Yeah, it is baffling, Jim. I held out some hope that WBNG would follow WSKG's lead and set up a digital transmitter in the Elmira/Corning region, but I think we've already got all the OTA HD we're going to see here. :(

As far as DIRECTV, I don't think they'll be carrying locals in HD anytime soon. I'm not looking to jump, but I wish there was more competition in this area. I visit someone in Pa. and North Penn Access, phone co., is supposed to be doing a FIOS rollout there and that begs the question, why are you sitting on your hands Verizon?!

I read some earlier posts of folks having the same problem...

My HD picture looks great for WBNG over the air. However, the audio is out of sync, sometimes dramatically so.

I don't notice this on the other OTA channels (although I generally don't watch them since I use my TW DVR for everything else).

Did anyone figure out the cause?

Thanks.

Luckily, I have all four major networks in HD from DirecTV, so I don't have to hold my breath for when they come through with our locals. And even when they do, I'm not sure what ones we'll get, since we don't have them all OTA now. I'm hoping now that DirecTV will provide CW and MyNetwork in HD as DNS as well. But, I won't be holding my breath.

Southertier TW sucks! Why is the southerntier demographic zone the worst there is for HD programing? I live in Richfield Springs and must be on the edge of being in the STNY zone or being in the Utica zone. My friend lives 7 miles down RT20 towards Utica and has gotten 7 new HD stations in the last week because hes in the Utica zone. My brother lives in Albany and gets a ton of HD from TW. On top of it all my rates went up.I would fire everybody in the southerntier TW and bring in new workers who could get the job done if I was in charge of TW. I was told by TW this morning that SDV isnt working in the southerntier and we might see new HD in a couple months. What a bunch of crap. I've got to go call Dish.

Southertier TW sucks! Why is the southerntier demographic zone the worst there is for HD programing? I live in Richfield Springs and must be on the edge of being in the STNY zone or being in the Utica zone. My friend lives 7 miles down RT20 towards Utica and has gotten 7 new HD stations in the last week because hes in the Utica zone. My brother lives in Albany and gets a ton of HD from TW. On top of it all my rates went up.I would fire everybody in the southerntier TW and bring in new workers who could get the job done if I was in charge of TW. I was told by TW this morning that SDV isnt working in the southerntier and we might see new HD in a couple months. What a bunch of crap. I've got to go call Dish.

cdoo, not sure if you might have been ill informed but SDV has been lauched in the STNY region of CNY. SDV for the CNY area was lauched mid Jan, thus having alittle more time to deploy HD content. STNY should see the same HD channels add for CNY soon (1-2 months)

fuzzyinc,
Might be ill informed but that is what the lady told me when I called TW this morning. What I dont get is how they can charge us the same as another zone that gets over double the HD offerings (Albany) as us. I get the Cinemax package but dont get the Cinemax HD that should come along with it. TW cant even get their bills straight.As an example, I was giving 12 free HD movies on demand coupons, which say to order a movie and then send in the coupon with the bill. I did all that and was still charged for the movies again on the next bill. Its a joke. It seems as if no one is held accountable for STNY TW being so far behind the other TW zones. I like Road Runner and their phone service, but their cable is repulsive. Pay Wbng the money and at least bring us CBS. Should have had CBS two years ago.If SDV is working then why the hold up? TW says they have all these carriage agrements signed then why dont they use them. I've been waiting but when my friends who live just down the road (in the Utica zone) are getting all these new HD stations I'm getting fed up. Time to go with Dish.

I've got to go call Dish.
If HD is your main desire, make sure to call Directv too as they have a lot more HD than Dish does.

SDV is ready, should see it in the morning(3/12). More HD content is coming soon...

By accessing the diagnostic pages of my SA8300HD I was able to determine that SDV was NOT deployed on my node. I live in Horseheads by the airport, so the only conclusion that I can come to is that if SDV is on....it is not on for the entire STNY network.

By accessing the diagnostic pages of my SA8300HD I was able to determine that SDV was NOT deployed on my node. I live in Horseheads by the airport, so the only conclusion that I can come to is that if SDV is on....it is not on for the entire STNY network.Ditto that for me. I'm on the Oneonta branch (and an even further outlying node), and my diag screens say that SDV is not in operation. :confused:

I'm not holding out hope for new HD any time soon.

bakntime,
If you dont mind me asking,where do you live? I live in Richfield Springs and I think I'm right on the edge of being in the Oneonta branch and Utica/Syracuse branch. If you look in the test stations (for us its the 800s) there is nothing.They are not even testing the stuff yet for us. The Utica zone had stations in testing back during the first round of NFL playoffs and just added them last week. Then they added 3 more without putting them on the test stations first. I keep waiting but I'm getting fed up with it. The STNY zone is so far behind just about every other cablecompany in the country.Dont understand this at all.

If your STB does not have the SDV client loaded on the box then it will not work. The following channels are the current active SDV content. It should arrive to you on 699 or 705 Mhz.

158 – HBO Family West

208 – HBO Signature West

209 – HBO Zone West

211 - HBO Latino West

234 – More Max West

235 – Action Max West

236 – Thriller Max West

722 – SNY - HD

1024 – News10Now Radar Channel

If your STB does not have the SDV client loaded on the box then it will not work. The following channels are the current active SDV content. It should arrive to you on 699 or 705 Mhz.

158 – HBO Family West

208 – HBO Signature West

209 – HBO Zone West

211 - HBO Latino West

234 – More Max West

235 – Action Max West

236 – Thriller Max West

722 – SNY - HD

1024 – News10Now Radar Channel

I stand corrected....722 and 1024 (I don't get the other channels) are coming across as switched according to the diag. pages on my box.

Now the question I have for you, fuzzyinc, is how soon will we see more HD channels?

Well this will be interesting... will TW get WBNG-DT added to the lineup before the 1st weekend NCAA tourney games start this weekend? I wouldn't hold my breath... but it did say within 30 days a couple weeks ago.

Now for another fun bit of news: Cornell is playing in the oddball timeslot of 5PM, which is when CBS breaks for 2 hours for local programming/news. The Cornell game is on CSTV(now called CBS College Sports Network). In prior years, this oddball game is shown on the local CBS affiliate to those teams. Since WBNG covers Ithaca, they should be showing the feed of the game at 5PM.

So.... will WBNG be feeding the CSTV feed of the cornell game out over the airwaves? They should, per CBS policy.... but it will be interesting if they even know this yet. I sent an email out, will share any response I get... If they dont, the only way to watch this game is on CSTV, which is only availible to digital cable subs of TW who have the sports package, and DirecTV subs.

If they don't, wall to wall basketball from 12PM to 12am...

bakntime,
If you dont mind me asking,where do you live?

Stamford.

If your STB does not have the SDV client loaded on the box then it will not work. The following channels are the current active SDV content. It should arrive to you on 699 or 705 Mhz.Thanks for the update fuzzyinc. Keep us posted as to any more progress!

I can confirm that 722 (SNYHD) and 1024 (radar) are operating on SDV here. The last page of my diag screens list an SDV frequency and say "Switched" as opposed to all other channels with say "Broadcast". I think the freq was 699 MHz for SNY and 705 for radar.

One odd thing (which may or may not be an issue) is page 22/24 of my diag screens indicate that the SDV "server" is "Unavailable." I'm not sure what that means - if perhaps there's a problem with my box, but both those channels work fine right now.

For about two days, SNYHD was "out" for me, and it would say "please wait.." and then "this channel is currently unavailable" and I figured it had something to do with SDV. Seems I have no problem accessing it now (for the past day or so).

Intersting to see if more channels are added soon!

WBNG emailed me back and said that they WILL be showing the Cornell game, which means patching the CSTV feed through over the airwaves. Tip is about 4:40PM they said...

Nothing but college hoops from 12pm to 12am, nice!:)

This is a perfect good use for the subchannels. Put the game on the hD channel and move the regular SD stuff to the subchannel.
Not that they will do this but for future use.

This is a perfect good use for the subchannels. Put the game on the hD channel and move the regular SD stuff to the subchannel.
Not that they will do this but for future use.

Some stations do choose to split up the bandwidth and show multiple games. But of course there goes the HD. For O&O stations like KYW down here in Philly, they have no choice, they MUST show just the one game, in HD

That would be too smart and probably requires some decent reconfig, I don't think a station of WBNG's size really has the manpower or knowledge to even think of doing this.

Any news on WBNG or new channels on TWC? (I know, I know... I'm very impatient :p )

2 more I think are heading on its way by the 1st...

Stamford.

Thanks for the update fuzzyinc. Keep us posted as to any more progress!

I can confirm that 722 (SNYHD) and 1024 (radar) are operating on SDV here. The last page of my diag screens list an SDV frequency and say "Switched" as opposed to all other channels with say "Broadcast". I think the freq was 699 MHz for SNY and 705 for radar.

One odd thing (which may or may not be an issue) is page 22/24 of my diag screens indicate that the SDV "server" is "Unavailable." I'm not sure what that means - if perhaps there's a problem with my box, but both those channels work fine right now.

For about two days, SNYHD was "out" for me, and it would say "please wait.." and then "this channel is currently unavailable" and I figured it had something to do with SDV. Seems I have no problem accessing it now (for the past day or so).

Intersting to see if more channels are added soon!

2 more I think are heading on its way by the 1st...

does that mean 2 more switched channels or 2 more HD channels?

HD
does that mean 2 more switched channels or 2 more HD channels?

HD

Thanks...I'll keep an eye out for them....

any idea which ones?

any idea which ones?

My guess would be TBS and A&E... but also maybe the Food Network. I guess we'll have to wait and see

If anyone notices WBNG-HD showing up on QAM using TW please post the channel #. If this is really going to happen it might appear using Qam before it shows up on the box.

If anyone notices WBNG-HD showing up on QAM using TW please post the channel #. If this is really going to happen it might appear using Qam before it shows up on the box.

I did a scan yesterday, but didn't see it. On one of my TV's, the QAM tuner comes up with a channel that always says 'Channel Not Available' and lists it under 0. I always thought that this might be WENY in elmira doing tests, but it could also be WBNG. I will post the channel if I ever see it come up.

I personally keep hoping for the SciFi-HD channel (or at least a digital version of SciFi - its got a horrible picture. Its sad I can obtain downloads that look better than what TWC is broadcasting.

Thanks again for the updates!

It's about time we started getting some new HD around here ;)

Next 2 hd should be A&E and Universal HD.

My guess would be TBS and A&E... but also maybe the Food Network. I guess we'll have to wait and see

in oneonta, i'm seeing UHD now in the program guide, although it says channel not available when you click on it. it also looks like they've moved channels around, because i'm seeing two sets of HDnet/HDnet movies/MHD up in the 790's.

in oneonta, i'm seeing UHD now in the program guide, although it says channel not available when you click on it. it also looks like they've moved channels around, because i'm seeing two sets of HDnet/HDnet movies/MHD up in the 790's.

Same here in Horseheads. I'm sure it will be all fixed when I get home from work. Although I didn't see A&E HD, but maybe that will come in after they are done moving channels around.

Just got off the phone with my mom, who's got TWC in Binghamton. She went through the guide and there's no UHD or AEHD listed in hers and the channels are still numbered the same.

I can't fathom having only 16 HD channels, and two of those are considered premium channels.

Just got off the phone with my mom, who's got TWC in Binghamton. She went through the guide and there's no UHD or AEHD listed in hers and the channels are still numbered the same.

I can't fathom having only 16 HD channels, and two of those are considered premium channels.

A&E Ch 817 - Free HD Tier
Universial Ch 795 - HD Tier Pkg

A&E Ch 817 - Free HD Tier
Universial Ch 795 - HD Tier Pkg

So it jumps from ch 722 to ch 795 then to ch 817????

A&E Ch 817 - Free HD Tier
Universial Ch 795 - HD Tier Pkg

So Fuzzy....when are we getting more HD channels? We are still way behind and you seem to have insider info.

Called my mother, she said they've got the two new channels airing now. It's about time TWC added some more.

We get 3 new channels tomorrow on D*.

So it jumps from ch 722 to ch 795 then to ch 817????

Trying to get channel lineup inline through out all of CNY

So Fuzzy....when are we getting more HD channels? We are still way behind and you seem to have insider info.

Soon? ... ill keep ya posted when i know.

Hey thanks alot Fuzzyinc.You do have the inside scoop and I for one love having you pass along the info on the HD programing.I am glad we got the two new HD stations but it isnt squat compared to places like Albany. Just hoping we get more sooner than latter.Also whats the latest on stupid WBNG?

Hey thanks alot Fuzzyinc.You do have the inside scoop and I for one love having you pass along the info on the HD programing.I am glad we got the two new HD stations but it isnt squat compared to places like Albany. Just hoping we get more sooner than latter.Also whats the latest on stupid WBNG?

NP. Glad to help out. No reason for anyone to get the wrong information from other "official" sources. I know much about WBNG as you do, which unfortunately is nothing more that "....were working on it". Even though we just got these 2 channels today, i too wish for more. At this point in time I'm not sure what is going to be added next.

The slow down is trying to get enough QAM's into the switched pool in order to have enough BW to feed an area. Doing so will require a lot of moving existing programs to different freq. all work has to be done at night to avoid outages. Each HD program is approx 15Mpbs which means streaming 2HD and a few SD channels will fill up the QAM pretty quick, so having only 2 freq in the SDV pool is not enough. This is a vast undertaking and i hope the end result is worth the wait.

I'm curious why they added Universal HD to the 'HD Tier' package. I dropped the HD Tier a few months back, kind of in protest to the lack of channels. Paying for 3 HD channels seemed ridiculous, paying for 4 is still silly, in my opinion.

Funny thing is, I can't find the add-on 'HD Tier' listed anywhere on TWC-STNY's website anymore, even tho their program lineup does say there is a difference.

Still, I'm glad to see the SDV integration is working and that they are moving forward. If we could just get WBNG and a few more channels it'd be nice.

Greetings:



Thank you for writing Time Warner Cable. At this time, we do not yet have a carriage agreement with WBNG-TV to add their HD channel to our line up. Federal law requires a cable operator to have a broadcaster's permission - known as a "Retransmission Consent Agreement" prior to carrying that broadcaster's signal. We have been negotiating with WBNG for some time now to secure the rights to carry their HD signal and will continue to pursue that agreement.



Please know that Time Warner Cable continues to dedicate itself to expanding our HD channel offerings. We will continue to negotiate in good faith with the owners of WBNG, to upgrade our systems in order to expand our channel offerings, and work with the content providers to secure additional broadcast rights.



If you have any additional questions, comments or concerns, please feel free to contact our office at your convenience. We can be reached by phone at 1-800-955-0750 from 7AM until 11PM daily, or by E-mail at "contact@twcstny.com". If you prefer, please respond with your telephone number along with the best time to call and we will be happy to contact you.



Once again, thank you for taking the time to write us and thank you for being our customer.



Sincerely,

James A. Lord

Customer Service

response I recieved on monday about WBNG:confused:

response I recieved on monday about WBNG:confused:This has been a fairly typical problem nationwide. TV station owners want to expand their revenue by charging cable for carrying their signals. Cable, feeling that they should not be paying for "free" OTA programming resist. Bottom line is a Stand-Off!

I don't know who owns WBNG, but we've seen similar problems a year ago in Rochester with Nexstar (owner of CBS station here) and Sinclair (owner of Fox station here). Eventually they came to some sort of "secret" settlement and we got both FOX and CBS HD.

The FCC rules are kind of unbalanced here: Cable has to get permission to "rebroadcast". But, on the other hand, cable can't refuse to carry ("must carry").

And... it's been 30 days since that article in the P&SB saying that they should have an agreement with WBNG in the next 30 days.

Nothing. Maybe for Superbowl next year if we are lucky:rolleyes:

And... it's been 30 days since that article in the P&SB saying that they should have an agreement with WBNG in the next 30 days.

Nothing. Maybe for Superbowl next year if we are lucky:rolleyes:

Superbowl to be on NBC next year. Thank goodness for clear QAM, since no NBC OTA ;)

(source: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Super_Bowl_XLIII)

Soon? ... ill keep ya posted when i know.

4 more for most:D, rest later being deployed asap.

New Discovery HD - 819
TLC HD - 825
Science Channel HD - 832
Animal Planet HD - 831

4 more for most:D, rest later being deployed asap.

New Discovery HD - 819
TLC HD - 825
Science Channel HD - 832
Animal Planet HD - 831

awesome...got 'em here in Horseheads. I hope they keep comin'. I'm hoping for TBSHD OR USAHD

Binghamton channel guide lists the following (new channels in bold):

700 WBGHH
702 WICZH
703 WIVTH
704 WSKGH
705 DSCHD
706 TNTHD
710 HBOHD
711 SHOHD
715 MOJHD
716 MHD
717 HDNET
718 HDMOV
719 ESPNH
720 ESP2H
721 YESHD
722 SNYHD
793 HDNET
794 HDMOV
795 UHD - Universal HD (HD Tier channel)
799 FREE - HD Showcase On Demand
807 VSHD - Versus HD
808 SNYHD
809 YESHD
810 ESPNH
811 ESP2H
816 MHD
817 AEHD
818 HISHD
819 DISHD
820 DSCHD
821 TNTHD
822 TBSHD
824 CNNHD
825 TLCHD
826 HGTVHD
827 FOODHD
830 NGHD
831 APLHD
832 SCIHD
839 LMNHD

Not sure what the deal is with the double listings with most of the HD channels. Also, no idea if the new channels are showing up here. I use a cablecard on my HDTV and the DVR is hooked up to a SD set, which looks like I'll now be upgrading sooner than I thought...

Binghamton channel guide lists the following:

700 WBGHH
702 WICZH
703 WIVTH
704 WSKGH
705 DSCHD
706 TNTHD
710 HBOHD
711 SHOHD
715 MOJHD
716 MHD
717 HDNET
718 HDMOV
719 ESPNH
720 ESP2H
721 YESHD
722 SNYHD
793 HDNET
794 HDMOV
795 UHD
799 FREE - HD Showcase On Demand
808 SNYHD
809 YESHD
810 ESPNH
811 ESP2H
816 MHD
817 AEHD
819 DISHD
820 DSCHD
821 TNTHD
825 TLCHD
831 APLHD
832 SCIHD

Not sure what the deal is with the double listings with most of the HD channels. Also, no idea if the new channels are showing up here. I use a cablecard on my HDTV and the DVR is hooked up to a SD set, which looks like I'll now be upgrading sooner than I thought...

The double listing is for channel realignment for the STNY region to match up with the CNY Division. They should be going away in the near future.

awesome...got 'em here in Horseheads. I hope they keep comin'. I'm hoping for TBSHD OR USAHDAwesome indeed! When I scrolled through the channels this afternoon I noticed channel after channel of new HD (well, 4 new channels, but it seemed like a million ;) ). Total of six new HD channels in the last few days!

It's great to have HD content on some of the channels I watch the most - Discovery, TLC, and Science channel.

I'm with you on TBS, if only for the HD baseball games this season.

Kudos to STNY for finally getting with the program. I think we all know that sometimes it's a matter of bureaucracy when it comes to actually implementing HD channels, but it's about time :D

Our HD lineup is now semi-respectable. Some of the big ones I'm looking forward to the most now are MSG, TBS, and Versus/Golf to fill out my HD sports needs. :D

Woooooooo

Kudos to STNY for finally getting with the program.


And what will you have to say when they adjust the rates for the newly added HD? ;)

Glad to see the new channels and happy to see that the SDV rollout appears to be going smoothly. Guess I may have to put the 'HD-Tier' back on my bill soon.

Now if WBNG would just let TW start retransmitting we'd be set for awhile.

And what will you have to say when they adjust the rates for the newly added HD? ;)Actually, my rates aren't that bad... I think we're at around $110/month (all inclusive) for digital, HD tier, and Road Runner. Compared to the other services like DirecTV, it's very competitive price wise. Yes, I have quite a few less HD channels, however Road Runner would be more expensive without the package deal.

It's a lot of money to spend, but relatively speaking it's a comparable cost.

I live in Tioga County, PA - on a NE-facing hill - and currently can get five Syracuse stations with an antenna in the attic. But since it would fair to describe the reception as "fringe", I'm not confident about digital. Anyone in Elmira area able to receive (or not) digital from Syracuse? Which stations?

Since there is not much point in me getting an HDTV until an in-range station is broadcasting digital ... is WETM? (WENY applied for and was granted permission by the FCC to not broadcast digital until the switch date, so it's "out".)

When browsing through the messages, noticed one that mentioned North Penn Telephone. NPT is owned by Empire Telephone of Prattsburgh, NY. So, any service NPT will allegedly be offering will probably be available to Empire customers first.

I live in Tioga County, PA - on a NE-facing hill - and currently can get five Syracuse stations with an antenna in the attic. But since it would fair to describe the reception as "fringe", I'm not confident about digital. Anyone in Elmira area able to receive (or not) digital from Syracuse? Which stations?

Since there is not much point in me getting an HDTV until an in-range station is broadcasting digital ... is WETM? (WENY applied for and was granted permission by the FCC to not broadcast digital until the switch date, so it's "out".)

When browsing through the messages, noticed one that mentioned North Penn Telephone. NPT is owned by Empire Telephone of Prattsburgh, NY. So, any service NPT will allegedly be offering will probably be available to Empire customers first.What about receiving the Binghamton and Utica digital stations? (I'm not sure exactly which ones are broadcasting over the air, but you seem to be right in the "backyard" of that area.)

You might have better luck/response asking this question in the Syracuse thread: http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=334413

"What about receiving the Binghamton and Utica digital stations? (I'm not sure exactly which ones are broadcasting over the air, but you seem to be right in the "backyard" of that area.)

You might have better luck/response asking this question in the Syracuse thread: http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=334413"

The reception has to do with how the hill/valleys run. I do get WBNG, but with ghosting. Can't get WYDC (Corning) at all.

From what I'd found, some Syracuse stations are OTA digital. So I thought asking about reception between here and there might give me an idea of the range.

The reception has to do with how the hill/valleys run. I do get WBNG, but with ghosting. Can't get WYDC (Corning) at all.

From what I'd found, some Syracuse stations are OTA digital. So I thought asking about reception between here and there might give me an idea of the range.You might want to try a smaller directional antenna if you haven't already. I don't know a lot about antennas, but you could probably eliminate a lot of the ghosting, and considering how close you appear to be to the Binghamton area and that you're essentially facing in that direction, you should be able to get a clean signal if you point a directional antenna in the right direction. That's all just a guess, though.

seriously, why publish that there should be an announcement about wbng and twc and get all of our hopes up, and then leave us stranded for the ncaa's and the masters? anyone have david whalen's number?

Why blame Whalen/Time Warner? Give WBNG a call and complain about them/Granite Broadcasting. If WBNG wanted to be on TW-HD, they would be. In my mind, they (WBNG) are being the greedy ones here.

Why blame Whalen/Time Warner? Give WBNG a call and complain about them/Granite Broadcasting. If WBNG wanted to be on TW-HD, they would be. In my mind, they (WBNG) are being the greedy ones here.

Whalen was the one with the quote in the press. That's all I'm saying.

I have written WBNG several times to complain. I'm in Oneonta so I get the CBS out of Albany as well, and I've told WBNG several times that I refuse to watch their channel because of the inferior picture compared to WRGB(why can't TWC give me the WRGB HD feed? FCC issues?). They said they were working with TWC at the time to improve SD picture quality, and in the meantime I should invest in an antenna. I have an email from the station manager where he said he would reimburse me for the cost of an antenna if I was unable to recieve their OTA signal 60+ miles away. I should take him up on the offer but can't see myself putting a "large multi-directional antenna w/ a preamp" up on my roof for just one channel.

Well here in Horseheads I am now seeing...

VSHD on 807 (versus)
TBSHD on 822
CNNHD on 824
FOODHD on 827

Keep 'em coming....

Just trying to lighten the mood from the WBNG discussion... ;)

alright i'll stop bitching. i'm just psyched to be able to watch giada in hd now.:D

Well here in Horseheads I am now seeing...

VSHD on 807 (versus)
TBSHD on 822
CNNHD on 824
FOODHD on 827

Keep 'em coming....

Just trying to lighten the mood from the WBNG discussion... ;)

They're available in Binghamton as well.

I wonder how many more we will be able to see? Fuzzy, any inside info?

alright i'll stop bitching. i'm just psyched to be able to watch giada in hd now.:D

By all means complain! :D I just think WBNG should be the one we complain to, I wish there was something that we (the viewers) could to to push WBNG on allowing their HD signal on TW.

While I think that Time Warner should be more forth-coming with their plans and actions. Why keep this upgrade to SDV so hush-hush and roll out these channels with little or no notification? I mean goto the timewarner stny website, look at the programming notices page and what does it say (besides the message trying to scare everyone that certain channels may go away)

it says:
In addition, from time to time we make certain changes in the services that we offer in order to better serve our customers. The following changes are planned:

* None at this time.

Well that just isn't true. SDV is being rolled out and we have what - 8 new HD channels in the past week or so? They should be shouting this from the rooftops: LOOK AT US, NEW HD CHANNELS! ;)

I'm pretty pleased with the new channels, and if I can confirm if SciFi will be rebrodcasting some of the current shows on Universal-HD, I'll add the HD-Tier back. (Still hoping that SciFi-HD is on the list of channels to add...)

I wonder how many more we will be able to see? Fuzzy, any inside info?

4-6 more < 30days.

4-6 more < 30days.

Any ideas which ones?

It's like Christmas.

Keep 'em coming! :D

Wow you guys are totally catching up fast! That's awesome. Now if only WBNG and TWC would stop their little war...

Binghamton paper's Web site has a story up today on new channels that also says six channels to be added in next 30 days: Biography HD, History HD, Lifetime Movies HD, National Geographic HD, Game HD and Team HD.

Here's a link: www.pressconnects.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080409/BUSINESS/804090380

TEAM HD - TEAM HD is the high-definition complement to the sports package NBA League Pass. This HD channel will be tied to the sports package so if you subscribe to NBA League Pass and have a Time Warner Cable HD set-top box, you will get this channel. Only select games in HD. Schedule TBD.

GAME HD - GAME HD is the high-definition complement to the sports packages NHL Center Ice and MLB Extra Innings. This HD channel will be tied to the sports packages so if you subscribe to NHL Center Ice or MLB Extra Innings and have a Time Warner Cable HD set-top box, you will get this channel and its programming. Only select games in HD. Schedule TBD.

So basically they're launching the channels now that the NBA and NHL regular seasons are over? What exactly will Game HD offer for the MLB Extra Innings pack?

btw, are the channels being offered through SDV?

What exactly will Game HD offer for the MLB Extra Innings pack?

Here's a PDF of all HD games on GAME HD for the month of April: http://www.indemand.com/sports/mlb/schedule/mlbScheduleHD.pdf

Taken from http://www.indemand.com/sports/mlb/schedule/schedule.jsp

Total over 30+ games in HD in April, so it usually averages more that one game per day.

as a subscriber to nba league pass. it would have been nice to have team hd when the season was actually going on. :(

btw, are the channels being offered through SDV?

Any new content from now on will only be offered via SDV.

Hello, I have Time Warner in Waverly, NY. That's about 35 miles west of Binghamton. Anyway know the clear QAM stations that I might pick up over this? I'm getting NBC, ABC, and PBS. I really wanted CBS and FOX also. Thanks.

Well, my brother on TWC Binghamton gets Fox but not CBS. TWC and WBNG are having a problem coming to terms. If those are the only clear QAM channels your receiver gets, then that's all there is.

Well, my brother on TWC Binghamton gets Fox but not CBS. TWC and WBNG are having a problem coming to terms. If those are the only clear QAM channels your receiver gets, then that's all there is.

I wonder why they would scramble FOX? It's a local station just like NBC and ABC.

Whalen was the one with the quote in the press. That's all I'm saying.

I have written WBNG several times to complain. I'm in Oneonta so I get the CBS out of Albany as well, and I've told WBNG several times that I refuse to watch their channel because of the inferior picture compared to WRGB(why can't TWC give me the WRGB HD feed? FCC issues?). They said they were working with TWC at the time to improve SD picture quality, and in the meantime I should invest in an antenna. I have an email from the station manager where he said he would reimburse me for the cost of an antenna if I was unable to recieve their OTA signal 60+ miles away. I should take him up on the offer but can't see myself putting a "large multi-directional antenna w/ a preamp" up on my roof for just one channel.

Toxteth I live in Richfield Springs and I too wonder why TWC cant bring us WRGB in HD. It is way better then WBNG. I didnt think that we could pick up WBNG being so far away. If that is the case I wonder if we could get WRGB since we are about same distance from Albany and Binghamton?

Hello I live in Montour Falls NY and use TWC. The office is in Corning.

I'm not getting any clear QAM channels. I had at one time gotten NBC HD in the clear - but now I get nothing.

Is anyone in the southern tier getting any clear qam from TWC?

I have a Hauppage 1800 HD Tuner with 2 cables connected, one for Analog the other for digital signal which can recieve clear digital/hd.

If no one is getting clear qam, does anyone know if there's any OTA HD for Elmira? It's about 20 miles away from me.

If you are getting clear qam could you list the channels so I can try putting them in manually? I was going to get a second set-top-box but I can only use the S-Video input so it ruins the "HD" reason to have one. I don't use any of the extra "digital" channels, just the standard as I basically watch scifi/abc/nbc/fox for the most part, and don't care about the other channels.

I spent a lot of money building my computer to handle HD in general as I have a HD DVD/BluRay combo drive. Anyways any help would be appreciated!

I had heard of FIOS from Verizon might be coming, and evidently they have a large number of clear qam channels.

John

These are the clear QAM my brother receives from TWC-Binghamton.
.
79-13 - WIVT-DT(ABC) - 720p
79-14 - WETM-DT(NBC Elmira) - 1080i
85-13 - WSKG-DT(PBS) - 1080i
85-14 - WICZ-DT(FOX) -720p
85-15 - WSKG-DT2(PBS Create) - 480i

I live in Horseheads so this should be pretty close to what you would get as well....

QAM channels:

79.1 - WYDC-DT (FOX HD)
79.3 - WETM-DT (NBC HD)
85.13 - WSKG-DT (PBS HD)
85.14 - WSKG-CREATE (PBS Create not HD)

OTA Channels:

18.1 - WETM-DT

I'm not sure on the range of WETM, but I know that WYDC has a very short (~5 mi) range on their OTA signal. WENY (ABC) won't be digital until 2/19/09 and who knows when WBNG will settle with TWC. In our area, we don't get any of the Binghamton QAM channels anymore.

As for FIOS...I wouldn't count on that for a long while in the area that you live in.....

Hello I live in Montour Falls NY and use TWC. The office is in Corning.

I'm not getting any clear QAM channels. I had at one time gotten NBC HD in the clear - but now I get nothing.

Is anyone in the southern tier getting any clear qam from TWC?

I have a Hauppage 1800 HD Tuner with 2 cables connected, one for Analog the other for digital signal which can recieve clear digital/hd.

If no one is getting clear qam, does anyone know if there's any OTA HD for Elmira? It's about 20 miles away from me.

If you are getting clear qam could you list the channels so I can try putting them in manually? I was going to get a second set-top-box but I can only use the S-Video input so it ruins the "HD" reason to have one. I don't use any of the extra "digital" channels, just the standard as I basically watch scifi/abc/nbc/fox for the most part, and don't care about the other channels.

I spent a lot of money building my computer to handle HD in general as I have a HD DVD/BluRay combo drive. Anyways any help would be appreciated!

I had heard of FIOS from Verizon might be coming, and evidently they have a large number of clear qam channels.

John

These are the clear QAM my brother receives from TWC-Binghamton.
.
79-13 - WIVT-DT(ABC) - 720p
79-14 - WETM-DT(NBC Elmira) - 1080i
85-13 - WSKG-DT(PBS) - 1080i
85-14 - WICZ-DT(FOX) -720p
85-15 - WSKG-DT2(PBS Create) - 480i

I was in Apalachin(same system as Binghamton/Southern Tier) this weekend and found ESPN2HD on 108-1. Who knows how long it has been there, or will be, but obviously shouldn't be and probably won't be for long. But check it out in the meantime:)

Your HD channel additions got a blurb on TVpredictions, here (http://www.tvpredictions.com/twbing041008.htm)

I live in Horseheads so this should be pretty close to what you would get as well....

QAM channels:

79.1 - WYDC-DT (FOX HD)
79.3 - WETM-DT (NBC HD)
85.13 - WSKG-DT (PBS HD)
85.14 - WSKG-CREATE (PBS Create not HD)

OTA Channels:

18.1 - WETM-DT

I'm not sure on the range of WETM, but I know that WYDC has a very short (~5 mi) range on their OTA signal. WENY (ABC) won't be digital until 2/19/09 and who knows when WBNG will settle with TWC. In our area, we don't get any of the Binghamton QAM channels anymore.

As for FIOS...I wouldn't count on that for a long while in the area that you live in.....

Those do work for me! I don't know why WinTV does not pick them up!

TeamHD, channel 1100 is up now. Showing the FSN - Ohio feed of the cavs-76ers. :)

Info just received from TWC rep.

I'm not sure if you guys have heard of it yet. You should now have a bunch (25+) of new HD Channels in the 800 range, with about 100 more coming out this year. I guess these new channels just came online yesterday from what he told me.

Enjoy!

These are the clear QAM my brother receives from TWC-Binghamton.
.
79-13 - WIVT-DT(ABC) - 720p
79-14 - WETM-DT(NBC Elmira) - 1080i
85-13 - WSKG-DT(PBS) - 1080i
85-14 - WICZ-DT(FOX) -720p
85-15 - WSKG-DT2(PBS Create) - 480i

I can't receive 85.13, 85.14, or 85.15 through my QAM tuner with TWC in the Binghamton area, yet 79.13 and 79.14 come in fine. Anyone else have this issue?

Dave Whalen, local TWC VP, was interviewed on WNBF radio this morning. It seems that the negotiations between TWC and WBNG are now back to the beginning. The big wigs at Granite Broadcasting (WBNG's owners) has decided to fire the negotiating team and start over. And they were soooo close.

Dave Whalen, local TWC VP, was interviewed on WNBF radio this morning. It seems that the negotiations between TWC and WBNG are now back to the beginning. The big wigs at Granite Broadcasting (WBNG's owners) has decided to fire the negotiating team and start over. And they were soooo close.

:mad:

Should figure out a way to boycott WBNG :P

History HD 818, enjoy

History HD 818, enjoy


awesome.....

History HD 818, enjoy

Is it me, or does it look a lot like TBS HD, or TNT HD. That is, stretched standard def that has been upscaled? Even the 16x9 material does not fill the screen.

When will providers buy a clue?

Is it me, or does it look a lot like TBS HD, or TNT HD. That is, stretched standard def that has been upscaled? Even the 16x9 material does not fill the screen.

When will providers buy a clue?

That means the show that you are watching is not being broadcast in HD. Not every show on those channels are in HD. Take TBS for instance. They show Seinfeld everyday....HD wasn't even around when that was on the air, so what TBS does is upconvert and stretch it. A lot of the content on TBS, TNT, etc. IS actually HD. TBS carries Everybody Loves Raymond in HD and MOST of the content on TNT is in HD. All of the stations do it. You'll notice that A&E does the same thing. They can't show 16x9 HD unless the show/movie was actually filmed that way.

It also depends on what format that station purchases the shows in. TBS has very little original programming. They have the Bill Engval show, FrankTV, and some sports. All of which are in HD. The rest of the shows they just buy through syndication (Family Guy, Friends, etc.). If they purchases the HD format, like they did Raymond, then it will be in HD. Otherwise it's stretched standard def. TNT has done a much better job at purchasing the HD version of most of it's programming (ER, Law & Order, etc).

That means the show that you are watching is not being broadcast in HD. Not every show on those channels are in HD. Take TBS for instance. They show Seinfeld everyday....HD wasn't even around when that was on the air, so what TBS does is upconvert and stretch it. A lot of the content on TBS, TNT, etc. IS actually HD. TBS carries Everybody Loves Raymond in HD and MOST of the content on TNT is in HD. All of the stations do it. You'll notice that A&E does the same thing. They can't show 16x9 HD unless the show/movie was actually filmed that way.


I get your point, but one could have used a bit more intelligence than treating all SD material the same, that is just linearly stretch it all. Let us take today's lineup. They had a Mega Disasters little run. The first title I forget was full screen 4x3 material just stretched to fit, then upscaled. The next Revenge of Krakatoa was in letterboxed 4x3. If I were doing the programming I would have just taken that image blown it up, then upscaled it instead of just linearly stretching the horizontal to fit a 16x9 aspect. It looks stupid, and amateur.

I would rather watch the SD versions and have my TV's scaler do the work, or go through my HTPC before watching that.


Yes, when there is more actual HD programming, this will become trivial, but in the interim, an adaptive scaling method should be employed to properly view non HD material, on a 16x9 set, or at the least pillar box the 4x3 so I can do the proper image sizing myself.

I get your point, but one could have used a bit more intelligence than treating all SD material the same, that is just linearly stretch it all. Let us take today's lineup. They had a Mega Disasters little run. The first title I forget was full screen 4x3 material just stretched to fit, then upscaled. The next Revenge of Krakatoa was in letterboxed 4x3. If I were doing the programming I would have just taken that image blown it up, then upscaled it instead of just linearly stretching the horizontal to fit a 16x9 aspect. It looks stupid, and amateur.

I would rather watch the SD versions and have my TV's scaler do the work, or go through my HTPC before watching that.


Yes, when there is more actual HD programming, this will become trivial, but in the interim, an adaptive scaling method should be employed to properly view non HD material, on a 16x9 set, or at the least pillar box the 4x3 so I can do the proper image sizing myself.

Well I guess if you don't like the way a particular HD channel handles it's scaling of non-HD content, then you have every right not to watch it and tune to it's SD channel.

You should give some of your suggestions to the history channel and see if you get a response.

I'm just glad that we are getting some more HD channels.

Hello all,

I currently live in suburban Buffalo, but my wife is from Binghamton (all her family is still there) and we are thinking of moving there. I currently have D* and I know they don't carry any Binghamton locals (SD or HD). What I'd like to know about is the current status of the Binghamton OTA HD channels.

Do the big 5 (ABC, CBS, NBC, FOX, PBS) all broadcast HD OTA?

How strong/reliable are their signals?

Are all the transmitters centrally located or do different channels transmit from different locations? My real question here is: is there a sweet spot(s) to live to get all the OTA channels?

Thanks for the help.

All towers are at the same location. We currently have ABC, CBS, Fox, and PBS broadcasting in HD. Our NBC station is low power and hasn't even converted to digital, much less HD. Although you didn't ask, The CW is cable only and MyNetwork is also lowpower and is on a subchannel of the Fox affiliate. The best locations for getting OTA is to have a direct line of sight to the tower location. I have Crocker Hill in between and can get the stations with a fairly large antenna. However, the reception isn't always guaranteed. Others in the area are probably using indoor antennas reliably.

BTW, I'm grandfathered in with DirecTV for the big 4 networks.

Thanks for the feedback. Where are the towers located? I'm not from Binghamton so I don't know the names of all the hills. There's a great map of the Buffalo towers on this site (http://www.remotecentral.com/hdtv/), is there something similar for Binghamton?

Does the NBC station have any announced plans to go HD?

The NBC channels does broadcast in HD, but only through cable. I currently have DirecTV as well and I receive ABC, CBS, FOX and PBS in HD with an indoor OTA antenna.

OTA is the only way to get CBS in HD locally as TWC and Granite can't come to an agreement to have CBS HD on TWC.

I currently get a waiver for NBC and the CW through DirecTV. Depending on where you'll be moving too you can get waivers for FOX and possibly ABC.

Can you help me fill in the blanks here:

ABC = W---
CBS = WBNG
FOX = W---
NBC = W---
PBS = W---
CW = W---
MyTV = W---

Where is the broadcast tower in relation to: BCC, Binghamton University, Oakdale Mall, Vestal Parkway (Lowes, Walmart stores)? Those are some of the main landmarks I know.

Are the OTA signals pretty reliable assuming you have a good line of sight to the tower?

Thanks again (and sorry for all the questions).

Can you help me fill in the blanks here:

ABC = WIVT
CBS = WBNG
FOX = WICZ
NBC = WBGH - Broadcast from Elmira, fed to TWC, waiver is almost immediate for satellite subscribers
PBS = WSKG
CW = WBXI
MyTV = WBPN

Where is the broadcast tower in relation to: BCC, Binghamton University, Oakdale Mall, Vestal Parkway (Lowes, Walmart stores)? Those are some of the main landmarks I know.

Are the OTA signals pretty reliable assuming you have a good line of sight to the tower?

Thanks again (and sorry for all the questions).

You cannot pick up the NBC station via antenna, I believe it's actually broadcast from Elmira, and fed to Binghamton TWC. I think the rest of the towers are on Ingraham Hill, which is directly south from the city of Binghamton.

Here's a map of the location:
http://www.panoramio.com/photo/3023390

The WBNG signal is very strong, but can't say too much about the others. I can see the towers out my front window (Kirkwood), and can pick up a few OTA HD signals with a pair of old rabbit ears down on my basement TV. Good luck on the possible move. I moved here from Western, NY about nine years ago myself, and the winters are definitely better!

You cannot pick up the NBC station via antenna, I believe it's actually broadcast from Elmira, and fed to Binghamton TWC. I think the rest of the towers are on Ingraham Hill, which is directly south from the city of Binghamton.

Here's a map of the location:
http://www.panoramio.com/photo/3023390

The WBNG signal is very strong, but can't say too much about the others. I can see the towers out my front window (Kirkwood), and can pick up a few OTA HD signals with a pair of old rabbit ears down on my basement TV. Good luck on the possible move. I moved here from Western, NY about nine years ago myself, and the winters are definitely better!
Thanks for the info and the link to the tower location! That will be real helpful.

Indiana627 from DBSTalk.com forums! Welcome to the Southern Tier.

Indiana627-

I love how you are asking the important things about where to move to, how is the digital OTA reception :)

Basically the hills destroy the signals, like mentioned above, line of sight is crutial. But the towers are up high on one and are probably in one of the best locations for them to be. My parents live just over the Tioga County line in Apalachin, so it is impossible to get anything OTA w/o a fairly large outdoor antenna. They are <10 miles from the towers. However I have picked up WBNG-DT with a portable OnAir GT connected to my laptop, using it's dinky little 12'' antenna. This was outside on the back porch, no line of sight at all. So WBNG's signal is strong.

Also worth noting, most of the stations are on VHF, NOT UHF. This further adds to the challenges of pulling in the stations. WSKG is on UHF at 42, but WPVI,WBNG and WICZ/WBPN are on 4,7 and 8, respectively. I've seen documents on the FCC's site that some station is applying for a new frequency to start broadcasting, it's believed to be WBPN(MNT affiliate). I know it was UHF, I think somewhere in the 20's. Also since WBXI(The CW) is owned by WBNG, I remember reading/hearing somewhere that sometime in the future it will probably be a subchannel of 12.1. Doubt if you will ever see CW HD anytime soon.

Can you help me fill in the blanks here:

ABC = WIVT
CBS = WBNG
FOX = WICZ
NBC = W--- TWC uses WETM out of Elmira for HD.
PBS = WSKG
CW = W--- Cable only
MyTV = W--- Subchannel to WICZ

Where is the broadcast tower in relation to: BCC, Binghamton University, Oakdale Mall, Vestal Parkway (Lowes, Walmart stores)? Those are some of the main landmarks I know.

Are the OTA signals pretty reliable assuming you have a good line of sight to the tower?

Thanks again (and sorry for all the questions).
The towers are on Ingraham Hill, South of Binghamton. With a reasonable LOS, the signals should be quite solid.

NBC is currently transmitted on analog ch. 20 at 160 watts. Have seen no documentation for HD off air considerations in the Binghamton area. Is there anything going on there. Parents are receiving NBC as a waiver on Directv and asked.

I haven't heard of anything new. What you know is what it is. :(

We have Time Warner with new HD box and HD tv. The HD channels frequently skip and stutter. Sometimes just the sound goes out, but sometimes the picture and sound both skip. The last couple of weeks have been "better," but it did do it again on Wednesday night's American Idol on Big Fox. Is anyone else experiencing this? TW has been out to the house twice and cannot seem to fix it. The signal quality was off, but they ran a new line to the pole and gave us a new box to no avail. I feel like it must be a transmission problem on TW's end. Any suggestions or ideas?

We have Time Warner with new HD box and HD tv. The HD channels frequently skip and stutter. Sometimes just the sound goes out, but sometimes the picture and sound both skip. The last couple of weeks have been "better," but it did do it again on Wednesday night's American Idol on Big Fox. Is anyone else experiencing this? TW has been out to the house twice and cannot seem to fix it. The signal quality was off, but they ran a new line to the pole and gave us a new box to no avail. I feel like it must be a transmission problem on TW's end. Any suggestions or ideas?

Sounds like a lot of the problems that I had. Got fed up and went back to directv. It's TW's loss since they can't seem to fix the issues.

My Time Warner HD channels had lots of skipping and breakup the first week or so after the new channels were added. It had been pretty good since then until the last day or so, when some of the channels (TBS and a couple of others) weren't watchable.

I still get breakup on a lot of the channels, but it's pretty limited and limited to a small section of the screen.

History HD 818, enjoy

It's great to see all these additions!

I just noticed LMN HD on 839 (Lifetime Movie:p)

I would also like to see:
NFL HD
NHL HD
HBO2 HD
SHO Too HD
Fox News HD
MSNBC HD
CNBC HD
:D

It's great to see all these additions!

I just noticed LMN HD on 839 (Lifetime Movie:p)

I would also like to see:
NFL HD
NHL HD
HBO2 HD
SHO Too HD
Fox News HD
MSNBC HD
CNBC HD
:D


HGTVHD on 826 as well.

To any Directv HD customers: did you get the Sabres home HD games on channel 627-1 this season?

We got some of them, they didn't switch over to HD until mid-season or so.

We got some of them, they didn't switch over to HD until mid-season or so.
Right, just before Christmas. I knew Binghamton fell within the Sabres territory, but I wasn't sure if you got the D* feed. Good to know. Thanks.

Yup, it was broadcast on the alternate channel.

It's great to see all these additions!

I just noticed LMN HD on 839 (Lifetime Movie:p)

I would also like to see:
NFL HD
NHL HD
HBO2 HD
SHO Too HD
Fox News HD
MSNBC HD
CNBC HD
:D

IMO, NFL Network HD is a huge waste. You get like 13 exclusive games a year, that's it. It's not like this channel has anything else worthwhile on it, just old games, big whoop. Many other HD channels that would be worth adding before that one. Doesn't look like TW is gonna get an agreement with them anytime soon anyway. I guess if you are a diehard football fan all year maybe, but anything less than that, it's the same stuff over and over all year. I think that is a huge reason why TW doesn't want to add that channel, once NFL season is over they have another 9 months that they don't have to worry about complaints from customers.

NHL network is even more of a joke. I don't think they have any live games/events yet. Even bigger waste.

TW HD channels are still freezing at my home in Elmira. Did it last night during American Idol on Big Fox briefly, and this morning at 8AM I tried to watch the today show and Conan O'Brien was still on my screen on channel 700 from the night before! He was standing there frozen. TW is clueless. Anybody else experiencing this? Any fix or info I should give to TW to help them fix? (Other than switching to sat. ha ha... very tempting!)

TW HD channels are still freezing at my home in Elmira. Did it last night during American Idol on Big Fox briefly, and this morning at 8AM I tried to watch the today show and Conan O'Brien was still on my screen on channel 700 from the night before! He was standing there frozen. TW is clueless. Anybody else experiencing this? Any fix or info I should give to TW to help them fix? (Other than switching to sat. ha ha... very tempting!)

Ok .... first of all we have to start from the beginning. Channels 700 WETM and 702 WYDC are local feeds. Both channels freeze on me as well at times, but there are legitimate reason for this and most of them have nothing at all to do with Time Warner.

WETM is not yet at full power for their Digital/HD feed and won't be full power until the digital switch deadline. Their current HD feed is broadcast over the same frequency as analog channel 2. Others can correct me if I'm wrong, but that is the information that antennaweb.org gives me. Because of this, there are frequent quality issues with the signal (breaking up, pixelation, etc.). Once the digital switch happens, they will go full power and move the channels to frequency 18. This should clear up most of their problems.

WYDC is not a full blown broadcast station either like WETM or WENY. They just repeat the signal that they get from somewhere else. Again, others can correct me if I'm wrong about any of this. The HD content that they do broadcast looks great, but yes it does skip every now and then. Their non-hd content skips as well. During Seinfeld, for example, the channel skipped so I switched to the regular station on channel 13 and the video was moving, but there was no audio. After a few seconds the audio kicked back in and when I went back to 702 everything was fine. I really think that it's WYDC's issue and not TW's and I'm not sure what can be done about it. Also remember that WYDC is relatively new with the digital/HD thing. They just went on air the week of the superbowl. They too have to deal with the digital switch, so I have a feeling that things will get much better for them after 2/09. They are a very small FOX affiliate compared to others around the country, I give them credit for having an HD feed at all.

As for all the other non-local HD channels through Time Warner, none of them have ever skipped on me. TNT, HDNET, TBS, MHD, etc. have been rock solid. I have subscribed to TW's HD tier since 9/2006 and haven't had any problem with the HD channels except for the lack of channels. This has recently improved greatly with the addition of almost 20 or so new channels.

While switching to satellite is a solution, I personly like staying with cable. With sat. you need to have all TV's hooked to a box in order to get any of the HD content. With cable, if you're TV has a QAM tuner, I am able to pick up the local HD feeds that way without a box. I'm not sure if you can do this with sat. or not. Also, while sat. may offer more HD channels, I have read that you end up getting worse quality channels due to compression. Since TW's instituted SDV, this shouldn't be as big of a problem. While TW has been behind the curve as far as quantity goes, I feel they are catching up and not losing the quality while doing so.

I'm curious to know if any other channels (other than WETM and WYDC) have skipped on you?

I'm curious to know if any other channels (other than WETM and WYDC) have skipped on you?

I have had sound issues with all of the Time Warner HD channels. The sound on all of the channels will skip (as if you pressed mute on off on off on off...) Again, this is an intermittent problem. Sometimes it works, sometimes it doesn't. And like you noted, sometimes if you switch the channel and switch back it will rectify the problem. The last time I noticed the sound problem on all the channels was probably 3 weeks ago. The picture stalling and skipping continues as an issue. Thanks for the information, I wish the TW techs were as knowledgeable as you! I knew that was likely the problem, and have asked, but they claim to have no idea.

I have had sound issues with all of the Time Warner HD channels. The sound on all of the channels will skip (as if you pressed mute on off on off on off...) Again, this is an intermittent problem. Sometimes it works, sometimes it doesn't. And like you noted, sometimes if you switch the channel and switch back it will rectify the problem. The last time I noticed the sound problem on all the channels was probably 3 weeks ago. The picture stalling and skipping continues as an issue. Thanks for the information, I wish the TW techs were as knowledgeable as you! I knew that was likely the problem, and have asked, but they claim to have no idea.

Do you use HDMI to connect your Box to your TV? I've heard of some issues with that as well. I use component and L/R audio cables. I know that some people prefer HDMI, but I'm not convinced that's the best idea when it comes to TW. If you do use HDMI, try switching to component and see if anything changes. Also, there are different types of TW boxes depending on some of the services you subscribe to and I'm sure that would affect what you see and hear compared to me. I have a silver Scientific Atlanta 8300HD w/DVR.

Edit:
Also try a cold-boot of your box. When you turn the power off on your box, you aren't really rebooting it the next time you turn in on. I have had some wierd DVR issues clear up by cold-booting my box.

1. Turn off the cable box
2. Unplug it for 30 seconds
3. While holding the power button down, plug the box back in. Keep holding the power button in until the display says 'boot'.
4. Give it a few minutes to boot back up and see if anything changes.

I don't want to raise a false alarm, but I noticed that I can no longer get to the TWC-STNY website (www.twcstny.com) - and that if I go to the main Time Warner Cable website that 'STNY' or 'Binghamton' is no longer listed. Only: Albany, Buffalo, Central-NY, NYC and Rochester.

Could STNY have merged with Central-NY ?

I don't want to raise a false alarm, but I noticed that I can no longer get to the TWC-STNY website (www.twcstny.com) - and that if I go to the main Time Warner Cable website that 'STNY' or 'Binghamton' is no longer listed. Only: Albany, Buffalo, Central-NY, NYC and Rochester.

Could STNY have merged with Central-NY ?

It is my understanding that they have been in the process of merging the two divisions for quite some time now.

It is my understanding that they have been in the process of merging the two divisions for quite some time now.

Cool, perhaps that will mean more HD channels. Now if we could only get a CBS-HD feed from Syracuse rather than being forced to wait on WBNG. :mad:

Cool, perhaps that will mean more HD channels. Now if we could only get a CBS-HD feed from Syracuse rather than being forced to wait on WBNG. :mad:

I was under the impression that local coverage areas trump cable subscriptions. Meaning that WBNG rules the airwaves as far as CBS coverage in the southern tier goes and TWC has no say what feed we get to see. This differs from satellite subscribers where the satellite company decides what feed is shown. If it was the other way around....we would have seen the digital/HD feed from Syracuse a long time ago. I'm not sure what can be done to change this.....

I was under the impression that local coverage areas trump cable subscriptions. Meaning that WBNG rules the airwaves as far as CBS coverage in the southern tier goes and TWC has no say what feed we get to see. This differs from satellite subscribers where the satellite company decides what feed is shown. If it was the other way around....we would have seen the digital/HD feed from Syracuse a long time ago. I'm not sure what can be done to change this.....
Actually I think it's the opposite. I know TW customers in Batavia get both the Rochester and Buffalo local stations, but if someone in Batavia switched from TW to D*, they'd only get one set of locals (not if Buffalo or Rochester) even though the same service address would get both with TW.

In order to get an out of market network feed, a satellite customer first has to get a waiver from each local affiliate before D* will give them access to either NY or LA network feed. And then I believe you have to pay $1.50/mo for each out of market network feed you get.

I was under the impression that local coverage areas trump cable subscriptions. Meaning that WBNG rules the airwaves as far as CBS coverage in the southern tier goes and TWC has no say what feed we get to see. This differs from satellite subscribers where the satellite company decides what feed is shown. If it was the other way around....we would have seen the digital/HD feed from Syracuse a long time ago. I'm not sure what can be done to change this.....

Oh I know, I was just 'wishful thinking'. I realize that WBNG is the one that is keeping the HD version of CBS off of TWC-STNY (or I guess I should say TWC-CNY, now)

Granted most people just watch the standard analog signal (which is why WBNG's parent company doesn't care) - but some of us actually go to the Net and watch the shows, either streaming from CBS.com or downloaded from various sources.

Its kind of sad actually, that people can download tv episodes that are better quality than what WBNG is broadcasting.

I guess from a 'what can be done about it' - probably nothing, I guess we'll just have to wait until Feb 2009 when the FCC forces the hand of the 'hold-outs' like WBNG. Once they have to turn off their analog signal, their only choice is to give TWC the HD signal. (Unless they actually put out another crappy digital channel like what was at TWC Ch750 for awhile... which I wouldn't put past them at this point.)

I guess from a 'what can be done about it' - probably nothing, I guess we'll just have to wait until Feb 2009 when the FCC forces the hand of the 'hold-outs' like WBNG. Once they have to turn off their analog signal, their only choice is to give TWC the HD signal. (Unless they actually put out another crappy digital channel like what was at TWC Ch750 for awhile... which I wouldn't put past them at this point.)

I not so sure that Feb 09 nessesarily means WBNG will be forced to provide TWC the HD signal. TWC can get the digital signal and downconvert to analog to send out over their cable system(which they probably will). Analog networks will still exist on CABLE for longer, till at least 2012.

There is a rule about a cable system has to provide the digital feed after 2/09, but that only applies to must-carry stations. WBNG is not a must carry station.

...
There is a rule about a cable system has to provide the digital feed after 2/09, but that only applies to must-carry stations. WBNG is not a must carry station.How did you find out that the major network WBNG isn't a must carry station?

I not so sure that Feb 09 nessesarily means WBNG will be forced to provide TWC the HD signal. TWC can get the digital signal and downconvert to analog to send out over their cable system(which they probably will). Analog networks will still exist on CABLE for longer, till at least 2012.

There is a rule about a cable system has to provide the digital feed after 2/09, but that only applies to must-carry stations. WBNG is not a must carry station.

wbng does fall under the must carry laws. heres a link to some general information:

http://www.museum.tv/archives/etv/M/htmlM/mustcarryru/mustcarryru.htm

wbng does fall under the must carry laws. heres a link to some general information:

http://www.museum.tv/archives/etv/M/htmlM/mustcarryru/mustcarryru.htm

Perhaps the point of confusion is that a qualified station (in regards to cable) has their choice of two paths:
1) Grant permission to cable to carry their signal. Often this is withheld (as I believe is the case here) in an attempt to gain concessions (read payment, as in extortion) from the cable company in exchange for that permission.
2) Where cable just doesn't want to carry the station, assert their "Must Carry" rights.

When it is said that WBNG is not Must Carry, that means that they have taken path 1, and is not asserting their "Must Carry" rights.

If you look closely, that link says this:

More confusion resulted when, in October 1994, the FCC gave stations a choice of being carried under the must-carry rules or under a new regulation requiring cable companies to obtain retransmission consent before carrying a broadcast signal. The retransmission consent ruling gave desirable local stations increased power to negotiate the terms of carriage the cable company would provide, including channel preference.

There is definetly some sort of money agreement going on with TWC carrying WBNG, TW doesnt' just pick it up for free. Since they don't, then it is not a must carry station. TWC would love to carry WBNG under the must carry rule, but WBNG won't let that happen because they know they can get money out of TWC because the viewers won't stand for not having a CBS affiliate on cable(it could even be in the franchise agreement that TWC has with the area, that they have to provide the major network affiliates).

I still think this is backwards. If WBNG HD wants more viewers then they should pay TWC for that privilege. :) It really isn't any different than advertisers paying to have their ads on a channel or printed in magazines and newspapers. In fact, I think those same advertisers would want WBNG HD to be on TWC.

Here is an interesting article on the "Retransmission Consent"/"Must Carry" situation: http://www.broadcastingcable.com/article/CA6558148.html?display=Breaking+News&referral=SUPP&nid=2228

While the focus of the article (and petition) relates to the DTV transition, it does touch on the issue of retransmission consent.

Broadcasters can either elect must-carry, which means cable operators have to carry their station but don't have to pay for it, or they can choose to negotiate terms but with no requirement of carriage if the negotiations fail. Owners of stronger TV stations opt for retransmission consent because their stations are must-have programming in a local TV market.

I still don't understand what a broadcast channel has to lose by giving their signal to time warner cable. If nothing else, they reach a wider audience, thereby increasing their advertising revenue, etc.

Why on earth would WBNG hold out for more money? Could the amount Time Warner will pay them actually turn out to be more than the amount of money they've already missed out on over the past year or two by not having their channel available in HD on cable?

By the way (I didn't see this mentioned but I might have missed it), the TWC site says "coming soon" for the Biography channel HD and National Geographic HD.

I still don't understand what a broadcast channel has to lose by giving their signal to time warner cable. If nothing else, they reach a wider audience, thereby increasing their advertising revenue, etc.

Why on earth would WBNG hold out for more money? Could the amount Time Warner will pay them actually turn out to be more than the amount of money they've already missed out on over the past year or two by not having their channel available in HD on cable?

What money have they missed out on?

The digital/HD channel would just be the same thing that would be simulcast on channel 12....with some content in HD. All the same advertisements are being shown on their analog channel.

In my opinion WBNG isn't losing anything by not putting their HD channel on. If you subscribe to TWC and you want to watch something on CBS....what are you going to do? You're going to watch WBNG....just in analog. MOST people don't care and will watch it anyway. There are only a few people...like all of us on this forum that avoid WBNG only because it's an analog station. They really have nothing to lose, and that's why they are holding out for the money....because they can without losing viewers.

The conclusion that I've come to is it's about business. It's not about the viewers. They don't care about us...they care about the money. If WBNG gives in and puts the signal on TW's lineup....what they will lose is the money they know they could have gotten from TWC if they were to keep holding out. WBNG knows that most customers will complain to TWC and not them. That puts the pressure on TWC to give in.

I understand where they are coming from. I don't at all think it's right, but I at least understand......

Then it's time for the viewers to start complaining to WBNG.

I won't complain to either company since I don't use TWC and haven't for almost 8 years now.

I do watch WBNGDT via OTA when multipath isn't interferring with reception. This may all change when DirecTV gets around to provide local HD here. Hmmm, I wonder how the negotiations between WBNG and DirecTV will go?

Then it's time for the viewers to start complaining to WBNG.HINT: Start complaining to the ADVERTISERS on WBNG! Particularly to high end car dealers and stores selling TVs.

Those not supporting YOUR viewing of HD, don't deserve YOUR BUSINESS.

Then it's time for the viewers to start complaining to WBNG.

I won't complain to either company since I don't use TWC and haven't for almost 8 years now.

I do watch WBNGDT via OTA when multipath isn't interferring with reception. This may all change when DirecTV gets around to provide local HD here. Hmmm, I wonder how the negotiations between WBNG and DirecTV will go?

This is an interesting question, does anyone know about negotiations between WBNG and DirectTV? Infact does anyone know when DTV viewers in the Binghamton area will get there local stations in HD? I have been a DTV customer for 5 years and they have promised me for the last 5 years that locals are coming...thats a fat lie!!!

This is an interesting question, does anyone know about negotiations between WBNG and DirectTV? Infact does anyone know when DTV viewers in the Binghamton area will get there local stations in HD? I have been a DTV customer for 5 years and they have promised me for the last 5 years that locals are coming...thats a fat lie!!!

Ummm, Directv doesn't even offer BGM market in SD yet do they? I thought I remembered hearing they would be able to with their latest sat becoming operational, earlier this year. I guess it won't be until the next one, slated to become operational in Q3 2008, I believe it's already been launched or is going to be soon.

*EDIT* Checked it out, Directv claims to have local service to 150 markets. BGM is Neilson #156. So they should be very close to Binghamton market. The latest news says they just added them to Bangor market(#152), so it would appear they are right on the doorstep. Although I don't know if/how negotiations go/are going with the local stations. I think if they want at least one, they have to include all of the local affiliates.

The new sat, Directv 11 claims to be able to offer local HD to over 100 markets when operational. So looks like awhile longer for HD locals on Directv! But SD appears to be very close from a technical capacity standpoint.

HINT: Start complaining to the ADVERTISERS on WBNG! Particularly to high end car dealers and stores selling TVs.

Those not supporting YOUR viewing of HD, don't deserve YOUR BUSINESS.

Not a bad idea.

We should start compiling a list with email/mailing addresses for the advertisers on WBNG and send letters that state WBNG is not catering to the fast growing demographic of HDTV owners.

Their advertising dollars would be better spent on Southern Tier television stations that cater to the HDTV install base since they tend to be the customers with the highest amount of disposable income.

I'll even get the ball rolling. These are just a few advertisers I got from the WBNG Web site, I'll add more to this list if I'm watching WBNG over the weekend.

Coral Isle Pools & Spas - coralisle@stny.rr.com
2535 Vestal Parkway East
Vestal, NY 13850

Century 21 John Burns - JohnBurnsJ@aol.com
4747 Vestal Parkway East
Vestal, NY 13850

Computer Emergency Room - info@785help.com
229 Vestal Parkway East
Vestal, NY 13850

Homeowner Resource Center - contact@hrchelp.com
120 Monahan Ave.
Dunmore, PA 18512

Auchinachie - boba@auchinachie.com
42 Frederick Street
Binghamton, NY 13901

Laser Eye Center of the southern Tier - http://www.lasikdoctors.biz/contact.html
48 Harrison Street
Johnson City, New York 13790

Southern Tier Hearing Services - http://www.sthearingservices.net/contact.html
300 Main St.
Vestal, NY 13850

OGGI Concrete Forms & Accessories - sales@oggiconcrete.com
128 OAK HILL AVE.
ENDICOTT, NY 13760

Southern New York Neurosurgical Group
46 Harrison St
Johnson City, NY 13790

Matthews Auto Group - imanager@matthewsauto.com
320 N Jensen Road
Vestal, NY 13850

Probably should copy or blind copy WBNG so they have some awareness the effort is underway:
wbngsales@wbngtv.com

Ummm, Directv doesn't even offer BGM market in SD yet do they? I thought I remembered hearing they would be able to with their latest sat becoming operational, earlier this year. I guess it won't be until the next one, slated to become operational in Q3 2008, I believe it's already been launched or is going to be soon.

*EDIT* Checked it out, Directv claims to have local service to 150 markets. BGM is Neilson #156. So they should be very close to Binghamton market. The latest news says they just added them to Bangor market(#152), so it would appear they are right on the doorstep. Although I don't know if/how negotiations go/are going with the local stations. I think if they want at least one, they have to include all of the local affiliates.

The new sat, Directv 11 claims to be able to offer local HD to over 100 markets when operational. So looks like awhile longer for HD locals on Directv! But SD appears to be very close from a technical capacity standpoint.

Thanks so much for this detailed information and DTV does not have SD channels locally yet, that was promised to me years ago and it never came through. When I talked to DTV CR last year they stated that with the launch of the first initial HD stations back in I think October, we were going to get all locals in HD...not the case. When I talked last to CR earlier this year they stated that probably (no one knows for sure) I wouldn't be seeing locals until sometime into 2009...I am not sure what the hold up is, if its a local market thing or not but this is the run around I have gotten from day one when I joined, I just cross my fingers and hope soon and that the CRs I talk to have no clue...which is usually the case!!!

As I've stated before, getting our local HD stations via DirecTV doesn't necessarily mean we'll get all networks. Why? Because, our area doesn't have all networks in HD via OTA. :( We only have ABC, CBS, Fox, and PBS.

So can anyone answer the question that DirecTV can't even answer. What HD channels will we get from them? Will they supply out of market versions?]

BTW, DirecTV doesn't just use DMA to determine when they supply locals. It also depends on how many subscribers are in the DMA.

I did talk to someone at one of the local affiliates, who gave me a heads up that DIRECTV was doing a site survey as far as the feasibility of local carriage. DIRECTV expects both antenna and fiber optic feeds for redundancy. That's asking a lot in a market this size. Folks might recall that WETM was actively recruiting viewers to let DIRECTV and DISH Network know they wished to be carried by those providers. I haven't seen those ads in months. Seems they've accepted their fate.

I held out hope for a long time, but before the start of last years NFL Season, I had an outdoor antenna installed so I could get SNF in HD. To be honest, I prefer the NYC feeds in HD that I get from FOX and CBS for a couple of reasons: 1) they tend to be better looking than the local affiliates AND have DD5.1 sound, and 2) I'm not stuck watching Buffalo Bills games.

Thing is, now that I have OTA HD, I suspend my DIRECTV programming at the end of Feb. and resume it in late Aug. for the NFL Season. AFAIK that's something you can't do with Cable. So for now it's HD OTA, content from Hulu and Joost, DVDs from Netflix and I'm fine with that. I would say to those holding out hope for locals from either satellite provider...well, good luck with that. I got tired of waiting and found my own workaround. May not work for you however.

I'm not holding out for DirecTV local HD. I have all four nets via DNS and won't voluntarily give those up. I also have OTA as a backup.

I know this will never happen, but I think we should have the ability to purchase out of market stations if they are within a spot beam.

What money have they missed out on?

The digital/HD channel would just be the same thing that would be simulcast on channel 12....with some content in HD. All the same advertisements are being shown on their analog channel.

In my opinion WBNG isn't losing anything by not putting their HD channel on. If you subscribe to TWC and you want to watch something on CBS....what are you going to do? You're going to watch WBNG....just in analog. MOST people don't care and will watch it anyway. There are only a few people...like all of us on this forum that avoid WBNG only because it's an analog station. They really have nothing to lose, and that's why they are holding out for the money....because they can without losing viewers.

The conclusion that I've come to is it's about business. It's not about the viewers. They don't care about us...they care about the money. If WBNG gives in and puts the signal on TW's lineup....what they will lose is the money they know they could have gotten from TWC if they were to keep holding out. WBNG knows that most customers will complain to TWC and not them. That puts the pressure on TWC to give in.

I understand where they are coming from. I don't at all think it's right, but I at least understand......That's the thing - I don't watch WBNG. Ever. I watch WRGB analog (out of Albany) which is also carried on our cable system and always looks cleaner and clearer than WBNG analog. So WBNG is losing out on my viewership, totally due to the fact that their analog singal is less clear than WRGB, and the fact they don't have HD on QAM. If they DID have it on QAM, obviously I'd be watching them instead. I can't be the only one in this boat.

Perhaps if we started telling WBNG and its advertisers that this is the case, they might change their tune.

According to the TWC website for STNY/CNY the WBNG carriage agreement (assuming analog) is currently up for renewal. Perhaps this will help them get to an agreement on the HD channel, if TWC plays some hardball with Granite.

I doubt it tho :P

Although it doesn't look like it's officially added yet, since it's still showing up as TEST according to the info banner, it looks like National Geographic HD has been added to TWC channel 830.

Anyone here have Directv and OTA ? I have had both for years and my ABC HD gets 93% on OTA channel 34 but is un watchable every 30 seconds it searches for signal.
My older 2 meg Tivo works fine but the 2 new 4 megs DVR's are un watchable because of dropouts ever 30 sec. I live in Conklin less that 4 miles away from the tower.

What antenna are you using? If it is a UHF only antenna, then ch4 (ch34's digital frequency) won't work. In Conklin, I suspect you have a more straight shot to the towers than I do here in Chenango Bridge, so multipath could also be a problem on the lower frequency.

I get reasonable reception here on both my HR10 and HR20 receivers. However, the HR20 seems to lock onto the frequencies more reliably.

Anyone here have Directv and OTA ? I have had both for years and my ABC HD gets 93% on OTA channel 34 but is un watchable every 30 seconds it searches for signal.
My older 2 meg Tivo works fine but the 2 new 4 megs DVR's are un watchable because of dropouts ever 30 sec. I live in Conklin less that 4 miles away from the tower.

my parents have the same problem on 34.1. I tried just about everything at their home. their signal is strong and they have los. I am leaning towards a transmit stream issue. I would call the station and speak to the station engineer regarding the issue, The sony TV tuners lock beter but there is something not right.

Anyone here have Directv and OTA ? I have had both for years and my ABC HD gets 93% on OTA channel 34 but is un watchable every 30 seconds it searches for signal.
My older 2 meg Tivo works fine but the 2 new 4 megs DVR's are un watchable because of dropouts ever 30 sec. I live in Conklin less that 4 miles away from the tower.

I have D* and receive OTA stations. I'm using an indoor antenna and can pick up CBS, ABC, FOX, MyNetwork, and 3 PBS stations just fine. ABC gives me the most problems, but they're very rare. At most I'll get some pixelation, lasting probably 10-15 seconds total for the entire episode.

I live in Orchard Park (off Felters).

I wrote a letter to Wivt about the dropout every 30 seconds and they granted me a waiver. I have waivers for ABC, and NBC. I can get PBS, CBS, and Fox HD great with a medium sized CM antenna (forgot the model). I am out near castle creek. Worse comes to worse if you have RR you can get the TWC hd's through QAM. minus WBNG of course. I don't cuz You cant use a d* DVR with QAM.

Browsing the FCC website today, every TV station had to file DTV status update reports in February regarding post-transition DTV status.

Looks like most of the channels are already operating on their post-transition digital frequency/ERP. WSKG(42), WICZ(8), WBNG(7) are all up and running, just will be shutting analog off on Feb 2/19/09.

However WIVT is a different story. According to this document (http://fjallfoss.fcc.gov/prod/cdbs/forms/prod/getattachment_exh.cgi?exhibit_id=618837), they are flying in a new transmitter from KGPE in Fresno, CA on 2/17/09 and will quickly be getting it operational for post-transition use on digital 34(same as their analog freq). Looks like they will be filing for an extension to keep operating their digital channel on ch 4 as it is now, until they can get the new transmitter sending their digital signal on ch 34. Very interesting...

Querying WBGH comes up with nothing, as expected it seems that they will continue transmitting in analog post-transition as a Class A station. But since WBGH's analog signal is much weaker, anyone who receives WBGH should be able to get WIVT on digital(UHF makes it easier, post transition) and WBGH on the subchannel. Looks like the only way to get NBCHD will continue to be on TWC, or pulling in WETM somehow.

A new MNTV affiliate application is still pending for operation on digital 23. Since they are Low Power analog they can still broadcast analog after 2/19/09.

What antenna are you using? If it is a UHF only antenna, then ch4 (ch34's digital frequency) won't work. In Conklin, I suspect you have a more straight shot to the towers than I do here in Chenango Bridge, so multipath could also be a problem on the lower frequency.

I get reasonable reception here on both my HR10 and HR20 receivers. However, the HR20 seems to lock onto the frequencies more reliably.

Well JD,
Not to be a smart $*%^ but i have the correct antenna (CM-3020) and rotor and have been getting it FINE on my 2 meg D* recivers even my 2 QAM flat panels for YEARS on 34.1 HD. i just have problems with both 4 meg D* recivers.

Also what is "reasonable" reception ? i'm used to 100% hd all the time with no dropouts. not every 30 seconds of blood pressure dropouts on OTA.

Well JD,
Not to be a smart $*%^ but i have the correct antenna (CM-3020) and rotor and have been getting it FINE on my 2 meg D* recivers even my 2 QAM flat panels for YEARS on 34.1 HD. i just have problems with both 4 meg D* recivers.

Also what is "reasonable" reception ? i'm used to 100% hd all the time with no dropouts. not every 30 seconds of blood pressure dropouts on OTA.

the parents have the same issue on the hr20 on 34.1 and not as severe on the sony internal tuners. The antenna system is state of the art installed by myself so I know it is not the antenna! the issue is still there. call the station engineer. there definately is a problem. just be polite when you call.

I am thinking it is a data stream issue at the transmitter similar to the situation at ch 68 digital in syracuse. The digital processor they were using here was not be able to handle the higher bite rates adequately and was malfunctioning during processing. It took several months for the engineers in syracuse to locate the problem and fix it.

jdspencer:

Check your private messages for one from me. Thanks.

Ok 2 important topics that I see flying around here that I would like to comment on.

1. Getting ABC 34.1 on OTA. Now I live 7 miles away from the tower in Endicott and do not get reception, my parents and some of my friends living up on the hill on the north side of Endicott (where it is even more clear to the ABC towers) do not get 34.1 either (and I have tried 80 dollar, 50 mile range roof mount antennas in both locations and still did not get this channel). I have spent 10 months fighting for a waiver with DTV on and off...at times giving up because its so ridiculous. I even went up to the station with one of my buddies who was in the same predicament and they gave us a paper with the antenna that we need to trouble ourselves with to put up on the roof and order from a specific website...that’s way too much trouble to go through, the consumer should not have to do this and we both stated that to one of the station engineers and they could care less, they just basically said "oh well", that’s totally unfair. Any suggestions on how I can get a waiver (which I have probably submitted to them maybe 5 times now all to be denied) would be greatly appreciated.

2. Getting locals on DTV so I can avoid having to mess around with getting locals over OTA is another issue. I followed up with DTV recently to see whether it was true or not that RSAs getting locals go in order by RSA number...this is not true as was previously reported in an earlier post. There is a new DTV 11 sat going up or has already gone up but won't be fully functional until the fall for which 88% of DTV viewers will get there locals but all based on the regions, and our region is not top priority as I have been told so it cannot be determined at this time when we will land locals in SD let alone HD...again this is ridiculous.

So now I pay good money to watch programming in HD but yet can't get ABC HD or even SD...and I don't think I should be forced to go to TWC as I am not paying for there programming which does not have nearly as many HD channels as DTV does!!!

Ok 2 important topics that I see flying around here that I would like to comment on.

1. Getting ABC 34.1 on OTA. Now I live 7 miles away from the tower in Endicott and do not get reception, my parents and some of my friends living up on the hill on the north side of Endicott (where it is even more clear to the ABC towers) do not get 34.1 either (and I have tried 80 dollar, 50 mile range roof mount antennas in both locations and still did not get this channel). I have spent 10 months fighting for a waiver with DTV on and off...at times giving up because its so ridiculous. I even went up to the station with one of my buddies who was in the same predicament and they gave us a paper with the antenna that we need to trouble ourselves with to put up on the roof and order from a specific website...that’s way too much trouble to go through, the consumer should not have to do this and we both stated that to one of the station engineers and they could care less, they just basically said "oh well", that’s totally unfair. Any suggestions on how I can get a waiver (which I have probably submitted to them maybe 5 times now all to be denied) would be greatly appreciated.

2. Getting locals on DTV so I can avoid having to mess around with getting locals over OTA is another issue. I followed up with DTV recently to see whether it was true or not that RSAs getting locals go in order by RSA number...this is not true as was previously reported in an earlier post. There is a new DTV 11 sat going up or has already gone up but won't be fully functional until the fall for which 88% of DTV viewers will get there locals but all based on the regions, and our region is not top priority as I have been told so it cannot be determined at this time when we will land locals in SD let alone HD...again this is ridiculous.

So now I pay good money to watch programming in HD but yet can't get ABC HD or even SD...and I don't think I should be forced to go to TWC as I am not paying for there programming which does not have nearly as many HD channels as DTV does!!!

You know you could just subscribe to "lifeline" service from TWC, and you would get the local HD stations over QAM, the traps only filter out the plain cable channels from 23-70ish, all the digital channels are encrypted so they don't need to filter them out for lifeline customers. Of course you can't get WBNG over TWC, but you can get WIVT,WBGH,WICZ, and WSKG all in HD.
I think it's like $8-$10 a month or something, certainly not as bad as $55 for digital cable or whatever it is.

Can you keep bugging WIVT nonstop till they give you a waiver so you stop bothering them? It's not like you are going to affect their buisness/income by granting a waiver, if you can't get the station OTA anyway!

I have bugged ABC over and over again and they still will not grant this local channel. I have life line service from TWC but I guess I am being too picky because I would like to actually record programming on my D-TV DVR...I currently cannot do that with ABC. I have a waiver for NBC and I can pick up FOX and CBS via OTA but not ABC...it makes no sense.

I was looking for some additional information that would make easier to get a waiver from local ABC!?!?!

jdspencer:

Check your private messages for one from me. Thanks.I finally responded to your PMs. Sorry for the delay. :(

Well JD,
Not to be a smart $*%^ but i have the correct antenna (CM-3020) and rotor and have been getting it FINE on my 2 meg D* recivers even my 2 QAM flat panels for YEARS on 34.1 HD. i just have problems with both 4 meg D* recivers.

Also what is "reasonable" reception ? i'm used to 100% hd all the time with no dropouts. not every 30 seconds of blood pressure dropouts on OTA.As you well know, one persons reception can be entirely different from someone elses. Also, not all OTA tuners have the same sensitivity. Channel 34-1 is the one that gives me the most problems, but with DirecTV and HD DNS access I kinda ignore it. BTW the correct terminology is MPEG2 and MPEG4. :)

Well our move to Binghamton is going to happen. One more question about the OTA channels: do any of the stations broadcast subchannels in addition to their main HD channel? Here in Buffalo our ABC station has two subchannels (7.2 and 7.3) and it does make their 7.1 HD channel suffer in terms of PQ. Any of the Binghamton stations guilty of this?

Yes. Fox on 40-1 has My Network on 40-2. PBS has the national HD feed on 46-1 with 46-2 as their local SD feed and 46-2 as another SD feed carrying something called Create.

Since Fox is 720p, PQ doesn't suffer. I haven't really paid a lot of attention to PBS.
They both look good to me, but then I usually watch the DNS channels on DirecTV.

So none of them have more than 1 subchannel? Some of stations here have just 1 subchannel and the main HD channel doesn't suffer from it. Only our ABC and PBS have 2 subchannels and both of them suffer for it.

So Fox on 40-1 is HD. Is My Network on 40-2 HD?

No, My Network is not airing in HD, although they will stretch the picture from time to time.

OK. Glad to hear that since I don't watch that channel. I was worried how two HD channels would look going out together like that.

Sorry, I had a typo with PBS. The Create channel is on 46-3, so they do use 2 subchannels. And you probably notice the lack of NBC and The CW. Actually, you might be able to get the analog version of NBC (low power).

This is just conjecture on my part, but The CW might end up as a subchannel with WBNG Ch12. The analog cutoff of 2/2009 will make things interesting.

Doesn't WIVT still broadcast WBGH(NBC) on 34.2? Of course it's SD, and WBGH is exempt from the 2/09 analog cutoff since it is not a full power station.

Doesn't WIVT still broadcast WBGH(NBC) on 34.2? Of course it's SD, and WBGH is exempt from the 2/09 analog cutoff since it is not a full power station.34-2 doesn't show up on either my HR10 or HR20 receivers.

Sorry, I had a typo with PBS. The Create channel is on 46-3, so they do use 2 subchannels.
OK, I see that now. As I don't watch PBS too much I don't think that will bother me as much as if any of the other stations had 2 subchannels.

This is just conjecture on my part, but The CW might end up as a subchannel with WBNG Ch12. The analog cutoff of 2/2009 will make things interesting.
So 12.1 would be CBS HD and 12.2 would be CW HD? Is that possible to have 2 HD channels going out on 1 transmitter? I don't think there'd be enough bandwidth.

OK, I see that now. As I don't watch PBS too much I don't think that will bother me as much as if any of the other stations had 2 subchannels.

This is just conjecture on my part, but The CW might end up as a subchannel with WBNG Ch12. The analog cutoff of 2/2009 will make things interesting.
So 12.1 would be CBS HD and 12.2 would be CW HD? Is that possible to have 2 HD channels going out on 1 transmitter? I don't think there'd be enough bandwidth.[/QUOTE]

I think it's possible, but PQ would suffer big time. Most likely The CW would be SD just as My Network is on 40-2. Hopefully, construction permits will be granted so that we can get The CW and NBC as full power HD. My Network isn't a high priority for me.

BTW, quoting got messed up.

So 12.1 would be CBS HD and 12.2 would be CW HD? Is that possible to have 2 HD channels going out on 1 transmitter? I don't think there'd be enough bandwidth.

I think it's possible, but PQ would suffer big time. Most likely The CW would be SD just as My Network is on 40-2. Hopefully, construction permits will be granted so that we can get The CW and NBC as full power HD. My Network isn't a high priority for me.

BTW, quoting got messed up.

It's quite possible. WKYT-DT in Lexington KY is doing CBS-HD on 27-1, CW-HD on 27-2, and Radar on 27-3. Both HD feeds are down-rezzed to 720p, and I'm told it looks like crap, but it can be done.

- Trip

I doubt WBNG would make CW HD. I think I read something that they will carry it as a subchannel in the future, just don't know when. Obviously this makes sense because WBNG owns WBXI. For now, WBXI isn't even availible OTA, it's only on TWC.

My hope is that when DirecTV offers our locals, that they will offer the missing networks from another locale. I currently receive the four major nets in HD from NYC. I do get The CW in SD from Wash, DC. Just wish they'd offer the HD version.

BTW, I didn't suggest that The CW would be in HD. The previous poster screwed up the quotes and I propagated the error. :)

BTW, I didn't suggest that The CW would be in HD. The previous poster screwed up the quotes and I propagated the error. :)
Sorry about that. I went back and fixed my messed up quoting. Perhaps you should now do the same so these posts are correct for posterity's sake.

Nah, let's keep everyone guessing.:)

Where on the FCC site can you find out technical info about each individual station and their post analog shutdown plans? I've seen links to this type of report before but I can't find it on the FCC site now. Thanks.

EDIT: I found it. http://www.fcc.gov/fcc-bin/tvq?call=WBNG

Where on the FCC site can you find out technical info about each individual station and their post analog shutdown plans? I've seen links to this type of report before but I can't find it on the FCC site now. Thanks.

EDIT: I found it. http://www.fcc.gov/fcc-bin/tvq?call=WBNG

I have a page dedicated to it on my own site. If a station is changing channels, I have a link directly to their FCC filing about it. I also list the file number so one can search the FCC database for it if they want to see one that says "operating at final facilities, just turning off analog on 02/17/09."

http://www.rabbitears.info/dtr.php

Hope it helps!

- Trip

Where on the FCC site can you find out technical info about each individual station and their post analog shutdown plans? I've seen links to this type of report before but I can't find it on the FCC site now. Thanks.

EDIT: I found it. http://www.fcc.gov/fcc-bin/tvq?call=WBNG

Check my post (http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?p=13911907#post13911907)on the last page :)

Looks like WIVT is the only thing that has to do major work before next Feb.

I have a page dedicated to it on my own site. If a station is changing channels, I have a link directly to their FCC filing about it. I also list the file number so one can search the FCC database for it if they want to see one that says "operating at final facilities, just turning off analog on 02/17/09."

http://www.rabbitears.info/dtr.php

Hope it helps!

- Trip
Great site!

Two questions on the column titles: what is the difference between DI and DF? And what is DA? Thanks.

WICZ only broadcasts at 7.90 kW? Does that put out a reliable signal? Will it increase power after analog cutoff? WBNG seems fairly low power too.

I guess I'm just used to more powerful signals - here in Buffalo our lowest station is 156 kW, and we have two broadcasting at 1000 kW.

Great site!

Two questions on the column titles: what is the difference between DI and DF? And what is DA? Thanks.

DI = Digital channel in the Interim (before 02/17/09), DF = Final Digital channel. DA is "Directional Array" so if it says DA it's directional, if it says ND it's non-directional.

WICZ only broadcasts at 7.90 kW? Does that put out a reliable signal? Will it increase power after analog cutoff? WBNG seems fairly low power too.

I guess I'm just used to more powerful signals - here in Buffalo our lowest station is 156 kW, and we have two broadcasting at 1000 kW.

Those are both VHF signals, on channels 8 and 7 respectively. You'd have to ask someone more local how WICZ-DT's signal is, but the federal power limit for stations on channels 7-13 is 984' 30 kW, (if the transmitter is higher up, they have to reduce power to compensate) so WBNG's power is definitely respectable.

Most digitals are on UHF, which is why you're used to higher power, but in Binghamton, three of them are currently on VHF (WIVT-DT 4, WBNG-DT 7, WICZ-DT 8) which is why the power appears so low to you.

- Trip

DI = Digital channel in the Interim (before 02/17/09), DF = Final Digital channel. DA is "Directional Array" so if it says DA it's directional, if it says ND it's non-directional.

Those are both VHF signals, on channels 8 and 7 respectively. You'd have to ask someone more local how WICZ-DT's signal is, but the federal power limit for stations on channels 7-13 is 984' 30 kW, (if the transmitter is higher up, they have to reduce power to compensate) so WBNG's power is definitely respectable.

Most digitals are on UHF, which is why you're used to higher power, but in Binghamton, three of them are currently on VHF (WIVT-DT 4, WBNG-DT 7, WICZ-DT 8) which is why the power appears so low to you.

- Trip
Thanks for the explanations - that helps!

We just sold our house in Buffalo last night, so the move to Binghamton is progressing.

Most digitals are on UHF, which is why you're used to higher power, but in Binghamton, three of them are currently on VHF (WIVT-DT 4, WBNG-DT 7, WICZ-DT 8) which is why the power appears so low to you.
Will my Philips Silver Sensor antenna pick up the VHF channels?

http://reviews.pricegrabber.com/antennas/m/30895447/

The Silver Sensor is labeled as UHF only. However, the upper VHF channels may work. Forget ch 4, but 7 and 8 might work. It depends on your line of sight to the towers and distance. Heck if you're close enough, a coat hanger could work.

What are others using for an indoor antenna to get all the OTA channels? Since I don't know where I'll permanently living yet (we are going to look at some houses this weekend - you can be sure I'll be looking for the towers from each house, along with checking the view to the southern sky for the D* satellites), I know it's hard to say exactly what I'll need, but I'd like to have an idea.

And I'm not opposed to an outdoor antenna, but if I can get all the channels with an indoor one, I'd rather do that. Unless and outdoor model would pull in additional non-Binghamton channels?

And if I do need an outdoor antenna, are there any good installers that anyone would recommend?

Unless you can see the towers, which are on Ingraham Hill south of the city and are quite close, an indoor antenna may not be good for you. I'm a little more than 9 miles from the towers with Crocker Hill in between. I'm using a monster Winegard 7084p antenna mounted on my roof.

For DirecTV, make sure you have a clear line to the southwestern sky.

The typical assumptions of which antenna to use do not apply to the triple cities. You will need to make sure you can see the towers from your home to receive digital. Analog was more forgiving if you could tolerate the ghosting.

The typical assumptions of which antenna to use do not apply to the triple cities. You will need to make sure you can see the towers from your home to receive digital.
I'll make that a top priority when looking at houses this weekend! That and being able to see all the D* satellites! (Are my priorities screwed up??? :eek:)

I live in Endwell, on Hooper Rd. To be honest I couldn't even tell you if I had a clear line of sight to the towers.

I tried a few different indoor antennas, silver sensor included. I finally settled on the Terk TV-1 passive indoor antenna. This was the only antenna that allowed me to pick up ABC 34.1. So far the antenna has worked perfectly with the HR21 and AM21.

I'll make that a top priority when looking at houses this weekend! That and being able to see all the D* satellites! (Are my priorities screwed up??? :eek:)Sorry, I didn't respond to your previous PM. Anyway, I believe the towers you mentioned in that PM are actually cell phone towers. If you happen to be on Front Street at night near BCC then you should be able to see the red lights on top of the towers looking south.

So we found a house we like in Sunrise Terrace. When I put the address into Directv's DNS eligibility site, it says all networks are eligible for DNS except WBNG, which is listed a Grade A signal. How can this be? Don't all the stations broadcast from the same tower? If so, how can one signal from that tower be Grade A while all the others are so bad that they are willing to give you a waiver to get the NYC feed?

Is WBNG just notoriously hard to get a waiver from?

Also, is there any kind of hand held portable OTA signal meter that I can take around to the various houses we look at so I could get an idea of how good the signals are at that location?

(Of course I'd have to do this incognito as my wife would yell at me and our realtor would be dumbfounded!)

OTA could be a problem in Sunrise Terrace if the house is located around the back of the hill there. The good news is that DirecTV should finally start offering our locals after they get the D11 satellite operational.

I know that member SneezyKevinA lives in Sunrise Terrace, so hopefully he can jump in here. Go back to page 19 of this thread for a series of replies between myself and him.

Sorry, I didn't respond to your previous PM. Anyway, I believe the towers you mentioned in that PM are actually cell phone towers. If you happen to be on Front Street at night near BCC then you should be able to see the red lights on top of the towers looking south.
The TV tower is on the hill with a bunch of other antenna towers of various heights right (one of them being the one with the U shaped top)? It's not on a hill all by itself is it?

OTA could be a problem in Sunrise Terrace if the house is located around the back of the hill there. The good news is that DirecTV should finally start offering our locals after they get the D11 satellite operational.
Have you heard any news about the locals on D11? Or are you just speculating/hoping?

Anyone know when our next round of HD channels are supposed to happen, and which ones they are?

Also forgot to mention we were looking at some houses in the Orchard Park subdivision off Felters Road. Anyone know how the OTA reception is up there?

I live in Orchard Park, on Maria Blvd. I have an indoor OTA antenna and I get CBS, ABC, PBS and FOX all in HD. I can't get NBC at all.

Where in Orchard Park are you looking? There are two houses for sale on my block.

I must have drove right by your house yesterday then as we looked at the one on the corner of Angela Court but my wife didn't like it (I guess they got an offer last night and are expecting another one today anyways), and we drove by the one on Maria but didn't go in as the owner couldn't get home to get his dogs (not really interested after seeing the outside anyways).

I drove around the other streets in the neighborhood but the only other for sale signs I saw were for the new builds on Felters (the real big blue house). I did ask our realtor to let us know if any more become available. How do you like it up there? Do you ever have any problems with the apartments at the bottom of Felters?

The D* DNS site lists NBC as a Grade B signal - do you think you'd get it with an outdoor antenna? Or did you get a waiver and get the NYC feed?

From http://directvdnseligibility.decisionmark.com/app/AddressForm.aspx for the Angela Court house:
Digital (HD) Distant Network Service
Network Affiliate Status
ABC WIVT-DT Grade A (strong signal)
CBS WBNG-DT Grade A (strong signal)
FOX WICZ-DT Grade A (strong signal)
NBC WBGH-DT Grade B (moderate signal)

My wife and I like it, we have an amazing view for our back deck of the entire city of Binghamton and beyond.

We also looked at the house on the corner of Angela Ct., just for giggles, but found it to be a bit smaller than ours. We live a stones throw away from that house.

We've never had any problems with the apartments down the road, except on Halloween when they decide to trick or treat and non of them ever wear any costumes. But that's not really a problem, more or less just them wanting free candy.

I used a friends address and it had the automatic waiver for NBC. My antenna doesn't pick up a thing for NBC HD, I don't believe they even broadcast it over the air. I also have FOX HD through D*, all I did was call up and the tech (his name was Mike I believe) granted the waiver on the spot. I've had trouble with ABC before and tried to get a waiver but they said no, WBNG never responded to the two letters I sent.

Should waivers for NBC-HD be nearly automatic, since their is no HD OTA for NBC in the Binghamton market? If you start getting out into Eastern Tioga county towards Owego, some spots it thinks that you should receive WETM-DT out of Elmira, hahahaha yea right.

WBNG is definetly the strongest signal, I've found it outside on the back porch of my parent's house in Apalachin(Tioga Terrace) with no line of sight and hills between. I've also barely located it in parts of the house with an amplified indoor antenna. Even though all the antennas are very close to each other on Ingrahm Hill Rd, I believe WBNG-DT has the highest ERP or something, so their coverage and signal is the strongest.

Sometime this summer I have to set up a CECB box for my great uncle who resides in Binghamton, indoor reception shouldn't be a problem(according to TVFool and antennaweb), might even be able to use a paper clip antenna. They work surprisingly well, I live 15 miles from the towers down in Philly and using a paper clip I get all the channels with an indoor antenna and the PBS affiliate that it won't find. Of course the stations here are much stronger, and the area is pretty much flat....

Could anyone with D* MPEG4 HD equipment check and see if you get any signal on the 103s satellite transponder 21 and please post results here? Thanks.

I'll have to get back with that as my HR20 is currently recording.

I get a signal strength of 95/96, tuner 1/2, for 103s TP 21.

Could anyone with D* MPEG4 HD equipment check and see if you get any signal on the 103s satellite transponder 21 and please post results here? Thanks.
Anyone get a chance to check this? Thanks.

Hey Mark,
Check the edit I made to the my post just above yours. :)

Ah... I did not see that you edited your post. Thanks for checking on it.

Interesting the readings you get as I'm 95% sure that's the spot beam that the Buffalo HD LIL are on. VERY interesting that you get the same strength reading as I do here in Buffalo.

I may have to make some adjustments to my pending "move" this summer.

I'll have to get back with that as my HR20 is currently recording.

I get a signal strength of 95/96, tuner 1/2, for 103s TP 21.
Could I bug you to check 103s TP 17 as well? After some more testing last night, I think the Buffalo HD LIL could be on that spot beam too. Thanks.

I knew I should have listed all of the values. :)

Check here a little later as I'll edit to add that info.

Okay here are my readings for all applicable TPS on 103(s)
With 17 emboldened.
1-8 all 0
15-24 - 85 86 92 44 89 91 94 0 77 79

So it appears that you could get the Buffalo HD locals in Binghamton since you are getting good signals on both TP 17 and 21 on 103s, and since those are the only two TPs I get any good readings at all on either 99s or 103s, I'm sure the Buffalo HD locals come from one of those two TPs.

Now I'm not one to promote or advocate or even contemplate giving D* an incorrect address in order to get out of market local channels, but if one wanted to do such an illegal thing, how would they? Is it the service address or billing address that would need to be in the out of market city?

In your case, since you will be moving here, don't use the mover's program. Just set it up and then tell DirecTV that you have a new billing address. But, you didn't hear that from me. This does violate the EULA (End User License Aggreement).

Be aware that DirecTV can modify the spot beams to better service the local areas. So, you could lose the Buffalo locals in time.

Can anyone comment on OTA reception in the Morningside Heights area off of Front St (just north of BCC campus)? You can't see the towers from there as Mt. Prospect blocks your view of them, but I'm wondering how well the signal makes it over Mt. Prospect into Morningside Heights. Thanks for the info.

Since Morningside Heights is north of Sunrise Terrace, I'd say the reception is better. But, I have no actual experience there.

The D* DNS eligibility site lists ABC, FOX and CBS as grade A for OTA signal. Since none of these are listed as grade B or lower, OTA would probably be my only hope. I hope their results are accurate. I think I'd be far enough north of Mt. Prospect to get a signal. It should not be as difficult as in Sunrise Terrace.

NBC is listed as eligible for DNS.

I noticed this evening that WBNG is listed on TWCs Central NY Program News Alert (http://www.timewarnercable.com/centralny/programming/programnews.html) page. I don't recall seeing it there before and I had noticed WIVT-HD since it seems to have been there since the page was created. Hard to believe an agreement isn't already in place. Seems odd that A&E-HD and UHD are there since they were only added recently. Oh, and TWC, WTTX doesn't exist anymore, stopped broadcasting Jan 1, 2007 when WSKA took over that spectrum for digital broadcasts, it's now 18.2.

Does anybody get or know what level service ESPNEWSHD is on TWC? Their website says "Digital Explorer pack", but it's the only channel listed there along with some PPV preview channel which the box doesn't even get.

It's not listed in the sports tier or HD tier, and SD ESPNEWS comes in fine with plain digital cable, so I can't figure out why ESPNEWS HD is not authorized.

Just saw there are 3 new HD channels on TWC in Binghamton:

840 Disneychannel HD
841 Family Channel HD
842 Toon Disney HD

Was at my parents and noticed a couple new HD channels...

Planet Green HD 830
Travel Channel HD 837

TWC now has a few channels DirecTV is lacking. Hopefully D11 will take care of that.

Does anybody get or know what level service ESPNEWSHD is on TWC? Their website says "Digital Explorer pack", but it's the only channel listed there along with some PPV preview channel which the box doesn't even get.

It's not listed in the sports tier or HD tier, and SD ESPNEWS comes in fine with plain digital cable, so I can't figure out why ESPNEWS HD is not authorized.

I called TWC today and asked that very same question. The customer service rep. said that there shouldn't be any reason why that channel wouldln't come through. She refreshed the signal to my house (whatever that means). I was at work at the moment so I couldn't give her immediate feedback, but it didn't work.

The SD version of ESPN News is listed in the 'Explorer Pak' while the HD version is listed in the 'Digital Explorer Pak'. Not sure what the difference is or why the same channel is listed in two different tiers, but I will try again and call tomorrrow.

I called TWC today and asked that very same question. The customer service rep. said that there shouldn't be any reason why that channel wouldln't come through. She refreshed the signal to my house (whatever that means). I was at work at the moment so I couldn't give her immediate feedback, but it didn't work.

The SD version of ESPN News is listed in the 'Explorer Pak' while the HD version is listed in the 'Digital Explorer Pak'. Not sure what the difference is or why the same channel is listed in two different tiers, but I will try again and call tomorrrow.

I called last Saturday and they did the same thing, sent a hit to the box(she claimed it was different than unplugging to reboot it), and said it was in the "digital explorer pak" and not the "explorer pak". She said something about cablecards, since the box is a 4250HDC, but I said that only applies to seperate cablecards that go in TiVO/other TVs, not the cards that provide conditional access for their cable boxes. I stumped them, and they offered to send a tech out, but I said nah, since I'm the one who watches it when I visit family there:) I also confirmed at a friend's house just up the street with the same level of service, no go for them either. So it's definetly some kind of issue with what level of service it is tagged for, on their end.

Planet Green HD appears in this mystery tier as well..... on the lineup listed on the website. Hope this isn't another seperate HD tier and just a screw up, can't imagine why they would make another HD tier when they already have the HD tier w/ HDNETs, Universal and MOJO.

the channel may require 2 way communication if it is sdv or ppv. that means cable cards some splitters, amps or an issue with the cablesystem will not allow it work.

the channel may require 2 way communication if it is sdv or ppv. that means cable cards some splitters, amps or an issue with the cablesystem will not allow it work.

I definately think that it's some issue on their end with the different digital pakages. I can get GRNHD which shows up on this same 'digital explorer pak', but yet I can't get ESPN News HD. Both GRNHD and ESPNNewsHD show up in the same 2 tiers (HD tier and digital explorer pak). If I can get one, I should be able to get the other. Couple this with the fact that it's happening to everyone, it screams that it's on TWC's end...

When I called TWC, the rep told me that ESPNnews HD was part of the Sports Tier package, separate from the HD Tier package. When I asked what other HD channels were part of the Sports Tier, he said none....

When I called TWC, the rep told me that ESPNnews HD was part of the Sports Tier package, separate from the HD Tier package. When I asked what other HD channels were part of the Sports Tier, he said none....

I don't buy it. Nowhere on the website does it say that it is on the sports tier, and I know for a fact in other TWC regions in NY it is NOT part of the sports tier.

When I called TWC, the rep told me that ESPNnews HD was part of the Sports Tier package, separate from the HD Tier package. When I asked what other HD channels were part of the Sports Tier, he said none....

That makes no sense. Why would YES-HD and SNY-HD not be part of that tier?

When I called TWC, the rep told me that ESPNnews HD was part of the Sports Tier package, separate from the HD Tier package. When I asked what other HD channels were part of the Sports Tier, he said none....
I just called customer service and was told it was part of the HD tier package. I told her it wasn't listed that way on their website, but she insisted that was the case. I don't buy it. I think there is something wrong on their end.

I just called customer service and was told it was part of the HD tier package. I told her it wasn't listed that way on their website, but she insisted that was the case. I don't buy it. I think there is something wrong on their end.

I spoke with a TW Service Rep for about 35 minutes who was actually very very nice and took the time to listen. This is the second call to Customer Service. She even browsed this forum to read some posts with me over the phone. She again said that there is no reason that I shouldn't be seeing ESPNNewsHD. I mentioned that the first Rep that I spoke with 'refreshed' the signal a few days ago and that didn't work. She explained that there is another function that they can do which is a little more in depth than just 'refreshing' the signal. It had something to do with binding the cable card that is in the box and that it was part of some of the new technology that exists at TWC and that is already included on some of the newer boxes. They can also perform this binding process remotely. When she attempted to connect to my box, she got a response back that said there was a very weak signal on the same frequency that ESPNNewsHD is broadcast over. She explained that this could be caused by multiple different issues (including some low quality cabling and splitters inside the home) and is most noticeable on the HD channels. She mentioned that you really do need good coax cable throughout the house and good quality splitters due to some of the frequencies used on the newer channels. I was actually quite impressed with her and our conversation. She offered to send a tech out free of charge to investigate further and find out why they were unable to complete this binding process. She even gave me her name and direct extension so I can follow up directly with her. While he's out here...I'm going to have him replace ALL the coax in my house and the splitters and see what happens. I'll post the results of the tech visit after he's here next wednesday evening. I'm not sure if any of this will work, but at least I'll get all new wiring for free. I guess I'll have to wait and see....

I was at my parents this evening and they receive all channels, including all the HD channels so I called up TWC. The rep I spoke to said that ESPNewsHD isn't showing up because it's not yet available.

I was at my parents this evening and they receive all channels, including all the HD channels so I called up TWC. The rep I spoke to said that ESPNewsHD isn't showing up because it's not yet available.

Well I don't buy that either, because the very nice rep that I spoke with right in the Binghamton office tuned to that channel right in her office and was able to view it. I guess I'll just have to wait and see what happens after the tech comes out.

Anyone hearing anything about a rollout of Verizon FIOS in their area?

I spoke with a TW Service Rep for about 35 minutes who was actually very very nice and took the time to listen. This is the second call to Customer Service. She even browsed this forum to read some posts with me over the phone. She again said that there is no reason that I shouldn't be seeing ESPNNewsHD. I mentioned that the first Rep that I spoke with 'refreshed' the signal a few days ago and that didn't work. She explained that there is another function that they can do which is a little more in depth than just 'refreshing' the signal. It had something to do with binding the cable card that is in the box and that it was part of some of the new technology that exists at TWC and that is already included on some of the newer boxes. They can also perform this binding process remotely. When she attempted to connect to my box, she got a response back that said there was a very weak signal on the same frequency that ESPNNewsHD is broadcast over. She explained that this could be caused by multiple different issues (including some low quality cabling and splitters inside the home) and is most noticeable on the HD channels. She mentioned that you really do need good coax cable throughout the house and good quality splitters due to some of the frequencies used on the newer channels. I was actually quite impressed with her and our conversation. She offered to send a tech out free of charge to investigate further and find out why they were unable to complete this binding process. She even gave me her name and direct extension so I can follow up directly with her. While he's out here...I'm going to have him replace ALL the coax in my house and the splitters and see what happens. I'll post the results of the tech visit after he's here next wednesday evening. I'm not sure if any of this will work, but at least I'll get all new wiring for free. I guess I'll have to wait and see....

That makes some sense... however if it was a weak signal, why would the box say "Not Authorized"? On a side note, Motorola boxes will say "Please wait, this channel should be availible shortly" if the tuner cannot tune to the channel for many reasons, weak signal, no signal from the cable plant, etc. If you don't subscribe to the channel, it shows a different message: "Not Authorized. For ordering information, press info".

Can anyone go into the box diagnostics and check to see what frequency ESPNEWS is on? However if it's an SDV channel like all the others, why do they all work/have enough signal, and not that one channel? It also probably isn't on the same 6mhz slot every time then, either. They probably aren't pushing them out past ch 120, which is already past spec for a 750mhz system (BGM is a 750mhz cable system)

BTW, thanks everyone for calling TWC, the more people that call the quicker they realize there is something wrong.

Well our house hunt continues. We found a couple of houses in the Murray Hill / Fuller Hollow Road area in Vestal on the hill behind BU. I can see the towers on Ingraham Hill from some spots in the neighborhood. Can anyone comment on the OTA reception in that area?

I assume it's pretty good, but am actually worried it might be too good and too strong and overpower an antenna. Is this possible?

Also, when I check the D* DNS eligibility page, it says that I'd get a Grade A strong signal for CBS, ABC and FOX, and then a Grade B moderate signal for NBC (WBGH-DT). I didn't think WBGH-DT was broadcast OTA, or is it?

Thanks for the feedback.

Well we got the house we were looking at, so here's to hoping I get good OTA reception!

Anyone hearing anything about a rollout of Verizon FIOS in their area?

Bump.

The reason I ask is someone in West Elmira told me they were laying fiber by his house and someone from the Heights told me he'd heard August would be the rollout.

So, have you heard anything?

Well our house hunt continues. We found a couple of houses in the Murray Hill / Fuller Hollow Road area in Vestal on the hill behind BU. I can see the towers on Ingraham Hill from some spots in the neighborhood. Can anyone comment on the OTA reception in that area?

I assume it's pretty good, but am actually worried it might be too good and too strong and overpower an antenna. Is this possible?

Also, when I check the D* DNS eligibility page, it says that I'd get a Grade A strong signal for CBS, ABC and FOX, and then a Grade B moderate signal for NBC (WBGH-DT). I didn't think WBGH-DT was broadcast OTA, or is it?

Thanks for the feedback.

I can't believe the signal wouldn't be strong enough in that area for indoor reception. The area near BU is very close to the towers.

Check out TV Fool's online coverage maps (http://www.tvfool.com/index.php?option=com_wrapper&Itemid=80), they are great. For example, putting in WBNG once you get up Murray Hill past Powderhouse, you probably have to be careful of signal overload(the white areas on the maps are extremely strong).

You are correct, WBGH does not broadcast a digital signal, and as you probably know it is Class A and excempt from Feb 09 deadline, along with WBPN-LP(MNTV affiliate). Although both are broadcast as subchannels on WIVT-DT and WICZ-DT, I'm making sure that the DTV converters I am setting up for an elderly family member in Binghamton have analog pass through, so that you could still receive those stations in analog even with the converter.

out of nowhere I get home today and all of a sudden I get ESPNNewsHD on channel 806. Just one day short of the tech coming out to my house. Hmmmm.....now I know I didn't change ANYTHING on my end. I'm wondering what changed on theirs. Can anyone else confirm?

I can't believe the signal wouldn't be strong enough in that area for indoor reception. The area near BU is very close to the towers.

Check out TV Fool's online coverage maps (http://www.tvfool.com/index.php?option=com_wrapper&Itemid=80), they are great. For example, putting in WBNG once you get up Murray Hill past Powderhouse, you probably have to be careful of signal overload(the white areas on the maps are extremely strong).
Our house is in the triangle formed by Fuller Hollow, Brown and Powderhouse Roads. Am I going to be in trouble with signal overload?

Those tvfool.com maps are great by the way.

out of nowhere I get home today and all of a sudden I get ESPNNewsHD on channel 806. Just one day short of the tech coming out to my house. Hmmmm.....now I know I didn't change ANYTHING on my end. I'm wondering what changed on theirs. Can anyone else confirm?
I noticed yesterday that I get it now too. I don't subscribe to the HD Tier package so it must be a part the basic HD channels.

Those tvfool.com maps are great by the way.Agreed; that's a really cool site. Thanks for posting it.

How many Bills games are shown locally? I'm trying to decide if I need to get Sunday Ticket from D*, which I've never had before.

Does WBNG sometimes show Jets or Patriots games instead of the Bills? We don't fall into the Buffalo blackout area do we?

Thanks.

How many Bills games are shown locally? I'm trying to decide if I need to get Sunday Ticket from D*, which I've never had before.

Does WBNG sometimes show Jets or Patriots games instead of the Bills? We don't fall into the Buffalo blackout area do we?

Thanks.
WBNG does broadcast the majority of the Bills games, but not 100%. If the Jets are playing at the same time they will sometimes show that instead. I'm not really sure how the decision is made. We are not in the Buffalo blackout area.

OK, thanks for the info. Looks like I'll be getting Sunday Ticket if I can afford it!

Last season, WBNG showed all of the Bills games that were broadcast on CBS. If they showed a Jets or Patriots game, it was because the Bills were on Fox or ESPN or had a bye week that weekend.

They used to show the Jets instead of the Bills but they've been solidly Bills for a while.

Check out this site (http://the506.com/nflmaps/), he has TV maps for NFL games and does a great job of updating as the season goes on.

Last season looks like nearly all the Bills games on CBS were on WBNG.

Last season looks like nearly all the Bills games on CBS were on WBNG.I'm tellin' ya, all of the Bills games on CBS last season were on WBNG. Every time they showed the "broadcast in HD" logo during the game, I groaned because WBNG is still not on the cable in HD.

Last season, WBNG showed all of the Bills games that were broadcast on CBS. If they showed a Jets or Patriots game, it was because the Bills were on Fox or ESPN or had a bye week that weekend.

They used to show the Jets instead of the Bills but they've been solidly Bills for a while.

Check out this site (http://the506.com/nflmaps/), he has TV maps for NFL games and does a great job of updating as the season goes on.

Last season looks like nearly all the Bills games on CBS were on WBNG.
Even better news - maybe I won't have to pay for Sunday Ticket, which would be nice! Thanks for the info (and love those maps at the506.com).

I have a quick question about the TW DVR. My inlaws have the Scientific Atlanta Explorer 8300HDC model with the UR5U-8520TWB remote. How do I get into the menu for the DVR? Everytime I hit the menu button on the remote, it pulls up the guide - just as if I hit the guide. Thanks.

I have a quick question about the TW DVR. My inlaws have the Scientific Atlanta Explorer 8300HDC model with the UR5U-8520TWB remote. How do I get into the menu for the DVR? Everytime I hit the menu button on the remote, it pulls up the guide - just as if I hit the guide. Thanks.

If I'm understanding the question right....just hit the 'List' button and that should get you the menu you are looking for.

No, the List button pulls up the list of recorded shows. I'm trying to get into the settings menu for the DVR. For example, how would I find out what version software it has?

No, the List button pulls up the list of recorded shows. I'm trying to get into the settings menu for the DVR. For example, how would I find out what version software it has?

Sorry about that....I did misunderstand the question. I think the menu you are looking for can be found by doing the following:

On the box itself...hold the select button until the mail logo appears and then press the info button. That should bring up the diagnostic pages. You can press vol +/- on the box to change pages. Now I have the 8300HD and the pages are slightly different than the 8300HDC. You'll have to scroll through to find the info that you want. You can press 'Exit' to get out. I hope that helps this time....