?? :)

I'm in! I thought the EXACT same thing when I saw that article. The first thing that came to mind was their lack of WCOV.

me three

Here's some more information about Elmore County Commission's meetings.

http://elmoreco.org/Default.asp?ID=133

Channel 8 and 12 have gone into the theater of the absurd...SNOW ALERT MAPS. Heaven help us.

Channel 8 and 12 have gone into the theater of the absurd...SNOW ALERT MAPS. Heaven help us.

Just wait till a single snow flurry is spotted. They will go into wall-to-wall overdrive coverage.

Here's what I sent to Brighthouse through the online submittal system at:
http://elmore.mybrighthouse.com/contact_us/email_us.aspx

Now that Brighthouse's contract is up for renewal in Wetumpka, I thought it only fair to let you know that many of us attending the meeting will be there to complain about WCOV HD still not being on Brighthouse after 3 years of promises. Not having our local Fox station after all this time is absurd.


(I still plan on attending the meeting though)

They replied that they would forward my comment on to management

Just wait till a single snow flurry is spotted. They will go into wall-to-wall overdrive coverage.

Now Shon.. you know dang well without the TV WeatherMan to save us, the human race would have perished. So give it a rest, ok? :)

NeedMoreToys,

Think you got their attention? :)

You guys interested in getting together before the meeting to discuss what we're going to do? If so, PM me with your suggestions and schedules.

Why do all of you whine and complain about BHN and believe me everybody everywhere does, when you can go for an outdoor or even maybe an indoor antenna and get them Off the Air instead of via cable. Antennas are becomng increasingly popular again because just because of companies like BHN. And you get all the sub-channels on all the stations that a lot of cable companies aren't even adding.

I don't think it is whineing to expect a company you are paying good money to to provide you at least the local channels in your area.They have promised for three years we would get wcov hd. I have OTA and Brighthouse, but would like to DVR wcov programs and don't won't to buy any new equipment! We are tired of being lied to. Montgmery has it on cable and 'm not sure about Prattville

Does anyone know how TV programming over phone lines similar to Fios with Verizon works as to Franchise agreements. Would they be excluded from providing service in the Elmore county/Brighthouse agreement?

OOPS! There goes the NASCAR HD feed from WCOV FOX. SOP!

OOPS! There goes the NASCAR HD feed from WCOV FOX. SOP!

Yep...Those that complain that Brighthouse does not carry FOX-HD are not missing a thing! Unless you like seeing about the first part of the race in HD and the rest in SD. That's the recurring theme week after week after week after week.

Well I was watching Directv Hot Pass in HD but I flipped over to WCOV DT occasionally and it was HD.

I watch most of there primetime shows with no more problems than most others

I watch most of there primetime shows with no more problems than most others

I find that to be true, also. They have no problem with prime-time. They just can't get the afternoon sports to stay in HD the entire time.

The race started in HD, went out through the entire middle part, then back to HD at the end. To be honest, the middle of the race is kinda boring, so nothing was missed.

It's not just watching todays race in SD that bugs me. It was the last two seasons of NASCAR, the superbowl, the world series, etc. There are actually several Fox series that I would watch, but I don't thanks to Brighthouse and WCOV not settling their differences.

I just spoke with Linda Seaga with the Elmore County Commission and was told that the newspaper got the hearing date wrong; its not today. That due to the interest, they were going to hold an public meeting for people to comment about the franchise agreement.

THE MEETING IS AT 5:00 PM THIS AFTERNOON (MARCH 10TH) IN THE UPSTAIRS COURTROOM OF THE ELMORE COUNTY COURTHOUSE IN DOWNTOWN WETUMPKA.

They ask that comments be kept brief.

To add to that, I'd recommend that you write your main points down on a piece of paper so you can be sure that you get to say everything that you would want to.

If you can't make the meeting, be sure to contact the county commissioner for your district.

If you aren't sure which district you are in, use this map:
http://www.elmoreco.org/Default.asp?ID=140&pg=Maps

Then go to http://www.elmoreco.org/Default.asp?ID=133&pg=County+Commission and click on your commissioner to get his email address.

Just got back in from the meeting.

Bottom line. We're screwed.

Brighthouse is still saying that they're in negotiatons with WCOV. I responded with they've been saying that for two years and WCOV denies it.

One of the more interesting parts is when one of the comissioners said that he still can't get cable and his area has 37 people per mile. Brighthouse is saying that they're providing service to areas using the old 10 per mile standard. So if anything, there's one commissioner that's not buying off on what Brighthouse is saying.

Also the term of the next franchise agreement is 10 years not the 15/16 years the paper printed.

The fundamental problem is that it would take an awful lot for Elmore county to declare Brighthouse in breech of the franchise agreement and its not likely to happen over not including WCOV-DT. A commissioner not getting cable, well that's another story.

Tanks for the effort Jim. I worked late but did contact my commissioner

I just found this on WSFA.com. Has anyone seen this channel yet? I'l check it out when I get home.

"WSFA DT 12.3 Premieres the RTN - Retro Television Network

WSFA DT 12.3, a digital channel over the air and on many digital cable systems, premiered the Retro Television Network, or RTN on Monday, March 3, 2008.

The network features the best programs from years past, including My Three Sons, Happy Days, Get Smart, Hogan's Heroes, Cannon, The Fugitive, Quincy, Rockford Files, Ironside, Perry Mason, Matlock, Hawaii 5-0, Magnum P.I., Mission Impossible, The Untouchables, Gunsmoke, Bonanza, Wild Wild West, Knight Rider, A-Team, Little House on the Prairie, Streets of San Francisco, and Lifestyles of the Rich & Famous.

In addition, the 6am-7am hour of Today In Alabama will replay on RTN from 8am - 9am each weekday. Plus, there will be an hourly weather update from the Doppler 12 StormVision Team throughout the day.

RTN on WSFA DT 12.3 can be viewed over the air with a digital television receiver or on these digital cable system channels:

Charter Cable Channel 181
Knology Cable Channel 122
Brighthouse Cable channel 212 (Wetumpka and Greenville)
Brighthouse Cable channel 227 in Eufaula"

Jason,

Trying to rub it in buddy? :)

be there done that, whoopie more reruns

I just found this on WSFA.com. Has anyone seen this channel yet? I'l check it out when I get home.

"WSFA DT 12.3 Premieres the RTN - Retro Television Network

Yeehaw, another SD channel eating up bandwidth :rolleyes:

BTW: My commissioner seemed completely unsympathetic to WCOV-HD issues. Maybe I should invite him over to see how bad SD looks on a 106" screen :D

I just found this on WSFA.com. Has anyone seen this channel yet? I'l check it out when I get home.

"WSFA DT 12.3 Premieres the RTN - Retro Television Network

WSFA DT 12.3, a digital channel over the air and on many digital cable systems, premiered the Retro Television Network, or RTN on Monday, March 3, 2008.

Yeah, I noticed that channel the other day. Seriously WSFA, HD is already starved because of the 19Mb/s ATSC bitrate limits. I understand it's probably under a contract now, but drop the extra channels please! What's WSFA's DT stream bitrates: 12.1 @ ~10-11Mb/s, 12.2 @ ~ 4-5Mb/s, 12.3 @ ~3-4Mb/s? That's what it looks like to me.

Let's look at the numbers:

DVD-Video
Has a Frame Size of 720x480 (NTSC) @ 59.94 Interlaced Images (fields) Per Second (480i). Pixel-Per-Image count is 172,800 pixels [(720*480)/2]. Maximum bitrate allowed for DVD-Video is 9.8Mb/s (~10Mb/s total) MPEG-2, with real world maximums around 7-8Mb/s, and average rates around 3-5Mb/s (professional encodes).

Constant Bit Rates and Variable Bit Rates are both used in DVD Transport Streams. CBR generally yields better quality video, while VBR is used when disc space starts becoming a premium. I'm sure we can all agree that DVD-Video quality, while a great improvement over VHS, still has quality issues (such as Banding), and so it may or may not look as good as OTA or cable at times. DVD-Video is generally the highest-quality consumer format standard-definition video is available in.

OTA ATSC HD
Has multiple Frame Sizes/Rates. Examples are 1280x720 @ 60 Progressive Images/sec (720p), and 1920x1080 @ 59.94 Interlaced Images/sec (1080i). Respective Pixel-Per-Image counts are 921,600 pixels, and 1,036,800 pixels. Maximum bitrate allowed for ATSC Transport Streams is 19.4Mb/s total data, using MPEG-2 for video, and putting the maximum Video bitrate at around 18Mb/s (I believe). For comparison, WAKA-DT 8.1 is 16Mb/s (give or take some bits).

Blu-ray & HD DVD
Basically same frame rates/sizes/pixel counts as ATSC. Blu-ray maximum Video bitrate is 40Mb/s (MPEG-2, MPEG-4.10, VC-1). HD DVD maximum Video bitrate is 29.4Mb/s (MPEG-2, MPEG-4.10, VC-1).

MPEG-2 will be used for comparisons.

720p image size is 5.33x higher than DVD-Video. 1080i image size is 6x higher than DVD-Video. Assuming the same relative quality as DVD-Video @ 5Mb/s, and you get 720p @ ~27Mb/s and 1080i @ ~30Mb/s to "keep up" with DVD. Now go back and look at OTA ATSC. Exactly!

Get rid of all these sub-channels and give the bandwidth to the HD signals!

As a side note: the ATSC has a candidate standard (http://www.atsc.org/standards/candidate_standards.html) proposal for using AVC (MPEG-4.10) in the Transport Stream, and previously looked into VC-1 as well. If that happens, THEN the TV stations could add a sub-channel or two (not 10)!

I know $$$$ drives everything though, and when those TV sales execs hear "DTV sub-channels", it makes the "cha-ching" sound!

Sorry for the rant. :D

tim

Commission changes subdivision rules, handles cable contrac











"

The county commission also voted unanimously to authorize the chairman to execute the Bright House cable television franchise agreement, contin*gent on the county attorney's recommendation.

"We appreciate the willing*ness of Bright House to work with us," said Patrick Pinkston, attorney for Elmore County. "But, this is just the evolution of the county and the cable provid*ers. Over the years items have been identified in principal and they have been agreed to."

Rick Burgess of Bright House Networks was on hand to answer questions during the public comment portion of the commission's work session.

"I live in an area that 12 years ago had five residents within a mile. Today there are 37 residents within that mile and we still can't get cable," said Commissioner Don Whorton. "I realize the county's growing. But we need to have a better re*sponse."

Burgess agreed.

"Our expansion covers 20 miles of new construction a year," said Burgess. "We watch our new subdivisions and work with developers to see if there is enough interest in us coming into that area. There is a cost to expanding cable and offering ad*ditional programming doesn't come cheap. But we maintain system and cost of living ex*penses and try to stay conserva*tive with the cost to our custom*ers."

Retro TV Network Coming Soon!

Bright House Networks is pleased to announce the addition of Retro TV Network(RTN). RTN airs many of the classic shows you have grown to love over the years. If you love classic television, you will certainly enjoy RTN. RTN will be located at Channel 212 in Elmore, Maxwell/Gunter and Greenville. Look for RTN in the coming days!

Special Notice Regarding The Showtime and TMC West Coast Feeds

Effective March 1, 2008, Bright House Networks will no longer carry the West Coast feeds of Showtime and TMC premium channels. This change will also include the West Coast feed of Showtime HD. All of the East Coast feeds of Showtime, TMC and Showtime HD will still be available as part of those premium services.

We are eliminating these channels that duplicate the programming of the East Coast feeds so that we will be able to offer you additional Digital and HD channels. We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause. Thank you for your understanding and for being a Bright House Networks customer.

Note this line!!!!! We are eliminating these channels that duplicate the programming of the East Coast feeds so that we will be able to offer you additional Digital and HD channels. We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause. LOL

So any word on if Knology will be adding any HD channels?

Wow you guys think the weather gods in Montgomery are bad?
There is no comparison to what I just witnessed.

I setup to record the Bush race today on channel 2 Atlanta. Instead I got 4 hours and thirty minutes of continuous color charts, radar from 20 different angles and colors, tower cams galore, and not one single word about the race! LMAO! I have no idea who won because after going through 4:30 of DVR video not one peep of race coverage! :rolleyes:

Did they even have any severe weather? borderline tornados?

Yes they did have severe weather with large hail. Radar showed several tornados. It was moving at 50mph so I don't know how it took 4hours to pass through.

Had bad wx here too..local CBS (As was ABC& NBC) here was doing the OMIGAWD! You're all gonna die, bend over and kiss it goodbye.. Tag-Team Weather coverage instead of the ACC game here.
A lot of unhappy viewers here too.

I beleive you should notify viewers, but there can be too much. And usually is.

Remember when...They used crawls at the bottom of the screen and left regular programming alone?

Now, we are subjected to massive graphics that take up large amounts of screen real estate and, more often, the complete disruption of regular programming.

It is the "boy that cried wolf."

Same goes for the National Weather Service. When I grew up (in tornado alley OK and KS) a tornado warning meant that a tornado was on the ground and you better take cover! Now it is watered down to the point where I don't even pay much attention to it. A few weeks ago about 1/4 of the state was under a tornado warning. c'mon.

Whew....WCOV has done a great job keeping NASCAR in HD today. Keep up the good work!

....(hope I didn't jinx things!)

Had bad wx here too..local CBS (As was ABC& NBC) here was doing the OMIGAWD! You're all gonna die, bend over and kiss it goodbye.. Tag-Team Weather coverage instead of the ACC game here.
A lot of unhappy viewers here too.

I beleive you should notify viewers, but there can be too much. And usually is.

I wasn't going to say anything, but we've had folks from all over in here to see how the BIG 8 does that weather thing. Glad Atlanta and Charlotte could learn something out of it.:rolleyes: We've got 'em in here from New York, Rome (Italy-not Georgia-) and Paris this week !!!

I wasn't going to say anything, but we've had folks from all over in here to see how the BIG 8 does that weather thing. Glad Atlanta and Charlotte could learn something out of it.:rolleyes: We've got 'em in here from New York, Rome (Italy-not Georgia-) and Paris this week !!!

It is great we now don't have to rely on local stations for weather reports. I can sit in the living room and watch 200 channels and have my laptop next to me with my weatherbug running, to keep up with radar and weather alerts.

Also don't have to keep hearing about the weather in Dothan, Mobile, Selma. I can also look out the window.

We can also now watch the NCAA tournament on the computer, in case it rains in Montgomery

It is great we now don't have to rely on local stations for weather reports. I can sit in the living room and watch 200 channels and have my laptop next to me with my weatherbug running, to keep up with radar and weather alerts.

Also don't have to keep hearing about the weather in Dothan, Mobile, Selma. I can also look out the window.

We can also now watch the NCAA tournament on the computer, in case it rains in Montgomery

Ouch!
Thats gonna leave a mark! :D:D

It is great we now don't have to rely on local stations for weather reports.

Tonight at 6 on the BIG ATE..local grandfather killed when tree falls on him during last night's storms. Mr. Train was found sitting in his easy chair with
a remote in one hand, and laptop in the other. Witnesses report he was watching Magnum PI on his satellite dish when the old oak tree was felled
by the mini-thunderstorm that came through. The time was approximately 6:20pm, just after Chris Bailey's weather forecast for clear and sunny skies..
In other news today...:D

Otherwise, I'm with Grandpa..

He was watching NASCAR. Get it right, bud. :)

Bottom line is that there is no perfect system. The very time you're about to get wasted by a storm, you'll be wishing you had know it was coming.

It's the boy that cried wolf! Great story and applicable to both of our local tv weather people.

The NWS has issued a freeze warning for our area. They say it might get down to the low 30s tonight. I wonder when WAKA will disrupt the NCAA tournament and post huge, intrusive maps warning us of the eminent danger. Oh, the totally unnecessary big 8 logo ought to appear as well.

Now for a techie type question. WAKA had to switch from HD to SD in order to run a crawl warning us of the action they are going to take on December 1, 2008. (shutting off the analog signal). If they have all of this technology, why do they have to switch to SD to run that crawl? ...just curious and I'm glad they remembered to switch it back to HD.

Oh,don't fret.. HD crawls are coming soon to a BIG ATE near you. :)

As to the crawls, you can thank the fedurul gubmint for those. I'm sure that those of you watching HD don't know didly about the analog shutoff and thus need to be advised of it every few minutes as will soon be done. :rolleyes:

why is it that I can't get through one FOX show without some sort of interference. Their reception sux. Can't get a signal strength above 69.

why is it that I can't get through one FOX show without some sort of interference. Their reception sux. Can't get a signal strength above 69.


The WCOV-DT transmitter is in Montgomery off the South Boulevard operating at low power at 1100 watts, and won't go full power from Grady until on or before February 2009. Until then, your best alternative is a better, or optimally-configured, antenna. Go to www.tvfool.com and put your address in to see what you're looking at as far as reception.

tim

It seems that the FCC is mandating that those crawls be run on the digital channel(s) for some "excellent" reason, according to Bob's tongue-in-cheek reply!

Now for a techie type question. WAKA had to switch from HD to SD in order to run a crawl warning us of the action they are going to take on December 1, 2008. (shutting off the analog signal). If they have all of this technology, why do they have to switch to SD to run that crawl? ...just curious and I'm glad they remembered to switch it back to HD.

Since WAKA doesn't have the ability to run HD crawls yet, they have to use their SD equipment to do it, hence the switching from HD to SD and back.

It does appear, however, that WSFA may have that ability because it seems they've upgraded their WxWarn weather warning graphic system (WAKA has basically the same system also) to include HD, which would allow the use of HD crawls! ;)

tim

which would allow the use of HD crawls! ;) tim

Mmmmm... HD crawls.. the wider screen lets us get more words on Tv! :D

Mmmmm... HD crawls.. the wider screen lets us get more words on Tv! :D

But hopefully the wider screen will let those crawls go by quicker too! -- No wait, that just means more repetitions in the same amount of time, right? :confused: :D

tim

It seems that I can never get through Fox News Sunday with it staying in HD. It usually goes to SD entering into a commercial break and never comes back. Today, it went to SD during the middle of the show and never came back.

Does the scaling on TBS and A&E HD channels annoy anyone? It seems like the movies are always scaled in some peculiar way. I suppose they are forcing movies of differing sizes to fit the 16:9 aspect ratio. Frankly, I'd rather see some black bars.

It seems that I can never get through Fox News Sunday with it staying in HD. It usually goes to SD entering into a commercial break and never comes back. Today, it went to SD during the middle of the show and never came back.

That is WCOV's standard operating procedure. It happens during the NASCAR race every weekend. This weekend, so far so good, however. (fingers crossed!)

Somebody should call the owners. I bet they'd get their attention.

Somebody should call the owners. I bet they'd get their attention.

Here's (http://www.myfoxmontgomery.com/myfox/pages/InsideFox/ContactUs?pageId=5.11) a way to contact them.

tim

Brighthouse newest rumor!
Fox in HD no later than 3 months. Somewhat reliable source. Please don't hold this against me if it does not happen.

Speaking of Bright House, did you know that you can't get HD service to a business? I thought that was rather strange. I own my own business and inquired.

Mark or Bob:

I've never understood the WAKA-DT 8.2 DV Descriptive Video sub-channel. Is there supposed to be a voice on there describing what's on screen? And does it actually use any bandwidth?

tim

Tim:

What they're doing, as far as I know, is using the video from the -1 feed and sending a separate descriptive audio feed (that uses virtually no bandwidth, such a small amount as to be negligible) and then mapping the whole mess to 8-2.

I personally think it's an ingenious idea and wonder why more stations don't do it.

- Trip

Tim,

Trip is pretty much correct, we have a total of 2 video streams (the main stream and the weather radar), and 3 audio streams (main audio, CBS Descriptive Video (DV) audio, and National Weather Service (NWS) audio.) 8-1 is a virtual channel with main video, main audio, and DV audio, 8-2 is a virtual channel with main video and DV audio, and 8-3 is radar video and NWS audio. I'm not sure what the DV audio bitrate is, I think it's something like 192k, so not a big chunk of the bandwidth.

The only time there will be audio on 8-2 is when CBS is sending the DV audio, which I've only heard once, during CSI.

Russ

Tim,

Trip is pretty much correct, we have a total of 2 video streams (the main stream and the weather radar), and 3 audio streams (main audio, CBS Descriptive Video (DV) audio, and National Weather Service (NWS) audio.) 8-1 is a virtual channel with main video, main audio, and DV audio, 8-2 is a virtual channel with main video and DV audio, and 8-3 is radar video and NWS audio. I'm not sure what the DV audio bitrate is, I think it's something like 192k, so not a big chunk of the bandwidth.

The only time there will be audio on 8-2 is when CBS is sending the DV audio, which I've only heard once, during CSI.

Russ

I see. Thanks Russ. I agree with Trip - it's an excellent use of the digital television technology. Now if we can get stations to quit abusing it by adding so many sub-channels.... :rolleyes:

You know, it's funny how the HD Quicktime movie trailers are better quality at 9-10mb/s than OTA HD...but that's apples and oranges. (no pun intended) :D

tim

You know, it's funny how the HD Quicktime movie trailers are better quality at 9-10mb/s than OTA HD...but that's apples and oranges. (no pun intended) :D

tim

Haha.

The reason is that those use MPEG4 or H.264 rather than the MPEG2 that DTV is stuck with. ATSC was finalized back around 1996 or so, and compression technology has come a long way since then.

You and I both wish that DTV could be updated to use one of the better codecs, but it's too late for that, too many receivers are in the field with the current tech.

- Trip

Haha.

The reason is that those use MPEG4 or H.264 rather than the MPEG2 that DTV is stuck with. ATSC was finalized back around 1996 or so, and compression technology has come a long way since then.

You and I both wish that DTV could be updated to use one of the better codecs, but it's too late for that, too many receivers are in the field with the current tech.

- Trip

Yeah, I know, I was only kidding. However, the ATSC has a proposed standard of using a "next-gen" codec (H.264, VC-1, etc.). I posted about it earlier in the thread with a link. You're right about the receivers though. Who knows how it's all gonna shake down.

tim

I have heard that descriptive audio during Criminal Minds before and didn't know what I had stumbled on to. Is that for the blind?

I have heard that descriptive audio during Criminal Minds before and didn't know what I had stumbled on to. Is that for the blind?

I think so. You could basically equate it to someone reading you a story "Wednesdays at 9/8 Central on CBS!" I think that's about the best "side effect" available with OTA digital television.

tim

I have heard that descriptive audio during Criminal Minds before and didn't know what I had stumbled on to. Is that for the blind?

Yes.. FOX does it on the Simpsons..tho I doubt WCOV passes it. It can be hilarious:

"Homer sits on the couch farting as Marge's nose curls upwards.
Bart runs from the room screaming"

Also, baseball on FOX has Spanish, Nascrap and NFL have Nat Sounds Only. Racin's without DW is much better.

After lots of questions about the audio on 8-2, we've made a few changes.

Now, 8-2 audio will match 8-1 audio during non-HD upconverted programming, instead of there being no audio.

During CBS HD programming, there will be a second language or descriptive video if it's available from CBS. If there is no second language or descriptive video from CBS, there will be no sound on 8-2.

Russ

hey everyone,
I would like to know if anyone on brighthouse during primetime at night NBC, ABC, CBS shows lots of digital problems on my dvr recorded programs. Anyone else, or I may need service call. Eli Stone, Medium, Criminal Minds some examples lots of pixilations in spots and then plays for awhile. Very frustrating

WCOV-

Once again....please flip the switch back to HD after returning from a commercial. You keep forgetting!
___________________________________
10 mins later.
Thanks! It's fixed.
_____________________________________
2:08 P.M.
Back to SD after a commercial break. :-(
_____________________________________
2:26 P.M.
Fixed again. Thanks!
___________________________________
3:39 P.M.
Back to SD after a commercial break. :-(
_______________________________________
4:50 P.M.
The race ends in SD. WCOV never recovered from the commercial at 3:39 P.M.
The Good News! Only seven more points races till we can watch NASCAR on a professional-level television channel.

I was wondering if anyone else here lived in the Auburn area and used Charter for HD programming. I just signed up and I'm relatively pleased with the service, but the channel lineup is moderately thin. Right now they only offer ESPN, ESPN 2, FSN, MHD, A&E, History, Weather Channel, VS, TNT, HD Theater, Universal HD, and the local channels (PBS, ABC, CBS, NBC, and FOX). Does anyone know if they're going to be expanding in this area? I'd love to have Discovery, Sci-Fi, and Food Network, among others.

I can't seem to get answers out of ABC32 or CW about a CW digital signal OTA. CW is owned by ABC32. Does anyone have any idea if ABC32 plans to add the CW as a sub-channel or will it be its own digital channel? Does anyone know when this will happen? My guess is Feb. '09.

Did anyone see the crawl on WAKA?
Analog broadcast will cease December 1 2008.

Good deal.

Did anyone see the crawl on WAKA?
Analog broadcast will cease December 1 2008.

Good deal.

Yes, I saw it on their digital, HD channel. The exact place where it need not be shown as those watching that channel are already in compliance.

Yes, I saw it on their digital, HD channel. The exact place where it need not be shown as those watching that channel are already in compliance.

Yeah, you can thank the FCC for that...not only do we have to run the crawls on our "analog and primary digital channels", we also have to run them until March 31, 2009... Maybe it's just me, but I'm thinking if you don't get the message before Feb 19th 2009 (or December 1st 2008 for WAKA), a crawl on the digital channel isn't going to help.

You can thank your "fedrul gubmint" and their infinite wisdom..:rolleyes:

Hey guys,

I realize that Directv doesn't offer local channels for Montgomery and, from what I understand, Dish Network offers local channels, but not in HD. I've got one of the older MOXI boxes from Charter and am beginning to have some problems with it. I don't want one of the other DVR boxes from Charter or Knology. MOXI has spoiled me and I don't think Charter carries them anymore. My box will freeze up and restart itself. It has begun to be more frequent now. Yesterday, it froze up after Tiger finished 16 and I didn't get to see how Trevor dropped those two strokes.

A couple of questions for those of you in "the know." If I were to get Directv or Dish, can I hook up the off-air HD antenna to my DVR box and will I be able to record those shows on WSFA-HD? Most of the shows that we record are on NBC, CBS, ABC and Fox.

Should I turn the MOXI in and give the other box a try before tackling the task of installing an antenna and getting the Dish guys out to the house? I have seen the menu on the other DVR box offered by Charter and it sucks compared to the functionality of the MOXI.

What are your suggestions?

Thanks in advance,
Keith in Montgomery

Hey guys,



A couple of questions for those of you in "the know." If I were to get Directv or Dish, can I hook up the off-air HD antenna to my DVR box and will I be able to record those shows on WSFA-HD? Most of the shows that we record are on NBC, CBS, ABC and Fox.

What are your suggestions?

Thanks in advance,
Keith in Montgomery

I would recommend going to DISH and get the VIP722 DVR, you can connect your off-air antenna to it and record shows directly from the guide. The 722 has 3 tuners, 2 satellite and 1 OTA so you can actually record 3 different programs at the same time, all in HD if you select HD programs.

Had the same problem with my moxi about 6 months ago. So I took it in to get a new box they gave me some Motorola POS that I returned the next day for another MOXI. I did like the MOXI and now have a 622 with OTA. Yes they work fine together, my only problem is you have to manually go in and set the 622 to record both the SD and the HD(Sometimes in the past I have missed HD recordings due to my rotor not pointed in the right direction. All in all I like the 622 as much as the moxi and am very happy I switched.
steve

Any one having problem with FOX OTA, am getting 75 strength, with no picture?

Any one having problem with FOX OTA, am getting 75 strength, with no picture?

Mine auto-switched over to channel 16-1. It has picture and sound. Just turned on Bones and it is in HD.

btw - I wanted to say thanks to WCOV, they kept Saturday night's NASCAR race in HD the entire time...an enormous accomplishment for them!

yeah I have no FOX HD either

Hey guys,

I realize that Directv doesn't offer local channels for Montgomery and, from what I understand, Dish Network offers local channels, but not in HD. I've got one of the older MOXI boxes from Charter and am beginning to have some problems with it. I don't want one of the other DVR boxes from Charter or Knology. MOXI has spoiled me and I don't think Charter carries them anymore. My box will freeze up and restart itself. It has begun to be more frequent now. Yesterday, it froze up after Tiger finished 16 and I didn't get to see how Trevor dropped those two strokes.

A couple of questions for those of you in "the know." If I were to get Directv or Dish, can I hook up the off-air HD antenna to my DVR box and will I be able to record those shows on WSFA-HD? Most of the shows that we record are on NBC, CBS, ABC and Fox.

Should I turn the MOXI in and give the other box a try before tackling the task of installing an antenna and getting the Dish guys out to the house? I have seen the menu on the other DVR box offered by Charter and it sucks compared to the functionality of the MOXI.

What are your suggestions?

Thanks in advance,
Keith in Montgomery

Had the same problem with my moxi about 6 months ago. So I took it in to get a new box they gave me some Motorola POS that I returned the next day for another MOXI. I did like the MOXI and now have a 622 with OTA. Yes they work fine together, my only problem is you have to manually go in and set the 622 to record both the SD and the HD(Sometimes in the past I have missed HD recordings due to my rotor not pointed in the right direction. All in all I like the 622 as much as the moxi and am very happy I switched.
steve

I guess it's what you get used to. I can't stand a Moxi. And it's the hardest thing there is to get to work with a automation system.

yeah I have no FOX HD either

Same here.

16.1????? Did they move?

I would recommend going to DISH and get the VIP722 DVR, you can connect your off-air antenna to it and record shows directly from the guide. The 722 has 3 tuners, 2 satellite and 1 OTA so you can actually record 3 different programs at the same time, all in HD if you select HD programs.

Is Dish better than / equal to DirecTV? I've looked on both of their websites and it looks as though DirecTV offers many more HD channels, but the deal about the local channels is what is steering me towards Dish.

Same here.

16.1????? Did they move?

No. Fox20 has always transmitted their digital signal on UHF channel 16. When you scan for digital channels most TV's or Satellite receivers that accept OTA signals will identify the channels from UHF 16 as 20.x.

Fox20 may change their transmitter frequency when they go to full power.

Is Dish better than / equal to DirecTV? I've looked on both of their websites and it looks as though DirecTV offers many more HD channels, but the deal about the local channels is what is steering me towards Dish.

But DISH has the best DVR. Total HD channels will jockey between the two for who has the most for a while but eventually both will have the about the same number of national channels.

The only advantage I saw from DirecTV was their exclusive contract with the NFL to carry the NFL Sunday Ticket package, so if you want to watch any NFL game of your choice on Sunday then that's the way to go. Many believe that package will be re-bid and DISH, or both, will be able to offer it to their customers.

Still no FOX HD OTA, is it available on cable?

Still no FOX HD OTA, is it available on cable?

I did a rescan on my Vip211 and came up with channel 000-1. It is Fox 20's signal. When I go to 20-1 or 20-2 all I get is a black screen. 000-1 has the same signal strength and programming as 20-1. This is very strange.

Based on your responses and other research, I think I've decided to take the plunge and go with the Dish Network. Now I need to figure out which off-air antenna to purchase. Do you guys know anything about the Lacrosse? http://www.antennasdirect.com/lacrosse.html They have a couple of other ones on this website that look to be pretty good. I also looked at the "DB8" and it has a range of 70 miles. Do I want to go with an outdoor, attic, or indoor antenna?

Can I hook up the antenna to more than one television?

I know nothing about antennas as I have had cable as long as I can remember...

FYI for those of you with Dish Network. CNN HD was added today. Many more HD channels are expected by the end of May.

Did they add another satellite or are they lowering the resolution to get the bandwidth for the additional channels?

Did they add another satellite or are they lowering the resolution to get the bandwidth for the additional channels?

They took over the old Skyangel satellite.

Did they add another satellite or are they lowering the resolution to get the bandwidth for the additional channels?

They aren't maxed out on transponders yet.
I think the biggest hold up is negotiations.

They have been lighting local HD up in a bunch of markets.

Glad I have Fox5 Atlanta as a backup. :D