Has anyone noticed that Buckeye's internet speeds have gotten faster? For the last few weeks speed tests have shown up to 8mbps down/600kbps up. Is Buckeye giving everybody a little bit more speed on purpose or is it a goof? Oh and WHERE ARE USA AND SCI-FI HD CHANNELS!!!! Seriously, your breakin my balls here!!!

They bumped up to 8mbps down on May 1st. It's on purpose :)

Has anyone noticed that Buckeye's internet speeds have gotten faster? For the last few weeks speed tests have shown up to 8mbps down/600kbps up. Is Buckeye giving everybody a little bit more speed on purpose or is it a goof? Oh and WHERE ARE USA AND SCI-FI HD CHANNELS!!!! Seriously, your breakin my balls here!!!

http://buckeyecable.com/speedincrease/

http://www.speedtest.net/result/267725365.png (http://www.speedtest.net)

http://buckeyecable.com/speedincrease/

http://www.speedtest.net/result/267725365.png (http://www.speedtest.net)

Nice! Here's what my speed is showing this morning. I sure don't miss that "dial up" connection. LOL!!
http://w8nyy.olympuschess.com/sweet.gif

Boy, I see you guys continue to support the Buckeye Cable. I hate their television service. Jeez.

Just installed my horizontal stack this weekend, and it is performing like a champ.

Their internet service is flawless!

Did I mention the following channels in Digital Locks:

Fort Wayne 15.1, 21.1, 33.1, 55 (Analog only)
Detroit 2.1, 4.1, 7.1, 20.1, 50.1, 62.1
Flint 28.1, 66.1
Columbus 44.1
Lansing / Jackson 10.1, 18.1, 47.1, 53.1
South Bend 16.1
Chicago 32 (Analog only)
Indianapolis 20.1, 59.1
Ann Arbor 31.1
Angola 63.1

And all of the Toledo Stations.....

Height is your best friend

Gain = Stacked Antennas

Boy, I see you guys continue to support the Buckeye Cable. I hate their television service. Jeez.

Just installed my horizontal stack this weekend, and it is performing like a champ.

Their internet service is flawless!

Did I mention the following channels in Digital Locks:

Fort Wayne 15.1, 21.1, 33.1, 55 (Analog only)
Detroit 2.1, 4.1, 7.1, 20.1, 50.1, 62.1
Flint 28.1, 66.1
Columbus 44.1
Lansing / Jackson 10.1, 18.1, 47.1, 53.1
South Bend 16.1
Chicago 32 (Analog only)
Indianapolis 20.1, 59.1
Ann Arbor 31.1
Angola 63.1

And all of the Toledo Stations.....

Height is your best friend

Gain = Stacked Antennas

That's great and all but what happens when there isn't anything to watch on ABC..NBC..CBS..FOX..CBS?

Fort Wayne 15.1, 21.1, 33.1, 55 (Analog only)
Detroit 2.1, 4.1, 7.1, 20.1, 50.1, 62.1
Flint 28.1, 66.1
Columbus 44.1
Lansing / Jackson 10.1, 18.1, 47.1, 53.1
South Bend 16.1
Chicago 32 (Analog only)
Indianapolis 20.1, 59.1
Ann Arbor 31.1
Angola 63.1

And all of the Toledo Stations.....

Height is your best friend

Gain = Stacked Antennas

So, what's on Versus? How about ESPN or Food Network? However, it is your right to chose how you want to watch television as everyone else does. Watching TV is a luxury and people may complain about the prices, but is it really a need?

So... any news on when we might get USA or SciFi in HD. Just about everyday engadget reports another cable system signing on with them. I like Buckeye, but they're breakin my balls on the overall lack of HD expansion recently.

it isnt any better here on time warner charlie :) We have the worst selection of HD available to us because of no competing cable co in our area. I dont even get to choose buckeye as an option. And, Dish HD is a joke too. Alot of the 22 HD just added never have any HD programming on, let alone the "World Fishing Network" They put that channel on instead of Speed HD :eek:

I would like to see Fox 36 add a side channel with some movie classics or something of the like. As a kid i used to watch Superhost from the WUAB cleveland station on saturdays(it was on our cable so thats why i got it) as well as Ghoulardi. Even the Fox 36 channel had a modernized version of sci-fi saturdays a few years back. And it was fun to watch. I miss it Fox 36, are you listening out there? Please bring back some of that good stuff :thumbsup:

So... any news on when we might get USA or SciFi in HD. Just about everyday engadget reports another cable system signing on with them. I like Buckeye, but they're breakin my balls on the overall lack of HD expansion recently.

I know they are working on getting USA HD. However, negotiations don't happen overnight.

So... any news on when we might get USA or SciFi in HD. Just about everyday engadget reports another cable system signing on with them. I like Buckeye, but they're breakin my balls on the overall lack of HD expansion recently.I'd respectfully disagree. I've seen two "big" announcements recently on the HDTV Magazine website regarding Comcast or TWC adding new HD channels that we on Buckeye have been enjoying for nearly two months now. IMHO, for the size market that the Toledo area is - barely in the top 100 DMA's nationwide, I believe Buckeye does a pretty good job of bringing us programming. If there's a market for the channels you desire, I'm sure that Buckeye will eventually add them. Patience, Grasshopper, patience.

Buckeye has been good with HD IMHO - however, I think this whole thing is pretty retarded. These channels should make it a priority to get HD in peoples houses instead of screwing around with the carriers. It is not becoming a privilege as much as it has become a norm.

Buckeye has been good with HD IMHO - however, I think this whole thing is pretty retarded. These channels should make it a priority to get HD in peoples houses instead of screwing around with the carriers. It is not becoming a privilege as much as it has become a norm.

Cable channels don't care as much what their viewership is. they are more concerned in the $ per subscriber they get, and that is what takes so long to negotiate.

Example. say USA HD wants 2 cents per subscriber per month, Buckeye wants to pay 1 cent, or put them on a pay extra service plan (like HD Extra Pack). While USA wants to be on the free pack. And then you have the issue of what they pay now for SD USA. Buckeye will want to renegotiate that price as well...

I am sure that buckeye could have every channel on HD right now, but our cable bill would triple. I see this as them actually working hard to keep prices down.

Cable channels don't care as much what their viewership is. they are more concerned in the $ per subscriber they get, and that is what takes so long to negotiate.

Example. say USA HD wants 2 cents per subscriber per month, Buckeye wants to pay 1 cent, or put them on a pay extra service plan (like HD Extra Pack). While USA wants to be on the free pack. And then you have the issue of what they pay now for SD USA. Buckeye will want to renegotiate that price as well...

I am sure that buckeye could have every channel on HD right now, but our cable bill would triple. I see this as them actually working hard to keep prices down.
Exactly. Well said.

For those of you asking in the past, Buckeye has the capability of 55 HD channels right now, without doing any compression or digital switching. Keep in mind that under some contracts compression is not allowed. If we could get everyone with STBs, the analog bandwidth would totally free up space for more HD!
On the side, I'll be working for the Big Ten Network this weekend, nothing like seeing HD right in the truck! Man, transmission can only get better, because it looks twice as good in the truck!
Have a great holiday weekend! Try to pry your eyes off the screen & enjoy the free 3-d hd outside in your own backyard!
VidEditor:)

For those of you asking in the past, Buckeye has the capability of 55 HD channels right now, without doing any compression or digital switching. Keep in mind that under some contracts compression is not allowed. If we could get everyone with STBs, the analog bandwidth would totally free up space for more HD!
On the side, I'll be working for the Big Ten Network this weekend, nothing like seeing HD right in the truck! Man, transmission can only get better, because it looks twice as good in the truck!
Have a great holiday weekend! Try to pry your eyes off the screen & enjoy the free 3-d hd outside in your own backyard!
VidEditor:)Thanks for the update videditor. Enjoy the truck!

For those of you asking in the past, Buckeye has the capability of 55 HD channels right now, without doing any compression or digital switching. Keep in mind that under some contracts compression is not allowed. If we could get everyone with STBs, the analog bandwidth would totally free up space for more HD!
On the side, I'll be working for the Big Ten Network this weekend, nothing like seeing HD right in the truck! Man, transmission can only get better, because it looks twice as good in the truck!
Have a great holiday weekend! Try to pry your eyes off the screen & enjoy the free 3-d hd outside in your own backyard!
VidEditor:)

What do I have to do to get one of those trucks at my house? Nature is overrated ;)

First post updated. Numbers for the new Buckeye HD would be appreciated.

I'm sorry, but what numbers are you looking for?

I'm sorry, but what numbers are you looking for?The ones you posted:

HD Basic
A&E HD
History Channel HD

HD Plus Pack
MGM HD

See the first post of the topic.

The ones you posted:

HD Basic
A&E HD
History Channel HD

HD Plus Pack
MGM HD

See the first post of the topic.http://www.buckeyecablesystem.com/lineup/lineup-tol.html

http://www.buckeyecablesystem.com/lineup/lineup-tol.html

It appears BCS has completely reshuffled the HD channel numbers. I have taken the new info from their website and added it to the first post f the topic. Let me know if it's correct, thanks.

I never got into the Food Network, and as for movies I love Netflix. I just cannot see paying $60 - $80 a month for those channels. Half of that stuff is crap!

Oh well, I am moving back to the OTA section. Just thought I would stick my head in the local area to see what is going on.

Back to DX'ing the world....:D

So, what's on Versus? How about ESPN or Food Network? However, it is your right to chose how you want to watch television as everyone else does. Watching TV is a luxury and people may complain about the prices, but is it really a need?

so any new info on usa, scifi or ppv in hd?

I'm just wondering if anyone else out there has Time Warner Cable from Port Clinton. We have the HD DVR box, but only get a few HD channels. Time Warner hasn't gotten around to carrying the local HD channels yet, but I can sometimes pick them up through my TV's tuner. The signals are usually crappy and I've got to play with the antenna, but sometimes it works.
Would an external antenna help, and what do I do with it when TWC finally starts carrying the locals?

Hello,

I am trying to use GBPVR to receive clearQAM signals with Buckeye's most basic service. A scan has turned up a large number of potential channels but many of them will be encoded and I am not at all concerned about them. The OTA-available channels work fine as expected along with other channels like BCSN and WT05. A number of less "basic" channels like CNN and ESPN also seem to provide good video but there is no audio. Does getting the audio on these channels require a more expensive plan or is something not set up correctly in my hardware (Hauppauge HVR-1600) or software.

Kal

Has anyone noticed the past few weeks their motorola boxes acting strange. I have the newest motorola box (got last sept.) and for the past couple weeks its just been randomly messing up a bit. The audio will cut out on some channels when switching channels, change back to the channel and it will be ok. Occasionally if I come out of the DVR back to the channel the screen will go green, even if I change channels. I usually have to unplug the box and replug it back in to reset it. I've seen this behavior in the past but not often and a lot more recently. My parents also have the audio problem, but they have had it forever it seems.

Has anyone noticed the past few weeks their motorola boxes acting strange.

I went through a couple Moto boxes myself. They always seemed buggy to me. Do yourself a favor and trade it for a new Pace DVR. I've had one for at least 6 months and have been very pleased.

I may relocate to the Maumee/Perrysburg area. Will I be able to receive the Toledo OTA stations with an indoor antenna or will I need a roof mounted antenna. Are the broadcast towers located in the same general direction from Maumee/Perrysburg or will I need a rotor if an out door antenna is required?
Any guess when DirecTv will offer HD locals?
Thanks for your help.

I may relocate to the Maumee/Perrysburg area. Will I be able to receive the Toledo OTA stations with an indoor antenna or will I need a roof mounted antenna. Are the broadcast towers located in the same general direction from Maumee/Perrysburg or will I need a rotor if an out door antenna is required?
Any guess when DirecTv will offer HD locals?
Thanks for your help.

I bet you'll be able to pick them up with an indoor antenna. The Toledo are all within a 10 degree compass bearing of each other, no rotor needed.

I'm just wondering if anyone else out there has Time Warner Cable from Port Clinton. We have the HD DVR box, but only get a few HD channels. Time Warner hasn't gotten around to carrying the local HD channels yet, but I can sometimes pick them up through my TV's tuner. The signals are usually crappy and I've got to play with the antenna, but sometimes it works.
Would an external antenna help, and what do I do with it when TWC finally starts carrying the locals?
An external antenna is usually the best way to get local HD. If you are within 50 miles of the stations, you should be able to get them reliably. You may also be able to get the Detroit stations.

Here is the link to the HDTV Technical Forum.
http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/forumdisplay.php?f=25

Read the 'OVER-THE-AIR DIGITAL TELEVISION RECEPTION FAQ: New to OTA? Start here! topic, near the top of the forum.

Hello,

I am trying to use GBPVR to receive clearQAM signals with Buckeye's most basic service. A scan has turned up a large number of potential channels but many of them will be encoded and I am not at all concerned about them. The OTA-available channels work fine as expected along with other channels like BCSN and WT05. A number of less "basic" channels like CNN and ESPN also seem to provide good video but there is no audio. Does getting the audio on these channels require a more expensive plan or is something not set up correctly in my hardware (Hauppauge HVR-1600) or software?Neither. Only local HD will be available with a QAM tuner, unless Buckeye makes a mistake or are doing maintenance.

WTOL-DT has added a subchannel, -2 is called News Now. Looks a lot like NBC Weather Plus.

At this time, we are in negotiations with a number of channels to receive their HD programming: ABC Family HD, Bravo HD, CNBC HD and Biography Channel HD to name a few. Plus SPEED HD
These are NOT announcements, just a heads up...
From BCS today...
VE

At this time, we are in negotiations with a number of channels to receive their HD programming: ABC Family HD, Bravo HD, CNBC HD and Biography Channel HD to name a few. Plus SPEED HD
These are NOT announcements, just a heads up...
From BCS today...
VE

VE,

Thanks for the heads up! Very interesting. As long as they keep the bit rates at current levels I am happy.

MGM is pretty low but I think that is from the source not Buckeye's doing.

At this time, we are in negotiations with a number of channels to receive their HD programming: ABC Family HD, Bravo HD, CNBC HD and Biography Channel HD to name a few. Plus SPEED HD
These are NOT announcements, just a heads up...
From BCS today...
VE



What about Discover HD, SciFi HD and Spike HD? I'd give up 100 channels I never watch just for those.

I really hope by next hockey season they have CBC in HD on Buckeye. I cannot stand watching it in analog.

I really hope by next hockey season they have CBC in HD on Buckeye. I cannot stand watching it in analog.

I wouldn't count on it. I don't think any US cable or sat providers offer Canadian signals in HD.

I'd be shocked if CBC HD lands on Buckeye. I'm still surprised they run CBET through this day, in analog!

Besides, CBET's DT stick is not operational, as far as I know. That'd be the only way Buckeye could pick up CBC HD, off the antenna from Windsor.

What about Discover HD, SciFi HD and Spike HD? I'd give up 100 channels I never watch just for those.


I agree! I want Discovery and Spike HD! and what about FOx news?

Fox News HD is a natural given the fact that they already carry CNNHD and Fox Buisness HD.

I assume that Buckeye will make this happen pretty fast.

I really hope by next hockey season they have CBC in HD on Buckeye. I cannot stand watching it in analog.

Unfortunately, this is very, very unlikely. The CBC has no digital transmitter in Windsor, and has no plans for one at this time. Here is a direct quote:
"There will no further CBC HD transmitters put in place before the (Canadian) 2011 (analog cutoff) deadline. When new projects will be undertaken following this date depends on funding which has yet to be provided."

HNIC in HD is the best hockey coverage on the planet. Maybe I should give this some thought.

Can someone take a look at the first post, and verify the current Buckeye HD line up? Thanks.

Unfortunately, this is very, very unlikely. The CBC has no digital transmitter in Windsor, and has no plans for one at this time. Here is a direct quote:
"There will no further CBC HD transmitters put in place before the (Canadian) 2011 (analog cutoff) deadline. When new projects will be undertaken following this date depends on funding which has yet to be provided."

If their national deadline is indeed 2011, won't they basically have to shut down analog 9 and put up SOME DT transmitter? If the government's own CBC can't meet the deadline, and Windsor is certainly not the sparsely populated northern part of the country, why have a deadline? :D

If their national deadline is indeed 2011, won't they basically have to shut down analog 9 and put up SOME DT transmitter?Nope, not unless they have funding, which is not planned at this time.

If the government's own CBC can't meet the deadline, and Windsor is certainly not the sparsely populated northern part of the country, why have a deadline? :DTo shut off analog.

No OTA. Cable or DBS will be it, unless something dramatically changes.

No OTA. Cable or DBS will be it, unless something dramatically changes.

I'm trying to get this straight in my head...is what you're saying that CBC could very well actually turn off analog 9 at the 2011 deadline without a DT replacement? The idea as a whole makes very little sense, which is why I keep trying to clarify it.

I can't believe the CBC would go without an over-air service in Windsor for any period of time, no matter what the cable/satellite user penetration is.

I just can't believe that's even possible. What about the U.S. cable systems, like Buckeye, who presumably pick up CBET OTA...does that mean it disappears?

I'm trying to get this straight in my head...is what you're saying that CBC could very well actually turn off analog 9 at the 2011 deadline without a DT replacement? The idea as a whole makes very little sense, which is why I keep trying to clarify it.

I can't believe the CBC would go without an over-air service in Windsor for any period of time, no matter what the cable/satellite user penetration is.I didn't believe it either, so I asked for confirmation. It's what they told me.

I just can't believe that's even possible. What about the U.S. cable systems, like Buckeye, who presumably pick up CBET OTA...does that mean it disappears?Yup.

Can someone take a look at the first post, and verify the current Buckeye HD line up? Thanks.

Looks like almost everything, they also have for premium channels:

308 HBO HD
309 Cinemax HD
327 Starz HD
347 Showtime HD

Looks like almost everything, they also have for premium channels:

308 HBO HD
309 Cinemax HD
327 Starz HD
347 Showtime HDThanks, added.

OK, Buckeye really needs to add some new HD. Like, real soon. I've been thinking of switching to DirecTV for a while so I can FINALLY get USA + SciFi in HD. The one thing holding me back was being able to record the locals on a DVR. Well DTV just announced 44 more local HD markets and Toledo is one of them. Which means I could record DTV locals onto a DVR. So if anybody from Buckeye is reading this, could you PLEASE give some solid info on any upcoming additions?

Looks like Buckeye has some bigger problems than adding new HD stations. If NBC24 is pulled I guess we'd be losing one. As I said yesterday, DTV will be adding Toledo HD locals soon. Switching may be an easier choice than I thought.

Looks like Buckeye has some bigger problems than adding new HD stations. If NBC24 is pulled I guess we'd be losing one. As I said yesterday, DTV will be adding Toledo HD locals soon. Switching may be an easier choice than I thought.

I hadn't heard anything about this, but a quick Google search provided:

http://www.toledoblade.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080730/ART18/807300391

Basically, NBC 24 wants to be paid per subscriber just like ESPN and the other cable only stations get... :rolleyes:

Excerpted from The Toledo Blade
By Kirk Baird, Steve Eder also contributed to this report.

7/30/08
Buckeye, WNWO-TV negotiating as deadline looms

With a deadline looming, WNWO-TV and Buckeye CableSystem are negotiating a new contract to keep the channel available to Buckeye's 150,000 subscribers. Jon Skorburg, the vice president and general manager of WNWO, Channel 24, wouldn't say during a news conference yesterday exactly what - if anything - will happen if the contract expires at the end of the day tomorrow without an extension or a new agreement. But should WNWO decide to withhold its signal from Buckeye, local cable subscribers would have to plug in an antenna in order to watch NBC prime-time network Olympic broadcasts and offerings such as The Office, Heroes, Sunday Night Football, The Today Show, and The Tonight Show with Jay Leno.

At the heart of the negotiations is the television station's position that Buckeye should pay it to broadcast the NBC affiliate's signal. Buckeye CableSystem is owned by Block Communications, Inc., parent company of The Blade. Under the current arrangement, Buckeye compensates WNWO with on-air advertising trade-offs in exchange for airing its signal. For Buckeye, at issue are WNWO's ratings compared with other local broadcasters. WNWO is the third-rated affiliate in Toledo, trailing WTOL-TV, Channel 11 (CBS), and WTVG-TV, Channel 13 (ABC).

Neither side would divulge the specific figures that are being disputed. Even with the deadline quickly approaching, both sides expressed confidence a deal will be reached. Thomas Dawson, Buckeye CableSystem spokesman, alleviated concerns that subscribers would miss out on the Olympics, which begin Aug. 8, promising 1,300 hours of coverage on network-owned cable stations such as MSNBC, CNBC, Telemundo, and Universal HD. Because of federal regulations, Buckeye would not be allowed to broadcast NBC network programming from the Detroit affiliate, WDIV, Channel 4.

OK, Buckeye really needs to add some new HD. Like, real soon. I've been thinking of switching to DirecTV for a while so I can FINALLY get USA + SciFi in HD. The one thing holding me back was being able to record the locals on a DVR. Well DTV just announced 44 more local HD markets and Toledo is one of them. Which means I could record DTV locals onto a DVR. So if anybody from Buckeye is reading this, could you PLEASE give some solid info on any upcoming additions?

Funny you mention this, I was looking at DirecTV and Dish websites today myself. Only thing holding me back is I am trying to sell my house and don't want to start a service then possibly move right away... but sooner or later I gotta get off the fence on switching.

WNWO is wacky if they think Buckeye is going to pay them to carry the station. WNWO is barely making it. If Buckeye drops them...they are history.

The problem with DirectTV is that the HD signal is seriously compressed and looks like crap.

I am in NO way affiliated with Buckeye...but there is no comparison when it comes to HD PQ.

WNWO is wacky if they think Buckeye is going to pay them to carry the station. WNWO is barely making it. If Buckeye drops them...they are history.

WNWO is owned by Barrington Broadcasting now, right? I think that's what happened after Raycom took over WTOL.

Barrington seems to me to be one of those low-rent operations that wants to squeeze out every nickel they can get, and may well be OK with cutting off their nose to spite their face.

The article doesn't mention that Buckeye actually owns a competitor, cable CW Network station "WT05". I'm not sure it matters, but "WT05" may have more viewers in some time slots than WNWO does. :D

WNWO is owned by Barrington Broadcasting now, right?The Blade article at the link above covers that.

Thomas Dawson, Buckeye CableSystem spokesman, alleviated concerns that subscribers would miss out on the Olympics, which begin Aug. 8, promising 1,300 hours of coverage on network-owned cable stations such as MSNBC, CNBC, Telemundo, and Universal HD.Hmmmm, one wonders how much stock to put in this statement, when the NBC Olympic promos as seen on WNWO, say 'the biggest events of the Olympics will be in primetime on NBC'.....

WNWO is barely making it. If Buckeye drops them...they are history.Highly unlikely.

Highly unlikely.

I agree. They will come to some sort of agreement. The advertisers would go berzerk if they were dropped from cable.

Where's Toledo in the new Directv local channels launch?

http://www.directv.com/DTVAPP/global/moreInfoText.jsp?assetId=1620002

Hmmmm, one wonders how much stock to put in this statement, when the NBC Olympic promos as seen on WNWO, say 'the biggest events of the Olympics will be in prime-time on NBC'.....

Yeah he is definitely trying to spin this... I am in agreement with you guys though, they will make an arrangement, even if it is a short term agreement, to give them more time.

Any update on this, is the deadline midnight tonight? The article says "end of the day"...

Where's Toledo in the new Directv local channels launch?

I saw it at this link, which I found at engadgethd:

http://www.marketwatch.com/news/story/directv-offer-hd-local-channels/story.aspx?guid=%7BFB950CF6-81BD-48F5-8389-71A091D3FF7A%7D&dist=hppr

WNWO gave an extension for BCS to carry their signal until after the Olympics today.

This seems like a stop gap measure. WNWO and Buckeye are far apart in terms of agreement. We will see in August.

I saw it at this link, which I found at engadgethd:

http://www.marketwatch.com/news/story/directv-offer-hd-local-channels/story.aspx?guid=%7BFB950CF6-81BD-48F5-8389-71A091D3FF7A%7D&dist=hppr

I saw Toledo in the original list of 44 new LIL's form Directv, but it was one of 3 cities from that list that were not on the monthly listing of HD LIL debuts.
The other two cities not listed on the monthly breakout were Palm Springs, CA and Dothan, AL.

Highly unlikely.

I wouldn't say too unlikely...I have heard rumors that one of the tv stations - and it wasn't fox or wtol that is having troubles...I cannot remember exactly if it was 24 or 13, but one of them may be off the air soon from bankruptcy.

The Blade article at the link above covers that.

Yeah, I didn't realize that the article was much longer than what was reprinted in the thread.

These things usually get solved, because it's not good for either the station or the cable operator to have a missing major network affiliate on the market's dominant cable system.

I wouldn't say too unlikely...I have heard rumors that one of the tv stations - and it wasn't fox or wtol that is having troubles...I cannot remember exactly if it was 24 or 13, but one of them may be off the air soon from bankruptcy.

Network affiliated full-power TV stations very rarely "go off the air" for financial reasons.

Whether Barrington continues to own the station may be another matter. Someone will step in and keep the station on the air, if Barrington "falls apart". If that's even in question here, which I don't know.

Despite the Toledo market's financial shape, a full-power network affiliate in a medium market like Toledo is a valuable asset.

I wouldn't say too unlikely...You have no idea what you are talking about. See the comment directly above this.

I have talked with some "insiders" regarding the news division. There is some chance that WNWO may drop the newscasts. Spencer left out of fear that the operation is near death. He didn't walk out on his contract just on a whim. I was told that they would continue to feed network programming but that the money draining news division would fold.

You have no idea what you are talking about. See the comment directly above this.

How can you say I have no idea what I am talking about when the comment above says "Rarely"...Well rarely means that it is possible.

With the economic troubles this city is going through, nothing would surprise me. Channel 24 is definitely having some financial issues.

How can you say I have no idea what I am talking about when the comment above says "Rarely"...Well rarely means that it is possible.

With the economic troubles this city is going through, nothing would surprise me. Channel 24 is definitely having some financial issues.

As the person who wrote "rarely"...let me interpret it.

It basically means "I'm sure it's happened SOMEWHERE, but as a rule, basically stations like WNWO don't go off the air and out of business entirely".

Now, back a number of years ago, a few fledgling independent stations didn't make it. In my home market of Cleveland, WKBF/61 went off the air, and a later, non-related independent, WCLQ, also on 61, didn't make it. It eventually was bought by the Home Shopping Network folks as WQHS/61, and is today's Univision O&O.

None of this applies to WNWO, a Big Four network affiliate in a top 100 market in 2008.

If Barrington Broadcasting struggles to the point that they can't afford to keep the station on the air, SOMEONE will come in and buy their stations.

A full-power, full-market major network affiliate in a top 100 market is too valuable an asset to go away, and you can bet NBC is not going to "lose Toledo" - without WNWO, there's no other place an OTA major network affiliate could go in Toledo... a market where the CW Network affiliate is a cable-only station, and the MyNetwork TV affiliate is a puny LPTV outlet.

So, again...news going off? Wouldn't at all bet against that...though NBC, like most networks, would not be happy and would press them on the issue - and would probably mandate that WNWO hook up with someone else to do an outsourced newscast.

Going off the air? A strong bet against it.

Speaking of that LPTV MNT affiliate...that's a prime example.

The local guy who owned that was in dire financial straits, and had to turn to the Cornerstone Church people to inject money into his operation.

They ended up basically wrestling it away from him (he's still fighting, even now).

The station is very small, affiliated with a low-rent second-tier network on an LPTV with high-channel-number cable carriage, and even IT has survived.

The station is very small, affiliated with a low-rent second-tier network on an LPTV with high-channel-number cable carriage, and even IT has survived.

Yeah... but there is a huge difference between a business model & a church supported model. But you basically right... NBC will put pressure on WNWO to keep news going. They may have to spend money automating the studio at least. This is what is happening to many news departments... putting folks in the TV business like myself out of work. I remember channel 61...I grew up in Cleveland.
VidEditor

How can you say I have no idea what I am talking about.....I'm sorry, but you don't.

Worse case, NBC would either step in themselves or find a buyer for the station. Very simply, they would not let it go off the air. Never.

Yeah... but there is a huge difference between a business model & a church supported model. But you basically right... NBC will put pressure on WNWO to keep news going. They may have to spend money automating the studio at least. This is what is happening to many news departments... putting folks in the TV business like myself out of work. I remember channel 61...I grew up in Cleveland.
VidEditor

Yeah, I realized after I wrote it that we're talking about the Cornerstone Church people, and they probably have some money even in a down market in an economically depressed area like Toledo.

Even so, I'm guessing that if they weren't running WMNT-CA, one of the other stations would mount an automated MNTV affiliate on a subchannel. Raycom (WTOL, ex-WNWO owner) runs this market's full-power MNTV affiliate, WUAB/43, and has an existing relationship.

Which brings us back to NBC - a hole that is not going to be allowed by the network, one way or another. I have no problem envisioning Barrington having to set up outsourced news production for "NBC 24" - my guess is they'd turn to WTOL, owned by their former owner.

I don't think NBC likes the idea of an outsourced newscast, but they'd take it vs. no news.

Overall problem with Toledo news...is there is not enough news in Toledo to support four newscasts.
And since this is an HDTV forum I have a hard time seeing 24 doing local newscast in HD. They can't even keep an SD profitable. Locally there is not much talk of spot/source sharing in HD. I have been shooting/editing local spots in HD now for a couple months and have to down convert them all. I am thinking once 2/9/09 happens we'll all start talking about sharing HD materials.
Then again who really wants to see all that bad news in HD?

Overall problem with Toledo news...is there is not enough news in Toledo to support four newscasts.
And since this is an HDTV forum I have a hard time seeing 24 doing local newscast in HD. They can't even keep an SD profitable. Locally there is not much talk of spot/source sharing in HD. I have been shooting/editing local spots in HD now for a couple months and have to down convert them all. I am thinking once 2/9/09 happens we'll all start talking about sharing HD materials.
Then again who really wants to see all that bad news in HD?With all due respect Videditor, I believe there is plenty of news in this area to cover. IMHO, what the local TV stations largely present could hardly be called news. When was the last time any of these gutless TV news departments dug deep into the local government shenanigans? Did an in depth on just exactly why Toledo hasn't moved forward in decades given it's prime geographic location? I can't recall them ever doing such a newscast. Now, if you're talking about what they typically present - car crashes, house fires and Mrs. O'Leary's chowder needing a bit more cream, then you are correct. There isn't enough of that type of non-news for four newcasts to cover.

Anybody know when the locals will start broadcasting news in HD? Can't wait to get a better look at Jerry Anderson's fake tan and see if the obscenely sweet Chrys Peterson is in fact made of sugar as I've long suspected.

What is everyone's top 3 HD request?

Here's mine:

1) PPV/VOD HD
2) USA HD
3) Sci-Fi HD

I also don't understand why Wheel of Fortune & Jeopardy aren't in HD within the Toledo area considering that both have moved to HD.

Anyone going to get the new TurboHD service by the DISH Network? 1080P HD VOD! That is just awesome!

What is everyone's top 3 HD request?

Here's mine:

1) PPV/VOD HD
2) USA HD
3) Sci-Fi HD


1 - Discovery
2 - Speed
3 - FX

If they did VOD HD I doubt the PQ would satisfy me. I've grown accustomed to watching all my movies on Blu-Ray. When it comes to feature films it's uncompressed 1080P or don't bother.

I can't imagine DISH's VOD being all that great. I haven't seen a sat broadcast yet that looks very good.

Anybody know when the locals will start broadcasting news in HD? Can't wait to get a better look at Jerry Anderson's fake tan and see if the obscenely sweet Chrys Peterson is in fact made of sugar as I've long suspected.

Would love to see the folks in HD. Chrys may be a very nice person but her on-screen persona is so over-the-top sweet that it difficult to watch and listen

WTOL's research data must tell them that is what the nice elderly ladies in Toledo want to see and hear.

What is everyone's top 3 HD request?

1. Discovery HD
2. SciFi HD
3. Bravo HD (passed along at the wife's request...;))

1. Discovery HD
2. SciFi HD
3. Bravo HD (passed along at the wife's request...;))

FOXNewsHD

MHD

ScifiHD

With all due respect Videditor, I believe there is plenty of news in this area to cover. Now, if you're talking about what they typically present - car crashes, house fires and Mrs. O'Leary's chowder needing a bit more cream, then you are correct. There isn't enough of that type of non-news for four newcasts to cover.

Totally agree with all your additional points! Problem is... TV is a business now. Owners have no pride of ownership going on for the local area. I don't see cash coming in for extra reporters/photogs to do the reports you want to see. They have to have the same stories the others have or the advertisers question them. Heck the networks world news even watch each other and break when the others break!
Even with all these additional 30 minute segments, they just re-hash most of the stories. Maybe edit a package differently, but it's the same story. Like getting bonus footage on a dvd release.

I also don't understand why Wheel of Fortune & Jeopardy aren't in HD within the Toledo area considering that both have moved to HD.


Mainly because the local networks record those feeds earlier in the day & replay them in the evening. The don't have the HDVTRs or DDRs in house to record the in HD and playback HD later. I am sure that will come, but HD news is probably first on the agenda after getting 2-9-09 out of the way.
HD is not just "plug & play" for stations or production facilities. I have bought HD equipment for my workplace. I have a couple cameras, editing systems and accessories, but am nowhere near operating like my SD work flow is today.
On a side note... I bought an AppleTV. Not for the movie rentals but they sure do look nice. Most of the newer releases are 1080i. Before most were just 720p. Sure is nice to download a movie at the last minute and have it in HD. Spent some time with an Apple rep at the Chicago store. One on One & one of the workshops...solid product.. so I bought. So far so good.

VidEditor

Totally agree with all your additional points! Problem is... TV is a business now. Owners have no pride of ownership going on for the local area. I don't see cash coming in for extra reporters/photogs to do the reports you want to see. They have to have the same stories the others have or the advertisers question them. Heck the networks world news even watch each other and break when the others break!
Even with all these additional 30 minute segments, they just re-hash most of the stories. Maybe edit a package differently, but it's the same story. Like getting bonus footage on a dvd release.Your points are all valid - and, sadly, understood. I guess if the people wanted something besides the car crashes, house fires and finding a home for Fido, they'd apply the pressure to the local stations to put it on. Which sadly takes me back to the real truth - the problem(s) with Toledo are not the politicians, newspaper and the failure of local TV media to present actual news - no, Toledo's problems are a direct result of the apathy of it's population. BTW, thanks for the explanation regarding Wheel of Fortune and Jeopardy - I always wondered why we didn't see them in HD locally too.

... Which sadly takes me back to the real truth - the problem(s) with Toledo are not the politicians, newspaper and the failure of local TV media to present actual news - no, Toledo's problems are a direct result of the apathy of it's population. ...

Bingo!

My wife and I were just talking about how much this area has to offer, but its population are so negative and apathetic about Toledo that it makes us sick. :(

I am originally from New England and spend a significant amount of time back in that area.

I have always thought that Toledo was a decent city to live in and that it had its plusses and minuses like any other city. I have met some terrific people here and have been fortunate to have built a career in this area. Recently the increase in murders have caused me to become hesitant to travel in particular areas of the city. I have personally witnessed neighborhoods go from family friendly to thug/scary land in 25 years. Unless the economic fortunes of the city improve, I am somewhat fearful of the future. I moved to a suburb to escape the degeneration encroaching on many areas of the city.

At least we have concealed carry. I wouldn't go into the city without it.

On a side note... I bought an AppleTV. Not for the movie rentals but they sure do look nice. Most of the newer releases are 1080i. Before most were just 720p. Sure is nice to download a movie at the last minute and have it in HD. Spent some time with an Apple rep at the Chicago store. One on One & one of the workshops...solid product.. so I bought. So far so good.

VidEditor

Thanks for the response regarding Wheel of Fortune/Jeopardy HD & that makes sense. I bought an AppleTV (connected via HDMI) in March & absolutely love it. I use Flickr and when people are over, I love to show them my photos on my nice HDTV via the AppleTV. I also watch a few of the video podcast (HD). Watching YouTube videos from my couch is nice too. Now, just waiting for the Xbox360 update in fall and I'll be able to stream Netflix to my HDTV instead of just to my PC. I know it won't be HD, but Netflix has stated they are headed in that direction.

During the last couple of weeks, I lost my TV guide feature on my Panasonic HDTV, due to Host Channel not found. After fiddling with it for hours, I gave up and called Buckeye tech support. It turns out that PBS channel 99 (my host channel) converted to a digital signal and the interface with Buckeye is now messed up. I'm told the enginners are working on it, with no timeframe given. Pretty sad. I assume others are having the same problem. Let me know.

Thanks

Jim

I'm in the TV Biz, and the only way 24 would go off the air would be if NBC transfered to other station and NWO could not pick up another network. WUPW is strong with Fox, TOL is solid with CBS and same for TVG with ABC. There have been network swaps in the past...but I don't see any network willing to go to NWO. Especially with with ownership. Never say never, but in a market that's in the top 70...NBC will survive.
VidEditor

WNWO-TV, "NBC 24", will not "go off the air" due to bankruptcy. Period. I'm sitting here willing to guarantee it.

If Barrington Broadcasting falls apart, SOMEONE will buy either all of their stations or WNWO individually. Once again, a full-power top-100 market Big Four affiliate just does not go off the air due to financial difficulty.

And NBC will not let Toledo go without full-power OTA NBC affiliation - and since the only place that it can basically happen is on Channel 24, an NBC affiliate owned by SOME company will continue to air there.

A network affiliation swap isn't likely at the current time in Toledo. The chances against NBC landing on WTOL/11 with former WNWO owner Raycom? Incredibly unlikely. And at least for now, ABC owns affiliate WTVG/13, so that makes a swap impossible on that end.

The only comments I acceded to, re: stations shutting down and going off, were long ago, decades ago in some cases, and involved independent stations not affiliated with any major network. As I rather clearly stated, that doesn't have ANY bearing on the situation allegedly involving the finances of Toledo's current NBC affilate in 2008.

As far as who would buy WNWO, if Barrington had to sell it separately, I'm guessing Block Communications would be the first in line. (Yes, I know, they're not really on good terms right now :) )

Block owns about a half-dozen OTA stations outside Toledo, and of course, runs the cable-only CW affiliate "WT05" out of their Buckeye Cablevision. They'd be a natural buyer if the Barrington/WNWO connection fell apart. And it'd sure solve the carriage issues, if it happened before a deal between Barrington and Buckeye :) (My gut tells me that whatever financial issues Barrington is supposedly facing, I don't think they break before such a deal is made.)

There have been network swaps in the past...but I don't see any network willing to go to NWO.

MyNetwork TV would willingly make the jump from WMNT/48/58/108/2008, I presume.

:D

Speaking of MyNetworkTV. I didn't realize WWE's Smackdown was moving to MyNetworkTV (Channel 58 on Buckeye). That's pretty sad. At least WWE fans could watch their show in HD on one day... not anymore.

Buckeye doesn't offer USA, Sci-Fi, or PPV in HD. I don't even think our local MyNetworkTV can broadcast in HD.

Buckeye doesn't offer USA, Sci-Fi, or PPV in HD. I don't even think our local MyNetworkTV can broadcast in HD.

It's a low-rent LPTV (class A) channel - WMNT-CA. It can barely broadcast in color.

It's owned now, though, by the Cornerstone Church people, who certainly have more money than the Mom and Pop former owners who are still suing them trying to take over the station.

Since it's an analog LPTV, there won't be MNTV in HD...unless the Cornerstone folks manage to get the equipment and fiber an HD feed to Buckeye, all of which seems somewhat unlikely.

Buckeye doesn't offer USA, Sci-Fi, or PPV in HD. I don't even think our local MyNetworkTV can broadcast in HD.

I've been asking about these since day one that WWE went HD. Buckeye hasn't added any new HD channels in 3 or 4 months. I'm starting to think they just don't care about HD anymore. I guess they're too busy with the NBC24 people. I swear SOMEDAY they will lose me to dish.

Anyone here have directv? If so who did you have do the installation, and were they any good. I live in the Waterville Time Warner (adelphia) area, and I'm sick of them. I'd love to go to directv, but their sales people seem so slimey it's like a used car salesman. I've heard that their new dish/DVR setup only needs one coax run to each box so I could use existing inside wiring. Are the locals in Toledo available in HD from directv or do I have to have an antenna? Not having the locals in HD and be able to DVR them is a deal breaker for me.

Thanks,
Mark

I didn't see this posted yet, so here it is... NBC granted Buckeye another extension. Depending on who you listen to either Sept. 3rd or Sept. 10th.

http://www.multichannel.com/article/CA6590005.html

Does anyone that post in this thread post elsewhere within AVS Forum's?

Does anyone that post in this thread post elsewhere within AVS Forum's?

I didn't accumulate almost three thousand posts on this thread alone :)

I didn't accumulate almost three thousand posts on this thread alone :)

I was about to say something very similar :D

I wish there was a way to make this thread more beneficial and influential for the whole of NWO instead of just Toledo. Our Columbia, SC thread was a lot more active because we all had Time Warner Cable from Columbia to Charelston up to Myrtle Beach. Also there was a representative from TWCSC on our thread that kept us up to speed with changes and new features and equipment. Since we all have different cable services in NWO's outlying areas and Toledo has Buckeye, it makes it tough to have a large useful thread. I wish we had some members of this thread that used Directv and could talk about local installers, as I am sick of my TWC (adelphia) out here in BFE Wood county. I can't get any answers out of them and we haven't had a new HD channel in over a year. Also, I notice that Bowling Green's TWC has had more HD channels added, and Columbus's TWC is adding new HD all the time. I talked to Ar's and Yours Cable Inc. about installing a Directv dish for us. He said a new SWM dish was coming in the next few months, and that Directv was getting our locals in HD in a month or so. Does anyone else know about them? Are they a good installer?

Ok time for a rant.

Marky I hear what you are saying. I used to try to be apart of this forum but felt alienated because I have Directv.

I feel that the buckeye point of view is mandatory here.

Directv's picture quality isn't crap and it keeps getting better, mpeg4, new satellites, 1080p (CE, a kinda beta)

The buckeye philosophy permeates even the opinions of the NWO population.

An earlier post defended the politics and the blade and concluded it must be the people. My God! Toledo has inferior people.

Ok I’m done.

Ok time for a rant.

Marky I hear what you are saying. I used to try to be apart of this forum but felt alienated because I have Directv.

I feel that the buckeye point of view is mandatory here.

Directv's picture quality isn't crap and it keeps getting better, mpeg4, new satellites, 1080p (CE, a kinda beta)

The buckeye philosophy permeates even the opinions of the NWO population.

An earlier post defended the politics and the blade and concluded it must be the people. My God! Toledo has inferior people.

Ok I’m done.I wouldn't normally bother to respond but your post is factually incorrect. There was no defense of the politicians or the Blade in my post - in fact, since you've brought it up, I can't stand JRB and his worthless fish wrap. Nor do I like Emperor Finkwhiner, most of Toledo city council and all of the Lucas County Commissioners. My point is: who is it that continues to elect such people to office over and over and over? And, who is it that follows the marching orders given by JRB and his agenda driven editorial board? Sadly it is the people. If the people wanted something different than the do nothing, anti-business, slowly-killing-Toledo politicians, they'd elect them. If the people wanted something other than JRB and his gang of poison pen writers, they'd have that too. In general, the population usually gets what it wants. Since I haven't seen any improvement in Toledo politics or The Blade in the 30 years I've been in this area, I can only surmise that this must be what the majority wants. If you have another explanation, I'm all ears.
As for DirecTV and DISH network, I had the first for 9 years and the latter for 2 years. At the time I left them two years ago, they had little in the way of HD programming, I had to have multiple boxes with multiple cables coming from the dish to the boxes and feeding a signal to multiple TV's in my home simply became more effort than it was worth. Not to mention looking at an unsightly dish planted in my yard. And the fact that when I needed my local info the most - during severe weather - the dish signal was gone.
Buckeye Cable, phone and Broadband Internet are simply a better solution for me - though I do hate giving my hard earned $$ to Block Communications each month. But for those who choose either satellite company, God bless you. I wish you many happy years of service.

I was in no way putting down Buckeye or their customers. If I lived in the service area, I'd definitely go that route. When I was in Perrysburg, I did have the VIP plan. I only wish there was a choice for us out here to have Buckeye instead of our crappy TWC (Adelphia). I'd like to have more solidarity for NWO HDTV owners in order to get more channels offered to us. Our Columbia, SC thread (which has the same metropolitan population as toledo) has 8 times the number of posts as our Toledo thread. That is because the outlying areas were interested in the same conversations as the city residents. We in BG, Waterville, Defiance, Grand Rapids etc, have nowhere to voice our opinions on AVS about our service providers. It's no one's fault, it's just a bummer.

communities like toledo should feel fortunate they have 2 or 3 cable co's to choose from. Im in Findlay and we have 1 TWC. So if they dont have it we are screwed(and im not counting sat into this deal either). Whats even worse is that since they are the only cable provider around they dont have to give us anything(e.g. more channels) so we are stuck that way as well.

Do people in Toledo really hate Buckeye Cable that much? What is it about Buckeye Cable that people hate? Is it Block Communications?

Ok time for a rant.

Marky I hear what you are saying. I used to try to be apart of this forum but felt alienated because I have Directv.

I feel that the buckeye point of view is mandatory here.

Directv's picture quality isn't crap and it keeps getting better, mpeg4, new satellites, 1080p (CE, a kinda beta)

The buckeye philosophy permeates even the opinions of the NWO population.

An earlier post defended the politics and the blade and concluded it must be the people. My God! Toledo has inferior people.

Ok I’m done.

This response is not meant to be anything other than my opinion, so no offence is intended. I love everyone, and value all opinions. I just felt the need to reply.


If you want to talk about DirectTV then please do so.

I discuss Buckeye, because that is what I have and what I sometimes have inside info for.

I think that we don't discuss DirectTV much here, because there is not a lot of "local" discussion needed. When questions are asked about DirectTV local stuff like "when are the locals in HD coming?" and "who is a good local installer?" We need people like YOU to step up and answer, because the "buckeye" crowd doesn't know those answers.

I am interested in knowing that stuff, but I don't post, because have no idea. But I do know answers about most buckeye questions, as do a LOT of other posters in this thread. So that may be why there seems to be a lot of Buckeye talk.

There will be a LOT of buckeye talk, they have 150,000 Subs, which is a HUGE number for a city the size of Toledo.

But I don't know why that would make you feel alienated, I don't recall anyone putting down your choice of Satellite. Those of you that have Satellite, should speak up and discuss your questions and issues.

Just like a City a forum is made up of its citizens (or members), and they alone are responsible for its success or failure.

One more thing:

"Apathy" does not equal "inferior"
"The Blade" does not equal "Buckeye Cablesystem"
"The Blade DOES equal "worthless fish wrap" :D

...Is it Block Communications?

Yup.

HDNLUVNIT:
I was going to quote your original post to defend my statement regarding the people of Toledo but your rebuttal only verifies my contention. I designated my comments as a rant, but it seems amateurish compared to yours.

I never put down Buckeyes quality or service, what I said was that there is a philosophy in this thread that demands that Buckeye Cable must not be challenged in any way. Competition such as D* or anyone else can not even be discussed unless it is in negative terms.

I have had Buckeye in the past and was quite happy with their service but D* has provided me more and has for the most part has equaled their service.

MaxDefCon: Buckeye is a very profitable company. They like to say they are not connected to the Blade but if you read their SEC reports they are funding the Blade.

I came here to talk about and reply to questions about program providers in the region but I will now fade away once again realizing there is no place in this thread for diversity of thought.

...what I said was that there is a philosophy in this thread that demands that Buckeye Cable must not be challenged in any way. Competition such as D* or anyone else can not even be discussed unless it is in negative terms.

...

I don't see this at all. Please provide examples. :confused:

communities like toledo should feel fortunate they have 2 or 3 cable co's to choose from. Im in Findlay and we have 1 TWC. So if they dont have it we are screwed(and im not counting sat into this deal either). Whats even worse is that since they are the only cable provider around they dont have to give us anything(e.g. more channels) so we are stuck that way as well.

Unfortunately your assumptions are incorrect. Toledo does not have more than one cable company. They are limited to Buckeye, the same as we outlying areas are limited to TWC. Only a couple areas have a choice I believe. I think there are areas of Perrysburg that have a choice, and I'm not sure if anywhere else does or not.

HDNLUVNIT:
I was going to quote your original post to defend my statement regarding the people of Toledo but your rebuttal only verifies my contention. I designated my comments as a rant, but it seems amateurish compared to yours.

I never put down Buckeyes quality or service, what I said was that there is a philosophy in this thread that demands that Buckeye Cable must not be challenged in any way. Competition such as D* or anyone else can not even be discussed unless it is in negative terms.

I have had Buckeye in the past and was quite happy with their service but D* has provided me more and has for the most part has equaled their service.

MaxDefCon: Buckeye is a very profitable company. They like to say they are not connected to the Blade but if you read their SEC reports they are funding the Blade.

I came here to talk about and reply to questions about program providers in the region but I will now fade away once again realizing there is no place in this thread for diversity of thought.


If you have Directv, how about talking about it by answering some of my questions in my recent posts instead of ranting about how no one talks about D*???

Thanks.

Anyone here have directv? If so who did you have do the installation, and were they any good. I live in the Waterville Time Warner (adelphia) area, and I'm sick of them. I'd love to go to directv, but their sales people seem so slimey it's like a used car salesman. I've heard that their new dish/DVR setup only needs one coax run to each box so I could use existing inside wiring. Are the locals in Toledo available in HD from directv or do I have to have an antenna? Not having the locals in HD and be able to DVR them is a deal breaker for me.

Thanks,
Mark

Point taken.

I would recommend talking to D* direct. I have found your best deals are with them and you don't have those slimy residuals afterwards. Ask them about a money back trial, I know they had one at one time and it takes the fear out of trying them.

I am in the Detroit DMA so I have had HD locals via the sat for two years, but I also have a cheap antenna and get all the Toledo channels in HD and DVR both OTA or sat.

My expertise in the SWM single wire set up is nil so I will PM you a couple links to look over.

I also would recommend since you are in the Toledo DMA to wait a bit until they roll out the HD via sat. The new receivers and DVRs that are needed for Mpeg4 and direct is making deals on, do not have OTA. The HR20 is the one that does but they are phasing it out.

D*s picture quality just keeps getting better. A couple years ago the term HDlite fit their programming but with new sats and Mpeg4 technology it has come a long way.

I also would recommend since you are in the Toledo DMA to wait a bit until they roll out the HD via sat. The new receivers and DVRs that are needed for Mpeg4 and direct is making deals on, do not have OTA. The HR20 is the one that does but they are phasing it out.

D*s picture quality just keeps getting better. A couple years ago the term HDlite fit their programming but with new sats and Mpeg4 technology it has come a long way.

Do you have any information about the Mpeg4 equipment? I am sure I can search for it, but if you know that off hand would be great.

The website, i have found, doesn't really get into equpment details that I can find.

no hd has been added in awhile, buckeye better snap to it.

Unfortunately your assumptions are incorrect. Toledo does not have more than one cable company. They are limited to Buckeye, the same as we outlying areas are limited to TWC. Only a couple areas have a choice I believe. I think there are areas of Perrysburg that have a choice, and I'm not sure if anywhere else does or not.

http://www.whitefence.com/local/geo/category-city.py/category/Cable+TV/state/OH/city/Toledo

this link lists 3 companies in Toledo. It doesnt say Toledo AREA, it says Toledo. So if my statement above is incorrect, then so be it. I didnt write the page that I searched for on the internet before I made my comment. I was responding as others are allowed to in this thread about lack of choices. So go ahead and call them assumptions, again I didnt put that website together. I simply searched like any person should before the forum police comes out.

http://www.whitefence.com/local/geo/category-city.py/category/Cable+TV/state/OH/city/Toledo

this link lists 3 companies in Toledo. It doesnt say Toledo AREA, it says Toledo. So if my statement above is incorrect, then so be it. I didnt write the page that I searched for on the internet before I made my comment. I was responding as others are allowed to in this thread about lack of choices. So go ahead and call them assumptions, again I didnt put that website together. I simply searched like any person should before the forum police comes out.

Chill dude, and btw, your link doesn't work.

Edit: It does work now. One of the companies, Adelphia has been out of business for 2 years. It was bought out by TWC in August of 2006.

i lived in springfield twp(maumee/holland border) for a few years and had a choice between adelphia and buckeye, while the prices at the time were better at adelphia, the content/isp speeds were abysmal.

Anyone here have directv? If so who did you have do the installation, and were they any good. I live in the Waterville Time Warner (adelphia) area, and I'm sick of them. I'd love to go to directv, but their sales people seem so slimey it's like a used car salesman. I've heard that their new dish/DVR setup only needs one coax run to each box so I could use existing inside wiring. Are the locals in Toledo available in HD from directv or do I have to have an antenna? Not having the locals in HD and be able to DVR them is a deal breaker for me.

Thanks,
Mark

I have D* for the last 4 years. I am up in Adrian, MI and have Toledo locals for my DMA. I contacted D* directly and a company from Findley, OH did the install and my upgrades. Locals are in SD and requires a 2nd dish pointed to the SE. You can use an antenna to get OTA and have that fed into an AM21 tuner box D* offers for the HR21 and up receivers, which will alow you to record your OTA locals.

Also D* has announced that the HD Toledo locals will be added, but didn't give a date. Toledo was one of three cities that were not given a date.

I never put down Buckeyes quality or service, what I said was that there is a philosophy in this thread that demands that Buckeye Cable must not be challenged in any way.As a Detroit area viewer that also gets Toledo OTA, I keep up with this topic on a regular basis. I see negative Buckeye discussion as much as anything else.



I came here to talk about and reply to questions about program providers in the region but I will now fade away once again realizing there is no place in this thread for diversity of thought.No one is trying to give you this feeling. Just go ahead and have at it.

Also D* has announced that the HD Toledo locals will be added, but didn't give a date. Toledo was one of three cities that were not given a date.

It's strange but true that Adrian is in the Toledo DMA and I am two blocks away from Toledo and am stuck in Detroit’s DMA, although I kind of have the best of both worlds with OTA.

I have a HR 20-700 so OTA is built in, but have a HR21-100 in the bedroom and have thought about getting the AM21. I’ve heard it is a pretty strong tuner and since I sometimes have trouble with 24's strength I am wondering if it might be worth it.

Does it work seamless into the HR21?

Ken: Do you ever have problems with NBC 24, it boggles my mind that the towers can be so close together (from my angle) and yet one can be so sporadic.

Does it work seamless into the HR21?

Yes, it does. The AM21 was made for the HR21. Plugs right into the USB port on the HR21. The channels it finds are added to the Guide as well.

I have the HR21-100 in the Living room and a H21-200 in the Bedroom. I have the Antenna hooked up to both TV sets. I am also thinking of getting the AM21 for the HR21.

Yes, strange how the DMA works out. With the antenna I get Toledo, Detroit and Lansing channels.

Do you guys with D* have one or two coax's behind your tv from the dish? Do you have to have a phone line to connect to the receiver? I am hoping I don't have to have more wiring done in order to have D* with DVR's.

I have two (actually three if you count OTA), but that is where the SWM comes in and quite frankly I do not know a lot about the subject except that they are rolling out new solutions for the single wire.

Thanks KS72. I was wondering if anyone here had any of the SWM technology installed yet. I've read that the SWM-8 stand alone switch is available, but the dish with SWM is just now being rolled out. As far as the Toledo locals are concerned, according to the D* thread on AVS it says they'll be available sometime in September, which is what the guy from Ar's and Yours Cable told me too.

I'm currently a Buckeye cable subscriber, and generally happy with them. However, I really would like NFL Sunday Ticket and am considering getting Direct TV. I'm quite concerned over some of the hassles I've been reading regarding some of the contracts/billing issues. I can generally brush that off as exceptions in most cases, but it seems there may be some substance to these issues. I'm not quite sure if the problem is with the independant installers or with D* itself. Does anyone have any experiences with D* in the area and are there any reputable installers in the area?

Does it work seamless into the HR21?Yes. See this topic for details:
http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=1024696

Ken: Do you ever have problems with NBC 24, it boggles my mind that the towers can be so close together (from my angle) and yet one can be so sporadic.Yes, depending on the DTV tuner I use, of all the Toledo channels, 24 is the least reliable. But, with the right tuner I can get all 5 of them without issues. Now, that tuner is on loan.

I'm currently a Buckeye cable subscriber, and generally happy with them. However, I really would like NFL Sunday Ticket and am considering getting Direct TV. I'm quite concerned over some of the hassles I've been reading regarding some of the contracts/billing issues. I can generally brush that off as exceptions in most cases, but it seems there may be some substance to these issues. I'm not quite sure if the problem is with the independant installers or with D* itself. Does anyone have any experiences with D* in the area and are there any reputable installers in the area?FYI
DTV = Digital TV, as in over-the-air
D* = DirecTV

I'm currently a Buckeye cable subscriber, and generally happy with them. However, I really would like NFL Sunday Ticket and am considering getting Direct TV. I'm quite concerned over some of the hassles I've been reading regarding some of the contracts/billing issues. I can generally brush that off as exceptions in most cases, but it seems there may be some substance to these issues. I'm not quite sure if the problem is with the independant installers or with D* itself. Does anyone have any experiences with D* in the area and are there any reputable installers in the area?

I'm also a Buckeye customer but subscrib to DirecTV just for the SUnday Ticket. I only use the DirecTV for the Sports and at the end of the season I tell them to shut it down for 6 months until next season. The call it a temporary suspension of service. That way I don't have to pay for the service all year. No bill, nada, after football season.
I just used the installation service that DirecTV offered as part of the installation. No issues. I only got the single dish with the single LMB since I wasn't going to get local channels or HD. All I wanted was the sports package and the base minimum package. Deal works fine for me.

FYI
DTV = Digital TV, as in over-the-air
D* = DirecTV

Thanks for the heads-up, I appreciate it.

I'm also a Buckeye customer but subscrib to DirecTV just for the SUnday Ticket. I only use the DirecTV for the Sports and at the end of the season I tell them to shut it down for 6 months until next season. The call it a temporary suspension of service. That way I don't have to pay for the service all year. No bill, nada, after football season.
I just used the installation service that DirecTV offered as part of the installation. No issues. I only got the single dish with the single LMB since I wasn't going to get local channels or HD. All I wanted was the sports package and the base minimum package. Deal works fine for me.

Hmmm....that seems like a pretty good way of doing it, as long as you can afford both cable and Direct TV each month for 6 months and Direct TV doesn't play games with your account.....Do you suspend Buckeye for the 6 months you have The Ticket or do you keep both....Not sure how Buckeye would handle that, and I know I can't afford both.....OTOH, it's quite tempting to accept their current S.Ticket+Premium+Free HD-DVR receiver package for only $75/month for the 1st 4 months....I would then probably downgrade to a cheaper package after 4 months. I don't really like switching up too often, so I'd probably prefer that route.

If I knew the transition from Buckeye to Direct TV would go smoothly, I'd simply change over completely right now....but I'm hesitant to do that based on the amount of billing complaints with Direct TV and no references for any local installers.

During the last couple of weeks, I lost my TV guide feature on my Panasonic HDTV, due to Host Channel not found.

This appears to be working again as of yesterday. Is yours working now?

YES. TVGOS now works What happened?

There was a problem with the WBGSU feed.

spoke too soon. Just lost TVGOS tonight. This os sad.

Directv is suppose to add Toledo HD locals this month. I have not seen a specific date listed anywhere, does anyone happen to have this information? I'm very happy with the selection of National HD channels available on DTV and once they light up the local HD channels (instead of just talking about it) things will be great.

No word on Toledo yet, but they have begun adding some of the locals this month that they said they would.

Well, it's started Local HD.:) WTVG is airing Entertainment Tonight in HD right now. May have started this week, not sure but have noticed many of their promos look like HD down converted. ET's new season is in HD, with a new set etc. Not sure what format TVG is playing syndication shows back on yet, but I'll find out-though I am sure this group is more happy about HD than TV specifics.

VidEditor

Looks like 24 is going off Buckeye if it doesn't reach a deal tonight....


I heard the adds on the radio them bashing Block communications - specifying Buckeye Cable and The Blade.

NBC24 will not go off Buckeye Wednesday

Wednesday, September 10, 2008 at 9:05 a.m.

NBC24 and Buckeye Cablesystem have reached a verbal agreement to continue to carry WNWO's signal. This means NBC24 News and WNWO programming will NOT be off the system Wednesday night.

More details are to follow in a joint statement from NBC24 and Buckeye

NBC24 will not go off Buckeye Wednesday

Wednesday, September 10, 2008 at 9:05 a.m.

NBC24 and Buckeye Cablesystem have reached a verbal agreement to continue to carry WNWO's signal. This means NBC24 News and WNWO programming will NOT be off the system Wednesday night.

More details are to follow in a joint statement from NBC24 and Buckeye

I was trying to keep an eye on the news...but I sure was driving to work at 8 this morning, and NBC came on pretty much calling Buckeye out. They spoke about how they receive no compensation from Buckeye, ect, ect.

Looks like 24 is going off Buckeye

The BCS & NBC deal is final-reached the other night...the extension lasts through the month for the final "wording" to be drawn up and then the contract will be signed. Sounds like Buckeye got what they wanted...
VideEditor

WNWO gets no compensation when someone views it on their antenna. WNWO wanted to be paid like a cable only network. I hope Buckeye beat them down to a reasonable agreement. Otherwise, they would have cut off 110,000+ potential viewers who are hooked up to cable.

Well, it's started Local HD.:) WTVG is airing Entertainment Tonight in HD right now. May have started this week, not sure but have noticed many of their promos look like HD down converted. ET's new season is in HD, with a new set etc. Not sure what format TVG is playing syndication shows back on yet, but I'll find out-though I am sure this group is more happy about HD than TV specifics.

VidEditor

@VidEditor: Is that why Jeopardy isn't shown in HD on WTOL, because WTOL can't record HD since they are syndicating the show.

@VidEditor: Is that why Jeopardy isn't shown in HD on WTOL, because WTOL can't record HD since they are syndicating the show.
Basically - Yes... I have not talked to my WTOL buddy in a while so not sure about the future. I did have a convo today with another engineering buddy, suggesting WTOL may not do local HD programming for a while. Hopefully syndication will be a different story.
VidEditor

Basically - Yes... I have not talked to my WTOL buddy in a while so not sure about the future. I did have a convo today with another engineering buddy, suggesting WTOL may not do local HD programming for a while. Hopefully syndication will be a different story.
VidEditor

Isn't that kind of strange for WTOL? They always say they are #1, so wouldn't the "Toledo News Leader" be first to make the jump. If they don't make the jump, I hope they get something to send out syndicated HD.

Isn't that kind of strange for WTOL? They always say they are #1, so wouldn't the "Toledo News Leader" be first to make the jump. If they don't make the jump, I hope they get something to send out syndicated HD.

Even though WTOL is #1, they are still under substantial financial pressures and every dollar counts. They recently cut some of their staff and reorganized some of their camera crews creating a more efficient and cost effective model.

The elderly ladies who watch Tol could care less about HD :)

Isn't that kind of strange for WTOL? They always say they are #1, so wouldn't the "Toledo News Leader" be first to make the jump. If they don't make the jump, I hope they get something to send out syndicated HD.
I think so... But I will tell you, converting to HD is tough. There are so many unanswered questions on the local level. I am working through rebuilding my plant in HD and it's not "Just Plug & Play"! While I can direct my format preference, they have to consider their News Operation, Production, On-Air and the owners group that buy as a large group and thats what you get.
Someday soon, remember HD is still a young kid.
VidEditor

Guys... FYI as posted by Buckeye!
VidEditor


We are always in the process of trying to add new HD channels. We are currently in negotiations with the following channels:


Fox News HD

ABC Family HD

QVC HD

Hallmark Movie Channel HD

Bravo HD

ESPN News HD

ESPNU HD

Biography Channel HD

Sci Fi HD

CNBC HD

Disney HD

Unfortunately, this is not a speedy process. Please be assured we are striving to provide the best HD programming at a reasonable rate.

Guys... FYI as posted by Buckeye!
VidEditor


We are always in the process of trying to add new HD channels. We are currently in negotiations with the following channels:


Fox News HD

ABC Family HD

QVC HD

Hallmark Movie Channel HD

Bravo HD

ESPN News HD

ESPNU HD

Biography Channel HD

Sci Fi HD

CNBC HD

Disney HD

Unfortunately, this is not a speedy process. Please be assured we are striving to provide the best HD programming at a reasonable rate.Good news! Thanks for the update.

What about Discovery Channel HD? I want to see every hair in Jamie's mustache.

(And more of Kari. I'll pretend to be a goat ;-) )

Hi All-

If you go to Directv.com they now are showing HD locals for Toledo. I'm hearing they will be turned on 9/17/08 so, just a couple more days wait. Directv has come a long way in the last 12-15 months in terms of HD. I'm now very happy with what they have locally and nationally in HD. :D

Hey ben, can you post the link to that page you saw? When I look up Toledo's locals on the directv.com site, it still says no HD locals available.

He may be referring to the page shown in this thread.

http://www.dbstalk.com/showthread.php?t=139626

Kent- You are right. I'm seeing it when you go into the television listings. Sorry i wasn't clear originally.

be sure to let us know when the Toledo Local HD's go live on D*. On another topic, has anyone heard what the heck WUPW is doing with Time Warner? Sounds like the same thing WNWO was doing with Buckeye. What is up with these locals demanding to get paid for allowing the cable guys become a bigger broadcast antenna for their advertisers?

Hi All-

If you go to Directv.com they now are showing HD locals for Toledo. :D

Obviously I don't have D* so can someone explain why you all are excited for Toledo HD? Can't you just pick up any HD network on D*? Specially since there is no local HD programming. I exclude PBS...I just don't watch them.
VidEditor

VE, I am under the impression that if you are in an area that has local network affiliates available OTA, you are not allowed to have access to the national feeds from other cities. I may be wrong, but that is why I have waited to switch to D*, because I want my networks in HD.

I just checked and FOX, CBS, ABC and NBC are all live and in HD on Direct TV!!! WooHoo!!!

Buckeye just announced additional HD channels available October 1st!:)

NEW CHANNEL ADDITIONS in HDTV BASIC PAK:

Channel 622 Fox News HD

Channel 634 Hallmark Movie Channel

Thanks Marky... Sounds like the same issue Buckeye had with NBC 24 not able to subsitute the Detroit affiliate if 24 refused re-transmission.
VE

Buckeye just announced additional HD channels available October 1st!:)

NEW CHANNEL ADDITIONS in HDTV BASIC PAK:

Channel 622 Fox News HD

Channel 634 Hallmark Movie Channel

Cool!

Any word on the dates for the other channels?

I just checked and FOX, CBS, ABC and NBC are all live and in HD on Direct TV!!! WooHoo!!!

I woke up to the same discovery Zyeox. DTV has a pretty darn good HD line-up available now. I would imagine this is a good thing for their Toledo area market penetration. Dish is still without HD locals and lack of HD locals had to be the single biggest reason some people stuck with cable.

Obviously I don't have D* so can someone explain why you all are excited for Toledo HD? Can't you just pick up any HD network on D*?
VidEditorNope.

I just checked and FOX, CBS, ABC and NBC are all live and in HD on Direct TV!!! WooHoo!!!

Great news, first post of this topic updated.

What local sports nets do you get from DirecTV? Fox Sports Net Detroit HD? Fox Sports Net Ohio HD? SportsTime Ohio HD?

Great news, first post of this topic updated.

What local sports nets do you get from DirecTV? Fox Sports Net Detroit HD? Fox Sports Net Ohio HD? SportsTime Ohio HD?

Depends entirely on your Zip code. I'm in Adrian and only get FS-DETROIT. However, when I was in Maumee I got, FSN-OHIO, FSN-DETROIT and FSN Cincinatti

Go to this link and put in your zip too see what you'd recieve

http://www.directv.com/DTVAPP/global/contentPageIF.jsp?assetId=3450006&footernavtype=-1

I'd like to look at what HD Direct noe offers vs Buckeye. I quickly eyeballed both websites and came up with the following diffrences. PLEASE DO NOT take this as the gospil. I don't have Buckeye and can't be sure that their site was up to date or that I made no errors with my 5 minute scan . In fact I'm sure I made errors. But atleast below is a start.

Buckeye appears to have the following that DTV does not-

CW HD
WGTE PBS HD
WGN HD
MOJO HD

Direct appears to have the following Buckeye does not

ABC Family HD
Altitude HD
Animal Planet HD
Biography HD
Bravo HD
CMT HD
CNBC HD
Disney HD
ESPNNEWS HD
FUEL HD
FX HD
MTV HD
NICK HD
Planet Green HD
VH1 HD
SCI-FI HD
SCIENCE HD
SPEED HD
SPIKE HD
TENNIS HD
TLC HD
ToonDisney HD
USA-HD


MOVIES

HBO--Direct has 2 HD CHANNELS and Buckeye 1
Showtime Direct 5, BC 1
CINEMAX Direct 2, BC 1
Starz Dirext 5, BC 1

Please feel free to fill in any errors or omissions I'm sure there are many.

Ok since we now have Locals in Toledo for Direct TV. What about CW? I know we get the SD feed from Washington DC. They also do HD so shouldn't we get that in HD since we can't get WT05 in Toledo since it's cable based?

Ok since we now have Locals in Toledo for Direct TV. What about CW? I know we get the SD feed from Washington DC. They also do HD so shouldn't we get that in HD since we can't get WT05 in Toledo since it's cable based?

Wouldn't hold your breath. --There is actually some talk that CW as a whole may have to fold if their new fall lineup fails. I hope they do well as I rather like a couple of their shows.

My goodness...the quality of the HD provided by Direct TV is abysmal. Just horrid. The artifacting is over the top. I am forced to watch Direct TV HD when I visit family/friends...and it is just nasty.

The compression destroys the PQ.

Oh...and Buckeye does have Versus/Golf HD.

My goodness...the quality of the HD provided by Direct TV is abysmal. Just horrid. The artifacting is over the top. I am forced to watch Direct TV HD when I visit family/friends...and it is just nasty.

The compression destroys the PQ.

Oh...and Buckeye does have Versus/Golf HD.


I don't know what seems to be the problem with your family and friends connection. But I could tell a major difference when I switch from Buckeye to Direct TV. The colors look more crisp, vivid and sharper. Maybe they need to get their dish adjusted or maybe a new receiver but I can tell you going from cable to dish what a major difference for me and my family. Direct TV is by far superior to cable. Now mind you that is my opinion and you can disagree. But seriously I would have them check there signals and see if they may need an adjustment.

One major flaw for me was that Buckeye Cable didn't offer event and pay per view in HD. Maybe for one person who does not watch those can be happy with cable but for me who watch UFC all the time wants to be able to see it in HD. I admit SD looks like crap but it looks way worse over cable than D*.


Also for that CW channel that's a bunch of bull I want my CW in HD!!! Oh well I guess I will just get them another way.

Hey ben and Zyeox, who was your installer for your D*, and were they any good?

My goodness...the quality of the HD provided by Direct TV is abysmal. Just horrid. The artifacting is over the top. I am forced to watch Direct TV HD when I visit family/friends...and it is just nasty.

The compression destroys the PQ.

Oh...and Buckeye does have Versus/Golf HD.

Thanks for the info on Versus/Golf HD. I have seen Buckeye/Directv side-by-side and felt DirectTV's MPeg4 (now it is all Mpeg4) stuff more then held its own. To each their own, if you like cable and I like satellite we both win. I will say it appears DTV has several more HD channels at this point in time.

Hey ben and Zyeox, who was your installer for your D*, and were they any good?

Sorry i don't recall who it was but they did a good job. if you are really interested I'm sure I can dig it out somewhere.

If you don't mind looking ben, I'd appreciate it. I'm trying to find a good installer.

I don't recall either. But who ever they where they were both great. One guy stayed over an hour an half because of rain and mind you it was around 8pm at the time when the rain started. It was a couple months back when we were having tornado warnings left and right. He stayed and got everything up and working. I am at work and if I can find the paperwork I will repost it here.

I just ordered right through directv and they sent out the place. I would just go through them.

Is it easier for satellite providers to get HD in their lineup than cable providers?

I doubt it max, but I figure sat providers don't have as many demands and limitations on their bandwidth as cable providers. Hopefully once all cable companies have switched digital video, they'll have a ton more bandwidth to work with and can give us all those channels too.

On a side note, I called Ar's and Yours Cable and Satellite Co. and scheduled an install of D* for next Tuesday. Hopefully I'm making the right choice of leaving cable. It's a 2 year commitment. I suppose if I hate it, I can live with it for 2 years, and maybe by then our Time Warner will be better. I just hope rain fade doesn't drive us nuts.

I doubt it max, but I figure sat providers don't have as many demands and limitations on their bandwidth as cable providers. Hopefully once all cable companies have switched digital video, they'll have a ton more bandwidth to work with and can give us all those channels too.

On a side note, I called Ar's and Yours Cable and Satellite Co. and scheduled an install of D* for next Tuesday. Hopefully I'm making the right choice of leaving cable. It's a 2 year commitment. I suppose if I hate it, I can live with it for 2 years, and maybe by then our Time Warner will be better. I just hope rain fade doesn't drive us nuts.

For what it is worth, I shared all your concerns when I first switched. However, the install went fine and rain fade has been extremely occassional. I've loast picture less then 1 hour a year so far. I lost picture more then an hour a year with cable. My only advice is to make sure the installer gets good signals on the 99 and 103 degree satellites. All transponders should be reading high 80's to over 90. With a strong signal rain fade will be a very rare experience.

Thanks for the support ben. Glad to hear you're having little rain fade. How'd yours hold up over the storms from the hurricane last week?

Thanks for the support ben. Glad to hear you're having little rain fade. How'd yours hold up over the storms from the hurricane last week?

I had some pixelation on some HD channels for less then 5 minutes. SD channels I had no issue with.

That's so great ben. Thanks for the info. I can't wait to get my D* connected.

That's so great ben. Thanks for the info. I can't wait to get my D* connected.

Let us know how your install goes Tuesday. More importantly, let us know what you think of the product.

When watching channel 611 (CBS HD) or 636 (FOX HD) on Buckeye CableSystem, I'll see white lines at the very top of the screen flickering. Has anyone else seen this? It's not all the time that they are there either. Sometimes it almost looks like a counter on channel 611. Those are the only two channels that I have noticed that on.

When watching channel 611 (CBS HD) or 636 (FOX HD) on Buckeye CableSystem, I'll see white lines at the very top of the screen flickering. Has anyone else seen this? It's not all the time that they are there either. Sometimes it almost looks like a counter on channel 611. Those are the only two channels that I have noticed that on.

I'll leave it to those with a better handle on TV tech to explain in detail, but...

Basically, that's "normal" depending on the station and your set's overscan. It's the visual representation of some of the information carried on a TV signal that's not normally supposed to be seen.

It only shows up in the upconversion of analog programming on a digital signal. That's why you don't see it all the time.

max, what were you watching at the time? I'm looking at both of them on my TWC here outside bowling green, and there's nothing. Tere is currently a MLB game on Fox, and college football on CBS, and both are in HD and look great.

Buckeye just announced additional HD channels available October 1st!:)

NEW CHANNEL ADDITIONS in HDTV BASIC PAK:

Channel 622 Fox News HD

Channel 634 Hallmark Movie Channel


oh come on buckeye, add some channels that have quality programming!

oh come on buckeye, add some channels that have quality programming!

This is fantastic news!! Fox News HD is an excellent addition.

I'll take Buckeye at 1920x1080 at low compression than Dish or DirectTV at 1440x1080 and a screen filled with artifacts.

When watching channel 611 (CBS HD) or 636 (FOX HD) on Buckeye CableSystem, I'll see white lines at the very top of the screen flickering. Has anyone else seen this? It's not all the time that they are there either. Sometimes it almost looks like a counter on channel 611. Those are the only two channels that I have noticed that on.

It is your panel's overscan that is the issue. The lines are data that should be masked by your set.

It is your panel's overscan that is the issue. The lines are data that should be masked by your set.

Shouldn't the broadcaster be masking it as well, in the upconversion process? Locally, I know I NEVER see it on some stations, but always on others.

And I blame my set at least a little...there's no way, at all, to adjust the overscan on my set (32" cheap Westinghouse LCD).

I'm pretty sure that the stations can filter this out on their end, though...just not all of 'em do. It is probably just not a high priority for them, because many viewers can't even see it.

max, what were you watching at the time? I'm looking at both of them on my TWC here outside bowling green, and there's nothing. Tere is currently a MLB game on Fox, and college football on CBS, and both are in HD and look great.

This problem never shows up on true HD shows.

It's a side effect of the upconversion of analog programming to digital. The lines represent data that's being carried along on the analog signal (and show up, on an analog set, if you mess with the vertical hold, or horizontal hold, I can't remember which since it's been roughly 20 years since I had to use such controls on a TV set!).

Details here:

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


In analog television systems the vertical blanking interval can be used to carry digital data, since nothing sent during the VBI is displayed on the screen; various test signals, time codes, closed captioning, teletext, CGMS-A copy-protection indicators, and various data encoded by the XDS protocol (e.g., the content ratings for V-chip use) and other digital data can be sent during this time period.

When watching channel 611 (CBS HD) or 636 (FOX HD) on Buckeye CableSystem, I'll see white lines at the very top of the screen flickering.

Max...Think of the white dashes as TV METADATA. Ok this goes back to my analog schooling...NTSC is 720x486...but not lines are visible on a CRT . I forget the exact numbers, but remove a few lines V & H and the visable picture is about 709x 468. In those vertical lines,"white dashes", are timecode info and closed captioning among others. In the CRT world, those lines are hidden by the tv sets mountings and enclosures. We even have an "underscan" mode on our monitors, where we can see all that stuff.
In the LCD age, not to leave out quicktime & windows media files, all the lines are visible. Which means we editors have to be careful in those areas where we use to hide stuff.
You may not have to adjust your set... there are many ways for the enginerring staff to make dubs of shows and reveal the VI lines. If it's in the upconverting, what goes in will come out. The stations don't filter this out, it's probably a poorly routed/recorded analog signal where the VI was shifted and recorded that way.
Hope this helps, along with the other postings

VE

I just looked at the upcoming schedule for the Hallmark Movie Channel... and WHAT A WASTE!!! Seriously, Buckeye, why even bother? Are you guys just trying to pad your numbers to say you have more HD channels? Where's USA/Sci-Fi HD and PPV in HD?

Thanks for the answers guys!

Well guys, I postponed my install for D* again. :( After reading more on AVS about the latest HD DVR's, the HR22's, I called Ar's and Yours Satellite and Cable, and he told me they weren't able to get HR22's yet because D* has a bunch of HR21's to get rid of before they give the HR22's to installers. I didn't want to get HR21's with smaller hard drives and have a hard time upgrading after I was a customer, so I told them to wait until they could get the HR22's. He said probably in 3 weeks. Anyone have any other suggestions for me, or should I wait for 3 weeks and get the HR22's through the installer?

Thanks,
Mark

Someone over at CW really messed up last night. I watch Smallville on channel 605 - HD (Buckeye CableSystem) & the picture was squished. While it appeared to be in HD, it was letterbox'ed & everyone looked shorter/wider. I'm glad last weeks season premiere looked excellent. I hope they correct this for next Thursday.

Directv now has locals on the 8's. (SD only)

It's pretty good and there is a interactive piece for up to five cities you choose.

I am addicted to intellicast.com for my weather so I doubt I'll use it much though.

Someone over at CW really messed up last night. I watch Smallville on channel 605 - HD (Buckeye CableSystem) & the picture was squished. While it appeared to be in HD, it was letterbox'ed & everyone looked shorter/wider. I'm glad last weeks season premiere looked excellent. I hope they correct this for next Thursday.

Anyone?

Anyone?

I didn't see this, but not surprised. It reminds me of the early days when every other show was screwed up... :rolleyes:

Well guys, I postponed my install for D* again. :( After reading more on AVS about the latest HD DVR's, the HR22's, I called Ar's and Yours Satellite and Cable, and he told me they weren't able to get HR22's yet because D* has a bunch of HR21's to get rid of before they give the HR22's to installers. I didn't want to get HR21's with smaller hard drives and have a hard time upgrading after I was a customer, so I told them to wait until they could get the HR22's. He said probably in 3 weeks. Anyone have any other suggestions for me, or should I wait for 3 weeks and get the HR22's through the installer?

Thanks,
Mark

If you are willing to allow D* to send out their installers you can get it done now. If you feel better having A&Y do the install it sounds like you'll need to wait.

I am excited about FoxNews HD...thought they might hit the switch at midnight...no go.

Should activate later today. I wonder how much of their primetime lineup is HD? Much of CNN is now HD. Some of the Fox News beauties would be a nice sight in 1080i.

Bingo! It is active. Looks good!

Bingo! It is active. Looks good!

I tried it at 12:03...no luck. But this morning it was on and looks pretty good.

The audio sounded kind of weird. I didn't check but it sounded like they weren't using the center channel, just R & L.

I tried it at 12:03...no luck. But this morning it was on and looks pretty good.

The audio sounded kind of weird. I didn't check but it sounded like they weren't using the center channel, just R & L.Yes, it does look pretty good. However, I was watching Special Report this evening and I could do without the "filler" on the right side of the screen.

However, I was watching Special Report this evening and I could do without the "filler" on the right side of the screen.

Agreed. And why the h*ll is O'Reilly in Lo-Def? Isn't it the most watched show on cable?

Has anyone noticed that WUPW Fox is not being broadcast in HD? Or is it just our wonderful Time Warner Cable? Plus, I just noticed, it's not showing what is really supposed to be on fox. It is playing Starz Kids and Family. Probably TWC. I'll call them. Dammit...TWC is cut off from broadcasting Fox. That's bullsh!t... Time to get Directv.

Has anyone noticed that WUPW Fox is not being broadcast in HD? Or is it just our wonderful Time Warner Cable? Plus, I just noticed, it's not showing what is really supposed to be on fox. It is playing Starz Kids and Family. Probably TWC. I'll call them. Dammit...TWC is cut off from broadcasting Fox. That's bullsh!t... Time to get Directv.

Sounds like a technical issue. Call and let them know, ask for a service credit.

No technical issue, TWC and WUPW (and other stations throughout the country) were not able to reach a retransmission aggrement:

http://www.sanduskyregister.com/articles/2008/10/04/front/922364.txt

No technical issue, TWC and WUPW (and other stations throughout the country) were not able to reach a retransmission aggrement:

http://www.sanduskyregister.com/articles/2008/10/04/front/922364.txt

Exactly...that sux.

OTA = Free Digital Channels

Cablevision = Blah, & Overpriced

WNWO gets no compensation when someone views it on their antenna. WNWO wanted to be paid like a cable only network. I hope Buckeye beat them down to a reasonable agreement. Otherwise, they would have cut off 110,000+ potential viewers who are hooked up to cable.

I am rather surprised more people are not going OTA, and getting rid of Cable. Is it they are just not knowledgable?

As for for Dish, they are terrible and:
1) Have major bandwith issues
2) Do not offer (many) channels in 5.1 Sound
3) Piss poor (off-shore) customer service
- I think that is enough

I am rather surprised more people are not going OTA, and getting rid of Cable. Is it they are just not knowledgable?



No it is because you are being silly. 95% of the HD material I watch is not available OTA. I have an OTA setup for recording OTA HD material to a hard drive and then optical HD. I do this only for ease of editing. The bitrates for Buckeye broadcast networks and OTA are exactly the same. Buckeye passes the signal untouched.

Cable has most of the material I want to watch. ESPNHD, HDNET, HDNET Movies, I love the History Channel HD...I love watching CNNHD has incredible PQ, The list goes on and on.

The best HD material in not available OTA period. OTA is for those too poor to afford the luxury of cable HD. I can understand that if you live on the east side or have trouble making the mobile home payment. Otherwise OTA is just poor man's HD.

Agreed. And why the h*ll is O'Reilly in Lo-Def? Isn't it the most watched show on cable?

Shep is in HD but not Bill. Are they in the same city? Bill runs his show with an iron hand and HD will not happen unless he wants it to.

Shep is in HD but not Bill. Are they in the same city? Bill runs his show with an iron hand and HD will not happen unless he wants it to.

I think they're both in NYC...I know Bill is for sure.

PQ on Shep's program is pretty good. Though I think CNN-HD might be better. Anyone compare bitrates between the two yet?

I am rather surprised more people are not going OTA, and getting rid of Cable. Is it they are just not knowledgable?

OTA is like living in the 50's. You get what, five channels?

Right now I am watching the Red Sox/Rays in HD on TBSHD. OTA only means no baseball playoffs. No Monday Night football. The list goes on and on.

Watched Toledo whip Michigan in HD today on the BigTenHD network.

If you are OTA sorry. I guess you watched reruns of Who's The Boss.

I bet Michigan wished everyone was just OTA so we wouldn't have seen that :D

Well, the TWC / WUPW issue is still on going... They are both morons. I'm sure both are going to lose revenues over this. I for one am leaving TWC. Wednesday morning Ar's and Your's Satellite will be out to connect up my Directv with 2 HR-22's and 2 standard def. receivers. TWC has pushed me far enough. I got a couple letters last week stating they were raising the price of Roadrunner by 2 dollars. Standard Cable by 6 dollars. DVR and Recievers go up by a buck each... And we have one less HD channel now due to this WUPW issue. I am watching as much Fox material as possible directly from Fox.com and bypassing WUPW. With the NFL package from D* I should have little reason to ever use either company again.

No technical issue, TWC and WUPW (and other stations throughout the country) were not able to reach a retransmission aggrement:

http://www.sanduskyregister.com/articles/2008/10/04/front/922364.txt

Thanks for the correction. I did know about LIN & TWC, but I did a quick search and could not determine that WUPW was owned by LIN.

If someone wants to post TWC's HD channel lineup and where it's available, I will add it to the first post of the topic.

Ken, here's the one from the Waterville TWC Branch:

700 HBOHD
701 SHOHD
702 MAXHD
703 WGTE (PBS HD)
707 WUPW (Past tense FOX HD)
710 WNWO (NBC HD)
711 WTOL (CBS HD)
713 WTVG (ABC HD)
750 HD Theater
751 TNTHD
752 Starz HD
759 TBSHD
770 HDNET
771 HDNet Movies
772 ESPN HD
773 ESPN2 HD
774 MOJO HD
780 Universal HD

Ken, here's the one from the Waterville TWC Branch:Thanks.

saw this article, will be shutting down by Dec 1.

http://www.multichannel.com/article/CA6602558.html?desc=topstory

Now I wasn't a huge fan/watcher on all the content on it, but I did find shows I liked from time to time. I hope Buckeye gets some more HD content soon especially since we will be losing a decent one here.

Ok, guys, the countdown has begun again. Less than 24 hours until D* for me, and no more TWC. I hope it's a good move, but I can't put up with TWC anymore. They are terrible out here in Waterville area. If I had choice, I'd go Buckeye because I know they have good PQ, they have phone and internet. I'm keeping TWC for Roadrunner, but I have vonage for phone, and will have D* for TV. Two year contract with D*. Hope it's good.

saw this article, will be shutting down by Dec 1.
Kind of old news, which was posted in the HDTV Programming Synopsis a few weeks ago.

http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=164671

It was news to me, and I'm sure others. Makes me feel even better about my choice to go to D*.

Just received my new DVR box. When using the GUIDE to scroll thru the channel line ups, is there a way to delete or not display the channels I don't gte, such as Showtime, HBO, etc.?

Also, is there a way to not display the ad at the bottom of the screen?

thanks.

Just received my new DVR box. When using the GUIDE to scroll thru the channel line ups, is there a way to delete or not display the channels I don't gte, such as Showtime, HBO, etc.?

Also, is there a way to not display the ad at the bottom of the screen?

thanks.

Short answer, no. The program guide sucks IMHO.

BUT, you can make a favorites list (push menu, select the heart symbol) so you only scroll through the channels you want. There's no way to get rid of the ad as far as I know.

...........

Anybody have insight into updates for the program guide? Just seems like it hasn't changed in years.

Short answer, no. The program guide sucks IMHO.

BUT, you can make a favorites list (push menu, select the heart symbol) so you only scroll through the channels you want. There's no way to get rid of the ad as far as I know.

...........

Anybody have insight into updates for the program guide? Just seems like it hasn't changed in years.

Yea, I hate that ad, you know for the money I spend on cable -- I would think I wouldn't be subject to more ads from my own company which I have service from. If buckeye is reading this -- please make use of the limited area with something else.

Some i-Guide news....but does this apply to Buckeye?

GuideWorks i-Guide Version A28 to Include Support for SDV and 'Start Over' Features (http://www.multichannel.com/article/CA6606439.html?nid=4262)

Buckeye upgrades VOD with SeaChange software, servers

By Traci Patterson, CedMagazine.com

Buckeye CableSystem – which serves about 150,000 subscribers in Toledo and Sandusky, Ohio, and the surrounding areas of the cities – has upgraded its SeaChange video-on-demand (VOD) platform by adding new software and flash memory servers from the vendor.

The new additions will allow Buckeye to expand its VOD offering – which is available to about 90,000 of the operator’s digital subscribers in Ohio and Michigan – to include high-definition (HD) content.

Since the launch of Buckeye VOD in 2004, the 21st-largest U.S. cable operator said that requests for the service have increased, based on monthly calculations, by about 3,000 percent.

The most popular content for Buckeye VOD is stored using SeaChange MediaServer FMS 200 flash memory-based servers, while long-tail material is stored on HDS 601 hybrid disk-based servers, according to SeaChange. The new servers add more than 7,000 streams to Buckeye’s VOD capacity, which is managed by a newly deployed version of Axiom On Demand software, SeaChange’s open content delivery platform.

“The combination of SeaChange flash servers to stream our hottest content, coupled with the hybrid disk servers operating in a centralized capacity, forms an ideal storage and streaming architecture,” said Jim Brown, director of engineering at Buckeye. “Upgrading the intelligence of the Axiom On Demand software has enabled us to build an incredibly robust platform on which to rollout our HD VOD offering and ensures that our customers enjoy a quality viewing experience every time.”

SeaChange’s MediaServer Flash Memory Streamer is a non-volatile flash memory streaming solution, with no spinning disks, and it utilizes the vendor’s MediaCluster server architecture.

MediaCluster stripes content files across flash modules in a server, and across servers, in an InfiniBand connected cluster, ensuring service fault resilience and scalability, since only one copy of a video is ever required at a server location, SeaChange said. According to the vendor, flash memory runs on one-tenth of the power that disks require, which provides cost savings for cable operators.

SeaChange’s Axiom On Demand platform automates the behind-the-scenes VOD processes, from content propagation, to subscriber and stream management, to performance reporting and monitoring. It also provides the foundation for adding SeaChange’s content navigation, gaming, DVD and ad-targeting applications.


http://www.cedmagazine.com/Buckeye-VOD-SeaChange-software-servers.aspx

In regards to the previous post about Buckeye VOD HD.

There are now some items in the VOD marked "VOD in HD". The current material looks good, but it is just still pictures with stereo sound music. Looking forward to some real material.

Check it out, and let me know what you think so far...

In regards to the previous post about Buckeye VOD HD.

There are now some items in the VOD marked "VOD in HD". The current material looks good, but it is just still pictures with stereo sound music. Looking forward to some real material.

Check it out, and let me know what you think so far...

That stuff has been available for months, if not for at least a year.

That stuff has been available for months, if not for at least a year.

Well, I guess you can tell how much I use the VOD service! ;)

Perhaps when they get some real HD stuff up there I will use it more...

Guys FYI... Released today...

Beginning Friday, October 31st, BCS will be adding ABC Family HD (Channel 623), ESPNews HD (Channel 639), ESPNU HD (Channel 642) and Disney Channel HD (Channel 667). More to come...

VidEditor

Guys FYI... Released today...

Beginning Friday, October 31st, BCS will be adding ABC Family HD (Channel 623), ESPNews HD (Channel 639), ESPNU HD (Channel 642) and Disney Channel HD (Channel 667). More to come...

VidEditorMore good HD news! Thanks videditor.

Hey guys, my family is currently with Time Warner, but thinking of switching to Buckeye in the near future. I also happen to be getting an HDTV in the very near future. From an HD perspective, it seems that Buckeye offers far more channels for sports, but far fewer options for hockey packages. Any hockey fanatics that might offer some advice in such regards? I know Time Warner is in negotiations to get the NHL Network (they already offer it elsewhere), and already offers NHL Center Ice, but our service from them has been less than satisfactory. Unfortunately, Buckeye doesn't seem to offer Center Ice from what I can tell.

Hey guys, my family is currently with Time Warner, but thinking of switching to Buckeye in the near future. I also happen to be getting an HDTV in the very near future. From an HD perspective, it seems that Buckeye offers far more channels for sports, but far fewer options for hockey packages. Any hockey fanatics that might offer some advice in such regards? I know Time Warner is in negotiations to get the NHL Network (they already offer it elsewhere), and already offers NHL Center Ice, but our service from them has been less than satisfactory. Unfortunately, Buckeye doesn't seem to offer Center Ice from what I can tell.

Buckeye offers InDemand networks, so that includes Center Ice.

A call to Buckeye can confirm, but this website indicates that it is available:

http://www.indemand.com/sports/nhl/

Welcome to the Forum!

Buckeye offers InDemand networks, so that includes Center Ice.

A call to Buckeye can confirm, but this website indicates that it is available...

Welcome to the Forum!

Thanks for the welcome!

Strange. I emailed Buckeye and received this as the opening to the response.

Thank you for your recent email & your interest in Buckeye Cable
Services.

No, at this time we do not carry the NHL Center Ice or the NHL Channel.
To get NHL Center Ice, the NHL channel is demanding we carry NHL Channel
for ALL of our subscribers. At this time, NHL is an ala carte channel.
Basically, the people who want it pay extra for it, similar to the NHL
Center Ice. We don't think it is fair to raise everyone's cable bill
for a specific channel, such as NHL Channel.

We realize we have a lot of hockey fans in Ohio and Michigan and this
decision is disappointing. I will forward your comments to our
Marketing Manager. Again, I am sorry we can't accommodate your request
at this time.

InDemand shows otherwise, though. I wonder if perhaps their data is from past seasons. I wouldn't have thought the NHL Network had anything to do with Center Ice *because* it was run through InDemand. Looks like I'll have to give a call and see if the answer is consistent.

Any hockey fanatics that might offer some advice in such regards? I know Time Warner is in negotiations to get the NHL Network (they already offer it elsewhere), and already offers NHL Center Ice, but our service from them has been less than satisfactory. Unfortunately, Buckeye doesn't seem to offer Center Ice from what I can tell.

Here is the deal with Center Ice & the NBA pkg. as it's been told to me. It's a combined effort of InDemand Networks & either the NHL or NBA. Buckeye is NOT OFFERING these packages this year (at this point). Reason...The NHL & NBA are also requiring cable systems to aquire each ones program network, which are not strong & cost extra money to all subs.
So basically the stand is... well that's not Pay Per View. PPV is suppose to be I buy a program on a channel, end story. The professional sports leagues are basically trying to cram their networks in the PPV package.
I more I learn about profeesional sports and their control on the TV folks, the less I want to buy a ticket!!! Good thing I work behind the scenes in sports to get my fix.
VidEditor

Has anybody notice any artifacts on DisneyHD?

Here is the deal with Center Ice & the NBA pkg. as it's been told to me. It's a combined effort of InDemand Networks & either the NHL or NBA. Buckeye is NOT OFFERING these packages this year (at this point). Reason...The NHL & NBA are also requiring cable systems to aquire each ones program network, which are not strong & cost extra money to all subs.
So basically the stand is... well that's not Pay Per View. PPV is suppose to be I buy a program on a channel, end story. The professional sports leagues are basically trying to cram their networks in the PPV package.
I more I learn about profeesional sports and their control on the TV folks, the less I want to buy a ticket!!! Good thing I work behind the scenes in sports to get my fix.
VidEditor

Ah, thanks for the verification. Well, I guess I could switch to Buckeye and hope for the best with NHL for next season. It wouldn't be so bad if I was a Wings or Jackets fan, but it's tough to get the Leafs outside of Hockey Night in Canada.

Just got the Buckeye DVR package and noticed changing channels is pretty sluggish. Any TIPS or ideas on how to fix this?

Thanks

myboat245x, DVR's are inherently slow. At least all of them I've ever used are. I usually use the channel guide (or hit the select button to bring up the smaller "guide") and select a chennel using it instead of surfing through all the channels.

I heard that Buckeye is getting the MLB Network as of January 1st, 2009 and the HD counterpart will reside on channel 653.