I don't use QAM, nor have i ever so take this with a grain of salt...

I've read of many times were a scan will miss a channel just based on the type of tuner. Try manually just punching in the channel number and sometimes it works.

Also, I've read of different model QAM tuners being able to pick up channels that other QAM tuners could not.

Here is what I get in Midland on Charter QAM...

5.1 WNEM-HD - CBS
5.2 WNEM-DT - MY5
25.1 WEYI-DT - NBC
25.2 WEYI-WB
89.2 Preview Channel
91.8 WDCQ-DT2 - PBS Children
91.9 WDCQ-DT3 - PBS Delta Learning
91.10 WDCQ-DT4 - PBS Enrichment
92.1 - 92.53 Music Channels
105.3 WDCQ-DT - PBS
115.1 WJRT-DT2 - ABC News
115.2 WJRT-DT3 - ABC Weather
115.3 WJRT-DT - ABC

I got WSMH for a day or two when it first came out on 115.4 I think. I've not seen it since.

"I've read of many times were a scan will miss a channel just based on the type of tuner. Try manually just punching in the channel number and sometimes it works.

Also, I've read of different model QAM tuners being able to pick up channels that other QAM tuners could not. "

You can also add to that different locations in the same house. I was checking out a new set for use up at my Pt Austin location using the Comcast cable here in Madison Heights. I first checked it out in one room at the far end of the cable outlets and the QAM did not pick up 2 of the local digital (HD) stations. After moving the set closer to where the cable enters the house I rescanned and got all of the local digital (HD) plus a lot of the digital (nonHD) channels. What a difference. Interesting.

"I've read of many times were a scan will miss a channel just based on the type of tuner. Try manually just punching in the channel number and sometimes it works.

Also, I've read of different model QAM tuners being able to pick up channels that other QAM tuners could not. "

You can also add to that different locations in the same house. I was checking out a new set for use up at my Pt Austin location using the Comcast cable here in Madison Heights. I first checked it out in one room at the far end of the cable outlets and the QAM did not pick up 2 of the local digital (HD) stations. After moving the set closer to where the cable enters the house I rescanned and got all of the local digital (HD) plus a lot of the digital (nonHD) channels. What a difference. Interesting.

sounds like you need to rerun some cable or eliminate splitters in your cable setup

Does anyone here have any trouble with WJRT's signal cutting out? I'm showing 100% all the time but it's always losing signal for a couple seconds. I'm going thru my dish network dvr reciever. Seems to happen every 10 minutes or so. Very annoying.

I still lose sound on WJRT for two or three seconds about 3 times an hour. It happens if I pick it up OTA, or by cable using the DVR or QAM receiver through Charter. The video signal comes through fine normally though.

Maybe the sound loss is kicking on the "lost signal" screen on my reciever.

Does anyone here have any trouble with WJRT's signal cutting out? I'm showing 100% all the time but it's always losing signal for a couple seconds. I'm going thru my dish network dvr reciever. Seems to happen every 10 minutes or so. Very annoying.

Check out this link. http://www.dbstalk.com/showthread.php?t=85259

I've had similar problems, and it looks like it could be the receiver. They are still waiting to see what Dish's people come up with.

Here's another link to specific Flint DMA OTA stations.

http://www.dbstalk.com/showthread.php?t=86027

Thanks guys for your responses. Looks like it will just be a pain that we will never get an answer to.

Connected the new 32" Sceptre LCD with QAM tuner directly to the Comcast Cable out of Pt Austin. In addition to all of the analog channels the Digital signals Received via the Sets QAM tuner were:

59.2 WNEM -DT/HD CBS
60.1 WJRT-DT/HD ABC
60.2 WJRT-DT2 ABC News
60.3 WJRT-DT3 ABC Weather
60.4 WEYI-DT/HD NBC
65.1 TNT-HD
65.2 ESPN2 HD
66.1 Music HD
77.1 and up> Various Music Channels with Graphic about tune & Artist

Signal strength measured 70-80% with no drop outs. Still no WSMH or PBS

NOTE TO CHARTER CUSTOMERS: FSN HD Detroit is now on channel 791.

NOTE TO CHARTER CUSTOMERS: FSN HD Detroit is now on channel 791.


Alright, just in time for Hockey...er Basketball....er Baseball. Seriously, thank you Charter. I have been noticing the TBA on 791 for the last few days.

Now, can I have my VOD back on QAM? I only needed one receiver to get it on my other two televisions.

Well, it's not exactly VOD, but it looks like we can watch an aweful lot of baseball. 90.1-on up. Enjoy all you baseball fans.

NOTE TO CHARTER CUSTOMERS: FSN HD Detroit is now on channel 791.

Are any Charter customers currently getting this channel in the Fenton area?

Thanks,
Allen

Yes, I am in the Fenton area.

Yes, I am in the Fenton area.

Great. I get all the HD channels thru Charter except FSN: Detroit on channel 791 thru my Moxi box. I wonder what gives?

Allen

FSN's HD channel is not a 24/7 simulcast of the SD channel. There will be programming on the channel when HD is available. So far, the only HD content has been some (but not all) Tigers' games. The rest of the time the programming is listed as "Off-Air". Perhaps that is why it doesn't show up on your Moxi box.

Pagoona is right. I get it on my Moxi box. When the game is not on or not shown in HD, there is a test pattern on 791

Thanks for the help! Finally opted to spend the $8 for the HD package. Hopefully they do a good job getting a majority of the Wings, Pistons and Tigers for us.

Allen

One of my neighbors showed me a letter he received from Charter in Midland saying they are adding ESPN2 on 772 and STARZ HD on 779 effective August 28. It also mentions FSN-Detroit on 791 effective that date. Of course we are getting that now.

They are also adding Reelz channel on 120
ESPNU on 207
and The Sportsman Channel on 217

They said they are moving some others to make room for the above.
The Outdoor Channel from 35 to 216
WE from 75 to 119
ESPN Classic will stay on 208 but will drop down to the Digital View package.

I don't know all the packages they have, but if it is below 100, I think it is expanded basic
100 to 200 or so were stations in their digital upgrade
200 to 600 were the special packages
700 and above were HD.
So, it looks like they are changing some packages and we will have to pay more to receive some of the ones being moved.

We got a letter too, and it is almost the same except for a few differences:

ESPN Classic is currently on Expanded Basic channel 36 and will be moved to 208 (Digital View)
We don't receive The Outdoor Channel at all, so obviously there is no mention of moving it, nor adding it to a digital tier

I'm happy about Starz HD but I could care less about ESPN2.

I don't know if you noticed but WLAJ 53 has a very soft picture. They are compressing it and giving too much bandwidth to their sub-channel. I was watching them too since I get most of my OTA from Lansing, annoyed with WJRT and tired of WEYI's lack of audio sync, but I noticed a dramatic change when I switched to WXYZ, much better quality.

I've watched WJRT OTA on my Dish 622 receiver and have not noticed anymore video/audio drops. Has anyone else noticed this to be true? Maybe they fixed the issues they were having (hoping it's not just a fluke).

Did the QAM channel change for WJRT? It was 115.1,2,3 and that doesn't seem to come in anymore. Any info would be appreciated. Thanks.

I had nothing on 115 yesterday, but I have not had time to re-scan.

I am in Midland and have charter. In 115.1 I still get the HD signal for channel 11 (abc ??) and the rest seemed to have move to 89.xx

Do a rescan and you will probably find them.

Did the QAM channel change for WJRT? It was 115.1,2,3 and that doesn't seem to come in anymore. Any info would be appreciated. Thanks.

Looks pretty rough on Charter's WNEMDT. A lot of crackle in audio, black flashes in video, fuzzy / blurry pics. Everyone having the same issues?

Thanks,
Allen

I am in Midland and have charter. In 115.1 I still get the HD signal for channel 11 (abc ??) and the rest seemed to have move to 89.xx

Do a rescan and you will probably find them.

Thank you. It worked.

Looks pretty rough on Charter's WNEMDT. A lot of crackle in audio, black flashes in video, fuzzy / blurry pics. Everyone having the same issues?

Thanks,
Allen

You are right, it looked pretty bad here also, especially the wide shots. I hooked my LCD to an outside antenna, and it was no better than the QAM feed. Both were lousy. I thought at first it was the feed that WNEM was getting through Detroit, but I know it was telecast in HD somewhere. I saw some highlights on ESPN and they were in HD.

You are right, it looked pretty bad here also, especially the wide shots. I hooked my LCD to an outside antenna, and it was no better than the QAM feed. Both were lousy. I thought at first it was the feed that WNEM was getting through Detroit, but I know it was telecast in HD somewhere. I saw some highlights on ESPN and they were in HD.

HD feed was for the Browns. Keep an on on the NFL Network and you'll catch the HD version

HD feed was for the Browns. Keep an on on the NFL Network and you'll catch the HD version

I long for a simple life. If it was available in HD, why can't our local station that broadcasts HD not show it in HD? If WNEM had to take the feed from the CW in Detroit who was broadcasting in SD, and a crappy version at that, why are they not allowed to opt to pick up the HD feed instead? I am sure that the CW was receiving their signal in HD unless they dispatched a full team of SD cameras, cameramen and directors to Cleveland which I doubt.

I rant, but I have been waiting for football in HD (even preseason) since I was a kid helping my dad put up a 20 foot mast on the roof of our house in St. Clair Shores so that we could pick up channel 6 from Lansing and watch the Lions in snowy black an white kick the Browns in the ass and win what turned out to be our last championship. Now I am reduced to paying extra for reruns on the NFL Network. (I may be wrong, but I don't think that Charter has the NFL Network here in Midland.)

Thanks for the information.

I long for a simple life. If it was available in HD, why can't our local station that broadcasts HD not show it in HD? If WNEM had to take the feed from the CW in Detroit who was broadcasting in SD, and a crappy version at that, why are they not allowed to opt to pick up the HD feed instead? I am sure that the CW was receiving their signal in HD unless they dispatched a full team of SD cameras, cameramen and directors to Cleveland which I doubt.

I rant, but I have been waiting for football in HD (even preseason) since I was a kid helping my dad put up a 20 foot mast on the roof of our house in St. Clair Shores so that we could pick up channel 6 from Lansing and watch the Lions in snowy black an white kick the Browns in the ass and win what turned out to be our last championship. Now I am reduced to paying extra for reruns on the NFL Network. (I may be wrong, but I don't think that Charter has the NFL Network here in Midland.)

Thanks for the information.

Only the cleveland station did the game in HD. CW50 doesn't do any of the preseason games in HD. If you had the browns HD feed, then you'd have the browns graphics, all the shots of the browns sidelines, the brown home town announcers.

Each production yeam is completely separate.

Look up the early pages of the seattle comcast thread and read about FSN Northwest using the NHK HD feed for Mariners broadcasts. It was a comedy fest because FSN had no control over replays, what shots were being broadcast, when commercials went out, etc.

The announcers were quite frustrated as were the fans.

What happened to the QAM HD channels? Is anyone else not able to pick them up? Did they get re-assigned? I am no longer able to do a channel scan. Please help!! Thanks.

Anyone else lose Fox66 on 66.1? I've done a scan three times now, and I get nothing. I was getting about 80% signal strength before, so I don't think that's it...

I still get them all: NBC, CBS, ABC, etc. I am in Midland. Maybe your TV tuner went bad?

------------------

Any info on QAM channels

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

What happened to the QAM HD channels? Is anyone else not able to pick them up? Did they get re-assigned? I am no longer able to do a channel scan. Please help!! Thanks.

Charter customers, this is more of a reminder rather than news, ESPN2-HD is currently on 772 and Starz-HD on 779. ESPN2 is working fine but there is nothing on 779 so far. Last night 779 mistakingly had the SD feed of Showtime.

edit: Does anybody with Charter have Starz-HD yet? Still nothing for me.

Anyone having intermittent interference with their HD channels? Signal strength is fine 90+ for all 3 satellites. Regular channels are fine. Just having a problem with HD. Channels come in but have annoying sporadic interference!
HELP!

What service do you have? E* (Dish Network) or D* Directv.

I have Direct TV. Everything works fine and signals are good, it's just that I am getting some intermittent pixelization interference on the HD channels. About to reset the receiver and call tech support. Always seems to be something with it. Starting to get annoying. Dish alignment is fine and connections are tight.


Reset receiver to no avail and tech support did not fix it. Service call set up.

Transponder 23 is 0 on Sat. 119 and transponder 31 is at 60 on Sat. 119. Everything else is 90+

Sounds like something in your setup. Good Luck.

I have D* and just had the new 5 LNB SlimLine dish installed. The issue is that now, i'm unable to pick up NBC (25.1) and Fox (66.1). I had a directional OTA antenna that worked fine before this update and i just purchased a bigger (6 ft) OTA antenna and that didn't fix the problem. I live in Midland, MI and looking for any suggestion on getting these channels.

Channel 66 has been "on and off" the past week or so. There must be something going on at the station. I haven't had any problems with 25 (other than the on-going lip-synch issues). Anyone know what has been happening with 66.1?

Hello,

This is my first post here, but I've been reading this forum for a while. I have a Samsung SIR-T451 HD Tuner and it has worked great as an over-the-air tuner, but I recently moved to an apartment in Midland, MI and subscribe to Charter cable. Here's what I get with the tuner, as it looks different from what everyone else has reported from Midland.

89.9 - WJRT-DT2 News
89.10 - WJRT-DT3 Weather
89.11 - C-SPAN2
89.12 - WAQP-DT
91.8 - WDCQ-DT4 Children
91.9 - WDCQ-DT1 Education
91.10 - WDCQ-DT3 Create
105.1 - WDCQ-HD PBS
107.1 - WNEM-DT2 My5
107.2 - WNEM-HD CBS
107.3 - WEYI-HD NBC
115.1 - WJRT-HD ABC

It took me a while to work out the tuner quirks with the locked-out channels. I can't find Fox or CW. Has anyone else had any luck with those two? The Samsung doesn't let me specify which subchannel I want--I have to enter the channel number, then up or down through subchannels. This tuner also tends to have trouble picking up certain channels, like 115.1, at first. Sometimes I have to enter 115 and wait through 10-20 seconds of "No Signal" before I even get a DTV signal. Fox and CW could be hiding between channels 79 and 125 somewhere, I just don't know.

Thanks in advance!

I have not been able to get Fox or CW in Freeland, MI. I use an off-air antenna to get them. Fox comes in as 16.3 and 66.1, and CW is 25.2.

HDNomad,

I am also in Midland and I get the exact same channels you are getting. No Fox either.

And just so you know, Charter likes to play hide and seek with you, sometimes you will notice that some of these channels no longer show up, well you have to do a re-scan and sure enough they will pop up at a different channel, still above 100. They do this every couple of months.

FYI.

Hello,

This is my first post here, but I've been reading this forum for a while. I have a Samsung SIR-T451 HD Tuner and it has worked great as an over-the-air tuner, but I recently moved to an apartment in Midland, MI and subscribe to Charter cable. Here's what I get with the tuner, as it looks different from what everyone else has reported from Midland.

89.9 - WJRT-DT2 News
89.10 - WJRT-DT3 Weather
89.11 - C-SPAN2
89.12 - WAQP-DT
91.8 - WDCQ-DT4 Children
91.9 - WDCQ-DT1 Education
91.10 - WDCQ-DT3 Create
105.1 - WDCQ-HD PBS
107.1 - WNEM-DT2 My5
107.2 - WNEM-HD CBS
107.3 - WEYI-HD NBC
115.1 - WJRT-HD ABC

It took me a while to work out the tuner quirks with the locked-out channels. I can't find Fox or CW. Has anyone else had any luck with those two? The Samsung doesn't let me specify which subchannel I want--I have to enter the channel number, then up or down through subchannels. This tuner also tends to have trouble picking up certain channels, like 115.1, at first. Sometimes I have to enter 115 and wait through 10-20 seconds of "No Signal" before I even get a DTV signal. Fox and CW could be hiding between channels 79 and 125 somewhere, I just don't know.

Thanks in advance!

I got tired of all the re-runs on D*Tv and cable never came in that good so I'm just OTA now. Fox 66.1 didn't come in for about a week but I found it as 16.1. Delta College (PBS) isn't all that great during the day so I usually go to the Flint 28.1 pbs station. CBS out of Lansing 6.1 is also a good substitute for WNEM 5.1. Seems like channel 5 is always saying that they have HD, to bad they hardly use it.

Thanks lbrenes,

Almost sounds like I shouldn't bother with HD locals through Charter, at least for a while. I moved to Midland from Ithaca and had a Winegard MS 2000 that Denny from Denny's Antenna installed when I was there. I pulled in all of the Flint/Saginaw stations (not WFUM), plus I got WLNS and WZPX. I'd get more from Lansing when the tropospheric ducting was right. I miss that part of being in Ithaca.

I'm thinking of hanging a ChannelMaster 4221 on the southern patio door of my apartment. Might at least get WJRT, WEYI, and WSMH in that direction. I'll order the 4221 through Denny's when I get around to it.

What's the deal with WNEM ch. 5? Nothing is ever in HD anymore. We're lucky we get ch.6 out of Lansing so we can still watch CBS in HD. I e-mailed WNEM about it and they said they transmit in HD when CBS provides it. They wanted to know what CBS shows I saw in HD on ch. 6 that they didn't have so they could trace the problem.

Rick

Thanks lbrenes,

Almost sounds like I shouldn't bother with HD locals through Charter, at least for a while. I moved to Midland from Ithaca and had a Winegard MS 2000 that Denny from Denny's Antenna installed when I was there. I pulled in all of the Flint/Saginaw stations (not WFUM), plus I got WLNS and WZPX. I'd get more from Lansing when the tropospheric ducting was right. I miss that part of being in Ithaca.

I'm thinking of hanging a ChannelMaster 4221 on the southern patio door of my apartment. Might at least get WJRT, WEYI, and WSMH in that direction. I'll order the 4221 through Denny's when I get around to it.

I am in Midland and have a CM-4228 (8 bowtie) on my roof with a rotor and a pre-amp. The only local that gives me problems is WSMH with a lot of pixilation, and then only during the day. If I aim it south I can pick up WLNS and an ABC station from Lansing. West I can get WWTV. The last three are iffy during the day. I also use Charter cable for their digital package, and usually have no problems with any of the HD. WNEM has had HD envy ever since they started trying to broadcast it.

I also have a little yagi from Radio Shack on a post aimed generally south by south east. I get everything but WEYI. No rotor, no pre-amp. $20.00 vs $200.00 Go figure.

What's the deal with WNEM ch. 5? Nothing is ever in HD anymore. We're lucky we get ch.6 out of Lansing so we can still watch CBS in HD. I e-mailed WNEM about it and they said they transmit in HD when CBS provides it. They wanted to know what CBS shows I saw in HD on ch. 6 that they didn't have so they could trace the problem.

Rick

I've noticed this too. This past Sundays NFL game (can't remember teams) was in SD on WNEM and was in HD on Lansing's channel 6. I've noticed a couple of other shows that were SD too. Maybe I'll try e-mailing them as well. WNEM's HD programming (when shown) looks pretty good!

Sorry if this has been discussed already (long thread) BUT
When is Direct TV going to start broadcasting locals in HD for the FLINT area???
This antenna crap is killing me. I get Fox good, ABC decent, CBS barely, and NBC not at all!

Sorry if this has been discussed already (long thread) BUT
When is Direct TV going to start broadcasting locals in HD for the FLINT area???
This antenna crap is killing me. I get Fox good, ABC decent, CBS barely, and NBC not at all!

Hi,

The successful launch of Directv 10 satellite was suppose to include some local spotbeam stations for certain CONUS areas. That still may happen, however there has been a reported problem with the Directv 10 satellite in regards to it's capabilities for the launching of some of the local spotbeam signals. What that means is if the BC/Flint/Saginaw area doesn't get HD from Directv 10 this year, then we will have to wait until after the next satellite, Directv 11 is launched in December 2007 or Jan 2008. Our area is on the HD list to be added. Directv does not announce local HD launchings until they are about to happen. Directv 11 is being launched to complete the local spotbeam areas that are on their list and to add other HD nationals that have been promised.

Hi,

The successful launch of Directv 10 satellite was suppose to include some local spotbeam stations for certain CONUS areas. That still may happen, however there has been a reported problem with the Directv 10 satellite in regards to it's capabilities for the launching of some of the local spotbeam signals. What that means is if the BC/Flint/Saginaw area doesn't get HD from Directv 10 this year, then we will have to wait until after the next satellite, Directv 11 is launched in December 2007 or Jan 2008. Our area is on the HD list to be added. Directv does not announce local HD launchings until they are about to happen. Directv 11 is being launched to complete the local spotbeam areas that are on their list and to add other HD nationals that have been promised.


Thanks. that is some great information! Please keep us posted if you hear anything more.
Its annoying that the Grand Rapids/Muskegon area has it already and we don't!

Hi Again,

I came across some more info in regards to our area's local future HD launch. Please see the following link in regards to Directv local HD availability for our area. Hope the 2007 date is still on schedule.http://www.dbstalk.com/hr20/html/DTV_LIL_DMA.html

It looks like ABC 12 is now using HD graphics to show their severe weather alerts on their digital channel, which means that they won't switch to the SD feed during HD programming (or so I'm guessing). This is nothing terribly important, I just thought it was interesting.

Yes, I noticed that too! Used to be very annoying. I noticed even channel 7 in Detroit does not do that yet.

I pretty much DVR everything we watch so we can skip commercials, but yesterday while I was watching something I DVR'd on ch. 66 I was away from the TV when it went to a commercial and the audio got so loud I feared for my speakers. Does ch. 66 always get that loud when they go from DD for the shows to the commercials?

Rick

Yes, it happens during every commercial break. I wish they could find a way to fix or prevent this, as it can get quite annoying.

Charter has now added some HD On Demand content to their library. However, there are only 3 pay movies as of now, but at least it's a start. Hopefully we'll see more content in the near future.

Is anyone having problems with Fox 66 OTA (16.1) this morning 11/13 10:20am?
I have zero signal and it is ususally around 90% or higher.

All other stations are fine and my antenna is not moved.

I haven't been able to get 786, WSMH Fox 66 in HD, on Charter in Durand. Tech Service says this has been moved to a premium lineup, but this is a local. Anyone have any info?

Flint DMA Locals have gone live today on Directv in HD

5 WNEM CBS
12 WJRT ABC
25 WEYI NBC
66 WSHM Fox

Yes!!! Just Noticed And Was About To Announce It!! Yeeeehaaaaaawwww!

I just received in the mail the latest Comcast channel line up for the Bad Axe Pt Austin area. Although they have raised Fees in some areas they haven't done much to increase their HD lineup. Still missing is FOX WSMH & PBS WDCQ. I can only assume that Comcast won't pay WSMH for its HD signal but cannot understand why the PBS HD signal is not provided. Far different then my local Detroit coverage and more expensive.

In an e-mail exchange with the manager of WDCQ as to why Comcast Bad Axe/Pt Austin does not carry their digital signal, he stated that they have asked Comcast to carry the digital signals but Comcast has refused. My next step is to contact Comcast and see why. Maybe I'll find out why they don't carry Fox WSMH Digital too.

anyone else noticed that the new fox 66 HD over DirecTV has some pixelating or artifacting in it?

i use the hr20-700 directv hd receiver. my ota fox connection 66-1 is fine.

anyone else noticed that the new fox 66 HD over DirecTV has some pixelating or artifacting in it?

i use the hr20-700 directv hd receiver. my ota fox connection 66-1 is fine.
I just had a new direct TV high def DVR installed this week and noticed exactly the same thing on Fox 66HD but other channels seem fine?
Also seeing slight jerkyness on playback of recording and home that not is a permenant feature?

Yes. I noticed that and I am also getting some interference toward the top of the screen on 5 and 25. Signal strength seems fine. I am assuming that these HD locals are transmitted on Satellite 103(b) Anyone know for sure?

The D* uplinked WSMH signal is definatly corrupted. There are the digital equivalent of "scan lines" running though the picture. It has been this way from the start. My guess is that they have a bad encoder at the local recieve site. I have written to D* about it and got the standard "we're sorry you are having problems" response. I started a thread on dbstalk about it since I think that D* monitors that board. I have no problems with 5 or 25 except for the pixellation due to full bandwidth subs that those channels run. The signal is either from 103(b) or 103(a). There are some new spot beams on "a" , one that comes in for me at 100%.

I'm getting exactly the same type of problem on channel 5 that johns560 is describing and if anything it seems to be getting worse. Seems odd that we are seeing it in addition to the 66 problem you are not? Are you suggesting we both have a dish alignment issue causing the same problem ?

Next Tuesday (12/18), Charter is adding History, Versus/Golf, MHD, and A&E. They are really starting to get the ball rolling with this HD stuff. There is a post in the HDTV Programming forum that addresses their plans to drastically increase the amount of HD content available to their customers. You can view it here (http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showpost.php?p=12419291&postcount=30). Charter in Louisiana already has upwards of 50 HD channels, more than any other cable provider, I believe.

I'm getting exactly the same type of problem on channel 5 that johns560 is describing and if anything it seems to be getting worse. Seems odd that we are seeing it in addition to the 66 problem you are not? Are you suggesting we both have a dish alignment issue causing the same problem ?

If it was dish alignment then all of your (new) HD Channels would be going bad. Do you see this problem only on the very top of the picure? In that case, my TV could have more overscan and it just cuts off that portion of the picure.

Ok, you guys are right. I noticed it last night during "Numb3rs" on WNEM. Some intermittent video "tearing" near the top of the frame. D* needs to fix this asap.

It is still happening. Quite frequently on 25. Very irritating. I hope Direct TV fixes this soon!

If it was dish alignment then all of your (new) HD Channels would be going bad. Do you see this problem only on the very top of the picure? In that case, my TV could have more overscan and it just cuts off that portion of the picure.
The problem seems to be only on channel 5 and 25. It almost seems as if the top 20% or so of the picture is pixelating periodically. The rest of the picture is fine. It's weird and very distracting. Channel 12 seems to be fine and I am getting the same scattered noise as folks are describing on 66. At first I thought it might be my new high def DVR plus but I talked to a friend who also got one the same week and he is seeing it as well as johns560? If you are not seeing the problem it puzzles me and I'm back to wondering if 3 have us have the same problem with the reciever? With it covering such a large area I can't beleive it's a TV overscan issue - I have a Toshiba 50" plasma by the way.

Next Tuesday (12/18), Charter is adding History, Versus/Golf, MHD, and A&E. They are really starting to get the ball rolling with this HD stuff. There is a post in the HDTV Programming forum that addresses their plans to drastically increase the amount of HD content available to their customers. You can view it here (http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showpost.php?p=12419291&postcount=30). Charter in Louisiana already has upwards of 50 HD channels, more than any other cable provider, I believe.

We have four new HD channels tonight in Midland:
790--VS
792--MHD
794--A&E
795--History
That makes 21 total counting the pay movie stations if I figured correctly. There is hockey on VS right now. Too bad we couldn't catch the Red Wings last night.

This is a problem I've been having for approximately 1 month. I have a problem with tuning to OTA feed of the local PBS' digital broadcasts (19-1 to 19-4). Previously they worked fine. Starting in early November, only 19-2 displays video. 19-1, 19-3, and 19-4 all say "searching for signal." Using the TV's tuner, all four come in fine. Testing the signal strength on the HR-20, they are all just above 80 %. All other OTA channels that I previously received OK are still OK.

I tried going through the antenna setup again and also a reboot, but neither fixed the problem.

At dbstalk someone suggested I ask check with WDCQ to make sure that EIT/ETT is being generated by the PSIP. I talked to the engineer at QTV who confirmed that the PSIP is OK.

Since the HR-20 registers good signal for 19-x but doesn't show a picture when I tune to most of them (and all work fine with the TV tuner), I assume it's a bug in the HR-20's software.

Any other suggestions?

I think that the internal mapping of 19.1 WDCQ is incorrect in the HR20. Mine does not get this also. It has to do with the issue of WDCQ and WDCP combining digital allocations on RF 15, even though they had 2 licenses. The HR20 does not use PSIP for the mapping, but one which is provided by Directv. The problem is on their end.

I don't know why CBS wouldn't broadcast the Lions-Chiefs game in HD. Have they given up on the Lions too?

I don't know why CBS wouldn't broadcast the Lions-Chiefs game in HD. Have they given up on the Lions too?

CBS only has the capability of doing 5 or 6 HD games per week. The Lions were the odd man out this week.

Did someone forget to flip the switch on WSMHD? The Cotton Bowl is supposed to be in HD but it's not right now :(.

CBS only has the capability of doing 5 or 6 HD games per week. The Lions were the odd man out this week.

Ahh, ok, good to know. I guess it's a pity we're not at the point where they can handle broadcasting all their games in HD.

The problems with 66 are still happening on DirecTV. Anyone notice if 5 and 25 are still acting up?

They must not care about 66......I will write to them again.

Yeah,
I am tired of calling them. I would consider switching to cable if the picture quality wasn't so terrible.

Edit* 25 is still having problems with pixelization at the top of the screen on the HD channel. Haven't watched 5 for awhile but I am assuming that it is still having the same problem.

Is there anybody here who has Charter DVR service? If so, what box do they use? Do they use the Moxi box or the Motorola Dual-Tuner DVR?

Both in mid Michigan. New miniature digital box is coming. Should have ADS here soon.

After that they will eventually have the DCHs

I had two Moxis that they could not make work, then they gave me a DCT 6416 III, but said there was a long waiting list for them

Email reply from FOX 66......

Thanks so much for your email, I called DirecTV today and had
them check our HD downlink stream, they did confirm the problem you
describe and are going to try replacing some of their equipment. They
will get back to me when they have the problem fixed. I'll let you what
happens,

Thanks Pete

--
Pete Glass
Chief Engineer
WSMH-TV FOX-66

Now if we can only get 5 and 25 to stop pixelating at the top of the screen.

I checked 66 this morning.....looks like the problem is fixed!
Thanks johns560.

I called DirecTV again last week to complain about channels 5 and 25 and they committed to "elevate" the issue. Cross your fingers but don't hold your breath!

Anybody had problems with their STB/DVR time being slow?

Anybody had problems with their STB/DVR time being slow?

The clock on my Comcast DVR is about 1 minute slow here in Grand Blanc. Seems to be like that everywhere in Michigan.

The clock on my Comcast DVR is about 1 minute slow here in Grand Blanc. Seems to be like that everywhere in Michigan.

I have Charter and it is approx 50 seconds slow. Was over a minute slow, but they fixed it for a few days.

So have you requested that they fix it?

I have Charter and my STB time is right on the dot. I'm comparing it to my watch, which was synchronized to time.gov.

I have Charter and my STB time is right on the dot. I'm comparing it to my watch, which was synchronized to time.gov.

Great, I believe our head end comes out of Bay City and the time for last month has been off more than it has been on.

Has yours ever been off, and if so who did you contact.

Great, I believe our head end comes out of Bay City and the time for last month has been off more than it has been on.

Has yours ever been off, and if so who did you contact.
This is the first time I've ever checked. It doesn't really concern me since I don't have a DVR.

This is the first time I've ever checked. It doesn't really concern me since I don't have a DVR.

Ok, hypothetical question. If you did have a DVR and it was messing up your start times, who would you contact. Calling there 800 number is not getting the job done.

Ok, hypothetical question. If you did have a DVR and it was messing up your start times, who would you contact. Calling there 800 number is not getting the job done.
I would visit the local branch and raise the issue there. Hopefully they will be able to forward the problem to the correct people.

I would visit the local branch and raise the issue there. Hopefully they will be able to forward the problem to the correct people.

Thought maybe somebody on here would have some phone numbers for head end or something like that, where I might get an answer.

Does anyone know when DISH are going to get locals in HD for the Flint Area (in fact Gladwin installation)?

I didn't realize that DISH wasn't broadcasting their locals in HD. DirecTV is still working out the bugs on their local HD channels(at least on 5 and 25). It has been very annoying.

Any word as to whether or not the D* will ever add My 5 (Comcast ch. 4) at some point? I'm considering switching over to satellite...but there really are alot of Pistons games on this channel.

Not sure why I'm TOO worried about it though, because the feed on that channel totally sucks. I usually want to karate chop my tv when it's on My 5...but I'm still a big Pistons fan all the same.

Message from NBC 25 regarding HD local broadcast problems on DirecTV

Feb 5 2008

Dear Tobby Berlin
Directv

We have received complaints about the quality of the retransmission of WEYI-TV over the DIRECT satellite system serving the FLINT SAGINAW DMA. I have included a sample of the complaint below. This pixilation of the top of the screen has been noted by a sample of your viewers who have complained to us rather than with DIRECT. Please advise who the proper contact for this information may be if it is not you. I would appreciate a followup on the determination as soon as possible.

Regards

Jon Bengtson
Jon L Bengtson - Operations & Program Dir.
WEYI-TV NBC 25 (Saginaw)

I am pretty sure that D* just receives the signal off-air and uplinks it from there. The problem could be in their receive equipment or encoder. The frustrating thing is finding the correct contact at D* engineering who cares about signal quality. The receive point is at the WJRT Transmitter site in Chesaning (I think). Maybe I should write to the CE at WJRT.........

Does anyone know when DISH are going to get locals in HD for the Flint Area (in fact Gladwin installation)?

There's a press release floating around (google Dish locals HD flint, mi) that indicates we'll get them in Q1 2008.

Good idea twaller. Give it a try. Can't hurt. Still haven't heard back from Channel 5.

Hey folks

I'm trying to cut down on the TV bill.

I've currently got Dish and the vip622 HD-DVR (which is an EXCELLENT unit) and Charter cable modem only (retention deal). But I'm sick of no HD locals, and I'm 40+ miles from the towers, so I'd need to install a big antenna to get OTA.

I'm looking to see if I can squeak into a super basic cable package, let the Dish go, and get HD locals via QAM...

Anyone have an HD Tivo (series 3?) and this kind of setup? I'm curious if the Tivo can figure out the clear QAM channels and map them properly. I wouldn't mind a couple of cable cards if needed for the small rental fee, if that would work, too.

Thanks!

Hey folks

I'm trying to cut down on the TV bill.

I've currently got Dish and the vip622 HD-DVR (which is an EXCELLENT unit) and Charter cable modem only (retention deal). But I'm sick of no HD locals, and I'm 40+ miles from the towers, so I'd need to install a big antenna to get OTA.

I'm looking to see if I can squeak into a super basic cable package, let the Dish go, and get HD locals via QAM...

Anyone have an HD Tivo (series 3?) and this kind of setup? I'm curious if the Tivo can figure out the clear QAM channels and map them properly. I wouldn't mind a couple of cable cards if needed for the small rental fee, if that would work, too.

Thanks!

I haven't checked in a while, but I never did see WSMHDT when I used the QAM tuner on my REGZA (Toshiba LCD) with Charter's cable. I was never able to get a 24 hour stable picture of WSMH by antenna here in Midland even though I could get other stations from as far away as Lansing (I was using a Samsung SIR-T451 tuner, but that may be old technology by now).

I thought about a similar setup, but gave up because of WSMH (football), and when I could not get any information about cable cards from Charter ("none were available at the time") other than a price of $6.00 each which was the same as their box. I WOULD be interested to find out if this is possible also.

On another matter, I have the Charter DVR and hooked up a 450mb external hard drive using their USB connection. It expanded the capacity by about 3.5 to 4 times and so far, works pretty well. Has anyone else done this? Are there any problems with the setup?

What brand/model DVR do you have? Supposedly the Motorolas are not enabled to do that.

It's a MOXI (Motorola). I don't know if there is a specific model number.

I think I left the impression that the MOXI box was $6.00. I think it is $18/month, so using the two cable cards is still less then renting from Charter (plus the cost of the cable).

That is one of the good features of the Moxi, the DCT DCH series of Motorola DVRs are not enabled to use an external HD.

Last night I noticed that I appear to be getting WSMH on 115.2 in Midland on Charter. I'll go home tonight and check my whole lineup. It looks like Charter might have moved things around again.

Are the clocks on the set top boxes/or DVR correct in Midland. Little over a minute off here in Mt Pleasant. Been off for nearly a month and no idea when it will get fixed.

Hey folks

I'm trying to cut down on the TV bill.

I've currently got Dish and the vip622 HD-DVR (which is an EXCELLENT unit) and Charter cable modem only (retention deal). But I'm sick of no HD locals, and I'm 40+ miles from the towers, so I'd need to install a big antenna to get OTA.

I'm looking to see if I can squeak into a super basic cable package, let the Dish go, and get HD locals via QAM...

Anyone have an HD Tivo (series 3?) and this kind of setup? I'm curious if the Tivo can figure out the clear QAM channels and map them properly. I wouldn't mind a couple of cable cards if needed for the small rental fee, if that would work, too.

Thanks!

I also have Dish and the 622 (also believe it is a GREAT unit). Dish is slated to start offering our locals sometime towards the end of the first quarter. Didn't know if you had heard but thought I'd pass that on. Here is a link: http://www.satelliteguys.us/dish-network-forum/123795-dish-hd-locals-update.html

Okay here is what I'm getting on Charter via QAM. It looks like they have renumbered a few of them and WSMH is now unencrypted.

89.9 - WJRT-DT2 News
89.10 - WJRT-DT3 Weather
91.8 - WDCQ-DT4 Children
91.9 - WDCQ-DT1 Education
91.10 - WDCQ-DT3 Create
105.1 - WDCQ-HD PBS
5.2 - WNEM-DT2 My5
5.1 - WNEM-HD CBS
25.1 - WEYI-HD NBC
12.1- WJRT-HD ABC
66.1 - WSMH-HD FOX
83.3 - ESPN (I'm not sure why this unencrypted, and it's not HD)

I also have Dish and the 622 (also believe it is a GREAT unit). Dish is slated to start offering our locals sometime towards the end of the first quarter. Didn't know if you had heard but thought I'd pass that on. Here is a link: http://www.satelliteguys.us/dish-network-forum/123795-dish-hd-locals-update.html

I saw that, but it's been a no-show so far. And Fox Sports Network isn't included in our locals ...the wife wants her Red Wings games :( It's on the next SD tier up :(

I saw that, but it's been a no-show so far. And Fox Sports Network isn't included in our locals ...the wife wants her Red Wings games :( It's on the next SD tier up :(

Very true! I don't know how Charter is but when I had Comcast a couple of years ago I was fairly happy with the pic quality on all the HD they had at the time including locals. I would go back now if it weren't for the good HD-DVR Dish has.

I am in Midland MI, charter also. I am getting a similar lineup, same channels, but some at different locations, as follow:


83.1 ESPN
89.9 WJRT-DT2 News
89.10 WJRT-DT3 Weather
91.8 WDCQ-DT4 Children
91.9 WDCQ-DT1 Education
91.10 WDCQ-DT3 Create
105.1 WDCQ-HD PBS
107.4 WEYI-HD NBC
107.5 WNEM-HD CBS
107.6 WNEM-DT2 My5
115.2 WJRT-HD ABC
115.4 WSMH-HD FOX


Okay here is what I'm getting on Charter via QAM. It looks like they have renumbered a few of them and WSMH is now unencrypted.

89.9 - WJRT-DT2 News
89.10 - WJRT-DT3 Weather
91.8 - WDCQ-DT4 Children
91.9 - WDCQ-DT1 Education
91.10 - WDCQ-DT3 Create
105.1 - WDCQ-HD PBS
5.2 - WNEM-DT2 My5
5.1 - WNEM-HD CBS
25.1 - WEYI-HD NBC
12.1- WJRT-HD ABC
66.1 - WSMH-HD FOX
83.3 - ESPN (I'm not sure why this unencrypted, and it's not HD)

Yeah, I noticed that orriginally mine channels were up in the 115 and 107 range. I think my TV maps them back down to the 12.1 66.1 numbers due to something charter is sending with signal.

I know it is probably listed here somewhere but i am looking for the comcast HD channel listing for (Swartz Creek)

I know it is probably listed here somewhere but i am looking for the comcast HD channel listing for (Swartz Creek)

I don't know about Swartz Creek, but here is what we have in Grand Blanc.
Comcast HDTV:
181 NFL Network HD
191 Discovery HD
192 The Learning Channel HD
193 Animal Planet HD
194 Sci-Fi HD
195 USA HD
196 TBS HD
197 Food Channel HD
198 HGTV HD
199 National Geographic HD
200 A&E HD
201 FSN HD Detroit
202 ESPN HD
203 ESPN2 HD
204 TNT HD
205 HD Theater
206 MOJO (NBA HD)
207 Golf Channel HD / Versus HD (NHL, PGA)
208 Universal HD
209 MHD
212 The History Channel HD
213 CNN HD
215 HBO HD
219 Cinemax HD
223 Showtime HD
227 Starz HD
231 ABC
232 NBC
233 CBS
234 FOX
240 PBS

https://www.comcast.com/Localization/Localize.ashx?*********/Customers/Clu/ChannelLineup.ashx&area=0

It seems as though the video problems that D* had with 5 and 25 have been fixed. I haven't seen any pixellation in several days. (crosses fingers).

Mt Pleasant area Charter.

I am getting pixilation on ABC (12) and FOX (66). NBC and CBS seem ok. Anybody else, or do I need to get Charter involved?

Twaller,
I was just about to check in with you. I also noticed that the other day. Maybe our efforts paid off!

I would like to compare reception situations with some one else who is on the Mt Pleasant MI Charter system.

Called FSN Detroit, issue with HD truck that is being swapped out, HD should begin by the 2nd period.

Announcement should be upcoming on the broadcast.

I added an optical sound lead from my HD QAM Tuner to my amplifier hoping to hear some 5.1 surround sound from the locally carried HD stations on Port Austin Comcast cable. Much to my dismay not a one of them produced surround sound. Does anyone have any idea why? Do the local stations 5,12, & 25 (no Fox digital or PBS on comcast up here) provide a 5.1 sound output or does Comcast in its wisdom not carry it?

I added an optical sound lead from my HD QAM Tuner to my amplifier hoping to hear some 5.1 surround sound from the locally carried HD stations on Port Austin Comcast cable. Much to my dismay not a one of them produced surround sound. Does anyone have any idea why? Do the local stations 5,12, & 25 (no Fox digital or PBS on comcast up here) provide a 5.1 sound output or does Comcast in its wisdom not carry it?

Gene,
I live in Bay County and use a OTA with my D* subscription. About 2 or 3 years ago when TV5 went digital and then added HD, I noticed that there wasn't any 5.1 surround sound to their feed. Even though my audio receiver did show reception of 5.1. Channels 12, 25, & 66 did have the 5.1 surround sound. I called TV5 and talked to their chief engineer who stated that because of the cost involved, TV5 was not producing 5.1 stereo at this time to their digital feed and had no time table to add it in the future. As of this date, 5.1 surround sound has NOT been added by TV5. The other local channels do produce the 5.1 surround sound via OTA. I would think that Comcast could at least reproduce 5.1 for your channels 12 & 25. As a viewer and lover of HD, what a difference it makes without having 5.1 surround sound. I would have thought that TV5 would have realized the importance of 5.1 when they were boasting in their TV ads about adding HD for our area.

Jim

Are you going direct from cable to TV tuner without cable box? I know on my TV it has an optical out, but it has to be doing the tuning, whereas, it in reality is getting its signal from the box. I run optical from my cable box to my Rcvr to get 5.1.

It maybe just me, but the HD locals from D* are absolutely unwatchable tonight. Full of pixellation, stutter and breakups. First noticed it this morning, but thought that it would get better. It hasn't.

I noticed that ABC12 was bad most of the day and through part of their primetime schedule. Problems didn't clear up until about 9 p.m. I was seeing LOTS of pixellation and it seemed to be occurring every 4-5 seconds.

Who is d*??? dishnet, directv? and why can't you spell it? is it against some rule in this forum?


I noticed that ABC12 was bad most of the day and through part of their primetime schedule. Problems didn't clear up until about 9 p.m. I was seeing LOTS of pixellation and it seemed to be occurring every 4-5 seconds.

Who is d*??? dishnet, directv? and why can't you spell it? is it against some rule in this forum?

D* = Directv
E* = Dishnetwork (Echostar)
DTV = Digital Television

It's just shorthand for those of us who don't want to type the whole name.

i had the pixelization problems on D* locals also, but they're cleared up now...

i had the pixelization problems on D* locals also, but they're cleared up now...

Sunspots?

I sort of doubt it was sunspots, although you never know. The only reason I'm doubting sunspots is that the pixelation was extremely bad on the ABC12 (HD version), it didn't exist on the SD version which I also receive via D*.

Perhaps there was something acting up in their uplink equipment. I didn't look at any of the other local channels at the same time, but based on other postings here, it had to be something common with all of the stations.

It would be interesting to know if any of the station engineers were aware of problems.

FYI, it now appears that WNEM TV 5 is now transmitting digital OTA antenna audio in Dolby surround sound. My audio receiver has been picking up the surround sound stereo the past two nights. The long wait is over!

Jim

FYI, it now appears that WNEM TV 5 is now transmitting digital OTA antenna audio in Dolby surround sound. My audio receiver has been picking up the surround sound stereo the past two nights. The long wait is over!

Jim

What do you mean by "picking up the surround sound stereo"? Are you actually hearing surround or is your receiver simply displaying the 5.1 light? I've had a running argument with them for over a year on this topic, I would be very surprised if they popped for the extra equipment. Very unfriendly bunch.

If I think about it I'll check out CSI on Thursday and see what I hear.

What do you mean by "picking up the surround sound stereo"? Are you actually hearing surround or is your receiver simply displaying the 5.1 light? I've had a running argument with them for over a year on this topic, I would be very surprised if they popped for the extra equipment. Very unfriendly bunch.

If I think about it I'll check out CSI on Thursday and see what I hear.

Matt,

I can actually hear the surround sound stereo from all of my speakers now. I heard the difference during prime time viewing, not during the daytime schedule. The back two speakers are getting the action sounds like they should be. In the past on my stereo receiver, the 5.1 light was on, but no surround sound was being heard. I had checked with the TV5 chief engineer about two or three years ago and he told me that they didn't have the right equipment installed due to the cost. He told me that he wasn't sure when they would purchase need equipment. I guess they finally did.

Jim

I just noticed that Charter in Midland has unencrypted a bunch of the digital stations (non HD). I can now pick them up with my QAM tuner. I'll try to figure out what they are and post a list later, but I'm guessing they are mostly (if not all) local channels.

I just noticed that Charter in Midland has unencrypted a bunch of the digital stations (non HD). I can now pick them up with my QAM tuner. I'll try to figure out what they are and post a list later, but I'm guessing they are mostly (if not all) local channels.


Have you got it figured out yet? I will assume that is what is also coming to the West of you also, so I would like to know.

I received a postcard from Charter a couple of weeks ago saying they are adding four new HD stations in Midland in early June. I don't have the postcard anymore, but I think they will be TLC, TBS, CNN and Discovery. They also said they would be removing the "previews" channel and two others will be moving to the digital tier. Sorry, but I can't remember which ones.

I just got the postcard and here are the new channel additions:
768 - TBS HD
769 - CNN HD
796 - TLC HD
797 - Discovery Channel HD
798 - Animal Planet HD

Other than TBS, these are pretty good additions.

They're also moving Oxygen and G4 to 89 and 90, still part of the Expanded Basic lineup, but you'll need digital equipment to view them. It's good to know they're getting rid of analog channels to free up bandwidth for more HD channels.

edit: They're removing the PPV Preview channel on 800 and adding a PPV Events channel, which I'm assuming will be HD since it says they're adding 6 new HD channels.

Okay, I tried to figure out some of the new unencrypted channels. Here is what I have so far...

75.2 - ESPN2 HD
81.8 - ???
82.11 - ???
83.3 - ESPN not HD
83.10 - CBS
84.9 - ???
85.2 - My5
85.4 - PBS of some sort
85.5 - ???
85.8 - ???
86.3 - ???
86.4 - WDCQ standard def
87.1 - ???
87.2 - A test pattern
87.3 - ESPN HD
89.8 - Preview Channel
91.7 - WDCQ-DT4 Children
91.8 - WDCQ-DT1 Education
91.9 - WDCQ-DT3 Create
-remapped channels-
4.1 - WDCQ-HD PBS
5.2 - WNEM-DT2 My5
5.1 - WNEM-HD CBS
25.1 - WEYI-HD NBC
12.1- WJRT-HD ABC
66.1 - WSMH-HD FOX

I ran a scan today and got similar results, albeit with different channel numbers:

81.1 WEYI NBC 25
82.1 WJRT ABC 12
83.1 ESPN
83.2 WNEM CBS 5
84.1 WSMH FOX 66
85.1 WEYI-DT2 CW
85.2 WDIV NBC 4 (Detroit)
85.3 WFUM PBS
85.4 WILX NBC 10 (Lansing)
85.5 WKAR PBS (Lansing)
85.6 WLNS CBS 6 (Lansing)
85.7 WNEM-DT2 My5
85.8 WTVS PBS (Detroit)
85.9 WXYZ ABC 7 (Detroit)
87.1 FSN Detroit HD
87.2 FSN Detroit (Not HD)
91.1-3 WDCQ PBS and subchannels
92.1-48 Music Choice
105.1 WDIV-DT2 NBC 4 Weather Plus
105.2 WFUM-DT PBS HD
107.1 WNEM-DT2 My5
107.2 WNEM-DT CBS 5 HD
107.3 WEYI-DT2 CW
107.4 WEYI-DT NBC 25 HD
115.1 WSMH-DT FOX 66 HD
115.2 WJRT-DT3 - ABC 12 Weather
115.3 WJRT-DT2 - ABC 12 News Channel
115.4 WJRT-DT - ABC 12 HD

I think it's strange that I'm getting 3 Lansing channels that aren't available on the basic lineup or through the STB. Also, WDCQ and WDIV's Weather Channel aren't available except through clear-QAM either.

Is it possible to get out of the DirecTV primary receiver lease fee if you buy your own receiver from something like Ebay or do they still charge the lease fee?

i believe either way you pay the $4.99 fee per receiver...either lease fee or receiver fee.

Comcast out of PT Austin has added Big 10 football HD to channel 66.2 unencrypted. This was noticed over the Labor Day weekend. Whats happening on this forum? This is the first post since July 31. There must be something to talk about.

Charter in Mt Pleasant has added Big Ten to channel 59 analog and 767 HD

Anyone else having trouble with WEYI HD in the past week? I am getting no signal even from my QAM stream.

I havea roof top antenna and I'm receiving nothing on either 25.1 or 25.2. Maybe they are doing upgrades. I am receiving them on analog though.

Yeah, I havn't been getting anything from 25.1 the last couple days. I sure hope they get it fixed before Heroes or Earl start their new seasons.

same here. thanks for the quick response. I have been kinda stressin about what it could be. any way to contact WEYI or place on the web to find out what's goin on?

http://www.weyi.com/news/news_story.aspx?id=186279

Thanks guys. I love the internets.

http://www.weyi.com/news/news_story.aspx?id=188066

Is WNEM HD down for anyone else?

I'm receiving it OTA right now. No issues here.

Yeah mine's back up now too.

Any idea when WBSF 46 will go live in digital? My TiVo's only get digital so I can record anything at this point.

WJRT ABC 12 seems to be having intermittent pixelation problems. Screen freezes with large green squares. Anyone else noticing this?

WJRT ABC 12 seems to be having intermittent pixelation problems. Screen freezes with large green squares. Anyone else noticing this?

Johns560,
I also noticed the freezing of the picture on ABC 12 at about the same time as you on Saturday. I haven't noticed any problems since though.

Jim

I got a letter from Charter and it says 2 new HD channels are coming on October 31st.
764 - Food Network HD
765 - HDTV HD

To make room for these channels, they are moving GSN and SoapNet to digital. They also moved Toon Disney to digital last month, probably to make room for the Big Ten Network. It's good to know that they're actually making more room for bandwidth rather than cramming more channels into what limited bandwidth that is already available.

Also, it says that Smithsonian HD and MLB/NHL In Demand HD are coming in January 2009.

does anyone know if the "Comcast Digital Doctoring in Detroit"
effects Flint customers? i have a link to a story about it but the board wont let me put it up

WFUM PBS Ch 28 Flint to go Digital only on Nov 19, 2008.
http://www.wfum.org/

Supposedly they will stay on Ch52 for a few days and then go back to Ch28 where they will continue in digital only.

Wikpedia says they're going to be on 28 digital on November 23

Has anyone noticed WJRT HD intermitently not working? Both Thursday night and Sunday (10/19) night my tuner has reported no signal.

Since I have been working some evenings lately, I have been trying to DVR the Red Wing games on Fox Sports HD on Charter cable in Midland. There no longer is any programming information on the HD station, so I cannot set their DVR to copy the games. I can copy the SD Fox Sports, but it is a lot more fun in HD.

Before I waste a lot of time with Charter, does anyone know of a way to get their DVR to program without the programming (record) information on the screen?

Anyone else noticed this?

I noticed that The CW is back as a sub on WEIY. Last time I checked WEYI was running an SD feed on 25-2, when did it go back? I'm really looking forward to some CW HD, hope it's up and running soon.

Since I have been working some evenings lately, I have been trying to DVR the Red Wing games on Fox Sports HD on Charter cable in Midland. There no longer is any programming information on the HD station, so I cannot set their DVR to copy the games. I can copy the SD Fox Sports, but it is a lot more fun in HD.

Before I waste a lot of time with Charter, does anyone know of a way to get their DVR to program without the programming (record) information on the screen?

Anyone else noticed this? I was starting to think I was the only one in town with this issue. It seems to be just Midland, because a few minutes away in Bay City, the same channel works just fine and WITH the guide info/recording capability. I now DON'T EVEN HAVE FSN HD to WATCH! For the last week, I could watch it, just couldn't record it. I have to think it's just temporary but the more people call and complain the sooner it's likely to be fixed. I urge anyone affected to CALL AND LET THEM KNOW. Sports in SD are pretty brutal when you're paying for the HD version of the same game and not getting it.

I quite sure you can go into menu and set time, date and channel

I also have an FSN-HD issue with Charter, but my situation is a little different.

I do not have an HDTV, I have a Pinnacle PCTV HD Tuner (800i) PCI card installed in my desktop PC. This Digital TV Tuner is QAM compatible, which means I can get the unencrypted digital channels from Charter - I only have the expanded basic channel package. I bought and installed this card last month and was loving it, I could get all the local networks in HD, multiple PBS stations, and my favorite being FSN in HD. I was even able to record a few Red Wings games in HD using my QAM card and Charter. This worked great for about a month, until my card started having issues, which I thought were driver conflicts (possibly the result of having too many tuners installed). So I decided to reformat my computer and start fresh with a new Windows installation, reinstall drivers and software, etc. Now, FSN-HD no longer shows up when I scan for channels using my tuner. All the local and PBS stations still show up, but FSN-HD is nowhere to be seen.

Previously, FSN-HD showed up as channel 887.2. When the channel is off-air (no Red Wings or Pistons) it would show an sd resolution colored bars signal. Now, I have done multiple driver and software uninstall/reinstalls and at least 5 channel scans. 887.2 shows up as scrambled, and the closest clear QAM channel is 887.4, and it is some other sports channel, couldn't tell you the name of it though.

I know that FSN-HD is still unencrypted, because on my digital set-top box (for my sdtv) , if I go to channel 791 while off-air, it shows those colored bars for no signal, and during Red Wings games, I can hear the game audio. This is the same behavior for the other HD channels that are working perfectly fine with my PC Tuner. Scrambled channels give me "ordering information" on my set-top-box.

So the big question is does anybody have any idea why I'm all of a sudden having problems getting FSN-HD to show up using my PC HD Tuner?

Charter customers on the West side of the state have reported recently losing FSN HD from clear QAM

Wikpedia says they're going to be on 28 digital on November 23

Hey, Flint guys. I'm really in the Detroit market, but I sometimes watch WFUM because they have a different program or schedule than 56, our PBS station.

I was getting Digital-28 (RF52) pretty well recently. My digital tuner now shows some signal strength, but not enough to pull in, on RF28 and nothing on RF52.

Is it watchable for those of you who are closer? How's the power?

They may only be in low power testing now, but aren't they supposed to increase power of digital transmission on RF28.

Never mind. Since Wednesday, I've been getting signal strength in the 70's off the backside of my antenna and good reception. Before that, it was in the 50's with the antenna aimmed at it, and I couldn't pull it in.

I noticed a few upticks in signal strength on WFUM after their move from RF 52 to RF 28. I think they did a pretty good job of communicating their plans too.

I was sending an e-mail to one of the other members on this board, and made an interesting discovery. It may not be new news, but definitely affects those here.

I had talked to the confusion on the transition re. stations changing RF frequency during the transition. Try this one on for size. I'll have a front row view as I receive both stations.

WJRT (ch. 12, ABC Flint, MI) currently broadcasts digitally on RF 36
WLNS (ch. 6, CBS, Lansing, MI) currently broadcasts digitally on RF 59

After the transition, WJRT will broadcast on RF 12 (VHF hi)
... and WLNS will transition to, get this... RF 36!

Some of the Flint area viewers (including me if I wasn't aware) will be scratching their heads in confusion on Feb 17 when they tune in what they think is WJRT, and instead of seeing 'Good Morning America' will instead see the CBS Morning Show. Actually, there's quite a bit of overlap in both stations service areas.

I have a problem with 28, it's there but I can't see it. Here's the story- I rescanned and my Hd TiVo "dinged" on 28, and went on though to the end. I though all was well, tuned into 28-1 and got "Searching for signal". Went to the signal strength screen and it was on 52-1, not 28-1. scrolled down to 28 and got signal of 98, identified WFUM on the screen, again thought all was good, but again no picture.

At this point it looks like my only option is to clear and delete ALL my digital stations, not something I want to do since I have to rescan 3 or 4 times to get all the stations back from the various directions. somebody on another forum suggested that perhaps WFUM has not adjusted their PSIP info, any possibility of that? If not I'll just skip 28 for now and watch 19 or 23.

WFUM is being received OTA in Madison Heights, MI (3 miles N of Detroit) with a good enough signal to lock it in. It is definately coming in as 28.1 & 28.2. When they operated on Ch 52 reception was very sporadic.

WFUM-DT is now being carried by Directv in HD for the Flint-Saginaw market.

Our Fox channel WSMH always has the black bars along the left and right side, even though it say it is HD. This is using the Charter cable box. If I bypass the box and go through the built in TV tuner and go to channel 66.1 the black bars are there also.

Anybody else? When will it be fixed?

The black bars won't be there when there is HD content. When there is 4x3 native content the bars are added to preserve the correct aspect ratio. Watch during prime time (8-10), the bars should be gone.

ABC 12 sure is STRUGGLING today for the MSU Bowl game.

HUH? How were you watching? I saw no problems OTA.

Interesting. I just put up an old RS bar type antenna in my cousin's attic on Grand Blanc Rd. in Swartz Creek. We did a channel scan and picked up 38 digital stations. He's getting WTVS and WWJ in solid, but ch. 50 DT is a no show. Truly impressive performance from a cheap bi directional antenna.

I had this antenna for years, tried it in my attic and could not even get WJRT-DT solidly, but it works great for him.

Has anyone gotten AT&T U-verse yet? I'm wondering what people think of the HD picture quality versus Charter.

Check page 232 of the Detroit MI AVS forum for some comments on Uverse

The black bars won't be there when there is HD content. When there is 4x3 native content the bars are added to preserve the correct aspect ratio. Watch during prime time (8-10), the bars should be gone.

Yes, I knew that , but thought that WSMH was not broadcasting in HD. It appears as though they are HD capable, but most programs are not HD, therefore black bars most anytime you check it.

So, will those black bars cause any harm if that channel is watched a lot? Equivalent to burn -in or the like? My TV is a Sony SXRD rear projection liquid crystal on silicon type unit.

I have Charter cable in Midland and I would like to know what the best HD DVR model is these days. I am currently using a repurposed MOXI HD, which looks like the the one that Charter shows on their website: the large, gray box with the gigantic, green clock on the right.

This DVR is humongous and has a huge gash on the front, put there by the previous user. Oh yeah, I've also started using it as my sole source for heat--does a good job!

It doesn't do Charter On-Demand at all; though I'd probably never use that anyway.

The contractor who installed it said that what I was getting was not the latest and greatest because they were out of those, and that I should try calling later to get a better DVR in a few months.

So what should I be asking for when I call Charter to have my HD DVR updated?


Regards,
HDNomad2

You might want to go to the HD recorder forum. There they discuss the new Moxie, the DCH 3416 and DCH6416 Motorolas. I understand there is a Motorola equivalent to the Moxie that uses the letters in its name that are something like BMWxxxxx.

I now have the DCH 3416 instead of the DCT6416III and like it a little better. I got that at the Charter store just by asking for it and swapping the old one.

I am going to be checking on the Moxie/Motorola in the near future.

I understand the Moxie will allow external hard drive (special purpose, I believe) to be plugged into the unit for storage greater than 160 GB, hence the 16 in the last two numbers of the models mentioned above.

Well, I picked up a Motorola DCH 3416 DVR from the Charter store in Bay City on Tuesday. Worked great for a few days, but on Friday it acted as if it was resetting while I was watching something off the hard drive. I gave it time to update. Later when I turned it back on, all of my channels except for my locals displayed a message that said, "NOT AUTHORIZED," and has so to this point.

I have unplugged and re-plugged the box in several times in attempts to restore it, with no luck. Are other people having this problem in the Tri-City area?

I called tech support, but since it was Friday night, I couldn't get a tech to help me until Monday, so no HBO over the weekend.

I'm calling DirecTV on Monday, most likely. Enough of this.


HDNomad09

Well, I picked up a Motorola DCH 3416 DVR from the Charter store in Bay City on Tuesday. Worked great for a few days, but on Friday it acted as if it was resetting while I was watching something off the hard drive. I gave it time to update. Later when I turned it back on, all of my channels except for my locals displayed a message that said, "NOT AUTHORIZED," and has so to this point.

I have unplugged and re-plugged the box in several times in attempts to restore it, with no luck. Are other people having this problem in the Tri-City area?

I called tech support, but since it was Friday night, I couldn't get a tech to help me until Monday, so no HBO over the weekend.

I'm calling DirecTV on Monday, most likely. Enough of this.


HDNomad09


1 888 Get Charter is 24/7/365

You could do a hard reset per

http://en.wikibooks.org/wiki/How_to_use_a_Motorola_DVR/Resets

not much to lose.

Oh, believe me, I've tried everything. Thanks for helping though. I'll just keep tapping my finger until Monday morning. :rolleyes:

Regards,
HDNomad09

Oh, believe me, I've tried everything. Thanks for helping though. I'll just keep tapping my finger until Monday morning. :rolleyes:

Regards,
HDNomad09

You called the 888 number and they said there were no techs? Get a Tivo, much better than any of the charter DVRs :).

Oh, believe me, I've tried everything. Thanks for helping though. I'll just keep tapping my finger until Monday morning. :rolleyes:

Regards,
HDNomad09

Are you saying that tech support would not answer?

What did you try?

Apparently what happened was that the person over the phone didn't do her job. She should've made sure my DVR was getting the right profile, which it wasn't. I got the impression that all she was allowed to do was have me power-cycle my DVR, and report the symptoms to a tech.

The tech came today, saw that all of my channels were NOT AUTHORIZED, called the office, they saw right away that my DVR didn't have my subscription profile, and fixed it within a minute. The tech said the person I called on Friday could've done that and apollogized.

As you know, I just swapped DVRs last Tuesday, so I don't envision this happening again.

I'm not really a Charter fan, obviously, and when my 12-month HBO promotion expires, I'll be switching to satellite.


Regards,
HDNomad09

Apparently what happened was that the person over the phone didn't do her job. She should've made sure my DVR was getting the right profile, which it wasn't. I got the impression that all she was allowed to do was have me power-cycle my DVR, and report the symptoms to a tech.

The tech came today, saw that all of my channels were NOT AUTHORIZED, called the office, they saw right away that my DVR didn't have my subscription profile, and fixed it within a minute. The tech said the person I called on Friday could've done that and apollogized.

As you know, I just swapped DVRs last Tuesday, so I don't envision this happening again.

I'm not really a Charter fan, obviously, and when my 12-month HBO promotion expires, I'll be switching to satellite.


Regards,
HDNomad09

Well, so be it on the satellite. Not sure that is any better. But, what I really want to say is: When results are not logical and satisfactory, I either ask for a supervisor or just plain call back and get a different person. Lots of times that is beneficial

Hey guys

Can anyone provide the latest clear QAM numbers for the Midmichigan local stations via Charter? I had to replace the HDD in my TivoHD and until Charter comes out on Monday by cablecard is not working - it's desynced right now.

I'm running the Tivo just using QAM but it picks up a metric ton of stations with the auto channel scan detection.

I just need the NBC-HD channel for the superbowl party :( This was a terrible weekend for Tivo problems.

107.2 is WEYI-HD. All of the HD locals are on 105, 107 or 115. The rest of the channels (below 100) are SD locals and Music Choice.

Thanks! Actually I found out the Tivo is shuffling them to the proper numbers, I.E. 12-1, etc. So that's pretty straightforward.

107.2 is WEYI-HD. All of the HD locals are on 105, 107 or 115. The rest of the channels (below 100) are SD locals and Music Choice.


I thought they were 5.1, 12.1, 25.1 and 66.1. Yes/no?

They are probably remapped to these numbers, but for some reason my TV displays them as their real channel numbers.

There is also 19.1 for PBS.

Yeah, I think the PBS HD channel is located at 105.1 on Charter cable in the area. For some reason it gets remapped to 4.1. The other three PBS subchannels are under channel 91. Today's PBS is is on 86.3, or, of course, channel 9.

I'm a dork!

Hi all, I just bought my first Tivo unit last Friday (Tivo HD) and I am having a bit of a issue with one of the channels in the guide and I don't know if anybody has any thoughts/suggestions on what I could try:

First off, I am strictly OTA - no cable, satellite, etc.

The issue I am having is with WDCQ-TV, channels 19.1, 19.2, 19.3 and 19.4 - the channel listing on the Tivo has these channels listed as digital frequency 19, but I believe that they are supposed to be digital frequency 15. Is there any way to change the digital frequency that the channels look for?

If I do a channel scan, I pick these channels up and they come in as additional 19.1, 19.2, 19.3 and 19.4 channels (but with a digital frequency of 15 this time), but in doing that, there is no guide service for them. So, I have two channels each in my channel lineup of 19.1, 19.2, 19.3 and 19.4 - but the channels with a picture, I get no guide service for and the channels with the guide service, I get no picture for.

I have tried re-setting and re-scanning my Tivo box a few times over the weekend and still, every time it comes up the same. I get the guide info for channels 19.1, 19.2, 19.3 and 19.4, but the channel diagnostics referes these channels to digital frequency 19, (which should be digital frequency 15) and hence, I get no picture on these channels.

It seems to me that there should be a channel "adjuster" setting where you can get in there and change the digital frequency that the channel is looking for, but I haven't found a way to do it yet.

Since I'm a noob, I'm sure somebody out there must have more info than I and can give me some direction on what I should do.

I posted this message on the main Tivo HD thread and their suggestion was to call Tivo support and inform them of the problem - they also suggested that I post this over in this forum to see if anybody in my "area" also has this issue - and if so, is there a fix for it?

I'd give you the same advice call TiVo. I had the same problem with WFUM DT 28. My DTiVo had double listings, the one that worked had no program info. It really wasn't that much of an issue for me since i dont record much from WFUM but after a while it did resolve, odds are someone else complained. It's just a mess up in the guide info that they have to fix on their end.

Hi all, I just bought my first Tivo unit last Friday (Tivo HD) and I am having a bit of a issue with one of the channels in the guide and I don't know if anybody has any thoughts/suggestions on what I could try:

First off, I am strictly OTA - no cable, satellite, etc.

The issue I am having is with WDCQ-TV, channels 19.1, 19.2, 19.3 and 19.4 - the channel listing on the Tivo has these channels listed as digital frequency 19, but I believe that they are supposed to be digital frequency 15. Is there any way to change the digital frequency that the channels look for?

If I do a channel scan, I pick these channels up and they come in as additional 19.1, 19.2, 19.3 and 19.4 channels (but with a digital frequency of 15 this time), but in doing that, there is no guide service for them. So, I have two channels each in my channel lineup of 19.1, 19.2, 19.3 and 19.4 - but the channels with a picture, I get no guide service for and the channels with the guide service, I get no picture for.

I have tried re-setting and re-scanning my Tivo box a few times over the weekend and still, every time it comes up the same. I get the guide info for channels 19.1, 19.2, 19.3 and 19.4, but the channel diagnostics referes these channels to digital frequency 19, (which should be digital frequency 15) and hence, I get no picture on these channels.

It seems to me that there should be a channel "adjuster" setting where you can get in there and change the digital frequency that the channel is looking for, but I haven't found a way to do it yet.

Since I'm a noob, I'm sure somebody out there must have more info than I and can give me some direction on what I should do.

I posted this message on the main Tivo HD thread and their suggestion was to call Tivo support and inform them of the problem - they also suggested that I post this over in this forum to see if anybody in my "area" also has this issue - and if so, is there a fix for it?

This is a problem from Tribune Media Services. TMS is the company that creates the guide data for the Tivos.

The root cause of the problem is that WDCQ decided to have only one digital tower and frequency (15) which is for the analog license they had for channel 35.

The digital frequency that they received for analog 19 (18), was never used, and never will be.

So they send out PSIP data for 15 as 19.1, 19.2 ect., but the guide data doesn't match up to that. If the guide data follows the FCC table it would be for 35.1, 35.2 ect.

It's all very confusing, but I'm hoping with the final transition in June it will be clear.

For any of you that can receive WILX-DT out of Lansing/Jackson. They switched today from channel 57 to channel 10.

For any of you that can receive WILX-DT out of Lansing/Jackson. They switched today from channel 57 to channel 10.

I have a feeling that this is going to be a interesting couple of months between now and June 12th - trying to figure out, this channel has switched, this one has not, this one is scheduled to switch on such and such a date and so on.

I just hope when it it all said and done, my WDCQ channel situation is cleared up. I called Tivo customer support last night and all the guy told me was that "they will look into it"............. (I'm not holding my breath - I think my best chance is hoping it all gets squared away after the digital shut off date in June)

Our channel 782 (ABC12 out of Flint) is not filling the screen all the way to the left and right. It is about 1.5 inches short on both left and right edges. A non HD picture is about 6 inches short on both edges, so it is not that.

This is happening both through the cable box and when bypassing the box and using the QAM tuner of the TV. Also all other HD channels are ok using the box or the QAM, so I do not think it is the fault of the TV.

Anybody else experiencing this? Any ideas? I have contacted Charter, but have not heard back yet.

Unfortunately, ABC12 stretches their non-HD programming but it's not a complete 16:9 stretch (it's more like 14:9) so you will see thin black bars on the sides.

I don't know why they do this, it's completely useless. Almost every HDTV has an option to stretch the picture if you want your entire precious screen filled. For the rest of us who don't like their picture stretched, leave 4x3 content as 4x3! I have emailed them about this before but never got a response. I encourage others to email them as well and maybe they'll get the hint.

Unfortunately, ABC12 stretches their non-HD programming but it's not a complete 16:9 stretch (it's more like 14:9) so you will see thin black bars on the sides.

I don't know why they do this, it's completely useless. Almost every HDTV has an option to stretch the picture if you want your entire precious screen filled. For the rest of us who don't like their picture stretched, leave 4x3 content as 4x3! I have emailed them about this before but never got a response. I encourage others to email them as well and maybe they'll get the hint.

Well, I think that makes sense, as now that we are in prime time the programming is filling the screen. I just asssumed that because it was nearly full that it was HD.

I do not recall saying anything about wanting my screen to be full. It is not that "precious" to me either. I was just looking for an explanation.

Like had said, I have contacted the technical people at Charter, so maybe they will get some feedback from ABC12 If so, I will post it here.

BTW, thanks for the answer to my question.

BTW2, I will email ABC12 also and register my concern!

Our channel 782 (ABC12 out of Flint) is not filling the screen all the way to the left and right. It is about 1.5 inches short on both left and right edges. A non HD picture is about 6 inches short on both edges, so it is not that.

This is happening both through the cable box and when bypassing the box and using the QAM tuner of the TV. Also all other HD channels are ok using the box or the QAM, so I do not think it is the fault of the TV.

Anybody else experiencing this? Any ideas? I have contacted Charter, but have not heard back yet.

That would be WJRT. I think they've done this since they signed on as a digital. When they run content that is standard definition, and shot at the 4:3 ratio, they chop a small portion of the top and bottom and stretch the picture a bit horizontally. The result is an image that is approximately 1.66:1 (giving you the thin, black bars on the sides). The typical ratio of HD content is 1.78:1.

WNEM used to do something similar when they signed-on in HD on their digital channel, but I don't think that lasted for more than a year. Complaints?

I agree, I think WJRT should just preserve the aspect ratio for 4:3 content. Most TVs allow you to stretch anyway if one doesn't like "unsightly" black pillars. I don't mind WJRT's stretching too much though, as long as the primetime shows aren't stretched.

Cheers!

Unfortunately, ABC12 stretches their non-HD programming but it's not a complete 16:9 stretch (it's more like 14:9) so you will see thin black bars on the sides.

I don't know why they do this, it's completely useless. Almost every HDTV has an option to stretch the picture if you want your entire precious screen filled. For the rest of us who don't like their picture stretched, leave 4x3 content as 4x3! I have emailed them about this before but never got a response. I encourage others to email them as well and maybe they'll get the hint.

LOL! I couldn't have said it better myself!

That would be WJRT. I think they've done this since they signed on as a digital. When they run content that is standard definition, and shot at the 4:3 ratio, they chop a small portion of the top and bottom and stretch the picture a bit horizontally. The result is an image that is approximately 1.66:1 (giving you the thin, black bars on the sides). The typical ratio of HD content is 1.78:1.

WNEM used to do something similar when they signed-on in HD on their digital channel, but I don't think that lasted for more than a year. Complaints?

I agree, I think WJRT should just preserve the aspect ratio for 4:3 content. Most TVs allow you to stretch anyway if one doesn't like "unsightly" black pillars. I don't mind WJRT's stretching too much though, as long as the primetime shows aren't stretched.

Cheers!

Thanks to you also. Just goes to show you how much I watch TV, we have had the HD TV for nearly two years now, and I have just noticed it the last few days!

Well, I think that makes sense, as now that we are in prime time the programming is filling the screen. I just asssumed that because it was nearly full that it was HD.
I believe this might be a reason why they stretch, to fool the viewer into the thinking what they are watching is HD. It's a common practice by many cable networks (see: TBS).
I do not recall saying anything about wanting my screen to be full. It is not that "precious" to me either. I was just looking for an explanation.
I wasn't directing the comment to you specifically, it's just Joe Sixpack who buys a $2000 TV and wants every inch of his expensive screen to have picture, even at the expense of image quality.

I
I wasn't directing the comment to you specifically, it's just Joe Sixpack who buys a $2000 TV and wants every inch of his expensive screen to have picture, even at the expense of image quality.

Thank you. Talking with ones fingers often leaves words subject to interpretation or choice and can often be misconstrued without voice intonations and inflections.

If the station is stretching SD broadcasts to nearly fill the screen as a public satisfaction issue, I wonder why they don't set it up to actually fill the whole screen?

If the station is stretching SD broadcasts to nearly fill the screen as a public satisfaction issue, I wonder why they don't set it up to actually fill the whole screen?

Good point. I wonder if they tried to find a happy medium, where they didn't have to chop too much off the top and bottom and also not stretch the picture horizontally so much to make the subjects look like they put on 100 lbs.

Of all the stations in our market, I think WJRT might be best-positioned to start offering more actual HD programming throughout the day. Not that I've heard any rumors on that subject, but they are the only network-owned-and-operated station in this market (if that's a qualifier for more money). The less 4:3 content, the less of this stretch-o-vision business. But I agree with Pagoona, I think WJRT should just preserve the 4:3 aspect ratio like the other stations do.


Cheers!

Finally after several years Comcast Cable out of Bad Axe and Pt Austin has added Fox WSMH out of Flint to their HD lineup. They still for whatever reason, have not added the local PBS (WDCQ) station to their HD Lineup. Now finally all Networks except PBS can be received in HD over clear QAM. Also on clear QAM are TNT HD and ESPN2 HD.

Does anyone know where WJRT-HD and WSMH-HD went on the Charter cable lineup in Midland? I think they used to be under channel 115, but I lost them on both my TVs and haven't been successful at getting them back.

I used the "Add digital channels" function on my Sony KDL-46Z4100, but still can't find them.

I wonder if the channels are encrypted now.

My free HBO deal is almost up! Will be dumping $Charter$ very soon!

They moved from 115 to 89.

Here is a nice website I found that shows you what clear QAM channels are available in your area:
http://www.silicondust.com/hdhomerun/channels

Has anyone been experiencing intermittent sound "freezing" or "buzzing" with their D*? It seems to come and go and happens on any channel. Tried resetting the receiver and it is still happening. The picture doesn't really freeze just a sound loss. I am thinking that maybe it is just a crappy HR20 receiver. I am thinking about upgrading it to a newer model. It has among the worst customer satisfaction I have ever seen for a piece of electronic equipment.

Has anyone been experiencing intermittent sound "freezing" or "buzzing" with their D*? It seems to come and go and happens on any channel. Tried resetting the receiver and it is still happening. The picture doesn't really freeze just a sound loss. I am thinking that maybe it is just a crappy HR20 receiver. I am thinking about upgrading it to a newer model. It has among the worst customer satisfaction I have ever seen for a piece of electronic equipment.
Hi,

I have been using the HR20 since they first came out and have had no problems with it. There has been no "freezing" or "buzzing" issues as you have described. I would call D* for a replacement. You will get a refurbished replacement, probably a HR21 (doesn't have the OTA connection like the HR20).

Jim

WSMH is going to end analog broadcasting a few weeks early on May 21 at noon.

According to the UM-Flint chancellor, the University of Michigan is going to cease operations of WFUM.


This is an extraordinary period of economic challenge for our community and our state. The University of Michigan has joined other organizations in looking for ways to minimize costs while maintaining our highest standard of excellence in education. After thoughtful and thorough analysis, the University of Michigan Board of Regents and Executive Officers have decided to cease operation of WFUM-TV28.

Member contributions from viewers, along with support from area businesses and foundations, have traditionally provided the largest source of funding for Michigan Television. Over the past two years, the station has experienced a 28% decline in member support and business underwriting revenue. The station has also been obligated to make significant capital expenditures over the past several years related to the federally mandated conversion to digital television, which the station completed in November, 2008. After a careful review of future revenue prospects, a decision was made that the continued shortfalls the station has experienced would not be sustainable.

It is the goal of the University to transition the operation of Michigan Television to another public television entity. The University is in confidential discussions with other interested parties and hopes to have a preliminary solution identified this summer. This would allow for a continuation of public TV in the Flint area.

Has anyone gotten the new Moxi from Carter in the Midland-Mt Pleasant area?

As an ABC owned and operated station, WJRT-DT will soon add a second 720p HD channel, Live Well HD, on 12-2 (36-2 digital).

Once Live Well HD goes live, I would appreciate any and all comments regarding the HD image quality of both Live Well HD and the main HD channel ABC HD.

Wow, sorry to hear that! WJRT is soft now running 2 subs, though not as bad as Lansing's ABC 53 (WLAJ?).

I had been watching both of those for a while until I flipped by WXYZ and saw how much better the picture they are putting out even running 2 subs is. So I'm back to Detroit for all my OTA stuff. Plus that fact that WNEM CBS is running 5.0, they lost the LFE channel some months ago according to my receiver. WLNS and WWJ both show LFE content.

No, the new black Moxis are only being tested in the St Luis area as I understand.

Live Well is up and running on 12-2 but my display indicates it's 480i.

It's HD on at least 8 of the 10 ABC O&Os. I haven't heard about WTVG yet.

I imagine it'll be coming to you soon.

- Trip

I'm currently getting 12.1, 12.2, and 12.3 at about 11.7, 3.1, and 2.05 mbps, respectively. I'll check again once they get 12.2 up in 720p.

I'm currently getting 12.1, 12.2, and 12.3 at about 11.7, 3.1, and 2.05 mbps, respectively. I'll check again once they get 12.2 up in 720p.

Out of curiosity, what tool are you using to determine bitrates?

- Trip

Out of curiosity, what tool are you using to determine bitrates?

- Trip
TSReader Lite

TSReader Lite

Any chance you could loan me a few minutes of your time? I could use some data from TSReader. If you're willing and have the time, PM me or post here and I'll PM you with details.

- Trip

I've been gone for a week but I just watched WJRT and it appears as though they stopped stretching their non-HD programming! It might be cropped or stretched a tiny bit because it is a litter bit wider than 4:3, but it makes a world of difference.

I've been gone for a week but I just watched WJRT and it appears as though they stopped stretching their non-HD programming! It might be cropped or stretched a tiny bit because it is a litter bit wider than 4:3, but it makes a world of difference.

You are correct, no more stretch!

I wonder if this is because they are going to put LiveWell at 720P

The stretch-o-vision is minimized on WJRT, thank goodness! I still see LiveWell on 12-2 is at 480i. I hope it stays that way.

Noted that WSMH analog is now off the air per their 5/21 announced shutdown. I was at work so I missed the 12 noon shutdown. Did they run anything special? My guess is probably not.

Attention Comcast Subs:

http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showpost.php?p=16582603&postcount=7495

On June 12, WJRT will end its analog signal shortly after midnight after Nightline (late Thursday night) as well as switch from channel 36 to 12. WEYI will switch over at 2 p.m. and WNEM at 6:30 p.m.

Anybody having any trouble with WJRT after their switch to RF 12? I have an XG91 UHF only antenna, but to my surprise, I can pick it up just fine off axis.

I've dropped WJRT and WJBK Detroit from my channel list. These choose to the the two odd balls and go VHF, I'm not about to change my antenna setup for these two. I have many other ABC and Fox options available to me. They are not worth the effort.

I have no problem receiving WJRT with my DB4 antenna (UHF only). I was a little bit concerned (not too much) if I would pick it up after the transition. I can't, however, get WJBK from Detroit.

I've dropped WJRT and WJBK Detroit from my channel list. These choose to the the two odd balls and go VHF, I'm not about to change my antenna setup for these two. I have many other ABC and Fox options available to me. They are not worth the effort.

At least they haven't tried to run LiveWell in 720P like some of their corporate brethren have. That would kill it for me.

Since WBSF went all-digital on channel 46, they are basically running a simulcast of WEYI. That is, they are running the NBC HD channel and The CW SD channel on both frequencies. The only things that are different are the virtual channel names and numbers. All other specifications are the same, including bitrate. Why can't they just use WEYI for NBC and WBSF for The CW? They should remove The CW channel from WEYI and pump the freed bandwidth to the HD channel, although this is just wishful thinking.

Probably a money thing. Barrington is either broke, or certainly acts like they're broke. It's probably cheaper to strip out the PSIP and replace it in the current feed than to come up with a separate HD feed for the CW.

- Trip

I can't get WJRT at all with my UHF antenna. But I can now get most Detroit stations that I couldn't get before (except WXYZ). So, without any ABC option available to me, I guess I have to look for a VHF antenna.

I asked about CW 46 if it will go HD. Since the transition they are just showing SD.

Here is the reply (good news)

We are working on the equipment to make it HD. It should be HD in the near future. I have no launch date but possibly in a month or so.

THANKS

JOHN ALTZ
NBC25/CW46

That's good news! I've never watched any primetime shows on The CW but I might check it out once HD is up and running. I've never been able to consistently pick up CW 50 from Detroit.