As far as I can tell, only the locals are in clear-qam. All the others are now encrypted. My Sony has 33 tuned in at 77.3, 21 is on 3.1, and 15 is on 4.1. Since 39 and 55 don't broadcast HD signals, I don't know if they are offered outside of the standard channel mapping (channel 3 and channel 12). I haven't gone looking for them. As for your last question, I have no clue. :cool:


MY RCA Scenium picks up quite a few Comcast HD channels over QAM (cable is plugged directly into TV cable input)


This is what my TV finds:

3.1 - WPTA HD
4.1 - WANE HD
77.1 - WFWA DT
77.2 - WFWA DT
77.3 - WISE HD
77-4 - WISE Weather
77-5 - Not sure..WB DT?
77-6 - WFWA - DT "Create"
77-7 - WFWA - DT
81-10 - ESPN2 HD
81-300 - TNT HD
82-1 - INHD
82-3 - INHD
83-13 - ESPN HD
87-6 and up - I can see whatever my neighbors (or a wider area?) watch on InDemand...mwahaha



What I want to know is which QAM channel Discovery HD and MHD are located..


---ON a side note, I am watching the Colts game on WISE HD. I have noticed a lot of pixelation at times ever since the first game of the season. I even switched to OTA to compare, and I noticed the same. Is this due to WISE's equipment or??

Discovery HD is on 109.10 on mine. I think MHD is encrypted.

---ON a side note, I am watching the Colts game on WISE HD. I have noticed a lot of pixelation at times ever since the first game of the season. I even switched to OTA to compare, and I noticed the same. Is this due to WISE's equipment or??

I've noted the same observation from people elsewhere regarding the HD for football on NBC.

Here's a weird one.... a while back I posted about reception issues I was having. I'd get my antenna positioned to where everything was coming in great and then suddenly one or more of the major networks would start having pixelation/drop outs/etc.

I thought I'd finally gotten my antenna dialed in again prior to leaving on a trip this past week. Specifically 33 was fine when I left and was fine last night when I was watching the football games. However, when I went to watch the 30 Rock that had recorded on my HR10-250 this past Thursday it was littered with break ups, pixelation, etc. The weirdest part is that the pixelation issues occurred behind the the NBCHD logo in the lower left corner. That logo looked perfect the whole time, and because it is translucent you could see the pixelation issues occurring behind it.

Anyone have any ideas? Originally I thought I was getting weird reception again, but this doesn't seem to support that idea.

Discovery HD is on 109.10 on mine. I think MHD is encrypted.


Awwwwesome. Thanks!

Newbie to the FW HDTV post....what antennas seem to be giving everyone good luck? Looking to purchase here in the next couple of days. Thanks. MP

Mark. You might go to www.antennaweb.org and enter your address. It will tell you the type of antenna you'll need. Once you have that information, return here and the forum can discuss your options.

If you're close enough to the towers and want to use an indoor, Silver Sensor's are hard to beat.

Good luck

Newbie to the FW HDTV post....what antennas seem to be giving everyone good luck? Looking to purchase here in the next couple of days. Thanks. MP

I live 35 miles west of Ft. Wayne, and 65 miles south east of South Bend. I have been using an outdoor antenna attached to my roof. The antenna is approximately 30' above the ground. I have the antenna amplified and on a rotor. I am using a DTV HR10-250 receiver. I can get all Ft. Wayne networks, except FOX, with a signal strength in the 90s. I can get all South Bend networks, except ABC, with signal strength in the 80 to 90 range. FOX is the only reason that I care about the South Bend signals and it comes in at a very stable 85%.

I have a lot of trees around my house, so my signal path is not in the clear.

Here is the antenna equipment that I installed...

Antenna: Channel Master 4228 UHF Multi-Bay Antenna (approx. $80)

http://www.pctinternational.com/channelmaster/antennas_outdoor_uhf.html

Amp: MATV MAST MOUNTED, TITAN 2 ™7775 • UHF only (approx. $50)

http://www.pctinternational.com/channelmaster/amplifiers.html

Antenna Rotator Controller - Complete System (9521A) (approx. $80)

http://www.pctinternational.com/channelmaster/antennas_rotator.html

I installed the above by myself in 4 hours. Would have been nice to have help!

The system works perfectly and now I can receive all digital networks via OTA.

FOX South Bend looks really good on sports broadcasts.

I love the remote for the rotator. It can be easily programmed with a single button push for any station. I just press (1) for Ft. Wayne and (2) for South Bend. If you need more fine tuning than I do, it will accept 99 different presets.


Pilot

^^ ^^


I have the same setup as above, accept no rotor. I have two antenna's one pointed at South Bend and the other to Fort Wayne both with preamps on them. Really nice and sweet setup getting great reception.

pilot20, is that remote IRD or UHF? Another words, can you locate it anywhere in the house or do you have to have line of site?

diehard

Is there something up with WPTA's signal? As recently as 4 months ago it was easily my strongest lock even with the flaky tuner in the HR10-250. Lately, especially recently, it is suspect to the slightest sneeze. (All stations seem more flaky, actually, but WPTA seems to be the worst.) This isn't good since I travel for work and am hoping that nothing goes awry while I'm gone. - Had to suffer through endless drop-outs in last Thursday's NBC comedy block. :(

pilot20, is that remote IRD or UHF? Another words, can you locate it anywhere in the house or do you have to have line of site?


The remote is IR, but I have my universal learning remote programed to operate the rotor, and it has RF capability.

If you want an inexpensive RF solution, try this...

http://www.amazon.com/ATH-433-REMOTE-CONTROL-EXTENDER-433-92/dp/B000C1Z0HA

Works extremely well.

Pilot

Is there something up with WPTA's signal? As recently as 4 months ago it was easily my strongest lock even with the flaky tuner in the HR10-250. Lately, especially recently, it is suspect to the slightest sneeze. (All stations seem more flaky, actually, but WPTA seems to be the worst.) This isn't good since I travel for work and am hoping that nothing goes awry while I'm gone. - Had to suffer through endless drop-outs in last Thursday's NBC comedy block. :(

For those of you using the HR10-250 for your OTA reception, you may be able to increase your signal strength and stability with a fairly simple fix.

Inside the box is an OTA signal splitter and two coax cables from the splitter to the tuners.


http://i14.photobucket.com/albums/a330/pilot20/IMG_0270.jpg



There can be several issues with this layout.

First, check to make sure that all connections are tight on both ends of the cable runs. Often, these connections were not properly tightened at the factory, and therefore they do not consistently pass the signal.

Second, the splitter and cables used in the HR10-250 are of extremely poor quality. The splitter is a cheap piece of junk that is soldered to the motherboard. The cables are RG-59 with very poor shielding and connectors.

This is what I did to improve the OTA signal on my HR10-250..

Since the splitter is soldered to the motherboard, I left it in place. I purchased a high quality splitter (approx. $5 at Radio Shack) and drilled a hole in the back of the DVR and inserted the new splitter through the hole and fastened it with a threaded nut.

Then I replaced the original coax cables with high quality RG-6 quad shielded cable with compression connectors.

http://i14.photobucket.com/albums/a330/pilot20/IMG_0267.jpg

This upgrade may sound complicated, but in fact is very simple. The entire process took less than an hour to complete. Just be careful not to disturb any other wires or cables inside the DVR.

After the upgrade, my OTA signal strength increased by about 5 points, and the signal meter was very stable, where before it would bounce around like crazy.

You may not need/want to do the entire upgrade. I would at the very minimum check the connections to ensure they are not loose. Secondly, you can easily replace the coax cables. Replacing the splitter is the most difficult because you need to drill a hole in the back of the DVR which you may want to avoid if you are not comfortable with that sort of procedure.

It is difficult to believe that Directv/Hughes sold a $1000 box with such inferior parts, but they did. With about $10 worth of parts and an hour of your time, you can ensure that you are getting the proper signal to your OTA tuners.

Pilot

Cool, I'm interested in trying this out. Did you get lucky and find high quality RG-6 cable already in the correct length or did you have to make them custom. If it was the latter, did you have to do it yourself (and how?) or will Radio Shack do something like that for me?

I'm also interested in the antenna set-up. I have a Channel Master 4221 in my attic since I'm only 4-5 miles from the towers, but now realize I am only 60 miles from South Bend's FOX tower. That looks to be right on the edge of the 4228's range, although you appear to have success with it even at 65 miles. I have a line of tall trees 50 feet north of my house and a line of houses about 100 feet north of my house. Sounds like you're getting reception in possibly similar situation. Based on this limited assessment, do you think I have a fighting chance at getting South Bend's FOX station?

I don't know if I want to go the route of the rotor though since I can't always be home to turn the rotor for a recording. Is it difficult to set up a 2 antenna system? (I guess this question is more for diehard_1955.)

Or better yet, is there a quality antenna installer in the Fort Wayne area that knows what they are doing in setting up a system like this?

Hey, CBS has an HD camera at Soldier Field for postgame interviews.Gives those of us stuck with 55 a glimmer of what the NFC games could look like.

Does anyone have the contact info for the Manager/Director of Comcast Fort Wayne? I forget his name and can't find it anywhere.


I am so gone when Verizon flips on their TV switch.

Another question about receiving FOX from South Bend. Channel Master rates the 4228 at 60 miles. Google Earth shows the distance from WSJV's tower to my house is 61.1 miles. The FCC's website shows WSJV's coverage area as:
http://www.fcc.gov/ftp/Bureaus/MB/Databases/fm_tv_service_areas/maps/DT1068151.gif
I do not live within this circle. Granted, I don't know if this is based on their current power output or their planned power output, however, if they are currently transmitting at a lower power then I have even less chance of getting their signal.

So, how does antenna rating and transmitter power relate? For instance, a transmitter could be directional, outputing more power to the north than the south. Say it has a range of 80 miles north and 40 miles south. With a 60 mile antenna, am I good as long as the range of the signal and the range of my antenna overlap? In this case I could get the signal from as far away as 100 miles south of the transmitter (or 140 miles north of the transmitter)?

Well, does anyone think there may be a few HD sets sold this week for next Sunday??

Does anyone have the contact info for the Manager/Director of Comcast Fort Wayne? I forget his name and can't find it anywhere.
I am so gone when Verizon flips on their TV switch.

bonzy - So I guess you're under the impression that they care?? Just like WFFT cares...

Keep the faith

Well, does anyone think there may be a few HD sets sold this week for next Sunday??



bonzy - So I guess you're under the impression that they care?? Just like WFFT cares...

Keep the faith


I wrote him years ago about getting ESPN2, and he responded promptly... I know they don't care, I just want to be heard.

I wrote him years ago about getting ESPN2, and he responded promptly... I know they don't care, I just want to be heard.

Fight the good fight, my friend !!

Granted, I don't know if this is based on their current power output or their planned power output, however, if they are currently transmitting at a lower power then I have even less chance of getting their signal.Based on the marking on the map (BMPCDT-20050620ABX) this is a construction permit that WSJV-DT holds for their digital station. WSJV-DT has filed a license application to cover that construction but it has not been granted. It is likely that it IS on the air while they await final approval.

Cool, I'm interested in trying this out. Did you get lucky and find high quality RG-6 cable already in the correct length or did you have to make them custom. If it was the latter, did you have to do it yourself (and how?) or will Radio Shack do something like that for me?

I'm also interested in the antenna set-up. I have a Channel Master 4221 in my attic since I'm only 4-5 miles from the towers, but now realize I am only 60 miles from South Bend's FOX tower. That looks to be right on the edge of the 4228's range, although you appear to have success with it even at 65 miles. I have a line of tall trees 50 feet north of my house and a line of houses about 100 feet north of my house. Sounds like you're getting reception in possibly similar situation. Based on this limited assessment, do you think I have a fighting chance at getting South Bend's FOX station?

I don't know if I want to go the route of the rotor though since I can't always be home to turn the rotor for a recording. Is it difficult to set up a 2 antenna system? (I guess this question is more for diehard_1955.)

Or better yet, is there a quality antenna installer in the Fort Wayne area that knows what they are doing in setting up a system like this?

Here's a solution for you people in Ft Wayne that want to pick up WSJV DT-58 from S Bend,providing you're within reach,using a two-antenna seamless installation.

First of all,the best antenna would be an XG91,or Euro-styled Quad-X 100 element equivalent.Much higher gain on Ch58 than a 4228.

The other key component would be a Band A/B combiner,or a CM Jointenna for 58.Not sure about the Jointenna as I haven't used one,but have used a Triax A/B combiner.It's configured so you can amplify upper/lower UHF seperately,or both.

For example,let's say you're 10-15 mi from Ft Wayne so using a high gain antenna with a preamp to reach S Bend may develop overload.With the combiner you could use a small 2-bay or 4-bay un-amped for the lower channels 19,24,31,36,40.Then use an XG-type antenna with a high gain preamp for 58.The Triax model I have breaks at about Ch38,so it may,or may not work for WFWA on 40.Depends on how strong the available signal is.Other models are available that break above and below the ones I have.

Greg

Pilot20, where did you install the new splitter? I don't see it in your pictures.

I give up..... I replaced the cables inside the box, replaced the RG59 running from the antenna to the box, tried it with and without a different splitter and I still can't get 21 to stop bouncing around. In fact, WFFT comes in better than WPTA (WFFT bounces between 75 and 85 where WPTA bounces from 70 to 90 with the occasional dropout.)

The closest I got was when I had the antenna pointed more toward the WPTA tower, but then WISE and WANE went haywire. Last summer WPTA was my strongest signal, a rock solid 95 while WISE and WANE hovered in the upper 80s to mid 90s. I thought the leaves coming down was supposed to help reception but it seems to have hindered it (I first noticed things getting bad in October).

Cool, I'm interested in trying this out. Did you get lucky and find high quality RG-6 cable already in the correct length or did you have to make them custom. If it was the latter, did you have to do it yourself (and how?) or will Radio Shack do something like that for me?

I'm also interested in the antenna set-up. I have a Channel Master 4221 in my attic since I'm only 4-5 miles from the towers, but now realize I am only 60 miles from South Bend's FOX tower. That looks to be right on the edge of the 4228's range, although you appear to have success with it even at 65 miles. I have a line of tall trees 50 feet north of my house and a line of houses about 100 feet north of my house. Sounds like you're getting reception in possibly similar situation. Based on this limited assessment, do you think I have a fighting chance at getting South Bend's FOX station?

I don't know if I want to go the route of the rotor though since I can't always be home to turn the rotor for a recording. Is it difficult to set up a 2 antenna system? (I guess this question is more for diehard_1955.)

Or better yet, is there a quality antenna installer in the Fort Wayne area that knows what they are doing in setting up a system like this?

You may be getting too much signal since you are so close to the towers. The HR 10-250 performs horribly when it gets too strong of a signal.

Either too much or too little level can cause a problem. There is a window of operation, and below or above it gives degraded performance. The trick is to get all channels in that window, and messing with levels by changing the antenna, splitter, attenuation, amplification, line EQ, etc., is how. You begin by knowing how far away the signals are and how strong they are, and how much gain your antenna has (and how much loss your distribution has). Only then can you have an idea how much change in level (and what direction) will be necessary.

I suggest you try one of these... http://www.antennasdirect.com/attenuator.html

Rat Shack will most likely have something similar. Install it in a convenient place, tune in your problem channel, go to your signal strength meter and make adjustments until you get the most stable signal.


I watched both playoff games on Fox S. B. this weekend. My signal was nailed at 85 which still gives me plenty of headroom. The atmospheric conditions were not exactly the best last weekend.

I don't know if you will achieve the same results that I have, but just aim your antenna in the S.B direction and see what you get.

Good luck,

Pilot

I don't know if I want to go the route of the rotor though since I can't always be home to turn the rotor for a recording. Is it difficult to set up a 2 antenna system? (I guess this question is more for diehard_1955.)



Well I'm not an expert but have found some things from trial and error.

What I have is two 4228's one pointed to South Bend and the other toward Fort Wayne. Both have preamps CM 7775. I ran two RG6 coax's down to a DTC100 HDTV OTA tuner. One thing nice about the DTC100 it has two OTA antenna inputs. I can flip between antenna's from the remote. This setup works the best.

I have tried combining the two antenna signals into a combiner I got with the CM7775 but if there is a hickup in any signals then they drop out. This worked good for the most part, but I think I need a better combiner, I would prefer one that is a combiner and distribution amp built into one but I havn't found one yet(anyone else have seen one?)

Believe it or not, it is the closest channels from Fort Wayne that has given me the biggest headache.

PS What I did was get one 4228 antenna and pointed it toward South Bend(I got my HD before Fort Wayne was even broadcasting) and tried that, then I got a preamp and tried that. I would suggest getting one anyways since you might need it and then try it.

diehard

Dish Network now providing subchannel guide data for Fort Wayne.

Acccording to this week's Fort Wayne Business Weekly, Verizon FIOS TV has struck a deal to broadcast all but one of Ft Wayne's local channels.


Any guesses as to which station has not agreed yet?

Decided to bust out the old EyeTV 500 and see what kind of signal I can get for WPTA using that and my silver sensor. I used to pull mid to upper 80s, now if I position it just right I can get those kind of numbers but they don't last long. By the time I got Grey's Anatomy programmed to record the signal was bouncing all over 70s with occastional drop outs. I haven't bought an attenuator yet, but I'm thinking that having the same issues on on the silver senser as I did on the big channel master means that too much signal probably isn't the problem?

I thought we had someone from WPTA peaking in here every once in awhile? I was hoping they could chime in and say if anything is different on their end in the last 4 months or so.

Decided to bust out the old EyeTV 500 and see what kind of signal I can get for WPTA using that and my silver sensor. I used to pull mid to upper 80s, now if I position it just right I can get those kind of numbers but they don't last long. By the time I got Grey's Anatomy programmed to record the signal was bouncing all over 70s with occastional drop outs. I haven't bought an attenuator yet, but I'm thinking that having the same issues on on the silver senser as I did on the big channel master means that too much signal probably isn't the problem?

I thought we had someone from WPTA peaking in here every once in awhile? I was hoping they could chime in and say if anything is different on their end in the last 4 months or so.

I get WPTA crystal clear, but am having problems with WANE HD on my silver sensor with my ATI HDTV card..

Has anyone had problems getting 55.1 for the last few days?? My readings on my TiVo Series 3 was at 70 all the time. But since Tuesday it has been in the 40's and cuts out. Maybe they're going FULL HD!! Ya right....... :rolleyes: This is using a outdoor ant. in my apt. complex. When I try an indoor ant. I get 0 for 55.1.

Thanks for any input.

Scott2323

Has anyone had problems getting 55.1 for the last few days?? My readings on my TiVo Series 3 was at 70 all the time. But since Tuesday it has been in the 40's and cuts out. Maybe they're going FULL HD!! Ya right....... :rolleyes: This is using a outdoor ant. in my apt. complex. When I try an indoor ant. I get 0 for 55.1.

Thanks for any input.

Scott2323


You can get 55 "digital"? Lucky you..

Has anyone had problems getting 55.1 for the last few days?? My readings on my TiVo Series 3 was at 70 all the time. But since Tuesday it has been in the 40's and cuts out. Maybe they're going FULL HD!! Ya right....... :rolleyes: This is using a outdoor ant. in my apt. complex. When I try an indoor ant. I get 0 for 55.1.

Thanks for any input.

Scott2323

WHAAAAAAT 70 on 55.1

you in another world? LOL

I'm still at 0 here north of Columbia City

diehard

Has anyone had problems getting 55.1 for the last few days?? My readings on my TiVo Series 3 was at 70 all the time. But since Tuesday it has been in the 40's and cuts out. Maybe they're going FULL HD!! Ya right....... :rolleyes: This is using a outdoor ant. in my apt. complex. When I try an indoor ant. I get 0 for 55.1.

Thanks for any input.

Scott2323


I am having the same problem. Just in time for the Bears game. Thanks 55.

Ben

I am having the same problem. Just in time for the Bears game. Thanks 55.

Ben

What's the point? 480i from our friends at Nexstar.....yawn.

Does anyone know when FIOS TV will flip their switch on?
Last I heard it was going to be in March or April.

Does anyone know when FIOS TV will flip their switch on?
Last I heard it was going to be in March or April.


I have heard February mentioned, as well.

Does anyone know when FIOS TV will flip their switch on?
Last I heard it was going to be in March or April.

Don't they still need to build the "Master Control/Ops" center? If that's the case, it will be quite alot longer than 1st qtr. '07, I'd be amazed if you see anything before '08... but I simply don't know.

Don't they still need to build the "Master Control/Ops" center? If that's the case, it will be quite alot longer than 1st qtr. '07, I'd be amazed if you see anything before '08... but I simply don't know.

Does anyone know anything further about this? I thought I had seen Feb. or March mentioned in the newspaper several months ago. It will be disappointing if its not until 2008.

To add to this... Didn't the news say Verizon hired about 100 people for the FiOS TV installs and they are currently in training? My guess is the 'go live' date is late Q1 or early Q2.

I think someone around here deserves congratulations for a promotion to Chief Engineer !!!

Way to go...

I called Verizon today about the FIOS start date. Although I only spoke with a customer service rep., she said she was familiar with the Ft Wayne situation because we will be the first area in the Midwest to get it. She said that she had originally been told 1st quarter, but was now being told the second quarter. Her best quess, for whatever it is worth, is toward the end of the second quarter.

I called Verizon today about the FIOS start date. Although I only spoke with a customer service rep., she said she was familiar with the Ft Wayne situation because we will be the first area in the Midwest to get it. She said that she had originally been told 1st quarter, but was now being told the second quarter. Her best quess, for whatever it is worth, is toward the end of the second quarter.

Not to rain on anyone's parade, but I'll still put my money on not seeing much of anything before '08.

I just looked at Verizon's website, and there's little in the way of recruiting installers, let alone operational postions. As far as installation, it's a little more tricky putting glass in, than RG59U, let alone the Network Interface units. Also, unless the "headend" (out of lack of a better term) is run elsewhere (i.e. not in Fort Wayne), there's that whole infrastructure that needs building out...

Again, I don't have any inside info, but from what I understand about other town's getting/or have gotten FIOS TV service, it's not something that happens very quickly at all.

Maybe the CSR thought you were talking about FIOS (voice/data) as opposed to FIOS TV? Believe me, I'd love to see this ASAP, and I don't have a dog in this fight, but... well let's put it this way... you may see WFFT in HD before you have FIOS TV in any kind of general availabilty.

YMMV

[Edit: One other thing that leads me to believe it will take awhile is something one of the guys on AVS forum's said about being involved in converting "The Today Show" studios/control rooms/switching & transmission to HD. He said it takes roughly the same amount of time to do that, as it does to have a baby... I'm guessing that's a little less involved a project than pumping an entire city with state-of-the-art video service]

The Verizon CSR was specifically talking about FIOS TV. Of course her information is probably being provided to her by the same Verizon PR people that were saying Feb. to the Ft. Wayne newspapers fairly recently.

In the meantime I will be anxiously keeping tabs on the Ft. Wayne "horse race" between FIOS TV and WFFT in HD. :D

In the meantime I will be anxiously keeping tabs on the Ft. Wayne "horse race" between FIOS TV and WFFT in HD. :D

I'll bet a beer on the FIOS, and I'm drinking it now.

WFFT is down and out. never will change. I heard George W is heading there after his current job to run WFFT. So much for listening to the people.

Come on people, look at the commitment that Verizon has done. How in the heck can you compare that to WFFT????????? DUH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

diehard

Has anybody else noticed that WANE is now able to put a logo bug in their HD feed? A very miniature "WANE-TV 15" bug came on whenever Letterman came out of break; it was briefly center-screen then reappeared where the CBS HD bug is, like it was automated. I wonder if this is all part of a plan for HD news in the future or just a way to deflower the HD feed with weather graphics. :rolleyes: (Maybe HD Wheel/Jeopardy?)

I also noticed last weekend WANE was able to scroll the Amber Alert and stay in HD. I don't watch a lot of local tv so maybe they've been doing this for a while.

I am having the same problem. Just in time for the Bears game. Thanks 55.

Ben

I'm about 8 miles from the towers. With an el-cheapo Walmart indoor antenna i can pull in 55.1 fairly often. However doesn't stay locked-on for more than 15 minutes at a time. Haven't had any signal problems with the others, kind of amazed how well it all works actually.

Some NBC HD shows today Sunday January 28th not in HD on Wise-33. Anybody?

Good evening. New to the forum here. Enjoyed reading all the older posts and expanding my knowledge!

I am a Comcast customer and had a question about HD On-Demand. Are we able to receive the on-demand offerings that are supposed to be in HD actually in HD? Every time I pull up something on-demand that is supposed to be in HD, it isn't. I called customer service for Comcast and was informed that Fort Wayne does not offer HD On-Demand. However, when I've been flipping through channels on my tv's tuner, I'm able to watch what other folks are watching On-Demand and there have been several programs that do come up in HD!!!

What gives? Is my box not working right? Do I have something programmed incorrectly? Any info would be greatly appreciated!!

I don't know if The Fort has HD-On-Demand, but a Comcast CSR is the least likley knowledgeable person you're apt to talk to...

You might chat it up with an independant home theater dealer or installer, after all those are the folks in the trenches actually making this stuff work as it should. If they say it's available, call Comcast and give them some lame reason you need a new box and get it switched out.

Good luck !!

Good evening. New to the forum here. Enjoyed reading all the older posts and expanding my knowledge!

I am a Comcast customer and had a question about HD On-Demand. Are we able to receive the on-demand offerings that are supposed to be in HD actually in HD? Every time I pull up something on-demand that is supposed to be in HD, it isn't. I called customer service for Comcast and was informed that Fort Wayne does not offer HD On-Demand. However, when I've been flipping through channels on my tv's tuner, I'm able to watch what other folks are watching On-Demand and there have been several programs that do come up in HD!!!

What gives? Is my box not working right? Do I have something programmed incorrectly? Any info would be greatly appreciated!!

You absolutely should get HD On Demand - - assuming you have an HD cable box ;) . Seriously, I have watched many HD movies through On Demand. The biggest problem I have run into is that they are like finding a needle in a haystack. If you dig deep enough, you can find more and more. Comcast's On Demand menus absolutely suck! They way the are organized (this week, at least - - they keep switching them around) you can find the HD menu on the second On demand screen. there are several free movies, and there used to also be free movies in the Premium Channels under EncoreHD, but just this week it appears I can't get these anymore (even though the "rental fee" shown at the top of the screen says "$0.00"). They had all three Lord of the Rings in HD on demand earlier this month under TND HD on demand.

I know that I have an HD cable box because I get all the other stations in HD that I should. I just can't get on demand in HD. I've tried all the movies off the second screen in the menu (that show HD movies) and nothing ever comes up in HD. It's always regular definition. Does anyone else get these programs in HD? Maybe it's my box, but I wonder why other programs come in HD but not the on-demand content?

Figured it out. After being told by a comcast representative that Fort Wayne doesn't have HD on demand, I called back and talked to a different rep. She was very helpful and had me go through some setup stuff on my box. However, she couldn't figure it out. After I got her off the phone, I played around with it a bit myself and now I have HD on demand....it was a setting on the box. BTW, if you'd like to mess around with your settings, turn your box off, then press the menu button. It has several diff things you can play around with per the on screen guide. Good luck!

Congrats !

BTW - Was Comcast responsible for setting up the box in the first place or did you pick it up at thier office? I think you know what I'm getting at....

In any event, glad to hear you're up and running.

I just setup an HD tuner card so that I can record the Superbowl in HD this weekend. I'm wondering if anyone here has noticed any difference between OTA picture quality compared to Comcast's rebroadcast of the local HD stations? I haven't found the perfect OTA antenna yet and the snow on my roof will keep me from trying any other antennas in the near future. I noticed that Comcast combines 3 to 5 subchannels on one broadcast channel, so that's why I'm wondering if they downgrade the bitrates for the HD feeds.

You'll get the same "downgrade" OTA. Subbies are carried OTA as well.

From what I've seen, not much difference between HD OTA and Comcast's feed.

[Edit: the only way Comcast would be better is if they were getting thier feed over glass to the headend, however with rate-shaping it would likely be a wash]

Congrats !

BTW - Was Comcast responsible for setting up the box in the first place or did you pick it up at thier office? I think you know what I'm getting at....

In any event, glad to hear you're up and running.

Oh yeah, I just picked up the box downtown so it must've been screwed up from the beginning. I just think it's funny that you can talk to a customer service rep from a company and they tell you they don't offer the product that you are already getting!!! :cool:

Just another Comcast Comedy Classic !!!!

SFX:Wha-Wha-Wha-Wha-Whaaa

I just setup an HD tuner card so that I can record the Superbowl in HD this weekend. I'm wondering if anyone here has noticed any difference between OTA picture quality compared to Comcast's rebroadcast of the local HD stations? I haven't found the perfect OTA antenna yet and the snow on my roof will keep me from trying any other antennas in the near future. I noticed that Comcast combines 3 to 5 subchannels on one broadcast channel, so that's why I'm wondering if they downgrade the bitrates for the HD feeds.

From my understanding of true HD, that is 1080i with 5.1 surround sound wide screen format, OTA stations do not have enough bandwidth to broadcast all 4 alloted channels and broadcast true HD. Therefore, they have to drop some of there channels to broadcast true HD. That was what happened to channel 39. They originally started broadcasting a HD feed (which gotten BORING because it was the same over and over) from New York that was HD. They could only broadcast two channels. When they dropped the HD feed from PBS, then they went to 4 channels and no true HD. Whereas channel 34 PBS out of SB still has the true HD channels as well as others that only broadcast on two of the alloted four channels.

My guess (and probably a good one, if someone from CBS, WANE, can correct me) that the OTA broadcast will be true to HD than any of the other ones, that is DirectTV or Comcast. I left out Dish because they pass the signal on without any degridation.

diehard

A letter I wrote to the Fort Wayne Journal Gazette today:

From your front page story All Eyes To Be On WANE in the February 2nd Journal-Gazette there is the quote: “I wish it was us,” WFFT Fox 55 general manager Bob Blacher says. “I’m jealous of WANE.”



Let me speak for all those in the Fort Wayne DMA when I say. “Thank God its not you, Mr. Blacher.”



As many of your readers may know, Mr. Blacher’s station does not provide high definition programming when it is provided by the network the station is affiliated with.



The owners of channel 55 have decided equipping their Fort Wayne property with high definition capability is not a priority.



So, enjoy the Super Bowl in beautiful CBS high definition this year.



And for next year, get your tower erected to pull in an HD signal from Fox’s South Bend affiliate.

Thanks for the info. I'll have to run some tests to see if there is a file size difference between OTA recordings and cable recordings. I see in the specs that ATSC has a limit of 19.39 Mbit/s and QAM256 has a limit of 38.78 Mbit/s. It looks like comcast is using one QAM256 channel for WANEDT, WANEWX and WPTADT. So from a technical standpoint, they should be able to pass on the local feeds unaltered.

John W, you are my new hero and idol !!!!!

Why did the fishwrap even bother talking to that scum?

And for next year, get your tower erected to pull in an HD signal from Fox’s South Bend affiliate.

yea, and another note even if the signal is strong enough to get it, the broadcast will be 720p. So enjoy it now.

diehard

So, I was talking to Verizon reps at Best Buy..


They said they are shooting for before JUNE.


The TV package (all 3 -TV,Phone,Net- for $100, like Comcast) INCLUDING 3 HD DVRs and 20-30 HD channels. INCLUDING!


My jaw dropped. He'd better not be "playin'"!!!!!!!!!!!!!

JohnW. You rule!

Originally Posted by bonzy

So, I was talking to Verizon reps at Best Buy..

They said they are shooting for before JUNE.

The TV package (all 3 -TV,Phone,Net- for $100, like Comcast) INCLUDING 3 HD DVRs and 20-30 HD channels. INCLUDING!

My jaw dropped. He'd better not be "playin'"!!!!!!!!!!!!!


Sold! Goodbye Comcast.

The letter at the top of this page may appear in the J-G soon, they called for verification today.

The letter at the top of this page may appear in the J-G soon, they called for verification today.

You rock! If there is verification, that usually means it will be printed.

Let's hope they don't edit it, in the hopes of not pissing off a future advertiser. (A foolish proposition, since by all appearences all the money WFFT generates goes on a one-way trip to Dallas/Ft.Worth)

More on my saga with WPTA reception.....

I'd had pretty good luck for the last couple of weeks, clear reception with no adjustments to the antenna. Until today when I checked in anticipation of LOST tonight. For the most part the signal was staying in the upper 80's but then would drop to 0 occasionally. I adjusted the antenna in the attic with little success, so I decided I'd try my luck with the silver sensor instead. Plugged it in and voila! Solid signal in the low-90s. Haven't had a drop-out yet in 45 minutes. WISE is coming in at a solid 95 (up a couple of points from before). WANE is now my problem child, but I got it to stay in the 80s.

My thoughts on this, WPTAs signal was overpowering my HR10-250. If I recall correctly WPTA is the only station operating at full power? Also, if I recall WANE is operating at fairly low power (although not WFFT low, for sure) which would explain why it's now struggling with a lower powered antenna. I'm not sure what the situation with WISE is regarding power so I have no explanation for the resultant signal gain..... Anyway, does this sound like a plausible diagnosis?

If you're asking "could too much signal strength be a problem" Yes, absolutely. Not uncommon to need attenuation on an antenna.

The other thing is, never underestimate to wonders of a Silver Sensor. Freakin' amazing little device for pulling in UHF DTV.

Glad to hear you're having some degree of sucess...

Well, my letter is running tomorrow.But, thank God a lady from the paper called before she went with the copy editors change of DMA to Direct Marketing Association. Good grief.

Well, my letter is running tomorrow.But, thank God a lady from the paper called before she went with the copy editors change of DMA to Direct Marketing Association. Good grief.


Fox's response should be interesting.

Well, my letter is in the J-G this morning. Its interesting how they edit these. I was wondering how they would make it read right since the game is now over. Here it is:

Fox 55 has not given HD signal high priority

In The Journal Gazette front page story, “All eyes to be on WANE” (Feb. 2), there is the quote: “I wish it was us,” WFFT Fox 55 general manager Bob Blacher says. “I’m jealous of WANE.”

Let me speak for all those in the Fort Wayne viewing area when I say, “Thank God, it was not you, Mr. Blacher.”

As many of your readers may know, Blacher’s station does not provide high-definition programming when it is provided by the network the station is affiliated with.

So, I hope you enjoyed the Super Bowl in beautiful CBS high-definition this year.

And for next year, get your tower erected to pull in an HD signal from Fox’s South Bend affiliate.


JOHN W

Huntington

Well, my letter is in the J-G this morning. Its interesting how they edit these. I was wondering how they would make it read right since the game is now over. Here it is:

Fox 55 has not given HD signal high priority

In The Journal Gazette front page story, “All eyes to be on WANE” (Feb. 2), there is the quote: “I wish it was us,” WFFT Fox 55 general manager Bob Blacher says. “I’m jealous of WANE.”

Let me speak for all those in the Fort Wayne viewing area when I say, “Thank God, it was not you, Mr. Blacher.”

As many of your readers may know, Blacher’s station does not provide high-definition programming when it is provided by the network the station is affiliated with.

So, I hope you enjoyed the Super Bowl in beautiful CBS high-definition this year.

And for next year, get your tower erected to pull in an HD signal from Fox’s South Bend affiliate.


JOHN W

Huntington



Sweet action! I'll take it.

Well, my letter is in the J-G this morning.Also on the web:
http://www.fortwayne.com/mld/journalgazette/news/editorial/letters/16661354.htm

(At the bottom of the page.)

You'll have to let us know if WFFT decides to respond. I can only imagine what lame excuse they'll have. Oh, and don't forget how many jobs and dollars they contribute to the ft. wayne area

I recently had an email exchange with Mr. Blacher and he expressed his frustration with the situation as well. He remains confident that they will be upgraded before the end of this year (although he admits no decision from Nexstar has been made on Fort Wayne yet). And finally, he will not issue me a waiver to get the FOX national feed from DirecTV.

You'll have to let us know if WFFT decides to respond. I can only imagine what lame excuse they'll have. Oh, and don't forget how many jobs and dollars they contribute to the ft. wayne area

WFFT's response will probably be that we should be grateful they broadcast in color. :D

I know Ft Wayne is behind the times on this, but I'm not sure how far. Does anyone know the apprx. % of markets our size that still have 1 or more of the major network affiliates not broadcasting HD? I remember many many years ago when Ft. Wayne finally got a PBS station. At that time we were something like the 100th largest metro market in the country and the next largest market that lacked a PBS station was like 175th!

I recently had an email exchange with Mr. Blacher and he expressed his frustration with the situation as well. He remains confident that they will be upgraded before the end of this year (although he admits no decision from Nexstar has been made on Fort Wayne yet).

Thats good news , because WFFT's website continues to say they are not on the list for 2007, and that "more than likely it will happen sometime in 2008". Given that Nexstar hasn't yet made a final decision (and its also #1 on WFFT's list of "Frequently Asked Questions"), I can certainly understand why the website has to be cautious and say sometime in 08. However, I now have at least a glimmer of hope that we will see it by the of the year and just in time for NFL playoffs and Superbowl.

From the fox 55 faq:

Q: When will WFFT FOX55 start broadcasting in High Definition?

A: Our company is in the process of upgrading its 40+ stations across the country to High Definition, and WFFT will be converted in time to meet the current FCC-mandated deadline of February 2009.

Please understand that our company cannot upgrade each of their stations at the same time, and they are doing it on a gradual basis. Based on information we currently have, WFFT is not on the list for 2007, but more than likely it will happen sometime in 2008.



I did not think that the FCC mandate had anything to do with HD, just that the analog transmission stops.

From the fox 55 faq:

I did not think that the FCC mandate had anything to do with HD, just that the analog transmission stops.

That's how I understand it too. Technically they are broadcasting a digital signal, just hardly anyone can get it. I'm not going to get my hopes too high for even Q4 2008 for HD.

The really sad thing is that they won't even give out waivers to get the national HD feed from Sat. providers.

We'd all probably be better off if they just went out of business then all the area cable providers and sat providers could just get S. Bend feed or Indy as our local station. After all there is really nothing local about WFFT besides the commercials, and the advertisers have plenty of other options out there.

I recently had an email exchange with Mr. Blacher and he expressed his frustration with the situation as well. He remains confident that they will be upgraded before the end of this year (although he admits no decision from Nexstar has been made on Fort Wayne yet). And finally, he will not issue me a waiver to get the FOX national feed from DirecTV.

Well, what else would anyone expect him to say?

I think the most telling part of the story is not allowing a waiver to be cut, he feels your pain, but not enough to allow a pair of eyeballs get away from his audience that may impact his wallet. What a disingenuous, public resource leaching asswipe.

Thanks for putting up the post. Perhaps the light of public scrutiny will send this cockroach back to the dark cesspool he came from...

[BTW - Glad your letter got some ink, John W. It would appear there's a least one media outlet that deserves our community's support]

First time getting to watch sports on my new TV, ABC HD today for the NBA game looks great. Though I wish I could pick up digital 55.

I considered myself fortunate to be able to tune the OTA wfft-dt signals. However, I was comparing the picture quality of the dt signal to the comcast analog signal, and it seems that the comcast picture was crisper and had more detail. :eek: When I compare WFWA-DT OTA to the comcast analog version, the DT version is way better. WFWA's DT signal is almost like watching a DVD, compared to the non DT feeds. Anyone else notice this problem with wfft-dt?

FYI: I'm using a Samsung 26" LNS2651D for comparison.

First time getting to watch sports on my new TV, ABC HD today for the NBA game looks great. Though I wish I could pick up digital 55.

Congrats !!! Hope you took a look at CBS golf coverage of Pebble Beach, pretty pictures even if you're not a golf fan.

Congrats !!! Hope you took a look at CBS golf coverage of Pebble Beach, pretty pictures even if you're not a golf fan.

I've been watching some of the golf, right now I'm watching the NHL on NBC HD...Looks ok, but the Pebble Beach picture looks much better IMO.

The Verizon CSR was specifically talking about FIOS TV. Of course her information is probably being provided to her by the same Verizon PR people that were saying Feb. to the Ft. Wayne newspapers fairly recently.

In the meantime I will be anxiously keeping tabs on the Ft. Wayne "horse race" between FIOS TV and WFFT in HD. :D

The "horse race" may unfortunatley be a much closer race than I previously hoped for. In this morning's Journal Gazette, Sec. C. Page 1,

"Verizon has said it will launch it fiber-optic TV service in the area by the end of the year." :(

KIB's estimate for the FIOS launch date is looking pretty accurate.

I considered myself fortunate to be able to tune the OTA wfft-dt signals. However, I was comparing the picture quality of the dt signal to the comcast analog signal, and it seems that the comcast picture was crisper and had more detail. :eek: When I compare WFWA-DT OTA to the comcast analog version, the DT version is way better. WFWA's DT signal is almost like watching a DVD, compared to the non DT feeds. Anyone else notice this problem with wfft-dt?

FYI: I'm using a Samsung 26" LNS2651D for comparison.

You're not crazy, i feel the same. WFFT-DT looks rough most of the time.

I'm somewhat amazed by differences in tuner performance. My Samsung DLP always struggled to pull in WFFT. Now I have a HR-20 and it never drops. Sad thing is I find myself gravitating towards HD programming more and more each day since it is hard to tolerate SD stuff anymore.

WFFT is getting a lot of flak. Heck, my 65 year old step father called them up and gave them hell. They told him 2008. In other words, all demographics are up on technology more than a lot people realize.

I am half tempted to do the roof mount antenna to pull in South Bend. I can mount it 20 feet up. Any ideas on the antenna?

I am half tempted to do the roof mount antenna to pull in South Bend. I can mount it 20 feet up. Any ideas on the antenna?

Do a search for my name in this thread and you should come upon an antenna discussion and what different ones we use around here.

diehard

Anyone having trouble getting 33 digital today, February 15, 2007?

Anyone heard from 'WISE' NBC about when we will get Earl and The Office since they are showing the Indiana v Purdue game instead? I hope they don't screw us out of the HD broadcasts and time shift it!

Anyone heard from 'WISE' NBC about when we will get Earl and The Office since they are showing the Indiana v Purdue game instead? I hope they don't screw us out of the HD broadcasts and time shift it!

Well according to TitanTv it'll be 3 AM non-HD of course :confused:

Can someone please explain again why the IU/PU game cannot be broadcast in SD or maybe 33-2 while still broadcasting Earl and The Office in HD on 33-1?

Maybe if enough people call or email...
http://indianasnewscenter.com/contactus/default.aspx

What good does locking on to digital 55 do? Do they broadcast anything in HD at this point? I finally am able to lock into it using plain old rabbit ears, no powered antenna or anything.

One benefit is if you currently receive the 55 signal via analog antenna the digital signal will be perfectly clean without snow.

Anyone having trouble getting 33 digital today, February 15, 2007?

A little tiny bit bumpy, but could just be icicles falling off the tower... :eek:
[Seriously, my signal strength shows maybe 10% down)

Anyone having trouble getting 33 digital today, February 15, 2007?Yeah, I've actually lost most of my signal for 33 digital and 39 digital. I'm not so sure it's not the snow covering my house (Indoor Silver Sensor) or my snow buried splitter. :rolleyes:

WISE's digital transmitter when down on Thurday afternoon. The backup transmitter is now online and operates at a lower power. The primary transmitter should be back online on Monday or Tuesday. We are waiting for parts.

WISE's digital transmitter when down on Thurday afternoon. The backup transmitter is now online and operates at a lower power. The primary transmitter should be back online on Monday or Tuesday. We are waiting for parts.

WOW, for your backup I sure get a good signal (65-80) up north of Columbia City.

Thats really funny that your "backup" is far more superior than 55's main one. I guess not funny but pretty sad after you think about it.

Thanks ENGjas for you feedback and keep up the good work. By the way my mom (80 years old) got a HDTV just so she could watch your weather channel 33-3 and 33-2 when there is sports on.

diehard

By the way my mom (80 years old) got a HDTV just so she could watch your weather channel 33-3 and 33-2 when there is sports on.

As much as I grumble about the subchannels, if it's making Mom happy, I'm good with that !!!

You're not crazy, i feel the same. WFFT-DT looks rough most of the time.

I'm somewhat amazed by differences in tuner performance. My Samsung DLP always struggled to pull in WFFT. Now I have a HR-20 and it never drops. Sad thing is I find myself gravitating towards HD programming more and more each day since it is hard to tolerate SD stuff anymore.

WFFT is getting a lot of flak. Heck, my 65 year old step father called them up and gave them hell. They told him 2008. In other words, all demographics are up on technology more than a lot people realize.

I am half tempted to do the roof mount antenna to pull in South Bend. I can mount it 20 feet up. Any ideas on the antenna?

The best antenna for DT-58 S Bend would be the XG91.
The few times that I've picked up WFFT from down here it didn't look too hot,but there are worse ones out there.There's a couple on the first page of my website that are really nasty.WTSF from Ashland,Ky and WHTV from Jackson,Mi.The night I picked WHTV up they must have been using a camcorder pointed at a monitor with their analog-18 on it.What tipped me off was the co-channel scan line interference with Ch18 from Lexington,Ky!

Pretty fortunate here for FOX-HD.I get Indy,Louisville and Cincy strong,and they all do a nice job.

Just FYI, Walmart sells 4:3 SDTV's that will pick up all of the OTA digital channels. No HD, but there are a lot of viewers that could care less obout the HD, but would like to view the DTV channels without a strain on the ol' budget. A 27" starts at $210.00

Just FYI, Walmart sells 4:3 SDTV's that will pick up all of the OTA digital channels. No HD, bust there are a lot of viewers that could care less obout the HD, but would like to view the DTV channels without a strain on the ol' budget. A 27" starts at $210.00


ENGjas~

Are there any plans for WPTA-DT to pass through the Dolby Digital 5.1 audio with broadcasts in the future?

Thanks

ENGjas~

Are there any plans for WPTA-DT to pass through the Dolby Digital 5.1 audio with broadcasts in the future?

Thanks
Yes, But I don't have a current time frame. There are plans for 5.1 this year for WISE-DT.

Man, I can't wait to tune in the Daytona 500 in HD on FOX. I wonder if it looks as good as the World Series, all those Bears games and my favorite tv show "24" does? Oh, that's right, I live in Ft Wayne!!! HA! HA! HA! I crack myself up!!

Man, I can't wait to tune in the Daytona 500 in HD on FOX. I wonder if it looks as good as the World Series, all those Bears games and my favorite tv show "24" does? Oh, that's right, I live in Ft Wayne!!! HA! HA! HA! I crack myself up!!
Fact: The next Superbowl will be on FOX
Problem: Our local FOX station does not have HD capabilities and has very vague plans for any future HD (stations are not required to have HD, just digital)
Solution: Complain A LOT! :cool:
You might want to start complaining now because it's going to take a massive onslaught of cries to convince WFFT's crappy owner-company to upgrade their equipment to HD. Forward this email to anyone who cares, and please drop a quick complaint email to both these addresses:
fox55@wfft.com
mdevine@nexstar.tv

Anyone else having trouble getting HDTV OTA reception from 33-1 (NBC) and 15-1 (CBS) last night and this morning?

Anyone else having trouble getting HDTV OTA reception from 33-1 (NBC) and 15-1 (CBS) last night and this morning?

From a post above---

"WISE's digital transmitter when down on Thurday afternoon. The backup transmitter is now online and operates at a lower power. The primary transmitter should be back online on Monday or Tuesday. We are waiting for parts."

As far as 15, other than 55 which doesn't even count, they are at the lowest power in Fort Wayne so if you're doing this on a wing and a prayer you'd probably struggle with them first.

WISE's digital transmitter when down on Thurday afternoon. The backup transmitter is now online and operates at a lower power. The primary transmitter should be back online on Monday or Tuesday. We are waiting for parts.

How's this coming, ENGjas?

How's this coming, ENGjas?
We were told by the manufacture that the part should be here early Wednesday morning. Hopefully, we will get the transmitter back online sometime later in the day.

Local broadcaster Dick DeFay dies
From staff reports

For more than four decades, Dick DeFay was the most famous sidekick in Fort Wayne history.

DeFay, who worked for 41 years as weekend sports anchor and reporter at WKJG, died Tuesday afternoon at Parkview Hospital North after a long illness. He was 81.

Whenever another Fort Wayne sports legend, Hilliard Gates, needed a night off to relax or broadcast a sporting event, DeFay always stepped in with dignity and expertise. He’d also sometimes provide color commentary on high school telecasts.

DeFay came to Fort Wayne in 1955 as a booth announcer for WKJG radio and television. He eventually became a sports anchor for WKJG television until he retired in 1996.

DeFay and Gates were WKJG’s sports department from 1955 to 1985.

“(Those years) were very rewarding for me. I learned a lot from Hilliard,” DeFay said in 1996.

His best memories were of broadcasting the Fort Wayne Central-South Side high school basketball games on WKJG radio during the 1960s.

DeFay had a wickedly dry wit off the air, but when the camera light went on, he was reserved and by-the-book in his approach, rarely changing the inflection in his voice. He was steady, dependable and a relaxing presence for viewers.

“He was an incredibly kind man who made a huge impact on sports broadcasting in Fort Wayne,” said his brother-in-law, Randy Samuels.

In 2004 DeFay was inducted into the Komets Hall of Fame. DeFay had the opportunity to interview a number of Komets over the years, but admits he wasn’t a big hockey fan at first.

“I wasn’t much of a hockey person when I came here in 1955,” he said then. “I was more of an NBA basketball person. It took me several years before I got to the point where I wanted to see hockey. It got to the point where I enjoyed it.”

He later called the induction the biggest honor he received in his broadcasting career.

Funeral arrangements are pending, with services to be handled by DeMoney-Grimes Countryside Park Funeral Home in Columbia City.

So, I was talking to Verizon reps at Best Buy..


They said they are shooting for before JUNE.


The TV package (all 3 -TV,Phone,Net- for $100, like Comcast) INCLUDING 3 HD DVRs and 20-30 HD channels. INCLUDING!


My jaw dropped. He'd better not be "playin'"!!!!!!!!!!!!!I think he was misinformed. From what I have heard, Verizon is shooting for March for a roll out. Their initial staff of 100 installers I believe was hired and trained around the holidays and earlier this year. I do know that Verizon is stopping by my workplace March 1st to take sign ups and push FiOS TV. A friend also mentioned that a sales rep was had stopped by last night and was returning tonight to do a sign up in their house. My wife has also mentioned Verizon has been around a few times in our neighborhood as well. I would be surprised if they were pushing it all that hard if it wasn't going to happen until May.

You also either mis-heard, they exaggerated, or were flat out lied to about the HD offerings. Currently Verizon only offers 11 national non-premium HD stations plus 5 more premium HD movie channels nationally (at least according to other market's channel lineups). Add in 4 for the local stations and you barely get to 20, let alone close to 30. Even for accounting new HD channels, saying 20-30 is very misleading...why not say 20-500...it's just as true. Now if they were including subchannels...then they would come closer to 30 but subchannels aren't exactly HD.

Verizon isn't going to give out 3 HD DVRS, phone, and internet (at any speed) for $100. Their triple play package in other markets have been in the $100-$129. That is for only a single receiver. They are charging $13/HD DVR receiver. The HD DVRs receivers have dual tuners (but only single output), and they also have a "home media center" type feature where a non-DVR receiver can act as a DVR slave for playback (for an extra fee). They just aren't going to give away $40 in DVRs with a package that already would have a pretty thin margin.

I really believe the initial offering will be around $100 for the triple play pacakge with the video portion just being a single SD receiver. If you want HD, a HD-DVR (they only offer HD DVR, no SD DVR), you will get it a discounted rate (presuming you don't use the SD reciver). Movies, sports, etc will be extra.

I do know that Verizon is stopping by my workplace March 1st to take sign ups and push FiOS TV. A friend also mentioned that a sales rep was had stopped by last night and was returning tonight to do a sign up in their house. My wife has also mentioned Verizon has been around a few times in our neighborhood as well. I would be surprised if they were pushing it all that hard if it wasn't going to happen until May..

If you have any further info after the Verizon visit to your workplace on March 1, please post. Thanks in advance.

WISE's main digital transmitter is now back online at full power!!!

Saw that, ENGjas, looking good.

Local broadcaster Dick DeFay dies
From staff reports

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

DeFay came to Fort Wayne in 1955 as a booth announcer for WKJG radio and television. He eventually became a sports anchor for WKJG television until he retired in 1996.

DeFay and Gates were WKJG’s sports department from 1955 to 1985.

Thanks for posting. I grew up in Kokomo, and with close friends in Fort Wayne in the 60s and 70s, the article certainly brought back some great sports memories between WKJG-TV 33 and WKJG-AM 1380.

Steve

If you have any further info after the Verizon visit to your workplace on March 1, please post. Thanks in advance.Hopefully I should know a little tomorrow when I talk with my co-worker.

I got a new Vizio LCD TV about 2 weeks ago. When I first set it up, I swear I could get WPTA in HD without issues. Then about a week ago it just disappeared. I couldn't get it. Fast forward to tonight. I scan through the channels again and lo and behold it finds two new stations, 24-1 and 24-2. Isn't WTPA's digital channels 21-x? If so, what am I picking up on 24-x? What I do get on 24-x is very pixelated though.

I don't beleive it's an antenna issue. I get great analog and digital signal for all Fort Wayne stations as well as 63-1 out of Angola. 43 and analog 63 barely come in. All this is using a roof mounted 4-bow tie UHF antenna with reflector.

I'm located near 469 and Maplecrest, so all of Fort Wayne's transmitters are in the same general direction. Since I'm picking up everything else without issue (including WISE while it was on lower power), any ideas what the problem might be?

I scan through the channels again and lo and behold it finds two new stations, 24-1 and 24-2. Isn't WTPA's digital channels 21-x? If so, what am I picking up on 24-x? What I do get on 24-x is very pixelated though.
24 is indeed WPTA's digital channel, certain data in the signal tells the receiver to recognize it as 21. Dunno what could be causing pixelization, all is fine 30 miles north of the tower.

Hopefully I should know a little tomorrow when I talk with my co-worker.My friend said that Verizon did not yet have an official launch date for service. They were suppose to find out today apparently at a meeting but she (the Verizon rep) thought it would be by the end of this month. Whether this was just salesmanship or the truth, only time will tell. However I would be surprise if they were making comments like that and it wasn't at least close, say at least by the end or March.

My meeting on March 1st was actually suppose to be yesterday, but it was rescheduled. I wonder if their meeting today was the reason...hmmm...

24 is indeed WPTA's digital channel, certain data in the signal tells the receiver to recognize it as 21. Dunno what could be causing pixelization, all is fine 30 miles north of the tower.That would make some sense. I was also not getting any type of programming information due to the data stream corruption.

Maybe I'll have to run up on the roof and check connections, aiming, etc.

Verizon has been dropping off flyers door-to-door that give a web address of Verizonfios.com/ftw for info on Fort Wayne service. The page still says 'sometime in 2007' for the launch date, but they are definitely ramping up their advertising. It seems like the Home and Garden Show next week would be as good a time for an announcement as anything.

We are on the south side of Huntington with a 64 foot tower. We are wanting to put up a good UHF antenna to try and get the South Bend channels. We are looking at the Channel Master 4228 antenna and a good Channel Master preamp. Any thoughts or other suggestions for a good antenna?
Thanks, Steve

In the last week the Comcast HD channels (Discovery, TNT, ESPN, ESPN2, INHD) that previously came through on my QAM tuner have all gradually disappeared. I tried rescanning the channels, and they are gone. The only clear QAM HD signals I still have are the 3 networks. The issue is not w the TV because I have several TVs w QAM tuners and the same thing happened on all TVs.

I am assuming these channels are now encrypted, but I have not seen any other posts about it this week . Has this happened to anyone else recently?

We are on the south side of Huntington with a 64 foot tower. We are wanting to put up a good UHF antenna to try and get the South Bend channels. We are looking at the Channel Master 4228 antenna and a good Channel Master preamp. Any thoughts or other suggestions for a good antenna?
Thanks, Steve

Thats what I'm using here 8 miles north of Columbia City and all the South Bend stations come in fine. Better than Fort Waynes. I've heard from others on here from Huntington. Do a search for "huntington" in this thread and I'm sure you will find alot.

Also, go here and put in your address and it will advise you on what antenna to use:

http://www.antennaweb.org/aw/welcome.aspx

diehard

In the last week the Comcast HD channels (Discovery, TNT, ESPN, ESPN2, INHD) that previously came through on my QAM tuner have all gradually disappeared.

I am assuming these channels are now encrypted, but I have not seen any other posts about it this week . Has this happened to anyone else recently?

I'm not a Comcast subscriber, but I've spoken to three different friends who live in various places around Allen County during the last day or so that have all experienced the same thing.

I have also discovered that, some time this week, Comcast began encrypting their digital broadcasts of TNT HD, ESPN1&2 HD, INHD1&2, and Discovery HD. I don't know if this is perminant, but I hope not. It doesn't seem right since I am paying for TNT and ESPN1&2 content on the analog channels; why can't I receive the HD content from the same providers?

In the last week the Comcast HD channels (Discovery, TNT, ESPN, ESPN2, INHD) that previously came through on my QAM tuner have all gradually disappeared. I tried rescanning the channels, and they are gone. The only clear QAM HD signals I still have are the 3 networks. The issue is not w the TV because I have several TVs w QAM tuners and the same thing happened on all TVs.

I am assuming these channels are now encrypted, but I have not seen any other posts about it this week . Has this happened to anyone else recently?

This has been a topic of discussion at the Indy thread , as the same thing has recently been occurring here with Comcast subscribers.

QAM is generally limited to the local OTA stations. Personally, my cable service (Bright House-Indy/Carmel) has never provided any so called premium channels via QAM.

Steve

I have also discovered that, some time this week, Comcast began encrypting their digital broadcasts of TNT HD, ESPN1&2 HD, INHD1&2, and Discovery HD. I don't know if this is perminant, but I hope not. It doesn't seem right since I am paying for TNT and ESPN1&2 content on the analog channels; why can't I receive the HD content from the same providers?

I think that Comcast taking away this "bonus" will steer more folks to Verizon FIOS TV. FIOS probably encrypts all their HD channels as well, but at least it will no longer be an advantage held by Comcast. This was the one big concern I had about switching from Comcast to FIOS TV, but now its a non-issue.

Anyone with ESPN-HD still on, is the IU-MSU game audio Comcastically craptastic there too?

I have also discovered that, some time this week, Comcast began encrypting their digital broadcasts of TNT HD, ESPN1&2 HD, INHD1&2, and Discovery HD. I don't know if this is perminant, but I hope not. It doesn't seem right since I am paying for TNT and ESPN1&2 content on the analog channels; why can't I receive the HD content from the same providers?

Wow, I guess my new TV with no QAM isn't such a big deal after all...




And I figured that Verizon rep at Best Buy was BSing (too good to be true!)

Oh well, need to call Verizon soon to deal shop.

And I figured that Verizon rep at Best Buy was BSing (too good to be true!)All the sales reps that I've seen in public settings (door to door, kiosks, etc) haven't been "real" Verizon employees, rather essentially contractors going around on Verizon's behalf. Take anything they say with a very large grain of sodium chloride.

Take anything they say with a very large grain of sodium chloride.

Truer words were never spoken...

I called Verizon yesterday, to inquire about any deals ($$) in the works. The cust. rep said FIOS TV hasn't started in Ft Wayne yet, so there aren't deals she can disclose yet. She said "later this year" which I take as "I have no idea."

I also lost a lot of the free HD channels I was receiving from Comcast. I was loving ESPN in HD. Am I the only other one who is receiving random things from On-Demand every now and then on like 87-8 - 87-10 and the same for 88,89,90,91?

Edit... Also have any of you Comcast customers noticed that Standard Definition MTV2 Channel 51 either doesn't come in at all or has no sound?

I called Verizon yesterday, to inquire about any deals ($$) in the works. The cust. rep said FIOS TV hasn't started in Ft Wayne yet, so there aren't deals she can disclose yet. She said "later this year" which I take as "I have no idea."

There is a front page article in Sec. E in this morning's Journal Gazette about FIOS TV. However, the article is mostly about their technician training. As far as a launch date all Verizon will commit to is the same line you got, which is "sometime this year". I would assume that means it will not be happening anytime soon. I am a little disappointed that for the last year, Verizon has been giving estimated launch dates, but only to back peddle later. Hopefully Verizon will surprise me and launch sometime sooner rather than later.

I also lost a lot of the free HD channels I was receiving from Comcast. I was loving ESPN in HD. Am I the only other one who is receiving random things from On-Demand every now and then on like 87-8 - 87-10 and the same for 88,89,90,91?

Edit... Also have any of you Comcast customers noticed that Standard Definition MTV2 Channel 51 either doesn't come in at all or has no sound?


When I had my TV with QAM, I could indeed watch On-Demand movies/shows that my neighbors (?) were watching.


I could tell because they would randomly come on, and sometimes pause, rewind, etc.


I proved it by going in my bedroom and playing a free on demand movie. It appeared on one of those random channels on my TV with QAM.


Crazy! I took advantage of it when people were watching Star Wars in HD.

There is a front page article in Sec. E in this morning's Journal Gazette about FIOS TV. However, the article is mostly about their technician training. As far as a launch date all Verizon will commit to is the same line you got, which is "sometime this year". I would assume that means it will not be happening anytime soon. I am a little disappointed that for the last year, Verizon has been giving estimated launch dates, but only to back peddle later. Hopefully Verizon will surprise me and launch sometime sooner rather than later.


Yeah, hopefully that quote is just padding in case their intended date slips again...


My Comcast year is up in April, so I am nervously watching for any news.

Yeah, hopefully that quote is just padding in case their intended date slips again...


My Comcast year is up in April, so I am nervously watching for any news.

Hopefully cdru can post some good news after the Verizon rep comes to his office on March 1. Otherwise why is Verizon going door to door now trying to get people to sign up for a service that they can't quote a price on and that won't be available until some time later this year ? I don't get it.

For the 2 of you who this applies to, Mediacom just recently added WISE-DT to their lineup. Now you can DVR NBC.

I feel for those of you who lost Comcasts free gift of HD. Mediacom had those channels in the clear, so I bought a QAM tuner. By the time it arrived two weeks later, all of the channels were encrypted. This was several years ago. They claim they have to charge more since the channels cost more to operate.

Hopefully cdru can post some good news after the Verizon rep comes to his office on March 1. Otherwise why is Verizon going door to door now trying to get people to sign up for a service that they can't quote a price on and that won't be available until some time later this year ? I don't get it.Sorry guys. The Verizon rep was a complete waste of time. He wouldn't reveal anything other then "It's coming in 2007". That was the sole amount of information on the slide. What a fricking joke of a presentation that was billed as come and find out everything about FiOS TV. The reason he gave why they couldn't say is that it would tip off the competition and they can get people locked up in a contract before it's released. Uh, hello McFly. Comcast is already doing that.

The presentation also had a variety of other inaccuracies. I had to talk with a few people to set them straight as to how the multi-room DVR works, that if you want to watch something other the locals you would need a receiver, that the receivers were NOT wireless, blah blah blah. He also said that there is a FTW channel line up on the internet (it's not), didn't know much about pricing in other markets let alone here, and had no idea what any types of promos or triple play offers we would have here.

On a scale of 1-10 for usefulness, he got a -3.

Sorry guys. The Verizon rep was a complete waste of time. He wouldn't reveal anything other then "It's coming in 2007". That was the sole amount of information on the slide. What a fricking joke of a presentation that was billed as come and find out everything about FiOS TV. The reason he gave why they couldn't say is that it would tip off the competition and they can get people locked up in a contract before it's released. Uh, hello McFly. Comcast is already doing that.

The presentation also had a variety of other inaccuracies. I had to talk with a few people to set them straight as to how the multi-room DVR works, that if you want to watch something other the locals you would need a receiver, that the receivers were NOT wireless, blah blah blah. He also said that there is a FTW channel line up on the internet (it's not), didn't know much about pricing in other markets let alone here, and had no idea what any types of promos or triple play offers we would have here.

On a scale of 1-10 for usefulness, he got a -3.


Nice.

...Otherwise why is Verizon going door to door now trying to get people to sign up for a service that they can't quote a price on and that won't be available until some time later this year ? I don't get it.


An excellent point. I am bound and determined to escape from Comcast, and their Triple Play deal ends for me in April.

Verizon won't tell me anything, and that's a problem.

An excellent point. I am bound and determined to escape from Comcast, and their Triple Play deal ends for me in April.

Verizon won't tell me anything, and that's a problem.

I hate to say it bonz, but I think you might have to resign yourself to another 12 month hitch...

The upside is the extra couple of months you'll still be under the Comcast contract will give Verizon a chance to shake things down. Just because it's offered on such and such a date doesn't it's actually going to work right.

I hate to say it bonz, but I think you might have to resign yourself to another 12 month hitch...

The upside is the extra couple of months you'll still be under the Comcast contract will give Verizon a chance to shake things down. Just because it's offered on such and such a date doesn't it's actually going to work right.


Well, luckily I am not under contract. The price is what will change, I assume, because it was good for a year.


Although I have not received a call from anyone at Comcast about getting me another deal...I'm sure they will be that courteous...right?

Right?

Well, luckily I am not under contract. The price is what will change, I assume, because it was good for a year.


Although I have not received a call from anyone at Comcast about getting me another deal...I'm sure they will be that courteous...right?

Right?

If you call Comcast up once your deal has ended and tell them your switching to a different company then chances are they will work a new deal out.

They extended my 3 month internet deal to a full year, then offered another 3 months after that year was up and I canceled and switched to FIOS.

Sorry guys. The Verizon rep was a complete waste of time.
......On a scale of 1-10 for usefulness, he got a -3.

Thanks for the update. Verizon's marketing gurus behind their FIOS TV launch must be from the same team that introduced New Coke some years back.

Thanks for the update. Verizon's marketing gurus behind their FIOS TV launch must be from the same team that introduced New Coke some years back.


What they need is the Coke Zero team.


Mmmmmm...

It's a totally unconfirmed rumor, and likely just as accurate as the Best Buy rep mentioned above, but a co-worker mentioned he talked to a Verizon "rep" at a mall kiosk about when FiOS TV would be available. He wouldn't give a date. My friend prodded some more to see if he could get a date with a wink and he replied late March/April. Increase your sodium intake with this rumor as well.

With all due respect to our friends at WANE, who do a great job, as well as make valuable contributions to this board... for the love of God, please knock the snow off of that 6 meter dish you're using to pickup the CBS HD signal !!! Been getting a boatload of "Loss of Signal" error messages passing through your reciever this weekend during the Basketball programming.

Take care.

Kib:

Just did a couple of things here to look into the situation, and a few things dawned on me on why you are having issues this weekend.

There is no snow on the dish, its completely clear.

However, there are 2 possible scenarios that could be causing the issue (depending on what time you saw them):

1: Sun outages. Normally, when CBS switches us to the backup bird, you don't see a glitch. On the HD side, however, when we switch transponders, you do see a loss of input signal indication if the HD switch is on.

2: If you saw this loss of input signal indication at the start of the game, it is because the HD receiver is switching transponders.

I don't know what time you saw the loss of input signal today, but I did get a call at home from our MC in Indy about 1:30 yesterday afternoon about it. I just talked to them again today about it and they reminded me of the sun outages this week. I'm leaning towards that being the problem. You'd see it at least twice as CBS switched us back and forth from the Primary transponder.

We're keeping a close eye on it right now to see if that is indeed the probelm or if its something else.

With all due respect to our friends at WANE, who do a great job, as well as make valuable contributions to this board... for the love of God, please knock the snow off of that 6 meter dish you're using to pickup the CBS HD signal !!! Been getting a boatload of "Loss of Signal" error messages passing through your reciever this weekend during the Basketball programming.

Take care.

I noticed the same issue here in Indy with sister station WISH-DT. It is my understanding that the two stations each use their own satellite dishes for HD broadcasts, so it sounds as though it was a network problem as opposed to a local problem.

Steve

jckrac & goldrich -

Thanks folks. The biggest outage was yesterday, middle of the second game of the day, went splat for quite awhile after a number of burps. Today, only once or twice as I recall, not during switchovers from different venues, although it was jumping from HD to SD a number of times without the error message.

Didn't notice anyone put up any posts on the programming threads, normally if it's a nation thing folks are quick to post.

Makes sense about the sun, it's close to that time of year again, huh?

BTW - The UNC/Duke game has been fine other than I wish they would relamp the gym...

No worries, Kib. When talking with our MC in Indy, it was like being bitten by a snake. CBS sent out a list of times for the next week (starting yesterday) about the sun outages, and I totally forgot about it. The whole time I'm staring at our Harris receiver, scratching my head wondering what the problem was, because by the time I got in here, it had passed. Our weekend MC operator down in Indy is one of the best in the business, been at WISH for a very long time, and a pleasure to work with. Glad he remembered about the outages, because it slipped my mind.

Reason it was switching back and forth from SD to HD is because Indy wanted to make sure something was on the air; preferably HD.

At least its now and not in the middle of the NCAA's.

Great info, jckrac...

Think I'll put a post over on the Programming thread mentioning this. Might keep the phone calls down to your MC brothers & sisters across the country.

Thanks again !!!

It's a totally unconfirmed rumor, and likely just as accurate as the Best Buy rep mentioned above, but a co-worker mentioned he talked to a Verizon "rep" at a mall kiosk about when FiOS TV would be available. He wouldn't give a date. My friend prodded some more to see if he could get a date with a wink and he replied late March/April. Increase your sodium intake with this rumor as well.


It would work out perfectly for me, which is why it's probably too good to be true :D

Question for ENGjas:

Any chance that the evening session of Friday's Big Ten Tournament will be in High-Def on WISE-DT (ESPN-Plus carriage)?

Thanks In Advance!

Question for ENGjas:

Any chance that the evening session of Friday's Big Ten Tournament will be in High-Def on WISE-DT (ESPN-Plus carriage)?

Thanks In Advance!
Unfortually no, We do not receive the games from ESPN Plus in HD.

Verizon FiOS TV is scheduled to launch in Fort Wayne on May 1st 2007.

Verizon FiOS TV is scheduled to launch in Fort Wayne on May 1st 2007.

Thanks for the great news. I will be anxiously keeping an eye out for future posts as to the channel line up and pricing info as that becomes available.

Verizon FiOS TV is scheduled to launch in Fort Wayne on May 1st 2007.


I think I hear "Battle Hymn of the Republic" playing...


I wonder when we can sign up? This couldn't be better timing. My Comcast deal runs out in late April!


..and this may add merit to your claim:

"Don’t miss the FiOS TV Sneak Preview at the Killer Apps Conference, April 30th from 5-9pm at the Grand Wayne Center!"

Yeah...make sure you dial 888-GET-FIOS....not 800.

*ahem* :o

Has anyone in the Fort Wayne area been able to get a good HD signal from the Fox station in South Bend? If you can what kind of antenna/amp are you using.

Thanks

Some insider info I have received for FIOS TV:


-They do have a firm date picked. It was not revealed to me, but I was told it is "before summer"
-Arrange to get FIOS installed ASAP. Current FIOS customers get priority for TV install over non-customers.
-Installing FIOS now also guarantees you free install.

Verizon FiOS TV is scheduled to launch in Fort Wayne on May 1st 2007.

Does Verizon make you buy their phone service and internet with the TV service? I'd use the internet and TV, but I have no need for their phone service.

jckrac -

Any chance of flipping the switch off the radar on the subbie to pick up the alternate games during March Madness?

Sounds like a splended way for your sales & marketing folks to promote your leadership in DTV.... yeah, I know, I'm just grasping for any excuse....

jckrac -

Any chance of flipping the switch off the radar on the subbie to pick up the alternate games during March Madness?

Sounds like a splended way for your sales & marketing folks to promote your leadership in DTV.... yeah, I know, I'm just grasping for any excuse....

CBS has changed up the rules this year (they are talking about it on the Indy forum as well) and I don't think that is an option. Not that I have any authority over that anyway. But I know for sure our HD and SD must match at all times now.

CBS has changed up the rules this year (they are talking about it on the Indy forum as well) and I don't think that is an option. Not that I have any authority over that anyway. But I know for sure our HD and SD must match at all times now.

Poop... well, thanks for looking into it. I wouldn't doubt it has to do with Mega package the NCAA sold off to D*

Take care !

Can anyone tell me if they lost signal tonight during lost? I had several times that my tv would say no signal. I have been trying to decide over the last few months if I have an antenna problem or if it is the broadcasters. I have on and off noticed this on all of the networks with the digital channels. Is this a problem with them all getting there equipemnt up and going? I am in Churubusco and would think that I should have adequet signal up here. But on the other hand I have a year old antenna and new cabling.
Any info on the signal would be appriciated
Thanks
Wayne

Can anyone tell me if they lost signal tonight during lost? I had several times that my tv would say no signal. I have been trying to decide over the last few months if I have an antenna problem or if it is the broadcasters. I have on and off noticed this on all of the networks with the digital channels. Is this a problem with them all getting there equipemnt up and going? I am in Churubusco and would think that I should have adequet signal up here. But on the other hand I have a year old antenna and new cabling.
Any info on the signal would be appriciated
Thanks
Wayne

I was watching on Comcast, and they were having signal drops too. Several people at work also said they had signal drops. I don't think it was your antenna.

GRRRRRRR... I know it's not jckrac's fault, and it's not his call, but I wish WANE would turn off the flippin' radar (15.2) and put up a second game.... It would still meet CBS requirements of having analog 15 & digital 15.1 HD match.

I was just on the phone with a friend from Portland,OR and thier affiliate is broadcasting the alternate on thier second subbie and he said "Isn't Indiana the heart of basketball in Americia?"

Guess not.

Here's what sucks..... having a few tag-along Ohio counties in our viewing area thus giving us Ohio State vs. Central Connecticut High School rather than something competitive like, say, Michigan State vs. Marquette.

No offense to our resident Buckeyes.... ;)

Can anyone tell me if they lost signal tonight during lost? I had several times that my tv would say no signal. I have been trying to decide over the last few months if I have an antenna problem or if it is the broadcasters. I have on and off noticed this on all of the networks with the digital channels. Is this a problem with them all getting there equipemnt up and going? I am in Churubusco and would think that I should have adequet signal up here. But on the other hand I have a year old antenna and new cabling.
Any info on the signal would be appriciated
Thanks
WayneDon't worry, it's not just you. I had multiple drop-outs yesterday as well. Normally I've only had the issue (and I've been chasing this issue since last October/November) with my HD Tivo from DirecTV since it has a really flaky tuner in it. So I switched to watching it straight through my TV which has always been pretty solid even when I'm getting break-ups on the Tivo. I had a rock solid signal of 98 but every 5 to 10 minutes last night it would just drop to 0 for a couple of seconds and then right back to 98. Who knows? It is annoying though...

Here's what sucks..... having a few tag-along Ohio counties in our viewing area thus giving us Ohio State vs. Central Connecticut High School rather than something competitive like, say, Michigan State vs. Marquette.

No offense to our resident Buckeyes.... ;)

Looks like your prognosticated train wreck came to pass...

Oh well, there's always the other game on 15.2 (Doh !!!)

Major reception issues with WISE during The Office on both OTA digital AND Comcast.



Quite annoying..

IU is in HD per CBS, whats up???

IU is in HD per CBS, whats up???

Check the Indy thread for some details on why this is-I think. Its about as dumb as it gets.

IU is in HD per CBS, whats up???

Likley a "constant" feed, which after reading about 1000 posts means, as a rule of thumb, the game won't switch to another game (good) but it will be in SD (not so good)

Check out the Magic-8-Ball thread over in programming...

Likley a "constant" feed, which after reading about 1000 posts means, as a rule of thumb, the game won't switch to another game (good) but it will be in SD (not so good)

Check out the Magic-8-Ball thread over in programming...

Yeah, saw it. I don't really know what to say.

The IU Game is up in HD on D* cbs 80. You'd think if the New York channel can get the game in HD the Indiana channels could also.

Yeah, saw it. I don't really know what to say.

The best we can hope for right now was a blowout in the Xav/BYU game at halftime (since the others arn't close either) so the IU would go flex... but it ain't happin'in

(I'll ammend that, looks like the Wright/Pitt might be the flex de'jour)

Ah, the "constant vs. flex" debate has finally came to Fort Wayne and the IU faithful. And again later today when Purdue is on...

To make a long story short: The HD feeds (ALL of them) are flex. SD can be both constant and flex. Obviously, we were a "constant" feed of IU because of "a game of natural interest." Since the HD feed is flex, yet IU was constant, the local affils are required to upconvert the SD on the HD so as not to flex away from IU.

From my perspective as a basketball fan only, its the backwards way of doing it. I see it from an uplink point of view from CBS (and one only needs to take a look at the uplink procedures from CBS to see how much of a nightmare it is) but at the same time you'd think you'd want the HD feed for games of local interest to be constant as viewership is at a peak.

I hope I didn't add to confusion. In a nutshell, we are doing what we're told to do by CBS.

KIB: the chances of IU going to a flex feed during a game won't happen. From my master control days, even with IU up 30 or down 30, we'd carry it till the final horn. One night, CBS switched us off when IU was getting manhandled, but within 30 seconds, we were swtiched back.

jckrac -

As always, I enjoy getting your perspective on things !

Seems to me the only way we're going to get out of this morass is when the digital conversion happens so we/you don't need to worry about folks not being able to receive subbies, then you can run the "flex" AND the "constant" simutainiously. Also by then encoders and such might evolve to let you run two channels of good quality HD.

Take care !

[it's also gonna help when CBS finishes the NY upgrade !]

Yeah, CBS' decision is backwards in the sense that the "home" markets of every team in the tournament has to suffer through SD broadcasts while casual viewers who are being whisked from site to site get the benefit of HD. I guess CBS felt it was more important to be able to advertise all games in HD rather than provide selective HD games like in previous years. Yeah, some home markets may still not have gotten to see their team in HD, but at least some would have gotten their team in HD. In my opinion, this is a better option than no home markets getting their team in HD.

What's the plan for this weekend? With half the number of games, does that mean the HD bottleneck at CBS will be relieved and all games in all markets will be broadcast in HD?

(How many more times can I mention the words market and HD in this post? I guess the answer is two. ;) )

Yeah, CBS' decision is backwards in the sense that the "home" markets of every team in the tournament has to suffer through SD broadcasts while casual viewers who are being whisked from site to site get the benefit of HD. I guess CBS felt it was more important to be able to advertise all games in HD rather than provide selective HD games like in previous years. Yeah, some home markets may still not have gotten to see their team in HD, but at least some would have gotten their team in HD. In my opinion, this is a better option than no home markets getting their team in HD.

What's the plan for this weekend? With half the number of games, does that mean the HD bottleneck at CBS will be relieved and all games in all markets will be broadcast in HD?

(How many more times can I mention the words market and HD in this post? I guess the answer is two. ;) )

From the looks of things over on the Magic-8-Ball thread, it won't be until next week that things ease up.

I thought we were supposed to be getting Notre Dame? I'm surprised we aren't a constant feed for that game.

Or maybe it's a glitch? The Georgia Tech game cut out with no "outro" from Greg Gumble - went straight into commercial with 6 seconds left on the clock. Came back from commercial with Greg Gumble giving updates, went to the Memphis game for a look-in and coming out of that with Gumble continuing with updates it suddenly jumped back into the Memphis game for the last meaningless 30 seconds. Game ends and Gumble gives more updates then goes to commercial where a we get a quick look at a "Chicago Constant" banner. Heather Herron is then interrupted in her commercial with the ND game in progress (not coming out of a time-out or at a natural break in the game). But, it's in HD!

Weird stuff going on at CBS this afternoon....

Now that the Purdue game is over, why aren't we on the HD Flex Feed?

Now that the Purdue game is over, why aren't we on the HD Flex Feed?

Good question. The phrase "soup sandwich" comes to mind.

Yup. CBS' coverage has become a giant cluster you know what. Hopefully they'll have their facilities upgraded by next year or else they need to rethink broadcasting (and I use that term VERY lightly) every game in HD.

So much for the "constant feed" of the Purdue game. Anyone else notice that they switched to the end of the Illinois game with about two minutes left to go? If they are going to do that why not just give us the HD feed?

So much for the "constant feed" of the Purdue game. Anyone else notice that they switched to the end of the Illinois game with about two minutes left to go? If they are going to do that why not just give us the HD feed?

What I noticed was they tried to give us Illinois only when there was no live action in the PU game. However, the quick switch to try and catch the last shot of Illinois was late, I believe, and we only saw the aftermath.

I read an article about the NCAA monitoring the tournament at their Indy offices to catch things and see how its being presented. I wonder though if they see how its actually presented via the local affiliates-if they see what we see?

SHHHH. IU-UCLA starting in HD.

Keep your fingers crossed, y'all. IU SHOULD be in HD constant tonight, per CBS...

Keep your fingers crossed, y'all. IU SHOULD be in HD constant tonight, per CBS...

If I was harsh with you the other day, you, Tom down in Indy and everyone else involved more than made up for it today...superb job !!!!!

Thanks !

OK, last 2 minutes of Tennessee/Virginia in HD, switched to first few minutes of Purdue/Florida... WTF??

annnnd we're back, no ...switched back to Purdue...no, now back to Tennessee , but no HD..

annnnd we're back, no ...switched back to Purdue...no, now back to Tennessee , but no HD..

I believe this system will be rethought before next year. Maybe the "re" isn't appropriate, however.

Can anyone tell me if they lost signal tonight during lost? I had several times that my tv would say no signal. I have been trying to decide over the last few months if I have an antenna problem or if it is the broadcasters. I have on and off noticed this on all of the networks with the digital channels. Is this a problem with them all getting there equipemnt up and going? I am in Churubusco and would think that I should have adequet signal up here. But on the other hand I have a year old antenna and new cabling.
Any info on the signal would be appriciated
Thanks
Wayne
I'm glad this wasn't just me. Every 5 or 10 minutes, and it is doing it right now, but more briefly. I just had a friend on the phone monitoring abc on his set and he has the same thing happening.

I'm also having a different problem (which I saw during Lost but don't always see) -- I see periodic pulses of white graininess (about twice per second) on certain dark scenes. Has anyone else seen this?

Watching dancing with the stars on abc hd 21.1 right now and am seeing like in the post above a signal loss every 5-10 minutes on the tv. I also fired up vb meter on my pvr and there is absolutely no signal when the tv goes to no signal mode. Is the transmitter going down or intermittent ? or is there something up here in churubusco that is screwing up the signal ?

Watching dancing with the stars on abc hd 21.1 right now and am seeing like in the post above a signal loss every 5-10 minutes on the tv. I also fired up vb meter on my pvr and there is absolutely no signal when the tv goes to no signal mode. Is the transmitter going down or intermittent ? or is there something up here in churubusco that is screwing up the signal ?

Same problem for me since last Wednesday with ABC:intermittent pauses. I'm in Busco area too (howdy Doubledose!)
Anyone know the deal yet?

Does Verizon make you buy their phone service and internet with the TV service? I'd use the internet and TV, but I have no need for their phone service.Yes you can. However you will need to pay via credit card. If you do not have phone service, you can not get a paper bill. For others that may want to drop phone service in the future and want to switch to Fios, request to have separate billing at time of installation. It's a major hassle to split them after the fact and you will have billing issues if you don't.

Same problem for me since last Wednesday with ABC:intermittent pauses. I'm in Busco area too (howdy Doubledose!)
Anyone know the deal yet?

Well hopefully the ABC signal drops are fixed! Just got this email from Bret @ Indiana's Newscenter:
Thank you for your email. The transmission problem was resolved around 11:30 PM Monday evening. We appreciate you as a viewer and sincerely apologize for the inconvenience.
Kindest regards

Is anyone having problems getting cbs?? I had no problem with getting their digital feed until after the superbowl. I live in Rockford, Oh. which is southeast of Ft. Wayne, and probably 30-35 miles but I have no problems getting nbc, abc or pbs. I have a pretty good size antenna (can't remeber the actual specifics of the antenna) and it's in the attic. Kind of bumbed about it b/c of the NCAA tournament going on. Didn't know if there was a problem with my system or if it was something widespread. Any input would be great, thanks.

Is anyone having problems getting cbs?? I had no problem with getting their digital feed until after the superbowl. I live in Rockford, Oh. which is southeast of Ft. Wayne, and probably 30-35 miles but I have no problems getting nbc, abc or pbs. I have a pretty good size antenna (can't remeber the actual specifics of the antenna) and it's in the attic. Kind of bumbed about it b/c of the NCAA tournament going on. Didn't know if there was a problem with my system or if it was something widespread. Any input would be great, thanks.

I live in Huntington, Indiana and use an indoor set top and I've actually experienced better success with 15 AFTER the Super Bowl. So, maybe something happened.

I live on Fort Wayne's west side, about 5 miles from the towers and I also have the perception that my reception of WANE has improved in the last month or two. Strange...

I have a Sony DVR that has a QAM tuner. The last two weeks I get none of the HD channels via the QAM. I bought a priest friend a Panasonic plasma that has a QAM and he is also seeing the disappearance. Is anyone else using Fort Wayne Comast having these iisues? Thanks.

Jim

I will be moving to Fort Wayne in the next month or so (very close to IPFW), have a HD Panasonic tv with built in tuner and was wondering what the best possible options are for receiving HD channels (I'm from Ohio so I normally have Time Warner, but understand it is not available in Fort Wayne.... only Comcast)...... What channels can I recieve over the air with an external antenna? What company offers the most HD channels?

As far as local channels usually CBS, NBC, ABC are offered over the air in HD, but what about FOX and the CW?

I will be moving to Fort Wayne in the next month or so (very close to IPFW), have a HD Panasonic tv with built in tuner and was wondering what the best possible options are for receiving HD channels (I'm from Ohio so I normally have Time Warner, but understand it is not available in Fort Wayne.... only Comcast)...... What channels can I recieve over the air with an external antenna? What company offers the most HD channels?

As far as local channels usually CBS, NBC, ABC are offered over the air in HD, but what about FOX and the CW?

Sure, I'll step up and take a swing at this one...

CBS/NBC/ABC are all available OTA and do HD when available from the networks. I would also add thier engineering staff check the forum regularly, are stand up folks, and an asset to the community. They also provide CW, MyTV and weather & radar over the subbies.

The FOX station is run by rat-bastard weasels, no HD and have all the transmission power of a Taco Bell fart. F*ck 'em.

The PBS outlet does four channels of SD over DTV, they have said they do HD when/if it is transmitted during regular programming grid time, but I have yet to see it.

CableCos are Comcast and the anxiously awaited FiOS from Verizon.

Comcast is... well, Comcast. They recently started scrambling the previously available QAM HD channels, you want them now, ya gotta rent a box.

If FiOS is implemented as it has been across the country, you'll get lighting fast Internet, lots of HD that has not had the snot compressed out of it, and they're not Comcast. The biggest question is where and when. (Please feel free to join the wagering pool as to when it rolls out)

Hope that saves you reading 10 pages of posts that you should have taken a look at before asking the question...

Welcome to the Fort !!

Sure, I'll step up and take a swing at this one...

CBS/NBC/ABC are all available OTA and do HD when available from the networks. I would also add thier engineering staff check the forum regularly, are stand up folks, and an asset to the community. They also provide CW, MyTV and weather & radar over the subbies.

The FOX station is run by rat-bastard weasels, no HD and have all the transmission power of a Taco Bell fart. F*ck 'em.

The PBS outlet does four channels of SD over DTV, they have said they do HD when/if it is transmitted during regular programming grid time, but I have yet to see it.

CableCos are Comcast and the anxiously awaited FiOS from Verizon.

Comcast is... well, Comcast. They recently started scrambling the previously available QAM HD channels, you want them now, ya gotta rent a box.

If FiOS is implemented as it has been across the country, you'll get lighting fast Internet, lots of HD that has not had the snot compressed out of it, and they're not Comcast. The biggest question is where and when. (Please feel free to join the wagering pool as to when it rolls out)

Hope that saves you reading 10 pages of posts that you should have taken a look at before asking the question...

Welcome to the Fort !!

Thanks for the information...... so CW is not available in HD in Fort Wayne then?

Thanks for the information...... so CW is not available in HD in Fort Wayne then?

Nope. And, to add a verse to the Fox deal, be sure to erect an antenna to pick it up from South Bend and keep watching that even when Fort Wayne's comes up to power and HD. They do zilch local programming anyway.

Am I correct in thinking we are not seeing Wheel of Fortune and Jeopardy in HD because WANE-TV does not have the capability to receive these syndicated shows in HD?

Well, I moved my FIOS install to May 1 for two reasons..

1. My comcast 3 play deal ends April 30 (and they won't extend it unless I get a premium channel... thanks!)

2. If some previous posts and other confirmation I received are correct, FIOS TV will be in my home.

Well, I moved my FIOS install to May 1 for two reasons..

1. My comcast 3 play deal ends April 30 (and they won't extend it unless I get a premium channel... thanks!)

2. If some previous posts and other confirmation I received are correct, FIOS TV will be in my home.

Does their website say that FIOS internet is available for your address? I haven't actually spoken with anyone from Verizon in Fort Wayne yet, but the website says that it is unavailable for where I will be moving to (off St. Joe Road) and also says unavailable for every address on E. Coliseum that I checked so I was hoping that their website is just not up to date with the information.

Am I correct in thinking we are not seeing Wheel of Fortune and Jeopardy in HD because WANE-TV does not have the capability to receive these syndicated shows in HD?

JW -

Could be a couple of things:

Pathfire receiving server might not be HD ready

Playout server from Pathfire might not be HD ready

There was whole thread about this over in programming, but there arn't that many stations nationally that are setup for syndicated HD, let alone our friends over at WANE

(Still.... Vanna in HD.... hummmmm. Alex, not so much)

Does their website say that FIOS internet is available for your address? I haven't actually spoken with anyone from Verizon in Fort Wayne yet, but the website says that it is unavailable for where I will be moving to (off St. Joe Road) and also says unavailable for every address on E. Coliseum that I checked so I was hoping that their website is just not up to date with the information.

Yeah, it says it is.


Call 1888GETFIOS

Did anyone else get an email from Verizon?

Subject: FIOS TV: Get Ready!


I got all excited, but it's the same old vague stuff. Seriously, Verizon... TELL THE PUBLIC ABOUT THE LAUNCH DATE.



Thank you for interest in Verizon FiOS TV. Right now, we're hard at work building out the network for this incredible, 100% Digital TV service powered by fiber optic technology.

FiOS TV is launching in the Fort Wayne and New Haven areas in 2007, and we're getting closer everyday! We'll keep you posted on our progress so you can be among the first to experience and enjoy FiOS TV.

Get a preview today of the cool features and benefits of FiOS TV, including:

* Breathtaking picture and flawless sound quality
* The most HD channels
* Our exclusive Home Media DVR with Media Manager
* Extensive Channel Line up, including Top Movies, Sports, and International channels
* Video on Demand (including Free on-demand channels)
* Plus see rave reviews from FiOS TV customers in other areas.

Preview FiOS TV

To streamline your installation for FiOS TV, we recommend that you get a head start by getting FiOS Internet now. With it's blazing speeds, you'll be set to do everything you always wanted to on the internet and much more.

For more information about FiOS Internet;

Learn more

Stay tuned and watch for your next opportunity so you can be among the first to experience FiOS TV.

Did anyone else get an email from Verizon?
I got it too - now if we could just get the service!

I got it too - now if we could just get the service!

Ditto. It is time for less talk and more action.

Pathfire receiving server might not be HD ready

Playout server from Pathfire might not be HD readyThe main distribution for Wheel/Jeopardy in HD are linear satellite feeds. Pathfire is working on HD distribution.

The main distribution for Wheel/Jeopardy in HD are linear satellite feeds. Pathfire is working on HD distribution.

Thanks for the correction !!!

Thanks for the correction !!!

So, whats all that mean as to the original question-why aren't we seeing them in HD on 15?

WANE currently does not have the capabilites to record HD content and replay it later.

Anybody know why WPTA 21-1 was not in HD last night?

ABC in New York had technical issues with their HD equipment and were not feeding any HD content during the evening.

ABC in New York had technical issues with their HD equipment and were not feeding any HD content during the evening.

Ok. Thanks for the reply.

WANE currently does not have the capabilites to record HD content and replay it later.

Does that mean that before the DST switch, that your HD was timeshifted in Indy before it was sent to you? If so, why not timeshift in Indy for both stations? If not, did you guys sell your HD timeshifting equipment?

ATTN: jckrac

Just as an FYI, most of the evening 4/11/07 on the DTV side via Comcast, you were not passing audio from local. Net fine, commercial server fine [edit: no audio during spots on news] , news & news promos zip.

Just watchin' your back...

ATTN: jckrac

Just as an FYI, most of the evening 4/11/07 on the DTV side via Comcast, you were not passing audio from local. Net fine, commercial server fine [edit: no audio during spots on news] , news & news promos zip.

Just watchin' your back...

Same here, the sound was missing on OTA also. The sound was gone only when the local stuff was showing(including the beginiing of the news), then when the netwwork show would come on, there was sound and in 5.1 surround to boot.

diahard

Actually, I guess we can't be too upset with the engineering staff when the following night they can't get the news talent to remember to wear a mic during the eleven o'clock...

jckrac I have a question:

Why is it when the network show starts, about 2 minutes into the show (right before the time the HD logo shows up on the lower left side) the screen goes blank along with the audio and then it comes back. This usually happens on programs like CSI, Ghost whisperer and most of the other HD shows at night.

diehard

WANE currently does not have the capabilites to record HD content and replay it later.

Another WANE question when you get a minute. What is happening immediately before the 11 PM news when it appears something tries to start and then the news opening DOES start? Seems to happen every night, just curious.

I'm lovin' this... seldom in my days of media production have I seen this much interest in what the ops people are doing.

Rack rats rejoice !!!!!

I'm lovin' this... seldom in my days of media production have I seen this much interest in what the ops people are doing.

Rack rats rejoice !!!!!

my secret ambition would be to work behind the scenes at a TV station. I have allways loved communication electronics.

diehard

Another WANE question when you get a minute. What is happening immediately before the 11 PM news when it appears something tries to start and then the news opening DOES start? Seems to happen every night, just curious.

I'm never up that late to watch, so I went back to the video archive to take a look. It looks like a promo starting on the network. But in the control room, the directors are monitoring the analog feed, and the network drops to black. Honestly, I haven't a clue. Perhaps HD promo's?

ATTN: jckrac

Just as an FYI, most of the evening 4/11/07 on the DTV side via Comcast, you were not passing audio from local. Net fine, commercial server fine [edit: no audio during spots on news] , news & news promos zip.

Just watchin' your back...

Sorry for the late replies, folks. I was on vacation the last 2 weeks, and the CE is off at NAB. The other engineers here don't check this forum (or at least post on them.)

We had an equipment problem that night, all should be well now.

Anyone else having issues with Channel 21 recently? Never had problems receiving them no matter where I placed the antenna to pick up all the others. Recently, something has changed.

Anyone else having issues with Channel 21 recently? Never had problems receiving them no matter where I placed the antenna to pick up all the others. Recently, something has changed.

FWIW, I was at a friend's house on the southeast side of Kokomo last Friday around 1 p.m. checking DTV reception using his Channel Master 6-ft. UHF parabolic antenna (installed in 1975) @ approx. 45 feet AGL. With virtually no tropospheric enhancement at the time, we were receiving WPTA-DT and WISE-DT (@ 66 miles)with some occasional quick dropouts. WPTA-DT was slightly stronger than WISE-DT. WANE-DT was registering some signal but not strong enough to decode.


ATTN: jckrac @ WANE-DT

Any update from the FCC as to when you might be able to crank up your monster DTV transmitter so you'll be radiating 1000 kW?

Steve

ATTN: jckrac @ WANE-DT

Any update from the FCC as to when you might be able to crank up your monster DTV transmitter so you'll be radiating 1000 kW?

Steve

Not that I've been told. Wish I had a better answer for you.

I've had no issues to speak of with WPTA, and considering all the trouble I had with that channel this winter I am quite happy! Switching from the Channel Master in the attic back to the silver sensor on top of my entertainment center made all the difference in the world for me.

Got a snail mail from Verizon yesterday about FIOS TV being available for pre-order, so I decided to call to see if they could provide any channel line-up details, specifically hi-def channels. I was pleasantly surprised....TNT-HD, ESPN, ESPN2, Universal HD, MHD, Discovery HD, National Geographic HD, A&E HD, HD Net, HD Net Movies, Food Network HD, HGTV HD, plus of course all of the local stations in HD. By signing up now, I supposedly get priority in 4-6 weeks when the installs begin. There was no obligation, so I signed up. The could not elaborate on any package deals with Fios internet and phone. They said they would see what was available at the time of install.

Got a snail mail from Verizon yesterday about FIOS TV being available for pre-order, so I decided to call to see if they could provide any channel line-up details, specifically hi-def channels. I was pleasantly surprised....TNT-HD, ESPN, ESPN2, Universal HD, MHD, Discovery HD, National Geographic HD, A&E HD, HD Net, HD Net Movies, Food Network HD, HGTV HD, plus of course all of the local stations in HD. By signing up now, I supposedly get priority in 4-6 weeks when the installs begin. There was no obligation, so I signed up. The could not elaborate on any package deals with Fios internet and phone. They said they would see what was available at the time of install.

Yeah I got that too. But, again, they didn't have a clue when it's coming out.


I hope I'm still right about when it comes out. Tomorrow I get FIOS internet, phone..and....?

Speaking of FIOS...

"Don’t miss the FiOS TV Sneak Preview at the Killer Apps Conference, April 30th from 5-9pm at the Grand Wayne Center!"

Free tonight:

http://www.killerappexpo.com/community_night.php

Speaking of FIOS...

"Don’t miss the FiOS TV Sneak Preview at the Killer Apps Conference, April 30th from 5-9pm at the Grand Wayne Center!"

Free tonight:

http://www.killerappexpo.com/community_night.php

Thanks for the info. I work downtown anyway, so I will try to stop by after work and check it out .

Also, when I responded to Verizon's mailing, they told me that the only way I could get FIOS TV was to upgrade my existing Verizon phone and Verizon DSL service ( which currently suits my needs just fine) w upgraded FIOS phone and internet, which would cost me about $35/month more than I am currently paying (and that was w a 1 year commitment). I may eventually switch over to FIOS TV (depending on you early adaptor's reviews), but that did dampen my enthusiasm.

I stopped by the Verizon booth in the show.


Everyone we asked about the launch date treated us like we were with the press. They just smiled and didn't say anything.


We asked one rep if their demo had Fox (to see if it looks any better), and she could barely operate the Cablebox. She claimed Fox hadn't signed on yet. Another rep came up, we asked him if that was holding up the launch (we were playing dumb) He just smiled and said he couldn't comment.


What is going on? I have heard from two sources when it launches, and it sure doesn't seem like it will...or they are just surprising everyone soon. *hint* The show they are at would be a perfect place/time. Press is there...


All that aside, I was digging the menu system for it. I couldn't quite tell how the SD picture was, as they had it stretched to fill the widescreen, and the tv's red was set to +100 or something.


HD looked stellar on other sets.

Bonzy,

I also stopped by the Verizon booth at the show. Verizon obviously spent a lot of money for their display. There were a lot of Verizon reps running around trying to get people to sign up for a service that they really didn't know much about, couldn't quote a price on, and had no official start date.

My moment of zen w the reps came over the fact that under their local channel lineup they had WFFT Fox 55 listed as HD. At first the reps insisted that this was correct. When I told them that would be fantastic, but I didn't think it was currently possible, they brought over their supervisor. I'm not sure the supervisor knew much more than they did, but eventually the supervisor said that might mean "when it becomes available."

terry,

I'm glad someone else noticed the reps' lack of....knowledge.


The lack of a release date is getting really old. My Comcast 1-year deal is now up, and FIOS is being installed today. I was really hoping for a release date by now.


I understand doing a surprise release so that competitors can't get a jump start on their glory, but I am betting that a lot of consumers are losing interest fast based on lack of information.

Bonzy,

My moment of zen w the reps came over the fact that under their local channel lineup they had WFFT Fox 55 listed as HD.

Well, that sure messes up how the bets will be paid out in the WFFT HD vs. FiOS - "Which will you see first?" wagering pool we had going...

Well, that sure messes up how the bets will be paid out in the WFFT HD vs. FiOS - "Which will you see first?" wagering pool we had going...

That's a good one ! lol

Well, that sure messes up how the bets will be paid out in the WFFT HD vs. FiOS - "Which will you see first?" wagering pool we had going...


My FIOS installer confirmed WFFT has not signed on.


Who here is surprised?