Thanks for the info. The whole thing still feels like a daunting task, especially to my wallet. Along with the new DTV receiver, I think I need to purchase a new DTV dish for the roof as well as the OTA antenna. Fold installation charges into all this and I'm looking at quite the investment just to get the programming into the house.

Hmmmm. Perhaps I need to think about this a bit more...

http://www.robichaux.net/blog/archives/000569.html has some more information, although admittedly it's dated. The cheapest long-term route is to buy a Samsung SIR-T151 on eBay and put up an OTA antenna. Total cost should be <$200. If you want ESPN, DiscoveryHD (my favorite channel), or any other non-broadcast HD, then Buckeye is most cost-effective.

Hey guys,

I'm new to the forum, and I also plan to be new to the world of HD. I'm a current customer of DirecTV, having defected about a year ago from Buckeye. I'm looking to purchase HD service in the near future, and my options seem to be:

Sticking with DirecTV and using an antenna for most of the HD networks (I presume).

Going back to Buckeye and getting the HD networks directly.

Welcome

I am currently with Buckeye but plan to go the DirecTV when they get their satellite goes up and Mpeg4 is in place.

I want to get away from Buckeye for personal reasons (The Blade thing), but have found them quite good @ service.

I was a former customer of Voom before they went out of business so I still have their box and antenna for OTA. From Lambertville the sensor works great.

I might saggest checking out Antennaweb.com for info on what antenna and the location of the towers in relationship to your residence.

Good luck.

OK, I've gone to antennaweb, and it recommends that I get a "medium directional antenna." And it seems that most of the local networks fall within the 57-67 degree compass orientation.

Now, I really have no knowledge about this sort of thing at all. Is it possible to permanently point the antenna in a single direction and receive all these channels?

mine varies from 119 to 132, but I am only 14-15 miles away.
How far away are you? I'm guessing 20-25, a decent antenna should do it.

I set up my voom stb at a friends in Sylvania west of Centennial Rd. and got all the stations with a set top antenna I had from ABC Warehouse.

mine varies from 119 to 132, but I am only 14-15 miles away.
How far away are you? I'm guessing 20-25, a decent antenna should do it.

I set up my voom stb at a friends in Sylvania west of Centennial Rd. and got all the stations with a set top antenna I had from ABC Warehouse.

I'm actually only between 11 and 16 miles from the networks I would wish to receive.

You should be fine for Toledo OTA. With my sensor I have been able to aim it north and get Detroit stations (Although dependent on weather) or point it south and get BG PBS.
If all you are looking for is ABC, CBS, NBC and Fox a small decent antenna should do it.

Also I find the OTA HD to be much better PQ than Buckeye, though the DVR is cable only and I am addicted to the DVR.

I'm not really too concerned with the DVR. I mean, we already have Tivo, and I can just move that box to another television. Recording the HD broadcasts are not THAT important.

Or I can shell out the big bucks for the DirecTV HD Tivo unit.

Welcome,

My 2 cents:

I am very happy with Buckeye and the 6412, I love the DVR and the fact that I can record anything that is in HD in the same HD quality. I watch a lot of broadcast HD so this is important to me.

I also have High speed internet from them so this was important also.

Two things I would change, larger hard drive, and PPV or On Demand in High Def.

I'm not really too concerned with the DVR. I mean, we already have Tivo, and I can just move that box to another television. Recording the HD broadcasts are not THAT important.

Or I can shell out the big bucks for the DirecTV HD Tivo unit.

You may want to check out this thread over @ SG(cant say the word on this forum, you may want to PM me). It doesn't do me any good, but if you are a Direct customer already, there are some great retention deals for their HD DVR.

http://www.*************.us/showthread.php?t=81180

And I agree the 6412 is a good unit also. It has been very reliable.

Welcome

I am currently with Buckeye but plan to go the DirecTV when they get their satellite goes up and Mpeg4 is in place.



When do you suppose DirecTV will make the Mpeg4 available to Toledo? Is this something that gets rolled out gradually like the locals? And if the locals are just now about to hit the 12 major markets (in November), how soon do you think they'll hit Toledo? We're like 70th, I believe, in market size.

Just wondering if I should wait it out.

Josh

I live in Bedford. Monroe County Michigan is considered part of the Detroit DMA.
When the HD locals come(Detroit in #9 or10) I will get Detroit on the satellite and Toledo OTA.
From what I hear(at the forum that cannot be named) Toledo is sometime in 2007.
Sorry
As far as Mpeg4 I think they are waiting for a satellite to go up in October. The slow down on the launch and then the switch out of equipment that is needed to be compatible with Mpeg 4 may take a while (1stQtr 06)

This is all second hand from AVS and SG forums.

I will enjoy my HD from Buckeye until D* gets it all together including their whole house solution.

FWIW, I thought I'd let you know that WTVG-DT 19 really gets out a great signal. As an OTA HDTV viewer and TV DXer on the northside of Indianapolis (186 miles from the WTVG transmitting tower), I see this station more often than any other DTV station over 150 miles during times of tropospheric enhancement. At the moment it is booming in with a very strong signal. I've attached a screen shot of the weather channel (13-3) that I caught a few minutes ago.

Steve

KentStater72,
Have not done my homework, what is the advantage for the MPEG-4 system? That's a streaming file type, DirecTV going to use streaming and if so how will that signal handle the transmisson up/down? I'll start doing my homework- school's in again!
Videditor

All right, check this out.

I just got off the phone with my father, who lives out in Monclova. The DirecTV installers just left his house after installing the necessary HD equipment. My dad tells me that the DirecTV-supplied roof antenna "doesn't work," and that he's gone back to the set top rabbit-ears, which he says work just fine.

What do you make of this? I wouldn't doubt operator error in this case, or even installer error.

[QUOTE=videditor]KentStater72,
Have not done my homework, what is the advantage for the MPEG-4 system? That's a streaming file type, DirecTV going to use streaming and if so how will that signal handle the transmisson up/down? I'll start doing my homework- school's in again!
Videditor[/QUOTE

I am not a techie.
In essence mpeg4 gives providers more capacity for HD. Both D* and E* will be moving to it. I do not know if this is something that is a cable issue. In fact I would like to know where Buckeye is in delivering more HD in the future.

[QUOTE=videditor]
I am not a techie.
In essence mpeg4 gives providers more capacity for HD. Both D* and E* will be moving to it. I do not know if this is something that is a cable issue. In fact I would like to know where Buckeye is in delivering more HD in the future.

MPEG-4 does provide more capacity. For example, an MPEG-2 stream typically runs at 3.7 Mbps for a standard definition signal, MPEG-4 is expected to reduce that to 2-2.5 Mbps. A couple years behind MPEG-4 is MPEG-7 which promises another improvement in compression. Hence more channels can be carried in the same bandwidth block. You can also expect another wholesale equipment changeout if MPEG-7 gets traction.

The downside is that more compression also causes a more prominent impact from errors. The idea is that if you keep the number of signal errors constant, MPEG-4 will exhibit a more significant errors (tiling, frame loss, etc.) than MPEG-2

There will likely be a couple of HD channels added to the Buckeye lineup probably early next year, no word yet on which ones. You could also expect that Buckeye will be offering digital simulcast (all of the current analog channels available in digital for digital subscribers). This will also be available the first part of next year.

Cheers,
Spektator

[QUOTE=KentStater72]

There will likely be a couple of HD channels added to the Buckeye lineup probably early next year, no word yet on which ones.

I know they've been wrking on getting us ESPN2 HD but like KentStater says it will more than likely not be until 2006. This is what they had to say in reply to my quesiton:

Good morning,
This is a channel that they are looking at, but all of the contract have to be worked out before we can add any channel to our lineup. We pay each channel that we carry and before that can happen we have to work out an amount that we pay per the number of customers that we have.
If we are able to get the channel I was told it would not be before the end of the year.

I recently purchased the DISH Network with the HD package thinking I could get local channels in HD too. I do get local channels but after some research and a call to DISH they said I have to get an OTA antenna. I checked out antennaweb but it shows PBS from Bowling Green is DTV. So, I guess my question is, is it possible for me to get local channels in HD from Toledo? Any help would be appreciated.

Oh yeah, I live in Findlay.

I'm looking into purchasing a HD tuner to receive HD channels from my Buckeye Expanded Basic. Will I need a QAM capable tuner, or will any OTA tuner work? ie Samsung SIR-T151

Dale

OTA tuners like the SIR-T151 only work with over-the-air signals that you receive via antenna. They can't decode QAM signals (although some units, like the Samsung SIR-T451 reviewed here (http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/archive/index.php/t-452164.html) do both).

Hello all

I live right on the Indiana/Ohio border, in between the Toledo and Ft Wayne markets, a little closer to Fort Wayne. My HD oddyssey began with Voom last year. After they folded, I switched to Dish, but still had the Voom HD tuner which works reasonably well for viewing OTA content.

I originally had a Winegard PR 8800 pointed at Fort Wayne, but couldn't pull their Fox affiliate and tried other directions without much success. I then purchased a Channel Master 4228 this summer and with a combination of adding a new signal amplifier, 5 feet to the antenna mast, and aiming at Toledo instead, I was able to pull their Fox affiliate right in time for football season.

What I would like to do now is to add my old antenna to pull the Indiana/Fort Wayne channels. The "problem" is that both antennas appear to be UHF and I have not found any luck in finding a UHF-UHF diplexer. I tried a UHF-VHF but that seemed to severely cancel out the signals and dropped me from 21 channels I had facing east (counting all the subchannels) to just 3 of the Fort Wayne stations, so I unhooked it for now. The vendor does not carry such a part and the sites I was referred to did not seem to have anything.

Please advise.

Thanks,
Paul

I recently hooked up an OTA antenna in the Toledo area. I am using an HTPC with an HDTV wonder card. It works great, however, when I try to tune to channel 49 (WNWO-DT) I get a channel called "the tube". It is a music television channel.
I would really like to be able to watch NBC in HD but can't seem to figure out how to tune the channel. Antennaweb.org confirms that I can receive the channel, and the frequency is channel 49. Help... Notre Dame vs USC is only 3 days away!

I recently hooked up an OTA antenna in the Toledo area. I am using an HTPC with an HDTV wonder card. It works great, however, when I try to tune to channel 49 (WNWO-DT) I get a channel called "the tube". It is a music television channel.
I would really like to be able to watch NBC in HD but can't seem to figure out how to tune the channel. Antennaweb.org confirms that I can receive the channel, and the frequency is channel 49. Help... Notre Dame vs USC is only 3 days away!

The Tube is one of WNWO channels, but that is about as much as I know (I pull the locals over QAM).

Digital Toledo NBC has three broadcasts 24.1, 24.2 and (ready for this)... 24.3

On my Voom OTA 24.1 is NBC and 24.2 is the tube. It is the same way with Directv.

Check your stb, you should get all three.

Thanks for the reply. As it turns out, I am using SageTV Beta and there is a bug that doesn't read the sub channels correctly. I switched back to the ATI software that came with the card and got 24.1, 24.2, 24.3. I think the tube was on 24.2, but the prime time stuff is on 24.1.
So until Sage fixes their bug I will continue to use the ATI software.

Hi everybody, I haven't posted here before but I would just like to let anyone with Time Warner know that PBS-HD out of Bowling Green has now been added to the channel linup on 728, which used to be just a digital copy of analog channel 12. Oh yea, I live in Genoa (if you know where that is).

That now brings me up to 14 channels of HD, 16 if you count PPV Events and OnDemad.

314 HBO-HD
358 SHO-HD
699 PPV Events HD
711 CBS-HD
713 ABC-HD
724 NBC-HD
728 PBS-HD
736 FOX-HD
755 DiscoveryHD Theater
756 TNT-HD
760 INHD
761 INHD2
763 HDNet
764 HDNet Movies
765 ESPN-HD
1001 HD OnDemand

I have a question to those that are pulling in HD from Buckeye using a HD tuner with QAM. Does anyone have any problems with the reception from Buckeye? Mine is hit and miss. I have an LG 4200a. It's hooked up to both the antenna and cable. The antenna, which is nothing spectacular, gives me great picture and audio. I occasionally have a audio/video dropout. Hooked up to the cable, it's horrible. I've hooked it up with and without the cable split. I've tried 3 different splitters and none of them will allow a consistant audio/video feed. It goes in and out. If I hook the line that comes into the house directly to the 4200a, its better, but it still cuts in and out enough to completely annoy you. When I do get a signal, the picture in HD is great, but the rest of the channels (non-HD) have a lot of static in them. My tv displays the picture crystal clear with or without the splitter. I've had this box hooked up to 2 other peoples cable without any problems. Both of them had mutiple cable spitters in the house. What gives? Any suggestions before I call Buckeye?

Myers212,
sounds like the cable wiring in your home. The drop to your house could also be partially bad, on top of low MHZ splitters, by the time Buckeye's signal gets to your TV, there's not much there. You may have to have BCS put a in-line amp in the path flow. I have had my drop & splitters swapped out, line amp installed and I have the works (cable, internet & phone) so I am loaded with splits and have usually a solid connection. Have BCS check out your lines as a couple bad connector crimps can have some heavy rf leakage.Call them out , it's free.

Thanks. I'll give them a call and have them come out. The drop to the house and the wiring inside is brand new too! I'll follow up on what happens.

I originally had a Winegard PR 8800 pointed at Fort Wayne, but couldn't pull their Fox affiliate and tried other directions without much success. I then purchased a Channel Master 4228 this summer and with a combination of adding a new signal amplifier, 5 feet to the antenna mast, and aiming at Toledo instead, I was able to pull their Fox affiliate right in time for football season.
That's alright; a lot of DTV viewers in Fort Wayne can't get WFFT either. Also, it doesn't help that their DTV signal is on the same channel as FOX Toledo analog. If you could get WFFT, you'd be disappointed; they don't do HD and won't for quite a while.

OK guys,

I just got, and setup the newest DVR from Buckeye. the biggest change is the fact that it has a HDMI output. I have also noticed (maybe my imagination?) a slight improvement in Analog channels. Menu's are a little faster.

I mostly got the new box because my DVI output failed on my Phase I box. But I also wanted the latest and greatest. My TV has DVI input, so I am using a Monster Cable HDMI to DVI converter, and it works great.

Now, there are supposedly some issues with audio output from the Coax and Optical outputs when using HDMI. I am NOT having any issues, but I am also using the converter, so my TV is not actually using any HDMI "handshaking" in regards to audio. Apparently Dolby Digital is not being output from those digital outputs in certain cases. Rumour has it that there is a firmware fix that fixes this.

Those issues are being discussed here:
http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=558602&page=1&pp=30

The only audio difference I notice is that I no longer get DD when watching analog channels, my stereo picks it up as analog stereo. DD works fine when watching any digital channels, including HD.

UPDATE: I now get no Dolby Digital using the HDMI in certain scenarios. See the link above for more details. So if getting Dolby Digital is important to you right now, don't get the new box, however I am sure that this will get fixed soon.

Does anybody have a buckeye technical contact so that they can be made aware of this problem.

Calling on the phone does not give me the peace of mind that I want that they know about this and are preparing the upgraded firmware (that other cable companies are rolling out).

Thanks for any information you can provide.

This is now a problem for me, my father, my friend, and a large stereo shop that recommends (and demo's) Buckeye.

Trabbic,
Got you covered, message sent to Buckeye rep. Will advise once I hear back.
VidEditor

Thanks, I know buckeye is responsive to this stuff as long as they know about it.

This forum is a great resource, I wonder if techs around the country spend time here?

Thanks again, I hope to hear from you soon!

Trabbic,
Got you covered, message sent to Buckeye rep. Will advise once I hear back.
VidEditor

TRABBIC, Your issue was sent to the Motorola Rep of Buckeye. Same one I sent the Fox non-FFWD issue, so hopefully they'll act fast on this one for you too!
VidEditor

SWEET, thanks Videditor!!

Let them know too, if you discuss this issue with them, that I will gladly beta test a firmware update if they so desire.

I am a computer consultant with 12 years experience working with hardware and software in the PC industry, and am a beta tester for Microsoft.

Although Audio/Video is just my hobby, there are many similarities!

Thanks again!!

Is Buckeye still working on the issue of short sound drop-outs? It seemed to be better for a while, but the last couple of weeks have been terrible. Fox seems to be the biggest culprit, but I get it on most of the other channels, too. It's highly annoying!!

no network hd tonight on buckeye?? Phone tech is clueless...claims it is network feed..........impossible for all 3 networks to be pumping SD.

????

Perhaps local Channels only feeding SD?

I noticed the same thing. I'm thinking it was because of all the stupid election results they were overlaying the actual shows with. Perhaps the local stations can't do that with a HD signal? I'm guessing, but it makes sense (at least to me).

Well my HD signal is back for Fox, NBC, CBS, WB, and PBS. No ABC though. Buckeye sent someone out to check out why I could not receive the HD signals. They tested the line at the tv and had a signal of +11. The tech said that it was a great signal. Just no HD. He left and said he'd get back with me. In the mean time, I disconnected everything and then reconnected everything and did a new scan on the LG. All the HD channels are coming in with the exception of ABC. I got a call from him two days later and I told him I was getting the HD channels again. So I still don't know what went wrong in the first place.

I now have directv and Tuesday night I Tivo'd my usual shows. NBC, ABC and Fox all were SD. It looks like it was not Buckeyes fault. I think it may have had something to do with the locals and their election graphics setup.

Edit: Using OTA-HD tuner.

Guys,
While I do not work at a broadcast station, I can pretty much say that the locals cannot effectly do the news drop-ins of election coverage that often (for HD transmit). SO I am sure the HD channels were just fed the SD feeds so they could have broadcast results on SD as well as HD. The only real HD inserting they are doing now is CG crawls, which are probably upconverts of the same CG machine as the SD signal gets.
Also, heard today that NBA HD this year again will only have 4 hour blocks when a HD game is on. They were suppose to go full 24/7 this Fall. Least they could do is simucast the SD on the HD feed so my converter won't lock up while passing that channel. Not sure why they are not going full time, their studio show is in HD. Seems ESPN HD does a much better job of working SD into the HD format. Also look for ESPN2HD at the end of this year - don't quote me, but I heard it's in the final stages.
VidEditor

+1

That is exactly what I was thinking, most of the channels have the election update graphics on the left hand side of the screen and lower section, this format is not conducive to being simulcast on SD and HD. It is just easier for them to step everything down. I did notice however, that I was watching FOX and they only had the election updates on during the commercials, maintaining my HD show (House). Even a HD commercial they normally have (Stacked) was in SD. I am behind in my shows this week, so I can't comment on any other times or channels.

Great news on ESPN2HD, have you heard anything about PPV or VOD HD? Thanks for the updates...

Hey there, newb question here. New to HD in NW Ohio. Trying to figure out how QAM works.

I have the buckeye cable modem and buckeyetel phone service, and DirecTV for my SD channels.

I am using on OTA antenna with great success for HD.

Is there a QAM tuner or other product I can hook up to my incoming cablemodem feed that will provide some HD?

I'm considering getting the new Motorola 6412 HDDVR box from buckeye but wondering if it is worth it. Any thoughts?

Are you looking to go with cable for tv instead of DirecTV? Or are you trying to get a HD signal with just the cable modem connection? When I had a cable modem there was a filter installed that blocked out the tv channel frequencies, or so I was told. The modem was installed off the first splitter to get the best signal possible. If you're looking for tuners with QAM, I only know of 3 off the top of my head. They are the Samsung TIR-T451, LG LST-4200A, and the 2 Sony DVR's DHG-HDD250/500. I only have experience with the LG which is what I currently am using.

...or are you trying to get a HD signal with just the cable modem connection

Yes - curious what is coming across on that line. I plan on sticking with D* for regular TV. If buckeye could offer the NFL Ticket they'd have all my business.

Is buckeyeHD as good as OTA for local channels? The OTA picture from WGTE in 1080i is incredible. I could sit there all day and watch it. Not impressed with WTOL CBS OTA HD at all. They encode their signal to say it is 1080i but it is not. That kind of stuff really irritates me. And why is FOX only 720p? Do they plan to go to 1080i?

Welcome!!

I think that buckeye's HD channels are encoded, requiring a box (or cable card) to decode and view them.

ABC, ESPN 1&2, and FOX all broadcast 720P Nationally, some argue that 720P is better for sports and fast action, because the progressive scan provides smoother high speed motion. Whether or not this is true is debatable (I notice no difference) Everything else is 1080i.

My picture with Buckeye is very good, I would be surprised it it were any better OTA, Buckeye claims they pass along what they get from the TV stations.

CBS certainly leaves a lot to be desired. Although I think that it is in 1080i, their broadcast is not at as high a bitrate so there is pixelation and fuzzy picture quality.

I never really thought about what you may get when you have just the cable modem. As for HD channels that you get, you'll get ABC, NBC, CBS, FOX, PBS, & WB. They pass these through with the basic service. Any other channels that Buckeye has in HD will require a cable card or their HD box along with subscribing to them.

With Buckeye, I have less picture/audio dropouts than with OTA. But then, I was using a 1970's-1980's era antenna that came with the house. Signal strength is a little better than OTA also.

A few times a year I will pick up channel 13 as good as my local channels and sometimes channel 11 when the proper ducting occurrs in the atmosphere. One time channel 11 digital set up all four channels on my tuner. Anyway, its only for a few hours.

JJK

cool. got the motorola 6412 box hooked up and agree it is better than OTA. did you check out channel 628? we are going to get OLN HD.

Is buckeyeHD as good as OTA for local channels? The OTA picture from WGTE in 1080i is incredible. I could sit there all day and watch it. Not impressed with WTOL CBS OTA HD at all. They encode their signal to say it is 1080i but it is not. That kind of stuff really irritates me. And why is FOX only 720p? Do they plan to go to 1080i?[/QUOTE]

Hey Guys,
My 2 cents... Fox will always be 720P, they have designed equipment to keep their HD signal in stream mode vs. a video signal for as long as possible. Quite an accomplishment. This includes signals at the local level, allowing for local insertion. CBS is 1080I and it is BAD for sports. Watch a football game and on a "hero" shot (tight shot of a player-in motion) watch the background, you'll notice it being rectangle blocks. Also watch the graphics, they go anti-alised until the signal resets & then the graphic becomes sharp again. 720 rules for motion!!! I have worked in 1080i & will always shoot 720P for fast action.
Also, there is a trap on BCS cable modem, so a second line is usually run for tv signals.
VidEditor

Guys, just heard about a new HD channel from MTV, don't get excited, it's all music-all day (sound familiar?) in HD. The no-name channel launches in January. From the posts listed, I don't think many of us are that young to be watching Rap Videos in HD. But then again I watched soccer when I first got my set, and I dislike soccer.

VidEditor

Videditor: In my area I have no problems at all with CBS and motion. The only difference that I can see is that Fox has poor background resolution compared to CBS. Your technical analysis is flawed as the 1080i will give you the proper fast action as the 720p will not. This is how I shoot High-Definition (1080i) as the 720p will be very jumpy when viewed back on a HDTV CRT and really jumpy on an LCD panel.

JJK

[QUOTE=JJkizak]Videditor: In my area I have no problems at all with CBS and motion. The only difference that I can see is that Fox has poor background resolution compared to CBS. Your technical analysis is flawed as the 1080i will give you the proper fast action as the 720p will not. This is how I shoot High-Definition (1080i) as the 720p will be very jumpy when viewed back on a HDTV CRT and really jumpy on an LCD panel.

JJkizak,
1080i in sports is not a "area" related issue. It is a natural broadcast issue. I think you just have your numbers mixed up, as what you are saying is what I am saying, just with the wrong format. 1080i is higher resolution than 720p, but the interlace causes fast motion artifacts as I described before. Not sure what you mean about how you shoot HD? What are you shooting HD on? The Sony Zhd unit? The networks picked a resolution to transmit on for all programming, Fox, ESPN and other "sport" dominent networks chose progressive due to the motion issues. I am a freelance sports tech and have copied a statement from a trade magazine for you. This one happens to be from ESPN. I will agree with you that the CRT is a better picture, but truely, how many consumers are going to buy one vs. a LCD or Plasma? No one I know. Most HD remote trucks usually only have one crt foe QC everything else is plasma- which has more to do with weight issues & ease of set-up with Miranda's multi-picture zoning. Anyway, trust me 720P for sports. Please not another VHS vs. Beta battle...
Here's that articale:
Why Did ESPN Choose 720p versus 1080i?

ESPN chose 720p because of the "p," which stands for progressive scan technology. Progressive scan technology paints the picture on your television screen from top to bottom on a line-by-line basis….as in lines 1,2,3,4,5,6,7, etc. Interlace technology, the "i" in 1080i, paints the picture on an every-other-line basis, first painting lines 1,3,5,7,9 and then a split second later painting lines 2,4,6,8 and 10. Your eyes then assemble the painting into one image.

Progressive scan technology produces better images for the fast moving orientation of sports television. Simply put, with 104 mph fastballs in baseball and 120 mph shots on goal in hockey, the line-by-line basis of progressive scan technology better captures the inherent fast action of sports. For ESPN, progressive scan technology makes perfect sense.

We note with interest that when consumers now shop for DVD devices which produce the best pictures, the industry standard for quality is "progressive scan DVD players." We believe that says a great deal about our selection of 720p.

Anyone else having trouble picking up local channels with DirecTV? I'm sure it has something to do with the snow, but my service outages never usually last this long (6+ hours at this point).

And Lost is on in less than 3 hours!

Locals?

I use the antenna and have had no problem. I did clean the dish about an hour ago because Discovery HD was pixiling, but a broom did the trick.

I might mention I am in Bedford so I am officially in Detroit DMA, that shouldn't make a difference with OTA though.

Also I record all the LOST epps, so if you are desperate PM me.

Videditor:
I shoot 1080i with the Sony Z1. I didn't expect a whole lot of quality but was really surprised doing really fast pans and fast jerks in full auto mode at horizontal siding on my house and also fast moving vehicles. There were no artifacts or blurring frames at normal viewing speed. Even when viewed on my new Sony LCD (1366 x 768) KLV-S23A10 that I use as one of my monitors. In fact I can't tell the difference between that one and the Sony 34" HDTV viewing commercial stuff or the stuff I make. 720p really gets jerky on my other monitors so I don't even mess with it at all. I render out all my stuff to 1080i and never see any artifacts or motion problems. In my area CBS is like a rock and sharp as a tack, FOX is much better now than it was but sometimes the extreme backgrounds are fuzzed up. Locally FOX SD is extremely good and the local HD news is great until it goes off site to different locations and most of the time it picks up about 7 ghosts on the faces. PBS is excellent all around as NBC. ABC SD is an abomination but the HD is fine. The Demos of the Z1 with HD WMV's shot the same scene with each resolution setting and 1080i 60i blew everything away as far as artifacts and smooth motion. My information from the other forums was that the new 1080p would be a huge step up from 720p. But I only use the settings that work for me, even though 1080i is only 540p. The camera has settings for 720p but I never use it.

JJK

"My information from the other forums was that the new 1080p would be a huge step up from 720p."

JJ,
Don't get too excited about 1080P, there's no such thing-truely. It's fabracted "I" just adding electronic noise. AT least at this point in time. The Sony Z1 unit makes good pictures, but the real difference is when you hold it up to another true HD camera. So a show/spot containing only that cam will look fine. I have seen intercut on program tapes.

Videditor:
I shoot 1080i with the Sony Z1. I didn't expect a whole lot of quality but was really surprised doing really fast pans and fast jerks in full auto mode at horizontal siding on my house and also fast moving vehicles. There were no artifacts or blurring frames at normal viewing speed.
JJK


Check out the non-subject image - the CBS 1080i issue was not the main subject it is the background image that is lost/blocked out. Due to compression (transmission), as the guys in the truck say they are not seeing that on program. Really interested in local news going HD. At NAB they were all over the Sony Z1 unit, but being that highly compressed and then the hd transmission compression .... ouch, especally cutting back to studio hd. Sony's XDCAM is soon shipping an HD version for about $20,000 + lense. Hopefully more production will be done with that range of camera. It's all a joke... Reading these threads, everyone wanting the latest & greatest, yet they are going to produce stuff with a $5000 highly compressed camera? HD will take forever to catch on if the general public thinks that is the best picture out there. I also have shot on the Sony Z camera-for a documentary. It is what it is, just hope the public holds producers to higher standards. Look at what "America's Funniest Home Videos" has made acceptable to air now.
Funny thing, a report I have say that the public thinks that anything they see "widescreen" is HD! That's one reason the HD-DVD war is slow. The movie studios are reporting that with Y R-B- signals and the surround sound systems, folks are not asking for HD-DVD. If it's 16x9 it must be HD!!!!
Got to run...

Videditor:
I agree on the HD mess as it stands now. But I cannot afford a 20k camera. And to the best of my knowledge the broadcasters are using MPEG2 to transmitt their programs at 24meg to 50 meg which is the same compression as the Z1 (24 meg data stream) I can see why my broadcast picture on the crt looks the same as the Z1, although not side x side, it's really close even though the broadcast is 4.2.2 and the Z1 is 4.2.0. As long as the broadcasters are using the MPEG2 24 meg data stream all of that extra 110k camera cost is down the drain. Anyway that's my opinion.

JJK

Toledo over-the-air DTV channels, digital and analog channel numbers:
WTVG ABC 19, 13
WTOL CBS 17, 11
WUPW FOX 46, 36
WNWO NBC 49, 24
WGTE PBS 29, 30

Guys, here is a recent email from Buckeye.


"Late next month we are going to be adding a few more HD channels. Starz will offer a HD channel and a new premium channel called here! Also being added will be the NFL Network and the NHL on OLN. In the HDTV Plus pack we will be adding INHD, INHD1 and Universal HD.

BCS is working on a contract to bring ESPN2 on HD but it probably will not be until late spring."

Guys, here is a recent email from Buckeye.


"Late next month we are going to be adding a few more HD channels. Starz will offer a HD channel and a new premium channel called here! Also being added will be the NFL Network and the NHL on OLN. In the HDTV Plus pack we will be adding INHD, INHD1 and Universal HD.

BCS is working on a contract to bring ESPN2 on HD but it probably will not be until late spring."


Man, Buckeye just gets more enticing by the day for people like me who are still contemplating getting an HDTV. DirecTV just can't seem to catch up.

hmmm...

Guys, here is a recent email from Buckeye.


"Late next month we are going to be adding a few more HD channels. Starz will offer a HD channel and a new premium channel called here! Also being added will be the NFL Network and the NHL on OLN. In the HDTV Plus pack we will be adding INHD, INHD1 and Universal HD.

BCS is working on a contract to bring ESPN2 on HD but it probably will not be until late spring."

GREAT NEWS!!!

On a separate note, has anyone noticed that 636 is off the air? A call to buckeye says that Fox's HD OTA feed is down, can anybody corroborate this? Has anybody contacted Fox Toledo? It has been a couple of days now!

As far as the 1080i vs. 720P argument, that could go on for hours (and Days), however, I think we can all agree that CBS puts out CRAP. NBC is also 1080 and their football (Notre Dame), and NASCAR (Talk about high speed motion!) looks great in HD with no real noticeable artifacting (blocking during motion), not like CBS anyway. So good sports is possible with 1080i, just not with CBS. CBS and ABS are also way behind as far as Football in HD, Give us some damn college games in HD, and if FOX can broadcast 6 NFL games every week in HD so can CBS.

I'm traveling right now so can't confirm whether or not I'm seeing the same issue with Fox Toledo that you are but you might want to drop Steve Crum a note. He's their Chief Engineer and his email is sdcrum@foxtoledo.com . Haven't cooresponded with him in a few months but he was there the last time I checked and he is very responsive to emails. Good luck.

Bob

Thanks for the info, I am sure he is very busy, so I will leave him alone ;)

They now have a little note up there saying they are experiencing technical difficulties, and will be up for prime time.
Looks like they are working on it...

Hey guys, though not offically launched, I did watch an OLN HD Hockey game last night. At this point it seems to be running similar to the NBA HD channel. I think the offical launch of the new channels is Dec. 27th -Merry Christmas!
VE

I am in the process of upgrading my exhisting Channel Master 4257 Diamond Quantum UHF antenna to help receive the Detroit HD feeds.

Located in South Toledo, it is a pull to get these stations. I would like to ask you guys a couple of questions:

1) Are you using outdoor antennas, and if so are you able to pull these in?
(Location dependent - please identify antenna and location of your tower)

2) Are you familiar with the High Gain UHF Antennas? If so, which one would you purchase?
- Channel Master 4248
- Antenna Direct 91XG

3) Who would you recommend to perform the install?

Thanks.

Yes, I do have an outdoor antenna on the roof (no tower). I'm using an Antenna Direct DB4 (4 bay) bowtie antenna. I'm located in the Fort Meigs area of Perrysburg and even with the outdoor antenna with a rotator I cannot consistently pick up the Detroit stations. In fact the only time I'm able to pick up signals from that directions is during times of tropospheric ducting.
Good luck on finding someone to install it. The guy who did mine normally only deals now with satellite dishes and said mine was the last terrestrial antenna he'd do.
Bob

Can someone tell me if Qam is encrypted or unecrypted for Buckey express plz? I play to buy the Fusion 5 HDTV tuner and want to know this.

Two days and we get Three more HD channels on Buckeye!! INHD1&2 and UHD. All included in HD tier package.

Starz is also adding an HD channel for those that already subscribe to Starz. I believe that's going to be on 327.

Hello,

I live south west of Toledo in Napoleon and am looking at the possibility of changing from Cable (Adephia) to a Dish,but I am concerned about getting local HD. The local Dish retailer tells me that it should be no problem with an antenna and amp. Does anyone here have any experience with OTA HD in this area? I can put up a roof mount antenna but it will only be in the 20-25' off the ground. Would a directional long range antenna work in this area? what would the reception be like?

:) Hi Steve here, the FCC says you are within the coverage map for WUPW Fox Toledo CH- 36 for HD so, the other stations should come in just as well. If you go to the following link, http://www.fcc.gov/fcc-bin/FMTV-service-area?x=TV82277.html you can see that you are within the coverage area. (provided you cannot see the attached picture) Bryan Ohio is kinda the "it's gonna be hard to get" area. I have a friend who lives in Lyons Ohio and he picks up Fox Toledo HD just fine.
'Amps" can add noise if placed close to the TV end which can hamper the ability to decode MPEG2 correctly because you "turn up the volume" on the signal you want as well as the noise of the wire feeding into the amp from the Antenna. Getting your "booster" closer to the antenna will help increase signal without bringing up the noise too.
Also, some Sat TV boxes have ATSC (Advanced Television Systems Committee) tuners built in that FAIL to operate if you cancel the subscription service to your DSS dish. I mention this because some people get a dish to get a HDTV tuner then find out that the dish company can "turn off" the HDTV receiver located inside the DSS receiver box. Use a Yagi type (see photo) antenna, stay away from the small "loop" type antennas that bolt to the top of the dish. These antennas have poor response and would only be good to you if you lived within the limits of the city of Toledo. A Yagi has several metal rods or "elements". the longer the antenna is, the more elements it will have, thus the more "gain" it will provide. The "dipole" is the heart of the Yagi antenna and is where you connect you 75 ohm line from your TV set. The short "elements" indicate the front of the antenna.
I hope this helps,
Steve

Thanks for the info, I am sure he is very busy, so I will leave him alone ;)

They now have a little note up there saying they are experiencing technical difficulties, and will be up for prime time.
Looks like they are working on it...


Um, they lost the "upconverter" and spent $3,000.00 to get it working again!

bummer...

Steve,

Thanks for the information, that is more than I could ask for. It sounds like I will probably be on the roof when the weather breaks Thanks for the info.

Videditor:
I agree on the HD mess as it stands now. But I cannot afford a 20k camera. And to the best of my knowledge the broadcasters are using MPEG2 to transmitt their programs at 24meg to 50 meg which is the same compression as the Z1 (24 meg data stream) I can see why my broadcast picture on the crt looks the same as the Z1, although not side x side, it's really close even though the broadcast is 4.2.2 and the Z1 is 4.2.0. As long as the broadcasters are using the MPEG2 24 meg data stream all of that extra 110k camera cost is down the drain. Anyway that's my opinion.

JJK

the ATSC HDTV data rate is 19.39 MBPS with PSIP, stuffing, streams ECT transmitted in 8VSB.

Steve

Yes, I do have an outdoor antenna on the roof (no tower). I'm using an Antenna Direct DB4 (4 bay) bowtie antenna. I'm located in the Fort Meigs area of Perrysburg and even with the outdoor antenna with a rotator I cannot consistently pick up the Detroit stations. In fact the only time I'm able to pick up signals from that directions is during times of tropospheric ducting.
Good luck on finding someone to install it. The guy who did mine normally only deals now with satellite dishes and said mine was the last terrestrial antenna he'd do.
Bob

I see the DB4 has a gain of 13.7db, I cant help but think maybe a little more signal and you could pull in WDIV. You are on the "edge" of the WDIV service area (see WDIV photo) . I am in north Toledo so I am looking at having to "spin from " east to north all the time. I am thinking of setting up an A/B switch and eliminate the need for a rotor since those are the directions I only need.

the 91x looks like it could do what you want.. http://www.antennasdirect.com/HDTV_antennas.html

From the web page...
the 91X has:
Wideband coverage of UHF channels 14-69
High protection, anti-corrosion, gold anodized aluminum construction
Reflector grids manufactured from welded, hot dipped, zinc-plated steel with plastic coating
Low wind load
Snap-lock quick assembly
Inclinable mast clamp for horizontal or vertical installation
High performance, integral PCB balun for true signal matching
Front to back ratio: 28 dB
High gain across entire UHF band (UHF channels 14-69)
Max Gain 16.7 dB

I am in the process of upgrading my exhisting Channel Master 4257 Diamond Quantum UHF antenna to help receive the Detroit HD feeds.

Located in South Toledo, it is a pull to get these stations. I would like to ask you guys a couple of questions:

1) Are you using outdoor antennas, and if so are you able to pull these in?
(Location dependent - please identify antenna and location of your tower)

2) Are you familiar with the High Gain UHF Antennas? If so, which one would you purchase?
- Channel Master 4248
- Antenna Direct 91XG

3) Who would you recommend to perform the install?

Thanks.

The 4248 has 10.8 db of gain while the 91x has 16.7 db of gain. So, the 91x has a stronger "pull". the closest thing Channel master has is a 4228 that has 12 db of gain.

no idea on who could install it, but give this link a try to help you select an antenna...

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

happy Mpeg,

Steve

I have a toshiba 51H83 with a DVI-D (HDCP compliant) input as well as component. I used to have the Buckeye HD box with the DVI output and connected it to my TV set. It looked great.

Then I got the hairbrained idea to switch to a DVR and did so. I got the Moto 6412 III HD DVR box but it has an HDMI and no DVI. I got a HDMI-DVI adapter to connect to my TV but the picture looked horrible. HORRIBLE I tell ya.

The HD channels were not as crisp as it was with the regular HD box. In fact, it isn't even close. When I try to view non-HD channels, there is an even more marked decrease in picture quality.

I bought a new monster DVI cable and used the same adapter to plug into the back of the DVR box. Still no better. I tried a Radio Shack HDMI/DVI cable and still fared no better. When I use component cables, the picture is much clearer than with the HDMI/DVI.

Why? Can anyone offer any suggestions? Is anyone else having the same issues?

This is really dis-heartening since I thoroughly enjoyed all of the HD channels but now feel that I simply cannot get that picture again unless I go back to the regular (non-DVR) HD box.

Thanks in advance for any suggestions.

Tim

I have heard that the Moto 6412 version III box has some issues. One includes an audio output difference between cable & the DVR. I'll forward your issue to the BCS Moto Rep.

I have the audio issues with the phase 3 6412, buckeye is working with me to resolve them asap. They have been VERY helpful, and responsive. My issues are with Dolby Digital when using the HDMI output.

As for video quality, I am converting HDMI to DVI and have flawless HD and much improved SD over both a phase 1 6412 (with DVI) and a regular HD box without DVR over Component.

Also my father is connected via HDMI with a phase III box and has perfect HD (just a bit crisper than with Component).

Perhaps you have a bad box, or a bad DVI to HDMI Converter. I am using a Monster Cable converter (~$40 bucks at Best Buy), and a cheapo DVI cable.

I just bought a brand new 12' HDMI-DVI cable from Circuit City. I'll give that a try tomorrow. I also picked up a copy of digital video essen. from Barnes & Noble (I was certain Jamieson's would sell it but, sadly, no) and will try and calibrate my set. I have moved it around a few times plugging this and that in and out.

I'll post a reply tomorrow night with the results after I get my set re-calibrated and the new cable hooked up.

Tim

Are the OTA HD signals form the Toledo are all UHF? I was tolded that the CbS and ABC were VHF signals. I was looking at buying only a UHF antenna. Do I need to add a VHF element?

Are the OTA HD signals form the Toledo are all UHF? I was told that the CbS and ABC were VHF signals. I was looking at buying only a UHF antenna. Do I need to add a VHF element?

I'm using a quad bowtie antenna for OTA and it's UHF. No problem as of yet getting everything. Unless they changed recently I believe you may have been misinformed but then I could be wrong.

Thanks fro the info, can you give me the channel numbers?

DTV Call Sign Channel Network Frequency

* WNWO-DT 24.1 NBC 49
* WUPW-DT 36.1 FOX 46
* WTOL-DT 11.1 CBS 17
* WTVG-DT 13.1 ABC 19
* WGTE-DT 30.1 PBS 29
* WLMB-DT 40.1 IND 5

Guys, here's an inside FYI for you all.
VidEditor

Beginning April 1, ESPN will begin accepting 16x9 high-definition commercials for its two simulcast HDTV services: ESPN HD and ESPN2 HD.

ESPN will allow an advertiser to produce a single commercial for both SD and HDTV. Each commercial, which will be produced center cut to accommodate displays on both ESPN and ESPN HD or ESPN2 and ESPN2 HD, will be aired simultaneously on the HD and SD services.

ESPN HD and ESPN2 HD will combine in 2006 to deliver more than 600 major events plus more than 2000 programs totaling more than 6500 hours in HD featuring live programming, movies and series.

Thanks. Now if Buckeye would just come to an agreement with ESPN2 HD we'd be good to go. :)

Seems ESPN is pulling a FOX & NBC move, where they are forcing systems to also purchase ESPNU if you want the Duece HD. Thus the per subscriber pricing is higher than systems can afford.
I have heard sometime in the first quarter ESPN HD2 will be avail. on BCS.

Does anyone know if Buckeye plans to add a UPN HD station in the near future? It's one of the few that we don't have yet that I want.

Thanks!

32 - Toronto - Good, Day and Night

32 is TV Ontario, from Windsor, ONT

You may also want to try 54, which is the French language version of the CBC, also from Windsor.

Toledo over-the-air HDTV channels, network affiliations , digital, (analog) channel numbers, subchannels:

WTOL CBS 17 (11)
-1 CBS HD
-2 CBS SD
-3 Weather Radar

WTVG ABC 19 (13)
-1 ABC HD
-2 ABC News Now
-3 WTVG Weather Now

WNWO NBC 49 (24)
-1 NBC HD
-2 The Tube music videos
-3 NBC Weather Plus

WGTE PBS 29 (30)
-1 PBS Digital/HD
-2 PBS Family
-3 PBS World

WUPW FOX 46 (36)
-1 FOX HD
-2 Weather Radar

Well, thanks for all the great informaiton on the OTA HD, It sounds like the cable contract is going to be kaput and I will be puting up a dish and antenna. DOes anyone have any experience with the Off line tuner on the Dish 811 High Def reciver? THat is what I will be using to grab the OTA signal from a base UHF antenna, I have not settled on an antenna but I will be 20-25 up in a fairly rual area approximatly 38 mils for Toledo according to antenna web any suggestiong on an antenna?

The last two days have been excellent for DX'ing the Television band. Do a channel surf and you should see some more channels.

Folks,

i come home from vacation to find that Buckeye has messed around with the firewire output on the 6412 (ver2) again.

Now 1394 will not pass any signal from HDDiscovery, HDNET, HDNET movies of the IND or UHD channels! It worked two weeks ago. CBS/NBC/ABC/Fox are fine.

Mark Cuban does not copy protect anything so I cannot understand why they are blocking this.

I call buckeye customer service...the girl answering the phone had no idea what 1394 was...denied that the box had one...talked to her supervisor...the supervisor never heard of 1394 or firewire.

They then pull out a box and I point the ports out to them...they never knew these were there. The Customer service rep did not have the vocabulary or understanding to even know what I was trying to tell her.

What do I do?? Is there someone who reads this board who can contact a tech and Buckeye and check this out?

Thanks!

Tom

I think I may have fixed my problem with my new HD/DVR box via HDMI. I calibrated my set and everything seems to be doing fine now. Still, the new HD/DVR box still seems to be not as sharp as my previous HD box with the DVI output.

Folks,

i come home from vacation to find that Buckeye has messed around with the firewire output on the 6412 (ver2) again.

Now 1394 will not pass any signal from HDDiscovery, HDNET, HDNET movies of the IND or UHD channels! It worked two weeks ago. CBS/NBC/ABC/Fox are fine.

Mark Cuban does not copy protect anything so I cannot understand why they are blocking this.

I call buckeye customer service...the girl answering the phone had no idea what 1394 was...denied that the box had one...talked to her supervisor...the supervisor never heard of 1394 or firewire.

They then pull out a box and I point the ports out to them...they never knew these were there. The Customer service rep did not have the vocabulary or understanding to even know what I was trying to tell her.

What do I do?? Is there someone who reads this board who can contact a tech and Buckeye and check this out?

Thanks!

Tom

I did a little testing. I switched out the 6412 and put my other box a 6200 in its place. The 6200 passes ALL of the HD channels out 1394! So it is the 6412 V2 that has been somehow effected. The 6412 will pass all the network HD channels out of 1394...but none of the cable HD channels. The 6200 will pass all of them out.

Strange stuff!

I did a little testing. I switched out the 6412 and put my other box a 6200 in its place. The 6200 passes ALL of the HD channels out 1394! So it is the 6412 V2 that has been somehow effected. The 6412 will pass all the network HD channels out of 1394...but none of the cable HD channels. The 6200 will pass all of them out.

Strange stuff!


And yet another followup...rehooked the 6412 back up....now 1394 passes all the HD channels! Not only that...but the copy never flags on IND and IND2 have been changed and now allow archiving.

Technology...makes you nuts :)

I'll PM you with an email address for someone who has been very responsive at Buckeye in case you still want to contact them.

Was I the only one watching the Pitt/Indy playoff game yesterady on WTOL and noticed that the signal stank? :mad: What is the problem; the broadcast signature is 1080i but it STANK. Is this a BuckeyeHD problem or a WTOL Toledo problem or a CBS national problem....

I was watching it on BuckeyeHD; OTA was even worse.

I look back through the archives and see lots of complaints about WTOL's HD signal. Who do we call/email/complain to? I find it impossible to believe that WTOL is unaware of the lousy quality; so why aren't they doing something about it? :mad:

OK, my turn to ask a question. Lost the post with the code and instructions for programing the DCT6412 "unmute" function. Similar to programing one of the A, B or C buttons for the 30 second skip but a different 4 digit code. Got a replacement remote and need to reprogram it. Who can help me?

Update: Never mind! I found it in this thread.
Thanks.

I see several postings with people posting the Quality of Channel 30.1 as flawless. Actually, this signal is NOT that good as it is sharing A LOT of bandwith to service the other High Definition feed on their adjacent subcarriers.

In my opinion, the best Television Broadcast is Channel 62.1 out of Detroit. It is superior than 11.1 and 2.1. Also, place Channel 56.1 as a "cleaner" signal than 30.1

Does anyone "in the know" know if TV5 will be part of the new CW network this fall? It would be real nice to get the old UPN shows (Veronica Mars) in HD on the new network.

How does everyone here like the functionality of the Motorola DVR? I just moved here from South Carolina, and am used to the Scientific Atlanta DVR, and am not impressed so far. I'll have to play with it more, but was suprised that you had to manually swap between the two tuners when you were using one to record, in order to change channels and watch something else. With the SA 8300 DVR, the unit uses the available tuners seamlessly without the user even knowing that anything was happenning. Do I have a setting wrong or something on my box, or is this thing a POS? Any advice for a displaced HD addict?

Thanks,
Mark

Marky,
Not having used the SA DVR, this is going to be a hard question. Your chan rec change issue only seems to happen when you do a manual rec. If you program a show to rec, then the DVR automatically uses the second tuner. The funky issue is when you have a show recording and then come home, assuming power was off when the show began, the the DVR puts on a MUTE automatically. There is a thread explaining how to program your remote to unmute the dvr box. I use the "C" button since it's easy to see the color red. Buckeye will send you the commands to program.
I thought the DVR would be my toy, but my wife has taken over broadcast control. She seems not to complain about the operations of it too much, so .... She even demos it to friends that come over. Sorry I can't compare apples. Since your from out of state, what do you think of the HD availability compared to your old system? I'll try to find that MUTE command & re-post it.
VidEditor

Marky, I did find trabbic's instructions to pgm your remote FFWD to skip ahead in :30 increments:

Program Fast Forward button to be the Skip button. You can do this with any button you want:

Press and hold Setup until red LED blinks twice.

Enter 994. LED blinks twice.

Press Setup once but don't hold it.

Enter 173.

Press Fast Forward key (or any other key). LED blinks twice. Set to go

Videditor, the HD offering here is about identical to what I had in South Carolina, give or take an HBO and Showtime or two. I'll have to reserve judgement on the HD picture quality until tomorrow night after I get my plasma hooked up. I'm supposed to receive it tomorrow. Currently I have the DVR hooked up to an SD set. Do you notice the DVR to react sluggishly to changing the channels? Seems it takes much longer to change the channel on this DVR than it did with the Scientific Atlanta model...

Thanks,
Mark

Mark,
I have not noticed changing channels to be too slugish, but BCS has had Mot boxes for awhile. So I could be use to it being that way. Also, what out for the third generation 6412 boxes (HDMI outputs) as there are a few issues with audio. I know BCS is working with Mot to resolve them. It has been a couple weeks, so I should call up my contact to see how that stands. Until then I have stuck with the 2nd gen DVI box. Which is working fine, no need to swap'em out just for a connector type.
Also found the MUTE instructions:
Program an unused button on the remote, for instance, “C”
-Press and hold setup until LED blinks twice
-Enter 994. LED light will blink twice
-Press setup once and do not hold it
-Enter 141
-Press the “C” key on the remote.
LED light will blink twice.
-The “C” key will now act as a mute and un-mute for the DVR converters.

VidEditor

Well, I got my plasma hooked up finally and have tuned it in. I must admit, the picture quality of BEX's HD is pretty good. I'm suprised there's no more chatter on this thread than there is. A city the size of Toledo, I expected there to be a lot of videophiles talking about the various cable providers and OTA signals. I moved up here from South Carolina, and the Columbia SC HDTV thread is at least 10 times as busy as this thread. Come on guys, tell me what you think about your cable providers here, and any secrets about the Motorola DVR I should know. Thanks Videditor for your input.

Mark

I'll tell you what I think: I'm tired of fussing with my antenna to get WNWO-DT. I can get WTOL, WTVG, and WUPW with no problem, but I have crappy signal strength on WNWO, even after breaking down and buying an SS2000.

Oh, wait, that probably wasn't what you were asking for :)

Yeah it is pretty quiet here.
Good people, helpful and friendly, though this spot is pretty BEX centric(I have D* HD).

All my Toledo OTA's are fine +Detroit in HD.

Are all the antennas located in the same area up here? I haven't done any over the air yet, but after we get totally moved up here, I may try some with my Hitachi set since it has a built in HD Tuner.

Just about all the locals are localted in Oregon. WLMB and WBGU (PBS) are the only outsiders... WNWO seems to always be the worst ofender with MPEG crashes on the sub channels.

Are all the antennas located in the same area up here? I haven't done any over the air yet, but after we get totally moved up here, I may try some with my Hitachi set since it has a built in HD Tuner.

Hopefully a quiet thread means everyone is watching HDTV and not at the PC complaining about loss of signal, dropouts and other problems. Also, if anyone is interested in the NBA HD or NHL HD games, the newly aquired iNHD1 also carries the same programming for sports as OLN HD & NBA HD. The guide will actually list the events on the iNHD channel, but not for OLN or NHL. I'll have to give BCS a call and see if they can't fis that.
Anyone watch the Daytona 500? I noticed NBC opted to upconvert the pit cameras 16x9, instead of doing the side bars (like the in-cars). RF HD is not quite affordable yet. When I was at the NAB Convention (tv equipment suppliers-obviously I am in TV), one company had a chopper flying around Vegas with a RF HD camera- Amazing pictures with no LOS while I was there. They even flew over to the Red Rock Mountians and out 60 miles before losing the signal. SO hopfefully the price will drop for the smaller scale pit cams.

VidEditor

Hopefully a quiet thread means everyone is watching HDTV and not at the PC complaining about loss of signal, dropouts and other problems.
VidEditor

Good point VidEditor! I just like to talk and read about people's thoughts on the technology. Especially since I just moved up here. Is there anyone on this forum from BCS or any of the other local cable companies? In SC we had a rep from Time Warner that was on AVS talking to us all the time. She was a great contact and kept us up to date on what was coming, and used us as guinnea pigs for their interactive TV and other things. On that note, is BCS going to have any interactive TV coming soon, such as configurable information channels or having caller ID on the TV screen for digital phone? How about adelphia and TWC in the outlying areas? Are there any users of these other cable systems on this thread?

Thanks,
Mark

Hey, anyone here??? Anyways, I was just wondering if anyone watched CSI:Miami last night, or anything else in HD that had pixelation bad in fast moving scenes? There was a lot of blurry HD here last night... If we don't have a good forum and talk about it so that we can tell Buckeye Cable what the problems are, we can't make it better.

Watched it OTA HD, no problems.
If Tivo comes out with the series III OTA-cable HD/DVR I may consider going back to basic cable.

Hey, anyone here??? Anyways, I was just wondering if anyone watched CSI:Miami last night, or anything else in HD that had pixelation bad in fast moving scenes? There was a lot of blurry HD here last night... If we don't have a good forum and talk about it so that we can tell Buckeye Cable what the problems are, we can't make it better.

CBS is notoriously bad here in Toledo, and from what I can gleam, it is not just Buckeye's feed, but also OTA (I may be incorrect about this.) It has actually gotten a little better if you believe that! But I did not watch CSI yesterday. You might want to check signal strength, and replace/check splitters, I know that a lot of people have had to do this to get perfect signals.

Actually everything else looks great if you ask me. Although I am getting some weird happenings...

1. HD has been a little jumpy, perfect picture (no macro-blocking), but a small jump here or there.

2. My box locks up at 4:20 am and then again at 4:50 pm, twice a day. I have to pull the plug to reset it. I am sure I have a failing box, but I am waiting to hear back from Buckeye.

Buckeye does monitor this site, and they are around, but I doubt that they post much. Your best bet for service is to contact them by phone, if the CSR doesn't know, they will ask their supervisor...

Welcome to Toledo!

Thanks trabbic, I appreciate it. I was wondering about the quality of wiring here in my current residence (which is an apartment until our house in SC sells) so I won't be changing any wiring, and I'll have to live with it and it's not terrible, I'm just picky. We're planning on moving out in the country past BG after our house sells, so I think I'll have TWC after that, which I hope is as good as the TWC we had in South Carolina.

No problem,

I think that buckeye will come out for free and check the signal at your box, and put a booster on if they need it. They will do this for free, if you call and explain that you don't think your picture is very good. You will however have to give them a half a day when you will be there...

I can't say anything about TWC, they last time I had that in BG was when I was at school there in 99 and the quality was fine then, but who knows now!

Good luck either way!

Not sure if you all read the Blade, but BCS has HGTV-HD coming onboard. Also the new Indians Baseball network that is replacing Fox Ohio will have the HOME games in HD. BCS will have an additional HD channel for "Sportstime Ohio". I am thinking it may operate similar to the NBA & OLN HD channels- aka not full time(?).
Now I know I have said this before but, ESPN2 HD is coming. My sources say that working with Disney (ESPN) is rough. They always want to engulf a channel addition with other re-works, or "you must do this" or You'll have to add ESPN-U with it. SO hang in there, sounds like an May addition. They say April... but we know better.
Happy Viewing,
VidEditor

Anyone knowledgable on someone who would install a small antenna on my tower in the Toledo area?

It seems like most people are not doing this anymore and went to cable.

Any suggestions would be appreciated.

Thanks

Kind of off topic, but...

I was looking at the Weekend Peach section in The Blade and saw that Jamieson's (sp?) is going to have a Blu-Ray Disc presentation from Noon till 5PM this Saturday (03/25/06). Just thought you might like to know.

Kind of off topic, but...

I was looking at the Weekend Peach section in The Blade and saw that Jamieson's (sp?) is going to have a Blu-Ray Disc presentation from Noon till 5PM this Saturday (03/25/06). Just thought you might like to know.


Cool! Thanks for the info!

Not sure if you all read the Blade, but BCS has HGTV-HD coming onboard. Also the new Indians Baseball network that is replacing Fox Ohio will have the HOME games in HD. BCS will have an additional HD channel for "Sportstime Ohio". I am thinking it may operate similar to the NBA & OLN HD channels- aka not full time(?).
Now I know I have said this before but, ESPN2 HD is coming. My sources say that working with Disney (ESPN) is rough. They always want to engulf a channel addition with other re-works, or "you must do this" or You'll have to add ESPN-U with it. SO hang in there, sounds like an May addition. They say April... but we know better.
Happy Viewing,
VidEditor

HGTV HD would be fantastic! I hear MTV HD is also excellent and would make a nice addition.

Right now Buckeye has an excellent HD lineup...it is what I expect for paying so much darn money!

Hey, anyone here??? Anyways, I was just wondering if anyone watched CSI:Miami last night, or anything else in HD that had pixelation bad in fast moving scenes? There was a lot of blurry HD here last night... If we don't have a good forum and talk about it so that we can tell Buckeye Cable what the problems are, we can't make it better.


There is something bizzare about CBS HD broadcasts...there is a blur that occurs on fast transitions. It can be seen on almost any CBS broadcast...I have seen it on OTA and Cable. It is a national phenomena...and has been discussed at length on AVS.

This may be what you saw on CSI.

Anyone hear anything about BCS carrying On-Demand Major League Extra Innings this year? Haven't seen any promotions on this yet. And just to keep this on topic, whouldn't it be nice if it was in HD? ;)

Anyone hear anything about BCS carrying On-Demand Major League Extra Innings this year? Haven't seen any promotions on this yet. And just to keep this on topic, whouldn't it be nice if it was in HD? ;)

There was a digital message on the DVR this morning about this. I wasn't that interested, so I didn't pay attention to the details, but it sounds like BCS will have it.

While I'm on this thread, I have a question about my DVR. Anyone have any problems with their DVR locking up? Mine has locked up at 4:20 AM and 4:50pm every day for about a week. I have to unplug the power, and reset, and then it works fine for until the next lockup time. I have the Motorola 6412 III HD DVR.

While I'm on this thread, I have a question about my DVR. Anyone have any problems with their DVR locking up? Mine has locked up at 4:20 AM and 4:50pm every day for about a week. I have to unplug the power, and reset, and then it works fine for until the next lockup time. I have the Motorola 6412 III HD DVR.

That's strange. I have 2 of them and neither has locked up like that. I have had one die on my and had to replace it. My wife wasn't happy losing all she had stored and hadn't watched yet. Wouldn't off line storage be nice? BCS? You listening?
Still though haven't had that issue. You may need to swap it out. Just download everything from the box to an external hard drive. Nope. Can't do that. Sorry. ;)

Yeah I'm trying to get to a good point to return my box for a replacement...but I hate having to reprogram in all the shows I DVR. I usually miss something.

Well, right on time ... 4:50pm....DVR is locked up... It's still playing the movie that we are watching off the DVR though, so we'll just wait until the movie is over before we reset the box. As a side note though, we lose all control with the remote when it happens, but the channel / DVR'd program that we were watching before the lockup continues to play without a hitch.

I have a question for my fellow BCS DVR owners.

While watching non-HD material on an HD channel the audio is still in DD but there is no center channel sound. I'm assuming this is because the show was only recorded with a L&R channel. So every time this happens I have to manually switch the receiver (Pioneer 1014tx) to ProLogic. It drives me NUTS. Does anyone have a better solution to this?

Sorry I can't help RU Fastr. I haven't hooked up a 5.1 system up here in Toledo yet. I'm still living in Temporary Housing until we sell our house in South Carolina. I hope they fix that problem you describe though, because that would be annoying...maybe someone else here will comment that knows how to fix your problem.

That's strange. I have 2 of them and neither has locked up like that. I have had one die on my and had to replace it. My wife wasn't happy losing all she had stored and hadn't watched yet. Wouldn't off line storage be nice? BCS? You listening?
Still though haven't had that issue. You may need to swap it out. Just download everything from the box to an external hard drive. Nope. Can't do that. Sorry. ;)

Just read in a trade mag, that Comast (not in this area) was going to put in a new DVR system. This system would have a central server at their headend for your dvr recordings. Thus taking out all the in-home hard drives. This is a very limited test size and accomplishes savings to Comcast by not spending bigger bucks on dvr cable boxes and for us, hopefully we won't lose programming when a cable box dies. and needs replaced.

ALSO, went to the Blu-ray presentation. Looked like it should - great. Sony is saying that the competition (HD-DVD) won't now be delivered until Fall, they release Blu-ray in August. You can pre-purchase the Blu-ray though. Blu-ray players are about $1K, vs $500 and that PlayStation 3 will be a blu-ray technology. Also read that picture quality won't be the only factor on that vhs/betamax war. I'll do another post on that soon.

hello folks. I live down in Findlay. I just bought the Viewsonic N3760W as my first hdtv and love it so far. Im looking to try out the OTA thing for toledo locals in HD. The tv has the ATSC tuner so im set in that way, but im lookin at antennas. Right now I have my mind set on the DB8 from antennas direct. I emailed the tech guy from Fox36 toledo a while back and he said I shouldnt have a problem gettin signal down here. Im just wondering if you have any tips, tricks or whatnot before i dive in. Thanks for your time. GO RED WINGS! (yes im a diehard hockey nut) :p

Well, I went and got a new HD DVR today. When I plugged it in and got it going, I noticed a new channel on the system... 659 HGTV-HD. It's only been on a few hours today, and it's just a promotional loop, but it looked good. I hope they have regular programming so maybe I'll get my wife addicted to HD as much as I am.

hey mark, do you know of any stores up there that sell channel master or the antenna direct db8. I usually shop in toledo a few times a month and id like to know if any stores sell them. Google has left me high and dry searching. Thanks.

Hey Nivo, I can't really answer your question. I haven't done any ota stuff up here yet. I am still just living in an apartment until we get the house in South Carolina sold.

ah ok, well im leavin now to head up to circuit city and other places. Im pretty sure they wont have what i want, but i still wanna look around. Lookin for the ch 4221 or 4228, or even a db8. I just doubt any store carries one in stock. Have a good one.

Is there ANY chance of turing off the subchannels during the Master's final round???

CBS has a terrible problem with blurring/pixelization during rapid transitions or fast movements. You can even see this on Lettermen when guests walk out.

RD 1 and 2 had PERFECT PQ on UHD. Today...Rd 3...the deaded CBS pixel issue reared its head again. WHen a ball drops from the sky and hits the green...the screen dissolves into a mass of Mpeg2 hash for a few seconds.

Since there was none of this on UHD...I am convinced it is the subchannels sucking off bit rate. It is bad enough we had this throughout the NFL season and NCAA basketball....but it seems we could do without the bit starvation for just 5 hours on Sunday.

If possible...your hardcore HD viewers will be forever grateful!

Tom

That would be nice huh Tom? At least we get to see round three on UHD since it was rained out yesterday. I'm planted in my chair in front of the plasma all day, so nobody bother me.

Gotta love the pixelization as the ball drops out of the sky and hits the green. Love the blurry, pixelated transitions. Only WTOL can render a beautiful 1080i broadcast into a semi-mess because of multicasting.


On the other hand...the UHD morning round has created a new standard of HD beauty. Golden sunshine, Augusta in the early morning....we may not see this again for years.

Gotta love the pixelization as the ball drops out of the sky and hits the green. Love the blurry, pixelated transitions. Only WTOL can render a beautiful 1080i broadcast into a semi-mess because of multicasting.

I receive WTOL (11.1) and multicast via OTA and had no problems with pixilation.

well i finally got antenna up on saturday. Saw a bit of the Masters, 11-1 was beautiful. 11-2 was blurry and appeared to be "zoomed", it was nasty. So i stuck to 11-1 from WTOL. Definitely much nicer than cables version hehe. Being here in Findlay, I had to go to Lowes and pick up and amp. I could get 11, and 13 ok, just could not draw down 24 and 36. I hooked up the Spartan 3 from channel master and VOILA! getting clean signal at about 45% on the channels i could not get before, and 70-75% on ones I did get. Gonna be nice here for a few days, so its time to go out and do some fine tuning for signal. Im only up about 12ft on my satellite pole but it does well for now. Eventually this summer I plan to go higher.
Almost forgot, this is using a U-75R antenna from ratshack for $24.99. So far, im satisfied. :)

It appears Buckeye is now offering HD content from the locals (Toledo and Cleveland) for free. Check out the PDF document on Buckeye's "Channel Line-up" page called "Local HD Line-up (no digital converter/no cablecard)".

I've been trying to get some information out of Buckeye regarding the tuner required (I'd assume QAM) and TV suggestions. Anyone else know any more information about this service? I think the people I contacted at Buckeye don't even know that they're offering this service.

I had two Samsung HP-R4252 TVs that could to tune these channels temporarily but then the TV would reboot after watching for a couple minutes. One of the TVs would make a horrible sound before powering itself off. I now have a Samsung HP-S4253 and have now been informed that my TV will not tune the signal all together.

In any case, I'm quite angry with Samsung as well as Sears. I feel that I have been sold a product that has been mis-advertised and works improperly. Also, the people at Sears need some education on the products they are selling. It would be an obvious benefit if the people in the store selling TVs would actually know something about the local cablesystem. After my experiences, I would highly suggest you avoid Sears and especially Samsung plasma TVs.

Anyways, I'd like to hear what people have to say about the free HD and any suggestions on what TVs work with this service.

Has anyone else been having trouble with Buckeye's boxes lately? Specifically the Moto 6412 (I think that's the right model; it's the DVR one). Anyways, I had my first Moto box for a little over a year, and it was fine until about the last week I had it, when it started doing weird stuff: only recording 22 minutes of 30 minute shows, recording the wrong channel, one recording of an hour long show ended up recording for 11, etc.

I returned that one to Buckeye and they swapped me out a new one. This one I've had for a little over two months, and it started locking up on Sunday. It will still show the channel it's on, but it will not change channels, bring up menus or anything. It won't even respond to the power button on the box itself. Only solution is to unplug and plug it back in. It happened both Sunday night and last night. That one is going back today after work.

I can't complain, because Buckeye is good about swapping out defective hardware, but it's annoying to have to reprogram all of the series I watch and to miss the episodes that I missed while it was locked up (fortunately, 24 and Prison Break are on iTunes as of today and The Sopranos and Big Love are replayed throughout the week).

Is anyone else having similar problems?

jubjub75, I haven't had any problems with the 6412 that I have now. The first one was horrible though, and ended up locking up 2 times a day (the clock stopped at the point where it locked up). If it was on, it will still show the program, but you couldn't change channels or use the remote or box buttons at all...had to unplug and replug. I probably got rid of that box 2 months ago...did you get it at the Southwyck office? Maybe you have my old box. I'd swap it out.

deleted double post.

jub,
Which 6412 version is it? I, II, or III. The phase II are the most reliable. The III's have a few known issues that BCS is working on. The III's have the HDMI output, II's have DVI outs. BCS has been telling folks to leave the power turned on all the time. Though I don't power off, I have had only a couple minor issues. The bonus is, I guess if you leave it on your fav. channel, you can catch the last 15 minutes after coming home late. Swap it out again, try for a phase II box.

Both of my boxes have been III. This second one has had no problems thus far. I am actually getting used to it, and like some of the features better than the Time Warner DVR that I have in South Carolina. The picture quality is great for the most part up here too. I am suprised that BCS would want the boxes powered up all the time. The Scientific Atlanta 8300 DVR that Time Warner uses has a auto power down that is not controllable. Every night it automatically powers down at 1 or 2 am. They said it's to give the hard drive a break and let the unit cool down. It runs VERY hot, even in a fan vented cabinet. I don't know how the Motorolas are tempwise since mine is sitting out in the open.

Well, I got a new one last night, but I'm not sure which Phase it is (I'll check tonight). I do leave the DVR powered up all the time. The only thing I noticed on the new box is that the IR receiver has a much narrower field of vision. With my old box, I could be at almost a 90 degree angle from the box and it would still pick up the signal. With this one, I have to be much more straight-on. I may look into an IR extender, as it doesn't seem to pick up signals too well from my prime viewing seat.

Thanks for the feedback, and I'll keep you posted!

Gang,

I live in Perrysburg, which seems to be part of the Adelphia service area (judging by the number of direct-mail pieces I receive each week).

Does anyone know when Time Warner is scheduled to acquire Adelphia's assets? And does this mean that I will be able to receive Time Warner cable services when this supposed acquisition occurs?

Can anyone offer any insight? Thanks!

Josh

Hey Josh,

I live in Perrysburg, and we have Buckeye Cablevision. They have pretty good cable tv/hd/phone/internet. I moved here from a great Time Warner area, and have decided I still really like this system too. Their service leaves a little to be desired, but their products are great.

Does anyone know when Time Warner is scheduled to acquire Adelphia's assets? And does this mean that I will be able to receive Time Warner cable services when this supposed acquisition occurs?


The supposed "drop dead" date - when TWC/Adelphia/Comcast say the deal has to be done - is now July 31st. I don't know if that means anything different if the deal is not consummated by then. It's undergone a lot of scrutiny and is taking longer than most expected.

Even if the deal is done by July 31st, don't expect an immediate "switch" in services, pricing, etc. It will probably take a few months to a year for them to "convert" Adelphia people to TWC...in such things as lineups, new services (i.e. "digital phone"), etc. For the first year or so, the Adelphia system will likely operate much as it has now, except that they'll answer the phone "Time Warner".

Hey Josh,

I live in Perrysburg, and we have Buckeye Cablevision. They have pretty good cable tv/hd/phone/internet. I moved here from a great Time Warner area, and have decided I still really like this system too. Their service leaves a little to be desired, but their products are great.


I had Buckeye for years, but left them about 18 months ago in favor of DirecTV.

My problems with Buckeye at the time involved high prices (DTV was $20 cheaper), a seeming lack of certain channels, and their lack of Olympic coverage during the 2004 games. Plus, I couldn't (and still can't) get the Toledo Blade to stop tossing those blue direct marketing bags on my lawn every Sunday. :)

So, I just don't know if I can give any more money to the Block family.

On the other hand, my DirecTV equipment keeps breaking, and I'm growing very tired of it. After 18 months, I've gone through two receivers, one satellite dish and now I have issues with my multiswitch.

The grass is always greener, so that's why I inquire about Time Warner.

Josh

Hey guys, just a heads up. I have been testing two new cable boxes for Buckeye. One being a HD/DVR combo and another small footprint box. The main deal is that they only have digital tuners, no analog. Chan 2-99 have always been analog. The HD box (3412) is just like the 6412s (think that's the number), no great new features, except all chan are digital. The KOOL box is this little DCT-700. It's about the size of a half sheet of paper (wide) and about as tall as your phone. It's also a digital only box (meaning the RF incoming, there is composite & RF outs), that does VOD, premium channels, the whole works. With the small footprint you have no clock or chan. display, but you still have the guide. I have it hooked up to a bedroom tv (13") and the small size lets it sit right on top. It does have a wall wart. BTW the digital signal looks quite nice. Makes non-hd channels bearable.
The FFWD skip fuction does not work. That's the one a number of us have programmed ourselves. But I was told it will be avail on the next software release.
VidEditor

There are still going to be analog channels. It's going to be a simulcast. I'll explain later when the time comes.

Hey guys, just a heads up. I have been testing two new cable boxes for Buckeye. One being a HD/DVR combo and another small footprint box. The main deal is that they only have digital tuners, no analog. BCS is swapping the analog channels out for digital. Chan 2-99 have always been analog. The HD box (3412) is just like the 6412s (think that's the number), no great new features, except all chan are digital. The KOOL box is this little DCT-700. It's about the size of a half sheet of paper (wide) and about as tall as your phone. It's also a digital only box (meaning the RF incoming, there is composite & RF outs), that does VOD, premium channels, the whole works. With the small footprint you have no clock or chan. display, but you still have the guide. I have it hooked up to a bedroom tv (13") and the small size lets it sit right on top. It does have a wall wart. BTW the digital signal looks quite nice. Makes non-hd channels bearable.
Not sure when the roll out is going to happen, but most issues have been taken care of. The FFWD skip fuction does not work. That's the one a number of us have programmed ourselves. But I was told it will be avail on the nest software release.
VidEditor

I assume it has active firewire out as required by the FCC?

STAR56,
The new 3412 box has firewire, the small DCT700 is just a digital tuner with composite video out or RF out. As far as the firewire connections...

The FCC required port will be active (CFR Section 76.640). Using the MPEG2 video format. The Firewire port of the Motorola boxes will work if:

- It has to be connected to a device that supports an MPEG2 video stream!!!
- If the content is NOT copy protected, the device DOES NOT have to support 5C copy protection in order to receive the video
- If the content IS copy protected, the device DOES have to support 5C copy protection in order to receive the video

Hope this helps out all those trying to hook up dated dvd-r & camcorders,
VidEditor :)

STAR56,
The new 3412 box has firewire, the small DCT700 is just a digital tuner with composite video out or RF out. As far as the firewire connections...

The FCC required port will be active (CFR Section 76.640). Using the MPEG2 video format. The Firewire port of the Motorola boxes will work if:

- It has to be connected to a device that supports an MPEG2 video stream!!!
- If the content is NOT copy protected, the device DOES NOT have to support 5C copy protection in order to receive the video
- If the content IS copy protected, the device DOES have to support 5C copy protection in order to receive the video

Hope this helps out all those trying to hook up dated dvd-r & camcorders,
VidEditor :)

Thanks VidEditor! I have my DVHS machines connected to my two Moto boxes. Couldn't live without them :)

Thanks VidEditor! I have my DVHS machines connected to my two Moto boxes. Couldn't live without them :)
What? No DVR??? Or do you archive alot?
VE

What? No DVR??? Or do you archive alot?
VE

I am MR. Archive :)

Guys... just read this in one of my trade magazines. FYI
VidEditor


Samsung likely to beat others to U.S. market with Blu-ray disc player
Jun 20, 2006 12:33 PM

Retail availability of the first Blu-ray disc player in the United States is scheduled for June 25, according to an announcement last week from Samsung Electronics America.

Shipments to retailers of the BD-P1000 Blu-ray disc player have already begun. The commercial availability will come on the heels of Sony’s announced delivery of the first seven movie titles available on Blu-ray Disc.

Sony announced last week that “50 First Dates," "The Fifth Element," "Hitch" and the "House of Flying Daggers" will be available June 20 in the Blu-ray format. LionsGate Pictures is also expected to release Blu-ray content in June.

The Samsung BD-P1000 plays Blu-ray software titles at native 1080p and offers HDMI output for films digitally mastered in 1920 x 1080p. The BD-P1000 also up-converts conventional DVDs to 1080p through the HDMI digital interface.

Just read a press release about Buckeye adding Food Network HD on June 30th.

Just read a press release about Buckeye adding Food Network HD on June 30th.

Buckeye has, what may be, the most extensive HD lineup available on any cable system. This is great news!

It's true Star56. I have been quite happy with Buckeye. However, I just moved out to an area only covered by adelphia. They don't have very many HD channels. The channels they do have look quite nice for the short time I have been viewing them. I was just wondering if anyone had any info on whether they were going to get some more channels soon? They don't have a fox-hd, and they don't have Discover HD. They have HBO, SHO, Stars, Cinemax, INHD, INHD2, HDNET and HDNET Movies, ESPN HD, and NBC, PBS, and ABC. No Fox or CBS. No HGTV or food network HD. I'd be completely content if they just got fox and CBS and Discover HD. Anyone else here have adelphia?

Thanks,
Mark

Well, I still haven't checked which version of the DVR I have, but up until a week or so ago, it worked flawlessly...almost two months!! (sarcasm intended)

Now, it is occasionally doing this weird thing where the video gets "jumpy". The audio is fine, but it looks as if some frames are getting dropped. It's especially noticable in scenes with fast movement. I noticed it Saturday night while watching the UFC PPV (which was terrible) live and then last night I watched the episode of Deadwood from Sunday night that I had recorded. It was almost unwatchable!! Whenever there was quick movement, the video would get really jerky. It doesn't happen all the time, as I checked HBO HD last night and it looked fine. I recorded the 4400 on USA at the same time as Deadwood on Sunday, and it looks ok. I set the DVR to record the rerun of Deadwood, so we'll see how that looks. I'm stumped...any ideas/suggestions or should I just exchange for another box? This is my third DVR in about a year and a half...I'm sure glad we don't have to buy these things!! The only thing I really hate is having to set series recordings all over again...

In good news, I verified with Buckeye yesterday that their TV5 will be carrying the CW network in the fall, which I assume means that we'll be getting CW HD...I can't wait for Veronica Mars in HD!!

Anyone know if Buckeye will replace INHD 2 when it is combined with INHD on August 1?

Hello,
I'm surprised to see an active thread here from Toledo! I work at Buckeye in technical support. I don't recall signing any big non disclosure form so I'll try to answer what questions I can if anyone has anything specific to ask. Although we aren't privy to anything that seems too top secret.

I am an HD/Home Theater enthusiast with what I'd say is an intermediate understanding of all the technologies, always looking to learn more, which I why I wanted to work at Buckeye to begin with. Hopefully someday I'll be in a position at the company to make more of a difference in improving the quality of our video products.

videditor, who do you edit video for, and how does one get into that field? (if thats your actualy job) I'd love to have a career actually working hands on with video technologies.

Hello,
I'm surprised to see an active thread here from Toledo! I work at Buckeye in technical support. I don't recall signing any big non disclosure form so I'll try to answer what questions I can if anyone has anything specific to ask. Although we aren't privy to anything that seems too top secret.

Welcome to the group. I am very happy with the quality of Buckeye's HD service.
My only complaint is that they should drop the Wtol 11 weather radar subchannel since it hasn't worked properly in months. It never shows echos...no matter how violent the storms.

Anyhow...welcome.....

Thanks for the welcome. I'm constantly making suggestions to the higher ups on ways I think we could improve things. I'm not sure how much impact I can make from my position though.

I don't make the suggestions from an employee's standpoint, but based on the fact that I use the services too.

The current things I'm hoping to at least be heard about are:
-HD movies on VOD.
-Adding any and all HD channels that are available that we don't yet carry.
-Getting the hideious iGuide software off of the boxes and using the Passport DCT and Passport Echo software. It's much nicer looking and allows a few extra features that the Motorola 6412s are capable of, but that aren't available with the iGuide software (like PIP and stretching/zooming the image)

Does Buckeye offer Cablecards? I can't find anything listed on their website. My grandfather is getting a cablecard-compatible TV later this week, and I'm thinking that that would be simpler than getting the seperate HD/DVR box (they'd never use the DVR part anyways). If they do have it, how much extra is it?

Does Buckeye offer Cablecards? I can't find anything listed on their website. My grandfather is getting a cablecard-compatible TV later this week, and I'm thinking that that would be simpler than getting the seperate HD/DVR box (they'd never use the DVR part anyways). If they do have it, how much extra is it?

I know they have them out in the field, but I recently read in one of the the trades that overall Cable Cards are not popular and many manufacturers want to drop them. But since you already have the stuff... give them a call.
PS. BCS has non-dvr HD boxes.

JUB, just called BCS, they still offer Cable Cards. Keep in mind that a service tech HAS to install them as they are not just a "Plug & View" setup.

VE

I know they have them out in the field, but I recently read in one of the the trades that overall Cable Cards are not popular and many manufacturers want to drop them. But since you already have the stuff... give them a call.
PS. BCS has non-dvr HD boxes.

JUB, just called BCS, they still offer Cable Cards. Keep in mind that a service tech HAS to install them as they are not just a "Plug & View" setup.

VE

+1 to everything, my friend is still running one, they take a while to setup.

Thanks for the info!! I thought they were plug and play. We're going to try just running with QAM and see how it is, but I wanted to have a backup plan. Unfortunately, he's now not getting it until next week, so we'll see how things go.

Hi everyone,

Has anyone heard any news about the Time Warner take over of Adelphia, and how it's going to affect our service, ie, more HD channels, maybe get SA boxes instead of these slow motorola 6412's, digital phone? I hope TWC doesn't just take over and leave things as is. Adelphia has to be the worst service I have ever seen, especially with HD service.

I know most folks here are Buckeye, but just in case somebody is also using OTA, i have a question.

Two nights ago I lost channel 11 on my Directv HR10-250 DVR. I rescanned and it found it @ 17.3-17.4 and 17.5
I have no guide info there. As anyone had trouble with WTOL?

I have called WTOL and only get voice mail.

Hi - I've lurked on the CRT thread for over a year, and just discovered this Toledo HDTV thread. :)
I'm just north of Point Place
I just hooked up for OTA HDTV a couple days ago to my Barco 808s, using a LG LSS3200a. Only using rabbit hears for now, but wow, I was blown away w/ quality on this antenna, can't wait to upgrade. :D
Only getting local except for 2 in Detroit.
What antenna are most of you using, and how far can you pull (DTW area)?
Van
(aka Bengalfan)

Anyone have a phone # for WTOL??? They are not passing the PGA in HD!!! It is HD and others are reporting it HD nationally. Looks like a local, flip the switch issue.

HD finally turned on!!!

At least you guys have CBS-HD...and TNT-HD, and Discovery HD....stupid adelphia...

Star56
Sorry I was watching the PGA in SD and did not see the post. The head engineer is probably the guy that does it usually and he wont be back till monday, hopefully to fix the PISP.

Marky_Mark896
Dish or Direct

Or OTA HD, you could probably pick up Lima.

I think I need a QAM for Dummies lesson. I bought a Westinghouse LTV-W32V6, which has an internal QAM tuner and just came home and hooked it up. There are 3 different choices for Cable setting (STD, IRC, HRC). I then do an autoscan, and no matter which I choose, it shows that it scanned 135 channels and found 300-some (how can it find more than it scans??). Then, when I channel up, most of the channels are either blank or not really HD. Am I missing something here?

This is with Buckeye cable. I have a HD-DVR from them in the basement, but was hoping to avoid getting another just to get local HD channels.

ANY help would be greatly appreciated!!

Jeff

LIke yesterday, the idiots at WTOL 11 have not flipped the HD switch so we get SD. I emailed the eng....perhaps they will flip it on after an hour or so.

Why are these fools so clueless? You would think that someone would put up a note reminding the weekend staff that golf will be fed HD over the weekend.

Edit THe switch has been flipped ....sigh....

If someone wants to post the latest cable HD channels, I'll add then to the first post of the topic.

Does anyone know how much Buckeye charges for a cable card, and if the cablecards they use are multistream compatible? I'm looking at getting a S3 Tivo when they are released, but am thinking about going ahead and getting a card for my compatible TV.

If someone wants to post the latest cable HD channels, I'll add then to the first post of the topic.

Here you go Buckeye Cablesystem HD lineup:


WB HD (Soon to be CW) [WT05]
CBS HD (11 Toledo) [WTOL]
ABC HD (13 Toledo) [WTVG]
NBC HD (24 Toledo) [WTOL]
PBS HD (30 Toledo) [WGTE]
FOX HD (36 Toledo) [WUPW]
TNT HD
NFL HD
OLN HD
NBA HD
Discovery HD
ESPN HD
Sports Time Ohio HD
INHD
INHD2
Universal HD
HDNet
HDNet Movies
HGTV HD
Food Network HD
HBO HD
Cinemax HD
Starz HD
Showtime HD

Here you go Buckeye Cablesystem HD lineup:
Wow.

Food Netowrk HD?

What about National Geographic HD and SciFi HD???

Buckeye needs some competition.

What about SciFi HD???No such thing.

Anyone have info on WT05? I'm assuming it's only available on cable?

Anyone have info on WT05? I'm assuming it's only available on cable?

Ken,
It's a Buckeye cable only channel. Started out as a ind. chan then picked up the WB network, now shifting to CW. Actually, it is avail in Bowling Green thru an agreement with TW I believe. Also it was The WB's first cable only station -groundbreaking. I assume the CW will be offered in HD as the WB was.
A little history lesson... Buckeye was the first cable company to build it's own cable only channel. About five months later a NY company went on-air with another. They had three times the amount of subscribers. Point being, BCS seems to follow and to lead in certain areas. Example BCSN. Even the HD offerings seem to more than many other systems. I talking REAL channels- not the Scary Movie Channel HD. Some of those Zoom channels. Now if only ESPN2HD would sign a contract!

Food Network HD?

What about National Geographic HD and SciFi HD???

Buckeye needs some competition.

? :confused: ?

Personally my girlfriend and I love Food Network. It is a perfect channel for HD.

As KenH said, no such thing as SciFi HD.

I would also like National Geographic HD, but I know that it is not widely carried.

Buckeye's HD offerings are on par or better than ANY other cable company. And they do have competition, Satellite Dishes...

Even the HD offerings seem to more than many other systems. I talking REAL channels- not the Scary Movie Channel HD. Some of those Zoom channels. Now if only ESPN2HD would sign a contract!

VE
I am a former Voomer who enjoyed their offerings and their quality while they were a DBS. I chose Direct over Dish, even though E* offered VoOM, for the sports.

Taking a swipe at voom on this forum seems beneath your typical stature.

It is about choices. I agree Buckeye is one of the best small cable companies in the country and has offering that rival TWC and Comcast, and their service is better that Direct. I have chosen not to use them because of their business relationships.

I do not bash Buckeye on this forum, in fact this is the only part of AVS I come to because this local group seems much more positive that the rest of the forum.

You are informative and helpful. I have D* but I also use the OTA and we share many of the local problems that come up.

Now please excuse me I need to go watch ESPN2HD.

VE

I do not bash Buckeye on this forum,
Now please excuse me I need to go watch ESPN2HD.

KentStater,
Sorry for the misunderstanding my intent was not in bashin. It never even entered my mind that someone would take it that way. Guess that's why I am a video editor and not a writer!
Just trying to get across that BCS seems to carry a fair amount of HD compared to what HD networks are actually "on-air". My personal opinion dislikes the "made-up" networks so one company can say we have 101 hd channels, so what. If few want them are they worth the cost?
I'll leave this at "Sorry"
VE

VE
Thanks for the reply.

I did sound pretty grumpy. OK I am not writing to the forum until I have had my fourth cup of coffee.

I also liked the pieces of my post you quoted. :D

I guess we all do some level of bashing.

you folks up in toledo are lucky to have competing cable networks. Down here in Findlay its monopolized by Time Warner. We have the lowest HD channel count by far. Seeing as they no have no competing Cable Co here, they have no reason to add anything. Heck they dont even have a contract with FSN Detroit so I can enjoy my Red Wing hockey :( And we dont even get NFL HD, so I get to miss the 2 primetime games this year on Dec 21 and Dec 23 :( (and i know sat networks are an option, but im discussing cable here)

On another note, why is it that on the OTA channels, the info is always 3 hours behind? For example, if your watching WTOL 11 or Fox36 its 9:15am, but the info window displays 6:15am. It never ever updates or corrects either.

well watching FOX 36 WUPW at first i was like "come on turn on hd!" then they did, and now its back to SD. WTF is goin on there? It never fails when you wanna watch a game in HD that someone or something has to be screwed up. So what gives? I was so lookin forward to Lions in HD but wtf?

Heyas folks, I was wondering if anyone in the UT area has recommendations for indoor antennas

Have heard good things about this DB2.

http://www.antennasdirect.com/DB2_Indoor_antenna.html

Also you might want to go to Antennaweb.org there you can see where the towers are and disistance.

I was able to pull in all the local channels using a Zenith Silver Sensor antenna. Just have to aim it a little south-east and you should be fine. I lived behind engineering for a couple years and used that with no problems.

On another note, anyone who is interested in the series 3 Tivo and uses Buckeye Cable, I have to say that they were actually pretty accommodating of the install. They gave me trouble with getting 2 cablecards (they did have to come out and do the install though). The tech ran into some problems, called in, and was transferred to the head of the install department who had just gotten a series 3 in the office and walked him through what needed to be done.

Nate
I would like to hear more about the series 3 and Buckeye.

How much for the card?
What level do you need to get HD?
Are you using a combo OTA HD and Cable just to round off the choices?

Each card is $3.35/month I believe. I also had to pay a $100 installation fee, which was pretty ridiculous as all they do is put the cards in and call the office to register your device. You can get the local HD channels with any package I believe. I upgraded from the basic (2-70) package to include all of the HD channels (except the premium ones). While the series 3 is supposed to tune OTA very well, I'm just pulling everything from Buckeye at the moment. I am pretty impressed with the quality; it is a lot better than the last time I tried to tune the local channels from them.

All in all, it was a pretty smooth transaction and I'm loving the content on some of the "pay" HD channels out there. I just wish the S3 had a bigger hard drive (or they enabled the external SATA port).

Guys, here is some info from one of my trade magazines, thought you'd be interested.
VidEd

Beyond the HD disc format wars

Alan Bell and Lewis Ostrover, engineers at Warner Bros., have filed for a patent for a triple-standard disc that holds Blu-ray, HD-DVD and DVD data on a single disc.

NewScientist.com reported last week that Warner Bros. plans to create a disc with a special Blu-ray layer on top and an HD-DVD layer below. Both formats use the same blue laser, but to allow either the Blu-ray or the HD-DVD layer to be read on the Warner Bros. disc, the top layer will act “like a two-way mirror.” That way, sufficient light can penetrate the Blu-ray layer to read data on the HD-DVD layer without the former interfering with the process.

The disc is designed to accommodate standard DVD recording on the other side.

Anyone else mad because Ohio State/Bowling Green game is PPV? That's a bunch of crapola.

yea i was miffed about it too. Thankfully time warner here in findlay carried it. But on another note, im gettin pretty disgusted with FOX36 toledo. 2 for 5 now on the crapped out HD feeds of the Lions games. Wonder what it takes to get a full game without HD dropouts or gettin switched to another game right in the middle of one. Ya pay for premium service and priviliges of HD only to never have a game without atleast one hitch. This future technology is pissing me off, you think they'd have the bugs work out by now. :mad:

and now the dallas/philly game is on Fox, still seein a crappy 4:3 SD feed. Simply ridiculous. :rolleyes:

NIVO, what do you mean they carried it? Did you have to pay for it? I did, and by halftime, it was a blow out (which I expected) so I went fishing...

There must have been a network technical problem with the Dallas/Philly game as it was in SD until the 3rd period - then all of a sudden no signal for a few minutes , then a color bar test pattern, THEN all of a sudden HD. Makes me think that is why the Lions game was SD. I watch Fox via digital Ch 2.1 Detroit.

I'm in the Defiance area and we recently were merged into Time Warner's subscriber pool. I must say the number of HD channels offered by them is pretty embarrassing. We get:

Toledo NBC
Toledo ABC
Toledo PBS
ESPN HD
HD Movies
HDNet
2 In demand stations

We dont even get Discovery HD! How can we convince TWC to carry more stations? Stuff like this feels like they're pushing us to satellite :mad:

It seems WUPW always has some sort of issue that never seems to get resolved because of the Fox network...

Marky_Mark86 Im not sure how we got it, usually one of those "shake hands" kinda deals I suppose with a local station to offer the feed. Yes it was a blowout(im surprised "Mr. Conservative" Tressel let em score that much. Never understood why he shuts it down when they get 21-28 points. Other schools will run it up on ya no matter who you are. The only thing the bucks lack is that KILLER instinct.

Supernoma, I couldnt say why you dont have Discovery HD, but its a great channel. I am seeing that FSN Ohio is now broadcasting Jackets games in HD starting tonight. I only have the HD pack(dont have the sports pack). Can anyone on Time Warner in Findlay or near here confirm if they are gonna carry FSN Ohio HD or not? Yes I agree the HD channels they carry is a joke at the amount we get. The most horrific thing about this is that if you dont have a competing cable co in your area, its doubtful you'll see more HD channels at all. TW is a monopoly here in Findlay. I cant stand it either, but not much we can do, the only option is satellite(and for what i want the cost is more than what i pay now). So they really do have us by the cojones. Reading at the broadband forums(DSL reports) they have proven and stated that if their is no competition in the affected area, they wont upgrade the Roadrunner speed to 10mb line speed. Those markets are only upgraded if Verizon or another offering has speeds of more than 15mb lines, in order for them to compete. So I think that holds true for HD channels as well. If we have no competition here, they arent in a hurry to give us more bang for the buck. It leaves a sick feeling in your stomach I know, but not much we can do except complain on deaf ears at the cable co. :(

Supernoma,
Were you an adelphia or comcast customer that has been bought out by TW? I am a adelphia customer outside bowling green, and I have the same predicament. I'm debating an antenna, and satellite, but I'm hoping TWC does something and improves upon the pathetic adelphia offerings.



Nivo,

I had TWC when I lived in South Carolina, and they were a monopoly there as well, but they didn't short change their customers. We had great HD, great internet, and great phone. I'm hoping that TWC taking over adelphia will lead to better service for our area. I'll give them a year.

Mark

Defiance was an Adelphia city. I never bothered to check what our HD offerings were then, but I'm guessing it was the same. I think I will get the HD box and just watch the 4-5 stations I get with my existing cable. The only thing worse then TWC is living in the middle of the woods, making satellite out of the question.

I would say go Satellite w/ an antenna if you want the most HD.

Defiance was an Adelphia city. I never bothered to check what our HD offerings were then, but I'm guessing it was the same. I think I will get the HD box and just watch the 4-5 stations I get with my existing cable. The only thing worse then TWC is living in the middle of the woods, making satellite out of the question.

I would say go Satellite w/ an antenna if you want the most HD.


Well, like I said, in South Carolina, TWC was very good, and continually added new HD stations. I think we can blame Adelphia for the situation we are in right now, and I fully expect TWC to upgrade our package as soon as they can get the fiber and the rest of the infrastructure that they aquired from adelphia upgraded
to handle the increased bandwidth. At least that's what I'm hoping. I couldn't believe that adelphia wasn't offering Discovery HD either. I thought every cable company in america offered at least that. They suck. Good riddance.

Mark

Anyone else mad because Ohio State/Bowling Green game is PPV? That's a bunch of crapola.

I thought the game was on 13...

I was out of town though so I may be incorrect...

I thought the game was on 13...

I was out of town though so I may be incorrect...

I don't think so trabbic. I looked all over for it. Unless it was mislabeled in the guide. I never looked again after the game came on though. I paid the 21 dollars for it.

Mark

Have you guys seen this?

(Multichannel News) _ DirecTV will add 25 more local HD markets in the fourth quarter, bringing its total to 67, or approximately 74% of U.S. TV households, by year-end.

The direct-broadcast satellite provider will add local HD broadcast networks in: Albuquerque, N.M.; Buffalo, N.Y.; Des Moines, Iowa; Flint and Grand Rapids, Mich.; Fort Myers and Jacksonville, Fla.; Green Bay and Madison, Wis.; Greensboro, N.C.; Greenville, S.C.; Harrisburg, Pa.; Little Rock, Ark.; Mobile, Ala.; New Orleans; Norfolk, Va.; Oklahoma City and Tulsa, Okla.; Portland, Maine; Providence, R.I.; Reno, Nev.; Santa Barbara, Calif.; Spokane, Wash.; Springfield, Mo.; and Toledo, Ohio.

http://www.ibcnews.com/articles/viewarticle.jsp?id=73078

that's great schwa73. That will almost certainly drive me to DirecTV if TWC doesn't do something as far as HD is concerned for us post-Adelphia customers by then.

Does anyone know know if Buckeye has any clear channels that can be picked up witha QAM tv?

you should be able to get any local HD channels free with out any additional equipment

Yep, all of the locals are available if you have a QAM-capable tuner.

Does anyone know if the Moto 6412 can output both the HDMI/DVI and Component outputs at the same time? I'm thinking about making a cable run to a TV upstairs, and this would save me having to get a switcher/distribution amp.

Thanks!

HDTV newbie here. I'm in Sylvania and also a Buckeye/Blade employee (one of the few not locked out)

Anyways, I'm getting NBC, CBS, ABC, FOX and WGTE from just the regular cable from the wall to the TV. I just subscribe to the "lifeline" service, just wanted to make sure I'm not missing any stations I could be getting. Thanks...

I live in Bowling Green. Does anyone know when Time Warner is going to get their act together regarding ABC and Fox HD? I can get so few HD channels I don't even know if it's worth it to get a HDTV yet.


HDTV Update and Over-the-Air Broadcast Information

As a Time Warner Cable High Definition customer, we are pleased to provide you with one of the best HD lineups available, with up to 15 channels offering the best in movies, sports and entertainment.

Our lineup includes HD channels for most of the local broadcast affiliates in our area. As you may know, Sinclair Broadcast Group has not given Time Warner Cable permission to carry the local ABC and Fox HD signals, though negotiations are continuing.

We do understand and share your interest in seeing these channels added to our HD lineup. Our goal is to obtain permission to carry ABC and FOX HD programming without any additional cost to our customers. The other commercial broadcasters provide us with their HD programming at no additional charge, and likewise, we do not charge our HD customers for HD programming from commercial broadcasters. We've invested heavily in the equipment and infrastructure to deliver HD programming, and our customers have invested thousands of dollars in consumer electronics equipment to be able to watch HD programming. We continue to negotiate with this in mind.

In the meantime, we want to make you aware of an option available to you. If you have an HD-integrated TV (built-in tuner/receiver) or own a separate HD tuner, you may be able to receive ABC and FOX HD programming over the air using an indoor HD antenna. There are many antenna options available to you, and you generally can find them at a variety of retail stores that sell electronics. Additional information about the use of an antenna to receive over-the-air HD broadcast signals is available on our Web site by clicking here. You also may contact us at 614.481.5050 or 1.800.617.4311.

Of course, you may still view all programming carried by ABC and Fox on our Standard Service lineup.

We appreciate your patience as negotiations continue with Sinclair Broadcast Group. Thank you once again for choosing Time Warner Cable as your cable provider.

HDTV newbie here. I'm in Sylvania and also a Buckeye/Blade employee (one of the few not locked out)

Anyways, I'm getting NBC, CBS, ABC, FOX and WGTE from just the regular cable from the wall to the TV. I just subscribe to the "lifeline" service, just wanted to make sure I'm not missing any stations I could be getting. Thanks...

You should also be able to get the WT05 CW. Here (http://www.buckeyecablesystem.com/downloads/Channel_Guides/hd-nobox-channels.pdf) is a link to a pdf file that shows the digital and HD locals available without a converter/cable card.

I live in Bowling Green. Does anyone know when Time Warner is going to get their act together regarding ABC and Fox HD? I can get so few HD channels I don't even know if it's worth it to get a HDTV yet.


HDTV Update and Over-the-Air Broadcast Information

As a Time Warner Cable High Definition customer, we are pleased to provide you with one of the best HD lineups available, with up to 15 channels offering the best in movies, sports and entertainment.

Our lineup includes HD channels for most of the local broadcast affiliates in our area. As you may know, Sinclair Broadcast Group has not given Time Warner Cable permission to carry the local ABC and Fox HD signals, though negotiations are continuing.

We do understand and share your interest in seeing these channels added to our HD lineup. Our goal is to obtain permission to carry ABC and FOX HD programming without any additional cost to our customers. The other commercial broadcasters provide us with their HD programming at no additional charge, and likewise, we do not charge our HD customers for HD programming from commercial broadcasters. We've invested heavily in the equipment and infrastructure to deliver HD programming, and our customers have invested thousands of dollars in consumer electronics equipment to be able to watch HD programming. We continue to negotiate with this in mind.

In the meantime, we want to make you aware of an option available to you. If you have an HD-integrated TV (built-in tuner/receiver) or own a separate HD tuner, you may be able to receive ABC and FOX HD programming over the air using an indoor HD antenna. There are many antenna options available to you, and you generally can find them at a variety of retail stores that sell electronics. Additional information about the use of an antenna to receive over-the-air HD broadcast signals is available on our Web site by clicking here. You also may contact us at 614.481.5050 or 1.800.617.4311.

Of course, you may still view all programming carried by ABC and Fox on our Standard Service lineup.

We appreciate your patience as negotiations continue with Sinclair Broadcast Group. Thank you once again for choosing Time Warner Cable as your cable provider.


Maybe something will happen as far as ABC is concerned soon, because TWC has taken over our Adelphia service, and we are still getting our ABC HD feed. We don't have Fox, and we don't have a lot of the channels offered by TWC in BG. I'm hoping soon they will give us the same service that is available in BG. Maybe they'll be able to give you ABC at the same time they give us the rest of the channels...

You should also be able to get the WT05 CW. Here (http://www.buckeyecablesystem.com/downloads/Channel_Guides/hd-nobox-channels.pdf) is a link to a pdf file that shows the digital and HD locals available without a converter/cable card.

thanks man. Numbers look way different than what I've been keying in, have to check it out

I have question for anyone here using a TV with a QAM tuner and Time Warner Cable. I will be getting a HDTV on black friday and I was wondering if anyone is able to pick up some of the digital channels in the clear such as TNT, SportsTime Ohio, FSN Cavs games or other channels besides the locals, or will I have to get a cable box for those channels? Thanks.

Hello all. I'm completely new to this, so I apoligize for my ignorance. I was also looking at getting a HDTV on black friday, like the poster above me and was wondering (since we are all from the same area) if anyone sees one that is the best deal. I plan on using it for OVA, video games, and as a computer monitor.

I live in BG (moving to waterville soon) and was under the impression that you could get HD channels for the locals (11, 13, 24, 36) with only a tv with an built in HD reciever and some rabbit ears. Is that correct?

Thank you.

I do not know about rabbit ears.
Yes Over the air (OTA) HD is the best. I would reccommend you go to

www.antennaweb.org

Put in your address and it will show you how far away and in which direction the towers are. It will also recommend by color code what type of antenna you will need.

Ok, it's that time of the season.

Please check the first post out and post here with any corrections or additions, thanks.

Rumor has it, due to recent changes in FCC rules, Fox Toledo will be shutting off the 36-2 channel that has the radar on it... Anyone else hear this too?

It is a bummer since you didn't have to wait for commercials and other stuff to go by until the radar comes up like on other channels.. IT was simply always on...

I know the vast majority on this forum are Buckeye users, but just in case.
Has anyone else had problems with CBS over the air.

I have lost 11 through my D* 10-250.
I have a strong signal for all the rest of my Toledo stations and CBS is usually my strongest. I know they have screwed up their PSIP(?) before so I thought I would check with anyone using OTA.

Thanks

Does anyone know know if Buckeye has any clear HD channels that can be picked up with a QAM tv?

Anyone?

yes on cbs hd ota. it was missing for about a day and came on again wednesday night.

Thanks MudHen.
I got it back. I was worried about getting the Lions Game today.

Anyone not getting Toledo 11 digital stations again?

11 is out here too. I tried to call, can't even leave a message.

Ah, that would explain why I'm getting 0% signal strength from here in Ann Arbor instead of the usual 90% percent :mad:

I picked up a Westinghouse with a clear QAM tuner and I was able to pick up all the locals in HD at my grandma's in Youngstown. I just hooked it up here to Time Warner in BG and the only digitals I'm getting is Boomerang and a few TWC PPV preview channels. I've went through every digital channel and can't find the locals, can anyone help? I thought they were required by law to broadcast the locals in the clear?

Also, can anyone in the BG area confirm or deny whether we get the digital Fox and ABC channels? On the TWC website it says that we don't get ABC and FOX because of the Sinclair thing, but on my regular cable box it shows the listing for both the FOX and ABC digital channels on the channel guide, what gives?

Anyone not getting Toledo 11 digital stations again?
yes again on channel 11 yesterday afternoon. the only browns' game in hd so far because they're so bad and we can't get it. 11 came back on shortly after the game ended. big deal.

Ah, that would explain why I'm getting 0% signal strength from here in Ann Arbor instead of the usual 90% percent :mad:

Brian
What antenna are you using to get such a strong signal down in Toledo?

I am in Monroe county and get Toledo OK, but would love to get a steady, strong signal from Detroit.

StinDaWg
Sorry I am D* customer in Michigan, can't hep.

Fox Toledo had no HD on Sunday 11/26. It appears the device that makes network HD possible had a problem. The engineers replaced in with a new one and the brand new unit died on them!!! They are making repairs as I type this...