Hootster,
That is exactly the problem I have been seeing. You see it on WMHT a lot as well. Masterfx could probably fill us in on the technical reasons for this but I assume it has to do with the way they are compressing the image and the overall bit rate they are using. On my 40", its not a big deal. On my 92", its a real problem.

Paul

Originally posted by Hootster413
Hey Lufters - WNYT is the only HD channel I am able to receive at this time so I have nothing to compare it to. I get it OTA. I thought it was due to maybe a weak signal but on some high motion scenes I get some pixelation. Like when the divers were flipping, their image was kind of blurred instead of being clear. It that the way it looks for you?

That's what it looks like for me also on Time Warner Cable (Ch. 1813). There just isn't enough bandwidth given to the channel. Even on the still picture / non-motion scenes it's not that clear.

If you want to see true HD the way it should be in it's full Glory....you need to Check out HDNet.

http://www.hd.net

Watch HDNet and then go to half a$sed "HD" channels like WNYT and WRGB....Pleeeesssssse! :p

I was wondering if anyone out there is currently using an ota antenna for dish.

I use the Channel master Stealthtenna:
http://www.starkelectronic.com/stealth.htm

I'm in Clifton Park so my distance is shorter, but I get a strong signal with a roof mount and no amp. My anntennaweb colors are yellow & green (the easy ones)

I lived in another city previously and had Red and Blue requirements as I was much further out. I used the same antenna with the Channel MAster 7777 preamp, and the preamp made a huge difference. The results werent perfect but the antenna was inside an attic.

You may want to try the Stealthtenna with an outside mount with a low-noise preamp like the 7777. If it works, you wont have to put a big rig on the roof.

Like when the divers were flipping, their image was kind of blurred instead of being clear. It that the way it looks for you?

I don't think that the Olympics look bad at all.. but again I only receive OT HD and don't have anything to compare it with (cable/satellite).Looks better than SD and its free.

but again, if luft sez its bad, then its gotta be bad!

Originally posted by BreakStuff
I don't think that the Olympics look bad at all.. but again I only receive OT HD and don't have anything to compare it with (cable/satellite).Looks better than SD and its free.

but again, if luft sez its bad, then its gotta be bad!

I'm not saying it's bad (it is better than SD)....my point is....it's not HD. It's somewhere in between.

I'm just trying to keep people (HD Newbies) visiting this board informed that what they're seeing is not what HD should look like and how our local stations are screwing us over with this.

I've been recording the Olympics on TWC's DVR to play back when I get home from work in the wee morning hours. The first time we started watching the programming my wife said "I thought this was supposed to be High Definition, it's soft and fuzzy."
If people could do an a/b switch between what they are trying to pass off as HD and HDNet or INHD1/INHD2 they would be the laughing stock of the Capitol District. It really is a shame to have HD capability and then water it down so it's hardly much better than SD and not even as good (IMHO) as a DVD.
But to their credit, they are making it available to TWC and TWC has NOT increased our bill. Hopefully they can find a better compression scheme so the PQ can be as good as it should be.

I've been watching the HD-Olympics both on TWC and OTA. They both look bad. As mentioned, divers flipping and water splashing- breaks up horribly. 13-2 really looks like crap. I would certainly (as a viewer) prefer the local stations to give us one full-bandwidth HD channel, rather than multicast.

I watched the movie Miracle on dvd last night on my big screen and the hockey looked much, much better than anything i've scene from the olympics so far. Sharp, with no motion artifacts, and bright, brilliant colors.

Paul

Thanks to folks that verified I am getting the same PQ on 13-1. Again I have nothing to compare it to so most of the time it looks great to me. I have to say I agree with MasterFX, WNYT should perhaps consider providing more bandwidth to their HD subchannel. 13-2 is almost unwatchable, even 19-1 looks better and that's pretty bad at times.

Originally posted by Hootster413
Thanks to folks that verified I am getting the same PQ on 13-1. Again I have nothing to compare it to so most of the time it looks great to me. I have to say I agree with MasterFX, WNYT should perhaps consider providing more bandwidth to their HD subchannel. 13-2 is almost unwatchable, even 19-1 looks better and that's pretty bad at times.

So should we e-mail WNYT and let them know our discontent?

Maybe some people higher up on the ladder at the station is uninformed about the situation and could do something about it?

Originally posted by lufters
I'm just trying to keep people (HD Newbies) visiting this board informed that what they're seeing is not what HD should look like and how our local stations are screwing us over with this.

Newbies should also be informed that you don't have the ability to watch HD on WRGB. Should they believe your opinions?

for real HD turn on ESPN HD right now (NFL)

Originally posted by Tower Guy
Newbies should also be informed that you don't have the ability to watch HD on WRGB. Should they believe your opinions?


Sorry....but I do have the ablity to watch WRGB in "HD"

Originally posted by lufters
Sorry....but I do have the ablity to watch WRGB in "HD"

Ha! I friggin knew it!

Originally posted by MasterFX1
Ha! I friggin knew it!

I said I have the ability.....I didn't say I watch it! :p


www.boycottwrgb.com coming soon! :D

Hey guys - thanks for the informative thread.

I live in the northeast corner of Schoharie County (Gallupville) and have just upgraded my D* to HD. I'm now trying to pick up the local OTA's - even though I'm only about 10 miles from the towers in Altamont, I can't pick them up with powered rabbit ears (wasn't expecting to - thought it was worth a shot).

I guess I have two questions -

1) I'm looking at a some antennas from antennas direct - the XG42 or the DB4. would either of these work for all the channels - UHF and VHF?
**EDIT** I guess I should be looking at UHF/VHF antennas, like the V10. I'm also very open to suggestions from you guys.

2) In lieu of WTEN broadcasting in HD, is anyone watching ABC in HD on 19-1 (WCDC - Adams, Mass)?

Thanks again for this vault of info, and thanks in advance.

You may be OK with a UHF design. An antenna such as the DB4 should be able to pick up some of the upper VHF channels as well.

Originally posted by baronj
Hey guys - thanks for the informative thread.

In lieu of WTEN broadcasting in HD, is anyone watching ABC in HD on 19-1 (WCDC - Adams, Mass)?



Unfortunately, WCDC-DT is SD only. There is picture hesitation whenever there is high motion. It's not worth the trouble to receive it.

Thanks for the info, guys.

I'm kinda dissapointed that WTEN is still not broadcasting OTA (I'm sure I'm not alone) but I'm aware that it's not their fault. I suppose I shouldn't hold my breath that it will be up in time for the NFL season. :( Once you've seen HD - its hard to accept an SD picture.

I'll probably go ahead and get the DB4 from antennasdirect, once I do some more lurking and research.

Thanks again guys.

Does anyone here know when TWC is planning on enabling the DVI output on the SA 8000HD? I have a nice DVI cable just waiting to be used. Tried emailing TWC but didn't receive a response.

Originally posted by ken.martin
Does anyone here know when TWC is planning on enabling the DVI output on the SA 8000HD? I have a nice DVI cable just waiting to be used. Tried emailing TWC but didn't receive a response.

It's somewhere mentioned in here......

SA8000HD - Time Warner Cable Topic (http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?s=&threadid=352604&perpage=20&highlight=8000%20dvr&pagenumber=1)

given that our local TW Cable area has yet to even roll out the latest version of the SARA software (to fix pixelation, audio dropouts and introduce some features like "record only first runs"), I highly doubt it will be anytime soon to roll out the DVI outputs.

Guess some parts of the country are more "advanced" than our local TWAlbany.

Originally posted by ken.martin
Does anyone here know when TWC is planning on enabling the DVI output on the SA 8000HD? I have a nice DVI cable just waiting to be used. Tried emailing TWC but didn't receive a response.

But we are the 'tech valley'?? :)

Seriously, coming from a TIVO, the record options are seriously lacking, and the volume dropouts are completely unexceptable.

I don't need much in record options, but First Run Only is necessary, and some sort of wish list, (eg. keyword: Giants ) would be nice. I haven't played with it enough yet, but with the fall season starting, can I at least do a programmed record of a time,day,channel?? With so many channels, and things replayed it would seem rediculous to try and record shows like "The West Wing" any other way.

I spent the weekend programming my MX 500 remote. I think the gf will use the favorite channels, and actually get up to 1813 to watch prime time instead of just 13 this year. I hope so, as it doesn't seem fair to me to be the only one enjoying this hd goodness :)

Raw feeds of the Republican National Convention coverage in our area:

OTA
6-3 (WRGB-DT3) SD

TWC
2 (C-SPAN) SD
1890 (WTEN-DT2) SD

DISH and VOOM are also providing the "Raw" feed in HD. There are way too many stations to list that are providing highlights or primetime coverage (in SD and HD), this list is for the raw feed only.

With a new season of the Star Trek franchise "Enterprise" again being offered to UPN affiliates in HD, I dropped a line into my contact at our local UPN affiliate WNYA. Here's what I was told:

"We are currently awaiting an FCC decision on our application for DTV Channel 4._ If that is approved, we will then proceed to build._ If it is not approved, a decision will have to be made by us when to switch from Analog 51 to Digital 51."

WNYA is offered in analog OTA at full power on UHF 51 from Pittsfield, MA. It is also offered at low-power on UHF 15 from Albany. Both TWC channel 4 and OTA 6-2 (care of WRGB) are all-digital SD feeds.

As long as I'm getting updates... Esteemed contacts at WEWB-DT (WB) say they are still at reduced power, and do not have a timetable yet as to when they will up the power.

there IS an update to the SARA software that provides for the features I listed. A few lucky people in OTHER parts of the country with TW Cable have them. If you go to the tivo community website you'll see all the goodies that we are missing here in Albany.

yes, compared to my Tivo the TW box is crap, but it's the only piece of crap that will record HD on cable at this point.

My TW box has repeatedly (3 times now, twice within the last week) completely deleted ALL my scheduled recordings.

Of course I emailed time Warner and they haven't responded about the SARA upgrades (big surprise)


Originally posted by esposj
But we are the 'tech valley'?? :)

Seriously, coming from a TIVO, the record options are seriously lacking, and the volume dropouts are completely unexceptable.

I don't need much in record options, but First Run Only is necessary, and some sort of wish list, (eg. keyword: Giants ) would be nice. I haven't played with it enough yet, but with the fall season starting, can I at least do a programmed record of a time,day,channel?? With so many channels, and things replayed it would seem rediculous to try and record shows like "The West Wing" any other way.

I spent the weekend programming my MX 500 remote. I think the gf will use the favorite channels, and actually get up to 1813 to watch prime time instead of just 13 this year. I hope so, as it doesn't seem fair to me to be the only one enjoying this hd goodness :)

Originally posted by m_jonis
Compared to my Tivo the TW box is crap, but it's the only piece of crap that will record HD on cable at this point.

My TW box has repeatedly (3 times now, twice within the last week) completely deleted ALL my scheduled recordings.Same thing has happened to me. The 8000HD DVR has repeatedly deleted the scheduled recordings of the HBO shows Six Feet Under and Entourage.

I'll take an educated guess and say it deletes them because they are replayed 20 times a week and it does not have the capacity to record all of them. The new software update is supposed to have a "record first run only setting", like my TiVo's do.

Originally posted by m_jonis
yes, compared to my Tivo the TW box is crap, but it's the only piece of crap that will record HD on cable at this point.
[/B]

And that's why I'm using it. That tradeoff alone makes using this box worth it to me, and probably all 'switchers'.

I should clarify. It didn't delete the "Now playing list". It deleted my Scheduled Recordings. Meaning I told it to record Six Feet Under and a few other shows.

I go into the "now playing list" to find it totally empty (even after I only had 3 recordings there and set them to keep until erased).

i go into the Scheduled Recordings (I think hit "B" in the Play List) and where I SHOULD have seen my "season passes" it is 100% totally empty.

So today, at lunch, my cable box shut itself off for no apparent reason (cable WAS working, just both digital receivers powered themselves off for no reason).

I go into the SA8000 and now it shows my "scheduled recordings". what's even more strange is that it shows 3 of the same show (I had to re-add the Six Feet Under schedules every time it 'deleted' them). Methinks either I've got a defective box or TW Albany is playing around with software.

Yes, the latest SARA is supposed to address the "season pass" issue along with pixelation and audio dropouts.

I get audio dropouts on Six Feet Under when it rolls the credits, and randomly during the show. Ironically this only occurs on playback. I actually watched it "live" and didn't get any audio dropouts. I then punished myself and played it back and at two occasions it switches from Dolby Digital to "stereo".

Sigh.

Originally posted by AlbanyHDTV
Same thing has happened to me. The 8000HD DVR has repeatedly deleted the scheduled recordings of the HBO shows Six Feet Under and Entourage.

I'll take an educated guess and say it deletes them because they are replayed 20 times a week and it does not have the capacity to record all of them. The new software update is supposed to have a "record first run only setting", like my TiVo's do.

the minute Tivo comes out with a standalone HD unit, I'm switching. I don't care how much it costs, but the SA unit is garbage. I hear though that in other areas TW uses Pioneer PACE software which is supposedly more on-par with Tivo.

SA is apparently WAY behind the curve though.

I see TW has Cable Card now, so one can only hope that Tivo will release a cable card ready unit shortly, but I have a feeling Tivo dropped the ball and won't be able to catch up to Cable (Cable Card or HD Standalone) for at LEAST 1-2 years from now which will give cable all the time in the world to gain mass market share.

Of course there will be no pressure on cable to enhance the garbage PVR software.

Originally posted by esposj
And that's why I'm using it. That tradeoff alone makes using this box worth it to me, and probably all 'switchers'.

Anybody know why Father or the Pride wasn't shown in HD last night?

Paul

now that WNYT was in HD on1813 on TWC for the olimpics will that mean that there normally broadcasted HD showes will be in HD on 1813???
and if so isn't the toniight show with Leno in HD??? and if so why wasn't it in HD?

No HD tonight for the pilot show of Hawaii on NBC (OTA), but that really doesn't surpise me anymore.

Hawaii isn't in HD right now either. I'm gonna call to find out why.

Hold on!..it was HD for a minute.. and poof!,back to SD..what a riot!

ok..looks good in HD right now..only one small problem, no audio! lol!

I just hooked up an indoor antenna to my new D* Hughes HTL-HD. The only digital OTA signals I am getting are 13-1 and 13-2. What are the broadcast strengths of the other digital stations relative to WNYT? I am in Guilderland, only 8 miles from the towers (according to antennaweb.org). Do I need an amplifier or an outdoor antenna, or just better pointing?

I had the same issue on Hawaii. For a while I was only receiving the background sounds - no voices from the characters.

You should have no problem seeing 6-1, 6-2, 6-3 VHF (39-1 UHF) if you are able to acquire the WNYT signal.

My experience with indoor antenna setups are that they are touchy and you may need to find the "sweet" spot for certain channels, of course alot of parameters are involved here and those issues may affect your ability to get an acceptable signal.

Certain locations in Guilderland may be "underneath" that sweet spot to receive optimal reception, but there are others here that could give much more assistance on that topic than myself. It's there so keep on trying.

I live in the fairwood apartment complex and figured that I would need a n outdoor due to neg elevation. im just waiting until we buy a house to even buy a box.

10-1 & 10-2 WTEN-DT via OTA are now live! RF Channel 26.

10-1 is WTEN/ABC HD at 720p
10-2 is ABC News Now at 480i

Excellent!!!!

My DB4 is arriving tomorrow - looks like I'll be stylin with the football game next week!

Great Job Skeeter and everyone involved at WTEN :), just in time for MNF!

10-1 & 10-2 WTEN-DT via OTA are now live!

Got it. showing 100% on my signal quality meter. Just in time for MNF - do we know that that will be passing thru the HD signal immediately or are there any bugs to work out

Originally posted by justman
do we know that that will be passing thru the HD signal immediately or are there any bugs to work out

Should be good to go. 720p... but they are multicasting so it is not "Full Bandwidth." WEWB (WB45) is the only "Full Bandwidth" local station.

Question. I was unable to pull in 10-1 or 10-2 last night. I have a great signal for 13-1 and 13-2 but my signal for 6-1 and 6-2 is not good. Should I be able to receive WTEN-DT as well I get WNYT-DT or is it similar to the WRGB-DT signal?? I'm using a rooftop antenna w/ a hughes htl-hd directv receiver. I'm about 50 miles from the Tower. My receiver states that 10-1 and 10-2 are "not available" it doesn't even read, "no signal". I don't get it considering they are all on the same tower. Please help, I need to get this ironed out before the MNF opener.

Don't know if it will help you... but 13-x is RF12, that's VHF. 6-x and 10-x are RF 39 and 26 respectively, those are UHF. Generally, VHF signals travel further than UHF signals given the same transmitter wattage and elevation.

Is your antenna rated for good VHF and UHF signals at 50 miles?

That explains it. Might need to get a better UHF antenna. I'll fiddle with it this weekend if I can't receive 10-1, I'll have to go that route. CBS is no biggie I get WCBS-DT from Directv.

I have the exact some results here on the Renssselaer Cty / Vermont border. 40-45 miles from towers.
analog, digital 13 - good to very good
analog 6/10 - yes
digital 6/10 - can't touch
Using Channel Master 3679 Deep Fringe Crossifre Series Antenna (CM3679), pre-amp, rotor.

The 3679 is one down from top Channel Master. Top model is maybe twenty dollars more. Spring for the 20 bucks. Might matter, might not. Let us know how you make out.

How about the Miami/Fort Lauderdale ABC news affliate being shown on 10-2.

Yay or Nay?

George Lopez and 8 Simple Rules on 10-1 looks pretty good to me and I don't notice any degradation. I think the news broadcast is a good idea and besides that I gain one more digital broadcast channel.

Looks like we MAY have gotten the latest SARA update for the SA8000HD. At least my unit was again powered off (why is it that TW issues software updates that reboot the unit and not power it on? The DVR doesn't record when it's shut off).

When you select "all episodes" now, and hit "A" it gives you the choice of recording all episodes on that channel, or all episodes at that time slot on that channel.

Doesn't quite make it be on par with the Tivo "first run" but I guess it's better than having the stupid thing record 4 episodes of Six Feet Under every week.

Hopefully too this update will fix the pixelation and audio dropouts.

Hey guys.

I'm still having trouble picking up 10-1 and 10-2. It is most likely just my ignorance. Here's my situation: I'm running D* with an OTA antenna I just installed (OK it's on my deck not installed yet), but I'm picking up 13-1 (Hawaii in HD - which looks great).

My D* receiver is a samsung 360. My problem is that I've downloaded local channel info from D* thru the samsung, so channels like 6-1 and 13-1 (and many more) are showing up in my guide, but so far no 10-1 or 10-2.

Does anyone have experience with the Samsung 360 and manually adding a digital station? I've RTFM and scanned for digital stations - but no more stations have shown up that way.

try this - set the samsung box to "no dish", try direct tuning 26-1 it may then get remapped to 10-1. if you are getting a picture, then resest the dish to Oval-3.

If this works, then do not rescan becasue you may lose it. As of last night, I was not getting the program guide for 10-1 either. however, I am getting 100% signal (George Lopez PQ was very good)

at 9:30 am Satrday, I'm getting severe pixelation on 6-1 OTA. all other channels are good. - Is it just me or is there a broadcast problem?

Originally posted by m_jonis
Looks like we MAY have gotten the latest SARA update for the SA8000HD. At least my unit was again powered off (why is it that TW issues software updates that reboot the unit and not power it on? The DVR doesn't record when it's shut off).

When you select "all episodes" now, and hit "A" it gives you the choice of recording all episodes on that channel, or all episodes at that time slot on that channel.

Doesn't quite make it be on par with the Tivo "first run" but I guess it's better than having the stupid thing record 4 episodes of Six Feet Under every week.

Hopefully too this update will fix the pixelation and audio dropouts.

Looks like we did. I like the new feature when you hit "B" for preferences when your at the recorded list....it now shows how much Hard Drive space is left.

I'm psyched to check this out. Any idea if it's worth emailing SA about adding discrete codes for aspect ratio and power on/off? I keep walking in on sd programs on my rptv not stretched properly.

Get your digital fill of Religion! WYPX-DT from Amsterdam, NY is up and running on rf50.

55-1/50 WYPX-DT (PAX), Amsterdam, NY 480i
55-2/50 WYPX-DT (PaxWest), Amsterdam, NY 480i
55-3/50 WYPX-DT (Worship), Amsterdam, NY 480i
55-4/50 WYPX-DT (Faith), Amsterdam, NY 480i

Have you tried checking out the following (for discrete codes?)

www.***************.com
www.remotecentral.com



Originally posted by esposj
I'm psyched to check this out. Any idea if it's worth emailing SA about adding discrete codes for aspect ratio and power on/off? I keep walking in on sd programs on my rptv not stretched properly.

I didn't see it myself, but I'm told that 6-2 successfully went 1080i on Monday to show CBS tennis, while 6-1 was committed to show the MDA Telethon.

MasterFX1,

You indeed are correct. 6-2 was showing the Tennis in HDTV while 6-1 was showing the telethon.

Mick D.

Thursday 9/9
WTEN-DT Indianapolis Colts at New England Patriots 9:05pm (OTA & TWC)

Sunday 9/12
WXXA-DT Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Washington Redskins 1:00pm (TWC Only)
WXXA-DT New York Giants at Philadelphia Eagles 4:15pm (TWC Only)
ESPN-HD Kansas City Chiefs at Denver Broncos 8:35pm (Satellite Only)

Monday 9/13
WTEN-DT Green Bay Packers at Carolina Panthers 9:06pm (OTA & TWC)

Notes: The Jets game on WRGB-DT (9/12 1pm) is not being produced in HD by CBS.

Listing does not include the DirecTV NFL Sunday Ticket lineup.

There's a better than good chance of an HD game on WRGB-DT for Week 2, since it's a CBS Doubleheader Sunday and CBS is producing 3 HD games each Sunday.

I received confimation from WXXA (Albany, NY) Chief Engineer Sargent Cathrall today that WXXA will have the NFL in HD via Albany Time Warner Cable (channel 1808). NOTE: WXXA does not have their digital OTA transmitter operating yet. Expected digital OTA startup date is January 2005.

More information is posted on the AlbanyHDTV.com website.

WXXA does not have their digital OTA transmitter operating yet.

This may not be the right place to ask this, but will the HD sunday ticket game still be blacked out on direct tv (giants game), even if I cant get the game HD OTA?

Originally posted by justman
This may not be the right place to ask this, but will the HD sunday ticket game still be blacked out on direct tv (giants game), even if I cant get the game HD OTA?

That's a good question, and I'm not sure of the answer. The network rules about out of market HD games are different this year also. If anyone would know, Ken H, the HDTV moderator of avsforums would. Let us know what you learn.

Can't wait for Football. Thanks for the update Masterfx. Still wondering why we aren't seeing Father of the Pride in HD. Are they just forgetting to flip the switch in there?

Paul

Originally posted by AlbanyHDTV
I received confimation from WXXA (Albany, NY) Chief Engineer Sargent Cathrall today that WXXA will have the NFL in HD via Albany Time Warner Cable (channel 1808).
Here's a quote from Sargent Cathrall's email (from Albanyhdtv.com):

"The WXXA-TV service is up-converted to 720P and spliced into the Fox 720P service which will be seen on Time Warner on channel 1808 in their HD service."

I've been less than impressed with the bogus 480p "HD" I've seen from Fox on TWC. This email implies (at least to me) that the games will be shown in 720p, albeit up-converted from what I assume is 480p. I'm fairly new to the HD threads, so I apologize if I'm missing some fundamental info which makes my next question moot, but based on what I see now on 1808, is there any reason to believe the quality will be anything to get excited about?

Originally posted by Paul B. Musser
Still wondering why we aren't seeing Father of the Pride in HD. Are they just forgetting to flip the switch in there?

I think so.


Originally posted by JeffKB
This e-mail implies (at least to me) that the games will be shown in 720p, albeit up-converted from what I assume is 480p.

Not True. The FOX Feed will be 720p, it's the local commercil breaks and news updates that will be up-converted and "Spliced" in.

Originally posted by JeffKB
I've been less than impressed with the bogus 480p "HD" I've seen from Fox on TWC. This email implies (at least to me) that the games will be shown in 720p, albeit up-converted from what I assume is 480p. I'm fairly new to the HD threads, so I apologize if I'm missing some fundamental info which makes my next question moot, but based on what I see now on 1808, is there any reason to believe the quality will be anything to get excited about? [/B]From "foxeng" at the FOX HD Master thread (http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?s=&threadid=409554&perpage=20&pagenumber=47), elsewhere in the AVS forum:

No show so far has been in HD. The Sunday football games will be the first HD on the network.

Woo-hoo! I got my OTA antenna set up finally and thanks for the assistance with programming my Samsung 360 to receive 10-1. I'm now ready for some football!

Thanks again guys!

MasterFX1/AlbanyHDTV - thanks for the clarification on FOX HD. Consider me officially excited now. :)

Always glad to bring HD joy.

MasterFX1- Still unable to get 17-3 with VOOM... Called customer service and they scheduled a service call. Service rep. came out and was familiar with the problem. Made a note on my service order to pass to VOOM. I also emailed Wilt H. this evening who hangs out over at the Yahoo VOOM forum site about the situation. I like VOOM but the OTA issues have been frustrating.

Re: VOOM STB & OTA 17-3

What needs to happen is someone with a STB that has not yet been activated needs to be hooked up to determine if the problem is being caused by old data that will not clear from your current STB or if its VOOM's Program Data stream that's to blame.

If a new STB works on 17-3, than it's bad data that won't reset in the box. VOOM can just give us new boxes. If a new STB doesn't work on 17-3 and 17-1 is coming in, than VOOM needs to analyze their data stream.

Does anyone have a complete list of the Local Station NFL schedule for this season? I usually cut it out of the Times Union (NFL Supplement) every year. Did I miss the Supplement? Maybe it will be out tomorrow? :confused:

The local TV schedule is not known for the whole year... The networks assign games to the affiliates on a week-to-week basis, so they can tweak thoughout the season for the best ratings depending on team's changing poularity, performances and standings.

There may be a tentative schedule somewhere, but it ALWAYS changes. If a game sucks bad enough, the network may force an affiliate to leave it right in the middle of a game.

Originally posted by MasterFX1
The local TV schedule is not known for the whole year... The networks assign games to the affiliates on a week-to-week basis, so they can tweak thoughout the season for the best ratings depending on team's changing poularity, performances and standings.

There may be a tentative schedule somewhere, but it ALWAYS changes. If a game sucks bad enough, the network may force an affiliate to leave it right in the middle of a game.

The schedule I got in the NFL Supplement from the TU has been pretty accurate over the years. It at least gave me some kind of idea of what teams would be shown......Go Steelers!!!!

Anyone have any idea as to why whenever a station check (when the transmitter name came on screen) came up during the Thursday Night football game, the hd feed would drop down to what looked like 4x3 SD? Is this a 'pull the switch thing'?


Also, it got a bit annoying hearing the rain and what sounded like one person screeming in the left rear speaker. I almost turned off surround sound.

esposj,
I'm not certain on this one, but I think when they insert the Station ID, they automatically switch to SD, but then they have to manually switch back to HD. (So yes, it's a flip the switch thing)

Originally posted by lufters
The schedule I got in the NFL Supplement from the TU has been pretty accurate over the years. It at least gave me some kind of idea of what teams would be shown......Go Steelers!!!!


The NFL Supplement with the local schedule was in the TU today. :cool:

You would think that they would have developed an HD station ID, so that that would not happen.

It happened at least twice. THe first time I noticed it, it did not reset for a while, but was reset when they came back from commercial. THe second instance was shorter, but noticable due to its longer delay, evidenced by a replay of the last couple seconds.

The 2nd time was also during the big missed FG!

Originally posted by esposj
Anyone have any idea as to why whenever a station check (when the transmitter name came on screen) came up during the Thursday Night football game, the hd feed would drop down to what looked like 4x3 SD? Is this a 'pull the switch thing'?


It was very annoying last night.

You won't see this with Fox due to New Splicer System Technology...


"Circumventing traditional master control switchers, the new “Fox Splicer System” will be deployed at each station and enable them to insert SD commercials and programming materials with the network’s HD feed before it goes out to viewers. The system will also allow logo and station I.D. insertion without requiring the decoding of the 720p MPEG stream back to baseband. This will help maintain high quality images and reduce operational problems often associated with these types of contribution systems."



http://www.satelliteanalysis.com/splicer.htm

Unfortunately, we won't be seeing this OTA until January 2005 for WXXA.

Originally posted by lufters
The NFL Supplement with the local schedule was in the TU today. :cool: This schedule is posted in the NFL Football in HD thread at AlbanyHDTV.com (http://www.albanyhdtv.com).

ESPN-HD (Disney) has finally signed a deal with TWC....we should be seeing it soon locally!! :cool:

>>> ESPN HD now available on TWC <<< (http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?s=&threadid=444819&perpage=20&pagenumber=1)

Anyone have an idea when?

How am I suppose to watch the womens US Open finals without any sound?

Helloooo WRGB, no audio..

Originally posted by BreakStuff
How am I suppose to watch the womens US Open finals without any sound?

Helloooo WRGB, no audio..

Ok I got it, I watch the HD broadcast on my CRT and I receive the SD audio on my htpc.

Too bad they're not in sync with each other. :/

disregard my last post, I currently have audio and HD on WRGB.

Anyone else have the SA8000HD from TW?

Ever since the last software update, my unit powers itself off (not sure exactly when, but it's sometime after I'm "done").

I think there's a standby mode or something, but I was under the impression that when the unit was powered off (ie, you have to hit the power button the next day to get the signal through to the TV), that the TW DVR could not record shows.

Meaning:
You leave the unit "on", but shut off the tV/receiver on Monday night. Tues. night you have it set to record something.
But you don't turn the unit on until Wed. Does the DVR somehow magically turn itself on and record your show on Tues?

Or is my unit defective (never had it shut itself off every night until after the upgrade).

Originally posted by m_jonis
Ever since the last software update, my unit powers itself off (not sure exactly when, but it's sometime after I'm "done").Myself and another AlbanyHDTV member have encountered the same thing and posted our comments here (http://albanyhdtv.proboards18.com/index.cgi?action=display&board=boxes&num=1079048009&start=15) at AlbanyHDTV.com.

m_jonis,
I don't believe that you have to leave the dvr on for it to record a show you have set it up to do. The only advantage to leaving it on is that if you leave it tuned to channell 13, say, and come home from work at 6:15 and want to watch the 6:00 pm news from the beginning, it will have that stored for you (providing you have the disk space) without you having to tell it to record.

paul

Sunday 9/19
WRGB-DT Indianapolis Colts at Tennessee Titans 1:00pm (OTA Only)
WXXA-DT Washington Redskins at New York Giants 4:15pm (TWC Only)
ESPN-HD Miami Dolphins at Cincinatti Bengals 8:35pm (TWC & Satellite Only)

Monday 9/20
WTEN-DT Minnesota Vikings at Philadelphia Eagles 9:06pm (OTA & TWC)

Notes: The Bills game on WRGB-DT (9/19 4:15pm) is not being produced in HD by CBS.

Listing does not include the DirecTV NFL Sunday Ticket lineup.

OMG - this is so annoying!!! I'm referring to the Station ID switch to SD at WTEN OTA during football! It's been 15 minutes (including a touchdown) - it just switched back right now. Wake up guys!!!

ARGH!! now it switched back to SD!!!

(sorry had to vent)

But seriously - whats the point in going thru the expense of broadcasting in HD when you are not going to pay attention to a 10 second station ID that happens at the top of every hour? (predictably, even a TV n00b knows this). Now 2 touchdowns have scored and we're stuck in SD...

*sigh*

pretty dumb isn't it. Telling us what channel we are watching is apparently more important then having enthusiests (I consider all hd users this, right now) happy with the quality of service.

You wouldn't want me to sell hd to my non techie friends. As a geek, I can put up with problems like this, but people like my father, just get angry and turn off the HD feed.

That was annoying last night. I read in the FOX Splicer Thread that the new WXXA splicer prevents this. When they throw up their station ID the picture doesn't shift to SD. Also when going to commercial break it switches to SD and than right to HD after the break. Too bad the other networks didn't have this.

:)

Yep, 1869 has ESPN-HD up on it! Also, suddenly I get HDN and HDNM even though I haven't signed up for them (extra 3.95/month)

ESPN HD and the HDNets will be on a free trial through October 31st.

Notice how they put ESPN HD on channel 1869 and not the logical channel 1824. They must intend to bundle ESPN HD with the HDNets in the "HD pay tier" after Oct. 31st.

There is more info and discussion concerning this on the AlbanyHDTV.com (http://www.AlbanyHDTV.com) forum.

Paul, thanks. I went over to the SA800HD AVS forum and they confirmed that standby will "turn on" to record things.

Unfortunately it also seems that many other people are having the same Audio Sync problems that I see. Just watched Will & Grace tonight and it was horrible.

When Karen and Jack were on the subway with J-Lo the audio was at LEAST a second behind the video.

Very annoying. Unfortunately nobody seems to know what causes it (it's not the receiver because all other 'things" are synced up such as DVD and OTA).

I haven't tried SD channels though. I also don't know if it happens unless it's recording the show (I don't normally watch it while it's recording) but tonight was the exception.

Originally posted by Paul B. Musser
m_jonis,
I don't believe that you have to leave the dvr on for it to record a show you have set it up to do. The only advantage to leaving it on is that if you leave it tuned to channell 13, say, and come home from work at 6:15 and want to watch the 6:00 pm news from the beginning, it will have that stored for you (providing you have the disk space) without you having to tell it to record.

paul

I'm having a bear of a time with the DVR the last week or so.

1. Audio breakups on HDTV until a pause and unpause take place.
2. I missed a recording tonight :( The apprentice was supposed to be recorded and wasn't.

The audio is pretty bad. It happens with great regularity, and only on the HD channels..

My father is having a bad time with his HD dvr and the digital output. Are you guys using the coax or optical digital output? He is using the optical and it seems to have a synch problem with his older digital receiver.
I have my dvr connect to my tv on the analog jacks and never seem to have audio problems, other than broadcasts a second behind regular tv.

Paul

I am usisng optical outs

If you have the option of trying the coax out, I would do so and see if the problem persists.

P

I checked when I got home from work, and I do use the coax already. HTPC uses optical, and the cable box uses the coax.

good to know. What kind of receiver are you using?

Watching Florida vs. Tennessee on wrgb. What a mess in PQ. Ya gotta love the subchannels.

Originally posted by Paul B. Musser
good to know. What kind of receiver are you using?

Denon 3801.

Originally posted by cliftonmets
Watching Florida vs. Tennessee on wrgb. What a mess in PQ. Ya gotta love the subchannels.

I been watching the game and agree about the picture quality, however last seasons SEC games didn't have this problem even with the UPN sub-channel broadcast.

I was getting bad audio breakups too, until the last SARA update. Of course, now I have an audio sync problem.

I've got a Denon 1803 Receiver using a toslink cable I believe.

Originally posted by esposj
I'm having a bear of a time with the DVR the last week or so.

1. Audio breakups on HDTV until a pause and unpause take place.
2. I missed a recording tonight :( The apprentice was supposed to be recorded and wasn't.

The audio is pretty bad. It happens with great regularity, and only on the HD channels..

Note to WTEN - Please do not forget to switch back to HD tonight on MNF after inserting the station i.d. After 3 games we shouldn't have to deal with this.

FWIW - the UF-Tenn. game looked great on D* so most certainly your problems were related to WRGB-DT.

Does anyone have any info on these guys? I recorded Third Watch on Fri, watched it last night and no HD. Same thing happened with Vegas.
Are there really problems or are they just not "flipping the switch".

It just drives me up a wall!!:mad:

I hope those frustrated with "asleep at the wheel" Master Control Operators are e-mailing the appropriate Chief Engineers. The more aware that we are all watching the HD channel, the more strict quality-control will become.

Very few MCO's own HDTVs, and therefore very few MCO's have it on their mental critical priority list.

Originally posted by MasterFX1
I hope those frustrated with "asleep at the wheel" Master Control Operators are e-mailing the appropriate Chief Engineers. The more aware that we are all watching the HD channel, the more strict quality-control will become.

Very few MCO's own HDTVs, and therefore very few MCO's have it on their mental critical priority list.


I'd love to email WNYT Chief Engineers. I usual catch an attitude when I call. Do yo have the email for WNTY?

ALBANYHDTV.COM has the list: http://albanyhdtv.homestead.com/email_links.html

Originally posted by jpeter1093
ALBANYHDTV.COM has the list: http://albanyhdtv.homestead.com/email_links.html


Thanks

Originally posted by Tconnors
I recorded Third Watch on Fri, watched it last night and no HD.

I posted the exact same thing in the AlbanyHDTV forum (http://albanyhdtv.proboards18.com/index.cgi?board=Programs&action=display&num=1095645802) yesterday. I saw a 2" +/- black box around the perimeter of my TV screen for Third Watch. I emailed WNYT Chief Engineer Richard Klein last night. No response as of yet.

does anyone have an opinion on centering our discussion either here or on albanyhdtv.com? It is somewhat annoying checking both sites.

I don't mean to start a warm, so if this seems to off topic or inappropriate, please delete this or let me know so I can.

I think AlbanyHDTV.com is much more in-depth in terms of layout of information, but some people wander here as well, so I wouldn't want to end the thread. When there's big info, I obviously put it on both sites and so does Skaggs.

All I can say is last week I purchased the Mitsubishi DLP 52525 hooked it up to the TWC SA 8300HD and MNF will never be the same, unbelievable PQ.

I live in North Greenbush. Does anyone know if I can get WRGB with an indoor OTA antenna? Thank you for any help.

Edit: How much improvement in PQ should I expect when I hookup my HDMI to HDMI? Again, any info is greatly appreciated.

ok why is TWC offering the 8300HD and the 8000HD or are they droping the 8000HD. also does the 8300 HD have the same multiroom capabilities as the 8300MR (multiroom)?

Ken Greene: my understanding is TWC will be slowly dropping the SA8000. This is what they told me when picking up my requested 8300HD.
For those of you interested in the 8300HD, if you get one, make sure you get the AT8400 remote. This is the correct remote for the 8300HD. Other TWC remotes work to change channels but don't provide all the set-up options.

Just catching-up on some older threads here...

I believe that WNYT and WTEN are still manually switching into and out of HD feeds, while WRGB has a more "hands-off" approach that follows tally on the MC switcher.

On that note, I was watching "Raymond", "2 and a 1/2 Men" and "CSI" tonight on WRGB (6-1)...noticed that the audio would drop-out when the "6" ghost bug come in and out. Anyone else notice this??

As always, it is great to see this stuff OTA...cable looks AWFUL!!!

Originally posted by lufters
It was very annoying last night.

You won't see this with Fox due to New Splicer System Technology...


"Circumventing traditional master control switchers, the new “Fox Splicer System” will be deployed at each station and enable them to insert SD commercials and programming materials with the network’s HD feed before it goes out to viewers. The system will also allow logo and station I.D. insertion without requiring the decoding of the 720p MPEG stream back to baseband. This will help maintain high quality images and reduce operational problems often associated with these types of contribution systems."


http://by1fd.bay1.hotmail.msn.com/cgi-bin/hmhome?curmbox=F000000001&a=124ff830dce7d6f51d5e1e1807722d0e

http://www.satelliteanalysis.com/splicer.htm

Sat-Matt-
Haven't noticed the Audio/Logo Bug issue on WRGB. They do have some known issues with their HD feed, they are working hard to correct it. When they got their CC working (Which they legally have to do) it seemed to trigger some hiccups in PQ.

I do agree that the HD channels that are available both on TWC and OTA look MUCH MUCH better OTA. Cable is obviously cherry-picking the datastream to use a lower data rate.

After reading about the box needing a reboot to disable the evening sleep problem, I have noticed this morning that I can channel surf the HD channels with out doing the pause dance.


Originally posted by m_jonis
I was getting bad audio breakups too, until the last SARA update. Of course, now I have an audio sync problem.

I've got a Denon 1803 Receiver using a toslink cable I believe.

Local NFL in HD for Week 3:

Sunday 9/26
WRGB-DT Cleveland Browns at New York Giants 1:00pm (OTA Only)
WXXA-DT Philadelphia Eagles at Detroit Lions 1:00pm (TWC Only)
WXXA-DT Green Bay Packers at Indianapolis Colts 4:15pm (TWC Only)
ESPN-HD Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Oakland Raiders 8:35pm (TWC & Satellite Only)

Monday 9/27
WTEN-DT Dallas Cowboys @ Washington Redskins 9:05pm (OTA & TWC)

Listing does not include the DirecTV NFL Sunday Ticket lineup.

Note that for those of us with NFLST, the first three games will not be on D* in HD. The first game will be available OTA, but the second two will not be available in HD, unless you also have TWC. What is holding up WXXA's OTA transmission - government approval or transmission technology purchase and implementation? They obviously have the technology to pass TWC a digital signal.

Re: WXXA's OTA holdup

WXXA recently applied for and was granted a rf channel change from 4 to 7. They could not buy OTA equipment until they knew for sure what rf channel it would be on... Now they they know for sure they'll be on 7, they can order and implement the equipment. This is not stuff you can buy at Wal-Mart, Radio Shack or Best Buy. After an order is placed, it's months before the company delivers and weeks after that for the local engineers to wrestle with it.

As a side note, our local UPN affiliate WNYA has applied for the now vacant channel 4.

Note that for those of us with NFLST, the first three games will not be on D* in HD. The first game will be available OTA, but the second two will not be available in HD, unless you also have TWC. What is holding up WXXA's OTA transmission - government approval or transmission technology purchase and implementation? They obviously have the technology to pass TWC a digital signal.

Originally posted by ramcm7
Note that for those of us with NFLST, the first three games will not be on D* in HD. The first game will be available OTA, but the second two will not be available in HD, unless you also have TWC. What is holding up WXXA's OTA transmission - government approval or transmission technology purchase and implementation? They obviously have the technology to pass TWC a digital signal.


....and obviously WRGB has the technology to pass their HD signal to TWC!!

What the Hel% is WRGB's Deal?!?! We have seen WNYT and ESPN-HD come on board TWC in recent months.

You all wondered why I only picked on WRGB!! They are the only one that's holding out for whatever reason right now!! (Holding me hostage again during the NFL Season). :mad:

TWC is picking up the mutlicast second stations on WNYT and WTEN. I believe that was the main issue.

What's up WRGB?? :confused:


Their benefit of the Doubt is coming to an end!!

www.boycottwrgb.com coming next week!!!! :D

Lufters, I finally agree... the fight is all but lost in my opinion. However...

WXXA is holding me hostage... I have to sign up for quite a bit TWC services in order to see FOX HD. And if the local Football games are all I want, the TWC bill will quickly dwarf the cost of an OTA receiver and antenna hookup. WXXA could have been OTA by now, but they chose to apply for a channel change... why? To stall the process and defer the cost of building an OTA Transmitter?... maybe. Sarge will tell you he felt there was too much interference on rf 4, but other Chief Engineers site that as a lame reason. Evidence of this is that UPN affiliate WNYA had applied for the now vacant rf 4.

Furthermore, it is obvious to most viewers with a decent size HDTV, that the OTA PQ is WAY better than TWC's watered-down version. Jeez, Lufters, you can't stand multicasting because it degrades the HD picture, but if TWC further compresses it, how can that be better... or even the same? Case and point... the Olympics. They didn't look that good OTA, but TWC looked absolutely horrible.

Finally, as I said above... I believe WRGB has lost the fight for the most part, unless they are going to be ok with the WRGB-HD feed being part of the ESPN-HD/HDnet/HDnet Movies Premium Tier. The bigger reason things still appear to be stalled is that no one with the authority from Freedom Broadcasting (WRGB's Owner) lives or works in the Capital Region, so they are not as aware of the dynamic changes quickly occuring in our market. I doubt very much that the ESPN-HD on TWC Albany info has filtered up the totem pole yet.

BTW- Time Warner did cave to ESPN-HD's demands, TWC is paying for the signal. They had previously stated they refuse to pay anything for content they already receive in SD or Analog.

Originally posted by MasterFX1
Lufters, I finally agree... the fight is all but lost in my opinion. However...

WXXA is holding me hostage... I have to sign up for quite a bit TWC services in order to see FOX HD. And if the local Football games are all I want, the TWC bill will quickly dwarf the cost of an OTA receiver and antenna hookup. WXXA could have been OTA by now, but they chose to apply for a channel change... why? To stall the process and defer the cost of building an OTA Transmitter?... maybe. Sarge will tell you he felt there was too much interference on rf 4, but other Chief Engineers site that as a lame reason. Evidence of this is that UPN affiliate WNYA had applied for the now vacant rf 4.

Furthermore, it is obvious to most viewers with a decent size HDTV, that the OTA PQ is WAY better than TWC's watered-down version. Jeez, Lufters, you can't stand multicasting because it degrades the HD picture, but if TWC further compresses it, how can that be better... or even the same? Case and point... the Olympics. They didn't look that good OTA, but TWC looked absolutely horrible.

Finally, as I said above... I believe WRGB has lost the fight for the most part, unless they are going to be ok with the WRGB-HD feed being part of the ESPN-HD/HDnet/HDnet Movies Premium Tier. The bigger reason things still appear to be stalled is that no one with the authority from Freedom Broadcasting (WRGB's Owner) lives or works in the Capital Region, so they are not as aware of the dynamic changes quickly occuring in our market. I doubt very much that the ESPN-HD on TWC Albany info has filtered up the totem pole yet.

BTW- Time Warner did cave to ESPN-HD's demands, TWC is paying for the signal. They had previously stated they refuse to pay anything for content they already receive in SD or Analog.


One fight at a time! TWC will be next on my list about the watered down HD. I have to get all the stations onboard first!! :D

Anybody have contact info for Freedom Broadcasting?? I'll send them a real nice E-mail!! :D

Originally posted by lufters
Anybody have contact info for Freedom Broadcasting?? I'll send them a real nice E-mail!! :D

Freedom Communication Officers:

Alan J. Bell
President and Chief Executive Officer
Abell@link.freedom.com

Richard A. Wallace
Vice President of Corporate Affairs
Dwallace@link.freedom.com

Doreen Wade
President of Freedom Broadcasting, Inc.
doreen_wade@link.freedom.com

Originally posted by AlbanyHDTV
Freedom Communication Officers:

Alan J. Bell
President and Chief Executive Officer
Abell@link.freedom.com

Richard A. Wallace
Vice President of Corporate Affairs
Dwallace@link.freedom.com

Doreen Wade
President of Freedom Broadcasting, Inc.
doreen_wade@link.freedom.com


Has anyone e-mailed these guys yet??

Originally posted by MasterFX1
WXXA could have been OTA by now, but they chose to apply for a channel change... why? To stall the process and defer the cost of building an OTA Transmitter?... maybe. Sarge will tell you he felt there was too much interference on rf 4, but other Chief Engineers site that as a lame reason. Evidence of this is that UPN affiliate WNYA had applied for the now vacant rf 4.

There's an entire thread here dedicated to the problems of low-VHF channels for digital TV. I'm struggling with it myself, as it's all but impossible to pick up WKYC-DT 2 here in the Cleveland market with an amplified indoor antenna... unless you basically get lucky.

Whether dropping the assigned channel DT 4 without building it out, and moving to another channel, is a good thing...is another matter.

Originally posted by Inundated
There's an entire thread here dedicated to the problems of low-VHF channels for digital TV. I'm struggling with it myself, as it's all but impossible to pick up WKYC-DT 2 here in the Cleveland market with an amplified indoor antenna... unless you basically get lucky.


There's four problems;

1. Indoor antennas are always a poor choice for DTV.

2. Amplifiers are useful to overcome losses in a downlead. With an indoor antenna, there's no downlead loss to overcome. The amplifier amplifies the noise as much as the signal.

3. The amount of noise on the low band TV channels vary, channel 2 is the worst.

4. An antenna on channel 2 needs to be about 8 feet long to work effectively, too big for indoors.

Lufters,

Could you elaborate on the "watered down HD"? When I'm able to get OTA (which I have to compare "apples to apples" so I'm using WNYT) compared to TWC, I see little difference.

Is there something else you're referring to?

Do we know that TWC is "compressing" the signal? I know that in NC, TW has stated on the the AVS forums that they do NOT "'monkey" with the signal in any way in terms of compression (but from what I've heard, not all cable companies are this way--notably COX).

Is it also possible that the HD SA boxes are scaling some of the signals and not doing it as well as say, one's STB for OTA? I know my Samsung OTA has a scalar in it that will output stuff (but my MITS TV also has an internal scalar). Some scalars work better than others. (know of a way to by-pass the SA scalar?)

--Kevin


Originally posted by lufters
One fight at a time! TWC will be next on my list about the watered down HD. I have to get all the stations onboard first!! :D

Anybody have contact info for Freedom Broadcasting?? I'll send them a real nice E-mail!! :D

Originally posted by Tower Guy
Indoor antennas are always a poor choice for DTV.

I live in a condo with limited exposure to the northwest, where the Cleveland market DT stations are located. I have limited options, and cannot put up a roof antenna. I also have no attic - just a high loft window - so even if I could get an antenna (outdoor style) up there, it'd look awful and be visible.

Amplifiers are useful to overcome losses in a downlead. With an indoor antenna, there's no downlead loss to overcome. The amplifier amplifies the noise as much as the signal.

True, I'd imagine. But the amplified indoor antenna does help me get stations that do not come in otherwise...i.e. low-band VHF WOIO-DT 10, for one, which I'm watching right now. The problem appears to be that the amplification of DT 2 is amplifiying a lot more noise than on DT 10.

The amount of noise on the low band TV channels vary, channel 2 is the worst.

And that happens to be where our NBC affiliate is, DT wise. I don't know how much better DT 4 will be in a market like Albany.

It's just frustrating to me that I can get even a lower-powered high-VHF station like WOIO-DT 10 with my amplified indoor antenna, and basically have to hope I can find a spot to get WKYC-DT 2... and suspect folks who do not have large, rooftop antennas will have similar problems with your DT 4 if it ever gets on the air.

Originally posted by m_jonis
Lufters,

Could you elaborate on the "watered down HD"? When I'm able to get OTA (which I have to compare "apples to apples" so I'm using WNYT) compared to TWC, I see little difference.

Is there something else you're referring to?

Do we know that TWC is "compressing" the signal? I know that in NC, TW has stated on the the AVS forums that they do NOT "'monkey" with the signal in any way in terms of compression (but from what I've heard, not all cable companies are this way--notably COX).

Is it also possible that the HD SA boxes are scaling some of the signals and not doing it as well as say, one's STB for OTA? I know my Samsung OTA has a scalar in it that will output stuff (but my MITS TV also has an internal scalar). Some scalars work better than others. (know of a way to by-pass the SA scalar?)

--Kevin

You need to check with MasterFX1.....he says that the Picture Quality during the Olympics on TWC (WNYT-1813) was worse than OTA. I haven't compared TWC and OTA yet.

Originally posted by lufters
You need to check with MasterFX1.....he says that the Picture Quality during the Olympics on TWC (WNYT-1813) was worse than OTA. I haven't compared TWC and OTA yet.

I see the greatest difference comparing PBS|HD TWC 1811 to OTA 17-3. From what I understand, TWC uses a device called a "Cherry-Picker" which re-compresses at a Variable Bit Rate. I don't know for sure what TWC's process is for converting the affiliates' datastream into the TWC system.

...One thing's for sure, the cable feed cannot be better than the OTA feed. Something has to be done to the signal to put it on the cable system.

BTW, It is interesting to note that it is technically possible for Cable and Satellite systems to provide better than OTA-Full Bandwidth quality, but much would need to be done on both the affiliate and cable sides. A station or network could send out a signal that surpasses the OTA limit of 19.3 Mb/s to cable or sat. Cable and/or sat would then have to send it out to STB's capable of receiving this Super-high bandwidth feed. CBS sends its HD feed to affiliates at around 45Mb/s. That's more than double the OTA limit. If WRGB made two independent encodes... one for OTA (at 19.3Mb/s) and one for cable (at 45Mb/s)... and if TWC modified how they input signals and replace the existing STB's with yet to be manufactured High-Bandwidth STBs... You could have a cable or sat feed that's superior to OTA. Don't hold your breath waiting for this in your lifetime. Another BTW: True Uncompressed Full-Spec Broadcast Quality HD is 1.5Gb/s... yes that's Gb/s!

Local NFL in HD for Week 4:

10/3
NY Giants @ Green Bay Packers - FOX, 1pm (TWC Only)
New England Patriots @ Buffalo Bills - CBS, 1pm (OTA Only)
NY Jets @ Miami Dolphins - CBS, 4:15pm (OTA Only)
St. Louis Rams @ San Fransisco 49ers - ESPN, 8:35pm (Satellite & TWC)

10/4
Kansas City Chiefs @ Baltimore Ravens - ABC, 9:05pm (OTA & TWC)

Note: This does not include HD games available on DirecTV's NFL Sunday Ticket.

Finally, Bills in HD!

BTW, has 45-1 OTA been a little weak lately, or do I need to repoint my antenna?

Program Note: CBS has informed WRGB that it will not be providing Dolby Digital 5.1 for NFL games this Sunday. Best guess is that it's related to last Sunday's audio difficulties.

Regarding the DD5.1 issue on CBS NFL:

According to the AVS Moderator in the HDTV Programming thread, he said that the truck used for the Dolphins game is experiencing a hardware issue.

Here is exact quote from the moderator:
"There is no DD 5.1 for the N.Y. Jets @ Miami game today, due to a hardware issue with the truck doing that game. It will also affect 2 more CBS games, one next week and one the week after. From that point forward the issue should be resolved."

having breakup problems on 13 OTA the last two days - anyone else?

Local NFL in HD for Week 5:

10/10
NY Giants @ Dallas Cowboys - FOX, 1pm (TWC Only)
Carolina Panthers @ Denver Broncos- FOX, 4:15pm (TWC Only)
Buffalo Bills @ NY Jets - CBS, 4:05pm (OTA Only)
Baltimore Ravens @ Washington Redskins- ESPN, 8:35pm (Satellite & TWC)

10/11
Tennessee Titans @ Green Bay Packers - ABC, 9:05pm (OTA & TWC)

Note: This does not include HD games available on DirecTV's NFL Sunday Ticket.

Originally posted by justman
having breakup problems on 13 OTA the last two days - anyone else?

Yes. I was getting a bunch of pops and breakups like I was on 45-1 (yes, I repointed the antenna). I checked the signal level on my HTL-HD and it was quite high. Glad to hear it's not just me.

I don't know who's to blame, but the Yankee game on Fox is some of the worst looking HD I've seen. I hope we can expect better for the World Series.

Originally posted by JeffKB
I don't know who's to blame, but the Yankee game on Fox is some of the worst looking HD I've seen. I hope we can expect better for the World Series. It's not HD. It's 480i widescreen SD.

That would certainly explain things. My SA3250 is set to pass thru mode and my projector is getting a 720p signal so they must be upconverting.

I'm using TW's Digital Cable (w/RoadRunner) System in Albany, NY. I have (1) CRT DTV and (2) Analog TV's. When the picture being displayed on the screen of any TV is dark, I notice a faint scroll (bar?) across the entire display moving from the bottom to the top. This phenomena is not noticeable when the picture being displayed is bright/colorful. My RoadRunner connection is fine. A TW technician came to my house, put his meter on an inside connector and said the signal strength was fine. He suggested the most likely reason for the scrolling I observed was caused by the cable (RG59) used in my home. To prove his theory, I purchased a pre-made RG6 cable and ran the connection from where TW terminates into the house, directly to my TV and saw no improvement in the video signal. During my test only the DTV was connected to TW Cable. My house is set back ~200' from the road and I'm wondering if the length of the cable from the telephone pole, or the shielding used for the buried cable, may be at issue. I'm under the impression the TW Service Rep. was blowing smoke to avoid climbing telephone poles in search of a bad repeater, etc. Any advice/recommendations regarding how to clean up/boost the quality of my video signal is appreciated.

Originally posted by optivity
I'm using TW's Digital Cable (w/RoadRunner) System in Albany, NY. I have (1) CRT DTV and (2) Analog TV's. When the picture being displayed on the screen of any TV is dark, I notice a faint scroll (bar?) across the entire display moving from the bottom to the top. This phenomena is not noticeable when the picture being displayed is bright/colorful. My RoadRunner connection is fine. A TW technician came to my house, put his meter on an inside connector and said the signal strength was fine. He suggested the most likely reason for the scrolling I observed was caused by the cable (RG59) used in my home. To prove his theory, I purchased a pre-made RG6 cable and ran the connection from where TW terminates into the house, directly to my TV and saw no improvement in the video signal. During my test only the DTV was connected to TW Cable. My house is set back ~200' from the road and I'm wondering if the length of the cable from the telephone pole, or the shielding used for the buried cable, may be at issue. I'm under the impression the TW Service Rep. was blowing smoke to avoid climbing telephone poles in search of a bad repeater, etc. Any advice/recommendations regarding how to clean up/boost the quality of my video signal is appreciated.

Are you seeing this on HD channels? If so, it doesn't sound like a problem between TWC and your STB. HD channels, for the most part, remain as 1's and 0's until they get to the STB.

Originally posted by optivity
I notice a faint scroll (bar?) across the entire display moving from the bottom to the top.
Perhaps a ground loop? Try running all your equipment off the same electrical circuit. If that doesn't work, I believe there is quite a bit of info on ground loops floating around the forum. You may be able to search and get some info to help solve your problem.

I would vote for a ground loop as well...

i see the same thing here don't notice it on hd chanels or on my tv without a cable box. I have not contacted TW yet as i am to busy installing radiant floor heat in my house

Were the Yankees in HD on ESPN-HD?

I was at a buddies house last night (he has an HDTV) to watch the Yankees (in HD). The game wasn't in HD! Or if it was, the picture sucked. I'll be buying a HDTV next month and was looking forward to getting (paying extra) for ESPN-HD, but if they can't even broadcast a highly watched playoff game in HD, I wonder if it's worth paying extra for that channel. Sorry to rant- I was just looking forward to watching the game in HD.

MasterFX1, JeffKB, jpeter1093:

Thanks for your response, I will pursue the ground loop issue. Do you think a ground loop eliminator will clean up the signal, or will it require an outside cable replacement by TimeWarner?

timick1:

I'm not sure, but I think ESPN-HD is broadcast using 720p format. If your friend's TV only supports 1080i, this may be the reason the picture did not look as good as you expected.

There are a lot of different technology's being used to provide and display High-Definition programming, and the manufacturer's intentionally hold-back or nickel & dime many features so they can roll-out the next generation of displays year after year with new (many times already existing) capabilities to keep their price points high.

For example: I don't believe any manufacturer offers (2) internal ATSC tuners at this point, but someday they will.

ESPN-HD/ABC-HD "Blew their HD wad" on the higher-rated Sunday Night and Monday Night Football games. They do not have enough HD trucks to cover the Divisional Series.

Originally posted by JeffKB
Perhaps a ground loop? Try running all your equipment off the same electrical circuit. If that doesn't work, I believe there is quite a bit of info on ground loops floating around the forum. You may be able to search and get some info to help solve your problem.

Ground loops occur whenever the bare and white wires are connected together in places that are outside of the main electrical panel. This causes neutral current to flow in the ground wire. This neutral current then tries to flow in your video and audio cables as well. Hum in video and audio is the result.

Has anyone on the Albany, NY TimeWarner cable system obtained the new Explorer 8300HD DVR?

I believe they are available.

Re: Explorer 8300

Hot topic over on AlbanyHDTV.com...

http://albanyhdtv.proboards18.com/index.cgi?board=boxes&action=display&num=1095366765

I just ordered a Explorer 8300HD from TWC. Does anybody kno where I can buy a HDMI to HDCP adapter in the capital region, preferably in Saratoga?

why isnt bills jets in HD on 6-1? It is HD on direct tv today ch 98, but its blacked out because of local broadcast.

frustrated again

EDIT - its HD now - flipped the switch

Cold Case is not in HiDef tonight. I called WRGB and was told that because the football game ran long, it messed (something) up and it would be in Standard Definition. Pretty poor when you consider that I have an OTA receiver to receive one channel in HD (all others available on TW), and they can't get their schedule together. Also somewhat questionable in that they had the entire "60 Minutes" broadcast to straighten out whatever the problem is.

After some minor aggravation and the threat to cancel my HD-DVR (Explorer 8000HD DVR), digital cable and HBO package (keeping standard cable and Road Runner) the "Customer dis-Service" people for Time Warner at Rotterdam, NY; allowed me to swap out my current DVR for the new Explorer 8300HD DVR.

I have the component interface connected to a Panasonic 36" 4:3 CRT HDTV (plasma to come soon) which supports 480i/480p/1080i scan resolutions. I noticed for the 8300 HDTV Setup Wizard scan resolutions 480i Std./Wide, 480p s/w, 720p and 1080i are available; however I could not access the 720p selection. Any reason why this setting is not available, is it because my TV does not support 720p? Under the General Settings list for the 8300, I have set the Picture Mode to: Pass-Through and the TV will automatically switch its display settings when changing from SD to HD channels. Does anyone know what the capabilities are for the Upconvert-1 and Upconvert-2 settings?

Just an FYI... If there is anyone using Albany, Time Warner cable and wants an upgrade to the Explorer 8300HD DVR, don't take no.... or we are "all-out" for an answer. I called the TW Customer Service people a number of times last Friday and got a "different story" each time from their representatives. When I went in person to the TW Rotterdam (main) location with DVR in hand and was ready to cancel their digital service, I had my new receiver about 2 minutes later. So much for not having any in stock!!!

With a cable bill of $112/month and growing.... I "love" the way TW treats it's customers!!! BTW.... where does $112/month place me regarding TW's average customer bill for Albany, NY?

FYI- $112/mo is what I'm paying for 42 HD channels via VOOM satellite. Sure, that does not include broadband internet or DVR, but it's a lot more HD than the 13 channels TWC offers.

Unfortunately, I live in a heavily wooded area with no clear view of the southern horizon so satellite service is not an option.

High-speed Internet access is a priority for me and I am very satisfied with TW regarding this service.

"is it because my TV does not support 720p?"

Yes.

Also, check out the HDTV Recorder topic on the forum for the 8300 thread, it explains the upconvert1 and 2

Originally posted by optivity
Unfortunately, I live in a heavily wooded area with no clear view of the southern horizon so satellite service is not an option.


One of the advantages of Voom is that the "look angle" of their satellite is much higher in the sky than DirecTV or Dish. In Albany it's 39.2 degrees up from the horizon at 162.2 degrees azimuth. With that satellite location you can be closer to trees and still see over them.

Local NFL in HD for Week 6:

10/17
San Fransisco 49ers @ NY Jets - FOX, 1pm (TWC Only)
Pittsburgh Steelers @ Dallas Cowboys - CBS, 4:15pm (OTA Only)
Minnesota Vikings @ New Orleans Saints - ESPN, 8:35pm (Satellite & TWC)

10/18
Tampa Bay Buccaneers @ St. Louis Rams - ABC, 9:05pm (OTA & TWC)

Note: The 1pm CBS Bills game is not being produced in HD.
Note: This does not include HD games available on DirecTV's NFL Sunday Ticket.

Why does HD look better (seems to be much better) on Monday Night Football (ABC) rather than the Fox baseball playoff games? The games are being watched on via Time Warner cable.

Not sure which "digi"package I've got, but it's basic, standard, HBO, SHOW, "digital tier", road Runner, one digital convert, one HD DVR unit for about $98.96 with taxes.

given that RR is $45/month plus taxes, that means the "cable" portion is about $53.00

Keep in mind, I switched from satellite (at the time, DTV's "equivalent" package was $89.99/month and $10/month extra for the HD SHOW and HD HBO). Plus no locals and their crappy service (this was like 3-4 years ago).



Originally posted by optivity
<snip>

With a cable bill of $112/month and growing.... I "love" the way TW treats it's customers!!! BTW.... where does $112/month place me regarding TW's average customer bill for Albany, NY? [/B]

On October 5, 2004, I posted the current Albany TWC rates at AlbanyHDTV.com (http://albanyhdtv.homestead.com/TWCrates.html).

These rates are broken down item by item and were included in the October bill.

Ok, so who can help me? I am presently watching the Dallas/Pittsburgh game on TWC. I am watching it on a Mitsubishi DLP 52725 which has an internal scaler. The television is broadcasting in 720P standard which is pillarboxed and looks pretty good considering it's being upconverted. Why when I switch my TWC remote to 480i standard is the picture in 16:9? Why is the 480i in 16:9 and the 720P pillarboxed? 720 stretched fills the screen but doesn't look nearly as good.

Next question:

If I swith to my OTA which is in my townhouse in Northgreenbush and go to channel 6/CBS, the PQ is terrible and also in 480i. I cannot get this in 1080i, why? This game is being broadcast in HD correct? Also why can't I see any of the sub-channels and why is no channel information present? My owners manual states the channels send the info over the air and if available the TV will recognize it.

Thank you in advance for anyone who helps with these questions.

I'll reply to your 1st question by suggesting that when you switch to 480i, either the TV or the cable box is stretching the picture to fill the screen. It is not really 16:9.

Paul

Originally posted by Mac3150
If I swith to my OTA which is in my townhouse in Northgreenbush and go to channel 6/CBS, the PQ is terrible and also in 480i. I cannot get this in 1080i, why? This game is being broadcast in HD correct?

Maybe you OTA STB is outputting the wrong display format, my STB can display 480i/480p/720p/1080i at a touch of a button and could be easily overlooked.

Make sure your using the proper cables to deliver the HD signal to your television, this includes component/DVI/VGA cables. Composite and standard 75ohm cable won't work here.

Slam-A-Lam-A Ding-Dong! Go Yankees!

Originally posted by BreakStuff
Maybe you OTA STB is outputting the wrong display format, my STB can display 480i/480p/720p/1080i at a touch of a button and could be easily overlooked.

Make sure your using the proper cables to deliver the HD signal to your television, this includes component/DVI/VGA cables. Composite and standard 75ohm cable won't work here.

Slam-A-Lam-A Ding-Dong! Go Yankees!

The OTA antenna I am using is an inside antenna from Radio Shack. I don't have a STB(Set Top Box?). The antenna is hooked directly into the TV. The antenna is rated for HDTV but hooks up with a coaxial cable so it should work. Any other suggestions?

I too can switch formats at a switch of a button but as I said earlier I cannot get CBS in HD.

Originally posted by Mac3150
Ok, so who can help me? I am presently watching the Dallas/Pittsburgh game on TWC. I am watching it on a Mitsubishi DLP 52725 which has an internal scaler. The television is broadcasting in 720P standard which is pillarboxed and looks pretty good considering it's being upconverted. Why when I switch my TWC remote to 480i standard is the picture in 16:9? Why is the 480i in 16:9 and the 720P pillarboxed? 720 stretched fills the screen but doesn't look nearly as good.

Next question:

If I swith to my OTA which is in my townhouse in Northgreenbush and go to channel 6/CBS, the PQ is terrible and also in 480i. I cannot get this in 1080i, why? This game is being broadcast in HD correct? Also why can't I see any of the sub-channels and why is no channel information present? My owners manual states the channels send the info over the air and if available the TV will recognize it.

Thank you in advance for anyone who helps with these questions.


Thank you everyone who responded. I figured out what I was doing wrong and right now I have CBS in HD.

Originally posted by Mac3150
Thank you everyone who responded. I figured out what I was doing wrong and right now I have CBS in HD.

Could you please tell us what you were doing wrong and how you fixed it? It might be helpful to others sometime :)

My son is considering a Mitsubishi DLP...how do you like yours? My Brother-in-Law in Canada got the 61 inch Mits DLP and LOVES it!!!

Wordz

Master FX,
Will we get to see the Pats stomp the Jets in HD next week?

Paul

Originally posted by Paul B. Musser
Master FX,
Will we get to see the Pats stomp the Jets in HD next week?

Paul

Yes, 4pm on WRGB. However, the "Stomp" remains to be seen.

I'll give my usual HD NFL programming report tomorrow.

Originally posted by Wordz
Could you please tell us what you were doing wrong and how you fixed it? It might be helpful to others sometime :)

My son is considering a Mitsubishi DLP...how do you like yours? My Brother-in-Law in Canada got the 61 inch Mits DLP and LOVES it!!!

Wordz


Wordz: I love my 52725. The PQ is amazing in HD. I think SD is very good as well. Unfortunately this is my second one, first I had the 52525, which has way too much glare for my taste. My 525 also had the tilt and reset issues you probably have read about on this thread. My 725 has the same issues and also the white line at the bottom of the screen when viewing a black screen as well as the bright spot toward the center bottom portion of the screen. My local dealer is scheduling a service call for me. We'll see what happens.

As for improving my OTA reception, I just performed the auto-scan for digital channels as instructed in the owners manual and now I'm receiving local OTA in HD when available.

UMR: have you had any luck with the same issues described above. I know you have the line and the spot. Has anything been done yet?

Local NFL in HD for Week 7

10/24
Detroit Lions @ NY Giants – FOX, 1pm (TWC Only)
Dallas Cowboys @ Green Bay Packers - FOX, 4:15pm (TWC Only)
N.Y. Jets @ New England Patriots – CBS, 4:05pm (OTA Only)

10/25
Denver Broncos @ Cincinatti Bengals – ABC, 9:05pm (TWC & OTA)

Note: NFL.com does not have a Sunday Night game listed for week 7, ESPN’s website has nothing scheduled for the timeslot.
Note: This does not include HD games available on DirecTV's NFL Sunday Ticket.

Anyone getting reception down by the river in the Cohoes/North Troy area? I ask because it's kind of in a little valley, so that might affect reception. Thanks...

If you're in that watervliet/cohoes valley you can attempt to aim for the reflections off the Hudson Riverfront.

Originally posted by MasterFX1
If you're in that watervliet/cohoes valley you can attempt to aim for the reflections off the Hudson Riverfront.

Okay, thanks. Is there a certain kind of (indoor) antenna that might be best for this kind of situation?

BTW i think i can see Bald mountain from my apartment. Does any HD come from up there?

One thing is for sure, i do get WNYT channel 13 (analog) very strong, since it totally ghosts up my cable reception on that same channel.

Originally posted by mogbert
Anyone getting reception down by the river in the Cohoes/North Troy area? I ask because it's kind of in a little valley, so that might affect reception. Thanks...

I would not expect an indoor antenna to work in Downtown Cohoes. Trying for a caroom off of Bald Mountain is not likely to work either. A directional antenna that minimuzes ghosting is the right answer. Of course that should work on the roof, but an attic location might be almost as good.

Local NFL in HD for Week 8:

10/31
NY Giants @ Minnesota Vikings - FOX, 1pm (TWC Only)
Baltimore Ravens @ Philadelphia Eagles - CBS, 1pm (OTA Only)
New England Patriots @ Pittsburgh Steelers - CBS, 4:15pm (OTA Only)
San Fransisco 49ers @ Chicago Bears - ESPN, 8:30pm (Satellite & TWC)

11/1
Miami Dolphins @ NY Jets - ABC, 9:05pm (OTA & TWC)

Note: This does not include HD games available on DirecTV's NFL Sunday Ticket.

MasterFX1 Posted:

Local NFL in HD for Week 8:

10/31
NY Giants @ Minnesota Vikings - FOX, 1pm (TWC Only)


After the Giants performance last week against Detroit and with rain in the forecast on Saturday... I think I'll pass... and do some yard work this Sunday instead!!!

With HDTV, the Giants look better than ever while screwing up!!!

Originally posted by optivity
After the Giants performance last week against Detroit and with rain in the forecast on Saturday... I think I'll pass... and do some yard work this Sunday instead!!!

With HDTV, the Giants look better than ever while screwing up!!!

Could you pass the rest of the season? ;)

Originally posted by ProTuber
Could you pass the rest of the season? ;)

Sorry, but I'm too much of a "fair weather" fan to do that. Their dismal performance against Detroit provided the perfect motivation to go out and do some yard-work yesterday. Although I missed the live action, I enjoyed watching the game on my DVR last night. The Giants should be able to handle Chicago at home next week (just like Detroit), but unfortunately the yard and getting things buttoned up for winter takes priority this time of year.

(FYI, I've been watching the Giants for so.... long.... I saw "the Fumble" live!!!)

Local NFL in HD for Week 9:

11/7
NY Jets @ Buffalo Bills - CBS, 1pm (OTA Only)
New England Patriots @ St. Louis Rams - CBS, 4:15pm (OTA Only)
Chicago Bears @ NY Giants - FOX, 4:05pm (TWC Only)
Cleveland Browns @ Baltimore Ravens - ESPN, 8:30pm (Satellite & TWC)

11/8
Minnesota Vikings @ Indianapolis Colts - ABC, 9:05pm (OTA & TWC)

Note: This does not include HD games available on DirecTV's NFL Sunday Ticket.

Lord of the Rings: Fellowship of the Ring in HD on WEWB.

WEWB-DT (WB) is showing the new classic, uncut, over two nights. 11/7 and 11/8. It's unknown wether it's OAR or the Theatrical/Extended version.

Note: WB network begins to offer affiliates programming with DD5.1 starting with this broadcast.

Is WB up to full strength yet?

Paul

Originally posted by Paul B. Musser
Is WB up to full strength yet?

Paul

I don't think so.

I tried again tonight to pull it in from Loudonville and could not get it.

Paul

I live in Loudonville. After purchasing a Terk 55 and not getting much reliable reception, I checked the antenna site, and noticed that I should be using a "Red" antenna. My Terk is mounted in the attic.

I get 6.1, 6.2, 10.1 fades in and out 13.1 seems ok. Mixed results with pbs on 17.3, but that is about it. I have noticed others talking about wb etc. Im considering either replacing this antenna or putting it on the roof. If I replace it, it seems like there are tons of options out there. I was hoping for some guidance.

Anyone else in this area slay this beast?

Thanks

Rick

Originally posted by optivity

(FYI, I've been watching the Giants for so.... long.... I saw "the Fumble" live!!!) [/B]

Knew someone that was at that game when I was in college. Grew up in NY listening to Marty Glickman on WOR in the 60's

Originally posted by ProTuber
Knew someone that was at that game when I was in college. Grew up in NY listening to Marty Glickman on WOR in the 60's

I've been watching the Giants for so long....

I can remember a Monday night game against Green Bay at Giants Stadium where the G-Men and Packers played to a 3-3-overtime tie, all the while being "chastised" by Howard Cosell.

It wasn't pretty...

Well, as of now, INHD and INHD2 are no longer part of the digital tier on TWC. They have been moved into the no-longer-free HD Premium tier with HDnet, HDnet Movies and ESPN-HD.

Originally posted by MasterFX1
Well, as of now, INHD and INHD2 are no longer part of the digital tier on TWC. They have been moved into the no-longer-free HD Premium tier with HDnet, HDnet Movies and ESPN-HD.

OK, I'll bite... If I have a TWC DigiPIC package with HBO, DVR and RoadRunner do I still get INHD and INHD2?

Originally posted by toolkas
I live in Loudonville. After purchasing a Terk 55 and not getting much reliable reception, I checked the antenna site, and noticed that I should be using a "Red" antenna. My Terk is mounted in the attic.

I was hoping for some guidance.

Anyone else in this area slay this beast?



I'd try the Terk on the roof. If you have a two story house, it may work OK under the eaves on the side of the house facing WSW. You may still have trouble with WB, but the others should be fine.

Originally posted by optivity
OK, I'll bite... If I have a TWC DigiPIC package with HBO, DVR and RoadRunner do I still get INHD and INHD2?

No, you need to subscribe to the HD Tier for an additional $3.95.

Originally posted by MasterFX1
No, you need to subscribe to the HD Tier for an additional $3.95.

Sure enough the stations you mentioned are no longer available. I called TW and was informed these stations were made available on a "preview" basis but would now cost an additional $3.95 a month. I was not aware these stations were being made available on a temporary basis and for $112+/mo I'm not inclined to throw any more $$ TW's way for something I thought I already had. This skinny down approach of their cable service and introduction of a higher-speed Internet connection smacks of some kind of nickel & dime scheme to beat a few extra $$ out of their customers...

I'm tempted to drop HBO...

Originally posted by toolkas
I live in Loudonville. After purchasing a Terk 55 and not getting much reliable reception, I checked the antenna site, and noticed that I should be using a "Red" antenna. My Terk is mounted in the attic.

I really don't think the Terk is a good choice here, in fact alot of people in the hardware forum just don't like the reception quality of Terk antennas.

A good quality antenna can be had for cheap and produce acceptable results from an attic installation.
Seems that most of your reception problems are on the UHF band so it might be best to stick to a UHF antenna. (6,10,17,45 DTV are UHF, 13 DTV is VHF)

Look here if your interested in purchasing a new antenna, myself along with others members here have purchased from this very company with a good product and fast delivery. (I use a Channel Master 3021)

http://www.starkelectronic.com/allant.htm

Originally posted by MasterFX1
Well, as of now, INHD and INHD2 are no longer part of the digital tier on TWC. They have been moved into the no-longer-free HD Premium tier with HDnet, HDnet Movies and ESPN-HD.

The thing is I subscribe to the HD Tier...I have HDNet and HDNet Movies and I no longer have INHD, INHD2 and ESPNHD. What the Hell is up with that??:mad:

Going to call TWC now.

Originally posted by lufters
The thing is I subscribe to the HD Tier...I have HDNet and HDNet Movies and I no longer have INHD, INHD2 and ESPNHD. What the Hell is up with that??:mad:

Going to call TWC now.

I believe TW added those stations to the HD Tier, you probably need to have them adjust the filters on your signal and send it down to/reboot your DVR. BTW... check out the 8300HD DVR, it's got a few new features added over the 8000.

Originally posted by optivity
I believe TW added those stations to the HD Tier, you probably need to have them adjust the filters on your signal and send it down to/reboot your DVR. BTW... check out the 8300HD DVR, it's got a few new features added over the 8000.

I'm all set now....they needed to adjust the filters. :p

Im using a Channel Master Model 5646 UHF/VHF/FM Antenna purchased from Stark Eltronics here in Loudonville. It's mounted in my attic and provides decent results, but not perfect. Sunday I noticed a few drop outs during football that may have been related to the strong winds. I have never seen chanel 45 (WB), and at times I have problems with WMHT.
Haven't been using it much now that TWC is broadcasting everyone besides CBS.

Paul

Originally posted by Paul B. Musser
....now that TWC is broadcasting everyone besides CBS.

and WB.

Eh, I did it...

upgraded to the DigiPIC 4000 package and added back the HDnet Digital Tier. TW managed to beat another $24/mo out of me... my cable bill is now $136/mo and climbing.

Wow! At $136/mo you should seriously look at satellite options.

Originally posted by MasterFX1
Wow! At $136/mo you should seriously look at satellite options.

This price does include a DVR and Internet access. I would be interested in trying satellite, but there are too many trees where I live and I have no view of the southern horizon.

Originally posted by optivity
Sure enough the stations you mentioned are no longer available. I called TW and was informed these stations were made available on a "preview" basis but would now cost an additional $3.95 a month. I called TWC and bitched about now having to pay for the INHD's. They gave me the HD Tier free for 6 months. More info posted here (http://albanyhdtv.proboards18.com/index.cgi?board=Lineup&action=display&num=1098104406).

How much would it cost me on satellite (any of them) to get the following:
1 HD box that gets the local HDs, plus all the "normal" cable channels (CNN, TNT etc) including HBO HD.
A second HD box that does all the above but is also an HD DVR.
A third, non HD DVR that gets the locals plus the "normal" cable channels.
2 more non HD boxes that pick up the locals plus the "normal" cable channels.

If I could get something that would do all that for less than $90, I would happily switch.

Paul

Originally posted by Paul B. Musser
How much would it cost me on satellite (any of them) to get the following:
1 HD box that gets the local HDs, plus all the "normal" cable channels (CNN, TNT etc) including HBO HD.
A second HD box that does all the above but is also an HD DVR.
A third, non HD DVR that gets the locals plus the "normal" cable channels.
2 more non HD boxes that pick up the locals plus the "normal" cable channels.

If I could get something that would do all that for less than $90, I would happily switch.

Paul

Given your need for 5 boxes, TWC's your best bet. However, if you are going to have 5 boxes until the end of time and you can afford the upfront costs, your monthly could be way less with a sat company.

Originally posted by MasterFX1
Wow! At $136/mo you should seriously look at satellite options.

This TWC Crap is getting waaayyyy out of control!


Also...While I was on the phone with TWC last night...I asked the Rep what the deal was with WRGB.....and that all the other locals are on with their sub stations.....so I couldn't see what the problem was.

He told me WRGB wants too much money for their HD channel. Then he said I should write to WRGB......I told him..."been there done that!"... :mad:

I in return told him "to get a freaking deal made already...I'm missing way to many good HD NFL Games!" :mad:

CHOP CHOP!!!!

One nice thing about cable is that I don't need a box for the last 2 tvs because they are "cable-ready" and I just want to be able to watch CNN, the evening news or a ball game on them.

Paul

Other fun filled satellite facts to keep in mind...

INHD channels are currently NOT available via Directv or Dish Network.

Dish HD Package is $9.99 a month.(ESPN HD, Discovery HD Theater™, TNT in HDNet, HDNet and HDNet Movies)

Directv HD Package $10.99 a month.(ESPN HD, Discovery HD Theater™, HDNet, HDNet Movies and Bravo HD+)

Dish Network charges and extra $5 lease fee per receiver (you can avoid this fee by purchasing your own equipment, pssst, check out alldiscountsatellite)

DTV and Dish Network charge an extra $5 per month for each additional receiver.

Add local channels with Dish or DTV, then that will be another $5 a month. (unless you have the HD equipment viewing OTA HD broadcast)

Dish Network does NOT have NFL Sunday Ticket, NCAA Basketball Game Plan Package and does NOT include local sports channels in its BASIC package.

Directv BASIC package DOES include Golf Network, Outdoor Life Network, SpeedChannel, Fox Sports East, MSG, and YES network, local teams are not blacked out.

Dish Network packages are slightly cheaper and have a 60 channel basic package for $24.99 a month.

Directv basics are $36.99 for 130 channels, 40 more channels you'll never watch, and 30 music channels.

Both networks will give great deals on first time subscribers, but are obligated to a one year contract.Definately call them if your a first time subscriber looking for a deal on HD receivers.

I have been a DTV subscriber since the early days of DTV and USSB(USSB who?), I would be a Dish Network customer if they offered more sports, but for now I'm still with DTV.

TWC prices ($55 for basic digital package!) are silly and not even considered for my taste.Gimme satellite any day, I'll save a ton of money even if I have to purchase my own equipment, Now that locals are offered via DTV or Dish, its not to hard of a decision for me.

Great Info Breakstuff,

If you are looking for most HD for the dollar though, VOOM wins bigtime. They have many problems, but in terms of sheer HD programming, they are a clear winner.

This is a thread about HD, so getting the most HD per $ is important to note.

Breakstuff,

How many TVs do you have connected to the satellites, and how many are getting an HD signal?

Paul

Originally posted by Paul B. Musser
Breakstuff,

How many TVs do you have connected to the satellites, and how many are getting an HD signal?

Paul

Hi Paul,

I'm not the average consumer, back in the day years ago, I used to pay the extra $5 a month extra for a DTV box in the bedroom.

However, I am a renter, live by myself, and ran my own paired 75 ohm coax outlets and phone jacks throughout the main rooms of the house.

It would be silly for me to pay the extra $5 a month for the extra bedroom DTV receiver when I already had the house "wired" up for my needs. My needs is a singular expression, no need to have different receivers since no one else would be watching a different channel in my household.

I simply connected the main tv(living room) and bedroom tv to the same DTV receiver and purchased a "remote control extender" that will enable me to control the living room receiver from my bedroom via the same remote control.This method bypasses the $5 a month charge and the $40 extenders have paid for themselves long ago, but this method only works if your the only viewer in the household, (unless every viewer in your household prefers the same channel controlled by one remote :p).

I only have the OTA HD signals in my main living room and only have a 19" tv w/ a dvd home theater in a box package in the bedroom (only DTV and DVD equipped)

Does anyone gave the DigiPIC 4000 package with TWC Albany? If so, is there any problem with access to program content on the HBO (700), MAX, etc... using the On-Demand feature? When I try and access those channels after selecting the show I want to watch I receive a confirmation/wait reply and then after a short wait I get an error code: 113 service not available. I called TWC this morning and at their suggestion rebooted the SA8300HD DVR but this did not fix the problem. TW suggested a box swap or setting up a service call... Anyone have any other suggestions? All other features of the STB, Internet access and cable service appear to be working properly.

Originally posted by optivity
Is there any problem with access to program content on the HBO (700), MAX, etc... using the On-Demand feature? When I try and access those channels after selecting the show I want to watch I receive a confirmation/wait reply and then after a short wait I get an error code: 113 service not available. I had a similar problem using the In Demand service when I first signed up for TWC. A Service Tech said the box was not getting a strong enough signal and traced the problem to a cheap Rat Shack splitter in my basement. He replaced the splitter with one from TWC (at no charge) and I was good to go.

Originally posted by AlbanyHDTV
I had a similar problem using the In Demand service when I first signed up for TWC. A Service Tech said the box was not getting a strong enough signal and traced the problem to a cheap Rat Shack splitter in my basement. He replaced the splitter with one from TWC (at no charge) and I was good to go.

Thanks for your response. I have not tried any 2-way communication with TW (i.e. On Demand or PPV). Where their cable terminates inside my house is immediately split in half, one for RoadRunner the other for CATV. I run the CATV into a powered splitter with 3 cables out to TV's in the house. The digital TV, STB and surround sound are plugged into a surge suppressor and so is the coax in/out. I believe the coax in/out interface does some RFI filtering so maybe this is the source of the problem?

I also had a similar problem when I got my first box. I couldn't get any of the " on demand " programs. I was however, getting ALL of the premium channels. I was supposed to get the Showtime package but I was also getting the HBO package. TW switched out the box for me and I was able to get the "on demand" services but alas, I lost all the extra stuff I wasn't supposed to be getting.:mad: I rarely use the "on demand" features...wish I could get my old box back, but then again, that was pre DVR and I certainly couldn't get along without that.

FYI to all.... WNYT's up converter has failed on Friday. 13-1 will be in SD only until a loaner replacement arrives on Monday Nov. 8th.

Originally posted by TechnieChrist
FYI to all.... WNYT's up converter has failed on Friday. 13-1 will be in SD only until a loaner replacement arrives on Monday Nov. 8th.

Thanks for the info,
I was wondering why WNYT/NBC wasn't broadcasting the Busch race in WS, so I guess I'll know this info ahead of time for the NASCAR race.

To sum up the network premier of Lord of the Rings:FOTR on WEWB in HD.

Audio sucks bad, I had to turn off the 5.1 audio system for the fact I felt the many "crackles" and "pops" would damage my precious audio system. (MyHD signal meter @ 55%)

I have noticed after commercial breaks(the first couple breaks), it takes a minute or two before 4:3 ->1080i.

HD picture looks good as long as there is no fast movement, when there is fast movement it looks like garbage.

I also find the WB watermark very annoying, prolly the fault of the network and not WEWB.

http://kittyfingers.com/lotr.gif
http://kittyfingers.com/lotr1.gif

In any regard, WEWB HD is still a step up from where the local OTA viewers were a year ago and its free.

And when the @#$%^ is WEWB going to start broadcasting at full power!!?

I agree, BreakStuff, the broadcast was quagmeyered with technical problems. At least they are trying though, I give them credit and hope they learn.

Originally posted by MasterFX1
I agree, BreakStuff, the broadcast was quagmeyered with technical problems. At least they are trying though, I give them credit and hope they learn.

The funny thing is that I seem to always catch the WB shows "What I Like.." and that other one that follows it on Sundays and I have never seen the problems that I have seen t'nite. Picture quality has always been great.

It is being suggested in other threads that WB simply got a widescreen upconvert, and not a true HD transfer.

Originally posted by MasterFX1
It is being suggested in other threads that WB simply got a widescreen upconvert, and not a true HD transfer.

I saw a commercial on TNT stating that the Lord of the Rings Trilogy will be on in HD at the beginning of Dec. That may be worth checking out.

Its 11:47pm EST and I have just noticed that WRGB analog is showing the regularly scheduled David Letterman Show whiles WRGB DT 6-1 is showing what appears to be the west coast feed of the primetime show "Listen Up" (same show that was broadcast 3 hrs earlier EST)

Pretty cool eh?

Update: Seems they just caught on and flipped the switch back at 11:55 pm. Maybe they read my post! :p

Does anyone have a problem with poor image quality and ghosting on channel 6 using TWC Albany, NY? The other local channels 8, 10, 13 seem to be OK, or at least acceptable, but channel 6 is horrendous.

Originally posted by optivity
Does anyone have a problem with poor image quality and ghosting on channel 6 using TWC Albany, NY? The other local channels 8, 10, 13 seem to be OK, or at least acceptable, but channel 6 is horrendous.

You have a problem with a bad connection in the cable system. The off air channel 6 signal is leaking into your channel 6 cable feed. A good Time Warner service tech can fix the problem.

Local NFL in HD for Week 10:

11/14
Baltimore Ravens @ NY Jets - CBS, 1pm (OTA Only)
Tampa Bay Buccaneers @ Atlanta Falcons -or- Seattle Seahawks @ St. Louis Rams - FOX, 1pm (TWC Only)
NY Giants @ Arizona Cardinals - FOX, 4:15pm (TWC Only)
Buffalo Bills @ New England Patriots - ESPN, 8:30pm (Satellite & TWC)

11/15
Philadelphia Eagles @ Dallas Cowboys - ABC, 9:05pm (OTA & TWC)

Note: This does not include HD games available on DirecTV's NFL Sunday Ticket.

"Saving Private Ryan" will not air tonight on Young Broadcasting Inc. television stations, including WTEN-TV/DT, Albany, NY and WCDC TV/DT, Adams, MA due to concerns about the film's realistic portrayal of wartime images and recent FCC actions regulating broadcasting."

Young Broadcasting playing it safe or maybe some sort of retaliatory method of dealing with ideological guidelines brought upon by the FCC?

hmmm..

I think broadcasters are just plain scared. Since the FCC has been very inconsistent on some of their decisions, and due to the political winds blowing, I think many stations figured better safe than sorry. I expect things will probably get worse in this regard before they get better. We may have to wait 4 years before things loosen up... ;)

Its intersting that even as late as Weds night, WTEN was saying they would show it.

P

Imagine how happy we were when we hooked up our OTA receiver to our old Radio Shack antenna on a rotor and picked up 6, 10, 13, 17 and even VT PBS. Thrilled to death to be able to get the locals in digital/HD because they don't appear to be coming to Adelphia anytime soon.

In lurking here, I see WEWB now broadcasting HD OTA. The receiver doesn't even wink when trying to locate the signal for this channel. It suprises me because the signal strength is so outstanding for the others.

I am not sure I understand why because we were able to get a decent picture out of Chan 45 previously. I can understand not getting 19 or 55 because they are so far away from us here in rural Washington Co.

Is there a reasonable explanantion? Thanks.

Diane

Originally posted by DMP1
In lurking here, I see WEWB now broadcasting HD OTA. The receiver doesn't even wink when trying to locate the signal for this channel. It suprises me because the signal strength is so outstanding for the others.

Is there a reasonable explanantion? Thanks.

Diane

WEWB-DT is operating with extremely low power. If you are lucky, a good, high antenna with a preamp may work.

Originally posted by TechnieChrist
FYI to all.... WNYT's up converter has failed on Friday. 13-1 will be in SD only until a loaner replacement arrives on Monday Nov. 8th.

Have they also been operating at lower power since then, as well? My OTA signal has been low since about then.

Originally posted by DMP1
I am not sure I understand why because we were able to get a decent picture out of Chan 45 previously. I can understand not getting 19 or 55 because they are so far away from us here in rural Washington Co.

The WEWB 45 signal you were able to recieve previously is probably the "analog" signal broadcast and not the actual "digital" broadcast.

All my analog local channels come in at a very strong 100% signal strength, however my digital channels can be much more stubborn at times, and I live in the city.

Hello,

I live in Halfmoon and just purchased an indoor antenna (TERK HDTVi Antenna Pro). I can only seem to get analog channels (23,10,13,17). How do I get the HD channels? My quess is that this indoor antenna ain't gonna do the job... but I thought I'd ask just incase I'm missing something. I have a TV with internal tuner. Thanks for the help.

Tim

Originally posted by timick1
Hello,

I live in Halfmoon and just purchased an indoor antenna (TERK HDTVi Antenna Pro). I can only seem to get analog channels (23,10,13,17). How do I get the HD channels? My quess is that this indoor antenna ain't gonna do the job... but I thought I'd ask just incase I'm missing something. I have a TV with internal tuner. Thanks for the help.

Tim

You could try mounting it in the attic.

Originally posted by Tower Guy
You could try mounting it in the attic.

or maybe even the garbage can.

http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?s=&threadid=461377&highlight=TERK+HDTVi


http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?s=&threadid=446138&highlight=TERK+HDTVi

It's going back to the store I bought it at. I was hoping for a simple and easy solution to get WRGB HD but it looks like I'm SOL.

Local NFL in HD for Week 11:

11/21
NY Jets @ Cleveland Browns - CBS, 1pm (OTA Only)
St. Louis Rams @ Buffalo Bills - FOX, 1pm (TWC Only)
Atlanta Falcons @ NY Giants - FOX, 4:15pm (TWC Only)
Green Bay Packers @ Houstan Texans - ESPN, 8:30pm (Satellite & TWC)

11/22
New England Patriots @ Kansas City Chiefs - ABC, 9:05pm (OTA & TWC)

Note: This does not include HD games available on DirecTV's NFL Sunday Ticket.