Does anyone with DirecTV have any guide data showing up for 10-1 and 10-2. My boxes all just say "regular programming". Its a real pain when trying to record things with an HD-Tivo.

So what's up with TWC Ch. 1808 WXXA-DT (FOX) PQ?? Way over compressed....You can easily see the "Dancing Grass" effect during Football games from basicly not enough Bandwidth for the High Def Picture.

So is it WXXA's fault? Time Warner's? Fox's or a combination of all of them.

I really don't think it's Fox since if you watch the NFL Highlights on ESPN-HD the picture is so much better when they show the Highlights of the Fox Games. No "Dancing Grass" at all.

I wonder if WXXA or TWC is aware of the issue. I know WXXA is new to the technology...maybe they just don't know about the issue.

This needs to be fixed by the Super Bowl. I want to watch my Steelers in Good HD! :D

FOX (Like PBS) sends down a pre-compressed signal to affiliates that is already less than 19.3Mb/s. I think it's around 15Mb/s. That alone crutches the PQ a bit. The PQ really hits the crapper when compressed signals get re-compressed... a la TWC.

Once WXXA is OTA, we'll be able to compare WXXA's compression to TWC's Re-compression. The difference in PQ for WMHT is huge.

Is WXXA-DT OTA still on target for January?? Unfortunately we won't have much "dancing grass" to look at from the NFL at that point.

WXXA officially claims they hope to have OTA for the Superbowl. But I personally think they will not make it. The FCC granted them the assignment change from rf4 to rf7, but now WABC (analog rf7 from NYC) has filed a grievence to that decision and a whole new set of reviews need to happen. It would be a poor business decision to purchase rf7 equipment if that channel assignment is now in question. WXXA is now once again waiting for the FCC's nod. The blame falls squarely on WABC for filing what most area broadcast engineers will tell you is a bogus gripe... weak at best.

Local NFL in HD for Week 12:

Thanksgiving 11/25
Indianapolis Colts @ Detroit Lions - CBS, 12:37pm (OTA Only)
Chicago Bears @ Dallas Cowboys - FOX, 4:35pm (TWC Only)

11/28
Philadelphia Eagles @ NY Giants - FOX, 1pm (TWC Only)
Jacksonville Jaguars @ Minnesota Vikings - CBS, 1pm (OTA Only)
Oakland Raiders @ Denver Broncos - ESPN, 8:30pm (Satellite & TWC)

11/29
St. Louis Rams @ Green Bay Packers - ABC, 9:05pm (OTA & TWC)

Note: The 11/28 4:15pm CBS Jets game is not being produced in HD.
Note: This does not include HD games available on DirecTV's NFL Sunday Ticket.

Does anyone with DirecTV have any guide data showing up for 10-1 and 10-2. My boxes all just say "regular programming".

I have the same problem - Ive rebooted the bos from time to time with no change.

Is this a problem on Direct tv's end with the programming guide, or something with the way TEN is broadcasting?

It's a DirecTV program guide issue, they'll catch up someday.

Local NFL in HD for Week 13:

12/5
Houstan Texans @ NY Jets -OR- New England Patriots @ Cleveland Browns - CBS, 1pm (OTA Only)
Minnesota Vikings @ Chicago Bears -OR- Atlanta Falcons @ Tampa Bay Buccaneers - FOX, 1pm (TWC Only)
NY Giants @ Washington Redskins - FOX, 4:15pm (TWC Only)
Pittsburg Steelers @ Jacksonville Jaguars - ESPN, 8:30pm (Satellite & TWC)

12/6
Dallas Cowboys @ Seattle Seahawks - ABC, 9:05pm (OTA & TWC)

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

Time Warner is smoking Crack!! I had it with them.....Enough already!!

I've pretty much made up my mind and switching to Satellite when I move early next year.


This is from the Times Union today....

Time Warner Cable to up rates for Basic with Standard service (http://www.timesunion.com/AspStories/story.asp?storyID=309923&category=ARTS&BCCode=&newsdate=12/1/2004)

Originally posted by lufters
Time Warner is smoking Crack!! I had it with them.....Enough already!!

I've pretty much made up my mind and switching to Satellite when I move early next year.


This is from the Times Union today....

Time Warner Cable to up rates for Basic with Standard service (http://www.timesunion.com/AspStories/story.asp?storyID=309923&category=ARTS&BCCode=&newsdate=12/1/2004)

From the Albany TU:

"The top-of-the-line DigiPic 4000 with Road Runner Internet service will cost $2 more, at $124.95 per month."

This is the service I have + an SA8300HD DVR for a grand total of $136/mo.

You gotta just love TW!!!

Originally posted by optivity
From the Albany TU:

"The top-of-the-line DigiPic 4000 with Road Runner Internet service will cost $2 more, at $124.95 per month."

This is the service I have + an SA8300HD DVR for a grand total of $136/mo.

You gotta just love TW!!!

Here's a nice little quote from the article....

"That is a function of the increased costs this industry continues to incur," Taubkin said, citing programming and fuel as two examples. Taubkin could not, however, say how much of the increase would end up improving Time Warner's profits as opposed to simply defraying costs.

"There is no business that I'm aware of that doesn't try to operate to make a profit," he said."


Screw them!! Take your Billion Dollar profit and Shove it!!! I'm sick of getting Nickeled and Dimed to death!! :mad:

So does this mean they are going to go back to the table with WRGB-DT and WEWB-DT and consider the few cents compensation they are looking for? I tend to doubt it. What's that word they use to describe cable? oh yeah.. "PIGS!"

Originally posted by MasterFX1
So does this mean they are going to go back to the table with WRGB-DT and WEWB-DT and consider the few cents compensation they are looking for? I tend to doubt it. What's that word they use to describe cable? oh yeah.. "PIGS!"

Sure... and once they add those stations to HD guess what TW will do with their rates? Is that an "oinking" sound I hear?

It appears to me that TW is trying to send all their business to Satellite. I've never heard of this business model before. I was reluctant to switch but they are trying their hardest to convince me I should and I'm going to be checking into it next week. TW: If your listening (and we know you are), way to go, you've got a strangle hold on the golden goose and all this time you thought you were just chokin' the .... um never mind.

Wordz

Not that I'm a big TW fan, but I will point out that my RR modem (4-5 years old) started to fail recently and was causing my connection to be flakey at best. Having no idea what the problem was, I called customer service and actually spoke to a knowledgeable, English speaking tech who helped diagnose the problem within minutes and arranged for a new modem to be delivered and installed the next evening, at my convience. All of course at no cost.
On the cable side, if I had purchased my first HD cable box ( I think it was the HD 8000), I would be more or less stuck with a first generation box instead of the 2 free upgrades I've had in the last 2 years to HD DVR.

In the business model where customer service is king, TWC is doing much better than most.

While I sometimes critical of TWC, I also have some praise for them.

TW3 (channel 0003 or 0585): This channel shows live local sports, such as high school football, Siena basketball, and most importantly: Syracuse University basketball and football.

TW9 (channel 0009 or 0509): Local news 24/7/365

WNOW (channel 0510): Local weather 24/7/365.

On-Demand and iControl channels & movies (channels 1000 to 1090): Viewers can get help, movies, channels 24/7/365.

That being said, I still think the $$$ they charge is outrageous. However, the local sports are important to me. I could pay over $100 for the ESPN Full Court NCAA basketball package in order to see all the SU basketball games, but TWC has put the SU games on TW3 for FREE the last three or four years (at least the ones not on ESPN, CBS, ABC, etc.). I'm a SU alum.

I have moved up from a 3100HD box to a 3250HD, to a 8000HD DVR, to a 8300HD DVR within the past 12 months. Granted, there were additional service charges for the DVR's, but if I bought the hardware for a satellite provider 12 months ago, I would be forced to buy new equipment when I wanted to upgrade.

I've only got one HDTV and it's in my family room. However, I have TV's in my bedroom, pool house, garage, kitchen, exercise room, and my daughter's play room. These other TV's are just cable-ready TV's. My point is that I would have to purchase satellite receivers for each of these locations if I went to satellite.

While I'll be the first to let TWC know that I don't feel that I'm getting my money's worth or complain about the lack of HD channels, I'm generally pleased with the service.

...at least until something better is offered.;)

Local NFL in HD for Week 14:

12/12
NY Giants @ Baltimore Ravens - FOX, 1pm (TWC Only)
Detroit Lions @ Green Bay Packers - FOX, 4:15pm (TWC Only)
NY Jets @ Pittsburg Steelers - CBS, 4pm (OTA Only)
Philadelphia Eagles @ Washington Redskins - ESPN, 8:30pm (Satellite & TWC)

12/13
Kansas City Chiefs @ Tennessee Titans - ABC, 9:05pm (OTA & TWC)

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

In order to comply with new FCC requirements both WRGB-DT and WMHT-DT will be making "Behind the scenes" changes to their datastreams early next week. However, your OTA STB may get confused once the changes are implemented.

The following statement, sent to Chief Engineers, explains the new requirements, prefaces the potential for STB "confusion" and offers some hints for fixing problems:


"Reminder: January 1, 2005 Effective Date for Implementation of Updated ATSC Standard

In 2002, a change to ATSC standard A/53 was adopted which prohibits the use of MPEG-2 Packet Identifiers (PID) in the range below 0x0030 effective January 1, 2005. As of that date using these values will be prohibited by the FCC rules (since compliance with A/53C is now required by the Rules) and broadcasters must not use PID values below 0x0030. Be advised that field experience with some receivers indicates that changes in PID values and/or program numbers can "confuse" some DTV sets, resulting in consumer calls. Don't forget to insure that all equipment (e.g., video encoders, multiplexers and PSIP generator) is using the same values for each component when you make the change. Broadcasters can make this change any time before January 1, 2005."

Some users may need to delete 6-1&6-2 and/or 17-1&17-3 and then add them back manually or do a rescan for all channels.

I'll agree on some instances.

Personally I hate DTV, but that's me.

Right now I pay $100/month in total for TW AND RR. That's including TWO Digital boxes, one of which is their 8000HD DVR. I'm not sure which "digipic" package I have other than I get all the HBO and SHO channels plus "regular" digital/standard tiers.

The same thing on DTV would end up costing me about $70/month PLUS another $1,000 for their HD DVR (granted it would be a Tivo) and that's only for one TV. Oh, and no RR either.

Not to mention that I'd then have to use OTA to get the local HD channels (and WRGB OTA is questionable--so bad I've stopped watching it).

(note, I do not compare DISH or VOOM--just against DTV)

Originally posted by AlbanyHDTV
While I sometimes critical of TWC, I also have some praise for them.

TW3 (channel 0003 or 0585): This channel shows live local sports, such as high school football, Siena basketball, and most importantly: Syracuse University basketball and football.

TW9 (channel 0009 or 0509): Local news 24/7/365

WNOW (channel 0510): Local weather 24/7/365.

On-Demand and iControl channels & movies (channels 1000 to 1090): Viewers can get help, movies, channels 24/7/365.

That being said, I still think the $$$ they charge is outrageous. However, the local sports are important to me. I could pay over $100 for the ESPN Full Court NCAA basketball package in order to see all the SU basketball games, but TWC has put the SU games on TW3 for FREE the last three or four years (at least the ones not on ESPN, CBS, ABC, etc.). I'm a SU alum.

I have moved up from a 3100HD box to a 3250HD, to a 8000HD DVR, to a 8300HD DVR within the past 12 months. Granted, there were additional service charges for the DVR's, but if I bought the hardware for a satellite provider 12 months ago, I would be forced to buy new equipment when I wanted to upgrade.

I've only got one HDTV and it's in my family room. However, I have TV's in my bedroom, pool house, garage, kitchen, exercise room, and my daughter's play room. These other TV's are just cable-ready TV's. My point is that I would have to purchase satellite receivers for each of these locations if I went to satellite.

While I'll be the first to let TWC know that I don't feel that I'm getting my money's worth or complain about the lack of HD channels, I'm generally pleased with the service.

...at least until something better is offered.;)

"Right now I pay $100/month in total for TW AND RR. That's including TWO Digital boxes, one of which is their 8000HD DVR. I'm not sure which "digipic" package I have other than I get all the HBO and SHO channels plus "regular" digital/standard tiers."

$100/month for all that? I'm paying TW $115 for Digital Cable w/ HD-DVR w/ HBO only, HD package ($4.95/mo) and Roadrunner.

On another note... I emailed WRGB asking when they were going to let TW broadcast their HD signal (like the other 3 networks). It's been over a week and no reply yet. Good thing the Superbowl is on FOX!

Let's just say that it's helpful to be "forceful" with customer service at TW. Like: gimme a better deal or I walk.

Originally posted by m_jonis
Let's just say that it's helpful to be "forceful" with customer service at TW. Like: gimme a better deal or I walk.

Exactly, I had to play hard-ball with TWCS twice when they rolled-out their SA8000HD DVR's and then the SA8300HD DVR. Both times when I knew they were distributing these STB's to a "select few," I was told none were available. Each time I was told no... I went to the Rotterdam office with STB in hand and the intention to downgrade my service to basic cable plus RR. On both occasions a new STB DVR was produced "on the spot;" with all services intact I went about my "merry" way! I guess TW "values" a customer who is willing to pay an outrageous price ($136/mo.) for TW's DigiPIC 4000 w/SA8300HD DVR & RR? Or at least the $$ being generated.:eek:

I live in North Greenbush (near Albany). What antenna will enable me to receive channel 6 HD OTA? I would like just a small antenna I can put in the living room.

Also, my TV has an HD tuner built in so will the TV find the channel automatically when it scans for digital channels? I am new to this so I really don't know how to do the OTA part.

Any help would be appreciated.

Thanks

Pete

Local NFL in HD for Week 15:

SATURDAY 12/18
Pittsburgh Steelers @ NY Giants - CBS, 1:30pm (OTA Only)
Washington Redskins @ San Francisco 49ers - FOX, 5:00pm (TWC Only)
Carolina Panthers @ Atlants Falcons - ESPN, 8:30pm (Satellite & TWC)

12/19
Seattle Seahawks @ NY Jets - FOX, 1pm (TWC Only)
Denver Broncos @ Kansas City Chiefs - CBS, 4:15pm (OTA Only)
Baltimore Ravens @ Indianapolis Colts - ESPN, 8:30pm (Satellite & TWC)

12/20
New England Patriots @ Miami Dolphins - ABC, 9:05pm (OTA & TWC)

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

Originally posted by NY350Z
I live in North Greenbush (near Albany). What antenna will enable me to receive channel 6 HD OTA? Go to http://www.antennaweb.org and click "Choose an Antenna".

AlbanyHDTV,

It says I need a small multidirectional if I just put my zip code in but if I put my street address in it says I need a medium directional with pre amp.

What do you suggest?

http://www.starkelectronic.com/allant.htm is a great place for antennas.

Hello NY350Z,

Channel 6 OTA is broacast on the UHF frequency so look for an indoor antenna with UHF capability. A directional type antenna will work best and avoid the "rabbit ear" type antennas for digital broadcast. The Zenith "Silver Sensor" has alot of positive reviews and might be a good choice. Avoid the "look-alike" Terk brand and stick with the Zenith.


http://www.zenith.com/sub_prod/product_Display.asp?cat=49&id=131

Originally posted by NY350Z
AlbanyHDTV,

It says I need a small multidirectional if I just put my zip code in but if I put my street address in it says I need a medium directional with pre amp.

What do you suggest? I don't pretend to be an antenna expert and don't feel comfortable giving you advice as such. What I can tell you is that I purchased the type of antenna recommended for my location on Antennaweb.org and it has worked without any problems. MasterFX1 has recommended a great site for purchasing antennas.

I do want to ask if you have tried any antennas at all...such as an old set of "rabbit-ears" that you may have lying around. (Sorry Breakstuff) You may be able to pull in Channel 6 with these, unless the signal is blocked by the Corning Tower. You can find more information about the size and location of the DTV transmission tower at AlbanyHDTV.com (http://www.albanyhdtv.com).

Local NFL in HD for Week 16:

FRIDAY, Christmas Eve 12/24
Green Bay Packers @ Minnesota Vikings - FOX, 3pm (TWC Only)

SATURDAY, Christmas Day 12/25
Oakland Raiders @ Kansas City Chiefs - CBS, 5:00pm (OTA Only)
Denver Broncos @ Tennessee Titans - ESPN, 8:30pm (Satellite & TWC)

SUNDAY 12/26
NY Giants @ Cincinnati Bengals - FOX, 1pm (TWC Only)
Arizona at Seattle -OR- Carolina at Tampa Bay -OR- Washington at Dallas - FOX, 4:15pm (TWC Only)
New England Patriots @ NY Jets - CBS, 4:05pm (OTA Only)
Cleveland Browns @ Miami Dolphins - ESPN, 8:30pm (Satellite & TWC)

MONDAY 12/27
Philadelphia Eagles @ St. Louis Rams - ABC, 9:05pm (OTA & TWC)

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

Next week I have scheduled to have a technician from TW pay a visit to my home to investigate continuing problems with my cable service. Currently, TW provides me with digital cable (DigiPIC 4000 package), an SA8300HD-DVR and RoadRunner services. I have had RoadRunner for approximately 40 months and experienced few disruptions to my broadband network service. During the past week I have had three outages with RR where the cable modem lost connection to TW's network and service was mysteriously restored a few hours later and remained solid until the next disruption after a couple of days. I have made no recent changes regarding my home PC/network or in-house coax cable connections.

The cable TV problems are primarily, a faint video-hum which is more noticeable on the SD channels, and a prominent ghosting/poor picture on channel 6-WRGB. I live in Slingerlands, not too far from the Helderbergs, but have no major problems with local cable channels 8-WXXA, 10-WTEN or 13-WNYT. I live on a street (older infrastructure) where each house (mix new/old) is on a 1 acre lot, not in a densely populated neighborhood. My house was constructed during 1998 and is set approximately 150' from the road with the coax cable buried from the street pole to the house. Both the electrical service and coax cable enter the same side/area of the house. I have tried various grounding options, filters, etc., to no avail. The video problems are evident on all TV's, 1 DTV and 2 analog. The house coax cable is RG-59, but I ran an RG-6 cable from where TW's cable enters the basement to the DTV, which made no difference. I'm under the assumption any ground interference is coming from outside.

I'm wondering if any Forum members may be able to share their hypothesis regarding what could be causing the video hum, ghosting and network problems and offer some potential solutions? Hopefully your recommendations will help the TW technician better trouble-shoot and resolve these problems.

Hi -- I'm not too far from you - I'm in Delmar. The sort of problems you are having sound like poor cable connection/bad grounding. The ghosting on 6 is a real indication of a bad ground as the poor ground allows your cable to act as an antenna for lower numbered VHF channels.

The intermittent dropping of service also sounds like a poor connection.

My cable feed is up in the air and has needed replacing 3-4 times over the years.

In the meantime, be sure all your cable connections are finger tight.

Let us know what you find out!

Craig

Originally posted by optivity


I'm wondering if any Forum members may be able to share their hypothesis regarding what could be causing the video hum, ghosting and network problems and offer some potential solutions? Hopefully your recommendations will help the TW technician better trouble-shoot and resolve these problems.


Probably a bad Cable and/or Connection from your house to the street.

Originally posted by optivity
The cable TV problems are primarily, a faint video-hum which is more noticeable on the SD channels, and a prominent ghosting/poor picture on channel 6-WRGB.

I'm wondering if any Forum members may be able to share their hypothesis regarding what could be causing the video hum, ghosting and network problems and offer some potential solutions?

The ghosting on WRGB can be understood by a FAQ on their web site.
http://www.wrgb.com/special.asp?selection=faq#tvfaq
Basically, you should be able to disconnect the cable from your house and have only snow or a snowy black and white image on channel 6. If your TV is blank, there's a problem on the street. If you see a color image, it's leaking into the cable inside your house.

I had a similar problem with my Roadrunner a few months ago. The first technician changed the spiltter, but the problem came back a week later. The second technician insalled a new F connector on the input to the splitter, and Roadrunner problem was cured. The TV feeds were never effected by the bad connection, only Roadrunner.

Hum in the picture may be a ground loop. Ground loops occur when the green ground wire and the white neutral wire are connected together in more than one place. The only green/white connection should be in the main power panel and no-where else, including any subpanels. Another possibility is a problem on the power pole.

Kind of OT, but since this an Albany thread, i'll go ahead...
Anyone have any dealings with Towne TV in Rotterdam? I am starting to look for a new TV, and a pair of Paradigm ADP-370 Rear Speakers. I didnt even know that Towne TV carried Paradigm, which puts them a step up in my book.

Anyway, hows their selection, prices, salesmen, etc.?? Even if I buy off the internet, there are so few places that have the Tvs set up properly, not like Best Buy, etc. where they split the feed 50 ways. And forget about Hippo's.....I wouldnt spend your money there.....well maybe your money, but you get my point.

Thanks for any info.

Mike

Will WXXA (Fox) be live OTA before the superbowl? the target was Jan 2005 - will they make it?

Bad News - no OTA broadcast of the Superbowl - I just got this e-mail from WXXA:

"
WXXA-TV is waiting for FCC action on our request to construct a DTV transmission system. Once this is received, we will be broadcasting a 720P data stream which will include all HD programming from the Fox network. We are expecting approval at any time, however construction time will be approx 120 days after approval is received. This will now be after the "Super Bowl" is played.

Cheers

Sargent R. Cathrall
Chief Engineer

"

Originally posted by justman
Bad News - no OTA broadcast of the Superbowl - I just got this e-mail from WXXA:

"
WXXA-TV is waiting for FCC action on our request to construct a DTV transmission system. Once this is received, we will be broadcasting a 720P data stream which will include all HD programming from the Fox network. We are expecting approval at any time, however construction time will be approx 120 days after approval is received. This will now be after the "Super Bowl" is played.

Cheers

Sargent R. Cathrall
Chief Engineer

"

Hey...anyway you could e-mail this guy back and ask him why the HD Picture Quality is so bad on TW Ch. 1808. It's way over compressed. I was hoping it would get better as the NFL season went on...but it hasn't.

Since they're waiting to work on the DTV Transmission System....maybe they can find the time to work with Time Warner to improve the Picture Quality before the NFL Playoffs and the Super Bowl. :p

Originally posted by mike10778
Kind of OT, but since this an Albany thread, i'll go ahead...
Anyone have any dealings with Towne TV in Rotterdam? I am starting to look for a new TV, and a pair of Paradigm ADP-370 Rear Speakers. I didnt even know that Towne TV carried Paradigm, which puts them a step up in my book.

Anyway, hows their selection, prices, salesmen, etc.?? Even if I buy off the internet, there are so few places that have the Tvs set up properly, not like Best Buy, etc. where they split the feed 50 ways. And forget about Hippo's.....I wouldnt spend your money there.....well maybe your money, but you get my point.

Thanks for any info.

Mike I purchased (3) appliances: a refrigerator, washer and dryer (~$6K) from Town TV; located on route 146/Carmen Road around August 2001. After determining the exact models I wanted and price comparing, Towne TV had everyone else beat by a significant difference. The appliances were delivered and installed as advertised. The only negative I experienced was I purchased their appliance warranty at their recommendation and when I had occasion to use it two years later I initially had problems with the warranty company honoring their policy; and when I called Towne TV for help they told me they stopped doing business with that company and I was SOL. The warranty company eventually made good on their policy and my appliance was fixed. But I felt hassled by the process. If you purchase anything through Towne TV, I recommend to get the manufacturer's warranty not theirs.

Can anyone here explain why WRGB did not (could not?) show the Colts/Chargers game on Sunday? Wish we could have seen it....

thanks,
Paul

Originally posted by Paul B. Musser
Can anyone here explain why WRGB did not (could not?) show the Colts/Chargers game on Sunday? Wish we could have seen it....

thanks,
Paul

Sure. Basically, the CBS/NFL contract allows for one game per market on single header days and two games per market on double header days._ Transmitting a different game on the HD channel than on the SD channel would be a violation of the CBS/NFL contract._ Viewers who want to choose which football game they watch must buy NFL Sunday Ticket from DirecTV, go to a sports bar with NFL Sunday Ticket, or travel out-of-town to watch the game in an area where it is the regional game.

Below are the CBS HD coverage rules regarding game selection:

"YOU MAY ONLY TELEVISE THE HD GAMES ON YOUR DIGITAL CHANNEL IF IT IS THE GAME ASSIGNED TO YOUR STATION UNDER THE STANDARD REGIONALIZATION PROCEDURES. _

_IF YOU ARE NOT ASSIGNED ANY OF THESE GAMES PRODUCED IN HD, YOU WILL NEED TO UP-CONVERT THE GAME YOU ARE ASSIGNED FOR SIMULTANEOUS BROADCAST ON YOUR ANALOG AND DIGITAL CHANNELS."

Yes, but we couldn't watch ANY game (SD or HD) at 1:00 pm, even though the national broadcast was the 1:00 pm Colts/Chargers. Is this because they had to choose between that game and the 4:00pm Jets/ Pats game?
If so, why aren't all Sundays "double header days"? They must have lost a lot of viewers when My Dog Skip came on at 1:00.

Paul

Yes, it is because WRGB chose the Jets game instead, and IMHO that would get better ratings in this market. The deal with the NFL is that Sundays alternate Doubleheaders between FOX and CBS. The weekend in question, FOX had the double header (as lame as a dallas-washington game was).

The NFL has sold the EXCLUSIVE out-of-market rights (In HD and SD) to DirecTV, so not only would WRGB have to break there contract with the NFL to show the game as you suggested, DirecTV would also be quite mad since it's robbing them of potential customers. (Which is why the NFL won't allow it in the first place.)

Thanks for the info. I figured there was a reason in there somewhere. Its just tuff to miss a good game like that, though I was psyched to see the Pats come to their senses against NY.
So what's on tap for this week?

will we get Bills or Jets @1 on CBS/WRGB this sunday? where can Ifind the info?

http://www.zap2it.com/

Plugging in an Albany Zip code, I see they're running the Jets/Rams on Sunday at 1.

Yes, they're going with the Jets, I'll post the full local schedule later today.

Local NFL in HD for Week 17 (Final Regular Season Week):

SUNDAY 1/2
San Francisco 49ers @ New England Patriots - FOX, 1pm (TWC Only)
NY Jets @ St. Louis Rams - CBS, 1pm (OTA Only)
Indianapolis @ Denver -or- Kansas City @ San Diego -or- Jacksonville @ Oakland - CBS, 4:15pm (OTA Only) **Only the Colts/Broncos game is being produced in HD
Dallas Cowboys @ NY Giants - ESPN, 8:30pm (Satellite & TWC)

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

Originally posted by chenrikson
Hi -- I'm not too far from you - I'm in Delmar. The sort of problems you are having sound like poor cable connection/bad grounding. The ghosting on 6 is a real indication of a bad ground as the poor ground allows your cable to act as an antenna for lower numbered VHF channels.

The intermittent dropping of service also sounds like a poor connection.

My cable feed is up in the air and has needed replacing 3-4 times over the years.

In the meantime, be sure all your cable connections are finger tight.

Let us know what you find out!

Craig TWC Service Update! A technician from TimeWarner was scheduled to come to my home last night between 6:30 - 8:00 PM. The technician arrived at approximately 6:40 PM and as luck would have it, was a very nice, professional, courteous and "knowledgeable" young man. After viewing the poor reception/ghosting problem on channel 6, even though it was dark, he went to the pole on the street to evaluate the signal. He reported the signal was OK at the street and ran a new cable from the pole to my house (~150'). In the basement he connected the new cable and installed a new ground block. The signal on the TV improved significantly but still seemed a little off. The technician then made a new RG-6 cable to run from the basement to my DTV located in the family room and wallah... the picture had improved even more. Come to find out I had both an outside and inside cable problem and could not see much improvement until the outside cable had been replaced. Unfortunately, now I have to replace RG-59 cable with RG-6 to achieve the best signal possible.

What is the opinion of the Forum participants regarding RG-59 versus RG-6 for CATV to deliver digital signals as well as broadband network support? Will RG-6 really provide any significant difference, or am I just imagining it does?

Originally posted by optivity
What is the opinion of the Forum participants regarding RG-59 versus RG-6 for CATV to deliver digital signals as well as broadband network support? Will RG-6 really provide any significant difference, or am I just imagining it does?

Most RG6 is double shielded. The shielding in RG59 varies significantly. The cheapest RG59 has a single loose braid with less than 100 % coverage. CATV connections require double shielding to eliminate over the air signal leakage. Don't trust the coax jumper cables that come packaged with your VCR, many of them are poorly shielded. You can get away with low quality coax for an antenna, but not for CATV.

RG6 has slightly less loss than RG59, but loss is not the issue.

Originally posted by Tower Guy
Most RG6 is double shielded. The shielding in RG59 varies significantly. The cheapest RG59 has a single loose braid with less than 100 % coverage. CATV connections require double shielding to eliminate over the air signal leakage. Don't trust the coax jumper cables that come packaged with your VCR, many of them are poorly shielded. You can get away with low quality coax for an antenna, but not for CATV.

RG6 has slightly less loss than RG59, but loss is not the issue. Thanks for your reply. I agree in my situation (ghosting/faint video hum) that shielding seems to be more important than signal loss. Knowing the individual who built my house (1998) if it saved him $.02/foot he would use the cheapest RG-59 cable. The only coax connection in my setup is from the ground block to the STB (SA8300HD-DVR). I use component inputs from the STB & DVR to the TV. One interesting note was the cable technician informed me they had gone to a harder jacket on their exterior cable to limit the damaged caused to it when sub-contractors come through after installation to bury the cable. I'm wondering if during the past 7 years TW has upgraded it's exterior/interior cables to better shield digital signals?

Does anyone have info on the new HD Movies on Demand? It's on TimeWarner channel 1800 with only one movie listed.

Originally posted by rls2199
Does anyone have info on the new HD Movies on Demand? It's on TimeWarner channel 1800 with only one movie listed. I can't provide any additional information other then to confirm what you are seeing on channel 1800. I'm kind of glad the HD movies are purchased for an additional cost... otherwise TW might have an excuse to increase our rates.

Lufters wrote:
Since they're waiting to work on the DTV Transmission System....maybe they can find the time to work with Time Warner to improve the Picture Quality before the NFL Playoffs and the Super Bowl.

I've seen a lot of your posts about PQ. So I have to ask:

How far from the screen is your viewing position?

How you called TW in to measure signal strength and bandwidth?

What type of connectors and cable (is it RG6, component or DVI?)

Do you have a lot of splitters?

You obviously have a kick a** system. If you have addressed all of these, maybe you should consider plasma instead of rear projection.

JeffD2
What makes you think Plasma will have a better picture than a good quality rear projector?

Paul

Originally posted by JeffD2.
Lufters wrote:
Since they're waiting to work on the DTV Transmission System....maybe they can find the time to work with Time Warner to improve the Picture Quality before the NFL Playoffs and the Super Bowl.

I've seen a lot of your posts about PQ. So I have to ask:

How far from the screen is your viewing position?

How you called TW in to measure signal strength and bandwidth?

What type of connectors and cable (is it RG6, component or DVI?)

Do you have a lot of splitters?

You obviously have a kick a** system. If you have addressed all of these, maybe you should consider plasma instead of rear projection.


Obviously your very new to this....

First of all....Digital is Digital. It's either you get the signal or you don't. Digital PQ would have nothing to do with the Signal coming in. If you had a bad signal you would get picture break ups, audio drop outs, etc. I think your still thinking old school Analog.

My signal is perfect.....believe me! I made sure everything was on the Mark since day one. I also have a very good friend who is a tech @ Time Warner (he's over all the time to play Xbox). The only thing I possibly haven't done is changing out my 8000HD box for the new 8300HD one since I heard the PQ may be a little clearer.

I am sitting 15ft from my TV. I know a good HD Picture when I see one (I'm a very early adopter like many who frequent this board). Take a look at HDNet. That's a good High Definition Picture!! Full Bandwidth! Time Warner has to send it that way due to the contract HDNet makes them sign on Bandwidth allocation.

Our local Fox Ch. 1808 on TW is not really true HD...not enough bandwidth. Ever hear of Macro Blocking and the Dancing Grass effect?? Pay close attention to the grass during tomorrows NFL games on Ch 1808. You can see the grass actually move while the camera is still. This needs to be fixed! The Picture is no where as sharp as it could be.

In regards to your Plasma / Rear Projection remark. Let's put it this way...my friend, the Time Warner Tech I mention...he's been hooking up new HD TV's (includes all technologies) for years. He says he hasn't seen a better Picture than my Mit 65411..to this day!!....and that's without Calibration (which I will be getting done in Feb. after I move).

I really like spending $20,000 on a 60' TV that looks it's best on a wall turned off! :D

Re: 1808, without a network direct feed and a local OTA signal to compare to, we don't know if PQ issues on FOX are national, local or cable's. It could be FOX's fault, It could WXXA's fault, it could be TWC's.

Edit: I remember you saying that the ESPN-HD highlights of FOX games didn't look as bad, which would indicate that you could rule out the FOX network as the source of the artifacting. But you still don't know if its WXXA or TWC. Perhaps there is a flaw in the network/affiliate splicer method.

Originally posted by MasterFX1
Re: 1808, without a network direct feed and a local OTA signal to compare to, we don't know if PQ issues on FOX are national, local or cable's. It could be FOX's fault, It could WXXA's fault, it could be TWC's.

Edit: I remember you saying that the ESPN-HD highlights of FOX games didn't look as bad, which would indicate that you could rule out the FOX network as the source of the artifacting. But you still don't know if its WXXA or TWC. Perhaps there is a flaw in the network/affiliate splicer method.

Could very well be a flaw....or maybe some kind of software issue they still haven't got a handle on. On the main HD AVS Boards I read that Fox is still working out the bugs. But I still have to believe it's not really Fox since it looks so much better on the ESPN Highlights. Maybe the main bugs are between them and the affiliates.

So who's gonna e-mail WXXA?....or maybe some of them read this board. If they do...CHOP CHOP!!. I want to watch the Steelers win the Super Bowl in good quality HD!! :p

Originally posted by lufters
Obviously your very new to this....


In regards to your Plasma / Rear Projection remark. Let's put it this way...my friend, the Time Warner Tech I mention...he's been hooking up new HD TV's (includes all technologies) for years. He says he hasn't seen a better Picture than my Mit 65411..to this day!!....and that's without Calibration (which I will be getting done in Feb. after I move).

I really like spending $20,000 on a 60' TV that looks it's best on a wall turned off! :D

Two comments to offer. Yes I agree, when watching a good HD feed like MNF on ABC my 40" projection set looks all as good as any of the plasma sets I have seen at Best Buy or Sears (the only advantage I see to plasma is space saved by it's size). The second thing is that when watching an HD picture on at least my TV, you can actually get very close to the screen, the picture resolution is like looking at a direct view TV, so you can actually sit closer if you wanted to. Unfortunately, HDTV is still in it's "infancy" and the local stations and cable companies are still "learning" how to deliver the product reliably. I only found out I could get HDTV last year after having my set for six months - the store I bought it from was not knowledgeble. It's forums like this and albanyhdtv.com that provide users a resource to share experience and information.

Local NFL in HD for Wild Card Weekend:

SATURDAY 1/8
St. Louis Rams @ Seattle Seahawks - ABC, 4:30pm
NY Jets @ San Diego Chargers - ABC, 8pm

SUNDAY 1/9
Denver Broncos @ Indianapolis Colts - CBS, 1pm (OTA Only)
Minnesota Vikings @ Green Bay Packers - FOX, 4:30pm (TWC Only)

lufters wrote:
Obviously your very new to this....
First of all....Digital is Digital. It's either you get the signal or you don't. Digital PQ would have nothing to do with the Signal coming in. If you had a bad signal you would get picture break ups, audio drop outs, etc. I think your still thinking old school Analog.

No not new, but obviously had my head up my arse after four hours of surfing and other boards. I APOLOGIZE TO YOU and other members for that dumb post. Can you recommend a fine ale that goes with crow?

That being said, I’m running a 3250HD and Sony KV36HS510 with DVI. STB set to auto dvi, TV is 1080i native. I have no desire for a DVR, that’s why I haven’t traded for one.

Lufters: Ever hear of Macro Blocking and the Dancing Grass effect?

No I have never seen the dancing grass effect on my set. But, per your recommendation, I really looked hard for it. It became visible when I was within two feet of the set. At that point I decided to zoom using the STB which forced a 480p feed. The dancing at that point was hardly visible at all. Perhaps forcing the 480p would help you, though it may soften the other elements.

Searched the net for “macro blocking” and couldn’t find a clear definition please enlighten or date of post if handy.

Lufters: The onlything I possibly haven't done is changing out my 8000HD box for the new 8300HD one since I heard the PQ may be a little clearer.

Boards in western NY report DVI enabled by TW in the first week of December for the 8000HD (SARA version 1.83.16.a10), hopefully you have it to. They have the 8300’s out there as well, Big audio prob w/ the 8300. When using HDMI (STB) to DVI tv port, no DD.5.1, just stereo sound through the RCA jacks. One guy SAYS he got it work, no one else able to duplicate.

Paul B. Musser wrote:
What makes you think Plasma will have a better picture than a good quality rear projector?

I guess the key word is “good”. IMHO projector sets just don’t stand up to the PQ of direct view. While each type of output device has it’s pros and cons and after 6 months of reading, shopping and saving I chose direct view CRT (Sony KV36HS510) based on PQ alone and nothing else. I knew I would go nuts trying solve the “joggies” with plasma or lcd, or trying to sharpen the image of a rear projection system which has go through a magnifying lens, bounce off a mirror, and then get diffused (softened) in order to be displayed.

I’m going to take an afternoon to check out the Mitsubishi projector models our friend lufters likes. They must have a huge CRT since the 65” weighs in at 319 lbs. That would explain the exceptional PQ. If its as good as he says (IMHO), I’ll own one within a year or so. Maybe longer since the wife will want compensation as well.

Anyway, its all subjective, to each their own.

Originally posted by JeffD2.
I’ll own one within a year or so. Maybe longer since the wife will want compensation as well. Which among Forum members is commonly referred to as: WAF (Wife Approval Factor).:)

Originally posted by MasterFX1
WXXA officially claims they hope to have OTA for the Superbowl. But I personally think they will not make it. The FCC granted them the assignment change from rf4 to rf7, but now WABC (analog rf7 from NYC) has filed a grievence to that decision and a whole new set of reviews need to happen. It would be a poor business decision to purchase rf7 equipment if that channel assignment is now in question. WXXA is now once again waiting for the FCC's nod. The blame falls squarely on WABC for filing what most area broadcast engineers will tell you is a bogus gripe... weak at best.

MasterFX1,
I see that the first post of this thread now projects a May 2005 launch for OTA WXXA. Are you $#!++ing me?! Is TWC somehow behind this "delay" which will include the Superbowl? :mad:

Originally posted by ramcm7
MasterFX1,
I see that the first post of this thread now projects a May 2005 launch for OTA WXXA. Are you $#!++ing me?! Is TWC somehow behind this "delay" which will include the Superbowl? :mad:

As much as I would like TWC to be "to blame," they have nothing whatsoever to do with it. There's a thread (or two) on albanyHDTV.com quoting Sarge Cathrall, WXXA's chief engineer. Sarge re-iterates what you quoted me on. Sarge's timeline is approx 120 days from the moment of receiving FCC approval to their transmitter build-out permit. The May 2005 projection is mine, assuming they receive FCC approval in the month of January (there's still 25 or so days left) and hold to the 120 days, this can happen.

Originally posted by JeffD2.
lufters wrote:
Obviously your very new to this....
First of all....Digital is Digital. It's either you get the signal or you don't. Digital PQ would have nothing to do with the Signal coming in. If you had a bad signal you would get picture break ups, audio drop outs, etc. I think your still thinking old school Analog.

No not new, but obviously had my head up my arse after four hours of surfing and other boards. I APOLOGIZE TO YOU and other members for that dumb post. Can you recommend a fine ale that goes with crow?

That being said, I’m running a 3250HD and Sony KV36HS510 with DVI. STB set to auto dvi, TV is 1080i native. I have no desire for a DVR, that’s why I haven’t traded for one.

Lufters: Ever hear of Macro Blocking and the Dancing Grass effect?

No I have never seen the dancing grass effect on my set. But, per your recommendation, I really looked hard for it. It became visible when I was within two feet of the set. At that point I decided to zoom using the STB which forced a 480p feed. The dancing at that point was hardly visible at all. Perhaps forcing the 480p would help you, though it may soften the other elements.

Searched the net for “macro blocking” and couldn’t find a clear definition please enlighten or date of post if handy.

Lufters: The onlything I possibly haven't done is changing out my 8000HD box for the new 8300HD one since I heard the PQ may be a little clearer.

Boards in western NY report DVI enabled by TW in the first week of December for the 8000HD (SARA version 1.83.16.a10), hopefully you have it to. They have the 8300’s out there as well, Big audio prob w/ the 8300. When using HDMI (STB) to DVI tv port, no DD.5.1, just stereo sound through the RCA jacks. One guy SAYS he got it work, no one else able to duplicate.

No need to apologize....we are all here to enlighten each other, complain, etc. :D

With the dancing grass effect...I was referring to only the High Definition (1080i) NFL Games on Time Warner Ch. 1808 (Fox/WXXA 23). Check out this Sunday's Minnesota Vikings @ Green Bay Packers - @ 4:30pm. Watch for it when the camera is still and they snap the ball.

Here's a definition of
Macro-Blocking (http://www.michaeldvd.com.au/Articles/VideoArtefacts/VideoArtefactsMacroBlocking.html)

:cool:

Originally posted by lufters
...I was referring to only the High Definition (1080i) NFL Games on Time Warner Ch. 1808 (Fox/WXXA 23).
I believe FOX distributes their HD content in the 720p format.

Originally posted by AlbanyHDTV
I believe FOX distributes their HD content in the 720p format.

Yes that is true....but I thought TWC upconverts it to 1080i??

Originally posted by lufters
Yes that is true....but I thought TWC upconverts it to 1080i?? I'm not going to pretend to be a technical expert, but when I tune to channel 1808, the display on my 8300HD DVR displays: "HDTV 720p".

lufters wrote
With the dancing grass effect...I was referring to only the High Definition (1080i) NFL Games on Time Warner Ch. 1808 (Fox/WXXA 23). Check out this Sunday's Minnesota Vikings @ Green Bay Packers - @ 4:30pm. Watch for it when the camera is still and they snap the ball.

That's exactly what I was doing on 1808. It's just not evident here. There is a TW substation just north of Troy near Melrose, maybe there is a difference between your side of the river and mine. Perhaps your TW friend might know.

Generally I try to avoid letting SciAt box do any outputting. I have a coax direct to the Sony for channels <100 because of the superior line doubling and the crummy 480i upconvert of the STB. Just for giggles, I'll reconnect the component cables during the game and check to see if it's the analog conversion of the STB (SA3250HD) that causes dancing grass.

Thanks for the macroblocking link.:)

720p or 1080i or even the proposed 1080p is but one spec in the list of specs that comprise PQ. Another big factor is the bandwidth a signal is given. Different stations use different methods. For over the air signals, the entire datastream must be 19.1 MB, it's what the entire ATSC tuning standard is based on. Consider the fundamental difference between CBS delivery and PBS (Similar to FOX) delivery:

CBS
Uncompressed Broadcast HD Master Tape: 1.5gb/s
Dub given to CBS: Around 750mb/s
Feed to WRGB: 45mb/s
Encode to 6-1 combined with 6-2: 19.1mb/s

PBS
Uncompressed Broadcast HD Master Tape: 1.5gb/s
Dub given to PBS|HD: Around 750mb/s
Feed to WMHT: 15.1mb/s
Encode analog 17 to 17-1: 4.0mb/s + PBS|HD Feed = 19.1mb/s

This is highly simplified. And I haven't a clue what datarate is coming out of live control trucks at sports events. But what I am trying to demonstrate is that WMHT does not (for sake of this point) compress the PBS|HD feed, they retransmit it at the same datarate they recieve it at. WRGB, on the other hand, receives a much better datarate feed from CBS, but must locally compress it down to under the 19.1 limit. It's unknown exactly what datarate 6-1 is getting, but I would assume it's pretty close to 15mb/s.

Compression results also vary greatly depending on make, model, cost and age of encoders. An encoder is the devise that's being used to compress a signal. It's very possible for an old encoder with the full 19.1mb/s to not look as good as a new encoder with only 15mb/s.

This will probably raise more confusion than alleviate, but you should know that every station, every network, has built its own unique mousetrap. And discovering which of the thousands out there works the best will be unclear for some time.

I'm not going to pretend to be a technical expert, but when I tune to channel 1808, the display on my 8300HD DVR displays: "HDTV 720p".

My 8300HD DVR displays HDTV 1080i. I'll bet that's because I only allow native 1080i and 480i on my HDTV (a Toshiba).

Is anyone else who is usually able to get WB 45-1 OTA having trouble? I haven't seen a picture in the last few days. The signal level graph in my TV hasn't really gone down from where it usually is for this station ( > 70% and is green), but I get no picture, just text on the screen showing "Poor Signal Quality"

Originally posted by ProTuber
Is anyone else who is usually able to get WB 45-1 OTA having trouble? I haven't seen a picture in the last few days. The signal level graph in my TV hasn't really gone down from where it usually is for this station ( > 70% and is green), but I get no picture, just text on the screen showing "Poor Signal Quality" I am able to receive 45-1 without any problems. However, 45-2 has no audio at this time.

From the WXXA website.

WXXA Digital
Status of WXXA-DT as of 1/1/05

1- The FCC has assigned channel 7 as a DTV channel for Albany, NY. This assignment was challenged by broadcast stations in New York City and Watertown, NY. The FCC will issue a final determination on this issue soon.

2- WXXA-TV has submitted a construction permit application to operate on channel 7 at a power level of 10 kilowatts.

3- The approximate air date for WXXA-DT will be 120 days after the FCC approves our construction permit application.

4- WXXA-TV currently feeds a HD feed via fiber to Time Warner Cable where it is carried on channel 1808.

optivity wrote 11/4/04
...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. The cure was the bypassing of an "HBO trap" used back in the day when HBO was only available on channel 17 and had to be turned on/off from the pole. That thing prolly endured 15 years of upstate winters and was restricting bandwidth (so the tech said). Something to consider when splitter/wiring issues have been eliminated or swapping the box doesn't work.

I know this is a bit dated, but I see didn't this issue addressed as possibility.

Dancing Grass Effect


http://www.satelliteguys.us/showthread.php?t=31148

IMO It says because of the quantity of games the fox network broadcasts, the locals recieve it at <13Mb/s.

Click the AVS Forum link from the above posted message. It discusses mostly satellite reception and very large screens, but if it's from the network, I would think it would apply to the WXXA transmit to TWC or OTA for that matter.

Form your own opinion, but it looks like the compression may start at the network level.

Originally posted by JeffD2.

I had a similar problem. The cure was the bypassing of an "HBO trap" used back in the day when HBO was only available on channel 17 and had to be turned on/off from the pole.
I know this is a bit dated, but I see didn't this issue addressed as possibility.

I am no television technician/broadcast expert but I believe the "HBO Trap" you describe is just a plain ol'e frequency blocker. This worked on the analog frequencies from years ago.

Modern television works on a digital spectrum which may not even be affected by the old standards.

Originally posted by JeffD2.
Dancing Grass Effect


http://www.satelliteguys.us/showthread.php?t=31148

IMO It says because of the quantity of games the fox network broadcasts, the locals receive it at <13Mb/s.

Click the AVS Forum link from the above posted message. It discusses mostly satellite reception and very large screens, but if it's from the network, I would think it would apply to the WXXA transmit to TWC or OTA for that matter.

Form your own opinion, but it looks like the compression may start at the network level.


I have a very hard time believing this. If this was the case...the Christmas Eve game with Green Bay @ Minnesota should have been near perfect since is was the only game on at the time. There was no change in picture quality.

So lets see if this Sunday's game is any better since it's the only Fox NFL game on....ironically Green Bay and Minnesota again. :p

Go Steelers!!!! :D

FOX will use the same means of distributing its signal regardless of how many games are being played at the time. They may have designed a process so they can pipe more than one game, but it is more likely they will NOT change the entire process mid-season or week to week. i.e. post season games will be delivered with the same bandwidth they have been all season long.

Also Consider: The Turf... You should notice that artificial turf compresses much nicer than real grass.

Originally posted by Optivity.
...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. Originally posted by JeffD2.
I had a similar problem. The cure was the bypassing of an "HBO trap" used back in the day when HBO was only available on channel 17 and had to be turned on/off from the pole. That thing prolly endured 15 years of upstate winters and was restricting bandwidth (so the tech said). Something to consider when splitter/wiring issues have been eliminated or swapping the box doesn't work.

I know this is a bit dated, but I see didn't this issue addressed as possibility. In terms of the "on demand" problem I was able to determine the two-way communication failure was being caused by a powered 4-way splitter. I replaced it with TW's non-powered 3-way splitter and the "on demand" problem was solved. The poor picture quality I was experiencing was caused by a 7 year old and perhaps damaged cable from the street pole to my house (buried & a 150' run). After TW replaced the cable the technician was able to demonstrate my inside cable (RG-59) also contributed to signal loss/ghosting on channel 6. He made an RG-6 cable to run from the splitter to my DTV and the picture noticeably improved. I'll have to replace at least (2) cable runs on the 1st floor of my home as my plan is to move the DTV into a 1st floor bedroom and buy a 50" PDP for the family room. I'm wondering how the spec's of the cable (RG-6 quad-shield) TW uses today versus 7/8 years ago affect signal quality? It seems one may need to install RG-6 cable end-to-end in order to obtain the best picture possible when using a CATV system. I'm using TW's SA8300HD-DVR set to pass-through mode and let the TV handle 1080i/480i signals. When watching NFL Football broadcasts on FOX I have not observed any "dancing grass" effects. But I'm not sure if this phenomena would occur on a CRT HDTV versus a Pixel based FP/RPTV?

optivity wrote:
I'm wondering how the spec's of the cable (RG-6 quad-shield) TW uses today versus 7/8 years ago affect signal quality?

I'll be brief because the game is on now. The answer is like night & day. The radio shack quad shield clearly outperforms the TW RG-6. I have six televisions cabled in (1 HD, 5 cable ready) and NO signal booster required. Just today I replaced a 40 foot run of TW RG-6 with radio shack quad shield to my son's room whose set had snow, ghosting, you name it. Now PQ is pristine like all my other sets. The only wire I have from TW comes from the pole and that's it. I do highly recommend their splitters and boosters and besides you can't beat their price.

Originally posted by JeffD2.
optivity wrote:


I'll be brief because the game is on now. The answer is like night & day. The radio shack quad shield clearly outperforms the TW RG-6. I have six televisions cabled in (1 HD, 5 cable ready) and NO signal booster required. Just today I replaced a 40 foot run of TW RG-6 with radio shack quad shield to my son's room whose set had snow, ghosting, you name it. Now PQ is pristine like all my other sets. The only wire I have from TW comes from the pole and that's it. I do highly recommend their splitters and boosters and besides you can't beat their price. JeffD2, thanks for your reply. Do you use TW's RoadRunner service? When TW installs RR, they split the incoming cable in half at the ground block to allocate 1/2 to RR and the other half to CATV. I use a 3-way splitter to my TV's and the digital TV is on the leg with a spec of 3.5 dB signal loss, and the analog TV's are on the other (2) legs each spec'ed at 7.5 dB signal loss. I'm wondering if from the ground block I use a 4-way splitter where each leg has a 7.5 dB signal loss (but get 1/4 service versus 1/6) if this would improve the signal to the DTV? Of course this only works if I can still support my RR connection, unless I switch to DSL.

optivity wrote:
JeffD2, thanks for your reply. Do you use TW's RoadRunner service? When TW installs RR, they split the incoming cable in half at the ground block to allocate 1/2 to RR and the other half to CATV. I use a 3-way splitter to my TV's and the digital TV is on the leg with a spec of 3.5 dB signal loss, and the analog TV's are on the other (2) legs each spec'ed at 7.5 dB signal loss. I'm wondering if from the ground block I use a 4-way splitter where each leg has a 7.5 dB signal loss (but get 1/4 service versus 1/6) if this would improve the signal to the DTV? Of course this only works if I can still support my RR connection, unless I switch to DSL.

The main advantage to quad shield is four layers of foil around the dielectric. This repels ingress far better then RG 59 (one layer) and RG 6 (two layers). Other than that, it is practically identical.

On your other points, I will speak as being knowledgable and NOT an expert. When you connect to a splitter(s), you do not "half" and then "half" again for each successive connection. The key here is maintaining voltage and NOT increasing the impedance (resistance to current). It is essentially one long wire with many connections.

Voltage will decrease over very long runs (signal strength) and bandwidth will decrease as impedance increases. The way to avoid this is to use premium connectors/splitters such as gold plated, which is an almost perfect conductor and does not oxidize, which would create impedance.

Each channel or service is assigned its own section of the bandwidth. To my recollection, RR was assigned just below 1ghz (I went DSL some time ago). So as long as you are maintaining voltage and impedance, it should not affect RR whatsoever. Obviously, if voltage and impedance become an issue, a signal booster is in order.

What are you using to measure signal strength and where can I get one?

Side bar: Now lets see, we have television, home security, internet access and now telephoney. Just how much do they think they can cram into that little copper wire?

Originally posted by JeffD2.
optivity wrote:

On your other points, I will speak as being knowledgable and NOT an expert. When you connect to a splitter(s), you do not "half" and then "half" again for each successive connection. The key here is maintaining voltage and NOT increasing the impedance (resistance to current). It is essentially one long wire with many connections.



Definitely not an expert. Sorry, but you do indeed get "half" as much power (-3dB theoretical) for each split. The 3.5 dB per split is with real-world losses.

As for Road Runner, TW installed a 6 dB tap for that (siphoning off 1/4 of the input power) which leaves 3/4 (or a 1.25 dB loss) for the rest of the TVs

Originally posted by JeffD2.
optivity wrote:What are you using to measure signal strength and where can I get one?

Side bar: Now lets see, we have television, home security, internet access and now telephoney. Just how much do they think they can cram into that little copper wire? I'm "almost" embarrassed to say I'm not using any measuring device to determine the signal strength of TW's service; instead I've only tried different connection options to visually determine what looks best. It appears TW's original install approach provides the best picture to my DTV. That is, from the ground block runs an RG-6 cable to a two-way splitter, each interface spec's a 3.5 dB signal loss, the RR connection (RG-59) is on one interface and from the other interface runs an RG-6 cable to a 3-way splitter where each interface is 3.5 dB, 7.5 dB and 7.5 dB. I have the cable going to the DTV connected to the 3.5 dB interface so based upon your statement:

"When you connect to a splitter(s), you do not "half" and then "half" again for each successive connection. The key here is maintaining voltage and NOT increasing the impedance (resistance to current). It is essentially one long wire with many connections."

I'm wondering if since the DTV connects thru (2) 3.5 dB interfaces (2-way then 3-way splitter) does this provide the best picture achievable? I removed the two-way splitter and used only a 4-way splitter, where each interface resulted in a 7.5 dB signal loss, but the picture on the DTV did not look as good.

In terms of TW providing Video, Broadband, Voice and Security applications over one wire, I'm not sure what impact (if any) these additional services (IP?) have on the delivery of video applications? With a cable bill already approaching ~$140/month, I'm not inclined to put "all my eggs" on TW's basket so I'll keep my local phone service with Verizon (I dropped ATT long distance and just use pre-paid calling cards) which also give me the option to switch to DSL if I'm unhappy with TW's RR. I wonder if I dropped RR altogether would it result in better CATV service?

OK, I need to dispel a myth here...

Once you achieve a digital picture without dropouts, hiccups, stutters, glitches, macro-blocking, etc... there is no better picture to get. There is absolutely no visual difference between a 85% signal and a 100% signal. Digital video uses a process called error correction, when the bit-error ratio becomes too high for the error correction to compensate, then you get problems. Otherwise, you are seeing the complete signal. While you may be able to tweak your Road Runner connection by increasing signal strength, if you are seeing a good HD picture (that means: no dropouts, hiccups, stutters, glitches, macro-blocking, etc.) then you are seeing it as good as it gets.

Any analog noise or interference in a digital signal is most likely part of the source signal or being added by a non-digital connection such as component video cables.

Look like you'll need an OTA setup for the games of interest in our region...

Local NFL in HD for Divisional Championships

Saturday 1/15
NY Jets @ Pittsburgh Steelers - CBS, 4:30pm (OTA Only)
St. Louis Rams @ Atlanta Falcons - FOX, 8pm (TWC Only)

Sunday 1/16
Minnesota Vikings @ Philadelphia Eagles - FOX, 1pm (TWC Only)
Indianapolis Colts @ New England Patriots - CBS, 4:30pm (OTA Only)

Originally posted by MasterFX1
OK, I need to dispel a myth here...

Once you achieve a digital picture without dropouts, hiccups, stutters, glitches, macro-blocking, etc... there is no better picture to get. There is absolutely no visual difference between a 85% signal and a 100% signal. Digital video uses a process called error correction, when the bit-error ratio becomes too high for the error correction to compensate, then you get problems. Otherwise, you are seeing the complete signal. While you may be able to tweak your Road Runner connection by increasing signal strength, if you are seeing a good HD picture (that means: no dropouts, hiccups, stutters, glitches, macro-blocking, etc.) then you are seeing it as good as it gets.

Any analog noise or interference in a digital signal is most likely part of the source signal or being added by a non-digital connection such as component video cables. Thanks for the clarification. BTW... On my CRT-HDTV (1080i) I believe I saw what is referred to as the "dancing grass" effect during FOX's HD broadcast of the GB/Vikings game yesterday. It seemed to appear when the camera shot was at field level during a close-up of a player with the grass field in the background... It had the quality of a psychedelic/strobe effect. Pretty interesting stuff... HD technology!

Originally posted by optivity
Thanks for the clarification. BTW... On my CRT-HDTV (1080i) I believe I saw what is referred to as the "dancing grass" effect during FOX's HD broadcast of the GB/Vikings game yesterday. It seemed to appear when the camera shot was at field level during a close-up of a player with the grass field in the background... It had the quality of a psychedelic/strobe effect. Pretty interesting stuff... HD technology!


Well there's a new term going around the AVS Boards....it's called HD-Lite. A HD Picture with not enough Bandwidth.

I would say all of are locals via TWC are HD-Lite......with Fox...Super HD-Lite! :p

Originally posted by MasterFX1
FOX will use the same means of distributing its signal regardless of how many games are being played at the time. They may have designed a process so they can pipe more than one game, but it is more likely they will NOT change the entire process mid-season or week to week. i.e. post season games will be delivered with the same bandwidth they have been all season long.

Also Consider: The Turf... You should notice that artificial turf compresses much nicer than real grass.


MasterFx1....So your saying ESPN has a special setup with Fox to get more bandwidth for their NFL highlights?

Explain why the Fox picture looks so much better on the ESPN-HD Highlights...no dancing grass effect there.

Originally posted by lufters
MasterFx1....So your saying ESPN has a special setup with Fox to get more bandwidth for their NFL highlights?

Explain why the Fox picture looks so much better on the ESPN-HD Highlights...no dancing grass effect there.

What I am saying is that FOX network uses one method to distribute the signal to affiliates. They use another method to distribute to DirecTV. I don't know how ESPN is receiving the feed. Also, how a station re-broadcasts the signal is another method. Its also not "Out of the question" that ESPN has a "Special" or custom arrangment with FOX, it would be in Fox's best interest to ensure the highlights on ESPN-HD look their best.

Bottom line, how WXXA is receiving and re-broadcasting is way different from how ESPN is receiving and re-broadcasting.

optivity wrote:

"I'm using TW's SA8300HD-DVR set to pass-through mode and let the TV handle 1080i/480i signals."

I have a SONY XS series RP-LCD HDTV and am using the SA8300HD-DVR. I have the DVR set to 720P. How do I set the DVR to "pass-through" mode and what are the advantages in doing so (if any)? I am using a HDMI cable from the DVR to the TV.

Thank you,

Tim

ps: how do I put other peoples quotes in Bold font? I can't seem to figure it out.

Originally posted by timick1
optivity wrote:

"I'm using TW's SA8300HD-DVR set to pass-through mode and let the TV handle 1080i/480i signals."

I have a SONY XS series RP-LCD HDTV and am using the SA8300HD-DVR. I have the DVR set to 720P. How do I set the DVR to "pass-through" mode and what are the advantages in doing so (if any)? I am using a HDMI cable from the DVR to the TV.

Thank you,

Tim

ps: how do I put other peoples quotes in Bold font? I can't seem to figure it out. Tim, your set-up is different from mine and you should be presented with different options from the SA8300. My CRT-HDTV is 4:3 aspect ratio, natively supports 480i/480p/1080i with (2) component inputs (no DVI or HDMI). With your TV powered on and the SA8300 powered off, press and hold both the Guide and Info buttons on the front panel of the 8300 at the same time to enter the SA8300 HD setup menu. From this menu you can select the signal formats your TV supports: 480i/480p/720p/1080i for the appropriate aspect ratio 4:3 or 16:9.

http://www.timewarnercable.com/Media/29/User%20Documentation/mn_getting_started_8300HD_8300DVR.pdf

Once you have made the desired settings, power on the SA8300 and using the remote press the settings button twice to bring up the 2nd options menu. If you are using the SA8300 component output TW recommends you choose "Pass-Through" on the "Set Picture Format" option. If you have connected your TV to the HDMI interface on the 8300 there is no "Pass-Through" option but instead you will see an "AutoDMI/HDMI setting; which you should choose. DVI/HDMI are all-digital interfaces and will provide the best quality HD picture available. I believe the 8300 will only support DVI/HDMI connections that are HDCP compliant.

To bold text add [ B ] .... text to bold .... [ /B ] (remove space within [ ])

Originally posted by timick1
optivity wrote:
ps: how do I put other peoples quotes in Bold font? I can't seem to figure it out.

Just click the quote button at the top (and to the right) of any message you want to quote.

Originally posted by lufters
Just click the quote button at the top (and to the right) of any message you want to quote.

Thanks optivity and lufters.

I printed out a few of the pages of the 8300 DVR manual and will change some settings later tonight to see if I can get a better picture than I have now. The picture I have now is pretty good, though (the HD channels anyway)

Originally posted by MasterFX1
OK, I need to dispel a myth here...

Once you achieve a digital picture without dropouts, hiccups, stutters, glitches, macro-blocking, etc... there is no better picture to get. There is absolutely no visual difference between a 85% signal and a 100% signal. Digital video uses a process called error correction, when the bit-error ratio becomes too high for the error correction to compensate, then you get problems. Otherwise, you are seeing the complete signal. While you may be able to tweak your Road Runner connection by increasing signal strength, if you are seeing a good HD picture (that means: no dropouts, hiccups, stutters, glitches, macro-blocking, etc.) then you are seeing it as good as it gets.

Any analog noise or interference in a digital signal is most likely part of the source signal or being added by a non-digital connection such as component video cables. MasterFX1, one last question then hopefully I can put this to rest... From the ground block there is a 2-way ~5 - ~1000 Mhz splitter with a -3.5 dB insertion loss on each leg. One leg is dedicated to RoadRunner and the other goes to a 3-way ~5 - ~1000 Mhz splitter. The 3-way splitter has 1 leg with a -3.5 dB insertion loss and the other two have -7.5 dB insertion loss. The Digital TV is connected to the -3.5 dB interface. If I were to use DSL for Internet and drop RoadRunner, this would enable me to remove the 2-way splitter and dedicate the signal to CATV. Using this configuration, would there be any improvement in picture quality?

Originally posted by optivity
MasterFX1, one last question then hopefully I can put this to rest... From the ground block there is a 2-way ~5 - ~1000 Mhz splitter with a -3.5 dB insertion loss on each leg. One leg is dedicated to RoadRunner and the other goes to a 3-way ~5 - ~1000 Mhz splitter. The 3-way splitter has 1 leg with a -3.5 dB insertion loss and the other two have -7.5 dB insertion loss. The Digital TV is connected to the -3.5 dB interface. If I were to use DSL for Internet and drop RoadRunner, this would enable me to remove the 2-way splitter and dedicate the signal to CATV. Using this configuration, would there be any improvement in picture quality?

Not on digital channels... Unless you are having actual picture "problems" like stutters or picture-breakups or something, the Picture Quality will not improve. Once signal qulaity passes through the threshold of a locked-in signal, thats as good as it gets.

Originally posted by MasterFX1
Not on digital channels... Unless you are having actual picture "problems" like stutters or picture-breakups or something, the Picture Quality will not improve. Once signal qulaity passes through the threshold of a locked-in signal, thats as good as it gets. What about channels in the SD range? Under 100? Unfortunately, I still watch a lot of those.

Optivity-
Well, the SD channels that are only available with the digital tier are also being transmitted digitally. The cable channels that you can receive WITHOUT an STB or CableCard might, and I say might, improve.

MasterFX1

Posted wrong the first time...Are you still using VOOM and if so whats your opinion on it..

Thanks
Joe

I like VOOM a lot. Like all things, it has its issues. But if you want more HD content, you need VOOM.

Thanks for the reply

So what kind of issues?? ...I think I am finally ready to switch from TWC..too expensive for what I am getting as far as I am concerned. Although the RRunner will have to stay for now.

I want to also get the true HD with OTA capabilities that all you guys are talking about.

Thanks

Joe

VOOM Issues-
Getting a good OTA signal from the VOOM installers is not always easy. I think many are milking the system as they are sub-contracted by VOOM and get paid per visit. They actually have a financial insentive to come back and fix a previous install. Not all the STB's work. The first one the installer brought didn't do anything, so they grabbed another one out of the truck. Luckily they had another. The installers are supposed to give you all sorts of cables, many of the installers are only giving customers one set of cables that gets them hooked up (usually not the DVI cable) and selling the rest on eBay. (For that I suggest having a printout in hand of what is supposed to be included) These are all related to getting setup with VOOM, so like I said, once you weather the storm, I think it's pretty much good sailing.

Thanks for the info , your help is appreciated


Joe

Just noticed the first half way decent movie on HD Movies On Demand (TWC Ch. 1800)...Shrek 2.


Hopefully this will be the beginning to the end of my DVD Rentals.....or at least until HD-DVD and Blu-Ray Disc comes out. :cool:

I have the SA-8300HD-DVR...
Last night I recorded a show (Amazing Race) and started watching it about 30 minutes after it started (it's an hour show). Usually when I do this, at 10:00 (the time the show ends), my DVR boots me out of the program I am watching and I have to fast forward to the part I was just at. Not last night though. When it hit 10:00, the red recording light turned off, but I didn't get booted out of the show. I was able to keep watching. It was a nice thing. Did TW finally fix the bug???

Tim

ps: any word on when WRGB is gonna let TW broadcast their HD?

Originally posted by timick1

ps: any word on when WRGB is gonna let TW broadcast their HD?


HA HA!! That's a good one!!! :p


Go Steelers!!! :cool:

Originally posted by timick1
any word on when WRGB is gonna let TW broadcast their HD? Originally posted by lufters
HA HA!! That's a good one!!! :pI wonder how many 'nickels & dimes' these guys are arguing over? Who cares about the customer?:rolleyes:

I find myself NOT watching WRGB just because the show i want to watch isn't in HD (CSI for example). I know I could get ch.6 OTA but that would require a large roof top antenna (that ain't happening). So I'll watch ESPNHD (Tilt) instead of CSI.

Originally posted by timick1
I find myself NOT watching WRGB just because the show i want to watch isn't in HD (CSI for example). I know I could get ch.6 OTA but that would require a large roof top antenna (that ain't happening). So I'll watch ESPNHD (Tilt) instead of CSI. Right, and doesn't it seem silly to invest in OTA equipment when you're already sending a boatload of cash to TW each month?:confused:

Originally posted by timick1
I have the SA-8300HD-DVR...
Last night I recorded a show (Amazing Race) and started watching it about 30 minutes after it started (it's an hour show). Usually when I do this, at 10:00 (the time the show ends), my DVR boots me out of the program I am watching and I have to fast forward to the part I was just at. Not last night though. When it hit 10:00, the red recording light turned off, but I didn't get booted out of the show. I was able to keep watching. It was a nice thing. Did TW finally fix the bug???

Tim

ps: any word on when WRGB is gonna let TW broadcast their HD?

WRGB seems to have their thought processes screwed up:

a) We want TW to pay "us" for letting them have our HD Signal because we *chose* to spend several million dollars on our HDTV OTA Tower.

b) But the amount that we're asking them to pay is SOOOO small.



Well, if it's so darn small, then:

a) you (WRGB) shouldn't care if TW pays you for it or not.
b) How do you think the "drop in the bucket" will help pay for a multi-million dollar HD tower?

Personally I think they're just being jerks. I believe they're one of only FOUR remaining CBS stations that were part of the nationwide agreement with Time Warner that have NOT allowed their HD signal to be broadcast through TW.

I did try OTA but WRGB was running too much stuff through the signal (can't remember the term--but they have other channels using the bandwidth) and the quality was horrible. constant pixelation, audio dropouts, etc. this was at 80% signal strength, too (the best I can do without putting up motorized rotor antenna).

Here we go again..

Don't you think that WRGB or other local channels should recoup some of the money spent on their HD signal if TWC starts charging customers for a HD package that includes their signal?

It seems that TWC customers are always so irritable and always complaining about shelling out tons of money each month for HD programming.

How much is your monthly TWC bill? not exactly a "drop in the bucket" eh? And how much of that money gets "kickbacked" to the local affliates?

Originally posted by BreakStuff
Here we go again..

Don't you think that WRGB or other local channels should recoup some of the money spent on their HD signal if TWC starts charging customers for a HD package that includes their signal?

It seems that TWC customers are always so irritable and always complaining about shelling out tons of money each month for HD programming.

How much is your monthly TWC bill? not exactly a "drop in the bucket" eh? And how much of that money gets "kickbacked" to the local affliates? Rather then be 'chastised' by you bub... All I want to know is what is the 'deal' between Time Warner and WRGB and what is it going to take to get channel 6 in HD? No, I'm 'not inclined' to pay any more than I do right now!

Originally posted by m_jonis
I did try OTA but WRGB was running too much stuff through the signal (can't remember the term--but they have other channels using the bandwidth) and the quality was horrible. constant pixelation, audio dropouts, etc. this was at 80% signal strength, too (the best I can do without putting up motorized rotor antenna).

It's called Multicasting....WRGB are pros at this. They can care less about their viewers!! :mad:

Here are some of my posts from last year at this time...
Post #332 (http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?postid=3195027#post3195027)


and yes...here we go again!! :p

Post #470 (http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?postid=3254218#post3254218)

Post #514 (http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?postid=3269884#post3269884)

Post #519 (http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?postid=3271031#post3271031)

Post #543 (http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?postid=3273177#post3273177)

Breakstuff and MasterFX1....don't get me going with your BS Biased opinions!!

WWW.BOYCOTTWRGB.COM :p


P.S. Go Steelers!!!!! :D

Breakstuff and MasterFX1....don't get me going with your BS Biased opinions!!

I think the problem with me is that I consider myself anti-TWC opposed to Pro-WRGB.

Two years ago TWC wanted to charge me $55.00 for a digital package so I could get ABC HD... Woot! $55.00 for one HD channel! Woot!

I been a DTV customer since the early 90's and they were always flexible with my programing needs. My monthly television bill is $42.00 for the basics and a premium package.

I get to see all I need in HD via OTA. CBS/PBS/ABC/WB (CSI looks great!)

My HDTV looks damn good and its free, who's complaining?

Lufters complains but he doesnt include his OTA receiver in his profile. :p

Originally posted by optivity
[B]Rather then be 'chastised' by you bub...

I have to admit I didnt understand the meaning of that word.. in fact, I still don't. :p

"Main Entry: chas·tise
Pronunciation: (")chas-'tIz
Function: transitive verb
Inflected Form(s): chas·tised; chas·tis·ing
Etymology: Middle English chastisen, alteration of chasten
1 : to inflict punishment on (as by whipping)
2 : to censure severely : CASTIGATE
3 archaic : CHASTEN 2
synonym see PUNISH
- chas·tise·ment /(")chas-'tIz-m&nt also 'chas-t&z-/ noun
- chas·tis·er /(")chas-'tI-z&r/ noun"


Like I been saying...TWC will make you crazy like that..

Originally posted by BreakStuff
I have to admit I didnt understand the meaning of that word.. in fact, I still don't. :p

"Main Entry: chas·tise
Pronunciation: (")chas-'tIz
Function: transitive verb
Inflected Form(s): chas·tised; chas·tis·ing
Etymology: Middle English chastisen, alteration of chasten
1 : to inflict punishment on (as by whipping)
2 : to censure severely : CASTIGATE
3 archaic : CHASTEN 2
synonym see PUNISH
- chas·tise·ment /(")chas-'tIz-m&nt also 'chas-t&z-/ noun
- chas·tis·er /(")chas-'tI-z&r/ noun"


Like I been saying...TWC will make you crazy like that.. From the Merriam-Webster Online Thesaurus

One entry found for chastise.


Entry Word: chastise
Function: verb
Text: Synonyms PUNISH 1, castigate, chasten, correct, discipline
Related Word baste, beat, belabor, pummel, thrash ;)

Originally posted by BreakStuff
Lufters complains but he doesnt include his OTA receiver in his profile. :p


I hate to tell you this but I returned it last Feb. 04. My buddy bought a 60" Sony with a built in tuner in Dec. That's how I've been watching the Steelers kick some A#$ in the Playoffs. :p

Post #372 (http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?postid=3217733#post3217733)

Post #379 (http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?postid=3220893#post3220893)


Go Steelers!!!! :D

Originally posted by BreakStuff
I get to see all I need in HD via OTA. CBS/PBS/ABC/WB (CSI looks great!)


Rubbing it in?? :)

Originally posted by timick1
[B}ps: any word on when WRGB is gonna let TW broadcast their HD? [/B]

Look for it on 1801 by noon Saturday. On Tuesday morning it will move to 1806.

Originally posted by Tower Guy
Look for it on 1801 by noon Saturday. On Tuesday morning it will move to 1806.

Wow, thanks for the scoop Tower Guy!

Here's the info from WRGB (http://www.wrgb.com/news/local/local_news.asp?selection=article_27162):

CBS 6 Joins Time Warner's HDTV Lineup

(Albany - CBS 6) — CBS 6 and Time Warner Cable have reached an agreement for carriage of CBS 6's HDTV signal. Programming will first be available on Time Warner channel 1801, before moving to its permanent home on channel 1806. Time Warner Cable customers with a Time Warner Cable HD converter and HD television set will be able to receive this programming in HD. The first CBS 6 HD program is Sunday's AFC Championship game between the New England Patriots and Pittsburgh Steelers, available in HD on Time Warner Cable channel 1801. Game time is 6:30pm.

Originally posted by AlbanyHDTV
Here's the info from WRGB:

CBS 6 Joins Time Warner's HDTV Lineup

(Albany - CBS 6) — CBS 6 and Time Warner Cable have reached an agreement for carriage of CBS 6's HDTV signal. Programming will first be available on Time Warner channel 1801, before moving to its permanent home on channel 1806. Time Warner Cable customers with a Time Warner Cable HD converter and HD television set will be able to receive this programming in HD. The first CBS 6 HD program is Sunday's AFC Championship game between the New England Patriots and Pittsburgh Steelers, available in HD on Time Warner Cable channel 1801. Game time is 6:30pm.


A Day (Year) late and a Dollar short.....I haven't forgotten about last year....WRGB holding me hostage for the Super Bowl. ...and let's see how bad the half As%ed HD Picture will be with WRGB's greedy Multicasting!! :p

At least now I can concentrate on complaining about Time Warner and their out of hand Cable Rates!! :D

Go Steelers!!!! :cool:

Originally posted by lufters
...and let's see how bad the half As%ed HD Picture will be with WRGB's greedy Multicasting!!

Slightly less "half As%ed" as WTEN, WNYT or WMHT's multicasting. Only WXXA and WEWB are not multicasting, and WXXA's FOX feed comes to them pre-compressed anyway. You, yourself complain about wxxa's compression artifacts. For you to get what you want PQ and provider-wise, you really need WEWB-DT on TWC... Time for you to start www.boycottwewb.com. Oh wait, scrap that, there's not much worth watching on WB.. HD or not.

Oh yeah... I forgot.. There's no UPN-HD in our market... For the love of g-d, help us.. without ST: Enterprise in HD we all might die. I just can't believe sometimes... No matter how much better things get in our market, some people always have to gripe.

Originally posted by MasterFX1
Slightly less "half As%ed" as WTEN, WNYT or WMHT's multicasting. Only WXXA and WEWB are not multicasting, and WXXA's FOX feed comes to them pre-compressed anyway. You, yourself complain about wxxa's compression artifacts. For you to get what you want PQ and provider-wise, you really need WEWB-DT on TWC... Time for you to start www.boycottwewb.com. Oh wait, scrap that, there's not much worth watching on WB.. HD or not.


As always I have to repeat myself...WTEN, WNYT, WMHT, or WB didn't hold me hostage during the Super Bowl last year!!!!!!!....and when was the last time WNYT, WMHT and WB had an NFL game????? :o

I will complain about the HD PQ.....WRGB are the most rotten out of the bunch!!

www.Masterfx1isbiased.com :p



Go Pitt!!!! :cool:

Originally posted by BreakStuff
Here we go again..

Don't you think that WRGB or other local channels should recoup some of the money spent on their HD signal if TWC starts charging customers for a HD package that includes their signal?

It seems that TWC customers are always so irritable and always complaining about shelling out tons of money each month for HD programming.

How much is your monthly TWC bill? not exactly a "drop in the bucket" eh? And how much of that money gets "kickbacked" to the local affliates?

IF TW starts charging for local channels, then yes. However they currently do not, nor did the WRGB news articles imply that's what WRGB wanted the money for.

Originally posted by MasterFX1
Slightly less "half As%ed" as WTEN, WNYT or WMHT's multicasting. Only WXXA and WEWB are not multicasting, and WXXA's FOX feed comes to them pre-compressed anyway. You, yourself complain about wxxa's compression artifacts. For you to get what you want PQ and provider-wise, you really need WEWB-DT on TWC... Time for you to start www.boycottwewb.com. Oh wait, scrap that, there's not much worth watching on WB.. HD or not.

Oh yeah... I forgot.. There's no UPN-HD in our market... For the love of g-d, help us.. without ST: Enterprise in HD we all might die. I just can't believe sometimes... No matter how much better things get in our market, some people always have to gripe.

Admit it. Complaining is fun. :)

I'm a pro at it. :)

I'd love to have UPN HD, but ST will be "off the air" by then, and I don't watch anything on WB, so now with CBS on TW, my HD needs are satisifed.

One thing I'd REALLY like to see though is the stupid Sci-Fi channel have HD. But they don't. Oh well.

What are the chances TW will pick up the new Mets Channel in 2006, which will be HD?

Originally posted by Paul B. Musser
What are the chances TW will pick up the new Mets Channel in 2006, which will be HD?


Pretty good. Its been well documented that they will show home games and select road games in HD. And to topp it off, the new network is owned and ran by time warner and comcast.

Originally posted by m_jonis
One thing I'd REALLY like to see though is the stupid Sci-Fi channel have HD. But they don't. Oh well.

Word is that Universal HD (Formerly Bravo HD) will carry Sci-Fi content in HD. Unfortunately only VOOM offers Universal HD and today it was reported in the Wall Street Journal that VOOM is selling their satellite to Echostar and pending FCC approval will stop service.

Directv has it too

Sorry, didn't know they added it.

Originally posted by cliftonmets
Pretty good. Its been well documented that they will show home games and select road games in HD. And to topp it off, the new network is owned and ran by time warner and comcast.
Cool!

ps - great news about WRGB. If nothing else it gives us options, and allows me to record shows from CBS. AND, now I can watch the Pats stomp the Steelers on my REALLY big screen.


LETS GO PATRIOTS!

Masterfx, what does Voom going under mean for subscribers and their equiptment? Will it still be usuable with another service?

Paul

Originally posted by Paul B. Musser
Masterfx, what does Voom going under mean for subscribers and their equiptment? Will it still be usuable with another service?

Paul

The current thinking is that the STB, if unplugged from the Sat before a "Kill Service" signal comes down, will still operate as an OTA tuner.

Echostar has not bought the STB's, Client-Hardware or subscriber base. Technically, unless you were crazy enough to buy the STB for the $500 or $700 they wanted, the equipment is still VOOM's (Owned by cablevision) property. I myself, like most, rented the STB. It's highly doubtful they will come to collect this equipment though, so a concern about unhooking the STB before the final signal is arising. Of course, myself included, most subscribers want to keep watching VOOM content until the last possible second. The entire sale to echostar is pending FCC approval and VOOM will operate as normal until atleast then.

Originally posted by Paul B. Musser
Cool!

ps - great news about WRGB. If nothing else it gives us options, and allows me to record shows from CBS. AND, now I can watch the Pats stomp the Steelers on my REALLY big screen.


LETS GO PATRIOTS!


PPleeeeasssse!!! Here's a friendly reminder!!...

Steelers Stomp the Pats (http://www.nfl.com/gamecenter/recap/NFL_20041031_NE@PIT)

Pittsburgh Steelers: They've had the best defense all season long and that isn't going to change now, not even in the wake of New England's masterly performance against that explosive Indianapolis offense. Why? For one, the Steelers rank first in the NFL in total defense, rushing defense and points allowed. They also have a crafty coordinator in Dick LeBeau, who's done a terrific job of game-planning for opponents. His zone-blitz schemes are difficult to handle because teams rarely know where they're coming from. And when they do know, LeBeau's knowledge of pass protections is so vast he can still free up a defender to get a shot at the quarterback.


The Pats will be beat down again!!

LETS GET IT ON!!!!!!!!

Originally posted by Paul B. Musser
LETS GET IT ON!!!!!!!!


:D

Originally posted by Tower Guy
Look for it on 1801 by noon Saturday. On Tuesday morning it will move to 1806.
No WRGB HD (CBS) on TWC as of 12:18PM Saturday, 1/22/05.

WRGB-DT is now on TWC channel 1801.
1:07PM, Saturday 1/22/05.

Originally posted by AlbanyHDTV
Here's the info from WRGB (http://www.wrgb.com/news/local/local_news.asp?selection=article_27162):

CBS 6 Joins Time Warner's HDTV Lineup

(Albany - CBS 6) — CBS 6 and Time Warner Cable have reached an agreement for carriage of CBS 6's HDTV signal. Programming will first be available on Time Warner channel 1801, before moving to its permanent home on channel 1806. Time Warner Cable customers with a Time Warner Cable HD converter and HD television set will be able to receive this programming in HD. The first CBS 6 HD program is Sunday's AFC Championship game between the New England Patriots and Pittsburgh Steelers, available in HD on Time Warner Cable channel 1801. Game time is 6:30pm. Yipee!!! The 'Super Bowl' party is at my house this year. I'll be watching the game in HD with 5.1 DD and getting a little bit more of what I pay TW for. Happy days!:D

Don't forget though, The Super Bowl is on FOX this year. It will be on ch. 1808 on TWC. I can't wait to watch the AFC Championship Game though.

Originally posted by MasterFX1
Word is that Universal HD (Formerly Bravo HD) will carry Sci-Fi content in HD. Unfortunately only VOOM offers Universal HD and today it was reported in the Wall Street Journal that VOOM is selling their satellite to Echostar and pending FCC approval will stop service.

Cool (about the Universal HD--which DirecTV carries)

Bad about the Voom! thing. I'm VERY surprised though that Echostar (Dish networks) doesn't have plans to continue the content in some form and support the VOOM customers. You'd think they'd want those customers into their 'fold". At least in some fashion.

But maybe things will change?

I never had Voom, but the StarzHD and CinemaxHD sure seem appealing.

Originally posted by ThePrisoner
Don't forget though, The Super Bowl is on FOX this year. It will be on ch. 1808 on TWC. I can't wait to watch the AFC Championship Game though. Thanks for mentioning that... With I six-hour pre-game show I would have probably figured it out.:rolleyes: Now if we could only get Janet Jackson back for the half-time festivities I could DVR her little 'reveal' and play it back in slow-motion HD!:D

Originally posted by MasterFX1
Word is that Universal HD (Formerly Bravo HD) will carry Sci-Fi content in HD... What does it take to get a cable provider (specifically Albany TW) to pick up an HD feed from Sci-Fi? While the thought of watching a repeat episode of "Cops" in HD doesn't really 'thrill' me... I would enjoy seeing Battlestar Galactica in HD.:)

Originally posted by optivity
What does it take to get a cable provider (specifically Albany TW) to pick up an HD feed from Sci-Fi? ...I would enjoy seeing Battlestar Galactica in HD.:)

Sci-Fi does net yet have an HD feed, so nothing will get a cable company to pick up a feed that does not exist. As I mentioned though, UHD will have Sci-Fi content. What will it take to get UHD on TWC? Start e-mailing Taubkin... Ask him that exact question.

Battlestar Galactica (the new version) will be repeated on NBC this coming season in HD. Enjoy.

I just got an HDTV set with ATSC tuner. I live in Rhinebeck and get 10.XX, 13.XX, 17.XX, 48.01, and 54.XX just fine with signal strengths of about 90. However I do not get 6.XX at all. On analog I get 6, 10, 13, 17, 23 and 45. Is there something about WRGB.DT that I do not know? I have a large antenna with preamp aimed at Albany in the attic.

Originally posted by trtinkerer
Is there something about WRGB.DT that I do not know? I have a large antenna with preamp aimed at Albany in the attic.
All of the transmitters are on the same tower, so if you pick up the others, you should be able to pick up WRGB (Ch6) as well.

WRGB's Chief Engineer is a regular contributer to this thread (see this post (http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?postid=5034499#post5034499)) and his ID is TowerGuy.

Try emailing WRGB's Chief Engineer and tell him about your problem. You can find all of the local Chief Engineer's email addresses here (http://albanyhdtv.homestead.com/email_links.html). Or, maybe he will respond to your post in this thread. I imagine he will be monitoring here today because WRGB's HD signal will be on TWC for the AFC Championship game.

Originally posted by trtinkerer
I just got an HDTV set with ATSC tuner. I live in Rhinebeck and get 10.XX, 13.XX, 17.XX, 48.01, and 54.XX just fine with signal strengths of about 90. However I do not get 6.XX at all. On analog I get 6, 10, 13, 17, 23 and 45. Is there something about WRGB.DT that I do not know? I have a large antenna with preamp aimed at Albany in the attic.

6.xx is on rf39 which is a higher frequency than the others you receive from that tower. Given the same wattage, the higher the rf channel, the less distance the signal will travel. While all on the same tower, they are all using different wattages, antennas and rf channels creating unique coverage for each station.

Originally posted by AlbanyHDTV
All of the transmitters are on the same tower, so if you pick up the others, you should be able to pick up WRGB (Ch6) as well.

WRGB's Chief Engineer is a regular contributer to this thread (see this post (http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?postid=5034499#post5034499)) and his ID is TowerGuy.

Try emailing WRGB's Chief Engineer and tell him about your problem. You can find all of the local Chief Engineer's email addresses here (http://albanyhdtv.homestead.com/email_links.html). Or, maybe he will respond to your post in this thread. I imagine he will be monitoring here today because WRGB's HD signal will be on TWC for the AFC Championship game.

You sure about that? I thought some of those used VHF and some used UHF? I seem to remember that Antenna web said I needed an omnidirectional antenna to pick up the channels.

Of course it's kinda moot point now that TW has them on cable.

Originally posted by trtinkerer
I just got an HDTV set with ATSC tuner. I live in Rhinebeck and get 10.XX, 13.XX, 17.XX, 48.01, and 54.XX just fine with signal strengths of about 90. However I do not get 6.XX at all. On analog I get 6, 10, 13, 17, 23 and 45. Is there something about WRGB.DT that I do not know? I have a large antenna with preamp aimed at Albany in the attic.

Your set-up should work fine on WRGB-DT. I've been to Hyde Park with a cheap Radio Shack all channel antenna at 20' with no preamp and received WRGB-DT easily.

Originally posted by AlbanyHDTV

WRGB's Chief Engineer is a regular contributer to this thread and his ID is TowerGuy.




SHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!! That's top secret info!! :p

Originally posted by m_jonis
You sure about that? I thought some of those used VHF and some used UHF? I seem to remember that Antenna web said I needed an omnidirectional antenna to pick up the channels.


It's always better to use a directional antenna. Omnidirectional antennas are more prone to multipath problems.

Originally posted by trtinkerer
I just got an HDTV set with ATSC tuner. I live in Rhinebeck and get 10.XX, 13.XX, 17.XX, 48.01, and 54.XX just fine with signal strengths of about 90. However I do not get 6.XX at all. On analog I get 6, 10, 13, 17, 23 and 45. Is there something about WRGB.DT that I do not know? I have a large antenna with preamp aimed at Albany in the attic.


Here's the actual coverage map showing the location of 142 viewers who used antennaweb to select an antenna. This is one week of data.

I have a directional antenna that is both VHF and UHF. What I do not know is if the builder used RG59 or RG6 cable from the attic to the base for the preamp. If that is the case, I have about 50 foot from the antenna preamp to the base unit of the preamp. Do you think the rolloff should cause the signal to be this bad? The best I have seen is a signal of 9 on channel 39.01. I will also get out my UHF directional antenna and hand connect to the TV and try to aim it and see if that works.

Thanks for the help.

I tried out my UHF directional antenna with 6 foot of cable on it. I receive WRGB at 82 and see it fine. Looks like the cabling I have is rolling off UHF a lot at higher channels so I'll have to work on the antenna system.

Thanks

I'm so happy that I was browsing during the first game here :) AlbanyHDTV.com, Thanks! I saw it on your site first.

What are the chances of CBS broadcasting the CSI shows in order from the first one :) ;)

Originally posted by AlbanyHDTV
WRGB's Chief Engineer is a regular contributer to this thread and his ID is TowerGuy. Originally posted by lufters
SHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!! That's top secret info!! :p Well... thank him "very much" for TWC channel 1806 WRGB/CBS HD!:)

Any opinions from TWC customers concerning HD picture quality of the game? So hows it look?

Originally posted by lufters




Pittsburgh Steelers: They've had the best defense all season long and that isn't going to change now, not even in the wake of New England's masterly performance against that explosive Indianapolis offense. Why? For one, the Steelers rank first in the NFL in total defense, rushing defense and points allowed. They also have a crafty coordinator in Dick LeBeau, who's done a terrific job of game-planning for opponents. His zone-blitz schemes are difficult to handle because teams rarely know where they're coming from. And when they do know, LeBeau's knowledge of pass protections is so vast he can still free up a defender to get a shot at the quarterback.


The Pats will be beat down again!! [/B]

Looks like that defense didn't show up tonight....

I thought the picture looked mediocer at best on TW on my big screen. I didn't get a chance to compare it to the OTA feed.


Lets Go PATRIOTS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Originally posted by BreakStuff
Any opinions from TWC customers concerning HD picture quality of the game? So hows it look? I watched the WRGB/CBS HD feed of the Steelers/Patriots game last evening on TWC channel 1801. I thought the picture looked great without any stuttering, blocking or noticeable artifacts. Unfortunately, I have a nasty head cold so I could not hear the audio portion of the broadcast too well. I'm getting so spoiled by the HD channels it's becoming hard to watch anything in SD.:D

I too thought the picture looked great... I think there was something wrong with the sound, though. It kept fading out a bit and then coming back to "normal".
Was yesterdays game on CBS in HD via TW better than Fox's HD via TW. (I'm talking about the HD picture... not the actual game)

Tim

Originally posted by timick1
I too thought the picture looked great... I think there was something wrong with the sound, though. It kept fading out a bit and then coming back to "normal".
Was yesterdays game on CBS in HD via TW better than Fox's HD via TW. (I'm talking about the HD picture... not the actual game)

Tim I didn't notice any big difference between the two HD broadcasts. IMO when watching HD, WTEN/ABC seems to be the worst offender transmitting their signal. I've experienced a lot of pausing, picture break-up and sound drop-outs from ABC. This is especially annoying during the weekly broadcast of the best new TV show this season: Lost. I am surprised how good the signal from TNT HD looks.

Originally posted by BreakStuff
Any opinions from TWC customers concerning HD picture quality of the game? So hows it look?

WRGB picture appeared "soft" even though the 1080i flag appeared. Audio was fine, had to turn down volume compared to WXXA which I usually have to crank.

Watched WRGB news (first time in a while, because of no HD) still appeared soft.

I am zooming to fill a 4:3 screen most of the time, but PQ remains sharp on the other locals.

What's up with ER tonight? It's letterboxed on all 4 sides on channel 1813? Somebody asleep at the switch?

WNBC-HD chanel 82 on DirecTV had the same thing. It was something with the network feed.

Originally posted by jpeter1093
What's up with ER tonight? It's letterboxed on all 4 sides on channel 1813? Somebody asleep at the switch?

Don't understand what you were seeing. I watched it last night on 1813 in HD. You sure you weren't watching a letterboxed SD version on 1893?

Originally posted by jpeter1093
What's up with ER tonight? It's letterboxed on all 4 sides on channel 1813? Somebody asleep at the switch?
I just checked the episode I recorded on my 8300HD DVR. It wasn't letterboxed at all. Looked like HD to me.

Right after I posted, it changed back to normal...I didn't switch channels or anything...after this weekend of skiing I don't remember the scene at the time :)

Has anyone here in the Albany area had their HDTV set professionally calibrated by an ISF trained dealer? If so, what dealer did you use and was it worth the cost (how much did it cost?)? I only found 2 dealers on ISF's website... Ambiance Unlimited in Clifton Park & Hippo's in Albany. But, neither of these dealers have calibration equipment (so it says on website).
I have a SONY rear projection LCD (55"XS series).
Thanks,
Tim,

Originally posted by timick1
Has anyone here in the Albany area had their HDTV set professionally calibrated by an ISF trained dealer? If so, what dealer did you use and was it worth the cost (how much did it cost?)? I only found 2 dealers on ISF's website... Ambiance Unlimited in Clifton Park & Hippo's in Albany. But, neither of these dealers have calibration equipment (so it says on website).
I have a SONY rear projection LCD (55"XS series).
Thanks,
Tim,
I have been in contact with Eliab from Avical (www.avical.com). I will be acting as a tour coordinator for his upcoming calibtartion trip to the Capital District. This will take place in the next few months. PM me with your email if you are interested in participating.

Quick question. I don't have a hdtv set yet but that will change within a few months.
When I look into HD programming, i am taking into accoutn all satellite and cable programing, as well as OTA. It really depends on if I can get a signal from my house for the satellites.

If I were to go TWC, how do I determine if I will actually see the program in HDTV. For example: If I were watching CSI and at the bottom it says "In HDTV" that does not necessarily mean that TWC is showing it in HD, right? So how do I tell?

I want the most HD programming I can get, as does everyone else. But, i don't want to pay $70+ and only get HBO and an ocassional PrimeTime show in HD.

I still have a lot to learn on OTA to see if it is worth it. I am looking at the GWIV, which has a built in tuner, so it may be worth it to me to get an antenna. I'm in Burnt Hills/Glenville arae, lots of woods around but must only be 20 - 30 linear miles to the towers, right?

The first post in this thread lists the available HD channels on TWC and OTA. HD-Sat tuners all have OTA tuners built-in.

Ah - thanks!

Originally posted by NickHDTV
If I were to go TWC, how do I determine if I will actually see the program in HDTV. For example: If I were watching CSI and at the bottom it says "In HDTV" that does not necessarily mean that TWC is showing it in HD, right? So how do I tell?

I want the most HD programming I can get, as does everyone else. But, i don't want to pay $70+ and only get HBO and an ocassional PrimeTime show in HD. Albany Time Warner currently broadcasts 16 channels in HD:

1800 Movies On Demand HD

1801 HD Television

1806 WRGB/CBS HD

1808 WXXA/Fox HD

1810 WTEN/ABC HD

1811 WMHT/PBS HD

1813 WNYT/NBC HD

1827 TNT HD

1837 Discovery HD Theater

1865 INHD

1866 INHD2

1867 HD NET

1868 HD Net Movies

1869 ESPN High Definition

1870 HBO HD

1875 Showtime HD

If you are using TW's STB it will display the incoming signal on the front panel: 480i/720p/1080i, your TV may also indicate the signal status. Of course your eyes will be the best way to determine if you are viewing an SD or HD program. The difference is remarkable!

Originally posted by AlbanyHDTV
I have been in contact with Eliab from Avical (www.avical.com). I will be acting as a tour coordinator for his upcoming calibtartion trip to the Capital District. This will take place in the next few months. PM me with your email if you are interested in participating.

Actually Eliab should be doing my TV some time this month as soon as I finish moving to my new residence. He was actually delaying the Capital District tour just to accommodate me...since I was the first to contact him back in early Dec. to start a new tour of Albany.

Originally posted by lufters
He was actually delaying the Capital District tour just to accommodate me...

There it is folks, Lufters has admitted he is directly responsible for less than perfect PQ in the Capital Region... www.downwithlufters.com
:p

Originally posted by MasterFX1
There it is folks, Lufters has admitted he is directly responsible for less than perfect PQ in the Capital Region... www.downwithlufters.com
:p


www.KissMyAS#.com :D

Originally posted by timick1
Has anyone here in the Albany area had their HDTV set professionally calibrated by an ISF trained dealer? If so, what dealer did you use and was it worth the cost (how much did it cost?)? I only found 2 dealers on ISF's website... Ambiance Unlimited in Clifton Park & Hippo's in Albany. But, neither of these dealers have calibration equipment (so it says on website).
I have a SONY rear projection LCD (55"XS series).
Thanks,
Tim,

I had my set ISF'ed by Eliab's partner, Dave Abrams. He did my set twice. The first was a full blown calibration including geometry and lining the inside of my RPTV with duventyne to reduce light reflection. The second time was a touch-up calibration about a year later. Both 480p & 1080i inputs were done. My set looks killer and blows away anything I've seen in stores. Black level is black, not gray like most fixed-pixel displays. I believe I paid $600. CRT sets IMO benefit the most due to a more exhausting tweaking. Eliab is also great from what I hear, you guys can't go wrong. Once you see the transformation your set takes on you will be in HD nirvana.

Originally posted by lufters
Actually Eliab should be doing my TV some time this month as soon as I finish moving to my new residence. He was actually delaying the Capital District tour just to accommodate me...since I was the first to contact him back in early Dec. to start a new tour of Albany.

I'd like to be included as a stop on his tour whenever it may be... this month or in a few months.

Does anyone have some information regarding DTV multicasting on Time Warner's cable system? What channels, if any, currently multicast programming on Albany Time Warner cable?

Originally posted by optivity
Does anyone have some information regarding DTV multicasting on Time Warner's cable system? What channels, if any, currently multicast programming on Albany Time Warner cable?

WMHT, WTEN and WNYT.

I'm having a problem recording WEWB-HD. I have an LG LST-3410A tuner/DVR. WEWB is weaker than the other local stations, about 55% on the bar graph compared with 90% or better for the others. Still, that gives me solid reception most of the time. If I record a show, the playback pixelates and audio drops out on a predictable cycle, every 6 seconds or so. Playback of other stations is fine. If I try to copy a WEWB recording to D-VHS I get nothing: black, no audio on playback. Again, this works with the other stations.

When I first received this station I could record it; this problem cropped up in the last several weeks. Not sure when; I don't record much from WEWB.

Has anyone else had trouble recording just this station, or know if they changed their format recently to something nonstandard? Also, is WEWB on low power?

Originally posted by ebo
I'm having a problem recording WEWB-HD. I have an LG LST-3410A tuner/DVR. WEWB is weaker than the other local stations, about 55% on the bar graph compared with 90% or better for the others. Still, that gives me solid reception most of the time. If I record a show, the playback pixelates and audio drops out on a predictable cycle, every 6 seconds or so. Playback of other stations is fine. If I try to copy a WEWB recording to D-VHS I get nothing: black, no audio on playback. Again, this works with the other stations.

When I first received this station I could record it; this problem cropped up in the last several weeks. Not sure when; I don't record much from WEWB.

Has anyone else had trouble recording just this station, or know if they changed their format recently to something nonstandard? Also, is WEWB on low power?

I don't know if they tinkered with their signal or not, but it wouldn't hurt to perform a new channel scan. It's possible they altered some of their PSIP data stream, causing a problem. If so, a new channel scan should fix it for you.

Eliab from Avical & Precision Theater Consultants is coming to Albany.

To sign up for a spot on his HDTV calibration tour, visit AlbanyHDTV.com (http://www.albanyhdtv.com).

I'm shopping subwoofers. Seriously considering an entry level SVS. I'm running 6.1 system, 75w per channel, in 12' x 14' room.

Any recommendations or brands/models to avoid in the <$500 price range?

Get the SVS, you'll never regret it!

If anyone here knows subwoofers it has to be Lufters,

He owns some respectable subs and his neighbors must hate him.:p

Originally posted by BreakStuff
If anyone here knows subwoofers it has to be Lufters,

He owns some respectable subs and his neighbors must hate him.:p

My old neighbors did....my new neighbors in Clifton Park don't....yet. :D

My system isn't setup yet in my new home (running speaker wire next week) and calibration by Eliab from Avical & Precision Theater Consultants on March 4th. After that look out!!

Actually my next door neighbor has a home theater and had it cranking one Friday night while I was Painting my Garage (could hear the woofer rumbling)...he was probably wondering if he was disturbing me since I'm new next door......boy does he have another thing coming! :D


As for Sub-woofers I personally think (after lot's of research) the HSU - VTF-3 MK 2 (http://store.yahoo.com/hsusubs/vtf3.html) is the best bang for your buck....just my opinion....or try the HSU - VTF-2 MK 2 (http://www.hsustore.com/vtf2.html) for $500.

But if you really want to fill out your sound....I'm a firm believer in having 2 Subs...one in the front and one in the rear. My Yamaha receiver cuts the Sub frequency off at 90Hz so my subs can be somewhat directional.

Some people ask if the sound gets too "Muddy" with 2 subs...in my case no.... because my Klipsch speakers are generally "Bright" along with my Yamaha receiver that is generally "Bright" also.

The added rear sub made such a difference in the over all feel and sound. :cool:

Originally posted by lufters
But if you really want to fill out your sound....I'm a firm believer in having 2 Subs. The added rear sub made such a difference in the over all feel and sound. :cool:

Thanks for the input. I'll presume that we both like the "big boom". My current sub (cheesy KLH 10" 100w) blew out a 42" x 44" storm window (It started with a ½" crack in the corner, I swear) before it fell into the driveway.

I did a search on the KWS-12 (your rear sub) and found it was just the speaker itself (no cabinet). Did you replace the cone from another box or build your own? Also, do you use a "Y" cable to connect the subs?

Originally posted by JeffD2.
Thanks for the input. I'll presume that we both like the "big boom". My current sub (cheesy KLH 10" 100w) blew out a 42" x 44" storm window (It started with a ½" crack in the corner, I swear) before it fell into the driveway.

I did a search on the KWS-12 (your rear sub) and found it was just the speaker itself (no cabinet). Did you replace the cone from another box or build your own? Also, do you use a "Y" cable to connect the subs?


That's the Klipsch - KSW-12 (http://www.klipsch.com/product/product.aspx?cid=55&dmore=True&rmore=False) ....sorry my fault...it was a typo. This was my starter Sub...always knowing I would eventually replace this with something more powerful and using this has a secondary Sub.

I use the Y adaptor on the HSU VTF-3.....and using the speaker wire inputs and outputs for the KSW.

Saturday, 2/26 at 7 a.m.

There are supposed to be basic test patterns on it for setting black level, color bars etc.

I haven't seen it myself but I am going to record it. This can be useful for those of us that don't have DVD players that can up convert to 720 and 1080

I wonder (hope) if we'll be getting ESPN2 HD before the start of Baseball (Yanks/Sox Sunday April 3rd). The Womens NCAA tourney is on ESPN that night, so the baseball game will be on ESPN2.

Did anyone else notice the software download to an 8300HD this morning around 5:30am? Any idea what was changing?

NBATV is on channel 73. Some kind of free trial?

I think MSG and TWC had a falling out, and NBA-TV is TWC's attempt at a replacement channel.

Plus, CSTV (College Sports TV) is replacing Fox Sports on channel 630.

Both NBA TV and CSTV are normally available in TWC's "Premium Sports Tier" for an additional $1.95 per month:

Premium Sports Tier
includes Tennis Channel, College Sports TV, Speed, Fuel, three regional Fox College Sports channels, NBA TV, Outdoor

Thanks AlbanyHDTV! I had it stuck in my mind it cost $8.95. It's now prorated because of the absence of FoxSports. You've made a NASCAR fan very happy for about $1 month with Speed Channel.

A co-worker of mine (lives in Troy) has informed me that he is sheduled to have his phone/internet/television service equipment installed by Verizon in the next few days. I have read through the Verizon Television topic in the HDTV Programming thread and has no mention of local availability or programming.

any other info on Verizon in this area?

Was anyone besides me having audio problems with LOST last night (channel 1810 on TW)?

Originally posted by BreakStuff
any other info on Verizon in this area?

Verizon sees fiber-optic future for Delmar
Bethlehem hamlet joins company's drive to upgrade system

By KEVIN HARLIN, Times Union Business writer, First published Friday, January 28, 2005

Verizon Communications Inc. will begin stringing fiber-optic cables directly to homes and businesses in Delmar later this year, a move that promises faster Internet access, a range of potential new services, and even fiercer competition with Time Warner Cable.

The nation's largest phone company expects to eventually offer its customers cable television service through that same fiber connection.

Verizon spokesman Cliff Lee said more Capital Region communities will get the fiber lines, though there is no timetable yet.

"We expect that most people are going to use this fiber for all their communications needs when we begin to roll it out," he said.

Verizon has been deploying the technology upgrade -- known as fiber-to-the-premises, or FTTP -- over the past year in parts of 12 states, at an estimated cost so far of $3 billion.

Last week, the company announced it would connect a series of communities in Rockland and Westchester counties. On Thursday, it said it would string its fiber into Delmar, along with several communities around Syracuse.

Lee said the company picked Delmar, a hamlet in the town of Bethlehem, because of anticipated demand and because the recent construction of neighborhoods there means much of the infrastructure already is fiber.

Fiber-optic lines carry far more data than traditional copper lines that link most homes and businesses to the phone company's infrastructure.

Customers who tap into fiber lines can opt into a range of service packages, with download speeds of 5, 15 and 30 megabits per second. Most broadband connections today run about 1.5 megabits per second.

Prices for the Internet service range from $34.95 to $49.95 per month, versus the $29.95 a month for a yearly commitment on Verizon's digital subscriber line service.

Lee said the first homes could be connected in the fall. The company doesn't plan to charge a connection fee for installation. And those not interested will continue to receive phone service through their existing copper lines.

In a statement provided by Verizon, Bethlehem Supervisor Theresa Egan welcomed the upgrades. "In the current climate of fast-paced changes, it is important that this community have the latest available technology infrastructure so that we stay competitively strong," she said.

Verizon will still have to apply to individual communities for franchises to use public rights-of-way to deliver cable television, as Time Warner does now.

Peter Taubkin, a spokesman for Time Warner, said Verizon is late to the upgrades game.

His company began offering high-speed online access in the region in 1997. By 1999, it was offering digital cable packages. And last year it began offering digital phone service over its cable lines.

"Competition is here and we're living it every day," Taubkin said.

Originally posted by BreakStuff
A co-worker of mine (lives in Troy) has informed me that he is sheduled to have his phone/internet/television service equipment installed by Verizon in the next few days. I have read through the Verizon Television topic in the HDTV Programming thread and has no mention of local availability or programming.

any other info on Verizon in this area?Originally posted by MasterFX1
Verizon sees fiber-optic future for Delmar
Bethlehem hamlet joins company's drive to upgrade system

Verizon Communications Inc. will begin stringing fiber-optic cables directly to homes and businesses in Delmar later this year...

Verizon spokesman Cliff Lee said more Capital Region communities will get the fiber lines, though there is no timetable yet.

Lee said the company picked Delmar, a hamlet in the town of Bethlehem, because of anticipated demand and because the recent construction of neighborhoods there means much of the infrastructure already is fiber.
It will take years before Verizon can offer high-speed Internet and high-definition video services via fiber transport throughout the Capital region.

Hey Guilderland... How about those "new" property assessments!:eek:

Originally posted by timick1
Was anyone besides me having audio problems with LOST last night (channel 1810 on TW)?

I wasn't watyching last night, but I oftern have audio problems w/ ABC. Sound break ups and drop outs. Sometimes a very annoying click or pop every few seconds.

Paul

Originally posted by optivity
Hey Guilderland... How about those "new" property assessments!:eek:
In my neighborhood, the average increase was 53%. There were a few with over a 100% increase. We are all in shock. Can't wait for the tax bill.

Originally posted by AlbanyHDTV
In my neighborhood, the average increase was 53%. There were a few with over a 100% increase. We are all in shock. Can't wait for the tax bill. I feel your pain... My assessment increased by 70%, which by my estimate adds another $2000.00 to my tax bill. I guess (1) "golf course" wasn't enough for the Town.;)

Don't forget "Grievance Day," somewhere during the end of May...

Wifey alarmed because 3250HD has sound but no pic watching Soap channel. I used alternate input for cable, everything is fine.

Unplugged 3250 and rebooted. No time display or anything even though power indicator light is on. Using DVI connect. Anyone else have probs?

Is 3250HD cooked?

Originally posted by JeffD2.
Wifey alarmed because 3250HD has sound but no pic watching Soap channel. I used alternate input for cable, everything is fine.

Unplugged 3250 and rebooted. No time display or anything even though power indicator light is on. Using DVI connect. Anyone else have probs?

Is 3250HD cooked?

Sometimes, especially after you unplug a TWC STB, they need to re-authorize your STB.

It will cost you nothing to have TWC replace the 3250 or send a signal to re-authorize.

I would go ahead and report a service issue. They will either electronically send out an authorization signal or tell you to bring the STB in for a swap-out.

3250 seems just fine today. All premiums and HDs. I think I'll take it up to Washington Ave Ext. and swap it anyway. Wouldn't want it fail on something I WANT to watch.

OTA from North Adams, I am using a DB8 with a pre amp mounted on roof. I am able to pick up 6.1 6.2 6.3 10.1 10.2 17.1 17.3 19 19.1 19.2 23 38 45 but I am unable to get 13.1 & 13.2 any thoughts?
Thanks in advance for your help
Mike

Michael2468-
13.1 & 13.2 are on rf12. rf12 is VHF/Hi. All the other channels you listed are UHF. Is your antenna UHF only? Do you know of any possible interference at your location on channel 12?

That explains it, my DB8 is a UHF only antenna. Is there a small size VHF that would mount on the very top of my mast? What would you recommend? and can I join the two together with a splitter?
Thanks again for your help.
Mike

You will definately want to correct this issue. Besides missing the existing digital and analog stations currently in VHF, WXXA/FOX's HDTV channel will someday be on VHF (rf7). Plus, as the years progress and stations "Give Back" the analog signal, many stations may move their rf back to the original analog channel. So, while WRGB-DT is rf39 today, after they turn off the analog broadcast on channel 6, they will likely move the digital rf assignment back to rf6.

As far as to HOW to best address your situation I would have to defer to TowerGuy's supreme knowledge on this subject. I don't think a garden variety splitter will properly combine the antennas.

TowerGuy??

Noticed while channel surfing TWC.

0606 - WRGB
0607 - RGBHD
0608 - RGBSD
0609 - WRGB2

Originally posted by JeffD2.
Noticed while channel surfing TWC.

0606 - WRGB
0607 - RGBHD
0608 - RGBSD
0609 - WRGB2

This was setup for the NCAA tournament coverage. Don't know if they'll stay active.

Originally posted by JeffD2.
Noticed while channel surfing TWC.

0606 - WRGB
0607 - RGBHD
0608 - RGBSD
0609 - WRGB2

This info was posted 17 days ago at AlbanyHDTV.com on March 11, 2005.

TWC & WRGB did this to make three different NCAA basketball games available to viewers at the same time. During the first & second rounds, this was handy.

These channels were not necessary when it came down to the Elite 8, as all games were nationally televised from this point.

Kudos to WRGB and TWC for allowing us NCAA hoops junkies to get our fix.

Originally posted by MasterFX1
You will definately want to correct this issue. Besides missing the existing digital and analog stations currently in VHF, WXXA/FOX's HDTV channel will someday be on VHF (rf7). Plus, as the years progress and stations "Give Back" the analog signal, many stations may move their rf back to the original analog channel. So, while WRGB-DT is rf39 today, after they turn off the analog broadcast on channel 6, they will likely move the digital rf assignment back to rf6.

As far as to HOW to best address your situation I would have to defer to TowerGuy's knowledge on this subject. I don't think a garden variety splitter will properly combine the antennas.

TowerGuy??

The following preamp from www.starkelectronic.com has two inputs, one for the VHF antenna, one for the UHF antenna.

SEPARATE U & V INPUTS

#AP-2870(75 ohm in 75 ohm down)GAIN17dbVHF19db UHF $57.29 ea

There are other choices with 300 ohm inputs if that is your preference. A splitter used as a combiner will have too much loss for good reception in North Adams.

Originally posted by timick1
Was anyone besides me having audio problems with LOST last night (channel 1810 on TW)?

Yup, very annoying. 2nd time in maybe a month or two that ABC has had this problem on LOST. first time I guess the first 10-15 minutes was like that.

I just gave up and watched it on my Tivo (yes, due to the unreliable SARA software that TW has chosen to use, I "double" record everything on my Tivo just in case).,

The BIGGEST show of the week and of course TW messes up the audio... way to go. It was so "annoying" I decided to call and let them know my opinion regarding their service... naturally "they were experiencing hold times longer than normal..." I'm sure there were a lot of irritated customers who wanted to share their feelings too. When a customer service (not) rep. "finally" answered (about 15 min later) she confirmed there was a problem at the "head-end," whatever that means...

I believe TW has it's head-end up it's collective "rear-end!"

My cable bill is currently $139/mo.

With service like last night... I'm really looking forward to the day when Verizon's fiber network reaches my area.

Hear that Time Warner??? Try delivering the service we pay you to deliver.

YES-HD is up on TWC guide, ch.1868 I believe. This is no April Fool's joke. Color bars are up now. WOW!

Originally posted by optivity
The BIGGEST show of the week and of course TW messes up the audio...

I had the problem on WTEN watching via OTA, so it's not TWC's fault it's ABC/WTEN's. (As much as I would like to stick it to TWC, fair is fair.)

Originally posted by ThePrisoner
YES-HD is up on TWC guide, ch.1868 I believe. This is no April Fool's joke. Color bars are up now. WOW! Now that's a "good deal." What is the "additional" cost?Originally posted by MasterFX1
had the problem on WTEN watching via OTA, so it's not TWC's fault it's ABC/WTEN's. (As much as I would like to stick it to TWC, fair is fair.)Oh, well then I guess an apology should be offered... so "I apologize." How long was it until your audio got restored? It took about 15 minutes for the TW feed to clear up.

Still, this does not "obviate" the fact that a little more competition in our area would be nice, I'm hoping the proposed Verizon fiber network becomes reality someday.

Originally posted by MasterFX1
I had the problem on WTEN watching via OTA, so it's not TWC's fault it's ABC/WTEN's. (As much as I would like to stick it to TWC, fair is fair.)

It happened again! It was the second time I lost (no pun) sound while watching LOST. I DVR'd the show on my SA-8300-HD and watched it last night. After about 15 minutes, during a commercial, the picture stopped, but the sound kept going, then... after the picture started again, the sound was all better. That happened to me while watching a DVR's ALIAS, too.

THIS YES-HD "ANNOUNCEMENT" BETTER NOT BE AN APRIL FOOLS JOKE!

I don't know when Lost's audio fixed itself, I watched on analog the first half hour because the audio issue was so annoying.

The question regarding YES-HD I would be pondering is:
Is there really a deal with TWC Albany and YES-HD? Or is this placeholder being put up so TWC can say it will be available as soon as YES makes it available to us?

Originally posted by timick1
It happened again! It was the second time I lost (no pun) sound while watching LOST. I DVR'd the show on my SA-8300-HD and watched it last night. After about 15 minutes, during a commercial, the picture stopped, but the sound kept going, then... after the picture started again, the sound was all better. That happened to me while watching a DVR's ALIAS, too.
I posed the "picture freeze" question to WTEN Chief Engineer Skeeter Lansing over a month ago when I encountered it on NYPD Blue:

From: Mark Pyskadlo
Sent: Thursday, February 24, 2005 6:49 PM
To: Skeeter Lansing
Subject: RE: NYPD Blue issue

I’ve noticed that when watching the recorded version of NYPD Blue (via TWC’s 8300HD box), occasionally the picture freezes for 10-30 seconds, but the audio keeps playing. Eventually the picture unfreezes, but I was wondering if this was WTEN’s feed or TWC’s DVR causing the problem. It hasn’t happened the last two episodes, but this was the only program that it was happening to.

--Mark

-----Original Message-----
From: Skeeter Lansing
Sent: Monday, February 28, 2005 10:41 AM
To: Mark Pyskadlo
Subject: RE: NYPD Blue issue

NYPD Blue issue is our first generation HD receiver periodically causes this problem in some receivers and needs to be powered down and back up. We try to remember to reboot before primetime but are not always successful. Although it is not an excuse I tell people all the time HDTV is now where analog was in the 1940's. We have a long way to go.

Thank You
Skeeter

Originally posted by AlbanyHDTV
-----Original Message-----
From: Skeeter Lansing
Sent: Monday, February 28, 2005 10:41 AM
To: Mark Pyskadlo
Subject: RE: NYPD Blue issue

NYPD Blue issue is our first generation HD receiver periodically causes this problem in some receivers and needs to be powered down and back up. We try to remember to reboot before primetime but are not always successful. Although it is not an excuse I tell people all the time HDTV is now where analog was in the 1940's. We have a long way to go.
Skeeter Nice try... but at $139/month you don't get the "luxury" of writing off poor service to bleeding-edge technologies or that "pioneer spirit." Keep it up and you'll lose customers... perhaps to the "competition." (if ever there is any)

Originally posted by optivity
Nice try... but at $139/month you don't get the "luxury" of writing off poor service to bleeding-edge technologies or that "pioneer spirit." Keep it up and you'll lose customers... perhaps to the "competition." (if ever there is any)

The problem is WTEN's who is passing it on to TWC. It happens via OTA, too.

I just got email from Time Warner:

The scene is set for the beginning of another classic season between the two baseball rivals, and now you can watch Yankee games in HD on your high-definition TV.

We've added YES HD on channel 1867, and the first telecast is Sunday night's season opener. YES HD has the first nine games of the season and 14 total in April. You can enjoy 64 home games and six road games on YES HD this season.

Originally posted by AlbanyHDTV
The problem is WTEN's who is passing it on to TWC. It happens via OTA, too. This is not a valid excuse. I'm sure Time Warner and WTEN have a service level agreement in place. If WTEN is not performing up to the conditions agreed to, and this impacts Time Warner's service to it's cash-paying customers then it becomes Time Warner's responsibility to "hammer" WTEN and make them deliver what is promised.

Originally posted by optivity
This is not a valid excuse. I'm sure Time Warner and WTEN have a service level agreement in place. If WTEN is not performing up to the conditions agreed to, and this impacts Time Warner's service to it's cash-paying customers then it becomes Time Warner's responsibility to "hammer" WTEN and make them deliver what is promised.

WRONG. Time Warner receives WTEN-DT for free, using it as added value in selling their digital services. If TWC chose to drop WTEN-DT for ANY reason other than some cost that would have to be added to subscriber bills, they would look like total shmucks. In the end nothing is, as you say, "Promised" to TWC.

Originally posted by MasterFX1
WRONG. Time Warner receives WTEN-DT for free, using it as added value in selling their digital services. If TWC chose to drop WTEN-DT for ANY reason other than some cost that would have to be added to subscriber bills, they would look like total shmucks. In the end nothing is, as you say, "Promised" to TWC. Perhaps... the bottom line is: for $139/month I won't accept excuses. If Time Warner can't (or won't) deliver the "service" I pay them for... not only do I feel free to complain, but also I'm compelled to look at the alternatives. If enough people "dropped" their RR & digital service(s)... TW would get the message quick enough.

Originally posted by optivity
Perhaps... the bottom line is: for $139/month I won't accept excuses. If Time Warner can't (or won't) deliver the "service" I pay them for... not only do I feel free to complain, but also I'm compelled to look at the alternatives. If enough people "dropped" their RR & digital service(s)... TW would get the message quick enough.

Then start The Revolt and vote with your wallet. You know its the only thing they'll understand. LOOK at the aternatives and post your experience.

It has been clearly explained by MasterFX1.

Originally posted by optivity
How long was it until your audio got restored? It took about 15 minutes for the TW feed to clear up.

Waited a few minutes while watching via cable to see if it would clear up by itself, then checked OTA and found audio problem there also. Called WTEN and talked to Master Control operator. Asked if they were aware there was an audio problem with the HD channel. A few minutes later everything came back normal.

Since MC usually only really pays attention to the analog channel, many stations have silence sensors to detect and alarm if audio goes away, but these are usually no help if there are other audio problems.

I don't know how TW can be blamed for what is passed along by the station. Do they have to pay someone to watch every channel every minute of the day and report problems to their providers?

MasterFX1 - just wondering..

Who will be your next HD provider if Voom turns out the lights?

Originally posted by BreakStuff
MasterFX1 - just wondering..

Who will be your next HD provider if Voom turns out the lights?

Please no, I can't stand to think of life without VOOM. With no change in the current offering from everyone else, I would be left debating if I should go with cable or OTA-only. I find that the channels I mostly watch are either local network affiliates or hd movie channels like starz-hd, max-hd, tmc-hd. etc. While I would miss DiscoveryHD and ESPN-HD, it's almost like for me, there is no alternative to VOOM. Just OTA.

Originally posted by JeffD2.
Then start The Revolt and vote with your wallet. You know its the only thing they'll understand. LOOK at the aternatives and post your experience.

It has been clearly explained by MasterFX1. I'm nothing more than part of a flock of sheep. The "reality" is... I get up & go to work each day, try and do the "right" things & shake my head in disbelief while witnessing the Politicians, Captains of Corporations and Celebrities run this great country into the ground and we all sit around with our collective thumbs up our a$$. In my particular situation... my home is located in a heavily wooded area a few miles from the Helderberg escarpment (Slingerlands) so there are few alternatives to CATV. This is why I am very interested in Verizon's high speed data services and wait to see if it becomes a real product.

Perhaps TW cannot be held accountable for the inattentive technical skills of the yo-yo's who work for WTEN.

Originally posted by optivity
I'm nothing more than part of a flock of sheep. The "reality" is... I get up & go to work each day, try and do the "right" things & shake my head in disbelief while witnessing the Politicians, Captains of Corporations and Celebrities run this great country into the ground and we all sit around with our collective thumbs up our a$$. In my particular situation... my home is located in a heavily wooded area a few miles from the Helderberg escarpment (Slingerlands) so there are few alternatives to CATV. This is why I am very interested in Verizon's high speed data services and wait to see if it becomes a real product.

Perhaps TW cannot be held accountable for the inattentive technical skills of the yo-yo's who work for WTEN.

AMEN!! :D

My recent Directv lesson learned.

I recently upgraded my OTA Zenith HDV-420 receiver to a Zenith HD-SAT520 OTA receiver with Directv HDTV capability.

short story,

Purchased triple LNB dish #1 on Ebay for $45 but could not receive SAT 119.

Purchased triple LNB dish #2 for $48 thinking dish#1 had a bad LNB.Still could not pinpoint SAT 119.

Now the "I'm a dumbass" part.

Called DTV for assistance and they said they would upgrade my dual LNB dish to the triple LNB for $49 with installation included (including 1 year commitment)

Wish I knew that after many hours spent trying to pinpoint that dang satellite!

You'll love the Sat520, I bought one on eBay over a year ago and it's still the best STB I have ever used. I currently use the VOOM STB mostly, but will not part with my Sat520 because it's such a better OTA tuner.

So what's up with WTEN and their HD program Lost? :confused: Same problem last night with the audio as last week. :mad: Maybe a letter to the network could wake these guys up?:rolleyes:

Originally posted by optivity
So what's up with WTEN and their HD program Lost? :confused: Same problem last night with the audio as last week. :mad: Maybe a letter to the network could wake these guys up?:rolleyes:
Skeeter Lansing from WTEN posted a message concerning this in the WTEN Chief Engineer Forum.

OK. How about a link to the page?

Originally posted by optivity
OK. How about a link to the page?
CPanther has requested I not post links to the AlbanyHDTV.com website, as well as remove the link from my signature.

You will have to go to the main page, click FORUM in the upper left corner, and then find the WTEN portion of the Chief Engineer's forum.

Sorry for the inconvenience, but I want to honor the moderator's request.

I realized too late last night that my TW HD dvr did not correctly adjust to day light savings time. It knows the correct current time, but for all the scheduled recordings I had, it changed there record times by 1 hour, which does not tmatch the correct gudie. Therefore, it tries to record LOST from 9-10 pm and West Wing from 10-11. Since they are not actually on then, it didn't record anything.

Its the 1st time I've missed either all season and I'm not happy about it. Fortunately, I watched Deadwood realtime on my other system on Tuesday, or i would have missed that too.

P

Originally posted by hurnik

What's up with "Lost" audio problems?

The past 3 episodes of Lost on WTEN 1810 have had this annoying audio "popping".

What's up with that? is this WTEN, TW or the ABC feed?

and why does it only do it on Lost?

It's very annoying. I've had to let my Tivo record Lost so I can actually hear what's going on.
Originally posted by SkiFast

Re: What's up with "Lost" audio problems

The problem is between WTEN and ABC. We are in the process of replacing the digital link between ABC and WTEN. Actually all ABC affiliates are replacing the delivery system.
In the mean time we will need to monitor our HD product better, both aurally and visually. I expect to have the monitoring portion of our facility finished in the next couple of weeks. This will alert us to the problem sooner until the newer equipment is installed later this year.

I apologize for the inconvenience

SkeeterIt seems your monitoring procedures were no better for the April 6th broadcast of Lost than they were during the March 30th episode. Any chance you guys can get your act together by April 13th?

Originally posted by optivity
It seems your monitoring procedures were no better for the April 6th broadcast of Lost than they were during the March 30th episode. Any chance you guys can get your act together by April 13th?

Perfect… SROFL! :p

Was wondering if anybody in the the North Adams Ma. area can get 13.1 on a regular basis. I seem to only get it once in a while when it is very cloudy and even rainy. Tried pointing DB8 antenna in different directions with no luck. It is 11.44 am right now and I was testing out my new rotor and now I I lost all HDTV. It says no program but I am getting plenty of signal, also getting analog channels so I know it is not cable. I will check later maybe something in broadcast I hope. Thanks in advance for your help.

Keep in mind the DB8 is a UHF antenna and WNYT 13 is VHF. All of my OTA signal strengths are normal at this time if it helps.

DB8 is UHF only, you'll need to replace your pre-amp with this one to add a vhf antenna.

Originally posted by Tower Guy
The following preamp from www.starkelectronic.com has two inputs, one for the VHF antenna, one for the UHF antenna.

SEPARATE U & V INPUTS

#AP-2870(75 ohm in 75 ohm down)GAIN17dbVHF19db UHF $57.29 ea

There are other choices with 300 ohm inputs if that is your preference. A splitter used as a combiner will have too much loss for good reception in North Adams.

Originally posted by BreakStuff
Keep in mind the DB8 is a UHF antenna and WNYT 13 is VHF. All of my OTA signal strengths are normal at this time if it helps.


I have been getting 6.1 6.2 6.3 10.1 10.2 17.1 17.3 19.1 19.2 and sometimes 13.1 and 13.2 on my DB8. 13.1 & 13.2 would come in crystal clear in HD. Are you sure 13.1 and 13.2 are vhf ? Why would I get them at all. Only get them when weather is bad and cloudy. Still can't see to get my other channels back. I screwed something up. I'll try re scanning for channels on tv tuner.