I have another question about the cable TV market in Montgomery. Just glancing over this thread I've seen a number of different cable operators mentioned and was just wandering how it broke down in the city (which cable operator services which areas)? I've seen Charter, Knology, Brighthouse mentioned in this thread and my parents say there is a listing for Comcast in the phone book. So, where should I move to to get a certain provider and which one has more HD channels. Seriously, I'm an HD nut and this could determine where my wife and I look for a place to live. Satellite is not an option with the lack of HD local support in Montgomery because I don't want to deal with OTA.

Bright House is in Elmore County and on the bases. Charter and Knology are in Montgomery and overlap in some areas. As far as I know, there is no Comcast in the area.

It used to be that Knology had more HD than Charter... but I think with Charter stepping up in recent months... I would guess that it is about even.

We have some they don't have (my personal fav - TWC HD) and they have a few I wish we had (NAT GEO HD)

I'm with you on the having cable.... I don't want to mess with OTA HD signals either. Too many reports on this forum of people having issues recieving them.

Although.... I do get a little envious when I see the SATL companies offering 100+ HD Channels.

I have another question about the cable TV market in Montgomery. Just glancing over this thread I've seen a number of different cable operators mentioned and was just wandering how it broke down in the city (which cable operator services which areas)? I've seen Charter, Knology, Brighthouse mentioned in this thread and my parents say there is a listing for Comcast in the phone book. So, where should I move to to get a certain provider and which one has more HD channels. Seriously, I'm an HD nut and this could determine where my wife and I look for a place to live. Satellite is not an option with the lack of HD local support in Montgomery because I don't want to deal with OTA.

I'm not sure about the actual channels offered by any of the cable companies, because I am on D* and utilize OTA HD. Regardless, I know for a fact that D* or Dish have MANY more HD channels than any of the local cable providers. Perhaps a combination of "lifeline" HD locals on cable and the HD offerings from either satellite service might be a good option for you? I've always been an HD nut too, but a good indication of D* HD quality is that my wife is now an "HD snob" too! :)

And I will repeat a frustration that I've noted many times before...it's getting to the point of being obnoxious that D* is not carrying ANY of our locals!!! SD or HD. Is there any end in sight for this?!?!?

Kapugi

Your personal favorite is "The Weather Channel" in HD? :)

Satellite companies count funny. What they're not telling you is that they are also counting locals in other markets that you can't get, PPVs, VODs and premium packages. By the same token, just how many channels can you watch?

I switch from Brighthouse Cable on August 1st to Dish Satellite and I'm using OTA for my locals. Even though I think I have better picture quality than I had with cable, its a lot more work than any sane person would endure. Good thing I enjoy this hobby and so far, I haven't fallen off that really tall ladder. :)

What is WRBL Digital channel 003-1 and 003-2?
I decided to do a scan and picked it up with good signal strength.

What is WRBL Digital channel 003-1 and 003-2?
I decided to do a scan and picked it up with good signal strength.

It's amazing what you can learn in a few seconds with Google.

It is Columus Ga. I can get it early in the morning. Also Mobile

It's amazing what you can learn in a few seconds with Google.

Don't quit your day job to become a comedian. :rolleyes:

What is WRBL Digital channel 003-1 and 003-2?
I decided to do a scan and picked it up with good signal strength.

I'm not sure if you found it or not yet, but it's the CBS station in Columbus, GA.

- Trip

What is WRBL Digital channel 003-1 and 003-2?.

We thought you had enough out of market stations as it is..:D

We thought you had enough out of market stations as it is..:D

True LOL!

Well, you know football season has begun. At least one station is having problems keeping the HD signal on, e.g., the Florida game on WSFA. This is too funny...year after year...same result. I hope the other stations do not follow suit, step up to the plate, and deliver for the entire year!

WNCF's audio is clearly out-of-sync with the video. Not that it matters much when the cameras are on the action. But watching the in-studio show is like watching one of those Japanese movies.

Well, you know football season has begun. At least one station is having problems keeping the HD signal on, e.g., the Florida game on WSFA. This is too funny...year after year...same result. I hope the other stations do not follow suit, step up to the plate, and deliver for the entire year!

Raycom finally got their technical problems fixed at halftime even though the sound was out of sync with the video. The announcers said a heavy rain before the game damaged some of their audio system.

At any rate, this was a first for Raycom and startup problems do occur. The second half video was great in HD. We can't fault channel 12 for this problem..

Roll tide roll! :D

At any rate, this was a first for Raycom and startup problems do occur. The second half video was great in HD. We can't fault channel 12 for this problem..

Raycom's first HD broadcast was actually over a year ago at the ACC basketball tournament. ;)

I flipped over and saw it was SD, went elsewhere, and didn't bother checking back.

WNCF's audio is clearly out-of-sync with the video. Not that it matters much when the cameras are on the action. But watching the in-studio show is like watching one of those Japanese movies.

WSFA's audio has also been doing that off-and-on for months, but only from their production control room during news. And that's on DT and TV, live and pre-recorded.

"Digital will make everything easier and better!" -- Yeah right! There's so much more to know and sort through in producing digital, it makes my head hurt at times! :eek:

If your tired of the MAP over faces on Telethon, WGN is showing it. I have DISH with Superstations, am watching it on WWOR from New York.

Those of you who are on Charter Networks, have you had any problems in the last few days? I'm finding it very inconsistant in that some websites pop up pretty fast while others are so slow that the page times out before refreshing.

I've been working on a friends computer and am trying to figure out how much is attributable to her computer vs her internet connection.

I've been working on a friends computer and am trying to figure out how much is attributable to her computer vs her internet connection.

There are a variety of free tools you can use to help diagnose the problem at http://www.broadbandreports.com/speedtest . They have some more in depth tools available under the tools menu, but some of them require signing up for a free account.

Do any of you guys receive the local CW affilliate on channel 14 from Charter in Montgomery? I subscribe to Basic Lifeline through Charter, because I get everything else from DirecTV. I hardly ever use it, but the wife wanted to watch something on CW the other night and I tried to tune into it. All of my other channels come in without any problems (channels 2 through 13), but channel 14 is nothing but snow.

I contacted Charter, and as is normally the case with their outstanding customer service, they said it was a network problem and that I should contact the affilliate directly. I have no idea what they expect that to accomplish. In any event, I wanted to see if anyone here was having this problem, or if I need to call them back and be a little more "unhappy".

Do any of you guys receive the local CW affilliate on channel 14 from Charter in Montgomery? I subscribe to Basic Lifeline through Charter, because I get everything else from DirecTV. I hardly ever use it, but the wife wanted to watch something on CW the other night and I tried to tune into it. All of my other channels come in without any problems (channels 2 through 13), but channel 14 is nothing but snow.

I contacted Charter, and as is normally the case with their outstanding customer service, they said it was a network problem and that I should contact the affilliate directly. I have no idea what they expect that to accomplish. In any event, I wanted to see if anyone here was having this problem, or if I need to call them back and be a little more "unhappy".

Just checked here at the office, and it's on now. You said you have the Basic Lifeline. I think that may limit you to 2 through 13, and if so, you should fuss at them, because Channel 22 CW is a "must-carry". But it's never their problem, it's ALWAYS someone else. Charter is just full of ignorant people.

Just checked here at the office, and it's on now. You said you have the Basic Lifeline. I think that may limit you to 2 through 13, and if so, you should fuss at them, because Channel 22 CW is a "must-carry". But it's never their problem, it's ALWAYS someone else. Charter is just full of ignorant people.

Ignorant people is an understatement. I've had two different "customer service" (yeah, right) representatives tell me that I should contact the station directly. That must be the "company line" for them.

One question for you though: you said Channel 22 CW. Is that the channel that it is on Charter's lineup for you, or is that the local CW's assigned frequency channel? The reason I ask is that Charter's channel lineup says that it should be on their channel 14, but if it is on their Channel 22, then I need to be fussing about that one instead (I don't receive it either). And what makes it even better...their own channel lineup lists Channel 14 (CW) as Basic Lifeline! So by their own channel lineup, I am supposed to be receiving it! :mad:

The CW local affiliate is WBMM-TV 22 OTA, which is on Charter 14, Knology 19. Sorry 'bout the confusion. So if it is listed in the Basic Lifeline and you can't see it, then it sounds like Charter needs to pay you a visit (not WBMM).

The CW local affiliate is WBMM-TV 22 OTA, which is on Charter 14, Knology 19. Sorry 'bout the confusion. So if it is listed in the Basic Lifeline and you can't see it, then it sounds like Charter needs to pay you a visit (not WBMM).

You are exactly right. That is what I thought, but I wanted to get a confirmation before I called them back. Thanks for the feedback!!!

No problem :)

Those of you who are on Charter Networks, have you had any problems in the last few days? I'm finding it very inconsistant in that some websites pop up pretty fast while others are so slow that the page times out before refreshing.

I've been working on a friends computer and am trying to figure out how much is attributable to her computer vs her internet connection.

I have Charter Cable (unfortunately), and experience those type of problems often. The last time I called them for the problems you are describing, the tech told me to take my computer to get it fixed by someone.

...needless to say I can't wait to fire Charter entirely. I already got rid of all of their digital TV channels. They, too, were not operating correctly, and they failed to show up three times in a row to fix 'em.

Long story short. If you have problems with Charter internet, it is their fault...not your computer--even though the customer service rep's script says it is.

shoncb,

I don't doubt that after the hour long phone call with Charter's internet support, they did something to correct the problem.

When the tech guy got to the part of the script that said that there must be a virus on the computer, I asked him why the laptop did fine on my network which is Road Runner. He said that it must be because I have a different IP address. That's when I pretty much figured out that he wasn't so technical and was reading from a script. In any event, that computer has been completely wiped, reinstalled the operating system along with the 65 updates from Microsoft. Computer runs fine now, but like I said, I'm not convinced that there was anything wrong with the computer to start with.

Thanks for the response.

LOL! That is almost exactly the same thing I went through. I never told them that I was a Microsoft Certified Professional and currently work as a systems administrator. I knew their network was the problem but wanted to see what their excuse was this week. We went through the virus part of the script, too. I convinced them that that was not the cause, so she went to the next line on the script. She told me to telnet to a website. I told them that I was running Windows Vista and telnet is not installed by default...therefore I don't have telnet. She told me that "every computer has telnet; that's how it connects to the web. Telnet is a port on your computer." I about fell out of my chair laughing. After regaining my composure, I asked to speak to her supervisor. After about a minute of waiting, I decided to just quit the charade and hung up. I ended up going down to Panera and using their free internet for a while. And, oh by the way, my computer connected instantly. ha ha

The next day Charter had their network cleared up and everything works as normal.

Charter's customer call center is worthless. Don't bother calling. Better yet, find another ISP. I will as soon as I move out of these apts. Charter has a monopoly on them...no competitors are allowed.

good luck!

I don't doubt that after the hour long phone call with Charter's internet support, they did something to correct the problem.

Ahh.. brings back memories of when we received CBS via AT&T landlines in the dinosaur days before satellite..We'd have a problem, and call AT&T.. they'd say it looks fine here, must be on your end...minutes later the problem would clear. :rolleyes:

I saw David Woods last night at a Republican gathering. I almost went up to him and inquired of the lack of WCOV-HD on Bright House cable. I decided against doing so because he probably has no idea. The lack of this HD station is THE number one thing I dislike about my cable provider. Actually, I really have no other complaints. Is there any news on this situation?

dude, you missed a great chance although it would have been better if he was still running for an office:D:D

:eek:Whew!!! Roll Tide

Was Alabama playing scrubs this week? :eek::eek:
They sucked!

They lost several good players tonight. I hope they are not out for long

I noticed WAKA 8 CBS broadcast two different games today, KC-NE in HD on 8.1 and TENN-JAX on 8.0. Is this going to be the norm in upcoming weeks or just a glitch for today.

How difficult would it be to get satellite, but keep Bright House for locals, HD locals, and internet? Is that possible, and if so, would it be a "non-standard" installation that I would have to pay extra for?

I would switch to satellite in a minute, but my wife WILL NOT put up an antenna, or give up locals for local news.

Thanks, guys!

jwsimms,

I think you'll find that you can't get just the locals in HD from Brighthouse without getting all the other channels. You'll be paying for a lot of channels that you'll also be getting with the other provider. Also Brighthouse doesn't offer WCOV-DT which is the local Fox affiliate.

Well, really the HD locals I just want for sports. She could care less whether the news is in HD. So, how about a setup with Bright House for locals and internet, and satellite for everything else, with a "move" to another location for some network affiliates in HD for sports?

Well, really the HD locals I just want for sports. She could care less whether the news is in HD. So, how about a setup with Bright House for locals and internet, and satellite for everything else, with a "move" to another location for some network affiliates in HD for sports?

You can get Brigthouse basic(mostly locals) for about $10 per month plus internet and also get Dish or Direct. My folks do that with Charter in Montgomery. Brigthouse is no different. You can only get the HD locals through QAM though. Brigthouse offers WSFA, WNCF, PBS and WAKA free through QAM.

In the weekend edition of the Wetumpka paper...

"BRIGHT HOUSE NETWORKS CUSTOMERS NOTICE: From time to time our agreements with cable channels and television stations come up for renegotiation. While we make every effort to ensure that there will be no loss or interruption of service, we also need to protect our company and you our loyal customers from unreasonable demands which would cause the cost of our service to rise excessively. Our agreements with the following channels or stations are expiring September 30, 2008, and we may have to cease carriage of one or more of them if our authority to continue distribution is withheld: WCOV - FOX - Channel 4"

:eek::eek:This is on there web site also. Great news Big Ten network coming to Brighthouse. HAHA:eek::eek: I am glad I have my outside antenna still up.

During a rare moment of optimism, I at least hoped the upcoming end of contract would mean they would have to negotiate distributing the HD content since it will be the only choice during the next contract year.

Dish has locals. Just not in HD yet.

You can get Brigthouse basic(mostly locals) for about $10 per month plus internet and also get Dish or Direct. My folks do that with Charter in Montgomery. Brigthouse is no different. You can only get the HD locals through QAM though. Brigthouse offers WSFA, WNCF, PBS and WAKA free through QAM.


Are you saying that you can get their very basic package which is normally a few analog channels and provided your display has a QAM tuner, you can tune the HD channels??

The switch is to Digital not HD. Most stations have a digital and a HD channel

Are you saying that you can get their very basic package which is normally a few analog channels and provided your display has a QAM tuner, you can tune the HD channels??

Yes. I did that with Knology when I was in Montgomery and my parents currently do that with Charter in Montgomery. Here's what you'll have:

Basic Cable
Cable Internet
Dish Network

My parents have to flip the input on thier tv to get to CATV but they get, with basic cable on charter through QAM: WSFA, WCOV, WNCF, PBS and WAKA. I've talked to Brighthouse about this before and they told me the same is true, minus WCOV, of course.

I noticed WAKA 8 CBS broadcast two different games today, KC-NE in HD on 8.1 and TENN-JAX on 8.0. Is this going to be the norm in upcoming weeks or just a glitch for today.
It is not the norm. I called CBS to report the problem and they promptly told me we were showing Tenn/Jax on the digital. I told them I saw (as did you) KC-NE on the digital. Since CBS is "always right" there was no resolution, but I bet it's fixed next week.

Do you have to subscribe to basic to get the locals in HD through QAM (with Charter or BHN)? My HDTV has a built in DTV tuner and I thought cable companies where required by the FCC to broadcast local DTV station in the clear over QAM. I've just moved back to Montgomery but, in Orlando you could pull in the local HDs without a subscription to a cable provider (at least with BHN down there) over your cable connection if your TV had a built in DTV tuner.

Also, is it only 10 per month for basic with Charter? Last question, some Dish Network DVRs have a OTA tuner built in. Is there anyway to pass these "in the clear channels" through the Dish DVRs and record them like you could if you used OTA.

Do you have to subscribe to basic to get the locals in HD through QAM (with Charter or BHN)? My HDTV has a built in DTV tuner and I thought cable companies where required by the FCC to broadcast local DTV station in the clear over QAM. I've just moved back to Montgomery but, in Orlando you could pull in the local HDs without a subscription to a cable provider (at least with BHN down there) over your cable connection if your TV had a built in DTV tuner.

Also, is it only 10 per month for basic with Charter? Last question, some Dish Network DVRs have a OTA tuner built in. Is there anyway to pass these "in the clear channels" through the Dish DVRs and record them like you could if you used OTA.

DISH does not have QAM tuners and will only pass OTA signals that are UHF or VHF originated. Also you cannot pass the "raw" signal from your antenna thru the DISH receiver. You can, however, put a splitter on your OTA coax and feed one side to your TV digital antenna input and the other to the DISH receiver. As soon as DISH picks up the Montgomery HD on locals that will not be needed as DISH gives you at no charge the local HD feeds, if you subscribe to locals.

... As soon as DISH picks up the Montgomery HD on locals that will not be needed as DISH gives you at no charge the local HD feeds, if you subscribe to locals.


You're still going to be paying for it by virtue of paying for locals.

Are you saying that you can get their very basic package which is normally a few analog channels and provided your display has a QAM tuner, you can tune the HD channels??

Jim, years ago when I switched from cable to satellite I kept "lifeline" cable for my locals. When I put my antenna up I still kept this as it was cheaper to have internet with a cable package than just internet alone. I don't know if Brighthouse still has a similar "lifeline" package or if I was grandfathered in (I get the available HD locals--it's a good backup to satellite).

Are you saying that you can get their very basic package which is normally a few analog channels and provided your display has a QAM tuner, you can tune the HD channels??

Can someone explain this in more detail to me, because I have zero knowledge about this subject. I've got two fairly new HD LCD TVs (one less than a year old and the other a few months old), both with built in DTV tuners and for sure one with a QAM tuner. I also get my local channels through Charter on their Basic Lifeline Cable package ($17 with taxes per month, for whoever asked above). So, am I able to view the digital/HD feeds of the local stations from Charter? If so, how do I make this work?

Wonder whats up at WSFA?
Entertainment Tonight has been advertising for weeks that there were going HD.
It's now HD but not on WSFA!

Eddie,

Basically, if you have a QAM tuner in your display, you can connect your cable TV cable to the coaxial input on the Display (careful as some sets have two and this will only work on one) go into your channel setup menu, select cable and do a channel scan.

In most cases, this will find digital channels (marked with a decimal point) some of which will be HI DEF.

I discovered two new HD channels on the lineup for Charter tonight...

HGTV HD - 752
FOOD HD - 751

Also, as I understand it, WSFA does not have the equipment to show syndicated shows (Oprah, ET, etc.) in HD just yet. They of course can do NBC network programming and local news now but not syndicated.

Just as the post above says... those shows have been promoting HD for weeks... but did not launch in HD here. I think I have turned my wife into a "HD snob" now. She was so curious, she e-mailed WSFA to find out why.

I'll bet your right. Those syndicated shows get downloaded during off peak times and they probably don't have the ability to archive HD.

As soon as DISH picks up the Montgomery HD on locals that will not be needed as DISH gives you at no charge the local HD feeds, if you subscribe to locals.
So, has Dish made any hints that HD locals are on the way or just wishful thinking.

I would never give up OTA even when Dish carries HD locals.
They wont be carrying the sub channels plus I want a plan B when the weather gets bad.

I would never give up OTA even when Dish carries HD locals.
They wont be carrying the sub channels plus I want a plan B when the weather gets bad.

Scott I agree with you, rain fade during heavy thunderstorms and tornado threats are when I want a reliable signal to see the weather feed from 8.3

Plus, my DISH 622 DVR accepts OTA and treats those channels like a satellite delivered signal. I can record 3 different HD channels at the same time, one from the OTA and 2 from DISH. This is very handy during football season when so many games are on at the same time and I want to watch several of them.

My DMA is Birmingham so I get all the locals in HD from DISH. My OTA is directed at Montgomery and I get all those locals in HD except channel 20, and that will be fixed when they go full power. So I can actually receive and record 3 major networks like ABC, NBC, CBS, FOX at the same time, or combine ESPN or other non-network channels in any combination of 3.

I have not seen any projected date from DISH for when they will add Montgomery HD for locals. For the short term the folks in the Montgomery DMA with DISH can "Move" to B'ham and get their network HD channels and still use OTA for local Montgomery stations. This just requires a phone call.

Eddie,

Basically, if you have a QAM tuner in your display, you can connect your cable TV cable to the coaxial input on the Display (careful as some sets have two and this will only work on one) go into your channel setup menu, select cable and do a channel scan.

In most cases, this will find digital channels (marked with a decimal point) some of which will be HI DEF.

Thanks for the feedback Jim. I left one of TVs in "scan" mode when I left the house this morning, specifically scanning the Cable input for digital channels. One other questions though...Do I have to tell Charter that I want the digitals delivered, or should they already be included with my Basic Lifeline subscription?

Eddie,

That's a touchy subject.

If you tell Brighthouse that you want HD, they'll charge you for the digital tier, HD channels, box rental, left kidney...you get the idea. Since Brighthouse charges for HD channels yet they don't block those channels from Lifeline service QAM tuning, you can get those channels with something of a moral question.

Personally, I wouldn't expose myself to the risk if they decide to get nasty and just put up an antenna. Besides, I think you get better picture quality if you do the antenna thing right.

There is nothing unethical/immoral about watching the unencrypted channels through QAM. My understanding is that the cable companies are legally obligated to provide the locals. Ethical issues would arise if you find a way to unscramble the encrypted channels. QAM tuners can't do that by themselves.

Eddie,

That's a touchy subject.

If you tell Brighthouse that you want HD, they'll charge you for the digital tier, HD channels, box rental, left kidney...you get the idea. Since Brighthouse charges for HD channels yet they don't block those channels from Lifeline service QAM tuning, you can get those channels with something of a moral question.

Personally, I wouldn't expose myself to the risk if they decide to get nasty and just put up an antenna. Besides, I think you get better picture quality if you do the antenna thing right.

There is nothing unethical/immoral about watching the unencrypted channels through QAM. My understanding is that the cable companies are legally obligated to provide the locals. Ethical issues would arise if you find a way to unscramble the encrypted channels. QAM tuners can't do that by themselves.

Well, I am certainly not trying do something illegal or unethical here. But if the digital signal is there with the service that I am already paying for, then I would MUCH rather watch the gorgeous HD feed as opposed to the ridiculously bad analog feed that I am currently watching on cable.

Great minds think alike Jim...I already use an antenna for OTA HD locals in my living room. :) But due to physical wiring logistics, I can't get the antenna feed in the other rooms in my house. For this reason, I have Charter Lifeline for my local channels in those rooms. If I can get this issue figured out, I'll have HD locals on every TV in the house.

If the cable companies are legally obligated to provide the locals, then what's all the Brighthouse about to drop WCOV about?

I was just thinking out loud about whether its legal or not as I can justify either side of the argument. Hey if they're going to go after someone for theft of service, then how are they going to explain their lack of effort to block it?

If the cable companies are legally obligated to provide the locals, then what's all the Brighthouse about to drop WCOV about?

I was just thinking out loud about whether its legal or not as I can justify either side of the argument. Hey if they're going to go after someone for theft of service, then how are they going to explain their lack of effort to block it?

There is some debate over it but I think that, if a cable company carries/provides a local, it has to provide the digital version(with HD) for free. That would be, of course, if it had the digital version. I don't think a cable company has to provide a local like WCOV. It would be very stupid of Brighthouse to not carry WCOV though. The only obligation is that if you provide a local digital you can't charge extra for it.

I've used QAM for the locals on Brighthouse, Knology and Charter and the digital locals (through QAM) were provided at no extra charge or box, if available. There is nothing illegal about scanning for and watching those channels if you pay for basic cable.

There is some debate over it but I think that, if a cable company carries/provides a local, it has to provide the digital version(with HD) for free. That would be, of course, if it had the digital version. I don't think a cable company has to provide a local like WCOV. It would be very stupid of Brighthouse to not carry WCOV though. The only obligation is that if you provide a local digital you can't charge extra for it.

I've used QAM for the locals on Brighthouse, Knology and Charter and the digital locals (through QAM) were provided at no extra charge or box, if available. There is nothing illegal about scanning for and watching those channels if you pay for basic cable.

So, to answer a previous question, the digitals should just be there already? That is, I don't need Charter to activate them or allow them to pass through to my house?

So, to answer a previous question, the digitals should just be there already? That is, I don't need Charter to activate them or allow them to pass through to my house?

Correct. Just do a scan for digitals. Some tvs scan digitals and analogs at once and some have separate scans. I posted the channel numbers for Charter's digitals in a previous post a few months ago. Here they are again:

90.5 CBS(WAKA)

90.8 FOX(WCOV)

93.1 ABC(WNCF)

93.2 NBC(WSFA)

Correct. Just do a scan for digitals. Some tvs scan digitals and analogs at once and some have separate scans. I posted the channel numbers for Charter's digitals in a previous post a few months ago. Here they are again:

90.5 CBS(WAKA)

90.8 FOX(WCOV)

93.1 ABC(WNCF)

93.2 NBC(WSFA)

Great! Thanks for the info. I left one of the TVs in a "digital scan" when I left for work this morning, so hopefully they will be showing up when I go home for lunch. I'll post back and let you know the progress.

Thanks again to everyone for the help and info!

4Bama How did you 'Move" to get your Locals in Hd. I live in Pine level-Deastville.



Thanks

Ok, I did a digital scan on both of the TVs with QAM tuners. Both TVs pick up all of the analog stations that I should be getting on Lifeline, but neither TV picked up any of the local digital stations. Any suggestions?

4Bama How did you 'Move" to get your Locals in Hd. I live in Pine level-Deastville.

Pardon my jumping in here, but...

"Moving" with Dish Network is both easily and commonly done. You either call them up or go online and start a "chat" with their Customer Service. Tell them you've moved and need to change your service address. Give them any address in the city whose locals you want to get. (Some people use a Burger King address & stick an apartment number on the end, or use a relative's address...whatever.) Tell them the dish is already set up and working, you just need to change the service address. (You can also let them change the billing address, and go with paperless billing; you can later change the billing address back to your real address all by yourself via their online account management.) Sometimes they'll ask how the dish was installed at the new address; you can simply reply "it was a self-install". Then tell them you'd like the locals for your new area.

The logistical caveat:

If you ever need someone to actually come to your house and do work on your dish, you first have to "move" back to your real location, then after the work is done, "move" again.

The ethical caveat:

Some people believe "moving" is ethically wrong. There are long discussions about this in the forums on dbstalk and satelliteguys. My personal view is that after you "move" you're still paying for the channels you get. You're simply paying for a different set of locals than the National Association of Broadcasters, via the FCC, *wants* you to pay for. I suspect that the majority of the people who insist that "moving" is wrong are not in a market whose locals are not carried at all on Dish, or whose HD locals are not carried. It's easy to be all ethically superior when the situation doesn't apply to you personally. :)

The technical caveat:

You have to be able to physically receive the satellite signal carrying the "moved to" city's locals. That means that...

either the locals for the city you "move" to have to be broadcast on a continental US transponder (which cover the whole country), which B'ham, for the moment, are. They're on the Dish satellite at 119 west. How long they'll continue to be on a continental beam is anybody's guess.

-or-

wherever your dish actually is has to be under the "spot beam" that is broadcasting the locals for the city you're "moving" to. Spot beams are, as the name implies, more directed, narrower footprint beams than continental US beams. They only cover a certain area. There are maps on the Internet that show what spot beams on what satellites cover what areas, but for the purposes of this discussion all you'd need to know is that Dish's spot beam carrying B'ham locals also covers the whole Montgomery area. That spot beam is on the satellite at 61.5 west.

So the bottom line is if you already get the 119 satellite, which almost everyone does, you can "move" to B'ham and get their locals. If/when Dish stops broadcasting B'ham locals on the continental beam, then you (and everyone who actually lives in B'ham) would need a dish pointing at the 61.5 satellite.

Hope I didn't over-complicate the issue...

-WIrving

Ok, I did a digital scan on both of the TVs with QAM tuners. Both TVs pick up all of the analog stations that I should be getting on Lifeline, but neither TV picked up any of the local digital stations. Any suggestions?

A few months ago I worked on a couple of TVs in the same household that were on Warner. Their channel numbers for the HD locals were not the same. You might want to do some channel surfing to see if they're not where you'd expect them to be.

It's easy to be all ethically superior when the situation doesn't apply to you personally. :)



Very true.

I can imagine that there were some passionate arguments about it.

Its about money and who had the better lobbyist.

Ok, I did a digital scan on both of the TVs with QAM tuners. Both TVs pick up all of the analog stations that I should be getting on Lifeline, but neither TV picked up any of the local digital stations. Any suggestions?

Try typing in the exact numbers I gave you. Also, make sure your tv doesn't require a separate digital scan. My parents have Charter basic only and they get those channels with no problem. I use OTA at my house. You should also get the digital subchannels such as the weather channels and Retro TV. All digital/HD channels should have the number-point-another number. Some times it's a dash. For example, 96.1 or 98-3.

Its about money and who had the better lobbyist.

Bingo!

Thank you for taking the time to explain that. Now the big question is if i can do that since i have everything with bellsouth/att. (phone internet and Dish)

thank you again

Try typing in the exact numbers I gave you. Also, make sure your tv doesn't require a separate digital scan. My parents have Charter basic only and they get those channels with no problem. I use OTA at my house. You should also get the digital subchannels such as the weather channels and Retro TV. All digital/HD channels should have the number-point-another number. Some times it's a dash. For example, 96.1 or 98-3.

I'll try this after work today. Both TVs do require a separate digital scan, which I did. I can say this though...on the second TV, I did the scan at lunch today, and I was able to watch the scan in progress. There is a status screen that shows the last channel # found and the total number of channels found. It found all of the analog channels, and then did not find a single additional channel during the digital scan. On the other TV, all I saw was the "Results" screen, which read "Digital Channels Found: 0".

Like I said though, I will try the direct tuning suggestion this evening.

Eddie,

When you get home, get us the model numbers of your displays. Maybe we can figure something out from there.

Now the big question is if i can do that since i have everything with bellsouth/att. (phone internet and Dish)

Yeah, I think that might complicate things; it has been discussed, though...check here:

http://www.satelliteguys.us/dish-network-forum/130252-any-att-dish-movers.html

...and here...

http://www.satelliteguys.us/dish-network-forum/124292-how-do-you-move.html

Best of luck if you decide to give it a shot!

-WIrving

It's possible if you have the basic basic cable package they have a trap on the line outside of the house or on the pole that blocks the frequencies other than what you are supposed to get. However, if you have phone and or internet on that line it's more likely there is no trap.

It's possible if you have the basic basic cable package they have a trap on the line outside of the house or on the pole that blocks the frequencies other than what you are supposed to get. However, if you have phone and or internet on that line it's more likely there is no trap.

I think that this must be the case. Still no luck on receiving the digitals. I've got a Charter repairman coming out for another issue on Saturday, so I may try to get them to do something about it then.

With Brighthouse saying they may stop providing wcov fox, is this legal. I thought there was a law they had to provide locals to cable providers.I am not talking about HD signal, but analog.

Satellite uplink gurus,

What type of equipment is Fox News using to uplink high quality live video while they are driving down the road in heavy rain?

Charles(sarasdad),

That's a good question. Like you, I thought they had to provide local service. Maybe the law that set that up expired.

I wonder if Brighthouse would then have the option of getting Fox from outside this DMA.

The next 6 months should be interesting.

One reporter had a camera mounted in a suv and was streaming live using a Mac Book Pro

Jim,
The picture I recieve via Brighthouse analog channel 4 is terrible. I have switched back and forth from OTA and cable and it is so different. I am talking about analog not digital. My wish is be able to record OTA signal to DVR. I just can't stay awake late anymore. Fox has a great lineup of primetime shows.
Check out Fringe, but be sure to see pilot episode

Jim, on satellite can you record OTA to your Dish DVR?

Charles,

I'm using my Tivo S3 to record/playback the locals pulled in with outside antennas. I prepaid for my Tivo service when I purchased the S3. When it expires, I'll have to compare my alternatives as Dish charges for the program guide even if you use your own antenna hookup. I also like being able to record two OTAs and two sat channels at the same time.

Jim, on satellite can you record OTA to your Dish DVR?


Yes.
The Dish DVR has one OTA tuner do you can record 1 OTA program and 2 satellite programs at the same time.

Direct HR21 with piggy back tuner has 2 OTA tuners so you can record 2 OTA programs at the same time.

Have you all heard the news that Direct will be releasing a HD Tivo DVR in 09?

The pilot for Fringe is on tonight on fox. Great HD:D

Thanks for the info.

Have you all heard the news that Direct will be releasing a HD Tivo DVR in 09?

Yea.. but it has 1 major flaw, IMHO.. the monthly fee..:D

Charles(sarasdad),

That's a good question. Like you, I thought they had to provide local service. Maybe the law that set that up expired.

I wonder if Brighthouse would then have the option of getting Fox from outside this DMA.

The next 6 months should be interesting.

Cable carriage of local stations is very complicated, but I think it works something like this... Stations can allow cable companies to carry their signal under "Must Carry", which currently covers analog signals. The cable company can not opt to not carry an analog signal from a local station. Stations also have the option of signing a retransmission consent contract with the cable companies, basically an agreement that the cable company will carry the signal, on a specific channel, and usually includes some sort of compensation for the stations...free or discounted cable, internet, phone, per subscriber payment, etc. If the cable company and the station can't reach an agreement, then the station has the option of withdrawing transmission consent. That's when it gets complicated...cable companies want to have the channels their subscribers want to watch, and TV stations want as many people as possible to see their advertisements...I mean, programming. Similar to the situation reported here a while back when Dish Network dropped WNCF because WNCF was asking for an increase in per subscriber fees.

As for picking up a different fox affiliate, unless there are exclusivity agreements in place, I think the only thing preventing that would be reaching an agreement with the distant affiliate. There are several cable systems in the the Montgomery DMA that carry signals from other DMAs, for example, Troy Cablevision carries WLTZ from Columbus, GA and WTVY from Dothan.

I hope my information is at least reasonably correct, and that I haven't added to the confusion...

Has anyone been able to "move" using DirectTV? My dad has DirecTV in Clanton and receives Birmingham channels; however, since I am in Montgomery I cannot received anything unless I go OTA. I was thinking of trying to get with him about using his address since I already have paperless billing with DirecTV.

Do most people on DirecTV just go ahead and do OTA?

Yes. I did that with Knology when I was in Montgomery and my parents currently do that with Charter in Montgomery. Here's what you'll have:

Basic Cable
Cable Internet
Dish Network

My parents have to flip the input on thier tv to get to CATV but they get, with basic cable on charter through QAM: WSFA, WCOV, WNCF, PBS and WAKA. I've talked to Brighthouse about this before and they told me the same is true, minus WCOV, of course.

Has anyone else successfully done this with Knology? Charter is one more screw up away from being dropped at my house.

The pilot for Fringe is on tonight on fox. Great HD:D

That looks like a pretty good series. Set up a repeat record (season pass).

Not so sure that I can take two hours of Jack Bower on 24. Does he ever not scream?

Only once I think.

Does Charter have a newer HD DVR box with HDMI? My parents currently have a Moxi box but, it doesn't have an HDMI output.

Has anyone else successfully done this with Knology? Charter is one more screw up away from being dropped at my house.

When I lived in Montgomery I had basic cable and internet with Knology and Dish for everything else. I was able to get all of the 'big 4" locals in digital/HD through QAM with no issues.

Does Charter have a newer HD DVR box with HDMI? My parents currently have a Moxi box but, it doesn't have an HDMI output.

A guy I work with has Charter with HDMI. I know he had to trade in his old box.

Charter is one more screw up away from being dropped at my house.

LOL - - My advice based on a novel of trouble tickets with Charter...DROP 'EM NOW! They will screw up again.

Thank you

Well, since we're talking about cable and must-carries, here's another date related to digital TV: February 17, 2012.

The FCC has ruled that most cable systems must provide must-carry channels as analog signals until 2012, in order to support analog TVs. The FCC will review the measure during 2011 according to the state of technology and marketplace and make any revisions to the requirement if necessary.




http://broadcastengineering.com/hdtv/new-must-carry-rules/

Doesn't the "rules apply only if not covered by retransmission consent" pretty much eliminate that?

Doesn't the "rules apply only if not covered by retransmission consent" pretty much eliminate that?

There's a difference between "must-carry" stations and those carried pursuant to retransmission consent. Russ (WackyEngineer) touched on that a little, and as he says, it's "complicated," and I certainly can't explain it! :) It seems to me that WCOV may have opted for a retransmission consent agreement with Brighthouse, from what I've read here. But who knows, maybe all our locals have retransmission consent contracts. I can say that if there's a way to make money on it, that's the arrangement the stations would most likely choose! As a consumer, I'd rather they all be "must-carry"s.

Last night I taped House and Fringe . Both of them on Fox wcov and both had Audio Sync Issues. Had the same problem with Bones last week. I get Fox with Dish Network.
Has any one had the same Problem with fox. Rest of my shows taped with no Audio problems.

Watched both OTA no problems in Millbrook

Tildenw,

I too didn't have any problems with WCOV-DT with my OTA Tivo. I recorded it last night and watched it this afternoon. Fringe was definately strange.

One thing I do notice from time to time on my Dish 722 is that sometimes recording are out of synch which can be corrected by depressing the pause button on the remote, then pressing the play button. If you haven't deleted the shows, you might want to give it a try and see if it'll make any difference.


By the way, it looks like WCOV-DT cranked up the power a little bit. On my Tivo, its getting a 66 where it use to be a 54.

Tim,

Over my head for sure. Probably one of those things where "must carry" doesn't mean you got to carry it. Every profession has its own lingo.

WCOV has a lot of good shows. Hope Brighthouse works something out with them.

House, Bones, Fringe Kitchen Nightmares, Teminator, Prison Break, 24. Great HD viewing. Hey everyone, you can watch full episodes on line . If you watch Fringe I would advise everyone to watch pilot episode just to get caught up

Got a link to Fringe on line?
I didn't know it was on last night.

Here you go Scott.

http://www.fox.com/fod/play.php?sh=fringe

Thanks Jim.

Has anyone else successfully done this with Knology? Charter is one more screw up away from being dropped at my house.

Somehow I missed this until now... Late last year, I ordered Knology Lifeline Basic specifically to get the locals in HD via QAM tuner, only to find out that I couldn't. As someone else noted earlier, if you don't have Internet service, they can put a filter inline that filters out all channels higher than the Lifeline Basic, and that's what they did in my case. Fortunately (for me), we have a number of contacts at Knology, and after about a month of emails to techs, managers, and engineers at Knology, they managed to get a trap that would allow channels 2-22, block 23-78, and pass 79 and above.

So, can it work? Yes. Will it work if someone just orders Lifeline basic? Who knows. It would be nice if they just started using the trap they ordered for me for all lifeline installs, but I would be surprised if they did.

Somehow I missed this until now... Late last year, I ordered Knology Lifeline Basic specifically to get the locals in HD via QAM tuner, only to find out that I couldn't. As someone else noted earlier, if you don't have Internet service, they can put a filter inline that filters out all channels higher than the Lifeline Basic, and that's what they did in my case. Fortunately (for me), we have a number of contacts at Knology, and after about a month of emails to techs, managers, and engineers at Knology, they managed to get a trap that would allow channels 2-22, block 23-78, and pass 79 and above.

So, can it work? Yes. Will it work if someone just orders Lifeline basic? Who knows. It would be nice if they just started using the trap they ordered for me for all lifeline installs, but I would be surprised if they did.

Well, after many headaches, I think that I've gotten everything that I wanted from Charter. They finally sent a technician out to my house on Monday. From my earlier posts, they finally got Channel 14 to pass through to my house (the local CW affiliate), which they had been blaming "local outage" for my lack of the channel for over 3 weeks. I had also told them that I thought that my locals should be coming through in HD and I wanted someone to see if they were just being trapped.

If anyone attempts to try this with Charter (or Knology, as it appears by the post above), be forewarned that the cable companies will probably try to push their full digital service on you (complete with their digital converter box), or that the cable rep or technician may have NO KNOWLEDGE at all about QAM tuners and the capability to receive digital cable channels without a converter box. I literally argued with multiple reps and even the technician himself that this was possible, but I think that they are all uneducated or unmotivated to try it. I had a Charter rep on Tuesday freely admit that she had no idea that this would work, and she asked me details so that she would know the next time she got a question about it.

Anyway, the technician ran a new cable to my house, which I think was unnecessary because a new cable had been run less than 4 years ago. In any event, he did this and probably did something to the "trap" and then basically had all of my channels activated to see if it would work. And it did. Channel 14 now comes through, as well as every digital channel that they provide in the Expanded Basic package (ESPNHD, ESPN2HD, locals in HD with subchannels, digital music channels, etc). Now, I only subscribe to the Basic Lifeline Package, so I fully expect them to black out the extra channels at some point. But all of these channels are now viewable on my HDTV with no external digital converter box. I'm hoping that they don't black out all of the channels when they get my account back to the correct status. At least I know now that the channels will make it to the TV.

I hope this helps someone else out there...just be prepared for what I described above and be persistent.

Its 7:11 a.m.

Can someone check CNBC on their cable system and tell me if there's a severe lip synch problem?

On Dish, I've got severe lipsynch on CNBC-HD but not the 2 or 3 other channels I've checked which makes me think that its a CNBC problem only.

I'm on Dish and it looks fine.

Thanks Scott.

Seems O.K., now. When they returned from commercial, they were back in synch.

Tim,

Over my head for sure. Probably one of those things where "must carry" doesn't mean you got to carry it. Every profession has its own lingo.

WCOV has a lot of good shows. Hope Brighthouse works something out with them.

Let me offer the following for some clarification:
MUST CARRY election by a station is a direct order for carriage. Period. The only thing that can stop this on a home DMA (market) cable system is their inability to receive the signal. Even then, the station has the option of "arranging" delivery. There are no other "strings" attached to MUST CARRY except that the station can specify the cahnnel number it is to be carried on.
RETRANSMISSION CONSENT says the station has consented to allow the cable system to carry it's signal (in or out of the DMA). There can be a number of items specified by the station in order for the cable system to receive this consent. In my opinion, a station should always use this option. It gives them much more control over the distribution of their own signal. If any of you know about companies such as COMCAST you have probably heard that they are compressing the hell out of their HD stuff. RETRANSMISSION CONSENT allows the station to specify things such as retransmission standards. Of course, cable systems do not like RETRANSMISSION CONSENT. Now, in the past several years, HD has become the big thing for cable. Finally, they have realized that the free ride for carrying broadcast signals is up. Another thing RETRANSMISSION CONSENT allows for is compensation for the station. You know what they say, "money can wreck a marriage". We are entering a time that between September and January of this year, all local stations' carriage cycle with almost all cable systems is up for renewal. Forget the fact that HD is a big money maker for cable. Forget the fact that the "big 4" constitute the VAST majority of cable viewing. Forget the fact that the local station may (and probably will) be asking pennies a month for carriage per subscriber, when the cable system is paying MUCH more to carry each national channel which has much less popularity. The cable companies know a precedent is about to be set and they have to try to make it as "cheap" as they possibly can. They will scare their subscribers by putting the blame on the station. Note the following happening as close as Mobile (by the way, Time Warner handles some of the Brighthouse negotiations):

LIN Corp. warned this morning that it would deny Time Warner Cable permission to continue carrying 15 of its TV stations in 11 markets on Oct. 2 unless LIN can reach new retransmission consent agreement with the cable operator.

Since July, 2008, the station group said, it has attempted to reach a new long-term extension with Time Warner for the stations, but that Time Warner has not responded to its proposals.

The affected markets: Austin, Texas; Buffalo, N.Y.; Columbus, Ohio; Dayton, Ohio; Ft. Wayne, Ind.; Green Bay, Wis.; Indianapolis; Mobile, Ala.; Springfield, Mass.; Terre Haute, Ind., and Toledo, Ohio.

LIN TV, which has been seeking cash payments for multichannel providers, said that it has cut deals with every other major every major cable, satellite and telecommunications company, except for Time Warner.

"Most cable operators, like their satellite and telecommunications competitors, now understand and acknowledge that fair and equitable compensation is essential to ensure the viability of local television," said LIN TV's President and CEO Vincent Sadusky, in a statement.

"We look forward to negotiating with Time Warner so we may reach a deal with them before our contract expires," he added.

LIN pointed out that if its stations are pulled from Time Warner systems, viewers may continue to watch them by switching to Dish Network, the satellite TV service, in all the affected markets except Springfield.

DISH is offering a $50 discount to all new subscribers in those markets, LIN said.

Verizon's FiOs service is also an alternative way in parts of the Buffalo and Ft. Wayne markets, it said.

------

So sometimes you just get the "cold shoulder" when you try to negotiate. Stalling has certainly been used as a tactic before. Makes it accurate to say "we have not been able to reach an agreement with station WXXX".
I'm not saying any of this would happen with any of the stations here in Fungomery, but it could. And most stations have a NETWORK EXCLUSIVITY angreement (just like any other franchise would) which would prevent importing dustant signals on most systems. But if agreements can't be reached by the time the current cycle ends, the stations could be yanked until an agreement is reached.
Just a take from the broadcaster's side. Didn't mean to make it so long.
Always appreciative for the viewers of the BIG 8.

I think a lot of us are curious as to how much money we're really talking about. If its a few cents to carry WCOV-DT, who gives a happy hoot. But if we're talking about $5.00 per month(times 4) for each of the 4 locals, then I can see that subscribers might not go for a $20 bump in their monthly bill.

Can you shed more light on this?

Channel 14 now comes through, as well as every digital channel that they provide in the Expanded Basic package (ESPNHD, ESPN2HD, locals in HD with subchannels, digital music channels, etc).

Eddie, Have you found any Charter QAM channels in HD (other than those you listed, i.e., ESPNHD, ESPN2HD, and the four locals?) I re-scanned and found those you mentioned. I also found Peachtree HD on 65-1, but it only seems to be on during the Braves games...that might be all they broadcast anyway.

Hey guys. I don't know if any of you remember me but it's okay if you don't! I have a quick question in regards to cable boxes and Bright House Networks in Elmore County. Basically I get all of the HD channels (including premium ones) from BHN. I have a bedroom HDTV that has a cable box connected to it but my girlfriend is giving me hell about the fact that it looks really bad in the current setup. I don't disagree with her on it so I'm wondering if there's any option to get all of the HD channels on that TV without the cable box itself. The TV says it has a tuner built into it for digital HDTV channels but I can't seem to get it to find any. Any suggestions?

.....get a new girlfriend? just kidding. :)

If the set can't find any HD channels during a channel scan, then it probably doesn't have a QAM tuner.

If what you're trying to do is not see the digital box, you could put it into a drawer and run an IR relay so the remote can continue to change channels or get another TV with a built in QAM tuner.

.....get a new girlfriend? just kidding. :)

If the set can't find any HD channels during a channel scan, then it probably doesn't have a QAM tuner.

If what you're trying to do is not see the digital box, you could put it into a drawer and run an IR relay so the remote can continue to change channels or get another TV with a built in QAM tuner.

See that's what I thought at first. But I just searched for the product information from the manufacturer and it specifically mentions a QAM tuner.

the VXW20L offers HD formats and an integrated standard and high definition NTSC/ATSC/clear QAM digital tuner including 1080i and 720P. This will give you the full ability to enjoy the high definition content offered by your satellite and cable providers.

Any other ideas? :confused:

To go over some of the basics,

1. Be sure that you have the cable company coaxial cable (the one with the threaded connector) screwed into the RF input on the back of the display.

2. Verify that when you do the channel scan, that you've selected cable rather than antenna.

3. Be sure that you're on the right input when trying to find the in the clear qam channels.


Also, are you finding any channels? even analog?

To go over some of the basics,

1. Be sure that you have the cable company coaxial cable (the one with the threaded connector) screwed into the RF input on the back of the display.

2. Verify that when you do the channel scan, that you've selected cable rather than antenna.

3. Be sure that you're on the right input when trying to find the in the clear qam channels.


Also, are you finding any channels? even analog?

That's a check on all three points. I've found some channels on the cable, including some digital cable ones. However the problem I'm having is that it isn't picking up any of the HD channels - even the ones that should be in HD. I'm watching channels that say they're broadcasting in 1080i (some of the WSFA and APT HD ones I suppose). My problem is that the channels clearly are not in HD at all. And I'm not getting any of the cable channels like ESPN HD, Discovery HD, Mojo HD, or anything.

What are the channel numbers for the ones that say that they're in HD but obviously aren't.

Also, and this might not be the case here, there are times during the day that standard definition is broadcast over channels that are listed as HD. Its not uncommon to be on one of the local affiliates and find that they're broadcasting SD.

Alotting for the SD programming that's probably on at this hour 93-1 (The WSFA weather channel) should fill the entire screen yet doesn't. 77-3 (APT HD) usually at least stretches out their content if it isn't actually HD and this isn't even doing that.

Mine does. Check and see if you have a pic size or format on remote or tv

If your talking about the Golf game on WSFA yes it HD
If your talking about 12-1 WSFA Weather Plus it has never been HD.

Well, I have to say. So far the locals have been doing a great job broadcasting the NFL games in HD. WAKA is the first to break the streak...the JAX@IND game is in SD. :rolleyes:

Now the NO@DEN game on Fox has suddenly switched to SD. . . amazing.

I suppose we got 14 more weeks of this poor service.

I heard the 60 Minutes announcer just say "For the first time ever 60 Minutes is in HD". I didn't hear him say "except in Montgomery, AL", but I'm sure that is what he meant. :D

...not that I really care about 60 Minutes in HD. I'd be happy if y'all just get the sports right.

Well, I have to say. So far the locals have been doing a great job broadcasting the NFL games in HD. WAKA is the first to break the streak...the JAX@IND game is in SD. :rolleyes:

I get CBS via DISH network from B'ham and CBS-8.1 OTA, both had loss of HD signals that switched to SD from time to time. I switched between OTA and DISH and both sources had the problem at the same time, so I think this was a network problem, not a local channel problem....

Well, I have to say. So far the locals have been doing a great job broadcasting the NFL games in HD. WAKA is the first to break the streak...the JAX@IND game is in SD. :rolleyes:

CBS issue (really!---see several posts down). We returned to HD on the game when service was restored.

I heard the 60 Minutes announcer just say "For the first time ever 60 Minutes is in HD". I didn't hear him say "except in Montgomery, AL", but I'm sure that is what he meant. :D

...not that I really care about 60 Minutes in HD. I'd be happy if y'all just get the sports right.

Not until this coming Sunday (But The Price Is Right starts today):

CBS ENTERTAINMENT PROGRAMMING – Effective September 22, 2008
AVAILABLE IN HD AND 5.1 SURROUND SOUND
(All times listed are ET/PT unless otherwise noted)

MONDAY-FRIDAY
*THE PRICE IS RIGHT (11:00AM -12:00N ET/10:00-11:00AM PT)
*THE YOUNG AND THE RESTLESS (12:30-1:30PM & 12N-1PM ET/11AM-12N PT)
*CBS EVENING NEWS WITH KATIE COURIC (ALL FEEDS)
*LATE SHOW WITH DAVID LETTERMAN (11:35PM-12:37AM)

SUNDAY
*CBS EVENING NEWS, SUNDAY EDITION (ALL FEEDS)
60 MINUTES (7:00-8:00 PM)
COLD CASE (9:00-10:00 PM)
THE UNIT (10:00-11:00 PM)

MONDAY
THE BIG BANG THEORY (8:00-8:30 PM)
HOW I MET YOUR MOTHER (8:30-9:00 PM)
TWO AND A HALF MEN (9:00-9:30 PM)
WORST WEEK (9:30-10:00 PM)
CSI: MIAMI (10:00-11:00 PM)

TUESDAY
NCIS (8:00-9:00 PM)
THE MENTALIST (9:00-10:00 PM)
WITHOUT A TRACE (10:00-11:00 PM)

WEDNESDAY
THE NEW ADVENTURES OF OLD CHRISTINE (8:00-8:30 PM)
GARY UNMARRIED (8:30-9:00 PM)
CRIMINAL MINDS (9:00-10:00 PM)
CSI: NY (10:00-11:00 PM)

THURSDAY
SURVIVOR (8:00-9:00 PM)
CSI: CRIME SCENE INVESTIGATION (9:00-10:00 PM)
ELEVENTH HOUR (10:00-11:00 PM)

FRIDAY
GHOST WHISPERER (8:00-9:00 PM)
THE EX LIST (9:00-10:00PM)
NUMB3RS (10:00-11:00 PM)

SATURDAY
*CBS EVENING NEWS, SATURDAY EDITION (ALL FEEDS)
CRIMETIME SATURDAY (8:00-9:00 PM)
CRIMETIME SATURDAY (9:00-10:00 PM)

*NOTE: THESE PROGRAMS ARE NOT AVAILABLE IN 5.1 SURROUND SOUND.



CBS PRIMETIME PROGRAMS
NOT AVAILABLE IN HD OR 5.1 SURROUND SOUND
(All times listed are ET/PT)

SUNDAY
*THE AMAZING RACE (8:00-9:00 PM)

SATURDAY
*48 HOURS MYSTERY (10:00-11:00 PM)

*NOTE: CBS PROVIDES AN UPCONVERTED FEED OF THE ABOVE PROGRAMS.

BEST REGARDS,

NICOLE MERTINE
MANAGER, COMMUNICATIONS & OPERATIONS
CBS AFFILIATE RELATIONS

I think a lot of us are curious as to how much money we're really talking about. If its a few cents to carry WCOV-DT, who gives a happy hoot. But if we're talking about $5.00 per month(times 4) for each of the 4 locals, then I can see that subscribers might not go for a $20 bump in their monthly bill.

Can you shed more light on this?

I thought all weekend how to answer this. Although I am not aware of the exact terms of the other stations, I am sure we are all in the same neighborhood. We're talking CENTS per sub. But I can't think of anything you would go out and buy that would be so low. You would have to break up and buy a fracton of even the most basic commodity you use in day to day life for the same cost.

Not until this coming Sunday (But The Price Is Right starts today):

CBS ENTERTAINMENT PROGRAMMING – Effective September 22, 2008
AVAILABLE IN HD AND 5.1 SURROUND SOUND
(All times listed are ET/PT unless otherwise noted)

MONDAY-FRIDAY
*THE PRICE IS RIGHT (11:00AM -12:00N ET/10:00-11:00AM PT)
*THE YOUNG AND THE RESTLESS (12:30-1:30PM & 12N-1PM ET/11AM-12N PT)
*CBS EVENING NEWS WITH KATIE COURIC (ALL FEEDS)
*LATE SHOW WITH DAVID LETTERMAN (11:35PM-12:37AM)

SUNDAY
*CBS EVENING NEWS, SUNDAY EDITION (ALL FEEDS)
60 MINUTES (7:00-8:00 PM)
COLD CASE (9:00-10:00 PM)
THE UNIT (10:00-11:00 PM)

MONDAY
THE BIG BANG THEORY (8:00-8:30 PM)
HOW I MET YOUR MOTHER (8:30-9:00 PM)
TWO AND A HALF MEN (9:00-9:30 PM)
WORST WEEK (9:30-10:00 PM)
CSI: MIAMI (10:00-11:00 PM)

TUESDAY
NCIS (8:00-9:00 PM)
THE MENTALIST (9:00-10:00 PM)
WITHOUT A TRACE (10:00-11:00 PM)

WEDNESDAY
THE NEW ADVENTURES OF OLD CHRISTINE (8:00-8:30 PM)
GARY UNMARRIED (8:30-9:00 PM)
CRIMINAL MINDS (9:00-10:00 PM)
CSI: NY (10:00-11:00 PM)

THURSDAY
SURVIVOR (8:00-9:00 PM)
CSI: CRIME SCENE INVESTIGATION (9:00-10:00 PM)
ELEVENTH HOUR (10:00-11:00 PM)

FRIDAY
GHOST WHISPERER (8:00-9:00 PM)
THE EX LIST (9:00-10:00PM)
NUMB3RS (10:00-11:00 PM)

SATURDAY
*CBS EVENING NEWS, SATURDAY EDITION (ALL FEEDS)
CRIMETIME SATURDAY (8:00-9:00 PM)
CRIMETIME SATURDAY (9:00-10:00 PM)

*NOTE: THESE PROGRAMS ARE NOT AVAILABLE IN 5.1 SURROUND SOUND.



CBS PRIMETIME PROGRAMS
NOT AVAILABLE IN HD OR 5.1 SURROUND SOUND
(All times listed are ET/PT)

SUNDAY
*THE AMAZING RACE (8:00-9:00 PM)

SATURDAY
*48 HOURS MYSTERY (10:00-11:00 PM)

*NOTE: CBS PROVIDES AN UPCONVERTED FEED OF THE ABOVE PROGRAMS.

BEST REGARDS,

NICOLE MERTINE
MANAGER, COMMUNICATIONS & OPERATIONS
CBS AFFILIATE RELATIONS

I watched 60 minutes Sunday 9/21 in HD from my DISH delivered CBS-42 in B'ham. I didn't check to see if 8.1 from Montgomery was showing HD, but it was avaliable from the network in HD.

I checked back and forth and it was never HD on 8.1. Maybe this Sunday.

Has anyone tried to pick up HD signals at an Auburn tailgate with an antenna? If so what are you using? Thanks!

I just dropped in on the Columbus, GA HDTV thread. I find it hard to believe they only have 2 pages to that thread while we have 130. What's the deal? I am looking in the wrong place?

Has anyone tried to pick up HD signals at an Auburn tailgate with an antenna? If so what are you using? Thanks!

We've taken a little tv and an LG tuner and used a Terk HDTVa and had pretty good success. We've picked up Columbus and Montgomery stations. Go to tvfool.com to see which direction to point the antenna.

Are all Auburn games OTA or are some on ESPN(2)?

some on espn cbs or sometimes 11:30 game channel 12. This week 2:30 cbs tv 8

I just dropped in on the Columbus, GA HDTV thread. I find it hard to believe they only have 2 pages to that thread while we have 130. What's the deal? I am looking in the wrong place?

For whatever reason, the folks over there use this site instead:

http://www.columbusdtv.org/

Although I don't think the forum there is quite as active as this one, it does seem to be the place they gather.

-WIrving

For whatever reason, the folks over there use this site instead:

http://www.columbusdtv.org/

Although I don't think the forum there is quite as active as this one, it does seem to be the place they gather.

-WIrving

Thanks for the info!

We've taken a little tv and an LG tuner and used a Terk HDTVa and had pretty good success. We've picked up Columbus and Montgomery stations. Go to tvfool.com to see which direction to point the antenna.

Thanks for your response. I have a friend who sets up a corporate tailgate. He got Direct TV, but was wondering about the locals. I was worried that a Terk (I have one) would get a lot of interference from foliage and people walking in front of it. Did you elevate the antenna much or just use it table top?

I like in Wetumpka. I bought a Terk indoor antenna back in 2006 when I first went HD. I could pull in all of the HD signals, but always had a weak FOX signal. It was around 55%. Something has changed within the last six months. I can't pick up FOX for anything, and all but the PBS station fade in and out. I realize that the stations are no where near full power on their digital transmissions. Should I just wait this out? At full strength, reception should be no problem, right? Also, when will the stations go full power? Most say they are dropping analog on or about December 1st.

Thanks for your response. I have a friend who sets up a corporate tailgate. He got Direct TV, but was wondering about the locals. I was worried that a Terk (I have one) would get a lot of interference from foliage and people walking in front of it. Did you elevate the antenna much or just use it table top?


We put it on top of my father-in-law's truck. People walking past were interfering with it and causing it to go out when we had it on a table. Elevate it the best you can.

Are the HD locals in Brighthouse still in the clear. I have "lifeline" basic along with a cable local. I have an outside antenna for my locals so I rarely use cable for HDTV (it's cheaper to have this with my cable modem than the cable modem alone). Anyway I had been getting the locals in HD but the other day I noticed they were no longer there. I've scanned several time since then but can't get them back. Like I said it's no big deal since get my locals OTA but it was a handy back up. Are they still in the clear?

:DMine are still on

just noticed... (not that I care, just noticed) that Entertainment Tonight in HD is not in HD in Montgomery, AL.

just noticed... (not that I care, just noticed) that Entertainment Tonight in HD is not in HD in Montgomery, AL.

WSFA can only broadcast live HD. ET is syndicated and gets sent over in the middle of the night so there is no way for them to record in HD at this time.

Anyone else getting horrible blocking on CBS, ESPN and ESPN 2 HD channels. It is unwatchable right now. Sucks because the Bama game starts in 20 minutes.

Bama game OTA is sharp as a tack and solid here in Wetumpka.

ok in millbrook

A never ending story...WCOV and/or FOX cannot keep Sunday sports in HD. The national feature game, WSH@PHI is not in HD. 1:50 PM

Fixed at 2:35 PM

I'm finally going to be moving into our house sometime next month, if closing goes as scheduled, and was considering a few different options for TV service. I believe the neighborhood I'm moving into is serviced by both Charter and Knology. I assume that Charter is the better of the two and has more HD channels (even though that may not be saying much). What HD channels does Knology offer? My parents, who my family and I have been living with the past month, have Charter and I have not been too impressed with there service.

This has me leaning towards Dish Network and there Turbo HD package. Big downside is that you want get locals in HD, unless you add OTA (which I really don't want to fool with). I've read that in some parts of the country you still need 2 sat dishes with Dish Net. to get all the HD channels, is that true for this area? Can you, or has any one been able to get a waiver from any of the local channels to receive distant HD locals from Dish Network? DirecTV is not an option IMO because they don't even offer SD locals in this area.

Those who have Dish Net., will the installer install the wires behind walls? I really hope to avoid having wires running through the house.

On a similar note, has anyone paid a pro to install speaker wire with in the walls of a finished home for surround sound and about how much did it cost (would only need wires for my two rear speakers)?

Thanks for any help or advice.

This has me leaning towards Dish Network and there Turbo HD package. Big downside is that you want get locals in HD, unless you add OTA (which I really don't want to fool with). I've read that in some parts of the country you still need 2 sat dishes with Dish Net. to get all the HD channels, is that true for this area? Can you, or has any one been able to get a waiver from any of the local channels to receive distant HD locals from Dish Network? DirecTV is not an option IMO because they don't even offer SD locals in this area.

Those who have Dish Net., will the installer install the wires behind walls? I really hope to avoid having wires running through the house.


Thanks for any help or advice.

You cannot get distant nets with Dish anymore. You may need two dishes depending on how many tvs you are hooking up. OTA is easy in Montgomery. Dish will install the cable in the walls at no extra charge and you can pay them extra to run a second set at each outlet for OTA. I recommend putting an antenna in the attic and running to all rooms. Use a local Dish retailer instead of calling Dish. You'll get better service. I had t he builder run extra cables before the sheetrock went up so I have Dish and OTA in mu house. OTA works flawlessly with Dish as there is an input for the antenna on the Dish box.

You cannot get distant nets with Dish anymore. You may need two dishes depending on how many tvs you are hooking up. OTA is easy in Montgomery. Dish will install the cable in the walls at no extra charge and you can pay them extra to run a second set at each outlet for OTA. I recommend putting an antenna in the attic and running to all rooms. Use a local Dish retailer instead of calling Dish. You'll get better service. I had t he builder run extra cables before the sheetrock went up so I have Dish and OTA in mu house. OTA works flawlessly with Dish as there is an input for the antenna on the Dish box.

You can get distant networks in hd on Direct.

You can get distant networks in hd on Direct.

I don't think Montgomery qualifies for this. My sister has Directv and was told she couldn't get them.

Anybody with Charter in Montgomery having email problems?

Anybody with Charter in Montgomery having email problems?

Yes, I have 'em. No problems. Just tried it and it is fully functional.

I am sitting here watching NCIS and they turn the HD off so they can give us election not so final results. You folks have no damn common sense.

Yes, I have 'em. No problems. Just tried it and it is fully functional.


Turned out to be the "operator" denied access in the antivirus program for the email program.

Clearing them in the antivirus file brought the email back to life.

Frankly, when these antivirus programs catch something and ask you to accept or deny it, its understandable that a non geek just denies everything. Seems like there could be a better system.

I am having DirecTV installed on Friday. Can someone give me a suggestion on a good location to "move" to for a good set of HD locals....preferably ones that don't have problems keeping their sports in HD?

So, is it real difficult to pull in the 4 major networks OTA in the Montgomery area? The house we are buying will be in the Halcyon Oaks area. Don't think there are any tall builds there but there are some trees. I'm just hopping to be able to pull in NBC, CBS, FOX and ABC pretty easily. NBC and CBS are most important because of college football. Just wandering what others experience have been. Anyone live in the Vaughn / Taylor Road area? Thanks for the input, feel free to PM me if you'd like to instead of clogging the thread up with this.

So, is it real difficult to pull in the 4 major networks OTA in the Montgomery area? The house we are buying will be in the Halcyon Oaks area. Don't think there are any tall builds there but there are some trees. I'm just hopping to be able to pull in NBC, CBS, FOX and ABC pretty easily. NBC and CBS are most important because of college football. Just wandering what others experience have been. Anyone live in the Vaughn / Taylor Road area? Thanks for the input, feel free to PM me if you'd like to instead of clogging the thread up with this.

Don't forget about FOX if you want to see Alabama in the national championship game (plus the other BCS bowls).....

I am having DirecTV installed on Friday. Can someone give me a suggestion on a good location to "move" to for a good set of HD locals....preferably ones that don't have problems keeping their sports in HD?


Atlanta or Birmingham.

How do you handle it should your need some repair work?

How do you handle it should your need some repair work?

"Move" back before you set up the work?

So basically they figure out that you use the move feature to get HD locals in another market and don't care as they've got themselves covered?

A wink and a nod would be sufficient. :)

rolltide,

Using an outdoor UHF antenna in my attic in a neighborhood close to Frazer, I pick up all HD local networks with ease. This site might be helpful: www dot antennaweb dot org
(it won't let me post a URL properly)

Anyone subscribe to any of the Turbo HD only packages from Dish? If so, could you tell me if you also get access to the SD version of some of the HD channels to watch on none HDTVs? I hope you do because if not, some show (those that are pillarboxed on HD channels) will have bars on the top/bottom and sides on our already tiny 13" TV. Even though it is only a secondary TV, it would still suck.

Is there any word on FOX HD for Bright House? Since the Spring, I have not been able to pick up any OTA stations other than public broadcasting on my antenna. I guess it could be foliage.

WOOHOOOO!!! Fox News is now in HD on Directv!

All my hotties are now in Wide Screen :D

Yea, make sure you tune in 7pm weekends for the FOX Report... with Julie Banderas.. literally...:)

Hey everyone,I just wanted you to know I'm still kicking.Had a heart attack and by pass last week and so far so good. One of my highpoints of the day is checking the posts and walking. It has beeen about a week since I could watch tv,no intrest, not even HD. Just a reminder HD is not the most important thing.Take care of your health and enjoy life.All good things comes to who that wait. Now if I could only get my FOX IN hd on Brighthouse

Hey Charles,

Glad you're still with us. Anything you need?

How about a OTA antenna install so you can get Fox HD? :)

Hey Jim, Thanks glad to still be here. I have my old 25 year old radio shack outside antenna still up from (pre cable) and can get it great.I do mean PRE CABLE

I am having a problem with aspect ratio. I have Brighthouse digital using a Motorola DCH6416 DVR and a Sony A3000 series TV. DVR is hooked up to the TV via HDMI, optical going to receiver.

I have seen multiple instances where a show in HD should be 16:9, but seems like it is 4:3. I watched Band of Brothers tonight on History HD, and Underworld on TNT HD last week. Both times, the TV was receiving 16:9 1080i (as seen from the info pane on the TV), but I had to change the TV to Normal (the 4:3 setting) because the picture was stretched. Then some comercials would be squeezed, and I would have to set it back to Full (16:9 setting) for them to appear right. It seems like the aspect ratio is getting messed up somewhere. Is there a broadcast problem causing this?

The only other HD experience I have is the QAM stations from Brighthouse. I never had any problems with those stations.

Yeah...WNCF's OTA HD video is clearly out-of-synch with the audio.

Hey anybody still here?

Hey anybody still here?

Howdy. Not much happening it appears. I keep checking in off and on to see if wncf or wcov may have turned their power up....I'm down here in west-central Crenshaw County still without ABC or FOX OTA reception (interpret as no HD ABC or FOX).

Glad to see you and hope you're still doing well.

Ed

Thanks, It sure has been slow around here.:D

Howdy. Not much happening it appears. I keep checking in off and on to see if wncf or wcov may have turned their power up....I'm down here in west-central Crenshaw County still without ABC or FOX OTA reception (interpret as no HD ABC or FOX).

Glad to see you and hope you're still doing well.

Ed

Not gonna happen anytime soon according to their filings with the FCC.

So, if I may ask, what antennas are some of you using for OTA HD? Just had E* installed and now need to get an antenna.

I don't want to use a rotor but, the towers seem to be all over the place in the area I live (with almost 115° difference between WNCF and WSFA).

I live in Elmore between Millbrook and Wetumpka. At times I can get all the channels from one position. The odd man out is WAKA. Fairly often I do have to adjust my antenna to get it reliably. When the atmospheric conditions are just right I can get all the channels from one location. Since you are in Montgomery, you may have better luck in getting all the channels from one position (I'm using an Antennas Direct antenna-43 XG--antennasdirect.com-but you would be fine picking up a ChannelMaster from Lowe's).

I live in Elmore between Millbrook and Wetumpka. At times I can get all the channels from one position. The odd man out is WAKA. Fairly often I do have to adjust my antenna to get it reliably. When the atmospheric conditions are just right I can get all the channels from one location. Since you are in Montgomery, you may have better luck in getting all the channels from one position (I'm using an Antennas Direct antenna-43 XG--antennasdirect.com-but you would be fine picking up a ChannelMaster from Lowe's).

I think Lowes dropped ChannelMaster and is using Phillips or some or other brand...not even sure if they're still keeping outdoor antennas or not.

Ed

Find an Amplified omni directional antenna.

Does anybody know what's up with WNCF's audio? The ABC network 5.1 audio has the dialog mixed in Left and Right, but no Center.

As an observation, the ABC network feed is in 5.1 all the time, while local is 2.0. Don't know if the network audio is ABC's SOP or WNCF's (like how WSFA runs both net and local in 5.1.)

OTA works flawlessly with Dish as there is an input for the antenna on the Dish box.

So all I would have to do would be to connect the antenna to the satellite dish outside and use the existing cable that connects the satellite to my boxes? That sounds easy enough.

never mind. I'm thinking about that antenna that attaches to the top of the dish. I was wondering if any other antennas would attach to the dish so I wouldn't have to run the additional coax through the walls.

never mind. I'm thinking about that antenna that attaches to the top of the dish. I was wondering if any other antennas would attach to the dish so I wouldn't have to run the additional coax through the walls.

It sounds like what you're looking for is a device called a diplexer. It looks a lot like a splitter; what it does is combine the signal from the satellite dish onto the same coax with the signal from an OTA antenna. You can do this because the two signals occupy different frequency ranges. So you have one diplexer near the dish or in the attic that combines the satellite and OTA antenna feeds onto the one cable. A second diplexer near your satellite receiver separates the signal back into two outputs - one into the OTA antenna input on your receiver, the other into the satellite input (or the Dishnetwork separator, if you have one) on your receiver.

You can use any type of OTA antenna you want, located wherever you need to put it. Just run the coax from it to the correct input on the "outside" diplexer.

The ones I use are these:

http://www.prosatellitesupply.com/diplexer_holland_X1.htm

But I'm sure other brands work. The main thing to be sure of is that the diplexer handles the full frequency range needed for your satellite system - up to 2100 Mhz.

As with any other device you put inline (barrel connectors, splitters, etc.) diplexers weaken the signal a small amount. I've had no problems at all with my setup, though.

Hope this helps,
Wirving

Wirving, that is exactly how mine E* install is set up. One thing my installer said was that an amplified OTA antenna would work with the diplexers. Not a big deal for me but, could be for some I guess.

I'm using a $14 rabbit ear type antenna I bought from Best Buy for my local HDs. I just wanted to see if it would pick anything up and was surprised that it pulls in all 4 major local networks. I do have trouble pulling in WCOV and WNCF during the day but, at night they seem to come in fine. One day I'll get a better antenna that will hopfully solve that problem. For now though, this cheap thing from Best Buy has surprised me so I thought why bother with something else for the time being (of course, we haven't had any bad weather since I put it up).

Hey everyone,
All of a sudden I am getting WAKA TV 8 OTA without moving my antenna. Have they increased power or moved tower?

Hey everyone,
All of a sudden I am getting WAKA TV 8 OTA without moving my antenna. Have they increased power or moved tower?


No, but will be REDUCING DTV power soon for a while in order to change channel from 55 to 42.

Russ did put a new Multiplexor in on Friday, it should have improved the quality of the transport stream.
We finally got new and "full" HD redundancy for WAKA, it just has to be all configured and installed.

Thanks for the info. How long reduced power?

Hey guys, I'm looking at getting a Clearstream 4 from AntennasDirect. Do any of you know if any of our Digital networks will be VHF? I understand that this antenna has great UHF reception but doesn't pick up VHF very well. Will WSFA be VHF after the transition?

I think they're all UHF.

WSFA-DT will be on channel 12, which is VHF.

- Trip

Thanks for the info. How long reduced power?

I'm on vacation this week and don't have the project schedule with me.

I'm sure Mark and or Russ will keep ya'll posted as work progresses.
Just be patient while WAKA undergoes massive changes starting in December.
I have to get a visit in down to Montgomery soon for all this mess.:eek:

thank you. Have a great vacation.

Thanks for the info. How long reduced power?

The short answer is that we plan to be at 60% from around Dec 21 to around Feb 9, 30% from around Feb 9 to Feb 17th, then we should come up at 60% power on our new assignment (Ch 42) on Feb 18th. Then it will probably take about a week to get Ch 42 up to full power.

There will be a few days between Dec 1 and Dec 21 that we are running at 30% or 60% on our current assignment (Ch 55.)

Based on tests and models, most people should not be affected by our reduced power.

Russ

Thanks again. Just wondering, what is your current power?

I've followed this thread on an off for the last year or so.
Good info from the guys actually working on the equipment in the area on occasion.
I was just wondering if you guys ever thought about getting together for an informal meeting some time in Montgomery?
I know it wouldn't be close for some, heck I live north of Wetumpka.
Its just an idea, I havent keep up with the thread much lately so I hope I'm not duplicating some other effort.

Britt

I'm in. :)

Thanks again. Just wondering, what is your current power?

Sorry for the late reply, for some reason, I missed the email notification of your post...

Currently, we are at 1 megawatt at about 1578 feet on Ch 55. After the transition is complete, we will be at 1 megawatt at about 1627 feet on Ch 42.

Russ

Thank you

me too

Brighthouse new hd channel ESPNU

Hello "brittcrowell" and other AVSers!

I am a long-time AVS lurker who has benefited greatly from the forums over the years. Like you, Britt, I have contemplated a gathering of Montgomery area home theater aficionados, but never acted upon the idea. Perhaps it's time to turn thought into action?

To get things started, I will volunteer to serve as host for an initial gathering. I would prefer a date in January since I have holiday and other obligations that make November and December difficult. I am flexible in January except for whatever day Alabama plays their bowl game.

So . . . if this sounds interesting to any of you, suggest a date and time and any other ideas you may have about the topic.

Larry

Hey everybody,
I have a problem with audio on cbs tv 8. I have Brighthouse and the audio drops out frequently. Is anyone else having this problem? Network or is it at my end?
Thanks!

Hey everybody,
I have a problem with audio on cbs tv 8. I have Brighthouse and the audio drops out frequently. Is anyone else having this problem? Network or is it at my end?
Thanks!

I have not had any problems with WAKA HD. However, on WSFA HD, when I change the channels to WSFA from another station, the audio hesitates for the first few seconds. This happens when I am watching something live like a football game. I have not noticed a problem when viewing from my TiVo S3.

Hey everybody,
I have a problem with audio on cbs tv 8. I have Brighthouse and the audio drops out frequently. Is anyone else having this problem? Network or is it at my end?
Thanks!

I've been having problems with audio dropouts as well, but I haven't been able to track it down yet. What programs have you noticed it on? I think it's only happening on 5.1 programming, because I never seem to hear it during the day when I'm at work, only at home.

Thanks,
Russ

all prime time 5.1 cbs shows

I've been having problems with audio dropouts as well, but I haven't been able to track it down yet. What programs have you noticed it on? I think it's only happening on 5.1 programming, because I never seem to hear it during the day when I'm at work, only at home.

Russ, I watched Friday night from 7 to 8pm, and it was happening with both 2/0 and 3/2L audio on the network feed. I didn't notice it on the local breaks. The audio stream seemed stable, but the actual audio was dropping out. Maybe something needs a power cycle??

UPDATE:
Dropouts on CBS HD network feed with 2/0 and 3/2L audio during the 8pm hour on Saturday. Dropout lengths are of different durations (from about 2 frames to nearly 30 frames), with no obvious correlation to the stream type. Reception SNR strength constantly above 50%.

Just got my antenna up and working. Getting great reception on everything except for WCOV. Can't get it at all. I haven't done much research into this thread, but I did google WCOV and tower to see if there was something wrong and I found another site that stated that WCOV had a very weak signal right now as they prepare for the 2/17/09 cutoff. Does anyone have the real story as to why I can pick up WAKA 38 miles away, but I couldn't watch Jack Bauer last night in HD from a tower only 8 miles from my house???

Aubie,

First of all.............aaaaaaaaaaaaaaargh...I missed 24.

Now that I got that out :) you should be getting WCOVDT. What kind of antenna are you using, is it roof mounted, did you try turning it, from your location is WAKA and WCOV in the same direction, geographically is your house below the horizon line?

I got the DB4 roof mounted and pointed southwest from my house. I live over in Halcyon Summit across from AUM. According to antennaweb, WAKA and WCOV should be 5 degrees apart from each other but WCOV is about 30 miles closer. I am receiving WAKA at about 92 strength. The Dish box can't even find WCOV...

Is there anyone in the Montgomery Al area with knowledge on the Dennon 4308ci?

Aubie,

Looking at a map, it looks like its more than 5 degrees.

Rotate your antenna to the left slightly and you should be able to get WCOV.

Also be sure that your antenna mast is straight. You can check this with a level.

Aubie,

First of all.............aaaaaaaaaaaaaaargh...I missed 24.

You can buy it tomorrow, and it includes behind the scenes, and 20 minutes of the new season. DVD is $16 on Amazon. No Blu-ray.

I did record it on DVD off analog, since my DVD recorder doesn't have Component IN and that's the only analog output that my DTV receiver will letterbox on! You're welcome to borrow it if you don't wanna spring for the DVD.

You can watch it on line now at fox on demand!

Who needs to buy it when you've got that! It says it's "HD", but it's only DVD quality. Still. And there are a few extras there too.

Just finished watching it. No big deal. Good quality on computer. Not the best show, but I am glad it is back.

Is there anyone in the Montgomery Al area with knowledge on the Dennon 4308ci?

Whatcha want to know?

Nice peice BTW..

I was trying to get into the EQ to try some different sounding settings.

I have discovered what was wrong with my reception here in Wetumpka. The amplifier on my Terk indoor antenna had died. I bought a Philips antenna last night at Wal-Mart. I was trying to pull in FOX HD for 24. I didn't get it done until after the show. The Philips antenna would not pull in FOX. However, I used the amplifier from the Philips antenna with my Terk antenna. Everything comes in fine including FOX HD. Actually, it comes in better than before. The Philips antenna, while lacking greatly, must have a really nice amplifier.

Brian,

Does the Phillips antenna look like this Zenith one?

http://www.solidsignal.com/prod_display.asp?main_cat=03&CAT=&PROD=ZHDTV1&xfermeth=directg&gclid=CIiQvI2hj5cCFQZqswodWV6D-g

This is the Zenith Silver Sensor antenna that many have said works well. I'd think you'd need to be in an ideal location for any of these indoor antennas to work well.

I was trying to get into the EQ to try some different sounding settings.

Just hook the mic up and run the setup. Can't get any better than Audyssey.

all prime time 5.1 cbs shows

I'm making some changes to the audio path, I'll be listening tonight to see if it helps. If anyone else notices audio dropouts on CBS 8, let me know so I can try to track the problem down.

Thanks,
Russ

Thanks. I know we had them last night. I will watch tonight.Thanks for the heads up!

kutlow I don't have the 4308 but do have the 3808. I set mine up with the osd. Then later I got to messing around with my home network. It is much easier, for me anyway, to change everything through the web interface. Much easier to change the Input name and you get a "bigger picture" of what you are doing. I have not changed anything other than speaker size and distance with a SPL meter. I am by no means and expert. Hope this helps.
steve

same problem tonight for me. The audio dropouts are the same on CBS

Just hook the mic up and run the setup. Can't get any better than Audyssey.

kutlow I don't have the 4308 but do have the 3808. I set mine up with the osd. Then later I got to messing around with my home network. It is much easier, for me anyway, to change everything through the web interface. Much easier to change the Input name and you get a "bigger picture" of what you are doing. I have not changed anything other than speaker size and distance with a SPL meter. I am by no means and expert. Hope this helps.
steve

I ran the Audyssey tonight. I think I got it.

Brian,

Does the Phillips antenna look like this Zenith one?

http://www.solidsignal.com/prod_display.asp?main_cat=03&CAT=&PROD=ZHDTV1&xfermeth=directg&gclid=CIiQvI2hj5cCFQZqswodWV6D-g

This is the Zenith Silver Sensor antenna that many have said works well. I'd think you'd need to be in an ideal location for any of these indoor antennas to work well.

No, the Philips antenna I picked up at Wal Mart looks like an airplane wing stood up on end. It is approximately 12 inches in height and 6 inches wide. It is meant to be indoor/outdoor. I'm just happy that the Phlilips amplifier is working so well on my Terk. I'm getting unbelievable signal strength from all stations. WCOV is even showing at a 60 according to the TiVo Series 3. I never got more than 50-55 before.

WSFA has the WORST HD signal (well, there is APT)! The higher the resolution you view it at, the worse it looks. As much as I enjoy watching RTN sometimes (especially since canceling cable), they have got to get rid of it! They're trying to cram 1080i60 content into almost the same bit rate of DVD. WCOV, WAKA, and WNCF are all much better, with WNCF using nearly twice the bit rate of WSFA! Hopefully they won't renew their contract with RTN. Sorry about the rant, I just hate watching internet video on a broadcast station.

Rich needs the bandwidth for the Weather on .2

Surprise Surprise...

WCOV had the entire pre-game show in HD. But, when the NYG@WAS game comes on, they have it in SD.

What is with that organization? Why do they do this stuff?


Update: 18 minutes later, they switch it on.

Ooops...WCOV is back to SD at 2:25 P.M. They could only keep it up for about two hours!

Rich needs the bandwidth for the Weather on .2

Well now it looks like it could change to the Weather Channel, since NBC just bought it and has started firing people! Gotta make TWC look good. Scotty. We. Need. More. Bandwidth. For. Weather. :D

Tim,

More details please. Did WSFA really get sold?

Oh...no, no, no...NBC bought The Weather Channel. Sorry for the vagueness.

Ooops...WCOV is back to SD at 2:25 P.M. They could only keep it up for about two hours!

No kidding! I'll try to get some answers about that "recurring problem." For some reason, they are not wired to auto-switch to the HD feed (like others are) and have to manually flip the switch. And manually forget to.

So is there still audio dropouts with CBS or is it just me. My signal strength is 99-100. It has been happening for about a week. Trying to watch the Patriots, and the audio keeps skipping.
steve

Yes Yes YES. It very iirritating

Was watching the ballgames Saturday and WAKA's audio kept dropping out...but I was letting it slide. Finally the "We gotta dump the analog feed this November..." banner started scrolling across the screen. I figured it wouldn't last too long and was going to deal with it until it went off.

THEN...towards the end of the banner it said that if you see the banner then you don't have to anything...that your receiver is already up to snuff. SAY WHAT!!!???? Now, I know I must have missed something....certainly they didn't run a digital banner that only a digital receiver could receive to tell whoever received it that they didn't have to do anything for the upcoming changeover to all-digital because their equipment was good enough? Huh?

That sound confusing? I was too. I switched over to WTVY for the rest of the day and didn't have to deal with the banner covering up the field of play nor the audio dropouts.