Well, I got a less "form letter" response from Paul Cronin at Cox when I inquired about the Super Bowl/HD/LIN. etc.

We’ve been working this one pretty much full time in order to bring closer to the deal. We’ve getting closer than we’ve ever been and have put some of the major negotiation points behind us. I have asked that we figure out how to close the gap in time for the game – I’m cautiously optimistic but no promises. We just completed a multi year deal with ABC this week that we’ll announce in the next couple of days. I share that only as evidence that we are more than willing to negotiate and reach agreement with broadcasters on fair and reasonable deals.

My point for continuing to bring it up to help to force the issue. The more we call and complain, the more we write, the more we contact the FCC the more they know we are serious and it is an issue. Think about it, if no one complained do you think that Cox would ever pay up, or that LIN would ever lower their price, or that the FCC would ever get involved?

This has been going on for YEARS now. People have been writing for years. People have been issuing campaigns and calling and emailing and nothing has been accomplished. Only when Cox has viable competition from Verizon or when Directv rolls out their big HD launch later this year will they actually care -- because at that point they'll know people have somewhere else to choose from.

The FCC doesn't need to get involved when the feed in question is available, over the air and free of charge. There are easy ways of obtaining it other than relying on Cox to do everything for you...and if you don't like Cox's service, I'm not sure how it's the FCC's job to improve what they offer. Don't pay for it!

Furthermore, it is a pain to have to switch inputs on my tv just to watch 2 channels, and I even have a nice Harmony (now logictech) remote. Imagine the folks who don't.

Also, I am maxed out on my digital audio inputs on my receiver because of my Cable, DVD, and Xbox 360.

$250 bucks and still no OTA HD and I as you might be able to tell I am pretty good with tech stuff so it is not me.

So hopefully you can see that for many people there is much more than just "throwing up the rabbit ears."

This is ridiculous. So you need a Logitech Harmony remote to watch an HD signal from an OTA antenna?? :p

Sounds to me like you just don't want to do a little more work to extend your system. You can buy a component switch box all over the place for $30 or less to take care of the input issue. On the audio side Monoprice sells a digital optical switch box for $15 or less to take care of your receiver's audio inputs. It REALLY isn't rocket science to figure this out...in fact it makes me wonder how much you really care about watching the game in HD to begin with.

Doesn't anyone know how to "virtually" move?.....:)

http://wvjw.info/dbs-beam/dtv4s.gif

Just picked up a Motorola HD DVR, I am experiencing many audio dropouts on ABC that I hadn't been getting before with my Series3 tivo and cable card. I see there are some posts in the past about problems with this channel in the past. Is this something that still hasn't been resolved and is it particular to the Motorola DVR hardware?

Just got my brother in laws HDTV setup with an antenna and booster, one issue I was hoping someone can confirm a part is the is only one coax input on the TV, so right now I have to unplug the OTA to connect the basic cable feed. Eventually he will get a STB with HDMI outs, but for right not do they still make some sort of slide switch which will allow both feeds to be hooked up and swapped easily. I am not sure if a Diplexer would work here as I do not have experience with satelite hardware.

Links and info are appreciated.

This has been going on for YEARS now. People have been writing for years. People have been issuing campaigns and calling and emailing and nothing has been accomplished. Only when Cox has viable competition from Verizon or when Directv rolls out their big HD launch later this year will they actually care -- because at that point they'll know people have somewhere else to choose from.

The FCC doesn't need to get involved when the feed in question is available, over the air and free of charge. There are easy ways of obtaining it other than relying on Cox to do everything for you...and if you don't like Cox's service, I'm not sure how it's the FCC's job to improve what they offer. Don't pay for it!



This is ridiculous. So you need a Logitech Harmony remote to watch an HD signal from an OTA antenna?? :p

Sounds to me like you just don't want to do a little more work to extend your system. You can buy a component switch box all over the place for $30 or less to take care of the input issue. On the audio side Monoprice sells a digital optical switch box for $15 or less to take care of your receiver's audio inputs. It REALLY isn't rocket science to figure this out...in fact it makes me wonder how much you really care about watching the game in HD to begin with.

Wow DM2006RI, what's with the hate?

Ok, You can hold to your belief that complaining does no good if you want. I believe otherwise. I say we keep the pressure on. Like I said if no one complained at all they would think no one cared and was noticing and there would no chance they would fork out any extra dough. People may have been witting/complaining for years but not with this volume. And why would CBS be urging the FCC to stay out of the situation if there wasn't a chance they might get involved?

And I already purchased the Harmony remote a while ago because it is awesome and the built-in macros are amazing. It does things like uses discrete codes to directly switch inputs on the TV so it doesn't have to cycle through the inputs. That's why I mentioned it. In my opinion having to switch between inputs to watch the other two HD channels is a totally unnecessary pain.

Regarding all the various switch boxes to achieve enough inputs, I know it's not rocket science. Right now I'll get by with unplugging my Xbox since I'm really not that much of a gamer. I think it's pretty rude and immature for you to imply that I don't really want to watch the SuperBowl in HD. (By the way I am pulling in the HD signal now through my rooftop antenna though my signal strength even with the booster is low so I will have to tweak some more)

So let's review to completely add CBS and Fox in HD into my setup I need:

-An HD Tuner
-A Roofmount Antenna
-Signal Booster
-Coax Cable
-Run coax and drill holes to get the coax to my media center.
-A Component Video Switcher
-A Digital Audio Switcher

That's over $300 in gear.

All that and no DVR functions with the HD CBS and Fox. So, I would rather pay more for my cable and just simplify everything.

Kind of a pain in the rear don't you think? And that is my whole point.

I will tell you what is ridiculous...that Cox and LIN still have not worked out a deal and that we have to go through all this hassle. I'd love to move on and talk about other fun stuff like we did when I lived in up in Mass. Things like the new advancements in the latest DVR box, or the new firmware Comcast was pushing down with improvements, or the new channels Comcast was adding.

So please don't be a hater, if you are ok with the current situation that is fine, but many of us are not, that's all I was saying.

Just got my brother in laws HDTV setup with an antenna and booster, one issue I was hoping someone can confirm a part is the is only one coax input on the TV, so right now I have to unplug the OTA to connect the basic cable feed. Eventually he will get a STB with HDMI outs, but for right not do they still make some sort of slide switch which will allow both feeds to be hooked up and swapped easily. I am not sure if a Diplexer would work here as I do not have experience with satelite hardware.

Links and info are appreciated.

A splitter or dilplexer will not work as cable and OTA share the same frequency.

I have 2 antennas, one pointed towards Boston and the other pointed towards Providence (not exactly the same setup but the solution is) and I purchased a remote control AB switch from dlsus warehouse. Have bought from them many times for other things and they are great.

Remote controlled AB switches are more expensive (but then again you don't have ot get off the couch). But manual AB switches can be had for a less than 5 bucks.

http://dlsus10.chainreactionweb.com/catalog/default.php?cPath=20

http://www.radioshack.com/product/index.jsp?productId=2049643


BTW: doesn't doing this require that the TV re-scan each time for the channels? I've heard that some sets can take upwards of 30 minutes to do this?

I'm on my fifth box (all of them the 6416). Have had all the problems you are experiencing -on two occasions one of the two boxes I have now has shut off with no recording as a result. One two occasions they have resent the signal which seems to have corrected one of the boxes. I had problems with the 6412 I had before I insisted on the 6416. Not sure if I gained anything. On 3 occasions I have gone to watch a recorded program only to find the message that there was a recording problem. I am not impressed with the Motorolla equipment.

I wasn't sure if I understood your response correctly. Has swapping the box out helped clear up the recording problems at all? One week in, and I'm having all sorts of issues. Some shows record perfect while others are either pixelated or have dropped or lost frames with audio sync problems. I have also had it randomly reset itself in the middle of recording two shows last night. Sometimes only pulling the plug and reseting the box gets it working properly again.

I know you guys aren't Cox tech support, but I'm just trying to research this and see what the alternatives are. I actually wasn't having a problem with my 6412 until the hard drive died, just the occasional missed recording due to a recording error. This 6416 has been atrocious. I'm sure many of you have dealt with the "helpful" Cox support folks, where, although they are nice and polite, most times can't fix the problems of this nature when they "zap" the box.

For once I'm relieved that Cox doesnt have CBS in HD and that I'll be getting that feed over the air, as sadly its more reliable at the moment! :confused:

A splitter or dilplexer will not work as cable and OTA share the same frequency.

I have 2 antennas, one pointed towards Boston and the other pointed towards Providence (not exactly the same setup but the solution is) and I purchased a remote control AB switch from dlsus warehouse. Have bought from them many times for other things and they are great.

Remote controlled AB switches are more expensive (but then again you don't have ot get off the couch). But manual AB switches can be had for a less than 5 bucks.

http://dlsus10.chainreactionweb.com/catalog/default.php?cPath=20

http://www.radioshack.com/product/index.jsp?productId=2049643


BTW: doesn't doing this require that the TV re-scan each time for the channels? I've heard that some sets can take upwards of 30 minutes to do this?

Appreciate the info, I was doing some checking last night and I was pretty sure the A/B was going to be the way to go. On this set when changing between feeds, you just have to go into the scan area and toggle bewteen cable and air. I think that will do it.

I wasn't sure if I understood your response correctly. Has swapping the box out helped clear up the recording problems at all?

After my 6412 died, a technician came and replaced it with the first 6416. About a week later, I came home after a few days in Vermont to find the box shut off, and no scheduled recordings made. I called and they tried a signal input, and when that didn't help, I returned the box (fortuinately I live close to the Warwick office). I brought the box home only to have it start resetting itself, and when it did, it wiped out all scheduled recordings. I once again swapped it, only to have it shut down and restart while watching a live program. I called and the next day a technician came out, did a number of signal checks, and concluded that they must have a faulty batch of boxes at the office. He got another 6416 from the truck and that one has continued to work. However, my other 6416 has twice reset itself both times while I was watching a live program. In addition the other morning I got up to find it was off and as a result it was not recording as scheduled (maybe it doesn't like Imus?). I'll see if this happens again, and then make another call, but it doesn't give me much faith in the reliability of these boxes.

Anyone have any issues with the HDMI port on the 6416 when hooked to a receiver?

Rumor has it an anouncement regarding the Super Bowl in HD on Cox will be made tonight, rumor is from both sides of discussion, LIN and Cox.

PRESS RELEASE
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
FEBRUARY 2, 2007




COX COMMUNICATIONS AND WPRI-TV CHANNEL 12 BRING SUPER BOWL IN HIGH DEFINITION TO COX CUSTOMERS IN SOUTHERN NEW ENGLAND

Providence, RI – Cox Communications and LIN TV Corp., WPRI-TV Channel 12’s parent company, announced today significant progress in negotiations for carriage of WPRI-TV’s analog and high-definition signals. As a result, Cox will air Sunday's Super Bowl, including pre-and post-game coverage, in high definition on Cox cable channel 701. The companies are providing the HD Super Bowl programming as a good faith gesture while long-term HD carriage negotiations continue.

For Sunday’s Super Bowl, Cox customers must have an HDTV to access high definition programming on Cox’s lineup. Customers must also have either an HD receiver, available from Cox, or viewers can receive the Super Bowl in high definition with an antenna. A receiver is required for high definition programming on cable channels. Cox does not charge for HD programming.

For more information, contact Cox at 401-383-2000 or visit www.wpri.com.

About Cox Communications
Cox Communications, a Fortune 500 company, is a multi-service broadband communications and entertainment company with more than 5.9 million total residential and commercial customers. Cox offers an array of advanced digital video, high-speed Internet and telephony services over its own nationwide IP network. Cox Business Services is a full-service, facilities-based provider of communications solutions for commercial customers, providing high-speed Internet, voice and long-distance services, as well as data and video transport services for small to large-sized businesses. Cox Media offers national and local cable advertising in traditional spot and new media formats, along with promotional opportunities and production services. More information about the services of Cox Communications, a wholly owned subsidiary of Cox Enterprises, is available at www.cox.com, www.coxbusiness.com, and www.coxmedia.com. In Rhode Island, Cox has nearly 300,000 basic cable subscribers.

About LIN TV Corp.
LIN TV (NYSE: TVL) delivers quality television, digital media and online news operations through 31 owned and operated television stations in 18 mid-sized markets in the U.S. and Puerto Rico, three of which are operated pursuant to local marketing agreements.

LIN TV has and continues to identify and implement innovative business strategies, including being an early adopter of digital television in order to provide superior viewing quality to our customers. Financial information and overviews of our stations are available at www.lintv.com.

The reply to my question about HESN HD in the Providence DMA. I don't understand why it's a bandwidth issue. They spot beam to Boston but can't to the rest of the NESN market It would seem that the same bandwidth is consumed by providing it to one or one hundred thousand customers.

From NESN:

Thank you for your email regarding NESN HD.



NESN HD is available on DirecTV, but only in their Boston "spot beam" territory. In July 2006, NESN and DirecTV took a big step together by launching NESN HD full-time on channel 623 in the Boston area. This is the first time a regional sports network has ever received a full-time high definition channel on DirecTV. This is a noteworthy commitment given the satellite bandwidth constraints that currently exist. Such constraints are also a reason why DirecTV is unable to carry our HD telecasts in other parts of the region at this time. Recent satellite launches will alleviate these limitations in third or fourth quarter of 2007.



Thanks for watching NESN.



Sincerely,

Gary A. Roy

Promotions/Public Relations Manager

The Boston spot beam can be received in RI/SE MA without issue. Despite what this letter says, it's a license issue. If you called DTV and did a virtual "move" to a boston address you would have NESN-HD in seconds. The bandwidth issue I think he's confused about is providing it to other regions outside the NE. It's a very simple calculation to determine the cost vs subscriber base. RI just doesn't cover the spread yet.

The Boston spot beam can be received in RI/SE MA without issue. Despite what this letter says, it's a license issue. If you called DTV and did a virtual "move" to a boston address you would have NESN-HD in seconds. The bandwidth issue I think he's confused about is providing it to other regions outside the NE. It's a very simple calculation to determine the cost vs subscriber base. RI just doesn't cover the spread yet.


Hmm, seems like the same thing that I said a few posts ago ... :)

How exactly would you pull off this virtual move??Directv will have no problem doing this??A walkthrough on this procedure would be fantastic..

I live in Johnston..

Thanks

Just recieved an email advertising the "Big Game" in HD

Is getting the Super Bowl in HD as big a step in the right direction as I think it is? Or have they done this in the past? We all know how quickly things have moved along since then.

They did this 2 years ago when the game was on a LIN station. At that time the e-mail read almost the same stating that the progress was great and they had been as close as ever at finalizing a deal.

How exactly would you pull off this virtual move??Directv will have no problem doing this??A walkthrough on this procedure would be fantastic..

I live in Johnston..

Thanks

People have done it in the past in other threads.

Just sign up for "paperless" billing after that, maybe the next day, call directv and tell them that you moved to an address in that area (knowing an address that is on a certain street in that area would help, you would want one that would never get a subscription in the future), like for example, if there was numbers on the street 4, 5, 6, 8, you know that #7 would never exist in the future if house # 8 was an oversized house on a double lot. This would be a true way of getting it done without getting caught, if you guess, you take your chances. Doing this is up to you and if you get caught, don't come to me....

People have done it in the past in other threads.

Just sign up for "paperless" billing after that, maybe the next day, call directv and tell them that you moved to an address in that area (knowing an address that is on a certain street in that area would help, you would want one that would never get a subscription in the future), like for example, if there was numbers on the street 4, 5, 6, 8, you know that #7 would never exist in the future if house # 8 was an oversized house on a double lot. This would be a true way of getting it done without getting caught, if you guess, you take your chances. Doing this is up to you and if you get caught, don't come to me....

Just be aware that all your locals (if your getting them by DTV) will switch over to the Boston stations and you'll lose Providence. To be quite honest, NESN-HD PQ on DTV sucks anyway. I used to watch the SD it was so choppy sometimes.

PS> Looks Like DirecTV will get to carry WPRI-DT for the Super Bowl too.

Hmm, seems like the same thing that I said a few posts ago ... :)


Sorry I missed your post, apparently it was quite informative...:) :D

Sorry I missed your post, apparently it was quite informative...:) :D


Yep, very minimalistic :)

Just be aware that all your locals (if your getting them by DTV) will switch over to the Boston stations and you'll lose Providence. To be quite honest, NESN-HD PQ on DTV sucks anyway. I used to watch the SD it was so choppy sometimes.

PS> Looks Like DirecTV will get to carry WPRI-DT for the Super Bowl too.

But if you have an antenna, you will have both Providence and Boston, but you need an antenna.

Appreciate the info, I was doing some checking last night and I was pretty sure the A/B was going to be the way to go. On this set when changing between feeds, you just have to go into the scan area and toggle bewteen cable and air. I think that will do it.

Cool, sounds like you should be good to go. Good Luck.

-S

PS> Looks Like DirecTV will get to carry WPRI-DT for the Super Bowl too.


Steve, that's great news. Where did you see this? Do you know if they will be putting up WPRI in HD for the game or will this be living on one of their open HD channels like 95 or 96?

Steve, that's great news. Where did you see this? Do you know if they will be putting up WPRI in HD for the game or will this be living on one of their open HD channels like 95 or 96?

Looks like this is not going to happen after all. They are now broadcasting a message on the WPRI-DT channel they added this morning saying that they will not be broadcasting the game in HD. I guess there trying to avoid call volume from the problem markets tomorrow.

Looks like this is not going to happen after all. They are now broadcasting a message on the WPRI-DT channel they added this morning saying that they will not be broadcasting the game in HD. I guess there trying to avoid call volume from the problem markets tomorrow.


Yeah, after I posted I went and unhide the WPRI-HD channel from my guide and took and look at it showing the message you mentioned.

Well, I get both WPRI and WBZ via my antenna so I'll be watching WBZ and giving them my "viewing business" as I have been for more than 2 years now.

Looks like this is not going to happen after all. They are now broadcasting a message on the WPRI-DT channel they added this morning saying that they will not be broadcasting the game in HD. I guess there trying to avoid call volume from the problem markets tomorrow.
Does this refer to WPRI received on cable or over the air?
John

Does this refer to WPRI received on cable or over the air?
John

on DirecTV.

I see Cox added WPRI-HD as channel 701 saying tune in at 12:00pm. Assuming this is just for today's game? No sign of Fox.

Anyone have any idea of the freq number on QAM for WPRI-DT?

I am in the east bay(Warren) and I currently have Full Channel TV. Their prices are lower than cox with basically the same channels. Cox has a few more HD channels but regarding CBS and FOX I primarily use OTA for CBS and Full channel interestingly enough carries WFXT-25 in boston on their HD service. They also have told me they are adding 2 more HD channels this month. Has anyone hear which channels may be added?

I see Cox added WPRI-HD as channel 701 saying tune in at 12:00pm. Assuming this is just for today's game? No sign of Fox.

This was in the Projo yesterday. Sounds like it's only for this game, though it mentions that progress is continuing. Also had to laugh at the fact that Cox "doesn't charge for HD channels" -- that ought to read, not charge if you subscribe to a certain tier of service!

Providence, RI - Cox Communications and LIN TV Corp., WPRI-TV Channel 12's parent company, announced today significant progress in negotiations for carriage of WPRI-TV's analog and high-definition signals. As a result, Cox will air Sunday's Super Bowl, including pre-and post-game coverage, in high definition on Cox cable channel 701. The companies are providing the HD Super Bowl programming as a good faith gesture while long-term HD carriage negotiations continue.

For Sunday's Super Bowl, Cox customers must have an HDTV to access high definition programming on Cox's lineup. Customers must also have either an HD receiver, available from Cox, or viewers can receive the Super Bowl in high definition with an antenna. A receiver is required for high definition programming on cable channels. Cox does not charge for HD programming.

Anyone have any idea of the freq number on QAM for WPRI-DT?
Just did a re-scan of the channels, and WPRI-DT is NOT AVAILABLE over QAM in Providence, apparently just for the digital tier subscribers.
My OTA Radio Shack antenna is doing a beautiful job of pulling in all of the Boston and Providence stations and all I can say is: Screw Cox! :)

Just did a re-scan of the channels, and WPRI-DT is NOT AVAILABLE over QAM in Providence, apparently just for the digital tier subscribers.
My OTA Radio Shack antenna is doing a beautiful job of pulling in all of the Boston and Providence stations and all I can say is: Screw Cox! :)

WPRI-DT is coming in clear via QAM. Its mapped on digital channel 1032 (RF: 103) on my Fusion HDTV card.

Watched Super Bowl in HD switching between WPRI in Providence and WBZ Boston. PQ great on both. I had pulsing/dropout audio during all the commercial breaks on both stations. Audio for acutal game was fine. My audio comes from optical out on LG TV to A/V receiver for Dolby 5.1 output. Anyone else experience this? Or do I have a possible issue with my A/V receiver?

Watched Super Bowl in HD switching between WPRI in Providence and WBZ Boston. PQ great on both. I had pulsing/dropout audio during all the commercial breaks on both stations. Audio for acutal game was fine. My audio comes from optical out on LG TV to A/V receiver for Dolby 5.1 output. Anyone else experience this? Or do I have a possible issue with my A/V receiver?

Same thing here watching WBZ. Nearly every commercial break had in and out audio.

Same thing here watching WBZ. Nearly every commercial break had in and out audio.

Same here as well, watching it on Cox. Perhaps it was the CBS feed that was the root of the problem.

I found some of the audio mix down during the game was horrible too. Perhaps they haven't gotten the grasp of surround sound yet :-).

-Ted

A quick into - I live in West Warwick, bought an HDTV about 3 months ago, and have been reading this thread for a while for some great info and news on the HD situation in RI, particularly with respect to Cox. I have Cox Digital Cable, with the HD channels. I also have an indoor antenna, mostly for Fox, CBS, and the CW.

Which brings me to my question:

I understand that negotiations with LIN TV have prevented Cox from carrying CBS or FOX in HD. And if they don't get their act together before FiOS TV launches, I fully intend to switch.

Maybe I'm in a minority here in terms of interest, but I'm also frustrated that Cox doesn't carry WLWC (or alternatively, even WLCI) -- the CW channel -- in HD. I do watch one show, available in HD, on that network (Smallville).

I can just barely get in WLCI over antenna from Boston, but not without intermittent breakups in any thing less than ideal weather. And of course, like CBS and FOX, this prevents being able to use the Cox DVR to record. To make matters worse, the standard broadcast on Cox looks terrible.

Does anyone know why Cox doesn't carry the CW in HD, or if they or Verizon have any intent to carry it...?

A quick into - I live in West Warwick, bought an HDTV about 3 months ago, and have been reading this thread for a while for some great info and news on the HD situation in RI, particularly with respect to Cox. I have Cox Digital Cable, with the HD channels. I also have an indoor antenna, mostly for Fox, CBS, and the CW.

Which brings me to my question:

I understand that negotiations with LIN TV have prevented Cox from carrying CBS or FOX in HD. And if they don't get their act together before FiOS TV launches, I fully intend to switch.

Maybe I'm in a minority here in terms of interest, but I'm also frustrated that Cox doesn't carry WLWC (or alternatively, even WLCI) -- the CW channel -- in HD. I do watch one show, available in HD, on that network (Smallville).

I can just barely get in WLCI over antenna from Boston, but not without intermittent breakups in any thing less than ideal weather. And of course, like CBS and FOX, this prevents being able to use the Cox DVR to record. To make matters worse, the standard broadcast on Cox looks terrible.

Does anyone know why Cox doesn't carry the CW in HD, or if they or Verizon have any intent to carry it...?


I guess you do not live on a hill in West Warwick or you have a small antenna because I get ALL channels from Boston.

Not a clue why Cox does not carry CW in HD, my guess it is a MONEY thing.

WLWC (CW 28) is considered a Providence (RI) station. It's carried in standard definition on channel 9 (might be 11, can't remember for sure).

It also appears to have a very faint HD broadcast signal, hence, I'm pulling in an alternate CW station OTA from Boston (WLVI).

It appears this station may be considered a "sub station" of Providence CBS, owned by LIN. That might be the answer. Granted CW has a lot less demand than CBS or FOX, but I'm still curious why it lack of carriage never gets attention or a mention from LIN or Cox.

Just a quick note. Cox can't carry Boston stations by law. There is a provision in the 1996 telecommunciations Act that gave cable companies time to get rid of out of state local channels.

I've read that too, but it's weird, because no other cable company I can think of around here does the same thing. If you cross over the line in Ct. you can get a mix of Boston AND Hartford stations (my wife's family lives in Pomfret and has Charter), while in nearby Mass. you can do the same with Providence & Boston stations on Comcast Cable. Meanwhile, down in southwestern Ct. you can get NYC and Hartford stations!

If it actually is a law it doesn't seem to be in practice anywhere...I always had a conspiracy theory that Cox simply stopped carrying Boston channels because local affiliates paid them off or they came to a "mutual understanding" with one another. Nowhere else does this seem to be as rigidly enforced as Cox in RI.

Regardless, it's pretty absurd that you can get Boston radio stations here, you can get Boston TV stations OTA, the market is extremely close by (ratings indicate this since Boston channels end up in the Arbitron books in Providence) and yet it's like the Berlin Wall with Cox not carrying any of the Boston channels! You'd think they'd suppress the signals from coming in even over the air, too! :p

It also appears to have a very faint HD broadcast signal, hence, I'm pulling in an alternate CW station OTA from Boston (WLVI).

WLWC doesn't have a faint HD signal as far as I know. I'm down in Narragansett and it comes in just great (SMALLVILLE and VERONICA MARS look terrific in HD, though someone forgot to pull the HD switch and SMALLVILLE was only in 4:3 last week :(

Watched Super Bowl in HD switching between WPRI in Providence and WBZ Boston. PQ great on both. I had pulsing/dropout audio during all the commercial breaks on both stations. Audio for acutal game was fine. My audio comes from optical out on LG TV to A/V receiver for Dolby 5.1 output. Anyone else experience this? Or do I have a possible issue with my A/V receiver?

It's not your receiver. The audio on CBS programming (football) sometimes switches between 5.1 and 2.0. This issue has come up before and it does weird things to your equipment -- on one of my receivers each time it happens, it shuts the receiver off!

Only seems to happen on CBS programming, and only during live sporting events where I suppose they're mixing different elements and sound formats. Either that or it's just a transmission glitch...but it's a constant gripe.

WLWC (CW 28) is considered a Providence (RI) station. It's carried in standard definition on channel 9 (might be 11, can't remember for sure).

It also appears to have a very faint HD broadcast signal, hence, I'm pulling in an alternate CW station OTA from Boston (WLVI).

It appears this station may be considered a "sub station" of Providence CBS, owned by LIN. That might be the answer. Granted CW has a lot less demand than CBS or FOX, but I'm still curious why it lack of carriage never gets attention or a mention from LIN or Cox.
WLWC-TV/HD is owned and operated by CBS, and is associated with WBZ and WSBK. All three stations share common studio facilities on Soldier's Field Road in Boston. There is no connection to LIN Broadcasting.

WLWC's transmitters and tower are located in East Freetown, MA. The analog signal operates with a power of 5 megawatts ERP (effective radiated power), and the digital with a power of 350 kilowatts ERP, which produces a roughly equivalent service area.

Bob - what a pleasure to see that "WBZ-TV" back! Had a hard time forgiving BZ for changing networks from NBC to CBS, but the "CBS4" was too much. But maybe I'm dating myself when I say I remember seeing WBZ-TV come on in 1948. My grandmother had the first TV in Kingston (Mass.) and it still amazes me how many friends she suddenly had :)

WLWC-TV/HD is owned and operated by CBS, and is associated with WBZ and WSBK. All three stations share common studio facilities on Soldier's Field Road in Boston. There is no connection to LIN Broadcasting.

WLWC's transmitters and tower are located in East Freetown, MA. The analog signal operates with a power of 5 megawatts ERP (effective radiated power), and the digital with a power of 350 kilowatts ERP, which produces a roughly equivalent service area.

Thanks. It's hard to get good info about this. The Wikipedia entry was confusing. It is clear that WLWC is intended to serve the RI market.

Do you have any idea why the HD broadcast isn't carried by Cox?

A quick into - I live in West Warwick, bought an HDTV about 3 months ago, and have been reading this thread for a while for some great info and news on the HD situation in RI, particularly with respect to Cox. I have Cox Digital Cable, with the HD channels. I also have an indoor antenna, mostly for Fox, CBS, and the CW.

Which brings me to my question:

I understand that negotiations with LIN TV have prevented Cox from carrying CBS or FOX in HD. And if they don't get their act together before FiOS TV launches, I fully intend to switch.

Maybe I'm in a minority here in terms of interest, but I'm also frustrated that Cox doesn't carry WLWC (or alternatively, even WLCI) -- the CW channel -- in HD. I do watch one show, available in HD, on that network (Smallville).

I can just barely get in WLCI over antenna from Boston, but not without intermittent breakups in any thing less than ideal weather. And of course, like CBS and FOX, this prevents being able to use the Cox DVR to record. To make matters worse, the standard broadcast on Cox looks terrible.

Does anyone know why Cox doesn't carry the CW in HD, or if they or Verizon have any intent to carry it...?

Does WLWC actually broadcast any programming in HD? Although their sending signal out in 1080i over the air, I've never actually seen any HD programming on the station. Most of the shows I've seen weren't even widescreen format, just standard 4x3. Perhaps I've been watching the wrong shows? This could be why Cox isn't carrying them yet.

Does WLWC actually broadcast any programming in HD? Although their sending signal out in 1080i over the air, I've never actually seen any HD programming on the station. Most of the shows I've seen weren't even widescreen format, just standard 4x3. Perhaps I've been watching the wrong shows? This could be why Cox isn't carrying them yet.

Gilmore Girls is in HD and widescreen :)
But even reruns of Everybody Loves Raymond or any other syndicated stuff looks so much better OTA than on basic cable... Cox SUX!

Update

News Analysis
Why You May Lose Your HDTV Signals
Last minute agreements to allow cable viewers to watch the Super Bowl in high-def does not end the battle.
By Phillip Swann

Washington, D.C. (February 5, 2007) -- Sinclair Broadcast Group ended its carriage dispute with Mediacom Cable on Friday, allowing 700,000 subscribers to watch the Super Bowl in HDTV and standard definition.

The LIN TV-owned CBS station in Providence, Rhode Island late Friday night said Cox Cable viewers there could watch its HD broadcast of the game because the companies had made "significant progress" in carriage talks.

And a day earlier, the Belo-owned CBS station in New Orleans said the local cable operator could offer its HD broadcast of the Super Bowl because, yes, there had been "significant progress" in their carriage talks.

With the flurry of agreements late last week, you might think that local stations and cable and satellite TV providers had finally come to their senses over High-Definition signals.

Think again.

If you're a cable or satellite viewer, the chances that your local station will pull your HDTV signal is greater today than ever before.

In the past, local stations and TV providers (cable, telco, satellite) have reached agreement on carriage of analog channels usually by exchanging promotional considerations.
Your high-def signal could go dark in the near future.

However, many local stations, including those owned by companies such as Sinclair, Belo and LIN TV -- and CBS itself -- are now demanding fees from cable ops to carry their high-def channels (and standard definition in some cases.) By law, a TV provider can not carry a local station's signal without its permission.

In several cities, cable operators have refused to pay the fees, which has led to the local stations forcing the cable operators to remove the HD channels from their lineups.

The issue came to a head last week when federal and state lawmakers realized that millions of their constituents might not be able to see the Super Bowl in HD or standard definition.

By allowing cable viewers to watch the Super Bowl at the last minute, Belo and LIN TV tossed a bone to the politicians who were blitzed with complaints from cable viewers who wanted to watch the big game on their new big screen HDTVs.

But once the Super Bowl ended, the high-def channels went dark once again in Providence and New Orleans and there's no reason to believe that will change in the near future. In fact, there's two reasons why more local stations will pull their HD signals in the future.

1. Super Bowl Is Over
The Super Bowl is such a big event that viewers (voters) will scream when they can't watch it in HD or SD. But the game is over and it's unlikely the politicians will get thousands of complaints from constituents upset because they can't watch Criminal Minds in high-def.

2. Mediacom Concedes
As reported today by The Wall Street Journal, Mediacom agreed to pay Sinclair roughly 40-50 cents per subscriber each month to carry the HD and SD signals for 22 local stations.

Two key U.S. senators had urged FCC Chairman Kevin Martin to intervene in the Sinclair-Mediacom dispute, ordering binding arbitration if necessary. However, Martin refused and Mediacom's concession will only embolden CBS and other local station owners to ask for even higher programming fees.

In an interview twith Multichannel News, Mediacom CEO Rocco Commisso today blamed Martin because the agency chief refused to order arbitration.

“The FCC could have easily done it," he said. "If we had a different chairman, that would have taken place, guaranteed. Just change the chairman, and you’ll see what different results you would have gotten.”

But Martin's failure to order arbitration will likely lead to more battles between local stations and cable and satellite operators -- and more occasions where the local station decides to pull its high-def signal when the TV provider refuses to pay.

So if you were able to watch the Super Bowl in HDTV yesterday, count your blessings. You may not be able to next year.

Does WLWC actually broadcast any programming in HD? Although their sending signal out in 1080i over the air, I've never actually seen any HD programming on the station. Most of the shows I've seen weren't even widescreen format, just standard 4x3. Perhaps I've been watching the wrong shows? This could be why Cox isn't carrying them yet.
Most of the CW's prime-time programming (Everybody Hates Chris, All of Us, Girlfriends, The Game, Gilmore Girls, Veronica Mars, One Tree Hill, Smallville, Supernatural) is broadcast in HD.

Go to the station's website (www.cw28tv.com (http://www.cw28tv.com)), click on TV Schedule, and check the "HD Only" box. You'll find the shows (from 8-10pm) that are in HD.

Talks break down again with cox and LIN I think
I called WPRI 12 here in providence and talked to the station manger today
I asked him when will cox carry wpri and fox64 He replied I don't know am not cox and I don't care I want my set price and why sould i give them a break I told him were i live I can't get the hdtv signal He said keep trying its free OTA. I really don't like the guy from LIN over there at tv 12 and fox 64 He really don't care all he sees is dallar signs I asked him what what will happen in 2009 if there's no contract I asked him if we would loose 12 and 64 he really did not say much in a way it be funneyif we did because if that happened he loose most of his viewers now won't he. has and one spoke to him at all NICE GUY BUT MONEY HUNGERY and very bull headed He wnats what he wants and it his why or no why

I don't think we would loose the channels. If you have a digital box with cox it is carried in digital format, just not high def. So you would be ok in that scanerio. If might be different if you have expanded basic and no digital equipment.

People, how about hitting the spell check once in a while?!!

Does anyone here know how much LIN is asking per subscriber? Mediacom and Sinclair just made a deal for 50 cents per subscriber. Is LIN's demand less than this?

Even 50 cents is way to much. Honestly...

Even 50 cents is way to much. Honestly...

As an individual I would happily have the cost of 50 cents more per month passed onto me to receive Fox, CBS (and CW?) in HD.

Even 50 cents is way to much. Honestly...

Wow, .50? Myself, I would gladly pay that and more for the privilege of viewing those channels in HD. That's just me though, I feel the difference is night and day.

If the people like LIN are demanding additional monies for carriage rights that money is ultimately going to come from somewhere. It's not like Cox is going to say, yeah, let's lower our profits. So if anyone is to blame here it's LIN and others like them who woke up one day and got greedy and decided to change the game.

Not that I am a huge Cox fan though...they have been pretty slow in rolling out features and channels to benefit their suscribers.

As an individual I would happily have the cost of 50 cents more per month passed onto me to receive Fox, CBS (and CW?) in HD.

Ok, give you and who ever wants pay for something that's free their own sperate package, but don't force the rest of us to subsidize it.

And if you ever feel the urge to pay for the air you breath because its free, I could send you a bill for 50 cents a month.

;)

Ok, give you and who ever wants pay for something that's free their own sperate package, but don't force the rest of us to subsidize it.

And if you ever fell the urge to pay for the air you breath because its free, I could send you a bill for 50 cents a month.

;)
Well technically, you are already paying for it, even with normal analog/basic cable service. You pay Cox to watch all the local Providence stations by subscribing to their service. It just happens to be that when cable systems were originally setup, over-the-air stations didn't see the possibilities in revenue and decided not to charge for them to rebroadcast their signal. Remember, the first pay cable tv systems out there had no extra networks, just local affiliates re-broadcasted so that you could get improved reception than with your rabbit ears or roof-top antenna. TV stations thought that cable was a great idea, considering they would be reaching homes they may not have been reaching before. It wasn't until satellite-based cable only networks started popping up did stations see cable as a competitor rather than a partner.

With media consolidation here in the 21st century, everything is about the bottom line, and these corporations see the potential for additional revenue streams as other cable networks and the internet cut into a tv stations traditional source of revenue. Although I'm not a fan of what the TV ownership groups are doing, you can't blame them. If they have to compete with other cable networks that are getting paid to be being carried, well, why shouldn't they get paid to be carried as well.

The station ownership groups are gambling big with their demands two fold: if a station is not carried by a cable provider, they have the possibility of loosing ratings, and as a result, ad revenue. Right now, that hasn't happened yet, mostly because the analog stations are still being carried. However, are there any laws preventing Cox fro dropping LIN stations all together? Analog and digital? Even worse would be for satellite and cable providers to team up and start doing this together as a show of force against the practice. If you had Cox, Comcast, Time Warner, DirectTV, and Dish Network all dropping local affiliates that are requiring a fee, that's a lot of viewers, ratings, and lost revenue down the tubes.

Of course, no media corporation has the backbone for that to ever occur, but who knows, it might. To get back to my main point, I'm already paying for cable service, and, if a 50 cent raise in my bill is all thats needed to get this deal done, then, well, lets get the contract signed. Heck, I'd pay $5 more per month for the next several years, until HDTV becomes the norm. When the digital service becomes the primary delivery method, well, I think they should negotiate that fee to something lower. Regardless, I'm paying for the convenience of cable, and they are providing me with the convenience of providing me my local channels without the need for an antenna. If I want those stations for free, I can go get them with an antenna, or, not worry about the added luxury of HDTV. But I'm too lazy to do that, and I'd rather pay for the convenience! :)

That's my two cents. Cox, LIN, lets get the deal done. Let's get the CW in HD too!

That's my two cents. Cox, LIN, lets get the deal done. Let's get the CW in HD too!

I'm with you!!

Most of the CW's prime-time programming (Everybody Hates Chris, All of Us, Girlfriends, The Game, Gilmore Girls, Veronica Mars, One Tree Hill, Smallville, Supernatural) is broadcast in HD.

Go to the station's website (www.cw28tv.com (http://www.cw28tv.com)), click on TV Schedule, and check the "HD Only" box. You'll find the shows (from 8-10pm) that are in HD.

Hi Robert,

Thanks for answering my question. I have Cox, and normally get my HD broadcasts through them. The couple of times I've connected my set top antenna was for Patriots games during the day, which of course are usually on Sunday afternoons and not during prime-time. This explains the non HD content during my channel scan.

Is CW28 not being carried on Cox for the same reasons as CBS/Fox in Providence? I might actually watch the station more if it was offered in HD. I've found myself watching HD programming that I normally don't watch just because its in HD.

I wish I could just leave the antenna hooked up, but, I live in an apartment with concrete walls, so I have to run 50 ft of coax to a north facing window to get any decent over-the-air reception. :rolleyes:

-Ted

Here's a bit of news related to WLWC:
CBS CORPORATION TO SELL LOCAL TV STATIONS IN FOUR MARKETS TO CERBERUS CAPITAL MANAGEMENT, L.P.

Divestiture Includes Stations in Austin, Salt Lake City, Providence and West Palm Beach

CBS Corporation (NYSE: CBS, CBS.A) announced today it has entered into a definitive agreement to sell seven of its owned television stations to Cerberus Capital Management, L.P. for $185 million. The sale includes stations in Austin, Salt Lake City, Providence and West Palm Beach, and is subject to FCC approval and other customary closing conditions. Cerberus worked with TV veteran Dick Reingold on the transaction, and Cerberus was advised by CobbCorp, LLC and Wachovia Capital Markets, LLC.

Stations included in the agreement (and their network affiliations) are:

KEYE-TV, Austin, Texas (CBS);
KUTV (TV), Salt Lake City, Utah (CBS) and its satellite station KUSG(TV), St. George, Utah;
WLWC (TV), Providence, Rhode Island (The CW);
WTVX(TV), West Palm Beach, Florida (The CW); and two Low Power Stations in the West Palm Beach DMA, WTCN-CA (MyNetworkTV) and WWHB-CA (TV Azteca).

The CBS Television Stations group currently consists of 39 stations, including 21 CBS, 11 The CW, three MyNetworkTV and four stations not affiliated with major networks

Here's a bit of news related to WLWC:
[B]CBS CORPORATION TO SELL LOCAL TV STATIONS IN FOUR MARKETS TO CERBERUS CAPITAL MANAGEMENT, L.P.


Hmm... Hopefully new management means a fresh start at negotiations. Here's hoping we get WLWC in HD soon, as that's the only local station I can't get on my antenna.

Hmm... Hopefully new management means a fresh start at negotiations. Here's hoping we get WLWC in HD soon, as that's the only local station I can't get on my antenna.

The sale is probably bad news for those of us who appreciated that SPORTS FINAL was carried weekly on 28 along with some other WBZ programming.

Good thing I can get 4 again thanks to the HD signal, but a lot of folks are going to be losing out with this I would imagine.

Ok, give you and who ever wants pay for something that's free their own sperate package, but don't force the rest of us to subsidize it.

And if you ever fell the urge to pay for the air you breath because its free, I could send you a bill for 50 cents a month.

;)

Fine, make Fox, CBS, and CW a subscriber service for 50 cents a month. :rolleyes:

Free in theory or not, we're not getting it on cable right now. I'd happily pay $6 / year to not have to fuss with the antenna, and more importantly, to be able to DVR the HD versions of some programs.

I live in an apartment-style condo complex. I can't mount a big antenna on the roof. I have a decent indoor antenna, but it needs adjustment for the further stations.

Called cox again today
they heard nothing yet I was told if i did not like having 12 and 64
go buy a antenna I stated to them we can't put up antenna they said
too bad then. said I pay to get them they said they do not want to charge form them and they want 12 and 64 for free like they get 6 and 12! They see not need to pay 2 cents a day but they sure see no probleme paying the sports networks ect

Well technically, you are already paying for it, even with normal analog/basic cable service. You pay Cox to watch all the local Providence stations by subscribing to their service...

Noooo, in the reality, today, I'm not paying 50 cents to LIN., no one is.

Hello everybody, Im from the n prov ri area, Im fairly new to forum so i apologize in advance for my inexpirence. I too Im bummed out about channel 12 not coming in HD. I heard it was in negotiation, and 1 party wanted way to much money. So i guess they are holdin out a little bit longer. At least the superbowl was in HD. Channel 701 with Cox service. But the hell with the Colts. I wanted to see the Patriots in HD. But thats neither here or there. Ive got a tech question, maybe somebody could direct me where to go. Im trying to copy hdtv with my cable box to my pc. Ive tried hd junkie but i keep getting stuck. I would really appreciate your input. Thanks
D

Here's a bit of news related to WLWC:
[B]CBS CORPORATION TO SELL LOCAL TV STATIONS IN FOUR MARKETS TO CERBERUS CAPITAL MANAGEMENT, L.P.


WLWC (TV), Providence, Rhode Island (The CW);


Bob:

I assume the affiliation and studio/transmitter personnel remains the same?

Marc
CPTV

Called cox again today
they heard nothing yet I was told if i did not like having 12 and 64
go buy a antenna I stated to them we can't put up antenna they said
too bad then. said I pay to get them they said they do not want to charge form them and they want 12 and 64 for free like they get 6 and 12! They see not need to pay 2 cents a day but they sure see no probleme paying the sports networks ect
Anyone that wants digital 12 and 64 can get it very easily with a relatively inexpensive indoor, set-top antenna from any electronics store. Of course you have to have a built-in digital tuner as well. I live 40 miles from Providence and get 12, 28 and 64 with no problem. And most people from Providence can probably receive a useable signal from Boston's channel 4.

Bob:

I assume the affiliation and studio/transmitter personnel remains the same?

Marc
CPTV
There is a famous quote about assuming...

I believe the affiliation will remain with The CW, but studio and transmitter (that would be me) personnel will not. I will remain with CBS, as will our studio staff. The new company will operate with its own staff.

Anyone that wants digital 12 and 64 can get it very easily with a relatively inexpensive indoor, set-top antenna from any electronics store. Of course you have to have a built-in digital tuner as well. I live 40 miles from Providence and get 12, 28 and 64 with no problem. And most people from Providence can probably receive a useable signal from Boston's channel 4.

Many in the southern part of the state have difficulty picking up 64-1 Fox out of Providence because it's signal is broadcast toward the northeast. That may explain why you, at 40 miles, can receive the signal. It's pointed right at you.

There is a famous quote about assuming...

I believe the affiliation will remain with The CW, but studio and transmitter (that would be me) personnel will not. I will remain with CBS, as will our studio staff. The new company will operate with its own staff.

Yes, I think I've met that goose. . .

Do any of the stations share facilities such as Master Control, automation system, m/w, sat rx?

BTW: WTIC-61/WTXX-20 (Tribune) just bought a Harris/Louth Automation system, gave layoff notices to 8 Operators and gave the CE 30 days to get it up and running. :eek:

Marc
----------
CPTV

Yes, I think I've met that goose. . .

Do any of the stations share facilities such as Master Control, automation system, m/w, sat rx?

BTW: WTIC-61/WTXX-20 (Tribune) just bought a Harris/Louth Automation system, gave layoff notices to 8 Operators and gave the CE 30 days to get it up and running. :eek:

Marc
----------
CPTV
All three stations (WBZ/WSBK/WLWC) share all facilities, located in Boston. Only the non-shared parts (Master Control switcher, some microwave equipment) will be leaving.

When you say the transmitter for WLWC will change, do you mean the location will change? If so, does that mean it will be moved to somewhere in Rhode Island? (It's in MA right now, right?)

I hope so, as that will give me a better shot at being able to pull it in OTA.

When you say the transmitter for WLWC will change, do you mean the location will change? If so, does that mean it will be moved to somewhere in Rhode Island? (It's in MA right now, right?)

I hope so, as that will give me a better shot at being able to pull it in OTA.
No, the transmitter will not move. What I meant was the people running and maintaining it will change.

The transmitter and tower are located in East Freetown, MA.

No, the transmitter will not move. What I meant was the people running and maintaining it will change.

The transmitter and tower are located in East Freetown, MA.


Robert,

Just want to thank you for your professionalism and your responses to this thread. You and your organization have shown a rare class and a commitment to the public in Rhode Island and believe me that kind of professionalism is needed here and will be truly missed.

Tiny Rhode Island with it’s over crowded broadcast stations falling over one another, all chasing the same ambulance in an area to what amounts to a geographic UHF telephone both has sold one of its stations (CW 28) to company called, Cerberus.

Ahhh----the poetic justice of it all.

Cerberus, in Greek mythology, Cerberus or Kerberos, "demon of the pit", the monstrous hound of Hades.

No doubt, guarding the gate to Hades and ensuring that the dead could not get their HD without paying direct.

What more a fitting name for a company that has less knowledge about running a television station than we do.

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Cerberus Capital Management LP is a large privately owned hedge fund. The firm is based in New York, N.Y., and run by 45-year-old financier Steve Feinberg. Former Vice President Dan Quayle has been a prominent Cerberus spokesperson and runs one of its international units.

Founded in 1992, Cerberus invests primarily in companies which are near bankruptcy and hopes to make the businesses it acquires profitable.
The company has been a voracious acquirer of businesses over the past several years and now includes sizeable investments in sportswear, paper products, military services, real estate, energy, retail, glassmaking, transportation, and building products, Its holdings amounted to $16 billion in 2005.

On October 19, 2006, John W. Snow, President George W. Bush's second United States Secretary of the Treasury, was named chairman of Cerberus.

And so it goes kiddies, what better place to have political hacks set up their TV toy than the most infamous political hack state in the country

Robert Yankowitz, thanks for having the problem on 38.1 fixed (interference lines) it is long gone and has been for a little time now. I just forgot to give you a word of thanks!

Jim

Hello everybody, Im from the n prov ri area, Im fairly new to forum so i apologize in advance for my inexpirence. I too Im bummed out about channel 12 not coming in HD. I heard it was in negotiation, and 1 party wanted way to much money. So i guess they are holdin out a little bit longer. At least the superbowl was in HD. Channel 701 with Cox service. But the hell with the Colts. I wanted to see the Patriots in HD. But thats neither here or there. Ive got a tech question, maybe somebody could direct me where to go. Im trying to copy hdtv with my cable box to my pc. Ive tried hd junkie but i keep getting stuck. I would really appreciate your input. Thanks
D
You are probably better off getting an answer to this on the HTPC forums here on AVS. The firewire ports do work on the DCT64xx cable boxes, however, its only able to capture an unencrypted live stream. For example, you can't simply connect a firewire cable from your PC to your cable box and drag the video files of what you recorded onto your computer. What you can do is capture the live stream of what is currently playing on your TV on your computer. Its not exactly an easy or user friendly process. I got it working with my MacBook Pro and some free firewire tools, but I'm not sure of the procedure or application set you would need on Windows. The other part that stinks is that some of the HD channels have flags that prevent them from being captured in this way. I had good luck with capturing from WGBH HD, WJAR HD, and Discovery HD, but was unable to get anything watchable from the INHD network.

-Ted

Does anyone else notice that the local channels in HD seem to have a flickering white line at the very top of the display? I thought it was line noise at first. I picked up a Monster HTS 2000 power line conditioner and the results are the same. HDTV, Receiver, and cable box are all plugged in to the HTS 2000. The only thing I have not done is run the cable feed through the HTS 2000 as well.

All the other HD channels look great.

Robert,

Just want to thank you for your professionalism and your responses to this thread. You and your organization have shown a rare class and a commitment to the public in Rhode Island and believe me that kind of professionalism is needed here and will be truly missed.


DITTO!!

Robert,

Just want to thank you for your professionalism and your responses to this thread. You and your organization have shown a rare class and a commitment to the public in Rhode Island and believe me that kind of professionalism is needed here and will be truly missed.
Hey, I'm not dead. Yet.

And I'll still be around on this thread and the Boston OTA thread (for WBZ and WSBK). You're not getting rid of me.

I blame LIN TV for all this LIN versus Cox Cable nonsense. I am not a great fan of Cox Cable but look at what is really going on here.

LIN TV makes their money by selling commerical time. In fact the more people they say they reach the more they can charge for that time. If anyone enables me to receive their TV content they are actually helping LIN TV.

Can I get LIN TV over the air. Yes. Do they make money on that. Yes, by charging for advertising time. If I get that exact same signal over the Coxcable line then LIN TV has no change in revenue at all. They still make money. They could even make more money by charging more for advertising

LIN TV is holding out to significantly increase revenue by not only charging us through COX but also by charging the advertiser more for reaching more customers.

Now Cox could just add additional costs to you for LIN TV channels but rightfully decides not to. If Cox allows LIN TV to force them to pay then it won't stop there, all the other stations will expect to be paid. How would you like a $25 per month increase after you have to pay FOX, CBS, NBC, ABC, WC and any others for that extra little HD charge.

This is all pure greed by LIN TV

My 2 cents

I was just wondering if anyone has herd any updates as to when Fios tv will be avalible in RI. I had a fios guy come by my house to ask me to sign up for internet.

Thanks for any info

Where do you live EMS?
A good friend of mine signed up for FIOS internet online and was called the next day saying his area was not ready yet and they had no ETA and could not even tell him IF it was coming. Sorta sad. He called and emailed many times becuase he lives in West Warwick and its suppose to be available. When he went to the website it said it was not avail. To his suprise yesterday it said it was. They cancelled his order after the phone call and would not give anymore info. Looks like Verizon is already dropping the ball.

I called cox today I seen in my bill were get go scout tv
its run by cox I read they plan on making tons of money all it shows is home ads
if they can make money off of this then they can afford to pay LIN for fox and wpri

Where do you live EMS?
A good friend of mine signed up for FIOS internet online and was called the next day saying his area was not ready yet and they had no ETA and could not even tell him IF it was coming. Sorta sad. He called and emailed many times becuase he lives in West Warwick and its suppose to be available. When he went to the website it said it was not avail. To his suprise yesterday it said it was. They cancelled his order after the phone call and would not give anymore info. Looks like Verizon is already dropping the ball.


I live in N. Kingstown and according to him the internet is up and running now but he would not say when TV would be available. he also said that Once the tv was around there would be a long waiting time, he said a year, for the installs. Anyone have any feelings about that?

Sorry if this has already been answered. I haven't seen anything about it lately.

Does anyone know if Charter is getting HD in Westport, ma? I am moving there in June and will not be able to get a dish.

North Kingstown here also.

I went into the verizon website, typed in my phone number and they said that the internet service was available to me. I went to register "My Account", and they said my phone # was no longer an account with them.

Now if they would just stop sending me a phone bill. LOL

I have noticed verizon's online ordering process is very difficult. I have cox internet and the bundle. Even if i wanted to switch I can't becuase it says DSL is no in my area. My neighbor has it. I called in just to check and they said it was not avail in my area. I told the sales rep my neighbor had it and she had no reason why this was. Nor did they offer to investigate it either.

I have noticed verizon's online ordering process is very difficult. I have cox internet and the bundle. Even if i wanted to switch I can't becuase it says DSL is no in my area. My neighbor has it. I called in just to check and they said it was not avail in my area. I told the sales rep my neighbor had it and she had no reason why this was. Nor did they offer to investigate it either.

I think everyone can agree that although Cox service and support may not be the best at times, its still a boat load better than dealing with Verizon! Some aspects of old ma bell still have not disappeared yet... :(

-Ted

Sorry if this has already been answered. I haven't seen anything about it lately.

Does anyone know if Charter is getting HD in Westport, ma? I am moving there in June and will not be able to get a dish.

There is no evidence that Charter is even considering HD in Westport. I have their Internet service, so I get regular communications from them, and there isn't even a tease. As a matter of fact, their digital tier is pathetic as well. I have DirecTV service.

There is no evidence that Charter is even considering HD in Westport. I have their Internet service, so I get regular communications from them, and there isn't even a tease. As a matter of fact, their digital tier is pathetic as well. I have DirecTV service.

Thanks. Looks like I will have to start putting a bug in my future father in law's ear to get a dish. It kills me everytime I go over and watch a beautiful 46" LCD TV on the crappy cable feed

I have noticed verizon's online ordering process is very difficult. I have cox internet and the bundle. Even if i wanted to switch I can't becuase it says DSL is no in my area. My neighbor has it. I called in just to check and they said it was not avail in my area. I told the sales rep my neighbor had it and she had no reason why this was. Nor did they offer to investigate it either.

A possible reason for your neighbor having it but it being unavailable to you is that (from what I've heard) they have a limit of how many people can tap off of a given feed in order to maintain enough bandwidth for each user. One of my coworkers who lives in Beverly MA had DSL, switched to Comcast (or dropped DSL - can't remember which), then decided a some time later that she wanted to switch back to DSL. At that point, DSL wasn't available because the available slots in her area were already taken and she had to be put on a waiting list for someone else to drop the service. Aside from the obvious solution of upgrading the equipment to handle more customers (they have to balance the cost to add more bandwidth with supply and demand), the reasoning seemed sound.

A possible reason for your neighbor having it but it being unavailable to you is that (from what I've heard) they have a limit of how many people can tap off of a given feed in order to maintain enough bandwidth for each user. One of my coworkers who lives in Beverly MA had DSL, switched to Comcast (or dropped DSL - can't remember which), then decided a some time later that she wanted to switch back to DSL. At that point, DSL wasn't available because the available slots in her area were already taken and she had to be put on a waiting list for someone else to drop the service. Aside from the obvious solution of upgrading the equipment to handle more customers (they have to balance the cost to add more bandwidth with supply and demand), the reasoning seemed sound.

I have an odd feeling that with their new FIOS coming that they are in no rush to upgrade their DSL Bandwidth.

Also i signed up for FIOS internet with the hope that HDTV is coming soon. It is supposed to be installed on Wed. Well see if it happens.

Does any1 know if Cox plans on adding the Golf Channel HD anytime soon thanks

I have an odd feeling that with their new FIOS coming that they are in no rush to upgrade their DSL Bandwidth.

Agreed, though this may vary from area to area - there's no guarantee that FIOS will be coming to any given area any time soon.

Also i signed up for FIOS internet with the hope that HDTV is coming soon. It is supposed to be installed on Wed. Well see if it happens.

Again, availability of FIOS internet doesn't seem to guarantee that FIOS TV will be available soon.

Agreed, though this may vary from area to area - there's no guarantee that FIOS will be coming to any given area any time soon.



Again, availability of FIOS internet doesn't seem to guarantee that FIOS TV will be available soon.

If anyone gets FIOS-TV first in RI, it will be "Service Area 6". Here's the link at the public utilities commission site:

http://www.ripuc.org/utilityinfo/cabletv/Docket_2006c4.htm

From what I have heard, there are several other service areas that Verizon still needs to apply for cable-tv franchise rights for in RI.

-Ted

Does any1 know if Cox plans on adding the Golf Channel HD anytime soon thanks
I wouldn't count on it. Especially since we still dont have have of the major networks in HD yet :(

Golf Channel in HD i heard just launched with Comcast in Fall River I heard. I would assume us cox folks should be getting it soon.

Golf Channel in HD i heard just launched with Comcast in Fall River I heard. I would assume us cox folks should be getting it soon.

They share a channel with VS.

Of course it was about 2 weeks late as I couldn't even watch the NHL All-Star game in HD because the Celtics were playing on INHD

I have an odd feeling that with their new FIOS coming that they are in no rush to upgrade their DSL Bandwidth.

Also i signed up for FIOS internet with the hope that HDTV is coming soon. It is supposed to be installed on Wed. Well see if it happens.


Ems,

Can you give us a review how your FIOS install went?

I wouldn't count on it. Especially since we still dont have have of the major networks in HD yet :(
we have 2 out of the 4 in HD and PBS..........But I still wouldn't count on getting Golf HD that channel is "obscure" I would rather have Cinemax HD or HDNet

If anyone gets FIOS-TV first in RI, it will be "Service Area 6". Here's the link at the public utilities commission site:

http://www.ripuc.org/utilityinfo/cabletv/Docket_2006c4.htm

From what I have heard, there are several other service areas that Verizon still needs to apply for cable-tv franchise rights for in RI.

-Ted
Verizon has to apply for a franchise in EVERY service area they want to service on its own ie if they want to serve SA 1 they need to apply for a franchise in SA1.

From the last of what i heard look for Verizon to start launching TV in RI (service Area 6) April-June.

I also heard that there are some other Service Areas that should start to go live for internet this year........

I have heard that Golf Channel HD will b added 2 the Cox lineup in April as this channel just went HD on Feb 1st just what I heard don't know it 2 b true or not

Ems,

Can you give us a review how your FIOS install went?


It was amazing. I had 5 Trucks out front and 8 guys doing the install. They said someone dropped the ball on it and missed my house so everyone who was done early came to do mine. The whole process from pole to online took an hour. I was very impressed. The installers said TV Should be out march april. I cant wait.


On a second note i was in Best buy and the guy working in the HDTV section said that Verizon had a contract with Lin but that now abc was holding out on them. Can anyone confirm this?

...On a second note i was in Best buy and the guy working in the HDTV section said that Verizon had a contract with Lin but that now abc was holding out on them. Can anyone confirm this?

If its true that Verizon paid the extortionists at LIN off, why should abc and nbc not get the same deal from Verizon.

There is a reason why Verizon is going into "the better neighborhoods". They plan to eventually pass the cost of the extortion charge to those "better neighborhoods." They figure these people have money to burn and are stupid enough to pay for something that's free.

It looks like Verizon is not going to be a bargain compared to Satellite and Cable at the end of the month.

Hold on to your wallets in "the better neighborhoods", unless you think the new cool is showing off by running through Barrington and East Greenwich in front of your neighbors with your dumb ass on fire.

If its true that Verizon paid the extortionists at LIN off, why should abc and nbc not get the same deal from Verizon.

There is a reason why Verizon is going into "the better neighborhoods". They plan to eventually pass the cost of the extortion charge to those "better neighborhoods." They figure these people have money to burn and are stupid enough to pay for something that's free.

It looks like Verizon is not going to be a bargain compared to Satellite and Cable at the end of the month.

Hold on to your wallets in "the better neighborhoods", unless you think the new cool is showing off by running through Barrington and East Greenwich in front of your neighbors with your dumb ass on fire.

Its true I absolutely expect them to jack the price down the road. According the the guys who did my install if 50% of the people who have FIOS available sign up the cost per user for verizon is about 2000 per person. For now verizon is going for year contracts so you know its not going to happen for at least a year and until then the prices that I have seen in other areas are considerably cheaper than cable and satellite. I guess we'll have to see what they release as pricing when tv is around.

verizon was in my neighborhood today(coventry)poor bastards working outside today.hopefully we'll have tv service soon

Its bad enough that cox has not been able to provide us with CBS-HD and FOX-HD, but one channel that they do provide, (ABC-HD) blows. How difficult is it to correct the "audio drops" problem on ABC-HD. I have been waiting patiently for them to fix this problem. Does anyone know why the problem has not been resolved.

I am from East Providence. It sucks that if i lived about 2 miles down the road, I could be getting Comcast cable in Mass with many more HD channels, including Fox and CBS.

Cox has to get their S**t together...

I agree with Cliffbanger... the audio drop outs during this past weeks episodes of lost were absolutely ridiculous. Does anyone know what is the cause of them? Why haven't they been fixed, or even recognized by Cox?

Read back a few pages on the forum...the audio drops are coming from the provider not cox. I have an OTA antenna and it happens to me to. Seems to be coming from the channel.

I watched all of Lost OTA the other night, and had no audio dropouts at all on Channel 6-1. Infact, nothing I've watched OTA has had audio dropouts for me. Only when watching the channel through cox do I get them. Any idea why that is?

It's definitely cox because I watched lost the other night and the audio drops were awful. I asked my friend that watches lost on Comcast HD and he said he never gets those audio drops.

I don't think anything will get done about it. Cox is just an inferior product. They cannot even get their "on demand" service to work consistently.

It's definitely cox because I watched lost the other night and the audio drops were awful. I asked my friend that watches lost on Comcast HD and he said he never gets those audio drops.

I don't think anything will get done about it. Cox is just an inferior product. They cannot even get their "on demand" service to work consistently.

Well cox and comcast are getting different sources. I would imagine comcast is airing the Boston ABC channel, not WLNE6. However, like I said before, OTA 6-1 is fine for me, so atleast for me, I tend to agree with you that it is a Cox problem.

I completely agree about their "on demand" service though. It's slow to navigate and very sloppy... when it works.

The bottom line is that I REALLY hope Verizon gets out here and wires my neighborhood(in Cranston) by the time FiosTV is available.

yeah, as much as I'd love to blame cox for the abc problems, its actually WLNE that is at fault. People have reported these problems with the OTA signal as well. WLNE seems to have the lowest budget out of all of the local providers, but its still no excuse.

yeah, as much as I'd love to blame cox for the abc problems, its actually WLNE that is at fault. People have reported these problems with the OTA signal as well. WLNE seems to have the lowest budget out of all of the local providers, but its still no excuse.

Personally, I always find WLNE's audio "muddy", whether its their OTA or cable feed, analog or digital. For some reason, whatever audio processing they use is either not set right, or needs to be upgraded. If my girlfriend is flipping through stations I can actually hear the difference between WLNE and the other stations.

This has been going on since I was a kid. Too bad someone from the WLNE engineering team isn't monitoring the board to better explain whats going on. I haven't experienced the audio dropouts myself (and I have Cox), but, it wouldn't surprise me if it is WLNE.

As for comparing it to Comcast, its kind of hard to determine what ABC feed they are referring to. In Providence suburbs in Massachusetts (ie, Seekonk), Comcast customers receive both Providence and Boston OTA channels, so they may have been watching either WLNE or WCVB.

-Ted

Hello All,

I'm wondering if anyone out there has any current information regarding DirecTV in RI and whether NESN will be in HD soon? From what I've read in other posts, it's in HD in MA, but not here.
Thanks - K

I am not getting any audio on NFL Network. My other Digital stations are working fine (i.e. NBA Channel, HD channels (less ABC :>)).

Is anyone else having this issue? Any idea what I can do to fix it?

Thanks in advance for any assistance?

One thing I have noticed is that the Audio drop outs seem to be a much more common occurrence on my Motorola DVR then my Tivo with cable cards.

Hello All,

As for the audio drops, it happens on both my OTA and my DVR cox box. Seems to me it is an abc issue. Again, I have no idea what it could be, but it is annoying, not the end of the world.

I did want to say I got a chance to check out BLU-RAY HD disks this weekeend and I have to say the picture quality is amazing. I have a PS3 and i caved and bought 2 Blu-Ray movies. The picture quality in 1080 i is amazing. The sound is off the charts as well. I just hope the format war is decided quickly as I would love to buy more but am a little nervous with HD-DVD and Blu-Ray fighting it out. Anyway, if you can get either one do it, they are amazing and worth every penny.


I want to agree completly. I run an hd dvd though my xbox and love it. Even without true HD dolby the 5.1 that i get sounds great through my 7.1 receiver. PQ is worth every penny and the sound is an added bonus.

Lastly one would think that the audio drops would be easy to fix. Do we know if any one at the station has even looked in to it?

Lastly one would think that the audio drops would be easy to fix. Do we know if any one at the station has even looked in to it?

We went through this all last season -- it's not WLNE's problem, it's Cox's.

I watched last Wednesday's LOST on my DVR tonight -- via antenna OTA -- and there was not ONE audio drop out of any kind. Same for last week -- not one audio problem at all.

If you go back in this thread, you'll see this same conversation repeated last year, and folks who didn't have Cox, used an OTA antenna, etc., had fewer or no issues at all. I'm not sure if it's a combination of Cox and certain DVRs, but regardless, if you AREN'T using Cox, you aren't having these issues, certainly not to the severity that's written up here.

Hello All,

I'm wondering if anyone out there has any current information regarding DirecTV in RI and whether NESN will be in HD soon? From what I've read in other posts, it's in HD in MA, but not here.
Thanks - K

Someone wrote to NESN a little while ago and they seemed to indicate it will be available once the new satelitte and the HD expansion takes place later this year.

Theres no audio on ABC HD for me all morning so far, anyone else?

Theres no audio on ABC HD for me all morning so far, anyone else?

Looks like it just came back on.

I am not getting any audio on NFL Network. My other Digital stations are working fine (i.e. NBA Channel, HD channels (less ABC :>)).

Is anyone else having this issue? Any idea what I can do to fix it?

Thanks in advance for any assistance?

Solved. Secondary Audio was checked for that channel in the 6412 menu. :)

Does anyone have any status on Verizon negotiations for the Cranston area(Service Area 3) to get FiosTV? I've had Verizon on my street and around the neighborhood the last few days, so it looks like the infrastructure should be up soon in my area, but I wonder when Verizon will actually be allowed to offer FiosTV.

So far I've only heard about service area 6. Any information would be welcome.

I would say 1-2 years.

Reason being...
1. Service Area 6 is not live for video and won't be until June last time I heard. they have not finished getting their video franchise.
2. Service area 6 is not fully ready in most parts for Fios internet, let alone tv.
3. they have not applied for service area 3 franchise yet that I know.

I still don't get why so many people want Verizon tv...price are not much better and i would not want to be the ginny pig. Go to dslreports.com and read some of the horror strories.

I would say 1-2 years.

Reason being...
1. Service Area 6 is not live for video and won't be until June last time I heard. they have not finished getting their video franchise.
2. Service area 6 is not fully ready in most parts for Fios internet, let alone tv.
3. they have not applied for service area 3 franchise yet that I know.

I still don't get why so many people want Verizon tv...price are not much better and i would not want to be the ginny pig. Go to dslreports.com and read some of the horror strories.

While the price is not drastically better, from what I've seen of their channel lineup, they have more than Cox does, and it sounds like they're improving all the time. Cox is very slow to adopt new channels and features. Even if you don't want to get Verizon, the competition alone would be a good reason to have them available in the area.

While the price is not drastically better, from what I've seen of their channel lineup, they have more than Cox does, and it sounds like they're improving all the time. Cox is very slow to adopt new channels and features. Even if you don't want to get Verizon, the competition alone would be a good reason to have them available in the area.


Another reason that I will probably switch to Verizon is that I'd really like to see Lost in HD, which I am unable to do with Cox. The show was absolutely unwatchable last night with constant audio drop-outs. I'm switching my DVR to record ABC shows on the SD channel only from now on.

So for all intents and purposes, I am not able to watch CBS, ABC or FOX in HD with Cox cable. Maybe LIN is at fault for CBS and FOX, and maybe WLNE is at fault for ABC, but I have no influence over either of them. At least with Cox I can take my business elsewhere.

I'll be very interested to hear whether people who switch to Verizon still experience the audio drop-outs on the WLNE HD feed.

Am I the only one who is having problems with the Cox DVR? I have just had my 7th replacement. I have two boxes, and at one time or another they have both been replaced. Rebooting on their own, or not recording scheduled programs are the common problems. Technicnans do a noble job of checking signal strength, fittings, etc and replacing the box, but continue to have the same problem. Today he exchanged a model 6416 with a 6412 but I don't care at this stage as long as it works! It defeats the purpose of having a DVR if it can't be relied on to record a scheduled program :(

I have audio drops on OTA and Cox. So it has to be the source. What makes you thing Verizon can fix it lol . Unless they can get the audio from somewhere else?

I just assume that all the people on here who say they have audio drops OTA actually work for Cox, and that no such thing happens OTA.

Kidding, of course. I'm just holding out hope that somehow Verizon will ride in on its white horse offering audio-drop-out-free service to the masses. Is it more likely that the problem will still be there? I refuse to face reality and answer that question.

Now if you'll excuse me, I have to go answer an email. Apparently Bill Gates wants to pay me some money to test Windows for him.

I just assume that all the people on here who say they have audio drops OTA actually work for Cox, and that no such thing happens OTA.

Kidding, of course. I'm just holding out hope that somehow Verizon will ride in on its white horse offering audio-drop-out-free service to the masses. Is it more likely that the problem will still be there? I refuse to face reality and answer that question.

Now if you'll excuse me, I have to go answer an email. Apparently Bill Gates wants to pay me some money to test Windows for him.
going to verizon isn't going to help your lost episodes at all. The reason I'd want to go to verizon is for fox and cbs in HD

When I lose sound on Cox channel 6.1 I also usually lose it OTA on channel 6.1 but most of the time it is still ok OTA on Channel 6.2

Am I the only one who is having problems with the Cox DVR? I have just had my 7th replacement. I have two boxes, and at one time or another they have both been replaced. Rebooting on their own, or not recording scheduled programs are the common problems. Technicnans do a noble job of checking signal strength, fittings, etc and replacing the box, but continue to have the same problem. Today he exchanged a model 6416 with a 6412 but I don't care at this stage as long as it works! It defeats the purpose of having a DVR if it can't be relied on to record a scheduled program :(
yeah, mine will reset on itself every now and then. The main problem is when it doesnt record shows and I have to unplug it for a minute to reset it, then it will record again. I also have problems when recording an HD show and watching another HD show, it skips sometimes. What a POS

I got absolutely no audio dropouts OTA on 6-1 during Lost last night. While I believe the people who say they have the same dropouts both OTA and through Cox, does anyone have any idea why some people wouldn't get them OTA?

The only thing I can think of that is different is that with cox, the audio is getting processed my the DVR, whereas with OTA, it's getting processed by my TV.
Now my uneducated guess is that the audio dropouts happen so fast, that it should be inaudible. With my TV, it's only processing 2.0 sound, as I don't have a digital connection going to my reciever for OTA. The Cox DVR on the other hand, processes the 5.1 signal either way, and when these dropouts occur, the DVR has to take the time to switch from 5.1 to 2.0 and then back to 5.1.

So basically if you watch it OTA either without a reciever at all, or only through RCA cables, you might not experience the dropouts. If this makes any sense, or if I'm completely off base, let me know.

first time i had no audio drops from lost

Am I the only one who is having problems with the Cox DVR? I have just had my 7th replacement. I have two boxes, and at one time or another they have both been replaced. Rebooting on their own, or not recording scheduled programs are the common problems. Technicnans do a noble job of checking signal strength, fittings, etc and replacing the box, but continue to have the same problem. Today he exchanged a model 6416 with a 6412 but I don't care at this stage as long as it works! It defeats the purpose of having a DVR if it can't be relied on to record a scheduled program :(

One of the main reasons that I do not rent a box from Cox anymore. I use a Sony DHG-HDD250 with a cable card rental, no on-demand but no problem either. Plus, rental charge is only $1.99/month.

yeah I didnt have audio drops on lost, but the first half of this season they were a major problem

I am hearing the drop outs too. I sometimes get pulsing audio on ABC also. I think the pulsing must have something to do with the digital signal because when it happens, I get it on OTA, Cox, but not Analog NTSC ABC. The pulsing audio is even more annoying than the dropouts.

I recorded lost on both channels and only had the drop outs on 702.

I use 2 cable cards through my Tivo Series 3 and never had any dropouts. My cousin always complains about it but he uses the Cox DVR. Could be a problem with the box.

I am seriously thinking about making the jump to Directv. What are the pro's and cons??? I know that Directv is launching their new HD-DVR receiver. I know I can get an OTA antenna that would plug into the back of the Directv receiver and would be able to record local HD programs that way. I am pretty sure you cannot do that with the cox dvr. Also, Directv has been advertising the capacity of 150 HD channels coming out soon. Anyone have any insight on the pros and cons of switching over???

Good post emartins...

I dumped cox about 8 yrs ago and have not looked back :) Then I come in here and just shake my head when i read all the bull with cox and lin and there dvr.


I can't speak for Directtv , I have Dish Network and I have had it for the 8 yrs since dumping cox. The only cons I know of is if you don't have a line of sight for the dish to see the satellite.
we have been through many storms in the time and have never had any issues.

If it is installed properly you should not have any issues.
I also have an OTA ant , which is how I get my locals from both Boston and Providence .

Yes, Dish is not perfect, they have there problems as well, CS Reps are not to good sometimes upgrades to the receivers cause issues.

You can go these forums http://www.satelliteguys.us/index.php if your not familiar with them and check them out.

Dish has about 30 HD channels right now.
Dish TV has a HDDVR the 622 that can receive OTA and record signals as well , It has a modulated output which I use it to feed 5 other tv's around the house.

Similar to Lance, I ditched Cox 12 years ago for DirecTV and am happy almost every day I did. I was never happy with Cox's picture quality, and their CSR people were absolutely no help. The technicians were no better. When I would complain, they would be more than happy to come out and fix things, but when the tech left, it would be no better than when he started. When I read how people have not been able to get CBS or FOX in HD via Cox for 5 years now! I am doubly glad.

I have been watching HD on D* for almost over 6 years. I get perfect reception from Boston and Providence (every channel) with an attic mounted antenna (I live in Pawtucket). You are right that Cox's DVR box won't allow you to record anything over the air. That's what Cox wants you to pay for! D* only recently started broadcasting the local stations via satellite, but luckily at least at this time their receivers still allow you to use an antenna to get them for free. To give Cox a break, D* also can't work out a deal with Lin broadcasting, so their satellite HD feeds don't have WPRI or WNAC either. Clearly it is Lin that is the deal breaker.

D* does not have quite as much HD programming as E* does, but they claim that they will increase their HD offerings dramatically with the launch of two new satellite this year. That programming will all be done using MPEG4 encoding, which the older D* boxes can't receive. I have the older D* HD-DVR, the HR10-250. It cannot receive the new MPEG4 programming, so at some point I will have to switch to their new HR20-750 DVR. It has had some problems, but mostly they are being rectified as they are identified. There is a lot more about that at www.dbstalk.com. The new receiver still does allow you to watch and record OTA signals, which is a plus since I prefer watching and recording the Boston stations (I have never had an audio drop out with any programming on channel 5 from Boston). I much prefer the Boston news channels (and there are rumors that either Channel 4 or 5 news will be in HD shortly).

Is D* perfect? Absolutely not. I rarely get rain fade, but it does happen. I'll have to get a new, bigger satellite dish to get their new program. D* will install it almost for free, but it is bigger and will be more visible on my house. Obviously, there's nothing like this with cable. There are also all kinds of threads about how inadequate the picture quality really is on D* for both SD and HD programming. Some say Cox is better. I have no way to compare. The last benefit to Cox is that they do have NESN in HD. D* has NESN in HD in Boston and have said that they will have it in HD in Providence later this year with the new satellites going up.

The last benefit to D* is NHLCI. I am a hockey fanatic and watch all kinds of hockey, much of it in HD, all season long.

Those are the pluses and minuses as I see them, and I am extremely happy with D*. Of course, you may have different priorities.

SMK

Those are the pluses and minuses as I see them, and I am extremely happy with D*. Of course, you may have different priorities. SMK

Is D* installing the new dish in the RI area yet?

I have had D* for about 5 years, and last year got Cox mainly for NESN in HD. I still have D* only so that I can take my receiver (HR10-250) back and forth to our cabin in Vermont. I have been seriously considering going back entirely to D* but not sure if I should do that until I see what Verizon offers when they come online sometime after April. Sometime ago I "moved" to my son's address in Mass. so that I could receive the Boston stations in VT, (can't receive the 119 bird there so no Providence stations) so I would have to "move" back here from my son's address in Mass. in order to make any changes, then "move" back again and enjoy the Boston stations in HD since you need the new dish and HD receiver for that.

I have audio drops on OTA and Cox. So it has to be the source. What makes you thing Verizon can fix it lol . Unless they can get the audio from somewhere else?


I recorded lost on my Motorola 6412 and my Series3 Tivo OTA. No audio drops on the Tivo, quite a few on the Motorola. This week I plan to repeat the test recording on the HD cable ABC.

I'm cannot compare Cox directly, but I left MediaOne/ATT/Comcast and am glad I did. I have the new5 LNB ( which D* has been installing since August and now). Some people will say that satellite only works when its not raining which is not the case. A properly aimed dish is the key if this were true would there be 27 million satellite customers? To take it a step further I have never while living in NH or now living in southern MA had to clear the snow or do anything special to my dish.

Cons for some coming from cable are; upfront costs (but as new customer there are deals to be had), and with DirecTV there is a 2 year commitment. also need a receiver for all TV's that will be used for viewing TV via satellite (unlike cable where you do not need a receiver to get channels 99 >.

Pros for me are: Better, more feature rich hardware (OTA, Interactive, Season Pass, commercial Slip/Skip and a completely customizable guide) although some cable DVR's have these, more variety of channels, no taxes (no franchise fees, communication, state taxes on programming).

Also for those who are into certain sports and want to sub to packages DirecTV have (or soon will have) exclusives available on no other provider for several major sports including: NFL (Sunday Ticket), NCAA (Mega March Madness), NASCAR (HotPass) and MLB (Extra Innings)

In the end, competition is a good thing and because of choice if your not happy with one provider you can go to another. In your case you have 3 now that you can chose from with a 4the (Verizon) soon to be in the market as well. Power to the consumer!

Is D* installing the new dish in the RI area yet?

I have had D* for about 5 years, and last year got Cox mainly for NESN in HD. I still have D* only so that I can take my receiver (HR10-250) back and forth to our cabin in Vermont. I have been seriously considering going back entirely to D* but not sure if I should do that until I see what Verizon offers when they come online sometime after April. Sometime ago I "moved" to my son's address in Mass. so that I could receive the Boston stations in VT, (can't receive the 119 bird there so no Providence stations) so I would have to "move" back here from my son's address in Mass. in order to make any changes, then "move" back again and enjoy the Boston stations in HD since you need the new dish and HD receiver for that.

My neighbor has a new D* dish that was upgraded recently, so I think so.
(I no longer have D* or E*)

My neighbor has a new D* dish that was upgraded recently, so I think so.
(I no longer have D* or E*)

I'm in MA but in the Providence tv market. D* have been installing the 5 lnb dishes since late summer (had mine installed in November)

Anyone have audio drops during the oscars last night?

Anyone have audio drops during the oscars last night?

Yes Using the Cox DVR :(

Anyone have audio drops during the oscars last night?

No dropouts watching Channel 5 from Boston recorded on D*'s HR10-250.

SMK

I had no dropouts during the Oscars last night. I only seem to get them while watching Lost.

I also had dropouts on the Oscar broadcast using the DVR. In case it matters, I was also recording the show at the same time.

I also had dropouts on the Oscar broadcast using the DVR. In case it matters, I was also recording the show at the same time.

I was also recording at the time of the drop outs

Could the audio drop outs be worse depending on the amount of db's coming into the box? My theory is that the more signal you have coming into that box...the less the drop outs? I am going to do a little expriment and see tonight.

I was also recording at the time of the drop outs

Technically the DVR is always recording, as it keeps a buffer of whatever channel you're watching whether you have set it to record or not.

Anyone have audio drops during the oscars last night?

Not here -- watched the whole telecast OTA via Directv's H20-100.

OK, See what you guys think of this.
I got a call from my friend in Waterford,CT tonite. He has a similar problem with LIN there as we do here in RI. He told me that WLNE 6 in HD out of Providence just popped on for his system so now... no more fight with LIN. They went right around them and got the feed from RI. SO...... Why can't COX work out some agreements with the CT or MA locals to carry their HD feeds and tell LIN to go to hell?

Because LIN had to be jerks and demand stupid money from the cable companies, they just screwed themselves. Now people on metrocast will be watching an HD feed from a different station. Bye-bye advertisement fees to LIN. That can't make the ad buyers for LIN to happy.

What we need is REAL competition. It's not a true negotiation when COX is unable to get the feeds anywhere else. You get what we've had for years here in RI. LIN says this is what you will pay or you don't get the feeds. COX has no bargaining power if they are not allowed to bargain with anyone else.

Maybe it's an FCC rule, but how can Waterford, CT get RI local feeds and Westerly, RI can't get CT feeds? doesn't seem right to me, especially when I can't even get OTA feeds here. The signals are too weak for us. (plus they point their transmitters at MA not us)

Any ideas?

OK,...... Why can't COX work out some agreements with the CT or MA locals to carry their HD feeds and tell LIN to go to hell?

Its called Corporate Welfare, they spend millions in Washington, D.C. and cry poverty to get laws passed to protect them from going out of business no matter how god awful stinking their product. It is anti-competitive, anit-people and, anti-American.

The rest of us are forced to get in the face of Rhode Island's elected Washington representatives telling them we see what you do and we know who your are at election time.

Here in Rhode Island, I believe Cox has the remedy to go to their secondary markets for those missing HD Broadcasting feeds, but they still would have to work out a deal in that market as well.

I hope Cox sticks to their guns on this one and does not give into LIN. One would think the networks (CBS & FOX) themselves would have some kind of a say in this.

I hope Cox sticks to their guns on this one and does not give into LIN. One would think the networks (CBS & FOX) themselves would have some kind of a say in this.

Even if they did, CBS itself is looking for money for it's O&O stations. I don't know what FOX's stance on this issue is. To me, it's no different than a cable network demanding money to be carried.

As for Cox sticking to their guns, well I guess that all depends on whether you actually ever want to see these stations, because it's pretty clear that after negotiations have gone on this long, LIN has no intention of suddenly deciding to just give Cox the rights.

The bottom line is that this is the new trend in America, and when the contracts run out for WJAR and WLNE's HD feeds, I wouldn't be surprised to see them start asking for money too. The question is, how much?

If I subscribe to the MLB ticket on D* will I get NESN in HD or is it just impossible until the new Sat's go up later in the year for us to have the Sox in HD??

Thanks

hmmmm,

As far as i know the 1996 telecommunications act stopped companies from carrying non local channels and affiliates. That is why in RI cox and other companies had to stop carrying locals from Boston and NYC. They competed for the same add dollars that is why it was stopped. And also the lin situation in RI would be null and void, becuase cox could try and get the boston HD feeds of FOX and CBS and forget LIN.

I'm pretty sure that's not the case. If it were true, then why can you get Boston AND Providence stations over the line in Mass.? Or going into Connecticut, where you can get Boston/Hartford affiliates over the line in Ct., or a mix of Hartford/NYC channels further southeast in the state? Or even Martha's Vineyard, which has Providence and Boston affiliates too?

If other companies in other states can do it why not Cox? Something tells me Cox went to bed with the three stations in RI years ago and all agreed to drop anything from Boston from coming in beyond the border. :mad:

If I subscribe to the MLB ticket on D* will I get NESN in HD or is it just impossible until the new Sat's go up later in the year for us to have the Sox in HD??

Thanks

I don't think that's going to help you get NESN in HD faster. Better to wait until later in the year when the new sat's go up.

Because LIN had to be jerks and demand stupid money from the cable companies, they just screwed themselves. Now people on metrocast will be watching an HD feed from a different station. Bye-bye advertisement fees to LIN. That can't make the ad buyers for LIN to happy.

First, LIN doesn't care, because their signal is free and clear to anyone with an antenna. It's unfortunate you are in a fringe area between markets but those are the breaks.

Secondly, no offense, but please stop portraying Cox as the good guy in this whole thing.

Cox cares nothing about you -- until you have a viable option to defect to another form of cable/satelitte/fiber optic entertainment service, they're going to do little to enhance their service because for most Rhode Islanders you don't have ANY other options.

There's no way they'd look elsewhere to fill the void. Remember this is the service that dropped all the Boston stations from the channel line-up years ago! (And I disagree with the notion that it was strictly because of the '96 telecommunications act -- see my post above).

Knowing that, they have zero interest in enhancing it. It's not just 12 and 64 either -- they don't even carry CW 28 in HDTV...and I'd like to know what the rationale for that is.

Just wait until Verizon makes inroads and DirecTV launches the new sats and THEN they see subscribers leaving. Only then will they magically care about improving their service.

If I subscribe to the MLB ticket on D* will I get NESN in HD or is it just impossible until the new Sat's go up later in the year for us to have the Sox in HD??

Thanks

AFAIK, they could give you NESN now as I don't believe it's a satellite issue rather just the matter of giving your box permission to receive the channel. You guys in RI are close enough to MA that the same bird ought to be capable of feeding the signal to you.

I just spoke with them D* today...They are sending a tech down on Saturday..They swear that because I just had the new HR-250 700S HD-DVR installed that I should be receiving 2 channel 623 (NESN) and that the first one on the guide will be the HD broadcast..

I was on the phone with them for an hour and a half and talked to 4 different people two of which were tech supervisors..They are completely confident I will have NESNHD by Sat. afternoon..

I'll post results

I pursued this with Directv a month ago. I was told that I should receive it also but I still don't. My understanding on how it works is that if you qualify for NESN-HD, your box will take the HD feed and display it on same channel number as the SD feed that everyone else get. The HD feed is a spot beam to the Boston area, why we aren't allowed to receive it in RI, I don't know. I just checked the NESN website and it says the HD feed is only available '"in most of the Boston DMA". I hope you get it on Saturday but don't hold your breath. I look forward to your post on Saturday afternoon.

I'm pretty sure that's not the case. If it were true, then why can you get Boston AND Providence stations over the line in Mass.? Or going into Connecticut, where you can get Boston/Hartford affiliates over the line in Ct., or a mix of Hartford/NYC channels further southeast in the state? Or even Martha's Vineyard, which has Providence and Boston affiliates too?

If other companies in other states can do it why not Cox? Something tells me Cox went to bed with the three stations in RI years ago and all agreed to drop anything from Boston from coming in beyond the border. :mad:

I live in the DirecTV "Providence New Bedford" market (51) while living in Westport, MA. DirecTV doesn't provide Boston locals in standard definition or Hidef even if you have the MPEG4 Receiver/AT-5 Dish. We receive NESN and FOX Sports Net in standard definition on channels 620 and 623, but are blocked from receiving them in High Definition like Boston does even though they are freely available on the MPEG4 satellite which we can receive easily.

I am personally outraged, but, don't know why this is or what to do about it.

My local cable company is Charter, and they are unable to provide any High Definition programming whatsoever, or the Golf channel, Speed channel, and on and on...

I just spoke with them D* today...They are sending a tech down on Saturday..They swear that because I just had the new HR-250 700S HD-DVR installed that I should be receiving 2 channel 623 (NESN) and that the first one on the guide will be the HD broadcast..

I was on the phone with them for an hour and a half and talked to 4 different people two of which were tech supervisors..They are completely confident I will have NESNHD by Sat. afternoon..

I'll post results


If you are served out of the Providence DMA then you should call and cancel the appointment. The 2 CSRs and 2 Supervisors you spoke too should have known that NESN HD is not available outside of the Boston DMA. It is not a setup, equipment, provisioning or even a bandwidth problem with the satellites. D* and NESN simply stuck a deal for NESN-HD Boston DMA only. Stupid, but simple. If you contact NESN they'll tell you that the spot beam doesn't reach RI (which is crap) and if you call D* they will tell you its a bandwidth issue (which again is crap) and to wait until the new satellites are up.

Regardless of what their spin is, there is not much hope of getting NESN the new sats are up and active like late Q4.

LIN TV Corp. and Cox Communications Ink Digital Carriage Deal
Cox subscribers in LIN TV's markets will have access to top-rated news, sports and entertainment programs in HDTV

PROVIDENCE, RI and ATLANTA, GA (March 1, 2007) - LIN TV Corp. (NYSE: TVL) and Cox Communications today announced that the companies have reached an agreement for retransmission consent of broadcast stations in both analog and in high-definition.

"We are pleased with the outcome of our negotiations," said Vincent L. Sadusky, president and chief executive officer of LIN TV Corp. "Our stations are leaders in their markets and we've made substantial investments to bring our viewers high definition digital programming. The agreement reflects fair value to both parties and is in the best interest of the consumer."

"LIN stations are important to our mutual customers, and Cox is pleased to finalize an agreement providing for long-term carriage of both the analog and digital signals of those stations in the applicable Cox markets," said Bob Wilson, senior vice president of programming for Cox.

The deal enables hundreds of thousands of viewers to watch LIN TV's award-winning news, sports and entertainment programs in high-definition from the affiliate stations of WALA-TV (FOX) and WBPG-TV (CW) in the Mobile, Alabama - Pensacola, Florida DMA; WAVY-TV (NBC) and WVBT-TV (FOX) in the Norfolk, Virginia DMA; WNAC-TV (FOX) and WPRI-TV (CBS) in the Providence, Rhode Island DMA; WWLP-TV (NBC) in the Springfield, Massachusetts DMA, and WTNH-TV (ABC) and WCTX-TV (MyNetworkTV) in the Hartford - New Haven, Connecticut DMA.

The agreement also grants Cox Communications the right to LIN TV's locally produced content for Video on Demand (VOD) and a new "Local Weather Station" will be available for viewers in Hartford and Florida's Gulf Coast, featuring the stations' trusted meteorologists delivering hyper-local weather conditions, forecasts and live, local Doppler radar. "Local Weather Stations" offer continuous local weather information, up-to-the-minute, 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Cox Cable subscribers in Rhode Island and Norfolk currently have this resource with the WPRI Eyewitness News Pinpoint Weather Station and the WAVY Weather Station.

I live in the DirecTV "Providence New Bedford" market (51) while living in Westport, MA. DirecTV doesn't provide Boston locals in standard definition or Hidef even if you have the MPEG4 Receiver/AT-5 Dish. We receive NESN and FOX Sports Net in standard definition on channels 620 and 623, but are blocked from receiving them in High Definition like Boston does even though they are freely available on the MPEG4 satellite which we can receive easily.

I am personally outraged, but, don't know why this is or what to do about it.

My local cable company is Charter, and they are unable to provide any High Definition programming whatsoever, or the Golf channel, Speed channel, and on and on...


I am moving to Westport in June and am getting a dish due to stupid Charter. Now I can't believe I won't be able to NESN in HD as I watch about 100 Red Sox and 40 Bruins games a year

I just went to NESN.com and left feedback. they ask for your e-mail adress to reply, so hopefully they will be able to inform me on what can be done

LIN TV Corp. and Cox Communications Ink Digital Carriage Deal
Cox subscribers in LIN TV’s markets will have access to top-rated news, sports and entertainment programs in HDTV

PROVIDENCE, RI and ATLANTA, GA (March 1, 2007) – LIN TV Corp. (NYSE: TVL) and Cox Communications today announced that the companies have reached an agreement for retransmission consent of broadcast stations in both analog and in high-definition.

“We are pleased with the outcome of our negotiations,” said Vincent L. Sadusky, president and chief executive officer of LIN TV Corp. “Our stations are leaders in their markets and we’ve made substantial investments to bring our viewers high definition digital programming. The agreement reflects fair value to both parties and is in the best interest of the consumer.”

“LIN stations are important to our mutual customers, and Cox is pleased to finalize an agreement providing for long-term carriage of both the analog and digital signals of those stations in the applicable Cox markets,” said Bob Wilson, senior vice president of programming for Cox.

The deal enables hundreds of thousands of viewers to watch LIN TV’s award-winning news, sports and entertainment programs in high-definition from the affiliate stations of WALA-TV (FOX) and WBPG-TV (CW) in the Mobile, Alabama – Pensacola, Florida DMA; WAVY-TV (NBC) and WVBT-TV (FOX) in the Norfolk, Virginia DMA; WNAC-TV (FOX) and WPRI-TV (CBS) in the Providence, Rhode Island DMA; WWLP-TV (NBC) in the Springfield, Massachusetts DMA, and WTNH-TV (ABC) and WCTX-TV (MyNetworkTV) in the Hartford - New Haven, Connecticut DMA.

The agreement also grants Cox Communications the right to LIN TV’s locally produced content for Video on Demand (VOD) and a new “Local Weather Station” will be available for viewers in Hartford and Florida’s Gulf Coast, featuring the stations’ trusted meteorologists delivering hyper-local weather conditions, forecasts and live, local Doppler radar. “Local Weather Stations” offer continuous local weather information, up-to-the-minute, 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Cox Cable subscribers in Rhode Island and Norfolk currently have this resource with the WPRI Eyewitness News Pinpoint Weather Station and the WAVY Weather Station.

Wow,

This Forum is going to be so boring now. No more people upset about no Fox and CBS in HD. Wow. Its like a turning point in this forum. LOL

............

Nice, now that only took 5 years to do, so does anyone know when it will be live on Cox here in RI? Just looked at the guide and didn't see the channels listed yet in the 700's. Also does anyone have any word on when Cox will carry The CW Network?

I"m also still very interested and agitated about CW.

Yea, I watch one show on it (Smallville), but I would really like to be able to DVR it in HD... I believe it was owned by CBS (may be mistaken), so maybe that will come around too...?

BUT HALLELUYAH ON CBS AND FOX!

It was just announced on the Channel 12 news at noon that the channels will be added as of 5PM today. WPRI on 701 and WNAC on 704

LIN TV Corp. and Cox Communications Ink Digital Carriage Deal
Cox subscribers in LIN TV’s markets will have access to top-rated news, sports and entertainment programs in HDTV

Guess that makes my point about COX negotiating with other networks moot.
I wonder tho if the cable company in Waterford, CT getting a RI feed had any effect on the negotiations between COX and LIN. (besides the fact that Verizon FIOS already had an agreement with LIN)

There is no CW affilate in RI that I know of? So I don't think we would get it unless there is one that pops up. See you guys all need to get antenna for OTA locals in HD. It is worth every penny!

WLWC serves the RI market from New Bedford. We get it in SD on channel 9. And they do have an OTA HD signal. So if they can get the feed in SD, I'd imagine they should be able to get the HD feed.

I live in a condo complex where I can't mount an outdoor antenna. I have an indoor antenna, and it works (I can get Boston's WLVI CW HD feed) but it requires precise adjustment, and again, I can't DVR it...

WLWC (The CW Network) that serves RI is owned by CBS Digital Media Group.

WLWC (The CW Network) that serves RI is owned by CBS Digital Media Group. I don't know if Cox has any agreements with CBS Digital Media Group or not. I am thinking that Cox doesn't think there is a demand for that network in HD, not really sure why they don't carry it. Keep calling up and requesting it, Cox made out good today and only took 5 years to get Fox and CBS, maybe CW Network will only take 2 years!

WPRI & WNAC just went live on Cox Cable! Seems they are just adding the channels in right now.
While WLWC is owned by CBS (the CBS Television Stations Digital Media Group is concerned with non-broadcast distribution paths, such as Internet and wireless, for CBS-owned television stations), it has recently been sold to Cerberus Capital Management. I would expect Cerberus will handle negotiations with cable systems for the seven stations involved in the sale, which should be finalized within just a few months.

This is awesome news! I can't wait to watch shows on fox and cbs in HD :)

Now what are you kids gonna cry about all day long?

NCAA Tournament in HD ! God Bless for small miracles :>)

This makes my entire week. I've checked this forum every day for the last few months just waiting to read a post that included that announcement. Just in time for the football season.... oh wait a minute... oh well! I'm glad that it finally got done. Now I have to go change all my season passes over to the HD channels. Heres hoping for more HD!

anyone pick them up through qam yet? I really hope they dont encrypt them

Now what are you kids gonna cry about all day long?

I like to think that us kids, who not only griped in this forum but also continuously contacted LIN & Cox contributed to the agreement.

Now what are you kids gonna cry about all day long?

Once the Cox customers get accustomed to watching 12 and 64 in HD, they will migrate to the "why can't we get the RedSox and Bruins in HD" group that us disgruntled D*TV subscribers are upset about.

Once the Cox customers get accustomed to watching 12 and 64 in HD, they will migrate to the "why can't we get the RedSox and Bruins in HD" group that us disgruntled D*TV subscribers are upset about.
ummmm....we get nesn in HD

ummmm....we get nesn in HD

Didn't know that. Do you get Fox Sports Net in HD also?

Didn't know that. Do you get Fox Sports Net in HD also?
nope. I never watch that anyway

I guess wpri doesnt give us wheel of fortune or jeopardy in HD yet huh? I was kind of disappointed by that.

nope. I never watch that anyway

I'd like to have that network made available. Just do it, Cox!

Rejoice! CBS and Fox in HD! OMG! My pacemaker....



[thud]

I never had a doubt... I knew lin and cox were going to come to an agreement...

JK... My prayers are finally answered...

yahoo very exciting!!!
but now ill bitch about cw

Great news about FOX and CBS HD. I had not heard until I turned on my TV 5 minutes ago and nearly fainted when I saw them listed in the channel guide. I thought somebody had spoofed my Cox system! :D

Now to my question .... I understand that the Golf Channel is supposed to move to HD. Not that many of you may care about that ... anyone got any inside scoop about Cox picking up the Golf Channel in HD?

Now what are you kids gonna cry about all day long?

Audio dropouts of ABC, CBS, and FOX? :D

I ran a QAM channel scan this morning and the channels are NOT available for non-digital subscribers, which SUCKS!!!
Doesnt even make sense, since abc and nbc are available :mad:

I hope this is a good sign that at least they are negotiating.............


Thank you so much for contacting Charter Communications. My name is Aela. I would be glad to assist you in the best manner possible.

I checked your area. We have no estimated time as to when HDTV will be available in your area. We are still under contractual negotiations with the channels that you would like to have in your area. We appreciate your patience while we work on this issue. Thank you.

If you have any questions and clarifications, please don't hesitate to contact us either through chat(support.charter.com) or call(1-800-545-0994). It is and always will be our pleasure helping you out with your concern.

I checked again for QAM reception and it actually WORKS!!!
I had so many of the empty channels hidden and switched my settings to SHOW ALL, and now both CBS (WPRI) and FOX (WNAC) show up!

So, I'll use my OTA antenna for the Boston stations (which seem to get stronger audio signals and fewer dropouts) and CW.

Slowly but surely this is shaping up :)

OK, what's the feeling of when Directv will come to an agreement with LIN?

Upon hearing the newly added cbs & fox I attached the cox rg6 to my tvs qam tuner, I am not getting one of the 2 added networks. When I tried it months ago I got 2.1, 6.1,10.1,10.2. It looks like 2.1 went to 106.3, I am now getting 110.2 (I believe that is cbs).

Did they take away nbc weather?

what qam channels should I be getting for local networks?

Chris

110.2 is fox, Im auto programming right now, not sure what cbs is yet. I dunno why they didnt just stick fox on 11.1 and cbs on 12.1 :mad:
all I had before this was:
abc 6-1
nbc 10-1
pbs 106-3

I am getting the same results as ingenous. I no longer have any Cox service except for internet. Strictly OTA but do receive those 4, hopefully soon to be 5 stations still on the cable over QAM. Looking forward to finding out that last QAM freq.

Eurovision, do you still have wpri on your qam? if so what is the channel number.

110.2

110.2
thats fox

CBS is 104-19. Also pick up what looks like HBO on 90-4, 91-4, and 92-4.

CBS is 104-19. Also pick up what looks like HBO on 90-4, 91-4, and 92-4.
nice, thanks for the cbs #. Are you getting an actual picture on those hbo channels? They show as unvailable for me

nice, thanks for the cbs #. Are you getting an actual picture on those hbo channels? They show as unvailable for me

Did you get the cbs? I dont get any of those to show up when I did my scan or manually went to those channels.

Did you get the cbs? I dont get any of those to show up when I did my scan or manually went to those channels.
yeah, my panasonic plasma picks up a ton of empty digital channels, so I had to enter it manually to get it, but it works.

Now I am getting 92-4 thru 92-10, all movies. Appears to be HBO on demand

Now I am getting 92-4 thru 92-10, all movies. Appears to be HBO on demand
Those are "leaks" and it varies form HBO, Cinemax, Showtime, and STARZ....I have also caught Adult PPV.....what happens is that when someone orders one of these you are "intercepting" the signal and getting it for "free".....I have also see HowardTV there as well......It is funny sometimes you will see someone FF though a movie to the "good" parts ;)

This is funny, I am able to pick up the "leaks" here too, I thought I was the only one, was so psyched to get the majors in HD, would be nice if ESPN HD And NESN HD were available as well, what are you going to do. And it is funny to watch people fast forward thru the slow parts on the soft core porn. :)

I have a 42" LG LCD with built in EPG that pulls info from a DTV or CADTV signal if available. I am OTA only and get great reception, but don't seem to get any EPG info. Does anyone have info about how this works? Doing a google search it looks like it may be only a European thing. Is this available in US? In our market? Any info appreciated.

WLND-DT and WJAR-DT usually have EPG info. Not all TV's show an EPG.
John

Great news about the deal with LIN. I am so happy that my HD DVR box died on Wednesday...two days after it was installed.

Any advice on a good indoor attennas for use in Westport? Also the TV will be in a basement.

thanks!

This makes my entire week. I've checked this forum every day for the last few months just waiting to read a post that included that announcement. Just in time for the football season.... oh wait a minute... oh well! I'm glad that it finally got done. Now I have to go change all my season passes over to the HD channels. Heres hoping for more HD!

Months?? Try years for most of us haha. I've been getting them over the air anyway but it was fustrating before I got my second HDTV with built in Tuner. Now I just need FSN and I'll be happy.

I just spoke with them D* today...They are sending a tech down on Saturday..They swear that because I just had the new HR-250 700S HD-DVR installed that I should be receiving 2 channel 623 (NESN) and that the first one on the guide will be the HD broadcast..

I was on the phone with them for an hour and a half and talked to 4 different people two of which were tech supervisors..They are completely confident I will have NESNHD by Sat. afternoon..

I'll post results

Supergm,

Don't keep us in suspense any longer. I bet you don't have NESN in HD, do you?

SMK

Supergm,

Don't keep us in suspense any longer. I bet you don't have NESN in HD, do you?

SMK


Let's take bets. I'll put my all my money on "no" (but I would be ecstatic if I was wrong).


http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?

Any advice on a good indoor attennas for use in Westport? Also the TV will be in a basement.

thanks!

An indoor antenna located in a basement doesn't bode well for reception. Any north facing windows?

An indoor antenna located in a basement doesn't bode well for reception. Any north facing windows?


I have one window facing north as well as a big french door and two facing west. (the north window and door as well as one west window is in the next room over toward the west)

I bought a cheap Phillips antenna my antenna (http://www.circuitcity.com/ccd/productDetail.do?oid=158311) from CC when I picked up my TV. I am able to get 6, 10 & 64 in HD. Channel 10 comes in the best, and according to my TV, I get about 60-70% strength. The only problem is watching even channel 10, it doesn't look like it's in HD. do you think this antenna (http://www.circuitcity.com/ccd/productDetail.do?oid=158307) would be better?

OK OK OK

And the answer is:



NO NESN-HD

The rep came out on Saturday and was here for 2 minutes..She called her supervisor and he said maybe in the next month (LOLOLOLOL)..

So I called D* again and told them they need to educate everyone on these RSN,s and that I couldn't believe it took eight reps, four of which were "supervisors" to get this right..So I gave them the sob story of how upset I was and that I was seriously considering a switch to Cox..

They then put me in touch with customer damage control..I told her the 300 plus that I spent on this was crazy because I didn't get the programming I was promised..

Long story short she gave me 6 months HBO for $2 ($60 savings)..She also offered $75 credit..I was satisfied and told her I wanted half my money back or I was gone..She said the highest she could go is $150 ( so I took it)...OH, and I also got $100 credit when I first called to get HD package by saying I was a long time customer and the price for the HD-DVR was way to high..

So, all in all I hope the rep was right with the NESNHD in a month but at least its comming with the new Sats in the Fall..But with a savings of $310 I got the HD equipment for practically free..


Itr just goes to show if you call and they promise you something you can't get don't let them get away with it ..You deserve to be compensated

Sorry no good news on NESN_HD

Bill

Great news for me, here in RI.

"Two new channels have been added as part of Cox’s High Definition service.
WNAC, FOX (Channel 11) is now available in High Definition on Cox Channel 704
WPRI, CBS (Channel 12) is now available in High Definition on Cox Channel 701
We are pleased to add this programming to your HD service. These channels have been added automatically.

• ABC Ch. 702 • ESPN HD Ch. 711
• NBC Ch. 700 • ESPN2 HD Ch. 712
• PBS Ch. 703 • MHD Ch. 730
• Discovery HD Ch. 710 • TNT HD Ch. 714
• INHD Ch. 713 • Showtime HD Ch. 721
• HBO HD Ch. 720 • NESN HD Ch. 725
• Universal HD Ch. 715 • CBS Ch. 701
• Fox Ch. 704

:)

OK OK OK

And the answer is:

NO NESN-HD
l

Well, that's one thing I really like about DirecTV. If they screw-up they will generally compensate you (and sometimes over compensate you) for the inconvenience.

As for NESNHD in a month, I am not holding my breath there either. They are in the process of lighting up several HD RSNs (YES, SNY, etc) and NESN was not one of them.

I would expect to see sometime late Q4 after the new sats up and live.

Great news for me, here in RI.

"Two new channels have been added as part of Cox’s High Definition service.
WNAC, FOX (Channel 11) is now available in High Definition on Cox Channel 704
WPRI, CBS (Channel 12) is now available in High Definition on Cox Channel 701
We are pleased to add this programming to your HD service. These channels have been added automatically.

• ABC Ch. 702 • ESPN HD Ch. 711
• NBC Ch. 700 • ESPN2 HD Ch. 712
• PBS Ch. 703 • MHD Ch. 730
• Discovery HD Ch. 710 • TNT HD Ch. 714
• INHD Ch. 713 • Showtime HD Ch. 721
• HBO HD Ch. 720 • NESN HD Ch. 725
• Universal HD Ch. 715 • CBS Ch. 701
• Fox Ch. 704

:)
Welcome to last week :)

Is it true that Cox can give you a bandwidth increase if you complain about service issues? I just upgraded to a 106" projector screen and the pixelation, motion artifacts and stuttering that was a mere annoyance on my old screen is now a major distraction. NBC sometimes looks like it's running at 15fps during Earl. If I unplug the box and reboot it it sometimes clears up for a while, but it always returns. A friend said he heard of someone complaining and Cox saying they'd increase his bandwidth. Is that even possible?

Is it true that Cox can give you a bandwidth increase if you complain about service issues? I just upgraded to a 106" projector screen and the pixelation, motion artifacts and stuttering that was a mere annoyance on my old screen is now a major distraction. NBC sometimes looks like it's running at 15fps during Earl. If I unplug the box and reboot it it sometimes clears up for a while, but it always returns. A friend said he heard of someone complaining and Cox saying they'd increase his bandwidth. Is that even possible?

Well, they certainly wouldn't have the bandwidth to send all channels at (for example) 10mbps to some people and all channels at (again, for example) 15mbps to those who complain. If they had the bandwidth to do that, it would make a lot more sense to just transmit everything at 20mbps AND include more channels, dontcha think? Does Cox also offer internet service? If so, that's the area where they can certainly give different bandwidths to different customers.

Am I the only one who still doesn't have Fox and CBS in HD? I live in Cranston. Is it time for me to call in? Or is there something that I need to do to the box itself? Thanks.


EDIT....Nevermind, it finally came in

Is it true that Cox can give you a bandwidth increase if you complain about service issues? I just upgraded to a 106" projector screen and the pixelation, motion artifacts and stuttering that was a mere annoyance on my old screen is now a major distraction. NBC sometimes looks like it's running at 15fps during Earl. If I unplug the box and reboot it it sometimes clears up for a while, but it always returns. A friend said he heard of someone complaining and Cox saying they'd increase his bandwidth. Is that even possible?


I had a similar problem. They just came by and increased the signal coming in to my house. They told me the signal strength was very weak. I would call them up and ask.

I had to unplug my HD box and plug it back in...and there they were.

Has anyone used the HDMI port on Cox's Motorola box? Is there much of a difference in quality between that and the stanard RGB?

Has anyone used the HDMI port on Cox's Motorola box? Is there much of a difference in quality between that and the stanard RGB?


I use the HDMI port. I know that it's definitely not worse in quality but not sure if it's any better. I like it because it's 4 less cords running from the back of my box.

Has anyone used the HDMI port on Cox's Motorola box? Is there much of a difference in quality between that and the stanard RGB?
I also use the HDMI with Cox and I do not notice much of a difference. I agree with drummin82 that the less cords the better...

Regardless of what their spin is, there is not much hope of getting NESN the new sats are up and active like late Q4

So if and when D* decides to grace RI with NESN HD will I be able to receive this station with my current 3 LNB dish, or will I require the 5 LNB and an MPEG4 receiver ??

So if and when D* decides to grace RI with NESN HD will I be able to receive this station with my current 3 LNB dish, or will I require the 5 LNB and an MPEG4 receiver ??

Dont you need the 5LNB to access the new MPEG4 programming once it's up?

^^^^^

After my week long torture by approx. 8 D* reps about the NESNHD situation it is my belief that you are correct you will need the 5 lnb dish and the mpeg-4 receiver..At least thats what they told me..

And yes, I've been given wrong info by them before..so take it for whats its worth..

If I was still on DirecTV and wanted NESNHD, I would have "moved", I do not know why anyone in RI that wants it doesn't do the same thing and when it becomes available, you can "move" back.

"If I was still on DirecTV and wanted NESNHD, I would have "moved", I do not know why anyone in RI that wants it doesn't do the same thing and when it becomes available, you can "move" back."


I've heard about this before but not really sure how to pull it off or how easy it is...any insight

It is very easy to pull off. You just need to have all the proper equiptment in place and then change to paperless billing. After that, find an address in the Boston market that will never get DirecTV and tell them that you moved there. A little research on your end, but IMO, worth it if that was what it took to see the Redsox in HD.

ttvIt is very easy to pull off. You just need to have all the proper equiptment in place and then change to paperless billing. After that, find an address in the Boston market that will never get DirecTV and tell them that you moved there. A little research on your end, but IMO, worth it if that was what it took to see the Redsox in HD.

I'm tempted, and may, but remember that you need new equipment. "Proper equipment" means a "5 sat lnb dish" and MPEG 4 satelite receiver.

ttv

I'm tempted, and may, but remember that you need new equipment. "Proper equipment" means a "5 sat lnb dish" and MPEG 4 satelite receiver.

"Ebay" :)

[QUOTE=Davesrave]ttv

I'm tempted, and may, but remember that you need new equipment. "Proper equipment" means a "5 sat lnb dish" and MPEG 4 satelite receiver.[/QUOTE


There must be a reason that they would upgrade you to the new equiptment.

The good news is that I haven't had a dropout on OTA WLNE 6-1 all week!
The bad news is the reason - there's been no audio at all!
Anyone else seeing (and not hearing) this?

The good news is that I haven't had a dropout on OTA WLNE 6-1 all week!
The bad news is the reason - there's been no audio at all!
Anyone else seeing (and not hearing) this?

I have sound now but MANY audio dropouts