Well, comcast may still be my best bet then, I suppose I can live without Food Network and HGTV in HD. I'm not really in the mood to mess with antennas ATM. Ugh, I do hate analog cable though.
Did your former cable company digital simulcast channels below 100?



Also, when you sign up, can you do me a favor and ask when they plan to digital simulcast here. You can probably tell them something like, "I'm from San Antonio(is that where you are from?) and I am used to having all of my channels in digital, not just ones above 100. When will all of the channels be digital here?"


I figured you may possibly get a response given that you are used to a higher standard of service, and will probably expect the same standard when signing up down here.

It seems people already with the service remain in the dark. You always get an "I don't know" or they give you a vague, but random date that is far away and remains insignificant. For two years in a row, they have told me, "ADS will happen late this year" and I've even been told that this year.

Didn't see anything posted this morning about the audio in Leno or Conan. Did anyone watch it in HD last night? Were there any audio problems? Remember, these shows are sent to us from NBC in HD video but stereo audio.

Thanks

Lowell


I usually dont stay up long enough to watch them so I can't provide feedback, sorry. Last night on Scrubs, however, there was some strange audio and video. But, let me start by saying its BETTER than in the past.

The colors still appear a little washed out (nasty local signal blend) and the audio is in and out (mono / stereo). Some of the commercials were the same way between segments as well (not that anyone cares about those), but I don't know where the switches picks up what feed. Its not like FOX where every affiliate's switch is remotely controlled by them. As far as I know, NBC is based on time hacks for the switching from local to national? I guess what I'm getting at is if I knew "how" the process worked for NBC, then I could help provide better feedback. (know what to look for and when). Someone saying "Leno looked excellent last night" is so incredibly subjective it could provide you zero applicable feedback.

And, fyi, the 5.1 multiplexing last night was excellent (well, for Office, 30 Rock, and Barker). It switched well from two channel on scrubs to multi-channel for barker.

Ok, having watched The Apprentice tonight ... the audio is strange at best. Not sure how to describe it. It goes from stereo sound, to echo'ing sound to mono, back to stereo. its odd. The video seems to be from national feed, but there is something with the way the audio is being delivered.

Is anyone having a problem with CBS hd on 107.1 in savannah? I had this channel through my built in tuner. This station stopped working about a week ago, and i have searched to see if it has moved, but no luck. I thought they might be doing some work or changes to equipment and it was temporarily out. I talked with a friend and he is not receiving this channel either.

Is anyone having a problem with CBS hd on 107.1 in savannah? I had this channel through my built in tuner. This station stopped working about a week ago, and i have searched to see if it has moved, but no luck. I thought they might be doing some work or changes to equipment and it was temporarily out. I talked with a friend and he is not receiving this channel either.I've recorded shows all week and through the weekend. I've had no problems.

Ok, having watched The Apprentice tonight ... the audio is strange at best. Not sure how to describe it. It goes from stereo sound, to echo'ing sound to mono, back to stereo. its odd. The video seems to be from national feed, but there is something with the way the audio is being delivered.

Thanks for the feedback. I am forwarding it to the technical guy at NBC.

LB

I usually dont stay up long enough to watch them so I can't provide feedback, sorry. Last night on Scrubs, however, there was some strange audio and video. But, let me start by saying its BETTER than in the past.

The colors still appear a little washed out (nasty local signal blend) and the audio is in and out (mono / stereo). Some of the commercials were the same way between segments as well (not that anyone cares about those), but I don't know where the switches picks up what feed. Its not like FOX where every affiliate's switch is remotely controlled by them. As far as I know, NBC is based on time hacks for the switching from local to national? I guess what I'm getting at is if I knew "how" the process worked for NBC, then I could help provide better feedback. (know what to look for and when). Someone saying "Leno looked excellent last night" is so incredibly subjective it could provide you zero applicable feedback.

And, fyi, the 5.1 multiplexing last night was excellent (well, for Office, 30 Rock, and Barker). It switched well from two channel on scrubs to multi-channel for barker.

Forwarding this to the tech guy at NBC too...

Thanks

Lowell

I've recorded shows all week and through the weekend. I've had no problems.

It moved to 107-10

Is anyone having a problem with CBS hd on 107.1 in savannah? I had this channel through my built in tuner. This station stopped working about a week ago, and i have searched to see if it has moved, but no luck. I thought they might be doing some work or changes to equipment and it was temporarily out. I talked with a friend and he is not receiving this channel either.

whoops, meant to reply to this one

it moved to 107-10

Yea the Office was perfect for me last Thursday...can't wait for Heroes to start back up. I'm glad the NBC station here is committed to OTA HD...if only some other stations would catch up.

whoops, meant to reply to this one

it moved to 107-10
The tuner is not picking up 107-10.
Not sure what has happened. Any help would be appreciated.

I had to disconnect the feed and scan to clear the channel list then connect everything back up and rescan. It picked up the channels that were missing . It had moved to 11.1
Thanks

What is the average signal strength you are getting from Comcast? I show between 30 and 45 percent on the digital channels, but average around 35% most of the time. I have had comcast replace the cable to the house and i have placed new home run cable to all the rooms. Currently i only have the living room, one bedroom, and the cable modem connected. Disconnecting the other two rooms improved the signal a little, but i still have a fuzzy picture on lower analog channels and the digital channels continue to have blocking
( i believe this is the correct term )at times. I could not get the last technician to actually take a reading ouside of what the signal strength was, he just wanted to look at the tv picture and said "Yep that better".

4 days till FOX goes live. :rolleyes: :D

Is that a definite date for Fox to go OTA HD?

No, it is not. We have several different dates as to when they will. I was kinda loading that post with sarcasm. I would not count on it, 1) Until I saw it, or 2) Until July of 2009; whichever comes first. :)

man I almost jumped out of my chair with excitement, now i think I will jump out of my window with frustration.....DAMMIT

2) Until July of 2009; whichever comes first. :)
I already here them calling their bankruptcy lawyers in June 2009 and sending in there FCC special extension request...haha.

Comcast changed again ...

80-1 ESPNews (480i)
80-4 Disney (480i)
80-5 SoapNet (480i)
81-1 ESPN2HD (720p)
81-3 MHD (1080i)
82-1 WTGS (720p)
83-6 HGTV (480i)
83-8 CNN Headline News (480i)
83-10 TWC (480i)
87-10 TNTHD (1080i)
89-2 ESPNHD (720p)
91-10 DiscoveryHD (1080i) <--- bad feed
107-1 WSAV (1080i)
107-2 MyTV (480i)
107-10 WTOC (1080i)
107-13 The Tube (480i)
113-8 Universal HD (1080i)

Ones I didn't include are CSPANs and WTOC Doppler Weather because, well ... nobody actually watches those do they?

Comcast changed again ...

80-1 ESPNews (480i)
80-4 Disney (480i)
80-5 SoapNet (480i)
81-1 ESPN2HD (720p)
81-3 MHD (1080i)
82-1 WTGS (720p)
83-6 HGTV (480i)
83-8 CNN Headline News (480i)
83-10 TWC (480i)
87-10 TNTHD (1080i)
89-2 ESPNHD (720p)
91-10 DiscoveryHD (1080i) <--- bad feed
107-1 WSAV (1080i)
107-2 MyTV (480i)
107-10 WTOC (1080i)
107-13 The Tube (480i)
113-8 Universal HD (1080i)

Ones I didn't include are CSPANs and WTOC Doppler Weather because, well ... nobody actually watches those do they?



These are all of Comcast's digital channels right?(I don't know much about a QAM Tuners on TVs)
How come HGTV, TWC, Disney, and CNN are not digital on my box?

These are all of Comcast's digital channels right?(I don't know much about a QAM Tuners on TVs)
How come HGTV, TWC, Disney, and CNN are not digital on my box?

Comcast changed again ...

79-3 INHD (1080i)
80-1 ESPNews (480i)
80-4 Disney (480i)
80-5 SoapNet (480i)
81-1 ESPN2HD (720p)
81-3 MHD (1080i)
82-1 WTGS (720p)
83-6 HGTV (480i)
83-8 CNN Headline News (480i)
83-10 TWC (480i)
87-10 TNTHD (1080i)
89-2 ESPNHD (720p)
91-10 DiscoveryHD (1080i) <--- bad feed
107-1 WSAV (1080i)
107-2 MyTV (480i)
107-10 WTOC (1080i)
107-13 The Tube (480i)
113-8 Universal HD (1080i)

I forgot to add INHD at 79-3.

As to why you don't get those on your offering above Comcast's analog offering ... who knows. I'm 100% sick of Savannah and how ghetto this place is. I'm going to move to a city that has more to offer.

I had to disconnect the feed and scan to clear the channel list then connect everything back up and rescan. It picked up the channels that were missing . It had moved to 11.1
Thanks

11-1 is the ATSC virtual channel number. Ironically though ... your intial listing was ...

Originally Posted by ajsam
Is anyone having a problem with CBS hd on 107.1 in savannah? I had this channel through my built in tuner. This station stopped working about a week ago, and i have searched to see if it has moved, but no luck. I thought they might be doing some work or changes to equipment and it was temporarily out. I talked with a friend and he is not receiving this channel either.

So, you referenced 256QAM virtual channel allocation, then came back to say that you re-found it at 11.1. All I guess I can say is that I tried to help.

So, fo those of you who want WTOC (CBS 1080i) ATSC, its 11-1, and those that want it via QAM its 107-10. And that should sum it up.

AJsam - sounds like you have a digital ATSC tuner and a cable card in whatever TV you're using and you just hit 'scan for channels' or something. Same channel ... two different ways in which to acquire it. If you don't know which is which ... the 11-1 will never change. The 107-10 likely will. So, if you have favorites or whatever your setup is, keeping 11-1 ensures you will never miss the channel.

Digidish,
I wanted to thank you for your help. I am not sure why the channel change on my set. I have a pioneer 4271(no cable card),only atsc tuner i thought. I originally got CBS 107.1, but after a week and a couple rescans it came in on 11.1.
Again, i wanted to thank you for replying!!!

If y'all remember my story a few pages/months back, I am friends with the local cable company's head man's son. I asked him last night if his dad had heard anything recently, as the cable company is trying to get these stations also. He said that his dad just received an email back stating that it would be late summer (of which year we're not sure) before they went live. His reason was that the tower would not support the new equipment and that they did not have the money to correct the problem.

Now, I am only the messenger, so go easy on me. :)

If y'all remember my story a few pages/months back, I am friends with the local cable company's head man's son. I asked him last night if his dad had heard anything recently, as the cable company is trying to get these stations also. He said that his dad just received an email back stating that it would be late summer (of which year we're not sure) before they went live. His reason was that the tower would not support the new equipment and that they did not have the money to correct the problem.

Now, I am only the messenger, so go easy on me. :)
What local cable company? Comcast or Northland(I believe that is what y'all have in the statesboro area, though I am not sure)? Did the guy say anything about digital simulcasting Savannah's analog line-up?

Oh, and if it was Comcast, everytime you inquire about something big, they always tend to say late summer of the current year. They've said it about digital simulcasting and their phone product two-three years in a row, and still nothing. I don't count on them keeping their word on whatever your inquiry was. They also tend to say, "by the end of the year", problem is, it's said "every" year.

In reference to digital simulcasting, i talked with a tech from Comcast today. He said that they were ready to broadcast channels 2-77 in Digital for customers that subscribe to there digital service. Current customer not upgrading would still receive there analog signal. He said it would be next month when the switch was thrown, but no exact date. In his words, he was sure it would be May time frame, even though everything is in place now.
Only the messenger, but i have my fingers crossed that this is happening soon.

This was northland cable.

I'll repeat what I wrote.....long ago. Northland will get their signal OTA and then rebroadcast it. This is why they are interested in it being OTA, like many of us "in the country."

In reference to digital simulcasting, i talked with a tech from Comcast today. He said that they were ready to broadcast channels 2-77 in Digital for customers that subscribe to there digital service. Current customer not upgrading would still receive there analog signal. He said it would be next month when the switch was thrown, but no exact date. In his words, he was sure it would be May time frame, even though everything is in place now.
Only the messenger, but i have my fingers crossed that this is happening soon.
Me too.(As in crossing fingers, hoping you are right) But as said before, I don't trust their word, especially a tech. Yeah, last year I got to talk to the head Comcast engineer in Savannah (I managed to reach him by first calling the Philly Headquarters) about the same thing sometimes in either April or May. Back then, he said that they "were going to"(opposed to, "we are planning to" or "hopefully we will") simulcast locals, but that never happened.

I am also curious of the technical specs of digital simulcasting, like how are they going to handle the Weather Channel, TV Guide Channel and the various Local Access/ PEG channels we have. Admittedly, Savannah has some of the most ghetto PEG/Local Access channels. I look up the technical specs online.

And once again, I hope the one giving you the message was right.

Thanks for the info.

Comcast changed again ...

79-3 INHD (1080i)
80-1 ESPNews (480i)
80-4 Disney (480i)
80-5 SoapNet (480i)
81-1 ESPN2HD (720p)
81-3 MHD (1080i)
82-1 WTGS (720p)
83-6 HGTV (480i)
83-8 CNN Headline News (480i)
83-10 TWC (480i)
87-10 TNTHD (1080i)
89-2 ESPNHD (720p)
91-10 DiscoveryHD (1080i) <--- bad feed
107-1 WSAV (1080i)
107-2 MyTV (480i)
107-10 WTOC (1080i)
107-13 The Tube (480i)
113-8 Universal HD (1080i)

I forgot to add INHD at 79-3.

As to why you don't get those on your offering above Comcast's analog offering ... who knows. I'm 100% sick of Savannah and how ghetto this place is. I'm going to move to a city that has more to offer.



11-1 is the ATSC virtual channel number. Ironically though ... your intial listing was ...

Originally Posted by ajsam
Is anyone having a problem with CBS hd on 107.1 in savannah? I had this channel through my built in tuner. This station stopped working about a week ago, and i have searched to see if it has moved, but no luck. I thought they might be doing some work or changes to equipment and it was temporarily out. I talked with a friend and he is not receiving this channel either.

So, you referenced 256QAM virtual channel allocation, then came back to say that you re-found it at 11.1. All I guess I can say is that I tried to help.

So, fo those of you who want WTOC (CBS 1080i) ATSC, its 11-1, and those that want it via QAM its 107-10. And that should sum it up.

AJsam - sounds like you have a digital ATSC tuner and a cable card in whatever TV you're using and you just hit 'scan for channels' or something. Same channel ... two different ways in which to acquire it. If you don't know which is which ... the 11-1 will never change. The 107-10 likely will. So, if you have favorites or whatever your setup is, keeping 11-1 ensures you will never miss the channel.


Out of curiosity, does The Weather Channel you get through Comcast give you Savannah's "local" banner/info. or are you picking up the national syndicated feed?

Out of curiosity, does The Weather Channel you get through Comcast give you Savannah's "local" banner/info. or are you picking up the national syndicated feed?

It says its for Hinesville (even though I don't live there). Who knows

It says its for Hinesville (even though I don't live there). Who knows
So Hinesville has a digital feed of the Weather Channel and Savannah doesn't. That's funny lol. :rolleyes:

Did you ever bother to tell Comcast about this. Then again, since we get the Augusta representatives when we call, that can be quite ineffective. They often know nothing about Savannah. I guess Savannah officials don't pass along much information to the Augusta call center.(Why in the world don't we have our own call center? Our DMA has a higher rank than their's. What's the deal?)

It's been gone for about a month. Do you think the encrypted it?

Just curious, does an external (or internal) QAM tuner really work, and what are the channels that I could pickup if I got one - is it worth spending the money, and do you need and HDMI cable for a correct picture from one?
thanks.

yes a QAM tuner really does work and it picks up all the channels you see if you scroll up a bit. I stopped using my external antennae because I get so many channels. I"m wondering why Discovery channel stopped broadcasting in HD.

yes a QAM tuner really does work and it picks up all the channels you see if you scroll up a bit. You don't need and HDMI cable. I stopped using my external antennae because I get so many channels. I"m wondering why Discovery channel stopped broadcasting in HD.

I'm looking at buying an external QAM tuner, and I was wondering if anybody can reccomend any kind/brand of QAM tuner to buy for my lcd tv, and where I could get it from.
thanks.

It's been gone for about a month. Do you think the encrypted it?
I'm still getting it on 91-8. They keep moving it around.

thanks, I'll have to check 91-8 tonight to see if its there.

thanks, I'll have to check 91-8 tonight to see if its there.

There isn't such a channel as 91-8.

Discovery HD Theater is 91-10. It's there, I just tuned it in.

**EDIT** It is entirely possible that there are different sub channel allocations based on what node one is on. Not too sure.

There isn't such a channel as 91-8.

Discovery HD Theater is 91-10. It's there, I just tuned it in.

**EDIT** It is entirely possible that there are different sub channel allocations based on what node one is on. Not too sure.

well, I guess so because i've been watching it on 91-8 for a couple of weeks now and i get nothing on 91-10. I'm in georgetown if it makes a difference.

Channels 101-4 to 101-10 are MLB Extra Innings while games are being played.

Channels 101-4 to 101-10 are MLB Extra Innings while games are being played.

Thanks, I'll definitely check that out!

Thanks, I'll definitely check that out!


I think its a promotional thing until the end of the month. I've been watching the hell out of those :)

Oh, and for whatever reason, Universal-HD on 113-8 is now an empty container with no data in it. Perhaps it's going encrypted?

Did anyone know WHY WTGS stopped broadcasting last weekend for a few days? They had no uplink to the sat services nor any OTA for about 3 or 4 days, it returned Sunday night. I thought for sure someone here would have mentioned it, as us Sat customers couldn't get last Saturday's NASCAR race on fox, nor could we get it on antenna.

I was king of HOPING that it went down and would come back up with HD OTA, but that's probably wishful thinking.

Did not know it was down, I am 71 miles from FOX 24 in Charleston but get good signal and HD so I never look at FOX 28 anymore.

Did anyone know WHY WTGS stopped broadcasting last weekend for a few days? They had no uplink to the sat services nor any OTA for about 3 or 4 days, it returned Sunday night. I thought for sure someone here would have mentioned it, as us Sat customers couldn't get last Saturday's NASCAR race on fox, nor could we get it on antenna.

I was king of HOPING that it went down and would come back up with HD OTA, but that's probably wishful thinking.

I didn't even notice WTGS went down. But, WJCL stopped their OTA UHF broadcast (I won't call it digital since it's "not"). But, that went down two weeks ago, and has yet to come back up. Remember, they (WTGS and WJCL) have the same rocket-scientist engineer.

Did anyone know WHY WTGS stopped broadcasting last weekend for a few days? .... I was king of HOPING that it went down and would come back up with HD OTA, but that's probably wishful thinking.
Well, it is pure conjecture and I have absolutely no inside info, but WTGS did apply to the FCC and was granted permission a few months ago to dismantle their analog UHF transmitting antenna and instead use the their new digital antenna for both signals. They also were putting the new digital on the same tower.

Since the tower probably can't support both antennas, it would not be unreasonable for them to shutdown the analog feed on 28, take the old antenna off the tower, put the new digital antenna up on the tower (for UHF 27) and then put the analog back on the air using the digital antenna.

Part of their FCC application for this had to explain and show the slightly reduced coverage of analog 28 due to the new antenna and the resulting change in the pattern shape.

If true, this would mean perhaps they are ever so slightly closer to a full power DTV signal one day, some time, way out there... :rolleyes:

Well, the OTA is back (And I get WJCL too with no interruptions ) , but don't pick them up in DTV yet. Doesn't mean they're trying, though, but I'll believe it when I see it.

Well, the OTA is back (And I get WJCL too with no interruptions ) , but don't pick them up in DTV yet. Doesn't mean they're trying, though, but I'll believe it when I see it.

WJCL-analog though is what you're referring to, right? I got WJCL-DT for two years, and now there is nothing there. Although, admittantly, their "*-DT feed was just a port over of their analog signal. Nonetheless, I can't get it in the digital spectrum anymore. I can't record analog, so unless they fix it, I get zero ABC.

I got all of the Charelston stations in HD last night. Must have been one of those nights...I still can't get Fox out of Augusta. I was hoping they'd go full power before Savannah's even started really testing. I can get all the other networks from Augusta, just not Fox.

I dunno about you others that get missing feeds from other markets, but I get this almost irresistable urge to get in my car and drive, at $3/gallon gas, and drive all the way to Augusta to shop at all the places I saw commercials for on the Augusta stations. ;/

The Atennaweb website seems to be down. I was trying to get distances and directions to try pointing to Charleston again. The error message says:


We are currently experiencing extremely high traffic volumes due to a link from Yahoo!. Please try again later.


I wonder if that's true....

Does anyone know of any other sites I can use to get this info?

The Atennaweb website seems to be down. I was trying to get distances and directions to try pointing to Charleston again. The error message says:



I wonder if that's true....

Does anyone know of any other sites I can use to get this info?
Give me your location and I can give you distance and direction.

check pm

I Was Checking My Ota Channels On My Dtv Last Nite At 2am And I Was Getting Wuft 36-1 36-2 Hd 36-3 Out Of Gainesville Fl For 30 Min At 80. Plus Fox 28 Dtv Is Ota Now But Picture Is Really Bad Compared To The Sat Locals .thanks Chucksdawgs Guyton

I just did a scan and picked up 38 new ones from Jax, Orlando and Gainsville to the south and from the north some from Charlotte and Raleigh and 2 from M Beach SC
And FOX 28

Dang, with the smoke too. I got Augusta good this weekend. I will swing it around tonight and see if I can get some more stations.

I just did a scan and picked up 38 new ones from Jax, Orlando and Gainsville to the south and from the north some from Charlotte and Raleigh and 2 from M Beach SC
And FOX 28

Yeah, WTGS-DT is up at nearly full power it seems. Its 704x480i garbage though :(

But, it does exist. WJCL-DT is still down though. The UPN one in Savannah sucks so bad I don't even know if I can get it via analog. That will never come online.

I'll throw some credit to WTGS though, they have accomplished something.

Here are snapshots of their 720p signal and 480i ones (in local mode) ...

http://img265.imageshack.us/img265/3618/wtgs480ikw8.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

http://img516.imageshack.us/img516/1273/wtgs720pdo4.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

Hrm, I too get Fox28 in DTV, real crappy picture, but maybe they'll make the HD feed sometime soon since they got the hard part taken care of. ( Holding my breath )

But I have lost all signal from stations from Augusta tonigth though...must be one of those wierd nights.

Last screen shots, but here are pics of WTGS-DT (national feed) ...

ATSC = 480i

QAM256 = 720p

These are a good thing to throw at them and say, "hey, why should I have to PAY for cable to be able to get this type of television viewing?" Both of these screen shots are from the SAME tv station. The better one of course, you have to pay to get.

http://img251.imageshack.us/img251/7189/aiota480iua8.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

http://img156.imageshack.us/img156/3294/aiqam720pul3.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

Last screen shots, but here are pics of WTGS-DT (national feed) ...

ATSC = 480i

QAM256 = 720p

These are a good thing to throw at them and say, "hey, why should I have to PAY for cable to be able to get this type of television viewing?" Both of these screen shots are from the SAME tv station. The better one of course, you have to pay to get.




Is the second one Comcast's HD version of Fox?

Is the second one Comcast's HD version of Fox?

Yes. Its the direct fiber from WTGS to Comcast.

Any ideas as to why my DirecTV H20 can't pick up this ATSC feed of FOX 28? I get the analog feed through the same antenna perfectly...

What signal levels are you guys out from Savannah getting for the new Fox 28 digital signal? I'm over in Vidalia, GA and get a signal that tends to run about 10-15% lower than WSAV and WTOC. Last night, for example, WSAV and WTOC were both about 70% (on 0-100 scale for my receiver) while WTGS was 58-60%.

Wonder if they are running full high power yet? They are licensed for 1 megawatt ERP from a tower height that pretty well matches WSAV, and with the lower frequency (27 versus 39), I was expecting a signal a little stronger than I get from WSAV.

I'm a little lower than with WTOC. WSAV is always maxed at 100. I think WTOC is around 80-82.

I'm at the edge of the digital coverage pattern for the Savannah stations, so I rarely get more than 80%. It's usually closer to 65. My DirecTV receivers can stay locked on anything at 45 or higher. My Panasonic plasma stays locked on signals as low as 32.

During the mid-day hours I lose all except WTOC; and even it gets very unreliable.

3-1 100 ,11-1 92, 28-1 87

I'm at the edge of the digital coverage pattern for the Savannah stations, so I rarely get more than 80%. It's usually closer to 65. My DirecTV receivers can stay locked on anything at 45 or higher. My Panasonic plasma stays locked on signals as low as 32.

During the mid-day hours I lose all except WTOC; and even it gets very unreliable.


Have you tried the waiver from Directv for the NY or LA HD channels since you're that far away? I'm about 60 - 65 miles west of Savannah and get about the same signal strenghts as you, however the signals don't drop out during the day, I was denied waivers by all the Savannah stations.....

I have had DirecTV service for many years (since 1996 or so, but I really don't remember exactly when). I had the DNS (distant networks service) from LA and NY since the beginning. I still have them. When I added the HD package, the HD DNS feeds got automatically added. About 18 months or so ago, I lost the west coast HD feeds, but I still get all four networks in HD from New York.

So for now I'm happy to get the New York HD feeds for ABC, CBS, Fox, and NBC. Their audio quality is head and shoulders above the Savannah stations, and with the simulcasting that WSAV and WTOC are doing, the picture quality is as good on the satellite as OTA. I'm just dreading the day when I lose the New York HD feeds. I hope I hang on to them, but I'm afraid my party may one day end...:(

I have had DirecTV service for many years (since 1996 or so, but I really don't remember exactly when). I had the DNS (distant networks service) from LA and NY since the beginning. I still have them. When I added the HD package, the HD DNS feeds got automatically added. About 18 months or so ago, I lost the west coast HD feeds, but I still get all four networks in HD from New York.

So for now I'm happy to get the New York HD feeds for ABC, CBS, Fox, and NBC. Their audio quality is head and shoulders above the Savannah stations, and with the simulcasting that WSAV and WTOC are doing, the picture quality is as good on the satellite as OTA. I'm just dreading the day when I lose the New York HD feeds. I hope I hang on to them, but I'm afraid my party may one day end...:(

I had the sd locals from NY & LA until I suspended my directv account and tried out the new tv service from the local phone company, called the triple play it was cheaper than Directv & Dishnetwork, but they still have a few bugs to work out. When I re-activated Directv my NY & LA channels couldn't be turned back on. I recently submitted an HD waiver and was denied by all. We shouldn't be forced to watch stations in our local DMA which make no contributions to our community. WTOC is the ONLY station that truly represents our market, while WSAV and the other two only care about Beaufort, Savannah and Hinesville.

I have had DirecTV service for many years (since 1996 or so, but I really don't remember exactly when). I had the DNS (distant networks service) from LA and NY since the beginning. I still have them. When I added the HD package, the HD DNS feeds got automatically added. About 18 months or so ago, I lost the west coast HD feeds, but I still get all four networks in HD from New York.

So for now I'm happy to get the New York HD feeds for ABC, CBS, Fox, and NBC. Their audio quality is head and shoulders above the Savannah stations, and with the simulcasting that WSAV and WTOC are doing, the picture quality is as good on the satellite as OTA. I'm just dreading the day when I lose the New York HD feeds. I hope I hang on to them, but I'm afraid my party may one day end...:(


Hmmm ... strange you would comment on the quality considering you have directv. The DirecTV signal is the most compressed of all HD feeds out there and is considered to be (as its called) HD-Lite. There is not a single "HD" broadcast on directv that is not compressed well beyond the original offering. In fact, there is not a single 1080i channel that is in true HD resolution on directv. As for audio, there is zero difference since that is passed through the same. NBC for example is a 3 x 2-channel signal that is remuxed to a 5.1 AC3 stream which is rebroadcasted at 384kbps. The Savannah station does it no differently than NY or LA. It is identical. So audio (in savannah) for NBC is the same, as it is for FOX (5.1 448kbps since that is nationally controlled). CBS on the other hand would be better outside Savannah since WTOC can only do 2.0 192kbps audio (which is well below CBS standard). But, video, for CBS and NBC from the SAV stations is actually better than what you can get off directv.

Subjective reasoning on what is better or worse will always be a factor, but when one looks at the 'facts' so to say, DirecTV is actually the "worst" (non-subjective in this case) offering for HD that exists. Dish network does "HD-Lite" on their Voom channel offerings, as well as all their mpeg-4 content. Their mpeg-2 channels are "true hd" and are offered at appropriate bitrates.

Although I haven't analyzed a DirecTV stream in a while, their video rate offerings were hovering around 8-9.5mbit for their mpeg-2 channels at 1280x1080i ; whereas, on the ATSC feeds here for 1080i, you're looking at 12-14mbit at 1920x1080i.

I'm not attacking your statement, but I just want to make sure that people know that there is a subjective way in which to make statements, and an objective one.

Yes, DirecTV is compressed, but different channels and transponders get different degrees of compression depending on system loading. For a while HDNET, HBO and Showtime were just horrible on satellite. The networks have usually been OK. HDNET is back up to looking pretty good. HBO and Showtime are still so-so.

My point about quality was primarily aimed at the audio. WTOC has no Dolby Digital and WSAV still has a devil of a time getting the 5.1 digital feed out correctly sometimes. The New York stations on satellite seem to never screw up the 5.1 audio as much as WSAV does. They switch seamlessly from Dolby Pro to Dolby Digital as they cut local commercials in and out with the network feed. WSAV sometimes has problems trying to do the same...:(

As for the video, remember that WSAV has two channels going out, so their main stream is I suspect down to about 14 megabits/sec as you say. That can be on par with satellite (when the transponder loading is light and there are no baseball or football games going on the sports ticket network thing). WTOC has three streams, so their main feed may be a little lower still. I'm guessing that on many nights, the bitrate is almost the same from satellite as from OTA due to the sub-channels the Savannah stations are carrying.

For the DNS HD networks, DirecTV is picking up the straight video feed over fiber there in New York and then applying their statmux compression to it. That means the signal can be pretty good when given enough bitrate. Granted it is scaled to 1280 down from 1920, but very few displays can show the full 1920 anyway. Only the newest 1080p plasmas and LCDs and DLPs can show it.

I have a Panasonic 58" plasma that is 1366x768. The video from WSAV OTA and WNBC on satellite are usually tit-for-tat during prime time. Now during football Sunday Ticket, I acknowledge that is certainly not the case.

WTOC has dolby digital. Its 192kbps 2.0 crap, but its a true DD stream. Are you referring to 5.1 audio at 384kbps like the rest of the CBS world is on?

WTOC has dolby digital. Its 192kbps 2.0 crap, but its a true DD stream. Are you referring to 5.1 audio at 384kbps like the rest of the CBS world is on?
Yeah, the 5.1 stream is what I mean. CSI and a handful of the other CBS shows sound a little better on the New York feed on satellite because of the full 5.1 feed.

When WSAV gets their audio routing right, they sound great just like WNBC in New York. The issue with WSAV is they sometimes get the routing screwed up somehow so that just the rear surrounds come through; and even then they are in the front only! Really weird. You hear almost no audio; only the surround effects. A Law & Order episode several months ago was a perfect example. You could see the actors mouths moving, but you heard no audio (very, very low level). However, they were on the street in the scene and the "street noises" were loud and clear, but coming only from the front instead of the rear surrounds where they belonged. I kept switching from WSAV to WNBC to get a feel for what was going on.

I found this Construction Permit on the FCC site the other day for WVAN-TV in Pembroke. This is the Savannah area public broadcasting station:

http://svartifoss2.fcc.gov/cgi-bin/ws.exe/prod/cdbs/forms/prod/cdbsmenu.hts?context=25&appn=101175366&formid=340&fac_num=23947

They are putting an auxiliary analog antenna about half-way up their tower and feeding it with enough RF to generate a 47 KW ERP. That's way down from the 316 KW they are authorized for on the present analog feed. Wonder if they are getting ready to take down the top-mounted analog antenna in preparation for putting up a new top-mounted digital HD antenna? The side-mounted aux antenna might be temporary to allow continued limited service while they build out the new HD DTV side. We can always hope... :D

Click on the attachments via the hyperlinks in the URL above to see details.

Has anyone else noticed that ABC is in digital on Comcast finally?

I'm picking it up on 78-1 with the QAM tuner built-in to my tv. I don't see it yet on the guide on my main tv using the Comcast hd set top unit.

Has anyone else noticed that ABC is in digital on Comcast finally?

I'm picking it up on 78-1 with the QAM tuner built-in to my tv. I don't see it yet on the guide on my main tv using the Comcast hd set top unit.
I think it was always digital via a QAM Tuner. I am pretty sure that isn't the work of Comcast.(as opposed to Comcast's WTGS HD feed)


I just wish Comcast would digital simulcast their freakin' analog channels on the digital converter's. Analog via Comcast seriously sucks. We're still about their only market that is not digital simulcasting. :mad:

Not that it is any new information, but i stopped and talked with a group of Comcast tech's the other day during lunch. They said that they have been given so many different dates for there digital simulcast that they don't even know. There main focus has been on getting there voice offering on the market in Savannah.
I just wish they would finish with the digital instead of placing it on the back burner.

Not that it is any new information, but i stopped and talked with a group of Comcast tech's the other day during lunch. They said that they have been given so many different dates for there digital simulcast that they don't even know. There main focus has been on getting there voice offering on the market in Savannah.
I just wish they would finish with the digital instead of placing it on the back burner.
The main goal should be to get the triple play offering. You need both digital voice and digital simulcast for that. They said that they were supposed to have digital voice up by last summer. I don't expect them to implement it this year either. They are so full of it. This market is pathetic in both the broadcast and cable sector. :(

Oh, and ajsam, in reference to your "first" response on this issue, you may now uncross your fingers. They probably have no plans for digital simulcast. They basically gave the same responses to me last year and the year before. Every tech had a different response or timeframe and obviously none were correct We may not even have it by that digital broadcast deadline. And if they don't it won't be pretty when people "have" to upgrade to digital boxes only to find that the local channels that they were trying to keep because of the "digital" broadcast deadline are downconverted to analog.

Well, comcast is attempting to regain their quality and bandwidth, probably for their future voice offering for that exact triple play you spoke of. I was working for a company that had, then lost, the contract for a massive noise reduction project for the entire comcast area. We would go and find out what was causing low band noise and completely supress it with some strict quotas...

I suspect they are attempting to clean the lines to make room for the voice offering without having to do a lot of upgrading to the physical plant...just my guess.

Well, comcast is attempting to regain their quality and bandwidth, probably for their future voice offering for that exact triple play you spoke of. I was working for a company that had, then lost, the contract for a massive noise reduction project for the entire comcast area. We would go and find out what was causing low band noise and completely supress it with some strict quotas...

I suspect they are attempting to clean the lines to make room for the voice offering without having to do a lot of upgrading to the physical plant...just my guess.
Do you expect them to make anymore channels digital-only down here? I'm doubting it(though it would be nice, more digital quality formats of current expanded basic channels and more bandwidth) because they have already moved WE, C-SPAN 2, CW-Plus, and Court TV. I believe that the current analog channels left on the expanded basic line-up are far too popular for them to even think of making them digital-only this year.

As for regaining the quality and bandwidth, here is what I've noticed:

They need to be cautious as to how they alot digital channels to various frequencies. Very early this year, they added a sport's tier. The first 3 or four of those channels were alotted to frequency 735MHz. This frequency was already crowded. As soon as those channels were added, the quality of the picture on the other networks on the frequency went way down.(this includes National Geographic which is one of my favorites). About a month ago, to my surprise and satisfaction, they removed some(about 3-4) of that channels that were originally on 735MHz to 681MHz (until then, NFL Network was the only channel on that frequency). Once that was done, the quality went back up quite a bit, but not to how it was before.
I've noticed many other rearrangements. It mostly involves putting channels that are alone on their frequency on ones that are already used.

If they want to regain bandwidth, they need to embrace modern cable technology. There are scores of digital channels(including all premium networks accept for two Encore channels) in Savannah that are still QAM 64 modulation. How about putting these in QAM256? It would allow for more channels to fit on one frequency without sacrificing quality. This one way to regain bandwidth or at least be bandwidth efficient.

I don't know what's going on with Comcast-Savannah's infrastructure, but they need to work on it, and not in year 2050.



As to visible changes and occurences, why is Versus/GolfHD, NationalGeographicHD, and A&EHD sitting on the network taking up bandwidth? All three channels remain unauthorized. It has been like this for about 1-2 months. What is going on with that. If customers cannot access them, they are taking up a lot of bandwidth.(as HD Networks tend to do) They should Delete them if there is no plans on activating them. The space can be used for something else.

For some reason I was thinking that Comcast in Savannah was QAM256, but as I look at the transport streams via tsreader, it seems to indicate otherwise (it being QAM64).

Each frequency on QAM delivery is limited to 38mbps which is why stacking too many channels per frequency will kill all of them. But, Comcast is stupid anyway (in SAV), where they're still not using a lot of their allocated frequencies. Maybe they have a reason for it, but their deployment of channels definitely seems to lack some sense of institutional knowledge or experience.

For some reason I was thinking that Comcast in Savannah was QAM256, but as I look at the transport streams via tsreader, it seems to indicate otherwise (it being QAM64).

Each frequency on QAM delivery is limited to 38mbps which is why stacking too many channels per frequency will kill all of them. But, Comcast is stupid anyway (in SAV), where they're still not using a lot of their allocated frequencies. Maybe they have a reason for it, but their deployment of channels definitely seems to lack some sense of institutional knowledge or experience.
Indeed, their deployment strategies do show some level of incompetence. For example, the newest frequency is 675MHz which was used when Court Tv went to digital only(since January). About 5 others(such as sport's tier channels excluding the FCS channels and WE). By far, this particular frequency provides the best picture quality. If this is so, why were recent digital additions such as C-SPAN2(added the same time as WE) and Oxygen put on frequency 579MHz which certainly does not provide the best quality. Look at Fox Reality for example. The channel's quality was not that great in the first place, and it got worse after C-SPAN and Oxygen were added. Why not add newer digital channels to the frequencies with higher quality versus ones already starved of it?

I just checked with WTOC-DT to find out if they were having transmitter problems. Their digital transmitter died around 5:30am this morning and they are working on the problem.

Ah, so it wasn't me. Well that sucks. There were season finalies and one series finalie in primetime tonight, all of which couldn't be seen in HD in Savannah due to those transmitter problems.

I watched the feeds out of Augusta with no dropouts ( now that I have my antenna pointed correctly ).

I found this Construction Permit on the FCC site the other day for WVAN-TV in Pembroke. This is the Savannah area public broadcasting station:

http://svartifoss2.fcc.gov/cgi-bin/ws.exe/prod/cdbs/forms/prod/cdbsmenu.hts?context=25&appn=101175366&formid=340&fac_num=23947

They are putting an auxiliary analog antenna about half-way up their tower and feeding it with enough RF to generate a 47 KW ERP. That's way down from the 316 KW they are authorized for on the present analog feed. Wonder if they are getting ready to take down the top-mounted analog antenna in preparation for putting up a new top-mounted digital HD antenna? The side-mounted aux antenna might be temporary to allow continued limited service while they build out the new HD DTV side. We can always hope... :D

Click on the attachments via the hyperlinks in the URL above to see details.

WVAN was having problems back last year with their analog transmitter and has been transmitting low power since. They transmit the TVGOS TV guide for the Savannah and Beaufort area. I have a Sony DVR and was having problems with the guide because of a weak signal. I talked with GA ETV engineer and he told me of the problem with their transmitter. They had at that time ordered a new transmitter for both their digital and analog signal.

Hey, I noticed yesterday that Comcast has mapped y'alls digital feed to the converter boxes, meaning that they are now digital simulcasting. The picture is rather soft compared to other digitals, but I expect that from local networks. Anyway, overall, the picture is far better than the analog counterpart. I wonder if this means that Comcast plans to simulcast more channels soon. I hope so, or was this the plan between WSAV and Comcast? Also, from a technical perspective, how does Comcast do this? Is it the same as the way DBS does it?

I'm getting WTGS (28-1) OTA, right now. I don't live near the transmitter, either. I'm in Ardsley Park.

I'm getting WTGS (28-1) OTA, right now. I don't live near the transmitter, either. I'm in Ardsley Park.

That's because if you read back about half a page, maybe an entire page, about 2 weeks ago they apparently went up full power.

No HD, but still digital, crap picture, and full power. No ABC though :(

Is anyone using a DirecTV HD receiver (I'm using model H20) to get the OTA HD channels and WTGS 28-1 isn't showing up for them? I get WSAV and WTOC perfectly, and the analog FOX feed is fine. Any ideas?

That's because if you read back about half a page, maybe an entire page, about 2 weeks ago they apparently went up full power.I read the entire thread but somehow missed something one page back. :rolleyes:

My fault...


Is anyone using a DirecTV HD receiver (I'm using model H20) to get the OTA HD channels and WTGS 28-1 isn't showing up for them? I get WSAV and WTOC perfectly, and the analog FOX feed is fine. Any ideas?I have an HR20 and 28-1 isn't showing up for me either.

I read the entire thread but somehow missed something one page back. :rolleyes:

My fault...


I have an HR20 and 28-1 isn't showing up for me either.


On the H20 go back to the setup menu and re-enter your zipcode for the antenna channels and it should scan for channels although they have no program info for 28-1. Signal wise it's about 86% 60 - 65 miles west of Savannah.

On the H20 go back to the setup menu and re-enter your zipcode for the antenna channels and it should scan for channels although they have no program info for 28-1. Signal wise it's about 86% 60 - 65 miles west of Savannah.

I've tried that, as well as also resetting the receiver. Scanning for channels has occasionally picked up other channels (like 5-1 from Charleston or 6-1 from Augusta), usually at night, but no go with 28-1.

I've tried that, as well as also resetting the receiver. Scanning for channels has occasionally picked up other channels (like 5-1 from Charleston or 6-1 from Augusta), usually at night, but no go with 28-1.


What type of antenna do you have? In the H20 guide there is also WGSA & WJWJ which have no signal at all. Tonight WSAV= 96-100% WTOC= 86 - 90% WTGS = 86-90% and for the first time ever FOX 30 out of Jacksonville 48 - 60% and CBS 47-1 60%. I have one of channel master's largest VHF/UHF outdoor antennas on a 40 foot mast with channel master's spartan amplifier.

What type of antenna do you have? In the H20 guide there is also WGSA & WJWJ which have no signal at all. Tonight WSAV= 96-100% WTOC= 86 - 90% WTGS = 86-90% and for the first time ever FOX 30 out of Jacksonville 48 - 60% and CBS 47-1 60%. I have one of channel master's largest VHF/UHF outdoor antennas on a 40 foot mast with channel master's spartan amplifier.

I have a Radio Shack U-75R UHF antenna, mounted outdoors with no amplifier. The antenna is directed toward 270 degrees, and like I mentioned, I get the WTGS analog signal through the same antenna just fine. I live downtown, so WSAV is always at 100 and my levels for WTOC are a little lower than yours. I also show WVAN in the guide with no signal.

What type of antenna do you have? In the H20 guide there is also WGSA & WJWJ which have no signal at all. Tonight WSAV= 96-100% WTOC= 86 - 90% WTGS = 86-90% and for the first time ever FOX 30 out of Jacksonville 48 - 60% and CBS 47-1 60%. I have one of channel master's largest VHF/UHF outdoor antennas on a 40 foot mast with channel master's spartan amplifier.
47 CBS is 5-1 WCSC from Charleston SC

47 CBS is 5-1 WCSC from Charleston SC


I'm aware of WCSC, but this was WTEV-TV out of Jacksonville 47-1 . You can go cbs47 or wikipedia and type in WTEV-TV and get the staion info.

Is anyone using a DirecTV HD receiver (I'm using model H20) to get the OTA HD channels and WTGS 28-1 isn't showing up for them? I get WSAV and WTOC perfectly, and the analog FOX feed is fine. Any ideas?

I have the H10 annd am about to upgrade the other receiver to an H20. I'll let you know. I dont use the H10 to receive the locals OTA because the input is tons weaker than the input on my Samsung. It has a built in LNA, everything's nice n strong.

i now have the h20 up and running, and yes i do get 28-1, but only after the following steps: You must go into the settings/Sat & Ant/ and then go to the antenna portion and scan for channels. After the list is finished, select the channels you want, and add them to the list. The one downside is that in the guide, no inofrmation appears, but its only a minor irritant. Personally, if you can tune the SD channel enough to make the picture decent, i go for that channel over 28-1 anyday. the color is better and the sound is louder.

On a seperate query, how deep into '09 do we have to wait for these F'en yahoos at wjcl/wtgs to force them to go HD? is it a 1-1-09, or a 6-1-09 timeframe?

Knowing the government, it will be July.

I bet they'll miss even that deadline personally.

I bet they'll miss even that deadline personally.
I think you may be right.

"How deep into '09 do we have to wait for these F'en yahoos at wjcl/wtgs to force them to go HD? is it a 1-1-09, or a 6-1-09 timeframe?"

I don't believe there is any requirement to broadcast HD just digitial SD by 2009.

They have no requirement to send out HD, just digitial.
Pict looks like crap on 28-1

Below is the details: also at broadcastingcable.com/article/CA6439370.html



WTGS(TV) Hardeeville, S.C.
PRICE: $17.5 million
BUYER: Parkin Broadcasting LLC (Todd Parkin, CEO)
SELLER: Bluenose Television Holdings LLC (Steve Brissette, president)
FACILITIES: Ch. 28, 5,000 kW, ant. 1,485 ft.
AFFILIATION: Fox
WJCL(TV) Savannah, Ga.
PRICE: $17.5 million
BUYER: New Vision Group Inc. (Jason Elkin, chairman/CEO)
SELLER: Piedmont Television (Paul Brissette, president/CEO)
FACILITIES: Ch. 22, 3,800 kW, ant. 1,431 ft.
AFFILIATION: ABC

Yesterday and last night during the heavy rainfall the signal on 28-1 was very low somtimes no signal while WSAV & WTOC signal was strong as always......

Below is the details: also at broadcastingcable.com/article/CA6439370.html



WTGS(TV) Hardeeville, S.C.
PRICE: $17.5 million
BUYER: Parkin Broadcasting LLC (Todd Parkin, CEO)
SELLER: Bluenose Television Holdings LLC (Steve Brissette, president)
FACILITIES: Ch. 28, 5,000 kW, ant. 1,485 ft.
AFFILIATION: Fox
WJCL(TV) Savannah, Ga.
PRICE: $17.5 million
BUYER: New Vision Group Inc. (Jason Elkin, chairman/CEO)
SELLER: Piedmont Television (Paul Brissette, president/CEO)
FACILITIES: Ch. 22, 3,800 kW, ant. 1,431 ft.
AFFILIATION: ABC
Both websites are down. I hope they work as quick at getting us our digital as they are about getting the webpage changed. btw, it sucked, too.

Both websites are down. I hope they work as quick at getting us our digital as they are about getting the webpage changed. btw, it sucked, too.

HAHAHA, nice. Everything about them sucked.

"How deep into '09 do we have to wait for these F'en yahoos at wjcl/wtgs to force them to go HD? is it a 1-1-09, or a 6-1-09 timeframe?"

I don't believe there is any requirement to broadcast HD just digitial SD by 2009.

That is correct.

The analog shut-off is February 17, 2009, BTW...

~Alan

Yesterday and last night during the heavy rainfall the signal on 28-1 was very low somtimes no signal while WSAV & WTOC signal was strong as always......
Same here in Vidalia. Even at high-power WTGS rarely makes it. WSAV and WTOC come in most of the time; especially at night.

I found all the tech info for the three Savannah DT stations. Even though WTGS and WSAV both broadcast a 1 megawatt ERP signal, they achieve the 1 MW two different ways. WTGS puts about half as much RF power into their antenna as WSAV. Both depend on their high-gain UHF transmitting antennas to boost their ERP (Effective Radiated Power), but WTGS is using a 3 dB higher gain (twice the gain) antenna as compared to WSAV. While ERP matters, what really matters the most is the raw RF into the antenna. WSAV has more, and as a result, has a more dependable coverage area. WTGS short-changed the antenna input RF to save on the electric power bill, and they have a smaller useable footprint when conditions get tough (like the recent and welcome rainy day and night).

Same here in Vidalia. Even at high-power WTGS rarely makes it. WSAV and WTOC come in most of the time; especially at night.

I found all the tech info for the three Savannah DT stations. Even though WTGS and WSAV both broadcast a 1 megawatt ERP signal, they achieve the 1 MW two different ways. WTGS puts about half as much RF power into their antenna as WSAV. Both depend on their high-gain UHF transmitting antennas to boost their ERP (Effective Radiated Power), but WTGS is using a 3 dB higher gain (twice the gain) antenna as compared to WSAV. While ERP matters, what really matters the most is the raw RF into the antenna. WSAV has more, and as a result, has a more dependable coverage area. WTGS short-changed the antenna input RF to save on the electric power bill, and they have a smaller useable footprint when conditions get tough (like the recent and welcome rainy day and night).

I blame the government mainly the fcc for not setting high standards for these stations. They should be required to deliver a high quality signal to the entire dma and be involved with the community and promote activities and events. Just like WSAV taking another shortcut and instead of covering the dma like they should they put a coastal link on their website linking to area newspapers in their coverage area. We the consumers should have a choice and be allowed to watch a channel from NY or LA or where ever we choose since we only have 1 station (WTOC) willing to go the extra mile. The national association of broascasters should lose any and all rights of trying to protect local stations and their advertising. :mad:

Both websites are down. I hope they work as quick at getting us our digital as they are about getting the webpage changed. btw, it sucked, too.
They're back up today. Sorry :o

...They should be required to deliver a high quality signal to the entire dma and be involved with the community and promote activities and events....We the consumers should have a choice and be allowed to watch a channel from NY or LA or where ever we choose since we only have 1 station (WTOC) willing to go the extra mile. The national association of broascasters should lose any and all rights of trying to protect local stations and their advertising. :mad:
I agree wholeheartedly with the part about being able to get Distant HD Networks. It really stinks they can provide lousy service and still have the protection of the NAB "racket" to keep their viewers from going elsewhere.

Here is the technical data for the three Savannah Digital stations as pulled from the FCC's web site.

WTOC:
RF input to antenna = 19.95 KW
UHF Channel = 15
Antenna Gain = 16.59 dB
Effective Radiated Power = 422 KW
Antenna Height = 420 meters
WSAV:
RF input to antena = 40.5 KW
UHF Channel = 39
Antenna Gain = 15.6 dB
Effective Radiated Power = 1000 KW
Antenna Height = 442 meters
WTGS:
RF input to antenna = 25.84 KW
UHF Channel = 27
Antenna Gain = 17.07 dB
Effective Radiated Power = 1000 KW
Antenna Height = 455 meters
The higher the UHF channel number, the higher the frequency and the greater the free space path loss. That's why WTOC can do the best of all coverage-wise (at least for my location that's true). At my distance of around 65 miles, WSAV and WTOC both give about the same signal levels. WTOC seems to hold onto its signal strength longer than WSAV when conditions start to deteriorate.

WJCL is off the air on Directv and OTA..........

WJCL is off the air on Directv and OTA..........
You mean that you now have an HD version of WJCL on Direct TV?

Anyone know why they are off the air on DirecTV; can't seem to find any info. Unbelievable they are off for Belmont Stakes, NBA finals and no announcements.

Anyone know why they are off the air on DirecTV; can't seem to find any info. Unbelievable they are off for Belmont Stakes, NBA finals and no announcements.
As of now, I'm somewhat glad Comcast has decided to digital simulcast WJCL on their digital boxes, but unfortunately it would appear as if they have the worst signal in Savannah. The picture is so dark and washed out. The other channel Comcast is simulcasting is WSAV, and that picture is superior to that of WJCL. WJCL's digital signal is sort of like adding a little air freshener to a dumpster. It would help if we had an HD signal from them.

You mean that you now have an HD version of WJCL on Direct TV?


Not yet, Still SD. Savannah more than likely has a way to go before that happens. If you want to see a crappy SD picture look at the CW channel on Directv WGSA CW13 channel 34 on Directv, it was fuzzy last night during the smallville re-run and is fuzzy quite often. WSAV has audio distortion on Directv every so often usually during local spots, however not always...

Anyone know why they are off the air on DirecTV; can't seem to find any info. Unbelievable they are off for Belmont Stakes, NBA finals and no announcements.


Most likely has something to do with their HD signal, WTGS was off the air a few days prior to increasing their digital analog signal.

Not yet, Still SD. Savannah more than likely has a way to go before that happens. If you want to see a crappy SD picture look at the CW channel on Directv WGSA CW13 channel 34 on Directv, it was fuzzy last night during the smallville re-run and is fuzzy quite often. WSAV has audio distortion on Directv every so often usually during local spots, however not always...
With Comcast, we also have CW Plus, which is like duplication of Savannah's old WB affiliate. It is like a syndicated network with only national programming. I always watch it during the night time line-up which is the same as CW13's (on Comcast channel 240) because it's digital picture quality is far superior to both Directv's digital format of CW13 and even more superior to that of Comcast's analog version of CW 13.(as I've said, right now, Comcast is only simulcasting two channels in digital unless you count CWPlus)

Appears they are on on cable but not DirecTV

Not on DishNet either, still off the air OTA. Maybe the new owners decided WJCL wasn't even worth fixing? :)

Not on DishNet either, still off the air OTA. Maybe the new owners decided WJCL wasn't even worth fixing? :)

WJCL D23 (virtual channel D22-1) is back up OTA as of right now (I'm getting it). It's still 704x480i garbage with all voices still only in the left channel, but it is back.

WJCL D23 (virtual channel D22-1) is back up OTA as of right now (I'm getting it). It's still 704x480i garbage with all voices still only in the left channel, but it is back.
has anyone ever tried to contact them about fixing the signal? As I've said, it is "really" weak, even for a broadcast digital network.

Might be worth it with the new owners. Maybe they'll give a crap, as the former ones didn't.

Wjcl Is Having Problems With The Analog Cable. They Had The Same Problem In Dec 05 For A Whole Week In Which I Missed Monday Night Football. They Didn't Replace The Cable They Just Fix The Part That Burned Out. Now I Am Missing The Nba Finals. Maybe They Will Go Hd By 2037 A.d. But I Am Not Holding My Breath.

Wjcl Is Having Problems With The Analog Cable. They Had The Same Problem In Dec 05 For A Whole Week In Which I Missed Monday Night Football. They Didn't Replace The Cable They Just Fix The Part That Burned Out. Now I Am Missing The Nba Finals. Maybe They Will Go Hd By 2037 A.d. But I Am Not Holding My Breath.
Are you receiving them through a cable provider? If so, which provider?

But I still wonder what ABC network wonders about losing all of the NBA finals in one of the top 100 markets in the US.

But I still wonder what ABC network wonders about losing all of the NBA finals in one of the top 100 markets in the US.

I'm confused, what is going on with WJCL? Is it something that prevented y'all from watching the finals. Or are y'all mad it wasn't in HD?

I'm confused, what is going on with WJCL? Is it something that prevented y'all from watching the finals. Or are y'all mad it wasn't in HD?
The issue is WJCL is currently unavailable to Dish and Direct subscribers.

The issue is WJCL is currently unavailable to Dish and Direct subscribers.
When did this happen? I remember it being available last year.

When did this happen? I remember it being available last year.
About a week ago. It will be back on when they (WJCL) fix the equipment problem(s).

The issue is WJCL is currently unavailable to Dish and Direct subscribers.
Nor over the air antenna people...neither Digital NOR Analog. Thus, there was NO ABC in the market...except maybe for Comcast who I think has a direct fiber link to WJCL, so they weren't affected.

..And it's back up, by the way.

Nor over the air antenna people...neither Digital NOR Analog. Thus, there was NO ABC in the market...except maybe for Comcast who I think has a direct fiber link to WJCL, so they weren't affected.

If Comcast has a direct fiber link to WJCL, how is it that they can't pull their 720p feed? If they have a direct fiber, it would have to be digital (wouldn't it?). As far as I know, Comcast only has their analog feed.

I guess they could be using some analog-to-digital media conversion if they pipe it in via fiber, but seems like a poor way of getting the feed (archaic), but obviously still effective since they're the only ones in town that had ABC for programming that WJCL (and ABC) would have pulled a lot of advertising revenues from.

Problem with this Savannah DMA is that unless its a NASCAR race that is off the air, I'm convinced that nbody cares or notices.

YES the Sav. DMA is bad, It has been 4 yrs now and ABC and FOX are still lost.
If you look at the first page 5/2003 NBC and CBS were on air, but no ABC or Fox, nothing has changed much.

If Comcast has a direct fiber link to WJCL, how is it that they can't pull their 720p feed? If they have a direct fiber, it would have to be digital (wouldn't it?). As far as I know, Comcast only has their analog feed.

I guess they could be using some analog-to-digital media conversion if they pipe it in via fiber, but seems like a poor way of getting the feed (archaic), but obviously still effective since they're the only ones in town that had ABC for programming that WJCL (and ABC) would have pulled a lot of advertising revenues from.

Problem with this Savannah DMA is that unless its a NASCAR race that is off the air, I'm convinced that nbody cares or notices.

Comcast has had a digital version of WJCL for about 3 weeks now. Comcast has had a digital version of WSAV for a little over a month now. I wonder why they won't get a digital version of WTOC.(that channel would probably have the best picture quality)
I don't know how long Comcast has actually had digital versions of WJCL and WSAV via QAM tuner, but the times given were when they mapped digital versions to my digital STBs. The means used to obtain the digital versions? Well, you have more of an idea than I do. All I can say is, WJCL's picture quality is inferior to WSAV's. It(WJCL) has less contrast and coloration than its analog counterpart.(rediculus)

The way I see it, all the Savannah stations have problems. WTOC has no 5.1 and can't put the storm warnings up without losing HD. WSAV audio levels are horrible. It would be nice if they could learn from the Charlestion ones.

The way I see it, all the Savannah stations have problems. WTOC has no 5.1 and can't put the storm warnings up without losing HD. WSAV audio levels are horrible. It would be nice if they could learm from the Charlestion ones.
They probably "could", but they just "won't". Either they are too poor(excuse me, "financially challenged") or don't care.

The way I see it, all the Savannah stations have problems. WTOC has no 5.1 and can't put the storm warnings up without losing HD. WSAV audio levels are horrible. It would be nice if they could learn from the Charlestion ones.

Their "storm warnings" can only be on screen if they're in "local mode." In order for them to do HD, they have to switch to the national feed. Obviously, if they were to do that, there would be no local weather warnings posted. Most of us could care less about the weather warnings, but I can't slight stations for feeling a 'responsibility' to the community to provide that information.

WTOC has likely, the worst audio switch of any CBS station broadcasting HD in the United States (AC3 2.0 192kbps).

WSAV audio levels are -20db from 'normal' sound levels, but this is not uncommon for AC3 signals (even though I'm pretty sure its 3 audio feeds off the national source that get multiplexed and encoded) ... anyway ... WSAV just doesn't normalize the audio. But, I think that's a tiny price to pay for the only "true" HD station in the Savannah DMA. True in this case is defined by an actual setup that can auto-switch and properly demultiplexes the national feed and provides it as the network intended. WTOC doesn't do that. WTGS (via Comcast) does it (but, Fox controls their routers, so they don't have to do anything; so WTGS still sucks big time), and WJCL is just worthless, so who cares anymore.

Their "storm warnings" can only be on screen if they're in "local mode." In order for them to do HD, they have to switch to the national feed. Obviously, if they were to do that, there would be no local weather warnings posted. Most of us could care less about the weather warnings, but I can't slight stations for feeling a 'responsibility' to the community to provide that information.

WTOC has likely, the worst audio switch of any CBS station broadcasting HD in the United States (AC3 2.0 192kbps).

WSAV audio levels are -20db from 'normal' sound levels, but this is not uncommon for AC3 signals (even though I'm pretty sure its 3 audio feeds off the national source that get multiplexed and encoded) ... anyway ... WSAV just doesn't normalize the audio. But, I think that's a tiny price to pay for the only "true" HD station in the Savannah DMA. True in this case is defined by an actual setup that can auto-switch and properly demultiplexes the national feed and provides it as the network intended. WTOC doesn't do that. WTGS (via Comcast) does it (but, Fox controls their routers, so they don't have to do anything; so WTGS still sucks big time), and WJCL is just worthless, so who cares anymore.



What exactly CW13's deal? Will they ever even offer a digital signal? Why does Savannah receive the signal from Baxley vs. having one from here?

WSAV and WSAV are owned by the same company. WCBD doesn't have the audio problems that WSAV has. They both are NBC.

What exactly CW13's deal? Will they ever even offer a digital signal? Why does Savannah receive the signal from Baxley vs. having one from here?

The station is registered there just like WTGS is registered in Hardeeville (as opposed to Savannah).

As for The CW ... that station should just go off the air anyway. That will be one less rf signal out there that is not needed :)

The station is registered there just like WTGS is registered in Hardeeville (as opposed to Savannah).

As for The CW ... that station should just go off the air anyway. That will be one less rf signal out there that is not needed :)
Agreed, especially the "Savannah" affiliate.

The station is registered there just like WTGS is registered in Hardeeville (as opposed to Savannah).

As for The CW ... that station should just go off the air anyway. That will be one less rf signal out there that is not needed :)

They were orginally in Bluffton tranmitting from a tower off hwy 278 along with their studio. FCC shows their tower in the Savannah area but still listed as Hardeeville.

FYI

Received this email from Mark G. Fehlig of GPB:

Thanks for watching GPB and our WVAN TV9 and soon to be WVAN DT13.

We always enjoy hearing from and meeting our viewers, particularly ones who are aware of DT channels, antenna locations, etc.

You are correct in our DT13 assignment - we changed that in a complex process with he FCC to enjoy the significant cost economies of VHF operation -vs- or original UHF assignment. We will be initially operating with good coverage but limited power on DT13 to operate thru a common CH 9 & 13
antenna since DT13 is a directional pattern. After the 2009 analog shut off we will re-channel to DT9 with a better, omnidirectional pattern and ERP.

Nothing has been done on our Pembroke tower yet...what you see on top is our original 1965 GE Helical TV9 antenna - still operating in fine shape.
This will be replaced with a combination of FM and TV/DTV antennae in conjunction with tower upgrades.

We are also moving our WSVH FM 91.1 from the WSAV tower to the upgraded Pembroke tower.

During the last week in March we installed a new TV9 Harris 30KW transmitter at WVAN and it's sister station WXGA in Waycross. The DT13 transmitter and combiner are also on site, awaiting the tower work which may well stretch into 2008. Your patience is appreciated. You can read more about our DTV plans:

http://www.gpb.org/public/about/press.jsp?prid=260

Your questions are invited!

Cheers

Mark G. Fehlig, P.E., CPBE, CBNT
Director of Engineering
Georgia Public Broadcasting

Is it just me or is ESPNHD on QAM 89-2 very screwed up for the past couple of weeks? Is it going to another channel number? What happened to MOJOHD on 90-3 or DiscoveryHDTheater on 91-10? If anybody knows anything about this that would be great.
Thanks.

For the most part I get 89-2 on QAM but I've noticed that if there is a Braves Game on I don't get the signal and the game is on another QAM channel (I forgot which one). As soon as the game is over I get the signal back on 89-2. I have been getting Mojo OK but lost Discovery. I live in Pooler.

I'm still getting discovery on 91-8 and mojo on 90-3. I did notice that one of the braves games on espn was blacked out but other than that I haven't noticed any problems with it lately.

Can someone explain what is going on with the Georgia Public Broadcasting station? I have Comcast(if you don't know) and right now the station is down with a message stating "Attention!" Acquiring satellite signal.

At the bottom it says, for technical support, please select "help" or visit tech.dishnetwork.com

What does dishnetwork have to do with GPB? Is that where they receive their signal? How pathetic.

I would ask Comcast about that. I can't figure why a cable operator would get their signal from a competitor....

I do know that the OTA signal from WVAN is strong and clear, and the dish 'loca'l channel has no problems. So I suspect Comcast has something to do with it.

My experience with Comcast a few years ago hasn't been stellar...customer service back then was an alien concept they didn't grasp...hope they improved.

B.

I would ask Comcast about that. I can't figure why a cable operator would get their signal from a competitor....

I do know that the OTA signal from WVAN is strong and clear, and the dish 'loca'l channel has no problems. So I suspect Comcast has something to do with it.

My experience with Comcast a few years ago hasn't been stellar...customer service back then was an alien concept they didn't grasp...hope they improved.

B.

No, they have not improved. When you call, you get the people from Augusta which are normally clueless of what is going on in Savannah. When you call, you best inquire about a problem with your service. Avoid questions retaining to the availability of a product or service b/c:They'll be clueless; or inaccurate; or inconsistent which leads to giving you the run-around. Yeah, yesterday I got the run-around when I tried to exchange my digital cable box for another model. They told me the model was available and when I got there, the people at the customer service desk said they had run out a long time ago. But guess what? Even the people at the desk were wrong. The model I want was never even introduced to Savannah.(though it was in every other market which shows how Comcast continues drag along with upgrades)

What model were you trying to get a hold of?

What model were you trying to get a hold of?


The people(I actually called 2 times to be sure) in Augusta kept telling me that DCT 700s(all-digital receiver) were available, but that wasn't true. Obviously, "all" of Savannah has the same "2" networks in digital simulcast. I know it is possible to have some full digital simulcast headends with some that aren't even close to finish, so I went to get one and they claim that they ran out. Well, I got lucky enough to get a "local" number in which the supervisor can get in touch with inventory. I asked for at least a DCT2500(when I exchanged my bad 2500, they gave me a DCT2000 which is horrible.), and also asked the supervisor to ask the people in inventory if Savannah "ever" even had DCT700s as the people at the front desk claim. Turns out, there never were any and they say that we will probably never see them. That is probably true b/c they can't get any new boxes with integrated security. So if Savannah was ever to finish simulcasting(Yeah right. And I wish someone had an estimate as to when they plan to at leastgo beyond the channels they currently have in simulcast. It has been well over a month after those were done. It is time to move on) they'd have to get the cable-card all-digital model which is a DCH-100.

At least I did end up getting my DCT 2500. Brand new at that.(like that makes a difference)

Which is better, Directv or Dish Network?

I think it's a subject that needs some narrative:

Both share the same programming and Dish announced more HD is on the way presumably to counter DirecTV's HD offering.

Customer service is the one area where DirecTV seems to have the edge. In both, front line or first contact personnel make or break the service experience. Another layer to watch is the actual installation/service call. Still another, is when something goes wrong, the public knows it's wrong, but the company stubbornly refuses to acknowledge it. Let me explain my personal experience with Dish:

When I started to have problems with my installation (picture dropping - no satellite found) it took 4-5 service calls where virtually everything was replaced. The local Dish service provider finally sent someone who knows the art of troubleshooting and found a sub-standard connector put in by a contract installer. Since then, the only problem I had was with the Vip211 HD receiver where the HDMI port quit working. The Dish solution was use component cables and refused to admit it was a design fault in the receiver. Everybody on the web knows it but Dish asserted it was a 'software issue' and they would download the fix. Lies and baloney. It's still dead.

So I'm going to wait until my contract is up in December. Then I'll see what each has to offer and probably go with DirecTV. It's the only way I can express my frustration although I'm open to whatever deal will entice me to stay. At the end of the day, that's all we're really looking for...

B.

More Info on both..

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dish_network

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Directv

B.

Which is better, Directv or Dish Network?
Eddie I have had both, I now have 2 dish 622 s HD DVR. My daughter has D HD
We both like the features on E rec. better than D rec. both are hd DVRs
One good thing with the 622 you can record 2 SD or HD ch from sat and 1 hd from ant at same time.
Give me a call if you need more info.
Jim As for service, I put up my dishs up, never needed a service call.

I befriended a local owner/installer and send him alot of business.. No service calls here either. :)

I have had both. I dropped Direct when they seemed to always switch channel numbers with programs they already had. Also, nothing was in order; all music together, all cartoons together, ect. I dont know if they still do that, but it was a pain at the time.

I've been with dish for a while, and to get good customer service, I always use the call back feature. That would be to keep calling back until you get, 1) somebody who speaks English, and 2) knows what the hell they are talking about. :D

Shooting sky where I live is a problem with directv at 216 deg with trees. Dish is 152 deg and there is a opening. Dish will install mine Monday evening, so I will see. I had directv for years before HD and never had a problem. I got a package with Embarq which included satelite, phone and internet for $129 a month with $20 off that price for 10 months. I got the dvr and 200 channels. I like the DVR box which handles two sets, one HD and one SD.

Is it best to connect the OTA antenna the satelite box or leave it connected to the tv?

Both, or the 622 so you can record off air

I befriended a local owner/installer and send him alot of business.. No service calls here either. :)

I have had both. I dropped Direct when they seemed to always switch channel numbers with programs they already had. Also, nothing was in order; all music together, all cartoons together, ect. I dont know if they still do that, but it was a pain at the time.

I've been with dish for a while, and to get good customer service, I always use the call back feature. That would be to keep calling back until you get, 1) somebody who speaks English, and 2) knows what the hell they are talking about. :D


Heh, that is SO true. I used to own a Dish dealership...the whole time they were pledging to stand behind all of their small independently owned dealerships...while behind our backs, they were negotiating with Radio Shack and Wal-Mart to sell their product ( and compete against me ). At that point I dropped my dealership and walked away.

If they do THAT to their dealer, imagine what they do to their customers!

Their Customer service used to be great a few years ago...it was a selling point actually. Since then, I've done installs and service calls for both providers...and BOTH customer services have gone downhill as they seem to try to get the cheapest outsourcing they can. Not that I can say anything better about cable...at least with satellite, you can eventually get the right answer or service, you just need to be patient and use the above mentioned procedure :)

I mean, really, if you really think Dish or Direct's customer service is that bad, try calling Comcast sometime...or if you want a REAL laugh, call Northland cable's customer service.

Shooting sky where I live is a problem with directv at 216 deg with trees. Dish is 152 deg and there is a opening. Dish will install mine Monday evening, so I will see. I had directv for years before HD and never had a problem. I got a package with Embarq which included satelite, phone and internet for $129 a month with $20 off that price for 10 months. I got the dvr and 200 channels. I like the DVR box which handles two sets, one HD and one SD.

Is it best to connect the OTA antenna the satelite box or leave it connected to the tv?

Who in the world gave you those numbers?

I'm not that far away from you, have even installed in your area...and in our part of the country, in general, the Dish 119 and 110 satellites are right around 230 and 240 degrees (Making the Dish500 point at 233 degrees by 38 up). What the hell are you point at 152 degrees?

Making your 101 sat for DirecTV somewhere around 220 degrees, but if you have the oval, you'd also need clearance to get 110 and 119 DirecTV sats ( at the same angles I posted above ).

Who in the world gave you those numbers?

I'm not that far away from you, have even installed in your area...and in our part of the country, in general, the Dish 119 and 110 satellites are right around 230 and 240 degrees (Making the Dish500 point at 233 degrees by 38 up). What the hell are you point at 152 degrees?

Making your 101 sat for DirecTV somewhere around 220 degrees, but if you have the oval, you'd also need clearance to get 110 and 119 DirecTV sats ( at the same angles I posted above ).
You need a dish at 61.5 for the HD stuff. DO not let them put up a dish for 129, it is to low and weak 61.5 is better

Dish Network gave me the 152 deg.

Who in the world gave you those numbers?

I'm not that far away from you, have even installed in your area...and in our part of the country, in general, the Dish 119 and 110 satellites are right around 230 and 240 degrees (Making the Dish500 point at 233 degrees by 38 up). What the hell are you point at 152 degrees?

Making your 101 sat for DirecTV somewhere around 220 degrees, but if you have the oval, you'd also need clearance to get 110 and 119 DirecTV sats ( at the same angles I posted above ).

First of all watch your language. I called Dish Network and was giving 152 deg. System is not installed yet. I will see tomorrow when they come. I do thank all of you for your help.

Ojim what elevating is 61.5. Trees might be a porblem.

47 deg

Is it best to connect the OTA antenna the satelite box or leave it connected to the tv?

If you leave your OTA antenna attached to the sat receiver, and the receiver has any problems, you will not get your OTA channels.

I have two antennas in the attic, one long-range connected to the TV (getting Augusta and Savannah stations) and the other connected to the sat receiver (getting Savannah stations).

B.

If you leave your OTA antenna attached to the sat receiver, and the receiver has any problems, you will not get your OTA channels.

I have two antennas in the attic, one long-range connected to the TV (getting Augusta and Savannah stations) and the other connected to the sat receiver (getting Savannah stations).

B.
Is there a problem spliting the signal to the TV and Sat receiver?

Once the system is installed I know I will have some questions. The 622 is a two set unit with HD and SD. The sd with be my bedroom but can I slave a tv off that same output. Of course I know they will be on the same channel and thats no problem.

Eddie with the 622 you can record 3 programs at same time (1 from ant) and watch 2 different programs on 2 TVs all at the same time

Is there a problem spliting the signal to the TV and Sat receiver?

I avoided all that by having completely separate antennas, coax and connection terminators (TV and sat receiver).

B.

Oljim,

I was just over to some friends and Yes on Sunday directv was there upgrading their system. The installer use to work for dish network. He said the 61.5 satelite is set at 152 degrees. Do you agree?

Eddie

Yep AZ is 152-153 and EL is 47 deg for 61.5

Satelite is out of the question. To many large oak trees.

Hey Jim or anybody that knows. I had a friend call me this morning. He wants to add another dual tuner to two he already has. My question is about cascading switches. Can this be done to accommodate his setup? I would imagine he has a dp 34 now for a switch???

Bryan
Sorry I took so long, just got back from FL
Yes he can hook 2 DP34 as you said or he could use a DPP44 (on sale at Dishdepot for $120) and use single line to 4 duel tuner rec. with a separator at each rec.

Do any of y'all know what channels are available in standard digital(as opposed to HD) via Comcast in Savannah? I'm thinking about getting a television with the QAM tuner and may consider a cablecard if or something if I can get more digital channels than I do via their set-top box. In particular, are any of their expanded basic channels available in digital via the QAM tuner. It doesn't matter whether they are encryted or in the clear.

Bryan
Sorry I took so long, just got back from FL
Yes he can hook 2 DP34 as you said or he could use a DPP44 (on sale at Dishdepot for $120) and use single line to 4 duel tuner rec. with a separator at each rec.
Thanks Jim. I thought that was correct, but wanted to make sure.

First of all watch your language. I called Dish Network and was giving 152 deg. System is not installed yet. I will see tomorrow when they come. I do thank all of you for your help.


Are you serious? Hell bothers you?

...kinda makes me wonder what you think people mean when they abbreviate 'wtf' :)

Either way, I apologize if I came off the wrong way to you.

But, most likely, it was Dishnet who typo'd your zipcode or something...if I read right you couldn't get dish because of oak trees? Most anything can be done for a price. If you had no other options, you could split the signal into 2 18" dishes in different parts of the house/yard/property to get a direct line on each individual orbital location ( 3 if you need 61.5 or 129 ).

I do think that since all of these satellite installers get paid by the job and schedule as many jobs in a day as they can, they won't take the time to do something that isn't just a quick and easy install. It's a real shame too. For some of us, stuff like that is the only option we have, and cutting down huge oak trees isn't an option for some of us.

Someone should start a company out there to specialize in 'difficult' or 'time-consuming' installs for an upsell charge or something. There are thousands of people out there who either can't get the service they want or think they are completely stuck with cable ( or another service ) that they are dissatisfied with.

Oljim,

I was just over to some friends and Yes on Sunday directv was there upgrading their system. The installer use to work for dish network. He said the 61.5 satelite is set at 152 degrees. Do you agree?

Eddie


Ahhh..that's where the 152 measurement came from. They mirror 61.5 on 129...and everyone says 129 is lower signal than 61.5, but the fact is, at least from my experience, they both have lower signal. HD transponders are nearly impossible to get with a single 18" dish pointed at either one of these, whereas a 20" dish pointed at one ( dish 500 ) is pretty decent. I've used both, and peaked out at about the exact same signal values with both. The only problem I've found in our area with 129 is it's low degree of elevation, meaning it's harder to get over trees to get it.

The new dish1000 dish can get all 3 sats on one dish. If you have a view for 119 and 110, look just to the right or 119 and down about 5 degrees, if it's still clear, you can get all 3 of these on one dish ( instead of pointing at 61.5 at 152 degrees, where your oak trees are ).

I don't have an exact measurement on 129 handy, but I'm pretty sure it's around 248-250 azimuth and about 28-30 elevation.

Ahhh..that's where the 152 measurement came from. They mirror 61.5 on 129...and everyone says 129 is lower signal than 61.5, but the fact is, at least from my experience, they both have lower signal. HD transponders are nearly impossible to get with a single 18" dish pointed at either one of these, whereas a 20" dish pointed at one ( dish 500 ) is pretty decent. I've used both, and peaked out at about the exact same signal values with both. The only problem I've found in our area with 129 is it's low degree of elevation, meaning it's harder to get over trees to get it.

The new dish1000 dish can get all 3 sats on one dish. If you have a view for 119 and 110, look just to the right or 119 and down about 5 degrees, if it's still clear, you can get all 3 of these on one dish ( instead of pointing at 61.5 at 152 degrees, where your oak trees are ).

I don't have an exact measurement on 129 handy, but I'm pretty sure it's around 248-250 azimuth and about 28-30 elevation.

The installer had two instruments he used to shoot the satelite with. He spend sometime here trying different locations in the yard. He was to installed two dishes which I understood the 61.5 was for Hd.

Can you tell me Directv azimuth and elevation? I called them and was told it was in the southeast sky>

Things seem to be a bit slow right now so I wonder if I could ask someone to give me a quick tutorial on a device that can kind of increase the capacity of my Direct TV satellite system. I am adding two bedrooms to my house and I already have the four outputs of the system accounted for. I could use two more without having to put in another system. Would this do it for me? Any disadvantages? Any recommended web sites for more information? Thanks!

Things seem to be a bit slow right now so I wonder if I could ask someone to give me a quick tutorial on a device that can kind of increase the capacity of my Direct TV satellite system. I am adding two bedrooms to my house and I already have the four outputs of the system accounted for. I could use two more without having to put in another system. Would this do it for me? Any disadvantages? Any recommended web sites for more information? Thanks!
What do you have now, sd or HD 1 LNB dish or 3 LNB dish are you adding single tuner or 2 tuner????

Oljim:

Right now I have a 3 LNB Dish a SD TIVO which takes two inputs a SD Receiver and a HD receiver. I'd like to be able to add at least two more receivers, probably HD.

Can anyone living in the statesboro area tell me if northland cable offers any QAM channels? Just curious as I will be moving there in Sept.

Can anyone living in the statesboro area tell me if northland cable offers any QAM channels? Just curious as I will be moving there in Sept.I have no idea what a QAM channel is, but with the cable system in Statesboro, I very seriously doubt it.

ED
Go to www.dishdepot.com /multi swithces, you need one like the Zinwell 4X8 for $49
Call Mark for the best info
Jim

Can anyone living in the statesboro area tell me if northland cable offers any QAM channels? Just curious as I will be moving there in Sept.

If Northland offers any HD channels on their digital tier (local ones like ABC/CBS/NBC/FOX) then you can be assured that those are available via QAM. It is federal law in that those channel can't be encrypted. I don't have the service, so I can't confirm what they do/do not have, but my statement does hold true if such channels exist via that cable company.

If Northland offers any HD channels on their digital tier (local ones like ABC/CBS/NBC/FOX) then you can be assured that those are available via QAM. It is federal law in that those channel can't be encrypted. I don't have the service, so I can't confirm what they do/do not have, but my statement does hold true if such channels exist via that cable company.


I wasn't sure if that's the way it was everywhere or not. Thanks.

I wasn't sure if that's the way it was everywhere or not. Thanks.
A friend of mine has HD through Northland. If you can give me an idea as to what to ask him, I will.

Hey bryan92:

I have followed the forum for about a year now, and really enjoy the info. Question: I also live in Statesboro and would like to know what type of Antenna you are using to aquire Augusta's signal? Any info would be greatly appreciated. I am a dish HD subscriber and use an off air antenna. I get WTOC and WSAV and Augusta ABC (at night) but I have been unsuccessful at getting FOX out of Augusta.

Oljim:

Thanks!

That was just the type of information I was looking for.

Ed

Hey bryan92:

I have followed the forum for about a year now, and really enjoy the info. Question: I also live in Statesboro and would like to know what type of Antenna you are using to aquire Augusta's signal? Any info would be greatly appreciated. I am a dish HD subscriber and use an off air antenna. I get WTOC and WSAV and Augusta ABC (at night) but I have been unsuccessful at getting FOX out of Augusta.I use a CM 4228. If you dont live towards Augusta, then you probably wont pick up Fox in Augusta. I still get it, but its very weak. I live near 301 North and Old River Road, so I'm "fairly" close to Augusta. My antenna is about 40 feet off the ground and I am on a hill, so I would imagine that helps some too. What area do you live?

I use a CM 4228. If you dont live towards Augusta, then you probably wont pick up Fox in Augusta. I still get it, but its very weak. I live near 301 North and Old River Road, so I'm "fairly" close to Augusta. My antenna is about 40 feet off the ground and I am on a hill, so I would imagine that helps some too. What area do you live?

I will give you two locations. (My brother and I have the same exact setup with different locations.) My brother has a wineguard on top of a two story house right on Northside Drive in Statesboro. I live out at Southern Links Golf club and have a wineguard in my attic. I know that is not the ideal setup, but it keeps my wife happy. I get WTOC at 85 to 90 WSAV between 90 and 100 and WTGS around 75 to 80. I do not get any augusta stations from my location but my brother get's the Augusta ABC routinely at night.

Thanks for the model Number I will definitely check it out. I hope against hope that our networks like fox and abc will go true HD, but it does not appear that will happen anytime soon.

I will give you two locations. (My brother and I have the same exact setup with different locations.) My brother has a wineguard on top of a two story house right on Northside Drive in Statesboro. I live out at Southern Links Golf club and have a wineguard in my attic. I know that is not the ideal setup, but it keeps my wife happy. I get WTOC at 85 to 90 WSAV between 90 and 100 and WTGS around 75 to 80. I do not get any augusta stations from my location but my brother get's the Augusta ABC routinely at night.

Thanks for the model Number I will definitely check it out. I hope against hope that our networks like fox and abc will go true HD, but it does not appear that will happen anytime soon.Yea, even in my attic, I doubt I would pick it up.

Oljim

Can you tell me Directv azimuth and elevation for HD and locals?

Eddie
Check your Pvt messages

I will be moving to Bluffton. What is the best current HDTV option available, OTA, Davidson Cable, Directv or Dish?

Prior posts in this forum give me the impression that the HDTV situation in the Low Country is poor. Has this changed or are changes on the horizon?

Not much change in 4 yrs form stations in Sav.CBS and NBC have had HD signal, FOX has very poor SD DTV signal ABC is lost in space.
You are going to need a OTA to get any HD from network from Sav, can not see anything from Sav. on sat till all 4 stations are set up for HD.
Davidson cable ?????? You can get PBS HD from Beaufort

Hey, has FOX and ABC gone digital yet? Just checking, I need to know when to turn my antenna back around.:rolleyes:

Hey, has FOX and ABC gone digital yet? Just checking, I need to know when to turn my antenna back around.:rolleyes:

Don't hold your breath! Check back in 10 - 20 years:cool:

Don't hold your breath! Check back in 10 - 20 years:cool:
:D

:D

They WJCL/WTGS seem to be going downhill, have you checked their web site lately? They have a merged you tube type of web site serving as a site for both stations:eek: On a brighter note Directv is getting ready to roll out new HD channels supposedly starting tomorrow throughout the month of September.

www.dbstalk.com for other Directv and dishnetwork news and opinions.........

Does anyone here live on Hilton Head and get any HD channels from Savannah, Charleston or wherever? If so, please tell what antenna you used and how it is set up.

I've got DirecTV now but the lack of HD on the locals is intolerable - but not to the point where I'll endure the pain of Time Warner.

Thanks for any info!

d

They WJCL/WTGS seem to be going downhill, have you checked their web site lately? They have a merged you tube type of web site serving as a site for both stations:eek: On a brighter note Directv is getting ready to roll out new HD channels supposedly starting tomorrow throughout the month of September.

www.dbstalk.com for other Directv and dishnetwork news and opinions.........
My god, its a blog. My old bookmark for FOX wont even get me there anymore.

Does anyone here live on Hilton Head and get any HD channels from Savannah, Charleston or wherever? If so, please tell what antenna you used and how it is set up.

I've got DirecTV now but the lack of HD on the locals is intolerable - but not to the point where I'll endure the pain of Time Warner.

Thanks for any info!

d

You should get NBC and CBS from Sav with no problem, Charleston has all the stations working full power and HD
For Charleston you are going to need a rotor and amp, all are UHF so you need a CM 4228, CM 7777 amp and CM9521 rotor
You may also get a few stations from Jax. FL.

You should get NBC and CBS from Sav with no problem, Charleston has all the stations working full power and HD
For Charleston you are going to need a rotor and amp, all are UHF so you need a CM 4228, CM 7777 amp and CM9521 rotor
You may also get a few stations from Jax. FL.

Thanks! Now to try and see how I can get something to work.... Trees, trees, trees!

d

I have 1000 50 -80 ft oak trees

I have 1000 50 -80 ft oak trees

Ok, I'll bite: How do you get a signal then? Got a link to a description of your setup? Better yet: Pic's?

d

The trees do not seem to block much signal, all my trees are oak.

Letter sent to WJCL today.


September 9, 2007

Attention: Chief Engineer
WJCL TV
10001 Abercorn Street
Savannah, GA 31406

Dear Chief Engineer:

Over the years, I have been very frustrated with the poor quality analog TV signals on both WJCL and WTGS. Regardless of whether I receive your broadcasts via OTA, cable or DirecTV, the picture is always faded and lacks detail in comparison to analog signals from WSAV and WTOC (and any other analog channel of interest). In addition, my past requests for waivers so that I can receive high quality analog reception from Fox and ABC in NYC on DirecTV have always been denied. Thus, I am being held “prisoner” by your organization with no apparent relief in site.

With the advent of DTV and HDTV, unsurprisingly, your organization is completely behind the curve on this method of broadcasting as well, in spite of the fact that the FCC deadline is looming on the horizon. WJCL and WTGS have had an excessive amount of criticism on avsforum.com in this regard, so I am not a lone voice in the wilderness. If you have begun broadcasting via DTV, it must be in some minimal capacity since I cannot receive your signals in Hilton Head in spite of my state of-the-art digital antenna. By comparison, WSAV and WTOC DTV signals have been received virtually 100% of the time for at least two years. We are a part of your market, so you will be required by law to provide this service in the immediate future or provide waivers.

I recognize that as Chief Engineer you are in a difficult position since senior management approves any plans and funding requests that you submit, so please pass on my comments to those individuals responsible. I see that your organization has recently been acquired by New Vision Television, so perhaps they have provided the commitment and funding to bring your stations into the 21st century? They pride themselves in “being an innovator in the television industry”, but the first priority should be on basics…true broadcast quality analog/DTV signals that reach your entire market area.

Please advise you plans and timetable for the needed improvements.

Great letter so lets see what happens.

Great letter so lets see what happens.
Thanks! As luck would have it, I just conducted a scan to check for new DTV signals and I am now receiving WTGS on channel 28.1. However, the picture is virtually identical to the crappy analog signal on channel 28 and there is nothing in HD that I have seen so far (probably because they can't yet do it).

If you're like many of us on here who have emailed these stations, prepare to find yourself with an empty inbox. ;)

I really don't expect a response, but I did actually send the letter via snailmail...people do tend to pay a little more attention to hard copies. Besides, I find that letting off a little steam very cathartic.

I really don't expect a response, but I did actually send the letter via snailmail...people do tend to pay a little more attention to hard copies. Besides, I find that letting off a little steam very cathartic.No doubt. I really do hope your able to get a response and share it with us.

Thanks! As luck would have it, I just conducted a scan to check for new DTV signals and I am now receiving WTGS on channel 28.1. However, the picture is virtually identical to the crappy analog signal on channel 28 and there is nothing in HD that I have seen so far (probably because they can't yet do it).

I wonder how/what they do on 28.1 to get a crappy picture, every other station has a much better picture, even non HD from all othe stations make 28.1 look like it is from a old VCR in 6 hr mode.

I assume they are simply converting the analog signal output from their "front end" studio equipment to digital for transmission on 28.1. Just because a signal is digitized will not make it better (crap in, crap out).

Hi guys. Long time no talk too. Funny to see the same people posting in this thread two years later.

Got a question. I just moved from HHI to Bluffton. I have no tree cover anymore! WooHoo! So I was thinking about buying another antenna and trying to pick up some DTV OTA channels again. My question is what was that site that you could put your address in and it would show where the OTA signal towers were. I lost it over the years, Thanks.

Welcome back...the site is http://antennaweb.org/aw/welcome.aspx

antennaweb.org, that was it. Thanks a bunch!

antennaweb is way out of date, the still show WSAV 3-1 from station location not from tower out by 204/95
I would point ant by best signal not antennaweb. info,

Well I'm about 30 miles away from WTOC-DT now. I don't have any trees or anything around me now. Do you think I would still need a CM4228 to pick it up or could I use something not as strong? Also maybe get a CM4228 and put it in the attic, think I could get a signal that way?

Ok, I'll bite: How do you get a signal then? Got a link to a description of your setup? Better yet: Pic's?With digital OTA signals its all or nothing.

For UHF channels (most Digital channel assigments are UHF) trees WILL usually affect stable reception. The amount of leaves (density), and wind can enable the reflected (ghost) signal strength to vary enough to confuse your ATSC receivers multi path equalizer. In most cases trees in the line of site, or near proximity of the path are extremely significant ingredients.

I no longer have Voom or DirecTV. But could I use one of those boxes to receive the OTA channels or do I still have to have their service?

I no longer have Voom or DirecTV. But could I use one of those boxes to receive the OTA channels or do I still have to have their service?

The voom box should still work

Well I'm about 30 miles away from WTOC-DT now. I don't have any trees or anything around me now. Do you think I would still need a CM4228 to pick it up or could I use something not as strong? Also maybe get a CM4228 and put it in the attic, think I could get a signal that way?

You never know how any ant will work in the attic, I would not go anything less than the 4228.
The 4228 does not cost much and bigger is always gooder, better to have more than come up short

WTGS is at it again. What morons are running that place now? The program guide says Falcons at Jaguars today. But it's showing the Tampa Bay game instead.

Making Savannah, which is 2 hours from Jacksonville and 4 hours from Atlanta, unable to get a game between their 2 closest NFL teams.

Luckily I can get Fox Augusta :) But I'm sure there are a LOT of other upset fans about this.

WTGS is at it again. What morons are running that place now? The program guide says Falcons at Jaguars today. But it's showing the Tampa Bay game instead.

Making Savannah, which is 2 hours from Jacksonville and 4 hours from Atlanta, unable to get a game between their 2 closest NFL teams.

Luckily I can get Fox Augusta :) But I'm sure there are a LOT of other upset fans about this.

Man, I'm so ticked off right now. I actually managed to be off from work and all I wanted to do today was catch the Falcons game. These idiots managed to screw it up. Just when you think the stupidity level can't get any higher they go and raise the bar again.

The game is not on TV in Jacksonville either...They must not have sold out the stadium and we are suffering from NFL Blackout rules.

I dunno about the NFL blackout rules...it's on in Atlanta :) But I dunno why the guide info says it's the falcons game...or why the affiliate wouldn't put up any banner or anything to let people know why it was changed.

Just found this "request for Construction Permit extension" on the FCC web site.

http://fjallfoss.fcc.gov/prod/cdbs/forms/prod/getattachment_exh.cgi?exhibit_id=526211

It's from GPB (Georgia Public Broadcasting) and says they can't complete their digital buildout until June 2008. The document does not specifically mention WVAN, but I suspect it is caught in the same situation as the GPTV stations mentioned. This document is targeted toward the stations whose CPs expire November of this year.

I talked to a fellow today that said things are looking up around WTGS and WJCL. The new owners have let some go, hired some more and are looking to invest in Savannah. I specifically about HD and he said yes, that is a priority. Just telling what I heard....

Does anybody know where Discovery HD Theatre and MojoHD went on QAM? They were 90-3, and 91-10, now they're gone.

Comcast just added 3 new HD stations. NFL HD 406, TBS HD 421, and CNN HD 423

Does anybody know where Discovery HD Theatre and MojoHD went on QAM? They were 90-3, and 91-10, now they're gone.

48-10 is Discovery, but I can't find Mojo:(

I'm gonna miss '3 Sheets':(

I think I found it on 95-3 or 95-5

I no longer have Voom or DirecTV. But could I use one of those boxes to receive the OTA channels or do I still have to have their service?

The DirecTV box will work fine... though you won't have any program information...

~Alan

I think I found it on 95-3 or 95-5
15-3
:)

>>>Comcast just added 3 new HD stations. NFL HD 406, TBS HD 421, and CNN HD 423>>>

How did you get these? My QAM tuner only goes up to about channel 125. I tried to enter the station numbers manually but 423 ends up being 42-3. I tried to re-scan but the same thing happened.

has anybody found TBSHD or NFLHD on QAM?

I talked to a fellow today that said things are looking up around WTGS and WJCL. The new owners have let some go, hired some more and are looking to invest in Savannah. I specifically about HD and he said yes, that is a priority. Just telling what I heard....


It can't come soon enough, WJCL has been almost unwatchable lately.

i know it may not be the appropriate place to mention, but Directv now has some MPEG4 HD channels now. TBS, SCIFI, History channel, USA, Discovery, science, etc. I have an issue with one of my LNB's and cant pick up half of them right now, but TBSHD looks good just in time for the MLB playoffs. just an FYI.

i know it may not be the appropriate place to mention, but Directv now has some MPEG4 HD channels now. TBS, SCIFI, History channel, USA, Discovery, science, etc. I have an issue with one of my LNB's and cant pick up half of them right now, but TBSHD looks good just in time for the MLB playoffs. just an FYI.
Speaking of DirectV, I just had a new HD20 receiverDVR installed and the crappy piece of equipment can't pickup OTA WTGS 28.1 (also crappy). They swaped out receivers and it didn't help. My old Sony HD300 picks it up just fine. I wish DirecTV had not gotten into the equipement business. Some of us would be willing to pay a little extra to have an outstanding receiver rather than being forced into the "one size fits all" approach.

For some stupid reason DirecTV did not include "off-air channel scan" in the HR20 HD DVR. They included this feature in their H20 HD receiver (non-DVR). The HR20 will only tune to channels that are in the on-screen guide. WTGS is not there in Digital form, but WSAV and WTOC are. I've seen on some other forums that off-air channel scan is coming to the HR20.

I agree with you that DirecTV made some bone-head design decisions with the HR20.

You are not missing anything, 28-1 looks like something from an old VCR in EP.
See if you can get 24-1 from Charleston, they have HD (dtv -40)

You are not missing anything, 28-1 looks like something from an old VCR in EP.
See if you can get 24-1 from Charleston, they have HD (dtv -40)

My antenna is fixed and pointed towards Savannah. I am trying to get a waiver to receive ABC and Fox HD from New York. I once had these channels when I had an RV, but more difficult, but not impossible to get a waiver for the house. We'll see....

I do not think the waiver has anything to do with HD only SD

I do not think the waiver has anything to do with HD only SD

Actually, if they give you a waiver for SD, you can automatically get HD if you make the request. I am not going that route, because getting the local stations to sign off on a waiver is virtually impossible. I've been down that path before.

But, according to two different techs in tech support at DirecTV, a waiver for HD only may be possible without the approval of the local stations if they are not broadcasting in HD. In fact, one tech that had success with this before actually filled out the request for me. In my way of thinking it sounds to good to be true, but I'll have an answer in a few weeks one way or the other....

Does anyone know the new QAM channel for Toon Disney on Comcast? I found Discovery DH, Mojo and the new NFL channels, but TD seems to be gone.